Yep, congrats are in order for the Oklahoma ladies' softball team. They are national champions once again.
After a tournament that seemed like it would take forever to finally play out -- I mean, good grief, they've been going at it for a month -- how long should it take? -- even Congress is faster than that -- the Sooners wound up on top.
This was somewhat surprising, given they were merely a #10 seed going in and had to face heavy favorite and #1 Florida in the finals. But beat those pesky Gators twice in a row they did.
It's tough to begrudge the state of Oklahoma any sports glory. Once dominant, the boys' football team at OU hasn't been very good in recent times.
And the entire state has a grand total of ONE professional sports team. The Oklahoma City Thunder, which are the transplanted Seattle Supersonics. No NFL team. No Major League baseball, no NHL presence. They probably have a pro soccer team somewhere -- but who cares?
At that, in recent years the Thunder have seen such mega-talents as James Harden get away to Houston, and just last year Kevin Durant bailed to the Golden State Warriors. Things aren't looking exactly rosy on the NBA front -- one man show Russell Westbrook notwithstanding.
Besides, Oklahoma has to put up with all those tornadoes that tear up things, dust storms, droughts, and can the next swarm of locusts be far behind? It's always something in Okieland.
So here's to the Lady Sooners. They made (see-ya) laters out of Florida.
It's at least something.....
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Monday, June 5, 2017
The case for Phil Mickelson
Once upon a time, many years ago -- believe it or not -- I was actually recruited to write this nonsense. I didn't go looking to do it, but a certain editor sought me out. He was and remains a great guy, smart as they come, and has actually even been promoted in the interim, but it's probably a fair question to ask --- what the hell was he thinking when he brought a nitwit (me) on board? Maybe it was one too many bacon and cheese omelets that choked off blood flow to vital parts of his brain.
Nevertheless, back in the day, I was given a few commandments to abide by.
Thou shalt not get overly vulgar with cuss words.
Thou shalt not use racial, ethnic, gender, or any other terms that could be deemed derogatory in any way, shape, or form.
Though it was never spelled out, it was tacitly understood that this is supposed to be a sports blog, so staying away from the hot rails of politics and religion were also highly recommended.
And one more. If "borrowing" someone else's work, ALWAYS credit the source. That plagiarism stuff can land one in hot water in a hurry.
Editors are a bit god-like. One never knows when they're checking out your work product, but it's best to assume it's 24/7.
That said, I hereby acknowledge one Karen Crouse of the NY Times for originally providing most of the following.
It seems long-time PGA golfer Phil Mickelson finds himself in a dilemma. His daughter Amanda's commencement exercises (high school graduation) fall on the very same day as this year's opening round of the US Open -- June 15.
Phil and his family live in California but the Open will be in Wisconsin. So regardless of whatever tee-time he might be assigned, there's basically no way he can attend both.
It should be noted that the US Open is the only major golf title that has so far eluded Mickelson. He's already won the Masters, British Open, and the PGA. So you just know he really, REALLY wants to win a US Open to complete a career "grand slam" before he heads off to the senior circuit -- if he so chooses.
Lefty will turn 47 on the very day of his daughter's ceremonies and the opening round in Wisconsin.
In other words, his window of opportunity is rapidly closing. Father Time won't spare him any more than he has anybody else over the years. Given the plethora of young guns already on the Tour, it's unlikely Mickelson was going to win an Open anyway. But ya never know when an "old" guy might rear up and shoot four good rounds in a row on a very tough course. Could happen
Yet to his credit, Mickelson didn't have any problem making the choice. Of COURSE he was going to be there for his daughter. He's played in hundreds, probably over a thousand PGA tournaments in his long career, and this year's Open is but one more. But his daughter will only ever graduate high school one time.
Sure, Mickelson already likely has more money than he'll even be able to spend, but this is a man that has his priorities right. So even assuming he would have made the cut at the Open for another cha-ching, it took a back seat to more important matters.
A gentleman on and off the course, and nary a whisper of a scandal of any sort. You've never seen, nor will, Lefty cursing or throwing a club in frustration like another celebrated golfer of not long ago.
Yes, for every spectacular shot he's made over the years, he's probably had the "yips" on a 3 or 4 foot putt. Lots of those have gone wide left or right. But that's what makes him Phil.
A truly good man, faithful husband, and devoted father.
While it hasn't gathered much media attention to date, Phil Mickelson should indeed be applauded for having a hard choice and keeping it simple. He knew what the right thing to do was all along and didn't hesitate when it came time. In the same position, not just everybody would do the same.
Hear, hear. Bravo.
Nevertheless, back in the day, I was given a few commandments to abide by.
Thou shalt not get overly vulgar with cuss words.
Thou shalt not use racial, ethnic, gender, or any other terms that could be deemed derogatory in any way, shape, or form.
