Here is the opening to my Monday column:
Reggie Jackson is looking foolish these days, and it’s his own fault.
Here’s the background. The current issue of Sports Illustrated — a good issue — contains a series of profiles it calls “Where are they now?” There are articles about Earl Campbell, Shawn Kemp and Jackson, among others.
Jackson always makes for good copy. He is smart and articulate and he gives his true, unfiltered opinions — he has opinions on everything. Toward the end of his profile, he gets into performance-enhancing drugs and their impact on who gets into the Hall of Fame — and who doesn’t get in. This is Topic No.1 in baseball these days, and Jackson, to his credit, takes it on like he took on a 95 mph fastball — dead red.
To read the entire column, please click here.
Mark M
“Al” will never get into the HOF? I hope that’s true, but I doubt it. Eventually, once one or two start trickling in, the objections will feel less credible. I think it’s just a matter of time before they all get there, the truly deserving ones.
As great as Reggie was, his ego always seemed to get the better of him. This is just the latest sign he hasn’t grown up yet. Maybe next year
July 9th, 2012 10:26 am
Frank in Minnesota
Reggie Jackson likes to hear himself talk too much and this time (well really, a few times) it has bitten him back. Now, he has to kiss up to his employers…sort of tarnishes his self proclaimed ‘say as it is’ reputation. he seems like a nice enough sort, he should be a bit more diplomatic than his high IQ could be reasonably respected…Hall of Fame nominees are going to be interesting the next decade or so…
July 9th, 2012 11:50 am
Stan
If Lance (the real one) is convicted..will all his records be erased?
I say Reggie is righteous because..he wasn’t caught. What better purifier as time goes by to make yourself as uncorruptible..then to dump on those who were caught?. And then get worked up to a frenzy like Reggie,Hendu, and Schmidt do?..or like Clemons, Reggie and the other oldtimers feel that they cheated late in their careers sol THAT ISN’T REAL CHEATING..because they did well when young. They only cheated at 36+..yeah,I know.
Reggie had classic late career on steroids look and results..
July 9th, 2012 12:44 pm
Stan
Reggie was just banished by the YANKEES…told to stay away. Repercussions, then consequences as you said..
July 9th, 2012 12:57 pm
Stan
Geez,you know Reggie must thought a thousand times over the years what he will say about former Yankees when asked about steroids..and STILL got it wrong-lol..
July 9th, 2012 12:59 pm
Stan
Homer Jackson-doh!
July 9th, 2012 1:00 pm
lameduck
And I thought that Jose Canseco was the voice of honesty who bravely told the truth. I guess the Oakland tie of Jackson/Canseco is stronger than the Yankee tie?
July 9th, 2012 1:18 pm
m. walsh
Just Reggie being Reggie, and nothing wrong with being truthful as long as you don’t walk back your comments later. ARod did admit use of PEDs, so what’s the problem? He’s guilty of artificially inflating his numbers and voters for HOF ballots should consider ARod’s self-admission of guilt when his name comes up on the ballot.
July 9th, 2012 4:40 pm
lizard
Reggie would make a great running mate for
President B.O. He certainly can out style the
buffoonery of Joe BiteMe.
Honesty is a great attribute for a star or politician,
but integrity is what we need.
It is Reggie’s greatest challenge not to be in the
news after a lifetime of making the news.
July 10th, 2012 3:35 pm