11/23/24
February 20, 2006
Bode's a bust: Maybe he needs to stay out of the bars at night.
He could not have done that one legged save if he was sober.
posted by Stonecoldsteviewonderwoman at 09:10 AM on February 20, 2006
Bodie has a lot of touchy-feely stuff on his website. He wants to change "the winning is everything" mentality. He is giving it his best at the Olympics. Wish we had someone skiing for us that was committed to do his best to win!
posted by BigMac2006 at 09:19 AM on February 20, 2006
That one legged save in slo-mo was the highlight of the Olympics for me. Like an acrobat. I suppose I just can't get all worked up about a guy (and a sport) that I didn't care about last month and that I'll forget about by next month.
posted by Smackfu at 09:43 AM on February 20, 2006
Haha. Don't you love it when an athlete opens their mouth a little too much? A lot of people, including Bode himself, were predicting a possible gold medal sweep for him. I love when people crash and burn.
posted by The Gangstinator at 10:07 AM on February 20, 2006
gangstinator: evidence, please.
posted by Amateur at 10:10 AM on February 20, 2006
My opinion of Bode has some what softened since his first event. The media had influenced my expectations. Bode has always had the reputation of pushing it to the edge and past, precariously skiing just on the verge of being out of control. Never holding anything back. Bodes style is all or nothing and for that I respect and greatly admire. No, I'm not going to slam Bode today. Best of luck and give 'em Hell Bode.
posted by kosmicdebris at 10:10 AM on February 20, 2006
Amateur: I have been following the Olympics since the start, I clearly recall analysts talking up Bode, how he was a shoe in to win at least 3, if not 4 or 5, gold medals, and quotes from Bode to the media that clearly showed how confident he was (maybe overly so) in his quest for gold. If you think i'm going to go back and site every instance like this is a book report, you're mistaken, cause I honestly don't remember if it was on one of the various NBC channels, USA network, or ESPN NEWS. Sorry, I forgot to grab a pen.
posted by The Gangstinator at 10:19 AM on February 20, 2006
Bode Miller won the World Cup for 2004/2005 and is the best American alpine skiier ever. If you don't have anything more intelligent to offer on a subject than "Buttey is a dope smoking drunk" or "I love when people crash and burn," why bother? This isn't KneeJerkContemptForSomeSportsFilter. No one cares that you don't care about a subject.
posted by rcade at 10:22 AM on February 20, 2006
Hey rcade, tell me, what's your point? Michelle Kwan has won numerous World Championships, and guess what? Choked when it came time to win a Gold Medal. So is Bode. I don't care how "good" he is. The first post on this thread clearly stated, "Maybe he needs to stay out of the bars at night" and you know what, maybe he should have. This is the Olympics, and here Bode is all confident, all nah, I was out at a bar all nite, while other Olympians respect what this is and i dont know, rest, or prepare in some other way. And look what happens. He fails in his first event, and it's been as downward spiral ever since. And it's my right, as a sports fan, to comment about an issue any way I like, as long as it's not vulgar or inappropriate, because it's what I feel. When Hasselback calls out, "and were gonna score" when there is a coin toss in overtime, and he doesn't, it's my right to call him out on it. Same with Bode Miller. Don't act super confident publicly and then get beaten by the pressure. If he said nothing about his bar experiences on the night before an event, he probably wouldn't be as big of a story as he is now.
posted by The Gangstinator at 10:34 AM on February 20, 2006
Gangstinator, I don't think anybody's asking you to prove the many times that "analysts" or "experts" predicted possible medal sweeps for Bode Miller. You stated clearly that Bode himself made such a brash prediction. I think the point made by Amatuer is, if you're going to be that specific when bashing someone, you should have proof, or you should just keep that particular bit of bullshit to yourself.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 10:43 AM on February 20, 2006
and I think I just proved that I do care about a subject. So take your jabs somewhere else. thanks!
posted by The Gangstinator at 10:43 AM on February 20, 2006
SINCE WE'RE PLAYING THE "IMPLYING" GAME. You stated clearly that Bode himself made such a brash prediction. I apologize. If Bode is stating that his pregame ritual is a night out drinking at a bar, then I am taking that as him IMPLYING that he is extremely confident in his chances of winning. When he fails, that made him a bit overconfident, now didn't it? I then feel that he should have kept his mouth shut. That was my point. Sorry to have confused you. I simply took it as common knowledge that Bode put his big fat foot in his mouth, I should have been much clearer in my statement.
posted by The Gangstinator at 10:48 AM on February 20, 2006
If Bode is stating that his pregame ritual is a night out drinking at a bar, then I am taking that as him IMPLYING that he is extremely confident in his chances of winning. When he fails, that made him a bit overconfident, now didn't it? I then feel that he should have kept his mouth shut. When did he open his mouth in the scenario you just related? And what makes the opinion of talking heads on NBC or ESPN more valuable than the ones here?
posted by yerfatma at 11:15 AM on February 20, 2006
So, The Gangstinator is now being called names by somebody calling her(?)self stonecoldsteviewonderwoman? Now, back to business. I follow the Olympics pretty damn closely myself. I am also not Bode Miller's biggest fan, as you will see if you look at some of my previous comments. But: while there has been a lot of hype surrounding Miller, I have not seen anybody (least of all Miller himself) saying that he was a "shoe-in" to win multiple gold medals. Forgive me if I don't accept your vague impressions of what you saw or heard on NBC as evidence. Alpine ski racing has so much random chance that only a completely uninformed broadcaster would speak of five gold medals. Only four men and four women have ever won three Olympic gold medals in their careers, never mind at a single Olympics. (Kostelic just became the first alpine skier to win four golds in her career.) Miller did, however, come into the Olympics as a legitimate medal threat in all five of his events ... and has lived up to that with a fifth and a sixth, and by leading the combined when he straddled a gate. I agree that by Miller's standards, this has been a washout. But I don't think that your claim (A lot of people, including Bode himself, were predicting a possible gold medal sweep for him.) is factual.
posted by Amateur at 11:17 AM on February 20, 2006
And it's my right, as a sports fan, to comment about an issue any way I like ... Not on SportsFilter. My point's that people who criticize Miller should demonstrate familiarity with the subject beyond "he said some people ski drunk." The races I've watched demonstrate that there's a razor-thin margin for error in downhill skiing. Miller's a disappointment, based on success last year that foretold a multiple-medal Olympics, but I think all the talk about a comment he made in the press is a red herring.
posted by rcade at 11:21 AM on February 20, 2006
I think there are an awful lot of Bode apologists on this site. True, much of the Bode bashing done here has been of a first-grade mentality, but for a guy touted as being among the best ... well, he hasn't been in Turin/Torino. I know there's random chance and all that, and I'm not saying Bode should win one gold medal, let alone five. But for a guy who has been running his mouth about a variety of subjects recently (including "Bodeism", for God's sake), coming up empty translates for many as, "Why the hell would I listen to you when you haven't backed any of this up?" You want to take the dough to have your own commercials and you want to talk about how you like to drink ... you may hear a few mutters when you drop an egg on the biggest skiing stage in the world.
posted by wfrazerjr at 11:34 AM on February 20, 2006
And it's my right, as a sports fan, to comment about an issue any way I like ... Not on SportsFilter. Oh really? I see. Because I don't agree with you, my opinion is not valid? I see. And it's not a red herring. He shouldn't have said it. Period. And there is a razor thin margin for error in a lot of sports. The elite - the best - don't make mistakes. They win gold medals. You want to take the dough to have your own commercials and you want to talk about how you like to drink ... you may hear a few mutters when you drop an egg on the biggest skiing stage in the world. Thank you Walt Clyde. That's all I was saying. AND IT'S MY RIGHT TO. WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. OK, Hitler?
posted by The Gangstinator at 11:45 AM on February 20, 2006
I have to say, I agree that the one foot save was the highlight of the Olympics so far. I don't think I could do that sober or drunk!! I don't recall Bode talking about a medal sweep either. I get tired of all the hype surrounding certain athletes of these games and falling for it and then they come up short. The amazing thing about the Olympics, is that you can have a great day or a real crappy day. That's one reason why I watch, to see who is having the better day.
