He Just Wants to Play the Game

Anyone who has shown a slight interest in the NFL in the past seventeen years or who has seen the movie There's Something About Mary probably knows who Brett Favre is. He is a three-time NFL MVP, winning the award three consecutive years, he has started 269 straight games, which is unprecedented for a quarterback, and he is considered by many to be one of the best quarterbacks of all time. His hard work and love for the game have earned him a place in the heart of many who follow football. Favre even has the distiction of being the only man to make John Madden weak in the knees.

But as of late, the media has ceased to have an adoration for all things Favre. This can all be traced back to March 4, 2008 ,when after bringing the Packers to the NFC championship that season, Favre announced that he would retire from football. The plot thickened several months later, when Favre decided that he didn't yet have it in him to step away from the game and furthermore that he was pressured by the Packers to make a decision before he was ready. So in July, the quarterback asked the Packers if he could come back, they said no and additionally refused to release him from his contract. Finally, in August, though refusing to release him, the Packers agreed to trade Favre to the New York Jets, where he played this past season, bringing a team that was 4-12 the previous season within one game of the playoffs. 

Now Favre certainly wasn't the same quarterback he once was, throwing eight interceptions to two touchdowns in his final five games (though it now appears that this could have been the result of a shoulder injury). But he certainly showed that he can  be productive in the NFL. Still, in February Favre retired for the second time and he was released by the Jets in May. Shortly after though, as has become common with the man, Favre allegedly had a change of heart and was reported to be in talks with the Minnesota Vikings, a big rival of his former Packers. He has reportedly sent X-Rays of his shoulder to the Vikes and now is debating whether or not to get surgery and make the comeback. 

This ongoing saga has earned Favre quite a bit of flack, to say the least. His constant wavering on whether or not to end his career has always drawn criticism, and now with some speculating that Favre is just seeking revenge against the team that betrayed him, many are saying that Favre has tarnished his legacy. But it seems that even the experts sometimes forget that the best athletes are humans too, humans who have emotion and change their minds. Whether or not part of Favre wants to come back so that he can get some revenge on his former team, it obviously is not the only reason. It seems clear to me that Favre is still in love with the game, and that if he's not ready to walk away from it and thinks that he can still play, then he should be allowed to do just this without any criticism. In fact, I applaud him for not being afraid to change his mind and for going with his heart.

To conclude, like I've done just a little too often in this blog, I will bring it back to John Madden. In talking about what made Favre unique Madden said, "some guys had to be reminded it is a game and you should have fun playing it. He had fun playing. He had fun practicing it. He had fun in the locker room, the bus, the airplane." I say that if Favre wants to have some more fun, nothing should stop him. 

A Realistic Fantasy

So today we're going to take a break from the serious issues and talk about a subject that is purely about fun and entertainment. I apologize to all my female readers (if there are any) before I begin, because today we're talking about video games. 

Many, namely anyone over the age of 30 not living with their parents, consider video games to be a waste of time, a pointless activity that distracts people from more useful things like studying, reading a book, making money, writing a blog post that hopefully six people will read. Some also say that video games are used as an escape from the real world and therefore lead to a lack in social skills. But what no one can deny is that video games are extremely popular, especially with today's youth, they bring lots of entertainment and joy into people's lives, and most important for this blog, they have changed the way people look at, partake in, and follow sports.

The first sports video game created, and apparently the first video game ever, was a game called Tennis for Two, which was played on an oscilloscope and basically served as a predecessor to Atari's popular semi-sports game, Pong. By the 1980s, some very basic baseball video games were available, with the most popular one featuring the Orioles' beloved former manager in Earl Weaver Baseball. By the late 1990s, three-dimensional graphics had hit the scene by way of the Nintendo 64 and Playstation, and games like Madden NFL and Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball were released, rapidly gaining large followings. As the years went by, graphics got more realistic and so did the gameplay. Now, with a complex playbook and realistic audibles, playing a game of Madden is like coaching a mini-NFL game while controlling the players at the same.

But enough with the history lesson. The question is how do sports video games actually relate to the sport? Well for one thing, I think that video games are quite beneficial to the professional sports that they emulate due to the fact that they increase their followings. A countless amount of children fantasize about playing in the big leagues and winning the championship, but only a fraction of these kids even make their high school Varsity teams. With the advent of these realistic sports video games (some that even allow you to create a player to control from his rookie year to retirement), these kids can win that Superbowl or World Series that they've always dreamed about. Now until college, I wasn't that into video games, so I asked a lifelong gamer friend of mine why he has loves them. "Playing sports video games gives everyone an even playing field to start off," he said, "it gives the chance to people who love sports but are not blessed with the ability to excel at them, the chance to dominate against bigger, stronger faster, opponents."

Basically these sports games give the non-athletes a chance to feel like one of the insiders, and this can only increase the popularity of sports. They provide anyone with the purchasing power a chance to feel that rush that comes with competitive sports. So maybe video games are in many ways, bad for you. Just about anything is bad for you if not done in moderation. And besides, video games provide millions with an asset that can't be measured. They provide happiness. 

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Well, it had to happen. It wasn't going to at first. When A-Rod got caught, I was okay with letting it go. After all, he was a Yankee, and this subject matter isn't my favorite to discuss. But now that Manny's name has been engraved on baseball's blacklist too, it's time to bring it up. That's right, we're talking about steroids today.

For those who have been living under a rock or in an ESPN-less world, baseball has been under of cloud of steroids, and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), for much of the 21st century. Though steroids have been a part of baseball since the 1990s, the hoopla began when the now infamous Jose Canseco released his book, Juiced, in 2005. The book revealed that America's game had a dirty little secret and that many of the sports' home run hitting superstars were in on the crime. Four years and one Mitchell Report later, he we are in the 2009 season, now with arguably baseball's two biggest superstars caught up in the steroid saga.

It seems to me that the news of steroids in baseball has affected most of the  fans in similar way: it has made them disillusioned with the game. For me, watching baseball in the late 90s, with the excitement of Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa's home run duel and of course the fact that the Orioles had been in a playoff game in the decade, baseball was an enriching sport to watch and play. The early 2000s were a little harder to stomach as the Orioles were losing more and more and Cal Ripken decided to call it quits. However, there was still a unique thrill that came with going to the ballpark and plenty of good storylines as Barry Bonds hit over 70 homers and the Yankees finally stopped winning the World Series. But when the stigma of steroids rolled around, not to mention the fact that the Orioles organization seemed to be a hotbed for the scandal, watching the games still brought entertainment, but the fun could no longer be had without the thought of steroids lingering in the back of my mind. Now whenever watching a player succeed, I either know he was a user or wonder if he could be. 

Now to be honest, I don't actually have a problem with people using steroids. Just as students with ADD can take Adderall and people with bad vision can get laser-eye-surgery, I have no problem with others using artificial methods of improving themselves. It's their bodies, and I believe they can do what they want with them. But the fact is, Major League Baseball has established a set of rules, so when a pro baseball player uses steroids, he is cheating, and that is something that any fan of sports should have a problem with. 

But it does look like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With two big names suffering the consequences of using PEDs, maybe the rest of the juicers will learn to play by the rules. It also seems like the MLB has gotten its act together in tightening up its steroids policy and actually following through with it. So maybe baseball can survive this dark era and come out even stronger. Maybe I'll be able to watch baseball again and feel that same rush of excitement that once came naturally. I know that's one thing I'll be rooting for.

Baltimore Teams Are On the Rise

I just came across two articles about two young Baltimore athletes who seem destined for stardom. The first one is a profile of Orioles' outfielder Adam Jones, who at 23 looks to become a dominant fixture in the O's lineup for years to come. The article even includes some high praise of Jones coming from New York Yankees non-bearded outfielder Johnny Damon. So I guess that's one good thing to come out of the Yankees organization this year.

The other article is an interview with the Ravens' franchise quarterback, Joe "The Brow" Flacco, who became the first rookie ever to win two playoff games en route to the AFC championship. Flacco talks about coming into the 2010 season with confidence and why he isn't getting the big endorsements that other young athletes of his skill level are getting. Both stories give an insightful look into the future of Baltimore's two biggest sports franchises, and the future just keeps looking brighter and brighter.

But these stories don't even include what might be the brightest spot in a Baltimore sports team's future. That is because this bright spot is still playing in the minor leagues. I am referring to the top prospect in baseball, and maybe even in Orioles history (knock on lots of wood): Matt Wieters. Last season, in double-A, Wieters had what Baseball Prospectus called the best minor league season in the last 40 years. Wieters' even has a website dedicated to him, www.mattwietersfacts.com, which gives the catcher's stats, does game-by-game follow-up, and presents hilarious Chuck Norris-esque facts, such as "even atheists believe in Matt Wieters" and "Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors." Though he's been slowed down by injury this season and is still playing in triple-A, he is expected to be moved up to the show sometimes around the All-Star break. 

As a lifelong Baltimorean, I cannot help but feel pure excitement for the future of our sports teams and thus the future of our city. The last time Baltimore has had two teams play at an elite level was during the late 60s and early 70s, when the Orioles and Colts both won their leagues' respective championships. Since then, either one team has had success while the other team suffered or, as it happened from 1984 to 1995, only one team existed. In my lifetime, only the Ravens have had continued success, but now it looks as if both teams could be headed to the top. 

This can only be good for the city of Baltimore, a city that might soon see its historic horse-track, Pimlico, which is home to the annual Preakness Stakes, turn into a parking lot. With the potential closing-down of its historic race-track and with a lot of uncertainty existing about the future of the city's economy, Baltimoreans will be looking for some shimmer of light in these dark times. From past experience, I know for a fact that people in the city are simply happier when our teams are succeeding. And additionally, it's great for the economy when people pay money to go to the games, which usually leads to more spending at venues around the area. People often look at sports at just a means of entertainment, but they can also serve as an economic boost and something around which a city can rally. I can only wait with nervous excitement to see if the Orioles and Ravens will both provide our city with a much needed morale boost. 

Moneyball

To those who have grown tired of hearing the media beat the dead horse that is America's current economic crisis, I apologize, because today we are looking at how America's current financial crisis has affected, and still is affecting, the sporting world. The economy is currently a touchy issue in sports. Some have talked of how it is unfair for so much money to be spent on sporting events and team's payrolls, especially during these rough times, while others have spoken about how some sports teams might be in danger during this recession, which looks like it could get worse before getting better. 

Regardless of what the actual opinions are, the economy is a hot topic. And I think it's a good thing that people are discussing how the economy impacts sports and vice versa, as sports are an important aspect of the lives of most Americans. But I also believe that some are looking at sports the wrong way in such difficult times. I am first and foremost referring to those who believe that athletes, coaches, and the like should not be getting paid so much and that ticket prices should be decreased.

The argument goes that sports is about entertaining the fans, the common folk, and this simply cannot happen with ticket prices as high as they are nowadays, which happen to be so high because of the millions of dollars being paid to professional athletes and their coaches. But just coming from an economic standpoint, ticket prices are right where they should be. Sports franchises are businesses that are run for the same reasons as any other corporation: to make money. And in our relatively capitalist society, it is supply and demand that dictates prices. If people were not willing and able to pay for the expensive sports tickets and franchises were not willing and able to pay the athletes such lucrative salaries, then tickets would be cheaper and athletes would be poorer. 

There are enough people to fill up stadiums, and therefore the sports industry will continue to do business as it does. And besides, what's often overlooked is how sports teams give back to the economy. When Connecticut basketball coach Jim Calhoun had his salary, the highest of any employee of the state, called into question during a press conference, an ongoing debate began about whether these state-employed coaches should take pay-cuts during these times. And while these pay-cuts would surely help out the state, Calhoun was right in defending his salary. As the coach said, the program brings $12 million dollars to the university each year. And the same can be said for professional sports franchises, which help stimulate the local economy through tourism and cross-promotions. 

Maybe it's not fair that Joe the Plumber can't take his kids out to the ball-game anymore, but if he really wants to, he can probably save up a few weeks salary do it, and if not, well nothing beats some quality father-son backyard catch. Because while I couldn't agree more that everyone should get to experience the thrill of sports in their lives, the experience doesn't have to come from sitting court-side at a playoffs game. While I will always remember the euphoria that comes with attending a Ravens game, I will cherish the times when it was just me and my dad throwing around the football in our yard even more. America is going through a hard time right now, and the country should be looking at sports as the solution instead of the problem.

Athletes Get Choosey With Their Entourages

As I was making my way through espn.com the other day, desperately attempting to find something that would fill the void in my life that exists during the post-draft, pre-training camp part of the NFL offseason, I stumbled across an interesting article on how many athletes' entourages are not adequately taking care of their famous friends. The article subsequently led me to a slightly more interesting article about how athletes are now taking a more professional approach to the company that they keep, and this got me thinking.

 

For the uninformed, the celebrity/athlete entourage is a relatively new phenomenon that was first popularized in the 1990s when legendary lyricist MC Hammer went bankrupt partly because of his posse of over 300. The term and trend became ever more relevant when HBO aired the highly popular series conveniently titled "Entourage," which follows the lives of young movie-star Vinnie Chase and his crew of childhood friends and relatives that live in his mansion, go to his Hollywood parties, and sleep with the excess quantity of girls that he attracts. 

