No Guns Are Allowed...

This song and video have been on repeat while I crank out this blog (played approximately 15 times). It's all I can think about in light of the story of Jonathan Ferrell. Jonathan Ferrell is a former Florida A&M football player who had recently moved to the Charlotte area. On a early Saturday morning, he crashed his car on the side of a road in Northeast Charlotte and walked approximately a half a mile to the nearest home looking for help. The lady, who answered the door, did not recognize him, closed her door and immediately called the police. The police, later found him not far away. He ran toward the police officers at which one of them tasered him. He continued running toward them. Several shots were fired at Ferrell. He died at the scene.

The events I described are are fact. Are there missing elements? Of course. But here is what we know. Another unarmed man is now dead at the hands of the ones that take an oath to 'Serve and Protect'.  This hits home on so many areas because I can surely see myself, my father, my ne or my son in the same predicament has this young man.

I'm very much worried about the safety of myself as well as my 15 year old son. There's no time in our history where a man of any age, has the chance of dying at the hands of gunfire than now. It seems to me as 'shoot first' enters the mind of gun holders as well as those sworn to protect us instead of common sense. There are many who would argue why this young man ran at the police officers. Keep in mind, he was in a car accident. He may have been injured, cut, and just happy to see someone who could help. Did they ask for identification? Were there instructions from the officers asking the young man to stop and show his hands? I have no idea. Again, it's two officers and one victim. Shooting to kill was excessive and unnecessary.

I will continue to teach my son to always be respectful of everyone, including the men in blue. Because he's driving age, I've covered with him exactly what to do if he is ever pulled over. Ironically, it's the same instruction my dad taught me over 20 years ago.

• Hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel or both hands out the window, palms open.
• You answer with Sir or Mam. Be respectful to the officer
• When asked for license and registration, do not make sudden moves while reaching with your wallet. In fact, talk to the officer as to what you're doing as you reach for it.
• Do exactly what the officer says if they ask you for anything.
• Look them in the eye and speak the truth, regardless of the outcome.

I'm not at all implying this young man caused his own death. Please don't confuse my words. I could have very easily done the same thing. However, I've never thought that the above words from my dad may have saved my life. I just hope they save my son's life and health from the 1% of the law who vigilantly take the law into their own hands. Although my father will never read this, Thank you for everything; Your stories, your lessons, your example. I hope one day, my children will feel the same way about me as I feel about you.

And to the family of Jonathan Ferrell, I grieve with you. I'm sorry for your loss and sincerely hope something positive can come from this.

- AJ

"Bullets do not choose a victim, It is the shooter that picks 'em"    Drake

I don't think I was in a good place last I wrote. My! How things have changed! I've started to take back my time to do the things that I wanted to do. For example, I've finally pulled away from coaching. Despite the fact that I love it dearly, it takes up so much time, especially on weekends. From time to time, I have coaches ask me about practice plans or a specific drill. In those situations, I will help out, but I'm in no way obligated to do so.

So where do i start? First off, I'm happy. Very happy! Job is going well, kids are doing well in school and beginning to find themselves. My wife isn't so happy with her job, but we are doing well. Me? I'm happy about several things. One, I've begun to return to working out again. Not so much in the gym, but outside, sweating. Earlier in the year, I started running again, only to learn I really despise running (lol)! That's okay though, because I discovered many more things that I do enjoy doing besides running. I've discovered that I really enjoy bike riding.

I took my El Cheapo mountain bike to a few mountain bike trails in my county. By no means am i the fastest on the trail however, it's so exhilarating to fly by trees and shrubs at 10, 12 sometimes 15 mph! And it's a great workout!

On Sunday, I bought a road bike so that I could ride with a couple of my roadie friends. I took it out today to do a quick 30 minute ride. In about half an hour, I rode about 7-8 miles, which is great considering I have not done much biking. I hope to do a group ride this weekend to see where I stand with other beginners.

Lastly, I'm dating, again! I found a wonderful lady who happens to share my love for all things physical and strenuous. She's a cyclist as well and has discovered her disdain for running as well (lol). It's great to talk cardio or cross-fit with someone who really enjoys it. Again, I'm really happy!

So there you go. That's the latest and greatest of me. Here's to a great rest of the week :-)

- AJ