Rant #2,519: "So" Long

Just a couple of quick thoughts about some things in the news today:

So, Steve Mills is out as president of basketball operations with the New York Knicks: Good riddance. Since in this position, the Knicks have posted the worst record in the NBA, they are again floundering this season, and the league's wealthiest franchise has once again failed to execute a game plan to make them watchable again. And all of this was under Mills' watch.

His fate was actually doomed months ago, when the Knicks could not lure any top draw free agents to Madison Square Garden, even with all the money in the world to spend on them. Not knowing what else to do--they were so keen on getting these free agents because, if for nothing else, Madison Square Garden and playing in New York was the lure--they opted to spread out their money to a group of third-tier free agents.

And even though these players are making millions, you get what you pay for, even in the world of sports, and the team's sorry record as the All-Star break nears is testament to that.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: the Knicks are the worst-run franchise in professional sports. They have nothing to offer potential players but money, but even the most starry-eyed players see through that, and don't want to play for a completely dysfunctional franchise.

Maybe this is the first positive move they have made in 20 years, but Mills, overseeing this mess, simply had to go.

Let's see what happens beyond this, and if the Knicks can get some semblance of normalcy with someone else at the top of their basketball organization.

So, Steve Cohen might not be the future owner of the New York Mets after all: Reports yesterday afternoon were that hedge fund manager and billionaire Steve Cohen, who several weeks ago was named the future owner of the New York Mets, was having second thoughts and that the deal he had struck with the team was on "life support."

Why it had reached this level--after all the brouhaha and good feelings that this was going to happen--is a story in itself. Here is my angle to the entire situation:

The Wilpon family, the current owners of the team, wanted a gradual pass off of the team ownership which would have taken maybe five years to accomplish.

I believe that Cohen--a hedge fund phenom that was more into the here and now than tomorrow, based on what he does for a living--simply wasn't comfortable with such an arrangement. He wanted the team NOW, not later, and the fact of the matter is that 99 percent of time, when you sell something, the other person retains full ownership of it--whether you are talking about a baseball team or a stick of gum.

I remember reading about this "deal" when it happened, and I could not understand why it was going to take a few years to fully transpire. If my "hedge" is correct--and I think it is--that is the reason this thing is going to fall through, unless it is amended in some way.

Cohen is worth billions. Why would the Wilpons force him to wait?

I am sure that if Cohen wants to buy a team NOW, there are several options for him.

And remember, "the waiting is the hardest part."

So, Jay-Z and Beyonce and their family now have an explanation as to why they did not stand during the recital of the National Anthem right before the Super Bowl: No, as I said the other day, I did not watch the Big Game, but I did read about it, and a lot was made of the country's No. 1 music couple (in their own minds) and their kids not standing for the National Anthem. Photos and videos were posted on social media showing that they weren't paying much attention of singer Demi Lovato and her remdition.

Well now, after there was some backlash even from fans of the ultra-talented couple (in their own minds). Jay-Z explained that he and his wife--who produced the PG-13 rated halftime show that either got plaudits or was savaged by critics, said that he and the Mrs. were so enthralled with what was going on that they sat, and their not standing was not a political move by the power couple.

Here is his explanation, as quoted by TMZ: "It was not premeditated at all ... ," and related to TMZ, [They] can tell you anything without speaking to me. I need to tell you, if it was me, I would say, 'Yes, that is what I've done,' and I think people would know that about me."

Huh? What does all that mean?

He later said that being who he is, he popped into "artist mode" and was simply enthralled with the sound.

Yup, and I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn if you are interested.

The couple and their children showed completed disrespect for the flag and for our fighting forces by being "so enthralled," not in the sound but in their own egos. That is why the National Anthem is sung, to honor those who have fought for this country and allowed turds like Jay-Z and Beyonce to prosper in our society.

It was bad enough that they did not stand, but when they offer up such a lame excuse, I think it is time for the NFL, the true National Felon League, to re-examine who they deal with and do it while preparations for the next Super Bowl are being formulated.

So, so what?: Who's on first? I don't know, third base.