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 April 26, 2004 Fallen Soldier Was A TRUE American HeroBy: Marty Coultas Milwaukeeworld.com On Thursday April 22, 2004 the entire country, not just sports fans, lost a real American hero. Pat Tillman, an NFL safety for the Arizona Cardinals who gave up a $3.6 million dollar contract to enlist for combat in the war in Afghanistan was killed doing what he loved more than anything, defending his country. What a sad day for all Americans. In a country where children and adults look to athletes such as Michael Jordan (an admitted gambling addict and womanizer), Allen Iverson (a convicted felon and complete imbecile), Ray Lewis, (an accused murderer) and so-called musicians like Ludacris whose lyrics include, “Move bitch, get out the way, get the way,” as “heroes,” it’s devastating to think that one true hero has given the ultimate sacrifice of death; and my friends it wasn’t on the football field beating the crap out of other football players. It was in an ambush by men with as little courage and bravery as any athlete or musician in this land we all call home. Tillman, who was 27 years old and married, died doing what he wanted most, fighting for freedom. Its a sad time for all, but knowing Tillman died doing what he believed in makes it just a little easier for all Americans to digest. Pat, you are a true American hero, and you will be deeply missed by your fellow countrymen. God bless you Pat, you are someone who will never be forgotten. A Sad Sad Saturday in Brew TownOkay Milwaukeeworlders, on a lighter note, lets now talk about our Milwaukee Bucks and how the hell they even have a chance at winning this series against the Detroit Pistons. Well, in my opinion, the first step that needs to be taken is simple...... PLAY SOME FREAKING DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last Sunday, after what may have been the most embarrassing loss in franchise history, losing to the Pistons in game that resembled more of a high school pick up game, the Bucks returned to Milwaukee ready to prove that they are not primed to clean out their lockers just yet. Sunday night the Bucks returned home with self-loathing and disgust ready to prove they are not the team most NBA critics believe they are; LOSERS. After two days of hard practice, and revenge on their minds the Bucks returned to Detroit Wednesday night with a chip on their shoulders and attitudes to boot. And, with that, they not only proved that they can win against these over-rated Pistons, they did it with vengeance and temperament and came home with the series tied one all. That, my friends brings me to Saturday afternoon, where your Milwaukee Bucks had complete control over those dirty men from the Motor City. Michael was ready, Joe was ready, and so was Desmond. They were ready to prove to all those naysayers that they are not a team with little talent and poise, but one with skills and athleticism that noone thought they had. Milwaukee, your team was pumped. The fans were pumped, and most of all Bango was pumped. The BC was rocking with those annoying sticks, which by the way, I have begun a petition asking those stupid, annoying, deafening things to be banned from all professional sporting events. Please send emails if you would like to add your name. But that is beside the point, As game time drew near, the crowd was ready to see their team open up and slam those Pistons right back where they belong. And, in the first quarter it looked like that was going to be a piece of cake. The Bucks led by as many as ten in the first quarter and continued to romp in the second quarter taking a twelve-point lead into the locker room. That, Milwaukeeworlders is where the downfall began. I have no idea what the hell Porter and the other coaches said to the team during that extended half-time pep talk, but whatever it was should never,ever be allowed to be spoken again. EVER!!! Opening the third quarter with a twelve-point lead and hardly any players in foul trouble, the Bucks began to do what they have done all damn season---- Play themselves right out of the game. Keith VanScorn could not hit a shot if the basket was directly in his face, Toni could not grab a rebound if Ben Wallace would have handed it to him. Michael played himself into foul difficulty and God only knows what the hell Desmond was doing. The Detroit Pistons knocked the living crap out of the Bucks in the third quarter out-scoring them 32 to 19. What an embarrassment for a team that has had rare national exposure all season and had the chance to show all basketball fans across this country what they can do in front of a national audience on Saturday afternoon. Let me tell you, as much I love my Milwaukee Bucks, I have never been more irate and infuriated at the play of the team on Saturday. I know, I know many of you are going to say; But Marty what about the officiating? What about the officiating guys, it’s the NBA and it is the playoffs. Every NBA fan knows that the rules of game change during playoff time, and if you don’t agree just look back to three years ago when the Bucks were single handily eliminated from the finals by two things, Allen Iverson and the officiating. It may be enough to make you want to bang your head into a wall, but unfortunately it is the truth, like it or not. Granted, Wallace is a jackass with as much culture and dignity as a drunk guy at a strip club and Larry Brown has an ego bigger than Barry Bonds in a homerun derby, that is not the issue. The issue is that this team played themselves into a hole that is going to be very difficult to crawl out of. Please Please Please Mr. Porter, talk to your team. It is time to prove that you can coach at this level. We need your expertise and knowledge of this game now more than ever. You were a champion at one time, now teach your players that they can also be champs. Tell Toni to talk. He’s been there. In fact he’s been there six times. And Toni, please please please, play like the champion are you. I know you are older and slower and less enthused with the game, but you are still playing on a TEAM. You are the leader, and now is the time to lead these guys. Without either of you, it’s over. If you do not win on Monday night you can kiss this season goodbye. Its do or die fellows. JUST WIN! So Milwaukeeworlders, until next week where I will talk about the Green Bay Packers and the ignorant draft they attempted to assemble on Saturday, I leave you with the thoughts afore mentioned. Remember what a true hero is and please please please root for our Milwaukee Bucks. They need it now more than ever. As always, keep your ears open and your noses clean. Marty the Sports Chick
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