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Frantz: Shula should leave Spygate issue alone

Nov 12, 2007 3:00 AM (292 days ago) by Staff reports, The Examiner
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Related Topics: SAN FRANCISCO

SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Personal memo to Don Shula: You were absolutely right. Now shut up.

It is truly a shame when an important message regarding the integrity of the National Football League and the legacies that will forever define it is unnecessarily diluted by an inadequate messenger. And despite his status as a Hall of Famer, coaching legend and NFL icon, Shula is the wrong person to be calling out Bill Belicheater in New England.

“The Spygate thing has diminished what they’ve accomplished. You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. They’ve got it,” Shula correctly stated last week. “Belichick was fined $500,000, the team was fined $250,000 and they lost a first-round draft choice. That tells you the seriousness or significance of what they found.”

Shula was spot-on with every point, and despite his backpedaling on the issue a couple of days later in response to media criticism, his message was loud and clear. Having such a respected member of the NFL coaching community verbalizing what fans all over America think to themselves was long overdue, especially as the “experts” continue their season-long coronation of the Patriots as the “best team in history.”

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In his strongest remark, Shula even pulled out the * card:

“I guess you got the same thing as putting an asterisk by Barry Bonds’ home run record. I guess it will be noted that the Patriots were fined and a No. 1 draft choice was taken away during that year of accomplishment.”

Once again, an outstanding analysis that needed to be made by someone of influence, and there are few voices in NFL history as influential than Shula. But again, this particular man of influence is the wrong man for the job.

The problem is that Shula’s 1972 Miami Dolphins team, which recorded the only perfect season in NFL history, is comprised of a bunch of bitter old men who continue to cling to their accomplishment like Rosie O’Donnell to a bucket of chicken.

Each year, the ’72 Dolphins count the days until the NFL’s last undefeated team is conquered. Then, they break out the champagne and celebrate like 3-year-olds at a Wiggles concert. Dick Anderson, Nick Buoniconti, Bob Kuchenberg and others have acted like spoiled babies for 35 years and they apparently have no intention of changing now. They behave as though their entire careers are defined only by the perfect season, as if their very identities will be somehow wiped from the record books if another team were to duplicate their feat.

Someone needs to inform the grumpy old men, including coach Shula, that even if they may no longer be the only team to reach perfection in the NFL, there is still something to be said for being the first. Records are meant to be broken and the Dolphins should take heart in the fact that theirs can only be equaled anyway. A perfect season is a perfect season, whether through 17 games or 19 games, and nothing can change that.

If Bill Walsh were here to drop the asterisk on the cheaters? If Chuck Noll or Tom Landry had called out the criminals in New England? Now that would have been a statement. All legendary coaches should be offended that Belicheater has invaded their historic territory. But Don Shula as the spokesman on the issue doesn’t come off like a legend protecting the integrity of his sport. He comes off like a crotchety old man protecting the egos of a bunch of petulant old players.

Sports personality Bob Frantz is a regular contributor to The Examiner. E-mail him at bfrantz@examiner.com.

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8:01 AM MST on Fri., May. 2, 2008 re: "Frantz: WWE, steroids affect more than wrestlers"

Examiner Reader said:
I am also a huge wwe fan and i am tired of hearing about people takin steroids

3 agree | 2 disagree
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6:42 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 re: "Frantz: WWE, steroids affect more than wrestlers"

brittany c said:
im tierd of all the wrestlers turning up dead and it turns out they had done steroids its stupid

2 agree | 1 disagree
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10:44 AM MST on Sat., Feb. 9, 2008 re: "Frantz: WWE, steroids affect more than wrestlers"

Examiner Reader said:
YesI think they should. I am a big wwe and i have saw it live sevural times. However i think the superstarts could justwork out( wich is a healthier way of staying fit and strong) insted of using drugs.

