If ever there was a definition for Poned. (or if you are with me and just realized that was a word/phrase commonly used on this thing here we call “The Internet”) I think that this is it. The Buffalo News did a story on the lack of a story after Terrell Owen’s first game (excerpt below). Although for me (and now you reading this) the real story is the commenters after the article hit the web. This is EXACTLY why the Buffalo News needs comment ninjas. The definition of PONED:
Buffalo News:
Sullivan: As a leader T.O. dropped the ball
When the Bills signed Terrell Owens, we were told he would be a leader for a young team, a better teammate than we realized, a star who would bring some straight talk and swagger to the locker room.
So I had looked forward to hearing T.O. speak after his first real game as a Bill. And after Monday night’s 25-24 loss to the Patriots, a lot of the media were eager to hear what the iconic receiver would say, what comforting words he would offer to his team and fans.
The answer was nothing. Owens pulled the old silent act after Buffalo blew a late 11-point lead in New England. He took a pass. This article is the gold-standard example as to why 50% of newspaper sports columnists will be waiting tables within the next 10 years. The phrases “beating a dead horse”, “tunnel vision” and “dude, grow up” all apply here. [See: steroids.] Sportswriters have become disconnected with their readership on a level that rivals the relationship between politicians and their constituents. The case of T.O. is the most glaring example. For some reason, Sullivan (along with every other sportswriter in America) has decided to assume the role of moral-highroader/paper evangelist, coming to the conclusion that not only do readers need ANOTHER Terrell Owens’ story, but they are also the only ones smart enough to interpret his actions/non-actions for us. In the process, they reveal the very same self-important, opportunistic qualities that they pretend to rally against during their anti-T.O.-ramblings. Give it up Jerry. Seriously. When will guys like Sullivan realize that their readers know their true motive: self-promotional, big-name piggybacking. Most likely at the same time they realize that they need to start updating their resumes. Kind you can’t drop.
“You’re wasting your time,” Owens told a horde of reporters at his locker. “I have nothing to say.”
Perhaps T.O. concluded it wasn’t in his self-interest to speak. Maybe he had to clear it with those two female advisers, to make certain it didn’t compromise his well-crafted public image. [the rest here]
Ponage:
This article is the gold-standard example as to why 50% of newspaper sports columnists will be waiting tables within the next 10 years. The phrases “beating a dead horse”, “tunnel vision” and “dude, grow up” all apply here. [See: steroids.] Sportswriters have become disconnected with their readerership on a level that rivals the relationship between politicians and their constituents. The case of T.O. is the most glaring example. For some reason, Sullivan (along with every other sportswriter in America) has decided to assume the role of moral-highroader/paper evangelist, coming to the conclusion that not only do readers need ANOTHER Terrell Owens’ story, but they are also the only ones smart enough to interpret his actions/non-actions for us. In the process, they reveal the very same self-important, opportunistic qualities that they pretend to rally against during their anti-T.O.-ramblings. Give it up Jerry. Seriously. When will guys like Sullivan realize that their readers know their true motive: self-promotional, big-name piggybacking. Most likely at the same time they realize that they need to start updating their resumes.
Well, score one for the bloggers commenters.
Buffalo Columnist Outraged By T.O.’s Good Behavior [Deadspin]
The BuffNews had me at Sully’s marquee-
“News/Sports Reporter”
Do you perchance mean pwned?
Yes. I was informed it can be spelled either way.