Stephen's Own Domain 2008

 I have to say this as an avid watcher of Basketball: The Redeem Team won and got the Gold Medal in this year's Olympics. I said this year's Olympics. I was one of the few who decided to stay up past 1:30am to see the USA vs Spain Basketball matchup. As I was watching the entire game, (live mind you) it was more of an NBA Style competition between the two teams. Come to think, some of the players from the other countries as we know are in the NBA. There was not a doubt in my mind that they would be sucessful in believing the hype that Team USA, or the now bestowed "Redeem Team" had to prove to themselves that they are "internationally capable" to take on the other countries in interational play.

The 12 guys from the NBA assembled, played much better and much cleaner than the team from 2004. Just for the record, the 2004 team in Athens, really looked bad. Even the other countries were saying the same thing. And plus, they haven't had that international experience of playing teams like Greece, and Argentina. Plus, Kobe Bryant and Michael Redd weren't on the team! But of course they were on this team. If you didn't see it, yes it' on the NBCOlympics.com website as well as Youtube. USA Basketball has it's own site on Youtube that you see the highlights of the games. Even this one.

Now the question beckons over and over again, "Why are the NBA Players are in the Olympics?" All they care is about making shoe contracts." They should put College Players in the games. And plus, Where are all the white players? For the record, if you didn't know, Jason Kidd is mixed: half Black and half Irish. Maybe the players like Kobe, Dwayne, Michael Redd and others have played for playoff contentions, MVP's, Divisional Games, Conference Championships, and the NBA Title, but some probably never had the chance to play for the U.S. That's like someone in church who has been a member for many, many, many years, served in various groups, but never had the chance to be recommitted to God and the Church. I see that comparision. Another comparison is like someone wanting to serve in the Armed Forces. Let's say someone did outstanding work in the community, or region but never had the chance to become a member of any of the Five Branches of the Military.

  

Maybe some NBA players wanted to have that Olympic Experience, not just an NBA Experience. And having others across the globe watching the players play, and being around other athletes from other sports in a professional manner. Sort like LeBron James was "humbled" by the presence of Micheal Phelps. Even they were humbled by Doug Collins, whom I didn't know, played in the 1972 Games when the US lost to Soviet Union, in the controversial win.  And just for the record, Christian Lattener, remember him? He was the last college player on the Original Dream Team's Roster that got the Gold Medal in the 1992 Summer Games. That series, which I really remember was a mission statement in which something new was on the horizion, in my view.

This Redeem Team of: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Michael Redd, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince, Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams and LeBron James in my view, whether we like them or not, were indeed to set out for a mission statment of redemption. Redeeming themselves and the basketball world that the U.S. Basketball can play internationally, and indeed can hang with that style of play. They didn't care about the endorsements, nor the money, nor the fact that they play for different teams, but they all had a purpose in mind to put USA Basketball back on the map. And they did whatever it took to get back.

So, look at this way. At least there is a Basketball Team in the U.S. that was assembled and got the job done with a purpose and not being selfish as those before.

 

This is my take. Right or Wrong. Just my thought.

Now for the last couple of days, I've been paying attention to the Beijing Olympics. Really, I have. So far I've been impressed with the Men's Basketball Team beating China on Sunday. This is not "The Dream Team" from 1992, but Kobe Bryant and company have labeled themselves as "The Redeem Team". And so far, they are redeeming themselves from Athens four years ago. All I can say if they can keep up the tempo and momentum against the other countries and to get an advance to the finals, gold medal round mind you, I think USA Basketball would not be reveared as the team that lost badly, like Athens in 2004! No doubt the squad does have some quality players like Lebron, Dwayne Wade, Jason Kidd, and yes, Michael Redd. From my standpoint, they should have Michael Redd playing four years ago, but anyway he's playing now and help the squad getting the Gold Medal. Now, even though that the men's b-ball team are paid athletes, maybe they want to have that Olympic Experience, not just winning NBA Titles or playoffs.

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Enough basketball for a moment. I want to summarize the Men's Swim Team. I am not a fan of the Men's Swim team, but in the last two days, they were impressive. Take for example the story that everyone's talking about. The men's 4X100 relay finals for the medals. France, commented about the American's chances in the relay: "The American's? We're going to smash them. That what we came here for." Really?  Now, I would expect any member of the U.S. team saying this, but France? So, I did reviewed the footage from NBCOlympics.com, and I saw the entire relay. The Americans won! I'm saying myself, as well as the commentators, "Who's talking now?" With that motivation of hate, in my view the team just went out and played their part and simply put the competiton to rest. That simple.  And I know the French swimmers had to look embarrased, or in this case "salty" after the loss. The American Swimmers: Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak, Garrett Weber-Gale, and Cullen Jones, the only African-American swimmer on the team.  All of them won the gold. (Phelps' second).  Let me just add, that when I mentioned that Cullen Jones is African-American in all, it's make me glad that a person like him of my ethnicity is doing positive things like olympic swimming. This is my take on him. Now, I don't know much about him, nor his interest and despite of other comments about the "it doesn't matter scenarios" That can be true. But, when I see, a person of my ethnicity, doing positive things as I mentioned earlier, it makes me glad that there are African-American men doing great things for this country such as going out with his team, with positive aspect of winning in the Olympics. I can see him as a inspriational factor of the next decade and he could say that "I was there when France was going to smash the Americans, and we went out there to prove them wrong in Beijing". That inspires me! I just had to put that in there. There's been lots of talk about Black men being locked up, shot, doing drugs, gangs, impregnating females and all the other negativity we see and hear mostly. But when you read about a person like Cullen Jones, or Tyson Gay or any other African-American athtete competing, and yes I'm including some of the US Women's Basketball team as well, all doing positive competitive things,  it really shows there are some good, not always bad. Also those like Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Vonetta Flowers, Jackie-Joyner Kersee, Venus and Serena, and I know she's not living, Flo-Jo.

