I promised myself I was done writing about Brett Favre. I promised, I interpersonally pleaded and I swore that his name would NOT resurface in my blog. I hate to say it, folks, I've let us all down.
The simple fact of the matter is that the man will not disappear. He refuses. He has damn near boycotted the idea of retirement, and even when an easement appeared eminent, he jumped right back on the annoying nerve.
Don't let me discount the overwhelming role that the Green Bay organization is playing in my aesthetic discomfort of watching my once daily SportsCenter. The Packers refuse to do anything but escalate the situation. I wish that cheeseheads would just take the lesser of two evils and promise Favre his starting position back, after all, would it be so bad to be Super Bowl contenders again? The organization cannot honestly think that Aaron Rodgers gives them a better chance to win than Favre, can it?
Let us not forget that two years prior, as was stated in a comment on my last Favre blog, he threw more interceptions than touchdowns and was a key entity in the abysmal record that the postseason-less Packers suffered. My oh my the short memory of the loyal followers in Green Bay.
Regardless, I will backtrack. The Packers refusal to release Favre, and his apparent refusal to be placed on the trade block has led to a brutal stalemate that is not only ruining a man's overblown legacy, but it is also wearing on the patience of the NFL community.
Roger Goodell has kept his distance, but has started to give his input stating that he would like to see a quick resolution to the ordeal in 'Sconsin. Even sportswriters are starting to get weary of the shenanigans. Peter King, NFL writer for Sports Illustrated, was recently grilled for five minutes on Pardon the Interruption about the fallout from the Packers tumultuous offseason. He was almost laughing about the prospects of the Favre deliberations continuing into the preseason camps and even to the regular season. Every bit of breaking news about Favre has been preceeded by a long sigh and intonation inferring that the reporter is thinking 'Not this again!'
And then there is the common viewer. I, like many, am interested in the other stories in the sports world such as, there is other news, the resurgence of the New York Yankees in the pennant race; the pennant race in general; the Redeem Team (the 2008 version of the U.S. Dream Team); Michael Phelps and his quest for legendary glory or perhaps even the emergence of Usain Bolt in the world track and field scene. But no, I am stuck with repeat performances of the ugly situation in the last state in the U.S. that I would even consider visiting.
As a sports guru I realize why the coverage must go on, but I refuse to condone it. I just hope that when I get my first assignment as a professional that it doesn't have anything to do with the Green Bay Packers or the current status of Favre's bipolar disorder.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Jessica Hardy, Hardy, Har...Why ignorance ruins it for the rest
It always happens this way. As soon as I'm about to get excited about an athletic achievement of more than impressive proportions, scandal strikes. It not only gathers clumps of asterisks on the personal achievements of the athlete in question, it casts shadows on the entire community of competitors that are shocking the world, with or without doping.
Think back, if you will, to the homerun race of 1998 when America was apparently watching the resurgence of it's national pastime. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were hitting homeruns at an inhumanly fast pace and everyone took the bait of legitimacy hook, line and sinker. Without mentioning other performances that still stand in doubt, most for good reason, the entire sport hit a tailspin during the release of the Mitchell Report last summer. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeiro joined McGwire and Sosa as the poster children for the darkest age in hardball.
Baseball isn't the only sport that has suffered from dopey dopers. Cycling is absolutely in shambles (especially in America) after Floyd Landis' tested positive for the juice following his victory in the Tour de France. Not only did he make himself look foolish he also added fuel to the international fire that an American icon, Lance Armstrong, used EPO as well. Track and Field has been so marred by the incarceration of the sweetheart of the Sydney Olympic Games, Marion Jones that everytime an athlete gets anywhere the podium officials might as well be holding a syringe and cup.
And now we come to the instance that has upset me the most. Jessica Hardy. Although she is probably one of the least known olympians on this year's US swimming squad, she may have taken all the wind out of Michael Phelps sails before the Games even begin. She has tested positive for a stimulant, but more importantly, she has tested positive for stupidity. Not only has she ruined her chances for Olympic glory, she has inadvertently put questions in the minds of audiences everywhere: Is Dara Torres for real (swimming best times at 41 she must be doping); Is there any way that Michael Phelps could possibly be all natural? Most evident, is anything in sports sacred anymore?
The second to last question bothers me the most, simply because I want to believe in Phelps so much. He could potentially become the most dominant athlete that this planet has ever seen, but something tells me that Jessica Hardy may have just foiled this whole scheme. Pity to the pathetic that need to cheat, and pity to the innocent bystanders that suffer most.
Think back, if you will, to the homerun race of 1998 when America was apparently watching the resurgence of it's national pastime. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were hitting homeruns at an inhumanly fast pace and everyone took the bait of legitimacy hook, line and sinker. Without mentioning other performances that still stand in doubt, most for good reason, the entire sport hit a tailspin during the release of the Mitchell Report last summer. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeiro joined McGwire and Sosa as the poster children for the darkest age in hardball.
Baseball isn't the only sport that has suffered from dopey dopers. Cycling is absolutely in shambles (especially in America) after Floyd Landis' tested positive for the juice following his victory in the Tour de France. Not only did he make himself look foolish he also added fuel to the international fire that an American icon, Lance Armstrong, used EPO as well. Track and Field has been so marred by the incarceration of the sweetheart of the Sydney Olympic Games, Marion Jones that everytime an athlete gets anywhere the podium officials might as well be holding a syringe and cup.
And now we come to the instance that has upset me the most. Jessica Hardy. Although she is probably one of the least known olympians on this year's US swimming squad, she may have taken all the wind out of Michael Phelps sails before the Games even begin. She has tested positive for a stimulant, but more importantly, she has tested positive for stupidity. Not only has she ruined her chances for Olympic glory, she has inadvertently put questions in the minds of audiences everywhere: Is Dara Torres for real (swimming best times at 41 she must be doping); Is there any way that Michael Phelps could possibly be all natural? Most evident, is anything in sports sacred anymore?
The second to last question bothers me the most, simply because I want to believe in Phelps so much. He could potentially become the most dominant athlete that this planet has ever seen, but something tells me that Jessica Hardy may have just foiled this whole scheme. Pity to the pathetic that need to cheat, and pity to the innocent bystanders that suffer most.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Real Life Roy Hobbs
If you were watching the pre-All Star Game shenanigans and happened to tune into the homerun derby, you saw something that must be truly tickling Tinsel town. You would also realize that I’m not talking about how Justin Morneau eventually took the crown.
The obvious candidate for comeback player of the year before his performance, Josh Hamilton absolutely solidified his status as the real life Roy Hobbs. A monstrous first round, a record 28 homeruns, played second fiddle to the pure destruction that each of those baseballs endured. He mashed 2.3 miles worth of big flies in that memorable first round. Although it has been the most retold story in sports over the past five months, it never gets old to rediscover just how ridiculous his tale really is.
Hamilton, the first pick overall in the 1999 draft, spent the early part of his career on the training room table. His injury riddled start and plethora of new billfold left him with way too much free time and way too much temptation, even for a man who was drafted over Josh Beckett because scouts felt that he was less likely to have character issues (hanging out at a tattoo parlor probably didn’t help anything either). He spent most of his massive signing bonus (well over a million dollars) in less than two years on, among other things, alcohol and drugs.
He also felt the strain on his marriage, facing a period of estrangement when he couldn’t kick his nasty habits around the birth of his daughter Sierra. His incessant drug abuse continued until his beloved grandmother confronted him. He is now a born again Christian and his only vice is a small pocket of dip that he keeps in his gum during games. However, that isn’t to say that he has his shaky moments.
As a part of his recovery process, you must realize drug addiction isn’t a one night kick, he always has a member of his tight entourage at his side when he goes anywhere, afraid that the ghosts of his past will one day get the best of him. Due to that same phobia, he carries a maximum of $20 cash on him at all times. Although he isn’t all the way back from the brink in his arduous battle with addiction his storyline seems eerily similar to a product of cinema.
Although the particulars are different the movie ‘The Natural’ appears to have been a premonition of the comeback of Josh Hamilton. His relatively meteoric rise runs parallel with the legend of Roy Hobbs (played by Robert Redford). Although I had seen Hamilton play once or twice, tearing apart my beloved Yankees, I was not prepared for the show he put on one week ago in the house that Ruth built. Everyone watching could tell why he was drafted number one all those years ago, and if you’ve been living in a cave for the past month, take a look at the video below.
