Why Nick Saban shouldn’t coach in the NFL again

October 30, 2013January 5, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Saban has built a dynasty in Alabama, but he shouldn’t consider going back to the NFL

College football has been slammed by a red tidal wave for the past five years. More specifically, the Alabam Crimson Tide. As they continue to be the premier team in college football they owe their dominance to their architect and leader, Nick Saban. All great empire’s have had supreme rulers at the helm. Rome had Caesar, France had Napoleon, and the Yankees had George Steinbrenner. Nick Saban towers over the college football landscape, from his throne in Tuscaloosa. The emperor of college football, with three national championships for Alabama has concurred every mountain and obstacle college football has thrown at him. However, this doesn’t mean that Saban should abandon his kingdom to stake his claim in the NFL.

Many feel that Saban has accomplished everything that a college coach could dream of. Multiple national championships, championships at different schools, and built a college football super power. Despite his accomplishments, Saban shouldn’t coach in the NFL, unless he is completely committed. He’s been there before, two years with the Dolphins with a sub par 15-17 record that gave him a bad reputation as the so-called “Nicktator” in Miami. NFL teams aren’t also banging down the door for Saban either, and they shouldn’t. He’s already had a chance that ended in mediocrity and scandal when Saban signed with Alabama despite still being under contract with the Dolphins. Now why would a team take a shot on Saban? He’s already proven that if it doesn’t work out, he will look to find the next best opportunity. Plus why should he leave college? He just signed an extension that will pay him over seven million dollars a year. He has a higher salary then mostNFL coaches. If anything, if Saban really wants a so-called challenge it should be at another school. Say he wants to get out of Bear Bryant’s shadow, go do something that

Why go back to mediocrity in the NFL when Saban could be the greatest college coach in history?

no coach has ever done, win a national title at three different schools. With only tepid interest from NFL team’s and Saban’s poor handling of both the media and professional athletes, why go be mediocre in the NFL when Saban could become a college legend. Heck he’s already won four and likely on his way to his fifth National Championship. Saban is in striking distance of the coaches record for most national titles, including Alabama’s Bear Bryant’s mark, which is six. If he does go to another school he will have won three National Championships at three different schools and when it’s all said and done Saban has a great opportunity to win the most National titles of any coach in history.

While on paper Saban looks like an NFL ready coach, he is not. He may churn out the top prospects and titles, but it’s not that easy in the NFL. Saban can’t recruit the best players like in college and he has to win over professional athletes. Those tirades may work on college kids, but not on NFL veterans. They know what to do, they don’t need someone screaming in their ear every five seconds. True, Saban is a great defensive mind, but his lack of a creative offense makes him a difficult hire. Don’t forget, Alabama’s talent level is head and shoulders above everybody else in college football, just look at last years championship game. In the NFL, Saban will be on a level playing even or below the playing field depending on what team hires him. He won’t have the most talented team, and most likely have one of the least talented teams if a team were to hire him. Without the talent, Saban faces a difficult challenge just to be competitive. Let’s see if I was Nick Saban do I want the best team in college football or one of the worst teams in the NFL? Look, Saban might want to prove he is an NFL coach and might go that route, but I believe that he’s tried that already and with the lack of success in the pros ultimately means that we won’t see Saban in the NFL again. As long as he is coaching, there will always be rumors of the Nicktator returning to the NFL, but that is highly unlikely. If anything, listen to the college rumors around Saban. I see Saban “Hooking them horns” long before patrolling an NFL sideline. Whether he chooses to continue to build his Alabama empire, or take on a new challenge at Texas, one thing is for certain, Saban will try to be the greatest college coach ever. Sorry NFL, the big fish is going to stay in the small pond. Do you think Saban will return to NFL? Take our poll and comment below!

