Water coolers around the nation will be buzzing for days after the daytime entertainment fest that was the Roger Clemens appearance before Congress Wednesday. However, let us not dwell on what the drive-by media and the useless and often moronic radio talk shows have been focusing on. I honestly heard one host go on for 15 minutes about what a buff bod Clemens' wife had after doing the HGH. Which makes for yet another example as to how sports talk radio has submerged to just one meager level below animal refuse. But I digress.
I applaud Congress for getting involved in this, and anyone who says they can't understand why lawmakers are tackling something as menial as baseball, allow me to feed the soul with a dash of logic often missing from our airwaves.
Major League Baseball has an anti-trust exemption. Any business that operates across state lines...ANY business...is participating in interstate commerce and is subject to anti-trust legislation. Baseball, which in essence flies in the face of this law by holding fast with a monopoly on it's chosen trade, was granted their exemption in 1922 when things were very different. However, let it not be said MLB sees things as any different now as they were then, and they defend that exemption to a blood feud. You better believe there are those in Congress and in a number of other professions, including the Players Union, who would love to see this yanked from the baseball overseers.
Baseball is one of the major reasons why there are gamblers in this country, falling only behind any football, boxing, and the "over under" on Britney Spears next booby hatch stay. Like it or not, gambling is legal in a number of states and provides a massive chunk of the State dollar, which in turn funnels thru to these same Congressmen and some of their pet projects. Which often involve Penthouse pets. Again, I digress.
When you have a business that legally pumps money into government coffers, the government itself is charged with protecting those funds, a good portion of which should be going to state run services and social programs. This means the government must insure these funds are being received legally, and they are getting the full amount they are owed. In the case of baseball and drugs, this points to someone gaining an unfair advantage which in turn can lead to decreased state revenue, which means someone is cheating the government. Follow the money, my friend.
This leads to my final point. The government, in whatever form you choose to single out, is charged with protecting the public interest. Part of this means insuring taxpayers are not victims of consumer fraud, which can mean the consumer is being bilked out of his or her hard-earned dollar by the illegal and scurrilous actions of others. Sound like someone you know? What baseball has done, simply by letting the stench of drugs and cheating fester, is to allow a blatant form of consumer fraud to be perpetrated on the ticket buying public. These the same people who can barely afford to go to a single game without offering up their wife's eggs for sale to a clinic in Sweden. Cheating changes the outcome. Cheating means what you see is not what you get. Cheating is stealing from your wallet. Simple enough?
Baseball cannot and will not take charge of it's own house. It has, in effect, been caught stealing from the general public in a much more blatant form than they have in the past (have you seen the price of one beer at a game?), stealing from the coffers of state governments, and showing what happens when that government allows them to operate as a monopoly.
Congress is doing EXACTLY what they were elected for, serving the interests of the American people. Remember that the next time you listen to a sports talk show and hear them try to speak of something other than stats, the SI swimsuit issue, and which actress they'd like to have in the studio for a leering session.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Embarrassment That Is TV
Recently I told someone that if I never again had the opportunity to appear "on-air" for television sports, I doubt if I would miss it. This in itself is disturbing because it's my chosen craft and has been as much a part of life as breathing. But there was a reason for my answer. I'm not sure I want to be associated with what has become the utter lack of professionalism in my field, and most of it comes down to what Don Henley once called those "bubble headed bleach blondes that come on at 5".
Let's take Kelly Tilgham first. I'm confident that she didn't associate what she was saying with African-Americans. It was just too blatant if indeed it was and would indicated she didn't have a working brain cell in her cranium. No, I believe she was just using an example that any number of people might use. Of course we all knew the Al Sharpton's of the world would come blustering out of their racial hole to condemn her and the G0lf Channel. This has always been interesting to me seeing as Sharpton is the guy who launched a blistering attack against the white population of Wappingers Falls NY many years ago after a young black woman was found left in a building covered with feces and she blamed white attackers. She later recanted, admitted she made the whole thing up, but phony Reverend Al never apologized for what he said. The man is a racist and a bold-faced liar. Anyway, I digress.
Tilghman, in my opinion, should not have been suspended 2 weeks. She made an innocent mistake. She apologized. End of story. As I've often been want to say, if you keep drilling something home you only bring attention to it, many times in a negative fashion. This was not something that needed to receive the attention it did.
Next up, Dana Jacobsen. What she said about Notre Dame was WAY over the edge, yet it's her right to say those things. I blame part of it on being a Michigan alum and I've always thought those people were wrapped too tight. But what she said, as correctly pointed out by my colleague John Molori on http://www.speedingbulletnetwork.com/, is that this was said at a PRIVATE even, a roast, where anything usually and always goes. The idea of a roast is to go overboard in both act and insult. What she said was not meant for public consumption yet someone felt the need to broadcast it, likely to embarrass her. Not necessary. Freedom of speech and all that.
However, she is a TV "personality", not to be confused with a journalist. She's eye candy, and we all know it. She should be smart enough to realize that when you have any amount of celebrity what you do may always come back to bite you in the ass, so you maintain yourself in public fearful that some PC lunatic will report you. Again, don't suspend her. Just make her wear Notre Dame colors for a month and if she survives the skin rash she will have paid her dues.
Here's another. Kirk Giminez is a sports reporter for SNY, the regional sports channel in NY. Recently over video clips of St. John's-West Virginia, he said, "[WVU's] Joe Alexander going baseline, and the white boy puts it in, reverse." You could hear the PC geeks tuning up in the background.
He was making a joke that everyone, black and white has made for years. Go ahead and "google" white guys and basketball and you'll be reading the posts until the next Ice Age. Oh, sorry, that's next year. My bad.
Of course he was scolded, but wasn't suspended, and it didn't make national headlines. Why, you ask? Regional sports network, that's why. And he's of Latin-American extraction, which in the minds of many let's him off the hook because he didn't say something about a black player. Classic double-standard. But he was trying to be sute, say something that would garner him attention, and hopefully impress his bosses that he's worth keeping at his likely ludicrously low salary.
