This has been a trend in Detroit, bad character guys have been removed and replaced with guys that are willing to work hard and give their best. Maurice Morris, Stephan Logan, Kyle Van Den Bosch, Ndamukong Suh, and even some lesser known guys like John Wendling have all been sought out because they are professionals and bring character to the team.

Coleman also gives me even more insight into the Lions plan in the secondary. I have a strong feeling that Chris Houston will be back next year with a multi-year deal.Coleman and Houston played together in Atlanta and should be able to play together quite quickly. An upgrade could still be had at the other side but if the season started today with the combination of Nathan Vasher, Alphonso Smith, Prince Miller, Brandon McDonald, and Tye Hill as you rotational corners I think the team’s pass defense would be in better shape than most people give them credit for.

The Lions finished last year as the 16th ranked pass defense in the league. That’s a major improvement over the past years. Especially when you consider the amount of injuries and rotations they made. Remember Jonathan Wade? The starter? Ya, I don’t really either. Both Vasher and Smith played better than I think anyone anticipated. So much is made of continuity and chemistry. This unit should have a chance to gel this off-season. I still think a rookie defensive back is a real possibility in the draft but if they only get another mid round developmental guy like Devon House, Jalil Brown, or Johnny Patrick then I think they will still be in good shape.

I hope they focus more on bringing in two solid line backers. One in the draft, one in free agency, and another late round developmental guy with speed that can be a special teamer. Obviously Von Miller in the first round if he falls. I think he will but not sure if he falls that far. One of my favorites that has gone under the radar somewhat is Chris Carter from Fresno State. He’s played at defensive end but is a true athlete and can make the transition to backer. He’s around 230 pounds which isn’t bad but you’d like to see him around 240-245 in a year or two. If he can keep his speed and athleticism and gain some size in a developmental year then I think he’s a guy that could take over a starting spot inside in a 3-4 defense or outside in a 4-3 will be where he is best suited.

Dontay Moch in the second round along with Mason Foster are guys to watch. I like Adrian Molten from Maryland as a developmental third day prospect so watch for them. All in all the run defense was much more of an issue last season than the pass defense, ranking only 24th. That’s actually an improvement over recent seasons but nowhere near good enough to contend for a playoff spot. With the talent and skill that is on the defensive line the Lions should be a top 15 defense in both the run and pass game.

The back seven really only needs 3 players at this point from what I’m seeing. A quality starting corner, a quality starting line backer, and Chris Houston. With Coleman in the mix the depth is good. With guys like Palmer, Dizon, and Carpenter the line backer depth is solid and one of those guys could start.

If I was in charge, which I’m definitely not, I would go after one of the top line backers available out there that will fit in as an upgrade where Julian Peterson used to be. There will be up to 10 solid possibilities to look at. Find the best scheme fit and bring him in to start. Then I would try to get my hands on whomever the best weak side prospect is in the second round. In the first I’d strictly go best available and build the talent level on the team.

After fixing the line backing core with a guy like Chad Greenway and drafting a weak side prospect like Dontay Moch in the second, I would resign Chris Houston and hope to get a good corner prospect in the first round like Jimmy Smith or Brandon Harris. That would fill every perceived hole on this team. In the third round I would look at another offensive play maker like Randall Cobb or Lester Jean(one of my sleeper prospects). A center prospect has to be high on the list as well. The trouble Dominic Raiola keeps finding himself in as well as his questionable abilities combined with Dylan Gandy being a free agent make the need for a developmental center significant. I haven’t found a solid mid round prospect that I like yet though.

Thanks for reading, leave questions or comments if you’re so inclined. Martin, if you’re listening, I like the move and what I think the plan is.

David

The optimism is just getting started for the Tiger’s this season as players hit Florida for spring training and already the little flame of hope is being doused. It’s an almost empty bottle of scotch that is raining down this time.

Check out the report from SI.com above.

It appears as though Cabrera is back out drinking and this time has been arrested and apparently charged with a  DUI. As talented as Cabrera is, the strikes are starting to add up. The investment from the Tiger’s in Cabrera would mean disaster if he was no able to play in Detroit. We’ll all have to wait to see what the fallout is.