 

Just to be fair, I have looked at the women swim team. And the only person that caught my eye is Dara Torres. Remember the song that Aaliyah once sung: "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number".  And already she has a Silver medal in the games so far. And to me she's breaking down barriers like Janet Evans. Got to respect that, even at the age she is now.

To summarize, so far this Olympic Games has been enjoyable. And I can't wait to see what's next.

Wow. I can't believe this left and right. Brett Favre has been traded to the NY Jets and some people just can't take it. I went on other websites, and they are talking about it the same way as here. And these are Non-Packer websites. And non-fox related websites. All the saying the same thing. Even Facebook has this. This whole Brett Favre trade thing reminds me of a old wrestling story line from 1997. Ask any wrestling fan about the Montreal Screwjob of Bret "Hitman" Hart  from Survivor Series 1997 and they will tell you. The reason for the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" was concerning the WWE Championship and Bret Hart himself. Who proposed the job? Vince McMahon, which the fans found out years later. Previously, Bret Hart signed a contract to WCW and was willing to give up the WWE Championship if won or lost. We all know the sharpshooter hold that Shawn Michaels put on Bret that sealed the screwjob. Bret Hart shared his thoughts on this and the actions took place, and he wasn't happy about the outcome. Which led to a blackeye to Vince McMahon. To this day, it was, and is one of most talked about controversies in the history of wrestling. I remember the comment from Vince: "Bret screwed Bret". Then came the comments from the Canadian Wrestling Fans of saying "You Screwed Bret!" from all over. I can't imagine the same chant that could be heard in Lambeau Field or the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Maybe at Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy, or Mark Murphy.

 

Let me just say this. On the real: I still respect the gaming ability of Brett Favre. I do. That's one of the reasons why I still admire his comittment to the game. I know. All of the fighting through toughness of his father's death, and Deanna's Breast Cancer. But I, like everyone else felt the whatever shocks about the fact that he got traded out of Green Bay, after "the force out." Cleveland Indians Fans can take attest to this. Remember the CC Sabathia acquirement? Cleveland, now I know what it feels to lose a high quality player. I share your pain. I also go on hand to say that, businesses probably do decision making stuff all the time. And they don't usually favor others at times. I have a neighbor was doing work for the VA hospital for many years, and he was a good employee. But some where in the middle, he was doing more work that almost burned him out. Plus someone mentioned to him about "if he was the right ethnicity, he might move up or something" Talk about racism in the workplace. Stupid. Plus, my neighbor is African-American.

 

And why is everyone, or about everyone, is dumping negative stuff all over Aaron Rodgers' playing style? What did he do? I know first hand that Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. Everybody can see that! We all know what Brett can do. (Jets fans, ask for reference) But Aaron Rodgers is a dark horse, in my view going into the season, and has to prove himself, despite of the Family Night Scrimage. In other words, he has to make a name for himself! Period. I mean every football player probably had to do the same. And yes, Aaron might get hurt again. But you know what, just about every football player in the game, probably got hurt, or injured came back. It's a fact. So, I know that today is August 8th, 2008 or 08/08/08 and maybe it's crazy 8's. When August 10th comes, and it's on a Sunday, everybody get to church and pray! Pray to get your minds right! Probably maybe your Pastor may mention the trade thing in the sermons, I don't know. But my pastor might. Knowning him! If the pastor says to "get over it",  in a spiritual sense, then get over it. Plain and simple. I mean don't we have better things to worry about? Even those who keep chanting "We Want Brett" from that website, or anyone else that is in hysterical denial, marching around Lambeau Field,  or cursing at Aaron Rodgers, needs to grow up and move on. That's what Shawn Michaels said to Vince on Raw. There is still an election to decide for, and I don't know why one of Sen. Barack Obama's Democratic HQ's in Western Wisconsin was vandalized, with the N word, and spray painted with an X, with the message "Wrong Kind of Change" on it. If you don't like Sen. Barack Obama, don't vote for him. Look at the Paris Hilton footage about her plans for Hybirds and gas.  Also, I know I have jobs to look for, bills to be paid, community stuff to work on, deciding to see if I want another College Degree, and other important matters. I know I'm not alone in this.

