A tragic story that won't likely change a thing

Another athlete lies perilously close to death today after a snowmoblile crash at a made-for-TV competition where young men and women push themsevles to untold limits in seach of, well, in search of a lot of things.

The young man’s name is Caleb Moore, many of you have likely never heard of him (I hadn’t until yesterday), and enough of his story is here for you to catch up on.

It seems far too often that we’re reading this sort of thing but it’s probably got to do with evolution of our games, the youthful exuberance of some athletes and the lust of some TV viewers and spectators for drama.

One thing we have learned over the years is that people will push themselves and many wll always; most will marvel at every extra revolution, every added spin or somersault or move of gravity-defying trickery.

The old “games” are not good enough for some, they do not provide the rush, they are too mainstream, they are seen as boring.

So what do we get?

Twenty-somethings and even teenagers trying to find fame and notoriety and fortune, to do something no one’s ever done or do something that’s been done better than it’s ever been.

They know the dangers, they know the risks to life and limb, and they willingly accept them.

I don’t get it but I’m not supposed to understand it and neither are you; I get the sense these youngsters are simply wired differently than many, either the old fogies who basically ignore what they do or the kids who live vicariously through their exploits.

And we can shake our heads sadly at stories like Moore’s and wonder why but the why is the basic attempt to reach levels never reached before.

I don’t think there is blame to ascribe in this story or any of the others we read, seemingly annually.

ESPN, which basically invented the X Games becuase it was going to be that network’s Olympics, has made what seems like a good business decision by marketing it.

The fans who watch, watch with genuine interest to see exploits they’ve never seen before; it’s trite to suggest they are interested only for the off-chance they’ll see some crash, just as it’s trite and simplistic to say people only watch car racing to see wrecks. The fans understand what they’re seeing and appreciate it for what it is.

The athletes? They are fully aware of the dangers, of the consequences of their actions but that’s what makes them special, isn’t it? Isn’t their willingness to take those risks what makes them stand out from others?

No, there is no blame and no responsibility to be doled out in accidents like the one which befell Moore.

It is a sad story and a tragedy that a 25-year-old should be clinging to live simply because he was plying his craft.

We may very well mourn his passing, just as we’ve mourned the other young lives snuffed out in the name of athletic competition.

And people will continue to watch.

-

Delta!!!!

And the intonation, which you can't get from the written word, is this:

Anyway, I knew there was a reason I had blocked that airline out of my mind. It's the one that made me sit through about a SEVEN FREAKING HOUR DELAY IN SACRAMENTO EARLIER THIS YEAR!

And how do I remember this?

Because the same disembodied robo-voice that kept calling me that day in Sacramento to tell me I was screwed called a few times yesterday as I sat out an hour delay -- for no clearly stated reason, of course -- in my flight to Atlanta.

And if you have to spend a second longer than is absolutely necessary in the Seventh Circle of Hell, er, I mean the US departure side of Terminal 3 at Pearson, the day gets progressively worse.

-

I have no idea how my mind works the way it works, I honestly don’t.

But a comment the other day about the variety of things we do here in the music vein got me thinking.

And this is where it ended up.

Go figure. But this is really nice.

-

Airport rules that go into effect the second I Am Put In Charge Of

Everything (and that day is coming)

Anyone wanting to watch video on their phones who don't use headphones shall be banished. I don't care where they are banished to but I think some tiny Arctic island inhabited entirely by like-minded people would be suitable.

-

The Raptors did not trade for Rudy Gay yesterday.

That would be the extent of any "update" because even a suggestion that, perhaps, maybe, possibly some third or fourth team might perhaps be involved is another of those due diligence issues that happen.

All I know is that the trade deadline is three weeks from tomrorow and it really can’t come soon enough, either for something significant to happen or for it to come and go accompanied by yawns.

-

Things I don't recall ever hearing In a lobby bar that's showing Wisconsin-Ohio State basketball game on it's only TV and a couple of us are paying marginal attention since it's college basketball with a 4-minute shotclock and marginal talent:

New guy to bartender:

Can you change the channel?

Bartender to us:

You mind?

Us to both of 'em

Nah, what else is on?

New guy

I'd like to watch a soccer game. It's US-Canada in an international friendly

Me to anyone who'd listen

Another Stella, please

-

Okay, I see what the Tall Foreheads have been up to: inventing a new look for our website.

