It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday: How Sports Retirements Can Inform an HKS Exit Strategy
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on April 28, 2010 in Sports
“Fans, for the past two weeks you’ve been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Lou Gehrig, Hall of Fame Yankees first baseman, uttered those words in the most famous farewell speech in sports history. As he slowly lost a battle with the disease that now bears his name, Gehrig did not ask for sympathy. Instead, he chose to celebrate the fans, teammates, and family who made his life special. Unfortunately, many of our sports legends don’t leave the field for the last time with such significance.
There are guys whose desire to keep playing (or realization that their window for making millions of dollars is closing faster than an HKS student stealing coffee from exec-ed as the Sodexho cart approaches) leads them to play past their prime. Muhammad Ali, the most important athlete of the 20th century, lost three of his last four fights (which included getting pummeled by a guy named Trevor Berbick). Many of them spend their final seasons with a different team than where they enjoyed their true glory years: Willie Mays retired a member of the New York Mets instead of the San Francisco Giants, and Joe Namath retired as a San Diego Charger instead of as a New York Jet. When an athlete hangs on too long, it’s just sad.
On the other hand, you’ve got the guys who walk away when they still have gas left in the tank. Andy “AZ” Zelleke (HKS’ most Obama-like character) would say these guys don’t quite understand the concept of value creation. Jim Brown and Barry Sanders, quite possibly the two greatest running backs to ever play football, are the stars of this group. Brown, then the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, retired at 30 so he could be a film star. Sanders, only 31 and on pace to become the league’s all-time leading rusher, walked away from the game because a decade of losing with the Detroit Lions robbed his competitive spirit. The shock that these retirements caused cannot be overstated. It would be like David Gergen leaving a Forum moderating gig before his guffaw shocked any unseasoned audience members.
Finally, there are the Brett Favre types that make us take part in their multiple retirements. Either they can’t make a decision, want to add to their collection of gold watches, or “there ain’t no party like a retirement party cause a retirement party don’t stop.” Michael Jordan epitomizes this group. MJ first “retired” in 1994 after leading the Chicago Bulls to three straight championships. When his baseball career flamed out, he returned to the Bulls in 1995 and then led them to three more championships. We thought he retired for good in 1998 after hitting the game winning shot in the NBA Finals, but just as someone decided to finance Speed 2: Cruise Control, MJ couldn’t let well enough alone and came back one last time in 2001. After two injury plagued lackluster seasons with the Washington Wizards, Jordan stepped off the court for good in 2003.
So, how can the examples of these sports legends inform how those of who will graduate next month leave the HKS community? First, make sure you thank the people that have shaped your time here. And this means more than just our friends, classmates, and professors. Make sure to acknowledge the folks who do the little things that your daily experience a little bit better, like Shilda and the rest of the Sodexho staff, Bob and the other members of the security team, or Sheron Russell and her colleagues in OCA. All too often, I notice students who run around campus without noticing the contribution that our support staff makes. In a school full of future public leaders, I’d suggest we start thanking the people that make this place run.
Second, accept the fact that it’s time. This second, third, or even fourth journey for some of us living the student lifestyle has been great, especially after being a working stiff. But, we all came here for some reason other than not having class on Friday or karaoke at Razzy’s. We won’t walk out of the office at 6 p.m. and stumble upon the Homeland Security Secretary doing Q and A with a bunch of our colleagues, but that’s OK. The party’s going to go on, but sometimes you’ve got to leave fashionably early.
Third, and most importantly, let’s not forget the thread that connects everyone at HKS: we want to make someone else’s life better. We can’t let the jargon of our work, the pain of paying back our loans, or our career ambition overtake this fundamental principle. When we return for our reunions, let us not compare the prestige or rank that we’ve earned, but judge ourselves based on how we’ve improved the lives of others.
There’s a much less famous line in Gehrig’s speech where he praised his teammates by asking, “Which of you wouldn’t consider it a highlight of his career to associate with them for even one day?” After spending two years at the Kennedy School, those words ring deep and true. Being in the company of so many talented and caring men and women, making lifelong friendships along the way, has been the best part of my Harvard experience. Thanks.
I’ve neglected to share my “lessons learned,” but I didn’t have enough space. Well, there is the most important lesson HKS has taught me: if you walk around a corner and see a bunch of free food staring you in the face, it’s best to act naturally while you steal…
The World Cup: Previews and Predictions
by Syon Bhanot, News Editor on April 14, 2010 in Sports
At long last, the World Cup is heading to Africa. As an American who found his passion for the beautiful game in a few dingy bars in Kenya, I think it is fantastic that an African nation will play host to this year’s event. African fans are amongst the world’s most passionate, and the World Cup could not have gone to a more deserving part of the world.
At HKS, the soccer culture is surprisingly vibrant. Dozens of students are followers of clubs in Europe, South America and the US, countless HKSers play in the Harvard indoor soccer league, and many have plans to attend the World Cup this year (including yours truly). Soccer is truly a global sport for a global school.
To make this little rant/preview appeal to everyone, I’m going to provide some basic background for the newbies, and also give my predictions on the tournament (for the already-fans out there). Let’s get straight to it.
How It Works: Thirty-two nations make the World Cup. The countries are placed into eight different “groups” of four for the tournament, and each team plays the other three teams in its group once during the tournament’s “group stage.” A winning team in the group stage match gets three points, a loser gets zero, and a draw means one point for each team. Once all the group stage games are completed, the top two teams in each group (as determined by points earned in the three group games) goes onto the “knockout stage.” Then it’s single elimination, knockout, just like the NCAA tournament. There are no ties in the knockout games – a draw means extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine a winner. In the knockout stage, the 16 teams become 8, then 4, then 2, then 1, and we have our World Cup winner.
