NFL
After the NFC and AFC championship games are played, the Super Bowl usually takes center-stage. While this will certainly happen to some degree this year, there is a bigger topic of discussion (bigger than a Super Bowl in Dallas?). Yes, it's much more important: it's the negotiations surrounding a possible NFL lockout next season. The dispute focuses on finances (of course). It's between the owners (of million-dollar-teams) and the NFL Players Association (they're rich too, right?). While I think the minimum salary for players is somewhere in the "meager" six-figure range, at least they earned it by risking their well-being to bring joy to countless fans (and themselves, of course).
Sports have become integrated with business because in order to survive these days, you need financial SUPPORT. That's all, greed is unnecessary. If you don't think the greed card is being played, then ask yourself why the talks are centered on finances, yet no one has the guts to make these "financial differences" public. It's because even "they" know what's right and what's wrong and hiding the truth is the only effective way to get what you want at the expense of others.
I must point out that there have been commendable attempts for resolution. The man in charge, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, promised to cut his salary to $1. Why give up $10 million when you're the boss? Because the 'top dog' knows his responsibility to maintain the league's wonderful service to millions: entertainment and inspiration. If he can't get his job done, then why get paid for it?
How about Antonio Cromartie? While his past has been riddled with plenty of mistakes his present is in the right. He will not back down from speaking his mind about the labor dispute. He cites lost jobs, lost health-care and rehab for the injured, lack of open communication, and rightfully complains that it's all too much about money. He may have used different word choices than I, but it's all there. In fact, these statements were made after his initial remarks were challenged by fellow respected players. That didn't stop him from saying what we're all feeling.
It will be an awful shame if a work-stoppage occurs in the NFL next season (or ever). The sad truth is that if it all boils down to money then we as fans should boycott attending or watching NFL games. The wallet would be hurting and it would do the trick. This won't happen because fans can't help themselves from doing what is right: supporting what they love.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Why I LOVE this season's NFL playoffs
NFL
I have found this year's NFL playoffs just delightful. But how can that be if I'm a fan in the "anemic" NFC West? Wait (be patient there's a lot more). Listen (correction: read), and you might share my opinion. If nothing else, for you quasi-sports fans, you'll get a unique highlight reel so you can "act cool" at your next party knowing how the NFL playoffs shaped up.
At the beginning of the season, like any true football fan, I believed in my team and hoped for a playoff berth, maybe more. This year, I felt such goals were attainable. Them experts got me going, yet again... Even with an 0-5 start, I still believed because I'm a loyal fan and it's not over 'til it's over. Unfortunately and eventually, reality kicked in and even a 7-9 NFC West crown was unattainable for the Niners.
Luckily for me, I was able to turn my sports addiction into an appreciation of the sport (half-truth, I can't kick the dependency). My focus shifted from rooting for my home team to simply enjoying the most competitively balanced professional American sport. A rarity when there's so much moolah at stake to win. You can't say the same about MLB (America's pastime) or the NBA (where one player IS the franchise). Too often, the rich stay rich and buyout the rest unlike the NFC South, where turnarounds surface in only a year. However, one cannot be too greedy. I'm still shaking from that November orange and black parade and too much confetti may just end up blinding me.
I had to enjoy what NFL postseason offers other than your own team's success: amazing games, awesome plays, and infinite surprises. Thanks to DVRs, weekends, and sticking to doing what I love, I was able to catch at least a majority of all the games. Let's recount history the old fashion way, chronologically.
The Wild Card Round
- New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks
This game wouldn't have been as amazing if it weren't for the pregame buildup. I had to eat my own words of a St. Louis Rams 8-8 playoff prediction. I told the "east coast bias" haters to go away because 8-8 had been done before. With the 7-9 Seahawks clinching, Jon Gruden and fellow experts got to tear into the NFC West champ. This was the first sub .500 playoff team (so what!) and many believed the Seahawks didn't deserve a shot. Who decided that golden rule all of a sudden? They earned it within the current rules (and more importantly to the critics) they backed it up.
Even as the host team, the Seahawks were written off. "They" said "no chance" against the defending Super Bowl champs. Hasselback, Carlson, Lynch, and the entire Seahawks team and fan-base proved otherwise. In fact, Lynch's epic 67-yard TD run registered a disturbance to the nearby seismic monitoring station. I know Lynch is a beast, but that energy is all 12th man. Home Field Advantage.
