- That Spanish-language memo of Miami Marlins part-owner Derek Jeter has been receiving a lot of attention. It should. In short, he wants all American-born coaches, players and, yes, vice presidents to take Spanish lessons.
This makes enlightened self-interest sense. For communications. For diversity celebration. For cultural rapport. For bringing the team closer to the city of Miami.
“Everybody expects the Latin players to make an effort to speak English,” points out Jeter. “Well, especially here in Miami, if you don’t speak Spanish, you don’t fit in. I think that’s important.”
One final question: ¿Cómo está tu español, Derek? ¿Vas a tomar lecciones con los entrenadores, los jugadores y los VPs?
- “As long as it’s done in a respectful way, that is what our country has been all about.” No, that certainly wasn’t President Trump or Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones weighing in on symbolic, pre-game protests by NFL players. This was New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady, commenting on those players who opt to take a knee during the national anthem. It’s a welcome, reasonable reaction–one that also plays well in the locker room.
- They’re back: Those published point spreads for NFL pre-season games. Does anyone actually bet on these EXHIBITIONS whose outcomes are often determined by players who won’t even make either team? Yes, that’s a rhetorical question. For what it’s worth, the Tennessee Titans were 3-point favorites over the Bucs last Saturday. Tampa Bay won by 16.