Comments on: Sports Journalism and Perspective http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/ Bangin' and Scorin' Every Trip Down the Floor Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:15:28 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: kulturejam http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-14705 kulturejam Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:45:14 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-14705 When we hear Costas, Albom, Lupica and company rail against BB, I hear them condemning themselves. Sportswriters have access to their subjects that journalists covering any other field only dream of. What do you think political reporters would give to be able to interview a legislator on the Senate or House floor immediately after an intense debate and vote? What would entertainment writers give to interview a rock star backstage immediately after a concert, or to speak with an actor on the set? Well, sportswriters have this kind of access; and baseball writers have more of it than the others, with 162 games and open clubhouses. So when I hear these parasites out-doing each other in condemning steroids, what I would like to know is, if steroids are so horrible, were so pervasive, and have so greatly impacted the game, why didn't you report it? Either you are so incompetent that you couldn't see what was (allegedly) right in front of your nose, or you saw it and covered it up. In either case, you completely failed to do your job. Is the intensity of the attack an attempt to deflect attention from these failures? Costas and Albom especially disgust me. Costas was so fooled by Kirby Puckett that he named a child after that perverted serial abuser of women. Albom was found guilty and suspended by his newspaper, the Detroit Free Press, for enhancing an article he wrote by including things that never happened (i.e.lies), and for enhancing other articles by including things "very similar" to things written by other people (i.e plariarism). Have these people no shame? When we hear Costas, Albom, Lupica and company rail against BB, I hear them condemning themselves. Sportswriters have access to their subjects that journalists covering any other field only dream of. What do you think political reporters would give to be able to interview a legislator on the Senate or House floor immediately after an intense debate and vote? What would entertainment writers give to interview a rock star backstage immediately after a concert, or to speak with an actor on the set? Well, sportswriters have this kind of access; and baseball writers have more of it than the others, with 162 games and open clubhouses. So when I hear these parasites out-doing each other in condemning steroids, what I would like to know is, if steroids are so horrible, were so pervasive, and have so greatly impacted the game, why didn’t you report it? Either you are so incompetent that you couldn’t see what was (allegedly) right in front of your nose, or you saw it and covered it up. In either case, you completely failed to do your job. Is the intensity of the attack an attempt to deflect attention from these failures? Costas and Albom especially disgust me. Costas was so fooled by Kirby Puckett that he named a child after that perverted serial abuser of women. Albom was found guilty and suspended by his newspaper, the Detroit Free Press, for enhancing an article he wrote by including things that never happened (i.e.lies), and for enhancing other articles by including things “very similar” to things written by other people (i.e plariarism). Have these people no shame?

]]> By: grumpyoldman http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12655 grumpyoldman Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:49:03 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12655 Kev Dog, Bonds was a monster in the gym, no doubt. But won't you concede that PEDs may have made that possible? Of the people I know who used steroids (half a dozen), all say that one of the many benefits of the drugs is that they allow you to work harder; they make your muscles recover faster; they make it possible for you to lift hard every day, or even twice a day. Yet you have "no doubt that he'd have hit the homers steroids or not." Really? In other words, the steroids didn't accomplish anything? Then why did he take them? Why does anybody take them? Kev Dog, Bonds was a monster in the gym, no doubt. But won’t you concede that PEDs may have made that possible? Of the people I know who used steroids (half a dozen), all say that one of the many benefits of the drugs is that they allow you to work harder; they make your muscles recover faster; they make it possible for you to lift hard every day, or even twice a day. Yet you have “no doubt that he’d have hit the homers steroids or not.” Really? In other words, the steroids didn’t accomplish anything? Then why did he take them? Why does anybody take them?

