Roddick: Sportsman of the Year - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**Cheaperisdeeper** · 11-13-2009, 06:52 PM

Sports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Dec. 1. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer.

My Sportsman: Andy Roddick
By Albert Chen

EXCERPT

Tennis fans know his story well: Led by a new coach, Larry Stefanki, Roddick rededicated himself this year, dropped 15 pounds, improved his court coverage and retooled his backhand. His career as a Top 10 player on life support, he became relevant again with ridiculous hard work. But his other transformation was even more admirable: not so long ago Roddick was a punk --- brash and arrogant and rude on the court, the bad boy poster-child for the New Balls, Please generation. But marriage mellowed him; failure humbled him. The brat had become the gracious sportsman, and never was that more apparent than in the moments after the final when Roddick gave his moving speech in defeat. When asked by a BBC broadcaster if tennis can be a cruel sport, he looked up in the stands and answered, "No, I'm one of the lucky ones who has all you guys cheering for me." The Wimbledon crowd chanted his name. It was the coolest sports moment of the year.

Later that night after The Greatest Match Ever, John McEnroe told Roddick that he had won over more fans in defeat than he ever did in victory. He was right.

Full story: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...#ixzz0WlbWLYJj

**gardenerextraordinaire** · 11-13-2009, 06:58 PM

While I do think Andy did a little better in the area of NOT abusing chair umpires, I don't know... This seems just a bit premature and a little aggrandized to me.

The writer is right about the hard work, though. Andy definitely put in the time in last year's offseason. And I'm sure he made a lot of new fans after Wimbledon.

**SannyGlow** · 11-13-2009, 07:15 PM

I would think the way he handled that Wimbledon loss, and subsequent shock loss to Isner at the Open played a big part in this nomination.

**smifatv** · 11-13-2009, 07:18 PM

He's been absolutely horrible in the past, but he exhibited unquestionably good sportsmanship this year. I'd say he deserves to at least be nominated, and probably to win.

**Pashtet** · 11-13-2009, 07:31 PM

I disagree with this nomination. Sure, Roddick had a good year, but not a great one. Definitely not one better than any other sportsman's.

Even so, he did make me like him better this year even though I already liked him before.

**Cheaperisdeeper** · 11-13-2009, 07:40 PM

The other nominations so far. I reference their sports primarily for our out the States members who might not know a number of these athletes (not that I knew all of them, to be honest)

Anderson Silva (MMA)
Diana Taurasi (WNBA)
"The Spanish Male Athlete" (as a group, including Rafa, and players from other sports)
Tony Dungy (NFL)
Tom Watson (Golf)
Myles Brand (NCAA President)
Y.E. Yang (Golf)
Tim Tebow (NCAA Football)
Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta (female race horses)
Jimmy Johnson (NASCAR)
Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)

**Peretool** · 11-13-2009, 07:53 PM

I'd vote for Anderson Silva, he's just proven to be unbeatable. But MMA is a minor sport, he doesn't speak a lick of English, and the public hardly knows him, so he hasn't got a chance.

As for Andy, he should be glad just to be nominated. At the end of the day, this is America and we don't reward losers, no matter how valiantly they may have fought or how gracefully they handled defeat.

**#[SoftAzerZx]** · 11-13-2009, 07:57 PM

The other nominations so far. I reference their sports primarily for our out the States members who might not know a number of these athletes (not that I knew all of them, to be honest)

Anderson Silva (MMA)
Diana Taurasi (WNBA)
"The Spanish Male Athlete" (as a group, including Rafa, and players from other sports)
Tony Dungy (NFL)
Tom Watson (Golf)
Myles Brand (NCAA President)
Y.E. Yang (Golf)
Tim Tebow (NCAA Football)
Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta (female race horses)
Jimmy Johnson (NASCAR)
Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)

I have no idea who most of these people are. But "female race horses"? Give me a f---ing break!

**Grainiary** · 11-13-2009, 08:06 PM

Crazy thought: The tennis nominee for Sportsman of the Year is.....Roger Federer?!?!? I mean, the man should have won this thing a number of times. It would be appropriate to give this to him, as this almost definitely would be the last chance to give this to him.