Though it was never spelled out, it was tacitly understood that this is supposed to be a sports blog, so staying away from the hot rails of politics and religion were also highly recommended.
And one more. If "borrowing" someone else's work, ALWAYS credit the source. That plagiarism stuff can land one in hot water in a hurry.
Editors are a bit god-like. One never knows when they're checking out your work product, but it's best to assume it's 24/7.
That said, I hereby acknowledge one Karen Crouse of the NY Times for originally providing most of the following.
It seems long-time PGA golfer Phil Mickelson finds himself in a dilemma. His daughter Amanda's commencement exercises (high school graduation) fall on the very same day as this year's opening round of the US Open -- June 15.
Phil and his family live in California but the Open will be in Wisconsin. So regardless of whatever tee-time he might be assigned, there's basically no way he can attend both.
It should be noted that the US Open is the only major golf title that has so far eluded Mickelson. He's already won the Masters, British Open, and the PGA. So you just know he really, REALLY wants to win a US Open to complete a career "grand slam" before he heads off to the senior circuit -- if he so chooses.
Lefty will turn 47 on the very day of his daughter's ceremonies and the opening round in Wisconsin.
In other words, his window of opportunity is rapidly closing. Father Time won't spare him any more than he has anybody else over the years. Given the plethora of young guns already on the Tour, it's unlikely Mickelson was going to win an Open anyway. But ya never know when an "old" guy might rear up and shoot four good rounds in a row on a very tough course. Could happen
Yet to his credit, Mickelson didn't have any problem making the choice. Of COURSE he was going to be there for his daughter. He's played in hundreds, probably over a thousand PGA tournaments in his long career, and this year's Open is but one more. But his daughter will only ever graduate high school one time.
Sure, Mickelson already likely has more money than he'll even be able to spend, but this is a man that has his priorities right. So even assuming he would have made the cut at the Open for another cha-ching, it took a back seat to more important matters.
A gentleman on and off the course, and nary a whisper of a scandal of any sort. You've never seen, nor will, Lefty cursing or throwing a club in frustration like another celebrated golfer of not long ago.
Yes, for every spectacular shot he's made over the years, he's probably had the "yips" on a 3 or 4 foot putt. Lots of those have gone wide left or right. But that's what makes him Phil.
A truly good man, faithful husband, and devoted father.
While it hasn't gathered much media attention to date, Phil Mickelson should indeed be applauded for having a hard choice and keeping it simple. He knew what the right thing to do was all along and didn't hesitate when it came time. In the same position, not just everybody would do the same.
Hear, hear. Bravo.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
NBA Finals -- as expected
It could probably be fairly said that, so far, the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have gone as expected.
Two home games for GS, and two wins. As the heavy favorites going in, this was supposed to happen, although the margins of victory were a bit of an eye-opener. Twenty two and nineteen points in Games 1 and 2, respectively. Not exactly close calls. Far closer to blow-outs.
One could surmise that these results are a bit demoralizing for Lebron James and the Cavaliers. After all, King James was his usual model of excellence in Game 2, putting up a triple-double, while his star teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love each contributed 20 points or so. But they still got drubbed. That's likely because the remainder of their team was basically shut down by the Warrior defense.
Make no mistake. While the high-flying and high scoring Warriors can definitely put the ball in the hoop, they also play terrific team defense.
Former two-time league MVP Steph Curry put up a triple-double of his own, but was vastly overshadowed by the magnificent play of teammate Kevin Durant, including a whopping five blocked shots.
So now the series moves to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. A couple different scenarios are possible. If GS waltzes into Cleveland and takes Game 3, consider the series over. No way is anybody beating that team four straight, despite what happened in last year's Finals. Remember, GS was up 3-1 and blew it. They got complacent, as they've been prone to do on certain occasions, and it cost them dearly. Don't for a minute think they've forgotten that.
Or maybe Cleveland regroups and wins Game 3. That would come as little surprise either. Still business as usual. If Cleveland wins Game 4 as well, it's definitely series on and things get interesting, to say the least. In a best two-out-of-three, anything can happen, especially if an injury to a key player pops up. You never know.
Yet most knowledgeable basketball people (which I do not profess to be) think Golden State will win at least one of the next two games in Cleveland. It's not like the Cavs are unbeatable at home and if the Warriors get it going in either -- look out.
For that matter, a sweep isn't totally out of the question. If the Warriors stay focused and play up to their capabilities, as good as Cleveland is, Golden State is better. The addition of the above-mentioned Kevin Durant last year has taken them from terrific to formidable. His presence on the Warriors can't be overstated.
Last year, the Warriors were noted for the "splash brothers" -- Curry and Klay Thompson, with Draymond Green doing the dirty work. Though Curry remains front and center, when's the last time you heard Thompson's name bandied about by the talking heads? Though he remains the same terrific player, he's been relegated to option three or four. This is a luxury no other team -- including Cleveland -- enjoys.
