Futbol Fanatics

Happy Weekend!  For all of you DC natives, this is an exciting time for soccer with two of the best club teams in the world taking over our city!  Manchester United plays Barcelona tomorrow at FedEx Field.  This is a highly anticipated rematch of the UEFA Champions League Final.

How I wish some American's were smarter...."Who is the Leader of this Group?" Um Hello, are you dumb!?!  It's just the hottest team in futbol, no big deal.

Dude and Duds of the Day

The DUDE

Ervin Santana

ocregister.com


We don't know too much about Señor Santana....but he does lead the Angels in number of losses - so for him to pitch a No-No yesterday against the Windians, we decided to give him a little love.  But what gets no love is that nasty chin strap...shave that ish.






The DUDS

Fat Albert and Bill Belichick

Redskins management finally did something fans can cheer about....they got rid of that fool Albert Haynesworth.  Not only is he a lazy POS, he's really quite good at getting arrested.  His most recent allegation happened earlier this year..."Heavy/fat/stocky, black male with a goatee, and about 6'6"..."  Yup sounds about right.

You got your work cut out for ya Billy Boy!

Maybe next year MLS All-Stars...

Last night, Manchester United defeated the MLS All-Star team 4-0 at Red Bull Arena. I wouldn't say it was exactly a fair match up however, with the All-Star team thrown together with the league's "best" players having never played together, and put up against one of the world's best football clubs. Still a tad disappointing for the MLS, which has made significant strides in popularity the past few years. Regardless, players still say it was a competitive game, the game was completely sold out, and David Beckham looked totally adorable when reuniting with his former United teammates.

We likey.

Source: Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Haaa funny.

Source: DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images

Ode to Football

The lock out is over, the whole mess is done

Dudes and dudettes, it’s time for some fun.

Already there’s talk of free agents and trades

Of whose gonna suck and which team has it made.

Fantasy lineups are ready to play

Meaning I’m getting ready to give money away.

Now Sundays have meaning and crime rates will stay low

As the rookies and veterans give it a go.

I’m ready for a Skins game, to give them a cheer

For tailgates and grilling and drinking some beer.

For first downs and touchdowns and field goals for three

For tight ends, receivers and hot little QBs.

I’m excited for Hail Mary’s, a last second chance

And for Chad or T.O.’s new touchdown dance.

Can’t wait for a sack, for a hurry, a pick

But Brett, please, this year, don’t show us your……….

I still hate the Cowboys, their silver and blue.

And as for the Steelers, I still hate you too.

Plaxi is back, he’s served all his time

PacMan, we know, is just out of his mind.

Chris Cooley, I love you, you just crack me up

Michael  Vick, not a fan, because I heart my pup.

Aaron Rodgers, the champion, still leading the Pack

Drew Brees leads the Saints to the chants of Who Dat.

So much to say and so little time

Manning bros and Tom Brady, I owe you a line.

But I’ll end with this thought, these words from us all

We missed you, we love you…..welcome back football.

Dude and Duds of the Day

The Dude
Gerard Pique

For all those fans who are disappointed that Messi will not be playing at FedEx Field this weekend versus Manchester United, no worries! Sexy Spanish Man Gerard Pique will be making an appearance on Saturday. This 24 year old Barcelona native plays center back for both Barca and the Spanish national team, used to play for Manchester United, is bff with Cesc Fabregas (another Sexy Spanish Man) and oh yeah, he is dating Shakira.


Source: thisislondon.co.uk




The Duds
Parents of these kids.

Yeah I don't know if I would call bull riding really a sport, much less "mutton-busting", but this NYTimes article was too weird to not comment. Basically, parents force their 3 year old kids onto helpless sheep, and who ever can stay on the longest wins. Whatever, to each their own. But personally, farm animals = dirty.


I feel bad for all parties involved.     
Source: Mission: Impassion

Dude of the Day

The DUDE

Ryan Lochte

Flickr

Break me off a piece of that!  The 2008 Summer Olympics was a magical time for swimming and also my discovery of this fine piece of man candy.  As some of you may know from this week's Monday Musings, the World Swimming Championships are currently taking place in Shanghai.  Lochte beat out Phelps for the 200 Meter Freestyle gold medal.  Congrats and go Team USA!












The DUD Patriot of the Day?
Robert Kraft 

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images North America

Check out CNN.  Let's just stick to football and what you really know best, mac n cheese.  Plus some of the Dudettes think Mr. Kraft has bigger problems in Boston than any football labor or debt ceiling dispute, Tom Brady's hair. (Not gonna lie, I personally like the longer locks on Captain America)...