Until News Directors, programers, and those in charge of hiring people who stop trying to be actors, who cease trying to show who can claim the most cleavage on air title, and who know how to tell a story without resorting to props and usless adjectives, my industry will continue it's slide into the gutter of babble. And don't kid yourself for one second. Many times these so-called reporters and anchors are asked to do things that a circus clown would consider beneath him or her.
It's an embrassment to those of us who have spent our lives trying to do solid work and present solid information while making entertainment second. And until we realize the difference between words said in hate and words said because those in the higher chairs want their people to be "out there" and "be recognized for something", we will always be subjected to drivel.
Someone needs to be ashamed of themselves. But they won't be. They don't have to be. Completing the line from "Dirty Laundry"..."I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear".
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Let's take Kelly Tilgham first. I'm confident that she didn't associate what she was saying with African-Americans. It was just too blatant if indeed it was and would indicated she didn't have a working brain cell in her cranium. No, I believe she was just using an example that any number of people might use. Of course we all knew the Al Sharpton's of the world would come blustering out of their racial hole to condemn her and the G0lf Channel. This has always been interesting to me seeing as Sharpton is the guy who launched a blistering attack against the white population of Wappingers Falls NY many years ago after a young black woman was found left in a building covered with feces and she blamed white attackers. She later recanted, admitted she made the whole thing up, but phony Reverend Al never apologized for what he said. The man is a racist and a bold-faced liar. Anyway, I digress.
Tilghman, in my opinion, should not have been suspended 2 weeks. She made an innocent mistake. She apologized. End of story. As I've often been want to say, if you keep drilling something home you only bring attention to it, many times in a negative fashion. This was not something that needed to receive the attention it did.
Next up, Dana Jacobsen. What she said about Notre Dame was WAY over the edge, yet it's her right to say those things. I blame part of it on being a Michigan alum and I've always thought those people were wrapped too tight. But what she said, as correctly pointed out by my colleague John Molori on http://www.speedingbulletnetwork.com/, is that this was said at a PRIVATE even, a roast, where anything usually and always goes. The idea of a roast is to go overboard in both act and insult. What she said was not meant for public consumption yet someone felt the need to broadcast it, likely to embarrass her. Not necessary. Freedom of speech and all that.
However, she is a TV "personality", not to be confused with a journalist. She's eye candy, and we all know it. She should be smart enough to realize that when you have any amount of celebrity what you do may always come back to bite you in the ass, so you maintain yourself in public fearful that some PC lunatic will report you. Again, don't suspend her. Just make her wear Notre Dame colors for a month and if she survives the skin rash she will have paid her dues.
Here's another. Kirk Giminez is a sports reporter for SNY, the regional sports channel in NY. Recently over video clips of St. John's-West Virginia, he said, "[WVU's] Joe Alexander going baseline, and the white boy puts it in, reverse." You could hear the PC geeks tuning up in the background.
He was making a joke that everyone, black and white has made for years. Go ahead and "google" white guys and basketball and you'll be reading the posts until the next Ice Age. Oh, sorry, that's next year. My bad.
Of course he was scolded, but wasn't suspended, and it didn't make national headlines. Why, you ask? Regional sports network, that's why. And he's of Latin-American extraction, which in the minds of many let's him off the hook because he didn't say something about a black player. Classic double-standard. But he was trying to be sute, say something that would garner him attention, and hopefully impress his bosses that he's worth keeping at his likely ludicrously low salary.
Until News Directors, programers, and those in charge of hiring people who stop trying to be actors, who cease trying to show who can claim the most cleavage on air title, and who know how to tell a story without resorting to props and usless adjectives, my industry will continue it's slide into the gutter of babble. And don't kid yourself for one second. Many times these so-called reporters and anchors are asked to do things that a circus clown would consider beneath him or her.
It's an embrassment to those of us who have spent our lives trying to do solid work and present solid information while making entertainment second. And until we realize the difference between words said in hate and words said because those in the higher chairs want their people to be "out there" and "be recognized for something", we will always be subjected to drivel.
Someone needs to be ashamed of themselves. But they won't be. They don't have to be. Completing the line from "Dirty Laundry"..."I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear".
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Bubbleheaded Bleach Blonde
OK, so neither one of them were blond but they should have been. Watching the Packers-Giants game, halftime hits, local FOX here in Boston goes to their studio for a "news update", which of course features no real news at all.
Female Zero says of the Pats going to the Super Bowl, "We never get tired of this!!!!" with her perky smile showing off perky other items. Live to the Stadium, Male Zero says "we asked the guys in the locker room of they ever get tired of this", which is like asking Britney Spears if she ever gets tired of going commando. Then after a few cliche sound bites from the locker rooms, Male Zero comes back on camera and smile "Yes, we never get tired of this".
We get it. You're cheerleaders. You have nothing original to say. You both prove once again how important it is for those IQ tests before procreation begins.
I'm tired. Wake me when we have the hilites of Paula Abdul's performance at halftime of the Super Bowl and she implodes. NowTHAT we never get tired of.
Female Zero says of the Pats going to the Super Bowl, "We never get tired of this!!!!" with her perky smile showing off perky other items. Live to the Stadium, Male Zero says "we asked the guys in the locker room of they ever get tired of this", which is like asking Britney Spears if she ever gets tired of going commando. Then after a few cliche sound bites from the locker rooms, Male Zero comes back on camera and smile "Yes, we never get tired of this".
We get it. You're cheerleaders. You have nothing original to say. You both prove once again how important it is for those IQ tests before procreation begins.
I'm tired. Wake me when we have the hilites of Paula Abdul's performance at halftime of the Super Bowl and she implodes. NowTHAT we never get tired of.
