Archive for July, 2009

Is Brett Favre really done? I hope so

By
Zuri
Published: July 28, 2009Tags:

Boo hoo. Get a real job.

Boo hoo. Get a real job.

This old quarterback has become quite comical. And while he’s been a stellar athlete in his umpteen professional years (18 to be exact), the availability of his service became so much of a sideshow to the NFL, I honestly thought Michael Vick might be upstaged in media hours this week.

Oh no, not when it comes to Brett Favre. He had it to finally go ahead and make a decision, when all eyes and ears were finally off of the circus in Minnesota. Turns out, those two days of Vick coverage possibly jolted him back to reality — one where he knows he’s not the center of the universe and there are other more gifted, athletic and young quarterbacks waiting to take the throne he has held. Or, I should say, once held.

With 464 touchdowns (and 310 interceptions), a couple of Super Bowls and penchant for dawdling on retirement, Favre is myopic, iconic and problematic. (These things come in threes.) The cream of the crop of the old gun slingers, and he’s besieged by his own youthful demons. The only person benefiting from his continued existence as a professional football player in this mental capacity is Favre himself. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about team. It’s about him. And seeing how he’s not the amazing quarterback he was five years ago (maybe 10), he did the Vikings a favor by not screwing up their long term goals. Can we finally say, good riddance? I hope so. Because I don’t want another update on him and his wishy washy mind.

Will Michael Vick ever be forgiven?

By
Zuri
Published: July 27, 2009Tags:

Every dog has its day, so to speak.

Every dog has its day, so to speak.

Let’s not make the story about Michael Vick, but the story will always be about Michael Vick.

Simple question: What does two years in prison, millions in lost salary, promises to volunteer and the PETA cross on his back mean to Roger Gooddell?

Nil, he says. Nil.

“I accept that you are sincere when you say that you want to, and will, turn your life around, and that you intend to be a positive role model for others,” Goodell said in his letter to Vick. “I am prepared to offer you that opportunity. Whether you succeed is entirely in your hands.”

“Needless to say, your margin for error is extremely limited,” the letter said. “I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you and to dedicate yourself to rebuilding your life and your career. If you do this, the NFL will support you.”

Even the letter was condescending. I wonder if the ink smelled like rosemary.

But really, will PETA get off his back? Does he have a real chance with an NFL team? I believe a lot depends on who will go to bat for Vick, being the owners and the players and the NFLPA. Their say carries a lot more clout than just the whims of an animal rights organization.

It wouldn’t hurt if he keeps his mouth shut either. That could go a long way.

Harrison accused of hiring shooter

By
Tim
Published: July 24, 2009Tags:
Why is Marvin Harrison getting a free pass?

Why is Marvin Harrison getting a free pass?

Dwight Dixon, the man who was shot by Marvin Harrison’s gun, which was later found hidden at Marvin Harrison’s car wash, all of it following a confrontation with Marvin Harrison at Marvin Harrison’s bar, has been shot again. Marvin Harrison may be involved. Before Dixon fell into a coma, he accused the former Colts wide receiver of hiring a shooter this time. Dixon was hit seven times in the chest, stomach and arm.

The NFL villain list is as follows: 1) Michael Vick 1A) Terrell Owens 2) Pacman Jones 3) Plaxico Burress 4) Randy Moss 5) Chris Henry  6) Al Davis 7) Seattle ball boys (who am I leaving off?). For the life of me, I can’t figure out how Harrison hasn’t been put on this list. Why does nobody care about this?

If any of these accusations are true, and it certainly seems the first incident has to be, he’s topped everybody on this list (with the possible exception of Pacman). I guess if the media gets used to not talking to a player, they get used to not caring.

I strongly believe Harrison is guilty in the first incident. This latest shooting is still up in the air, with the only evidence being an assumption from a guy who is unreliable enough that Harrison wasn’t charged the first time. But isn’t the accusation newsworthy? Who’s been given a bigger free pass than this guy?

ESPN gets caught in awkward position

By
Zuri
Published: July 23, 2009Tags: , , , , , ,

ESPN's Erin Andrews at the ESPY awards. (AP file photo)

ESPN's Erin Andrews at the ESPY awards. (AP file photo)

Erin Andrews has been wronged. Recent news about her being surreptitiously videotaped naked while in her hotel room, has warranted plenty of sympathy.

But not from the New York Post.

We see this thing happen pretty often, especially to celebrities. I wouldn’t call Andrews a celebrity (or any other journalist for that matter), but she’s known as a “pretty face” for the World Wide Leader. But that doesn’t take away from further sensationalizing the story, which is what the Post is accused of. The Post published three photos from the video, after it appeared on the internet in many places.

