WVSPORTS.COM Cogdell can relate to Bailey

[Vernon]

Cogdell can relate to Bailey


by Greg Madia

A week ago, West Virginia defensive line coach and the former head coach at Miramar High School in Florida, Damon Cogdell, could do nothing but worry about one of the best player... [details]

 

[dogeered_again]

I can't tell you how much I feel for this man. As a college student, I was an inner-city youth worker in a very dangerous part of the city (not Morgantown) and tried to mentor and develop disadvantaged and minority kids averaging around 15-16 years of age. They were from the proverbial "hood" and were constantly pressed by the rougher gangs to join or be assaulted. There were many good kids in this morass of thuggery and I always was aware that my life might be in danger. I was shot at a few times while walking on the street but they were of the "gang that couldn't shoot straight"! I guess I lucked out. There are tons of innocent bystanders out there and my prayers and best wishes go out to Steadman and his family.

 

[LowFatMilk]

It wouldn't look so bad if he didn't fail drug tests.

Twist those words if you choose...but it's true.

 

[MikeRafone]

The world is a dangerous place for young men. All you have to do is be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I got my head kicked in when I was twenty-two by a group of guys while walking to my car from a bar in a nice neighborhood. I'm sure it was a case of mistaken identity, one guy kept calling me "Cecil" before the festivities started.

A couple of years later I was out walking my dog near my apartment complex. Someone in a passing car opened fire on me. They must have been related to that bunch Dogeered encountered. I heard one round go by my head but that was as close as it got The dog and I beat it behind nearby house until I was sure they weren't going swing back.

Someone getting initiated into gang was the best guess the cops had when I called in. Apparently their had been a couple of other attempted drive-by shootings that night around the area.