After a vacation week where our family trip was cancelled due to Covid, I actually started to get more excited for the Olympics from Tokyo. I admit, a lot of that is NBA related with the men’s basketball team, but the Simone Biles story is one that expands beyond sports. Biles removed herself from competition citing mental health. Biles has been accused of quitting, abandoning her teammates during a critical team event, and much worse by the keyboard warriors. No matter what side you’re on in regards to Biles, the next big change in sports is how an athlete’s mental health is perceived and dealt with by teams, leagues, organizations and fans.
With the discussion now taking place regarding mental health, we will look back five years from now and have more empathy and understanding for how some athletes can get overwhelmed, especially in the individual sports. Hopefully the sports world gets to a point where it’s OK for an athlete to tell someone about how they are feeling and not have it used against them. Our world is changing fast. Remember, no one over the age of 30 has grown up in this cesspool digital generation of instant feedback, acceptance, praise, and criticism. Lots of criticism.
I admit, I’m slightly torn on this. I was coached in a generation that was told to “power through” when you got sad, down, or lost confidence in yourself. And while some athletes can do that, others can’t. And that’s ok too.
--I am HERE for the college football conference shakeup that’s about to happen the next 12 months. Texas and Oklahoma are headed to the SEC. The Big 12 will cease to exist soon and the raiding of their programs has already begun. In the end, we will get five, 16-team super conferences that will rule 11 of the 12 spots in the expanded college football playoff.
--A month ago, I was convinced Cam Newton would start week 1. Now, not so much. Mac Jones has to win the job in preseason, but that door is ajar.
--A report about Red Sox ownership pushing CBO Chaim Bloom to trade for Washington nationals ace Max Scherzer came out of left field on Wednesday. I think it would be irrational, costly, but with Chris Sale coming back could win them a World Series.
--This pro wrestling fan is ‘Takin the Cheese’ on AEW going to the next level because I’m buying that Bryan Danielson and C.M. Punk both end up there.
--With our cancelled trip, my wife and I went to the NASCAR races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. I’m still amazed that you can BYOB to the race. God bless racin’.
--The NBA draft is tonight. Huh.
--Aaron Rodgers DGAF. His press conference Wednesday was something to behold. A frustrated guy who is being petty. But he’s so good, his next team will kiss his ass and deal with that part of his personality.
--For those who listen to ‘Gresh & Keefe’, yes. I am that picky an eater. FORMER FAT GUY NOTE: Sour cream is disgusting.
--I am just starting to get into this season of ‘Big Brother’ on CBS. 3 early houseguest thoughts. Sarah Beth will go far. Tiffany has big influence right now and I think it will come back on her some point soon. And I haven’t figured out Derek Frazier yet. Derek Frazier is the son of ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier.
--Thanks to Rob Bradford for allowing me to spew my B.S. each week.
Gresh is co-host of ‘Gresh & Keefe’ 10a-2p, Monday-Friday on the WEEI Sportsradio Network. He is also co-author of ‘The Great Book of Boston Sports Lists’