As for Jack's record, DF77, I'd say to Tiger, 'careful you don't want something too much.'

Now that's getting to the nitty-gritty.

Given Jerry's history, abilities and accomplishments with Cowboys (to '95), there's no good excuse for his team being mired in mediocrity for well over a decade. You can point to drafts, current players or pick-ups that never happened, all relevant, but Dallas' state rests in the hands of Jones whom I believe lost his zeal for winning titles. His spectacular, newish stadium is now his pride & joy. Cowboys' fans and the League deserve better and all should let the man know of their displeasure and how the well of patience is running dry. There's a duty that goes along with owning America's Team.

I couldn't have asked for two better comments (WF & DC), symbolic of their respective side on this Rose debate. If I had to choose, though, I'd err on the side of caution as Derrick has in sitting and Jerry seems to support. Thanks for reading & comments.

I remember a line from Northern Exposure (Maurice): "F. Scott Fitzgerald (of The Great Gatsby) wrote, 'The rich are different, they've got more money,'" meaning, I think, people are people, emotionally speaking. Black or white, young or old, male or female, rich or poor, wise or ignornant, arrogance, greed and the like know no boundry. Personally, I've met at least as many seemingly ignorant, less-educated (often a choice) folk who are selfish & arrogant, acting "superior," as I have seemingly "smart," "highly-intelligent" people. The winner changes, depending on the week.

I know someone who works in healthcare. They say many of their most demanding and problematic patients are uneducated and too often choose to remain ignorant about their own treatment, and then of course complain if problems arise down the road related to their choosen, uninformed state.

Knowledge has always gotten a bad rap from power brokers (religious / political) and regular Joes alike. Bill Bennett's best-seller from a few years back ('The Book of Virtues," talk about "haughty") had some great inclusions but left out wisdom. I wasn't surprised, coming from Bill, but troubled by its exclusion.

I can tell you're intelligent Charles, from the interesting, thoughtful topic on which you chose to write. Knowledge, intelligence can sometimes be "scary," for sure, but I'd be proud of what you know and the desire, the courage to always learn more. I think Phil & Greg would wholehartedly agree. Kudos on a terrific write. You got me thinking!

Jason Collins took an important step forward with his announcement but I was quickly struck by how it appeared over-orchastrated, too corporate, with too many media groups having a hand in it, too early on. The news and the way it was delivered felt, at times, impersonal, like the pitch made when a new Windows version is being unveiled. That might go to the questions of risk born by, and financial ramifications to, Mr. Collins and others involved in the planning, which would in turn raise the issue of sincereity as to the true purpose(s) of all parties involved in the announcement.

For Chicagoans it was Ernie Banks who held the highest place in the hearts of Cubs' fans, like your man Willie in SF. I too was a youngster when these greats were closing out their careers but did catch a glimpse, I think. Kinda' hard to remember. Attended two or three games at Wrigley in those years you mentioned. I was usually captivated by the sights, sounds & smells of the ballpark at that age and paid less attention to the workings of the players & game. Same might hold true today, I'm not ashamed to write.

Your two pictures say a lot, CJ. Bernard loved what he did, Carmelo needs to be loved. Bernie (and his weightier competition) win by a basket.

DF77: I think you may've hit on something ("it's one heck of a stadium, but it is so MUCH it pumps up the other teams"). Jones can't see the forest for the trees, the team for the spectacle anymore.

You write like you know the score in Dallas, DF77, better than I. And "I did not that" about Jerry having his hand in Victoria's Secret...as a partner...uh...an investor-shareholder, you know what I mean.

Absolutely, HIP. You yourself read like there are some nifty posts just waiting to be written. Here's one to mull over: 'Russ Wilson, pocket-pro, run-QB or multi-man.' That was off-the-cuff, but you get the idea.

I think Al McGuire was just as proud of his team's 1970 NIT championship (v St. Johns) as the '77 NCAA title. He was a great competitor, great coach.

What I don't find "cool" is the mass exodus of Midwestern teams like Marquette, DePaul, Notre Dame, Louisville, etcetera, to the Big East Conference. Disrespects regional loyalty, weakens regional rivalries and only makes money for a handful of Cufflinks.

My wife attended Marquette University and I'll be watching for them on Selection Sunday, following their tournament run, among other teams.

SI doesn't bother informing us when comments are left on our posts, hence, the 2+ year delay in my response. Now even some QBs are wearing 'em. Maybe more about the money than being dainty. The 'heroes to worship' are getting real scarce these days.

Thanks for reading and the comment, Reggie1.

My team's not in this Super Bowl, Steve. What you probably meant was that you "hope (my) team wins the SB (sometime this century)." It's possible, not likely, but possible.

Pretty creative list. I could see "Boomer" mouthing a few 'em: "Saint Bernard Pollard - this safety can hunt; Arthur keeping up with the jones'; Matt Birk in-stock, when he retires he'll leave some real big shoes to fill; Ray Rice a-roni the baltimore ravens treat; Joe to insure freshness use by 2-3-13 or he will get Staley;" AND "Ted Ginn martini he's better shaken than stirred (don't get it but funny).

Agree. Like I wrote, "the character kiss-off in the sport biz is nothing new." Thanks for reading, everyone.

Thanks for reading and the comment, "LittleE~BigMT fan."

Agree. Bad play by Jerry Jones in firing Rob Ryan. Nineteenth-defense isn't something to brag about, but it shouldn't have been a sore spot for Jones, either. Maybe a PR move and not a very convincing one at that.

It's not about NFL titles anymore for Jerry Jones. He's got the college title-game in his stadium. I think it's time for him to sell his interest in the Cowboys. He's not a 'player' anymore.

Not holding my breath on these, SA. If Santa gets the "mid-season blood draw" and a cease & desist order on "bunny-hop celebrations" I'll be a happy camper. The pie thing, they can work out themselves, if so inclined. The "5 games" limit on PS-series is a good one, too.

I think of Tim as a center, primarily. Both great ones, though (Karl & Tim), but I'd like to see you go back a bit farther in time. Everyone today seems to think pro ball began with Michael Jordan. A "greatest PF ever" discussion has to include names like Elgin Baylor, Adrian Dantley, Bob Pettit and the like.

But kudos to you CJH for writing about sport history at all. SI.com and friends give it short shrift. That's too bad because history is such a big part of every sport.

You betcha! I hope Alvin Dark took in some of the Series, SA.

Thanks for reading and the kind worlds, 11-STL.

You're well within your rights to chastise me for leaving your Cardinals off my admittedly non-exclusive, short-list of "standard-bearer organization(s)." Going back to the 1880s and Comiskey, Cards have been special and run their shop with pride. I write this as a Cubs' fan. Midwest baseball, gotta' love it.