Hey there Mets fans… felling sad and blue during this western road trip?
Last night our Mets lost 3-2 in Phoenix to the Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing this road trip record to 1-5 so far since the All-Star break. R.A. Dickey was the hard luck loser despite giving up only three earned runs over seven innings. To say “only three earned runs” is actually a step up from Monday night’s 13-2 debacle started by Mike Pelfrey.
A few things to consider before reaching for hemlock, pitchforks or the panic button…
1. The Mets haven’t necessarily been a good road team all season so far, so why should we be shocked at the way this western swing’s going so far?
2. The Mets were starting to slump during their last home stand against Cincinnati and Atlanta. The Mets have been a roller coaster all season long, so maybe they were due for this skid.
3. The Mets are maddenly inconsistent. When the pitching is good the bats go cold. When the bats heat up the pitching implodes.
4. The bullpen is an adventure every time Jerry Manuel goes to it. The ninth inning challenges everyone’s patience and sanity.
5. Players seem to be taking turns being nicked or slumping. Johan Santana finally finds his groove and Mike Pelfrey’s lost his. Jose Reyes pulls an oblique muscle as Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo get ready to return from the DL. Everyone takes turns having a cold bat.
6. San Francisco was highly underestimated. While the Giants are 11-20 against the NL West, they’re 41-22 against everyone else.
7. In a few days the Mets will wrap up this road trip in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers are 0-6 so far since the All-Star break and just put Manny Ramirez on the DL again.
8. We’re still over .500.
9. You still have your health?
Okay, so things look a tad bleak. Steve Popper of the Bergen Record is calling for Jerry Manuel’s firing. ESPN’s Linda Cohn is calling for hitting coach Howard Johnson’s firing. WFAN’s Joe Benigno’s been bracing himself for the apocalypse since Mother’s Day… or was it Easter? Spring training?
Allow me to toss a little cold water on everyone and give us all the sobering slap we all need… we’re still talking about a team that by all rights was only supposed to be .500 this season, and we’re seeing exactly what most of us predicted in March. We’ve watched our Mets stumble out of the gate, then get hot, then trip all over themselves again, then go on a tear, then play like their shoelaces are tied together. Up goes the roller coaster… down goes the roller coaster… up goes the roller coaster… down goes the roller coaster…
Oops, sorry… I’ll wait for you to stop feeling nauseous…
Let’s talk about pitching for a moment, since red flags have gone up big-time lately with Mike Pelfrey and Hisanori Takahashi on the mound. It’s no secret that Takahashi’s stuff is, well, no longer a secret with NL hitters. While Takahashi’s been effective with his off-speed stuff during the first 3-4 innings, his stuff goes bad really fast once hitters get a second look at it. He needs to go back in the bullpen where he can be most effective. It’s no secret the Mets need another starter to stabilize the rotation. We’ve been discussing this for weeks, long before Takahashi started becoming a piñata for hitters and Pelfrey hit the wall.
Guess what? The Mets aren’t alone in needing one more starter. Add the Red Sox, Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Reds, Rockies, Dodgers, Phillies, and now the Yankees to the list. Now that Cliff Lee is in Texas and the Astros are likely asking too much for Roy Oswalt, we have to face reality that whoever GM Omar Minaya gets in a trade is going to be a second-tier starter at best, but hopefully someone who can eat up innings with each start, save the bullpen from complete burn-out, and keep the Mets from completely falling out of the NL East and wild card races. But keep in mind that this will be the same story for almost everyone else still hoping for October baseball.
Now Pelfrey is pitching like it’s 2009 and needs to figure out fast how to turn the calendar back to April, May and June 2010 and regain his form. The Mets can get by with a second-tier starter to replace Takahashi if Santana, Pelfrey, Dickey and Jonathon Niese keep giving us quality starts. But if Pelfrey continues to implode before the sixth inning every start this will be a back-breaker. For the Mets to have a chance, the starting rotation realistically needs to eat up 30-35 innings for each five-man turn. Why? The bullpen is tired and has been overworked since April. K-Rod has been a head case since Castillo dropped A-Rod’s ninth-inning pop-up LAST SEASON at Yankee Stadium. The eighth and ninth innings are no longer a sure thing, especially on the road where the Mets have lost ten walk-off games. Do I believe Ollie Perez could theoretically give the Mets a few quality starts before the season winds down? Yes, I do, but if the Mets are banking on Dr. Jekyll without Mr. Hyde as the fifth man of the rotation in order to defer a trade, we’re in big trouble. Ollie in the bullpen or a spot start still won’t be enough to cover up the need for additional pitching, and Jenry Mejia simply isn’t ready yet to come back to New York and take over a rotation spot for the rest of the season.
What about the hitting? For the first time all season, the Mets seem to have all parts in place to provide the kind of everyday lineup we looked forward to in March. Unfortunately Beltran isn’t yet in full form. Yes, he’s hitting, but he’s yet to become the force we expect from a cleanup hitter. With Beltran’s return, Angel Pagan now seems lost trying to claim his spot in the order after he’s more than demonstrated his bat belongs on an everyday basis. Reyes wasn’t out for long with his achy side, but every time he’s out of the lineup for an extended period of time his timing goes off. Jason Bay contributes but not to the level expected for his free agent contract. Ike Davis has power, but he’s still a rookie and it’s asking way too much for him to carry the team. Jeff Francoeur and Rod Barajas generate lots of breeze but little contact these days with their swings. Castillo also needs time to get into form since he returned from the DL.
Too many changing parts in the lineup have thrown off the timing of bats, and now the Mets need to jell all over again. Does this mean Howard Johnson needs a pink slip? No, but Hojo needs to work fast with his players to get everyone back in synch. When a divisional race hangs in the balance, Jerry Manuel needs to stick with the best batting order he can put on a lineup card and keep riding that lineup until it can’t go anymore. If Francoeur and Barajas can’t produce at the plate anymore, players who can produce need to take their places, even if there’s a small drop-off defensively. The Mets never seem to make up their minds as to whether they can be a team of speed or team of power. If Manuel honestly thinks the lineup can boast speed and power, then he needs to write a lineup card that best reflects this and let it play day after day and develop its groove.
If players are not in their best defensive positions, then Manuel needs to address this definitively as well. It’s clear from the first six games that Beltran really isn’t ready to play everyday as the centerfielder. While Beltran is clearly the Mets’ best outfielder and hitter when 100% healthy, the fact is he’s not 100% healthy yet and he’s the second-best centerfielder behind Pagan. Ego and contract status aside, Manuel needs to move Beltran to right or left field to platoon with Bay and Francoeur and make Pagan the everyday centerfielder for the remainder of the season. If Castillo’s heel isn’t healed enough for him to play second base everyday, then Manuel needs to use him as a bench player and let Reuben Tejada stay in the everyday lineup, even if he is all-glove and no-bat. Manuel needs to look at his lineup for the next ten weeks in terms of risk-reward. Which lineup will give him the least risk and greatest chance for reward? That’s how the lineup needs to be written for the foreseeable future, even if it means well-paid veterans are riding the bench as situational hitters.
But all roster spots and lineup positions aside, the biggest thing we all need to keep in mind is that the Mets are a very streaky and inconsistent team, it plays much better at home than on the road, and they’ve yet to maintain themselves beyond ten games over .500 each time they reach that level. What we see is what we get, and what we see is exactly what the Mets are in their present composition. This is not the 70-92 team we saw last year, and this is not the 90-72 team they were on pace to be at the season’s midpoint. They’re somewhere in-between, which is probably an 80-84-win team.
Am I shocked the Mets have hid the skids at this point of July? Yes and no. I expected them to cool off, but not this bad. I’m also more surprised the Braves haven’t slumped yet at this point. Maybe the Braves will hit their slump in a few weeks when the Mets regain their spark. Maybe we should count our blessings Atlanta only leads by 6-1/2 games at this point, as opposed to double digits. As bad as the Mets have played since the All-Star break, they’ve only lost two games so far in the standings and the Phillies have drifted backwards with them.
Perhaps the most telling point was from WFAN’s Mike Francesa yesterday afternoon. During his show, Francesa said Manuel told him during an interview prior to starting this road trip, “it’s at a good time… it’s early enough [in July] for us to recover from it.” Francesa wondered if maybe Manuel foresaw this slump coming. Perhaps he did. Perhaps we all did. Maybe Manuel sees better than us how the Mets will turn the corner and get back into the race. For his sake he needs to be right. There are still five games to go on this road trip and folks are already calling for his return flight to be canceled.
The MLB season is a long one and we still have 68 more games to go. Plenty of time to right the ship and get back in synch. But if the Mets are hoping for a catalyst to help make these last 68 games count for something, the front office needs to make things happen in the next ten days before the July 31 trading deadline.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Stupid is as Stupid Says and Does -- Thoughts on Sports, Politics and Education for July 20, 2010
Ever wonder what the secret is to saying or doing something stupid? It really only takes three simple steps…
Step 1 – Disconnect mouth from brain.
Step 2 – Blurt out whatever the heck you want.
Step 3 – Insert foot firmly in mouth.
One of the things that fascinate me most about the worlds of education, politics and sports is that folks often have a propensity for saying the most off-the-wall things at any given moment. When all three worlds intersect… oh boy! I’m like a kid in a candy store getting a sugar overload…
In the story that simply won’t go away, the “defection” of LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat, we were blessed by the wisdom of Rev. Jesse Jackson equating Cavs owner Dan Gilbert’s outrage over LeBron’s move south with an escaped slave. As proud as I am for being one of Jackson’s supporters of his 1984 presidential campaign, this ranks among the dumbest things I’ve ever heard from a public figure not named Mel Gibson, and makes me cringe to no end.
We’ve all heard and read various commentaries on this topic, the best from Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star. LeBron James left the Cavs over a need to be in the one place where he, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade could all play together. Maybe he left because of money and power. Maybe he left because of frustration with Cavs management. Maybe he left for ego. Maybe he left for better weather and hotter parties. Maybe he left because he simply outgrew his hometown. Maybe he left because Bosh is a big baby who didn’t want to play near another Great Lake.
But he didn’t leave because of race. Dan Gilbert didn’t vent his spleen because of race. If LeBron James was white, the odds are high Dan Gilbert would’ve blown his gasket just the same. But because James is African-American, this invited Rev. Jackson to butt in with off-base commentary. What? Things were slow going challenging the Tea Party’s denials of racism?
Perhaps James thought his “Decision” was on par with President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, but there’s no comparison. If James bothered to read a history book he’d realize how silly his place in American history is becoming. Gilbert and Jackson should’ve known better as more-educated and more-mature adults, but I guess this only further explains how parents gets into shouting matches with their kids having temper tantrums… somehow stupidity becomes contagious and you simply get sucked in.
Speaking of the Tea Party, racism and slavery, I think it finally makes sense to me why Rep. Michele Bachman (R, MN) said President Obama’s turning us into a “nation of slaves”. She must’ve been talking about LeBron. Who knew she cared about the NBA as much as overthrowing the government?
While we’ve been absorbing and processing the passing of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, I’ve been intrigued by some of the “interesting” comments some folks have shared in the media. As much as I respect Al Neuharth (USA TODAY) and Mike Lupica (New York Daily News), I did a double take as both were on the same wavelength as blowhard Rush Limbaugh. All three made mention of what a break The Boss’ passing this year will be to his children in terms of estate tax laws. Ewww, yuck! Are we that obsessed with money in this country that this is one of the first thoughts we have when a person dies? Gee, Joan, Hank and Hal… sorry for your loss, but at least George’s timing for kicking the bucket worked out. Bet you guys will be smiling all the way to the bank on this one. Uh, huh… lucky break, rest George’s soul.
Doesn’t it seem a bit odd for folks to be thinking about tax implications when a loved one dies. In fact, if The Boss was that worried about potential IRS issues, why didn’t he completely transfer all assets to his sons back in 2007 when it was clear his health was slipping? To be honest with you, I’d think the Steinbrenners didn’t have their act together if they DIDN’T already take care of asset transfer a few years ago. I may have grown up poor and lived a modest life as an educator, but even I know about planning ahead with an elderly parent when it comes to asset ownership before your parent passes away.
Speaking of taxes, did you hear the story about rich people predicting the poor will suffer the brunt from New York State eliminating the millionaire’s tax deduction? Yes, yes… it’s true; it’s true. In an editorial to the New York Daily News, Susan Hager, the president and CEO of the United Way for New York State promises gloom and doom for New York’s poor if the state legislature in Albany reduces the tax break wealthy New York residents get for making over $10-million in charitable donations. Think about it… very rich people give lots of money to good causes which are supposed to help folks the rich people wouldn’t give the time of day to, but only if the state government gives them an extra tax break incentive. If the state doesn’t give the rich enough of a reward for being charitable, well, they’re simply going to pocket that money on principle.
And you thought rich people giving to charity was all altruistic, right?
Years ago, one of my relatives told me that one New York millionaire was more valuable to the America’s economic well being than twenty regular folks. Why? Because the millionaire puts far more money into the economy than a bunch of us do. Why do I think my relative’s logic is all backwards?
You know, Ms. Hager isn’t the only one who’s whined about the pitfalls of being rich and giving. We’ve heard New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg cry this same song more than a few times during this economic crisis. Somehow New York’s benefactor in chief –make that sugar daddy – thinks the threat of wealthy people taking their money elsewhere is cause enough for state and federal politicians to cater to the rich and powerful while everyone else is held hostage.
What I don’t understand is this: if wealthy people have to be legislatively bribed into giving charity, why would anyone be foolish to believe supply-side economics really works, or ever worked in this country since Ronald Reagan first advocated it? I mean, how is this theory any different from a pyramid scheme? You give wealthy people as much money as possible, and they only pass money along as long as a certain proportion comes back to them. If the kickback is reduced or eliminated, they hang onto their money, not pump it back into the rest of the nation’s economy. If this is “trickle-down” economics, it sure seems like the big boys are peeing on our legs and telling us it’s raining, don’t you think?
And yet so many people in this country keep wanting to elect politicians who advocate this system! Why? You can’t tell me that wealthy Americans exclusively populate all those red states on the American map. Think about it… wealthy people have better things to do with their afternoons than listen to Rush on the radio, and watch re-runs of the Jerry Springer Show, followed by Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and all the other shrunken minds on FOX News. What are all these lower-class angry white people getting out of a system that gives them the shaft every time the GOP suckers them into voting? Is it just the satisfaction that wealthier white people keep extra money away from poor non-whites? I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t get off on seeing someone else get screwed alongside of me, no matter who or what he or she is.
But I do get a small chuckle when rich CEOs feign suicidal theatrics when they lose some of their wealth as a consequence of reckless greed. Oh, too bad… poor baby… you lost a few million in the stock market? There, there… here’s one of your hundred-dollar bills to wipe away your tears. Would you like some cognac and truffles to soothe your pain?
Hell, when it’s you and me, and we lose a few thousand from our retirement nest eggs, we’re forced to reach for ice cream for emotional support, assuming one brand is on sale that week in the local grocery store.
Time for a simple science lesson, boys and girls… there are two fundamental properties of all elements on the periodic table -- electron affinity and electronegativity. The main point of both properties is this: the more electrons an atom has in its outer structural shell, the more electrons are desired, and the more likely those electrons will be acquired as opposed to given away. I often compare wealthy people and regular folks like you and me as a metaphor to atoms and electrons: the more money a wealthy person has, the more money that person wants and the greater the likelihood that person will acquire more wealth. How more likely? The odds favor the wealthy person much better than you or me, that’s for sure!
Supply-side economic theory works the same way: the more money wealthy people have, the more they want to hold onto it, so they can have more and get more. That money doesn’t come to us, and if it does it’s very begrudgingly. Give the wealthy a big tax break, that’s metaphorically extra electrons, and the more one has the more one wants and the more one gets, because more, more, more is the “American Way.” Tax breaks don’t necessarily encourage creating new jobs and hiring new employees; tax breaks encourage more opportunities for the wealthy to keep the wealth as local as possible. That’s how old money stays old money.
Why is this relevant to George Steinbrenner’s passing? For years people lambasted The Boss for spending as much money as possible on the Yankees and player payroll, escalating MLB economics to the point of being Monopoly on steroids. But as much as he resisted, The Boss did agree to revenue sharing by means of a luxury tax, meaning not only did he bankroll his own team, he subsidized all the small market teams for the best interests of MLB and foster competitive balance.
Was all the money George shared enough for these teams? We’ll really never know, because a good number of his fellow owners pocketed the money for themselves rather than invest into player salaries. Look at the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and a few other teams that have fielded substandard teams year after year after year. Go ahead an bitch all you want about how Steinbrenner threw MLB economics out of kilter, but re-read what I’ve written about fiscal breaks for the wealthy. Unless there’s extra incentive, the money stays in pocket, not re-invested, at least not for anyone other than the wealthy team owner. If you want to blame George Steinbrenner for ruining MLB, maybe you need a fundamental refresher course in ECON 101 to see where equal blame should be.
Whose legs are being peed on this time, the players? No, the players get paid plenty relative to their talent level and major-league experience. It’s US, the fans! We’re the ones with pee running down our legs season after season after season as certain owners continue to sell us a lousy product for ever-increasing ticket prices while making sure they can turn a personal profit. The Boss may have outspent everyone else and charged fans a premium for his product, but at least he tried his best to give fans their money’s worth.
And THAT’S how the economic minds of wealthy people operate. Lesson over. Class dismissed.
Musing about estate taxes aside, Limbaugh’s most crass and idiotic comment was when he said Steinbrenner made a lot of African-Americans rich and “Crackers” (I’m not talking something made by Nabisco) even richer. Do people really talk like this anymore, or is this Rush trying to stay hip with his redneck listening audience as unofficial leader of the GOP? Michael Steele? You’re kidding, right?
Well, if recently banished Tea Party member Mark Williams is any indication, sadly, there are still folks in this country who actually maintain a lot of ol’ Dixie lingo, such as including the word “colored” in their personal vocabulary, and not in the context of I colored between the lines with my crayons. Rest assured, Mr. Williams doesn’t reserve all his invective for African-Americans. He called Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer a “Jewish Uncle Tom who would have turned rat on Anne Frank,” because Stringer favors the building of a mosque near the World Trade Center site, and as we all know, an open-minded and ecumenical Jew is a self-hating anti-Semite.
Of course, while the NAACP is quick to condemn Williams’ rhetoric, I join Stanley Crouch (New York Daily News) among those wondering why this same organization moves at a snail’s pace to react similarly to equally hate-filled rhetoric by the Nation of Islam. Is it possible that all “victims” of hate do much better dishing it out than taking it? Who knew… it really MUST be better to give than receive.
