Starting Now,the Media Needs to Lay off Sasha

[amidala]

I know Sasha was one of the major headliners at Nationals, but the negative press leading up to this competition has crossed the line. Sasha isn't the only skater who has ever changed coaches (more than once), and she certainly isn't the only beauitful skater who suffers from a consistency problem (remember Nancy Kerrigan's constant falls?)
It took a lot for Sasha to show up to Nats after such a dismal season, and then to have the media writing such negative and doubtful articles. Now that Nats is done with, I hope Hersh & Co., lose interest and back off in their quest to take swipes at Sasha. Once these vultures back away, I can see Sasha getting back to her firery form that made her famous (while she was originally coached by Nicks).

[loveskating]

I agree, but what do you propose to do about it?

[Catalina]

I'm looking at it the other day: Sasha will skate better to prove everyone wrong. It worked when they called her the "fiery" "uncontrollable" one in 2000 and 2002. As much as I think it's rude and uncalled for, I also believe it will work in her favor. Sasha seems to work like that.

[LC]

I agree they are too negative. After an injury and switching coaches I think she did pretty good. It seemed they all forgot about that back injury and how she couldn't jump for a month. Much better than a month ago. I don't even want to think how she would have skated had she stayed with Robin. I somehow get the feeling if someone like Paul Wylie or Nancy Kerrigan had been commentating they may have not been so hard on her. I like Suzy Wynne so much better as well.

[jobelle]

I agree they are too negative. After an injury and switching coaches I think she did pretty good. It seemed they all forgot about that back injury and how she couldn't jump for a month. Much better than a month ago. I don't even want to think how she would have skated had she stayed with Robin. I somehow get the feeling if someone like Paul Wylie or Nancy Kerrigan had been commentating they may have not been so hard on her. I like Suzy Wynne so much better as well.

I agree, I like Suzy Wynne and Paul Wylie sooooo much more!
I am training myself to tune out the commentary during the programs.

[LC]

Well here is the latest article and they are just plain cruel to Sasha.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=figureskating&id=1968005

[danibellerika]

The media needs to lay off Sasha. Sasha needs to skate clean. Michelle needs to step it up and TRY a loop. Lots of things that need to be done but alas, won't (at least not now).

[sk8tefan]

I'm looking at it the other day: Sasha will skate better to prove everyone wrong. It worked when they called her the "fiery" "uncontrollable" one in 2000 and 2002. As much as I think it's rude and uncalled for, I also believe it will work in her favor. Sasha seems to work like that.

I think Michelle works like that, but Sasha doesn't. Michelle is able to take negative press and channel it into improving her next performance, but Sasha's been so hammered by the media that she just seems to not be able to climb out of her slump. I have faith that she'll get there, but I think it's a shame that the skating community has tolerated and been a part of the tearing down of the top U.S. figure skater (IMO, that's Sasha).

LC, you're right. That article was downright hateful. (muttering a few unsavory words right now!)

[MKFSfan]

The media is trying to generate drama somewhere and there's really no drama to follow. So, they head to Robin, the ever spotlight lover, and manage to squeak out a story, then it took on a life of it's own. I disagree with this article regarding Sasha-her dress is now my favorite of hers, but I like less flash, and more simplicity, especially if she's gonna skate to less dramatic pieces. Hated the SP dress. I don't know why the author said she usually skates with more fires after mistakes. While I don't think she had much fire this Nationals, either SP or LP, she didn't have that deer in the headlights, skating under a so much pressure aura, so that's gotta be a step in the right direction. Congrats on your 4th silver!

You know what I really hated? It's one thing when sportswriters print up these negative articles, but what was up with the USFSA allowing the Robin hanging out the dirty laundry fluff piece? And I especially disliked the final comment of Nationals 2005 by Terry,"Sasha didn't plan for this. Good night!" So unneccessary.

The one difference about the media and the announcers this year is they heaped all the pressure and expectations on Michelle. In previous years, there's been co-favorites, or they made a big deal about challengers, but this year was all Michelle, what with the record tie and record break, even if it was positive, it was still pressure. She succumbed to it, but she really held her ground. That is why she's a champion, she's able to get past the pressure, starting as a 15 year old Salome, skating right after the reigning World Champ. had a terrific skate. Hopefully, Sasha can turn that corner as well. I was expecting it to happen this year.

[zippythesqurl2]

Well here is the latest article and they are just plain cruel to Sasha.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=figureskating&id=1968005


I don't think it was too harsh of an article. I mean, I thought it was honest.

[LC]

I don't think it was too harsh of an article. I mean, I thought it was honest.

They could have used some kinder words. Basically said. "Sasha a failure"

[sk8tefan]

The media is trying to generate drama somewhere and there's really no drama to follow. So, they head to Robin, the ever spotlight lover, and manage to squeak out a story, then it took on a life of it's own. I disagree with this article regarding Sasha-her dress is now my favorite of hers, but I like less flash, and more simplicity, especially if she's gonna skate to less dramatic pieces. Hated the SP dress. I don't know why the author said she usually skates with more fires after mistakes. While I don't think she had much fire this Nationals, either SP or LP, she didn't have that deer in the headlights, skating under a so much pressure aura, so that's gotta be a step in the right direction. Congrats on your 4th silver!

You know what I really hated? It's one thing when sportswriters print up these negative articles, but what was up with the USFSA allowing the Robin hanging out the dirty laundry fluff piece? And I especially disliked the final comment of Nationals 2005 by Terry,"Sasha didn't plan for this. Good night!" So unneccessary.

The one difference about the media and the announcers this year is they heaped all the pressure and expectations on Michelle. In previous years, there's been co-favorites, or they made a big deal about challengers, but this year was all Michelle, what with the record tie and record break, even if it was positive, it was still pressure. She succumbed to it, but she really held her ground. That is why she's a champion, she's able to get past the pressure, starting as a 15 year old Salome, skating right after the reigning World Champ. had a terrific skate. Hopefully, Sasha can turn that corner as well. I was expecting it to happen this year.

