Dear Brett,
Please, for the love of god, leave us alone! Go away! Stop holding National Football League teams and fans hostage by your incessant need to be in the spotlight. It is time to hang it up!
I will be the first to admit, you WERE one of my all-time favorite players. You WERE must-see-TV. We couldn't get enough. Now, we've had it. Do you really think anyone is taking you seriously? Up until two years ago, everyone in America loved you. But, since then, you held a gun to our head all summer debating whether or not you should retire, un-retire, etc. (which by the way media folks, it only counts as retirement if you actually don't play. Saying you retire in March, but then show up to camp in July, when you played the final game of the previous season and play again in the first game of the next season, that is not coming out of retirement, most others call that an off-season...but I digress).
Let's be honest, the only reason the Jets wanted you was because my 4-year-old son is not as accurate throwing a spiral (but he will, colleges, watch out in 12 years!). I'm sure if Joe Namath was interested, they would have given him a tryout. Now, the Minnesota Vikings are just proving how pathetic they are at QB. They don't want you, they want the Brett Favre circa 1996, or even the Brett Favre of 2006. They already got turned down by Fran Tarkenton, Sean Salisbury, Randall Cunningham and Brad Johnson. I may be only half joking, I bet at least two of them got calls from the Vikes. All you are doing now is making yourself into a joke. Stop. Please! For your own good. You have already ruined what was once the legend of Brett Favre with last year's meltdown in the Meadowlands. Don't let us down again.
We know you can't give up the limelight, that's ok, we know it is not easy. We understand that, but as my good friend Kenny Rogers once sang, you got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run.
Brett, please walk away because your former fans are running the other way!
Sincerely,
Brendan McDaniels (and every other person in America without the last name of Favre)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Do you know these guys?
The best team in Western New York that you have probably never heard of is the Niagara County Community College baseball team. The Trailblazers, 32-7 overall, are ranked No. 8 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association poll and are headed to the Region III Final Four after a thrilling 12-4 win over Jamestown Community College today. NCCC poised to make a run at the Region III title this weekend in Herkimer with a possible spot in the Junior College World Series, which would be the first in program history.
Why don't you know about them? Just two years ago, NCCC baseball was what the Washington Nationals are to Major League Baseball...an easy win if you bring your bats in gloves.
What difference does two years make? A coach named Matt Clingersmith. He has spearheaded the rapid turnaround in Sanborn by keeping local talent here and heading up to Canada to compliment the locals. NCCC, Clingersmith and his players are a perfect example that dedication and commitment can take you just as far as talent!
Why don't you know about them? Just two years ago, NCCC baseball was what the Washington Nationals are to Major League Baseball...an easy win if you bring your bats in gloves.
What difference does two years make? A coach named Matt Clingersmith. He has spearheaded the rapid turnaround in Sanborn by keeping local talent here and heading up to Canada to compliment the locals. NCCC, Clingersmith and his players are a perfect example that dedication and commitment can take you just as far as talent!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Don't neglect them!
As we are on the eve of another Buffalo Bandits playoff run which may result in their fifth championship since their inception in 1992, let's not insult them by saying it is not a major championship.
What makes them less "major" than the Bills or Sabres?
The Bandits sell out their home games as do the Bills, but the Bandits average more per game than the Sabres. If you response is, the Sabres play 41 home dates to the Bandits eight, I challenge you to find any eight home dates this year from the Sabres and I'm going to guess the Bandits still out-drew them.
The best players in the world compete in their league and with less teams, it is not watered down which makes trying to win a title even harder. You have multiple superstars on each team. There are no nights off.
They are not whiny millionaires, like some other pro athletes, isn't that even more reason to applaud them? The average guy only makes about $15,000 a season, if that. The all have other jobs. John Tavares is a school teacher when not playing. Pat McCready is a cop. These guys are protecting us and teaching our young while allowing us to enjoy their athletic talent at the same time.
They don't play for the money, they play because they love the game!
If that isn't major, then what is?
What makes them less "major" than the Bills or Sabres?
The Bandits sell out their home games as do the Bills, but the Bandits average more per game than the Sabres. If you response is, the Sabres play 41 home dates to the Bandits eight, I challenge you to find any eight home dates this year from the Sabres and I'm going to guess the Bandits still out-drew them.
