Home › Columns
Pennington: Congress cheats public by investigating sports
STORY TOOLS
More Columns
- Julian: Aquatic center was UT's start
- Mattingly: Auburn proved up to task of hosting Vols
- Mattingly: Vols, Bruins produced a classic in '65
Share and Enjoy [?]
Get Reprints
Thursday afternoon, more students were shot dead in an American classroom. Turning to ESPN for a respite from the tragic coverage, I was appalled to find what looked more like C-span than sports coverage.
Rep. Henry Waxman was grilling Roger Clemens. Sen. Arlen Specter was vowing to get to the bottom of Spygate. I just shook my head. What the Hell is wrong with these people?
Every minute that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (that’s you, Jim Cooper and John J. Duncan) spends on baseball is a minute that those Representatives could be spending trying to figure out a way to stop gunmen from marching into our universities and taking innocent, young lives.
Those are minutes that could be spent coming up with a real plan for Iraq. Or devising a way to provide healthcare for the poor that doesn’t bankrupt the country.
Every minute that the Senate Committee on the Judiciary spends tracking down Spygate is a minute that those Senators (Edward Kennedy, Orrin Hatch, Sam Brownback, Diane Feinstein, etc) could be spending trying to insure that Social Security still exists in 30 years. But instead, sports seems to be Number One on Congress’ agenda.
So how long before they start looking into all the cheating that goes on in NASCAR? When do the subpoenas arrive for Michael Waltrip and Ray Evernham? Has NASCAR destroyed “evidence” such as doctored-up restrictor plates?
When does Congress start looking at the rest of baseball? Clemens, who I’m no fan of, is getting buzzed by our representatives’ high-heaters, but there’s no additional digging into the stories of the ever-likeable Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
Those two popular players were allowed to fake an accent (Sosa) and talk about the future (McGwire) before they were also allowed to tuck tail and run. And what of the hundreds of other players that we darn well know took advantage of baseball’s “look the other way” steroid policy of the 1990s?
When does Congress go after the rest of the NFL? The Boston Herald found that, during the same Super Bowl week in which a source claims the Patriots videotaped a Rams’ walk-through, NFL officials stopped a Patriots’ practice when they spotted an unknown man with a telescope spying on the Pats from a building overlooking their practice field. When does Congress dig into possible Rams’ cheating?
Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson seems to think everybody does this stuff. “I mean everybody went to the edge on rules in one form or fashion. That’s just part of the game, that’s stealing the signals in baseball.” Ah, somebody put that on Congress’ to-do list: sign-stealing in baseball.
Johnson continued, “When I came into the NFL, I talked to a Kansas City scout and he said here’s what we do, ‘we videotape the opposing team’s signals and then we synch it up with the game film.’ So I did it. When I coached the Cowboys, we didn’t have this kind of scrutiny.” Uh-oh. Is Specter now going to dig into the Cowboys?
Want to know why Congress is so interested in sports? There are two reasons: pork and cowardice. Let’s start with pork.
Could Specter’s interest in the NFL have anything to do with the fact that Comcast was his number two source of campaign contributions in his last election?
And could his threat to undo the NFL’s anti-trust exemption (which would throw all of their TV rights up for grabs) have anything to do with Comcast’s on-going battle with the NFL over the NFL Network and their “Sunday Ticket” package? Surely not, that’s just a bunch of coincidences, right?
I mean, Specter really seems to believe Spygate is serious national business. After all, he has compared it to the CIA’s destruction of possible torture tapes. Of course, when it actually came to those destroyed CIA tapes, Specter kept his mouth shut and called for nary a hearing.
You know why? Reason number two: because he’s a coward.
Healthcare, the economy, Social Security, gun laws, the war … those are controversial issues. Talk about those things and you can lose votes. So these folks talk baseball and football instead.
“We have a right to honest football games,” Specter has said, quoting, I believe, Thomas Jefferson.
Well, tell that to those parents whose children were just murdered in Illinois. Tell that to the children whose parents won’t be coming back from Iraq.
Congress has a duty to every American citizen, including those currently fighting and dying overseas, to work to make all of our lives better and safer.
That means they shouldn’t waste our time and our money on frivolous investigations that serve as misdirection plays designed to keep them from having to make public decisions on controversial issues.
“Healthcare plan? What healthcare plan? Hey, did you hear I’m looking into golfers who turn in false scorecards!”
If you think I’m being disrespectful of our elected representatives, you’re right. You see, we choose them to represent us. We don’t owe them anything. They owe us. They owe us their very best.
