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Post by WCHC Sports on Aug 2, 2021 10:24:48 GMT -5
I believe there should equal rewards for men's and women's teams. However, some pf the comments and behavior from the women's soccer players were, IMO, needlessly nasty (and seemed to put down the performance of the men's team). It seems ironic that this group gave us the worst American performance in this sport in years. I believe Bill Simmons wrote about it in his book of basketball, the disease of "more." After players get their big contracts or win a championship, it's simply impossible to be as hungry as you were beforehand. IMHO, I think that some players on the USWNT had experienced the success, the money, the fame, the influence, the woke-ness, the crusades they wanted to go on, and all of them (for better or worse, irrelevant to my point) distracted them from the matter at hand: dominating soccer.
I think that can be said about NBA players on the US team, Simone Biles, and lots of other folks too... but when you aren't competing for your life, or for the money, or for the pride, naturally, the motivation isn't the same.
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Post by bfoley82 on Aug 2, 2021 10:41:39 GMT -5
I believe there should equal rewards for men's and women's teams. However, some pf the comments and behavior from the women's soccer players were, IMO, needlessly nasty (and seemed to put down the performance of the men's team). It seems ironic that this group gave us the worst American performance in this sport in years. I believe Bill Simmons wrote about it in his book of basketball, the disease of "more." After players get their big contracts or win a championship, it's simply impossible to be as hungry as you were beforehand. IMHO, I think that some players on the USWNT had experienced the success, the money, the fame, the influence, the woke-ness, the crusades they wanted to go on, and all of them (for better or worse, irrelevant to my point) distracted them from the matter at hand: dominating soccer.
I think that can be said about NBA players on the US team, Simone Biles, and lots of other folks too... but when you aren't competing for your life, or for the money, or for the pride, naturally, the motivation isn't the same.
What did Biles do to get put in this conversation? She literally got sexually assaulted by the team doctort!
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Post by bfoley82 on Aug 2, 2021 10:46:30 GMT -5
I believe there should equal rewards for men's and women's teams. However, some pf the comments and behavior from the women's soccer players were, IMO, needlessly nasty (and seemed to put down the performance of the men's team). It seems ironic that this group gave us the worst American performance in this sport in years. Great game last night by the young men's team. Points out even more the women's team trotted out a tired (players, not philosophy) act in the Olympics. You could make the argument that the coach had to take that team due to their contracts with US Soccer and full-time pay. Wonder if he didn't take Rapinoe and the reaction in the media about it?
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Post by WCHC Sports on Aug 2, 2021 11:09:31 GMT -5
I believe Bill Simmons wrote about it in his book of basketball, the disease of "more." After players get their big contracts or win a championship, it's simply impossible to be as hungry as you were beforehand. IMHO, I think that some players on the USWNT had experienced the success, the money, the fame, the influence, the woke-ness, the crusades they wanted to go on, and all of them (for better or worse, irrelevant to my point) distracted them from the matter at hand: dominating soccer.
I think that can be said about NBA players on the US team, Simone Biles, and lots of other folks too... but when you aren't competing for your life, or for the money, or for the pride, naturally, the motivation isn't the same.
What did Biles do to get put in this conversation? She literally got sexually assaulted by the team doctort! Is that why she quit this year's Olympics?
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Post by bfoley82 on Aug 2, 2021 11:27:00 GMT -5
What did Biles do to get put in this conversation? She literally got sexually assaulted by the team doctort! Is that why she quit this year's Olympics? She is participating in the balance beam so not sure where the quit is. She had an issue with her body and based on everything I have read about it, many gymnasts and divers have had similar problems throughout their careers. Should she have participated and been absolute trash and risk a life changing injury or let the backup go in?
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Post by WCHC Sports on Aug 2, 2021 11:53:24 GMT -5
There was no backup for team events, so ask her squad how they feel about the silver.
The rest seems like conjecture rather than fact, so no way to know for sure. I have some doubts.
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Post by alum on Aug 2, 2021 12:13:04 GMT -5
JuVaughan Harrison,a 22 year old American from LSU and a modern day Jim Thorpe competing in the long jump and high jump, failed to medal in either. (4th in the long jump, 7th in the high jump.) He looked worn out in both events (especially the long jump) before he started. Of course, he has competed twelve times in each event since January with a full complement of college meets. He was NCAA champ indoors and outdoors in both events.
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Post by bfoley82 on Aug 2, 2021 12:26:53 GMT -5
There was no backup for team events, so ask her squad how they feel about the silver. The rest seems like conjecture rather than fact, so no way to know for sure. I have some doubts. Biles was replaced in her events...you could make the argument her poor vault cost them the gold.
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Post by clmetsfan on Aug 2, 2021 12:29:11 GMT -5
There was no backup for team events, so ask her squad how they feel about the silver. The rest seems like conjecture rather than fact, so no way to know for sure. I have some doubts. Pretty sure they're pretty thrilled that their friend and teammate made the smart choice to protect both her body and the team's chances. All the criticism I've seen of Biles is from people who a) have never so much somersaulted in the air, let alone executed wildly athletic and dangerous flips and spins, and b) don't understand that a gymnast who can't flip or land properly is going to get terrible scores.