But just for the sake of argument -- what would happen if the Cavaliers came storming back and won the Finals like they did last year? Nobody seems to have even mentioned the possibility -- but it certainly exists.
No doubt, Lebron James would be exalted to God-like status. Any and all comparisons of who was the better player between him and Michael Jordan would be quashed. James would clearly assume the throne, and likely rightfully so.
But what of Golden State? After adding Durant, they were supposed to be a "super" team, and waltz to a championship. If they get knocked off in the Finals -- again -- what's THEIR next move?
Two home games for GS, and two wins. As the heavy favorites going in, this was supposed to happen, although the margins of victory were a bit of an eye-opener. Twenty two and nineteen points in Games 1 and 2, respectively. Not exactly close calls. Far closer to blow-outs.
One could surmise that these results are a bit demoralizing for Lebron James and the Cavaliers. After all, King James was his usual model of excellence in Game 2, putting up a triple-double, while his star teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love each contributed 20 points or so. But they still got drubbed. That's likely because the remainder of their team was basically shut down by the Warrior defense.
Make no mistake. While the high-flying and high scoring Warriors can definitely put the ball in the hoop, they also play terrific team defense.
Former two-time league MVP Steph Curry put up a triple-double of his own, but was vastly overshadowed by the magnificent play of teammate Kevin Durant, including a whopping five blocked shots.
So now the series moves to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. A couple different scenarios are possible. If GS waltzes into Cleveland and takes Game 3, consider the series over. No way is anybody beating that team four straight, despite what happened in last year's Finals. Remember, GS was up 3-1 and blew it. They got complacent, as they've been prone to do on certain occasions, and it cost them dearly. Don't for a minute think they've forgotten that.
Or maybe Cleveland regroups and wins Game 3. That would come as little surprise either. Still business as usual. If Cleveland wins Game 4 as well, it's definitely series on and things get interesting, to say the least. In a best two-out-of-three, anything can happen, especially if an injury to a key player pops up. You never know.
Yet most knowledgeable basketball people (which I do not profess to be) think Golden State will win at least one of the next two games in Cleveland. It's not like the Cavs are unbeatable at home and if the Warriors get it going in either -- look out.
For that matter, a sweep isn't totally out of the question. If the Warriors stay focused and play up to their capabilities, as good as Cleveland is, Golden State is better. The addition of the above-mentioned Kevin Durant last year has taken them from terrific to formidable. His presence on the Warriors can't be overstated.
Last year, the Warriors were noted for the "splash brothers" -- Curry and Klay Thompson, with Draymond Green doing the dirty work. Though Curry remains front and center, when's the last time you heard Thompson's name bandied about by the talking heads? Though he remains the same terrific player, he's been relegated to option three or four. This is a luxury no other team -- including Cleveland -- enjoys.
But just for the sake of argument -- what would happen if the Cavaliers came storming back and won the Finals like they did last year? Nobody seems to have even mentioned the possibility -- but it certainly exists.
No doubt, Lebron James would be exalted to God-like status. Any and all comparisons of who was the better player between him and Michael Jordan would be quashed. James would clearly assume the throne, and likely rightfully so.
But what of Golden State? After adding Durant, they were supposed to be a "super" team, and waltz to a championship. If they get knocked off in the Finals -- again -- what's THEIR next move?
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Tiger Woods and idle thoughts
So Eldrick Tont Woods, sometimes known as Tiger, turned out not to be drunk after all in his recent tete-a-tete with the law enforcement types. The ever reliable "authorities" say he blew 0.0 on the alcohol breathylizer. That's the good news for him.
However, the charge was DUI, as in Driving Under the Influence."Influence" is certainly not restricted to alcohol consumption only. It also entails any drug usage which would hamper his ability to drive an automobile. And that doesn't have to mean illegal substances like marijuana, heroin, meth, acid, and the like. Being under the influence also extends to prescription medication. Take too much of whatever, get zoned out, then drive a car, and if you get caught -- you have a problem.
By his own public admission, Woods is on the hook for such an infraction. Basically, he's already confessed to the crime. Tiger stated he was on post-surgery pain relievers and muscle relaxers, and didn't realize he had overdone it. That's the bad news.
Idle thought -- though he was found sound asleep at the wheel, with the vehicle still running, how did the car wind up with two flat tires? That question has yet to be answered.
At any rate, he was certainly unfit to drive. A potential menace to any and all other drivers who might have the misfortune to be in his vicinity. If a guy -- or girl -- keeps falling back asleep after being confronted by the cops, and doesn't know where they are, where they came from, or where they were going -- it could fairly be said that whatever they were under the influence of -- chalk it up to the f'ed up category. Way too much of something.
