Leave the Man Alone

An ode to Stephen A. Smith

2009-05-01T12:18:00.004-05:00

Today is Stephen A. Smith's last day at ESPN. According to USA Today, Smith says it made him offers in recent months "for an additional year or two" which he says he turned down before ESPN said simply that it was not renewing his contract. He says he won't look for new work until his contract ends, when he hopes he'll face "a plethora of opportunities."

I recall fondly when my eardrums were first startled by Stephen A. It was on the insufferable NBA Tonight or whatever it was called back in the day featuring the already checked out Kevin Frazier and some other guys I can't remember. But that was the thing. Stephen stood out. He had shine from the jump. Not just because he was louder than Billy Mays promoting Orange-Glo, but because he knew his basketball (and sports in general, to be clear). And he was passionate. I could never hate on somebody who was just genuinely enthused to give his fellow sports fans informed analysis. Sure, my eardrums wanted him to shut the fuck up, but I never stopped listening. He always had something to say that was worth listening to. That's why I wanted him to stop yelling. It just wasn't necessary. His knowledge reverberated without the volume. But during the golden age of ESPN, you had to be loud to be heard over the likes of Sean Salisbury and Michael Irvin. Closed mouths don't get fed and it was survival of the loudest at ESPN.

Stephen always had his critics. NY Post columnist Phil Mushnick recently called "a self-promoting, race-based gasbag". In tribute, I presume. Mushnick claims Smith "was just dumped for being a self-promoting, self-aggrandizing, self-congratulatory, race-hustling, blowhard and sports know-nothing." Ironically, only a know-nothing would call Stephen A. a know-nothing. And Stephen A. has never been a race baiter. Instead he is open and proud about being a representative of a particular demographic. Smith's agenda was never a secret. I always found that honesty refreshing, you know, because I'm always willing to listen to different perspectives. And I definitely preferred Stephen A.'s alleged propaganda in contrast to the cornucopia of closeted racists that litter the ESPN stage and the at-large mainstream sports media.

It's too bad that ESPN is getting rid of all its edgier personalities. The channel is so bland now, I even miss Sean Salisbury. ESPN enraged and annoyed me oftentimes, but it at least it entertained me. Now there's very little must see programming on the channel and is barely informative beyond news I could get from the Associated Press. Smith was one of ESPN's last remaining true "personalities" and Smith's departure from the channel is an event worth marking. Stephen A. certainly left an impression. Not many job changes are evidenced by a column in USA Today, a jealous rant in the NY Post and numerous mentions around the blogosphere.

As Stephen A. moves on from ESPN, he reflects that "'finally people notice I don't scream nearly as much as I used to.' (That resulted from his mother Janet forcefully asking him to 'explain why you have to be so loud.')" Stop lying, bruh. You are still loud as hell. I have been startled many a morning since he started screaming at Skip Bayless on First Take. Nevertheless, Stephen A. has undoubtedly inspired rage, respect and comedy gold amongst his audience, often all at the same times. He's a bit triangle-headed and more than a bit loud, but I always respected and enjoyed Stephen A. Smith, even when it was too early in the morning for him to be yelling like that. I don't mean to eulogize like the brother is dead. He will be resurrected in a new and hopefully better venue. And I look forward to his next venture (fingers crossed for the TNT Inside the NBA desk). I'm sure he'll holla at us when he's ready for us to listen up again.

Fashion Round Up - Holiday Finery

2008-12-30T23:31:00.006-05:00

Your favorite sports heroes were feeling particularly swaggerific for the holidays. And as 2008 closes, it's important to feel thankful for all the fashion blessings of the year passed. And let me offer tremendous gratitude to the man that inspired the reappearance of the world renowned Fashion Round-Up... the one and only Gilbert Arenas. And he's wearing an ascot! And he's serious!

I think Gilbert actually pulls this ascot off. It's so outrageous, it's fantastic! The key to pulling off any ridiculous element like an ascot is to keep the rest of the ensemble understated. And Gilbert does just that, pairing his unique snowflake patterned neck wear with a well tailored blue pinstriped suit. Honestly, Gilbert makes me swoon. I was so enthralled by Gil's ascot, I almost didn't notice Craig Sager's snowman tie. Almost. Sager rises every morning to defile the fashion gods of Brioni, Versace or whoever else he's wearing. You wouldn't believe it, but he spends a lot of money on his clothes.

It wouldn't be Christmas without a tacky sweater and let me present our model - Jared Allen.

Jared got his mullet all lined up and put on his finest holiday knitwear for an interview on the NFL Network. Yep, that's one of the toughest men in the NFL

Jillian Reynolds sports fuchsia ruffles and tights for the holidays.

And her shoes are only slightly stripperish. Tights and semi-dignified shoes? Jillian is not known for such restraint. Her priest must have been in the studio.

Pam Oliver chases the dragon.

Was it a good idea, Pam? I think you can do better.

Deion is a shell of his former fashion self since his nemesis, Michael Irvin, went off the air. But he makes an acceptable attempt to flaunt his holiday best with red pinstripes.

Tony Romo wears black in mourning of his promise as a strong leader and winning quarterback. That dream is dead now.

He should just save his sporty hat money and wear paper bags so he can cover his face in shame.

Is it just me, or does Stuart Scott have the testicular fortitude to sneak a fauxhawk past his employer?

He's supposed to be a professional!

Lebron got new shoes for Christmas (and a backscratcher).

Ugly. There's no denying it.

And Bryant Gumbel went green for the holiday sporting a Chia Pet haute couture original. His jacket is growing? Or sprouting maybe??? Or screaming, "Ch-ch-ch-chia?"

Just another instance of "When Designer Goes Wrong." Obviously, he and Sager have been drunk shopping together. Bryant had the nerve to call that jacket "festive" on the year end wrap up of Real Sports. I guess...

Happy New Year, everybody!