Does Limbaugh take the cake on verbal idiocy? No… Even with Williams near the top of the list, a strong challenge comes from some nitwit “Voicer” who wrote in a letter to the New York Daily News that “Steinbrenner should say hello to Satan” now that he’s passed away. And let’s also acknowledge former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee who said during a radio interview it was “good” Steinbrenner died and that “if hell freezes over he’ll be skating”. Geez… I was never one of Steinbrenner’s biggest fans, but there’s a line you simply don’t cross when people die… I have an ex-wife, ex-in-laws, and former colleagues who denied me tenure as a professor, and even I can’t stoop that low, no matter how tempting it may be. There is an axiom that you don’t dance on your enemy’s grave, and if that doesn’t temper one’s thoughts, there’s always the wisdom mom gives us: if you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
Believe it or not, LeBron James moving to South Beach didn’t exclusively inspire verbal idiocy, nor did George Steinbrenner’s passing. Just this past weekend, FOX Sports’ baseball analyst Tim McCarver said the exclusion of former manager Joe Torre from all aspects of Yankee Stadium was reminiscent of Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany during World War II. Holy George Orwell! McCarver is quite the sharp one, noting how Torre’s now a non-person in the Bronx. Boy, you gotta wonder how many hours McCarver, one of my favorite baseball analysts, by the way, sat up and thought about this insight for television.
And if this was the icing on the cake, then the grand cherry topping has to go to Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade for warning reporters during an interview that the Heat could very well lose a game or two in a row this year and everyone needs to not make it seem like the falling of the World Trade Center all over again. Come again?!
And he made it WORSE the next day by saying he was misquoted or taken out of context! If you watched the interview on ESPN like I did, there’s no mistaken anything… Wade tried to make fans and media members aware that losing basketball games is nothing like another 9-11. DUH! As if none of us already knew this?! Trust me, I was traveling to Canada on September 11, 2001… I KNOW the difference between jumbo jets flying into two business towers and a cold stretch for an NBA basketball team. But lucky for us we have Dwayne Wade to point out the idiotically obvious and help us keep it all in perspective…
True story… WFAN’s Joe Benigno refused to celebrate Christmas 2000 with his family because the Jets lost 34-20 at Baltimore the day before in the season finale to miss out on a playoff berth, then spent hours whining on the radio how Vinny Testaverde and Al Groh ruined his Christmas and New Years. You see, if Dwayne Wade were sharing his wisdom ten years ago the Benigno family would’ve had a much nicer holiday. Yep…
If you think public education is free of racial rhetoric, check out the “helpful” words spoken by Ron Barfield, a Queens-based parent advocate employed by the New York City Department of Education to serve Public School District 29 and a member of the Parent Teachers Association for Public School 134. Barfield’s advice? According to the Queens Tribune and New York Daily News, Barfield said, “[Schedule PTA meetings] on Fridays, ‘cause n____rs don’t like to come out on Fridays. That’s the truth, ‘cause I ain’t coming out to nothing.”
Barfield happens to be African-American, and thought Fridays were good days to schedule PTA meetings if the Department of Education didn’t really want parents involved, especially in school districts with predominantly African-American students.
So why again did Don Imus lose his job with WFAN Radio and MSNBC? Just wondering while I’m part of the politically correct chorus…
So what real issues in the world of education truly inspire verbal idiocy? Two topics: academic standards and educator salaries. USA TODAY ran an editorial last week titled, “Is college overrated?”, and several people wrote letters in response. Apparently kids are poorly prepared for college because teachers do a lousy job and administrators try to counteract poor teaching by lowering standards and passing kids along. Why? Because failure discourages kids and rather than try to improve, they give up and drop out. So I guess we can conclude “social promotion” is and always was a pacifier for damaged self-esteem by kids who need more time to work with, master and learn the curriculum before moving ahead?
So, if better teachers alone fails to improve our schools, and grade inflation hides problems that only get worse as kids move along in their education, is it possible we’re running out of things to blame while we keep seeing schools continue to graduate poorly-prepared kids for college and/or the workforce? I mean, is it just me, or are we going around and around in circles on what’s wrong with public schools and how to fix them? Granted, the arguments hardly rank up with the verbal gems I’ve already discussed in this column, but isn’t a sign of idiocy repeating the same thing over and over again while expecting different results?
I happen to be an odd duck, so give me some latitude when I say that one of the biggest problems we have in education are the fallacy that having a diploma, degree or credential makes you an educated person. No it doesn’t. It makes you the possessor of a piece of paper. Years ago, when I was still early in my teaching career, a few colleagues and I used the term “certified ain’t qualified” to describe some of the woefully incompetent teachers we saw in our schools. A teaching license doesn’t automatically mean you know how to teach or should be allowed to teach. Any academic credential doesn’t automatically mean you have a legitimate knowledge base to justify your credential. In other words, if you don’t know how to use your knowledge you probably aren’t particularly educated. Sorry, but that’s the cruel truth.
Another big problem in education is that we think student grades are a legitimate indicator of knowledge or learning. No, it isn’t. I know plenty of college graduates with superb grade point averages who have far less of a clue about their field than graduates with somewhat mediocre grade point averages. For example, when students score 100 percent on an exam, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect students; it means they answered all the questions correctly for that particular exam. After 25 years of teaching, I can design a chemistry or physics exam to allow everyone in the room score at least 80 percent, or I can design the exam to make sure no one scores above 50 percent. The number means absolutely nothing except for artificial purposes for student ranking and administrative bookkeeping. We’re so pre-occupied with exam scores and student ranking for the purpose of ranking schools, city school systems, counties, states and nations that we’re simply turning education more and more into an entity akin to training baby seals to play horns. It’s all a game, a gimmick, and we keep fooling around with one component or another without really changing or improving the system that’s most critical for any nation’s long-term viability.
Last, but not least, I give you the State of New Jersey and its newest challenge for fiscal recovery: taming the salaries of school district superintendents. According to the Bergen Record, Gov. Chris Christie seeks to put a cap on superintendent salaries, some which are quite astronomical. The governor’s logic is that school districts are spending too much on top-level salaries, which drain the budget and impose more on local homeowners who pay enough property taxes already. I’m all in favor of this measure, and this is one part of the Christie agenda I support. We have way too many small and individual school districts in New Jersey, and the days of “Home Rule” need to give way to consolidation and elimination of redundant upper-level jobs.
However, the governor might want to re-think his delivery on the few good ideas he has. Gov. Christie earns $175,000 per year as governor, and he probably doesn’t win too many bonus points by saying “[school superintendents] should not earn more than the governor.” While I agree with his logic, the governor probably shouldn’t put himself on such a pedestal, especially when he’s already taken too many pot shots at New Jersey’s pubic schools, teachers, their salaries and the teacher’s union. Perhaps a little history lesson for the governor is in order. In 1929, Babe Ruth reportedly earned $60,000 playing for the Yankees, then the highest salary in baseball or any professional sport. When asked why he earned more money than president Herbert Hoover, Ruth replied, “I had a better year than he did.” Just a thought, governor, but only your expanding waistline is of Ruthian proportions in this state and your administration so far.
Now, naturally, one would expect New Jersey’s school superintendents to be a tad unhappy at the prospect of a salary cap and salary cuts in order to make this cap a fiscal reality. Remember, these are the same superintendents who coaxed their own teachers into accepting salary freezes in order to save jobs and ease taxpayers from more property tax increases. But I’m going to offer you one superintendent’s reaction so you can ponder your own views about public education. James Montesano, the superintendent for the Paramus school system, earns $223,600 per year to lead a K-12 system serving 4,224 students. By comparison, here are three other superintendents of larger K-12 school systems in Bergen County:
Garfield – Nicholas Perrapato (4,555 students, $182,000/year)
Hackensack – Edward Kliszus (5,014 students, $197,600/year)
Ridgewood – Daniel Fishbein (5,675 students, $216,500/year)
All are quite well compensated, but Mr. Montesano earns more salary leading fewer students. This inequity in salary alone is reason enough for some form of salary cap. But I’m not going to focus on this inequity, or even focus on the fact that one of Mr. Montesano’s family members is the superintendent of the Mahwah K-12 district, leading 3,432 students at $210,912/year. I’d like to focus on the fact that Mr. Montesano told the Bergen Record that a salary cap would influence his decision on where he will work after his contract expires after the 2012-2013 academic year – “Its goal is to make New Jersey more affordable… but I don’t think it will be an attractive place for quality school leaders to practice their profession.”
And you thought NBA free agency was obscene?
Step 1 – Disconnect mouth from brain.
Step 2 – Blurt out whatever the heck you want.
Step 3 – Insert foot firmly in mouth.
One of the things that fascinate me most about the worlds of education, politics and sports is that folks often have a propensity for saying the most off-the-wall things at any given moment. When all three worlds intersect… oh boy! I’m like a kid in a candy store getting a sugar overload…
In the story that simply won’t go away, the “defection” of LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat, we were blessed by the wisdom of Rev. Jesse Jackson equating Cavs owner Dan Gilbert’s outrage over LeBron’s move south with an escaped slave. As proud as I am for being one of Jackson’s supporters of his 1984 presidential campaign, this ranks among the dumbest things I’ve ever heard from a public figure not named Mel Gibson, and makes me cringe to no end.
We’ve all heard and read various commentaries on this topic, the best from Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star. LeBron James left the Cavs over a need to be in the one place where he, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade could all play together. Maybe he left because of money and power. Maybe he left because of frustration with Cavs management. Maybe he left for ego. Maybe he left for better weather and hotter parties. Maybe he left because he simply outgrew his hometown. Maybe he left because Bosh is a big baby who didn’t want to play near another Great Lake.
But he didn’t leave because of race. Dan Gilbert didn’t vent his spleen because of race. If LeBron James was white, the odds are high Dan Gilbert would’ve blown his gasket just the same. But because James is African-American, this invited Rev. Jackson to butt in with off-base commentary. What? Things were slow going challenging the Tea Party’s denials of racism?
Perhaps James thought his “Decision” was on par with President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, but there’s no comparison. If James bothered to read a history book he’d realize how silly his place in American history is becoming. Gilbert and Jackson should’ve known better as more-educated and more-mature adults, but I guess this only further explains how parents gets into shouting matches with their kids having temper tantrums… somehow stupidity becomes contagious and you simply get sucked in.
Speaking of the Tea Party, racism and slavery, I think it finally makes sense to me why Rep. Michele Bachman (R, MN) said President Obama’s turning us into a “nation of slaves”. She must’ve been talking about LeBron. Who knew she cared about the NBA as much as overthrowing the government?
While we’ve been absorbing and processing the passing of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, I’ve been intrigued by some of the “interesting” comments some folks have shared in the media. As much as I respect Al Neuharth (USA TODAY) and Mike Lupica (New York Daily News), I did a double take as both were on the same wavelength as blowhard Rush Limbaugh. All three made mention of what a break The Boss’ passing this year will be to his children in terms of estate tax laws. Ewww, yuck! Are we that obsessed with money in this country that this is one of the first thoughts we have when a person dies? Gee, Joan, Hank and Hal… sorry for your loss, but at least George’s timing for kicking the bucket worked out. Bet you guys will be smiling all the way to the bank on this one. Uh, huh… lucky break, rest George’s soul.
Doesn’t it seem a bit odd for folks to be thinking about tax implications when a loved one dies. In fact, if The Boss was that worried about potential IRS issues, why didn’t he completely transfer all assets to his sons back in 2007 when it was clear his health was slipping? To be honest with you, I’d think the Steinbrenners didn’t have their act together if they DIDN’T already take care of asset transfer a few years ago. I may have grown up poor and lived a modest life as an educator, but even I know about planning ahead with an elderly parent when it comes to asset ownership before your parent passes away.
Speaking of taxes, did you hear the story about rich people predicting the poor will suffer the brunt from New York State eliminating the millionaire’s tax deduction? Yes, yes… it’s true; it’s true. In an editorial to the New York Daily News, Susan Hager, the president and CEO of the United Way for New York State promises gloom and doom for New York’s poor if the state legislature in Albany reduces the tax break wealthy New York residents get for making over $10-million in charitable donations. Think about it… very rich people give lots of money to good causes which are supposed to help folks the rich people wouldn’t give the time of day to, but only if the state government gives them an extra tax break incentive. If the state doesn’t give the rich enough of a reward for being charitable, well, they’re simply going to pocket that money on principle.
And you thought rich people giving to charity was all altruistic, right?
Years ago, one of my relatives told me that one New York millionaire was more valuable to the America’s economic well being than twenty regular folks. Why? Because the millionaire puts far more money into the economy than a bunch of us do. Why do I think my relative’s logic is all backwards?
You know, Ms. Hager isn’t the only one who’s whined about the pitfalls of being rich and giving. We’ve heard New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg cry this same song more than a few times during this economic crisis. Somehow New York’s benefactor in chief –make that sugar daddy – thinks the threat of wealthy people taking their money elsewhere is cause enough for state and federal politicians to cater to the rich and powerful while everyone else is held hostage.
What I don’t understand is this: if wealthy people have to be legislatively bribed into giving charity, why would anyone be foolish to believe supply-side economics really works, or ever worked in this country since Ronald Reagan first advocated it? I mean, how is this theory any different from a pyramid scheme? You give wealthy people as much money as possible, and they only pass money along as long as a certain proportion comes back to them. If the kickback is reduced or eliminated, they hang onto their money, not pump it back into the rest of the nation’s economy. If this is “trickle-down” economics, it sure seems like the big boys are peeing on our legs and telling us it’s raining, don’t you think?
And yet so many people in this country keep wanting to elect politicians who advocate this system! Why? You can’t tell me that wealthy Americans exclusively populate all those red states on the American map. Think about it… wealthy people have better things to do with their afternoons than listen to Rush on the radio, and watch re-runs of the Jerry Springer Show, followed by Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and all the other shrunken minds on FOX News. What are all these lower-class angry white people getting out of a system that gives them the shaft every time the GOP suckers them into voting? Is it just the satisfaction that wealthier white people keep extra money away from poor non-whites? I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t get off on seeing someone else get screwed alongside of me, no matter who or what he or she is.
But I do get a small chuckle when rich CEOs feign suicidal theatrics when they lose some of their wealth as a consequence of reckless greed. Oh, too bad… poor baby… you lost a few million in the stock market? There, there… here’s one of your hundred-dollar bills to wipe away your tears. Would you like some cognac and truffles to soothe your pain?
Hell, when it’s you and me, and we lose a few thousand from our retirement nest eggs, we’re forced to reach for ice cream for emotional support, assuming one brand is on sale that week in the local grocery store.
Time for a simple science lesson, boys and girls… there are two fundamental properties of all elements on the periodic table -- electron affinity and electronegativity. The main point of both properties is this: the more electrons an atom has in its outer structural shell, the more electrons are desired, and the more likely those electrons will be acquired as opposed to given away. I often compare wealthy people and regular folks like you and me as a metaphor to atoms and electrons: the more money a wealthy person has, the more money that person wants and the greater the likelihood that person will acquire more wealth. How more likely? The odds favor the wealthy person much better than you or me, that’s for sure!
Supply-side economic theory works the same way: the more money wealthy people have, the more they want to hold onto it, so they can have more and get more. That money doesn’t come to us, and if it does it’s very begrudgingly. Give the wealthy a big tax break, that’s metaphorically extra electrons, and the more one has the more one wants and the more one gets, because more, more, more is the “American Way.” Tax breaks don’t necessarily encourage creating new jobs and hiring new employees; tax breaks encourage more opportunities for the wealthy to keep the wealth as local as possible. That’s how old money stays old money.
Why is this relevant to George Steinbrenner’s passing? For years people lambasted The Boss for spending as much money as possible on the Yankees and player payroll, escalating MLB economics to the point of being Monopoly on steroids. But as much as he resisted, The Boss did agree to revenue sharing by means of a luxury tax, meaning not only did he bankroll his own team, he subsidized all the small market teams for the best interests of MLB and foster competitive balance.
Was all the money George shared enough for these teams? We’ll really never know, because a good number of his fellow owners pocketed the money for themselves rather than invest into player salaries. Look at the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and a few other teams that have fielded substandard teams year after year after year. Go ahead an bitch all you want about how Steinbrenner threw MLB economics out of kilter, but re-read what I’ve written about fiscal breaks for the wealthy. Unless there’s extra incentive, the money stays in pocket, not re-invested, at least not for anyone other than the wealthy team owner. If you want to blame George Steinbrenner for ruining MLB, maybe you need a fundamental refresher course in ECON 101 to see where equal blame should be.
Whose legs are being peed on this time, the players? No, the players get paid plenty relative to their talent level and major-league experience. It’s US, the fans! We’re the ones with pee running down our legs season after season after season as certain owners continue to sell us a lousy product for ever-increasing ticket prices while making sure they can turn a personal profit. The Boss may have outspent everyone else and charged fans a premium for his product, but at least he tried his best to give fans their money’s worth.
And THAT’S how the economic minds of wealthy people operate. Lesson over. Class dismissed.
Musing about estate taxes aside, Limbaugh’s most crass and idiotic comment was when he said Steinbrenner made a lot of African-Americans rich and “Crackers” (I’m not talking something made by Nabisco) even richer. Do people really talk like this anymore, or is this Rush trying to stay hip with his redneck listening audience as unofficial leader of the GOP? Michael Steele? You’re kidding, right?
Well, if recently banished Tea Party member Mark Williams is any indication, sadly, there are still folks in this country who actually maintain a lot of ol’ Dixie lingo, such as including the word “colored” in their personal vocabulary, and not in the context of I colored between the lines with my crayons. Rest assured, Mr. Williams doesn’t reserve all his invective for African-Americans. He called Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer a “Jewish Uncle Tom who would have turned rat on Anne Frank,” because Stringer favors the building of a mosque near the World Trade Center site, and as we all know, an open-minded and ecumenical Jew is a self-hating anti-Semite.
Of course, while the NAACP is quick to condemn Williams’ rhetoric, I join Stanley Crouch (New York Daily News) among those wondering why this same organization moves at a snail’s pace to react similarly to equally hate-filled rhetoric by the Nation of Islam. Is it possible that all “victims” of hate do much better dishing it out than taking it? Who knew… it really MUST be better to give than receive.
