12/20/2025
The latest from contributor Michael Diton-Edwards . Enjoy!
TGI Sports Talk December 19, 2025 Michael Diton-Edwards Pitch Count: 027
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the ground,
Not a basketball was dribbling, not even a rebound.
The parlays were entered on the betting sites with care,
In hopes that bank accounts would not end up bare.
The players were laughing, all dancing in clubs,
With plans of giving their curfews big defiant snubs.
And Jordan on her simulcast and Bill gumming pudding of rice,
Had just signed an endorsement with Wrestling Stars on Ice.
When out on the ticker there arose breaking news commotion!
I fired up my laptop to give it my full curious devotion.
On to the internet, past all marketing hype,
I entered the address, and the password I typed.
The glow of studio lighting cast upon my dusty screen,
It gave the illusion of a newsroom with dirty laundry unseen.
When, what to my tech-strained eyes should become clear,
But eight participant boxes surrounding a figure front and near.
The host was a wise one, clearly clever and not out of sorts;
I knew in a moment it must be Santa Sports.
More rapid than slapshots the 8 popped into live frame,
And Santa Sports acknowledged, then presented all by name;
“Now Goodell! Now Bettman! Now Silver and Manfred!
On Gianni! On Baker! On Pavia and Ed!
You titans of sport, drop your egos, listen closely and near!
Pay attention on this special night, and do listen clear!
As opportunities to right some wrongs are close at hand,
This is a time to ensure the future of our beloved sports so grand!
So up to the plate you all need to stride,
And leave behind your agendas, greed, and foolish pride.”
So lean in they did, focusing on their esteemed host,
With minds open to Santa Sports and his vitally important post.
There he held court in front of my gaze,
And the way he commanded was something to amaze.
“Roger, less play overseas, and Gary, more excitement in the regular season, please.
Silver, back to basketball not money grubbing, and Rob, collectively agree or face a drubbing.
Gianni, the World Cup must shine, and Charlie, the state of your NCAA smells of swine.
Diego, continue your child-like pluck, and Fireman Ed -- well, sorry, your Jets still suck.”
His eyes - how they twinkled! His advice so sage!
His cheeks were like roses, his joy could never enrage.
His droll little mouth grinned with hope of future bliss,
And the belief in sports’ future he would never dismiss.
He knew of NIL, Sherrone Moore, and Lane Kifin;
He knew of Ortiz, Claase, Rozier, and game fixin’.
But he had faith in the pit of his little round belly;
He loved the games and the locker rooms so smelly.
He was chubby and plump, but a determined and spirited soul.
Sports would survive and spread joy from Jersey to the North Pole!
A wink of his eye and adjustment to sound,
Gave me to know sports’ impact will resound.
He spoke no more words but cleared out the room,
Leaving only himself to complete the holiday zoom.
Laying a finger aside of his headset,
He gave a nod and was replaced by the logo for US Bet.
But as the screen faded I heard a loud cackle,
Like the sound of Dick Butkus laying a wicked tackle.
I then heard him exclaim from off screen out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to you all, and for Sports, we be alright.”
Peace, and thanks for taking the time to give this a look 🙂 Hit me up with any comments or ideas for stories/topics you want to see covered in future articles. [email protected]
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