Ohio State, winner of the 2011 BCS Sugar Bowl, has a major problem after such a monumental achievement. Five of Ohio State’s players were caught selling their Big 10 Championship rings from the 2009 season for an undisclosed amount of money. Four of the five players were starters for the Buckeyes, and they were expected to have huge seasons but now they are suspended for the first five games for the 2011 -2012 season. After their admission of guilt, the five players agreed to stay in school and play in last month’s Sugar Bowl rather than forgo their senior season and go to the NFL. This means that all the players agreed to miss the first five games of next season.
The players lost big time. The players sold their rings and other team gear for money. Thus, it was agreed by the NCAA that any profit the players made from the rings had to be given away to charity, so now, because of their thoughtless acts, these players lost their championship rings, and they were unable to keep the money. The NCAA suspended the players because the players received improper benefits by receiving the money. But, the question is raised, should players be able to sell their memorabilia for their own profit?
The NCAA believes that players cannot sell their gear. However, I would have to disagree with their logic and side with the players. Athletes should be able to give away and/or sell their own personal items for money. They are the ones on the field, giving their blood, sweat, and tears, and if they are short on cash, they should be able to make the decision to sell their personal items. It can certainly be argued that the players disrespected the team by putting a price on what they worked so hard to achieve. Understandably the team was upset at the players for their actions. Yet, it still does not give the NCAA the right to regulate what players can and cannot buy and sell. This is, after all, a free and capitalistic society, and we all should be able to make a buck.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, November 1, 2010
Michael Vick: The Comeback Kid
The front-runner for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award is Michael Vick. Vick, a star player for the Atlanta Falcons in the early part of the decade, has just returned to the NFL after a run-in with the law. Vick was in prison for two years and was out of the league. Now three years later, Vick has returned to his old form, for a new team and with a new purpose. Vick is now with the Philadelphia Eagles and is trying to re-write his image.
Michael Vick was the poster boy for the NFL from 2001-2006 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He was the best and most exciting player during that time. But in the 2007 season, Vick was arrested and was sent to prison on dog fighting charges in Virginia. Vick was sent to prison for 18 months and was facing numerous financial problems. Vick lost all of his endorsements and his contract with the Falcons. While many thought Michael Vick’s career was over, his persevered and broke through. He did his time honorably and suffered his losses, all the while trying to maintain a healthy attitude.
Two years removed from prison, Michael Vick is back in the NFL with the Eagles. Vick is the team’s starting quarterback, after beating out the front-runner Kevin Kolb for the job. Vick is back to his old form and is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Now the sky is the limit for Vick, who has the respect from his teammates, fans and the society at large.
Vick turned his life around and made the best of his situation. His story shows that anyone can do their best no matter what kind of mess they are in, and can do the work to get themselves back to their best abilities. Vick has shown that people deserve second chances and is giving hope to people who have made bad decisions in their lives. Further, his story illustrates that we can learn from our mistakes and become better human beings.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
Michael Vick was the poster boy for the NFL from 2001-2006 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He was the best and most exciting player during that time. But in the 2007 season, Vick was arrested and was sent to prison on dog fighting charges in Virginia. Vick was sent to prison for 18 months and was facing numerous financial problems. Vick lost all of his endorsements and his contract with the Falcons. While many thought Michael Vick’s career was over, his persevered and broke through. He did his time honorably and suffered his losses, all the while trying to maintain a healthy attitude.
Two years removed from prison, Michael Vick is back in the NFL with the Eagles. Vick is the team’s starting quarterback, after beating out the front-runner Kevin Kolb for the job. Vick is back to his old form and is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Now the sky is the limit for Vick, who has the respect from his teammates, fans and the society at large.
Vick turned his life around and made the best of his situation. His story shows that anyone can do their best no matter what kind of mess they are in, and can do the work to get themselves back to their best abilities. Vick has shown that people deserve second chances and is giving hope to people who have made bad decisions in their lives. Further, his story illustrates that we can learn from our mistakes and become better human beings.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
The BSC Core Principles: A Year Later
Hello everyone,
I pray all is well. Last year, I wrote about the four principles that we were going to focus on as a program. A year later (September 25th 2010), we asked scholars to reflect on how they "did" last year with regards to each of the principles (humility, proactivity, integrity, and maturity). Here's a quick recap of that discussion:
(1) The principle scholars said they wanted to work on the most this year was proactivity.
(2) They suggested that a fifth principle be added: stability (consistency). A common theme amongst some of the scholars was they they started out strong last year (or there were spurts last year where they were strong academically), and then let up and fell behind.
Hopefully this year we'll see increases in all the principles, especially proactivity and stability. By the way, has anyone received any further "clarity" on the issue of whether or not "proactivity" is a legit word, lol?
I pray all is well. Last year, I wrote about the four principles that we were going to focus on as a program. A year later (September 25th 2010), we asked scholars to reflect on how they "did" last year with regards to each of the principles (humility, proactivity, integrity, and maturity). Here's a quick recap of that discussion:
(1) The principle scholars said they wanted to work on the most this year was proactivity.
(2) They suggested that a fifth principle be added: stability (consistency). A common theme amongst some of the scholars was they they started out strong last year (or there were spurts last year where they were strong academically), and then let up and fell behind.
Hopefully this year we'll see increases in all the principles, especially proactivity and stability. By the way, has anyone received any further "clarity" on the issue of whether or not "proactivity" is a legit word, lol?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
New Links Section Added
Hello Fresh Scholar Family,
We've just added a links section to the blog. The first link added is for "Brightstorm", a SF-based company whose mission is to bring great teaching to the world. They have agreed to partner with Berkeley Scholars to Cal II (mostly Juniors and a few Sophomores), and providing them with free SAT Prep resources. Until next time, take care and keep it scholarly...
We've just added a links section to the blog. The first link added is for "Brightstorm", a SF-based company whose mission is to bring great teaching to the world. They have agreed to partner with Berkeley Scholars to Cal II (mostly Juniors and a few Sophomores), and providing them with free SAT Prep resources. Until next time, take care and keep it scholarly...
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Athletes and Gunplay from a Scholar's Perspective
The following was written by a scholar who, in addition to maintaining a 3.8-4.0 GPA, is an avid sports fan and analyst:
"Athletes are considered by some to be “super humans.” Athletes have million-dollar contracts and are loved by adoring fans everywhere. Athletes have it all, but some athletes make stupid decisions that cost them their fame and fortune. Former NBA forward, Jayson Williams, and Washington Wizards guard, Gilbert Arenas, have both been in trouble with the law because of guns. Both were good basketball players that have made a bad name for themselves, black men, and the NBA. Jayson Williams, a decent basketball player in the 1990’s, was playing with his guns, inside his house when he accidently shot the gun and killed his limousine driver in 2002. After the shooting, he immediately tried to “cover up” the incident by making it look like a suicide. After 8 years, he was finally convicted of reckless manslaughter. Unfortunately, this tragedy could have easily been avoided if he had been more responsible.
Unlike Williams, Gilbert Arenas brought his guns from home and put them in the locker room for protection. According to witnesses, Arenas began arguing with another teammate, Javaris Crittenton, over a card game debt. The facts are still unclear; however, it seems that one player wanted to collect on the debt, and to see who was the “bigger man” guns were drawn to “settle the score.” Presently, both Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton are suspended for the remainder of the NBA season. These three men represent the worst of manhood, being irresponsible and immature. Furthermore, the three men did not take responsibility for their behavior. At the next basketball game, Arenas using his thumb and index finger as a gun, jokingly “shot” his teammates. The fact that they were gun owners was not necessarily the problem, but it was that they were completely reckless and irresponsible in regards to the guns, which now makes them poor role models."
