Friends,
Many moons ago I had the opportunity to play some college soccer for four years at a small Christian college in Portland, OR. We had a few unremarkable seasons until my senior year when we won the whole ball of wax, but that is a story for another time. I believe it was during my second season, we had an unfortunate set of circumstances with illnesses and ineligibilities that left us with eight eligible, available players for one game. Our coach made a pre-game agreement with the opposing coach to play the game 8 on 8…we would forfeit, so it wouldn’t matter. Well, as it turned out, the opposing team came out with 11 players against us. Our coach encouraged us to give it our best, and we played most of the game on our half of the field. At the end of the half, we were only down 3-0, and we felt like we were actually winning…and they were feeling defeated – perspective is an interesting thing. They wore us down in the second half, and we ended up losing 10-0. We believed that we played fairly well, and that it could have been much worse. It was only a game, but it is a game I still remember, because I believe we handled ourselves as good Christian citizens, even if the other team may not have done so.
Let’s fast forward about 15 years, and I am coaching a high school girls JV soccer team in SE Washington. We had a number of good players that were talented, and I believe our record was about .500 when we came up against a perennial power in our conference. Due to certain circumstances beyond our control, we had a number of players succumb to illness and two who were declared academically ineligible. Stop me if you have heard this before, but we had eight players who were able to suit up. I contacted the JV head coach from the other team and we had an agreement to play them, 8 on 8. We would forfeit to them and play the game anyway. When we showed up to the field, the Varsity head coach from that team was there and he directed his JV coach to…you guessed it…put 11 players on the field. I could tell that the JV coach felt bad about breaking the agreement, but the head coach was kind of smug about it…they were going to take us to the woodshed and give us a beating. I told the girls that I had been down this road before, and so we lined up much like our college team did, with a 3-3-1 line up, as opposed to the usual 4-3-3. I was exceedingly proud of my girls, as they played hard and defended well, and at the end of the half the score was? Yes – 3-0. The feelings were much the same as our college team…we felt like we had actually won the half, while the opponents looked defeated. We had a good half-time session and our girls came out with some good energy. I was just hoping to keep it within about 10-0, like our college team. Well…a funny thing happened. My center midfielder was able to thread a pass to our forward who was able to get a fast break. She beat the defenders and the goalie and scored! We couldn’t believe it – we scored and it was 3-1. Now, I would like to believe that I am a faithful person, but I had not seen too many miracles in my life…but, there was a small part of me that said – could the improbable happen? Could we actually make some sort of a comeback down three? Or girls were pumped, and the other team’s players were on their heels. Our girls exhibited the best control of the ball that I had ever seen them exhibit that half and we were able to run the play to our forward again, and she was able split the defense for a another goal, making it 3-2. Finally, we were able to put together a really good cross, redirect play down the field and score our third goal to make it 3-3 – true story! I couldn’t believe what I was watching. The coaches on the other sideline were screaming, but I was feeling mighty good…in a Christian sort of way. With about five minutes left in the half, one of my midfielders was able to get a break and she had a really makeable shot on goal, but put it just wide to the right, so we just missed on the go-ahead goal. Nonetheless, we held them the last few minutes to end the game in a 3-3 tie. Let me tell you…we had a victory celebration! And they looked entirely defeated. They were good sports, as we all shook hands at the end of the game, and the JV coach was congratulatory of our efforts. The disgusted head coach of the other team wouldn’t come out on the field to show any sportsmanship…and I had all I could not to yell – How do you like them apples?! But, I didn’t…I was good sport…and just smiled (grinned) and walked back to our sideline. I thanked the Lord for a fulfilling result from the game…and even a positive fulfillment for the memory from 15 years before…as well as a story I can now share more than a decade later.
Why do I share these stories? I want you to know, as you have probably heard, that preparation, perseverance and faithfulness can bring about good results. Do not ever give up! It is easy to do, I know. I have been on the winning and losing side of many games as a player and a coach in a number of sports. But, it was almost like the Lord afforded us a reward for hard work, good attitudes, good play and we were very grateful. Do I believe God plays team favorites? No, but I do believe that he rewards the faithfulness of individuals…and that can affect an entire team. For our team, it was a real bonding time. We finished the season a little over .500 for the season, but we all had a memory that would last a lifetime from that one game.
In Matthew 17:14ff, Jesus and three of his disciples (Peter, James and John) come down from “the mount of transfiguration” to “the valley of need,” where they meet up with a distraught father of a sick child. There is a lot going on in this situation. The father has appealed to the nine remaining disciples to help heal his son…which they were not able to do. Not helping were opponents, the scribes and Pharisees, who are always looking to try to catch, trap Jesus or the disciples to seek to cause them to stumble. (There are occasionally opponents in life…some good, some bad). The scribes are accusing them…and while the disciples are defending themselves, nothing is going well. The father in the situation sees Jesus and rushes to Him. The Lord’s first response is one of sorrow, as He sees the embarrassed disciples, the arguing Scribes, as well as the needy father and son -- what a circus! Jesus expresses some frustration with their unbelief. He heals the boy and gives him to his father…all while the crowds marvel and give glory to God. Somehow, during the Lord’s absence, the nine disciples had become lazy, selfish, distracted – they lost their focus! Their faith weakened when the crisis came, because they were unprepared. From this experience, we see the importance of staying spiritually faithful and healthy. Jesus concludes the experience by talking with them about “faith the size of a mustard seed,” which suggests not only size (a small seed that can turn into a large plant), but also life and growth (that God will honor even a little faith -- there are great possibilities!) “Faith like a mustard seed” is a “living faith” that is nurtured and caused to grow…and this makes moving mountains possible.
Faithfulness can and will lead to great things! But, it must be cultivated in order to do even greater things for God…and the kingdom of God. It doesn’t take much faith to move mountains…only a mustard seed sized faith. Jesus is calling His disciples, calling us to something far beyond this. The Lord may admonish us, as he did the disciples, if we continue to make the same mistakes and are not striving for genuine spiritual growth. The Lord does expect us to learn, grow and depend upon Him for our spiritual strength and sustenance.
Blessings, Don
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Rutgers Leadership Dilemma
Friends,
There is a lot to the story, but Tim Pernetti losing his job as Athletic Director at Rutgers University would appear to be up for debate. Pernetti felt that he took the right and considerable action last fall when he fined men's head basketball coach, Mike Rice, $50,000 and suspended him for three games, because of Rice's mistreatment of players on the basketball team. This seemed to be a good call at the time (and to others involved, apparently). What is now certain is that the coach, Rice, has lost his job because of an ESPN report by Outside the Lines where the network has showed an unfortunate video of the coach abusing his players, physically and verbally. It has also come about that an assistant coach under Rice who was also responsible for mistreating players has been fired. Now, the athletic director himself has been fired. Some are going to blame ESPN for much of this, and a case could certainly be made for such. But, this is the result of investigative reporting that those in the sports world do, much the same as those in the political world. I am not saying it is ethical or right, but "it is what it is" in the society that we presently live in.
What coach Rice did was reprehensible. He should have been disciplined...and the debate will continue as to whether he should have been fired on the spot -- it is certainly feasible that this should have been the action by the A.D. But, Pernetti was doing what he thought was best to help the man and to diffuse the situation. I do not see how that this is so wrong and unredeemable? Certainly coaches have been disciplined for similar matters and not lost their jobs. But, rest assured...if anyone has eyes to see through the eyes of our culture...the coach did not lose his job because he threw basketballs at players or shoved them (although both of those actions are clearly in error); the coach lost his job because of the insensitive slur he made, which certainly should not have been done. But, in the hypersensitive, reactive culture that we live in...that is all it takes in order for their to be a firestorm on the part of certain militant groups. I could take an entirely different tangent at this point and discuss just how out of sorts our culture is in relationship to this point, but I am going to resist the temptation.
I am not defending Pernetti's action not to fire the coach. What I am defending is Pernetti himself...and whether what he did was a fireable offense. It is important to note that as a 1993 Rutgers graduate who was hired as Rutgers' AD in April 2009, Pernetti was instrumental in Rutgers moving from the Big East to the Big Ten Conference for 2014. Because of the move, Rutgers will increase its media rights revenue from about $3 million annually in the Big East to more than $40 million annually by 2017, sources said. On top of this, NFL All-Pro running back Ray Rice (a Rutgers graduate) said when he returned to campus recently after the Ravens won the Super Bowl in February, Pernetti's main message was positive and inspirational -- he wanted Rice to complete his degree. It is apparent from a number of reports that Pernetti is a good man who has looked out for the best interests of people at Rutgers University and beyond. I believe that he acted in good faith with the program, and so, to fire him seems to be the result of pressure from others in the university system and on the state level. Could it be that they felt the need to make Pernetti the fall guy because this has been an enbarrassment to the University and so that they could save face? This would seem to be the case. But, was it the right thing to do? I do not believe so...but this will be debated for some time. What has happened to Pernetti appears to be the result of the same "mob mentality" witch hunt that is created by such situations that usually results in someone "paying the price". Should we be surprised by this? No. It has been the same for millenia. And once again, I am going to resist the temptation to take a religious tangent with regard to Jesus' own crucifixion as the result of a "mob mentality." But, I think the point is made...and open for thought, discussion.
Blessings, Don
P.S. Now the reporting is that Pernetti "has resigned."
P.S.S.. As I have further come to understand it, Pernetti was seriously considering firing coach Rice last fall after the incidents, but was talked out of it by a "consensus of school officials." Apparently, it is a consensus of "officials" that have chosen to run him off, as well. Hmmm.