Previews and Predictions: Oh boy, the fun part. Some previews, predictions, and players to keep an eye on – they may not always be the stars, but they are key for their team’s success.
Group A – France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay: The French, losers in the finals in 2006 (headbutt, anyone?) should be licking their chops over a pretty easy draw. The hosts are toast though. Players to Watch - Ribery & Gourcuff (France), Forlan (Uruguay), Vela & Marquez (Mexico), Pienaar & Dikgacoi (South Africa); Prediction – Winner: France, Runner-Up: Mexico.
Group B – Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea: Argentina looks good here, but shouldn’t get too cocky – the other teams are solid, and I think South Korea will give them a run for their money. Players to Watch - Messi, Veron, & Di Maria (Argentina), Yakubu (Nigeria), Park & Lee (South Korea), Samaras (Greece); Prediction - Winner: Argentina, Runner-Up: South Korea.
Group C – Algeria, England, Slovenia, USA: The Yanks vs. the Brits. The American Revolution, Part 2. No funny wigs though. Oh, and also the US will get beat this time (though it should be a tight game). Players to Watch - Donovan (USA), Rooney & Gerrard (England), Ziani (Algeria), Novakovic (Slovenia); Prediction - Winner: England, Runner-Up: USA.
Group D – Australia, Germany, Ghana, Serbia: Though not the recognized “Group of Death,” each team in this group is excellent. Expect the unexpected here. Players to Watch – Schweinsteiger & Ozil (Germany), Essien & Gyan (Ghana), Cahill (Australia), Vidic & Stankovic (Serbia); Prediction - Winner: Ghana, Runner-Up: Germany.
Group E – Cameroon, Denmark, Netherlands, Japan: The Dutch should cruise, and the Danes were dominant in qualifying. But expect this one to be decided in the last match day in the group. Players to Watch – Van Persie, Robben, and Sneijder (Netherlands), Eto’o (Cameroon), Bendtner & Poulsen (Denmark), Nakamura (Japan); Prediction - Winner: Netherlands , Runner-Up: Denmark.
Group F – Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia: 2006 World Cup Champions Italy have a pretty easy group. And I hate to say it, but I think New Zealand will concede a lot of goals. Players to Watch – De Rossi & Cannavaro (Italy), Cardozo (Paraguay), Nelsen & Smeltz (New Zealand), Hamsik & Stoch (Slovakia); Prediction - Winner: Italy, Runner-Up: Paraguay.
Group G – Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea, Portugal: The Group of Death. Some mouth-watering games in here. Portugal vs. Brazil is a must see. Actually, Anyone vs. Brazil is a must see. Players to Watch – Kaka & Maicon (Brazil), Ronaldo (Portugal), Drogba (Ivory Coast), Hong (North Korea); Prediction - Winner: Brazil, Runner-Up: Ivory Coast.
Group H – Chile, Honduras, Spain, Switzerland: Spain is going to dominate here. One of the best teams in the world, and they play great football. Chile is a nice little sleeper pick too. Players to Watch – Xavi & Villa (Spain), Inler & Frei (Switzerland), Palacios (Honduras), Fernandez & Sanchez (Chile); Prediction - Winner: Spain, Runner-Up: Chile.
Knockout Round 1: France beats South Korea, Germany beats England, Netherlands beats Paraguay, Brazil beats Chile, Argentina beats Mexico, Ghana beats USA, Denmark beats Italy, Spain beats Ivory Coast.
Knockout Round 2 (Quarterfinals): Germany beats France, Netherlands beats Brazil, Argentina beats Ghana, Spain beats Denmark.
Knockout Round 3 (Semifinals): Netherlands beats Germany, Spain beats Argentina.
The Final: Two goals from David Villa beats one from Wesley Sneijder. Spain are Champions of the World!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! March Madness: The Best Thing In American Sports
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on March 11, 2010 in Sports
Two weeks from now, most of us will be spending our spring break traveling the world, relaxing at home, or cramming to finish a PAE. Whether we are living it up or kicking ourselves for six months of procrastination, we can stay connected through a special event: the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. Commonly referred to as March Madness, it’s the best thing in American sports.
That’s right: the best, greatest, most exciting, and generally unforgettable event in American sports. As a kid who grew-up dreaming of playing college basketball, but had to settle for a lackluster high school career and sporadic mediocrity during pickup games at the MAC, I’m biased.
For you policy wonks, here’s an excessively long executive summary that explains the nuts and bolts of March Madness:
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is a three-week, 65-team tournament. 31 teams earn automatic bids by winning their conference championships. A 10-member Selection Committee invites 34 at-large teams based on their record, rankings, strength of schedule, signature wins and losses, etc. The Selection Committee ranks the teams 1-65, with the #1 overall seed deemed the best and #65 the worst. The teams are then divided into four regions – West, Midwest, South, and East – with 16 teams, seeded 1-16.
The top 4 teams are given #1 seeds, the next four #2 seeds, so on and so forth (#64 and #65 have a play-in game to determine the final #16 seed). The bracket sets-up so that first-round matchups pit #1 vs. #16, #2 vs. #15, etc. Theoretically, the higher your seed, the easier your road to the championship. Using a single-elimination format, the field of 64 is whittled down to 16 after the first weekend, and then down to four after the second, and eventually a champion on the first Tuesday in April.