]]> By: Aone http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12644 Aone Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:41:59 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12644 Kev, I’d have to disagree. You just have a better sense of self and you are probably secure about whatever it is you do. The guys I mentioned in my post CLEARLY have Napoleon’s complex. They clearly feel the need to impose their will on a conversation and/or a subject regardless of who or what they offend. Their ‘disappointment’ in these athletes is reminiscent of a child finding out that Santa Claus is a fairly tale; and their diminutive statures (physically and emotionally) can’t handle that. Does that mean ALL short/small people feel that way? Absolutely not. But for these three ‘men’ I feel my point was fairly accurate. Kev,

I’d have to disagree. You just have a better sense of self and you are probably secure about whatever it is you do.

The guys I mentioned in my post CLEARLY have Napoleon’s complex. They clearly feel the need to impose their will on a conversation and/or a subject regardless of who or what they offend. Their ‘disappointment’ in these athletes is reminiscent of a child finding out that Santa Claus is a fairly tale; and their diminutive statures (physically and emotionally) can’t handle that. Does that mean ALL short/small people feel that way? Absolutely not. But for these three ‘men’ I feel my point was fairly accurate.

]]> By: KevDog http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12598 KevDog Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:25:22 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12598 JWeil Great stuff as usual. I think what's really wrong with Costas' analogy is the underlying assumption of any sort of moral equivalancy between the terrorism and complete lack of fairness of segregation and the use of PED's. Costas assumes that PED's are wrong on their face and assumes everyone feels that way as well. I can make a strong argument that there should be absolutely no limits on PED use in any sport and I'd be glad to take on Costas or anyone else on that matter. Shoeless #5 Absolutely. baseball and those pathetic cretins who report on and comment on Barry Bonds as well as the fans need Bonds as well. I don't know about you but I do know that for many, myself included, Bonds at the bat is and has been for about 8 years, the only compelling thing about baseball. Paul #7 Absolutely correct on all accounts IMO. White America, by and large, still can't get it's mind around the notion that we are full citizens with full value and full humanity. Aone #15 and others. I agree that a large percentage, hell, probably a majority of Sports so-called journalists are failed, mediocre athletes and that that failure is a reason they subconsciously hate most, especially most black, professional athletes, jealousy, pure and simple. But what's up with the short hatred? I'm 5'6" and was never a good athlete in school. I've become a pretty fair bodybuilder and martial artist over the years but I've never had a particular sense of gelling with athletes in general. But I defend them to the teeth today because I see what's going on in the world of sports journalism and view the situation as a microcosym for the society as a whole. There is plenty of reasons to hate Costas, Albom, Lupica et al. But comments about their body habitus are simply uncalled for IMO. Grumps #22. You have absolutely no idea what Bonds did or did not do, and you have absolutely no idea what KG did or did not do. What you DO know however, is that Bonds outworked KG by a good margin, Outworked him in the offseason in the gym, out worked him in season in the gym, out worked him on his swing--And something completely ignored in all of this. Bonds' swing underwent tremendous refinement in the late 20th century. Along with his incredible work ethic, I have absolutely no doubt that he'd have hit the same HR's steroids or not.- and outworked him in studying those things that make a hitter better. KG is a great, great player and a special talent, but putting him the same conversation as Barry Bonds as a baseball player is simply absurd. JWeil
Great stuff as usual. I think what’s really wrong with Costas’ analogy is the underlying assumption of any sort of moral equivalancy between the terrorism and complete lack of fairness of segregation and the use of PED’s. Costas assumes that PED’s are wrong on their face and assumes everyone feels that way as well. I can make a strong argument that there should be absolutely no limits on PED use in any sport and I’d be glad to take on Costas or anyone else on that matter.

Shoeless #5
Absolutely. baseball and those pathetic cretins who report on and comment on Barry Bonds as well as the fans need Bonds as well. I don’t know about you but I do know that for many, myself included, Bonds at the bat is and has been for about 8 years, the only compelling thing about baseball.

Paul #7
Absolutely correct on all accounts IMO. White America, by and large, still can’t get it’s mind around the notion that we are full citizens with full value and full humanity.