It will be interesting to see how the local prosecutors decide to proceed in this case. A conviction of some kind or other is already a slam-dunk -- if they want it. But will they? Who would be surprised if some sort of "arrangement" was reached, whereby Woods totally skates? Maybe a hefty donation to a worthwhile charity somewhere could make it all go away. Remember, this is Tiger Woods, not your average shop rat, super-sizer, or retarded blogger such as yours truly. The rules are different, and God bless America. Ahem.
Chances are, Tiger will plead guilty to a minor infraction and get off with the proverbial slap on the wrist. A couple thousand dollar fine -- laughable in his world -- and maybe a few months pseudo probation. No way will he have to wear a "tether", although his ex Elin probably wishes she had thought of that idea back in the day. And he can't be expected to "drop" periodically, because his own doctors will attest he needs to remain on certain meds.
Another idle thought -- what's more dangerous than Tiger being "off his meds"?
Answer -- Tiger being ON his meds.
Scary.
However, the charge was DUI, as in Driving Under the Influence."Influence" is certainly not restricted to alcohol consumption only. It also entails any drug usage which would hamper his ability to drive an automobile. And that doesn't have to mean illegal substances like marijuana, heroin, meth, acid, and the like. Being under the influence also extends to prescription medication. Take too much of whatever, get zoned out, then drive a car, and if you get caught -- you have a problem.
By his own public admission, Woods is on the hook for such an infraction. Basically, he's already confessed to the crime. Tiger stated he was on post-surgery pain relievers and muscle relaxers, and didn't realize he had overdone it. That's the bad news.
Idle thought -- though he was found sound asleep at the wheel, with the vehicle still running, how did the car wind up with two flat tires? That question has yet to be answered.
At any rate, he was certainly unfit to drive. A potential menace to any and all other drivers who might have the misfortune to be in his vicinity. If a guy -- or girl -- keeps falling back asleep after being confronted by the cops, and doesn't know where they are, where they came from, or where they were going -- it could fairly be said that whatever they were under the influence of -- chalk it up to the f'ed up category. Way too much of something.
It will be interesting to see how the local prosecutors decide to proceed in this case. A conviction of some kind or other is already a slam-dunk -- if they want it. But will they? Who would be surprised if some sort of "arrangement" was reached, whereby Woods totally skates? Maybe a hefty donation to a worthwhile charity somewhere could make it all go away. Remember, this is Tiger Woods, not your average shop rat, super-sizer, or retarded blogger such as yours truly. The rules are different, and God bless America. Ahem.
Chances are, Tiger will plead guilty to a minor infraction and get off with the proverbial slap on the wrist. A couple thousand dollar fine -- laughable in his world -- and maybe a few months pseudo probation. No way will he have to wear a "tether", although his ex Elin probably wishes she had thought of that idea back in the day. And he can't be expected to "drop" periodically, because his own doctors will attest he needs to remain on certain meds.
Another idle thought -- what's more dangerous than Tiger being "off his meds"?
Answer -- Tiger being ON his meds.
Scary.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
NBA Finals and the usual lies
They lied to us all day long. Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers was going to start at 9:00 PM. It said so in the paper. On the 4-letter network they even had a countdown clock in the corner, ticking off every second until game time. Click on the "guide" channel, fast forward enough hours, and, sure enough, there it was. 9:00.
But you know that's never going to happen. No major sporting event, and lots of minor ones, ever starts when it's supposed to. At 9:00, the players were still milling on the court warming up and the national anthem had yet to be sung.
Ah, but an update. Tip-off was to be at 9:07 sharp. Guess what? That didn't happen either. Another lie. They finally trotted out some yahoo (and the mandatory giant flag across the court) who proceeded to jazz up the anthem. God, I hate that. Can't they just sing it the way it was written? It's even disrespectful to the country.
Finally, FINALLY, the game got underway.
To the surprise of few, Golden State would pretty much have their way with Cleveland. No matter how you slice it or dice it, a 22 point victory is quite convincing.
At one point in the second half, a remarkable statistic was shown. The Cavaliers had turned the ball over 10 times and the Warriors none. When the other team is taking the ball away from you, and you can't reciprocate, then you have a problem.
Sure, Lebron James got his 30 or so points and Kyrie Irving chipped in with 20-some. But Kevin Durant was lighting it up for almost 40 with Steph Curry his usual 30. When the two best players on the other team are out-balling the two best players on your team -- you have another problem.
See Draymond Green (he of the past groin kicks) muscling up Lebron James. See Green manhandle James and wind up with an easy lay-up. See James get called for a foul after Green had done the dirty work. This would appear to be problem #3. The refs weren't kow-towing to the "King" like they so often do.See Lebron complain to no avail. A bad sign for Cleveland and their fans.
So officially the series stands at 1-0 in favor of Golden State. They definitely looked to be the better team, but folks have said that all year long. Let's not forget the same was said all of last year. In 2016, Golden State even raced out to a 3-1 series lead in the Finals. We know how that turned out in the end. In other words, this thing is far from over.