Just look at the swing, the pure grace with which he swings the lumber. Check out the 71 year old American Legion coach who served up the meatballs that he proceeded to mutilate into the upper deck, into the black bleacher section, approaching the mega-tron in centerfield. Most importantly, notice the pure joy that he not only shows himself, but the joy that he gave everyone watching the event either on TV or at the Stadium. The smile that not so long ago was a rarity is now common place. Hamilton is finally home, playing the game he was born to play, getting the positive kind of publicity that he was supposed to be getting years ago. I can only hope that he stays the course bringing this fairy tell story full circle. I’m just waiting for the moment that he actually hits the cover off the ball a’ la Roy Hobbs. That feat is about all he is missing from becoming the legend that, as he might say, God intended.
The obvious candidate for comeback player of the year before his performance, Josh Hamilton absolutely solidified his status as the real life Roy Hobbs. A monstrous first round, a record 28 homeruns, played second fiddle to the pure destruction that each of those baseballs endured. He mashed 2.3 miles worth of big flies in that memorable first round. Although it has been the most retold story in sports over the past five months, it never gets old to rediscover just how ridiculous his tale really is.
Hamilton, the first pick overall in the 1999 draft, spent the early part of his career on the training room table. His injury riddled start and plethora of new billfold left him with way too much free time and way too much temptation, even for a man who was drafted over Josh Beckett because scouts felt that he was less likely to have character issues (hanging out at a tattoo parlor probably didn’t help anything either). He spent most of his massive signing bonus (well over a million dollars) in less than two years on, among other things, alcohol and drugs.
He also felt the strain on his marriage, facing a period of estrangement when he couldn’t kick his nasty habits around the birth of his daughter Sierra. His incessant drug abuse continued until his beloved grandmother confronted him. He is now a born again Christian and his only vice is a small pocket of dip that he keeps in his gum during games. However, that isn’t to say that he has his shaky moments.
As a part of his recovery process, you must realize drug addiction isn’t a one night kick, he always has a member of his tight entourage at his side when he goes anywhere, afraid that the ghosts of his past will one day get the best of him. Due to that same phobia, he carries a maximum of $20 cash on him at all times. Although he isn’t all the way back from the brink in his arduous battle with addiction his storyline seems eerily similar to a product of cinema.
Although the particulars are different the movie ‘The Natural’ appears to have been a premonition of the comeback of Josh Hamilton. His relatively meteoric rise runs parallel with the legend of Roy Hobbs (played by Robert Redford). Although I had seen Hamilton play once or twice, tearing apart my beloved Yankees, I was not prepared for the show he put on one week ago in the house that Ruth built. Everyone watching could tell why he was drafted number one all those years ago, and if you’ve been living in a cave for the past month, take a look at the video below.
Just look at the swing, the pure grace with which he swings the lumber. Check out the 71 year old American Legion coach who served up the meatballs that he proceeded to mutilate into the upper deck, into the black bleacher section, approaching the mega-tron in centerfield. Most importantly, notice the pure joy that he not only shows himself, but the joy that he gave everyone watching the event either on TV or at the Stadium. The smile that not so long ago was a rarity is now common place. Hamilton is finally home, playing the game he was born to play, getting the positive kind of publicity that he was supposed to be getting years ago. I can only hope that he stays the course bringing this fairy tell story full circle. I’m just waiting for the moment that he actually hits the cover off the ball a’ la Roy Hobbs. That feat is about all he is missing from becoming the legend that, as he might say, God intended.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
MLB Mid-Season Report: as I see it
We have come to the All-Star break in the Major Leagues and there is only one thing I can say: ‘What the ….?’ There are upstart teams dominating powerhouse divisions; there are no-name pitchers becoming Cy Young candidates; breakout players battling drug addictions and baseball infamy; teams with the biggest salaries slumming it in the basement; and, who could forget, Hall of Fame careers ending on bittersweet notes.
The story of this season has been the arrival of tiny-market teams with no expectations at the top of the pennant race. Arguably the biggest surprise has been the Tampa Bay Rays. Apparently when the ‘Devil’ was dropped this team decided that it would become even more fiendish. Led by All-Star performances from catcher Dioner Navarro, third baseman Evan Longoria (no, not Eva) and Pitcher Scott Kazmir, this team has been blowing the minds of big-budget ball-clubs in the AL East. The Rays have also seen drastic improvements in young position players B.J. Upton (batting .276) and Carl Crawford (62 runs). The air does seem to be coming out of the young club’s sail, however, with a seven game losing streak heading into the break.