Well, I decided to change "Dud" to "Patriot" since I took a lot of heat from a fellow Dudette for making Mr. Kraft a Dud....afterall this has been a tough week on him personally and we are very sorry for his loss....Truly this was meant in good fun and gave us a chance to mention Tom Brady's hair....again!

Shake & Bake Ricky Bobby!

Boogity Boogity Boogity, Amen!



Monday Musings

Sorry for the delay, friends, but this has been a rough Monday. I’m sleepy, forgot chapstick today, and there’s only a month left of summer. Sad. Anyways, some semi-interesting sporty things happened recently, so here is my short and sweet recap. Enjoy!

*****************

English Premier League teams continued their summer tours against MLS teams in DC, Chicago, and LA. The exhibition matches, which are always exciting treats for soccer fans in the US, played to packed stadiums, with the exception of DC United vs. Everton, where it was still like a million degrees. The LA Galaxy fared the best out of the MLS teams, losing in penalty kicks to Manchester City and getting to watch our D.O.T.D. (dud of the day) Mario Balotelli look like a fool. Also, Manchester United beat Chicago Fire3-1 and Everton also defeated DC United 3-1. Oh and Real Madrid beat Philadelphia Union 2-1. Hmm, yeah, Europe wins. 

Oh we had high hopes for this relationship…jk. Kristin, you’re better off, girlfriend

There’s apparently swimming going on. We expect better, Michael Phelps. 

Just no.

Lockout is OVER, bitchessss!

Dude and Dud of the Day

The DUDE

Bradley Cooper Mike Magee

In case you missed the game yesterday, which you probably did...Check out his goal against Manchester City. 






The DUD

Mario Balotelli



Mike Egerton/Empics sport


Also, from the same game, this dud was a showboat and got yanked early.  As Antoine Dodson would say, "You are really dumb".....and so is your stupid hair. 

Dude and Dud of the Day

The DUDE

David Wright

Baseball just got a lot more delicious.  So happy to have David Wright back on the field tonight after suffering a lower back stress fracture in May.  Also, we love that he's a Virginia boy and besties with our very own Ryan Zimmerman.  Good Luck!











The Dud

Tiger Woods

The jungle cat got catty and dropped his caddy.  Also, because we will never forgive you for being the king of the man whores.

Jayson's Werthless Batting Average

UPI/Kevin Dietsch

You booze you loose win!  Duffy's Irish Pub in DC is selling beer (Miller High Life, PBR, and Bud Heavy) for the price of Jayson Werth's batting average.  Prior to today, brewskies were only $2.12!  However, last night Werth went 3 for 5 with a 2 run homer...gotta give credit where credit is due. I don't want to blast you too much Jayson, but the Nats signed ya for 126 million buddy.....we expect beers to be at least $3.75.  Also, please do something about that beard, you look like a sasquatch.  But hey, if you get the Nats to the playoffs...beard it baby.

United We Stand.....for Sports

http://ncaabbs.com/printthread.php?tid=378747&page=2

On Sundays, you can usually find me watching some kind of a game.  Rooting for the Redskins or against the Cowboys, for the Celtics or against the Lakers, for the Caps or against the Pens – you get the point.  Last Sunday seemed no difference at first.  My friends and I got together at a sports bar to watch the United States take on Japan in the Women’s World Cup Championship game.   But something was different.  The place was packed and the atmosphere was 100% electric.  The difference - everyone was on the same side for this game.  We were all cheering for the same play and trying to will our ladies to a victory.  It didn’t matter what city or state you were from, you were rooting for and celebrating the USA.   I am sure that across the US, many people had similar stories and experiences last Sunday.  And I would guess that, although they had a slightly different version of the story, it was being told across Japan as well.

After the game, I started thinking about other times when pride in America had been so evident.  When it came right down to it, there were 2 main categories – National Tragedies and Sports.  It is simply amazing to me that sports –literal games, can truly unite a country like they seem to.  But whether soccer fans or not, and even sports fans or not, everyone was “wearing” red, white and blue on Sunday.  

