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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Apr 22, 2010 15:00:59 GMT -6
Grr....to Big Ben. And all the rest who make it tough for people to be professional sports fans. He's the reason I have been in the past such an anti sports fan. I'm praying the stupid gene doesnt take over and he ends up in AZ. I'll stop being a fan again.
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Post by Phalon on Apr 25, 2010 6:00:24 GMT -6
I love football; I'm a fan of the game, but not the players. Not all the players, of course....what I meant to say is that I watch the game and not specific people playing the game.
I'm not much of a professional sports fan period - football, or another other sport - for that same reason, Scrappy. It's not only the professionals, though, but college sports, and even down to the high school level, some players seem to have a disregard for anyone but themselves, and seem to have an attitude that because they are in the spotlight that the rules should be bent regarding their actions.
It's the same for celebrities in any field, I suppose. I wonder if it's money and fame, (or the prospect of both), that gives them idea that they can do whatever they want without repercussion, or is it because they are in the spotlight that makes it seem prevalent that such attitudes pervade their professions. Probably a combination, I think.
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Post by lolapalooza on Apr 25, 2010 20:00:59 GMT -6
... Ok, I'm a fan so I'm going to stand up here.
I think it's tough for the average news/pop culture follower to distinguish between a sport and its players. A handful of players mark the enitre population and I think that has to be kept in perspective.
For example, I can think of three NFL players who have been in the news for bad behavior over this offseason: Joey Porter for drunk driving, Shaun Rogers for a gun charge and Ben Roethlisberger. That's three out of over 1600 pro football players. Hardly a majority. Does the sport employ entitled, egotistical guys? Sure, but they're not all criminals, not by a long shot, and no more than any other business that pays its employees. Ok, these guys are on an extreme end of the spectrum in terms of income but I think that also attributes to the media coverage. I've known/worked with drunk drivers, pedophiles, drug takers and dealers (some of whom have been armed to the teeth) and believe me, they don't make the list of top earners. I'm just saying to keep it in perspective.
I think, to add to my idea of media fairness, we should be aware of the massive amounts of charity work and dollars that many of these guys give to communities and families that is never covered. Simply because good news is not news. A Houston Texan a couple years ago bought a house for a struggling single mother he'd never met. Habitat for Humanity, reading programs, numerous charity foundations and unpublicized trips to meet kids who have various needs or who are sick. A lot more are contributing to the good of our society than are endangering it.
I hear plenty of stories about so-and-so not being a good tipper or being rude or just a plain ***hole, but believe me, you don't have to be a pro athlete to fall into this category. I'm not denying there's special treatment for kids and young adults and then adults who are gifted in a sport but I'm much more apt to point the finger at parents and other adult figures for who they turn out to be. Sure, they're responsible for themselves as adults but who molded them?
Just saying... don't cast a blanket judgment over pro athletes, let's look at them individually.