posted by lil'red at 11:47 AM on February 20, 2006
There's one problem with all of this bode hating. Bode always does this. He always stays out late, he almost never shows up early or takes practice runs, he's always a bit 'out there' with his comments to the media. The only difference here is that he didn't win. It's not that Bode doesn't try hard. In fact, like someone mentioned above, usually the biggest complaint about Bode is that he tries too hard, taking risks that others wouldn't and, as a result, putting up ridiculous times. Hindsight is 20/20 but the fact is, Bode just hadn't had very good raises. It has little if not nothing to do with his preparation. This is how he always prepares. Against the exact same competition. On sometimes even more difficult mountains. He just hasn't been at his best. For some reason people think that in the Olympics the best athletes are just "supposed" to win. Doesn't happen that way. And by the way, the reason you see Bode on TV all the time isn't because that's what he wants. He just happens to be one of the most interesting storylines America's got this Olympics. Also, is there a way to ignore certain members on this site? After this thread I'd obviously like to filter out any future posts by someone in particular. Last, here's a truism passed down to me from my grandmother: "He who repeats himself either speaks to those who cannot hear him or those who do not want to hear him."
posted by DudeDykstra at 11:53 AM on February 20, 2006
wfrazerjr, don't count me among the Bode apologists. I think he has underperformed reasonable expectations. And, as you say, he has to take responsibility for his own contributions to all the hype. But let's not pile a whole bunch of unreasonable expectations on him, too. If Bode Miller wins five Olympic medals in his whole career it will put him among the best skiers who ever lived. K. A. Aamodt has eight after today, which is the record. It took him four Olympics to get that many.
posted by Amateur at 11:54 AM on February 20, 2006
The amazing thing about the Olympics, is that you can have a great day or a real crappy day. That's one reason why I watch, to see who is having the better day. absolutely correct. so if I know that, and you know that, then Bode Miller should know that. and he should know not to talk himself up like he's the king - whether it's by announcing your training habits or by talking about Bodeisms - because it could all come crashing down on you. it's called being a sportsman - don't talk smack unless you can back it up.
posted by The Gangstinator at 11:56 AM on February 20, 2006
And by the way, the reason you see Bode on TV all the time isn't because that's what he wants. I agree that Miller would be a big story, no matter what. But come on! He signed up for the Nike campaign of his own free will, and he gave all those interviews this summer (to 60 Minutes and Rolling Stone, fer chrissakes) because ... what? He's the shy, retiring type? I know he says he hates the media, but sometimes actions speak louder than words. Don't you think?
posted by Amateur at 11:59 AM on February 20, 2006
Also, is there a way to ignore certain members on this site? After this thread I'd obviously like to filter out any future posts by someone in particular. I wonder who Nails was talking about? We are Sportsfilter, last decendants of Nazi Germany. If you don't agree with us, you will be destroyed. Please. For some reason people think that in the Olympics the best athletes are just "supposed" to win. Doesn't happen that way. Who said that? I know I didn't. But if you talk, act, and behave publicly in a way that would lead one to believe that you think your shit doesn't stink, and you, once again, FAIL, expect to be called out on it.
posted by The Gangstinator at 12:05 PM on February 20, 2006
I'll take threads that have been double-Godwined for $200, Alex.
posted by chris2sy at 12:19 PM on February 20, 2006
The elite - the best - don't make mistakes. They win gold medals. posted by The Gangstinator at 11:45 AM CST on February 20 I'm sorry I didn't realize that gold medal quality atheletes were not human and therefore incapable of having a bad run of luck or making mistakes. Bode has always lived on the edge. If he had taken risks and won he would be the hometown hero. He took risks and lost so now you all have to bash him. In past posts I have also bashed him but it was about not being a team player. I also don't like Shani Davis for that but that does not make them bad people or not worthy of praise when they do their best it just means they are not team players.
