All this week, I’ve been offering an opinion as to what I considered to be the best in terms of movies, political events, technology and sport events for 2009. The list is a personal one and therefore subject to discussion, but not argument.
So far, I’ve looked at what I thought were the notable movies, politics and technology events of 2009, today I will look at the notable sports stories that made a different in the past year. Let’s roll:
1. Tiger Woods. This is a no brainer. The idol falls from his pedestal and is now vulture food for the media. All of his great sports accomplishments will be lost because of his inability to keep his pants zipped or his mistresses silent.
2. Michael Oher. A rookie offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens whose life story was played out in the movie, “The Blindside.” He’s the best “feel good” story of 2009.
3. Steve McNair. Former quarterback of the Tennessee Titans who died this year after being murdered by his mistress (Tiger Woods, are you taking notes?).
4. Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl. This was a match up, that on paper, was a blowout for the Steelers. The problem was that the Arizona Cardinals don’t play on paper. They showed up and were within one minute of pulling off the upset. Only a fantastic catch by Santonio Holmes in the end zone with 35 seconds to play gave the Steelers the victory. It was one of the best last two minutes of a Superbowl game in a decade.
5. Jack Kemp. This former politician died this year and while he was remembered for his political accomplishments (and they were many), he should also be remembered for his playing days in the American Football League and the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. He helped organize the player’s union for the AFL and was instrumental in getting player equality in the AFL & NFL locker rooms. After his death, President Barack Obama praised Kemp’s work on race, adding that Kemp understood that divisions involving race and class stood in the way of the country’s common goals.
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This will be my last post of the year. My hope is that the coming New Year will bring you more peace and happiness than you think you are rightfully entitled to. Happy New Year!