New Blog Some Past Posts
recently spoke to R.V Scheide of The Sacrameto News on the importance of having a sports franchise in your city: Great Guy, reporter and some story!
"The prize for winning this fixed contest is membership in the “elite 26,” the number of cities that have NBA teams, says Lustberg. “There are certain fans that, no matter how good or bad the team is, they’ve been dining on a certain degree of entertainment,” he says. “If that’s going to be taken away from them, a certain degree of emotional attachment is going to be ripped away. When that is taken away from you ... you are no longer part of the club.”
Two of the most infamous defections occurred in the late 1950s, when a pair of major-league baseball teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants, relocated to Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively. Lustberg, who lives in New York, says the moves still reverberate all these years later.
“A certain generation in New York has never gotten over it,” he says.
I was priveleged to speak with Phillipa Bourke of The Sydney Morning Herald about World Famous Swimmer Ian Thorpe--The Aussies take their swimming seriously!!! And Thorpe appaers to be their Michael Jordon
New York-based sports psychologist Richard Lustberg believes Thorpe's behaviour reflects deep conflict as he mulls retirement yet strives to maintain the image of an athlete heading for Beijing in 2008.
"Part of him wants anonymity and part of him wants adulation. Part of him would like to disappear," Lustberg said. "These guys are objectified. Yes, he's hypocritical but he should not be judged." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------SERENA WILLIAMS-FLOYD MAYWEATHERWhich two of the following does not belong and why? Tennis Pro, Hollywood Actress, Clothing Designer. I guess you would have to ask Serena Williams that after she flew out of the US Open.
There are certain psychological research findings that Ms. Williams is trying to defy, and is not being successful at it. The first of which includes dedication, perserverence and time on task, all are good predictors of success. You can also add sacrafice to the mix as a necessary psychological ingredient.
Perhaps her early successes had led Williams to believe she could skip out on these essentials.
We have heard numerous athletes speak about the sacrafices they have had to make to reach the level of success that they have attained. This week alone Andre Agassi and Floyd Mayweather discussed what they had to give up to attain the status that they did. And in Mayweathers' case the book is far from being shut. Talk to Larry Bird about his life during his basketball career and he will tell you it was basketball.
Tiger Woods has all the talent in the world but without his desire and dedication to the game, in addition to the sacrafices he has made, he would not be the same player.
I once spoke with a high school junior golfer that was told he had a good chance to at least get a college scholarship (one of the clues was that they introduced him to Mike Krzyzewski who was one of his idols, when he went down to Duke). At 17 years of age he told me he did not want to get up in the morning and hit golf balls, nor did he want to miss out on his love and social lives'. And who could blame him because that is what the majority of teens say that is most important to them.
Anyone who works with teens or is a parent of one can attest to the fact that peers have an enormous influence on each other at this stage in their lives. At this age, and in fact at any age, it is very hard to go hit tennis balls, or skate at four in the morning as Sarah Hughes did, while you watch your friends go to the movies and hang out.
In terms of Williams she was from all accounts heavily influenced by her father. As she became older she began to make her own decisions and follow other pursuits.
Sure Williams can play tennis, act and design, but she has a good chance of being a Jack of All Trades and a master of none. The temptations of being in her early twenties are calling, perhaps she is making up for lost time preparing to be a tennis player, but only Williams can decide which direction(s) she will go in. But she will not be maximally sucessful in anyone without the proper psychological ingredients. Did anyone say exit stage left?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eli vs. Payton what a story, at least it is going to be. By Monday morning there are going to be more media stories on this shoot out than there is money in Citibank.
Two brothers squaring off from behind their respective centers. I think they should just put them in a cage like Extreme Fighting does and let them decide it mano vs. mano. Forget about the other hundred plus players that will be on the sidelines. Who are Tiki Barber and that Harrison guy anyway?
From a football standpoint it is an interesting match-up. For anyone to suggest that Eli can shine Paytons' shoes at this point in their careers, I suggest that they should book an appointment with a member of my profession ASAP.
Why all the fuss then? Probably because they think it will sell, and people can relate to it through their own sibling relationships.
If you grew up being a big or little brother or having a sibling for that matter, it could get pretty competititive and at times problematic. I know a lot of siblings that went at it, and are still going toe to toe on so many levels. Siblings can be competitive over a piece of dust. I think the fans can relate to this, and you will see this in their comments and actions all this week and into Monday.
