SIMPLY ALI

Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee
You gave doubting little black boys a reason to believe 
Showed us how to stand when you took the fall
For believing in fairness, which was believing in us all

Inside the ring you won, time and again
And outside the ring you won even more
There was never a man who commanded so much respect
Without a political party and agenda at his core

Black, White, African, Asian, Hispanic
male, female, young and old
Ali not only were you brash in the ring
But fighting for equality is where you were really bold

You traveled the world and set prisoners free
Yet they tried to enslave you at home, not even call you Ali
But you taught them respect, showed them how to love
You beat them with kindness and compassion, never used a boxing glove

Now tributes pour in like waterfalls and they won’t stop
We all have a little piece of you champ, I cherish that thought
That we can change the world, if we take a stand
And that can simply be the kindness of extending your hand
To lift someone up, or even say hello
To share a smile; or a coat when someone’s cold
To join in solidarity to protest a wrong
To be a champion for the weak, help the weary carry on
To help someone believe in the midst of doubt
To teach the confused, how to figure it all out
To help those that hate, love themselves more
To teach those with anger to heal from the core
To forgive and move on, to set pain free
Lets all try to do some of this and we’d have to agree
We’d be like the Champ and change some of this world
That would be the ultimate tribute to Muhammad Ali for sure

Ali you were the greatest of all time
and now the bell has been rung
Your fight is over champ
and the job you did for peace…well done!

©2016 Wayne Box Miller

SWEET SICK-TEEN

Well the first round is in the books and the upsets are more common as most of us have come to know but the questionable action of coaches takes more of the center stage in this three ring circus. I did consult with my coach friends and still hold to the beliefs that playing not to lose is the kiss of death.

I won't even bother with the Northern Iowa Texas A&M game because it would cause me more nausea than the game I found to be the epitome of playing not to lose versus playing to win. To me it is the equivalent of football teams going into the prevent defense which usually prevents teams from winning as well.

daddyleagues.com

I can never understand why, when you're in a rhythm and you have the other team on their heels, you feel the need to change? SFA had Notre Dame on their heels and confused as to how this small unranked school could challenge them repeatedly and have the game in hand. They simply played ball; their kind of ball. And then for some I'm going to outsmart myself reason the coach puts them in the dreaded eat up the clock aka stall ball offense and they don't score again. Notre Dame gets off the mat as if this is a WWF event and wins at the buzzer.

As a sports fan you wonder why coaches and their egos don't simply realize, if something is working don't stop. If it's not working change. It really is that simple because it's a game and while I know the other coach is thinking the same thing, apparently it hasn't prevented you from having success.

Having bypassed filling out a bracket this year saved me so much frustration that I'm actually enjoying the games minus these kind of coaching brain farts. But if you're a fan of coaches you can celebrate the fact that the SFA coach got hired by a major college program, Oklahoma State shortly thereafter. Seems to say we believe you can improve our program and hopefully you learned to play to win next time.

Oh well the ACC has spoken and we'll see how they do this coming weekend versus the rest of the Sweet 16. It's always a great tournament when unexpected teams advance and sans the Coach K 4 seed gift Duke received I've enjoyed the tournament for the most part.

I hope your bracket still has a pulse; by now mine would have been on life support at best but then again those who claim to know always have the worst brackets if they're telling the truth. Hard to believe a pundit who has 20 brackets saying he predicted the majority of the games correctly. I predict you're delusional. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

I'M NOT MAD

This will be the first year in forever I haven't filled out a bracket for March Madness and it feels good to know I have no horse in the race and neither do you. This will be one of the most wide open tournaments we'll see in a long time because parity and lack of "jersey fear" from years past.

While Kansas who consistently disappoints and North Carolina whose coach promotes tradition over strategy are the favorites, so many other teams have the formula to cut the nets at the end. From the second seeds to the 12th seeds don't be shocked if they advance. You can certainly be surprised but know that when Michigan and Vanderbilt from power conferences are playing in the "Play-in game" you can see how wide open things are.

I hope Xavier makes a deep run; not because I'm from Cincinnati but because it's good for all mid-majors to know they can assemble a cast of champions without a one and done player. Several other teams fit that category as well so seeing them advance like George Mason did a few years ago actually makes the tournament even more memorable.

The game has changed and the players have different ideas on what college means to them. I don't blame them because too much money is made off March Madness, conference tournaments and TV to know you get none of it. Please don't lecture me about the scholarship because the computer science major is on scholarship too and can work and make money without penalty.

I will also enjoy watching a no name player elevate his stock and a senior with decent numbers show he's a prime time player; all the while having scouts and pro teams search for unfound data to justify their performances and come up empty. All it takes is one helluva' tournament run and you become a possibility for the next level. I'm okay with that as I share exhibit A, Steph Curry. It can happen, has happen and will happen again so just enjoy.

If you have a bracket and it ends up in the trash can after the first weekend you'll more than likely be in the majority. There will be surprises and if you want to call them upsets you can, but rest assured some teams will be back on campus sooner than they imagined wondering aloud what happened.

Let me save you the trouble of searching for answers; what happened is college basketball is parity at its best. It's senior guards agains one and dones. It's big name coaches matching wits against coaches with nothing to lose. And it's the name on the front of the jersey playing against those who were happy to have one.

A hot hand, a bad game; foul trouble or a short bench can decimate the dreams of the contenders. Reality and fear and wipe out the dreams of the pretenders. Either way it's going to be fun because I don't care who wins; and I'm going green by not filling out a bracket so thank you very much.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat; I'm Wayne Box Miller.

BREAK'S UP

I purposely took a break from blogging during the too-hyped Super Bowl 50 period due in part to the divisive nature of the media in comparing Cam Newton and Peyton Manning. I purposely negated my desire to watch SportsCenter, NFL Network and others for over kill, sensationalism, bias and slanted reporting that would increase my blood pressure. The intentional acts of a majority of media have really soured me on any major event where this kind of peripheral activity occurs. I simply wanted to watch the game and I, for the most part, accomplished that.

©2016 The Sporting News

I since realize the Peyton Manning HGH story never got traction; and now that his college transgressions have resurfaced I doubt they'll stay around long. I heard about the "sore loser" tag that was unfairly hung on a young quarterback with high expectations of himself and so my break extended until a normal BP number was achieved LOL. 

With that all in the rear view I can now turn to the combine, the NBA and baseball reporting to spring training. So much content in all of this were does one start? I will simply say I'm enjoying the Golden State Warriors and their record breaking run sans a super start that fits the typical mold. Steph Curry is making every college coach and pro scout a little more accountable to value heart and talent, not just size and speed. But realizing he is so unique will temper the expectations for a quick find. Steph's only come along ever once in a great while. Enjoy it while you can...

