At Random: A Slanted View of the Week in Sports.

That’s right, it’s time once again to look back on the week that was in sports. Daniel Collins, host of “Sports Propaganda”, opines this week about Kobe, Deion, and the New York Yankees. At Random: A Slanted View on the Week in Sports

The predictable became a reality last week when rape charges against Kobe Bryant were dismissed. Please, everyone who saw this coming, don’t stand up, because the earth may begin to shake and spin in the opposite direction. We have all been witness to one of the factors that makes America such a great place to live. Another high profile celebrity slash athlete with the resources, both in finances and stature, to get away with killing the President if he had to. That’s not implying his guilt, or implying Kobe was the third gunman on the grassy noel, but you get the idea. Much debate has risen as to which party, Kobe or his alleged victim, has gotten the short end of the stick. There is no debate. Mr. Bryant is still married, more than gainfully employed, and now will be viewed in the eyes of history as a survivor. The “accuser”, as she has been so delicately termed, has had to endure death threats, murder for hire plots, the embarrassment of having her sexual history disclosed to the world, and countless other incidents that would make Richard Simmons wrap his car around a telephone post. However none of that compares to the statements made by Bryant yesterday. He damn near went as far as admitting his guilt to the public, and apologizing to the young women because she felt the encounter was not consensual. I hate to burst the bubble of fans of number 8 everywhere, but if one party does not consent to sex, it is rape, plain and simple, and he knew it from day one.

Paraphrasing statements made by the always-eloquent Stephen A. Smith of ESPN a few moons ago, he felt as though Kobe could not get a fair trial in Eagle with next to no African Americans residing in the small town. Mr. Smith, I will admit there is still a multitude of racial tension in America today, but this should never have been an issue in this case, and the fact that he would bring a moot point to the forefront gives him a black eye. What happened in that room that night, no one will ever be sure except for the two parties involved. However, there is a quote near the tail end of Kingpin. Ernie McCracken had just defeated Roy Munson, in speaking to the media he exclaims I finally have enough money to buy my way out of anything, I’m surprised Kobe omitted that from his personal statement, but the truth wasn’t necessary to set him free.

According to reports, the victim did not want to testify, leading to the eventual dismissal of all charges. The woman was hurt by information leaks regarding her sexual history and identity, and devastated by death threats. The question I pose is, at this point, what else did she have to lose. She has become so immersed with this case, the state spent an enormous amount of money, and by testifying, how much harm would that of caused. She didn’t let our legal system run its course, which is not to say that it is flawless. The fact is that rape will never be viewed the same in this country again, by victims, criminals, or those behind the bench. And the view will be that if the encounter is consensual in your own mind screw the other person, and that is criminal, plain and simple

The National Football league should consider themselves blessed that Deion Sanders has returned to the league. Why should they feel so privileged? For one thing, he no longer will be televised out of his element on the The NFL Today. No more whimsical, frivolous arguments with Boomer Esiason while Dan Marino just ponders thoughts of whether he should return to the Dolphins or not, and Jim Nantz pleads with the Almighty to get into the broadcast booth and the hell of the blistering cold of Central Park, or the unlistenable diatribe of the Three Stooges. Secondly, If Prime Time succeeds, he will be a ratings draw for otherwise uninteresting 10-3 contests that usually transpire when playing Baltimore. He brings charisma, excitement, and the pizzazz that the NFL tries to suffocate. Thirdly, if Deion does not succeed, I know there are several fans, analysts, and people named Boomer Esiason that would love nothing more than to see the once great cornerback fall flat on his face. This is truly a no lose situation, even for Deion. This guy doesn’t care if people don’t approve of him, that’s half of his act. I know this to be true, why else would he have stayed at CBS for so long? This is truly a great addition for a league that is only growing stronger, and the same statement can be made for the Baltimore Ravens.