- New York Jet's @ Indianapolis Colts
They say defense travels well. That better be the case if you're playing Peyton Manning on his turf. Containing the best leader in football to 16 points is exactly what the Jets needed to do. Manning led a go-ahead field goal drive with 53 seconds remaining. However, "The Cardiac Kids" kept their season pumping and responded with a game winning field goal drive of their own. It just shows that there is only so much one man can do in a TEAM sport.
- Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs
I told you defense travels well and I told you it was a team sport. Boom, roasted. Game, Ravens. Honestly, I didn't catch much of this game and I bet the home side wishes it hadn't either. At least Kansas City got a home playoff game. A big improvement over the recent Chargers' stranglehold on their division.
- Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles
This one was a doozie to predict. My friends and I felt that whoever won this game could wind up winning the whole shebang (by the way, the verdict is still out). Rodgers vs. Vick was the marquee match-up and I went with Vick and the Eagles. My family probably would joke and quote the Grail Knight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: "He chose poorly." I picked the glitzy offense instead of the one led by a man I knew was rock-solid since his days at Cal. Maybe I couldn't handle seeing success stem from the player that the Niners passed on for a guy who had "better physical tools." Let's underestimate the brain, that's smart... (don't do it again Niners!!!)
Whatever, my selfish reasoning didn't matter. The game was exciting and the deciding play didn't drop until the last minute. Defense stepped up again and took advantage of a mistake made "between the ears" by Vick. After earning enough yards to get within striking distance, Vick decided to rush an "All-Go" play instead of spiking the ball to regroup. As a result, he chucked a ball towards an end zone bound Riley Cooper (who?) and Tramon Williams came down with it instead. Game Packers.
The Division Round
- Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
What was expected to be a heavyweight bout was exactly that, a slugfest. The Ravens and Terrell Suggs came out strong, but in the end Steel City dropped the hammer on their rivals. My fantasy football aspirations took a hurting along with the Ravens. They couldn't hold off Ben Roethlisberger and his desire to win. The highlight play? A 58 yard gain on a third-and-19 bomb from "Big Ben" to a one-handed catch by Antonio Brown (who again?). This set up the game winning score to complete the Steelers' comeback.
- Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons
"Whoa" à la Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Did anyone expect such domination from the Pack playing at the number-one-seed Atlanta? I doubt it. "Matty Ice" and Co. had been pushing records with their play at home for three years now. I stopped watching this game in the second half when the blowout was in full force. The Packers' punter had the day off too. The Packer's defense certainly flew under the radar in this one. Yes, "A-Rod" was great (a dome and turf sneak-peak for Dallas), but the Packer's D held Turner to 39 yards rushing, picked off Ryan twice (one for a TD), and gave up only two touchdowns, one of which was basically in "garbage time." I don't know if Rodgers was unstoppable or whether the Falcon's left their D somewhere other than at home. I do know that the result was unexpected.
- Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
The Bears crushed any underdog hopes for the Seahawks this time (Hey Seattle, wasn't the week-long ride fun though?). Urlacher's-led-defense looked focused and like the Falcons/Packers game, "garbage time" allowed the Seahawks to make it seem closer than it really was. Injuries hurt Seattle, and Carlson going down was mammoth. Maybe knowing their rival Pack would come to town made Da Bears hungry to take care of business. Tuning out most of this game was crucial to rest my brain from playoff football delirium.
- New York Jets @ New England Patriots
J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets! (I envy their cheer) Boy, was I ecstatic that the Jets took down the Patriot Empire. I have been amused with the Jets this season from their Hard Knocks training camp to their calculated trash talking. The problem with trash talk: you must do it well and then you got to back it up. The Patriots played into the Jet's game and did neither. Tom Brady, don't forget karma when you taunt an opposing coach next time. The Jets' excitement only carried me so far. I have to admit, I felt like some Presidential elections (not '08's). I voted for one team, not because I truly wanted it to win, but because I really, really, didn't want the other team on top. Sadly, that belief paid off in my fantasy football playoff redemption league. I refused to select any Patriots for the playoffs and not surprisingly I was in the minority. The minority opinion does succeed if it's truly the right one.
As for the game, team play is greater than "expert" opinion. It appeared as if the Patriots were winning early, but that Jets' defense harassed Brady and controlled most of the game. An "abominable snowman rare" pick of Brady occurred early and an ideal Jets' run-TD by Shonn Greene sealed it late. A 3-0 lead was all the Patriots got and although it was close the entire game, defense led the way to a New York victory.
