I didn't mind if they yelled at me, but when they came on the field, it was a different story.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
They were so clever finding ways to get me the ball. They had to do more than just give up open shots. They had to avoid fouls and pass me the ball in traffic.
I used to take pride if my kids were playing basketball, and I'd be there, and I wouldn't say anything. People were obviously expecting me to yell and scream at the ref and at them and everything. I wouldn't say anything.
I was in awe every time I walked on to the field.
Both of my sons used to coach high school football. When they started, I'd say things I shouldn't have. So I learned my lesson.
Once, I started cheering for the wrong team. I was hot, and I heard 'Touchdown!' and I started doing high kicks, and I looked around and nobody else was cheering.
Back then I said to myself 'screw football.' Actually I just took part in this camp as there was nothing better for me to do. They also didn't draft me because they thought I was too wild and undisciplined.
I noticed that when I touched the ball on the field, you could hear this shrill noise in the crowd with all the birds screaming like at a Beatles concert.
Army life was rough. Would you believe it, they actually wanted me to pitch three times a week.
When I told the fans I was an alcoholic, they all applauded. When I told them I had given myself to a higher power, they cheered again.
We yelled, mostly, but bad enough that you wanted to fight. That's how we became winners. We fought each other. When you did something wrong, we'd tell you about it.