It has been somewhat of an odd year since last Thanksgiving as the world of sport continues to change on a daily basis. With that said I still have a lot to be thankful for.
I am thankful that the Cardinals did not over commit when it came to free agency last season. Yes, they could have given a mind-boggling contract to one person and three years later we would all be crying because the team would be restricted financially. The person they took a pass on had a chance to watch the Cardinals on his big screen TV when the playoffs rolled around.
I am thankful that the Rams’ season is more than half over. It has been a grind for sure as relocation talk, leases, lack of talent and growing pains have beset the team. I am convinced that Jeff Fisher and his staff will turn things in the right direction. Yes, this will take time but they are better now than they were this time last year.
I am thankful that I do not work in the National Hockey League. Not because I don’t like hockey. I am thankful that I do not have my livelihood in the hands of such a person as Commissioner Gary Bettman, who is in the middle of another labor issue where there is no hockey. There are a lot of good people who are going with less or in some cases without because of the man. For him to suggest that both sides take two weeks off before returning to the bargaining table is criminal.
I am thankful that Notre Dame and Alabama are ranked 1 and 2. If there is a God He will let them play in the national championship game whereas His favorite team will roll all over the Irish. No, I have not forgotten Ty Willingham and the other sins they have committed over the years.
I am thankful for the likes of Renee Knot, Maurice Drummond, Wiley Price Jr. and Earl Austin Jr. There are not three better people in this city who do what they do. No shenanigans, no front-page frauds. They just represent for all the right reasons.
I am thankful that Mizzou is in the SEC. Sure, they got a lesson on how big-time college football works and they will be better for it in the future. Howard Richards has evolved into one of the more elegant color analysts in college football. Being a Tiger fan will be all good for a while.
As for basketball, I did not know much about Frank Haith this time last year, but man do we know something now. He put Mizzou back on the map, and by all accounts with the talent alone they should be much better and deeper. See you after the first round of the tournament this season.
Did I mention how thankful I am that Mike Brown is no longer the coach of my Lakers? I am told that Brown is a nice guy and deserved better. It would have been better if he were coaching the L.A. Clippers. I would be even more gleeful if Jerry Buss’ son Jim would find another team to attempt to ruin.
I will wait a little longer on new coach Mike D’Antoni to get the Lakers to the promised land. At least he knows offense.
I’m thankful that some are exposing the NFL and its leadership for what they are. From the concussion cover-up to the botched bounty gate, the NFL has problems. No matter how much money they rake in, it’s not enough for the pain and suffering many have gone through and will continue to go through because of greed.
Being thankful for good sound ownership in the Cardinals is a given. I hope that the new local ownership of the St. Louis Blues will have the same results some day. The local ownership group features the first African American as a investor in St. Louis sports. Success follows people like David Steward, so let’s hope his winning run will spill over into his new venture. Yes, I am a Blues fan again.
I am truly thankful for family and friends. Family that has supported me and my endeavors, friends who could make me laugh and give encouragement. Friends who I have watched grow and become successful from childhood to today. It’s fun to see people grow and make a contribution to society and mankind.
I am thankful for all of those first responders. Wearing that blue uniform comes with great challenges and responsibility. Most handle it with class and pride.
Yes, I am thankful for the Likes of Dirty Muggs, St. Louis’ premiere band, The 13 Black Katz, Omega Psi Phi my community and my home that it is St. Louis.
I am thankful for you, the readers of this column. Now if they would only let me write about politics … I would give greater thanks.
Enjoy Thanksgiving for what it really means, not looking forward to Friday’s sales.Â
