Popularity Contest

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post has put up a poll on the D.C. Sports Bog to find out who’s the most popular athlete in D.C.  The choices are:
  • Gilbert Arenas
  • Chris Cooley
  • Alex Ovechkin 
  • Clinton Portis
  • Ryan Zimmerman 
Two years ago the Redskins would have dominated any list like this, followed by Gilbert Arenas, possibly another Wizard, and then lagging far behind the core Capitals following would have pushed Alex Ovechkin into the fifth and final spot.  Back then the ‘Skins were on their way back to the playoffs for the second time under the return of Joe Gibbs, the Wizards had made the post season three straight years and were on track for a fourth, and the Capitals were just trying to avoid finishing last in the southeast division for the 4th straight season. 
As the new saying goes, “change has come to Washington”.  Gil’ hasn’t played any worthwhile minutes in 2 years and after getting bounced in the first round for three straight years by Cleveland the Wizards are slipping back to mediocrity.  Plagued by injuries in 2008/09 the Wizards finished amongst the worst teams in the NBA, praying Gilbert’s knee will eventually let him play most of a season again.  The Redskins still remain securely atop the D.C. Sports Mountain, but climbing fast are the Washington Capitals.  Since Bruce Boudreau took over in late 2007 the Capitals have been the hottest team in the District led by arguably the most exciting player in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin.  Ovechkin’s passion, carefree attitude, highlight reel goals and physical play has grabbed D.C.’s attention.  He has been the catalyst on the ice pushing the Capitals into the post season for two straight seasons and in my opinion has easily become the single most popular athlete in the Area.

What do you think? Head on over to the D.C. Sports Bog to cast your vote.  On a side note should Ryan Zimmerman even be on this list?  Hasn’t Strasburg already become the most popular National?

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