There is a lot to the story, but Tim Pernetti losing his job as Athletic Director at Rutgers University would appear to be up for debate. Pernetti felt that he took the right and considerable action last fall when he fined men's head basketball coach, Mike Rice, $50,000 and suspended him for three games, because of Rice's mistreatment of players on the basketball team. This seemed to be a good call at the time (and to others involved, apparently). What is now certain is that the coach, Rice, has lost his job because of an ESPN report by Outside the Lines where the network has showed an unfortunate video of the coach abusing his players, physically and verbally. It has also come about that an assistant coach under Rice who was also responsible for mistreating players has been fired. Now, the athletic director himself has been fired. Some are going to blame ESPN for much of this, and a case could certainly be made for such. But, this is the result of investigative reporting that those in the sports world do, much the same as those in the political world. I am not saying it is ethical or right, but "it is what it is" in the society that we presently live in.
What coach Rice did was reprehensible. He should have been disciplined...and the debate will continue as to whether he should have been fired on the spot -- it is certainly feasible that this should have been the action by the A.D. But, Pernetti was doing what he thought was best to help the man and to diffuse the situation. I do not see how that this is so wrong and unredeemable? Certainly coaches have been disciplined for similar matters and not lost their jobs. But, rest assured...if anyone has eyes to see through the eyes of our culture...the coach did not lose his job because he threw basketballs at players or shoved them (although both of those actions are clearly in error); the coach lost his job because of the insensitive slur he made, which certainly should not have been done. But, in the hypersensitive, reactive culture that we live in...that is all it takes in order for their to be a firestorm on the part of certain militant groups. I could take an entirely different tangent at this point and discuss just how out of sorts our culture is in relationship to this point, but I am going to resist the temptation.
I am not defending Pernetti's action not to fire the coach. What I am defending is Pernetti himself...and whether what he did was a fireable offense. It is important to note that as a 1993 Rutgers graduate who was hired as Rutgers' AD in April 2009, Pernetti was instrumental in Rutgers moving from the Big East to the Big Ten Conference for 2014. Because of the move, Rutgers will increase its media rights revenue from about $3 million annually in the Big East to more than $40 million annually by 2017, sources said. On top of this, NFL All-Pro running back Ray Rice (a Rutgers graduate) said when he returned to campus recently after the Ravens won the Super Bowl in February, Pernetti's main message was positive and inspirational -- he wanted Rice to complete his degree. It is apparent from a number of reports that Pernetti is a good man who has looked out for the best interests of people at Rutgers University and beyond. I believe that he acted in good faith with the program, and so, to fire him seems to be the result of pressure from others in the university system and on the state level. Could it be that they felt the need to make Pernetti the fall guy because this has been an enbarrassment to the University and so that they could save face? This would seem to be the case. But, was it the right thing to do? I do not believe so...but this will be debated for some time. What has happened to Pernetti appears to be the result of the same "mob mentality" witch hunt that is created by such situations that usually results in someone "paying the price". Should we be surprised by this? No. It has been the same for millenia. And once again, I am going to resist the temptation to take a religious tangent with regard to Jesus' own crucifixion as the result of a "mob mentality." But, I think the point is made...and open for thought, discussion.
Blessings, Don
P.S. Now the reporting is that Pernetti "has resigned."
P.S.S.. As I have further come to understand it, Pernetti was seriously considering firing coach Rice last fall after the incidents, but was talked out of it by a "consensus of school officials." Apparently, it is a consensus of "officials" that have chosen to run him off, as well. Hmmm.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Parable of the Sideline
Friends,
I wanted to rerun a message that was lost in the blog shuffle, but is still an important message.
I have been privileged to play a lot of team sports in my life -- soccer, football, softball, track and field -- to name a few. In each of these sports, there was always some significant effort involved in order to excel. In relationship to some of my sporting ventures, I had more natural ability...as with soccer. Yet, with some of the other sports, I may have worked hard at times, but not as hard as I could have worked, perhaps. I remember being upset with a coach one time, because I was "sitting on the sideline" a lot, but I wanted to be playing. Yet, I wasn't really willing to put forth the effort in order to be able "to get on the playing field." Instead of finding some inner strength of will or spirit in order to excel, I allowed myself to develop a poor attitude. Such is life sometimes...it took me some time to be able to look in the mirror and realize that it wasn't life that was being unfair, but that I finally had to come to terms with the fact that, I had met the enemy...and it was me. This was pretty humbling realization...but, it was, nonetheless, a good understanding.
I believe that we live in a society where individuals experience the feeling of entitlement, perhaps more than at any other time in history. It affects people in their work, at church and in other social environments. I really do not think the solution to this is any harder than what I had to discover...the reason that I was sitting on the sideline -- I needed to look in the mirror. Things are generally not going to be handed to us, unless it is a unique situation. We need to be willing to work, serve, do whatever is necessary to make our mark. I have known people on the sideline in my life, and like myself, they have exercised one of three different attitudes. One, they are not content to be on the sideline -- no matter what -- and are going to work hard or serve selflessly in order to get involved and be involved. Others are not able to get off the sideline, because they just gripe and complain rather than jump in and try to make a difference. The third group may be the most mature -- these individuals may work hard and do their best, but are not necessarily ever going to get on the playing field, but they continue to be a good support for others on the sideline, as well as to those who are starting. These people are invaluable, because they know their place...they understand the meaning of "team"...and while they do not cease to work hard, they can see the big picture. This picture is to be the best that they can be...and if they are ever called upon to get in the game, they are ready to go.
Here is to hoping that we can have more people to set an example...where people can take a good look at the big picture and prepare themselves to be the best that they can be at whatever it is that they aspire to be or become. And that these people, regardless of whether they are ever going to be able to get in the game or not, are going to be helpful and be a blessing. And one other thing...we are likely going to get on the playing field at some point if we are willing to work hard or serve selflessly. As with so many other things in life, whether we are on the sideline or on the playing field is very much a matter of perspective and attitude.
Blessings,
Don
I wanted to rerun a message that was lost in the blog shuffle, but is still an important message.
I have been privileged to play a lot of team sports in my life -- soccer, football, softball, track and field -- to name a few. In each of these sports, there was always some significant effort involved in order to excel. In relationship to some of my sporting ventures, I had more natural ability...as with soccer. Yet, with some of the other sports, I may have worked hard at times, but not as hard as I could have worked, perhaps. I remember being upset with a coach one time, because I was "sitting on the sideline" a lot, but I wanted to be playing. Yet, I wasn't really willing to put forth the effort in order to be able "to get on the playing field." Instead of finding some inner strength of will or spirit in order to excel, I allowed myself to develop a poor attitude. Such is life sometimes...it took me some time to be able to look in the mirror and realize that it wasn't life that was being unfair, but that I finally had to come to terms with the fact that, I had met the enemy...and it was me. This was pretty humbling realization...but, it was, nonetheless, a good understanding.
I believe that we live in a society where individuals experience the feeling of entitlement, perhaps more than at any other time in history. It affects people in their work, at church and in other social environments. I really do not think the solution to this is any harder than what I had to discover...the reason that I was sitting on the sideline -- I needed to look in the mirror. Things are generally not going to be handed to us, unless it is a unique situation. We need to be willing to work, serve, do whatever is necessary to make our mark. I have known people on the sideline in my life, and like myself, they have exercised one of three different attitudes. One, they are not content to be on the sideline -- no matter what -- and are going to work hard or serve selflessly in order to get involved and be involved. Others are not able to get off the sideline, because they just gripe and complain rather than jump in and try to make a difference. The third group may be the most mature -- these individuals may work hard and do their best, but are not necessarily ever going to get on the playing field, but they continue to be a good support for others on the sideline, as well as to those who are starting. These people are invaluable, because they know their place...they understand the meaning of "team"...and while they do not cease to work hard, they can see the big picture. This picture is to be the best that they can be...and if they are ever called upon to get in the game, they are ready to go.
Here is to hoping that we can have more people to set an example...where people can take a good look at the big picture and prepare themselves to be the best that they can be at whatever it is that they aspire to be or become. And that these people, regardless of whether they are ever going to be able to get in the game or not, are going to be helpful and be a blessing. And one other thing...we are likely going to get on the playing field at some point if we are willing to work hard or serve selflessly. As with so many other things in life, whether we are on the sideline or on the playing field is very much a matter of perspective and attitude.
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Pondering Peyton
Friends,
As baseball season is about to begin, today was a monumental football news day. Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has chosen to part ways with future hall-of-fame quarterback, Peyton Manning. Irsay and Manning hosted a melancholy news conference in order to announce Manning's release. One could also detect the sincere distress that this whole situation has caused Irsay...and it could have been so much worse. Peyton was simply a class act....I mean, I believe Manning saved his owner's bacon--a heavy public relations hit--by taking about the highest road I have ever seen. The only other thing lessening the blow has been Manning's health. In fact, Manning's neck injury is the main reason for the whole situation. If he had played last year, the Colts would not have been the worst team in the NFL...and none of this is even taking place. It was entirely circumstancial.
There were many hoping that Manning would still be able to stay with the Colts. Yet, with some question marks concerning the neck, and a number one draft pick coming up, there were too many warning signs to suggest otherwise. So now, the Colts get their new "franchise" quarterback in Andrew Luck. I believe he will be a good quarterback....but to rival Manning's accomplishments will be very difficult. Yet, if he wins a Super Bowl or two, he will be mentioned with Johnny U and Peyton as among the Colt all-time greats -- we'll see. As for Manning, it is now an open lottery. He can choose wherever he wants to go, because he is an unrestricted free agent. This mean Manning gets a very large pay day soon, and some team is going to get a potential Super Bowl quarterback...that is, if his health holds true. It is all a very intriguing story, which will be fascinating to watch unfold. Needless to say, it will make for a great post-season. He says he will make his decision as to which team he wants to play for soon. This, in turn, will affect other free agent dominoes and the NFL draft itself. I hope that he can stay healthy and play for a few more seaons at a high level...we would expect nothing less, and neither would Peyton.
Blessings, Don
As baseball season is about to begin, today was a monumental football news day. Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has chosen to part ways with future hall-of-fame quarterback, Peyton Manning. Irsay and Manning hosted a melancholy news conference in order to announce Manning's release. One could also detect the sincere distress that this whole situation has caused Irsay...and it could have been so much worse. Peyton was simply a class act....I mean, I believe Manning saved his owner's bacon--a heavy public relations hit--by taking about the highest road I have ever seen. The only other thing lessening the blow has been Manning's health. In fact, Manning's neck injury is the main reason for the whole situation. If he had played last year, the Colts would not have been the worst team in the NFL...and none of this is even taking place. It was entirely circumstancial.
There were many hoping that Manning would still be able to stay with the Colts. Yet, with some question marks concerning the neck, and a number one draft pick coming up, there were too many warning signs to suggest otherwise. So now, the Colts get their new "franchise" quarterback in Andrew Luck. I believe he will be a good quarterback....but to rival Manning's accomplishments will be very difficult. Yet, if he wins a Super Bowl or two, he will be mentioned with Johnny U and Peyton as among the Colt all-time greats -- we'll see. As for Manning, it is now an open lottery. He can choose wherever he wants to go, because he is an unrestricted free agent. This mean Manning gets a very large pay day soon, and some team is going to get a potential Super Bowl quarterback...that is, if his health holds true. It is all a very intriguing story, which will be fascinating to watch unfold. Needless to say, it will make for a great post-season. He says he will make his decision as to which team he wants to play for soon. This, in turn, will affect other free agent dominoes and the NFL draft itself. I hope that he can stay healthy and play for a few more seaons at a high level...we would expect nothing less, and neither would Peyton.
Blessings, Don
Friday, October 14, 2011
'I was miserable, and I don't ever want to feel that way again'
Friends,
The following is a story concerning former NFL quarterback, Ryan Leaf, from an interview with Kathy Goertzen of KOMO News in Seattle...
Blessings, Don
*******************
Ryan Leaf has set a lot of records for Washington State University. Even though the Cougars barely lost at the '97 Rose Bowl, Leaf's success as quarterback prompted him to leave WSU and become a first-round draft pick in the NFL.
He bombed, was booed and benched.
"For that reason, I stayed away from WSU and Cougar nation for a long time -- for all the wrong reasons," he said. "What I should have done was run back to the family that always supported me. And I pushed them away, because I was embarrassed."
Leaf will be the first to tell you he did not know how to focus his intensity or handle his failure to win.
"But for sure, it was an embarrassing moment in my life at 21 years old," he said. "But I think a lot of people do embarrassing things when they're 21 years old. And if that's my truly embarrassing moment at 21, I'll take that one over some of the other stories I've heard.
"I just think everyone grows up and everybody changes in their time. Mine just happened quite publicly -- a lot of it."
His disappointing personal behavior and failure in the NFL only deepened the pain that led to an addiction to prescription pain pills.
"All my life, whenever I had surgery, they gave me prescription pain killers for the physical pain you have. So when I had this emotional pain, or this other pain I couldn't define, this was the only thing I ever knew that worked," he said.
Leaf hit rock bottom when he was convicted for stealing pain pills from injured kids he coached. He finally entered rehab. It would be the beginning of his metamorphosis.
"The self-centeredness, the dishonesty, the inability to be social and be a good person - all those things that change when you become happy - are such a bigger and better highlight," he said.
Leaf was learning a new, more positive outlook. He says that helped him deal with his next challenge.
"When he said it was a brain tumor, it never once crept in my mind that it was cancerous. I said, 'OK, who do we get to fix it and how do we do that?'" he said.
Leaf had surgery for the benign tumor. Though it's not the same tumor as mine, doctors were not able to get it all, because, like mine, it wrapped around some critical nerves. He'll know after an MRI next month if the tumor is growing and he needs radiation.
Through it all, he did not take medication for pain.
"Going through a of days of pain and discomfort in a hospital bed is well worth it, than feeling the way I did for three years previous," he said. "I remember what it was like. I was miserable, and I don't ever want to feel that way again."
At 35, Leaf says he's changed for the better and is looking forward, not back.
"My life for the next 35 years will be defined by how I become a better person and help people. I think I'll have a much more drastic effect on people's lives than I ever would have had as a football player," he said.
Leaf thinks college athletes should get paid to play. He'll tackle that issue when he comes out with the first of three books this October about the greatest four years of his life at WSU.
The following is a story concerning former NFL quarterback, Ryan Leaf, from an interview with Kathy Goertzen of KOMO News in Seattle...
Blessings, Don
*******************
Ryan Leaf has set a lot of records for Washington State University. Even though the Cougars barely lost at the '97 Rose Bowl, Leaf's success as quarterback prompted him to leave WSU and become a first-round draft pick in the NFL.
He bombed, was booed and benched.
"For that reason, I stayed away from WSU and Cougar nation for a long time -- for all the wrong reasons," he said. "What I should have done was run back to the family that always supported me. And I pushed them away, because I was embarrassed."
Leaf will be the first to tell you he did not know how to focus his intensity or handle his failure to win.
"But for sure, it was an embarrassing moment in my life at 21 years old," he said. "But I think a lot of people do embarrassing things when they're 21 years old. And if that's my truly embarrassing moment at 21, I'll take that one over some of the other stories I've heard.
"I just think everyone grows up and everybody changes in their time. Mine just happened quite publicly -- a lot of it."
His disappointing personal behavior and failure in the NFL only deepened the pain that led to an addiction to prescription pain pills.
"All my life, whenever I had surgery, they gave me prescription pain killers for the physical pain you have. So when I had this emotional pain, or this other pain I couldn't define, this was the only thing I ever knew that worked," he said.
Leaf hit rock bottom when he was convicted for stealing pain pills from injured kids he coached. He finally entered rehab. It would be the beginning of his metamorphosis.
"The self-centeredness, the dishonesty, the inability to be social and be a good person - all those things that change when you become happy - are such a bigger and better highlight," he said.
Leaf was learning a new, more positive outlook. He says that helped him deal with his next challenge.
"When he said it was a brain tumor, it never once crept in my mind that it was cancerous. I said, 'OK, who do we get to fix it and how do we do that?'" he said.
Leaf had surgery for the benign tumor. Though it's not the same tumor as mine, doctors were not able to get it all, because, like mine, it wrapped around some critical nerves. He'll know after an MRI next month if the tumor is growing and he needs radiation.
Through it all, he did not take medication for pain.
"Going through a of days of pain and discomfort in a hospital bed is well worth it, than feeling the way I did for three years previous," he said. "I remember what it was like. I was miserable, and I don't ever want to feel that way again."
At 35, Leaf says he's changed for the better and is looking forward, not back.
"My life for the next 35 years will be defined by how I become a better person and help people. I think I'll have a much more drastic effect on people's lives than I ever would have had as a football player," he said.
Leaf thinks college athletes should get paid to play. He'll tackle that issue when he comes out with the first of three books this October about the greatest four years of his life at WSU.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Rangers Advance...and Other Playoff News
Friends,
Well...so much for the Tampa Bay Rays being a team of destiny. I was among those who was concerned that the Rays would carry their momentum into their ALDS series against the Texas Rangers and make life difficult, if not even upset them. Ahhh, but the Rangers were like a tiger lying in wait for its prey, or should I say, Ray. :-) The Rangers pitching was strong enough, despite a bum outing by C.J. Wilson in game one. I believe he will be better in the ALCS. As usual, it was the Rangers bats that carried them. How about that Adrian Beltre? He looks like a pretty decent off-season pick up at this point. His three home runs in the clincher against the Rays is the stuff of legend...and if he continues to hit like this, he might just have a legendary post-season. I wasn't certain going into the post-season, but I do believe the Rangers are hungry. It remains to be seen whether they will be playing the Tigers or Yankees (and this will be determined tonight in game 5 of their series), but either way, I like the way the Rangers are peaking at this time. I hope that they can fulfill heir dream and win the World Series that eluded them last year.
Speaking of series ending games, all three remaining LDS games (today and tomorrow) are going to be game 5s. This could be interesting...and hopefully exciting. I doubt that it will be as exciting as the final day of the regular season...which was only the most exciting day in MLB history, with the Cardinals and Rays getting in to the playoffs and the Red Sox and Braves completing their September collapses. Nonetheless, this post-season is just as unpredictable in so many ways. So far, the home team has won every game in the Brewers/Diamondbacks series...so, it would seem to be advantage Brewers, but anything can happen. The Cardinals have been hanging tough with the Phillies, but I have a hard time not seeing the Phillies advance at home, but once again... The big question that Rangers fans have been asking is -- who would they rather have the Rangers face in the ALCS...the Yankees or the Tigers? The opinion seems to be split. I said that I would rather see them face the Yankees early on in the playoffs, but now, I think the Tigers are less fearsome...but either opponent is going to be tough. All I can say is -- go Rangers!