Aone #15 and others.
I agree that a large percentage, hell, probably a majority of Sports so-called journalists are failed, mediocre athletes and that that failure is a reason they subconsciously hate most, especially most black, professional athletes, jealousy, pure and simple. But what’s up with the short hatred? I’m 5′6″ and was never a good athlete in school. I’ve become a pretty fair bodybuilder and martial artist over the years but I’ve never had a particular sense of gelling with athletes in general. But I defend them to the teeth today because I see what’s going on in the world of sports journalism and view the situation as a microcosym for the society as a whole. There is plenty of reasons to hate Costas, Albom, Lupica et al. But comments about their body habitus are simply uncalled for IMO.

Grumps #22.
You have absolutely no idea what Bonds did or did not do, and you have absolutely no idea what KG did or did not do. What you DO know however, is that Bonds outworked KG by a good margin, Outworked him in the offseason in the gym, out worked him in season in the gym, out worked him on his swing–And something completely ignored in all of this. Bonds’ swing underwent tremendous refinement in the late 20th century. Along with his incredible work ethic, I have absolutely no doubt that he’d have hit the same HR’s steroids or not.- and outworked him in studying those things that make a hitter better. KG is a great, great player and a special talent, but putting him the same conversation as Barry Bonds as a baseball player is simply absurd.

]]> By: awb http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12590 awb Thu, 09 Aug 2007 22:43:25 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12590 GrandNubian, Ironic indeed. Since then I have found it hard to even hear the tiny, puckered a**hole speak on ANY subject. So I was happy when he stopped doing the NBA. I remember on HBO he was interviewing Vince McMahon who looked like he wanted beat the high holy hell out of him. As much as I hate THAT racist bastard, I was actually hoping that he would have a 'roid rage episode and drop kick Costas miniscule ass right off the set. GrandNubian,

Ironic indeed. Since then I have found it hard to even hear the tiny, puckered a**hole speak on ANY subject. So I was happy when he stopped doing the NBA.

I remember on HBO he was interviewing Vince McMahon who looked like he wanted beat the high holy hell out of him. As much as I hate THAT racist bastard, I was actually hoping that he would have a ‘roid rage episode and drop kick Costas miniscule ass right off the set.

]]> By: des http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12588 des Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:49:47 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12588 From 2001, http://archive.salon.com/news/sports/bounds/2001/08/30/kent/index.html From 2001,

http://archive.salon.com/news/sports/bounds/2001/08/30/kent/index.html

]]> By: Ken http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12582 Ken Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:04:34 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12582 "Is Costas really saying that steroid use is the equivalent of the world historic injustice of racism..." No. He's saying that just because a sport is "healthy" doesn't mean it's not in need of a check up. "I don’t get terribly wrapped up in all the morals of this because I think it’s the era of whatever it takes, whether it’s a slandering a politician after he wins a couple of primaries…." Is Peter Gammons saying Bonds is being "slandered" just because he set a record? “Is Costas really saying that steroid use is the equivalent of the world historic injustice of racism…”

No. He’s saying that just because a sport is “healthy” doesn’t mean it’s not in need of a check up.

“I don’t get terribly wrapped up in all the morals of this because I think it’s the era of whatever it takes, whether it’s a slandering a politician after he wins a couple of primaries….”

Is Peter Gammons saying Bonds is being “slandered” just because he set a record?

]]> By: ks http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12576 ks Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:15:45 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12576 Sorry Grumpyoldman, even if you took away HALF of Bonds homers from 1999 through 2004, he would still have over 600 homers (611?) and counting right now. Sorry Grumpyoldman, even if you took away HALF of Bonds homers from 1999 through 2004, he would still have over 600 homers (611?) and counting right now.