Why Michael Vick is Done

October 29, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Vick’s career is over because of his health

At the age of 33, Michael Vick’s career is coming to an abrupt end. The 2013 season has been a disaster for number seven. Despite a good start, Vick’s turnover problem and more specifically his injuries are pushing him out of football. Unlike most quarterbacks, Vick’s most valuable asset is his leg’s not his arm. When Vick looks back at his career his biggest regret will be not developing his passing game. Instead, Vick focused on breaking breathtaking runs in Atlanta rather than learning the playbook and throwing mechanics. After the dog-fighting incident the Eagles brought in Vick to back up Mcnabb. One year later, he led the Eagles to the playoffs. Now, in 2013, the Eagles realize that instead of investing in a quarterback that could run, they invested in a running back who could throw. Unlike many quarterbacks who can play late into their 30’s, Vick is unique in the sense that he has the mileage of an NFL running back, while other quarterbacks stay in the pocket and not risk injury by running. Whenever you rush for over 5,000 yards in your career, your legs are going to take a beating. The infamous 30 year old wall where NFL running backs start to decline seems to have smacked Vick in the face. With the injuries and turnovers piling up, it only makes sense for the Eagles to move on from Vick after the 2013 season. The Eagles have finally learned it’s almost impossible to build a team around a quarterback who is injury prone and not on the field. Vick hasn’t started in more than 13 games in a single season since joining Philadelphia and has only started 16 games in the past two seasons combined. Let’s face it, he’s not the long-term answer in Philly. Come to think of it, the Eagles aren’t better off with Vick right now. He’s been turning the ball over too much and he is not healthy. When healthy, Vick can be a dynamic player but he hasn’t been completely healthy for a longtime. At this point, Vick can never be truly healthy. Even if he can play a few games, it’s now when not if he’ll get hurt. If Chip Kelly wants to get the Eagles going forward not only this year, but beyond, he needs to bench Michael Vick. Instead, Kelly needs to see if Barkley or Foles have the potential to be the Eagles starting quarterback for the next five years. If not, the 2014 Draft offers a deep quarterback class that could have the quarterback that’s the best fit for Kelly’s offense. Despite the trend of very athletic quarterbacks in the NFL today, I don’t see any team offering Vick a starting position next season. At best, he’s a sold backup that if need be can start for a few games. That maybe Vick’s only choice next season. At this point in his career, like most running backs, a secondary role is the best fit moving forward. Looking back at Vick’s potential, it’s unfortunate that we never got to see a fully developed player. Had he developed throwing the ball to go with his explosive legs, Vick could have been one of the most unstoppable quarterbacks in NFL history. I guess now we can only wonder what could have been?

Re-grading the Jets 2013 Draft halfway through season

October 22, 2013November 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Dee Milliner C-
Milliner’s 2013 hasn’t started off great

It’s never easy to fill Darrelle Revis’ shoes. It’s been a mixed bag in 2013 for Milliner where injuries and inconsistent play have hurt the first round pick. In five games this season only has 18 tackles, and one pass defended. However, the New Orleans game was his best showing, and could be the confidence boost that Milliner desperately needs. If he can remain healthy and on the field Milliner could finally show us more of his potential. One thing is for sure, Milliner needs to improve his coverage or else teams will continue to pick on him. At the moment he seems to be more of a long-term project, but could be a great corner in the future. While a tight-end could have been more beneficial, compared to the other picks around him, Milliner still has the most upside.
Sheldon Richardson A+
In 2013, Richardson maybe the biggest steal of the draft

When Richardson was picked 13th overall, many Jets fans were pissed. Who is this guy? This is who we got for Darrelle Revis? Blasphemy! However, in 2013 Richardson has been the most dominant rookie from the 2013 Draft class. An instant impact would be an understatement. One reason the Jets Defense has dominated this year, its number 91. Richardson has made the Jets defensive front one of the most ferocious and dominant in the NFL, and has given Jets Nation only a taste of what this defensive could be able to do over the next decade. This year Richardson has been an elite run stuffer with 41 tackles and a forced fumble. While he is still developing as a pass rusher with only 2.5 sacks, he’s been in the face of quarterbacks consistently and will only continue to develop his pass rushing skills as he continues developing. Sheldon Richardson and Mohammed Wilkerson? Tom Brady’s going to have nightmares for the rest of his career in Foxboro.
Geno Smith B+
Smith is proving that he could be the quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for

Looks like the Jets got their franchise quarterback in the second round. Talk about a steal. The reason this is an A- is because Geno has been turning over the ball a little bit too much. However, this is due to the lack of weapons rather than Geno’s talents. So far he is the best quarterback of this class and if he can cut down on the turnovers, he will be great. As the season has progressed Geno has shown great poise and improvement. His arm strength and athleticism could make him even more dangerous if the Jets can surround him with the right weapons over the next few years. He’s already shown a poise and ability to play under pressure that Mark Sanchez never did. If not for Geno’s clutch performances the Jets wouldn’t be a playoff contender. Let’s not forget that Geno is also a second round pick. With the value of a second round pick being a franchise quarterback os one reason this grade is so high. I know the 8 Touchdowns and 13 picks aren’t exactly gaudy numbers, but when Geno actually gets some weapons to throw to then we will finally see what he is truly capable of. By the end of this year, this could be an A+ grade. Looks like some franchises may have passed on a great quarterback in the 2013 draft.
Brian Winters B –
Winters has been solid, but the Jets missed out on some good playmakers

