Jeremy Shockey - Right or Wrong?

[The Brain]

Originally posted by tricia
really, these guys are known for their physical abilities, not for being great talkers, so why do we feel the need to watch or read interviews with these sports personalities? but, since we do, we can't complain when they say something stupid can we now.

Mohammed Ali changed that mindset. A man who was a brilliant athlete, and an even greater wordsmith, created the era of the athlete soundbite. Of course, no one expects today's athletes to have the same rapport that Ali had with the media (in particular Howard Cosell), but all the same, it continues to provide the fan with another glimpse into the minds and personalities of their favorite athletes.

Just to be fair: for every outspoken athlete (Shockey, Keyshawn Johnson), there are quiet ones who don't make waves in the papers (Bernie Williams, Marvin Harrison), and yet they go out and do their jobs with equal efficiency. And then there are others (Albert Belle, Barry Bonds, and Eddie Murray come to mind) who were downright hostile to the media.

If all athletes were loudmouth trash-talkers, we would grow tired of it and tell them to shut up for a while; if they were all quiet and kept to themsleves, we would beg them to say something-- <i>anything</i> to add a bit of spice; and if they were all surly, we would tell them to lighten up and enjoy their time in the limelight as much as the fans enjoy them being there.

Let Shockey have his say-- no one has to take his words as gospel, after all. If he bothers you so much, there is always going to be an athlete out there to root for who is basically an anti-Shockey, who goes to work every day and does his best, quietly and without a lot of wind and bluster.

<b>EDIT:</b>

Trash talking is fine, but dissing the coach of a team you have to play twice...eh, it was just a dumbass thing to do.

How is that any different than when Parcells-- then coach of the Patriots-- referred to his player Terry Glenn as "she"?