Why the Media's Remarkable Overuse of the Word "Remarkable" Is Remarkable

If there is one overused word in sports reporting, it’s “remarkable.” You hear sports reporters and anchors unnecessarily use it all the time. They gush over relatively mild streaks, events, people, and happenings as being “remarkable.” In doing a quick Google search for the words “remarkable” and “sports,” the term ”remarkable” was used about 70 times in a 24-hour period.

“The Giants three-game winning streak is remarkable.” “Craig Counsel’s tonight ended his remarkable career.” “Ken Whisenhunt’s career path has been remarkable.” “Jimmy Johnson’s hair is remarkable.” “Dr. Aaron’s mustache is remarkable.” No, sorry, none of these are remarkable …. well, maybe Jimmy Johnson’s hair.

This past Sunday, Hannah Storm said the Arizona Cardinals were “remarkable” because they had made the NFC championship. Hey, Hannah, they’re on a nice streak. EVERY TEAM gets on a streak. Even my Cubs and Bullets. And as the Cards are now in the Super Bowl, it’s important to keep in mind they will more than likely now get crushed by Pittsburgh.

Here’s what I think is remarkable: one-handed Jim Abbott pitching in the majors; Pam Anderson not spreading Hep-C further (or maybe she has?); the fact that former Pirates pitcher Doc Ellis tossed a no-hitter while high on acid in 1970 (read about that here); Patrick Swayze—star of the greatest movie of all time, “Roadhouse”—filming a new TV series while going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment for pancreatic cancer; and even Sarah Jessica Parker being allowed on TV despite looking like a horse (for proof of this, see this site).

Those feats are remarkable.

So today I ask the sport broadcasting community for three things: First, please send me coupons for discounted beer. Second, DO NOT show Brenda Warner during the Super Bowl. America can only take so much. And, finally, please use the word “remarkable” responsibly, and if it causes an erection for more than four hours, seek immediate medical assistance.

Ridicularity Round Up

• Many or most of you hated my interview with Jesus on Oct. 10. However, I must point out that JC was only half right. While he did correctly say a few teams that were hot at the time—the Titans, Broncos, Bills and Redskins—would tank, he also said “If the Eagles can get healthy, they represent the NFC…” which was pretty close per the Cardinals fluke. But most importantly, the former carpenter ended with, “in the end this year, I like the Steelers. They play great defense, they are playing well despite a lot of injuries, and once they come back together by late season, they will be bad-ass.” I guess we’ll see, but nice work to the man in the sandals.
  
• That trailer for “Watchmen” looks bad-ass.
• Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady on the injury list at the same time. That just kind of came out of nowhere.
• Orlando is as hot as Boston was early in the season. We’ll see how long they last on the current tear, but Dwight Howard has clearly cemented himself among the NBA’s elite.
• Irony is a funny things. Remember when Steve Francis was drafted out of Maryland by the then-Vancouver Grizzles and then pouted his way out of town? Well recently he was traded back to the now-Memphis Grizzlies, and despite being one of the worst teams in the NBA, they are paying Stevie Franchise $2.64 million just to go away.
• Allen Iverson recently said, “Am I frustrated? Is there something beyond frustrated? That’s where I am.” Hey, A.I., look in the mirror.  Not only are you short and poorly groomed, but you are a team killer and your replacement of Chauncey Billups is the principle reason the Pistons are sinking.
• Stephon Marbury has offered to give the Knicks a $1 mil. discount off his $21 million salary to let him go. What a giver. The man has his principles.

Carry on.

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