The Jets' truly willed their way to winning this game. It was evident in their post game interviews and uncontrollable exuberance. The Jets' happiness had to punch through all the hatred between the teams that had been showcased by the media. However, celebrating at the cost of a penalty to your team is a no-no. Shonn Greene better have his head on a swivel in the next division rematch. People don't forget (ask any baseball player who's gotten "chin music"). C'mon Man! Respect your opponent. What's wrong with the simple fist pump? The "No Fun League's" rule to curtail excessive celebration is necessary to stop individual spotlighting. That's why running off the field of play and celebrating with your team or your fans is allowed.
The Championship Round
- Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
The Pack are still rolling. They came in prepared, taking control early with a Rodgers-esque drive and their defense kept them in control. You could feel that sense in Soldier Field's quietest moment after a B.J. Raji pick six. My favorite defensive play was executed by Rodgers, making a touchdown saving tackle on an Urlacher interception return. Even QBs know the importance of D. An ineffective Jay Cutler and a subsequently truly injured Cutler couldn't keep up. At least, Maurice Jones-Drew (UCLA!!) apologized and his joke wasn't aimed at questioning Cutler's toughness like everyone and their mother was doing. While you can't play on a sprained MCL you can hope that your team prepares well-enough and your second, nay, third-string quarterback can make things interesting. Caleb Hanie did exactly that and brought a glimmer of hope to the Bear's faithful. There's always next season (unless the filthy rich are greedy for a lockout).
- New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Yet again I rooted for the losing team, but good football still brought me joy. I'm glad the Jets and Sanchez never gave up and made the biggest comeback in championship history a possibility. When we all thought it was over at 24-zip; surprise surprise, touchdowns and a safety made the Steelers' huge lead vulnerable. As expected, the Steelers were trying to run out the clock by running the ball, but unexpectedly a third down shotgun formation and empty backfield resulted in an another Antonio Brown (who is this guy?) catch for the game sealer. In what was a match-up of defense, I'm glad the most exciting and instinctive defensive player is going to the Super Bowl. Yes, I am glad for, uh, a USC Trojan: Troy Polamalu. I also have praise for Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Pittsburgh coaching staff: a blueprint for ownership and coaching. On to Dallas for Pittsburgh and their fans.
THE Superbowl
- Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you've read this far then you know I ain't watching the Super Bowl for the commercials (even though they are entertaining for a change). I will watch because I am a SPORTS FAN. I could be an "expert" here and expect certain results. The best part is if I did, it would only cause me to be more surprised. Maybe Rodgers will dominate the dome, maybe Big Ben will be taller than the rest, or maybe defense will bring home the Lombardi Trophy. I do not know!!!! I only have one true expectation that I know will happen. I'm going to have a big smile on my face enjoying the game and knowing millions of others will have an even bigger smile when THEIR team wins it all this year.
I have found this year's NFL playoffs just delightful. But how can that be if I'm a fan in the "anemic" NFC West? Wait (be patient there's a lot more). Listen (correction: read), and you might share my opinion. If nothing else, for you quasi-sports fans, you'll get a unique highlight reel so you can "act cool" at your next party knowing how the NFL playoffs shaped up.
At the beginning of the season, like any true football fan, I believed in my team and hoped for a playoff berth, maybe more. This year, I felt such goals were attainable. Them experts got me going, yet again... Even with an 0-5 start, I still believed because I'm a loyal fan and it's not over 'til it's over. Unfortunately and eventually, reality kicked in and even a 7-9 NFC West crown was unattainable for the Niners.
Luckily for me, I was able to turn my sports addiction into an appreciation of the sport (half-truth, I can't kick the dependency). My focus shifted from rooting for my home team to simply enjoying the most competitively balanced professional American sport. A rarity when there's so much moolah at stake to win. You can't say the same about MLB (America's pastime) or the NBA (where one player IS the franchise). Too often, the rich stay rich and buyout the rest unlike the NFC South, where turnarounds surface in only a year. However, one cannot be too greedy. I'm still shaking from that November orange and black parade and too much confetti may just end up blinding me.
I had to enjoy what NFL postseason offers other than your own team's success: amazing games, awesome plays, and infinite surprises. Thanks to DVRs, weekends, and sticking to doing what I love, I was able to catch at least a majority of all the games. Let's recount history the old fashion way, chronologically.
The Wild Card Round
- New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks
This game wouldn't have been as amazing if it weren't for the pregame buildup. I had to eat my own words of a St. Louis Rams 8-8 playoff prediction. I told the "east coast bias" haters to go away because 8-8 had been done before. With the 7-9 Seahawks clinching, Jon Gruden and fellow experts got to tear into the NFC West champ. This was the first sub .500 playoff team (so what!) and many believed the Seahawks didn't deserve a shot. Who decided that golden rule all of a sudden? They earned it within the current rules (and more importantly to the critics) they backed it up.
