I don't normally use this space to talk sports, but with the recent news concerning Tom Brady's four-game suspension being upheld, I find myself in an odd position. As an ex-(sports)journalist, I must maintain some level of objectivity. In earlier reports, the NFL's investigation found that Brady was "at least generally aware" that footballs were being deflated. It was never proven that he was the individual directing the two Patriots employees to deflate footballs.
The question becomes how is his behavior construed and what category does it fall under? Some say that deflating, or otherwise tampering with game footballs falls under the category of attempting to gain an unfair advantage which ruins the integrity of the game, blah, blah, blah. Okay, sure. In that regard, tampering with game footballs is similar to Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) which carries a suspension penalty of up to six games depending on the severity.
If we are comparing Brady's activities to PEDs, It is important to establish what level of severity deflating footballs is. According to his suspension, it is akin to taking a steroid or other banned substance (four-game suspension) But, I'm doubtful that his actions were that severe.
Some may recall that the deflated footballs were identified at the end of the first half of the Patriots-Colts playoff game. At the start of the second half, new, un-tampered footballs were put into use and the Patriots proceeded to score twenty-one points in the third quarter. So, the during the game when the Patriots were the most prolific, they were using regulation-sized footballs.
If the deflation of footballs had no effect on the game wherein they were discovered, how can the League rightfully suspend Brady for four games? If anything it should be a two-game suspension. Now, if the NFL is suspending Brady for being "uncooperative" that is different. While, that feels generally unfair to me, I suspect there is some elastic rule in the NFL Personal Conduct Policy that allows the League to come down on Brady and other players who damage the integrity of the brand through an unwillingness to answer questions.
That word "integrity" keeps coming up. Still, when I think about this as a "level-headed," and "logical" journalist, the facts don't seem to add up. Four games seems a bit much for being "at least generally aware" of tampering.
As a fan, I'm raging a bit.
This is, yet again, another attempt by the League and Goodell to tear down the greatness that has been established at Foxboro. Haters will call the Patriots cheaters. It's gamesmanship. We're better at it than you (Ravens). Deal with it. Don't be mad because your sorry-ass team didn't make the playoffs, or made the playoffs, but wasn't competitive (Colts). Or worst yet, was the height of arrogance when your coach decided to throw the ball on the 2-yard line instead of run it in with Lynch (Seahawks). Stop crying because we keep winning. We are a good team, with good players who play well together. That's what it takes. But go ahead and let everyone know how much you think we cheat, and how you "totally called it" in the comment section of all the stories out today about the suspension being upheld. Brady will see the NFL in court.
Sorry, where was I... Oh yes, my thoughts, random as always.
Showing posts with label Random thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random thoughts. Show all posts
Jul 28, 2015
Jul 25, 2015
Jul 21, 2015
Random Thoughts pt. 11: Life is Destiny
I've noticed recently that I and some of my friends, those who play Destiny, have an interesting way of communicating outside of the game. At first I thought it was me, but I double checked and came to realize it's not just me.
I was talking to my buddy Gage and during the course of our conversation, he said he spent a lot of time prepping for his classes. I asked him how long he preps in terms of Crucible matches (ten minutes PvP fights). I said, " how many Crucible matches?" He answered, "at least twelve. He knew immediately what time frame I meant and answered accordingly.
In other instances, I've hung out with people I game with and referred to them by their gamertag... And they answer! It's not even their real name! I love it.
No real point, just some random thoughts...
Jul 6, 2015
Random Thoughts pt. 9
I'm not a betting man, at least when it comes to real money. I've been to a casino once, and after winning several hundred dollars from a slot machine early in the day, I was ready to go home. That being said, I love to place wagers on random things, especially over/under odds. Over/under odds feel like the best and most fun way to predict potential outcomes and add a humorous layer to social engagements. Here are a few I've done recently.
Black People at a Kenny Chesney Concert - over/under set at 6.5
While working the Kenny Chesney concert at AT&T Stadium, my buddy and I decided to pass the time counting black people. The rules were simple: how many black concert goers could we see without leaving our stand? Employees don't count. Must have double verification. You might be wondering about the .5, well, sometimes we see someone who might be black, or some other ethnicity, but we can't tell. Half credit. I picked the under and lost. We ended up seeing 14.5 black people. Go figure.
