Political Games: Red Team vs. Blue Team

So what does the win in Massachusetts for Scott Brown really mean?

Personally, as a Democrat I’m not all that upset over this. I do find it funny to listen to Republicans spin & proclamations, but I understand that this was a good night for them. So I’m not going to do the Republican thing and offer sorrow grapes, complain or be a sore loser. Congratulations, Senator-Elect Brown on winning this special election.

But watch out for the… oooh… mascot.

I may be critical of the GOP and what it represents, but I do try to be fair, honest, sincere and considerate, even when many Conservatives/Republicans refuse to do the same. The reason is because I know who I am, both personally and politically. But I do want Democrats and Republicans to listen intently to what I have to say about what this win really means.

I begin with asking a question of Republicans, especially those who supported John McCain in 2008. It is his comments that brought me to look at this win a bit more closely.

“…Massachusetts has spoken for the country…”

John isn’t that kind of much for an election. Yes, that’s typical Republicans spin. What can you do about it? Perhaps I can say New York has spoken for the country back in November.

Come on now, let’s get serious here. I know you’re happy, but seriously dude have you looked at the scoreboard lately? I hate to inform you of this, but you’re still losing.

Now don’t get me wrong, that was a good play you just ran, but that’s just a payback lick for us taking the 23^rd Congressional Seat a few months ago in New York from you. Good block, now let’s get back to the line of scrimmage.

Here’s another way for Republicans & Democrats to think about what this win really means.

It’s the 3^rd Quarter and the blue team has been stomping the red team up and down the field for the majority of the game. The red team’s fans are complaining to the refs about any and every call on each play. The blue team is talking trash and just sitting back having fun. They’re not worried at all, because the quarter back is the combination of Drew Brees & Payton Manning wrapped up in Donovan McNabb’s body. The blue team got so cocky that started to get sloppy and put their 2^nd string in the game, but she fumbles the ball and the guy on the red team picked up the ball and ran it in for their first touch down of the game.

Now what do you think the reaction of the red team’s fans are going to be?

So the blue team fans are upset and blaming the quarterback, the offensive line, etc, but themselves. So who is going to be the one to tell the blue team that it’s alright and you can still win the ‘Clinic’ Bowl? Stop trippin’ Democrats and pay attention. You still have the rest of this quarter and the 4^th quarter to play. Now is not the time to worry about one play.

Democrats, I hope this wakes you up. Shake it off, get back to the line of scrimmage (Washington DC) and let’s win this game. Al’ight.

Seriously, Tony Romo is their quarterback. (I’m sorry, just playing. The Dallas Cowboys is a fine team. They just got stomped last week.)

Par for the Course

I’ve really tried to stay away from this one, but I knew someone would ask me for my opinion in regards to the whole Tiger Woods drama. And just like clockwork, race is being silently introduced among various groups. So allow me to share my thoughts, ideas and suggestions to Tiger Woods, Elin Woods and those who may read this.

First, I must say Tiger Woods is my inspiration that motivated me to take a second look at golf. The exclusiveness of the sport that has often discriminated or tended to exclude anyone who wasn’t a certain race, gender or perceived class status now finds itself  gaining more fans from those it previous discriminated against; for the most part thanks to Tiger Woods’ success.

So as news of this unfortunate incident began to become public I silently wished I could have whispered in Tiger’s ear to give him some words of adherence and encouragement. But I would have presented it to him in a language I knew he would clearly understand. Some may not understand that last statement, but I’m sure some received what I was saying.

As the onlookers gossip about what and/or who Tiger was doing, the common and obvious factor of this situation are the women. Now I have no issues with preferences, but I do find issue with exclusions. So in attempt to address the question asked by several women, all were not White, but of multiple races, let me try to give an answer to your question.

The question that was most commonly asked was, ‘Why do Black men go out and get a White girl when they become successful?”

WOW! Man, why are you asking me this question? As if I’m the Black Man’s representative or something. Sigh… (In a tone of sarcasm) Am I my brother’s keeper? Alright, but don’t get mad at me for saying it.

