More variations on a sporting theme

My dear people: I apologize for my tardiness in posting. And for the repetitious nature of my theme here, but two events, one in each of  the past two days, has fired up the ol' thinking-cap atop my cranium.

First, the Eric Tillman saga. From what apparently little I have gleaned on the subject, I do think that the judgement in the case is acceptable. I am personally still in a state of shock that he plead guilty, and in this regard, I feel he has lost credibility in the behavioural demands of his players. It's what he was brought in to do in Saskatchewan: clean up the "gangsta" culture that was prevalent in Riderville. Now that he has pleaded guilty on a sexual assault charge, it doesn't matter the hows and whys of such a plea: how can he administer discipline on any player for any misdeeds outside of the game? This is a major part of his job, which I feel he cannot continue to do under the circumstances. He is a great football mind, very likely a great person who made a mistake. Sadly, this mistake inhibits his ability to do his job, in my view.

Secondly, my home city of Saskatoon hosted the 2010 version of the World Junior Hockey Championship. I challenge all Canadians to admit to this fact: of the "trilogy" of Canada/USA Jr. clashes, tonight's 6-5 overtime victory by the USA was the best of the bunch. The fact that our boys did not win this installment should not deter from the absolutely jaw-dropping exhibition of fabulous hockey that was on display. Both teams played extremely hard, skilled, and determined hockey. I watched this game with my Mom, and she noted that there really was no threat of a fight in the game! How about that: amazing clean entertainment to boot!

First, an admission on my part. I typically gain more enjoyment from the US losing in anything than I do from Canada winning the same. It really struck me this afternoon that I wouldn't be terribly upset by losing this game to the Americans. Why? Those kids spent their entire time in Saskatoon exuding the highest level of class, dignity and respect on every level. I admire that. Without doubt, a small part of me thought they deserved a gold medal simply for this. And now that they have won World Jr. gold, I am quite proud that we have turned over the crown to such a worthy opponent. Bravo Team USA! May you continue to embrace the graciousness that won over this Canadian hockey fan!