2008 Woodie Awards
Pilcher's Mound
sports opinions by Erich Pilcher
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Lies. Scandal. Corruption. No, this article is not a review of the fall television drama schedule, it is an overview of this past summer in sports.
Pro athletes hit new lows this summer from not reporting to their job, to committing possible perjury. Yes, this summer makes one think back to when the summer meant another heroic performance from Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals or Ken Griffey Jr. carrying the Mariners to yet another division title. Simply put, athletes no longer perform these acts of heroism for the fans. It's all about money.
It started this spring when baseball players testified to Congress on steroid abuse, or lack thereof. Some players plead the fifth in their own little way (Mark McGuire) or pretended not to speak English (Sammy Sosa) or said 'I never took steroids, never' and three moths later tested positive for, you guessed it, steroids (Rafael Palmero).
Now, it is not my right to judge, but aren't American pro athletes supposed to stand for more than protecting their image and bank accounts?
The times are changing. I remember my grandfather telling me of the days when players like Mantle, Ruth, Maris, Unitas, Cousy, the list could go on, played just to play, not for a signing bonus or to achieve records. They were blue-collar heroes, not men who hide behind shrouds of secrecy and lies.
The only reason they played was for themselves and the fans. I realize that it is hard to be a pro athlete but this summer that excuse was old and outdated. You are paid to deal with all the baggage that comes with your profession so please think about us, the fans, next time you want to beef up your stats and make more money.
Pro athletes may not think we matter, but we do. Next time a steroid user comes up, boo him in your home. You will feel better. Next time a money-grubber that refused to show up for work appears, boo him even louder. Sports fans, the time has come to make our voices heard and make the athletes realize we do matter.
Pro athletes hit new lows this summer from not reporting to their job, to committing possible perjury. Yes, this summer makes one think back to when the summer meant another heroic performance from Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals or Ken Griffey Jr. carrying the Mariners to yet another division title. Simply put, athletes no longer perform these acts of heroism for the fans. It's all about money.
It started this spring when baseball players testified to Congress on steroid abuse, or lack thereof. Some players plead the fifth in their own little way (Mark McGuire) or pretended not to speak English (Sammy Sosa) or said 'I never took steroids, never' and three moths later tested positive for, you guessed it, steroids (Rafael Palmero).
Now, it is not my right to judge, but aren't American pro athletes supposed to stand for more than protecting their image and bank accounts?
The times are changing. I remember my grandfather telling me of the days when players like Mantle, Ruth, Maris, Unitas, Cousy, the list could go on, played just to play, not for a signing bonus or to achieve records. They were blue-collar heroes, not men who hide behind shrouds of secrecy and lies.
The only reason they played was for themselves and the fans. I realize that it is hard to be a pro athlete but this summer that excuse was old and outdated. You are paid to deal with all the baggage that comes with your profession so please think about us, the fans, next time you want to beef up your stats and make more money.
Pro athletes may not think we matter, but we do. Next time a steroid user comes up, boo him in your home. You will feel better. Next time a money-grubber that refused to show up for work appears, boo him even louder. Sports fans, the time has come to make our voices heard and make the athletes realize we do matter.