March Madness has some specific terminology you need to know. The tournament is also known as the Big Dance. Teams that make it out of the second round head into the Sweet 16. The winners of those games play in the Elite Eight. Winning teams then move to the Final Four, the most prestigious event in college sports. The bracket (keep reading!) is the decision tree platform used to determine the flow of games and is revealed on Selection Sunday. Now that you how what March Madness is, here’s why it’s so important…
First, there’s an endless amount of drama. On Selection Sunday, teams that had solid but unspectacular seasons wait tentatively on the “bubble,” hoping it doesn’t burst. The televised joy of the invited or disappointment of the rejected epitomizes what purity is left in college sports. As the tournament moves on, it feels like every other game comes down to the last shot regardless of the matchup. That’s the beauty of the “one and done” format: at the college level, an inferior team can play harder or smarter than a more talented opponent.
Second, the whole country participates. In offices, schools, and just about any place where people gather, some worthy soul organizes a pool, aka an illegal gambling activity based on picking the winners of each game. Claiming a year’s worth of bragging rights is no joke. Though a guess at best, consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas estimates that the economy loses $1.7 billion in productivity as the nation’s workforce researches their picks or watches games online. No matter the stakes, there’s just something so American about filling out your bracket. It’s so patriotic, in fact, that President Obama even televised his picks on ESPN last year.
Third, (cliché count) anything can happen (1). Hope springs eternal every year as a new “Cinderella” claims as many upsets as possible before the clock strikes midnight (3). Though major upsets tend to happen during the first weekend of play, every tournament has a David that overcomes long odds to slay Goliath (4). In 1985, 8th seed Villanova became the lowest seed to win the championship since the field was expanded to 64 teams when it beat Georgetown. More recently, 2006 saw 11th seed George Mason beat Michigan State, North Carolina, and Connecticut to reach the Final Four. And in 2008, 10th seeded Davidson beat Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin before losing to eventual champion Kansas in the Elite Eight.
The field will be announced on March 14, so I can only provide a few insights that may help you beat that loud, obnoxious friend of yours who thinks he knows everything about sports (should I be doing this?). Pick Syracuse, Kansas, or Michigan State (sleeper) to win it all. Stay away from Kentucky, Duke, and Kansas State. A #16 seed has never beat a #1. At least two #12 seeds will win in the first round. Expect two or three teams from mid-major conferences (think HKS in the Harvard grad school hierarchy) will make the Sweet 16. At least two #1 seeds will reach the Final Four, but not all four. If you finish your bracket and realize you’ve picked the higher seeds in every matchup, start over! While I don’t endorse gambling, a donation in the form of a 3:30 pm coffee would be appreciated if this advice helps. If you don’t win, a “donated” coffee from Executive Education will do.
Cocktail Party 102: Advanced Applied Sports Talk
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on February 24, 2010 in Sports
Two people told me they actually used some tidbits from last semester’s Cocktail Party 101 column (shout out to Morna Ha and Melissa “Mojo” Wojciechowsk), so I figured it was time to break out version 2.0. Just to refresh, the following points will allow you to fake the sports talk chit chat you’ll encounter at networking events, job interviews, or at a friendly get together. March and April are two of the best sports months of the year, so study-up and get ready to be accepted as a sports aficionado…
National Basketball Association (NBA):
The NBA hasn’t been this good since the Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird heyday of the late 80’s/early 90’s. There’s a plethora of likeable established stars (LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, etc.) and a crop of likeable rising stars (Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Brandon Roy, Rajon Rondo, etc.). The future is bright.
The Eastern Conference is almost back from the decades-long collapse it suffered went Shaq signed with the Lakers, though the Western Conference is still tougher from top to bottom.
Really sucks to be a Seattle fan these days. Not only do the Sonics move to Oklahoma City, but after years of ineptitude, they have the best young roster in the league and 21-year-old future Hall of Famer in Durant. Ouch…
Best player? Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers. Best coach? Greg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs. Best team? Lakers.
After cleaning house to give themselves $32 million in cap space, the New York Knicks will let go of All-Star David Lee and sign Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay (OK, this is more a wish than a talking point. Preface it with “Wouldn’t be funny if…”).
David Stern, the league’s Commissioner since 1984, is the best in the business.
Updated Championship Prediction: still the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just have a gut feeling LeBron is going to pull it off. Who wants to root for the Lakers anyway?
Major League Baseball (MLB):
Roy Halladay, one of the best three pitchers of the last 20 years, will win 20 games and his first National League Cy Young Award with his new team, the fightin’ Philadelphia Phillies.
The Chicago Cubs’ 101-year World Series winless drought will continue. Wrigley Field is an amazing stadium, but don’t go for the winning baseball.
Besides having one of the greatest nicknames ever (“The Big Hurt”), recently retired Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas was one of the best hitters in recent memory.
Baseball once saw heroes like Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and the Negro League barnstormers help integrate this country through their excellence on the playing field. Now, only 8% of Major League players are black.
World Series Prediction: Yankees vs. Phillies part II. The two best teams in baseball actually got better in the off-season.
National Football League (NFL):
Peyton Manning was a game-winning drive away from making a case for being the best quarterback to ever play. Now he’s got to overcome his old choke artist label. Crazy…
Tennessee’s Chris Johnson and Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson are the two best running backs in the league. Who’s better? Johnson. Unbelievable speed, unbelievable vision, and ran for more than 2,000 yards when he was the only option on offense.
