Just Be Who You Are

Maybe I'm too old school in some areas, or maybe i am witnessing the continued wussification of our country. In some instances I wish there were more Charles Barkley types on earth. At least everyone would know where they stand. The say one thing do another act is so played out, that now  it's just annoying and not even news worthy.

Recently Tyler Hamilton, who was banned from cycling for two positive doping tests, came forth with his "confession" that Lance Armstrong was doping and also encouraged him to do it as well. Let's remember this is the same guy who has adamantly denied ever using PED's of anytime during his career. So why now ? Losing sleep at night ? Or you just couldn't turn down the money offered to you by 60 minutes or publishing companies that want to hear "your side" of the story.

The NFL owners are holding their annual spring meetings today. As usual the media runs to Roger Goodell to ask what is going on with the lock out, etc.  as he so frequently does, he states, "The sooner we get back to the negotiating table the more we can address those issues in a timely fashion and get to what everybody wants, which is football, In the meantime we've done everything to prepare for 2011." Well...commissioner, why are there still court battles and litigations going on ? From what I understand both sides can agree to remove the suits and immediately start negotiating. Why has that not happened ? It hasn't even been brought up as an option. I don't consider myself to be ultra knowledgeable of labor laws and such, however, it  seems to be simple enough to do.


As I am now  a part of the media, i clearly grasp the concept that news story good and bad have to reported. I also am aware that at times things have to be made controversial whether true or not. However, the majority of sports talk hosts hide behind the political correctness of their jobs to hide the personal feelings they may have about an individual. For example, in one breathe most say, "the game of golf needs Tiger", or "even though golf has new  talent on the rise, it's still missing something without Tiger." Shortly in another breathe  "I am not sure if he can come back" or "he doesn't have enough time to break Jack's record." Even though those things may all be true, what is your real feeling as an opinionated media source. Pick a side, and if that's what you believe then that's what you believe.

It's not about whether Lance doped or not, or if Goodell and the owners just want more money for whatever reason, or if Tiger makes it back. Just give the public a real answer. Years ago I attended an entrepreneurial course at Harvard Business School, where owner of the New England Patriots and Alum was the guest speaker. A question posed to him was, "why do we not have guaranteed contracts in the NFL?" His answer, "because we feel like some players, not all, won't play up to the standard of their contract once they know they have the money." On one hand I was shocked at the answer and on the other I respected his honesty, he was just being real.Commissioner Goodell, just say the owners want more money, all of you media people just say you don't want Tiger to break Jack's record, and Hamilton, if it's a money grab make note of it instead of feeding the sob story. The public would rather just know as opposed to people trying to run circles around them and playing sides. Just be honest ! just be real.