Since being inserted into the starting lineup four weeks ago, Brian Winters has helped to boost the offensive line. While he may not be doing anything spectacular yet, he has been excellent in pass protection and an average run blocker. As he continues to develop he could become a very good lineman in the NFL. While Winters has been a good pick for the Jets terrible offensive line, the reason the grade is this low is because of other players the Jets could have drafted. Receivers Keenan Allen and Terrance Williams have become very good playmakers for their respective teams. and would have helped Geno’s development. With the Jets mess at wide receiver, one of these players may have given the Jets offense a playmaker they’ve desperately been lacking. It was a good pick, but the Jets missed out on some great offensive weapons.
Oday Aboushi D
A pick that could provide future value

Now we start getting into difficult territory. With no players around him that the Jets could have drafted, outside of maybe a tight end, Aboushi is a pick that wasn’t supposed to impact the 2013 season. Instead look for him to be a project moving forward and eventually become a starter or reliable backup. Time will tell, but at the moment this is a decent developmental pick for a time that needs offensive line depth.
William Campbell-D
A project that hasn’t gone anywhere, it may have been a wasted pick

The Jets tried to convert Campbell from a defensive tackle to an offensive lineman. After a less than stellar camp, Campbell is now on the practice square and looks to be a wasted pick. With other players available such as safety Bacarri Rambo, tight end Mychal Rivera, and cornerback Demetrius McCray the Jets missed players how have been giving solid production to their respective teams. Especially after drafting two offensive linemen in a row, it really didn’t make sense for the Jets to go out there and waste a pick on another one. Instead they should have focused on another area of need to provide more depth. While the offensive line depth is a big plus, the lack of depth at receiver and tight end have made the Jets offense sputter when they need a big play
Tommy Bohanon A-
Bohanon’s versatile makes him a great fullback for the Jets future

Talk about getting great value. As a seventh round pick Bohanon has been the Jets starting fullback since opening day. Since then he’s been a versatile player in the Jets offense. While his run blocking has been good, it is something that Bohanon can improve moving forward. He’s proven he can round the ball effectively, especially in short yardage situations. He can catch the ball effectively out of the backfield and has been great when protecting Geno Smith in passing situations. Bohanon shows a lot of promise and if he continues to develop could be a versatile weapon in the Jets offense. Do you agree with these grades? How would you grade the Jets draft and who should they have drafted? Comment and like below!!

Why Peyton Manning will never be as great as Tom Brady

October 22, 2013January 15, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 2 Comments

Two of the greats, but there can only be one!

