SmithAntics

Okay, so the post title doesn’t exactly describe the content of the post, but I thought it had a nice ring.

Anyway, in keeping with the “Fun Friday” theme (and lord knows it’s been a grim week), let’s do another survey. This time tell us who your favorite and least favorite sports figures are and why — any era, any sport.

I’ll start.

Jerry Rice is my sports idol. He’s the reason I really got into football. Everyone knows about his unbelievable work ethic, but what I love about Rice is the importance he places on entertaining the fans. He’s always been about the fans. A true class act. Oh, and he’s the best wide receiver to ever draw breath. Yeah, he’s playing way past his shelf life, but I have trouble holding it against him. He just loves to lace ‘em up. Jerry Fuckin' Rice.

Other faves: Joe Montana, Steve Young, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Emmitt Smith.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Barry Bonds. What a fucking sad case this guy is. You know, I used to be able to get past the fact that Bonds was a total asshole for the simple reason that he is (was) quite possibly the best player in the history of the game. But no more. I’ve been watching Bonds melt down over the past few weeks, and it’s just disgusting. This is a man who takes absolutely zero responsibility for his own actions. Ever the victim, Bonds blames everyone else for his self-inflicted destruction of his career and legacy (Of course, he mainly blames the press, whom he’s treated like absolute dogshit from day one). Hey, Barry, you’re a fucking liar and a juicer. Quit trundling out your kid to your press conferences (a shameful stunt) and whining like a little baby that everyone’s out to get you. No one forced you to ‘roid up and then lie your ass off about it. You’re pathetic. No wonder your teammates hate you. Take your ball and go home like the spoiled little child that you are.

Other assholes: Shaquille O'Neal, Rick Fox, Bill Romanowski, Shannon Sharpe, Greg Foster, John Rocker (remember him?).

Guys whose game I deeply respect but I don’t really like as people: Alan Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Cris Carter, Ray Lewis.

Feel free to add your own categories (and rip the shit out of my choices).