©2016 NY Times

The NFL combine is always a favorite of mine because you're always pleasantly surprised at the speed of someone you didn't know, who emerges as a prize pick.  And yes you're disappointed sometimes at the players who have penciled themselves in as a top pick only to be unimpressive at the combine because they didn't take it seriously. I marvel at 300 pound linemen running sub-5 second 40's showing the speed of this game is faster than we realize. The combine is a great place to evaluate physical talent but I'm not sure of the mental talent evaluation when test are skewed and quite frankly not indicative of a person's ability to handle pressure. It's amazing how many players come in highly touted and leave the league highly disappointed based on that one criteria. Quite simply the NFL combine is a roll of the dice and people get more credit and blame for how picks pan out than they deserve. Honestly I don't see it going away any time soon.

And now baseball and the long, hot days of summer are fast approaching. The great thing about pitchers and catchers reporting is spring is just around the corner and sunshine with it. The salaries are still skyrocketing and where it stops nobody knows. Average hitters are making more money then an entire corporation and hitting a measly .240; and pitchers with high ERA's are cashing in as well. Baseball is a game every one wishes they were playing because quite simply, outside of all the travel, the pay is so out of balance with performance it's literally criminal. But if the owners are going to give you that kind of money for that kind of performance take it!

©2016 Sirrusxm.com

Well it could be a long year for several teams including the Cincinnati Reds who are still trying to trade away the real talent, for the rebuilding process. When a team comes out of the gate slow the attendance estimate could take a nose dive. I mean if you're 20 games back before the All-Star break and you're not hitting and fielding, then the trend may get worse. So Reds fans hold on to your cap and brace yourself. Who knows though, we could be pleasantly surprised...

March Madness is sneaking into the picture and you know I haven't forgotten about that. But it deserves its own blog post from me and so many other journalist so stay tuned. This time of year is arguably one of the best in the history of sports. With Baseball back on center stage, NCAA tournament beginning, the NFL combine and the NBA season heading down the home stretch, sports is utopia across the board. I'm going to enjoy it and try to remember to set the DVR, watch the sports networks and listen to sports talk radio. There is too much going on for one person to keep up with stay knowledgeable and on point. 

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

IT MUST BE THE SHOES...

I had my mind set to write about another topic that really deserves focus and I will get to that for sure, but after a noticeable act by Cam Newton, I must extol the virtues of leadership and to what lengths leaders go to make everyone feel valued.

Cam's shoes represent the names of all of his teammates; sole collector.com

Cam Newton has been the ultimate leader gaining the highest measure of respect from his teammates, including those on the defensive side. Typically the tacklers are reluctant to embrace the high profile playmakers as they get too much credit playing one of 22 positions, special teams notwithstanding. But Cam Newton has not only earned their respect but their command. How? By doing everything everyone said he couldn't do; lead men and play the Quarterback position at a high level in a non-traditional fashion. Let me translate it for you: He isn't smart enough to play Quarterback in the NFL. One by one, little by little, they are changing their minds and some are even admitting they were wrong. Quiet confidence against the backdrop of criticism is Cam's specialty for longer than the naysayers would admit. A typical college transgression was turned into a grand theft occurrence and used to justify that drafting him would be a big mistake. You've heard me say it often, the media can really be cruel when they don't want to see a player succeed or have a secret agenda. If you've followed the saga of Cam Newton you know exactly of that which I speak.

Cam Newton is a leader. A role model, an advocate for increasing the future fan base of the league. He is a student of the game and when told what it would take to be an elite player in the league he did what leaders do. He committed full tilt and all out. Spent time with his coaches, stayed in film study and work to make those around him better. But how much of that did the media share with you? Not as much as they could have because it would have been counterproductive to the mudslinging they have spewed since he came into the league. But Cam kept quiet and continued to invest in the team by setting example after example of what it means to be committed.

Cam has unified the offense and defense leading by example; Charlotte Observer

He brought both sides of the ball together for a common cause bigger than any player or any side of the ball. He yielded to his coaches without a murmur of objection, simply falling in line so the other players could follow suit. He galvanized a community with continual acts of kindness during holidays and moments that required immediate support. And to top it off, after the ill advised letter sent by a mom regarding her disdain for his end zone antics while giving Taylor Swift and other entertainment influencers a free pass, he has created a phenomena with kids lining up hoping to get a hand delivered football from Cam allowing them to celebrating touchdowns with him allowing them to feel even more a part of the franchise. The fines for his generosity of donated footballs has exceeded $200,000 and yet he shows no sign of slowing down the end zone act. He does this all the while having fun leading men successfully and consistently.

Think back to the big fracas between Odell Beckham, Jr and Josh Norman and it was Cam who joined in the calming waves of influence to settle the defensive back down and remind him the focus is on football and not bravado. That was vintage Cam and the number of stories are too many to list but rest assured Cam has been leading since high school onto junior college, at Auburn and now in the NFL.

How many kids now have an NFL Football for a pillow thanks to Cam? SB Nation

What motivates players? Leaders know and Cam knew in the biggest game of their current franchise history that focus should be on the team, not the matchup nor their respective positions. How far was he willing to go to make that point? Head to toe. With his brain by being prepared, putting in the work and making sure everyone was on the same page. With his body, sacrificing it for first downs and touchdowns. And with his feet running when a play broke down and before the game started by coming on the field with the name of every teammate on your cleats.

If I'm a teammate of Cam Newton's I immediately recognized that Superman knew he couldn't win it all without the team. And he put it in writing with custom made cleats. No matter what he did this past Sunday the shoes told you everything you need to know about Cam. His message was clear and his method was unmistakable. Leaders leave no doubt, and Cam didn't either as to the value of team.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

COACHING AND CRAYONS

I love the NFL almost as I love basketball but there are a few things that keep me from going all the way in. I think they are the best marketers, currently have the most popular product and cover all bases with respect to media and TV coverage. You can now watch an NFL game on Thursday, Saturday (mostly during the playoffs), Sunday and Monday. The NFL has their own network and the programming they've added in recent years including "A Football Life" and "NFL Timeline" are very good.

wmeimgspeakers.com

What isn't very good is the hiring of Minority Coaches. With the latest coaching carousel that's taken place we once again see the lack of fairness in elevating Black Coaches and the subsequent hiring of Head Black Coaches. We've seen Lovie Smith unceremoniously shuttled from Tampa Bay after getting Jameis Winston settled into becoming a professional quarterback revealing his potential many thought was an illusion. The Buccaneers was admonished in and around the league as being unfair in the process having never proven they have a true plan in place for long term success again. With the hiring of Lovie many thought he was part of their long term plan, which we now see was an illusion. Pep Hamilton who was the play caller for the Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck was let go in the middle of the season as if his previous double digit win seasons with Luck never existed. Add to that his Pro-Bowl QB Luck had a season ending injury missing more than half the games, and it begs to questions what is fair and equitable when it comes to Black Coaches.

