When it rains it pours.
And when someone dies, they become an automatic superstar, even when it’s uncalled for.
Chris Henry, wide receiver for the Bengals, and what some would call a troubled person, died yesterday morning after an incident where he jumped onto a pick up truck that he eventually fell off of. His fiancée and him were having an argument, and according to some reports,he threatened to kill himself during the altercation.
As many people mourned the death of the 26 year old football player, radio hosts Terry Boers and Dan Bernstein were talking about how they couldn’t understand why people felt sorry for this guy. Now, I posted my condolences on an SBN site called Cincy Jungle and said how I thought Chris Henry was trying to the right things, which he may have been doing. Yet, who in their right mind jumps on a truck? It’s being reported as a domestic incident. What if Henry broke into the truck and hurt his fiancé? What happens then?
Anyway, the Bengals will most likely have a ceremony honoring him before the game this Sunday, and we will all hear great things about him. No problem with that.
However, why when anyone dies, meaning sports figure, movie star, pioneer of the Ho Ho movement, does media make the person seem like they’re bigger than they are?
Examples…
• Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain found dead with a shotgun wound in his head. Cobain spent his life for the most part doing heroin, and creating simplistic songs. Cobain is credited by many sources as the father of grunge or some bull crap like that. Let’s be real here. Grunge came out of Seattle, a depressing city where it rains all the time. The majority of songs in the grunge era were simplistic, Cobain made catchy songs, but he ain’t a originator. He just happened to get noticed, like Pearl Jam did.
• Anna Nicole Smith spent most of her life just annoying the shit out of everyone. From the marriage to an 89 year old billionaire to broadcasting her life on E, and of course all those annoying Trimspa commercials. When the news broke that she died due to an overdose in Florida, all of a sudden, Smith became an iconic figure that everyone loved. Really? Not to mention the custody case of her daughter went on for weeks and turned the Fox News Channel into the Anna Nicole Channel.
• Many will flame me for this, but I still figure Notorious B.I.G. became more popular on a mainstream level when he died, rather than alive. The man was murdered, but I don’t believe he did anything special to earn his status as one of best MC’s of all time. He earned that when he died. Before that, in my opinion, there wasn’t anything special about him. Kind of generic east coast rapper. Perhaps my bias shows here, I dunno.
Do we place more importance on people when they die? Do they become more iconic and can we say that’s justified? You life’s legacy should be predicated on what you did while you spent time here on Earth? I look at Chris Henry and see someone trying to turn the corner, but caught up in his own personal hell.
Maybe it’s not the right time to have this conversation, but I feel its food for thought.
In any event, I do feel for the family, the friends of MR. Henry, the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans.
M
Friday, December 18, 2009
A Look at Sports in Chicago
I thought due to the fact we have many things, good and bad happening in the world of Chicago sports, we should take a look at what’s going on. Then I will give my humble opinions. Let’s get to it.
CHICAGO BEARS
Where they’re at: After shocking the world with trading Kyle Orton and a few first round draft picks over the next couple of years, to Denver the Bears acquired a franchise quarterback in Jay Cutler. Bears fans in Chicago couldn’t contain their excitement. Yet, that quickly changed when Cutler threw 4 interceptions against the Green Bay packers and many after that. A few Bear fans started wishing Orton never left mainly due to the Broncos 6-0 start. The rest of Bear fans knew that the O-Line didn’t age well, receivers were missing, and the game management skills of their coaching staff rated below average. The team missed the playoffs for the third straight year since going to the Superbowl, and Lovie Smith continues to be numb to the fact that his team’s skills regress rather than improve.
What they should do: Very simply put, its time for a regime change. Jerry Angelo gambled the future of the Bears by trading for Cutler, and did so without any necessary reinforcements that a team needs to win. Sure the chance of getting a possible franchise QB doesn’t come everyday. However, you need to find a way to make the team stronger. Every draft pick should have been about strengthening up the offensive line. Cutler runs for his life every Sunday, and if the line continues to stay thin, having a franchise QB on IR doesn’t mean shit. Furthermore, Lovie Smith put himself under the gun when he said he would be calling the defensive plays. Plus, I believe his “everything will be OK” attitude has grown tiresome throughout the city. I also believe he needs to go for firing the brains behind that awesome defense when it was an awesome defense, Ron Rivera. A new coach would bring some life into this team. You can tell the team goes through the motions every Sunday, and it’s a lack of leadership and motivation behind that.
My prediction for next season: I believe the Bears brass will exterminate the management of this team, and next year will be a strict rebuilding year. Expect an impact player to be traded for some draft picks. The Bears need to get into this draft somehow. They need to beef up both the O Line and D Line. Cutler needs to be protected to do what he does; throw the ball downfield. Although, the receivers on this team try the best they can, you need to find a way to get a playmaking receiver. If Brandon Marshall doesn’t resign with Denver, perhaps a reunion should take place between him and his former QB in Denver. The Bears will be a 500 team at best next year, as they will have to contend with Minnesota, who will continue to be the class of that division, but Green Bay may not be far behind.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Where they’re at: About to hit the ceiling, but who really gives a shit? The Blackhawks have locked up a young core of players who can be labeled “the heart of the team.” Patrick Kane, Jonathon Toews, and Duncan Keith all were given long term deals to keep them with the Hawks for a minimum of the next five years. This, along with the long term contract given to Marian Hossa, veteran goal machine, has made the Blackhawks a solid team. My friend and I had a conversation about how the Hawks get less coverage than the Bulls and Bears, when they’re just kicking ass. Nice game last night. I thought the bench would bum rush the Blues for getting all brave with Huet. The team has one of the best records in hockey, they dominate the shots on goal in every game they play, put pressure on opposing teams, and defend well. Many teams when playing the Hawks shut down after they score a goal or two, and play in survival mode. They shift their focus to defense, and with good reason. The offensive threat the Hawks present with Kane, Toews, Hossa, and others like Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, and Troy Brouwer can be quite a bit of trouble. The Hawks have won many games in OT due to clutch players like Dustin Byfuglien and Brent Seabrook. They’re a force to be reckoned with.
What they should do: Don’t change too much. Perhaps find a way to make the high shots on goals become more goals would be my criticism. As I said, they put lots of pressure on teams to play defense, but come up empty.
My prediction for this season/future: I believe you will see the Hawks in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. It’s too early to declare them the winner, but they have shown themselves to be one of the great teams in the Western Conference this year. Along with San Jose, Los Angeles; the Hawks will compete hard for a cup appearance. Yet, don’t overlook Detroit, Anaheim, Vancover, and Colorado. All these teams compete hard and can find a way to get in the playoffs and surprise. The Hawks just need to make minor adjustments and just be the Hawks. The only downfall I see; to make room for cap space, Sharp or Byfuglien may be gone next season. Let’s hope not.
CHICAGO BULLS
Where they’re at: I don’t know, Ford Heights maybe. This team plays like they couldn’t give a shit anymore. With the exception of the fiery Joakim Noah, and number one draft pick Derrick Rose, I have ZERO faith in this team. What happened to that scrappy team that went man to man with the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs giving us some of the best basketball ever seen? All those triple overtimes. The effort the Bulls have turned in this year, just laughable. They have lost 11 out of their last 13, and in half of those games, they have lost by more than 20 points. The media gave them props for playing the Lakers hard, but forget that shit. They should be playing hard every time they hit the court, especially this early in the season.