Crocodile Tears: Lisa Leslie Cries For No Reason

2008-07-29T17:19:00.006-05:00

When I saw Lisa Leslie cry after the girlfight between the LA Sparks and the Detroit Shock, I instinctively knew a couple of things.

One. Rick Mahorn would get suspended for longer than he deserved. He made contact with Lisa Leslie, but not with malice. But I knew Lisa's tearful whimpers would get him more punishment than he deserved.

Two. Lisa's tears weren't tantamount to general attention by the American public. Like a wife crying to her husband for the umpteenth time , "Oh, honey, you don't understand me..." Just another case of crocodile tears as far as most of us are concerned.

I'm not sure why Lisa was crying in the first place. A fight in the midst of sporting competition is not sad. The AIDS epidemic in Africa is sad. Mariah Carey's insistence on dressing like a 13 year old girl is sad. There's nothing sad about spontaneous physical combustion in the heat of battle. Contrary to what most analysts choose to proclaim, I, a sports fan, love a good fight.

Frankly, the WNBA blew a good opportunity.

From what I saw, the WNBA ladies fight better than they dunk. I legitimately held my breath as I prayed that no tracks got pulled out during the dust up. Nobody wants to see hair all over the court. But, still, I only saw the fight because the channel was left on Mike and Mike from the morning. That's the sad, sad attention threshold that the WNBA faces. Mike and Mike. The league needs to be honest about that.

Despite the fisticuffs and the singular attention the league got for a moment, the WNBA fight was replaced the very next day with a minor league baseball brawl. And very little columnist wordcount was devoted to the fight. In the coming days, women's sports will be mentioned, but the WNBA will have little to do with it. Instead the talk will be Olympic women's sports. Swimming, volleyball, even dressage. And as little attention as we pay to the WNBA, fight or no, dressage is barely a sport at all.

I'm not saying the WNBA should change it's name to UFC Femme, but they should have embraced a more sophisticated approach for keeping the girlfight story going. Tears and "we don't want that kind of attention" is not enough. Real talk. They league needs the attention. And, no, stunt casting with Nancy Lieberman making a comeback as a 50 year old is not better than attention from a fight.

WNBAers like Lisa Leslie and league president, Donna Orender, moaned that the league didn't want to be known for violence. The WNBA has their moral superiority and basketball fundamentals, but no audience.

Beggars can't be choosers.

Fashion Round Up - 2008 ESPYs

2008-07-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

First, a moment of silence for the most recent victims of Grandpa Chic.

Matt Leinart stops at the Espys on the way to read a bedtime story to his grandkids and Brady Quinn stops off before shuffleboard with the seniors on the lido deck. Guys, you're still young! If I see another goddamn sweater in the summertime...

Paul Pierce throws up his gang signs, per his custom. That doesn't mean "peace." It's the sign for the very dangerous and notorious Bowler Hat Gang. The BHG runs the streets, yo. Don't let him catch you slippin' with a derby or fedora on. The commissioner won't be able to save you.

Paul's the very reason why the NFLers are being monitored for gang activity now. If Braylon Edwards can't wear colors or throw signs, he will wear glitter! Braylon can't make up his mind. Is he a bedazzled rat packer? Is he a world champion wrestler? (look at the belt)

And he is feeling himself in this ridiculous get up. Here's a bonus pic so you can keep laughing at/be seduced by this sparkly clown.

Kate Walsh is happy to stand next to Terrell Owens in his white shawl collared jacket over gray shadow striped pants.

Rajon Rondo does his best imitation of T.O.'s white trimmed jacket. However, Rondo is no T.O. The jacket is too big, but he just doesn't have the build and height to pull off a look with so many elements.

Lisa Leslie will dunk on you, then take your order. Would you like a fork or chopsticks with that?

I think Candace is tempted to pat Helio on the top of his head. Not only is this picture hilarious, but Candace Parker looks great, especially for a 18 foot tall woman.

Steve Nash is very nattily dressed in three piece plaid. Samuel L. is part of the Bowler Hat Gang too.

Greg Oden gets his Kanye West/Retarded Ray Charles on.

Shaun Phillips commissioned a satin suit. That suit reflects so much sunlight, I think he could be a potential solution to the energy crisis. Al Gore would give this look two thumbs up.

Venus was the best dressed woman at the event.

The Beckhams make it look easy for the rest of the fashion challenged suckers on the carpet. Love the spread collar on Dave.

**** Bonus points for counting the number of white shoes on grown men in this post. The number is disturbing.

And So It Begins...

2008-07-16T23:59:00.004-05:00

The 2008 Espys have been taped and there was plenty of fashion foolishness at hand. But before the show even began in earnest, the tone was set.

Terrell "Birdman" Owens

I mean, really? WTF?

And, ladies and gentlemen, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Reggie Williams. He is going to war for fashion I suppose. It's just unfortunate that the camouflage doesn't succeed in concealing him.

There will be a complete review of the fashion foolishness from the show imminently.

An Emerging Epidemic

2008-07-16T22:51:00.005-05:00

In my last post, I cited a fashion "trend" that emerged at the NBA draft that I dubbed "Grandpa Chic." Sweater vests are an important part of the Grandpa Chic trend. So is anything that might sell well in Boca Raton or appear in the Best Values section of the JC Penney catalog. I hoped the trend was just a temporary misstep of the yunguns. I was in denial like Al Reynolds.

Two of the most typically dependable sports fashionistas - Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning - get their Grandpa on at Zo's Summer Groove this past weekend.

But being the fashion forward types that they are, they up the ante on Grandpa Chic. Alonzo rocks the cheesy Hawaiian shirt. And both Zo and Dwyane rock the old man belt at their respective natural waists.

And, as Reggie Bush reveals, getting all booed up ages you.

Where is his swagger? Kim K looks her age, but Reggie threw on the first clean sweater vest he found on the floor of his closet. Something tells me Reggie left this party early so he could get to bed. That's what a Grandpa would do.

