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A UCLA Bruin Plea for USC's Mark Sanchez to Stay in School
Friday, Jan. 2 2009 @ 8:45AM
By Gustavo Arellano in Sports
Dear Mark Sanchez:As a proud UCLA Bruin, I know I'm not to say this, but congrats on an amazing Rose Bowl. Your passes ripped through the Penn State defense like your ethnic cousins continue to do across the United States-Mexico border. Which leads me to the point of this post:
Stay in school for Mexicans.
It's now a cottage industry for pundits to remark about your mexicanidad and the weight that comes with it--the Los Angeles Times did something on the matter earlier this week, and I yapped about the issue back in the fall of 2007. It's cool that you're cool with it, that you're so symbolic ethnicity about identity, tambien--gotta show those gabachos that Mexicans do come in assimilated shades that don't involve Aztec motifs or a lack of English, right?
Your Rose Bowl performance--28 of 35, 413 yards in the air resulting in 4 passing touchdowns, with a running touchdown as the proverbial jalapeño on the nachos--was simply chingón. If your fellow offensive-minded starting Trojans don't leave school early for a shot at NFL benches, USC will return 10 of 11 starters. 10 of 11! Considering USC lost only one game this year, to Oregon State on the road (and don't feel bad about that--I lost to them as well on NCAA Football 09), the Trojans next year can very well slay all competion and win a national title--and you, young amigo, can win a Heisman.
You have to return to do this, Mark--not just to guarantee you a fatter contract playing for the Detroit Lions, but to give Mexicans a little something something called hope.
See, Mexicans ain't exactly liked in the States right now, and our reputation figures to get worse this year, Beverly Hills Chihuahua notwithstanding, as Congress tackles immigration again. We can have all the rallies and good deeds and P.C. MSM coverage on Earth, and it still won't amount to much in improving our image. Your performance yesterday? I'm sure that there were millions of people watching in awe because for the first time in their life, they saw a Mexican as not just any other person, but a superhero--not just an ethnic star ala Edward James Olmos or George Lopez, but a bloody quarterback leading USC, alma mater of too many horrible Orange County natives to note. A brown boy slinging like Sammy Baugh--imagine that! Your individual success is guaranteed, whether you stay in school or not--your millions will come. But take 'SC to a national championship next year, and you'll get millions more thinking about Mexicans--even if only for four quarters--on a human note. Win the Heisman? Why, we might even get to Eye-talian level!
The great thing about you, Mark, is that you understand your role but don't let it define you--fight on! Just do what you do. Whether you stay at school or go to the NFL, you've already taught thousands of Mexican kids who play football in high school, in schools and divisions always ignored by the media and the college scouts because these so-called experts think those kids are too small, too inexperienced, too Mexican to succeed...that Mexis can and do succeed. In that sense, your legacy is secure. But don't stop there--besides, after yet another Tony Romo/Jeff Garcia/J.P. Losman debacle, we need at least one successful wabby quarterback, ¿que no?
Signed,
Gustavo Arellano, M.A. '03
P.S.: to my fellow Bruins--go ahead and ostracize me if you must. Already, two of my alma maters consider me persona non grata. But let's put things into perspective--society needs Sanchez right now. We had Jackie Robinson; let 'SC have its Mark; our guy will always be more significant, anyways. And after he accomplishes what's needed, may the Trojans suffer mightily, and Neuheisel become God. See you at YRL!
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lizziec says:
As a proud Mexican and Trojan alum, I am impressed by your attempt to 'reach across the aisle' with this post (I'm going to ignore that P.S. just to keep it clean for the kids). Sanchez has had his ups and downs this year, but I like what he's doing for the community. If he stays and GRADUATES and goes pro, that would be making a bigger statement than what he's done already.
Posted on Friday, Jan. 2 2009 @ 10:02AM
oscar says:
Ah guys hate to rain on your parade but all USC quarterbacks die in the NFL, so that ends that....
Posted on Friday, Jan. 2 2009 @ 10:27AM
Stanley Fiala says:
Wikipedia... "Bread and circuses" (or Bread and games) (from Latin: panem et circenses) is an ancient Roman metaphor for people choosing food and fun over freedom. It often appears in commentary that accuses people of giving up their civic duty and following whichever political leader offers to satisfy their decadent desires.
It looks like Latinos, especially Mexicans with their TV Novelas, are the experts in the "Bread and circuses" escapism from the onion fields while intellectuality stagnant.
Posted on Friday, Jan. 2 2009 @ 1:47PM
jim says:
Gustavo, please return your diploma at your earliest convenience.
The "weak" PAC-10 is 5 and 0 in bowl games baby!
Posted on Friday, Jan. 2 2009 @ 2:40PM
Gustavo Arellano says:
Jim, you're insane! Where did I malign the Pac-10?
Posted on Friday, Jan. 2 2009 @ 6:00PM
Bob Squalonero says:
As Mike Sanchez would say, "Luchar Adelante!"/"Fight On!" ;-)
Posted on Saturday, Jan. 3 2009 @ 4:58AM
Hector Torres says:
"Da le con ganas" and make us all proud, it only 12 months to GRADUATE....
Posted on Saturday, Jan. 3 2009 @ 11:24AM
bobby says:
No glitter, no glam just fantastic results. Mr Mark your hard work shows. Whether you are at SC or on your way to the Hall of Fame you kick butt. I respect that, keep up the great work. You are an inspiration all us, all people everywhere! It was the best New Years day I had in quite some time. Thanks Mark, thanks Trojans.
Posted on Monday, Jan. 5 2009 @ 8:18AM
Mark Rangel says:
FIGHT ON MARK!!! Con Ganas~
12 months til graduation. The NFL can wait, no one can take the education away from you.
Posted on Monday, Jan. 5 2009 @ 8:50AM
Bob Osso says:
Gustavo,
Your absolutley right!! Mark Sanchez should stay at SC.
Reason? Let me count them for all the babosos that think he should go!
1. Returning O line and Rb's
2. Defense is DEEEEP and Will Defend!
3. National title
4. Heisman Trophy (No Doubt)
5. 1st round in 2010
6. Huge signing Bonus and contract!!
7. Best of all is recieving your degree and showing all other Latino's that No Matter what you education is important and should not be takin lightly!
Posted on Tuesday, Jan. 13 2009 @ 4:56PM
Steve says:
Hey Oscar, Palmer is a top 10 QB and from USC. So much for that "USC QB's die in the NFL"
Posted on Sunday, Mar. 1 2009 @ 2:50PM
Pam says:
He better know he is Mexican-American because no matter what 3rd generation Mexican still Mexican. Hope he is not like Jessica Alba that eventho she is half white probably dreds being 1/2 Mexican eventho she looks like she is from Mexico.
Posted on Friday, Apr. 24 2009 @ 2:53PM