Another surprising start has come from the boys in old’ St. Lou. The Cardinals are only five games back of the red-hot Cubs in the NL Central. With all of the injuries this team has suffered, the horizon is ever brighter with the imminent returns of pitchers Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder (Mulder already made one start, but quickly returned to the DL). Albert Pujols (BA .353) and the surprising Ryan Ludwick (20 HR, 64 RBI) have kept this team afloat while breakout starter Kyle Lohse has held down the fort on the hill with 11 wins. The Cubs better watch out in the second half as manager Tony LaRussa and the rest of the Cards’ players are known for their second half streaks (i.e. 2006).
The other terrific subplot early this season has been the emergence, nay rebirth, of several big leaguers. The most intriguing individual story of the ’08 campaign has to be the return of Josh Hamilton. Drafted No.1 overall four years ago, Hamilton faced drug addiction and alcoholism before an intervention from his grandmother turned his life around late in ‘06. Now he is among the league leaders in all of the Triple Crown categories and headed to Yankee Stadium for his first All-Star Game.
Cliff Lee is another notable resurgence this season. The last two seasons Lee was unable to find the strike zone at the major league level and found himself floundering in AA and AAA ball. A concerted effort to tighten up his mechanics and refocus himself has given Lee an AL leading 12 wins at the break, the sole bright spot for the struggling Indians. These re-emergent stars have been joined by a few young pups that are also starting to make a name for themselves in the show.
Among these rookie sensations is the Cincinnati Reds’ Edinson Volquez, a brilliant young right-hander who is leading the NL with a 2.29 ERA. The Reds have also found a young gem in outfielder Jay Bruce, a 21 year old with a sweet swing and five-tools to work with. The only good thing going in K.C. is rookie closer Joakim Soria, a hard throwing right-hander with electric breaking stuff. If only the Royals could get him a lead, his stats would be exponentially better.
A third element of this all-too-unique season is the submergence of MLB’s highest salary teams. With the exception of Boston, the major-market teams with large payrolls seem to be weighed down by all of that capital. The Detroit Tigers, a preseason pick to win the World Series by many, have proven that money can’t buy chemistry. The Tigers key off-season acquisitions have been proven flops, and have recently inserted Marcus Thames back into the regular rotation for, get this, consistency (Thames was among the league leaders in strikeouts last season). Miguel Cabrera has decent numbers but nothing like his last two seasons in Florida and Dontrelle Willis has been absolutely embarrassing to watch. After a stint in the minors, Willis is now day-to-day on the injured reserve and he might as well stay there. He is the proud owner of an ERA over 10 and 2.47 whip (walks/hits per inning pitched), terrifically terrible stats for a guy who signed a mega-deal with Detroit.
The popular preseason pick to come out of the NL has also been a portrait of disaster in the early going. The Mets, a team that has recently pulled to within one game of the Phillies in the NL East, started the season with more turbulence than the ‘Perfect Storm.’ After finally canning Willie Randolph, the Mets are now on a roll getting contributions from Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado as well as newbie Ryan Church. Fortunately for the kings of Queens, Philadelphia didn’t do a good job pulling a way when it had the chance.
The third team with a grossly overpaying salary that is underachieving to the max is the New York Yankees. It seems as though this team refuses to turn it on until right around the break and, in perfect timing, the Pinstripes seems to finally be rolling. Although the Bombers will be without ace Chien-Ming Wang until September, the consensus is that the AL East is never safe with the Yanks in the chase. Mike Mussina has been a pleasant surprise (11 wins, 3.61 ERA) and Andy Pettite has been consistent as usual, but until recently the bats have been cold as ice. Watch for the Yankees offense to explode in the second half.
And finally we come to the sad part of the column, the early-season goodbyes. John Smoltz, the 41 year old engine that could for the Atlanta Braves, is out for the season and most likely done for his career after having surgery on his right shoulder. The Renaissance man who went from starting rotation to bullpen and back again will be sorely missed by the Braves; Smoltz was one of the team’s most consistent performers. Another veteran pitcher who declared he won’t be back after his season ending bicep injury, Curt Schilling, will be remembered for his brash commentary as well as his performances in big games. Nobody down by the harbor will ever forget that bloody sock in 2004 (neither will any Yankees fans by the way). Both pitchers will be missed for the gamesmanship and their bravado on and off the field.
