Life is full of its little lessons. A look at recent events in the sports’ world only reinforces many of these rules of thumb.
Take for instance the old adage: “cheaters never prosper.” That works with sports. Errr….maybe that’s not such a good example when considering Kelvin Sampson didn’t exactly follow the rules, and he received a cool $750, 000 for doing so.
That’s all right. We can find other mottoes.
Like “patience is a virtue.” Okay, that one probably doesn’t work either after watching the Tennessee/ Memphis game. Neither team passed up many shots in the matchup of the nation’s #1 and #2. (On a side note did anyone else catch the Chesterfield Kings song – “Up and Down” being used by ESPN as commercial lead in?)
Then there’s “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The New Jersey Institute of Technology men’s basketball team probably doesn’t see any wisdom in this idea. The Highlanders are 0-29 this year and have lost thirty-three in a row overall.
Well we can try “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” That works right? Unless you consider Brad Daugherty. The eight-year NBA veteran has now shown his expertise in left –hand turns as a NASCAR analyst for ESPN.
Okay so those don’t work. There are others.
“A man should protect the good name of his wife.” There you go. Sports reinforces that rule…ooops…Mr. McNamee, in the bedroom, with a hypodermic needle.
We’ll find one that works.
How ‘bout – if a>b, and b>c, then a >c, right? Unless you ‘Self’-destruct. The Kansas Jayhawks annihilated the Oklahoma Sooners earlier this year by the count of 85-55. Oklahoma beat cross-town rival Oklahoma State 64-61. Kansas should handle the Cowboys right? Not quite. Okie St. won 61-60.
Maybe “the best things in life are free.” Sports personify that right? Snap, New England Patriot fans might not agree – the AFC Champ increased its highest-priced tickets by $44. Does that mean parking fees around Gillette Stadium will also increase?
Here’s one that works – “what goes up; must come down.” Check out Leonard Houston, #5 in blue, climbing the ladder. Throw it down, young man!!!!!
More that work:
“A good friend always has your back.” Andy Pettite can attest to this. As he responded to media questions this week about his HGH use, teammates Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Riviera sat nearby to offer support.
“There’s no place like home.” Yeah, the Boston Celtics, mired in a three-game road skid, would gladly trade the warm breezes of Phoenix for the snow-covered streets of Boston. Sorry Muels.
Remember always take your B-12 orally.
Reynell says
“The grass is always greener on the other side.”
Billy Gillispie should have looked a little closer at this saying. With blue grass comes very high expectations. Gardner-Webb, an uncharacterstic four-game skid, and a blow out to Vandy has Wildcat fans scowling. Maybe two wins against the Vols of UT, one when they’re ranked #1, will help Billy out of the dog house.
Kelvin Sampson saw some green grass in Hoosier country and thought it would be a good idea to get away from his his phone bill at Oklahoma. Great choice – you applied to a university that, prior to your hiring, implemented a zero tolerance policy and 24 hour watch on all basketball operations. Hm…No idea how they caught you.
You have to wonder if Bob Huggins thinks it is greener in Morgantown this season. Michael Beasley, Huggins first big recruit at Kansas State, is having a POY type freshman season. And speaking of Beasley…
He’s probably thinking the grass of the NBA is greener, or at least the paychecks are. Hopefully he takes note of Brandan Wright’s decision and realizes that post players need to be polished products before they enter the NBA (The only thing Brandan is close to averaging in double figures is minutes – 8.2 a game). Plus, stay a year or two and lure a top guard-recruit and take a shot at the final four.
Casey says
Reynell,
Huggins’s move to WVU was supposedly motivated by family ties. Earlier this season ESPN did a spotlight on Huggins that attempted to portray a softer side of him. Huggins was interviewed and appeared a little choked up to be returning to his roots and to be able to have his father come to all of his games. The whole thing was a little tough to believe given what we have seen of Huggins on the sideline.
As I was reading I half expected you to mention Beilein. Gotta admit his recent move could be argued as different from the rest.
Casey
Smitty says
Apologies Casey.. just read your Kansas line.. Both thinking the same thing.
ncaahoopstoday says
Kansas was a good bellwether for other teams performance up until the Oki State loss you mentioned. But that’s life on the road during the conference season.
Beasley is no Brandan Wright outside the paint (or even the reach of his arms) there is no reason why the #1 pick of the 2008 NBA Draft doesn’t go. Unless of course he really wants to stay in college for another year and he can convince everyone around him that he should stay in college.
Casey says
Beasley is definitely talented and athletic, but he and all freshmen and sophomores lack the maturity to play in the NBA.
In a recent interview MJ was asked what the league could do about its image problem. One of his suggestions was to raise the age or create a minor league system. These guys get thrust into a lifestyle they are not prepared for , and the league suffers with bad publicity.
Maybe Beasley should move on from college, but maybe he shouldn’t be in the NBA.
The Thrilla says
I used to take b-12 down orally, but now I have my wife inject me allong with some saline.
Or maybe I misremeber. Casey is misremember a word? Can I use that with my boss.
THE THRILLA
Casey says
Thrilla,
Great to have you back on the Clipboard. You can use any word you want. Of course I might misremember that I said that.
I called you the other night. Have you ever seen the kids’ movie, ‘Matilda’? There is a strange Springsteen sighting in the movie that I need to tell you about. Call me soon before I misremember.
Casey
The Thrilla says
Will Do,
I’ll try to un misremeber.
I found a website that I think you will really like, if you dont already know about it.
https://www.wolfgangsvault.com/
Good stuff
THE THRILLA
Casey says
Thrilla,
Under Clipboard Vibes – left-hand column.
Casey
Muels says
Tough start for my Celts, but stronger finish- we will see about tonight’s “latest test” with King James and the Cavs…
Casey says
Muels,
the game is on NBA tv.
Casey
Muels says
Do you need a comment? How about: Scoreboard!
Casey says
Muels,
We always needs comments from you. Which scoreboard do you refer to?
Casey
Muels says
The one referring to the result from the recent Celtics-Cavs contest, where once again the Celts tried to “prove” that they are worthy contenders in the NBA this year…But I take nothing for granted with the round ball…
Casey says
Aw Muels,
The Celts are worthy – definitely worthy.
Casey