Zayn Malik Leaves One Direction

When I woke up this morning, I had no idea that today would be one of the hardest days of my life. As pretty much everyone in the world has heard, Zayn Malik has left One Direction. If you know me, you know that sports and One Direction are the two things that I am most passionate about.  When I found out about Zayn this morning, I was in class trying

not to burst into tears in front of my professor and classmates. This may sound lame, but I don't think many people understand what a band and its members can truly mean to someone. This is going to be hard to write through teary eyes, but I'm going to give it my best shot and get out what I feel I need to say. (As I was typing this my alarm of the boys saying "Good Morning, We're One Direction" went off for the first time since he left so that was great.)

I believe that everyone should have something that they feel passionate about. Whether it be sports, a band, a TV show, you should find something that you love with every fiber of your being. When you have a bad day at school or work, you need something to help make your life a little brighter. I vividly remember the day that I was listening to a 1D song while laying in bed. The only member whose name I knew, was Harry. I loved the song, so due to boredom and curiosity, I decided to google the rest of the members names and somehow ended up watching "One Direction Funniest Moments" videos on Youtube for the rest of the night. That night, I had no idea just how much these five guys would mean to me.

Every Directioner has a favorite member, but you could never rank the boys from favorite to least favorite. The thing about the boys is, each of them is so genuine, sweet, and funny that they each capture your heart in a different way. Zayn has made me smile in so many ways. Whether it be accidently calling Malibu "Malibami", drinking energy juice in the video diaries, yelling at Louis for saying the next single was One Thing when he wasn't supposed to, or telling Liam he will try to have a nice flight but he'll miss him too much, you couldn't help but fall in love with the Bradford Bad Boy.

Zayn is the quiet one, with the smooth like butter voice. When he hits a high note, you feel it in the depths of your soul. In interviews, he was always the quiet one, always introverted. You could always tell that he was not fond of the fame that One Direction brought him. He loves to sing and preform, and loved being a part of a band with his four best friends, but being in the spotlight was just too much sometimes. Having your every move scrutinized is not what everyone hopes for when trying to live out their dreams. I love Zayn with my whole heart, but I knew that this day would arrive. It's not about his career, or the fans, it's about the attention that comes with those things. The media is so quick to assume and judge without knowing all the facts, which is what I believe led to Zayn's decision.

Today, I realized how thankful and lucky I am to have been able to have seen 5/5 in concert at the Rose Bowl last year. The night of my concert was truly one of the best of my life. My favorite One Direction song is "You & I" and I can vividly remember having so much anticipation about hearing Zayn sing the song's high note live. I am so thankful to have had that experience last September, now knowing that many fans will never get to see Zayn live in concert.

Even though Zayn leaving truly breaks my heart, I know it is what is best for him. I will miss all the ad libs and high notes, but I am aware that his health is much more important. He will always be a part of One Direction and will always be one of our boys. I mean, Ringo left the Beatles and rejoined the group 3 months later. You never know what the future holds, but everything happens for a reason. Niall, Louis, Liam, and Harry are still One Direction. We must continue to support them along this journey. This is not the end, it is just a new chapter and the future of One Direction is still shining bright.

I love you Zen. Thank you for everything you have done for me. <3 #VasHappenin

**Warning: This video will cause it to all sink in and will make you cry like a baby**

P.S. Sorry if this isn't my greatest post. Just had to get it all out there, even if that meant typing while crying...

Photo: @CarolineWatson_ on Instagram

Will Ferrell: Semi-Pro Baseball Player

Today, actor and comedian, Will Ferrell set out on a mission to play all 9 positions (and DH) in Cactus League games. He played for 10 teams, including the A's, Mariners, Angels, Cubs, White Sox, Giants, Diamondbacks, Reds, Padres, and Dodgers. Ferrell was filming a special for HBO in collaboration with Funny or Die, to honor Bert "Campy" Campaneris for being the first player to play all 9 positions in one game. He also raised funds for "Cancer for College" and "Stand Up to Cancer," two charities that he holds close to his heart. 

Ferrell began his day at HoHoKam Stadium, Spring Training home of the Oakland Athletics. When approached by media he said he was not available for comment, due to the fact that he was "in beast mode." He spent the morning being locker mates with Sonny Gray and working out with the team. While on the field for stretches, he got to know his new teammates and offered to go get them "burritos and Red Bull." On Twitter, several A's players posted pictures with Ferrell in the clubhouse, including Josh Reddick who dressed up as "Turd Ferguson." After taking Marcus Semien's spot in the lineup, Ferrell told him, "I could catch fire today and you could be on a bus back to Triple-A." 

After playing an inning at shortstop for the A's behind Scott Kazmir, Billy Beane and Bob Melvin broke the news to Will that he had been traded to the Seattle Mariners. He was shocked, telling Beane and Melvin, "I gave you blood, sweat, and tears for four hours!" He then changed into a Mariners jersey, moved into Seattle's dugout and played for them at second base.

