Peter McGlynn Pushes Ref, Tarnishes UCSB (10.29.12)

In my time at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I encountered quite a few punks.

Most were of the drunken variety, attempting to be tough late at night in the streets and apartments of Isla Vista. To me, these moments were often amusing, as they usually led to stumbling, bumbling idiots pushing and yelling — I never saw anything truly escalate and get out of control. These punks were nothing more than drunken fools, and I'm sure that their actions surely brought them ridicule the following morning when their caretakers, I mean friends, had to explain to them what happened the previous night. 

However, on Sunday, October 28th, one Gaucho took it to a whole 'nother level, and in doing so, he brought shame upon my alma mater. Senior defender Peter McGlynn of the nationally acclaimed UCSB soccer team performed one of the most blatant, foul, cheap shots I've ever seen. 

Coming off of consecutive golden goal overtime losses that dropped UCSB to 25th in the national ranks, UCSB faced UC Davis in a game with serious Big West postseason implications. With tensions running high, the match went to overtime with each side having scored a single goal in regulation. In the overtime period, a blocked shot in the box led to a scrum and the eventual rebound was capitalized by UC Davis forward Matt Sheldon as he sent the ball into the back of the net.

The golden goal ended the game, but the controversy surrounding the final play soon started an ugly sequence that will taint UCSB.

Judging from the video, it's clear that head coach Tim Vom Steeg was unhappy with the officiating in the match. Vom Steeg felt that his goalie was pushed and grabbed throughout the final sequence, and he let the referees know about it as he berated them on the field.

With coach Vom Steeg scolding the officials as they began heading for the exit, he set the stage for a dishonorable act by promoting and even validating rage. With Vom Steeg and other players surrounding the officials, McGlynn ran up from behind and delivered a punk adolescent move that is usually seen during playground brawls, an unexpected push in the back. The push caused the official to eat dirt face first as the unexpected attack laid him out. 

In one fell swoop, McGlynn shamed the university, Chancellor Yang, the students, the alumni, and a dominant soccer program. McGlynn's regrettable action surely stemmed from a night of frustration, but being a punk and pushing an unsuspecting person in the back is not the way to release such frustration. After suffering three consecutive overtime losses, and picking up a yellow card in this overtime, McGlynn was obviously upset with the way the season had turned. I guess it's safe to say that he disagreed with the call and felt cheated by the outcome. McGlynn was immediately assessed a red card and UCSB police escorted him off the field in handcuffs.

All athletes have been in a situation where an official blew a call, but dealing with adversity is a trait that athletes should be comfortable with, especially a senior. If this had been a freshman, maybe I would have questioned the kid's decision making abilities, but McGlynn is a senior, someone who's had enough life experience to know better. Hell, if the Packers didn't riot following the incompetency of the replacement officials on that Fail Mary, then no one has the right to touch an official. 

McGlynn's dishonorable action was nearly prevented by Vom Steeg, but it was too little too late. If Vom Steeg had handled his criticism of the officials in a more professional manner, he wouldn't have been berating the official on the field following the game. Doing so allowed a mob mentality to take over, and Vom Steeg's attempt to jump in and prevent the push came a split second late. Vom Steeg clearly noticed McGlynn running up behind the official, and in an attempt to prevent any disorder, he jumped forward in an attempt to prevent the push from occurring. By acting unprofessionally, Vom Steeg subconsciously encouraged such despicable behavior. 

The fallout from this incident will reach far and wide. UCSB will be featured in unflattering spots on programs like Good Morning America and The View, and many will take shots at the school, the students, and the soccer program. 

As an alumni, I'm disgraced with the entire ordeal. 

As a fan of the excellent soccer program, I'm disappointed.

I was there for the UCSB-UCLA match in 2010 that set a Harder Stadium record with 15,896 fans in attendance, the third highest attendance in collegiate soccer history — and it was just a regular season matchup! That game rivaled any sporting experience I've been to, including professional playoff games.

