The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Sports Shorts
It’s
never too soon for a Super Bowl countdown if you’re a host city. The
pre-planning is that detailed. The 2021 game plan is well underway, including
the appointment of former Buccaneer linebacker Derek Brooks as co-chairman
of the TB Super Bowl LV Host Committee. What a spot-on choice: a Hall of
Famer, a Super Bowl winner and a proven leader, especially by example. More
importantly, his track record also includes working for this community and
carrying himself in a classy, inclusive fashion. Rob Higgins, the executive
director of the TB Sports Commission and president and CEO of the TB Super Bowl
LV Host Committee, summed up Brooks’ impact. “We’re so fortunate to have his
leadership, his work ethic, everything he brings to the table.”
“I
always say to all my quarterbacks: ‘Play great. Great players do.’” That was Bucs
head coach Bruce Arians, AKA the “quarterback whisperer.” Hope he
has a quarterback whisperee. Didn’t look like it in season-opening, home
loss to San Francisco. At least (49er GM) John Lynch was pleased with the
outcome.
We
now know that the upcoming NHL season will be Rick Peckham’s 25th—and
last–as the Lightning’s TV play-by-play announcer. Peckham, 65, is retiring
after 42 years in the business. Peckham’s good at what he does, and he’s one of
the good guys. I still remember his call-it-as-it-is answer to my naïve question
of how he handled calling all the action in a fast-paced game rife with
line changes and puck turnovers. “Idon’t,” he deadpanned. In
other words, his job is to convey the big picture to viewers and pick and
choose plays and players to keep a flow without sounding frenetic about the
back-and-forth dynamics. It’s a skill–and an art–in hockey announcing. You’ll
be missed, Rick.