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"Character is who you are in the dark. " Joel Send a noteboard - 20/01/2010 11:13:28 PM
It's not even about "running up the score" or "right" or "wrong." It's merely a measure of class and sportsmanship. The Vikings failed. Childress, and to a lesser degree, his team, lost a large measure of respect among fans who've been following football long enough to know how the vast majority of the NFL's greatest players and coaches, heck, even contemporary players and coaches, would have handled that situation.

Though I was never a fan of his, Bradshaw's attitude reflects traditional NFL values. The Vikings' values were more akin to those of kids playing in the "Madden Challenge."

In issues of character and sportsmanship, it's not about whether or not the other team can or should stop you, or whether or not you have the right or the ability to do something; it's about whether or not you choose to exercise dignity and restraint.

Class and sportsmanship are aspects of right and wrong, and right and wrong are all about whether one will do something that's possible, advantageous and without negative consequences for them--but still wrong. People keep confusing enlightened self interest with morality, but the latter involves a sacrifice for ones beliefs. No one will convince me they "did the right thing" if they knew they'd profit; that's a "business decision" in which morality is as relevant as goldfish are. As much as I loathe Vince Lombardi for many things, the story goes he tried that QB sneak in the Ice Bowl because he found the mental image of both teams playing OT after a FG too objectionable, and, if true, I have a lot of respect for that. Of course, I've also heard that, when told after the game that some of the Cowboys had frostbite, he said, "Losers get frostbite" and the two stories are mutually exclusive.
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For the Record, I Think Terry Was Right, not Jimmy. - 18/01/2010 12:52:27 AM 810 Views
There is no running up the score in pro sports. - 18/01/2010 01:24:24 AM 583 Views
Sure there is. - 18/01/2010 01:59:16 AM 494 Views
Three reasons I disagree. - 18/01/2010 03:39:09 AM 494 Views
I largely agree, but... - 18/01/2010 04:45:22 AM 495 Views
I still dispute that defense wins titles in football. - 18/01/2010 05:22:43 AM 527 Views
Their own coach gave Indy their first loss. - 18/01/2010 01:37:51 AM 686 Views
This isn't about liking or disliking either team. - 18/01/2010 02:26:25 AM 662 Views
It was stupid but they have the right to score if they want - 18/01/2010 02:24:39 AM 498 Views
Less time than I remembered, underscoring the point. - 18/01/2010 02:32:00 AM 560 Views
Naw I hope the Saints kick the snot out of them - 18/01/2010 03:54:55 AM 612 Views
Favre got his ass kicking in '97; I just wish I had it on tape. - 18/01/2010 04:38:54 AM 641 Views
Ahem - 18/01/2010 09:03:35 AM 641 Views
Yeah, yeah, where were you in '04? - 18/01/2010 09:05:41 AM 498 Views
If Bush keeps playing like he did I don't think anyone will - 18/01/2010 02:13:36 PM 516 Views
two reasons you are wrong - 18/01/2010 06:02:40 AM 509 Views
So it's OK to humiliate a good team, just not a horrible one? - 18/01/2010 06:34:24 AM 533 Views
eh? - 18/01/2010 07:11:25 AM 489 Views
The Catch didn't make up 32 points, and The Comeback took more than the two minute warning. - 18/01/2010 08:12:54 AM 514 Views
um, not to put words in your mouth, but.... - 18/01/2010 03:48:55 PM 502 Views
If you think they're still in it, ice it with the FG; if you don't, kneel down and go home. - 18/01/2010 05:48:19 PM 696 Views
Again, this is professional level playoff football - 18/01/2010 07:42:18 PM 588 Views
Seems I also misremembered the final, FWIW. - 19/01/2010 12:17:43 AM 700 Views
Yeah, pretty much - 18/01/2010 06:58:37 AM 527 Views
Hey, if a team can run up the score against you, you shouldn't be in the playoffs. - 18/01/2010 01:32:30 PM 528 Views
great argument to bad it is based more on your emtions then reality - 18/01/2010 02:09:13 PM 552 Views
pot meet kettle... *NM* - 18/01/2010 04:05:47 PM 228 Views
hello kettle - 18/01/2010 04:19:49 PM 504 Views
the problem being that you're criticizing someone for being emotional while doing the same - 18/01/2010 04:42:09 PM 518 Views
speaking of sandy vaginas - 18/01/2010 05:43:04 PM 478 Views
that was so incomprehensible i'm not sure how to respond.... - 18/01/2010 11:19:38 PM 548 Views
I was saying stop winning because I call people out for stupid hate post - 20/01/2010 02:38:46 PM 480 Views
LOL - 21/01/2010 02:30:16 AM 450 Views
you appear to be the onbe worked up there sandy *NM* - 21/01/2010 05:12:19 AM 232 Views
Re: great argument to bad it is based more on your emtions then reality - 18/01/2010 04:43:23 PM 541 Views
Re: great argument to bad it is based more on your emtions then reality - 18/01/2010 06:57:47 PM 527 Views
no but when they go bad they go real bad - 18/01/2010 07:54:40 PM 463 Views
I had no problem with it. - 19/01/2010 05:32:19 PM 476 Views
Seems it's just me, Brooking and Bradshaw on this one. - 20/01/2010 09:28:03 AM 523 Views
What should happen... - 20/01/2010 05:24:45 PM 520 Views
Wasn't Childress trying to bench Favre to protect him at the end fo the season...? - 21/01/2010 02:20:30 AM 522 Views
Your glass are a little rose colored when you look at the Landry years - 21/01/2010 03:16:48 PM 473 Views
might want to check your facts there.... - 22/01/2010 01:06:57 AM 594 Views
yes but the Cowboys win their turkey day games - 22/01/2010 03:17:55 PM 604 Views
Schramm marketed the hell out of them, yes, but Landry and the players made it credible. - 22/01/2010 04:55:01 AM 530 Views
White hurt his wrist after Landry brought him back - 22/01/2010 03:30:35 PM 470 Views
I think you confuse the press with the team - 20/01/2010 02:55:53 PM 434 Views
Not hear... see. - 20/01/2010 05:08:15 PM 402 Views
You have passion on your side but I have history - 20/01/2010 06:49:32 PM 448 Views
It's not about "Can" or "Having the Right" or whether or not the Cowboys "should" stop them... - 20/01/2010 04:43:36 PM 500 Views
"Character is who you are in the dark. " - 20/01/2010 11:13:28 PM 546 Views
it's interesting.... - 21/01/2010 02:25:36 AM 422 Views
I can never find an original source either. - 21/01/2010 02:33:47 AM 440 Views
Re: For the Record, I Think Terry Was Right, not Jimmy. - 22/01/2010 08:55:23 PM 570 Views

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