I wore my #9 Cowboys’ jersey when I went grocery shopping this morning–a tradition for game days–and tolerated the sneers and jokes from fans wearing Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Felix Jones and Jason Witten shirts.
This was before the Cowboys-49ers game.
For the past week, newspaper columnists, TV sports announcers and Monday morning quarterbacks have collectively ridiculed Tony Romo and blamed him for the disappointing loss to the New York Jets in the Cowboys’ opening game of the 2011 season.
As usual, Romo took the responsibility for the loss and vowed to “do better”.
In today’s game against San Francisco, Tony made good on his promise and, playing with two broken ribs, led the team to a last minute win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Last week’s goat became this week’s hero and Romo’s teammates gave him credit for his leadership and courage. I’m sure they gave him mentioned those qualities last week as well. But sports journalists overlooked those remarks and concentrated on any negative remarks.
There seems to be a tendency for critics to pile on when any celebrity stumbles or even when they don’t. It almost seems like petty jealousy at times–as though they make themselves feel better by taking potshots at someone “rich and famous”.
Another example would be all the hateful comments made about Taylor Swift’s 2010 grammy duet with Stevie Nix. Unquestionably, this was not her best performance. However, the critics’ loud and gleeful criticism seemed a little over the top.
Like Romo, Swift is a well-know, successful performer who often gets critical backlash.
To those who seem to take such pleasure in reporting any performers struggles, I will quote the lyrics from one of the songs Taylor wrote for her latest album “Speak Now“.
Why you gotta be so mean?