“While we understand the Post’s decision to cover this as a news story, their running photos obtained in such a fashion went well beyond the boundaries of common decency in the interest of sensationalism,” ESPN senior vice president of communications Chris LaPlaca said in a statement Wednesday night.

In response, ESPN has banned all Post writers from appearing on its network. Ouch.

Talk about bringing the hammer. Not sure how much this hurts because the WWL doesn’t share what kind of contracts it has with writers of news organizations. Are they paid like Mike Wilbon, or are they doing it out of a means to promote themselves and their newspaper’s brand? We really don’t know.

On the other end, ESPN has been taking hits this last week because they would not even mention the Ben Roethlisberger case, in which he’s been accused of raping a hotel employee in Harrah’s. (The thing is, the accuser waited a whole year to just file a civil lawsuit — that’s right, no criminal complaint — against Big Ben, Harrah’s Casino and some of its employees. This was the main cause for ESPN to hesitate.)

While the accusations looked flawed with the absence of a criminal complaint, most observers have noted that it is still newsworthy.

I agree.

The Associated Press had reported on the issue when it arose, getting a quote from NFL commissioner Roger Gooddell and Roethlisberger’s lawyer. So it was very weird to not see ESPN even mention it.

Talk about burying the news. Would Michael Vick, Pacman Jones or Terrell Owens have received such restraint from the WWL? I don’t think so.

So on two different, totally separate fronts, ESPN is caught in these awkward positions to 1) do their journalistic duty as the WWL and 2) protect their own and uphold journalistic integrity.

Batting 1-for-2 when it comes to ethics, isn’t exactly admirable.

–
Here’s another good read on Erin Andrews being “pretty” from Viv Bernstein.

T.O. Show will be one for the ages

By
Zuri
Published: July 20, 2009Tags: , , ,

T.O. is focused on changing how you think of him. Will you let him sway your opinion?

T.O. is focused on changing how you think of him. Will you let him sway your opinion?

Today, begins the next step in sports entertainment: The T.O. Show.

I know it’s a little premature, what with the premiere of the show tonight on VH1, but this may be the biggest thing for the NFL — and subsequently the career of Terrell Owens — since the creation of the HBO series Hardknocks.

Don’t get this twisted either, it’s not going to be like the canceled ESPN show “Playmakers,” where the rambunctious, obscene and outrageous blend for the orgy of fictional entertainment. No, not at all. This is the real deal.

In sneak peeks already playing on VH1’s Web site, Owens is observed as he reacts to getting cut from the Dallas Cowboys, and then signing with the Buffalo Bills. He moves to Los Angeles in the offseason to “get his life together” and in the mean time, he showers viewers with promiscuity, parties it up lavishly, argues with his motherly publicists and generally shows off what all wannabe professional athletes hope to attain: The lifestyle of the rich and infamous.

It’s absolutely delicious.

I’m already hooked. I’ve got my DVR set up (grabbing the show at 10 p.m.) for its first episode. The thing is, this won’t be like that dry documentary “Kobe doin’ Work” or lack the reality like “Playmakers.” This will be straight from the horse’s mouth. And whether scripted or not, it merits the attention of those interested in what really happens on Monday through Saturday for a professional football player. I mean, outside of practice, what do we know?

Well we’ve been invited into the life of Owens, who for all of his ruggedness and infamy, is still one of the most charming and capable wide receivers in the NFL. And for once, he gets to shape his own message as executive producer. Therein lies the beauty of this historic endeavor.

An active, and readily hateable, superstar athlete is not just lending his voice to some radio show or commenting on some other football player’s on-the-field tribulation, but giving his image and credibility up for public consumption with the hopes that it may alter your views of what has become a sour story. “Team Obliterator” wants out of his skin.

Changing your mind is Owens’ chief inspiration for the show and the driving force behind his willingness to open up. He needs your love. As the tagline of the show touts, he wants to show the world Terrell the man — not T.O. the athlete.

It’s an admirable pursuit, which will likely see the keen critical eye of every pundit this side of the Atlantic. And with Skip Bayless as ferocious as ever, he’ll have to answer for all the unscripted meltdowns that VH1 so readily dishes up in the season’s previews.

Quite literally, this could be the first time a professional athlete breaks down on camera for not winning a game, or losing a game, or meeting their estranged father (which Owens does in this show). But for simply not being loved in the way that he wants. That’s compelling. That’s egotistic. That screams of conceitedness and vulgar vanity.

That’s great television.

Editor’s note: This column originally appeared in The Union.

The T.O. Show has lots of potential

By
Zuri
Published: July 20, 2009Tags: , , ,

The one and only, Terrell Owens.

The one and only, Terrell Owens.