What do you think?

And one part of it is trying to reconfigure the mail system for here, we’re getting an askdoug@thestar.ca thing going but I can’t access it yet so I have no clue if you’ve been sending stuff there.

But I will get it so keep trying and we’ll have the usual probing questions and your deep, dark secret thoughts here on the weekend.

Good luck. And let us know about the new look, will you?

-

 

 

 

Comments

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:
Two things:
1) I'm not crazy about the new look, but that may simply be because I'm used to the old look. However, I did find it harder to 'scroll' through headlines to see if there were any stories I might be interested in.

2) I have a question about the Rudy Gay trade: I have the chance to provide what MIGHT be an upgrade to the radio in my Not Too Smelly Chevy Aveo. The problem is, I would have to give up my rear axle to do so. Do you think it's worth it? I know that I wouldn't be able to go anywhere, but at least I could sit in my car and listen to what might be a better sounding radio. Should I do it?

Blogger's note: Depends on the station :)

[Hope Caper]

OK Dough duly noted about Delta and the website. If I travel Delta is out and the website looks good. I have been reading a bit about the Gay trade and I have to say if there is any truth to it then BC is done as GM or should be. However as you have pointed out it is all theory and speculation so will save the vitriol and expunge it through a walk or some other form of diversion. Have a good trip south. We are preparing for another storm in the maritimes. Pardon me if I don't sound overly enthusiastic about your adventure in warmer climes.
None the less, safe journey and love the blog.

[Rob H]

Hey Doug,
I don't comment that often, but THE NEW LAYOUT IS AWESOME!

[Jeff H]

New front page is way too busy in my opinion.

oh and if you like of Monsters and Men check out "Hey Ho" by the Luminieres.

[jwss]

Normally I would take your advice about ignoring the Gay trade rumors, but in this case it's Marc Stein and Adrian Wojnarowski pushing the story about the Raptors' enthusiasm for getting this done. And these two gentlemen you have previously identified as possibly the best connected journalists covering the NBA.

Blogger's note: That there's interest is weeks and weeks and weeks old

[RC]

What are the league rules about possible concussions? In the Golden State game, Amir hit his head on the floor when Lee landed on him and was clearly having issues when he was sitting on the bench afterwards. Did he have to go through some medical tests for a concussion?

Blogger's note: Nope

[MC_Brad]

Doug, where is your fancy new picture? That classic pouty look up at the camera over your left shoulder thingy that all the other writers agreed to do...

[sam]

I like the new look, but struggled to find the link to get to your blog.
Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough....
The small type on my screen could be the culprit, however, the columnists Feschuk, Not Grace, Damian and Griff have strong representation on the sports front page...A twitter feed. How about a big box with your smiling mug on it.....
That would save the early morning eye strain.....

[Jim]

Hi Doug, I'm a long-time reader and fan of yours, but I don't understand why the 3 weeks leading up to the trade deadline will be accompanied by yawns (from your end). I mean, this is a team without a star, and it looks like they're trying to get one. The best thing about Colangelo is he's not afraid to swing for the fences, which is why I find this time so exciting.

I just think it's odd you are trying to temper everyone's excitement for the team you are covering.

Blogger's note: Mostly because I've covered it for 18 seasons and a vast majority of them are horribly boring and filled with unsubstantiated crap at this time of year

[Colin K]

No to Rudy Gay. There is no way that this team performs better after losing the players BC is in line to lose just to get that guy. c'mon. Every fan is seeing this. A lot of pundits are saying it. So what are we all missing here? Maybe there's a verbal agreement to bring Jose back this summer? That is the only thing I can think of.

[joeu]

Good morning Doug,

Caleb Moore : my one thought is that every sport owes a duty of care and consistent safety to their athletes; Steroids, concussions, dangerous contact, safe course design, medical response. I think that the major pro leagues have spotty records at best, and I don't have any context for Mr Moore's sport.

The new look ... the problem with change is that there's a learning curve to figure out how to work the site search, and how to visually scan the content. That aside, I see that there's a "My Star" panel; that could be useful. It looks pretty functional, and The Star has done well in the past. As long as there aren't auto-playing videos, I'll be happy.

"Delta", rhymes with "Kaaahn" or "Stella" ?

[Peter]

New website? It looks up to date. It will take some getting used to, but I think I like it.

