Damon’s disciples have to go Center fielder may be caught up in the hype

Every once in a while, I climb up on the old soap box and preach. Not often, mind you. But every once in a while something in the sports world forces my hand and a bit of proselytizing in print transpires.

Motivated by a recent Sports Illustrated column by Rick Reilly, this comes today with the sincere hope that the Boston Red Sox players, the nation’s media elite, and fans of the Old Towne team can put to rest the continued comparisons to Jesus, which have emanated from the aforementioned parties regarding Johnny Damon, Boston’s talented center fielder, and his long hair.

The latest faux pas comes from Red Sox first baseman Kevin Millar, who gives credit to Damon and his so-called look-alike locks for helping the team break the 86-year old curse, resulting, of course, in a World Series title last fall.

To all of them I say this: Enough is enough.

This type of talk, continued last week in SI, is, at best, sanctimonious, and at worst, sacrilegious.

Let’s face it. There never should be that type of reference, and I’m especially bothered when fans dress up like Damon and are called his disciples by announcers and reporters alike. That, in and of itself, is stretching the boundaries of good taste.

There is, of course, an obvious looseness in our society that not only supports this type of thinking, but also glorifies it as well.

From my perspective, I think Damon is so caught up in all the hype – anyone who thinks he isn’t should read his autobiography – that he’s sacrificing the moral integrity of a game which was popular long before he made his way out to center field in a professional baseball uniform.

John Henry and his fellow owners have proved time and time again that members of the Boston Red Sox who criticize ownership or embarrass the team aren’t long for the baseball work in Beantown.

List Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe, and most recently Jay Payton among the malcontents who whined and are no longer with the club.

Problem is, Damon seems to be stretching the envelope a bit too far himself in this, the final year of his Sox contract.

I like Damon as a player. I really do. He works hard. He shows up on time. And he’s having a great year.

What I don’t like is the looseness that the former Kansas City Royal endorses and brags about constantly.

Whether we realize it or not, young kids watch and follow these games more than most adults do. If I were in an ownership position now, especially following a world championship, I’d be putting the clamps down on all the free-styling and start preaching a move to New York Yankee-type dress, mannerisms, and social interaction.

In Boston, a Mike Timlin or a Tim Wakefield-type approach to some of the previously mentioned areas seems in order from top to bottom on the roster.

Henry’s group has moved mountains in Boston. Their long-term commitment to improving not only the team but also the facility they play in has been refreshing.

Toss into that mix the charitable foundations they’ve established and the humanitarian work they’ve performed, and Henry’s group would be at the top of any ownership list you could make for professional sports in terms of caring and community involvement.

So be it.

What needs to be done next is to clean up the Red Sox act, starting with the Damon situation.

The post-All Star break would be as good a time as any to begin that process.

C’mon, Johnny. Time for a haircut and a shave.

NEWS columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net