So I say again, when the football season starts, after the Olympics, just try to watch the football games. If you don't like the games, don't watch them! The NFL is not going to save you from world domination. And if you are going to watch the Packers, and a big IF, ignore the haters, and just watch. I may watch them in the post-Farve era. Even if you are a Fantasy Football fan, at least you may have some new draft picks.

First, let me say that I'm kind of shocked and confused about the Packers/Farve thing. Now I've heard from the media, MyFox, Greta Van Susteren, the JS, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, Foxsports, other news stations in the Milwaukee Area, the fans that organized the BringBackBrettFavre.com website, and I would dare say BET.com or Yahoo. All about the hype surrounding Brett Favre now wanting to play again. And like everyone else, I am entitled to my opinion on this. I come in peace.

We all know, several months ago, Brett Favre annouced that he was hanging it up and retire. But now, he wants to comeback. Now what is my take on this? Well, let's see. In my own opinion I would have to agree about individuals making decisions that may or may not fair well with others. We all get that. Most of the time, it's gut-wrenching, other times it's complex. But somewhere in the middle, it's somewhat confusing. Yes, it's one of those woulda-coulda-shoulda scenarios. If you don't know what woulda-coulda-shoulda means, ask someone who knows and they would tell you. Now getting back to the Brett Favre decisions saga. I think, coming from me, Brett is in a crossroads point of that scenario. It's obvious that he's is still that competitive Ironman QB that yeah, "bring it on". I know about the questionable inquiries about him making a choice, and having time to bring it out and just say it. I had this scenario two years ago with a familiar company that most of us are familiar of. It's been around for over 100 years that started with a bicycle and now they are one of the most widely used package companies in the world. I'm talking about UPS. I remember working as a Seasonal Package Handler for the Summer of 2006 by unloading parcels out of trailers and into the hub in Oak Creek. If you have worked or are working at the facility you probably worked with me, or knew me for that one summer. When August came of that year, I felt "unhappy" of the position that I worked. I think it was the unhappiness coming from those around that were realtively new. One of the older workers asked me if I wanted to continue, and I said I would think it over, and I would inform the head supervisors about it at a later time. I continued a day later. And I remember those two days being not myself and just unhappy about the refusal of the other workers at that time. I wasn't a type to spread out false implications of violence around the workplace, not my style, nor I wasn't into spreading haterisms if you will.

The ultimate sheet that really hit the fan, was a couple days later. I was working in one of the trailers and I accidently strained my left shoulder, badly. And I remember going to have it checked out with the supervisors in all. One of the supervisors asked me if I was going to continue in working for the company in all, since I was gradually improving my progress. I said that I would like to continue, but after the pain I suffered recently, I said "no". The supervisor said that he needed more workers for the fall of that year. He was concerned about the potential staff in all, but "I" made my choice! Not the company, nor the Teamsters Union, it was my choice as an adult to leave the job. I hope UPS understands this well. Nothing against the company in all, it is one of the best companies in the world and I wouldn't argue with that notion. I've had my turn with them, and I think that they had to realize, that I wanted to move on with something else. After all, I have a B.S. degree to think about and to fall back on. It was hard for me to say that, but similiar to Brett Favre almost, I gave them an "honest answer" with "honest reasonsing". That was it. End of story. And for the record, working as a package handler is a challenging, but not easy job. It's has it's ups and downs.

Now back with the situation regarding Brett: I can somewhat understand his reasons to play and not to play. Maybe I don't. That could mean in regards to anyone. I've never played QB when I was a student at Marshall High School. But the issue is, maybe Brett should have thought this through before making that choice to retire. Most Pastors would tell you, that when a person retires, they aren't "retired" until the Pastor or any Undertaker/Motician of a well known funeral home like Krause, buries the body in the ground in a cemetery. That's when you retire! Game Over. Maybe Brett could have made a statement of when he wanted to have at least two more tries as the Starting QB, then retire. Or maybe, Brett would have said this from the start about a couple of years ago. And possibly thought it through with Packer Management, without making a "in-rush" decision of stating his retirement on national television, and not to ruin his legacy. Just my thought on this notion: Legacys should honored, not watered down. For the record, I think Brett probably does have the notions or to quote Mike McCarthy "the itch" to play more, and I don't think 38 years old is not an old age. I'm 6 and half years younger than him, and I haven't approached that yet!

I mean, I've seen this before from two different atlhetes: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. Yes, I did say Magic Johnson. For Michael, I remember 15 years ago that he announced his first retirement from the NBA, way after his father died. Then going forward to play AAA baseball.  We all remember baseball around 1993-1994, right? Then the strike came. So around 1995, Michael Jordan came back, and two seasons later, won three more championships with the Bulls. And he also continued with the Washington Wizards until his third retirement from the NBA, for good. For Magic, I remember him annoucing his retirement because of the announcement of his AIDS virus. But he continued to play such as winning an all-star game, and one of the 12 players of the original Dream Team winning a gold medal. (That's the 1992 Dream Team, mind you) But when he continued one season, which it was involved a playoff loss to Houston, Magic said it right on the spot claiming that he, using his words: "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992."  - In a way, this was his saying goodbye to basketball.

