The free dictionary defines excuse as “to explain (a fault or an offense) in the hope of being forgiven or understood”. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/excuse)

 

It is frustrating when an athlete/coach creates an excuse for poor performance. It was refreshing to hear Mike Weir’s comments after missing the cut at last month’s RBC Canadian Open.

 

The 40-year-old native of Bright’s Grove, Ontario had a ready-made, built in excuse, if he wanted, when he failed to qualify for the final two rounds of the tournament. Although he had tendinitis in his right arm, Weir chose the high road, looked reporters in the eye, and said, “I was trying as hard as I could. I'm at a point in my game right now that I'm struggling and everybody goes through it at some point in their career. You just have to keep working and fight your way out of it and no one's immune to it.You know, no excuses. I just didn't play well."

 

Although no one will be able to replace the magic out of Weir’s dramatic 2003 victory at the Masters, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Weir is on the downside of his career as evidenced by his recent results. Nevertheless, Weir’s comments are candid, to the point and lay out the facts as he sees them.

Look, he simply did not perform up to par (sorry about that one). 

 

So, why is it so difficult for other athletes to be honest, and tell it like it is?

 

Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo is an example of a professional athlete who deflects blame after a poor performance. It is very rare to hear him say, “I am the captain. I am the leader. It starts with me. I take responsibility for this loss”. 

 

I do not understand the difficulty in stating, after a sub performance, something like, “The bottom line is I/we did not get the job done. I was expecting better and will do everything to make the necessary improvements for next time.” Although these types of comments may be boring and simple, they are truthful and responsible.

 

Edmonton Eskimos Head Coach Richie Hall deserves a salute for supporting general manager and director of football operations Danny Maciocia who was fired a day after that 28-25 victory over the B.C. Lions. Hall offered no excuse for his performance and his team's dismal 1-and-4 record.
"It should have been me, not him. I'm responsible for the football team," stated Hall to the media. How is that for not deflecting blame? Pretty classy in my books.

 

Of course, no one wants to listen to a whiner, whether it is in athletics, or in some other capacity. If one is injured, then do not compete. If an athlete is not happy with the officials, the weather, the surrounding conditions or is fatigued, then he\she should be quiet. We have all heard the phrase “suck it up buttercup”.

 

 

At the recently completed World Cup, there were numerous excuses from the losing teams and their raucous supporters including: 

 

the ball was too unpredictable;

the deafening vuvuzelas were a distraction; 

the altitude in South Africa took its toll; 

the absence of wives/girlfriends had a detrimental effect on players;

our country needs more financial support;

The referees had an agenda; and of course,

If only replays had been used, the outcome would have been different. 

 

Yes, we all know, FIFA, corrupted by power and wealth, had predetermined that Spain would win on a late goal against the Netherlands.

 

Enough already! My column today was mediocre. However, I do have several good reasons for this:

I got a ticket for J-Walking;

my computer shift key did not work;

my car trunk did not open;

both of my socks had holes in them;

the dog ate my house keys;

my cousin’s third best friend called a crucial meeting; and most importantly,

I sprained my wrist cooking dinner in the microwave.

 

 

 

Chelsea's Clinton's vegan, gluten-free, wedding cake reputedly cost $11,000, but apparently it was beautiful and Chelsea considered the cake well worth the expense. Especially after she persuaded her dad not to have one of his "friends" jump out of it.

The rumors are that the on-again, off-again Bristol Palin-Levi Johnston engagement is off, again. Even Brett Favre is saying “Kids, make up your minds.” 

Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California  (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

  

Yellowstone National Park is closed this week. They're resetting Old Faithful to time its eruptions with each announcements of Brett Favre's retirement.

 

A man with a LeBron James Miami Heat jersey showed up at a Cleveland Indians game and was escorted out 'as a safety concern', according to Progressive Field Security. Isn't that like showing up at a Cubs game in a Steve Bartman mask?
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

The NBA now has two million followers on Twitter. Apparently kids have found that is the easiest way to stay in touch with their fathers.

I guess if you ask Heido Turkulu or Chris Bosh Toronto has become a world no class city.

The Washington Redskins have updated the odds out of shape DE Albert Hainsworth practicing from slim to fat chance. 

Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

 

For the fourth time, Albert Haynesworth of the Redskins has failed to pass the conditioning wind sprints that would allow him to participate in the team's practices. Ya know, I haven't seen a guy make so many unsuccessful runs since Harold Stassen (who ran for president in the US 9 times).
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

 

So, Eddie Munster - OK, former kid actor Butch Patrick - is dating a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader? Wonder if they're getting season tickets down in the coffin corner.

New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez finally hit his 600th home run. 600 “dingers”. Last year at this time, when A-Rod referred to a “dinger”, he was talking about Goldie Hawn.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency. But, enough about the Dodgers' plummet into 3rd place.
Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

Chris Coghlan of the Florida Marlins tore a ligament in his left knee trying to give teammate Wes Helms a shaving-cream pie to the face. This prompted Marlins' management to say enough is enough and ban the celebration. The decision is considered historic since no one can recall when, if ever, a pie has taken the cake.