Reasonably priced parking in downtown Boston on the 4th of July - over/under set at 35%
My father claims that my family has special powers when it comes to finding parking spaces near events we attend. He calls it "Dashiell Luck." He says you have to believe in it for it to work. I'm an agnostic at best, but I may yet be converted. That day, I found parking in front of my buddy's apt on three separate occasions, once during the day, in the early evening, and then later at night. I parked at the Boston Common underground lot while we were downtown for the festivities and I found a spot on J.F.K. Street in Cambridge. Dashiell Luck indeed! I lost this one too. I was pretty convinced we wouldn't find parking. Obviously, I know nothing.
No longer liking our gaming buddies after meeting them in person - over/under set at 40%
Gage and I hung out with our gaming buddies, BostonWins and MissezKittyy on the 4th. Let me say first that it was awesome. Though, at one point, before we met them in the flesh, I remarked to Gage that it would suck if we met them and didn't like them. He laughed and asked me what the over/under would be for that chance. I said 40% and asked if he would take the over or the under. He said would take the line, meaning he agreed that 40% was an accurate percentage. We both laughed again and went back to playing video games.
How many views will this post generate - over/under set at 30
This one is up to you, dear reader. The last "Random Thoughts" post has generated 41 individual hits as of this update. Will this one do better?
Black People at a Kenny Chesney Concert - over/under set at 6.5
While working the Kenny Chesney concert at AT&T Stadium, my buddy and I decided to pass the time counting black people. The rules were simple: how many black concert goers could we see without leaving our stand? Employees don't count. Must have double verification. You might be wondering about the .5, well, sometimes we see someone who might be black, or some other ethnicity, but we can't tell. Half credit. I picked the under and lost. We ended up seeing 14.5 black people. Go figure.
Reasonably priced parking in downtown Boston on the 4th of July - over/under set at 35%
My father claims that my family has special powers when it comes to finding parking spaces near events we attend. He calls it "Dashiell Luck." He says you have to believe in it for it to work. I'm an agnostic at best, but I may yet be converted. That day, I found parking in front of my buddy's apt on three separate occasions, once during the day, in the early evening, and then later at night. I parked at the Boston Common underground lot while we were downtown for the festivities and I found a spot on J.F.K. Street in Cambridge. Dashiell Luck indeed! I lost this one too. I was pretty convinced we wouldn't find parking. Obviously, I know nothing.
No longer liking our gaming buddies after meeting them in person - over/under set at 40%
Gage and I hung out with our gaming buddies, BostonWins and MissezKittyy on the 4th. Let me say first that it was awesome. Though, at one point, before we met them in the flesh, I remarked to Gage that it would suck if we met them and didn't like them. He laughed and asked me what the over/under would be for that chance. I said 40% and asked if he would take the over or the under. He said would take the line, meaning he agreed that 40% was an accurate percentage. We both laughed again and went back to playing video games.
How many views will this post generate - over/under set at 30
This one is up to you, dear reader. The last "Random Thoughts" post has generated 41 individual hits as of this update. Will this one do better?
Jun 30, 2015
Random Thoughts pt. 8
Not every idea is worth a blog post. For a myriad of reasons, some ideas just don't have the fortitude to stand on their own. It's not always their fault; sometimes I don't give them the space in my head needed to grow fully. I like having a theme in my random thoughts; doing so imposes some sort of organization, a starting point, if you will. Not today. I think the lack of theme is reflective of how scattered my thoughts are of late. Here are some of the better ones to dance across my cognitive stage.
My sister, the Lawyer
Earlier this month, my sister was read and signed into the official books as a practicing lawyer in the state of Massachusetts. There was a ceremony and everything. I understand the pomp and circumstance of it all, and while an affair like this had the potential to be dull, the Master of Ceremony, Maura Doyle, kept things light and funny. All in all, it was cool to watch several years of hard work and determination pay off for my sister when she signed the book and made it official; I am the least educated person in my immediate family...
Life Changes
In other news, a childhood friend recently got married. The ceremony was beautiful. I hadn't seen this friend in several years, a product of growing up and growing apart, I suppose, but being there for his nuptials felt special because of all the good times we shared growing up. From sleepovers that were all-night video game sessions, to trying to decide which 90s action film was our favorite, we spent a lot of time together. We even had a "secret handshake" that came springing back like muscle memory when I saw him. Of all the games we played as kids, my favorite will always be "Ninjas." As adults, we share the occasional Facebook message, but it's obvious we're not as close as we used to be. Sure, that's a little disappointing, but I appreciate the fact that he invited me to be there on one of the most important days in his life and I wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter in his life.
