Re: Walter's 'workout' habits

["Rob Tisdale" <rtisdale@wws.net>]

Cecil,

Yes, I get the digest, so often I am a bit 'behind the times'.  I agree that
working out like Karl Malone is a bit much, and with the sentiment that
doctors being in 'shape' is more important than professional athletes.  Of
course, doctors are pretty fairly compensated for the work they do also, and
if your doctor doesn't keep up his/her skills and botches your operation,
you can sue for malpractice.

I think the point I am trying to make is that with the money they get paid,
professional athletes ought to understand that the fans expect them to be in
shape before the season starts, and maybe also to in some way be in better
shape next year than they were last year.  As fans I feel we have a right to
decide which players we are impressed with.  In sports, commitment to
winning includes commitment to staying in shape.  If Walter wants to spend
13 hours a day in the recording studio, he can probably make a pretty good
living at it.  Maybe not the multi-millions he can and does make for playing
ball.  Where should his commitment lie?  At least a little bit on staying in
shape, I think - if he doesn't like it, then retire and let someone who
cares take his spot.  I'm not trying to pick on Walter either - I'm more
worried about Antoine and Kenny in this regard.  Walter at least seems to
stay in shape even if it seems like he doesn't hit the weights.  For all we
know, he lifts as often as Malone, though I doubt he's anywhere close.

Rob

----- Original Message -----
From: Cecil Wright <cecil@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: Rob Tisdale <rtisdale@wws.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2000 9:10 PM
Subject: Re: Walter's 'workout' habits


> Perhaps you didn't read my followup post yet.  I was referring more
> specifically to the notion that one must workout like noted madman Karl
> Malone.  I agree that they should do something to stay in condition,
though
> I understand their desire to get away from everything for a while, which
has
> been a prevailing theme from every athlete I've ever interviewed.  But I
> still think it is FAR more important for doctors, for example, to keep
their
> skills honed, than ballplayers regardless of the salary structure.