Fashion Round Up - NBA Draft 2008

2008-06-26T23:29:00.001-05:00

The NBA draft is exhibit A in why these young men need to stay in school. We all know the ESPYs are the new NBA Draft. The teenagers obviously have no time to develop a sense of style between freshman orientation and October (when they sign with their agent) of same year. Soon the draft will be business casual. They will show up to Madison Square Garden in polo shirts and dockers. Just no effort.

Still, there were a few people that tried. And there was even a theme. I call it Grandpa Chic.

The NBA is not just for the youth. It's for the pepaws too!

For the record, I'm not necessarily praising Grandpa Chic. I'm just saying.

At first I thought this was just a tight ass vest.

But this is an actual SWEATER vest sported by Eric Gordon in the NBA draft portraits. But his idea wasn't original.

Michael Beasley also decided to fall prey to the Grandpa Chic phenomenon. Two sweater vests in one draft? Really?!

OJ Mayo is my best dressed of the night, but he was a little Grandpa-ey too.

What are those like $500 frames? With no prescription? You can see, OJ! Son, we haven't done that since high school when the folks were rocking Cazals. Still, the spectacles and the three piece suit gets him lumped in with the teenage pepaws. But the suit is fantastic. Well fitted and coordinated. I love the touch of sateen in the fabric. The camera loves the shine. Plus he has confidence. And OJ's draft portrait solidified him as the best dressed.

I love the color combination and boldness. And the extra large pocket square. You can never go wrong with a pocket square. At the end of the day, OJ Mayo has swagger. His style will be wasted on Minnesota. He had South Beach written all over him.

Like I said, a few others made an effort.

It took long as hell for Darrell Arthur to get drafted, but he looked great while waiting. This suit looks nicely neutral in the photo, but it was slightly garish on TV.

One of the Lopez twins (Robin) had trouble finding a hat that fit.

His brother, Brook, showed up to the draft looking like a extra tall cone of sherbert (choose your flavor!).

No wonder he fell in the draft.

And a few other notables.

Eric Gordon took a risk with the white on black. The jacket was paired with a black shirt with white pinstripes. It was interesting.

DJ Augustin looked great. Gray paired with a bold shirt/tie combo. Not bad.

Jerryd Bayless rocked the cream on cream. Not spectacular, but classic.

In any case, it's sad when an NBA Draft fashion review needs to be supplemented.

The tennis people always love to show out.

Sharapova's white tuxedo outfit was cute. Not scandalous. But clean, classic, and a lot of detail in the construction. I love it.

Serena Williams didn't need the trench coat on the court, but maybe the extra layers have kept her in the running at Wimbledon, unlike some people.

Venus Williams looks elegant in couture for her star turn in Koto Bolufo's book, "Venus."

And to close, Dwyane "Beat it. Beat it. No one wants to be defeated." Wade. Keep that new draft pick off of Ocean Drive and you might be able to win more than 3 games next season, shawty.

And, while totally un fashion related, shout out to Roy Hibbert. He got drafted in the first round. He probably would have gone earlier in the draft if he left last year, but he wanted to stay at Georgetown. The Hoya faithful appreciates you.

Hitching a Ride...

2008-04-29T11:00:00.004-05:00

I wouldn't be an Atlantan if I didn't jump on the bandwagon. Atlanta is home of the consumate fairweather fan, so it's my native predisposition.

Because, truthfully, I laughed when I got a solicitation for playoff tickets two weeks before the regular season ended. It seemed the Hawks could've just gone to a bank if they needed someone to float them money for a few days.

But those guys closed things out. I always liked ZaZa Pachulia and the Joshes, but I thought Coach Mike Woodson was dead weight. You see, the Hawks should've made the playoffs two years ago. But this Mike Bibby thing is apparently working out. And, miraculously, the Hawks have won two games over the anointed Boston Celtics. And - I fully support TNT's decision to dedicate a camera to the frustrated face of Doc Rivers.

And the Atlanta fans may be fairweather, but they are crunk. Undoubtedly, the enthusiasm of the fans is the elevating the play of the Hawks. We are surprised, but we are genuinely excited for the team.

So, I'm on the bandwagon too. Hell yeah, Kevin Garnett should be suspended and go Hawks!

Moving On

2008-04-29T10:54:00.002-05:00

Okay, I need a snappy comeback, somebody. I give up.

I have been a proponent of Michael Vick's return to the Atlanta Falcons.

But, today, there are some things I know to be true.

Like that Roger Clemens is a cheater and a whore.

And that Michael Vick is probably not going to be a Falcon again.

When the Falcons selected Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the #3 pick, it became clear the Falcons organization is moving on. And moving away from Michael.

I don't think picking Matt Ryan was a good move. I don't think many professional or armchair analysts expect Matt Ryan is a franchise savior. He is not highly projected to be an excellent quarterback. He was merely the best available. Maybe the Falcons don't need Michael Vick, but they need way more than a quarterback. The organization could have solidified the team with other position players. We need everything. The Falcons should have used the draft to build a team, not just replace the old quarterback. But the Falcons punked out, as usual.

Picking Matt Ryan was an image decision, not a football decision. And the inability to make football decisions is the reason why the Falcons can't put up a winning record more than one season in row. Remember, Brett Favre used to be a Falcon.

See, Arthur Blank got found out. Once it was reported that he and the Falcons organization were maintaining communication with Michael Vick while he was in prison, people started to put two and two together. Maybe the Falcons were going to wait it out. Maybe they weren't prepared to sacrifice Vick just to try to please certain people. After all, they have no more recourse in recouping the signing bonus they gave him. Why release him without compensation or trade him for a low round pick? The best way to get a return for the inconvenience is to make Michael pay up on the field of the Georgia Dome. He sells seats and merchandise and he even wins sometimes. It could be a relatively straightforward decision.

