Bring back this for at least a day. I always enjoyed doing it as it is always fun to look back on moments in time with sports. Although sometimes it is a little scary when you look at just how fast time flies by. Younger guys will laugh at that notion, that's okay. I used to as well. But I assure you, the same will happen with you.
I was only 8 years old when the subject of the day happened but it sent enough shock waves through the country that I did at least take notice and pay some attention as it was discussed around my household with my dad and some of his buddies. It was on this date back in 1967 that Muhammad Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title for refusing to be inducted into the United States Army. Even to this day that stupid war still causes some pretty spirited debates among some. At the time it seemed to be an awful, selfish thing that Ali was going. Totally unpatriotic. In my own family my brother served in the special services in that stupid war and my cousin Mike was killed in the Quang Nam region of Vietnam in 1969. So yes, that war was felt in our household. But, looking back now I consider that war a tremendous waste of american lives. To me, that whole war was a sham. My own brother came back saying much the same. I could go on and on and don't want to get too heavy here. I will take Ali at his word. He stated he did not wish to go fight in that war because he didn't have any quarrel with those Vietcong. At the time it was sold to the american public as drawing the line on communism. Oh well, to me it was a massive cluster you know what. I am thankful the thing was ended as I graduated preventing my ass from being over there as I would have followed their footsteps. I do wholeheartedly believe Ali was saying his mind. To question his courage is silly. Just my own opinion. But that was a BIG deal at the time, I assure you.
Okay, on a significantly lighter note. I provided a free forum winner last week with Rhode Island getting it done against Creighton. I am turning to an NIT game tonight and suggesting a small wager on Central Florida as they host Illinois. I was impressed with the Knights the other night when they got up off the deck and rallied to knock off Illinois State on the road in a very hostile environment. Should be an entertaining game but I say the Knights prevail and clear the number in the end.
On the business end I have loaded up my March Madness Triple Star Game of the Year for later in the week. I have managed to have solid success with these releases in the past. This March with the College Tourney action with the Triples I have won 6 out of 9 on them, 66% winners. Over the last five years combined I have now won 44 of 66 with them, again 66% winners. My March Madness Game of the year two years ago was Oregon and they got the job done winning against Oklahoma State. Last year with my March Madness Game of the year we cashed easily with zero drama as Virginia waxed Iowa State. I feel just as strongly about this one as any of the others. And I do think enough of the release I have it offered up as one of the Pregame Guaranteed releases.
Okay, enough on that. Some very, very good looking games on deck. I'll likely be in Kansas City for the Ducks and Wolverines game friday. Be interesting to see if the Ducks can keep it going without Boucher against a hot Michigan club. There will be a lot of us from this area going as Dana is still very well thought of around here. Purdue is getting a lousy draw as this will be a home game for the Jayhawks. That's really rough. Anyway, thanks and best of luck guys. Enjoy the games.