Blessings, Don
Well...so much for the Tampa Bay Rays being a team of destiny. I was among those who was concerned that the Rays would carry their momentum into their ALDS series against the Texas Rangers and make life difficult, if not even upset them. Ahhh, but the Rangers were like a tiger lying in wait for its prey, or should I say, Ray. :-) The Rangers pitching was strong enough, despite a bum outing by C.J. Wilson in game one. I believe he will be better in the ALCS. As usual, it was the Rangers bats that carried them. How about that Adrian Beltre? He looks like a pretty decent off-season pick up at this point. His three home runs in the clincher against the Rays is the stuff of legend...and if he continues to hit like this, he might just have a legendary post-season. I wasn't certain going into the post-season, but I do believe the Rangers are hungry. It remains to be seen whether they will be playing the Tigers or Yankees (and this will be determined tonight in game 5 of their series), but either way, I like the way the Rangers are peaking at this time. I hope that they can fulfill heir dream and win the World Series that eluded them last year.
Speaking of series ending games, all three remaining LDS games (today and tomorrow) are going to be game 5s. This could be interesting...and hopefully exciting. I doubt that it will be as exciting as the final day of the regular season...which was only the most exciting day in MLB history, with the Cardinals and Rays getting in to the playoffs and the Red Sox and Braves completing their September collapses. Nonetheless, this post-season is just as unpredictable in so many ways. So far, the home team has won every game in the Brewers/Diamondbacks series...so, it would seem to be advantage Brewers, but anything can happen. The Cardinals have been hanging tough with the Phillies, but I have a hard time not seeing the Phillies advance at home, but once again... The big question that Rangers fans have been asking is -- who would they rather have the Rangers face in the ALCS...the Yankees or the Tigers? The opinion seems to be split. I said that I would rather see them face the Yankees early on in the playoffs, but now, I think the Tigers are less fearsome...but either opponent is going to be tough. All I can say is -- go Rangers!
Blessings, Don
Monday, June 13, 2011
Mavs Are Marvelous
Friends,
I was oh so tempted to want to write about the Dallas Mavericks' run through the NBA playoffs, but just did not want to deliver any kind of kiss of death. So, now is the time to say -- congratulations to Mark Cuban and his team for dispatching the overhyped Miami Heatles. I have to say, there is a certain sweetness and justification to beating the Heat.
For any criticism that Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki has received for shrinking back over the past several years in the playoffs, he answered all of that criticism...and then some...in the 2011 playoffs. Nowitzki absolutely dominated in the playoffs through the first three rounds and finally in the NBA Championship. Of course, Nowitzki had some help...veteran Jason Kidd, dynamic Jason Terry, energetic J.J. Barea and enforcer Shawn Marion, among others, made significant contributions to bring home the hardware to Dallas.
I have to confess that I have had a hard time rooting for the Mavericks since they had not been able to put together a championship run, while in the meantime their nemesis, the Spurs, down the road in San Antonio, have won four championships over the past dozen years or so. Yet, they have earned maximum respect for their efforts in 2011. The monkey is off of their back, and they have gained a new legion of fans...myself included.
Blessings, Don
I was oh so tempted to want to write about the Dallas Mavericks' run through the NBA playoffs, but just did not want to deliver any kind of kiss of death. So, now is the time to say -- congratulations to Mark Cuban and his team for dispatching the overhyped Miami Heatles. I have to say, there is a certain sweetness and justification to beating the Heat.
For any criticism that Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki has received for shrinking back over the past several years in the playoffs, he answered all of that criticism...and then some...in the 2011 playoffs. Nowitzki absolutely dominated in the playoffs through the first three rounds and finally in the NBA Championship. Of course, Nowitzki had some help...veteran Jason Kidd, dynamic Jason Terry, energetic J.J. Barea and enforcer Shawn Marion, among others, made significant contributions to bring home the hardware to Dallas.
I have to confess that I have had a hard time rooting for the Mavericks since they had not been able to put together a championship run, while in the meantime their nemesis, the Spurs, down the road in San Antonio, have won four championships over the past dozen years or so. Yet, they have earned maximum respect for their efforts in 2011. The monkey is off of their back, and they have gained a new legion of fans...myself included.
Blessings, Don
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Fascinating Twist
Friends,
In an interesting twist of fate yesterday, two J.R.s...JR Hildebrand and Dale Earnardt Jr...both lost on the last lap in the two biggest races (scope for Indy...length for Nascar) in motorsports. Both cars' main sponsor is -- the National Guard. The irony is...our National Guard is second to no one...and the same is true for the rest of our armed forces. Happy Memorial Day and God bless our military men and women.
Blessings,
Don
In an interesting twist of fate yesterday, two J.R.s...JR Hildebrand and Dale Earnardt Jr...both lost on the last lap in the two biggest races (scope for Indy...length for Nascar) in motorsports. Both cars' main sponsor is -- the National Guard. The irony is...our National Guard is second to no one...and the same is true for the rest of our armed forces. Happy Memorial Day and God bless our military men and women.
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Winning in Tennis...and in Life
Friends,
A good story to consider...
In the 1975 Masters Tennis Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden, tennis star, Arthur Ashe, was ahead 4-1 in the third and decisive set of his round-robin match with Romanian-born Ilie Nastase. Nastase was sometimes dubbed "Nasty" Nastase for his flamboyant on-court antics. Behind in the match, Nastase went into his act again, stalling and arguing, cursing, taunting, and acting like a madman. Finally, Arthur Ashe put down his racket and walked off the court, saying, "I've had enough. I'm at the point where I'm afraid I'll lose control." "But Arthur," cried the umpire, "You'll default the match." "I don't care," replied Ashe, "I'd rather lose that than my self-respect."
Agreeing that Nastase's unruly behavior had unfairly interrupted the match and driven Ashe to the sidelines, referee Horst Klosterkemper came up with a solution to the fiasco. He announced that Nastase was disqualified. He refused to condone Nastase's bullying tactics and he insisted that Nastase default the match for his unsportsman-like conduct. Arthur Ashe won both in the game of tennis…and in the game of life. He was a person who lived integrity…and it showed. He faced many struggles in his life, but he was respected to the day that he died…and to this day.
Blessings,
Don
A good story to consider...
In the 1975 Masters Tennis Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden, tennis star, Arthur Ashe, was ahead 4-1 in the third and decisive set of his round-robin match with Romanian-born Ilie Nastase. Nastase was sometimes dubbed "Nasty" Nastase for his flamboyant on-court antics. Behind in the match, Nastase went into his act again, stalling and arguing, cursing, taunting, and acting like a madman. Finally, Arthur Ashe put down his racket and walked off the court, saying, "I've had enough. I'm at the point where I'm afraid I'll lose control." "But Arthur," cried the umpire, "You'll default the match." "I don't care," replied Ashe, "I'd rather lose that than my self-respect."
Agreeing that Nastase's unruly behavior had unfairly interrupted the match and driven Ashe to the sidelines, referee Horst Klosterkemper came up with a solution to the fiasco. He announced that Nastase was disqualified. He refused to condone Nastase's bullying tactics and he insisted that Nastase default the match for his unsportsman-like conduct. Arthur Ashe won both in the game of tennis…and in the game of life. He was a person who lived integrity…and it showed. He faced many struggles in his life, but he was respected to the day that he died…and to this day.
Blessings,
Don
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Bautista by Fire
Friends,
His name is Jose Bautista...and I don't believe we have seen such a hitter in Major League Baseball since (I hate to say it) Barry Bonds. Bautista is a big time hitter than makes pitchers tremble. He has a major league leading 18 home runs this year...to go with the 54 home runs he hit in 2010. But, he doesn't just hit home runs...he has a major league leading .370 avg to go with the home runs, so he is hitting singles and doubles as well. The significant respect from pitchers also shows in that he usually walks multiple times every game. It also doesn't hurt that I have had him on my fantasy team last year as well as this year. :-)
What makes Bautista's story even more amazing is that he is not some second year player blowing up the statistics...he is a jouneryman who has played for five teams. His career home run totals were 74 in six pro seasons until last year. What makes all of this hard to understand is that it is the post steroids era, so it would be hard to think that he could have some major advantage over other big league hitters. He only hit 13 home runs in 2009, but most of those came in the final six weeks of that season. So...what brand of spinach did he start eating in August of 2009? Who knows. He did make a change in his batting stance, and he says that this made a significant difference for him. But, to allow for such an increase in power? Nevertheless, whatever he has been doing...it is working for him. And, for his and the Blue Jays' sake (not to mention my fbb team :-), here is to hoping he keeps hitting the cover off of the ball and scaring pitchers silly.
Blessings,
Don
His name is Jose Bautista...and I don't believe we have seen such a hitter in Major League Baseball since (I hate to say it) Barry Bonds. Bautista is a big time hitter than makes pitchers tremble. He has a major league leading 18 home runs this year...to go with the 54 home runs he hit in 2010. But, he doesn't just hit home runs...he has a major league leading .370 avg to go with the home runs, so he is hitting singles and doubles as well. The significant respect from pitchers also shows in that he usually walks multiple times every game. It also doesn't hurt that I have had him on my fantasy team last year as well as this year. :-)
What makes Bautista's story even more amazing is that he is not some second year player blowing up the statistics...he is a jouneryman who has played for five teams. His career home run totals were 74 in six pro seasons until last year. What makes all of this hard to understand is that it is the post steroids era, so it would be hard to think that he could have some major advantage over other big league hitters. He only hit 13 home runs in 2009, but most of those came in the final six weeks of that season. So...what brand of spinach did he start eating in August of 2009? Who knows. He did make a change in his batting stance, and he says that this made a significant difference for him. But, to allow for such an increase in power? Nevertheless, whatever he has been doing...it is working for him. And, for his and the Blue Jays' sake (not to mention my fbb team :-), here is to hoping he keeps hitting the cover off of the ball and scaring pitchers silly.
Blessings,
Don
Friday, May 6, 2011
Is It Still in the Cards?...N.L. Round Up
Friends,
People assumed that when Albert Pujols put the silent treatment on his contract situation in the Spring that it would no longer be an issue...ahh, nothing but a slow start by Albert, and then the sports talking-heads were all over the subject again -- "is this (contract situation) still a distraction?" "Is this what is causing Albert's slump?" Well those concerns have certainly been laid to rest the past couple of weeks, as Albert is back to being "the Machine"...looking more like the best player in baseball. His bat has come alive with multiple hits for his St. Louis Cardinals...and many of those have been home runs. It doesn't hurt that Matt Holiday and resurgent newcomer Lance Berkman have been hitting like Mays and Mantle so far this year. The bigger question was what would the Cards do without 20-game winner Adam Wainright? He and Chris Carpenter have been their one-two punch for several years now. With Wainright gone and Carpenter struggling, the young Cardinals rotation with Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse, Jake Westbrook and Kyle McClellan has had to pick up the slack...they have done an excellent job ot this point. Another issue for the Cards has been the bullpen, which has blown more saves than any other in the majors this year. It seems to be getting better...and still, the Cardinals are a game-and-a-half up in the N.L. Central. I guess we have known for awhile that Tony LaRussa is one of the best managers of all-time and a sure fire hall of famer...this is further confirmation of that fact.
I am not certain how many had the surprising Florida Marlins in second behind the Phillies in the N.L. East at this point in the season...but then again, this is their m.o. isn't it? Nobody ever expects them to do well, and yet, they...like their small market brothers, the Twins, and A's...always seem to be respectable. They have been hitting well, and their pitching, while not stellar, has been very effective. I say, not stellar, but starter Josh Johnson and closer Leo Nunez are about as good as you can get.
The defending champion Giants have struggled out of the gate this year, and yet, they are playing .500 baseball. If they can really get healthy...with their pitching, they will certainly make some noise in the N.L. West as the summer comes. It is tragic to see what has happened with the beloved and respected Los Angeles Dodgers. Owner Frank McCourt's personal and financial struggles have created something of a circus for the once-proud franchise. Bud Selig has appointed M.L.B. to run the team until such a time as when McCourt can work through his struggles...or, more likely, until he sells the team. I just hope that the Dodgers can get the ship righted so that they can get back to simply focusing on baseball. At least Andre Ethier...he of the 30-game hitting streak...doesn't seem to be bothered by much right now. It would be great if Ethier can keep it up for awhile, but with each hit and each passing day past 30 games, the media and other pressure will ratchet up significantly. Go Andre...keep it up!
Blessings,
Don
People assumed that when Albert Pujols put the silent treatment on his contract situation in the Spring that it would no longer be an issue...ahh, nothing but a slow start by Albert, and then the sports talking-heads were all over the subject again -- "is this (contract situation) still a distraction?" "Is this what is causing Albert's slump?" Well those concerns have certainly been laid to rest the past couple of weeks, as Albert is back to being "the Machine"...looking more like the best player in baseball. His bat has come alive with multiple hits for his St. Louis Cardinals...and many of those have been home runs. It doesn't hurt that Matt Holiday and resurgent newcomer Lance Berkman have been hitting like Mays and Mantle so far this year. The bigger question was what would the Cards do without 20-game winner Adam Wainright? He and Chris Carpenter have been their one-two punch for several years now. With Wainright gone and Carpenter struggling, the young Cardinals rotation with Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse, Jake Westbrook and Kyle McClellan has had to pick up the slack...they have done an excellent job ot this point. Another issue for the Cards has been the bullpen, which has blown more saves than any other in the majors this year. It seems to be getting better...and still, the Cardinals are a game-and-a-half up in the N.L. Central. I guess we have known for awhile that Tony LaRussa is one of the best managers of all-time and a sure fire hall of famer...this is further confirmation of that fact.
I am not certain how many had the surprising Florida Marlins in second behind the Phillies in the N.L. East at this point in the season...but then again, this is their m.o. isn't it? Nobody ever expects them to do well, and yet, they...like their small market brothers, the Twins, and A's...always seem to be respectable. They have been hitting well, and their pitching, while not stellar, has been very effective. I say, not stellar, but starter Josh Johnson and closer Leo Nunez are about as good as you can get.
The defending champion Giants have struggled out of the gate this year, and yet, they are playing .500 baseball. If they can really get healthy...with their pitching, they will certainly make some noise in the N.L. West as the summer comes. It is tragic to see what has happened with the beloved and respected Los Angeles Dodgers. Owner Frank McCourt's personal and financial struggles have created something of a circus for the once-proud franchise. Bud Selig has appointed M.L.B. to run the team until such a time as when McCourt can work through his struggles...or, more likely, until he sells the team. I just hope that the Dodgers can get the ship righted so that they can get back to simply focusing on baseball. At least Andre Ethier...he of the 30-game hitting streak...doesn't seem to be bothered by much right now. It would be great if Ethier can keep it up for awhile, but with each hit and each passing day past 30 games, the media and other pressure will ratchet up significantly. Go Andre...keep it up!
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A New No No...A.L. Round Up
Friends,
Time to get back on the baseball beat. So much for starting the baseball season with a whimper...much maligned "ace" of the Twins, Francisco Liriano, pitched the first no-hitter of the 2011 baseball season yesterday for the Twins. A perennial contender for the AL Central title, the poor Twins really needed a shot in the arm, as it is the worst start to a season that they have had in a many years. They lost all-world catcher Joe Mauer about a month ago and no one really knows when he is going to get back. The other super slugger for the Twins, Justin Morneau, still seems to be shaking off the effects of a bad concussion that sidelined him for much of last season. Then there is Liriano, who was 1-4 with a bloated ERA coming into last night. While it wasn't a thing of ultimate beauty (he issued six walks), nobody is going to complain, and maybe this is the happening they need to get them on a positive roll.
The Red Sox have come back some in the past couple of weeks, but are still under the .500 mark, which has many of their fans concerned. The good news is that Josh Beckett has shown flashes of his former self, which was brilliant. Diasuke Matsuzaka, whom I believe the Sox were about ready to part ways with, has had a couple of good starts as well. Couple these things with Carl Crawford coming out of a season long slump, and he and fellow-newcomer, Adrian Gonazalez, just might lead the Sox back to the top of the AL East in short order. They will have to deal with the resurgent Rays and ever-present Yankees. Speaking of which, the Yanks just continue to work their starting pitching staff magic with smoke and mirrors. Without 19 game winner, Phil Hughes, the Yankees looked like they were going to be in trouble with only C.C. Sabathia and a bunch of other question marks for starters a couple of weeks into the season. Yet, A.J. Burnett has bounced back and is pitching much better this year after a poor 2010. Bartolo Colon has come out of nowhere and has pitched like his old Cy Young self from several years ago. So, for now, the pitching seems to be holding up and their usual vicious hitting is going to keep them in the race to the end.
The defending champion Texas Rangers have been hanging in (barely) atop the A.L. West. There is no doubt that the loss of closer Neftali Feliz for a couple of weeks has hurt them. They have given up leads and/or lost on a few occasions recently, so Feliz can't get back quick enough. This is also troubled by the fact that one of their key bullpen set-up men, Darren O'Day, was likely lost for the year. The Rangers will be getting some pitchers back from the DL in the next few days to go along with their potent hitters, so it should help everyone...now, if only Josh Hamilton would get back soon! The Angels' starting pitching...particularly Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, has brought them even with the Rangers for the division lead. And if the A's could ever get some hitting to go along with their excellent starting staff, they are going to be in the mix as well. Even the lowly Mariners have been playing much better of late...hitting and pitching like they did a decade ago. So, hang on for the ride...it is going to be exciting. We'll consider the N.L. soon.
Blessings,
Don
Time to get back on the baseball beat. So much for starting the baseball season with a whimper...much maligned "ace" of the Twins, Francisco Liriano, pitched the first no-hitter of the 2011 baseball season yesterday for the Twins. A perennial contender for the AL Central title, the poor Twins really needed a shot in the arm, as it is the worst start to a season that they have had in a many years. They lost all-world catcher Joe Mauer about a month ago and no one really knows when he is going to get back. The other super slugger for the Twins, Justin Morneau, still seems to be shaking off the effects of a bad concussion that sidelined him for much of last season. Then there is Liriano, who was 1-4 with a bloated ERA coming into last night. While it wasn't a thing of ultimate beauty (he issued six walks), nobody is going to complain, and maybe this is the happening they need to get them on a positive roll.
The Red Sox have come back some in the past couple of weeks, but are still under the .500 mark, which has many of their fans concerned. The good news is that Josh Beckett has shown flashes of his former self, which was brilliant. Diasuke Matsuzaka, whom I believe the Sox were about ready to part ways with, has had a couple of good starts as well. Couple these things with Carl Crawford coming out of a season long slump, and he and fellow-newcomer, Adrian Gonazalez, just might lead the Sox back to the top of the AL East in short order. They will have to deal with the resurgent Rays and ever-present Yankees. Speaking of which, the Yanks just continue to work their starting pitching staff magic with smoke and mirrors. Without 19 game winner, Phil Hughes, the Yankees looked like they were going to be in trouble with only C.C. Sabathia and a bunch of other question marks for starters a couple of weeks into the season. Yet, A.J. Burnett has bounced back and is pitching much better this year after a poor 2010. Bartolo Colon has come out of nowhere and has pitched like his old Cy Young self from several years ago. So, for now, the pitching seems to be holding up and their usual vicious hitting is going to keep them in the race to the end.
The defending champion Texas Rangers have been hanging in (barely) atop the A.L. West. There is no doubt that the loss of closer Neftali Feliz for a couple of weeks has hurt them. They have given up leads and/or lost on a few occasions recently, so Feliz can't get back quick enough. This is also troubled by the fact that one of their key bullpen set-up men, Darren O'Day, was likely lost for the year. The Rangers will be getting some pitchers back from the DL in the next few days to go along with their potent hitters, so it should help everyone...now, if only Josh Hamilton would get back soon! The Angels' starting pitching...particularly Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, has brought them even with the Rangers for the division lead. And if the A's could ever get some hitting to go along with their excellent starting staff, they are going to be in the mix as well. Even the lowly Mariners have been playing much better of late...hitting and pitching like they did a decade ago. So, hang on for the ride...it is going to be exciting. We'll consider the N.L. soon.
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
MLB Week One
Friends,
I am thankful that we are back to baseball...although I am still trying to get over the Giants beating the Rangers in the World Series last year. :-) Still, the Rangers are off to such a terrific start, they may very well end up back there again this year...which would be just fine with me. Nelson Cruz has hit four home runs in his first four games to tie a major league record. And it's not like he is the only Ranger hitting the cover off the ball...the Rangers had 9 home runs, feasting on Red Sox starters this past weekend. Meanwhile, the Red Sox started the season, 0-3, for the first time in 15 years. Their once-prized pitching staff struggled mightily last year. Aside from Jon Lester and Clay Bucholtz having good years, former World Series winners Josh Beckett and John Lackey struggled.
The Orioles finished 2010 strong under new manager Buck Showalter, which is not surprising in one sense -- Showalter has had significant success as a manager in the past. If there is something surprising about their start, it is that the Orioles have been so bad for so long...their last winning season was 1997. Yet, they have picked up some good pieces in the off season in Derrek Lee and Vladimir Guerrero to go along with Matt Wieters, Brian Roberts, Luke Scott, and others. They also have a good young pitching staff, Matusz, Guthrie, Bergeson, Arrieta, etc., reminiscent of the Rays a few years ago. Those Rays, who have been so good in recent years...minus Matt Garza, Carl Crawford and others...are winless. It's almost as if the Rays and Orioles have swapped teams...such is life in the MLB fast lane.
In the NL, the Phillies, Braves and Reds are off to good starts, predicatably. Yet, the defending champion Giants...who are 1-4...are having a hard time finding their chemistry just yet. The Milwaukee Brewers, who many predicted would win the Central, have been bit by the injury bug and have started the season 0-4. It is still very early, so no one should be writing off teams like the Brewers, Red Sox, Rays and Giants just yet. And I will say this for Bud Black, manager of the Padres -- I don't know how he does it, but he has San Diego at the top of their division early on. They led the NL West most of the way last year, much to nearly everyone's surprise. Before this season started, though, he lost his best player, Adrain Gonzalez, to the Red Sox and his best pitcher, Mat Latos, has been on the DL. So, I don't know if it's Black magic or a bud-ding genius...whatever it is...it is working for him. Stay tuned...
Blessings,
Don
I am thankful that we are back to baseball...although I am still trying to get over the Giants beating the Rangers in the World Series last year. :-) Still, the Rangers are off to such a terrific start, they may very well end up back there again this year...which would be just fine with me. Nelson Cruz has hit four home runs in his first four games to tie a major league record. And it's not like he is the only Ranger hitting the cover off the ball...the Rangers had 9 home runs, feasting on Red Sox starters this past weekend. Meanwhile, the Red Sox started the season, 0-3, for the first time in 15 years. Their once-prized pitching staff struggled mightily last year. Aside from Jon Lester and Clay Bucholtz having good years, former World Series winners Josh Beckett and John Lackey struggled.
The Orioles finished 2010 strong under new manager Buck Showalter, which is not surprising in one sense -- Showalter has had significant success as a manager in the past. If there is something surprising about their start, it is that the Orioles have been so bad for so long...their last winning season was 1997. Yet, they have picked up some good pieces in the off season in Derrek Lee and Vladimir Guerrero to go along with Matt Wieters, Brian Roberts, Luke Scott, and others. They also have a good young pitching staff, Matusz, Guthrie, Bergeson, Arrieta, etc., reminiscent of the Rays a few years ago. Those Rays, who have been so good in recent years...minus Matt Garza, Carl Crawford and others...are winless. It's almost as if the Rays and Orioles have swapped teams...such is life in the MLB fast lane.
In the NL, the Phillies, Braves and Reds are off to good starts, predicatably. Yet, the defending champion Giants...who are 1-4...are having a hard time finding their chemistry just yet. The Milwaukee Brewers, who many predicted would win the Central, have been bit by the injury bug and have started the season 0-4. It is still very early, so no one should be writing off teams like the Brewers, Red Sox, Rays and Giants just yet. And I will say this for Bud Black, manager of the Padres -- I don't know how he does it, but he has San Diego at the top of their division early on. They led the NL West most of the way last year, much to nearly everyone's surprise. Before this season started, though, he lost his best player, Adrain Gonzalez, to the Red Sox and his best pitcher, Mat Latos, has been on the DL. So, I don't know if it's Black magic or a bud-ding genius...whatever it is...it is working for him. Stay tuned...
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Football Plays Hard Ball
Friends,
I am happy that baseball is just around the corner...hopefully it will help ease the pain of what is happening in the world of football. This message is a lament...or perhaps a rant (or both). Last Friday, the NFL Players Association decided that the NFL owners weren't doing enough to "build trust" between the groups by not opening up all of their financial books, so they chose to decertify as a union, thereby allowing the players leverage to sue the owners individually. The owners promptly "locked out" the players from being able to work as teams...no free agents can move, etc...not much can happen until all of this gets resolved. Oh...the draft will get to take place, but even this may be tarnished, as "the players" who are "no longer a union" are, nonetheless, encouraging the potential top draft picks to avoid (boycott) the draft. This all seems unseemly and spiteful...and is not going to help get the situation resolved.
I understand why "the system" is what it is, even though such labor disputes have been taking place for decades, but it could certainly use some tweaking. I don't know of many folks who are pleased that the millionaire players are feuding with billionaire owners over how to handle their business...but, as usual, it is us, "the fans," who are going to suffer. I am certain that many fans will walk away, as have those who once supported hockey and baseball. And, I am also equally certain that many of those same fans will be back when the NFL gets its business in order. We have come to expect it, I believe...and this is why people will come back and continue to pay huge sums of money to support the great American sporting pasttimes. Here is to hoping that a better way to solve and resolve such business issues can be found.
Blessings,
Don
I am happy that baseball is just around the corner...hopefully it will help ease the pain of what is happening in the world of football. This message is a lament...or perhaps a rant (or both). Last Friday, the NFL Players Association decided that the NFL owners weren't doing enough to "build trust" between the groups by not opening up all of their financial books, so they chose to decertify as a union, thereby allowing the players leverage to sue the owners individually. The owners promptly "locked out" the players from being able to work as teams...no free agents can move, etc...not much can happen until all of this gets resolved. Oh...the draft will get to take place, but even this may be tarnished, as "the players" who are "no longer a union" are, nonetheless, encouraging the potential top draft picks to avoid (boycott) the draft. This all seems unseemly and spiteful...and is not going to help get the situation resolved.
I understand why "the system" is what it is, even though such labor disputes have been taking place for decades, but it could certainly use some tweaking. I don't know of many folks who are pleased that the millionaire players are feuding with billionaire owners over how to handle their business...but, as usual, it is us, "the fans," who are going to suffer. I am certain that many fans will walk away, as have those who once supported hockey and baseball. And, I am also equally certain that many of those same fans will be back when the NFL gets its business in order. We have come to expect it, I believe...and this is why people will come back and continue to pay huge sums of money to support the great American sporting pasttimes. Here is to hoping that a better way to solve and resolve such business issues can be found.
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Super (And Not So Super) Teams
Friends,
It has been a several days since I have done a sports message...not that there hasn't been a lot going on -- the NFL is working to avoid a labor stoppage...Nascar ended week three today...the conference finals for NCAA basketball are taking place...MLB spring training is well underway right now...golf is irrelevant without Tiger Woods playing well and...the haves and the have not are becoming more distinct in the NBA. It is this last point that troubles me, especially since the NFL seems to have a more relevant parity system where any of the the 32 teams have a chance to be good (or bad) in any given year. In the NBA, the Knicks are relevant once again thanks to trades for Amar'e Stoudamire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in the past year. The Oklahoma City Thunder also are gaining strength, but...it going to be pretty hard to get excited about basketball in Cleveland, Sacramento, Washington or Charlotte anytime in the future, if ever, which is unfortunate. The NBA has allowed itself to be a personality driven league, rather than team or competition driven. Therefore, when superstars become free agents, they can go to any team that they want and build a little super power as the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Bulls and now the Knicks have done. I understand that some people like the "super team system," but I believe it is ultimately going to lead to the demise of some of the weaker teams. Why will fans in some of the aforementioned places and other cities continue to shell out for teams that are never going to be above .500? MLB has a similar issue, but it is not pronounced. There are fewer cities who struggles, because baseball's revenue sharing and good management helps keep teams in smaller markets like Minneapolis, Oakland and Tampa relevant. So, all this to say -- come on NFL...pull it together! I don't think that I or any other die hard football fan is going to survive the Fall if there is a work stoppage. :-)
Blessings,
Don
It has been a several days since I have done a sports message...not that there hasn't been a lot going on -- the NFL is working to avoid a labor stoppage...Nascar ended week three today...the conference finals for NCAA basketball are taking place...MLB spring training is well underway right now...golf is irrelevant without Tiger Woods playing well and...the haves and the have not are becoming more distinct in the NBA. It is this last point that troubles me, especially since the NFL seems to have a more relevant parity system where any of the the 32 teams have a chance to be good (or bad) in any given year. In the NBA, the Knicks are relevant once again thanks to trades for Amar'e Stoudamire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in the past year. The Oklahoma City Thunder also are gaining strength, but...it going to be pretty hard to get excited about basketball in Cleveland, Sacramento, Washington or Charlotte anytime in the future, if ever, which is unfortunate. The NBA has allowed itself to be a personality driven league, rather than team or competition driven. Therefore, when superstars become free agents, they can go to any team that they want and build a little super power as the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Bulls and now the Knicks have done. I understand that some people like the "super team system," but I believe it is ultimately going to lead to the demise of some of the weaker teams. Why will fans in some of the aforementioned places and other cities continue to shell out for teams that are never going to be above .500? MLB has a similar issue, but it is not pronounced. There are fewer cities who struggles, because baseball's revenue sharing and good management helps keep teams in smaller markets like Minneapolis, Oakland and Tampa relevant. So, all this to say -- come on NFL...pull it together! I don't think that I or any other die hard football fan is going to survive the Fall if there is a work stoppage. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Monday, February 21, 2011
Twenty Won
Friends,
Young Trevor Bayne certainly had an ace up his sleeve when it came to holding off the veterans to win the Daytona 500 yesterday. The 20 year old rookie, driving the iconic Wood Brothers #21 made famous by hall of famer David Pearson, was strong all of speed week. Yet, I don't think that many experts or casual observers gave him a chance to win Nascar's equivalent of the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, Bayne became the youngest winner of the big race. Jeff Gordon had been the driver to hold that title -- he was 25 years of age when he won in 1997.
It may not have been Trevor's day had it not been a race filled with wrecks. There were a record fifteen caution flags yesterday, much of it due to the newly resurfaced track, but some due to the new two car draft racing. About a third of the way throught the race, veteran Michael Waltrip wrecked his teammate David Reutimann, setting off a chain reaction that took out Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson and many others. While many of those wrecked cars were able to be repaired and get back on the track, they were so far down that it set it up for the relative unknown to sneak in and claim the win. I must say "hats off" to a very pleasant, personable young man, who also gave glory to God following the win. I know a lot of experts may not have liked it that the 20 year old won the race, but what a great story...winning in the #21 that had not won in ten years and that had not won the Daytona 500 in 35 years, since Pearson won it. So, although Bayne did not collect any point totals for the race, since he chose to compete in the junior league Nationwide Series for points, he will have something to hang his hat on for the rest of his life -- Daytona 500 winner. Way to go, Trevor...I hope he wins many more races!
Blessings, Don
Young Trevor Bayne certainly had an ace up his sleeve when it came to holding off the veterans to win the Daytona 500 yesterday. The 20 year old rookie, driving the iconic Wood Brothers #21 made famous by hall of famer David Pearson, was strong all of speed week. Yet, I don't think that many experts or casual observers gave him a chance to win Nascar's equivalent of the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, Bayne became the youngest winner of the big race. Jeff Gordon had been the driver to hold that title -- he was 25 years of age when he won in 1997.
It may not have been Trevor's day had it not been a race filled with wrecks. There were a record fifteen caution flags yesterday, much of it due to the newly resurfaced track, but some due to the new two car draft racing. About a third of the way throught the race, veteran Michael Waltrip wrecked his teammate David Reutimann, setting off a chain reaction that took out Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson and many others. While many of those wrecked cars were able to be repaired and get back on the track, they were so far down that it set it up for the relative unknown to sneak in and claim the win. I must say "hats off" to a very pleasant, personable young man, who also gave glory to God following the win. I know a lot of experts may not have liked it that the 20 year old won the race, but what a great story...winning in the #21 that had not won in ten years and that had not won the Daytona 500 in 35 years, since Pearson won it. So, although Bayne did not collect any point totals for the race, since he chose to compete in the junior league Nationwide Series for points, he will have something to hang his hat on for the rest of his life -- Daytona 500 winner. Way to go, Trevor...I hope he wins many more races!
Blessings, Don
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Deadline
Friends,
Tomorrow is going to be a big day for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, one way or the other. They are negotiating a new contract with superstar first baseman, Albert Pujols...and he has told them that he is not going to negotiate any further once spring training starts. Since training officially begins today, time is of the essence, but...the actual deadline is tomorrow at 12 Noon. One might ask, what is the big deal? Well, Albert has asked the Cardinals for $300 million over 10 years, which if we do our math, is $30 a year. That is no small chunk of change. In fact, it would make him the best paid player of all time to this point. There are multiple issues with this entire scenario. It is apparent that Pujols is getting intense pressure from the MLB players association to press for this contract, as it will set a new "high standard" to which all players can be measured. The thinking is -- if Albert gets this significant raise, as the best player in the game today, then we all are going to benefit, as our salaries will also go up. Another issue is that St. Louis isn't exactly a large market team like the Yankees, Red Sox or Angels...they are a mid-market team that has already spent some significant money on free agents the past couple of years. The Cardinals would probably be willing to give Pujols 6 or 7 years at $30 million, but if they were to go the whole ten years, he would be 41 years old at the end of the contract...and too much can go wrong over the life of a ten year contract (see Alex Rodriguez). Yet, another issue is -- how can the Cardinals just let the best player in the game walk away as a free agent at the end of this baseball year? They really can't allow this to happen, but they will if there is no budging on Pujols' part.
So...this is the dilemma. The one variable may actually be the one thing that is "supposedly written in stone"...and this concerns the deadline set for tomorrow. Albert doesn't want it to be a distraction to the team once spring training begins. There is no way that all of this would not be, as the media has already been riding this topic for some weeks now. It is going to continue until he gets signed or tests the free agent market. If there is some significant progress today and tomorrow, the bet is that there will be another extension to get a deal done. From all reports, Albert would like to stay in St. Louis, and the Cardinals would surely love to keep him. However, it is all still very much up in the air. Personally, I think it is good for baseball that Pujols stays in St. Louis. The other large market teams that can afford him already have key people at first base, so there is not a huge need...except in Chicago with the Cubs. This is a scenario that would be a worst-case nightmare for the Cardinals, who view the Cubs as their biggest rival. I can't imagine that the Cardinals brass could stomach the thought of Pujols in a Cubs uniform, but I bet all of the long-suffering Cubs fans out there would love to see it. Hang on...we'll see what transpires.
Blessings,
Don
Tomorrow is going to be a big day for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, one way or the other. They are negotiating a new contract with superstar first baseman, Albert Pujols...and he has told them that he is not going to negotiate any further once spring training starts. Since training officially begins today, time is of the essence, but...the actual deadline is tomorrow at 12 Noon. One might ask, what is the big deal? Well, Albert has asked the Cardinals for $300 million over 10 years, which if we do our math, is $30 a year. That is no small chunk of change. In fact, it would make him the best paid player of all time to this point. There are multiple issues with this entire scenario. It is apparent that Pujols is getting intense pressure from the MLB players association to press for this contract, as it will set a new "high standard" to which all players can be measured. The thinking is -- if Albert gets this significant raise, as the best player in the game today, then we all are going to benefit, as our salaries will also go up. Another issue is that St. Louis isn't exactly a large market team like the Yankees, Red Sox or Angels...they are a mid-market team that has already spent some significant money on free agents the past couple of years. The Cardinals would probably be willing to give Pujols 6 or 7 years at $30 million, but if they were to go the whole ten years, he would be 41 years old at the end of the contract...and too much can go wrong over the life of a ten year contract (see Alex Rodriguez). Yet, another issue is -- how can the Cardinals just let the best player in the game walk away as a free agent at the end of this baseball year? They really can't allow this to happen, but they will if there is no budging on Pujols' part.
So...this is the dilemma. The one variable may actually be the one thing that is "supposedly written in stone"...and this concerns the deadline set for tomorrow. Albert doesn't want it to be a distraction to the team once spring training begins. There is no way that all of this would not be, as the media has already been riding this topic for some weeks now. It is going to continue until he gets signed or tests the free agent market. If there is some significant progress today and tomorrow, the bet is that there will be another extension to get a deal done. From all reports, Albert would like to stay in St. Louis, and the Cardinals would surely love to keep him. However, it is all still very much up in the air. Personally, I think it is good for baseball that Pujols stays in St. Louis. The other large market teams that can afford him already have key people at first base, so there is not a huge need...except in Chicago with the Cubs. This is a scenario that would be a worst-case nightmare for the Cardinals, who view the Cubs as their biggest rival. I can't imagine that the Cardinals brass could stomach the thought of Pujols in a Cubs uniform, but I bet all of the long-suffering Cubs fans out there would love to see it. Hang on...we'll see what transpires.
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Pack Is Back
Friends,
I love cheese...and I have some love for the Green Bay Packers too. Star QB, Aaron Rodgers, just wouldn't allow the Packers to be denied and led his team to victory 31-25. My greatest disappointment is that I picked the Packers to win 31-24, so the two point conversion by the Steelers messed me up...lol. The Packers led from start to finish, and at halftime, it looked like they might just run away with it, as they were up 21-10...but the Steelers were not going away easily. It was worrisome for Packer fans to see three of their starting defensive backs head to the locker room in the second quarter...and in fact, it turned out that all-pro Charles Woodson was lost for the game with a broken collar bone. So, with the sullen locker room at half time for the Packers and an angry locker room for the Steelers, one had to wonder what effect it would have on the teams. The Packers did come out flat in the third quarter and the Steelers quickly closed the game to a four point lead for the Packers, and then it was game on from there. Despite some significant drops by wide receivers, Rodgers just kept the Packers offense churning...and along with some timely defensive stops...they were able to turn the momentum back in their favor in the fourth quarter. So, even though the Steelers were game opponents, it just seemed like it was Title Town destiny from beginning to end. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers, 2010-11 Super Bowl Champions. And here is a little secret...I don't think it will be the last one for this crew. :-)
Blessings,
Don
I love cheese...and I have some love for the Green Bay Packers too. Star QB, Aaron Rodgers, just wouldn't allow the Packers to be denied and led his team to victory 31-25. My greatest disappointment is that I picked the Packers to win 31-24, so the two point conversion by the Steelers messed me up...lol. The Packers led from start to finish, and at halftime, it looked like they might just run away with it, as they were up 21-10...but the Steelers were not going away easily. It was worrisome for Packer fans to see three of their starting defensive backs head to the locker room in the second quarter...and in fact, it turned out that all-pro Charles Woodson was lost for the game with a broken collar bone. So, with the sullen locker room at half time for the Packers and an angry locker room for the Steelers, one had to wonder what effect it would have on the teams. The Packers did come out flat in the third quarter and the Steelers quickly closed the game to a four point lead for the Packers, and then it was game on from there. Despite some significant drops by wide receivers, Rodgers just kept the Packers offense churning...and along with some timely defensive stops...they were able to turn the momentum back in their favor in the fourth quarter. So, even though the Steelers were game opponents, it just seemed like it was Title Town destiny from beginning to end. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers, 2010-11 Super Bowl Champions. And here is a little secret...I don't think it will be the last one for this crew. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
To Tweet or Not To Tweet
Friends,
If you have heard about it, you are probably as amazed as I am. Jay Cutler's sitting out the second half of the NFC Championship with a knee injury drew a significant, negative response...not from the media so much...but, remarkably, from former and fellow players via twitter. It would seem that the Bears QB's typically sour attitude has not won many friends, but the animosity expressed by those through their tweets is sadly surprising. He just does not have the benefit of the doubt at this point in his career. It was revealed today that the Bears QB does have a significant injury...a second degree sprain/tear of his MCL. So, those who criticized him so severely do not appear to have a leg to stand on (sorry about the pun :-). I don't know how this is going to affect Cutler or the Bears going forward, but it does appear that his teammates have his back...at least for now. I hope that he can do some soul-searching and realize that his persona is very important...not that he has to be president of "the happy people club"...just more friendly and likeable. I hope some of the former and fellow players will also do some soul-searching, and not be so quick to condemn. The moral of the story still is -- better be certain of what you want to say before hitting the tweet button.
There actually was some football played over the weekend...even though the above story completely overshadowed the Packers win over the Bears. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers jumped out to a quick first half lead, 14-0, and held on in the second half as Bears' third-string QB, Caleb Hanie, brought the Bears back to make it somewhat respectable in the end, 21-14. In the other game, the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped out to a 24-3 half-time lead over the New York Jets before the Jets also rallied in the second half, making the final score, 24-19. The Steelers are going to their third Super Bowl in six years. They won it in 2006 and 2009. The Packers are back for the first time since losing to the Broncos 13 years ago. They also won the year before, 1996-97, beating the Patriots. It should be a good game in two weeks...very good quarterbacking, excellent defenses.
One final note...I agree with injured standout Packers TE, Jermichael Finley, and do not agree with the Packers' management, concerning the decision to leave players on injured reserve out of the Super Bowl team picture and other festivities. These guys gave their hearts and souls for the team just the same as those who were not injured, or who were able to come back from injury. Whatever happened to all for one and one for all? I think anyone who played for the Packers in 2010 deserves to be in a team photo, whether it is for the Super Bowl or otherwise.
If you have heard about it, you are probably as amazed as I am. Jay Cutler's sitting out the second half of the NFC Championship with a knee injury drew a significant, negative response...not from the media so much...but, remarkably, from former and fellow players via twitter. It would seem that the Bears QB's typically sour attitude has not won many friends, but the animosity expressed by those through their tweets is sadly surprising. He just does not have the benefit of the doubt at this point in his career. It was revealed today that the Bears QB does have a significant injury...a second degree sprain/tear of his MCL. So, those who criticized him so severely do not appear to have a leg to stand on (sorry about the pun :-). I don't know how this is going to affect Cutler or the Bears going forward, but it does appear that his teammates have his back...at least for now. I hope that he can do some soul-searching and realize that his persona is very important...not that he has to be president of "the happy people club"...just more friendly and likeable. I hope some of the former and fellow players will also do some soul-searching, and not be so quick to condemn. The moral of the story still is -- better be certain of what you want to say before hitting the tweet button.
There actually was some football played over the weekend...even though the above story completely overshadowed the Packers win over the Bears. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers jumped out to a quick first half lead, 14-0, and held on in the second half as Bears' third-string QB, Caleb Hanie, brought the Bears back to make it somewhat respectable in the end, 21-14. In the other game, the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped out to a 24-3 half-time lead over the New York Jets before the Jets also rallied in the second half, making the final score, 24-19. The Steelers are going to their third Super Bowl in six years. They won it in 2006 and 2009. The Packers are back for the first time since losing to the Broncos 13 years ago. They also won the year before, 1996-97, beating the Patriots. It should be a good game in two weeks...very good quarterbacking, excellent defenses.
One final note...I agree with injured standout Packers TE, Jermichael Finley, and do not agree with the Packers' management, concerning the decision to leave players on injured reserve out of the Super Bowl team picture and other festivities. These guys gave their hearts and souls for the team just the same as those who were not injured, or who were able to come back from injury. Whatever happened to all for one and one for all? I think anyone who played for the Packers in 2010 deserves to be in a team photo, whether it is for the Super Bowl or otherwise.
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Walking the Talk
Friends,
Well...the J-E-T-S carried that large chip on their shoulders all the way to New England last weekend and the dared the Patriots to knock it...and much to the surprise of nearly everyone, the Pats were unable to do so. New York stunned New England on their turf to fly into the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this coming weekend, who did what they were supposed to do -- beat the Baltimore Ravens at home. The Jets have boasted much this season...and most of the time this is nauseating...but in their case, you have to give them a certain level of respect -- they have defeated Peyton Manning's team and Tom Brady's team in consecutive weekends. If they beat Ben Roethlisberger's team this coming weekend, boy, won't Mark Sanchez have something to tell his grandchildren in a few decades. Here is hoping the Jets can pull off one more upset.
Da Bears defended their home turf against the Seahawks, much to no one's surprise...except a few rabid Seattle fans (of which I was one...silly me). Now they get to welcome the Green Bay Packers who stunned Atlanta on their home turf. The Falcons had no answer on defense for a hot Aaron Rodgers...as the Green Bay QB torched them for 48 points. One has to give props to the once weak NFC North which has had three teams play in the NFC Championship Game in the past two years...not too shabby. So, the predicted set up will pit two good QBs against two stellar defenses, much like the AFC Championship. I am thinking that the Packers are going to win...but, the fact that no one gives the Bears a chance at home makes me nervous, because they could ride that disrespect, much like the Jets did last weekend, all the way to the Super Bowl. So, count me in for two six seeds in the Super Bowl...Packers-Jets. I may not know much about football, but if this happens, the green team is going to win... :-P
Blessings,
Don
Well...the J-E-T-S carried that large chip on their shoulders all the way to New England last weekend and the dared the Patriots to knock it...and much to the surprise of nearly everyone, the Pats were unable to do so. New York stunned New England on their turf to fly into the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this coming weekend, who did what they were supposed to do -- beat the Baltimore Ravens at home. The Jets have boasted much this season...and most of the time this is nauseating...but in their case, you have to give them a certain level of respect -- they have defeated Peyton Manning's team and Tom Brady's team in consecutive weekends. If they beat Ben Roethlisberger's team this coming weekend, boy, won't Mark Sanchez have something to tell his grandchildren in a few decades. Here is hoping the Jets can pull off one more upset.
Da Bears defended their home turf against the Seahawks, much to no one's surprise...except a few rabid Seattle fans (of which I was one...silly me). Now they get to welcome the Green Bay Packers who stunned Atlanta on their home turf. The Falcons had no answer on defense for a hot Aaron Rodgers...as the Green Bay QB torched them for 48 points. One has to give props to the once weak NFC North which has had three teams play in the NFC Championship Game in the past two years...not too shabby. So, the predicted set up will pit two good QBs against two stellar defenses, much like the AFC Championship. I am thinking that the Packers are going to win...but, the fact that no one gives the Bears a chance at home makes me nervous, because they could ride that disrespect, much like the Jets did last weekend, all the way to the Super Bowl. So, count me in for two six seeds in the Super Bowl...Packers-Jets. I may not know much about football, but if this happens, the green team is going to win... :-P
Blessings,
Don
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