Pitarresi: Agassi impresses

I’m not a big tennis guy, but I like the game.

 

One thing I don’t like about it is all the drama, and over-the-top, self-absorbed personalities. Andre Agassi was one guy who sometimes annoyed me, although not as much as some, but he’s won me over.

 

Agassi’s new book, “Open,” which details his trials as a player and person, has drawn a lot of reaction, much of it negative. He criticized by Marat Safin and Martina Navratilova, for example. I haven’t read the book, but I have heard Agassi interviewed, and he comes across as a truly thoughtful, candid, sincere man who has battled and is battling a lot of demons, and is doing a good job of it.

 

Why write the book, as Safin asked? Part of the reason is that Agassi thinks his story is a cautionary tale, which it certainly is. I didn’t see him on “60 Minutes” Sunday. I did listen to Dan Patrick interview him today, and it was sensational. One of the greatest things that can happen to a journalist is to have someone truly bare his or her soul to you.  Patrick asked good questions, Agassi gave great answers, and the result was a terrific, close-to-the-bone look at one of the most accomplished athletes of our time.

 

Trying to sell books? Okay, fine, that doesn’t the diminish the sincerity or the power of the story.

 

One last thing:

 

Today, give a thought and maybe say a prayer all our veterans, men and women, many of whom gave their all, all of whom gave us plenty. They cannot be over praised.