Does Limbaugh take the cake on verbal idiocy? No… Even with Williams near the top of the list, a strong challenge comes from some nitwit “Voicer” who wrote in a letter to the New York Daily News that “Steinbrenner should say hello to Satan” now that he’s passed away. And let’s also acknowledge former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee who said during a radio interview it was “good” Steinbrenner died and that “if hell freezes over he’ll be skating”. Geez… I was never one of Steinbrenner’s biggest fans, but there’s a line you simply don’t cross when people die… I have an ex-wife, ex-in-laws, and former colleagues who denied me tenure as a professor, and even I can’t stoop that low, no matter how tempting it may be. There is an axiom that you don’t dance on your enemy’s grave, and if that doesn’t temper one’s thoughts, there’s always the wisdom mom gives us: if you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
Believe it or not, LeBron James moving to South Beach didn’t exclusively inspire verbal idiocy, nor did George Steinbrenner’s passing. Just this past weekend, FOX Sports’ baseball analyst Tim McCarver said the exclusion of former manager Joe Torre from all aspects of Yankee Stadium was reminiscent of Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany during World War II. Holy George Orwell! McCarver is quite the sharp one, noting how Torre’s now a non-person in the Bronx. Boy, you gotta wonder how many hours McCarver, one of my favorite baseball analysts, by the way, sat up and thought about this insight for television.
And if this was the icing on the cake, then the grand cherry topping has to go to Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade for warning reporters during an interview that the Heat could very well lose a game or two in a row this year and everyone needs to not make it seem like the falling of the World Trade Center all over again. Come again?!
And he made it WORSE the next day by saying he was misquoted or taken out of context! If you watched the interview on ESPN like I did, there’s no mistaken anything… Wade tried to make fans and media members aware that losing basketball games is nothing like another 9-11. DUH! As if none of us already knew this?! Trust me, I was traveling to Canada on September 11, 2001… I KNOW the difference between jumbo jets flying into two business towers and a cold stretch for an NBA basketball team. But lucky for us we have Dwayne Wade to point out the idiotically obvious and help us keep it all in perspective…
True story… WFAN’s Joe Benigno refused to celebrate Christmas 2000 with his family because the Jets lost 34-20 at Baltimore the day before in the season finale to miss out on a playoff berth, then spent hours whining on the radio how Vinny Testaverde and Al Groh ruined his Christmas and New Years. You see, if Dwayne Wade were sharing his wisdom ten years ago the Benigno family would’ve had a much nicer holiday. Yep…
If you think public education is free of racial rhetoric, check out the “helpful” words spoken by Ron Barfield, a Queens-based parent advocate employed by the New York City Department of Education to serve Public School District 29 and a member of the Parent Teachers Association for Public School 134. Barfield’s advice? According to the Queens Tribune and New York Daily News, Barfield said, “[Schedule PTA meetings] on Fridays, ‘cause n____rs don’t like to come out on Fridays. That’s the truth, ‘cause I ain’t coming out to nothing.”
Barfield happens to be African-American, and thought Fridays were good days to schedule PTA meetings if the Department of Education didn’t really want parents involved, especially in school districts with predominantly African-American students.
So why again did Don Imus lose his job with WFAN Radio and MSNBC? Just wondering while I’m part of the politically correct chorus…
So what real issues in the world of education truly inspire verbal idiocy? Two topics: academic standards and educator salaries. USA TODAY ran an editorial last week titled, “Is college overrated?”, and several people wrote letters in response. Apparently kids are poorly prepared for college because teachers do a lousy job and administrators try to counteract poor teaching by lowering standards and passing kids along. Why? Because failure discourages kids and rather than try to improve, they give up and drop out. So I guess we can conclude “social promotion” is and always was a pacifier for damaged self-esteem by kids who need more time to work with, master and learn the curriculum before moving ahead?
So, if better teachers alone fails to improve our schools, and grade inflation hides problems that only get worse as kids move along in their education, is it possible we’re running out of things to blame while we keep seeing schools continue to graduate poorly-prepared kids for college and/or the workforce? I mean, is it just me, or are we going around and around in circles on what’s wrong with public schools and how to fix them? Granted, the arguments hardly rank up with the verbal gems I’ve already discussed in this column, but isn’t a sign of idiocy repeating the same thing over and over again while expecting different results?
I happen to be an odd duck, so give me some latitude when I say that one of the biggest problems we have in education are the fallacy that having a diploma, degree or credential makes you an educated person. No it doesn’t. It makes you the possessor of a piece of paper. Years ago, when I was still early in my teaching career, a few colleagues and I used the term “certified ain’t qualified” to describe some of the woefully incompetent teachers we saw in our schools. A teaching license doesn’t automatically mean you know how to teach or should be allowed to teach. Any academic credential doesn’t automatically mean you have a legitimate knowledge base to justify your credential. In other words, if you don’t know how to use your knowledge you probably aren’t particularly educated. Sorry, but that’s the cruel truth.
Another big problem in education is that we think student grades are a legitimate indicator of knowledge or learning. No, it isn’t. I know plenty of college graduates with superb grade point averages who have far less of a clue about their field than graduates with somewhat mediocre grade point averages. For example, when students score 100 percent on an exam, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect students; it means they answered all the questions correctly for that particular exam. After 25 years of teaching, I can design a chemistry or physics exam to allow everyone in the room score at least 80 percent, or I can design the exam to make sure no one scores above 50 percent. The number means absolutely nothing except for artificial purposes for student ranking and administrative bookkeeping. We’re so pre-occupied with exam scores and student ranking for the purpose of ranking schools, city school systems, counties, states and nations that we’re simply turning education more and more into an entity akin to training baby seals to play horns. It’s all a game, a gimmick, and we keep fooling around with one component or another without really changing or improving the system that’s most critical for any nation’s long-term viability.
Last, but not least, I give you the State of New Jersey and its newest challenge for fiscal recovery: taming the salaries of school district superintendents. According to the Bergen Record, Gov. Chris Christie seeks to put a cap on superintendent salaries, some which are quite astronomical. The governor’s logic is that school districts are spending too much on top-level salaries, which drain the budget and impose more on local homeowners who pay enough property taxes already. I’m all in favor of this measure, and this is one part of the Christie agenda I support. We have way too many small and individual school districts in New Jersey, and the days of “Home Rule” need to give way to consolidation and elimination of redundant upper-level jobs.
However, the governor might want to re-think his delivery on the few good ideas he has. Gov. Christie earns $175,000 per year as governor, and he probably doesn’t win too many bonus points by saying “[school superintendents] should not earn more than the governor.” While I agree with his logic, the governor probably shouldn’t put himself on such a pedestal, especially when he’s already taken too many pot shots at New Jersey’s pubic schools, teachers, their salaries and the teacher’s union. Perhaps a little history lesson for the governor is in order. In 1929, Babe Ruth reportedly earned $60,000 playing for the Yankees, then the highest salary in baseball or any professional sport. When asked why he earned more money than president Herbert Hoover, Ruth replied, “I had a better year than he did.” Just a thought, governor, but only your expanding waistline is of Ruthian proportions in this state and your administration so far.
Now, naturally, one would expect New Jersey’s school superintendents to be a tad unhappy at the prospect of a salary cap and salary cuts in order to make this cap a fiscal reality. Remember, these are the same superintendents who coaxed their own teachers into accepting salary freezes in order to save jobs and ease taxpayers from more property tax increases. But I’m going to offer you one superintendent’s reaction so you can ponder your own views about public education. James Montesano, the superintendent for the Paramus school system, earns $223,600 per year to lead a K-12 system serving 4,224 students. By comparison, here are three other superintendents of larger K-12 school systems in Bergen County:
Garfield – Nicholas Perrapato (4,555 students, $182,000/year)
Hackensack – Edward Kliszus (5,014 students, $197,600/year)
Ridgewood – Daniel Fishbein (5,675 students, $216,500/year)
All are quite well compensated, but Mr. Montesano earns more salary leading fewer students. This inequity in salary alone is reason enough for some form of salary cap. But I’m not going to focus on this inequity, or even focus on the fact that one of Mr. Montesano’s family members is the superintendent of the Mahwah K-12 district, leading 3,432 students at $210,912/year. I’d like to focus on the fact that Mr. Montesano told the Bergen Record that a salary cap would influence his decision on where he will work after his contract expires after the 2012-2013 academic year – “Its goal is to make New Jersey more affordable… but I don’t think it will be an attractive place for quality school leaders to practice their profession.”
And you thought NBA free agency was obscene?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
For the Best Interests of the Game -- Sports Thoughts for July 14, 2010
Once upon a time there were two very strong sports commissioners, Bowie Kuhn for MLB and Pete Rozelle for the NFL. Both were tough on players and owners, acting on behalf of what they called “the best interests of the game.”
Kuhn took on Charley Finley of the Oakland A’s and put the kibosh on selling off Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue and Joe Rudi just prior to the beginning of free agency in 1974. Kuhn took on and suspended retired greats Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays when they took public-eye jobs with casinos. He endured player strikes in 1972 and 1981, and Kuhn took on and suspended the recently departed George Steinbrenner when the Yankees owner made illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election. Sometime after Kuhn’s stewardship, The Boss took another suspension from Fay Vincent when he hired some two-bit chump named Howie Spira to dig up dirt on Dave Winfield and his foundation. And let’s not forget the late Bart Giamatti banning Pete Rose in 1989 for gambling on baseball.
Rozelle suspended stars Alex Karras and Paul Hornung for the 1963 season for gambling on football, gently twisted arms among NFL owners on the way to network TV contracts, Monday Night Football, revenue sharing, a common draft and merger with the AFL, expansion, the world-wide spectacle known as the Super Bowl, and battled Al Davis in a protracted litigation related to Davis’ desire to move the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles (and ultimately back again to Oakland). He won a staring contest with Joe Namath in 1969 over the Bachelors III nightclub in New York City, and endured four player strikes (1974, 1975, 1982 and 1987). Rozelle set the table for Paul Tagliabue and exponentially increased wealth for the NFL, and ultimately the current stewardship of Roger Goodell and his platform of honoring the NFL badge.
This brings me to two high-profile people in yesterday’s news, NBA commissioner David Stern and George Steinbrenner.
Over the past couple of days, Commissioner Stern “looked into” the migration of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to South Beach and joining of forces with Dewayne Wade and the Miami Heat. Despite protestations from fans, owners, and members of the media, Stern found no wrongdoing or any hint of questionable antics as the balance of power potentially shifts to Miami and their new “Miami Thrice”-led roster. According to Stern there was no collusion or tampering involved and everything’s kosher.
Funny, in the grand scheme of things, is it really in the best interests of the NBA for two high-profile free agents to join another high-profile star on one team, especially after all three players openly discussed their long-term master plans for years? What would Kuhn say to this? What would Rozelle say to this? Well, we now know what Stern says to this? As long as the TV ratings and revenue keep looking good, no harm no foul, the perfect non-call of all time. But the NBA is losing billions each season, and it’s rather incredulous for Stern to fine Cavs owner Dan Gilbert $100,000 for ripping LeBron James in an email to fans and barely stating “I wish he hadn’t” with regards to James’ hour-long self-tribute on ESPN. I guess Stern believes as long as the players are rich, happy and unaccountable to owners, fans and the league brand all is well. Makes you wonder what exactly the best interests of the game are in the NBA.
What’s left to say about George Steinbrenner that hasn’t already been said since he first bought the Yankees from CBS in 1973 for $10-million? The Boss passed away yesterday at 80 years old from a massive heart attack, and for all his faults, that’s the appropriate way for George to go, as he had a massive heart for people in and out of baseball, as well as a massive desire to win. It’s been cruel to see the King of Bombast slowly slip away from dementia. His mind shouldn’t have to fade away. A man sometimes larger than life needs to go out with a bang, go out with the “big one,“ as Redd Foxx used to say on Stanford and Son, because for a mind that sometimes defied logic and good manners, The Boss mostly worked from his heart, sometimes from his gut, and always wore it on his sleeve with a Yankees logo.
Bill Madden of the New York Daily News said it best: George was part benefactor, part genius and part lunatic all wrapped into one. For all his charitable giving’s through his many philanthropic efforts, he also gave second and third chances to Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry as well as too many chances to Steve Howe. Did I always like the way George ran the Yankees? Not really, although who can argue with 11 AL pennants and 7 World Series titles in 37 years? But George spent and spent, as we well know, using the “greed over need” approach as he craved championship after championship. I grew up in a National League home, so the Yankees were the “other team” in my house. I’ve never hated nor loved the Yankees, but I respected them. When they made the World Series in 1976, and won four titles in five years during 1996-2000, you admired the grit of the team. But George changed the way baseball is done as a business, and while fans of other teams may whine about him outspending and buying pennants and World Series titles, the fact remains Steinbrenner’s way worked and dared other owners to match his efforts.
But what I’ll remember George Steinbrenner most for is the stupefying things – hiring AND firing Billy Martin five times, firing Yogi Berra 16 games into the 1985 season. And I’ll remember him for the comical things – Miller Lite Beer commercials with Billy Martin, and hosting Saturday Night Live, parodying himself. George may have been the Lion that roared around Yankee Stadium, but he made baseball operations in the Bronx a lot more fun.
Maybe MLB will finally find its backbone and install a new commissioner who doesn’t act like a lackey for the owners, and maybe the economics of baseball will reconfigure to a more sane fiscal level, but I do hope we have a few more owners like George down the road. For the best interests of the game, we need more owners who bleed their team colors and do whatever it takes to try and win every season.
Kuhn took on Charley Finley of the Oakland A’s and put the kibosh on selling off Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue and Joe Rudi just prior to the beginning of free agency in 1974. Kuhn took on and suspended retired greats Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays when they took public-eye jobs with casinos. He endured player strikes in 1972 and 1981, and Kuhn took on and suspended the recently departed George Steinbrenner when the Yankees owner made illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election. Sometime after Kuhn’s stewardship, The Boss took another suspension from Fay Vincent when he hired some two-bit chump named Howie Spira to dig up dirt on Dave Winfield and his foundation. And let’s not forget the late Bart Giamatti banning Pete Rose in 1989 for gambling on baseball.
Rozelle suspended stars Alex Karras and Paul Hornung for the 1963 season for gambling on football, gently twisted arms among NFL owners on the way to network TV contracts, Monday Night Football, revenue sharing, a common draft and merger with the AFL, expansion, the world-wide spectacle known as the Super Bowl, and battled Al Davis in a protracted litigation related to Davis’ desire to move the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles (and ultimately back again to Oakland). He won a staring contest with Joe Namath in 1969 over the Bachelors III nightclub in New York City, and endured four player strikes (1974, 1975, 1982 and 1987). Rozelle set the table for Paul Tagliabue and exponentially increased wealth for the NFL, and ultimately the current stewardship of Roger Goodell and his platform of honoring the NFL badge.
This brings me to two high-profile people in yesterday’s news, NBA commissioner David Stern and George Steinbrenner.
Over the past couple of days, Commissioner Stern “looked into” the migration of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to South Beach and joining of forces with Dewayne Wade and the Miami Heat. Despite protestations from fans, owners, and members of the media, Stern found no wrongdoing or any hint of questionable antics as the balance of power potentially shifts to Miami and their new “Miami Thrice”-led roster. According to Stern there was no collusion or tampering involved and everything’s kosher.
Funny, in the grand scheme of things, is it really in the best interests of the NBA for two high-profile free agents to join another high-profile star on one team, especially after all three players openly discussed their long-term master plans for years? What would Kuhn say to this? What would Rozelle say to this? Well, we now know what Stern says to this? As long as the TV ratings and revenue keep looking good, no harm no foul, the perfect non-call of all time. But the NBA is losing billions each season, and it’s rather incredulous for Stern to fine Cavs owner Dan Gilbert $100,000 for ripping LeBron James in an email to fans and barely stating “I wish he hadn’t” with regards to James’ hour-long self-tribute on ESPN. I guess Stern believes as long as the players are rich, happy and unaccountable to owners, fans and the league brand all is well. Makes you wonder what exactly the best interests of the game are in the NBA.
What’s left to say about George Steinbrenner that hasn’t already been said since he first bought the Yankees from CBS in 1973 for $10-million? The Boss passed away yesterday at 80 years old from a massive heart attack, and for all his faults, that’s the appropriate way for George to go, as he had a massive heart for people in and out of baseball, as well as a massive desire to win. It’s been cruel to see the King of Bombast slowly slip away from dementia. His mind shouldn’t have to fade away. A man sometimes larger than life needs to go out with a bang, go out with the “big one,“ as Redd Foxx used to say on Stanford and Son, because for a mind that sometimes defied logic and good manners, The Boss mostly worked from his heart, sometimes from his gut, and always wore it on his sleeve with a Yankees logo.
Bill Madden of the New York Daily News said it best: George was part benefactor, part genius and part lunatic all wrapped into one. For all his charitable giving’s through his many philanthropic efforts, he also gave second and third chances to Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry as well as too many chances to Steve Howe. Did I always like the way George ran the Yankees? Not really, although who can argue with 11 AL pennants and 7 World Series titles in 37 years? But George spent and spent, as we well know, using the “greed over need” approach as he craved championship after championship. I grew up in a National League home, so the Yankees were the “other team” in my house. I’ve never hated nor loved the Yankees, but I respected them. When they made the World Series in 1976, and won four titles in five years during 1996-2000, you admired the grit of the team. But George changed the way baseball is done as a business, and while fans of other teams may whine about him outspending and buying pennants and World Series titles, the fact remains Steinbrenner’s way worked and dared other owners to match his efforts.
But what I’ll remember George Steinbrenner most for is the stupefying things – hiring AND firing Billy Martin five times, firing Yogi Berra 16 games into the 1985 season. And I’ll remember him for the comical things – Miller Lite Beer commercials with Billy Martin, and hosting Saturday Night Live, parodying himself. George may have been the Lion that roared around Yankee Stadium, but he made baseball operations in the Bronx a lot more fun.
Maybe MLB will finally find its backbone and install a new commissioner who doesn’t act like a lackey for the owners, and maybe the economics of baseball will reconfigure to a more sane fiscal level, but I do hope we have a few more owners like George down the road. For the best interests of the game, we need more owners who bleed their team colors and do whatever it takes to try and win every season.
Monday, July 12, 2010
LeBronfires of the Vanities -- Sports Thoughts for July 12, 2010
As most of you know, I’m not much of an NBA fan, haven’t been since the days of Patrick Ewing’s Knicks battling Michael Jordan’s Bulls, so I’ll try to keep my comments brief…
Memo to LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Pat Riley, Dan Gilbert, and EVERY talking drone associated with the interminable free agency discussion – SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP. Thank you.
As was the case for many of you, I was more than annoyed by and eventually had to tune out the entire Magical Free Agency Tour. The last straw was yesterday’s ESPN SportsCenter, seeing a small snippet of Rachel Nichols’ interview with the “Miami Thrice” – James, Wade, and Bosh. What finally got me to the point of wanting to flip to the Cartoon Network? Hearing LeBron James say that with all the continuous discussion about his future destination and each team’s associated fortunes, “I wanted the last day to be all about me.” HELLO?! EVERY day was about YOU, you Freudian ninny!
This statement was about as silly as little kids asking their parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day when Children’s Day is. C’mon… is he serious?
I think Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News hit on things with a real keen eye in his Sunday column. Did James, Wade and Bosh all conspire for years for this joining of forces dating back to when they signed their new contracts in 2006, all having opt-out clauses set for 2010? Do James, Wade and Bosh understand comparing themselves to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in Boston is classic “apples and oranges”? Is this “Miami Thrice” a glaring example of what can happen in modern-day sports when players openly fraternize?
Bill Madden, also of the New York Daily News, compared this year’s NBA free agency story with how free agency came about in MLB back in 1974. Madden encouraged readers and the new “Miami Thrice” boys to take a trip back in history and the very first free agent contract signed by the late Catfish Hunter when he joined the Yankees. For a contract worth more than $3-million, it was very intriguing to see that half of Hunter’s salary was deferred. What does that mean? The Yankees were paying Hunter approximately $1.7-million AFTER he retired, most likely in annual installments, to help Hunter maintain his economic comfort later in life.
Why do I bring this up? Despite a willingness to take less money to join the Heat in what turned out to be sign-and-trade deals with Cleveland and Toronto, James and Bosh still didn’t come cheap. They still earn major bucks to play basketball in South Beach, and they truly believe they’ve orchestrated the magic bullet for a quick NBA title, one of many to come. That’s not really how it works.
It’s going to take time for everyone to mesh on the court, and that’s not even counting egos. Worse, as the Celtics have shown us over the past three seasons, to be a perennial champ you need talent, good health, and lots of luck over the course of an 82-game regular season and en route to winning 16 playoff games over four separate series. So far, for all the talent and heart wearing Celtics uniforms, this new version still only has one title in three seasons. My point is that the “Miami Thrice” boys need to understand all they’ve really done is give themselves a very good chance to be in hunt each season. Everything else depends on how they play.
And let’s not forget that the rest of the NBA isn’t simply going to lay down and forfeit games or concede the title to the Heat. In fact, if anything, the Heat have now put a huge bulls-eye on their jerseys with every other team licking their chops waiting for a shot at knocking them off their self-anointed perch.
I think James is the epitome of today’s young professional athlete, wanting it all too fast, too soon, and not having the patience for the process towards greatness. As was the case when I was a young scientist after leaving my football life, the curse of youth is that sometimes you lack a true sense and appreciation for the history of your profession or craft, and it stunts your growth as part of the profession. With all the fast money and fame young athletes get today, I honestly wonder if any of them truly comprehend or appreciate how their sports and leagues evolved over decades to bring them to this day of mind-boggling paydays.
So James is hurt by Gilbert’s remarks? Boo-Hoo-Hoo. I think Dan Gilbert was reasonably angry, but his public letter certainly was poorly worded for an owner. Did James quit on the Cavs? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Who knows if a deep rift existed within the Cavs organization and locker room by the time the Cavs crashed and burned against Boston? We can only speculate and wonder what the underlying story was. But I do wonder where Dan Gilbert and other members of the Cavs brain trust were over the past 2-3 years if James has tanked games and quit when the pressure was on. Why does he finally rip into James now that he’s left for sunny Florida? If this was a festering situation for the past 2-3 years of coming up short and shorter, why are we first hearing about your anger now?
Professional sports really in a funny business, and I emphasize business, because that’s what this is all about. The titles and trophies are nice, but it’s really the bottom line that counts for most of these bozos. If you don’t believe me, just watch what’s going on with the Knicks and the behind-the-scenes involvement of Isaiah Thomas. If you honestly think the Knicks are hoping to get back to their glory days we shouldn’t be hearing a whiff of Thomas’ name, and certainly not from Donny Walsh who now seems to have been filling the role of understudy for Thomas until the coast was clear with the New York fans and media.
Speaking of the Yankees, is anyone really that heartbroken over their failure to complete a trade for Cliff Lee? Why is it that if the Yankees acquire a pitcher like Lee for a pennant run it’s Divine Right, but if the Mariners pull the plug and trade Lee to the Texas Rangers it automatically calls for an ethics investigation? Bill Madden calls this the “greed over need” approach, where the old Steinbrenner philosophy was if we keep collecting these guys you can’t have them to beat us. As distasteful as I always found the way ol’ George ran his team, I could at least respect his adherence to the old adage you win championships with defense. George… I think that really applies to football, and we all know a prevent defense more often than not means you’re preventing the defense from winning the game. Or maybe George thought he was playing keep-away, his version of the old Dean Smith four-corners offense at North Carolina? Or maybe George just liked collecting star players for his ego. Granted, the Yankees won their share of World Series titles during his ownership, but George really did see more teams implode than he or Yankee fans care to admit while all that money was tossed around.
Speaking of the Yankees, a solemn note on the passing of legendary voice Bob Sheppard at the age of 99. For more than 50 years, Sheppard (1910-2010) was the voice of Yankee Stadium, and to think he almost turned down the gig because it interfered with his teaching schedule. Gee, if I had a guy like Sheppard as my high school English teacher I might’ve stayed awake and focused more often. Rest in Peace, Mr. Sheppard.
As talent-laden as the Yankees are, having MLB’s best record at the All-Star break, the truth is that they have their share of warts and bugs just like every other team still in a divisional race. Could the Yankees use Cliff Lee? Maybe, but as they proved last year, they can get by in the post-season with a three-man rotation. They didn’t really need Cliff Lee as much as they need more depth for an aging everyday lineup and an inconsistent bullpen. But then again, that’s the story for at least 10-15 other teams this season.
By the way, did you notice Lee lost his debut Saturday night to Baltimore, 6-1? That’s the on any given day beauty of sports. In fact, the Orioles’ Chris Tillman pitched 6.1 innings of no-hit ball that night. Add to that the perfect game Cincinnati’s Travis Wood took into the ninth in Philadelphia (a 1-0, 11-inning loss), the no-hitter Toronto’s Jesse Litsch lost in the sixth inning in a 3-2 home loss to the Red Sox, and the no-no the Dodgers Vincent Padilla took into the sixth in last night’s 7-0 home win over the Cubs. As I’ve been saying for weeks, all these flirtations with no-hitters continue to threaten the season record of seven set in 1990 and 1991.
However, as no-hitters are being broken up now in earlier innings than the seventh, you have to wonder if this is a sign hitters are finally catching up to pitchers. But if the trend continues to hold form for the rest of the season, don’t be surprised if commissioner Bud Selig tosses out the idea of lowering the mound another 5 inches like MLB did after the 1968 season. As we all know, Selig fears major changes like instant replay, but minor cosmetic changes like lower the mound sounds about right for his 19th century thinking mode. Less piles of dirt sure seem more “natural” than using cameras, right?
Wasn’t that a strategic stroke of genius by Cubs pitcher Carlos Silva, getting tossed from last night’s game arguing a first-base call (the runner was indeed out according to replays) when you’re already down 5-0 in the second inning? If you don’t think so, consider the replacement pitcher gets extra warm-up throws as opposed to a regular pitching change. And it worked… the scoring stopped after the fourth inning. Yeah, the Cubs definitely know how to play baseball this season… 103 seasons and counting since their last World Series title.
Talking about pitching, how about that 5-inning, 103-pitch gem the Angels’ Scott Kazmir tossed this weekend against Oakland? 11 hits, 13 earned runs, and at least a dozen looks to the dugout for manager Mike Scioscia to take him out of the game. If you wondered why the Mets traded him to Tampa Bay years ago and the Rays traded him to Los Angeles, now we finally know and can stop beating up the Mets for giving up on a once can’t-miss pitcher.
Have you noticed the Phillies won back-to-back 1-0 games against the Reds this weekend? Only the Dodgers have accomplished this feat this season. When you’re sweeping four-game series by a total of five runs you know your team is playing gritty baseball. I hope players like Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino keep things in perspective while they whine about the Philly faithful booing them for inconsistent play. While you guys may play with grit and heart, you have been rather inconsistent all season and despite three straight NL East crowns and consecutive World Series berths, the Philly fans have high expectations and don’t give free passes. Remember, these are the same fans who booed Santa Claus at the old Vet during an Eagles game during the 1970s.
Great pitching lately from the Mets’ Johan Santana, a complete-game shut-out of the Reds on Tuesday and another seven shut-out innings in yesterday’s 3-0 win over the Braves at Citi Field. Maybe now that the story of his October sexual misadventure is out in the open he can pitch with a free mind and clear head. I’m just saying there may be a little connection. After all, as Yogi used to say, 90 percent of pitching is half-mental.
How many of you are honestly disappointed in how the Mets are doing at the All-Star break? Could they be playing better? Sure, but eight games over .500 and only four games out of first place in the NL East, I’ll take it. Just like the Yankees, the Mets didn’t have all their horses during the season’s first half and played inconsistently (granted, more inconsistent than the Yankees), but this Mets team is starting to jell more and more and the All-Star break comes at a good time. Reyes needs to heal better. Pelfrey needs to find his splitter again. Beltran is finally coming back from the DL. Bay needs to improve his power numbers. Francoeur needs to be more consistent at the plate. But there’s much more optimism for July and August this year than last. Who knows? Maybe Maine and Perez might come back and contribute something? Anything’s possible during a long season.
Do you enjoy watching Angel Pagan play center field and at the plate? I think he’s finally becoming who the Mets thought he’d be when they got him from the Cubs, and he’s earned the right to stay in the lineup as much as possible. While Carlos Beltran may be the regular centerfielder and clean-up hitter, he still need to prove what he can do on a daily basis after knee surgery and extended rehab. If I was Jerry Manuel, I wouldn’t be so quick to assume Beltran belongs in center field and in the clean-up spot. In fact, I would be rotating all of my outfielders for the next several weeks until Beltran is in true form. That means Beltran needs to suck it up and play some of the corner positions once a week while Pagan, Bay, Francoeur, and Chris Carter get their at bats.
I really like watching Ike Davis play first base and hit. This kid’s gonna be a real special part of the Mets for the next several seasons. His bat reminds me more and more of Darryl Strawberry’s and his play in the field reminds me more and more of Keith Hernandez. Of course, Davis will always remain the team’s best acrobat when it comes to fielding pop-ups near the dugout. However, if you watched yesterday’s win against Atlanta, Francoeur did a little gymnastics of his own chasing a ball near the right field foul line.
The Mets are one of a few streaky teams making this season more than a tad exciting. In addition to the Mets, the Braves, Reds, Rockies, Dodgers, Red Sox, White Sox, Rangers, Tigers, and Rays have had at least one hot and cold streak. Of course the key to winning a pennant in baseball is to make sure the hot streaks are more frequent than the cold.
Have you noticed how interesting the AL Central race is getting?
Have you noticed how the Rockies have started their annual hot streak and climbed into second in the NL West? As I’ve warned, and beware Padres and Dodgers, they’re baaaaaackkkkkkkk….
You know who I hope finds his way back to MLB? Pitcher Dontrelle Willis, recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after he lost his mojo with the Marlins and never found it with the Tigers. Here’s a perfect example of a kid who starts out like fire, but fails to adjust mechanics as his body matures and fills out. Some folks are already asking if he should consider retiring or reinventing himself into an outfielder like Rick Ankiel did years ago with the Cardinals. Willis can hit, no doubt, but his pitching was much more fluid and impressive than Ankiel’s ever was. I do hope someone can straighten him out and help him relocate his groove and love for the game. MLB is better when one of the good kids is part of it.
For those of you thirsting for football this summer, you could always follow the CFL and root for the Calgary Stampeders, who are off to a 2-0 start. Canadian football is fun to watch, and the Stampeders have long been one of the better teams. Their season begins on July 1 and runs through our Thanksgiving weekend (in case you didn’t know, Canadian Thanksgiving coincides with our Columbus Day) with the Grey Cup. Just a gentle hint, folks.
If you’re not reading USA TODAY columnist Mike Lopresti (Keeping Score) you’re really missing out on some great stuff.
Oh, did DeMarcus Russell just sneeze or cough again? Someone please pass him a Halls or Ricola… he needs wiser choices for cold symptoms.
Memo to LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Pat Riley, Dan Gilbert, and EVERY talking drone associated with the interminable free agency discussion – SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP. Thank you.
As was the case for many of you, I was more than annoyed by and eventually had to tune out the entire Magical Free Agency Tour. The last straw was yesterday’s ESPN SportsCenter, seeing a small snippet of Rachel Nichols’ interview with the “Miami Thrice” – James, Wade, and Bosh. What finally got me to the point of wanting to flip to the Cartoon Network? Hearing LeBron James say that with all the continuous discussion about his future destination and each team’s associated fortunes, “I wanted the last day to be all about me.” HELLO?! EVERY day was about YOU, you Freudian ninny!
This statement was about as silly as little kids asking their parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day when Children’s Day is. C’mon… is he serious?
I think Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News hit on things with a real keen eye in his Sunday column. Did James, Wade and Bosh all conspire for years for this joining of forces dating back to when they signed their new contracts in 2006, all having opt-out clauses set for 2010? Do James, Wade and Bosh understand comparing themselves to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in Boston is classic “apples and oranges”? Is this “Miami Thrice” a glaring example of what can happen in modern-day sports when players openly fraternize?
Bill Madden, also of the New York Daily News, compared this year’s NBA free agency story with how free agency came about in MLB back in 1974. Madden encouraged readers and the new “Miami Thrice” boys to take a trip back in history and the very first free agent contract signed by the late Catfish Hunter when he joined the Yankees. For a contract worth more than $3-million, it was very intriguing to see that half of Hunter’s salary was deferred. What does that mean? The Yankees were paying Hunter approximately $1.7-million AFTER he retired, most likely in annual installments, to help Hunter maintain his economic comfort later in life.
Why do I bring this up? Despite a willingness to take less money to join the Heat in what turned out to be sign-and-trade deals with Cleveland and Toronto, James and Bosh still didn’t come cheap. They still earn major bucks to play basketball in South Beach, and they truly believe they’ve orchestrated the magic bullet for a quick NBA title, one of many to come. That’s not really how it works.
It’s going to take time for everyone to mesh on the court, and that’s not even counting egos. Worse, as the Celtics have shown us over the past three seasons, to be a perennial champ you need talent, good health, and lots of luck over the course of an 82-game regular season and en route to winning 16 playoff games over four separate series. So far, for all the talent and heart wearing Celtics uniforms, this new version still only has one title in three seasons. My point is that the “Miami Thrice” boys need to understand all they’ve really done is give themselves a very good chance to be in hunt each season. Everything else depends on how they play.
And let’s not forget that the rest of the NBA isn’t simply going to lay down and forfeit games or concede the title to the Heat. In fact, if anything, the Heat have now put a huge bulls-eye on their jerseys with every other team licking their chops waiting for a shot at knocking them off their self-anointed perch.
I think James is the epitome of today’s young professional athlete, wanting it all too fast, too soon, and not having the patience for the process towards greatness. As was the case when I was a young scientist after leaving my football life, the curse of youth is that sometimes you lack a true sense and appreciation for the history of your profession or craft, and it stunts your growth as part of the profession. With all the fast money and fame young athletes get today, I honestly wonder if any of them truly comprehend or appreciate how their sports and leagues evolved over decades to bring them to this day of mind-boggling paydays.
So James is hurt by Gilbert’s remarks? Boo-Hoo-Hoo. I think Dan Gilbert was reasonably angry, but his public letter certainly was poorly worded for an owner. Did James quit on the Cavs? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Who knows if a deep rift existed within the Cavs organization and locker room by the time the Cavs crashed and burned against Boston? We can only speculate and wonder what the underlying story was. But I do wonder where Dan Gilbert and other members of the Cavs brain trust were over the past 2-3 years if James has tanked games and quit when the pressure was on. Why does he finally rip into James now that he’s left for sunny Florida? If this was a festering situation for the past 2-3 years of coming up short and shorter, why are we first hearing about your anger now?
Professional sports really in a funny business, and I emphasize business, because that’s what this is all about. The titles and trophies are nice, but it’s really the bottom line that counts for most of these bozos. If you don’t believe me, just watch what’s going on with the Knicks and the behind-the-scenes involvement of Isaiah Thomas. If you honestly think the Knicks are hoping to get back to their glory days we shouldn’t be hearing a whiff of Thomas’ name, and certainly not from Donny Walsh who now seems to have been filling the role of understudy for Thomas until the coast was clear with the New York fans and media.
Speaking of the Yankees, is anyone really that heartbroken over their failure to complete a trade for Cliff Lee? Why is it that if the Yankees acquire a pitcher like Lee for a pennant run it’s Divine Right, but if the Mariners pull the plug and trade Lee to the Texas Rangers it automatically calls for an ethics investigation? Bill Madden calls this the “greed over need” approach, where the old Steinbrenner philosophy was if we keep collecting these guys you can’t have them to beat us. As distasteful as I always found the way ol’ George ran his team, I could at least respect his adherence to the old adage you win championships with defense. George… I think that really applies to football, and we all know a prevent defense more often than not means you’re preventing the defense from winning the game. Or maybe George thought he was playing keep-away, his version of the old Dean Smith four-corners offense at North Carolina? Or maybe George just liked collecting star players for his ego. Granted, the Yankees won their share of World Series titles during his ownership, but George really did see more teams implode than he or Yankee fans care to admit while all that money was tossed around.
Speaking of the Yankees, a solemn note on the passing of legendary voice Bob Sheppard at the age of 99. For more than 50 years, Sheppard (1910-2010) was the voice of Yankee Stadium, and to think he almost turned down the gig because it interfered with his teaching schedule. Gee, if I had a guy like Sheppard as my high school English teacher I might’ve stayed awake and focused more often. Rest in Peace, Mr. Sheppard.
