​Soccer, besides being a feeble sport, is a forgiving one. Boa Esporte has signed a goalie who had his secret lover tortured, cut up, and fed to his Rottweilers, to a two-year deal.  Should be no shock: Bruno Fernandes de Souza, who spent six years in jail for this atrocity, says he’s not a bad guy...adding, he’s got a clear conscience.

OK.

The soccer club, in inking this former captain, this ingrate, didn’t mention his ordering his mistress’s murder, but did stress the “dignity of work.” They also did not give kudos to a cousin of his whom, reportedly, gave Bruno up. Apparently Boa Esporte’s credo of work-and-toil outweighs unbelievable evil, and apparently Boa’s emphasis on an honest day’s work IS the cure-all for criminality on a colossal scale.  

OK.

Eliza Samudio didn’t want to abort Bruno’s baby to be, so, between being tortured and fed to his pet dogs, she was strangled, and beaten. Her undigested parts were later entombed in concrete. (Forensic remains are nowhere to be found but authorities are pretty sure she’s dead.)

It’s hard to believe this man was a quality goalkeeper, worthy of consideration for the Brazilian 2014 World Cup squad. He probably had money. But child support arguments drove him to arrange for her death. In fairness to Souza, he wasn’t the only one charged. His wife, an ex-cop, and five other immoral individuals were also booked. Does this make this better or worse?

Moving along...

So, should the world admire Boa Esporte for its act of forgiveness, or abhor it, for its act of depravity? Before we address that question, let’s ask how Bruno only served six years for his malicious crime. What’s with Brazil’s Federal Constitution legal framework? Well, it appears that country’s legal system, like most worldwide, seems to slide and slither, and resultantly screw with the sentient sensibilities of its local society, on technicalities and minutiae. He was originally sentenced to 22 years (a soft penance, considering his crime, if there ever was one) when his lawyer(s) cast light on one factor: the courts had not ruled on his appeal.

So he was released. But he’s not completely in the clear – at least in his own mind. In fact, he’s somewhat indignant, if these words have been translated accurately, when he complained: “people run from me because of what happened in the past.” Really, what’s not to like about a guy who turned up the music several notches, at a weekend retreat he and his wife visited, so his victim's cries of pain would not be heard?

So, perhaps the Brazilian legal system, so remiss in hearing his judicial plea and plight, should arrange free counseling and therapy for the 32-year old. And perhaps, too, the world, after learning of Boa Esporte’s unbelievable act of acceptance of this dickweed-DEVIL, should arrange free counseling and therapy for that club’s president, Rone Moraes da Costa who has smugly pontificated:

“In Brazil we do not condemn people to death or to prison forever. Therefore, when a prisoner is released, they can find means of forming part of society...”

And perhaps, finally, the universe should tele-transport team owner, Rafael Gois Silva Xavier, to another alternate dimension, far, far away from all living beings...as the owner believes “...He deserves another opportunity.”

Must our global society muddle on without any standards at all, moral or otherwise? Must moral relativism rule the planet here and for evermore? What possible lessons can be passed down to our children from this woeful tale?

No answer(s) for the above questions.

Boa Esporte has been plying its trade in Varginha, a town a smidgen north and west of Rio. It is known for coffee exportation and for – and this isn’t BS – UFO’s (two sighted to date) flittering about. So the town is already jacked on caffeine and whacked on weirdness so it’s no shock, then, that Bruno should fit right in...

Yet, as it so happens, the team - before Bruno, committed his heinous act - had plans to move back to an earlier hometown, Ituiutaba - a town know for cattle production, a burb a bit more north and west of Rio, a bit more into the boonies, where...perhaps...the palpable protests from other parts of Brazil (good grief, Chapecoense, whose team was decimated in a plane crash en route to Colombia, must be literally cringing at such an ugly public turn of events for the reputation of Brazilian soccer specifically, and that country’s mores, generally) over this club’s nonchalance and insouciance in hiring THIS DOG of a MAN - will be muted...

Is this a story of redemption? It doesn’t appear so, because Bruno seems more concerned about getting the old career on track than he does with getting his ethical essences in order. Is it a story of blind stupidity? Could be. Boa Esporte seems, with this employee acquisition, stupider than a sloth willingly entering a spelling bee contest for grade six brainiacs - but stupid or dim, or dull, or dense doesn’t quite fit the gamut and girth of what this happening entails.

No, it seems to be a story of willful negligence, of across-the-board-and-bored cynical malevolence on the part of the disgusting goalie and the repulsive professional outfit that hired him. It’s a sick story – with no good ending, with a no moral of the story, no it’s worse than that – it’s a story where we had better not pass judgment given de Souza's head space with the whole thing. He was heard to have said to the Guardian Media:
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“DUDE, WHAT HAPPENED, HAPPENED.”

