To many music fans of generations gone by Elvis Presley is the King of Rock and Roll. Those of us who know better understand where the source of Presley's gift originated from. Tim Tebow is a phenomenal talent that plays the game of football the way it should be played. He is an infectious leader that has the "it" factor that many men envy. He's the kind of guy teammates will play hurt for. His opponents rave about how difficult it is to play against him. So is this a blog to hate on Tim Tebow? Of course not! The purpose of this column is to shed light on a factor that is the equivalent of a Hollywood remake. In deference to the many dynamic mobile quarterbacks that have gone before him, the question can be asked is he really all that?
Tommie Frazier, Charlie Ward, Eric Crouch, Rodger Staubach and Steve McNair are names that jump out at me as I rack my brain for comparisons. Tommie Frazier is the only man to win the MVP of the national championship game that he lost! Charlie Ward could certainly scramble but boy did he throw a better ball than Tebow. The same can be said of McNair and Rodger the dodger. Sure Mcnair played at a much smaller school as did Staubach but those guys dominated where they got the opportunity to play. Eric Crouch was unbelievable but wasn't a very good passer though he had magical moments running the option.
In the spirit of my musical comparison, Tebow like Elvis wasn't the first or best to every do what he did. In the case of Tebow he's still doing it. "You ain't nothing but a hound dog" wasn't originally recorded by Elvis. Blues singer "Big Mama Thornton" recorded the original in 1952. Presley's version was recorded in 1956 after seeing a band in Las Vegas record a similar version he went on to make famous.
Tebow doesn't proclaim to be the "greatest college football player" ever. He simply goes out there week to week and leads his team to victory. He's not like King James, (not Lebron) You know the dead guy who put his name on the bible to make ignorant readers of history think he actually wrote it. Yeah that guy. Tebow quotes this book a lot on mission trips and visits to prisons around the country but apparently the guy has the good sense to know that he didn't invent how he plays the game. Sadly most analyst and rabid football fans do not.
Tebow is simply the victim of what I've diagnosed as Elvisitis. Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, Little Richard, Ike Turner and Jerry Lee Lewis were some of the early pioneers of Rock and Roll but somehow Elvis gets crowned King? In the words of Chris Rock in the movie Head of State, "That ain't right". Eric Clapton has said in numerous interviews that his early influences were the blues musicians of the deep south. The blues help to usher in the early sounds of Rock and Roll. The marriage of the stride piano and the distortion used by Buddy Guy and Chuck Berry revolutionized music, forever changing the direction of musical artistry.
Tim Tebow has been seen before. He's just the beneficiary of the 21st century hype machine. Of course that comes with the territory of winning a Heisman, winning multiple national championships and being an overall good kid. Like any monster we've created out of hype, we will eventually eat our own. As soon as he flops at the pro level, then he'll join the ranks of a lot of Heisman winners that didn't quite live up to the hype.
Anointing Tebow the greatest college football player ever is like believing that Jim Jones and David Koresh were really the second coming of Jesus. There has been so many great players through the generations. Ask a guy that's in his 60's he may tell you that Paul Horning or Archie Griffin is the greatest. It's all about opinion. Tebow's reputation off the field has largely contributed to the canonization of what he does on it. Tebow has only four career 300 yard pasing games.
Two of those games was against Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic in the 2007 season. How many yards a quarterback throws for isn't the only measuring stick especially when he's supported by a team with an oil wells's worth of talent. Oddly enough, it does bring up an interesting conversation about why team accomplishments are largely misrepresented as the ability of one person, opposed to one individuals contribution to the team. The entertainment value of television skews this dramatically which explains why we like to turn on these guys when they don't meet our lofty expectations.
Time has a way of eradicating the memories of Rashaan Salaam, Rahib Ismail, Andre Ware, Danny Wureffel, Gino Torretta and countless other sure things the hype machine created. During Charlie Ward's run at Florida State, I vaguely remember the media giving him props for being the student body president. He was also known as a clean cut kid as well but never did he get worshipped in the fashion that Tebow does. Ward's ability to play in the NFL was completely shot down while Tebow is some circles is being considered as a first round pick.
I believe most NFL GM's no better but stranger things have happened. I.E. Alex Smith, Vince Young, Pat White, Heath Shuler and the list goes on. So if you're on the bandwagon of Tim Tebow being the greatest college football player ever then you're welcome to stay there. Just remember when he flops at the pro level to have mercy on him. The Best Damn sports already has spot warmed up for him on one of their goofy list. Just wait and see. I love being the one to say I told you so.....
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Why the Titans are 0-2
The "shocking" loss of the Titans on Sunday felt like a punch in the gut. High expectations will do that to a fan base that desperately wants a championship banner to hang from its rafters. Every team has a sense of entitlement when it comes to the chase of such an elusive team goal. The players, management and fan base collectively knows that Superbowl glory expunges the memory of being one yard short. (Actually seven points but one yard shy sounds better) Sunday exposed most of what I've written about in the off season but there's some other things have reared their ugly head.
I've never thought the the additions of Kenny Britt and Nate Washington was the "final" pieces of our championship quest. I'm not going to pin the blame on this 0-2 start on the Titan's failure to resign Albert Haynesworth. That's to easy of a target. Our Front four led by Kyle Vandenbosh has shown the ability to make plays. Jason Jones and Tony Brown aren't chopped liver either. So what could it be? Here are five credible reason why the Titans are 0-2.
1. JEFF FISHER
I'm not suggesting that Jeff should be fired. He's a fighter no doubt. Jeff is the NFL's longest tenured coach with multiple division titles, 1 AFC championship and another appearance in the AFC championship game after a 1-4 start in the 2002 season. That was seven years ago though. Since then the Titans offense has underperformed. They haven't had a Quarterback pass for 3,000 yards since Steve Mcnair. Free agent signings on offense have not panned out. David Givens, Carl Pickens, Eric Moulds, and Yancy Thigpen didn't help the team. We have failed miserably at drafting recievers. Brandon Jones was decent but opted for free agency. Courtney Roby, Paul Williams and backseat of my jeep (Tyrone Calico) are shameful from picks from the ghost of busted draft pick past. The Titans have two straight playoff appearances that ended after the first game, including the heartbreaking 3 point at home loss to the Ravens in last years divisional round.
Fisher still hasn't totally surrendered the reins to veteran Kerry Collins and the offensive coordinator. After a hot start in the first half, Kerry only completed 5-13 passes for 35 yards. Chris Johnson great play still couldn't salvage the win after touching the ball a total of 25 times accounting for over 250 yards of total offense. Johnson's talent and not necessarily great play calling saved the Titans. Johnson's timely 57 yard burst, with the Titans facing third and 19 kept the Texans at bay. Andre Johnson had 14 catches which was more than Britt, Gage and Washington combined. The offense didn't stay aggressive. In addition to that, Collins turned the ball over during crunch time.
2. The Secondary got exposed.
Nick Harper isn't the entire reason but he's a big piece of the puzzle. The front four got pressure on Shaub but to his credit, he got rid of the ball in a timely fashion. Sacks aren't always the be all end all but the Titans definitely depend heavily on disrupting the quarterback which helps out their secondary tremendously. Andre Johnson showed why he's an emerging talent on par with the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Santonio Holmes and Terrell Owens.
3. The Titans didn't score any points off turnovers.
The Titans "sneaky" 13-3 record was anchored by their affinity for causing turnovers and giving their offense a short field. This led to Lendale White scoring 15 touchdowns and doing that lame touchdown dance he loves. The Titans haven't been as fortunate this season. The defense does miss Albert's presence in regard to causing mismatches but Tony Brown and company showed that they can do the job. Theyperformed well without Haynesworth against Pittsburgh last winter which led to the Titans securing home field throughout the 2008 playoffs. Jason Jones found a way to get kicked out of the game. Though the call can be viewed as suspect, he has to find a way to remain calm in such a tight game. Also save me the excuse of missed field goals. That's still the sign of a team that is a one trick pony. The Patriots eventually evolved into an offensive jaugernaut but still kept a money kicker after Vinateri left.
4. The offense took the gas off of the pedal in the second half.
Some would argue that the titans were one of the tops in the league in "red zone" efficiency by the amount of touchdowns they scored. True but that stat is skewed and anchored by the fact that the Titans were also one of the best teams in takeaways. The passing game produced only 12 touchdown passes which is great but when it counts 6 points is more than three if you're down by two scores. Secondly Kerry's fumble in the last two minutes showed that the offense had lost its edge after building a 21-7 lead. An interception and conservative play calls allowed the Texans to stay close and eventually take the lead late in the 4th quarter.