The other comeback is more of the alleged variety. The name Alonzo Mourning has been bandied about this week. Newspapers in the great northeast have contacted sources that claim `Zo will attempt a return to the league at the start of training camp. You have to take a step back and admire Mourning’s heart, determination, and competitiveness. But overlooking all of those positive characteristics, you have to have a sense of realism in your mind. This is a guy who recently needed a new vital organ in order to survive. That’s not something that you can just bounce back from. This is a guy who has more than enough money to retire, but a little too much free time on his hands. There must be something out there far less risky than returning to the basketball court to occupy his time. Help inner city kids, operate a casino, find Ricky Williams and ask if you can tag along, do something, anything. Hopefully, his friends and family around him will convince him to just let go. Sometimes in life, you must love something enough to let it go. `Zo, let it go.

The New York Yankees are going through a tougher week than the Democrats have had to endure with the uneducated blather dribbling from the empty souls of the Republican Party. Today, you get the option of selecting the proper adjective to describe the 22-0 loss the Yankees suffered earlier in the week at the hands of the Cleveland Indians. Need some suggestions?
Demoralizing, crushing, embarrassing, not strong enough? How about saying a castration occurred, or the loss has been coma inducing. If these terms do not appease you, well funk and wagnels. I must admit, there is something that feels wonderful about seeing the Yankees lose. Taking that a step further, not just lose, be steamrolled, and the view of the maelstrom engulfing the house that Ruth built could bring tears of joy to the eyes of even Jerry Seinfeld.

Over the weekend, the Yankees scratched out one win against the lowly Orioles, and the Red Sox took two of three from the Texas Rangers. More importantly, the Yankees suffered yet another setback. Kevin Brown decided to go mano e wallo with the clubhouse, laying a solid left hand against a solid object. It was a good contest; both man and immovable concrete gave 110 percent. However, in the end, via a broken decision, the wall came out the victor. Kevin Brown has a broken hand, George Steinbrenner most assuredly has broken a blood vessel somewhere in his body, and the wall is now about to sign a six-fight deal that will include Mike Tyson, Butterbean, and William Perry. After the incident, Brian Cashman appeared as though his first born just told him to play in traffic, and the look on his face clearly displayed the concern spreading throughout the Yankee clubhouse. The Boston Red Sox are playing like a team possessed, and the Yankees are playing like a team who wants to cash its checks and then hang out with the Republican delegates. Maybe all of us should relax, and take a step back and realize, that it’s still the Yankees and Red Sox, things could go back to the way they have been for almost a century. The statement posted on the marquee outside Yankee Stadium, Quitters never win, and winners never quit. Great words to live by, however as much as the evil empire believes they are winners, the Red Sox finally believe that they are better.

Disclaimer: I live in Phoenix, Arizona

In case you have forgotten, Phoenix still houses a Major League Baseball team. They may not resemble one on the field, the television, or the radio, but the ticket, concession, and souvenir prices will remind you quickly the you are not paying to see the Phoenix Firebirds anymore. The Diamondbacks were baptized 18-7 at the hands of Barry Bonds, and the Giants on Friday night in San Francisco. It’s been said many times, many ways, but it’s truly remarkable that this is a team that won the World Championship a mere 3 years ago. If you don’t recall them winning, just go to Blimpie or circle K and the poster still hang high, and the beverage cups are still stamped with that precious logo. Hopefully for the sake of the game here in the valley, this year will turn out to be an aberration, and the future will bring success, if for no other reason than Jerry Colangelo deserves to see his baby, grow up to be a man one last time, with or without him.

Finally we are t minus 3 days from the start of the games that count for the National Football League. That’s right; if you haven’t done your fantasy football draft yet, consider this your personal invitation. The days of skipping church, faking illnesses, missing your child’s play because the Seachickens are televised for Monday Night Football are ahoy. Your squad may not look good on paper, there may be too much parity, but hope during this time of year springs eternal. The only thing to say, as lame as it may be, Are you ready for some football?

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