Marriage =
Speaking of marriage, the Supreme Court of the United States made a ruling last week that fundamentally changed the way marriage is and will be viewed. I posted a link to the New York Times story on my Facebook page because, let's be honest, this is a huge f'ing deal. I can (and probably will) write a post about the actual decision as well as the dissenting remarks, but right now I want to push past that to the human level of ruling. A co-worker, on the day of the ruling, got married. He posted photos of the event on his Facebook page to not only commemorate the affair, but to also share it with his friends, many of whom were unaware of the sudden "Life Event." I found his posts to be deeply emotional and touching. Ask my friends and they will tell you I'm not the "sensitive" one (that would be Kris), but what struck me was only a few weeks after I watched my childhood friend make a commitment of love and responsibility to his now wife, I got to see the same commitment made between two people who feel the same way but until that morning were unable to express it in the same manner. Their moment was just as beautiful as my childhood friend's. Another friend of mine put it best as a reply to my original posting of the NY Times story, "it is kind of surreal when the world operated one way when you went to bed, and is totally different before lunch the next day." He's spot on.
Perhaps there is a theme after all, random or otherwise...
My sister, the Lawyer
 |
| My sister becomes a lawyer officially. |
Life Changes
In other news, a childhood friend recently got married. The ceremony was beautiful. I hadn't seen this friend in several years, a product of growing up and growing apart, I suppose, but being there for his nuptials felt special because of all the good times we shared growing up. From sleepovers that were all-night video game sessions, to trying to decide which 90s action film was our favorite, we spent a lot of time together. We even had a "secret handshake" that came springing back like muscle memory when I saw him. Of all the games we played as kids, my favorite will always be "Ninjas." As adults, we share the occasional Facebook message, but it's obvious we're not as close as we used to be. Sure, that's a little disappointing, but I appreciate the fact that he invited me to be there on one of the most important days in his life and I wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter in his life.
Marriage =
Speaking of marriage, the Supreme Court of the United States made a ruling last week that fundamentally changed the way marriage is and will be viewed. I posted a link to the New York Times story on my Facebook page because, let's be honest, this is a huge f'ing deal. I can (and probably will) write a post about the actual decision as well as the dissenting remarks, but right now I want to push past that to the human level of ruling. A co-worker, on the day of the ruling, got married. He posted photos of the event on his Facebook page to not only commemorate the affair, but to also share it with his friends, many of whom were unaware of the sudden "Life Event." I found his posts to be deeply emotional and touching. Ask my friends and they will tell you I'm not the "sensitive" one (that would be Kris), but what struck me was only a few weeks after I watched my childhood friend make a commitment of love and responsibility to his now wife, I got to see the same commitment made between two people who feel the same way but until that morning were unable to express it in the same manner. Their moment was just as beautiful as my childhood friend's. Another friend of mine put it best as a reply to my original posting of the NY Times story, "it is kind of surreal when the world operated one way when you went to bed, and is totally different before lunch the next day." He's spot on.
Perhaps there is a theme after all, random or otherwise...
Jul 11, 2014
Random Thoughts pt. 7 - Sports Edition
Writing has a way of becoming a circular process that eventually spawns itself. Since the creation of the newsletter, which required me to write and edit several stories, I've found myself thinking in terms of ideas and topics for this blog. Unfortunately, I'm rusty and often find myself left with half-formed ideas that aren't robust enough to support their own post. Here are a few sports-related thoughts.
Lebron James is being a Jerk
I don't necessarily agree with that statement but it makes a great headline. However, I do feel that the way he is dragging his feet on making a decision about where he wants to play basketball next season is reminiscent of a "Decision" he made a few years ago. Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony have effectively ground the NBA free agency period to a halt by taking their time and putting off what appears to be an obvious verdict. Now, I don't have a dog in this fight. I couldn't care less where James or Melo go, but the Red Sox are so garbage they are almost impossible to watch and with the World Cup coming to an end soon I need something to occupy the next few weeks of my sports consciousness because I can't justify following NFL updates in July. I just can't. So, someone announce something already so I have something to discuss the next time I hit my favorite watering hole.
