Does Giants’ slugger Barry Bonds deserve to be a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame? The American public is evenly divided on the issue, according to a new study by HCD Research and Muhlenberg College.
If Americans had any voting power for the MLB Hall of Fame, which they don’t, 43 percent said they would not vote for him while another 43 percent said they would. Among baseball fans, the vote was also evenly divided with 46 percent saying they would vote for Bonds and 45 percent saying they would not.
Forty-two percent of all respondents (fans and non-fans) said they believed Bonds cheated while nearly half of all baseball fans (45 percent) felt that Bonds cheated. Only 29 percent of baseball fans said that he did not cheat.
More than half of all respondents and baseball fans (52 percent and 53 percent respectively) felt Bonds should be recognized as the home run record holder when he passes Hank Aaron.
Overall, not an overwhelming show of support for the man they call Bonds.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Beckham Factor
British soccer phenom David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, were introduced in Los Angeles today. When he makes his debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the whole world will be watching. The Galaxy signed Beckham for $5.5 million per year last winter, and U.S. soccer officials are hoping that his name, talent and reputation will attract new fans to the sport.
Sure, people will watch the games, but mostly out of curiosity. But will they start watching soccer because they’re interested in soccer, or because they want to see some soccer superstar in action? The Galaxy will definitely attract more people to their home games – they already sold more season tickets for this year after signing Beckham – but are they soccer fans or they curious about Beckham’s celebrity?
The reality is Beckham may be too much of a celebrity himself that he might become a distraction to the Galaxy. The soccer star has said he would like to get into acting, which is why he signed with the MLS team in Los Angeles. Whatever success the sport enjoys while Beckham is part of it will be intense and short-lived. If and when the Hollywood lights begin to beckon, he’ll leave U.S. soccer in a cloud of L.A. pixie dust. Then the sport will be back to where it started.
Sure, people will watch the games, but mostly out of curiosity. But will they start watching soccer because they’re interested in soccer, or because they want to see some soccer superstar in action? The Galaxy will definitely attract more people to their home games – they already sold more season tickets for this year after signing Beckham – but are they soccer fans or they curious about Beckham’s celebrity?
The reality is Beckham may be too much of a celebrity himself that he might become a distraction to the Galaxy. The soccer star has said he would like to get into acting, which is why he signed with the MLS team in Los Angeles. Whatever success the sport enjoys while Beckham is part of it will be intense and short-lived. If and when the Hollywood lights begin to beckon, he’ll leave U.S. soccer in a cloud of L.A. pixie dust. Then the sport will be back to where it started.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Yankees Still America’s Favorite Team
Despite how poorly the New York Yankees are playing this season, they remain America’s favorite baseball team, according to a new Harris poll. The Atlanta Braves moved up to the second spot, followed by the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.
According to the poll, two teams moved up by more than eight places since 2006: The Texas Rangers moved up 11 places from No. 27 (tie) to No. 16 (tie) and the Milwaukee Brewers moved up from No. 18 to No. 10, perhaps due to their fast start this season.
Three other teams dropped at least seven spots: the Kansas City Royals fell from No. 21 to No. 28; the Arizona Diamondbacks fell from a tie at No. 14 to No. 22; and the Chicago White Sox fell from a tie at No. 11 to No. 21, proving that some teams need to win more than one World Series Championship to maintain any kind of respect from the public.
It amazes me that teams like the Yankees and Cubs can still be among the most popular in the country no matter how poorly they play on the field, while teams such as the Brewers and White Sox could have multiple winning seasons and not even break the top 10.
I wonder how people would respond if asked which team was their least favorite. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Yankees top that list either. You either love ‘em or your hate ‘em.
According to the poll, two teams moved up by more than eight places since 2006: The Texas Rangers moved up 11 places from No. 27 (tie) to No. 16 (tie) and the Milwaukee Brewers moved up from No. 18 to No. 10, perhaps due to their fast start this season.
Three other teams dropped at least seven spots: the Kansas City Royals fell from No. 21 to No. 28; the Arizona Diamondbacks fell from a tie at No. 14 to No. 22; and the Chicago White Sox fell from a tie at No. 11 to No. 21, proving that some teams need to win more than one World Series Championship to maintain any kind of respect from the public.