True, it's possible the Warriors could sweep this series in four games to complete an astounding 16-0 playoff run and capture the championship. But it could also flip back the other way. Different refs, different strategies, the Cavs get hot or the Warriors go cold -- who knows? Anything could happen.
Now we await Game 2. It's scheduled for Sunday night at 8:00.
And that will be a lie too. Maybe by quarter after we'll see some action. Maybe.
And also just maybe we'll get to see and listen to a singer that will give a proper, respectful rendition of the Star Bangled Banner.
But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one either........
But you know that's never going to happen. No major sporting event, and lots of minor ones, ever starts when it's supposed to. At 9:00, the players were still milling on the court warming up and the national anthem had yet to be sung.
Ah, but an update. Tip-off was to be at 9:07 sharp. Guess what? That didn't happen either. Another lie. They finally trotted out some yahoo (and the mandatory giant flag across the court) who proceeded to jazz up the anthem. God, I hate that. Can't they just sing it the way it was written? It's even disrespectful to the country.
Finally, FINALLY, the game got underway.
To the surprise of few, Golden State would pretty much have their way with Cleveland. No matter how you slice it or dice it, a 22 point victory is quite convincing.
At one point in the second half, a remarkable statistic was shown. The Cavaliers had turned the ball over 10 times and the Warriors none. When the other team is taking the ball away from you, and you can't reciprocate, then you have a problem.
Sure, Lebron James got his 30 or so points and Kyrie Irving chipped in with 20-some. But Kevin Durant was lighting it up for almost 40 with Steph Curry his usual 30. When the two best players on the other team are out-balling the two best players on your team -- you have another problem.
See Draymond Green (he of the past groin kicks) muscling up Lebron James. See Green manhandle James and wind up with an easy lay-up. See James get called for a foul after Green had done the dirty work. This would appear to be problem #3. The refs weren't kow-towing to the "King" like they so often do.See Lebron complain to no avail. A bad sign for Cleveland and their fans.
So officially the series stands at 1-0 in favor of Golden State. They definitely looked to be the better team, but folks have said that all year long. Let's not forget the same was said all of last year. In 2016, Golden State even raced out to a 3-1 series lead in the Finals. We know how that turned out in the end. In other words, this thing is far from over.
True, it's possible the Warriors could sweep this series in four games to complete an astounding 16-0 playoff run and capture the championship. But it could also flip back the other way. Different refs, different strategies, the Cavs get hot or the Warriors go cold -- who knows? Anything could happen.
Now we await Game 2. It's scheduled for Sunday night at 8:00.
And that will be a lie too. Maybe by quarter after we'll see some action. Maybe.
And also just maybe we'll get to see and listen to a singer that will give a proper, respectful rendition of the Star Bangled Banner.
But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one either........
Monday, May 29, 2017
The Tiger Woods trainwreck
Few would doubt that, once upon a time, Eldrick Tont Woods put together the greatest decade professional golf has even seen.
This roughly coincided with the latter part of the Clinton administration, on through the George W. tenure, and briefly into the Obama years.
He was winning seemingly everything. Tiger's relentless march toward Jack Nicklaus's all-time record of 18 major titles was almost a foregone conclusion. If was not a matter of if -- but when.
During that time, incredibly, not only was Woods far and away ranked #1, but in many tournaments he was the preferred choice to win over the entire field. That, in itself, showed his utter dominance.
And then the wheels fell off.
First, we were treated to the spectacle of his wife, Elin Nordgren, a beauty by any standards, chasing dear Tiger with one of his own golf clubs. Evidently, she appeared more than eager to inflict bodily harm upon his person -- perhaps take a divot out of his head.
This is what typically happens when a wife finds out her husband has been fooling around with as many as a dozen other women on the side. They tend to be a bit touchy when it comes to such things. Go figure.
In his haste to escape, yon Tiger wound up driving his car into some shrubbery on his own property. Not a pretty sight to say the least.
By most accounts, Tiger's little sexual escapades cost him upwards of $100 million when Elin inevitably and rightfully filed for divorce. She up and moved herself and their kids back to her native Sweden.
Then his golf game fell apart. Forget winning -- Tiger got to the point where he was lucky to even make a cut.
Along the way, he had four back surgeries which, to date, don't seem to have totally fixed what ailed him. Just a thought, but he might want to consider taking his business to another team of surgeons somewhere. How many whacks should they get before they're expected to get it right?
I mean c'mon. This guy's only a golfer. He swings golf clubs, his bag is carried by a caddy, and he strolls along the most luxurious golf courses in the world. It's not like he's a mixed-martial arts fighter in the Octagon. So how hard can it be to get in shape for what he does for a living?
And now, on this Memorial Day, poor Tiger has been busted for a DUI. This happened in Jupiter, Florida, not far from his primary residence there.
