Divorce in Professional Athletics: From the Baller’s Perspective

International professional, Joe Crispin, shares his views on why athletes struggle to stay married.  Very enlightening.... Part 1 & Part 2. Check it out!

DON'T COUNT ME OUT

My former teammate, Jordan Feramisco, posted this article and I had to re-post it. Jordan is now an athletic trainer at Fact Performance in Southern California. He was able to provide therapy to professional baseball player who suffered a severe neck injury. Padres outfielder David Newhan, shares his story of being an Old Player with a New Soul.

GREAT RUN RUNNERS

Looks like we wont be putting on the glass slipper, dancing the night away at the ball. Ohio State brought the heat...expected from the #1 overall seed.  As I watched the game, I said to myself "keep it within 12". Once the Buckeyes surpassed that margin, there was no looking back. I was a little disappointed with the reserved, kill the clock game plan in the beginning, but saw some good stuff midway through the 2nd half. My former pg, Devin Gibson, had his way! Picking the pocket of Craft on numerous occasions, and lighting them up from all angles of the court. DG definitely has what it takes to be an elite player at the next level... I can see him in a Spurs jersey now! Making it to the tourny and winning our first game in the history of the program, is an awesome accomplishment. My hat goes off for your hard work and fortitude. Congrats to my Alum, coaches, teammates, and supporters...
And until we meet again... IT'S ROAD RUNNER... BASKETBALL!

DANCING WITH THE ROAD RUNNERS

My Alma Mater, The University of Texas - San Antonio (UTSA), won the Southland Conference Tournament giving them the automatic bid to the Big Dance. The last time Road Runner made it to the NCAA Tournament was back in 2004, where we played UCONN. Personally, I was hoping that we got The Big East Conference Tournament champions this year... I know I am crazy for that one... but I saw us matching up well against the Huskies. When you think of UCONN you think of the dynamic pg by the name of Kemba Walker, whom flat out gets it done on the offensive end. For those who have followed the Runners, follow the works of a dynamic pg by the name of Devin Gibson, whom can flat out get it done on the defensive. Devin, lead the nation in steals a season ago, and not to sleep on his "O" cuz the kid was the only player in the nation to record 2 triple doubles this season. I was really looking forward to this match-up, but the comity selected other wise. UCONN, are the recipients of a #2 seed in the West Region, and UTSA will face off against Alabama State for the "official" #16 seed in the East Region. I am not to fond of the new tournament setting they have in place for the first round. It feels like the tourny doesn't begin until the first round has been decided. The winner of UTSA and ALST, will try to slay the overall #1 team in the nation, Ohio State. Hey, anything is possible. Cinderella?!? We shall see!

IT'S ROAD RUNNER...BASKETBALL!

MEN OF HONOR

With the NCAA Tournament around the corner, Universities across the nation have one goal in mind.....WIN...by any means necessary! BYU, has made a lot of noise this season with Jimmer leading the charge. As the approach the most crucial part of the season, they will have to compete without inside presence, Brandon Davies.  Brigham Young Universities moral code of conduct, requires its participants to uphold honor, integrity, and righteousness.  They are not willing to compromise or look past abominable or unsatisfactory behavior. Its not about molding good  men who win championships, its about molding men of honor who will win in life. They are not concerned with scaring players away from their program, because they will make do with the ones who want to walk upright.
So the big question is...Is living up to this code unrealistic?
Check out the discussion on the matter ....

THE SWEET TASTE OF ADVERSITY

Super Bowl XLV, was an intense and exciting match til the very end.  It was one of those games, that was going to the wire regardless of a lead early on.  So, I'm not really a die hard football fan. I route for the Bolts because I am a San Diego boy, and I admire the play of the Eagles BIG 3 (Vick, Jackson, & McCoy). Since they were all at home watching the game, I had to choose who I would silently route for to win it all. Since I wasn't to fond of either team, it came down to who was on the roster. Having been a Charles Woodson supporter since his sharp days as a Wolverine at Michigan, me cheering for Green & Yellow was quite fitting. The former Heisman Trophy recipient, was something like Neon Deion Sanders will his lock down mentality and flare. Not only is he pure talent, he has a pure heart of servitude which I covered in a previous entry.
I have to admit that I was sleeping on the "Lambo Leapers" from Green Bay, Wisconsin. After hearing about the adversity they faced as a unit, all the backlash that the CURRENT Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers had received, covered with the injuries they faced last night... one being Woodson... how can't you get excited? This team is the real deal, and they truly deserve every ounce of this victorious season.
I can't help but to reflect on the BCS Champions, Auburn. I think of the nail biter against the Ducks, and how Current Heisman Trophy owner, Cam Newton went up against all odds. Not allowing his circumstances to hinder him from leading his team to a wrinkle free season. That's a true character. A man with fearless and unwavering faith!  There are many athletes and individuals who are doing the same on a daily, and I must say that I am inspired. Don't think that no one is watching how you react to the enemies attack. Overcoming obstacles makes victory even sweeter!

