CLASS...Some Have It, Some See No Need For It

When discussing sports, I often hear people talk about an organization or an individual performer as having "class." To me, having class means focusing on the competition, striving to do the best you can, while respecting the person/team you're competing against. Basically, being gracious in victory and in defeat.

After yesterday's debacle at Ford Field in Detroit, I was reminded again of the fact that the Detroit Lions organization has absolutely no class. Why would they choose to publicly introduce only one player from the visiting team? Because that player was Joey Harrington, and they knew the fans would boo him. Now that's a classy move! Why do the Lions coaches allow the players to jump up after a mediocre play - one that should be expected at any level beyond Middle School competition - and carry on with arm movements and full body gyrations as if they did something extremely difficult and uncommon? (See photo above taken after one of 13 first downs in the entire game). Who are these guys? The Lions were hoping to setup Harrington as the villain in this game, and orchestrated a choir of boo-birds. However, that was short-lived and the fans soon turned their frustration toward Matt Millen and started their own chant - to fire Matt Millen. That was real class!

At the end of the day, the only person who had any class at all, was Joey Harrington!
I'm happy for him and glad he was able to perform at a high level against the team that will continue to villify him to deflect attention from the hapless Millen and Ford family.

I realize that this rant is also classless...but I feel better already. And maybe that's what it's all about in the end.