REPLAY!

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Kentucky Derby ReplayOn the TunneySide of Sports May 13, 2019 #743 REPLAY!

After further review… You like video replay? So do I. It is great entertainment! Should it be used in athletic events to determine fouls and/or outcomes? If you watched the 145th Kentucky Derby you may or may not agree with the decision the stewards made. It appeared that Maximum Security won the race by a length and a half. But wait! A complaint was filed against Maximum Security claiming that he moved out of his lane and interfered with other horses.

Chief steward Barbara Borden received an “inquiry” from two jockeys following the finish of this iconic event. Borden conferred with the other two stewards by reviewing the video replay. After 22 minutes of that review, the three stewards unanimously agreed that the #7 horse, Maximum Security, was guilty of “race riding,” which is a racing term for interference. The stewards felt that Maximum Security drifted out of his (yes, he’s a colt), lane and interfered with War of Will as well as affecting other horses at about the quarter pole (some 400 + yards from the finish). Gary West, co-owner of Maximum Security filed an appeal. It was denied!

Save your time, energy and expense, Mr. West. With millions of dollars having been awarded to those who bet on Country House (the awarded winner), there was no way to refund money. Further, millions of dollars had been paid-out in off-track-betting (OTB) as well as online.

My family was in horse racing, so, perhaps I bring a different perspective. My father, Jim Sr., was a steward at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar, California race tracks for over 20 years. My brother, Peter, was the General Manager at Golden Gate Fields (Albany, California) for more than 30 years. Having this background, I found that these thoroughbreds, who weigh in the vicinity of 1500 pounds and race at 40-45 miles per hour “bump” each other at various times in a mile and a quarter race. Further, the 145th derby was run on a “sloppy” track. As these 3-year-olds, each carrying 126 pounds, round turns with jockeys maneuvering their mounts to get into a better position, bumping will occur. It’s called racing luck!

The more interesting question is how do we judge these kinds of fouls: live action or replay? When one looks at replay in slow, slow motion, bumping looks different than in live-action.

Will you comment on the value (or not) of using replay to determine fouls in today’s sports?

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 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more. Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly. These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others. Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

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The Return to Glory

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Tiger Woods wins MastersOn the TunneySide of Sports May 6, 2019 #742 The Return to Glory

After further review… While he won by only one-stroke (he won the 1997 Masters by 12 strokes), his comeback from surgeries and personal transgressions, perhaps is the most incredible sports story of 2019.

When Eldrick Tont, AKA Tiger, Woods came onto the golf scene as a youth – his father Earl introduced him to the game at age 2 – he shot a 48 on the 9-hole Navy course in Cypress, California, where Earl (a retired military) was a member. He defeated his father, a single-digit handicap, at the tender age of eleven. In Tiger’s early youth he appeared on the Mike Douglas TV show being pitted against comedian Bob Hope. Fans fell in love with him immediately!

He was the most dominant junior ever, winning three straight U.S. Junior Amateurs and three straight U.S. Amateurs before turning professional in 1996 where he was “Rookie of the Year”. Fans loved him – and still do. When he won his 14th major championship, many could see him eclipsing the 18 majors of Jack Nicklaus.

Then, personal transgressions occurred. He had tragic events in his marriage to Elin Nordegren, much of his own causing. His personal life overtook his accomplishments on the golf course, physical problems followed. In 2014 he dropped to #58 in world rankings. During the years 2014 and 2017, he had four back surgeries, along with four knee surgeries. His comeback was painful and not immediate. Yet, whenever he appeared on the golf course, he was admired by both fans and fellow competitors.

Linda Tunney, former Executive Director of the AT&T Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association said,  “It was Tiger’s influence that many young kids took up the game of golf.” That remains true today with his comeback at this 2019 Masters as it will again influence young golfers.

As CBS announcer Jim Nantz, broadcasting his 34th Masters said, “This is the best event I’ve ever covered. It’s Tiger’s return to glory.”

Tiger today is a more humane Tiger. However, his intense focus on winning remains. Perhaps his quote following that Masters victory explains his comeback and his humanity: “I can’t thank my family, friends, and fans enough for their support. Having my family by my side today is something I will never forget. To not only be able to play again, but to be able to win again is something I will forever be grateful for. This jacket sure is comfortable.” It was his 5th!

Will you remember who helped you recover from a setback?

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 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more. Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly. These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others. Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

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The NBA – a loooong season!

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Warriors complaining too muchOn the TunneySide of Sports April 29, 2019 #741 The NBA – a loooong season!!

After further review… The National Basketball Association is in the midst of its 2019 playoffs to determine which T*E*A*M will be crowned its 73rd champion. Perhaps you’ve noticed that tempers flare-up! In fact, tempers of players, coaches, and even game officials have been out of control for a month or so. The NBA season started in October 2018 – more than one-half-year –with those mentioned above having been contained in a 50’ x 94 ’ area.

While my interest in basketball started as a youth, it centered mostly on high school and college. I was fortunate to have played and officiated at both levels. Professional basketball was not in my southern California roots in my early years. When the NBA marched toward So. Cal., I took an interest in the Los Angeles Lakers – the Clippers had not yet been created.

My current interest is the Golden State Warriors with their games being televised in my area.  I have been a fan of head coach Steve Kerr, not only because I met him years ago and followed his playing career, but primarily because I admire his coaching style. His success certainly rivals those of Hall of Fame careers.

I am dismayed – albeit disgusted – and have been for much of this season, as well as in previous years, at the constant complaining to game officials. The Warriors are currently a very successful franchise. They are seeking their third consecutive NBA championship. However, if you didn’t know their record of championships, you’d think they had a losing record. Has a target been placed on their backs?

The NBA fined Draymond Green ($35,000), Steph Curry ($25,000) and Kevin Durant ($15,000) for openly criticizing officiating in the Warriors loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves (March 31). These are three of the Warriors best players and respected by opponents and fans throughout the league. Sure, maybe several calls went against the Warriors, but they know that will happen. They need to understand that is part of today’s NBA game.

When you are a losing team, your tempers get short and complaints are somewhat understandable. However, when you win as often as the Warriors do, it is important to maintain poise and confidence no matter how many officials’ calls don’t go in your favor.

Further, and most importantly here, as a winning team, you attract the attention of younger players. The youth admire that you have a high percentage of 3-point shots; how unselfish your teamwork is; how ball movement determines your success; and how much fun you have in playing. Those same admirers also observe your on-court behavior.

Will you comment about how professional players’ attitude and behavior influence youth?

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 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more. Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly. These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others. Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

Posted in Sports, Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Tagged | Leave a comment