I have a number of patients that are still working out issues with their siblings and they range in age from their their preteens to adults in their fifties. For some it never gets worked out. I am sure you know of a sibling that did not attend another siblings' funeral due to a very fractured relationship. Think about it, all part of life-albiet not the best.
Thank goodness it is the football field we are talking about--no penalty there!!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TERRELL OWENSIf you are wondering whether or not T.O is going to play this week you can be assured he will be on the field. The Cowboys did not get Owens to sit on the bench. It was their belief that he would improve the team. In short, teams, coaches and owners will put up with players' behaviors if it helps the team win. Parcells has a long history of doing this. Lawrence Taylor was no choir boy when he played with the Giants, and got preferential treatment. Other coaches do it all the time. It is a fact of sports from little league up. I see it all the time.
It is really no different than what happens in the workplace. Think about it, how many times are all employees treated equally? Bet it does not happen at your work place. It has been my experience that people have great difficulty dealing with the reality of these inequities. By agitating themselves they just bring on more emotional angst. While it is hard to do, the more you "offload" the better you will be in the long run.
Speaking of Little League--or High School for that matter, school practices are starting earlier and earlier for fall sports. Judging by what I am seeing and hearing you would think it was the High School version of professional sports. Traditionally, many families go away or have their vacations planned for the end of August. So in essence you begin to shape your life around your childs' sport calendar.
Two wrong messages are then sent to the student-athlete. The first one is that your needs are less important than theirs, and second the school has it mixed up--it is student athlete NOT athlete student. Then we wonder why our students do not achieve in the manner in which we would like them to.
I was going to end on that--but I am not finished. Think about the pressure it puts on the kids being caught in the middle between their friends who are on the team, the school coaches, and their families. You would think that 14-18 year olds have enough on their minds. But I guess not, let's just add a bit more pressure.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Watching Andre Agassi's comments after his loss brought many to tears, including this author. It represented the best of sport and what sport can be. If you watched Agassi from the beginning you watched a boy grow into a man and a more mature adult. Young men at 18-21 just by dint of their age are unable to view the world the way a man does as he approaches 40 years of age. The Agassi of 21 did not have a wife and two children, and the wisdom that the years brought. His moving speech which talked directly to the fans about the relationship between himself and the fans should be shown to every aspiring athlete ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some PSYCH TID-BITS. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, especially in people who are troubled.
Terrell Owens falls into this category. Owens impresses as "all about me" with many self-absorbed traits. So he has difficulty seeing others' points of view. Owens also seems to require a protagonist(s) to get him going--so his behaviors create them. What I mean by this is that he seems to have to be in a struggle with someone at all times. My guess is that it makes him feel alive rather than dead inside. I see this type of persona all the time in my practice.
It is not surprising that the Dallas fans gave Owens an ovation for putting on his pads. For many Owens says what a lot of people would like to say to their bosses' and cannot. Many are attracted to his outspoken persona and perhaps view it as the "little guy" taking on the establishment. You would think that there are other ways of going about changing things or stating an opinion. But there are a lot of people out there who are just like Owens--angry, self-absorbed, and needing to be in a struggle with someone or something. Easy prediction--T.O will be back in trouble sooner rather than later. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was recently asked by a member of the media who I thought were mentally tough athletes. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera came to mind immediately. But there are so many. Just saw the HBO Special on Billie Jean King--followed her career. No one mentally tougher than BJK.
Persistence and a no quit attitude are always good predictors of success. Fear is the most frequent feeling that I see in patients that holds them back from success in any field.
Read an article where a writer suggested that David Wrights' post All-Star Slump might of had to do with his signing a long term mega dollar deal. You think so? You could have fooled me. I like Wright a great deal--but he is just in his second season. How quick are we to make someone a superstar? The New York tabloids were saying he had surpassed Derek Jeter as the toast of the town. They helped. The need to have idols and create new stories speaks not only to a "minute to minute" culture but to our need to get the next thrill. Sort of like a "psychological junkie" needing the next hit to feel something.
Will be appearing in an ESPN.com article and should be seen on Al Gores' television Network--Current. I did a short interview on steroids for them--but you never know in TV land. Perhaps an AP article and a Boston paper as well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What do the Atlanta Braves and Indianapolis Colts have in common? A lot more than you might think. After so many tries and disappointments their lack of attaining the ultimate goal in their respective sports, can no longer be viewed as bad luck, random chance happening or whatever other excuse is offered.
These teams are just not good enough to get over the top. There is some endemic flaw in each team. It has become abundantly clear that both teams have not been configured correctly to be successful in the playoffs.