5. The Titans brought a knife to a gunfight.
Whenever teams are scoring at a high level coaches have to recognize the shift in momentum. The coaching staff didn't do that. They overworked their defense while allowing their offensive philosophy to stay conservative(knife) while their opponent kept up their onslaught(gun) of brilliant and timely calls. 0-2 isn't the end of the world. Pittsburgh started 0-2 last season and won the Superbowl.
Kerry Collins has been serviceable the first two games but dropped balls by Justin Gage and Ahmad Hall are common place. The return of Bo Scaife and the health of Jared Cook is one of the keys to turning things around. The New York Jets are an upstart team with a huge amount of confidence. This team needs to be punched in the mouth offensively. A field goal and a cloud of dust will not suffice this weekend. Chris Johnson will do his part but the receiving corp and coaching staff must keep their defense off of the field for long periods of time.
Visiting Houston this week has been an eye opener. The radio station 790 AM, has the fans of the Texans believing that they can challenge for the AFC South title. Our play is 0n both sides of the ball has got to get better or Jeff will be preparing to draft a "shutdown" corner in the top half of the draft. Get ready for 0-3...
I've never thought the the additions of Kenny Britt and Nate Washington was the "final" pieces of our championship quest. I'm not going to pin the blame on this 0-2 start on the Titan's failure to resign Albert Haynesworth. That's to easy of a target. Our Front four led by Kyle Vandenbosh has shown the ability to make plays. Jason Jones and Tony Brown aren't chopped liver either. So what could it be? Here are five credible reason why the Titans are 0-2.
1. JEFF FISHER
I'm not suggesting that Jeff should be fired. He's a fighter no doubt. Jeff is the NFL's longest tenured coach with multiple division titles, 1 AFC championship and another appearance in the AFC championship game after a 1-4 start in the 2002 season. That was seven years ago though. Since then the Titans offense has underperformed. They haven't had a Quarterback pass for 3,000 yards since Steve Mcnair. Free agent signings on offense have not panned out. David Givens, Carl Pickens, Eric Moulds, and Yancy Thigpen didn't help the team. We have failed miserably at drafting recievers. Brandon Jones was decent but opted for free agency. Courtney Roby, Paul Williams and backseat of my jeep (Tyrone Calico) are shameful from picks from the ghost of busted draft pick past. The Titans have two straight playoff appearances that ended after the first game, including the heartbreaking 3 point at home loss to the Ravens in last years divisional round.
Fisher still hasn't totally surrendered the reins to veteran Kerry Collins and the offensive coordinator. After a hot start in the first half, Kerry only completed 5-13 passes for 35 yards. Chris Johnson great play still couldn't salvage the win after touching the ball a total of 25 times accounting for over 250 yards of total offense. Johnson's talent and not necessarily great play calling saved the Titans. Johnson's timely 57 yard burst, with the Titans facing third and 19 kept the Texans at bay. Andre Johnson had 14 catches which was more than Britt, Gage and Washington combined. The offense didn't stay aggressive. In addition to that, Collins turned the ball over during crunch time.
2. The Secondary got exposed.
Nick Harper isn't the entire reason but he's a big piece of the puzzle. The front four got pressure on Shaub but to his credit, he got rid of the ball in a timely fashion. Sacks aren't always the be all end all but the Titans definitely depend heavily on disrupting the quarterback which helps out their secondary tremendously. Andre Johnson showed why he's an emerging talent on par with the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Santonio Holmes and Terrell Owens.
3. The Titans didn't score any points off turnovers.
The Titans "sneaky" 13-3 record was anchored by their affinity for causing turnovers and giving their offense a short field. This led to Lendale White scoring 15 touchdowns and doing that lame touchdown dance he loves. The Titans haven't been as fortunate this season. The defense does miss Albert's presence in regard to causing mismatches but Tony Brown and company showed that they can do the job. Theyperformed well without Haynesworth against Pittsburgh last winter which led to the Titans securing home field throughout the 2008 playoffs. Jason Jones found a way to get kicked out of the game. Though the call can be viewed as suspect, he has to find a way to remain calm in such a tight game. Also save me the excuse of missed field goals. That's still the sign of a team that is a one trick pony. The Patriots eventually evolved into an offensive jaugernaut but still kept a money kicker after Vinateri left.
4. The offense took the gas off of the pedal in the second half.
Some would argue that the titans were one of the tops in the league in "red zone" efficiency by the amount of touchdowns they scored. True but that stat is skewed and anchored by the fact that the Titans were also one of the best teams in takeaways. The passing game produced only 12 touchdown passes which is great but when it counts 6 points is more than three if you're down by two scores. Secondly Kerry's fumble in the last two minutes showed that the offense had lost its edge after building a 21-7 lead. An interception and conservative play calls allowed the Texans to stay close and eventually take the lead late in the 4th quarter.
5. The Titans brought a knife to a gunfight.
Whenever teams are scoring at a high level coaches have to recognize the shift in momentum. The coaching staff didn't do that. They overworked their defense while allowing their offensive philosophy to stay conservative(knife) while their opponent kept up their onslaught(gun) of brilliant and timely calls. 0-2 isn't the end of the world. Pittsburgh started 0-2 last season and won the Superbowl.
Kerry Collins has been serviceable the first two games but dropped balls by Justin Gage and Ahmad Hall are common place. The return of Bo Scaife and the health of Jared Cook is one of the keys to turning things around. The New York Jets are an upstart team with a huge amount of confidence. This team needs to be punched in the mouth offensively. A field goal and a cloud of dust will not suffice this weekend. Chris Johnson will do his part but the receiving corp and coaching staff must keep their defense off of the field for long periods of time.
Visiting Houston this week has been an eye opener. The radio station 790 AM, has the fans of the Texans believing that they can challenge for the AFC South title. Our play is 0n both sides of the ball has got to get better or Jeff will be preparing to draft a "shutdown" corner in the top half of the draft. Get ready for 0-3...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Is Brett Farve the New Roger Clemens?
This isn't the first time we've seen star athletes past their prime that refused to go quietly into the night of retirement. Muhammed Ali would probably slap Don King if he could keep his right hand steady for about thirty seconds. Roger Clemens pimped the Houston Astros to the tune of 22 million dollars. He could pick the days he wanted to pitch and he avoided the bulk of spring training. He could fly in off vacation and pitch the next day, promptly leaving for another rendezvous with Mindy Mcready. Sound familiar and ain't life grand?(I'm not suggesting that Farve is having an affair)
The last two years Farve has been able to use "retirement" as the scapegoat for not wanting to attend training camp and OTA's. Farve has been given special treatment throughout his career. John Madden helped to soldify the Brett Farve myth. Farve is known as a "gun slinger" with a strong arm. Some of that is true considering Farve has produced several seasons of throwing 30 or more touchdowns and keeping his interceptions in the mid teens. In 1993, Farve threw for a then career worst 24 interceptions. He's had a few seasons where he's topped twenty plus interceptions. In fact he has done that 6 times out of his 18 year career. He did it last season as well throwing 22 interception against 22 touchdown passes.
In the 2004 season Farve threw 29 interceptions against 20 touchdown passes. Most guys would've been run out of town after that type of season. Most analyst would've called for any other guys head after that type of season. Surprisingly the national media and most fans didn't think so. We gave him a repreive considering some of his stellar seasons in the past that netted him 3 MVP's. At this point in Farve's career, Aaron Rodgers was still waiting in the wings. Luckily for Farve Rodgers wasn't some hot shot coming out of college. Pro scouts loved his skill set but that didn't stop him from sliding in the 2005 draft to 24th overall.
The Packers finally got a chance to catch a glimpse of what Rodgers could do late in the 2007 season against the Cowboys in a Monday night game. Farve responded by valiantly leading the Pack to the NFC championship game, falling short against the Giants by throwing one of his signature interceptions. Since that game we've been allowing Farve to hold us hostage. First in New York and now in Minnesota. We've all been holding on to the glory years of Farve. So we're all partially responsible for this circus that he's been putting us through. Yes, Fran Tarkenton blame us!!!!
Some of his New York Jets teammates didn't necessarily embrace him. All was forgiven while they were winning. But the chickens came home to roost when the Jets lost multiple games down the stretch. Thomas Jones spoke out about how there was trouble in paradise during the 2008 season. Once again Farve's image didn't take that much of a hit. The Jets and Farve went their separate ways. The Jets drafted Mark Sanchez and Farve waltzed off into "retirement". Never mind that he and Brad Childress were still communicating about him playing in Minnesota.
That never happened right? Childress also "closed" the door on Farve possibly playing for them after he failed to show up for the start of training camp. He even promised a an open competition for the job between Rosenfels and Jackson. Did you know that Minnesota Vikings owner Ziggy Wolf owns a private plane? O.J. Simpson and A.C. Cowans were jealous of that entrance that Farve made two weeks ago.
Most Farve apologist cited his rotator cuff injury for Farve's lack luster play down the stretch. Injuries are apart of the game and they're apart of the legend of Brett Farve. Farve has been one of the most durable and toughest quarterbacks to ever play this game.(Some may argue thanks to his bout with painkillers skewed that) If any other quarterback, young or veteran showed this type of lack luster leadership in the locker room, poor performance on the field and cried wolf (pun intended) this much about retirement he'd receive much more criticism than this. Not so for teflon don Farve.
Still don't see the comparison to Clemens? Both decided when they were going to play. Contrary to popular belief, Clemens 22 million for playing part time did cause some stink in the Houston clubhouse. Secondly, Farve is up to his old tricks again in Minnesota. He got ten million from the Jets last year and he's getting another 12.5 mil from the Vikes with an option for another year. There's been some rumblings about a "schisms" that are already happening amongst the rank and file of the Vikings. The players and Farve's rebuttal to the rifts amongst the team is that they all have no idea about what the word means. No wonder people think that most major college programs are football factories.
Sure the Vikings players will give us positive feedback when the cameras are rolling. However lets not be naive here. There has got to be some players that played with Tavarius Jackson last season are pulling for him and think they don't need Farve. They've witnessed his development up close and personal. For what he may lack on the field, he has proven that he is willing to be apart of the group. Secondly Jackson played very well down the stretch of the 2008 season. All he's gotten for his hard work was the drafting of John David shake yo Booty. Coupled with the acquirement of a 3 million a year Sage Rosenfels who is more unproven than he is. He's handled it a lot better than a lot of guys would have. If he pulled a Jay Cutler I wouldn't be mad at him.
Several Jets described Farve as "distant". Sage Rosenfels was brought in to compete with Jackson. Some teammates may feel that Sage is equally capable as Jackson. This segment of the team may have feelings that Rosenfels and Jackson were doing just fine by competing for the job. Plus they were both at all of the OTA's and in training camp. They have both been paying the price with the other guys.
Strangely enough analyst are saying the Farve gives the Minnesota Vikings the best chance to play in the superbowl. Yeah right. Before the 2007 season the Packers had missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The oldest quarterback to lead a team to a Superbowl championship was John Elway at age 38. Steve Deberg, Warren Moon, Vinny Testeverde, Steve Grogan, and Joe Montana are notable names in the superbowl era to have led their teams deep in the playoffs. Elway was largely supported by the dominance of Terrell Davis.
Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe were reliable targets. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian. Berrian had a stellar season last year but can he do it in back to back years? Is Farve willing to accept a reduced amount of passing attempts to feed Peterson the ball? Has his arm fully healed? Is Bobby Wade going to emerge has a dominant slot receiver? Farve is going to be 40 this year. Is he willing to return to the years where he made less mistakes while being supported by work horse backs like Dorsey Levins and Ahman Green? The NFC north isn't going to be a cake walk.
The Bears are better and so are the Packers. The Vikings and Packers will be must see TV twice this season First in Minnesota on October 5th and again on Nov 1st. Farve the wrangler man gets to prove that his game is still as tight as his jeans. We shall see. Strangely enough even after my rant I will be watching.... Ah opinions and Football season.. Doesn't get any better than that!!!!
The last two years Farve has been able to use "retirement" as the scapegoat for not wanting to attend training camp and OTA's. Farve has been given special treatment throughout his career. John Madden helped to soldify the Brett Farve myth. Farve is known as a "gun slinger" with a strong arm. Some of that is true considering Farve has produced several seasons of throwing 30 or more touchdowns and keeping his interceptions in the mid teens. In 1993, Farve threw for a then career worst 24 interceptions. He's had a few seasons where he's topped twenty plus interceptions. In fact he has done that 6 times out of his 18 year career. He did it last season as well throwing 22 interception against 22 touchdown passes.
In the 2004 season Farve threw 29 interceptions against 20 touchdown passes. Most guys would've been run out of town after that type of season. Most analyst would've called for any other guys head after that type of season. Surprisingly the national media and most fans didn't think so. We gave him a repreive considering some of his stellar seasons in the past that netted him 3 MVP's. At this point in Farve's career, Aaron Rodgers was still waiting in the wings. Luckily for Farve Rodgers wasn't some hot shot coming out of college. Pro scouts loved his skill set but that didn't stop him from sliding in the 2005 draft to 24th overall.
The Packers finally got a chance to catch a glimpse of what Rodgers could do late in the 2007 season against the Cowboys in a Monday night game. Farve responded by valiantly leading the Pack to the NFC championship game, falling short against the Giants by throwing one of his signature interceptions. Since that game we've been allowing Farve to hold us hostage. First in New York and now in Minnesota. We've all been holding on to the glory years of Farve. So we're all partially responsible for this circus that he's been putting us through. Yes, Fran Tarkenton blame us!!!!
Some of his New York Jets teammates didn't necessarily embrace him. All was forgiven while they were winning. But the chickens came home to roost when the Jets lost multiple games down the stretch. Thomas Jones spoke out about how there was trouble in paradise during the 2008 season. Once again Farve's image didn't take that much of a hit. The Jets and Farve went their separate ways. The Jets drafted Mark Sanchez and Farve waltzed off into "retirement". Never mind that he and Brad Childress were still communicating about him playing in Minnesota.
That never happened right? Childress also "closed" the door on Farve possibly playing for them after he failed to show up for the start of training camp. He even promised a an open competition for the job between Rosenfels and Jackson. Did you know that Minnesota Vikings owner Ziggy Wolf owns a private plane? O.J. Simpson and A.C. Cowans were jealous of that entrance that Farve made two weeks ago.
Most Farve apologist cited his rotator cuff injury for Farve's lack luster play down the stretch. Injuries are apart of the game and they're apart of the legend of Brett Farve. Farve has been one of the most durable and toughest quarterbacks to ever play this game.(Some may argue thanks to his bout with painkillers skewed that) If any other quarterback, young or veteran showed this type of lack luster leadership in the locker room, poor performance on the field and cried wolf (pun intended) this much about retirement he'd receive much more criticism than this. Not so for teflon don Farve.
Still don't see the comparison to Clemens? Both decided when they were going to play. Contrary to popular belief, Clemens 22 million for playing part time did cause some stink in the Houston clubhouse. Secondly, Farve is up to his old tricks again in Minnesota. He got ten million from the Jets last year and he's getting another 12.5 mil from the Vikes with an option for another year. There's been some rumblings about a "schisms" that are already happening amongst the rank and file of the Vikings. The players and Farve's rebuttal to the rifts amongst the team is that they all have no idea about what the word means. No wonder people think that most major college programs are football factories.
Sure the Vikings players will give us positive feedback when the cameras are rolling. However lets not be naive here. There has got to be some players that played with Tavarius Jackson last season are pulling for him and think they don't need Farve. They've witnessed his development up close and personal. For what he may lack on the field, he has proven that he is willing to be apart of the group. Secondly Jackson played very well down the stretch of the 2008 season. All he's gotten for his hard work was the drafting of John David shake yo Booty. Coupled with the acquirement of a 3 million a year Sage Rosenfels who is more unproven than he is. He's handled it a lot better than a lot of guys would have. If he pulled a Jay Cutler I wouldn't be mad at him.
Several Jets described Farve as "distant". Sage Rosenfels was brought in to compete with Jackson. Some teammates may feel that Sage is equally capable as Jackson. This segment of the team may have feelings that Rosenfels and Jackson were doing just fine by competing for the job. Plus they were both at all of the OTA's and in training camp. They have both been paying the price with the other guys.
Strangely enough analyst are saying the Farve gives the Minnesota Vikings the best chance to play in the superbowl. Yeah right. Before the 2007 season the Packers had missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The oldest quarterback to lead a team to a Superbowl championship was John Elway at age 38. Steve Deberg, Warren Moon, Vinny Testeverde, Steve Grogan, and Joe Montana are notable names in the superbowl era to have led their teams deep in the playoffs. Elway was largely supported by the dominance of Terrell Davis.
Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe were reliable targets. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian. Berrian had a stellar season last year but can he do it in back to back years? Is Farve willing to accept a reduced amount of passing attempts to feed Peterson the ball? Has his arm fully healed? Is Bobby Wade going to emerge has a dominant slot receiver? Farve is going to be 40 this year. Is he willing to return to the years where he made less mistakes while being supported by work horse backs like Dorsey Levins and Ahman Green? The NFC north isn't going to be a cake walk.
