The world (I guess) is waiting for major league baseball to smack down A-Rod today. There has been much speculation over just how severe it will be . . . this long awaited punishment for cheating.
Here's the thing . . . why is the player's union defending this guy? How is it possible that he could ever play again? How come Pete Rose has a lifetime ban from baseball and all he did was gamble (and never against his own team)?
A-Rod, and the other guys getting caught up in the most recent rounding up of the usual suspects, not only cheated . . . they cheated THE GAME. And, they cheated other players. Their "enhanced" performances meant that they got a bigger share of the salary cap, undeservedly. Their selfishness has tarnished the game. They created an atmosphere in which younger players felt like they HAD to cheat too.
Ban them all from the sport. Really ban them. Oh, and bring back Pete Rose.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Monday, August 05, 2013
Friday, August 17, 2012
Lessons
Earlier this week, I found myself left in charge of a small child for a brief period of time. I know . . . blows my mind too! Since I didn't have much time to corrupt the young mind, I resorted to the same sort of manipulation advertisers use.
While the child ran around the auditorium, squealing happily, I kept saying over and over again "Rameses is my home boy." (Said child's mother attended the rival school.) Another "adult" in the room picked up on my tactic and started saying "Wa Hoo Wa."
Now, all we have to do is wait for the child to start repeating those phrases at home. And, mom will have learned her lesson about leaving a monkey as the designated "adult" with her child. Heh.
While the child ran around the auditorium, squealing happily, I kept saying over and over again "Rameses is my home boy." (Said child's mother attended the rival school.) Another "adult" in the room picked up on my tactic and started saying "Wa Hoo Wa."
Now, all we have to do is wait for the child to start repeating those phrases at home. And, mom will have learned her lesson about leaving a monkey as the designated "adult" with her child. Heh.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Looking for gold
I've spent the whole day watching football. And, I'm puzzled. I know a bit about the group of women who came up with the pink ribbon campaign for breast cancer awareness/research support. Frankly, it was marketing genius. These days, any corporate overlord can slap a pink ribbon on more or less any product, and VOILA! sales!
We even have the whole NFL sporting pink all over the field . . . from caps to gloves to socks to ribbons sewn on their uniforms. And, I don't believe it's just marketing. I believe that many of the men playing in the NFL genuinely want to support breast cancer awareness/research. They all have wives and mothers and girlfriends and sisters and aunts and friends who may have faced breast cancer.
But, the fact of the matter is that there are other issues that take a bigger toll on our society that don't get nearly the attention or support, despite pretty ribbons. Violence against women effects more women than cancer. Childhood cancers effect more children than breast cancer does women.
Autism seems to have picked up some of the awareness marketing, but people seem to really only care about young children with autism; we kinda forget about them when they get older.
I don't begrudge the pink ribboners. I just wonder how we can capture that gold for other pressing issues in our society.
We even have the whole NFL sporting pink all over the field . . . from caps to gloves to socks to ribbons sewn on their uniforms. And, I don't believe it's just marketing. I believe that many of the men playing in the NFL genuinely want to support breast cancer awareness/research. They all have wives and mothers and girlfriends and sisters and aunts and friends who may have faced breast cancer.
But, the fact of the matter is that there are other issues that take a bigger toll on our society that don't get nearly the attention or support, despite pretty ribbons. Violence against women effects more women than cancer. Childhood cancers effect more children than breast cancer does women.
Autism seems to have picked up some of the awareness marketing, but people seem to really only care about young children with autism; we kinda forget about them when they get older.
I don't begrudge the pink ribboners. I just wonder how we can capture that gold for other pressing issues in our society.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Rant
I have a rant. I am completely bewildered as to why our media has such a love affair for Serena Williams.
I've been playing and watching tennis since the Old Folks decided that I needed an introduction to "polite" human society. (There were also ballroom dancing lessons, but that is another story.)
Two years ago at the US open, Serena threatened to kill a line judge. She did it in front of millions of people and was pretty clearly recorded. Then, last year, she bailed on the US open with, what I believe was, a totally fabricated excuse. She claimed she was injured from stepping on broken glass. . . but between the glass incident and bailing on the US open, she successfully played in an exhibition match, seemingly uninjured.
