Okay, so for those who didn’t instantly get the title let me give you some background information… LeBron James is the NBA’s 2009 MVP and deemed by some as the next, next (the first “next” was Kobe Bryant, of course) coming of Michael Jordan. James has a slogan attached to him that “we all are witnesses”…

Now, to the story… James and his team, the Cleveland Caviliers, were just sent home by the Orlando Magic. End of story…

I’m not, by any means, a “hater” of LeBron (A.K.A. “LeGone”… I didn’t make it up.), I just cannot get with crowning him Jordan’s “next next” when he hasn’t even won a ring yet. We all know there has been several spectacular players who never experienced a championship… And at that point, the next level of honor would then be the Hall of Fame, but players would all tell you they’d still love to have a ring.

I’m just saying… I’m only witnessing James going home, again (I had to…). And, as great as some may be, within the context of the game, James hasn’t arrived… And, if you’re comparing someone to Jordan (Uh, let’s say like Kobe, who has three rings…), I’d think you wouldn’t want to insult Jordan’s legacy and the number of championships achieved (six to be exact)… I’d like to witness that first before becoming a true witness. I’m just saying…

Disclaimer: (You have to say it really fast in order for it to come out as it should. LOL!) LeBron is an outstanding talent who has no doubt excited the NBA culture; and has not in any way appeared in any light except for extreme gratitude to the comparison of the likeness of Michael Jordan.

Hubby came in and told me the funniest thing he heard on sports radio on his drive home. Apparently, the host asked if listeners, as Ravens’ fans, would now root for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl since they are in the same division as the Ravens (You know, some type of division unity?)… From the deluge of appalled-by-the-question fans was a comment that made Hubby and I scream (literally).

“I root for two teams: The Ravens and who ever’s playing the Steelers”!

Priceless…

Tigers are considered to be the undisputed ruler of its domain (This is so going to be relevant later!). When hunger arises, they are extraordinary killers and their prey are left helpless to their undeniable prowess (Wait for it… Wait for it.). And, no matter the situation, they can almost always be found victorious.

These same characteristics are appropriately aligned with PGA’s very own Tiger Woods (See the name symbolism?… Work it. Own it. Love it.). Victor of the 2008 U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines, Woods defeated his opponent in a sudden death playoff after being tied at the end of the game.

Photo by Jim Epler. (CC)

Here’s the kicker!… he was hurt. Yep!

Woods had recently had surgery on his left knee, leaving him in an amazing amount of pain. Admitting that he pushed himself quite a bit, Woods (grimacing and limping all the way) found courage and pressed by his pain to achieve greatness, yet again… Definitely his most remarkable.

Where’s your symbolic Tiger? We all have one (I’ve had to pull it out a few times [smile])… and you know what? It’s okay! A little inner strength never hurts.