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Post by stepper on Apr 26, 2010 20:18:44 GMT -6
The point of my post is that we all understand and prefer we be accepted as an individual, and here on Whoosh we have this. But certain groups, teams, and some people, because of their public position are held to a higher standard because of that public position. One bad cop taints all cops, 80 pedophile priests taint all priests, etc. The problem is that the list of fallen sports heroes is long. These people are paid large amounts of money to do what? Play. Play a game. I just wish that they'd appreciate the position they hold in the public eye. For my part, I do not think it inappropriate to expect a level of behavior which, unfortunately, some overpaid athletes fail to maintain. Here's a few more for the list. Michel Vicks (Dog fighting) Adam Packman Jones (assulted a stripper) Tank Jones (Bears - weapons) Danny Wheatley (Vehicular Homiside) Ray Lewis (Double Murder) Tanya Harding Rae Carruth (Hired Hitman to kill pregnant girlfriend) O. J. Simpson Brett Meyers (Beat up Wife) Michael Irvin (Cocaine) Allen Iverson (Many including B&E while looking for his wife) Mike Tyson (Rape - and if stupidity was a crime he'd still be in jail) James Posey of the Miami Heat and Ed Belfour and Ville Peltonen of the Florida Panthers were arrested in Miami Beach in the span of just a few hours. Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins and Dale Davis of the Detroit Pistons were also arrested. Lets' not ignore our Boys of Summer and their illegal steroids and performance enhancing drugs.... Pete Rose (Gamboling - but eventually he'll get the recognition he deserves) Ricky Bones Alex Cabrera Larry Bigbie Jack Cust Tim Laker Josias Manzanillo Todd Hundley Mark Carreon Hal Morris Matt Franco Rondell White Chuck Knobloch Gregg Zaun David Justice F.P. Santangelo Glenallen Hill Mo Vaughn Denny Neagle Ron Villone Chris Donnels Todd Williams Phil Hiatt Todd Pratt Kevin Young Mike Lansing Cody McKay Kent Mercker Adam Piatt Jason Christiansen Mike Stanton Stephen Randolph Paul Lo Duca Adam Riggs Bart Miadich Fernando Vina Kevin Brown Eric Gagne Mike Bell Matt Herges Gary Bennett, Jr. Jim Parque Brendan Donnelly Chad Allen Jeff Williams Howie Clark Nook Logan Dan Naulty Ken Caminiti Bobby Estalella Jason Giambi Jeremy Giambi Armando Rios Benito Santiago Gary Sheffield Jose Canseco Tom House Wally Joyner Jim Leyritz Paxton Crawford David Segui John Rocker Paul Byrd Shane Monahan Mark McGwire Manny Alexander Chuck Finley Barry Bonds Marvin Bernard Randy Velarde Wilson Alvarez Bret Boone Ozzie Canseco Juan Gonzalez Dave Martinez Ivan Rodriguez Tony Saunders Miguel Tejada Lenny Dykstra Dave Hollins Roger Clemens Andy Pettitte Brian Roberts Jay Gibbons Gary Matthews Jr. Jerry Hairston Jr. Darren Holmes Rick Ankiel Troy Glaus Scott Schoeneweis Matt Williams Jose Guillen Ismael Valdez Magglio Ordonez Alex Rodriguez Jose Canseco Mike Piazza Todd Greene Sammy Sosa David Ortiz Manny Ramirez David Ortiz Alex Sánchez Jorge Piedra Agustin Montero Jamal Strong Juan Rincon Rafael Betancourt Rafael Palmeiro Ryan Franklin Mike Morse Carlos Almanzar Felix Heredia Matt Lawton Yusaku Iriki Jason Grimsley Guillermo Mota Juan Salas Ryan Jorgensen Dan Serafini Eliezer Alfonzo Humberto Cota Henry Owens JC Romero Sergio Mitre Kelvin Pichardo Manny Ramirez Terrmel Sledge Derek Turnbow Rico Brogna David Bell There's more, but that's enough.
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Post by katina2nd on Jul 6, 2010 21:17:38 GMT -6
BIG NEWS ........... well news anyway. Anyone who has ESPN 2 should check your TV guide, apparently they're showing the footy this weekend [ that's aussie rules, real footy ] Anyway, it features the mighty Cats against the Hawks on Saturday the 10th aussie time, so if you're interested [ of course you're interested ] check your local time, then sit back and prepare to be amazed, astounded, thrilled [ not to mention totally bewildered ] by the greatest sporting spectacle on earth. Go Cats.
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Post by Phalon on Jul 7, 2010 22:44:39 GMT -6
The Cats! I checked my local listings and will be tuned in on the 10th to be amazed, astounded, and thrilled....for about 10 minutes. The game runs here 12:10 am to 2:40 am, and I have to work the following morning.
Drat! Tell me how it ends, Katina. Or need I even ask.
Go Cats.