The Bears are better and so are the Packers. The Vikings and Packers will be must see TV twice this season First in Minnesota on October 5th and again on Nov 1st. Farve the wrangler man gets to prove that his game is still as tight as his jeans. We shall see. Strangely enough even after my rant I will be watching.... Ah opinions and Football season.. Doesn't get any better than that!!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Is playing in the NFL a right or a privilege?
The recent criminal cases of NFL players has caused American society to reevaluate our celebration of public figures. Michael Vick's recent partial reinstatement to the NFL has sparked a huge debate with a litany of opinions. Donte Stallworth's recent suspension hasn't had the same reaction though it resulted in jail time and a year suspension from football. Some have argued that Stallworth's vehicular homicide of Mario Reyes is much worse than Vick's cruelty to animals.
The underlining theme that caught my attention in both their public statements was that playing in the NFL was a privilege and not a right. That statement in itself is an oxymoron considering some key words that I rediscovered. The Declaration of Independence has a powerful statement in it that I believe is the antithesis of the public sentiment among most media experts and American football fans.
Does the idea of people being endowed by the creator with unalienable rights to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness fall on deaf ears in 21st century America? Or is it more convenient to be inconsistent with deciding who should be the rightful heirs to this sacred promise? The latter is really the pulse of the public fascination with celebrity and privilege. How is it that a guy can kill a human being and get a thirty day sentence while a man kills animals gets only two years?
The answer is the hypocrisy of celebrity and the appearance of justice for all. Justice in America no doubt can be bought. Average citizens would in most cases spend much more time in jail than Stallworth for the same crime that he committed. In a cruel sense of irony, some average citizens that have been convicted of dog fighting like Vick has gotten less time. Honestly, trying to equate our everyday lives with NFL players by questioning their right to be employed by the NFL is not only absurd but its largely dehumanizing. Further evidence to this is how Vick has now become more of a symbol in the cause of animal rights rather than a human being, desperate to reestablish his sense of his humanity while navigating through the mine field of American society.
Everyday people have the same sense of entitlement that they accuse sports stars of having. After all, it is the fan base of major sports that creates the atmosphere for this monster of privilege in the first place. Let's be honest, most sports fans covet the money professional athletes earn. It explains why some people want to see NFL players pay an even steeper price than what they would want to pay themselves if they were in the same position. It also explains why we are fascinated with seeing the "fall from grace" and a subsequent "comeback story".
This sense of entitlement is on display in everyday American life both in civic and public life. How many discrimination lawsuits are on the books from various groups? Why is affirmative action a federal law in this country? Why do some people feel the election of Barack Obama hails the total destruction of "their country"? How is that any different than an NFL player's right to play pro football considering he has met all of the qualifications? Isn't pro sports a little bit more pure in regards to people getting a fair opportunity based on their own merit? Does America resemble sport in that regard? The answer is a resounding NO..
Criminal behavior on any level should not be excused but when a disgraced citizen serves their time then they are automatically restored back into the rat race of pursuing life, liberty and happiness. So the falsehood of playing professional sports isn't a right is but a privilege is complete hogwash. Privilege and the right to pursue a human endeavor are interchangeable. Money, justice, prestige, privilege and celebrity is something that the common sports fan will never understand. We are more likely to have dinner with a martian than gain acceptance into the country club of sports celebrity.
The alienation of the common man from elite status creates the great divide between the sports fan and the athletes we cheer for. In reality, we're just a pawn in the grand scheme of why professional sports exist in the first place. Professional sports leagues will give us the occasional sacrificial lamb to appease public outrage in order to keep the dollars flowing. Plain and simple. Our obsession to witness celebrity athletes have some sort of remorse and contrition is beyond comical. It's actually sick. Some would rather see Vick work in construction than continue his football career which gives credence to this argument.
Football season is upon us which is always our saving grace. The field of struggle is what buys the NFL time from the insanity of managing public persona in the off season. It's the reason why they have to nail the selection of the artist that performs during the halftime show opening weekend. We as American sports fans must separate ourselves from the expectation of sports stars bearing the total responsibility for the pedestal we put them on. In other words, most of us need to get a life. September 10th where are you?
The underlining theme that caught my attention in both their public statements was that playing in the NFL was a privilege and not a right. That statement in itself is an oxymoron considering some key words that I rediscovered. The Declaration of Independence has a powerful statement in it that I believe is the antithesis of the public sentiment among most media experts and American football fans.
Does the idea of people being endowed by the creator with unalienable rights to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness fall on deaf ears in 21st century America? Or is it more convenient to be inconsistent with deciding who should be the rightful heirs to this sacred promise? The latter is really the pulse of the public fascination with celebrity and privilege. How is it that a guy can kill a human being and get a thirty day sentence while a man kills animals gets only two years?
The answer is the hypocrisy of celebrity and the appearance of justice for all. Justice in America no doubt can be bought. Average citizens would in most cases spend much more time in jail than Stallworth for the same crime that he committed. In a cruel sense of irony, some average citizens that have been convicted of dog fighting like Vick has gotten less time. Honestly, trying to equate our everyday lives with NFL players by questioning their right to be employed by the NFL is not only absurd but its largely dehumanizing. Further evidence to this is how Vick has now become more of a symbol in the cause of animal rights rather than a human being, desperate to reestablish his sense of his humanity while navigating through the mine field of American society.
Everyday people have the same sense of entitlement that they accuse sports stars of having. After all, it is the fan base of major sports that creates the atmosphere for this monster of privilege in the first place. Let's be honest, most sports fans covet the money professional athletes earn. It explains why some people want to see NFL players pay an even steeper price than what they would want to pay themselves if they were in the same position. It also explains why we are fascinated with seeing the "fall from grace" and a subsequent "comeback story".
This sense of entitlement is on display in everyday American life both in civic and public life. How many discrimination lawsuits are on the books from various groups? Why is affirmative action a federal law in this country? Why do some people feel the election of Barack Obama hails the total destruction of "their country"? How is that any different than an NFL player's right to play pro football considering he has met all of the qualifications? Isn't pro sports a little bit more pure in regards to people getting a fair opportunity based on their own merit? Does America resemble sport in that regard? The answer is a resounding NO..
Criminal behavior on any level should not be excused but when a disgraced citizen serves their time then they are automatically restored back into the rat race of pursuing life, liberty and happiness. So the falsehood of playing professional sports isn't a right is but a privilege is complete hogwash. Privilege and the right to pursue a human endeavor are interchangeable. Money, justice, prestige, privilege and celebrity is something that the common sports fan will never understand. We are more likely to have dinner with a martian than gain acceptance into the country club of sports celebrity.
The alienation of the common man from elite status creates the great divide between the sports fan and the athletes we cheer for. In reality, we're just a pawn in the grand scheme of why professional sports exist in the first place. Professional sports leagues will give us the occasional sacrificial lamb to appease public outrage in order to keep the dollars flowing. Plain and simple. Our obsession to witness celebrity athletes have some sort of remorse and contrition is beyond comical. It's actually sick. Some would rather see Vick work in construction than continue his football career which gives credence to this argument.
Football season is upon us which is always our saving grace. The field of struggle is what buys the NFL time from the insanity of managing public persona in the off season. It's the reason why they have to nail the selection of the artist that performs during the halftime show opening weekend. We as American sports fans must separate ourselves from the expectation of sports stars bearing the total responsibility for the pedestal we put them on. In other words, most of us need to get a life. September 10th where are you?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Why Louisville didn't Fire Rick Pitino.
Rick Pitino falls in a long line of public figures from all walks of life that fall prey to beautiful women. My problem isn't with the juicy details of the romp in the restaurant. What's so funny is how the public is buying into that he only "slept" with her on one occasion. Sure it may seem wrong to speculate but its highly unlikely that a one time chance encounter has caused the amount of stress in the life of Rick Pitino.
The handwriting was on the wall. Athletic director Tom Jurich, stated that Pitino had been truthful" about the affair. Louisville President, Dr James Ramsey followed up with a statement expressing shock of the recent details surrounding his legendary coach's extortion case. So what we have is a three ring circus that mounts a strong legal team against the wolves of public opinion. Pitino would have us believe that he would drop 3,000 dollars for health insurance for someone he hardly knows. I guess he's in favor for universal health care.
Slick Rick would also have us to believe he's the real victim in this case because he hasn't been brought up on any charges. Sorry but I was born at night and not last night. The press conferences of the A.D. and Dr. Ramsey resembled a classic case of misdirection. It's the academic version of the stop snitching campaign. I'm going to be consistent. I do believe Rick should be fired for his personal indiscretions. It's not like he's Jim Harrick or Todd Bozeman. (As far as we know) However we should make fun of him for not using that million dollar contract to buy some condoms.
