Much like QB Adam DiMichelle before him, former Owl DB Charles McLaughlin (his blog) responds to the letter to the editor written in the 9/18 issue of The Temple News criticizing the football team’s behavior on campus.
Unedited from Temple-News.com:
Hey Josh,
I’ve read your letter a few times in reference to the Temple football team. At first, I was ready to join in and bash you for taking such an approach. But being born and raised in Philadelphia, I know that even that what you wrote is more about you caring about us then trying to intentionally disrespect us (you know, we boo because we care?).
Now you did write some things very disrespectful and completely assuming that all football players and perhaps student-athletes in general act this way.
Now, I am a former defensive back for the Owls. I was at Temple for five years and was apart of the team from day one. But I wasn’t on scholarship. I had to walk-on. After reading Adam’s response, I cannot help but echo his every word. Football is not a sport to us, its a job. We have to have to follow a strict schedule that can include being in the weight room at 6 am and leaving the facility at 7 pm that evening.
For me, it was tough. I commuted everyday from my home in Port Richmond. I relied on public transportation and set my watch by what times the trolley would depart. Most days my first few years, I didn’t eat all day because I simply couldn’t afford it. Practice, workouts, position meetings, defensive meetings, team meetings and 3-hour practices surrounded my class schedule.
And in my 2nd year, I suffered a back injury that all but ensured my playing days were over. Instead of feeling sorry for myself and settling with my injury, I had surgery, rehabbed and returned to practice 11 months later.
The point to this is that there is a lot of character on this team. Adam showed you right off the bat with his insightful comment. Another one of our teammates apparently let his emotions get the best of him. But isn’t that just as powerful as Adam? His thinking is all wrong, but his heart is in the right place. You are seeing people that are ready to fight for their team. Fight for each other.
This is a step in the right direction.
I’ll end my message on one note. One the final day of Bobby Wallace’s coaching tenure, my defensive back coach, Nick Rapone, walked in and had a long talk with us. One thing stuck out to me and always will.
He said: “In this business, it really isn’t about wins and losses. Its about the people you come across each day.”
Through whatever activity, you find a group of people that you grow close to. With football, I found people that I consider family. There were guys I saw at homecoming today that I haven’t seen since my freshman year, but we recognized each other right away. I found a brotherhood with Temple. And I believe through positive thinking and moral support, people on campus can grow into that. In this town, we have seen how truly powerful the fans can be in any given arena.
Again, I respect your right to an opinion even though we disagree on several points. Continue to support the team and university. Negativity is contagious, so please continue to look for the positivity of our program. I know you will find the many positive aspects of our Owl athletes.
God Bless,
ChuckP.S. Your tuition doesn’t pay for football scholarships. That money comes from the NCAA, which is why it was pretty important for our team to get their grades up so they can keep all their scholarships.
