Published 23:17, March the 2nd, 2009
Quit blaming the economy
The economy can make people do crazy things. It caused UConn coach Jim Calhoun to tell a reporter not versed in basketball fawning to shut up. It forced the Mets to rule out Manny Ramirez even though the only other team legitimately bidding for him would fold quicker than your grandma at poker if monetarily challenged. It insured that no NBA teams made a significant talent upgrade at the trading deadline last month.
Or, at least that’s how the best excuse in sports goes.
Something’s not working out? The team you put together just isn’t good enough?
No problem. Just blame the economy. In 2009, that’s often all it takes to escape further scrutiny.
No one is doubting that the effects of the current economic crisis are real. Another huge Dow drop yesterday provided another reality jolt. It’s just that many sports teams and figures seem to have taken to using it as an excuse for anything.
You’d think that Calhoun had never been a jerk before someone asked about his state salary. Or that the Mets had never been cheap before under the Wilpons (see the pre-Mike Piazza years). Or that sports teams had never made decisions entirely based on saving money before now.
This economy is not only a problem, it’s a great camouflage. It allows the NFL to lay off employees while citing “the economy” even though the league’s monstrous TV revenues are locked into place. It fools fans into thinking their team is doing all it can.
Heck, if the next A-Rod is smart, he’ll just take the podium and say he juiced to get a big contract in a selfless attempt to stimulate the economy with his spending habits.
NEED TO HEAR MORE ABOUT: The idea that Bill Belichick gave away Matt Cassel for free to former Patriots GM Scott Pioli. There is about as much credible reporting behind this as your average UFO sighting at the moment. It is absurd to suggest that The Hoodie would be nice to someone.
SICK OF HEARING ABOUT: Stephon Marbury being a difference maker for the Celtics. An eight-point debut in which Starbury still managed to record more turnovers, three, than assists, two, got almost as exaggerated by the NBA media as Tiger Woods winning that return match against a putrid foe did nationally. Marbury only played 12 minutes.
BROADCAST UPSET OF THE WEEK: Major League Baseball charging fans $19.99 to watch all the World Baseball Classic games online. Bud Selig should be volunteering to show up in the living room of any fan who wants to watch the games.
In a sports landscape where everything seems to be overblown, the WBC is the rare tournament that’s actually much better than people think it is. The debut provided interesting theater, but you have to let as many people see that for themselves as possible.
Chris Baldwin covers the sports media for Metro.
Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages.