ROBERT PACHECO

12/12/2018

Dear Reader(s) of the Portfolio:

Upon coming back to college or school in general, for my first time in 7 years, I was overwhelmed with feeling that I spent to much time writing improper during my time away from school. I love to write because I write music, but I know that is completely different than writing a college essay in MLA format. Now as a writer after spending this semester in English 101, I have noticed the growth and the strengthen up within my writing. I have developed better writing habits as well as a better knowledge of how to write with proper punctuations and more details within my essays and my writing in general. While I know I still have more to work on, my goal I set for myself before the semester, I feel I have accomplished it. This semester in English 101 has helped me become a better writer and I plan on bettering my writing with higher level English classes as well.

My memoir essay  “ Titan Up ”, was my favorite piece I wrote this semester. I enjoyed writing it and I feel like I was able to show with words a memory in my life that I find myself often looking back on. It was a bittersweet memory of a losing team becoming my favorite. Maybe it was the fact that it was the last time I would watch a football game with my parents together alive and present. Maybe the mixture of them alive plus the Titans having my favorite color as the color of their team’s uniform. Up until now a days and how my son shares the same love that I had when I was his age watching the game with my dad. Over all, I find that my memoir was sufficient and detailed enough and provided visuals and a understanding in the text that showcased my memory of that specific time.

My 2nd essay was my text wrestling essay about C.T.E, and how a lawyer by the name of Jason Luckasevic teamed up with Dr. Bennet Omalu to get a lawsuit against the N.F.L. After Dr.Omalu’s findings on C.T.E in football players, Luckasevic was able to build a case and provide information and actual facts to go against the N.F.L. Conducting autopsy’s on retired players who were deceased and donated their brains for scientific research Dr.Omalu found C.T.E in 90% of the brains study. Luckasevic met up with retired players to see how their living conditions were, and upon examination he discovered most of them had developed mental and physical disabilities sustained from the physical play in football over their careers. And in my text wrestling essay I was able to provide all the information I recovered for my research and tell the story of how “ A Lawyer’s Crusade Could Change Football Forever. ”

My final essay was an ethnography on an ( outside ) fan experience at Gillete Stadium. As a football fan, but not necessarily of either team that was playing, the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers. I was able to observe the full experience and atmosphere of the stadium and the game. From the descriptions I gave from the tail gating in the parking lot, to the energy and excitement inside the stadium. I felt I also gave a strong description of the fans that was their, as well as what was going on all at once from celebrations, to vendors and the game itself.

In conclusion to this semester, I have learned a lot from this course. It has helped me touch up on area’s of my writing that needed some work. As I move forward I plan on using the knowledge I gained in this course and building on to it.

Sincerely,
Robert Pacheco

On January 30th, 2000, my passion for football began and has since grown immensely. With Sports being a staple in my life, mainly football, i’ve decided to make this essay on a specific football game that has had me addicted to the sport ever since. It was a showdown between two elite teams filled with future hall of fame players, that still gets mentioned here and there for the simple fact alone. IT WAS AMAZING !

It all started when I was a kid, I’m talking about my love for the game of football that is. From sitting in front of the t.v glued to the screen on the day of the lord, to eventually playing organized football myself ( nevermind the countless hours of playing it’s video game Madden ). What I was able to experienced on. January 30th, 2000 was an everlasting feeling of hope. The battle between the Tennessee Titans and the St.Louis Rams in the Super Bowl, was historic and an instant classic. As well as my first time watching. The game was truly remarkable and unforgettable yet bittersweet, from a brilliant effort of the quarterback Steve McNair. Marching the team up field, on pace for a comeback victory, to a 1 yard away from the endzone stop, to lose the game as the time expired. Unfortunately the Rams q.b Kurt Warner was scortching hot and torched our defense with 414 yards in the air and 2 touchdowns on 24 passes.