In 2013, Peyton Manning has been the story in the NFL. With an offense rolling over opponents by scoring more points than a Madden video game, Manning has played some of if not his greatest football ever. While he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, unfortunately, he will not be the best quarterback in the NFL when he played. That distinction goes to only one man, Tom Brady. While he may have a slight edge in passing stats, when you look at these two legends as the complete package, Brady is clearly the best. Don’t believe me? Here are the reasons why Brady is greatest quarterback of this generation.
How they started– When you look at how these quarterbacks started, it is clear that Brady has not only the better story, but the harder journey to stardom. In 1998, Manning was the first pick in the NFL Draft. No surprise there, he had been a star at Tennessee and looked ready to be an immediate NFL starter. In his first season though, Manning went 3-13 with 28 interceptions. Meanwhile, Tom Brady was selected in the sixth round at 199th overall in the 2000 Draft. He had to prove to everyone that he could play, while Manning was just given the keys to a franchise. How did Brady do in his first season as a starter? He just won the Super Bowl and was the MVP of the game. Not a bad way to finish your first season.
Supporting Casts– Many people will look at the statistics of these quarterbacks and just declare Manning the winner based on overall numbers. True, Manning has over 60,000 passing yards and over 450 touchdowns in his career compared to Brady’s 46,000 and 350. To be fair, Manning’s also had three more seasons than Brady while also having superior casts of talented players. In Indianapolis, Manning had weapons in the forms of Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Brandon Stokley, Edgerrin James, and Pierre Garcon, just to name a few. He had some of the best weapons in football which allowed him to set the single season touchdown record with 49 touchdowns. Now in Denver Manning has a vast array of weaponry. In his arsenal are Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Knowshon Moreno, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas. Meanwhile in New England, Brady has had to deal with an ever revolving roster of castaways and misfits. This year he lost Gronkowski to injury for the majority of the season and now postseason, Wes Welker to free agency, and Aaron Hernandez to prison. Not to mention all the injuries to his receiving core and still had the second best record in the AFC. The season he did have similar weaponry to Manning? He broke Manning’s record with 50 touchdowns in 2007 and was one game away from the perfect season.
Playoff record– In the regular season Manning may have more total regular season wins, but this is not important when measuring truly great quarterbacks. Sure regular season wins are important, but it’s winning in the playoffs that make great quarterbacks into legendary quarterbacks. Manning is brutal in the playoffs. Despite being the greatest regular season quarterback in NFL history, Manning has come up short in the playoffs time and time again. His record? 10-11. Brutal. Meanwhile Tom Brady has established himself as one of the greatest postseason quarterbacks ever. Despite struggles in recent years, Brady has an amazing 18-7 record in the postseason. That’s even better than Joe Montana, widely considered the greatest quarterback ever. His postseason record 16-7.
Postseason touchdowns- Tom Brady has more post season touchdowns then Peyton Manning. Brady has 42 compared to Manning’s 34.
No sibling rivalry- So Brady may not be a member of The Brady Bunch, but Peyton is a Manning. What’s the problem with that? Nothing, unless you have a younger brother with more rings then you. Ouch. While it’s a long-shot that Eli Manning will break his brother’s records, it’s really Peyton who needs to catch up. With an 8-3 playoff record and two Lombardi trophies compared to Peyton’s one, it’s hard to call Peyton the greatest when his little brother has more hardware. Talk about competing for shelf space at Archie’s house. Not only does Eli have a longer career to win more Super Bowls then his older brother, but he’s also beaten Brady twice for those Super Bowls. That means that the wrong Manning is beating Brady. Sorry Peyton, younger siblings are a pain in the you know what am I right?
Head to head– Ric Flair once said “To be the man you have to beat the man”! Apparently Manning didn’t get that message. Brady is 8-3 in regular season meetings while also 2-1 in AFC title games. Hey if I had to put my money on it, I’m putting it on Brady to win. That is, until Manning can beat the man.
Lombardi Trophies– Pretty obvious huh? In the NFL the so-called “Lord of the Rings” resides in Foxboro. Brady’s three Super Bowl victories, in what was the last football dynasty, and five Super Bowl appearances is incredible. Manning only has one Super Bowl win in his two Super Bowl appearances. Unfortunately for Manning, his greatness will be measured by how many rings he will have at the end of his career. Heck, even Eli has more rings then Peyton right now. It’s unfortunate for Manning, but when you are as good as he is, your expected to win Super Bowls. Right now the clock is ticking for Manning to win another ring. For Brady, he already has three rings. He could retire today and his legacy would be one of the greatest based on those three Super Bowls. If he can win more, then he will probably be accepted as the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL. Sorry Peyton, you may have the stats, but until you get the rings the best quarterback of this generation will always be Tom Brady.

Looking for a home? Five cities who deserve NHL teams

October 17, 2013November 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Honorable mention: Kansas City

It’s built but no one’s come

The famous line from Field of Dreams that “if you build it, they will come” didn’t work for Kansas City. Built in 2007, Kansas City believed that their state of the art 17,500 seat arena would help to lure an NHL team. Despite a few teams using Kansas City as a relocation threat, nothing has come to fruition. Despite being a beautiful arena part of Kansas City’s problem is the unknown hockey market which scares off possible suitors, especially when you look at the NHL’s success at entering “new” hockey markets. For now the Sprint Center sits in downtown Kansas City as a reminder that you should make sure you have a horse, before you build the barn.

5) Seattle

Since the departure of the Sonics, Seattle’s been looking to fill the void

With a new arena in the works located near both Safeco and Centurylinks Fields, Seattle has become a city that the NHL is closely monitoring. With no competition from an NBA team in the winter, a hockey team would be the sole focus. Also, Seattle is known for some of the most loyal and rowdy fans in the country. Can you imagine that home ice advantage?Logistically, it gives another opponent in the Western Conference, and it’s proximity to Vancouver could create a new and fierce rivalry within the NHL.

