To: USA Today
Subject: Michael Irvin is pathetic
Date: Thursday, August 10, 2000 9:35 PM

Poor Michael. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Given his past drug problems, I’m sure this wasn’t the huge coincidence he claims it was. It just so happens that police were staking out this “known” drug haven. Poof!!! All of a sudden, like magic, Michael Irvin pops up to say hello, and maybe play a little catch.

Like any junkie, Michael is in denial about his substance abuse. Whether cocaine, pot or whatever, he is never in the wrong. It’s always someone else’s fault.

Reminds me of Lawrence Taylor. I think it was the last time he was busted in his hotel room. He said he woke up as someone was knocking on his door. He gave them $50.00 for gas, or some crazy story he used. Yeah right. I’d expect a QB that has taken a few too many shots to the head from guys like LT to say something as stupid as that.

These guys are criminals, who would be doing just what they are doing on the street corner if the NFL didn’t give them millions of dollars to do it with. Common hoods who would be holding up local package stores.

Michael Irvin won’t be remembered for his football play for the last 5 years of his career, but rather for all his off-field “law-less” behavior. It’s people like this the NFL should shun. He doesn’t get my vote for any NFL awards or even future Hall consideration.

Poor Michael. It must be hard with so many people always picking on him.

To: Indiana University
Subject: Throw that JERK Bob Knight out on his ear!
Date: Thursday, May 11, 2000 7:34 AM

Throw that JERK Bob Knight out on his ear! When a school puts winning games ahead of the safety and well being of it’s students, it’s just as guilty as
Bob Knight.

It’s funny, Bob Knight can abuse his students, but if a student ever struck the coach, even in self-defense, the student would probably get expelled.
There is a double standard.

FIRE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To: USA Today
Subject: Rick Pitino finally says something that makes sense!
Date: Thursday, March 02, 2000 11:11 AM

After the loss to Toronto on 3/1, Pitino is lashing out at the media and the fans, when he should be looking in the mirror and the locker room.

Pitino is frustrated? Well, what about the Boston fans? The problem is, the fans don’t control the team, Pitino does. If the frustrated fans did have control, their first move would probably oust Pitino in favor of a more NBA-oriented coach.

Pitino says the fans expect Bird, McHale and Parish to walk through that Fleet Center door. No, the fans expect a coach to get a playoff caliber team to play winning basketball. Doesn’t he realize that a “good” coach would have this team in the playoffs? The expect Walker, Pierce and Anderson to play their best, and expect Pitino to coach. Nothing more.

Obviously, that is too much to expect from Pitino and company I guess. He’s on his “young team” bit again. Gee, that is sure getting “old”. This is Mr. Rookie, Mr. Don’t Keep Anyone Around After The Age Of 26. This guy hates veterans because he can’t mold their minds!

I love every minute of Pitino’s woes. I watch the Celtics strictly to see them fall. Now that their home court advantage isn’t really an advantage, it looks like there will be many more happy nights for me.

Here is a quote from Pitino’s post-game Toronto statements, right from the horse’s (ass) mouth:

“And we are going to stay positive all the way through it. And if you think
I will come to negativity, you are wrong. You’ve got the wrong guy leading this basketball team.”

Yes, Rick, Boston does have the wrong guy leading their team. It’s about time you finally realized this.

To: The O’Reilly Factor
Subject: D. Strawberry should be kicked out at once
Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2000 11:32 PM

How many chances are they going to give Darryl Strawberry? Baseball should kick this jerk out once and for all.

It’s because of people like Strawberry, athletes are more known for their off-the-field escapades than their on-field success. How can the Yankees continue to stand by this guy?

Darryl Strawberry, Lawrence Taylor and other guys who continue to abuse their celebrity, and seem to wiggle out of any jail time for their actions are a disgrace to all sports. I hope now, with the high profile athlete arrests, the justice system uses these people as examples.

This type of behavior cannot and should not be tolerated anymore. It’s a joke. Reading the sports section is like reading a court docket. It’s no fun anymore.

To: USA Today
Subject: Rick Pitino must go… FAST
Date: Sunday, February 20, 2000 3:55 AM

I am starting to sound like a broken record, but nobody seems to be hearing me, or wanting to even acknowledge the fact that Rick Pitino must be exiled, deported, fired or even arrested.

For some reason the media, and especially the Boston media, are giving Pitino a huge pass when it comes to accountability. I don’t know what pixie dust he used on the media, or the Celtics organization for that matter– in giving him the control, the money and length of contract.

Every night I read Pitino’s post game comments, and every night I smirk with sense of knowing that this guy is really a fox with the keys to the hen house.