Cleveland.com

And now the current hirings are coming in like poll results and the returns aren't favorable for Coaches of Color, Hue Jackson notwithstanding. Hue got hired and deservedly so. But why was Hue ever fired in Oakland in the first place with an 8-8 record and eliminating their penchant for losing seasons. Why wasn't that enough without using the last four games as a catalyst for a need to change? You tell me because the same thing happened to Lovie in Chicago and what have they done since he left playoff wise? And now Chip Kelly who imploded the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization gets hired again by the San Francisco 49ers having entered the league as a head coach without any coaching experience in the NFL nor a national championship at the collegiate level. And it was announced this past weekend that Mike Mularkey, who hast won anywhere he's been a Head Coach in the NFL, gets yet another chance to succeed when others haven't been given their first. Meanwhile qualified Coaches of Color still watch and wait going through the Rooney Rule process which is more akin to an exercise in futility at times. Former NFL Head Coach Herm Edwards called the Rooney Rule dangerous in some respects saying the effects of the mandated interviewing of minority coaches makes some owner say "He's been interviewed 3 years in a row and no one else has hired him so why should we." And we wonder did they interview him to consider him a head coach or to say we're being compliant? Statistics would say the latter. What happens when the Rooney Rule works? You get Mike Tomlin, Marvin Lewis and you also get success. Say what you want about the Cincinnati Bengals, but they can be proud of what they've done with Marvin, Leslie Frazier, Hue Jackson, Van Joseph, Jay and John Hayes and the Minority Coaches Internship. Three of their Black head coaches have left to become coordinators or Head Coaches.

jscottinteiors.com

I wish the owners of the NFL looked at hiring coaches like a box of crayons. The more colors you have the more versatility you have in creating a masterpiece. Judging by some the poor performances shown year in and and year out by some teams (with losing records) you would think they'd open up their minds to hiring someone who doesn't look like them, think like them and exclusively relate to them. Even the uniforms in the league are an assortment of colors from the bland Chicago Bears uniforms of yesteryear to the mustard color uniforms of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a wide array of colors are everywhere in the NFL with the exception of the Head Coaching ranks. I will add one side note: I'm proud to be in a division where 3 of the 4 Head Coaches are now black with Tomlin, Lewis and Jackson. Too bad the league can't follow the AFC North. I mean after all that's where the best football is played and programs are made. Hue Jackson will confirm this in 2-3 years without a doubt. There are 8 Super Bowl Championships in the division and many more Super Bowl appearances in the AFC North, not bad huh?

So how do we cure the current dilemma for Coaches of Color? Look at your Coaches specifically Head Coach, offensive and defensive coordinators and put them in a crayon box. How many colors do you have? Can't color a masterpiece with one color crayon. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

PORTER POTTY

I have read; and listened; and yes I have even debated and dialogued about one of the the most talked about playoff games in Bengal history. And arguably in recent NFL history but probably less about the game itself and more about everything surrounding the game. I've always thought to keep my blogs readable to the average person that may border on ADD like me but I have to admit this one may be a tad bit longer as I aim to teach the City of Cincinnati how to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers,  apologies notwithstanding to my Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Brother Mike Tomlin'.

Steelersgab.com

Keep my name out yo' mouth! He has been vilified yet he's not the villain. People were clamoring for his ouster saying the league should consider his behavior exigent. He has caused Cincinnatians to feel repugnant for all things Pittsburgh, yet Joey Porter never played a down this past Saturday or two Sundays ago. In my youth growing up in Avondale and seeing the street game unfiltered on Rockdale and Burnet, Rockdale and Reading and several other local intersections, it always lead with the basic premise, he who controls the mind controls the action. If you don't like what I'm doing step off; if you're not down with me, later. If you're not on board, no biggie. But, Keep my name out yo' mouth! Translation: Do you; mind your own business; focus on what you want.

For all the alleged talent, coaching and knowledgeable people I know in and around football in this town, I am amazed at how effective Joey Porter was over a 3 week period in riling up Bengal Nation. For me it was embarrassing to watch such an obvious street strategy permeate the Jungle and beyond to the point of continued loss of focus. We previously fell for the banana in the tailpipe in week 14 and the players said post game the days after we realize we fell into the trap and got away from playing football. If we play them again we know what to do. But you didn't do it...

"If you can keep your head when all around you, are losing theirs and blaming it on Joey Porter, err you..." my apologies to Rudyard Kipling but I hope the point is starting to come into focus. You showed disdain for his supporting role in the touchdown dance at the expense of A.J. McCarron the last time we played, confirming that his actions rankle yours; and as if you were running low on hate for Porter he gives you enough fuel this past Saturday to ensure it will be there for their first encounter next season.

Don't hate the player, hate the game. For those that don't know, the rules were in place before Joey Porter arrived on the scene on how to manipulate the mind. So while he leveraged it beautifully, you didn't have to dance when the music was played. Several years ago I modified the quote to say "Don't hate the player, don't hate the game; hate that you got in it." Because when you get in the head game and can't control your emotions you lose. You'll always lose plain and simple.

"I can't control what you say but I can control how I respond", is a quote used in a training I do called Connecting With Others by Ralph Brandt based on treatment and response. It simply shines the light on how we, once we're engaged, have to take responsibility for our own actions and not those of others. Our actions were without control throughout the game especially at the end of the game when Joey Porter, aka Dark Vader, Potty Mouth P, Captain Piss Me Off or whatever colorful name you gave him stepped on the field minus his Pimp Cup (Translation: Diamond encrusted Chalis) but with mental game in tow. And he needed some victims. Some weak mind-in-the-moment players to drop game on and ruffle their feathers. He found a couple and they found didn't find the yellow brick road but the yellow flag allowing Joey Porter in his Bishop Don Juan voice to say "Give me them 15 yards beee-yatch!" Now let me get back over here and kick it with my fellas.

Pinterest.com

I've heard the media, coaches, fans and players spew Joey Porter's name across every available blog, TV, paper, social media thread and bar over the last three days causing us to perhaps miss some great events  in the process. Media; I get it because ratings are driven by controversy most times. Fans certainly have shown that football is life with their hatred and ill feelings toward the Black and Yellow and Porter. But players and coaches? That is not supposed to happen. Stay focused, laugh at Joey and say "No way Jose'." We all remember that quote and life lesson at some point which is "You can't argue by yourself." But when you get an audience...