As talent-laden as the Yankees are, having MLB’s best record at the All-Star break, the truth is that they have their share of warts and bugs just like every other team still in a divisional race. Could the Yankees use Cliff Lee? Maybe, but as they proved last year, they can get by in the post-season with a three-man rotation. They didn’t really need Cliff Lee as much as they need more depth for an aging everyday lineup and an inconsistent bullpen. But then again, that’s the story for at least 10-15 other teams this season.
By the way, did you notice Lee lost his debut Saturday night to Baltimore, 6-1? That’s the on any given day beauty of sports. In fact, the Orioles’ Chris Tillman pitched 6.1 innings of no-hit ball that night. Add to that the perfect game Cincinnati’s Travis Wood took into the ninth in Philadelphia (a 1-0, 11-inning loss), the no-hitter Toronto’s Jesse Litsch lost in the sixth inning in a 3-2 home loss to the Red Sox, and the no-no the Dodgers Vincent Padilla took into the sixth in last night’s 7-0 home win over the Cubs. As I’ve been saying for weeks, all these flirtations with no-hitters continue to threaten the season record of seven set in 1990 and 1991.
However, as no-hitters are being broken up now in earlier innings than the seventh, you have to wonder if this is a sign hitters are finally catching up to pitchers. But if the trend continues to hold form for the rest of the season, don’t be surprised if commissioner Bud Selig tosses out the idea of lowering the mound another 5 inches like MLB did after the 1968 season. As we all know, Selig fears major changes like instant replay, but minor cosmetic changes like lower the mound sounds about right for his 19th century thinking mode. Less piles of dirt sure seem more “natural” than using cameras, right?
Wasn’t that a strategic stroke of genius by Cubs pitcher Carlos Silva, getting tossed from last night’s game arguing a first-base call (the runner was indeed out according to replays) when you’re already down 5-0 in the second inning? If you don’t think so, consider the replacement pitcher gets extra warm-up throws as opposed to a regular pitching change. And it worked… the scoring stopped after the fourth inning. Yeah, the Cubs definitely know how to play baseball this season… 103 seasons and counting since their last World Series title.
Talking about pitching, how about that 5-inning, 103-pitch gem the Angels’ Scott Kazmir tossed this weekend against Oakland? 11 hits, 13 earned runs, and at least a dozen looks to the dugout for manager Mike Scioscia to take him out of the game. If you wondered why the Mets traded him to Tampa Bay years ago and the Rays traded him to Los Angeles, now we finally know and can stop beating up the Mets for giving up on a once can’t-miss pitcher.
Have you noticed the Phillies won back-to-back 1-0 games against the Reds this weekend? Only the Dodgers have accomplished this feat this season. When you’re sweeping four-game series by a total of five runs you know your team is playing gritty baseball. I hope players like Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino keep things in perspective while they whine about the Philly faithful booing them for inconsistent play. While you guys may play with grit and heart, you have been rather inconsistent all season and despite three straight NL East crowns and consecutive World Series berths, the Philly fans have high expectations and don’t give free passes. Remember, these are the same fans who booed Santa Claus at the old Vet during an Eagles game during the 1970s.
Great pitching lately from the Mets’ Johan Santana, a complete-game shut-out of the Reds on Tuesday and another seven shut-out innings in yesterday’s 3-0 win over the Braves at Citi Field. Maybe now that the story of his October sexual misadventure is out in the open he can pitch with a free mind and clear head. I’m just saying there may be a little connection. After all, as Yogi used to say, 90 percent of pitching is half-mental.
How many of you are honestly disappointed in how the Mets are doing at the All-Star break? Could they be playing better? Sure, but eight games over .500 and only four games out of first place in the NL East, I’ll take it. Just like the Yankees, the Mets didn’t have all their horses during the season’s first half and played inconsistently (granted, more inconsistent than the Yankees), but this Mets team is starting to jell more and more and the All-Star break comes at a good time. Reyes needs to heal better. Pelfrey needs to find his splitter again. Beltran is finally coming back from the DL. Bay needs to improve his power numbers. Francoeur needs to be more consistent at the plate. But there’s much more optimism for July and August this year than last. Who knows? Maybe Maine and Perez might come back and contribute something? Anything’s possible during a long season.
Do you enjoy watching Angel Pagan play center field and at the plate? I think he’s finally becoming who the Mets thought he’d be when they got him from the Cubs, and he’s earned the right to stay in the lineup as much as possible. While Carlos Beltran may be the regular centerfielder and clean-up hitter, he still need to prove what he can do on a daily basis after knee surgery and extended rehab. If I was Jerry Manuel, I wouldn’t be so quick to assume Beltran belongs in center field and in the clean-up spot. In fact, I would be rotating all of my outfielders for the next several weeks until Beltran is in true form. That means Beltran needs to suck it up and play some of the corner positions once a week while Pagan, Bay, Francoeur, and Chris Carter get their at bats.
I really like watching Ike Davis play first base and hit. This kid’s gonna be a real special part of the Mets for the next several seasons. His bat reminds me more and more of Darryl Strawberry’s and his play in the field reminds me more and more of Keith Hernandez. Of course, Davis will always remain the team’s best acrobat when it comes to fielding pop-ups near the dugout. However, if you watched yesterday’s win against Atlanta, Francoeur did a little gymnastics of his own chasing a ball near the right field foul line.
The Mets are one of a few streaky teams making this season more than a tad exciting. In addition to the Mets, the Braves, Reds, Rockies, Dodgers, Red Sox, White Sox, Rangers, Tigers, and Rays have had at least one hot and cold streak. Of course the key to winning a pennant in baseball is to make sure the hot streaks are more frequent than the cold.
Have you noticed how interesting the AL Central race is getting?
Have you noticed how the Rockies have started their annual hot streak and climbed into second in the NL West? As I’ve warned, and beware Padres and Dodgers, they’re baaaaaackkkkkkkk….
You know who I hope finds his way back to MLB? Pitcher Dontrelle Willis, recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after he lost his mojo with the Marlins and never found it with the Tigers. Here’s a perfect example of a kid who starts out like fire, but fails to adjust mechanics as his body matures and fills out. Some folks are already asking if he should consider retiring or reinventing himself into an outfielder like Rick Ankiel did years ago with the Cardinals. Willis can hit, no doubt, but his pitching was much more fluid and impressive than Ankiel’s ever was. I do hope someone can straighten him out and help him relocate his groove and love for the game. MLB is better when one of the good kids is part of it.
For those of you thirsting for football this summer, you could always follow the CFL and root for the Calgary Stampeders, who are off to a 2-0 start. Canadian football is fun to watch, and the Stampeders have long been one of the better teams. Their season begins on July 1 and runs through our Thanksgiving weekend (in case you didn’t know, Canadian Thanksgiving coincides with our Columbus Day) with the Grey Cup. Just a gentle hint, folks.
If you’re not reading USA TODAY columnist Mike Lopresti (Keeping Score) you’re really missing out on some great stuff.
Oh, did DeMarcus Russell just sneeze or cough again? Someone please pass him a Halls or Ricola… he needs wiser choices for cold symptoms.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What happens when the cheering stops? -- Sports Thoughts for July 8, 2010
The past few days in sports remind me of three quick stories I’d like to share with you.
The first story goes back to my days teaching high school chemistry and physics and coaching football in Florida. I had a chemistry student named Chris, who happened to be a monster linebacker on the varsity team. Well, long story short, Chris was far from a rocket scientist; in fact, I suspect he was functionally illiterate and borderline mentally retarded (at least that was the chatter among other teachers). But Chris needed to pass all his classes, by hook or by crook, in order to maintain eligibility to play on the team, not to mention have any hope at a football scholarship in college.
I had been teaching high school science and coaching football for a few years already, and Chris was hardly the first kid like this in my classes, and for kids like Chris I had what I call “The Bubba Rule”, as in “Bubba needs to pass so he can play ball” (I usually say this in a slow, hillbilly-like drawl). So, to help the helpless, I created a special grade for the Bubbas in my classes who I also coached on the field, a “D” so low for my standards back then you’d really have to be a complete dimwit not to pass a basic chemistry course. What was my so low standard? A 50-percent average. Why 50? Because I felt no one deserved to pass a basic class if you couldn’t demonstrate comprehension of half the course material.
Now after all these years of teaching the most brutal levels of chemistry and physics to aspiring doctors, engineers and other scientists, that 50 average is a badge of honor for many students. You’ve heard of Magna Cum Laude and Suma Cum Laude, right? Well, you’d be surprised how many engineering majors say Thank You Lordy after getting by one of my killer college courses. But back in the 1980s, 50 was a booby prize for floundering in my high school classroom, and Chris was one of several Bubbas sweating it out to try and reach the cut-off for the booby prize. Sadly, he never came close; scoring double digits on a test was a monumental achievement for this kid.
Somehow Chris accumulated enough D’s on his transcript to graduate high school, even without passing chemistry, but no matter how big a monster he was on the football field, no college would take a look at him (don’t even ask about his SAT scores), and he started taking classes at the nearby community college, where everyone gets admitted. He lasted a semester, floundering in almost every remedial course he had to take before even starting college-level classes. He never played football again, and the last I remember, he was working locally as a janitor.
But that’s not the point of the story. Every home game, Chris would show up, walk through the bleachers to a hero’s welcome, and be a local celebrity. Here was a kid who could barely read, write or do basic arithmetic, would likely work in unskilled jobs for the rest of his life, and yet he was everyone’s local All-American because of what he did on a high school football field for four years. No matter how he struggled as a young man, or whatever trouble he got into, he always got a rousing cheer from the locals when he showed up on Friday nights.
My second story is more recent, about seven years ago, when I got married. Most of my close friends who regularly read my columns already know the story. At the big reception (ironically three weeks after the wedding, but that’s another story…), my now ex-mother-law (soon it will be obvious why…) got up in front of 300 guests in the social hall at an orthodox synagogue to give a toast on behalf of her daughter (my ex-wife) and me. Well, somehow she never quite got around to toasting us, and instead toasted herself at the end of her long-winded speech. How does the mother of the bride toast herself? She yelled, “Mazal tov to ME!”
Now, I must disclose that my ex-wife was the elder daughter, single until her forties (some might’ve called her a… gasp… SPINSTER), so it’s quite plausible for an almost-70-year-old woman to feel relief when she finally married her eldest daughter off, but – and my friends will concur this – it gave many the impression that my ex-mother-in-law thought the wedding was all about her instead of the bride and groom. Come to think of it, she thought the entire marriage was about her, but again, that’s another story.
My third story is also more recent, around the same timeframe, and it’s about an observation I made while driving through a particular neighborhood in New Jersey. As I was driving through this neighborhood I passed by a house that served as a day-care center. Well, what’s so odd about that? There was a big sign in front of the house, and it said All About Me Daycare Center. I kid you not!
Why do these three stories all resonate with me during this week in sports? I give you Michael Vick, DeMarcus Russell, and LeBron James. Are you catching on?
As we all know, Michael Vick is still trying to redeem himself after his conviction and imprisonment for funding and operating a dog-fighting operation on his Virginia property. After his release from prison, Vick was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles amid great protest, and generally had an uneventful and unimpressive 2009 season as the third-string quarterback, primarily in the Eagles’ version of the wildcat offense. The Eagles traded away Donovan McNabb to the Redskins and Vick moved up the depth chart to be primary backup to Kevin Kolb.
Well, now Michael Vick is in a bit of hot water because his 30th birthday ended with the wrong kind of bang. I’m not going to get into the details, because local authorities are still trying to get to the bottom of everything pending cooperation of the shooting victim, one of Vick’s dog-fighting co-defendants. But now NFL commissioner Roger Goodell needs to meet with Vick to discuss this likely breach of reinstatement conditions, which could lead to disciplinary action, or worse, being cut by the Eagles, thus losing out on a better-than $5-million salary.
As I wrote in my last column, I think the Eagles should cut bait and let Vick go. I also have reservations about any of the other 31 NFL teams signing him afterwards. As far as I’m concerned, Vick’s 30th birthday party demonstrates where he falls on the stupid meter, and he’s flushed his last chance at reviving his career down the toilet.
I had a brief twitter conversation with Sirius Radio’s Bomani Jones, and he brought up a very intriguing point: I don't think [Vick’s situation] is quite that simple. What isn’t discussed enough--other than club promotions, how can he make money?
Think about what Bomani’s saying: If Michael Vick can’t play professional football, how else can he earn a living besides making paid appearances at clubs, even to celebrate his own 30th birthday? We’re talking about a guy who supposedly will earn more than $5-million being a backup quarterback, as long as he kept himself out of trouble. $5-million isn’t enough dough for the current fiscal year? Yes, I know Vick has legal bills and other debts to pay related to 23 months in prison and having his previous contract with the Falcons invalidated, but he needs to make pubic appearances for cash? How much did he earn for showing up to celebrate his own birthday? Sorry, but something doesn’t exactly compute to this scientist.
Economics aside, Bomani did stimulate my intellect to ask why aren’t we pushing professional athletes more to have completed college degrees so they CAN do something besides play ball, spin records as DJs, host parties, make rap videos, or become another talking drone on ESPN (no offense to my ex-playing brethren who work for ESPN or other networks, but you guys know what I mean…). Well, my question is moot, because the answer is somewhat rhetorical – so many of these players lack college degrees because no one has pushed them to take education seriously from almost Day One of everyone recognizing their athletic talent. Parents are guilty of this. K-12 teachers and administrators are guilty of this. Coaches are definitely guilty of this, the NCAA perpetuates the farce, and NFL is stuck holding the bag. And what does the NFL do? All you have to do is look at the number of programs, internships and seminars organized by the Player Development Division, programs, internships and seminars focusing on how to become a talking drone for one of the many sports networks on television or radio. Who’s the biggest enabler among these sports networks? Da-da-dum, Da-da-dum! You guessed it, ESPN. While I agree it’s a great thing to provide professional athletes opportunities to get exposure and experience in sports broadcasting, it is getting a tad out of hand, and all those This is SportsCenter commercials illustrate too much of a good thing.
Time for a little math lesson, boys and girls… By my best count, we have 120 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) teams, 134 Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) teams, 151 Division II football teams, and 238 Division III football teams. Let’s assume each team has an average of 60 players, so this gives us approximately 38,580 total college football players in any given year. There are 32 NFL teams, and each team has an active roster of 53 players and 5 or 6 players on the practice squad. Assuming each NFL team employs 59 players, this means 1,888 total players employed by the NFL during any given season. If we assume only one-quarter of the total college football players were eligible to seek a professional career each year, and every NFL team purged their entire roster, 9,645 new aspiring professionals are competing for only 1,888 jobs. What this means is that under the most ideal statistical conditions, five players are competing for every opening on an NFL roster.
What’s the take-home lesson? Even using the most idealistic algorithm there are simply not enough NFL jobs for kids coming out of the college ranks, meaning the majority of college football players’ careers will end upon leaving campus for the last time, college degree in hand or not. So, when your playing days are over, and the cheering stops for you, what will you do if the NFL is not in your future?
Well, if you’re like me, or thousands of other kids who finished college life, you hang up your cleats and pads, take your degree, and move into the real world as an educated adult. Maybe you go to grad school, med school, law school, the corporate world, or the public sector. But what if you never completed your degree, or perhaps never really bothered to genuinely start it while occupying space on a college campus? What can you do besides play football? Can you go back to school? Why bother… you never cared about school in the first place. Can you find a job in the real world? Yeah, like who’s gonna hire an uneducated ex-jock to work in a bank, or a hospital, or for a major corporation? Maybe if you’re wiling to trade in your football uniform for a uniform that one wears while pushing a broom or mop…
As Bomani Jones asked, what else can a guy like Michael Vick do besides play football or make public appearances as Michael Vick? Once Vick’s football career finally ends for good, I shudder to think how pathetic his post-football life will be. Picture for yourself the image of Jesse Owens racing horses at the "Old Horseshoe" on Ohio State’s campus after winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics. And Owens had a college education! Could you imagine Vick racing with the greyhounds someday, chasing a mechanical rabbit? It’s sad when you really think about it.
Another NFL quarterback about to see his career finally go poof is DeMarcus Russell. The former Oakland Raider (and once possible New York Jet) has demonstrated his position on the stupid meter by getting arrested with codeine syrup he obtained illegally. Again, I’m not going to discuss the legal process, because as we all well know, local authorities have a way of botching up their cases with Keystone Cop regularity. But Russell is another player soon to ask himself what will he do when football is no longer a part of his life and the cheering stops (well, Russell already has advanced practice, given how lousy he played in Oakland). To my knowledge Russell is another player who left college without making any significant progress towards his degree. While Vick could at least host parties at clubs, Russell may have to resort to ribbon cutting at rehab centers, fat farms, and pharmacies.
This leads me to LeBron James, his ego, his narcissism and his chutzpah (better known as me, myself, I, and my essence). Okay, so James is a free agent for the first time in his life where he has a choice and can call the shots on his future. Okay, so the Knicks, Nets, Heats, Cavs, Bulls, and Clippers all shamelessly groveled to him in order to secure his services towards future NBA titles and riches. LeBron’s gonna stay with the Cavs, never to leave Cleveland. No, he’s signing with the Knicks. No, he’s joining Jay-Z in Newark en route to Brooklyn. No, he’s coming to South Beach. No, he’s coming to Chi-Town to make the locals forget all about Michael Jordan and his statue too. No, what about the Clippers? Yeah, right.
James’ future destination has changed more often than Brett Favre’s retirement plans, and chances are Cleveland, New York, Chicago and Miami will take turns being in play every hour until James’ self-orchestrated infomercial with ESPN tonight at 9:00pm EST. I have no intention of watching this crass self-commercialization of James with ESPN as his willing dupe. I can find a few better things to watch on TV and simply hear the verdict during the 11:00pm news, or maybe I’ll just wait until Friday morning and read it in the newspaper funnies, because when you think about it long enough the whole thing is a joke, James has made a punch line out of himself, and ESPN might as well change its theme song to Send in the Clowns.
But as many have already written, especially Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, James and his posse haven’t the slightest clue of how farcical and embarrassing this one-hour special on ESPN really is. Think about it, a 25-year-old man-child, albeit one of the NBA’s best players, has turned his free agency into a foolish celebration of himself. Whomever finally signs him to a maximum-salary contract really has to wonder if James has the intellectual or emotional maturity needed to lead or help lead their team to championship. While talking drones (yes, some of these guys ARE drones, and they know who they are) go on and on about James being the key piece in the giant puzzle of roster moves for the 2010-2011 season, James clearly drank the Kool-Aid and bought the chatter hook, line, and sinker… the free agent market was all about him, and each team’s future success was all about him, and the NBA, a league loaded with self-absorbed millionaires while it losses hundreds of millions of dollars each season (according to Commissioner David Stern), is all about him. A 25-year-old kid who’s yet to win an NBA title despite being a two-time league MVP, thinks the entire hoops world revolves around him, and ESPN indulges him in every possible way.
