My heart hurts this morning, and not because it turns out that free throws really matter. What I’m really sad about is that these kids, these Tiger basketball players, might think they’ve disappointed us. What they — and their wild-man coach, John Calipari — have done for this city in just a few short months is nothing less than remarkable. EVERYONE is a Tiger fan, old, young, black, white, Asian, Midtown, Southwind, everyone. And that’s a feeling I’d like to hold onto for more than just a few days. I know the national media have dissed us repeatedly, but it’s really up to us now. Can we keep talking to each other, even if not about the Tigers? Can we stay friends, focused on a similar goal? Maybe we should declare that a blue UofM flag on your car is a sign that you care about more than basketball. That you care about Memphis.
We love you, Joey, Chris, Derrick, Coach … Go Tigers.
Responses to “Oh, Joey. Oh, Tigers.”
April 8th, 2008 at 10:49 am
It certainly is heartbreaking. But you’re right. They did change the city, even if just for a little while. It shows us it can be done.
April 8th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
There was a spirit in this city yesterday pregame that was remarkable. As I drove around Memphis, as I do every day for a living, beginning before 7am as I stopped at traffic lights I would look to my left or right and say to my fellow motorists “happy National Championship Monday….”, not being so bold as to predict a Tiger win, but an acknowledgement that my beloved team would be playing for said National Championship. About 90% of the drivers or passengers I spoke with were on board and yelled back, “Go Tigers!”. The other 10% looked at me as if I was a nut. This spirit I mention cut across all lines, racial, gender, socio-ecoonomic, etc. I think that is what today’s entry is about….fingers crossed that this spirit lives on somehow.
April 8th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Of course winning would have been the icing on the cake but I am still proud of this team! You guys rock. Believe me when I tell you that there are plenty of folks over on the other side of the mighty Mississippi that love you guys just as much as Memphians do.
Ya’ll are still champs in my book.
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!