I just saw on The Sporting News Daily that the players of MLS are considering going on strike. SERIOUSLY? You guys are kidding, right? MLS as in Major League Soccer?
You guys are thinking about going on strike?
and therefore you will join the rest of America, which apparently is already on strike, in terms of watching MLS.
Give me a break MLSers. Get out there and kick the ball. MLS on strike? If a tree fell in the woods yet no one was around, would it make a sound?
Wait, what will ESPN2 run at 1 am now? More poker?
OH NO, MLS might go on strike. I guess 8-year-old girls across the country might not get to watch what NOT to do for that Saturday's game.
Why would the MLS folks go on strike? Did the owners decide to stop giving the players Capri Sun and orange slices after the game?
Seriously, MLS? You guys are going on strike? Are you attempting to pull an NHL by locking out/striking yourselves out of America's consciousness?
MLS is going to strike. And McDonalds will stop selling fries.
MLS is thinking about striking? I'll take The Dumbest decisions ever made for $600 please Alex.
Shelley Long called. She said you guys are stupid.
The MLS is really considering going on strike? That would be like letting young children swim with Shamu.
The MLS wants to strike? Are they thinking that this is bizzaro world where that would GET them viewers?
I cannot believe the MLS is even considering striking. Do they want a spot in the Wally Pipp Hall of Fame?
Hey buckos, enjoy the fact that some one is paying you ANYTHING to play soccer for a living. And next time you are out on the pitch (soccer reference. that's what they call the field), look in the stands. Yeah, don't see anyone? Realize no one is watching you at home either. Consider yourselves lucky that the MLS even exists. I'm surprised you guys aren't getting minimum wage. Honestly.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Shamu looking to move on up
As we all remember, whales are in the top ten of the dominance scale, well below No.1 humans, but still dangerous in the top ten. Humans are the Kansas of the Animal word while whales are more like the Villanova of the animal world: scary come tourney time and can knock off higher ranked teams they matchup well with, but ultimately with a fatal flaw. In a whale's case, "killer" in the water against a drunk and/or unarmed person but SOL out of water.
Well Cinderella struck yesterday as Shamu killed a trainer by pulling the trainer underwater down in Florida before drowning her. Apparently this is not the first time this Shamu has killed, once knocking off a drunk dude that sneaked into the tank for a drunken midnight swim.
Well, chalk one up to the whale in this situation. Hey, every now and then Davidson knocks off Kansas in the Elite 8...
But seriously here, this doesn't really move the whales up on the dominance scale. Let's remember that it was a human that put the Shamu in the tank to begin with. And odds are, the humans could strike back if they wanted to...with a harpoon or by simply NOT feeding him. Yeah, this whale depends on humans in order to live. The humans don't depend on the whale. Let's be serious here. We put HIM into the tank for our entertainment.
Just saying.....Humans still rule on the dominance scale. Even Kansas lost to Tennessee....
Well Cinderella struck yesterday as Shamu killed a trainer by pulling the trainer underwater down in Florida before drowning her. Apparently this is not the first time this Shamu has killed, once knocking off a drunk dude that sneaked into the tank for a drunken midnight swim.
Well, chalk one up to the whale in this situation. Hey, every now and then Davidson knocks off Kansas in the Elite 8...
But seriously here, this doesn't really move the whales up on the dominance scale. Let's remember that it was a human that put the Shamu in the tank to begin with. And odds are, the humans could strike back if they wanted to...with a harpoon or by simply NOT feeding him. Yeah, this whale depends on humans in order to live. The humans don't depend on the whale. Let's be serious here. We put HIM into the tank for our entertainment.
Just saying.....Humans still rule on the dominance scale. Even Kansas lost to Tennessee....
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Midweek Entertainment report 2/24/10
Vick to get nekked?, Archer will return to F/X, Seinfeld's idea actually a good one, a Real Housewife (well, unmarried one...) loses a job and Ole Miss getting a new mascot from a galaxy far far away?
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAP (hey, it's a recession.)
