Tim Tebow

Your author respects men like Tim Tebow - honest, team players, who give their all and refuse to stoop to blaming.  That's what men do - accept responsibility and negotiate the outcomes life throws at them without whining.  Tim has never complained or blamed.  Tim shows up on time, does what he is asked, he is passionate, and plays hard.  Tim won NFL games with a team who had quit and managed to win a playoff game against a SB contender.  What possibly could anyone find wrong with Tim?  Amazingly, a majority of the media who report on the NFL do find fault. 

What about Tim does the media criticize? 

Tim believes in a omnipotent and omniscient being who refuses to reveal himself to mankind.  Tim trusts his life to that being and behaves in ways commanded by that being.  Tim is a Christian.  He reflects to thank his God after scoring.  Tim's throwing motion is not the typical NFL style.  Tim is handsome and strong.  That's it.  The above is the entire substance of the media's mocking of Tebow. 

Why does the media mock Tim?  That is open to subjective analysis but there are clear indicators. 

1. The media are racists.  Black players have reflected to worship their God after scoring for years/decades since the earliest days of the league.  Never once has the media taken issue with the Christian worship of black players . 

2.  The regular media are political ideologues aligned with the Democrat Party.  The sports media works with, and takes orders from, the same executives who frame the political debate in their organizations.  Progressive policy drives the generic media's coverage and views.  The Christian religion is Strang Verbotten to them.  The media will use every opportunity to harrass and mock and threaten Christians and their religious celebrations.  These actions follow the Democrat Party's policy preferences - for White Christians.  The regular media are racists too.  They never speak a discouraging word about blacks or black Christians.  WHY?  They need black votes to remain in power - AND - speaking ill of blacks is considered racist - no matter what.  The sports media assure Democrat Policy is applied in the sports realm.  This is why the media mocks Tebow - solely.

3. Philosophical differences and spiritual differences additionally drive the media's attacks upon Tebow.  Progressives do not believe in God.  Belief in God is: silly... for the ignorant... unbelievably ignorant - science sez so.  There is no proof a God exists and the scriptures used by Christians are repeatedly disproven by science.  Science has proven God does not exist and eternal life is a farce.  Only stupid whites believe in God.  Ergo, Tebow is a stupid white guy.  His reflections draw attention to himself (the media thinks).  Tim's persistent references to God make him unbelievably stupid - (has Tim not read what science discovered?)

4. Racial discrimination sits at the heart of the media's disparate treatment of players by their skin color.  Because the sports media are the same as the regular media and hold the same, or very similar, political and scientific views, and/or their bosses demand they report on (white) christian athletes exactly the same as the regular medias does, by definition, they are ideological racists. 

5. The hard truth is the media believe blacks are stupid - certainly not as smart as whites.  Despite their claims of racial impartiality, sports media people agree with their political associates - black are dumb and not much can be expected from blacks because of their innate intellectual deficiencies.  And there are political considerations - black votes!  The regular media refuses to report on black crimes and other unorthodox black behaviors and include the race of the perpetrators.  Criminal and unorthodox black behaviors are off limits.  Blacks are freed from criticism and complaint - doing either is evidence of racism in the media perpective.  When black players are caught breaking laws, doing drugs, or acting out in ways that draw negative attention to the league - they cannot be blamed.  They must be helped.  Programs must be created to save black players from themselves. 

The treatment of Tim Tebow is abominable.  He is attacked for his beliefs and reflecting to thank his God.  Tim wins and the media cannot bring themselves to compliment him.  Every report is snarky and crass.  Reports range from outright ridicule to slanderous inuendo.  He is treated badly because of his race and religion and there are no other reason for his mistreatment.  The media will never be ashamed of their actions because there are political considerations at stake, and they are far to egotistical to reflect upon their actions in a contrite manner.  They are also freed from following nominal rules of behaviors - good manners - because they were drawn from the Ten Commandments. 

Tim will continue to ignore the slurs thrown his way professionally and forgive those who wish him ill.  He will never be an embarrassment to the organization that employs him; through his actions or his words. 

Guys like Tim were once idolized for good reason - they are GOOD!  Mocking goodness is now a symptom of the dysgenic society we live in.  That people accept the media's treatment of white Christians reveals their fears (being labeled a racist or being found out a Christian).  Fear prompts many to tolerate insulting, noxious, behaviors by the press.  For others, it shows a callousness and a decay in moral standards.  Shame is passe'. 

