Catching up on some of the issues floating around the sports pages these days…
ODDS: Political statements coming from athletes and entertainers have been going on since John Lennon first spoke out against the war in Vietnam in the mid 1960’s. So Boston Bruin goalie Tim Thomas making a political statement by skipping his team’s visit to the White House should not have come as much of a surprise. It’s not the first or last time this will happen.
I asked former Colorado Governor Bill Owens – a Republican – his thoughts on the move by Bruins superstar to blow of the Democratic President.
“I didn’t like it at all,” Owens replied without hesitating. “That’s not the time to try to make that statement. I don’t agree with much of what President Obama is doing, but you respect the office regardless. I didn’t like it when people dissed President Bush the same way. You attend, you shake hands, and you represent your team.”
Thomas came off as something of a fruit loop with his anti-government rant on Twitter. Here’s an idea, Tim: Instead of bitching about the government taking too much of your paycheck in taxes, try getting involved and become a positive force for change. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. At least hold a “bed-in” for lower taxes or something.
ODDS: Has anyone asked Andrew Luck if he’s willing to play for the Colts? That franchise is just 50% in drafting can’t miss QB prospects with the first overall pick in the draft. The Elway thing didn’t work out, but they got the Manning one right. Now is the third time another charm?
Speaking of quarterbacks, we now know he likes country music, but has anyone seen Tim Tebow out throwing a football or working on his footwork anywhere around town? Me neither. Not a good sign.
ODDS: It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the CSU Rams and the CU Buffs Men’s basketball teams. May still turn out that way, but both teams are in an even better spot right now this year in regards to making the NCAA tournament than they were a year ago. In Fort Collins, the Rams have a sparkling RPI and the conference they play in has risen to #5 in the conference RPI. One more big win – and they have nationally ranked UNLV coming to the Fort soon – and the Rams will likely go dancing if they don’t trip over their glass slippers like last year. In Boulder, Tad Boyle’s young team is benefiting from a lousy year for the PAC 12 and COULD win the conference title. Somewhere fired Big 12 commish Dan Beebe is stewing.
ENDS: I have nothing but respect for the career of Jamie Moyer. It was around 1990 that Jamie came out to Colorado before Spring Training at the suggestion of his father in law, Digger Phelps. The reason for the trip: To work out with the group of us that were overseen by the late, legendary Bus Campbell. Bus made some changes in Moyer’s delivery…TWO DECADES AGO…during that visit, and the rest is baseball history. When Bus passed away in February of 2008, Jamie sent a letter that I read at the funeral service.
All that being said, enough is enough. As with all great players who stay too long, not knowing when to hang it up ONLY leads to trouble. As great as Nolan Ryan was – and he was one of the best who EVER threw a pitch – the last pitch he threw in the Major Leagues at age 46 left him holding his arm and walking off the field in pain. It should not have ended that way for The Express.
Let’s hope it ends quietly in a Rockies uniform, and with dignity, for 49-year-old Jamie Moyer this spring in Scottsdale.
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