Itchy Ink / AP

We saw the same sort of pride during the 2010 Men’s World Cup and it always becomes evident during the Olympics.  Think about it – how many people can actually say they are competitive swimming fans.  Not trying to offend anyone here, but probably not that many.   Now how many people were totally into Michael Phelps winning 8 Gold Medals at the 2008 Olympics.  Everyone was into it.  Once again, I happened to be at a sports bar during one of his races (I promise I am not an alcoholic).  I felt the same kind of electricity that day that I did last Sunday.  The same loud and proud chants of U-S-A,  U-S-A, rocked the bar then too.

http://withmalice.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/bird-jordan-magic.jpg

Some people might say that it’s more that Americans like winning and this isn’t any form of pride or patriotism.  Well of course we like winning – who doesn’t??  But there is something more to it than that.  If you’re old enough to remember (some of the Dudettes are a little younger than others), think back to the original Dream Team from the 1992 Olympics.  Bird, Magic, Jordan, etc – simply the best of the best, no doubt about it.  But before these guys were teammates, and after for that matter, they were bitter rivals.  There was even a video game developed by Electronic Arts called Jordan vs. Bird. When the current Miami Big 3 got together, Michael Jordan was asked if, in hindsight, he would’ve wanted to play on the same NBA team as other greats of his time.  He said, “I mean, in all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”  But when it came to representing their country against the rest of the world, none of them hesitated to push these rivalries aside and play as one.  And for possibly the first time in history, Celtics, Lakers and Bulls fans, among others, united. 

All I’m saying is that even though I think it probably exists in pretty much all of us, being proud to be an American isn’t something that is all that evident a good portion of the time.  People seem to get more excited for Cinco de Mayo than the 4th of July these days.  We need an outlet for that American pride that doesn’t involve coming together after an attack on our country or celebrating the death of a terrorist.  Sports have been, are, and will continue to be that outlet.  So play on players  - your country is behind you!!!!

Dude and Little Dude of the Day

The DUDE

Manuel Quinziato

via Wikipedia


Yeah, I mean, we don't know who this guy is either.  But apparently the Tour de France is going on....and I'm not saying I don't have respect for these guys...Biking ain't easy...All it takes is 30 minutes on a bike to have a sore ass for days.  But, after Lance retired (the first time) I lost interest.  How was Mr. Manuel selected as our lucky winner?  I checked out "le Tour de France" riders page and kept clicking until I found this cute Dude.  It took much longer than I anticipated...




The LITTLE DUDE

Pouty Pants!  I would act like that too if I had to wear that sweatshirt.... It was nice of the Giants to give the kid a ball...sucks for the parents though, kid's gonna throw a fit everytime he wants something....Ok, he's a brat.....I can't make him a dud though, hes just a kid!

Dudes and Duds of the Day

The Delicious DUDES

Cristiano Ronaldo & David Beckham

People.com

*Sigh* These 2 together on the same field...if only that matchup was in DC...Futbol players are by far the yummiest athletes on the planet.

And let's not leave out adorable Iker....no that's not Landon Donovan...Here's a shot of the boys at a press conference for the World Football Challenge Match between LA Galaxy and Real Madrid.

PacificCoastNews.com

I think what's really necessary right now is to just give a shoutout to some of our favorite Real Madrid dudes.....Iker, Kaka, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso



Iker via swoonworthy.net



Kaka via GQ



Serg via keepcalmandlovefootball



Xabi via DTLUX.com

Sorry boys, but we're not sorry for the man overload today.....we had to listen to you all profess your love for Hope Solo and Alex Morgan all World Cup long...I mean not that we blame you...The beautiful game produces beautiful athletes!

The DUDS

Just take a peek at the ESPN College Football page page...between bribery charges, being drunken fools, ponzi schemes, probation, and drugs.....you got some winners.

World Cup Wrap Up

I needed to give myself 24 plus hours to let it sink in.  Losing the World Cup after that thrilling win against Brazil, seemed impossible.  Leaving everything they had on the field after 120+ minutes to lose in a penalty shootout is even more heart breaking.  The championship was up for grabs, and the team that showed more poise, focus, and remained calm under pressure won the gold.

The US could have had the game won in the first 10 minutes and I was certain the score would be 4-0 in our favor after regulation.  But when Abby Wambach hit the crossbar as time was ticking away in the first half....that's when I got nervous.  The shots weren't falling....As a player these were the worst games....You can outshoot a team 500 to 1, but that 1 shot could be 1 goal, and that's all it takes.

It was unfortunate for Lauren Cheney to leave the game after her first half injury, because I thought she brought the spark and speed the US needed on the forward line.  However, Alex Morgan was a solid sub.  In the biggest game of her developing career, she exhibited the most maturity on the field as the youngest player with yet another perfectly placed finish.  The girl is not only fast, but her ball control is impressive.  I think that these fresh, talented, young players like Morgan and Cheney show promise to the future of US Women's Soccer.