I think what I'm saying is, although comebacks after retirements can be good at times from a fans standpoint. But at the same time, I believe it's not the same. Everyone said about Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and others who retired or was traded didn't look the same previously. Look at Cris Carter for example. He came back to the NFL, in a year, after ending his career with the Vikings, by joining the Dolphins. After the Dolphins lost their 2002-2003 season, (including missing the playoffs) he quietly retired again, for good. Situations like this could happen, but then again maybe not.  As far as Brett Favre is concerned, I still think he's one of the best QB's that the NFL has seen. No question. But all in all, he's human just going through a rough time, of asking: Should I or Shouldn't I? Like I said: Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda.

That's it, I've said my peace!

This is my take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.

 

 

 

Like many of you, or some of you, I watched the announcement from Brett Lorenzo Favre, formally of the Green Bay Packers. As I watched Thursday on my fox affiliate station here in the brew city, I was eager to see and hear what he had to say about moving on from football. Some of us were asking or thinking what makes him so special? He didn't come over my house to play football with my son and daughter. Nor he didn't help out the kids in the community. Why should I care knowing that he's retiring? You know something, for those probably said those questions like that, why were you watching? Who told you to turn on the station and watch the retirement speech? The best thing you could have done is to not watch or listen to the retirement speech. Flat out. Or just simply turn the channel to a non-football news story, like Jerry Springer.

Now after analyzing the speech,  I saw the real Brett coming out and saying this on his terms. Not his teammates, coaches, agents, or that voicemail. He was real about why he made the move to retirement. Emotional, yes, but he was real! How many of us tuned in to watch the retirement speech of Michael Jordan from 1993 and 1998? I assumed many. But why the viewing? Maybe it was out of respect for him that have impacted so many. The same with Brett Favre. He, like Jordan, I assume played the game not for the money, or yards, or touchdowns, scoring drives, foul shots, three pointers and dunks. It was because for the love of it. Period. Also it was a group effort for them to win games, not being the only guy to have a solo connection for the whole squad made the team work. No one can't argue, nor take that craft away from him.  We may criticize Brett just being him in all, but you can't underestimate the craft he brought to Green Bay and the NFL. Brett had played good games, bad games, and even tough but sometimes winnable games. Two examples, check the games and seasons that his father and brother-in-law passed. Also the same season when Deanna Favre was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, but guess what? Brett continued to play.

Speaking of shared crafts, one of Brett Favre's former rivals, Warren Sapp of the Raiders has also announced he's retiring from football. Just like the quote from his website, qbkilla.com, in big bold letters: "I'M DONE!" Yes we all know about Warren and Brett jaw-jacking each other in those "Battle of the Bays" contests between the Packers and Buccaneers. As crazy and loopy as it was, it was a good rivalry between them. And for both teams. And Lord knows that I think, Warren and Brett are Hall Of Fame Bound. I'll pay some money to see them in the hall together.

Now summarizing back to Favre, what can I say that he was an amazing player to watch. No Question. Was he the best? That's debateable. Granted, he's got a spot for the hall and he's proved himself.  In the wake of Brett's walkaway from the NFL, I kind of questioned how I'm going to look in the mirror and ask myself, Is this is it for me? Have I got more to give? Is there something else for me to do?! I said this on BET.com and I'm going to say it here: I respect Brett Favre. I respect the fact that he was able to endure the obstacles that had stood in his way. His real reason of to love the game instead of the fortune and glamour. So, in other words, he was a class act that earned his "mad respect" on and off the field.  It was hard for him to leave the league and team that made him a household name. But I began to wonder, how are we going to react and respond about our last day at our professions that gave us hope and opportunity? I can speak for me, but if I leave my profession, I would do it in a class act manner, not a stingy manner. Like some people that I know. But until that day comes, I'll continue to work.

So let me close on this. Whether you love him, or hate him. Respectfully, Brett played the game. I know that some probably don't appreciate him as a perfect QB, but hey, he tried. When Michael Jordan retired, most cared. When Joe Montana retired, most cared. When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Willie Davis,  Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders, Lawrence Taylor, Emmitt Smith, Charles Barkley, Walter Payton, and many other champion athletes retired, most cared and respected their craft of their chosen sport and a difference maker. And now, since #4 is done, now most of us, I think, have cared.

If I had to say something to Brett Favre about his effort he left on the field, and in the community, I would get the autograph, and a snapshot ready. But the two words would work the most would simply come to this: "Thank You" with a handshake. That's all I got to say. So mad respect once again to Brett Lorenzo Favre. A straight-up true legend of the game.