He seems to bring new meaning to the word “excuse”, and he uses them more frequently than ever.

Last year, he had a few, and as time went on he broke out most and sometimes all of them in his post-game rhetoric. His excuses for not performing well last year was the obvious “the lockout really hurt us, as we haven’t had time to prepare” and “this is a young team, and we really need to gel and mature (more on this one later) and “basically, I have an expansion team. It’s hard to get all these guys on the same page”.

At some point during last season, and many times in the same sentence, Rick Pitino used these excuses. And each time I heard him, I couldn’t believe my ears.

Expansion team? He cleaned house, and created this team. How can he say that? If he doesn’t like his team, maybe he should have thought twice about re-tooling every year with a guy two years younger than the previous guy. I guess he doesn’t like veteran players with experience.

Young team? Well, when you have a “college mentality” in the NBA, you probably will gear your perceived “recipe for success” with a bunch of young guys who need to be hand held from the start. This handholding also leaches to the veterans, which is why the team can’t or won’t go after any established players. Who wants to hear Pitino yelling plays up and down the sideline?

A lockout shortened season? Gee, I feel bad for Rick on this one. This was definitely out of his hands… and out of the hands of every other team in the NBA, including San Antonio, and I don’t recall any coach complaining the way Pitino did.

Now, Pitino is back the “mature” excuse, using the last couple of nights, and probably many times this year.

When your team is bad, you have to say it. You can’t go around telling everyone tall stories, white lies and total nonsense.

Rick Pitino is no NBA coach in this new era. He may be a motivator of college stock, but he sure can’t motivate his team to perform night and night out. He may only have enough in his bag for 20 games a year, as opposed to a full NBA season. College suited him just fine, and that is where he’ll end up when he resigns, hopefully in the next 2 years.

But this can’t happen unless the media put some pressure on him. The media won’t even mention the fact that he took a team, a team that I believe can make the playoffs, and is hurting them. He had a 3-year plan. Yeah, that’s as exciting as his dental plan.

I would like to see someone write an article on Rick Pitino, stating stats, conclusions and just noting the ineffectiveness of his job, and giving to account the high salary he’s making with the control in the organization he has, it may get much worse before it gets better.

I have only seen one article to date, some 5 months ago. PLEASE, get the word out. Use the headline: RICK PITINO SHOULD BE FIRED

I live in Western Mass, and try to see the Celtics whenever I can (as I do the Patriots), and so far I’m 4-0, that is the opponent (who I root for every time) has never lost. I’ve seen the Bulls in 1996, Detroit 1998 and Philly 1998, and the Lakers 1999. I’ll be seeing the Sixers in April, and I’ll be 5-0 lifetime in Boston.

RICK PITINO SHOULD BE FIRED

To: USA Today
Subject: Randy Moss is just a JERK
Date: Friday, December 21, 2001 9:46 AM

When the Patriots had a chance to draft Moss, but passed up on him and took Robert Edwards, I was very upset. Then, when Edwards had a great rookie year, I felt a little better. When Edwards suffered that “freak” injury during the Pro Bowl festivities, I again felt bad we didn’t pick up Moss.

I can safely say I no longer feel that way.

Moss is a big joke right now, and his reputation as an infantile jerk is growing. I mean, how hard is it really for a guy with that much talent? If he would just apply the same work ethic J. Rice has used for nearly two decades, that might work for him too!

As quick as Moss is.. as tall as he is.. as high as he can jump.. I still feel T. Owens is the premier receiver in the NFL right now. Yes, he too has troubles with attitude, judgment and behavior, but it seems he is trying more right now (he at least gets a few style points for the Dallas “50″ yard line celebrations).

I feel sorry for the fans of Minnesota, who have to put up with his antics week in and week out. He is getting a bit bigger than the team; in a bad way. When his on and off field tantrums are getting reported more than the successes of the team (which have been scant as of late), that only hurts everyone involved with the team and it’s support.

And what about his buddy, C. Carter? Each week I see Carter crying, stomping and yelling at everyone in site. He, as well should look in the mirror and start with himself. Carter is no good influence on Moss right now. Culpepper must be counting his blessings that he is injured right now, away from the likes of that duo.

In closing, Moss could be one of the greatest, if not the greatest receiver since Rice. But, at this point in his life he chooses not to be determined to achieve this goal. That’s too bad, because every player is only one injury away from retirement, and it would be a shame to leave the game knowing you could have been the best, but settled on being just another jerk.

To: The Sporting News
Subject: Randy Moss is a jerk
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 6:25 PM

Another star has fallen from my sky.

I remember that NFL draft so well. The Patriots had a chance at Moss, but passed up. Then they almost had another go at him, but Minnesota beat ‘em to the punch. I’m sure the Pats would have taken him if he were around for their second pick in 1st round.

