It’s true that I have thought many times that the one guy I would probably punch if I were a Major League player would be AJ Pierzynski.
It’s true that Shaq will not gain the full measure of public redemption/satisfaction/adulation once believed by winning a ring without Kobe, because the Heat are clearly D-Wade’s team.
It’s true that the Heat have much to do before the above statement is even relevant.
It’s true that after stating here last week that hockey hasn’t been the same for me since Mario’s departure, I made a point of watching the remaining playoff series’ and realized, once again, that the reason I loved hockey in the first place was because, in it’s purest from, it is a wonderful game that, despite the recent warts, deserves to be revisited.
It’s true that GM Mark Shapiro did no where near enough over the off-season to improve the Indians’ championship aspirations that a year ago showed such promise.
It’s true that Penn State’s Derrick Williams will emerge as the 2007 Heisman favorite.
It’s true that Amare Stoudemire has officially passed Damon Jones as the NBA’s most ridiculously dressed player.
It’s true that few things are more disturbing during the course of an NBA broadcast than close-ups of Doug Collins’ bleached hair.
It’s true that nothing is more equivalent to a punch in the stomach for an Indians fan than watching Jim Thome have multi-HR games at Jacobs Field in a White Sox uniform.
It’s true that tuning in to a 24 hour “Sports” channel, only to see celebrity poker, is fast becoming the bane of my existence.
It’s true that, back in the 80’s, one could have predicted the successful coaching career of Edmonton’s Craig McTavish simply by watching him play the game.
It’s true that the first round stoppage in the Matt Hughes-Royce Gracie bout was as anti-climactic an ending to a much anticipated fight as I have ever experienced.
It’s true that Roger Clemens signing with the Astros has more to do with the possibility of playing with his son than in another World Series.
It’s true that if I was a multi-millionaire, WS champ, and Cy Young winner, and had the chance to play with my son, I would do the same thing.
It’s true that Tayshaun Prince should be a no-brainer for team USA Basketball over Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier.
It’s true that family members of athletes/coaches/owners should have their own secured seating area at every game to protect them from those few ignorant fans, and to protect the great fans from those few ignorant family members of athletes/coaches/owners.
It’s true that I just told my friend (who’s 12 years my junior) that I would ‘compete’ in a triathlon with him next summer, knowing my current physical condition is more plausible for a Bowlathon. My wife has become suddenly diligent in confirming my life insurance.
It’s true that I enjoyed watching few football players over the years more than Craig Heyward. RIP Ironhead.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
Burger, this is one of my favorite pieces of yours! Remember, in journalism, your opinion is protected as long as you can back it up, and I think you certainly can! Cheers!
Bleached hair on older announcers is the bad toupe of HDTV era television, Clemens is unbelievable pitching at the level he does at his age, tell your buddy when he said triathlon you thought he was talking about a seminar for a new product named "athlon" that you could win competing against him on some sort of game show...great post, and you can handle the truth...
Belle - thanks for checking in. I have enjoyed doing this piece (I did one last week also) and the reactions that come from the "truth".
ed - thanks buddy. Collins' hair is comical, the first time I saw it I thought CHRIS Collins was announcing. I love the 'Few Good Men' line - wish I had thought to incorporate it. Darn you're good!
ed - The triathlon deal came from my needing a challenge to whip my sorry hide back into form (what form remains a mystery) now that my competetive team sports days are in the rear view mirror. It should be interesting. I hope I live to see the photos.
Thanks for stopping in geocowboy. I was wanting so bad for that fight to be a classic, no matter who won.
Quinnn should be a front runner this year, but I was refering to Williams, who I think is the next do-it-all type thriller, ala Reggie Bush, to establish himself this year as the favorite for the 2007 season.
I appreciate your checking in. More truth every week!
I can't wait for the Williams show this year. Even with Morelli, I think DW takes alot of snaps at QB this year ala VYoung.
Sager is in a class by himself, and yes, I did see the cat coat, but some of AS's rags during these playoffs have been off the charts.
As for MacTavish, he was one of the final helmet holdouts, but he was also one of the key ingredients of the great Oilers then Rangers teams. He was never out of position and always seemed to be a step ahead of the opposition. One of those guys you loved having on your team but hated playing against.
I always enjoy your reactions and comments. Keep checking in.
