Somebody Please Help the NFL Find Its Spine

I’d hate to have been a parent with my kid at the Titans / Texans game yesterday in Houston watching in shock, surprise and maybe horror as Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan got into a fist fight after ripping off each other’s helmets after the play broke up.

Granted, I don’t go to many NFL games and probably wouldn’t take my kid, but I wouldn’t have wanted to see that. Must have been a tough work day as a millionaire on either one of these mediocre teams, but sometimes having gainful employment is difficult, and personality conflicts are part of the job.

In Soccer, not considered a “real” sport by American Football’s geniuses, team mates Lee Bowyer (left) and Kieron Dyer brawl. Dyer got a 3-gan suspension, while Bowyer (who started it) was fined $200,000 and banned 4 games.

These days we’re hearing a lot of complaints from players and pro football pundits that the NFL has allegedly gone soft. Their argument is that the NFL has cheapened the game by not letting players hit each other harder and with more force, knocking off helmets and roughing players more and more. Moreover, such voices argue that the NFL is “protecting” quarterbacks to keep up scoring and boost ratings.

Perhaps I’m old fashioned, but I remember the grand old days when stripping the ball and grabbing the face mask were both illegal; and even way, way back, when players had to actually fully enter the end zone to score a touch down, before badgering the ref to just give them the points so they could dance in the end zone. Now face masking is accepted practice and players barely need to have a foot in to be awarded points; while defensive players (in lieu of tackling their opponents) hit the ball fist-first like Gabrielle Reece during a bikini-clad beach Volleyball tourney.

When did the quality, the integrity, and the National Football League’s control of the game go down the toilet? When overpaid players started calling all the shots, that’s when.

The NY Knicks lost four players to suspension in the 1997 NBA Playoffs. Not for brawling, but for coming off the bench. They lost that series after a 3-1 lead over the Miami Heat.

Sure, cage match fighting as a sport is a popular rage now. And there’s a lot of money in the enterprise of watching two guys kick the crap out of each other in fighting matches staged by UFC and TapouT. Hell, even women’s roller derby touts the brawl as a part of the draw for fans. I suppose the difference is that these sports, while supported by a loyal following, are not televised across the world to potentially billions of viewers, played live on Sundays in front of tens of thousands while being underwritten by billions of advertizing dollars.

Maybe I’m reaching here, but I guess I expect the NFL and its players to be professionals at a higher level.

On the contrary, for all the barking from Football’s insiders about “just letting them play”, it is clear that pro players like Finnegan and Johnson can not handle the rougher play of today’s NFL. Otherwise they wouldn’t have had to take it to fist fighting and acting like unruly drunks at a bar yesterday.

Eric Cantona kicks a verbally abusive fan. Later, Cantona, Manchester United's top scorer is suspended eight months, after initially being sentenced to prison.

Their “punishment”, a $25,000 fine for each of the players, is no sort of recourse to an NFL player, considering that the average NFL salary is supposedly $770,000 if you don’t count endorsements. $25,000 is merely a drop in the bucket, and a night out on the town. Or in the context of the spoiled, obnoxious man-children who occupy the pro sports rosters, $25,000 probably constitutes a night with a top notch call girl. What makes anyone think that fights like these won’t crop up again and again, if it means the player gets their name in the headlines and a slap on the wrist as a disincentive for acting like a hooligan?

For all of the money pro athletes make, it’s not too much to ask for them to act like professionals while on the field, especially while in the presence of the fans who pay their salaries through the NFL’s exorbitant ticket prices. That’s right, “professionals”, not petulant goofballs with pads and a helmet, but professionals.

With the League leveling no meaningful punishment here, I wonder at what point will the NFL actually step in and suspend players when they act like drunks at a bar. Will it be at the punching of referees? Guns and knives on the field?

Or maybe with a little help of their lawyers and media consultants --better yet some sound advice from fans-- the NFL will lift its skirt and find its manhood again soon.



Andy Frye writes about sports and life here and tweets throughout the day on Twitter at @MySportsComplex. He plays soccer without a cup, but will lend one to the NFL should they suddenly grow a pair.

Written words © 2010. Soccer pics courtesy of the London Telegraph. Knicks-Heat pic courtesy of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Let's Give Michael Vick a Break

On Monday Night Football this week, Michael Vick led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 59-28 victory over their NFC North rivals, the Washington Redskins, and besting the Eagles’ former quarterback Donovan McNabb. According to ESPN, Vick grabbed second place among quarterbacks all-time, in rushing yardage, but still Vick threw three touchdown passes too, as a mature, complete quarterback would.



For some, the performance probably didn’t make a difference. I hear from a lot of people back home in Philly, many of whom own dogs and are animal lovers, talk about what an animal they think Vick is for his misadventures a few years ago with his underground dog fighting outfit, Bad Newz Kennels.

As we all know, Vick rightly pled guilty back in ’07 and did almost two years in federal prison. During the trial days and the media blitz, both dismayed fans and angry dog lovers were able to shop for a plethora of Michael Vick dog chew toys like the one pictured above. Sure he deserved the criticism and the chew toy products were probably the best novelty gift since Osama bin Laden urinal cakes.

