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PERCY D. BUTLER, CW4(R), DMOC's avatar

Attorney Hobbs, on the day the incident with your Father, I had just arrived from Germany to giva a brief at MILPERCEN and the command group was in an uproar; however, I am convinced that is time for the compromising of our principles is over and men of courage need to step forward and be the protectors of our people for "he who compromises his principles will sell his sole!" Peace in the Valley!

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Chuck Hobbs's avatar

Sir, you have made my day by responding. I would love to chat with you about this some day if you have a chance!

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Scott's avatar

Great read and story about your dad who stood up to confront racism head on, like many did, including fallen soldiers (both military and non-military). However it is wasted on Juwan Howard because he was not engaging in a valiant fight against racism. He has enjoyed the best life that your dad an many other sacrificed for yet choose to risk it all over one frustrated outburst. You may note from the many stories, and perhaps your have written a few yourself, that there are too few black head coaches. Be reminded that each misstep has consequences in delaying opportunity for more. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. And whereas your dad through his punch on principle, Howard just cant control his emotion. So on that alone, you should have more respect for your dad's legacy because on many a day I am sure he had to hold back his emotion even if he had the right to lash out on just principle. Keep your power dry for a real gun fight.

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Marc's avatar

This is not kindergarten recess. This is an adult sport and team collective. Juwan knew exactly what he wanted to do and maybe so did Gard. I’m not condoning Gards behavior but Juwan was also antagonizing the entire Wisconsin bench. Grow up and move about your business. The game was over long before the altercation and it should’ve been a handshake line per usual. It’s a game at the end of the day and I don’t recall Gard using any racial slurs or else he had every right to whoop that ass. Sometimes “thinking higher” is just the best way to handle the situation. Go home to Ann Arbor and let your aggressions out there!

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Melody Jacobs's avatar

This was a great read. Of course I enjoy any and all stories that include my former Professor of Military Science, COL Charles Hobbs, Sr.

Prior to this reading, I hadn’t heard of this incident between these coaches. I take periodic breaks from news just to protect my peace. I wrestle with such occurrences because I wonder how I would respond if put in a similar situation. I also wrestle because I wouldn’t want my daughter to be disappointed in me with whichever choice I would make.

Thank you for continuing to cause your readers to pause and contemplate what our actions might be if we found ourselves in similar situations. Honestly, I hope I am never forced to find out.

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Catini's avatar

Unfortunately but of course. The double standard still stands. We will wear it down.

On another note .... my old man, a white guy, watched the Daytona 500 and lamented Bubba Watson did not win, that he wanted him to "show those white boys." But Bubba came in second, so look at all those white boys he did beat! ✊🏼

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Chuck Hobbs's avatar

:) I'm always honored to be your news source

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Mr. Walker's avatar

Howard told Gard “I will remember this s*+t” as they approached each other. Gard then tried to stop Howard from walking by. Howard then grabbed Gard’s shirt while saying “Don’t put your hands on me.” It should have ended there.

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Carl Nixon's avatar

I was in 6th Grade at Apple Grove Elementary School back in 1981.

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Tedman Brown's avatar

People have to fight words with words/ when are you going to fight with fisticuffs/ that will be problems… learn how to talk shit..You’re making money now, learn how to sue /when you have money ,but when you have nothing and you trying to come up then BTA 💪

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Rob Newell's avatar

You're making Juwan's plight seem more noble than it was. UW HC should not have touched him, agreed. But I doubt Gard called him the N word. Howard and the Mitches got a beat down. He should be smacking his defensive coordinator...lol

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Bobbie's avatar

Great read. And I’m glad you got in a few kicks after the punch.

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KMinor's avatar

We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard than this. There are people who already believe Blacks aren't smart enough to be a head coach and now they will say that they aren't mature enough either. Juwan didn't advance the cause, he probably hurt it. In your example with your father, the comparison would be if your father wait a while and then knocked out the LTC's assistant. The WI coach grabbed his arm and Juwan had already grabbed his shirt. Then he waits 30 seconds and swings on the assistant? BTW, why is this turning into a race issue? It shouldn't be. What's worse is that both of the people that will have to rule on this are Black and it puts them in an awkward situation.

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April L Snider-Brown's avatar

Well said and written as always, Sir.

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