I really wish the Steelers would go back to just being the team that quietly won football games while everyone else was busy talking about the Pats, Colts, Cowboys and Chargers. Sadly however, another week comes and goes and the Steelers are once again at the center of some controversy.
I won't summarize for those who don't know - as I suspect you probably DO know if you're checking in a sports blog. But both last week's issues with the 'hard hits' and this weeks shenanigans with the touchdown-fumble-recovery question makes me wonder, why does the NFL not do a better job commenting on these issues?
It seems to me last week was spent in a whirl of questions about new rules relating to penalizing hard hits with heftier fines and suspensions. This week now every major sports outlet has a different take on the Gene Steratore call. Some articles calling it a missed call, blown call, a consipiracy and some calling it the correct call. One article today even from an "Ex NFL exec" says it was correct.
It seems to me if the NFL had some kind of weekly press conference to answer some of these questions, it would go far to help stop the rumors, clarify gray areas and in general make people understand that the NFL isn't a shady operation making up rules as it goes, lead by a man with a God complex. There - my two cents. Get your PR folks together with the press on Wednesdays to answer the week's questions.
Once again, I solve the world's problems.
Other miscellaneous thoughts
1. the Vikings v Packers game was AWESOME. Great game - tight contest. Glad the Pack won.
2. I didn't see most of the Giants v Cowboys last night but finally now perhaps everyone will stop claiming them Superbowl champs. Tony's injury is devastating for them, that's for sure.
3. I really want to get excited about the World Series, but I'm not. I know it's clearly due in large part to the Yanks not being in it. I think too though that Pittsburgh being such a FOOTBALL and HOCKEY city - there just isn't excitement for baseball at all. As far as the 'burgh is concerned, baseball season ends when NFL preseason begins. I can see why but it's a bummer. If I have to pick a team though, I'm going with SF.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
On Violence . . .
Ok - so this post has been days in coming . . .you'll learn good Extra Point readers that I have a job so getting to the posts isn't really ever breaking news. But I'm pretty sure you know I have no press credentials so I probably won't ever have breaking news - just something to say about recent news.
In any event - some pretty news worthy things went down in football last weekend. Here are the events as I see them.
1. There was a terrible tragedy in New Jersey and an RU football player was forever changed by an injury which rendered him paralyzed at the neck down.
2. The NFL had three games in which there were major hard hits (well 3 games as of Monday - apparently a few more by Friday)
Here's how I see it . . .had that horrible tragedy NOT happened on Saturday, the sensitivity Sunday would not have been as heightened, but always in the light of such a sad terrible tragedy are we ever more aware and vigilant. Remember a few years ago when there was that fire in an over crowded Rhode Island nightclub? Well about two weeks later, I was out at some bars in a town in NJ that was never ever ever more STRICT on the headcount in their bar. Anyway - the terrible events of Saturday created a more pointed lens Sunday.
Regardless of why - the lens was sharp and the punishments were handed out by the NFL joyfully. I am of three thoughts here...
1. I understand the people that say things like "well - you know what you were signing up for. You're in the NFL. You get hit hard. You might get a concussion, that's just the name of the game". ok. I see that point. But immediately I think that driving a car is inherently dangerous and you would NEVER tell the victim of a deadly accident that 'they knew what they were signing up for'. As a society we adopt new regulations to use car seats, wear seat belts, build cars with airbags because we DON'T want to die on the highway. It still might happen but we never stop striving to stop it. So to say that these players 'get what they deserve' is just plain heartless. RIGHT as soon as I say that I think about the civilian contractors serving in war areas . . .they get massive salaries, often at no tax because they are willing to sacrifice and work in these dangerous areas. It's called hazard pay. If THEY get shot in a war zone, you kind of DO say 'you knew what you were signing up for'. Like a contractor in a warzone, these professional athletes make MILES more money then most of us could ever dream. This IS what they signed up for. Their skill will make them rich and famous. Big reward comes with big risk.
2. In more than one of these cases - there was NO penalty thrown in the game or even on further review considered to have been an illegal hit. YET they are considered in retrospect are 'flagrant'. So - if they WERE legal - then WHY IS THERE A FINE? If they were illegal and weren't called - then WHY DO THE REFS PAY NO PENALTY!!?? I just dont understand how something that happens in the game which is illegal NOT being called is a price for the player to pay. Or if something that IS legal still being penalized means the rules aren't right. But to START enforcing a rule without notice or agreement in the middle of the season all of a sudden - it's like finding out half way through a 5k race that it's actually a Marathon. you simply cannot change the rules half way through. Fine, NFL - you want stricter rules? FINE but change them officially and fairly and make it well known before the season starts.