But the ever image conscious Arthur Blank got found out. Keeping his options open with the outcast Vick might have been the smart thing to do. But Blank doesn't have the balls to make tough football decisions. A football team can not be built on image alone. Blank is determined to prove otherwise.

Maybe Ryan will be a successful addition to the Falcons. I suspect he will be Joey Harrington redux. Nevertheless, despite the new quarterback, the Falcons still have the same problems with the fanbase they had the day before the draft. The season ticket waiting list is a distant memory. In fact, season ticket packages are now available for a mere $250. The Falcons are discounting 30,000 seats in order to encourage fans to attend the games. And I doubt Ryan jerseys are flying off the shelves.

The shallow attempt to "move on" with Matt Ryan only reinforces that the Michael Vick informs a lot of the decision making in the Falcons front office.

Ironically, Michael Vick is still running this team.

The Fall of Chad Johnson

2008-04-22T20:59:00.003-05:00

It was inevitable.

The good tidings weren't going to last. Now, like many Black men before him, Chad's just a statistic now.

Many in the mainstream press regarded Chad Johnson as a consumate entertainer. Soon, he'll be derided as a flashy egomaniac. Now he's just like those other malcontents. Another Terrell Owens. Another "disgruntled" spotlight grabbing, quarterback betraying, diva wide receiver only looking out for himself.

To the mainstream press, at least.

Carson Palmer has given up on Chad. TJ Houshmanzadeh has accepted the inevitable. Marvin Lewis is ready to move on.

The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer sums up the "new" Chad.

Stop me if you've heard this before: uber-talented wide receiver, unhappy with his organization, coach and quarterback, wants out...

Johnson doesn't understand the team concept, where one player isn't above everyone else. The Bengals need to prove they believe that themselves by looking at the subtraction of the selfish Johnson as an addition in itself -- even if that means letting him languish on the bench while they wait for a good offer to come along.

Yeah, we've been there done that. Another ungrateful Black guy in the NFL. Not content to go where he's led with "dignity," say, like, Drew Bledsoe.

The Bengals are so determined to keep Chad in his place they've already refused inquiries (or offers, depending on where you get your news) from the Redskins, Cowboys and the Eagles.

Still, Johnson bucks. Chad insists he's only being himself. His ability to be a smiling, content caricature has diminished. Time will only tell if he we will accepted by the public as a man and not a solely as a source of amusement and sideline antics.

Maybe they want me to quiet down [and] stop being me. That is not going to happen. I can't function that way. I tried it. It sucked.
Thus far, no one seems amused by the outspoken, self-assured Chad Johnson. When Chad was the court jester, the audience delighted. But now that he wants to repackage himself as a self-interested grown man, no one is clapping. The comedy is fine, but nobody wants the drama.

Chad Johnson is a Black man gone serious. Suddenly, he's not as popular as he once was.

Yeah, it was inevitable.

Jackie Robinson Day

2008-04-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

April 15th is Jackie Robinson Day throughout Major League Baseball.

The occasion will be celebrated with on field ceremonies, scholarship donations to the Robinson Fund and all the other pleasantries and tributes that are deserved by an American hero.

It is ironic that on the day that Jackie Robinson's role in integrating Major League baseball is remembered, some rosters in major league baseball will be absent of a single Black American player. In that context, Torii Hunter of the Anaheim Angels feels the tributes ring hollow, especially when it comes to wearing Robinson's #42 jersey.

"When you have a team that doesn't have any African American players on the team, and then everybody on the team wears it, yes, it's watered down, because they don't have blacks to represent Jackie Robinson over there.

It's pretty weird. That's just my opinion."

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig feels that MLB's celebration is appropriate.

"It transcends all that. Jackie Robinson coming into baseball is the most powerful and most meaningful moment in baseball history. To honor Jackie Robinson by wearing his number, I think, is the greatest compliment you can pay."

Perhaps.

Still, Jackie Robinson is not an excuse for mainstream America to romanticize and even commercialize Black heroes of the Civil Rights era to the extent that the significance of their impact on society is watered down.

One has to wonder whether the Jackie Robinson legacy is really understood. Will his legacy be given its due in the Robert Redford/ESPN movie soon to be made out of his life? Robert Redford, with the approval of Jackie's widow Rachel, will portray Branch Rickie in the life story of Jackie Robinson. ESPN will collaborate in producing the movie. With Redford as the headliner, the movie may turn out to be more of a testament to the "struggles" of Rickie more so than Robinson.

The same league that perhaps celebrates Robinson in rose-colored historical theory is the same league that is presently content to see another Black-American hero, Barry Bonds, in career exile. Presently, it is not known whether Bonds' value will extend beyond the $376,000 his last home run ball sold for at auction. Bonds has given as much to baseball as any player, yet he is barely acknowledged these days. Ironically, Barry's sins may ultimately be defined and put into perspective by the similar sins of a White player, Roger Clemens. Without the parallel transgression, logic can't allow Barry to remain a pariah, even in the minds of the most prejudiced. Indeed, I think Jackie Robinson would expect a Black man to be judged on his own in this day and age.

Jackie Robinson integrated the major leagues. Genuine integration means more than just the inclusion of a particular race, although Robinson would probably be surprised to learn that Blacks comprise barely 8% of major league rosters. True integration also refers to the inclusion and celebration of difference. Baseball should include all its heroes - those as "surly" as Bonds and those as "classy" as Robinson. MLB can't pretend that Barry Bonds doesn't exist any more than it can deny that some major league rosters lack a single Black-American player in the year 2008. Not unless they want to overlook the real meaning of Jackie Robinson day.

Like me, Torii Hunter feels that #42 is more than just a fashion statement.

