So This Is What a Lock Out Has Done to Us
by Jaxon on May 24, 2011 12:00 PM EDT
Email
PrintWith no real football to discuss even by offseason standards I wonder how low we will sink in scratching for things to talk about. Does anybody really think we would be talking about Cam Newton working out with Brett Favre or even hit the play button on a video of Newton singing a Justin Beiber song (very badly I might add).
We've got both sides pretending like they care about the fans which I linked up late last night. There is no end in sight for the ridiculousness that is this lock out, in both the silly things we will talk about as well as players predicting stupid things as a result of the lock out. Case in point, Ray Lewis predicting that without an NFL season crime will spike across the country:
"Do this research if we don't have a season -- watch how much evil, which we call crime, watch how much crime picks up, if you take away our game," Lewis told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.
That's because, Lewis said, the NFL lockout affects "way more than us" -- the owners and the players.
"There's too many people that live through us, people live through us," he said. "Yeah, walk in the streets, the way I walk the streets, and I'm not talking about the people you see all the time."
Maybe crime will spike in your neighborhood Ray but those of us around here will simply find another sport to watch. It would seem to be common sense that someone who is going to commit a crime instead of watch football will probably still commit a crime after the game is over. Duh! I could make a few more snide remarks about Mr. Lewis and possibility his posse might directly increase the crime level all to themselves but I'll resist ;). We'll look at a few more comments from Ray after the jump...
As silly as his lead-in comment was I have to give him props from nailing one of the issues no one is really addressing from the players standpoint and I think this one hits NFLPA negotiator DeMaurice Smith (the trial lawyer) right on the head:
"It's simple, we really got to remove pride. Seriously," he said.
"There's no other reason the issue is going on," he said. "That's why I don't get into words and all that other stuff, because it takes away from life ... itself. There's people who are really struggling for real. There's real struggles out there."
Smith acts like a man who won't strike a deal out of pride because he's made all these promises to his union that he's determined to keep. I do think the Smith is the most willing guy in all this to lose a season simply to say he got what he promised for the players. I truly don't think the owners want to lose even a single game even though they may be prepared for it.
I dogged Jeff Pash last night to a degree but he was right about one thing, the previous CBA did favor the players union from a straight percent of the revenue perspective. Yet they can't ask for all these other perks and not expect to give up some of the revenue share. By perks I mean lifetime healthcare, more money to retired players, less working hours etc...
But I digress, the point of this post was to point out how silly things have become in both the statements this lock out is generating from the two sides as well as the stupid topics we subsequently will discuss with no real football news to discuss. But I do appreciate all CSR members that continue to come over and hope we get that breaking news we are oh so not patiently waiting for. In the meantime we'll recap the 2010 season and continue our fandome as best we can.
62 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I think you may have missed the point
And I stress may have because maybe I missed the point but what I get out of this is that sundays give those people who do commit crimes a reason to stay in. To some of their fans football is one of the only things that is more important than crime. So without watching it, without it being on the front of their minds, and with being angry for not having football they will in turn go out and take it out on the city. I don’t believe upper middle class bloggers were his target. Like I said though it might be me who’s reading it wrong.
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
+1
I feel like Lewis’ over the top intensity in this interview made it seem a tad ridiculous, which I thought it was at first. But I thought about it and I took into account all the people that worked for teams that might be laid off. With the economy in the state that it is, I doubt the job market would be able to accommodate all these freshly unemployed. So maybe some of them turn to illegal ways to make money. Also what lmisshoooooov said about people staying in on Sundays. It’s not going to be dramatic or maybe even noticeable but there will be SOME increase in crime if the lockout extended into the season.
On a side note, I thought of all people talking about crime, or "evil"as he called it, Ray Lewis should probably be one of the last.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain." -Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on May 24, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely Directed towards less wealthy people
The problem is the opposite side to what Ray said can easily be argued. Football can be said to increase crime with DUI’s, Assault and Battery, etc., etc., etc. Ray seems to be taking his role as “The Godfather” of the NFL too far. In his speech with Sal, he was trying to be so profound and stuff to the point where he was simply spewing nonsense. He definitely only thought out one side of that argument though.
