Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
SPORTSWISE
Predicting
the outcome of
John: Super Bowl LV features the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On paper, It’s an intriguing matchup of age—Tom Brady—versus beauty—Patrick Mahomes; in physical play, it’s going to come down to the Buccaneers’ defensive line and the Chiefs’ offensive line. What could be a problem for the Chiefs is they are missing two key offensive linemen, while the Bucs’ defensive front has improved dramatically over the year. If this were solely about the position players, the Chiefs would have the advantage because of their explosiveness, but with the o-line banged up… Donald: Well, Patrick Mahomes is going to have his hands full. Considering Tom Brady’s control and understanding of the Bucs’ offense, he could now be considered the quarterback-in-charge. Now, Mahomes does have a pretty good game himself, so I truly wanna see what’s going on. Though they both have the package to pull this one out, Mr. Tom Brady’s skills, combined with his long-yardage capability, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing him work. Russ: I may disappoint with the following, but it’s how I’m rolling: I have no prediction for this game. Listen, I like Brady and Mahomes—
in fact, are my two favorite football players this year— so, with that, I’m going to sit back, relax, and hope for the best game of my life. I’m already set with a couple of dollars in Football Squares, so maybe I can come up a little bit there, but if not, it’s cool. Enjoy, y’all, because this will be, I believe, football at its finest. Patrick: Russ, that sounds pretty good. I’m one foot in with you, one foot out. I’ve jumped on the Chiefs’ bandwagon as a dynasty-to-be… despite the fact no team has repeated in nearly 20 years; that said, I am a huge Tom Brady fan. Of course, it’s based on his play with the New England Patriots prior to this year, but it’s still Tom Brady. This could be a game where I’ll have to sit down, tune in, and see where my heart lies in regard to who I want to win. As for what my brain is telling me, it’s obvi-
Super Bowl LV
ously tough to root against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. If nothing else, he has an awesome first name! So, yeah, the Chiefs are good. But Tom is Tom. That said, predictions? Donald: Although I’m also somewhat in Russ’s camp, especially with the Packers bowing out, I’m giving the nod to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Patrick: That the Buccaneers are the first team to ever luck into hosting a Super Bowl, coupled with the fact that Tom Brady is at the lead, Buccaneers for me as well. John: Despite the Chiefs’ possible disadvantage on the line, I pick them in a squeaker: 2724. Russ: Like I said, for me, this is about competing. I’m going to enjoy the heck outta this one! Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Part 1: Chicago American Giants Prior to the polished form of the Major Leagues that we know today, a league of players and teams created and built a powerful organization of its own. The Negro Leagues held it down in what was, at the time, a lesser and racist form of a “separate, but equal” entity. Baseball, respectfully, was more than Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby or, even, Joe DiMaggio; it was, also, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and, of course, Jackie Robinson. In Chicago, a Negro League team named the Chicago American Giants flourished. For many, the American Giants stood as tall as any baseball team. Next week: Chicago American Giants: Background/ Heyday
