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YOUR BALANCE
Some of you opened my eyes last night (long, but please read)
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Some of you opened my eyes last night (long, but please read)


Jan 2, 2018, 1:07 PM

Much like quite a few of you, there were several times where I wanted to vocalize my frustration, and submit a quick, nasty post on TNet venting how pi$$ed off I was at this or that. And I’ll be honest with you I was tempted to bash particular players and coaches, but you know what: I didn’t. Yes, I wanted to. But I didn’t. I logged out of TNet, switched off my iPhone, didn’t give into an immature and malicious temptation, and I just watched the game with my wife. And it was wonderful. Yeah, it flat out drunk having to watch the butt-whooping that took place last night. But you know what else took place? I got to enjoy conversations with my wife, who asked good questions and genuinely wanted to learn more about the game of football and the traditions of our program. These were things I regret I say that I had missed opportunities to do over and over when I gave myself over to the full wrath of my feelings each time I would watch a Clemson football game, join in with all you trigger-happy folks on TNet, and launch into player-bashing, roasting coaches, and questioning decisions.

I am proud of the fact that, for once, it was really encouraging to find that self-control can go a long way. I didn’t have to lash out and attack just because it was easy to do so. I could actually take a deep breath, sit back, and remind myself that there are far more important things out there than the outcome of a Clemson Tiger football game. Things like: The memories you make with the people you love while you’re watching it. The joy and laughter of watching your sweet wife desire to learn more about football, and join in with you during cadence count cheers. Watching the sweat and hard work of a veteran defense that was on the field a long time, desperately trying to keep our team in the game-even while knowing that we weren’t making much progress- and yet still giving it their all. I’ll say this: We lost the game last night, and it still doesn’t hurt any less today. But I grew up last night. As a fan and as a man. I think of my one year old son and I realize that I don’t want him conducting himself like I’ve done in the past, and like an embarrassing amount of you did last night. I want him to handle winning in life and losing in life with the same class. I want him to learn the freedom that comes from knowing how to keep your emotions in check like a real man, and keeping yourself level-headed when it’s difficult to lose your cool. I want him to grow up to become the kind of man that finds ways to praise and uplift his fellow man, instead of finding every little negative or wrongdoing and blasting people personally for them. Simply put, I want him to be the kind of man Dabo is always telling us he’s in the business of creating at Clemson.

Full disclosure: I’m not perfect at all. You will find no “holier than Thou” crap coming from me. Why? Because I’ve been there. I’ve hid behind the safety of my keyboard and lambasted players and coaches I’ll probably never meet...just so I could feel justified and confident in my anger. But I’ve also come to know the significance of being a better fan, and if growing as a man. Wins and Losses matter. How our football team performs matters. And yeah, last night they didn’t live up to the elite standard Dabo has instilled. And it stinks. Still stinks today. And it will probably stink all offseason until the new season begins. But guess what? The night is always darkest before the dawn. These are still teenagers that are learning how to grow, and fail, and overcome adversity, and better themselves on and off the field. Our young men will live to fight another day. Our program is in good hands. We have help on the way in the form of an insanely good recruiting class that, in addition to upgrading us in positions that were a weakness this year, I believe will take us to greater heights than we’ve even seen so far. The best truly is yet to come. Learn how to become the fan you know you should be. Don’t give in to anger. You’re better than that. Dabos’ certainly teaching these young men to handle themselves with class, dignity, respect, and honor. Let those of us who are adults- the elders, if you will, of this incredible Clemson family do the same. And, in fact, let us lead the way. Where the Bluebridge yawns it’s greatness. Where the Tigers play. And in our everyday lives. Go Tigers. See y’all in 2018.

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Re: Some of you opened my eyes last night (long, but please read)


Jan 2, 2018, 1:17 PM

We all enjoy conversations with your wife.

Seriously though, you have to let people vent. Better here than in the streets or at home. Love for Clemson lends itself to strong emotions. Also winning a national championship brings out the loonies something awful.

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Being one of the Tnetter who have helped open your eyes...


Jan 2, 2018, 1:20 PM

I'd like to introduce you to a concept called 'WHITESPACE.' Perhaps you can google that and try to become familiar with the concept.

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Re: Being one of the Tnetter who have helped open your eyes...


Jan 2, 2018, 1:51 PM

Why does it hafta be WHITEspace? You raysis, bro? (just kiddin') :p

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It's pronounced "L Heff A" and it means "The Boss".


Re: Some of you opened my eyes last night (long, but please read)


Jan 2, 2018, 1:32 PM

Well said Ice. I agree 100%. I read some of the stuff you're talking about last night with utter embarrassment. I assume that you knew, though, that when you posted your thoughts, the guys about which you speak would react in the same fashion as they reacted last night? How do you rationalize with people that anonymously bash a 19 year-old college football player (whom works his tail off for 12 months/year) by name? It's like rationalizing with terrorists. Can't be done. Please know though that there are a bunch of us here that agree with you.

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Re: Some of you opened my eyes last night (long, but please read)


Jan 2, 2018, 2:03 PM

Thanks LCid. Very much appreciated. And yes, I did, and still do, anticipate the sae backlash. But from those who, like yourself, understand, makes it worth it. By the way, if your screen name is any indication, did you go to The Citadel? If so, I’m c/o 2011!

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