Not a Movie

2008-04-07T19:53:00.007-05:00

I am excited to hear that Michael Vick is "practicing" his quarterback skills by playing prison football. Only a Falcons fan could be so pathetic as to consider the Leavenworth Penitentiary's production of "The Longest Yard" as positive omen for the team's future. But, certainly, Vick's homage to Burt Reynolds suggests he has a future with the Falcons. And, consequently, the Falcons have a future.

Anyone who thinks the Falcons can just move on post-Vick is naive. The Falcons faithful is a blingy crowd. We want excitement on the field. And Joey Harrington (or even alleged prospective draft pick Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan) just isn't going to cut it. 8-8 or not, Vick is a superstar and season ticket and jersey sales and fan interest reflected same. The fans already voted with their feet during the 2007 season. But 2008 might be more tolerable knowing that 2009 might beget #7.

And time heals all wounds. The dogs have been adopted out to loving homes and a once bitter team owner Arthur Blank has even become pen pals with Michael Vick! Blank has even lightened up about the situation so much that he's even using off color prison sex jokes when talking about Michael.

"Apparently, there was a prison football team and he played quarterback for both sides.”

Yeah, we all know Mike won't be the same after prison, Blank.

Still, Michael is practicing his accuracy and is hopefully enjoying better receivers and protection than he had in Atlanta. (I mean that in the football sense.)

Seriously, according to Blank, Michael is working hard toward self-improvement. And Blank is willing to help him.

"I just try to be supportive and as understanding as I can be. He talks about the process he is going through and what he has learned, the lessons of life, how he's going to come out a different person. He's sorry he has affected so many people in a negative way — the league, our club, our fans. He feels awful about that. The letters sound quite sincere to me. From a mental standpoint, he sounds good.

I told Michael I'll do whatever I can to be helpful to him personally. Nothing to do with the Atlanta Falcons. He's a human being and I would like to reach out and if I can be productive to him in some way, I would be happy to do that."

Michael Vick is still a member of the Falcons roster and there seems to be a slight glimmer of hope that he may be on the field in red and black as soon as he is allowed. Kevin Winston, the Falcons' senior director of player development, has visited Vick several times in prison. Frankly, the Falcons have no choice but to maintain ties and figure out how to recoup $16 million in pre-paid bonuses that Vick doesn't have to return. Even Blank concedes, "I'd love to see him playing again in the NFL. I would love to see him back in society where he can make a difference and go back to some of these communities and talk to some of these young folks about the impact of choices — choices he personally made about people he was with and choices he made about his own actions. That would be important.” Sure, those might be empty words designed to bolster Vick's trade value. But they might be an indication of the realization that Vick's greatest value to Blank is on the field - playing as a Falcon.

Without a doubt, Vick is getting picked first every time when the guys line up on the prison yard. "Uhhh, yeah, lemme get that dude." It's a no brainer. And if Vick is available to the Falcons in a year or so, I hope Blank calls 7's number. I look forward to that day. I just want to win and have some fun as a Falcons fan. So, yeah, lemme get that dude.

Fingers crossed.

Source

Free Mike Vick!

2007-12-12T04:58:00.000-05:00

Kidding.

I've never liked Roddy White. And the unveiling of his homemade "Free Mike Vick" shirt on Monday Night Football was proof positive that he needs to focus on catching footballs and not ghettotastic craft projects.

Indeed, Mike Vick has to do his time. He'll be freed in 23 or so months. And that's soon enough. I'm not totally comfortable that so many resources have gone toward a crime without an obvious human victim or that $1 million in restitution was set aside for the care of dogs, but Vick was sentenced fairly. He didn't get sentenced to lethal injection. He'll have plenty of time to get on with his life after the fact.

From the time of the initial rumblings of criminal activity to the indictment to the plea to the sentencing, you'd think plenty of time would have passed for me to finally be angry at Michael Vick. I'll admit he's almost ruined my NFL season. I love the NFL generally, but love starts at home. And with my hometown team in turmoil, it's hard. And this year all the pundits can unanimously agree the Falcons underachieved because of Michael Vick.

But how can I be wholeheartedly angry at somebody so dumb? And since the time of the initial rumblings, indictment, etcetera, it's become increasingly apparent that Michael Vick is as simpleminded as they come. Back in the spring, I wondered why the Virginia property wasn't cleared of evidence once it was known Vick's cousin caught a case. I wondered why Vick wasn't more upfront in the initial police and NFL investigations. I wondered why Vick allowed the other defendants to flip on him. I was stupefied when I found out he decided he couldn't forego weed after he plead out to the charges. I was puzzled when I noticed Vick didn't even bother to remove the kennels and other canine accoutrement from the Virginia property before he sold it, allowing the new owner to hold an open house of canine macabre for the general public. And I was flat out floored when I learned that Michael lied to federal agents and failed a polygraph test concerning his involvement in the whole mess.

Nice try on the early surrender, the prompt restitution and the contrite statements, but Vick's stupidity ultimately sealed his fate in the eyes of the judge.

And because I suspect Vick is more stupid than evil, I still have empathy for him. Michael Vick is gone for now. I have no doubt he will play football again. He'll be young enough and the NFL will always need athletes. If Favre, Testaverde and Warner can play quarterback, so can Michael Vick. Arthur Blank said the Falcons were moving on, but he didn't actually say Vick would never play for the team again. I would wager New England Patriot odds that the Falcons will still be in turmoil in 2009, so there's no need for the Falcons to completely close that door especially if they actually want to recoup their financial losses from Vick's absence.

Furthermore, I still hold out hope that Michael Vick is more ignorant than stupid... That he has learned and that he will learn from his mistakes. Until then, I am left only to mourn my hometown team, ponder the relative dignity of a courtroom artist's sketch versus a mugshot and pray that Michael doesn't become a full blown Quincy Carter/Maurice Clarett statistic. And I await to see what Mike knows in 2009.

State of the Falcons - Week 11

2007-11-19T16:42:00.000-05:00

And to think, I almost missed the masterpiece between the Falcons and the Bucs. But out benevolent owner, Arthur Blank, saved us from the tragedy of yet another TV blackout by ~~forcing~~ asking the Falcons' business partners to purchase the unsold tickets. Thank you, suh. The Falcons fans are so grateful. Instead of enjoying a competitive substitution game, we had to sit through a near blowout of 31-7.

Falcons fans have gone crazy. They booed starter Byron Leftwich and cheered when Joey Harrington was inserted into the game. Who chants for Joey Harrington? Who cheers when 13 runs onto the field? Only the desperate.

Now the Falcons have yet another quarterback controversy, after Coach Petrino promised a healthy Byron Leftwich would be the Falcons starter. Yet after Leftwich's "performance" of 15 of 28 passes for 106 yards and 2 interceptions, Joey is back in the running for starter. Harrington, meanwhile, completed 16-of-20 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown (in garbage time). He said he would no longer contemplate why the starting job was taken from him and would accept whatever Petrino had in store.

Eh, wno cares? The Colts are going to beat the brakes off of the Falcons next week no matter who the quarterback is.

Unless Michael Vick was still around.

Michael Vick was the best quarterback in the world. No, I'm not just saying that out of romantic revisionist wistfulness. It's true. Looking back, I can't remember a single misthrown pass, a single interception, a single bad scramble, a single injury or any bad decisions at all on Michael Vick's part. And there will be no more fanciful tall tales of his adventures in my Falcons recap because he's in jail.
It's really real now. Vick did some bad things, but he did good things too. And I'll be glad to greet him on the other side. Hopefully, on a Sunday afternoon. But any day soon will do.

Goodell the Warden?

2007-11-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

When Roger Goodell's days as NFL commissioner are over, he may want to consider a career in corrections. He seems to have a knack for herding young men into the correctional system.

While Adam Jones and Michael Vick initially transgressed of their own volition, it is obvious that the scourges of the NFL fear the ultimate judgment of Roger Goodell. So much so that they volunteer to become statistics of the judicial system, even when it may have not been necessary. The men just want to get back on the field. And if that means they have to do a little probation or even a little jail time, so be it.

Pacman Jones' attorney, Manny Arora, freely admitted that staying in the NFL's good graces was priority number one.

While I think we would've been successful at trial, it could've been six months to a year away, and he may have lost another year of eligibility by going forward. In the real world, sometimes you have to make these difficult decisions for what's best for your career, and we didn't want this dragging on any further."

Indeed, the odds were good that Jones would have been successful at trial. The Las Vegas prosecutor weakly charged him with felony coercion. Coercion doesn't have the teeth of assault or some of the more serious accusations the family of Tommy Urbanski might accuse Jones of. So the prosecutor did the best he could. Frankly, a charge of coercion was just indicative that there wasn't much substantial evidence that Pacman's presence at the Las Vegas strip club directly contributed to the serious consequences that befell the victims.

Still, not only was Jones willing to accept a plea in order to appease the NFL, he accepted too much punishment on the lesser charge. Jones ended up pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct - a gross misdemeanor. Yet he accepted a full year of suspended sentence, probation, anger management classes, AND 200 hours of community service. That's pretty excessive compromise for a plea on a misdemeanor charge. But no punishment is greater than being kept of the field. No judge, prosecutor or probation officer needs to be pleased more than Roger Goodell. Apparently, Jones and his legal team thought the plea was worthwhile in that it would put the incident behind Pacman and appease Goodell. And Goodell had to know Jones was working on a plea deal when he refused to reinstate him just days before. The plea wasn't sufficient contrition on that day, but hopefully Jones' plea won't go completely unnoticed when he faces Goodell's judgment again.

And Michael Vick has taken the kowtowing even further. He didn't even gamble on the slim hope that the judge would sentence him to probation instead of jail on December 10. Vick just voluntarily went to jail. So figure a year of official sentence. Take away a couple of months for good behavior and a month in a halfway house... OMG! Vick could be available in the summer of 2008. And that's exactly the circumstance he wants Roger Goodell to have to deal with so that Vick can return to his career as soon as possible. Goodell is also obviously Vick's number one priority.

It's chilling to realize Michael Vick has become a man so desperate he would relinquish his freedom to please Roger Goodell.

The evidence isn't conclusive yet, but sociologists may need to take a look at Goodell as yet another socioeconomic factor increasing chances for young men ending up in the correctional system. It's not Goodell's fault that grown men cross the law, but I hope Goodell has considered that he could opt to let the judicial system be the sole arbiter of punishment. Not to mention the court of public opinion. Men who transgress society will suffer. And I hope Roger Goodell does not sleep easy at night, knowing that he gave a gentle shove to certain men into the correctional system.

I don't see any reason why any man shouldn't have the opportunity to exonerate himself without fear of losing his livelihood forever. I don't worry that men like Jones or Vick will not receive enough punishment, especially not that they deserve Goodell's condemnation. Because in life, what goes around comes around. And when Goodell sleeps easy at night, he should know the same applies to the crooked warden.

Better Late Than Never

2007-11-12T01:46:00.001-05:00

Some people have decided to help themselves.

Michael Vick has fired one of the attorneys who has been representing him concerning federal dogfighting charges. Recently filed court records reveal that Daniel Meachum is no longer representing Vick. Mr. Meachum is an attorney from Atlanta. Vick's attorneys from Washington, DC and Virginia remain on the payroll. There has been no additional comment from the Vick camp, so one can only imagine why Meachum was sacked. Maybe he was the weakest link. Maybe Vick is just cutting costs. Still, it can only be heralded as a positive step that Vick is tweaking his team of advisers. Vick has to date compounded the disaster of dogfighting with the mismanagement of his public image, finances and career. Not only are there less cooks in the kitchen as far as Michael's legal team goes, here's hoping the remaining advisers demonstrate an improved ability to counsel Vick through his mess.

And some people are getting help from others.