HOLLYWOOD

My former teammate and roommate, Jayme Miller, was featured in the Li Ning basketball commercial. You may remember Jay and I on an episode of Holland Cribs. I guess the team figured the California boys would be a good fit...



Li Ning is a big time athletic and entertainment company out in Hong Kong. Their goal is to become a household name here in the States, and they plan on reaching that goal through basketball. As sponsors of the 2010 #2 NBA Draft pick Evan Turner, here is the premier of Li Ning: My Dear enemies.

"Fear Not..."

High school football team forfeits game due to the size of the opposing team....wow! As I was reading this story I couldn't help to reflect on the childhood classic film, The Little Giants. In the film, the Giants where an under size team with very little experience. They were gearing up to play a very bigger and well equipped Cowboys team whom were fully loaded with weapons off mass destruction. Of course the Giants were afraid, but they took the field anyway. There toughness and willingness to give it all they had propelled them to victory... the flee-flicker was a great touch as well.

Taking matters into your own hands.

1987-2010

Commemorating the life of Denver Broncos wide receiver, Kenny McKinley #11. I didn't know of this young man, and never had the pleasure of catching him in action on a Sunday or Monday night. When I was notified of his passing, my heart dropped when I read the word suicide. I am still very sensitive to that word, for a good friend of mine went down that road earlier this year. I later found out, that Kenny is the nephew of a close family friend. Making the choice to take matters into your own hands, is decision that is 100% orchestrated by the adversary. There has been talk of possible foul play involved, if so I pray that it gets brought to light. I hope that we gain strength in our trials, and that we cleave to the ever so loving God whom will comfort us in times we feel abandoned. My heart and prayers go out to the soul of Kenny Mckinley, his family, friends, and teammates.

Stay Blessed

Russell Athletic Commercial... Lights, Camera, Action!

In the month of June, I was offered a position to be a commercial extra. The commercial was for notable brand Russell Athletic. The brand and director wanted to showcase their apparel in an intense performance setting, so they sought out to get real athletes over actors. All the guys along side of me were professional and semi-pro ball players. The entire commercial took about 2 days to shoot. The basketball piece, which I was featured in, took roughly 6 hours to film. Out of that 6 hours, not even 6 seconds made the final cut. It's a lot that goes into the film process, the Mrs and I have learned that from making our overseas iMovie motion pictures. The scene felt like we were practice. From running suicides to doing close-outs, it was the real deal. The only difference was that we were not allowed to get sweat on the fine threads. This task was very difficult for the simple reason that we were in an non air conditioned gym, with the doors open, in Texas... enough said. Overall it was a great experience, which gave me a taste of the film life. Now I have some experience under my belt, I will be prepared for when it's time to shoot some promo for my brand.

Check me out slacking on "D" and admiring the alley oop @ 0:12


Be Blessed & Stay Blessed

Holland Hoop Highlights

Now that the basketball season is officially over, the only thing that we have to reflect on are the highlights. Here are my very own professional hoops highlights from Holland.

Keith Spencer's Holland Highlights from Natasha Spencer on Vimeo.

Celtics vs Lakers = Pops vs Son

The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics, sparked a mini rivalry between my pop and I. We both represent our respected hometown teams, but unfortunately for him, his Mavericks fell of in the first round. So instead of just sitting back and just observing the Finals, he gets involved by wearing the official badge of Laker Hater. Before the series got underway, he was in my ear rambling about how Sheed, Big Baby, and Perkins were gonna "punk" the inside presence of the reigning defending champions. I predicted the series would go 6 games, but once they lost in game 5 he really let me have it. Game 6 was a day of silence with a solid 20 point victory which set the stage for an epic finale.

We decided to meet a couple buddies at Fox Sports Grill. Pop was confident that The Celtics would prevail tonight.



Boston was having there way in the opening quarter, but I knew that nothing would stop Kobe & The Lake Show from adding another ring to my shirt.



Pop was pumped up on early run controlled by Rondo. He stated "NOT TONIGHT! YOUR BOYS AREN'T GONNA GET IT TONIGHT!"



The crowd was going wild.



At the 5 minute mark, my boy Los was so far on the edge of his seat that he couldn't sit anymore.



Lakers took the lead and never looked back, but I was sure looking back at my boy Kirk laughing and Pop getting deflated.



It's official, WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIEND!



The Los Angeles Lakers are living the Blessed Life.
STAY BLESSED

"Ability may get you to the top, but your character keeps you there..."

In Loving Memory of the great John Wooden. Coach Wooden was a man filled with knowledge, vision, and a whole lot of positivity. A year ago today, my high school basketball coach sent me A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court as a wedding gift. I had always heard what a remarkable character Coach Wooden was, but once I began to read his material I was able to taste it for myself. His impact on the game of basketball and in the hearts of MANY will never be forgotten. John Wooden is living the Blessed Life!

