Don't Bury Cool Yet
by Ben Golliver on Jul 13, 2008 6:02 PM PDT
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PrintSports Illustrated's Phil Taylor, one of the best in the business right now, had an interesting concept column in this week's magazine, The Day Cool Died. Some people around the blogosphere have been hailing it as the best backpage article in Sports Illustrated since Rick Reilly left, and it's well worth your time.
To hardboil the thesis out of Taylor's excellent piece: players these days act as if they are surprised or overwhelmed by their success -- think Kevin Garnett's primal scream -- rather than players of yesteryear who expected success and exuded a quiet confidence and professional grace even in the most trying situations. Taylor dubs this otherworldly calm and composure: "Cool."
Cool was on a respirator as the end neared, its breathing more shallow with every poststrikeout fist pump by Joba Chamberlain, every dunk-and-sneer from Vince Carter and every one-act play performed by Chad Johnson after a touchdown catch. In its weakened state, it was hard to believe that Cool once walked with kings, that Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, Julius Erving, Bjorn Borg and Walt Frazier were never caught without Cool, in competition or away from it. Cool not only added to their mystique but also served a practical purpose. "I always felt that [Cool] gave me an advantage," Frazier says. "It's like in poker, if the other players can't read you, it puts that uncertainty in their minds and that puts you in control."
Taylor argues that "Cool" as a widespread ideal for athletes is DOA.
Mourners are asked simply to appreciate players who don't feel the need to punctuate every accomplishment with an over-the-top celebration, who understand the beauty in letting a performance speak for itself.
Here's a fun game for a Sunday afternoon. Aside from today's athletes that Taylor mentions -- Tom Brady, Mariano Rivera and Ichiro Suzuki (a little random with the last one, eh?) -- who tops your list of "Cool" athletes? In other words, which athletes let their walk do the talk?
I can hear you screaming BRANDON ROY!!!!!!!!! and I agree with you. If you've got a top 5 or top 10, where does Brandon place? Feel free to limit yourself to basketball or, alternatively, include athletes from any sport.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)
PS While you're at it: check out Taylor's excellent portrait of Willie Mays, the greatest baseball player of all time, also published in this week's Sports Illustrated.
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In KG's defense
all those years in MN had to have brought him down. They sucked the cool right out of him. Finally getting the championship probably was a bit of a surprise.
agreed
I talked to a lot of ppl who said they thought his reaction seemed scripted or fake… I honestly think he was just overwhelmed at how much difference a year/team can make and finally winning it all. Props to KG for losing all his “coolness” in the MN days!
by Blindsteepler on Jul 13, 2008 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
My top one for that
is definitely one of the top-class PGs in the league: Nash, KIdd, Paul, Billups… confidence is coming from them, a feeling of ‘I am in control’
Once upon a time the Suns got out on the break... and along came Steve sucKerr
Of my era (1975-present day)
1. Reggie Jackson
2. Magic Johnson
3. Jim McMahon
4. Shaquille O’Neal
5. Michael Jordan
6. Tom Brady
7. John McEnroe
8. Nate McMillan
9. Brandon Roy
10. Greg Oden
John McEnroe?
How can a hot head like him be “Cool”?
Yeah, I know he was one hell of a tennis player but “Cool”? NOT!
LMA's reign as "LaMonster of the Low Post" has just begun!
by LaMarvelous on Jul 14, 2008 12:50 AM PDT up reply actions
He became more cool
How about Bjorn Borg?
Other people don't have as much practice at being wrong as I do -- HT, timbo
Going off on the small stuff helped John McEnroe focus on the goal.
"Besides, AnntheFan will be here any minute to #25 you." T Darkstar
Roger Federer
"We're just one big family. And it's our godforsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved." - Jason Mraz
by tominhawaii on Jul 14, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
You heard me!
Yes, I was thinking Brandon. And I’m not enough of a sports fan to be able to list 10 others so I’ll just sort of skim the Blazer roster… LMA pretty cool, Joel grins when he hits his free throws but doesn’t show off, Blake too. I think the non-cool are definitely Martell, Travis, and the late JJack. I was always shouting at the tv when one of them would go whooping down court after a dunk or other noteworthy play “it’s one basket, don’t get so excited.” It has always bothered me when a player celebrates like that – I think “that’s what you’re supposed to do, dude, don’t use all your energy celebrating those two points.” Now a shot that wins the game as the clock ticks down in something else, but stay cool in the middle of a game…
"We will do nice things!" - Rudy, 07/01/08
non basketball
Lance Armstrong (even though I am not really into that dude)
Miguel Indurain (The first guy to win 5 consecutive Tour De Frances)
Bernard Hinault (also one five tours and was nicknamed the Badger. How tough/cool is that?)
Mika Häkkinen (drives cars fast and then is put back into his hyperbaric chamber.)
Billy Jean King (beat down chauvinism and was into ladies before it was cool.)
Werner Herzog (not technically an athlete, but he did walk from Berlin to Paris, and is known as an “athletic” director. Makes this list as he is the coolest guy of all time.)
Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.
On MJ...
I seem to recall “Mister Cool” laying face down on the court, holding the basketball and sobbing like a wee little one after one of their championships. Granted, I think it was the one on Father’s day, right after his dad had passed away, but… Still, not particularly cool.
Personally, I think “cool” is a little overrated. I like to see my players expressing some emotion. Not too much, of course; Paul Pierce’s gyrations after every single game this past post-season might have been a bit much, but I enjoy knowing my players care. I don’t like showboating, which is an entirely different thing from a mere emotional response.
You know I was thinking Brandon Roy
about half way through the post. The stars today seem to look scared in high pressure situations. You could see terror on Kobe’s face in the finals, Garnett choked too.
The player with the ultimate cool was Michael Jordan. It didn’t matter what time it was, it was like no one else was in the arena. It’s something that is exuded by Brandon Roy in crunch time. He just plays the game, and will stroll down the lane for the game winning lay up like it was a drill.
I think Dwyane Wade is another one of those guys. Smooth player, feels no pressure.
What about Tiger Woods
is he cool?
Woof
by Charles Barkley McLovin on Jul 13, 2008 7:31 PM PDT reply actions
great question
under pressure he has ice water… but it’s like his will to win is so great that it explodes when he does great things… hard to find a more genuinely emotional person (at times) than tiger… also hard to find someone that’s more robotic than tiger (at other times)...
i think tiger is bigger than cool, how’s that?
"Honor Terry Porter." Email me with your TP stories and memories.
by Ben Golliver on Jul 13, 2008 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions
He has the perfect blend IMO
I don’t want “Soul less robots) to quote Tin Cup. But I also don’t want my athletes doing the 1st down dance when they are losing 35-3 in the 4th
Mortimer: "It’ll be so nice I’ll need microfracture—ON MY WEINER."
by 92wastheyear on Jul 13, 2008 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Cool still exists in baseball
Even though power pitchers like Joba Chamberlain can get fired up after strikeouts, I am so glad that baseball hasn’t degenerated to the point of players capping home runs with dances straight out of a touchdown or soccer goal celebration.
And what about TIM DUNCAN?
tim duncan
isn’t cool, that guy is just boring. i think there needs to be a distinction between stoicism and coolness.
michelle you look good tonight.. ANYTHING IS POSSIBAAAAAAAAAAL!
exactly
look at duncan’s face after (another) bogus foul.. crying, whining and in disbelief. not cool.
by blazersunited on Jul 13, 2008 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
For me...
Gale Sayers and Walter Payton were two fine examples of grace, poise and class. They had cool in their DNA>
you could add
Julius Erving to that list and we have guys who will make the list
by southern oregon on Jul 13, 2008 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Anyone mind if I add Steve Largent?
One very classy guy, IMHO.
LMA's reign as "LaMonster of the Low Post" has just begun!
by LaMarvelous on Jul 14, 2008 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Steve Largent = Paul McCartney
In other words, talented, but definitively uncool.
BLZRS FRVR
by nightbluefruit on Jul 14, 2008 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
trust me, the blazers are going to be COOL.
with nate and brandon setting the tone on a daily basis, this team is programmed to be cool. roy, aldridge, oden, blake, heck even bayless has that quiet, simmering bad ass attitude about him. this team is going to be all business, expecting to win and taking care of business. i have no doubts that this core is going to be as talented, hardworking and classy as our best team ever.. porter, drexler, kersey, williams, duckworth.
cool personified.
Top 5
Ray Allen
A. Jamison
T. Duncan
D. Williams
and Myself
Both Teams Played Hard
Both Teams Played Hard
Both Teams Played Hard
Most uncool/cool top 5
Uncool
1. Kobe Bryant
2. 14 way tie for second for all the other active Lakers
3. Brett Favre
4. Barry Bonds
5. The Williams Sisters
Cool
1. Clyde Drexler
2. Michael Jordan (Clyde finally wins one vs MJ)
3. Greg Maddux
4. Walter Payton
5. Brandon Roy (will top this list in 10 years…)
you know... I was thinking one of the other members of Boston's Big Three
Ray Allen all the way baby! That dude exudes cool from every pore of his skin.
Winning is everything.
An unwritten rule...
...in the vein of the Walt Frazier reference above: “When you defeat a favored opponent, especially in their house, the whole team withholds extreme celebration and excitement until safely behind closed doors.” This sends the subtle message that the victory was no surprise and no big deal.
In this sense, the whole team is cool.
Barry Sanders
Just set the ball down and act like you’ve been there before, son.
MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)
by The Cactus Leaguer on Jul 13, 2008 9:54 PM PDT reply actions
In Basketball my favorites are/were:
~Clyde Drexler – There to get the job done. Shaft is jealous.
Michael Jordan – I hated Jordan because of his fine line between cool and cocky.
David Robinson – Class act 100% and cool as ice to boot.