It amazes me that teams like the Yankees and Cubs can still be among the most popular in the country no matter how poorly they play on the field, while teams such as the Brewers and White Sox could have multiple winning seasons and not even break the top 10.
I wonder how people would respond if asked which team was their least favorite. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Yankees top that list either. You either love ‘em or your hate ‘em.
NBA Player Robbed in Chicago Home
What a scary moment for Miami Heat player Antoine Walker Monday night. According to Walker’s agent, the Chicago native was robbed at gunpoint in his Chicago home. No one was injured but thieves took a vehicle, cash and jewelry. It was the second time the NBA star was robbed. In July 2000 when he played for the Boston Celtics, Walker was among five victims robbed at gunpoint of cash and his $55,000 wristwatch outside a restaurant in the South Loop. Walker, who grew up on the South Side, lives in Chicago in the off season.
Makes you wonder if athletes are bigger targets for robbery than the regular Joes on the street.
Makes you wonder if athletes are bigger targets for robbery than the regular Joes on the street.
Sports Agent Sentenced for Smuggling
Last November, I wrote about Gustavo “Gus” Dominguez, an American sports agent who was charged with smuggling Cuban baseball players into the United States. He pleaded not guilty.
Dominguez was convicted in April and today was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years probation and a $2,100 fine, according to Reuters. The 48-year-old agent, who co-founded Total Sports International, Inc. and represented dozens of Cuban athletes, was convicted of smuggling five baseball prospects out of Cuba to the Florida Keys and then onto California, where he shopped them to potential teams. The case is believed to be the first of its kind that directly links smuggling with the business of baseball.
More about this story
Dominguez was convicted in April and today was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years probation and a $2,100 fine, according to Reuters. The 48-year-old agent, who co-founded Total Sports International, Inc. and represented dozens of Cuban athletes, was convicted of smuggling five baseball prospects out of Cuba to the Florida Keys and then onto California, where he shopped them to potential teams. The case is believed to be the first of its kind that directly links smuggling with the business of baseball.
More about this story
Monday, July 09, 2007
Federer-Nadal Rivalry Intensifies
Roger Federer may have won his fifth straight Wimbledon title yesterday, but it took five sets to do it, thanks to the aggressive play of his opponent and top rival, Rafael Nadal. After Nadal won the second set, I sensed that a possible upset was in the making. Federer grabbed the third set after winning the tie breaker. Then Nadal took the fourth set by breaking Federer’s serve twice. Nadal nearly broke Federer’s serve twice more in the fifth set, and if he had, he might have been holding the Wimbledon trophy.
Throughout the telecast on NBC, John McEnroe observed that the match was a test of the heart and the head, not always about physical ability or talent. Clearly, both players were tested. In Federer’s case, Nadal’s strong and consistent play nearly pushed the four-time Wimbledon champ to the brink, and there were times you could tell he was beginning to doubt himself. Nadal had him at break point a couple of times during the fifth set, but Federer came back to both times to win the point. That showed the heart of a champion. Once he passed those critical points in the match, Federer put Nadal away in dominating fashion.
In Nadal's case, the Spaniard had a drive, determination and focus to win Wimbledon for the first time. After getting medical attention for a knee injury at the beginning of the fourth set, Nadal walked gingerly around the court and couldn't complete some of his serves. You sensed that maybe he was beginning to doubt his ability to finish the set. But he quickly recovered and regained his momentum to win the fourth set.
The men’s Wimbledon final was one of the most fascinating sports events I’ve watched in a long time, not just for the showcase of physical ability but the drama and competitive intensity between two highly talented players who have a lot of respect for one another. Federer is clearly still number one, but Nadal is getting closer – and Federer knows it.
Throughout the telecast on NBC, John McEnroe observed that the match was a test of the heart and the head, not always about physical ability or talent. Clearly, both players were tested. In Federer’s case, Nadal’s strong and consistent play nearly pushed the four-time Wimbledon champ to the brink, and there were times you could tell he was beginning to doubt himself. Nadal had him at break point a couple of times during the fifth set, but Federer came back to both times to win the point. That showed the heart of a champion. Once he passed those critical points in the match, Federer put Nadal away in dominating fashion.