Yours truly has a friend and his wife that have a place in roughly the same neighborhood as Tiger (been there a few times), and my friend expressed astonishment that Woods was busted at all. According to "Joe", Jupiter is a place where money talks. If one has enough of it, they can typically BUY their way out of any complications with law-enforcement types --see cops. Evidently, Eldrick had the misfortune of running into an honest one bent on doing the job they are sworn to. Oops.
His booking mug shot shown on TV was -- shall we say -- less than flattering. Woods appeared like he was "three sheets" indeed. But that would be jumping to conclusions.
Yet it's probably a pretty safe bet that a blood sample was taken. So far, results unknown. Remember, this was on a federal holiday, and all the government types get a paid day off. Including the lab folks that analyze such samples.
But it will shortly become a public record and the world will know just what his blood-alcohol content was. The reporters will be all over it until they get what they want and are able to broadcast it. Probably within the next day or two.
Depending on what that number comes back as will likely determine how hard Tiger is punished. Chances of jail time? Virtually zero but, at the very least, it's going to cost him a few thousand bucks (and a former sponsor or three). This is chump-change in his world, of course, but the bigger hit will come to his already not-so-good reputation.
And he's still no closer to making any sort of "comeback", which was doubtful enough even BEFORE this latest "my bad" occurrence.
[As an aside, yours truly always finds it comical when the usual arm-chair anti-alcohol puritans deign to deliver words from on high following such a scenario. They will say Woods made a dumb decision by getting behind the wheel of an automobile after having too much to drink. Well -- no kidding. Hey, if one's already "in the bag" -- see drunk -- it pretty much goes with the territory that making foolish choices is a part of it. Hello?]
Nevertheless, Eldrick Tont Woods may or may not have finally hit rock bottom with his latest charade.
Though this author was never a fan of his, even back in his hey-day -- and yes -- I can root for and against whomever I wish -- one of the few rights that hasn't yet been eroded by Big Brother -- dear Tiger seems to have checked off another box in the category of "you shouldn't have done that".
In sum, a once promising career and wild popularity has pretty much turned into a train wreck over the last several years.
Here's hoping he snaps out of it and makes something out of the rest of his life.
We shall see.......
This roughly coincided with the latter part of the Clinton administration, on through the George W. tenure, and briefly into the Obama years.
He was winning seemingly everything. Tiger's relentless march toward Jack Nicklaus's all-time record of 18 major titles was almost a foregone conclusion. If was not a matter of if -- but when.
During that time, incredibly, not only was Woods far and away ranked #1, but in many tournaments he was the preferred choice to win over the entire field. That, in itself, showed his utter dominance.
And then the wheels fell off.
First, we were treated to the spectacle of his wife, Elin Nordgren, a beauty by any standards, chasing dear Tiger with one of his own golf clubs. Evidently, she appeared more than eager to inflict bodily harm upon his person -- perhaps take a divot out of his head.
This is what typically happens when a wife finds out her husband has been fooling around with as many as a dozen other women on the side. They tend to be a bit touchy when it comes to such things. Go figure.
In his haste to escape, yon Tiger wound up driving his car into some shrubbery on his own property. Not a pretty sight to say the least.
By most accounts, Tiger's little sexual escapades cost him upwards of $100 million when Elin inevitably and rightfully filed for divorce. She up and moved herself and their kids back to her native Sweden.
Then his golf game fell apart. Forget winning -- Tiger got to the point where he was lucky to even make a cut.
Along the way, he had four back surgeries which, to date, don't seem to have totally fixed what ailed him. Just a thought, but he might want to consider taking his business to another team of surgeons somewhere. How many whacks should they get before they're expected to get it right?
I mean c'mon. This guy's only a golfer. He swings golf clubs, his bag is carried by a caddy, and he strolls along the most luxurious golf courses in the world. It's not like he's a mixed-martial arts fighter in the Octagon. So how hard can it be to get in shape for what he does for a living?
And now, on this Memorial Day, poor Tiger has been busted for a DUI. This happened in Jupiter, Florida, not far from his primary residence there.
Yours truly has a friend and his wife that have a place in roughly the same neighborhood as Tiger (been there a few times), and my friend expressed astonishment that Woods was busted at all. According to "Joe", Jupiter is a place where money talks. If one has enough of it, they can typically BUY their way out of any complications with law-enforcement types --see cops. Evidently, Eldrick had the misfortune of running into an honest one bent on doing the job they are sworn to. Oops.
His booking mug shot shown on TV was -- shall we say -- less than flattering. Woods appeared like he was "three sheets" indeed. But that would be jumping to conclusions.
Yet it's probably a pretty safe bet that a blood sample was taken. So far, results unknown. Remember, this was on a federal holiday, and all the government types get a paid day off. Including the lab folks that analyze such samples.
But it will shortly become a public record and the world will know just what his blood-alcohol content was. The reporters will be all over it until they get what they want and are able to broadcast it. Probably within the next day or two.
