SZVETITZ COLUMN: Random summer sports thoughts

Mike Szvetitz
A View From The Lazy Boy
Published: August 9, 2008

While waiting for Mike McCarthy’s blood pressure to come down, I started thinking ...

Is it me, or has your respect for Brett Favre decreased significantly over the last couple weeks?

I don’t know what it is about the whole situation that makes me want to smash my television set into smithereens ... Wait, yes I do. I know exactly what’s bothering me about FavreGate: no one looks good here.

The Green Bay Packers look like they couldn’t care less about the guy who’s been the face of their franchise for, well, since Bart Starr and a guy named Lombardi ruled the Frozen Tundra.

And Favre? He looks like a spoiled brat who got picked last, but brought the football. And you know what always happens to that kid. He takes his ball and goes elsewhere.

And that’s what Favre did. Right to the New York Jets and a career and legacy that will never be the same.

It’s unfortunate. Everyone looks bad here. The Packers, who stuck by their guns and ended up causing the biggest spitting contest since the Spring Hill Elementary playground, lost a lot of luster as a franchise.

And ol’ No. 4 left the other half of the people who actually cared to watch ESPN’s 24/7 coverage of FavreGate wondering if he’d really “play the game for free.”

The only good thing about Favre signing with the J-E-T-S (Jets, Jets, Jets) is that I won’t have to watch any more “breaking news” stories on what Favre had to eat for lunch.

... Speaking of lunch, how much do you think a hot dog and a Coke cost at the National Stadium ... aka “The Bird’s Nest” ... during an Olympic event in Beijing? I’m figuring like $17 American. Easy. Hey, they’ve got to pay for that spectacular Opening Ceremony some how. But I’m sure you get a pack of fireworks and a nice collector’s cup with your purchase.

... Speaking of fireworks, I was out at Auburn University’s afternoon practice Thursday when a storm came through that almost took the top off the media tent there at the intramural fields. Let me just say I’ve never seen a group of sports writers move that fast, even for a free buffet.

... Speaking of Auburn’s football team, watching Tony Franklin’s offense, one thing was clear: the Tigers are going to be fit this season. If the new offense isn’t good for anything else, it’ll at least get you in shape. And I mean everyone — coaches, fans and media. I think I lost 6 pounds just watching the offense run the no-huddle Thursday.

It was either that, or the heat.

... Speaking of heat, I’ve got to talk to my realtor. I didn’t realize she sold me a house that was four miles from the sun.

... Speaking of Miles, why is everyone down on Les? The LSU head coach has done nothing but win since he’s been in Baton Rouge. A lot of people think he’s not so smart, but who ever said you had to be a genius to win football games?

... Speaking of winning football games, I talked to Opelika High head football coach Spence McCracken on Friday during the Bulldogs’ afternoon practice. McCracken might feel like he’s ready to retire — which he will officially do at the end of this football season after 34 years — but he doesn’t look it. And he sure doesn’t act like it, either.

McCracken was as lively as I’ve ever seen him Friday, mixing it up with players and coaches, getting his hands dirty during defensive line drills and coaching up everyone in sight, even this reporter.

... Speaking of this reporter, Mike Szvetitz is sports editor of the Opelika-Auburn News. He may be reached at or 737-2513.