Washington, D.C. Sports: 10 Games That Made Me Lose My Mind

I have acquired the nickname “Meltdown Tom” over the years, courtesy of one of my closest friends and a former roommate in college. For those who do not know me, I can only assume you would ask why?

Well, I’ll be happy to explain. My “Sicilian” temper decides to come out typically in embarrassing fashion while watching sporting events of my favorite teams (Redskins, University of Maryland basketball and football, Capitals, Wizards and Nationals).

I've been known to punch inanimate objects (drywall, doors, tables, floors), rip articles of clothing (everything from undershirts, Ralph Lauren sweaters, even my sacred Chris Cooley jersey, which I pinned back together, I’m really sorry about that one), scream insults, obscenities and other utterly offensive commentary at the television.

Or even in extreme cases, I will argue with opposing fans, even as far as a little girl wearing a Miles Austin jersey.  (That was partially justifiable. She wasn’t from Dallas. Then again, it's not her fault her dad is a bandwagon jumper and wasn’t loved enough as a child, then had the audacity to pass on that BS fan-hood to her helpless daughter.)

Am I proud of my lifelong behavior? Absolutely not. In fact, I’ve been working on it. I successfully went through an entire Redskins season without ripping, punching or destroying anything else. I pat myself on the back for that one.

So why did I act that way, besides the fact that I’m a diehard fan of all the teams mentioned above? I really don’t know, except that I hate losing. Unfortunately, almost all of the teams I root for lose more than they win. What’s even worse is that a lot of those losses are heartbreaking. Losses that are so bad that I lost my freaking mind.

So in celebration of my ridiculousness, I have decided to remind my fellow Washingtonians, or any Redskins, Terps or Caps fans, of the 10 games in which I went absolutely bonkers, though not in any particular order.

This article is not meant to rehash awful moments in D.C. sports history. It is rather to comically look back and see what your reaction was in comparison to mine.

Oh, I have a disclaimer. It may appear that I am psychologically crippled. Let me assure you that I am rather normal, just a little crazy in extreme cases.

Enjoy.

Duke's 'Miracle Minute' Against Maryland in 2001

I hate the excuse that referees blew the game, but are you kidding me? For those that do not remember, Maryland was the No. 8-ranked team in the country and Duke was No. 2. Things went Maryland’s way virtually the entire game until Duke came back from 10 down with 54 seconds to go.

Overall, this was the game that sparked one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball. North Carolina suffered some rough years after Dean Smith retired, and Gary Williams had consistent top-10 teams, thus being the only in-conference school that could complete with Duke on a nightly basis.

Initial reaction after the loss: Well, a couple of broken knuckles from punching a wall was always fun, especially punching a wall that had studs behind it.

Aftermath: I still get mad about it. I’ve always said it’s one thing to lose a heartbreaking game, but it’s another to lose to your rival, the team that you absolutely loathe.

Duke Overcoming a 22-Point Deficit Against Maryland in the 2001 Final Four

So not only did they beat us after being down 10 with less than a minute left, but they also beat us in Maryland’s first Final Four.

I’ve been watching the Evil Empire, also known as Duke, my entire life, and what Duke has every year is its notorious “runs.” I can predict a Duke run before it happens. I start panicking, I know it’s going to happen, the announcers know it’s going to happen, the fans, everyone. Yet Maryland could not stop it, nor can anyone in the country for that matter.

Initial Reaction: Absolutely livid. I can’t remember what exactly I did, but I know I got in trouble.

Aftermath: When it comes down to it, it actually turned into a happy ending as Maryland won the national championship the next year, which happens to be the greatest day of my life.

This was my favorite team. Being a Redskins, Wizards, Capitals and Nationals fan, I’ve really never had anything to celebrate. Although I was young, I was able to witness and cheer as my favorite team won a championship, something that I will never forget.