Even as the host team, the Seahawks were written off. "They" said "no chance" against the defending Super Bowl champs. Hasselback, Carlson, Lynch, and the entire Seahawks team and fan-base proved otherwise. In fact, Lynch's epic 67-yard TD run registered a disturbance to the nearby seismic monitoring station. I know Lynch is a beast, but that energy is all 12th man. Home Field Advantage.
- New York Jet's @ Indianapolis Colts
They say defense travels well. That better be the case if you're playing Peyton Manning on his turf. Containing the best leader in football to 16 points is exactly what the Jets needed to do. Manning led a go-ahead field goal drive with 53 seconds remaining. However, "The Cardiac Kids" kept their season pumping and responded with a game winning field goal drive of their own. It just shows that there is only so much one man can do in a TEAM sport.
- Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs
I told you defense travels well and I told you it was a team sport. Boom, roasted. Game, Ravens. Honestly, I didn't catch much of this game and I bet the home side wishes it hadn't either. At least Kansas City got a home playoff game. A big improvement over the recent Chargers' stranglehold on their division.
- Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles
This one was a doozie to predict. My friends and I felt that whoever won this game could wind up winning the whole shebang (by the way, the verdict is still out). Rodgers vs. Vick was the marquee match-up and I went with Vick and the Eagles. My family probably would joke and quote the Grail Knight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: "He chose poorly." I picked the glitzy offense instead of the one led by a man I knew was rock-solid since his days at Cal. Maybe I couldn't handle seeing success stem from the player that the Niners passed on for a guy who had "better physical tools." Let's underestimate the brain, that's smart... (don't do it again Niners!!!)
Whatever, my selfish reasoning didn't matter. The game was exciting and the deciding play didn't drop until the last minute. Defense stepped up again and took advantage of a mistake made "between the ears" by Vick. After earning enough yards to get within striking distance, Vick decided to rush an "All-Go" play instead of spiking the ball to regroup. As a result, he chucked a ball towards an end zone bound Riley Cooper (who?) and Tramon Williams came down with it instead. Game Packers.
The Division Round
- Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
What was expected to be a heavyweight bout was exactly that, a slugfest. The Ravens and Terrell Suggs came out strong, but in the end Steel City dropped the hammer on their rivals. My fantasy football aspirations took a hurting along with the Ravens. They couldn't hold off Ben Roethlisberger and his desire to win. The highlight play? A 58 yard gain on a third-and-19 bomb from "Big Ben" to a one-handed catch by Antonio Brown (who again?). This set up the game winning score to complete the Steelers' comeback.
- Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons
"Whoa" à la Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Did anyone expect such domination from the Pack playing at the number-one-seed Atlanta? I doubt it. "Matty Ice" and Co. had been pushing records with their play at home for three years now. I stopped watching this game in the second half when the blowout was in full force. The Packers' punter had the day off too. The Packer's defense certainly flew under the radar in this one. Yes, "A-Rod" was great (a dome and turf sneak-peak for Dallas), but the Packer's D held Turner to 39 yards rushing, picked off Ryan twice (one for a TD), and gave up only two touchdowns, one of which was basically in "garbage time." I don't know if Rodgers was unstoppable or whether the Falcon's left their D somewhere other than at home. I do know that the result was unexpected.
- Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
The Bears crushed any underdog hopes for the Seahawks this time (Hey Seattle, wasn't the week-long ride fun though?). Urlacher's-led-defense looked focused and like the Falcons/Packers game, "garbage time" allowed the Seahawks to make it seem closer than it really was. Injuries hurt Seattle, and Carlson going down was mammoth. Maybe knowing their rival Pack would come to town made Da Bears hungry to take care of business. Tuning out most of this game was crucial to rest my brain from playoff football delirium.
- New York Jets @ New England Patriots
J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets! (I envy their cheer) Boy, was I ecstatic that the Jets took down the Patriot Empire. I have been amused with the Jets this season from their Hard Knocks training camp to their calculated trash talking. The problem with trash talk: you must do it well and then you got to back it up. The Patriots played into the Jet's game and did neither. Tom Brady, don't forget karma when you taunt an opposing coach next time. The Jets' excitement only carried me so far. I have to admit, I felt like some Presidential elections (not '08's). I voted for one team, not because I truly wanted it to win, but because I really, really, didn't want the other team on top. Sadly, that belief paid off in my fantasy football playoff redemption league. I refused to select any Patriots for the playoffs and not surprisingly I was in the minority. The minority opinion does succeed if it's truly the right one.
