I've been trying to figure out why the WNBA can't seem to get any footing in the sports entertainment industry. The product is good and getting better and better. It's played during the middle of summer, where competition is at its lowest.
Yet, for some reason, no one watches or cares about the league.
I think I've figured it out.
The people who operate the league don't want anyone to watch it.
What other explanation could they have for scheduling a grand total of six games over a 7-day period in early-July?
It's unbelievable.
I'm one of the precious few people who actually look for WNBA games. Trust me, it was easier tracking down Bin Laden.
You have to have a computer and then you have to join WNBA.com, because that's where the majority of games are shown.
That's okay. Hey, I want to see the games so that's not a problem. I can handle that.
The only downside to this is logging onto WNBA.com, checking the schedule and seeing, nobody's playing.
Saturday, July 2 - zero games. Sunday - one game (the freaking Mystics and Seattle without Lauren Jackson). Monday - zero games. Tuesday - three games. Wednesday - zero games. Thursday - zero games. Friday - two games.
Okay, why would you not have games in the middle of the week? That's when the sports entertainment competition is at its weakest. People starving for sports might stop at the WNBA simply because it's the only thing on. Yet, the WNBA has no games on during the week. It's as if they really do want to go head-to-head with more established events.
You know what, I give up. I've been preaching to all the WNBA haters out there for years about how the game has improved. The players are really good and there are some teams that are fun to watch. Yeah, the officiating isn't great and the people who broadcast the games are so God-awful bad they're comical. But, the play on the court, when the cameras actually show it, is really good.
But, that's it. I won't try to convert any more non-believers. If the people who run the WNBA don't believe in their own sport enough to actually have games available to be watched, then why should I?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Goodbye Rod Harrington
I'll never forget the very first column I wrote for the El Dorado News-Times about 21 years ago, My first line was, 'My name is Tony Burns and I hate golf.'
It probably wasn't the wisest way to introduce myself. It got people's attention, though. I had no idea how important golf was to some people in this community, including my new boss.
After the column was printed, I got the feeling that maybe it wasn't such a good idea. I was concerned until one of my new co-workers spoke up in the office and told me how much he enjoyed what I had written.
It's amazing what one compliment can do to a person who is sorely lacking confidence.
Rod Harrington's kind words made me feel at home, like I actually belonged in that office.
Big Rod announced recently that he's taking his talents to Northwest Arkansas. His last day with the News-Times was Sunday.
I didn't grow up in a hugs and kisses type of family. So, it's always awkward for me to say goodbye, especially to another dude. I don't like hugs and big shows of affection. Yet, a handshake didn't seem enough when I said goodbye to Rod, who I've known for the past 20 years.
I hadn't really thought about it but, the guy attended both of my parent's funerals. He's seen me at my lowest moments and when I was named Employee of the Year, he was happier about it than I was. No one is more eager to read one of my freshly penned books than Rod. He's read all of them, even the ones that suck. He's listened and written reviews for my relatives music and was always available to proof read a feature.
I used to play tennis with Rod on a weekly basis until I beat him one time. I think he lost his racquet or something after that. Still, over time he's become one of my closest friends.
Like I said, when I left the office Sunday night, I wasn't sure what Rod and I were supposed to do. I don't believe I've actually had a non-stop 20-year friendship before. It was awkward but we settled for a man hug.
Somehow, it didn't seem enough for the guy who made me feel welcome at the News-Times more than 20 years ago.
In case I didn't say it before, thank you Rod Harrington for everything you've done for me. Save me a seat in the pressbox.
Peace!
It probably wasn't the wisest way to introduce myself. It got people's attention, though. I had no idea how important golf was to some people in this community, including my new boss.
After the column was printed, I got the feeling that maybe it wasn't such a good idea. I was concerned until one of my new co-workers spoke up in the office and told me how much he enjoyed what I had written.
It's amazing what one compliment can do to a person who is sorely lacking confidence.
Rod Harrington's kind words made me feel at home, like I actually belonged in that office.
Big Rod announced recently that he's taking his talents to Northwest Arkansas. His last day with the News-Times was Sunday.
I didn't grow up in a hugs and kisses type of family. So, it's always awkward for me to say goodbye, especially to another dude. I don't like hugs and big shows of affection. Yet, a handshake didn't seem enough when I said goodbye to Rod, who I've known for the past 20 years.