More important than baseball is the fact that Cabrera has a serious drinking problem. One that could end in disaster. From the incident with his wife to driving with a bottle of scotch in one hand. This is a very serious issue. Not just because he’s Miguel Cabrera. Alcoholism destroys not just the people that suffer it but also the loved ones, teammates, and others that are in contact. I hope that in the end, this situation will be a trigger that gets him the help he needs.

Stay posted.

33 New England Patriots – Titus Young WR – Deep threat who needs to work on his hands and attitude. New England can straighten things out.

34 Buffalo Bills – Blaine Gabbert QB – Developmental QB that could compete for the job with Fitzpatrick.I’m not convinced he is a franchise player but the hype gets him drafted here.

35 Cincinnati Bengals – Torrey Smith WR – Some outside speed to help replace Terrell.T.Ocho.Cinco. Owen .Johnson. I think you get some instant addition by subtraction there, if Cincy lets at least one of them move on.

36 Denver Broncos – Cameron Heyward DE – Denver needs to build up its defense, especially in the front seven.

37 Cleveland Browns - Kyle Rudolph TE – A real target for Colt. Good value, the top rated TE in the draft will create match up issues and provide a nice relief valve.

38 Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Kerrigan DE – Probably becomes an OLB but is versatile enough that he could add weight and play DE.  AZ gets outstanding  value from a  sliding prospect.

39 Tennessee Titans – Ryan Mallett QB – Tennessee hopes they’ve landed a developmental franchise QB.

40 Dallas Cowboys – Rahim Moore FS – Secondary help is big in big D. More is needed.

41 Washington Redskins – Rodney Hudson OG – Shanahan passes on a QB (and by QB I mean Newton) and builds the trenches in typical Shanahan fashion. Snyder is probably going to be trying to get Newton here.

42 Houston Texans – Marvin Austin DT – More beef for the D Line. Austin’s stock has fallen but is back on the rise. He’s a really nice second round prospect, especially for Texans D featuring former Matt Millen pick Shaun Cody in a starting spot.

43 Minnesota Vikings – Cam Newton QB – Maybe a surprise but the talent in Minnesota allows Newton a chance to turn into a real QB.

44 Detroit Lions – Curtis Brown CB – Top CB on the board to bolster Detroit’s secondary.

45 San Fran 49ers – Mason Foster LB – Versatile LB that can play in space.

46 Denver Broncos – Bruce Carter LB – The defensive upgrades continue.

47 St. Louis Rams – Luke Stocker TE – More help for Bradford.

48 Oakland Raiders – Rashad Carmichael CB – The Raiders find themselves needing secondary help.

49 Jacksonville Jaguars – Deunta Williams FS – Good value for a position of need.

50 San Diego Chargers – Stephen Paea DT – Potential DE to bolster an already strong defensive in SD.

51 Tampa Bay Bucs – Ryan Williams RB – Upgrade for FA Cadillac Williams. Great combo with Blount in the backfield.

52 New York Giants – Drake Nevis DT – Giants get solid value here.

53 Indianapolis Colts – Mikel Leshoure RB  - Powerful runner the Colts have lacked.

54 Philadelphia Eagles – Martez Wilson LB – Big ILB to strengthen an average run defense.

55 Kansas City Chiefs – Leonard Hankerson WR – KC has to address the WR position. Hankerson is having a good off season.

56 New Orleans Saints – Ras-I Dowling DB – Not the biggest need but Dowling has good value here.

57 Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Burton CB – Depth and talent for the secondary.

58 Baltimore Ravens – John Moffit OG – Some interior strength to bolster the run game.

59 Atlanta Falcons – Marcus Cannon OT/G – Versatile lineman that can fill in on the right side and bring some size/power.

60 New England Patriots – Brooks Reed OLB – More help for the young Patriots D.

61 San Diego Chargers – Quinton Carter S – Hard hitting safety for the Bolts.

62 Chicago Bears – Randall Cobb WR – Quick slot receiver for Martz’s system.

63 Pittsburgh Steelers – Danny Watkins OG – Interior help for the run game.

64 Green Bay Packers – Johnny Patrick CB – CB depth remains important at Lambeau.

The third round is coming soon.

When you finish viewing this draft check out my friend’s mock drafts over at Walterfootball.com. Walt, Greg, and Matt do a great job putting together mock drafts, prospect information, and more.