- Marcus Vincent, 10th Grade, BSC II
"Athletes are considered by some to be “super humans.” Athletes have million-dollar contracts and are loved by adoring fans everywhere. Athletes have it all, but some athletes make stupid decisions that cost them their fame and fortune. Former NBA forward, Jayson Williams, and Washington Wizards guard, Gilbert Arenas, have both been in trouble with the law because of guns. Both were good basketball players that have made a bad name for themselves, black men, and the NBA. Jayson Williams, a decent basketball player in the 1990’s, was playing with his guns, inside his house when he accidently shot the gun and killed his limousine driver in 2002. After the shooting, he immediately tried to “cover up” the incident by making it look like a suicide. After 8 years, he was finally convicted of reckless manslaughter. Unfortunately, this tragedy could have easily been avoided if he had been more responsible.
Unlike Williams, Gilbert Arenas brought his guns from home and put them in the locker room for protection. According to witnesses, Arenas began arguing with another teammate, Javaris Crittenton, over a card game debt. The facts are still unclear; however, it seems that one player wanted to collect on the debt, and to see who was the “bigger man” guns were drawn to “settle the score.” Presently, both Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton are suspended for the remainder of the NBA season. These three men represent the worst of manhood, being irresponsible and immature. Furthermore, the three men did not take responsibility for their behavior. At the next basketball game, Arenas using his thumb and index finger as a gun, jokingly “shot” his teammates. The fact that they were gun owners was not necessarily the problem, but it was that they were completely reckless and irresponsible in regards to the guns, which now makes them poor role models."
- Marcus Vincent, 10th Grade, BSC II
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Reflection of CPA talent show
I arrived at the CPA talent show a little bit late. I sat down at one of the tables with my friends. After some food and laughs, out of nowhere, Mrs. Johnson came up to me and asked me if I wanted to host. I agreed, and then got up on stage to introduce the crowd and announce the first contestant. The first act was a group doing an Aztec dance. The next act coming up was a rap performed by my friend Dave and me.
Unfortunately, the instrumental we had on a CD didn’t play. The DJ said our CD must have been scratched or something. So we had to spit a cappella, cool. Dave forgot most of his words so he read from his note cards. His rap was good, but in one line he dissed the Raiders. So everyone got all upset. Next, it was my turn to rap. My very first two lines had everyone into rhyme. I kept going (reading something off of my arm) and by the time I was at the middle, my stage fright was completely gone. I finished with everyone clapping and cheering. I had to host the rest of the show but when I hopped off the stage everyone gave me pats on the back.
-Written by Jonah Hemphill
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The French Revolution from a Scholar's Perspective
Hello Scholar Family,
Below is an excerpt from a history essay written by Jamiah, a 10th grader in BSC II. She was one of few students to receive a 90 or above (out of 100) on the essay. take care and soak up the knowledge!
On the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens:
"This [The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens] leaves over 21 million "passive" citizens without the right of political participation; basically the right not to vote. The declaration of rights of man and citizens is supposed to create
equality. There is no such thing as half equal, it's either equal or
it's not equal. Equality is the condition of having the same rights
and privileges. How does denying the right for certain citizens to
vote, support equality? It does not! By denying the right for
certain men, it does not support natural rights that should otherwise be
given. Therefore the declaration of rights of man and citizens doesn't
show a successful example of enlightened government."
- Jamiah, BSC II, 10th Grade
Below is an excerpt from a history essay written by Jamiah, a 10th grader in BSC II. She was one of few students to receive a 90 or above (out of 100) on the essay. take care and soak up the knowledge!
On the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens:
"This [The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens] leaves over 21 million "passive" citizens without the right of political participation; basically the right not to vote. The declaration of rights of man and citizens is supposed to create
equality. There is no such thing as half equal, it's either equal or
it's not equal. Equality is the condition of having the same rights
and privileges. How does denying the right for certain citizens to
vote, support equality? It does not! By denying the right for
certain men, it does not support natural rights that should otherwise be
given. Therefore the declaration of rights of man and citizens doesn't
show a successful example of enlightened government."
- Jamiah, BSC II, 10th Grade
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