I ran on the field in 2007 after UCSB defeated Washington State in the second round of the NCAA tournament. With tortillas flying onto the field, my roommate and I jumped the barricade and sprinted as a huge circle formed at midfield. We joined the circle and began jumping and screaming and just soaking in the moment.

These moments will forever be a part of my UCSB history, and without a football team, they will also be considered the biggest athletic events of my school tenure — sorry Men's basketball, I know you won the Big West Tournament and earned invitations to the NCAA tournament in consecutive seasons, but I didn't witness these games live in attendance because they were not at home (and you got blown out in consecutive first round appearances in the NCAA tournament against powerhouses). Although, it sure was fun taunting Tyler Hansbrough when Duke came to visit — prior to the game the public address announcer told the crowd to keep the chants clean... we didn't.

For better or worse, soccer is the sport of choice in Santa Barbara. In fact, UCSB broke its own record to set the NCAA soccer record with an average attendance of 5,873 fans per game in 2010.

Unfortunately, the current students are on pace to break that attendance record, averaging 6,153 fans per game, but it's all for naught. Due to the incident, McGlynn has been cut, Vom Steeg has been suspended for one game, and the school has forfeited the opportunity to enter postseason play. Just like that, the season has been rendered meaningless. Mark Massari, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UCSB, was put in a position that I'm sure he never envisioned, but in the end, he had to drop the hammer. By forfeiting the right to enter postseason play, this will be the first time in over a decade that UCSB will not enter the NCAA tournament.

While playing Varsity basketball in high school, I used to absolutely despise the notion that one mistake could lead to punishment for the entire team. We would run drills, and if one player wasn't giving his all or was making mistakes, the entire team was forced to run suicides. I understood the concept of success and failure within the realm of the team, but I just really hated running suicides, especially if it was because of someone else's mistake.

But when you look at an incident like this, it sure does highlight the importance of team, the sanctity of team, the dedication required of all members of a team. One incident has shattered the season. One mistake has cost every single player on the squad. All the training, the sweat, the fatigue, the hours, the early mornings, the staying in instead of partying, the commitment, all of it went for nothing. Imagine how that feels. Imagine the dedication required to play Division I soccer on a national powerhouse, and then attempt to understand how it would feel to see that dedication rendered meaningless.

In the preseason, the UCSB soccer program entered as a consensus top 10 squad among numerous polls, and they even reached their highest preseason ranking ever, tabbed number four by Soccer America. With such hype and national expectations, this team was expected to contend for a national title. Vom Steeg has been one of the most impressive coaches in collegiate soccer history, but this season will surely serve as a black mark upon his accomplished resume — a 195-75-30 record in 14 seasons at UCSB, five Big West titles in the past 10 years, 10 consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, a national title in 2006, national runner up in 2004, Big West Conference Coach of the Year in 2004, 2005, and 2010, and the NSCAA National Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2006. Clearly, this program has a history of success, and such an implosion probably never even entered the realm of possible end scenarios.

As we all know, sometimes all it takes is for one lapse in judgement to turn someone's world upside down. In this case, it took two. Vom Steeg and McGlynn just threw away the season, and in doing so, tarnished an excellent UCSB reputation.

There's always next year, but it will take a long time for this incident to pass over. This is not what UCSB is all about, and hopefully the entire school will rally together and show that true Gaucho spirit.

And to whoever caught that moment on camera and uttered "nice push," at the end of the video, you're weak man. I really don't know what to say if you consider a cheap shot like that a legitimate, deserved retaliation.

Orlando Johnson, Greatest UCSB Baller Ever (6.29.12)

Let me preface this post by stating the truth; I rarely watch college basketball. I do soak up as much March Madness as possible, but any NCAA basketball played before March usually rings irrelevant in my life.

There are many reasons why I do not follow collegiate basketball — slow play, lack of creativity, lack of elite talent — but the biggest reason stems from my disinclination to follow fluctuating athletic programs. The players come and go, and I just don't have the time to invest in watching them. Lacking a consistent source of brilliance, I struggle to build a relationship with a program that will have its star player leave for the NBA after his freshman season. Instead, I prefer to follow NBA talent. Of course, some people are loyal to programs due to alumni status, locale, or just long standing fandom, but I have never truly attached myself to the college game, or a college program. 

