Jen_Lada's Blog

I have held off on weighing in on the Favre fiasco sensing there are many, many, many details of this situation we (the media/the public) haven't been made privy to. And though pulled in several directions over the last few days, I'm still convinced we aren't hearing the full story. In actuality, we may never hear that without the two sides sitting in the same room on the record but Monday night we'll hear Favre's side and he'll surely try to explain his stance. But even as more information and details are divulged, there is one aspect I simply can not wrap my brain around.

I am competitive. And as far as I can tell (wink, wink) so is Mr. Favre. By the very definition of the term, competitors... want to compete. They thrive on toeing the line and breaking a sweat and pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion to achieve greatness. But they can not exist in a vacuum. They want to face foes, look 'em in the eyes and smirk because their opponents have no idea who they're up against. True competitors need, desire and appreciate challenges from other competitors. Because winning without competition isn't really achieving anything.

So why, as a competitive person, is Brett not embracing the challenge of not being HANDED the starting position? Does the aging gunslinger deserve to start given his years of service to the organization? I don't know - I don't really believe in entitlement of any kind. But I do believe you reap what you sow. And with all the so-called wavering that Number 4 supposedly did, I can certainly understand the Packers desire to move forward with other options.

But now that he has stated he wants to play again and the team has said he can come back, albeit in a back-up role, I would think this can only play out exactly as Favre hopes. Maybe not immediately... but surely eventually. Don't hold the clipboard Brett. Out-hustle, out-throw, out-scramble, out-think, and flat out out-play your quarterback competition. Go out there every day of Training Camp and make those coaches give you the ball and put you under center! The goal of any franchise and the athletes representing the franchise will always be to win. And I would think they would surely gravitate towards the QB who gives them the best opportunity to win based on the performances they see on a daily basis.

Some of these practices are even open to the public. You don't think if hundreds of spectators (fans and media alike) see Brett out-working the heir apparent, there will be some pressure on the brass to explain their reluctance? You don't think Favre's very presence will force Aaron Rodgers to man up pretty quick? A team with two quarterbacks constantly trying to out-last and out-perform the other is in a much better position than one squad with one complacent starter any day!

Why Brett Favre - one of the greatest and most storied competitors of all time - isn't interested in embracing that challenge is beyond me. Perhaps he will address that when he answers questions from Appleton native Greta Van Susteren Monday night. But if you shy away from that type of challenge, why in the world should you be the guy leading the team Sundays from September to February (God willing)? 

After toe-ing the line in hundreds of foot races over the years, I've decided to TRI something new... my first triathlon this July!

A few months ago I signed up for the Danskin. It's a sprint tri (1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) just for women held every summer in Kenosha. And the closer we get to the event, the more nervous I become.

The other day I was biking to the Y to get in a swim (which I'm certain is going to give me the most trouble) when I fell off my bike. Before you go calling me a klutz, hear me out. I'm trying to get used to clipless pedals for the first time and I had to stop quickly on the bike path. Your first instinct is to break. But your first instinct SHOULD BE to unclip your feet. The cycle came to an abrupt stop and I - still locked to my pedals - got a speedy introduction to the concrete. Shaken but seemingly unharmed, I proceeded to the Y for my swim before trekking back home. It wasn't until I woke from a much-needed nap that I realized my right wrist and left elbow were throbbing and swollen. Doctor's report: sprained wrist, fractured elbow. You've got to be kidding me.

The good news is I'm a fast healer. And stubborn. I've followed the doc's orders and after a week (!) off, I finally got back to training today. But no matter how many miles or laps I log, there are going to be elements of surprise. I can't really prepare for the crowds, the conditions or even the reality of the transitions. And for a control freak like me (if you know me, you're knowingly smirking right now) this is probably the toughest to accept.

I'll do everything I can in the coming months to get myself as physically prepared as possible. But if any of you bloggers/readers have any invaluable experience-based advice I would love to hear from you! Lay it on me. The more information I have, the more mentally prepared I'll be come July 13th!

"...from school on out, he always had to have the highest grade. Always had to have the A. That's just how Ryan is. That's just who he is. That's how he was born and luckily it's come to fruition here."

 -Diane Braun

I was lucky enough to sit behind Ryan Braun's parents and grandfather at Thursday's press conference announcing the athlete's new contract with the Brewers. Before Ryan even entered the packed room, I watched as his mom Diane leaned over to her father and whispered "How unreal is this?" with a huge smile on her face. I couldn't help but get a few goosebumps.

