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Tiger apologizes to …

By
Tim
Published: February 19, 2010Tags:
Tiger apologizes to …

Our relationship may be beyond repair. What he did to me and you was unforgivable. I can put up with a lot, but cheating? I don’t think so! Does he even care how this has affected my life?! Not very much whatsoev wait, no, I don’t give a shit.

That press conference was nothing more than Tiger Woods granting us public access to his apology to his wife, wasn’t it? The world’s best golfer publicly apologized Friday for cheating on his wife many, many times. It’s who he was apologizing to that’s interesting. I’m assuming he apologized to his wife Elin as soon as this all came to the surface, and hundreds of times since. But that wasn’t enough. People still demanded a public apology. For what, exactly?

Now, if you ask these same people if they felt they were owed an apology, they’d say no, of course not. What people wanted was simply to invade another celebrity’s private life. We want all the details. We want everything broadcast. Since we missed out on his private apology to the only person who truly deserved one, he kindly repeated it on television.

Whether or not the public will forgive him is still being decided. First we’ll have to determine if he was sincere in his apology and truly sorry. I have enough trouble figuring out if I’m sincere in my apologies. We have to decide whether he’s taking his sex rehab seriously, or if it’s all for show. There are sex addicts out there, but Tiger ain’t one. Then again, who cares?

After nearly three months passed since the stories of his infidelity began, I was hoping Tiger would be the guy to refuse a sham apology to people who didn’t deserve it. Forget the podium, cameras, reporters and just send out a statement that says “I don’t owe any of you an apology or explanation.” Instead, he caved to the pressure of doing something he didn’t want to in order to protect his image. You let me down Tiger, and I demand an apology.

This Super Bowl commercial means more than you think

By
Zuri
Published: February 17, 2010Tags:
This Super Bowl commercial means more than you think

I love it when cultural conversations arise out of seemingly meaningless drivel.

Exhibit A: This Dodge Charger commercial (see video at bottom), which aired initially during the Super Bowl two weeks ago, struck a chord with the Mark Morford, a renowned columnist on SFGate.com. (Not to mention the comments on YouTube … Seriously, what doesn’t set off the YouTube community!)

I’m a big fan of Morford. Not for his politics, but for his style. It’s brash, it’s futurist, and it’s clever and witty. All the things I try, at times, to be in my writing and yet fail so miserably to do. He’s got that kind of respect from me.

Now you know that context. But understand this as well: Everything he writes, does not make sense. Often times, he’s on a bigger rant than he himself can get under. And while his arguments are tasty, they’re not always healthy.

So when he said …

Do you know what that awful message is? Can you read the sign over the door?

It says: “When the going gets tough, the tough get totally bummed out and slump off to the basement to drink too much beer, watch ESPN and quietly resent every aspect of their lives, as they deeply wish, just once, they could drive a turbocharged Z06 Corvette flat-out for 10 minutes straight on an open road with no cops anywhere, laughing and screaming and crying all at the same time, straight off a cliff.”

Whaaaaa??

Naw dawg. Not even remotely.

What his response represents though is a deeper resentment that most sports fans don’t always recognize, but see quite often. It’s the angry girlfriend response.

What’s the angry girlfriend response? Simply put: It’s when she doesn’t want you to have fun by yourself, even though you clearly are and you have no intention of adding her to the mix. Instead of allowing the peace to last, she has to stop this. In her mind, it’s not right. How dare you! Fun cannot be achieved without her — ever. And because you thought you were going to dismiss this unknown fact, you will now suffer her wrath.

It’s always angry. It’s always immediate. It’s as if to check your self-identity.

That’s what Morford is doing. (It’s actually his job, which he usually does a good job performing.) But for Morford, and folks like him, it’s not so much knee jerk as not well thought out. To say, and I’m paraphrasing, that men are overly dependent on sports, being “manly”, drinking beer and escaping from day-to-day issues with recliners and man caves, is a misnomer. The truth is, everyone needs an escape. One in which we all can simply have peace of mind from our spouses, our jobs and any other stresses permeated throughout life. To sum this up as a male foible, is oversimplifying a deeper issue. And frankly, it’s irritating.

I enjoyed this commercial for two reasons. 1) The car is dope. You must be a nutjob not to think so. 2) When I first saw it, I understood its message immediately. And when you can relate, plus add a product to the message, you’ve got great marketing on your hands. I can appreciate that.

Now you tell me, what do you think of this commercial? Is it really that bad? Does it represent the worst of men? Society? Or, as I’m assuming, is it harmless?


Best Super Bowl commercial, hands down

By
Zuri
Published: February 8, 2010Tags: ,
Best Super Bowl commercial, hands down

Only way this commercial could’ve been better is if the kid put down his middle finger second.



Check out all of the Super Bowl commercials on YouTube here or on CBSSports here.

Is Mayweather-Pacquiao dead or postponed?

By
Tim
Published: January 28, 2010Tags: , ,
Is Mayweather-Pacquiao dead or postponed?