Japan's first goal was lucky, I think they were even a bit surprised they scored in that fashion; the American defense was quickly unnerved.  Before you knew it....overtime.  These teams were no stranger to overtime and game winning goals deep into the final minutes.  Abby Wambach scored off another signature header and the USA was headed to the winners circle....until gasp....oh, no worries Christy Rampone cleared a chance by Japan off the goal line.  What was most concerning was our Hope was down....and looked as though she hyperextended her knee a bit.  Japan capitalized on their corner kick as Homare Sawa flicked the ball into the net.  (It did appear to be a deflection of some sort, but let's be serious, I don't watch replays when my team loses..)

In the final minutes of overtime Abbey Wambach had the final chance to put the game out of reach....she missed by inches....If only that cross was on her head...If only..

The last thing I wanted was to see yet another World Cup Final be decided by penalty kicks....It's a tough way to lose...the championship is then decided by a handful of individuals, not necessarily the entire team.  Having Hope Solo is obviously a clear advantage, but I was worried about the shooters.  Japan's keeper would have been silly not to study the Brazil shootout....As a penalty shooter, you typically have a style and sweet spot you aim for and to change that style to trick a keeper is detrimental.

Unfortunately for the USA, pressure got to them.  Yes, they beat Brazil in penalties - but that's because the US girls had nothing to lose that game and seemed to constantly be chasing Brazil since being issued a straight red.  They had adrenaline and had just scored the goal of the year and in Women's World Cup history for that matter.  This time, Japan had the final, tying goal, they had the adrenaline and were perhaps more calm.  The US girls were rattled.

The US had all the power, momentum, and chances to put the game out of reach early....they kept Japan in the game, giving them more confidence that they could compete with the US team...and they did just that.  But the biggest defeats happen to the best teams and it's that adversity that will only make them stronger.

Here's to the 2012 Olympics....and hopefully to Nike and ESPN for making more clever commercials supporting US Soccer!

Getty Images

Even after her toughest lost, she wears a smile...You stay classy Hope Solo!

Monday Musings

Stinks.                         Photo Credit: Christof Koepsel, Getty Images

Wahh good morning…hope everyone is starting to slowly swallow the disappointment from USA’s loss in penalty kicks to Japan yesterday. A heartbreaker for sure, but certainly a World Cup to remember. I’m definitely grateful for the exciting, thrilling, and inspiring matches that have dominated headlines for the past month. Keep an eye out here for a recap of the final game later today!

As always, in case you missed some of the other sports headlines from this past weekend, here’s a brief update!

*****

Congrats to Darren Clarke, who captured the British Open title on Sunday. The 42 year-old golfer from Northern Ireland beat Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, who tied for second. Following his victory, Clarke went on to heartily celebrate Sunday night, which he described this morning at press conference stating, “Have to enjoy it when you can. I had quite a few pints and quite a few glasses of red wine and it all continued until about 30 minutes ago." Niceeee work, we like it.

A 5 hour, 44 minute baseball game? Mmm, no thanks.

Beckham baby pics!! (Here and here) Adorable cleats too.

End the Lockout. Now.

Of course, congratulations to Japan on their WC final win. A deserving result for a team that has become such an inspiration to their country. And props to Homare Sawa, the 32 year-old Japanese captain playing in her fifth (yes, fifth) and final World Cup. Such a great way to end her international career.
Another high note – the World Cup final broke the Twitter record for most tweets per second, more than Will and Kate’s wedding and the death of Osama bin Laden. Go girls!

Why We Hope the NBA Lockout Doesn't Last Long

AP Photo

The Big AARP no more!

With all the excitement of the Women's World Cup and ESPYs this week (and semi-excitment of the All-Star game), we've been remiss in commenting on some big NBA news!  Dudette personal favorite, Shaquille O'Neal, has announced that he will be joining the TNT NBA broadcast team.  TNT already has Charles "That's Turrrible" Barkley who does a good job at keeping us amused and now they're adding one of the more entertaining athletes out there.  We might just skip the actual games and tune in for the pre- and post-game show, and half-time report.  This has potential to be one of the most entertaining broadcast teams ever. 
Please, NBA, get this lockout figured out.  We want The Big Broadcaster and Sir Charles on our TV screens together ASAP.

Dude and Dud of the Day

The Smokin Hot DUDE

Oscar Pistorius

Raymond McCrea Jones/The New York Times

He's not just the face of some cologne ad.  He's beating all the odds...Disability, what disability?  Click here to learn about his amazing journey.

