Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie...
They say the same people you see going up, you'll see coming down. I'm sure just before Ozzie Guillen bounced, he had to see that last year' World Series Trophy being held by his team, the Chicago White Sox. He had to see his name in history as the first Hispanic Manager to ever lead his team to a World Series title, now he's just seen his legendary status come down a few notches after his derogatory towards columnist and journalist Jay Mariotti.
Race, gender and sport once again become entwined when fans should hopefully have to be cheering for the only Major League sport being played right now. This weeks events only mirrors what is occurring else where in this world (see my post a few weeks ago on the World Cup).
Two days after the Heat win their first NBA title, are we still talking about this amazing turn around? Of course not!? The focus is now and will be on Isiah Thomas for the rest of the summer, and this year. As of today, Larry Brown is out as Coach of the Knicks. Just like that the NBA has one additional minority Coach, though not his first stint, Isiah will have a much tougher road in the Big Apple than the Hoosier state.
Can he orchestrate a change of mind and style like Avery did in Dallas? Or will Isiah have to ask himself to step down? If so, will he also seek to avoid paying for his own services?
You see, not only did Larry Brown lose his job today, he also was informed due to terms in his contract he would not be paid the remaining $40 million still due. Somehow I don't think Isiah would go for this next year if he finds himself in the same seat as Larry. We'll see if the decision stands, Brown's contract lists commissioner David Stern as sole arbitrator.
Isiah, some how I get the feeling we've seen this coming and seen this before...but we'll stay tuned anyways just to make sure. Please represent, as player, we loved you leadership and ability to deliver in the clutch, so let's see if you can still make it happen. If not, you may have to call Larry to find out where you can find a good job.
USA goes down, Ghana moves on. Not much to be said, though we have some awesome athletes in this country, and we have thousands of 8 year olds playing the most popular sport in the world every evening, however, that has not transferred into a soccer dynasty-yet. Keep watching and dreaming kids.
You might make history...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Lights...Camera-Action?
The past week have seen some statements by some great teams/athletes and I'd like to examine some implications we might need to reflect back on.
First off, the biggest, widely covered and most impacting game or games of the year--World Cup Soccer. Hosted by Germany, a country with a storied and controversial athletic past, Mexico today came out and made a statement to the world...we're here and we're for real. Beating Iran 3-1, it was not necessarily who the opponent won, but the magnitude of the voice collectively coming from Mexico and the team that has been assembled. The pride we can see is evident in the fans of Mexico who have not had a lot to cheer for the last 7 years.
It's my opinion that as Mexico advances through the coming rounds, we will continue to hear that voice as they seek their first World Cup Trophy.
Speaking of voices, did you hear Asafa Powell? That's my record.
Powell tied the 9.77 mark he set along with Justin Gatlin recently at the British Grand Prix. Talk about marketing, Track & Field could not be scripting this type of PR any better. Now everyone is looking even more towards July 28th when Powell and Gatlin will finally meet and compete against each other. Make sure you don't blink, you might miss it, hopefully it's a sign of things to come.
Some are coming, others are going...supposedly last night was the final fight of Bernard Hopkins' career; if it was Hopkins looked and fought magnificently against Antonio Tarver who saw much of the legendary status he has spent the past 2 years building take two steps back. Hopkins technically won every round except one, however, it was a unanimous decision and Hopkins' finally was given the due he deserved. We thought maybe Larry Merchant would ride off last night too-no such luck.
This fight set up an excellent situation and shows that maybe boxing has some intelligent federations after all. Winky Wright will take on Jermain Taylor, Taylor has defeated Hopkins twice in his career and if he were to also beat Wright handedly and talks the right game, he could be the motivation to bring Hopkins out for one last one...Granted the payday is also there. Hopkins indicated that if he were offered $20 million, he'd even think of coming out of his grave to fight, the way he looked last night, smart man.
I must admit, I'd be intrigued myself, Hopkins did not look like a 41 year old man last night, and if someone besides me also saw all these things, you better believe, the machine is already in motion.
Around this time last year I had a few friends who were so distraught that hockey season was not happening last year; this year if I'm correct, I think that they are distraught this year with the season going on. If I'm correct NHL season has come and while it's not gone...it's not really here either. I can remember excitement and thrilling games to look forward to, but after the initial marketing done to re-establish the League with fans this year, the efforts to sustain have not been there. A post lockout year needs to be HUGE. Yet, the core fan is ho-hum, what gives? Slap some fireworks on that thing, get some pride out here, maybe we need to contract Under Armour out to promote, if I can get more excited about putting on a pair of their cleats than catching an NHL Finals game-something is clearly wrong. Someone didn't protect that house...