In my explanation I’m assuming you clearly understand the racial history of the United States. I’ve written about race relations throughout the year, so to get a better understanding of the entirety of those conversations I suggestion you to visit my blog and read through those blog posts.

As for as Tiger Woods, all I can say is that you must consider his social environment when questioning his preferences. Like myself he was introduced to who he was in terms of race at a very early age. Being a child of a Black father and an Asian mother in the U.S. you are automatically considered to be Black. The same is true for other well known people such as President Obama, Halley Berry or even Mariah Carry. But unlike those mentioned, everyone who comes from a bi-racial background where one parent is Black doesn’t always fully embrace who they are. Our cultural communities or social society sometimes makes it difficult for a person to feel fully accepted, so they tend to prefer who accepts them more.

This is true for any relationship. If you accepted by one group more than another you tend to prefer that group that accepted you. I was accepted by Democrats and taunted, discriminated against and dismissed by Republicans, so what political party do I tend to align myself with more often? I was brought up in a very racially diverse community growing ups and accepted by virtually everyone in school, so how many negative issue do you think I tend to have regarding race?

I can’t be too upset with Tiger for having a preference for White women. I know this is an uncomfortable statement for some, but at least these were some pretty White women. Some Black men date some… Well let me stay on course here.

Let’s not begin judging Tiger Woods based on his racial preferences in women. He obviously has some taste in women in terms of looks, may not in cleverness. But what women do you know of any race wouldn’t try to bust your head wide open if they discovered you were cheating on them? So it’s not necessarily a Black/White thing, but a Woman Thing. If my wife discovered me and Tyra Banks had a thing going on, then all HELL would break out. Although she knows I have always had a thing for Tyra. But some will tell me, “Tyra is Black and so are you”. That is true, but if I was the number one golfer in the world and owned a $2.4 million dollar home outside of Orlando, FL and she found this out, I can guarantee my Brown… that my wife would have took the 7, 8 & 9 irons out and would do her best to make par. 

So yes, some Black men do go out and get a woman who may not be Black. That’s them. There are so many Black men that do not get the attention of anyone who are doing good things that are attracted to Black women as well as women of any race. Give that brother a chance. He may not be as wealthy or known as Tiger Woods, but you never know what his ambitions and abilities are until you give him the time to share them with you.

As far as Tiger Woods, this is my advice to him. It’s OK man. You’re going to be alright. I still love ya and keep your head up. Yes, you made a mistake. Yes, you know who you are and what you represent to many people, some you may never meet. All I say is treat this like you do when you make a bad shot. Don’t dwell on it for the rest of the game, learn from your mistakes and do better next time.

Some will turn against you, but that’s proof that they weren’t true fans, but onlookers. This mistake does not hinder your abilities, just confirms the realities that you already knew about yourself. You’re human.

NFL Team: St. Louis Republicans?

I just wanted to make a quick point about this whole thing with Rush Limbaugh bid to purchase an NFL team. Now I’m sure there are some Republicans may be anticipating me taking the opportunity to beat up on him, but you would once again be wrong. I think that if Rush Limbaugh wants to purchase a NFL team and he has the means to do it and follows the guidelines set by the NFL he should be allowed to make an offer.

Now I disagree with the fact that Rush Limbaugh thinks he is not a racist. He can think that, but he contradicts himself without even realize it. What amazes me about the unconscious racist is not their lack of understanding about racism itself, but the oblivion to their own actions.

There are so many instances that I can quote Rush Limbaugh speaking negatively about race, often towards Blacks and Latinos. But because someone is a racist doesn’t mean they can not or should not have the opportunity to own a NFL or any other professional sports team. The test is whether you, the non-racist will support a racist. He has the right to own whatever he can purchase, just as Bob Johnson; a Billionaire who is Black owns an NBA team and Jay-Z; a businessman, entertainer and who is also Black owns a portion of an NBA team.

The problem is not Rush Limbaugh this time, but whether you will support Rush Limbaugh if he is successful in purchasing the St. Louis Rams.

In addition it allows everyone to see what the NFL Players Association is morally made of too. Will players of all races be willing to play on a team where the owner is racially and politically controversial? Will they have the moral fortitude to stand on their own principles and refuse to play for a team where the owner has repeatedly offended many people who are not White and Republican?

