Ed Marinaro With All Due Respect

Random Thoughts

My hat's off to the USA Men's 4x100 Relay Team and their defiance of Madison Ave in not compromising their free expression in the Sydney Olympics! It's really inspiring to see these athletes throw away tens of thousands of dollars in possible future advertising contracts, as well opportunities to be seen as great sportsmen and role models, by flagrantly prancing around the track after their win and by wagging their tongues to the camera during the National Anthem, embarrassing just about every American watching on TV. Great job guys.

In the same vein...a couple weeks ago, rookie Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress' exuberance was on display in Jacksonville. In his rush to celebrate a first down catch, Burress spiked the football, but forgot he had yet to be touched, therefore making the spiked ball still 'alive.' The ball, of course, was recovered by the Jaguars, who luckily (for the Steelers and Burress), failed to score on the turnover, eventually giving Pittsburgh their first win of the season. It's yet another example of this fanatical "desire to celebrate" overtaking a player's concentration on the game. Plaxico, if you want to express yourself, take a painting class.

Photo by Bob Galbraith (AP)

Okay, onto better things…congratulations (real congratulations this time) to the New York Yankees! Not matter if you're a Yankee fan or not, you would have to agree that these guys are the epitome of a "team." In a win or loss, they collectively conduct themselves in a dignified manner. Guys like Jeter and Williams especially, go out and play their game and don't whine when a call doesn't go their way. They do their job and win in the true definition of a team, rather than this "me, me, me" crap we see so much in sports today.

And now, my new CLASS ACT AWARD goes to (drum roll please)…Minnesota Vikings running back, Robert Smith. This guy is a true professional - a class act - and just so happens to be one of the most productive backs in the league. Smith doesn't get a lot of press because he beats you in a quiet, dignified manner. On the field and off, he is a gentleman and a true sportsman.

Finally, I'd like to thank all the readers of SportsHollywood for their overwhelming reaction to my columns. Keep it up, and I promise to include some of your comments in future columns.

October 10, 2000

edmarinaro@sportshollywood.com

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Ed Marinaro

In his three seasons as Cornell's tailback, Ed Marinaro was the all-time leading rusher in Ivy League history. He established eight NCAA career records and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. After turning pro he became a running back for the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. Then he turned to acting and played everyone from Joe Coffey on the classic TV show "Hill Street Blues" to Joey Buttafuoco in "Long Island Lolita." In his off-time he enjoys ranting in his column for SportsHollywood.

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