With the news of Lance Armstrong dropping his suit, and the idiocracy of a governing body that has no jurisdiction over the event he dominated for a decade, it begged the question as to what in the world of sports would actually shock us as individuals. After the Penn State scandal, there are very few things. However, I think these could make us drop our jaw for a moment.
5. Fishy Phelps
Imagine that the greatest Olympian of all-time is charged, and convicted, with blood doping or some other form of PED's? For the last 12 years, the Baltimore, Md. native has wowed us with dominating victories and last second finishes. But if we found out that he actually was cheating during any point, especially in 2008, it would seriously alter the world's perspective on not only him but American athletes as a whole. How would we look back at Jason Lezak's dash to the wall in Beijing to preserve Phelps' perfect Olympiad? How would time remember one of the more impressive careers ever seen? You want to see a polarizing debate? If this happens you will.
4. Duke and/or UNC Basketball Violations
As a fan who hates both the Blue Devils and the Tarhells, there is no doubt the two most respectable coaches in the game are Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski. Both have not only produced dominating basketball teams, but have also produced impressive young men. What I've always been impressed about is the graduation rates of these two programs. In a time where the "one-and-done" has swallowed college basketball, countless student-athletes finish their careers not only with Championship rings, but Degrees as well. If it turned out that either of these men pulled a John Calipari, a Jim Calhoun, or God forbid Calvin Sampson, the way we look at arguably the two best college coaches would be seriously changed.
3. The Night the Lights Went Out at Camden
Having gone to middle school and high school south of Baltimore, there was one hero: Cal Ripken, Jr. To this day I consider his consecutive games streak to be the greatest record in baseball. One that will never be broken or even challenged. But there is still a small cloud around this amazing accomplishment. On August 14, 1997 (long after the record was already broken), the light mysteriously went out down the left field line and the game against Seattle was cancelled. Some say it is because Ripken discovered actor Kevin Costner, who was staying at his following the shooting of his movie "The Postman", in bed with his wife and a domestic dispute ensued. Though paper reports prove Ripken was in the ballpark, some still believe the power outage was made to allow the Ironman's streak to continue. If it was, it may not be a total loss considering the record was already broken but it would seriously damage the reputation Cal and the Orioles organization built.
2. Notre Dame's "Penn State"
When the news of Penn State hit, it struck not just the sports world, but the country as a whole. One of the premier institutions (not just football programs) the nation has ever seen committing such a heinous series of crimes shook us all to our very core. Now imagine if something similar to that happened at a Catholic college like Notre Dame? The media firestorm seen at Beaver Stadium would be looked at as a press conference for a local politician announcing his candidacy for dog catcher. Even more so it would disgust all of us to the point where our sanity, and our hope, would completely vanish.
1. Jeter Juiced
It is very rare that Red Sox fan will put any Yankee on top of a list not titled "Guys I Hate" or "Guys I'd Love to See Suffer a Career Ending Injury" but Derek Jeter is this generation's face of baseball. His level of play, and respect for every person across the field is unparalleled in this day and age. Somehow he never misses a beat at the plate and every now and again he shows off that old Jeter flare at short. A guy I admire and respect a hell of a lot would honestly devastate me if it turned out he was cheating. I really believe that this guy, with as good a player and person he is, could not be lumped in with the likes of Barry Bonds, Andy Pettite or Roger Clemens. Anyone else wouldn't shock us, Derek Jeter would sadden everyone.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
State of the (Red Sox) Nation
OK so I know it's been a while since I've posted but I've been busy. That being said, there is only one topic big enough to bring me out of this mild summer hibernation: The Boston Red Sox.
As of today, the team currently sits with a record 59-63 and are seven games back of the second AL Wild Card. While there have been many concerns and outrages about the 2012 season, allow me to try and inject a sense of stability to the frantic fan base know as Red Sox Nation.
The end of the 2011 season was the most horrific collapse in all of baseball, and it happened in the most enigmatic baseball town in the world. It led to a clean managerial house and the forced retirement of two Boston icons (Wakefield, and Varitek). While those changes were by no means uneccessary, it set up 2012 for immediate failure.