The best players in the world compete in their league and with less teams, it is not watered down which makes trying to win a title even harder. You have multiple superstars on each team. There are no nights off.
They are not whiny millionaires, like some other pro athletes, isn't that even more reason to applaud them? The average guy only makes about $15,000 a season, if that. The all have other jobs. John Tavares is a school teacher when not playing. Pat McCready is a cop. These guys are protecting us and teaching our young while allowing us to enjoy their athletic talent at the same time.
They don't play for the money, they play because they love the game!
If that isn't major, then what is?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Bloggin' Olympic Style
Just shining up my gold medals wondering how Marion Jones is enjoying the track and field competition from the clink.
* It was great to see that Michael Phelps was able to live up to the unbelievably high standard that was set for him. I don't think even the most optimistic fan thought that he would really win all eight gold medals. It brings up two interesting points. (1) Is he the greatest Olympian ever (probably) and (2) will he ever have to be a working stiff like you and I (not a chance. see: Jenner, Bruce or Retton, Mary Lou). The one point I do want to make clear is that he did not necessarily overtake Mark Spitz's accomplishment from the 1972 Munich games. The sport has changed so much since then in terms of fashion (Spitz: Speedo, mop top hair, mustache to Phelps: Razr, cap, goggles, flippers for feet), not to mention the training, nutrition, etc. Let's not compare apples to oranges but appreciate each one's accomplishments for what they are...truly dominating performances in a sport that has evolved 100 fold over the last 36 years.
* I am forever indebted to the person that came up with the sport of beach volleyball. Not so much that my Monday nights are occupied in a summer rec league, but for the scantily clad "uniforms" the female players wear and of course the cheerleaders! This guy gets my vote for president! On a serious note, fans may have been drawn in by the sex appeal but have been able to watch some exceptionally skilled Americans on both the men's and women's side and a new dynamic to an already entertaining sport.
* Thank God, the "Redeem" Team did not lay an egg in '08 like they did in Athens. It seems now that the USA Basketball has finally checked their arrogance at the door and formed an actual team with players that can handle specific roles instead of a bunch of one-dimensional players that can't shoot or play defense if their life depended on it (yes, I am talking to you Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury). It is just sad that it took us so long to figure out that not only had the rest of the world caught up to us in talent but was kicking our backsides at a game we should have always dominated.
* Bryan Clay won the decathlon becoming the first American man to win the 10-discipline event at the Olympics since 1996. The 2004 Olympic silver medalist and 2005 world champion, Clay finished with 8,791 points defeating Andrei Krauchanka of Belarus who took silver at 8,551. For what is believed to be the true test of athletic greatest with 10 grueling events over two days, I am shocked that Clay's victory is not a major story considering the hype that surrounded the last two American decathlon gold medalists Bruce Jenner in 1976 (woo hoo, two Jenner references in one blog...that deserves a medal) and Dan O'Brien at Atlanta in 1996. Jenner's victory was so big he parlayed that into numerous endorsements, an acting career and later in life an interview with me (Ok, so 2 out 3 isn't bad) and who could forget the famous Dan & Dave Reebok campaign for the Barcelona games in 1992 with hopes that Dan O'Brien and Dave Johnson could finish gold and silver in the Olympics. Johnson won bronze in '92 while O'Brien failed to qualify only to redeem himself four years later. So, the question remains, is there any room for Clay on the Mount Rushmore of Beijing Olympic greatness next to the eight sculptures of Phelps?
* It was great to see that Michael Phelps was able to live up to the unbelievably high standard that was set for him. I don't think even the most optimistic fan thought that he would really win all eight gold medals. It brings up two interesting points. (1) Is he the greatest Olympian ever (probably) and (2) will he ever have to be a working stiff like you and I (not a chance. see: Jenner, Bruce or Retton, Mary Lou). The one point I do want to make clear is that he did not necessarily overtake Mark Spitz's accomplishment from the 1972 Munich games. The sport has changed so much since then in terms of fashion (Spitz: Speedo, mop top hair, mustache to Phelps: Razr, cap, goggles, flippers for feet), not to mention the training, nutrition, etc. Let's not compare apples to oranges but appreciate each one's accomplishments for what they are...truly dominating performances in a sport that has evolved 100 fold over the last 36 years.