​Only an institution as stupid as a school would ban kids from playing tag. Kids could get hurt so California’s Gold Ridge Elementary School nixed it. And given that the school is located in the city of Folsom, perhaps tyke transgressors will be sent to Folsom State Prison for a look see at what might become of them if they, you know, push, shove, trip, slap, or tap another child a bit too hard for the school brass’s liking.

But before Gold Ridge sends ‘em to the slammer they’ll brandish these barbs:
“If a student breaks the rule, they’ll receive a warning, then a referral and then a parent-teacher conference...”

Firstly, everybody understands a warning. Secondly, if a referral means snitching – well, is it ok to ask - - - just why do kids get tattletaled on – when illegal aliens in the state of California do not? Lastly, isn’t it a bit over the top to hold a conference just because one kid tried to tag another in the school yard? A conference? Why not go whole hog and hold a summit?

Can’t the school see the benefits of tag? It’s been around for ages, requires no equipment, keeps the kids active, and is usually a lot of fun.

In the USA there has been at least one death from playing tag. Back in 2008 a 10-year old boy in Nebraska died when a small piece of metal impaled in his skull. But as tragic as that was for the kid, his family, and friends he was playing with – one death out of a zillion instances of participating in “you’re it!” sounds like a pretty good safety-to-fatality ratio, especially if, as has been opined, one Alfred J. Tag, an Oxford University professor in 1913 created the game...That’s a lot of non-deaths for a sport now considered ban worthy.

Gold Ridge is but one educational institution. But stupidity did not originate, when it comes to tag, there. Consider the case of the US National Association for Sport and Physical Education which declares that, among other features, tag must incorporate “cooperation” into its realm.

So, one sentient in matters and manners of tag, might presume, if cooperation is essential, that those being chased by the person who is tagged, must immediately go along to get along - cooperate - and sit down or stand still – so they can immediately be touched and thereby tagged. Perhaps a sitting circle, where the person next to you, tags you, working clockwise or counterclockwise, would work best for such an idiotic idea.

Gold Ridge has a district spokesperson, Daniel Thigpen. He revealed the true dumb rationale behind banning tag. Paraphrasing his words:“specific behaviour problems need specific solutions.”

BUT, Daniel, a GENERAL, ACROSS-THE-BOARD nullification of a kiddie activity is not specific solution, duh.
 
In fairness to sub-national entity, California, and civic-municipal entity, Folsom, they’re not the first political clusters to ham-handidly and haphazardly rule out kids having fun. In Toronto Ontario, a few years back, the Earl Beatty public school totally banned balls. Parents with some balls of their own vehemently protested this asinine act and the school sheepishly brought back balls of the nerf, tennis, and basketball varieties.

But let’s, for a moment, tag and slag - you’re it – on Principal David Frankel - for his welcoming message that (click the link above, or take this writer’s word for it) showed a surfeit of euphemisms, and a  pomposity of verbosity.

He also, perhaps unknowingly – let’s not kick the can with this fellow completely - revealed just how rank and low standards go for teaching standards at Gold Ridge Elementary when he said: “Gold Ridge is fortunate to have an experienced, dedicated, and professional staff.”

Note to David; it should not be “fortunate” to have these qualities with your staff, it should be de rigueur.

Back to bans. Some bans – or very strict supervision – on child activities - make sense. For example, trampolines yield a far greater ratio of spine and head injuries to youngsters than do playing sports like soccer. (And apparently 60% of injuries occur while landing ON, not off, the trampoline. So even strict spotter supervision is inadequate...)

But other bans, such as Weber Middle School of NY State banning cartwheels, unless a coach watches over the budding gymnast, make no sense. (And note - this is a middle school, not an elementary one.)

In other jurisdictions kids’ antics such as red Rover have been kyboshed and even the rather sedentary, but oh so fun and, yes, somewhat competitive, Musical Chairs – has come under scrutiny for lack of inclusiveness.

Life has risks. Part of growing up is in taking risks. Yes, kids get hurt, break bones, suffer sprains, even worse sometimes. But to ban for all, an activity because a few get hurt, is ludicrous.

Perhaps, though, some of these schools aren’t interested in so much as putting a protective wrap around their young because of safety concerns as they are but, instead, coddling them in safe-zones to protect their schools from lawsuits from hellish-helicopter parents of Johnny or Susie when they invariably demand a pound of fiscal flesh because their kid fell off the swing or slide - or whatever. If so, that’s unfortunate.

