Solid young man. Go Gabe.

(PS....that post should be mandatory reading for all new Cal coaches)

yellerbear;842039213 said:

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D'oh. And no, I don't think it's pedantry to hate on a font. I present to you:

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/im-comic-sans-asshole

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I like comic sans because Avatar...

-kap

The young man showed maturity, intelligence and commitment in crafting his response to those that questioned him. He deserves our respect and support.

the_purple_drank;842039157 said:

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That's 1 player who didn't like the old head coach...

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He had kind words for Tedford on twitter

Being on the wrong side of 60, I really appreciate it when a young person "gets it" and can articulate it.

That's what an education at Cal is all about!

Well Done Gabe!

Gabe just became one of my favorite bears.

Fantastic level headed response. This man will go somewhere, even if it's not football.

Very moving, proud to call you a fellow Cal man.
Go Bears!

respect!

even if this man never plays a down the remaining time he has with the team, you gotta respect his maturity. how many kids have come through our athletic programs, hell, how many students have come through our University never realizing what this young man has come to understand in his brief time at Cal?

we have some NFL players that, imho, took this institution for granted. sure you respect their talent, but the man? how many will return to get their degrees?

I don't "twit" so I don't know the rules. Nice sentiment, but are players not allowed to post on places like this rather than tweeting?

Just asking, no opinion either way.

That was a very strong statement which raised many questions in my mind.

From a selfish standpoint I would love to see King do well at Cal and go on to have an NFL career. But the bigger picture for me is that this is a guy who lives in this strange dichotomy of real world and football world and has struggled with making sense of it all. To me, he and this note show the depth of consideration that make him the exact kind of guy that should be an NFL player rep. someday.

Here's to big things Gabe, best of luck in whatever that may be for you.

Bear_Territory;842039254 said:

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Gabe just became one of my favorite bears.

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+1

Bobodeluxe;842039277 said:

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I don't "twit" so I don't know the rules. Nice sentiment, but are players not allowed to post on places like this rather than tweeting?

Just asking, no opinion either way.

That was a very strong statement which raised many questions in my mind.

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Fair points but his account isn't private, so I'm of the opinion that makes it fair game.

In October of 09 I had the pleasure of meeting Gabe along with many other recruits, Cal played some team form the southern california area. Gabe was one of the most impressive young men on this trip.

During a tour, they took us into a new area the freshman would be staying at and a pigeon flew through a open window and slammed into a wall. Gabe actually tracked the pigeon down carefully and held the pigeon until it gained it's balance to fly and he let it go.
I recall a mom asking how he knew the pigeon was dazed and I replied "He's probably seen that look in a few QB's eyes and knew the bird was in trouble" Gabe overheard this and said "yeah, but I'll let the pigeon go"

Good luck on your season Gabe!!!!!!!!!!!

# 14;842039295 said:

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In October of 09 I had the pleasure of meeting Gabe along with many other recruits, Cal played some team form the southern california area. Gabe was one of the most impressive young men on this trip.

During a tour, they took us into a new area the freshman would be staying at and a pigeon flew through a open window and slammed into a wall. Gabe actually tracked the pigeon down carefully and held the pigeon until it gained it's balance to fly and he let it go.
I recall a mom asking how he knew the pigeon was dazed and I replied "He's probably seen that look in a few QB's eyes and knew the bird was in trouble" Gabe overheard this and said "yeah, but I'll let the pigeon go"

Good luck on your season Gabe!!!!!!!!!!!

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I like this story. Thank you. Are you Cecil Whiteside's relative? Is he set on being back with the team? I can't wait to see him back on the field.

Well done Gabe!


Go Bears.

I like threads like this. The posts reveal our humanity. Thank you Gabe.

# 14;842039295 said:

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I recall a mom asking how he knew the pigeon was dazed and I replied "He's probably seen that look in a few QB's eyes and knew the bird was in trouble" Gabe overheard this and said "yeah, but I'll let the pigeon go"

Good luck on your season Gabe!!!!!!!!!!!

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Great story!

All respect to Gabe. Some people seem to forget that these are young men trying to learn and grow, not football playing machines taking the field for our amusement. Gabe seems to have already picked up on some of the most important lessons Cal has to teach.

Sebastabear;842039347 said:

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All respect to Gabe. Some people seem to forget that these are young men trying to learn and grow, not football playing machines taking the field for our amusement. Gabe seems to have already picked up on some of the most important lessons Cal has to teach.

