Editor’s Note: This is the third edition of Melvin Ely’s blog on Hornets.com.
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I’m not your typical pet lover. I don’t have dogs or cats, but I own a lot of unique animals. I have had snakes for forever. I have five snakes – three here and two in Chicago. The one I just got is a red blood python that I named Ka after the one in the Jungle Book. I have another one named Shirley, who is about as meek as a snake can get. Shirley doesn’t eat mice that are alive; it only eats frozen ones that you have to wiggle in front of it. So that snake is a little off. Then there are Mel and Little Mel. I named them after me and my son, and my son loves them.
Everybody always asks me why I own snakes. I like them because they are low-maintenance. I only have to feed them once every week or two, and they want to be left alone. I try to play with mine a lot to keep them accustomed to being touched, because you never know when a little kid will walk up and touch one or want to play with one. One of my snakes is an eight-foot Burmese Python. I have had that one for the longest, but I am thinking about getting rid of it because it’s too big.
Most people like to just look at them through the glass when they come over, but a few people ask me to take them out. I brought one of my snakes to the locker room one day to show my teammates. Our locker room has two entrances, so when I came in everyone ran out the other exit. I don’t think they like snakes too much. I also had some scorpions that passed away, but it wasn’t my fault. I guess they just died of old insect age or whatever. I own lizards as well. And that’s not even the end of my pet collection. I want to get piranhas and things like that for the house. I just need to find a place that sells them. So if you know, let me know…
INJURY EFFECT
You are kind of torn because every guy wants to get to play and get minutes, but this is not the way you want to get them. You would rather earn your way into the lineup, doing the proper steps and waiting until your name is called that way. But with guys out, it’s time for people to step up. I myself have been doing a lot to be ready for the opportunity and you just don’t want to let your team down. I think I am one of the guys who is going to get a chance to play more the next few games and I am definitely looking forward to it.
SUPER BOWL
Ever since the Bears didn’t do what they were supposed to do this season, I haven’t followed the NFL too close. Just like most NFL fans, everyone thinks that their team is going to the Super Bowl every year and when they get eliminated, you lose some interest and you look forward to the next season.
That being said, I can’t wait for next year and the Bears to win the Super Bowl! But if I had to pick I would pick the Steelers. Troy Polamalu is my boy. When you see him play he is what everyone wants to be, especially with his work ethic. He works his butt off; he isn’t an extremely big guy, but he plays like he is the biggest guy on the field. He is my pick for Super Bowl MVP.
ALL-STAR AGENDA
I usually take a few days off during the All-Star break, so this year I will probably go to my place in Vegas. There is a workout facility there, so I can just brush up on my game for a couple of days.
FAN MAIL
(You can comment on the Ely Elaborates blog or ask Melvin a question by sending an e-mail to jime@hornets.com. Please incude “Ely Elaborates” in the subject of your e-mail)
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Hey Melvin, I saw your blog on Hornets.com and just wanted to congratulate you on all your success. I am a big fan of yours, all the way back to your playing days at Fresno State. You are my all-time favorite b-ball player, college and pro. Still waiting for them to retire your number!!! I don't know what is taking them so long. That will be a great day. You represented us so well and we really appreciate that. I know the rest of the Bulldog fans feel the same way. I have a Fresno State jersey with #33 from when you played here stored away for your return to a Fresno State game so I can get it autographed. Best of luck with your continued success and will be rooting for you and the Hornets to win the championship this year! P.S. Someone posted your high school All-American dunk contest video on YouTube. It is awesome! Haha. Thanks, Brian Archer I met Mel Ely in Sarasota, Florida, after Hurricane Charley destroyed my home and ravaged Southwest Florida in 2004. Mel helped me and my friend out and even let me stay with him at his place while I was looking for a place to move into. He was there training in Bradenton at IMG Academies. I have followed Mel for his entire career and he has had a lot of tough breaks, however, he always seems to be just as described in the blog, a happy-go-lucky guy that enjoys and respects the game. It’s a shame that more stuff like this doesn’t get out and show the true caring personalities of the players in the NBA. Mello is my boy and I will always admire him for helping me. Chris Brantley |
Other Ely Elaborates Entries
Ely Elaborates - Mar. 30
Ely Elaborates - Dec. 15
Ely Elaborates - Nov. 17
