Bobby Fischer, Whack Job
The passing of eccentric chess genius Bobby Fischer in Iceland this week didn’t trigger widespread mourning.
“People would feel a lot worse about him croaking if he wasn’t such a creep,” Dom Imus observed on his WABC radio show.
Chess legend Garry Kasparov was a bit more tactful after learning of Fischer’s death. “The tragedy is that he left this world too early, and his extravagant life and scandalous statements did not contribute to the popularity of chess,” he told the Associated Press.
Well, yes, Fischer did behave strangely for much of his adult life. His strident anti-American and anti-Semitic views kept him on the fringe of society.
He was at odds with American officials since 1992, when he went to Yugoslavia to beat Boris Spassky and win $3.35 million. That match defied U.N. sanctions against Yugoslavia and led to his arrest in Japan 12 years later.
Fischer lived his remaining years in exile in Iceland, a chess-crazed country that granted him citizenship.
Here were just a few examples of Fischer’s curious behavior:
- He praised the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying America should be “wiped out,” and described Jews as “thieving, lying bastards.” (Ironically, his mother was Jewish.)
- In another tirade, he had this: “The United States is evil. There’s this axis of evil. What about the allies of evil — the United States, England, Japan, Australia? These are the evildoers.”
- In 1996, he launched a new version in Argentina, “Fischerandom,” a computerized shuffler that randomly distributes chess pieces on the back row of the board at the start of each game. It has not yet caught on.
MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE
Questions to ponder while wondering if the Falcons will ever find a new head coach:
- If you’re Wade Phillips, are you really happy that Jason Garrett is getting paid head-coaching money to look over your shoulder?
- How many of you would have bet on SLU to upset Rhode Island with wide body Barry Eberhardt in street clothes?
- Are the Tigers ready to “D” up against the Jayhawks? Or will that rivalry game turn ugly?
QUIPS ‘R US
Here is what some of American’s leading sports pundits have been writing:
Gerry Callahan, Boston Herald: “Bill Belichick and the Patriots are 17-0. By coincidence, that happens to be the streak that Norval Eugene Turner needs just to get back to .500 for his coaching career.”
Greg Cote, Miami Herald: “Parting thought: A new book, Tarnished Heisman, accuses Reggie Bush of accepting some $300,000 in money and gifts while at Southern Cal. Experts say that, if true, Bush clearly was underpaid.”
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: “Two reasons Kelly Tilghman of Orlando-based Golf Channel hasn’t lost her job (at least not yet) following the totally inappropriate, racially charged “lynch him in a back alley” term she used about Tiger Woods: (1) Because she’s a FOT (Friend of Tiger) and (2) Because she’s not an old white dude (see Don Imus, Rush Limbaugh, Jimmy the Greek, Al Campanis, Fuzzy Zoeller, etc., etc.).”
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, on new 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz: “Martz says of his new job, “It’s not a challenge, it’s an opportunity.” I disagree. I see it as a challenge to Martz to make the most of an opportunity to take on the challenge of challenging himself to recognize the opportunity to challenge himself and the offense. It’s also an opportunity to appear on Discovery Channel’s ‘Dirty Jobs.’”
Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times: “Whether it’s professing his love for deer sausage or engaging in a snowball fight during a game, Brett Favre just can’t help himself. He keeps proving he’s one of us, in spirit and scope, which explains his enduring appeal as the athlete we root for most. In these times of viral hatred, Internet punkery and 24/7 scrutiny that leads to scandals and shame, the concept of a universally beloved celebrity seems absurd. But here is Favre, with silver stubble and an 11-year-old’s joy, whisking us away from a steroids epidemic and daily sports turbulence on a sentimental ride that lands upon a fabled frozen tundra. It’s beyond any storybook to think Favre, 10 years removed from his last Super Bowl, could return to the grand stage after a decade of family tragedy, a Vicodin addiction, reckless performances and calls for his retirement. Considering he might do so in a wind chill of 15-below zero Sunday night, it’s a story that America not only adores but needs for its emotional health.”
MEGAPHONE
“I’ve now scored 40 points on the highest stage you can ever score. It was definitely a special night. I will remember this night for the rest of my life.”
Former Mizzou star Linas Kleiza, after scoring 41 points for the Denver Nuggets.
Thanks, Tipsheet, for all that information about Bobby Fischer. I was looking for an anti-Semetic, anti-American idol and Bin Laden was already taken, so….
I tried watching a NBA game last night. I don’t know why I bother, that league sucks.
Bobby Fischer said all that stuff? I thought it was Keith Olbermann or Bill Maher. Maybe it will be in Nancy Pelosi’s speech today.