1 Carolina Panthers – AJ Green WR – Fairley or Green are options. Bowers would need amazing combine/interview/workouts.

2 Denver Broncos – Patrick Peterson CB – Obvious need combined with top talent on the board.

3 Buffalo Bills – Nick Fairley DT/E – Have to fix run defense and Fairley does that and gets pressure up field on the QB.

4 Cincinnati Bengals - DaQuan Bowers DE – With Green off the board, getting pressure up front becomes next biggest need.

5 Arizona Cardinals – Jake Locker QB – Workouts, combine, and interviews reveal Locker can be a franchise QB.

6 Cleveland Browns – Robert Quinn DE – I expect Dick Jauron to implement a 4-3 defense or transition to one. Quinn could play in either.

7 San Fran 49ers – Marcel Dareus DT – Dareus is a good backside 3-4 DE or UT if they switched to a 4-3. QB is in play.

8 Tennessee Titans – Aldon Smith DE – QB is a need but the D was not good this year. More pressure up front is desperately needed.

9 Dallas Cowboys – Nate Solder OT – I think the Cowboys look like the Raiders last year and surprise with some logical picks. OT is an obvious need.

10 Washington Redskins – Prince Amukamara CB – Too many needs in Washington. Hall and Rogers need contracts and a Safety upgrade could be had. Amukamara could fill whichever hole is left.

11 Houston Texans – Cameron Jordan DE – Have to get pressure in Houston. Jordan adds size and speed across from Williams. DT should be next.

12 Minnesota Vikings – Corey Liuget DT – An aging DL and Edwards hitting FA means DL fits.

13 Detroit Lions – Von Miller LB – Miller is getting hype now but his stock should level off as others impress in workouts. He falls based on positional value.

14 St. Louis Rams – Julio Jones WR – Talent and need meet nicely.

15 Miami Dolphins – Mark Ingram RB – Talent and need meet nicely again.

16 Jacksonville Jaguars – Brandon Harris CB – Corner or end are likely. I say Harris is the best option and gets the nod.

17 New England Patriots – Phil Taylor NT – The NT for the future.

18 San Diego Chargers – Gabe Carimi OT – Improving the run game with a mauluing RT is a good start.

19 New York Giants – Justin Houston OLB – Houston helps maintain the vaunted pass rush of the Giants.

20 Tampa Bay Bucs – JJ Watt DE - Pass rush has to be the top priority in Tampa. Watt is a solid prospect next McCoy or price he should do well.

21 Kansas City Chiefs – Stefen Wisniewski OC/G – OC, NT, and WR are major needs. Pending Casey Wiegmann’s retirement.

22 Indianapolis Colts – Tyron Smith OT - Give Peyton time and they’ll be back in the hunt for the division title.

23 Philadelphia Eagles – Jimmy Smith CB - Philly upgrades the No. 2 corner spot.

24 New Orleans Saints – Akeem Ayers LB – Need and value combine nicely yet again.

25 Seattle Seahawks – Mike Pouncey OC/G – Seattle struggles almost everywhere, opening up run lanes is very important. 89 ypg won’t cut it.

26 Baltimore Ravens – Aaron Williams CB – Upgrade at the biggest weak point on the defense.

27 Atlanta Falcons – Adrian Clayborn DE – Another team that has to find a way to pressure the QB.

28 New England Patriots – Benjamin Ijalana OG/T - OL depth and potential starter with excellent upside.

29 Chicago Bears – Anthony Castonzo OT – Best OL available is what the Bears need.

30 NY Jets – Jonathan Baldwin WR – It’s nto bad, but the passing game is the weak link in NY and 3 major players are hitting FA.

31 Pittsburgh Steelers – Derek Sherrod OT – The OT spot is still a concern in Pittsburgh. Relatively speaking.

32 Green Bay Packers – Muhammad Wilkerson DT/E – Good fit for the 3-4 provides needed depth. He could be a starter.

Click here to view the second round.

When you finish viewing this draft check out my friend’s mock drafts over at Walterfootball.com. Walt, Greg, and Matt do a great job putting together mock drafts, prospect information, and more.

I’ll be adding links to the next rounds in the next few days. I have round 3 complete and will be moving into round 4 as well.

Dave

Currently by my last count the Lions have picks in every round but the 6th. The 7th round it isn’t sure whether it’s an original pick or the Jet’s pick. That’s pretty much a non-factor though.