The expectations for the Colts were so high. It was just weeks ago that they were being compared to the greatest teams of all time.
More than likely you will hear the players say all the right things to the press and media about their respective teammates, coaches and how they performed.
Do not be fooled, psychologically and emotionally they are devastated. Inside many are angry and frustrated, and it is almost a natural instinct to blame others. Perhaps a player will "slip" and make some unfortunate remark. His story will be front page news for weeks.
Self introspection is so difficult. Clinically people are very self protective and sensitive. Many see and view certain character traits and feelings that we all have to varying degrees (like making a mistake, or being afraid, feeling not good enough, or being defective) as fatal character flaws that need to be expunged, so they deny them and blame others. But they are really just protecting themselves.
Perhaps a better way to psychological recuperation and a more enhancing approach would be for each player-person to look at their own individual performances, and allow for some self-instropection, forgiveness and compassion. If given a chance this direction might allow for true personal and professional growth.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------On Kobe and Phil
A while back I was interviewed about my thoughts on the potential reunion of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. This is why I thought Phil and Kobe will "co-exist"--as Jackson is clearly now in charge. I still believe this to be the case.
"Kobe Bryant is damaged goods," said Dr. Richard Lustberg, a New York-based sports psychologist. "In many ways, he'll never be viewed the same. (Losing) has led to his power being diminished within the organization. He is no longer a pristine figure. Kobe doesn't have the respect of that team. They tolerate him, but he's not well loved in the locker room. When Phil left, he did so with a very bad taste in his mouth. But now he no longer has to worry about the downside or risk of dealing with Darth Kobe." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OUR NEED FOR SPORTS STARSAstronomers tell us that stars are born at the rate of a nanosecond. Newly anointed sports stars are birthed at the same rate; the only difference between the two is that the terrestrial stars sometimes take millions of years to form, while sports stars take only seconds.
One case in point (although there are hundreds to choose from) is Eli Manning, the pubescent quarterback of the New York Giants.
Star Manning has played 17 games to date in his budding NFL career with mixed individual results. Yet the amount of air time and media coverage he has gotten is nothing short of extraordinary, and he is treated like royalty. To Manning’s credit, he clearly has not embraced his ascendancy, but that has not stopped us from embracing him.
Only a population starved for immediacy and unappreciative of deserved accomplishment could compare Manning to his older brother Payton. Or is it that there is only so much we can say or write about established stars before boredom begins and a "been there done that syndrome sets in." There would be nothing left to read, write or watch.
It is interesting to see the comparative ascendancy of movie stars as well, who suddenly burst upon the silver screen in one film, only to become the new love of the writers of the many magazines and televisions programs. No previous film work, no distinguished resume, but a star is born.
And so it is with pubescent sport stars -- borne to the front of sports pages in that nanosecond.
It has been reported and documented that we are a populace with a short attention span. Clinical observation has suggested that we need the next big story or star to deflect us from our own uncomfortable internal state and the media obliges us. Our escapist needs are fulfilled, and we scream, cheer, hoot, holler and debate.
I have always felt that sports provides for us a wide range of our psychological needs. However, most recently it has been disturbing to see how many more of us know the names of sports stars than our political leaders in Washington. A most recent television commercial even touts and encourages this fact.
Whatever happened to experience and, "Let’s wait and see?"
I guess we have to wait and see. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sports and Politics-No Easy Choice
I believe the gulf between our politicians (which includes the belt-way talking heads we incessantly see on our television sets), and the citizenry of this country has widened to the point of almost disconnect. We are moved around and talked about as if we were chess pieces on a board—much like the famous episode of The Prisoner.
The result is an impotent public who are disturbed to say the least and disillusioned at best. I also believe that whether because of cause or of effect, we have gotten exactly what we disserved. Because an apathetic, disinterested, uninformed populace allowed itself to be treated in just this way.
It is no wonder that an impotent, objectified public turn to sport as an emotional opiate. Whether it exists in reality or not, people feel more connected to their sports heroes and ordinary players than they do to their local assemblyman.
This connection is fueled by attendance at games, fan behavior at games, as well as calls to talk show hosts-where you can eventually get through to the hosts. It is on plethora of sports shows that one can wine, opine, and eventually manage that world.
It is far more intellectually and emotionally satisfying to have the power of solving those problems in the world of sport, when the ability to do so in world problems are overwhelming and have left us powerless.
So if you want to feel like you have a say—get involved with sport. If not, just read the front pages of our newspapers, or call your elected official and feel like a non-entity.
