Behind The Scoreboard - Claude Vinson


Thursday, September 17, 2009
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Behind The Scoreboard
By Claude Vinson

Football, more

This was the official opening weekend for the NFL’s ’09 season. And there was plenty to be excited about. There were other activities which had nothing to do with shoulder pads, but we will pick that up a little later.

Actually, it all began on Thursday with the Steelers taking on the Titans. Of course, the Titans are by no means pushovers but the “Steelmen” are the defending champs. Nevertheless, it took an overtime for the Steelers to can the pesky Titans, 13-10.

There were other games which had been tagged to catch the eye and attention of the astute NFL watcher. High on the list was how the Cowboys would fare without the distractions which generally followed T.O. last season. And there was also the need for a “fitness report” on Tony Romo, the Dallas QB. Romo left some doubters after last season about his ability to lead “America’s team.” Apparently, there was little reason for concern. Tony seems to have found a new “best friend and receiver” in Roy Williams. The Cowboys gave Tampa Bay and its new head coach, Raheem Morris, the youngest in the NFL, their first loss. It was not totally without drama. The head Cowboy (Jerry Jones), was fined $100,000 by commissioner Roger Goodell for making some disparaging remarks (and the skies are not cloudy all day?).

The Vikings began a new era with an old face and body. Brett Favre made his official start with his new team a winner. Brett must have the favor of the franchise since he was installed as one of the five captains for Minnesota. Brett had a good game but said that the hero was Adrian Peterson who scored three TDs.

As mentioned earlier, all of the notable happenings this past weekend didn’t take place between the goal posts. Aside from Tiger Woods picking up another title, and Kanye West creating a furor at the MTV Awards, a certain degree of jubilation could be heard from the Grizzlies’ camp. The franchise bought the services of one Allen Iverson for one year with a $3.5 million outlay. A.I. explained his willingness to take such a step down in salary (he had earned $21 million last season), stating that he had enough money already and just wanted to help Memphis get back to the playoffs. Hey, maybe leopards do change their spots.

Last but not least, the last Williams sister was shoved out of the U.S. Open in the semi-finals Saturday via disqualification. Serena went on a tirade that rivaled those of John McEnroe of yesteryear. Protesting a foot fault call, Serena attacked a line judge with a verbal scathing, threatening to shove a tennis ball down her throat amid a slew of expletives (the judge stated Williams had said, “I’ll kill you”). The match went to Kim Clijsters (who had ousted Venus, also).

Serena was fined $10,000 and could perhaps forfeit all tournament winnings. She and her sister were set to defend their doubles title Monday. Serena was the defending singles champion.

Sometimes you just have to wonder, “Why do they do it? Really, why do they do it?”

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