In Nadal's case, the Spaniard had a drive, determination and focus to win Wimbledon for the first time. After getting medical attention for a knee injury at the beginning of the fourth set, Nadal walked gingerly around the court and couldn't complete some of his serves. You sensed that maybe he was beginning to doubt his ability to finish the set. But he quickly recovered and regained his momentum to win the fourth set.
The men’s Wimbledon final was one of the most fascinating sports events I’ve watched in a long time, not just for the showcase of physical ability but the drama and competitive intensity between two highly talented players who have a lot of respect for one another. Federer is clearly still number one, but Nadal is getting closer – and Federer knows it.
Buehrle Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Just how close was White Sox GM Kenny Williams to trading starter Mark Buehrle before the two parties agreed to a four-year deal worth $56 million? In an interview with Comcast Sports Net, Williams admitted that he had “two or three legitimate offers” on the table. If Buehrle had passed on the Sox’ final offer, a trade was a phone call away. But the two sides were able to agree on a deal that will keep Buehrle on the South Side for at least another year or two. It is a good faith gesture, a move that clearly showed that Williams wasn’t about to sell out the team -- at least not yet.
Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make.
Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Venus Returns to Victorious Form
Age and injury have taken their toll on Venus and Serena Williams over the past few years. So it was really nice to see Venus advancing to the Wimbledon finals today. She'll face a relative unknown, Marion Bartoli of France who upset top-ranked Justine Henin.
Win or lose tomorrow, Venus's success at Wimbledon and her sister Serena's victory at the Australian Open last January signals a return to form to the dynamic tennis duo. Injuries have kept them out of the tennis spotlight the past few years and in their absence, no American woman has really stepped forward to compete with the likes of Henin and Sharapova on the international level.
Watching Venus today, I have to believe that many tennis fans actually missed seeing her and Serena at the Grand Slam competitions, and in fact, how much this sport needs them. Current top players like Henin and Sharapova are more refined and polite, while Venus and Serena can be brash and controversial. But love them or hate them, they bring a lot of life to the sport.
Win or lose tomorrow, Venus's success at Wimbledon and her sister Serena's victory at the Australian Open last January signals a return to form to the dynamic tennis duo. Injuries have kept them out of the tennis spotlight the past few years and in their absence, no American woman has really stepped forward to compete with the likes of Henin and Sharapova on the international level.
Watching Venus today, I have to believe that many tennis fans actually missed seeing her and Serena at the Grand Slam competitions, and in fact, how much this sport needs them. Current top players like Henin and Sharapova are more refined and polite, while Venus and Serena can be brash and controversial. But love them or hate them, they bring a lot of life to the sport.
The Weiner's Circle
While I was in bed with the flu on the 4th of July, American Joey Chestnut gobbled up a record 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes in the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. Chestnut beat out six-time champion Takeru Kabayashi by consuming one dog every 10.9 seconds.
There are five things I find astounding about this event:
1) That anyone could inhale that many hot dogs in such a short time without barfing.
2) That ESPN finds the event worthy of live national TV coverage
3) That people will actually watch this stuff, either in person or on TV
4) That this competition has been an annual event since 1916
5) That I'm wasting perfectly good Web space writing about this crap on my blog.
Seriously, this event has generated more media attention than it's worth. So enough already!
There are five things I find astounding about this event:
1) That anyone could inhale that many hot dogs in such a short time without barfing.
2) That ESPN finds the event worthy of live national TV coverage
3) That people will actually watch this stuff, either in person or on TV
4) That this competition has been an annual event since 1916
5) That I'm wasting perfectly good Web space writing about this crap on my blog.
Seriously, this event has generated more media attention than it's worth. So enough already!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Big Hurt Joins Baseball’s “500 Club”
Congratulations to Frank “the Big Hurt” Thomas, who smashed his 500th career home run today against the Minnesota Twins, becoming only the 21st player in MLB history to reach that milestone, the Chicago Tribune reports. While the Toronto slugger rounded the bases, the Metrodome crowd gave Big Frank a standing ovation.
Thomas, who spent 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox before playing for the Oakland A’s last season and the Toronto Blue Jays this year, has been an outspoken opponent against doping in baseball. You can be sure that this milestone wasn’t tainted with performance-enhancing drugs.