Now, several years later, and having been freed of Terry Glenn just recently, I’m glad the Patriots passed on Moss. Moss has turned out to be a talented player with absolutely no respect for the game and a very selfish person, to say the least.

His latest skirmish with the law was my “final straw”, although having watched highlights of his game last week, that should have been enough.

I’m shocked at how Mike Tice is treating this. “Let’s wait to see if any charges will be filed?” Are you serious?? They were so quick to say he’ll be playing this week. If I were the owner, this guy would not play, and would not even be allowed on the sidelines.

The reason players get like this is because no one will put their foot down. God forbid you get the $75M kid mad! I’m just as sick with T.O. and K.J.– as talent goes, they are great receivers, but I’m so sick of their whining and crying, I’ve tuned them out.

And Mike Tice. Will someone tell this guy to take those pencils out from behind his ear when he’s doing interviews? The only people who should have a pencil behind their ear are bookies and carpenters. Not to mention how stupid he looks. Is he going for the “brilliant” look?

From the way he handled this latest Moss case, I’d say I have little respect for him as well.

I can never root for Moss again.

To: Hinsdale Greyhound Track
Subject: Hinsdale: Poor Public Safety Concerns
Date: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 4:48 AM

I went to Hinsdale on Sat. night, Aug. 3. What type of facility are you guys running? Don’t you think it’s time for a renovation? With all the money being wagered, I’m sure you can at least purchase new chairs and tables for the outside area. I saw 2 people fall over as the back legs of those cheap plastic chairs gave in.

Part of the reason one man fell, was his chair slipped on some sand on the black top. This is totally unacceptable, and if that were me, I would definitely seek damages for those falls.

The owners of the track must not have any pride in the product they are offering. That track is old, most of the wood outside is rotted, and you seem to think a coat of paint is all that is needed.

Back to those patio tables/chairs? You can’t be that cheap, can you? These things are plastic pieces of trash, that when the air is humid, buckle under normal weight. I’m surprised you haven’t been hit with any lawsuits to date for injury.

You should take a note from the Indians in the gaming industry. They take pride in the product they put out, and spend real money renovating their facilities. Hinsdale is a dump that is just running into the ground. Take the money and run.

In closing, you better be on the look out for injury hazards of the likes I saw on Aug. 3. I for one will not be so kind as the people who fell off those chairs. I will surely seek damages in a court of law.

I think the lack of caution and safety concerns for your patrons is story that local press would like to hear. I will most likely contact area media outlets and either e-mail or phone them. Hinsdale could be a great place, but is just another dive, only dedicated to taking in wagers.

To: The Sporting News
Subject: Why Barry Bonds is a JERK!
Date: Sunday, May 26, 2002 2:49 PM

I used to say, Barry Bonds is just doing his thing, and not letting media or any other distractions follow him on the field, or off. Now I’ve come to realize he is just a JERK, and if I were truly one of his fans, I’d find another “superstar” to idolize.

God forbid Barry hit a home run in a game they happen to lose, AND a reporter asks him about that home run after the game. You can already see the JERK jumping out of his skin. He’ll pop off with some stupid remark like, “A home run means nothing if we lose”, or “We just lost, that’s all that matters”.” Yes, maybe so, but don’t your fans deserve more! They pay to see you hit home runs, not talk about losing. So it’s only fitting that the fans would like to take something good out of the game, and at least hear you talk about your home run, ESPECIALLY, when it’s a record breaker!

It’s one thing to do a dance after the game when you break a record, while losing the game. That would be stupid, and ME orientated. It’s another thing to say, yeah, I have a great sense of satisfaction in achieving all my goals, and I hope I provide my fans with the excitement and enjoyment that they deserve AS paying customers (or something like that).

You don’t have to qualify every home run that is hit in a losing game by saying “Personal accomplishments mean nothing.” Well, what do you play for? Just to be a robot? A cog in the grand works? No. Every player wants to be the best. Every player wants to hold every record. Anyone who says otherwise is disingenuous. You can always be diplomatic and not hurt anyone feelings.

Now I can understand why just about every player he has ever played with can’t stand this guy. I don’t understand how is fans can.

To: USA Today
Subject: NFL should FIRE the Bengals!
Date: Monday, December 30, 2002 1:02 PM

Dick LeBeau out in Cincy? Wow, what’s new? The only thing that changes for Bengals fans is the head coach and their 1st overall picks. Nothing more.