Don Shula Won't Like This
I've known Shula for many years, was actually a very young and wide-eyed radio reporter when I first met him. And I know all these stories about how he and the '72 Dolphins protect their undefeated record and all. Let me set a few things straight that most of the outside the bubble airheads have no idea of.
1. Shula is not jealous of the Patriots. Sure he's protective but he knows a great team when he sees one. All that trifle about him looking down his nose at the Patriots was complete and utter idiocy on the part of commentators looking for something to talk about.
2. There is no and there has been no popping of champagne by members of the '72 Fins when there was no undefeated teams left every season. Please, enough fairy tales.
3. There are a feww members of the old team that still have massive egos and want to make sure they're legacy isn't forgotten. The one who makes a fool of himself every year is a radio talk host in Miami. Afternoons. You figure it out. The you can turn the dial like every other intelligent homo sapien.
4. The NE Patriots of this season are without a doubt the greatest single season team in NFL history. Period. End of story. There has never in the history of this league been a team that at every position is so damn good. They will win the Super Bowl even if the Packers or Giants bring a 60 man roster. We have been watching history.
5. Tom Brady is NOT, and let me repeat that, NOT the MVP of this team. Quarterbacks are great for a number of reasons. Great vision, intelligence, poise, buxom babes, you get the idea. But NO QB becomes great without a great offensive line. None. Not a one. Go ahead, pick one, I dare you. The Patriots OL is the team MVP and, as happens with all offensive lines, will not get the credit the really deserve.
Oh, and on a side note, I've been living in NE for a few years now and soon to be leaving for much warmer climes. So I can say this with wisdom and knowledge. Here's hoping the Patriots soon change the only thing about that fracnhise that is not first-class. Their radio broadcasting team of Gil Santos and Gino Capelletti. WIthout a doubt the single worst and most incomprehensible broadcast team myself and so many others have ever been subjected to.
Quick, someone wake up Gino and tell him the game is over.
1. Shula is not jealous of the Patriots. Sure he's protective but he knows a great team when he sees one. All that trifle about him looking down his nose at the Patriots was complete and utter idiocy on the part of commentators looking for something to talk about.
2. There is no and there has been no popping of champagne by members of the '72 Fins when there was no undefeated teams left every season. Please, enough fairy tales.
3. There are a feww members of the old team that still have massive egos and want to make sure they're legacy isn't forgotten. The one who makes a fool of himself every year is a radio talk host in Miami. Afternoons. You figure it out. The you can turn the dial like every other intelligent homo sapien.
4. The NE Patriots of this season are without a doubt the greatest single season team in NFL history. Period. End of story. There has never in the history of this league been a team that at every position is so damn good. They will win the Super Bowl even if the Packers or Giants bring a 60 man roster. We have been watching history.
5. Tom Brady is NOT, and let me repeat that, NOT the MVP of this team. Quarterbacks are great for a number of reasons. Great vision, intelligence, poise, buxom babes, you get the idea. But NO QB becomes great without a great offensive line. None. Not a one. Go ahead, pick one, I dare you. The Patriots OL is the team MVP and, as happens with all offensive lines, will not get the credit the really deserve.
Oh, and on a side note, I've been living in NE for a few years now and soon to be leaving for much warmer climes. So I can say this with wisdom and knowledge. Here's hoping the Patriots soon change the only thing about that fracnhise that is not first-class. Their radio broadcasting team of Gil Santos and Gino Capelletti. WIthout a doubt the single worst and most incomprehensible broadcast team myself and so many others have ever been subjected to.
Quick, someone wake up Gino and tell him the game is over.
Friday, January 18, 2008
GolfWeek update:The RIght Move
Just heard they have fired Editor Dave Seanor due to the cover. Fitting indeed. I have been bounced many times in my career, as we all have in the media, and have never wished unemployment on anyone. OK, almost anyone. But in this case well deserved.
My only caveat would be if the cover was also approved by someone above him and he's the scapegoat. If so that would be an injustice. As it stands, his firing is warranted and he earned it.
My only caveat would be if the cover was also approved by someone above him and he's the scapegoat. If so that would be an injustice. As it stands, his firing is warranted and he earned it.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Let the Excuses Begin For Being Racist
Honestly, I didn't see this one coming. I actually thought someone would do something stupid like this, but I never imagined a publication dedicated to the sport would be the first.
If you haven't seen it yet, I've included the cover of the latest "Golfweek" magazine. Publishers claim they did this to ignite a debate about what was said by Golf Channel reporter Kelly Tilghman. They claim they checked with African-American staffers to make sure they didn't mind. They claim it was all done in good taste.
Let's make this one simple. "Golfweek" did this to increase slumping sales in the magazine market and increase their visibility. They are not doing this for any noble reason, simply to sell magazines.
Of course black staffers wouldn't say anything about it for fear of losing their jobs, so that statement in itself is specious at best. A flat out lie at worst.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem is beside himself with anger as the bulletheads from Golfweek light a new fire, fan the flames, add gasoline and every other accelerant they can think of, creating a bonfire you can see from coast to coast.
Check out the Golfweek web site and see whom they list as partners. NBC Sports, the NCAA, and the Wall Street Journal to name a few. All three of those entities should be at the forefront of insuring racism is in no way connected with their names and businesses.
Following what is nothing more than a blatant racist grab for attention, those three reputable organizations should end their association with Golfweek immediately. Those with something more than a divot of intelligence will do the same when it comes to purchasing their publication or visiting the web site. They deserve a loud and deserved rebuke for in essence sending a message to every person of color in America.
Everytime we hear a racist comment, be it accidental or on purpose, the first thing that we think of is an old southern tradition harkening back to a time when blacks were sold and abused like common farm animals. Oh, and would you like to see our review of the latest golf equipment while you're here?
Stunningly stupid. Amazingly insensitive. And a band of really bad liars to boot.