All any parent wants to see is their children happy, healthy and successful on whatever career path they choose. And talking to Braun's parents, their pride was palpable. Not only because Ryan continues to prove his worth on the diamond, but because he hasn't allowed the bright lights or big money to compromise the values they instilled in him as a kid. It's too easy for 'big leaguers' to start 'big timing' when their ship comes in but the Braun's seem confident (and hopeful) that won't happen with Ryan. 

Time will certainly tell but the current signs are promising...  A significant portion of his earnings are being set aside to benefit local charities and the 24 year old also promises to dedicate his time and presence to such organizations. Mom also shared this: when Ryan received his signing bonus, the only extravagant purchase he made was a new car for his grandpa. A cynic could certainly argue that mom probably doesn't know every purchase her son made with his earnings but she really gushed about that detail. To her it showed he's taken her advice about 'staying grounded' to heart. And more than being proud of her son for his 8 year, 45 million dollar deal, she seemed proud that the promise of an 8 year, 45 million dollar deal hadn't changed him yet.

"Hoping to address the issue of long hair obscuring players' names and numbers, NFL owners passed a new rule wherein players would be restricted to one of three league-approved hairstyles.

"People don't come to games to watch tufts of hair make tackles and score touchdowns; they come to watch the colorful uniforms do it," said 49ers coach Mike Nolan of the new rule, which will limit players to No. 2 grade buzz cuts, No. 1 grade "high-and-tight" cuts, and Johnny Unitas-style flattops.

"These three haircuts embody the class, dignity, and discipline that has always been associated with NFL football players. Frankly, I thought three was too many; buzz cuts hint at a sense of individuality that has absolutely no place in football."

NFL owners will next vote on a rule proposal that would strike names from players' uniforms, contracts, and birth certificates."

Source: The Onion

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

1. a room containing lockers, as in a gymnasium, factory, or school, for changing clothes and for the storage and safekeeping of personal belongings.

clubhouse  –noun

That is so weird. I thought for sure SOMEWHERE in the definition of either locker room and/or clubhouse it would say something along the lines of "a building or part of a building that has been granted an inalienable right to provide a safe haven for tomfoolery/sophomoric antics/juvenile behavior/disrespectful, condescending comments and/or actions that would otherwise be considered completely intolerable in other places of employment."

Somebody contact Merriam-Webster! Drop a line to Oxford! Encarta and Britannica - you ought to be ashamed! Neglecting to give locker rooms and clubhouses their due... don't you know they're the last frontier for 'men' to behave like boys? If we take that luxury away... well I shudder to think.

Give me a break. These so-called defenses of the White Sox blow-up doll behavior are laughable. You want to play with a panty-less party favor, that's your business. I really don't care and frankly I'm not offended by the item because I'm a female so you can put that sexist rebuttal back in your pocket. But when you put something controversial in a place where people from outside the organization can see it, you set yourself up for criticism and complaints. 

This is what I take issue with - the idea that such behavior is excusable because it takes place within the confines of the 'sacred' locker room. That is ridiculous. Anyone who thinks athletes/coaches should get away with less than professional charades just because they occur in their clubhouse are living in a fantasy world. If you couldn't get away with it in the boardroom, the conference room, the copy room, the factory, the library, or any other workplace environment, why in the world would it be acceptable in a MLB clubhouse?

I know it's natural to want to cling to the DeLoreanesque nature of the locker room - the youthful freedom, the buoyancy of athletic prowess - it's understandable. But incorrect. Let's stop making allowances for questionable behavior just because it takes place in the locker room. The perception of invincibility may exist but the actual definitions of the terms don't defend the position.

I saw in the paper today that PETA wants jockey Gabriel Saez suspended while the death of filly Eight Belles is investigated. As I'm sure you've heard, the horse had to be euthanized on the track Saturday after breaking both ankles during the Kentucky Derby. Despite the injury, Saez and Eight Belles earned the second place finish. It was an incredibly sad thing to watch, let alone experience.

So can you even imagine having this organization trying to blame you - the jockey - for the untimely death of the animal? And trying to take away your livelihood while staging some bogus investigation? Did I mention they want his winnings revoked as well? I've never been a professional jockey (necessary disclaimer) but I'd imagine that these folks have a very special and unique relationship with horses. One that is based on respect and loyalty and trust. But I could be wrong.

