Vox Pox
Posted November 28th, 2006 by Chip Bok
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I've been silent on the blog for most of November. I thought I'd let the cartoons speak for themselves. Mostly, I just didn't have much to say.
But now I do. Cleveland Browns receiver Braylon Edwards has inspired me to speak out. Athletes need nicknames so I'll call him Bray.
During the month of November Bray has had plenty to say. He criticized his own teammate for tackling an opponent too hard. He complained about the new offensive co-coordinator's play calling (he's new because Bray's criticism helped get the previous co-coordinator fired). And last Sunday Bray had to be pulled off his own quarterback. Apparently he only favors tackling his players.
He says he's trying to make up for the passion the team lacks. He has a point. The Browns lost 30-0. But catching the ball might be more helpful.
Since Bray is only trying to help I went trolling for advice. Will Rogers recommended that he Never miss a good chance to shut up. Abraham Lincoln took time to say, Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. And finally, Xenocrates advised, "I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
Bray's amiable coach, Romeo Crennel, must hang around the same famous quote sites as me because he's been quiet. Romeo must have missed the choice words Niccolo Machiavelli had for him, "It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."
November 28th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
The response to Edwards seems oddly out of whack to me. The team was listless and frankly I'm glad to see that someone on a Cleveland sports team cares about winning.
In any case, everyone who was close enough to know claims Braylon wasn't criticizing Frye at all. That may or may not be true but I haven't seen any evidence to the contrary–just Pluto's strange polemic.
I always feel a little funny when white suburbia types talk about black athletes knowing their place, or black coaches who can't handle being an authority figure.
November 29th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
Chip apparently has forgotten that the only folks ordained to criticize players are drunken fans and sportswriters.
If Charlie Frye had gone down the sideline yelling at his players, Pluto would have called him a fiery, inspirational leader.
Maybe Edwards should buy himself one ticket to each game so he can buy the right to motivate his team with some immunity.
By the way Larry, I give your comments 5 stars.
November 29th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
RE: "I always feel a little funny when white suburbia types talk about black athletes knowing their place, or black coaches who can't handle being an authority figure."
Oh, please. I can't wait for the next generation that doesn't fear the politically incorrect aspect of every issue. An asshole is an asshole, and most of the kids under 30 of any race know one when they see one, no matter what color he is. Grow down?
November 29th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
Re: I've been silent on the blog for most of November. I thought I'd let the cartoons speak for themselves. Mostly, I just didn't have much to say.
I'd say everyone is in the same boat. Too much turkey?
November 30th, 2006 at 4:45 am
Hmmm…. Larry's PC? Who knew ?
Re: No one has much to say?
Apparently Slope, Sam, and Burns have cut and run.
I look for Bush's new Iraq strategy to be called "FUBAR and Run".
November 30th, 2006 at 5:40 am
I guess all the porno and Bible-thumping have kept Pluto thinking young because I was sure he was older than 30.
I don't mean to be PC but it sure didn't look like Braylon was attacking Frye on the sideline. It looked like a young, emotional guy who was frustrated and trying to make a somewhat obvious point.
He has explained himself and apologized and everyone on the team seems to think it's not that big a deal. Pluto seems to think it is a huge deal and I was just wondering why.
I do know that brash athletes irritate me at times and sometimes I wonder if it has something to do with race or cultural differences.
I would guess that many sportswriters struggle with the same question though I don't see much self-awareness in Pluto's recent piece.
November 30th, 2006 at 7:36 am
Pluto's forte is a "too much information" style of self-deprecation, not self-awareness.
A sportswriter being self-aware ??? The next thing you know, we'll expect evangelicals to do the same.
That would thin the herd.
December 1st, 2006 at 6:58 am
You describe Pluto's schtick very well, Mencken. But I'm worried he's really gone off the deep end this week and hope Chip or someone will get him to a doctor.
December 1st, 2006 at 2:29 pm
I once told Terry that if someone just landed on this planet and the only thing they learned about religion was from reading his columns, they'd have no choice but to conclude that Christians were the most miserable and unhappy people on earth. He found that amusing. So yeah "schtick" it may be.
December 2nd, 2006 at 1:31 am
"Apparently Slope, Sam, and Burns have cut and run. "
They would have to be foolish to ever post here again after all of your attacks.
December 2nd, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Smitty: Foolish? Why?
How many times do you guys have do be reminded that this is a satirical political blog ?
Try http://www.readersdigest.com
There's a hysterical cartoon on the main page of a sheep unravelling his wool after getting it snagged on a tree.
It's a real knee slapper you can tape to your refrigerator door or show to your buddies at the barber shop.