62 agree | 54 disagree
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10:24 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 24, 2008 re: "Frantz: WWE, steroids affect more than wrestlers"

Leslie Parra said:
No because if they do then it wont be fun watching wimppy wrestlers fighting and non of them will be winning.

78 agree | 73 disagree
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4:05 PM MST on Wed., Dec. 19, 2007 re: "Frantz: Mitchell Report should eliminate talks of race"

Examiner Reader said:
Perhaps you are right about the "race card", but my concern is with baseball personalities like Peter Gammons who, while speaking of Clemens, says that we should take a "wait and see" approach to these findings. Why wasn't the same luxury given to Bonds? Bonds admitted to using the cream and the clear. Bonds is more arrogant and less "warm and fuzzy" than Clemens (yeah, right), but it doesn't give Clemens a pass. Gammon's comment was that McNamee was a "sewer rat", saving himself from a prison sentence. So his testimony is tainted? What about Kimberly Bell and those beloved authors of "Game of Shadows". Their motives may not have been escaping prison, but their involvement in this issue seems to be a search for fame and fortune. Mr. Frantz, you are right. Bonds cheated. But with the Mitchell Report, Bonds' is not the only picture representing the "Steroid Era". Now it's a team photo. I agree with you. Treat them all the same. Don't believe any of them... proof or no p

80 agree | 70 disagree
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11:45 AM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Believe in these Warriors, too"

Examiner Reader said:
The system is WACked. The Patriots would not play for the NC if they were in Hawaii's shoes. And a Heisman for a horse named Colt? He has enough on his plate holding 29, 46, 87, whatever NCAA records. Shoot (pun intended) he can't even finish a game. Plus he has no guts sitting out a game (which he may or may not remember) just to play later (i.e. poor leadership qualities). Hawaii is'nt even a state, is it? Anyway they dodged MSU, Michigan, and USC by offering to play them (wink)this year. When Washington takes them out we will all go back to our comfort zones. Plus what's up with their new motto "They pay us not to play us"...

117 agree | 128 disagree
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4:14 PM MST on Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 re: "Frantz: The problem's not McNabb’s skin color"

Examiner Reader said:
i love mcnabb to death but sometimes he s not that great under pressure and he cant run now and why would you get rid of garcia i hate the cowboys but it does seem like they are alot smarter than philly and mommas boy mcnabb

126 agree | 120 disagree
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12:07 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 15, 2007 re: "Frantz: BCS shows its flaws once again"

Bob's Email doesnt work said:
I had a good laugh while reading your column this morning. The best part was when you call the pollsters ignorant, and then you dismissed South Florida. It's pretty clear that you don't watch a lot of college ball. But it's definitely amusing watching you cling to the Tojans - that's what most uninformed people do. I'm sure this is not uncharted territory for you. I can just picture you, pounding away at your keyboard last year... "The Boise St-whatevers"... "Does anyone really think Boise State belongs on the field with the Sooners". Uh huh. Anyway, sorry that you'll be the last one to the party again this year. But in the mean time please continue to let your dim light shine - and definitely keep dismissing teams that you know nothing about, simply because you don't know anything about them. PS - South Florida's team mascot is a Bull. I'm surprised you didn't know that, since your column is constructed entirely from it's excrement.

142 agree | 143 disagree
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8:19 PM MST on Mon., Sep. 24, 2007 re: "Frantz: The problem's not McNabb’s skin color"

Examiner Reader said:
completely misrepresents what Rush said. Just another left wing wanna-be writer.

140 agree | 168 disagree
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10:45 AM MST on Mon., Sep. 24, 2007 re: "Frantz: The problem's not McNabb’s skin color"

Examiner Reader said:
All the white quarterback you named at the end as quarterbacks who get criticized are all white but they are all big big big BUSTS!!! Ryan Leaf the biggest bust, David Carr another big Bust.. Tim Couch = big bust, Rex Grossman = inferior qb..