Depending on what that number comes back as will likely determine how hard Tiger is punished. Chances of jail time? Virtually zero but, at the very least, it's going to cost him a few thousand bucks (and a former sponsor or three). This is chump-change in his world, of course, but the bigger hit will come to his already not-so-good reputation.
And he's still no closer to making any sort of "comeback", which was doubtful enough even BEFORE this latest "my bad" occurrence.
[As an aside, yours truly always finds it comical when the usual arm-chair anti-alcohol puritans deign to deliver words from on high following such a scenario. They will say Woods made a dumb decision by getting behind the wheel of an automobile after having too much to drink. Well -- no kidding. Hey, if one's already "in the bag" -- see drunk -- it pretty much goes with the territory that making foolish choices is a part of it. Hello?]
Nevertheless, Eldrick Tont Woods may or may not have finally hit rock bottom with his latest charade.
Though this author was never a fan of his, even back in his hey-day -- and yes -- I can root for and against whomever I wish -- one of the few rights that hasn't yet been eroded by Big Brother -- dear Tiger seems to have checked off another box in the category of "you shouldn't have done that".
In sum, a once promising career and wild popularity has pretty much turned into a train wreck over the last several years.
Here's hoping he snaps out of it and makes something out of the rest of his life.
We shall see.......
Sunday, May 28, 2017
The Green Bay Packers enigma
In the Super Bowl era, as in the last 50 years, few would doubt the Green Bay Packers have, for the most part, been the class of the NFC Central, and now Northern division. They've won several Super Bowls along the way, while their competition has come up sorely lacking.
True, the Tampa Bay Bucs of the old Central division captured one. As did the fearsome Chicago Bears in the mid 80s. The Minnesota Vikings have made it to four Super Bowls, but came up short in the big game every time.
At the bottom of the barrel resides the Detroit Lions. They are one of only four teams to never have even made it to the ultimate game, let alone winning it. The other three are Jacksonville, Houston, and the "new" Cleveland Browns -- all expansion teams. Don't forget the "old" Cleveland Browns became the Baltimore Ravens and indeed won a couple Super Bowls. The Lions continue to flounder.
Yet a half century has passed and the Lions appear to be no closer to getting to a Super Bowl than they ever have. Over the course of all that time, they've won a grand total of ONE playoff game.
Former receiver supreme Calvin "Megatron" Johnson toiled away for a decade in Detroit and never experienced a single playoff victory. Is it any wonder he retired with his body and mind still semi-intact? A couple decades ago, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders did much the same thing. Had he stuck around while still in his prime, Sanders likely would have put the all-time NFL rushing record so far out of sight it would never be approached again. But Sanders had had enough of the losing ways. A sorry testament to the Lions organization indeed.
But despite their divisional superiority over the years, the Packers pose quite the enigma. They are a team "owned" by the fans, instead of a billionaire somewhere. Being a "small market" team, and with nothing else of note sports-wise going on in Cheeserland, the waiting line to get season tickets is long indeed. Let's just say that don't have any worries about not selling out a game any time soon.
At that, it is said these thousands of "owners" can buy in, but they can't sell. It's somewhat reminiscent of the old Eagles tune Hotel California. You can check in but never leave. Perhaps a bit scary in that regard, but the Green Bay faithful don't seem to have any problem with it.
Nevertheless, it poses an interesting question. If the collective fans own the team, then who, pray tell, gets to decide who the president, general manager, and other front office personnel are? Do they have annual town hall meetings with all the "share-holders" showing up to vote on such things? And if so, how do they weigh the votes if one person holds more "shares" than the next, which is inevitable in any business enterprise? Nobody seems to know, or at least aren't willing to talk about it.
Very strange, but it seems to work.
This year the Packers are highly favored to win the division title once again. Who's going to stop them? The Bears were bad enough during the Jay Cutler era. Now even he's gone. Superstar running back Adrian Peterson has scrammed from the Vikings and their maybe/maybe not quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming off a serious injury. They would project to be average at best in the upcoming season.
The Lions, the epitome of the little engine that "couldn't", remain in a state of disarray. Sure, they and their snake oil peddling media will continue to hype them, because that's what they've always done. What's truly amazing is the legions of suckers in Detroit that keep buying into the same scam year, after year, after year. By God, they love their puddy-tats. In most other cities fans would have been screaming bloody murder and boycotted such a sad sack franchise eons ago. Only in Detroit could they remain optimistic. Poor misguided souls. They knoweth not, and evidently never will. Clueless.
Let's not forget the last time the Lions were relevant happened way back in the Eisenhower administration. The late 50s. Leave It To Beaver was fairly new, as was I Love Lucy. Color TV was still on the drawing board. The ill-fated Edsel, ironically enough another Ford product, was about to make its debut. The NHL was still the "original six", and the NBA had a whopping nine teams -- exactly one -- the Lakers -- west of the Mississippi. Medical procedures were barbaric by today's standards and politicians were, for the most part, honest and forthcoming. Imagine that. Hard to believe -- I know -- but it really did happen once upon a time.