4) Houston

Houston could go from the minors, to the pros very quickly

I know that NHL expansions in the south have been less then fruitful. More often than not there a disaster. However, the Stars have always been a great draw in Dallas, why not give the lone star state another team. Houston is currently the largest American market without an NHL team, and we all know that Gary Bettman is all about the bottom line. With a large untapped market, a chance for a great in-state rivalry, and a city that has never had NHL hockey, why not give Houston a team? Hey, everything’s bigger in Texas, why not make the NHL one of those things?

3) Hartford

Bring back the Brass Bonanza!

Ok, I know what this looks like being a Hartford Whalers fanatic. If you want to see more on why I think the Whalers should come back check out my article here (Bring back the Brass Bonanza!). Despite Hartford’s need for a new arena, Hartford does offer a large TV market and a well established history in the NHL. They already have a loyal fan base and brand as the Whaler brand is still ones of the most valuable merchandising brands in the NHL. It’s a long-shot, but a team in Hartford would be better than some of the other team’s in the south. All I can say that if the Whalers were to ever return, Connecticut will be behind them. Hopefully, we get to hear the Brass Bonanza once again!

2) Oklahoma City

With the success of the Thunder, Oklahoma City could be a great landing spot

With the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a new arena, and a market with little competition all make Oklahoma City another city that could use an NHL team. While Oklahoma City may seem odd, it’s a city that rallies around its local teams. In a city similar in size to Winnipeg, the NHL has focused on small markets that can support a team and OKC could be one of those. Based on the rapid success of the Thunder and the support from the community, the NHL may just take a shot on OKC.

1) Quebec

Quebec, like Winnipeg, is trying to get a team back

If any team will get an NHL franchise back, it will be Quebec. With a brand new palace of an ice rink scheduled to be built by 2015, an established fan base, and a market that the NHL regrets leaving; Quebec offer the best option for an NHL franchise. They have a rich history with the Nordiques, and the NHL is finally realizing that hockey in Canada is their most popular sport. With Winnipeg’s success, and Canadians begging for more hockey, in my opinion it’s not if but when the NHL returns to Quebec. What city do you think deserves an NHL franchise? Do you agree of disagree and why? Comment below for your opinions.

Why me? Steve Bartman 10 years later

October 14, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Steve Bartman went to support his Cubs, afterward he would feel the wrath of a city

Steve Bartman went to support his Cubs, afterward he would feel the wrath of a frustrated city.

We’ve all been there. Sitting in the crowd, hoping that a foul ball will come our way. A physical memory from our favorite pastime. However, for one fan he din’t catch a memory, he caught hell. Being a Cubs fan is about dreaming. Dreaming that your team, a ball club that hasn’t won a championship since 1908 will win the World Series. Then you wake up. Your team is not in the playoffs, they’re still cursed by a billy-goat, and all you can think is “maybe next year”. Steve Bartman was one of those fans. A lifetime Cubs fan who thought he had bought a ticket to the long awaited exorcism of the Cubs’ curse. Finally the Cubs would go from the Lovable Losers to champions. He had a front row view, aisle 4, row 8, seat 113. Little did he know, this would be the spot where his life would change forever.

In 2003, the Cubs were on the verge of history. That year they dominated baseball with an 88-74 record and looked like they would finally overcome their franchise’s demons. After losing game 5 to the Marlins, The Cubs returned home to Wrigley Field with a 3-2 series lead. Cubs fans packed the friendly confines and the streets around the ballpark realizing that their salvation was 9 innings away. They had Mark Prior, the leading candidate for the CY Young Award on the hill, they were at home, it all appeared to be destiny. After jumping out to a 3-0, Cubs fans were still filled with an anxious excitement. They were six outs from glory, then five. Then, it happened. Luis Castillo fouled off a pitch that headed toward the left field foul line. A lazy pop up that was begging to be caught. Moises Alou drifted over, leaping into the air glove outstretched and then, confusion. The ball bouncing into the stands, Alou throwing his glove, screaming at the top of his long, and a fan slumped over. Then the air was filled with silence. No one knew what happened, it all happened so fast.