Let’s look at some of the players that may be available and options in each round. Guys to be mindful of for draft followers. I think it’s safe to say a QB is highly unlikely so I won’t be looking at any QB prospects. Every other position is fair game.

First Round:

The first round all depends on what happens before your pick. The Lions will take the best player they can get within reason.

Von Miller and Akeem Ayers are the most likely linebacker prospects at this point but Ayers is high risk and may fall. Miller may not be around when the Lions pick.

Nate Solder is a real possibility to take over as a future franchise left tackle. He has bust concerns but is physically impressive. His draft position is somewhat unpredictable. I say he ends up in the top 10 because of the position he plays. I just expect a team to fall for him, so to speak. It is almost Valentine’s Day.

The corner class is impressive this year and there are 5 first round candidates in my opinion. Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara headline the class but Aaron Williams, Jimmy Smith, and Brandon Harris are all first round prospects. One or two of them could fall into the second round thanks to the need for Quarterbacks and the strength of the defensive line prospects.  If any one of those 5 guys were available in the second round I would consider them to be the best available for the Lions most likely. The thing about corners is that they are highly unpredictable and without looking up the numbers, I would guess the bust rate to be high. The draft stock of a corner is greatly influenced by raw combine numbers so many of  these guys could rise or fall and a few other  second round guys could fly up the board like a Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

I don’t see a center or interior lineman worthy of a top 15 pick. Yes, that includes guys like Pouncey. He is a second round prospect that is being buoyed somewhat by his big brother. He may be a really good guard or center but has a way to go, most likely. I don’t see defensive lineman being a consideration unless an elite talent like Bowers is still there for some crazy reason. I would hope to trade down if that was the case.

There are 2 high level wide receivers and 1 high level running back in Mark Ingram. I see several other wide outs and backs being mocked in the first but I think many of them are overrated including the Virginia Tech running backs, Torrey Smith from Maryland, and Mikel Leshoure from Illinois. Good players but second to fourth round guys in my opinion.

Ingram is a possibility. He is underrated in my opinion. Ingram is a great running back prospect who could be a real, every down running back. I think he will be in the hunt for rookie of the year if he gets on the right team.

A.J. Green would be a steal outside of the top ten and is one of the top 5 prospects in the entire draft. Julio Jones is a solid talent, I don’t know that I would spend a top 15 pick on him in Detroit but they could do worse.

All in all this year has some perceived strengths and weaknesses but as evaluations occur the true first round guys will emerge. I think there are several players that are still somewhat unknown and will move significantly. Nate Solder and Cameron Jordan have already begun the process. Jimmy Smith, Robert Quinn, Ryan Mallett, and Adrian Clayborne are all on my watch list to move around a lot.

I’ll look into some of the guys I see in the second round next. Thank you for reading and for your feedback.

Dave

The article talks about the potential slaughter of a large number of Bison that have migrated out of Yellowstone National Park and are moving out into areas where cattle and ranchers exist. There is a supposed concern about a disease known as brucellosis. You can read up on brucellosis here.

The summary is that brucellosis isn’t a very significant disease and is not likely to be transferred to cattle. It can be transferred to cattle, humans, and many other species. Transmission seems to follow an almost AIDS-like pattern. Meaning that you must have a wound make contact, have intercourse, or eat or drink something from an infected animal. Unlike AIDS, brucellosis is not an overly serious disease to humans and appears to be treatable. As with any bacterial infection serious complications can occur but the likelihood doesn’t seem to be greater than a normal cold or flu for example.

I’m not a doctor but from what I have read, I don’t see why the major uproar. This isn’t CWD.

The only problems I see are that Bison take up grazing areas and can be a risk to humans because of the sheer size of the animals. Again, the risk of being hurt is very small. The risk to crops and grazing areas could be significant to ranchers in the immediate vicinity.

It’s a tougher decision than it appears to be on the surface. What should be valued more, the protection of wildlife or the businesses of humans? Generally speaking any rational person would value a human life over that of any wildlife. But there is no immediate threat or danger here. Brucellosis is being spun into a threat but it’s a relative non-issue. So the impact becomes financial.

So now it’s whether or not we value someone’s financial well-being over the well-being of local wildlife. The government goes to great lengths to protect waterways and salamanders or turtles. They regulate and spend like crazy to protect migratory birds and endangered species. Where does the Bison slaughter fit in with this agenda?