I have to get used to say these words this week the most: Brett Favre is now officially retired. I thought I would never get to the day to say these words, but then again, everyone will have to step down and let the successors take over the game for the next era, or decade. That's not surprising nor shocking.  When I was in the 10th Grade at Marshall High School, I saw Brett Favre on TV. His first season as a Packer. The year was 1992 of course. And after the years rolled by I continued to watch. Not only with the players he had, but also the opponents he faced. Didn't matter if it was with Reggie White, Edgar Bennett, Santana Dotson, or against Barry Sanders, Warren Sapp,  Steve Young, Kurt Warner, John Elway, Deion Sanders, Ray Lewis, or the any of the opposing players from the Packers Rivals, and yes this does include the pre-Lovie Smith Chicago Bears!

 

Yes, Brett Favre was an amazing player. I got to give him the benefit of the doubt. He demonstrated that on the field every week during the 17 years as a pro. Just for that, he is Hall of Fame bound. Since this is an annoucement of retirements, let me first by comment that it's not a national tradegy! It's not.  It's just like him by saying that I had my time, and it's time for someone else to step up and play. Or it's like a veteran worker who worked at the office for 40 years, and finally hanging up his ID Badge after years of service.

 

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My favorite Favre/Packer moments will have to rank on obvious things. But if I had to pick out some as a most compromising favorite among the list, and I know that it's a huge list, I'll probably run as a numbers game on a list of 10 games that I can remember:

10) This past season of 13-3; 420-plus Touchdowns; and becoming the all-time winningest QB in NFL history.

9) December 22, 2003 - The Packers won against the Raiders in a Monday Night Win 41-7. That win was for his late father. And that was the game that Brett threw about 5 or 6 deep balls down field. I hadn't seen Brett perfoming those passes in years!

8) Those Bear Weeks - One of the games that stuck out in my mind the most was the Halloween Game in 1994 against the Bears; 33-6. The game at the University of Illinois in October, 2002 with the score of 34-21. And the game on New Year's Eve 2006 when they won 26-7.

7) Three Way Tie: January 1997 - The NFC Championship Game vs Carolina. We know. The Packers won and advanced to SuperBowl XXXI. November 6th 2000; the win over the Vikings when Antonio Freeman made the clutch catch for the 26-20 OT Victory. Thanksgiving 2001 in that close game against the Lions, Packers won 29-27.

 

6) Something to Prove - 2 way tie: November 23, 1997 - Packers vs Cowboys at Lambeau. Now this was the game I remember where the Packers had to prove to beat Dallas. And they did. It was Brett's first win against them. The score was I think was 45-17. Another game to remember the final game at Milwaukee County Stadium in December 18th, 1994 where the Packers won 21-17 and Favre dove in for the last touchdown in that game.

5) November 29th, 1998 - Packers vs the Eagles at Lambeau. This was my first time attending a Packers Game. It was me and my father watching the Packers and Brett live and in person and it was enjoyable. Some of the credit went to William Henderson and Antonio Freeman in that 24-16 victory.

4) Those long December Streak Wins. All of that plenty from Favre, and cold weather. But he played through them. And part of the reason of the December Streaks, was the starting 277 starts.

3) 2004-2005 Season - This was the season I remember the most when Deanna Favre was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and his brother-in-law dies in a car accident. And Brett still played the game despite of those obstacles.

2) September 27, 1992 - I was in the 10th Grade in High School and Brett Favre replaced Don Majikowski, which led to a comeback win over Cincinnati. And for some odd reason, I started to watch Brett and the Packers ever more since. Only because of the interests from other students that were in a mix who liked other teams at the time.

 

1) Superbowl XXXI. We know. The game against New England where Brett threw a deep pass to Andre Rison, he also scrambled for a touchdown win near the goal line, and the same Superbowl where the defense stepped up, and Desmond Howard was the MVP. In the end, we all know that the Packers won and Brett got his first ring.

 

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Despite of today's announcement of Brett hanging it up, to me, we all have to ask the question or to look in the mirror to say, "have I had enough?" I know that this retirement annoucement is going to carry Church sermons for the next couple of weeks, or months. And in life we do need to ask, when is the game over? Maybe Brett knew something else that we didn't know about. But in fairness, the ball was in his court and he made his move. I know that I would love to see him play again for a potential 18th season. Now if I were to grade Brett's performance over the 17 years, I would do it overall. One of my college instructors from UW-Stout, Dr. Elbert Sorrell, a Chicago native (and Bears Fan) told us one time that he would take a look at everything across the board, and give us "the benefit of the doubt". Well I'll give Brett Favre his benefit of the doubt despite of the critics of him starting in the same position for 17 years involving the streak, the interceptions, the woulda, coulda, shoulda passes, decision making,  and hand offs, and the perverbial what ifs, Brett Favre played the game, flat out. He played the game through the deaths of his father and brother in law. He also played the game through his wife's struggle of Breast Cancer, those times of "I don't knows", misbeliefs, and almost hurtful injuries. Withstanding that, he earned the right to play and I can't take that away from him. Neither can his rivals, former coaches, former teammates, or the teams that bested him through out the years.

