Fools: proof
NYC stars show just how dumb they can be
WE understand that we watch sports as a release. We don’t watch sports to be intellectually challenged. Sports is a visceral thing. Sports makes us feel good (or awful). Sports make us yell in joy (or agony). Sports is not supposed to be the periodic tables. Which is a good thing. Because in our little landscape of sports, in New York City, we have been surrounded by stupidity lately. No, not just surrounded by it, but immersed in it. We are buffeted by brazen does. Nincompoops rule the day. Idiocy is the law of the land. And we are left to wonder: Who is dumber? You candidates:
1. Jason Pierre Paul
Who he is: The Giants’ franchise player, a generally terrific and occasionally frustrating defensive lineman who was looking at the possibility of a $60 million contract extension that would’ve given him, his kids and his kids’ kids security forever.
What he did: On the Fourth of July, rather than seek out the most amazing fireworks show in South Florida, get good seats and watch the festivities in style, he decided to do it himself. There was an accident, he lost a finger, the extension, and apparently common sense since he’s shut the Giants down.
Stupid scale, 1to10: 9. Unless it’s worse than we know. But 9 for now.
2. Jenrry Mejia
Who he is: The Mets’ mercurial relief pitcher, who in the season’s opening week was busted for testing positive for PEDs and served a suspension of half a season. Though his teammates and his manager were openly furious at him when it happened, they welcomed him back gladly, and he responded by pitching well upon his return last month.
What he did: It almost seemed impossible to believe, but somehow, in the two weeks after his re instatement, Mejia got snagged by a failed test — again — and by using — wait for it — the same exact steroid he was using before. It almost seemed like a tardy April Fool’s joke, but there’s nothing funny about it — not for the Mets, who lost a valuable arm for 162 games (or, likely, forever) nor Mejia, who is too early in his career to be able to afford forfeiting a year and a half of salary.
Stupid scale, 1to10: 10. There is no way to explain this, let alone defend it.
3. Sheldon Richardson
Who he is: One of the brightest young defensive linemen in football and a member, along with Mo Wilkerson and rookie Leonard Williams of what was supposed to be one if the most dynamic defensive lines in football. He always had come across as bright and thoughtful, not afraid of speaking out on controversy, unlike so many modern athletes. Until ...
What he did: .... until he wound up suspended for four games for repeated failure of the league drug policy. That along is absurd; it takes a lot to finally have a suspension kick in, all while you’re knowing you’re being watched. And then, this week, at almost the same moment he was apologizing for his “mistake,” it’s revealed he was arrested for speeding (over 140 mph) and resisting arrest — all with a 12yearold child in the car, which allegedly reeked of pot.
Stupid scale, 1to10: 20. There but for the grace of God was the most tragic incident in NFL history. He needs to make fundamental changes in his life. Now.