*I had wanted to post this earlier in the week when the news broke that Joshua Smith had decided to leave UCLA, but didn’t get a chance. Now with the events that occurred today it renews my passion for supporting these athletes and getting them the help and support that they need when they need it.
This week I saw a good friend of mine (I do not Life Coach him) Joshua Smith, the former big man Center for UCLA, get eaten alive in the media for quitting the team. And all I could see was a 20 year old kid who has endured endless media trashing for his weight, and who had lost the love of the game.
When he made his decision to leave the team it was something that he needed to do for him, and for his happiness, and all fans could do was trash him and say what an idiot he is to throw away his future and the chance at millions. And knowing Josh, I support his decision, know he has a plan, and understand that
he is smart enough to chose happiness above what everyone thinks he should do. He has a great family support system, which many of these kids don’t, so thankfully he can rely on that guidance to get him though firestorms like these. Yet still it’s hard for me not to get passionate about watching what fans and media did to him in the wake of that decision. It breaks my heart, and makes me angry.
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| I went a little nuts on Twitter! |
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| Just waiting for someone to try and get the ball.. lol |
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| Josh with my son and his friends at our house last spring |
Maybe we should stop pretending these guys are superhuman and perfect. If you are a sports fan, then support these guys, and remember they are human and for the most part are really great people and I’m glad to call so many of them my friends.
Sarah Centrella is the author of the book Hustle Believe Receive which teaches you how to apply the #HBRMethod to change your life and live your dream.
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Author | Life Coach | Motivational Speaker and single mama. I'm a chick on a mission to prove anything is possible for ANYONE. My story featured in the New York Times, Steve Harvey Show and NBC.
I think we (Ucla fans) are just disappointed. Josh, from his first early comittment to the university, has always been a really bright spot for our recruiting efforts and continues to have so much promise, regardless of where he chooses to go from here.
I hope I speak for most Ucla supporters when I say we will hold a special place in our hearts for him despite his decision to move on.
I also think most of us who weren’t granted the talent and gentic wherewithal to compete at Josh’s level find his weight issues confusing. I think most people sense the strong support system Josh has, and that just confounds the issue.
Making healthy choices can be a challenge for anyone at times; Josh isn’t alone. Many were hoping he would turn his situation around. I still believe he will, but it will have to be on his own schedule.
I forgot to say thanks for posting. I agree that there’s something really special about him and it’s nice to find something posted in support of him in light of all the criticism over the last 3 days.
Yes that’s why I had to post something, it’s just been so shocking to watch how ruthless the fans and media have been… Like this is a PERSON! And a great one at that, he’s a good, kind sweet kid… There is just no need to tear him apart for his decision to do what is best for him. And I think if I was in his shoes I’d of left too…