I randomly ran into Byron Mouton, Maryland’s starting small forward from the 2002 championship team, last week and I suddenly got really nervous and kept on repeating: “Holy ..., that’s Byron Moutin, HOLY ...!”

Michigan State Beating Maryland at the Buzzer in the Second Round

After winning the ACC regular-season title, Maryland, led by seniors Grievis Vasquez, Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne, were a legitimate threat in the tournament.

After trailing virtually the entire game, Vasquez led a furious comeback and Maryland took the lead with six seconds left.

But then Korie Lucious, a relative unknown, sank a game-winning buzzer-beater and Michigan State advanced to the Sweet 16.

Initial Reaction: Speechless. Talk about going from being incredibly ecstatic to watching the season end in a matter of seconds.

In addition to that, a friend of mine from college made a Facebook post about me in which he was genuinely concerned for my well-being and asked that all friends and associates to keep an eye on me. As mad as I was at the time, I’m not going to lie, that was pretty funny.

Aftermath: Obviously, the basketball gods were in Michigan State’s favor, as the Spartans went to another Final Four, which certainly made me feel better. It wasn’t just a fluke. They turned out to be the better team.

What’s unfortunate about this game is that it was Gary Williams’ last meaningful one. His final season in 2011 was rather forgettable.

The Washington Capitals Lose to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the Playoffs

The city of Washington has one team to bank on; the Washington Capitals. The Redskins and Wizards are hopeless and the Nationals lost more than 100 games in 2010. The Caps and Alex Ovechkin were the only team worth seeing that year.

They finished with the NHL’s best record, winning the Presidents’ Trophy, and were the clear-cut favorite to bring home the Stanley Cup.

Despite it being somewhat ugly, the Capitals jumped out to a 3-1 series lead against the Canadiens. There was not an ounce of fear in anyone that they would not advance to the next round.

But, of course, the “curse” of D.C. sports prevailed again. The Capitals had a historic choke, losing to the Canadiens in Game 7 at home, despite having one of the most pronounced home-ice advantages in the league.

Initial Reaction: A very expensive bar tab.

Aftermath: I was absolutely furious. But after watching the Vancouver Canucks (this year’s Presidents’ Trophy winner) lose in the opening round, I feel a little bit better.

When it comes down to it, you can argue that the Capitals never recovered from that humiliating series defeat. Since then, their coach has been fired, Ovechkin’s play has substantially diminished and there seems to be more and more drama each year.

Even though they have been a good team since, are they ever going to be anything more than entertaining? I really don’t know.

Gilbert Arenas Chokes on the Free-Throw Line in the Playoffs

The Washington Wizards have a very apathetic fanbase. What people don’t remember is that more than five years ago the Verizon Center was packed every night with fans who cheered on Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and others. Back then, the Wizards were one of the NBA's most enjoyable teams to watch.

Those Wizards could have done some damage in the playoffs if they hadn't had to face LeBron James and the Cavs every year. 

The most notable series against the Cavs was in 2006, a very competitive and heated battle that went the distance. Arenas put Game 7 into overtime with a long three-point shot. But he will be remembered for missing two free throws with 14 seconds left, which was followed by Damon Jones' game-winning basket at the buzzer that sent the Wizards packing.

To delve into the situation even more, after Gilbert’s first missed free throw, LeBron James went up to Arenas and told told that if he missed this free throw, the game would be over. Here’s the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO58NRNxQ4Y

Initial Reaction: Beyond angry. Once again, it sucks losing, but losing to the team you hate makes it so much worse. I smacked the floor and yelled things that I cannot repeat. Luckily, my friends had a party that night to distract us from the loss.

Aftermath: I hate to admit it, but regardless of the series loss, the Cavaliers were the better team. They should have won and deserved it.

The Wizards turned out to be a big “what if.” Their version of the “Big 3” (Arenas, Butler and Jamison) was  rarely healthy at the same time and never gave them an equal shot at advancing in the playoffs.

The Loss to the Bills in the First Game After Sean Taylor's Death

My saddest day as a fan occurred after the tragic passing of Sean Taylor. The team’s most talented athlete, who was beloved by his teammates and fans, was taken away from us when he was playing at an All-Pro level.

I grew up with Sonny Jurgensen stories and I can guarantee that I’ll tell my children about the great Sean Taylor. I still watch his highlights on Youtube every once in awhile. It’s been more than five years and the Skins still have not been able to replace a talent like that.

I can assure you that the Redskins would be in much better shape if No. 21 was still on the field.

That being said, the Redskins still had a game to play, taking on the Buffalo Bills in a cold, wet and overall depressing day at FedEx Field. Just like any game, it was close.

With the Skins leading by two, the Bills climbed into field goal range. As they set up for a 51-yard attempt, Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs mistakenly called consecutive timeouts in an attempt to “ice” the kicker.

Well, Gibbs, a football lifer, did not know that was an illegal strategy. The Redskins were penalized 15 yards, setting up the Bills for a more than manageable 36-yard field goal, which inevitably went in.

Initial Reaction: Just depressed. I did the unthinkable and that was yell at Joe Gibbs, who was untouchable at that point.

That game was supposed to be won. It was supposed to be for Sean. But the Redskins were not emotionally ready, and rightfully so.

However, there was so much more than that. Not only did our best player just get murdered, our god-like head coach made a huge mental error.

In addition, at that time I thought the season was over. At 5-7, I thought there was no way we were going to the playoffs.

Aftermath: Given what happened, it is a season I will never forget. After that awful loss, Washington went on to win the next four and earn a wild-card spot in the playoffs. Including a Week 17 must-win  against rival Dallas, which they won by 21 points, a margin of victory that had plenty of meaning for Sean Taylor fans.

The Redskins' Epic Meltdown Against the New Orleans Saints in 2009

The 2009-2010 season was probably the worst that I witnessed as Jim Zorn led the Redskins to a 4-12 record.

They were so hard to watch, week in and week out. You could tell that Zorn had lost the team after the first game.

Well, the Redskins decided to play well one game that year and that was against the undefeated and eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.

They played their butts off and lost in overtime after an array of flukes and lucky bounces for New Orleans, which included a botched 23-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham that would have put the game away.

No field goal is safe to me because of that play. Suisham actually lost his job after that. Mentioning his name still makes me cringe.

Initial Reaction: Oh, I made a complete fool of myself in public. I was pacing back and forth throughout the fourth and naturally ripped my shirt once the game was over. (It was a nice shirt, too.)

Aftermath: This game might have surprised some people, but the reason why I picked this one is because despite the utter embarrassment of the Zorn era, winning this game would have meant something.

I knew the Redskins weren’t going to the playoffs, and in the long run it was rather pointless, but to knock off an undefeated team and eventual champion, the Redskins could have looked back and known  they beat the best team in the league.

It was such a miserable season that it could have made us fans feel better, that at least for one week we all got to celebrate.

The Lions Beat the Redskins to Snap Their 19-Game Losing Streak

September 27, 2009 was one the most humiliating days of my life.

I went to a college in South Carolina where almost the entire student body was from up and down the East Coast. Upon my arrival, I found there were Redskins fans everywhere. In all of Virginia, parts of Maryland, even students from North Carolina were fans.

To make a long story short, there was a group of 20 of us that would watch the games together every Sunday at various sports bars in the area.

Well, all of us decided to watch the game at a local sports bar really close to campus. In addition to broadcasting the Redskins game, they had on the Eagles, Giants and other teams at the same time. So there were a variety of other fans in the establishment, including the forever obnoxious Eagles fans.

To refresh everyone’s memory, the 2008 Lions went winless and continued their streak through the first two games of the 2009 season. That Lions team is considered one of the worst teams in professional sports history.

Before that game, I had a really bad feeling about it. The Skins are notorious for playing down to the opposing team’s level, and they did just that, losing to the Lions 19-14.

