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by Gourd_Dancer from Frayser

Last Post 64 days, 5 hours Ago


The "BIG DEAL" about the Tigers
May 5, 2008 | 2:43 PM
Category: Sports
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Featured On: MyFoxMemphis
I writing about the "BIG DEAL" associated with the Memphis Tigers. Sure they are a great team. (finally) Sure they give Memphians something positive to rout for. I wonder what would happen if all those people that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Tiger tickets and mechandise spent it on actually helping the city. People spent thousands chasing the Tigers down to Texas and then spent tons of money to help out the San Antonio economy. Im not knocking sports fans at all. Personally I could care less about sports. If sports suddenly got banned I wouldnt shed a tear. Back to my point though. Everyone should think twice before shelling out good money for the latest Tiger t-shirt and then while wearing that shirt complaining about the condition the city is in. Perhaps instead of giving money to a Tiger booster club or whatever give it to a Boys/Girls club. If you give it to the Tigers MAKE SURE it goes to one of their programs that hosts basketball camps for kids. Give it to St. Jude those kids need it ALOT more than the ridiculously paid Coach Cal. Please think about our area's youth before you think about the Tigers. All the players and staff of the Tigers have already come up out of it. There are many many many kids that havent and never will because no one gives them a chance. Im sure Ill get some hating from Tiger fans but Im not talking for me Im talking for kids and our city that needs help. Our "city leaders" sure aint going to help. Its up to us. If youre wondering what Im doing to help Im in school and plan to get a degree in youth drug/alcohol counseling. Like I said before Im not knocking the fans or the team just think about priorities. Who is more important? Kids or Tigers?
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Member Comments Total Comments: 12
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MattStark read my blog
May 6, 2008 | 4:08 PM

Thanks for stopping by GD.

First, I think everyone will agree how important it is to look after and lend a helping hand to help care for underprivileged kids.

However, I'm not sure why you are calling out the Tigers. What makes Tiger fans any different from people who go to movies, or out to eat, or enjoy shopping for new clothes. Why is one form of entertainment OK, but others are not?

By going to games at FedExForum, Tiger fans ARE supporting the city. Anyone heading to the Forum is pumping money into downtown simply by buying a ticket. They'll likely pay to park, buy concessions, eat and drink at local bars, hotels, etc.

The Tigers are also giving these kids something important. Something called hope. For example, Joey Dorsey talked this year about how he hopes to be a role model (of sorts) for overcoming his troubled upbringing. If he survived the mean streets of Baltimore, maybe some kids here will think "why can't I do it as well".

Bottom line, I understand what you are trying to say, I'm just not sure I understand why the Tigers (or even the Grizzlies , Redbirds, UT fans, etc) are the ones you are calling out.
Gourd_Dancer read my blog
May 6, 2008 | 8:01 PM

Mainly I called out the Tigers is because thats all I hear on the news. I know that its because they did so well this year. I just really wonder will they get so much praise when they start...well to put it bluntly...sucking again. The Grizzlies got all kinds of praise when they first arrived in Memphis. Now they are rather the town joke and their support went WAY down. Im very confident that the Tigers could destroy them in a game. Over the years I've seen teams come and go through Memphis. Memphians on a whole really only support a team that wins regularly. Once they start losing no one cares anymore. The Grizzlies being the most recent and best example. I guess its just me not being a sports fan that I cant understand how people can get all hyped up over it. Ive only been to two major sporting events in my life and didnt care for either. One being a Grizzlies game(only cause I won tickets)and the other was a Memphis Chicks game. Anyone remember them? I just dont get it. Like I said originally I have nothing against the team or the fans. I can care less for going to movies or out to eat and think thats a waste of money that could be better spent as well.
MsOsoDiva read my blog view my photos
May 7, 2008 | 12:08 PM

I am not sure how the system works. I am definitely in agreeance with you and "some" of your thoughts. However, as Matt stated in so many words or less, there is no need to call out the Tigers, Fans, or Folk who enjoy fun things.

Folk are going to spend money however they see fit. Its a joy of life. Instead, call out the elected officials who run the financial business of city. No sports team has the authority to dictate "where" the money goes that comes thru their cities entertainment spots. So, its not the Tigers nor the fans. Its the folk we chose to handle our city business'.

TigerBookStore: I'd like to think the money spent there, benefits the students at U of M. The city doesn't control where their profits go. Again, yes it would be nice if that money did help children who are in need.
The booster club benefits the college students as well.

Cal has a job to do and he deserves every penny he gets. No one "really" wants to work for free. Furthermore no one wants to do great things in their job position and not be compensated for it. I am not speaking of volunteering jobs either. I am talking about an average 9-5. Would you work a job that helps you pay bills for free? You have to live so you will need income. Unless your blessed to not need a job to live.
Furthermore, would you work there for years constantly did big things for that company, but they never give you a raise? You sound like an intelligent fellow and I don't think you would. Heck, I wouldn't. Mama needs lights, water, food, etc..AND YES SHOES!!