Should the team be performing better than their current status as one of the forgotten members of baseball's elite? Maybe. Should Bobby Valentine be concerned for his job after just one year as manager? Yes. Should fans of their beloved team be really this upset about the sub-.500 record this late in the year? No. And here's why:
1) The Sox have yet to play a single game with their projected opening day lineup. Injuries to key players such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis (prior to the trade), Clay Buchholz, Andrew Bailey, and now Will Middlebrooks have left manager Bobby Valentine in a position only MacGyver could have solved. Yes, guys like Ciriaco and Aviles have been huge. And who knew that Alfredo Aceves was gonna be the fifth best closer in the American League? Last year, Boston was projected to be the best team on paper. This year they were played up to be one of the top teams when you look at it. But we haven't actually seen what was projected, and we won't.
2) The media has been more destructive to the team than the team itself. There is no secret that Boston fans and Boston media have the worst love/hate relationship with their team in baseball. For some reason, the love able loser that turned World Champ is now in a broken marriage with the city it represents. Reporters are looking for ways to put a wedge between management and players, players and coaches, players and players. Fans are looking to jump off the Prudential Center with every lost series. Jon Lester said it best in a recent article where he mentioned the pressure on the team from the media is unlike any place else, making it difficult to play well. However, dear Jonny boy, excuses only satisfy those who make them.
3) Players have underperformed. Aside from the recent hot streak of the soon to be shut down Carl Crawford and the recently disabled David Ortiz, there hasn't been one consistently great player this season. When your top two starters (Josh Beckett and Jon Lester) are a combined 12-21, it's never going to be a good season. That being said, Buchholz and Franklin Morales are the most impressive 3-4 combo in the bigs with a 21-9 mark.Adrian Gonzalez has been a dominant hitter with runners on but guys like Ellsbury and Pedey haven't gotten there. And don't even get me started on the bottom of the lineup.
With all the things going wrong, so much has been made about if Valentine will stay in the dugout next year. Here is my honest to goodness belief. A warning, Sox fans may wanna avert your eyes.
Bobby Valentine should return in 2013. When he was hired, it was clearly done as a PR stunt to draw attention away from the "chicken and beer" mentality of last September. The issue with that was the Ben Cherington forgot the number one cure-all in sports: winning. There was no emphasis put on rebuilding the Sox veteran leadership, or their actual bullpen. The injury to Bailey hurt and the front end of the rotation hasn't helped. I truthfully think that if Bailey were healthy and Becket and Lester got their heads out of their asses prior to August (Josh still can't find his) Boston would be where Baltimore currently is. A re-dedication to the players on the field in the offseason, and one of the veterans actually showing leadership, HI DUSTIN! very well can change the concept of baseball at Fenway in 2013. Do I think Valentine will be around to see that happen? I hope so.
His personality is one that fits that city and this team is one that can compete. Don't get upset with the injuries and talent level elsewhere. Hindsight will always be 20/20. It's only a matter of time if Bobby V is the right optometrist for Boston fans who, has I said at the end of last season, have forgotten their place in baseball. Let the last 185 games be a reminder.
As of today, the team currently sits with a record 59-63 and are seven games back of the second AL Wild Card. While there have been many concerns and outrages about the 2012 season, allow me to try and inject a sense of stability to the frantic fan base know as Red Sox Nation.
The end of the 2011 season was the most horrific collapse in all of baseball, and it happened in the most enigmatic baseball town in the world. It led to a clean managerial house and the forced retirement of two Boston icons (Wakefield, and Varitek). While those changes were by no means uneccessary, it set up 2012 for immediate failure.
Should the team be performing better than their current status as one of the forgotten members of baseball's elite? Maybe. Should Bobby Valentine be concerned for his job after just one year as manager? Yes. Should fans of their beloved team be really this upset about the sub-.500 record this late in the year? No. And here's why:
1) The Sox have yet to play a single game with their projected opening day lineup. Injuries to key players such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis (prior to the trade), Clay Buchholz, Andrew Bailey, and now Will Middlebrooks have left manager Bobby Valentine in a position only MacGyver could have solved. Yes, guys like Ciriaco and Aviles have been huge. And who knew that Alfredo Aceves was gonna be the fifth best closer in the American League? Last year, Boston was projected to be the best team on paper. This year they were played up to be one of the top teams when you look at it. But we haven't actually seen what was projected, and we won't.