Hey Burger, sorry it took me so long to get here after reading your comment on my post yesterday.
I love this weekly series that you do. Are they really playing celebrity poker on the sports channels now. I thought that was reserved for Bravo and the Travel Channel. I don't mind seeing the World Series of Poker action once a year, but that should be the only time it makes it to a sports channel.
Thome has to hurt. Dude is saving one of my fantasy teams this year. I thought there was a chance that a return to the American League would help him get back to Cleveland form after a disappointing stint in Philly. Has to hurt for Indian fans though when he is doing it at Jacob's Field in an opposing teams uniform. Most of all, the White Sox.
Great recommendation on the secured seating for friends and family of coaches and players. Too many #### fans looking to start #### these days. Some will probably target them if they know who they are to disrupt the mindset of the coach/player on the opposing team. One question though. Why aren't they all up in a box to begin with?
I found this to be on of the more "truism" posts i have read.
I will take your "poker is...a bane", and raise you "it is a non-athletic, mind-numbingly boring yet corruptingly addictive pox and scourge"!
See my poker face? No bluffing, Montana!
By the way, my favorite poker movie is "Maverick". This is hilarious despite my bro-in-law being disappointed when we rented in Manhattan back in 1995...
See, it's okay to mock a thing and laugh, not actually emotionally invest into it...
Hey guys, thanks for checking during such a busy time.
GB - I should have dropped the 'celebrity' part. I understand the poker craze and trying to connect it to sports fans penchant for gambling, but it's not a sport and I would rather watch Worlds Strongest Man if the networks need fillers. If programing is a problem then, by all means, give me my own show. I promise to be more interesting than Jennifer Tilly trying to explain how she lost track of the cards!
As for Benidect Thome, the big problem for Tribe fans was there was alot of hypocrosy when he wen't to Philly that folks here haven't gotten over. We understand him wanting to play for Chicago because that's home for him, but it still sucks to see him go long ball at the Jake, because all kidding aside, he was our soul for so long and he is hard not to like.
The seating thing is funny. You never see any issues in football because they are in the boxes, but the place to be in the NBA and MLB is as close to the action as possible. Just not good to mix the royals with us common folk, I guess.
ed - I don't feel the whole poker thing either, though I understand its popularity in today's spociety. I have some strong feeling about it, but they are more for another spot. I am trying to stay sports only here and I think my statements are more moral/culture. I'm sure we could talk at length on it though.
The announcer you are speaking of, Ernie Johnson, has some form of cancer. I do not know which type or the severity, but I hope it is not serious. I really like him and he definetly is the glue of that set.
Mean - Thanks for honoring this spot with your kind words.
This post is fun for me, which is probably why it flows and works for others.
Where I need your 'Dovine Intervention' is in my straightforward, War and Peace caliber non-pithy post that I can't seem to chop down. But I will hit you on that soon.
Burger - what's funny is that I was watching Game 6 of Suns-Mavs with my girlfriend, and they showed Amare on the screen. She said something to the effect of "he obviously doesn't have a girlfriend because he dresses horribly!" So the point goes to you on the Amare/Jones debate.
D-Williams at QB would be sick. I hope Justin King gets some burn at WR this year as well.
Like I mentioned in my response to the comment you left on my blog - I'm a fan of The Weekly Truth. Keep it coming...
Hey Burger. Thanks again for swinging by to congratulate me on advancing. That Tilly remark is great! How very true. Thome is a great player for sure. I am sure Philly fans are bummed to no longer have him as well, though Ryan Howard has probably helped them forget him quite a bit. That guy is a stud who also happens to be helping one of my fantasy teams greatly.
I am a die-hard Steelers fan in hostile territory - Central Ohio!! I have infiltrated this vast mission field to spread the love and the light to all those who have yet to be indoctrinated in the Gospel of the Chief. Before you suspect any bandwagon nonsense, know that my family history and heritage are immersed in Western Pa, so my current residence in this foreign land has not kept me from remaining a true American and staying loyal to the 'burgh. I am not all about hatin' my current home though. Although I despise the Buckeyes, Bungels, and Clowns, I do have some love for the Tribe and Cavs, so maybe we'll go there in future posts. Other than that it is all about the 'burgh (including Pens and Bucs), the NBA, and much love for JoePa. So grab a Pepperoni roll from Mancinni's and lets go!