Michael Vick used to have a $130M contract from the Falcons plus much more from Nike and other sponsors. Then he lost it all and went to jail. The Eagles gave him a deal for close to $5M, but he might get cut before he sees most of that cash, and the dough he has from them has been carved up and doled out to creditors. Vick could soon be a millionaire again....thanks to Playgirl Magazine. The publication has reportedly offered Vick one MILLION dollars to pose nude ala Levi Johnston. Will MV7 do it? Dunno, but 1M is a lot of cash in this recession. Just saying................
Archer has been picked up for another season on F/X and if you haven't seen it yet, GO TO ON-DEMAND AND WATCH IT. Wifey doesn't like it but the humor is there, kind of like Arrested Development-esque humor. I usually have two or three laugh out loud moments in each show, which is impressive because I don't always LOL during TV shows. Is the show absurd? yes. but still quite funny for a kid that grew up watching EVERY SINGLE James Bond movie. Throw in the fact that Aisha Tyler does a voice for the show and you have a winner.
Seinfeld's new show The Marriage Ref actually looks pretty funny, and it is an idea that could stick around. Married couples will always fight and this show will pick a winner. Sometimes I wish I had a marriage ref when Wifey starts talking crazy. (wait, if she is reading this, she is BEAUTIFUL!)
Kandi Burruss of the Real Housewives (that aren't actually married) of Atlanta opened up a TAGS boutique, but shockingly it is closing. Why? because you are a reality-celeb that tried to cash in on some "heat" from RHoA which you shouldn't have really done because you aren't that famous. Sorry. the show you SOMETIMES appear on is on Bravo. For the record. If Sly and Ar-nald and the rest of the gang from planet hollywood failed, how did you think you'd make it?
Finally, Ole Miss has been sans mascot since 2003 when the school decided the ole' Col. Reb was a bit too racist. REALLY? Ya THINK? Well the school has wisely decided to let the students decide who the mascot should be, and a Facebook petition has been pushing Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars. Yeah, the octopusfish-face guy that screams "It's a trap!" This is what happens when you let the students decide. Bill Stewart keeps his job and you get Admiral Ackbar as your mascot. Honestly....but I guess, as the campaign says, an Admiral is better than a Colonel.
Have a great rest of the week everybody!
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAP (hey, it's a recession.)
Michael Vick used to have a $130M contract from the Falcons plus much more from Nike and other sponsors. Then he lost it all and went to jail. The Eagles gave him a deal for close to $5M, but he might get cut before he sees most of that cash, and the dough he has from them has been carved up and doled out to creditors. Vick could soon be a millionaire again....thanks to Playgirl Magazine. The publication has reportedly offered Vick one MILLION dollars to pose nude ala Levi Johnston. Will MV7 do it? Dunno, but 1M is a lot of cash in this recession. Just saying................
Archer has been picked up for another season on F/X and if you haven't seen it yet, GO TO ON-DEMAND AND WATCH IT. Wifey doesn't like it but the humor is there, kind of like Arrested Development-esque humor. I usually have two or three laugh out loud moments in each show, which is impressive because I don't always LOL during TV shows. Is the show absurd? yes. but still quite funny for a kid that grew up watching EVERY SINGLE James Bond movie. Throw in the fact that Aisha Tyler does a voice for the show and you have a winner.
Seinfeld's new show The Marriage Ref actually looks pretty funny, and it is an idea that could stick around. Married couples will always fight and this show will pick a winner. Sometimes I wish I had a marriage ref when Wifey starts talking crazy. (wait, if she is reading this, she is BEAUTIFUL!)
Kandi Burruss of the Real Housewives (that aren't actually married) of Atlanta opened up a TAGS boutique, but shockingly it is closing. Why? because you are a reality-celeb that tried to cash in on some "heat" from RHoA which you shouldn't have really done because you aren't that famous. Sorry. the show you SOMETIMES appear on is on Bravo. For the record. If Sly and Ar-nald and the rest of the gang from planet hollywood failed, how did you think you'd make it?
Finally, Ole Miss has been sans mascot since 2003 when the school decided the ole' Col. Reb was a bit too racist. REALLY? Ya THINK? Well the school has wisely decided to let the students decide who the mascot should be, and a Facebook petition has been pushing Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars. Yeah, the octopusfish-face guy that screams "It's a trap!" This is what happens when you let the students decide. Bill Stewart keeps his job and you get Admiral Ackbar as your mascot. Honestly....but I guess, as the campaign says, an Admiral is better than a Colonel.