When I heard a coaches comments about Porter being an embarrassment to the coaching profession I realized the effects of his strategy went further than I thought possible. Win, lose or draw I would never let his name role off my tongue giving credence to the fact he's being thought of if at all. Thank goodness Coach Lewis knows that simple fact. I remember when people made me mad, upset and my mentor would say you know you're the only one upset because they're all somewhere enjoying life while you're upset and out of sorts. Yep; I changed that and the Bengals have to as well. While we're raising hell, starting petitions, blaming the refs and cursing Joey Porter and the Steelers, they're sitting back eating a nice meal, having a beer and preparing to play the Broncos. It doesn't matter if they lose because they weren't supposed to be in the playoffs and have now advanced to the second round. We were not only supposed to be in the playoffs but potentially get to the Super Bowl.

So Cincinnati Bengals; Bengal Fans; Bengal media, may I offer one last piece of advice? Joey Porter is not our problem, we are. We fumbled 5 times and lost 3, one late in the game. We were accused of targeting a defenseless receiver with a player who will never get the benefit of the doubt; we run into the tunnel after an interception with time still left on the clock as if we had already won the game (fortunately we got no excessive celebration penalty) showing our immaturity. We had 8 penalties for 79 yards 30 of them at the end of the game which ultimately sealed our fate and elevated our acrimonious feelings toward Joey Porter and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the process.

Readjack.wordpress.com

No Pittsburgh didn't do any of the aforementioned egregious acts, honestly we did and that's a shame. We are the better team but the Steelers played the better game. Like the Detroit Pistons bullied Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, we have been bullied by a team that has a PhD in bullying and we tried to mimic that. We aren't bullies; we are a highly talented, athletic, deep at every position team, with the best roster in the NFL according to most pundits and we didn't remember that at the end of the game. The only way the bully can beat you, knowing he doesn't have the talent, is to lure you into a fight. It starts happening around grade school and once you figure it out the bully becomes your servant.

Cincinnati today we should have a funeral for the antics of Joey Porter and give birth to a renewed focus on all things Cincinnati Bengals. One thing I love about Coach Lewis is he only talks about the Bengals and Bengal players in the moment. He knows you don't give the opponent the time of day, but your best effort. I am very confident next year the Steelers will not only get our best effort but one that doesn't involve mentioning...what's his name? I forgot already. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

NFL COACH SPEAK

The end of the season always brings anticipation, surprises and disbelief in the coaching ranks. Probably the most under appreciated job in America is that of being a coach. Fans clamor for change irrespective of the circumstances; owners in haste to build faster slow down the process with coaching changes and rebuilding; players revolt and blame lack of professionalism on the head coach and in the end those who should take responsibility rarely do.

Mike Pettine CBSSports

I offer several points of reference in Cleveland and Philadelphia. The Browns have had more coaches than Cleveland native Halle Berry has had men in the same time period, too many (Laugh a little this year). I thought Mike Pettine was a solid and tough coach dealing with a makeshift team, beset by injuries to some of their key players including Pro-Bowl Corner Joe Haden and no real quarterback as evidenced by the unreliability of Johnny Football aka Johnny Manziel. Was there ever a clear strategy or picture as to who the Browns were becoming or wanted to be? That wasn't the head coaches job and clearly the owner hasn't identified that and begun the execution portion of the plan. A man who has built up a successful enterprise should know growth is fueled by time, patience and evaluation. Patience is sorely lacking in this case as the Browns are starting over again and to the Browns Fans I say salute! You are the most loyal fans I think I've ever seen.

Jeffrey Lurie Philly.com

Jeffrey Lurie the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles did the unthinkable and gave the store, bank account and employees to an unexperienced leader. Can you imagine walking into your job telling the CEO I need to be promoted and given the entire budget and final say on our department effective immediately. Yeah you would be packing your personal items shortly thereafter. Whatever Chip Kelly told Lurie upon his arrival and subsequently the following year to gain complete control should be published in book form and titled, "How to gain power without earning it." Congrats to Kelly because If I ever run for office I have my hype man.

And just when you thought the media was 100% accurate I'm sorry to disappoint you and say Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano, rumored to be on his coaching death bed signed a four year deal last night meaning he's not going anywhere. The old "sources say" mantra the media uses when they don't know for sure slapped them in the face last night as they were already talking about his replacement, blah blah blah. Please know, no one in the media knows for sure even if they have a good idea. Things can change and they don't have to be informed.

YouTube

And then coaches that stay have some fans calling foul when the reality is there are only so many good coaches and quarterback combinations that will ever exist at one time. But the mere thought of enjoying your team's success has been overridden by the fact your team isn't doing enough to win, when in reality they are. You ca't buy a title although some say the Redskins finally brought a playoff spot, but at what cost? The Cowboys have spent money repeatedly and haven't come close to a Super Bowl appearance. My point is when you look at the big picture and the opportunities that are available in the NFL, if your team is winning and competing enjoy it. Yes expect more; always expect more. But remember it could be worse, much worse. Like Jacksonville worse; 49ers worse; Chicago Bears Worse. Yeah you say so what! We still should fire our coach. And to that I say remember firing one coach and bringing in another doesn't guarantee improvement, just change.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

CONCUSSION DISCUSSION

I went to see the movie "Concussion" and if you didn't see it don't worry I'm not going to give away any of the details nor the story lines that aren't already in the public sphere. It was a very good movie in my opinion and since I'm neither Siskel nor Ebert take that for what it's worth. But also take into account I've worked around professional football players for a number of years and see and hear of the effects it has, is having on veteran players.

Concussions aren't restricted to football; but the fact that football skirted the issue is what brought their connection with concussions to the forefront. When players start killing themselves in the face of normalcy, all things considered, then you have a problem. When a doctor can look at the evidence objectively using data and not inferring conclusions for the good of profit or fandom then you have to respect and address that.

Any sport, activity or event that will consistently show a backlash that outweighs the benefits needs to be evaluated, not eliminated. I love football and loved it in its purest form of gladiator aggression. It challenges me to think how many of my heroes that may be suffering now and that saddens me. One because I encouraged it as a fan; secondly because I cried foul when the NFL tried to improve the product by protecting the player. We're all double edged swords in this game of football. We love to see the hard hit, the "You Got Jacked Up!" highlights; yet we hate to see the stretcher slowly arrive on the field indicating the hit was serious enough that a physically gifted player can't get up on their own and recognizing the smelling sauce is just an exercise in futility.

So what do we do? We continue watching the game. If you play you accept the fact that the risks are real and documented. But the conundrum for any kid who sees football as a way out of poverty or access to the champagne life is purely risk/reward. It's hard to argue if he has poured all his talent into the game but if he stays in the league even one year the possibility of him becoming a victim to a serious injuries or concussion is there in black and white. You don't think about when you're playing or you'll get hurt players have told me repeatedly. I concur that you have to focus on the positive outcome not only in football but in life. That is indeed an interesting parallel...