If you haven't seen it yet, I've included the cover of the latest "Golfweek" magazine. Publishers claim they did this to ignite a debate about what was said by Golf Channel reporter Kelly Tilghman. They claim they checked with African-American staffers to make sure they didn't mind. They claim it was all done in good taste.
Let's make this one simple. "Golfweek" did this to increase slumping sales in the magazine market and increase their visibility. They are not doing this for any noble reason, simply to sell magazines.
Of course black staffers wouldn't say anything about it for fear of losing their jobs, so that statement in itself is specious at best. A flat out lie at worst.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem is beside himself with anger as the bulletheads from Golfweek light a new fire, fan the flames, add gasoline and every other accelerant they can think of, creating a bonfire you can see from coast to coast.
Check out the Golfweek web site and see whom they list as partners. NBC Sports, the NCAA, and the Wall Street Journal to name a few. All three of those entities should be at the forefront of insuring racism is in no way connected with their names and businesses.
Following what is nothing more than a blatant racist grab for attention, those three reputable organizations should end their association with Golfweek immediately. Those with something more than a divot of intelligence will do the same when it comes to purchasing their publication or visiting the web site. They deserve a loud and deserved rebuke for in essence sending a message to every person of color in America.
Everytime we hear a racist comment, be it accidental or on purpose, the first thing that we think of is an old southern tradition harkening back to a time when blacks were sold and abused like common farm animals. Oh, and would you like to see our review of the latest golf equipment while you're here?
Stunningly stupid. Amazingly insensitive. And a band of really bad liars to boot.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Bullwinkle Said It Best
America's favorite espionage-fighting moose once looked at Rocky and said (make sure you think this in his voice), "I think I will now be sick". Bullwinkle must have been talking about what I just witnessed on television.
MSNBC, whom I watch on a regular basis because of their political coverage, featured Stephen A. Smith as a political commentator. Go ahead. Let that sink in for a moment.
Steven A. Smith, political analyst. A few moments more. Really, let it burn into your brain and sink to your feet. Which are likely on the floor. Which is where MSNBC's credibility just went, and even a little further below ground level.
The man is a clown without the makeup, a screaming Shannon Sharpe without the humor, Britney without the entertainment value, a repository for verbal excrement without a holding tank.
His sports comments are quite often done in a screaming fashion due to the lack of any reason or investigatory facts behind them. Watching or listening to him on television or radio has the appeal of listening to badgers being tortured or the appeal of accidentally being fed gym socks in place of filet. And now MSNBC has decided to use him as a political analyst.
Save us, Bullwinkle. Get Rocky in that chair. Or Boris Badanov with Natasha in something seductive standing behind him.
That or banish him forever to Frostbite Falls, Minnesota. Now THAT's TV I'd like to see.
MSNBC, whom I watch on a regular basis because of their political coverage, featured Stephen A. Smith as a political commentator. Go ahead. Let that sink in for a moment.
Steven A. Smith, political analyst. A few moments more. Really, let it burn into your brain and sink to your feet. Which are likely on the floor. Which is where MSNBC's credibility just went, and even a little further below ground level.
The man is a clown without the makeup, a screaming Shannon Sharpe without the humor, Britney without the entertainment value, a repository for verbal excrement without a holding tank.
His sports comments are quite often done in a screaming fashion due to the lack of any reason or investigatory facts behind them. Watching or listening to him on television or radio has the appeal of listening to badgers being tortured or the appeal of accidentally being fed gym socks in place of filet. And now MSNBC has decided to use him as a political analyst.
Save us, Bullwinkle. Get Rocky in that chair. Or Boris Badanov with Natasha in something seductive standing behind him.
That or banish him forever to Frostbite Falls, Minnesota. Now THAT's TV I'd like to see.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
No One Deserves it More
Back to a serious matter today, that being those in sports who deserve exactly what they get.
Mike Nifong, former prosecutor in the Duke lacrosse rape case, has been forced to file for bankruptcy, citing 2 major lawsuits totaling over $180M in possible judgements against him. After publicly displaying a complete cranial vacuum in slashing the reputations of those players, failing to follow legal procedures contained in a criminal Cliff Notes, and believing a gutter born hooker with no backing evidence, going broke means Nifong is getting off easy. While we must always try to muster compassion for our fellow man, I would rather grovel at the altar of Barry Bonds before granting this reprehensible individual a breath of stale air.
Pacman Jones, proving once again the being able to walk upright does not always mean working brain cells are present, pops a female lawyer in the face at an Atlanta strip club. Easy sparky, she was there in an official capacity dealing with a divorce case. This the same Einstein already involved in a court case from a Las Vegas strip club that involved a shooting leading to one man being paralyzed. The NFL recently did the smart thing and filed to separate themselves from a lawsuit filed against this bullet head. Let us hope the NFL takes the unprecedented step of issuing a permanent lifetime ban again Jones, leading to a conviction in any one case, and bidding him farewell for a long and relaxing time in the Graybar Hotel learning how to say "Yes Dear" to his cellmate.
Finally, the rumble of a real live match fixing scandal in tennis. This the sport that has long been populated by diaper wearing bubble babies who see themselves as genetically superior to we poor mortals. The same ones who treat the ticket buying public as little more than buzzing gnats there merely to worship them. The sport that forgives Martina Hingis for doing blow around the world because she's just a misunderstood poor little rich girl who never had someone to teach her any better. Allow me to cast one vote for the sport being faulted for being rife in match fixing and a plethora of evidence damning a good number of these whiners, perhaps to join Pacman and Nifong punching license plates.
Here's hoping they all get what they deserve, allowing sport to become that much cleaner in nature.
Mike Nifong, former prosecutor in the Duke lacrosse rape case, has been forced to file for bankruptcy, citing 2 major lawsuits totaling over $180M in possible judgements against him. After publicly displaying a complete cranial vacuum in slashing the reputations of those players, failing to follow legal procedures contained in a criminal Cliff Notes, and believing a gutter born hooker with no backing evidence, going broke means Nifong is getting off easy. While we must always try to muster compassion for our fellow man, I would rather grovel at the altar of Barry Bonds before granting this reprehensible individual a breath of stale air.