That said, I bet Sal peed in his pants a little b/c Ray got VERY INTENSE
I understand what Lewis is talking about...
I don’t get why people think that everything a football player says is ridiculous. People all over the world love football, even criminals. If they have no football to preoccupy themselves with on Sundays, and they don’t have anything else to do, what do you think is gonna happen? Whether we wanna admit it or not, football is a huge part of our culture, and yes like Ray Lewis said, a lot of folks live vicariously through their favorite teams, I’m pretty sure we all know at least one person who fits the bill. So all I’m saying is we as a public really need to sit back and absorb what a person says and means before we dismiss them as being an idiot or incompetent.
I don’t get the impression that people think everything a football player says is ridiculous. But I still think that the idea that because football isn’t played crime could rise. Guys have 6 other days a week to commit crime, I doubt one day is going to make a difference.
by BusyBeingAwesome on May 24, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he's right to a certain extent.
Crime would rise because of a lock-out, but not because people are laying around with nothing else to do, it’ll be the poor guys who live off of selling hot dogs, beers, and other stuff at and around the stadium. They have family’s to feed and you gotta do what you gotta do to survive.
Southern Alabama Community College dominates all NCAA sports.
Yeah, but even if I believed it would
We are talking about crime rising on such a minuscule scale that it wouldn’t even be registered.
by BusyBeingAwesome on May 25, 2011 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
You can tell the lockout it grating on Ray's nerves.
He just wants to go out there and bust some heads again.
As to crime increasing due to the NFL lockout, I think that is far fetched, even among the classes prone to crime. One could say that for every crime that does occur due to no football, a crime has been averted by not having the stadium traffic in the major cities. Such as car break-ins, theft, public intoxication, disturbing the peace, etc.
I do agree with Jaxon. People will sate their appetites with other sports. More people will watch college football than ever, and the UFL is going to see a huge boost in ratings.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
What sucks about this is if there is a cancellation of the season, my 2011 football life is in the hands of Stephen Garcia.
Excuse me while I go light myself on fire.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Hey,
Just ‘cause the guy smells like Robert Downey Jr. circa 1997 doesn’t mean that he’s not a great QB.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
You're right.
The interceptions and fumbles at critical moments in games are what makes him a poor QB. The 1997 Robert Downey Jr. correlation is just a coincidence.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Oh yeah....that.
Well, there’s always…
Uh…
Erm…
How ’bout those Indians? Crazy.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
Jaxon, I think you have identified THE main problem with the CBA negotiations.
You are exactly where I have been for some time now.
I do think the Smith is the most willing guy in all this to lose a season simply to say he got what he promised for the players. I truly don’t think the owners want to lose even a single game even though they may be prepared for it.If both sides would commit to finding a solution, an agreement could be negotiated in a week. Take another two weeks to clean up the items in terms of legal verbage and you’re done in less than a month.
The solution was touched on by Lewis.
“It’s simple, we really got to remove pride. Seriously.”
Ray Lewis is right, and you're wrong
There is strong evidence to support Ray Lewis’ theory. Look at how many NFL players are getting arrested. If the lockout continues, more players will do stupid stuff and go to jail. It’s so bad, that the NFL now waits with open arms for people to get out of prison (see Plax). Hopefully, in the upcoming crime spree, no Panthers end up in jail.
I think he may be referencing the public and not the players.
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
i understand
You can’t always recognize sarcasm in text. But it’s cool.
by usana_gaines on May 24, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont believe Ray meant
that because people cant watch football they will start commiting crimes. I think he saying that unemployment and lack of income makes a person more apt to commit a crime. Even those who aren’t inclined to be criminal could turn down that path in despiration. Many NFL players are not only taking care of their immediate families, but extended families also. They’re looked at as the family saviour. Even commuity saviors.
“There’s too many people that live through us, people live through us,” he said. “Yeah, walk in the streets, the way I walk the streets, and I’m not talking about the people you see all the time.”