One thing is certain, a majority of the media will ever accomplish what Tim has accomplished. They are not as handsome or as strong as Tim.  A fundamental jealousy exists.  The media laud any failure, and become frustrated with any accomplishment.  Racism and jealousy are the ideology and emotion that compel the media.  They will never be like Tim. 

The Forty-effing-Niner 2012 (Post) Season

Thanks to AP and David Drapkin

Last year your author had conflicts with work and this blog. I promise, "on my honor", this year will be different - as different as the Super Bowl outcome I predict will again feature the Forty-effing-Niners. 

An important aside:  The NFL leadership must change if this game we love is to survive.  A public outcry is needed to replace Roger Goodell with a man who will protect the game and behave in ways that compliment the game - not destroy it to appease politically correct groups and spend thrift players who squandered the money they earned from the game. 

I want to review the end of last year briefly - particularly the last game of the year.

Justin Smith is an amazing, and under-rated player.  It was amazing how Justin Smith's injury impacted the team's play.  After he went down, Fangio's defense suffered mightily.  A four-man pass rush that actually gets to the quarterback before he throws is essential.  Fangio's defensive scheme relies upon that happening.  With Smith injured, that did not occur often enough.  Fangio appears "squeamish" to blitz unless and until the opponent is preparing to score.  Teams scored far too often. Fangio's reluctance to blitz is another error that needs attention and reconsideration. The defensive backfield was exposed and that revealed the weaknesses therein.  Man on man coverage, and zone coverages - failed - too many times to take comfort in that crew.  They are suspect; and if they hope to return to the Super Bowl must improve.  Nnnnah-Nnamdi must step up - he is primed to so do.  Eric Reid must earn his selection.  I'm not sold on the starting corners. Only time will tell if the 49er corners can improve their coverage - without a strong pass rush.

The Big Game...  What a hose job.  Does any one else agree that the outcome of the Super Bowl was written hours after Baltimore earned a birth?  Was it not apparent to a blind fan that the Commish needed Ray-Ray's support to quash his decision making troubles that led to player mistrust and anger.  The Saints fiasco was compounded with other dubious decision making. 

Roger needed someone or something to distract the players and public away from his actions.  Ray Lewis was called.  Ostensibly, Roger sought Ray Lewis to calm the players down and project a willingness to reconsider his methods based upon Ray-Ray's advice.  Ray agreed to become a member of Goodell's Inner-Circle and feed the Commish advice on how to handle player disputes and penalties.  Roger went on TV and the radio to brag about his hiring Ray - and elucidate the public on Ray's insight and helpfulness to him.  Roger additionally praised Ray's career and Super Bowl win. Ray's return from injury in 2012 was noted; ad nauseum. All told, Ray's career could use a boost to seal his Hall of Fame Birth. 

These activities sum - to something. 

That sum is the aggregation of what factors?  What details were included when Roger and Ray discussed their business arrangement.  Make no mistake - this "deal" was no different than any other business deal.  They contain responsibilities and remuneration for the work done.  What did Ray want (demand) from Roger? Or... What did Roger offer Ray? 

A second Super Bowl win looms large. 

BTW... did ya know one of Roger's underlings broke 40+ years of Super Bowl tradition and hand selected the officials for the game?  The football zebras site has the details.  http://www.footballzebras.com/2012/12/30/6035/. 

Roger's "Lil Bitch, Mike Signora did the deed to keep Roger's hands clean.  On top of placing unqualified officials for duty in the Super Bowl, Signora and others erased the negative marks, the grades those officials earned through their actions officiating regular season games, to "Qualify" them for the Super Bowl!!!

To sum that zebra post: 
"Merit system apparently discarded. To further bury the merit system used for postseason assignments, a former official said that there are officials on the Super Bowl roster who have failed written rules tests. Also, the supposed front runners will be sidelined for the playoffs.
Ed Hochuli and Gene Steratore are not assigned to the playoffs,” an officiating source said."

Can you connect the dots?  Is it becoming clear?  Do not you see the NFL Commish cannot guarantee a Super Bowl win, but he can certainly stack the deck in a team's favor (like assigning officials with specific instructions).  These officials were literally bought and paid for.  The refs earn big money if selected for the Super Bowl.  There may have been other "incentives" if the desired outcome materialized. 