Pacman Jones, proving once again the being able to walk upright does not always mean working brain cells are present, pops a female lawyer in the face at an Atlanta strip club. Easy sparky, she was there in an official capacity dealing with a divorce case. This the same Einstein already involved in a court case from a Las Vegas strip club that involved a shooting leading to one man being paralyzed. The NFL recently did the smart thing and filed to separate themselves from a lawsuit filed against this bullet head. Let us hope the NFL takes the unprecedented step of issuing a permanent lifetime ban again Jones, leading to a conviction in any one case, and bidding him farewell for a long and relaxing time in the Graybar Hotel learning how to say "Yes Dear" to his cellmate.
Finally, the rumble of a real live match fixing scandal in tennis. This the sport that has long been populated by diaper wearing bubble babies who see themselves as genetically superior to we poor mortals. The same ones who treat the ticket buying public as little more than buzzing gnats there merely to worship them. The sport that forgives Martina Hingis for doing blow around the world because she's just a misunderstood poor little rich girl who never had someone to teach her any better. Allow me to cast one vote for the sport being faulted for being rife in match fixing and a plethora of evidence damning a good number of these whiners, perhaps to join Pacman and Nifong punching license plates.
Here's hoping they all get what they deserve, allowing sport to become that much cleaner in nature.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Ripping Yarns
Another in the occasional line of items that leave me wondering why some people are allowed to procreate.
- The post-game on the field interview. Sweet maker please find a way for us to be saved from these injustices. Please, tell sweet cheeks to stop with the sucking up and asking Eli about his brother losing earlier in the day. If that's the best she can do, there has to be a fast food windown that needs occupying somewhere.
- Anyone who calls themselves a "bracketologist" around this time of year. Unless of course they have hair as good as Mel Kiper's. Or mine.
- TV stations who use the phrase "BREAKING NEWS" for a story that happened 3 hours earlier. The only thing broken here is the chain of reasonable thought.
- The Internet network I saw this evening who used the word "slumping" in the same sentence as the words "Boston Celtics". Must be the same linguist who writes BREAKING NEWS for stations.
- Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, who insists on saying ANYTHING about a Jessica Simpson jinx on Tony Romo. He's got it, you don't, give it up already and admit you wish you were wearing his boots.
- Terrell Owens trying to be sincere in his crying. What, did he take lessons from Marion Jones?
- And one more. Is it possible to cram the next space shuttle with every member of the media making a buck off Little Miss Trailer Trash in LA? I'd say put her on it but she'd just want to hang Xmas lights on the Space Station.
Damn I feel better.
- The post-game on the field interview. Sweet maker please find a way for us to be saved from these injustices. Please, tell sweet cheeks to stop with the sucking up and asking Eli about his brother losing earlier in the day. If that's the best she can do, there has to be a fast food windown that needs occupying somewhere.
- Anyone who calls themselves a "bracketologist" around this time of year. Unless of course they have hair as good as Mel Kiper's. Or mine.
- TV stations who use the phrase "BREAKING NEWS" for a story that happened 3 hours earlier. The only thing broken here is the chain of reasonable thought.
- The Internet network I saw this evening who used the word "slumping" in the same sentence as the words "Boston Celtics". Must be the same linguist who writes BREAKING NEWS for stations.
- Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, who insists on saying ANYTHING about a Jessica Simpson jinx on Tony Romo. He's got it, you don't, give it up already and admit you wish you were wearing his boots.
- Terrell Owens trying to be sincere in his crying. What, did he take lessons from Marion Jones?
- And one more. Is it possible to cram the next space shuttle with every member of the media making a buck off Little Miss Trailer Trash in LA? I'd say put her on it but she'd just want to hang Xmas lights on the Space Station.
Damn I feel better.
Super Chargers, Super Hateable
Roger Goodell couldn't have needled it into submission any better: The NFL got four divisional round gems this weekend. Two significant upsets, the Packers rolling in a scene off a Christmas card and the Patriots reminding a jealous sports nation that no, the Jaguars were not the one team that "no one wants to face."
(In the interests of being forthright, I am a grinder-eating, packie-shopping New Englander. I'm also a Giants fan, but if you care about the first point, odds are you've already assuming the worst. Far be it for me to stand in the way of stereotyping!)
Football's final four offer a multitude of outstanding matchups and, for those so interested, storylines galore. Love or hate them, New England's are obvious. Same with Green Bay. Even the Giants: they've gone from three miserable quarters in Buffalo to running with New England, dominating Tampa and sneaking by Dallas. All three would be well worth the time on Feb. 3.
And then there's the Chargers, a team that only makes me wonder more about why those without a dog in the fight aren't pulling for the Patriots to make history.
Yeah, what San Diego did in Indianapolis was incredible, engineering the game-winning points with back-ups at the skill positions and Antonio Gates playing with a dislocated toe. Almost as incredible, though?
Philip Rivers jawing with the Indy fans like he'd actually accomplished something. Same as he jawed with Ellis Hobbs last January following a tremendous 14-for-32 afternoon. You tell 'em, you barely top-20 quarterback, you! Maybe this week, you can actually remain on the field for most of the game's critical moments!
(Though that would make it harder for you to talk smack. Not impossible, though, because you're a pro.)
He fits in well, though. LaDainian Tomlinson, who continues to prove you can be credited for being 'classy' simply by getting everyone to say you are. Shawne Merriman, a red-handed drug cheat who created the stupid dance the Pats so cruelly, cruelly mocked after actually accomplishing something. Their teammates, who filled newspapers with the always popular spins on "The better team didn't win today."
Good for them, earning another chance at the league's reigning dynasty.
Perhaps this time they can do some talking on the field.