I'm all for the ethical treatment of animals - relatively speaking obviously since I wear leather and eat meat. But I think this situation is just another opportunistic, publicity stunt on the part of PETA. Attaching their position to the latest headline making story. They claim an investigation would determine if the jockey had any indication the filly was hurt before collapsing on the track. But even if that hunt comes up empty (if?) they're happy to take issue with the whipping of the horses mid-race.

Of course they are.

The letter to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority also seeks a ban on whipping, limits on races and the age of racehorses, and a move to softer, artificial surfaces for all courses.

Aye yay yay. Does this annoy anyone else?

THE BREWERS HAVE GOTTEN IN A FEW BAD HABITS ALREADY THIS SEASON.

ON DEFENSE AND ON OFFENSE.

THEY'VE GIVEN UP HOMERS TO HISTORICALLY THE WORSE HITTERS ON THE ROSTER - HURLERS ADAM WAINWRIGHT AND CARLOS ZAMBRANO HAVE ALREADY GONE YARD OFF THE BREWERS THIS SEASON. TONIGHT IT'S ASTROS' ARM BRANDON BACKE TO GIVE THE HOSTS THE LEAD.

THEY'VE ALSO BEEN LEAVING THE BASES LOADED IN MUST SCORE SITUATIONS. WE HAVEN'T SEEN THIS MANY PEOPLE STRANDED SINCE GILLIGAN'S ISLAND.

JUST A COUPLE TRENDS I'D RATHER NOT SEE.

The Brewers look to wrap up their nine game/ten day road trip with an extra innings win over the Reds.

Except they don't... losing 4-3 in 10. Back to back jacks huh? Well that stings.

The Wave look to write a storybook ending to today's playoff game. Veteran Michael King scores a goal in the fourth quarter to pull the home team within a point of the leading Blast. Did I mention he's been in the league for 22 years AND announced his retirement several months ago AND that the Wave were down one game to Baltimore in a two game series AND that today was King's 45th birthday? Hollywood couldn't script it any better.

But this one doesn't have a happy ending either. The Wave lose 14-13 ending their season.

The Admirals look to take a 2-1 game lead on rival Chicago in the Calder Cup Playoffs tonight at the Bradley Center.

The fans get an extra session out of these guys too but former Admiral Darren Haydar lights the lamp for the visitors in overtime to help Chicago win 4-3.

Tough day to be a local sports fan. Tougher still to sit through all three.

Here's hoping tomorrow's better.

I heard a great suggestion for the new name of the MU student section at the Bradley Center...

In honor of the new head coach Buzz Williams - someone clever thought up

THE BEEHIVE.

All yellow and always buzzing. Not to mention dangerous to visitors. Sure there's the issue with the team being the Golden Eagle's but they're not gonna call it the nest, right? So this could definitely work.

What do you think?

I just got off the phone with Atari Bigby - one of several Packers players who would be affected if the NFL decides to pass a proposed rule that would restrict the length of a player's hair.

Let's just say he's not panicing yet but he thinks it's a ridiculous proposal since players who opt to wear their hair longer are well aware of the dangers and risks involved. He wonders if it's more about cleaning up a so-called 'rebel' look of the league than safety concerns and also says tucking the locks into his helmet is not a realistic option... and one that would probably force most to go for the scissors anyway.

Bigby:

"At first I was kind of shocked. then I said to myself 'what do you expect?' I understand they're trying to clean up the league and the image of long hair that's a rebel kind of image and that's something the league is definately trying to get rid of."

"I'm not perfect. Al's (Harris) not perfect but if you check the track record you'll see that these are two good guys."

"If my hair was affecting me and the way I was playing, I would cut my hair. If it was affecting my job of course I would have to cut my hair but it doesn't affect my job at all. And as far as being recognized or whatever the refs know who you are when it's time to throw the flag. I've never had a ref throw a flag on me mistaking me for Al Harris."

"I'm a Rastafarian myself. I was born in Jamaica, grew up in Miami. That was a strong affect on my life. I know what it's about, I know what it means and the rule is definately against the religion. But more than that it's a personal choice and to have that taken away from you that's everything that's against America and freedom and your constitutional rights."

"I couldn't imagine stuffing my hair into my helmet. I don't know how that would work. Of course I respect the NFL. I respect Roger. I respect his authority and everybody's authority and I will try to do my best. But what are we talking about here? Stuff your hair in a helmet? You know who I am. I know who you are. It's not a uniform violation. It's not a part of the uniform. What's the problem - that's what I'm trying to figure out."

