Before I dive into my euphoria over the Penguins Stanley Cup title, let me first address the second HUGE deal pulled off by Real Madrid. Sure, they now have Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best soccer player in the world. Everyone by now knows that he was transferred for a record $131.6 million. But when I think of this transfer, one saying comes to mind - "don't hate the player, hate the game."
At first, I was mad at Ronaldo. I couldn't believe anyone could be worth that much money (I still can't). But now, after digesting this deal for a few days, I realize it is not his fault at all. Heck, he's not gonna see any of the $131.6 million (all of that is going to Manchester United). So where must I direct my angst and blame for a deal of this proportion?
Real Madrid. That's where. If they have this much money, shouldn't they be using it for something better than signing one single player? Shouldn't they do something to help the economy, or maybe develop their youth program, or possibly sign a couple defenders? (ESPN's Tommy Smyth informs me that their defense is quite porous).
Ultimately, I'm upset with the spending by Real Madrid. It makes me angry that so many people and companies are struggling right now, and here's a soccer club shoveling out tons of money for one person. Some will say that this deal is just an indicator of how healthy the soccer world is financially, and I suppose that is true. But it still rubs me the wrong way.
In other news, how 'bout those Penguins? I will sadly admit that I didn't sit on my couch at home and stare at the TV for the duration of Game 7, although I did manage to catch a good
majority of it at two of my favorite bars in Rochester (Nathaniels and J.D. Oxfords - I highly recommend both).
Here was my scenario during the final five minutes of the game:
-I'm sitting at Nathaniels.
-I'm talking to a couple friends whom I haven't seen in quite some time.
-I'm keeping one eye on the giant TV in back of the bar, which is showing the game.
-I have no idea what the conversation with my friends is about.
-I apologize for being anti-social, "I just really wanna see what's gonna happen in this game" I say.
-I can't help but wonder what happened to Sid in the second period - how severe is the injury?
-Detroit hits the post. I almost barf all over.
-"JUST CLEAR THE PUCK" I think to myself as Detroit goes on an all out offensive onslaught during the final 3 minutes.
-Marc-Andre makes the save on Lindstrom. The clock strikes zero. I can exhale, and get back to conversing with friends instead of sitting on the edge of my seat about to puke.
What was so indicative of the series was the reaction of the Penguins players when the clock hit all zeros. It almost seemed as if everyone took a split second to look at the clock, and didn't believe that time had really run out. They couldn't believe that they had completed the journey - that they beat the mighty Red Wings in Detroit, and actually won the Stanley Cup.
What a great series. What an evenly matched series. I'm gonna miss hockey over the next 4 months.
1 comment:
Good stuff richard! I'll say it again, I remember the first few times I visit this blog and I didn't even know it was your writing.. it's very professional, and a lot more interesting to get a real-life prospective on things other than some of the BS you see in big-time magazines and television.
I'm hoping you continue to give your opinion straight-forward in your future writing, no matter who you are writing for.
-Dozer
Post a Comment