Ball or Nuthin' » Tiger Woods

There’s No Shortage of “Good” Athletes

T Lamont — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:23:49 +0000

A couple of days ago, I came across an article highlighting the recent trend of sports heroes being disgraced by their actions, injuries, or general incompetence.

It was an interesting read. But what really caught my attention was the proclamation that – due to these occurrences - children are void of athletes that they can look up to in professional sports.

In that assessment, the author could not be any farther from the truth. While some superstar athletes have certainly had their share of blemishes appearing on their records, there are tons of professional athletes who may be flying just a tad below radar. The media circus always gravitates towards the headlines that grab attention – and rightfully so. However, a blanket statement that there aren’t any sports heroes encompasses an entire set of athletes…and we should definitely realize that there are plenty of competitors who are playing by the rules, not cheating on their significant others, staying out of trouble with the law and being productive citizens to the global community.

After all, isn’t that what being a role model is all about?

By my definition, the article that I read included a few names that I would not have – especially if the circumstances of diminished performance are a part of normal life. There hasn’t been a successful cure for aging. And who can be bashed for starting a family? The other things – actions related to poor decision-making – should indeed impact the hero status of that particular athlete.

Sure, Tiger Woods, Michael Vick and Alex Rodriguez may steal all of the headlines. But what about these big-time athletes:

Vince Carter – The guy who produced the most memorable dunk contest ever has been universally criticized for not giving his all on the basketball court. Well, maybe that’s because he saves a little so that he can give his all where it really counts. A highlight waiting to happen, Vince has always stressed the value of education, and he even walked the walk by almost missing a pivotal Game 7 in the playoffs to receive his college diploma. Carter has always been one of the most charitable people in sports.

Raiders' defensive wizard Nnamdi Asomugha has maintained an active role in his community.

Nnamdi Asomugha – Recently, most press clippings that mention the Pro Bowler are only referencing him as a part of a story featuring Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. You’d think that the defensive back who was regarded as the best in his position for three years – and who arguably is still the best – would get more media attention. But the public has learned not to expect that from a quiet humble team player who’s helping future students and athletes in his community, as well as people in his home country of Nigeria.

Albert Pujols – Now we all know how good ‘Fat Albert’ is on the baseball diamond, but he takes even more pride in what he does for others. The most feared hitter in the game has perhaps become the most generous giver as well. Among the many charities that he’s involved in, the three-time NL MVP has a foundation that assists children and young adults with Down Syndrome. Pujols is a former recipient of the Roberto Clemente award, which honors baseball’s most socially aware players.

These are a few athletes who represent the upper crust of talent in their respective sports. But most importantly, they are great people who are excelling at the most important game – - the game of life.

Can Tiger Benefit From His Divorce?

T Lamont — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:29:17 +0000

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The cloud looming over Tiger Woods’ personal life has finally passed on.

Yesterday, it was announced that the divorce proceedings between Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren were finalized. The following statement was prepared by Nordegren’s representatives:

“We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future. While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us.”

“Once we came to the decision that our marriage was at an end, the primary focus of our amicable discussions has been to ensure their future well-being. The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern.”

While the announcement itself may be over, the financial settlement is far from over. With Woods’ worth is something of epic proportions, one can only imagine how much Nordegren will end up with. Now, Elin had signed a prenuptial agreement, but the outlandish style of Woods’ philandering gave her ammunition to renegotiate their financial situation.

Elin stands to make some pretty big bank from the divorce.

So, with a great deal of money to be ripped from Woods’ account, is there any way that he can benefit from this debacle?

Well, if anyone has witnessed his golf game recently, the obvious answer would be – - maybe.

Woods’ performance has been mediocre since his dirty laundry has been revealed to the public. And no one really knows what has caused his decline. Could it be the hiatus that he took from the tour to address the issues with his marriage? Or could it have been the general worry that may have controlled his mental state since late 2009? There’s also been an article written suggesting that there is indeed a plateau level that great golfers reach, and that the fall-off is rather dramatic – - and that is happens when porfessionals reach the age that Tiger has.

There’s definitely a lot to speculate, but with his family life in shambles one thing is certain:

Tiger has always had the drive and determination to be the best. Now that he has slipped, can he regain his footing and drive ahead to reclaim his status as the best golfer in the world?