A lot of things have changed since then, and mostly for the better. Progress on several different fronts can be considered as no less than truly remarkable.
But the Packers are still the class of the NFC Northern Division, despite their head-scratching management decision making process.
The Bears and Vikings may have good games here and there but likely pose little threat to get back to a Super bowl any year soon.
The Lions remain -- well -- the Lions. Watch their faithful scream with delight when they win a few games. Then watch the same have to swallow the inevitable bitter pill of disappointment when they come up short -- again -- in the end.
And sure as it gets dark at night, you just know it's going to happen.
Some things are just destined to remain the same......
True, the Tampa Bay Bucs of the old Central division captured one. As did the fearsome Chicago Bears in the mid 80s. The Minnesota Vikings have made it to four Super Bowls, but came up short in the big game every time.
At the bottom of the barrel resides the Detroit Lions. They are one of only four teams to never have even made it to the ultimate game, let alone winning it. The other three are Jacksonville, Houston, and the "new" Cleveland Browns -- all expansion teams. Don't forget the "old" Cleveland Browns became the Baltimore Ravens and indeed won a couple Super Bowls. The Lions continue to flounder.
Yet a half century has passed and the Lions appear to be no closer to getting to a Super Bowl than they ever have. Over the course of all that time, they've won a grand total of ONE playoff game.
Former receiver supreme Calvin "Megatron" Johnson toiled away for a decade in Detroit and never experienced a single playoff victory. Is it any wonder he retired with his body and mind still semi-intact? A couple decades ago, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders did much the same thing. Had he stuck around while still in his prime, Sanders likely would have put the all-time NFL rushing record so far out of sight it would never be approached again. But Sanders had had enough of the losing ways. A sorry testament to the Lions organization indeed.
But despite their divisional superiority over the years, the Packers pose quite the enigma. They are a team "owned" by the fans, instead of a billionaire somewhere. Being a "small market" team, and with nothing else of note sports-wise going on in Cheeserland, the waiting line to get season tickets is long indeed. Let's just say that don't have any worries about not selling out a game any time soon.
At that, it is said these thousands of "owners" can buy in, but they can't sell. It's somewhat reminiscent of the old Eagles tune Hotel California. You can check in but never leave. Perhaps a bit scary in that regard, but the Green Bay faithful don't seem to have any problem with it.
Nevertheless, it poses an interesting question. If the collective fans own the team, then who, pray tell, gets to decide who the president, general manager, and other front office personnel are? Do they have annual town hall meetings with all the "share-holders" showing up to vote on such things? And if so, how do they weigh the votes if one person holds more "shares" than the next, which is inevitable in any business enterprise? Nobody seems to know, or at least aren't willing to talk about it.
Very strange, but it seems to work.
This year the Packers are highly favored to win the division title once again. Who's going to stop them? The Bears were bad enough during the Jay Cutler era. Now even he's gone. Superstar running back Adrian Peterson has scrammed from the Vikings and their maybe/maybe not quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming off a serious injury. They would project to be average at best in the upcoming season.
The Lions, the epitome of the little engine that "couldn't", remain in a state of disarray. Sure, they and their snake oil peddling media will continue to hype them, because that's what they've always done. What's truly amazing is the legions of suckers in Detroit that keep buying into the same scam year, after year, after year. By God, they love their puddy-tats. In most other cities fans would have been screaming bloody murder and boycotted such a sad sack franchise eons ago. Only in Detroit could they remain optimistic. Poor misguided souls. They knoweth not, and evidently never will. Clueless.
Let's not forget the last time the Lions were relevant happened way back in the Eisenhower administration. The late 50s. Leave It To Beaver was fairly new, as was I Love Lucy. Color TV was still on the drawing board. The ill-fated Edsel, ironically enough another Ford product, was about to make its debut. The NHL was still the "original six", and the NBA had a whopping nine teams -- exactly one -- the Lakers -- west of the Mississippi. Medical procedures were barbaric by today's standards and politicians were, for the most part, honest and forthcoming. Imagine that. Hard to believe -- I know -- but it really did happen once upon a time.
A lot of things have changed since then, and mostly for the better. Progress on several different fronts can be considered as no less than truly remarkable.
But the Packers are still the class of the NFC Northern Division, despite their head-scratching management decision making process.
The Bears and Vikings may have good games here and there but likely pose little threat to get back to a Super bowl any year soon.
The Lions remain -- well -- the Lions. Watch their faithful scream with delight when they win a few games. Then watch the same have to swallow the inevitable bitter pill of disappointment when they come up short -- again -- in the end.
And sure as it gets dark at night, you just know it's going to happen.
Some things are just destined to remain the same......
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