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OSU Coach Craig Robinson
Craig Robinson is well known in Oregon as the coach of the Oregon State Beavers men's basketball team. He's well known nationally as Michelle Obama's big brother. This week he'll release his new book, A Game of Character. It chronicles his life from growing up poor in Chicago to attending Princeton; from working in finance to following his dream of a career in basketball at OSU. He talks about his sister and his parents and the man who became President of the United States. Craig Robinson joins us before beginning his national book tour. He'll talk about the basketball court and the White House, and answer your questions. What do you want to ask Craig Robinson?
GUEST:
- Craig Robinson: coach of the men's basketball team at Oregon State University and author of A Game of Character
Tagged as: obama · osu · politics · sports
Photo credit: Courtesy of Gotham Books, a member of Penguin Group USA
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Mr. Robinson,
Is leadership something we are born, achieved with hard work or thrust upon us? In other words, what percentage would you venture is genetic versus due to our own labors? How do you teach leadership in your students?
Very few politicians command the rock star appearance of Candidate Obama in 2008. Analysts comment about a extraordinary charisma, outstanding oration skills, or some undescribed 'X-factor.' How would you distill his success?
Among many other hurdles President Obama overcame, was his foreign-sounding name. Americans have embraced Barack despite professional publicity naysayers. What were your thoughts when you first heard the name Barack Obama?
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Beyond talent, what qualities do you look for in young men that you recruit for OSU basketball?
What were the values that your parents instilled in you and Michelle?
Describe your first meeting with Barack Obama.
How is your mom doing?
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Have you played the President in pick-up basketball? Does he like to pass, shoot or run the floor? Does he play a rapid high scoring offense or a tight controlling low scoring defensive game? Can he dunk? Is he a clutch player when the game gets desperate? Would you have recruited him?
We all exist on a spectrum of liberal and conservative values. Where do you think you would place on the spectrum? Where would Candidate Barack place? We have seen some unexpected conservative overtures from his administration: Not repealing 'Don't Ask/Don't Tell' in the military homosexual policy. Promoting Offshore Oil Drilling and Nuclear Plants. Abortion funding restrictions in the Health Care Plan.
Do you think President Obamas values are shifting relative to Candidate Obama?
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Is it difficult being Michelle's brother? Does Mr. Robinson tire of talking about the Obama's? Has it made his career more difficult? Does he feel like he is under a microscope? Is it hard to be productive with the added pressure and scrutiny?
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I don't think so
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Your sister mentions in her book about visiting my Grandparents resort in central Michigan called Dukes Happy Holiday resort do you have any memories of your own of your families trips there?
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Please! Some questions about CRAIG ROBINSON are in order. "What's it like to be related to Michelle and Barack Obama" isn't fair or informative.
How about
"What are your goals for the OSU program?'
"How did you find time to write a book with all the other impacts on your time? What kind of writing discipline did you employ?"
"What do you do with your down time? Family activities?"
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What is the most important thing you want your student athletes to learn during their time with you at OSU? In what ways do the elements of a small college town hurt or help your vision for your program?
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How do you teach perseverance in your play when someone wants to quit? Do children want to quit after a while?
Thanks,
Richa
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I know that your father suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. How did that affect you growing up? Have you considered getting involved in the MS community in the Pacific NW (one of the highest incidence rates in the US)?
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I am a photo stylist in Portland, and , I had the opportunity of working with Craig and his wife Kelly doing their hair, makeup and wardrobe for their recent photo shoot appearing in People magazine for their upcoming feature on his new autobiography. I was so pleased to get to hang out with them for the afternoon. They are smart, yet humble, real people living a life of character, integrity with a sense of humor, and also with a great love of one another. Craig and Kelly are mentors for students and everyone they meet.
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Coach, what would you do if a player came to you
and said he was gay and wanted to come out to the team?
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I listened to about 20 minutes of your live interview with Mr. Robinson this morning and have to say you did a terrible job. He wrote a book honoring his parents and his upbringing and for the time I could listen all you did was ask him about his brother in law. He was gracious to you during what I heard - more than I would have been. If you wanted to know about Obama, you should have attempted to arrange an interview with him or his staff.
Mr. Robsinson deserves more from you.
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Comments are now closed.
Mr. Robinson, I look forward to reading your book, A Game of Character. Who is your favorite author, what is your favorite book, and who has inspired you most and why?
When will OSU win the PAC 10 Basketball Tournament?