It's hard to say what college football and the NFL will focus on going forward but one thing's for sure. In this information age everyone will know what you do and how you choose to handle it for the most part. Thereafter your actions will say a lot about how you rank people and profits when pitted against each other. I can only hope that people will win out every time. I'd like to think that now...

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

ODELL'S DILEMMA

The world saw the other side of New York Giant wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. and it wasn't pretty; as a matter of fact the onslaught of repetitive replays made it even more alarming. To say it was uncalled for is fair and to say action should be taken swiftly is appropriate.

Odell has shown he doesn't like to be stopped which is normal for a competitive and world class wide receiver in the NFL. But the way you display your frustration is the issue the world is currently wrestling with. We like OBJ; he's fun, cool and does pre-game rituals akin to Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. The kind that make you get to the venue hours ahead of schedule just to witness the skill set that leave your jaw agape.

SBNation.com

But what was witnessed yesterday left it wide open for a different reason. Code violation as some players have told me. Disrespect as others have illustrated and my opinion is "Totally uncalled for." But the bigger question or more specific his dilemma is: Where do you go from here? Odell is young but already on the verge of stardom on and off the field. He has endorsements, and I wonder if they're in jeopardy. He has big shoe and apparel contracts that will no doubt undergo scrutiny. And he has fans who will certainly question their allegiance to him after witnessing his latest temper tantrum. In case you didn't know it's not his first transgression but it most certainly is his worst.

sportsbusinessdaily.com

OBJ has to make up his mind as to which player he wants the world to see. The gifted, athletic and graceful wide receiver who conjures up catches reminiscent of John Jefferson and Cris Carter. Or the diva craving attention one like Chad Ocho Cinco and Terrell Owens who clearly wanted the camera and attention on them. They both have had unparalleled success but the way they're remembered is what stays with you long after the game is gone. His call either way but I can assure you of one thing, he will not be happy if he's remembered for his behavior versus his talent. When you talk about Jerry Rice or Tim Brown it's all about the talent and that's where they kept the focus. Odell needs to follow the path these Hall of Fame receivers laid. Its all about the routes they run and nothing else. Let your play do the talking and let your talking sit on the bench; at least until after the game. Then your words can run amuck, hopefully with respect in tow.

Odell I love your game and your talent. But that's all I want to see on the field. You're young and I was too once upon a time so I accept that this lapse in emotional control as a product of your maturity. Anyone my age can admit we made mistakes as well; but the key is to learn from them and keep growing beyond this. With that being said, I hope you do and go on to become the world class receiver we all think you're destined to be.  You're still headed that way....in spite of. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

YOUR HORSE IS TOO HIGH

So the ruling has come down and the status remains the same. Pete Rose is not worthy of being reinstated to baseball. For the love of Seattle Slew please come off your high horse baseball.

I am indifferent as to whether Pete Rose needs to be castrated baseball wise but what I can say without hesitation is baseball needs to get off its high horse. Yes the baseball that allows betting; the baseball that allows casinos to sponsor team events and place signage in baseball parks. Yes the baseball that has sweepstakes and partners with the likes of fantasy baseball and the likes. Yes someone who committed the ultimate "betting" crime has to he hung out to dry? Give me a break.

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I know there are those who say Pete Rose did it to himself; he did. You did it to yourself. What is that? Put yourself in position to be judged as blameless and perfect. To be judged by GOD (if you're a believer) or to be judged by your peers when the time comes and it will, if it hasn't already.  I am NOT condoning what Pete Rose did but simply condoning those who want him to serve a lifetime punishment for a game. We're talking about a game? What are we talking about (In my Allen Iverson voice) a game!? A game man?

That's exactly what we're talking about a man and a game. A game that is full of performance enhancement violations; collusion by owners; greed by players and teams; Bar fights, domestic violence and on and on. Yet this one crime and person shall be hailed as the greatest crime ever committed in baseball. There is the alleged racist Ty Cobb, yet no one says recall his Hall of Fame status ala the Bill Cosby retraction that seems to happen every month.

Ty Cobb was an alleged racist but no calls for his removal from the Hall of Fame - Phillysportshistory.com

Baseball needs to get a grip but those who agree with baseball need to as well. To say Pete Rose should forever be banned because he brought it on himself is counter to those who know a family member or themselves that have asked for forgiveness and got it. And if they didn't get it they cry bloody murder at the missed opportunity. Yet when it comes to Pete Rose they want to hang em' high.

Betting on baseball is legal - Bronxbaseballdaily.com

I still say Pete will get in after he has passes as if he can't do any harm to the "Integrity of the Game." I say the game lost its integrity when it didn't say to Pete, you've suffered enough, been embarrassed enough and enough time has lapse to teach any forthcoming players or future stars a valuable lesson. And that could be Pete's job, going to every major and minor league team annually and telling his story and what it cost him. What he's paying now is interest on ignorance and that's not a good return on anyone's investment.

Yes I know he still bet on baseball; but baseball also makes it easy for Las Vegas to bet on the game too. I'd love to point out their hypocrisy but the horse is too high for common sense to reach. That's the ways I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

BRAND LOYALTY

I was very encouraged to hear that LeBron James inked a lifetime deal with Nike for reasons that have nothing to do with basketball or shoes. LeBron James shoes are expected to crest upwards of $400 million in sales this year and the initial money Nike paid him out of high school, which was 7 years and $90 million, now pales in comparison to his worth and what he has generated for the top sneaker line in the world.

LeBron with Maverick Carter, Randy Mims and Rich Paul  and President Obama ESPN.Go.com

But the loyalty that LeBron has shown to his friends is the number one misused and underused brand in the world: Friendship. So many athletes run out of their neighborhoods looking to latch on to the people with name recognition who have no respect for their environment. Oh they say all the right things and it's just to secure the signature on the paper of representation and then the walls close in around the player. But not LeBron; Maverick Carter, Randy Mims and Rich Paul are business partners and life long friends who represent him well. Yes they work with other skilled and savvy business people but they are making money representing the brand they've been a part of since childhood, their FRIEND LeBron James. Why don't more athletes do it? I can't answer that other than to say they don't know what's possible. They can't imagine that their friends are capable of negotiating big deals; but what they don't realize is the best in the business started without ever having done a deal. The difference is someone gave them a chance to make it happen and once they got the first deal done they started doing others.

Here is the simple end of the deal, and admittedly there are some more intricate points that require prerequisite planning and knowledge: most salaries are slotted and access to information is available to all involved in the game. I am not saying this to diminish the hard work agents contribute but I am saying there isn't a magic formula that one guys has over another for the most part. If player above you makes $3 million and the player below you makes $1 million than it's safe to say you should expect $2 million. Most Pro Leagues have unions which means the contracts are standardized and with the aid of an attorney whom you can pay billable hours you can learn on the go and ensure your player is being compensated at fair market value. Now with leagues establishing a rookie salary cap, the first contract is basically done for you.

