 Sheldon Sounds Off: Mike Gundy's Hammer Here's the deal: “Oklahoman” columnist Jenni Carlson tossed a few cents into the Saturday morning edition, and coach Gundy didn't appreciate what was said about his quarterback, Bobby Reid. Ms. Carlson and her editor stand by what she claims to be fact, while coach Gundy shouts from the hilltops that her claims are absolutely false. (Seriously, he shouts...beautifully.) The Sound Off As a writer, former competitive athlete and father, I loved every word Gundy had to say. It was clear that he was in full-force, impromptu mode, and he wouldn't be denied as he made his incredibly valid point. It almost looked like vintage John Riggins when #44 zoned in on the goal line; just get out of the way. The point Gundy made was long overdue in regards to the news media and college athletes: College athletes are not yet adults – not yet prepared for the scrutiny that too many of them experience from a young writer trying to invent their own notoriety through controversy – through cynical words that offer no real insight into the game of football. Perhaps it's because they know nothing about football to begin with, and went to the TMZ school of journalism. Perhaps it's a sign of the times - journalism coming in every shade of yellow, and rarely in black and white. Regardless, Gundy didn't just sound as if he was defending one of his players, he hit the alarm and went off as if someone had attacked a member of his family. He has received an outpouring of support from other coaches from across the nation, and solidified the fact that he cares for these student athletes that are all-too-often attacked personally – student athletes that are trying to hack out some life direction between the classroom and football field. I'm not going to pick on Ms. Carlson (too badly). She is someone I don't know, have never met and will more than likely never meet. However, to take one shot, the comments made about Bobby Reid and his mother feeding him chicken were obviously her attempt to prove a weak point with humor; it failed miserably. First of all, it wasn't funny. Secondly, there was no context offered about Reid and his mother. And for those of us that love our mothers, the day that they stop feeding us is the sad day that we have to say goodbye in form of a funeral – either ours or theirs. If someone wants to stick a drumstick or wing in my mouth, bring it. KFC, Popeye's or Church's Chicken, I don't care! And if you can, bring the biscuits and a little bit of honey; that's how sweet baby James likes it!
Go on, Bobby Reid, eat your chicken, and continue to improve on the field, young man. Hug your mom and slap your coach on the back; you've got the support from everyone that matters.
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