The Greater Good-ell

Since my blurb on Ray Rice, a slew of other NFL players have been in the news for drugs, for abusing spouses, for indiscretions both past and present.  That’s a heap-load of bad press and a lot of negative sentiment for an organization that is still drawing record audiences.  The long and the short of it is: our society is at the point of disappointed acceptance.    I say this with a degree of bias, mostly because it’s not MY team that’s been affected by the latest news stories.

That said, an important fact was uttered by some of the players not embroiled in controversy: the 5 or 6 that have been in the news are but a small fraction of total players, coaches, and staff that make the NFL work.   In addition to the 53 rostered players, there are other players on practice squads, a litany of coaches and physical trainers…managers and PR people…and, an additional 1,858 of NFL headquarters staff that run the league’s office, game-day operations, NFL films, NFL network and, of course, the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.

So, conservatively, let’s (very conservatively) estimate that, in the public eye, there are the players, their coaches, refs for the games and various head office people…about 1,800 people, roughly.  Of those current 1,800, we’ve heard of 5 or so that have been in the news in the past two months.  That works out to be .0027% of the league’s public face.  Now, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 2,266,800 adults were incarcerated in U.S. federal and state prisons, and county jails at year-end in 2011 – or about 0.7% of adults in the U.S. resident population (thank you Wikipedia!).  What’s this mean?  We’re doing great! 

Granted, those are only the infractions that come to light.  And, certainly, while I would be hopeful that these types of incidents are as infrequent as .0027%, I’m aware that victims of violent crimes, spousal/domestic abuse especially, don’t report the altercations to the authorities.  That’s a problem unto itself…but at the same time, while protesting the NFL’s policy of the public figures they govern, it’s also OK to praise those NFL athletes that go above and beyond, like QB Drew Brees and the Brees Dream Foundation which provides funding to NOLA children.  Or, Charles Tillman who established the Tillman Cornerstone Foundation for kids in the Chicago area.  Or, Peyton Manning’s PeyBack Foundation that helps children in Tennessee, Louisiana and Indiana.  Warrick Dunn, formerly of the Bucs has donated over 100 houses to single parents who can’t afford them, and he was able to raise over $5 million for Katrina victims shortly after that occurred.  And, my favorite, Michael Strahan founded the Michael Strahan Foundation to assist disadvantaged youths in the NYC Metro area.  He’s also been involved in the American Cancer Society, the Children’s Miracle Network, Housing Enterprises for the Less Privileged, PETA, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

So, what’s I’m saying is, don’t let a select few ruin what others have turned into an incredibly positive experience for so many.  There are countless other NFL personalities who have foundations and charities that they’re active in supporting.  I believe that while we condemn the actions of a few, we also need to support those who are actively contributing to better our society…and help them as much as we’re able.

Dear Rabid Giant

Mike writes:
With the news that Deezer is introducing a premium Hi-Def audio streaming service (probably with approval of Neil Young...or not), audiophiles like myself finally have some streaming music that satisfies our audio-elitist tendencies.  There are some caveats like the need to purchase new equipment, and having headphones/stereo with high enough impedance to be able to deliver a superior audio experience.  And, once you do that, it's still $20/month for the privilege of streaming some radical tunes...which brings us to our first reader mail.

"Dear Rabid Giant,

 

Ok audiophile, thoughts on these? On this connection method?

First headphones to use Lightning port announced – and they’re not from Beats!

Dear Mike,

 

With iOS8, listening to music through the lightning port has a lot of promise.  It will allow for a high-def feed vs. the low-tech audio solution we've been using since the walkman: the 1/8 headphone jack.  

 

That said, Philips isn't my first choice in audio equipment.  I find their low and mid level stuff to feel cheap...and if I'm spending between $50 and $100 I'd much sooner buy Sony or Panasonic.  I still beleive that any DAC is better than no DAC at all, and there aren't many options for lightning DAC these days unless you own a 30-pin to lightning converter...because for some reason, there are DACs that use the old tech. 

As this seems to be the first to take advantage of the lightning connector, I'd likely wait until others (re: Beats) get on board.  Also, it would be interesting to know if Apple has denied MFi licenses to makers of stand-alone DAC companies in hopes of drumming up their own business this way.  Not sure how Philips made the cut.

I still think that the best audio you can get for high impedance headphones (over 50 ohms) is through a small portable amp and FiiO makes a bunch that can get you that result. 

Still, I'd probably prefer a lightning DAC/AMP combo, and hope that this, and the iOS8 software will make that a reality in the near future.

Thanks for the letter!

Ray Rice

Before we go down the road demonizing Ray Rice, the Baltimore Ravens, and the NFL, we need to carefully review the facts: this is just another instance where our entertainment trumps justice.

I’ve seen a lot of commentary calling for boycotts of the NFL…or of the Ravens, and I think that’s absolutely ridiculous.  This isn’t because I believe that what Ray Rice did is OK.  It’s not.  It’s so much worse than OK.  It’s terrible and no human, man or woman, should sustain that kind of abuse.  However, before we point fingers, we should first address the fact that this is the culture we’ve demanded of our entertainers…and until that culture changes, this will keep on happening.

What specifically?  It’s my belief that when the original infraction/abuse/beating/arrest happened, the NFL and the Ravens were totally aware of what transpired.  The “duh” moment is when you realize that, as a casino hotel, there are cameras everywhere.  The fact that this particular video aired now just points to a leak in the system.  Don’t believe for an instant that the NFL didn’t see this prior.  That’s BS.  Why? Because even before the trial happened for Rice, he was in a [NFL sanctioned] pre-trial intervention program.  A year in the program and the charges get dropped and Rice would have been able to continue putting money into the NFL’s coffers. 