Have a great rest of the week everybody!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
UK or KU? which one?
How come Kansas is so clearly the No.1 basketball team in the country, with Kentucky leading the rest of the country in peering through the glass? Honestly? Can someone explain this to me? I've watched a bunch of games this season and seen highlights from just about every game these two have played.
Kansas is really that much better? Just asking. I don't think anyone on Kansas stops John Wall if these two teams played at a neutral site. Just saying. If these two teams played, Wall would lead the Wildcats to a win. Is Kansas a better overall team? Probably, but if they played, Kentucky would win because of one player, the best player in the college game right now.
I can understand why you want to reward the best collection of talent but Kentucky has the best player and he would lead his team to a win over the best collection of talent. And that's what it should all be about.
PS, Kentucky's one loss was to a VERY motivated South Carolina team, where Devan Downey went out of his mind at home in an upset. Kansas meanwhile lost to Tennessee, when the Vols had just lost four players, including their best returning player. I know now Tennessee has recovered and meanwhile SoCar has fallen off of the bubble, but I think Kentucky's loss is one of those "tough road conference losses" whereas Kansas lost a national showcase game.
And if Duke's Kyle Singler REALLY DOES leave Duke early to go to the NBA to get drafted late in the second round, I might just die of laughter-overdose. Honestly.
Kansas is really that much better? Just asking. I don't think anyone on Kansas stops John Wall if these two teams played at a neutral site. Just saying. If these two teams played, Wall would lead the Wildcats to a win. Is Kansas a better overall team? Probably, but if they played, Kentucky would win because of one player, the best player in the college game right now.
I can understand why you want to reward the best collection of talent but Kentucky has the best player and he would lead his team to a win over the best collection of talent. And that's what it should all be about.
PS, Kentucky's one loss was to a VERY motivated South Carolina team, where Devan Downey went out of his mind at home in an upset. Kansas meanwhile lost to Tennessee, when the Vols had just lost four players, including their best returning player. I know now Tennessee has recovered and meanwhile SoCar has fallen off of the bubble, but I think Kentucky's loss is one of those "tough road conference losses" whereas Kansas lost a national showcase game.
And if Duke's Kyle Singler REALLY DOES leave Duke early to go to the NBA to get drafted late in the second round, I might just die of laughter-overdose. Honestly.
Funeral Services announced for Rajaan Bennett
I've updated my cover story for Score Atlanta's Prep Edition to include funeral service information for McEachern RB Rajaan Bennett. If you are interested in helping the family out, see the address below of where you can send a check and where the memorial services will be held.
Tragedy. Unfair. Senseless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when one hears about a young life that is ended before it has a chance to start and blossom into what we all hope it can. Recently the Atlanta area was faced with this situation when McEachern running back Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed last week. For those that never knew Bennett, he was truly a special individual that was forced to grow up way too soon. Bennett was forced to become the man of the house while still in middle school after his father passed away, and he constantly helped his mother in caring for his three younger siblings. At McEachern, Bennett not only starred on the football field but in the classroom and with his fellow students. At a news conference last week, McEachern’s principal Regina Montgomery said of her former student, “We have a population of 2,200 kids, and when you're Rajaan Bennett, you touch the lives of all 2,200."
Just three weeks ago the star running back, with his support system in attendance, signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football. This grand day came after Bennett led McEachern to a region title his senior season as he rushed for 1857 yards and scored 28 TDs. As a senior captain, Bennett carried the ball 236 times in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.”
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101. The school had a memorial service for Bennett this past Wednesday and a visitation is planned for Friday, February 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia. Support for the family has poured in and the funeral service had to be moved because so many people were expected to attend the service.
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bennett twice during the recruiting process, and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted that he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. Hockman was also a guest and deflected credit, saying that the back would be good in any offense with his skills set. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman was named coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing. Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. On any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. When wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit two weeks ago, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing in a fine class and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone, though not forgotten.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit, but of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock last year. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son. Over time the memories of his football accomplishments will fade away as it does with all players that leave high school, but the memories of Bennett the person will live on with everyone that has ever met him. In the coming months when thinking of Bennett, don’t feel sad, but instead smile and remember what a great person he was and how lucky everyone was to have him here while we did.
