Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin: two sides of the corruption of power and NFL culture

Forget, for but a moment, about the allegations against Richie Incognito of hazing and workplace harassment of Jonathan Martin (don't worry, we'll return to it momentarily), and look Incognito's behaviour on open display in a bar (which is to say, not in "the locker room"), as depicted in this video...

The issue to consider here is the corruption that comes from power, and the encouragement for NFL players to change the negative culture of stigmatizing mental/emotional health.

Remembering AI

Allen Iverson announced his retirement today. He was easily among the most naturally-gifted scorers ever, with a killer instinct, an even more diabolical crossover, a crazy step-back, a feather-soft touch with the ball and an unteachable, utterly incredible ability to find the basket regardless where he was on the floor.

Take a look at these highlights:

Remembering McGrady

As Tracy McGrady announces his retirement ("from the NBA", that is...) and we pause to remember how much fun he was to watch, it's bittersweet to wonder "what might have been" had he and Vince Carter stayed and grown together in Toronto as Raptors instead of McGrady finding a better opportunity with the Orlando Magic to win his two consecutive scoring titles in 2003-2004.

Que cera, cera...here's ten great memories...

Goalies, goalies, goalies

Tuukka Rask took a risk - and also took years off the life of every Bruins fan...

Have we not talked about this? Why yes, we have. But clearly it needs to be shouted from the rafters - goalies, please stay in your crease. We need you to stop pucks that are shot at the net. 

For 99% of you goaltenders out there, nothing good comes from leaving the crease to pretend you can handle the puck and help your teammates. Stop thinking you are adding value. You are not. 

Enough already.

[Sidenote - I just realized that all my articles with the goaltenders tag feature the Boston Bruins. Why this is, I know not, 'cause I sure ain't no Bruins fan...is it jealousy (being in Toronto and all), or perhaps some dark expression of respect? Yikes.]

At it again? Overtly biased coverage against Blue Jays is outrageous

A few years ago I observed the biased manner in which the Blue Jays were covered in the media. It had appeared that they stopped doing this...but recently, I saw this list of headlines at Yahoo Sports:

This is so not cool.

What's wrong with this picture?

Here's a shot of the Leafs-Hurricanes game last night... we can see in the below image the kind of hockey the Leafs play that could only end in losing. 

Does it really take four Leafs to contend with two 'Canes in the corner, and isn't anyone going to pick up the 'Cane all alone in front of the net?  Anyone? Bueller?

Sheesh, I knew better than this as a kid playing house league.

"Mecca of hockey?" What a joke - guess that's why we call them the Maple Laughs. But the joke is really on the so-called fans who pay the princeliest price for a ticket in the league just to be treated to this garbage masquerading as professional hockey.

By the way, yes, the Laughs were leading 1-0 at this point in the game. However, they went on to lose 4-1. Hard to be surprised with positioning - for lack of a better term - such as the above.