Bobby Fischer’s victory over Boris Spassky in 1972 helped ease some of the pain associated with the U.S.S.R.’s bogus victory in basketball over the U.S.A. at the Munich Olympics. However, he always had difficulty interacting with human beings.
I am concerned about Linehan’s potential hires. Steve Loney is another buddy from his former life with the Vikings. Hue Jackson’s offense in Atlanta averaged only 3.5 yards per game more than the Rams during the 2007 season. Once again, why look at mediocre organizations when attempting to upgrade coaching?
How is anyone supposed to take baseball seriously??? Giving Selig a three year extension??? If anyone had any doubts, now you know that no one (owners, management, players, etc.) is really serious about cleaning up the game at all.
What a shame….
Can someone at Rams Park start paying attention to what is going on?? Is that all this “coach” does is hire his cronies??? Ever heard of hiring the best people available, coach??? 1-15, here we come….. Good thing Jason Garrett will be available again after next season…
Tim, I’m with you, the NBA has been unwatchable for 10 -12 years now. Looks like that is another sport where the decision makers are asleep at the wheel…
Mizzou better be real careful tomorrow or it could get very ugly very quickly….
Thank you Jay Mariotti. For a Chicago reporter to say what we all think of Brett “Woogie” Favre is quite refreshing in this era of bashing.
No. 4: 1-15? Do you think the Rams will do that well? I’m thinking more like 0-20 counting the pre-season. At least on the bright side it will raise tourism dollars since all the visiting fans will have plenty of seats to choose from at the Ed.
Linehan doesn’t want a Jason Garrett looking over his shoulder just waiting for that stumble that will come. Also, if Kelly Tilghman would have said “beat uo” instead of lynch would Al Sharpton still have had a cow over it? It was obvious to all it was a joke.
[...] Bobby Fischer, Whack Job - St. Louis Post-Dispatch [...]
Jay Mariotti is right on track… its what makes sports special and remindes us how we felt when we were kids playing ball… We should all route for Brett and the rest of the Pack to take down the Giant and then The Evil Empire…
Not that I think it’s true, but has anyone ever questioned Favre’s resurgance and the use of steroids? Isn’t extending one’s career and being better than ever one of the positive effects of steroids? There’s no test for HGH. Just wondering if it’s ever been brought up.
Bobby Fisher was outspoken and eccentric but was an extraordinary talent, a world celebrity of historic importance. You, and so many more just like you, are outspoken and eccentric nobodies.
Therein lies the difference, “Gordo”!
Hmmm…I hate to say it, but now that Stl Fan makes that point, I have to wonder. Brett is no stranger to manufactured chemicals entering his body, after all…
He has a much better O-line this year, so that no doubt has a lot to do with it.
Damn, I hope he isn’t, but in this day and age…
#2-Pelosi is speaking today?I bet you’ll be right there in your McCarthy mittens,Limbaugh longjohns and Dick Cheney Depends, furious over the fact she isn’t at home takin care of the kids or memorizing Mein Kampf.Yeah, it’s always a delight to besmirch another’s character when you are mindless/soulless dittobox for FOX.Just remember that when the next flag wavin, power seekin, jerk not for the people passes away into the Irangate night.We all are accountable for our actions,regardless of our family name,political party,or the country we live in.When we leave this mortal coil, no one is going to care who you voted for…Only how you treated those around you,especially those you were in a position of power over…
A leading story about a chess playing, anti-American whack-job in the sports section? Really!? Is that all you got? There’s not enough sillyness coming from the Rams or Cards?
As for Mariotti’s comments on Favre, all I can say is: AMEN!
#13-Yeah,all the anti-Human,pro Satanism angles have been taken lately.Perhaps we can come up with an anti-semetic,pro American whack-job that played baseball to talk about.Oh wait, ex Card Carlton is still around.Anti,pro, it seems obvious most of you don’t care as long as an athlete played for a team you liked.My brother still downplays Mac’s chemical romance, to this day.I still don’t recall Fischer being accused of illegaly arresting anyone,sending a soldier to die with traitoriously manufactured lies,or deliberately use power to try and manipulate the Christian apocalypse into existence;which is exactly what our Washington whack-jobs are attempting.Fischer had his flaws, yet I don’t see him having as much to account for in the afterlife as many other whack-jobs people continue to support.
#12:
As I sit here in my mittens, long johns, and depends, I am again amazed at the difference in attitudes of conservatives and liberals. Lumberg stated a reasonable, funny comment on Fischer, while you resort to personal attacks that generalize all conservatives by comparing us to Hitler, etc. You ARE accountable for your actions, and by treating conservatives the way you have, you have shown your obvious bigotry.
Lead story about Chess?!? Geez, I can hardly wait for the highlight clips on ESPN. Hopefully, that will be followed by more of those riveting Poker showdowns they carry.
Pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter, FL soon don’t they?!? Please?!?!?!!?!?
Gordo,
There is no one named Barry Eckerle playing for the Bills. He’s played well enough for you to get his freakin’ name right.
And you guys thought I was a whack job? Cardiger is the poster child for chemically-induced comas…
Cardiger is a typical liberal…wants to hug and love on everyone unless they don’t agree with him, then he launches into a bitter tirade without cohesive thought or rational structure. And of course, we are all the spawn of Hitler while he defends the anti-Semite Fischer…nice job cupcake!
JB Good…pitchers and catchers report soon but first…
Kool Aid drinkers, be sure to bring all of your cash and credit cards, get in line early tomorrow morning (don’t worry, it will be at least 10 degrees outside) because it is WINTER WARM UP time!!
Bobby Fishcher was a chess virtuoso, but was fatally flawed. And perhaps genius and psychosis are joined at the hip, at least as far as chess is concerned, because Fischer was by no means the first - nor the worst - chess champion beset with personal demons. His sad deterioration from enfante terrible to raving lunatic is a testament to the dangers of mental illness left untreated. Some of the vituperative contributors to this blog should take note. Like the ad says, if you don’t get help at Charter, get help somewher
Cardiger, this is a forum to talk about what is mentioned today by Jeff Gordon, not the “Christian Apocolypse”!! Now one cares about your rants. This is sports talk….. If you want to talk about politics and your Chicken Little Assertions, go to a political site!!
Or, kccardinal, maybe Bobby Fischer was just an asshole. Did youever think of that? Maybe his anti-Semite comments were derived from ignorance and not mental illness. Just because someone acts bizarre doesn’t make them mentally ill. Very smart people see things differently (in fact research shows that their brains physically work different than most people) and usually are bracketed by a huge ego and disdain for the rest of the world because they are simpletons in their eyes. Either way, I’m glad his loss to the chess world is huge because the non-chess world doesn’t generally give a rat’s ass…
Not a political site and Bill’s “joke” wasn’t a personal attack on Pelosi, Maher and Olberman? Could have fooled me on all counts.#1 I’m not a liberal.#2 I am not a Pelosi admirerer. As far as being irrational an ranting, guilty.Just as many other posts on this site and elsewhere.I just find it laughable a man once considered a natinal hero is so easily written off because of his rantings.This whole thing is entertainment to me since few people stay on the original topic, as is.
Tim, only jews and perhaps “Gordo” here, can really have any serious ax to grind against Bobby Fisher. The rest of humanity doesn’t really give a rat’s behind what Bobby Fisher ever said about the topic, and much less will I ever trouble myself with such irrelevant crap in the sports world.
Didn’t see any news about it yet…It’s 7:30 on Fri.
Georgia Frontierre has passed away due to breast cancer.
Rest in Peace, thanks for the Rams, thanks for the Super Bowl.
God Bless.
[...] Bobby Fischer, Whack JobSt. Louis Post-Dispatch - The passing of eccentric chess genius Bobby Fischer in Iceland this week didn’t trigger widespread mourning. “People would … At least on the bright side it will raise tourism dollars since all the visiting fans will have plenty of seats to choose … [...]
nancy agram music…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….
Pre-Paid Credit Cards…
Prepaid cards are one of the newest tools to pay employees. Prepaid cards are a secure, cost-effective and convenient way to pay employees, and often gets their payments to them faster than by checks which are mailed….
japan idol…
…
Carpets & Rugs…
…
brad garrett basketball…
Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !…
Eric…
Did you get this off MSN?…
Erin…
This sure as heck beats reading Playboy in the dark wth a flashlight….
Stewart…
Do you really believe what you write?…
Jack…
Helpful to the masses!…
McLovin…
On guard, you rascal!…
chess…
wonderful post …
Jessie…
Bravo. It is about time someone delved into this….
Erin…
I found this on google….
Dolly Williams…
Good work. I am going to read some more on this….
wwf action figure…
Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !…
Bobby Brown…
do you know what is the first? i`ve the new album at my blog…
Payday Advance…
If a family member is short on dollar just easily sign up for an online advance cash that is special, easy, and immediate today!…
Jessie…
Perfect. Cut. Print. Great….
Isla Fisher Pic…
Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !…
the next best thing to steroids…
Some drugs specifically target testosterone as a way of treating certain conditions. Steroids include estrogen (US spelling) or oestrogen…
Online Payday Loan…
Rapid lender for Internet cash advance loans with instant payday loan transfers….
for the love of the game jordan…
…
how to start a home based cleaning business…
I do think your right on the spot here, i am going to bookmark your site to see if other people have different views….
Danny T….
I declare war on thee….
Toby…
On guard, you rascal!…