Posted on November 7th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Before Washington took the field against Seattle, the verdict was in on coach Jay Gruden’s team. It was gritty and resilient, filled with toughness and strong character.
There were no signs of surrender like the New York Giants exhibited earlier Sunday in a 51-17 drubbing against the Los Angeles Rams. You almost couldn’t blame the Skins if they felt defeated during the opening kickoff. They were so banged up entering the game at CenturyLink Field, they didn’t fill the allotment (46) for active players, falling three shy.
Washington could’ve fielded a 7-on-7 team with the injured starters who were inactive
But they fought anyway. Not like the skirmishes that marred other games around the league, but in the classic sense. The team song implores them to “fight for old D.C.” and that’s exactly what Washington did for 60 minutes against one of the league’s best squads.
To be clear, the Seahawks were a reliable kicker away from winning. Washington gained just 244 yards while yielding 437. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked six times and the rushing attacked mustered a meager 2.2 yards per carry.
This wasn’t a beautiful, stylistic fight. But it was a sweet and savory victory, primarily produced by the less-sexy side of the ball.
Read more…
Posted on November 6th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER
Outfielder Bryce Harper, the 25-year-old phenom with Rookie of the Year and MVP trophies already on his shelf, could sign the largest contract in MLB history next year if he enters free agency and leaves Washington.
But Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo could be a more significant loss if he puts D.C. in his rearview mirror.
It’s safe to say another team would be World Series champions today if the Houston Astros hadn’t hired Jeff Luhnow in December 2011. The team was coming off a 106-loss season. They proceed to lose 107 games in 2012 and 111 in 2013.
Before the 2010 season began, Baseball America ranked Houston’s minor league system as the game’s worst. By 2014 – when Sports Illustrated ran a cover story predicting the Astros would win the 2017 World Series – Houston had one of baseball’s deepest farm systems.
Luhnow built it and he used the resources – either on the field or in trades – to fulfill SI’s prophecy.
Rizzo’s handiwork with the Nats has been equally impressive, minus the ring. Consequently, several franchises would love a chance to bring him aboard.
They might get a shot.
Read more…
Posted on November 1st, 2017
By DERON SNYDER
The Washington Nationals aren’t asking much of their new skipper, no, not at all. Dave Martinez has never been a manager but he has a simple edict in his new job:
Win the World Series.
He has been forewarned that 95-wins and a division title won’t suffice.
Martinez certainly has a capable team to tackle the task. He will doodle on cards with one of baseball’s deepest lineups. He can open a series with two of the sport’s top starting pitchers. He has an array of solid bullpen components to use however he sees fit.
The Nationals will be among MLB’s best teams entering 2018. They enjoyed the same distinction this season and last, as well as 2012 and 2014. But they have nothing to show except four NL East flags and a poor reputation in the postseason.
You’d think Martinez could claim a measure of success if he gets Washington over the first-round hump. No other Nationals skipper has done that. Not Dusty Baker (14th on baseball’s all-time wins list); not Davey Johnson (Manager of the Year in both leagues plus a World Series ring); and not Matt Williams (Manager of the Year as a rookie).
But winning the NLDS isn’t the same as winning a world championship, the Nats’ stated goal when they parted with Baker. Even winning the NLCS would leave Martinez short of the mark. If he advances only to lose the Fall Classic – which exceptional teams can do (see Houston or Los Angeles) – he’s a failure according to the Nats’ expectations.
No pressure there, huh?
Read more…
Posted on October 30th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times
First, a concession.
Yes, we live in an age of instant offense, where seemingly minor infractions of appropriate behavior can make some folks apoplectic. Yes, an entire subset appears eager to embrace victimhood at the slightest breach. And, yes, an increasing number of people seem to suffer from acute cases of hypersensitivity.
But consider this while stewing about so-called political correctness.
Maybe the marketplace of feelings is simply undergoing a correction after centuries of winks and nods at inappropriate practices. Maybe this is karmic payback for millions of victimizers who suffered zero consequences for their reprehensible actions. Considering the gross lack of sensitivity that’s been ingrained in our social fabric since, like forever, perhaps an extreme swing in the opposite direction was only natural.
Houston found itself in the center of a culture war last week, with the revelation of a conversation that took place behind closed doors. Another incident occurred on the World Series stage, for all the world to see.
Neither had anything to do with sports, per se. But as often is the case, our fun-and-games serve as a microcosm of real life.
Read more…
Posted on October 30th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
LANDOVER – When your team isn’t great and labors to be classified as good, it must contend with a few, inescapable truths every week.
The margin for error doesn’t include many turnovers, let along giveaways on back-to-back possessions. There’s no allowance for a slew of injuries that knocks out starters and extends into the depth chart.
And there’s certainly no room for spotty play on special teams, especially miscues that are returned 86 yards and produce 10-point swings.
Dallas wasn’t much better than Washington in Sunday’s game at FedEx Field. But the home team couldn’t overcome its mistakes and missing players in a 33-19 loss. That the contest wasn’t a worse blowout is either testament to the Skins’ grittiness or proof of the Cowboys’ own mediocrity. Probably both.
Washington entered the game as a MASH unit and excited like the Mayo Clinic. There was concern in the press box that coach Jay Gruden might run out of players before the final gun.
Read more…
Posted on October 27th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER (as published on 106.7 The Fan)
The Washington Nationals have tremendous curb appeal.
You admire the manicured lawn and meticulous landscaping. You imagine relaxing on the expansive front porch or spacious deck out back. The paint is fresh, the siding is clean, and the roof looks new.
But there’s major structural damage inside. Especially the ceilings, which look like they could collapse at a moment’s notice. The floors seem pretty shaky, too.
Would you want to take that on?