The DUD

Brian Wilson

 

I mean come on, what an asshole.  You win a World Series and think you can be the Lady Gaga of baseball?  He's a media man-whore.  Not all the Dudettes agree with me, but I have never been a BW fan.  Beards, spandex, and man bangles...gross.

                     Yahoo

ESPY Monologue - 2 Thumbs UP

Although it hasn’t necessarily gotten the best reviews, the Dudettes wanted to take a moment to congratulate Seth Meyers on his  hilarious opening monologue of the 2011 ESPY Awards on ESPN last night.  He took the opportunity to roast athletes from around the sporting world.   We just wanted to highlight a few of our favorite jokes.

 

Basketball

-“Yao Ming announced he’s retiring from basketball….or that he’s retiling his bathroom.  It’s really hard to say.”

-“LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade refer to themselves as the ‘Big 3’ in honor of how many quarters they play.”

Baseball

-“The proceeds from tonight’s show are going to a very worthy charity—the Los Angeles Dodgers of America.”

-“The Dodgers are so broke, their third-base coach is just a mirror reflecting the image of their first base coach.”

-“Some pitchers have goatees, Brian Wilson has an entire goat.”

 

Football – and the final joke of the night….

Meyers congratulated Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Super Bowl win and for finally stepping out of the shadows of Brett Favre.  Then commented “Which we learned, thanks to cell phone technology, is not as big a shadow as we originally thought.”

Bravo Mr. Meyers, Bravo!!

Sunday Showdown

USA vs JAPAN

With both teams winning 3-1 today, they prepare to face each other in the World Cup Championship match.  Here are just some of my jumbled thoughts and predictions for Sunday....It's late, and I'm watching the ESPYS, so just bear with me.

Japan is the obvious underdog, but the USA cannot take them lightly.  The Japanese team is strong both mentally and physically.  These women have been faced with tougher challenges off the field than on.  They played the Germans, the host nation, in the quarterfinal match.  Germany was not only bigger, stronger, (aka big, bad, butch, and ugly as sin) and had more experience than Japan, they were the favorites to win the entire Cup.  The quarterfinal went into double overtime with Japan scoring on a well transitioned counter in the 108th minute.

But as everyone reading this knows, the US women are no stranger to overtime thrillers.  Although Japan were the underdogs against Germany, the United States had everything going against them.  They had a tougher mental and physical mountain to climb in order to pull off such an exciting and nearly impossible victory over Brazil.

Japan is tactically solid, extremely quick and even display a sort of calmness on the ball, never rushing or forcing plays.  Defensively, the US needs to avoid crosses and set plays, as that is where I feel Japan is strongest.  Japan is very comfortable on the ball and have been successful splitting defenses.  To the Americans' credit, defensively they are solid, excluding the Sweden game.  I'm certain Hope Solo and Christie Rampone will keep the back organized, however starting the attack out of the back coming forward, I think the US need to be faster and make crisper passes.

I have an inkling that the Japanese defense will not know how to handle Abby Wambach.  Yes, the Germans had a distinct height advantage over Japan, but Abby has scored in 3 straight games on crosses and in extremely critical moments.  The girl is on a roll and I think she may even get herself into position to slot one away by foot(!) against the Japanese.  Also, Amy Rodriguez has been quiet all tournament, it's her time to be a hero.

Breaking down Japan's goals against Mexico, you may remember from Top 10 plays on Sportscenter when Homare Sawa got herself a hat trick.  The Mexican goalkeeper, Cecilia Santiago, is 16...... when Sawa was playing in her first World Cup, Santiago was barely a year old.  While Sawa is certainly a threat with a knack for scoring, I believe 3 out of her 4 goals this World Cup have been headers.  Sawa is 5'4".... though feisty, I credit those headers to poor defending.

Two of Japan's three goals today came off the foot of first time starter Nahomi Kawasumi..... I say beginners luck, eh?  Apparently I'm Canadian too.  Also, quickly I'm going to mention depth.....Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan > Japan's subs.

I'm tempted to give a score prediction, but I'm superstitious.  I think although Japan has come a long way and deserves to be in the final...This US National Team will not settle for second best.  To quote Lady G, these girls are on the edge of glory and determined to write their own story....and now is their time.

Back to the ESPYS...3 out of the 5 Top Play candidates all soccer....love it....And did that girl just botch Wambach's name?  Congrats on the ESPY girls....now let's bring home the real deal!