(In the interests of being forthright, I am a grinder-eating, packie-shopping New Englander. I'm also a Giants fan, but if you care about the first point, odds are you've already assuming the worst. Far be it for me to stand in the way of stereotyping!)
Football's final four offer a multitude of outstanding matchups and, for those so interested, storylines galore. Love or hate them, New England's are obvious. Same with Green Bay. Even the Giants: they've gone from three miserable quarters in Buffalo to running with New England, dominating Tampa and sneaking by Dallas. All three would be well worth the time on Feb. 3.
And then there's the Chargers, a team that only makes me wonder more about why those without a dog in the fight aren't pulling for the Patriots to make history.
Yeah, what San Diego did in Indianapolis was incredible, engineering the game-winning points with back-ups at the skill positions and Antonio Gates playing with a dislocated toe. Almost as incredible, though?
Philip Rivers jawing with the Indy fans like he'd actually accomplished something. Same as he jawed with Ellis Hobbs last January following a tremendous 14-for-32 afternoon. You tell 'em, you barely top-20 quarterback, you! Maybe this week, you can actually remain on the field for most of the game's critical moments!
(Though that would make it harder for you to talk smack. Not impossible, though, because you're a pro.)
He fits in well, though. LaDainian Tomlinson, who continues to prove you can be credited for being 'classy' simply by getting everyone to say you are. Shawne Merriman, a red-handed drug cheat who created the stupid dance the Pats so cruelly, cruelly mocked after actually accomplishing something. Their teammates, who filled newspapers with the always popular spins on "The better team didn't win today."
Good for them, earning another chance at the league's reigning dynasty.
Perhaps this time they can do some talking on the field.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Jay Glazer is a Fraud...and your point would be?
There used to be a time when reporters were held responsible for their comments, especially when it comes to stealing news and notes from your peers and then calling them your own. More than one network and local talking head has been guilty of this, reporting something as fact when in essence someone else already aired it out. But at the network TV level, one would think you could hold these people to a higer standard. What the hell was I thinking?
Sunday's pre-game show on FOX featuring their NFL insider, Jay Glazer. Now let me state here I have nothing personal against Tony and have always thought highly of him. Which is why I would lead the pack in asking Tony why he feels the need to report old material as his own.
Glazer led off with news the Green Bay Packers were going to give Head Coach Mike McCarthy a contract extension. Nice, but that was reported in several outlets back on January 8th. One down.
Next Glazer reported Gregg Williams would be getting a second interview for the vacant Redskins coaching job. Some might consider this a push. The "Washington Post" carried a story Sunday morning that Williams was the clear front-runner, quoting enough sources (and I believe they know from where they speak) that one would have to be foolish to think he wouldn't be getting a second shot. Nice guess, would be my guess. Sloppy reporting. Two down.
Finally, Glazer revealed the Miami Dolphins would be talking again with Dallas assistant Tony Sparano for their vacant gig. The "Miami Herald" reported on January 5 that Sparano was the leading candidate for the job, and they had to speak with him that early because of NFL rules regarding the interviewing of current coaches. Sparano is good buddies with new Miami GM Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells of course, so again, one would have to be toting too much lumber in the cranium to NOT believe he would get a second interview. It's the norm, nothing special. And several other papers had even more information about Sparano, his Dallas connections, and how he's the odds-on choice. Three down and out.
Glazer is a veteran who can do better than this, he knows his way around. Then again this is another example of what reporting in both news and sports has become. If you say it loud enough and long enough, you will get ownership. Tragic.
Sunday's pre-game show on FOX featuring their NFL insider, Jay Glazer. Now let me state here I have nothing personal against Tony and have always thought highly of him. Which is why I would lead the pack in asking Tony why he feels the need to report old material as his own.
Glazer led off with news the Green Bay Packers were going to give Head Coach Mike McCarthy a contract extension. Nice, but that was reported in several outlets back on January 8th. One down.
Next Glazer reported Gregg Williams would be getting a second interview for the vacant Redskins coaching job. Some might consider this a push. The "Washington Post" carried a story Sunday morning that Williams was the clear front-runner, quoting enough sources (and I believe they know from where they speak) that one would have to be foolish to think he wouldn't be getting a second shot. Nice guess, would be my guess. Sloppy reporting. Two down.
Finally, Glazer revealed the Miami Dolphins would be talking again with Dallas assistant Tony Sparano for their vacant gig. The "Miami Herald" reported on January 5 that Sparano was the leading candidate for the job, and they had to speak with him that early because of NFL rules regarding the interviewing of current coaches. Sparano is good buddies with new Miami GM Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells of course, so again, one would have to be toting too much lumber in the cranium to NOT believe he would get a second interview. It's the norm, nothing special. And several other papers had even more information about Sparano, his Dallas connections, and how he's the odds-on choice. Three down and out.
Glazer is a veteran who can do better than this, he knows his way around. Then again this is another example of what reporting in both news and sports has become. If you say it loud enough and long enough, you will get ownership. Tragic.
Hating the NE Patriots is Easy
Sure is, yet I wonder why so many people do. OK, if you're the opposing team it's easy to hate them, but even then you have to respect them and realize we are seeing history in the making. Why is that such a despicable thing?
Easy. It's the media stupid. Being in the media makes it even more difficult to say those words, and it does sound trite and cliche because EVERYONE blames the media for their woes. In a lot of cases however, they're right. Much of the media these days are an embarassment to the profession.
From former jocks who can barely put two words together and bring new meaning to the word "clown" (Shannon Sharpe, hello), to talk show hosts who spew vitriol because they believe hate is the best way to get ratings. Sorry to say they're right in most cases.
Even if you've become tired of the chest beating front runners who have joined the Pats cause this season, even if Bill Belichick cheated like every one of his peers, and even if you're pissed that Tom Brady always gets the girl (hey, I still think Bridget is more attractive than his current chain-smoking stick figure), you've got to respect what they've done.
