As I sit in my office, yes people I have an office, I'm staring out the window at the leftovers hurricane Alex left in the air. I'm actually a little confused and a little disgusted. I guess I'm somewhat turned off by the sports world right now. Actually feels like being in a night club. Slightly dark, the music is good, drinks are flowing, and you are engaged in random conversation with the beautiful young philly u just met. So all seems to be going well. But no matter what you think you see and no matter how cool she is there is still one thing left. The deciding factor, "The Dreaded Light Test". Throughout history there have been many successful nights and just as many failures after this test is administered. We have all been deceived by the ambiance of a swanky night club. Not to mention when there is alcohol involved, WoW ! Depending on how much you've drank, you might even make a pass at Rosie O'donnell. If you thought pearl harbor was bad, that would be the ultimate surprise attack once you sobered up. In the meantime, you wait patiently. And then it happens, the vision of Benjamin Franklin's greatest invention comes to light, literally. The answer you've been waiting for is directly in front of you. Turns out the philly you were talking to is not as attractive as you thought. Her face is similar to a dart board, ok maybe not that many holes, her body is not as firm as desired, and she looks like she either got lip injections or kissed a curling iron. I'll let you guys decide that one. Needless to say it didn't turn out like you thought. Which leads me to my point. Sports
Let's start with NBA free agency. You've got the "Summer of Lebron" starting today. Word ? Lebron is a great player, and I'm one of those people who doesn't define a player's is greatness by the amount of championships they win. He would make any team in the NBA a very good team immediately. but the constant, "where's lebron" act has got to stop. When he's ready to sign somewhere I'm sure we will all know, and that' fine. Until then, I don't care for the Lebron should go here or he should go there or the three man sword fight meetings he, wade, and bosh are having. Also for NBA players and executives to say, we are waiting on Lebron because he holds the cards is ridiculous. How about this players and GM's, why don't you grow a pair and make the moves you need to make. If you want Lebron then make the moves to get him. If you have no cap room then to you it doesn't matter anyway, so get whoever you can in order to better your team. If you're a free agent player, especially if you're not in the running for getting the maximum salary get a deal done with another team or stay where you are. And yes, I know that's hard for you since all GM's have claimed up, so you're in a catch 22. It's mind blowing how one player has shut down the "great NBA organization". Maybe I'm too old school, maybe it's because I played in an organization where players are players. I understand there are a few that get special treatment, namely quarterbacks, but shutting down the whole league is not happening. The NBA makes it look like they have everything under control, Sike ! They don't. This is about the time of year Barnum and Bailey's comes to town anyway, so i guess my show options have definitley increased.
I would go into baseball, but whats the point. The astros are very sub par. With the exception of a couple no hitters and Stratsburg being possessed by Nolan Ryan's spirit for the time being, it's pretty much terrible. The steroid scandal is neverending. Ok they did roids, it's over. Congress already said forget it, the fans have said forget it, so just bury it and move on. The law firms trying to convict Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens for lying "under oath" are just trying to make a name for themselves and collect fees. In my book I call that pathetic. News flash, everyone lied ! They keep this up and it will look like a scene from casino, with Bonds and Clemens showing up in wheel chairs with oxygen tanks. By that time they'll think PED's is the new name for geritol, or their AARP plan got switched over. Waste of time and tax payers money for self entitled reasons.
The world cup has been good though. Although the US lost and now ATC. That means "At the Crib" for you not so hip people. I've seen some surprise victories and the expected ones. The flopping and officiating has gotten way outta hand though. Better be glad cats like me don't play soccer, I'll give them a reason to flop. Some of those guys are softer than baby poo. FIFA, I know you guys wanna keep the human element in the game, but can ya help us out some ? Just add another guy please, it's not that hard. Missing offsides call , a missed goal. For Real ? You actually missed a legitimate goal ? If you're not going to add another official then here's two options that could help them out. First, lasik is very very cheap now, I would suggest it. And two, you'll save a lot of money on their car insurance by switching them to geico. They're going to need it with people purposely trying to run them over the more bad calls are made. Just a thought, use it as u wish.