Breakout star of 2009? Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. He’s a younger, stronger Brian Westbrook and is only getting better.
Super Bowl Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs vs. St. Louis Rams (NOTE: this is a gag prediction that will allow you to use sarcasm to bolster your “inherent” sports credibility).
Men’s College Basketball (NCAA):
John Wall, Kentucky’s “one and done” freshman superstar, is the real deal. He’s a lock to be the first pick in June’s NBA Draft.
The Big East may be the toughest conference ever over the last 5 years. It can certainly challenge the ACC’s glory days.
Speaking of the ACC…it stinks! Duke is the only legitimate team in the conference this year, and they’ll be lucky to make it out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament (sorry Antoine!).
Speaking of bad conferences…the PAC 10 may be the worst major conference in college basketball history. If they get more than one team in the field of 65, it will be an outrage.
Chances are he won’t make it in the NBA, but Villanova’s senior guard Scott Reynolds is one of the best college players of the last 15 years.
Best player? Kentucky’s Wall. Best coach? Kansas’ Bill Self. Best team? Kansas.
Championship Prediction: Syracuse Orangemen. A future top 5 draft pick on the wing, a 2-guard who can shoot and create, two good big guys inside, and their traditionally stiff 2-3 matchup zone defense. The only question is their young guards. Other contenders: Kansas, Villanova, Purdue, Michigan State.
Some Other Stuff:
The Winter Olympics will never be as great as the Summer Olympics. It’s tough when only half the world can actually participate.
Has ESPN ever explained why it shows fishing, bowling, and pool? I’d expect to see them on the “Recreational Activity Network,” but not one devoted to sports.
Whenever Tiger Woods does return to golf, he will be even more dominant than he was before his personal life became national fodder.
Love & Basketball (and Football) (and Baseball)
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on February 11, 2010 in Sports
The Super Bowl, America’s most important sports event, was played on Sunday. I wanted to write about it, but couldn’t due to the Citizen’s printing schedule. What to do? I need to come out of the gate strong this semester, because, let’s face it, I bailed in my last column or two last semester. Thankfully, inspiration was found in another of America’s major events: Valentine’s Day.
Personally, Valentine’s Day peaked in elementary school when everybody traded “be my sweetheart” candies. I’m not a huge fan of artificial holidays that create dubious social expectations (what if I bought flowers on February 13th?) or make those of us who are single feel like losers (please also see New Year’s Eve). As I reflected on my previous relationships, however, I realized that I’ve followed a strict code regarding love and sports. In six words that code is: I don’t watch sports with women.
Like George Costanza, I tend to keep my “worlds” separate. Friends are here, family is there, and girlfriends have been way over there (I’m not saying it’s the right way, I’m just being honest that it’s been my way). Under this system, the sports teams in my life have rarely interacted with the romantic interests in my life. Instead, sports are a passion that I’ve shared with my (male) friends, not my girlfriends.
I’ve written before about the special way that sports can build community. Well, my entire experience of playing, watching, and talking about sports has always consisted of a community of guys. I guess that makes me a sports segregationist. I never set out to become that, but 27 years of associating sports with my male friends, teammates, and acquaintances has had a lasting affect.
As our President would say, “let me be clear:” this has absolutely nothing to do any woman’s ability as an athlete, passion as a fan, or even casual interest in sports. There’s not a credible “men are better sports fans” argument to be made, and I’ve talked to enough die-hard female fans that it would be ridiculous to even try to make that argument. The sports segregation in my life has much more to do with how I (and I’m guessing others) relate to the people in their lives.
Sports have played an important role in most, if not all, of my male relationships. They haven’t in my relationships with women. And that reaches beyond my love life, extending to my mother, sisters, nieces, friends and colleagues here at HKS. I just haven’t had a relationship with any woman where sports were what truly connected us. This is due in part to how I differentiate between watching my teams and watching sports in general.
Following my favorite teams is serious business. Sure, it brings my buddies together, but it’s not a typically social event. We’ll talk about the latest comings and goings of our lives, but there is never any doubt about where the focus should be when the game is on. Since pro football teams only have 16 games, the Eagles are for the guys only. Baseball and basketball, with 162 and 82 game schedules, are naturally more casual. Catching a baseball game on a beautiful summer night is actually a great date. But, once the games start taking on more meaning as the playoffs approach, the Phillies (and theoretically the Sixers) games take on the same “guys only” status as the Eagles.
Watching other teams is a different story. Major events such as the Final Four are important social happenings (as long as my team isn’t involved!). As many of us experienced on Sunday, the Super Bowl is as much about beer, chips, and ranking commercials as it is about watching football. The segregationist in me disappears in these situations. The same goes for the random NBA or college basketball game on ESPN. In fact, those games are great material for cuddling on the couch with that special someone. So, it’s not that all sports and love don’t mix well for me. Just some.
I’ve found this to be a good thing for my relationships. If there is one thing I have learned through the ups and downs of young love, (cliché alert) it’s the importance of maintaining your own life outside of your relationship. I’m no authority on love and relationships, but sharing sports with my buddies and not my love interests has been a tool for sustaining equilibrium in my life. I’ve never said, “Honey, you want to watch the big game this weekend, just me and you?” But, at the same time, I haven’t asked my friends if they wanted to order-in, put on a “rom com” and snuggle.
