Tag: sports

The Machine vs. The Movement

Posted on by Shelly Strebel in For Real Though, Sports Takes
Read Time: 1:24

A term used at the Iowa caucuses on Monday was “the machine versus the movement.” But this term might better apply to two other candidates this weekend: Peyton Manning and Cam Newton. The machine versus the movement, respectively.

Manning’s familial legacy, endurance, and his mechanics all suggest machine. Newton’s sheer athleticism, his youth and beauty (not to mention his personal evolution) suggest movement. There is an historical and cultural relevance of having these quarterbacks in this year’s Super Bowl.

Manning is 39, and about to retire. Newton, 26, is just getting started rewriting what it means to be a quarterback. And if Newton wins this weekend, you could argue that this is only the beginning of his reshaping history–NFL history and Black history.

In press conferences this week, Newton has said he wants to be an inspiration for many people regardless of their skin color, that he doesn’t want to be talked about as just a black quarterback, suggesting that race is not an issue. But saying that race is not an issue in this country is about as accurate as a shot fired by a worm with a machine gun.

(4 Days ago) The Philadelphia Tribune publishes a UN report about the human rights abuses so flagrant in US history, and suggests “real commitment to reparations and to truth and reconciliation for people of African descent.” (Last Year) Adam Silver bans Donald Sterling from the NBA for life. (Summer 2013) “Black Lives Matter,” movement takes hold.

And so  on.

I understand Cam doesn’t want to talk about it through that lens. But does that mean that we can’t?

Ed. Note to Katie Siegel: Cam looked way more like a ski instructor than a thug. Shame on you.

No-Fire Rule Could Benefit Niners

Posted on by Shelly Strebel in For Real Though, Sports Takes
Read Time: 0:54

Looking at the Panthers, it’s easy to say that Cam Newton is one of the most exceptional things about that organization. Another exceptional thing about the Panthers, though, is the no-fire rule.

The Niners, clearly, do not have that rule. The Niners have a CEO with more sacks in the last few years than the entire team.

After Chip Kelly was announced as San Francisco’s head coach, the SF Chronicle reported with the headline, “Chip Kelly now holds the power with 49ers.” Although if you read the actual newspaper, and had to flip through the pages to finish the article, you’d locate it by the revised headline (in much smaller font) which read, “Kelly has some power.”

But does he have staying power? Because those are different things. Right, Jed?

Successful players often talk about the life-changing importance of the relationships they develop, especially with coaches. And players—even if they become free agents like Anquan Boldin has recently—might want to stay where they’ve built relationships.

Some sports analysts effectively argue that contiguity is what really helps mold a great QB.  And the Niners don’t have that.