Team LeBron - Worldredeye.com

I remember Leigh Steinberg was the agent of nearly all the top quarterbacks in the NFL at one point and people talked about how great he was. Was he great or did he have great products in the players? When you have all the cards you can control the game; yes just like spades. David Falk had Michael Jordan, Alonzo Mourning and a list of players to die for. Scott Boras is hated by many baseball teams because when a player lands with him he is allegedly going to hold the team hostage. Why are all of these guys considered great negotiators? Primarily because of who they represent. If you walked in the door of Samsung, Sprite, Kia or any other company that wants to do business with LeBron, you have already cleared the most difficult hurdle which is whether the "want to" is there. With LeBron the answer is unequivocally yes. The next hurdle is whom do we need to speak with and the answer is his FRIENDS who are his business managers. From there its hammering out a deal that works for both parties and there are precedents set that help you ensure your friend gets a fair deal.

LeBron's Endorsement list keeps growing - Forbes

So as we celebrate LeBron and his lifetime deal, I celebrate LeBron and his willingness to make sure his FRIENDS are part of his success. Not just tagging along, running up tabs, sleeping late and sucking the life out of him; but becoming self sufficient, successful and financially secure. When LeBron James retires his FRIENDS will probably be in a position to do so as well. If not their resume' which includes representing King James will surely open up doors to new opportunities and other athletes going forward. That's the blueprint for success and it starts with the brand that often gets overlooked and is undervalued. As they say sometimes it's right up under your nose and what LeBron has shown is it can be done without sacrificing the art of the deal. 

So don't be quick to say I have to go to this big name guy or that popular guy to get the best deal. The truth is the best deal is based on the market and your potential. If you, or your kid is the next LeBron or Tom Brady trust me the hard part is behind you and the opportunities are in front of you. But remember your friends and how you can not only bring them out of the neighborhood with you, you can empower them to use their GOD given abilities too. You might even be surprised at the deals they create because they're not tainted by the "It's always been done this way" mantra. They're just like you looking to make their mark on the game, which in this case is the business of sports. And you can score in that arena as well.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

THE GREATEST OF ALL IS TIME

Peyton, this is Kobe; give me a call when you get a minute. Oh and by the way Father Time says he's been trying to reach you and said he will eventually.

...And still undefeated, Father Time! No one outruns him; no one out plays him and no one will ever will. Kobe Bryant finally succumb to the cruel reality that Father Time gets us all in the end. You have willed your way past injuries Peyton Manning and fought through an assortment of ailments but sitting in the fourth quarter of life with an end of game invoice is Father Time. You can't escape it and the illusion of your youth gives you false hope that you can. Talk about false hope...

cbssports

So many athletes in their prime, at the top of their game, felt they were different only to learn there is no discrimination when it's time to call it a day. Muhammad Ali for as great as he was, looked embarrassingly inept beyond his years before he quit. Joe Namath played for several different teams looking for lighting in a bottle only to find out it was Vodka. You can go to every sport and you'll find someone who doesn't know what we see and that is, that their time is now. I've got one more inning; one more at bat; one more jumper and they do but it only resides in their mind. If you're a real fan of that player you hold out hope based on past performances that yeah, they do have one more. This was just an off night, week or month.

USA Today

How does an athlete reconcile with their mind, the fact their body no longer has the ability to compete at the highest level regardless of what they done the past double digit years? Yes you see the ball but a split second in sports has cost many a player a chance at stardom so when it happens to a legend it's even harder to take.

Father Time doesn't take any prisoners, has no sympathy for your idol and certainly doesn't care if it affects the outcome of the game. He's making room for the next superstar or the next idol-in-the-making and you, once full of youth, yes you are in the way.

Peyton Manning has outlasted Father Time for a while now even though we all see he can't throw a deep ball with any velocity and/or accuracy the way he once did. Kobe Bryant's legs went on vacation a while ago but he thought they were still at the ready upon his command. These are the latest two players who have tested the age old theory that you can't out run father time and they're doing it in the typical and most painful way; lying to themselves. Having not been a superstar I wonder how they justify their sub-par performances when they turn consistent? How do they rationalize the pain that now awaits them in the second half versus 2 days after the game if at all? How do they make sense of the fact the signature move they made time and again, which freed them to make the Sportscenter Top Ten highlight reel, arrived later than it used to giving the defender the decided advantage?

Business Insider

It has to be disheartening but the clues are all around. Former athletes they looked up to including Michael Jordan, have fallen to Father Time and typically in ways we'd rather forget. 10, 12 even 14 years of stellar performance and then we're left to watch a former shell of our heroes unwilling to concede their time has come. It has to be painful (Ask Tiger Woods); it has to be a slap in the face with a wet rag for them knowing their body and mind now disagree with them about playing one more game, down, quarter or inning. Part of the body is saying golf, more golf. While the mind says "Yes we can!" Never have two sides that were once in total sync become such a contradiction of their past.

But that's what happens when you try to beat your last opponent, who is and always will be undefeated. Father Time; a cruel opponent who lets you think you can do it all and all of a sudden, won't let you do it at all. Kobe finally gave in and once Peyton answers his call he will to. The great thing about Father Time is he has all the time in the world; and time outs too. Don't worry he'll win and so much so that Vegas won't take odds on him. Father Time is called a sure bet and Oddsmakers avoid him at all costs. Something our heroes can't seem to do. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

POSITIVE CAM-PAIGN

He's done it all on and off the field for the Carolina Panthers. For 11 weeks the pundits and haters disguised as NFL analyst have been waiting on Cam Newton to falter; cost his team a game with his reckless play, errant throws and bad leadership decisions but they're still waiting...waiting...waiting.

Cam Newton has emerged as the right quarterback for the Carolina Panthers football in team and a special thanks goes to Head Coach Ron Rivera for remembering how the Super Bowl Chicago Bears won the title. Not with a throwing Dan Marino, a scrambling Randall Cunningham or a gun slinging Jim Kelly. No they won with a tough as nails, eccentric, make the big plays when they count Jim McMahon. I have no doubt he saw a lot of those same qualities and fearless components in Cam Newton.

easttexassportsforum.com 

Cam is big, physical, brash, tough and more important a winner. He is also a leader who shoulders the losses and shares the wins. Cam loves the rhythm he's in, the clothes he wears and the life he leads. But so many others don't; I won't waste much time on the ill advised letter a parent sent regarding her nine year old daughter being disappointed by Cam Newton all the while probably turning the volume up on her iPod playing Taylor Swift. Never mind Swift's appeared in leather outfits requiring explanations from Moms, without one complaint to the super star for her fashion influence of inappropriate taste for her daughter. I call it "head in the sand couture."