Gene Upshaw has finally decided to do some work. The NFLPA has decided to appeal the NFL's decision to not grant early reinstatement to Adam "Pacman" Jones. The NFLPA should have protested when the NFL suspended Jones for nebulous reasons 9 games ago. Now they're stuck in the difficult position of backtracking after they've allowed precedent to be set. The NFLPA has not given any specific reason for the sudden interest in Jones. Perhaps Upshaw has recently become familiar with the definition of a union. Maybe he has figured out that the defense of a union member should not be selective or slow. Union members should be defended vigorously and unconditionally by their representatives - whether or not they make it rain. Apparently the union now thinks Jones' punishment is excessive. Pity they didn't foresee this months ago.

Both the scourges of the NFL are getting help with their situations. The holidays must be near.

Fashion Round Up - Noticing Those Who Dress To Be Seen

2007-11-11T23:28:00.000-05:00

Yes, Choo Choo. Hold your head down in shame. You are a clown, Clinton Portis. Although I applaud your mission to encourage the Redskins to celebrate in the endzone, there was no need to bring the ruffles into this. Or the hair. And you have offended too many cultures to name.

Serena Williams has exponentially improved her styling lately. Her new hair style is fantastic. She even looks sexy in her super short bubble dress.

Yet, sister Venus struggles with the proper execution of her new short hair do. And I hope going out in public without make-up doesn't negatively affect sales of her new Dave & Barry's clothing line.

Jillian Reynolds has finally abandoned her inexplicable obsession with dresses with pockets...

To begin a new obsession with empire waist dresses that are better suited for summer. Everybody sing along. Purple rain, purple rain...

The men on the Fox set have yet to meet a pattern or texture they wouldn't pair together.

Deion's getting old. He shows off his gray chinny chin chin.

Shannon Sharpe is a little bit bold with paisley and stripe pairings.

Daryl Johnston is coordinated in brown from suit to overcoat.

Michael Strahan looks so lonely walking through London alone. At least he has his scarf.

Michael Wilbon randomly steps it up on PTI. The next day he was back to mock turtlenecks. I enjoyed the pocket square while it lasted.

And, finally, it looks like a certain King of Pop wants to take A-Rod's place. You never know... He had hops back in the day. If you can't have championship rings, you might as well have flair... and glittered fielder's gloves.

Falcons Cheerleader vs. Da Brat

2007-11-08T00:38:00.000-05:00

Not only is the season going poorly for the Atlanta Falcons on the field, the bad fortune has drifted over to the ladies on the sidelines.

One of the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders, Shayla Smith, was the victim in an alleged assault at the nightclub Studio 72 by rapper Da Brat. Brat used to be a talented rapper, but nowadays she's mostly known for reality show stints like Surreal Life. Da Brat is accused of hitting Shayla over the head with a broken bottle after an argument ensued.

Shayla worked at the nightclub as a waitress when she wasn't dancing for the Falcons. Da Brat was arrested after the incident and is out on $50,000 bond. Shayla is presumably recovering from her injuries. The Falcons have issued a statement that they are treating the incident as a private, family matter. There is no word on when Shayla will be able to return to the sidelines.

Babineaux Cleared

2007-11-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

Animal cruelty charges against Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux have been dropped by suburban Atlanta authorities. In February, Babineaux was charged with killing his girlfriend's pit bull mix. An autopsy concluded that the dog died from blunt force trauma to the head. It was alleged that Babineaux had hit the dog in the head with a hammer after fighting with his girlfriend. However, further investigation could not rule out that the dog died from hitting the wall after being spun around on a leash. The dog had a history of unprovoked attacks and a dog trainer had instructed Babineaux to spin the dog on a leash when it became aggressive. So, it seems Babineaux isn't cruel, just too stupid enough to realize that too much spinning makes you uncontrollably dizzy.

So, I guess I'll need a new double standard to harp on when I complain about Michael Vick. Sigh. Like I don't have enough to do.

No Love For the Pacman

2007-11-07T23:19:00.000-05:00

It didn't really come as a surprise, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declined to reinstate Adam "Pacman" Jones before the season ended. And it's certainly no surprise that Roger Goodell has issued another nonsensical edict. Jared Allen gets to come back from his suspension early. Andy Reid gets to live in a drug emporium. Pacman is forced to sit out a whole year for reasons that were murky in the first place. Goodell is starting to become so inconsistent that he's consistent. So, strangely enough, we all probably expected this outcome for Pacman.

And dare Pacman try to earn a living in his free time. Many pundits mocked Jones' stint in pro wrestling that openly explored his "Pacman" persona. It's been said that Jones' greatest community service during his suspension was giving away free tickets to kids for his wrestling matches. But what level of community service would ever satisfy people that expect a person who has been stripped of his livelihood to not work? Could Pacman have ever done enough to satisfy some people? I never had any problem with Pacman wrestling. Wrestling is a job. And for many reasons, including many of his own doing, Pacman had nothing better to do.

So the Pacman will continue to wait for his chance. The commish said he come back to the facility after the season ends. And the NFL public will wait to see how his story turns out. Perhaps, Pacman will heed the words of his once disgraced Tennessee Titans teammate Albert Hanynesworth.

"It can go either way, that's the way I look at it. It is kind of like the ordeal I had to go through last year (with a five-game suspension) — you can either let it define your career or step up from it and rewrite your own history book."

See you next year, Adam. Hopefully.

State of the Falcons - Week 9

2007-11-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

Actually, I have little idea what went on with the Falcons this week. The Falcons were blacked out this weekend. They couldn't move a paltry 3000 tickets before the deadline and didn't even bother to request an extension from the NFL. And the current Falcoons media guide "claims" to have a season ticket waiting list of over 90,000 people. The lies.

I heard we won 20-16. Warrick Dunn played like it was 2004 and rushed for 100 yards. DeAngela Hall keeps playing for free agency and caught an interception. Then he had the nerve to toss the intercepted ball to Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Punk.