This weekend, I was dismayed to see how she reacted to winning the match that put her in the finals. She jumped around and pointed to the sky and acted as if this were her first time to make it to the big match. I dislike it when any player, who has a history of championships, acts as if beating a less experienced player is some kind of miracle. I think it's unsportsman like and undignified. Frickin' act like you've been there before.
Then, today, during her match she called out just as the opponent who was handily beating her was about to hit the ball. It was a clear noise violation, and according to the rules, was an automatic loss of the point. During the change over, Serena berated the chair umpire and demanded to know if she were the same umpire who "screwed" her last time, and then ran her mouth during the whole change over.
Thing is, the reaction from the folks covering the match were to excuse Serena's behavior and demonstrate a total lack of understanding of the rules.
Now, tonight, with a bit more distance from the ugliness, commenters are pointing out that she was, in fact, in violation of the rules, the chair umpire was right, and Serena's behavior afterwards was unacceptable. And, it is suddenly being recalled that Serena is still on USTA probation for the threats the last time she played the US open.
Serena isn't some doe-eyed teenager who got caught up in the moment of her first big tournament. She is a seasoned veteran who has been playing majors half her life. She is an adult. She knows better.
Frankly, she isn't good for the game. Perhaps now would be a good time for her to retire.
I've been playing and watching tennis since the Old Folks decided that I needed an introduction to "polite" human society. (There were also ballroom dancing lessons, but that is another story.)
Two years ago at the US open, Serena threatened to kill a line judge. She did it in front of millions of people and was pretty clearly recorded. Then, last year, she bailed on the US open with, what I believe was, a totally fabricated excuse. She claimed she was injured from stepping on broken glass. . . but between the glass incident and bailing on the US open, she successfully played in an exhibition match, seemingly uninjured.
This weekend, I was dismayed to see how she reacted to winning the match that put her in the finals. She jumped around and pointed to the sky and acted as if this were her first time to make it to the big match. I dislike it when any player, who has a history of championships, acts as if beating a less experienced player is some kind of miracle. I think it's unsportsman like and undignified. Frickin' act like you've been there before.
Then, today, during her match she called out just as the opponent who was handily beating her was about to hit the ball. It was a clear noise violation, and according to the rules, was an automatic loss of the point. During the change over, Serena berated the chair umpire and demanded to know if she were the same umpire who "screwed" her last time, and then ran her mouth during the whole change over.
Thing is, the reaction from the folks covering the match were to excuse Serena's behavior and demonstrate a total lack of understanding of the rules.
Now, tonight, with a bit more distance from the ugliness, commenters are pointing out that she was, in fact, in violation of the rules, the chair umpire was right, and Serena's behavior afterwards was unacceptable. And, it is suddenly being recalled that Serena is still on USTA probation for the threats the last time she played the US open.
Serena isn't some doe-eyed teenager who got caught up in the moment of her first big tournament. She is a seasoned veteran who has been playing majors half her life. She is an adult. She knows better.
Frankly, she isn't good for the game. Perhaps now would be a good time for her to retire.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
We all end up here, eventually
My gift to the community is that I have not reproduced. Really, no one wants a half human, half monkey in the public schools ruining the curve for everyone.
As a non-parent, I have managed to escape lots of parent experiences. I sleep soundly on Saturday mornings. I don't ever have to take the morning off to watch children who can't possibly be as talented as mine butcher show tunes. And, I don't have a car always loaded with the "sports parents" chairs/blankets/cooler.
But, yet, this morning, in my kitchen, the scene was that of many house holds with children . . . I was packing up a cooler of drinks and quartering pounds and pounds of oranges. Remember our youth tennis team we work with? They won today. It was the oranges . . . and the promise of a bag of cadbury mini eggs upon victory, surely.
As a non-parent, I have managed to escape lots of parent experiences. I sleep soundly on Saturday mornings. I don't ever have to take the morning off to watch children who can't possibly be as talented as mine butcher show tunes. And, I don't have a car always loaded with the "sports parents" chairs/blankets/cooler.