The complication comes from the newly surfaced video which shows how dramatic the beating was.  Now the NFL has a perception problem.  As they were already ridiculed for a light punishment of Rice (2-game suspension), they now had a publicly violent man on their rosters.  Time to cut bait and save face.  And that’s what they did.  Time to make more money.  Players come and players go. 

The problem I have is that this isn’t unique.  We don’t criticize Hollywood for similar lapses in judgment.  Hell, we tend to pay more to see that crazy bastard in whatever the latest movie is.  In 1999, Robert Downey did some serious drugs.  Released from prison in 2000, he was arrested again in 2000 and 2001 and had to endure a court-ordered treatment program.  Now, he’s one of the highest paid actors ever.

Say what you want about Lindsay Lohan…but for years she was Disney’s go-to actress.  More drugs and more rehab and she’s back acting again.  Magic Johnson has purportedly slept with between 300 and 500 people a year (his count) before he was diagnosed with HIV.  How many women did he give that “gift”/death sentence to?  Paul Simon and Edie Brickell had some verbally abusive issues just last year that were serious enough to warrant a police visit and disorderly conduct charges.   Not apples to apples?  Here’s a brief list of other celebs who were charged with domestic abuse:

Charlie Sheen

Mel Gibson

Chris Brown

Sean Penn

Nicholas Cage

Tommy Lee

Mickey Rourke

Gary Busey

Christian Slater

James Caan

Which one of these men aren’t working anymore?  Which have movies in the theaters now?  TV shows?  Commercial contracts?  I’m not saying it’s OK.  It’s not OK.  And, unlike Ray Rice, these dudes will continue to work as long as they’re entertaining.  The NFL is not as forgiving.  Ray’s door isn’t going to get beaten down so that he can call games or provide commentary.  He’ll never work in the NFL again.  His contractual guarantees are gone.  And his ability to get treatment diminishes by the hour.  The man is sick.  He needs help.  He needs treatment…and his wife needs to realize that the NFL’s rush to get them married may not be in her best interests.  And, if you don’t think that the marriage isn’t carefully orchestrated window dressing to downplay their pre-marital issues, think again.

The issue is that if you’re going to condemn this man for this action, then you need to similarly condemn this culture of acceptance and tolerance of this behavior across the board.  We are at fault.  We are creating a culture where women start believing that this is what happens in a relationship...for our entertainment!  Why?  Because high profile lawyers get their clients off and have them face the cameras professing to be cured.  When are we going to wake up and demand that all predators be handled in the same light?  I know many of you are out $100 for ALS, but if you’re outraged by what the NFL tried to cover up…what our society tries to cover up, then please make a donation to the NationalCoalition Against Domestic Violence.  And, while your money will help treat the outcome, start thinking about how you can stop rewarding the cause.

My fantasy

Now, I know what you're thinking: this has something to do with Gwenneth Paltrow's announcement that she's converting to Judaism.  So, you're saying there's a chance? And, while that would great (wouldn't it?), that's not what this is about.

This is about Fantasy Football!  And, while the NFL started playing games as recently as last night, my wife already made the declaration that she's annoyed at the amount of time I've dedicated to it.  How much?  I friggin' drove to MD for an annual draft party!  Woot for me!  That killed a day...2hrs there, 4hrs drafting, and 2hrs back.  Didn't help much with the kids that day, so I understand where she's coming from.

STILL!  Fantasy football is back...and, even though I'm no good at it, I try and try again!  Next year will be better.  I'll have a better draft strategy.  I'll know more players...pay more attention to training camp.  This year will be a great one for the Giants!  Not.

Not many of these things come to pass.  But, I will admit to spending more than a healthy amount of time during the season.  Because, to get ahead, you have to put in your time.  This game is about statistics and probabilities...simply put.  It's as risky as playing around on a futures market, and not nearly as profitable (or as potentially devastating).  But, it's fun as hell and, if you're in a league, I'm sure you'll agree.

I'm in 3 leagues...two I care about, one I don't give a rats ass about...but will play anyway...because it's also on ESPN and I've already got a league there, so I basically trip over it whenever I log on...and I don't want to seem that I won't compete, because I don't want to piss anyone off and it's not like I have to do any more research...well, not until bye weeks and then only for a few players, but this league does IDP slots as well as a coach slot and what the hell is that? 

The other two are more normal and that includes the one I'm commissioner for.  That takes a bit more commitment.  Before the season you're pestering people from last year to sign up...then you draft, and you have to collect the dues, monitor trades for collusion and skullduggery, and, while this isn't a MUST, I write a weekly e-mail to the league with the results from the previous weekend along with league inside jokes and nonsense.  I'm sure 2 people in the league read it through...or at least skim it until they find their team's name.  Still, I like it because I believe it keeps team owners invested in the game.  Gotta make it fun, ya know?  Even when you're losing...which I tend to do a lot.

So, if I'm a bit distant, cut me some slack.  I'm probably brainstorming a massive 3-person trade, or wondering who I should be picking up from waivers on Monday...or wait to get them as a free agent on Wednesday.  Oh, and add in Giants home games, and I'm a completely inattentive wreck.  What children?  OK, so maybe my wife is right.  Just don't tell her I admitted it in public.  Our little secret.