* I am forever indebted to the person that came up with the sport of beach volleyball. Not so much that my Monday nights are occupied in a summer rec league, but for the scantily clad "uniforms" the female players wear and of course the cheerleaders! This guy gets my vote for president! On a serious note, fans may have been drawn in by the sex appeal but have been able to watch some exceptionally skilled Americans on both the men's and women's side and a new dynamic to an already entertaining sport.
* Thank God, the "Redeem" Team did not lay an egg in '08 like they did in Athens. It seems now that the USA Basketball has finally checked their arrogance at the door and formed an actual team with players that can handle specific roles instead of a bunch of one-dimensional players that can't shoot or play defense if their life depended on it (yes, I am talking to you Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury). It is just sad that it took us so long to figure out that not only had the rest of the world caught up to us in talent but was kicking our backsides at a game we should have always dominated.
* Bryan Clay won the decathlon becoming the first American man to win the 10-discipline event at the Olympics since 1996. The 2004 Olympic silver medalist and 2005 world champion, Clay finished with 8,791 points defeating Andrei Krauchanka of Belarus who took silver at 8,551. For what is believed to be the true test of athletic greatest with 10 grueling events over two days, I am shocked that Clay's victory is not a major story considering the hype that surrounded the last two American decathlon gold medalists Bruce Jenner in 1976 (woo hoo, two Jenner references in one blog...that deserves a medal) and Dan O'Brien at Atlanta in 1996. Jenner's victory was so big he parlayed that into numerous endorsements, an acting career and later in life an interview with me (Ok, so 2 out 3 isn't bad) and who could forget the famous Dan & Dave Reebok campaign for the Barcelona games in 1992 with hopes that Dan O'Brien and Dave Johnson could finish gold and silver in the Olympics. Johnson won bronze in '92 while O'Brien failed to qualify only to redeem himself four years later. So, the question remains, is there any room for Clay on the Mount Rushmore of Beijing Olympic greatness next to the eight sculptures of Phelps?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Back from my spring fling
Long time reader, first time blogger. So a friend of mine pointed out today that I had not written a blog entry since March Madness. My feable attempt to convince her that the last entry was a true masterpiece of American journalism did not float so here I am. So, without wasting more time, let's get down to business...
Lot of stuff sitting around in the ole sports shorts (yes, their is a rather off-color pun in there):
* USA basketball announced the men's basketball team yesterday and I was very excited to see that the powers that be finally woke up and decided to put an actualy team together and not just 12 NBA all-stars. USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo did an outstanding job or trying to correct the faux pas that led to our pathetic bronze medal finish in 2002. I am sad that Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are not playing by their choice, this team has everything you need to be elite. The squad includes one of the best shooters (Michael Redd) and defenders (Tashaun Prince). Two solid point guards (Jason Kidd & Chris Paul), dominate scorers (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant & Carmelo Anthony) and a shot blocker in Dwight Howard. Now, the big question will be, with the talent gap around the world narrowed, is the U.S. once again the dominate country?
* The NBA draft is Thursday night and it is by far the most entertaining. Not so much to watch 5'4" David Stern shake hands with 7 foot foreigners with names he can't pronounce but to see all of these young guys in their outlandish suits. The duds make Craig Sager and Don Cherry blush. In honesty, I am just really jealous that I can not pull off a purple suit with lime green pinstripes with 16 buttons and a jacket that goes to my knees (but, I will still give it the old college try).
* Allow me a moment to call USA women's basketball coach Anne Donovan a two-faced idiot. She recently called WNBA star and reigning leauge MVP Becky Hammon unpatriotic because Hammon, an American who has and will again play pro ball in Russia, decided to compete for the Russians in the Olympics because USA basketball turned her away. I guess Donovan didn't think the best player in our only professional league was good enough to represent our country but on the other hand doesn't want Hammond to have a shot at playing in the Olympics at all. Nancy Lieberman, maybe the most respected figure in women's basketball said, "Becky's image is impeccable. She's the consummate All-American girl." Many female basketball players play overseas and make more money and acquire passports from those countries, some even stay after their careers are over. Many athletes have competed for other countries, they aren't born or raised in and we celebrate them for geting a chance to compete on the world's largest stage. Are all of them unpatroitic? Last time I checked, Russia is now a U.S. ally, she is not playing for the Osama All-Stars or Iraq. A few have said that USA basketball's selections were political and that Hammon wasn't given a fair shot at making the U.S. team. I find it odd that Hammon can be considered one of the two or three best players currently in OUR country but is not one of the best 12 to represent our country. USA basketball turned their back on Hammon and that is disappointing. If Donovan wants to point a finger or shoot her mouth off, she should look in the mirror. She made Hammon's decision for her. I for one, will be rooting for Hammon in Beijing.