But, yet, this morning, in my kitchen, the scene was that of many house holds with children . . . I was packing up a cooler of drinks and quartering pounds and pounds of oranges. Remember our youth tennis team we work with? They won today. It was the oranges . . . and the promise of a bag of cadbury mini eggs upon victory, surely.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Letter to a Sourpuss
Dear Lady who sits in front of me at ball games:
I understand that you aren't a fan of basketball, or people, it would seem. I sense that you think it unseemly that people act outrageously in such venues . . . what with the clapping and the yelling and high fiving the people around them. And, I have observed that you and your husband don't speak or interact during games, leaving me to believe that you are attending the games out of wifely obligation.
However, please know that what you might view as a boring activity that must be endured for the sake of a happy household, I enjoy. I like the camaraderie with my fellow alumni. I look forward to the opportunities to break out of the work-a-day stiffness of formal behavior. Phenom and I actually view attending these events as a "date" and opportunities to enhance our relationship.
Taking all of this into consideration, you should know that every time you turn around and give me the hairy-eyeball when I cheer, each time you give the half head turn of annoyance when I clap, and the more time you spend with your finger in your ear trying to block me out . . . well all that just encourages me. Last game, you gave me 3 hairy-eyeballs, 6 half head turns, and spent a good five minutes of game time with your finger in your ear . . . all in the first half.
Also, I noticed you give the young fan in the seat next to me the stink-eye once too . . . which means you really are an unreasonable troll . . . to try to harsh the enjoyment of a four-year old little boy. Frankly, you should be really grateful for little Will . . . because of him, I have not audibly dropped the F-bomb all season and have kept my cheers to things like "defense" (I know, you really hate that one . . . it's the one that generally gets the full on hairy-eyeball) and "good job."
How about you and your husband have a good, honest talk about how much you hate the experience of watching big time college basketball . . . and let him have the seat next to him for his jacket? I imagine his jacket is a more enjoyable companion.
And, I look forward to continuing to cheer my, our, team on to more victories. I might even throw in a "boo-ya" here and there . . . but only if you are really really foul.
Sincerely,
The fan behind you.
I understand that you aren't a fan of basketball, or people, it would seem. I sense that you think it unseemly that people act outrageously in such venues . . . what with the clapping and the yelling and high fiving the people around them. And, I have observed that you and your husband don't speak or interact during games, leaving me to believe that you are attending the games out of wifely obligation.
However, please know that what you might view as a boring activity that must be endured for the sake of a happy household, I enjoy. I like the camaraderie with my fellow alumni. I look forward to the opportunities to break out of the work-a-day stiffness of formal behavior. Phenom and I actually view attending these events as a "date" and opportunities to enhance our relationship.
Taking all of this into consideration, you should know that every time you turn around and give me the hairy-eyeball when I cheer, each time you give the half head turn of annoyance when I clap, and the more time you spend with your finger in your ear trying to block me out . . . well all that just encourages me. Last game, you gave me 3 hairy-eyeballs, 6 half head turns, and spent a good five minutes of game time with your finger in your ear . . . all in the first half.
Also, I noticed you give the young fan in the seat next to me the stink-eye once too . . . which means you really are an unreasonable troll . . . to try to harsh the enjoyment of a four-year old little boy. Frankly, you should be really grateful for little Will . . . because of him, I have not audibly dropped the F-bomb all season and have kept my cheers to things like "defense" (I know, you really hate that one . . . it's the one that generally gets the full on hairy-eyeball) and "good job."
How about you and your husband have a good, honest talk about how much you hate the experience of watching big time college basketball . . . and let him have the seat next to him for his jacket? I imagine his jacket is a more enjoyable companion.
And, I look forward to continuing to cheer my, our, team on to more victories. I might even throw in a "boo-ya" here and there . . . but only if you are really really foul.
Sincerely,
The fan behind you.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Spewing on Vick
So, the mega spin machines have been cranking in over drive since Vick signed with the Eagles. He's made the interview rounds, sharing intimacies over his own horror and revulsion over his actions. His coach has said there is self loathing. Everyone seems to be rallying to his side for that ever popular human phenomena . . . the second chance.
