Anyone who knows me, knows I am a Cubs fan 'til the end. Not a Sox fan at all. Am torn as to whom to cheer for this week, as the Sox play the Cards. The night the Sox won the World Series, I watched the game, did a shot (not in celebration, but in frustration) and went to bed. Chicago fan I am not.
Knowing this, as much as I am not a Sox fan, I am even less a Mariotti fan. I think that he is a sniveling, snide, whiny, ignoramus, blow-hard, who enjoys the sound of his voice way too much and who likes to stir up controversy everywhere. I hate that he is associated with Chicago. I hated his radio show on ESPN 1000 and I hate his column even more. I will always get my sports knowledge from other sources. I never hear or see a story and wonder what Mariotti wrote. I care that little about him.
That being said, not once did I use a derogatory word to describe my loathing of him. It wasn't necessary. There are so many colorful and wonderful words to describe the cowering, little nothing of a man known as Mariotti. Ozzie was wrong to say what he did. He should apologize. He should make a donation to a gay rights organization and tape a public service announcement regarding the importance of understanding and the ignorance of negative stereotyping. He should probably sit out a game or two. If he worked in corporate America, his statement would've led to termination or at least a written warning. Strangely enough, in that setting, probably only a few people would have heard the negative remark and not the millions that have heard it and discussed it the last few days.
I hope that Ozzie learns that he should think before he speaks. I hope that he learns that his words can positively or negatively impact so many. I hope that he turns this into a positive and fast, because it is the right thing to do and because it will make Mariotti go back to cowering in his corner looking for another situation to stir up.
1 comment:
Ahhh, if only Ozzie gave a rat's butt about being politically correct. He won't give a dime to a charity even though I think your suggestion is great! I do like the Sox, but this was just another faux pas of his to add to a very long list. You are dead-on about Mariotti. I admit I do read him, but he is part of that generation of sports writers who think they are just as important as the athletes. Um, no. Just tell us the story, providing as much depth as you can. Mariotti is also the father of two young girls, yet he works 100 hours a week. In no way is that cool.
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