That title is my homage to De La Soul, practically begging for another album. If you don't know what song that's from, step your hip-hop game up. Moving on...
So the Feds finally got Barry Bonds, eh? They finally took down MLB's all-time home run leader and the greatest player of our generation (with A-Rod's career still ongoing) on perjury charges, huh? But this is not about guilt or innocence. This is about Major League Baseball and the underlying race tones of this entire "steroids" thing.
Honestly, I think he did take steroids, and those who don't believe so need to go look at his numbers (hell, look at his trading cards) from his days with the Pittsburgh Pirates--with which, oh by the way, he won three straight MVP awards. My beef is with George Mitchell and the "Judicial Committee" ONLY targeting Mr. Bonds. It's not like he had all the flaxseed oil and tainted B-12 shots in his locker for the past ten years. And while he was destroying baseballs and sending them to watery graves in McCouvey Cove, It's unquestionable that some of the pitchers were on the juice...allegedly. Why does Roger Clemens get a pass for having an "intense workout regimen", while Bonds just only was talented because of the cream and the clear...allegedly? I know steroids is cheating, but I don't think the average guy can shoot up and become an all-time great player. Was he designated the scapegoat when he hit 73 bombs in 2003? Or when he became the first ever player with 500 homers and 500 stolen bases in 2004? He definitely became a target long before he made Mike Bacsik a legend (he's the guy that gave up #756). My problem is not that they went after Barry Bonds. My problem is that they ONLY went after Barry Bonds. Would you care to reminisce with me?
The year? 2005. The place? Congress. The event? Various MLB players, including Curt Schilling, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Rafael Palmeiro, testifying before George Mitchell and the boys (the Senate Committee) about steroids and' my favorite term, "performance-enhancing drugs" on Capitol Hill. It was Mr. Palmeiro's turn to speak, and he begins with a very profound statement: "Let me start by saying, I have NEVER done steroids. Period." A couple months later: Breaking news. Rafael Palmeiro has tested positive for steroids. If I'm not mistaken, the man lied to Congress. Isn't that perjury? Why hasn't he been brought to justice? Why isn't ESPN airing a Rafael Palmeiro special? Oh, I get it. Because he disappeared. He was liked to begin with, so by fading from the public eye, he gets a free pass. Bonds, however, has always been surly with the media, so he gets prosecuted? Interesting developments.
Hmm...I guess I shouldn't be shocked. This is a government in which the Vice President shot a man in the face, and the guy shot APOLOGIZED for being shot. That's crazy. Well, to the sane, it is.
So, my people, it's time to focus; fix your I-Max.
Peace,
JT
Sunday, November 18, 2007
when they reminisce over you...
*sigh*
can you just come back for another album Plugs? Please?
...and due to how Purple Jesus ravaged defenses for the first half of the season, I was inspired to look at Darren Sproles, who will be known as Purple David because he spread the gospel like few others (The Big 12's all time leader in total yardage -- yes, over Barry Sanders) but fell short of being the Israelite that AP has been for the Vikes...even though he singlehandedly beat The Colts with his return game last week.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Donovan McNabb Can't Think for Himself...?
There's a lot of things that the media does that I have a problem with. One thing in particular though, especially with sports media, is that the press tends to be hypocritical when it comes to honesty. They desire for athletes, coaches and personnel to be more forthcoming with information; but when it's an opinionated matter, they want to tell that person how to think and feel.
This was more obvious to me over this past week with the airing of Donovan F. McNabb's interview for HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," taped before the season. In this interview, to summarize, he stated that Black quarterbacks get criticized more than their Caucasian counterparts. This isn't about whether or not he was wrong. This is about other people telling him that his opinion is invalid, and trying to force an alternative upon him.
It does not matter whether or not you agree with McNabb's assessment. You could believe he's flat out wrong. Where I have a problem is when people look at a situation through a keyhole and believe they have the entire picture. I'll explain...
