Lame Duck Comments

As a precursor, I should mention I try very hard to keep politics out of this blog.  To my knowledge, I only brought politics up once on this blog when I discussed the poor sportsmanship immediately following the 2016 Presidential Election.  So please keep that in mind as we discuss the following story:  we want to focus on the sports and sportsmanship side, not the politics.

Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) is a self-proclaimed fan of the New York Mets and Dallas Cowboys.  It's not the most logical combination; it's like how my girlfriend's father, who grew up on Long Island, is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Cardinals...makes no sense!

Christie appeared on SNY (the cable home of the Mets) prior to the start of the Grapefruit League season to discuss the upcoming season.  In doing so, he made some disparaging comments about the Phillies, their city, and their fans.  I won't go into the exact comments, but he not only insulted the Phillies and their fans, but he described the people as "angry, awful people."

In doing so, Christie set of a firestorm of reactions.  First, the Phillies responded with a dig that referenced Christie's scandal with the George Washington Bridge and the legal ramifications of closing lanes to get back at politicians who didn't endorse him.

Second, Philly mayor Jim Kenney went even harder at Christie, basically calling him a loser and a bully, citing his failure in his bid for the Presidency and the probability of him finding work following the conclusion of his term.

Third, Mike Trout is at it again.  He took a dig at Christie when he said he felt sorry for him being a Cowboys fan.

Okay, boys.  Let's all stop being immature and act like adults.

None of these parties is innocent.  Christie shouldn't have started the whole thing, especially with his reputation.  It doesn't matter if you like or hate him or agree with his policies or not:  when you are known as someone who holds the qualities he does and has scandal surrounding him, it's probably not the best thing to stir the pot.

Further, although it is understandable that the parties from Philadelphia would respond in defense after being attacked, they all unfortunately started to give Christie's comments credence by not taking the high road.  Let's face it:  Philadelphia sports do not have the most pristine reputation.

Finally, I really used to enjoy watching Mike Trout play.  He seemed to maintain many of the morals and values of good sportsmanship when he's on the field.  But this is his second foul in the category of Eagles vs. Cowboys.  Hey Mike:  do me a favor and shut up; just go play baseball.