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Post by katina2nd on Jul 9, 2010 0:35:22 GMT -6
Whack it on the old remote before you head off to bed then Gams, heck this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I mean, this is the Cats we're talking about, THE Cats. Love to hear your thoughts on it, and we can discuss the subtle nuances of the game, the standard of umpiring, who played well and who dragged the chain, which players are the "hottest" etc. etc. Afraid I can't tell you how it ends as it hasn't been played yet, this is a live telecast starting in ......... ummm let's see, about 22 hours. Go Cats.
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Post by Mini Mia on Jul 10, 2010 0:25:11 GMT -6
Okay. I flipped over to check out the game, and I was expecting Soccer. I've never seen this sport before, and I'm totally lost as to what's going on. (Not that I know much about any of the sports.) It looks like it might be part (touch) Football and part Soccer. Sorry, at this posting the Cats had just been out-bested. But the game is not over, so I'm sure they'll make a comeback and win the game.
So, are there two kinds of football? Football = Soccer & Futball or Footy = this?
Doing a search:
Sport in Australia
Australian rules football
Rugby league
Association football
Okay. I thought Rugby was somewhat like Soccer. But they're carrying the ball in the photo, and the ball looks oblong, like an American football.
I also noticed the players weren't dressed for cold weather, and they weren't exhaling foggy mist. And since it's Winter there now, I expected to see people protecting themselves from the elements.
Australian Weather
Australian weather and the seasons
Climate of Australia
Okay. I seem to have learned something new. Yay me. I'm gonna head off to bed now, this has made me sleepy.
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Post by Phalon on Jul 11, 2010 5:22:35 GMT -6
Drat! I missed the entire thing! I tried to stay awake, really I did, but just couldn't. And "whacking the remote"....I should have asked for a translation. I misplaced my Aussie to English dictionary.
I did think about recording it, but our VCR is nonfunctioning. (eye-roll)
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Post by Siren on Jul 11, 2010 20:38:08 GMT -6
"dragged the chain", a much nicer than expression for the one I have, describing lazy, underachieving players who "drag their dead *ss"
I just got back into town, and missed the whole dadgum thing, kat. Dammit! I would have loved to have rehashed the game with you. Talking about the game with friends afterward is almost as good as the game itself.
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Post by katina2nd on Jul 12, 2010 1:05:34 GMT -6
Okay. I flipped over to check out the game, and I was expecting Soccer. I've never seen this sport before, and I'm totally lost as to what's going on.
Not to worry Jox, been following it for five decades and still get lost myself at times. Sorry, at this posting the Cats had just been out-bested. But the game is not over, so I'm sure they'll make a comeback and win the game. Spot on Jox, we did make a comeback and snatched victory by two points. It was a hard fought battle with numerous lead changes but the cats were in front when it counted, at the final siren. Took me quite a while to get over the joe blakes [ shakes ] afterwards let me tell you ..... Go the mighty Cats. So, are there two kinds of football? Football = Soccer & Futball or Footy = this? Actually there's four, two of which are played worldwide, Soccer, played with a round ball, which is the only code where the ball can't be handled, and Rugby, played with a ball kinda similar to an American Gridiron ball. Then there's Gridiron of course, unique to the states, and Australian Rules Football which is unique to oz. Okay. I thought Rugby was somewhat like Soccer. But they're carrying the ball in the photo, and the ball looks oblong, like an American football. I also noticed the players weren't dressed for cold weather, and they weren't exhaling foggy mist. And since it's Winter there now, I expected to see people protecting themselves from the elements. Soccer and Rugby are totally different Jox, Rugby being a little [ very little ] like Gridiron, and aussie rules is totally different again. Players don't protect themselves from the weather, or the solid hits they cop during a game, they're "real" men down here. Okay. I seem to have learned something new. Yay me. I'm gonna head off to bed now, this has made me sleepy. If you'd like the rules explained just let me know, just make sure you have six months or so free time. Drat! I missed the entire thing! I tried to stay awake, really I did, but just couldn't. And "whacking the remote"....I should have asked for a translation. I misplaced my Aussie to English dictionary. I did think about recording it, but our VCR is nonfunctioning. (eye-roll) Drat indeed Gams, you missed a bottler, never more then a couple of goals in it all day, numerous lead changes and finally a two point win to the mighty Cats. Whacking it on the remote means setting up the VCR on remote record, but seeing as how yours is on the fritz it wouldn't matter if you understood or not I guess. "] dragged the chain", a much nicer than expression for the one I have, describing lazy, underachieving players who "drag their dead *ss" Yeah, that's the expression I use on here Siren, the ones I use at home are a little more colourful believe me. I just got back into town, and missed the whole dadgum thing, kat. Dammit! I would have loved to have rehashed the game with you. Talking about the game with friends afterward is almost as good as the game itself. You're right there, discussing it afterwards [ if you win of course ] and watching the replay two or six times is indeed as good as the actual game. Never mind, maybe we'll be on again sometime in the future and you'll be in town, Gams will stay awake and Jox will be a little less confused and we can all rehash the game.
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Post by Mini Mia on Jul 12, 2010 1:21:48 GMT -6
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Post by Siren on Jul 28, 2010 21:12:16 GMT -6
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Post by katina2nd on Sept 3, 2010 1:46:15 GMT -6
Well the preliminaries are out of the way and tonight kicks off the start of the finals, with the mighty Cats going head to head with the Saints, our victims from last years Grand Final.
Gonna be a cracker of a game methinks, both sides are evenly matched so don't expect much in it at the final siren, which will see the Cats with their noses in front [ naturally ]
A win and we get a weeks rest before our next match, a loss [ not gonna happen ] and we front up again next week.
Go Cats.
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Post by Phalon on Sept 3, 2010 20:51:25 GMT -6
Ok, Katina. This is about where in the season I get confused....uhm...okay, so though I've been "following" the Cats for years, and the only thing I know for sure is that screaming at the umps is required. But when you announced last year the the Cats were in the finals, I figured on it going on for a while, but the next time I asked, the finals had been over for weeks. How many games (matches?) are in these finals?
Oh, and....
Go Cats!
(That part I'm not confused about.)
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Post by katina2nd on Sept 4, 2010 8:37:48 GMT -6
Okay allow me to enlighten you fellow Cats supporter.
The finals are played between eight teams over four weeks, with two teams dropping out each week, four matches this weekend, two the next two weekends and the Grand Final in week four.
A win friday night would have given us a weeks break and seen us proceed straight through to one of the two Preliminary finals in week three, unfortunatly we lost *sob* so now have to play each week for the next three in order to take out the big prize, lose any of them and we're cactus.
Not an impossible task but danged hard .......... sooooo, fingers crossed and,
GO CATS.
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Post by stepper on Sept 4, 2010 9:42:47 GMT -6
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Post by katina2nd on Sept 5, 2010 21:28:28 GMT -6
LMAO.
Yeah those scummy little Saints indeed Step' really threw a spanner in the works.
Hopefully we get the chance to have another crack at em, think they're pretty good things to make the Grand Final so if we can get through the next two matches [ big task ] we'll meet them in a repeat of lasts year's GF, hopefully with the same result.
Go Cats.
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Post by katina2nd on Sept 11, 2010 20:18:58 GMT -6
Well we're still alive for another week after flogging Fremantle on Friday night by just over eleven goals.
Be a tad harder next Friday night when we face Collingwood who finished the season on top of the ladder, but I have faith in the lads to get the job done and progress to the big one the following week ......
GO CATS.
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Post by Phalon on Sept 11, 2010 21:20:41 GMT -6
Our Wolverines look like they might actually be ready to play Michigan football again after a couple of very dismal seasons. Starting off this season with two wins, the team seems to have regained their former luster in the form of an extremely talented young quarterback. We'll see - college football season has just started, and there's a long way to go still....
...unlike the Cats, who are winding down the season on road to Championship victory. Yay for this week's win. Only two more to go.
Go Cats.
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Sept 18, 2010 19:15:32 GMT -6
First week of football and our Cardinals are showing the strain of not having Warner at the helm.......*sigh. It's going to be a looong season.
Go CATS!
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Post by katina2nd on Sept 22, 2010 21:45:08 GMT -6
Well it's taken me this long ( since last Friday night ) to find the energy to post here. The Cats season, and probably a great era that lasted four years and yielded two premierships, came to a crashing halt Friday at the hands of Collingwood. Not completely surprised at the loss but certainly stunned by the manner of it; we were totally outclassed and humiliated ....... *sob* Go Wolverines and Cardinals.
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Post by Mini Mia on Sept 22, 2010 22:22:28 GMT -6
Sorry, Kat. There's next year. Go Cats!
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Post by stepper on Sept 22, 2010 22:39:41 GMT -6
Sorry Kat - it's so easy to get all ramped up on a team and loosing when you have such high hopes is such a bother. Better luck next year when they rebuild with younger legs, eh?
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Post by Phalon on Sept 24, 2010 6:18:56 GMT -6
Aw, Katina. I'm sorry for your Cats' loss. I tried yelling at the refs really, really loud, but they weren't listening. That, or something was lost in the American to Aussie translation.
How do you say, "Are to f***ing blind, you *&%$ refs!!!" in Aussie?
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Post by Siren on Sept 26, 2010 9:39:38 GMT -6
Me, too, kat - I'm sorry the Mighty Cats came up short. As they say, "Better luck next year." But, dang, you and I get tired of hearing that about our teams, don't we? Here's hoping it's finally our turn. We got some terrible news here in OK this week. Rosalind Ross, a member of OU's legendary 2002 national championship runner-up team, was shot and killed. She was 30 years old. What I remember about Ros was Coach Coale saying at the time that she had never had a player who had it as hard as Ros did, growing up. But I also remember that Ros was prone to smiling, even when things were toughest, and always playing hard. I remember that she played her entire college career with a damaged ligament in her knee, and that they used to ice that knee the moment she came off the court. And I remember how she rose to the occasion during the finals tournament, and played so beautifully that she was offered a pro contract. Due to her knee injury, and yet another surgery on it, she never got to play in the pros. But she was on the roster during the LA Spark' championship that year, and had a gold ring to prove it. Here are a couple of articles about Ros. If you have the time, be sure and read Mechele Voepel's remembrance of her, the second link. www.koco.com/sports/25051373/detail.htmlvoepel.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/in-the-midst-of-life/This photo was taken after Ros was drafted by L.A. Look how proud she is. Makes me want to cry.
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Post by Phalon on Sept 27, 2010 5:47:30 GMT -6
What a tragic story. I read the two links, and she seemed like such a gutsy, determined woman. It's especially sad that those young women she was going to mentor at OU will never get the chance to know that determination of hers - she could have taught them a lot, both on and off the court.
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Post by Siren on Sept 29, 2010 21:47:22 GMT -6
Thanks for taking the time to read about Ros, Gams. As usual, you put that very well.
Ros would have brought a unique perspective as a recruiter. Coach Coale and most of her staff grew up as country kids here in Oklahoma, worlds away from the urban neighborhoods of many of today's recruits. Ros would have been able to relate to those players in a very real way that our coaches could not.
And as Voepel's 2002 article stated, her life itself was an inspiration to the kids back home in Milwaukee of someone who escaped the urban jungle to do something with their life. How terrible for those kids to see one more person, full of potential and promise, gunned down. And how horrible for her family to think of what might have been.
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Post by katina2nd on Oct 3, 2010 1:01:01 GMT -6
Such a tragic waste.
The article by Voepel was especially moving, a wonderful tribute to a gifted and determined young woman.
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Oct 3, 2010 16:57:34 GMT -6
SIREN!!!!! DUCK...........
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