A complete stranger who I never heard of 24 hours prior, had me hooked after an incredible in-game performance and memorable, yet motivating post game speech. I watched him down by 4 points with under 2 minutes to go and fight like titans with his team to march up the field. Just to get beat by the expiration of time and last second defensive stop. A tackle on Tennessee’s wide receiver Kevin Dyson perfectly executed by the Rams linebacker Mike Jones, sealed the Titans fate as losing team, while immortalizing the St.Louis Rams as Super Bowl champs. It was an underdog story that I can relate to, with a heart wrenching ending. For example if life was a game of poker I would of been dealt a horrible hand but still magically won based off my poker face and never folding. I lost both my parents to drugs and lived through some rough times that some adults wouldnt have been able to handle. And with a lot people expecting me to follow in my parents path, I did the exact opposite! So even though the Titans lost the big game, they didnt completely lose because no one even thought it was possible they’d even make it that far, similar to what people thought about me. Nevertheless Tennessee gained me as a life-long commited and fully dedicated fan.

In actuality it was in that moment of watching them get defeated, sitting with my dad and mom on the living room sofa that in fact pulled me in. Not only because it was one of the last Super Bowl’s I would watch with my mom and dad still together and alive. Which I don’t have to many memories of. But even more when the q.b Steve McNair was interviewed in the post-game conference. He talked with such distinct confidence after the loss, and promised to bring them back to the championship the following year. I can’t remember the question the reporter asked but I do remember McNair saying

With such a strong sense of confidence I was left with no other choice but then to believe.

Fast forward 18 almost 19 years later and i’m still apart of the titan nation screaming #titanup every football discussion I come across. Witnessing the rise and demise of my team throughout the years while remaining a humble fan, has been very difficult though, with little to no rewards. Headache after heart break after my heart trying to escape from my chest like i’m holding it hostage. Inevitably the feelings of that very 1st game has never left. A blessing and curse all wrapped in one, with a 18 year hold on their last Super Bowl appearance. At this point i am almost willing to sell my soul or left arm for a Super Bowl victory. Literally ….

Although, I would have never of thought on that night of Jan.30th 2000, i’d be subconsciously signing myself up for a ritual and tradition for years to come. I now have a son myself who likes the Titans by default. Every Sunday my son grabs one of my Titan hats and watches the games with me untill he becomes overly bored ( happens everytime ). As well as my commitment to watching every game from September untill January ( then playoffs and maybe Super Bowl ), my son has built the same loyalty I have. Went from chanting ” McNair ” who was like a god for the Titans, to Mariota who hopes he can keep his job with the Titans after this season, & about 8 other quarterbacks in between. It has been a rocky road, & very similar to the ice cream. At 1st when it’s fresh it’s amazing, but as time goes by its melts away and becomes unenjoyable, similar to Tennessee in recent years.

Therefore, I have quite the bizarre relationship with my team now a days. Because I know no matter how much I value or want to see my team do excellent and excell to greatness, there is 31 other teams who are just as hungry to win. I also know that I haven’t seen my team in the big game since I became a fan, and have been chasing the dream of seeing them in glory. Before I pass on to the “what ever happens after you die” realm, I need to see what should of happened on January 20th, 2000, the Tennessee Titan’s celebrating a win in the only game that matters……The Super Bowl !

In a “ Lawyer’s Crusade Could Change Football Forever ” , Michael Sokolove talks about chronic traumatic encephalopathy, also known as C.T.E., and how Dr. Omalu and a lawyer by the name of Luckasevic, was confident that  football was to blame for damage of the brain that was irreversible, after he saw Dr.Omalu’s work and findings.

Dr.Omalu conducted an autopsy on former Pittsburg Steelers player Mike Webster who was just 50 years old but suffering from dementia and was homeless at the time of his death. Mike Webster’s brain was examined and that’s where Omalu made his 1st discovery of C.T.E which is known in the boxing world as “ punch drunk ” syndrome.This would be the evidence needed to conduct more research and have a claim against the N.F.L. To start building his case against the N.F.L, Omalu teamed up with Luckasevic, a lawyer who up untill Omalu showed up had not had one landmark case, only accidents and minor slip and fall cases.  Luckasevic also meet up with retired N.F.L players to study their behavior and living conditions. Upon his discovery, Luckasevic noticed many of the players suffered from chronic headaches, depression, memory loss and sleeplessness. As well as he noticed most of them was on disability and some couldn’t even remember their own name showing Alzheimer’s type conditions.  For example, Luckasevic said, “They have to have your cellphone number. They’ll keep calling and calling and calling until they get you, and you’ll have a conversation, and then they’ll call you back an hour later and ask the same questions and have the same conversation. Its really horrific ”.