In comparison though to Vick, other pro athletes have not so easily admitted their guilt and done the time for the crime. One example, Rae Carruth, who was indicted for conspiracy to commit murder, fled the law and then hid in the trunk of a car until he was found and arrested. Also, Jayson Williams, on old NBA favorite of mine, ruined his post-NBA career as one of the more thoughtful sportscasters by accidentally shooting a friend and trying to disguise the incident as a self-inflicted gun accident. Who knows how different it would have been if Williams had not tried to cover it up.

Even guys not facing felony charges, particularly baseball players alleged to have used banned substances, have hid behind lawyers and maintained a veneer of innocence.

Both Andy Pettitte and Mark McGuire did what became the usual song and dance among many of the 89 players identified in the Mitchell Report. While being grilled before Congress about alleged drugs use, McGuire essentially pleaded the 5th Amendment, though he wasn’t (yet) on the stand before a court. And Pettitte put on a patronizing smile and made it like it wasn’t a big deal at all, just a misunderstanding.

Ah, Osama bin Laden TP… That was the good old days…

Vick, perhaps solely on the advice of his attorneys against the charges he faced, did admit his guilt and actually stated publicly that he had done an awful thing and that maybe he “needed to grow up.” Plenty of people, who despise Vick, probably don’t think that statement means anything.

Not every athlete can be impeccable as both a performer and a professional like Derek Jeter or retired NBA great David Robinson. But Vick has long since done his time. And as an observer of sports and a fan for 38 years of my life, I still think Vick’s statement was one of the most honest and refreshing that I have ever heard about any misstep, particularly a felony.

I’m not saying you have to feel sorry for Michael Vick; or even that as an Eagles fan that you should buy and wear his jersey. Burn it, or use it as a dribble pad for your cat's litter box for all I care.

But it’s about time that people give Vick a break and let him play football.


Andy Frye writes about sports and life at here and tweets throughout the day on Twitter at @MySportsComplex.

Written words © 2010. Vick toy picture above courtesy of The Consumerist.com

'Cocks, Football and Grilling Pigs

The University of South Carolina and its football team have always had a little bit of a naming dilemma in my mind.

Anyone living outside of The Palmetto State would in no way be inclined to call South Carolina “USC”, since when most people think of USC they think of the University of Southern California, the 11 time National Champions. Southern California’s football teams have spawned such NFL greats as Mike Garrett and Keyshawn Johnson, as well as Marcus Allen, Lynn Swan, Junior Seau, Ronnie Lott, all of whom have Super Bowl rings; and even a statistics monster in the now reviled OJ Simpson.

---------- Gamecocks Crossing: Watch your step---------------

So historically, it’s no wonder that Gamecocks Football is played at the other USC. But then again, The Cockpit is on fire as we speak, and it might help to look at College Football’s rankings right now.

It’s an anomaly compared to what you would normally see in November. Oregon tops all three polls, and the rest of the Top 25 is rounded out not with the usual stalwarts, but instead by Utah, Mississippi State, Stanford, and Big 12 whipping boy Baylor. Texas, Florida, Colorado, Michigan and Southern California (that other USC) are nowhere to be found.

South Carolina, now ranked at 18 in the AP Poll knocked off #1 Bama a few weeks ago, bolstering their argument; right after the Gamecocks beat a solid, nationally ranked Georgia in the weeks prior. Carolina fans would not say they are at all surprised.

In early summer, I took my first trip down to South Carolina right before the Gamecocks domination of UCLA in the College World Series. The Gamecocks would go on to beat UCLA by allowing only two runs in two games after setting the playoff season aflame, torching rival Clemson and knocking out #1 seed Arizona State in their first game, 11-4.

But since this was June, grilling season was in full swing, and in more ways than one. I got to kick off the weekend listening to Cousin Scott jab his brother, Newton, an esteemed Air Force officer, about how Scott’s Carolina beat up on Newton’s nearby alma mater, The Citadel. I got the full story from the locals on their version of why Carolina Football is changing the SEC, and a short history of the Rise and Fall of Clemson Football, a former Roman-style empire of sorts.

Trash talk was rife while smells of barbeque filled the air as Uncle PJ grilled a large, whole pig on the hot irons. For me, the combination of these two things were absolutely wonderful.

Gamecocks like grilling pigs and some Georgia dogs too.

I’ve said before that SEC sports fans, particularly football fans, have a tendency to talk trash. And they do it with such refined poise –maybe it is hospitality and Southern manners—that heighten the stakes of the upcoming came without being rude or obnoxious. Maybe more to the point, SEC Football fans have a fervor unmatched in any sport, at least on this side of the Atlantic.

No disrespect to Ohio State fans at the Horseshoe, but you don’t know crazy at a football game until you’ve sat next to 60,000 screaming yahoos dressed in bright orange at a Tennessee game. The fans are actually what make Tennessee football the “Big Orange”.