Although I have chosen to avoid college basketball, there is one player that I have had the fortune to follow a bit more closely, Orlando Johnson — the greatest Gaucho baller since Brian Shaw. As a recent UCSB alumni, my collegiate timeline coincided with the 36th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft.

In fact, I even faced off against Johnson during an intramural basketball game in the Thunderdome. The moment was quite memorable. I have a penchant for being fiery on the court, and that night was no different. After engaging in smack talk with my opponent, he called upon the services of the 6'5" shooting guard. My opponent subbed out, and Johnson stepped in. I immediately checked Johnson and got up in his chest at the top of the key. Johnson backed me up with a jab from the triple threat stance, and then he took a dribble right and fired up a jumper from the elbow. Clank. Obviously, he missed a makable shot, but with that miss, I can officially lay claim to stopping a future NBA player from scoring on me.

As I came back down the court, I thought about pulling up for a three in Johnson's face. Standing just over 5'10", that plan quickly changed. As I neared the wing, I went into my shooting motion, but Johnson leapt forward in an attempt to spike my shot into the next galaxy (and humiliate me). I quickly abandoned the shot and swung the ball to the top. I actually wanted the give and go since Johnson was so out of position, but my teammate (and roommate who played ball with me all the time and should have made the play — Matt Bagunu), missed the connection. Johnson stayed on the court for a few more possessions before subbing out and watching me burn his scrub of a friend. 

Due to my lack of familiarity with the college game, I will not compare Johnson to other members of the 2012 draft class. However, I can confidently state that Johnson has the skills to be a superb pro baller. Johnson can flat out score. UCSB may be a mid-major, but I believe that Johnson can put the ball in the hoop against NBA talent. He possesses a sweet deep stroke, and he has a lethal pull up jumper from the elbow and mid-wing. Johnson can score effectively in isolation sets, post-ups, catch and shoot opportunities, and off the dribble. Johnson shot over 41% from deep, and he averaged 20.27 points per game throughout his three seasons at UCSB.

I've witnessed Johnson in assassin mode, and he fits the bill well. The final game I saw him play live was the second to last game of the 2011 regular season against Cal State Northridge. Johnson dropped 30 that night on 57% shooting. He nailed all five of his three pointers, and he made 9-11 from the free throw line. He repeatedly attacked the rim to set up his sweet jumper. Simply put, he looked like a guy who would translate well to the NBA. As I left that game with my housemate, we discussed Johnson's likely future in the NBA. We both agreed that Johnson (a fourth-year junior at that time) had an NBA game.

Johnson flirted with the NBA following his junior season, even going so far as to declare for the 2011 NBA Draft, but he decided to come back for his senior year. I don't blame him — Santa Barbara is a great school. I graduated and missed his senior season, but it seems like another year of excellent play helped Johnson elevate his draft stock (including his performance as a part of Team USA at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China). He also got to finish up his school work and earn a B.A. degree in Sociology.

Clearly, Johnson can score, but he is also a strong leader.

After transferring from Loyola Marymount following a surprise coaching change, Johnson had to wait a full season before he could grace Santa Barbara with his skill. In his first season of eligibility ('09-10), Johnson led the Gauchos to a 20-10 record, including a 12-4 mark in conference play. He continued his strong play in the Big West Tournament, and he led the Gauchos to a championship with a victory over Long Beach State — Johnson scored a game high 20 points. For his outstanding play, he was named the Big West Tournament MVP, and UCSB garnered an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. The bid was UCSB's first since 2002. After the season, Johnson was named the Big West Player of the Year. He made the All-Big West First Team, and he was listed as an AP Honorable Mention All-American. Johnson finished the season averaging 18.0 points on 48.1% shooting, along with 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Johnson's initial impact on the UCSB program was phenomenal. He instantly gave the Gauchos a legitimate go-to scorer that could lead the team in the biggest of moments.