What they should do: Everyone says fire Vinnie Del Negro, head coach, but perhaps the problem may be bigger than that. John Paxson, now VP of basketball operations, but before shield Gar Forman became general manager, was the guy running the show. Perhaps, the Bulls can use a regime change as well. Paxson fired Bill Cartwright for Scott Skilles, who brought the Bulls to three straight playoff appearances, who fired him for supposingly “losing the team.” During this period, the Bulls kept Loul Deng despite the fact he could have been part of a deal that would have brought Pau Gasol, a seven foot terror from Spain who ended up signing with the Lakers, and Deng has been so hot and cold. He let Ben Gordon go, when he scored the most points. And after missing out on opportunities to sign coaches Mike D’Antoni and former coach Doug Collins, the Bulls settled on rookie Del Negro who has been serviceable, but not making any kind of impact with the team. Paxson and Del Negro need to go, but the question would be who can replace them this far into the year that can turn the team around? Furthermore, the Bulls need to make a serious play at one of the superstar free agents that will be available next season. Dwayne Wade would be nice, but we can dream.
My prediction for season/future: One thing that I can say about the Bulls; they’re slow starters. The Bulls will chug along, and most likely the firings I called for will not happen during the season but afterwards, unless this horrid play continues. If that’s the case, expect Del Negro to be gone. However, I can see the Bulls amping up their efforts and making some kind of crazy trade before the end of the season, and finding away to make the first round of the playoffs, only to get blown out and be one and done.
CHICAGO CUBS
Where they’re at: Up shit creek without a paddle. Let alone the fact they have a problem child in board game that will cost a team $20 million to take on, and if a team wants to venture down that road, the Cubs will have to eat at least half. They have a DH in left field that they’re paying $17 million a year. No true center fielder. 3rd baseman that gets injured at least once a year, pothead for a catcher, and a poster boy for Prozac that’s the supposed ace. All being led by a man who thinks its five o’clock somewhere. Yet, there are bright spots in the lineup. Ted Lilly and Randy Wells do a nice job in the rotation, Carlos Marmol when on can’t be touched, and Derrek Lee still can be the big man on campus.
What they should do: The Cubs need more depth in the pitching, and also need to find more guys who can hit with runners on base. They need to find a way to be the Cubs team that ruled the National League during 2008. The craziness should leave if they are lucky enough to find a team who wants Bradley. Perhaps, Gm Jim Hendry should tell him to stay home opening day and beyond. Something he should have did last year when there were big problems with this clown, not with two weeks left. If Hendry doesn’t find a way to get rid of Bradley, then Hendry should be fired for his decision making over the last two years. First, getting rid of Mark DeRosa just to get to Bradley reeks of ignorance. DeRosa could have played third the time Aramis Ramirez was down, and everyone liked him in the clubhouse. Then the shopping spree of 2007 happened which in my opinion can be considered a strike against him. Hendry made very bad decisions and he needs to be held accountable. The only way he gets let off the hook; need to find Bradley a new home, and find a way to fix your various holes on the field. Center field, second base, new lead off hitter maybe. Get it done Jimmy boy. Your job might depend on it.
My prediction for next season: I see the Cardinals and Brewers making moves. The Cardinals don’t have to do too much, but if they can lock Matt Holiday up, they will be the front runners of that division. Yet, don’t look too far past Milwaukee. They did themselves good by signing Randy Wolf to strengthen their starting rotation, and added Latroy Hawkins in the pen. These two teams are doing things the Cubs aren’t. They’re filling holes. The Cubs first need to deal Milton Bradley, and the sooner they do that, the sooner they can make themselves a competitive team in the central.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Where They’re At: As usual, Kenny Williams has been busy. Kenny signed free agents Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones. Two people who he’s gambling on for better defense on the bench. He traded for Kansas City Royal multi positional player Mark Teahan and then signed him for three years. He signed former Mariners closer J.J. Putz to add to a depleted pen. He just made a trade with the Dodgers to acquire Juan Pierre for lead off duties. I don’t know how it happens, but every other year, Kenny goes gangbusters making moves to make his team better. Before the season ended last year, he made the last minute blockbuster deal to acquire Jake Peavy from the Padres, and claimed Alex Rios off waivers from the Blue Jays. This team on paper looks like it should win the AL Central.
What they should do: Obviously, Kenny as I said earlier, has been busy. I believe another power bat, and one more piece to the bullpen should be on the shopping list. Find a way to get rid of your expensive weak link in the pen named Scott Linebrink so you can give someone like Jamie Torres or Dan Hudson a chance at long relief. Perhaps both, as they both did well with their starts last year. Start to prepare them for a starting role if needed. However, the shopping trip may be over. Kenny has said numerous times that he ran out of money. Yet, some bargains remain out there. Perhaps a deal can be made with released long reliever DJ Carasco if he doesn’t find anything. Even bringing Jermaine Dye back at a discount could work as you can use him as a DH and position player. The White Sox do have some holes and seem to be counting on veterans like Jones, Vizquel, and Mark Kotsay to alternate the role of DH. It does give you flexibility but the things that scare me; what happened to all your power? Konerko and AJ will give you the pop, and you can add Q to that list if he returns to 2008 form. However, a bunch of guys hitting for average may not get it done.
My prediction for next season: I think with the White Sox this year, you have to take a wait and see approach. On paper, they should kick ass. The Twins play in the great outdoors which surely will take them out of their element a bit, the Tigers have given up pitching and lost their prized 1-2 punch in the line up with Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco departing, the Indians had their fire sale last year and are in rebuild mode. The Royals scare me a little because you really never know what’s going to happen with them. I have a gut feeling going back to the Cubs, Milton Bradley ends up there. KC has been in the basement for most of the decade and sometime soon, they are going to want to return to the form that they were back in the 80’s. However, when it comes to the White Sox, you never know what’s going to happen next. I guess we cheer them, hope for the best, and count down the days to opening day.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and sorry I missed you yesterday, things happened that prevented me from writing. I will give you one more to make up for it later today.
M
CHICAGO BEARS
Where they’re at: After shocking the world with trading Kyle Orton and a few first round draft picks over the next couple of years, to Denver the Bears acquired a franchise quarterback in Jay Cutler. Bears fans in Chicago couldn’t contain their excitement. Yet, that quickly changed when Cutler threw 4 interceptions against the Green Bay packers and many after that. A few Bear fans started wishing Orton never left mainly due to the Broncos 6-0 start. The rest of Bear fans knew that the O-Line didn’t age well, receivers were missing, and the game management skills of their coaching staff rated below average. The team missed the playoffs for the third straight year since going to the Superbowl, and Lovie Smith continues to be numb to the fact that his team’s skills regress rather than improve.
What they should do: Very simply put, its time for a regime change. Jerry Angelo gambled the future of the Bears by trading for Cutler, and did so without any necessary reinforcements that a team needs to win. Sure the chance of getting a possible franchise QB doesn’t come everyday. However, you need to find a way to make the team stronger. Every draft pick should have been about strengthening up the offensive line. Cutler runs for his life every Sunday, and if the line continues to stay thin, having a franchise QB on IR doesn’t mean shit. Furthermore, Lovie Smith put himself under the gun when he said he would be calling the defensive plays. Plus, I believe his “everything will be OK” attitude has grown tiresome throughout the city. I also believe he needs to go for firing the brains behind that awesome defense when it was an awesome defense, Ron Rivera. A new coach would bring some life into this team. You can tell the team goes through the motions every Sunday, and it’s a lack of leadership and motivation behind that.