Ever since being booed at the 1999 NFL Draft, Donovan McNabb has been the subject of criticism, and it's not just been by White people. Aside from Rush Limbaugh's ignorance, he's even been seen as an Uncle Tom for wanting to be a Black "pocket passer," and use his mobility last. Mind you, the person that said that worked at the NAACP; so take that for what it's worth. Never mind the stories of the other Black quarterbacks--Warren Moon, Doug Williams, etc.--that he already knows. He's caught negative flack his entire professional career, with most of it being drenched in racial connotations. So I think he has a little experience in how he should feel about the scrutiny Black quarterbacks face.
My point is not that he was right or wrong. My point is that the media shouldn't ask for candid, truthful remarks; then just dismiss his honest feelings as him just being salty over the Eagles' 0-2 record. Oh, that's right. This was taped before the season started, meaning that if they started 2-0 and he had 9 touchdown passes these comments would still be the same. For some reason, a lot of the media overlooks that small yet undeniably significant fact. I say that to say this, Terry Bradshaw's never had melanin-filled skin, and Jason Campbell and Vince Young have never been booed...yet. So until you've lived in Mr. McNabb's cleats, don't be so quick to tell him how to think. Oh, by the way, he's right....still.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
This was more obvious to me over this past week with the airing of Donovan F. McNabb's interview for HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," taped before the season. In this interview, to summarize, he stated that Black quarterbacks get criticized more than their Caucasian counterparts. This isn't about whether or not he was wrong. This is about other people telling him that his opinion is invalid, and trying to force an alternative upon him.
It does not matter whether or not you agree with McNabb's assessment. You could believe he's flat out wrong. Where I have a problem is when people look at a situation through a keyhole and believe they have the entire picture. I'll explain...
Ever since being booed at the 1999 NFL Draft, Donovan McNabb has been the subject of criticism, and it's not just been by White people. Aside from Rush Limbaugh's ignorance, he's even been seen as an Uncle Tom for wanting to be a Black "pocket passer," and use his mobility last. Mind you, the person that said that worked at the NAACP; so take that for what it's worth. Never mind the stories of the other Black quarterbacks--Warren Moon, Doug Williams, etc.--that he already knows. He's caught negative flack his entire professional career, with most of it being drenched in racial connotations. So I think he has a little experience in how he should feel about the scrutiny Black quarterbacks face.
My point is not that he was right or wrong. My point is that the media shouldn't ask for candid, truthful remarks; then just dismiss his honest feelings as him just being salty over the Eagles' 0-2 record. Oh, that's right. This was taped before the season started, meaning that if they started 2-0 and he had 9 touchdown passes these comments would still be the same. For some reason, a lot of the media overlooks that small yet undeniably significant fact. I say that to say this, Terry Bradshaw's never had melanin-filled skin, and Jason Campbell and Vince Young have never been booed...yet. So until you've lived in Mr. McNabb's cleats, don't be so quick to tell him how to think. Oh, by the way, he's right....still.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Portland, This is NOT Deja Vu
To Paul Allen, Kevin Pritchard, and the entire Rose City population:
Look, I know your mood turned from joyous to gloomy in one doctor's phone call, but please, do not go into a frenzy. Greg Oden will miss his rookie season, and I know you may have slight regret in making the decision to select the big man instead of the swingman from my hometown (for the record, I said you should have; but to each is own); but all is not lost. And Oden is definitely NOT Sam Bowie, who by the way, turned out to be a servicable big man and have an almost-respectable career...considering.
Yes, it now looks questionable to trade all-star caliber in Zach Randolph and place the burden on your young players, led by R.O.Y. (as predicted by me) Brandon Roy. And it seems like he's fragile after having nagging injuries in college which would allow anyone to question whether he can handle the rigors of an 82-game NBA season. Granted, Mr. Durant looks ahead of the NBA curve offensively and will probably have nights that will force you to remember that you're the city that passed on him; while Oden struggled in summer league. And no, although LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are good young big men, your team will not have any interior defensive presence. Both have been criticized for playing smaller than their suggested heights, and both would rather shoot a 15-footer than make a power drop step. But trust me, Oden will be incredible for your city. He's a legit center that absolutely loves to play defense and rebound, something that's lost in 90% of the league, regardless of position.