I am an avid sports fan, I really am. I just don't want the smoke and mirrors. I don't wanna be pump faked by stories of he said she said. I don't ask for much, just good competition, physical play, strategy, and genuine passion and emotion. Not the fake Kobe snarl or baseball players acting like they wanna fight. The soccer player acting like he got sniped by Lee Harvey Oswalds' ghostly spirit. I just want sports to be how they were meant to be, not covered up with ambiance and dim lights. So when the lights do come on, I see what I'd hoped to see.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Mum Is the Word
In the light of the recent so called "discovery" of head trauma to Chris Henry, I feel it's fitting to give you the real deal as far as concussions are concerned. Concussions have been around since the game originated. This is not a new found idea or theory. We as gladiators, sent down by Zeus himself are trained and taught to show no pain, fear nothing, and show no weakness. We battle in some of the worst climates and against some of the most unbelievable odds. We are taught to be mentally and physically tough, and to do your job. I started playing football when I was 6 years old. My father, who himself was a great athlete had instilled the "no fear" aspect into my life at an early age. From the time I could hold any kind of ball, there was always a competition going on between him and I. While most of my friends played basketball amongst themselves, I was at the Rec playing with my father and other grown men. This started around the age of 7 I guess. So picture a bunch of 25 and above aged men and me, funny huh. I got no special treatment, my dad made sure of that. So I got fouled hard, I got my shots blocked, I got posted up, and know what, I had to suck it up and play. And I did, I had no choice. My dad is a towering 5 foot 8 yet my dad always played center, always. Normally you would think the more taller guys would go down low, but he always told them to play other spots. My dad has always been a tough SOB and it was known. For most athletes that make it professionally, stories like these aren't unusual.
My point of that story is to show you an example of how and when the voiding of fear, pain or ailments begins for some of us. So why is it that now athletes are speaking out about concussions ? Why is it such a big deal now ? It's never been before, it's always been part of the game. Concussions were pretty much in the same category as any other injury . I have had a couple concussions, maybe more but did anyone know ? Absolutely not. For instance, during a game a running play occurred which I was involved in. I came up and made the tackle and popped up. A few problems with this scenario though, the guy I tackled was a 230lb running back, the second problem was the team we were playing was running a hurry up offense. Now, I knew where I was and had an idea of the situation but when I went out to cover my guy, there were three people out there. So as I looked at this I turned inside to see what was going on. I remember saying "uh either this ain't right, or I ain't right". So what did I do, I covered the one in the middle. Made sense at the time, but did it really ? Why didn't I call time out ? Why didn't I say something ? Because thats not in the training, that's not what I was taught, that's not what my predecessors would have done. I mean, my high school football coach was granted a purple heart while serving in the Marine Core ! Imagining what he faced you thnk I'm worried about covering three dudes, potentially ? Uh, I think not. After that play was over, there was a timeout and I squirted water on my face and moved on. I'm not an unusual case, this happens all the time, in every game, on every day there is one played.
Most athletes dislike the training room, such as myself. I mean to the point that the only time I went in the training room was to get taped. Period. Did I have sprains or pulls that happened ? Absolutely ! Was I going to tell the trainer or the coach ? Hell to the No ! The NFL is a different animal from the other professional sports. I would compare it to the automotive industry. Colleges are like car plants all over the country, free agents are more like independent used car dealerships. Ya know, like Uncle Buddy's used cars. Teams are the purchasers of the cars. Car gets damaged, doesn't perform well, or turns out the team doesn't like the car, they just head to the dealership and buy another. So what happens to the other car you ask ? Well, either it gets fixed and is sitting at Uncle Buddy's waiting to be purchased again (basically at the crib), or another team who fancies the model buys it, or it's just sent straight to the wrecking yard to be destroyed and forgotten (retirement). And you wonder why a little "concussion" is not disclosed ? Football players are expendable, there is not much guaranteed money to spread around, there are no guaranteed contracts. Players fight for every dollar they can, as long as they can, before it's too late.
The post career lives of professional football players have always been difficult to maintain. George Visger, a former lineman for the San Francisco 49ers lives his daily life out of little notebooks. His memory started fading in 1982, He himself said "If it's not written down then it doesn't exist". Without his notebooks he has no memory of his life. Honestly, I to an extent understand where he's coming from. There are blocks of my life I have no idea about. Fortunately for me it's not as bad as George or others. Imagine having no memory of your childhood, your accomplishments, the name of your wife, or your children. And what about the other symptoms, depression, anger, abnormal sleep, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, slurred speech, headaches, and swelling of the brain ? I could continue if you'd like. It's very serious and I too have experienced some of these symptoms and seen some of the worst ones. Yet from the outside the only thing that is seen is the glory, the money, the fame, the gladiator. And as a gladiator we want to be remembered that way, not as a shell walking the earth not being able to speak, or comprehend simple things. To appear weak or fragile and lifeless.
