Something Smells Fishy - Catfishy

I'm not so good with American Football, as far as I can tell some guys with a load of padding on and wearing helmets run with a ball over some lines to score a 'touch down'. Oh and there are goal things like our rugby.

Anyway, this isn't really about American Football, it's about an American football player.

Now, before I tell you the story, bear in mind that more and more details are appearing every day. So, what was thought to be fact today, may not be tomorrow.

So, here it is, as far as I can gather, at present.

Manti Te'o is a linebacker for Notre Dame. Which if you know as much about American Football as I do, means he plays a defensive position for a college team in Indiana (I think)

This story is all about Manti, a 21 yr old who played his heart out in the face of huge, massive, devastating personal tragedy. Within only 6 hours, the poor guy got news that not only his grandmother had died, but his girlfriend as well.

He played that day to honour the lives of his 2 lost loves and kicked the arse of Michigan State 20-3.

The media, being the media, got a hold of this story and hailed Manti as a hero, a man who in the face of adversity and overwhelming grief won the game and the hearts of everyone else.

Then..... 'Deadspin' got a bit of a tip off.

Manti's girlfriend Lennay Kekua was not actually a real person, she has allegedly been made up by a 'mate' called Ronaiah Tuiasospo.

Confused? Yeah, me too.

Apparently for about 4 years or so, Manti had been in contact online with a gorgeous girl called Lennay who was a cousin of one of his friends. (Ronaiah's cousin)

The poor girl had been drawn through some awful events, she had a bad car accident and the was diagnosed with leukaemia. She went through a bone marrow transplant but died anyway.

What I don't get is how can Manti have called this girl his girlfriend when he hadn't met her and why didn't he realise that she wasn't real?

What happens now then?

In a statement, Manti said:
'This is incredibly embarrassing to talk about, but over an extended period of time, I developed an emotional relationship with a woman I met online. We maintained what I thought to be an authentic relationship by communicating frequently online and on the phone, and I grew to care deeply about her. To realize that I was the victim of what was apparently someone's sick joke and constant lies was, and is, painful and humiliating. It further pains me that the grief I felt and the sympathies expressed to me at the time of my grandmother's death in September were in any way deepened by what I believed to be another significant loss in my life. I am enormously grateful for the support of my family, friends and Notre Dame fans throughout this year. To think that I shared with them my happiness about my relationship and details that I thought to be true about her just makes me sick. I hope that people can understand how trying and confusing this whole experience has been. In retrospect, I obviously should have been much more cautious. If anything good comes of this, I hope it is that others will be far more guarded when they engage with people online than I was. Fortunately, I have many wonderful things in my life, and I'm looking forward to putting this painful experience behind me as I focus on preparing for the NFL Draft.'

Just lucky you don't play 'soccer' over here mate, the crowd would no doubt have some inventive chants to keep you amused.

Personally, if it is true and he didn't know he was being made to look like a twat, then I have the deepest sympathy for him. I don't mind looking like an arse when it's my own fault, but when someone who is meant to be mate does this, then it's pretty cruel.

Plus point is, Mel Grieg and Michael Christian are no longer on air in Australia....... So your safe there Manti.

Remember Ben: How a Secret Santa Should be Done

In all honesty a Secret Santa is a bit of a pain in the arse. You are more or less guaranteed to get stuff that is bordering on useless, you know the sort of thing, body/bath/shower gel or socks/hat/gloves etc.

Sometimes it would just be easier if you turned round and said ‘why don’t you just give me the money instead?’ Then at least, well you could get yourself something you wanted or maybe you could put it to better use by paying your bills.

In an idea designed to be fun and make sure that everyone is included in holiday celebrations it often falls flat on its face and sadly reveals what our work colleagues actually think about us. Therefore you can end up not feeling included, not feeling in a very fun mood and having lost the spirit of Christmas or lost touch with the Winter Solstice.

Prepare to have your ice cold Narnian Witch’s heart melt by these tales of generosity and kindness. In some areas in the USA people are having their layaway plans for Christmas toys paid off by a Secret Santa. For example CNN reported that in Detroit one ‘Santa’ donated $2000 to pay of debts of 14 people.

Kmart has a layaway plan that runs all year round, not just at the holiday season so people who aren’t flush with money can save up for larger items which will be held at the shop until the bill is paid off.

Chicago Sun-Times reports that Santa’s little Elves have been visiting Naperville Kmart where 12 layaway balances were paid off just yesterday. This has even encouraged some of the staff to go and pay off a layaway too.

Think that is all I have to say about Secret Santas then?

Well no it isn’t, get the tissues at the ready for this next instance of Christmas goodwill.

In Indiana, Edna Deppe the assistant manager of Kmart told the story of a lady who paid the layaway bill of the worn out looking man standing in front of her with 3 kids and a bill.

He stood and looked at her then the assistant manager, Edna says, “He asked if it was a joke. I told him it wasn't, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears."

The woman in her mid 40s wasn’t by any shape or form finished, she continued on her spending spree and paid off even more layaway plans, as many as 50. Then, as a parting gift she paid for 2 trolley loads of toys for a woman at the till. The lady did not say who she was, only that her husband had just died and she wasn’t going to be able to spend the money, so it was only right that it brought happiness to others.

'Remember Ben’ is all she said.

Ok, I know I could be cynical and suggest that it is a Kmart publicity stunt but at the end of the day, does it really matter, because at least there are people somewhere who care enough to make a difference to the lives of other people.