* As we get to the summer and baseball takes center stage, I hope that the Chicago Cubs can follow in the footsteps of the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox and finally break their World Series drought. The loveable losers as they have been called in the past have solid pitching, good veteran leadership, a great manager and the best fans in baseball. God, I don't ask for much and you know I'm a Blue Jays fan, but please be kind to the Cubbies this year!
* Ken Griffey, Junior recently hit home run #600. Griffey has been very unlucky with injuries since he joined the Reds in 2000. He probably has missed 2-3 full seasons with injuries and in the live ball era we live in that #600 could have been #700 and he not you know who would be replacing Hank Aaron as the all-time home run king. Let's just hope A-Rod keeps his HR pace and interest in the game to last long enough to remove the current tainted HR leader.
Lot of stuff sitting around in the ole sports shorts (yes, their is a rather off-color pun in there):
* USA basketball announced the men's basketball team yesterday and I was very excited to see that the powers that be finally woke up and decided to put an actualy team together and not just 12 NBA all-stars. USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo did an outstanding job or trying to correct the faux pas that led to our pathetic bronze medal finish in 2002. I am sad that Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are not playing by their choice, this team has everything you need to be elite. The squad includes one of the best shooters (Michael Redd) and defenders (Tashaun Prince). Two solid point guards (Jason Kidd & Chris Paul), dominate scorers (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant & Carmelo Anthony) and a shot blocker in Dwight Howard. Now, the big question will be, with the talent gap around the world narrowed, is the U.S. once again the dominate country?
* The NBA draft is Thursday night and it is by far the most entertaining. Not so much to watch 5'4" David Stern shake hands with 7 foot foreigners with names he can't pronounce but to see all of these young guys in their outlandish suits. The duds make Craig Sager and Don Cherry blush. In honesty, I am just really jealous that I can not pull off a purple suit with lime green pinstripes with 16 buttons and a jacket that goes to my knees (but, I will still give it the old college try).
* Allow me a moment to call USA women's basketball coach Anne Donovan a two-faced idiot. She recently called WNBA star and reigning leauge MVP Becky Hammon unpatriotic because Hammon, an American who has and will again play pro ball in Russia, decided to compete for the Russians in the Olympics because USA basketball turned her away. I guess Donovan didn't think the best player in our only professional league was good enough to represent our country but on the other hand doesn't want Hammond to have a shot at playing in the Olympics at all. Nancy Lieberman, maybe the most respected figure in women's basketball said, "Becky's image is impeccable. She's the consummate All-American girl." Many female basketball players play overseas and make more money and acquire passports from those countries, some even stay after their careers are over. Many athletes have competed for other countries, they aren't born or raised in and we celebrate them for geting a chance to compete on the world's largest stage. Are all of them unpatroitic? Last time I checked, Russia is now a U.S. ally, she is not playing for the Osama All-Stars or Iraq. A few have said that USA basketball's selections were political and that Hammon wasn't given a fair shot at making the U.S. team. I find it odd that Hammon can be considered one of the two or three best players currently in OUR country but is not one of the best 12 to represent our country. USA basketball turned their back on Hammon and that is disappointing. If Donovan wants to point a finger or shoot her mouth off, she should look in the mirror. She made Hammon's decision for her. I for one, will be rooting for Hammon in Beijing.
* As we get to the summer and baseball takes center stage, I hope that the Chicago Cubs can follow in the footsteps of the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox and finally break their World Series drought. The loveable losers as they have been called in the past have solid pitching, good veteran leadership, a great manager and the best fans in baseball. God, I don't ask for much and you know I'm a Blue Jays fan, but please be kind to the Cubbies this year!
* Ken Griffey, Junior recently hit home run #600. Griffey has been very unlucky with injuries since he joined the Reds in 2000. He probably has missed 2-3 full seasons with injuries and in the live ball era we live in that #600 could have been #700 and he not you know who would be replacing Hank Aaron as the all-time home run king. Let's just hope A-Rod keeps his HR pace and interest in the game to last long enough to remove the current tainted HR leader.
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