Tag Archives: Sports

Tennis Star Andre Agassi’s Autobiography May Even Appeal to Non-Sports Fans

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I played tennis in my youth. I am a tennis fan and enjoy professional sports in general. So I devoured Andre Agassi‘s autobiography Open. I’m not sure if a non-tennis fan would enjoy it as much. Let me know in the comments.

A non-sports fan may appreciate the glimpses the book reveals about the life of celebrities. For example, one of Agassi’s sponsors, Canon, has him, very early in his blossoming professional tennis career, do an advertisement with the catchphrase Image Is Everything. For some reason, people then believe that “I’ve called myself an empty image, that I’ve proclaimed it, simply because I spoke the line in a commercial. They treat this ridiculous throwaway slogan as if it’s my Confession, which makes as much sense as arresting Marlon Brando for murder because of a line he uttered in The Godfather.” [p. 132]

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Dear Serena: Skip the 2020 U.S. Open

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I listened to the press conference where the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced plans to hold the 2020 U.S. Open. While many questions can be posed about the public health measures the USTA has put in place, I’m going to assume that the workers in the players’ hotels and the custodial crews & security personnel & transportation & delivery workers at the grounds and the security will be protected.

Still, Serena, if you skip this event, you will rise from Sports & Culture Icon to Hero of the People status.

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Tennismaggedon: John Isner v Milos Raonic at Madison Square Garden

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John Isner and Milos Raonic played an amazing match last night in the Round of 16 at the 2015 Miami Open. I put on my Don King hat and decided somebody needs to put together an exhibition entitled “Tennismaggedon: John Isner and Milos Raonic at the Garden.” Continue reading →

Fans Who Walk Out of Championship Games Disrespect the Players, Other Workers

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By now, many (Mike & Mike), including Chris Bosh, have scorned Miami fans who left Game 6 early in despair of their team winning.

Bill Plaschke claims there are legitimate reasons to leave games early, such as concern for post-championship riots or fights in crowds.

Obviously, if a person has an emergency page from the babysitter or a legitimate concern from rioting, then there’s no reason for them to stay. But what happened Tuesday night in Game 6 was that fans left after they believed, as did I, that Miami had no chance to win. So we can assume that most of those leaving the stadium at that time did not have personal emergencies and did not fear for their safety.

In true sports cities, the fans, the last game of the season, whether it be after a losing regular season or a first round playoff loss, and many times when the game is a blowout loss, stay to cheer the home team and thank them for the entertainment they’ve given their city during the season. And it’s not just multi-million dollar salaried players. Remember, there are players on every team making the league minimums. There are coaches. There are trainers. There are all the employees in the stadium.

Is it so much to ask of Miami Heat ticket holders to stay another five minutes to thank all those workers, whatever their profession, for providing a 7-month show?