AS for Andy- OH, come now. I like the guy a hell of a lot. And he indeed handled the Wimbledon final result with incredible grace and class. Want to give him some kind of consolation Sportsmanlike Moment of the Year award- fine by me. I also feel that it will be a crime that Roddick almost definitely will walk away from his career without a Wimbledon title. He would be a very deserving Wimbledon titleist. BUT- there have been enough times when he's been, to put this nicely, unpleasant on the court, this or any year (albeit for the sake of full disclosure I do not have any 2009 You Tube highlights to prove this point), for him to deserve any Sportsman of the Year award. Much less for achievement. IMO this writer must have been on crack when he made this choice. Or has gotten WAY too squishy-warm-fuzzy.

**gardenerextraordinaire** · 11-13-2009, 08:11 PM

I didn't realize that Roddick was the only nominee from all of tennis.

**smifatv** · 11-13-2009, 08:15 PM

Oops. I thought we were talking sportsmanship. Otherwise it's bizarre.

**Cheaperisdeeper** · 11-13-2009, 08:19 PM

I didn't realize that Roddick was the only nominee from all of tennis.

They mention Rafa in the "Spanish athlete" nominee essay, Dry. And they aren't done yet, there will still be a number of essays posted. But I'd be surprised if anyone else from tennis gets nominated.

**Peretool** · 11-13-2009, 08:24 PM

Sportsman of the Year since 1990

1990Joe MontanaFootball
1991Michael JordanBasketball
1992Arthur AsheTennis
1993Don ShulaFootball
1994Bonnie BlairSpeed Skating
1994Johann Olav KossSpeed Skating
1995Cal RipkenBaseball
1996Tiger WoodsGolf
1997Dean SmithCollege Basketball
1998Mark McGwireBaseball
1998Sammy SosaBaseball
1999US Women's Soccer TeamSoccer
2000Tiger WoodsGolf
2001Curt SchillingBaseball
2001Randy JohnsonBaseball
2002Lance ArmstrongCycling
2003David RobinsonBasketball
2003Tim DuncanBasketball
2004Boston Red SoxBaseball
2005Tom BradyFootball
2006Dwyane WadeBasketball
2007Brett FavreFootball
2008Michael PhelpsSwimming

**Carfanate** · 11-13-2009, 08:25 PM

Oops. I thought we were talking sportsmanship. Otherwise it's bizarre.

Oh... I misread it too. Now I'm confused by the nomination.

**Cheaperisdeeper** · 11-13-2009, 08:30 PM

I always thought it was primarily an excuse for SI's writers to wax poetic over favorite athletes. Some of the essays each year are incredibly well written. But there's really no clear indicia of what it actually takes to win.

The essay when Kim got nominated in 2005 was one of my all time favorite pieces of sprots journalism. The woman who wrote the essay nailed everything speical about Clijsters, and how she was so different than 95% of the other women in sports.

**gardenerextraordinaire** · 11-13-2009, 08:31 PM

Looking at the last two winners, I'm not sure who would WANT to win this award... Otherwise you might end up retiring every year and unable to leave your house without your bong.

**Ternneowns** · 11-13-2009, 08:31 PM

I think it's good Andy has been nominated.His effort in the final was amazing,holding his serve for the time he did but to me,it was also his semi against Murray.That was an amazing,unexpected win & Andy played some awesome tennis.The match of his life imo.It was my match of the year.
I'm English & i hope Andy gets some kind of recognition at our Sports Awards,also in December.i believe he won the Heinkein (sp) Star Award durring the USO.
Is this award decided by the public like ours?

**loikrso** · 11-13-2009, 08:32 PM

As for Andy, he should be glad just to be nominated. At the end of the day, this is America and we don't reward losers, no matter how valiantly they may have fought or how gracefully they handled defeat.

What he said.

**Cheaperisdeeper** · 11-13-2009, 08:34 PM

The essay when Kim got nominated in 2005 was one of my all time favorite pieces of sprots journalism. The woman who wrote the essay nailed everything speical about Clijsters, and how she was so different than 95% of the other women in sports.

Found it...

Indeed, in an era in which women's tennis has turned into an episode of America's Next Top Model, it is easy to overlook a player like Clijsters. She doesn't come to court to show off her latest fashion line or diamond baubles. She doesn't arrive with a 20-person entourage that takes over the players' box. She doesn't indulge in cat fights or name-calling or diva-like stares across the court. She's just Little Kimmy, the resident good girl who minds her business and comes to play. Full essay: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ers/index.html

**kictainiSot** · 11-13-2009, 08:50 PM

Tim Tebow (NCAA Football)
Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta (female race horses)

Tebow makes me

and horses??

I agree with the folks saying Andy is lucky to be nominated.