As the teams get back to business after the All-Star break, keep a watchful eye for the Yankees, Tigers, and Mets but don’t hold your breath. There’s a new generation of talented players who aren’t intimidated by the Pinstripes, the Green Monster or the immense salary gap. It should be an exciting finale to an already exasperating start.
The story of this season has been the arrival of tiny-market teams with no expectations at the top of the pennant race. Arguably the biggest surprise has been the Tampa Bay Rays. Apparently when the ‘Devil’ was dropped this team decided that it would become even more fiendish. Led by All-Star performances from catcher Dioner Navarro, third baseman Evan Longoria (no, not Eva) and Pitcher Scott Kazmir, this team has been blowing the minds of big-budget ball-clubs in the AL East. The Rays have also seen drastic improvements in young position players B.J. Upton (batting .276) and Carl Crawford (62 runs). The air does seem to be coming out of the young club’s sail, however, with a seven game losing streak heading into the break.
Another surprising start has come from the boys in old’ St. Lou. The Cardinals are only five games back of the red-hot Cubs in the NL Central. With all of the injuries this team has suffered, the horizon is ever brighter with the imminent returns of pitchers Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder (Mulder already made one start, but quickly returned to the DL). Albert Pujols (BA .353) and the surprising Ryan Ludwick (20 HR, 64 RBI) have kept this team afloat while breakout starter Kyle Lohse has held down the fort on the hill with 11 wins. The Cubs better watch out in the second half as manager Tony LaRussa and the rest of the Cards’ players are known for their second half streaks (i.e. 2006).
The other terrific subplot early this season has been the emergence, nay rebirth, of several big leaguers. The most intriguing individual story of the ’08 campaign has to be the return of Josh Hamilton. Drafted No.1 overall four years ago, Hamilton faced drug addiction and alcoholism before an intervention from his grandmother turned his life around late in ‘06. Now he is among the league leaders in all of the Triple Crown categories and headed to Yankee Stadium for his first All-Star Game.
Cliff Lee is another notable resurgence this season. The last two seasons Lee was unable to find the strike zone at the major league level and found himself floundering in AA and AAA ball. A concerted effort to tighten up his mechanics and refocus himself has given Lee an AL leading 12 wins at the break, the sole bright spot for the struggling Indians. These re-emergent stars have been joined by a few young pups that are also starting to make a name for themselves in the show.
Among these rookie sensations is the Cincinnati Reds’ Edinson Volquez, a brilliant young right-hander who is leading the NL with a 2.29 ERA. The Reds have also found a young gem in outfielder Jay Bruce, a 21 year old with a sweet swing and five-tools to work with. The only good thing going in K.C. is rookie closer Joakim Soria, a hard throwing right-hander with electric breaking stuff. If only the Royals could get him a lead, his stats would be exponentially better.
A third element of this all-too-unique season is the submergence of MLB’s highest salary teams. With the exception of Boston, the major-market teams with large payrolls seem to be weighed down by all of that capital. The Detroit Tigers, a preseason pick to win the World Series by many, have proven that money can’t buy chemistry. The Tigers key off-season acquisitions have been proven flops, and have recently inserted Marcus Thames back into the regular rotation for, get this, consistency (Thames was among the league leaders in strikeouts last season). Miguel Cabrera has decent numbers but nothing like his last two seasons in Florida and Dontrelle Willis has been absolutely embarrassing to watch. After a stint in the minors, Willis is now day-to-day on the injured reserve and he might as well stay there. He is the proud owner of an ERA over 10 and 2.47 whip (walks/hits per inning pitched), terrifically terrible stats for a guy who signed a mega-deal with Detroit.
The popular preseason pick to come out of the NL has also been a portrait of disaster in the early going. The Mets, a team that has recently pulled to within one game of the Phillies in the NL East, started the season with more turbulence than the ‘Perfect Storm.’ After finally canning Willie Randolph, the Mets are now on a roll getting contributions from Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado as well as newbie Ryan Church. Fortunately for the kings of Queens, Philadelphia didn’t do a good job pulling a way when it had the chance.
The third team with a grossly overpaying salary that is underachieving to the max is the New York Yankees. It seems as though this team refuses to turn it on until right around the break and, in perfect timing, the Pinstripes seems to finally be rolling. Although the Bombers will be without ace Chien-Ming Wang until September, the consensus is that the AL East is never safe with the Yanks in the chase. Mike Mussina has been a pleasant surprise (11 wins, 3.61 ERA) and Andy Pettite has been consistent as usual, but until recently the bats have been cold as ice. Watch for the Yankees offense to explode in the second half.
And finally we come to the sad part of the column, the early-season goodbyes. John Smoltz, the 41 year old engine that could for the Atlanta Braves, is out for the season and most likely done for his career after having surgery on his right shoulder. The Renaissance man who went from starting rotation to bullpen and back again will be sorely missed by the Braves; Smoltz was one of the team’s most consistent performers. Another veteran pitcher who declared he won’t be back after his season ending bicep injury, Curt Schilling, will be remembered for his brash commentary as well as his performances in big games. Nobody down by the harbor will ever forget that bloody sock in 2004 (neither will any Yankees fans by the way). Both pitchers will be missed for the gamesmanship and their bravado on and off the field.
As the teams get back to business after the All-Star break, keep a watchful eye for the Yankees, Tigers, and Mets but don’t hold your breath. There’s a new generation of talented players who aren’t intimidated by the Pinstripes, the Green Monster or the immense salary gap. It should be an exciting finale to an already exasperating start.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Enough is Enough Brett
Is it just me or does it seem like the Brett Favre soap opera in Green Bay is becoming rather tiresome? The will he, won’t he saga of one man’s career choice is so redundant that even Michael Jordan is sick to his stomach.
In the past two weeks ESPN’s NFL Live has had so much coverage of the apparent multiple personalities of Middle America’s most popular southern boy that it even overshadowed the arrest of Matt Jones on cocaine possession on today’s show. I guess that giving Favre press is better for the NFL than a player being picked up by police officers while cutting up powder in his sedan, but it’s about time to start focusing on players who actually want to be a part of the whole process in the NFL (mini-camps, preseason two-a-days, all 16 games, etc.). But, even with all of the coverage, there are a few fundamental things that are being completely left out of the discussion.
Does anyone remember the teary-eyed, emotional press-conference that No. 4 issued for his retirement? Or the smorgasbord of apparent shtick that he delivered about his lack of desire to play? If not, see it again below.
“I know I can still play,” Favre explained eyes red with exhaustion and emotion, “I just don’t know if I want to.”
I remember this statement vividly as I watched the press conference live from the comfort of my college apartment. I, like the rest of the free world, was duped into believing that he actually meant the words he uttered in his mucous spraying, tear shedding, most vulnerable state. Alas, he has proven once again that he is not ready to relinquish his status as King of Wisconsin or the popularity that comes with it. No, no, in reality he just didn’t want to deal with the grind that comes with preparing for the season.
Favre’s selfish, unbelievably callow behavior is disgracing his legacy as a very talented, extremely consistent and very headstrong quarterback who, if you’ll remember, razzed wide receiver Javon Walker for skipping preseason workouts during a contract dispute. To me, his actions are even more volatile to the chemistry of the young, talented players on this Packer team.
Imagine how Aaron Rodgers, the Packers third year quarterback, felt about replacing Favre in the first place. Now throw in the fact that he has to field questions about whether the old vet will come back as well as deal with the inner turmoil of being cross-examined by every resident of the dairy capital of the world.
Or, feel for third year coach Mike McCarthy who recently took heat from, get this, children at a Boys and Girls Club of America donation ceremony. There is no reason that he should be responsible for answering for Favre’s antics.
And to think, most of the speculation is coming from Brett’s pals down in Biloxi, Mississippi. I am so sick of hearing these tired old boys from Favre’s hometown creating rumors and speculation. That’s the only thing worse than actually hearing it from the horse’s mouth. Do Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers, the state of Wisconsin and especially yourself a favor Brett. Hang the cleats up for real this time and join Terry Bradshaw on the FOX pre-game show. At least that way you’ll still be able to get your face on TV.
In the past two weeks ESPN’s NFL Live has had so much coverage of the apparent multiple personalities of Middle America’s most popular southern boy that it even overshadowed the arrest of Matt Jones on cocaine possession on today’s show. I guess that giving Favre press is better for the NFL than a player being picked up by police officers while cutting up powder in his sedan, but it’s about time to start focusing on players who actually want to be a part of the whole process in the NFL (mini-camps, preseason two-a-days, all 16 games, etc.). But, even with all of the coverage, there are a few fundamental things that are being completely left out of the discussion.
