Oh my God, did you hear the news? The NBA has locked out its players!
Oh, you heard? You didn't care, either?
If the NBA ever wanted to know its standing in the sports landscape in this country, the utter apathy over its work stoppage should be a clear indicator. Football fans practically went on life support when the NFL went through its labor issues. And, that was during the offseason.
The idea of the NBA actually losing regular-season games, meanwhile, is met mostly with yawns of indifference.
It proves what most have been saying for a long time. The NBA season is too long. Fans don't get invested until the playoffs because the perception is the regular season means very little.
In the NFL, every game is important. Five games into the season, teams are already being counted out of the playoff chase. Plus, the NFL is just hugely popular. NFL players could spit in fans' cereal bowls on Sunday morning and those fans will still watch them play in the afternoon.
There's nothing the NFL can do to hurt its fan base. They took out the celebrations. Didn't hurt it. They eliminated hits on the quarterbacks. Didn't hurt it. They've taken hitting completely out of the game. Hasn't hurt it. Hell, they've taken defense completely out. Still going strong.
The NBA looks longingly at the NFL. But, fact is, the NBA is not the NFL. The owners and players are going to find out the hard way. I think a lot of fans can do without the NBA a lot easier than they can the NFL. Between the end of college basketball and the beginning of baseball, the NBA's window of importance isn't that large to begin with.
So, I think I speak for a lot of folks when I say, take your time NBA in working out your labor issues. You can kill the entire season for all I care. I'm sure I can find something to do while you're gone.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
You play like a girl
I remember several years ago when the Celtics lost to the Lakers. Larry Bird criticized his team. He said they played "like a bunch of women." John Gruden told his Tampa Bay Bucs once that they were, "playing like a bunch of broads."
One of the better, good, old boy football coach expressions is saying a kid, "looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane."
Hearing this sort of talk begs the question. Do men really think so little of females?
I don't want to be overly politically correct. I mean, this isn't a life-or-death issue. It's not earth shattering and, as far as I know, it might not bother women at all.
I just find it interesting that telling a girl she plays like a boy is a compliment. But, the best way to insult a male athlete is to tell him he resembles a female athlete.
For instance, no boy wants to be compared to Diana Taurasi or Candace Parker, even though Taurasi and Parker can beat most boys on the basketball court. Go find the average high school male tennis player and tell him he plays like Serena Williams. He'd be ready to fight even though Serena has a faster serve than about half the men on the professional tour. Most boys only wish they could hit a golf ball as far as Michelle Wie but don't tell them they play golf like her unless you want a 5-iron wrapped around your skull.
Yeah, telling any guy he plays like a girl is fighting words. The question is, should it be? Candace Parker can dunk a basketball. I can't. I always wished I could so, I suppose I do wish I could play like Candace Parker, who is definitely a girl.
If I could hit a serve like Serena, I'd be playing tennis right now. If I could drive like Danica, I'd be racing cars.
Females have come a long way as athletes. Maybe it's time to come up with another way to insult guys or push them to do better. How about we say, you play like an old man? Wait, forgot about Brett Favre and Michael Jordan. I guess that doesn't apply either.
One of the better, good, old boy football coach expressions is saying a kid, "looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane."
Hearing this sort of talk begs the question. Do men really think so little of females?
I don't want to be overly politically correct. I mean, this isn't a life-or-death issue. It's not earth shattering and, as far as I know, it might not bother women at all.
I just find it interesting that telling a girl she plays like a boy is a compliment. But, the best way to insult a male athlete is to tell him he resembles a female athlete.
For instance, no boy wants to be compared to Diana Taurasi or Candace Parker, even though Taurasi and Parker can beat most boys on the basketball court. Go find the average high school male tennis player and tell him he plays like Serena Williams. He'd be ready to fight even though Serena has a faster serve than about half the men on the professional tour. Most boys only wish they could hit a golf ball as far as Michelle Wie but don't tell them they play golf like her unless you want a 5-iron wrapped around your skull.
Yeah, telling any guy he plays like a girl is fighting words. The question is, should it be? Candace Parker can dunk a basketball. I can't. I always wished I could so, I suppose I do wish I could play like Candace Parker, who is definitely a girl.
If I could hit a serve like Serena, I'd be playing tennis right now. If I could drive like Danica, I'd be racing cars.
Females have come a long way as athletes. Maybe it's time to come up with another way to insult guys or push them to do better. How about we say, you play like an old man? Wait, forgot about Brett Favre and Michael Jordan. I guess that doesn't apply either.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Reed makes a splash
Congratulations to El Dorado's Taylor Reed, who made his college football debut tonight with Memphis. Reed came off the bench for the Tigers when starting quarterback Andy Summerlin left the game with a knee injury in the first half of a 59-14 loss to Mississippi State at the Liberty Bowl.
