03/02/22 – Radically Rational

03/02/22

Yes, there are bigger things going on in the world. There are even bigger things going on in the sports world. But cancellation of at least 90 MLB regular season games is nevertheless both disappointing and inexcusable. We could all use a dose of “normal” right about now. This is not only bad business, MLB, it’s bad citizenship. Get it together.

Remember when the Lakers were relevant?

The Packers say they have received no trade offers for Aaron Rodgers. It’s logical to think Rodgers will make up his mind about whether he will continue to play by March 16, when free agency begins. If he wants to keep going, but somewhere other than Green Bay, Denver still makes the most sense to me. The Broncos have been open about their desire to acquire a marquee quarterback, and appear to have sufficient assets to swing a blockbuster deal.

Still talking quarterbacks, but now having nothing to do with the Packers or Broncos. You know who might be worth another look? Mitchell Trubisky. You heard me.

The Giants say they’re open to dealing Saquon Barkley. When the phone don’t ring, you’ll know it’s everybody. Not because Barkley is a bad running back or a bad guy (he is neither) but because he can’t stay on the field. Hard pass.

Shoulder surgery for Jimmy G. You remember he suffered a right shoulder separation in the Niners’ playoff win over Dallas. He already had torn ligaments in his right thumb, which will not require surgery. Garoppolo likely will not be cleared to throw until early July. This is not expected to alter SF’s plans to trade Jimmy. They say there is considerable interest in him around the league, and I believe that. Jimmy G. is a good football player. What I don’t understand is the Niners’ insistence on trading him now. They have a Super Bowl-ready team. But they won’t if they throw the keys to Trey Lance. He’s not ready yet. What’s the rush?

But there is a helluva rush to do something to help Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. The Bengals’ O-line gave up 74 sacks, including 19 in the postseason. A “franchise quarterback” can’t help a team very much if he’s in the hospital. Cincy has some cards to play, since the team has eight draft choices and is $47.7 under the salary cap.

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Paul's Bio

I clearly have the attention span of your median fruit fly.Look! Airplane!

Sorry. I’m back.

It’s both a curse and a blessing. I’ve never bought this stuff about, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But I do think that a wide range of life experiences helps us grow as people, and helps us better relate to other people. I’ve been fortunate. And I am beyond grateful.

I show up on time. I go like hell. I’m a good listener. I hold myself accountable. I own my mistakes. And I have a natural and an insatiable curiosity. I’m never afraid to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t. But then I try to find out.

The flip side is I’m a lousy ballroom dancer and my clothes sometimes fit me funny.

Stuff matters to me. I care. But while I take that stuff seriously, I try hard to never take myself seriously. As a result, I have sometimes been told, “Paul, it’s hard to tell when you’re serious and when you’re just having some fun. Which is it? Serious or fun?”

My answer is “yes.” But I think that is a legitimate criticism. I promise I’m going to work on that.

This has been the quickest and strangest half-century I’ve ever experienced. During that period, I’ve been afforded amazing opportunities in news and sports journalism across all platforms. I have taught wonderful students at the high school and collegiate level. Always, I learned more from them than they did from me. I’ve been a high school administrator. I spent ten seasons as a high school varsity football coach. I’ve been an advertising executive. I’ve hosted nationally syndicated television entertainment shows. In maybe the biggest honor I ever received, I was selected by NASA to be “Chet The Astronaut” for the “Land The Shuttle” simulator at Space Center Houston. (All I can say there, is “Do as I say, not as I do.” I put that thing in the Everglades more often than not.) Most recently, I just wrapped up a decade as a television news director, during which time our teams distinguished themselves in holding the powerful accountable, achieving both critical and ratings success.

What does all that mean? It means I am profoundly grateful. It also means I’m ready for “next.” So here we are. Radically Rational. It’s an idea I woke up with in 2017. I scribbled “Radically Rational” on a piece of notebook paper and used a magnet to stick it on our refrigerator. I saw it every day, and it just would not leave me alone.

I am second in charge at Radically Rational, LLC. My wife, Jo (also known as BB), is the president. Clearly, I have failed in my attempt to sleep my way to the top of this organization.

I hope you will learn that I’m loyal as a Labrador. But I will admit that this doggie can bite every now and then. My promise to you? I will show up on time. I will go like hell. I will listen to you earnestly and attentively. I will hold myself accountable. I will never be the least bit hesitant to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t.

But then I’ll try to find out. Let’s do it.