Comments on: It Ain’t Easy

By: Chyll Will

Chyll Will — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:44:19 +0000

[10] Agreed. Bayless is guilty of nothing more than being a complete tool, but he’s not much different than his cohorts; the difference being that the others at least give the appearance that they prepare to back up their statements with research). I’m not that mad at him because in all honesty, we do have at least a smidgen of doubt about an athlete’s performance compared to what is expected. But that means either our expectations have diminished or the realities have outpaced our thinking. Sad.

What I am mad at is how that spotlight-stealing performance by Bayless has in fact diminished the impact of Jeter’s season and perhaps his career to a simple statement about the dangers and suspicions concerning PEDs in professional sports. Jeter pointed at the idea that there is no accountability for what people say anymore, and judging by the attention that has been given to the issue, he’s right on the money. The damage is done, the profits have been made and the tools have served their purpose. The only ones actually hurt by any of this are the subjects (targets?) and their fans.

By: monkeypants

monkeypants — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:38:44 +0000

For what it’s worth, as I predicted three years ago:

http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/07/30/aie-papi/#128

See also subsequent discussion at comments 143-147.

All in all, a rather interesting discussion thread.

By: monkeypants

monkeypants — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:25:49 +0000

[9] He can’t prove his innocence—he’s simply a casualty of the steroids era, as I predicted years ago. See [10].

By: monkeypants

monkeypants — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:24:24 +0000

[8] I agree with you. Why not Cal? Why not anyone? That’s the point I was making. The entire game-of-shadows generation—involving lots (it seems) of star players using PEDs and breaking records, owners turning a bind eye, and fans being willfully ignorant—has cast doubt on EVERY player, every accomplishment.

Whether Skip is “scum” or not is irrelevant. Jeter’s seemingly amazing turnaround at age 38 raising questions of PED use…that was inevitable.

By: rbj

rbj — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:22:32 +0000

[6] How does Derek prove his innocence? A blood test right would only prove that he’s clean right now, not earlier. It’s impossible to disprove a negative, which is one reason I hate conspiracy theories. 38 year olds can have a season that’s in line with earlier production. If you’re going to be an analyst/journalist/whateverist on a major media channel, you can’t throw out such accusations without some evidence. It’s unfair to the point of dishonesty.

By: BobbyB

BobbyB — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:09:34 +0000

Skip Bayless should set his sights on Cal Ripkin, too, if that’s his bent. Cal’s best friend while playing, Brady Anderson, was a PED user. Why not Cal? Truth is anyone can point fingers without the slightest repercussions (BTW, I don’t think Cal was a PED user anymore than I think DJ is). Skip Bayliss is scum.

By: Sliced Bread

Sliced Bread — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:29:20 +0000

6) I’m guessing ithat’s because most people aren’t as dumb as Skip.

By: monkeypants

monkeypants — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:52:19 +0000

[5] I warned about this years ago—that this is the real damage of the steroids era. No player will ever be above suspicion, even one with a squeaky clean image. The players, owners and, yes, most fans are to blame: they all worked together to produce this cynical, suspicious environment.

So I am not offended by Bayless’ “questioning” at all. Rather, I am surprised more people haven’t said the same thing.

By: rbj

rbj — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:46:04 +0000

And let me be the first to tee of on the worthless hack Skip Bayless:
http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8294309/derek-jeter-laughs-skip-bayless-ped-use-insinuation

Sorry, but for someone who’s always had a squeaky clean image, you have to have more than just an “I’m only asking questions” attitude. Skip should be fired.

By: Mattpat11

Mattpat11 — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:58:14 +0000

[3] We haven’t even started the annual September restapalooza yet

By: monkeypants

monkeypants — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:05:45 +0000

[2] the division lead will be at least 6 at the end of the season.

A bold prediction. Yes, but for whom?

By: Mr OK Jazz Tokyo

Mr OK Jazz Tokyo — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:55:44 +0000

Cleveland is just what they need. Rays are the suckas, the division lead will be at least 6 at the end of the season. よし！

By: Sliced Bread

Sliced Bread — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:50:42 +0000

Good ballgame. Sale pitched his nuts off, and the Good Sox are a good team.
Good show by Hughes. No un-Dudeness here.