Now, what would happen if I met my sports fan match, a die-hard fan who knows her sports and takes them seriously? I’d like to think I ‘m open to change, and I’m certainly willing to try it out if the right woman ever comes along. I might even seek her out. “Hi, I’m Chris. You’re next drink is on me if you can name the four NFL Hall of Famer inductees who also played in the USFL.” If I met a woman who answered that question instantly, then I may have to change my Sunday routine. But just in case, does anyone have any recommendations for “just for guys” rom coms?
Sports Rivalries 101
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on December 7, 2009 in Sports
Courtesy of Christopher Arlene, MPP\'10
Last Saturday, Harvard and Yale met for the 126th edition of “The Game,” college football’s oldest rivalry. For most of us, the trip to New Haven was just an excuse to tailgate, but the rivalry between these two schools deserves respect. It’s the type of rivalry that sports are built on: the names and faces change, but the mutual institutional dislike only intensifies over the generations.
So it seems only right that I write a column about the best American sports rivalries. There are limitations, however, to doing this that I need to be up front about. First, rivalries play a much bigger part in college sports, but there are only so many college rivalries that transcend their respective fan bases and are generally “can’t miss” type of games.
Second, it’s almost impossible for professional teams to have long-term rivals. For many years, the L.A. Lakers and Boston Celtics was an unmatched rivalry full of future Hall of Fame players, but that rivalry laid dormant for more than a decade while the Celtics stunk and before Kobe and Shaq resurrected the Lakers. And third, I can’t comment on rivalries I haven’t witnessed, so some classic rivalries like Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier or Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain don’t show up. So with these principles in mind, here is my list of the best five rivalries in sports:
1. Duke vs. North Carolina
There never has, and there never will be, a better rivalry than this classic matchup between two schools that are only about 10 miles apart. UNC is second all time in wins. Duke is fourth. UNC has 18 Final Four appearances and 5 National Championships. Duke has 14 trips to the Final Four and 3 titles of their own. UNC has Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Tyler Hansbrough. Duke has Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Elton Brand. This rivalry has unmatched history, intense fans, and a compelling public vs. private university undertone. If you are only going to watch one college basketball game this year, make sure it is one of their two annual slugfests.
2. Ohio State vs. Michigan
College football is full of great rivalries (Oklahoma vs. Texas, Miami vs. Florida State, USC vs. Notre Dame), but nothing tops this classic Big Ten battle. The matchup includes two of the top college football programs ever, with a combined 18 national championships, 10 Heisman Trophy winners, and 75 Big 10 Conference championships. Most years, the winner of this game wins the Big 10, and it often has national implications. After 106 meetings, this game is still very old school, played at noon the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Throw in its “origins” of the 1830s border war between these two states over which would claim the town of Toledo, and this rivalry is clearly one of the best.
3. Rafael Marquez vs. Israel Vazquez
OK, you’ve never heard of these guys, and I hadn’t until a few years ago. I can’t pretend to be a huge boxing fan, but the three fights these two warriors had in 2007 and 2008 were straight out of a movie. Though they fight in the bantamweight class (122 lbs), these two Mexican fighters fought with more heart and courage than any other fighters I have ever seen. Marquez won the first fight after injuring Vazquez’s nose, Vazquez won the second fight with a 6th round knock out, and Vazquez won the third fight with a split decision. So often in boxing, fights don’t live up to the hype, but these are three of the best fights you will ever see.
4. Army vs. Navy
A few years ago I had a part time job as a food runner at Lincoln Financial Field where the Eagles played and was hosting the annual Army-Navy game. I was walking in the tunnel underneath the stands to make a drop when my path was blocked as the Brigade of Midshipmen was marching onto the field. I looked over and saw two Army Cadets in full uniform stuck at the gate as well. Over the next ten minutes, more Midshipmen than I can remember broke ranks, ran over to the Cadets, and blasted them with language and gestures that their mothers would not be proud of! The Cadets? They stood stoically through the whole thing. All parties involved earned my respect and proved why this is a great rivalry.
5. Yankees vs. Red Sox
I am expecting some flak for this, but baseball’s best rivalry does not deserve to be any higher. This low ranking has nothing to do with my dislike for either town’s teams, but instead a simple, objective observation: the Yankees have dominated this series. The numbers don’t lie: the Yankees have 27 World Series titles compared to 7 for the Red Sox, they’ve won 40 League Championships to the Sox’s 12, and 20 players have entered the Hall of Fame as Yankees while only 12 have gone in as Red Sox. Add in the Yankees advantage in celebrity fans (Spike Lee, Billy Crystal, Jay-Z vs. Ben Affleck and Jimmy Fallon) and it’s clear that in the last decade this rivalry has truly become great.
Heroes and Villains: The Players I Truly Love and the Ones I Love to Hate
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on November 14, 2009 in Sports
As if the Phillies losing the World Series to the Yankees last week wasn’t bad enough, I was forced to spend two full sessions of Linda Bilmes’ budgeting class examining Yankees star Alex Rodriguez’s then record 2001 free agent contract. (Though I must admit that my roommate Jay, the teaching fellow for the course and a soulless Yankees fan, made things a little better when he naturally referenced Rodriguez’s previous use of steroids by calling him “A-Roid” instead of “A-Rod.”) Notwithstanding his not so Freudian slip, the whole experience managed to add insult to injury.