Thomas, who spent 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox before playing for the Oakland A’s last season and the Toronto Blue Jays this year, has been an outspoken opponent against doping in baseball. You can be sure that this milestone wasn’t tainted with performance-enhancing drugs.
Who’s Your Favorite Sports Star?
If you’re like most sports fans, Tiger Woods and Serena Williams top your list of favorite sports stars, according to Harris Interactive’s annual survey.
Tiger Woods claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year. Yankees short stop Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Packer quarterback Brett Favre and Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James round out the top 5 among the men’s athletes. Barry Bonds, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jeff Gordon dropped out of the top 10 list. Conspicuously absent is the world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer.
On the women’s list, Williams was followed by Danica Patrick, Venus Williams, soccer mama Mia Hamm and Maria Sharapova to round out the top 5. New to the list was boxer Layla Ali, perhaps on name recognition alone based on her performance on “Dancing with the Stars.” Figure skater Sacha Cohen dropped out of the ladies’ top 10 list.
Perhaps it’s time for the pollsters to eliminate the names of athletes who are not currently active in their respective sport. Jordan was a great player but to still be named among the favorite men’s sports stars when he has not played b-ball in nearly a decade seems unfair to other athletes who are making a huge name for themselves, such as Federer and swimming sensation Michael Phelps. Ditto for the women’s list. We have probably seen the last of Anna Kournakova and Michelle Kwan, and Mia Hamm. It may be time to add a few new faces, such as skater Kimmie Meissner, number one women’s golfer Lorena Ochoa, or Candace Parker of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Tiger Woods claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year. Yankees short stop Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Packer quarterback Brett Favre and Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James round out the top 5 among the men’s athletes. Barry Bonds, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jeff Gordon dropped out of the top 10 list. Conspicuously absent is the world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer.
On the women’s list, Williams was followed by Danica Patrick, Venus Williams, soccer mama Mia Hamm and Maria Sharapova to round out the top 5. New to the list was boxer Layla Ali, perhaps on name recognition alone based on her performance on “Dancing with the Stars.” Figure skater Sacha Cohen dropped out of the ladies’ top 10 list.
Perhaps it’s time for the pollsters to eliminate the names of athletes who are not currently active in their respective sport. Jordan was a great player but to still be named among the favorite men’s sports stars when he has not played b-ball in nearly a decade seems unfair to other athletes who are making a huge name for themselves, such as Federer and swimming sensation Michael Phelps. Ditto for the women’s list. We have probably seen the last of Anna Kournakova and Michelle Kwan, and Mia Hamm. It may be time to add a few new faces, such as skater Kimmie Meissner, number one women’s golfer Lorena Ochoa, or Candace Parker of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Buehrle, Sox Close to Extension
It’s amazing what a two-game winning streak will do. After being swept by the Cubs this past weekend and losing 22 of their last 27 games, the Sox were rumored to be oh-this-close to trading starter Mark Buehrle to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. But Kenny Williams and Buehrle may have had a change of heart while in Tampa Bay this week while the team faces the Devil Rays. The two sides seem to be more willing to get together to agree on a contract extension which could be finalized as early as the end of this week, according to today’s Chicago Sun-Times. Of course, the Times is also the same newspaper that broke the news that Buehrle may be traded to Boston, so who knows what we should believe?
If the extension does happen, that opens the door for other possible trades, most likely starter Jose Contreras whom the New York Mets are interested in.
Keeping Buehrle would be a smart move. If you are going to rebuild a team, you do so around the key guys on the team. The Sox already have first baseman Paul Konerko locked in for several years and will rebuild their offense around him. Buehrle, who came up through the Sox system, is the leader on the Sox pitching staff. If the Sox deal him, I don’t see anyone else among the Sox pitchers who can step into that leadership role. It may be easier to deal Contreras or Javier Vazquez, even though the Sox may not get as much in return. Also, Buehrle is a popular player among his teammates and fans. If the Sox trade him, Kenny Williams would be making a huge PR mistake and could risk losing a lot of fans.
If the extension does happen, that opens the door for other possible trades, most likely starter Jose Contreras whom the New York Mets are interested in.