I know, ya'll have been waiting for my thoughts so that you might also have an opinion. (Someday, I will be my own media outlet and people will not form a thought until I have given it to them . . . and they will call me by my initials . . . TSB. . . I'll be a major "news" network.)
First, Vick didn't just commit one crime. There were a string of criminal activities. Aside from the profiteering and gambling and what have you . . . there was the "training" and the cruelty and the viciousness of the fights and the inhumane way animals were punished, killed, and disposed of over and over again. This was not an accident. This was an intentional, criminal undertaking. This was a series of actions that resulted in something horrifying.
The human justice system meted out a punishment for him . . . fines, loss of fortune, prison, etc.
But, now, he has the monumental task of proving himself. Not just as a football player, on the field, during games. But as a human. A person of talent and substance. That will take far more than a spin machine.
If, in five years time, Vick has used his abilities, his talents, and his fortune to become a shining example of humanity. . . then I will say that he deserved a second chance. He will need to be a leader within his team. He will need to prove his dedication as well as his talents. But, off the field, away from practice or the game I will expect to see him selecting his cohorts with more care. I will expect to see him staying away from situations that could lead to trouble. I will look to see him be a leader in serving his community . . . in both public and private ways.
When that becomes the lifestyle he adopts, then the second chance was deserved. But, if he tests positive for drugs or is involved in other violence or surrounds himself with people who think masculinity is defined by criminal or thuggish behavior . . . then I expect society to turn their backs on him and waste no more effort or resources on him.
I know, ya'll have been waiting for my thoughts so that you might also have an opinion. (Someday, I will be my own media outlet and people will not form a thought until I have given it to them . . . and they will call me by my initials . . . TSB. . . I'll be a major "news" network.)
First, Vick didn't just commit one crime. There were a string of criminal activities. Aside from the profiteering and gambling and what have you . . . there was the "training" and the cruelty and the viciousness of the fights and the inhumane way animals were punished, killed, and disposed of over and over again. This was not an accident. This was an intentional, criminal undertaking. This was a series of actions that resulted in something horrifying.
The human justice system meted out a punishment for him . . . fines, loss of fortune, prison, etc.
But, now, he has the monumental task of proving himself. Not just as a football player, on the field, during games. But as a human. A person of talent and substance. That will take far more than a spin machine.
If, in five years time, Vick has used his abilities, his talents, and his fortune to become a shining example of humanity. . . then I will say that he deserved a second chance. He will need to be a leader within his team. He will need to prove his dedication as well as his talents. But, off the field, away from practice or the game I will expect to see him selecting his cohorts with more care. I will expect to see him staying away from situations that could lead to trouble. I will look to see him be a leader in serving his community . . . in both public and private ways.
When that becomes the lifestyle he adopts, then the second chance was deserved. But, if he tests positive for drugs or is involved in other violence or surrounds himself with people who think masculinity is defined by criminal or thuggish behavior . . . then I expect society to turn their backs on him and waste no more effort or resources on him.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Social Butterfly-Monkey
I'm not naturally prone to being the social bon vivant. I like a good time. I like a good drink. But, I'm enough of a control freak to want to dictate the terms of my good times.
This weekend is a bit of an experiment for me. I had tasty plans to tail gate with The Chick. But, her hub is in the process of recovering from sudden and unplanned surgery. But, I have already secured the tickets and the parking space and some of the rare nibblies . . . and had invited people already . . . so I'm going ahead without her. Although, drinking alkie drinks insanely early in the day won't be the same without her.
I'm skipping the game . . . and driving to another town for another game . . . and have managed to score sweet seats (just behind the player's bench). And, I have passes to the VIP party before the game. YES! ME! A VIP!!! Scary, no?
Now, I need to go bone up on my small talk . . . and figure out what one wears as a VIP to a ball game.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Frustration
Does anything ever actually live up to the hype?