As for the game, team play is greater than "expert" opinion. It appeared as if the Patriots were winning early, but that Jets' defense harassed Brady and controlled most of the game. An "abominable snowman rare" pick of Brady occurred early and an ideal Jets' run-TD by Shonn Greene sealed it late. A 3-0 lead was all the Patriots got and although it was close the entire game, defense led the way to a New York victory.
The Jets' truly willed their way to winning this game. It was evident in their post game interviews and uncontrollable exuberance. The Jets' happiness had to punch through all the hatred between the teams that had been showcased by the media. However, celebrating at the cost of a penalty to your team is a no-no. Shonn Greene better have his head on a swivel in the next division rematch. People don't forget (ask any baseball player who's gotten "chin music"). C'mon Man! Respect your opponent. What's wrong with the simple fist pump? The "No Fun League's" rule to curtail excessive celebration is necessary to stop individual spotlighting. That's why running off the field of play and celebrating with your team or your fans is allowed.
The Championship Round
- Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
The Pack are still rolling. They came in prepared, taking control early with a Rodgers-esque drive and their defense kept them in control. You could feel that sense in Soldier Field's quietest moment after a B.J. Raji pick six. My favorite defensive play was executed by Rodgers, making a touchdown saving tackle on an Urlacher interception return. Even QBs know the importance of D. An ineffective Jay Cutler and a subsequently truly injured Cutler couldn't keep up. At least, Maurice Jones-Drew (UCLA!!) apologized and his joke wasn't aimed at questioning Cutler's toughness like everyone and their mother was doing. While you can't play on a sprained MCL you can hope that your team prepares well-enough and your second, nay, third-string quarterback can make things interesting. Caleb Hanie did exactly that and brought a glimmer of hope to the Bear's faithful. There's always next season (unless the filthy rich are greedy for a lockout).
- New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Yet again I rooted for the losing team, but good football still brought me joy. I'm glad the Jets and Sanchez never gave up and made the biggest comeback in championship history a possibility. When we all thought it was over at 24-zip; surprise surprise, touchdowns and a safety made the Steelers' huge lead vulnerable. As expected, the Steelers were trying to run out the clock by running the ball, but unexpectedly a third down shotgun formation and empty backfield resulted in an another Antonio Brown (who is this guy?) catch for the game sealer. In what was a match-up of defense, I'm glad the most exciting and instinctive defensive player is going to the Super Bowl. Yes, I am glad for, uh, a USC Trojan: Troy Polamalu. I also have praise for Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Pittsburgh coaching staff: a blueprint for ownership and coaching. On to Dallas for Pittsburgh and their fans.
THE Superbowl
- Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you've read this far then you know I ain't watching the Super Bowl for the commercials (even though they are entertaining for a change). I will watch because I am a SPORTS FAN. I could be an "expert" here and expect certain results. The best part is if I did, it would only cause me to be more surprised. Maybe Rodgers will dominate the dome, maybe Big Ben will be taller than the rest, or maybe defense will bring home the Lombardi Trophy. I do not know!!!! I only have one true expectation that I know will happen. I'm going to have a big smile on my face enjoying the game and knowing millions of others will have an even bigger smile when THEIR team wins it all this year.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Next Big Teen Movie: "Tucker Carlson Must Die"
NFL
For legal clarification I must immediately state that I do not wish any bodily harm to Tucker Carlson. I merely thought the title was an appropriate correlation between a '06 flick and statements made by Tucker Carlson himself (haven't seen John Tucker Must Die, but honestly the title is terrible enough). Call me a sell-out, but I gotta grab the female readers somehow... What I will stand by is that Tucker Carlson's comments about Michael Vick were completely out-of-line. Here's the highlight reel:
I have to admit that despite all the wrongdoings Vick committed (there's quite a few, check Wikipedia) he has been the definition of a second-chance opportunity. I've been impressed with his turnaround from what I hope is his last ultimate blunder. Before the fall of the Vick, he was a celebrated athlete, relying on his "inhuman" physical tools to carry him to be a moderately successful quarterback, albeit a very wealthy NFL player. Then his dog fighting operation was exposed and Vick paid the price according to our legal system. Some people may argue that the punishment should have been harsher, that he should never be able to play in the NFL, etc. Let the debate continue, but stop before you go as far as to wish death upon another person. That's wrong and you know it! I'm also intrigued to learn why Vick made such mistakes and what we can understand from such vile behavior so that others do not follow the same misled path. A sort of historical defense.