So that's all I know about what's going on with the Falcons this week. I was mercifully watching the "A" game for once. It's been a long time Joe Buck and I have spent a Sunday afternoon together. I've missed him.

Pitiful 4 point win over the stinky 49ers or not, I still maintain that Michael Vick was the best quarterback in the world. No, I'm not just saying that out of romantic revisionist wistfulness. It's true.

And what's Vick been up to? Just life, man. The big bad Wachovia called in the loan on the restaurant and wine store he just opened up in south Atlanta. If you don't live in Atlanta, let me tell you that it is the bourgeois Black man's dream to be at the Camp Creek Marketplace. The failure of that business has to cut deep. Michael is also trying to sell his $6 million home in Atlanta. And I heard that he recently had a new baby, but his baby mama decided to dump him. The brother can not catch a break. It's been hectic for Mike.

Looking back, I can't remember a single misthrown pass, a single interception, a single bad scramble, a single injury or any bad decisions at all on Michael Vick's part. He was perfect. Now he's gone. Halfway through the season, my memory hasn't faded.

Father of the Year

2007-11-01T23:05:00.000-05:00

I don't want to hear it.

I don't want to hear Andy Reid's name interchanged with sentiments like "tragedy" or "unfortunate circumstance" or "parent's nightmare" when it comes time to discuss the sentencing of his sons for drug. weapons and vehicular offenses. I want to hear the outrage, not the concern. Not because I don't feel concern for a family who has to endure the indignity of watching two sons be sent off to jail. I just expect the NFL standard. Andy Reid should be judged just as harshly as anyone in the NFL dealing with an embarrassing courtroom appearance or a messy entanglement with illegal drugs.

And the NFL standard is the "face of the franchise" standard. Players are routinely demonized and even run out of the league for the sins of their posses or groupies or hangers on. It's simply a double standard if the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles is treated with any less stringency. Indeed, Andy Reid wasn't doing his job today preparing for the Dallas Cowboys while he was sitting in court tending to his family troubles. And, frankly, illegal drugs were found in Coach Reid's home. In fact, the judge labeled his home a "drug emporium" and questioned whether his grown sons should be living there. Britt and Garrett Reid are facing jail time in the culmination of several years effort in abusing and selling narcotics. Presumably, the Philadelphia customers that the Reid sons were dealing to are Iggles fans and deserve some consideration by the NFL. The NFL and the media should extend similar disdain to Andy Reid as the they would to any other member of the shield.

Sal Paolantonio of ESPN characterized the reaction of Philadelphia fans as "shocked" that the judge drew a straight line of responsibility to the parents. According to the proceedings, the Reid children had been abusing and selling drugs for several years. The judge noted that the Reids clearly loved and supported their children and had tried many times over the years to get them help. I believe that. But it's also apparent that the Reids didn't do the best by their children. Andy Reid should be held to the "face of the franchise" standard.

That is, if that's the standard that's going to apply to everybody.

Lawyers (and ESPN) Good For Something

2007-10-31T22:42:00.000-05:00

The tenacity of a lawyer resulted in good when Genarlow Wilson was released from jail last Friday. Genarlow and his attorney BJ Bernstein gambled when Genarlow refused to accept numerous plea offers to reduce his ten year sentence for having consensual sex with another teenager, but the risk paid off. To be sure, Genarlow's strategy was risky. It was only a 4-3 margin of the Georgia Supreme Court that decided that Wilson's punishment was cruel and unusual.

In addition to the dogged pursuit of Genarlow's lawyer, the media should rightfully take credit for Genarlow's release. Media outlets like ESPN brought well deserved national attention to Genarlow's plight.

Georgia was shamed into releasing Genarlow Wilson. Despite the rationalizations of local prosecutors. Despite the politics of the legislature. Despite the narrow margin of the Supreme Court.

Some have complained that the Supreme Court has legislated from the bench in freeing Wilson despite the legislature's express refusal to do so. To some lawyers,"legislating from the bench" is the most cardinal sin of a judge. To others, it's the appropriate effectuation of a checks and balances system that counters nonsensical laws.

Finally, after over two years in prison, legal wrangling and media attention, Genarlow Wilson is free to anticlimatically get on with his life. The media outlets that devoted the feature stories that were instrumental in securing his freedom have blurbed about his release and moved on. Genarlow says he leaves prison a man and that he hopes to go to college to study sociology.

And, ironically, Genarlow has appropriate gratitude for the legal system that prosecuted and vindicated him.

Well, for the most part my incarceration made me a stronger person and a more ambitious person. So I definitely plan on succeeding. Especially with having so many people supporting me and coming to my defense; I don’t want to disappoint them. I feel like failure’s not an option. I also have higher expectations for myself, and I feel like I’ve matured.

For the most part I’m not angry or bitter. I can’t let my frustrations get the best of me. It’s not going to make matters any easier for me. Either way it goes, it’s still going to be hard for me. But now I get to start over. It’s a new beginning, and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve turned all the negative energy into something positive.

Genarlow was a popular high school football player in his former life. He seems not to crave anything but simple interaction now. Raiding the refrigerator whenever he wants. Spending time with his mother and sister. Hopefully, going to class and earning and degree. After all he's been though, here's hoping he can accomplish so much.

Feeling Better

2007-10-31T21:35:00.000-05:00

Nip/Tuck is back on and Kobe got booed at home. All is right with the world. Why not come back?

Thanks everybody for your well wishes during my hiatus.

(Ha ha! Kobe got booed!)

Sick Day(s)

2007-10-17T23:38:00.000-05:00

I apologize for not updating the blog, but I am a little under the weather. I think the Falcons are trying to actually kill me. And when I don't have anything to say about Terrell Owens, there's definitely something wrong. I'm okay, but I'm just going to update the blog even more lazily than I normally do. I'll back in a few.