11-13-2009, 06:52 PM	#1
Cheaperisdeeper Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 555 Senior Member	Roddick: Sportsman of the Year Sports Illustrated will announce its choice for Sportsman of the Year on Dec. 1. Here's one of the nominations for that honor by an SI writer. My Sportsman: Andy Roddick By Albert Chen EXCERPT Tennis fans know his story well: Led by a new coach, Larry Stefanki, Roddick rededicated himself this year, dropped 15 pounds, improved his court coverage and retooled his backhand. His career as a Top 10 player on life support, he became relevant again with ridiculous hard work. But his other transformation was even more admirable: not so long ago Roddick was a punk --- brash and arrogant and rude on the court, the bad boy poster-child for the New Balls, Please generation. But marriage mellowed him; failure humbled him. The brat had become the gracious sportsman, and never was that more apparent than in the moments after the final when Roddick gave his moving speech in defeat. When asked by a BBC broadcaster if tennis can be a cruel sport, he looked up in the stands and answered, "No, I'm one of the lucky ones who has all you guys cheering for me." The Wimbledon crowd chanted his name. It was the coolest sports moment of the year. Later that night after The Greatest Match Ever, John McEnroe told Roddick that he had won over more fans in defeat than he ever did in victory. He was right. Full story: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...#ixzz0WlbWLYJj Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 06:58 PM	#2
gardenerextraordinaire Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 709 Senior Member	While I do think Andy did a little better in the area of NOT abusing chair umpires, I don't know... This seems just a bit premature and a little aggrandized to me. The writer is right about the hard work, though. Andy definitely put in the time in last year's offseason. And I'm sure he made a lot of new fans after Wimbledon. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 07:15 PM	#3
SannyGlow Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 598 Senior Member	I would think the way he handled that Wimbledon loss, and subsequent shock loss to Isner at the Open played a big part in this nomination. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 07:18 PM	#4
smifatv Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 356 Senior Member	He's been absolutely horrible in the past, but he exhibited unquestionably good sportsmanship this year. I'd say he deserves to at least be nominated, and probably to win. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 07:31 PM	#5
Pashtet Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 421 Senior Member	I disagree with this nomination. Sure, Roddick had a good year, but not a great one. Definitely not one better than any other sportsman's. Even so, he did make me like him better this year even though I already liked him before. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 07:40 PM	#6
Cheaperisdeeper Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 555 Senior Member	The other nominations so far. I reference their sports primarily for our out the States members who might not know a number of these athletes (not that I knew all of them, to be honest) Anderson Silva (MMA) Diana Taurasi (WNBA) "The Spanish Male Athlete" (as a group, including Rafa, and players from other sports) Tony Dungy (NFL) Tom Watson (Golf) Myles Brand (NCAA President) Y.E. Yang (Golf) Tim Tebow (NCAA Football) Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta (female race horses) Jimmy Johnson (NASCAR) Manny Pacquiao (Boxing) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 07:53 PM	#7
Peretool Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 516 Senior Member	I'd vote for Anderson Silva, he's just proven to be unbeatable. But MMA is a minor sport, he doesn't speak a lick of English, and the public hardly knows him, so he hasn't got a chance. As for Andy, he should be glad just to be nominated. At the end of the day, this is America and we don't reward losers, no matter how valiantly they may have fought or how gracefully they handled defeat. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 07:57 PM	#8
#[SoftAzerZx] Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 586 Senior Member	The other nominations so far. I reference their sports primarily for our out the States members who might not know a number of these athletes (not that I knew all of them, to be honest) Anderson Silva (MMA) Diana Taurasi (WNBA) "The Spanish Male Athlete" (as a group, including Rafa, and players from other sports) Tony Dungy (NFL) Tom Watson (Golf) Myles Brand (NCAA President) Y.E. Yang (Golf) Tim Tebow (NCAA Football) Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta (female race horses) Jimmy Johnson (NASCAR) Manny Pacquiao (Boxing) I have no idea who most of these people are. But "female race horses"? Give me a f---ing break! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:06 PM	#9
Grainiary Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 440 Senior Member	Crazy thought: The tennis nominee for Sportsman of the Year is.....Roger Federer?!?!? I mean, the man should have won this thing a number of times. It would be appropriate to give this to him, as this almost definitely would be the last chance to give this to him. AS for Andy- OH, come now. I like the guy a hell of a lot. And he indeed handled the Wimbledon final result with incredible grace and class. Want to give him some kind of consolation Sportsmanlike Moment of the Year award- fine by me. I also feel that it will be a crime that Roddick almost definitely will walk away from his career without a Wimbledon title. He would be a very deserving Wimbledon titleist. BUT- there have been enough times when he's been, to put this nicely, unpleasant on the court, this or any year (albeit for the sake of full disclosure I do not have any 2009 You Tube highlights to prove this point), for him to deserve any Sportsman of the Year award. Much less for achievement. IMO this writer must have been on crack when he made this choice. Or has gotten WAY too squishy-warm-fuzzy. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:11 PM	#10
gardenerextraordinaire Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 709 Senior Member	I didn't realize that Roddick was the only nominee from all of tennis. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:15 PM	#11
smifatv Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 356 Senior Member	Oops. I thought we were talking sportsmanship. Otherwise it's bizarre. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:19 PM	#12
Cheaperisdeeper Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 555 Senior Member	I didn't realize that Roddick was the only nominee from all of tennis. They mention Rafa in the "Spanish athlete" nominee essay, Dry. And they aren't done yet, there will still be a number of essays posted. But I'd be surprised if anyone else from tennis gets nominated. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:24 PM	#13
Peretool Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 516 Senior Member	Sportsman of the Year since 1990 1990Joe MontanaFootball 1991Michael JordanBasketball 1992Arthur AsheTennis 1993Don ShulaFootball 1994Bonnie BlairSpeed Skating 1994Johann Olav KossSpeed Skating 1995Cal RipkenBaseball 1996Tiger WoodsGolf 1997Dean SmithCollege Basketball 1998Mark McGwireBaseball 1998Sammy SosaBaseball 1999US Women's Soccer TeamSoccer 2000Tiger WoodsGolf 2001Curt SchillingBaseball 2001Randy JohnsonBaseball 2002Lance ArmstrongCycling 2003David RobinsonBasketball 2003Tim DuncanBasketball 2004Boston Red SoxBaseball 2005Tom BradyFootball 2006Dwyane WadeBasketball 2007Brett FavreFootball 2008Michael PhelpsSwimming Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:25 PM	#14
Carfanate Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 490 Senior Member	Oops. I thought we were talking sportsmanship. Otherwise it's bizarre. Oh... I misread it too. Now I'm confused by the nomination. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:30 PM	#15
Cheaperisdeeper Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 555 Senior Member	I always thought it was primarily an excuse for SI's writers to wax poetic over favorite athletes. Some of the essays each year are incredibly well written. But there's really no clear indicia of what it actually takes to win. The essay when Kim got nominated in 2005 was one of my all time favorite pieces of sprots journalism. The woman who wrote the essay nailed everything speical about Clijsters, and how she was so different than 95% of the other women in sports. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

