Newspapers have been struggling for years now; and, in an effort to increase traffic to the online editions, they have their beat writers and journalists writing “blogs.”  This allows their writers to come across to the reader as a little more unfiltered than if they had submitted their content as their daily article.

Joel Sherman of the NY Post writes for the NY Posts Hardball blog. He tries very hard to come across as a typical blogger, with a little more snark than you are used to from the newspaper. However, he ends up coming across more as a pompous, arrogant jerk than anything. He tries very hard to create a controversy that isn’t there. I really hope that no local NY newspaper or fellow Post writer bites on his latest BS, because that would make him happy. I just run a crappy little website, so the extra 10 clicks that the NY Post is getting for this means little to Rupert Murdoch.  Though, it probably bothers Reverend Al that I am giving the paper additional readers.

Sherman’s latest entry to his blog was in reference to the New York Football Giants signing players that have had run-ins with the law and how nobody besmirches the good name of the Mara’s, while everyone jumps on only MLB and Alex Rodriguez for their misgivings.

Let me begin by saying that he does not try to exonerate Rodriguez for his cheating and lying, or that of Major League Baseball.  He has been a critic of Rodriguez in recent weeks and has taken him to task.

Sherman, however, is making a comparison that isn’t needed, or even warranted. Before we get into his attack on the Mara’s, lets look at his critique of the NFL and coverage of it as a whole:

But where is our sense of proportion when it comes to the problems of major league baseball compared to those of the NFL. What is worse: Big football players whacking around women, a guy in a crowded nightclub with a loaded, unlicensed gun, a guy willing to illegally transport that gun, a guy driving under the influence or a baseball player taking steroids?

Joel…Joel…Joel. Obviously the former is worse than the latter; but, what does that have to do with the cost of tea in China? I am not quite sure I understand your argument. By the way, Joel, were you around these parts in November and December? Why don’t you go through the archives of your own newspaper. You might come across the fact that Plaxico Burress was THE sports news for 2 months. He led off SportsCenter for an entire week. Maybe you missed this great collection of quotes that Neil Best over at Newsday compiled following that incident. Even Stephen A. Smith wrote about Burress following that night, and criticized Burress for his actions. Just like how people jumped down Alex Rodriguez’s throat last month when it came out that he used steroids, and lied about it. That is just the media’s take on it. Are you tired of A-Rod talk already?  The talk that you have contributed to?  Well, it will be sure to die down as we get closer to the start of the season, but it isn’t going away. He has been the best player in baseball over the last 14 years; and, he plays for the most recognizable sports franchise ever. Plus, there is no football going on to take our attention away from baseball.

You specifically single out Plaxico Burress. The NFL is taking a wait-and-see approach with Burress while letting the legal system play out. Why bother suspending him from the league if he gets thrown in jail for the next few years? He won’t be returning to the league at that point anyway. The New York Giants suspended him, almost immediately, and have even tried to recoup some of his pay. Burress has already faced punishment for his actions that night, and will probably see more. He didn’t physically hurt anyone; and, most likely, nor did he intend to that night. Was it stupid? Yes. Was it illegal? Of course. He will reap what he sows.

Yes, I am awaiting all those stories on how the Giants – yes, the classy, Mara-owned Giants – will employ anyone in a quest to try to win a championship. By the way, does anyone have the address of the jail in Virginia where Ahmad Bradshaw is currently serving time for his probation violation?

So the New York Giants, and the Mara’s particularly are just supposed to turn their back on people that work for them? They have expressed interest in bringing him back, if all goes well in his criminal case. Why should they just ignore him? Sure, they want to win; and, they know he can help and are completely willing to benefit from that. Professional sports are about making money and winning, not about how you play the game and whether everyone has fun. If he wants to comeback to them, why shouldn’t they welcome him back with open arms? Especially after they themselves have already punished him, and he is most likely facing even more punishment from the NFL prior to a return to the field. I am still waiting on that blistering piece from you on the outrage of George Steinbrenner giving second and third chances to Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden. Two players that were instrumental in the Yankees winning the World Series in 1996, after they were busy hanging out in crack houses.   Or, it is okay for the Steinbrenner’s to show mercy and grace, but not the Mara’s?

The NFL polices itself much better than most of other professional sports leagues when it comes to its players committing crimes. Mike Vick, Pacman Jones, and Tank Johnson have all suffered the wrath of commissioner Roger Goodell; and, once again, Burress will most likely face punishment from the league if NYC merely slaps him on the wrist. You want to go after the NFL about something, how about attacking them for the PED problem in their league? God doesn’t grow that many 6′6″ 320 lb men. Don’t attack them for their lack of discipline on their athletes committing crimes.

Seriously, I am really having hard time understanding Sherman’s point of contention on this. What the hell does one have to do with the other? Or was this the point? To get a blogger like myself all worked up. Well done, Jay…I mean, Joel.

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