]]> By: des http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12571 des Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:59:39 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12571 Grand Nubian, Once again, David Schoenfield gets it wrong. Regarding Duane Kuiper's first home run did come off Steve Stone, when he pitched for the White Sox. He came to the Orioles in 1979. They can't even do snarky right. Grand Nubian,

Once again, David Schoenfield gets it wrong. Regarding Duane Kuiper’s first
home run did come off Steve Stone, when he pitched for the White Sox. He came to the
Orioles in 1979. They can’t even do snarky right.

]]> By: grumpyoldman http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12565 grumpyoldman Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:42:11 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12565 You're right to call Costas on his BS. But that doesn't undermine the fact that Bonds (despite his greatness) had an advantage that (some) other players did not. So Gammons says Bonds is the greatest home run hitter of our time. Really? What does that make Ken Griffey Jr? Chopped liver? I'm not a Bonds basher, but I believe that Junior has the most clean home runs since Aaron. You’re right to call Costas on his BS. But that doesn’t undermine the fact that Bonds (despite his greatness) had an advantage that (some) other players did not. So Gammons says Bonds is the greatest home run hitter of our time. Really? What does that make Ken Griffey Jr? Chopped liver? I’m not a Bonds basher, but I believe that Junior has the most clean home runs since Aaron.

]]> By: GrandNubian http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12561 GrandNubian Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:33:13 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12561 FYI.... Look at what I found on Page 2 (BSPN). http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/index Look where it says "Ten better than 756".... LOL....too funny! FYI….

Look at what I found on Page 2 (BSPN).

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/index

Look where it says “Ten better than 756″….

LOL….too funny!

]]> By: GrandNubian http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12549 GrandNubian Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:49:26 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12549 Awb, Damn, there's a bunch of irony going on here today. Is this a sign of something great or just a sign of the times? :-) That's EXACTLY when I was done with Costas (ref. to railing on Rodman). This is too funny (peculiar). Awb,

Damn, there’s a bunch of irony going on here today. Is this a sign of something great or just a sign of the times? :-)

That’s EXACTLY when I was done with Costas (ref. to railing on Rodman). This is too funny (peculiar).

]]> By: awb http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12546 awb Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:40:18 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12546 I was done with Costas back in the nineties when the Bulls were in the midst of their second 3peat. Whenever he was on the air he made it his business to rail against Dennis Rodman anychance he got. One time in the midst of one of his childish diatribes about the Worms latest coif he described him as being from Mars. His co-anchor(Hannah Storm?),probably as exasperated with his nonsense as I was shot back with, yeah, but he's got more rings than Saturn. I was done with Costas back in the nineties when the Bulls were in the midst of their second 3peat. Whenever he was on the air he made it his business to rail against Dennis Rodman anychance he got.

One time in the midst of one of his childish diatribes about the Worms latest coif he described him as being from Mars. His co-anchor(Hannah Storm?),probably as exasperated with his nonsense as I was shot back with, yeah, but he’s got more rings than Saturn.

]]> By: Sportsdiva http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12538 Sportsdiva Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:42:23 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12538 "I think it’s worse than that. Costas and Lupica didn’t have pro prospects in anything except “ridin’ deeeeez nuts” after fifth grade." Whooooo!! LMAO!!! The response that comment induced will single-handedly help me make it through this next meeting!! Still...LMBAO!!! “I think it’s worse than that. Costas and Lupica didn’t have pro prospects in anything except “ridin’ deeeeez nuts” after fifth grade.”

Whooooo!! LMAO!!! The response that comment induced will single-handedly help me make it through this next meeting!!

Still…LMBAO!!!

]]> By: Ap http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12530 Ap Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:42:51 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12530 "Bring on the hatred between the lines, I say. But, once you start to believe your own press - as the sports media do - that they aren’t just the purveyors of what happens on the field, but the arbiters of character and morality and decency and (God help us) justice off of it - well, then we’ve got a problem. Because, in far too many cases, theses are folks who’s understanding of the world in which we live is arrested at an adolescent stage. That’s fine for rooting for your team. It’s not fine for serious analysis of the weightier issues of sports as a reflection of larger social realities." ABSOLUTELY. “Bring on the hatred between the lines, I say. But, once you start to believe your own press – as the sports media do – that they aren’t just the purveyors of what happens on the field, but the arbiters of character and morality and decency and (God help us) justice off of it – well, then we’ve got a problem. Because, in far too many cases, theses are folks who’s understanding of the world in which we live is arrested at an adolescent stage. That’s fine for rooting for your team. It’s not fine for serious analysis of the weightier issues of sports as a reflection of larger social realities.”