World Cup Fever
I'm a sports fan which means I can get excited about damn near any type of sport (even NASCAR, it's a white-knuckle thrill ride). As Team USA advanced through the "Group of Death" I was all in, shouting and chanting with the best of them (can we all agree that Michal Bradley just had a bad Cup showing?) Even when they limped into the elimination round, I cheered, "I believe that we will win!" Then we lost and I must admit I was crestfallen. I was fairly certain that I was done watching the World Cup. Thankfully, I have great friends who are soccer aficionados who challenged me to keep watching because the game is beautiful. I did. They were right. Watching Costa Rica advance over Greece on penalty kicks was awesome. Then, I watched Germany beat Brazil like they stole something and that was awesome as well but in a different way, more on that below. Suffice to say, I'm becoming a fan and I like it.
Brazil vs Germany
I just wanted to share some of the commentary I've had and seen on Facebook and Twitter about the Brazil-Germany game. Names have been removed to protect the innocent. Enjoy!
"Germany is playing FIFA '14 against Brazil on semi-pro!" -Facebook
"I'm waiting for Brazil to rage-quit..." -Twitter
"Paris St, Germain paid 46mil for David Luiz pre World Cup... hope they kept their receipt." -Facebook
"How many goals did Germany score? A Brazillion!" -Twitter
"How do u make a Brazilian cry? Score 5 goals in 5 mins." -Twitter
On a serious note, I read that the German team now requires a police escort for safety. However, German authorities aren't really concerned since it takes Brazil 90 minutes to mount any type of offense.
My thoughts, randomized for your reading pleasure.
Lebron James is being a Jerk
I don't necessarily agree with that statement but it makes a great headline. However, I do feel that the way he is dragging his feet on making a decision about where he wants to play basketball next season is reminiscent of a "Decision" he made a few years ago. Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony have effectively ground the NBA free agency period to a halt by taking their time and putting off what appears to be an obvious verdict. Now, I don't have a dog in this fight. I couldn't care less where James or Melo go, but the Red Sox are so garbage they are almost impossible to watch and with the World Cup coming to an end soon I need something to occupy the next few weeks of my sports consciousness because I can't justify following NFL updates in July. I just can't. So, someone announce something already so I have something to discuss the next time I hit my favorite watering hole.
World Cup Fever
I'm a sports fan which means I can get excited about damn near any type of sport (even NASCAR, it's a white-knuckle thrill ride). As Team USA advanced through the "Group of Death" I was all in, shouting and chanting with the best of them (can we all agree that Michal Bradley just had a bad Cup showing?) Even when they limped into the elimination round, I cheered, "I believe that we will win!" Then we lost and I must admit I was crestfallen. I was fairly certain that I was done watching the World Cup. Thankfully, I have great friends who are soccer aficionados who challenged me to keep watching because the game is beautiful. I did. They were right. Watching Costa Rica advance over Greece on penalty kicks was awesome. Then, I watched Germany beat Brazil like they stole something and that was awesome as well but in a different way, more on that below. Suffice to say, I'm becoming a fan and I like it.
Brazil vs Germany
I just wanted to share some of the commentary I've had and seen on Facebook and Twitter about the Brazil-Germany game. Names have been removed to protect the innocent. Enjoy!
"Germany is playing FIFA '14 against Brazil on semi-pro!" -Facebook
"I'm waiting for Brazil to rage-quit..." -Twitter
"Paris St, Germain paid 46mil for David Luiz pre World Cup... hope they kept their receipt." -Facebook
"How many goals did Germany score? A Brazillion!" -Twitter
"How do u make a Brazilian cry? Score 5 goals in 5 mins." -Twitter
On a serious note, I read that the German team now requires a police escort for safety. However, German authorities aren't really concerned since it takes Brazil 90 minutes to mount any type of offense.
My thoughts, randomized for your reading pleasure.
Oct 20, 2011
Random Thoughts pt. 4
Have you ever noticed how many social pitfalls surround gum and mints? For example, if you use an item to freshen your breath and your're in mixed company, people watch and, unless they know you well, won't say anything (i.e. ask for a piece for themselves).
Etiquette generally dictates that you offer a piece to the company but there is the rub. you can't offer to share without people presuming an insult. How often do you hear, "What? Does my breath stink?" Then they cover their mouth with their hand.
Yes it does, But that's not why I'm offering. I'm trying to be polite.
On the other side, if you see someone with gum or mints you are reminded that your breath may be stale. However, asking for said item presumes the person is willing to share. Assuming you're not asking for the last piece, think about the dilemma you've created. The person with the breath freshener has a decision to make: Do they give you a piece or do they refuse and leave you to offend others with your halitosis?
On top of that, now the person with the gum or mints has to apologize for not offering to share in the first place and feels like a jerk because you didn't think ahead and bring your own piece of breath freshening goodness.