But, generally speaking, for a school, principal, or teacher, to be liable for a law suit – they must have shown negligence. And, generally speaking, for the parents of a child who injured another child to be eligible, to be sued successfully, it must be proved that their kid willfully and maliciously intended to hurt the victim.
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Hey! But let’s leave the law and lawyering for another day, save for this thought: if ONE SPECIFIC lawyer action – behavior - causes needless pain and nonsensical injury, let’s ban ALL lawyers...

​Let's tag them.

​Arnold Palmer is golfing’s god. And mere, though magnificent, mortals Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson aren't playing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational? WTF?

This will be its first running since Arnold’s passing and these stars, perhaps for reasons of scheduling conflicts, an aversion to the course, or other tribulations, well, let’s hope they rue and regret their decisions – once they think, for a moment, or for a year, what “The King’s” overall impact on the game of golf has been.

Spieth, Johnson, and Mickelson wouldn’t be playing for the purses they do, if not for Arnie, and heck, might not have even taken up the sport if not for Arnie’s army – and Palmer, plus Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus  put the game on the map – so guys, you should have connected the dots and shown up on the spot on Thursday March 16th at Bay Hill.

Arnold’s death was world news. Tributes flowed and deservedly so for Palmer, and though he wasn’t as great as the Golden Bear or Tiger were – he was undoubtedly, thanks to his charisma, thoughtfulness, and bold play – making golf known, and popular, to the masses.

Look, it’s hard to cite and call out Spieth and Mickelson – they’re good guys. And Dustin Johnson, the current number one, while perhaps not as media friendly and likeable as even-keel Jordan and ever-smiling Phil, does give back to the game with his foundation, which backs kids and teens in their quest to learn and play the game.

Yet, guys come on, where was your perspective?

This is Arnold we are talking here. 

Spieth is a student of the game, knows its roots and historical impact – witness him playing in garb and gear worn by one Scot, Mr. Tommy Morris to celebrate that golfing prodigy from the 1800’s... Jordan, couldn't you have juggled the difficult tour schedule – one that Ernie Els, who will appear for the 22nd time in Arnie’s tournament, feels was THE culprit for the no shows – and played?

Defending champion, Jason Day, not surprisingly, will play...Rory McIlroy will too, and John Daly, thanks to a sponsor exemption, is also confirmed to play - or put on some kind of show!

Tiger also wanted to play, regrets that he can’t, but he’s got a legitimate reason – his body (back) won’t let him.

The biggest excuse is that these professionals might be playing four to five weeks in a row – and that grind may chew them up. Thus the API loses top players.

Folks - top players - this isn’t mixed martial arts, it's GOLF.

For the big and best kids on the block it’s not like they’re living out of suitcases, sleeping in the back seat of their hand-me-down-A-to-B beater, scratching and scraping to qualify. Surely they could have found the inner fortitude to tough it out and play for Arnie and yes, even if that screwed up their preparation for the Masters – the year’s first major – they should have taken the chance and respected Mr. Palmer as the MAJOR factor in golf’s popularity.

Spieth, however, marches to his own drummer. He declined to play for the USA in the Rio Olympics. (By the way, 9-time Major winner, Gary Player, with his killer 15 million miles world-travel touring schedule in his heyday up until now, has gotta be shaking his head at tour scheduling potential problems.)
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Of the three perhaps Mickelson, assuming there was no dire family, personal, or caddy (Jim Mackay - “Bones” - had to quickly withdraw from the bag in Mexico leaving brother, Tim Mickelson, to pick up the slack and clubs) reasons to not play - - - should have played.

Unlike Johnson, who has won the Genesis Open this February and the WGC-Mexico this early March, and who wants a second major...and unlike Spieth, who has carved himself out an almost approaching Tiger-like comparable extraordinary career at 23 – they are the only two to have won 9 PGA tournaments before turning 24 (post 2nd World War) - and who probably wants to focus on Augusta to make up for his back nine catastrophic collapse leading to Danny Willett’s win last year – Phil is past his prime. He’s still great, he finished in T7th in Mexico, but he’s basically, for the most part, shot his bolt. Could have bit the bullet and done it for Arnie...

Besides, Phil, you need to focus on winning the US Open to get your majors grand slam. So you could have played the API and worried not how it would have affected your game at Augusta in April.

As for Arnold Palmer, named THE ATHLETE of the DECADE for the ‘60’s in a national Associated Press survey, and whose swing from the tee was never pretty but whose stance on, and for, the game was as sweet and strong as it gets - would probably be peeved, but would have risen above that and shown the public that genial, classy outlook that his followers recognize and love.

But he’s not here to defend his name and his tournament – wherein he INVITES the players to participate. The top pros, in missing this event, didn't stick up for Palmer, and didn't support by attending, recognition and respect for all he’s done for the game.
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Should have been an easy decision. For each player, this shouldn’t have been about them; it should have been about putting their problems, peccadilloes, and particulars aside and properly putting Arnie on a pedestal while playing. You know he’s, for now and ever, golf’s greatest attribute.