And though Greg Oden looks like Wise Lebron (stop looking at my lemonade), he's only 19. If he follows the tough rehab program to the letter like Amare did, then he won't show any ill effects when he does return. The rehab is key because you know the talent is there, he just has to make sure not to further hinder his overall athleticism. Mike Conley will be good, and Thad Matta can coach, but Oden was the reason Ohio State went to the NCAA championship game last year, and eventually he will bring winning to your franchise.
The bright side has more illumination than you may think, Portland. Because of this injury, he does not have to endure regular-season wear and tear, which may allow for him to extend his career. So he does not have to contend with the Shaq's (sorry, you won't be seeing him soon, Wilt Chamber-neezy) and Yao's on the block; then have to worry about perimeter players looking to draw contact and highflyers looking to make posters. And it's not like you were playoff contenders, anyway, so just wait one more year like you were going to do in the first place. All signs point to him having a strong work ethic, being that he played and shot free throws with his off hand. If he takes this rehab time to work on his game, be it a baby hook or just simple footwork, he'll be fine.
For now, Portland, just enjoy the fact that Brandon Roy will continue to grow and then visualize the team you will have next year. You'll undoubtedly will be in the lottery again, hopefully you'll land a solid swingman; like an O.J. Mayo or a Michael Beasley (another one from up the block). Even Chase Budinger and Nicolas Batum (from Greece) will do. Just hang in there, Portland......Unless Kevin Durant is all-time great. Then, well, it's back to the drawing board for your front office....again.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
Look, I know your mood turned from joyous to gloomy in one doctor's phone call, but please, do not go into a frenzy. Greg Oden will miss his rookie season, and I know you may have slight regret in making the decision to select the big man instead of the swingman from my hometown (for the record, I said you should have; but to each is own); but all is not lost. And Oden is definitely NOT Sam Bowie, who by the way, turned out to be a servicable big man and have an almost-respectable career...considering.
Yes, it now looks questionable to trade all-star caliber in Zach Randolph and place the burden on your young players, led by R.O.Y. (as predicted by me) Brandon Roy. And it seems like he's fragile after having nagging injuries in college which would allow anyone to question whether he can handle the rigors of an 82-game NBA season. Granted, Mr. Durant looks ahead of the NBA curve offensively and will probably have nights that will force you to remember that you're the city that passed on him; while Oden struggled in summer league. And no, although LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are good young big men, your team will not have any interior defensive presence. Both have been criticized for playing smaller than their suggested heights, and both would rather shoot a 15-footer than make a power drop step. But trust me, Oden will be incredible for your city. He's a legit center that absolutely loves to play defense and rebound, something that's lost in 90% of the league, regardless of position.
And though Greg Oden looks like Wise Lebron (stop looking at my lemonade), he's only 19. If he follows the tough rehab program to the letter like Amare did, then he won't show any ill effects when he does return. The rehab is key because you know the talent is there, he just has to make sure not to further hinder his overall athleticism. Mike Conley will be good, and Thad Matta can coach, but Oden was the reason Ohio State went to the NCAA championship game last year, and eventually he will bring winning to your franchise.
The bright side has more illumination than you may think, Portland. Because of this injury, he does not have to endure regular-season wear and tear, which may allow for him to extend his career. So he does not have to contend with the Shaq's (sorry, you won't be seeing him soon, Wilt Chamber-neezy) and Yao's on the block; then have to worry about perimeter players looking to draw contact and highflyers looking to make posters. And it's not like you were playoff contenders, anyway, so just wait one more year like you were going to do in the first place. All signs point to him having a strong work ethic, being that he played and shot free throws with his off hand. If he takes this rehab time to work on his game, be it a baby hook or just simple footwork, he'll be fine.
For now, Portland, just enjoy the fact that Brandon Roy will continue to grow and then visualize the team you will have next year. You'll undoubtedly will be in the lottery again, hopefully you'll land a solid swingman; like an O.J. Mayo or a Michael Beasley (another one from up the block). Even Chase Budinger and Nicolas Batum (from Greece) will do. Just hang in there, Portland......Unless Kevin Durant is all-time great. Then, well, it's back to the drawing board for your front office....again.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
Monday, August 27, 2007
Should We Even Care?
I'm not gonna lie...Vick was my dog. Growing up as a Black southpaw who loved sports, its hard not to look up and wish the best for one of the most electrifying players (no pun) to ever play America's sport, who also happened to be from the state south of me. Vick was the reason I rushed buy every Madden from '04 on, and the only reason I became mildly interested in the Falcons. My mom used to always compare me to Vick, seeing that I played a bit of quarterback in boys & girls club, and watching him dismantle the Vikings in OT, then beat Brett Favre in Green Bay for his first home playoff loss ever were some of my favorite childhood sports memories. We wondered where he'd end up. Would he be one of the all-time greats? Would he be the greatest scrambling quarterback of all time? Could his style of unorthodox, Allen Iverson-with-a-football play actually get him a ring?
Right now, none of this matters since everywhere you look, you'll see replays of Vick walking into courtrooms instead of end zones. You'll be more familiar with Vick bringing weed into airports than him bringing hope of a Superbowl (and not to mention LOADS of money) to Atlanta. You may even know him by Ron Mexico, and his little brother as New Mexico. I'm not here to berate Vick, because he's still one of my favorite athletes. I'm not here to defend him because he got real niggerish with all that bread. But what I am here to say is...should we really care? Yes, give him the penalty he earned and a bit more than his currency can hold off. Yes...Vick may never be what he was when he comes back, and he'll probably live on in the memories of everybody who was around to witness the talent he displayed. I don't mind that. What I am a bit scared of is how Vick's gaining more attention than the Attorney General resigning from this Bush fiasco. Maybe thats why he picked today to do so, to hide behind all the attention that Vick is getting. And normally we are entitled to meddling with the mundane while not worrying about our government because we can always trust them to do the right thing. But right now? Hell no. Push the Vick bullshit aside, along with every celeb cokehead who can't manage rehab and lets focus on the real issue for once...
...how does Joey Harrington sleep at night?
Right now, none of this matters since everywhere you look, you'll see replays of Vick walking into courtrooms instead of end zones. You'll be more familiar with Vick bringing weed into airports than him bringing hope of a Superbowl (and not to mention LOADS of money) to Atlanta. You may even know him by Ron Mexico, and his little brother as New Mexico. I'm not here to berate Vick, because he's still one of my favorite athletes. I'm not here to defend him because he got real niggerish with all that bread. But what I am here to say is...should we really care? Yes, give him the penalty he earned and a bit more than his currency can hold off. Yes...Vick may never be what he was when he comes back, and he'll probably live on in the memories of everybody who was around to witness the talent he displayed. I don't mind that. What I am a bit scared of is how Vick's gaining more attention than the Attorney General resigning from this Bush fiasco. Maybe thats why he picked today to do so, to hide behind all the attention that Vick is getting. And normally we are entitled to meddling with the mundane while not worrying about our government because we can always trust them to do the right thing. But right now? Hell no. Push the Vick bullshit aside, along with every celeb cokehead who can't manage rehab and lets focus on the real issue for once...
...how does Joey Harrington sleep at night?
Friday, August 24, 2007
NFL Kicker: The Easiest Job In The World
One million, fifty thousand dollars (for those of you that slept through that elementary class that’s $1,050,000). That’s the 2005 salary of former Miami Dolphins—now New Orleans Saints—place kicker Olindo Mare (source: foxsports.com), statistically the worst kicker of the 2006-2007 NFL season, making 72% of his field goal attempts. He receives this money (excluding any bonuses he has) just by making an NFL roster. Granted, for any average person, making any professional sports team in virtually impossible—even if it is NFL kicker. Everyone can’t just be Vincent Papoli and go to and through tryouts on a whim. However, this is the case for any respectable career. I mean, very few people can wake up tomorrow and say, “I want to be a surgeon,” then be hired on the spot.
