I love stories like this as reported in today’s Detroit News. Five months ago, Michigan freshman quarterback J.J. McCarthy, on the heels of the NCAA’s change in policy regarding college athletes profiting off their name, image and likeness, pledged to donate a percentage of his profits to a children’s hospital in Chicago, near his hometown, and at C.S. Mott in Ann Arbor. McCarthy expanded on that promise this week and is donating $10,500 from his “J.J. For the Kids Foundation” to several children’s hospitals and has earmarked $3,000, the biggest chunk of his pledge, to the families of Oxford High and the Oxford School Fund for those affected by the shooting last week that killed four students. Among the victims was Tate Myre, who played football for Oxford. This is coming from an 18-year-old kid.
Dana Nessel continues to disappoint. The Oxford School district is already cooperating with the Oakland County prosecutor’s office and the Oakland County Sheriff department, yet AG Nessel has tried to insert herself into the process by offering her office to provide an independent investigation. She never misses an opportunity for politicking.
I love Jimmy V week on ESPN, as ESPN host the Jimmy V classic to raise funds for cancer research in memory of the late Jim Valvano, the former head coach at NC State’s national championship team. Valvano died at a very young age from cancer. This year’s classic takes on additional significance as one of the founders of the Jimmy V Foundation and current board member Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Vitale has been a tireless fund raiser and spokesman for the Jimmy V Foundation. Here is a link to donate to the Jimmy V Foundation. https://www.v.org/
One of the truly inspiring speeches I have ever watched was Jimmy V’s I have watched it over 20 times and never tire of it. I want to share it with you today. Here is the link.
What are you doing today to stop the gun violence? What are you doing today to expand mental health services for those in need? What are you doing today to make sure your guns are not are accessible to minors in your household?
Stay Safe. Social Distance. Wear your mask when indoors in public places. Schedule your vaccine and booster.
Orchid of the Day: Aidan Hutchinson for being chosen as a Heisman Trophy finalist. It is very rare when a defensive player gets invited as a finalist.
Onion of the Day: Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) for tweeting a family Christmas picture in which seven people are brandishing guns. His tweeted caption read: “Merry Christmas! Ps. Santa, please bring ammo.” I don’t get it. How does a tweet like that fit within the Christmas spirit?
Quote of the Day: “The Miami Heat, led by Duncan Robinson, take on the Golden State Warriors and Jordon Poole”. ESPN broadcasters promoting an NBA game, during the Michigan vs Nebraska basketball game tonight. Both are former Michigan players who have key roles on their respective teams.