The next game for Ferrell was Anaheim/Chicago. He proceeded to play first base for the Cubs as well as complete a stint as their third base coach, where he gave Addison Russell one of the most intense pep talks I have ever seen. He got an at bat with the Cubs as well, but unfortunately struck out. He then took over Mike Trout's duties at center field for the Angels. 

Next up was Cincinnati/Arizona. He played left field for the D-Backs and third base for the Reds. He
even bought hot dogs for an entire section of fans.

Later in the evening, Ferrell arrived by helicopter at the game between Chicago/San Francisco.  He was given another at bat as the White Sox designated hitter, but once again recorded a strike out. He then got into catcher's gear and switched dugouts. Fortunately for Ferrell, being a member of the San Francisco Giants came and went quickly, due to the fact that pitcher, Jean Machi decided to intentionally walk the White Sox batter.


The final game of Ferrell's night was San Diego/Los Angeles. He pitched to one batter for the Dodgers, and got a 1-3 groundout. Don Mattingly removed him from the game, then Ferrell talked with Tommy Lasorda and introduced him to his children. Will then accused his Dodgers teammates of giving his kids chewing tobacco and Mountain Dew. He finished his tenure as a Dodger by knocking over things in the dugout in a fit of rage and emotion.  He completed his big day by playing right field for the Padres to honor the late, great Tony Gwynn. Stay classy, San Diego.

As a huge "Campy" fan, I am super excited to see the finished HBO special. I think #FerrellTakesTheField was a very entertaining and important event not only for baseball, but for all of the sports world. Not only did Will help raise money for two very significant charities, but he also was able to honor one of the best baseball players ever in a very unconventional way. 

So, the next time someone tries to tell you that Will Ferrell isn't a MLB superstar, you can tell them that they sit on a throne of lies.

Photos: @Athletics on Twitter
@scottkazmir19 on Twitter
@RealJoshReddick on Twitter
@MLB on Twitter
& @niallhoran on Instagram.

In honor of #FerrellTakesTheField, I present you with one of my favorite Will Ferrell moments:

P.S. Why does Will Ferrell get to meet all my favorite people?!

The Pure Sass of Draymond Green

Yesterday the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers by a score of 106-98. Draymond Green had a phenomenal game, scoring 23 points in the victory. While Green was taking part in a postgame interview, Clippers guard Dahntay Jones looked into the camera and bumped into Draymond as he made his way to the locker room. Green did not react in a inappropriate way, but he did stare Jones down. 

During media interviews in the Warriors locker room, Draymond made it clear that he was not a fan of Jones' antics. He was speaking with an amount of sass that could rival Louis Tomlinson of One Direction. 

Some of my favorite quotes were as follows:

"If he gets suspended, they might not even notice."

"He got some camera time, which he needed because there wasn't much celebration from their bench today, so you didn't see him much. So he got the camera time that he was looking for."

Jones has been fined $10,000 for "the bump." Maybe that's really why they call Draymond "Money Green." If you mess with him, not only will you get owned, but you're also going to owe the NBA a lot of money.

Photo: Mercury News

Jim Harbaugh: First Base Coach for a Day

During today's A's Spring Training game against the Angels, there was a familiar face in the first base coach's box and it wasn't Tye Waller's. University of Michigan's Head Coach, (and former 49ers Head Coach) Jim Harbaugh was trying his hand at coaching America's pastime.

Harbaugh sported the number 4 from his NFL playing days and the old-school high socks look. He spent several innings coaching at first base for Oakland; flashing signs to players and giving input on what he was seeing. Honestly, I was hoping that at some point a clipboard and headset would be thrown at an umpire, but not all dreams can come true.

The A's ended up walking-off on a Renato Nunez single to win the game 8-7 over Anaheim. After the game, several A's players expressed their excitement on Twitter about meeting Coach Harbaugh. Maybe he has been coaching the wrong sport all along. I mean, the A's are undefeated while he's coaching at first base- I'm just saying. 

After the win, Harbaugh stayed on the field to sign autographs for fans and told media, "I only go see the best." 

Who's got it better than the A's? Nobody. 

 er, I mean..... Go Green?

Photos: Athletics Nation
             Sac Bee
             Daily Herald

49ers Sign Australian Rugby Player

Australian rugby player, Jarryd Hayne signed a three year deal with the San Francisco 49ers this week. The sport of rugby is often described as a blend of soccer and American football. The main goal of football is to score points by running/throwing for a touchdown or kicking a field goal. The object of rugby is to carry and place the ball down on the opponents "touch line" or kick the ball between a goal post. Although football and rugby are not exactly the same game, their similarities should result in a pretty easy transition for Hayne. 

New 49ers head coach, Jim Tomsula may have been a deciding factor in Hayne's decision as an undrafted free agent. Tomsula has previously coached for the European NFL, which means he probably has a clear indication of how rugby and football players compare to each other. 

It will be interesting to witness the shift that Hayne will have to go through by converting to the NFL. Even though he is a pro athlete, he will have to adapt to a different sport than the one he has been playing since his NRL debut in 2006. 

Even though he may be doubted by many football fans because of his situation, I believe that he has a chance to prove himself and the fact that multi-sport professional athletes are still very relevant today.