So, um, the past day has been kind of crazy in the sports world. Where to start?
I guess I'll kick it off with the PGA Championship, since that's consumed my life this week. Tiger Woods' press conference was interesting in that the room was packed and he was his usual charming self. I thought Phil Mickelson was comical, pitied Sergio Garcia for being haunted by the British Open and enjoyed chatting with Retief Goosen, David Toms and my boy Fred Funk. I'm excited for the tourney to start tomorrow...but that's a story for another day.
The big news in my world is Reggie Miller is reportedly considering coming out of retirement. In a related story, the sky is falling and my world is collapsing. Today's not the day to comment on speculation, so I'll save that for later...
...Because I want to talk about Barry Bonds, who became the home run king by belting No. 756 to right field last night. I've been watching his at-bats periodically but was content to ignore it yesterday (I was physically tired and tired of the whole HR watch). So I started brushing my teeth to head to bed early and turned on the TV for some background noise. Five seconds later, Bonds hit No. 756. Good timing, eh?
I've said repeatedly that I think Bonds did steroids. I can't prove it, but a quick read of "Game of Shadows" should convince you, if the size of his muscles, his ability to seemingly reverse the aging process and his expanding head don't do it for you.
But does that taint his record?
I think so. It's pretty simple, actually. Bonds cheated. If you break the rules, you don't deserve the record. Period.
Bonds supporters claim everyone has cheated. Pitchers Bonds faced used steroids, too. Ty Cobb tried to hurt opponents by digging his cleats into them. Gaylord Perry pitched spitballs that were unfair to hitters.
There's another wrinkle to things. Other professions use performance-enhancing drugs. Pain-killers for sore football players. Everyone uses coffee to stay awake. And, frankly, I'd be lost this week at the PGA Championship without Starbucks, Pepsi and an afternoon ice cream (sugar) break.
But there's a big difference between caffeine and HGH. Caffeine is legal. Steroids are not. There's a reason the feds shut down BALCO, and it has nothing to do with preserving the sanctity of baseball.
Bonds would not have broken the record had he not used steroids. He doesn't deserve the record. But we can't change the past (as Mark McGwire taught us). We technically can't prove that he broke any rules (or laws), so we can't add an * next to his record. It stands.
So what's the solution here?
A couple of options: 1) Prove Bonds did steroids, either through drug testing, grand jury testimony or a federal indictment. 2) Put an * next to the whole era and leave it at that. 3) Pray A-Rod breaks the record soon.
Not great options. Here's the best: Stop caring about the past.
Baseball is the only major sport that puts an extreme emphasis on records. Who's scored the most touchdowns in NFL history? How many points has Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored? How many KOs did Ali have? Who has the most shutouts in NHL history? Few fans (or reporters) know those answers, but most know about Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak, Ted Williams' .406 season or Bonds' 756 homers.
We can't change Bonds' record. Or the fact that he probably juiced. Or the fact that he's a jerk.
But we can change our attitudes towards the record. By devaluing his accomplishments, we deprive him of the one thing he craves: Attention.
How's that for karma?
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Tiger and Co. in Tulsa
So as I might have mentioned, I'm covering this week's PGA Championship at Southern Hills here in Tulsa. The first day of practice rounds went down today. Here are my reflections:
* Tiger Woods is magnetic. He teed off around 6:20 a.m. with a crowd of four watching. By hole No. 4, that number skyrocketed. And by 18, there were hundreds cheering as he drilled a 30-foot putt. I watched him for a couple holes, and, well, he's good. If you saw him play in Akron, you saw a remarkable performance that led to an 8-stroke win and what should have been 7 or 8 birdies through the first 10 holes. He's the most dominant athlete in the world (but that's another post). He showed his awesomeness on a couple sweet shots and long tee drives.
Here's the other thing about Tiger: He's so charming, you can't hate him. About a dozen local media members camped out to talk to Tiger when he came off 18. This was our one time to get him before the national media comes....just us and the greatest golfer in the world. Instead, he walked off, saying, "Tomorrow, guys." We could have been mad because we waited around for a long time in the hot sun...but we didn't. We said, "Thanks, Tiger," and that was that. And then he smiled. His smile looks 1,000 times better in person than on TV. And yes, I'm still straight.
* This year's Masters winner, Zach Johnson, is no one-hit wonder. He kicked some tail today, including nailing a 100-yard shot on 15 within two feet of the cup, plus two of three chip shots from the bunker on 16 within one foot. Plus, he's a nice guy: he signed autographs for the 50 or so fans following him on every hole at the end of the day.