AFP

Dude and Doobie of the Day

The DUDE

David Bingham


MLS.com


Impressive 90 yard goal and he's just a rookie goalkeeper!  Watch out San Jose, the EPL may snag him up!










The DOOBIE

Justin Timberlake

We obviously adore JT....and honestly, listening to his love for beer and Joe Buck last night, was the highlight of the MLB All-Star game.  You stay classy Joe Buck.

"Beer never got mad at me because I never called Beer back."  Hey, some people are just better high...

Dude and Duds of the Day

The DUDE

Robbie Cano


Ed Betz/AP

I know, I know, a Yankee twice in a row....but he does have the best smile in baseball and clearly rocks that outfit better than most dudettes can. Oh right, and he's the 2011 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby winner/record breaker.  Us Dudettes loved that his Dad was pitching to him...just precious.

The DUDS

It's a slow news day, so in honor of the All-Star game tonight, all you fools who were voted in who aren't injured and not playing and taking the spot of let's say, Michael Morse.....Ya'll are dud to me.

Who's excited for tomorrow's game?!

We LOVE this fan reaction video from Sunday's World Cup thriller...get pumped for tomorrow!

A Hair Piece

In true blogger fashion, I would like to take this opportunity to stand proudly on my soapbox and speak my opinions on the issues.  What issues, you ask?  Well, here it goes……I have serious issues with male athletes who have long, stringy, sweaty hair.  It happens across all sports (except maybe golf), all teams, and all talent levels, and I’ve got to say – I am not a fan.  

Swoonworhty.net

Clay Matthews of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers, you are a phenomenal young player with a bright future in front of you.  Just one suggestion…..CUT YOUR HAIR.  When you take that helmet off and fling those locks around like you’re getting out of a pool, I feel for the players in standing within 3 yards or you, who are undoubtedly getting showered with your sweat.  

George Nitikin, AP

Tim Lincecum, I know that another Dudette has named you the 2011 MLB All Star with the best hair, but I beg to differ.  That baby face would look so much better if you trimmed a few inches of off the long luscious locks.

sharkspage.com

Mike Ricci, who has played on his fair share of NHL teams, will never make a Dudette Best Looking List.  Let’s face it, not many people will win that honor.  But he is not doing himself any favors with the hair.  Just cut it already.  

rissracwaydows.blogspot.com / celebrityhairloss.blogspot.com

And can we talk about Tom Brady.  I am a Redskins fan, but I never had a problem watching Tom play.  You know that yummy side of things we mentioned in our About Us section – Hello short haired Tom Brady.  But long haired Tom gives me a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.  Again, athletic prowess aside, Tom isn’t looking so great right now.  Unless you’re a teenage boy, being repeatedly compared to Justin Bieber is not a compliment (and even if you are a teenage boy, it’s a stretch).  I don’t care what Giselle says – the hair looks better short.  

ESPN 2                      NY Times - Finlay McKay

So I don’t come off as Debbie Downer, I’d like to give a couple of shout outs to guys who have moved in the right direction.  Kudos to Steve Nash for losing the long hair.   No more post game interviews where I forget how well you played because your hair is sticking to the sides of your face.  The new look is SOOOO much better.  

offthemonster.blogspot.com / umpbump.com

I know it’s been a while, but hats off to Johnny Damon for sticking with his short haired look.  I know the long haired, unshaven look was a thing for Damon and the Sox in a championship season, but I truly thank the Yankees for enforcing the “no hair below the collar rule” and bringing Johnny Damon back into my good graces.  

Now I know that everyone isn't going to cut their hair.  So those of you who choose not to lose the locks, a word of advice - Take a page out of Joakim Noah's book (there's a phrase I didn't expect to ever hear myself say) - pull your hair back.  Learn a lesson from Rafael Nadal, who does his best to keep his hair tamed while he's wowing the sporting world.  Resist that temptation to just let your hair flow.  Everyone will thank you.

IndyPosted.com               tennisticketnews.com

blippit.com

Ok – time for me to contradict myself.  There is an exception to every rule – I’m not afraid to admit that.  Troy Polamalu is known for his hard hitting, his game changing interceptions and his hair, which is insured for $1 million dollars.  Troy absolutely, 100%, owns his long hair.  As long as he’s okay with it being legal to tackle him by the hair, I’m okay with him keeping his hair any length he wants.

So I’ll end with this – gentlemen, leave the long locks to the ladies.  I promise you, in this department, shorter really is better.