Traditionally, entourages have been the downfall of famous athletes. Former NFL cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones would've been wise to ditch his entourage, especially after one member of Jones' posse shot a man at a Las Vegas strip club, leaving him paralyzed . Jones was released by the Cowboys in the offseason, and so far it does not look like anyone is interested in signing him or the load of baggage he brings along. 

Fortunately, some athletes have recognized the problems that come from hanging around with the wrong crowd, or sometimes just a useless crowd. Following in the footsteps of Mr. Vincent Chase, who made his best friend Eric, or "E" as they call him, his manager, athletes have begun putting their boys to work. Lebron James, for instance, let his marketing company hire his group of friends for him, bringing a whole new, twisted meaning to the saying, "you can pick your friends."

Other athletes have simply taken those that they already know and put them on payroll. Atlanta Hawks point guard Mike Bibby employs his half-brother and two childhood friends as his personal assistants. And most importantly, athletes are showing that they are not afraid to let their friends/employees go if they prove to be ineffective. Oscar De La Hoya fired ten members of his entourage last year, while NBA guard, and Circuit City applicant, Ron Artest got rid of six from his posse. 

Taking entourages seriously means more than just saving money and protecting images for athletes, though. It also means that more and more athletes, even the ones that live questionable lifestyles, understand that they need to be responsible for their behavior because they are role models. This is not as impressive as it would be if athletes actually stopped going to strip clubs, but the fact that they're bringing a more responsible crowd to the strip club is a start.

Fate of Maryland Basketball Still To Be Determined; One High School Junior Jumps Ship Early

With the college basketball season long gone, and the NBA season drawing to a close, the fate of current college and high school basketball players is becoming big news in the sports world. And no one is more aware of this than Terp basketball fans, who – much like an overachiever before hearing back from his ivy league school of choice – are left sitting, waiting, and wondering as certain announcements in the next month or so look to greatly change the landscape of the Mens’ basketball team.

The first of these big announcements will most likely be coming from Lance Stephenson, a highly touted guard from Brooklyn’s legendary Lincoln High School. If the critics are right, Stephenson will be the greatest New York City prospect since Coney Island's Jesus Shuttlesworth. He even has a character issue and an MTV reality show to boot. Hope for the resurgence of Maryland basketball was bolstered greatly when Stephenson showed up to a Terps game against Miami in early February, and ever since, Maryland has been caught in the whirlwind that is the Lance Stephenson media circus. So far, the 18-year-old has twice delayed his college announcement, and right now it's anyone's guess where the phenom will end up. My logical thinking says that Stephenson will not be good for the Terps, as he seems to possess a selfish attitude and is almost certain to leave after his freshman year, but with that being said, I would be more than ecstatic if Stephenson did don red, white, and sometimes gold next year, as it would give some much needed excitement to the program and hopefully start the trend of other top-ranked prospects coming to play for Gary.

 

The other big news on the way is whether or not Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez will be back for his senior year. I was almost certain he wouldn't be returning back in January when he had some harsh words for the Terps fans at a home game against Georgia Tech. But things shaped up for Vasquez as the season progressed; the guard fell back into favor with the fans after leading the Terps to some exciting wins over top-ranked opponents and ultimately back to the NCAA tournament. Vasquez, however, has decided to the test the waters of the NBA draft, and if he likes what the NBA scouts tell him, he might opt for the money. 

The decisions of these two players will undoubtedly influence the the Terps preseason expectations. If both Stephenson and Vasquez play for Maryland next year, the team will be expected to at least reach the Sweet Sixteen, but if neither players are on the roster, making it back to the NCAAs suddenly seems like a long-shot. But regardless of what these two young athletes decide and whether or not you or I think it's the "right" decision, there is one recent NBA vs. college/money vs. education story that made just about everyone uneasy. 

A little more than a week ago, a high school junior named Jeremy Tyler decided to forego his senior year - of high school, not college - so he that could play professional basketball in Europe for two years before declaring for the NBA draft. Now it's one thing to leave college early to make millions of dollars or even to skip college altogether in order to make money, but when players decide to skip high school, then I think we have a problem. First of all, the decision is a risky one when looking at Tyler's future. If the 6' 11 Center gets hurt or simply doesn't pan out, he doesn't have an education to fall back on. And then there's the questions of where the line is drawn, if anywhere, and if this is the right trend and mindset that we want to have in the our society's young athletes? In the end, though, it's Tyler's life and he should be allowed to do what he wants with it, even if it ends up hurting him and countless others who follow him overseas.