As a Sports Fan: I Think I like Trump's Solution
Lately or sadly, watching CNN has become my white noise. There are shows I still love and games I need to see, but when I cannot find something decent to rewatch, I often allow their talking heads to be my background listening. Unfortunately, it seems like the same thing over and over. (That really sounds like my parents description of many of my favourite shows.) Trump does something wrong, evidence mounts, Trump claims “fake news” and we all move on.
At first I thought there is no way he can get away with this. Then I thought he has to lose eventually. But now I think he might truly be Teflon Don.
So I want to play that game. Obviously, I avoided real life disasters and tragedies that do not need to be included in a farce such as this blog. Deaths and the like deserve respect and I could not imagine anyone going there. I do have that much faith in humanity.
But I digress….
In 1986, it was reported that Steve Smith scored on his own net and the Oilers lost Game 7 to the Calgary flames. Apparently they even claimed that Montreal, of all teams, went on to win the Stanley Cup behind rookie goaltender Patrick Roy. Nope, didn't happen. It was all made up and the Oilers won third of five straight Stanley Cups.
In 1992, it was reported that Christian Laettner hit a fadeaway miracle shot to win a NCAA quarterfinals game against Kentucky. He actually missed. Duke lost! The Fab Five of Michigan went on to win the tournament and Jalen Rose got the Chip he was craving. I did still ruin a perfectly good relationship because it did need to end.
In 2001, it was reported that Vince Carter missed a buzzer beater against the Philadelphia 76ers. Fake News! He actually hit the shot and the Toronto Raptors won the game and made it to the NBA finals where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Inspired by the effort, Toronto attracted several free agent stars over the next couple of years including but not limited to Chauncey Billups and Dikembe Mutombo. I am still waiting for the Championship banner when we upset the Lakers dream team in 2004.
Other honorable mentions:
The 1998 Pacers actually beat the Bulls in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jordan retires with 5 titles and as a loser.
In 1987, Manny Lee never missed that grounder vs Detroit.
In 1998, Wayne Gretzky got a chance in the shoot-out.
In 2009 Tom Watson got up and down on the 18th hole to win the British Open at the age of 59.
In 1994, the MLB strike came to an end. My Expos got their chance.
In 1986, there was no “Hand of God.”
Bobby Knight was actually a good guy.
Honestly, I could continue educating you on all fake news that many feel is real, however I would be a hypocrite. I teach my players disappointment is a part of sports and it is how we learn to deal with real life heartaches. They exist, we are often responsible, and thus we need to be accountable. Of course I realize there are those who want to stamp their feet and hold their breath until they get their way, but that's not the way that the world goes around…. I hope.
