Bullshitter of the Week

This award goes to Dave Zirin, Sports Editor of The Nation.

Because on Friday's broadcast of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann', Mr. Zirin was asked by Keith's stand-in (Lawrence O'Donnell) the following question with regards to a statement posted on Tiger Woods website which indicated he was taking an 'indefinite break' from golf:

Q: What is "indefinite" in the world of golf? Two months? Four months? A year? What?

A: People in the know are saying they think it's a year but no one knows for sure. It's worth telling your audience, Lawrence, that this is almost without precedent though. Remember, athletes are not pundits or actors. There is a very finite period in which they can make their money and in which they can win the prizes and the trophies; and for an athlete to take themselves out of commission in the middle of their prime for a year? The only comparison I can think of is Michael Jordan in 1993 following the death of his father.


Okay, indulge me while I go over all the flaws in his answer.

First of all, who are these "people in the know" to whom he refers? Something tells me this jackhole does not have an insider with Team Tiger. I'd love to place a wager on this. I'd bet big money Tiger is back for The Masters.

Secondly, I don't paid to know sports but I can come up with some names that have temporarily left during their prime (John Riggins sat out the 1980 season, Kim Clijsters 'retired' to have a baby only to return a couple years later and win the 2009 U.S. Open, Justine Henin is returning (as did Jennifer Capriati before her), and how about Sugar Ray Leonard 'retiring' at age 26 only to return a year later... followed by his other retirements and returns).

Third, his comment about 'athletes are not pundits or actors'. Yeah, no shit. But his contention that athletes have a 'very finite period...', well according to Forbes, Michael Jordan earned $45 million in endorsements in 2009! So, I would argue that Tiger will be marketable for a long time after his prime.

And, finally, and this actually relates to #2. I came up with names that have left their sports in their prime only to return after a year plus absence... but I really should not even do that... because IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN with Tiger Woods. We'll see him in Augusta in April 2010.

Conclusion: Dave Zirin... You're my Bullshitter of the Week. Congratulations!