154 agree | 151 disagree
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3:27 PM MST on Fri., Sep. 14, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
I wonder how LOUD the talk would be if it was a well paid favorite celeb. But now that it's out that this sort of thing goes on (has been for years, since the dawn of time) are you willing to condemn others(famous and not famous) or only the ones the media goes after?

154 agree | 129 disagree
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3:23 PM MST on Fri., Sep. 14, 2007 re: "Kobe wants out, Wie pulls out, A-Rod isn’t out"

Examiner Reader said:
The question is not about Kobe's commitment, it's if and when he does leave the Lakers, who will be get to replace him. Lets just move on and stop milkin' the Kobe "committment" headlines. I enjoy the Lakers as a whole, not just their prima donna's.

162 agree | 154 disagree
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5:29 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
Here, here, Mr. Franz! You tell it like it is! He is one sick man, and deserves no sympathy, no matter how much his lawyers try to sweeten it. It don't matter if he was white, black, yellow, green, or any color, the deed is inhumane and wrong!

182 agree | 144 disagree
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3:10 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
Bringing up slavery as some sort of argument in this particular case is so tired. What has that got to do with anything in this matter. Vick is a mega rich football player and leads a very privileged life and thought the slaughter of animals was ok due to his wealth, power, etc. He clearly used his pit bulls as foder for his "hobbie." Get a life and live in the now!

120 agree | 125 disagree
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3:05 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
The person who wrote "crackers" should be ashamed. This is a racist term and like all "racist" terms should be considered "wrong." It works all ways you know, shame on you!!!!!!!

175 agree | 129 disagree
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2:36 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
And yet there is a glaring resemblance between a pimp who beats his "girls" and a dog-pimp who beats his dogs. Both should be strung up. Both should get exactly what they dish out.

165 agree | 130 disagree
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1:28 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
A man hitting his wife is never a one time thing! A man who batters women should be punished more than a man who kills dogs.

184 agree | 165 disagree
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1:24 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
The fact that Bob Frantz stated that killing dogs is worse than battering a women is ridiculous!!! I understand that killing dogs is a horrible crime, but so is the battery of your wife. I am disgusted with that reasoning.

169 agree | 152 disagree
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12:30 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
if you want to be forgiven for slavery why not forgive Mr. Vick stop the hating crackers

174 agree | 149 disagree
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12:13 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
Poor Vick and all those other sports figures. Life for them is never easy. Who can blame them for taking steroids or killing animals. Life must be pretty stressful particularly when you are making multiple millons of dollars per year. My heart breaks for all of them and their supporters must be just heartbroken over the thought that these poor guys are just innocent and misunderstood, sob!

164 agree | 120 disagree
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11:49 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

not me said:
"While striking any woman is terrible, it is usually a single crime committed in a moment of anger." That's not true. Frantz, just because you write for a newspaper, doesn't mean you get to make up "facts" (although maybe that is true for the Zam). Most people who abuse their spouses are repeat offenders who need serious counseling to change their behavior. The NFL has clearly shown that it does not care about such behavior. In any event, the point shouldn't be that Vick doesn't deserve to be suspended. It should be that there are other people who deserve to be suspended at least as much, if not more, than he does. Frantz, it's easy to attack others' positions when you turn them in to straw men. Good job. You write like the tabloid writer you are.

159 agree | 159 disagree
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10:54 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
When a Bad Newz Kennel dog rolled over on its back and refused to fight it was hung, drowned, or burned alive. When the coward who ran the operation was faced with federal charges he rolled over and refused to fight despite having the best lawyers money could buy and unlimited financial resources to fight the charges. Vick is one pathetic joke of man.

168 agree | 138 disagree
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10:45 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
Whew, the comments here are bizarre. This guy is accused of killing dogs, brutally! Clearly, Vick has little regard for a living thing. If he treats animals like this than how would he treat human beings. All the sports jocks will do anything to protect someone like this. I say ban him for life and put him in jail, so there! This guy, Vick, is a criminal and could be responsible for the multiple slayings of yes, animals, disgusting!

