TIME magazine has named several sports figures to its list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World," while other sports figures wrote accompanying blurbs about the honorees. U.S. Secretary of Education ARNE DUNCAN did a writeup for Knicks G JEREMY LIN, writing that Lin has "dispelled the idea that Asian-American guards somehow couldn't hack it in the NBA -- and that being a world-class athlete on the court is somehow at odds with being an excellent student off the court." Lin did a writeup for fellow honoree, Jets QB TIM TEBOW, noting it is the qualities Tebow "embodies in his life off the field that truly set him apart." Golfer ANNIKA SORENSTAM wrote YANI TSENG's "potential both as a player and as an ambassador for the game is limitless." Former U.S. national soccer team member MIA HAMM wrote about La Liga FC Barcelona F LIONEL MESSI, "He makes you hold your breath every time he touches the ball. ... His love of the game and the pride he feels while playing for Barcelona and Argentina are palpable." Tennis player NOVAK DJOKOVIC and runner OSCAR PISTORIUS also appeared on the list (TIME.com, 4/18).
TOO MUCH, TOO SOON? The N.Y. Daily News’ Bruce Harper said, “I’d like to know the editor that put together the ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’ and put BARACK OBAMA next to Jeremy Lin. That’s what I want to know.” SportsNet N.Y.’s Brian Custer: “Is it too soon for ‘Linsanity’ to be a world figure?” SportsNet N.Y.’s Eamon McAnaney: “Too soon? How about ever? I love the stretch he had. It was a lot of fun. I’m not going to knock him, but he’s not an influential world figure that anyone is going to follow right now. He’s a point guard that had two good weeks, a good month.” The N.Y. Daily News’ John Harper: “I don’t think that’s the issue. He’s an Asian-American that’s playing in the NBA. I think that’s what they’re talking about here. Even if he doesn’t embrace the platform, I think just that alone makes him a worldwide figure” (“The WheelHouse,” SportsNet N.Y., 4/18). SportsNet N.Y.’s Adam Schein said of Lin and Tebow, “How about inspirational instead? I think that would be more appropriate.” SportsNet N.Y.’s Sal Licata: “Both of these guys, nice guys, they’ve done some nice things. Neither of them have done anything great as far as athletics are concerned on the pro level. ... So why such praise?” (“Loud Mouths,” SportsNet N.Y., 4/18). ESPN's James Walker wrote, "Is Tebow's celebrity growing out of control?" (ESPN.com, 4/18).
IMPRESSIVE HONOR: GolfChannel.com’s Jason Sobel said of Tseng's inclusion on the list, “To be one of the most influential people in the world, that's pretty amazing. ... As far as who she can influence, you know, I think its limitless.” Golf Channel’s Gary Williams said, “It proves to you that ... the world has no boundaries and age has no boundaries, as well" (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 4/19).