I am pleased that technology has allowed doctors and researchers to see more of the damage concussions cause. Sadly as in Chris Henry's case, my case, and others, the damage has already begun and it gets worst the longer one plays. Roger Goodell has seemingly expressed concern about concussions. Finally, the NFL is being pro active on the issue. Yea, now that there have been suicides and deaths to families because of the mental disorders former players have developed. Way to step up. In due time we will see how far the "medical decisions must override competitve decisions" campaign lasts. In my experience it's still going to be hard to get players to openly admit when they have concussions. I bet some don't even know when they do, until they are laying unconcious on their back like an armadillo in the middle of the road. Those of you who have made the drive to Lubbock, TX know what I'm talking about. It's going to take a while. All the technology in the world can't change that. The new helmet design, the accelorometer they are suppose to being testing, nothing, I mean nothing is going to take precedence over a player having the chance to support his family, being special, being a champion, being a gladiator. Believe me, I know.
My point of that story is to show you an example of how and when the voiding of fear, pain or ailments begins for some of us. So why is it that now athletes are speaking out about concussions ? Why is it such a big deal now ? It's never been before, it's always been part of the game. Concussions were pretty much in the same category as any other injury . I have had a couple concussions, maybe more but did anyone know ? Absolutely not. For instance, during a game a running play occurred which I was involved in. I came up and made the tackle and popped up. A few problems with this scenario though, the guy I tackled was a 230lb running back, the second problem was the team we were playing was running a hurry up offense. Now, I knew where I was and had an idea of the situation but when I went out to cover my guy, there were three people out there. So as I looked at this I turned inside to see what was going on. I remember saying "uh either this ain't right, or I ain't right". So what did I do, I covered the one in the middle. Made sense at the time, but did it really ? Why didn't I call time out ? Why didn't I say something ? Because thats not in the training, that's not what I was taught, that's not what my predecessors would have done. I mean, my high school football coach was granted a purple heart while serving in the Marine Core ! Imagining what he faced you thnk I'm worried about covering three dudes, potentially ? Uh, I think not. After that play was over, there was a timeout and I squirted water on my face and moved on. I'm not an unusual case, this happens all the time, in every game, on every day there is one played.
Most athletes dislike the training room, such as myself. I mean to the point that the only time I went in the training room was to get taped. Period. Did I have sprains or pulls that happened ? Absolutely ! Was I going to tell the trainer or the coach ? Hell to the No ! The NFL is a different animal from the other professional sports. I would compare it to the automotive industry. Colleges are like car plants all over the country, free agents are more like independent used car dealerships. Ya know, like Uncle Buddy's used cars. Teams are the purchasers of the cars. Car gets damaged, doesn't perform well, or turns out the team doesn't like the car, they just head to the dealership and buy another. So what happens to the other car you ask ? Well, either it gets fixed and is sitting at Uncle Buddy's waiting to be purchased again (basically at the crib), or another team who fancies the model buys it, or it's just sent straight to the wrecking yard to be destroyed and forgotten (retirement). And you wonder why a little "concussion" is not disclosed ? Football players are expendable, there is not much guaranteed money to spread around, there are no guaranteed contracts. Players fight for every dollar they can, as long as they can, before it's too late.
The post career lives of professional football players have always been difficult to maintain. George Visger, a former lineman for the San Francisco 49ers lives his daily life out of little notebooks. His memory started fading in 1982, He himself said "If it's not written down then it doesn't exist". Without his notebooks he has no memory of his life. Honestly, I to an extent understand where he's coming from. There are blocks of my life I have no idea about. Fortunately for me it's not as bad as George or others. Imagine having no memory of your childhood, your accomplishments, the name of your wife, or your children. And what about the other symptoms, depression, anger, abnormal sleep, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, slurred speech, headaches, and swelling of the brain ? I could continue if you'd like. It's very serious and I too have experienced some of these symptoms and seen some of the worst ones. Yet from the outside the only thing that is seen is the glory, the money, the fame, the gladiator. And as a gladiator we want to be remembered that way, not as a shell walking the earth not being able to speak, or comprehend simple things. To appear weak or fragile and lifeless.
I am pleased that technology has allowed doctors and researchers to see more of the damage concussions cause. Sadly as in Chris Henry's case, my case, and others, the damage has already begun and it gets worst the longer one plays. Roger Goodell has seemingly expressed concern about concussions. Finally, the NFL is being pro active on the issue. Yea, now that there have been suicides and deaths to families because of the mental disorders former players have developed. Way to step up. In due time we will see how far the "medical decisions must override competitve decisions" campaign lasts. In my experience it's still going to be hard to get players to openly admit when they have concussions. I bet some don't even know when they do, until they are laying unconcious on their back like an armadillo in the middle of the road. Those of you who have made the drive to Lubbock, TX know what I'm talking about. It's going to take a while. All the technology in the world can't change that. The new helmet design, the accelorometer they are suppose to being testing, nothing, I mean nothing is going to take precedence over a player having the chance to support his family, being special, being a champion, being a gladiator. Believe me, I know.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Landon, Do Not Forget
The world cup is a special event. If only for a month it brings forth unity, loyalty, and patriotism for all people and countries. The magnitude of this event can either stain the human soul or create heroes. For one particular player it has done the latter. Landon Donovan, 3 time US Soccer Athlete of the Year, 6 time Honda Player of the Year, MLS ALL-Star, MVP, Golden Boot Winner, and the United States All-time Goalscorer and Assists Leader has been on both sides of the spectrum. After helping the US team come close to winning a gold in the 2000 Summer Olympics, and scoring two goals in the 2002 World Cup, expectations were high. But after a 2006 exist from the World Cup, Donovan took his share of the lumps, and even the blunt of being responsible for th US team's ultimate fail.