Thanks for reminding me of how mad Terry's closing remark made me. He usually doesn't make me angry, but that was so uncalled for. Why make such hurtful comments?

Michelle did have a lot of pressure on her tonight, too, and I was just so shocked when she stepped on the ice looking so nervous because you usually don't see that from her. Now poor Kimmie is going to have tons of expectations heaped on her. Michelle should give a clinic to the other skaters on how to handle pressure from the media! NNN suffered from all the media attention, Sasha has suffered. Why can't they just let them skate and remember in their commentary/articles that they are dealing with young athletes and that words DO hurt?

[danibellerika]

The media is trying to generate drama somewhere and there's really no drama to follow. So, they head to Robin, the ever spotlight lover, and manage to squeak out a story, then it took on a life of it's own. I disagree with this article regarding Sasha-her dress is now my favorite of hers, but I like less flash, and more simplicity, especially if she's gonna skate to less dramatic pieces. Hated the SP dress. I don't know why the author said she usually skates with more fires after mistakes. While I don't think she had much fire this Nationals, either SP or LP, she didn't have that deer in the headlights, skating under a so much pressure aura, so that's gotta be a step in the right direction. Congrats on your 4th silver!

You know what I really hated? It's one thing when sportswriters print up these negative articles, but what was up with the USFSA allowing the Robin hanging out the dirty laundry fluff piece? And I especially disliked the final comment of Nationals 2005 by Terry,"Sasha didn't plan for this. Good night!" So unneccessary.

The one difference about the media and the announcers this year is they heaped all the pressure and expectations on Michelle. In previous years, there's been co-favorites, or they made a big deal about challengers, but this year was all Michelle, what with the record tie and record break, even if it was positive, it was still pressure. She succumbed to it, but she really held her ground. That is why she's a champion, she's able to get past the pressure, starting as a 15 year old Salome, skating right after the reigning World Champ. had a terrific skate. Hopefully, Sasha can turn that corner as well. I was expecting it to happen this year.

I gotta say, I agree, except I love Sasha's SP dress and wasn't expecting sasha to just get past anything so quickly after I saw how the season was going. I'm hoping for a baby steps thing.

And the reason why the media keeps doing what they are doing is because they don't care. They want a story and if their paycheck comes from tearing down someone, then they'll do it. There's gotta come a point where the skater decides to just put it aside because they realize this is what the media does and it won't stop. It doesn't stop for celebs. Doesn't stop for athletes. Doesn't stop, period.

[zippythesqurl2]

They could have used some kinder words. Basically said. "Sasha a failure"

What would have liked them to say.
"Sasha Cohen skated gloriously despite a few errors. She's had errors in the past, and once again couldn't come through..." I mean, it all means the same thing. I understand how it is upsetting. I think we're all upset, but what the article said is true. They weren't attacking her person, I see nothing wrong with it.

[amidala]

Well here is the latest article and they are just plain cruel to Sasha.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=figureskating&id=1968005

That's a crap article if ever I read one (lol). Where does one begin to dissect such bad reporting? First of all, MK's program did not build w/ speed w/ every jump (she's just slow overall until she hits the footwork), MK did not express an, "I did it!", she looked kinda pissed at herself, Sasha was not flat, she skated w/ emotion and a calm elegance , and her dress was gorgeous and complimented her skin perfectly. The person who wrote this article probably did not know enough about figureskating in general to understand what they were watching. It's like they take the news that MK won and spin it into a story that she had a far better skate than you or I saw. The reason for the Sasha blasting, I guarantee you, stems more from all the negative and bashy-style articles that have been surrounding Sasha. It would be hilarious if Sasha could manage to beat our 9 time Nats champ at Worlds, how would the media spin that one?

[MKFSfan]

They could have used some kinder words. Basically said. "Sasha a failure"

It's not that harsh! It's like they are covering their own tracks-for years they (and the announcers) hyped Sasha up as being THE one to beat, claiming this is her season, and even though she has a wonderful record that many would LOVE to have, she hasn't totally reached their expectations they have been heaping on her since 2000. I got the impression this season that Dick and Peggy don't like Nutcracker, which doesn't help, and my take is because they loved Swan Lake 1 and this has a different feeling. The difference between Sasha and Jenny is they never envisioned Jenny being a major challenger for Michelle, even when she was Jr. Champion over Sasha way back when. It'll be very interesting to see what happens with Kimmie now that she stepped up and delivered in her 1st Sr. Nationals. Even without the polish and artistry if Michelle and Sasha, she was a highlight of this Nationals. Deserved 3rd. I was surprised she took a couple of ordinals from Sasha though.

[sk8tefan]

I think I just need to go to bed. Maybe I'll wake up a little less mad at the world in the morning!

Night everyone.

[loveskating]

What would have liked them to say.
"Sasha Cohen skated gloriously despite a few errors. She's had errors in the past, and once again couldn't come through..." I mean, it all means the same thing. I understand how it is upsetting. I think we're all upset, but what the article said is true. They weren't attacking her person, I see nothing wrong with it.

Oh PLEASE!

That (skated gloriously despite a few errors) is precisely what they said about Michelle Kwan in 1999 when she fell on her second lutz and made other mistakes in the LP and won gold at Nationals.

Sasha fell on HER SECOND LUTZ TONIGHT, AND UNdER THE 6.0 SYSTEM, SHE LOST NOTHING BY IT!!

That is PRECISELY what they said when kWAN waxed her axel at the Worlds after 1998 Olympics and won gold at Worlds.THAT SHE SKATED GLRIOUSLY!

And after 2000, they said "Kwan was challenged!"

Sasha's skating tonight would have been more than adequate to win gold if you compare it to skates of many other skaters who won gold...including Kwan!

Or lets take what they've said when Kwan lost...like to Irina at GP Finals when Irina landed the first 3 lutz/3 loop a woman ever landed...they siad that Irina had a bad runout and implied that the judges gave her the gold medal wrongly and unjustifiably.

Brennan on Butereskaya was massively cruel.

Maybe take what they said when Tara beat her..that Tara had the skate of her life, that on any other night, Tara could not have beaten Kwan, THAT IS WHAT THEY SAID.

[COLOR=DarkOrange]It was harsh...becasue everything for 10 years has been from the POV of Michelle Kwan being "the best" and if anyone beats her, its an anomaly or they really didn't, the judges are corrupt or she is still the best overall...but with Sasha they go much farther...they bash Sasha before every comp and more when she loses! Every time! COLOR]

The only hope I see for all this corruption and top down enforcement and total bashing of so many other skaters is that Kemmie Meisner is exactly the kind of skater that they always claimed Michelle Kwan was, but Kwan was NEVER that good, and never will be. Kimmie, on the other hand, has a good chance of being the greatest skater ever. That's all I ask for, that these bureaucrats at least find a skater than can live up to the HYPE and HATRED that they fling all over us...that what is on the ice and what is said is the at least the TRUTH. I'm very grateful that if I have to be a frigging nationalist, or endure it, at least I have a TRULY great ice dance couple (Belbin and Agosto) to root for!

[sk8tefan]

Can't sleep!!! Tell me what you think of this article. I, personally, think it's a bunch of more crap.

http:www.nytimes.com/2005/01/16/sports/othersports/16selena.html

edit: if you don't want to register, read it by searching yahoo news.

MUCH BETTER ARTICLE. Nicely written about all the skaters. Sasha has high praise for Michelle, and also says she's thinking about working on the quad again.
http:www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/sports/10657009.htm

And Sasha is definitely aware of what is said about her. On her website, her latest news was updated and she is quoted as saying "It's not in my overall plan not to skate perfectly."

[SashaTheGreat]

I don't think it was too harsh of an article. I mean, I thought it was honest.

Sasha's program was bland and flat, and lacked the spark? It's Sasha's dress that was tacky and distasteful (have someone recently wore "salmon pink" colored dress in competition)?

Are you blind?

[CohenFan]

I have to concur with people who are saying that the media really needs to lay off. I get that all the negative commentary is because people know how talented she is and that it is frustrating not to see her perform to the best of her ability. But there is a point where that just becomes too much to hear over and over again.

She's probabally to the point(and has been for at least a year) where she is terrified of messing up because she knows how much people will jump all over it, that it actually hinders her from skating to her full potential. As someone else mentioned, the media did the same thing to gymnast Vanessa Atler. One of the most talented gymnasts ever, but could rarely keep her head together for a full competition and all that the media pressure did was worsen it. Now soon she will be appearing on a reality show called "Starting Over," because she hasn't been able to get over how much the media constantly built her up and then tore her down and then she finally soccumbed to all the pressure and didn't even make the Olympic team when she was expected to be a top contender to win it the Olympic AA.

Now I'm not saying that will be Sasha's path - I think Sasha has a much stronger head on her shoulders than Vanessa did (Vanessa was also younger and less mature than Sasha at the time.) But what I am saying is that a person would have to be super human to not let all of this constant negativity get to them. The media needs to back off but of course they won't because they have nothing else to write about.

[Texas]

Maybe we should all write the USFSA and tell them how we feel about the Sasha bashing by the press and comentating. Maybe some of this will come to a stop. I'm about to stop watching figure skating because I can't stand the way Sasha is picked on constantly. She is a beautiful skater and there is plenty in her programs to praise her for. I bet she is terribly hurt by all the critizem and I don't blame her. How much do they think the poor girl can take before she hangs up her skates--now that would be a real loss to the skating world as far as I'm concerned.

I'm a bit sick of it and I'm sure Sasha is too--I hope she doesn't quit.
Peggy

[Davespectral]

Nice post Amidala.

I think our hearts are in the right place but.....the A.B.C. team has made many references to what Sasha could be. How many times have you heard Dick Button go absolutely GA GA after one of her performances? I think they simply expect more of her, because they know what she is capable of. Notice many of the very positive comments that they make. I agree that they should shut up about her blowing a lot of her long programs. More than anything, I wish they would shut up about Jenny losing her mother. Enough time has passed that they should find something else to talk about, like Jenny's skating!

As for the written articles, they are a different story. I suspect that many of those "reporters" are the "Me To" type. An example of that is this: My internet home away from home used to be Baiul.org. A Fox news reporter made a post on that website, asking us about Oksana. I should have spoke up to him because a REAL reporter would have asked Oksana about Oksana! He would have flown to Ukraine and talked to the people who knew her, the Petrenko's, Galina etc. That was incredibly lazy and half assed on his part. It turned out to be another, scary one hour special on Oksana's problems. If you watch it, you will see Baiul.org mentioned toward the end of the credits.

I.M.O. Sasha would be the greatest Lady skater EVER if she would not make as many mistakes. I don't think anyone could touch her in the next ten years, if she would solve her mistake problem. Actually, I think of Sasha as the greatest right now, but....with an asterix by her name. I will speak for myself here, but I get overly sensitive about comments about my favorite skaters. I wish I could be on t.v. to defend them. :)

Dave

[robert]

I know Sasha was one of the major headliners at Nationals, but the negative press leading up to this competition has crossed the line. Sasha isn't the only skater who has ever changed coaches (more than once), and she certainly isn't the only beauitful skater who suffers from a consistency problem (remember Nancy Kerrigan's constant falls?)
It took a lot for Sasha to show up to Nats after such a dismal season, and then to have the media writing such negative and doubtful articles. Now that Nats is done with, I hope Hersh & Co., lose interest and back off in their quest to take swipes at Sasha. Once these vultures back away, I can see Sasha getting back to her firery form that made her famous (while she was originally coached by Nicks).

The commentators criticized Sasha's fall, but absolutely gushed over her lovely program at the end. There was little comment during Michelle's program, but great disappointment was expressed at the end. Does that say anything???