Those missing stars: get a grip.

​MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre is returning to battle after 3+ years. Is this wise? He’s got the titles, the money, the fame, is thought of as a class act – and he risks his health and hale name, for what? And why?

And he’s not working his way back to elite form fighting tomato cans. He starts scrapping at the top, facing UFC middleweight champion, Michael Bisping, this year. And St-Pierre would be moving up one heavier weight class to boot. Michael loves that factor. Neither are spring chickens. St-Pierre is 35; Bisping is 38.

It was back in December 2013 that Georges decided to walk away from mixed martial arts, wanting a “normal life.” One supposes the normal life - for Georges training, teaching, and travelling all over the world, was too pedestrian, too humdrum, and so he’s coming back. But will he, having not fought competitively for 42+ months hurt his chances - forget success and winning - to surviving: mentally and physically, health somewhat intact?

A big reason for vacating his welterweight title was his inability to sleep at night. He sounded like he was one burnt-out warrior. When sleep doesn’t come easy to a man whose physical conditioning is always near peak, when your body should naturally go to sleep from a happy, well deserved exhaustion, that body is telling you: take a different path.

But now he’s back on warpath. And his news conference with Bisping, the latter who showed up 30 minutes late, pissing off Dana White, President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, on Friday March 3rd, confirms it. Like any fight contestants, they traded the requisite insults jabbing at the other's mental and physical toughness and bravery – with Bisping, once arriving, telling George “to shut the f—k up” but GSP had one huge new truth for his fans (after accusing Bisping of still being drunk from the previous evening)

He’s overhauling his fighting style.

He talks of a new GSP fighting version.

But is it possible to recreate oneself after so many years of doing things a certain way? Can an old dog learn new tricks? He says he’s striving for the ultimate combination “the perfect peak” of athleticism, knowledge, and wisdom.

Undoubtedly he’s talked all of this through with his management and training team(s). They all know he came back in 2012 after an 18 month layoff due to injury - but that was 5 years ago. Gotta wonder, however, what the coterie’s final vote was. And do they want this to happen for Georges’s sake - or do they have their own personal, career motives in play here too? For in helping George fight 15 world title fights (out of 27 bouts – with 25 wins and 2 losses) they were also at the apex(s) of their crafts...

So, for better or worse, GSP is returning to the cage. He doesn’t seem completely driven by ego in deciding this. Sure, he’s driven to success but one gets the feeling it is for the sport and not so much for his vanity. Heck, on his way up the ladder he worked as a garbage man, hardly a job for a bloke concerned about “appearances.” Thus his comeback could be seen as one based on the sport and not on the self.

Ok, he’s got a bit of an ego. Ok, maybe a lot of an ego. He says the fact that his comeback attempt has never been done before excites and motivates him.

You know, Georges, aka “Rush”, if you want a meaningful, motivational role in the sport, why not act as its better angel, its conscious? Perhaps you could look into allegations of illegal doping within it. You’ve called it “...a freaking joke.” Might you be able to clear things up? (This is not to say St-Pierre isn’t against additives. He takes supplements). And, if another idea is needed, why not continue with your charity work like your prior deeds with CIBC and children’s charities in Canada, for example?

Back to the nitty-gritty. He returns with a multi-fight contract negotiated with UFC with his first contest slated for July 2017, during International Fight Week, in Las Vegas. UFC President White’s pleased – he refers to GSP as “The King of Pay-Per-View.”

Anyway...Both fighters are getting a pretty payday with this battle.

Before he quit, Georges had won 12 in a row. Bisping says Georges misses this kind of limelight. Let’s assume Bisping’s correct. And here’s another big; WHY? If Georges comes back, and gets his pre-fight build up of fame and adoration, then muffs the fight – he’ll forever be known as the guy WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE COME BACK. That’s a legacy nobody would want. Obviously he’s willing to take that risk to his reputation, heading into the Octagon, back to fighting it out in 750 square feet of testosterone-filled space; it’s basically back to the future for GSP. Let’s hope he doesn’t end up flat on his back.

Bisping, for his part, is 30-7 with 16 knockouts...He’s won his last 5 fights. And Bisping’s gotta win - the pressure’s all on him because if he loses, his detractors will rip him, saying he couldn’t even beat a guy coming back from a 3 year hiatus. Michael is also coming back from having a knee “cleaned up” with a torn meniscus...but he’s full of confidence, bravado - for sure, BS at least - when he declared he could go out on an all-night bender and still beat GSP the next day.

Benders or no benders, currently GSP is the betting favorite to beat Bisping...
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But this is a sure bet. Whoever loses will have his career bend – and will have his character be bent out of shape for good.