Grey’s 5 takeaways: M’s McClendon is all business
Feb 22, 2014, 1:12 PM | Updated: 1:17 pm
By Michael Grey
1. The Seahawks are very fashionable.
 The Seahawks have been everywhere since their Super Bowl win, and Richard Sherman is no exception. (AP) |
From Richard Sherman getting some quality time with Kate Upton at the 50th Anniversary SI Swimsuit gala, to WWE wrestlers dropping “You got beat like the Seahawks beat the Broncos!” to rile up crowds in Denver, to Johnny Football himself mentioning Russell Wilson’s name in an effort to make a case for smaller-than-average QBs, the Seahawks are EVERYWHERE. Seems that this Super Bowl Champion thing has gotten everyone’s attention and changed the profile of Seattle more than a little. I think that 12s here in the Pacific Northwest and across the country could get used to this. Clearly the Seahawks should just go ahead and win the Super Bowl every year.
2. Lloyd McClendon is not mysterious.
Whether it was explaining that he was “pissed off” about Yankees coach Kevin Long’s comments regarding Robinson Cano’s level of effort on singles or ending an explanation about how he will protect his players this season with an unceremonious “If you don’t like it, tough s—,” Lloyd McClendon is direct. He did not pass on his chance to make a first impression during the first full day of training camp this week and set the tone for the clubhouse in Peoria. He didn’t mince words about the “crossroads” Jesus Montero finds himself at after reporting to Spring Training 40 pounds over his target weight. There’s no way to know if his approach will ultimately result in more wins, but it was a refreshing splash of directness in a sea of clichés & platitudes.
3. Seattle could be a hockey town.
A cadre of Seattle businessmen lead by Seattle Sports Commission executive director Ralph Morton are taking a bus trip north to Vancouver to visit with member of the Canucks organization and take in a game in the home of the Green Men. Much work would need to be done to accommodate a NHL franchise here in Seattle (mostly the accommodations themselves, i.e. an arena) but the notion of NHL hockey in this city has me positively giddy. I may be hopped up on Olympic play and I am a lifelong fan that hails from the actual Hockeytown, but I cannot help but think a new hockey franchise would thrive here. From the built-in rivalry with Vancouver, to the success of another niche sport in the Sounders, to the fevered pitch we all witnessed with the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run, this city has proven its mettle when it comes to supporting teams. Give the fans in Seattle a chance to adopt a new team of their own and watch out. If nothing else I promise at least one guy will be waiting outside the team shop to buy the new gear on opening weekend.
4. Not ready? Get ready.
My mom used to say those words to me whenever I mentioned something about not being ready for something over which I had no control. The questions about whether or not the NFL is ‘ready’ for an openly gay player raged on for another week, and I can’t help but wonder who cares who’s ready? It’s not up to the players or coaches to decide what they’re willing to tolerate in their workplace any more than it is to you and I. The good news is that, by poll result, a majority of players don’t seem to have an issue. The bad news is that last week some ‘anonymous’ GMs voiced concern about the acceptance for an openly gay player. At some point folks will look back at this time and wonder how it was we ever bothered to even discuss something like this. It can’t come soon enough. In the meantime, to those that aren’t ready – get ready.
5. Richie Incognito should Just. Shut. Up.
I have no idea if Richie Incognito or Jonathan Martin will ever play another down in the NFL, but I do know that Incognito’s on-again, off-again Twitter tirades are not helping his case. The Wells Report included 144 pages of documentation of Incognito’s insensitivity, abuse and ignorance. Reading the threatening, then apologetic, then awkward posts on Incognito’s Twitter feed hints that maybe 144 pages wasn’t enough. Shut up Richie. Just shut up.