USA Today

Cam Newton off the field feeds families, works with kids and so much more that many will never hear of because it doesn't feed into the negative and unkind attacks on his persona so I will lead the Positive Cam-Paign for Cam Newton. First and foremost the only stat that really matters in the NFL or any team sport is the number of wins and losses. Cam and Tom Brady are atop the mountain all by themselves. Cam is no distraction in the locker room or off the field thus making him an asset not a liability to the management. The only place Cam is a distraction is in the studios where former players and so called experts are unwillingly to give him his due. Some are finally on-board as their last ditch hope, Dallas on Thanksgiving proved to be less than formidable for Cam and yes the Carolina Defense. So regardless of where this season ends up for Carolina record wise Cam has to be in the MVP conversation. He's earned it with his play and skills and yes his dancing too. He's earned it with his philanthropic efforts and he's earned it by doing all the things during the week that help him play well on game day.

©2015 Charlotte Observer

Cam Newton is legit and so too are the people who are unbiased in evaluating him. I wonder which category you fit in? If you read this from start to finish you know where I stand. I hope that today and for the rest of the year, we not only give thanks but we also give credit where it's due. Giving Cam his due is a good place to start.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

WHAT IS THE SCORE OF YOUR GAME?

Not since the invention of the scoreboard  has there been such a valuable piece of equipment like the DVR and yes its predecessor the VCR. You can now capture all the must see programs and watch them at your leisure and because of such a perfect device I finally got the opportunity to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's documentary: Minority of One

YouTube.com 

I don't know if there was ever a more controversial superstar than Kareem in my lifetime other than Muhammad Ali. I can honestly say he was undoubtedly the most misunderstood athlete of our lifetime and has been paying the price ever since he first converted to Islam in a time when the religion really wasn't understood. While the ignorance surrounds Islam now because of the tragedies going on in the world today, can you imagine what people thought of Muslims then?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has always felt isolated and uncomfortable with the masses and the attention associated with his height and celebrity. When so many players and entertainers were craving more he was learning, reading, absorbing jazz and becoming a well rounded individual with heavy emphasis on individual. But nonetheless he was often misunderstood for more reasons than one.

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In watching his documentary, one he produced so he could tell his story, I learned more about him than I could have ever imagined. I have been a fan of his for a long time, going back to the days at Power Memorial and I guess you could say before the internet, ESPN and the internet craze, Lew Alcindor was a known commodity and any one who had any affinity to basketball knew who he was and wondered where he was going to college. I could only imagine what it would be like now, and one things for certain and two things for sure it would be more ballyhooed than LeBron James when he came out of high school or Kobe Bryant for that matter.

Kareem was tall, gifted, athletic and smart. His documentary illustrated so much about his life we didn't know that now sheds light on his enigmatic persona, making us feel guilty about judging him so unfairly. Well you guys that is; I always liked him even if he didn't talk a lot or embrace my religion and so on. He was graceful, ballet like on the court and so cool with a soft spoken tone that intimidated many media because they knew he wasn't the duh-uh dumb jock. Education once again proves the power of the mind is head and shoulders above physical prowess.

So why don't more athletes write their own story? In this day and age of iPhones and technology it's so much easier. Twitter has helped players clarify their stance on issues but leaves room for doubt about what drives them; fuels them and yes intimidates them. The great thing about telling your own story is you know it better than anyone else. No conjecture or Hollywood embellishment to cause fan consternation in your story forcing you to deny the comments.

eurweb.com 

Write a book like Eric Davis's "Born to Play" or be like Muhammad Ali and ask someone (i.e. Will Smith) to play you on the big screen. The opportunity for people to know who you are is in your hands. Not that you need to prove anything to anyone, but maybe the boxscore of your life could be of value to your kids, your neighborhood and others. You chronicle how you made it; these are the pitfalls and challenges awaiting you and this is how you overcome them. Telling your story may be for you but maybe it's for someone newer, unsuspecting version of yourself in the making. Either way we want to hear it; read it or see it. That way our opinion of you is based on who you say you are, not who the media makes you out to be. We have seen countless numbers of players who say they're misunderstood and in reality all they had to do was tell us the story, the score of their game. Show us the highlights and the low ones too. Show us you in the human form complete with all the frailties of life. We know you're not perfect and our compassion button is ready to be activated because we know you had to go through something to get where you are today and we also want to defend you when the haters appear in droves trying to tear you down. Imagine that; a network of advocates with facts in hand courtesy of your documentary, your story.

goodreads.com 

I was an advocate of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar way back when; and now I'm an even stronger one having seen Minority of One, Kareem's life in his own words. The good, the bad and the wow...I didn't know that. But I do now and if you have a problem with Kareem maybe I can help you solve it. Thanks to Kareem for telling his own story and if you watch it, which I highly recommend, you'll know the story and why he played the game of life the way he did.

What I knew then was worth defending, what I know is worth repeating. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

MAYWEATHER OUTCLASSES ROUSEY

Well it was satisfying to many to see Ronda Rousey take a beating at the hands of a skilled boxer in the ring this past Saturday in Australia due in part to her arrogance in certain settings that required class. For example, it was very evident when she refused to touch gloves in her match against Holly Holm and yes one could say it was her strategy, and if so it backfired.

YouTube

In a sport where the popularity is still on the uppercut, you would think Dana White the head of the UFC would demand decorum in the ring before you pummel your opponent or your opponent pummels you. The demographic definitely shows a considerable amount of youngsters are watching and for as much as parents and media stress responsibility to the major sports stars, they seem to be side stepping them for others. MMA and X-Games are high in youth appeal and they have a chance to be impactful with their words and their actions as well.

Make no mistake Rousey was soundly beaten and even then Holly Holm showed the style of a champion and yes a large amount of credit goes to being a PK, Preacher's Kid. She, according to her Dad, wants to be known as a PK versus a Hollywood object and product of marketing-manufacturing akin to Rousey. When you think of who Ronda has fought and how she has been plaster on TV and in the magazines you see someone who embraced the persona that wasn't real a little too much. Word was she was working on a movie in the midst of training and if that's true the dedication to the sport was disrespectful at best.

TBHNation

It's within this persona that she stepped out of her comfort zone taking shots at a real World Champion like Floyd Mayweather, actually piling on the comments levied against him. Given the choice of whom was the classier act the majority would have pointed to Rousey; but as it turns out Floyd has shown the makings of a champion outside the ring by having compassion and empathy for Rousey's beat down and the subsequent piling on by the fans and detractors around the world.

