Happy Monday, sports fans!
I begin this week's column with a question: If you had a chance to sign Pacman Jones, would you do it? Better yet, if you had a chance to talk about signing Pacman Jones, would you even go that far? For Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, apparently there is no "too far."
3. Oh Boston, You're My Home: With all the excitement over Red Sox spring training and the Celtics not losing every game, most Boston fans have probably forgotten that the city's hockey team, the Bruins, is currently involved in an intense playoff race.
This week, after posting an outstanding record for what seemed like ages, the Bruins showed the rest of the NHL that, well, they're not really all that good. "The Hub of Hockey" faced three consecutive opponents, each not presently qualified to make the postseason, and offered a less-than-adequate showing in each game.
First, the Bs traveled to Washington, D.C., where they managed to score two goals against the Capitals. Unfortunately, they gave up 10. While Boston tried to shake off the showing when it returned home to face a competitive Florida Panthers club, the Bruins managed only a 1-0 overtime loss. Then, the underachieving Toronto Maple Leafs came to town, and the Bruins once again scored two goals... and gave up eight. At least the Bs are still in playoff position after this series of errors, and at least they have Zdeno Chara, who's like 20 feet tall.
2. A Jones for a Jones: This one made my column and it's only a report of discussions. That should let you know just how ridiculous it is that the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly considering pursuing Adam "Pacman" Jones if he is permitted to return to the NFL. Jerry Jones appears desperate, and it's possibly because he recently figured out that Tony Romo, like the Boston Bruins, just isn't that good. Maybe it's because a third Jones, running back Julius, left the Cowboys this week for the precious lure of Seattle.
But hey, maybe I'm wrong! Pacman Jones sure could lighten up the Cowboys' locker room and be a great role model for the team's younger players. The Cowboys have had their problems with players off the field before, and perhaps Jones (Jerry this time) wants to bring a resurgence of insanity to Dallas. Unfortunately, even talking about Pacman Jones is considered a big mistake in virtually every other NFL locker room, and my view on the situation is no exception. The Cowboys should focus on the important things, like wiping up T.O.'s tears and taping Romo's hands to the ball.
1. You can't win 'em all: While I hate to say it, European soccer lovers are the definition of fair-weather fans. I don't think I've ever met a soccer fan who supports a European club that's consistently bad (like most of my favorite teams). The same four or five teams have always reigned supreme across the Atlantic, and it appeared things would always stay that way... until this past week.
Two of England's top clubs, Chelsea and Manchester United, were both eliminated from the FA Cup. While Man. U. fell to a relatively forgotten Portsmouth team, Chelsea participated in the true stunner, being defeated by Barnsley (who?), 1-0. The latter game is already being called a "historic upset," as Barnsley currently faces the threat of falling down one league.
Although I am somewhat of a self-proclaimed Chelsea fan, I think both upsets couldn't be better for soccer. Now European soccer fans will realize that glory must be spread around in professional sports, rather than shared among a few select teams. That doesn't change the fact, however, that for Chelsea and Man. U., the shake-ups are both the calamities of the week.
Jeremy Strauss is a sophomore majoring in environmental studies. He can be reached at Jeremy.Strauss@tufts.edu.