Tiger Missing His Tail?

T Lamont — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:45:55 +0000

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The world of professional sports is filled with superstition.

Athletes, managers and even owners have their distinct rituals that they repeat for fear that their success will be fleeting. Even the most talented, iconic superstars hold fast to the smallest details that they feel will affect their athletic performance.

Major league baseball Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs only ate chicken before his ball games.

NBA icon and six-time champion Michael Jordan always wore his University of North Carolina basketball shorts underneath his Chicago Bulls uniform.

NBA point guard Mike Bibby’s fingernail obsession ended with a team member providing him with clippers during timeouts.

The fortunate part about superstitions in professionals sports is that fans rarely get to witness the effect of broken ones. What would a broken superstition resemble? How about Tiger Woods’ recent struggles?

In seven tournaments since Tiger’s return to the tour, the golfing phenom has resembled a mere mortal. Woods best finish in these events was a fourth-place spot at the Masters, which was his first event back from his hiatus. Immediately following this, Woods missed the cut at the Quail Championships and then withdrew from the Players Championship – citing a mysterious injury - after posting a subpar 212 after three rounds.

Tiger has stumbled upon some difficulties with his mechanics.

Tiger’s funk continued in three of his next four tourneys. He managed another fourth-place finish – this time in the U.S. Open – but in the other three stops on the tour his highest position was 19th. His other finishes? How about 23rd place at the recently completed British Open, 46th at the AT&T National and the aforementioned 19th place at the Morgan Stanley Memorial Tournament…

Woods’ technique has been erratic, at best. His putting has been off since his return, indicating either an inability to properly read the green or an inability to execute his putting stroke according to what he’s reading. In both cases, Tiger would be showing us something that we haven’t seen in him in about a decade – and that would be an actual vulnerability in his overall game.

Or perhaps there’s something missing from Tiger’s routine…something that he was accustomed to doing that he’s not anymore…maybe something has changed since his return…

I think we all know what that could be. For the sake of the PGA Tour, just don’t tell Erin about it.

Ten Most Disliked Sports Figures??

T Lamont — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:51:03 +0000

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Fox Sports recently posted its “Top 10 Most Disliked People in Sports”…and in more than a few of their choices, they missed the mark.

Let’s review their top 10:

10. Gilbert Arenas

Now obviously, Arenas was a late entry…barely making the cut at #10, which Fox Sports may believe actually makes it legit. But I’m sorry – Arenas in no way deserves to land on this list. Throughout his career, he’s been nothing but a jovial prankster – - trying to live up to a reputation as a carefree rebel without a cause. Well, that finally caught up with him this fall, and suddenly – out of the thousands of notable sports related people – he’s one of the top 1% (or less) of disliked people. I’m not buying it.

9. Allen Iverson

This must be a lifetime achievement award, if you will. Iverson hasn’t done anything of importance on or off the basketball in a few years now. The last unlikable A.I. incident was probably when he beefed about coming off the bench for Detroit (and, as sorry as they are, who in their right mind wouldn’t have beef about that?).

Of course, Iverson has been reckless during his basketball career, being involved with guns, fights, unhappy relationships with coaches, etc…

He’s one of the pioneers of the urban, street style wardrobe that was adopted by many players in the late 90′s and early 2000′s. And the Hampton, Virginia native had others copying his cornrow patterns.

Cornrows and gangsta wear? I guess that image will last in people minds’ for years to come.

8. Alex Rodriguez

With his steroid admission only a year and some change behind him, A-Rod’s championship season did little to get the haters off of his back. He’ll always be remembered as the $252-million man – and the mega-contract only generated more critics (not fans). I even know some Yankees fans who don’t like him.

"What did I do to land on this list?"

7. Terrell Owens

What can you say about T.O.? Generally speaking, people don’t his light-hearted arrogance and creative showboating. I wouldn’t say that his hate factor is very high – but maybe this position is one that fits him OK.

6. Mark McGwire

The former Bash Brother was America’s sweetheart during the magical 1998 home run battle between him and fellow doper Sammy Sosa. But after not giving much comment during the steroids in baseball Congressional hearing, his star began to fade as if it were Big Mac’s batting average. Ironically, McGwire is looking much worse than his blabbermouth ex-teammate Jose Canseco – who admitted the baseball/steroids problem to anyone who wanted to hear it.