Bartman wasn’t the only fan going for the ball

In a sea of outstretched arms Bartman’s were the ones that hit the baseball. At the time it didn’t seem like a big deal. Alou couldn’t make a difficult catch, it was a foul ball. But for some reason, Cubs fans thought that this was the end. Reaffirmation that they were cursed. On the field, the Cubs were coming apart. After walking Castillo, Prior induced a perfect double play ball to Alex Gonzalez, the best fielding shortstop in baseball, who closed his glove and dropped the ball right in front of him, error. Why doesn’t anyone remember this? How was Gonzalez not the scapegoat when he cost the Cubs the chance to get out of the inning with the lead? Then, the Marlins erupted. With there new life the Marlins just keep hitting and hitting and hitting. When the dust finally settled after the barrage of hits the Marlins were winning 8-3. Eight runs, one inning, game over. The attention though wasn’t focused on how one of the best teams in baseball gave up eight runs in an inning, but with the fan with the headphones. The image of the young man wearing the glasses, black sweatshirt, green turtle neck, headphones, and Cubs hat was the picture that Cubs’ fan would vent their frustration on.

In a ballpark known as “the friendly confines”, nothing was friendly about game 6. Instead of rallying behind their Cubs, the fans instead vented almost a hundred years of frustration on one of their own. They didn’t even pause for a second to think, “hey that could have been me”. Fans began to hurl obscenities, food, and beer at their fellow Cubs’ fan until he was escorted from his seat. When his identity was finally revealed Bartman received thousands of death threats and had to go into hiding. The next day was filled with Bartman death threats, and disgusting internet jokes about how fans wanted to kill him. However, there was still a game seven left to be played. Cubs fans went from being ecstatic that the team could clinch at home to there might as well not be a game 7. Despite another opportunity, the Cubs would fall the Marlins in game 7, blowing a 3-1 series lead and the opportunity to play in the World Series. With the Cubs finished fans decided that the blame rested with an innocent fan, rather than a team that choked away three opportunities to go to the World Series. Much like Bill Buckner in Boston, both of these men were given all of the blame for losses that weren’t solely their fault, or not their fault at all. Unlike Bartman, Buckner’s demons were exorcised in 2004 when the Red Sox won the World Series. As long as the World Series drought continues, fans will blame Bartman because he reminds them of the “curse” on the Cubs that has plagued the team since 1908.

It’s not what Bartman did to the Cubs, it’s what Chicago did to him and the people of Chicago that owe Bartman an apology

10 years later the biggest question surrounding the Bartman game to me isn’t if the Cubs would have won, but what happened to Steve Bartman? In an age with technology and media where if we sneeze people know about it, how has Steve disappeared?Like many great conspiracies there are a number of theories. Some say he moved, some say he changed his name, but none knows for sure. Despite being offered thousands of dollars to appear at shows or in commercials, Bartman has declined to show his face. Meanwhile, the man who got the “Bartman ball” sold it for 100,000 dollars. Think about that. For all of Bartman’s suffering some other Cubs fan made 100,000 dollars. One thing that is certain, the event cost Bartman the chance for a normal life. Today, he still lives in hiding because a whole fan base is against him. While ten years have passed and most have probably forgiven Bartman, he probably realizes that if he reveals himself that some nut might take a swing at him because he’s Steve Bartman. I personally feel terrible for Steve Bartman. He went to a game as a fan, he made a mistake, and asked for forgiveness. Usually, I’m the first to point out the positives that sports provides individuals in their lives, but this is not one of these cases. This is the unfortunate incident where a sporting event hurt an innocent person and their life. For all the negativity and chaos surrounding him, Steve Bartman is one of the bravest men I can think of. While most people would use this fame for material benefits or as a chance to get back at the Cubs fan base, Bartman has instead decided to move on. While we may not know where he is today, Bartman is continuing with his life as best he can despite having to live in secrecy. It’s unfortunate but until the Cubs win a World Series, Bartman will still be the unfortunate scapegoat. This fan base has associated Bartman with the team’s World Series drought, which until it’s over means that the Cubs fans will never fully forgive Steve. However, they should be the ones apologizing. I hope that somewhere out there that Steve Bartman is living a happy life, because if anyone deserves it, it is him. Maybe Steve Bartman might even read this article one day and I hope he does. He is one of us, a legion of loyal sports fans who could have been in that seat. 10 years later, Steve Bartman has become the most famous fan in sports history. Hopefully, this will never happen to another fan again.