dwntwnboy: blog 
dwntwnboy's blog
go dean go!!
Published Oct. 13, 2008
A shock to my system as I read the letter below. Dean Smith doesn't normally do "endorsements" of ANY kind, be they car, Coke/Pepsi...whatever. For him to come out and publically support a candidate shows how much he must believe in him. Read and judge for yourself....and no snide comments from Duke fans either- it ain't time to be talking junk yet- basketball is right around the corner though, we got plenty of time for that later.
Came via email...
There is a point in every contest when sitting on the sidelines is not an option. That is why Linnea and I are writing to urge you to join Barack Obama's campaign for President.
There are pivotal moments in history when the right decision by a nation can change its course for the better -- opening up new paths before us and providing future generations with opportunities that we had not thought possible. This coming election provides one of those moments. Linnea and I believe Barack Obama is the right leader at this critical juncture. I have written that when coaching a team, you must be prepared to make changes to meet new challenges and obstacles. We must be prepared to do the same as a nation. Now, it is the United States that needs a change in direction... and a change in leadership.
Linnea and I respect all that Senator McCain has done for our country. However, we feel strongly that it is Barack Obama who offers the real leadership our nation needs to tap its potential as a land of opportunity -- even as we face difficult times at home and abroad. Senator Obama is a patriotic American, a committed Christian, a good family man, and a man who shares the bedrock values that most North Carolinians have in common: fairness, hard work, respect for others, and personal responsibility. And he has the vision and judgment to help us push through this period of uncertainty to a time of greater economic stability and greater security from threats abroad.
If you believe America needs to set a new course, then the time to join us is now. If you are already an Obama supporter, please step up to help our campaign. There are only about three weeks left before Election Day, and if we are going to move away from the failed policies of the past, then we need your help now.
So we encourage you to get out there and get involved -- talk to your neighbors and sign up to volunteer today.
And pass this email along to those you think might be interested. This election is too important to stand on the sidelines and watch history pass us by.
Thank you,
Coach Dean Smith and Linnea Smith
Chapel Hill, NC
close31 Comments
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My point is that the NCAA rules prohibiting paying players don't seem to make a lot of sense when they're virtually walking billboards for the companies placing their products upon their person...especially when that activity is making their coaches and their schools rich.
That many players go on to lucrative careers doesn't do much for the kid who blows his knee out in his sophomore year and can't cut it to get a degree.
Either the NCAA is an organisation for amateur athletes or maybe it ought to just drop the charade and get the money that players are currently being paid out in the open.
Put a dollar value on their tuition, room/board, incidentals and reasonable compensation for advertising athletic products and treat it as income.
October 13, 2008 1:18 p.m.
GOLO member since September 11, 2008
October 13, 2008 11:44 a.m.
GOLO member since January 3, 2008
October 13, 2008 11:25 a.m.
There is a difference between doing commercials (endorsements) and being under contract with a shoe company. Not much of a difference, but enough of one.
GOLO member since January 3, 2008
October 13, 2008 11:23 a.m.
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What flavour uniforms and sneakers did the Tar Heels wear during his tenure and how much of a kickback did he get from the manufacturers for them?
As I recall, Dean was up there with Coach K in pulling in million$ from product placement on his uncompensated players.
October 13, 2008 11:20 a.m.
GOLO member since October 12, 2007
October 13, 2008 11:05 a.m.
I totally agree with this. My vote is in no way affected by celebrity endoresements.
GOLO member since October 12, 2007
October 13, 2008 11:05 a.m.
GOLO member since January 3, 2008
October 13, 2008 10:55 a.m.
October 13, 2008 10:44 a.m.
He is entitled to his opinion, of course, but frankly it is totally irrelevant to me.
October 13, 2008 10:43 a.m.
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