Johnson upped his numbers in his junior season, but team success did not follow. The Gauchos finished the season with an 18-14 record, including an 8-8 mark in conference play. Due to their mediocre regular season record, the Gauchos entered the Big West Tournament as a five seed. Despite the low seed, the Gauchos knocked off Long Beach State for the second straight year in the championship game. Johnson led the way with a game high 23 points. UCSB became the lowest seeded Big West Tournament champion since San Jose State defeated Utah State in 1996. The victory netted the Gauchos a consecutive berth to the NCAA Tournament. Johnson finished the season averaging 21.1 points on 47.5% shooting, along with 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Johnson was once again named to the All-Big West First Team.

Johnson's senior season featured more of the same. He finished the season averaging 19.7 points on 45.1% shooting, along with 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He also led the team to a bounce back regular season record of 20-11, including a strong 12-4 mark in conference play. Once again, UCSB faced off against Long Beach State in the championship game. However, this time, the Gauchos couldn't overcome tournament MVP Casper Ware and his 33 points. Without a Big West championship, the Gauchos failed to garner a NCAA Tournament bid, but they were granted an entry to the College Insider Tournament.

Overall, Johnson finished his collegiate career as the first player in Big West history to win the league's scoring title three straight seasons. He also became just the second player in UCSB history to earn All-Big West First Team honors for three seasons. He holds all three major scoring records at UCSB, with 1,825 career points, 674 points in a season, and 39 points in a game. He led the Gauchos to consecutive Big West Tournament championships in '10 and '11, and each time he was named the tournament MVP. Even more impressive, he led the Gauchos to consecutive NCAA Tournament berths — a feat the school had never accomplished before. Although Ohio St. and Florida each defeated UCSB handily in the NCAA Tournament, Johnson scored over 20 points in both games. His stellar play at UCSB led him to become the first UCSB player to be selected in the NBA Draft since Brian Shaw in 1988.

Johnson's biggest challenge at the next level will be defending NBA talent. Since UCSB is a mid-major, Johnson did not always compete against topflight competition. Now he will have to defend some of the most dangerous scoring weapons in basketball. With a stocky build, Johnson may need to work on his foot speed. Aware of that issue, Johnson dropped his weight from 235 to 220 pounds heading into the draft. As he works on his speed, Johnson can always rely on his great length. Johnson boasts a 7-foot wingspan and a 39" vertical leap (second best in the NBA combine). Johnson has a capable frame to play NBA caliber defense, and I believe that he has the willpower to do everything it takes to play strong defense.

Whatever challenge lies ahead, it will never compare to the challenges of his past. Johnson's mother was murdered when he was an infant. Johnson was fortunate to move in with his grandmother and 10 relatives, but when Johnson was six years old, the house was lost in a fire, and tragically, four of his family members were killed. At the age of 11, Johnson's grandmother, and caretaker, died. Johnson was then raised by his older brothers, Robbie Johnson and Jamell Damon Sr. As former ball players, Robbie (football at St. Mary's) and Jamell (basketball at Weber St.), turned Orlando's rough upbringing into a driving force of motivation.

Overall, Johnson has the foundation to be a solid NBA player. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 36th pick, Johnson was informed by the Indiana Pacers a couple minutes before the pick that they would be trading for him. Johnson was immediately traded to the Pacers after he was drafted, and now he will sit behind second year stud, Paul George, on the depth chart. With just one guy ahead of him to fill in the shooting guard position, Johnson may be able to make an immediate impact for the Pacers. He may even learn some things from a fellow Gaucho, Brian Shaw, who is employed by the Pacers as an assistant coach.

From one Gaucho to another, good luck O.J., you are the first baller that I have ever consistently followed from college play to the pro level. However your career turns out, I can always say I saw the greatest baller in UCSB history.

Ole´, Ole´, Ole´, Ole´! Gauchos, Guachos!