My prediction for next season: I believe the Bears brass will exterminate the management of this team, and next year will be a strict rebuilding year. Expect an impact player to be traded for some draft picks. The Bears need to get into this draft somehow. They need to beef up both the O Line and D Line. Cutler needs to be protected to do what he does; throw the ball downfield. Although, the receivers on this team try the best they can, you need to find a way to get a playmaking receiver. If Brandon Marshall doesn’t resign with Denver, perhaps a reunion should take place between him and his former QB in Denver. The Bears will be a 500 team at best next year, as they will have to contend with Minnesota, who will continue to be the class of that division, but Green Bay may not be far behind.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Where they’re at: About to hit the ceiling, but who really gives a shit? The Blackhawks have locked up a young core of players who can be labeled “the heart of the team.” Patrick Kane, Jonathon Toews, and Duncan Keith all were given long term deals to keep them with the Hawks for a minimum of the next five years. This, along with the long term contract given to Marian Hossa, veteran goal machine, has made the Blackhawks a solid team. My friend and I had a conversation about how the Hawks get less coverage than the Bulls and Bears, when they’re just kicking ass. Nice game last night. I thought the bench would bum rush the Blues for getting all brave with Huet. The team has one of the best records in hockey, they dominate the shots on goal in every game they play, put pressure on opposing teams, and defend well. Many teams when playing the Hawks shut down after they score a goal or two, and play in survival mode. They shift their focus to defense, and with good reason. The offensive threat the Hawks present with Kane, Toews, Hossa, and others like Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, and Troy Brouwer can be quite a bit of trouble. The Hawks have won many games in OT due to clutch players like Dustin Byfuglien and Brent Seabrook. They’re a force to be reckoned with.
What they should do: Don’t change too much. Perhaps find a way to make the high shots on goals become more goals would be my criticism. As I said, they put lots of pressure on teams to play defense, but come up empty.
My prediction for this season/future: I believe you will see the Hawks in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. It’s too early to declare them the winner, but they have shown themselves to be one of the great teams in the Western Conference this year. Along with San Jose, Los Angeles; the Hawks will compete hard for a cup appearance. Yet, don’t overlook Detroit, Anaheim, Vancover, and Colorado. All these teams compete hard and can find a way to get in the playoffs and surprise. The Hawks just need to make minor adjustments and just be the Hawks. The only downfall I see; to make room for cap space, Sharp or Byfuglien may be gone next season. Let’s hope not.
CHICAGO BULLS
Where they’re at: I don’t know, Ford Heights maybe. This team plays like they couldn’t give a shit anymore. With the exception of the fiery Joakim Noah, and number one draft pick Derrick Rose, I have ZERO faith in this team. What happened to that scrappy team that went man to man with the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs giving us some of the best basketball ever seen? All those triple overtimes. The effort the Bulls have turned in this year, just laughable. They have lost 11 out of their last 13, and in half of those games, they have lost by more than 20 points. The media gave them props for playing the Lakers hard, but forget that shit. They should be playing hard every time they hit the court, especially this early in the season.
What they should do: Everyone says fire Vinnie Del Negro, head coach, but perhaps the problem may be bigger than that. John Paxson, now VP of basketball operations, but before shield Gar Forman became general manager, was the guy running the show. Perhaps, the Bulls can use a regime change as well. Paxson fired Bill Cartwright for Scott Skilles, who brought the Bulls to three straight playoff appearances, who fired him for supposingly “losing the team.” During this period, the Bulls kept Loul Deng despite the fact he could have been part of a deal that would have brought Pau Gasol, a seven foot terror from Spain who ended up signing with the Lakers, and Deng has been so hot and cold. He let Ben Gordon go, when he scored the most points. And after missing out on opportunities to sign coaches Mike D’Antoni and former coach Doug Collins, the Bulls settled on rookie Del Negro who has been serviceable, but not making any kind of impact with the team. Paxson and Del Negro need to go, but the question would be who can replace them this far into the year that can turn the team around? Furthermore, the Bulls need to make a serious play at one of the superstar free agents that will be available next season. Dwayne Wade would be nice, but we can dream.
My prediction for season/future: One thing that I can say about the Bulls; they’re slow starters. The Bulls will chug along, and most likely the firings I called for will not happen during the season but afterwards, unless this horrid play continues. If that’s the case, expect Del Negro to be gone. However, I can see the Bulls amping up their efforts and making some kind of crazy trade before the end of the season, and finding away to make the first round of the playoffs, only to get blown out and be one and done.
CHICAGO CUBS
Where they’re at: Up shit creek without a paddle. Let alone the fact they have a problem child in board game that will cost a team $20 million to take on, and if a team wants to venture down that road, the Cubs will have to eat at least half. They have a DH in left field that they’re paying $17 million a year. No true center fielder. 3rd baseman that gets injured at least once a year, pothead for a catcher, and a poster boy for Prozac that’s the supposed ace. All being led by a man who thinks its five o’clock somewhere. Yet, there are bright spots in the lineup. Ted Lilly and Randy Wells do a nice job in the rotation, Carlos Marmol when on can’t be touched, and Derrek Lee still can be the big man on campus.
What they should do: The Cubs need more depth in the pitching, and also need to find more guys who can hit with runners on base. They need to find a way to be the Cubs team that ruled the National League during 2008. The craziness should leave if they are lucky enough to find a team who wants Bradley. Perhaps, Gm Jim Hendry should tell him to stay home opening day and beyond. Something he should have did last year when there were big problems with this clown, not with two weeks left. If Hendry doesn’t find a way to get rid of Bradley, then Hendry should be fired for his decision making over the last two years. First, getting rid of Mark DeRosa just to get to Bradley reeks of ignorance. DeRosa could have played third the time Aramis Ramirez was down, and everyone liked him in the clubhouse. Then the shopping spree of 2007 happened which in my opinion can be considered a strike against him. Hendry made very bad decisions and he needs to be held accountable. The only way he gets let off the hook; need to find Bradley a new home, and find a way to fix your various holes on the field. Center field, second base, new lead off hitter maybe. Get it done Jimmy boy. Your job might depend on it.
My prediction for next season: I see the Cardinals and Brewers making moves. The Cardinals don’t have to do too much, but if they can lock Matt Holiday up, they will be the front runners of that division. Yet, don’t look too far past Milwaukee. They did themselves good by signing Randy Wolf to strengthen their starting rotation, and added Latroy Hawkins in the pen. These two teams are doing things the Cubs aren’t. They’re filling holes. The Cubs first need to deal Milton Bradley, and the sooner they do that, the sooner they can make themselves a competitive team in the central.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Where They’re At: As usual, Kenny Williams has been busy. Kenny signed free agents Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones. Two people who he’s gambling on for better defense on the bench. He traded for Kansas City Royal multi positional player Mark Teahan and then signed him for three years. He signed former Mariners closer J.J. Putz to add to a depleted pen. He just made a trade with the Dodgers to acquire Juan Pierre for lead off duties. I don’t know how it happens, but every other year, Kenny goes gangbusters making moves to make his team better. Before the season ended last year, he made the last minute blockbuster deal to acquire Jake Peavy from the Padres, and claimed Alex Rios off waivers from the Blue Jays. This team on paper looks like it should win the AL Central.
