
Martin Luther King Day is about taking the message that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to pass on to our society, and putting it to work.
Can our local Philadelphia sports teams take his message and put it to work?
Here are some messages Martin Luther King could have for our local teams.
1) We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. - Martin Luther King Jr. to the Philadelphia Eagles
No question that the Eagles had the talent to be a playoff team this year, but their inability to get it together in time made them look foolish for most of the season. When the Eagles dropped to 2-4, players started to talk about individuals worrying more about their own stats than the team. If the Eagles are going to turn things around next season, they must learn to live together. Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie need to do a better job in their new roles. DeSean Jackson and Asante Samuel need to learn to put the team before their own individual needs, because this Eagles team needs them both back next season in order to compete. Juan Castillo and Jim Washburn must learn how to put a defense together that still utilizes the Wide 9, but does not collapse against the run. Finally, the Eagles need to come together as a team for their head coach Andy Reid - because if they don't, they will be out of the playoffs again. Then, they would really perish together as fools.
2) Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness. - Martin Luther King Jr. to Ilya Bryzgalov
The signs of an ugly divorce are already starting to appear between Ilya Bryzgalov and the Flyers. Less playing time for Bryz, sitting him in big games, Bryzgalov getting testy with the media, and a feeling from the fans that Bryz might not be cut out for this big of a market. With all of this going on, it would be easy for Bryz to take his big contract and succumb to the pressure - give up, make the situation ugly, and ultimately force his way out of town. Will he pull it together? It really is up to Bryz. If he can fight the temptation to completely collapse, and turn his game around, he could be a fan favorite. And not the bitter, confused, disappointed player he is now.