Something is rotten.  There is something nefarious afoot in the NFL's leadership.  Why was the  traditional selection process changed?  What could motivate the NFL leadership to change a system used since the Super Bowl's inception; a system that was not disfunctional?

I assert Roger Goodell made promises to Ray for saving his reputation with the Players; and their Union.  Last year's Super Bowl had officials who FAILED the written test.  These same officials were unqualified to officiate the most important game (if the traditional rules of MERIT were applied to the selection process).

Psssst!  You are not suppose to know this, but...  When all the facts are considered, Roger Goodell's actions infers his reputation is more important than the integrity of the game - FACT!  Roger is/was willing to risk the public learning he acted to FIX the Super Bowl, and destroy the confidence of fans that games are officiated fairly.  Goodell risked the integrity of NFL to salvage his reputation.  This can only mean Goodell's personal interest, his reputation and legacy, are more important than the game.

Recall the last Play of the Super Bowl - when the entire Ravens squad was holding; the Niners were set to score, (but not one flag was thrown) that play was exemplary of the officiating throughout that game. The officials gave the Ravens an advantage, and win. 

The last comments on the article referenced above says it all:
"Someone needs to investigate this most serious matter, I’m sure its very deep & at the end, someone got paid big money. Jim Harbaugh needs to know, because he & his team got robbed!"

Let's hope Goodell let's other people make command decisions this year and his reputation and meddling doesn't interfere with the Super Bowl or any other game.  Roger Goodell is unfit to lead the NFL.  Any person willing to risk the integrity of the game we love for personal gain must not have access to decision making that jeopardizes the game and the players.  Goodell's intentionally strained focus upon head injuries, and the decisions made thus far, to change the way the game is played, stands to ruin the game of football.  Evidence suggest Roger's reputation and legacy is his primary concern.  The long term, negative consequences of his decision making is less important. Goodell acts to assure his reputation and legacy remains intact, so no one can criticize him or his decision making,  Roger Goodell must go. 

Players like Jones-Drew draw my ire.  I don't trust them - and apparently, neither does the Jaguar's management.  MJD will likely sit out this season.  He is showing his ignorance. He is sending a message.  He is acting out a passion play where he will lose and lose big.

First - if he refuses to play - he will likely never recover the losses - but he will make a stand... he will show everyone his (self assessed) value... and,  what a fool he is.

The new owner of the Jaguars made a statement regarding MJD's hold out.  Play, don't play, we will move on without you (MJD).

MJD obviously didn't calculate well.  He surely didn't think this owner would blow him off - which he did.  MJD led the AFC in rushing.  He was 40% of the team offense.  He had more carries than any other back.  AND, he had previously signed a contract and agreed to play at the salary contained in that contract.

It is this last fact that makes MJD untrustworthy to his franchise, fans and teammates.  He might argue he wasn't getting paid enough, he might be injured, he might, he might.  He signed the contract.  A reputable person lives with the contract until that contract expires. Or they try to work it out.  I suppose MJD did ask for more - but didn't like the response given.

There is NO reason to pay him more. There are several reasons why the Jaguars should NOT pay him more and cut their ties with him.  The Jags are in a major rebuilding mode. They won't win many games with or without him.  If they are really bad, they get another talented young player.  They stay under the cap and equitably reward players on the squad - player who will honor their contracts.  It is a bad business decision to reward one player who reveals his selfishness.  Do that, and other players will repeat MJD's behavior.   The Jags will never get out of the cellar.

There is another import factor - you cannot reward a person who refuses to honor their word.  That is what MJD is doing.  He will never again be trusted - no matter where he goes.  He has in one swift motion ruined his chances of making money elsewhere - and volutarily forfeits his earning potential.  He MAY receive a one-year deal - but no other organization will offer him a multi-year deal.  He has shown he will not honor a contract.  His word is worthless.

Good Luck MJD - I hope it is worth it - NOT!

2012 Homer Report

The 2012 season is nigh upon us.  Camp proceeds well and all reports are upbeat; filled with revelations.  This year's team is better than last.  Cohesiveness, reaction, and camaraderie are improved.  Players "know" the systems in place.  Thinking has evolved into action and reaction.  Last year's near miss at the Super Bowl is a lingering sore that motivates.  Knowing, that sans two fumbles, they would play for it all, is a memory that stings and prompts resolve - Never Again.