What they should do: Obviously, Kenny as I said earlier, has been busy. I believe another power bat, and one more piece to the bullpen should be on the shopping list. Find a way to get rid of your expensive weak link in the pen named Scott Linebrink so you can give someone like Jamie Torres or Dan Hudson a chance at long relief. Perhaps both, as they both did well with their starts last year. Start to prepare them for a starting role if needed. However, the shopping trip may be over. Kenny has said numerous times that he ran out of money. Yet, some bargains remain out there. Perhaps a deal can be made with released long reliever DJ Carasco if he doesn’t find anything. Even bringing Jermaine Dye back at a discount could work as you can use him as a DH and position player. The White Sox do have some holes and seem to be counting on veterans like Jones, Vizquel, and Mark Kotsay to alternate the role of DH. It does give you flexibility but the things that scare me; what happened to all your power? Konerko and AJ will give you the pop, and you can add Q to that list if he returns to 2008 form. However, a bunch of guys hitting for average may not get it done.
My prediction for next season: I think with the White Sox this year, you have to take a wait and see approach. On paper, they should kick ass. The Twins play in the great outdoors which surely will take them out of their element a bit, the Tigers have given up pitching and lost their prized 1-2 punch in the line up with Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco departing, the Indians had their fire sale last year and are in rebuild mode. The Royals scare me a little because you really never know what’s going to happen with them. I have a gut feeling going back to the Cubs, Milton Bradley ends up there. KC has been in the basement for most of the decade and sometime soon, they are going to want to return to the form that they were back in the 80’s. However, when it comes to the White Sox, you never know what’s going to happen next. I guess we cheer them, hope for the best, and count down the days to opening day.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and sorry I missed you yesterday, things happened that prevented me from writing. I will give you one more to make up for it later today.
M
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
HDH: KANE and PIERRE have MARY MITCHELL cover MOSS and THE BEARS in THOMSON with TEXTS FROM LAST NIGHT
Its time for your hump day humdrum served up fresh, like those salads you see on the Mcdonalds commercials. In fact, it’s the only thing fresh at Mcdonalds. Even the animals they kill usually rot after a month before they turn them into happy meals. I’m just making a joke, don’t sue me ghost of Ray Kroc.
1-If you don’t want to go gaga over Marian Hossa’s catch and release shot against the Lightning on Sunday, perhaps you may think that the fall Patrick Kane took at that game was impressive because he’s just walking around with a big bruise on his face. “I feel great, I think chicks like it,” he said at his birthday party. It’s either that, or the millions of dollars you got for an extension this year, or because you kick ass on the ice. Keep up the good work Kaner. We love you guys!!!!
2-Will Juan Pierre flourish on the Sox, or we he bust out like he did on that other team in town? We shall find out soon since the White Sox acquired Pierre from the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations and two minor league pitchers. After the cash, the Sox are on the hook for 8 million over two years. It might seem like a good deal, but we can only hope that Pierre doesn’t get any balls hit to him while base runners are sitting on first because he can’t throw worth shit, he’s 31 years old on the decline, and he will have to contend with the tough Chicago media again. I hope he’s ready. He’s a slight upgrade from Scotty Pods, so I guess we can be thankful for that.
3-Speaking about Chicago media, Mary Mitchell come on now. In your column yesterday you write about how Tiger Woods never hooked up with any black women and then go on to talk about how he doesn’t know the rules of a player. First off who really gives a shit if he hooked up with black women or white women? He fucked around behind his wives back, and quite frankly besides you and your friends that you go do coffee klatch with on a weekly basis that may be black, I really don’t think black women have decided to declare a national emergency because of this. You state in your piece, “Woods' appetite for white women who are cocktail waitresses, nightclub hostesses and porn and reality stars has some sisters buzzing.” I think Woods appetite for sex knows no bounds. Just wait Miss Mary; a black woman will come out of the woodwork sometime soon. Trust me. He’s a man. If a black woman approached him, that black woman would be on her back and then sitting up “in nothing but a pair of panties” while Buick called to cancel their endorsement.
4-I am not a fan of the Patriots, as many of you know, but I have to defend Randy Moss here for a second. Although I don’t like him, Moss is well on his way without question to Canton as a member of the hall of fame when he retires. Some guy named Chris Gamble who’s a cornerback on the Panthers made the following comment about Moss:
“We knew he was going to shut it down. That's what we wanted him to do. That's what we did ... He'd just give up a lot. Slow down, he's not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language."
Now Christopher, everyone has a bad game. This game happened to be Moss’s game. You didn’t cover him and complete an interception on him twice like my man CB Vontae Davis on the Phins did. In fact, you fucking lost the game, and the Panthers record is 5-8. You want to talk shit, do it when you win, not when you lose. Moss had an off game, and now what you have opened the floodgates and from this point on, Moss will be unstoppable. Brady will make sure he throws to him. If you think Randy Moss sucks so much, why did you have to double team him? You should have gone man to man with him. I need the Patsies to lose a game so my Dolphins win the AFC East when they run the table, and now you have give that team bulletin board material for the rest of the year. Thanks dude.
5-And now let me present, thoughts from a delusional football coach:
"As I look at our eight losses, three of them were legitimate losses. The other five we were right in there, had opportunities. So to say that we're that far away (from being a playoff team), I wouldn't necessarily say that."
Yes Bears fans, that’s your coach. I am wondering which five he’s referring to. Try not to say San Francisco because when you QB gets picked 5 times, you’re not right in there. The point is, Lovie Smith lives in a fantasy world. He doesn’t want to admit that team has drafted poorly, played poorly, and made bad decisions. His boss, Jerry Angelo mortgaged the future for Jay Cutler, and for this year, the reward wasn’t there. Although Smith helped bring the Bears to the Superbowl in 2006, there hasn’t been really a bright light since then. Perhaps this team needs more fire, and less excuses. Can you imagine if they won what he would say?
“This victory solidifies us as a possible playoff contender. We’re not mathematically eliminated.”
Well, the team is now eliminated in every possible way, and Lovie my friend, you could be next. Keep drinking the orange blue cool aid that you and Angelo make at Hallas Hall. Stay tuned.
6-I try not to discuss politics and religion here, but if I may. Thomson, IL may be home to many of the terrorist suspects that have been being housed at Guantanamo Bay. First off, why does it have to be Illinois? We have shitty weather. The cows make lots of noise in that part of town. We already have too many shady ass people in Illinois. They’re called politicians. Do we really need terrorist suspects all under the same roof? If we really need to put them in Illinois, put them in Paw Paw, IL. I don’t know, I just would like to hear that name in the news more often because it’s a funny name for a town. Can you imagine Sarah Schulte saying “the Paw Paw city government is ready for the transition of terrorists that will be living in the Steven Wright house. The city is surrounded by Paw Paw trees and…” Do you get it? The name of the town Paw Paw is funny. Bottom line, I’m not comfortable with this decision as I am never comfortable with any decision government makes.
7-And finally, I would like to leave you with something funny. A friend of mine turned my attention to a website called texts from last night.com. There is some whacked out shit here you can see. I have decided to highlight a couple of examples for you…
(786): Nothing screams don't date me louder then having your baby as your profile pic
(641): I jsut got pulled over and passed the sobritaty test.
(319): Good thing spelling doesn't count.
(919): Are you seriously picking mariokart over a blowjob? nott to sound like a bitch but seriously?
(708): blow job with a beer in the shower, I just created the ultimate day spa for dudes
I am not making this up, and the texts have not been corrected for spelling and grammar. Check it out if you’re feeling down. Sure to cheer you up.