I hadn't really thought about it but, the guy attended both of my parent's funerals. He's seen me at my lowest moments and when I was named Employee of the Year, he was happier about it than I was. No one is more eager to read one of my freshly penned books than Rod. He's read all of them, even the ones that suck. He's listened and written reviews for my relatives music and was always available to proof read a feature.
I used to play tennis with Rod on a weekly basis until I beat him one time. I think he lost his racquet or something after that. Still, over time he's become one of my closest friends.
Like I said, when I left the office Sunday night, I wasn't sure what Rod and I were supposed to do. I don't believe I've actually had a non-stop 20-year friendship before. It was awkward but we settled for a man hug.
Somehow, it didn't seem enough for the guy who made me feel welcome at the News-Times more than 20 years ago.
In case I didn't say it before, thank you Rod Harrington for everything you've done for me. Save me a seat in the pressbox.
Peace!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
What's in a name?
I was in the office Saturday talking to News-Times photographer Jim Lemon. Lemon is a Native American. He said his tribe has a school on the reservation. Joking, I asked him what the mascot for the school's athletic teams might be.
I was shocked when he said he thought they might be called "Indians."
Being a jokester, I immediately offered to pen a letter condemning the tribe for using "Indians" as a mascot because it is so insulting to Native Americans.
As I thought about it, I decided to change the school from Native American to African-American. What if a school of all-black students called its sports teams something like "Brothers?" What if the school's mascot was a black dude sporting an Afro hairstyle and ran around acting like Rollo from Sanford & Son?
Would I be offended?
No. Actually, that might be kind of cool.
Then again, what if the mascot wasn't a black man with an Afro but was a white man in a costume?
Now that wouldn't be cool. In fact, that would be incredibly offensive.
Bottom line is, it isn't what you say but it's who is saying it.
I was shocked when he said he thought they might be called "Indians."
Being a jokester, I immediately offered to pen a letter condemning the tribe for using "Indians" as a mascot because it is so insulting to Native Americans.
As I thought about it, I decided to change the school from Native American to African-American. What if a school of all-black students called its sports teams something like "Brothers?" What if the school's mascot was a black dude sporting an Afro hairstyle and ran around acting like Rollo from Sanford & Son?
Would I be offended?
No. Actually, that might be kind of cool.
Then again, what if the mascot wasn't a black man with an Afro but was a white man in a costume?
Now that wouldn't be cool. In fact, that would be incredibly offensive.
Bottom line is, it isn't what you say but it's who is saying it.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ball rolls along
Congratulations to Strong girls basketball coach and Parkers Chapel native Jamie Ball, who said she has accepted a coaching gig at Cutter Morning Star.
Ball, who was coached at PC by Lee Scroggins, will take over the program that Scroggins had a couple years ago. Scroggins' daughter Emilee graduated from Cutter Morning Star this year.
Scroggins, by the way, is a principal at Hot Springs Lakeside.
***
Our annual AmerCable/News-Times Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet is tonight at College Avenue Church of Christ. We're all a little nervous because Shea Wilson did a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff for the last several years.
No one really knew what all she did or how she did it. Now, someone else has to do it.
Hopefully, everything will go as smoothly as it has the past 13 years or so.
Ball, who was coached at PC by Lee Scroggins, will take over the program that Scroggins had a couple years ago. Scroggins' daughter Emilee graduated from Cutter Morning Star this year.
Scroggins, by the way, is a principal at Hot Springs Lakeside.
***
Our annual AmerCable/News-Times Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet is tonight at College Avenue Church of Christ. We're all a little nervous because Shea Wilson did a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff for the last several years.
No one really knew what all she did or how she did it. Now, someone else has to do it.
Hopefully, everything will go as smoothly as it has the past 13 years or so.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
How you living, Rachel Ball?
The AmerCable/News-Times Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet is scheduled for next week (May 26th). This is the most hectic time of the year for me. It's also one of my favorite occasions because I get to meet some athletes I'd never spoken to before.
One of my favorite interviews this year was with El Dorado softball player and cheerleader Rachel Ball. She was refreshingly open and honest, which isn't easy for anyone who is talking to someone for the first time.