3. Sure - sometimes the league steps in and makes a statement when a player has been out of line. They step in with a 5k or 10k fine. Sometimes even a 20k fine. But 50k??? 75k???? Are you KIDDING ME? Wait now I tell myself. For players making many millions of dolalrs a year 50k might sting but it's not detrimental. It's the same amount Dez Bryant had to pay in dinner a few weeks ago. Maybe I'm a bit of a cynic - but it seems to me that the league is putting on a show here. 50-75k is the kind of money that makes Joe Q Citizen stand up and take notice because for most of us it's all or most of our annual salary. Not our friends in the NFL however. If the NFL REALLY wanted to make a change and make players more safe they would take REAL action like force the 'concussion proof' helmets. Shoot - force the players to play with NO helmets! (pretty sure you'd be a lot more careful with your noggin if you had nothing protecting it). My darling husband even suggested implementing a 'fair catch' rule all throughout the game so any receiver could protect themselves. This therefore negates the 'defenseless receiver' BS. Or the NFL could suspend people? Or fine them 1M dollars...bottom line is the NFL put on a show. It won't stop concussions and to at ALL pretend a 50k fine will do anything is crazy.
I'm glad James Harrison got over his big old bruised ego and he goes back to playng his game.
I hope the NFL stops changing the name of the game in mid-stream.
I hope the hard hits don't stop - afterall, what would they put in the Renegade video if they do!!??
oh - one last thought here - I'm bummed the Yanks won't be in the World Series. Here's hoping the Giants get the job done of my Philly fan friends on facebook will be relentless and I can think of nothing more barfy than a Philly fan gloating.
In any event - some pretty news worthy things went down in football last weekend. Here are the events as I see them.
1. There was a terrible tragedy in New Jersey and an RU football player was forever changed by an injury which rendered him paralyzed at the neck down.
2. The NFL had three games in which there were major hard hits (well 3 games as of Monday - apparently a few more by Friday)
Here's how I see it . . .had that horrible tragedy NOT happened on Saturday, the sensitivity Sunday would not have been as heightened, but always in the light of such a sad terrible tragedy are we ever more aware and vigilant. Remember a few years ago when there was that fire in an over crowded Rhode Island nightclub? Well about two weeks later, I was out at some bars in a town in NJ that was never ever ever more STRICT on the headcount in their bar. Anyway - the terrible events of Saturday created a more pointed lens Sunday.
Regardless of why - the lens was sharp and the punishments were handed out by the NFL joyfully. I am of three thoughts here...
1. I understand the people that say things like "well - you know what you were signing up for. You're in the NFL. You get hit hard. You might get a concussion, that's just the name of the game". ok. I see that point. But immediately I think that driving a car is inherently dangerous and you would NEVER tell the victim of a deadly accident that 'they knew what they were signing up for'. As a society we adopt new regulations to use car seats, wear seat belts, build cars with airbags because we DON'T want to die on the highway. It still might happen but we never stop striving to stop it. So to say that these players 'get what they deserve' is just plain heartless. RIGHT as soon as I say that I think about the civilian contractors serving in war areas . . .they get massive salaries, often at no tax because they are willing to sacrifice and work in these dangerous areas. It's called hazard pay. If THEY get shot in a war zone, you kind of DO say 'you knew what you were signing up for'. Like a contractor in a warzone, these professional athletes make MILES more money then most of us could ever dream. This IS what they signed up for. Their skill will make them rich and famous. Big reward comes with big risk.
2. In more than one of these cases - there was NO penalty thrown in the game or even on further review considered to have been an illegal hit. YET they are considered in retrospect are 'flagrant'. So - if they WERE legal - then WHY IS THERE A FINE? If they were illegal and weren't called - then WHY DO THE REFS PAY NO PENALTY!!?? I just dont understand how something that happens in the game which is illegal NOT being called is a price for the player to pay. Or if something that IS legal still being penalized means the rules aren't right. But to START enforcing a rule without notice or agreement in the middle of the season all of a sudden - it's like finding out half way through a 5k race that it's actually a Marathon. you simply cannot change the rules half way through. Fine, NFL - you want stricter rules? FINE but change them officially and fairly and make it well known before the season starts.
3. Sure - sometimes the league steps in and makes a statement when a player has been out of line. They step in with a 5k or 10k fine. Sometimes even a 20k fine. But 50k??? 75k???? Are you KIDDING ME? Wait now I tell myself. For players making many millions of dolalrs a year 50k might sting but it's not detrimental. It's the same amount Dez Bryant had to pay in dinner a few weeks ago. Maybe I'm a bit of a cynic - but it seems to me that the league is putting on a show here. 50-75k is the kind of money that makes Joe Q Citizen stand up and take notice because for most of us it's all or most of our annual salary. Not our friends in the NFL however. If the NFL REALLY wanted to make a change and make players more safe they would take REAL action like force the 'concussion proof' helmets. Shoot - force the players to play with NO helmets! (pretty sure you'd be a lot more careful with your noggin if you had nothing protecting it). My darling husband even suggested implementing a 'fair catch' rule all throughout the game so any receiver could protect themselves. This therefore negates the 'defenseless receiver' BS. Or the NFL could suspend people? Or fine them 1M dollars...bottom line is the NFL put on a show. It won't stop concussions and to at ALL pretend a 50k fine will do anything is crazy.
I'm glad James Harrison got over his big old bruised ego and he goes back to playng his game.
I hope the NFL stops changing the name of the game in mid-stream.
I hope the hard hits don't stop - afterall, what would they put in the Renegade video if they do!!??
oh - one last thought here - I'm bummed the Yanks won't be in the World Series. Here's hoping the Giants get the job done of my Philly fan friends on facebook will be relentless and I can think of nothing more barfy than a Philly fan gloating.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
I like a good competition . . .
Really, I do. It's fun to see new and different teams rise to the top of their field all the time.
That said of course, Yankees should always be in the post season. I mean really - is there anything better than baking an apple pie while watching the YANKEES play baseball in October?
Let me answer that for you.
No. There is not.
Now - with that out of the way.The NFL this year is proving to have a pretty exciting season. I was saying this afternoon that you just don't feel like the Patriots and Colts of years past are really the same as the Pats and Colts of '10. And even the Steelers who continue to top the ESPN Power Rankings - there hangs in the air a feeling that just about anything could happen, be it Superbowl Championship or 10 straight losses. I think nothing would surprise us with the Steelers this year.
Frankly - this year has turned into a huge surprise for lots of teams.
- Cowboys cannot win a game. Or - ahem - have only one ONE game
- Packers were touted early for being definite contenders and are suddenly forgettable after a couple injuries
- Despite all the star power, the Bengles are NOT having the season they expected they would
- The Jets are turning into a better team than I think a lot of people might have guessed at the start of the season
- The Vikings are turning into a much worse team than I think a lot of people might have guessed at the start of the season
- The glow of the Chargers has dimmed and it just doesn't seem it's clicking
- Finally the Redskins appear to have the makings of a solid team - despite all the Haynesworth drama
- The Eagles have TWO awesome quarterbacks that apparently can be interchanged!!?? (Careful Kolb and Vick - they turn on the qb's there - even if you're good)!
Don't get me wrong - I want the Steelers to win the Superbowl. I imagine it will be much like seeing the Yankees win the World Series while living in NY, but MAN it's fun to approach every Sunday with the sense that all games matter. All teams matter (well, maybe not for Detroit, SF or Cleveland - but hang in there. Someone's gotta lose), and the race to the ring is really up for grabs.
THIS is why having a championship decided by games and records, not votes and favorites - makes the NFL better than college football. Sure - a practical person would say the Lions should aim for last to get the first draft pick...but truly at this point ANYTHING can happen. In college - you lose twice and you're done. Forget it.
Not in the pro's baby. Anyone can get that ring. And that couldn't be any truer than it is this year.
That said of course, Yankees should always be in the post season. I mean really - is there anything better than baking an apple pie while watching the YANKEES play baseball in October?
Let me answer that for you.
No. There is not.
Now - with that out of the way.The NFL this year is proving to have a pretty exciting season. I was saying this afternoon that you just don't feel like the Patriots and Colts of years past are really the same as the Pats and Colts of '10. And even the Steelers who continue to top the ESPN Power Rankings - there hangs in the air a feeling that just about anything could happen, be it Superbowl Championship or 10 straight losses. I think nothing would surprise us with the Steelers this year.
Frankly - this year has turned into a huge surprise for lots of teams.
- Cowboys cannot win a game. Or - ahem - have only one ONE game
- Packers were touted early for being definite contenders and are suddenly forgettable after a couple injuries
- Despite all the star power, the Bengles are NOT having the season they expected they would
- The Jets are turning into a better team than I think a lot of people might have guessed at the start of the season
- The Vikings are turning into a much worse team than I think a lot of people might have guessed at the start of the season
- The glow of the Chargers has dimmed and it just doesn't seem it's clicking
- Finally the Redskins appear to have the makings of a solid team - despite all the Haynesworth drama
- The Eagles have TWO awesome quarterbacks that apparently can be interchanged!!?? (Careful Kolb and Vick - they turn on the qb's there - even if you're good)!