Happy hump day.
M
1-If you don’t want to go gaga over Marian Hossa’s catch and release shot against the Lightning on Sunday, perhaps you may think that the fall Patrick Kane took at that game was impressive because he’s just walking around with a big bruise on his face. “I feel great, I think chicks like it,” he said at his birthday party. It’s either that, or the millions of dollars you got for an extension this year, or because you kick ass on the ice. Keep up the good work Kaner. We love you guys!!!!
2-Will Juan Pierre flourish on the Sox, or we he bust out like he did on that other team in town? We shall find out soon since the White Sox acquired Pierre from the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations and two minor league pitchers. After the cash, the Sox are on the hook for 8 million over two years. It might seem like a good deal, but we can only hope that Pierre doesn’t get any balls hit to him while base runners are sitting on first because he can’t throw worth shit, he’s 31 years old on the decline, and he will have to contend with the tough Chicago media again. I hope he’s ready. He’s a slight upgrade from Scotty Pods, so I guess we can be thankful for that.
3-Speaking about Chicago media, Mary Mitchell come on now. In your column yesterday you write about how Tiger Woods never hooked up with any black women and then go on to talk about how he doesn’t know the rules of a player. First off who really gives a shit if he hooked up with black women or white women? He fucked around behind his wives back, and quite frankly besides you and your friends that you go do coffee klatch with on a weekly basis that may be black, I really don’t think black women have decided to declare a national emergency because of this. You state in your piece, “Woods' appetite for white women who are cocktail waitresses, nightclub hostesses and porn and reality stars has some sisters buzzing.” I think Woods appetite for sex knows no bounds. Just wait Miss Mary; a black woman will come out of the woodwork sometime soon. Trust me. He’s a man. If a black woman approached him, that black woman would be on her back and then sitting up “in nothing but a pair of panties” while Buick called to cancel their endorsement.
4-I am not a fan of the Patriots, as many of you know, but I have to defend Randy Moss here for a second. Although I don’t like him, Moss is well on his way without question to Canton as a member of the hall of fame when he retires. Some guy named Chris Gamble who’s a cornerback on the Panthers made the following comment about Moss:
“We knew he was going to shut it down. That's what we wanted him to do. That's what we did ... He'd just give up a lot. Slow down, he's not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language."
Now Christopher, everyone has a bad game. This game happened to be Moss’s game. You didn’t cover him and complete an interception on him twice like my man CB Vontae Davis on the Phins did. In fact, you fucking lost the game, and the Panthers record is 5-8. You want to talk shit, do it when you win, not when you lose. Moss had an off game, and now what you have opened the floodgates and from this point on, Moss will be unstoppable. Brady will make sure he throws to him. If you think Randy Moss sucks so much, why did you have to double team him? You should have gone man to man with him. I need the Patsies to lose a game so my Dolphins win the AFC East when they run the table, and now you have give that team bulletin board material for the rest of the year. Thanks dude.
5-And now let me present, thoughts from a delusional football coach:
"As I look at our eight losses, three of them were legitimate losses. The other five we were right in there, had opportunities. So to say that we're that far away (from being a playoff team), I wouldn't necessarily say that."
Yes Bears fans, that’s your coach. I am wondering which five he’s referring to. Try not to say San Francisco because when you QB gets picked 5 times, you’re not right in there. The point is, Lovie Smith lives in a fantasy world. He doesn’t want to admit that team has drafted poorly, played poorly, and made bad decisions. His boss, Jerry Angelo mortgaged the future for Jay Cutler, and for this year, the reward wasn’t there. Although Smith helped bring the Bears to the Superbowl in 2006, there hasn’t been really a bright light since then. Perhaps this team needs more fire, and less excuses. Can you imagine if they won what he would say?
“This victory solidifies us as a possible playoff contender. We’re not mathematically eliminated.”
Well, the team is now eliminated in every possible way, and Lovie my friend, you could be next. Keep drinking the orange blue cool aid that you and Angelo make at Hallas Hall. Stay tuned.
6-I try not to discuss politics and religion here, but if I may. Thomson, IL may be home to many of the terrorist suspects that have been being housed at Guantanamo Bay. First off, why does it have to be Illinois? We have shitty weather. The cows make lots of noise in that part of town. We already have too many shady ass people in Illinois. They’re called politicians. Do we really need terrorist suspects all under the same roof? If we really need to put them in Illinois, put them in Paw Paw, IL. I don’t know, I just would like to hear that name in the news more often because it’s a funny name for a town. Can you imagine Sarah Schulte saying “the Paw Paw city government is ready for the transition of terrorists that will be living in the Steven Wright house. The city is surrounded by Paw Paw trees and…” Do you get it? The name of the town Paw Paw is funny. Bottom line, I’m not comfortable with this decision as I am never comfortable with any decision government makes.
7-And finally, I would like to leave you with something funny. A friend of mine turned my attention to a website called texts from last night.com. There is some whacked out shit here you can see. I have decided to highlight a couple of examples for you…
(786): Nothing screams don't date me louder then having your baby as your profile pic
(641): I jsut got pulled over and passed the sobritaty test.
(319): Good thing spelling doesn't count.
(919): Are you seriously picking mariokart over a blowjob? nott to sound like a bitch but seriously?
(708): blow job with a beer in the shower, I just created the ultimate day spa for dudes
I am not making this up, and the texts have not been corrected for spelling and grammar. Check it out if you’re feeling down. Sure to cheer you up.
Happy hump day.
M
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Busting on Tiger
I am going to comment on this shit one time and one time only. It’s not worth doing it again.
Tiger Woods; the poster boy for golf and now the poster boy on cheating and sex addiction.
Let’s face it. People make mistakes. Some of us eat too much. Some of us drink too much. Some of talk shit behind peoples backs. And then there us, who cheat on our wives with multiple people, engage in sex orgies, pay $60,000 for hookers, and probably insert golf clubs into openings we will not further comment on.
The point, Tiger is the, if not one of the greatest golfers in all time. When we think of Tiger, we should think of his skills and prowess as he drives that ball in their air achieving the eagle. We should think about how many people who watch golf are still waiting for him to pass Jack Nicklaus record in the amount of majors won. There aren’t too many people in golf who have achieved what freaky boy has done. Therefore, although his moral character in question, he’s very good at his job, which means sinking balls into the hole on the green.
I will be the first to admit, I am not a Tiger fan. I think he’s arrogant. I think he’s smug. Yet, what his personal life has become doesn’t diminish him as one of the greatest athletes in the world. Sure, some corporations have put endorsement deals on hold. Yet, they will be back as soon as Tiger when he comes back.
Tiger has fucked up. No question about it. He’d be the first to tell you that. But he didn’t fuck up because he fucked everyone. No. He got caught. That’s his mistake. I guarantee you if he didn’t, as we speak he would be in the Bellagio making it rain with 3 or 4 girls that you see on those postcards that people try to hand to you when walking down the strip. He lives the high life. He makes shit loads of money. He constantly puts himself in situations where he can get into trouble, and believes because of the money and his power of being “the world’s greatest golfer”; he can get away with it. Yet, you can’t trust people to keep quiet, especially when they can make some money off of you. Tiger should have known this.
Do I believe anyone should pull the endorsement deal involving Tiger? If you’re a company looking to make money off of Tiger the golfer, then I would say no. If you’re concerned about the character of your spokesperson, I would say yes. Everyone has their opinions, but seriously, should Tiger’s indiscretions trump important news like the some of the detainees at Gitmo moving to Thomson prison downstate from us. Absolutely not.
