Category Archives: Sports

Unbridled Joy

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I’m usually proud to be an American, but my identity isn’t tied too closely to my U.S. citizenship. Simply put, I don’t put as much emphasis on political boundaries as most people.

Which is why watching the preeminent event in the preeminent sport always leaves me befuddled, wondering whom to root for.

This year I was pulling for the homeboys because after Friday morning’s ass whupping, they were serious underdoggies. Often though, I pull for the Euros because they want it SO much more. Their collective identity is so damn compelling that I just get caught up in it. The U.S. side talks the “team” talk, but never walk it anything like the Euros. For proof, track down the vids shot from inside the Euros’ team bus after yesterday’s victory. THAT’s how you celebrate.

The event’s intensity has me thinking about attending the next Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York in 24 months. Even more so, I want to attend the 2027 edition in Limerick, Ireland. Who wants to join me? My plan is to hide my passport, have a few beers, dress up like one of the Euro fans, and get RIGHT in the middle of it. The only problem is I will probably be outed once I speak or sing.

Oh yes, there’s lots of singing. And yes, you’re right, that probably means no one will volunteer to join me.

What The Hell ESPN?

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Our sensitivity to mental health challenges is a two step forward one step backward process.

ESPN’s interview of Aryna Sabalenka after she lost the women’s final match was a huge, high profile step backwards. She dominated the opening set and melted down in the second and third. Immediately afterwards, she was understandably distraught at the magnitude of her collapse. Never mind though, the ESPN analyst kept asking increasingly pointed questions while pressing the microphone to her lips. She laughed incredibly uncomfortably and struggled to put a coherent sentence together while intermittently turning away and putting her face in her hands in an attempt to hide. And yet, the analyst pressed forward with more questions. It was grossly inappropriate and entirely unnecessary. Just go to Coco for shitssake.

Today there’s footage of Sabalenka repeatedly smashing her racquet into the locker room floor minutes after the on-air interview. Unclear whether she was lashing out at her play or the analyst’s utter cluelessness.

Do better ESPN. A lot better.

Shannon, Stephen A. disagree on NFL MVP this season

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Never mind that the season hasn’t started.

This is a new low.

Even with the intense individualism that marks life in the (dis)United States, I will never understand the preoccupation with MVP races.

Last I checked, basketball, football, baseball are team sports. I don’t give a shit about who is the most valuable player. Now, mid-season, late season. Tell me one thing, what’s your winning percentage?

That said, it’s prob time to name the MVPP. . . Most Valuable Pressing Pauser. Are you a contender or pretender? Contender. . . someone named DanDanTheRetiredTranspo Man; Don in the premier destination for technology development; the GoodWife for her behind the scenes support, Reverend Wright, two Centrist baboons, the list goes on and on. If you’re not on the short list, I suggest you work a little harder on your brand.

I Miss College Football

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Semi-pro ball just isn’t the same.

My Cougie friends are homeless and Deion Sanders has turned over the Colorado roster of “student-athletes”. Neon Deion also got mad at some of his new “student-athletes” for not fighting during practice. Asked about the importance of team culture, he said:

“‘I’m not welcoming to that word, culture. That’s all I heard when I was in Jackson. Culture, culture, culture, culture, culture. Now culture, culture. What the heck does that mean?’

In this context, it was defined for the Pro Football Hall of Famer as creating an environment to become a good football team. For example, what little things do the players have to do every day to maximize their potential?

‘I don’t think you got to have unity whatsoever. You got to have good players.'”

Now let’s debate which is most important, fruits or vegetables, air or water, minor or major sports. The best teams create winning environments and have good players.

No promises, but this fall I will try to keep it together watching my Bruins in their final Pac-12 season. My UCLA football dream is that someday, in my lifetime, they draw as many fans as Nebraska women’s volleyball.

Nutso Sports Sentences To Ponder

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Just from today.

  • “Noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump. . . said at a news conference Monday that he expects to file more than 30 lawsuits from former Northwestern athletes (football and other sports) in the coming weeks and months.”
  • “Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison said he was driving 140 mph last week because his dog was having an emergency at home, according to a citation filed Monday with the Ramsey County District Court and reviewed by ESPN.” Oh, in that case. . .
  • “After missing out on Lionel Messi, Saudi team Al Hilal made a record €300 million ($332m) bid for Kylian Mbappé on Monday, which could see the France striker join Cristiano Ronaldo in the oil-rich kingdom.”