The Game Transcends Race, Religion, or Creed

[Reginald Rutledge]

One of the greatest gifts this game has given many of us is that it transcends race, religion, or creed. I am sometimes floored to think being raised in the 60's in a turbulent time of social and racial injustices, I would one day have people of different ethnicity as some of my best friends.

Yes, I road in the back of the bus as a little boy in Memphis, Tennessee back in the early 60's and asked my dad, why do I have to sit in the back? I lived right in the neighborhood when the fatal shot rang out in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968 of April. I was 7 at the time when it happened. Now living in the Dallas, Texas area, I ride down the same street every day where JFK got assassinated. It is always an eery feeling. I took a course from the professor who worked the case on JFK back in the 60's. I lived in the Deep South and know the history of what goes on after dark. So many things you encounter in life that can either make you a better person or consume you with hate for the rest of your life.

Fortunately for me, a saving grace has been the game of miniature football. I was troubled by Wolverine's post of not being able to do much in the hobby. I consider Wolverine a good friend who I don't see that much. We have all lived his tribulations from the diaylsis to fuel prices. You feel for guys who bring much passion as he does and want to help.

As I look around the horizon of miniature football, it is a common fact that we are brothers/sisters in the name of miniature football. Wherever the gathering is, you see a mix of different races, cultures and opinions. We are a different breed, a rare breed, consumed in the pleasures of seeing the little men run across the board. It never is a white thing, black thing, muslim thing, or anything. It's always about the game.

I have a league (DFW) of guys who are white, black, hispanic, Cuban, and native American. When we gather, it is a beautiful thing. We greet each other with luv and respect. People who watch us from the outside immediately see that all barriers are broken down over this game.

When you go to shows/conventions, you see the same type of solidarity. Guys travel great distance to be in the company of each other. You never think in terms of race. You think in terms of enlightment. One of my best friends in the world, Wally Jabs, is a guy I have known for about 13 years. He's one of my best friends in the hobby. We talk about everything when we get together. He's white. I am black. I've got good friends like Joel Pritchard who comes from South Carolina. We just like hanging around each other. Then I got my Cuban friend who escaped to America with the clothes on his back as a kid, "The Don". Just think, the hobby brought us together. Now, I have to put a muzzle on his mouth to shut him up. He stays about 5 minutes away and wants to permanently move in!

If you come to my house on any given weekend, you may be looking at the Rainbow Coalition. What's great, you may find that anywhere in the country when you bring out a board and some figures. So enjoy the moment and don't take these relationships for granted. We learn more about each other through our time spent hassling each other on the miniature gridiron.

Reg

[WEIRDWOLF]

I'll play anybody except Martians. Those guys cheat (they can read your mind) and when they lose they ray-gun you...dirty stinking Martians! Chimpanzees are bad too...they fling poo...

thats real talk!

Reggie,

First off, Amen! That's what makes this hobby so great. We both love the diversity because that's what life should be all about. You know my story and that these are just not words.

Wally

[joel_p1]

Reggie,
Im honored that you think of me as a friend. Ive made so many new GREAT freinds since being in this hobby and its wonderful. The laughter and sportmanship is like nothing Ive been in before. Ive played ball my whole life growning up and nothing is as tight as this. I look foward to making many more friends as I continue in this journey of Miniature Football. But I know lots of us are of different backgrounds , race, religion, but I never see that when I look at someone that is genuinely a nice person and honest. I must live in a grey area that all that matters to me is Im having fun hanging with my friends.
I always have to joke around with my friends too. cause thats how we do!!!
P.S. Reggie, I keeps it real.. Also, be careful putting that muzzle on RD, make sure you got a helmet on with a windshield and wiperblade..
Joel

[rjackson]

....you would answer one of dem ******** phones man!!!

[MplsTom]

"they fling poo"...Wolf you really do need to get out more.

[RavennaAl]

Originally Posted by WEIRDWOLF

Chimpanzees are bad too...they fling poo...

Don't beat around the bush, Wolfboy, say what you really mean. You're talking about my Sasquatch again, aren't ya? It's like I told you before, and I'll say it again. They weren't flining poo. It was that darn bad can of chilie I fed them and not wearing clothes and all, ....well, you can imagine what happened next... :rolleyes: