OK...so I go to Mazatlan for Spring Break and I leave the world behind for a week. Had a great time doing...absolutely nothing. Sat on the balcony of the condo we rented...on the beach...read a book or two and got a great tan. Absolutely fantastic. Now I'm wondering if I can go back...not for a week...not for a month...maybe for an extended period of time. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN" ME! I get home and nothing is any different in the sports world. Of course I didn't expect the morons to go away. I just kind of hoped they would take a break like I did. Lay low and stay out of the spotlight. Lay low and stay out of trouble. Lay low and act like you have been there before and know how to handle yourself. No such luck.
MLB opened another season this week and so far the most prolific thing I have read or heard is...complaining about the umpires. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN' ME? The season is not a week old and I have read blogs complaining about umpires, I have listened to broadcasters complain about umpires, from local broadcasts to National broadcasts, to people at work complaining about the umpires. Alright already. Every umpire working a MLB game this season is going to suck at some point in time this year. I hardly think they are holding personal grudges against teams or players. I don't think they are intentionally trying to mess up Joe Blows (arbitrary name for the normal fan in the stands) night at the ball park. And I don't think they are purposely trying to be bad at what they do. Actually I would think they take pride in doing what they do just as most of us...if we are lucky...take pride in what we do. All I can say is this. How long do you think the MLB season is going to be if all we get to listen to is how this umpire or that umpire screwed our favorite team or player on any given night. As much as I couldn't stand the whole steroid thing...I'll be looking forward to a discussion about it by the end of the year if this is what I get to listen to all year. Especially if it is like this after LESS than one week of the season has been played.
Speaking of MLB. I read today where Brian McNamee has autographed baseball paraphenalia from Roger Clemens that he, McNamee, has decided to autograph as well and then sell. Are the proceeds going to some kind of steroids awareness program or to some other viable charity? At least 80% of the profits are going to McNamee. Seems he so despises his former client now that he wants nothing to do with any of the paraphenalia Clemens signed for him. He said he doesn't want the gifts anymore. ARE YOU FREAKIN'KIDDIN' ME? This is the #### who held on to syringes for years so that he would be able to supply evidence of Clemens' steroid usage if it ever came to that. This is a guy who received, as gifts from Clemens, autographed baseball paraphenalia all the while dating syringes of every supposed steroid shot he ever gave Clemens, or Rogers wife Debbie, for the purpose of...hanging Clemens out to dry when the time came. And now he has the audacity to sell said gifts for his profit. Honestly, I really don't care if he sells this stuff off. But give the proceeds to some other charity other than the Brian McNamee Fund. This smells so bad on so many levels. I'm having a really hard time giving any credence to his testimony now that he has done this. I questioned his motives before when I heard he saved syringes and stuff but this has removed all questions for me. He is all about him and his integrity and character are now as much in question as Clemens ever were. Given the opportunity to sit next to Clemens or McNamee in any situation...I'd pick Clemens.
On to the NFL. Matt Leinart is a party boy and we have pictures to prove it. He is a father and he is a professional football player and he got chastized by his head coach and some people have questioned the coach for doing that. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN' ME? Leinart is acting like the coddled and spoiled rich kid he has probably been all of his life (OK, this line might get me in trouble), at least in college. He's 24 years old, with a ton of money, and a very interesting lifestyle to be sure. And, in all honesty, at least he isn't out there shooting someone, or getting shot. At least he isn't taking his behavior out in the streets and going to strip clubs and busting up patrons or employees...and continually going back for more...regardless of the attempts at discipline. But his coach has every right to call his future QB out on this. Signing the contract, whether anyone else agrees or not, put Leinart in a situation where he is representing a community and is most likely the future face of the organization. Frankly, I couldn't care less if Leinart spins around in a hot-tub with a bevy of beauties. And it was in his home. But that doesn't remove the responsibility he has to the Arizona Cardinals and the community. Matt, at the very least, when you are being responsible enough to take the car keys from your guests who will be drinking in the presented style...take their cell-phones so that you can act like a teenager in your home and nobody else will be any the wiser. And Coach...keep up the good work.
Hey, everybody...have you heard? Tony Romo, the Cowboys QB finished 34th in a golf tournament. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN' ME? I'm not sure what tournament and I couldn't care less. I don't care if it was for some kind of charity. Here is my question. Why is this newsworthy in any way shape or form? Tony, did you know that a lot of NHL players travel with their golf clubs and when they go to places like Florida and California they play a ton of golf. I know several myself that are outstanding golfers who have won a few local tournaments now and then and they didn't get any press for that. And they wouldn't want it. Let me guess...Jessica Simpson was with and she was reporting the scores for you. That or our sports press is so hard up for any story that this is what got in for news. Bet all Cowboys fans are happy to hear you play golf. Do you think they wonder if you can get them to the Super Bowl? As the tournament you played probably wasn't a pro-am (as I didn't really recognize any names) and you did finish...34th...why would anyone care? Just curious.
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooner Head Football Coach, read an article wherein the fact that West Virgina "WANTED" last years Fiesta Bowl win more than the Sooners did and was prompted to act. He has hung the article up in the Sooner locker room as inspiration for the upcoming season. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN' ME? Right now OU is going through Spring Football with many of their key performers not participating while they recover from injuries. DeMarco Murray is still not over the kneecap injury that shortened his season. Chris Brown is not participating. Several key defections and graduations from the defense must be addressed as well not to mention Malcolm Kelly's departure for the NFL has left you with a need to find another wideout. Especially with Adron Tennell not practicing yet, either. If I get stuck watching many more games of the Bradford to Iglesias pitch and catch show I may kick a hole in my television. The good news is that all the young kids who will need to step up are getting quality reps and time. But maybe the focus at this point in time should be on filling holes with capable bodies. Then we can get on to cliche moves like holding up newspaper articles that question your teams initiative. And, Coach Stoops, I love the job you've done at OU but...maybe you should read the article as well. The last few BCS games haven't really been played up to expectations by the players...or the coaching staff.