ABSOLUTELY.

]]> By: GrandNubian http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12529 GrandNubian Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:25:38 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12529 Good stuff Aone..... I agree wholeheartedly. Good stuff Aone…..

I agree wholeheartedly.

]]> By: Aone http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12528 Aone Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:07:29 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12528 The other part about Costas, Lupica, Albom and the rest is how they have arrested development in with regard to sports. To them, athletes are god-like figures that are supposed to be above the common man, when in fact, they are just as flawed as any working stiff. It's ridiculous to think that just because you have the 'privilege' to play sports professionally that you need to be perfect. These are men that refuse to grow up and see the business of sports as just that, a business. These are the guys that the jocks never picked to play baseball, basketball, football and, hell, even kickball and now they use their columns as bully pulpits to punish those kids that looked at them (the scrawny runts) and the fat kid and chose the fat kid to play. These are ‘men’ that have damaged psyches and require therapy for their Napoleon complexes (I don’t believe Costas, Lupica or Albom are bigger than 5’7). They won’t forgive any athlete (especially Black) for their indiscretions, but Marv “sexual predator” Albert is welcomed back with open arms. Shameful, Hypocritical, Indignant and yet they are the Moral Majority of sports. The other part about Costas, Lupica, Albom and the rest is how they have arrested development in with regard to sports. To them, athletes are god-like figures that are supposed to be above the common man, when in fact, they are just as flawed as any working stiff. It’s ridiculous to think that just because you have the ‘privilege’ to play sports professionally that you need to be perfect. These are men that refuse to grow up and see the business of sports as just that, a business.

These are the guys that the jocks never picked to play baseball, basketball, football and, hell, even kickball and now they use their columns as bully pulpits to punish those kids that looked at them (the scrawny runts) and the fat kid and chose the fat kid to play. These are ‘men’ that have damaged psyches and require therapy for their Napoleon complexes (I don’t believe Costas, Lupica or Albom are bigger than 5’7). They won’t forgive any athlete (especially Black) for their indiscretions, but Marv “sexual predator” Albert is welcomed back with open arms. Shameful, Hypocritical, Indignant and yet they are the Moral Majority of sports.

]]> By: GrandNubian http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12525 GrandNubian Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:43:12 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12525 LOL@T3 LOL@T3

]]> By: Temple3 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12524 Temple3 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:37:17 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12524 I think it's worse than that. Costas and Lupica didn't have pro prospects in anything except "ridin' deeeeez nuts" after fifth grade. I think it’s worse than that. Costas and Lupica didn’t have pro prospects in anything except “ridin’ deeeeez nuts” after fifth grade.

]]> By: GrandNubian http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12522 GrandNubian Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:23:08 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12522 JB, It's ironic that you bring that point up. Me and my old college roommate have always said the same thing in reference to white media critics (i.e. Costas, Mike Lupica, etc.). As a matter of fact I was just thinking about this last night. JB,

It’s ironic that you bring that point up. Me and my old college roommate have always said the same thing in reference to white media critics (i.e. Costas, Mike Lupica, etc.). As a matter of fact I was just thinking about this last night.

]]> By: JB http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12520 JB Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:12:47 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12520 Well done. I think the media, Bob Costas, Christine Brennan, et al, are frustrated jocks who didn't make it to the professional level and as a result, bring nothing but negativity to every story they report on. They suck!!!! Well done. I think the media, Bob Costas, Christine Brennan, et al, are frustrated jocks who didn’t make it to the professional level and as a result, bring nothing but negativity to every story they report on. They suck!!!!

