During the ninety second-segment during which we saw Reyna arriving for his MRI and Arena "call out" Johnson, O'Brien had something to say while in line at the boarding gate. If I remember correctly (and I do hope that someone has the text of this; at work my access to such things is limited), he said something like "We're all one. This is all one experience..." I know that I have parodized him (ad nauseam, to some) but I really do get a kick out of his comments. Honestly, though, I don't know whether to be relieved or even more concerned. The comments suggest a detachment worthy of Manny Ramirez and a counter-cultural Buddhism-Unitarianism worthy of, say, Jon Anderson or some of the dudes from Hampshire that I met at the Brand X / Dixie Dregs gig at the old Rusty Nail. Has the Eastern therapy and acupuncture pushed him that far out there? I ask this respectfully and seriously.
huh? look man, it's obvious that you have a distaste for "counter-cultural Buddhism-Unitarianism" (whatever that is) but that this guy is even playing is amazing. not that he's moving and playing soccer physically. but that the guy still has confidence in his game to show up on the field after all the trauma that his body has experienced. not to mention all the constant attention to his injuries in the media. so whatever kind of "therapy and acupuncture" this guy is on, i say, zen on bro.
I just saw the segment. I think you are taking what he said way out of context. It was a shot of the team at an airport, waiting in line for a commerical flight with "regular" travellers. O'Brien was joking around saying that the team is just a bunch of regular guys hanging out with regular people at the airport. He was sort of making fun of the fact that they were the Nats but still travelling like everyone else on commerical flights. It was pretty amusing.
His comments combined with his appearance reminded me of a Pseudo-Intellectual Spicoli a la 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.'
He looked like a rock star with those sunglasses and that hair. And he kinda looked and sounded like he was high, so that only added to it. I thought he looked pretty cool.
Do a nickel jolt in the Pioneer Valley and come talk to me. But I was never averse to a bit of inexpensive German wine, some Joni Mitchell LPs and an earthwoman on Thursday night in Amherst or Northampton. So, give me credit. And, if O'Brien was taking the piss, I applaud him. What he said was certainly not a jock platitude.
Maybe you and JOB should lay off the chowder. The first thing he said was "We're part of the people." I took his statement to mean that the USA fans and team are united as one. No primadonna on the squad. Team chemistry is one problem we don't have. Scoring goals - that's another story.
I think Budhists make excellent holding midfielders. Unitarians don't belong on the field anywhere though!
It was a probably a reach for me to have said that. Until it appears in MW, I should avoid it. But the past participle form of "parody" is clumsy.
I laugh now everytime i see John. His long hair and 5 o'clock shadow are so different than the clean shaven, short haired fellow we knew a few years back. It's great, I hope he leaves the old injury-plagued John behind. From what I remember is John has that off the wall type sense of humor and I were ESPN foloow him around and get a few more laughs.
Does anyone else on here think that it sucks that our MNT has to fly commercial? After the video, I even paused and wondered if they have to fly coach. I know its America and soccer and its athletes are on the backburner, but don't you think a team that represents our nation at the world's biggst event, deserves their own jet? Couldn't Mark Cuban or Bill Gates, or even Bono from U2 loan us their private planes? There is nothing wrong with flying coach, which I do all the time. I guess the plane thing is just a metaphor for me as to how much respect our MNT gets. Do you think England's fellas are flying Delta?
Hirt, I think you have it right. It seems like people are over-analyzing even the smallest thing when it comes to this team. All he was saying is that this team represents you, the American public, and they too are a part of said public. Being in line for a coach seat with your everday person was his example to show that they are no better than that person. They are one with America.....get it???? It's frustrating that someone could take that soundclip and turn into a referendum on someone's spiritual beliefs.
Holding midfielders should be, ideally, Lutheran or Roman Catholic. Buddhists are perfect for the hole. Christian Scientists, never ones to dial 911, could work in the center of the defense. "Sorry for snapping your femur and shattering your cheek bone, but have faith...and play on."
When I first saw JOB with the long hair I thought, all this guy needs is a beard and he's starring in a revival of "Jesus Christ, Superstar." I think he should grow out his beard and embrace the look. With Jesus in the midfield we will be unstoppable in Germany. Look what the Red Sox were able to do once Johnny Damon went with the Jesus look ... also, consider the marketing possibilities -- the "WWJOBD" t-shirts, bracelets, etc.