I know the showdown between No. 1 and No. 2 ranked college men's teams sure didn't. That may have been one of the most frustratingly bad basketball games I've ever seen. How does a team that is less than 60% from the charity stripe ever make it to a No. 1 ranking? Hell, you could teach a blind monkey to make that shot.
And, what makes me most sad is that I actually really like Bruce Pearl. Even his skin is Vols Orange.
I know the showdown between No. 1 and No. 2 ranked college men's teams sure didn't. That may have been one of the most frustratingly bad basketball games I've ever seen. How does a team that is less than 60% from the charity stripe ever make it to a No. 1 ranking? Hell, you could teach a blind monkey to make that shot.
And, what makes me most sad is that I actually really like Bruce Pearl. Even his skin is Vols Orange.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Watching the clock
On Kelvin Sampson's career, that is.
I'll admit it . . . other than that inappropriate "rape" comment a thousand years ago, I never really was bothered by Bobby Knight. He won games. He was a moral guy. And, his players actually received degrees. He was demanding and old school and every once in a while his temper became the show. I think the folks in Indiana deserve what they're getting now.
I also think that Coach Sampson should fall on his sword and resign. He knows he did wrong. He did it over and over and over again. He was warned and sanctioned. . . . and yet he still did wrong. One of his assistants even took a fall for him . . . and he still didn't stop cheating. And, he lied about it all.
The lying is what will be Indiana's ticket to firing him . . . before the NCAA gets around to doling out new sanctions.
So, how do you look your family . . . your wife . . . your kids . . . your parents in the eye after being humilated. I mean, damn . . . Dickie V pretty much dedicated all of the College Game Day broadcast to trashing Coach Sampson. And, would any school take him with all his sanctions and proclivity to cheat? But, you know what they say. . . wal-mart is always hiring.
I'll admit it . . . other than that inappropriate "rape" comment a thousand years ago, I never really was bothered by Bobby Knight. He won games. He was a moral guy. And, his players actually received degrees. He was demanding and old school and every once in a while his temper became the show. I think the folks in Indiana deserve what they're getting now.
I also think that Coach Sampson should fall on his sword and resign. He knows he did wrong. He did it over and over and over again. He was warned and sanctioned. . . . and yet he still did wrong. One of his assistants even took a fall for him . . . and he still didn't stop cheating. And, he lied about it all.
The lying is what will be Indiana's ticket to firing him . . . before the NCAA gets around to doling out new sanctions.
So, how do you look your family . . . your wife . . . your kids . . . your parents in the eye after being humilated. I mean, damn . . . Dickie V pretty much dedicated all of the College Game Day broadcast to trashing Coach Sampson. And, would any school take him with all his sanctions and proclivity to cheat? But, you know what they say. . . wal-mart is always hiring.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
My Violent Side
I like to think of myself as a peace-loving monkey. I could smile and say "world peace" to the judges with real sincerity. I don't hit. I rarely even yell at people. I have been known to express myself colorfully, and in several languages - including sign.
But there is something about football that brings out my violent side. I don't watch it often for this exact reason.
First of all, let me say that I had no particular interest in either team playing tonight. In fact, I decided which team I was pulling for in the 1st quarter - and my choice was pretty much based on capricious reasoning. I've actually been by Archie Manning's home in the Garden District . . . or what I was told was the Manning home. Thus, it was like pulling for family.
But, once I decided who I was pulling for . . . I really committed. I yelled . . . terrified the cats. I love the sack. The Sack and the back door allie-oop dunk. Those are probably my two favorite things in all of sports.
I am pleased to report that I didn't resort to yelling "kill!!!!" as I have in the past. Or, even "run you bastard!!!" as the Phenom reports I've said too. I think the worst was "hit 'm hard!"
I think I need to sit in a quiet, darkened room to come down from all the violence.
But there is something about football that brings out my violent side. I don't watch it often for this exact reason.
First of all, let me say that I had no particular interest in either team playing tonight. In fact, I decided which team I was pulling for in the 1st quarter - and my choice was pretty much based on capricious reasoning. I've actually been by Archie Manning's home in the Garden District . . . or what I was told was the Manning home. Thus, it was like pulling for family.
