As you may know, I like hockey. I watch it, I follow it and I’ve played it. I used to be a big fan of the St. Louis Blues. But that has changed.
You see, the Blues have now decided they want to suggest how I vote. Wait a minute, I thought they were trying to provide entertainment by putting a competitive hockey team on the ice. Last Friday, the Blues failed miserably in their attempt to give the fans more bang for their buck. Someone thought it was a good idea to make it “Candidate Night” at the rink.
Did I say candidate? The Blues invited Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin to drop the puck before the game.
Big deal? Maybe.
For the first time in my recollection, a sports team in St. Louis had a political candidate be part of a ceremonial event. Not an elected official who represents all, but a person who is running for that position.
Here is the deal. If it’s Palin or Joe Biden, it’s wrong. No candidate should have that honor. Get elected and drop as many pucks, throw out as many first pitches and flip as many coins as you like. Until then, have a seat and enjoy the game.
The Blues’ lackeys have tried to spin it in the manner that she is a “hockey mom.” Bully for her. I’m sure there were plenty of hockey moms in attendance that night. With that said, the excuse on having her there was bogus.
The other laugher is the excuse that the Obama-Biden Campaign was invited also. My question was when, right before the national anthem? Even if they were invited, it was still wrong. The next time the Blues need a break from the Democratically control City and County politicians, perhaps they can ask a candidate who happens to be a hockey mom for help.
It might not come from City Hall.
Rams’ loss confirms my suspicions
The Rams’ loss on Sunday confirmed my suspicions.
Most fans don’t get it.
As I list the reasons why, see if you fit any of these categories.
1) You watched the game on TV Sunday and continued to complain about the Rams not going deep. Then you don’t totally get it.
Television does not lend us enough information. The camera follows the ball; not the deep coverage and who might be double-teamed.
So how could you know who is open, unless you get another camera angle that might show things after the fact? Also, what sort of pass rush was coming at the quarterback? If you have seen the Rams a few times this season, you know pass rush has not been a strong suit for them this season.
2) Bulger looks tentative. Here is a question for you. If, because of poor offensive line play over the last four years, you were getting the tar knocked out of you on virtually every down, do you think you might be a little tentative too? Shell shocked? Possibly.
3) You say if the Rams would have had Steven Jackson, they could have beaten New England. Oh yeah? The New England Patriots have made a living stopping the feature back for teams in the NFL. This is one of the reasons they get to the Super Bowl. You think that Steven Jackson would have scared them that much? While Jackson is the best the Rams have, the Patriots have faced better. In fact it might have been easier for the Patriots to have Jackson on the field.
4) Antonio Pittman gave the Rams a different look. A couple of defensive sideline conversations slowed down the Pittman Train. If any of these items fit you, it’s ok, you have company.
Mike Singletary, where have you been?
I am sure you have heard about the new interim head coach for the San Francisco 49ers Mike Singletary and his blowup on a player Sunday and his post-game press conference. Singletary spoke on behalf of every coach in sports who has had a dog, malcontent, idiot or selfish player.
Pick a level, Little League, high school, college and yes, the pros. Let’s even throw in the fans who have been subjected to this foolishness.
Singletary is everything right about sports. Compassionate, honest and tough. Don’t you wish more coaches spoke up like that?
Here is the best thing about Singletary. He has the credentials. If the team quits on him, the players will be remembered for it and will have a harder time finding work at their next place of employment.
Go for it Mike, you have nothing to lose except some perceived losers, and you can fix that in the off season.