Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Stephen A. Smith and Marshawn Lynch. Bang.

A couple sports-related guys are in hot water these days. One for what he said, and the other for what he's NOT doing.

First up, Stephen A. Smith, one in a long line of ESPN talking heads. His initials, SAS, would seem to be appropriate, because there are few SAS-ier than this little dude. He's made a living talking from on high, or perhaps from down low, all the while dishing on various people in the sports world. This guy is a hero. That guy is a bum. Stephen A. has never been short on opinions, and occasionally playing the race card. And most times he gets away with it.

But not this time. Stevie finally stepped into no-no land with his mouth. Regarding the NFL suspending Ray Rice for two games following a domestic dispute with his lady, Smith pretty much said there are times when a woman provokes physical violence through her own actions and/or mouth. In other words, they have it coming.

Oops. Though there are likely many men that would agree with Smith's view, you can't say that publicly. The honchos at ESPN were not amused. SAS was yanked from the air for a week. Bang. Interestingly, the four letter network wouldn't comment as to whether SAS was on paid, or unpaid leave. If the former, then what's the point of the "punishment"? A week's paid vacation hardly sounds like a deterrent. Like all the rest that find themselves banged for various misdeeds or statements, Smith quickly issued an apology. He'll be back in a week, and eventually this will all die down and go away.  But as SAS would say, make no mistake about it. He showed his true colors.

Idle thought: After the week time-out is over, will ESPN have Smith on some sort of double-secret probation ala the Delta Tau Chi fraternity in Animal House in case he messes up again? Unknown, but they should. And while they're at it, make him blow and drop for a year or so to prove he remains clean and sober. Whether warranted or not, it's nothing an average citizen wouldn't typically get banged with these days.

Second up is Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Marshawn's holding out of training camp. This, despite being under contract. Back in 2012, he signed a 4-year deal worth $30 million. Obviously, two years remain on that contract, but Lynch wants his deal "restructured" -- see big raise.

To which I say -- tough. His agent negotiated the contract and, unless Lynch is a total moron, he knew damn good and well what the financial terms were. He signed it. What similar players on other teams are currently getting paid is irrelevant. A deal is a deal. So live with it. And an average of over $7 million a year ain't exactly chump change.

So far, his hold-out has cost him roughly $450,000, and every day will cost him another $30,000. Good. Bang him to the max. You don't see teams reneging on contracts, so players shouldn't be allowed to do so either. What's good for the goose......

Sure, Lynch has proven himself as a terrific running back, and if he was a free agent he'd likely get a lot more money with his next contract. But he's not. Plus, let's not forget the other side of the equation. As an NFL running back, his career could end on any given play if he suffered a horrendous injury. It happens. But the Seahawks would still be on the hook to pay off the remainder of his $30M contract. It works both ways.

But there's no excuse -- NONE -- for Lynch to be holding out of training camp. He needs to step up and be a man -- honoring his end of the deal. If not, continue banging him. The Seahawks will be fine with or without him.

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