But, once I decided who I was pulling for . . . I really committed. I yelled . . . terrified the cats. I love the sack. The Sack and the back door allie-oop dunk. Those are probably my two favorite things in all of sports.
I am pleased to report that I didn't resort to yelling "kill!!!!" as I have in the past. Or, even "run you bastard!!!" as the Phenom reports I've said too. I think the worst was "hit 'm hard!"
I think I need to sit in a quiet, darkened room to come down from all the violence.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Random Sports thoughts
a) Dan Patrick is right . . . playing schools like Presbyterian won't prepare you for the competition of the ACC
b) Kentucky fans are totally getting what they deserve this year and I hope Tubby is laughing his way to the bank.
c) The day is coming when coaches who tell their players to "take out" an opposing team's star will face criminal charges as well as law suits from the injured players. . . mark my words.
d) I think Clemmons probably did juice. I don't have any proof mind you . . . just a willingness to believe the worst in some humans.
e) Football season is much too long.
f) wouldn't it suck if the Patriots lost last week? Have a record breaking season but not make it to the superbowl?
g) The BCS sucks . . . the lower divisions have it right . . . GO HAPPY APPY.
h) poker is not a sport.
b) Kentucky fans are totally getting what they deserve this year and I hope Tubby is laughing his way to the bank.
c) The day is coming when coaches who tell their players to "take out" an opposing team's star will face criminal charges as well as law suits from the injured players. . . mark my words.
d) I think Clemmons probably did juice. I don't have any proof mind you . . . just a willingness to believe the worst in some humans.
e) Football season is much too long.
f) wouldn't it suck if the Patriots lost last week? Have a record breaking season but not make it to the superbowl?
g) The BCS sucks . . . the lower divisions have it right . . . GO HAPPY APPY.
h) poker is not a sport.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Conflicted
I'm not sure how I feel about congress gettin' all hot and bothered and thinking they have any business getting in the middle of professional sports.
On one hand, it's a game folks. Let's not take it too seriously . . . it's not like social security or health care or whether or not brit-brit is wearing knickers.
But, it's also big business. Business that is problematic in that there are shades of exploitation . . . and scandalously high salaries for people who may or may not be in any shape to handle that money without getting into serious trouble . . . and huge amounts of money changing hands for advertising and sponsorships and trading of humans, etc.
But, is really the job of ELECTED GOVERNMENTAL TYPES to think they have the right to muck around with the business of this business? If large scale crime or "stuff that just ain't right" is going on . . . perhaps. If y'all just wanna watch the home team without paying extra for the network . . . then I'm thinking that falls in the category of "abuse of power." And, if there is enough shady business going on that you CAN threaten to look into issues of monopoly . . . then as elected types, you shouldn't be bought off with being able to see the home team on network tv.
Which brings me back to . . . all of this consternation is based on a GAME . . . or several types of games. At what point does it stop being a game . . . and become something so much more? And, once we hit that point, doesn't it kinda lose that something that makes it an escape for those of us doing something more than pushing a ball around for a living?
On one hand, it's a game folks. Let's not take it too seriously . . . it's not like social security or health care or whether or not brit-brit is wearing knickers.
But, it's also big business. Business that is problematic in that there are shades of exploitation . . . and scandalously high salaries for people who may or may not be in any shape to handle that money without getting into serious trouble . . . and huge amounts of money changing hands for advertising and sponsorships and trading of humans, etc.
But, is really the job of ELECTED GOVERNMENTAL TYPES to think they have the right to muck around with the business of this business? If large scale crime or "stuff that just ain't right" is going on . . . perhaps. If y'all just wanna watch the home team without paying extra for the network . . . then I'm thinking that falls in the category of "abuse of power." And, if there is enough shady business going on that you CAN threaten to look into issues of monopoly . . . then as elected types, you shouldn't be bought off with being able to see the home team on network tv.
Which brings me back to . . . all of this consternation is based on a GAME . . . or several types of games. At what point does it stop being a game . . . and become something so much more? And, once we hit that point, doesn't it kinda lose that something that makes it an escape for those of us doing something more than pushing a ball around for a living?
