Did Arthur and William's "Hoop Dreams" Come True?

        The documentary titled "Hoop Dreams", about two young basketball players living in Chicago trying to make it in life through basketball. William Gates was recruited to St. Joseph's high school, where he became an instant star. Arthur Agee, also recruited to St. Joseph's, had to transfer due to payment issues. He then went on to play at Marshall high school. They both had to overcome many hardships like drugs and gangs where they were living. Basketball was their "way out" and it did not give them any time for things like that. William's playing was limited during high school due to a knee injury that continued to bother him. The film made it seem as if William had a brighter future than Arthur which is debatable. It was portrayed that William was doing better with grades and was even more successful on the court than Arthur. At this time it also seemed that Arthur was unlikely to ever make it to a real college because of his grades. The documentary presented Arthur's lack of a true role model to look up to a lot. His father being in and out of the house and family, also getting involved with drugs many times. This really appeared to have impacted Arthur. The case was much different for William. His older brother Curtis had hoop dreams of his own. A basketball star, just like William and Arthur, that lacked the obedience to really shape a career. Curtis decided to put all his dreams into his younger brother so he helped William develop his skills on the court.  
        After high school, William got a scholarship to Marquette University. He graduated after playing three seasons for Marquette. Although this was not an easy few years for Gates. He had quit the team and even dropped out of college.  Eventually he came back and received a two year scholarship to complete college. After, he got a bible degree and became a pastor in his hometown of Chicago. Grades would not allow Arthur to receive a scholarship from any colleges. However, after going to junior college, Arthur was awarded a two year scholarship to Arkansas State. Unfortunately, his dream of making it to the NBA never happened. His father was killed on December 15, 2004 by someone who was believed to be paid to kill Arthur Agee Sr. I think this led to the creation of the Arthur Agee Role Model Foundation. This was to "help underprivileged kids to understand that their role models are not professional athletes, but their parents at home." Arthur most likely finally understood that there is more to life than making it to the NBA or being a great athlete. Overall I think that "Hoop Dreams" portrays that being a professional athlete is not the only way to succeed.  
       

Sports Effects on Culture

        Sports have modified the American culture in many ways. Whether it has created parties, or broken racial barriers. Racism was a huge issue in our country for a long time. The Jackie Robinson story is perhaps what eliminated this problem. He was the first African American baseball player ever to play in the MLB. Although he got a bunch of hate, this led to great things. Sports have also changed the way people act now. They are things to talk about and hobbies. For few, it is more than a game. For some, sports are a lifestyle that people put their blood, sweat, and tears into. Sometimes, sports can make somebody forget about everything else in the world. Maybe even ignoring priorities so it might not always be a positive thing for our culture.

Jackie Robinson

        Even today sports continue to effect our culture. Super Bowl Sunday has basically worked itself up to a holiday in our country's culture. Family and friends get together and have parties just to watch a football game. I guarantee this day's festivities will continue to grow and get even bigger. Also, sports have brought a huge market along with it. People pay for gear, to go to games, their favorite players jersey, and so much more. This is mostly for younger people, but with sports there is a whole new wave of role models. A lot might look up to an athlete and want to be just like them. Sports can spark a lot of conversation too. They are on the news, TV shows, the radio, they are seen almost everywhere.
        My life has been greatly impacted by sports. At first, they were just a hobby and something to do. However, as I played them more, and understood them, they have become a huge part of my life. Sports are responsible for at least 90% of my friends. This is because there are no family-like bonds built like there are in sports. Winning, losing, and fighting alongside with the same people always makes it that much more special. Following sports in my opinion is a hobby to me. I think it is fun to keep updated with them, talk about them, or even pay attention to stats. I think sports are amazing things and our culture has been greatly shaped based on them.

My Thoughts on the Super Bowl

        On Sunday February 1, 2015 the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl 49. It was the Patriots fourth Super Bowl victory dating back to 2001 when they upset the St. Louis Rams 20-17. The Patriots were down 10 in the fourth quarter. Getting the victory was the largest fourth quarter comeback in Super Bowl history. There was most likely a point in the game where all viewers thought it was over for Patriots. They had come out terrible in the second half which is strange because Bill Belichik is known for having amazing second half adjustments. The last drive of this game created a lot of buzz in the social media world as well as the football world. As I know it wouldn't be a Patriots victory without some controversy.

        On the potential game winning drive for the Seahawks it looked as if it was all over for New England. Seattle was down by 4 with only enough time for one last drive. On first and ten with 1:14 left in Super Bowl 49, Patriot's fans took a trip down memory lane. Russell Wilson threw a pass that was caught by wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and shocked the world. He bobbled it and it looked as if it was bound to be dropped. Undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler was the defender on this play. In the 2007 Super Bowl against the Giants all Patriot's fans are scarred by "The Helmet Catch" by David Tyree that basically lost New England the game. In 2011 a perhaps lucky catch by the Giants got the best of us again when Eli Manning threw a perfect ball to Mario Manningham, so was this going to happen again? Well the Kearse reception got the Seahawks to the New England 5 yard line. Next play Marshawn Lynch ran it down to the 1. The situation is second an one yard for the Lombardi Trophy. Next play, a pass is thrown to wideout Ricardo Lockette on a slant route. Butler, again undrafted rookie, steps in and picks the pass of and clinched New Englands fourth title. People say a pass by Pete Carrol was a bad play call. However I disagree. It seems like running one yard with the best power back in the league is a good idea, which it is. As any team knows scoring in the redzone takes some creativity. He had three downs to get a yard and running on all three is not a must. So passing on one down is not a bad idea. Maybe a fade route instead of a slant underneath could have been a bit better but it does not really matter. Anyway the end result is the same, Patriots win 28-24! That cannot be taken away from us.