Wow, so much for a Kentucky Derby just being about big hats, big horses and big hangovers. (If you've had more than two mint juleps, you know what I'm talking about.)
By now everyone knows the details.
Maximum Security led wire-to-wire. He was the fastest horse.
He was disqualified for leaving his lane and blocking or interfering with competitors.
Jay GreesonIf you are unsure about the rules or the rulings of intricate horse racing matters, you are not alone.
The rule is in place to protect the animals and their riders.
"Of course they got it right," ESPN horse racing expert Barry Abrams said on local radio show Press Row on Monday. "It happens every day in horse racing. It just never happens at the Kentucky Derby.
"Maximum Security had to be taken down. He was the best horse but not the winner."
Maximum Security violated the rules, and the stewards DQ'd him; he technically finished last.
That gave the win to Country House, who started the Derby with odds at 65-to-1. His stunning win was a shocker to bettors.
Reaction to the stewards' decision was swift - and extended hundreds of miles away to the most recognized house in the country.
President Donald Trump weighed in Sunday, tweeting: "The Kentucky Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough and tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch. Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby - not even close!"
Uh, Donald, more times than not I get heat in this space taking up for you. I'm OK with that.
But the truth is the best horse, team, player, golfer, you name it, being guaranteed a win is not what sports - or even elections - are ever about. Some would suggest that you were not the best candidate but you pulled off the upset in 2016.
And, Mr. President, this is not political correctness. This is about the rules.
A couple of points: First, we can all hope Trump and his staff spent way more time trying to figure out how and when we are going to make sure North Korea doesn't fire any more weapons anywhere than whether Maximum Security was wronged.
Second, the folks who have been adamant about athletes staying out of politics should be just as adamant about politicians staying out of sports, no? If they are supposed to shut up and dribble, shouldn't our elected officials be told to shut up and lead?
Third, how is this an issue of political correctness? Black horses, brown horses, male or female, the first one to the finish line - as long as you follow the rules - wins.
This was - by every expert of a sport 99% of us know little about - the right call. Following the rules has always been every bit as important as talent, skill and even speed in sports.
One of the best lessons I got from playing sports was learning how to win and lose.
Now, every loss comes with "We were screwed by the refs, the rules, the whatever."
We've arrived to a place that following the rules in sports is considered controversial. That makes me sad.
Contact Jay Greeson at 423-757-6343 or jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.