Tuesday August 29, 2006

No help from the ACC

You Are Right ACC, Its Probably Better To Turn Backs On Young People
I cannot believe that the ACC and the NCAA will not allow people to help Ray Ray McElrathbey and his little brother Fahmarr.

Since when did food, shelter and rides to school become extra benefits? Since when are 19-year old brothers expected to raise their 11-year old brothers by themselves? Since when did the community have to turn its back because of the insensitive rules of the NCAA and ACC?

Like so many people, I want to help. But since when am I forbidden to help my fellow neighbor?

This is stunning news but I have a solution.

If I were Tommy Bowden I would have a press conference to announce that Ray Ray and Fahmarr are moving in with my wife and me. I would announce that we would provide food, clothes, shelter and a good environment for an 11-year old to grow up in.

I say that I am fully aware that this may get us on probation and we will gladly accept those penalties including sacrificing Ray Ray?s eligibility. However, we feel that would not be the worst thing that could happen to Ray Ray and Fahmarr. I would announce we feel the worst thing is for Fahmarr to have to go back to Atlanta and live with crack cocaine all around him. I would say that I feel the life of an 11-year old is more important than the NCAA rules.

I would then announce that I have hired a lawyer to represent me in a suit against the NCAA and ACC. If Clemson fired me then so be it. At least I would have had conviction in knowing I did the right thing. Football is not as important as compassion.

If I was not fired, then I could only imagine the positives that would come out of it. First and most importantly, Fahmarr would have a loving home. He would have food and shelter. He would have rides to school and a nurturing environment to grow throughout his adolescence.

Next, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CNN, Time, US News and World report, 60 Minutes, etc would be knocking down your door. The NCAA and their rules would be exposed for what they are.

Last, if you retained your job then you could walk into any house in America and look the parents of a prospect in the eye and show them that you really care about their son.

I have a few questions for the ACC. First, if these things happen often as you say then whom has it happened to? If this does happen all of the time then why are more waivers not given out?

There comes a time when common sense and decency have to prevail. John Swofford himself should get out his Blue Belly wallet and help Fahmarr. That is the message the conference needs to send. Would it not be nice for the ACC to say, ?We care enough about human lives that we are making a donation ourselves from our big, fat TV contracts to help an 11-year old!? Heck lets take up a collection this week at all ACC games at the gate of every stadium.

I will personally match every dollar that Swofford donates to the McElrathbeys! There John. There is a public challenge. I will match every dollar any other UNC official donates.

Or you could just make Fahmarr go back to Atlanta and live there. Teach him that selling crack can get you money but doing the right thing gives you nothing but official released statements from old men who cover their own butts first.

The irony is the ACC is located in the Bible Belt where each Sunday kids learn about Christ?s lessons in church but reality is old, rich, so called highly educated men sit up at the ACC?s office and apparently they don?t live that way. They great slogan asks, ?What would Jesus do?? Someone needs to send Swofford?s crew a few of those WWJD wristbands.

One of the smartest people I have ever met once said, ?We all break rules and laws in our society. We just decide which ones we chose to break.? I have broken the speed limit on occasion and it was a choice.

Let me join the many that say, ?Let them live with me.? Kelly and I would love to have them live with us. I know it would make our house stronger by being around two strong individuals. My family would benefit from having them here.

Let me at least give Fahmarr a ride to school. I ride by Edwards Middle School every weekday to drop off my son at Daniel High School. I would love to donate clothes, food, money, etc. I would love to offer something positive.

You see the truth is this?NO MATTER WHAT WE GIVE RAY RAY AND FAHMARR IT WOULD NEVER BE ENOUGH TO REPAY THEM FOR WHAT THEY HAVE GIVEN US!!!!!!!!! The brothers have given us hope in our youth. They have taught us what true love is all about. They have taught us above unselfishness and commitment. Ray Ray has taught about forgiving. We have learned about compassion. The McElrathbeys have given us a lesson in sacrifice. They have taught us about adversity and perseverance. They have taught us that family means everything. Thanks Ray Ray and Fahmarr! Unfortunately, I don?t know how we could ever repay you guys.

Mickey's Blog also brought to you by:

864-834-6060

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency