As I sit here watching the Harlem Globetrotters on TV (I'll see them in person someday), I also sit with mixed emotions as Super Bowl XLII looms on the horizon just less than a day away. I am ecstatic that Art Monk finally got elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining fellow teammate Darrell Green among others. He sat on the ballot for eight years before he got the call, which was eight years too long. To be able to put up the stats that he did in an era where Jerry Rice was just coming into his prime is truly remarkable. It's about time he was recognized for everything he accomplished during his career. He, along with Green, Pats LB Andre Tippett, Vikes/Broncos OT Gary Zimmerman, Bolts/49ers LB Fred Dean (before my time), and Chiefs CB Emmitt Thomas (also before my time, but I'm sure I'll see him on my Chiefs History DVD) are to be congratulated for this very distinguished honor.
While I am pleased that Monk finally got the call for the Hall, I'm also disappointed that more and more information about the Pats' Spygate incident is coming to light on the eve of Super Bowl XLII, especially when it might involve past incidents. On top of that, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania is looking to speak with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the destruction of the Spygate evidence. Let me channel my inner Stephen A. Smith here (I can't help it- I love what he does!!): Who in their everlasting right mind cares THAT much about why some evidence that's already been viewed and addressed, especially during the week leading up to the Super Bowl?? Last I checked, U.S. Senators have a lot more pressing issues to deal with in our country than meeting the NFL's commisioner about some evidence that a good majority of us have forgotten about and could care less about anymore. Here's a word of advice to Sen. Specter: utilize your energy toward issues that really matter to our country, like ending the war in Iraq and Afghanistan or social security. Let the Spygate issue go, get off your high horse, and move on. Join the rest of the country in watching what could the most historical Super Bowl to date. LET IT GO!!
Speaking of the possibility of historical Super Bowl, another issue that's been bothering me, as well as many sportscasters, is the continuing annoyance known as Mercury Morris staying on his high horse proclaiming greatness for his beloved '72 Dolphins' undefeated season. "Don't call me when you're in my neighborhood- call me when you're on my block," or some garbage like that. Just like I mentioned to Sen. Specter- LET IT GO!! Everyone knows what your Dolphins did in '72, and everyone knows that they were the first undefeated team in NFL history. No one is discounting that by any stretch of the imagination. However, as much as I really don't like the Pats, I have to give them credit for making such a historical run up to this point, and you should do the same. Should they win tomorrow, I'll probably smile at the fact they completed what could be considered the most remarkable season in professional sports. What I won't do is start comparing them to your beloved 'Fins. One thing you must always remember, Mr. Morris, is that records are made to be broken. Don't be so full of yourself to the point that you can't take a moment or two to possibly welcome another franchise into that exclusive wire-to-wire club. Your team was one of the best of its era, and should the Pats win, they'll be considered one of the best of this era Like most of us who have a pulse on this planet- embrace change and LET IT GO.
With that being said, it's time to make my Super Bowl pick. Unless I like the favorite going into the game (in this case I don't), I tend to be an underdog guy, which would make you think that I would pick the Giants. However, it's hard to go against a team that was built for a game of this magnitude. I think it will be a great game, but in the end, the Pats finalize their place in history. Pats 31, Giants 24. Until next time...