Tragedy. Unfair. Senseless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when one hears about a young life that is ended before it has a chance to start and blossom into what we all hope it can. Recently the Atlanta area was faced with this situation when McEachern running back Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed last week. For those that never knew Bennett, he was truly a special individual that was forced to grow up way too soon. Bennett was forced to become the man of the house while still in middle school after his father passed away, and he constantly helped his mother in caring for his three younger siblings. At McEachern, Bennett not only starred on the football field but in the classroom and with his fellow students. At a news conference last week, McEachern’s principal Regina Montgomery said of her former student, “We have a population of 2,200 kids, and when you're Rajaan Bennett, you touch the lives of all 2,200."
Just three weeks ago the star running back, with his support system in attendance, signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football. This grand day came after Bennett led McEachern to a region title his senior season as he rushed for 1857 yards and scored 28 TDs. As a senior captain, Bennett carried the ball 236 times in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.”
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101. The school had a memorial service for Bennett this past Wednesday and a visitation is planned for Friday, February 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia. Support for the family has poured in and the funeral service had to be moved because so many people were expected to attend the service.
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bennett twice during the recruiting process, and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted that he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. Hockman was also a guest and deflected credit, saying that the back would be good in any offense with his skills set. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman was named coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing. Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. On any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. When wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit two weeks ago, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing in a fine class and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone, though not forgotten.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit, but of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock last year. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son. Over time the memories of his football accomplishments will fade away as it does with all players that leave high school, but the memories of Bennett the person will live on with everyone that has ever met him. In the coming months when thinking of Bennett, don’t feel sad, but instead smile and remember what a great person he was and how lucky everyone was to have him here while we did.
Braves news and notes from Spring Training...
Well, I'M not at spring training, but the Bravos are. Here are your weekly notes and news.
It now appears that the man Boston Red Sox fans used to call Caveman Jesus will not walk on water in Atlanta. Johnny Damon has signed with the Detroit Tigers after the Chicago White Sox reportedly pulled out of the running for the former Yankee outfielder. Damon will reportedly split time between the outfield and the DH position for the Tigers. His deal will be worth one year for somewhere between $7-8M. The Braves reportedly offered Damon a one-year deal worth between $4-6M. The White Sox reportedly were discussing a multi-year deal with Damon but discussions ended before a deal was offered. With Damon apparently not coming to Atlanta, it appears Nate McLouth will bat leadoff, a sentiment Braves GM Frank Wren intimated last week on 680 The Fan. According to Wren, the team saw Damon as more of a No.2 hitter anyways.
Speaking of McLouth, the centerfielder now appears to have fixed both problems that plagued him last season: his vision and his sore hamstring. According to the AJC, McLouth got contacts over the off-season and will wear them this season. Also, an off season of rest will hopefully heal his sore legs so that he can be more active on the base paths this season. McLouth has also switched his number to No.24 after giving up No.13 to new closer Billy Wagner.
The Braves shortstop position appears solid with the young and blossoming Yunel Escobar back with his rocket arm, but it is never too early to think about the future. The Braves, according to several outlets, are on the verge of signing 18-year-old Edward Salcedo, out of the Dominican Republic. Two years ago the Cleveland Indians thought they had an agreement with Salcedo and his agent at the time Scott Boras for $2.3M, but the deal fell through after questions about the prospect’s age surfaced. The Braves have been working with Salcedo’s current agent Edgar Mercedes to hammer out a deal but no terms have been revealed. Several scouts have said that Salcedo has the talent equivalent of a first round draft pick, but he is not eligible for the MLB draft.
The results of Jair Jurrjens MRI came back as just inflammation and he should resume “baseball activities” sometime either this week or next week, however Jurrjens may be going up against stats and history. Tom Verducci has done multiple studies over the years of his covering baseball and has come up with the “Verducci effect,” that strikes pitchers under the age of 25 whose innings increase by more than 30 from the previous season. Verducci found that more often than not, those pitchers tend to either struggle the following season with ERA or injury. Though Jurrjens was not included in Verducci’s recent 10 for ’10: Young Aces at Risk list, Verducci noted after Jurrjens’ injury occurred, Jurrjens could be at risk due to the number of innings he threw last year. Jurrjens threw 215 innings last season after 188.1 in 2008, which is an increase of just 26.2, but for Jurrjens, it was the first time of his career that he went over 200 in a single season.
