“She is a living, breathing reminder that every day is a win, every moment a special triumph“- Martin Rogers, USA Today columnist.
NEW YORK, NY – Apologies for being late today but today’s initially scheduled columnist, DJ Ebere, sent us a transmission last Thursday that he was out the door and on his way to Orchard Park for the Bill’s game. We’ve not been able to reach him since. His volunteer replacement, Dr. Diz in Texas – talk about extremes – who has been MIA since going for a walk on his birthday. So you’re left with a combo of Junoir Blaber and Short Matt, a collaborative team not seen since the likes of Nipsey Russell and Grandpa Al Lewis. And we’re here to tug at your heart strings with the Leah Still story, make you pound your fists in outrage over Adrian Peterson and tip your cap to the NHL for having two Bald Black guys as huge fans. Oh, and we’ll also point out the accomplishments of Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin.
Leah Still is the 4-yearold daughter of Devon Still, a defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals. We often kick the NFL around but this story is all hero, no villain… except cancer. Leah is battling Neuroblastoma, a Stage 4 pediatric cancer which started in her stomach and then moved into her bones and had yet to see her dad play. She got that wish. We don’t know what will happen next but just knowing their story should leave no dry eye in the house. As my Papa Blaber used to say when he heard such stories, “No parent should outlive their child.” We hope Leah lives a full life and Devon never has to face that tragic situation. But hold the phone, more cool stuff has come from Leah’s fight… The AHL Syracuse Crunch, the farm team of the Tampa Bay Lightning, set the indoor attendance record for a hockey game at the Carrier Dome. The team started an emotional night, skating out in Cincinnati Bengals jerseys to salute Leah. The 30,715 fans loved it. For more on Leah, click here.
Now let’s switch to a different NFL story.
NFLPA – The NFLPA is paying close attention to the Adrian Peterson case. They have already sounded the alarm, claiming they are ready to “pursue any and all remedies if (Peterson’s) rights are breached.” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Peterson for the rest of the season amid child abuse allegations in Texas and told Peterson that he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15, 2015, for his violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Peterson,pleaded no contest on Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch. His appeal of the NFL suspension will be held Dec. 2. Oh, and AP gets $691,176 per game, so there’s that.
Peterson initially went on the exempt list voluntarily – as part of an agreement with the NFL. Apparently everyone and their momma believed he wouldn’t hit his kid with a switch – unless he deserved it. It is a tough situation for the NFL but as Peterson’s teammate Jerome Felton said, “That is why Roger Goodell gets paid 50 Million a year.”
NHL – There are probably only two bald black guys that know each other that happen love hockey – and they are both MTM Staffers. Different Matt and the Nipsey Russell of this piece, Junoir Blaber, are those hockey unicorns. It occurred to Junoir as read the NHL news that and knew that there weren’t many people in his circle that would care. Cheesy Bruin doesn’t count because he’s Sicilian, which isn’t really black. [Ahem]
Anyway, Alex Overchkin became the franchise record points holder for the Washington Capitals. with 826 points a fortnight ago for the Caps. He currently ranks 25th out 30, when compared to other players that hold franchise record in points. Meanwhile, arch rival Sidney Crosby has got 8 goals and 18 assists under the new management of Brian Johnston. Sid the Kid may be ready to finally have his Gretzky-like season, though he is logging fewer minutes and has more defensive responsibility. Apparently, Johnston’s style of not playing end-to-end but holding on to the puck and being more patient, has led to a hot start for El Sid. Will it continue for the season and into the playoffS? Only time will tell.
That’s it for now. Feel free to comment below, comeback tomorrow for Grinding Ax Walter Hynes., who, like Cheesy Bruin is bursting at the seams over the Cowboys beating the Giants last night. And by the way, a gaggle of Meet The Matts and Rugby Wrap Up staffers competed in the SnapCall production of the game and Big Al Sternberg won… big.
P.s… Please eel free to donate to Junoir’s Movember Campaign, benefiting Men’s Health. Click here for details.
Follow us on Twitter@: MeettheMatts and Junoir Blaber, respectively.