Initial Reaction: I am not exaggerating. My fellow Redskins fans and I were literally laughed out of a bar. Fans of the other teams were laughing and pointing at us. I felt like the loser in elementary school who no one liked.

It was beyond awful. It’s one thing to lose to the worst team in NFL history, but then to be pointed and laughed at by the entire bar. I really don’t wish that upon anyone, except Cowboys, Giants and Eagles fans, of course.

I immediately went home and played the drums. I have been playing the drums for more than a decade now and decided to take out all of my anger on them that day. Much to my surprise, it sounded pretty good.

Aftermath: That loss still resonates and the Redskins have continued to play down to the level of their competition.

The game essentially ended Jim Zorn’s tenure as head coach. He was simply a zombie after that. Soon his play-calling duties were taken away. General manager Vinny Cerrato resigned, and former bingo operator Sherman Lewis became the offensive coordinator.

I’ve stated this before, but given all the drama that occurs at Redskins Park, it would be one heck of a reality show.

The Eagles Dominate the Redskins on Monday Night Football in 2010

This was maybe the most dysfunctional season ever. Let’s look at the cast.

Before that season, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb gets traded to the Redskins on Easter Sunday. Two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan takes over as head coach. And Albert Haynesworth fails his conditioning test, then doesn't want to play in the 3-4 defense.

Despite the off-field distractions, the Skins managed to get to the season’s halfway point with a 4-4 record, which included incredibly inconsistent play from McNabb, one of the worst defenses in Redskins history and a no-show by Haynesworth, the team's highest-paid player.

It gets worse. Prior to the Eagles game, McNabb signs a $78 million extension and, oh yeah, Santana Moss and other Redskins start a fight at midfield.

On the first play, LaRon Landry gets burned for a touchdown by DeSean Jackson. Michael Vick plays one of the best games in NFL history and the Eagles win 59-28.  The score doesn’t do the defeat justice. It honestly felt like 100-0.

I’m not sure what play was worse, Landry getting burned or Haynesworth just laying on the ground as Vick scrambles around the entire defense for another touchdown.

Let’s see what else. Well, at halftime almost all of the Redskins fans at FedEx left as the stadium soon became engulfed by traveling Eagles fans. It was just demoralizing.

Initial Reaction: I’m pretty sure co-host Chad Dukes on WJFK’s 106.7 The Fan on the LaVar Arrington Show pretty much summed up my reaction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePAevL_cEaA

I went on the computer that night and that’s when I first started writing about sports. So I guess the defeat was somewhat inspiring. I went over every single person on the roster and decided whether they should be released or retained by the organization. Obviously, there were not a lot of holdovers.

Aftermath: Well, a blowout like that hasn’t happened since, so I guess things are a little better than that these days. I can think of a million things I’d rather do than to watch something like that again. Whoever went to that game deserves a refund.

The Buccaneers Beating the Redskins in the 2000 Playoffs

Brad Johnson, Stephen Davis and Michael Westbrook helped me witness my one division title. Being 24, I don’t remember the 1992 Super Bowl.

I was only 12 years old when this happened, so I was a little too young to fully grasp what happened on that January night in 2000.

The Skins jumped ahead 13-0 , but the Buccaneers rallied to take a 14-13 lead. With seconds remaining,  the Redskins set up for a 51-yard field goal. But the kick didn’t come off as Dan Turk botched the snap, ending the Redskins' season.

Initial Reaction: I’m pretty sure I cried, punched or threw something. Most likely, it was a combination of everything. It wasn’t good.

Aftermath: I’m almost glad that didn’t happen recently. Now that I’m older, understand the game better and have a more desperate need to watch a winning team, wow, I don’t even want to think what my reaction would be.

Since then, you know the rest. The Redskins haven’t won the division and have won only one other playoff game.

Norv Turner still has a head coaching job and Pro Bowler Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay. Obviously, things really worked out well for the Burgundy and Gold and owner Daniel Snyder.