7 or 8 years old. That's the age Michael Vick said he was when he was exposed to dog fighting. He was ingrained with this "acceptable" violence as a child! I'm not certain that this reason, or any other explanation is an adequate defense for his cruel acts of torture. I cannot elaborate on these misdeeds as they make me sick to my stomach. However, I am certain that to blame this entire situation on one man and his personal decisions would be simply unwise. There are some clear negative influences that have clouded Vick his entire life. Look no further than his younger brother. Anyone remember Marcus Vick stomping on the leg of Elvis Dumervil while attempting to follow his brother's footsteps as QB at Virginia Tech? That was one of the more despicable acts of bad sportsmanship that I've ever witnessed (behind Albert Haynesworth's head stomp). The Vicks clearly grew up troubled. Whatever the cause; family, neighborhood, peer influences, etc., we need to address repairing those rather than scapegoating the end results after the fact.
Because of his status, Vick got lucky and got help while many others (mostly because of financial reasons) are not so fortunate. Props to Tony Dungy and Andy Reid. I can only imagine that their experiences with their own troubled children gave them the compassion necessary to help Vick when no one else would. Vick was patient, observed and studied from an excellent QB in Donovan McNabb, and learned to play the quarterback position "between the ears" complimenting his physical gifts instead of relying on them. After proper preparation and an injury to Kevin Kolb, Vick was given the starting QB opportunity and never looked back. He took control showing newfound leadership ignited an explosive offense, ran away with the Comeback Player of the Year Award, and made a strong case for MVP. Nice Start.
I believe losing to an impressive Aaron Rodgers is a good result. I don't think America nor Vick is ready for the idolization that accompanies NFL playoff success. He needs more time to heal and for us to forgive. Whether or not you believe in Michael Vick's comeback, believe in his statements about his desire to own a dog again:
Last, I cannot forget to explain my leading man Tucker Carlson. What irks me about his comments was the "convenient" timing and proximity to our President's own appraisal of the Philadelphia Eagles and their efforts with Michael Vick's return. If Carlson truly wanted to spark the Vick discussion, Tucker could have said comments after Vick's verdict, after he got reinstated to the NFL, after he served his suspension, after he became starter, or after he captured the limelight this season. Instead, his agenda was rooted in a political circus attacking a man unjustly at the expense of a potentially educational debate.
As my roommate informed me, these days you need money to trump money. Until we have enough financial influence to create good change, at least I'm having a blast calling out these indiscretions. I hope others do too. If you agree with what I'm promoting, maybe something crazy might happen, like getting paid to do good...
For legal clarification I must immediately state that I do not wish any bodily harm to Tucker Carlson. I merely thought the title was an appropriate correlation between a '06 flick and statements made by Tucker Carlson himself (haven't seen John Tucker Must Die, but honestly the title is terrible enough). Call me a sell-out, but I gotta grab the female readers somehow... What I will stand by is that Tucker Carlson's comments about Michael Vick were completely out-of-line. Here's the highlight reel:
"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances. But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that."For those of you familiar with internet speech, WTF? Did Carlson actually preface a statement about KILLING a human-being for making a mistake (a horrific one, I agree) with saying how he believes in second chances? The contradictions are too laughable. I'm not going to guess which network allowed for such a statement to be broadcast. Tucker Carlson both regretted and backed off wishing execution upon Vick. My beef isn't with Tucker Carlson anymore (I'm a softy for apologies), but rather why he was pushed to make such a statement.
I have to admit that despite all the wrongdoings Vick committed (there's quite a few, check Wikipedia) he has been the definition of a second-chance opportunity. I've been impressed with his turnaround from what I hope is his last ultimate blunder. Before the fall of the Vick, he was a celebrated athlete, relying on his "inhuman" physical tools to carry him to be a moderately successful quarterback, albeit a very wealthy NFL player. Then his dog fighting operation was exposed and Vick paid the price according to our legal system. Some people may argue that the punishment should have been harsher, that he should never be able to play in the NFL, etc. Let the debate continue, but stop before you go as far as to wish death upon another person. That's wrong and you know it! I'm also intrigued to learn why Vick made such mistakes and what we can understand from such vile behavior so that others do not follow the same misled path. A sort of historical defense.