Plus he needs to start listening to hip hop to learn how to lie a little better. Its absurd that he would have the public believe that he had just laid eyes on her the first time that night.
What I find ironic is that sexual assault cases involving high profile public figures take on a different angle in the court of public opinion. Some people like their heroes "perfect" and unblemished. While others empathize with scandalous behavior considering they don't TMZ cameras trying to capture a Mike Price moment. Steve McNair's untimely death reminded us just how fragile hero worship really is. WE only know our sport heroes for what they do on the field battle.
The harsh reality is that some national sports columnist felt compelled to discredit McNair's charity work due to his infidelity. Strangely enough these same columnist didn't have the same indignation for a man who clearly has the same issues while he yet lives. The University of Louisville aren't that embarrassed considering Pitino had just led them to another 30 win season. Louisville enjoyed a season where they dominated the Big East, made a deep run in the NCAA tournament and had two players get drafted in the first round in the NBA draft.
WE don't fire those type of guys in America. The more wins and autographed copies of their books they give us the more likely we are to turn a blind eye when they behave badly. We actually demand players transfer if they get caught humping in the student center. Of course he's not the starting tailback either. What do we do about a successful coach that could probably make a gubernatorial run after his coaching days? Let him pass. George O'Leary can lie on his resume and get another job but a player can get kicked out of BYU just for going a little to far with a coed. Ah the sweet taste of hypocrisy. Guys like Gary Barnett and Rick Neuheisel can lose their jobs at the college level not for scandal but for not winning enough games to keep that postseason revenue coming in.
Larry Eustachy feels me if you don't. Tic Price, former Memphis Coach may want to chime in too. Winning cures adulterous casual sex like penicillin does for most STD's. (Just so you know I wouldn't know anything about that)
Pitino knew that coming forward in early July would help to cement some of his reputation. Consider it damage control at this stage because now his public persona is at stake. The civil case was brilliant considering that his would be baby mama didn't put a gun to his head to extort him. Maybe a boob and some fish nets but never a 357 magnum. That would've been to messy. We may never know how she got him to keep quiet about her alleged extortion for a period of six years. However it's not so hard to believe that he devised an escape plan better than most dishonest CEO's.
Coaches plot their escape for greener pastures all of the time. Memphis can definitely attest to that. Calipari sold them down the river by convincing R.C. Buford that the firestorm of academic fraud would blow over after the season. 3 months later he's holding a press conference reminiscent of Jimmy Swaggart's confession of loving Jesus more than the ladies of the evening. Jurich and Dr. Ramsey now have something to hold over Pitino's head. Can you imagine the guilt trip they'll lay on him if any other school comes knocking? They will play the tape of their three stooges impression that diverted the public firestorm from the University and most noteably him. As long as he continues to be competitive in the Big East, contends for a national championship and slaps Calipari around every year on the court and in recruiting, he can bang girls in the locker room like Magic used to do.
Winning is the core reason why public sports figures are allowed to get away with things that average citizens never will get away with. That's the real reason why the Louisville administration is standing behind Pitino. Nothing more and nothing less.
The handwriting was on the wall. Athletic director Tom Jurich, stated that Pitino had been truthful" about the affair. Louisville President, Dr James Ramsey followed up with a statement expressing shock of the recent details surrounding his legendary coach's extortion case. So what we have is a three ring circus that mounts a strong legal team against the wolves of public opinion. Pitino would have us believe that he would drop 3,000 dollars for health insurance for someone he hardly knows. I guess he's in favor for universal health care.
Slick Rick would also have us to believe he's the real victim in this case because he hasn't been brought up on any charges. Sorry but I was born at night and not last night. The press conferences of the A.D. and Dr. Ramsey resembled a classic case of misdirection. It's the academic version of the stop snitching campaign. I'm going to be consistent. I do believe Rick should be fired for his personal indiscretions. It's not like he's Jim Harrick or Todd Bozeman. (As far as we know) However we should make fun of him for not using that million dollar contract to buy some condoms.
Plus he needs to start listening to hip hop to learn how to lie a little better. Its absurd that he would have the public believe that he had just laid eyes on her the first time that night.
What I find ironic is that sexual assault cases involving high profile public figures take on a different angle in the court of public opinion. Some people like their heroes "perfect" and unblemished. While others empathize with scandalous behavior considering they don't TMZ cameras trying to capture a Mike Price moment. Steve McNair's untimely death reminded us just how fragile hero worship really is. WE only know our sport heroes for what they do on the field battle.
The harsh reality is that some national sports columnist felt compelled to discredit McNair's charity work due to his infidelity. Strangely enough these same columnist didn't have the same indignation for a man who clearly has the same issues while he yet lives. The University of Louisville aren't that embarrassed considering Pitino had just led them to another 30 win season. Louisville enjoyed a season where they dominated the Big East, made a deep run in the NCAA tournament and had two players get drafted in the first round in the NBA draft.
WE don't fire those type of guys in America. The more wins and autographed copies of their books they give us the more likely we are to turn a blind eye when they behave badly. We actually demand players transfer if they get caught humping in the student center. Of course he's not the starting tailback either. What do we do about a successful coach that could probably make a gubernatorial run after his coaching days? Let him pass. George O'Leary can lie on his resume and get another job but a player can get kicked out of BYU just for going a little to far with a coed. Ah the sweet taste of hypocrisy. Guys like Gary Barnett and Rick Neuheisel can lose their jobs at the college level not for scandal but for not winning enough games to keep that postseason revenue coming in.
Larry Eustachy feels me if you don't. Tic Price, former Memphis Coach may want to chime in too. Winning cures adulterous casual sex like penicillin does for most STD's. (Just so you know I wouldn't know anything about that)
Pitino knew that coming forward in early July would help to cement some of his reputation. Consider it damage control at this stage because now his public persona is at stake. The civil case was brilliant considering that his would be baby mama didn't put a gun to his head to extort him. Maybe a boob and some fish nets but never a 357 magnum. That would've been to messy. We may never know how she got him to keep quiet about her alleged extortion for a period of six years. However it's not so hard to believe that he devised an escape plan better than most dishonest CEO's.
Coaches plot their escape for greener pastures all of the time. Memphis can definitely attest to that. Calipari sold them down the river by convincing R.C. Buford that the firestorm of academic fraud would blow over after the season. 3 months later he's holding a press conference reminiscent of Jimmy Swaggart's confession of loving Jesus more than the ladies of the evening. Jurich and Dr. Ramsey now have something to hold over Pitino's head. Can you imagine the guilt trip they'll lay on him if any other school comes knocking? They will play the tape of their three stooges impression that diverted the public firestorm from the University and most noteably him. As long as he continues to be competitive in the Big East, contends for a national championship and slaps Calipari around every year on the court and in recruiting, he can bang girls in the locker room like Magic used to do.
Winning is the core reason why public sports figures are allowed to get away with things that average citizens never will get away with. That's the real reason why the Louisville administration is standing behind Pitino. Nothing more and nothing less.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The truth about the bias of the sports fan and the return of Michael Vick
I've racked my brain trying to figure out the connection that some dog lovers have with seeing Michael Vick suffer. Some hardcore realities have set in considering the times that we know live in. First, lets establish that Vick made his own bed. Lets also remember that the guy virtually threw away 130 million dollars. He's lost all of his endorsement and will make peanuts in comparison to what his original contract was.
He lied to his employers about the pending charges, spurning an opportunity to tell the truth when asked. But now that he's out of prison what does that have to do with him picking up the pieces to his life? As a resident of the south, I've always heard that this region was the "bible belt".
Some belt. It's not made out of the genuine leather that most belts have in scripted on the inside. (Let that marinate a little) One of the key lessons that seems to be a recurring theme in the bible, is the notion of "redemption" and "forgiveness". We rarely apply that to public figures because we "worship" them so. Guys like Ray Lewis went through fraternity hazing just to repair his image. He benefited from playing in the league when Paul Tagliabue was the commissioner. But to "Ray Ray's" credit he took responsibility for his actions, virtually making most people forget that horrible incident during Superbowl 34. The dynamic of the position plays a huge role in comparison to Lewis being a linebacker and Vick playing Quarterback. But should that really make much of a difference? NO
Here's the three biggest reason why sports fans are biased in their support for players getting second chances.