2) The media has been more destructive to the team than the team itself. There is no secret that Boston fans and Boston media have the worst love/hate relationship with their team in baseball. For some reason, the love able loser that turned World Champ is now in a broken marriage with the city it represents. Reporters are looking for ways to put a wedge between management and players, players and coaches, players and players. Fans are looking to jump off the Prudential Center with every lost series. Jon Lester said it best in a recent article where he mentioned the pressure on the team from the media is unlike any place else, making it difficult to play well. However, dear Jonny boy, excuses only satisfy those who make them.
3) Players have underperformed. Aside from the recent hot streak of the soon to be shut down Carl Crawford and the recently disabled David Ortiz, there hasn't been one consistently great player this season. When your top two starters (Josh Beckett and Jon Lester) are a combined 12-21, it's never going to be a good season. That being said, Buchholz and Franklin Morales are the most impressive 3-4 combo in the bigs with a 21-9 mark.Adrian Gonzalez has been a dominant hitter with runners on but guys like Ellsbury and Pedey haven't gotten there. And don't even get me started on the bottom of the lineup.
With all the things going wrong, so much has been made about if Valentine will stay in the dugout next year. Here is my honest to goodness belief. A warning, Sox fans may wanna avert your eyes.
Bobby Valentine should return in 2013. When he was hired, it was clearly done as a PR stunt to draw attention away from the "chicken and beer" mentality of last September. The issue with that was the Ben Cherington forgot the number one cure-all in sports: winning. There was no emphasis put on rebuilding the Sox veteran leadership, or their actual bullpen. The injury to Bailey hurt and the front end of the rotation hasn't helped. I truthfully think that if Bailey were healthy and Becket and Lester got their heads out of their asses prior to August (Josh still can't find his) Boston would be where Baltimore currently is. A re-dedication to the players on the field in the offseason, and one of the veterans actually showing leadership, HI DUSTIN! very well can change the concept of baseball at Fenway in 2013. Do I think Valentine will be around to see that happen? I hope so.
His personality is one that fits that city and this team is one that can compete. Don't get upset with the injuries and talent level elsewhere. Hindsight will always be 20/20. It's only a matter of time if Bobby V is the right optometrist for Boston fans who, has I said at the end of last season, have forgotten their place in baseball. Let the last 185 games be a reminder.
Friday, June 1, 2012
The Biggest "Small" Story This Sports Week
So I'm sitting here in Columbia, South Carolina getting set for the start of the NCAA Baseball Regional tournament as Manhattan plays #8 seeded South Carolina as Coastal Carolina and Clemson are also in the regional.
I wanted to write this at the beginning of the week, but prep for this weekend prevented that. There is a story, in every sporting event, that is played up by the media for the "underdog" of the event. However, the one being talked about this weekend, deserves to be overplayed to the point of exhaustion and then some.
Manhattan Jaspers senior pitcher, and starter today against the two-time defending national champion Gamecocks, Taylor Sewitt is coming off one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen in sports in my young life.
Sewitt, a walk-on shortstop turned pitcher, turned in an outing that single handedly gave Manhattan their second straight MAAC title. After the Jaspers dropped game one to Rider 6-4 on Thursday, sending them to the loser's bracket, Sewitt goes out and throws a 9 inning shutout in a 1-0 win over Fairfield with 12 strikeouts and 106 pitches.
The next day, he pitched two shutout innings in relief in the championship round over Canisius for a Manhattan come from behind win to force a decisive final game. In that game, Sewitt pitched 11 shutout innings in relief as the Jaspers won 3-2 over the Golden Griffins.
So lets review: after three straight days, Taylor Sewitt (a former shortstop) had a line that looked like this: 22 IP, 3-0, 10 H, 6 BB, 20 K, 0 R, 296 pitches. He was rightfully named MVP.