The problem lies within the fact too many people like to see the rich and powerful fall down. Perhaps it makes people believe that Tiger is actually human like all of us. When Britney Spears life spun out of control, everyone watched and waited for the next chapter. Perhaps life can be a better soap opera than the ones on TV. I never understood why someone having difficulty with their life gets to be so fascinating for people. Sure it may be fun to see the rich and famous fall on their face, but in the end, they’re just people like us, except they’re human beings who caught a couple of breaks due to athletic ability or artistic talent. Nevertheless, they worked their asses off to get those breaks. Sure, some of these people can be real jackasses. Yet, in the end, they bleed red like all of us, and no one here gets out alive. No matter how much you have in your life.
Yet, I think Tiger could have done things differently. He put himself in a hole that will be tough to dig out of. Sure, he’s taking time off, but it’s not the public’s perception of him he needs to work hard to change. It’s a matter of gaining the love, respect, and trust of the people who should matter most to him, his family. If he doesn’t want to come out publicly and admit his misdeeds, then that’s his decision. However, he needs to find a way to fix this because his children need to know their father did everything he could to make it up to them. In the end, its all about the kids and putting the pieces back together in the picture below.
M
Tiger Woods; the poster boy for golf and now the poster boy on cheating and sex addiction.
Let’s face it. People make mistakes. Some of us eat too much. Some of us drink too much. Some of talk shit behind peoples backs. And then there us, who cheat on our wives with multiple people, engage in sex orgies, pay $60,000 for hookers, and probably insert golf clubs into openings we will not further comment on.
The point, Tiger is the, if not one of the greatest golfers in all time. When we think of Tiger, we should think of his skills and prowess as he drives that ball in their air achieving the eagle. We should think about how many people who watch golf are still waiting for him to pass Jack Nicklaus record in the amount of majors won. There aren’t too many people in golf who have achieved what freaky boy has done. Therefore, although his moral character in question, he’s very good at his job, which means sinking balls into the hole on the green.
I will be the first to admit, I am not a Tiger fan. I think he’s arrogant. I think he’s smug. Yet, what his personal life has become doesn’t diminish him as one of the greatest athletes in the world. Sure, some corporations have put endorsement deals on hold. Yet, they will be back as soon as Tiger when he comes back.
Tiger has fucked up. No question about it. He’d be the first to tell you that. But he didn’t fuck up because he fucked everyone. No. He got caught. That’s his mistake. I guarantee you if he didn’t, as we speak he would be in the Bellagio making it rain with 3 or 4 girls that you see on those postcards that people try to hand to you when walking down the strip. He lives the high life. He makes shit loads of money. He constantly puts himself in situations where he can get into trouble, and believes because of the money and his power of being “the world’s greatest golfer”; he can get away with it. Yet, you can’t trust people to keep quiet, especially when they can make some money off of you. Tiger should have known this.
Do I believe anyone should pull the endorsement deal involving Tiger? If you’re a company looking to make money off of Tiger the golfer, then I would say no. If you’re concerned about the character of your spokesperson, I would say yes. Everyone has their opinions, but seriously, should Tiger’s indiscretions trump important news like the some of the detainees at Gitmo moving to Thomson prison downstate from us. Absolutely not.
The problem lies within the fact too many people like to see the rich and powerful fall down. Perhaps it makes people believe that Tiger is actually human like all of us. When Britney Spears life spun out of control, everyone watched and waited for the next chapter. Perhaps life can be a better soap opera than the ones on TV. I never understood why someone having difficulty with their life gets to be so fascinating for people. Sure it may be fun to see the rich and famous fall on their face, but in the end, they’re just people like us, except they’re human beings who caught a couple of breaks due to athletic ability or artistic talent. Nevertheless, they worked their asses off to get those breaks. Sure, some of these people can be real jackasses. Yet, in the end, they bleed red like all of us, and no one here gets out alive. No matter how much you have in your life.
Yet, I think Tiger could have done things differently. He put himself in a hole that will be tough to dig out of. Sure, he’s taking time off, but it’s not the public’s perception of him he needs to work hard to change. It’s a matter of gaining the love, respect, and trust of the people who should matter most to him, his family. If he doesn’t want to come out publicly and admit his misdeeds, then that’s his decision. However, he needs to find a way to fix this because his children need to know their father did everything he could to make it up to them. In the end, its all about the kids and putting the pieces back together in the picture below.
M
Monday, December 14, 2009
And the Phins March On
One down, three to go.
That’s what Dolphins fans can say after a lukewarm but nerve racking game in Jacksonville. The defense dominated as Jacksonville converted 4 out of 17 times on third down. Maurice Jones-Drew ran only 56 yards, and David Garrad had pressure on him all day long.
Chad Henne has found his rhythm and minus the one pick in the 4th, Henne looked really good as he threw 14 completions straight through one quarter adding to his total of 21 out 29 for a total of 229 yards. Everyone out there says he’s getting better and better. I am just thankful that he got his chance and the talk about Chad vs Chad for quarterback stifled. We all hope Pennington will return this season as a backup or a coach.
Ricky Williams ran his third 100 yard game in the last four, but fumbled the ball 3 times in which one led to a turnover. In fact, the turned over the ball 3 times, missed a field goal, and somehow Jax couldn’t take advantage because Miami’s defense held them down, much like they did last week against New England. The real story to Miami has been its defense as of late.
Taking a look to the schedule, it’s not going to be easy. The Tennessee Titans can easily be called the hottest team in football going 6-1 in their last seven. It seems Vince Young may have suffered a setback, but Chris Johnson has to be the running back of the year as he’s just another component of a hot music city team. The Titans can’t be looked past.
Then you have the Houston Texans. This is a team the Dolphins for some reason can never get the better of. However, I guess when you’re 0-7 against a team; you’re due for a win. Nevermind that the Texans have one of the best receivers in football, and a beast in Mario Williams. We have heart. That’s the one thing that separates the Dolphins from everyone else. This being a home game, we should find a way to win.
Then you have Pittsburgh. This team's so hot and cold. We just saw the Raiders and the Browns score huge upsets over the Steel Curtain, and they’re missing their biggest defensive playmaker in Troy Polamalu. Yet, I don’t think coach Mike Tomlin will let them quit, and they will be packing a punch when they come to south Florida.
We can only control what we can. This means win all three of these or go home. Mission 3W has begun.
Last year at this time, the Phins just beat the Buffalo Bills to begin mission 3W 2008. This year the stakes get tougher with the three teams that stand in the way. However, we controlled our own destiny last year. This year, we’re relying on three teams to fall apart. The Patriots, who seem to be on the verge of a breakdown as the old Randy Moss seems to be emerging. If the Patriots lose one more game, and we run the table, the AFC East is ours once again.
Then we’re in the middle of a wild card situation. If Baltimore loses one more game, and we win out, we will get the Wildcard due to tiebreakers. Let’s look at Baltimore’s “tough” schedule. They get the Bears, Steelers, and the Raiders. Jacksonville has a hell of a climb against Indy, New England, and then Cleveland.
Did you think we would be here when we were 0-3 and CP10 went down with injury? It has been a hell of a roller coaster ride. I just hope we ride this thing all the way to the playoffs. Its time to get this thing going. I believe in the Phins, and they just might get this done.
But one game at a time. Lets figure out how we’re going to stop the Titans, and go from there.