The real problem is owner Mike Brown. This guy has to be the most arrogant, egotistical, single minded, stubborn S.O.B. I’ve ever heard of. Obviously, what he is doing does not work. If the NFL had any “footBALLS”, they’d give him an ultimatum on cleaning up that franchise, or risk either a hostile takeover or contraction.

In terms of success, think if this team was a Fortune 500 company. Think in terms of not producing (winning season) a profit since 1991!!! You would be delisted from the big board, your shareholders would sell like an “after Christmas Wal-Mart special”, and the CEO would never work again. Oh, and you’d probably get sued for cooking the books to lead on your shareholders.

The fans deserve more. No general manager? Yeah, Brown has a good eye when it comes to draft picks. They are on the clock as I write. I wonder which bust they’ll get this year? Even still, I wonder if the #1 pick will have any reservations about signing with them?

The NFL has to put pressure on this deranged “Addams Family”, and tell them to shape up or put the team up for sale, or do something. What an embarrassment to the league.

At some point you must ask yourself, is it the coach, the players, or the ownership. Then you must see, who controls all of the above. Then, you get your answer. Mike Brown must go.

I’ve spoken my peace.

To: UtahJazz.com
Subject: Karl Malone…. WHY????
Date: Sunday, June 08, 2003 1:09 PM

Why does Karl Malone refer to himself in the third person?? This just isn’t normal! I’ve never referred to myself in the third person, and I can’t see a situation that would call for it.

Is this guy’s ego so big that he thinks everything is about him? It’s too bad he hasn’t won anything, like say Michael Jordan, who incidentally, never refers to himself in the third person.

I know he may have limited verbal skills, but come on, you can say “me” or “I” once in a while. Maybe he just likes hearing his name.

Personally, I hope he retires and goes away.

To: USA Today
Subject: Forget the cork, why the 76 bats???
Date: Thursday, June 05, 2003 9:21 AM

Put the cork aside for a minute. Why does anyone need 76 bats? I think that is the most egregious part of this whole story. No person needs 76 bats… for anything.

Here’s a quote from Sosa on fan support–

“They know that I am an innocent person. When I went to right field, everybody was cheering for me. I feel very happy inside. It’s something I’m never going to forget.”

Never going to forget? No, this IS something you WANT to forget. Don’t ever forget about that home run race you and Mark had back in 1998.

Also, let’s look at the odds shall we. Think of the number of at-bats per year. Then think how many times in those at-bats the bat will actually shatter. THEN, think of the odds that at that precise moment of shatter, you happen to be using a corked bat– THAT YOU PICKED UP BY ACCIDENT!!!

These odds are astronomical that he picked up the wrong bat by chance, and that he used it for this one, single time. NO WAY.

With 76 bats, I could see how someone could make a mistake. But, the odds are against him.

For full disclosure, I can’t stand Sosa, so you can see where I’m coming from.

To: NBA.com
Subject: Official NBA Logo Change…
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2003 11:40 PM

The Official NBA Logo needs to be changed. This logo, which is the silhouette of a white man, who resembles Bob Cousy, does not represent the fact that about 90% of the league is African American.

Seeing that just about everything having to do with the league is geared towards African Americans, i.e.. the rap music featured in games/commercials, the “street” aspect of the game, etc., this logo is no longer valid.

This past all-star game half-time show almost made me sick! I’d like to see some “white culture” once in a while, like that guy in your logo!

I doubt the league will take up this issue any time soon, but if I were a player, I would feel quite awkward, looking around at all these faces, and then see this white man’s logo on my jersey.

For the roughly 8% whites who play the game, I’m sure they feel some pride in it.

For the record, the Sixers are my favorite team, and Allen Iverson is my favorite player.

To: The Sporting News
Subject: Instant Replay NOT even close
Date: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 12:45 AM

I have some comments on your article Let’s review everything in last two minutes

First, think why replay should be used. It should be used to confirm a good call or overturn a bad call. Plain and simple. But, the way it is set up, it doesn’t even come close to achieving this goal.

Example. A running back fumbles the ball. But hey wait, some fish-eyed ref said he was down by contact. Uh-oh, no replay for that guy. Now, this is the PERFECT situation for replay. Replay should correct a bad call. By not making replay available for all major instances, and I mean major as change of possession plays, touchdowns, or other special plays, you make replay a watered down tool. On such major plays, replay should be allowed.

And what’s with all the red flags?? Are we making this a game? What if an incorrect call happened outside of two minutes, and the Giants were out of challenges? They could not review it, and the booth could not review it. Under the current system, that call would have stood, as a bad and wrong call.

Get rid of that stupid challenge system, and leave it all up to the pros in the booth.

All that junk about making the game too long. Well, if they’d cut out a few blocks of commercials, we could have all the replay we could ever want.