What made this so incredible to me, was that the sidearmer was dominant on all three days. Baseball "purists" who have heard the story are up in arms saying the coaching staff abused their starter. Here is what I say, ride the hot hand. Sewitt didn't just barely get by on those three days, he DOMINATED. Every time he came out of the dugout on Sunday my jaw dropped. Here was a senior who said time and time again "It was my last tournament and I wasn't going to lose. I was just asking my teammates to get one run." I give credit to the Manhattan staff for letting their horse run. They trusted him, they believed in him, and he proved them correct.
So today, at 4 p.m. on ESPNU, Sewitt will pitch in his second straight NCAA Tournament this time against a two-time national champ. Last year, he pitched five scoreless innings at Florida. Let me say that again, five SCORELESS innings AT FLORIDA. He doesn't have an overpowering fastball, he doesn't have a deadly curve, and he doesn't have high draft hopes. But he has something that every "underdog" story requires to stay alive: heart.
I'm beyond excited to watch this kid pitch again, and so should you. If you can, do it. Whether you root for him to win or not, you're going to see the best part about college sports, someone playing for love of the game and only that.
.
I wanted to write this at the beginning of the week, but prep for this weekend prevented that. There is a story, in every sporting event, that is played up by the media for the "underdog" of the event. However, the one being talked about this weekend, deserves to be overplayed to the point of exhaustion and then some.
Manhattan Jaspers senior pitcher, and starter today against the two-time defending national champion Gamecocks, Taylor Sewitt is coming off one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen in sports in my young life.
Sewitt, a walk-on shortstop turned pitcher, turned in an outing that single handedly gave Manhattan their second straight MAAC title. After the Jaspers dropped game one to Rider 6-4 on Thursday, sending them to the loser's bracket, Sewitt goes out and throws a 9 inning shutout in a 1-0 win over Fairfield with 12 strikeouts and 106 pitches.
The next day, he pitched two shutout innings in relief in the championship round over Canisius for a Manhattan come from behind win to force a decisive final game. In that game, Sewitt pitched 11 shutout innings in relief as the Jaspers won 3-2 over the Golden Griffins.
So lets review: after three straight days, Taylor Sewitt (a former shortstop) had a line that looked like this: 22 IP, 3-0, 10 H, 6 BB, 20 K, 0 R, 296 pitches. He was rightfully named MVP.
What made this so incredible to me, was that the sidearmer was dominant on all three days. Baseball "purists" who have heard the story are up in arms saying the coaching staff abused their starter. Here is what I say, ride the hot hand. Sewitt didn't just barely get by on those three days, he DOMINATED. Every time he came out of the dugout on Sunday my jaw dropped. Here was a senior who said time and time again "It was my last tournament and I wasn't going to lose. I was just asking my teammates to get one run." I give credit to the Manhattan staff for letting their horse run. They trusted him, they believed in him, and he proved them correct.
So today, at 4 p.m. on ESPNU, Sewitt will pitch in his second straight NCAA Tournament this time against a two-time national champ. Last year, he pitched five scoreless innings at Florida. Let me say that again, five SCORELESS innings AT FLORIDA. He doesn't have an overpowering fastball, he doesn't have a deadly curve, and he doesn't have high draft hopes. But he has something that every "underdog" story requires to stay alive: heart.
I'm beyond excited to watch this kid pitch again, and so should you. If you can, do it. Whether you root for him to win or not, you're going to see the best part about college sports, someone playing for love of the game and only that.
.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Dan Wheldon: An Icon Not Easily Forgotten
Today is the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" also known as the Indianapolis 500. It is the most famous race in the entire world and the pinnacle event in open-wheel racing. However, 2012 will be a very different feel to something so majestic. Aside from "Back Home Again" not being sung live, and Danica Patrick not competing, there is one icon that will never be back to the Indianapolis Brickyard.
Dan Wheldon, the defending (and 2-time) Indy 500 champion, will not defend his title. Wheldon passed away in a crash in 2011's season finale at Las Vegas on October 16, just five months after winning his second Indy 500. A man who was such a stunning influence on the sport, went out much in the way he stepped onto the international stage: fast.