7 or 8 years old. That's the age Michael Vick said he was when he was exposed to dog fighting. He was ingrained with this "acceptable" violence as a child! I'm not certain that this reason, or any other explanation is an adequate defense for his cruel acts of torture. I cannot elaborate on these misdeeds as they make me sick to my stomach. However, I am certain that to blame this entire situation on one man and his personal decisions would be simply unwise. There are some clear negative influences that have clouded Vick his entire life. Look no further than his younger brother. Anyone remember Marcus Vick stomping on the leg of Elvis Dumervil while attempting to follow his brother's footsteps as QB at Virginia Tech? That was one of the more despicable acts of bad sportsmanship that I've ever witnessed (behind Albert Haynesworth's head stomp). The Vicks clearly grew up troubled. Whatever the cause; family, neighborhood, peer influences, etc., we need to address repairing those rather than scapegoating the end results after the fact.
Because of his status, Vick got lucky and got help while many others (mostly because of financial reasons) are not so fortunate. Props to Tony Dungy and Andy Reid. I can only imagine that their experiences with their own troubled children gave them the compassion necessary to help Vick when no one else would. Vick was patient, observed and studied from an excellent QB in Donovan McNabb, and learned to play the quarterback position "between the ears" complimenting his physical gifts instead of relying on them. After proper preparation and an injury to Kevin Kolb, Vick was given the starting QB opportunity and never looked back. He took control
I believe losing to an impressive Aaron Rodgers is a good result. I don't think America nor Vick is ready for the idolization that accompanies NFL playoff success. He needs more time to heal and for us to forgive. Whether or not you believe in Michael Vick's comeback, believe in his statements about his desire to own a dog again:
"I miss having a dog right now. I wish I could. My daughters miss having one, and that's the hardest thing: Telling them that we can't have one because of my actions"I hope that one day Michael Vick will do enough good to right his wrongs and be able to do what many Americans fail to even attempt: make his children happy and proud of what he did with his life. I wish him the best of luck and I hope the city of brotherly love does too. Philly, you could jettison him like the last guy and maybe he will land in the city by the bay! (I'd love to land Donovan as well)
Last, I cannot forget to explain my leading man Tucker Carlson. What irks me about his comments was the "convenient" timing and proximity to our President's own appraisal of the Philadelphia Eagles and their efforts with Michael Vick's return. If Carlson truly wanted to spark the Vick discussion, Tucker could have said comments after Vick's verdict, after he got reinstated to the NFL, after he served his suspension, after he became starter, or after he captured the limelight this season. Instead, his agenda was rooted in a political circus attacking a man unjustly at the expense of a potentially educational debate.
As my roommate informed me, these days you need money to trump money. Until we have enough financial influence to create good change, at least I'm having a blast calling out these indiscretions. I hope others do too. If you agree with what I'm promoting, maybe something crazy might happen, like getting paid to do good...
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Rose Bowl... The Rose bowl!!!!!
NCAAF
If you watched the Rose Bowl kicking off 2011, you were witness to another excellent defensive performance. I had planned not to watch the bowl season, an act of mourning for a Bruins' fan. However, I was enticed to catch the match-up at the Rose Bowl between TCU and Wisconsin. One of my best buddies attended the university in Madison and was in fact going to the game. For his sake, I was a Badgers' fan but I was also intrigued with the classic duel between speed and power. The New Year's day game was advertised as such: TCU's speed and "little guys" title against the Wisconsin power and "big school" label. A Horned Frog's quick defensive instincts vs. a Badger's ginormous wall.
Much to my chagrin, defense was non-existent in the 1st quarter. In fact, I think it was the highest scoring 1st quarter in Rose Bowl history. As the game continued and settled-down, it was clear it was coming down to the wire. Late into the 4th, the Badgers made an impressive drive, scoring a touchdown that put them within a 2-point conversion of tying the game. It was during this 2-point conversion attempt in which the defensive instincts kicked in for a Horned Frog named Tank Carder. He made a beautiful play on the ball that swatted Tolzien's pass and dashed Wisconsin's hopes for another Rose Bowl victory (Sorry AA, shout out to my homie).
Speed > Power. That's what was taught. Power, although powerful, has only one gear: Full Power. Speed is more carefully graded. While you can always "put the pedal to the metal" and hit your full speed, the beauty about speed is that it allows you to adjust. You have ability to make up for lost positioning through superior speed, but you don't have to use full speed in order to be in the best position (coaching helps that one). It's why I love Defense--its adaptability. In football, the offense comes at you, often with power, but the defense makes the right read and adjusts the speed dial appropriately. Well done, TCU.
I was also impressed with how TCU finished the game. The Horned Frogs finished on offense, gaining a first down to seal the game. As they were kneeling to run out the clock (officially ending the game), Gary Patterson, predicting a Gatorade splashdown turned and faced his players who were sneaking up on him with the oh-so-common orange bucket. He told them to knock it off. Not because he didn't want to celebrate or get wet (don't worry he got doused), but because they were going to splash him before the clock hit zero. He told them to keep their cool and wait for "the fat lady to sing." Sang she did and the players got their sweet revenge for all those wind-sprints in the form of an ice-cold sticky bath.