Keeping Buehrle would be a smart move. If you are going to rebuild a team, you do so around the key guys on the team. The Sox already have first baseman Paul Konerko locked in for several years and will rebuild their offense around him. Buehrle, who came up through the Sox system, is the leader on the Sox pitching staff. If the Sox deal him, I don’t see anyone else among the Sox pitchers who can step into that leadership role. It may be easier to deal Contreras or Javier Vazquez, even though the Sox may not get as much in return. Also, Buehrle is a popular player among his teammates and fans. If the Sox trade him, Kenny Williams would be making a huge PR mistake and could risk losing a lot of fans.
Bears Release Tank Johnson
Chicago Bears’ released defensive tackle Tank Johnson on Monday following his arrest in Arizona last week for speeding and suspicion of drunk driving. The arrest proved to be the final straw for the Bears who have given the beleaguered Johnson the benefit of the doubt since he started having off-field problems and run-ins with the law two years ago.
* In 2005, Johnson was arrested and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possession of a handgun.
* Last December when police raided his suburban Chicago home, they found six unregistered guns, which was a violation of his 2005 arrest.
* In March, he served 60 days in jail for violating his probation on the weapons charge.
* Earlier this month, the NFL suspended Johnson eight games for the upcoming season for violating its personal conduct policy.
When Johnson was released from jail in May, he claimed he had turned a corner in his personal life and was going to do everything he could to be a model NFL player and citizen. “We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,” Bears’ GM Jerry Angelo said in a statement released by the team. “He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error.”
Some athletes never learn.
* In 2005, Johnson was arrested and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possession of a handgun.
* Last December when police raided his suburban Chicago home, they found six unregistered guns, which was a violation of his 2005 arrest.
* In March, he served 60 days in jail for violating his probation on the weapons charge.
* Earlier this month, the NFL suspended Johnson eight games for the upcoming season for violating its personal conduct policy.
When Johnson was released from jail in May, he claimed he had turned a corner in his personal life and was going to do everything he could to be a model NFL player and citizen. “We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,” Bears’ GM Jerry Angelo said in a statement released by the team. “He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error.”
Some athletes never learn.
The New Kid on the Golf Course
When the opening round of the women’s U.S. Open begins Thursday at Pine Needles Lodge and Country Club in Southern Pines, N.C., there will be a new face on the course, belonging to 12-year-old American Alexis Thompson, who will become the youngest qualifier to ever compete in the tournament. Thompson shot rounds of 72 and 71 in a sectional tournament in Heathrow, Fla., a few weeks ago in order to qualify for the event.
Most pre-teens might be intimidated by the prospect of playing on the same course as Annika Sorenstam and world number one Lorena Ochoa, but Thompson is taking her success in stride. “It’s great that I made it and I’m having an awesome experience already, but I’m just out here to play golf,” she told Reuters. “If I make the cut, it’s going to be really awesome and if I don’t it’s all right,” she adds.
It’s refreshing to hear some humility and modesty in a young player. Wish some of it would rub off on Michelle Wie.
Most pre-teens might be intimidated by the prospect of playing on the same course as Annika Sorenstam and world number one Lorena Ochoa, but Thompson is taking her success in stride. “It’s great that I made it and I’m having an awesome experience already, but I’m just out here to play golf,” she told Reuters. “If I make the cut, it’s going to be really awesome and if I don’t it’s all right,” she adds.
It’s refreshing to hear some humility and modesty in a young player. Wish some of it would rub off on Michelle Wie.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sammy Slams Number 600
The sports world is filled with ironies. Wednesday night saw one more as Sammy Sosa hit his 600th career home run against his former team, the Chicago Cubs, in Texas Rangers' 7-3 victory. He is only the fifth player in MLB history to reach that milestone and the first Latino player to do so.
We'll probably never know for sure how many (if any) of Sammy Sosa's homers were a result of taking performance-enhancing drugs. But you can't ignore the fact that he is one of the sport's most charismatic players. Give him credit for reinventing his career this season with Texas after a year away from the game.
We'll probably never know for sure how many (if any) of Sammy Sosa's homers were a result of taking performance-enhancing drugs. But you can't ignore the fact that he is one of the sport's most charismatic players. Give him credit for reinventing his career this season with Texas after a year away from the game.