He made his debut in 2002 as a charismatic and charming 23 year old from England. He had a face to be marketed, and a personality that welcomed it. As he grew in experience and ability, his popularity only grew, especially in the United States.
When he won the Indy 500 for the first time in 2005, a star was born and blew up IRL racing more than it had in years. When he passed six years later, his death sent shock waves across the sports world and the world itself.
A 33 year old husband and father of two, who was one of the brilliant faces of a sport beloved by its fans, and watched by almost all in cases where it's history outweighs its skeptics; Wheldon's ability to be advertised made him a heartthrob, and his skill made him a worthy adversary. But it was his personality that made him a great man.
I can remember years ago, when I was very young and not yet into the sport, watching my father visibly disturbed when golfing's Payne Stewart's plane crashed and killed all on board. A father and husband, Stewart was months removed from his third major win at the U.S. Open in 1999 when he died. Known for his incredibly "fashionable" knickers and hat, respected for the competitor he was, and loved for the man he became once the clubs were stowed away; I now understand how my dad felt when an individual athlete who was bigger than his sport, was taken away from the world.
Whether you followed the sport religiously, or only cared about the big race, this years Indianapolis 500 will feel emptier than any other one in recent memory. And it is because a man, a driver, and an icon will be missing; never to be seen again. Rest In Peace, Dan Wheldon. We still miss you.
.
Dan Wheldon, the defending (and 2-time) Indy 500 champion, will not defend his title. Wheldon passed away in a crash in 2011's season finale at Las Vegas on October 16, just five months after winning his second Indy 500. A man who was such a stunning influence on the sport, went out much in the way he stepped onto the international stage: fast.
He made his debut in 2002 as a charismatic and charming 23 year old from England. He had a face to be marketed, and a personality that welcomed it. As he grew in experience and ability, his popularity only grew, especially in the United States.
When he won the Indy 500 for the first time in 2005, a star was born and blew up IRL racing more than it had in years. When he passed six years later, his death sent shock waves across the sports world and the world itself.
A 33 year old husband and father of two, who was one of the brilliant faces of a sport beloved by its fans, and watched by almost all in cases where it's history outweighs its skeptics; Wheldon's ability to be advertised made him a heartthrob, and his skill made him a worthy adversary. But it was his personality that made him a great man.
I can remember years ago, when I was very young and not yet into the sport, watching my father visibly disturbed when golfing's Payne Stewart's plane crashed and killed all on board. A father and husband, Stewart was months removed from his third major win at the U.S. Open in 1999 when he died. Known for his incredibly "fashionable" knickers and hat, respected for the competitor he was, and loved for the man he became once the clubs were stowed away; I now understand how my dad felt when an individual athlete who was bigger than his sport, was taken away from the world.
Whether you followed the sport religiously, or only cared about the big race, this years Indianapolis 500 will feel emptier than any other one in recent memory. And it is because a man, a driver, and an icon will be missing; never to be seen again. Rest In Peace, Dan Wheldon. We still miss you.
.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Beckkkkett Close to Striking Out
Ok, it's been over a month since my last post and I've been holding back on my beloved Red Sox because quite frankly, the start to 2012 is more painful than the end of 2011 in my book. But, Mr. Josh Beckett has forced my hand. It came out the other day that one day after it was announced he was scratched for his next start due to injury, Beckett went out for a golf outing with fellow starter Clay Buchholz.
When I first heard this, I was totally ok with it. Sometimes you just have to go do something to get your mind off the stresses of life (and apparently the season, already) whether you're "injured" or not. I knew the Boston media would go crazy with this because thats what they do, especially when you start the year 12-19.
What got me going was when Josh sounded almost defiant and pissed off when asked in his postgame press conference if his golf outing had any effect on yet another poor start. I'm not sure if Josh realizes how idiotic he sounded when he goes "We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little time to ourselves." First off, you're a pro ball player. I understand it can be a stressful job, especially in Beantown, but you're playing a game for a living and getting paid millions to do it; cry me a damn river. Secondly, you get a helluva lot more "off" days as a starting pitcher than an everyday position player like Dustin Pedroia.
