One of my favorite nutbars of the 70’s is John MacEnroe. I remember my parents saying he was such a gifted player but he had terrible bouts of temper that sometimes cost him the game and match. I remember seeing him shouting at umpires and the veins in his forehead sticking out. I mean, he was powerful to behold when I was a young kid like 9 or 10. I felt like that when I missed a shot. But what about sportsmanship? I got an earful from my parents about it when John came on TV. I am sure he’s heard lectures and judgement all his life.
It makes me wonder about anger and the brain. Could it be that chemicals are at fault or was it the way he was raised that made him think it was okay to challenge line referees with profanity on global television? Something to think about as we are raising kids and doing our part in the world.
When I see him on TV nowadays, he’s smiling which is neat to see. Anyway, remember to keep your temper in check. Most of us don’t have the luxury of a fan club that will be cheering us on in the aftermath. Enjoy this YouTube video that captures some classic MacEnroe tantrums:
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I remember watching him, too. I think it was part of his “appeal” because you never knew when he was going to fly off the handle. It wasn’t just tennis, it was a soap opera, too.
I think it’s both. I think some people have anger issues that I think perhaps aren’t addressed correctly when they are young.
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I wonder if it was all just an act. Much like Alice Cooper was a well educated guy who was putting on the act for the $ and quit when it was over.
Maybe some of it was. If you look at his life after tennis though and if you believe Tatum’s accounts, it was a real problem. Hope he got some help. I think he’s a great athlete.
Now everyone is talking about the American economy and eclections, nice to read something different. Eugene
Thanks a lot. It’s the kid in us man, the kid in us that sells posts ;)
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Inside MacEnroe’s Brain
Inside MacEnroe’s Brain
[...] Chang, and Martina Hingis. Going even further back in history, you find the crazy personality of John McEnroe, a man that Damien highlights in one of his recent posts. John’s tantrums are great for [...]