First things, first. I am a fan. I will not lie to you, dear reader. I’ve supported Terrell Owens through all of the craziness. And I will submit to you that I believe Terrell Owens’ storyline has been written mostly by those that view him as the worst person ever. He never had a shot leaving Philadelphia. He screwed up in San Francisco, and for the life of me, I don’t know why Jerry Jones didn’t want him in Dallas anymore.

Turns out, Owens has an interesting take on his being cut in his new show, which premieres tonight at 10 p.m. on VH1. But what’s more important about this show, besides seeing T.O.’s “good” side, is his ability as executive producer to finally be able to shape the media impression of T.O. the man, which has taken many lumps over the years. (I wrote about this for my newspaper.) Now add to the fact that the show’s sneak peek cuts, which have been available on VH1 for the last week, are pretty entertaining, and I think there’s a lot of promise in this endeavor. But don’t let me judge for you, check out the vid below.

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NFL training camp wants: Shaun Hill, don’t screw this up

By
Zuri
Published: July 19, 2009Tags: , , ,

Shaun Hill better have his game together, because the 49ers cant go back to Alex Smith for the sake of my sanity.

Shaun Hill better have his game together, because the 49ers can't go back to Alex Smith for the sake of my sanity.

Life must be good for Alex Smith. He’s a pro football player, a millionaire, his shoulder is feeling better and he’s back in competition for the starting QB spot for the San Francisco 49ers, which won’t be named until Aug. 29 when the 49ers play the ‘Boys in the final preseason game.

I’d hate to have the 49ers go this route for two reasons:

  1. When Smith was the starter, and healthy, he went 7-9 in the 2006 season while leading the 49ers on two phenomenal comebacks. Unfortunately, these two golden nuggets were not a sign of promise. It’s a sign of his limit. What we’ve come to know of Smith is that he’s fragile. (how did he injure that shoulder again last season? Oh, that’s right, by throwing the ball in practice. The primary function of his job!) He’s also sensitive and he wilts under pressure. Taking slices of Smith’s career and then evaluating him as a whole is faulty logic, and an apologist’s summation for a loser.
  2. Locker room leadership may take a hit if Hill can’t surpass Smith. I remember vividly the divide on our team in high school when we were trying to determine who would be our quarterback. Of course, it was always up to the coaches but everyone had their sides. And when a decision was made, some folks were disgruntled. If you think that can’t or won’t happen on a professional team, you’re whacko. Last thing Mike Singletary needs on his team is a loser. Guess who fits that description best of the two.

Look, I don’t want to go back down the path of trying something old (relatively speaking), tested and not battle ready. That’s exactly what Smith is. We’ve tried him, it didn’t work, it’s time to move on. Full-time duties should be put on Shaun Hill until he screws that up royally. And if it comes to that, the 49ers need to make moves for a veteran free agent. I mean, Trent Green is available. It can’t get worse than that. Can it?

Men’s Health ranked Sac 95 out of 100

By
Zuri
Published: July 18, 2009Tags: , , , , ,

A screenshot of Men's Health Magazine's graphic of Sacramento's rankings.

A screenshot of Men's Health Magazine's graphic of Sacramento's rankings.

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from a person representing Men’s Health Magazine about their July/August issue in which the magazine ranked America’s top sports towns.

My hometown of San Francisco was No. 39 on the 100-city list, with a grade of C+. But the whopper I noticed on the list was Sacramento, which was a dismal No. 95, getting a grade of F. Other, probably more notable, cities to get that grade were Orlando, Fla., Miami, Fla., and Newark, N.J.

The list was based on a couple of factors: Who’s looking to purchase tickets to games and sporting events, who is buying team apparel and who responded to calling themselves a “fanatic” in a survey done by Scarborough Sports Marketing.

The No. 1 city on the list was Arlington, Texas. Shocking, I know.

This kind of reminds me of ESPN’s Title Town campaign, where Valdosta, Georgia won for its “high school tradition, young but powerful Division II college football and overwhelming spirit.”

It’s hard to argue these things when you know towns like Valdosta just had everyone jam ESPN’s servers and vote the crap out of it. But Men’s Health is different in this regard. It actually did some evaluating and selected the cities and towns on its own. Which leads me to a very simple question: How can anyone argue for Sacramento to be any higher than 95th?