Finally, you're right, it shouldn't matter to the public or anyone else how you spend your off days. But, you have to remember the enviornment you've been playing in since 2006. This isn't Florida where despite winning two World Series in eight years, they still can't get a sellout. This is Boston, where baseball means more than almost anything. This is a team that had the most historic collapse in history last year, and you were a key factor in that. This is a team that has started off the year 7.5 games BEHIND the Orioles. This is a pitching staff that would get shelled by the Bad News Bears and you apparently have decided to be this year's John Lackey and mouth off to the media in Boston and sound like a spoiled brat to the fans just cause the reporters are doing their jobs in trying to explain your well-below average beginning to this season.
Now, I'm not asking you to not go golfing on your off days, hell go become a great golfer if you want. What I'm saying is that you need to try this thing called self-perception. Realize and understand how look to one of the most volatile fanbases in sports. Last year you started off as a Cy Young candidate, and by this time the Sox were looking like a title contender. Now, you look like a has been who should be fixing everything in Pawtucket while your team looks like a laughing stock.
I'm not gonna say that Beckett should be shipped away or anything like that. The guy is a pretty damn good pitcher when he's on. I personally love the guy and, next to Lester, he's my favorite one on that staff. So just please, please, Josh, be smart when you get in front of a microphone. Ask the guys up in the booth what to say, or how to look. Make friends with the media. After all, in Boston, they may be the only ones you ever have again.
.
When I first heard this, I was totally ok with it. Sometimes you just have to go do something to get your mind off the stresses of life (and apparently the season, already) whether you're "injured" or not. I knew the Boston media would go crazy with this because thats what they do, especially when you start the year 12-19.
What got me going was when Josh sounded almost defiant and pissed off when asked in his postgame press conference if his golf outing had any effect on yet another poor start. I'm not sure if Josh realizes how idiotic he sounded when he goes "We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little time to ourselves." First off, you're a pro ball player. I understand it can be a stressful job, especially in Beantown, but you're playing a game for a living and getting paid millions to do it; cry me a damn river. Secondly, you get a helluva lot more "off" days as a starting pitcher than an everyday position player like Dustin Pedroia.
Finally, you're right, it shouldn't matter to the public or anyone else how you spend your off days. But, you have to remember the enviornment you've been playing in since 2006. This isn't Florida where despite winning two World Series in eight years, they still can't get a sellout. This is Boston, where baseball means more than almost anything. This is a team that had the most historic collapse in history last year, and you were a key factor in that. This is a team that has started off the year 7.5 games BEHIND the Orioles. This is a pitching staff that would get shelled by the Bad News Bears and you apparently have decided to be this year's John Lackey and mouth off to the media in Boston and sound like a spoiled brat to the fans just cause the reporters are doing their jobs in trying to explain your well-below average beginning to this season.
Now, I'm not asking you to not go golfing on your off days, hell go become a great golfer if you want. What I'm saying is that you need to try this thing called self-perception. Realize and understand how look to one of the most volatile fanbases in sports. Last year you started off as a Cy Young candidate, and by this time the Sox were looking like a title contender. Now, you look like a has been who should be fixing everything in Pawtucket while your team looks like a laughing stock.
I'm not gonna say that Beckett should be shipped away or anything like that. The guy is a pretty damn good pitcher when he's on. I personally love the guy and, next to Lester, he's my favorite one on that staff. So just please, please, Josh, be smart when you get in front of a microphone. Ask the guys up in the booth what to say, or how to look. Make friends with the media. After all, in Boston, they may be the only ones you ever have again.
.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Stalking Tiger, Hidden Champion
I was going to blog about this yesterday but was too busy watching some Elite 8 action and massive sensory overload with two fantasy baseball drafts at once. That being said, something wonderful happened yesterday at Bay Hill Country Club in Florida.
As he walked up the 18th fairway with a five stroke lead on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger Woods had that infectious smile on his face. The one that captivated us all 15 years ago at Augusta National when he dominated the Masters for the first time. The one that said "Hi, I'm Tiger Woods, and I'm the best in the game."
