Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Tom Landry, Where Are You?


From the completely frivolous complaint file:

Let me start by saying that anybody, including NFL coaches, should have the right to wear anything they want. Having said that, Patriots coach Bill Belichick took football coach fashion to a new low Monday night. Belichik looked like he went straight from the shelter to the sideline, wearing a sweatshirt with cut-off sleeves and a ragged, frayed collar. This doesn't make him a bad coach, obviously his record proves just the opposite. I'm not opposed to a guy being comfortable and Belichick is hardly the only NFL coach who wears a sweatshirt or T-shirt on gameday. He is, however, the only one who wears a sweatshirt so damaged that if you replaced the Pats logo with "COLLEGE", you might confuse him with John Belushi's Animal House frat slob.

I miss the era where NFL coaches traded the sweats for suits on Sunday. Tom Landry, Vince Lombardi, Hank Stram, may they all rest in peace, exuded class and excellence. It might be tough for Belichick to squeeze a head set over a fedora, but he could at least wear something a little nicer than wind pants. I also find it hard to believe that a league that regulates everything from the length of a players uniform towel to the color of his shoe tape hasn't weighed in yet. I suppose maybe they are working on the licensing rights to the Bill Belichick Sideline Tank Top.

Oh, well. At least football coaches don't wear game uniforms like those goofy old baseball managers. Andy Reid or Bill Parcells in tight pants? No thank you.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

ABSOLUTELY! You would think in and age where the coaches are millionares they could rub a few Franklins together and buy some decent attire. I think it shows poor form in a "professional" atmosphere not to display professionalism.

Mindful of the fact I do not wear a tie and jacket to work, and during the winter when I work outside I could be found in a pair of Carhart coveralls, I at the least try to present an appearance of cleanliness (except when it is muddy rainy) and presentability as a representative of my company.

Thanks for putting this out there, it has always been a pet peave of mine.

killer said...

what he wears has nothing to do with how well he does his job....if he wants to look like a homeless man, who are you to complain? would he look better in a suit on the sideline? of course he would but thats not his style. and maybe like TO he just wants attention and by talking about him he has succeeded? certainly a mind of your capacity has more important things to ponder....why must you be so judgmental?

Anonymous said...

I am with you Bryan and judgemental of people who are judgemental of people who are judgemental. It would be our right. People everywhere for every occassion are dressing like slobs and I think it is obnoxious. It may be their right but it is my right to think it inappropriate and act on that belief. No one is advocating pearls and pumps on woman to vaccum anymore...okay maybe some guys....but ripped jeans and flip flops should not be worn to Mass...ever!....and I would love to see a blazer and tie on Andy Reid on the sidelines. It commands respect. You go Bryan!!

Anonymous said...

First of all, this is nothing new for Belichick. He's always looked like that and has probably worn that same sweatshirt for the last 3 seasons. Maybe that explains the fraying.

And secondly, does it really matter what someone wears to church? Aren't there more important things to concern yourself with while you're there? I doubt that's the kind of thing God wants you concentrating on during mass.

Anonymous said...

Good question Kevin

Because how you dress shows the level of respect you confer on the occasion. People who would never consider wearing flip flops and torn jeans to the White House think nothing of doing so to Mass. That said, I believe all it takes to confer respect is to dress cleanly, neatly and modestly. This does not take a lot of money. I know several families who look lovely at Mass every Sunday and shop at Goodwill.
And as a Catholic we believe that our Lord is present in the Eucharist...I think that deserves respect.
Love,
Aunt Mary

Anonymous said...

Kevin,
PS....you are right about the concentrating thing though....when my mind wanders to a particular person at Mass...I take that opportunity to pray for their intentions.....as I am now praying for yours.