This is from Henry Abbott on his True Hoop blog at ESPN.com:
I am one of those people who, even though it’s 2008 and I’m supposed to be too young for this demographic, loves getting a paper newspaper delivered every morning. A fresh paper has been a top reason to get out of bed for me since college. And when I get it, of course, the first thing I do is flip straight to the sports section. That used to be purely because I was a sports fan. I’m sure you’re the same way. But these last few months, with financial turmoil, terrorism, and so much trouble on the front page … doesn’t it feel more than ever like escapism? To me it feels just a little like: OK, the house just might be on fire. But come on kids, let’s go play in the sandbox in the backyard! It’s a magical place where things like what kind of t-shirt Stephon Marbury wore yesterday matters, and no one will make you worry about soothing tensions in Pakistan.
After your last couple of columns in the paper newspaper, I can understand why you would like this. Nothing like a journalist/tabloid antagonist desperately clawing at job security to shamelessly puff up their own skirt in an era in which paper newspapers continue to see their circulation numbers decline because of the availability of more reliable alternatives. The threat of a pink slip always brings out the nostalgia in even the most cynical of us. By the way, John, nice Jeopardy-style article on all the postive things going on in UK athletics. I bet that gave you, to quote Chris Matthews, a thrill in your leg.
Hey Tom, I think you missed Abbott’s point, but that’s ok. We can look at it differently.
Don’t let the haters get you down, JC. Abbott’s paragraph may as well have come out of my own mouth.
That’s ok. Tom just needs to lighten up a bit.
Tom is light. Tom sees a lot of room for improvement in the major sports at UK, but Tom also sees a lot of entertainment and fun (which is the point of college athletics for those not actually playing) in UK athletics. Tom remembers the mystery behind Bill Curry’s “new” offense under Elliot Uzelac that turned out to be nothing other than a stacked Power-I and Tom thinks that for all its offensive struggles this year, a three year run of 22-16 is a lot better than what most fans have seen in the last twenty years of UK football. Tom also appreciates that Rich Brooks has handled his position with poise and class, while limiting the bristling to a minimum. Tom thinks that UK basketball fans would complain if God Himself came down to coach His favorite team. But, in the end, Tom thinks that positives about UK athletics far outweigh the negatives. For that end, Tom thinks giving some balance to the coverage would be nice. After all, Tom called John out for griping about coverage of the UK-UL game after it was moved to the third game last year. If Tom remembers correctly, that game received a fair amount of coverage. John Q is right, John C, don’t let the haters get you down, but don’t turn into one, either.
Tom, you can call me out any time you see fit. I welcome it, actually. Not a hater. Like Brooks, thinks he’s received too much grief this season. But you have to admit that Tennessee game was an eye-sore. And the Liggins-Gillispie matter is very interesting, especially the way Bill G handled it. I didn’t say he handled it wrong, just different. What I love about UK sports is that there’s always something to write about. (And thanks for the Cameron, er Morgan Newton correction.)
No problem, John. Just here to share the love.
nks he’s received too much grief this season. But you have to admit that Tennessee game was an eye-sore. And the Liggins-Gillispie matter is very interesting, especially the way Bill G handled it. I didn’t say he handled it wrong, just different. What I love about UK sports is that there