Chicago Sports Review by warren_wimmer

Page 2

Friday August 15, 2008

Page 3

Homeland Insecurity: Fans have serious questions about the Bears of 2008

Anthony Ray

s the 2008 Chicago Bears head into training camp, the fans view this team with trepidation. They remember that the Bears were in the Super Bowl two years ago and looked like a solid contender in the NFC for years to come. That feeling has taken an 180 degree turn after an injury-riddled and offensively challenged 2007. Bears fans want to know which team they are going to see in 2008. That is a question that most teams in the NFL have to answer for their fans. The NFL has a transient nature, where every year can be different for teams. Fans have seen teams go from 4-12 to the NFC Championship game in one year. Bears fans are no different than any others in that respect. The Bears do have specific questions that the fans want answered before the season kicks off on Sunday night in Indianapolis on September 7th. Here is a list of questions that cloud the Bears training camp and preseason: Is there a NFL starting QB on the Bears roster? The Bears go into 2008 training camp with a battle for the field general position. The Bears have declared that it is an open competition between QBs Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. Grossman is a gun-slinger type who is high-risk and high-reward. The five year veteran has never had a QB rating above 75. He has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his career. His career is marked with turnovers (43 in 32 career games) and injuries (2 season ending injuries in 5 years). Kyle Orton is a four year veteran out of Purdue. His career QB rating is 62.2 and has also thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. In 18 career games, Orton has

CSR

photos by

Warren Wimmer

28 July 2008: Chicago Bears quarterbacks Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton take to the field during training campo Monday July 28, 2008 Bourbonnais, Ill.

turned the ball over 20 times. Neither of these QBs have shown that they can assume the role of leader of the offense. Grossman was the QB that took the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006 and Orton led them to the playoffs in 2005. Although they were the QBs at the time, most observers will tell you that it was the defense and the running game that led them to those heights. They ascended in spite of the QBs. The fans have to be convinced that one of these players can step forward and become a true NFL QB. Can we have confidence in the other key positions on offense that are unsettled?

NFL offenses have a few positions that are deemed critical for success. It is tough for an offense to succeed when the QB play is inconsistent. But, there are others that need to be solid. These positions are running back (RB), wide receiver (WR), and left tackle (LT). All of the elite offenses in the NFL have solid contributors at these four positions. The Cleveland Browns have resurrected their offense because of Derek Anderson (QB), Jamal Lewis (RB), Braylon Edwards (WR), and Joe Thomas (LT). They are all Pro Bowl caliber players and Cleveland has a high-octane offense as a result. The Bears have questions at all of these crucial positions. They have rookies (Matt

Forte and Chris Williams)starting at RB and LT, respectively. Fortunately for the Bears, these two positions are easier for rookies than WR or QB. However, the Bears are hoping that lightning strikes, twice, at two very important places. It is a lot to ask of two rookies. The WR position is just as unsettled, as the Bears replaced their entire starting WR corps. They signed 32 year old Marty Booker to, presumable, be the number one receiver for 2008. Booker had his best years with the Bears in 20012002. He caught 197 passes in the two season with the Bears. He has caught only 246 passes in the 5 years after the 2002 season. It would be asking a lot to expect Booker to be any better than Mushin Muhammad was last year. The variable in this equation is the electric Devin Hester. He is a touchdown waiting to happen. This is the first year he will get full-time work as a receiver. He has the potential to be a WR in the mold of Steve Smith of Carolina. No one can expect that of him in 2008. The other WRs (Earl Bennett, Rashied Davis, and Brandon Lloyd) are players who aren’t expected to have strong impacts in 2008. Overall, the Bears are putting a lot of trust in some untested players. Will this offense score many points with so many questions at key positions? The shaky positions leads to the obvious questions about the Bears ability to score points. Last year, the Bears scored 34 touchdowns and kicked 31 field goals for a total of 349 points. Contrast that with Houston Texans, a team that isn’t an offensive dynamo, for perspective. The Texans scored 43 touchdowns and 25 field goals for a total of 416 points. If the Bears could not score many points with established WRs, RBs,

The real problem R

Eli Kaberon

emember the 1997 film “Wag the Dog”, starring Dustin Hoffman as a Washington, DC public relations executive and Robert De Niro as a Hollywood director? The plot involves a President who needs to cover up a sex scandal to be re-elected, so he calls on Hoffman and De Niro to create a fake war to divert the media focus. Soon the United States is ‘fighting’ with Albania, all the public cares about is a poor little girl whose house was ‘attacked’ and the President goes from being a scumbag to a hero. Now try and picture this season’s Chicago Bears roster. The quarterback competition is being decided not by Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton, but by a simple call of heads or tails. The best running back on the roster is a rookie who has yet to take a snap of NFL play. The team’s wide receivers can all be described as either too old, too inconsistent, too injury-prone or all of the above. And yet all the attention being given to this joke of an offense might be a great distraction for head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Bob Babich, who have a lot of work to do on an under-performing D that will quickly be getting loads of criticism if some changes are not made. In 2006, the season that the Bears went to the Super Bowl, it was the team’s defense that led them to that rainy night in South Florida. Opponents scored only 255 points during the regular season, third fewest in the NFL, while the defense forced 44 turnovers, tops in the league. It seemed that every week a new player was stepping up, making huge plays, and intimidating foes. Even Grossman’s inconsistencies on offense and Lovie’s stubbornness on the sideline (I think Danieal Manning is still having nightmares about attempting to cover Reggie Wayne)

couldn’t contain the 21st century version of the Super Bowl Shufflin’ Crew- until the Super Bowl that is. Then last season, with nearly every important part of the defense returning, Bears fans were hoping for more of the same, or maybe an improvement. And early on, it looked like it might happen. During the regular season’s first two weeks, the Bears faced the NFL’s two best running backs: San Diego’s LaDanian Tomlinson and Kansas City’s Larry Johnson. And combined, the two All-Pros ran for 72 yards. LDT’s 25 yards rushing in that game was by far his lowest of the season, and it was a pretty impressive way to start the year, even though the team was 1-1 in the two contests. But in Week 3, things fell apart worse than Roger Clemens’ career. Safety Mike Brown got hurt, defensive tackle Tommie Harris got lazy and the entire defense just stopped trying. Want proof? How about the 431 total yards the Cowboys put up in that third week. Or the 318 passing yards Brett Favre posted in week five. And lets not forget about Minnesota running for an astounding 311 rushing yards during a week six loss. In a span of four games, the Bears D went from being the Monsters of the Midway to the Disaster on the Drive. The Bears ended the 2007 season ranked right in the middle of the NFL- 16th- in points allowed, with 348. So to turn that around, the Bears spent a good amount of their draft loading up on young, defensive talent. Oh no, never mind, that’s not right, their first three selections were all on the offensive side of the ball. So they must have addressed the holes in the D in free agency then. Well, that’s only if you count giving new contracts to about half of last season’s starting lineup on that side of the ball. The only positive thing the Bears did this offPlease see KABERON continued on page 9

go i ng Cubs

Please see RAY continued on page 5

Chicago Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome hits during the eighth inning of play to insure the Chicago Cubs complete a four game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers by defeating the Brewers 11-4 at Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisc., Thrusday July 31, 2008

keep it

Publisher, lead photographer & Editor in Chief Warren Wimmer Contributing Writers Andrea Beaver Dustin Beutin Bert Beiswanger Jesse Brasher Jerome Cusson Charlie Danoff Creighton Hart Dennis Hobein Eli Kaberon Jon Kerr David Lister Brian Livingston Phil Meyers Anthony Ray Nick Shears D.K Wilson

strong

CSR Photos

Warren Wimmer

Contributing Photographers Dennis Wierzbicki Michael DiNovo PUBLISHED BY: The Chicago Sports Review The Chicago Sports Review is published biweekly and can be found at Chicagoland White Hens & 7-Elevens The Chicago Sports Review is not responsible for display advertisement, advertising articles and their contents. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. For questions or comments contact: THE CHICAGO SPORTS REVIEW 13520 St. Mary Circle, Orland Park, IL 60462 708.403.3285 office | 708.774.4464 cell | 708.460.8949 fax To read more great sports articles visit chicagosportsreview.net

31 July 2008: Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano makes contact with a Dave Busch pitch during the third inning of play at Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisc., where the Cubs would defeat the Brewers 11-4 Thursday July 31, 2008.

Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster delivers a pitch during game action at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisc., where the Cubs defeated the Brewers 7-2 Wednesday July 30, 2008. Dempster went to to earn the win.

Page 4

Friday August 15, 2008

Page 5

Bears handing out contracts like they won the Super Bowl ... recently by

Dustin Beutin

Fire

03 Aug 2008: Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa avoids a slide tackle during play against Chivas USA at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The Fire won the game 1-0.

smothers

Chivas CSR Photos

Warren Wimmer

s there anyone else at Halas Hall that needs be paid? Rumor is that the janitor will be holding out for a new deal that includes a $2 million dollar signing bonus and free window cleaner. With the signing of Devin Hester to a deal that pays him wide receiver money before proving he can be a wide receiver, Jerry Angelo has truly lived out the age old adage of “it’s easy to spend money when it isn’t yours.” For a long time, the Bears suffered the dark nickname of “The Misers of the Midway” and an infamous reference ownership’s penchant for treating nickels as manhole covers. That’s because – back in the day – the guy signing the checks wasn’t just a front man for a multi-million dollar business: George Halas was the guy from whose pocket that manhole cover was going to be cautiously pulled forth. The way in which Bears players have tapped their monetary dinner plates for a helping of hot, steaming cash over the last full year would make you think that the Bears had won Super Bowl XLI. Usually when a team wins the big one, you can expect to see a line of players, gently smothering a slight cough with one hand and holding the other palm out for a wad of bills. This is not only normal; it’s become accepted culture in the NFL that if a team wins the big dance, the vast majority can expect to see their value rise. What has happened in Chicago, however, has taken this culture of winner takes all (and the money) and pushed the boundaries to a new level. The Bears – sadly – did not win in 2006. The rain and the Colts washed away the hopes of that team and the city in a night most Chicagoans have chosen to forget. Yet, the remaining players from that (failed) run at glory have been knocking on the door of Jerry Angelo for raises as if they had indeed carried the silver trophy from Miami to Midway. What can the fans – and the ownership of the Bears, for that matter – expect to get in return for this new investment? If it’s to be assumed that this investment is the key to an improvement in play by all those players who have gotten freshly minted contracts, then is it therefore logical to assume that the Bears tanked in 2007 simply because they

Fire defender Brandon Prideaux (6) gets past Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas during second half of play.

Please see BEUTIN continued on page 11

CSR Photo

Warren Wimmer

Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester catches the football while participating in practice drills during the Chicago Bears Training Camp on the campus of Olivet nazarene University, Bourbonnais, Ill. Sunday July 28, 2008.

RAY: Last season’s questions linger for Bears squad continued from page

and LT, how can they score with unproven talent? The Bears won’t challenge the NFL record for fewest points by an NFL team (10 points by the 1934 Reds), but they will be hard pressed to match or top their 2007 output. Can Devin Hester have an impact on of-

Francisco Mendoza (6) of Chivas USA and Fire midfielder Justin Mapp go up for a header during play.

weren’t respected enough monetarily? Is it that the trip to Miami meant the team was incapable of playing at a championship level until paid better? Were we duped into believing that the Bears were suffering from a Super Bowl “Curse” last year, when in reality the players were protesting their measly contracts by dropping passes, blocks and games to a beatable string of opponents? Is it now fair for fans to expect a playoff run or is there still someone from 2006 waiting to get an extra dime from Angelo? Desmond Clark. Brian Urlacher. Lance Briggs. Rex Grossman. Kyle Orton. Devin Hester. Tommie Harris. Robbie Gould. They all got paid. Angelo’s checkbook by now looks like the shredded paper of a gerbil cage. Did they deserve it? Well, let’s put it this way. In 2006, all of those players certainly played like they did. In 2007, they didn’t exactly light the world on fire. And, yes, that means Devin Hester as well. Not to sound blasphemous, but while Devin DOES deserve to be paid like a special player, he has not yet earned starting Wide Receiver money. The lasting image from the first year of the Devin Hester experiment on offense in the previous season was of Muhsin Muhammad having to physically put Devin in the right place on the field before each snap. How is a player that doesn’t yet know where to line up worth the type of money Hester re-signed for days ago? The dark answer is the Bears have taken a gamble. The kind of gamble that would never have happened in the days of George Halas. And while penny loafers, bowler hats and tweed suits have indeed gone out of style, being smart with money has not. If the Bears thought the fans in Chicago were rough on them last season, just see how ire and fire will rain down from the talk show airwaves and Solder Field’s seating level 400 if this team posts another losing season. In a city built on the intersection of blue collar and farm field values, there is nothing more derided within the sporting heart of the Midwest than over paid players. Win and there will be no discussion; lose and these Bears will have to wonder what they ever did to make themselves such pariahs in this fair city. The good thing about all of the green that has tumbled into the laps of the Bears