Friday, December 14, 2007
I'm not sure why we all waited around for the news
So. The media is all over this Mitchell report. Naming names. Getting reactions. Focusing in on this bit or that. Replaying the Commissioner's vow to clean up the game.
And, I know - KNOW - y'all have been waiting for my thoughts.
I can't help but think this is like finding out that the politician who told you everything you wanted to hear when running for office lied to you.
Didn't we all know players were walking medical experiments? Baseball owners did. The commissioner did. The media and the fans did. We didn't really need proof.
And, given that EVERYONE knew about the drug use . . . . the vow to clean up the sport kinda sounds more like a CYA than actual intention. I suspect that 5 years from now, we'll be hearing all this over again.
And, I know - KNOW - y'all have been waiting for my thoughts.
I can't help but think this is like finding out that the politician who told you everything you wanted to hear when running for office lied to you.
Didn't we all know players were walking medical experiments? Baseball owners did. The commissioner did. The media and the fans did. We didn't really need proof.
And, given that EVERYONE knew about the drug use . . . . the vow to clean up the sport kinda sounds more like a CYA than actual intention. I suspect that 5 years from now, we'll be hearing all this over again.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
If you don't have anything nice to say . . . .
Any one catch the press conference naming the new University of Arkansas football coach? See the cultish ritual of chanting and raising and lowering their hands repeatedly?
That's pretty much all I'm gonna say on the matter . . . because well, that's all I can say and not buy myself some snarky karma.
That's pretty much all I'm gonna say on the matter . . . because well, that's all I can say and not buy myself some snarky karma.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Breakin' the Law
So they finally found charges for Barry Bonds. It seems to me that perhaps they worked and they worked until they finally found something that would stick. I'm not saying I think he's innocent or guilty of being juiced -- just that they could never find enough to convict him on those charges.
I don't quite understand how it is that congress has any business poking into major league sports. All of the professional sports have leagues that have rules and investigators and folks who mete out "punishments" based on the crime and a player's relative value. I kinda would hope that the people elected through the democratic process and who have their fingers on the nation's purse strings would have more to do than gaze upon their navels and wonder who is on the juice.
The media report I heard made some mention of having test results that would prove the perjury case. I have to wonder if that's true, did the league also have those results? And, if they did - why didn't they stick to their own rules? Or, does it really even matter if Bonds or several or all of the players were "enhancing" their abilities? Or, are they really afraid we fans might figure out what we've all known all along -- that it's a GAME.
I don't quite understand how it is that congress has any business poking into major league sports. All of the professional sports have leagues that have rules and investigators and folks who mete out "punishments" based on the crime and a player's relative value. I kinda would hope that the people elected through the democratic process and who have their fingers on the nation's purse strings would have more to do than gaze upon their navels and wonder who is on the juice.
The media report I heard made some mention of having test results that would prove the perjury case. I have to wonder if that's true, did the league also have those results? And, if they did - why didn't they stick to their own rules? Or, does it really even matter if Bonds or several or all of the players were "enhancing" their abilities? Or, are they really afraid we fans might figure out what we've all known all along -- that it's a GAME.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Most Magical Time of the Year
We are deep into football season, the baseball playoffs provide day to day excitement - and basketball season is just gearing up. Could it get any sweeter?
I mean - constant reasons to eat pop corn and drink beer. It could only be better if fat men were sneaking into my home with gifts.
I mean - constant reasons to eat pop corn and drink beer. It could only be better if fat men were sneaking into my home with gifts.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Why the NFL should ban Vick for Life
For several years now, high school, college, and professional sports has been struggling with scandal after scandal due to the criminal behaviors of the athletes. We've had reports of gang activity, shootings, rampant drugs, thug behavior, and now the Vick stuff. There are property crimes, murder, and entourages involved in crimes. The colleges and pros especially have tried to impose controls through demanding a dress code, drug tests, and the like. Mostly, ineffectively.