* My Northwestern homedawg, Luke Donald, is a nice guy. I talked to him for a minute or two after 18. He's my darkhorse pick to win this sucker.
* But Fred Funk was the most fun of the day. He juggled a ball with his driver, but then quipped to fans that the real trick shot is a 300-yard drive - something he said he has yet to master. He then tried to chip a ball into the tractor that picks up golf balls on the driving range. To top it off, I talked to him afterwards about his favorite 18th hole. He said he doesn't have one - but he has plenty of favorite 19th holes...
* It's freakin' hot out, dude. Today was in the upper 90s, and it's supposed to be 99 tomorrow. I'm going to melt.
* Gameplan for tomorrow includes getting there at 7 a.m. to stalk...err, follow...Tiger Woods for a few holes, talk to Angel Cabrera and round up some random quotes - hopefully from Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and company. Now I will collapse.
* Tiger Woods is magnetic. He teed off around 6:20 a.m. with a crowd of four watching. By hole No. 4, that number skyrocketed. And by 18, there were hundreds cheering as he drilled a 30-foot putt. I watched him for a couple holes, and, well, he's good. If you saw him play in Akron, you saw a remarkable performance that led to an 8-stroke win and what should have been 7 or 8 birdies through the first 10 holes. He's the most dominant athlete in the world (but that's another post). He showed his awesomeness on a couple sweet shots and long tee drives.
Here's the other thing about Tiger: He's so charming, you can't hate him. About a dozen local media members camped out to talk to Tiger when he came off 18. This was our one time to get him before the national media comes....just us and the greatest golfer in the world. Instead, he walked off, saying, "Tomorrow, guys." We could have been mad because we waited around for a long time in the hot sun...but we didn't. We said, "Thanks, Tiger," and that was that. And then he smiled. His smile looks 1,000 times better in person than on TV. And yes, I'm still straight.
* This year's Masters winner, Zach Johnson, is no one-hit wonder. He kicked some tail today, including nailing a 100-yard shot on 15 within two feet of the cup, plus two of three chip shots from the bunker on 16 within one foot. Plus, he's a nice guy: he signed autographs for the 50 or so fans following him on every hole at the end of the day.
* My Northwestern homedawg, Luke Donald, is a nice guy. I talked to him for a minute or two after 18. He's my darkhorse pick to win this sucker.
* But Fred Funk was the most fun of the day. He juggled a ball with his driver, but then quipped to fans that the real trick shot is a 300-yard drive - something he said he has yet to master. He then tried to chip a ball into the tractor that picks up golf balls on the driving range. To top it off, I talked to him afterwards about his favorite 18th hole. He said he doesn't have one - but he has plenty of favorite 19th holes...
* It's freakin' hot out, dude. Today was in the upper 90s, and it's supposed to be 99 tomorrow. I'm going to melt.
* Gameplan for tomorrow includes getting there at 7 a.m. to stalk...err, follow...Tiger Woods for a few holes, talk to Angel Cabrera and round up some random quotes - hopefully from Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and company. Now I will collapse.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
...What if the real world were like the sports world?
Today's story that Raiders No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell is expected to hold out for a long time got me thinking: What if I held out on my first job?
So The Indianapolis Star drafts me with the No. 1 pick (And why wouldn't they? I have a news background, multimedia knowledge and Web experience...Any takers? Anyone???). Even though there are only, let's say, 95 sports writers with my beat in the country, and even though being a sports writer is my dream, and even though there are thousands of people working their tails off who would love to have my job...I decide to hold out. You're only offering me $30,000 a year for four years?! Yeah right. Call me when you get serious.
What would the Star do?
They'd kick my tail into Meridian Street so fast it'd make my head spin like one of Russell's spirals. The editors wouldn't wait a day before yelling, "Next!" for the next young gun to come in and snatch the position.
And that would be that.
But things are different in pro sports - specifically the NFL. Somehow, the young guy has all of the power - or thinks he does. "Dude...you guys were 2-14 last year," Russell must be telling Al Davis and Co., "and your current starter is a washed-up 30-year-old on his third team and ready for his third knee surgery. You need me. Pay me like it."
While Russell (and Brady Quinn in Cleveland) have a point, here's what I don't get: Just about all of the NBA draft picks are signed, including Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. The NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement is set up to minimize holdouts: it's pretty much set in stone how much players get based on when they were drafted. Not the NFL, where you have a No. 22 pick who wants to get paid like a No. 2 pick.
This whole thing makes even less sense when you consider how hard it is to learn an NFL offense - especially as a QB. You can jump from college basketball to the NBA and be fine (See: Carmelo Anthony or Allen Iverson). The game is more or less the same, though faster and with better athletes.
But the NFL is a different beast. The schemes are harder to learn, the game is much, much faster and the players are bigger, stronger and much better. To memorize a playbook, learn how to decipher defenses and adjust to the speed takes months. Why waste weeks holding out for a few extra million?
The NFL needs to adopt the approach of the rest of the world. Give the power to the teams and the league to figure out contracts, so the players can do what they do what they (eventually) get paid to do: play.
So The Indianapolis Star drafts me with the No. 1 pick (And why wouldn't they? I have a news background, multimedia knowledge and Web experience...Any takers? Anyone???). Even though there are only, let's say, 95 sports writers with my beat in the country, and even though being a sports writer is my dream, and even though there are thousands of people working their tails off who would love to have my job...I decide to hold out. You're only offering me $30,000 a year for four years?! Yeah right. Call me when you get serious.
What would the Star do?
They'd kick my tail into Meridian Street so fast it'd make my head spin like one of Russell's spirals. The editors wouldn't wait a day before yelling, "Next!" for the next young gun to come in and snatch the position.
And that would be that.
But things are different in pro sports - specifically the NFL. Somehow, the young guy has all of the power - or thinks he does. "Dude...you guys were 2-14 last year," Russell must be telling Al Davis and Co., "and your current starter is a washed-up 30-year-old on his third team and ready for his third knee surgery. You need me. Pay me like it."
While Russell (and Brady Quinn in Cleveland) have a point, here's what I don't get: Just about all of the NBA draft picks are signed, including Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. The NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement is set up to minimize holdouts: it's pretty much set in stone how much players get based on when they were drafted. Not the NFL, where you have a No. 22 pick who wants to get paid like a No. 2 pick.
This whole thing makes even less sense when you consider how hard it is to learn an NFL offense - especially as a QB. You can jump from college basketball to the NBA and be fine (See: Carmelo Anthony or Allen Iverson). The game is more or less the same, though faster and with better athletes.
But the NFL is a different beast. The schemes are harder to learn, the game is much, much faster and the players are bigger, stronger and much better. To memorize a playbook, learn how to decipher defenses and adjust to the speed takes months. Why waste weeks holding out for a few extra million?
The NFL needs to adopt the approach of the rest of the world. Give the power to the teams and the league to figure out contracts, so the players can do what they do what they (eventually) get paid to do: play.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The week that was
1. Apparently today was the day of the home run. A-Rod hit No. 500 earlier today, and Barry Bonds just tied Hank Aaron with No. 755. A-Rod's milestone is impressive - sort of. The awe comes from the fact that he did it so young (32 years old), not that he hit 500. After all, an ape on The Cream can hit 500 nowadays.
Or 755. I'll write more on Bonds another day (when he gets 756), but I just want to touch on how lame this whole "chase" has been. Feels much more like a slow, funereal drudge through a cemetary than a chase, doesn't it? And here's the part that really gets me: I've been watching parts of the Giants games that have been on TV the last week or so, in case he does hit it. The kicker is that I'm not enjoying it. I'd rather not watch it, frankly, but it's like a deathwatch: You can't look away, for fear you'll miss something happen...even though what actually happens is a lot less dramatic than you thought it'd be. Hope that makes sense; it's been a long week.
2. The Colts cut former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Corey Simon. Chalk this one up as a stroke of bad luck. When we signed Simon, it seemed as if we had the big DT we needed to stuff the run, add a sack or two and put our defense on par with the offense. Simon did OK, but injuries cut his time with us short. Sad that it happened, but the Colts were right to move on.
3. I spent the last couple days bouncing from college football media day to college football media day. I pulled the Oklahoma trifecta: University of Tulsa on Thursday, University of Oklahoma on Friday and Oklahoma State today. The differences between the players was astounding. The TU guys were genuine and intelligent - much more likely to mention their major and career plans in my short Q&As. OU players were definitely the most dedicated and most focused (and least talkative). The OSU guys were the friendliest and most open with me. No point here; just sayin'...
4. Still awaiting word on whether my hometown of Columbus, Ind. will have another parade to honor Tony Stewart's victory at the Brickyard. As lame as it sounds, it's also kind of cool. Normally parades are reserved for championships or Super Bowl victories. Think Bonds will get a parade in San Francisco? Or Tiger Woods will get one in Cypress, Calif. if he wins the upcoming PGA Championship?
