As we give thanks

By A.J. RUSSO, Ph.D.
As published Dec. 5, 2007

This time of year should be filled with joy and hope, giving—not receiving. Instead, cynicism has inundated the sports world. The Steinbrenner family continues to spend cash to obtain all stars like Johan Santana like it grows on the concrete walls of sky scrapers in Manhattan—trying, once again, to prove that all you need is money.

NFL old -timers recently were forced to wheel and hobble into the Congressional halls to beg for money to help heal their aches and pains. Ticket prices at most pro venues continue to rise almost as fast as pro salaries. There are more star athletes who take performance-enhancing drugs than there are pro football cheerleaders who have had breast enhancement surgery.

Cynicism aside.

As we wind down from a holiday intended to remind us to give thanks, here are the top ten reasons why our local players, coaches and fans are thankful.

10. Brian Billick is thankful that his finances are not dependent upon the Xmas bonus he’s about to get.

9. Peter Angelos is glad that his profit margins are not associated with the win/loss ratio of the Orioles.

8. Joe Gibbs is happy that he already has his super bowl jewelry.

7. Ray Lewis is thankful he already has his super bowl ring.

6. Jonathan Ogden gives thanks that he always has his toe to fall back on (so to speak).

5. The whole Capitals team is grateful that no one watches hockey anyway.

4. With Christmas on its way, most of our professional players appreciate that they can be naughty and still expect nice paychecks.

3. Worse comes to worse, the Orioles are pleased they can always play at their baseball facility in Boca Chica, in the Dominican Republic—maybe win a few games against the locals.

2. The Ravens are glad to have a 32 million dollar backup quarterback, in case Kyle gets hurt.

1. Everyone is happy Miami is still on the Raven’s schedule.

Can you please pass the cranberry sauce?

[A.J. Russo received his BS at Hobart College and Masters and Ph.D. at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. He is a professor at Mount Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg and the author of 10 novels and more than 30 scientific papers. He is the former head men's lacrosse coach at RIT and Mount Saint Mary's College. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Mount Saint Mary's College or the Mt. Airy Messenger.

Russo's novel, The Healer, published by Port Town Publishing, has been critically acclaimed. His novel, the Fragile Egg was re-released in 2006 and his novel, New Lodge Affair released in August 2007. All are available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Visit A.J. Russo’s Podcast, Novels in Progress, where you can listen to the first five chapters of his newest novel, Recall. New chapters will be posted each week. web.mac.com/ajrusso1].