Blinded By Hate

In my years as a sports fan, I've learned that hate and loyalty can completely blind people from the facts. We have a hard time accepting defeat, and always try to justify it with an excuse. We are also quick to dismiss someone we don't like as a person as horrible on the court. This is a huge problem. 

It takes a lot for me to get offended. However, when I see on Facebook, or have a conversation with someone and they utter the words "Kobe sucks", "LeBron sucks", or "Floyd sucks", it makes me throw up in my mouth a little. You may not like the individual, but you're frankly being unreal with yourself and others around you if you think any of those three "suck". You my friend are blinded by hate, and this is an intervention. 

I'll be the first to admit, Kobe Bryant absolutely sucks off of the court. He has made more mistakes in his personal life than Bill Hendrickson had wives and kids(word to HBO's Big Love). From snitching on Shaq when he got in trouble in Eagle Colorado, to giving himself a nickname(how corny is that), his off the court career has been horrible. However, on the court, he is brilliant. He has had some of the more epic nights that our generation has seen. I would go into stats, but I'd be here all day, so check his player profile right here http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kobe_bryant/bio.html. Bottom line, he is the closest that we will probably see to Michael Jordan that we will ever see, don't let your hate keep you from seeing that.

In my opinion, LeBron James really hadn't done much to educe the hate he has received. A lot of people felt he had a lot of hype coming out of high school and that caused a large group of haters. Then came "The Decision" where he announced where he was "taking his talents", and that brought all of the haters out in full force. I definitely feel that he has room to improve on the court, but if you don't think he is one of the top 3 players in the world, you are crazy. He has the total package of what you would want in a player. The league has never seen a dude his size be able to do the things he can. The fact that I said he has room to improve should really make the entire league shudder with fear. So, please don't let the fact that he left Cleveland, or was anointed "the chosen one" in high school keep you from seeing how great he is right now. 

I have been a die hard boxing fan for as long as I can remember. I am going to say this, and would defy anyone to disagree. Floyd Mayweather is the best boxer of our generation. Point blank, period. A lot of people see him on HBO's 24/7(he's the only reason that show is great actually), they hear all the trash he talks, and it turns them off. Yet, they always watch, so he's doing something right. One of the biggest complaints I hear is that he doesn't knock people out and his fights are boring. That is absurd to me. The game of boxing is hit and don't get hit. I can't be mad at a dude who is quick and crafty enough to not get hit, yet give you a 4 piece combo after avoiding your shots. If you can do that, why stand in the middle of the ring and trade haymakers? That is just dumb. It is really sad that people have taken the fact that he has embraced being the "bad guy" and let that distort the fact that he is a genius in the ring. 

I guess what I'm trying to say to you all is, don't let your hate distract you from that fact that we are watching some of the best to ever do it in their sport. Kobe, LeBron, and Floyd all have their faults off the court and outside of the ring, but you can't ever come up with a logical reason that they "suck" when they are performing their craft. So please, accept this intervention, and stop sounding stupid to those around you when discussing these guys.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.

Early 2012 Sports Thoughts

What up everybody. I've been gone off the scene for a lot longer than I would like to. I apologize for the inconsistency of my blogging. This last month has been pretty crazy, and knocked me off my square. I'm slowly getting back though, and plan to start blogging consistently again. Without further adieu, here are a few topics that I've been thinking on.  

Can't We All Just Get Along?- The homie Rodney King said it best. I say this in response to the ridiculous sniping back and forth between MSU and UofM fans following their bowl wins. For those who may have forgot, MSU beat Georgia 33-30 in the Outback Bowl(http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320020061). The following night, UofM beat Virginia Tech 23-20 in the Sugar Bowl(http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320030259) Our teams are the ONLY reason that the B1G wasn't seen as a joke at the end of bowl season this year. Yet, we went back and forth like Avon Barksdale and Marlo Stanfield fighting for territory on the Wire. It was beyond ridiculous. I'm not saying go out and start wearing t-shirts for the team you hate(as a State fan I would NEVER do that), but be willing to put the guns down for a minute when both teams accomplish something that big on a national level. It makes us look stupid to outsiders arguing back and forth like that. 

That's why they're on defense- In each of the NFL Wildcard games this weekend, there were interceptions thrown right to the defensive backs that were dropped. Not too long after that, the offense scored touchdowns to either change the momentum, or put the game away. I'm not a huge believer in all statistics, but I feel this one needs to be charted a little more. Football is a game that can truly turn on one play, and a dropped pick can be the difference in winning and losing. Coaches, start getting those DB's on the jugs machine so they can get some hands and make some plays. 

Don't plan the parade just yet- With all due respect to the Lebron James and the Heat on their early season start, I'm still reserving judgment until the playoffs. I can definitely see the improvement Bron has made. I always said if he adds a post game, and stops relying on shooting the three it would be unfair for the league. Heck, it was pretty much unfair without that already.  However, he has to get to the Finals, and be a monster once they get there for me to give him ultimate props. I just don't know if he has that natural born killer in him that you need to be the guy on the big stage. Kobe has it, Kevin Durant has it, D Wade has it, Dirk has it, Melo has it, but I'm still on the fence about Bron. I'm looking forward to seeing them come playoff time to see if he proves he has it. 

Addition by subtraction- Anyone who has watched Michigan State basketball the last few years knows they have been extremely talented. They also had HORRIBLE chemistry and attitudes which led to a couple of sub-par, head scratching seasons. Losing Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Korie Lucious, and Chris Allen was supposed to be blows that set the program back a few years. However, it has been a blessing in disguise. Behind Draymond Green's leadership, great chemistry, and a hardworking, grimy group reminiscent of late 90's/early 2000's MSU basketball, the Spartans are riding a 14 game winning streak and ranked #6 in the country. This team is proof that addition by subtraction can definitely be a good thing. Keep an eye out for the Spartans for the rest of this season.

That's all for for now. Just a few random thoughts I've been pondering lately. There will be more to come as the weeks go by or news permits. I don't normally do this, but I want to give a R.I.P. to my Little Big Brother David Welcome. Continued prayers to his family and friends. I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.