To fans football is just a game. To the players its their livelihood. For alot of them football help them avoid a life of crime. The hard word and dedication since some of them were 7 or 8 yrs old is why the are deserving of the money the make. While they were working out , practicing and playing in game many of their friends were at home idol. football helped them avoid the pitfalls that come along with poverty.ie CRIME. For many players football was/is their savior.
I think it's simple really...
If Ray Lewis is unable to play football he’ll have nothing to do, become bored, and then start stabbing up a storm from East to West in such a murderous rampage that Ted Bundy will look like Al Bundy.
In all seriousness though I think the hyperbole is severely overblown in Lewis’ words. “Like through us?” seriously, who is “living through” an NFL player. It would benefit society far more for Lewis to spend his interview time in a soup kitchen.
I think your own hyperbole was severely overblown
as Ray Lewis never stabbed anyone he just covered it up for his buddy. Maybe going East to West in a obstruction of justice rampage would fit better. I know he’s not a panther but that doesn’t mean we should slander him, he is after all one of (if not the very) best to ever play the MLB position.
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
They say truth comes out in jest
That comment just stunk of entitlement to me but my bad if that wasn’t how it was meant
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Not really sure what 'entitlement' has anything to do with it.
Fact is, two people died in some form of altercation with Lewis and his posse and the suit he was wearing that night conveniently disappeared like Ben Roethlisberger’s surveillance tape.
I’ll crack a joke about that the same way some do when people say ‘Rapelisberger’.
I guess it's from time on Profootballtalk
but I can’t stand those arguments between Ravens and Steelers fan. It’s gone from football trash talk to a schoolyard level of intellect and that comment is a frequently used one from Steelers fans and it just gets under my skin. The entitlement I’m picking up on is the seriously who lives through an NFL player part. I’ve known many people who’s teams are their lives for a majority of the year (Our own Catman is a good example)
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
*fans
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
When it comes purely to time spent, I would say “I live the Carolina Panthers” between writing, commenting and CSR radio I probably spend 20-25 hrs a week on this blog talking about Carolina Panthers football.
The TEAM is a major part of my life, the TEAM is a major part of Catman’s life… but I’m not living “through a player”. I’m not ‘walking the streets’ the way anyone walks the streets. I’ll plead ignorance on that, I don’t have the faintest idea what the hell that means.
If you live your life with your favorite team being a major part of your identity, then you’re a fan. If you live your life through a player, then you probably need some help.
As for Steelers v. Ravens on PFT… I wouldn’t know. I avoid reading comment sections like the plague on other sites.
As for Steelers v. Ravens on PFT… I wouldn’t know. I avoid reading comment sections like the plague on other sites.
Another tribute to CSR and SN in general where you can have sane arguments and talks. So glad I found this site.
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
It would benefit society far more for Lewis to spend his interview time in a soup kitchen.
+1000
To bad they can’t make that a mandatory thing. I know some players have charities they either give to or are in charge of. But there are many who don’t care at all. There should be mandatory community service for these players. Many of them get into the NFL and loose touch with reality. Perhaps they should give Reality a ring.
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
plenty people live through NFL players
United way CBS, ESPN, Agents, endorser, Goodell, Fox, cameramen, refs, concession stand workers….the list goes on.
although i think he was talking mostly about family,friends, and charities.
Probably not like "Ray" walks the streets...
whatever he meant by that. I wished he would’ve elaborated on how he walks the streets, so that we could understand his point better. Does he mean he walks deep into the streets, to interact with a class of people most are afraid of? those who COULD turn to crime and evil? Is he the dark knight? what does he know that he is not telling us?
hmmmm….
Beat me to it Ezra
Don’t speak for me or anyone else when it comes to who or what I’m afraid of. I had a feeling Ray’s comment would spark a race debate I was just hoping we wouldn’t have one after the whole Cam Newton debate.
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I do not see any race mentioned
in any of my posts, or comments. As far as you know, I am blacker than you. There was no implication or speaking for anyone that i can read in anything i have written. I don’t see how you can even imply that an attempt to spark a race debate was inferred by any of my comments. If anything the tongue in cheek comments implied that Ray’s comments were very ambiguous at best.