Speaking of surgeons, the US average salary for a surgeon is $257,735 (no need to write this one out because it’s grammatically correct). I know some of you are thinking, “Well what about the top surgeons?” Well, that average is slightly less than $800,000 (source: cbsalary.com). Either way, a surgeon—one whom may be called to perform life-saving operations and if an avoidable mistake is made and that person dies, he will lose his license to practice—makes less money than someone that kicks an oblong-shaped, pigskin-covered ball for a living.
I’m not saying that what a kicker does is easy and anyone off the street can do it. I’m saying that the worst thing that can happen to them is disappointment and maybe a story in the media, depending on the game and the situation. The worst possible case in which a kicker actually had to fear for his life was Scott Norwood, who missed the game-winning field goal in Super Bowl XXV. His life was actually in danger because Buffalo Bills fans were desperate for a championship. But few people forget that he kicked for the Bills the following year, so someone forgave him. Oh, and he also received his check. Now let’s say a surgeon has to save the life of a man suffering a blood clot in the brain, and he mistakenly cuts two millimeters to the right of the desired point and the patient dies. He will be sued for malpractice, and probably lose his license to practice surgery. It’s also an honest mistake. No one’s perfect.
Now let’s not forget the fact that a kicker may only have to be on the field one time—when he kicks off at the beginning of either half. Now that’s unlikely, but teams do get shutout, so it is possible. The kicker still receives a game check, and can honestly say for that shut out that he, “Did all he could to help his team win.” And each game is timed; meaning once the clock hits 0:00 in the fourth quarter, the game’s over. Some surgeries take 10, 12 hours to complete, then sometimes there’s still a possibility that the patient may not make it.
My point is, making or missing a kick does not save lives. It just brings emotion, whether it’s joy or disappointment. The people who are involved with saving lives—the policemen, firefighters, our troops, doctors, etc.—should be paid more, but hey; that’s big business and that’s the entertainment industry. Since it produces so much revenue, employees receive big salaries. Next time a kick goes wide right, don’t feel sorry for that kicker, he gets paid more than a lifesaver to do his job.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
Speaking of surgeons, the US average salary for a surgeon is $257,735 (no need to write this one out because it’s grammatically correct). I know some of you are thinking, “Well what about the top surgeons?” Well, that average is slightly less than $800,000 (source: cbsalary.com). Either way, a surgeon—one whom may be called to perform life-saving operations and if an avoidable mistake is made and that person dies, he will lose his license to practice—makes less money than someone that kicks an oblong-shaped, pigskin-covered ball for a living.
I’m not saying that what a kicker does is easy and anyone off the street can do it. I’m saying that the worst thing that can happen to them is disappointment and maybe a story in the media, depending on the game and the situation. The worst possible case in which a kicker actually had to fear for his life was Scott Norwood, who missed the game-winning field goal in Super Bowl XXV. His life was actually in danger because Buffalo Bills fans were desperate for a championship. But few people forget that he kicked for the Bills the following year, so someone forgave him. Oh, and he also received his check. Now let’s say a surgeon has to save the life of a man suffering a blood clot in the brain, and he mistakenly cuts two millimeters to the right of the desired point and the patient dies. He will be sued for malpractice, and probably lose his license to practice surgery. It’s also an honest mistake. No one’s perfect.
Now let’s not forget the fact that a kicker may only have to be on the field one time—when he kicks off at the beginning of either half. Now that’s unlikely, but teams do get shutout, so it is possible. The kicker still receives a game check, and can honestly say for that shut out that he, “Did all he could to help his team win.” And each game is timed; meaning once the clock hits 0:00 in the fourth quarter, the game’s over. Some surgeries take 10, 12 hours to complete, then sometimes there’s still a possibility that the patient may not make it.
My point is, making or missing a kick does not save lives. It just brings emotion, whether it’s joy or disappointment. The people who are involved with saving lives—the policemen, firefighters, our troops, doctors, etc.—should be paid more, but hey; that’s big business and that’s the entertainment industry. Since it produces so much revenue, employees receive big salaries. Next time a kick goes wide right, don’t feel sorry for that kicker, he gets paid more than a lifesaver to do his job.
By: Johnathan D. Tillman
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