If you’re a first-time homeowner like Chicago Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez or New York Mets hitting coach Kevin Long – i.e., someone who never managed a major-league team – you couldn’t sign the papers quick enough. You were sold the instant you drove up and saw that lineup and a pair of aces.
But imagine you’re Joe Giradi, fresh off a 10-year stay in an exquisite mansion. The previous occupant (Joe Torre) was there for 12 years before you arrived. The property’s general manager, the person in charge of upkeep and all repairs (Brian Cashman) has been in place since 1998.
Giradi knows he’ll have opportunities at other nice places, places as good internally as they are externally.
Read more…
Posted on October 26th, 2017
By HOWARD MANN
Only two counties in the U.S. received a special three-year grant from the Department of Justice to coordinate the fight against human trafficking. One is Orange County in California.
The other is Prince George’s County in Maryland, where the Human Trafficking Task Force (PGCHTTF) brings together law enforcement, social services, government agencies, and community organizations, and is considered a model for jurisdictions across the nation.
“Receiving this grant is a testament to the efforts of county employees and volunteers on the Task Force who have worked long and hard since 2013 to restore victims, educate the public and to show traffickers that we are dead serious about combating human trafficking in all its forms.” Chairman Mike Lyles said in a statement Oct. 25.
A candidate for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney in 2018, Lyles is a leading authority on human trafficking, widely sought-after as a presenter for conferences, workshops and trainings. The Task Force was formed four years ago at his urging, making it Maryland’s first, local-government-based group dedicated to fight human trafficking.
Lyles, who also serves as Executive Director of the county’s Human Relations Commission, was appointed Task Force Chairman by County Executive Rushern L. Baker III.
Read more…
Posted on October 25th, 2017
Workers shouldn’t tolerate hostile work environments in Prince George’s County
By HOWARD MANN
Few things upset Mike Lyles more than harassment and abuse of women and children. He has dedicated his life to public service and protecting those who are preyed upon.
So he’s incredulous when he hears anyone essentially blame women for becoming victims. Such talk has been in the news recently, proving that Lyles’ role remains essential.
He fights against workplace harassment every day as Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, a position he has held for more than six years. As a husband and father of two daughters, the battle isn’t theoretical; it’s personal.
“We are way past the point where a woman’s attire should even enter the conversation,” say Lyles, a candidate for State’s Attorney. “It doesn’t matter what she wears. There’s no excuse for sexual harassment in the workplace, in our schools and in our community.
“Sexual harassment and sexual assault is always the assaulter’s fault,” he says. “Anyone who assigns responsibility to the women misses the point. Assault and harassment are issues of power, not sex.”
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always female subordinates suffering at the hand of male bosses or industry powerbrokers. According to research by sociologists at the University of Maine and the University of Minnesota, 58 percent of female supervisors in predominantly male work environments are likely to experience harassment, while 42 percent might expect harassment in female-dominated workplaces.
As the next State’s Attorney for Prince George’s Country, Lyles won’t blame the victims. Perpetrators of sexual harassment and/or abuse will be solely responsible for their actions.
“I’m surprised that in 2017 we still have to mention this,” he says. “The old school is the wrong school regarding women and their clothing. There’s no place for that mindset. Everyone should know better.”
He says everyone should know their rights, too, along with what constitutes sexual harassment. Generally, it’s unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or any unwanted verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. If you work in Prince George’s County and find that behavior in your place of employment, contact the Human Relations Commission.
Please visit Lyles’ campaign website to learn why he’s the best choice for State’s Attorney and best weapon to continue the fight against harassment and abuse.
Posted on October 25th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Sons shouldn’t pay for the sins of their fathers. On or off the court.
If your dad is loud, obnoxious and overbearing, any resentment he generates shouldn’t fall on you. People should accept who YOU are as a person and govern themselves accordingly, not treat you based on their feelings toward your old man.
In fact, they should cut a little slack, especially when you’re the exact opposite: quiet, humble and polite. If the parent really gets on their nerves, they should be thankful you’re different and maybe even show some compassion.
That’s why I’m a bit confused by the narrative about LaVar Ball making life difficult for his son Lonzo Ball.
It was spouted prior to the NBA draft in June, when the Los Angeles Lakers selected Ball with the No. 2 overall pick. We heard the theory throughout summer-league play and training camp. And the drumbeat intensified after Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley gave Ball an extremely rude welcome in the season opener.
Read more…
Posted on October 24th, 2017
By DERON SNYDER
From fans and spectators to executives and administrators, major sports events are all relative. Kery Davis understands that as well as anyone. “Big time” for him nowadays is the Nation’s Football Classic pitting Howard University against Hampton University—a.k.a. the “Battle for the Real HU”—in Washington, D.C. There’s no network TV coverage, and attendance hovers around 15,000. That’s a far cry from the bright lights of Las Vegas and pay-per-view prizefights beamed around the world. Davis used to be a fixture at those bouts, hobnobbing with rich and famous celebrities in ringside seats that cost thousands of dollars.
But he’s no longer the HBO executive who helped negotiate some of boxing’s biggest fights, featuring the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Mike Tyson. Now he’s athletic director at Howard University—one of the nation’s premier historically black colleges and universities—and his new circle includes school officials, advertisers, boosters, fans, sponsors, coaches and student-athletes.
This has been Davis’ reality since September 2015, about 27 months after he left HBO, where he spent 16 years. Previously situated in aplush New York City corporate office one block from Times Square, he now works from a pedestrian space in 54-yearold Burr Gymnasium on Howard’s Washington, D.C., campus. The contrast in his surroundings, resources and responsibilities is stark—as is the change in the size of his direct deposits. “The difference economically was drastic compared to what I was making at HBO and what I could’ve made if I had taken the other position I was going to take before I left,” says Davis. “But this called to me.”
Continue reading …
Follow