This year's schedule contains the league's elite.  It will proof the team - early.  Victories in the first few games, against quality opponents, will bring whispers - in dark places - where the fears and uncertainties  lurk.  I saw a photo from camp.  It was taken from the quarterback's perspective - that vision is a nightmare.  It affected me. The fear that vision inspires will haunt Qbs around the league as the realization last year's 49er team was no fluke.  That perspective alone will bring errors.  Errors affect wins; and losses.   Advantage 49ers.

Alex Smith... the NFL's whipping boy.  He led a no-name team to vie for a national championship.  His school's division prevented their consideration.  Smith's play was exceptional.  His coach continues to praise Smith - and understands his work habits, strengths and weaknesses.  Smith was precluded from developing properly.  His first five years were not unlike a child living in a dysfunctional family - no continuity.  His coaches were inexperienced and looking to move.  Alex and the other players faced change, uncertainty, and mixed messages.  The focus remained upon Alex - but, in reality, the 49ers collectively were a very bad team.  The talent laden Niners had no direction or motivation - why should they?  The organization was in a tail spin. Everyone knew it.  Enter Jim Harbaugh.  One never knows how a player will adapt to the coaching ranks.  Some are unable to make the transition.   Harbaugh came from a football family.  His father coached at the college rank.  Jim and his brother John grew up watching their father negotiate that profession.  It appears both sons learned well.

The impact of Jim's leadership took hold immediately.  By the time the 2011 season began, the 49ers were ready to compete.  A game 2 loss to the Cowboys made it clear what was needed and what was missing.  Harbaugh identified the issues and closed those doors quickly.  The Niners didn't lose another game until late November.  They might have lost fewer games had the WR corps been deeper.  Or, if Harbaugh was willing to let Alex expand the playbook.  It may be that the WR were incapable of adapting to Harbaugh's playbook.  Ultimately, it was that lack of WR depth that doomed the Niners championship ambitions - and - Kyle William's fumbles.  I wonder how well the 49ers would have played against NE in the Super Bowl.  I like to think their defense was superior to the Giants and the Niners would achieve the same outcome as the Giants.  Losing the Championship game was bitter.  How will that influence this years' team remains uncertain.

Adding to the WR corps in the offseason was needed and done with a perspective of winning.  Providing Smith a large, capable veteran WR in Randy Moss will provide benefits.  Ditto Mario Maningham.  A rookie wideout selected in round one shows how obvious the WR deficit was to the coach.  He also bolstered the RB field.  LaMichale James is a back who may be the second incarnation of Barry Sanders - time will tell.  But it's curious who will make the roster at runningback and how many the team will field.  The defense returns intact which is why they must take this year seriously - it's seldom a team can return an entire starting group - one that was ranked #1 in the most important areas.

This year the San Francisco Forty Niners are stacked top to bottom.  It is up to them to make the most of this blessing and use their talents to claim a sixth Lombardi.  

Randy Moss and Those Words

We can never know what players think, or what motivates them. All we know is how they produce. The actions of the MEDIA assures no other outcome. Players answering reporter questions do not reveal repressed truth's. The words players offer are an assembly of coached, defensive remarks that hopefully are not misused to their detriment. If a player speaks the truth, and that truth doesn't align with the reporter's perspective, or the reporter wants to show off his power, the player is placed in the spotlight and his work and words are "Questioned". A players: ability, commitment, and performance are parsed, evaluated, within the reporters perspective; and comments made. Taking down a famous person must motivate some reporters who work to find/create controversy. Sliming is the means. Truth is the victim.

Sliming a player serves what purpose? Is it pay back for not granting an interview? Does it aid the reporter - so one of "HIS" players makes the team? Or do these acts to Punish the Truth - provide the reporter a better employment opportunity? What kind of profession rewards the members who convolute words, twist circumstance, betray confidence, and manufacture intent to impugn and punish for controversy's sake?

Randy Moss is a player with his share of slime. His work ethic was challenged. His comments were used against him and framed with insinuation. It didn't matter Moss produced, set records, gave fans season after season of highlight reel production - and helped win games. Catching Moss (or another player) speaking controversial words remains the goal. What was the objective? Did Minnesota improve after Moss' departure? Was the reporter blamed for losing a productive WR? Nope.

The reporting on Moss' honestly admitting: "I take plays off." didn't include WHY? Or WHEN? Moss was singled out as a part-time player who didn't give his all. Is there a player in the NFL who doesn't take a play off? Every player takes a down off now and then. He must. No player is able to go full speed, full time. Moss is not the exception. Nor is he the rule. Were those words never reported would Minnesota's future improve? Moss' future? We will never know. All we know is Moss was accused of being a part-time player, who betrayed his teammates and fans. Moss alone was responsible for any failure, and the fallout. That attacks followed Moss after he left Minnesota. No matter what he did - Those Words - played over and over and over. They were used to intimate were it not for Moss - a team's success was enhanced. The Truth was punished again.

When Moss went to NE, Those Words preceded his arrival. Moss played so well his team nearly achieve a perfect season. That didn't matter. All that mattered was Moss was upset about the SB loss and his behaviors were... (insert worst possible connection and motivation).

A similar reporting follows Coach Harbaugh - his actions are "secretive... indicate a lack of confidence... shows he is a micro-manager who wants to control the MEDIA". Coach - Ignore them and stop giving them words to use against you. Let them make it ALL up. That's what they do - if you won't give them what they want.

Now Moss is with the Niners and Those Words persist. Moss has been a great addition. He works hard, teaches, sets a good example, plays well - with passion; but "Those Words" keep getting printed along with any suspicion that might be drawn. Disgusting.

Randy is older and wiser. He is playing because he wants a Super Bowl win. He is doing all he can to realize that goal for himself, his team, and the fans. I want him and the Niners to succeed. I want to see the phony, change of heart from reporters who watch and wait for evidence they can use to report Moss failed - again. Randy doesn't need my support or advice. He paid the price for Those Words - and more. The Forty Niners are a very good team that benefits from Moss being a member. His presence makes them considerably better in a area needing improvement. Had Moss been on last year's edition, chances are exceedingly high the 49ers compete for another SB. If Moss needs to take a play off now and then - I don't care. I trust Randy knows when the time is right, and those times when 100% effort is required. I'll trust Randy Moss. Alex Smith is another player the MEDIA lay in wait to ambush. Once Alex Smith trusts Randy to make the catch or knock it down, this team will provide reporters even more substance for controversy - How could the MEDIA be so uninformed? Alex and Randy can help one another silence the noise... and controversy geeks. I hope they do.

Training Camp Recriminations

This time of year is filled with speculation and nonsense.  Why most reporting on the team go looking for controversy, try to create controversy, and complain escapes me.  Were I there, I'd happily write what I saw and report good news.  Camp is filled with men who will not make the squad.  Years of toil will get washed away with no fan fare.  Former DB Eric Wright was on NFL Am today and spoke of a moment when he faced another losing his job due to Eric's appearance.  Real-Life drama's play out.  Lives are ruined.

The faux controversy(s) are more than hyperbole.  They are an unneeded distraction that takes the focus away from success.  Players having to confront the distraction are forced to wonder if the distractions/rumors are true, how it may impact them, and/or others.  Their attentions are removed from learning and improving.  Team work suffers and relationships are truncated.  As I said, were I there, my focus would be positive.

Women love to repeat rumors and gauge reaction to the rumor for impact.  Men respect the players and all they have done to get on the field for a try-out.  New players, who haven't digested the play book face questions and innuendo - they aren't playing like a pro-prospect "should" according to reporters.  That's why reporters write instead of coaching or working in the office of a team.  Reporters are surely the last word on talent.

Reporter's words do stand to rob the team of potential stars.  Controversy is the means. How many players were cut due to unwanted intrigue or hyper-ventilation?  Lies and careers are at stake.  But, apparently, it is more important to make ungrounded accusations, inspire angst, worry, and in-fighting, than reporting on the good that happens.  Keeping the focus on controversy, potential enemies on the team, (who said, where'd you hear that?) ruins meaningful growth and letting the players earn a position based upon their output.

Coaches will make the calls on who stays based upon their own evaluations.  But I'm confident to state some players lost an opportunity because a reporter wrote negatives or placed the player in an unwinnable, controversial  position.  The team lost too.  We will never know what players may have developed and to what heights.