Boxing fans (Jim Lampley) were let down yet again when the Floyd Mayweather – Manny Pacquiao fight went from essentially a done deal to another mega-fight the public wants but won’t get. While a venue was being decided on, Mayweather asked for stricter blood testing and Pacquiao said no. Done and done.

But is the fight canceled permanently or temporarily? Is it truly dead or just postponed? Oscar De La Hoya gave his opinion recently that the recent cancellation is just a set back.

“That fight has to happen,” De La Hoya said. “It’s too big not to happen. We just have to cross one hurdle.”

Agreed. The public pressure, what with this being the only fight any casual fan cares to see, nearly made it happen once, and the pressure will return. Pacquiao has agreed to fight so and so and Mayweather is likely fighting whats his name, but once those fights are over, the matchup request is back. It makes no difference what either outcome is.

If Indiana Jones, John McClane and James Bond have taught me anything, it’s that the good guys always win. That’s why I still believe college football will have a playoff someday, and that Manny and Floyd will soon be touching gloves.

Is Marvin Harrison gangsta or what?

By
Zuri
Published: January 15, 2010Tags:
Is Marvin Harrison gangsta or what?

Marvin Harrison

Marvin Harrison is a silent gangster.

If there is one thing we never doubted, it was that Marvin Harrison had some iffy dealings in North Philly. We got a closer glimpse (as close as we’re gonna get) thanks to the latest investigation of the Harrison shooting saga by Jason Fagone in GQ magazine.

You must read this article.

A few key points from the magazine:

  1. The alleged gun in the first shooting was not custom-made as it was purported in previous newspaper and television reports.
  2. The ballistics from the gun in question, a .50 caliber pricey piece, was matched to Harrison’s gun. Precisely five out of the six rounds.
  3. One of the bullets from the .50 cailber gun is still lodged in the back of witness and bystander Robert Nixon, who is in an unnamed jail. Nixon is suing Harrison for civil damages.

Again, read the article to get the full context. And if you’re really impressed, subscribe to GQ while you’re at it. It’s still a good magazine.

Here’s the thing, Harrison has basically moved on from this incident without any punishment. From all reports, he’s still in North Philly and he’s still the silent gangster he’s whispered to be. Prior to the shooting we didn’t know anything about him. Not a damn thing. Now, we’re getting the full scope of his triumphs and what possibly could be his downfall.

The GQ article is making headways, forcing ESPN to follow up (they showed some B-reel footage today of Dwight Dixon they had taped before his violent death — also suspected to be by the hands of a Harrison crony) and now the FBI is getting involved.

One question: How long do you think the mystique of semi-retired a pro athlete is gonna hold up when all of his gangster-ish secrets keep streaming out?

No wonder he doesn’t talk much.

Update: Mark McGwire does not get the HOF nod

By
Zuri
Published: January 6, 2010Tags:
Update: Mark McGwire does not get the HOF nod

Update, 4:11 p.m.

If you haven’t heard, Mark McGwire did not get the Hall of Fame nod, conjuring up 23 percent of the votes. He needed 75 percent — or 405 votes — to be inducted, marking a continued dismissal by Baseball Writers Association of America members for his alleged steroid use.

Do you think this is the right decision? You can still vote below.

You can see the release from the BBWAA here.

—
I’m not sure if I’m as outraged by steroids as I was five years ago.

Oh wait, yes I am.

Today, we’ll find out if the collective baseball trust is still outraged as well, or if they’ve chosen to fall down on their swords of principle and let the red-haired slugger Mark McGwire into the Hall of Fame. (Details come in at 7 p.m. EDT.)

His numbers are still astonishing (583 home runs, including that magical 70 season in 1998). And his place in history is vague.

Will we always look at him as an embarrassment, unable to talk about the past? Or will we, after being introduced to the Mitchell Report and its fallout, be softened by our obviously moralistic tone?

I’d prefer we take McGwire and every other suspected cheater and put them on a black list for the HOF. And if they wanted to get off of the black list, they’d have to perform a lie-detector test (not 100 percent, but close) to become eligible again. And yes, they’d have to talk about the past.

What do you think?



ESPN prepares to launch 3-D channel

By
Zuri
Published: January 5, 2010Tags:
ESPN prepares to launch 3-D channel

Far be it of me to believe ESPN likes to hype gimmicks. But the professed WWL is know for its flashy graphics and flawless designs, both online and on TV. And if there’s a knock to be made about the company’s cool flashiness, is that it can be excessive.

However, today’s question is not about usage, but about what is the next step for said WWL? We’ll likely get a glimpse of that soon.

Today, ESPN announced it would be launching a 3-D network.

Here’s a bit of what was posted on the Web site today:

ESPN 3D will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South Africa versus Mexico, ESPN and ABC Sports president George Bodenheimer announced.

Other events to be produced in 3-D include the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football contests, up to 25 World Cup matches and the Summer X Games. Additional events will be announced at a later date.