Reed entered the game with 13:59 left in the second quarter and completed 23-of-35 passes for 149 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His total might've been higher except for about three dropped passes.
Reed's first collegiate pass was a 10-yard completion for a first down. He lofted an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Rucker in the back of the end zone with 11:40 to go in the fourth quarter.
I don't know if Reed won the starting job but the guys broadcasting the game seemed to be quite impressed.
The Tigers play Auburn next week. While Reed looked good, especially as a true freshman, the rest of his teammates are suspect. Memphis looked like a mediocre high school team with some of the mistakes they made.
The starting quarterback had to burn a timeout because the play clock was winding down. This was the first play after his team entered the field on a change of possession.
The defense would later use a timeout because it had 12 men on the field. This was also the first play of a possession.
That's just bad.
Hopefully, the Tigers will get better. Reed is a proven leader. But, I don't think he should be thrust into such a strong leadership position so early.
I guess we'll see.
Reed entered the game with 13:59 left in the second quarter and completed 23-of-35 passes for 149 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His total might've been higher except for about three dropped passes.
Reed's first collegiate pass was a 10-yard completion for a first down. He lofted an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Rucker in the back of the end zone with 11:40 to go in the fourth quarter.
I don't know if Reed won the starting job but the guys broadcasting the game seemed to be quite impressed.
The Tigers play Auburn next week. While Reed looked good, especially as a true freshman, the rest of his teammates are suspect. Memphis looked like a mediocre high school team with some of the mistakes they made.
The starting quarterback had to burn a timeout because the play clock was winding down. This was the first play after his team entered the field on a change of possession.
The defense would later use a timeout because it had 12 men on the field. This was also the first play of a possession.
That's just bad.
Hopefully, the Tigers will get better. Reed is a proven leader. But, I don't think he should be thrust into such a strong leadership position so early.
I guess we'll see.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Grapes?
How fattening are grapes? I mean, if you eat a couple pounds of them, is that real bad?
Somebody tell me.
Somebody tell me.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Lazy days of summer
I've fallen back on this blog for some reason. Oh, wait, I know what it is ... I'm lazy.
I don't have much local to talk about. It's the typical summer. The elite high school athletes are busting their humps while the mediocre ones lay up under the air conditioning munching on Cheetos.
The same names will be in the newspaper once school starts and the same parents will be complaining because their kid with Cheetos on his or her fingers can't seem to get any recognition.
I actually find myself getting a little self-conscious. I look in the paper and it's Rickitha Hicks or Courtney Lowe or Stetson Billings or Wendell Thompson or Vincent Pierce. I start to wonder if I'm shining too much of a spotlight on them.
The thing is, they're always doing something. Hicks is at a track meet every weekend. Lowe is competing in a national softball tournament every weekend. Billings is competing in a national basketball tournament every weekend and Thompson has been in about five or six huge football camps.
After a kid has done so much, do I start to ignore them?
Then there's the kid who is doing something but nobody tells me about it. That's a tough one because the mom always waits until she sees a story about another kid. Then, she emails me and complains, "what about my son?" I say, "what about him?"
We don't have summer schedules for every athlete. If I know someone is doing something big, I'll make an effort to get that information. But, if I don't know about it, ain't much for me to do.
I suppose parents think we have some sort of wire in our bodies that spits out electricity whenever a kid in our area does something special.
As much as I love the summer, I won't be too sad to see it end.
I don't have much local to talk about. It's the typical summer. The elite high school athletes are busting their humps while the mediocre ones lay up under the air conditioning munching on Cheetos.
The same names will be in the newspaper once school starts and the same parents will be complaining because their kid with Cheetos on his or her fingers can't seem to get any recognition.
I actually find myself getting a little self-conscious. I look in the paper and it's Rickitha Hicks or Courtney Lowe or Stetson Billings or Wendell Thompson or Vincent Pierce. I start to wonder if I'm shining too much of a spotlight on them.
The thing is, they're always doing something. Hicks is at a track meet every weekend. Lowe is competing in a national softball tournament every weekend. Billings is competing in a national basketball tournament every weekend and Thompson has been in about five or six huge football camps.
After a kid has done so much, do I start to ignore them?
Then there's the kid who is doing something but nobody tells me about it. That's a tough one because the mom always waits until she sees a story about another kid. Then, she emails me and complains, "what about my son?" I say, "what about him?"
We don't have summer schedules for every athlete. If I know someone is doing something big, I'll make an effort to get that information. But, if I don't know about it, ain't much for me to do.
I suppose parents think we have some sort of wire in our bodies that spits out electricity whenever a kid in our area does something special.
As much as I love the summer, I won't be too sad to see it end.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Way to go, WNBA
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?
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?
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)