PGA Tour May Adopt Drug Policy
Of all the sports that could possibly need a drug policy, golf would be at the bottom of the list. But Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner said that the tour may institute a drug policy, including testing, by the end of this year, according to the New York Times. The Tour is in the process of creating a list of banned subsances that will be covered under the policy and it will implement a program to discuss with players testing procedures, penalties and health risks. Several players, including Tiger Woods, approve the idea of a drug policy for the PGA Tour. Last November, the LPGA announced it would begin testing for drugs in 2008.
Yeah, I can see doping becoming a big problem in golf. What can the PGA Tour possibly test for? Vitamins? Alcohol? Viagra?
Yeah, I can see doping becoming a big problem in golf. What can the PGA Tour possibly test for? Vitamins? Alcohol? Viagra?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cubs’ Barrett Traded to San Diego
Michael Barrett isn’t having a very good summer. The Cubs’ catcher got into a fight with teammate Carlos Zambrano a few weeks ago in the dugout at Wrigley Field, resulting in a black eye, a fat lip (with stitches) and a fine from Cubs’ management. Several days later he had a heated conversation with another pitcher, Rich Hill. His playing time has been reduced in recent weeks, surely a sign that Barrett is either a) hurting or b) not playing well or c) about to be traded. The correct answer is c. Today, Barrett was traded to the San Diego Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and a minor league player. When things start to go wrong for a player, sometimes the best thing to do is to give him a change of scenery.
With everything that has happened in recent weeks with Barrett, it is obvious that the Cubs management lost faith in their starting catcher. And perhaps the pitchers lost faith in him too. Once a catcher loses the trust of his teammates, the only other place for him to go is out.
Actually, Barrett came out of this pretty well. He’s going to a first-place team with one of the best pitching staffs in the National League. The chances of Barrett heading to the postseason are better with the Padres than they are with the Cubs.
I’m sure Sox fans will be disappointed too. It means there won’t be a rematch of the Barrett-A.J. Pierzinski slugfest when the Cubs face the White Sox this weekend.
With everything that has happened in recent weeks with Barrett, it is obvious that the Cubs management lost faith in their starting catcher. And perhaps the pitchers lost faith in him too. Once a catcher loses the trust of his teammates, the only other place for him to go is out.
Actually, Barrett came out of this pretty well. He’s going to a first-place team with one of the best pitching staffs in the National League. The chances of Barrett heading to the postseason are better with the Padres than they are with the Cubs.
I’m sure Sox fans will be disappointed too. It means there won’t be a rematch of the Barrett-A.J. Pierzinski slugfest when the Cubs face the White Sox this weekend.
Broadcast Boot Camp
Have you ever watched a football telecast with a former player doing commentary or analysis for the first time? They twitch nervously on screen while words come stammering out of their mouths like volcanic lava. Most former players making the transition to the broadcast booth have little or no broadcast training. For some former players, it can be more intimidating to face a little red light on top of a TV camera than it is facing a 300-lb. linebacker on the football field.
The NFL has introduced a new program that might change that, reports the New York Times. Known as broadcast boot camp, the program is an intensive three-day off-season seminar in which current and former players go through a series of training sessions led by top executives, producers and on-air personalities on how to analyze films and work more comfortably in front of the TV camera. The program is one of several that the league and the players’ union have introduced to help players transition into life after football.
Former Eagles’ QB Ron Jaworski, now with ESPN, said in the Times article, that he wished there was a broadcast boot camp when he retired from football. “The things these guys are going to learn in three days, I learned in three years,” he said.
It’s a great idea and long overdue, not just for the NFL but also for other major sports. Most athletes love the idea of doing broadcast work but don’t have the proper training to succeed. Some do it anyway without any training, and the result is awful. If more sports leagues provided this kind of training, more athletes would be better prepared to provide lively, insightful and entertaining analysis of sports events that would be worth watching.
The NFL has introduced a new program that might change that, reports the New York Times. Known as broadcast boot camp, the program is an intensive three-day off-season seminar in which current and former players go through a series of training sessions led by top executives, producers and on-air personalities on how to analyze films and work more comfortably in front of the TV camera. The program is one of several that the league and the players’ union have introduced to help players transition into life after football.
Former Eagles’ QB Ron Jaworski, now with ESPN, said in the Times article, that he wished there was a broadcast boot camp when he retired from football. “The things these guys are going to learn in three days, I learned in three years,” he said.
It’s a great idea and long overdue, not just for the NFL but also for other major sports. Most athletes love the idea of doing broadcast work but don’t have the proper training to succeed. Some do it anyway without any training, and the result is awful. If more sports leagues provided this kind of training, more athletes would be better prepared to provide lively, insightful and entertaining analysis of sports events that would be worth watching.
Captain Konerko Says “Don’t Give Up on Us Yet”
White Sox fans, myself included, are beginning to lose hope, if not patience, as the team continues its downward slide. In a private meeting with GM Kenny Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen on Monday, first baseman and team captain Paul Konerko asked for more time for the team to come out of its slump before making any trades. Konerko said he felt that once Scott Podsednik and Darrin Erstad returned to the team from the DL, hopefully sometime within the next two weeks, the team could pull together for a strong stretch run. I know a lot of fans won’t be too thrilled with the decision from the Sox camp, but then again, there might be some wisdom in what they’re doing.
As recent MLB history shows, a resurgence isn’t out of the question. Last year, the Minnesota Twins were 12 games out of first place in late June, and won the AL Central by one game over the Tigers on the last day of the regular season. In 2005, the Cleveland Indians closed to within 1 ½ games behind the White Sox after falling behind by 15 games in late July. Granted, there are a lot of ifs, ands or buts involved. The Sox need to begin playing better – soon, and the other teams in the AL Central would have to play mediocre baseball a good part of the way. But if the Sox can hold the fort for a week or so, I believe it’s possible that fans’ – and Kenny Williams’— patience will eventually pay off in a big way.
As recent MLB history shows, a resurgence isn’t out of the question. Last year, the Minnesota Twins were 12 games out of first place in late June, and won the AL Central by one game over the Tigers on the last day of the regular season. In 2005, the Cleveland Indians closed to within 1 ½ games behind the White Sox after falling behind by 15 games in late July. Granted, there are a lot of ifs, ands or buts involved. The Sox need to begin playing better – soon, and the other teams in the AL Central would have to play mediocre baseball a good part of the way. But if the Sox can hold the fort for a week or so, I believe it’s possible that fans’ – and Kenny Williams’— patience will eventually pay off in a big way.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Beard Bares It All for Playboy
I’m baffled by the reaction that Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard has received to her decision to bare it all for the July issue of Playboy magazine. Among them are Sun-Times columnist Carol Slezak who called Beard’s posing “selfish” and former swimming champion John Nabor who said on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” that it would hurt Beard’s career. Other critics suggest that her appearance in the buff discredits women athletes and hurts her image as a role model to young female swimmers.
Beard defended her position on ESPN and in Playboy saying this was “a business decision” and a “lifetime opportunity.” Beard has appeared in three Olympics and won seven medals, two of them gold. She has already accomplished more in her swimming career than most people will do in their entire lives. If she makes the U.S. Olympic team for the 2008 Beijing Games, Beard will be 26 and likely will make her final appearance on the Olympic scene. She is, as she says, taking advantage of a business opportunity and preparing herself for a career after swimming.
Why do people care so much if women, especially female athletes, pose nude for Playboy? If Beard, or any other female athlete, has the body and the guts to pose in the nude, more power to them. Why should the rest of us criticize their choice?
A Playboy cover won’t take away any of Beard’s Olympic medals nor will it hurt her career, as some critics believe. I’m willing to bet that 10 or 15 years from now, most people won’t even remember the Playboy feature.
Beard defended her position on ESPN and in Playboy saying this was “a business decision” and a “lifetime opportunity.” Beard has appeared in three Olympics and won seven medals, two of them gold. She has already accomplished more in her swimming career than most people will do in their entire lives. If she makes the U.S. Olympic team for the 2008 Beijing Games, Beard will be 26 and likely will make her final appearance on the Olympic scene. She is, as she says, taking advantage of a business opportunity and preparing herself for a career after swimming.
Why do people care so much if women, especially female athletes, pose nude for Playboy? If Beard, or any other female athlete, has the body and the guts to pose in the nude, more power to them. Why should the rest of us criticize their choice?
A Playboy cover won’t take away any of Beard’s Olympic medals nor will it hurt her career, as some critics believe. I’m willing to bet that 10 or 15 years from now, most people won’t even remember the Playboy feature.
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