M
That’s what Dolphins fans can say after a lukewarm but nerve racking game in Jacksonville. The defense dominated as Jacksonville converted 4 out of 17 times on third down. Maurice Jones-Drew ran only 56 yards, and David Garrad had pressure on him all day long.
Chad Henne has found his rhythm and minus the one pick in the 4th, Henne looked really good as he threw 14 completions straight through one quarter adding to his total of 21 out 29 for a total of 229 yards. Everyone out there says he’s getting better and better. I am just thankful that he got his chance and the talk about Chad vs Chad for quarterback stifled. We all hope Pennington will return this season as a backup or a coach.
Ricky Williams ran his third 100 yard game in the last four, but fumbled the ball 3 times in which one led to a turnover. In fact, the turned over the ball 3 times, missed a field goal, and somehow Jax couldn’t take advantage because Miami’s defense held them down, much like they did last week against New England. The real story to Miami has been its defense as of late.
Taking a look to the schedule, it’s not going to be easy. The Tennessee Titans can easily be called the hottest team in football going 6-1 in their last seven. It seems Vince Young may have suffered a setback, but Chris Johnson has to be the running back of the year as he’s just another component of a hot music city team. The Titans can’t be looked past.
Then you have the Houston Texans. This is a team the Dolphins for some reason can never get the better of. However, I guess when you’re 0-7 against a team; you’re due for a win. Nevermind that the Texans have one of the best receivers in football, and a beast in Mario Williams. We have heart. That’s the one thing that separates the Dolphins from everyone else. This being a home game, we should find a way to win.
Then you have Pittsburgh. This team's so hot and cold. We just saw the Raiders and the Browns score huge upsets over the Steel Curtain, and they’re missing their biggest defensive playmaker in Troy Polamalu. Yet, I don’t think coach Mike Tomlin will let them quit, and they will be packing a punch when they come to south Florida.
We can only control what we can. This means win all three of these or go home. Mission 3W has begun.
Last year at this time, the Phins just beat the Buffalo Bills to begin mission 3W 2008. This year the stakes get tougher with the three teams that stand in the way. However, we controlled our own destiny last year. This year, we’re relying on three teams to fall apart. The Patriots, who seem to be on the verge of a breakdown as the old Randy Moss seems to be emerging. If the Patriots lose one more game, and we run the table, the AFC East is ours once again.
Then we’re in the middle of a wild card situation. If Baltimore loses one more game, and we win out, we will get the Wildcard due to tiebreakers. Let’s look at Baltimore’s “tough” schedule. They get the Bears, Steelers, and the Raiders. Jacksonville has a hell of a climb against Indy, New England, and then Cleveland.
Did you think we would be here when we were 0-3 and CP10 went down with injury? It has been a hell of a roller coaster ride. I just hope we ride this thing all the way to the playoffs. Its time to get this thing going. I believe in the Phins, and they just might get this done.
But one game at a time. Lets figure out how we’re going to stop the Titans, and go from there.
M
Friday, December 11, 2009
Bearcats Green With Sickness
And so the story goes, Norte Dame fires Charlie Weis. Norte Dame goes after Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly. Brian Kelly listens, tells his guys he’s not going anywhere, accepts job. No meeting with players, tells them at end of year banquet where the players walk out. Kelly walks out a rich man, and breaks his word.
College football is a shitty shitty racket.
My biggest burn with college football goes back to 2007 when Nick Saban promised Phin fans everywhere he would not leave to take the job at the University of Alabama. There was so much money on the table; anybody would think Saban was a fool not to take it. However, Saban kept saying over and over again “I’m not going.” However he lied. Atlanta fans had their wounds salted in 2007 as well when Bobby Petrino left the Falcons to take a coaching job with Arkansas.
Although these two examples are not the same thing as Brian Kelly leaving one group of kids for another, it only explains the hurt that many of us Dolphin and Falcon fans felt when our coach left for another team.
Yet, this Norte Dame thing is worse. In the NFL, players are professionals that know this goes with the business. While in the NCAA, when coaches jump ship to other schools and what not, their bank accounts may get bigger, but the students that first start going to that school experience feelings of disappointment and betrayal. Brian Kelly tells his students that he has no plans to go to ND behind closed doors, but he makes the announcement in a public forum before telling his team, and they all feel hurt and walk out.
“He went for that money, that wasn’t no time for me to be in there,” said wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. “I don’t want to hear it. I’m thoroughly disgusted with this situation…” Kelly went out and recruited players and sold them on how great it would be to play for Cincinnati, but at the end of the day, it was all about the money and lure of a bigger school. However, when the news of ND’s attempts to bring Kelly on as coach started to surface, people involved with Cincinnati’s program should have known the end was near.
Before Cincinnati, it was Central Michigan University’s turn to be the bride left at the altar. Kelly coached the Chippewas for three seasons and at the end of the season, Cincinnati came calling, and much like the case with Norte Dame, Kelly bolted for the bigger school, leaving the team behind to play for its bowl game. Funny that’s the same scenario here. Cincinnati takes on Florida in the Sugar Bowl with no coach.
Besides the BCS standings, that’s a problem with college football. No loyalty anymore. Kelly obviously needs to take care of his family; as we all do. Perhaps, if Brian Kelly was so sold on Cincy as he told his players, he should have given the program a chance to renegotiate the contract. He should have told his players from the beginning rather than go in front of cameras and profess his love for the Bearcats. Truth of the matter, the NCAA shouldn’t allow any type of changes to take place until the season finishes. Cincinnati gets to play a bowl game without the man who led them there. The sting wouldn’t have hurt as much if he had a meeting with his players after the game.
College football is a heartless animal. Coaches can do whatever they want, but students have a waiting period before transferring schools. The hypocrisy is madness, but its business in the end, as the NCAA has turned into a cash factory as the years have gone on. Perhaps many of these schools, like high schools, worry more about the athletic elements because they’re so much more fun. Forget the educational incentive for schools. No one is learning anything anyway, right? If we can produce the next Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, or Derrick Rose (who had other people take exams for him), who gives a shit?
The sad thing; college sports have been great at teaching people one thing. Money is the motivator. Not loyalty, not class, not anything else. All those freshmen learned something from Brian Kelly. It isn’t about the team; it’s about the bottom line. A fact in life that many would like to avoid, but businesses, athletes, employers…anyone who’s in a position to shape and mold, would rather take the paycheck and make more, then be happy with what they have. If Cincy was treating Kelly badly and the program was terrible, I understand everyone has to better themselves. However, Mr. Kelly said it himself, “I don’t plan on getting involved in these Notre Dame conversations, I’ll answer them after the season is over but I’m not going to get into any Notre Dame conversations about who had contact and who didn’t have contact. I’m just not going down that road until after the season. Even if they were reaching out to me, I’m finishing out the season just like I have every year. We’re going to focus on Pittsburgh this week. After the Pittsburgh game, we can talk about other things.”
Umm Coach, seasons not over yet is it? Thanks for the memories.
College football is a shitty shitty racket.
My biggest burn with college football goes back to 2007 when Nick Saban promised Phin fans everywhere he would not leave to take the job at the University of Alabama. There was so much money on the table; anybody would think Saban was a fool not to take it. However, Saban kept saying over and over again “I’m not going.” However he lied. Atlanta fans had their wounds salted in 2007 as well when Bobby Petrino left the Falcons to take a coaching job with Arkansas.