Should we be spending all this money and time on any species or environment? We are all entitled to our opinions I suppose.

My take on it is pretty simple. Migration and the search for food is natural. I don’t see why there is a true need to eliminate these animals. I think it makes more sense to attempt to improve habitat within the park to minimize the migrations out of the park. If you provide what the animals need than they will likely stay. That is easier said than done but if you insist on keeping them within boundaries then I view them as pets, not wild animals. Feed them, supplement in the winter, do what it takes to take care of your pets. If they are wild then let them be wild. If the issue is population control than regulate hunting seasons and use the funds to enhance habitat and supplement in the winter.

These are just suggestions and I haven’t looked into the extensive management plan that is in place and I’m not saying that people are doing a terrible job or are idiots or anything like that. I think it’s very obvious that what they are doing isn’t working and it’s not working because the management of the Bison herd does not have a stated purpose that is being followed. That is poor planning.

So I am curious, what is the management goal? Is it to maintain a herd within Yellowstone National Park of a certain size or that can live off the natural resources of the park? Is it to re-establish a wild free ranging herd? Is it simply to make park visitors happy in a glorified petting zoo? What’s the goal?

I would hope the goal is to re-establish a free ranging herd of an American icon that can travel the landscapes and offer hunting opportunities and viewing opportunities across all suitable habitat.

I would hope that there would be honesty from officials and ranchers alike. If you simply want a herd to view in the park, try an ounce of prevention instead of a pound of the cure. Senseless slaughter of animals that don’t represent a real threat to anyone is not a very good solution. Just the easy way out.

That’s my two cents. What’s yours?

The DNR posted a link to this chart on their Facebook page showing the differences between dogs, bobcats, coyotes, and cougars.

The chart is very useful if you think you’ve found something. Look at the differences, they should be obvious if you have a good track sample.That way, if you think you may have something, try setting up a trail cam if the tracks are common to an area or trail.

I used to question the existence myself until I saw trail cam photos of a cougar. The only reason the camera caught it was because it was slowed by the deer it was dragging off to hide and eat. It was incredible to see real photo evidence. Other reports of deer being spotted in the branches of a tree also make you think twice. Usually the rope gives it away but when they are that high up and the only evidence is claw marks and a bloody neck, my money is on it being a cougar.

The other dead give away is when it’s a young buck that is being picked up. Definite sign of a cougar.

The Lions like to take the Best Available. That could be the best tackle, or backer, or running back. If they have a need and can get the best player at that position then I consider them to be a real prospect to consider. I don’t think they will go for a corner this year unless they truly feel they are getting an elite talent. That leaves a player like Prince Amukamara in consideration but if they could get the top line backer prospect in the entire draft then history tells me that they will go that direction.

Von Miller is emerging as that guy. Anyone that has seen Von play knows he can rush the quarterback from almost anywhere on the field. At 6’2″ and 237 pounds he is not a realistic defensive end or outside line backer prospect. He just doesn’t possess the size he would need in the NFL.

His college numbers are impressive but it is obvious that he must transition to the line backer spot if he wants to be a starter in the NFL. Transitioning from a rush specialist to a strong side line backer in a 4-3 scheme is a very significant transition for most players. The athletic skill set is very different. There is no doubt Von is an athlete and that he is a real football player but being able to move laterally and have the instincts and quickness to play in space takes different skills.

The Senior Bowl has given Von the chance to give line backer a try. His size is ideal for a 4-3 scheme and his athletic ability and strength appear to be translating. Reports are that Von has made the transition and has far exceeded expectations. He has shown the ability to cover underneath and the instincts to read and respond. He has also proven two other important things. Most importantly, he has the physical skills to play the position. The next most important thing you look for in a player is whether or not they can respond to coaching. I think it’s safe to say Von has shown he is capable in both regards and that makes him a very real prospect for Detroit. He fits a need, has elite skills, has elite intangibles it appears, and will likely be one of the best available players when Detroit is drafting. If he lasts that long.

I’ve talked about Akeem Ayers, mainly because I had two major questions about Miller. Whether he could play line backer and whether he’d be available when they pick. Right now it looks like it’s a matter of whether or not he’ll be on the board. If not, maybe that makes Prince fall to Detroit.

