sc85sis
Well-known member
When I first heard the rumor, I didn't think Pete would leave. After all, he'd been approached before and had always said essentially, "Thanks but I love 'SC." Why would this be any different? I was shocked and dismayed when he accepted the job with the Hawks.
Then the claims that he was running away started, and it ticked me off. After all, he'd stuck around for three full years waiting for the NCAA to get off their butts. When I heard what Paul had actually offered him, it all made perfect sense to me. It was quite literally EVERYTHING Pete had said he'd want if he were to ever return to the NFL, plus he'd get to stay on the west coast. He was promised support for A Better LA as well, which was crucial to Pete. And I believe the three years of misinformation in the press, social media, etc.; the negative recruiting by other schools; people suddenly discounting his accomplishments; and waiting around for the NCAA to actually DO something took some toll on Pete, even though he's such a positive guy. He's still human. I don't think he ran from sanctions. I think he chose the better of two situations for himself and his family.
Anyway, while I was somewhat depressed--and probably always will be on some level--that Pete left USC, I was excited for him. I believed he would succeed. I had to follow him to watch it happen. I guess I wanted to experience it vicariously; I didn't want to lose seeing that sheer joy he brings to the game. He's just so damned fun to watch. I never doubted that he would succeed with the Hawks.
Pat Ruel said in a recent article that he's a Pete disciple. I guess I am too. He makes me laugh and revel in the joy of a kids' game being played at its highest level and on the brightest of stages. His compassion for others can bring me to tears. His relentless positivity and energy are both admirable and somewhat baffling to me. Pete inspires me. I hope in some small way I can be more like him--that I can be a better ME.
Pete is just a man. I know that. He has flaws and will make mistakes, both on and off the field. I don't want to put him up on some ridiculous pedestal from which he will inevitably fall. But he's a damned good man as far as I can tell, and I love him as much as I could ever love someone I don't really know. I am so happy for him right now.
Fight On, Pete, and Go Hawks!
Edit: This is the article I referenced. It's a good one. http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaaf/writer/ ... acy-at-usc
Then the claims that he was running away started, and it ticked me off. After all, he'd stuck around for three full years waiting for the NCAA to get off their butts. When I heard what Paul had actually offered him, it all made perfect sense to me. It was quite literally EVERYTHING Pete had said he'd want if he were to ever return to the NFL, plus he'd get to stay on the west coast. He was promised support for A Better LA as well, which was crucial to Pete. And I believe the three years of misinformation in the press, social media, etc.; the negative recruiting by other schools; people suddenly discounting his accomplishments; and waiting around for the NCAA to actually DO something took some toll on Pete, even though he's such a positive guy. He's still human. I don't think he ran from sanctions. I think he chose the better of two situations for himself and his family.
Anyway, while I was somewhat depressed--and probably always will be on some level--that Pete left USC, I was excited for him. I believed he would succeed. I had to follow him to watch it happen. I guess I wanted to experience it vicariously; I didn't want to lose seeing that sheer joy he brings to the game. He's just so damned fun to watch. I never doubted that he would succeed with the Hawks.
Pat Ruel said in a recent article that he's a Pete disciple. I guess I am too. He makes me laugh and revel in the joy of a kids' game being played at its highest level and on the brightest of stages. His compassion for others can bring me to tears. His relentless positivity and energy are both admirable and somewhat baffling to me. Pete inspires me. I hope in some small way I can be more like him--that I can be a better ME.
Pete is just a man. I know that. He has flaws and will make mistakes, both on and off the field. I don't want to put him up on some ridiculous pedestal from which he will inevitably fall. But he's a damned good man as far as I can tell, and I love him as much as I could ever love someone I don't really know. I am so happy for him right now.
Fight On, Pete, and Go Hawks!
Edit: This is the article I referenced. It's a good one. http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaaf/writer/ ... acy-at-usc