These people have sworn to do their best for us … the elderly, the poor, the troops, the average citizen like you or me.
But when they talk sports instead of dealing with the real, difficult, controversial issues facing this nation? Well, to put it in terms they might understand, they strike out looking.
John Pennington hosts the Hall’s Salvage Sports Source on Sunday at 11 a.m. on WATE.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
- Is it true? ESPN to give shout-out to Knoxville
- Messages in Fulmer's new deal
- Hopson vs. Smith made Rocky royal
- Julian: Aquatic center was UT's start
- Berry, McCoy, Foster, Crompton on watch lists
- Mattingly: Auburn proved up to task of hosting Vols
- Sparks give Bobbitt first career start
- 236 athletes on Thornton Center academic honor roll
- Fulmer gets raise to $2.4 million; Pearl to $1.6 million
- Georgia suspends defensive end charged with felony
Posted by TommyJack on February 16, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Worst thing ever happened to either side of Congress was the TV camera. Pitiful showboating. Term limits!! (ain't gonna happen, tho)
Posted by Colliervol on February 16, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd have to agree with that. Kind of like the Georgia politicians putting out a resolution for a playoff. One would think that all the crime, poverty, health care issues, etc have all been solved and these clowns have nothing better to do.
Posted by invisiblekid on February 16, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Preaching to the choir here John. About the only thing that makes me more sick than football recruiting this time of year is politics and presidential campaigns. I'll offer a few quotes instead of jumping on the ol' soapbox though:
"The word politics is derived from the word "poly" meaning many and "ticks" meaning blood sucking parasites"
"The problem with political jokes is that they get elected."
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
"The honest politician is one who, when he is bought, stays bought."
"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies."
Posted by Colliervol on February 16, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good ones IVK. When I hear a politician, I start with the old saying that "If his lips are moving, he's lying" and then go from there.
Posted by txsvol on February 16, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The House hearings chaired by Congressman Waxman involving Clemens and McNamee ostensibly had something to do with illegal drug usage! What a joke!!! If they were sincerely interested in stopping illegal drug usage, they'd swat the elephant's behind, instead of the gnat on it! How about closing the borders, and cutting off trade with countries not cooperating with us in stopping the illegal drug flow? I'm not able to attach e-mails, but one that I received cited the number of illegals in Los Angeles county, and that 90% of their crimes involved undocumented Spanish-speaking immigrants. At one of the places I work in South Texas (where most of the 'good jobs' involve department of corrections' incarceration of illegals/criminals) , there were seven visits with cocaine-induced cardiac problems in one month, and where I am now, I treated four teen ager patients last week with cocaine and THC in their systems! Two of them weren't even old enough to get a driver's license! Don't get me started on Johnny Sutton's prosecution of agents Ramos and Compion, and their convictions and the beating of one while he was incarcerated in a federal prison in Yazoo City. Impeach the Federal prosecutor and the judges involved! I think this post is exactly on topic. Good to see CV and IVK posting ahead of me--it's almost like old times at the pay site! Go Vols! SAVol
Posted by mtnvol on February 16, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No one every said "Hooray, the federal government is going to solve this problem!"
Posted by TommyJack on February 16, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kid: Were you a writer for Kinky Friedman? lol
Posted by splinterdand on February 16, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That hypocrite Nancy Pelosi abuses steroids. Just look at her face.
Posted by jbc on February 16, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Kids on steroids willing to risk it all for success..even if shortens lives"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22984780/
I think MLB needs to pay for not policing it and making the feds have to get involved.
Posted by TommyJack on February 16, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
splinterdand: Well she needs to double up.
Posted by txsvol on February 16, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Splinterdand, Don't think her face is showing steroid abuse, but botox injections and collagen injections + the work of plastic surgeons running amok! Have to be correct with our facts, here, or else, we'll be censored, deleted, or otherwise marginalized as a sexist pig! Go Vols! SAVol
Posted by dwolfcreek on February 16, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this country being run , by a bunch of power hungry fools , and look at what we got running for PRESIDENT , a bunch of idiots . GO VOLS , TO HELL WITH POLITICS .
Posted by ThurmondEppy on February 16, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great article John. My thoughts exactly.
Posted by invisiblekid on February 16, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kinky Friedman hahaha TJ. Nah, just pulled some of my all-time favorites from WikiQuote. Started off with Dave Berry and ended with Groucho Marx so the comedian angle was spot on. Later fellas.