In 2011 Luckasevic was able to file a lawsuit against the N.F.L on behalf of 75 retired players thanks to Dr.Omalu’s findings. Soon enough dozens of lawyers from around the nation gathered together with Luckasevic and their clients. With retired and current players by his side to challenge the N.F.L, Luckasevic proceeded with the biggest case himself and the N.F.L has yet to partake in. In response to his findings, Omalu was attacked by the N.F.L. Doctors that work for the N.F.L asked that Omalu’s findings on his neurosurgery report to be dismissed and said it was “preposterous” and a “misinterpretation of the facts.” ( Sokolove, Michael. 2014 )

  After winning the case in September of 2011, the N.F.L made 28 percent of retired N.F.L players eligible for compensation for their injuries and damages. In a time of uncertainty and controversy within the individual players life and the N.F.L, this was a step in the right direction for the unknown damages that occured during their playing years in the N.F.L. Luckasevic received autographed photos and letters from the retired players thanking him for his services. The players and fans alike were both gracious and thankful for the results Luckasevic provided along with Dr.Omalu. Also Luckasevic along with Omalu concluded that football being a head to head contact sport can be dangerous as early as pop warner football. Between 2010 and 2012 pop warner football seen a 10 percent decline on kids playing, due to their parents safety concerns over Omalu’s discoveries. ( Sokolove, Michael. 2014 )

With a lot of players showing aggresion off the field from Adrian Peterson whipping his son with a switch, to Ray Rice assaulting his girlfriend in an elevator, are all warning signs of C.T.E, Dr.Omalu and Luckasevic concluded. Junior Seau also a former linebacker in the N.F.L killed himself due to C.T.E damages causing a mental breakdown. C.T.E is also one of the factors to be blamed for the mental breakdown and committing suicide of Aaron Hernandez while he was in prison awaiting his sentencing for a murder trial. But that wouldn’t take place untill after C.T.E become a popular topic and after the lawsuit trial had finished.

    What was once an inside secret amonst the people who run the N.F.L, was now out in the open and affecting the views of the N.F.L and how they care for and treat their retired players.

In response I agree with Attorney Luckasevic pushing the issue after the C.T.E findings discovered by Dr.Omalu. The injuries the players sustained throughout their years active in football and the effect that the C.T.E played was too large for people to not know and/or ignore what dangers could lie ahead in playing the physical sport of football. For example, M.D Jesse Mez also discovered C.T.E in 99% of retired N.F.L players brains that were donated to science after they died. As well as 87% of C.T.E signs in all the brains that was donated of football players from a high school level and up to the professional level. Results from study out of Boston University showed; “  C.T.E in 3 of 14 players (21%) whose highest level of play was at the high school level, 48 of 53 players (91%) who played at the college level, 9 of 14 players (64%) who played at the semiprofessional level, seven of eight players (88%) who played in the Canadian Football League, and 110 of 111 players (99%) who played in the NFL” ( Remaly, 2017, Study Details CTE in Football Players ). With all the evidence indisputably out in the public, it would be preposterous to disagree with the stance Luckasevic and Dr.Omalu took to inform the dangers of American football and the services they provided for the voiceless, deceased and retired football players. Also as much as i feel sorry for all those that has been affected by C.T.E, I still will watch football because I love the sport and the players are now aware of the injuries that could occur, just as a boxer or mma fighter would. ( Remaly, Jake. 2017 )

Sokolove,Michael., “How One Lawyer’s Crusade Could Change Football Forever”. New York Times Magazine, 2014.

Remaly, Jake. “Study Details CTE in Football Players.” Neuorology Reviews, 2017.