My opinions are just formed from great frustration. Do I personally suggest calling the FAN instead of your Congressman or Senator--not at all. In fact, my point is that is our problem and not our solution. The idea is to get up from the mat and keep punching away no matter how hard it hurts.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Teddy Bruschi’s decision to return to the playing field after suffering a stroke should not be viewed as a surprise to anyone. If you were caught off guard (or linebacker) by his decision, you are probably not a football fan, or have not experienced a feeling that allows your cognitions to be overridden by emotions, and personal need. Many divorcees should be able to identify with this!
The thrill of the camaraderie, the high of the hit, and the competition among other things, all contribute to players putting themselves at risk in what can be minimally described as a violent game. Clinically, it appears to border on a form of emotional addiction.
The litany of professional football players that are walking around maimed is too long to list, yet the vast majority state that they would do it all again! It seems belonging to the club carriers a lot of status. One way to look at it is that someone has to play, or else where would we all be? Talk about emotional Sunday addictions!
Bruschi’s decision to return also speaks to the nature of our relationships with our spouses. These relationships are complex and are subjective in terms of what makes couples and individuals happy. Keep in mind there is a Mrs. Bruschi and two children. Two fatherless children and a widow, is it worth the risk?
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Michelle Wie a cheat? As you know at sixteen some teens have a tendency to exaggerate. Looks like Wie did by a foot when she took what was deemed an illegal drop in her first professional tournament. By all accounts it was a mistake.
Wie at the tender age of sixteen, looks like a future champion golfer. When she speaks, she comes across exactly just like the sixteen year-old she is. We often expect, our young champions to have the same emotional maturity level as their skill level. Let’s hope we do not expect this of Wie, she is simply not yet up to it. She is after all, just a kid.
A perfect example of a discrepancy between ability and emotional maturity was an eighteen year-old John McEnroe standing on Centre Court having displayed horrific behaviors on his way to winning. Problem was McEnroe never stopped displaying these behaviors on the court until he retired. Some would say he still has not stopped. For some, the gap between skill level and emotional maturity never closes.
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The World Series and The Umpiring Controversies
I have not seen the Astros publicaly complain about the calls to the extent that they are blaming their loses on them. Perhaps they are muttering to themselves about them--who knows. It is to their credit that they have acted in this manner to date. The umpires have stated they are human-now that is refreshing!
This cannot be said for the media, who has made this a major story. I guess it sells.
That said, it is now the seventh inning of the third game, and the White Sox have scored more runs and allowed less of them.
It has been my experience that any one incidence can be explained away, and people use it to exonerate themselves. I see this all the time in my practice, and it serves to deflect from what the real issue(s) really are. In this case the real issue to date is that the White Sox are beating the Astros--Period.
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The New York Knicks-- A Study in Well Documented Psychological ResearchSequential learning is a part of every sport, and of learning in general. These principles have been well documented in both educational and psychological literature. For example, you cannot do addition, if you do not understand the concept of one to one correspondence.
The New York Knicks are a perfect example of these principles.
It is apparent that Larry Brown inherited a team that has little, or no idea of what he wants them do on the basketball court. Brown is in the process of starting from the very beginning (the team needs to crawl before it can walk). Due to the teams’ lack of development he is only able to introduce the very beginning stages of his system.
It is apparent that Brown is a bit frustrated as he cannot implement the next developmental phase until the team masters the first phase. If the Knicks cannot consistently execute the basic fundamentals, they will continue to be taught and drilled in them.
This is the same in all aspects of life. Brown in one game had the Knicks walking the ball up the court and running set plays, instead of running. You have to walk before you run fellas.--------------------------------------------------------------Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens has just been suspended which should not come as any surprise. Owens who has to put it mildly had a troubled existence in Philly, appears to be confronting a number of issues.
Players like Owens are actually very insecure. Their need to speak out, as well as their on field antics ( and Owens has a long history in this arena as well) are often fueled by their deep seeded need for recognition. Keep in mind Owens complained that his 100th touchdown catch was not properly celebrated.
Moreover, Owens has played with an Eagle team that has featured a lot of talent. Perhaps his need to separate himself from this group and be seen as the elite player, has also caused him to speak out in a less than enhancing manner.
Donovan McNabb is a pretty fair quarterback to say the least, and has earned his stripes in the game. The fact that Owens would make McNabb a target speaks to his fragility.
People like Owens have great difficulty dealing with any slight or criticism, which makes walking away from an altercation with the likes of a Hugh Douglas almost impossible.
All in the service of making him feel better about himself.