Nate Solder is another guy that I think will be a top 5 pick before it’s all said and done. I know the four letter network wants to call him a mid first round selection but the best left tackle in the draft with impressive physical attributes will turn into a top 8 pick. You can bet on that. If he keeps up his impressive play and does decent at the combine he’ll be a top 8 lock, probably even a top 5 pick.

I’m rooting heavily for Solder, the better he does the more likely a player of greater need will drop. It’s also nice to know that a really good tackle prospect could be there in the mid first round. The positional value would make him an interesting pick if it came to that. I highly doubt it will but it’s something to keep in the back of your mind.

The coverage of Cameron Jordan may help the Lions as well. He is moving up the draft and becoming one of the best 3-4 end prospects in the draft. That may make him a top 10 pick if he continues to show well. I think his strength numbers at the combine will be the deciding factor for many teams. If he has the strength he could sneak up to the top 10.

Two other players to watch in the middle rounds are Demarco Murray and Terrence Tolliver. Murray is underrated  in my opinion. I have him as a sleeper prospect right now. I think he can be a feature back. He has the ability. He has had some injury concerns that are costing him in draft status. I think he could be a nice player in the third or fourth rounds if available. I could see him getting drafted in the second though.

Tolliver is interesting because the opportunities weren’t really there in LSU for him to make a big name for himself so he’s tougher to judge. Character concerns are significant as well. Again, in the middle rounds Tolliver strikes me as one of those receivers that could turn into a real starter or a solid rotational receiver that you have to account for. He has the physical tools and has shown he can turn it on. I would be very interested in him in the third or fourth rounds as a No. 3 receiver in Detroit.

So Von Miller in the first followed by Murray and Tolliver in the third and fourth respectively. Second round, I would hope one of the next level corners are there. Aaron Williams and Jimmy Smith are guys I’m keeping my eye on. Williams is a bit under the radar and Smith is very raw. His coach-ability and workout/combine numbers will have a significant effect on his draft position.

David

First up:  Celldweller

Celldweller isn’t exactly a household name but I am confident that every person that reads this has heard his music, whether you realize it or not. Celldweller could be best described as having a multiple personality disorder and all of the personalities know music. An aggressive electronic blend of rock, trance, hip-hop, pop, and metal comes pouring out on almost every song.

From video games, to movie soundtracks, to major album releases, Klayton has been producing amazing music as Celldweller throughout the 2000′s. I’ve heard his music so many times just sitting down to watch a show in the evening I think I just assume he is a part of any good soundtracks. You can look him up on iTunes, Facebook, and YouTube. You can access his channel here. You can visit his main web page here.

If you like rock, metal, and aggressive beats than you owe it to yourself to check out his music. I personally like it for work or working out. The music is very driven and it can definitely motivate you to move.

I think you could sum up Klayton’s work by saying it is driven. There is a drive, a creativity, and a musical force behind each track. It’s obvious to me that music is a true passion and each song seems to be a birthing of that creativity and passion. I hope you check it out, enjoy it, and keep trying to support our hometown musicians!

Dave

I have watched several of Zack’s videos over on Vimeo. You can get to his response to the whole thing here. I have at least an idea of the type of person Zack is. He has a dynamic personality but I have not seen a true malicious side to him. That doesn’t mean that he’s innocent or that he is always right. It simply lends to me leaning towards giving him the benefit of the doubt.

That said, I do think that things are getting blown out of proportion. The phrase he used was a poor decision. That’s all there is to it. He could have phrased it better. If that’s not making a mountain out a mole hill then I don’t know what is. It was obvious to me that he thinks Matt is very gifted and talented. I got this message from Zack’s initial interview: Matt Stafford has some real potential, he has the ability to be great, he has shown it in practice, and he needs to find a way to stay on the field. That’s what I heard. Matt has taken some odd injuries and seemingly has had bad luck. It is what it is.

If I was Stafford I would take this somewhat personally, not that Zack was attacking me, but that it is up to me to get my body built up so I can be there for my team and so I can prove myself to the world. Matt has the ability to be a top 5 quarterback. I wanted him to be drafted. I saw it, the Lions saw it, most fans have seen it at times. It’s there, Matt could propel this team to be a legitimate contender but he HAS to do whatever it takes to be there on Sundays.

