There may be no “I” in “team”, but there sure is in “Miller.”
Real losers lose before the game even starts. That's why this is an easy prediction: The U.S. Hockey team will be embarrassed in the early rounds of the Vancouver Winter Games this week. Bet on it.
Successful teams need two things to win: Dedicated Leadership and Total Commitment. Our team has neither. Because some players - and the U.S. Olympic Committee themselves - are more concerned about the sponsorship of a beer company than playing for the pride of their country.
And no need to look far for goalie Ryan Miller when the mess in over. He’ll be the dazed and confused one wondering where his fat Miller Beer contract went.
Sorry Ryan, nice try, but thems da rules: No prime time air - No big endorsement bucks.
U.S. goalies have been ordered to remove personal slogans from their helmets by the International Ice Hockey Federation for violating IOC rule No. 51 that bars advertising, demonstrations and propaganda.
Ryan Miller was aware of the ban on corporate sponsorship, but painted the slogan “Miller Time” on his newly painted helmet anyway.
“Just having a bit of fun,” Miller said with a wink. Yeah right.
However, there’s another bit of scrawl on Mr. Miller’s helmet that he’s refusing to remove. “Matt Man” is an homage to his cousin Matt Shoals who died of cancer. “I’m going to stand up for that,” Miller vowed.” Well good for you Ryan, that's the kind of spirit we need … go get ‘em tiger!
Is he freaking kidding? Newsflash Ryan! The Olympic Games aren’t about YOU. They’re not about being a billboard for a beer company and they’re not about being a personal shrine for the memory of your family members! You are playing to represent the United States of America. You will have ample time to huck beer and reflect on your cousin’s life in the Pro’s.
But wait! Miller’s immaturity pales next to the position of the U.S. Olympic Committee who’ve made it known they’re not letting this issue go without a fight.
“We’re going to meet with U.S. Hockey tonight.” reported a spokesman from the U.S. governing body. “We don’t know whether it’s a federation issue or a USOC issue.”
Apologies in advance to Dr. Phil. I am STUPIFIED. It's not an 'issue' at all! It's an unnecessary distraction of your own invention - by letting things go this far in the first place. (see above: TOTAL COMMITMENT. further clarification: This does not mean total commitment to the whims selfish interests of a single player.)
After spending four years and countless resources to get our hockey team ready for the Olympics, these bozo’s have decide to dedicate energy "evaluate" the merits of a well established Olympic rule. (see also above: DEDICATED LEADERSHIP. Umm...dedicated meaning to the team's success on the ice.)
Here’s an idea: Instead of trotting out spokesmen, making statements, forming a study group….how about focusing on a strategy to WIN HOCKEY GAMES !
The Real Deal:
At this level of athletics, there is practically no physical difference between the top tier of players. They’re all prodigies. They're all among the world's elite. The only thing that separates winners and losers is mental commitment and focus. Yet the U.S. Olympic Committee and some team players have decided to dilute that focus for the sake of personal interests.
Even one moment sacrificed for the sake of this childishness is lost forever. I'd be willing to bet the Russian hockey team's executive committee isn't squabbling over airbrushed goalie helmets. They might even be using this time to study game films.
Personal note to Ryan Miller: If you do some research you’ll find a picture of a hockey player on Olympic ice named Jim Craig. He’ll be draped in full banner advertising. There’s no actual words on his banner, but you’ll get the point.
And oh yeah, one more thing, about that banner over his shoulder’s…. there’s millions of lives advertised there. Look REAL close.
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Comments
In case you're unaware, the Olympics is supposed to bring nations together in the name of peace. Doesn't always happen that way, but the idea is there.
So I know you can't possibly understand this - because of course we're the good guys - but the "Troops" have killed over one hundred thousand innocent civilians in your competitor's homelands in the past ten years.
Maybe, just in the spirit of these 2 weeks of games, you could tone down your enthusiasm for global warfare. Hmm?