By Cheval John

When something goes wrong, how will you respond?

Many will think about getting upset with the world and complain about how things are not going their way.

It is very easy to be very cheerful when things are going great.

But your true character will be revealed when the going get tough.

Case in point, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati had a 14 year playoff drought prior to the arrival of Marvin Lewis in 2003.

Under his tenure, the Bengals made 6 trips to the post season and lost in every appearance in the first round.

It seemed like when the bright lights shine on the Bengals especially on quarterback Andy Dalton, they shrink under pressure.

Stephen A. Smith has said that Lewis should not continue to be the head coach of the Bengals because of his playoff results.

He really has a point on that assessment because if anyone is going to be regarded as one of the greatest teams, player, or head coach, you must be able to win championships when the spotlight is on you.

Though the Bengals did not have the right players for Mr. Lewis to work with, they still should have found a way to win that elusive playoff game.

If you wilt away under the pressure and have excuses for why you could not deliver a championship or in the case of Mr. Lewis, a playoff victory, then you really can’t handle the expectations that come with the job.

That goes for anyone who is an employee, an entrepreneur, etc.

So if something goes wrong that is not in your control, how are you going to react? You can leave your comments below.

Video courtesy of ESPN First Take

By Cheval John

You know you did your work and fulfilled your destiny when people leave touching tributes for your hard work and dedication.

Stuart Scott not only trendsending the sports journalism industry with phrases like “Booya,” he made a strong impact on many people who are normally not watching sports.

Scott passed away earlier this Sunday morning after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

His death affected so many people at ESPN to the point that Hannah Storm had to hold back tears while she broke the news of Scott’s passing.

He even had an impact on the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Many sports teams around the country had moments of silence for Scott:

Madison Square Garden just held a moment of silence to honor Stuart Scott: http://t.co/ftJuTWCaRV #StuartScott

— InsideHoops.com NBA (@InsideHoops) January 5, 2015

The world of @MLB spent Sunday remembering Stuart Scott: http://t.co/FNp9TRRTuJ

— Cut4 (@Cut4) January 4, 2015

Former Sportscenter anchor Rich Eisen, who was paired with Scott during most of his time at ESPN, left a heartfelt tribute at his current job, “The NFL Network:

Oh, man. @richeisen sharing the loss of his old Sportscenter partner @StuartScott, http://t.co/5Tnm7RJM6D. Grab a tissue.

— RobGeorge (@RobGeorge) January 4, 2015

Mr. Scott will not only be remembered for his charisma and passion for sports, but also will be remembered for his fight against cancer.

Here is the speech he gave at the ESPYs last year after receiving the Jimmy V Perseverance Award:

One thing is for certain, Stuart Scott fulfilled his destiny and has inspired all of us to be ourselves and not worry about pleasing everyone.

Rest In Peace, Stuart Scott. You will be really missed.

By Cheval John

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Florida State was one of the most interesting teams of the year.

The Seminoles, who previously won the BCS National Championship, was looking to claim a second consecutive title this year.

They were down 6 times, but found a way to win those close ball games that could have derailed their chances at participating in the first ever “College Football Playoff.”

After winning 29 straight games that included a national championship, the Seminoles got obliterated by Oregon 59-20 in the semifinals that was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasedena, California.

Though Florida State missed out on a chance to play for the national championship against Ohio State, who won their semifinal matchup against No.1 Alabama 42-35 in the All-State Sugar Bowl, they showed their true character in their loss.

After the game, 70% of the Florida State players went straight for the locker room and did not even congratulate the Ducks on their win.

Only a few stayed out to congratulate the Ducks that included quarterback Jameis Winston, who had his off the field issues, wide receiver Rashad Greene and head coach Jimbo Fisher.

That lack of sportmanship was a shock to Kirk Herbstreit, who was the analyst for the matchup on ESPN.

“That’s disappointing that 70 percent of the Florida State team is in the locker room,” Herbstreit said after Oregon’s 59-20 win on Thursday. “It’s easy to go across when you win a game to shake hands. You lose a game after 29 games and you can’t come over and shake a hand of an Oregon player and tell him, ‘Congratulations?'”

Though I have a disdain for the Seminoles because I am a Florida Gator fan, the lack of sportmanship was further confirmation on why I don’t like Florida State.

They showed me that they are a classless team and really need to take a long look at themselves to understand that they are representing their school, alumni and fan base.

Adversity showed Florida State’s true character as being sore losers and I suspect that not many people want to be associated with sore losers.