A hodgepodge of sports articles
This week, I couldn’t decide what to write on, so I’ve compiled a collection of a few of my favorite stories of the week. There’s baseball, Olympics, and despite what I said in a previous column, Tiger Woods.
I know, I know I said I wasn’t going to write an article about Woods, but I can’t resist. Last week he made his first public appearance in months, giving a 13-minute apology speech in front of a few selected people. I watched the speech, but wasn’t going to write anything on it, until I heard something that surprised me; America found his speech sincere and heartfelt!
This archived article was written by: Nathan Davis
This week, I couldn’t decide what to write on, so I’ve compiled a collection of a few of my favorite stories of the week. There’s baseball, Olympics, and despite what I said in a previous column, Tiger Woods.
I know, I know I said I wasn’t going to write an article about Woods, but I can’t resist. Last week he made his first public appearance in months, giving a 13-minute apology speech in front of a few selected people. I watched the speech, but wasn’t going to write anything on it, until I heard something that surprised me; America found his speech sincere and heartfelt!
His personal troubles don’t affect him as a golfer; far to many people idolize athletes and can’t make the separation between their profession and their life. I don’t like Woods, but him having multiple affairs has nothing to do with me not liking him. I don’t like him because on the course hs’e cocky; he thinks he’s better than everyone. I don’t like him because of his on-course tempet tantrums, I don’t like him because everything about him proclaims jerk. I hoped that this might humble him. But when I saw his speech it appeared that he was still the same person. Later that day on Sports Center, I saw a poll where 63 percent of America thought his apology was from the heart. ESPN columnist Bill Simmons asked, whose heart? C-3PO?
I was shocked that the majority of the country thought that robotic-speech was heartfelt. To me, his message came across as, “I’m sorry (I got caught), I messed up (and got caught), I’m truly sorry (at least my PR agent tells me I am.)” His appearance and apology did nothing to boost his liability, and his awkward speech was anything from sincere. Instead of contrite, at times he seemed bitter, as he read his entire speech. Hardly even looking at the camera. Now that’s all I’ll say bout Tiger.
Aside from the nationwide Tiger-watch there have been many captivating sports stories going on. The Olympics are in full swing, and my favorite time of the year is upon us. Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training.
The Olympics opened in Vancouver, Canada Feb. 12 and we’ve already been treated to many exciting moments. Snowboard guru Shawn White repeated as Olympic half pipe gold medalist, then wowed fans with a huge victory run where he landed a double Mctwist 1260. It was the first time that trick has been done in competition.
On Saturday Feb 20. Apollo Anton Ohno took bronze in the men’s speed skating 1000m race. He is now the most decorated U.S. winter Olympian ever. There has been much debate on whether he is the greatest speed skater in American history but either way, you’ve got to respect what he’s done, and what he’s accomplished.
The U.S. has seen its best performance in the winter Olympics since 1932, winning a total of 24 medals as of my deadline on Monday Feb. 22.
On Sunday night I watched one of the most exciting hockey games that I’ve ever seen. It was the USA vs. Canada. The entire game was exciting from the first drop of the puck. The intensity was amazing as Canada fell to the USA 5-3. During the last two minutes of the game I was on the edge of my seat, as Canada desperately tried to score another goal. These are the moments that remind me why, I love sports.