Just a random thought...
Etiquette generally dictates that you offer a piece to the company but there is the rub. you can't offer to share without people presuming an insult. How often do you hear, "What? Does my breath stink?" Then they cover their mouth with their hand.
Yes it does, But that's not why I'm offering. I'm trying to be polite.
On the other side, if you see someone with gum or mints you are reminded that your breath may be stale. However, asking for said item presumes the person is willing to share. Assuming you're not asking for the last piece, think about the dilemma you've created. The person with the breath freshener has a decision to make: Do they give you a piece or do they refuse and leave you to offend others with your halitosis?
On top of that, now the person with the gum or mints has to apologize for not offering to share in the first place and feels like a jerk because you didn't think ahead and bring your own piece of breath freshening goodness.
Just a random thought...
Sep 23, 2011
Random Thoughts pt. 3
Here's one for those of us who have been looking for a (good/better) job recently.
Have you ever found a job post online and applied to it? You go through the process of writing a job-specific cover letter, attach your resume, maybe a writing sample or two (depending on the job) and then send it out into cyberspace.
If you've gone through this, then you know what happens next. Nothing. No response, no notification beyond some automated email saying your application has been received, and that's if you're lucky.
But what happens when you actually get a response, from a human no less? You kind of freak out, right?
A friend of mine got an email response to an online application within ten minutes of sending it out. She was so caught off guard that she asked me to take a look at the email to make sure it wasn't a scam (we concluded that it wasn't, but it was still odd).
Are jobs so scarce these days that when you get a response you're skeptical of its origin? Or have we job seekers become so accustomed to being ignored by companies "looking to hire" that a response from these companies freightens us?
I think it's a little of both. Job seekers are gun-shy because all we deal with is rejection and being ignored.
Which makes it difficult for companies to appear genuine in their attempts to contact us for interviews.
No real point here, just a random thought...
Have you ever found a job post online and applied to it? You go through the process of writing a job-specific cover letter, attach your resume, maybe a writing sample or two (depending on the job) and then send it out into cyberspace.
If you've gone through this, then you know what happens next. Nothing. No response, no notification beyond some automated email saying your application has been received, and that's if you're lucky.
But what happens when you actually get a response, from a human no less? You kind of freak out, right?
A friend of mine got an email response to an online application within ten minutes of sending it out. She was so caught off guard that she asked me to take a look at the email to make sure it wasn't a scam (we concluded that it wasn't, but it was still odd).
Are jobs so scarce these days that when you get a response you're skeptical of its origin? Or have we job seekers become so accustomed to being ignored by companies "looking to hire" that a response from these companies freightens us?
I think it's a little of both. Job seekers are gun-shy because all we deal with is rejection and being ignored.
Which makes it difficult for companies to appear genuine in their attempts to contact us for interviews.
No real point here, just a random thought...
Sep 18, 2011
Random Thoughts pt. 2
I'm watching the pregame interview of Michael Vick and I'm struck by how quickly success breeds forgiveness or forgetfulness.
I think it's interesting that a little over two years ago, many people were shocked that the Eagles would take a flyer on Vick as a "backup." Despite the fact that he had paid his debt to society and was free to pursue employment, there was a huge outcry that any team would give him a shot. Never mind that when he played, he was prolific. Last year, Vick proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he not only can play at the highest level, but also that he is worth all the money the Eagles paid him.
Now, I have no issue with Vick. Among my friends, I've argued that there is no reason for Vick to be met with such enmity. He's done his time and now he's back playing football and earning a living. I have no issue with it.
However, I find it interesting that the same people who lambasted him as an evil person for what he did are now calling him a hero and acting like his crimes never happened because he has successfully come back to professional football. I don't have a problem with people changing their opinions about him, I just find it odd and somewhat annoying when those who have changed their minds act as if they never held an opposing thought.
Come on, that behavior is just silly. Own your opinion, both of them. Even if they are opposing views. There's nothing wrong with that.
Sep 8, 2011
Random Thoughts
Ever notice how text messages only allow a certain amount of characters? On my phone, the amount of characters over the total allowed appears around 130 or so. Then, it counts up until 160 at which point my phone tells me I'll now be sending two text messages. But, I have received giant messages before... My sister often sends me complete tales about her crazy friends via text message with no issue. So, if technology can process long messages, why a BFD? Why hold to the old form of keeping track of characters in text messages? It's not like we're twitting. Just a random thought...
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