She was so easy to talk to, I felt comfortable enough to teach her a lyric from a Biggie Smalls rap track. If you see her, ask Rachel, "How you living, Rachel Ball?"
Anyway, I'm not the biggest fan of cheerleaders but she intrigued me. Most cheerleaders, if they play a sport, don't play a dirty sport like softball. There ain't nothing glamorous about softball. But, she loves it and she loves cheerleading as well.
“There are different things I like about both," she said. "They’re both competitive, especially the (cheerleading competition). That‘s when I really enjoy it. I just like being there for our football team and basketball teams. It kind of makes you apart of everything.”
One of her disappointments, she said was when the softball team had a tournament on the same day El Dorado's girls won the state basketball championship in Hot Springs.
“I didn’t get to cheer. We played in a (softball) tournament that day," she explained. "But, then I went and watched in the crowd. I did get to go. I just wasn’t there to cheer. I was there in my softball uniform. It was important for me to be there. With Whitney and Kanedria and Emily, I played with that group of girls. I stopped in the seventh grade but in the Boys Club from kindergarten all the way up to (sixth grade), I played with them. My mom actually helped coached them. It’s kind of like your team. They’re my babies.”
***
I was saddened the other day when I came across an obituary for Dr. Claude Windell Sumerlin, 87, of Lynchburg, Va. He died in February of this year.
Dr. Sumerlin was my journalism professor at Henderson State University until he retired in 1988. I didn't take journalism in high school so he pretty much taught me everything I know about newspaper writing and reporting.
I don't remember many of my professors from college. But, Dr. Sumerlin is someone whom I'll never forget.
One of my favorite interviews this year was with El Dorado softball player and cheerleader Rachel Ball. She was refreshingly open and honest, which isn't easy for anyone who is talking to someone for the first time.
She was so easy to talk to, I felt comfortable enough to teach her a lyric from a Biggie Smalls rap track. If you see her, ask Rachel, "How you living, Rachel Ball?"
Anyway, I'm not the biggest fan of cheerleaders but she intrigued me. Most cheerleaders, if they play a sport, don't play a dirty sport like softball. There ain't nothing glamorous about softball. But, she loves it and she loves cheerleading as well.
“There are different things I like about both," she said. "They’re both competitive, especially the (cheerleading competition). That‘s when I really enjoy it. I just like being there for our football team and basketball teams. It kind of makes you apart of everything.”
One of her disappointments, she said was when the softball team had a tournament on the same day El Dorado's girls won the state basketball championship in Hot Springs.
“I didn’t get to cheer. We played in a (softball) tournament that day," she explained. "But, then I went and watched in the crowd. I did get to go. I just wasn’t there to cheer. I was there in my softball uniform. It was important for me to be there. With Whitney and Kanedria and Emily, I played with that group of girls. I stopped in the seventh grade but in the Boys Club from kindergarten all the way up to (sixth grade), I played with them. My mom actually helped coached them. It’s kind of like your team. They’re my babies.”
***
I was saddened the other day when I came across an obituary for Dr. Claude Windell Sumerlin, 87, of Lynchburg, Va. He died in February of this year.
Dr. Sumerlin was my journalism professor at Henderson State University until he retired in 1988. I didn't take journalism in high school so he pretty much taught me everything I know about newspaper writing and reporting.
I don't remember many of my professors from college. But, Dr. Sumerlin is someone whom I'll never forget.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
My opinion has changed
After my last blog, I got a call from El Dorado football coach Scott Reed. Reed said when he learned what time the girls were playing, he moved up football practice to 3 p.m. and shortened it to 4:45 p.m.
"Any of my kids that wanted to go were excused from practice," said Reed. "And, we shortened practice so they could get to the game for the second half. One of my kids had a sister playing and he wanted to go. Any of my kids that wanted to go to the soccer match were excused. I try to support all of our teams."
I was initially disappointed when Coach Reed told me football practice would be at 4 p.m. on Monday. I'm happy to hear that he changed the schedule so his athletes would have the opportunity to support the girls soccer team.
The coach was disappointed in me for not getting his side of the story before I wrote anything. He's probably correct. I should have asked if he was doing anything different in light of the soccer team being at home playing in the semifinals. Obviously, I would never put anything in the newspaper without checking both sides but ... a personal blog and Facebook page are different, or so I thought.