So let this lesson of retirement teaches us that there will come a time to move on to the next chapter, or in this case, "what are you going to do now?" type questions. Bill Clinton asked the congregation at Coretta Scott King's funeral in 2006, "What are we going to do for the rest of our lives?"  We'll all going to have to retire for something that we like. It's life. This week, I have to retire my '93 Cadillac to my insurance provider because I was in a car accident of February 20th.  I was not hurt and survived to write this sentence. And the car belonged to one of my late cousins.  

I know I won't get an invite to Brett's Retirement Party, but the fact of the matter is, he did a good job doing his thing. And the word Legend can be added to the archives for him. Maybe after all of that, finally Aaron Rodgers can do his job next. (Knowning he might, but we'll see) The grade I'll give Brett is: A+ for effort, excellence, endurance, and overall just giving us something to talk about for the next players coming up. He's done it all. Now it's time for us football faithful to move forward.

I'm going to be on my best positive wit about this blog. Ok, I’m going on a limb about the news coverage about the Packers all last week. We know they lost so no need to go into that. But those who complained about the Packer's coverages on television, I gotta ask, why were they watching the coverage on television in the first place? Matter of fact, why were they watching the news? Was Myspace or Facebook not working? No Youtube? The Ipod downloads not working well? The chatrooms were packed? Was reading a book or the Journal not a good thing?

I'll play the proverbial role by saying that if those didn't like the news coverage of the Pack, nor the coverage of the Packers Bikini Girls which I didn't care about that much, there was a thing that was called "You should have changing the channel!" That would have been a start. If you have cable, satellite, or U- verse, watch a movie on TNT or see Black Comic View on BET. Or just pickup a novel, and turn off the television. Or any of syndicate stations do have reruns of The Simpsons, Seinfeld, Good Times, Martin, or That 70's Show that I think were a way just to think about watching than the news.

Just a reminder, whether you like it or not, when a team does well in a season, there will always be sports coverages that will make the local and national headlines all week. Remember when the Wisconsin Badgers went to the three Rose Bowls? There were blanket coverages, and the Badgers won. Right now, New England and New York are probably doing the same thing, this time all about the SuperBowl. Packer fans know about this very well. Yes, 10 years ago there was gaing coverages of the team, and lost SuperBowl 32 to Denver. 11 years ago, same thing happened when they beat New England in SuperBowl 31.

Some may ask why were so many coverage comments of the Packers every single day? There were reasons for it! One of the reasons I think, it was about their success that really opened up this past season. We know. We saw it. This was the first time in years that the Packers had this. No one, not even the fans of the NY Giants, Bears, Vikings or any other fan in the NFL can't take that away from them, despite of what others think. Just remember that all sports teams had gone through this despite of the haters that complained.

So even though that the Packers had a good season, Favre broke records without the use of HGH, dogfigting or Steroids, the team bringing a good record of 13-3, and getting back to a point of being a winning team. That's debatable. Those who hate teams doing well, will continue to hate, but eventually most would probably stop the smack talk when the dust settles and the smoke clears. And in the next couple of years, it would be a long forgotten story. What’s the moral thing of all this? It’s just like the motto from Fox News, “We Report, You Decide”. The sport/news reporters on the 6, (Fox 6) and other news stations summarized the Team’s success in the regular season during the playoffs, but it was up to the viewer to decide if it’s worthwhile watching. In closing, if the same news coverage doesn't fit well with viewer, instead of complaining, change the channel! Or pop in a DVD.

I am not bit disappointed of this year's Packers Season. I'm not. Ok so the 2 losses to Chicago were disappointing because of giveaways, and other the loss to Dallas, which most folks was a predicting loss for Favre, this season was not all cracked up to be a perfect season for the Pack. No doubt, it was a good decent season. 13-3 is better than 8-8. or 4-12! Yes, like everyone else, I too felt the pinch when the NY Giants kicked the field goal in overtime and sending them to Superbowl 42 against the still unbeaten AFC Champs New England Patriots. And I was fighting the common cold! I was watching Al Harris today and he said it all about the loss, although the match up against Plaxico Buress was almost seen out of Wrestlemania. By the way, what does "Plaxico" mean anyway? Nevermind, getting back to loss, and the season ending in all, let me say that this was one on the best seasons I have watched in a while. And I do mean a while! And normally the momentum of the season ending usually has the next season set in check for better opportunities. In other words, there's always next season. But when next season begins in August or September, don't forget about the Bucks. Although they're last in the Central Division. The Brewers are coming up in April, so prepare for your baseball jerseys to come out the closet. The Marquette Golden Eagles, UWM Panthers, Badgers Basketball are still going. And we can't forget the Milwaukee Wave or Rampage. The WWE is coming to the Bradley Center on March 10th and it probably might be televised in HD. Oh, here's something to look forward to: the Milwaukee Bonecrushers Indoor Football Team is coming in March and their season should last until August, right before the NFL Season. I know that it's not the Green Bay Packers, but do what I would do: Check them out. The Bonecrushers first game is against Chicago at The Cell. Not the Bears, but the Slaughter. Yes, I said the Slaughter! And their head coach is Ex-Bear Steve McMichael. The Bonecrushers? Gilbert Brown.