What’s going to happen to James when his career ends and the NBA starts revolving around some other man-child? What is LeBron going to do with himself when the cheering stops, assuming he doesn’t fritter away his wealth from a long-term guaranteed contract? What happens if he does need an income after he leaves the game? What can he do besides play hoops and be Big Man Around Town (since he never went to college, we can’t call him Big Man on Campus)?
Michael Vick, DeMarcus Russell, and LeBron James have all spent most of their lives being cheered and celebrated for their athletic ability and achievements while their already lacking adult education or adult maturity remain stunted, perhaps permanently. Some day all three of these guys will stop hearing cheers. Some day all three of these guys will have to find something else to do in order to be productive adults and citizens of society. All three of these guys have created a circus of sorts at this point of their careers. Are there enough rings under the Big Top to provide them something meaningful to do as they get older, or will they all need to sit in the bleachers for artificial glory and nostalgia like my former student Chris? This is the flaw with living life thinking it’s all about you… eventually you become a caricature of your prime and folks forget about the way you used to be great. No matter where LeBron James ends up tonight, he can forget about me offering any congratulations. I can’t congratulate someone if I’m still not clear on what exactly he accomplished.
The first story goes back to my days teaching high school chemistry and physics and coaching football in Florida. I had a chemistry student named Chris, who happened to be a monster linebacker on the varsity team. Well, long story short, Chris was far from a rocket scientist; in fact, I suspect he was functionally illiterate and borderline mentally retarded (at least that was the chatter among other teachers). But Chris needed to pass all his classes, by hook or by crook, in order to maintain eligibility to play on the team, not to mention have any hope at a football scholarship in college.
I had been teaching high school science and coaching football for a few years already, and Chris was hardly the first kid like this in my classes, and for kids like Chris I had what I call “The Bubba Rule”, as in “Bubba needs to pass so he can play ball” (I usually say this in a slow, hillbilly-like drawl). So, to help the helpless, I created a special grade for the Bubbas in my classes who I also coached on the field, a “D” so low for my standards back then you’d really have to be a complete dimwit not to pass a basic chemistry course. What was my so low standard? A 50-percent average. Why 50? Because I felt no one deserved to pass a basic class if you couldn’t demonstrate comprehension of half the course material.
Now after all these years of teaching the most brutal levels of chemistry and physics to aspiring doctors, engineers and other scientists, that 50 average is a badge of honor for many students. You’ve heard of Magna Cum Laude and Suma Cum Laude, right? Well, you’d be surprised how many engineering majors say Thank You Lordy after getting by one of my killer college courses. But back in the 1980s, 50 was a booby prize for floundering in my high school classroom, and Chris was one of several Bubbas sweating it out to try and reach the cut-off for the booby prize. Sadly, he never came close; scoring double digits on a test was a monumental achievement for this kid.
Somehow Chris accumulated enough D’s on his transcript to graduate high school, even without passing chemistry, but no matter how big a monster he was on the football field, no college would take a look at him (don’t even ask about his SAT scores), and he started taking classes at the nearby community college, where everyone gets admitted. He lasted a semester, floundering in almost every remedial course he had to take before even starting college-level classes. He never played football again, and the last I remember, he was working locally as a janitor.
But that’s not the point of the story. Every home game, Chris would show up, walk through the bleachers to a hero’s welcome, and be a local celebrity. Here was a kid who could barely read, write or do basic arithmetic, would likely work in unskilled jobs for the rest of his life, and yet he was everyone’s local All-American because of what he did on a high school football field for four years. No matter how he struggled as a young man, or whatever trouble he got into, he always got a rousing cheer from the locals when he showed up on Friday nights.
My second story is more recent, about seven years ago, when I got married. Most of my close friends who regularly read my columns already know the story. At the big reception (ironically three weeks after the wedding, but that’s another story…), my now ex-mother-law (soon it will be obvious why…) got up in front of 300 guests in the social hall at an orthodox synagogue to give a toast on behalf of her daughter (my ex-wife) and me. Well, somehow she never quite got around to toasting us, and instead toasted herself at the end of her long-winded speech. How does the mother of the bride toast herself? She yelled, “Mazal tov to ME!”
Now, I must disclose that my ex-wife was the elder daughter, single until her forties (some might’ve called her a… gasp… SPINSTER), so it’s quite plausible for an almost-70-year-old woman to feel relief when she finally married her eldest daughter off, but – and my friends will concur this – it gave many the impression that my ex-mother-in-law thought the wedding was all about her instead of the bride and groom. Come to think of it, she thought the entire marriage was about her, but again, that’s another story.
My third story is also more recent, around the same timeframe, and it’s about an observation I made while driving through a particular neighborhood in New Jersey. As I was driving through this neighborhood I passed by a house that served as a day-care center. Well, what’s so odd about that? There was a big sign in front of the house, and it said All About Me Daycare Center. I kid you not!
Why do these three stories all resonate with me during this week in sports? I give you Michael Vick, DeMarcus Russell, and LeBron James. Are you catching on?
As we all know, Michael Vick is still trying to redeem himself after his conviction and imprisonment for funding and operating a dog-fighting operation on his Virginia property. After his release from prison, Vick was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles amid great protest, and generally had an uneventful and unimpressive 2009 season as the third-string quarterback, primarily in the Eagles’ version of the wildcat offense. The Eagles traded away Donovan McNabb to the Redskins and Vick moved up the depth chart to be primary backup to Kevin Kolb.
Well, now Michael Vick is in a bit of hot water because his 30th birthday ended with the wrong kind of bang. I’m not going to get into the details, because local authorities are still trying to get to the bottom of everything pending cooperation of the shooting victim, one of Vick’s dog-fighting co-defendants. But now NFL commissioner Roger Goodell needs to meet with Vick to discuss this likely breach of reinstatement conditions, which could lead to disciplinary action, or worse, being cut by the Eagles, thus losing out on a better-than $5-million salary.
As I wrote in my last column, I think the Eagles should cut bait and let Vick go. I also have reservations about any of the other 31 NFL teams signing him afterwards. As far as I’m concerned, Vick’s 30th birthday party demonstrates where he falls on the stupid meter, and he’s flushed his last chance at reviving his career down the toilet.
I had a brief twitter conversation with Sirius Radio’s Bomani Jones, and he brought up a very intriguing point: I don't think [Vick’s situation] is quite that simple. What isn’t discussed enough--other than club promotions, how can he make money?
Think about what Bomani’s saying: If Michael Vick can’t play professional football, how else can he earn a living besides making paid appearances at clubs, even to celebrate his own 30th birthday? We’re talking about a guy who supposedly will earn more than $5-million being a backup quarterback, as long as he kept himself out of trouble. $5-million isn’t enough dough for the current fiscal year? Yes, I know Vick has legal bills and other debts to pay related to 23 months in prison and having his previous contract with the Falcons invalidated, but he needs to make pubic appearances for cash? How much did he earn for showing up to celebrate his own birthday? Sorry, but something doesn’t exactly compute to this scientist.
Economics aside, Bomani did stimulate my intellect to ask why aren’t we pushing professional athletes more to have completed college degrees so they CAN do something besides play ball, spin records as DJs, host parties, make rap videos, or become another talking drone on ESPN (no offense to my ex-playing brethren who work for ESPN or other networks, but you guys know what I mean…). Well, my question is moot, because the answer is somewhat rhetorical – so many of these players lack college degrees because no one has pushed them to take education seriously from almost Day One of everyone recognizing their athletic talent. Parents are guilty of this. K-12 teachers and administrators are guilty of this. Coaches are definitely guilty of this, the NCAA perpetuates the farce, and NFL is stuck holding the bag. And what does the NFL do? All you have to do is look at the number of programs, internships and seminars organized by the Player Development Division, programs, internships and seminars focusing on how to become a talking drone for one of the many sports networks on television or radio. Who’s the biggest enabler among these sports networks? Da-da-dum, Da-da-dum! You guessed it, ESPN. While I agree it’s a great thing to provide professional athletes opportunities to get exposure and experience in sports broadcasting, it is getting a tad out of hand, and all those This is SportsCenter commercials illustrate too much of a good thing.
Time for a little math lesson, boys and girls… By my best count, we have 120 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) teams, 134 Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) teams, 151 Division II football teams, and 238 Division III football teams. Let’s assume each team has an average of 60 players, so this gives us approximately 38,580 total college football players in any given year. There are 32 NFL teams, and each team has an active roster of 53 players and 5 or 6 players on the practice squad. Assuming each NFL team employs 59 players, this means 1,888 total players employed by the NFL during any given season. If we assume only one-quarter of the total college football players were eligible to seek a professional career each year, and every NFL team purged their entire roster, 9,645 new aspiring professionals are competing for only 1,888 jobs. What this means is that under the most ideal statistical conditions, five players are competing for every opening on an NFL roster.
What’s the take-home lesson? Even using the most idealistic algorithm there are simply not enough NFL jobs for kids coming out of the college ranks, meaning the majority of college football players’ careers will end upon leaving campus for the last time, college degree in hand or not. So, when your playing days are over, and the cheering stops for you, what will you do if the NFL is not in your future?
Well, if you’re like me, or thousands of other kids who finished college life, you hang up your cleats and pads, take your degree, and move into the real world as an educated adult. Maybe you go to grad school, med school, law school, the corporate world, or the public sector. But what if you never completed your degree, or perhaps never really bothered to genuinely start it while occupying space on a college campus? What can you do besides play football? Can you go back to school? Why bother… you never cared about school in the first place. Can you find a job in the real world? Yeah, like who’s gonna hire an uneducated ex-jock to work in a bank, or a hospital, or for a major corporation? Maybe if you’re wiling to trade in your football uniform for a uniform that one wears while pushing a broom or mop…
As Bomani Jones asked, what else can a guy like Michael Vick do besides play football or make public appearances as Michael Vick? Once Vick’s football career finally ends for good, I shudder to think how pathetic his post-football life will be. Picture for yourself the image of Jesse Owens racing horses at the "Old Horseshoe" on Ohio State’s campus after winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics. And Owens had a college education! Could you imagine Vick racing with the greyhounds someday, chasing a mechanical rabbit? It’s sad when you really think about it.
Another NFL quarterback about to see his career finally go poof is DeMarcus Russell. The former Oakland Raider (and once possible New York Jet) has demonstrated his position on the stupid meter by getting arrested with codeine syrup he obtained illegally. Again, I’m not going to discuss the legal process, because as we all well know, local authorities have a way of botching up their cases with Keystone Cop regularity. But Russell is another player soon to ask himself what will he do when football is no longer a part of his life and the cheering stops (well, Russell already has advanced practice, given how lousy he played in Oakland). To my knowledge Russell is another player who left college without making any significant progress towards his degree. While Vick could at least host parties at clubs, Russell may have to resort to ribbon cutting at rehab centers, fat farms, and pharmacies.
This leads me to LeBron James, his ego, his narcissism and his chutzpah (better known as me, myself, I, and my essence). Okay, so James is a free agent for the first time in his life where he has a choice and can call the shots on his future. Okay, so the Knicks, Nets, Heats, Cavs, Bulls, and Clippers all shamelessly groveled to him in order to secure his services towards future NBA titles and riches. LeBron’s gonna stay with the Cavs, never to leave Cleveland. No, he’s signing with the Knicks. No, he’s joining Jay-Z in Newark en route to Brooklyn. No, he’s coming to South Beach. No, he’s coming to Chi-Town to make the locals forget all about Michael Jordan and his statue too. No, what about the Clippers? Yeah, right.
James’ future destination has changed more often than Brett Favre’s retirement plans, and chances are Cleveland, New York, Chicago and Miami will take turns being in play every hour until James’ self-orchestrated infomercial with ESPN tonight at 9:00pm EST. I have no intention of watching this crass self-commercialization of James with ESPN as his willing dupe. I can find a few better things to watch on TV and simply hear the verdict during the 11:00pm news, or maybe I’ll just wait until Friday morning and read it in the newspaper funnies, because when you think about it long enough the whole thing is a joke, James has made a punch line out of himself, and ESPN might as well change its theme song to Send in the Clowns.
But as many have already written, especially Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, James and his posse haven’t the slightest clue of how farcical and embarrassing this one-hour special on ESPN really is. Think about it, a 25-year-old man-child, albeit one of the NBA’s best players, has turned his free agency into a foolish celebration of himself. Whomever finally signs him to a maximum-salary contract really has to wonder if James has the intellectual or emotional maturity needed to lead or help lead their team to championship. While talking drones (yes, some of these guys ARE drones, and they know who they are) go on and on about James being the key piece in the giant puzzle of roster moves for the 2010-2011 season, James clearly drank the Kool-Aid and bought the chatter hook, line, and sinker… the free agent market was all about him, and each team’s future success was all about him, and the NBA, a league loaded with self-absorbed millionaires while it losses hundreds of millions of dollars each season (according to Commissioner David Stern), is all about him. A 25-year-old kid who’s yet to win an NBA title despite being a two-time league MVP, thinks the entire hoops world revolves around him, and ESPN indulges him in every possible way.
What’s going to happen to James when his career ends and the NBA starts revolving around some other man-child? What is LeBron going to do with himself when the cheering stops, assuming he doesn’t fritter away his wealth from a long-term guaranteed contract? What happens if he does need an income after he leaves the game? What can he do besides play hoops and be Big Man Around Town (since he never went to college, we can’t call him Big Man on Campus)?
Michael Vick, DeMarcus Russell, and LeBron James have all spent most of their lives being cheered and celebrated for their athletic ability and achievements while their already lacking adult education or adult maturity remain stunted, perhaps permanently. Some day all three of these guys will stop hearing cheers. Some day all three of these guys will have to find something else to do in order to be productive adults and citizens of society. All three of these guys have created a circus of sorts at this point of their careers. Are there enough rings under the Big Top to provide them something meaningful to do as they get older, or will they all need to sit in the bleachers for artificial glory and nostalgia like my former student Chris? This is the flaw with living life thinking it’s all about you… eventually you become a caricature of your prime and folks forget about the way you used to be great. No matter where LeBron James ends up tonight, he can forget about me offering any congratulations. I can’t congratulate someone if I’m still not clear on what exactly he accomplished.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Where’s my Summer Vacation? -- Sports Thoughts for July 6, 2010
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Precarious lead.
Precarious lead, who?
Precarious lead when K-Rod’s on the mound!
What in the name of Armando Benitez is going on with the Mets and the ninth inning? Closer Francisco Rodriguez has adopted a new role – high wire act – and it’s really starting to annoy me. Granted, closers hit their rough patches during a 162-game season, and K-Rod is having one now just like he did last season around the same point, but yikes! This recent road trip has been rough on the Mets and their faithful fans, going 3-4 against the Marlins (in San Juan, Puerto Rico) and the Nationals, the divisional bottom-feeders, the not-yet-ready-for-primetime teams the Mets are supposed to beat if they want to be kings of the NL East, if not the wild card team come October. But true to form, the Mets lost two of three against the Marlins and needed everything but the kitchen sink in order to gain a split in Washington.
How frustrating was this week to everyone not owning stock in Maalox? For starters, the Mets lost three games in the final at bat, bringing their season total for walk-off heartbreaks to ten. For good measure, K-Rod blew a 5-3 ninth-inning lead Saturday night after knuckleballer R.A. Dickey outdueled flamethrower Stephen Strasburg… and this was sandwiched between heart-in-your throat saves Friday night and Sunday afternoon. We can say one thing for K-Rod, he gives fans good reason not to leave the park early to try and beat the traffic home.
Pitching coach Dan Warthen says K-Rod needs a little mechanical fine-tuning on his delivery, so what is currently a hiccup is likely not headed to a full-blown case of whooping cough. Still, ten walk-off losses during the first half of the season is reason for concern in what could be a very tight race all summer long. But before we dwell too much on any potential apocalypse let’s keep things in perspective. When your team loses ten walk-offs that means the HOME team won in their last at-bat. My point? These are ten ROAD losses by a team with an 18-24 record away from Citi Field. When a team struggles on the road, losing walk-off games is bound to happen from time to time. Think about it. Ten walk-off losses, either due to bad luck, inconsistent bats, or bullpen implosions. If the Mets just found a way to hang onto half of these games their road record would be 23-19. How important would that be in a competitive NL East race as well as for the wild card? Believe it or not, the only NL team with a legitimate road record is San Diego, and they regularly win games close to the vest as one of the weakest hitting teams in the majors.
But ask yourself this – if you were told back in March that the Mets would be 45-36 at the midpoint, without Carlos Beltran, an inconsistent first-half by Johan Santana, and essentially zero contribution from John Maine and Ollie Perez – you’d take it. Think about it. The Mets are on pace for 90-72 after 70-92 last season… and they’re still not running on all cylinders yet. Even without being voted to the All-Star Game, Mike Pelfrey’s been more than solid as the quasi-ace of the rotation. Jonathon Niese has given solid performances as has R.A. Dickey. Even Hisanori Takahashi manages to hold his own more often than not. And the bullpen, for all its warts, still keeps the Mets in the win column more than the loss column. Ike Davis has been a godsend at first base. Jason Bay and Jeff Francoeur continue to chip in with hot streaks. Angel Pagan has been a solid fill-in for Beltran. Joe Reyes is back in form, even with the recent back tweak, and David Wright is having a tremendous comeback year. As I’ve been saying all season so far – imagine what kind of season the Boys of Flushing will have when everyone’s healthy and playing consistently. Despite all the dire predictions and pessimism, you knew deep down the Mets weren’t really as bad as 70-92. We’ve seen worse. Oh, boy have we seen much worse during the ups and downs since 1962. Are they necessarily as good as 90-72? In 2007 and 2008, they fell just short as injuries, bad luck, and the Phillies passed them by. Maybe this is the year they do end up where they should’ve been all along. Maybe this is the year they win 90 and take back the division, or at least get the wild card. We still have a long way to go, but Beltran will be back after the All-Star break, Reyes and Pagan will be feeling better. Maybe the pitching staff gets outside help; maybe all the loose ends finally come together in-house. Time will tell. No matter how it goes, it certainly won’t be dull. You can bet your K-Rod on that.