1. People support who they Identify with. Michael Vick never really appealed to the "average" sports fan.
On April 21st 2001, Michael Vick got drafted number one overall, ushering in a fear that most people will never admit. Some of Atlanta's fan base was uncomfortable day one with the "image" of Michael Vick. At the time he sported "corn rows", baggy clothes, and an entourage that would make HBO blush. That's why many people in Atlanta loved him. Let's face it that's why some people hated him at hello too. Of course he became a star but to the chagrin of most who wanted to see him fail. Sure we appreciated some of his dazzling exploits on the field but deep down inside we all had an idea that it was only a matter of time before the chickens would home to roost. Maybe you're wondering about this fear that I mentioned.
Mike Vick was hailed as one of the quarterbacks that would finally make the "hybrid" quarterback the norm of the NFL. Most people will never admit it but virtually all of the skill positions on both sides of the ball are dominated by blacks. The quarterback position has been the unspoken holy grail since the leagues inception. Honestly that applies for all levels of the game throughout its history. Sure that sounds like complete hogwash to some but to others that know the under belly of hate in America very well, WE know its true.
2. Feel good comeback stories are only for guys who pass the smell test of "image".
Who can forget the alcoholism of Brett Farve and Kerry Collins?(Actually most people have) Brett Farve is a God to some in the south because he's a good ole country boy. He wears tight wranglers, farms, chews tobacco and loves country music. He's a tough guy that fits the mold of the macho man (not randy savage) who has "survived" life's biggest challenges. The people who "identify" with Farve the most, rarely speak about his past addiction to pain killers and his intense love for booze. Some Farve fans are Rush Limbaugh fans also. They to closely "identify" with Limbaugh. They still faithfully listen to good ole Rush. They didn't bat an eye or turn their radio station when the news came out about his drug abuse. In fact the guy is more popular than ever. See the connection? Sure you do but you'll ignore because you're biased.
Kerry Collins found redemption after being a horrible teammate. He once called one of his teammates a "nigger" and even showed up drunk in a fur coat to the airport before a road game. Kerry's career eventually recovered. He led the 2000 Giants to the Superbowl. After stints with the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints, Collins rebounded yet again, leading the 2008 Tennessee Titans to the playoffs. Not bad for a guy who's had such dark days in his career. A change a scenery and being in a place where people "identify" with you helps out a lot.
Collins is Brett Farve 2.0 in Nashville. I know what you're thinking. Steve McNair was a country boy and we loved him too. Charlie Pride is country singer but most country fans love Hank Williams Jr. more. Just like I love MC Hammer more than Vanilla Ice. For the record, McNair would've never worn tight wrangler Jeans and a cowboy hat. Tight Jeans and hip hop culture don't mix remember. Vick may have a better chance in an NFL city that is desperate for something good to happen and "identifies" with him too. Those cities are San Fransisco, Washington, D.C. Seattle, and Houston.
3. If Michael Vick didn't personally kill or fight our dogs then why are we really that upset? Could it be we're just like him?
Think about it. Most people who are in support of additional suspension time are claiming to be righteous people who believe in "following the rules". In the real world convicted felons don't have to show contrition to an employer. It's an uphill battle for convicts to prove to employers that they've changed but at least they don't have to sit down with the CEO and show "contrition". Contrition should be shown by action and not press conferences. Regular joe blow ex convicts don't get press conferences or baby kissing moments. Sure rich athletes get way with murder(literally) but in Vick's case it was dogs, Not people.
We're no better than his crimes if we take personal satisfaction at seeing him suffer further humiliation and punishment. Sure you don't have children and your pets are your loved ones. I get it but that's a little weird in my book. Criminal behavior in the NFL isn't good P.R. but it is overblown. Out of 1700 NFL players, less than 2% of them get in any real legal trouble. So is it fair to judge the league on 2% percent of the bad while casting aside the majority of the league? Sure let's be cynical for a moment. Some of them may not get caught but can we say the same thing about sports fans who live double lives that might be worthy of jail time. How many drunk people leave NFL stadiums all across the country drunker than Cootey Brown on most Sundays? (Never met Cootey he's Hootie's cousin)
My issue with the decision to suspend Vick is with Goodell's treatment of Spygate. There was enough evidence to suspend Bill Belichick but it didn't happen because the evidence was destroyed. That was straight from the Richard Nixon playbook. Spygate was a case of Goodell abusing executive privilege while protecting his reputation as a no nonsense business "professional" to the public.
Since most of us are sheep we will never make that connection due to our affinity for taking pleasure in seeing certain people "get what they deserve" while executives get a slap on the wrist. The Patriots organization embodied that slap on the wrist. Donte Stallworth, Mike Vick, Matt Jones, Chris Henry, and Tank Johnson were dealt with accordingly but the Patriots got off. That's a microcosm of the morons that defend certain side effects of bad free market capitalism. Is it football season yet?
He lied to his employers about the pending charges, spurning an opportunity to tell the truth when asked. But now that he's out of prison what does that have to do with him picking up the pieces to his life? As a resident of the south, I've always heard that this region was the "bible belt".
Some belt. It's not made out of the genuine leather that most belts have in scripted on the inside. (Let that marinate a little) One of the key lessons that seems to be a recurring theme in the bible, is the notion of "redemption" and "forgiveness". We rarely apply that to public figures because we "worship" them so. Guys like Ray Lewis went through fraternity hazing just to repair his image. He benefited from playing in the league when Paul Tagliabue was the commissioner. But to "Ray Ray's" credit he took responsibility for his actions, virtually making most people forget that horrible incident during Superbowl 34. The dynamic of the position plays a huge role in comparison to Lewis being a linebacker and Vick playing Quarterback. But should that really make much of a difference? NO
Here's the three biggest reason why sports fans are biased in their support for players getting second chances.
1. People support who they Identify with. Michael Vick never really appealed to the "average" sports fan.
On April 21st 2001, Michael Vick got drafted number one overall, ushering in a fear that most people will never admit. Some of Atlanta's fan base was uncomfortable day one with the "image" of Michael Vick. At the time he sported "corn rows", baggy clothes, and an entourage that would make HBO blush. That's why many people in Atlanta loved him. Let's face it that's why some people hated him at hello too. Of course he became a star but to the chagrin of most who wanted to see him fail. Sure we appreciated some of his dazzling exploits on the field but deep down inside we all had an idea that it was only a matter of time before the chickens would home to roost. Maybe you're wondering about this fear that I mentioned.
Mike Vick was hailed as one of the quarterbacks that would finally make the "hybrid" quarterback the norm of the NFL. Most people will never admit it but virtually all of the skill positions on both sides of the ball are dominated by blacks. The quarterback position has been the unspoken holy grail since the leagues inception. Honestly that applies for all levels of the game throughout its history. Sure that sounds like complete hogwash to some but to others that know the under belly of hate in America very well, WE know its true.
2. Feel good comeback stories are only for guys who pass the smell test of "image".
Who can forget the alcoholism of Brett Farve and Kerry Collins?(Actually most people have) Brett Farve is a God to some in the south because he's a good ole country boy. He wears tight wranglers, farms, chews tobacco and loves country music. He's a tough guy that fits the mold of the macho man (not randy savage) who has "survived" life's biggest challenges. The people who "identify" with Farve the most, rarely speak about his past addiction to pain killers and his intense love for booze. Some Farve fans are Rush Limbaugh fans also. They to closely "identify" with Limbaugh. They still faithfully listen to good ole Rush. They didn't bat an eye or turn their radio station when the news came out about his drug abuse. In fact the guy is more popular than ever. See the connection? Sure you do but you'll ignore because you're biased.
Kerry Collins found redemption after being a horrible teammate. He once called one of his teammates a "nigger" and even showed up drunk in a fur coat to the airport before a road game. Kerry's career eventually recovered. He led the 2000 Giants to the Superbowl. After stints with the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints, Collins rebounded yet again, leading the 2008 Tennessee Titans to the playoffs. Not bad for a guy who's had such dark days in his career. A change a scenery and being in a place where people "identify" with you helps out a lot.
Collins is Brett Farve 2.0 in Nashville. I know what you're thinking. Steve McNair was a country boy and we loved him too. Charlie Pride is country singer but most country fans love Hank Williams Jr. more. Just like I love MC Hammer more than Vanilla Ice. For the record, McNair would've never worn tight wrangler Jeans and a cowboy hat. Tight Jeans and hip hop culture don't mix remember. Vick may have a better chance in an NFL city that is desperate for something good to happen and "identifies" with him too. Those cities are San Fransisco, Washington, D.C. Seattle, and Houston.
3. If Michael Vick didn't personally kill or fight our dogs then why are we really that upset? Could it be we're just like him?