"I read in the collective bargaining agreement that a team can't tell a player how long or short to have his hair. But as far as being on the field... if my hair gets pulled then it's a flag. So it's kind of a catch 22. I don't know how it's gonna work out. I'm not really getting worked up about it - just sitting back and watching the way it plays out. But this is something I've been goning through my whole career."

It's been more than a month and the tributes to Favre keep rolling out:

This one is actully good... from a singing point of view. Makes sense since Annette Summersett is an actual singer who happens to also be a Packer fan. Her popularity is about increase ten-fold.... nice marketing move if you ask me.

Enjoy. And good luck getting it out of your head afterward.

"We don't want to live without you but we'll just have to try...."

Wow! I haven't tippy-tapped out a blog since a certain quarterback shuffled on out of 1265 Lombardi Ave. Shame on me for slackin'. Just like that March Madness is upon us.

And since it is the month of the march – I though we should pay homage to the master of the mid-game march…. Tom Crean.  

Anyone who’s been to an MU game (or seen one on TV) is quick to notice the head coach is constantly in motion. A few moments watching the action and you're likely to break into The Proclaimers' 'I'm Gonna Be' (And I would walk 500 miles...)  

There are a couple of plausible reasons behind the strut. (1) It's tough to find time for a daily workout with the hectic and demanding college coaching schedule. So Crean likes to crank out a little cardio during the contests. Completely understandable and an excellent example of time management.  

Or (2) he hopes the more walking he does on the sideline, the less his guys do on the court. And when the refs hit his players with a traveling call he can refer to the visual aid for clarification - "That's not a walk. THIS is a walk!"   

Whatever the reason, I did a little math... Actually it's a lot of math but I was curious so bear with me:

The college court is 94 ft long. Divided by 2 is 47. The coach's box about 2/3rds of the halfcourt length of 47 So there's about 30 ft between the baseline and the coach's line.  

I've watched every game this season and in one minute Tom Crean will walk back and forth about 5 times (this is a rough average but it is fairly accurate.) Which means in a 40 minute game, Crean will make 200 laps. 200 laps times 30 feet equals 6,000 feet. 

Now there are only 5,280 feet in a mile which means that Crean walks more than a mile during each game. To put that in perspective, from the Marquette Union to the Bradley Center is one mile. So Tom walks further than that distance during most games. Add up all the games in the season and you're talking 33 games (so far) times 6,000 feet which is 198,000 feet OR 37.5 miles. Impressive, right?

Actually despite my efforts, no one really cares about that march. It's a march of 1,305 miles that fans are interested in right now. Incidentally, that's the distance between the Al McGuire Center where the Golden Eagles train and the Alamodome in San Antonio - home of this year's Final Four. Let's hope Crean's able to lead the march there ultimately promising a very memorable March.

The glossy posters lined the otherwise bare basement walls. A man and moments frozen in time. Other than the apparel that indicated his occupation, I had no idea who this honored individual was. I assumed he was someone special, however. They don’t put just anyone on a poster.

Truth be told, the images merely served as a backdrop. A setting, if you will, for the unauthorized actions of a couple of love struck (or was it lust struck?) teens. My junior high boyfriend lined up on the gridiron at the same position as the man on the wall. And though my knowledge of the game itself was average at best, I knew a couple of things for certain… the man on the wall was good at the game. And so was my make-out partner who did his best to emulate the man on the wall. That certainly made him worthy of my young affections.

Never mind the obnoxious green and gold spattered sweats he would sport in homage to the player from Green Bay. Never mind that we lived in Illinois and most football memories still involved a Sweet running back from a decade before. And never mind this idolized gunslinger hadn’t even been to the Super stage yet. The object of my affections had made this quarterback the object of his. So I tried to follow suit as young girls hoping to remain the apple of young boys’ eyes often do.

Over the years, my knowledge about the man on the wall has grown while my knowledge about that boy I used to kiss has dwindled. Recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a front row seat to the Brett Show on Earth and today I’m a bonafide Favrophile (join the club, right?) In actuality, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t. Stories about the man from Mississippi are shared with campfire-like vigor: Played for his papa. Nearly a non-recruit. The substitute who found success. Even tales of the man’s farts evoke knowing smiles from those who’ve lived to tell about them. And in between the laughs and the lifts, tucked among the wins and the records are the obstacles he’s overcome. The drugs. The doubters. And most recently, the decision.