Does anyone remember the teary-eyed, emotional press-conference that No. 4 issued for his retirement? Or the smorgasbord of apparent shtick that he delivered about his lack of desire to play? If not, see it again below.
“I know I can still play,” Favre explained eyes red with exhaustion and emotion, “I just don’t know if I want to.”
I remember this statement vividly as I watched the press conference live from the comfort of my college apartment. I, like the rest of the free world, was duped into believing that he actually meant the words he uttered in his mucous spraying, tear shedding, most vulnerable state. Alas, he has proven once again that he is not ready to relinquish his status as King of Wisconsin or the popularity that comes with it. No, no, in reality he just didn’t want to deal with the grind that comes with preparing for the season.
Favre’s selfish, unbelievably callow behavior is disgracing his legacy as a very talented, extremely consistent and very headstrong quarterback who, if you’ll remember, razzed wide receiver Javon Walker for skipping preseason workouts during a contract dispute. To me, his actions are even more volatile to the chemistry of the young, talented players on this Packer team.
Imagine how Aaron Rodgers, the Packers third year quarterback, felt about replacing Favre in the first place. Now throw in the fact that he has to field questions about whether the old vet will come back as well as deal with the inner turmoil of being cross-examined by every resident of the dairy capital of the world.
Or, feel for third year coach Mike McCarthy who recently took heat from, get this, children at a Boys and Girls Club of America donation ceremony. There is no reason that he should be responsible for answering for Favre’s antics.
And to think, most of the speculation is coming from Brett’s pals down in Biloxi, Mississippi. I am so sick of hearing these tired old boys from Favre’s hometown creating rumors and speculation. That’s the only thing worse than actually hearing it from the horse’s mouth. Do Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers, the state of Wisconsin and especially yourself a favor Brett. Hang the cleats up for real this time and join Terry Bradshaw on the FOX pre-game show. At least that way you’ll still be able to get your face on TV.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wimbledon: The End of an Era?
With this exciting championship point 22 year old Rafael Nadal earned his first Wimbledon Championship at the All England Club on Sunday.
The final point, a culmination of several incredible volleys with Roger Federer, led to the five time champion’s inconceivable break in the fifth and final set. After Federer battled back to even the match at two sets apiece, it seemed apparent that he would win his sixth straight title on the legendary grass court. To the surprise and chagrin of many, Nadal wasn’t having it.
In the first two sets the Spaniard displayed his growth on the grass surface- anyone with any knowledge of tennis already recognizes his dominance on clay- but the final set proved to be an example of his gained mettle in championship play.
Overcome with emotion, Nadal collapsed to the grass and shed tears of joy rather than those of disappointment that seemed to follow him to the English championship for the past three years. So with this victory comes the inevitable question, is this the end of Federer’s aura of invincibility? Or perhaps does this signal the beginning of a perennial exchange of grand slams from the world’s two best players?
Seeing as though Federer is but 26 years old, I have to believe that the champ will be back sooner than everyone thinks.
The ATP now rolls into hard court season where Federer is still the undisputed favorite for the U.S. Open championship in New York. Paraphrasing, Nadal has said that Wimbledon is his main goal and now that he has reached that pinnacle, the world waits in wonder to see what more the explosive prodigy can produce on the third and arguably his weakest surface.
Federer, winner at last year’s U.S. Open, will be as focused as ever to maintain his standing as the No. 1 player in the world. This said, the ‘X’ on his back has grown every larger and Nadal will be hungry to overtake his rival’s distinguished position.
Although it appears that there is an inevitable changing of the guard on the horizon, look for the brilliant Federer to remind us why he is the holder of 12 grand slam championships.
Nadal is hungry to be regarded as the best and Federer is reluctant to relinquish his title to the young Spaniard. It should be an Open for the ages with the outcome unknown, but one thing remains certain: these two men remain head and shoulders above any potential challengers.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
The Beginning of a Beautiful Thing
The Beginning of a Beautiful Thing
Hello blogging world, my name is Jon Wordingham, a.k.a. The Word, and my mission for this blog is the following: To bring you, the beautiful people, my unadulterated, unfiltered and apolitical view on the world of sports (and occasionally other important stories in our society).
Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘Who the hell is this guy, and why does he think he can give me a view on sports that I haven’t already heard?’ Well, let me give you some personal background that might convince you that I’m actually more qualified than the average Joe (no pun intended, I think that show sucks).