What a shame. Owens' body of work and articulate persona have gotten him a ton of accolades and attention. Apparently this was not enough.
"The prize for winning this fixed contest is membership in the “elite 26,” the number of cities that have NBA teams, says Lustberg. “There are certain fans that, no matter how good or bad the team is, they’ve been dining on a certain degree of entertainment,” he says. “If that’s going to be taken away from them, a certain degree of emotional attachment is going to be ripped away. When that is taken away from you ... you are no longer part of the club.”
Two of the most infamous defections occurred in the late 1950s, when a pair of major-league baseball teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants, relocated to Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively. Lustberg, who lives in New York, says the moves still reverberate all these years later.
“A certain generation in New York has never gotten over it,” he says.
I was priveleged to speak with Phillipa Bourke of The Sydney Morning Herald about World Famous Swimmer Ian Thorpe--The Aussies take their swimming seriously!!! And Thorpe appaers to be their Michael Jordon
New York-based sports psychologist Richard Lustberg believes Thorpe's behaviour reflects deep conflict as he mulls retirement yet strives to maintain the image of an athlete heading for Beijing in 2008.
"Part of him wants anonymity and part of him wants adulation. Part of him would like to disappear," Lustberg said. "These guys are objectified. Yes, he's hypocritical but he should not be judged." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------SERENA WILLIAMS-FLOYD MAYWEATHERWhich two of the following does not belong and why? Tennis Pro, Hollywood Actress, Clothing Designer. I guess you would have to ask Serena Williams that after she flew out of the US Open.
There are certain psychological research findings that Ms. Williams is trying to defy, and is not being successful at it. The first of which includes dedication, perserverence and time on task, all are good predictors of success. You can also add sacrafice to the mix as a necessary psychological ingredient.
Perhaps her early successes had led Williams to believe she could skip out on these essentials.
We have heard numerous athletes speak about the sacrafices they have had to make to reach the level of success that they have attained. This week alone Andre Agassi and Floyd Mayweather discussed what they had to give up to attain the status that they did. And in Mayweathers' case the book is far from being shut. Talk to Larry Bird about his life during his basketball career and he will tell you it was basketball.
Tiger Woods has all the talent in the world but without his desire and dedication to the game, in addition to the sacrafices he has made, he would not be the same player.
I once spoke with a high school junior golfer that was told he had a good chance to at least get a college scholarship (one of the clues was that they introduced him to Mike Krzyzewski who was one of his idols, when he went down to Duke). At 17 years of age he told me he did not want to get up in the morning and hit golf balls, nor did he want to miss out on his love and social lives'. And who could blame him because that is what the majority of teens say that is most important to them.
Anyone who works with teens or is a parent of one can attest to the fact that peers have an enormous influence on each other at this stage in their lives. At this age, and in fact at any age, it is very hard to go hit tennis balls, or skate at four in the morning as Sarah Hughes did, while you watch your friends go to the movies and hang out.
In terms of Williams she was from all accounts heavily influenced by her father. As she became older she began to make her own decisions and follow other pursuits.
Sure Williams can play tennis, act and design, but she has a good chance of being a Jack of All Trades and a master of none. The temptations of being in her early twenties are calling, perhaps she is making up for lost time preparing to be a tennis player, but only Williams can decide which direction(s) she will go in. But she will not be maximally sucessful in anyone without the proper psychological ingredients. Did anyone say exit stage left?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eli vs. Payton what a story, at least it is going to be. By Monday morning there are going to be more media stories on this shoot out than there is money in Citibank.
Two brothers squaring off from behind their respective centers. I think they should just put them in a cage like Extreme Fighting does and let them decide it mano vs. mano. Forget about the other hundred plus players that will be on the sidelines. Who are Tiki Barber and that Harrison guy anyway?
From a football standpoint it is an interesting match-up. For anyone to suggest that Eli can shine Paytons' shoes at this point in their careers, I suggest that they should book an appointment with a member of my profession ASAP.
Why all the fuss then? Probably because they think it will sell, and people can relate to it through their own sibling relationships.
If you grew up being a big or little brother or having a sibling for that matter, it could get pretty competititive and at times problematic. I know a lot of siblings that went at it, and are still going toe to toe on so many levels. Siblings can be competitive over a piece of dust. I think the fans can relate to this, and you will see this in their comments and actions all this week and into Monday.
I have a number of patients that are still working out issues with their siblings and they range in age from their their preteens to adults in their fifties. For some it never gets worked out. I am sure you know of a sibling that did not attend another siblings' funeral due to a very fractured relationship. Think about it, all part of life-albiet not the best.