And for the record
I am a dark-skinned Puerto Rican, moreno is the term many use- look it up. I’m also a missionary in the barrios of Managua, Nicaragua. I work with alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes and gang bangers. I see poverty and hopelessness like most will never see outside of a commercial. 70% unemployment and climbing. People trying to eek out a living on 5 to 10 dollars a day. ninitos llorando cada dia para algo de comer…children crying every day for something to eat. So, NO, the color of one’s skin does not mark their destiny or potential.
Mad respect to that
I read too far into the class of people most are afraid of part. Still touchy from the Cam Newton debacle my apologies
"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank
by Imisshooooooooov on May 24, 2011 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
i honestly wasn't referring to race, but more so the poor
just so happen that those unemployed and livivng at or under property are disproportionately Black. And just so happens blacks are the majority in the NFL,and alot of them come from poverty . AND if you take a close look at those who populate or prison system(criminals) it mostly blacks, latinos, and poor whites.
I WAS SIMPLY trying to co related Ray Lewis’s assumption that no fototball (unemployment) would lead to higher crime rates.
by king.collard.green on May 25, 2011 4:28 AM EDT up reply actions
In Ray's terms- they're evil
but who they are, and what they are, are only left to myth and “post-ers”….
"because they are not the people you see all the time"
that definitely clears it up for me.
he who asks the question
has often formulated their own answer.
“The Shadow” used to imply that it was the evil in the hearts of men. the race you seek is the “human race”. Everyone fears evil, and the danger it brings.
if you thought beyond that, you mistook my post.
i had formulated my own answer and honestly i thought it was the poor you where refering to
race. i disagree that evil is in the hearts of men. I truly believe that the inheirent nature of man is righteousness. Therefore i fear neither man nor the evils they act out. IMO there is nothing to fear when one deals in freedom, justice and equality. Regargless of evil and the danger it brings, justice is real and we all shall reap what we sow. If we live in fear, we will ultamitley we bring about that which we fear. But anyway i wish this lockout was over. So i can talk about how Our panthers are gonna kick some ass.
PS I really love CSR.
by king.collard.green on May 25, 2011 5:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Amen to the Panthers and CSR
the thing that is a common thread across all races, is that desparation causes people to act in ways they otherwise may not have, and that may be Ray Lewis’s point. Desparate people do desparate things, and I do see that every day- whether white, black, latino, etc… from a theological standpoint, i believe every man wants to live righteously, but it’s a fallen world, with circumstances that leave people desparate at times, and makes it harder than we want to admit.
Please, FOOTBALL, COME BACK!!!!
I find it incredibly appropriate
That I have just read a racially-charged argument, fighting over the level of crime that will occur without football, someone getting called entitled for using hyperbole and general bickering in a post titled "So This Is What a Lockout Has Done to Us."
by BusyBeingAwesome on May 24, 2011 4:22 PM EDT reply actions
I agree.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Err...wait, scratch that -- I disagree, and you're a moron. :-)
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
would that be moron
in the politest sense of the word?
Of course.
I mean, I wouldn’t want to insult the guy…
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Insulting anyone (minus bw) is not cool.
by BusyBeingAwesome on May 24, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I see what you did there...
And I’m impressed.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
As it should...
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
haha thanks.
A while back I had to illustrate my past, and since I went to Catholic school…
by BusyBeingAwesome on May 24, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
AHHH!
Catholic school… i still have scarred knucles from “ruler slaps”, and trying to forget the “palms up, please”…
and
given the state of our country, and world, it all seems so trite. and I apologize that i got sucked into a non-argument, that probably added to the loss of brain cells for many.
a nice cup of coffee and a little prayer have brought balance back to the force…
by toonman on May 24, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Cat Scratch Reader
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the NFC South Draft
- BREAKING: Tim Tebow did not become a great quarterback today
- Jerry Jones says Cowboys championship window is closing; Tony Romo disagrees
- Lawrence Taylor was told his Super Bowl ring was bought by Charlie Sheen
- Chad Ochocinco gets robbed, mourns loss of Starbucks gold card