5. Speaking of PGA Championship, that's coming to Tulsa soon, or something. Woods was in town Monday night/Tuesday morning for a practice round, and the local media did a great job of getting completely useless (but hilarious) details. Flew in Monday on his private jet. Spent the night at the Renaissance Hotel. Didn't putt in on the last hole - just got a feel for the greens. And, most importantly, ate dinner at Fuddruckers. Apparently he wore a backwards cap and sunglasses...AND NO ONE RECOGNIZED HIM! Come now. He's one of the most recognizable people in the world, one of the five biggest celebrities in America and one of the five biggest sports icons ever...but sunglasses and a backwards cap make him a normal guy? It's just like Superman/Clark Kent - how can a pair of spectacles matter that much? As a glasses/contact wearer, I can tell you the difference isn't that big...
6. Tony Dungy's book, "Quiet Strength," is set to become No. 1 on the New York Times' Best-sellers list this week. It's sitting on my bookshelf right now, but I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet. I'll get on that ASAP and post a review...but I extend my congratulations to Dungy for this honor. it couldn't go to a nicer, more deserving guy.
7. The X-Games suffered a scary moment when skateboarder Jake Brown fell a good 30 feet in the Big Air event. He suffered a collapsed lung and was in the hospital for a couple days...but is somehow OK. I don't want to link to the video because it's...intense. YouTube if you wish. I mention this whole event only because it serves as a reminder of where sports really rank in life. They're fun and all that...but when a guy nearly dies in a tough hit, it's a wake-up call.
Or 755. I'll write more on Bonds another day (when he gets 756), but I just want to touch on how lame this whole "chase" has been. Feels much more like a slow, funereal drudge through a cemetary than a chase, doesn't it? And here's the part that really gets me: I've been watching parts of the Giants games that have been on TV the last week or so, in case he does hit it. The kicker is that I'm not enjoying it. I'd rather not watch it, frankly, but it's like a deathwatch: You can't look away, for fear you'll miss something happen...even though what actually happens is a lot less dramatic than you thought it'd be. Hope that makes sense; it's been a long week.
2. The Colts cut former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Corey Simon. Chalk this one up as a stroke of bad luck. When we signed Simon, it seemed as if we had the big DT we needed to stuff the run, add a sack or two and put our defense on par with the offense. Simon did OK, but injuries cut his time with us short. Sad that it happened, but the Colts were right to move on.
3. I spent the last couple days bouncing from college football media day to college football media day. I pulled the Oklahoma trifecta: University of Tulsa on Thursday, University of Oklahoma on Friday and Oklahoma State today. The differences between the players was astounding. The TU guys were genuine and intelligent - much more likely to mention their major and career plans in my short Q&As. OU players were definitely the most dedicated and most focused (and least talkative). The OSU guys were the friendliest and most open with me. No point here; just sayin'...
4. Still awaiting word on whether my hometown of Columbus, Ind. will have another parade to honor Tony Stewart's victory at the Brickyard. As lame as it sounds, it's also kind of cool. Normally parades are reserved for championships or Super Bowl victories. Think Bonds will get a parade in San Francisco? Or Tiger Woods will get one in Cypress, Calif. if he wins the upcoming PGA Championship?
5. Speaking of PGA Championship, that's coming to Tulsa soon, or something. Woods was in town Monday night/Tuesday morning for a practice round, and the local media did a great job of getting completely useless (but hilarious) details. Flew in Monday on his private jet. Spent the night at the Renaissance Hotel. Didn't putt in on the last hole - just got a feel for the greens. And, most importantly, ate dinner at Fuddruckers. Apparently he wore a backwards cap and sunglasses...AND NO ONE RECOGNIZED HIM! Come now. He's one of the most recognizable people in the world, one of the five biggest celebrities in America and one of the five biggest sports icons ever...but sunglasses and a backwards cap make him a normal guy? It's just like Superman/Clark Kent - how can a pair of spectacles matter that much? As a glasses/contact wearer, I can tell you the difference isn't that big...
6. Tony Dungy's book, "Quiet Strength," is set to become No. 1 on the New York Times' Best-sellers list this week. It's sitting on my bookshelf right now, but I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet. I'll get on that ASAP and post a review...but I extend my congratulations to Dungy for this honor. it couldn't go to a nicer, more deserving guy.
7. The X-Games suffered a scary moment when skateboarder Jake Brown fell a good 30 feet in the Big Air event. He suffered a collapsed lung and was in the hospital for a couple days...but is somehow OK. I don't want to link to the video because it's...intense. YouTube if you wish. I mention this whole event only because it serves as a reminder of where sports really rank in life. They're fun and all that...but when a guy nearly dies in a tough hit, it's a wake-up call.
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