Thank goodness it is the football field we are talking about--no penalty there!!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TERRELL OWENSIf you are wondering whether or not T.O is going to play this week you can be assured he will be on the field. The Cowboys did not get Owens to sit on the bench. It was their belief that he would improve the team. In short, teams, coaches and owners will put up with players' behaviors if it helps the team win. Parcells has a long history of doing this. Lawrence Taylor was no choir boy when he played with the Giants, and got preferential treatment. Other coaches do it all the time. It is a fact of sports from little league up. I see it all the time.
It is really no different than what happens in the workplace. Think about it, how many times are all employees treated equally? Bet it does not happen at your work place. It has been my experience that people have great difficulty dealing with the reality of these inequities. By agitating themselves they just bring on more emotional angst. While it is hard to do, the more you "offload" the better you will be in the long run.
Speaking of Little League--or High School for that matter, school practices are starting earlier and earlier for fall sports. Judging by what I am seeing and hearing you would think it was the High School version of professional sports. Traditionally, many families go away or have their vacations planned for the end of August. So in essence you begin to shape your life around your childs' sport calendar.
Two wrong messages are then sent to the student-athlete. The first one is that your needs are less important than theirs, and second the school has it mixed up--it is student athlete NOT athlete student. Then we wonder why our students do not achieve in the manner in which we would like them to.
I was going to end on that--but I am not finished. Think about the pressure it puts on the kids being caught in the middle between their friends who are on the team, the school coaches, and their families. You would think that 14-18 year olds have enough on their minds. But I guess not, let's just add a bit more pressure.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Watching Andre Agassi's comments after his loss brought many to tears, including this author. It represented the best of sport and what sport can be. If you watched Agassi from the beginning you watched a boy grow into a man and a more mature adult. Young men at 18-21 just by dint of their age are unable to view the world the way a man does as he approaches 40 years of age. The Agassi of 21 did not have a wife and two children, and the wisdom that the years brought. His moving speech which talked directly to the fans about the relationship between himself and the fans should be shown to every aspiring athlete ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some PSYCH TID-BITS. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, especially in people who are troubled.
Terrell Owens falls into this category. Owens impresses as "all about me" with many self-absorbed traits. So he has difficulty seeing others' points of view. Owens also seems to require a protagonist(s) to get him going--so his behaviors create them. What I mean by this is that he seems to have to be in a struggle with someone at all times. My guess is that it makes him feel alive rather than dead inside. I see this type of persona all the time in my practice.
It is not surprising that the Dallas fans gave Owens an ovation for putting on his pads. For many Owens says what a lot of people would like to say to their bosses' and cannot. Many are attracted to his outspoken persona and perhaps view it as the "little guy" taking on the establishment. You would think that there are other ways of going about changing things or stating an opinion. But there are a lot of people out there who are just like Owens--angry, self-absorbed, and needing to be in a struggle with someone or something. Easy prediction--T.O will be back in trouble sooner rather than later. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was recently asked by a member of the media who I thought were mentally tough athletes. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera came to mind immediately. But there are so many. Just saw the HBO Special on Billie Jean King--followed her career. No one mentally tougher than BJK.
Persistence and a no quit attitude are always good predictors of success. Fear is the most frequent feeling that I see in patients that holds them back from success in any field.
Read an article where a writer suggested that David Wrights' post All-Star Slump might of had to do with his signing a long term mega dollar deal. You think so? You could have fooled me. I like Wright a great deal--but he is just in his second season. How quick are we to make someone a superstar? The New York tabloids were saying he had surpassed Derek Jeter as the toast of the town. They helped. The need to have idols and create new stories speaks not only to a "minute to minute" culture but to our need to get the next thrill. Sort of like a "psychological junkie" needing the next hit to feel something.
Will be appearing in an ESPN.com article and should be seen on Al Gores' television Network--Current. I did a short interview on steroids for them--but you never know in TV land. Perhaps an AP article and a Boston paper as well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What do the Atlanta Braves and Indianapolis Colts have in common? A lot more than you might think. After so many tries and disappointments their lack of attaining the ultimate goal in their respective sports, can no longer be viewed as bad luck, random chance happening or whatever other excuse is offered.
These teams are just not good enough to get over the top. There is some endemic flaw in each team. It has become abundantly clear that both teams have not been configured correctly to be successful in the playoffs.
The expectations for the Colts were so high. It was just weeks ago that they were being compared to the greatest teams of all time.
