Injured players are either soft or stupid? Extremely unfairLaDainian Tomlinson doesn't play because of a knee injury, so he's soft.
Shawne Merriman decides to play despite a knee injury, so he's stupid.
Banged-up football players can't win, Mike Freeman says.
Strahan smart enough to jet, not follow BrettClose the books on Michael Strahan; he won't be reversing course and
coming back for more. Michael Freeman says the lack of greed and Brett
Favre-itude makes this one of the best sports moments this year.
Why is NFL so slow to go after lightning-fast Bolt?He can fly, he's young and he has good size, so why hasn't an NFL team
jumped at the chance to lure Usain Bolt to the gridiron? Mike Freeman can't
figure out why no team has at least tried.
Barber's faux pas have redeeming value for G-MenWhat a difference two years make. Tiki Barber was once New York's poster boy, while Eli Manning and Co. had to handle the heat. Mike Freeman loves to see the Giant tale of redemption as the roles have flipped.
Toughness -- on field, in boardroom -- defined Upshaw's careerGene Upshaw was a menace to defensive lineman. His constituents in the NFLPA did well to fear him. Though he was also a doting father and husband, what will be remembered most about Upshaw is his toughness, Mike Freeman says.
Gibbs team's fibs might tarnish legendary figureSay it ain't so, Joe. Joe Gibbs Racing faces penalties from NASCAR after being caught disguising horsepower. Mike Freeman can't believe that Gibbs, always a man of integrity, could stoop so low and damage his reputation.
Dreamers vs. Redeemers: Contest closer than you thinkM.J. vs. Kobe. LeBron vs. Larry. Carmelo vs. Chuck. It's easy to say the '92 Dream Team would crush this edition of U.S. Olympians, but Mike Freeman isn't so sure. Give the Redeem Team credit -- the kids could keep it close.
New York's love is not lost with FavreSavor it for now Brett, because it probably won't last forever. The New York media seldom loves anyone, but Brett Favre is the object of their affection, Mike Freeman says.
Sports Appreciation Day: Pushed to the limit -- and loving every minuteHe was captivated by Jim Brown and Brooks Robinson, yet the man who turned
Mike Freeman into a sports fan was a fellow solider he tried (unsuccessfully) to
defeat in competitions at Army basic training.
Olympic drama runs rings around anything else on the tubePhelps defies history, Torres defies age, D-Wade defies gravity and pulling a Milli Vanilli with little kids defies logic. Mike Freeman defies you to say these dramatic Games aren't worth watching.
Lions camp report: Progress at last in wideout central?The Lions are still paying for Matt Millen's painful penchant for using high picks on receivers. But Mike Freeman says freakish Calvin Johnson could actually give Millen one awesome draft catch.
Bears camp report: Still ramblin' with Rex? What the heck?Tank Johnson is in on the joke. The fans in Chicago are wise to it. So Mike Freeman just has to ask: Why does the Bears' brain trust still do nothing about a laughable QB situation?
Cowboys camp report: So far at least, no trouble looking SuperStart with T.O. Throw in some Pacman and Tank Johnson. Maybe sprinkle in some Jessica Simpson. But if Dallas can keep this combustible mix from imploding, this is The Team in the NFC, Mike Freeman says.
Niners camp report: Three QBs trick, no San Francisco treatFrom Joe Montana and Steve Young to Alex Smith, J.T. O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill? Not exactly apples to apples for the 49ers as their misguided quest for a QB continues, Mike Freeman says.
Raiders camp report: McFadden shows ability plus maturityNo one questioned Darren McFadden's ability entering the league. Thus far, the Raiders tailback is showcasing rookie of the year skills. What's more, he's alleviating any maturity scares, Mike Freeman says.
Mike's Malicious Mail: I'm not an Army of one this timeMike Freeman is called a commie and a racist. Not unusual for his Malicious Mail.
But some people actually write in to -- gasp! -- agree with columns on Caleb Campbell
and the 50 sports jerks.
If this isn't rock bottom, we can at least see it from hereCrazy. Nuts. Insane. There might never be another week like this in sports
-- at least Mike Freeman hopes so, after Manny Ramirez 'hustles' his way out
of Boston, the Packers reportedly offer Brett Favre a fortune not to play, and
Ron Artest steps forward as spokesman for the ghetto.
Retiring Smith has it right: 'Don't let your past dictate your future'Rod Smith ran into trouble eight years ago, but he credits court-ordered counseling
with helping him rise above the violence he grew up with. Mike Freeman credits Smith
with taking control of his life.
Top 50 Sports Jerks, the Sequel: Pity these foolsThe Jerk Store called Mike Freeman, and it's ... well, it's in no danger of
running out of you, Brett Favre. Or Manny Ramirez. Or Roger Clemens. With that,
we not-so-proudly present our second Top 50 Sports Jerks.
Patriots camp tour: Belichick company line adopted instantlyYes, they were this close to closing one incredible season. But that's all forgotten, right? Mike Freeman says the Patriots are insisting on it before launching what could be another monster season.
Soldiers respond when duty calls -- no exceptionsThe Army said Caleb Campbell could pursue an NFL career. Then the Army changed the rules. You know what? That's what the Army does -- especially in a time of war. Campbell has responded by being stoic and strong; the critics and armchair
generals should take a lesson, Mike Freeman says.
Vai gains hero status by dropping 'hema on CansecoCelebrity boxing is a joke, a farce not worth watching. That was until ex-NFL player Vai Sikahema whupped Jose Canseco in no time flat. Mike Freeman came away thrilled -- and with a new hero.
Wie's misstep -- and possible path -- a crying shameYes, it was an innocent mistake. But it is difficult not to feel for Michelle Wie -- even shed a tear -- after her scorecard blunder. Mike Freeman hopes this is not a sign of things to come.
Oden anxious to get Blazers career under wayThe wait is almost over. After sitting out 2007-08 with an injury, last year's
No. 1 pick Greg Oden is gearing up for his Blazers debut. The 7-footer may
be tall, but he's down to Earth with big dreams, Mike Freeman says.
High hopes: Healthy Ronnie, sober Ricky give Dolphins a chanceTorn ACL. Something no running back wants to hear. But with Ronnie Brown making progress in rehabbing his knee, the much-maligned Dolphins might surprise some people this season, Mike Freeman says.
Hey, I'm Brett Favre, and it's always all about MEYou think he's worried about clipboard boy Aaron Rodgers, the Packers or the fans? No, Brett Favre is only worried about Brett Favre, Mike Freeman says.
PR junket or not, let's applaud NFL trio's trip to IraqYou might be cynical. Mike Freeman is a renowned cynic. But even he can't help giving credit where it's due -- to Roger Goodell, Drew Brees and Osi Umenyiora -- in the wake of their journey to Iraq. Stow it, skeptics.
Only A-Rod need reply ... seriously, guys, give it a rest ...Been with Madonna? Let's see ... Who hasn't? Or maybe, 'Hasn't everyone?'
All in good fun, Mike Freeman says, until every celebrity with a pulse -- and
some without -- decide to weigh in.
Golf's greatest -- Tiger -- can't match Phelps as an athleteTiger Woods' U.S. Open victory will go down in history. But don't confuse it with an athletic feat. That distinction belongs to Michael Phelps, who next month will go to Beijing seeking to create a legend, Mike Freeman says.
With Manny being horse's fanny, let's end his singular double-standardManny Ramirez has long gotten a pass for being a flake, but now he has allegedly shoved a team employee. So when should the 'Manny being Manny' double-standard end? Mike Freeman has a suggestion. Right now.
