Good Cop, Bad Cop
Adam J Locascio
Sunday February 19, 2006
As wholesome and American as the cop story is, it doesn’t get any better than, what I like to call, the "cop dynamic." It’s that cop dynamic that always makes for the best stories.
Think about it. Danny Glover and Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon), Starsky & Hutch, Ponch & Jon (Chips), the list goes on and on. But in every dynamic, there are always two characters or roles that need to be played: there’s the level-headed, by the book cop and the loose-cannon, do-what-you-have-to cop.
And it appears that the Tampa Bay Storm have found their two cops in mainstay Lawrence Samuels and free-agent newcomer Bobby Sippio.
It was never more evident than on Friday night when the Storm took on the Georgia Force in their first Southern Division game of the season. It was also the Storm’s home opener which was huge for Tampa Bay as they were one of two undefeated teams at home last season. Further, the Storm also boasted the league’s best home win streak at 11 games.
This was also Tampa Bay’s fan’s first opportunity to see WR/LB Bobby Sippio in action. He was the one of the most sought-after free agents this off-season and the Storm were able to lure him away from Orlando.
The game started off hot for the Storm as Sippio was all over the field, reeling in pass after pass as his dreads bounced on his jersey. Quarterback Shane Stafford was enjoying it as Sippio was snagging passes that were slightly off target, including a third-down conversion that was low and behind Sippio. But that wasn’t a problem for Sippio who spun, snared the pass, got the first down, and then still had the presence of mind to let everyone know what he did.
And you couldn’t miss Sippio. When he caught a pass, you knew about it. When he laid a hit on someone he reminded the Force. When the ref missed a call, he politely disagreed. He was entering the Force’s defense without a search warrant.
When it was all over, Sippio racked up eight catches for 124 yards, two touchdowns, and Baby Ruth Offensive Player of the Game.
While Sippio’s accomplishments were most recognized early and late in the game, it was Samuels who bridged the gap between the beginning and the end of the game. Samuels stepped up with two touchdowns of his own, without much hooplah, en route to a 10 catch, 107 yard game to earn the US Army Ironman of the Game award. He also tacked on an interception and 2.5 tackles.
The media used words such as "emotional" and "firey" to describe Sippio’s play prior to coming to the Storm. One report said that Sippio would have a fantastic season if he keeps his temper under control.
Conversely, Samuels is at his most emotional when he’s signing autographs with his right hand and holding his daughter in his left. Samuels doesn’t lose his cool. Samuels doesn’t get riled up. Last season, Samuels caught a swing pass and accidentally stepped on a defender who fell in front of him. Errantly, the refs flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct. Samuels looked about as upset as someone who found out they had no late fees on their Blockbuster account.
"It’s a great thing. We make things happen," said Samuels after the Georgia Force game. "It’s not a good-cop, bad-cop thing. We’re a team. We’re out there to make plays."
As far as their receivers are concerned, the Storm have always had a fairly conservative cast of characters. Clif Dell, David Saunders, even George LaFrance, never really inspired images of Terrell Owens doing crunches on his driveway.
But Sippio’s fiery style brings something to the Storm that they haven’t had in a long time – attitude. Swagger.
"I’m the bad-cop," said Sippio, with a smirk. "I’ll take you to jail in a minute."
Here they are. Starsky & Hutch. Ponch and Jon. Samuels and Sippio. Doesn’t it sound like it should be on a marquis?
"Coming this summer to a theater near you. The newest cop action duo: Samuels & Sippio. Also starring Jennifer Love Hewitt." You’d go see it, you know you would.
Adam J. Locascio is a financial advisor in the Tampa Bay area and a Board Member of the Tampa Bay Storm Surge Fan Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and is a six-year season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Storm.