It now appears that the man Boston Red Sox fans used to call Caveman Jesus will not walk on water in Atlanta. Johnny Damon has signed with the Detroit Tigers after the Chicago White Sox reportedly pulled out of the running for the former Yankee outfielder. Damon will reportedly split time between the outfield and the DH position for the Tigers. His deal will be worth one year for somewhere between $7-8M. The Braves reportedly offered Damon a one-year deal worth between $4-6M. The White Sox reportedly were discussing a multi-year deal with Damon but discussions ended before a deal was offered. With Damon apparently not coming to Atlanta, it appears Nate McLouth will bat leadoff, a sentiment Braves GM Frank Wren intimated last week on 680 The Fan. According to Wren, the team saw Damon as more of a No.2 hitter anyways.
Speaking of McLouth, the centerfielder now appears to have fixed both problems that plagued him last season: his vision and his sore hamstring. According to the AJC, McLouth got contacts over the off-season and will wear them this season. Also, an off season of rest will hopefully heal his sore legs so that he can be more active on the base paths this season. McLouth has also switched his number to No.24 after giving up No.13 to new closer Billy Wagner.
The Braves shortstop position appears solid with the young and blossoming Yunel Escobar back with his rocket arm, but it is never too early to think about the future. The Braves, according to several outlets, are on the verge of signing 18-year-old Edward Salcedo, out of the Dominican Republic. Two years ago the Cleveland Indians thought they had an agreement with Salcedo and his agent at the time Scott Boras for $2.3M, but the deal fell through after questions about the prospect’s age surfaced. The Braves have been working with Salcedo’s current agent Edgar Mercedes to hammer out a deal but no terms have been revealed. Several scouts have said that Salcedo has the talent equivalent of a first round draft pick, but he is not eligible for the MLB draft.
The results of Jair Jurrjens MRI came back as just inflammation and he should resume “baseball activities” sometime either this week or next week, however Jurrjens may be going up against stats and history. Tom Verducci has done multiple studies over the years of his covering baseball and has come up with the “Verducci effect,” that strikes pitchers under the age of 25 whose innings increase by more than 30 from the previous season. Verducci found that more often than not, those pitchers tend to either struggle the following season with ERA or injury. Though Jurrjens was not included in Verducci’s recent 10 for ’10: Young Aces at Risk list, Verducci noted after Jurrjens’ injury occurred, Jurrjens could be at risk due to the number of innings he threw last year. Jurrjens threw 215 innings last season after 188.1 in 2008, which is an increase of just 26.2, but for Jurrjens, it was the first time of his career that he went over 200 in a single season.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Paul Mac weighs in on Tiger....again
Maybe the most unsettling part of that speech was, "I don't know when I'm coming back to golf." I was hoping he would make the Masters.
The thing about this situation to me is more about America and the general populace than Tiger. I've understood the why from the beginning. It's just that everyone has an excuse for being an ass these days. That part bothers me. The hero worship part from the public bothers me. I don't get standing 40 rows deep to see a glance at a guy who puts his pants on like me.
I'd love to talk to the guy on or off the record about a lot of topics but autographs... yawn. I'm not a celebrity worshipper. I am a cultural observationist.
It disturbs me that virtually every public figure in America is incredibly self serving at their core. That bothers me. That they can acknowledge the were doing the wrong thing and yet... who cares... I am above recourse. It's honestly not hard at all to not be a dbag whether you have billions of dollars or just a regular living.
OF course the story is compelling because of who it is and his image but it's not really shocking. I mean what if people actually followed Phil or Davis Love around? I have country club peoples wives making out with each other in the club house bar. I'm not really shocked.
Of course the editors of Sportsbyfletch had to respond:
A little back story: The speech last Friday was thirteen minutes long, and in it he admitted that he “was unfaithful,” and was “deeply sorry.” Tiger noted that he “has a long was to go,” and hopes that one day people will “believe in [him] again.” Finally Tiger seethed that it angered him that “people fabricate a story like [Elin attacking him].” In his speech Tiger admitted that he will not be playing golf anytime soon and PGA commissioner Tim Finchem revealed to the press that Woods would be heading back to therapy.
I say this was horrible. No, not the way Woods delivered the speech that made him sound like he was a seven-year-old reading a book report for his second grade class. Not the way that the “press conference” was limited to certain members of the media and allowed just one network to provide cameras, leading to the front camera “breaking” nine minutes into the speech and the angle was forced to switch to an awkward side angle for parts. I say it was horrible that he even had to do it at all. Tiger didn’t owe me an apology and he doesn’t owe children out there an apology. He is still a tremendous golfer which is all he should have been to the world. To his family, yes he owes an apology. A big one. But he didn’t need to do it on TV and in front of the media that covers him, by the way, AS A GOLFER.
If I had been Tiger’s PR people, I would have had him do an apology a LONG time ago, like maybe the week after Thanksgiving, perhaps. Then I would have had him offer his resignation to each of his sponsors and that way, he wouldn’t have had to do that silly apology which wasn’t for the fans or the family but for his sponsors. He is JUST a golfer that way. Then I would have had Tiger out on the golf course immediately and after the round, ONLY answer questions about his round. This way he isn’t the poster boy for NIKE or Gatorade, he is just a golfer out there doing his thing. The endorsements would have come back eventually and they would have been stronger than ever. This thing was handled very poorly and Tiger’s speech the other day was laughable, considering it sounded like he was aiming for a gold star from his elementary school teacher instead of Buick’s approval.
The thing about this situation to me is more about America and the general populace than Tiger. I've understood the why from the beginning. It's just that everyone has an excuse for being an ass these days. That part bothers me. The hero worship part from the public bothers me. I don't get standing 40 rows deep to see a glance at a guy who puts his pants on like me.
I'd love to talk to the guy on or off the record about a lot of topics but autographs... yawn. I'm not a celebrity worshipper. I am a cultural observationist.
It disturbs me that virtually every public figure in America is incredibly self serving at their core. That bothers me. That they can acknowledge the were doing the wrong thing and yet... who cares... I am above recourse. It's honestly not hard at all to not be a dbag whether you have billions of dollars or just a regular living.
OF course the story is compelling because of who it is and his image but it's not really shocking. I mean what if people actually followed Phil or Davis Love around? I have country club peoples wives making out with each other in the club house bar. I'm not really shocked.
Of course the editors of Sportsbyfletch had to respond:
A little back story: The speech last Friday was thirteen minutes long, and in it he admitted that he “was unfaithful,” and was “deeply sorry.” Tiger noted that he “has a long was to go,” and hopes that one day people will “believe in [him] again.” Finally Tiger seethed that it angered him that “people fabricate a story like [Elin attacking him].” In his speech Tiger admitted that he will not be playing golf anytime soon and PGA commissioner Tim Finchem revealed to the press that Woods would be heading back to therapy.
I say this was horrible. No, not the way Woods delivered the speech that made him sound like he was a seven-year-old reading a book report for his second grade class. Not the way that the “press conference” was limited to certain members of the media and allowed just one network to provide cameras, leading to the front camera “breaking” nine minutes into the speech and the angle was forced to switch to an awkward side angle for parts. I say it was horrible that he even had to do it at all. Tiger didn’t owe me an apology and he doesn’t owe children out there an apology. He is still a tremendous golfer which is all he should have been to the world. To his family, yes he owes an apology. A big one. But he didn’t need to do it on TV and in front of the media that covers him, by the way, AS A GOLFER.
If I had been Tiger’s PR people, I would have had him do an apology a LONG time ago, like maybe the week after Thanksgiving, perhaps. Then I would have had him offer his resignation to each of his sponsors and that way, he wouldn’t have had to do that silly apology which wasn’t for the fans or the family but for his sponsors. He is JUST a golfer that way. Then I would have had Tiger out on the golf course immediately and after the round, ONLY answer questions about his round. This way he isn’t the poster boy for NIKE or Gatorade, he is just a golfer out there doing his thing. The endorsements would have come back eventually and they would have been stronger than ever. This thing was handled very poorly and Tiger’s speech the other day was laughable, considering it sounded like he was aiming for a gold star from his elementary school teacher instead of Buick’s approval.
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