Tis the holiday season, and it’s time for Santa Claibs to extend some holiday wishes. This was the most intriguing year in our community with sports being a part of it. While there were other issues that certainly garnered our attention, it would only be fitting that Santa Claibs have something for all. A lump of coal is too good for some but here goes.
Nelly … Yes, it was a good year for him and Santa Claibs thinks he was more than good. His entertainment skills are well documented and his reality show is more than watchable as BET’s ratings would indicate. There is more to Nelly than just the next road tour. When Ferguson broke out, unlike some, Nelly was one of the first with boots on the ground and had a message instead of looking for a photo op. His words were more poignant than any politician before, then and after. Yes, he cares about his community. For Nelly, another year of wisdom, success and being a St. Louisian we all wish we had more of.
Rams fans … The truth and nothing but the truth on where their mailing address will be after 2015. An owner who fans really want to know and a team of players who show up every Sunday instead of what we have seen this year. I would say hang in there, but that speech has already been used enough.
Blues fans … More hope that this will be the year that they play into June. Forty seven years is a long time but Santa Claibs still holds out hope that they will win the Stanley Cup before retirement.
Cardinals fans …Two plays more last season that will get them to another World Series. Jason Heyward will answer the prayers for having an African American in the starting lineup that can really play.
Saint Louis University and Missouri Basketball fans … Patience. This will take at least two years for them to get straightened out.
Jon Jay … More respect from the media. Jay has been on winning teams at every level and that is no coincidence. Jay was challenged last year for his job. He handled it like a pro on and off the field and he was rewarded with an incredible second half when he helped the Cardinals win the division. Yes, he is the Cardinals centerfielder and that says a lot considering Flood, McGee and Edmonds all held that position and they turned out to be some of the best the game has ever seen.
Jason Heyward … A chance to show just how good he can be and hopefully in a Cardinal uniform for years to come.
Maurice Drummond … More air time. He and Steve Savard make Channel 4 watchable again. Mo Drummond is one of the most respected and trusted men in his field for one reason. He has earned it and he will only be better with time.
Jeff Fisher … More players who can play like they have been there.
Stan Kronke … Any personality and ownership skills for a pro team in St. Louis other than what he has now. Money obviously does not buy everything.
Floyd Irons … A chance to coach again. Yes, he has paid his debt and it’s time to move on. A Junior College in need of a makeover would be a good start. Floyd Irons always knew the game. So why waste it in not being able to teach it?
Frank Cusumano … More years of friendship.
The NCAA … Mass resignations so college sports can get on with taking care of the athletes who have made the NCAA a multibillion dollar operation
Roger Goodell … Just his resignation. Any time this year would be fine.
Demetrious Johnson … Hope that his fire continues to burn in doing for his community not enough have chosen to do. More high school games as he has emerged as a very good analyst who has made the games must-watch.
Gary Pinkel … More offensive linemen to have an even greater impact on the SEC. The continued desire to have his kids graduates.
Bob Ramsey and Earl Austin Jr. … A trip to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament. Who cares what happens after that.
Jim Crewes … Just one player who may be one and done and four other guys who want to play hard and be coached.
Bernie Miklauz … More of the passion that he has in his writing and impact on what happens in St. Louis.
Kobe Bryant … A body that can keep up with his desire to continue to win.
The Los Angeles Lakers … A heart transplant.
Michael Wilbon … The continued ability to remain credible at ESPN.
Mike Alden and Chris May (Athletic Directors at Missouri and Saint Louis University) … A quiet room to negotiate the two schools playing each other in basketball in two years.
Coach Marvin Neals … More time on the bench to mold young people into being responsible men in leading our community. Not to mention a few more wins to get to 700.
The late Bryan Burwell … As much time as you need with God to help your golf game and messages to keep us strong and focused here on Earth.
Halle Berry … One more chance to date a sports columnist and broadcaster.
Donald M. Suggs … The ability to let your coolness become contagious.
The NFL Players Association … A real clue on how to get really paid considering the risks you take.
Chris King … More hours in the day to put out a great edition each week and just a few more hours of sleep and tweets.
Ozzie Smith … 60 more years of being classy and more chumps to take to the woodshed on the golf course.
Protestors … A real understanding on why and who you protest and when and how to have your voices heard. We will only have one kick at the can; let’s not pick the wrong fights.
Most elected officials. A future in the private sector, as many of you failed your community, especially Ferguson.
The NBA … A bigger truck full of money to back up to the players after the next contract negotiations.
Rene Knott … More credit for being the hardest-working Sports Director in St. Louis.
Wiley Price … More accolades for being the best photographer in St. Louis and he has the hardware to prove it.
Dre Montez … More air time.
Tony Thompson … More time to continue to be a true civic leader.
Readers of The St. Louis American … Great health and eyesight for 2015 to continue to read and support America’s number one weekly. Enjoy your holidays.