132 agree | 144 disagree
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7:05 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
Everyone is so quick to point a finger, look at your own lives. I bet the same ones pointing the finger have some repenting of their own to do!

154 agree | 135 disagree
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7:02 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Frantz: Stop excusing Vick’s behavior"

Examiner Reader said:
Michael Vick maybe wrong for what he did but he should not be indefintely suspended or have to pay back $22 million dollars. That is just ridiculous. There are killers who have killed human beings and had to pay less for their wrong doing.

166 agree | 144 disagree
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6:16 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 24, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
How can we give credit to Barry Bonds for 753 home runs when there is the guilt of steroid use written all over his face? I do not think Hank Aaron had to use steroids to achieve his record of 755 home runs. Fact, I think he did drunk. Sincerely- Examiner Reader.

210 agree | 151 disagree
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11:10 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
Have a little whine with that smelly piece of cheese you wrote. It is hacks like you that Bonds gets upset with and hacks like you that perpetuate the hatred throughout the country for him. Obviously, objective reporting is not within your abilities.

225 agree | 174 disagree
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7:18 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
anyone looking to make a name can jump on Barry Bonds. how about it frantz

196 agree | 144 disagree
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5:59 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
Why dont people just leave Barry Bonds alone...honestly. Have the players in Baseball are on steriods, I don't care what team you follow...someone on that team is or has been on "performance enhancers". Quit selectively targeting.

196 agree | 145 disagree
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4:04 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
hey pete kivlin... i wonder why u are in such a hurry to see people in jail? and why dont u mention the ref going to jail?? hmmm u DID mention 3 black super stars. stop obsessing on ways to send rich black folks to jail.

221 agree | 167 disagree
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2:12 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

AMMO said:
Come on now, every one has a flaw some where, some how. It's just that, we are not famous, there- for our flaw doesn't exhibit in any way. So, on that thought, we all need to clean up our flaw first then pick on any one else. Remember, what goes around will come around, just don't know when, and when that time comes, your situation will be wrose. Don't hate him just like you DO NOT hate yourself. Peace on earth!

211 agree | 173 disagree
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2:12 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

AMMO said:
Come on now, every one has a flaw some where, some how. It's just that, we are not famous, there- for our flaw doesn't exhibit in any way. So, on that thought, we all need to clean up our flaw first then pick on any one else. Remember, what goes around will come around, just don't know when, and when that time comes, your situation will be wrose. Don't hate him just like you DO NOT hate yourself. Peace on earth!

174 agree | 148 disagree
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1:41 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Pete Kivlen said:
Great Article. Everything you say is true. Next stop for Barry and Vick is jail. With this NBA thing, Charles Barkley may be next.

159 agree | 159 disagree
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12:20 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
oh boy. i am soooo tired of this. Mr. Franz, i'm sure you dont care that I won't read your articles. but I'll tell you anyway. I won't. In an era of rampant steroid use, why do you feel justified in attacking our home town super star? Every era has had its problems. Name calling shows a incredible lack of class. Barry might not be perfect, but he's ours.

211 agree | 157 disagree
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10:23 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Montira said:
Frantz is not a Barry fan, I gather. Sounds like he does have a personal agenda.

197 agree | 176 disagree
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10:21 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Montira said:
You probably make a valid point that most NBA players are black and refs are white. Yet, wouldn't your comment be more relevant if the article was about the NBA and not Barry Bonds?

223 agree | 161 disagree
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9:34 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 23, 2007 re: "Frantz: Barry has put it all on — Barry"

Examiner Reader said:
nerdy stat geek you moron, most of the NBA is black and most of the officials are white, your stat is flawed.