Stay BLESSED

Greatness exits the field.

After 22 seasons in the MLB, Ken Griffey Jr hangs it up. Griffey is one of those guys everyone loved and respected not only for his smooth dominating game, but for his integrity and the way he conducted himself. As I reflect back on my little league days, I remember my teammates and I would imitate Griffey's swing. We were swinging for the fence ever time, but unlike the man, our hits didn't quite make it over the fence. 9 times out of 10 they resulted into pop flies that would get snagged by the center fielder. To match that cool swing of his, it was only right to provide him with the coolest baseball signature sneaker ever made. It would have been a pleasure to witness greatness in person. Mariners hats off to those who were given the opportunity to see 1 of 630 career home runs. Ken Griffey Jr is living the BLESSED LIFE!

Stay Blessed

#1 Pick

With the 1st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, The Saint Louis Rams select... Sam Bradford, QB from Oklahoma University. Hear his testimony from I Am Second:

"Thy Will Be Done"

A friend of mine from Athletes in Action sent me this article the other day. Michael Redd, sharp shooter of the Milwaukee Bucks and 2009 Olympic Gold medalist team, displays firm faith in the midst of adversity. Redd was interviewed immediately after receiving a devastating season ending report. He speaks on how his situation is nothing short of the perfect plan in which God has established in his life.

Highlights from Upstairs - Video

This past weekend, we took a 6 and a half hour (round trip) journey to play our competitors at Upstairs Weert. Weert is located at the very bottom of Holland near Belgium. It was a long trip but well worth the win. Check out the highlights.

Action speaks louder...

Yesterday, We had the pleasure of going to the Athletes in Action Holland corporate office. AIA is a global outreach sports ministry whose mission is to build spiritual movements through the platform of sports. Sports can be considered as a universal language spoken around the world, so AIA is utilizing that to spread the good news. It was such a blessing to be in the presence of others who share the same passion and vision. We discussed the importance of service and making the most out of every opportunity given by God. The Lord is aligning the pieces, and we are looking forward to working with Athletes in Action in the future.

Christ-Like Connection

Star point guard of the ABC Amsterdam team, Alton Mason, had the opportunity to sit down with EuroBasket. The Spencer's and the Mason's have had the pleasure of getting to know each other throughout this season, something that was clearly ordained by The Lord. In the interview, Alton discusses his passion for the game along with his desire to coach. Above all, The Masons have vowed to follow the path in which the Lord has paved. A path that has taken them all over the world. Our unity is not by mistake, for I know we will be working hand in hand to help build the kingdom.
Congrats, on the big win against us last night.

The Mason that will carry on the basketball legacy for his father.

Separation of Church and Sports?

We came across this article the other day and have been reflecting on it ever since. Being a devout Christian Athlete, this seemed to be right up my alley. In a nut shell, the article discussed the clashing amongst religious principles and the actions that take place on the field. I can understand the writer's concern, he states that

Professional football is a heady mixture of toughness, violence, and piety -- vicious collisions coupled with post-touchdown genuflections, trash talk mixed with heaven-directed index fingers, anger and aggression interrupted by prayers." He says these "cheap advertisements of the faith" in big-time sports "smack of cheap grace.

This challenges all athletes whom say they play for the Glory of God to fully conduct themselves in a way that is pleasing to God. At the same time we must take head and not pass judgment. We are all at different walks in life; and none of us are where we need to be (if that were the case, we'd be side by side with Enoch and Elijah right now). I represent Christ on the court because it is my job. If I was working in corporate America I would represent Him in that arena as well. I am nothing without God, and as a Christian man I will let it be known that The Lord is with me at all times.

I disagree with a few of the points in this article. One main point being

...consider ditching those on-field prayer circles and "tired images of Christ as coach or Christ as teammate who is always on our side." That would seem to require a cultural revolution few are willing to join, even if some might cheer it on.

The question the article raises about separating church and sports is also a question with a not so complicated answer. For me, this separation is completely unnecessary. I believe it to be our duty to glorify God in any way possible. We are each blessed with different talents, gifts, abilities, and should use those to glorify the One who has bestowed those upon us. Do you have to point your index fingers in the air when you've reached your sales quotas in the office? No, but if that is how you chose to glorify your Lord and Savior, then by all means do so. We should in no way judge those who choose to pay homage to their Creator.

Let us remember that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). This applies to everyone, including professional athletes. Take a step back, evaluate your walk, are you an athlete that chooses to outwardly glorify God on the field? If so, be sure to look at your actions on the court during competition. Let these be actions which are pleasing to God. Do not put yourself in a position where you are stumbling block (Romans 14:13) to others.

Can we be witnesses and missionaries for God as we play sports? Yes, I believe we can.