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11-13-2009, 08:31 PM	#16
gardenerextraordinaire Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 709 Senior Member	Looking at the last two winners, I'm not sure who would WANT to win this award... Otherwise you might end up retiring every year and unable to leave your house without your bong. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:31 PM	#17
Ternneowns Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 541 Senior Member	I think it's good Andy has been nominated.His effort in the final was amazing,holding his serve for the time he did but to me,it was also his semi against Murray.That was an amazing,unexpected win & Andy played some awesome tennis.The match of his life imo.It was my match of the year. I'm English & i hope Andy gets some kind of recognition at our Sports Awards,also in December.i believe he won the Heinkein (sp) Star Award durring the USO. Is this award decided by the public like ours? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:32 PM	#18
loikrso Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 578 Senior Member	As for Andy, he should be glad just to be nominated. At the end of the day, this is America and we don't reward losers, no matter how valiantly they may have fought or how gracefully they handled defeat. What he said. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:34 PM	#19
Cheaperisdeeper Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 555 Senior Member	The essay when Kim got nominated in 2005 was one of my all time favorite pieces of sprots journalism. The woman who wrote the essay nailed everything speical about Clijsters, and how she was so different than 95% of the other women in sports. Found it... Indeed, in an era in which women's tennis has turned into an episode of America's Next Top Model, it is easy to overlook a player like Clijsters. She doesn't come to court to show off her latest fashion line or diamond baubles. She doesn't arrive with a 20-person entourage that takes over the players' box. She doesn't indulge in cat fights or name-calling or diva-like stares across the court. She's just Little Kimmy, the resident good girl who minds her business and comes to play. Full essay: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ers/index.html Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2009, 08:50 PM	#20
kictainiSot Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 536 Senior Member	Tim Tebow (NCAA Football) Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta (female race horses) Tebow makes me and horses?? I agree with the folks saying Andy is lucky to be nominated. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote