No room for " * "

Excellence.

Was it your blood pressure or level of expectation that escalated at the mention of "excellence?"

There is a sense of anticipation or pressure that accompanies the very thought of excellence. Yes, the very thought of it. So, it's no great leap to imagine how one feels when excellence is expected of them. Can you feel the pressure building? Now put your livelihood on the line.

Countless numbers of people do this every day; feel that pressure - whether real or imagined. I feel we've blurred the lines separating excellence and perfection. In many arenas, "one's best" has been reached and found lacking. What does this lead to? My thoughts drift to "super-human", "dishonesty", "cheat," "win-at-all-costs," "bend the rules," "rules-are-for-losers" mentality.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Steroid scandals, video-cheating, illegal drugs, illegal parts, illegal subatances, drugged animals, banned substances, etc. Just give them the glory, show 'em the money; buy their souls. Wheaties, Nike, Sports Illustrated, medals, cups, titles, rings.

Frankly I'm tired of asterisks. I'm disgusted with asterisks - or rather, the reason for them. I'm embarrassed and ashamed by everything leading to the asterisks.

I'm a baseball fan - at least the way the game used to be played (and managed) and particularly of the men who played it with talent and honor and WITHOUT "performance enhancing drugs."

I'm a Dolphins fan from way back. They had a perfect season WITHOUT an asterisk in sight. Oh, the Patriots? Asterisks? That's really nothing new for them. I wonder how many of you remember a particular snow-plow incident? Snowy day? Difficult for your kicker? That's ok - let's call out the snow plow to clear the snow for him! After all, there's no rule against it. Just because NO OTHER TEAM ever adjusted conditions on a whim.

Olympians? There's little honor left there either. To those who are true athletes - I salute you. You're probably getting an unjust slap here. It's just that the ever-increasing numbers of dishonest "heroes" have muddied the waters for all.

Super Bowl? World Series? Record-Holders? Olympians? They sure have been robbed of their luster.

There are no asterisks in honor or integrity.