The 6's were not deserved, but Michelle was to get at least 8 last night, so maybe just four showed at least a modicum of embarassment from the judges. Michelle has done wonders for the sport, but those gratis 6's made a mockery of "The Perfect 6". Not her fault, just the usual poor judging. Can't wait for the end of "The Perfect 6"

I should add for what it's worth that I only watch skating if Sasha is in the competition. Its too boring otherwise. Example was this past Grand Prix. No offense to those skaters, but that's the way I see it. If Sasha is chased off the ice, then I gone baby.
Robert

[NoHoArtist]

Guys, I have learned through hard experience that there is usually nothing you can do about people bashing people and if you can be good at ignoring and forgetting the bashes, that is a great skill to have and you are doing yourself a big favor.

[loveskating]

Maybe we should all write the USFSA and tell them how we feel about the Sasha bashing by the press and comentating. Maybe some of this will come to a stop. I'm about to stop watching figure skating because I can't stand the way Sasha is picked on constantly. She is a beautiful skater and there is plenty in her programs to praise her for. I bet she is terribly hurt by all the critizem and I don't blame her. How much do they think the poor girl can take before she hangs up her skates--now that would be a real loss to the skating world as far as I'm concerned.

I'm a bit sick of it and I'm sure Sasha is too--I hope she doesn't quit.
Peggy

I know how you feel...I can never stop watching skating, but I could barely watch the Ladies LPs because I knew the kick in the gut was coming right at me from Dick, Peggy and Terry no matter how Sasha skated.

Furthermore, I've been asking a lot of people lately and -- nothing to do with Sasha -- but they ALL say they cannot stand the way the commentators insult the skaters. They say they don't know anything about skating, so they just have to flip the channel when they hear that.

I think this bashing of almost everyone hurts skating!

Dave, its not just about Sasha, although since she is our fave, we feel it most...they do that with so many great skaters, and again, I do not belive it is good for skating...it drives people away...its like if they bashed to smithereens the 2 runner ups in the Miss America Pagent (not my schtick, but my dad never agreed with who they picked, but at least he did not have to endure someone bashing HIS favorites).

[zippythesqurl2]

Oh PLEASE!

That (skated gloriously despite a few errors) is precisely what they said about Michelle Kwan in 1999 when she fell on her second lutz and made other mistakes in the LP and won gold at Nationals.

Sasha fell on HER SECOND LUTZ TONIGHT, AND UNDER THE 6.0 SYSTEM, SHE LOST NOTHING BY IT!!

That is PRECISELY what they said when kWAN waxed her axel at the Worlds after 1998 Olympics and won gold at Worlds.THAT SHE SKATED GLORIOUSLY!

And after 2000, they said "Kwan was challenged!"

Point? Sasha was slow, her choreo was stagnant, and she didn't reach me. The article was honest in that respect, was it not?

Sasha's skating tonight would have been more than adequate to win gold if you compare it to skates of many other skaters who won gold...including Kwan!
Except it wasn't THIS night.

Or lets take what they've said when Kwan lost...like to Irina at GP Finals when Irina landed the first 3 lutz/3 loop a woman ever landed...they siad that Irina had a bad runout and implied that the judges gave her the gold medal wrongly and unjustifiably.

Brennan on Butereskaya was massively cruel.

Maybe take what they said when Tara beat her..that Tara had the skate of her life, that on any other night, Tara could not have beaten Kwan, THAT IS WHAT THEY SAID.

So? I was tlaking about THIS article. I KNOW the press has been hard. But, the article didn't sit there and say "Sasha's ugly, she has bad lines, she'll NEVER be a champion, she can't skate. Period."
No, what they said was honest in THIS ARTICLE. Or at least, in my opinion.
Yes, they could have been harder on Michelle because the only person more boring than Sasha was Michelle. But meh. I'm just happy they didn't bring up the second bumping incident and crucify Sasha personally.
Also? Chill out. Seriously.

Sasha's program was bland and flat, and lacked the spark? It's Sasha's dress that was tacky and distasteful (have someone recently wore "salmon pink" colored dress in competition)?

Are you blind?

See my post in the long program thread. To me, yes, her program was bland and flat. She did three jumps in a row in a circle each one right after the other! That's a warm up drill! I don't care about her dress, personally. It was pretty, but it made her blend with the ice. the comment in regards to her dress WAS petty, I'll give you. But the comments on the program and her skating? Not so harsh in my opinion.

[Catalina]

I was disappointed. This U.S. Nationals was the most boring I have ever watched. I honestly think Kimmie Meisner should have won, with Michelle and Sasha behind. All of the articles preceding this competition were cruel and inappropriate, but I don't believe most of these are. Yes, they are being too nice to Michelle, but I haven't seen anything untruthful about Sasha- the fall did cost her the title, no matter how you look at it. Both of our top ladies were stagnant- we know it's because of all the stress, the move, etc. That doesn't mean they won't have to step it up in time for Worlds, if they want a medal.

[zippythesqurl2]

I was disappointed. This U.S. Nationals was the most boring I have ever watched. I honestly think Kimmie Meisner should have won, with Michelle and Sasha behind. All of the articles preceding this competition were cruel and inappropriate, but I don't believe most of these are. Yes, they are being too nice to Michelle, but I haven't seen anything untruthful about Sasha- the fall did cost her the title, no matter how you look at it. Both of our top ladies were stagnant- we know it's because of all the stress, the move, etc. That doesn't mean they won't have to step it up in time for Worlds, if they want a medal.


Thank you. That's what I've been trying to say.

[loveskating]

Point? Sasha was slow, her choreo was stagnant, and she didn't reach me. The article was honest in that respect, was it not?..

That's how you saw it. To me, she was not slow, she put a hand down on the loop, and fellon her second lutz...I've seen too many skaters win gold doing even worse than that, so I cannot say that the performance was bad based on that! IMHO everthiing else was fabulous; her spins were the best, her spirals were equal to the best that night, and her overall flow was marvelous...and yet another innovation on the catch spin she made was also fabulous and very inspiring to me.