The Rose Bowl game was one that ought to be remembered. It was the only bowl in which TCU had never played before. Although TCU went undefeated and won the "Granddaddy of Them All," they will not win a national championship. A team did all it could in every game they played. The players came together as a team and won each battle. I guarantee you, they loved this season despite their final ranking. A favorite scene of mine from Remember the Titans illustrates what true teamwork achieves.
If you watched the Rose Bowl kicking off 2011, you were witness to another excellent defensive performance. I had planned not to watch the bowl season, an act of mourning for a Bruins' fan. However, I was enticed to catch the match-up at the Rose Bowl between TCU and Wisconsin. One of my best buddies attended the university in Madison and was in fact going to the game. For his sake, I was a Badgers' fan but I was also intrigued with the classic duel between speed and power. The New Year's day game was advertised as such: TCU's speed and "little guys" title against the Wisconsin power and "big school" label. A Horned Frog's quick defensive instincts vs. a Badger's ginormous wall.
Much to my chagrin, defense was non-existent in the 1st quarter. In fact, I think it was the highest scoring 1st quarter in Rose Bowl history. As the game continued and settled-down, it was clear it was coming down to the wire. Late into the 4th, the Badgers made an impressive drive, scoring a touchdown that put them within a 2-point conversion of tying the game. It was during this 2-point conversion attempt in which the defensive instincts kicked in for a Horned Frog named Tank Carder. He made a beautiful play on the ball that swatted Tolzien's pass and dashed Wisconsin's hopes for another Rose Bowl victory (Sorry AA, shout out to my homie).
Speed > Power. That's what was taught. Power, although powerful, has only one gear: Full Power. Speed is more carefully graded. While you can always "put the pedal to the metal" and hit your full speed, the beauty about speed is that it allows you to adjust. You have ability to make up for lost positioning through superior speed, but you don't have to use full speed in order to be in the best position (coaching helps that one). It's why I love Defense
I was also impressed with how TCU finished the game. The Horned Frogs finished on offense, gaining a first down to seal the game. As they were kneeling to run out the clock (officially ending the game), Gary Patterson, predicting a Gatorade splashdown turned and faced his players who were sneaking up on him with the oh-so-common orange bucket. He told them to knock it off. Not because he didn't want to celebrate or get wet (don't worry he got doused), but because they were going to splash him before the clock hit zero. He told them to keep their cool and wait for "the fat lady to sing." Sang she did and the players got their sweet revenge for all those wind-sprints in the form of an ice-cold sticky bath.
The Rose Bowl game was one that ought to be remembered. It was the only bowl in which TCU had never played before. Although TCU went undefeated and won the "Granddaddy of Them All," they will not win a national championship. A team did all it could in every game they played. The players came together as a team and won each battle. I guarantee you, they loved this season despite their final ranking. A favorite scene of mine from Remember the Titans illustrates what true teamwork achieves.
TCU's season record = perfect. Yet the winner of Auburn vs. Oregon will take home the national championship trophy instead. That winner may be better than the Horned Frogs, but how can TCU not even be considered? Because of the BS structure of the BCS. If you want to keep your bowls as they traditionally were, that's fine. Pac-10 vs. Big Ten was classic. But don't you dare crown a national championship based on the judgment of "experts." Probably the same "brilliant minds" that "knew" Wisconsin would win the Rose Bowl. In fair sporting competitions, championships are decided by teams of players, playing the game they love. Let their play decide who deserves it and stop ending their dreams because they didn't go to a powerhouse school.Coach Boone: "It's all right. We're in a fight. You boys are doing all that you can do. Anybody can see that. Win or lose... We gonna walk out of this stadium tonight with our heads held high. Do your best. That's all anybody can ask for"
Big Ju: "No, it ain't Coach. With all due respect, uh, you demanded more of us. You demanded perfection. Now, I ain't saying that I'm perfect, 'cause I'm not. And I ain't gonna never be. None of us are. But we have won every single game we have played till now. So this team is perfect. We stepped out on that field that way tonight. And, uh, if it's all the same to you, Coach Boone, that's how we want to leave it."
Coach Yoast: "Yeah. I hope you boys have learned as much from me this year as I've learned from you. You've taught this city how to trust the soul of a man rather than the look of him. And I guess it's about time I joined the club."
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