Sunday At The Post

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

QUOTE/STORY OF THE WEEK...

“Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.” -- General Douglas MacArthur, West Point, 1962.

In 1962, West Point honored the increasingly frail MacArthur with the Sylvanus Thayer Award, an award for outstanding service to the nation; the year before, the award had gone to former President Dwight Eisenhower.

Today, we honor the men and woman who fought valiantly for the freedom we all enjoy today. No matter what side of the political spectrum you stand, let us salute those who have fought with passion for our country and those who have died before us -- for us.  Enjoy Memorial Day weekend!

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it’s celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

THINGS WE LEARNED LAST WEEK IN THE NFL...

1.     Former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was released from prison to serve his remaining time under house arrest. The NFP spent considerable time reviewing possible destination points if -- or when -- Vick is allowed to resume his NFL career. There’s been a great debate among our readers – I’ve read different points of view on both sides of the aisle -- mostly well informed but all passionate.

2.     I hope this will be the last Brett Favre article of 2009, but I highly doubt it. Coach Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings announced he had a phone conversation with Favre indicating that for “now” Favre is retired. I hope that ESPN’S Rachel Nichols has left Hattiesburg, Miss.    

3.     Jon “Love You Bro” Gruden has replaced Tony Kornheiser in the Monday Night booth for ESPN. Gruden will have to convince teams he’s not a short-term fix on Monday Night or many will be uncomfortable allowing him access to scout their teams.  Gruden once said, “I'm a short-term, goal-oriented person.” At another point he said, "I dearly miss coaching." 

4.     The Cowboys sent Greg Ellis, their former No. 1 pick, home from OTAs to avoid any chance he might get hurt while they try to trade him. Ellis is a powerful rusher from the edge. He had eight sacks last year, but in the 3-4 defense, which forces him to play in space, he’s limited. I suspect there will be teams (some 3-4, some 4-3) wanting a player like Ellis. He provide some physical play to any team if used in the right role. 

 5.     LeBron James’ game-winning three-point shot Friday night might have been the best thing that’s ever happened to the city of Cleveland. The town has had to endure “The Drive,” “The Fumble” (more about that in Remember When) and some heartbreaking losses in recent sports history. The fans, faced with the prospect of their team being down 0-2, might have been suicidal. Watching the late games in the NBA is tough on the East Coast, but they are too good to miss. We all were a witness to a great game. 

THINGS I HEARD AROUND THE NFL LAST WEEK...

1.     The trade rumors about Oakland Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess are real. So real, in fact, the Raiders asked the Patriots for their second-round pick this year, Sebastian Vollmer, and back-up quarterback Kevin O’Connell in exchange for Burgess. The Pats turned down that trade proposal, just as the Raiders have turned down a few of the Patriots’. New England remains interested in Burgess, but the prevailing thought in the NFL is that the Raiders will not trade him – they’re just making it seem that they’re making the effort. Burgess has made it clear to anyone who listens that he wants out. 

2.     Everyone in San Diego is excited about LaDainian Tomlinson returning to his old self. He’s looked more explosive in OTAs than at any point during the season last year. If he can avoid injuries, he can have a huge year. Vincent Jackson averaged over 18 yards a catch last year and looks like he’s going to have another big season, too. 

3.     It might take some time, but the Denver running back situation will sort itself out as the preseason moves along, with No. 1 pick Knowshon Moreno as the primary back. If J.J. Arrington doesn’t get healthy soon, I expect the Broncos to release him. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK...

“Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made,” by David Halberstam

One of my many favorite writers is David Halberstam.  I believe I’ve read all of Mr. Halberstam’s books, and this one is one of my favorites. With the NBA in the midst of exciting playoff games right now, it reminded me how much I love this book. It came out a while ago, but the lessons are still powerful. 

Here’s a promotional blurb from Random House:

“Halberstam has written an excellent book about the game of basketball and its greatest player. Readers familiar with Halberstam's customary insight into American life might think he pulls some punches. But this is an engrossing portrait -- much edgier than the ballplayer's own current bestseller, “For the Love of the Game.” This is an examination of Jordan as athlete and media phenomenon, of the superstar's professional life and also of the NBA's coming of age. The focus is squarely on Jordan's astounding competitiveness and will power, qualities that, Halberstam argues, have as much or more to do with Jordan's success than even his remarkable talent. Meandering back and forth through time, Halberstam covers everything from the invention of ESPN to the genius of Spike Lee's Nike commercials -- and every major playoff game Jordan played. With equal enthusiasm, Halberstam profiles the supporting cast: Bulls' coach Phil Jackson, whose job was to "maximize Jordan's abilities, without letting him suck the oxygen away from his teammates"; agent David Falk, who created "the idea of the individual player as a commercial superstar"; teammate Scottie Pippen. The book is filled with salty, informed hoops talk. It does not, however, give readers an intimate look at Jordan, who declined the author's request for an interview. Nor does Halberstam pursue difficult questions about Jordan's character, about the way he has decided to use (or not use) his celebrity and his wealth.”