In general, Jay and I spend a lot of time arguing about the value and importance of A-Rod. Is A-Rod really an athlete that can be liked; the kind of player that fans actually want to root for? This back and forth inspired me to put together a top 10 Love ‘em or Hate ‘em list. The following ten players fall into one of these two categories, and though this is my list, you may find that quite a few people will agree with my classifications. However, it is important to note that this list can ebb and flow over time, especially if someone I don’t like somehow ends up playing for one of my beloved Philadelphia teams.
Please note: I’m only considering current players, so guys like Barry Bonds (HATE!) or Charles Barkley (LOVE!) are ineligible. Also, the words “love” and “hate” are used here as they are normally used in the context of sports, so they can be thrown around lightly. Lastly, I don’t wish anyone in the “hate” category any personal misfortune, but they would definitely make the “villains” team of any MTV Good vs. Evil Celebrity Challenge that I might someday produce.
LOVE ‘EM
Shaquille O’Neal. How can you hate Shaq? In his prime, he was a dominant power on the court; he’s a reserve police officer in multiple municipalities (he’s made a citizen’s arrest); and he’s created nicknames for himself such as “The Big Aristotle” and “Wilt Chamberneezy.” His mile-wide smile and ability to give a decent interview puts him at the top of my list.
Chase Utley. The Phillies’ gritty second-baseman is the toughest player in baseball. Utlley could wind up as one of the top three players for his position ever, and he’s the only guy that can really pull off the over-greased hair thing. The guy even needed off-season hip surgery last year, but would never use his injury as an excuse for poor play. Total throwback.
Lebron James. Now that Shaq plays with him in Cleveland, the Cavaliers may be the most likeable team in the NBA. James is en route to being an all-time great; his commercials and television performances are HILARIOUS; and you can tell that his teammates genuinely like playing with him. He’s making the NBA fun again.
Chad Ochocinco. Just to stick it to the NFL, Chad legally changed his last name from Johnson to “Ochocinco.” If that doesn’t earn you a lifetime of respect, nothing will. For all of his antics, he hasn’t killed any locker rooms and he continues to perform well on the field.
Clinton Portis. As a Miami alum and feature back of the Washington Redskins, he’s got two strikes against him. But his press conference shenanigans and costumes are downright genius (check them out on YouTube right now!). It’s easy to see that he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
HATE ‘EM
Kobe Bryant. May just be the second best shooting guard ever (behind some guy named Michael Jordan), but do any of his teammates actually like him? Have you ever had a classmate or a coworker who was really smart, very hardworking, and clearly had all the tools to be a leader, but who didn’t have any people skills? The kind of person who wouldn’t hold an elevator even though they clearly saw you running for it? Kobe is the taller, richer version of that person.
Brett Favre. Though he’s performing very well so far this season for the Vikings, Favre’s annual offseason, “I’m retired…wait, no I’m not!” routine is getting old. He holds every passing record worth having, but we’ve also lost track of how many games he has lost by throwing bad interceptions. Not going to be sad when he finally decides to stay on his Mississippi farm for good.
Terrell Owens. I must admit, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED T.O. during the fall of 2004 when he had the single greatest season of any wide receiver in Eagles history. But then he started doing shirtless sit-ups outside of his house and his jerk-of-an-agent kept saying, “No comment” and it was a wrap. He’s killed three separate locker rooms and something seems karmically right about him being stuck in Buffalo.
Tony Romo. Yes he’s a Dallas Cowboy, so that’s grounds enough for hatred. Add to that the constant camera pans to whichever singer he is dating at the moment; ridiculously giddy touchdown celebrations; and the whole “Hollywood gunslinger” persona, and it’s clear why the guy who has never won a playoff game is just so easy to hate.
Alex Rodriguez. I don’t have any real beef with A-Rod, but there’s not enough space to have a “ I feel bad for A-Rod because he’s clearly insecure and self-absorbed but has absolutely no personality and makes awful decisions like hooking up with Madonna and hanging pictures of himself as a centaur around his house” category.
A Treatise on Fandom: The Community of “We”
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on October 30, 2009 in Sports
Photo courtesy of Chris Arlene, MPP\'10
I was sitting at home watching playoff baseball with two of my roommates, Andy Schrag (2L at the Law School and a fine guy) and Jay Kairam (hilarious MPP’10 from upstate New York who plays a mean guitar), when we naturally happened upon an age-old fan question: what are the rules governing the appropriate use of “we” or “they” when referring to the sports teams you support? This might seem trivial, but I’ve actually felt regret when, upon reflection, I’ve realized I violated the unofficial code of fandom (please don’t judge me).
The concept is simple: only true fans can use “we” when referring to a team. Using “we” represents not only a commitment to your team, but membership in a larger community of fans. And communities have rules, implicit or stated, governing and assigning membership. With no single leader to guide us, it’s a fan’s responsibility to hold themselves and others accountable. This may seem a little draconian to the casual observer, but as a self-proclaimed sports snob, I think it’s fine. Here are the three tenets of “The Arlene Theory of Fandom”:
Rule #1: You can’t use “we” if you don’t substantively know your team.
This may seem obvious, but it’s a pervasive problem. For example, last year one of my former roommates kept saying “we” when referring to his favorite football team. After a few too many “we”s, one of my other roommates simply asked him to name a handful of players on the team. He couldn’t. He was then instructed to stop using “we.” A true fan should know most of the players on a pro roster, including backups, and a casual fan should know more than just the stars. If the only Dodger you can name is Manny Rodriguez, you can’t use “we.” (I’ll be taking bets on my ability to name the rosters of the Eagles, Phillies, or Sixers).