5. Jerry Jones

Jones is spurned by those who despise the Cowboys. Although he never does or says anything particularly newsworthy, just hearing him reverberate “How ’bout them Cowboys?!!” is enough to make some people want to place him on the 40-yard line and kick him through the uprights.

4. Tiger Woods

Once again, I’d say that this one is aptly positioned. Nobody would have saw this coming a year ago…but now, how will Woods become the crowd favorite that he was? Or will people be able to move past this incident at all?

3. Ben Roethlisberger

The road from being a hero to being a villain can be a very short one at times. But Big Ben has been building a villainous case for some time now. Roethlisberger can’t seem to pry himself away from the bar scene. It’s time for the organization to take a hard-nosed stance on Ben’s future with the Steelers. For now, Roethlisberger’s earned this spot in the infamous lineup.

2. Al Davis

Davis is too busy cleaning up the colossal mess that has become the Oakland Raiders. Davis has suffered through his bad decisions for a decade – seemingly with the next big hope being available in the upcoming draft. I don’t know why the guy would be disliked so much. Perhaps its the fact, that the Raiders have struggled for so long. Or maybe Oakland fans are the loudest gripers. I’m not sure, but a #2 position is definitely much too high.

1. Michael Vick

No surprise here – Americans love pets. Vick killed potential pets (or, if you will, his own pets). People will remember that for a long time. Unfortunately, there’s not much that Vick can do to get off of this list. Time is the only thing that can help him. And not going to parties where people who were linked to his infamous criminal activities are getting shot.

As long as dogs roam the earth, Michael Vick will have plenty of haters.

Who belongs on this list that wasn’t mentioned?

Kobe Bryant

It doesn’t matter if his Lakers just won their second of back-to-back NBA titles. People either like Kobe or they don’t like him – plain and simple. My wife, who probably knows 20 NBA players by name, can’t stand him. Bryant’s attitude borders on the edge of arrogance or extreme confidence, which will sway one way or the other based on people’s individual perceptions of him. Kobe’s a great player and, unfortunately for him, one of the most polarizing figures that the sport of basketball has ever witnessed.

Barry Bonds

How could Mark McGwire be on this list, but not Bonds? He’s generated so much hatred – mainly because anyone with a television set could have observed the increase in the muscle mass of his head. However, nothing has been proven against him – which infuriates those who hold baseball records to be sacred accomplishments. Bonds is the current all-time and single-season home run leader, and now that the cat is out of the bag (about steroids) his records could stand for some time. Someone probably punched a wall just from reading that.

O.J. Simpson

Long removed from the sports scene, Simpson is hating for nothing related to athletics. Nevertheless, he was a sports figure and is one of the most despised people on the planet. The public doesn’t usually like people suspected of killing other people – off of the gridiron, that is.

Tiger Withdraws…From Embarrassment

T Lamont — Sun, 09 May 2010 22:25:12 +0000

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In the middle of his final round of play at the Players Championship at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Tiger Woods was tied for 45th place in the field.

While he was looking like a version of Tiger Woods that no one was used to seeing, the golfing icon withdrew from play in the seventh hole of today’s round. Woods took his second shot – which was far right - grimaced, and then waled to shake hands with Jason Bohn, his playing partner. Woods then left on a cart.

Woods says he has been playing through pain ever since he came back to compete in the Masters:

“I’ve been playing through it. I can’t play through it anymore.”

Woods said that there was a tingling sensation on his right side down to his fingers. Tiger is planning to have an MRI next week. He is concerned that he might have a bulging disk in his back.

Once again, the timing of Woods’ confession seems to be suspect. In the midst of a final round in a tournament where he’s, quite frankly, stinking up the joint, he decides that he’s had enough. Could he have finished out the Players? IMO, probably. But after not making the cut at Quail Hollow, this result certainly couldn’t have been unexpected.

Tiger seems unable to eat his humble pie. Not only is he backing out of a poor performance in the Players Championships, but he also makes an excuse for his previous bad tournaments by saying that he was hurt long ago.

But now that we’ve come to know Woods in a different light, this turn of events is not surprising.