Although these two examples are not the same thing as Brian Kelly leaving one group of kids for another, it only explains the hurt that many of us Dolphin and Falcon fans felt when our coach left for another team.
Yet, this Norte Dame thing is worse. In the NFL, players are professionals that know this goes with the business. While in the NCAA, when coaches jump ship to other schools and what not, their bank accounts may get bigger, but the students that first start going to that school experience feelings of disappointment and betrayal. Brian Kelly tells his students that he has no plans to go to ND behind closed doors, but he makes the announcement in a public forum before telling his team, and they all feel hurt and walk out.
“He went for that money, that wasn’t no time for me to be in there,” said wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. “I don’t want to hear it. I’m thoroughly disgusted with this situation…” Kelly went out and recruited players and sold them on how great it would be to play for Cincinnati, but at the end of the day, it was all about the money and lure of a bigger school. However, when the news of ND’s attempts to bring Kelly on as coach started to surface, people involved with Cincinnati’s program should have known the end was near.
Before Cincinnati, it was Central Michigan University’s turn to be the bride left at the altar. Kelly coached the Chippewas for three seasons and at the end of the season, Cincinnati came calling, and much like the case with Norte Dame, Kelly bolted for the bigger school, leaving the team behind to play for its bowl game. Funny that’s the same scenario here. Cincinnati takes on Florida in the Sugar Bowl with no coach.
Besides the BCS standings, that’s a problem with college football. No loyalty anymore. Kelly obviously needs to take care of his family; as we all do. Perhaps, if Brian Kelly was so sold on Cincy as he told his players, he should have given the program a chance to renegotiate the contract. He should have told his players from the beginning rather than go in front of cameras and profess his love for the Bearcats. Truth of the matter, the NCAA shouldn’t allow any type of changes to take place until the season finishes. Cincinnati gets to play a bowl game without the man who led them there. The sting wouldn’t have hurt as much if he had a meeting with his players after the game.
College football is a heartless animal. Coaches can do whatever they want, but students have a waiting period before transferring schools. The hypocrisy is madness, but its business in the end, as the NCAA has turned into a cash factory as the years have gone on. Perhaps many of these schools, like high schools, worry more about the athletic elements because they’re so much more fun. Forget the educational incentive for schools. No one is learning anything anyway, right? If we can produce the next Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, or Derrick Rose (who had other people take exams for him), who gives a shit?
The sad thing; college sports have been great at teaching people one thing. Money is the motivator. Not loyalty, not class, not anything else. All those freshmen learned something from Brian Kelly. It isn’t about the team; it’s about the bottom line. A fact in life that many would like to avoid, but businesses, athletes, employers…anyone who’s in a position to shape and mold, would rather take the paycheck and make more, then be happy with what they have. If Cincy was treating Kelly badly and the program was terrible, I understand everyone has to better themselves. However, Mr. Kelly said it himself, “I don’t plan on getting involved in these Notre Dame conversations, I’ll answer them after the season is over but I’m not going to get into any Notre Dame conversations about who had contact and who didn’t have contact. I’m just not going down that road until after the season. Even if they were reaching out to me, I’m finishing out the season just like I have every year. We’re going to focus on Pittsburgh this week. After the Pittsburgh game, we can talk about other things.”
Umm Coach, seasons not over yet is it? Thanks for the memories.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dear Chicagoland Sports Media,
Hi. I just wanted to write to tell you that you guys are just too hard on all the sports figures in this town, and I for one am getting tired of the way our athletes are treated by you.
Yeah, the way you guys treat the Bears, who are the football team in this city and are the hope and dreams of young fans everywhere. That fine young man Lovie Smith has to run a football team. The tough questions you ask him, and how you characterize him to be a dope, that shit ain’t right man. And this Cutler guy, how do you expect him to throw 3 TDs in a game when you put a microphone in his face? Don’t you know you’re asking for trouble? How dare you Dan Pompei ask the great Jay Cutler if anyone talked him about yelling at the officials? Do you see what you did? You may have started a temper tantrum.
The way things are going, you’re going to cost Vinny Del Negro his job. I mean after all, you guys got Scott Skiles fired on Christmas, why not VDN? According to you guys, his players sucking have to be connected to him someway. General Managers or shields in this case can’t make these decisions on their own. They need your help.
I think all Cub fans can say they loved Milton Bradley, but you guys had to bring up all that racism and stuff, didn’t you? You had to talk about his emotional status, and you told everyone in Chicago that Lou Pinella called him a piece of shit during the Sox game. Can’t you see the man hopes the game is nine innings so he can run out the door so he pray to God that the hateful fans and media of Chicago don’t twist his words, and make sure his ivory white towel is in front of his locker.
But I believe the biggest thing you guys have done is you may have cost the White Sox a reliever in J.J. Putz. And this my friends really pisses me off. In fact, I have already sent letters to your editors to talk about how irresponsible it was for you to report on the fact Matt Thornton was trying to talk Putz into coming here, and the scandalous “bromance” you referred to. Now I guess the deal won’t get done due to you guys doing your job. How dare you? I will never buy a newspaper again. In fact, I will go to every store in Chicago, go to the racks, steal you rags you call journalism, and bring them to every street corner where the homeless hang out, and keep them warm with your crappy papers. You may have just cost the White Sox the World Series. How dare you people?
I sincerely hope you can look in the mirror and go to sleep at night, because our athletes can’t due to the fact vultures like you roam the streets of Chicago looking for 5000 words or less like a crack addict looking to score. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Your mother
Yeah, the way you guys treat the Bears, who are the football team in this city and are the hope and dreams of young fans everywhere. That fine young man Lovie Smith has to run a football team. The tough questions you ask him, and how you characterize him to be a dope, that shit ain’t right man. And this Cutler guy, how do you expect him to throw 3 TDs in a game when you put a microphone in his face? Don’t you know you’re asking for trouble? How dare you Dan Pompei ask the great Jay Cutler if anyone talked him about yelling at the officials? Do you see what you did? You may have started a temper tantrum.
The way things are going, you’re going to cost Vinny Del Negro his job. I mean after all, you guys got Scott Skiles fired on Christmas, why not VDN? According to you guys, his players sucking have to be connected to him someway. General Managers or shields in this case can’t make these decisions on their own. They need your help.
I think all Cub fans can say they loved Milton Bradley, but you guys had to bring up all that racism and stuff, didn’t you? You had to talk about his emotional status, and you told everyone in Chicago that Lou Pinella called him a piece of shit during the Sox game. Can’t you see the man hopes the game is nine innings so he can run out the door so he pray to God that the hateful fans and media of Chicago don’t twist his words, and make sure his ivory white towel is in front of his locker.
But I believe the biggest thing you guys have done is you may have cost the White Sox a reliever in J.J. Putz. And this my friends really pisses me off. In fact, I have already sent letters to your editors to talk about how irresponsible it was for you to report on the fact Matt Thornton was trying to talk Putz into coming here, and the scandalous “bromance” you referred to. Now I guess the deal won’t get done due to you guys doing your job. How dare you? I will never buy a newspaper again. In fact, I will go to every store in Chicago, go to the racks, steal you rags you call journalism, and bring them to every street corner where the homeless hang out, and keep them warm with your crappy papers. You may have just cost the White Sox the World Series. How dare you people?
I sincerely hope you can look in the mirror and go to sleep at night, because our athletes can’t due to the fact vultures like you roam the streets of Chicago looking for 5000 words or less like a crack addict looking to score. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Your mother
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