Wikipedia defines an exhibition game as a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition.
In some sports, exhibition games take the form of a handful of pre-season games that are intended to familiarize teammates with each other and prepare for upcoming matches.
Commonly, the Labour Day weekend marks the transition from summer sports, to those played in the fall and winter. The hockey season is just around the corner with the pre-season schedule set to begin for the Prince George Cougars. Meanwhile, exhibition play will conclude this weekend for the PG Spruce Kings. The NHL starts its pre-season menu later this month. The NFL wrapped up exhibition action Thursday.
There are varying theories on the importance of “winning” during the exhibition season. One school of thought suggests that with no points, standings or championships on the line the “W” is irrelevant. In other words, just surviving the dress rehearsal without obtaining a significant injury is a victory unto itself.
On the other hand, one can argue that although results do not officially count, it is important for a team to establish a winning attitude right from day one. Even if two points are not at stake, a team should not let its guard down because that is where injuries can occur and where bad habits are created.
I subscribe to the first philosophy. The “result” of a pre-season game has no significance, and I am not sure if there is a real purpose to keeping score. I suppose that past history shows that fans and media want a result, but the final outcomes of these games contain little or no substance.
An exhibition game or “friendly” match allows prospects and bubble players a chance to showcase their talent and earn a spot on the team. The established veterans and/or star players need a minimal amount of playing time just to prepare them for the regular season. Those key core players have a spot locked up (even if coaches try to suggest otherwise), so human nature suggests these vets will not participate to their full extent. Why should they? Yet, fans are expected to shell out big dollars for these kinds of scrimmages.
If exhibition results carry any weight, then why would no team exchange a perfect pre-season record followed by a loss in the regular season opener rather than vice versa. The Cougars would rather finish 0-6 in the pre-season and start the regular season 1-0. I’m sure that every other team in any sport would want the same.
There are rare occasions where one can be tricked by the terminology of “exhibition”. A glaring example of this was the historic 1972 hockey series between Canada and Russia. In retrospect, it’s hysterical to think that 43 years ago (Sept 2-28, 72) the Summit series was deemed an 8-game exhibition. There was more emotion in that battle than any Stanley Cup Final and arguably any North American sporting event period.
It is obvious one should never gauge or read anything into pre-season scoreboard results. It’s a tease that often can lead to dismay. To put this all into perspective, the 2008 Detroit Lions had a flawless pre-season with a 4-0 record. Those same Lions went on to earn the dubious distinction of the first team in NFL history to finish 0-16 in regular season play.
Perhaps we can all agree that the beauty of the word “exhibition” lies in the eye of the beholder.
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Roger Goodell and the NFL have egg on their face but instead of accepting the verdict from U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman, Goodell wants to carry on with the fight suggesting the league will appeal the decision.
Berman erased the controversial four-game suspension given to Tom Brady and in the process criticized Goodell for dispensing “his own brand of industrial justice.”
Sure Brady isn’t completely innocent when it comes to “Deflategate” but the punishment did not fit the crime and Judge Berman acknowledged that suggesting Goodell went too far in his ruling.
This is a major victory, not just for Brady, but for the NFLPA. The judge’s decision is also a big blow to the so-called NFL shield and an even bigger one to the credibility of Goodell who overstepped his power.
There has been far too much time and money wasted on deflating footballs. Brady should have been fined for his knowledge of the situation. Instead, the issue became a battle of ego and authority.
One could argue Brady had at least part of his legacy on the line. Many fans will still refer to him as “a cheater” but much of that comes out of hate of a quarterback and a New England Patriots team that has been among the most successful organizations in all of North American major sports.
With less than a week to go until the season begins, it’s time to put the focus and energy back where it belongs and that is on the “game” of football.
By the way, before the judge came down with his verdict, the Patriots were favored by 3 over the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener on Thursday, September 9th.
The line has now inflated to 7.
From the Quote Rack:
According to a Netherlands study, a good cry makes people feel happier. By now Maple Leafs fans must be positively giddy.
Canada’s Shawn Barber won pole-vaulting gold at the world track and field championships. It’s easy to spot Barber: his pole has red and white stripes.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
A woman who was hit by a foul ball last year at Fenway Park is suing Boston Red owner John Henry. Wonder if the team is considering a counter suit against her for not paying attention to the game?
Frontier Airlines has a “Fly For Only a Buck” sale, offering $1 flights. Now if you want to fly on the INSIDE of the plane…
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
UCLA has suspended Ishmael Adams from the football team as he was arrested for robbing a Uber driver. He must be majoring in Rocket Science as Uber only takes payments via credit and debit cards.
Jubilant Blue Jay fans threw their hats on the field after Edward Encarnacion hit 3 homers in the same game. Toronto fans said this was far more economical than tossing their jerseys on the ice after Maple Leafs games.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
Jeff Goldblum was seen at Saturday’s Giants-Cardinals game in San Francisco. Fielders were understandably nervous when catching Fly balls.
Waze Navigation has signed Rob Gronkowski to be the voice of one of their GPS applications. Customers report, however, that they always seem to end up at a bar or a hospital.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
And in case you missed it:
A Texas brewery is marketing its beer in 99-packs. Or, as Rob Gronkowski likes to call it, Happy Hour.
Comedy writer Alan Ray
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
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