Words like icon and hero are often too quickly attached to athletes who aren’t necessarily deserving. Their play may elicit respect and even awe. But too frequently, there are no other dimensions to their iconic status.

With Brett Favre there have certainly been incredible performances. Countless feats of athleticism and even flawed demonstrations of superbly honed skills pepper the player’s career. But coupled with that (because let’s face it - it has to be a tandem) is Brett’s youthful exuberance – unmatched by any other athlete of our time. He is also humble, charitable, reliable and accountable. Yes, much of this maturity took its sweet time showing up but the important thing is… that it did. He’s the teammate we all wish we could be though we’d settle for just having him on our side of the line of scrimmage.

It is rare to have a man rise to the elite level of sport and sustain that elevated bar for nearly two decades. It is even more novel for such an athlete to also evolve into an admirable human being. Which is why the resistance to his retirement is completely understood albeit unfair. Brett Favre is the kind of person you’re happy to have your children look up to. Men have forged bonds with the Ironman. Women have fallen in love with him. And sometimes, young girls fall in love with young boys who want to be him.

It would certainly be romantic if only one member of the opposite sex had stolen my heart in the 16 years Brett Favre has been under center in Green Bay. But that’s not how it worked out.  Actually, that’s rarely how it works out. In life or the NFL. Change is the one true constant in this unpredictable universe. And even when the hands of the clock seem permanently halted like moments immortalized on posters, eventually Father Time wins the tug of war. Time marches on. And now, so does the man on the wall.

It's Friday afternoon and I'm still a little sore.

Wednesday night I went to my first practice with the Wisconsin Warriors. That's the local women's tackle football team. After doing a story with them last week, I asked if they wouldn't mind me hanging around and suiting up with them for the next few months. They were kind enough to agree. So the other night, I put on the helmet, the pads and the mouthguard before running drills with the squad for three hours. Even got laid out a few times and pound for pound these ladies can hit!

Even in this day and age, there are still fans who don't think a women should be permitted to comment on or pose as an expert on a game played 'exclusively' by men. The arguments vary but often come back to a perceived inability to fully understand the magnitude/complications of a sport they've never played.

I have never played football before (shocking I'm sure) and I know there are aspects of the game I don't fully comprehend despite an enormous amount of reading and researching and watching and listening. But I'm of the belief you should never stop learning and one should be constantly looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge. This is a great venue for me to harvest actual on the field experience that I would otherwise never be able to gather.

I can't thank the Warriors enough for their cooperation and willingness to welcome me to their team. I'll try to keep you guys posted on the developments. And if you see me moving a little slower than usual, it's probably because I'm recovering from football practice.

When I was in Green Bay covering the Packers playoff push, I met several personalities from ESPN. It was kind of cool to see folks like Ed Werner and Rachel Nichols going about their reporting duties and battling the elements just like the rest of us. Werner and I actually got a chance to chat for a while on several occasions. In my opinion, he's a very talented reporter and a very nice man with a soft spot in his heart for the Pack (he grew up idolizing Bart Starr.) At one point while I was producing a piece, he came over and showed me the T-shirt he'd picked up at the Pro Shop! He was actually excited to show off his purchase!

Another snowy morning, I was leaving the Atrium after wrapping up the days duties when I saw a different man all alone outside staring up at the Lombardi and Lambeau statues. As I got closer, I realized it was ESPN's own Chris Berman. Well I couldn't pass up the chance to chat up one of the business' oldest and most well known pros... so I sauntered over and spit sports and Green Bay and Brett and ESPN with Boomer for as long as he would have me around. He was very friendly, engaging, helpful and courteous and advised me to let him know if I ever needed anything. Chalk it up to a great chat.

So I can't help but laugh when I see all of these old behind the scene clips of Berman at ESPN. Clearly someone has a beef with the big guy and is working hard to make sure this side of him gets seen by the masses. I just think they're funny - who hasn't had days at the office where you just blow up? Who hasn't joked around with co-workers on the job? Who hasn't dropped an F-bomb or two when things just aren't going your way? And to those of you who haven't: sincere kudos for your eviable level of composure. 

Berman works in a camera-heavy environment and you'd think he'd be wise enough to know his every move/word was being heard/recorded somewhere. But this stuff is eight years old! Show me something from yesterday that proves he isn't still making the same mistakes. Otherwise I won't invest too much into them. I'd hope we all have grown up and matured along our pathway of years, wouldn't you? But it certainly is a welcome reminder to all of us in the business: mind your manners at all times. YouTube and the world may soon be watching.