Varsity Blues - Wale

"Look, just remember how that winning taste. Just in case, a nigga never see that thrill again."

When Wale dropped "Eleven One Eleven Theory" mixtape, it didn't get enough respect it should have deserved, nor did he really advertise it. I guess that was because he was already in MMG and the SelfMade album was out. I came across this track called Varsity Blues and fell in love with it INSTANTLY. It made you look at the "other side" of sports. This Sports Industry can become very political and over these few years, we have seen it with the NFL & NBA lockout. When we turn on the t.v. and we are watching the games whether it is (pre-season, finals, playoffs, Superbowl, etc) we get so in tuned with the thrill of the game. If your team loses, you bitch, cry, make excuses, yell, become broke, etc. If your team wins, you are on twitter and facebook talking smack, collecting money from bets, checking your brackets, looking for your next trade in fantasy football, etc. 

We need to appreciate all of the players in the sports industry -  whether it is (basketball, football, ice hockey, baseball, etc) because these people put their LIFE on the line. Not for fame, fortune, etc. But for the strong passion they have for their sport. It is not easy and once you are sucked into these big leagues, its a totally different world. People are watching your every move. You have to be this perfect, unstoppable, unbreakable SUPERHUMAN. When the lights go on and its gametime, these athletes are playing with their hearts. I can stand here today (as a NewEngland Patriots fan) and say, I truly believed that the Giants wanted that Superbowl Ring more than we do. Not only because our plays were weak but if you want something (i.e. superbowl ring), you will give it ALL YOU GOT. 

In this Sports Industry, not only do they play dirty but these people "behind the scenes" will tarnish your image if you make a mistake. In the "Varsity Blues" track, Wale talks about ENJOYING THAT MOMENT (i.e. winning the champ, gettin drafted, traded to a new team) because once you are injured or placed in a sticky illegal situation, they view you as the scumb of the earth. Its either you are PERFECT or you are not. No grey areas (with a few exceptions).

Derek Rose torn his ACL, now he is out of the season.

Eric LeGrand (Rutgers Univ) was paralyzed from the neck down during a game.

Reggie Bush & USC Scandal, they took his Heisman trophy from him.

Michael Vick & his dog fights.

Tiger Woods & his affairs.

So quickly, these athletes become non-factors to the corporate world of Sports. Once you are injured or caught in a sticky situation, that's it.

Song: Varsity Blues
Album: Eleven One Eleven Theory

Artist: Wale