Running the Gauntlet

 Getting through the Tribune sports’ section took some extra effort this morning.  On page one was a story quoting remarks NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the day before.  Commissioner Goodell is so passionate about football he would by all means want his own flesh and blood to play the game.  “I’d love to have him play the game of football because of the values you get,” said Goodell about a son who doesn’t exist.  The commissioner didn’t mention his twin daughters in the same context.

I skipped over the Bulls’ story on account of having watched the game already.  You give up 42 points in the fourth quarter, you’re going to lose, which the Bulls did on the road to the Nuggets, 115-110.  But really, page one beat page two, starting with the story of a short lap dance that Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski did on/for Julie Stewart-Binks of Fox Sports 1.  And here I thought the NFL was all about promoting diversity.  As to what Johnny Manziel is promoting, I have no idea.  His father fears Manziel is suicidal while his agent has dropped him.  Tough love or a rat abandoning a sinking ship?  With this story, you just can’t tell.  Apparently, Manziel has been emotionally fragile since high school, and periodic attempts by his parents to get him help have done little to prevent the ongoing train wreck playing out before our very eyes.

Finally, a bit of good news on page three—Bruno Mars will join the halftime entertainment for the Super Bowl; I love that guy.  But over on page six in Transactions are the names of a bunch of minor-league ballplayers suspended after testing positive for banned substances.  A page after that is some more good news—Morton, Clare’s high school, beat Willowbrook 67-49 in West Suburban Gold action last night.  Oh, and on the back page it says the thermometer will hit a high of 44 tomorrow.  Happy Super Bowl, everyone.  And to all our friends who celebrate Festivus instead, whatever.