Posted by misterorange on February 16, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This whole thing is rediculous. I completely agree with John that this is a waste of time. Why does anyone watch baseball anyway? If everybody in baseball wants to put a needle in their a$$ to jack a few more homeruns, then that is fine with me. Just don't go crying to the world with your hard luck story on 60 Minutes later, because nobody cares. It is hard to feel sorry for someone like Ken Caminiti that juices up, makes millions, and then dies from it. These are grown men who make a decision for either fame or fortune. It is not for Congress to insure the "integrity" of the game. If most of these guys had integrity of their own, they would quit pushing their selfish agendas, and do what is best for the country.
Posted by TommyJack on February 16, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
misterorange: Agree with you with respect to Congress. Do not agree that it's hard to feel sorry for Ken Caminiti.
Posted by dash727 on February 16, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am surprised the idiot Bush didn't get involved since daddy helped him buy a baseball team with his Arab millions. On second thought, Laura might have to explain what drugs lil Barbara and Jenna have been doing in Austin. Wonder if shrub and poor ole Roger Clemens shot up together on the ranch after clearing a little brush. It could be HGH and steroids that have neutered his brain and the ability to form a constructive thought without flash cards. Take away the anti-trust immunity in baseball.
Posted by dash727 on February 16, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John, maybe your next cutting edge article could be about the phone call from Roger Clemens to Barry Bonds asking how far his gonads have receded into his scrotum after being on the junk for a few years. I think it is inverse to the growth of their heads on their shoulders. Maybe you could write about Rep. Barton from Indiana another Republican hypocrit wasting our tax dollars while trying to protect a cheater in exchange for an autograph. Please tell what he did to his wife.
Posted by oasis3 on February 16, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Pennington- Seems to me you are getting a little sensitive about your beloved Patriots and just using the baseball hearings to help direct attention. The Pats are cheaters and will always be remembered as such. Quit crying because your team got caught.
Posted by TurboFan on February 16, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Were past peak oil. The dollar is nearing freefall. Military strength is depleted. The biggest topic in the 2000 campaign isn't even mentioned now (social security). China and India are revving up as industrialized nations sucking up diminishing resources. And those boneheads are grandstanding about use of legal drugs and stealing secrets on a game. Lord, we are beyond help. Head for the fallout shelter and buy gold.
Posted by budd on February 16, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you get the congress you deserve. these losers are the people you elected. Do America a favor. Vote against any incumbent running for any office. Send the message . We are tired of your crap.
Posted by oldorange on February 17, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The state of our congress, news and sports reporting is an embarressment to the American people. It would be extrmely interesting to see the following rules passed by the American people.
1. Any PAC or party can contribute as much as they want to to any politician, however, they must match that amount to social security and match that amount to education.
2. Any network must GIVE TV,radio, and print time equally to political candidates with no renumeration. The time they give must be equal (like in kind) to any candidate running.
3. Any sports or news program can delve into any story they wish for as long as they wish, however, any reporter who tells us how he or she "feels" about the topic must be taken off the air for 90 days. The American public is smart enough to figure out how they fell without listening to the "talking heads feelings".
4. Anytime a politician or a political party does "what is best for the party" instead of what is best for america. They should pay $10,000,000 to education and relieved from office.
I realize this is all a pipe dream as the common man has already lost any and all representation in this country, but it was enjoyable to document my views.
GO VOLS
Posted by Volalumnus on February 17, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You don't want congress looking into pro sports then take away their antitrust exemption. Until then its fair game and should be expected.
The real problem that people should be concerned with is this steroid issue.
I believe it is only a matter of time before you see those investigations in the college ranks and you see major college programs shut down because of it.
Posted by Colliervol on February 17, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh, Dash, isn't the head of the committee (who called this thing) a Democrat? I wouldn't be so quick to call anybody a hypocrite. (Like Hillary Clinton isn't one? Please.)
I'm an equal opportunity politico hater. They're all ignorant jacka$$e$- Republicans and Democrats.
Posted by pdhuff on February 17, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We elected them.
Posted by FlaVol2 on February 17, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hold on here: If any athlete takes drugs which enhances his or her capability to preform better in sports than others then that is cheating. MLB has done little to address this problem, so someone needs to take it on. Therefore Mr. Pennington, in my view, you need to rethink the article you wrote.
Posted by slovog on February 18, 2008 at 1:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
However poor Pennington is as a sportswriter, he is a poorer writer when attempting to tackle hard news.
His naivete is exceeded only by his girth and his ego.
Posted by smokey on February 22, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well said, at the end of the day it is just sports.its does not matter
(Requires free registration.)
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.