Movies and etc: Being very
MsOsoDiva read my blog view my photos
May 7, 2008 | 12:09 PM

sensitive to your feelings for kids...It's all just entertainment. You can't really expect folk to spend every dime after life expenses to go "the children in need". Is that what you do? If so, I totally admire you for that. You need a star on the St. Jude floor and more!

THE FANS: Memphis is a slow city when it comes to fun. Everything is always business. That's why we don't have many "big" events that come here. It's so freakin boring! Take that Tyson Fight for example. The city was so hot that night. Everyone was out having good times. Downtown overflowed w/folk. You even saw a few random celebrities. After that... same ol'routine kicked back.
So, when Memphis fans DO have something to be excited about they take advantage of it. Might as well. It's exciting & you never know when you'll have the chance to be so damn delighted in Memphis again.

A die hard fan is going to be a fan regardless of your record. I am not a die hard fan of any sport. A Tigers Fan Yes! 2008 Tigers will be in my memory book of life forever. I have never been so happy. Now, lets just say they suck next year, hypothetically. I will still cheer them on. Everyone deserves a chance. However, I am not going to stick around for years of disappointment. I wouldn't go to a Grizzlie game if you gave me free tickets! They don't excite me. I would love for them to do big things, Memphis needs that.
Bottom Line its not the Tigers, Not the fans, not the people to spend money to have fun. It's the Big Wigs who handle the financial city stuff.

For you, it's great that you are

MsOsoDiva read my blog view my photos
May 7, 2008 | 12:12 PM

For you, it's great that you are a die hard fan for the kids. We need more with your dedication.

Sorry, for taken up space here. I'm a "gabby" girl and I wanted comment on everything you talked about.

***DISCLAIMER: This is all my opinion and what I think. Don't know if I am right about who in the city is responsible for what...these are just my thoughts***
Gourd_Dancer read my blog
May 7, 2008 | 5:20 PM

@ MsOsoDiva

No problem for "gabbing". Most of my life I just like provoking everything that "the masses" like. Ive always an against the grain type of guy. Hearing nothing but Tigers Tigers Tigers got on my nerves so I just had to say something about it. About coach Cal deserving every penny he gets...I dont think he is hurting for his bills at all. Have you seen his house? He had the whole team over and their friends/family comfortably. Its a nice big house and I know for a fact that some if not all players get paid even though they are not supposed to. I remember when Penny Hardaway played @ Memphis and he had 2 different Mustang 5.0's with plenty of money. I know it wasnt from his family because Im close with them and they dont have that kinda money. Just perks of the game. Im not hating on them for it. If they can get it then God bless em.
minute
May 7, 2008 | 5:32 PM

Here is a fact, most of the kids today are not really into getting an education i think it's a shame but its true. Now for those that are, you see them in school trying and they are getting some help in paying for it. Whether its grants, loans, etc. Now you have the part that some kids only know is sports and the Tiger team is a great role model. For Dorsey to come from where he came from, he given an extra boost to the kids. Then you have kids saying if he can do so can i just like Matt previous said. I agree with your way of thinking and being, bnut everybody neds a chance in life. No hard feelings.
Pensmoke read my blog view my photos
May 7, 2008 | 6:26 PM

Sup Native? Man, I haven't really kept up much with b-ball since the Bulls dynasty ended. I can't see Grizz games from down herebut every time I come home to Memphis I try to catch their games if they are playing. On tv of course, I never been to go see a game. Anyway, good blog man. God Bless

Pensmoke
2intel4u read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 9:05 PM

Look at it like this. There is no " one " cure all to the ills of this city. It has many problems just like any other major city. People need to have an outlet. Everything is so serious all the time. Work and no play makes one dull. After stressing at work and situations that come into out lives that make things hard it is good to have something fun to do and look forward to.
I am so excited during basketball season and can't wait to get home from work on TIger game nights. I get dinner ready early. Tell my sons to get that homework done and get ready to watch the game. Turn my surround sound system up high so I get that feel of the game. I can't wait until next season!

GO TIGERS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gourd_Dancer read my blog
May 20, 2008 | 10:44 AM

@2intel4u

Actually... ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!
2intel4u read my blog
May 20, 2008 | 9:04 PM

Right on !! Gourd-Dancer!!!
Gourd_Dancer read my blog
May 23, 2008 | 7:53 PM

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY!
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Gourd_Dancer

Socially aware Native American. 32 year survivor and veteran of the Frayser/Memphis area. Thats saying alot even if you only knew HALF of the things I've been through.

Member Since: 4/24/2008


 

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