If the NFL bans Vick for life, it creates the pattern and precedent needed to ban other criminals. The NFL - and other pro sports and college teams - have a vested interest in protecting their image and brand. By welcoming Darryl Strawberry back over and over again, pro sports created the situation in which athletes know that their skills and ability to make money for the team owners is more important than their status as role model or the image they project for the team or league.
Banning Vick will be a first step in the leagues regaining control over criminal behavior from players (0r other affiliated persons). To say nothing of being the "right thing" to do.
If the NFL bans Vick for life, it creates the pattern and precedent needed to ban other criminals. The NFL - and other pro sports and college teams - have a vested interest in protecting their image and brand. By welcoming Darryl Strawberry back over and over again, pro sports created the situation in which athletes know that their skills and ability to make money for the team owners is more important than their status as role model or the image they project for the team or league.
Banning Vick will be a first step in the leagues regaining control over criminal behavior from players (0r other affiliated persons). To say nothing of being the "right thing" to do.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Vick rhymes with ?????
So, by now, everyone on the planet is wondering what the **ck about this Micheal Vick / dog fighting thing.
Even I, a super monkey, have to say that the stories published in the media gave me chills. The way those animals were abused and tortured made my days of captivity and rude poking seem like a child's birthday party.
I understand that much of the evidence the media is reporting about at this time comes from what they are calling "cooperating witnesses." Which, I assume means folks who are also looking at charges and are willing to trade what they know for an easier go of it. I assume there is other evidence prosecutors are keeping away from the media.
However, The Phenom did make a good point the other day -- which I believe came from another source -- the feds have been trying to snag Barry Bonds for years for illegal steroid use and haven't been able to pull it off. They have been investigating Vick just a few months and had enough to indict him. I can't imagine federal prosecutors are rushing to the grand jury without something pretty compelling.
Sadly, it seems that Vick hasn't a clue why the dog fighting thing is so very bad. Very very bad. Let's hope karma has something very special planned for him to teach him, eh?
Even I, a super monkey, have to say that the stories published in the media gave me chills. The way those animals were abused and tortured made my days of captivity and rude poking seem like a child's birthday party.
I understand that much of the evidence the media is reporting about at this time comes from what they are calling "cooperating witnesses." Which, I assume means folks who are also looking at charges and are willing to trade what they know for an easier go of it. I assume there is other evidence prosecutors are keeping away from the media.
However, The Phenom did make a good point the other day -- which I believe came from another source -- the feds have been trying to snag Barry Bonds for years for illegal steroid use and haven't been able to pull it off. They have been investigating Vick just a few months and had enough to indict him. I can't imagine federal prosecutors are rushing to the grand jury without something pretty compelling.
Sadly, it seems that Vick hasn't a clue why the dog fighting thing is so very bad. Very very bad. Let's hope karma has something very special planned for him to teach him, eh?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Battle of the Sexes: score one for the women
click on the title for the story link.
For years, I've suspected that women ball players were tougher physically than men players. Over the years, I've seen men players sit games out for all sorts of injuries that really didn't sound all that serious. I promise, I once saw that a male player skipped a game claiming he had a "strained eyelash." On the flip side, I've seen women players compete with all sorts of injuries.
Years ago, the head coach of the world famous UT Lady Vols was in labor, but wouldn't leave to go to the hospital until after the recruit in her office signed her letter of intent.
And, today, there is a story of a women's college basketball coach who coached her team in a regional tournament just 5 hours after giving birth.
I'm not sure it that's tough or crazy. I doubt there's a man who would do that.
For years, I've suspected that women ball players were tougher physically than men players. Over the years, I've seen men players sit games out for all sorts of injuries that really didn't sound all that serious. I promise, I once saw that a male player skipped a game claiming he had a "strained eyelash." On the flip side, I've seen women players compete with all sorts of injuries.
Years ago, the head coach of the world famous UT Lady Vols was in labor, but wouldn't leave to go to the hospital until after the recruit in her office signed her letter of intent.
And, today, there is a story of a women's college basketball coach who coached her team in a regional tournament just 5 hours after giving birth.
I'm not sure it that's tough or crazy. I doubt there's a man who would do that.
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