Don't get me wrong - I want the Steelers to win the Superbowl. I imagine it will be much like seeing the Yankees win the World Series while living in NY, but MAN it's fun to approach every Sunday with the sense that all games matter. All teams matter (well, maybe not for Detroit, SF or Cleveland - but hang in there. Someone's gotta lose), and the race to the ring is really up for grabs.
THIS is why having a championship decided by games and records, not votes and favorites - makes the NFL better than college football. Sure - a practical person would say the Lions should aim for last to get the first draft pick...but truly at this point ANYTHING can happen. In college - you lose twice and you're done. Forget it.
Not in the pro's baby. Anyone can get that ring. And that couldn't be any truer than it is this year.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Forgive me - it's been a bit . . .
I haven't posted this week - I have been distracted by life things . . .job things . . .and the Chilean Mine Rescue
So you know, the Steelers are still number 1 in the power rankings. Sadly #'s 2 and 3 are also AFC teams. Booo. This makes my hopes for attending the Steelers v. Jets game in December all the more exciting all of a sudden. Who would have guessed back in August when I placed my ticket wishlist!!?? We shall see what happens Sunday, but I'm pretty sure if Ben doesn't win Sunday #7 jerseys will be burned in effigy. This town's patience is short.
Other things that remain:
So you know, the Steelers are still number 1 in the power rankings. Sadly #'s 2 and 3 are also AFC teams. Booo. This makes my hopes for attending the Steelers v. Jets game in December all the more exciting all of a sudden. Who would have guessed back in August when I placed my ticket wishlist!!?? We shall see what happens Sunday, but I'm pretty sure if Ben doesn't win Sunday #7 jerseys will be burned in effigy. This town's patience is short.
Other things that remain:
- Brett Favre is a pig, like Tiger.
- Yankees rule and begin their quest for AL supremacy tomorrow night.
- If the Penguins don't start winning at home there will be a riot in Pittsburgh.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Case of Same Old, Same Old
Today the fine world of football is a case of two stories that seem awfully familiar.
Brett Favre has "apologized" to his current teammates for being a distraction. That distraction my friends is because allegations have surfaced that he inappropriately texted, voicemailed and naked pic'ed a super hot employee of the New York Jets when he was their QB. This former Maxim and Playboy model has not made the allegation - and somehow clips of his voicemails have made the news. In addition a massage therapist employed by the team has come forward saying he was texting her as well. In summary, he was trying to get into this hot girls pants.
Mr. Favre - you should have learned from Jerry Seinfeld and quit while you were ahead. All you've done in the last three years is beat up your reputation, turned many of your former die hard fans against you and now you've apparently grotesquely embarrassed yourself, violated the trust your wife had in you, and made yourself look like an aging former 'once-was'.
Welcome to club, says Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger and Kobe Bryant (while we're at it, Elliot Spitzer says Welcome to you too).
Brett - you're gross.
Next on my list today is the DALLAS COWBOYS. I don't know if I could guess how many years now the Dallas Cowboys have been pre-ordained Superbowl contenders. Let's just say, this year was one of them. Again. And here they are now at 1-3 and I can't help but wonder WHY!!!!?????
Isn't the definition of insane doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different outcome? Why oh why sporting pundits - does this team earn your respect when they've not yet earned it! It's kind of like paying a rookie who's never taken an NFL snap many millions of dollars over the promise of what they might achieve.
I have always disliked this team. I take issue with them being called America's Team. I am an American and they are NOT my team. It's been a while since they actually were contenders. Until they actually make the Superbowl - how about we go ahead and stop waving the magic wand in ther direction.
Cowboys - you're overrated.
Brett Favre has "apologized" to his current teammates for being a distraction. That distraction my friends is because allegations have surfaced that he inappropriately texted, voicemailed and naked pic'ed a super hot employee of the New York Jets when he was their QB. This former Maxim and Playboy model has not made the allegation - and somehow clips of his voicemails have made the news. In addition a massage therapist employed by the team has come forward saying he was texting her as well. In summary, he was trying to get into this hot girls pants.
Mr. Favre - you should have learned from Jerry Seinfeld and quit while you were ahead. All you've done in the last three years is beat up your reputation, turned many of your former die hard fans against you and now you've apparently grotesquely embarrassed yourself, violated the trust your wife had in you, and made yourself look like an aging former 'once-was'.