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Agreed. I also think Gabe gets at the issue, which has been repeated by Sandy and Sonny about fit: we are a university that prides itself on teaching young people to challenge the accepted paradigm, question authority, to rely on reason and facts to resolve issues and to speak up when something needs changing. We are naturally going to attract student athletes to our program who are smart and want to give their input and we need coaches who can foster learning and growth--who can explain and teach their concepts and strategies and who are open and flexible to change, including hearing input from the players. I think we have that in Sonny Dykes.

Having seen with tons of excitement all of the footage from him in camps and one-on-one drills, I am twice as excited that he commited to California having had a chance to meet him at fan appreciation day this past year knowing that this is a young man who felt and now realizes his inmense potential.

Rooting hard for you Gabe!

Go Bears!

Gabe is awesome. Hey bud, you always have to protect your attitude, most important thing you have is between your ears, others in a variety of forms will try to steal your attitude. Careful who you take input from, which can also include and mostly does, self-talk. You know you are a high achiever and will bless many. Make it happen, and no pun intended but you are the KING!

That probably took a lot out of him to post. I'm impressed and hope he succeeds as a student and athlete. The insight he provided into what it means to be a Cal student and on the football team is great and really makes it easy to cheer for him and the team.

That is one articulate, well-educated Cal student. Gabe makes us all proud.

Go Bears!

Wow. This guys sees it and can verbalize it on so many levels. So glad he represents us.

I got a bit nostalgic reading Gabe's note. Like, at that point in my life, many things were unfolding, blooming... my universe was expanding, my eyes were opening up. Gabe is right there at that stage and it's a wonderful time of life when you start to see things how they are.

UC Berkeley is a world apart from Carolina, culturally and historically. Great new world to grow up in. And you can always go home again! It'll still be there. :-)

But maybe hire him as a mentor first.

I was surprised by the title of this thread, surprised that there has been any critical comments. For, I saw a video interview of him, or read something else that he posted a year or two ago, and I was like, I really like this guy!

Since that time, I haven't cared about any production on the field. I was just excited for him to be thinking and growing. Same type of thing here.

Strange thing is, sometimes these are the guys who come out and blow you away, once a focus and re-dedication occurs. I'm still waiting to see his number on the field, but am fine if not.

Gabe: Your post and your concerns emulate what the value of a Cal education is all about. Let it always be with you, no matter your success on the field. For however short or long that may be, you get it. Don't ever let the turkeys get you down.

Great to see that the Cal educational experience is working for this young man. You can feel the youthful passion and excitement he has about expanding his knowledge and acquiring new ideas, emotions and attitudes. Hey, that's what college is supposed to do!! Got a feeling he will find balance between athletics and academics and come out strong next fall on the football field. Every fall brings a new day; hope his is bright. I know I'm rooting for him to realize his full athletic potential. GO BEARS!!

Outstanding.

You are appreciated, Gabe.

GO BEARS!

concordtom;842039475 said:

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I was surprised by the title of this thread, surprised that there has been any critical comments. For, I saw a video interview of him, or read something else that he posted a year or two ago, and I was like, I really like this guy!

Since that time, I haven't cared about any production on the field. I was just excited for him to be thinking and growing. Same type of thing here.

Strange thing is, sometimes these are the guys who come out and blow you away, once a focus and re-dedication occurs. I'm still waiting to see his number on the field, but am fine if not.

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people had high expectations for Gabe. when he did not see the field, rumors started to appear online. among the most popular: "another overrated player who has not panned out", "not passionate for the game", "lost his aggressiveness", "more interested in religion than a starting job" (<--- this one pissed me off, just b/c Gabe was tweeting a lot about God...)

glad to know he has his priorities straight.

Some of your buds I have criticized but not you. You define what I would hope all student athletes experience at Cal. But I am sad that your experience with the football program has been so dissatisfying. As a fan, I would never want you to sacrifice your health or well-being for our entertainment but I would hope that you felt passionate enough to express your true potential as an athlete.

My criticisms of players stem from what I perceive as consistently poor attitudes. I haven't seen that in you.

Gabe: Keep up the good work and I am so proud of you!

This is a must read for new recruits and future potential recruits especially from the South. Someone should send this thread to Gabe.

As someone who has taught classes touching on the history of African Americans, this note made me really happy. I'm glad your education is beginning to open up your eyes to society, Gabe -- that is what Cal is for.

Love that note. Thats what a great education does - opens your eyes to new ways of thinking, and helps you grow as a person. It sounds like the new staff realizes the connection between taking pride in one's academics and taking pride on one's effort on the field. Student athletes like King should thrive with them.