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Type of bind: Mass Market Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.3320202
EAN num: 9780446605205
ISBN number: 0446605204
Label: Grand Central Publishing
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 336
Printing Date: November 01, 1997
Publishing house: Grand Central Publishing
Sale Popularity Level: 554961
Studio: Grand Central Publishing
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Tim Green is proof that all football players aren't meat-headed Neanderthals. Green, an ex-player who has made his mark as a commentator on National Public Radio and the Fox Network, shows both his love of the game and his insights into its problems in this collection of some 70 essays on his experience in the National Football League. From the physical brutality of the sport -- he suffered 12 concussions as a player -- to the use of performance enhancing drugs, to the sport's connections with the mob, Green writes clearly and evenly about the dilemmas and deals the most professional football fans know nothing about -- the dark side to America's favorite pastime.
Amazon.com:
Tim Green is proof that all football players aren't meat-headed Neanderthals. Green, an ex-player who has made his mark as a commentator on National Public Radio and the Fox Network, shows both his love of the game and his insights into its problems in this collection of some 70 essays on his experience in the National Football League. From the physical brutality of the sport -- he suffered 12 concussions as a player -- to the use of performance enhancing drugs, to the sport's connections with the mob, Green writes clearly and evenly about the dilemmas and deals the most professional football fans know nothing about -- the dark side to America's favorite pastime.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
-
An interesting look at what goes on with players.
The parts dealing with injury, pain and the processes players have to go through to get into the league are some of the better content in this book.
Green is somewhat critical of the NFL, but when it comes to the crunch, given he was still involved with the game, soft-pedals the hard issues as far as actual details, proof, or any of that sort of thing as far as illegal activities and cheating goes.
Still, those interested in the NFL at a deeper level will find this worth a look.
Rated by buyers -
This book will rate well among those with limited knowledge of the NFL and an interest in delving into the minds of professional football players. I read this aloud with my wife while traveling and she also found it engrossing.
The Dark Side offers much content referencing many behind the scenes elements that I would expect the general masses are not likely aware of. One would be hard pressed to call this book an intellectual journey as the writing style lacks depth; however, I expect this was Green's intention for mass market appeal as opposed to an assessment of his intellect.
I give this book 4 stars for the reason that many of the revelations were new to me and thus compelling. I recommend reading this book if you wish to expand your awareness of the NFL environment or if you are just curious about the events often left concealed by mainstream media.
Rated by buyers -
A very good, behind-the-scenes look at the NFL from a player's perspective. It may not give everyone the "dirt" on specific players that they might want, but it does give the reader a unique view of the NFL from the player's perspective. I learned a lot by reading it and was fascinated to know what it's like for an NFL recruit/rookie.
If you are an NFL fan, it's worth reading.
Rated by buyers -
Folks, there are people in this country for whom NFL Football is more like a religion than an entertainment. These people know the names and histories of players going back for decades. The finely tuned nuances of the "game" are grist for their conversational mills. For folks like that, this is a "must have" book.
I, on the other hand, cannot even name all the current teams in the NFL, or even tell you how many of them there are. I know the names of one or two players, I've even attended one game. So for me this book was one to fill a passing curiosity.
Tim Green knows his stuff. He's been there, done that. 8 years of wear and tear with the Atlanta Falcons provide the background for his experience. However Tim Green also has a law degree, took real courses while in University, and still has a few coins after his NFL career ended.
If you have ever heard his commentaries on NPR, or as a colour commentator on NFL game broadcasts on the FOX TV Network, you know that this guy is very intelligent, insightful, and well spoken. This translates to the printed page very well.
The oddity of the book is that it appears to be made up from a series of his NPR reports. The longest "chapter" is only 4 pages, and most are two pages or less. For this type of subject matter, these were about as fulsome "doses" as I would ever want to handle.
However for the football fan or the non-fan, this has, in the brevity of its sections, one outstanding virtue -- it makes the ideal "bathroom book".
Would I recommend it? If you are a rabid NFL fan, this is a "must have book". If you couldn't care less about the NFL, pass it up. For the remainder of the world at large, buy it and get some true insights into the "backstage" world of professional sport.
Rated by buyers -
This book does tell somewhat of what its like in the NFL, but on most of the accounts its based on one persons view. I am sure the writer had very first hand knowledge, but he paints a picutre of the NFL that makes it look bad. In a time where image is everything the writer seems to paint a bad picture of the NFL. I found the book hard to read and it too me a long time to read it. There are other NFL books out there that I am sure are better, but I have yet to find one. This book is ok, it takes you behind the scenes in the locker rooms, the training rooms, the hotels and travel. It gives you a very first hand look at what the players do on the field and off the field. However I don't think it was written all that well.
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