Has anyone noticed 19 pitchers have carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning so far this season? NINETEEN. We’ve already passed the combined number of no and one-hitters pitched for all of last year, 13. And we still have half a season to go. The Cubs’ Randy Wells is the latest to join the club, pitching a one-hitter Saturday afternoon to beat the Reds 3-1 at Wrigley Field. I haven’t checked with the ELIAS Sports Bureau, but I imagine folks are already keeping tabs on the single season record. Given we already have four no-hitters so far, I’m expecting at least a match for the most no-hitters before Labor Day (the record is seven, in 1990 and 1991). I’ll even go out of a limb and say one of the no-hitters we’ll see during July and August will finally be tossed by a Met. Having watched Pelfrey and Niese this season I think it’s a matter of time before one of them pull off the feat.
Congratulations to Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal for their Wimbledon titles. Williams stormed through the women’s field in staggering fashion. Nadal showed his mettle outlasting Brit Andy Murray in the semis and Czech Tomas Berdych in the finals. As I think back on this year’s Wimbledon, I’ll always remember the stupefying first-round marathon Isner-Mahut match as well as Roger Federer coming up small after losing in the quarterfinals to Berdych, blaming his loss on everything but Lee Harvey Oswald while barely acknowledging the “A” game his opponent brought to the match.
Speaking of Wimbledon, this holiday weekend was the 30th anniversary of perhaps one of the best men’s final matches in history, Borg-McEnroe. In an epic five-set match, Bjorn Borg won his fifth straight (and last) Wimbledon title, outlasting John McEnroe. For those of us who watched and remember, McEnroe forced a fifth set after winning the fourth in an incredible 18-16 tiebreaker. Well, in a wonderful treat by NBC, we got to see the fourth set tiebreaker in its entirety Sunday morning with Borg and McEnroe in studio to provide memories and commentaries. If you love tennis you really had to enjoy Sunday’s revisit to July 5, 1980 when two men with the hearts of champions battled back and forth in a match that seemed to have a million momentum swings. Oh, and if you did watch this replay, I hope you paid attention to their wooden rackets with normal sized heads, headbands, and outfits that actually looked appropriate for tennis as opposed to today’s players wearing imitation pajamas or bathing suits.
Speaking of anniversaries, this holiday weekend was also the 25th anniversary of one of the wackiest Mets games in history, a 19-inning 16-13 win over the Braves at Atlanta’s old Fulton County Stadium. The scheduled game start of 7:05pm on July 4, 1985 was delayed by the first of two rain delays and never ended until 3:55am July 5. And then came the fireworks show! I know. I remember. I watched the whole damned thing in its entirety from my then-home in Tampa, Florida. Dwight Gooden started and lasted only three innings because of the second rain delay. Ron Darling ended up closing and saving the game. The Mets blew the lead three times in the 8th, 13th, and 18th (on pitcher Rick Camp’s homer, of all things), and almost blew a five-run lead in the 19th, but Darling put out the fire after the Braves scored twice and had bases loaded. So for those of you who shook your heads in disbelief at the 20-inning game the Mets won in St. Louis in April, that game doesn’t hold a candle to that 1985 game, which was and will always be one for the books. As Casey Stengel used to say, you could look it up.
So what should the Eagles do with Michael Vick now that security camera footage failed to fully corroborate Vick’s story of how his 30th birthday party went out with a bang? There’s fibbing, white lies, and damned lies, and if these are my only three choices, you know I’m not giving Vick the benefit of the doubt. I think the Eagles should cut their losses and release Vick. Owner Jeffery Lurie and head coach Andy Reid really don’t need this extra aggravation, even if Vick is the only experienced option at quarterback behind Kevin Kolb. Full disclosure and transparency are not words often associated with Vick, if at all. When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Vick last year it was with the stipulation don’t do anything stupid. You do the math and determine where last week’s events fall along the stupid meter.
Here’s another one for the stupid meter. Did you hear about Titans’ backup quarterback Chris Simms getting pulled over a few nights ago for DWI? Yep, another example of a professional athlete failing to use his brain properly. You didn’t if you only read the Bergen Record. For some reason, the Record was the only local newspaper to not report it. You don’t think the Simms family living in Franklin Lakes had anything to do with this, do you? Am I shocked to hear Simms allegedly smoked pot in his 2009 Mercedes-Benz with wife and child along for the ride? I’m actually more shocked a backup quarterback playing on his third team in three years drives a Mercedes-Benz. Hey, I drove a ’76 Buick LeSabre to Bucs training camp in 1984, and the air conditioning was broken. If you’re deep on the depth chart there are certain standards, you know.
Speaking of backup quarterbacks, did you hear the New York Jets are interested in DeMarcus Russell as a possible understudy to Mark Sanchez in case Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens aren’t up to the task? No, really. I heard it from Rich Cimini (ESPNNewYork.com). Seriously. Stop giggling. Things really are getting interesting in Florham Park, also known as Boys Town East. I swear on LaDainian Tomlinson’s new calf tattoo.
Now we hear Russell has been arrested for illegal possession of codeine syrup. Apparently food isn’t his only addiction. I’m a Merlot man myself, but if the Jets do sign Russell, does Rex Ryan keep the training facility bar stocked with Robitussin martinis for this guy? Would Russell like his cough syrup shaken or stirred?
Oh, like I’m not allowed to ask silly questions like this? I suppose my credibility would be better if I did more than mention the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and Kobayashi crashing the stage? Why is this front-page news in New York? Worse, why do gluttons need to sign exclusive deals with organizers of these idiotic events? Who’s running Major League Eating anyway, the heirs of Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel?
Have you ever watched Australian Rules Football? I happened to catch the Richmond-Sydney game on ESPN-2 during the wee hours Sunday morning while trying to fall asleep. It was very entertaining and I actually caught on to how the game is played. Although it’s not as much fun as watching NFL games, it definitely made more sense to me than World Cup Soccer. One reason why? The scoreboard had a clock with the official time, so you knew exactly how much time was left in each period. I hate to beat a dead horse, but this time issue is big with me.
Oh, for you World Cup fans, you should know this is the biggest roll Germany's had since the blitzkrieg of 1939.
A melancholy note on the recent passing of Don Coryell. If you haven’t read it, please track down the touching tribute Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Dispatch wrote. Coryell was one of the best and grossly underrated head coaches and offensive minds in NFL history. He turned the then-St. Louis Cardinals into a force in the NFC East during the mid-1970s, albeit short-lived, and accomplished even more with the San Diego Chargers during the early 1980s. Burwell pointed out how Coryell was coaching the West Coast Offense before the late Bill Walsh devised it with the 49ers, and how Joe Gibbs derived his Redskins offense from Coryell’s playbook. This may be all true, but I‘d like to offer a slightly different perspective. If we ever build an NFL equivalent to Mount Rushmore for offensive geniuses, I expect to see Don Coryell’s bust next to Sid Gillman, the father of modern offense, as well as Walsh and Hank Stram, father of the moving pocket. While Coryell never made it to a super bowl, what he accomplished with the Cardinals and Chargers was a thing of beauty. People always associate the Cardinals and Chargers with “Air Coryell”, led by quarterbacks Jim Hart and Dan Fouts, respectively. But people also forget both of Coryell’s teams had solid rushing attacks, led by the tandem of Jim Otis and Terry Metcalf in St. Louis and Chuck Muncie and Joe Washington in San Diego. It wasn’t until the running games slipped that “Air Coryell” sputtered. Just thought I’d mention that to those who yawn at Rex Ryan’s “Ground and Pound” philosophy. And if you think I’m biased in Jet Green, take a closer look at my offensive Mount Rushmore – Gillman had Ollie Matson with the 1950s Rams, Dennis Lowe and Keith Lincoln with the 1960s Chargers. Stram had Mike Garrett in Kansas City. Walsh had Roger Craig in San Francisco. I rest my case.
Speaking of the Jets, since all things in football always come back to Gang Green (Pushkin’s Rule of Football), I’d like to show you what a small world it really is. Don Coryell is related to the Jets in two degrees of separation – Coryell replaced Charlie Winner as head coach in 1972, after Winner couldn’t lift the Cardinals beyond three straight 9-5 seasons. Winner was Weeb Ewbank’s son-in-law and replaced the only man to win world championships in the NFL (Colts, 1958-1959) and AFL (Jets, 1968) after the 1973 season. As Jet fans my age and older not-so-fondly remember, Charley wasn’t much of a winner, going 9-14 during the 1974 and 1975 seasons before being fired nine weeks into the first of three straight 3-11 seasons.
Pop Quiz – How many of you knew Lou Holtz was the Jets head coach in 1976?
Do any of you still pay attention to the non-stop NBA free agency chatter? In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter where LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudamire, Joe Johnson and the rest of the big names end up when the contract signings start? They can either earn up to $30 Million per year for six years staying put or $30 Million per year for only five. When you put it that way, why should we care? In fact, the only player I really think we should care about is David Lee, a quality player who deserves a chance to stick with the Knicks and be part of the turnaround. Considering how much blood and sweat he’s given the Knicks every night during the past couple of lousy seasons, I think the least the Knicks can do is begin the revival with him and his unlimited heart and guts, not the King or his fellow mercenaries.
Speaking of the NBA’s version of musical chairs, I highly recommend reading the columns Mike Lupica and Bill Madden wrote in Sunday’s New York Daily News. Just read them. I promise you’ll be impressed, entertained, and have plenty to think about afterwards.
Speaking of columns, please allow me to give a big shout-out to my fellow sports junkie and blogger Susan Shan. Today is the launch date of her new and improved website www.SusanShan.com. Susan’s a great writer, a supportive colleague, and definitely knows her baseball and basketball. Please check out her new web site, subscribe, and enjoy her wisdom.
Last point about the NBA: I’m glad both Doc Rivers and Phil Jackson have decided to return for next season to coach the Celtics and Lakers, respectively. Did you happen to hear Jackson’s statement to the Los Angeles Times (via ESPN)? This is my last stand, and I hope it’s a grand one. Don’t you hate it when coaches grandstand?
Lastly, I’d like to talk a bit about last week’s report than Chris Henry, the late Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver who died this past December at 26 after falling on his head out of a moving pickup truck bed. Brain injury researchers at West Virginia University informed us tissue studies of Henry’s brain showed he was already showing significant signs of CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopthy. What does this mean? It means Henry, at 26, was already showing the early signs of dementia and brain damage associated with repeated head trauma, conditions players aren’t supposed to show until after retirement and later in age (40-60). TWENTY-SIX. A player who was never diagnosed with a concussion during his collegiate or professional career. A player known for behavioral problems already showing signs of permanent scrambled brains. At TWENTY-SIX.
Of course, now we have to think more carefully about Ben Rothlisberger and his behavior and judgment skills, and he’s 28.
Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe asked on Sunday morning’s ESPN Sports Reporters, when do fans of the NFL stop and wonder why we love a sport so much that can inflict such damage? I have a better question, which I asked last week when the news about Henry came out – when do we all (NFL, fans, sports journalists, the NCAA, high schools, the medical community, and state and federal politicians) start having continuous, open, extensive, and brutally honest dialogue about the damage football causes to players’ central nervous systems, and when do we finally get serious about mandating genuine rules and regulations to better protect players from an adulthood of pain, disability, cognitive impairment and death?
How many more Chris Henrys will it take? How many more Darryl Stingleys will it take? How many more Merrill Hodges, Al Toons, and Wayne Chrebets will it take? How many John Mackeys will it take? How many Mike Websters, Joe Phillips, Andre Waters, Carlton Haselrigs, and Justin Strzelczyks will it take? And on a more personal note, how many Dave Pushkins will it take?
For those who may not know, I’ve committed myself to the brain and spinal cord donation registry with Boston University’s Center for Traumatic Injury research study, so that I can help make football safer for future generations of players, so that future generations of players won’t suffer the same physical deterioration I and others who’ve played football have endured. As part of my contribution, I also do my best to be a pest to as many people associated with professional football, to get my word out for a safer sport and a healthier life for players during and after their careers.
A while ago one of my Twitter followers, Barry in Indiana, wanted to know what I would recommend to make the game safer. Considering college football was almost outlawed by Teddy Roosevelt during his presidency for being too violent and deadly, I think we’ve come full-circle a century later to a crucial and long-overdue crossroads. My recommendations are as follows:
1. ALL players require a cervical stabilizer in addition to their helmet and shoulder pads. When one falls backwards onto the field, the back of their helmet hits a surface with no protection or stabilization for the neck. Think about whiplash in a car accident and now repeat the impact over and over and over again during a football game, over the course of a football season, and over the course of a football career. One doesn’t need an extensive background in Newtonian Physics to understand one’s neck is still in a state of motion after head and back hit the ground.
2. Football helmets need to be better designed, padded and reinforced to protect the head and brain which are also still in a state of motion upon impact. Chin straps need to hold the helmet and head more securely. Face masks need to absorb impact better during collisions, even tackles using proper technique.
3. ALL offensive and defensive linemen, except for the center, need to be in a two-point stance at the line of scrimmage. When linemen come out of a three-point stance the head is more prone to colliding with the helmet of the opposing player. In a two-point stance the first point of contact is chest-to-chest or hand to chest. In the case of the center, NO defensive lineman is allowed to line up directly in front of him, and NO contact can be made with the center until after he’s snapped the ball and is completely upright and physically able to block. If this goes back to the old “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” rule we used as kids playing flag, touch, or sandlot football, so be it.
4. ALL players require helmet, shoulder pads, neck stabilizers, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib pads, and torso pads. If this seems like overkill, that’s my intention. The brain is supposedly protected by a helmet, but what about the spine? In case you forgot your basic knowledge of human anatomy, the spine goes from the base of your skull all the way down to your tailbone. A cervical stabilizer isn’t enough, and neither are rib pads. We need to protect as much of the spine as possible, which also protects several vital organs – liver, stomach, intestines, kidneys, and spleen.
5. If all of these pads are too cumbersome and slow position players down (i.e., receivers and backs), then let’s get back to the research and development abandoned in the mid-1980s of creating a undergarment made of lightweight padding (Kevlar) similar to bullet-proof vests for players to wear underneath their uniforms. If you watch and NFL game on TV these days it looks like players are wearing Spandex with helmets and smaller and smaller shoulder pads. No wonder knees, ribs, and other body parts keep getting battered more and more compared to a few decades ago. Granted, players are bigger, faster, and better conditioned, but that doesn’t mean they need to be dumber with regards to protective gear and safety.
6. ANY helmet-to-helmet contact between players is illegal. Period. When a defensive player launches himself at another player with his helmet, regardless of circumstances, he’s automatically ejected from the game. No debates. Automatic ejection, along with a 15-yard penalty, fine and suspension, depending on whether we’re talking Pop Warner, high school, college, or NFL players. If players know an automatic ejection comes with trying a dangerous collision, we’ll see fewer instances, fewer injuries, fewer idiotic SportsCenter-type tackles, and perhaps better tackling fundamentals.
7. EVERY player at the high school, collegiate, and professional level requires a baseline neurological and neuropsychological evaluation prior to playing football. When I say baseline, I mean before everyone even puts on a uniform. Furthermore, every player should be evaluated before the start of every new season, and should even be evaluated monthly during the football season.
8. EVERY player at the high school, college, and professional level should be assigned genuine reading material to stimulate mental activity beyond film and playbook study. Just like neurologists and gerentologists work with elderly patients to keep them mentally engaged and stall the progression of senility, dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease, football coaches and medical personnel need to do the same thing with players. If dealing with high school athletes, force them to read textbooks or course-mandated literature in order to monitor their ability to read, comprehend, and articulate. If dealing with college athletes, assign them reference or scholarly material from the campus library, even have them read articles from the Chronicle of Higher Education. If dealing with professional players, assign them the Op-Ed section of the Wall Street Journal or a major international newspaper, or the New York Times crossword puzzle. Have players play Scrabble a couple of times a week. Anything more challenging than People Magazine or a comic book. Anything to encourage mental and intellectual activity. Anything that doesn’t involve a videogame. The more the cerebrum is engaged, the better a player’s chances are of fighting the onset of debilitating consequences. Ask Chris Henry’s family what was the last novel he read. Ask Mike Webster’s widow when was the last time he could balance his checkbook? Ask any player when was the last time they could recite a Shakespeare quote, or add numbers in their head, or write a paragraph?
When we start these preventative measures, then we can finally have an honest and transparent dialogue about concussions and other injuries to the central nervous system. I’m a firm believer in practice what you preach. After reading today’s column, ask yourself why I keep writing them as my health declines. Just like when I was on the field, I fight until the final gun sounds.
Who’s there?
Precarious lead.
Precarious lead, who?
Precarious lead when K-Rod’s on the mound!
What in the name of Armando Benitez is going on with the Mets and the ninth inning? Closer Francisco Rodriguez has adopted a new role – high wire act – and it’s really starting to annoy me. Granted, closers hit their rough patches during a 162-game season, and K-Rod is having one now just like he did last season around the same point, but yikes! This recent road trip has been rough on the Mets and their faithful fans, going 3-4 against the Marlins (in San Juan, Puerto Rico) and the Nationals, the divisional bottom-feeders, the not-yet-ready-for-primetime teams the Mets are supposed to beat if they want to be kings of the NL East, if not the wild card team come October. But true to form, the Mets lost two of three against the Marlins and needed everything but the kitchen sink in order to gain a split in Washington.
How frustrating was this week to everyone not owning stock in Maalox? For starters, the Mets lost three games in the final at bat, bringing their season total for walk-off heartbreaks to ten. For good measure, K-Rod blew a 5-3 ninth-inning lead Saturday night after knuckleballer R.A. Dickey outdueled flamethrower Stephen Strasburg… and this was sandwiched between heart-in-your throat saves Friday night and Sunday afternoon. We can say one thing for K-Rod, he gives fans good reason not to leave the park early to try and beat the traffic home.
Pitching coach Dan Warthen says K-Rod needs a little mechanical fine-tuning on his delivery, so what is currently a hiccup is likely not headed to a full-blown case of whooping cough. Still, ten walk-off losses during the first half of the season is reason for concern in what could be a very tight race all summer long. But before we dwell too much on any potential apocalypse let’s keep things in perspective. When your team loses ten walk-offs that means the HOME team won in their last at-bat. My point? These are ten ROAD losses by a team with an 18-24 record away from Citi Field. When a team struggles on the road, losing walk-off games is bound to happen from time to time. Think about it. Ten walk-off losses, either due to bad luck, inconsistent bats, or bullpen implosions. If the Mets just found a way to hang onto half of these games their road record would be 23-19. How important would that be in a competitive NL East race as well as for the wild card? Believe it or not, the only NL team with a legitimate road record is San Diego, and they regularly win games close to the vest as one of the weakest hitting teams in the majors.