It wasn't typical Woods, pulling away from the field and leaving little doubt, but it was quintessential Tiger. The red shirt, the pin point accuracy from the fairway, the booming drives from the tee, the dominance on the green. He wasn't all the way back, but for the first time since September of 2009, he was a champion.
There had been 72 different winners on the PGA tour since his last victory, and Woods even dropped to 58th in the world. After winning his 72nd event, he has catapulted back up to sixth. The joy and adulation that came from Tiger after sinking that final point was a beam of hope to the game of golf.
The man synonymous with the sport for the last 15 years was returning to the pedestal he had rightfully owned for a decade. You could see, and hear, that coming from the crowd who began chanting his name as if they had been rooting for him all along. And some have. Golf needs Tiger. As long as he is still an active player, he is the biggest draw to the game. His battles with Phil, Duval, and others were legendary. His potential meetings with McIlroy, Watson, and the young guns is awe-inspiring. The question is, can this happen when it truly matters: as he challenges Jack Nicklaus for "Greatest of All-Time" status.
This wasn't a typical field littered with the big names like Phil and Rory, but peppered with former surprised like Graeme McDowell and fading champions like Ernie Els. It wasn't an intimidating course like a Pebble Beach or a Congressional. It wasn't a pressure tournament like the Open, or the Masters which begins in 10 days.
I have gone on the record (with about five friends) as saying that Tiger will not catch the Bear. There are very few times I want to be wrong, this might be one of them. I love seeing Tiger compete because it draws you to something so basic it makes the most ordinary person feel a part of it. He isn't back just yet, but Tiger is certainly out of the Woods.
.
As he walked up the 18th fairway with a five stroke lead on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger Woods had that infectious smile on his face. The one that captivated us all 15 years ago at Augusta National when he dominated the Masters for the first time. The one that said "Hi, I'm Tiger Woods, and I'm the best in the game."
It wasn't typical Woods, pulling away from the field and leaving little doubt, but it was quintessential Tiger. The red shirt, the pin point accuracy from the fairway, the booming drives from the tee, the dominance on the green. He wasn't all the way back, but for the first time since September of 2009, he was a champion.
There had been 72 different winners on the PGA tour since his last victory, and Woods even dropped to 58th in the world. After winning his 72nd event, he has catapulted back up to sixth. The joy and adulation that came from Tiger after sinking that final point was a beam of hope to the game of golf.
The man synonymous with the sport for the last 15 years was returning to the pedestal he had rightfully owned for a decade. You could see, and hear, that coming from the crowd who began chanting his name as if they had been rooting for him all along. And some have. Golf needs Tiger. As long as he is still an active player, he is the biggest draw to the game. His battles with Phil, Duval, and others were legendary. His potential meetings with McIlroy, Watson, and the young guns is awe-inspiring. The question is, can this happen when it truly matters: as he challenges Jack Nicklaus for "Greatest of All-Time" status.
This wasn't a typical field littered with the big names like Phil and Rory, but peppered with former surprised like Graeme McDowell and fading champions like Ernie Els. It wasn't an intimidating course like a Pebble Beach or a Congressional. It wasn't a pressure tournament like the Open, or the Masters which begins in 10 days.
I have gone on the record (with about five friends) as saying that Tiger will not catch the Bear. There are very few times I want to be wrong, this might be one of them. I love seeing Tiger compete because it draws you to something so basic it makes the most ordinary person feel a part of it. He isn't back just yet, but Tiger is certainly out of the Woods.
.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
March 21, 2012 - The Day the NFL Changed Forever
After taking a day to be with those who needed a friend, and two days to enjoy the Sweet 16/Summer weather in NYC, it's time to get back to business. Just after noon on Wednesday, March 21, the National Football League announced two stunning developments that would shock the football world.
First, there was the announcement that the Denver Broncos, after signing Peyton Manning to a five year deal, would be trading quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The second was that the NFL had issued their penalties regarding the New Orleans Saints "bounty" program. Among the various fines and loss of draft picks, former Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams (now with the St. Louis Rams) was suspended indefinitely and current Head Coach Sean Payton was banned for a year. It has since been learned that ban will cost Payton $5.8 million in salary.