posted by skydivemom at 12:19 PM on February 20, 2006
Thanks for that, chris2sy.
posted by qbert72 at 12:22 PM on February 20, 2006
OK, fine. You tell someone who won the gold that it was because someone else made a mistake, and not because they were the best at that time. I'll take agree to disagree for a thousand Trebeck -
posted by The Gangstinator at 12:26 PM on February 20, 2006
Keep tellin' it like it is brutha!
posted by yerfatma at 12:51 PM on February 20, 2006
Oh really? I see. Because I don't agree with you, my opinion is not valid? No. Because I'm one of the admins of this site, and continued membership here depends on how well people follow the guidelines.
posted by rcade at 12:54 PM on February 20, 2006
I didn't hear Bode running his mouth about medals, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. However, to add some substance to this conversation: FIS World Cup Standings 2006 Last year at this time, Bode was in first place, having a terrific year. Now he's in third overall, which breaks down to 7th in downhill, 31st in slalom, 6th in giant slalom, 27th in super G, and 2nd in combined. Hardly the top skier in the world this season.
posted by swerve at 01:53 PM on February 20, 2006
Is there still time to Sign Bode up for the 2-4 man bobsled events' they apparently need a little help there. Seems like all one has to do run fast, push the heavy sled and steer straight (maybe some complementary leaning?) to finish pretty decent up in that event. Seems to me he could accomplish all of that. Otherwise 4+ years of training and work for ???
posted by futrhse at 01:55 PM on February 20, 2006
Hey futrhse, never mind Bode, why don't you go win a bobsleigh medal if it's that easy?
posted by qbert72 at 02:07 PM on February 20, 2006
Because I'm one of the admins of this site, and continued membership here depends on how well people follow the guidelines. Is this how the Nazis rose to power? I have to say I'm being seduced by the sound of the jackboots, the smell of the leather, etc. Where can I get a good brown shirt?
posted by yerfatma at 02:19 PM on February 20, 2006
Careful, now. You're starting to sound like Tom of Finland.
posted by rcade at 02:20 PM on February 20, 2006
The toothpaste guy?
posted by Samsonov14 at 03:26 PM on February 20, 2006
This should add some fuel to the fire also.
posted by jojomfd1 at 03:34 PM on February 20, 2006
- Is this how the Nazis rose to power? I have to say I'm being seduced by the sound of the jackboots, the smell of the leather, etc. Where can I get a good brown shirt? - Careful, now. You're starting to sound like Tom of Finland. - The toothpaste guy? This thread in the thread is funny as hell.
posted by NoMich at 03:37 PM on February 20, 2006
It was silly to predict golds at all. You win the World Cup by finishing consistently good, not by winning every race.
posted by Smackfu at 03:38 PM on February 20, 2006
I never cared much about Miller, but when he opened his trap against Armstrong.... I disliked him very much!
posted by zippinglou at 03:51 PM on February 20, 2006
I never cared much about Miller, but when he opened his trap against Armstrong.... I disliked him very much Why is it OK to bash Barry (just as an example) by implying 'roid use but as soon as someone speaks out against Armstrong everyone is up in fucking arms? Is it because Lance is nice guy and Barry's a dick? Is it because Lance had cancer (sorry, is a cancer survivor) and Barry didn't (isn't)? I say fuck 'em both I hate anyone who is good at anything. I wish I knew something about skiing.
posted by HATER 187 at 04:12 PM on February 20, 2006
I've resisted opening this thread until now, but I gotta admit, the visual of a Tom of Finland toothpaste dispenser will stay with me for a long, long time.
posted by chicobangs at 05:02 PM on February 20, 2006
Is it because Lance is nice guy and Barry's a dick? Bingo. I say fuck 'em both I hate anyone who is good at anything. Now here's someone with a winning attitude! Bravo!
posted by rocketman at 05:03 PM on February 20, 2006
The media whnet into attack mode because of some of Bode's comments. I wasnt thrilled by some of his comments, but I have followed the sport enough to know that he is one of the best skiiers in the world. As Rcade pointed out, possibly the best ever American Skiier. The Olympics is but one event in the World of skiing that happens every four years. The pre-games hype of the medal possibilites shouldnt be used against Bode, but it has because of some of the quotes. The media has gon way overboard. Sportswriters who know little about skiing are blasting. The final straw for me was on Friday when Michael W. of PTI called Bode Miller a Fraud. A fraud? Thats some strong language. I have been turning off show f these programs lately. The garbage is getting way too thick. Bode Miller is having a bad Olympics, but career wise, he is number one in my book.
posted by daddisamm at 05:35 PM on February 20, 2006
If Bode didn't want to take the Olympics seriously he should have given up his spot to someone who really wanted to be there. If Bode wants to hang out, drink, talk deals with Nike sleep in, fail to inspect the course when he had opportunity maybe he should have given up his spot. I don't care if Bode or any American wins a prize, but I would prefer they give 100%. Anybody saying, 'well that's how Bode gives 100% and that's acceptable' is probably buzzed up like Bode. Its not that Bode didn't win that is embarassing, its Bode's attitude and how he lost in my opinion.
posted by T$PORT4lawschool at 06:23 PM on February 20, 2006
It's really easy to attack Bode. However, I haven't seen anything that speaks badly of him at the Olympics. He has finished close to the top in two events. Tamara was great also, but she never won Olympic gold. Ben Raich had been a bust until the GS race, and he's leading the world cup. Sometimes it's just one or two little things. Possibly the Turin hills and courses have not exactly fit Bode's style. That happens too. Everyone has favorite hills and courses (or course setters/styles). I think the only big mistake Bode has made thus far in the Olympics is that he pretended to the media that winning a gold (or any medal) didn't matter to him. I'm sure it does. He should have said that. That being said. It is not the only important thing in a world cup ski racer's career. Not winning one does not make Bode a failure. That sentiment was probably what Bode was trying to convey (albeit badly).
posted by edlwhite at 07:30 PM on February 20, 2006
I don't mind the fact Bode hasn't won any medals. What troubles me the most is his matter-of-fact attitude afterwards. Unfortunately this attitude has been repeating itself over and over again with many members of Team USA. Win, lose or draw, at least "ACT" like it matters, even if it really doesn't. I remember a time when athletes would look like they were actually going to die because they had lost their event in the Olympics. Maybe my view has been jaded a bit, but I just don't see that kind of emotion from the American athletes these days.
posted by stockman at 07:33 PM on February 20, 2006
Bode, and many of the other US athletes, can cop the "it doesn't matter, I am just glad to be here" attitude because of the fact that they have ALREADY signed their contracts with Nike, Visa, et. al.. Perhaps it is time to go back to the days when you had to actually WIN a medal before you got your mug on a Wheaties box. Oh, wait, that would make you an amateur, and we all know that amateurs don't compete in the Games anymore.
posted by elovrich at 08:08 PM on February 20, 2006
Aren't we beginning to look like the world's chump? Turning sure wins into losses by showing off, and now this! As George Thorogood phrased it, Bode, "Draw one, draw two, draw three more glasses of beer"...
posted by wolfdad at 10:03 PM on February 20, 2006
Bode Miller may be having a bad Olympics but I sure wish I could ski as well as him. Thankfully I don't have the world watching me and criticizing every little thing I do.
posted by petem at 03:28 AM on February 21, 2006
Bode may well be a bust, but so is the US Olympic hockey team. The rules committee used to have a say in this stuff, but now, ever since you can't give your brat child a spanking in the grocery store when she whines and grovells on the floor when denied a candy bar, and won't give up until you say yes, this attitude has rerun itself to every aspect of anyone's life. If we as a nation and the rest of the world didn't spend so much time kissing spoiled brat's asses, the problem would go away shortly. But we don't, and it won't.
posted by mrhockey at 01:45 PM on February 22, 2006
How stupid is Nike. News flash - Buttey is a dope smoking drunk. Hey - I have an idea, lets sign him up! Buttey is just the kind of front we want. What ever happened to Nike?