So? I was tlaking about THIS article. I KNOW the press has been hard. But, the article didn't sit there and say "Sasha's ugly, she has bad lines, she'll NEVER be a champion, she can't skate. Period."
No, what they said was honest in THIS ARTICLE. Or at least, in my opinion.
Yes, they could have been harder on Michelle because the only person more boring than Sasha was Michelle. But meh. I'm just happy they didn't bring up the second bumping incident and crucify Sasha personally.
Also? Chill out. Seriously..

But you compare the horrific to the horrible...what they said crossed the line, it was bashing. The fact that it could have been worse does not make that ok.

And the press DID bash Sasha for some claimed second bumping incident, the lieing dogs! I'm grateful that ABC did not, but that doesn't mean this article is ok, it isn't.

THe media is also claiming that Sasha is a lousy jumper, when that is a lie! Ilia Kulik is recognized to be the greatest jumper ever, by no less of a jumper than Boitano, but Kulik was not relatively consistent in hsi amateur career, either, so what kind of lieing madness is this. Sasha has very pure technique on all her jumps except the lutz! Period.

[zippythesqurl2]

That's how you saw it. To me, she was not slow, she put a hand down on the loop, and fellon her second lutz...I've seen too many skaters win gold doing even worse than that, so I cannot say that the performance was bad based on that! IMHO everthiing else was fabulous; her spins were the best, her spirals were equal to the best that night, and her overall flow was marvelous...and yet another innovation on the catch spin she made was also fabulous and very inspiring to me.
Fine, great.
You've seen skaters win gold falling all over the place, so have I. That doesn't mean she deserved it last night because you know what? She wasn't the best last night. And that's not a bad thing. I wouldn't consider her human if she could go and conquer with the season she's had.




But you compare the horrific to the horrible...what they said crossed the line, it was bashing. The fact that it could have been worse does not make that ok.

What? The article wasn't a bash. What I said was an opinion. What are you talking about?

And the press DID bash Sasha for some claimed second bumping incident, the lieing dogs! I'm grateful that ABC did not, but that doesn't mean this article is ok, it isn't.
Right, but we aren't talking about that press. Or did you not get the point of me pointing out a, wait for it, specific article and saying it wasn't bashing her and that it was honest. THIS ONE ARTICLE. No others. None. Period.

THe media is also claiming that Sasha is a lousy jumper, when that is a lie! Ilia Kulik is recognized to be the greatest jumper ever, by no less of a jumper than Boitano, but Kulik was not relatively consistent in his amateur career, either, so what kind of lieing madness is this. Sasha has very pure technique on all her jumps except the lutz! Period.
What are you alking about? Why is this relevent? It's not. Ugh, this is pointless. Maybe you should go wait for a while, take a breather, you know? And then come back and make a coherent argument as to why the article wasn't honest. Which, you can't because it's based on an opinion. My opinion that i've stated, and made rather clear.
The article wasn't bad, it was honest. This specific article. Period. That's my point. The only one. It's my opinion as well.

[IceAngel286]

I didn't like that the article called Sasha's performance bland, nor the fact that they basically said the dress was as bland as the program...I thought the dress was gorgeous. Also, it did NOT look "salmon pink" to me... :confused:

And loveskating is right, think back to who the LAST person was to wear a "salmon pink" dress...hmmm...and IIRC, it was described as nothing short of beautiful. :rolleyes:

[zippythesqurl2]

The comment on the dress was petty.

Mk? That dress wasn't Salmon (and Neither was Sasha's)

[IceAngel286]

ITA, I really don't see where they got the idea that the best description for the color was "salmon." I'm just saying it makes me sick to think she's getting criticism for it, when others can get by.

[SashaTheGreat]

I strongly disagree with an argument, that a fact that some in the media used to go GA GA over Sasha provides an excuse for writing hateful articles, since she didn't live up to the expectations.

I have no problem, if they'd write about Sasha's program, as imperfect, or would say that she once again missed a golden opportunity, or what have you. But to say that "she was lucky to get a silver medal," and to start dissing her costume (something I've never seen done by a "serious" press to another skater), is crossing the line into the outright bashing.

Some of what the non-mentioned author implied, of course, is the truth, but there are different ways of pointing the truth out. He/she wouldn't lie either, if they'd mention that Sasha was injured for the most of the season, and couldn't work on her jumps at all, but such treatment would cause sympathy -- not something the writer was looking after.

Bottom line is that the author wanted to make Sasha to look like a bad guy, and a perennial loser. My goodness, she's not after something, because Kwan has it, Sasha's competing to achieve her own glory, not to take something away from Michelle. ALL skaters are aiming for the same goal - to become champions.

Sasha did a decent job at the competition, and she've EARNED her forth silver Nationals medal. She wasn't given a gift (as article implies), she worked hard to build her own resume.

Oh, and her dress was very nice, and of a lovely pink tone too, not a "salmon" pink.

[attyfan]

IMHO, the press likes to bash, and Sasha (right now) is an available target. They've given it to Kwan in the past and will do it again in the future. If Kimmie fails to win when the press has been touting her, they will go after her.

[smkoepke]

the petty "this dress is ugly comments" were uncalled for as well. I personally like MK's short dress didn't like the long , Like the style of sashas lp dress but not the color, if i were a reporter however this wouldn't be in my column as it is trivial and petty. Kimmie meissner has potential but doesn't blow me away, and i can't believe they ratified that 3 axel (clearly not completed) after it took them forever to ratify a quad for weiss. Anyway I think a lot of the more experienced skaters were stressed out this week after what happened with angelas mom. Also we had a major ice storm and i don't know if any of you live in the portland area like i do, but our news coverage of it is enough to scare anyone into staying home (particularly with all of the traffic accidents that were shown on the news). here are some good things about each of the ladies that i noticed

Sasha= i thought she was trying to show more emotion in her programs than in previous years. cool new spin positions.
MK= BUFF! lord that girl is lifting weights! and her short program spiral was incredible! as were the height on her jumps!
jenny= clean short and elegant (if boring) long
Bebe= huge improvements and i feel was robbed of the bronze medal or at least 4th place wonder choreograpy, positions, elegance and energy.
kimmie= tried the triple axel and landed it even if it was "fully rotated" also skated completely clean in her first senior debut and deserved 3 or 4th. kudos!
katy taylor= a good short program and making the final flight in her first senior debut. Also has good line and posture and should have a bright future.