Think about it. Most people who are in support of additional suspension time are claiming to be righteous people who believe in "following the rules". In the real world convicted felons don't have to show contrition to an employer. It's an uphill battle for convicts to prove to employers that they've changed but at least they don't have to sit down with the CEO and show "contrition". Contrition should be shown by action and not press conferences. Regular joe blow ex convicts don't get press conferences or baby kissing moments. Sure rich athletes get way with murder(literally) but in Vick's case it was dogs, Not people.
We're no better than his crimes if we take personal satisfaction at seeing him suffer further humiliation and punishment. Sure you don't have children and your pets are your loved ones. I get it but that's a little weird in my book. Criminal behavior in the NFL isn't good P.R. but it is overblown. Out of 1700 NFL players, less than 2% of them get in any real legal trouble. So is it fair to judge the league on 2% percent of the bad while casting aside the majority of the league? Sure let's be cynical for a moment. Some of them may not get caught but can we say the same thing about sports fans who live double lives that might be worthy of jail time. How many drunk people leave NFL stadiums all across the country drunker than Cootey Brown on most Sundays? (Never met Cootey he's Hootie's cousin)
My issue with the decision to suspend Vick is with Goodell's treatment of Spygate. There was enough evidence to suspend Bill Belichick but it didn't happen because the evidence was destroyed. That was straight from the Richard Nixon playbook. Spygate was a case of Goodell abusing executive privilege while protecting his reputation as a no nonsense business "professional" to the public.
Since most of us are sheep we will never make that connection due to our affinity for taking pleasure in seeing certain people "get what they deserve" while executives get a slap on the wrist. The Patriots organization embodied that slap on the wrist. Donte Stallworth, Mike Vick, Matt Jones, Chris Henry, and Tank Johnson were dealt with accordingly but the Patriots got off. That's a microcosm of the morons that defend certain side effects of bad free market capitalism. Is it football season yet?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Top 5 reasons why Steve Mcnair's Career is Hall of Fame worthy.
Many people from all walks of life are shocked at the sudden passing of Steve McNair. An act of senseless violence as claimed the life of a man who represented the hopes and dreams of a lot people. The great American poet Langston Hughes once described how dreams could either fester like a sore or be defferred for future generations to inherit. For McNair, growing up in poverty in Mississipi embodies those words. Kind of like one of his custom made suits he used to wear at some of his press conferences.
McNair's rise to football greatness is akin to America's love and admiration for Joe Louis, Muhammed Ali, Bill Russell and Jim Brown. Secondly, Black America's admiration for trailblazing athletes past and present was about showing America that we belonged and deserved a chance to compete in every facet of American society. With every knockout, homerun, basket scored or touchdown caught, black people tried to match those accomplishments in everyday life by performing their jobs a little bit better. Now that I've establihed that picture in your mind consider these key factors in why I believe Steve McNair is Hall of fame Worthy.
It is what drove him to become one of the all time leaders in offense in college football history. It was the spark behind his many community service missions in Misssissipii and Tennessee. McNair could never be put in the category that Jim Brown attributed to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. His humbled beginnings in life reinforced the responsibility he took for those who were following in his footsteps.
2. His uncanny ability and desire to prove his doubters wrong.
To the untrained and uneducated eye, the plight of the "black quarterback" is an ignored and untold story. Most people in the 21st century believe that this story isn't relevant in modern times considering that so many young men are now getting an equal chance at playing quarterback at the professional and collegiate level. I anticipate certain forms of ignorance when dissecting this portion of Steve's story. Even I have forgotten the orgins of McNair's career. In particular the things that made him special. When it comes to those who have a near sighted view of the plight of Mcnair's desire to play Quarterback at the major college level, May I submit to you that many young black men were denied the opportunity to play quarterback.
Most of them were denied because most people opposed seeing black men in leadership positions. The quarterback position as long been a defacto extention of the head coach's authority. Given the oral and written history of America, some will still vehemently oppose the relevance of this part of Steve's extraordinary story. They will echo the code words of the men who made these decisions.(boosters and businessmen who really controlled programs) They will foolishly dismiss the cultural imbalance that America is still trying to reconcile.
They will say what's the big deal. He made it to the NFL right? Right but if we tell his story only through the lense of this perspective then the development of his abilities both on and off the field will be celebrated incorrectly. His determination not to switch positions did eventually land him a scholarship to Alcorn State. Most major BCS schools used a bait and switch during the recruiting process. They were told that they would get a chance to compete for a spot at quarterback only to show up on campus not even on the depth chart. The only schools that would strongly consider black men for the quarterback position were SWAC schools, a few 1-AA programs, option style programs and small junior colleges.
McNair was star in 3 sports and was one of the top secondary players in the state of Mississipi. In classic McNair fashion he went to the school that would give him an opportunity to continue to be the leader he knew he could be. His career at Alcorn State ended with him finishing third in the heisman voting, accounting for more than 16,ooo yards of total offense and having a better career in the NFL than the two men (Ki Jana Carter and Rashann Salaam) who finished ahead of him in the 1994 heisman trophy race.
Sure there has been examples of young men who got the chance to play quarterback at big time programs but they are few and far in between. J.C. Watts starred at Oklahoma, Randall Cunningham at UNLV, Tony Dungy at Minnesota, Warren Moon at the University of Washington, Tommie Frazier at the University of Nebraska, and Charlie Ward at Florida State. But Only two of those guys mentioned got the chance to compete at the NFL level in generation X's lifetime.
Those guys are Randall Cunningham and Warren Moon. Moon spent 6 years in Canada before finally getting a chance. Frazier never got the opportunity due to injuries and he also played in the the option offense which rarely featured his strong arm. J.C. Watts was pigeonholed also as an option Quarterback as well. Like Moon he ended up taking his game to the CFL. Dungy never recieved a shot though he ran a pro style offense at the University of Minnesota. Ironically its the same offense that he eventually hired Tom Moore to run in Indianapolis during his coaching career. Charlie Ward opted to play in the NBA but his abilities to play at the NFL level were clouded in the doubt and biased opinions of most pro scouts.
Steve Mcnair's career is a culmination of all of the many men that never got the equal shot to compete, succeed or even fail at the opportunity to play one of the most glamorized positions in football. Chris Carter once described the sting of being made to switch positions without getting the opportunity to develop or show what he could do. Carter eventually became an all pro reciever in the NFL but his words on the show Bob Costas Now were pretty revealing and shed light on the thousands of young men who may experienced the same thing.
Fran Tarkenton, Steve Young and McNair are the only quarterbacks in NFL history to pass for 30,000 yards and run for at least 3000 yards in their career. Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Lynn Swann and Gale Sayers are all hall of famers. Judging strictly by their numbers, Bradshaw's completion percentage, passing yards and interceptions are pretty atrocious in comparison to the high expectations of quarterbacks. Aikman's completion percentage is really great but he is in the company of McNair when it comes to passing yards (He has just over 30,000 as well.)
Staubach only passed for 22,700 yards. Steve Young played with some great 49ers teams that featured the greatest reciever to ever have caught a football in Jerry Rice. Swann and Bradshaw had the Steel Curtain to back them up. Gayle Sayers gained less than 5,000 yards as a running back and he's in Canton. Lynn Swann is hall of famer but never once broke 1,000 yards recieving in a season. Swann also has only 54 career touchdown receptions. Did anybody notice how long it took Art Monk to get inducted into the pro football hall of fame? I don't mean to pull a Andre Rison but shouldn't the hall of fame change its name to the hall of subjection and statistical bias?
4. The Hall of Fame is about reputation, public persona, and playing with other great players
Partially the reason that the Hall of Fame statistical bottom feeders are in because of who they played with and some special talent that they had that made their careers standout. Swann had that unbelieveable catch in the superbowl. Bradshaw had that overhyped game in the 1980 superbowl. Sayers was the Devin Hester of the 60's. Aikman and Staubach were the quarterbacks of America's team and both led their teams to superbowls. McNair led his team to division crowns, 2 AFC championship appearances, a superbowl and he was Co-MVP. He performed in the clutch and most importantly he played hurt. Not only did he play hurt but he performed under pressure inspite of the injury. His reputation for playing hurt is his trump card for the hall of fame.
Very few quarterbacks had the guts to play the game the way that he played it. He played with Eddie George and Frank Wychek but will anybody remember Kevin Dyson outside of his catch that was one yard short in superbowl 34?(The titans should've taken Randy Moss) Will anyboby besides Titans fans remember Chris Sanders, Justin McCareins, Derrick Mason and Drew Bennett? The offense that McNair played in hardly featured all of his skills. Plus he handed the ball off to Eddie George 300 plus times at least 5 times during his most productive years. If Dan Marino played in this offense he would've slit his wrist.(Marino never played with a 1,000 yard rusher)
McNair's rise to football greatness is akin to America's love and admiration for Joe Louis, Muhammed Ali, Bill Russell and Jim Brown. Secondly, Black America's admiration for trailblazing athletes past and present was about showing America that we belonged and deserved a chance to compete in every facet of American society. With every knockout, homerun, basket scored or touchdown caught, black people tried to match those accomplishments in everyday life by performing their jobs a little bit better. Now that I've establihed that picture in your mind consider these key factors in why I believe Steve McNair is Hall of fame Worthy.