[Stuart in Halifax/Dartmouth]

Hello Doug,
as the talk radio saying goes, long time listener 1st time caller...anyways, will have to get used to the new look but I'm sure it will be fine...one question though, how the heck do I find your blog (without going through Google as I just did)? I couldn't find it along the side or in the Raptors/B-Ball section...though my wife does insist I'm blind...thanks in advance (I'll hang up and listen for your answer).
Cheers,
Stuart

Blogger's note: A glitch to be worked out

[nasko]

Hey Doug,
It is hard to ignore the rumours. I surely hope BCo stays the course and does not gut his team yet again. There has been way too many changes of his plans since he got the team. This team with or without Rudy Gay is what it is, a team fighting for the 8th spot. Let the players develop, develop a bond and evaluate it then. Ignoring the first 20 games they have played hard and entertaining basketball. Let'em play

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Maybe it's the changes there, maybe it's just age, but I find it harder to read the font in today's blog than I did yesterday.

Ciao amigo,

marc in panama

[Dave]

Hi Doug...the new setup looks O.K., but the font and font size on your blog are a step backwards. Never been a fan of Times Roman, and despite having my page setting at 125% its still too small to read easily.

[DaveB]

I access your blog through the RSS feed. I was wondering what was wrong when it came up this morning. The font is very small for someone like me with reduced eyesight. I did make it bigger but it is still difficult to read. Overall, I am not a fan of the new look, That is another way to say I don't like it at all.

There seems to be enough reports about the Gay trade that there must be some activity. It's the old "where there's smoke, there's fire". If the Raps give up anyone other than Kleiza and Pietrus for him they are giving up too much. His ridiculous contract would handicap the New GM for years. I don't understand the love for Gay and I really hope it doesn't happen.

Blogger's note: There's been activity for weeks. All duly reported

[Brad B.]

I like the smaller font size and use of serifs in the new design. it makes it easier to read and packs in more information requiring less scrolling.

So Doug, what would it take to convert you to a soccer fan? Granted the Canada-US friendly was a meeting of their B-teams, but the beautifl game is truely that when you watch top-tier teams.

Blogger's note: I actually quite enjoy world-class international soccer very much

[Brad B.]

Doug, I wanted to ask this question for the weekend Q&A, but I'm not sure where to send it now, so I'll just post it here if you want to answer on the weekend.

John Chick over at cbc.ca suggests the Raptors should deliberately tank the 2014 season to try and land first pick to take Andrew Wiggins. That just sticks me the wrong way, but he makes a good point that the Raptors seem to be stuck in mediocrity. What do you think they still require to make them title contenders?

Blogger's note: Older, better players

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

Interesting point regarding Caleb Moore, but what scares me most is the amount of marketing a certain camera company is doing with the tag line "be a hero" on the ESPN website. How many kids are going to change or end their life trying to capture some crazy stunt that they have not adequately prepared for so they can upload their "hero" moments to YouTube.
+
I would like to second the motion put forth by HopeCaper, if BC makes the suggested / rumored Gay move he needs to go. Please lets avoid the sort of lateral moves that trade potential futures for guys who only seem to distinguish themselves when the spirit moves them that has characterized the Leafs for so many years. We want better, not different. I just don't see how Gay makes them better.
+
The second you are put in charge of everything, Doug? Don't give yourself airs, Scarlett.

[sportsbabel]

On "extremism" in sports, see also: getting devoured by lions in front of thousands at the Coliseum way back when and that strange biology experiment we call the NFL today. The violent stakes are not new to the crazy kids wearing colorful baggy clothes, they just modulate with the political economy of the times.

[Boko]

WOW - those Celtic Women sure can sing! It sent shivers through me. Goosebumps galore. Well done.

No to Rudy Gay if Ed, DeMar, Jonas or Terrance are included. Amir and José are borderline. Yes, if Andrea and Kyle are included.

[Mr. McGoo]

Little-ass font and 2 pt. type is very hard to read on a hand held device.

[Mike D]

New web site format is OK to look at but it seems to load more slowly, which is a pain when the menu (such as the link to Blogs) is now at the bottom of the page. Fortunately the URL of your blog, which I have saved as a favourite, hasn't changed so I can still get there without going through the front page.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

About the new look? Different, but does that make it better? Yawn.
Cheers. Go Raps!