Journal 6 - Marina Siles

 

Marina Siles

English 1109 at 10:30, M-W

October 20, 2020

 

 

Journal 6: Takeaways

            The zoom interview with Maurice Clarett and Bob Eckhart was basically a once in a lifetime experience. Anyone can read his book and look up stories but to hear him personally answer our questions and talk about more than just the book with us was amazing. Bob did also a great job in helping writing this book, he helped make it very intriguing and to hear just about the kind of person he is was unique since before reading this book I had zero knowledge of him.

            A takeaway I got from the zoom call was how Maurice talked about himself, others, and the topics. He was respectful, truthful, and real. I feel as if that is something that is not seen often in society, especially people who are unapologetically raw about their experiences and real. He did not hide anything we asked questions about or be “two faced” as some might say. He sounded just the same as he did in his book, which is something I didn’t expect to be honest but I also don’t know what to expect at first. But this just showed that you don’t need to put up a front to other people, and if they don’t like it then that’s on them for the most part.

            In One And Done there was a lot that happened and a lot that can be taken from it but for me I took away his discipline and dedication he puts towards something that he wants to put fourth energy towards. As a student during these times it is easy to lose focus or drive that I once had to getting a degree. But hearing Clarett’s books is just another reminder that I can achieve these things but I have to want it. I am blessed to have supportive family that encourages me in school and other hobbies. He also had his support system that came from other athletes, coaches, etc. Even though he was in prison it did not change the discipline that was inside Clarett from the start and I think that’s incredibly important as well.

        Another takeaway from the book was how now a days it seems to become more and more clear that things like the NFL are or where never looking for anything but how to generate more money to put in everyone else’s pocket without a care of what happens to the player. What made me think this way was when he said “The NFL is getting younger and cheaper every year - careers are getting shorter and guys are making less money.” (Clarett 253). This kind of goes to show that professional and college athletes are treated like they are only there for show and nothing more. Hurting them individually overtime, physically, financially, and mentally.

Clarett playing for OSU where he got several injuries