Sep
23
Written by:
Norman Rumack
9/23/2009 1:36 AM
A couple of football seasons ago, then Steelers safety Anthony Smith got burned by being too bold. His brave predictions were about an upcoming game against the New England Patriots. Smith had an awful game and was embarrassed by future Hall Of Famer Tom Brady's pin point passing.What was even more embarrassing to me was not Anthony Smith. It was the braggadocios, make me barf football media doing their boringly predictable pompous pontificating about Smith getting too cocky about being able to beat the Pats. The only thing missing from the 'I told you so' soothsayers, was a drool cup to catch their priceless lessons in football morality. The message was sent and synthesized by all. Don't you dare trash talk the New England Patriots, because if they scorch you on the field, we'll scorch you on the screen. Sure enough,this past weekend the Jets were hosting the Patriots.In spite of the tongue lashing layed on Anthony Smith a few years ago, the Jets were not going to be intimidated by the media mouthpieces. In an almost spiteful spirit, the Jets made Anthony Smith look like an introvert.Jets Coach Rex Ryan had reiterated his offseason comments that he didn't come to "kiss Bill Belichick's rings".Earlier in the week, Safety Kerry Rhodes said New York wanted to "embarrass" New England.Defensive End Shaun Ellis said "Kerry made a statement, we stood behind him and we had his back".Well, well,well,.....You know what happened !!!!!... The J-E-T-S- punished the Patriots 16-9.In spite of a world wide search, I couldn't find any smart-alec sports media who were giving holier-than-thou thesis presentations on what to say or not to say before a big game.The good manners geniuses had no more advice or dire warnings about the dangers of pre-game predictions and the disasters that could haunt those who dare to be different.Can you imagine how disappointed some of the screamers and scribes of sports journalism were that they couldn't wag their fingers in disgusted disapproval of the daring members of the Jets defense.The Big Apple beasts not only nullified New England,but they've also ensured that we and even Anthony Smith, now with the Rams,can be reassured that the know it all analysts, have changed their tired tune. That's right ladies and gentleman, boys and girls.A revolution in pre-game sports speak has taken place. After the game, some of the commentators were even praising the Jets for "talking smack", as though it was actually a good strategy. So now it's "cool" ( if you're over 40,or it's "chill", if you're under 30) to talk bravely about an upcoming opponent.The media kingpins must have been devastated,that they wouldn't be able to kiss the cleats of the Pats, by raining down their wrath on another fun loving safety. Let's hope Anthony Smith goes back to being bombastic.I would love to hear more bold predictions from him.If his estimations are not accurate, I guess we'll have to plan on listening to more sophomoric stupidity about the perils of prognostication.
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