Summer thoughts & opinions; FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Preface

I thought about something the last time I checked in that I think it would be a great opportunity to talk about some random things going on around us.  ...maybe not even necessarily about the Cards.. or sports even..  to get back to my roots of journalism and do a feature article.

When I started writing, it was mostly opinion and review based.  Never thought I would be a 'reporter' of any kind but I think it's safe to say I have done close to only that in recent years.   And I 100% came into this evening thinking what the heck am I going to write about tonight so I'm thinking now is the time to use my flex option on topics of discussion.  Think of it as a diary by Daryl. so here we go...

Hello again fans, 

It's Friday... there was a beautiful sunset last night after a very long stormy day in Louisville.  We opened the month of July with a day long storm clouding the city skies before opening to a gorgeous sunset of pink orange and yellows.  It woulda made a great backdrop for one of Jared's photo sessions!  

July makes me think of the Olympics.  I am excited for the Olympic games to start.  Got to watch a little bit of the gymnastics trials the other night. Your 2020 USA gymnastics team consists of :

Jamie Squire—Getty Images

Simone Biles, 24; Spring, Texas.

Sunisa Lee, 18; St. Paul, Minn. 

Jordan Chiles, 20; Spring, Texas. 

Grace McCallum, 18; Isanti, Minn. 

MyKayla Skinner, 24; Gilbert, Ariz.

Jade Carey, 21; Phoenix, Ariz.

Of course Simone Biles made the cut even though she did fall on her beam routine.. and while were on the subject, I'd like to thank Simone for falling off of the balance beam and making a mistake.  She was obviously upset for the misstep, (I do not believe her qualifying for the squad was ever in doubt) but she proved she is human.  There is so much pressure on athletes and Simone has been under that spotlight since she was about 16 years old.. it has been an incredible journey to witness and I look forward to her and the rest of team USA 2020 campaign in Tokyo.  

I think it will be interesting to explain to future generations about the 2020 Olympics held in July of 2021... like it will be some trick trivia question in a couple decades or something.  I don't know why the thought crossed my mind but I do look forward to reading about this part of the history books.  Also shout-out Spring, Texas on producing two Olympic gymnasts in that year(s).  Population about 61,000, getting two on the same squad seems like a pretty significant production. 

Moving on... 

In other big news of the week.. College athletes making cash for image.  AKA... NIL.

I admit I have been on pretty much one side of the fence of this argument for as far back as I can remember.. it was a topic in a couple of my college classes at UofL over 7 years ago and obviously a topic among anyone involved with college athletics for some time.  

If you've followed me long enough I'm sure I've voiced that opinion here and there... but I have never publicly said how I have moved closer to the fence and even crossed over on certain aspects of the proposal.  My agreements and concerns closely mirror what the others at Cardinal Couple have already expressed but I do want to mention the fact since we are here... Players are allowed to profit for their name and image and I just hope it doesn't get out of control. 

You know some people say that money is the root of all evil...  it can and does make murky water.  I can't pretend to know how to make it run smoothly and not spiral out of control.  But lets not forget what a crap-bag the NCAA is at governing student athletics... I did a lot of reading in the library at UofL surrounding athletics and the origins of them and how we got to where we are today and I do believe the original intention of the NCAA was in a good place..  but I think the once 'non-profit' organization with 'the best interest of the student athletes' has gotten far away from it's mission and a new governing body needs to be established but we are far from a day where that dream can be realized... this is MY diary, not yours! 

 
So to that I say screw the NCAA and let these athletes benefit off their own game since everyone else seems to be.  Hell, the reason I have certain well-paying button pushing jobs is because 11-12 women spend every single day practicing, working out and making sure to keep good grades, get enough sleep, drink enough water AND making special appearances around town to boost local morale all the while giving me memories of a lifetime while winning ballgames.  It truly is more than just a game...Its a lifestyle.  It IS life! 

It has become my life.  When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had no idea! I had zero idea of the field I wanted to be in or the way I wanted to make money to navigate life with.  My mom did always say to 'do what you love, the money will follow'.. and I read a book expressing just as much.  So I think today I can say I have done that so far!  Going to and talking about games is what I always did and wanted to do and now I do that as 'work'.  I know how lucky I am to have the opportunity to do so and I believe the thousands of athletes who have given me that opportunity should benefit from that. 

Have a great start to the holiday weekend out there, Cardnation and cheers to the RED WHITE (&blue) :)

Go Cards
~Daryl