November 07, 2006
Miami Lineman Shot, Killed
This is a terrible story. Miami defensive tackle Bryan Pata was shot and killed shortly after practice today.
That's awful for Pata's family, friends and teammates and the program in general. It's been a tough, tough year in Coral Gables, but this is by the far the worst thing yet.
At some point, you have to wonder if all the shootings and violence that surround that team will affect their ability to recruit. Would you want your kid playing there?
Comments
This is an interesting link...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15612674/
A radio guy in DC years back coined the term "cultural discomfort"... That's what I feel when I watch Miami. Two observations--Coker is gone, and thanks again, John Swofford.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15612674/
A radio guy in DC years back coined the term "cultural discomfort"... That's what I feel when I watch Miami. Two observations--Coker is gone, and thanks again, John Swofford.
I hit send too quickly, before the most important point of all--may the good Lord watch over Bryan Pata and comfort his family during this terrible time.
| Ed-Hoo wrote: |
| This is an interesting link...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15612674/ A radio guy in DC years back coined the term "cultural discomfort"... That's what I feel when I watch Miami. Two observations--Coker is gone, and thanks again, John Swofford. |
I don't necessarily agree with his assertion that Miami should skip their bowl game because of this incident. If they had made that call after the brawl, I would have understood that, but this shooting is not the time for it.
On the other hand, I do agree that the university needs to do something about their thug image. Donna Shalala and others can pretend they don't know it's there, but come on. I think the real reason why they've only paid lip service to changing that culture over the years is that they secretly like it. They love it, actually. That thug attitude is part and parcel of their self image as cocky, brazen and successful. Miami football is about winning and preening and strutting while you do it. I think they are legitately worried that if they stomp out the thug image, they'll also rid themselves of their success. It's probably a warranted fear. There's no doubt in my mind that one of Miami's huge recruiting advantages is that young high school studs feel like if they go to the U, it'll be like four years of Grand Theft Auto Coral Gables. Guns 'n' Thugs, baby!
And yes, thank you John Swofford for bringing that into the ACC. 'Preciate it.
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