The Dead Zone

The sporting calendar has become so incredibly crowded, with virtually every sport accused of playing too many games and having a schedule that's too long, that its rare to find a time when there's not that much going on.

Well, this is that time.

Calling mid-August the dead zone on the sports calendar might be stretching it a bit, but it's not unreasonable to say that for a Torontonian, or even a Canadian, this is a time of year when one's mind could drift away to contemplate larger questions of life and not miss a whole lot.

Okay, you might miss Barry Bonds hitting No. 756. But that's happening on West Coast time, the TV numbers are down, Bonds is a character few adore and this is a mark, quite frankly, that has been set to topple for weeks now.

There's no suprise factor here at all.

We've got the Canadian tennis tourneys, this week in Montreal for the men, next week in Toronto for the women. No matter how much these events try to pump themselves up, however, they're seen as second- or third-tier events on their respective tours. Moreover, it'll be interesting to see just how many highly-ranked women actually show up next week at the Rexall Centre. In Montreal, unless Frank Dancevic goes on a run, it seems unlikely the tournament will create shock waves from coast to coast to coast, particularly if a Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal final doesn't come to pass.

The Blue Jays sort of seem to want to get involved in the wild card race, but not really. The CFL season is just getting rolling and the Argos don't have a quarterback (or do they?). Maybe as we get into September this Jesse Lumsden story really starts to get legs, but we'll see.

NFL pre-season - yuk - has started, NHL teams have pretty much set their rosters and the Raptors are getting set to take their roundball circus on a European tour. The PGA Championship, the least interesting major on the golf tour, is about to start.

Before we know it, of course, NHL training camps will be opening, baseball's pennant races will be heating up, tennis will have the U.S. Open on centre stage, the CFL will be hitting the Labour Day turn and the NFL schedule will be underway.

So take a breath while you can.

Comments

[Jym O'Malley]

Even when you write about nothing happening (as in the Dog Days of Summer), it's amusing, perceptive & makes worthwhile reading. Sort of like Seinfeld, i think: Nothing happening, but nevertheless, all the usual interesting thot process(es.)

i always look forward to yr columns.

Thank you.

jym o

[Reds!]

What about TFC?!?

[Vava]

The TFC comment is valid, though mitigated by their terrible play. Damien, let's not forget that the world does not revolve around Toronto, as hard as that is to believe. There something worthy of interest going on all over the place.

[Alexintoronto]

Come on!
Seriously?

Watch this and tell me there is no sport going on in Toronto that is worthwhile.

You just get less and less insightful - if that's even possible. Go try reading a Doug Smith column or 2 and see if you learn anything.

Toronto FC - the best thing to happen to the Toronto Sports scene this century!

[Azerban]

Toronto FC has been the best "sports" thing to hit this city since the Maple Leafs and it doesn't even get a mention. Finger right on the pulse of this community, I see.

[Craig Leslie]

I can't believe you're not mentioning Toronto FC! We just hosted the LA Galaxy with bench-warmer Beckham in tow, and have 3 more games lined up for this month!

I don't understand the Toronto sports media at times. You've got the inaugural season of Toronto FC playing at BMO Field in the very heart of the city, yet despite it's rabid fans and eventful season thus far, not even a single mention.

You've really got to get back in touch with your readers, Damien.

[Colin Hughes]

The Dead Zone must refer to that part of your brain that you used to write this "article".

What is the most popular sport in the world? Let me fill you in since you're in a dead zone. Football! (or Soccer here in North America) I'm not sure if you realize it but 20,000+ screaming TORONTO FC fans show up to cheer on their home team. Some of them even go out of their way to travel to other cities to show their support. They spend their hard earned cash celebrating the fact that we have a professional team in this city; a team that has a strong following, not just in this city, not just in this country and not just on this continent.

If you honestly think there are no major professional sporting events currently capturing the hearts of Torontonians and others then I think you need to get out the defibrillators for your brain and open your eyes to what's actually happening.