But maybe things are changing in the SEC. It has only been since 1992 that the Gamecocks have moved into the conference. Before that, Carolina Football seemed to be, at best a fringe oufit, buried in the nestles of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) under the dominance of Clemson, Maryland, and the dirt kicked over them by that other Carolina, the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Live from Uncle Henry’s refrigerator, South Carolina Gamecocks mustard.

More notable, Gamecocks Football had lost all 8 of their sparse bowl game appearances from 1946 to 1988, against the likes of Indiana (a basketball school) and Miami University (that is, the other Miami, in Ohio). But after the 5-year mishmash of the Lou Holtz era at USC, Steve Spurrier seems to have really strengthened the program into a respectable and formidable one. As such, Carolina fans have a lot of reason to wear their Garnet and Black with pride.

If the momentum and Carolina football fans’ confidence can carry over to the boys on the field, then maybe a major bowl game is in the works.

Some might say the Gamecocks have had an easy schedule, but they just might grill a razorback, #17 Arkansas tonight.


Andy Frye writes about sports and life at MySportscomplex.blogspot.com and tweets throughout the day on Twitter at @MySportsComplex.

Grill him a Razorback, and he'll eat it.

Written words © 2010.

11 Great Non-United Footballers

It does get tiresome for some footy fans when they read the sports pages to find that one team and its players dominate the headlines.

That's not to say that Manchester United hasn't earned its keep as a great club that can attract (and also develop the best players. It's just that sometimes you want to hear about the others.

United turned its back on contract talks, and Tevez crossed town, where he turns and scores for City against United.

Hear are my top 10...

1. Alan Shearer - The cream of the crop among English Premier footballers in the last decade and a half. Man United desperately wanted him in 1996, and was willing to pay ₤ 15 million. Yet they lost out to his hometown club, Newcastle, where Shearer scored 148 goals in 303 games.

2. Patrick Vieira – One of two Arsenal tough guys, Vieira was best known for great passing and keeping Roy Keane from pushing fellow Gunners around. A towering figure, Vieira centered Arsenal's constant warring against rivals Man United for years, helping guide them to the title on occasion.

You miss a penalty kick. Keown laughs in your face.

3. Martin Keown – Perhaps Keown should be top of the list simply for laughing in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face after he missed a penalty for United. Moreover, Keown was one of England’s and Arsenal’s toughest defenders, and gave hell to many a striker.

4. Steve McManaman – Not a hall of famer, for sure, Macca, like Peter Bearsley, was a great example of how a true team player adds power to the team, improving performance. Also as a humorous half time commentator for World Cup ’10, he seemed to be one of the few who was paying attention to what players were doing.

5. Steven Gerrard – Say what you will about Gerrard and the boys phoning it in for England at World Cups, but he is the midfield’s top talent in England. He adds a dimension for his team that creates chances that wouldn’t be there otherwise; and causes trouble for United and other opponents everywhere.

6. Ashley Cole – Though Arsenal fans hate him now, Cole gave the Gunners several good years and is still the league’s top left back. Maybe he’s a cruddy sportsman, but he’s got ample skill and a fire unmatched in English football.

Cole is excellent at ball control; depending on what balls your speaking about

7. Craig Bellamy – Another firey one, Bellamy through a punch at Inter’s Marco Materazzi, who is almost a foot taller, 4 years before Zidane head butted him. Though he’s played for half a dozen teams, save Liverpool, Bellamy has brought an extra kick at the end of the game to each of his club. Each time you're down and out against United, Bellamy may likely score one to get your head straight.

8. Magnus Hedman – OK, I know I’ll take flack for this one, but the Swedish goal keeper Hedman was a great keeper. Problem was that he never player for a great team and never had a top back-four in front. But his 5+ years with lowly Coventry gave him the chance to display a lot of hard work that showed us just what kind of keeper, and tough character he was.

9. Tony Adams – As England’s and Arsenal’s captain, and other center back along with Keown, Adams was both a gentleman and leader. It’s been said that he wasn’t the most physical or naturally gifted player, but made up for it with wise and studied play, and a true maturity that the game sometimes misses from its high profile players.

10. Dennis Bergkamp will admit, he’s cocky and sometimes arrogant maybe. He considered himself the best-in-the-world at his position behind the striker for Arsenal and Holland. Possibly Bergkamp was the only player in the EPL whose fearless attitude and confidence matched that of United as a club in the whole.


11. Carlos Tevez...This one is a bit of a wildcard since Tevez did play for United following a stint rescuing West Ham at the end of the season a few years ago. In 2009, when Man United balked at renewed contract talks, Tevez was picked up happily by cross town rivals Manchester City. Given his dislike of cold weather, and the fact that he is an Argentine (Argentines dont typical stay in England long) who knows where Carlos may end up. Fair to say though, where ever he ends up in coming years it will involve 1) starting for another top club and, thus 2) scoring many more goals against Manchester United.


Honorable Mention, -OR- swell guys who could have made the list had they not gone and joined United: Andy Cole, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Teddy Sheringham, Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar. Nice Work, men.


Andy Frye writes about sports and life here and via My Sports/Complex on Facebook and @MySportsComplex on Twitter. He’s worth his weight in tech talk and trash talk.

Pics courtesy of Guardian.co.uk and Virgin Media