More than likely you will hear the players say all the right things to the press and media about their respective teammates, coaches and how they performed.
Do not be fooled, psychologically and emotionally they are devastated. Inside many are angry and frustrated, and it is almost a natural instinct to blame others. Perhaps a player will "slip" and make some unfortunate remark. His story will be front page news for weeks.
Self introspection is so difficult. Clinically people are very self protective and sensitive. Many see and view certain character traits and feelings that we all have to varying degrees (like making a mistake, or being afraid, feeling not good enough, or being defective) as fatal character flaws that need to be expunged, so they deny them and blame others. But they are really just protecting themselves.
Perhaps a better way to psychological recuperation and a more enhancing approach would be for each player-person to look at their own individual performances, and allow for some self-instropection, forgiveness and compassion. If given a chance this direction might allow for true personal and professional growth.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------On Kobe and Phil
A while back I was interviewed about my thoughts on the potential reunion of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. This is why I thought Phil and Kobe will "co-exist"--as Jackson is clearly now in charge. I still believe this to be the case.
"Kobe Bryant is damaged goods," said Dr. Richard Lustberg, a New York-based sports psychologist. "In many ways, he'll never be viewed the same. (Losing) has led to his power being diminished within the organization. He is no longer a pristine figure. Kobe doesn't have the respect of that team. They tolerate him, but he's not well loved in the locker room. When Phil left, he did so with a very bad taste in his mouth. But now he no longer has to worry about the downside or risk of dealing with Darth Kobe." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OUR NEED FOR SPORTS STARSAstronomers tell us that stars are born at the rate of a nanosecond. Newly anointed sports stars are birthed at the same rate; the only difference between the two is that the terrestrial stars sometimes take millions of years to form, while sports stars take only seconds.
One case in point (although there are hundreds to choose from) is Eli Manning, the pubescent quarterback of the New York Giants.
Star Manning has played 17 games to date in his budding NFL career with mixed individual results. Yet the amount of air time and media coverage he has gotten is nothing short of extraordinary, and he is treated like royalty. To Manning’s credit, he clearly has not embraced his ascendancy, but that has not stopped us from embracing him.
Only a population starved for immediacy and unappreciative of deserved accomplishment could compare Manning to his older brother Payton. Or is it that there is only so much we can say or write about established stars before boredom begins and a "been there done that syndrome sets in." There would be nothing left to read, write or watch.
It is interesting to see the comparative ascendancy of movie stars as well, who suddenly burst upon the silver screen in one film, only to become the new love of the writers of the many magazines and televisions programs. No previous film work, no distinguished resume, but a star is born.
And so it is with pubescent sport stars -- borne to the front of sports pages in that nanosecond.
It has been reported and documented that we are a populace with a short attention span. Clinical observation has suggested that we need the next big story or star to deflect us from our own uncomfortable internal state and the media obliges us. Our escapist needs are fulfilled, and we scream, cheer, hoot, holler and debate.
I have always felt that sports provides for us a wide range of our psychological needs. However, most recently it has been disturbing to see how many more of us know the names of sports stars than our political leaders in Washington. A most recent television commercial even touts and encourages this fact.
Whatever happened to experience and, "Let’s wait and see?"
I guess we have to wait and see. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sports and Politics-No Easy Choice
I believe the gulf between our politicians (which includes the belt-way talking heads we incessantly see on our television sets), and the citizenry of this country has widened to the point of almost disconnect. We are moved around and talked about as if we were chess pieces on a board—much like the famous episode of The Prisoner.
The result is an impotent public who are disturbed to say the least and disillusioned at best. I also believe that whether because of cause or of effect, we have gotten exactly what we disserved. Because an apathetic, disinterested, uninformed populace allowed itself to be treated in just this way.
It is no wonder that an impotent, objectified public turn to sport as an emotional opiate. Whether it exists in reality or not, people feel more connected to their sports heroes and ordinary players than they do to their local assemblyman.
This connection is fueled by attendance at games, fan behavior at games, as well as calls to talk show hosts-where you can eventually get through to the hosts. It is on plethora of sports shows that one can wine, opine, and eventually manage that world.
It is far more intellectually and emotionally satisfying to have the power of solving those problems in the world of sport, when the ability to do so in world problems are overwhelming and have left us powerless.
So if you want to feel like you have a say—get involved with sport. If not, just read the front pages of our newspapers, or call your elected official and feel like a non-entity.
