Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Mixed Bag: Where Sports Meets Politics edition

-The Minnesota legislature has finally recessed, but without a stadium bill for the Minnesota Vikings.

Naturally, the Vikings organization (which ranks near the bottom of the NFL in revenues) was more than a little disappointed in the matter not being resolved. In fact, the team's official statement ended with this:

We appeal to our State’s leaders to join the bi-partisan group of legislators who have stepped up to work on securing the long-term future of the Vikings in Minnesota. This group of leaders has acknowledged that having an NFL team in Minnesota requires a stadium solution. This solution must be finalized in the 2011 Session.


Or what?

While us Vikes rubes are constantly chided with chants of "L.A. Vikings", Los Angeles isn't ready for an NFL franchise for at least three years, maybe longer. Meanwhile, the Vikings' Metrodome lease is up after the 2011 season.

Either way, this issue will linger into the administration of Gov. Tom Emmer.



-Speaking of L.A., they have a pretty good NBA team, too. And of all the misinformation and idiotic talking points regarding Arizona's new immigration law, SB 1070, Lakers coach Phil Jackson appeared to be a voice of reason.

Jackson was asked two weeks ago about a plan by the Phoenix Suns to wear their Los Suns jerseys during a playoff game on May 5, Cinco de Mayo. The immigration law spurred the Suns' decision to use the jerseys to honor Arizona's Latino community.

"Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard when the legislators said that we just took United States immigration law and adapted it to our state?'" Jackson responded.

When the reporter suggested that Arizona had usurped federal law, Jackson corrected him. "It's not usurping, they just copied it, is what they said they did, the legislators. Then they give it some teeth to be able to enforce it."


Usually it drives me absolutely batty when celebrities opine on political issue, because they're rather sanctimonious in doing so. However, Jackson was asked a question and gave his honest opinion as opposed to seeking out the proverbial soap box to impart his self-anointed wisdom.

Yes, it doesn't take a Zen master to understand SB 1070. But in this case, it's not a detriment either.


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