Scoop The Dirt

Welcome to my Sports blog! It is mid-January….the NFL playoffs are in full swing, and we are just weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. I love Christmas as much as the next person, but in my opinion, this is the most wonderful time of the year. Before I delve into my thoughts on the remaining 4 NFL playoff teams and their chances to advance to the big game, I think it would be helpful to get a few things out of the way first as a way of introducing myself. And yes, I do realize that the following statements may not win me any popularity contests—unless of course said contest was held in the City of Brotherly Love:

1) I am a hardcore Philadelphia Sports fan—and I will never apologize for that or make excuses for the controversy that often surrounds the loyal fans of this city. I am damn proud of Philadelphia and its long, colorful sports history. After all, years of disappointment and torture have shaped me into the lovable, cynical person that I am today. Oh, and did I mention loyal? Loyalty is really the key to continuing one’s fandom when subjected to years and years of losing seasons and crushed hopes. That being said, I can’t tell you how much sweeter the Phillies World Series victory was in 2008 after such a long Philadelphia sports drought (25 years, but who’s counting?). I still get choked up just thinking about Harry Kalas calling the final out in Game 5, Part Deux (RIP Harry). I was lucky enough to be there on that cold, October night, and it was one of the greatest moments of my life. The parade that followed was amazing….it was an uncharacteristically warm, Halloween afternoon with crowds of historical proportions. The players reveled in typical Philadelphia fashion…and we were “World <ph>ucking Champions” (Well said, Chase). Even Pat Burrell took out an ad in the Philly papers thanking the fans before leaving the city of Brotherly Love for Tampa Bay (which is not even a city but rather an “area”—how lame)….and this is a guy who was not known for his charm or love of the media. Players love Philadelphia. Fans LOVED that Phillies team, and it was well worth the wait. Thanks guys for giving this city a much needed Championship that was earned, not bought.

2) Ok, now onto the Eagles. You may wonder if I threw snowballs at Santa Claus during that infamous December game at Franklin Field in Philadelphia in 1968. The answer to that is no, but only because I would not be born for another 3 years. If you ask me though, the guy probably had it coming. Did I cheer when Michael Irvin was down on the field during the Eagles/Cowboys game in 1999? Ok, I didn’t cheer, but I wasn’t crying either. I mean, the Eagles won that game, and any Eagles victory is a reason to smile, especially against the Cowboys. Something else worth noting—Mike ended up being ok and that hit sent him into early retirement so that we can now listen to his, umm, intelligent commentary on ESPN and marvel at his impeccable sense of style. And, let’s face it; he’s not exactly an admirable guy. I mean, what kind of person throws a friend under the bus when busted with some weed during a traffic stop, especially when this “friend” is trying to battle a drug addiction? C’mon Mike, it was really no surprise to any of us that you get high. Just admit it, and move on. Do I think you deserved to have your career end in Philadelphia that way? Well, Karma is a bitch. Oh, and we are also known for booing McNabb when he was drafted in that same year. All I have to say to that is….did you watch that Eagles/Dallas playoff game last week…or the game the week prior? Enough said. I was always a McNabb supporter, but the Eagles championship drought still lingers on…..and I must say I do have slightly more love for Ricky Williams and his free-living, green- smoking ways. Bye-bye Donovan and your company-man smile. Watch out for snowballs and batteries on your way outta town.

3) I hate all New York teams. Period. I am a female, but no, I don’t think Derek Jeter is hot. Eli Manning? Absolutely not. I also prefer to think of the term “thunder and lightning” as something characteristic of a summer storm, rather than a “lethal” running back combination. Why do I hate NY teams? See 1) and 2) above.
For those of you (not from NY or Dallas) who are still reading this, I look forward to blogging about all things sports, and while I don’t promise to be 100% objective, I will assure you that I am not just a fan of Philadelphia sports, but of all sports in general. And if anyone is surprised that I got through my first blog without even mentioning the Tiger Woods saga—well—I didn’t. But isn’t there an entertainment blog that covers that? See you all later in the week for more on the NFL..