Van Gundy and Christmas

Colin Cowherd reflects on the irrationality of "ultimate sports fan guy" to fill his slow days. He harps on their penchant for betting with their emotions and failing to see the big picture because they're too interested in the teams for which they cheer. Typically, I feel the reflection is a lazy piece Cowherd does because it doesn't take much preparation to get emotional reactions from fans claiming they are not "ultimate sports fan guy."

Although I might never do so at another time, I would find Cowherd's reflection to be a propos for this story on Stan Van Gundy. The piece expounds on comments by Van Gundy asking the NBA to stop scheduling games on Christmas day. It seems reasonable enough: Christmas is about spending time with your family => there's no compelling reason aside from money to play on Christmas day => if they don't play, players and coaches can spend time with their families.

But leave it to the bonehead "ultimate sports fan guy" to take issue with that. Following the story is a series of comments (the screen shot of some of them I've posted below) that heckle Van Gundy for making the statement. In my opinion, it's commendable for a guy to stand up for family and what he values. Even if the commenters don't see value in Christmas (because they don't have family to spend it with or aren't religious), I simply don't get the basis for bagging on someone for speaking honestly about his beliefs. Chalk up another glorious moment to "ultimate sports fan guy."

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Curse of the Black Pants: Part 3

My quick reaction to the game is - what were the Saints thinking putting the black pants on again? I know it's a superficial criticism of the game (the real reason they lost and why Miles Austin had another big game is that Scott Shanle still doesn't know how to cover a slot receiver/tight end that drags an underneath route across the middle of the field), but that doesn't mean it's invalid. Heaven help us if they pull out the black pants in the playoffs.

On a different note, I think it's a good thing for them to get a loss under their belt. The irrational hysteria that was growing over the last couple of weeks amongst the fairest of fair weather fans should die down now. While it was amusing to have things like "The Unknown Who Dat" for entertainment over the last few weeks, this game should be a good reminder for the team and fans that whether the Saints go all the way depends on one thing - how they play on the field. All of that said, it was impressive how the Drew Brees was almost able to bring 'em back at the end of the game (they did outscore the Cowboys 14-0 in the 4th quarter after all).

One final thought about the game. Any team that gets Terry McAulay in the playoffs should be ready for his tired style of officiating that he displayed tonight. He loves to call for the visiting team in the first half and then for the home team in the second half. It's not really the amount of calls, just the willingness to call for one team or the other on crucial plays.

Case in point - the illegal contact penalty on McKenzie in the first half (when there was a no call involving the same type of contact with Henderson on the next drive), and the illegal hands to the face called against whoever was covering Meachem in the second half. Both occurred on critical third downs that kept drives alive. If that's not enough evidence, think back to last year's Super Bowl - all Steelers first half, all Cards second half. All the games he officiates end up turning out like that.

In the same way Dick Bavetta's games aren't fun to watch, McAulay's games aren't fun to watch because he artificially manufactures the drama. If he would have let the teams dictate the rhythm, maybe the Cowboys would have blown out the Saints. In my mind, that would have been more fun to watch than manufacturing a close game by making ticky tack calls and no-calls at key points in the game (I wonder why NFL Network didn't show the replay after McAulay called 12 men in the huddle before a key third down on the Cowboys' second to last possession - Romo seemed a bit quizzical about it). Here's to Hochuli or Boger getting the Super Bowl - even if they screw up a few calls, at least they don't have a pre-determined formula like McAulay for how they'll call the game.

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