Still, what I write here is my opinion. My opinion is allowed to change. My opinion has changed.
I think it's great that Coach Reed and the football staff changed their schedule so their players could support the soccer team. I think it was the right thing to do and I'm sorry I didn't have all the facts when I wrote my last blog.
"Any of my kids that wanted to go were excused from practice," said Reed. "And, we shortened practice so they could get to the game for the second half. One of my kids had a sister playing and he wanted to go. Any of my kids that wanted to go to the soccer match were excused. I try to support all of our teams."
I was initially disappointed when Coach Reed told me football practice would be at 4 p.m. on Monday. I'm happy to hear that he changed the schedule so his athletes would have the opportunity to support the girls soccer team.
The coach was disappointed in me for not getting his side of the story before I wrote anything. He's probably correct. I should have asked if he was doing anything different in light of the soccer team being at home playing in the semifinals. Obviously, I would never put anything in the newspaper without checking both sides but ... a personal blog and Facebook page are different, or so I thought.
Still, what I write here is my opinion. My opinion is allowed to change. My opinion has changed.
I think it's great that Coach Reed and the football staff changed their schedule so their players could support the soccer team. I think it was the right thing to do and I'm sorry I didn't have all the facts when I wrote my last blog.
Thanks for the support
The 6A Soccer Tournament came to El Dorado and went on Monday. I'm not a soccer guy but covering it for three days didn't kill me. It helped that the Lady Wildcats made it to the semifinals so I had a local team to cover.
Anyway, El Dorado's girls lost in the semifinals Monday afternoon.
They were beaten handily by a solid Mountain Home squad 6-1. The Lady Wildcats tried but were simply outclassed by a team with more speed.
What frustrated me a little bit was the lack of school support for the team. It was especially disappointing to hear the El Dorado football team was practicing at 4 p.m., the exact starting time for the Lady Wildcats' semifinal game.
Come on, Coach Reed.
I watched as the entire student body traveled the entire length of the state to support El Dorado's football team. They went to Springdale for a nonconference game. It didn't matter where the Wildcats went, the students, including members of the softball, swimming and soccer teams, were there to support them.
No one had to drive to Fayetteville or Mountain Home to watch the home girls play for a chance to win a state title. All they had to do was drive across town to the El Dorado Soccer Complex. How easy is that?
But, no, El Dorado couldn't even be bothered enough to postpone spring football practice for 90 minutes so the players could show support to the same girls who supported them.
I mentioned this to an El Dorado fan and he said, "well that is football and this is soccer."
This is true. I know the difference between the two sports. One uses a helmet and the other doesn't use their hands.
The one thing they have in common in this instance is they're both El Dorado High School student-athletes. I wouldn't expect El Dorado fans to travel across the state to follow the soccer teams.
I just don't think driving across town on a beautiful Monday afternoon is asking too much for people who are supposed to be loyal supporters of the school.
Anyway, El Dorado's girls lost in the semifinals Monday afternoon.
They were beaten handily by a solid Mountain Home squad 6-1. The Lady Wildcats tried but were simply outclassed by a team with more speed.
What frustrated me a little bit was the lack of school support for the team. It was especially disappointing to hear the El Dorado football team was practicing at 4 p.m., the exact starting time for the Lady Wildcats' semifinal game.
Come on, Coach Reed.
I watched as the entire student body traveled the entire length of the state to support El Dorado's football team. They went to Springdale for a nonconference game. It didn't matter where the Wildcats went, the students, including members of the softball, swimming and soccer teams, were there to support them.
No one had to drive to Fayetteville or Mountain Home to watch the home girls play for a chance to win a state title. All they had to do was drive across town to the El Dorado Soccer Complex. How easy is that?
But, no, El Dorado couldn't even be bothered enough to postpone spring football practice for 90 minutes so the players could show support to the same girls who supported them.
I mentioned this to an El Dorado fan and he said, "well that is football and this is soccer."
This is true. I know the difference between the two sports. One uses a helmet and the other doesn't use their hands.
The one thing they have in common in this instance is they're both El Dorado High School student-athletes. I wouldn't expect El Dorado fans to travel across the state to follow the soccer teams.
I just don't think driving across town on a beautiful Monday afternoon is asking too much for people who are supposed to be loyal supporters of the school.
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