College football season. I would like to congratulate the Florida Gators, but I just can't. I don't care if they are from Florida and I should pull for them, why I'd rather slap a hungry lion than ever "root" for a Gator.

You got to give a man his loyalties. I bleed FSU Garnet and Gold. I don't care what they won, they only beat us by one touchdown and we should have won the game, that's all I care about. I didn't even watch it. If the UF Gators were playing for a national championship of anything in my own backyard, why I wouldn't even raise my bedroom curtains to watch them.

Now, it's all about the Pros. This is the time of the year that I watch Pro Football, and "How "bout dem Saints!" I have only waited 40 years for a championship game from them, but they done gone and done it. WHO DAT SAY DEY GONNABEAT DEM SAINTS, WHO DAT!

I have noticed this year that excessive celebrating of the game has occurred. It's not just Mr. Mouth, Terrell Owens, it's almost everyone that scores a touchdown these days. Dancing like chickens, showing us the "moon," acting like stupid is common among them. I actually notice now when one of them gives the football to the referee or just drops it on the ground. How sad is that?

Players like Paul Hornung, Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly, Floyd Little, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Frank Gifford, Emmett Smith, and today Ladainian Tomlinson, (I could go on and on) never tried to "show up" an opponent or make a spectacle of himself by spiking the ball or other egocentric antics. It just wasn't the thing to do. Your teammates and opponents would not condone - no, let me change that - allow such behavior. The simple reason was "respect." Respect for your opponent and respect for the game itself. Where has all the respect gone? I'll tell you, it has moved inside their giant egos.

Coach Herman Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs, 'Lil Bubba's favorite team, "If you are going to celebrate when you score, then celebrate when the other team scores." Sounds silly doesn't it? However, what Coach Edwards is saying is, show some respect for the other guy and for the game. I realize that there is a rush of excitement in scoring a touchdown but - P L E A S E - keep it in perspective. Most of the time, the game continues and an opponent often is challenged by your showboating. Second, it is just a GAME - not a breakthrough in a scientific discovery. You are paid enough to not act like a child with a new All Day sucker!

This showboating and disregard for an opponent was highlighted in the 2007 Rose Bowl game when UCS's wide receiver, #8 Dwayne Jarrett, outran the Michigan defender to catch a pass for a go-ahead touchdown. As Jarrett raced toward the goal line he pointed back at that defender as if to say, "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah." On another occasion after scoring a touchdown, Jarrett took the ball and did a basketball type "jump shot." Those shenanigans distract from the special talent of Jarrett. He is an outstanding college receiver, but that showing up of your opponent diminishes his stature. I know his momma is proud of him. It has crept into the college ranks now and I can' t wait to

see a Gator score a touchdown, jump up and spike the ball, and have it come back at him and stuff his mouth full of football! Hell, I'd pay to see that!!

I encourage people to "celebrate your victories," as long as you keep it in perspective. Pumping of the fist, using the touchdown signal or patting the player on the back is a healthy way to build T*E*A*M camaraderie.

Dr. King made a significant difference in the lives of others through his quiet and powerful demeanor - not by "showboating." He said what he said with reverence for all and he acted like he spoke. Where or where are leaders like him today?

Just thought you'd like to know...