First off, the biggest, widely covered and most impacting game or games of the year--World Cup Soccer. Hosted by Germany, a country with a storied and controversial athletic past, Mexico today came out and made a statement to the world...we're here and we're for real. Beating Iran 3-1, it was not necessarily who the opponent won, but the magnitude of the voice collectively coming from Mexico and the team that has been assembled. The pride we can see is evident in the fans of Mexico who have not had a lot to cheer for the last 7 years.
It's my opinion that as Mexico advances through the coming rounds, we will continue to hear that voice as they seek their first World Cup Trophy.
Speaking of voices, did you hear Asafa Powell? That's my record.
Powell tied the 9.77 mark he set along with Justin Gatlin recently at the British Grand Prix. Talk about marketing, Track & Field could not be scripting this type of PR any better. Now everyone is looking even more towards July 28th when Powell and Gatlin will finally meet and compete against each other. Make sure you don't blink, you might miss it, hopefully it's a sign of things to come.
Some are coming, others are going...supposedly last night was the final fight of Bernard Hopkins' career; if it was Hopkins looked and fought magnificently against Antonio Tarver who saw much of the legendary status he has spent the past 2 years building take two steps back. Hopkins technically won every round except one, however, it was a unanimous decision and Hopkins' finally was given the due he deserved. We thought maybe Larry Merchant would ride off last night too-no such luck.
This fight set up an excellent situation and shows that maybe boxing has some intelligent federations after all. Winky Wright will take on Jermain Taylor, Taylor has defeated Hopkins twice in his career and if he were to also beat Wright handedly and talks the right game, he could be the motivation to bring Hopkins out for one last one...Granted the payday is also there. Hopkins indicated that if he were offered $20 million, he'd even think of coming out of his grave to fight, the way he looked last night, smart man.
I must admit, I'd be intrigued myself, Hopkins did not look like a 41 year old man last night, and if someone besides me also saw all these things, you better believe, the machine is already in motion.
Around this time last year I had a few friends who were so distraught that hockey season was not happening last year; this year if I'm correct, I think that they are distraught this year with the season going on. If I'm correct NHL season has come and while it's not gone...it's not really here either. I can remember excitement and thrilling games to look forward to, but after the initial marketing done to re-establish the League with fans this year, the efforts to sustain have not been there. A post lockout year needs to be HUGE. Yet, the core fan is ho-hum, what gives? Slap some fireworks on that thing, get some pride out here, maybe we need to contract Under Armour out to promote, if I can get more excited about putting on a pair of their cleats than catching an NHL Finals game-something is clearly wrong. Someone didn't protect that house...
Sunday, June 04, 2006
The Day After...
So Barry Bonds has now surprassed the Babe and added another record to his resume...does he bring another asterik?
This weekend saw some great Track and Field action. The Reebok Grand Prix in New York brought out an old friend-a healthy and strong Marion Jones. Jones bouncing back after nearly two years off proved still that there is very minute competition. She still has improvement to make, but showed she's well on her way and possibly, looking to be better than ever.
Justin Gatlin, while being whooed by the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to leave the pursuits of an ailing franchise and the rest of the 100 meter field all wondering when he'd be available to take any time to take them seriously. However, Asafa Powell, did not race and we'll just have to wait for that matchup hopefully later this summer.
These are the types of stories we need during non-Olypmic years to highlight the fantstic feats of these professional athletes. So Barry Bonds has now surpassed the Babe and added another record to his resume...does he bring another asterisk?
This weekend saw some great Track and Field action. The Reebok Grand Prix in New York brought out an old friend-a healthy and strong Marion Jones. Jones bouncing back after nearly two years off proved still that there is very minute competition. She still has improvement to make, but showed she's well on her way and possibly, looking to be better than ever.
Justin Gatlin, while being wooed by the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to leave the pursuits of an ailing franchise and the rest of the 100-meter field all wondering when he'd be available to take any time to take them seriously. However, Asafa Powell, did not race and we'll just have to wait for that match up hopefully later this summer.
These are the types of stories we need during non-Olympic years to highlight the fantastic feats of these professional athletes.
The Piston's are going home and this year not ever after the NBA Finals, but the Conference Finals. I'm sure one person, possibly GM Joe D. awoke to wonder if Ben Wallace already had flights scheduled for the first day of free agency.
Mark Cuban man just is the happiest man in Texas right now. His Mavericks showed a great deal of resilience and a new defensive attitude, Coach Avery Johnson has come in a made the team one to be reckoned with.
Checked out the Detroit Tigers lately? Something you might want to put on your priority list...
South Beach decided to bring the Super Bowl atmosphere back a little early; advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history, Shaq, D. Wade and Pat Riley are looking to solidify careers and make more history with a first ever title.
With the World Cup just about ready to hit high gear, there have been concerns about racism related violence by soccer hooligans being a big problem. I say, no problem, let’s just take those caught and convicted and show them eighty-percent of a game and then place them in solitary confinement.