I was reading ESPN’s Bill Simmons’ NBA mailbag the other day. This question was one of my favorites, but Bill’s answer was so exact, it made me think of the Halberstam book on Jordan.  Every professional player should read this book. Here’s the question and answer from the Sports Guy’s mailbag.   

Q: Kobe's performance in Game 2 of the Rockets series left me wondering one thing: How is this guy going to adjust to life after basketball? When Craig Sager prefaced his LeBron question with "you're no longer the MVP," did anyone buy Kobe's ensuing response? He's "happy for the kid" (LeBron) because he's worked hard? It's like he's talking about Joel Przybilla, not LeBron Freaking James. He clearly isn't comfortable sharing the spotlight with anyone, whether they're a teammate or a peer. So what happens when he's done? Does he move to the TV studio, where he's constantly reminded that he's washed up, but he can also constantly remind us how great he was? Personally I'm hoping he becomes GM of the Knicks.

--David, Dallas

SG: Great e-mail. I'd send you a T-shirt if we gave out T-shirts for great e-mails. Lots to work with for my response, including...

A. I'd bet anything that Kobe secretly regrets being on the Redeem Team. He gained nothing exposure-wise because they showed every game in America in the wee hours; all he did was put unnecessary mileage on his knees when he could have been resting. If that's not bad enough, he SINGLE-HANDEDLY altered the course of his main rival's career. LeBron intimated as much himself: Only after watching Kobe's daily workout routine and nonstop commitment to defense did LeBron realize that he was selling himself short, to some degree. And when Kobe took over as the alpha dog in the gold-medal game (and everyone let him do it), that made LeBron realize, "I'm not quite there yet."

Of the many reasons MJ skipped the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, I guarantee these were two of them: "Why should I show these guys I'm trying to beat how I prepare every day?" and "Why should I give my foes any insight into what makes me me." He remembered how the 1992 Dream Team experience rejuvenated Barkley's career and didn't want to make the same mistake twice. Anyway, if Kobe never plays in the 2008 Olympics, then LeBron and Wade become alpha dogs by default and spend the whole time playing poker or Bid Whist in Worldwide Wes' hotel room ... and Kobe is cruising to the title right now. He has to be kicking himself.

Simmons is one of the most perceptive and intelligent people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He should be a GM of an NBA team. 

CURRENT BOOK OF THE WEEK...

As you can tell, I am very big NBA fan. I learn a great deal from watching the athletes in the sport along with studying the teams as they deal with player procurement.

“The Bald Truth,” by David Falk

From Pocket Books: “David Falk is the most successful agent in the game of basketball. He has represented more NBA first-round draft selections, lottery picks, Rookies-of-the-Year, and All-Stars than anyone else in the business. He changed the NBA's entire salary structure with a unique approach to negotiations that garnered some of the biggest contracts in league history, including Alonzo Mourning's $100-plus million contract with the Miami Heat -- the first ever in professional sports. His groundbreaking Nike deal for Michael Jordan, the most successful endorsement relationship in history, revolutionized basketball by creating the game's first commercial superstar.

“Falk is blunt, he's fair, and he looks at the long run rather than the short-term gains. To make a great deal, he believes, both sides have to win. He adheres to steadfast principles, some of which he learned from the celebrated champion athletes and revered coaching legends -- like Georgetown's John Thompson and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski -- who have been long-standing clients and lifelong friends.”

VIDEO OF THE WEEK...

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE....

LEADERSHIP IMPROVEMENT IDEA...

Here are nine things that smart, innovative organizations do to create an overall sense of innovation purpose:

From the book: “Ready, Set, Done: How to Innovate When Faster Is the New Fast,” by Jim Carroll.

1.     Heighten the importance of innovation. A major company in the aerospace industry with several billions in revenue has eight senior VPs responsible for innovation. They don't just walk the talk; they do it. The message to the rest of the company is that innovation is critical.

2.     Create a compelling sense of urgency. With everything moving so quickly in business, now is not the time for studies, committee meetings and reports. It's time for action. Do things now. Analyze them later to figure out how to do them better next time.

3.     Ignite each spark. Innovative leaders know that everyone in the organization has some type of unique creativity and talent. They know how to find it, harness it and use it to advantage.

4.     Re-evaluate the mission. Rethink the fundamentals of your business in light of changing circumstances. Are your purpose, goals and strategies right for today?

5.     Build up experiential capital. Innovation comes from risk, and risk comes from experience. The most important asset today isn't found on your balance sheet -- it's found in the accumulated wisdom from many risks that you've taken.

6.     Shift from threat to opportunity. Innovative organizations don't have management and staff that quiver at the thought of what might be coming next. Instead, they're alive from breathing the oxygen of opportunity.

7.     Banish complacency and skepticism. Innovative leaders avoid a defeatist culture by motivating everyone to realize that in an era of rapid change, anything is possible.

8.     Innovation osmosis. If you're not innovative, maybe you can get that way by buying or merging with a smaller and more innovative organization, or by seeking some new creative talent for your ranks.

9.     Create excitement. Don't let your people become bored -- and then bolt. Fix the problem by installing an attitude of creativity, initiative and purpose.

ARTICLES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED THAT AREN’T WORTH MISSING...

From the New York Times, Tweeting Your Way to a Job, by Laura M Holson. 

From the Daily Beast, The Summer Reading List by Sara Nelson. 

Ken from L.A. sent me this, which was a very interesting read: Football and Financial Regulatory Reform.

COMMENT OF THE WEEK FROM THE POST...

“Forget the girls. He said Leinenkugel. Greatest. Column. Ever.”

-From “Cheesehead TV” on Matt Bowen’s “Eight In The Box”

REMEMBER WHEN...

The Lebron shot on Friday night had me walking down memory lane from my time in Cleveland. Cleveland is a great town, passionate about its sport teams and fiercely loyal to hometown heroes. 

My first year in Cleveland was 1987. I had missed “The Drive” but had heard the details of it every day. That was the strike season, which might have been my favorite year in the NFL. Building a team from scratch, literally calling people at work (one person was working in a car wash in Houston; I can still hear the machines) and formulating a team was a great pleasure. We had a week to get a team together -- there were no negotiations of contracts, just a standard fee for all players -- so it made life very easy. The players were all eager; they knew this might be their only chance to be in the NFL. Never did I have a hard time getting a player to board a plane or take part; they all understood this was their only chance. 

We ended up winning two of the three games we played to secure the AFC Central title and a first-round bye in the playoffs. We then had to beat a very tough Indianapolis Colts team, featuring Eric Dickerson, in the first round, which allowed us to travel to Denver to play the Broncos in a rematch of “The Drive.” 

We were behind 21-3 at the half, rallied in the third to score 21 points and eventually tied the game 31-31 late in the fourth. Denver scored with four minutes left in the game to go ahead 38-31. On the ensuing drive, the Browns worked the ball methodically down the field, running behind the power of Kevin Mack and Ernest Byner and the arm of Bernie Kosar. We covered 67 yards in slightly more than two minutes and now had a first and goal on the Denver eight-yard line. 

Everyone knows the next play -- Byner fumbles, the Browns lose, the label of the game becomes “The Fumble.” But as Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, my friend.” I want to make suggestion to re-name the game: “The Not Doing Your Assignment Game.”

Yes, Byner fumbled, but he would not have fumbled had our inside receiver (name withheld) done his assignment, which was to run to the back of the end zone, taking Jeremiah Castille with him. Had Castille been in the back of the end zone guarding his man, he would have never been in position to cause a fumble, and Byner would have scored untouched. 

I’d like to take this moment to recognize the class, the value of team, the professionalism and the acceptance of responsibility that resides in Ernest Byner. He could have easily shared some of the blame. But he has never said a word, realizing that no matter who was wrong, he should have never fumbled. 

Had we scored, I know the Broncos, who moved the ball up and down the field all day, might have come back to score again and beat us.  I would have taken my chances. 

“The Fumble,” the Tuck Game, and the 2002 Super Bowl -- I never watch them on TV. Ever. Or the 1989 and 2000 AFC Conference Championship games. 

WORDS TO LIVE BY...

In loving memory of 1st Lt. Bert W. Justus Jr., from his daughter, Mary

World War II called out to him And that was all it took But he was there when I was born I saw my baby book.

When I was six he left again He looked into my eyes "I'll be back with hula skirts" And then he said good-bye.

His uniform was crisp and green He held me in his arms I knew he wasn't coming back No Dad, no skirts, no charms.

And though I was a little girl I cried upon his shoulder I knew deep down this was good bye He wasn't getting older.

I felt so old, so wise that day I still can feel the shame. The family gathered round and played I thought they were insane.

Twas Christmas day and he was gone Korea was the name Two months later MIA No words can share the pain.

Fifty years have come and gone Since we received the letter He never came back home to us It never does get better.

I need to tell the story Because old men forget. It's not just soldiers that we lose their families are bereft

They hold a family update To pacify our hurt And then they send more babies Out to die on foreign dirt.

It's not that I'm a pacifist I'm not against all war But I'm for talk and talk and talk And then you talk some more.

The wars may be inevitable And we will be prepared But war should be the last resort So little girls are spared.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

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