Few realize the bond between Lions’ owner and embattled GM January 3, 2007
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Detroit, Football, Lions, Matt Millen, NFL, Sports, Uncategorized.3 comments
William Clay Ford, Jr. and Matt Millen share a sacred bond. One could say the most sacred bond know to mankind. This kind of bond requires the utmost commitment and loyalty. In our crazy world, it is a bond that adults have all but forgotten. Today, the bond is usually seen in fleeting moments between teenage girls. While Ford and Millen are not teenage girls, they do share this sacred bond. William Clay Ford, Jr. and Matt Millen are BFF, best friends forever.
Due to its rarity today, BFF is often a misunderstood bond. Believe me, it is sacred nonetheless. BFF is something you take to the grave, something you never forget. When you are best friends forever with someone you overlook their faults and they overlook yours. You pick each other up. You forgive each other.
When your boss hires you to be a GM and knows that you have no prior experience whatsoever working in a front office, that is BFF. BFF is the kind of bond that lets you lead a NFL team to a 24-72 record (worst record in NFL history over same span) and still keep your job. When you’ve had the No. 2 pick in the draft twice, No. 3 once and three other top-10 picks in your tenure and your boss looks at that as an accomplishment, that is BFF. When you’ve wasted the equivalent of the Iraq war budget on top draft picks that didn’t pan out and you get a contract extension, that is BFF. When an international campaign called “Fire Millen” begins, when chants of “Fire Millen” can be heard in every Detroit sports venue and instead of firing you, your boss sends security to kick out people wearing “Fire Millen” tee shirts, that is BFF. When your fan base is purposely rooting for the opposing team in hopes of getting their message across and your boss, despite numerous opportunities, still allows you to continue your roll as the worst GM in sports history, that is BFF. These are just a few examples of what it means to be best friends forever.
So next time you’re at a Lions game and you see security beating up an eight year old kid wearing a “Fire Millen” shirt, think about what BFF means. Then, perhaps, you’ll understand why Matt Millen still has a job.
Nick Saban ‘Bama Bound January 3, 2007
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Alabama, Blogroll, College Football, Dolphins, Football, NFL, Nick Saban, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
Nick Saban sold out. The enticement of a reported eight year, $30 million contract offer from the University of Alabama was too much. It was reported that Saban was already on board a jet to Tuscaloosa when he was scheduled to meet with Dolphin’s owner Wayne Huizenga at 10:00 ET. Alabama officials denied this, but Saban’s intent had become clear. Huizenga had been informed of Saban’s inentions by phone beforehand.
Saban, most noted for his collegiate success with LSU, coached the Miami Dolphins for two years, leading them to a 15-17 record. Huizenga looked disappointed, not distraught, at a press confrence announcing the future of the Dolphins’ organization. Huizenga tried to persuade Saban to stay with Miami but it would appear as if Saban was longing for a return to college football.
The previous Alabama head coach, Mike Shula, was fired after a disappointing 6-6 season. In a program where beating the University of Auburn is key, Shula never succeeded. The Crimson Tide would then go on to lose their bowl game 31-34 to Oklahoma State. Alabama is a storied program in need of a spark. Perhaps Saban can provide that spark.
