Another week has come and gone, and there is another Sunday crossword to make me feel like college was a waste of money and another week of sports in our memory banks. From the aftermath of Alex Rodriguez’ steroid scandal to a NBA player looking like the lovechild of a Georgetown basketball coach and a patriotic Muppet, there’s much to talk about and a whole lot more on my mind.
If you'd like to read my ramblings from last week, click here.
I present to you the second edition of The Sports Don’s Sunday Musings...
1.) Bill Madden, a columnist for the New York Daily News, recently stated that Alex Rodriguez should be dismissed from the Yankees in one form or another following his recent admittance to taking performance-enhancing drugs. This is not sympathy for the devil, but Madden’s cry for A-Rod’s removal is insane, and the likelihood of the Steinbrenners orchestrating such a move is highly improbable. The often controversial third baseman is too talented and worth far too much money for the Yankees to simply part ways with him merely for shaming the game. Madden must know better than this. He’s published four baseball related books, two solely on the Yankees, so he should realize that they would never banish Rodriguez for his illegal deeds. In Madden’s time covering sports, Steve Howe (alcohol, cocaine), Doc Gooden (cocaine), Darryl Strawberry (alcohol, cocaine, spousal abuse), Jason Giambi (steroids), Andy Pettitte (amphetamines, steroids, HGH), Mickey Mantle (alcohol) and Billy Martin (alcohol) have all had controversial off the field issues either prior to or during their tenure in the Bronx. So why shouldn't A-Rod be allowed to remain in pinstripes?
2.) Out of the “why can’t we all be this lucky department”, it was recently announced that Miami Dolphins minority owner Wayne Huizenga amended an opt-out clause in the four year, $12 million contract of the Dolphins’ executive VP of football operations, Bill Parcells, prior to selling his majority share on Jan. 20. The clause originally stated if the Miami franchise was sold, Parcells would have 30 days from the time of the sale to leave the organization and still collect all $12 million regardless of how many years he lingered. If that wasn’t ridiculous enough, somehow, beyond on logical comprehension and business sense, Huizenga removed the time limit, and now Parcells can depart with all the money whenever he feels like it. The 30-day window is gone. Huzienga stated that it was the right thing to do for Parcells and new majority owner Stephen Ross, and that the Big Tuna now has no reason to feel pressured into leaving. Need I remind Huizenga that Parcells has been a staff member for a combination of 14 college programs and professional teams since he began as the linebackers coach for Hastings in 1964, and he’s only remained at three of those organizations for four or more years without receiving an upgrade in position or packing his bags? What are the odds that stir-crazy Parcells remains in Miami through 2011?
3.) Even though I am a lifelong Boston sports fan, I realize it’s not my birthright to sound off irrationally. I take a great deal of pride in knowing what I’m talking about and thinking before I speak, and I also have to call out my Boston brethren when they misstep. Tuesday night at the TD Banknorth Garden, they grossly misstepped (is that a word?). The San Jose Sharks and former Bruin Joe Thornton were in town, and shockingly, a large number of Boston fans booed the former number one pick. Why? Thornton may have underachieved in the postseason, but he was and still is nothing but a class act. He didn’t demand to be traded. Ray Bourque asked to leave town to chase a cup and the city held a parade for the Hall of Fame defenseman when he was victorious in Colorado. Sure, Thornton doesn’t carry the same cache as Bourque, but you cannot be upset with a player who consistently played with respect for the game and its fans and was shipped out against his will. For those of you who don’t know, while Thornton was in Boston for a couple of days earlier this week, he even held a charity dinner. He could have visited old friends, stayed in his hotel or enjoyed a million other things Boston has to offer, but he didn’t. He continued to give back to the city that gave him his start. So, please Boston fans, can you please think before you react?
4.) Now that Brett Favre has retired again, the New York Jets quarterback situation is a curious case for 2009. It’s seemingly up for grabs, and the front office has a myriad of options. Kellen Clemens is already on the roster, but there has been some talk among those in the know that management is quite fond of another Brett, the one who is still on the team, undrafted free agent Brett Ratliff out of Utah. Although, I find it hard to believe that a team who was one game away from the playoffs last season would put its offense in the hands of a second year man who is yet to take a professional snap. The Jets could also recruit a veteran like Kurt Warner, Jeff Garcia or Kerry Collins. Vince Young will be available, surprisingly (sarcasm), and as a Patriots fan, I hope they bring Young in because he’s terrible. They may also draft Mark Sanchez out of USC as rumored. The most interesting name I’ve heard in the aftermath of the Favre retirement is Michael Vick's (gulp). Vick should be out of jail in time for the upcoming season, and while exceedingly athletic, his ability to play the quarterback position is up for debate and the amount of off field baggage he’ll be totting will be unlike anything any player has carried before. Are the dogs in New York safe?
5.) I challenge anyone who was beginning to think the Boston Celtics chances at championship 18 were in jeopardy to stand by that belief following the C’s double-digit come from behind victory in the second half against Dallas on Thursday night. It was quite impressive. Boston overcame five Kevin Garnett fouls in three quarters, Ray Allen’s hyper extended thumb, and playing without subs Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine to enter the all-star break with the best record in basketball. The Mavericks may not be the superpower they were three seasons ago, but the Celtics didn’t make me regret staying up until 2 a.m. to finish watching the recording of the game after taking a break at the half to kill some zombies in Left 4 Dead. While it should have never been in doubt, Boston sent notice to everyone in the game that home losses to the Lakers and Spurs in a five day span was not a sign of their complacency with last year’s Larry O’Brien trophy. I also challenge anyone to tell me that Kendrick Perkins doesn’t look like a combination of John Thompson III and The Muppets’ Sam Eagle. These are the things I think about it. Is there something wrong with me?
If you disagree with my opinion, would like to share your own or want to tell me this is the most intelligent post you've ever read, email TheSportsDon@gmail.com.