Which means being a little more cautious in what you read and hear. Even here, skepticism is a good thing.
Easy. It's the media stupid. Being in the media makes it even more difficult to say those words, and it does sound trite and cliche because EVERYONE blames the media for their woes. In a lot of cases however, they're right. Much of the media these days are an embarassment to the profession.
From former jocks who can barely put two words together and bring new meaning to the word "clown" (Shannon Sharpe, hello), to talk show hosts who spew vitriol because they believe hate is the best way to get ratings. Sorry to say they're right in most cases.
Even if you've become tired of the chest beating front runners who have joined the Pats cause this season, even if Bill Belichick cheated like every one of his peers, and even if you're pissed that Tom Brady always gets the girl (hey, I still think Bridget is more attractive than his current chain-smoking stick figure), you've got to respect what they've done.
Which means being a little more cautious in what you read and hear. Even here, skepticism is a good thing.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Brett Favre:God
I'll admit, it's not even halftime in the Packers-Seahawks game, and I've seen some of the all-time greats play this game in the last 20 years or so, but argue this point to your heart's content.
One big game, everything being equal save the QB. I will take this veteran version of Brett Favre over everyone else. He doesn't have Marino's arm, Montana's weapons, Brady's poise, Staubach's scrambling, and on and on and on. But he has a little of each, and it's almost mindless not to be awed every time he plays the game.
Oh yeah, and there's nothing like a cold weather game than in Green Bay. I can smell the brats in the parking lot that have been steaming since August.
One big game, everything being equal save the QB. I will take this veteran version of Brett Favre over everyone else. He doesn't have Marino's arm, Montana's weapons, Brady's poise, Staubach's scrambling, and on and on and on. But he has a little of each, and it's almost mindless not to be awed every time he plays the game.
Oh yeah, and there's nothing like a cold weather game than in Green Bay. I can smell the brats in the parking lot that have been steaming since August.
OJ Simpson: The Media's Money Maker
As someone who has spent his life in the media, I've reached the point of literally and almost figuratively throwing up every time I see this killer on the news.
Today the latest "perp walk" from car to jail and another babbling news anchor who repeasts the same haggard material over and over again. Then the experts comment, then the bubble headed bleach blond comments (extra points if you caught the reference), then more insipid comments and the circus plays on.
I know this won't change and all I'm doing is blowing off steam and hot adjectives, but I truly wonder if anyone else is tired of this act or if we're still a public that gets off on watching these clowns.The clowns being OJ and the media. It's tough to separate the face paint here.
Reminder that your comments can be left here to view or send them to me in audio or video form. Those will be posted on the home site www.speedingbulletnetwork.com.
Today the latest "perp walk" from car to jail and another babbling news anchor who repeasts the same haggard material over and over again. Then the experts comment, then the bubble headed bleach blond comments (extra points if you caught the reference), then more insipid comments and the circus plays on.
I know this won't change and all I'm doing is blowing off steam and hot adjectives, but I truly wonder if anyone else is tired of this act or if we're still a public that gets off on watching these clowns.The clowns being OJ and the media. It's tough to separate the face paint here.
Reminder that your comments can be left here to view or send them to me in audio or video form. Those will be posted on the home site www.speedingbulletnetwork.com.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Marion Jones: No Sympathy at all
Granted, just the title of this post may have some people already on the verge of reaching for the keyboard to excoriate me for such a blatant conclusion. However, those with a logical bent removing all emotion from the issue can only see it this way. It is impossible for any other logical conclusion in her case.
The key here is remembering there are 2 cases involved and what she was sentenced for on Friday has no bearing at all on her Olympic records, gold medals, or removal of same from the record books.
Her 6 month sentence is for lying under oath and check fraud. While both are connected to the steroid issue, they are matters of law and not sporting rules. The judge acted exactly within the scope of the law. While he certainly could have handed down a lesser sentence, that would not have been appropriate for one who not only broke the law but flaunted her ability to do so. I applaud the judge for his actions.
Marion Jones shed her tears at the time of admitting her sports crime, and again Friday when begging the judge to let he off lightly so she could be with her children. Frankly, both examples make me physically ill.
She did not face the cameras nor the public of her own volition. She would have never admitted to anything had she not been caught red-handed. This of course means her lies would have continued for as long as she could get away with it. She was neither noble in admitting her guilt no expressing remorse. It would be the same if someone was caught stealing a car and then said, "oh, is this not my car? Damn, should have checked twice before breaking the window and hot-wiring the ignition".
And her tears Friday were even more insulting. Her children should know she's going to jail for breaking the law. Matter of fact, they should go visit her several times a week while she's behind bars and see what happens when you break the law and lie consistently about it. You are punished, and there are no exceptions. Her children will certainly learn a greater lesson visiting Mommy in the Graybar Hotel than they would if she got off with probation or scott-free only to smile when the cameras are away and going "YEAH! Beat THAT system, didn't I?"
When she has served her time, certainly she must be addressed as one who paid the price for their mistakes. But in order for this punishment to truly mean something in the court of public sport opinion and point to what happens for basically defecating on all those athletes who did it with their natural talent and hard work, let's hope she is always introduced in this manner:
"Ladies & gentlemen, please give a warm round of applause to Marion Jones, former multi-medal winner in the Olympics and cheating coward who had those medals stripped from her for taking drugs".
Now there would be justice.
The key here is remembering there are 2 cases involved and what she was sentenced for on Friday has no bearing at all on her Olympic records, gold medals, or removal of same from the record books.
Her 6 month sentence is for lying under oath and check fraud. While both are connected to the steroid issue, they are matters of law and not sporting rules. The judge acted exactly within the scope of the law. While he certainly could have handed down a lesser sentence, that would not have been appropriate for one who not only broke the law but flaunted her ability to do so. I applaud the judge for his actions.
Marion Jones shed her tears at the time of admitting her sports crime, and again Friday when begging the judge to let he off lightly so she could be with her children. Frankly, both examples make me physically ill.