Welcome to club, says Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger and Kobe Bryant (while we're at it, Elliot Spitzer says Welcome to you too).
Brett - you're gross.
Next on my list today is the DALLAS COWBOYS. I don't know if I could guess how many years now the Dallas Cowboys have been pre-ordained Superbowl contenders. Let's just say, this year was one of them. Again. And here they are now at 1-3 and I can't help but wonder WHY!!!!?????
Isn't the definition of insane doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different outcome? Why oh why sporting pundits - does this team earn your respect when they've not yet earned it! It's kind of like paying a rookie who's never taken an NFL snap many millions of dollars over the promise of what they might achieve.
I have always disliked this team. I take issue with them being called America's Team. I am an American and they are NOT my team. It's been a while since they actually were contenders. Until they actually make the Superbowl - how about we go ahead and stop waving the magic wand in ther direction.
Cowboys - you're overrated.
October is awesome
I love October. . .
- the weather has started to turn so it's cooler at night but the sun still feels warm
- sometimes you want a sweater
- harvest time means awesome baking/cooking options
- Football is in full swing
- Baseball is in the playoffs
- Hockey is getting starts
- (I officially don't care about the NBA)
I have made my signature apple pie in honor of my beloved Yankees and look forward to making another as they make it to the World Series.
Ok, this was more about food than sports, but something I feel like sharing!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
No football in 2011?
I honestly cannot tell you what this news does to my spirit . . . no I WILL tell you - it CRUSHES MY SPIRIT.
I am trying to find some good info on both sides and what the sticking points are but here's a nice thought from Jimmy Johnson.
Well said sir. Well said.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
When a team sucks - someone loses their job . . .
This my friends is a fact of life. Two recent cases in point:
1. The Monday Night Meltdown of the Miami Dolphins cost their special teams coach his job. Sure, the Pat's scored off various special teams failures - but should he have lost his JOB over a signle loss? I would hope there was more to it than just one embarrassing loss (to a division rival on national television). Yes it stings but to fire him?? I think it's a bit rash. I don't know if Dolphins fans out there have another spin on this. Maybe he'd sucked for years and was bungling things all the time. Maybe last night was the proverbial straw. It seems unwarranted.
2. The opposite however is true for old John Russell - the beleagured manager of the crappy Pirates. He was part of the (most recent) 5 year plan for the Pirates to turn things around. He was in year 3 of that 5 year plan. You simply cannot LOSE as much as he did and not pay a price.
I'm sure some of the Pirates faithful (or perhaps John Rusell's mom) would say that he should have had the chance to complete the 5 year plan. Or one could make the very valid point that not even the greatest manager in the game could make this a winning team. No talent is no talent, no matter how hard you try to coach them.
BUT - when you're averaging about 100 LOSSES A SEASON (that's right Yankee fans, take that in - 100 LOSSES A SEASON) with absolutley ZERO trend upward - I'm sorry you gotta go. I don't expect a coach to take this team and make them playoff contenders in one year but please - in THREE years - show me SOMETHING.
Now here's the question Pirates management - does this restart the 5 year plan??? Gosh I hope not . . . I sure would like to live in a city with a winning team once again. (Love ya Yankees!)
1. The Monday Night Meltdown of the Miami Dolphins cost their special teams coach his job. Sure, the Pat's scored off various special teams failures - but should he have lost his JOB over a signle loss? I would hope there was more to it than just one embarrassing loss (to a division rival on national television). Yes it stings but to fire him?? I think it's a bit rash. I don't know if Dolphins fans out there have another spin on this. Maybe he'd sucked for years and was bungling things all the time. Maybe last night was the proverbial straw. It seems unwarranted.
2. The opposite however is true for old John Russell - the beleagured manager of the crappy Pirates. He was part of the (most recent) 5 year plan for the Pirates to turn things around. He was in year 3 of that 5 year plan. You simply cannot LOSE as much as he did and not pay a price.
I'm sure some of the Pirates faithful (or perhaps John Rusell's mom) would say that he should have had the chance to complete the 5 year plan. Or one could make the very valid point that not even the greatest manager in the game could make this a winning team. No talent is no talent, no matter how hard you try to coach them.
BUT - when you're averaging about 100 LOSSES A SEASON (that's right Yankee fans, take that in - 100 LOSSES A SEASON) with absolutley ZERO trend upward - I'm sorry you gotta go. I don't expect a coach to take this team and make them playoff contenders in one year but please - in THREE years - show me SOMETHING.
Now here's the question Pirates management - does this restart the 5 year plan??? Gosh I hope not . . . I sure would like to live in a city with a winning team once again. (Love ya Yankees!)
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