Bill Russell was the most revered teammate in the history of American professional sports. But it was his love and respect for his teammates that elevated him to our sports pantheon. Russell was the right human being at the right time as a competitor, a philosopher and a cultural warrior. Bill Russell was also a great American, because he refused to let us off the hook in pursuing our promise. The biggest tribute we can pay him is to continue the pursuit.
His societal impact should never obscure or diminish his athletic brilliance. He had the greatest reflexes and sense of timing the sports world has ever seen. Ever.
We’ve had some false alarms during the past couple of weeks. But it looks like today (Monday), we’ll get a preliminary ruling in the Deshaun Watson case. I say “preliminary” because there is an appeals process available to both the NFL and to Watson. It’s interesting that the NFLPA has already announced it will not appeal the decision of disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson. Hmmm. Has this decision been leaked?
In my mind, Watson deserves an indefinite suspension of at least a full season. Keep in mind that he just agreed to settle three of the four active civil suits against him. But the NFLPA has warned that any punishment it considers excessive could result in a massive lawsuit in federal court. That’s a can of worms the league would much rather not open. If nothing else, today’s decision will give us an accurate assessment of the balance of power between the league and the players association.
The Cowboys haven’t been to a Super Bowl in 26 years. But, hey, they lead the league in jersey sales and, valued at $7.64 billion, are the most financially valuable franchise across all sports. So let the arrogance continue! We’re Number One!
This caught my eye. The Bengals, at “only” $2.84 billion, are five months removed from a SB berth. And they could be six months away from another one.
I’m glad the ‘Niners and Deebo worked it out. They’re a perfect fit.
Walk it off, Yordan! Great performance by Jake Odorizzi as well. That was a nice bounceback from Saturday night’s aggravating loss to the Mariners.
The Rangers have been the victim of three “immaculate innings” by opposing pitchers this season. (Defined as nine straight strikes resulting in three straight K’s.) In each case, Ezekiel Duran was one of the Rangers’ batters. That could, you know, give a guy a complex…
Tell me why Tony Finau would not be considered the world’s number one golfer. He’s certainly the hottest one.