fense without destroying his impact on field position and the special teams? This is a issue that can not be understated. If the Bears are going to be a defensively oriented team, special teams and field position will be paramount. Coach Smith would like for his offense to start near its own 40 yard line. He would also like to get touch-

downs from his return guy. With Devin Hester concentrating mainly on returns, he has given Smith that dimension. Hester is the greatest return man of all time after only two years in the NFL. He has returned 11 kicks and punts for touchdowns in his short time, which places him second all-time. The Bears decision to move Hester to WR full time will have some impact on him as a returner. He has a chance of starting at WR in 2008. This will limit his touches on special teams. This is a very tough call to make for any Coach or General Manager. How do you use a All-Pro return man without affecting his production on special teams? Hester could make it to the Hall of Fame if he were to work as the returner for the next 10 years. It is hard to limit that much talent to special teams. Will Hester become Steve Smith or Steve Tasker? We will all have to wait and see. Is the defense enough to carry this team? With the offensive dearth, the defense will be counted on more than ever to carry this franchise. That principle will not be a new approach to a Lovie Smith coached team. It will be a daunting task for them to accomplish in 2008. The 2007 Baltimore Ravens surrendered only 10.5 points a game on defense. As strong as they were, they

could not overcome and offense that scored only 14.5 points a game. That was with the help of Pro Bowl caliber RB Willis McGahee. The Ravens finish 2007 with a 5-11 record and 4th place in the AFC North. The defense will have to be virtually impenetrable if the offense doesn’t score consistently. There may be a lot of 14-10 losses in store for fans in ’08. Can the Bears go another season counting on Mike Brown? Whenever the words health and Bears are in the same sentence, the first player that comes to mind is Mike Brown. Brown is a very good safety and is perfect for Coach Smith’s Tampa-2 style defense. The Bears have been patient with Brown because they realize how good he can be when he is healthy. When Brown was injured in the first game of the 2007 season, he sat at his locker with tears in his eyes. Brown articulated what every fan and media person was thinking at the time. In his post-game interview, he spoke as if he knew his days with the Bears were over. The Bears probably were thinking about going in a different direction. Funny how things change over the course of time. The Bears had Mike Brown to Please see RAY continued on page 11

Page 6

Friday August 15, 2008

Page 7

Kim Terrell-Kearney celebrates defeating Trisha Reid to capture her second green jacket while competing at the Brunswick Zone XL in Romeoville, Ill., during a U.S. Women’s Open event Wednesday Aug. 6, 2008.

PBA

Shalin Zulkifli winds up during tournament play Brunswick Zone XL in Romeoville, Ill.’ during a U.S. Women’s Professional Blowlers Association Open event Wednesday Aug. 6, 2008. BELOW LEFT: Pro bowler Carolyn Dorin-Ballard competes.

W o m e n ’ s

Pro bowler Trisha Reid of Columbus reacts after advancing to the semifinal round of the the Brunswick Zone XL.

OPEN CSR Photos

Warren Wimmer

Pro Bowler Stefanie Nation reacts during play against Trisha Reid.

Page 8

Friday August 15, 2008

Page 9

Chicago White Sox right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. can’t reach a ball hit by Detroit Tigers’ Placido Polanco during the fith inning of play at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago Tuesday Aug. 5, 2008. Chicago won 10-8. BELOW: Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen (9) attempts to complete a double play during a game Tuesday Aug. 5, 2008.

White Sox Ways to wiN finding

CSR Photos

Warren Wimmer

Bulls great Michael Jordan yells instructions to players during game in the Brand Jordan Sports Factory 40 and Over League recently.

