Brian Dawkins... A Case Study

So reports are out that Brian Dawkins is shipping off to the Denver Broncos now that the free agency period has begun. While I don't know if these reports are true, this provides an interesting case study in the world of sports.

For starters, I took a look at my Facebook page and at least five people have already commented on this situation via their status. The emotions displayed in these status messages include:

1. anger that the Eagles are letting him go
2. depression that he's leaving
3. thankfulness for his exemplary performance

Yes, Brian Dawkins was/is indeed an amazing football player, possibly one of the best defenders and leaders the Eagles have ever had. And yes, he is a tremendous guy on and off the field, as a leader and motivator for the team and for the community.

But his (potential) departure for another team reflects yet another reason why I don't get too caught up in the nitty gritty of sports any more. I don't feel like I can expend any extra bit of energy on emotionally investing myself in who plays where. Sure there are many admirable qualities to many athletes, Brian Dawkins one of them, but I can't help but remind myself: it's just a game.

There's so much going on in the world that is more important than this kind of stuff, in my mind, than to get all fired up about it. Whatever happens, it's been a great run with Brian Dawkins, now let's move on... shall we?

Fun with H-O-R-S-E and One-on-One

The NBA announced that it will be adding a competitive game of H-O-R-S-E to its lineup of All Star Game festivities in Phoenix next week. I think this is a welcome addition to the otherwise stale weekend.

This shootout competition, for whatever reason, harkens back to the "Dr. J vs. Larry Bird Go One on One" video game that was as simple as it was addictive. This game featured the timeless one-on-one basketball battle of two classic NBA stars, brought to your home entertainment system. I remember playing this game on my Atari 7800 for hours at a time. Now granted the H-0-R-S-E battle is a little different than one on one, but hopefully the live All Star version is just as fun to watch!

Now for the one-on-one vintage Sixers matchups I'd like to see in a game of H-O-R-S-E:

Charles Barkley vs. Clarence Weatherspoon
-"Baby Barkley" vs. the "Real Barkley"

Scott Williams vs. Sharone Wright
-Battle of the Let Downs

Derrick Coleman vs. Glenn Robinson
-Battle of the Free Agent Frauds

Manute Bol vs. Shawn Bradley
-Fifteen Feet of Fame

Greg Grant vs. Speedy Claxton
-Mini-Me Squared