I wish the best to all the players who managed to get into camp.  Do your best.  Give it your all.  Have no REGRETS!  Stay focused.  Do not let a pencil pusher rob you of your dreams.  

Johnny Unitas and Alex Smith

While a boy; Johnny Unitas was my favorite football player.  I became a 49er fan after John left the game and my home town loyalties kicked in.  I grew up a Colts fan because  of Unitas' play during a game in the 1960s.  Unitas was sacked violently and left the field.  His nose was bashed in and heavily bleeding.  Unitas returned to the game and threw the winning touchdown.  That impressed a boy age 6.  I learned later his nose bled so badly a teammate stuffed mud and other ingredients in it to stop the flow.  I've studied Unitas since and know a great deal about the man; and the player.  John played with broken ribs, a index finger and other body parts. Unitas refused to quit.  He faced adversity early.  Unitas was deemed to dumb to play the position, after signing his first contract to play with Pittsburgh.  Unitas did not listen to his detractors.

Deacon Jones a fellow Hall of Player and Unita's peer said of him: There was no way to beat him.  If you tried to rattle him by hitting him, he'd get back up. If  you tried to rush him out of the pocket, he was able to improvise. Some said making him throw deep was the answer - because Unitas supposedly didn't have the arm strength - but he hit Raymond Berry or John Mackey in stride down the field every time.

I have a football autographed by John that sits in my office below a group of candid B&W pictures of Unitas.  My favorite is Unitas going to work. (See above)   The others show Unitas in similar situations - down to earth and humble.  John showed no ego.

What most impresses me about Unitas was not his command of the game or his accomplishments on the field - those are significant and easy to revere.  John's toughness is legendary and impressive, but that's not his most admirable quality.  Johnny Unitas' most admirable quality, is a trait rare in today's game.  It's even more rare when comparing Unitas against today's players.


 Johnny Unitas never complained.

Unitas was grateful to play football and said so repeatedly.  Except for when the Irsays moved his beloved team in the middle of the night; no one heard complaint from Unitas.  Unitas kept trying - no matter what he faced.  He refused to yield when adversity came.  He methodically used his abilities and the abilities of his teammates to win games in a sport he was "grateful" to play.

I've seen a similar quality in Alex Smith.  I don't hear whining.  I haven't seen quit.  No matter what occurs, Alex keeps trying.  Alex has faced a lot.  I needn't recount the adversity he faced.  The Forty Niners will benefit from having Alex Smith going forward because all he faced has toughened him.  Adversity has motivated him to work harder, practice and study more.  His work to run a training camp last year was evidence how committed he is to the 49ers - and success.  His struggles have prepared him for the successes to come.

Success is earned - it's not a matter of luck, happenstance, or athletic prowess.  Success is a product of overcoming; adversity, mistakes, and a burning desire to SUCCEED.  The current status of the Forty Niner organization is also ripe for success.  The new coaching staff, players, management, and game planning have shown success is possible.  Kyle Williams notwithstanding (Hopefully) this team is ready for a Super Bowl appearance. After all Alex has endured, he did not complain.  He approached his job professionally and with passion.  Even after his accurate, albeit restricted, play last season - the Peyton Manning question arose.  Alex did not criticize the team or single out an individual, nor did he act in any way to the team's detriment, or his own.

I strongly suspect Coach Harbaugh had all the players on a short lease last year.  The absence of a pre-season and other factors contributed to a playing Not to Lose mentality. A "less-than' WR corp limited options too.  That mentality is about to change.

Alex has endured as much adversity as any QB - and more than most. Alex must have little room in his focus for petty retribution - if he did, we'd hear about it.  Alex has behaved like a professional.  The hardships he faced may have diminished his performance at times, but he worked thru them. It takes a team to win - and lose.  With a supportive coach the team improved, and Alex had his best season - this despite a limited training camp, pre-season, and a dubious WR corps.  Alex's play contributed to a victory over arguably the NFL's best team.

This year the offensive scheme will expand and Alex will have more latitude.  He will also have a veteran corps of WRs.  IF last year were an indication, Alex will rise to meet the challenges - and opportunities.  I expect great things and I'm confident Alex does too.