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Post by clmetsfan on Aug 2, 2021 12:32:09 GMT -5
There was no backup for team events, so ask her squad how they feel about the silver. The rest seems like conjecture rather than fact, so no way to know for sure. I have some doubts. Biles was replaced in her events...you could make the argument her poor vault cost them the gold. Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch)
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Post by alum on Aug 2, 2021 12:57:24 GMT -5
Biles was replaced in her events...you could make the argument her poor vault cost them the gold. Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch) I know what happens at every youth baseball game I have ever attended. The parent says, "C'mon Johnny. Just throw strikes." Once, just once, I would like Johnny to look over and say, "Yeah Dad/Mom, no s--t!!!."
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Post by WCHC Sports on Aug 2, 2021 12:57:54 GMT -5
There was no backup for team events, so ask her squad how they feel about the silver. The rest seems like conjecture rather than fact, so no way to know for sure. I have some doubts. Biles was replaced in her events...you could make the argument her poor vault cost them the gold. Replaced in individuals, not in team if I'm correct.
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Post by WCHC Sports on Aug 2, 2021 13:04:54 GMT -5
Biles was replaced in her events...you could make the argument her poor vault cost them the gold. Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch) The night before World Series Game 1, Clayton Kershaw mentions that he's had incredible stress on the home front. He's physically exhausted from playing since he's 6 years old, traveling across the country, regular season + playoffs, All Star appearances, awards shows, late night talk TV, commercials, and charity work. He's already compiled a Hall of Fame career, so he doesn't "owe" anybody anything. He could gut it out, but if he throws a pitch and drills a batter in the head and kills them, it would be a catastrophe. Instead, 20 hours before first pitch, he's decided to bow out. Would he be celebrated? Would his teammates be "delighted" that they had their chances relegated to second-best?
What if in this hypothetical, he didn't bow out in advance. Instead, during the first inning, he issues three walks, two hit batsmen, two doubles, and a home run. He motions to Dave Roberts and the trainer. It's better that somebody else come in, because he can't perform up to the high caliber everyone is used to. Would he be celebrated for that?
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Post by mm67 on Aug 2, 2021 13:07:59 GMT -5
Once again the criticism of Biles is largely coming from a certain wing of American public opinion. Once again, it is easy to ignore these vicious critics as another example of their blighted stupid silliness. Carry on.
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Post by WCHC Sports on Aug 2, 2021 13:12:29 GMT -5
I didn't think I was being vicious, but cannot reasonably in a debate say "I'm not stupid," as that's just a matter of your opinion that you are no doubt entitled to. Nevertheless, I didn't resort to insulting anyone here. Just to be clear. But since you've afforded me a little bit of a runway to do so, let me not pass up the opportunity to say I was counting the minutes before you came along to sing kumbaya let's love everyone, and anyone who had a critical point of view was a buffoon.
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Post by hcpride on Aug 2, 2021 14:25:58 GMT -5
I believe there should equal rewards for men's and women's teams. However, some pf the comments and behavior from the women's soccer players were, IMO, needlessly nasty (and seemed to put down the performance of the men's team). It seems ironic that this group gave us the worst American performance in this sport in years. Great game last night by the young men's team. Points out even more the women's team trotted out a tired (players, not philosophy) act in the Olympics. Just saw the extended highlights of that terrific men’s win over Mexico last night in front of a sold out 65k Las Vegas stadium. Wild overtime scene and kudos to the energetic and skilled squad. The women’s team seemed awfully slow-footed in their 3-0 opening loss to Sweden and never looked particularly good in the following games.
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Post by bringbackcaro on Aug 2, 2021 16:03:43 GMT -5
Biles was replaced in her events...you could make the argument her poor vault cost them the gold. Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch) Based on your previous comment, shouldn't you have added that only those who have either been a major league baseball manager and/or a major league baseball pitcher would be allowed to offer an opinion? After all, nobody is allowed to have an opinion on Biles unless they are gymnasts themselves.. As a Mets fan, I'm sure you never criticized the Wilpons because you've never owned a professional franchise, right? [Pretty sure they're pretty thrilled that their friend and teammate made the smart choice to protect both her body and the team's chances. All the criticism I've seen of Biles is from people who a) have never so much somersaulted in the air, let alone executed wildly athletic and dangerous flips and spins, and b) don't understand that a gymnast who can't flip or land properly is going to get terrible scores.
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Post by HC92 on Aug 2, 2021 18:30:49 GMT -5
Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch) I know what happens at every youth baseball game I have ever attended. The parent says, "C'mon Johnny. Just throw strikes." Once, just once, I would like Johnny to look over and say, "Yeah Dad/Mom, no s--t!!!." One of the many running jokes in our 12 year old dugout this summer was seeing how many stupid things we could say to the pitcher along these lines. The kids found it very funny. “Don’t aim it. Just play catch. Let him hit it.”