]]> By: 756: What It Means to Everyone Else at Bears Necessity http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12519 756: What It Means to Everyone Else at Bears Necessity Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:09:35 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12519 [...] I don’t get terribly wrapped up in all the morals of this because I think it’s the era of whatever it takes, whether it’s a slandering a politician after he wins a couple of primaries…or a retail chain wiping out every family business in the country. It’s part of sports, it’s part of life. Barry Bonds is the greatest homerun hitter of his era as Ruth was of his and as Aaron was of his. [Peter Gammons via The Starting Five] [...] [...] I don’t get terribly wrapped up in all the morals of this because I think it’s the era of whatever it takes, whether it’s a slandering a politician after he wins a couple of primaries…or a retail chain wiping out every family business in the country. It’s part of sports, it’s part of life. Barry Bonds is the greatest homerun hitter of his era as Ruth was of his and as Aaron was of his. [Peter Gammons via The Starting Five] [...]

]]> By: Temple3 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12518 Temple3 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:06:10 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12518 I'm glad too. I’m glad too.

]]> By: Temple3 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12517 Temple3 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:05:44 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12517 Nice job. I glad the petulance is transparent. Nice job. I glad the petulance is transparent.

]]> By: paul http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12516 paul Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:53:37 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12516 Jweiler great article but let me add my point of view here. Many white americans really dont't care about what happens or has happened to people of color. Take for instance the OJ verdict and how white people all over america were outraged. Now you also have the Rodney King verdict and had visible evidence that a crime against another human had occured but when the verdict came down not guilty against those cops, white america did not care. There have also been a number of cases in which white people have killed black people and there has been evidence against these people but all white jury's have let these people walk including the killings of children. Again in all of these cases white people did not care but in the case of OJ whether you beleive he did it or not there was doubt raised by his good defense team including the fact that evidince was planted by police(blood and bloody sock) glove? I say this to bring home the point that people of color even in 2007 are still viewed by many whites as not as inportant. There was a special on one of the nbs news shows showing how women of color who go missing get far less press coverage then white women. A relative of superbowl mvp Desmod Howard went missing and his wife went from network to network trying to get her story aired and she was turned away constantly. This women was young attactive, educated and the relative of a famous person and she still couln't get any press so the media who is for the most part white is equally biased. That's just the way it is many people of color still deal with racism everyday when they walk out the door. Part of the reason why Barry keeps to himself is because of the way his father and God father were treated as black americans. White folks don't know what black people deal with but yet they want to offer an opinion of how we should feel. Take the Duke lacrosse team. Noone is scolding them for disrespecting black women. Even though they have a history of public bad behavior. Just let the good ole boys run wild. Also look what happens to you when you cross wealthy white folks the distict attorney was disbarred. Now how many cops and DA's have planted evidence on black people or withheld info that would prove the innocence of a man and sent them to jail, death row even. These people were never punished. You wonder why black folks have such high blood pressure. Jweiler great article but let me add my point of view here. Many white americans really dont’t care about what happens or has happened to people of color. Take for instance the OJ verdict and how white people all over america were outraged. Now you also have the Rodney King verdict and had visible evidence that a crime against another human had occured but when the verdict came down not guilty against those cops, white america did not care. There have also been a number of cases in which white people have killed black people and there has been evidence against these people but all white jury’s have let these people walk including the killings of children. Again in all of these cases white people did not care but in the case of OJ whether you beleive he did it or not there was doubt raised by his good defense team including the fact that evidince was planted by police(blood and bloody sock) glove? I say this to bring home the point that people of color even in 2007 are still viewed by many whites as not as inportant. There was a special on one of the nbs news shows showing how women of color who go missing get far less press coverage then white women. A relative of superbowl mvp Desmod Howard went missing and his wife went from network to network trying to get her story aired and she was turned away constantly. This women was young attactive, educated and the relative of a famous person and she still couln’t get any press so the media who is for the most part white is equally biased. That’s just the way it is many people of color still deal with racism everyday when they walk out the door. Part of the reason why Barry keeps to himself is because of the way his father and God father were treated as black americans. White folks don’t know what black people deal with but yet they want to offer an opinion of how we should feel. Take the Duke lacrosse team. Noone is scolding them for disrespecting black women. Even though they have a history of public bad behavior. Just let the good ole boys run wild. Also look what happens to you when you cross wealthy white folks the distict attorney was disbarred. Now how many cops and DA’s have planted evidence on black people or withheld info that would prove the innocence of a man and sent them to jail, death row even. These people were never punished. You wonder why black folks have such high blood pressure.

