Jay Cutler and the Worst Body Language in Sports
Watch sports long enough and you begin to pick up on body language with athletes, coaches, owners and reporters.
You probably saw it Sunday after Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler left the NFC Championship Game with a knee injury.
Standing on the sidelines, it was obvious he looked like a man who wanted to cry, punch something and then go have a beer. To get this far and then not be able to help your team is the ultimate kick to the gut.
Who stands out for you? Who's got the worst body language in sports?
I remember growing up watching former UNLV men's basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian bite on his towel, and how Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton always had this basset hound expression on his face. Last year, I saw Texas Rangers owner Nolan Ryan sit just by the team's dugout, and he would never hide his disgust when his team was losing.
As he watched his team's season go down the tank earlier this year, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had a glazed-over look on his face. You would've thought he was just told that Santa or the Tooth Fairy wasn't real, or that his dog got shot.
Those stand out, but are they the worst? Here are the top 20 that stand out to me.
20. Brett Favre Accepting Reality
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Like a beat-up old truck that finally had too much wear and tear, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback and NFL legend seemed to accept that this was it and that his body couldn't take anymore.
Was that why he looked so dejected, or was it because he couldn't be the lead story again on SportsCenter?
19. Jim Calhoun's Grumpiness
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The Connecticut men's basketball coach just always seems grumpy, like the old man who sits on his porch and yells about the dog on his lawn or the kids driving by playing "that loud rap music."
Of course, he has no time to answer stupid questions either.
18. Ricardo Mayorga's Insanity
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The boxer smokes and drinks in the ring and is a master at getting under the skin of his opponents. But the crazed look on his face makes you wonder if he'd have no qualms pulling a switchblade on you.
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17. Phil Jackson's Superiority
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You surpassed Red Auerbach for championships, you've got a hot girlfriend, you coached Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and you are the Zen master. We get it already.
You are a legend, there's no doubt, but the NBA was great before you came along, and it will be just fine after.
16. John Daly Being John Daly
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The man you once marveled at has become a living, breathing train wreck that could use some time with Dr. Phil.
15. Pat Summitt's Glare
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I'm a huge fan of the Tennessee women's basketball coach. I think she's a legend and an icon, but this look alone would instill nothing but fear and panic in me if I played for her.
14. Donald Sterling's Indifference
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It's so easy to tell when an owner doesn't care about success and acts like he owns a toy that he gets bored with quickly.
It's so obvious the Clippers owner just cares about rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars and having the ability to heckle players if he so chooses.
13. Dirk Nowitzki's Pain Tolerance
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Having watched him ever since his rookie year, I've noticed that whenever the Mavericks forward hits the court hard, it's as if he just got shot in the back or had his Achilles snap.
Then I get confused and wonder if I've accidentally tuned into a soccer game. At least I expect flopping and overdramatization in that sport.
12. Bo Pelini's Rage Episodes
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If you had to come up with a list of the most explosive college football coaches, you'd have to include TCU's Gary Patterson and Nick Saban at Alabama. But no one tops Bo. The Nebraska coach doesn't just get angry—he loses it.
I don't need to be lectured and reminded about how coaches have always done this. I know, I know. I just think it's funny how coaches preach so much about discipline and harnessing your emotions during games, but can't control themselves either.
11. Les Miles' Little Man Complex
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I'm proud of my alma mater, and proud of the success it's had under Miles, but there are times when he says things and gets defensive, and it reminds me of the kid who got picked next to last during games at recess and would get in a huff and act like, "Oh yeah?! Well, I'll show you!"
Coach the game, manage the clock, worry about your players and the rest will take care of itself. Getting criticized comes with the territory when you coach at a major program in the SEC. Fans treat football like religion, and you can't let it get to you.
10. Angel Cabrera's Smoking Habit
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I like the Argentinian, but it's just a little awkward to see a major champion be so open about his smoking habit. Golf is steeped so heavily in manners and decorum and this perfect, pristine image. I'm sure he gets a big thumbs up from Philip Morris.
Nothing beats some free advertising.
9. Tony Romo's Smirking
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It's good that athletes have fun. That's not the problem I have. What I notice with Romo and other Cowboys is that they've had this air that they've accomplished something and they're special, when in reality they've done nothing.
Before you fly off the handle, just know I'm not the only one who noticed this: Early this season during one FOX pregame show, Jimmy Johnson even called Romo and the players out for their attitudes.
You can be the best quarterback in the league, but even Tom Brady kept saying all season long with the Patriots that "we really haven't done anything yet."
8. Peyton Manning's Sour Look
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When he really gets upset, the Colts quarterback will often have a look on his face that's both sour and put out. It's the same feeling you get when you're trying your hardest at something and want to do your best but fall short—like wanting a 100 on a paper in school and getting a 98.
7. Jay Cutler's Dejection
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It seemed like the Bears quarterback wanted to disappear and go cry in a corner. It was uncomfortable and painful to watch. Part of me wishes he would've hobbled out and kept going, but only he knew his limits.
6. Andrea Kremer's Gazing
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Yes, she's a tremendous reporter, and I like her work on HBO's Real Sports. I just got uncomfortable when she was doing sideline work for NBC's Sunday Night Football and would be standing there gawking if she interviewed Tom Brady after a win.
This isn't a reach either. You could definitely tell.
5. Geno Auriemma's Cockiness
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The Connecticut women's basketball coach is a legend and definitely a tremendous coach. But he also throws out comments and says things that make it very hard for you to like him.
I don't have a problem with the man, but his demeanor and attitude definitely make him a polarizing figure in women's college basketball.
4. Cam Newton's Bravado
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I like talented players who are confident in their ability, but it was hard for me to decipher if the Auburn quarterback was confident and humble, or confident and relieved that he escaped being ruled ineligible by the skin of his teeth.
3. Don King Being Don King
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Don makes me laugh. I always expect him to open his suit jacket or coat and have 10 faux Rolexes hanging inside he wants to hawk for $500 a pop.
The world of boxing is one that will sharpen your street smarts instantly, and you will run into more than enough people you're not so sure you can trust.
On the surface, they will charm you and pretend to be your buddy, but there is always a hustle.
2. Tiger Woods' Temper
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I'm glad I don't have kids, because I'd seriously be embarrassed if they were watching golf with me and saw Woods stare daggers at a fan or photographer or swing his club after a horrible tee shot. The profanity is a whole other matter itself.
1. Rashard Mendenhall's Thrusting
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It was only for a few seconds, but I'm still scarred by what I saw on that video from Sunday's game. There are normal ways to celebrate, like pumping your fists, hugging your teammates, jumping into the stands.
What he did to Ben Roethlisberger still has me so confused.
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