She did not face the cameras nor the public of her own volition. She would have never admitted to anything had she not been caught red-handed. This of course means her lies would have continued for as long as she could get away with it. She was neither noble in admitting her guilt no expressing remorse. It would be the same if someone was caught stealing a car and then said, "oh, is this not my car? Damn, should have checked twice before breaking the window and hot-wiring the ignition".
And her tears Friday were even more insulting. Her children should know she's going to jail for breaking the law. Matter of fact, they should go visit her several times a week while she's behind bars and see what happens when you break the law and lie consistently about it. You are punished, and there are no exceptions. Her children will certainly learn a greater lesson visiting Mommy in the Graybar Hotel than they would if she got off with probation or scott-free only to smile when the cameras are away and going "YEAH! Beat THAT system, didn't I?"
When she has served her time, certainly she must be addressed as one who paid the price for their mistakes. But in order for this punishment to truly mean something in the court of public sport opinion and point to what happens for basically defecating on all those athletes who did it with their natural talent and hard work, let's hope she is always introduced in this manner:
"Ladies & gentlemen, please give a warm round of applause to Marion Jones, former multi-medal winner in the Olympics and cheating coward who had those medals stripped from her for taking drugs".
Now there would be justice.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
From The Roof of the World
Out of all the athletes and psuedo-jocks I've met over the years, no one made an impression quite like a man who never ran for a touchdown and never issued a "no comment" to reporters who failed to ask an actual question.
Several years ago I had a rare "1 on 1" interview with Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest. He was an imposing man, even then as age was taking it's toll on what was once a tall and striking frame. He spoke quietly about the experience, remembering every second of the climb, and with every step told a modest tale.
The entire time he never acted impressed with himself nor spoke from ego, merely recalling a monumental feat as merely something he decided to do one day and refused to consider failure. Few knew that he never admitted to actually being the first man atop Everest until his sherpa guide, Tenzig Norgay, had passed on. He wanted Norgay to enjoy the accolades every day of his life.
When I heard of his death today, I considered myself so lucky to have met a true athlete, one graced with more humility and respect for his accomplishment than anyone might have imagined. Perhaps if our current athletes took a moment to consider what he did with no guaranteed contract, no TV deal waiting for him at the bottom, and no one offering to place his visage on a baseball cap they would discover some of that lost humility.
Of course if that should happen it would also be revealed that there actually was someone on the grassy knoll, Neil Armstrong was indeed walking on a sound stage in Arizona, and no baseball player ever juiced up.
Several years ago I had a rare "1 on 1" interview with Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest. He was an imposing man, even then as age was taking it's toll on what was once a tall and striking frame. He spoke quietly about the experience, remembering every second of the climb, and with every step told a modest tale.
The entire time he never acted impressed with himself nor spoke from ego, merely recalling a monumental feat as merely something he decided to do one day and refused to consider failure. Few knew that he never admitted to actually being the first man atop Everest until his sherpa guide, Tenzig Norgay, had passed on. He wanted Norgay to enjoy the accolades every day of his life.
When I heard of his death today, I considered myself so lucky to have met a true athlete, one graced with more humility and respect for his accomplishment than anyone might have imagined. Perhaps if our current athletes took a moment to consider what he did with no guaranteed contract, no TV deal waiting for him at the bottom, and no one offering to place his visage on a baseball cap they would discover some of that lost humility.
Of course if that should happen it would also be revealed that there actually was someone on the grassy knoll, Neil Armstrong was indeed walking on a sound stage in Arizona, and no baseball player ever juiced up.
The Lynching of Tiger Woods
The recent comments made by Golf Channel commentator Kelly Tilghman were disturbing on several levels. First and foremost, her words have once again placed a stain on serious sports commentators who continue to seek respect for their work, and not for their looks. There is no doubt she was trying to entertain the audience and come up with some catchy phrase that would make her seem intimate with Woods, and she failed miserably. Howard Cosell, for whom this blog is named, once termed it the "jockocracy" in sports where former athletes are employed and fawned upon by the networks. Many of them have made the transition to being in front of the camera or microphone, though quite a few remain shills for their peers and sport. But too often, as in this case, a commentator is selected for a reason other than simply broadcast ability or talent. Her 2 week suspension is deserved. However, here's the second issue that should be addressed. If this was a more widely watched network, and if it was a white man commenting and saying something such as this about an African-American athlete, one can only imagine the public outcry. There is a double standard from those who claim to be working in the best interests of insuring we rid ourselves of prejudice, and that is perhaps more dangerous than the spoken words themselves.
Pete Carroll & the Falcons
Pete Carroll finds himself in what would appear an enviable situation, but you might surmise his first reactioon to being contacted by the Falcons would be..."this is the best I can do?" The Falcons franchise is simply another example of what happens when millionaires find themselves a new toy and refuse to listen to those who have been there about hiring solid NFL people from top to bottom. Carroll would be insanely foolish to take that job, for he already coaches a professional franchise. That, and the tanning is much better in CA.
The Big 10 is an embarassment
It's true, but one can only wonder why their teams almost routinely get slapped around come Title time. This doesn't take a genetic scientist to decipher, actually. They play the same plodding and, in comparison to other college conferences in the Nation, boring style of football. Has anyone told teams there they are actually allowed to recruit kids who can run faster than a speeding carpet snail? Word I hear out of the BCS is that the next time they have a chance to send a Big 10 team to a Title game they will see first if a high school team from Texas or Florida is available. I would hope even Big 10 afficianados are equally as embarassed.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Roger Clemens & The Media
Is it just me or has the sports media broken the first rule of covering a story? How many reports have we seen or heard calling him "guilty"? Hey, I don't really care for the guy personally and I have my doubts, but isn't he innocent until proven guilty? Has anyone really taken the time to investigate his trainer? Hmm...methinks something is missing here.
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