Jd’s Weekly Musings
By J. Daniel Pearson
For Positively Osceola
Tom Brady retired from being retired, it was either the high price of jet fuel had him worried about his 401K tanking or he just wanted to spend more time with someone else’s kids (Evans, Godwin, etc.)…
Don’t think for a second that Aaron Rodgers re-upping with the Packers and not seeking a trade elsewhere had anything to do with his love and loyalty to Wisconsin. Rodgers took a good hard look at the talent of a couple of teams he would have considered a trade to (Denver or 49ers) but then took an equally hard look at the divisions he would have to play in and who he would have to compete with. Let’s face it, a significant part of the Rodgers legacy is tied to his eight division titles in last the 10 years and Aaron has always seemed to care about Aaron first. Can’t help but think Rodgers realized it’s a lot easier to win division titles and get into the playoffs by going against the Bears, Vikings, and Lions twice a year, compared to having to play against teams like the Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals, or Bills, Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers twice a year…
In a world where the NFL’s immense popularity is directly tied to gambling, some fans are suggesting the indefinite suspension of Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for betting on an NFL game while on injured reserve was a bit harsh. While it is not unreasonable to suggest that, the NFL knew this was eventually going to happen and they were going to lower the hammer on the first offender no matter what. Is it fair that a $1500 bet (chump change to an NFL player) on a football game he was not involved in is going to cost him at least $11 million in salary next year? Probably not, but make no mistake about it, the Shield was sending a message to all the players…
Speaking of that, let me make sure we understand the NFL’s Scales of Justice correctly…beat girlfriend in elevator…two games (Ray Rice)… ask an equipment manager to leave a little air out of the ball four games (Tom Brady)…rip helmet off of opponent during game and stomp on head causing severe injuries…five games (Albert Haynesworth)…felonious child endangerment…six games (Adrian Peterson)…like to play Draft Kings…at least 17 games and $11 million fine (Ridley) and likes to smoke pot…6 years (Josh Gordon)…yeah seems logical…
How come my Labrador retriever will gobble up anything – including a 6-day road kill – but if you put a pill in his food he suddenly becomes Gordon Ramsey?…
Don’t know if you saw it or not but during the ACC’s tournament 2nd round game between Syracuse and Florida State, Orangeman player Buddy Boeheim basically punched Florida State player in the gut after the two were jostling for a rebound. After the game Boeheim’s dad –legendary head coach Jim Boeheim — basically blew the playoff, calling it a part of basketball, while son Buddy at least issued a statement saying he was sorry, apologized to Wyatt, and said what he did was wrong. Question, who sounds more like the responsible adult to you? The kid or crusty old coach who should have retired with Bobby Knight years ago? And — as expected — ESPN analyst Jay Bilas (basketball blue blood apologist) called the suspension wrong and undeserved. “Total overreaction by the ACC. Suspending Buddy is flat-out wrong. It is disproportionate to the offense,’’ Bilas said. What a crock of garbage. The kid threw a punch. Because it was one of Jay’s “protected brands” that was his take. If it had been Wyatt punching Boeheim, Bilas would be calling for a lifetime ban and possible jail time…
Speaking of NFL, the Russell Wilson to Denver trade makes the Broncos one of the co-favorites with Buffalo and Kansas City in the AFC. Although he steps into a tough division, he is also leaving one and –unlike Rodgers– his current team has been on a steady decline the last couple of years and probably has not bottomed out yet. He also goes from a Head Coach with a defensive mind to a head coach with an offensive background. Seattle has always shown a pretty good eye in the draft, so with them getting that many picks from Denver this trade looks like a win-win for both sides…
In ancient times, cats were revered as Gods. My cat has not forgotten this…
In the “Good work if you can find it” observation: When it comes to salaries — I have always sided with athletes in general – especially NFL players who basically risk their lives for our entertainment. Always believe anyone has a right to make what someone is willing to pay you. That said Kirk Cousins has made close to $200 million in his career and has won exactly one playoff game…
Y’all Have A Great Week.
By: J. Daniel Pearson
For Positively Osceola
J. Daniel Pearson, a long-time resident of Osceola County, has joined Positively Osceola as a freelance contributor. His JD’s Monday Morning Musings column is a regular feature and he will be covering events for us throughout the year. Dan is a former Public Relations Specialist for Florida State University, Boardwalk and Baseball, the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, the Orlando Predators, and other professional sports teams and has been a freelance reporter to many newspapers in the state.
