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Willie Rak's avatar

I was not a Kentucky fan, but thought Rex was a great college player. I agree interesting to see someone do well after struggling post career. There are a lot more Rex Chapmans post pro sports careers than there are Michael Jordans

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Chris Cillizza's avatar

Absolutely yes, Bill. I love that thought.

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Dan Holm's avatar

I just finished Rex's book this week and really enjoyed it. I could relate to it on so many levels. He writes about the discrimination that he faced in Kentucky because he dated a black woman. My best friend growing up in a similar state experienced the same thing. Also, as someone who enjoys gambling and a few beers on a regular basis, I was very interested to read about Rex's troubles with gambling and opioids. I feel fortunate that I can enjoy those things in moderation, because not everyone can.

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Margaret Graham's avatar

It's essays like this one that make The Replay a "must read"! Did you ever have a thought of combining these essays in book form? A great gift!

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Chris Cillizza's avatar

Thanks, Margaret!

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Tim's avatar

Loved this one Chris. Always liked Rex and his game. Proof positive that “white men CAN jump!”

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Jed Donahue's avatar

I always think of Fitzgerald's description of Tom Buchanan as a football star at Yale: he was "one of those men who reach such an acute limited excellence at twenty-one that everything afterward savors of anticlimax."

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Chris Cillizza's avatar

So much this

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Gillian Baze's avatar

I love these types of articles you write!

They put me in a great mood

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Apr 24, 2024
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Chris Cillizza's avatar

It's brutal. And to write about it so honestly is no easy thing either.

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