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was right, because “It’s All About The Benjamin’s” on this and so many issues. Rush Limbaugh makes money doing what he does everyday and people pay him to offend people. If that means being a racist or stoking White racial fear, then that’s what he’s going to do. It’s all a testament of your moral values. He has a right to do what he does and we have a right not to buy what he is offering or is associated with.

So if St. Louis and the NFL is willing to deal with him we need not to be upset with Rush, but the NFL. They control the ball on this play. Rush is wanting to get the ball, but if he does we can tackle him not by verbal protest, but by not supporting what he’s involved in. It essentially comes down to the money.

Regardless what position you play when it comes to the strange, but well acquainted team of racism, sports and Rush you have to admit that the position I’m proposing is fair and ultimately the one that calls the shots in the end.

Not So Seriously Speaking

• The discrimination will be indisputable when a prominent Democrat or Liberal buys a failing sports team and Republicans cry out against it, because you know many will. I wonder who will be the voice of reason then?
• So my Republican friends don’t be upset, because I agree that the transaction is not about race. Sharpton & Jackson bring up race because of Rush’s history of racist remarks that even you can not deny he’s made. But Rush should be allowed to buy the team if he can meet the NFL standards. Sharpton & Jackson should concentrate on getting people not to support a racist. Racism isn’t racist, because anyone can be a racist.
• I say Obama purchases a team and watch the reaction. How about the Clinton Clippers (reference to the NBA L.A. Clippers), how about the Keith Olbermann Mets or the Obama Blackhawks (reference to the NHL Chicago Blackhawks).
• Seriously, if Rush does get to purchase the team and renames it to the St. Louis Republicans, perhaps he can have one or two Blacks and Latinos on their team to make it more representative.
• Ahw come on now, you know that’s funny. OK, let me be fair. If some Democrat buys a team he/she can make sure everyone is represented, but who would be the quarterback? (Some will get that joke and many won’t.)
• Who knows, being around so many Black people may open Rush’s mind and heart up.

UPDATE: NFL/Rams Owner; Dave Checketts are not going to consider Rush Limbaugh’s offer. I’m a bit surprised, because I thought everyone including the NFL and Rush Limbaugh was colorblind. I guess green isn’t the only color they see, perhaps the colorful remarks repeatedly made by Rush was too vivid for them to consider. Oh Well Rush, keep doing what you’re doing. There’s always the NHL or even better the NBA. For once I was actually giving you the benefit of the mountain of doubts. It would have been an excellent test to see how true people like myself who disagrees with you would stand behind their rhetoric and not continue to support anything you’re apart of. It worked in Birmingham, why not St. Louis.

References & Inspirations

Los Angeles Times – 10/06/09 “Rush Limbaugh says he’s trying to purchase Rams”

ESPN – 10/12/09 “Al Sharpton Urges NFL to Reject Rush Limbaugh’s St. Louis Rams Bid”

Opposing Views – 10/09/09 “Black NFL Players Protest Rush Limbaugh’s Effort to Buy Rams“

Jim Brown’s Verbal Birdie

NFL legend and social activist Jim Brown took a hard swipe at Tiger Woods in the recent “Real Sports” on HBO. Mr. Brown said Tiger Woods is a “monster competitor” on the course, but has been “terrible” as a social contributor off of it.

Well although some may be afraid to address this in terms of race, it has an element of race in it. So as a Black man who is only a few years older than Tiger and was made more aware of golf by the contributions of Tiger Woods I submit my opinion to Mr. Jim Brown with sincere respect. I believe this is more of a generational lapse of opinion in social contribution. Just because Tiger does not contribute socially in the way one may prefer it doesn’t mean he hasn’t made great contributions to youth in addition to his own ethnic heritage, Black and Asian.

The game of golf has not always been welcoming to someone like Tiger or even myself if it wasn’t for the contributions of other Black Golfers such as Ann Gregory, Joseph Bartholomew, Charlie Sifford or Ted Rhodes who paved the way for a Tiger Woods or even an Anthony Kim or a Michelle Wie.