Zack’s response and some of the comments surrounding were more interesting to me. Reading comments in response to his video and on some local news sites it’s amazing to me how so many people are attacking him. On the radio this morning, WDFN 1130 AM, one of the morning show guys made some comments that were really off base. He stated that Zack was a guy who is essentially a media whore and bashed him for bringing God into it. The other host was simply upset that he didn’t back up his comments. Tom Kowalski, who I think is a respectable reporter overall, wrote this article in response to being mentioned in Zack’s response. I think Tom’s initial impression of things is pretty close to reality. It’s true that everything you say has consequences, intended or not. The only media issue I see with this story is the countless opinions that want to make his comments something other than what they were.

A lot is made about context, what question was asked, what was the setting, etc. Not enough is made about ‘context’ with regards to who is making the statement. If you view the comments from a perspective where Zack is a good guy that typically means well and likes Matt, then you get one perception. If you just read them without any context of who Zack is than it’s easy to try and paint a picture that isn’t reality.

I believe he made a poor choice of words and he admitted as much. I think he did owe Matt an apology and an explanation, which he said he has done. To me, it’s over there.

The next twist is where people are bashing him for bringing God and satan into the mix. Stating he’s calling people satan and not taking any responsibility. Again, I think that is people hearing what they want to hear. Another popular radio personality in Detroit, Mike Valenti over on 97.1 the ticket, has made this statement many times. “Perception is reality.” I whole heartedly disagree with that statement and having listened to Mike for years now, I am confident he understands the difference between the two. Perception isn’t actually reality, but it is our version of reality. The perception by some is that Zack is hiding behind the Bible. Although the first thing he did in the video is admit he was wrong and that he had to apologize.

My point is, there is reality and then there is your version of reality. Perception is your version of reality but it is almost never true reality. That is precisely why it amazes me how so many will pass a judgment on Zack for so many things without understanding who he is, his relationship to Matt, what he really meant by his statement, etc. It also amazes me that we are so willing to forget that he is human and he will make mistakes. Those statements apply to many other situations. It’s too common to judge something based on our perception without understanding the true reality of the situation.

As far as the God and bible bumping that Zack is being ripped for. Again, that’s who Zack is. Zack views the world through the gospel. I don’t know what specific version of Christianity he follows but I do know that his entire world revolves around his faith. To expect anything different is simply ignorance of reality. We all view the world according to the things we believe to be true. We can’t explain or prove most of our believes but we believe them and live by them none the less.

Taking it a step further, how much has been made of President Obama’s religious affiliations? While the individuals he allows to influence his life may tell you something about the man, it doesn’t define him. You can’t make assumptions from it. Ultimately he is his own person, with his own beliefs, and his own version of reality just like the rest of us. I have read things where people want to say there is a plot to destroy the country because he’s an evil muslim. The problem is that the people making the comments don’t know the man. They don’t even know if he is a muslim.

My whole point is that we are too quick to judge people based on our perceptions and not willing to give people the chance to be themselves or make mistakes. We don’t value people for who they are, rather than who we think they are.

Zack is a Christian that believes that God and Jesus and the Bible are all very real and very relevant. He didn’t call anyone satan in any comment I heard. He was simply discussing how he believed that satan used things to try to attack us, simple things like a poor choice of words or a comment that you make. What I got out of that rant is that it is incredibly important to be above reproach. Meaning, don’t just have good intentions, guard your actions as much as possible so that it’s almost impossible for anyone to perceive them wrong. There’s that word again, perceive. Zack was getting at a point that although perception isn’t reality, understanding that others perception matters means that you have to try to be a person that they are forced to perceive as honorable or good. You may be that in your own mind, but if you want to impact the world like Zack says he does, then you have to be a person that is perceived as a ‘light’ as he calls it.

I guess I’m curious what your perceptions of Zack or the media are. My perception is that Zack meant no harm but should have been more careful about the words he spoke. My perception is that some people get that this is somewhat of a non-issue but others want to make this a hot button issue. My perception is that too many people are willing to decide what Zack meant and what his motivations are, while not allowing him to decide that. Only Zack knows what he meant and what his motivation was. I choose to take him at his word personally. I haven’t seen anything yet that would make me be skeptical of his explanations.

What’s you perception of things?