Why Do I Continue to Read Peter King?

John Marzano Olympic Hero

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I tweeted at him and asked if he currently runs, since going from couch to half-marathon in 2.5 months seems pretty ambitious. He decided to direct message me:



I wanted to reply to his direct message asking why he'd ask for a half-marathon calendar when Google exists, but it won't let me since he doesn't follow me.
What a delightfully thoughtful and nice response.
 

Leather

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Seriously. It's like he's not only adopted the favored communications methods of 15 year olds everywhere, he's also adopted their surly attitude to boot.

I might start a twitter just to see what responses I can elicit.
 

wutang112878

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I tweeted at him and asked if he currently runs, since going from couch to half-marathon in 2.5 months seems pretty ambitious. He decided to direct message me:
Didnt he have knee surgery, or has bad knees or something along those lines? I am going to say the chances of him finishing a half marathon and running the entire thing are slim to none, especially in 2.5 months
 

DJnVa

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I might start a twitter just to see what responses I can elicit.

I think the collective "wisdom" of SoSH could definitely cause this guy to have a public twitter meltdown.
 

Corsi

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Duke U. phD student/Wounded Warrior @kuniholm, Jon Kuniholm, and me after the New Hampshire Half-Marathon



I guess he does run? I hate to admit it, but he's not as fat as I thought.
 

John Marzano Olympic Hero

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He tucks his shirt into his shorts. He looks like he's about to star in CBS' brand new show, "I'm an Idiot Male Who Can't Comprehend My Wife, My Children and the World in General".
 

Leather

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Seriously. There's no way he doesn't run/walk at a 12 minute/mile pace or slower if he tucks his fucking shirt in.


http://www.coolrunni...wHam_set4.shtml

#450, Peter King, Boston MA, 53 years old: 10:39 pace.

I wasn't too far off.


EDIT: Oh god.

http://footloose.run...aordinaire.html

FTA:

Peter, who's running his first half marathon next weekend (not to mention his first race of any kind in 30 years),
So, he's been running for maybe 2 years. Judging from his offense at Corsi's question, you'd think he was some sort of life-long fitness freak.
 

Leather

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Holy Shit:

Anyway, my office colleagues all said, "Peter's a big guy. Can he really run?" Short answer: Yes. Slightly longer answer: It's true that Peter is big, but he's big more in the sense of thick rather than fat.
 

DJnVa

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Let's not turn this into another PeteAbe thread...There is way too much great comedy here.
Oh no, I didn't mean in that way. PeteAbe got shat on just for writing anything. Peter posts a lot of things that simply make you wonder what the hell he was thinking about and it'd be awesome to actually see if you can get him to describe his thought process. I want to see him try to explain the Darren Sproles thing.
 

John Marzano Olympic Hero

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Oh no, I didn't mean in that way. PeteAbe got shat on just for writing anything. Peter posts a lot of things that simply make you wonder what the hell he was thinking about and it'd be awesome to actually see if you can get him to describe his thought process. I want to see him try to explain the Darren Sproles thing.
There is no way that he'll explain his thought process other than, "I have my opinion, you have yours. We may disagree but I have a bigger audience than you do, so what are you going to do about it?" Peter King doesn't take too kindly to his readers asking him tough questions, in fact he can be down-right prickly about it (worse than Bill Simmons, actually).

The thing that makes it so frustrating is that Peter King believes he's a man of the people, but he's not or at least he acts like he's above the unwashed masses. He shouldn't feel that way because he's just another guy who can write pretty quickly, cull sources well and ultimately lucked into a really lucrative job that provides him a large amount of money and a small amount of fame.Because of these two things, he thinks his opinion is worth more than the next person's and on most topics (like the Sproles thing), it's not.

The one real secret that sportswriters tend to guard is that writing or talking about sports takes a lot of intelligence, it doesn't. You see the same things they see (on the court/field/ice), you hear the same crap they hear in the locker room, the only thing that they have is access to the athletes and GMs. Ultimately that doesn't matter because 90% of it's horseshit used by guys who are manipulating the media in spinning stories their way. So sportswriters get the first generation lie, we get the second. Big fucking deal.
 

bbc23

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I think the collective "wisdom" of SoSH could definitely cause this guy to have a public twitter meltdown.
I almost think he would be too naive to understand why people were attacking him. I remember him retweeting someone telling him to suck a dick and wondering how there could be such horrible people in the world that someone would dare say that to him.
 

Shelterdog

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OMG.


Peter King ‏@SI_PeterKing

RT @craigawright: Traveling anywhere good for vaca?? Back to Vienna perhaps? ... Going to Dachau (never seen a Concentration Camp), Venice.



Peter King ‏@SI_PeterKing

RT @gaussdabauss: Dachau will change your outlook on this world. Reminds you what humans are capable of doing ... Thanks. Excited to see it.



Peter King ‏@SI_PeterKing

RT @SeanTAllen: is excited really the best word when talking about visiting a concentration camp? ... #pickydillweedsontwittertonight


Peter King ‏@SI_PeterKing

RT @SudsNoasAbba: Why Dachau? ... Wife and I have always wanted to see a concentration camp.



Peter King ‏@SI_PeterKing
RT @mogwald: Are you gonna write about your experience in the concentration camp? ... I think so.
 

Leather

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Ok. This whole exchange stuck an especially big stick in my craw because I am a history buff, have been to Dachau, and spent some time living with a family in Germany (including a WWII veteran), so I appreciate the stickiness of the "why Dachau?" question. And, predictably, King handles what should have been a small, delicate, thing, with the precision of a sow.

1) "Excited" probably isn't the word you want to use. I would give an ordinary man a pass on that, because it's clear what he objectively means, but he's a professional writer, and choosing words is his job. There are lots of words that King could have used that would have gotten the point across without simultaneously giving the impression that he might be a cold, insensitive dick. Like, say, the word "interested."

2) I'm not a twitter person, so I don't really know, but: Is King calling SeanTAllen a "picky dillweed" because he pointed out the lack of sensitivity in using the word "Excited" when talking about a concentration camp? Because by doing that, he removes any doubt that he's a cold, insensitive dick. I bet behind closed doors, King is the type of guy that tells his christian friends that Jews should just "get over it already."

3) The response "Wife and I always wanted to see a concentration camp" just makes things even worse, because he willfully ignores the opportunity to clarify what he means. There is, frankly, the possibility that some of the people commenting to King legitimately don't understand why someone would want to visit Dachau. A lot of people probably think it's odd, and for completely understandable reasons. In a nation where a large percentage think hanging out on the beach is the ideal form of vacation, the idea of going to a place of tragedy in some German suburb might seem bizarre.

He could have written: "The Holocaust was one of, if not the, most awful event in human history, and I believe that people making a point to remember it ensures it will never happen again. Others have told me that visiting a CC is one of the most sad, moving, and unforgettable experiences they've ever had."

But instead he just continues down the path of "Dumb American Tourist", and acts like he's going to Disney Land, and yet again idoes a disservice to the whole reason why Dachau is preserved (to remember, to meditate on human-induced evil, and on the amazing ability of a few to find grace in the face of it).

"Why? Because wife and I wanna check it out, that's why. It's on our list, along with eating a pastrami sandwich at Katz's Deli and catching Bruce at Fenway."

And, of course, he has no idea why this might rankle some, or (more importantly) why others might think his blase tone might make people (like me) think he's a hypocritical blowhard who only asks people to be compassionate when it's something he cares about, but doesn't really care about others himself. Again, he lacks empathy.

4) Great. Can't wait for him to educate us all on this thing called "World War II".
 

Leather

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Peter King ‏@SI_PeterKing
First impression: Dachau...more like DachWOW.


Mr. Starwood Preferred Member Travel Note of the Week

I was told to visit Dachau by lots of people that I respect, so i took their advice. Well, call me crazy, but I was really expecting more. I'm a big fan of "Schindler's List", and wanted to see the a concentration camp like that one. I suspect I'm not the only one. Well, I can tell all of you Holocaust buffs out there that Dachau is NOT that kind of camp.

During the tour, I asked where the gas chambers were. I mean, that's kind of what the Holocaust is famous for, right? Those terrible images of Jews getting exterminated (fun fact: the Nazis used propaganda to liken Jews to vermin, or rats, and then gassed them...just like rats. Isn't that fascinating?) Well, I was told that Dachau wasn't a "death camp." No, it was merely an internment camp, and people weren't intentionally slaughtered there. Naturally, I was pretty disappointed (I was really excited to be there initially, as evidenced by my "DachWOW" tweet). I took my disappointment to one of the people in the ticket office, and gently explained that I had schlepped all the way out there from Munich, and felt that I had been the victim of a classic bait-and-switch. The ticket agent must have had some Gestapo (German Secret Service) blood in her, because she was rude and told me to leave.

My advice: go all out and hit up Auschwitz, the Wrigley Field of concentration camps to Dachau's Tropicana Field.
 

pappymojo

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A lot of people probably think it's odd, and for completely understandable reasons. In a nation where a large percentage think hanging out on the beach is the ideal form of vacation
One small nitpick, but just want to state for a fact that going to the beach for a week is an awesome vacation (provided the weather cooperates).
 

Leather

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I wasn't passing judgment. Just saying, some people could find it odd to spend money on airfare, lodging, limited vacation time, etc... to go to a concentration camp (among other things) over going to the beach, or going to Paris, or going to Disney Land. That doesn't even occur to King. Instead he just acts like it should be self-evident to everyone what he's talking about, and what he means, even though he doesn't use words that precisely convey anything.

King: "I'm excited to go to a concentration camp."

Person: "Isn't that kind of an odd sentiment to have?"

King: "Shut up, nerd."

Person 2: "So, why a concentration camp."

King: "Just because. Jesus, what is it with you people."
 

Corsi

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"After spending the afternoon strolling through Dachau, I had one overriding thought: All of this cannot be invented."
 

Mystic Merlin

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There's a disturbing element of objectification in those tweets, and you can bet he will write a cringe-worthy blurb dripping with a juvenile sentimentality and angst befitting a mediocre high school paper. I really hope he doesn't attempt to 'draw parallels' or any such 'doesn't it make you wonder/you just have to think that' tomfoolery, but I say it's 3:1 he brings up the Native Americans at some point (he probably doesn't know Japanese-American internment happened, so I'm not going with that ex.).

EDIT - What the hell am I thinking, slavery is the obvious one.
 

wutang112878

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MMQB wasnt written by King this week but DeMaurice Smith, but for the life of me I cant figure out what he was referring to in these 2 points:

3. I think members of the media think that I don't like them for some reason.


9. I think that the Euro soccer tournament has brought issues of racism in sports to the forefront in a way that exists more subtly in American sports.


I cant think of an example where a media member seems to think Smith doesnt like them, but I do think there are members of the media that dont think he is effective. I guess either Smith cant see the difference or am I missing something?​

As for the racism, I know there have been some issues with Euro soccer lately, but how does this specifically apply to American sports? Like a comment like 'subtly in American sports' is so amazing vague, I am kind of surprised that SI published it. Again, did I miss something??​
 

Alcohol&Overcalls

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As for the racism, I know there have been some issues with Euro soccer lately, but how does this specifically apply to American sports? Like a comment like 'subtly in American sports' is so amazing vague, I am kind of surprised that SI published it. Again, did I miss something??
No, I think it was just poorly written/edited ... it seems like his point is "Racism is just as pervasive in American sports, but it's much more subtle than 'tossing a banana' or 'chanting slurs' like we've seen in Euro2012."

As posed, though, he seems to be saying that the 'forefront' racism has been brought onto somehow exists in America, which obviously makes no sense. I wouldn't be surprised to see it edited - I think the point could be a good one if expressed in something resembling English. Most people don't see latent racism in sports today, even though it's pretty much still rampant.
 

Corsi

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[quote name='Trlicek's Whip' timestamp='1340644400' post='4206539']
The closest Starbucks locations are all a minimum of 16 kilometers away, in Munich. Though there are several local cafes at which King can segue awkwardly and ham-fistedly into his international Coffeenerdness report card.
[/quote]

Ugh, can't you just picture King strolling through Dachau with a coffee in his hand.
 

wutang112878

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Gotcha, thanks for breaking that down. I guess I can understand his point, but I really had no idea what he was talking about when I first read that. The one positive from this, is that I now understand why the CBA negotiations ultimately favored the NFL and why there is a significant group of players that want Smith out. I think at times he sounds more like a philosopher than a get to the point lawyer.
 

DJnVa

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Chances of any introspection by PK after visiting Dachau?

I sincerely hope his page on Dachau with his heavy-handed "How could people do something like this" is immediately followed by a paragraph about how Starbucks in Germany don't carry the specific drink he likes.

And I hope he walks into a bar and asks the bartender "for a good German beer" and then lectures us on the difference between German and American brews like he had no idea. "I mean, I've had Lowenbrau..."
 

Leather

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"Oscar there is one more name!"

"No, King. I cannot allow it. I'm sorry but the list is full. "

"But sir, you promised, he must be on the list!"

"Ach, King. There is simply No More Room!"

"But you're wrong, Oscar. There is room for one more, near the top. Right...Here..."

D A R R E N S P R O L E S
 

Morning Woodhead

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I never thought I would be so disappointed that King was on vacation. We can only hope for "10 vacation things I think I think" upon his return.
 

Leather

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"Ok, here's the deal, you can take over MMQB for a week while I'm partying at Dachau."

"Great, thanks, Peter."

"Yea. I hope you appreciate it."

"Oh, I do. Thanks. This is great, you know I majored in Media Studies..."

"Well, I hope you know how to show your appreciation, is all I'm saying."

"Oh. Um...Ok."

I chose to profile Peter King. I'm a regular reader of MMQB, and have seen him on TV and in the studio many times. As I interviewed Peter, I realized how much I respect his work, and his approach to it. I was impressed with his extensive list of NFL connections, and his writing style.
But it was more than that. I realized that Peter, like many of my new Colts teammates and I, loves what he does and is thankful for the opportunity to do it. And it isn't just that Peter is happy performing his dream job. I sensed that he pushes himself harder than hard to be the best in his profession.
He told me that he'd been affected by something that New England receiver Wes Welker said in a press conference after the Patriots lost to the Giants in last season's Super Bowl.
Welker had dropped a pass that he should have caught and said that he felt as if he had let down his team.
Peter said, "I have incredibly high regard for Welker. I don't have respect for guys who don't take it very seriously and are in it for some other reason than to try to, when they're out there, be absolutely as good as they can."
Peter doesn't see himself in the mold of Welker, even though he obviously is.
Playing pro football and covering it have more in common than I'd realized.
 

Leather

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Yea, I saw that too, and couldn't tell if he was making a SpyGate reference or not.
 

Reverend

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I'm angry.

Seriously. I'm sitting in an outdoor bar on the shore on a beautiful day. I have beer and buffalo wings. Everything is just right...

And that still pissed me off.

In all fairness, though, info agree that Peter King has a pretty extensive set of connections. Everything else was off 180 degrees.

Dr. Z, I think, knew he was blessed. If asked, Peter King would say he is blessed and knows it.
 

Granite Sox

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PACKER

That was actually kind of funny.

The other characterizations of Davis, the Glazers, and Snyder were delusional. But I guess it's what you'd expect from a currently-employed GM when speaking of his owners.