Sitting here waiting for Thursday and all the things that come with it: Turkey, stuffing and heartburn that feels like my arteries will implode. Watching the Detroit Lions get basted on national TV. Still, I’m reminded why we all gather: to give thanks. Here, then, are Things in Sports that I am Thankful For:
I’m thankful that Paul Tagliabue sat down all the powers that be before he retired and had them hammer out a new NFL collective bargaining agreement, ensuring the league would not have a work stoppage.
Tagliabue retired leaving the league in a great shape, clearly the best-known sports league in North America—maybe even the world.
I’m thankful to see the generosity in local college football. How nice was it for Virginia to relinquish a 20-point halftime lead to Virginia and turn Maryland into a different team. The Terps have gone on to defeat NC State and Miami and upset Florida State and Clemson in the weeks following their Charlottesville comeback.
I’m thankful that the NBA has decided to fully enforce its “zero toleration behavior” policy. No more whining, no more crying and no more temper tantrums on the court.
On the second night of the NBA season, 21 technical fouls were called in 13 games including two by league bad boy Detroit Piston Rasheed Wallace, who appropriately got tossed.
I’m thankful for the third NFL Turkey Day game featuring Kansas City and Denver. It will be nice to have something to distract me from the gastrointestinal pain that will result with my third slice of pumpkin pie.
I’m thankful for the Detroit Tigers, Rutgers football and George Mason basketball, reminding us that, once in a while, it isn’t who wins the championship but rather who gives us a great story along the way.
I’m thankful that the Redskins actually made a smart personnel move in acquiring Troy Vincent after the Buffalo Bills wrongfully kicked him to the curb. In only a week and a half after joining Washington, the Players Union president and league’s “good guy” was starting over Adam Archuleta who the Redskins had made the highest-paid safety in the off season. Guess paying more isn’t always better!
I’m thankful life put me on the earth at the same time as Tiger Woods, so I am able to watch his career.
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I’m thankful that Terrell Owens was O.K. after his “accidental” overdose and the fact that it gave an entire week of fodder for my radio show.
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I’m thankful that someone learned in sports to man up and say, “Yeah, I did it.” Not to praise Guillermo Motto, but after he got pasted for violation of Major League Baseball steroid policy, he wrote a letter of apology, admitting to his wrongdoing. He still screwed up but it was better then the “Oops, it must have been a tainted sample” excuse.
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I’m thankful for the NFL and NBC having flex scheduling.
I’m thankful that the football gods stopped screwing with Temple and actually got them and new Head Coach Al Golden a win after two years and 20 games. We now wait for the sun to shine on Duke football.
Wes McElroy hosts “The Final Round” on ESPN 840.