Mr. Brown I will be the first to say I greatly appreciate and respect all that you’ve contributed to youths of all races over the years. I’m sure there is someone who can make the same criticism of you, but they choose not to do so because we all can contribute socially. We all can not and would not make the great sacrifices that Martin, Medgar or even Malcolm made, but it is because of those sacrifices that we don’t have to make them today. But we can make our own contributions in our own way. To harp back on my eternal theme, we have to always remember to consider others in all we do that includes our criticism of them.

The Tiger Woods Foundation is not some run-of-the-mill foundation. In addition to teaching kids about the game of golf the foundation also provides a FREE program for young people to help realize their dreams. What about the grants and scholarships, I would like to have one of those. Mr. Brown, Mr. Woods is doing great things not only on the golf course, but off it to. I respectfully invite you to just give the man a chance instead of joining in with words that hold the resemblance to what you fought against for so long.

Although some will read your comments and instantly criticize you and naively compare you to Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton as if that’s an insult; I choose not to go that route. I have too much respect for you and for all of the work you have done to criticize your criticism. This is why I respectfully disagree with your critical assessment of Tiger Woods. There’s many others who would rightfully deserve your criticism of their social contributions to all of our youths.

Tiger Woods is a good guy and have not publicly provided any valid arguments to contradict this opinion. Give the guy a break and reconsider your criticism of him from his perspective.

References & Inspirations

The Golf Channel – 07/06/09 “Black and White – and Brown”

The Tiger Woods Foundation – http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org/

Seeking Independence

This past weekend we all were stunned with some very interesting events. I’m obviously not going to be able to touch on all of them, but just wanted to mention a few that caught my attention. The gamut runs into politics, sports and entertainment, so I will try to keep my thoughts, ideas and suggestions brief on all of them.

Sarah Palin; Governor of Alaska (Steps Down Before 1^st Term is complete)

To the surprise of many on multiple sides of the political spectrum, I’m not going to beat up on her for this latest sporadic decision. Like I’ve said awhile ago, there’s no need for me to keep beating up on the GOP, because they’re doing a good job at it on their on. Each time I’ve tried to offer a sincere non-partisan warning it was ignored, discounted and attacked, so my position has been to step out of it and speak to those who are open-minded enough to hear what I have to say and I in return to them.

Sarah Palin has the right to leave the position of Governor, a position that the people of Alaska voted her into a few years ago for any reason.

Politically, this move makes it even easier for her fellow Republicans, not Democrats, but REPUBLICANS that will run for President in 2012 job much easier to slam her on. This Democrat is leaving her to her own vices.

It’s time for politicians and political pundents to trust people to be smart enough to recognize partisan political games, political ideology from people who just want to do what they’re suppose to do and serve We The People. Too many political people are too busy serving themselves and those who helped them get to where they are instead of We the People.

I sincerely wish Sarah Palin the best and will not participate in attacking her personal decision to leave office 18 month before the term is up. Politically, she just opened herself up to attack by HER FELLOW REPUBLICANS, although I believe there will be some Democrats who will see the easy target and shoot at it. But I say to them, this is not our fight to wage at this time.

Now anyone who still believes I’m being hard on her still is simply crazy. I have my own opinions about this decision in relation to politics, but I respect her personal decision and question the strategy of the political decision. Who does she have advising her? This is not a wise political strategy regardless of party. So for once I agree with George Will and Newt Gingrich on questioning the political strategy behind this, but I’m not attacking the beloved politician, only wishing her well in her future endeavors.

References & Inspirations

Huffington Post – 07/06/09 “Paling Follows GOP Members of Congress Who Quit Because They Felt Like It”

Steve McNair; Former Titans & Ravens QB Found Dead

Now being a Tennessee Titan fan I was blown away by the news of Steve McNair being killed on Saturday. What bothered me more was the situation he was in.

Man… Steve… Big Sigh… Seriously, you’ve could have just called a brother. I would have welcomed you in. Man we all go through these hard times in our relationships. We’re the same age, I understand how ya feel. People start trippin’ and you feel you have no one there to really talk to. I get you, but dude… she’s 20 years old. This girl was only 1 years old when we graduated from high school, this is not right man. Was the ______ that good? There’s some 30-something year old women out here that would have been more logical alternative than this.