Rule #2: You can’t use “we” when your team wins and “they” when they lose.
This one is all about loyalty. Being a fan is like being married, except there is no irreconcilable differences clause that allows you to change teams as often as King Henry VIII changed wives (you can’t behead the coach or start a new league either). As a fan, you’ve got to stick with your team through thick and thin. If you come-and-go depending on how the team’s doing, you’re nothing more than a bandwagon jumper. And bandwagon jumpers, by definition, can’t use “we.”
Rule #3 (“Kairam’s Theorem”): You can’t use “we” if you don’t claim your team’s baggage.
Poor managerial decisions, a historical record of achievement or lack thereof, and/or the evolution of a franchise’s identity are all things we must deal with as fans. Yankees fans need to accept that they’re disliked because they can overspend on free agents every year. Boston fans need to realize that the success of winning five championships in three sports over six years (and the obnoxiousness that naturally comes with it) is resented outside of New England. Notre Dame football fans have to relish their position as a “love them” or “hate them” team with no middle ground (also known as “Taylor’s Dilemma”). Just on the surface, if you can’t deal with these issues, then you most definitely can’t use “we.”
The possibility for debate on these issues shows just how important sports are for creating and supporting the notions of identity and connection to others. Before I came to HKS, it was an expectation that Sundays during the fall season would involve buffalo wings, Miller Lite, and my buddies cheering on the Eagles. Cheering for our team. With busy schedules, it was often the only time during the week that we would all hang out. And ultimately, those hours spent watching football together were more than just that; they were about creating our own community of “we.”
It’s with these same friends back in Philadelphia that I exchange endless text messages during and after games while trapped in the hell that is the Boston sports market. It also explains why I make a 45-minute trek to a Fenway-area bar every time an Eagles game is not televised in the Boston market. At the bar, I am always surrounded by other fellow Eagles fans. Our mutual support of the same team allows us to share a collective identity. If I’m on the T, I’m not going to speak to someone wearing a Red Sox or Mets hat, but if I happen to see a fellow Phillies fan, I’ll at least try to make eye contact and say “Go Phils.”
If after reading this article you realize you don’t meet the basic criteria for fandom, then just use “they” and you’ll be fine. But don’t be afraid to find a community of your own! The community of “we” is open to new members of all backgrounds, as long as you’re willing to put in the necessary work. You can’t claim to be a true fan without learning the ropes, but it can be done. All dyed-in-the-wool sports fans were once casual observers, so I encourage you to seek out your personal community of “we.” Just don’t come looking to join my community if you’re from New York or Boston…
Cocktail Party 101
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on October 15, 2009 in Sports
This week’s column is aimed at helping the non-sports fans at HKS navigate the sports small talk scene found at cocktail parties, networking events, and the like. What follows is a list of questions, answers, phrases, and predictions that will give you the power to talk sports even if you don’t know who Chad Ochocinco or Big Papi are. WARNING: this information is to be used to allow you to “fake it,” so keep your feet on the ground Dorothy and use this stuff strategically…
National Football League (NFL):
• The New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees is the best quarterback in the league (better than Tom Brady or Peyton Manning).
• The AFC North is the best division in football, with the NFC East coming in a close second.
• Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the new Tom Brady.
• Always take running backs with your first two picks in a fantasy draft.
• Never take a kicker until the last round in a fantasy draft.
• Quarterback is the single most important position in sports.
• Championship prediction: New York Giants. Great offensive and defensive lines, an emerging group of talented wide receivers, and they have been “been there before” (as an Eagles fan and roommate of a stinking Giants fan, I hope to all that is holy on this earth that I am wrong about this!).
Major League Baseball (MLB):
• Albert Pujols is the best first baseman to ever pick up a bat.
• The DH (“designated hitter” rule allows American League teams to use a non-fielding batter instead of a pitcher) is the worst thing in sports. It’s just not baseball and take’s 90% of any managerial skill out of the game.
• Pittsburgh Pirates fans should get paid to support their team!
• The steroids witch hunt is overblown. The league didn’t start testing with harsh penalties until 2005, the “secret list of 2003” which contained the names of players that tested positive, like the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, was supposed to be confidential, and the league turned a blind-eye when even casual observers in Timbuktu knew that Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were juicing during their historic 1998 home run race.
• The Seattle Mariner’s Ken Griffey, Jr. should have gone down as the greatest player of the last 30 years. Injuries took away four full years of his career, and he still has 630 home runs!
• Championship prediction: Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Pedro, great defense, and a murderous lineup will win the Phils their second straight World Series (wrote this before the playoffs started).
National Basketball Association (NBA):
• Does anybody like Kobe Bryant? No doubt he’s one of the greatest to ever play, but if you look up “phony,” “arrogant,” or “unlikable” in the dictionary, his mug will be the visual aid.
• Lebron James is the anti-Kobe. Great player, great teammate, hilarious, and gosh-darnit, people like him!
• Charles Barkley is the best in-studio analyst of any sport.
• The summer of 2010, when the likes of Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, Yao Ming, James, and others can become free agents, will completely alter the league.
• The New York Knicks will not land James or Wade, thereby remaining irrelevant for years to come.
• Allen Iverson is the toughest basketball player to ever put on a uniform.
• Tim Duncan may be the most underappreciated all-time great of the last 20 years.
• Championship prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron + Shaq + improved perimeter shooting = finally something to cheer for in the “birthplace” of rock’n’roll.
College Football (NCAA schools with major football teams, which means Harvard is not included):
• Florida, Texas, and Alabama are the real deal. Every other team is playing for the fourth spot.
• Colt McCoy of Texas should have won the Heisman Trophy last year. If Texas wins out, he should get it this year.
• Tim Tebow may be the greatest college quarterback (leader) of the last 25 years, but in the NFL he’ll be a third string/wildcat formation quarterback at best.
• The BCS (“bowl championship series” where a mix of human and computer ranking systems determine which teams play for the national championship) is the second worst thing in sports. Let the kids settle things on the field already!
• Championship prediction: Florida. Do you want to bet against God’s personal Chuck Norris?
Some other stuff:
• If somebody brings up anything related to golf, just say “Tiger.”
• Hockey doesn’t count as a major sport for one simple reason: the NHL’s playoff games are broadcast on the Versus channel. That league is in trouble.
• Tennis is in a bad spot. We’re desensitized to the Williams sisters’ greatness, and other than Raphael Nadal, there is no personality on the men’s side. Pretty sure Rodger Federer’s insides are composed of Swiss clock parts.
• NASCAR is not a sport.
The Sports Guy
by Chris Arlene, Sports Editor on September 30, 2009 in Sports
I was in a bar in Philly just before heading back to Cambridge, watching an Eagles pre-season game, when a guy a few spots down from me yelled “the Eagles signed Michael Vick!” We all proceeded to pull out our respective BlackBerrys and iPhones, hoping to confirm the statement, which could only truly be authenticated by the ESPN News Scroll, the “end all be all” of sports veracity. Like most other Eagles’ fans, I didn’t see the Vick move coming. Almost instantly, though, I loved it.
Why was the Vick signing important? Many American sports fans know the story by heart, but for those of you who don’t, American and non-American, here’s a recap: in 2001, Michael Vick was the first player selected in the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Over the course of his career, he became a Pro Bowl caliber player widely regarded as the league’s best athlete. Vick was the epitome of the athletic celebrity, earning an estimated $25 million in 2006 in combined salary and commercial endorsements.
This all came crashing down in 2007 when it was revealed that Vick financed an interstate dog-fighting operation that included extensive gambling, as well as the gruesome treatment, torture, and murder of dogs. Vick served a 19-month prison sentence while losing his fame, fortune, and becoming the most vilified athlete since O.J. Simpson. Released this past April, the media followed his every step as he was reinstated to the NFL and waited to see if a team would take a chance on him. Once the Eagles stepped in, the real story began to unfold.
The general reaction was clear: Eagles’ fans were not happy. Many fans love dogs, have never liked Vick, and certainly don’t want to have to root for a convicted felon. Fans exhibited a “not in my backyard” sentiment, and local sports talk radio stations were flooded with calls proclaiming, “he may deserve a second chance, just not on my team!” Although I sympathize with peoples’ aversion and hesitation, I cannot help but think: why not your team? Part of America’s greatness rests on her ability and willingness to deal with unlikable things. I’m not fan of white supremacist groups, but if free speech means that such groups can peacefully and lawfully exist, so be it. The Vick case raises a number of other issues that transcend the realm of sports and are worthy of debate,
First, are we really a nation that believes in second chances? Our social theory and public rhetoric supports the notion that if an offender serves his or her time in prison, follows the rules, and does their best to lead to a good life, they should be given a second chance. So far Vick fits that profile. Some argue that he should be relegated to a less celebrated and less lucrative profession than professional football. It may not seem “right” that an ex-offender earn $1.6 million playing a game, but a quick look at teacher’s salaries, the cost of higher education, or the existence of a Detroit Lions’ fan proves that American priorities are anything but fair or rational.
Second, is the criminal justice system truly meant to be punitive or rehabilitative? If we didn’t let Vick play again, we’d be telling every prisoner currently attempting to improve themselves (while holding out hope of an opportunity for redemption) that they should quit while they’re behind. I’ll be the first person to support wholesale reforms to our criminal justice system, but until major changes are made, hope and opportunity remain primary drivers for individual reform. And although their crimes were not as socially reprehenisable, politicians and celebrities like Martha Stewart, Elliot Spitzer, and Marion Barry are just a few folks who have benefited from a second chance after breaking the law.
Third, how can anybody examine the Vick case without acknowledging that race plays a factor? My unscientific and completely anecdotal impression of how the Vick supporters or detractors fell exhibits clear racial undertones. I don’t think it’s a purely “Black vs. White” issue (there are certainly Black detractors and White supporters), but anybody who argues that race has nothing to do with this debate is naïve or pushing an agenda. Last year, 40% of the men filling America’s jails were Black, even though Black men make-up roughly 6.5% of the total population. Generally, the negative perceptions and real-life problems associated with prisoner re-entry may be more pertinent for Black folks, and it certainly felt like a greater portion of Blacks are willing to give Vick another shot.
For what it’s worth, I think the move will help the Eagles out on the field. Though only an above average quarterback, his extraordinary athletic ability makes him one of the few players that can change a game in one play. His $1.6 million contract is regarded as “cheap” by NFL standards, so Vick is seen as a relatively low risk, high reward investment (at least in the financial sense). I’ll be shocked if Vick stays in Philadelphia past this season (he’s got “flip this player” written all over him), but I’m rooting for the guy. I don’t know if he’s a changed man, and I don’t know if he’s a good guy, but I know that his journey is going to be worth watching. Here’s hoping that he finds his way to the end zone a few times in the process.
