On Drake, Durant, Beal, and the NFL’s problem with weed
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By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Once again, it’s time to check off some items on my “TIDU List” – Things I Don’t Understand:
*I don’t understand why the local NFL team is so injury prone.
Reuben Foster’s torn ACL – on a non-contact play at half-speed – is as freaky as suffering separated ribs after sneezing. But such is life for this franchise, “celebrating” its 20th anniversary of Dan Snyder’s ownership. Washington led the league with 27 players on injured reserve last season, eight more than it posted the year before.
Big investments on rest-and-recovery equipment are no match for karma.
*I don’t understand why the NFL is foot-dragging on weed.
California in 1996 became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. A year later, the New England Journal of Medicine called for reclassifying the drug to acknowledge its medical use. The NFL is finally coming around, teaming with the players’ union to study the substance’s use as a pain management tool. It’s about time.
The way the NFL pushes opioids, it must own Big Pharma stocks.
*I don’t understand how the Nationals can overcome their start.
The injury bug has slowed down, and the schedule is easing up. But the wretched bullpen, shoddy defense and deplorable baserunning remain in full effect for the Nats, who on Tuesday dropped to 10 games below .500 for the first time since September 2011. Manager Dave Martinez is a super-nice guy and the Nats are a very good franchise.
Both parties deserve better than they’ve received from the other.
*I don’t understand how we forgot about Steph Curry.
Golden State’s baby-faced assassin had become overlooked in “league’s best player” conversations, which tend to focus on talents like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But Curry reminded us of his preternatural ability by averaging 36.5 points – a league-record for four-game sweeps – against Portland in the Western Conference finals. And don’t forget his 33-point SECOND HALF in closing out Houston.
We apologize Mr. Curry; please forgive us.
*I don’t understand how Kevin Durant can please most folks.
The Warriors don’t “need” him to be a championship team; they won a title before he arrived. But as forward Draymond Green told ESPN, Durant “made us unbeatable.” If Durant leaves after this season – a strong possibility – Golden State fans will join those who hate him in every other city (except the one he chooses).
Whether he makes it easy for himself or harder, he can’t win.
*I don’t understand why Bradley Beal should stay in D.C.
A top-three lottery pick would’ve made the Wizards more interesting, but not competitive enough to contend soon. Falling to No. 9 in the lottery only hastened Washington’s decent from middling to minimal. The best remedy likely involves Bradley Beal, whose two years at $55 million will entice suitors as much as his stroke.
A potential trade would be a parting gift (or a pardon) for time served.
*I don’t understand how pass interference and replay can coexist.
The NFL is caught between a boulder and a granite slab with its latest proposed tweaks: Only replay officials can review plays in the final two minutes, EXECPT on pass interference calls/non-calls, which would require a coach’s challenge. And Hail Mary passes would be exempt. “We really don’t want our games to end on a review,” Atlanta Falcons executive Rich McKay said.
As if the next-to-last play is much better.
*I don’t understand why Carter Stewart should stay stateside.
The 19-year-old pitcher was drafted eighth by Atlanta in 2018 but rejected the Braves’ $2 million signing bonus. Now, instead of re-entering the draft and likely receiving an even smaller bonus, Stewart reportedly is signing a six-year, $7 million contract in Japan. He potentially could enter the majors as a 25-year-old international free agent, with no restrictions on team or salary.
If not, the experience will leave him richer, financially and culturally!
*I don’t understand why Drake gets so much leeway.
Loud cheers and raucous boos are one thing; they’re fine and acceptable in the nosebleeds or – if you’re Grammy-winning rapper/Raptors superfan Drake – courtside at NBA games. Standing and gesticulating is okay, too. But pacing the sidelines like you’re the coach? Giving the coach an in-game shoulder massage? Inserting yourself into the action? He needs to tone it down.
This is a warning; the next incident results in a technical foul.
*I don’t understand how Washington beats Oakland for HBO.
As “Hard Knocks” candidates, the Raiders offer charismatic coach Jon Gruden, mercurial wideout Antonio Brown, formerly homeless rookie Josh Jacobs, and controversial linebacker Vontaze Burfict, all against the backdrop of a final season in Oakland before relocating to Las Vegas. Oddsmakers had tabbed Oakland as the favorite to land on the show before recently moving Washington ahead.
If prop bets are accepted, the best play is “a Gruden-coached team.”
— Brooklyn-born and Howard-educated, Deron Snyder writes his award-winning column for The Washington Times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Follow him on Twitter @DeronSnyder.