It’s alright man. What’s done is done. If I am to be honest I must offer my unconditional and sincere prayer for the continued grace and mercy to be bestowed upon your soul, memory and the family, friends and fans you leave behind. Everyone is not forgiving, but everyone wants to be forgiven. Who am I to judge you? You’re still alright with me. Rest in peace.

References & Inspirations

ESPN – 07/06/09 “Steve McNair Shot Four Times, Classified as Homicide”

Tiger Woods; 2009 AT&T Nationals Winner

All I have to say is… THAT’S MY MAN! I really like Anthony Kim, but when I saw Tiger come up from 6^th to tie for first and then stayed there I knew he had it. I want to be like you when I grow up.

Seriously, this may not be grand news to some because Tiger has won multiple tournaments. He’s Tiger Woods many would say. But as my father illustrated in a sermon of the weekend, it is the work behind what allows someone to make such a statement that’s the real point of it all. He is the #1 Golfer in the world, but consider the journey.

Over the weekend there was an announcer who was talking about Tiger’s career in various aspects and he briefly mentioned the tremendous impact he has made to the culture of golf since his 1997 Master’s win. Although the other announcers glossed over the importance of his statement I had to agree with him. Here I am watching golf and enjoying it. I’ve actually preferred to watch a PGA Tournament over most of the NBA Playoffs. That’s a death sentence on the streets. J I would have had my ‘Brother Card’ revoked and put on Black Man suspension if this got out. J (For those who may be uptight, I’m only kidding).

Listen, my point is that Tiger Woods along with other great golfers like him and others have made a great cultural impact to the amazing game of golf to a segment of the population often discouraged from the game. I am more than just basketball, football and baseball, I am golf, tennis and politics too, since that’s a game within itself.

It’s not because of his heritage I and many others marvel at his accomplishments, but it is because of his heritage that I and many others recognizes his accomplishments, because it makes a statement to people of all backgrounds that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if you work hard at it and not allow the obstacles to hold you back. Congratulations Tiger and just watch, one day I swear I’m going to be out there. Me and You, one on one and when I’m finish you’re going to call me Tiger Woods. J

References & Inspirations

Golf.com – 07/05/09 “Tiger Woods wins AT&T National over Hunter Mahan & Anthony Kim”

Michael Jackson; King of Pop

I don’t even know what else to say. The imprisonment of fame and wealth along with the leaches that comes with it is enough to overwhelm anyone, but just like the statement another King realized its truth, at least you can say today that you’re Free at Last.

So What’s Next?

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When Arlen Spector can publicly say that he’s found himself increasingly at odds with the Republican philosophy and more inline with the Democratic philosophy you have to wonder what shift or how much of a shift within the Republican party has occurred to push the moderates out?

This is what I’ve been warning Republicans about in multiple posts since September 2008. Although it’s just my opinion and I am not a Republican, but as a socio-political observer and critic I believe the Moderate Republicans are the conscience of the party. They are the ones who inject common sense and rationale into the ideology, to push them away like you’re doing is like ignoring what your conscience is telling you.

So what’s next? Should we look for Republican Governors to switch parties, I think Charlie Crist would make a good Conservative Democrat and Arnold is married to a Kennedy, so we can use a Terminator. Who should we be making space for? I can think of only two other Moderate Republican Senators that would provide a spirited debate within the Democratic Caucus. We still have room.

When the party asks too much what are you to do? Should you resign your morals, convictions or objections and follow the party line? Should you assert your independence and adherence to the needs and desires of who you are to represent? I guess it depends on the measure of value of the issue, but I would hope you would follow the later more often than not.

Some want to constrain a person to one opinion and leave no room for debate or consideration. Opposition is good, because it keeps you sharp. Those who are honest and respectable in their opposition are few and often ridiculed for their independence or consensus nature. Consider President Obama and his multiple attempts to seek bipartisanship. His opposition called him weak; some of his supporters are suspicious, because we are reluctant to consider the position of our opposition as if it can never be true.

