The Sound of the Suburbs

So much that is written -- published or online -- focuses on the negative, in sports as well as politics, entertainment and business.

Let's take a moment to recognize all the good guys and gals in sport, regardless of their flaws, of which we all share commonality.

Jeannie Buss
Jerry's kid, Action Jackson's beloved and a shrewd executive who never gets her due. She is the unsung cog in the Laker Machine, making sure the trains run on time and with more influence than anyone imagines. A class act all the way.

Theo Epstein
He does what it takes to put a winning team on the field. Obviously he has considerable financial backing but his impressive machinations this off-season will keep Red Sox Nation engaged for years to come.

LeBron James
Vilified by Cleveland fans who mistakenly feel America is not based on free enterprise, James has not said a bad word about his critics and instead focused on his job, a rarity in these times.

Derek Jeter
Still the epitome of class despite the fact his skills are eroding. Despite Yankee management pissing on him in the media, he kept a stiff upper lip and stayed where he belongs. Naysayers will opine that

he's Over, but he is and always will be emblematic of why Pinstripes matter.

Brett Favre
Say what you will about him, but his recently-ended playing streak will stand long if not forever in the most brutal game there is. And tell me one NFL player who has delivered more thrills in his career. There isn't one.

Drew Brees
SI Sportsman of The Year for a reason. His contributions in the community, not to mention on the field, have helped revive the spirit of a great American city.

Kobe Bryant
In a league with more great athletes than ever before, he remains the benchmark. Despite a sometimes prickly personality, he is as good as anyone who has ever played the game, and those who watch him on a regular basis can testify to his greatness, equal to Magic, Russell or The Big O.

Tom Brady/Bill Belichick
The yin and yang of the most successful NFL franchise of the last decade. As long as they are together New England will always be a contender, if not a champion.

The Williams Sisters
What would women's tennis be without them? Nothing. 'Nuff said.

Mike Krzyzewski
The peerless and preeminent coach in college sports, not to mention his Olympic success managing pro basketball players. There's a reason why Duke remains on top year in and out: Coach K. The Red Auerbach of college hoops.

Rafael Nadal/Roger Federer
The two men who have elevated men's tennis to a new high. Class acts who respect the game, one another and the history of the sport. As with the Williams sisters, imagine the game without them. Crickets ...

Charlie Manuel
I don't know why this guy hasn't gotten his due, and with his new killer rotation he never will. Still, the most engaging, refreshing and winning (literally and figuratively) baseball manager in the league. And what a strategist.

Joe Buck
Simply the best sportscaster working. As great as his Dad was, Joe is better. When you hear his voice you know you're in good hands, and then some.

Ernie, Kenny The Jet and CB
Even if it's a crap regular-season game, you know you'll be entertained by this TNT trio. Funny, incisive and quotable, they deliver the goods night in and out, and have helped drive ratings; not an easy thing. Too bad they don't cover The NBA Finals.

The NHL
I don't know enough to single out anyone, but hockey is still a great game, especially in person. No cacophonous rap music playing during breaks in the action, no millionaires going through the motions, just blood, guts and slapshots.