The college football season is what...6 months away? How many people or publications are doing predictions now...and why? ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN' ME? Look at the paragraph immediately preceding this one. This is about the OKlahoma Sooners who I care about almost as much as I care about my family. This team has been mentioned anywhere from Number 1 in the country to Number 3 in the country. They lost Malcolm Kelly, Allen Patrick, Curtis Lofton and Reggie Smith to NFL and secondary and linebacker corp was blasted with graduations. Besides Lofton at linebacker Lewis is gone now as well. Mike Reed was released from the team and Ryan Reynolds and Austin Box are hopefully ready to step in. QB and offensive line will be the strong point this year going in. Where Murray and Brown will be is, hopefully, ready to play but...who knows. Iglesiais had an awesome year last year...how much of that was because he was generally lined up opposite Kelly who was getting double covered most of the time. Am I saying the Sooners shouldn't be considered the #1 , #2, or #3 team in the country when the season opens up? NO! What I am saying is that early predictions when every team has issues like these are a waste of time, effort and print.
Jacques Lemaire, the Minnesota Wild coach is one victory away from his 500th in the NHL. This will tie him with his first coach in Montreal, the legendary Toe Blake. Who else did Lemaire play for in Montreal? Let's see...hmmmm...got it right here in the old memory file...Scotty Bowman. ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDIN' ME? No wonder this guy knows how to coach. He learned from two of the best. Good luck against Calgary tomorrow night in your quest Jacques.
Ah, spring break. What a beautiful time of year. Glad to hear yours was relaxing. I'm having mine right now. Doing a little golfing, enjoying the beach, and just generally relaxing. Good times!
I've read those umpire-bashing blogs too. I guess there are always people willing to complain.
I see what you're saying about McNamee. The whole situation sounded shady from the beginning, saving syringes and whatnot. This takes it to another level. Could he have been any more obvious with his intentions here? Clearly out to get his.
If anybody has a reason to complain, it's the coach. Leinart's actions reflect on the team and the coach. Personally, I think this has already been blown way out of proportion. I don't really care about it; it doesn't concern me. However, if I were involved with the organization, I might feel differently.
As for Romo, who really cares? He golfed badly anyway.
I love the 6 months early predictions. Do these people really think they know what they're talking about?
coach....good rant. I'll give MacNamee $5 per baseball with just Roger's autograph, but only $1 each if MacNamee signs it too. No, I'm not freakin' kiddin' you about that.
Nothing like coming back from a relaxing vacation to get your cage rattled, eh? I'm with you on the umpires, and no it is not limited to baseball. All I seem to hear anymore is people whining about the refs/umpires. To me, it is like running your fingernails acrossed a chalkboard. I complained about refs until I was 13. My JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL coach benched me for 3 games. He told me if I was going to act like a toddler, he would treat me like one. He also told me that great players/(people) adjust to their atmosphere, compete and win. Losers look for and find excuses, and that is why they lose. To this day, never a wiser moment in my entire life.
As for your Sooners. Hmmmpf. You and I know they will be very good again. You should be a bit flattered people still think that highly of OU, especially after the last two debacles in the desert. But I can see where you are coming from. Early season expectations, unproven talent reading the headlines.......... can turn into a rather dismal season. But what is dismal season in OU land these days? 10 - 3? As a Husker, I'll take that right now. Good to see ya again GCoach. I needed some waking up.
jgrace 12 - I didn't even think about golfing on my break because I am rehabbing my shoulder still in hopes of doing a ton of golfing this spring and summer. I didn't get to do much last year. Enjoy the golf, the beach, and the relaxing. It is way too early to be complaining about the umpires. McNamee just has snake written all over him and, like you the Leinart thing is way out of control but he should think with his 24 year old brain occassionally. And I've finished better than 34th in a golf tournament and I'm not that good at it. I wouldn't mind reading about what a team is going through in spring football but I don't need to see any predictions...yet. Plenty of time for that in about 4.5 or 5 months. Thanks for dropping in.
Hanahan - you would still give him more than I would. A buck is about a buck and a half more then he deserves. Thanks for stopping by.
Nos - So good of you to stop in. We try telling our kids that they have to adapt and play through poor officiating. It is our job as coach's to worry about the officiating and their job to play. You got a good lesson at an early age and it sounds like it stuck with you. Wonder where those lessons are being taught nowadays and why they ain't sticking. Another subject.
Yes, I suspect the Sooners will be at the top of the heap to start the year but they have some question marks. Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes (academically ineligible in Fiesta Bowl) return in the secondary and everyone else is virtually new. With Lofton and Lewis Baker gone the linebacking corp has some questions. D line should be better than last year and with Auston English healthy to anchor it that is a good thing. Obviously they don't have the same concern at QB as last year and realistically RB should be alright. They should definately be able to score. And maybe Venables will produce some magic. But it is way too early for predictions. At least for me. As for the Huskers...I sincerely hope Pelini is an improvement over Callahan. Thanks again for commenting.
I would reply in a more lengthy and conversational manner but I am swamped today.
(just wanted to make a comment before this one "dissappeared" off the page.)
I am an educator and a coach. I was a goaltender in hockey until my playing days finished but now coach hockey and soccer. Once a goaltender always a goaltender. I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan, hold most professional athletes in low regard and have no time for prima donna athletes who think they are better than others who were not fortunate enough to get where these guys, or girls, are. I don't think celebrity puts anyone higher than anyone else in any capacity which, I think, is contrary to our society perception.
