The View From Wisconsin
Just a random set of rants from a Sports Fan from Wisconsin.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Mac, Pete, Aaron and Ryan
Wow, what a busy sports news day. Let's get to them in some semblance of order:
"But seriously folks... stay tuned for Late-Middle-Tonight with Conan..."
- Mark McGwire admits he did steroids. I know, everyone in the sports world is saying, "This just in: the sky is blue." But there's something interesting in all of this, something he mentioned in his statement that perhaps he doesn't believe now - but is obvious he did back then: " I told myself that steroids could help me recover faster. I thought they would help me heal and prevent injuries, too."
Guess what, Mark? At the time, you were probably right.
I've mentioned before on this blog that I've always wanted to sit down with Henry Aaron, ask him that hypothetical question about his last few years in Milwaukee - if someone would have said that, by taking some medications and doing some exercises, you could extend your career for another three to five years - and not only have a chance at hitting 800 homers, but maybe end up making some really big money - would you have done it? I know now what Mark's answer was.
Could you go up to almost anyone who'll be there in Cooperstown when Andre Dawson is inducted - including Andre himself! - and said, if it would have meant you could have played more and longer, would you have done it?
None of this BS about, "Oh, but it would have been illegal." People were popping greenies and doing lines of coke (yes, Mr. Molitor and Mr. Raines, I'm looking at you), and last I looked those were illegal too.
Mark, thanks for being honest. I know your real reason for doing this was because you didn't want to get constantly badgered about it or hassled over it when spring training started. Still, I'm going to fall on the side of appreciation that the truth came out. - Pete Carroll goes from USC to Seattle. Well, of course you know, this means one and only one thing: the Seahawks are moving to LA. (pause to allow the laughter to subside) Seriously, though - this is a basically bad career move on the part of coach Carroll. He can't schedule games against San Jose State and Syracuse in the NFL.
- Aaron Rodgers was apparently facemasked as he was going down before fumbling the ball Sunday night - which would mean that the touchdown should have been called back. My opinion? You don't put yourself into that position where one play means the ballgame, because bad things and bad breaks and officiating mistakes and such happen. A wise hockey coach who I greatly respect once said that good teams overcome bad officiating. And that is exactly why the Green Bay Packers aren't playing next weekend - not because of bad officiating, but because they weren't a very good team on Sunday. End of discussion.
- Ryan Suter was named an assistant captain on the US Men's Olympic Hockey team. Ah, a wonderful piece of positive news on this day of sports talk. I'd say something about how dad and uncle Gary would be proud, but thing is that they'd only be impressed if Ryan brings home a medal. Preferably one of RGB Color #ffd700.
"But seriously folks... stay tuned for Late-Middle-Tonight with Conan..."
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