4 Hard Downs: Spring Break, Belichick Era Begins, Spin and Nico
This Iamaleava situation is interesting, going to the zoo, underwhelming is an understatement
I did back-to-back spin classes this weekend (Saturday-Sunday) and let me tell. you, my body wasn’t ready for that in addition to the couple miles I picked up each day.
Sore as hell.
However, I also was, in the words of one of my favorite shows “Gossip Girl” was spotted by the spin instructor. She saw me walk in with my hoodie and was like, “I know who that guy is.” Honestly, she saw the beard it was a dead give away.
She lives along my walk/run route in an adjoining neighborhood (I’m not a runner).
She knows exactly what house I live in. I know exactly what house she lives in. So, I’m going to her class every time she is on the Y app.
That’s just science.
Meanwhile, my wife is like, “how does this keep happening? You just meet people who know you without knowing you.”
I like it, but since it is spring break for my wife and kid, who are at the library (finally), let’s get their quick and SPOT THE BALL!!!
1st Down: Spring Break
Tomorrow we are going to the NC Zoo in Asheboro; the best zoo in the world and honestly fight me about it. I’ve been to the zoo in Columbia, SC, been to Chicago, San Diego and Disney can kiss my ass; because this is a zoo where animals feel like they’re still living in the wild not wild caged animals.
Muptiple species just hanging out together by a watering hole.
A bird dome.
Apes just hanging out.
The plan is to get up, take the wagon for when my kid gets tired, plus the snacks and I will just be dragging the wagon for the day and then get back home and eat at our favorite spot because I’m not staying at a Super 8 (no disrespect).
2nd Down: Spring In Chapel Hill
Two of the many texts I got:
Which, I get, if you’re hiding your cards.
Two of my guys. One in media and the other is someone I played with. The other guys I played with were similar.
This could the genius of Bill Belichick.
He shows you nothing and then against TCU to start the year this team has a healthy Max Johnson and destroys.
We’ll see what he gets in that first game, however, no one walked away going, “Hell Yeah, I love this.”
3rd Down: Money Matters Even More In CFB
If you haven’t heard Tennessee put their foot down and said they will not acquiesce to the demands of quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Fine.
I can live with it.
Head Coach Josh Heupel put it pretty bluntly, “No one is ever bigger than the program.”
Makes sense.
I also don’t have a problem with Iamaleava asking for more. Closed mouths don’t get fed. You don’t get anything if you don’t ask for it.
Two things can be right at both times. The program is right for standing on business. Iamaleava is right for asking for what he thinks he’s worth based upon the market.
Sometimes you have to get a divorce to get what you want. Tennessee wants a QB who doesn’t hold them by the gonads. Iamaleava wants more money; we’ll see if he gets it.
His numbers aren’t Cam Ward going from Incarnate Word to Washington State to Miami to being QB1 in the 2025 draft. So whatever the next step is, I’ll be tuned in to see if he’s the Hoobastank “The Reason” for a team elevation.
4th Down: Some Life Shit
The reason I have been behind is I sold a house last week.
Not my house.
The house my dad’s family settled down in. The house I spent most weekends in with my grandparents. The house where my dad and his two brothers and sister returned to after their high school graduation. The house where I learned to drive. The house where a gang of cousins, the grandkids, all slept on the floor or on cots. The house where we used to sneak Chek soda (real ones know). The house where I learned to garden. The house where we all had our own bikes. The house where my grandparents wanted to make sure we enjoyed our time, so they bought us a Playstation. The house where I learned to shoot free throws because my blind grandpa, a GA State Champ from Perry, was so good that if you just put him at the line he would go 10 for 10. The house where I had so many birthdays because they hosted Thanksgiving.
It was a lot. It was hard. Yet, it had to happen based on the market and the influx of apartments. My brother was amazing as the lead in the process. It did just hurt.
So I am sorry, I haven’t been as present on Substack or on social media. That is why.
Cheers!!!
I'm sorry to hear about the sale. I'm sure losing that felt like losing a part of yourself and family. While I love the newsletter and pod version of your content, I'm glad your stepped away to take care of yourself a little.
The bright side is you can give a lot of those memories to your daughter in your home, now. And you already are from what I can read. It's cool that those experiences that shaped you for the better, that came from your grandparents, are being passed along.