Colin...

[Paul]

hmmmm, have to disagree with this. Have you been to a Toronto FC game yet?

Not really considering either the Jays or the Argos just makes me think that what you are really saying is that there are no "winning" sporting events in the city right now. I don't think that the Leafs are going to help you out.

[Roach]

I guess since your a hockey columnist you must be hibernating. All the other Sports columnist have noticed a sport called soccer (football) and a team called tfc. If you need more information read the Toronto Star sports section....

[Frank A]

Seriously the media is trying really hard to hide away from MLS soccer, is Toronto FC not playing good enough to be mentioned on your article? I mean TFC is important to Toronto they sell out every game already have a 2 year season seat waiting list and yet get no respect at all. We didn't come for Beckham we came for soccer and we are getting it. This has been my most favorite of sports season's ever. I will never spend over $100 to see the leafs again. TFC is amazing!!!

[Chris]

Does the dead zone refer to the space between your ears? When you say nothing is happening sports-wise, do you mean nothing in the sports that you follow? Here is a chance to ensure that a Toronto team gets support and you fail to mention their successful inaugural season that will be in full swing during this exact same period. I hope you aren't like the rest of the sports fans in Toronto that jumped on the Raptor bandwagon well after it was under way. It was annoying to the rest of us that supported the team from the start as we are doing now with Toronto FC.

[Dom Gaetano]

What about the team that play's down at BMO Field?

You know.... Toronto FC. Sold out for the season with 20 000 crazy fans.

You might have heard about them

[rdroze]

I know most of you sports media types are anti-soccer, but really, why is it so necessary to completely ignore Toronto FC? Sure, they're not in the playoff hunt, but last Sunday's game was an enthralling evening of sport, even without that rich and famous guy setting foot on the field.

[Martin]

I am wondering if over 20,000 people every weekend there is a Toronto FC home game feel the same way. I have a feeling, that as great of a journalist you are, you have missed the absolute obvious. The soccer scene in Canada has grown rather quickly this year, all to do with both the great work put together by the Toronto FC franchise and its supporter groups, and the Under 20 World Cup which sold out a majority of its Toronto stops. Yes soccer is not an every day event, or one that occurs about five times a week, like Blue Jays baseball, but to say that August is a dry month for sports in the city is a little harsh.

[sackman]

Hey Cox, you should add this blog to you list of "dead zone" references. Joking aside --- i agree. And i beg you not to write about the non-news coming from the NHL sales/non-sales. What's the real insider take on Mike Peca? How 'bout Dustin Penner -- what side of that fence do you fall on?
Cheers!

[Adam C]

Really, Damien, you take a month long vacation and come back to tell us that nothing is happening? Just to catch you up on what you missed:

- Baby Burke threw a temper tantrum over a possibly precedent-setting free agent raid. You'd like this one - the Ducks are already paying the price for signing Bertuzzi and training camp is a month away

- Craig Leipold is apparently willing to throw away $40M just to keep the Preds in Nashville for a few more years

- there's something of a gambling scandal in the NBA, which may end up casting doubt on the integrity of all pro sports

- an aged, steroid-abusing defenceman got a new, guaranteed contract. NHL defenders are sure to proclaim that there isn't a steroid problem in hockey, except for that one guy and he's clean now, and anyway, Dick Pound is a jerk

[Jason]

You are aware Toronto has aprofessional soccer team right. Or are you and Bob McCLOWN to blind to see what is happening right before your eyes? You are a relic, start writing about things that are relivant. FYI it is called Toronto FC. And this past weekend the worlds most famous soccer player rolled through town. Open your eyes and stop being an ignorant wank!!!

[Tobor]

Bah ! The sichophants rush forward to heap praise upon Cox, who in turn can hardly post them under his editorial quickly enough.

Clearly, Damien, all you've shown here is that you just can't be bothered writing a column, and here it is.

Take a vacation.