]]> By: TeeDee http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12512 TeeDee Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:16:51 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12512 Excellent article. Excellent article.

]]> By: ShoelessBlue http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12495 ShoelessBlue Thu, 09 Aug 2007 05:11:05 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12495 I appreciate Gammons' quote. He makes a valid point, but I think it's MLB that is encouraging the "whatever it takes" attitude. In Bonds' case, MLB set the ground rules by 1) not having ground rules, 2) rewarding the HR and heralding McGwire and Sosa. I read Game of Shadows on the floor of a Barnes & Noble (refuse to pay those guys for protecting the lying attorney) - if Bonds did say, "I'll show McGwire," or whatever, then more power to him. Paraphrasing "A Few Good Men," MLB wants Barry Bonds, MLB needs Barry Bonds ... MLB can't handle the truth.n I appreciate Gammons’ quote. He makes a valid point, but I think it’s MLB that is encouraging the “whatever it takes” attitude.

In Bonds’ case, MLB set the ground rules by 1) not having ground rules, 2) rewarding the HR and heralding McGwire and Sosa. I read Game of Shadows on the floor of a Barnes & Noble (refuse to pay those guys for protecting the lying attorney) – if Bonds did say, “I’ll show McGwire,” or whatever, then more power to him.

Paraphrasing “A Few Good Men,” MLB wants Barry Bonds, MLB needs Barry Bonds … MLB can’t handle the truth.n

]]> By: Jay Goober http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12490 Jay Goober Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:21:47 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12490 Bob Costas is completely oblivious to the fact that Bob Costas could be wrong on any level. Last year I had the privilege of watching him rail Chad Johnson for his shameless self promotion, of course Costas was doing this on his show COSTAS NOW! Team play I guess is only valid when it's somebody else's payday on the line. Bob Costas is completely oblivious to the fact that Bob Costas could be wrong on any level. Last year I had the privilege of watching him rail Chad Johnson for his shameless self promotion, of course Costas was doing this on his show COSTAS NOW!

Team play I guess is only valid when it’s somebody else’s payday on the line.

]]> By: MODI http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12486 MODI Thu, 09 Aug 2007 03:37:46 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12486 Point well taken. Point well taken.

]]> By: jweiler http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12485 jweiler Thu, 09 Aug 2007 03:36:23 +0000 http://thestartingfive.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/sports-journalism-and-perspective/#comment-12485 Charles You're right - he was using an extreme example to make the point. What I think is noteworthy, though, is that he really didn't seem to be aware that he was making an extreme example. It seems that "injustice" - whether steroids use, or Jim Crow - is interchangeable. This is part of the cheapening of outrage (the opposite of Bill Bennett's nonsense in "The Death of Outrage" that is a staple of contemporary discourse on many fronts. Charles

You’re right – he was using an extreme example to make the point. What I think is noteworthy, though, is that he really didn’t seem to be aware that he was making an extreme example. It seems that “injustice” – whether steroids use, or Jim Crow – is interchangeable. This is part of the cheapening of outrage (the opposite of Bill Bennett’s nonsense in “The Death of Outrage” that is a staple of contemporary discourse on many fronts.

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