Floyd said it wasn't cool how people were trolling her on social media and he not only encouraged her but offered to help her with her boxing skills. Yes Floyd said this and offer that; the guy everyone thought was self-centered and self-serving has offered to help one of many who threw public stones at him. But then we probably just learned more about the undefeated champion that the media let us see in the past. That Floyd Mayweather has always been like this but it made them look bad for judging him too quickly. Floyd Mayweather was well within his right to add his memes to the hundreds of memes floating around the internet and he could have released a scathing statement saying there's only one undefeated champion and who knows he may do so after Ronda's swelling goes down; sorry I had to get one humorous jab in.

thedailybeast.com

But for now Floyd has shown the class we expect from our champions in and outside the ring. Touch gloves, shake hands and have empathy for another champion that has not just fallen, but looked bad in the process. Offer support, encouragement and even step in to ask social media to be more tolerant in kicking someone while they're down. I wonder if I hadn't said this was Floyd Mayweather, would you have thought it to be him speaking the respectful words to someone who poked fun at his troubles? I doubt it but now that you know will you respect Floyd's wishes? It doesn't matter to me. But what does matters to me is that former champion Ronda Rousey will acknowledge Mayweather and his support of her. That is another great sign of a champion; taking your beating and respecting the those who come to your aid. It's certainly hard for me to imagine that she ever thought Floyd was in her corner but maybe he was and kept that quiet too. Ronda Rouse doesn't need to be quiet now but very vocal in acknowledging her opponent and the champion that stood in the gap. Floyd Mayweather with the class you displayed you let people see they didn't know you as well as they thought they did, right Ronda?

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

THE IVORY COWHER

Yet another, I forgot what is was like, former NFLer' spouted off last night in a holier than thou comment against his former coaching colleague. Thank you for inspiring my latest blog Bill Cowher. Cowher said he took issue with Rex Ryan naming IK Enemkpali as team captain for the Jets game last night, the team Rex used to coach and IK once played for.

If you don't know the story, allegedly IK invited Jets QB Geno Smith to his football camp and paid for his ticket; Geno didn't show up and never acknowledged the situation; and when confronted by IK the net result was a punch that yielded a broken jaw and IK seeking employment after being cut by the Jets.

phys.org

Cowher said he took issue with it and I take issue with him. I'm not going to judge him for things I hear from credible sources about less than desirable things he's done,  but I know he made a mockery of the "Who Dey" chant when he was a coach. I know the Steelers always had a reputation for living on the line of intimidation when he was coaching and so on. So why does a coach who was known for motivating his players chide another for doing the same? Is it because he is doing it his way? Like the "Chin" as we called him, did it his way?

He artfully describes his definition of what the captain tag should represent and from there he veers off track. Bill that is YOUR definition and not Rex Ryan's. Rex you may remember is from the Buddy Ryan school of football one Bill Cowher knows all too well. He knows how Buddy did things Band that was Buddy's way. That's what coaching is all about, implementing your system, beliefs and strategies creating a platform of performance that keeps you employed and yields a championship caliber team.

cbssports.com

I really think a lot of coaches and players get soft when they take the pads off and put on the suits. I give Deion Sanders credit last night for reminding Cowher that this is why players love playing for him, Prime included. Prime reminded Cowher of how IK was cut when there were two people involved in the fracas and that was a sign of disrespect. So Rex, being a players coach and looking for motivation, made a statement that we believe in the kid so much so that we'll send him to center of the field. Like it or not it wasn't Bill Cowher's call but Rex Ryan's call. There isn't a manual that says you have to do it one way or no way. Simply put there are 32 possible ways matching the number of current not past coaches.

James P. McCoy Buffalo News

Cower misspoke about the statement and I think a day later his holier than thou broadcast posture would be best served coming down from the Ivory Cowher and just being what you are now, a broadcaster not a current coach. There is no such position that exist called ex-coach and neither is the sitting-in-judgement of another coach with the pressure of winning it all. Piling on someone in your former profession for trying to motivate his team differently than you would, and apparently it worked because they won, is potentially a sign of jealously. Yes you have Super Bowl Rings as a head coach and Rex hasn't; but you don't have a team now and Ryan does.

I say let him coach and you broadcast. That was your choice and not Rex's. If you want to impart your coaching wisdom and style on the game there are several teams that would welcome you back tomorrow. I would sure you would be welcomed because when you coached you were great; but now you're broadcasting and you're on the outside looking in. Don't ever forget when you were on the indie looking out; It's demanding enough without someone in the fraternity judging you unfairly.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

THE NEW GAME PLAN

The audible heard 'round the world will be remembered as an event that changed history and signaled another defeat for dictatorship. It was the demise of the University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe, who apparently felt no need to address the stench of racism that permeated the campus atmosphere sans his office. And thereafter we've learned the Chancellor, R. Bowen Loftin, has decided to join his head-in-the-sand colleague and exit stage left too.

Former Mizzou President Tim Wolfe Photo CNN

What caused it? Was it the hunger strike? No; was it the black football players and ultimately the football team? No; was it the faculty who embraced the movement? No. Alex I'll take interrupting our tailgate party and potentially causing us to lose an estimated one million bucks, dollars, cash, stacks...get the picture?

In actuality it was all the above but make no mistake the death knell was committing the capitalist crime of interrupting the cash flow. Whether we want to admit it or not, embrace or not, the only thing that really gets society's attention is the loss of a dollar or dollars. But yes the catalyst for change was the hunger strike of graduate student Jonathan Butler who was obviously inspired in disgust by the negligence of the university in addressing the examples of racism that hovered around campus.  And this is standard operation procedure for many American Universities, Governments and some Corporations. So why aren't more people inspired to make a stand? skip some meals? Join some hands? Cross color lines? Well you really don't have an excuse any more. Kids, our youth, who are supposed to learn from us have in this moment become the teachers. 

Jonathan Butler addressing the crowd. Picture Jeff Roberson AP

Before you say well they didn't have anything to lose like your house if you don't make mortgage payments or your car note, you're as wrong as the President of Mizzou himself. They were willing to lose an education which would afford them the aforementioned niceties. They were willing to sacrifice NFL careers and other athletic opportunities that would get them far away from the blight and poverty many players called home prior to entering college. And you don't think they were giving up anything in protest? I can honestly see Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. smiling and saying it still works; non-violent protests still have power. The key is to drop the bomb at the door of the capitalist community so it makes a loud BOOM!

Black and White players and coaches were united Photo ABCnews.go.com

And that's what happened this week in Missouri. The ground swell landed at the door of dollars and and the media, as if on cue, joined the party and made sure the news that had already gone viral via social media grew exponentially in size and scope.  And there you have it, the game plan for change. It hasn't changed it just faded away...but now it's back.

Protest yes; make a stand yes; but more important find the money tree and shake the hell out of that tree until the money leaves fall, branches snap and the limbs get weak. Suddenly and without hesitation a change is gone' come. And it won't be loose change either. It will topple Presidents and Chancellors.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.