I’m Gumby Damn It!

July 23, 2008

I haven’t been impressed so far with what Rick Reilly brings to ESPN’s events. He seems uncomfortable on camera, disjointed in his presentation, and really lacking in insight. But I used to enjoy his work in Sports Illustrated back in the day, so I expected to feel the same way about his work on ESPN.com. On the contrary. His newest column is the second one so far that had me submitting a comment form critical of his efforts.

This one is about being mistaken for other people, which can be embarrassing, I know. However, I think the issue for Rick is that he wants desperately to be recognized, and then is disappointed to realize that he isn’t really important, famous, or popular enough to be recognized. I’d suggest that if you are paid to go to the U.S. Open, a golf tournament at Lake Tahoe, and on the “Today Show,” you probably are living a pretty charmed life. If being mistaken for Mitch Albom, Rick Rhoden, or the oven guy is the cost, it doesn’t seem to me it would be too high a price to pay.


Red Wings Machine not Mechanical

May 28, 2008

I really thought the folks doom and glooming about the Red Wings being unlikely to get credit for their victory were off base. Yes, there’d be some discussion of the Pens being the team of the future, and some writers are obsessed with how this series will affect the Pens in the long run, like ESPN’s Scott Burnside.

But in a world ruled by the Bettman PR machine, in all its ineffectual glory, I figured the media that are paying attention would manage to see past the hype to what a talented team the Red Wings are, what a beautiful game they play, and how deserving they will be as the 2008 Stanley Cup Champions.

And then I read a column by my buddy ESPN’s John Buccigross and I just went Red Wings red in anger. What is this evil empire crap? Comparing this Red Wings team with a mechanical joyless Soviet menace? Are you kidding me? Read the rest of this entry »