Myron Cope: A Pittsburgh Sports Legend 1929-2008

Today, Pittsburgh Steelers fans mourn the loss of their beloved announcer, Myron Cope.

Myron Cope began doing radio broadcasts for the Steelers in 1970, and his voice, crazy phrases, and "Pittsburghese" accent made him famous in Pittsburgh. Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers had to be almost bi-lingual at times to understand Cope, especially when he got off on a rant. Sounds and words like "Yoi", "Double yoi!", "Okel dokel", and "MM-hah" filled the Steelers broadcasts- as well as the traditional "Pittsburghese" words like, "warsh", "dahn tahn", and "yinz". But understand him or not, you had to love Myron Cope.

It was a playoff game in 1975, however, that made him a Steelers icon. Myron urged fans to bring yellow dish towels to Three Rivers Stadium to wave during the game, hoping the color and motion would excite the crowd. The idea caught on, and the Terrible Towel was born.

Myron Cope's son Daniel was born with severe autism, and Myron was tireless in his charitable efforts for causes addressing autism in Pittsburgh. Most people don't know that Myron donated proceeds from Terrible Towel sales to the Allegheny Valley School, which specializes in the care of children with autism. In 1996, Myron gave the school total trademark and ownership rights to the Terrible Towel.

Although Myron Cope officially retired in 2005, he was surely not forgotten. He was honored with the Pete Rozelle award for longtime exceptional contributions to football in radio and television in 2005. He is the only NFL announcer to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and he is also enshrined in Canton.

The city of Pittsburgh seems a little colder today, and the sun isn't shining quite as brightly over Heinz Field. Today, a giant hole has opened up in the middle of the Steelers Nation. A beloved journalist, announcer, and the Steelers biggest fan has passed away. Steeler faithful may be comforted by the thought of Cope and the Chief in heaven having a cigar together while they talk about the Steelers, but he will be sorely missed.

Steelers fans, gather together and share your favorite Copisms tonight. Put on your Steelers jersey, t-shirt, or hat. Hang your Terrible Towels at half mast in tribute to a Pittsburgh legend, and raise your glass of Iron City: "To Myron-Double Yoi!!!"

How Can the NFL Top the 2007 Season? Part 1

Wow. This recently passed season in the NFL was anything but boring. You can even safely call it controversial. From the criminal to the stupid, and the devastating to the amazing- this season had it all. Let's recap:

The Criminally Stupid

For those of us who could still think of OJ Simpson as a Buffalo Bill and not a dangerous killer, we had his Las Vegas shenanigans to entertain us in the fall. If his Hall of Fame career wasn't supplanted in your mind by images of Johnnie Cochran- multiple counts of armed robbery and kidnapping should help shift the focus. Allegedly breaking into and robbing a hotel room, with a deadly weapon, is not smart. Actually, it's pretty stupid. OJ proved that some NFL superstars are just regular, flawed, stupid humans. No Superman here. Thanks OJ.

Speaking of flawed humans- Michael Vick is probably one of the dumbest humans to ever buckle a chin strap. Do drugs, admit you have a problem, get clean, and you're there in time for mini-camp (I AM NOT CONDONING DRUG USE. I am simply pointing out it is fairly common in the NFL). Beat your wife or girlfriend, go to jail for the night, apologize, go to anger management therapy, and never miss a snap. It happens all the time in the NFL (I AM NOT CONDONING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I am simply pointing out that it is fairly common in the NFL). But Michael- dogs??!! Dogs, kittens, and kids- you DO NOT mess with them. What were you thinking? A promising career dumbed away. What a waste.

Speaking of idiots, Pacman Jones got stupid in a Las Vegas strip club last February. After Jones allegedly beat a stripper's head off of the stage for collecting his money without permission, someone reportedly associated with Jones fired a gun into the club, hitting three patrons. Add to that legal debacle implications and allegations of drug connections and gambling, and Pacman bought himself at least a year away from football. But fear not- fans of Pacman could tune in to TNA Wrestling for a fix. Maybe Michael Vick can get a gig there, too? He could copy a look from the Junkyard Dog...

Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals also rode the bench during part of the 2007 season due to stupidity, but his suspension was only for eight games. Henry, incidentally a teammate of Pacman Jones at WVU, was suspended for violations of the league's personal conduct policy. Henry's legal troubles have included supplying alcohol to minors, alleged weapons violations, alleged drug violations, and even alleged DUI charges (some of these charges were dropped or found to be erroneous). He was warned by the NFL that further infractions could end his career in the NFL. Well, there's always wrestling...He could tag team with Pacman..and Michael V...

What will 2008 be like? Will more players show courage, committment, and integrity- or will rosters be copied directly from rap sheets? So far, 2008 is off to a quiet start, but the Spygate investigation hasn't picked up full steam. Who knows, if Senator Specter uncovers the huge conspiracy he is convinced exists, maybe we'll find Jimmy Hoffa- I think Belichick is hiding something...

If I have overlooked any criminally stupid players, please comment with their names and violations. I would hate not to recognize anyone's brilliant stupidity.

A Few Details To Iron Out

I am new to the more technical side of this whole thing, so keep that in mind. I am trying to get a link for Bleacher Report on here, but I don't want it on just one post. Not sure if I did it right or not. Guess we will see shortly.

I have also signed up for some voicemail system called Grand Central. I can't get the button on right now, but I am hopeful I will figure it out eventually. Once it is on, you can leave me voice messages, and I even have the option of answering the call. We'll see if it works out.

One more thing: (Since this is not going anywhere but here) I want to plug our youth football sign-ups. March 8 and March 15 are early sign-ups at the West Mifflin Boro Building. $100 per player (cost will be $135 after the 15'th).

All for now-
Shari

Opening Night

Well, here we go. I got addicted to sports writing through a site called Bleacher Report, where I was just promoted from Scribe to Analyst. I was super geeked by the advancement. Especially considering the fact that since I spend my free time on the computer now, my kids have to Febreze their dirty clothes before they go to school everyday. They are also tired of eating the dust out of the bottom of the cereal bags, because I haven't done grocery shopping in the month since I've joined Bleacher Report's community. So it's good to know it wasn't all in vain. My wine and I are quietly celebrating my validation tonight.

Anyway, the next logical step in this addiction was a blog. We'll see how it goes...