205 agree | 165 disagree
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4:10 PM MST on Thu., Jul. 19, 2007 re: "Frantz: NFL going to the dogs"

Examiner Reader said:
Vick is a shameless chickenhawk. i hope he is banned from the NFL, prosecuted under criminal law, and remembered for the kind of monster he truly is.

225 agree | 192 disagree
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6:55 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 2, 2007 re: "Frantz: WWE, steroids affecting more than wrestlers"

Fred Ortiz said:
1.) The WWE doesn't encourage steriod use, the performers make their own choices as to what they do to their bodies in order to do their job. 2.) How come your article fails to mention that most of the wrestlers that died in the past few years all worked for Ted Turner's WCW? 3.) It is a proven fact that you don't need to be on anything to kill someone. How about next time their's a murder in this country, we say the killer was a steroids? 4.) What the heck does an out of date storyline have to do with the Benoit Tragedy? 5.) How come we don't see tabloid jounalists like yourself pointing towards steroids for Rod Beck's death?

222 agree | 287 disagree
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8:42 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 18, 2007 re: "Frantz: Dirk, T-Mac choked and boxing still exists"

Examiner Reader said:
The columnist doesnt write the headlines, the editor does. The writer didnt say T-mac choked, only the headline did.

258 agree | 233 disagree
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8:39 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 18, 2007 re: "Frantz: Oakmont tough for spectators, too"

Examiner Reader said:
I agree, the course conditions should highlight players shot-making abilities, not make players afraid to take shots. When the winner is 5 over par, somethings wrong.

237 agree | 216 disagree
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12:03 PM MST on Mon., May. 21, 2007 re: "Frantz: Jason the hypocrite was right"

Examiner Reader said:
Steroid use is just one of many unethical behaviors practiced by Major League ballplayers. The baseball community looks the other way with everyday practices such as pitchers deliberately throwing at batters or doctoring the ball, outfielders trapping line drives, and catchers picking up dropped throws at the plate and "selling" the act to unaware umpires. Yes, I know ... it's just part of the game. Jason Giambi has is half right. Steroids don't make you hit the ball for base hits; they just make you hit it further.

278 agree | 303 disagree
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6:55 PM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "Frantz: Dirk, T-Mac choked and boxing still exists"

Examiner Reader said:
Regarding the rate vs. total distinction, one would think that a Sports guy like Frantz would know more about statistics. This just in: Bob doesn't know the difference between an odometer and a speedometer, yet still drives to work!

324 agree | 323 disagree
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2:16 PM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "Frantz: Dirk, T-Mac choked and boxing still exists"

Examiner Reader said:
Do you have an editor? Your comment on the foul study is ignorant bordering on criminal. Is it not your job to understand things like this? If I ever demonstrated such ignorance on a subject directly related to my job I would hope that my boss would fire me, I wonder why your boss hasn't done just that?

302 agree | 325 disagree
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11:42 AM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "Frantz: Dirk, T-Mac choked and boxing still exists"

Examiner Reader said:
T-Mac didn't choke you chode. 29 points and 13 assists isn't choking. If Steve Nash had those same numbers in a loss, you wouldn't be calling him a choker would you? Lay off the guy. Between his points and assists in game 7, he accounted for all but 9 of the Rocket's field goals. You can't ask him to do much more. Blame Yao for not being able to secure a rebound over Carlos Boozer, even though he's a good 8-9 inches taller. Blame the bench for being so inconsistent. But don't blame T-Mac when the guy laid it all out on the court, every game. Research, know your facts before you spew some trash like that.

315 agree | 366 disagree
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11:40 AM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "Frantz: Dirk, T-Mac choked and boxing still exists"

Nerdy Stat Geek said:
Frantz, you moron. The NBA officiating study shows that white refs call more fouls per-minute played on black players than on white players. It's not about total fouls called - of course, more are called on black players, who are the majority of players in the NBA. Please don't pull the "joking" card on this, either. Good humor points to the truth, it doesn't distort it.

333 agree | 365 disagree
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