1. Steve survived the hopelessness of poverty that very few working class Americans rarely escape. Viewing this sentiment threw the eyes of the social order of Generation X, McNair actually made good in a world that expected far less of him.
The children born in the decade of the seventies inherited a very different America. History will look back on generation X as the post civil rights era of sports, education, cultural and socioeconomic opportunity and progress. One could expect to hear the many success stories from all walks of life. For all of the crazy and alarming statistics that defined the youth of generation X, Steve McNair survived the rat race of the late eighties and early ninties that saw many young black males make some bad choices. Steve McNair made good on those words of Langston Hughes.
It is what drove him to become one of the all time leaders in offense in college football history. It was the spark behind his many community service missions in Misssissipii and Tennessee. McNair could never be put in the category that Jim Brown attributed to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. His humbled beginnings in life reinforced the responsibility he took for those who were following in his footsteps.
2. His uncanny ability and desire to prove his doubters wrong.
To the untrained and uneducated eye, the plight of the "black quarterback" is an ignored and untold story. Most people in the 21st century believe that this story isn't relevant in modern times considering that so many young men are now getting an equal chance at playing quarterback at the professional and collegiate level. I anticipate certain forms of ignorance when dissecting this portion of Steve's story. Even I have forgotten the orgins of McNair's career. In particular the things that made him special. When it comes to those who have a near sighted view of the plight of Mcnair's desire to play Quarterback at the major college level, May I submit to you that many young black men were denied the opportunity to play quarterback.
Most of them were denied because most people opposed seeing black men in leadership positions. The quarterback position as long been a defacto extention of the head coach's authority. Given the oral and written history of America, some will still vehemently oppose the relevance of this part of Steve's extraordinary story. They will echo the code words of the men who made these decisions.(boosters and businessmen who really controlled programs) They will foolishly dismiss the cultural imbalance that America is still trying to reconcile.
They will say what's the big deal. He made it to the NFL right? Right but if we tell his story only through the lense of this perspective then the development of his abilities both on and off the field will be celebrated incorrectly. His determination not to switch positions did eventually land him a scholarship to Alcorn State. Most major BCS schools used a bait and switch during the recruiting process. They were told that they would get a chance to compete for a spot at quarterback only to show up on campus not even on the depth chart. The only schools that would strongly consider black men for the quarterback position were SWAC schools, a few 1-AA programs, option style programs and small junior colleges.
McNair was star in 3 sports and was one of the top secondary players in the state of Mississipi. In classic McNair fashion he went to the school that would give him an opportunity to continue to be the leader he knew he could be. His career at Alcorn State ended with him finishing third in the heisman voting, accounting for more than 16,ooo yards of total offense and having a better career in the NFL than the two men (Ki Jana Carter and Rashann Salaam) who finished ahead of him in the 1994 heisman trophy race.
Sure there has been examples of young men who got the chance to play quarterback at big time programs but they are few and far in between. J.C. Watts starred at Oklahoma, Randall Cunningham at UNLV, Tony Dungy at Minnesota, Warren Moon at the University of Washington, Tommie Frazier at the University of Nebraska, and Charlie Ward at Florida State. But Only two of those guys mentioned got the chance to compete at the NFL level in generation X's lifetime.
Those guys are Randall Cunningham and Warren Moon. Moon spent 6 years in Canada before finally getting a chance. Frazier never got the opportunity due to injuries and he also played in the the option offense which rarely featured his strong arm. J.C. Watts was pigeonholed also as an option Quarterback as well. Like Moon he ended up taking his game to the CFL. Dungy never recieved a shot though he ran a pro style offense at the University of Minnesota. Ironically its the same offense that he eventually hired Tom Moore to run in Indianapolis during his coaching career. Charlie Ward opted to play in the NBA but his abilities to play at the NFL level were clouded in the doubt and biased opinions of most pro scouts.
Steve Mcnair's career is a culmination of all of the many men that never got the equal shot to compete, succeed or even fail at the opportunity to play one of the most glamorized positions in football. Chris Carter once described the sting of being made to switch positions without getting the opportunity to develop or show what he could do. Carter eventually became an all pro reciever in the NFL but his words on the show Bob Costas Now were pretty revealing and shed light on the thousands of young men who may experienced the same thing.
3. Mcnair's career NFL numbers may not jump off the page but his game was bigger than statistical records.
Fran Tarkenton, Steve Young and McNair are the only quarterbacks in NFL history to pass for 30,000 yards and run for at least 3000 yards in their career. Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Lynn Swann and Gale Sayers are all hall of famers. Judging strictly by their numbers, Bradshaw's completion percentage, passing yards and interceptions are pretty atrocious in comparison to the high expectations of quarterbacks. Aikman's completion percentage is really great but he is in the company of McNair when it comes to passing yards (He has just over 30,000 as well.)
Staubach only passed for 22,700 yards. Steve Young played with some great 49ers teams that featured the greatest reciever to ever have caught a football in Jerry Rice. Swann and Bradshaw had the Steel Curtain to back them up. Gayle Sayers gained less than 5,000 yards as a running back and he's in Canton. Lynn Swann is hall of famer but never once broke 1,000 yards recieving in a season. Swann also has only 54 career touchdown receptions. Did anybody notice how long it took Art Monk to get inducted into the pro football hall of fame? I don't mean to pull a Andre Rison but shouldn't the hall of fame change its name to the hall of subjection and statistical bias?
4. The Hall of Fame is about reputation, public persona, and playing with other great players
Partially the reason that the Hall of Fame statistical bottom feeders are in because of who they played with and some special talent that they had that made their careers standout. Swann had that unbelieveable catch in the superbowl. Bradshaw had that overhyped game in the 1980 superbowl. Sayers was the Devin Hester of the 60's. Aikman and Staubach were the quarterbacks of America's team and both led their teams to superbowls. McNair led his team to division crowns, 2 AFC championship appearances, a superbowl and he was Co-MVP. He performed in the clutch and most importantly he played hurt. Not only did he play hurt but he performed under pressure inspite of the injury. His reputation for playing hurt is his trump card for the hall of fame.
Very few quarterbacks had the guts to play the game the way that he played it. He played with Eddie George and Frank Wychek but will anybody remember Kevin Dyson outside of his catch that was one yard short in superbowl 34?(The titans should've taken Randy Moss) Will anyboby besides Titans fans remember Chris Sanders, Justin McCareins, Derrick Mason and Drew Bennett? The offense that McNair played in hardly featured all of his skills. Plus he handed the ball off to Eddie George 300 plus times at least 5 times during his most productive years. If Dan Marino played in this offense he would've slit his wrist.(Marino never played with a 1,000 yard rusher)
5. Mcnair's career success impacted the perceptions of Pro Scouts that believed that quarterbacks from major conferences were better prepared to play in the NFL.
Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwitch, Tavarius Jackson, Tony Romo, Vince Young, Donovan McNabb, Josh Freeman, Alex Smith, Michael Vick, Jemarcus Russell and Jason Campbell all owe a tip of the hat to McNair's career. In particular the quarterbacks who were just considered "athletes" were especially impacted. (Cue up Tim Tebow) Steve bore the brunt of the early criticisms of dual threat quarterbacks in the modern era. When McNair was drafted third overall in 1995, Noone from the SWAC had ever been drafted that high and certainly not at quarterback. Doug Williams was a late first round pick of the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers but he was considered to be the protypical signal caller.
McNair's early progress opened the door for Donovan Mcnabb to be taken second overall in 1999. Michael Vick was taken number one overall in 2001. Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwitch were first round picks out of Marshall. Steve McNair quieted the critics about his percieved intelligence and aptitude for the game by showing he could throw the ball down the field when he had to. He showed that black men could be the face of an NFL franchise, something that some quietly resented and doubted.
Even when questions from the local and national media got tough, he never backed down from the challenge. He never went to the coaching staff and demanded that the offense feature his arm more. He respected Jeff Fisher's philosophy. HE exceeded the expectations in the realm of what he was asked to do. A player is subject to the system and players that he shares the field of battle with. In the words of the sports illustrated article printed in the fall of 1994, Get that man a seat in the Hall. Steve is a legend in my eyes. His leadership in the Nashville community will be missed. May he rest in peace.
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