Is such criticism deserved to be placed upon one single individual ? My answer, no but I do understand. As professional athletes our fans and supporters live vicariously through us. We have accomplished things most people couldn't imagine doing unless it's on xbox or ps3. We are part of a select few to reach the pinnacle of sports, to be special, to be champions at the highest level, to live out our true dreams. The "it" factor an athlete has can be as serene as the bosom of Salma Hayek or as wreckless and destructive as the national anthem sung by Carl Lewis. Only though, if tapped correctly can it be used in the proper manner and applied. Landon definitely has the "it" factor, and he has opened himself up to and embraced it.
Although he has established himself as the countries best player, every athlete knows, the road can be bumpy. There are critics everywhere and have everything to say about everyone. The crticism he took in 2006 I'm sure had some affect on him coming into this year's World Cup. My only rebuttle to this is, and even though I can't guarentee it, none of these critics have been in his shoes nor will they sniff the chance to be. Even as a professional athlete myself, to an extent I couldn't imagine having the pressure of the world on your shoulders. For you critics, stay on the cynical side of the fence. I am sure about this, along with his inner will you are part of what drives him. So for now continue to spew the nonsense you do. You can eat your words later.
Landon scoring to lead the US to a group win and advancing was special to us all. Although I was happy about the win, as an athlete my first thought was Lan, you've released your demons, you have proven why you are special. Landon has skill, shot making ability, and creativity. He knows this, but sometimes an athlete can forget and question his ability, and even himself. Donovan has proved to himself and to the world how special of a player he is. On the biggest stage in the world.
So for now I will enjoy this moment, I will enjoy the good and beautiful game he plays. And will continue to be supportive of his efforts. I've never had the pleasure of meeting Landon, but if I did I would say, "thank you, you have represented your country well, you have represented athletes well, and you have represented yourself well I commend you." However I will say this too. Although there is more to do,this moment, embrace it, cherish it, but do not forget. Do not forget the trudging of the road to this happy destiny. "Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer, the secret of redemtion lies in rememberance."
Is such criticism deserved to be placed upon one single individual ? My answer, no but I do understand. As professional athletes our fans and supporters live vicariously through us. We have accomplished things most people couldn't imagine doing unless it's on xbox or ps3. We are part of a select few to reach the pinnacle of sports, to be special, to be champions at the highest level, to live out our true dreams. The "it" factor an athlete has can be as serene as the bosom of Salma Hayek or as wreckless and destructive as the national anthem sung by Carl Lewis. Only though, if tapped correctly can it be used in the proper manner and applied. Landon definitely has the "it" factor, and he has opened himself up to and embraced it.
Although he has established himself as the countries best player, every athlete knows, the road can be bumpy. There are critics everywhere and have everything to say about everyone. The crticism he took in 2006 I'm sure had some affect on him coming into this year's World Cup. My only rebuttle to this is, and even though I can't guarentee it, none of these critics have been in his shoes nor will they sniff the chance to be. Even as a professional athlete myself, to an extent I couldn't imagine having the pressure of the world on your shoulders. For you critics, stay on the cynical side of the fence. I am sure about this, along with his inner will you are part of what drives him. So for now continue to spew the nonsense you do. You can eat your words later.
Landon scoring to lead the US to a group win and advancing was special to us all. Although I was happy about the win, as an athlete my first thought was Lan, you've released your demons, you have proven why you are special. Landon has skill, shot making ability, and creativity. He knows this, but sometimes an athlete can forget and question his ability, and even himself. Donovan has proved to himself and to the world how special of a player he is. On the biggest stage in the world.
So for now I will enjoy this moment, I will enjoy the good and beautiful game he plays. And will continue to be supportive of his efforts. I've never had the pleasure of meeting Landon, but if I did I would say, "thank you, you have represented your country well, you have represented athletes well, and you have represented yourself well I commend you." However I will say this too. Although there is more to do,this moment, embrace it, cherish it, but do not forget. Do not forget the trudging of the road to this happy destiny. "Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer, the secret of redemtion lies in rememberance."
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