SportsGirl

Things just aren’t right with the world these days. I find myself feeling like the subject of a Pink Floyd song; gotta stay awake, gotta try and shake off this creeping malaise. Why don’t I care that much about the NBA? Why am I not glued to Bubble Watch 2008? Why is SportsCenter my only source of sporting happiness? It just ain’t right.

Speaking of SportsCenter, I tuned in for a late-night episode the other day and was struck by the number of things that just didn’t jive. There was a story running about Carl Edwards  being penalized 100 points for his missing oil tank lid, which caused him to lose his first-place standing in the Sprint Cup chase. ESPN had some guy, Marty Something-or-Other, on to discuss the harshness of this penalty. (shows you how closely I follow NASCAR when I can’t even remember the kid’s name) This poor fellow looked like he was about 12 years old, and his hair was coiffed in a way that created more peaks than the best of lemon meringue pies! And he was dressed in a suit. Now, at face value, I would have listened to him discuss how to punch up my bland living room on some home re-do show. But he was classic Texan in his speech patterns and something about that just did not match up to the appearance. Not to mention, in this same discussion, they had Rusty Wallace share his thoughts on the situation, also clad in a suit, and I found myself just shaking my head. Put these guys in some boots and jeans for goodness sake! It just wasn’t right.

Later in the episode, they showed highlights of that night’s Phoenix Suns game. Shaq Diesel in a Suns uniform? Not right! It doesn’t fit. And I don’t just mean because it’s difficult to find a jersey big enough to fit that giant beast of a man. I would have loved to see Shaq and Kobe bury the hatchet and re-team to win 3 more championships. Wait, I’m supposed to be a Mavs fan, right? Hmm, well that’s another thing that’s just not fitting this season…

I HATE the Kidd trade. I don’t see how it makes the Mavericks a contender for this season. I understand some feel that Devon Harris is overrated but I say he is every bit as effective as Kidd is at this stage of his career, only Harris is younger and you’ll get more years out of him. And really, the big shame of that deal was losing DeSagana Diop. He was a quality big-man who made a contribution. Plus all that cash…for Kidd? 5 years ago, not a problem. I understand the “win now” mentality that drives this NBA, (or really all sports leagues for that matter) but I can’t see how Kidd helps the Mavs win now. And because of that fact, I have boycotted my fan-ship for this season. And before you say it, I know, that ain’t right. But cut me some slack.

And alas, poor Brett Favre, we knew him well. But he has made the tough decision to retire. He says it’s for good. I believe him, for now. I don’t think it would be smart for him to retire now and come back in two years. But it wouldn’t shock me if he did. I know it’s cliche, but when I heard he announced his retirement, my mind immediately went to the infamous Monday night game right after he lost his father. Not too many games stick with me the way that one does. Even I teared up at the post-game interview. Favre is one of the greats, though I am shocked that some polls show him as the overwhelming fan selection for greatest of all-time. To see the Green Bay Packers led by their fearless starting QB, Aaron Rogers, just ain’t right.

I will say, as March rolls along, I am finding the excitement growing as the selections begin for the NCAA tourney. for the length of the tournament, I turn into a rabid college basketball fan. I’ll follow every game, eagerly watching my bracket. Invariably, the bracket is busted after the first two days, but it’s still so much fun to tune in. I’m a sucker for a Cinderella story, as I’ve discussed before. Is San Diego the new Gonzaga? I’d love to see a smaller school win this year as opposed to a Duke or UNC taking home the trophy. Of course I can’t actually pick a smaller school to win the tourney on my bracket, because, you know, that just ain’t right.