My opinions are just formed from great frustration. Do I personally suggest calling the FAN instead of your Congressman or Senator--not at all. In fact, my point is that is our problem and not our solution. The idea is to get up from the mat and keep punching away no matter how hard it hurts.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Teddy Bruschi’s decision to return to the playing field after suffering a stroke should not be viewed as a surprise to anyone. If you were caught off guard (or linebacker) by his decision, you are probably not a football fan, or have not experienced a feeling that allows your cognitions to be overridden by emotions, and personal need. Many divorcees should be able to identify with this!
The thrill of the camaraderie, the high of the hit, and the competition among other things, all contribute to players putting themselves at risk in what can be minimally described as a violent game. Clinically, it appears to border on a form of emotional addiction.
The litany of professional football players that are walking around maimed is too long to list, yet the vast majority state that they would do it all again! It seems belonging to the club carriers a lot of status. One way to look at it is that someone has to play, or else where would we all be? Talk about emotional Sunday addictions!
Bruschi’s decision to return also speaks to the nature of our relationships with our spouses. These relationships are complex and are subjective in terms of what makes couples and individuals happy. Keep in mind there is a Mrs. Bruschi and two children. Two fatherless children and a widow, is it worth the risk?
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Michelle Wie a cheat? As you know at sixteen some teens have a tendency to exaggerate. Looks like Wie did by a foot when she took what was deemed an illegal drop in her first professional tournament. By all accounts it was a mistake.
Wie at the tender age of sixteen, looks like a future champion golfer. When she speaks, she comes across exactly just like the sixteen year-old she is. We often expect, our young champions to have the same emotional maturity level as their skill level. Let’s hope we do not expect this of Wie, she is simply not yet up to it. She is after all, just a kid.
A perfect example of a discrepancy between ability and emotional maturity was an eighteen year-old John McEnroe standing on Centre Court having displayed horrific behaviors on his way to winning. Problem was McEnroe never stopped displaying these behaviors on the court until he retired. Some would say he still has not stopped. For some, the gap between skill level and emotional maturity never closes.
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The World Series and The Umpiring Controversies
I have not seen the Astros publicaly complain about the calls to the extent that they are blaming their loses on them. Perhaps they are muttering to themselves about them--who knows. It is to their credit that they have acted in this manner to date. The umpires have stated they are human-now that is refreshing!
This cannot be said for the media, who has made this a major story. I guess it sells.
That said, it is now the seventh inning of the third game, and the White Sox have scored more runs and allowed less of them.
It has been my experience that any one incidence can be explained away, and people use it to exonerate themselves. I see this all the time in my practice, and it serves to deflect from what the real issue(s) really are. In this case the real issue to date is that the White Sox are beating the Astros--Period.
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The New York Knicks-- A Study in Well Documented Psychological ResearchSequential learning is a part of every sport, and of learning in general. These principles have been well documented in both educational and psychological literature. For example, you cannot do addition, if you do not understand the concept of one to one correspondence.
The New York Knicks are a perfect example of these principles.
It is apparent that Larry Brown inherited a team that has little, or no idea of what he wants them do on the basketball court. Brown is in the process of starting from the very beginning (the team needs to crawl before it can walk). Due to the teams’ lack of development he is only able to introduce the very beginning stages of his system.
It is apparent that Brown is a bit frustrated as he cannot implement the next developmental phase until the team masters the first phase. If the Knicks cannot consistently execute the basic fundamentals, they will continue to be taught and drilled in them.
This is the same in all aspects of life. Brown in one game had the Knicks walking the ball up the court and running set plays, instead of running. You have to walk before you run fellas.--------------------------------------------------------------Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens has just been suspended which should not come as any surprise. Owens who has to put it mildly had a troubled existence in Philly, appears to be confronting a number of issues.
Players like Owens are actually very insecure. Their need to speak out, as well as their on field antics ( and Owens has a long history in this arena as well) are often fueled by their deep seeded need for recognition. Keep in mind Owens complained that his 100th touchdown catch was not properly celebrated.
Moreover, Owens has played with an Eagle team that has featured a lot of talent. Perhaps his need to separate himself from this group and be seen as the elite player, has also caused him to speak out in a less than enhancing manner.
Donovan McNabb is a pretty fair quarterback to say the least, and has earned his stripes in the game. The fact that Owens would make McNabb a target speaks to his fragility.
People like Owens have great difficulty dealing with any slight or criticism, which makes walking away from an altercation with the likes of a Hugh Douglas almost impossible.
All in the service of making him feel better about himself.
What a shame. Owens' body of work and articulate persona have gotten him a ton of accolades and attention. Apparently this was not enough.