Let’s take a look at reasons why Sacramento is probably so low:

  1. The Sacramento Kings suck. With a stadium that seats one of the NBA’s lowest figures (17,317), there were many nights when the purple and black barely touched 5,000 because of an 88-158 over the last three seasons and an atrocious 17-65 season last year. All is quiet on the fandom front, with the faithful holding it down for next season hopes.. Rocking a Kings jersey right now, is not cool. Not cool, man.
  2. A lack of a second major franchise. How can Sacramento compete with the only major franchise in town of the four professional sports leagues is the Kings? There’s just no way possible. Add on to the fact…
  3. There’s no major Division I schools in the area. Sacramento State ain’t cutting it. Neither is UC Davis, which is down I-80. Although they do make for interesting Division-II fodder. (Yes, UC Davis is Division I, but how many people realize this?)
  4. People don’t respect Triple-A baseball. Maybe this is a personal opinion here … OK, they’re all personal opinions. But who gives a crap if Sacramento has a championship-winning Triple-A baseball team. The Sacramento Rivercats get their due in Sacramento, but nowhere else. Because no one pays attention to minor league baseball except “fanatics” and baseball writers. It’s surprising — really, shocking — that they’re affiliates of the Oakland Athletics which continue to suck in their own right.

Below is the full list from Men’s Health, as sent to me. Click on the link here for the article.

Read the rest of this entry »

MLB All-Star game: Obama’s mystery pitch

By
Zuri
Published: July 15, 2009Tags: , , ,

I posted quite a few things on Twitter/Facebook in the beginning of the all-star game. Most of them observations on how things were going down in the leadup to the game.

I did not realize until actual game time that President Barack Obama would actually be throwing out the first pitch. (Call it my ignorance, but I just hadn’t been paying attention.)

Here’s what I posted on Twittter/Facebook about the pitch:

They didn’t have the behind view of the President’s pitch, I’m guessing just in case he effed that up… it’s been known to happen.

As Obama got to the mound to throw the pitch, Fox gives this terrible angle where you can barely tell if it’s going to reach the plate. To make matters worse, the camerman edges away from the plate as his throw approaches Albert Pujols, who is allegedly catching the ball. Afterward Fox announces everything is all good and the rest of the world is pissed.

Here’s the video:

Can Fox at least get the camera angles straight. The behind the pitcher angle is the one thing that should never be messed with, not even for presidents. As I said before, notable folks have been known to screw it up, but that’s the hilarity behind watching it.

Thanks again Fox for ruining that moment.

Sanchez’s gem gives Giants options

By
Zuri
Published: July 13, 2009Tags: , ,

Jonathan Sanchez

Jonathan Sanchez has arrived — and with him the wonderful world of choice.

In the four years that Sanchez has been a San Francisco Giant, he’s been rightfully labeled “potential” and “project.” He almost screwed that up this season with a 2-8 record before being promptly sent to the bullpen by manager Bruce Bochy, giving rise to Ryan Sadowski. In fact, if it wasn’t for Randy Johnson being old, he’d still be a middle reliever stuck on a team with too many of those guys.

And if it weren’t for Noah Lowry being on the disabled list for the rest of his life, Sanchez wouldn’t have even been in the rotation.

But Friday’s no-hitter — the Giants’ first since 1976 and the first of the MLB season — gives way to new and more interesting developments. Like football, the Giants have a pitcher’s dilemma.

Unlike football, this is a good problem to have.

There’s a stacked deck in favor of what the Giants can and want to do for the future, including trade options, bait and development. With Sadowski on the rise, Lowry in purgatory, Cain, Johnson and Lincecum locked, the Giants have the best six in baseball hands down. And while the issue of not having a bat didn’t go away because they didn’t make a move or because Pablo “Panda Bear” Sandoval is absolutely awesome, standing pat isn’t really an option. No, a slugger in the mix will be a recurring theme in the story of the ‘09 and 2010 G-men. Sanchez just drew himself the short straw on who will potentially be Brian Sabean’s next trade piece come winter for whoever that bat will be.

That’s a win for the Giants. And even if Sabean doesn’t want to part with Sanchez, whose best days are still ahead, he can continue to shop Cain (although I dislike this) and eventually drop Lowry off at the next meat market whenever he passes a physical. (Are they still paying that guy?)

Point is, the list of options just expanded ten-fold with a game the entire baseball community is buzzing about.

“Hey, world! Giants players are good, too. Come trade with us!”

It’s OK to look at the fringe benefits of an historical moment. But maybe, just maybe, we should bask in the glory of witnessing something so fantastic for a little longer. Where were you when Sanchez dominated the Padres? Did you get to see those nine innings of bliss, 27 outs of joy and wash down that inescapable error with a shot of triumph.

I’ve been watching the replay of all 27 outs on MLB.com, just taking it all in. On Saturday, I took in the game from center field of AT&T Park and there was no other accepted topic of conversation.

“Did you see Aaron Rowand’s catch? He looked like Willie Mays.”

Yeah, he did.

And Sanchez looked like all the potential we have been hoping for since mid-year last season.

He has arrived.

Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in The Union.

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