It starts as soon as you park your car. Cups full of beer smacking against one another by fueled up fans. People dressed fully in their teams gear. In uncomfortably cold weather there’s men with shirtless painted bodies looking like they could be their teams mascot. From families with kids, couples, and friends there to have a good time and watch their team play. As I move through the horde of tailgaters grilling food and drinking beers, shots and who knows what else, it is basically a party of people having fun before the game with pre-game rituals. A lot of the fans are only there to tailgate. Then after the chaos I have a half mile walk with official team gear vendors every few hundred feet untill you come up to the stadium.

Jumbo trons greet you, displaying highlights and on the field action under the bright stadium lights. Multiple concession stands with lines full of consumers trying to sober up or just grab a quick bite to eat, as well as buying a new jersey or souvenir of their team.
Screaming fans cheering as loud they can while making their way into the building and the noise they project grows more as they enter the security checkpoints leading to the stands. As soon as you enter fried doughs, pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, as well as a variety of other fried and greasy foods and beverages are sold at stands throught each floor inside the stadium.

In a place where as long as you’re rooting for the same team, strangers can become the best of friends as they celebrate each big play or touchdown scored. All races of people from white, black, tan, etc., celebrating with one another only caring about how their team performs. With the exception of some trash talking, die-hard fans instigating and agitating fans of the opposing team, all in the love and the tradition of the game. And a very few drunk and obnoxious slurs getting covered by ” im sorry he’s drunk ” from non intoxicated spouses saving their man from getting into a physical altercation.

On the field cheerleaders chant and dance the day away. The players are on the field warming up running pre-game drills, while others are dancing out of tunnel by the Patriots lighthouse on their way to the field. Coaches are huddled together discussing the game’s strategies. Five Super Bowl banners as well as a dozen AFC Championship banners are proudly displayed. Referee’s waiting around while on field maintenance makes sure the field is safe of obstructions. Waterboys filling gatorade bottles and coolers. Medical staff tapping hands and strapping knee braces on players in need of them. Everyone on the field getting done what needs to get done before the game begins.

The game starts with a coin toss to decide on who will receive the ball on the kickoff and who will recieve it to start the 2nd half of the game ( 3rd quarter ). With 11 players on offense and 11 on defense taking the field. The New England Patriots at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots score 1st with a 8 yard touchdown rushing touchdown by their back uo running back James White. Packers immediately follow up on the next possesion with a field goal ( 3 points ) cutting the Pats lead 7-3. But the Patriots like their crowd would not take their foot off the pedal and every quarter they would outscore and out play Aaron Rodgers ( quarterback of the Green Bay Packers ) and the Packers leading to a victory by the score off 31-17 lead by Tom Brady, who threw for 294 yards and a touchdown.

Throughout the game individual vendors walked up and down each row offering beverages and refreshments at an expense much higher when compared to its market value. Single beers costing as much as a six pack bought at a typical liquor store. Slices of pizza sold for the price of a small pizza. Non stop consumers buying out every vendor that walks by. With this being my 2nd game I have attended, the culture and actions of the fans are practically indentical both times.

The Patriots win and the fans are joyous over the victory, with some celebrating with far to much alcohol as they stumble around slurring chants. As a fan of an opposing team and neither the Patriot’s or the Packer’s, it was more fun then my previous experience because I didn’t care who won the game and was just there to have a good time. Unlike the time I watched my team play the Patriots and having my nerves sputter the whole game knowing my team was most likely going to lose, which they did. Also the fans here in what I observed are a lot more friendly then Red Sox fans. For example, the last Red Sox game I went to I watched my team the White Sox beat the Red Sox. As i was leaving the game in full White Sox gear I had people squirt ketchup on my pants as I walked by to the point it almost started a brawl. When I seen the Titans play the Patriots, the Titans obtained an early lead and played a good game, but the whole time other Patriots fans was talking to me, trying to buy me drinks, telling me they respect my team and more. And I seen the same happening to Packers fans at the game as well. While both teams are from New England ( Red Sox, Patriots ) I have enjoyed going to Gillete stadium a lot from what I have experienced.