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Post by clmetsfan on Aug 2, 2021 22:24:24 GMT -5
Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch) Based on your previous comment, shouldn't you have added that only those who have either been a major league baseball manager and/or a major league baseball pitcher would be allowed to offer an opinion? After all, nobody is allowed to have an opinion on Biles unless they are gymnasts themselves.. As a Mets fan, I'm sure you never criticized the Wilpons because you've never owned a professional franchise, right? [Pretty sure they're pretty thrilled that their friend and teammate made the smart choice to protect both her body and the team's chances. All the criticism I've seen of Biles is from people who a) have never so much somersaulted in the air, let alone executed wildly athletic and dangerous flips and spins, and b) don't understand that a gymnast who can't flip or land properly is going to get terrible scores. Apple and oranges. You can criticize managerial and ownership decisions because they're DECISIONS based on analysis of the same situation that we can all understand. It's completely different from criticizing someone's decision to not participate in an extremely dangerous sport that almost none of us have ever attempted at any level. Have you read about the "twisties" since this happened? Just try to imagine the terror that must come from being upside down in the air and not being confident that you'll be able to land on your feet. Anyone who hasn't experienced that and tries to explain why Simone Biles made the wrong decision is just talking out of their ass.
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Post by clmetsfan on Aug 2, 2021 22:30:41 GMT -5
Precisely. Biles's withdrawal saved the team's chances at a medal. If an ace starting pitcher suddenly can't throw strikes, do you tell them to suck it up and find a way, or bring in the long man who isn't as naturally talented but capable of performing better that day? (this isn't even that great of an analogy, because a pitcher who can't located the plate doesn't also run the risk of breaking his neck when he throws a wild pitch) The night before World Series Game 1, Clayton Kershaw mentions that he's had incredible stress on the home front. He's physically exhausted from playing since he's 6 years old, traveling across the country, regular season + playoffs, All Star appearances, awards shows, late night talk TV, commercials, and charity work. He's already compiled a Hall of Fame career, so he doesn't "owe" anybody anything. He could gut it out, but if he throws a pitch and drills a batter in the head and kills them, it would be a catastrophe. Instead, 20 hours before first pitch, he's decided to bow out. Would he be celebrated? Would his teammates be "delighted" that they had their chances relegated to second-best?
What if in this hypothetical, he didn't bow out in advance. Instead, during the first inning, he issues three walks, two hit batsmen, two doubles, and a home run. He motions to Dave Roberts and the trainer. It's better that somebody else come in, because he can't perform up to the high caliber everyone is used to. Would he be celebrated for that?
First of all, you're incorrect in your previous post that she wasn't replaced in the team competition. She was. They "only" won silver because her vault was the lowest score and they were never able to climb up from second place. But would Kershaw be celebrated for making a responsible decision about his mental health to avoid endangering someone? Of course not. Do you think that's a good thing? Do you think it's a good thing when it happens to a 24-year-old survivor of sexual assault by the team doctor?
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 2, 2021 23:48:35 GMT -5
Erriyon Knighton, age 17 from Tampa, won his heat of the 200 Meter dash--pretty impressive for a teenager. Along with two other Americans (Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles also won their heats) he will advance to the next round later this same day in Tokyo.
USA leads Spain 12-8 early in their men's basketball game
Now Spain leads 41-35 in second quarter
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Post by longsuffering on Aug 3, 2021 0:08:09 GMT -5
I like everything about Sue Bird, but I don't enjoy listening to her fiancé.
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 3, 2021 0:23:47 GMT -5
USA runs 14 points to tie it 43-43 at the half
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Post by hcpride on Aug 3, 2021 5:02:41 GMT -5
Superb 400M Hurdle performance with both the Norwegian winner (45.94) and 2nd place American breaking the world record. ‘Superb’ may be an understatement.
Nice interview with the American (Rai Benjamin):
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 3, 2021 6:11:15 GMT -5
I believe there should equal rewards for men's and women's teams. However, some pf the comments and behavior from the women's soccer players were, IMO, needlessly nasty (and seemed to put down the performance of the men's team). It seems ironic that this group gave us the worst American performance in this sport in years. I believe Bill Simmons wrote about it in his book of basketball, the disease of "more." After players get their big contracts or win a championship, it's simply impossible to be as hungry as you were beforehand. IMHO, I think that some players on the USWNT had experienced the success, the money, the fame, the influence, the woke-ness, the crusades they wanted to go on, and all of them (for better or worse, irrelevant to my point) distracted them from the matter at hand: dominating soccer.
I think that can be said about NBA players on the US team, Simone Biles, and lots of other folks too... but when you aren't competing for your life, or for the money, or for the pride, naturally, the motivation isn't the same.
“Hungry dogs run faster.”
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