So what’s the problem?

Allow me to offer my analysis to this question. Perhaps the Republican Party can finally call themselves “Dixiecrats” now, since they have virtually modified themselves into what was known as Dixiecrats long ago. Then the brilliant incorporation of what is known as the “Religious Right” was the confusion of God and the Government. So instead of using God in your damning of America you have essentially damned the party, because you confused God and Government. Some of you may know what I’m talking about.

Now Democrats I suggest that we do not get too happy with the Specter prospects. I respect Sen. Specter, but just like our own defectors like Zell Miller or even someone whom I’m still suspicious of to this day, Joe Lieberman, let’s not get too confident. Welcome Bro. Arlen, but proceed with caution.

Although Republicans probably wouldn’t be gracious to us if this was reversed, let us not engage them in the game of tic-for-tat politics. They may be several strokes down, but we still got work to do ourselves if we’re going to win this tournament. Just because we’re on the leaderboard doesn’t mean we’re going to win the tournament. Mr. Arlen Specter I welcome you to the Democratic Party, but you understand if we proceed with caution.

Michael Phelps*

What I’m watching in regards of how the International Olympic Committee and the media handles the recent admission by Michael Phelps of smoking weed is to see if they will be consistent. I can think of a few other athletes that are probably paying attention too. Does anyone have Marian Jones, Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi or Tim Montgomery’s phone numbers?

I wonder if the IOC will ask Michael Phelps to give his medals back. Why don’t we ask Bob Weiner, the former White House Drug Spokesman during the 2^nd Clinton Administration that said that Marian Jones should return her medals?

What’s the difference between an athlete using steroids or smoking weed? Either way it’s an illegal drug that they shouldn’t be using.

I’m sure Michael Phelps will be forgiven and this will be overlooked. Since steroids is worse than marijuana.

References & Inspirations:

The Independent (UK) – 12/05/03 “Americans set to vote on no-tolerance drug policy”

The Huffington Post – 02/01/09 “Michael Phelps, Hypocrisy and American Drug Policy”

Associated Press – 02/01/09 “Phelps acknowledges photo showing him smoking pot”

Washington Post – 10/05/07 “Marion Jones Admits to Steroids Use”

NBC Sports – 08/20/08 “Drug Testing in Beijing”

Turning Around a Losing Team

Craig Robinson, brother of Michelle Obama, brother-in-law of the president-elect and a first-year head basketball coach at Oregon State University. The former Princeton basketball star is trying to establish himself as the coach who will turn around a Division I program that has been dismal in recent years.

Friday, November 14^th in Washington D.C. Howard University will play Oregon State. The Oregon State Beavers men’s basketball team didn’t win a single conference game. Their win-loss record in the tough Pac-10 Conference was 0 and 18.

To achieve his hoops goals, Robinson finds it necessary to separate his politically connected life from his coaching duties.

“I want these guys to know that they are my No. 1 focus,” Robinson says about his players. It’s not that he won’t talk about his famous sister and brother-in-law and the election, but he is not going to be the first to bring it up. “They can ask me any questions about it,” he says, “but I want them to be the ones to generate the conversation about that.”

I bet that first basketball game with Craig & Barack was something. I wonder who won. Anyhow, isn’t it ironic that now Craig Robinson and Barack Obama are now in the head coaches’ in-charge of turning around a losing team?

I think Craig is going to do an excellent job and look for Oregon State in the final four soon. I think Barack is going to do an excellent job and look for Team USA to get back on track too.

I love this game.

Story Resource:

NPR: All Things Considered – 11/13/08 “Obama Brother-in-Law Balances Coaching, Politics”

Barack’s First Love

Bryant Gumbel interviews our next President Barack Obama on the subject of his first love, Basketball. Perhaps I can find an interview with McCain on Shuffle Boarding, Horseshoes or something. Anyway, enjoy this peak at our next President & Basketball.

Don’t Hate the Player, Hate His Game

I know I usually talk about politics, race relations and on occasion other topics. Well today is one of those days that I’ll talk about one of those other topics. What a weekend in Sports.