Before I get to the big problem in the Big Easy, let's discuss Tebow. Essentially, what Woody Johnson has just done, is put the most marketable and polarizing player in recent memory, into the most marketable and opinionated city in the world. For whatever the reason, everyone has something to say about Tebow. Now, in the Big Apple, there will be distractions galore; but there will be even more people trying to catch Tim in a manner that is anything but the "saintly demeanor" we've all come to understand. No doubt there will be paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of the poster boy drinking or clubbing, anything to try and harm his image.
What should be noted is that this makes incredible football sense for the Jets. With Tony Sparano in place, a man who loves the wildcat, you know have a QB who is designed for that role. Tebow will be able to operate in a situation similar to his freshman season at Florida, where he won a national title mind you. This issue is whether or not Mark Sanchez's supposed "fragile psyche" can handle the TebowMania. I think he will, and I think that if the team takes on even the slightest persona of their new backup, head coach included, they could make an interesting run in the playoffs. That is, if Manning and Brady don't go back to their usual dominance of the league.
Onto the bigger issue at hand. Some may say the season long suspension of Payton in New Orleans is too much, I will not be one of them. It is well known that I hate the continued "softening" of the natuarally violent game that is football. It's also true that I have no issue with putting a target on the best players back, if it's done in the right way. This was not. This was essentially a "pay-to-play" operation in which players opted to give financial rewards for taking out the opponent. I think what upsets me more is that NFL athletes need extra incentive to play that way. What irks the shield is that, while they are legal hits, players are actively attempting to injure others. At the very core, this was wrong.
Much in the way Joe Paterno was in the wrong for not saying anything if he knew something, so is Sean Payton. He, and the Saints, deserve this punishment. They will endure however because they are one of the premier franchises in the NFL. My fear is that Payton may lose his job, which should not happen, because of what he means to the team, and the city. Then again, like Joe Paterno, I've been wrong before.
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First, there was the announcement that the Denver Broncos, after signing Peyton Manning to a five year deal, would be trading quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The second was that the NFL had issued their penalties regarding the New Orleans Saints "bounty" program. Among the various fines and loss of draft picks, former Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams (now with the St. Louis Rams) was suspended indefinitely and current Head Coach Sean Payton was banned for a year. It has since been learned that ban will cost Payton $5.8 million in salary.
Before I get to the big problem in the Big Easy, let's discuss Tebow. Essentially, what Woody Johnson has just done, is put the most marketable and polarizing player in recent memory, into the most marketable and opinionated city in the world. For whatever the reason, everyone has something to say about Tebow. Now, in the Big Apple, there will be distractions galore; but there will be even more people trying to catch Tim in a manner that is anything but the "saintly demeanor" we've all come to understand. No doubt there will be paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of the poster boy drinking or clubbing, anything to try and harm his image.
What should be noted is that this makes incredible football sense for the Jets. With Tony Sparano in place, a man who loves the wildcat, you know have a QB who is designed for that role. Tebow will be able to operate in a situation similar to his freshman season at Florida, where he won a national title mind you. This issue is whether or not Mark Sanchez's supposed "fragile psyche" can handle the TebowMania. I think he will, and I think that if the team takes on even the slightest persona of their new backup, head coach included, they could make an interesting run in the playoffs. That is, if Manning and Brady don't go back to their usual dominance of the league.
Onto the bigger issue at hand. Some may say the season long suspension of Payton in New Orleans is too much, I will not be one of them. It is well known that I hate the continued "softening" of the natuarally violent game that is football. It's also true that I have no issue with putting a target on the best players back, if it's done in the right way. This was not. This was essentially a "pay-to-play" operation in which players opted to give financial rewards for taking out the opponent. I think what upsets me more is that NFL athletes need extra incentive to play that way. What irks the shield is that, while they are legal hits, players are actively attempting to injure others. At the very core, this was wrong.
Much in the way Joe Paterno was in the wrong for not saying anything if he knew something, so is Sean Payton. He, and the Saints, deserve this punishment. They will endure however because they are one of the premier franchises in the NFL. My fear is that Payton may lose his job, which should not happen, because of what he means to the team, and the city. Then again, like Joe Paterno, I've been wrong before.
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