I’m a recent recipient of a Bachelors degree in communications from the accredited and highly prestigious Alfred University in western New York. While at Alfred I was a four year letterman with the varsity swim team, I had a decent backstroke for all those interested, and a two year co-captain for the Saxons. My insights on swimming are some of the best around, considering I’m a sports nerd first and foremost for my favorite sport, and that should be especially enlightening with the Games in Beijing just around the corner. However, I’m a realist, so I will now explain why I’m qualified to tell you about all of the popular sports in American culture (and no I’m not talking about soccer).
I was also the sports editor for the Alfred U. paper, the Fiat Lux. During my time in that position I wrote and edited sports stories for more time that I would like to acknowledge. We covered everything from our own equestrian team to the Buffalo Sabres, not in any particular order. For all that it may concern I built the sports page from having two writers, myself and the original sports editor, to four sometimes five contributors. On top of my newspaper work, I was a sports talk radio show host and a contributor to AUTV.
Outside of school I was a sports intern for News8Now in Rochester, NY. If you happened to be at Locust Hill for the LPGA last summer you would have seen me scampering up and down the course with a tripod and notebook. Interning is fun for everybody but the intern. I basically spent my entire summer watching games and taking notes on the highlights that I thought should go on the show, writing the occasional voice over, and creating a resume tape that I then proceeded to carelessly lose (what a joke eh?).
Anyways, sad as it is, I find sports to be an aphrodisiac beyond anything that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue can offer me (although I do enjoy the articles). I am completely and totally in love with the world of sports, therefore I spend more time than the average bear watching, listening and reading about sports. As many qualifications as I might believe that I have, my greatest asset is obsession. So, if you just enjoy casually following sports or you share my sick obsession tune in twice weekly (most likely Thursday and Sunday) to enjoy or despise my columns and features. Until that time, enjoy the Olympic Trials this evening and the remainder of Wimbledon (go Federer) and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. PEACE~
Hello blogging world, my name is Jon Wordingham, a.k.a. The Word, and my mission for this blog is the following: To bring you, the beautiful people, my unadulterated, unfiltered and apolitical view on the world of sports (and occasionally other important stories in our society).
Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘Who the hell is this guy, and why does he think he can give me a view on sports that I haven’t already heard?’ Well, let me give you some personal background that might convince you that I’m actually more qualified than the average Joe (no pun intended, I think that show sucks).
I’m a recent recipient of a Bachelors degree in communications from the accredited and highly prestigious Alfred University in western New York. While at Alfred I was a four year letterman with the varsity swim team, I had a decent backstroke for all those interested, and a two year co-captain for the Saxons. My insights on swimming are some of the best around, considering I’m a sports nerd first and foremost for my favorite sport, and that should be especially enlightening with the Games in Beijing just around the corner. However, I’m a realist, so I will now explain why I’m qualified to tell you about all of the popular sports in American culture (and no I’m not talking about soccer).
I was also the sports editor for the Alfred U. paper, the Fiat Lux. During my time in that position I wrote and edited sports stories for more time that I would like to acknowledge. We covered everything from our own equestrian team to the Buffalo Sabres, not in any particular order. For all that it may concern I built the sports page from having two writers, myself and the original sports editor, to four sometimes five contributors. On top of my newspaper work, I was a sports talk radio show host and a contributor to AUTV.
Outside of school I was a sports intern for News8Now in Rochester, NY. If you happened to be at Locust Hill for the LPGA last summer you would have seen me scampering up and down the course with a tripod and notebook. Interning is fun for everybody but the intern. I basically spent my entire summer watching games and taking notes on the highlights that I thought should go on the show, writing the occasional voice over, and creating a resume tape that I then proceeded to carelessly lose (what a joke eh?).
Anyways, sad as it is, I find sports to be an aphrodisiac beyond anything that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue can offer me (although I do enjoy the articles). I am completely and totally in love with the world of sports, therefore I spend more time than the average bear watching, listening and reading about sports. As many qualifications as I might believe that I have, my greatest asset is obsession. So, if you just enjoy casually following sports or you share my sick obsession tune in twice weekly (most likely Thursday and Sunday) to enjoy or despise my columns and features. Until that time, enjoy the Olympic Trials this evening and the remainder of Wimbledon (go Federer) and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. PEACE~
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