Photo

Brett Garamella

Tony McCoy: a life time reaping the benefits of basketball by

Brett Garamella

Tony McCoy is a gym rat. He has met some of his closest friends and acquaintances on a basketball court. One of those friends is the omnipresent Michael Jordan. They first met during their college years, where Jordan and McCoy spent their summers playing in a professional league at Chicago State University. Playing pickup basketball over the years they became friends. So when McCoy told Jordan that he wanted to run a summer basketball league for players 40 years and older, Jordan gladly obliged to sponsor it. Thus, some of Chicago’s best former college and pro players compete in the “Brand Jordan Sports Factory 40 and

Over League.” From the giappearance of Jordan. During the ant “Jumpman” logo hanging second half Jordan was on his feet underneath the scoreboard to barking instructions as the players the uniforms and sneakers, evand referees heeded his advice. On erything in the small Westside one perimeter shot Jordan yelled, gym was Air Jordan apparel. “foul,” and then the ref blew his While the uniforms and whistle. Jordan turned to his friend sneakers appear brand new, the and smiled at the obvious bad call. competition and trash-talkMany of the players not only see ing are those of players who Jordan as a basketball idol, but as have spent many long days a guy they played pickup ball with, Tony McCoy running up and down asphalt. just like McCoy. The championship game was Born and raised on the souththe most intense, as playside of Chicago, McCoy says, “We ers hustled to fill the passing lanes on fast played everything growing up in the ghetto. breaks and dove on the floor for loose balls. I even know how to flip.” Basketball, howThe elevated play can be attributed to the ever, was his true passion. He played high

school basketball at Simeon, the same school that has produced pro players such as Nick Anderson and Derrick Rose. Then McCoy played two years at Malcolm X Junior College and his next two years at Pittsburgh State. After graduating college in 1985, he played professional basketball in Venezuela for two seasons. He then returned to Chicago working odd jobs, yet he still couldn’t get away from the game. In 1990, McCoy found his calling. He began organizing sports leagues and camps with the Chicago Park District (CPD), the oldest and highest budget park district in the United States. Although the CPD oversees 552 parks with more than 7,300 acres Please see Garamella continued on page 11

KABERON: Bears defense needs help too continued from page

PIER CO

Chicago White Sox third baseman Juan Uribe a throw to first base during a 14 inning baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday August 5, 2008.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen ,right, and catcher A.J. Pierzynski wait for reliever Octavio Dotel. The White Sox defeated the Red Sox 6-5 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago Sunday August 10, 2008.

RL D

(773) C-O-P-I-E-R-S

season addressing their defense was releasing former starting safety Adam Archuleta, a big disappointment in 2007. Still, holes remain in the once-feared Bears D. Now the 2008 season has begun, and the holes have yet to be plugged. Who is lining up next to Harris on the interior line? Is Alex Brown back to starting at right end or will it still be Mark Anderson? Can Brian Urlacher play every down even after having off-season back surgery? Are cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher 100 percent after each missed games last season? Has Lance Briggs figured out how to drive

his Lamborghini? And who on Earth will be the two starting safety’s? In the five weeks between now and the season opener at Indianapolis, all of these questions need answers. Thankfully for Smith, Babich and General Manager Jerry Angelo, not much focus is being paid to the defensive side of the ball. All the newspapers, sports talk radio and the so-called ‘experts’ want to do is discuss how bad the Bears offense will be, and with good reason. But remember, after Rex overthrows Marty Booker on a deep route or Matt Forte is stuffed for a loss on third and short, it will be the defense that takes the field. And that might be where the real problems lie.

Page 10

Friday August 15, 2008

Page 11

RAY: Only answer for fans brings endless uncertainty BEUTIN: Will continued from page

rework his deal in order to avoid getting cut. Why did the Bears change their minds on Brown? The Bears got a glimpse of the safety play last year and realized that taking a chance on Brown is better than any player on their roster. Brandon McGowan is a hitter, but he was consistently out of position on running plays. Danieal Manning has shown the Bears that they can’t count on him. The Bears did draft LSU S Craig Stetlz, who will fit in well with the defensive system. The uncertainty at the position and the lack of options in free agency forced the Bears and Brown to stay together for at least one more year. Is Bob Babich a solid coordinator? The major reason that the Bears went from first in the NFC to last in the NFC

Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman hands off the ball during a training camp practice Monday July 28, 2008 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.

t r a i n i n g the by

Warren Wimmer

Chicago Bears cornerback Corey Graham catches the football while participating in practice drills during the training camp.

on defense. Also there were some line-up changes that didn’t pan out. What coaches are paid to do in the NFL is make lemonade when life gives you lemons. Babich didn’t figure out how to shore up the sieve that was a run defense in 2007. Babich will have to show that he can coordinate a defense that will be the difference between 10 wins or 4 wins in 2008. Bears fans want to believe that the Bears can make it back to the playoffs in the near future. With all of these questions, the Bears have only given their fans uncertainty. At the end of the 2008 preseason, the fans are looking for some security. By September 7th, they will know what to expect for 2008. Anthony Ray is a free lance writer who has written articles on sports, politics, labor issues, and religion. He is an avid Chicago sports fan.

the Bears show up to earn their Benjamins? continued from page

Youngsters appear to be discussing the best area to score a players autograph during practice drills at the Chicago Bears training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill.

is that now the city of Chicago will get the clearest measure possible of these players’ hearts. The money is there. So is the supposed respect that comes with a big payday. So, will the Bears show up – no longer distracted by their “poor” pay from the previous season - or will they be too busy counting their money? It’s entirely possible that all of this desire for “respect” in the form of pocket dough will sap the hunger right out of this unit. After all, the only thing these players have to play for now is real respect – the kind that’s earned on the football field and in the Super Bowl. The kind of respect that can only be earned when you dominate your opponent week in and week out. Can a player be expected to play at one hundred percent when he has paper cuts from counting Benjamins? Or does the cash allow him to focus on scoring touchdowns? Jerry Angelo stepped up to the plate this off-season and officially changed the culture of the Bears as an organization. Anyone and everyone that showed up at his door with a feedbag out-stretched received a shovel-full of hundred dollar bills slopped inside. It is truly a far cry from the days of Papa Bear. But, maybe there was a reason Halas was so cautious with his money. Maybe he understood that there was and still is a danger in over-paying players. A danger in equating money with respect; with putting down payments over touchdowns. Then again, Halas was just a simple minded man: he was only interested in winning championships.

Garamella: McCoy started Sports Factory foundation continued from page

B ears CSR Photos

North was the play of their defense. The Bears slipped from 5th overall in total defense in 2006 to 28th in 2007. Most importantly, they gave up 1967 yards rushing in 2007 for an average of 4.3 per carry. The defense gave up 1590 yards for 4.0 per carry in 2006. Long runs by Adrian Peterson and Ryan Grant defined the 2007 season on defense. Bob Babich took over when Ron Rivera was not re-signed, despite Rivera coordinating a Super Bowl defense. Coach Smith wanted Babich as his Defensive Coordinator because they approach the game similarly The drop off from one year to the next was so great that questions are arising about Babich’s ability to do the job. There were other things that contributed to the demise of the defense. There were injuries to all of the major players (Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Mike Brown, and Tommie Harris)

of municipal parkland, McCoy noticed an area that needed improvement. He says the CPD spends most of its attention on children ages 6 to 12, while teenagers often get overlooked. To resolve this situation, McCoy founded his own non-profit organization last year that he named Sports Factory Inc. (SFI). He decided on the name “because I was doing all kinds of sports.” Sports Factory Inc. has earned a lot of its money from small donations, grants, and sponsors, such as Jordan and his friend Marty Nesbitt of The Parking Spot. Remarkably, it has been done all by word of mouth. All those years in the gym playing basketball and shooting the breeze has paid off … literally. This has also helped him find coaches and mentors, most of whom are paid for their contributions. For McCoy it seems like a genuine labor of love. On the SFI website there is a registration fee for the various programs. McCoy says he only put a fee on his website to make sure the children are dedicated. Once they show up, everything is free. At the end of the day he wants other troubled kids to have the same positive opportunities that he has had in life, or as he says, “I want to help as many teens as I can … one teen at a time.” In turn the teenagers he works with can see the positive aspects that sports have created for McCoy and his colleagues. He hopes to eventually have his 40 and over summer tournament in the big cities across America.