[MKFSfan]

Not sure if this article has been posted yet, but another Hersh article. Not very inspiring, but not a bash. Hope the link works!

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-0501150349jan15,1,1368225.column?coll=cs-columnists

[IceAngel286]

I'm really tempted to send Hersh an e-mail sometime if he comes out with another bash article (not that this is one)...It seems like he needs a wake-up call.

[Bright Girl]

It seems to me that every time I read a article that contain Sasha and MK, they almost always seem to make Michelle sound like an angel and make Sasha seem very agressive. In my point of view.

[loveskating]

Fine, great.
You've seen skaters win gold falling all over the place, so have I. That doesn't mean she deserved it last night because you know what? She wasn't the best last night. And that's not a bad thing. I wouldn't consider her human if she could go and conquer with the season she's had..

I never once said or implied that I thought Sasha won this Nationals -- for the record, she did not...I said she had a GOOD SKATE, not a perfect one, but a very, very good skate, and she certainly deserved that silver. THAT is not what that article said...it bashed her skating and her...becasue she wasn't perfect, when few of them ever are!


What? The article wasn't a bash. What I said was an opinion. What are you talking about?.

You liked the article, that is your opinion, you have a right to your opinion, you said you thought the article was fair and accurate, and I totally disagree with you is all, and I have the right as well! I enjoyed Sasha's skating a great deal that night, I thought she had a great skate...not perfect, but wonderful on its own terms...I also thought Timmy skated great, and I would be FURIOUS if they bashed him just because Johnney skated better! Personally, I enjoyed Sasha a lot more than I did Michelle, although Ms. Consistency deserved to win under the 6.0!

[sk8tefan]

Not sure if this article has been posted yet, but another Hersh article. Not very inspiring, but not a bash. Hope the link works!

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-0501150349jan15,1,1368225.column?coll=cs-columnists

I can deal with articles such as this one-at least Sasha was given a chance to respond to Wagner's accusations. Nor was she being called narcissistic or being made out to be another Harding.

[zippythesqurl2]

I never once said or implied that I thought Sasha won this Nationals -- for the record, she did not...I said she had a GOOD SKATE, not a perfect one, but a very, very good skate, and she certainly deserved that silver. THAT is not what that article said...it bashed her skating and her...becasue she wasn't perfect, when few of them ever are!
Where did it bash her? Her, personally? No where, that's where. That's why I don't have a problem with the article (sans the dress comment, which, as I've said, was petty and just there to pile)




You liked the article, that is your opinion, you have a right to your opinion, you said you thought the article was fair and accurate, and I totally disagree with you is all, and I have the right as well! I enjoyed Sasha's skating a great deal that night, I thought she had a great skate...not perfect, but wonderful on its own terms...I also thought Timmy skated great, and I would be FURIOUS if they bashed him just because Johnney skated better! Personally, I enjoyed Sasha a lot more than I did Michelle, although Ms. Consistency deserved to win under the 6.0!

Fine, whatever. Never said I liked the article, though. Because, frankly, I could care less about any article. They're pointless. Period. But anyway. Nice chatting with you.

[Davespectral]

I strongly disagree with an argument, that a fact that some in the media used to go GA GA over Sasha provides an excuse for writing hateful articles, since she didn't live up to the expectations.

SashaTheGreat, please re-read this, and try to get what I really said:

I think our hearts are in the right place but.....the A.B.C. team has made many references to what Sasha could be. How many times have you heard Dick Button go absolutely GA GA after one of her performances? I think they simply expect more of her, because they know what she is capable of. Notice many of the very positive comments that they make. I agree that they should shut up about her blowing a lot of her long programs. More than anything, I wish they would shut up about Jenny losing her mother. Enough time has passed that they should find something else to talk about, like Jenny's skating!
I will add one more thing: They should really shut COMPLETELY up during the exhibitions. (next week)
They STILL go Ga Ga over :sasha: , and I never said that was an excuse to bash her. Toward the end of last year, the A.B.C. team had a conversation in which (I think) Peggy implied that if :sasha: would skate clean, nobody would be able to beat her.

I love these symbols on this site. It makes me :( and :mad: when reporters :wallbash: :sasha:who, i.m.o. is an :angel:.

Dave
:)

[sasha4ever02]

I think we should just write letters to the editor or something. lol I really want to write one in response to some of Christins Brennen's "commentaries". :eek: :mad: They make me sooo upset. But ITA. What the media does to Sasha is very discouraging. It must be very hard for her to concentrate on her skating when all she hears is bad things about her skating! Also what kind of feature did they do on Sasha? Can someone tell me, cause I missed the LP's since I was in the West Coast at the time and I had to get up early on Sun to go back home in the East. Also what was the Robin dirty laundry fluff?? :mad: Poooor Sasha!!

[Dilng]

Sasha was not at her best Saturday night, but either was Michelle. I thought Michelle looked terrible. She was sluggish, she didn't have a loop, second lutz and she went over her music AGAIN!!!!! Plus, I don't know if she has been pumping weights or it was the costume, but she looked heavier and I didn't think it was flattering. Now, before everyone gets all fired up -- I didn't say FAT. Michelle is not fat, but she did look heavier and when you are short, weight shows up fast. I know because I am the same height as Michelle 5'2" and when you have a small frame you can't have any extra weight on your body.

In comparison Sasha looked light on her feet and she continues to challenge herself with difficult spins. Plus, she skates faster then Michelle. I thought she looked good except of course, for the usual falls. Quite honestly, if I had been a judge though, I might have put Kimmie ahead of Sasha and Michelle because I thought it was the most entertaining, clean performance of the evening.

[M4oboe]

The media probably was discouraging to Sasha. I think if the media lays off Sasha there could be two reactions..one is that there isn't as much stress so Sasha might be able to get better, but then ..the other is that, with all the pressure of the media she might skate better. There is no proof that either one would happen because she is inconsistent. But I think the media should lay off at least a little to give Sasha some breathing room.
And for the person before..I'm not sure if Michelle gained weight or what. I think the only reason she won the nationals was because she is famous, and everyone loves her, and she didn't fall. But, she did go over her music, which should have penalized her some.

[kim]

Sasha was not at her best Saturday night, but either was Michelle. I thought Michelle looked terrible. She was sluggish, she didn't have a loop, second lutz and she went over her music AGAIN!!!!! Plus, I don't know if she has been pumping weights or it was the costume, but she looked heavier and I didn't think it was flattering. Now, before everyone gets all fired up -- I didn't say FAT. Michelle is not fat, but she did look heavier and when you are short, weight shows up fast. I know because I am the same height as Michelle 5'2" and when you have a small frame you can't have any extra weight on your body.

In comparison Sasha looked light on her feet and she continues to challenge herself with difficult spins. Plus, she skates faster then Michelle. I thought she looked good except of course, for the usual falls. Quite honestly, if I had been a judge though, I might have put Kimmie ahead of Sasha and Michelle because I thought it was the most entertaining, clean performance of the evening.

I think Michelle's been lifting weights and adding muscle, maybe to help get a triple triple, her jumps except for the double look very stong. Ever since she fell on the flip at the Olympics, it has been one of her best jumps. I think instead of asking Michelle about Angela's mom after the long, Maybe they could of asked her about the loop. Michelle does not talk much about injury but maybe the loop hurts her some how, that has to be the only reason its still not there. Michelle's spins were much faster then the cheese fest also.
I did not feel Sasha or Michelle challenged themself at this competition, but I have a feeling they both know they have to step it up for Worlds. They both need 7 triples atleast if no 3/3. Which I do not think is possible because of cop(7 triples) so they need the 3/3

[attyfan]

Does anyone know if there is any provision for confidentiality in a skating coach's code of ethics?

BTW -- Terry Gannon mentioned that the clock for Kwan's free skate showed four minutes, nine seconds -- and for free skates, there is no penalty unless a skater goes four minutes, ten seconds or more.

[attyfan]

It seems to me that a lot of the bad press Sasha has been getting lately is due to Robin Wagner's inability to keep coach-student matters confidential. I was just wondering if what she did is considered unethical, or, if lambasting former students is up to the individual coach. For example, it was Tim Goebel who said that Frank "fired him"; Frank only said that Tim was leaving to train with Audrey due to "philosophical differences", which, IMHO, is Frank-esqe for "The reasons why he is leaving are none of your business".

[M4oboe]

It seems to me that a lot of the bad press Sasha has been getting lately is due to Robin Wagner's inability to keep coach-student matters confidential. I was just wondering if what she did is considered unethical, or, if lambasting former students is up to the individual coach. For example, it was Tim Goebel who said that Frank "fired him"; Frank only said that Tim was leaving to train with Audrey due to "philosophical differences", which, IMHO, is Frank-esqe for "The reasons why he is leaving are none of your business".
I think there should be some coach-student confidentiality. Robin shouldn't just be sharing private things with the press. Once the press gets info, they turn it into something that it's not. So it should be kept confidential. The coach shouldn't have the right to talk badly about former students and share private info.

[zippythesqurl2]

I can garuntee with the way Robin handled everything, lots of top athletes will never train with her, even if they want to.

[sk8tefan]

IMO, Robin did some bad advertising for herself when she shot off her mouth, because I sure wouldn't want to hire a coach known for bad-mouthing her former athletes. Very unprofessional. Coaching one skater to a lucky Olympic gold isn't enough to overshadow her unethical character in my book.

[xSashaSpinx]

I agree the the media puts on alot of added pressure on to Sasha. When I watched the SP at the 2005 Nationals, everyone was hyping up Michelle, and when Sasha was skating and touched her hand on the ice on that one jump, Dick Button said "Good but not perfect, the perfect we expect of her." And he said it so nasty, I felt so bad for her. Peggy and Dick both mentioned that she is probably the most talented skater in the world currently, but way to irractic and inconsistent. Sometimes I feel that they are very tough on her small mistakes because they know she has such a huge talent. It must be frustrating to Sahsa as well to constantly have the pressue of a dissapointed and harsh media critizing her for not living up to what she has. If they layed off I think she would be able to keep her focus and I feel this recent coach change was the best choice. She is home now, and ready to show the world she can hold out through the LP. Michelle should watch out, if Sasha skates perfect Kwan has no chance of winning.

[smkoepke]

[COLOR=SeaGreenMichelle should watch out, if Sasha skates perfect Kwan has no chance of winning.[/COLOR]

this i can't agree with. Kwan is an excellent skater and has proven many times that if she skates perfect it is very difficult for anyone else to beat her. I like both ladies and i think if both skate perfectly with similar jump content, it will come down to personal preference of the programs. This year sad to say i am not sold on either one of their long programs yet, though I think Bolero has potential. Sasha needs different music, I love her SP, much more flair for her and suits her personality.

