Jonathan Says

GOLF

Unlike many other people, I was not surprised to see the United States claim victory over Europe in this past weekend’s Ryder Cup. Sure, America was without Tiger Woods. Sure, much of the team was young and inexperienced in international team play. However, I think it was that youth and inexperience that made the victory possible. It wasn’t Phil Mickelson or Justin Leonard leading the final charge-it was younger guys like Boo Weekley and Anthony Kim that made the win possible. Younger players like Weekley and Kim haven’t tasted enough success on the PGA Tour to lose hunger or competitive edge. This isn’t to say the older guys have, but I think the younger players have the swagger to beat the best without necessarily being the best. This is why the youngest and brightest golfers in the United States should represent the Ryder Cup team every year. They have move to prove, they are more eager to beat the best competition and they aren’t in a position where failing is acceptable yet. Hopefully another group of young players will make it happen again in two years.

MLB

Pardon me if I’m not sad about the Yankees being out of playoff contention-I hate those guys from the Bronx. However, it’s not only that I dislike the team, it’s that I saw this happening a long time ago. As an article that recently appeared on ESPN.com pointed out, the Yankees had a stretch of horrible draft picks, slow player development and big free agent signings that lasted nearly a decade. The free-agent signings brought in big-time stars to help make World Series runs, but what they didn’t do was help build for the future. Teams like Tampa Bay have waited patiently for talent to develop over time through the farm system and are now reaping the benefits. The Yankees dug their own grave by giving away high draft picks and not developing players in favor of giving big contracts to Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Roger Clemens and many more older players. When New York figures this out, it will once again be deserving of a playoff spot.

NFL

Holy smokes-Matt Millen has been fired by the Detroit Lions! It’s about time. No matter who the coach has been, the Lions have remained the same. At some point, someone greater has to take accountability, why not the team president and general manager? Congratulations Mr. Millen, you are that guy. Not that I really think his firing is going to make an immediate difference. There are some franchises that are just destined to be average (or worse). The Detroit Lions were hardly relevant in the hay day of Barry Sanders and Herman Moore, so I’m not sure why they’d start now.

In other news, Plaxico Burress once again finds himself in the doghouse of the Giants coaching staff after missing team meetings without returning phone calls. The former Michigan State star is suspended from team activities during the bye week and will miss next week’s contest against Seattle. Burress’ suspension is going to cut over $230,000 off of his paycheck. Now, I’m not an athlete with a multi-million dollar contract, but doesn’t a mandatory team meeting, or really a simple phone call, seem like a good investment when that much money is on the line? Until Plaxico gives a reasonable explanation for his absence and lack of phone call to excuse himself (this might happen, but it probably won’t be reasonable), I’m going to have to lump him where he belongs-in the dumb athletes category.