“ESPN’s commitment to 3-D is a win for fans and our business partners,” Bodenheimer said in a statement. “ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan’s viewing experience and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing.”

Read the full story here: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=4796555

ESPN has testing 3-D technology for the last two years, according to the report. One wonders if 3-D technology has advanced enough for viewers to actually care to tune in, whether or not separate eyewear will have to be purchased to enjoy the channel and whether or not the technology necessary to produce the broadcasts will be unobtrusive to the sports being played.

None of these questions were announced in its announcement.

I’m all for the hype if it’s possible and looks good. I mean jaw wide open good. But I’ll hesitate on those expectations, especially after watching Jame Cameron’s blockbuster movie “Avatar” in 3-D. If anything, it just made the weird alien sexual tension just all the more whack. Oh, and it was incredibly underutilized for the hype.

Can we expect the same? I’ll be sure to tune in for the South Africa-Mexico game to find out.

Gilbert Arenas is a fool

By
Zuri
Published: January 4, 2010Tags:
Gilbert Arenas is a fool

Idiocy is like currency. Too much of it is floating around.

Gilbert Arenas is the latest NBA player to strike fool’s gold. He took bad judgment, and put it on another stratosphere. Everything about what has transpired in Washington D.C. is an embarrassment to the Wizards organization, the NBA and to his family.

Good thing Javaris Crittenton is being quiet, because he’s an embarrassment too. But at least he’s not foolish enough to broadcast his stupidity. He’ll leave that to Agent Zero.

Here’s the alleged rumor:

NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas and his Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other in the team’s locker room during a Christmas Eve dispute over a gambling debt, The (New York) Post has learned.

Here’s the more probable version of events:

Two officials within the league who have been briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press on Saturday that it involves a dispute over card-playing gambling debts and a heated discussion in the locker room. Neither official was told of Arenas and Crittenton actually drawing guns on each other – as the New York Post has reported.

Here’s what David Aldridge reported for TNT Sports and NBA.com:

While the details are not yet clear, the substance of what was reported Friday by Yahoo! Sports and the New York Post — that Arenas had a confrontation in the Wizards’ locker room late last month with teammate Javaris Crittenton in which both players had guns in their hands — was confirmed Friday by a league source. The incident, the source said, apparently involved a debt of $25,000 that Arenas owed Crittenton. It is not clear why Arenas supposedly owed Crittenton the money, but the dispute apparently began on a team flight as the Wizards came home the night of Dec. 19, after Washington completed a road trip in Phoenix.

The reports (and there’s plenty) go on to say that it was undetermined whether or not the two players were pointing the guns at each other.

And that’s the part that saddens me.

Why not go all the way? Why not just blow each other’s brains out? If you’re going to pull a gun, you might as well use it, right?

And while you’re at it, why not emulate every other stereotype of an ignorant, overpaid, asshole NBA baller who makes respectable black people cringe because of your constant foolish, short-sighted behavior.

Please, continue the bit of “I’m just joking about it” because if I didn’t I’d cry routine. Rather than apologizing forthrightly and coming clean, just drag it out to make sure the NBA feels the drench of the mud too.

That’s a great idea. Why didn’t I think of that.

Oh, that’s right. I’m not stupid.

If Arenas has any smarts left, he’ll wise up just enough to be honest about the alleged gambling and why guns were in the locker room. And I’m not talking little white lie honest. I’m talking forgive-me-for-I-have-sinned honest. Anything less, will just create SpyGate.

And Lord knows, D.C. — or America for that matter — doesn’t need another excuse to tack on said post-modifier. So just end it already. Or do we have to bust your balls?

Urban Meyer hype is out the window

By
Zuri
Published: December 27, 2009Tags:
Urban Meyer hype is out the window

Florida is going crazy after the announcement that Gators coach Urban Meyer was resigning. Sad day in Gainseville -- and on ESPN.

It’s really a cultural thing more than anything else.

When news hit that University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer was resigning due to health concerns, the whirlwind was imminent. After it was announced live during the North Carolina-Pittsburgh bowl game, Gatorzone, the official site of the Florida Gators, went down.

First thought: It’s going to be one of those bowl weeks.

Read the rest of this entry »

Pacquiao suing Floyd Mayweather Jr. for defamation

By
Zuri
Published: December 26, 2009Tags: , ,
Pacquiao suing Floyd Mayweather Jr. for defamation

Manny Pacquiao isn't a punk. Don't test his patience, Floyd.

So Manny Pacquiao isn’t an idiot. In this game of chicken, Pacquiao has realized that Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s mouth may actually get him in trouble this time. Here’s what he said on Christmas Day.

“Enough is enough. These people, Mayweather Sr., [Mayweather] Jr. and Golden Boy Promotions, think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs,” said Pacquiao, who denied that he has ever used any banned substance and who has passed all of his drug tests. “I have tried to just brush it off as a mere prefight ploy, but I think they have gone overboard.”

You can read the whole story here.

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