[Sasha4Ever]

I've never liked Michelle Kwan. I can't really say why, because it's a combination of a bunch of stuff. One thing that irritates me is that she is always the one that everybody hypes. I remember back to the 1998 Olympics, when Tara (my favorite at the time) beat her. All anybody could say was that, essentially, Tara got lucky and wouldn't have beat her if they could do it all over again. It's never fair to bring somebody down, especially when they've just won Olympic Gold, and insinuate that they aren't talented enough to do it.
It's still happening. Michelle is still "the Favorite" and everyone is still hyping her. For god sakes, it's seven years later, and nothing has changed! IMO, though she does have problems with her consistency, if she could get a handle on it Sasha could beat Michelle anyday. She has more flair and personality easily. The world needs to get over Michelle Kwan and realize that there ARE better people, i.e. Sasha and also Kimmie Meissner. I didn't see the long program, unfortunately, but I did see the short and I thought she was better than Michelle...plus she had the triple Axel.
~~Lily
P.S. I haven't seen this article that everyone is talking about (the one where Robin bad-mouths Sasha)...where can I find it? :sasha:

[MKFSfan]

The media bashing, building up, hyping, or tearing down any person is not the fault of anyone except the media. I don't see where Michelle is a reason for the media's actions. Tara recieved PLENTY of hype, the spotlight, etc. Noone ever said she "got lucky" with her win, not the same way as was implied with Sarah, people thought she had the skate of her life, yes, everything lined up for Tara that night, just as everything did for Michelle at Nationals that year, and on any given night one of them could win. I always thought that was a compliment to their genuine rivalry, they were both great competitors. Remember Tara Mania? Unfortunatley, Tara's mom left a bad taste with the press and that affected the perception of Tara. I know Tara has said several times that the media "just didn't like me!" but I think it was her mom, not her, that turned them off, and had she stayed around, as she got older, it would have been different. Michelle was labeled the media's darling at that point becuase she didn't have that negativity following her, and because she didn't retire, therefore remained in the spotlight. And don't forget the bashing and criticism Michelle has endured over the years. It's been a "build her up, tear her down, build her up again" relationship.

Sasha also has recieved plenty of hype of her own. I remember the Naomi fans "hating" Sasha for stealing Naomi's thunder in 2000. I believed then, and now, the media exposure and all the hype is the single reason for her meltdown at Jr. Words 2000. Last year, Sasha was the headliner every where she went. Unfortunately, she didn't win at any of the major comps. and after her slow start this season, the media was quick to tear her down. If she wins Worlds, expect the media frenzy to revive and hype her as the favorite heading into the Olympic season.

It's a way of life in the media-they hype up skaters, pit them against each other to create rivalries worth reporting on. The world, media, etc. are very aware there are other skaters out there. Why else did we have the whole outlash of Kimmie is the next Big Thing after Nationals? I think the media runs with Michelle because she is a household name and FS is losing viewers, so what is familiar is what retains interest.

P.S.-I'm not sure there is an actual article in which Robin "badmouths" Sasha. She has made comments to the press before Nationals regarding Sasha's work ethic, that she wasn't happy in NY, things like that. During Nationals, there was a fluff piece where both Robin and Sasha talk about the split. Sasha says she was skating bad and missing home. Robin makes it sound like she couldn't convince Sasha to follow her program to become a champion. Basically, Robin came off looking like she was trying to save her reputation, while heaping the blame on Sasha. :rolleyes:

[SkaterGem]

I've never liked Michelle Kwan. I can't really say why, because it's a combination of a bunch of stuff. One thing that irritates me is that she is always the one that everybody hypes. I remember back to the 1998 Olympics, when Tara (my favorite at the time) beat her. All anybody could say was that, essentially, Tara got lucky and wouldn't have beat her if they could do it all over again. It's never fair to bring somebody down, especially when they've just won Olympic Gold, and insinuate that they aren't talented enough to do it.
It's still happening. Michelle is still "the Favorite" and everyone is still hyping her. For god sakes, it's seven years later, and nothing has changed! IMO, though she does have problems with her consistency, if she could get a handle on it Sasha could beat Michelle anyday. She has more flair and personality easily. The world needs to get over Michelle Kwan and realize that there ARE better people, i.e. Sasha and also Kimmie Meissner. I didn't see the long program, unfortunately, but I did see the short and I thought she was better than Michelle...plus she had the triple Axel.
~~Lily
P.S. I haven't seen this article that everyone is talking about (the one where Robin bad-mouths Sasha)...where can I find it? :sasha:

I dont think you can not like Michelle bcause of the Michelle and Tara thing. Michelle didn't start the hype. The press did.
I thimk, now that the press are laying off Sasha, shes back with Mr Nicks now, training, doing a 3/3, shes going to be more confident, and I'd watch out irina, michelle, shizuka, joannie etc.

I know that Michelle had allergy problems and something went swollen, thats maybe why she looked bigger, I remember reading an article about it somewhere.

ETA: I think Tara got bad press sometimes because she was so young when she won everything, so she retired, but if someone else had won everything and retired at say 22, they wouldnt mind..I really think it was the age.

[MKFSfan]

I know that Michelle had allergy problems and something went swollen, thats maybe why she looked bigger, I remember reading an article about it somewhere.

ETA: I think Tara got bad press sometimes because she was so young when she won everything, so she retired, but if someone else had won everything and retired at say 22, they wouldnt mind..I really think it was the age.

Where did the 1st statement come from? I think she looks "bigger" because she is now a woman and no longer a little girl, and because she has been focusing more on weight training/strengthening to gain more power in her jumps. She did have a severe allergy in the fall which kept her from training for a month, but I think it's all cleared up.

Sarah was only a year older than Tara when she won the OG, but didn't get the same backlash that Tara recieved. I think it's due in part to Sarah's nice girl, down to earth, no controversy persona. And I also I think the media expected Tara to stay around for a few years, develop a continuous rivalry with Michelle, give them something more exciting to write about, they looked to her for fireworks. In a way, I think they felt Tara "owed" them something. Her mom was just the topper.

[attyfan]

Sarah was only a year older than Tara when she won the OG, but didn't get the same backlash that Tara recieved. I think it's due in part to Sarah's nice girl, down to earth, no controversy persona. And I also I think the media expected Tara to stay around for a few years, develop a continuous rivalry with Michelle, give them something more exciting to write about, they looked to her for fireworks. In a way, I think they felt Tara "owed" them something. Her mom was just the topper.

IMHO, one of the reason why Sarah didn't get the flack that Tara did is that Sarah won in a more "traditional" method of "rising through the ranks"; she had been in 3 Worlds prior to Olys, and had risen from seventh to fifth to third to first. Tara, by contrast, was a comet -- in March of 1996, she was fifteenth at Worlds, and by March of 1998, she was retired.