This is a global athletic event that will have millions of eyes and ears in tune, so racism related crime must be stomped out and eradicated if the diversity of these teams, crowds, workers and nations are to come together and truly be a meaningful event.
The Piston's are going home and this year not ever after the NBA Finals, but the Conference Finals. I'm sure one person, possibly GM Joe D. awoke to wonder if Ben Wallace already had flights scheduled for the first day of free agency.
Mark Cuban man just be the happiest man in Texas righ now. His Mavericks showed a great deal of resilience and a new defensive attitude, Coach Avery Johnson has come in a made the team one to be reckoned with.
Checked out the Detroit Tigers lately? Something you might want to put on your priority list...
South Beach decided to bring the SuperBowl atmosphere back a little early; advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history, Shaq, D. Wade and Pat Riley are looking to solidfy careers and make more history with a first ever title.
With the World Cup just about ready to hit high gear, there have been concerns about racism related violence by soccer hooligans being a big problem. I say, no problem, lets just take those caught and convicted and show them eighty-percent of a game and then place them in solitary confinement.
This is a global athletic event that will have millions of eyes and ears in tune, so racism related crime must be stomped out and eradicated if the diversity of these teams, crowds, workers and nations are to come together and truly be a meaningful event.
This weekend saw some great Track and Field action. The Reebok Grand Prix in New York brought out an old friend-a healthy and strong Marion Jones. Jones bouncing back after nearly two years off proved still that there is very minute competition. She still has improvement to make, but showed she's well on her way and possibly, looking to be better than ever.
Justin Gatlin, while being whooed by the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to leave the pursuits of an ailing franchise and the rest of the 100 meter field all wondering when he'd be available to take any time to take them seriously. However, Asafa Powell, did not race and we'll just have to wait for that matchup hopefully later this summer.
These are the types of stories we need during non-Olypmic years to highlight the fantstic feats of these professional athletes. So Barry Bonds has now surpassed the Babe and added another record to his resume...does he bring another asterisk?
This weekend saw some great Track and Field action. The Reebok Grand Prix in New York brought out an old friend-a healthy and strong Marion Jones. Jones bouncing back after nearly two years off proved still that there is very minute competition. She still has improvement to make, but showed she's well on her way and possibly, looking to be better than ever.
Justin Gatlin, while being wooed by the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to leave the pursuits of an ailing franchise and the rest of the 100-meter field all wondering when he'd be available to take any time to take them seriously. However, Asafa Powell, did not race and we'll just have to wait for that match up hopefully later this summer.
These are the types of stories we need during non-Olympic years to highlight the fantastic feats of these professional athletes.
The Piston's are going home and this year not ever after the NBA Finals, but the Conference Finals. I'm sure one person, possibly GM Joe D. awoke to wonder if Ben Wallace already had flights scheduled for the first day of free agency.
Mark Cuban man just is the happiest man in Texas right now. His Mavericks showed a great deal of resilience and a new defensive attitude, Coach Avery Johnson has come in a made the team one to be reckoned with.
Checked out the Detroit Tigers lately? Something you might want to put on your priority list...
South Beach decided to bring the Super Bowl atmosphere back a little early; advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history, Shaq, D. Wade and Pat Riley are looking to solidify careers and make more history with a first ever title.
With the World Cup just about ready to hit high gear, there have been concerns about racism related violence by soccer hooligans being a big problem. I say, no problem, let’s just take those caught and convicted and show them eighty-percent of a game and then place them in solitary confinement.
This is a global athletic event that will have millions of eyes and ears in tune, so racism related crime must be stomped out and eradicated if the diversity of these teams, crowds, workers and nations are to come together and truly be a meaningful event.
The Piston's are going home and this year not ever after the NBA Finals, but the Conference Finals. I'm sure one person, possibly GM Joe D. awoke to wonder if Ben Wallace already had flights scheduled for the first day of free agency.
Mark Cuban man just be the happiest man in Texas righ now. His Mavericks showed a great deal of resilience and a new defensive attitude, Coach Avery Johnson has come in a made the team one to be reckoned with.
Checked out the Detroit Tigers lately? Something you might want to put on your priority list...
South Beach decided to bring the SuperBowl atmosphere back a little early; advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history, Shaq, D. Wade and Pat Riley are looking to solidfy careers and make more history with a first ever title.
With the World Cup just about ready to hit high gear, there have been concerns about racism related violence by soccer hooligans being a big problem. I say, no problem, lets just take those caught and convicted and show them eighty-percent of a game and then place them in solitary confinement.
This is a global athletic event that will have millions of eyes and ears in tune, so racism related crime must be stomped out and eradicated if the diversity of these teams, crowds, workers and nations are to come together and truly be a meaningful event.
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