Brandon Roy – We all know the reasons. Our very own 007.
Ray Allen – What can you say?
Reggie Miller- ... for 3. Ugly cool. Star Trek Ferengi ugly cool.
Outside of Basketball my favorites are/were:
Randy Johnson – I still think he might stand a chance against Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris – The real reason Magic Johnson jumped into Kareem’s arms after the opener win of the 1979-1980 season.
Nolan Ryan – Old School Cool
Bo Jackson – Cool “Emotional” players break bats over their knees when they get “upset”, its called intimidation.
Barry Sanders – Another TD. Another lonely football in the end zone
~Jim Brown – The kind of cool you know is going to plow your face in the mud, get up, and do it to you again. All day long.
I think the whole “cool” attitude is not “cool” in this day and age. Everything is all Emo. Music, books, TV, movies. Everything is all Emo now, the whole “cool” attitude seems to have been lost. Its sad.
I was watching the NBA finals this year and there was certainly something missing (besides our home team) and it was bugging me. I couldnt place my finger on it right away, but now after reading this its starring me right in the face. GREAT article and thanks for posting it.
Kind of off topic, but if you want a good TV show that embodies “cool” watch Burn Notice on USA. You can also get it online. Awesome awesome show and will help fulfill the lack of cool in this day and age.
"OK, it's going to rain tomorrow. And there is going to be a Greenpeace meeting and hippies are going to be protesting" ~ The Buffet of Goodness on Portland
I'm sorry to be uninformed but what is "Emo"? I hate acronymns. I deal with them
on a daily basis. The interpretation of corporate acronyms changes on a daily basis to support the current agenda in an ever degenerating economy.
"Besides, AnntheFan will be here any minute to #25 you." T Darkstar
emo
Here is the definition of emo. I’m not sure if you watch southpark, but it’s kind of like the “gothic” kids episode where it’s cool to act depressed and apathetic about life and pop culture. I’m almost ten years removed from high school, so most of the vernacular of these crazy kids goes right over my head.
Emo
Emo is short for Emotional. Its not an acronym. Its mainly used to describe a type of punk rocker who is “in touch” with his emotions, or something like that. Bands like Dashboard Confessional, AFI, Weezer, and My Chemical Romance are examples of Emo.
Oh, and if you have seen Spiderman 3, then Peter Parker in that is another good example of it.
Its the new (but not really new) “cool” thing to be.
"OK, it's going to rain tomorrow. And there is going to be a Greenpeace meeting and hippies are going to be protesting" ~ The Buffet of Goodness on Portland
Emo
Emo does not exist. It was made up by people in bands who hate their dad and want to sound “indie” so they made up a name for their crappy, whiny music. Isn’t all music emotional in one way or another (Spears, Simpson, etc. excluded due to the fact that they do not make music. That is noise…horrible, ear-piercing noise)?
Am I bitter?
by Artie Fufkin on Jul 14, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Maurice Cheeks
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SV6uelW3_wY
If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley
I like several of the names listed.
Here are a couple more
Cal Ripken
Eddie Murray
Art Monk
Dale Murphy
Terry Porter
Buck Williams
Clyde exuded cool
He was absolute cool, in any situation.
Shaun Alexander, you could never tell if he was hurting or killing you, he always has the same smile on his face.
and the most hated player in baseball. Barry Bonds. Never celebrated his home runs. Even when he hit THE one. All he did was raise his arms in the air, then trot/limp around the bases.
Killer instinct. When you have your opponent down, you do not help them up. You step on their throat!!!!!!
by Misplaced Blazermaniac on Jul 14, 2008 9:15 AM PDT reply actions
Not all the cool ones will make it to the HOF
Lloyd “World B.” Free
Frenchie Fuqua
Randall Cunningham
Pistol Pete Maravich
I think this article is ridiculously limited in its scope.
Yeah, it’s cute to think that “cool” personified all that is old in sports and that good-for-nothin’ kids are showboating gangstas intent on murdering that, but it’s also wrong.
One of the most memorable athletes of all time came from the so-called era of cool and was anything but (by Taylor’s standards anyway).
And anyone who’s seen him perform knows he could back up all the hype. He floated in a way not dissimilar to that of a butterfly, and stung in a manner befitting a bee.
BLZRS FRVR
Coolio's dead?
Playing basketball... is like playing poker while running on a treadmill at full speed with people swinging a Louisville Slugger at you. -Dave on 95.5 The Game
by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Jul 14, 2008 1:48 PM PDT reply actions
Clyde lost his cool
too often for my taste.
There were some games when he’d come in with a chip on his shoulder so huge that I knew he’d get a technical before the game was over. He’d yip at the refs over every little thing and eventually he’d get the T.
"We will do nice things!" - Rudy, 07/01/08
by jorga on Jul 14, 2008 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
Any negative Clyde comment gets an automatic rec from me.
BLZRS FRVR
by nightbluefruit on Jul 14, 2008 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions
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