Lariat Letters: Bradford, Baylor football, and BAA independence

Bradford's actions respectable from Christian perspective

I have never left a comment on an article before, but was a bit taken aback by Jessica Goodlett's article on Sam Bradford ญญญญญญญญญญญญญ-- especially because Baylor is a Christian university and I would expect its newspaper to reflect its values.

First, Ms. Goodlett is correct about one thing. The scenario she wrote about in her opening is not how Sam Bradford spent his childhood.

He has openly communicated that as a child it was his dream to play for the University of Oklahoma. I admire him for following his dream and not the dreams of others.

Sam Bradford has also said that the decision between returning to school or leaving for the NFL was the most difficult decision of his life, but that he relied on the Lord for guidance. In a postgame interview after aggravating his shoulder injury, he said, "I know that God has a plan for my life." He turned down the fame and fortune of the NFL to do what he believed God was guiding him to do. I would think that a Christian University would admire rather than ridicule that decision.

Rather than claiming that his misfortune is a lesson for others, maybe the lesson should be to "in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:6). Or "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:9). There are so many times that we don't understand what God is doing in our lives, but He does.

Ms. Goodlett asks, "Was it worth it?" My guess is that somehow, some way it will be worth it in the end. I encourage you to watch Sam Bradford's video testimony on YouTube where he discusses this very issue. He also speaks of his faith on a video at iamsecond.com.

Amy Lasswell

Problems with Baylor football

As a member of the class of '67, I have many years experience of suffering through Baylor football. There are five reasons that Baylor does not have a better record:

1) They do not recruit nationally but rely mostly on the Texas school boy leavings after everyone from Nebraska to Penn State has sifted through the best players, (somehow they still get a few great players).

2) Baylor has little depth at any position, due to poor recruiting.

3) Athletes do not want to live in Waco when they can live in exotic places like Columbia, Mo., and Manhattan, Kan.

4) No Baylor coaching team has ever made them hungry enough to play full-out for a full 6o minutes in every game.

5) Baylor's advertising before each season is about hype, not fact. Baylor students and fans should know these facts as they are as obvious as the fact that the Brazos is not really the Arms of God.

Case in point: Over 20 years ago I recommended a great player from an Illinois High School that had offers from several football programs. I was told by a Baylor coach, "We do not recruit out of Texas. He can try for a walk-on if he wants to." The student went to U of Illinois on a four-year scholarship.

He would have come to Baylor, but not as a walk on. 'Nuff said?

PS: I am a loyal fan and intend to travel 1,200 miles to be at the Nebraska game and to go home disappointed, as usual.

Dr. W Michael McCrocklinClass of '67

BAA independence would anchor objectivity