Let me ask some questions. How many of us were down because of bad grades, deaths in the family, folks moving out of the city because of obvious reasons, had friends of family members losing jobs for no reason? How many of our prayers weren't always answered at the exact moment? How many of you were down because of these? Lord knows I have. The best thing we can learn from this, Chuck D said it best: "You have to take at a look at the situation, learn from it, and move on". Sounds familiar? There are a lot more important issues to take care of than watching the Packers. And those who don't watch the Packers, but watch the Bears, Vikings, or any other team in the NFL, there is alot more things to take care of than watching T.O. crying on TV or Youtube.com, Tony Romo not having his best year, Brian Urlacher wishing that the Bears would repeat, or Darren Sharper thinking and assuming that "I should have stopped Brett in the Metrodome". You know what I'm saying? It's going to take time, but we'll be over it. Hopefully, Mr. Favre and company can comeback and raise up with "more good intentions" at Lambeau with Coach McCarthy. So to quote Snoop Dogg, "so let's just chill till the next episode........"

And the next time those who predict games to see if your favorite team is going to make it, don't believe it. I know that a lot of people wanted to see the Packers/Patriots Superbowl Rematch on Super Sunday, but turns out, it's not going to be what is expected. I feel sorry for Vegas!

Since this is the holiday of Dr. King, he once said:

If you can't fly, then run.
If you can't run, then walk.
If you can't walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do, keep moving.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
1929-1968

History is somewhat repeating itself. I'm referring the current state of the NFL Playoffs that has the Packers going into the NFC Championship game. We all know that the Pack is in it, and unfortunately, Dallas is not! But this scenario reminds me of a couple of games that came about......1997. That's right the year 1997. January 1997. When we all know that was the year the Packers won the SuperBowl against the Patriots. The reason I brung this up, really occured to me. The last time Dallas was close to win a NFC Championship Bid was 1997, but there was a road block against the Carolina Panthers. The Carolina Panthers, I remember were reletively a new unknown, dark horse team coming into the league and just manhandled the Cowboys in their stadium! I think the final score, was 26-17 in that game leading to the NFC Championship Game at that time. Matter of fact, it was 26-17! The Panthers just outplayed, and "outpenalized" them. I can remember yeah the Packers got a free pass!

Now similiar to the Giants/Cowboys game on January 14th, that was like to me almost history was repeating itself when the Giants outplayed in my view the Cowboys and knocked them out the Playoff Picture.  And the comments I can hear that the Packers once again got a free pass. That's the beauty of the playoffs. One team wins, one team loses, and a waiting team gets a free pass to the next round. No doubt, history is somewhat, I feel, is repeating itself. Ok. The same two teams from Week 2 will clash for the NFC Championship which is the focal point for the bid for the Superbowl. I know they're not the same team since then in all. But I want to warn the Packers, especially our blogger, Mark Tauscher, don't sleep! (to quote Gwen Stefani) And I know the Giants won't sleep. Including Eli Manning. The way both teams played over the weekend, I don't think there won't be any "sleeping" period.

All I know is, it's going to be a good game between two cold polar teams that will play for the George Halas Trophy, which leads to the biggest prize in the game, the SuperBowl. And neither of these teams weren't even thought about making it this far. What's my prediction? I was playing my Madden 08 game yesterday, and I scored 45-17, in favor of Green Bay. So I'm going to say, a different score for the upcoming game:

Packers 35  Giants 21

It seems that the news of steroids and sports still linger on. Including in Professional Wrestling, which we all know that has an "ongoing issue". But I think the media hype had hounded John Cena. If you don't know who he is, John Cena is a current WWE Raw Superstar that is going under treatment of an shoulder injury that he got in October. He had surgery on it , and is now going through rehab during his six months to eight months away from the ring. Oh, he is also that wrestler that raps in story lines, used to wear throwback jerseys, had a CD in 2005 called, "You Can't See Me", and was featured in a movie last year, "The Marine". Be on the lookout for Cena sometime next summer.

But getting back to the CNN/Cena interview.  This of course is all about the one question courtesy from CNN: "Have you ever used steroids?" Cena responds: "Absolutely Not. - This is a crazy question. And it is something, that is tough to answer, because the way that society is now, the way people can see things because of performance enchaning drugs have got the spotlight, and that's a hot thing to talk about." This is a small portion of what John Cena said during the interview, but I think, it was all "watered down". Yes, I said "watered down" in a way that it was set up coming from the questions in the interview.

I looked at the Unedited version of the interview on Youtube. I'm not afraid to look at interviews that are uncut or in this case, unedited for the audience.  It appeared to me that John Cena, was sticking up for his job as a wrestler. Yes, I do like John Cena as a wrestler, and on how he gets it done in the ring every week.  He was upfront on this topic even though this topic of steroids is pretty heated. He also believed that those who uses performance enhancement drugs in their sport of choice, has no athletic achievement. Or in this case, according to him, "there is no athletic achievement anymore". John Cena says that he goes through the testings, as the same with all other sport athletes do. He has been doing this since the age of 17. From his football days, Bodybuilding days, and currently with professional wrestling.

Overall in my opinion as I stated earlier, the use of steroids in sports is ongoing. And I think the media puts into perspective of pouncing the story to find the info on a current star, and in this case, put him or her on the spot in an attempt to find the truth. Sometimes the truth comes out either proof or not. For CNN, they did not find anything truthful about steroids in John Cena, period. None!

If you want to see the portions of the CNN/John Cena interview, there two choices:

1) WWE.com - Inside WWE - Cena: Steroids? Absolutely Not.

2) Youtube.com - edited/unedited John Cena interview

If you didn't know, the WWE is doing something about steroid use right now. Already, on the list, they have posted 10 of their wrestlers under suspension in the use of these enhance performing drugs, since the wake of Chris Benoit's death months ago. Its not just the wrestlers it is also the doctors and physicians that are under investigaton in this matter. I went to the yahoo about the article, and it appears that they are getting serious about it. Yep, the WWE is doing what I think is an important, and decisive option of checking some of their talent and making suspensions fair just to let them know about the situations at hand.  Yes we all know about how the wrestlers get jacked up by using enhancement drugs and or steroids at one time or another.  But in this instance, the company, which got questioned and investigated, has definitely gone to a point where they have to do it, for the benefit of organization, and the employees' safety hazards. If the MLB, NFL, NCAA, NBA and other leagues have to follow this, so does the WWE. Check out the article "WWE suspends 10 wrestlers for violating policy on steroids and other drugs" on yahoo.com

Also check out what The Rock says on FoxSports.com about this issue with steroids in wrestling.

Did anyone see the Texas Rangers/Baltimore Orioles game the other night? I know that some of us are viewing the brew crew and the NL Central Race. But, If you saw the entire game or some portions of it on the net, the score was the story: 30 - 3. Yep. 30 - 3! I have never seen so many home runs in one game before. 10 yes, 20, yes but 30?! This has to be history in the making. 110 years exactly.  At least there were something suprising better than the Barry Bonds Home Run Records. Based what I have read, all of the players were just involved scoring. This may not been seen again for a long time! Check out the article from Yahoo Sports, and the AP Author David Ginsberg on the commentary. Or you can view the article from the Foxnews.com website.

Source(s): Texas Rangers/Baltimore Orioles Recap Wednesday August 22, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports; Ginsberg, David-AP Writer; 8/23/2007

 

Texas Rangers Become First Team in 110 Years to Score 30 Runs; Foxnews.com; 8/23/2007

I was watching ESPN tonight and yep, Barry Bonds is Home Run King of 756. A new record had emerged. One guy wearing a NY Mets Shirt got the ball and escorted out of AT&T Park with security enforced Now. I'm not a Barry Bonds fan but it happened, whether we like it or not.

But questions linger on: what would the future of the home run records be now after we heard of all the smoke and mirrors of steroids? I don't about you guys, but I am waiting on the verdicts. Either in a circuit court, or on the Supreme Court with Clarence Thomas preciding. What would baseball historians now think of him? And since the speculaiton of steroids is at hand, why is Barry Bonds' jerseys are at the stores and online through Mitchelll and Ness?  Remember when Brent Moss was playing for the Badgers? And what was the reason why his stuff was pulled of the shelves back in 1993-1994? Two things: His drug addiction and a gang member. It had nothing to do with him being a black football player for the Wisconsin Badgers, is what he did that got him in trouble.

And just for the record, I respect what Hank Aaron did for the game, and also standing up against racism. The same kind of racism that people back then didn't want Babe Ruth's record to be broken because of his skin color. The same can be for Jackie Robinson. No one thought that a black man couldn't play in the Major Leagues because, well he was black. That record was broken 60 years ago.

Just thoughts to say that in same week 500 home runs from A-Rod, 300 wins from Tom Glavine that can be seen from any angle. But what about this homerun record? Realize that this is the first time in 30+ years that this has happened in baseball history in Barry Bonds' backyard. I wasn't even born when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record in 1974. I came into the world in '76 and watching Bonds is almost asking, should I witness this on my DirecTV Satellite? I often wonder what Hank Aaron thinks about his former record is now "on the shelf" after being up for grabs for so long. 

Any takers on this?

 

 

 

If you haven't heard, Milwaukee will be back playing football indoors.  I read in the JS weblog today that the Milwaukee Bonecrushers will be playing in the U.S. Celluar Arena next spring. Here is the info on the team and the media day that will take place on July 19th.

From the JS: http://blogs.jsonline.com/businessofsports/archive/200
7/07/17/arena-football-is-back-in-milwaukee.aspx>

The team also has a website and myspace pages:

Team website: http://www.mkebonecrushers.com/ 

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/milwaukeebonecrushers

 The team will be playing under the Continential Indoor Football League. To view the website, here is the link: www.continentalindoorfootball.com/ And the league has a myspace link: http://www.myspace.com/cifl