Golf: Did you see my man Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open. I almost feel sorry for 158^th Ranked Mr. Rocco Mediate. He’s still ranked well beyond me, since my game is so bad that it’s not worthy to be ranked. No one would have imagined the probability of Rocco or how I would like to nickname him “David” would be playing for the title against the #1 player in the game Mr. Tiger Woods or should we nickname him “Goliath” today at noon on ESPN I’m sure that everyone would have thought you were crazy.

The thing about it all is that Tiger just came back from Knee Surgery. My man hit a 40 yard putt. It was like God dispatched an angel to guide the ball to the hole. And Rocco is going up against him today. I envy Rocco, but it’s like watching your best friend getting into the ring with the heavyweight champion. You know that he’s about to get your *** beat, but you tell him that he’s going to win although you know his going to get hurt. I wish the best for Rocco, you’re a far advanced player than me. Your skills obviously got your to this point.

Basketball: Well I actually thought that the Celtics were going to put the Lakers away and they almost they did towards the end, but Kobe put it down along with his team to stay to play another game. We’ll see if he can do it again in Boston tomorrow, but I believe there’s at least three guys wearing Celtic jerseys may have something to do with making sure that doesn’t happen for the Lakers.

Nascar: Yes you see it right. I’m not a Nascar fan, but I respect the sport. I participate in my own version of it each day around 5 o’clock in the evening. With ridiculous gas prices, Dale Earnheardt, Jr. wins the race in Michigan on fumes. (I know they don’t use unleaded gasoline like regular street cars, just play along with me.) One of the most popular drivers in NASCAR won this race by gambling on going the last 58 laps (this includes three laps of overtime) without stopping for gas. It reminds me of a segment of the Pixar movie “CARS” a little bit when Lightening McQueen does something similar and ends in a three-way finish. Which brings me to the point of why I even know about this race. My 3 year old son’s fascination with cars now had me stop when he saw racecars zooming by.

Roger Clemens (*)

Should there be an asterisk by Roger Clemens’s name now?

A few months ago everyone was all over Barry Bonds accusations of using steroids and saying that his accomplishment doesn’t mean anything, because of something someone said he was doing. Well since that time our friend and future baseball legend Roger Clemens has been busy.

From Capital Hill to the Hills of Tennessee, my man has been doing his thing and John Daly’s wife. If you can pardon my slang for a minute, “my man is gangsta with his”. (Now I know some who may read this will have no clue what that phrase means, so I’ll offer a brief translation. “Roger is holding his own and defending himself”.)

Homeboy is running more games than ESPN. He got country singer Mindy McCready, Pro Golfer John Daly’s wife, and the steroid issue.

Who’s calling the game?

Where’s the umpire?

I’m sure Roger wishes it was an actual MLB umpire ruling on these plays of his instead of the media and possibly an expensive 9-iron upside his head from Mr. Daly’s golf bag.

I wonder if the same people calling for an asterisk besides Barry Bonds name would do the same for Roger Clemens.

Personally, I like them both. They all got game. Plus I’m not going to hate on the player or his game.

Step Up Your Game

I just listen to a report on NPR titled “Tiger Always Wins; Golf Might as Well Give Up”. How stupid is this statement? No offense to the people at NPR. I’m speaking about the individuals who play and enjoy the game of golf who think or have made this statement. A better question would be, “Why don’t you just step up your game”.

 

So I guess the players in the NBA should have given up when Michael Jordan was playing. Perhaps all the players in the NHL should have put down their sticks when Wayne Gretzky was playing. This is ridiculous. Don’t hate the player or the game. What makes people like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Muhammad Ali and other notable athletes of other sports have in common is that they get in your head before the game even starts.

 

The psyche job is the biggest part of your game strategy. If I can get into my opponents head before the game, then I’ll have an advantage. Tiger Woods is not hurting the game of golf in any way. In essence he has brought more attention and interest to the game. For the people who are skilled enough to play in a tournament with Tiger Woods should confirm your abilities. Don’t think that since Tiger is playing that it’s all over, Tiger is just another golfer like you. The biggest difference is not only his talents and abilities, but his game.

 

Don’t hate the player, hate his game.