But ask yourself this – if you were told back in March that the Mets would be 45-36 at the midpoint, without Carlos Beltran, an inconsistent first-half by Johan Santana, and essentially zero contribution from John Maine and Ollie Perez – you’d take it. Think about it. The Mets are on pace for 90-72 after 70-92 last season… and they’re still not running on all cylinders yet. Even without being voted to the All-Star Game, Mike Pelfrey’s been more than solid as the quasi-ace of the rotation. Jonathon Niese has given solid performances as has R.A. Dickey. Even Hisanori Takahashi manages to hold his own more often than not. And the bullpen, for all its warts, still keeps the Mets in the win column more than the loss column. Ike Davis has been a godsend at first base. Jason Bay and Jeff Francoeur continue to chip in with hot streaks. Angel Pagan has been a solid fill-in for Beltran. Joe Reyes is back in form, even with the recent back tweak, and David Wright is having a tremendous comeback year. As I’ve been saying all season so far – imagine what kind of season the Boys of Flushing will have when everyone’s healthy and playing consistently. Despite all the dire predictions and pessimism, you knew deep down the Mets weren’t really as bad as 70-92. We’ve seen worse. Oh, boy have we seen much worse during the ups and downs since 1962. Are they necessarily as good as 90-72? In 2007 and 2008, they fell just short as injuries, bad luck, and the Phillies passed them by. Maybe this is the year they do end up where they should’ve been all along. Maybe this is the year they win 90 and take back the division, or at least get the wild card. We still have a long way to go, but Beltran will be back after the All-Star break, Reyes and Pagan will be feeling better. Maybe the pitching staff gets outside help; maybe all the loose ends finally come together in-house. Time will tell. No matter how it goes, it certainly won’t be dull. You can bet your K-Rod on that.
Has anyone noticed 19 pitchers have carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning so far this season? NINETEEN. We’ve already passed the combined number of no and one-hitters pitched for all of last year, 13. And we still have half a season to go. The Cubs’ Randy Wells is the latest to join the club, pitching a one-hitter Saturday afternoon to beat the Reds 3-1 at Wrigley Field. I haven’t checked with the ELIAS Sports Bureau, but I imagine folks are already keeping tabs on the single season record. Given we already have four no-hitters so far, I’m expecting at least a match for the most no-hitters before Labor Day (the record is seven, in 1990 and 1991). I’ll even go out of a limb and say one of the no-hitters we’ll see during July and August will finally be tossed by a Met. Having watched Pelfrey and Niese this season I think it’s a matter of time before one of them pull off the feat.
Congratulations to Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal for their Wimbledon titles. Williams stormed through the women’s field in staggering fashion. Nadal showed his mettle outlasting Brit Andy Murray in the semis and Czech Tomas Berdych in the finals. As I think back on this year’s Wimbledon, I’ll always remember the stupefying first-round marathon Isner-Mahut match as well as Roger Federer coming up small after losing in the quarterfinals to Berdych, blaming his loss on everything but Lee Harvey Oswald while barely acknowledging the “A” game his opponent brought to the match.
Speaking of Wimbledon, this holiday weekend was the 30th anniversary of perhaps one of the best men’s final matches in history, Borg-McEnroe. In an epic five-set match, Bjorn Borg won his fifth straight (and last) Wimbledon title, outlasting John McEnroe. For those of us who watched and remember, McEnroe forced a fifth set after winning the fourth in an incredible 18-16 tiebreaker. Well, in a wonderful treat by NBC, we got to see the fourth set tiebreaker in its entirety Sunday morning with Borg and McEnroe in studio to provide memories and commentaries. If you love tennis you really had to enjoy Sunday’s revisit to July 5, 1980 when two men with the hearts of champions battled back and forth in a match that seemed to have a million momentum swings. Oh, and if you did watch this replay, I hope you paid attention to their wooden rackets with normal sized heads, headbands, and outfits that actually looked appropriate for tennis as opposed to today’s players wearing imitation pajamas or bathing suits.
Speaking of anniversaries, this holiday weekend was also the 25th anniversary of one of the wackiest Mets games in history, a 19-inning 16-13 win over the Braves at Atlanta’s old Fulton County Stadium. The scheduled game start of 7:05pm on July 4, 1985 was delayed by the first of two rain delays and never ended until 3:55am July 5. And then came the fireworks show! I know. I remember. I watched the whole damned thing in its entirety from my then-home in Tampa, Florida. Dwight Gooden started and lasted only three innings because of the second rain delay. Ron Darling ended up closing and saving the game. The Mets blew the lead three times in the 8th, 13th, and 18th (on pitcher Rick Camp’s homer, of all things), and almost blew a five-run lead in the 19th, but Darling put out the fire after the Braves scored twice and had bases loaded. So for those of you who shook your heads in disbelief at the 20-inning game the Mets won in St. Louis in April, that game doesn’t hold a candle to that 1985 game, which was and will always be one for the books. As Casey Stengel used to say, you could look it up.
So what should the Eagles do with Michael Vick now that security camera footage failed to fully corroborate Vick’s story of how his 30th birthday party went out with a bang? There’s fibbing, white lies, and damned lies, and if these are my only three choices, you know I’m not giving Vick the benefit of the doubt. I think the Eagles should cut their losses and release Vick. Owner Jeffery Lurie and head coach Andy Reid really don’t need this extra aggravation, even if Vick is the only experienced option at quarterback behind Kevin Kolb. Full disclosure and transparency are not words often associated with Vick, if at all. When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Vick last year it was with the stipulation don’t do anything stupid. You do the math and determine where last week’s events fall along the stupid meter.
Here’s another one for the stupid meter. Did you hear about Titans’ backup quarterback Chris Simms getting pulled over a few nights ago for DWI? Yep, another example of a professional athlete failing to use his brain properly. You didn’t if you only read the Bergen Record. For some reason, the Record was the only local newspaper to not report it. You don’t think the Simms family living in Franklin Lakes had anything to do with this, do you? Am I shocked to hear Simms allegedly smoked pot in his 2009 Mercedes-Benz with wife and child along for the ride? I’m actually more shocked a backup quarterback playing on his third team in three years drives a Mercedes-Benz. Hey, I drove a ’76 Buick LeSabre to Bucs training camp in 1984, and the air conditioning was broken. If you’re deep on the depth chart there are certain standards, you know.
Speaking of backup quarterbacks, did you hear the New York Jets are interested in DeMarcus Russell as a possible understudy to Mark Sanchez in case Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens aren’t up to the task? No, really. I heard it from Rich Cimini (ESPNNewYork.com). Seriously. Stop giggling. Things really are getting interesting in Florham Park, also known as Boys Town East. I swear on LaDainian Tomlinson’s new calf tattoo.
Now we hear Russell has been arrested for illegal possession of codeine syrup. Apparently food isn’t his only addiction. I’m a Merlot man myself, but if the Jets do sign Russell, does Rex Ryan keep the training facility bar stocked with Robitussin martinis for this guy? Would Russell like his cough syrup shaken or stirred?
Oh, like I’m not allowed to ask silly questions like this? I suppose my credibility would be better if I did more than mention the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and Kobayashi crashing the stage? Why is this front-page news in New York? Worse, why do gluttons need to sign exclusive deals with organizers of these idiotic events? Who’s running Major League Eating anyway, the heirs of Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel?
Have you ever watched Australian Rules Football? I happened to catch the Richmond-Sydney game on ESPN-2 during the wee hours Sunday morning while trying to fall asleep. It was very entertaining and I actually caught on to how the game is played. Although it’s not as much fun as watching NFL games, it definitely made more sense to me than World Cup Soccer. One reason why? The scoreboard had a clock with the official time, so you knew exactly how much time was left in each period. I hate to beat a dead horse, but this time issue is big with me.
Oh, for you World Cup fans, you should know this is the biggest roll Germany's had since the blitzkrieg of 1939.
A melancholy note on the recent passing of Don Coryell. If you haven’t read it, please track down the touching tribute Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Dispatch wrote. Coryell was one of the best and grossly underrated head coaches and offensive minds in NFL history. He turned the then-St. Louis Cardinals into a force in the NFC East during the mid-1970s, albeit short-lived, and accomplished even more with the San Diego Chargers during the early 1980s. Burwell pointed out how Coryell was coaching the West Coast Offense before the late Bill Walsh devised it with the 49ers, and how Joe Gibbs derived his Redskins offense from Coryell’s playbook. This may be all true, but I‘d like to offer a slightly different perspective. If we ever build an NFL equivalent to Mount Rushmore for offensive geniuses, I expect to see Don Coryell’s bust next to Sid Gillman, the father of modern offense, as well as Walsh and Hank Stram, father of the moving pocket. While Coryell never made it to a super bowl, what he accomplished with the Cardinals and Chargers was a thing of beauty. People always associate the Cardinals and Chargers with “Air Coryell”, led by quarterbacks Jim Hart and Dan Fouts, respectively. But people also forget both of Coryell’s teams had solid rushing attacks, led by the tandem of Jim Otis and Terry Metcalf in St. Louis and Chuck Muncie and Joe Washington in San Diego. It wasn’t until the running games slipped that “Air Coryell” sputtered. Just thought I’d mention that to those who yawn at Rex Ryan’s “Ground and Pound” philosophy. And if you think I’m biased in Jet Green, take a closer look at my offensive Mount Rushmore – Gillman had Ollie Matson with the 1950s Rams, Dennis Lowe and Keith Lincoln with the 1960s Chargers. Stram had Mike Garrett in Kansas City. Walsh had Roger Craig in San Francisco. I rest my case.
Speaking of the Jets, since all things in football always come back to Gang Green (Pushkin’s Rule of Football), I’d like to show you what a small world it really is. Don Coryell is related to the Jets in two degrees of separation – Coryell replaced Charlie Winner as head coach in 1972, after Winner couldn’t lift the Cardinals beyond three straight 9-5 seasons. Winner was Weeb Ewbank’s son-in-law and replaced the only man to win world championships in the NFL (Colts, 1958-1959) and AFL (Jets, 1968) after the 1973 season. As Jet fans my age and older not-so-fondly remember, Charley wasn’t much of a winner, going 9-14 during the 1974 and 1975 seasons before being fired nine weeks into the first of three straight 3-11 seasons.
Pop Quiz – How many of you knew Lou Holtz was the Jets head coach in 1976?
Do any of you still pay attention to the non-stop NBA free agency chatter? In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter where LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudamire, Joe Johnson and the rest of the big names end up when the contract signings start? They can either earn up to $30 Million per year for six years staying put or $30 Million per year for only five. When you put it that way, why should we care? In fact, the only player I really think we should care about is David Lee, a quality player who deserves a chance to stick with the Knicks and be part of the turnaround. Considering how much blood and sweat he’s given the Knicks every night during the past couple of lousy seasons, I think the least the Knicks can do is begin the revival with him and his unlimited heart and guts, not the King or his fellow mercenaries.
Speaking of the NBA’s version of musical chairs, I highly recommend reading the columns Mike Lupica and Bill Madden wrote in Sunday’s New York Daily News. Just read them. I promise you’ll be impressed, entertained, and have plenty to think about afterwards.
Speaking of columns, please allow me to give a big shout-out to my fellow sports junkie and blogger Susan Shan. Today is the launch date of her new and improved website www.SusanShan.com. Susan’s a great writer, a supportive colleague, and definitely knows her baseball and basketball. Please check out her new web site, subscribe, and enjoy her wisdom.
Last point about the NBA: I’m glad both Doc Rivers and Phil Jackson have decided to return for next season to coach the Celtics and Lakers, respectively. Did you happen to hear Jackson’s statement to the Los Angeles Times (via ESPN)? This is my last stand, and I hope it’s a grand one. Don’t you hate it when coaches grandstand?
Lastly, I’d like to talk a bit about last week’s report than Chris Henry, the late Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver who died this past December at 26 after falling on his head out of a moving pickup truck bed. Brain injury researchers at West Virginia University informed us tissue studies of Henry’s brain showed he was already showing significant signs of CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopthy. What does this mean? It means Henry, at 26, was already showing the early signs of dementia and brain damage associated with repeated head trauma, conditions players aren’t supposed to show until after retirement and later in age (40-60). TWENTY-SIX. A player who was never diagnosed with a concussion during his collegiate or professional career. A player known for behavioral problems already showing signs of permanent scrambled brains. At TWENTY-SIX.
Of course, now we have to think more carefully about Ben Rothlisberger and his behavior and judgment skills, and he’s 28.
Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe asked on Sunday morning’s ESPN Sports Reporters, when do fans of the NFL stop and wonder why we love a sport so much that can inflict such damage? I have a better question, which I asked last week when the news about Henry came out – when do we all (NFL, fans, sports journalists, the NCAA, high schools, the medical community, and state and federal politicians) start having continuous, open, extensive, and brutally honest dialogue about the damage football causes to players’ central nervous systems, and when do we finally get serious about mandating genuine rules and regulations to better protect players from an adulthood of pain, disability, cognitive impairment and death?
How many more Chris Henrys will it take? How many more Darryl Stingleys will it take? How many more Merrill Hodges, Al Toons, and Wayne Chrebets will it take? How many John Mackeys will it take? How many Mike Websters, Joe Phillips, Andre Waters, Carlton Haselrigs, and Justin Strzelczyks will it take? And on a more personal note, how many Dave Pushkins will it take?
For those who may not know, I’ve committed myself to the brain and spinal cord donation registry with Boston University’s Center for Traumatic Injury research study, so that I can help make football safer for future generations of players, so that future generations of players won’t suffer the same physical deterioration I and others who’ve played football have endured. As part of my contribution, I also do my best to be a pest to as many people associated with professional football, to get my word out for a safer sport and a healthier life for players during and after their careers.
A while ago one of my Twitter followers, Barry in Indiana, wanted to know what I would recommend to make the game safer. Considering college football was almost outlawed by Teddy Roosevelt during his presidency for being too violent and deadly, I think we’ve come full-circle a century later to a crucial and long-overdue crossroads. My recommendations are as follows:
1. ALL players require a cervical stabilizer in addition to their helmet and shoulder pads. When one falls backwards onto the field, the back of their helmet hits a surface with no protection or stabilization for the neck. Think about whiplash in a car accident and now repeat the impact over and over and over again during a football game, over the course of a football season, and over the course of a football career. One doesn’t need an extensive background in Newtonian Physics to understand one’s neck is still in a state of motion after head and back hit the ground.
2. Football helmets need to be better designed, padded and reinforced to protect the head and brain which are also still in a state of motion upon impact. Chin straps need to hold the helmet and head more securely. Face masks need to absorb impact better during collisions, even tackles using proper technique.
3. ALL offensive and defensive linemen, except for the center, need to be in a two-point stance at the line of scrimmage. When linemen come out of a three-point stance the head is more prone to colliding with the helmet of the opposing player. In a two-point stance the first point of contact is chest-to-chest or hand to chest. In the case of the center, NO defensive lineman is allowed to line up directly in front of him, and NO contact can be made with the center until after he’s snapped the ball and is completely upright and physically able to block. If this goes back to the old “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” rule we used as kids playing flag, touch, or sandlot football, so be it.
4. ALL players require helmet, shoulder pads, neck stabilizers, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib pads, and torso pads. If this seems like overkill, that’s my intention. The brain is supposedly protected by a helmet, but what about the spine? In case you forgot your basic knowledge of human anatomy, the spine goes from the base of your skull all the way down to your tailbone. A cervical stabilizer isn’t enough, and neither are rib pads. We need to protect as much of the spine as possible, which also protects several vital organs – liver, stomach, intestines, kidneys, and spleen.
5. If all of these pads are too cumbersome and slow position players down (i.e., receivers and backs), then let’s get back to the research and development abandoned in the mid-1980s of creating a undergarment made of lightweight padding (Kevlar) similar to bullet-proof vests for players to wear underneath their uniforms. If you watch and NFL game on TV these days it looks like players are wearing Spandex with helmets and smaller and smaller shoulder pads. No wonder knees, ribs, and other body parts keep getting battered more and more compared to a few decades ago. Granted, players are bigger, faster, and better conditioned, but that doesn’t mean they need to be dumber with regards to protective gear and safety.
6. ANY helmet-to-helmet contact between players is illegal. Period. When a defensive player launches himself at another player with his helmet, regardless of circumstances, he’s automatically ejected from the game. No debates. Automatic ejection, along with a 15-yard penalty, fine and suspension, depending on whether we’re talking Pop Warner, high school, college, or NFL players. If players know an automatic ejection comes with trying a dangerous collision, we’ll see fewer instances, fewer injuries, fewer idiotic SportsCenter-type tackles, and perhaps better tackling fundamentals.
7. EVERY player at the high school, collegiate, and professional level requires a baseline neurological and neuropsychological evaluation prior to playing football. When I say baseline, I mean before everyone even puts on a uniform. Furthermore, every player should be evaluated before the start of every new season, and should even be evaluated monthly during the football season.
8. EVERY player at the high school, college, and professional level should be assigned genuine reading material to stimulate mental activity beyond film and playbook study. Just like neurologists and gerentologists work with elderly patients to keep them mentally engaged and stall the progression of senility, dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease, football coaches and medical personnel need to do the same thing with players. If dealing with high school athletes, force them to read textbooks or course-mandated literature in order to monitor their ability to read, comprehend, and articulate. If dealing with college athletes, assign them reference or scholarly material from the campus library, even have them read articles from the Chronicle of Higher Education. If dealing with professional players, assign them the Op-Ed section of the Wall Street Journal or a major international newspaper, or the New York Times crossword puzzle. Have players play Scrabble a couple of times a week. Anything more challenging than People Magazine or a comic book. Anything to encourage mental and intellectual activity. Anything that doesn’t involve a videogame. The more the cerebrum is engaged, the better a player’s chances are of fighting the onset of debilitating consequences. Ask Chris Henry’s family what was the last novel he read. Ask Mike Webster’s widow when was the last time he could balance his checkbook? Ask any player when was the last time they could recite a Shakespeare quote, or add numbers in their head, or write a paragraph?
When we start these preventative measures, then we can finally have an honest and transparent dialogue about concussions and other injuries to the central nervous system. I’m a firm believer in practice what you preach. After reading today’s column, ask yourself why I keep writing them as my health declines. Just like when I was on the field, I fight until the final gun sounds.
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