Stars in Their Eyes

It's a staple of romantic tragedy. Boy and girl plan a life filled with happiness. Boy is entranced by a famous beauty. Boy leaves girl for a fantasy future and is (inevitably) rejected. Sadder and wiser, he returns to girl, but she is gone. He had a good life in his grasp, he reached for a more exciting one, and now he has neither.

A fumble away from last season's Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers upgraded their squad and were a serious championship contender. All they had to do was re-sign Alex Smith, a steady if unspectacular quarterback. After professing their undying love for Alex, they abandoned him to pursue Hall-of-Fame-quarterback-lock Peyton Manning, who apparently has now chosen to sign with Denver.

ESPN photoshop of Peyton Manning in a Bronco jersey.

Protecting his own interests, Alex Smith flew to Miami and is "discussing contract terms with the Miami Dolphins." After laying the groundwork for a championship run, the 49ers won't have a great quarterback and maybe not even a good one behind center on opening day. They may have as signal caller a second-year man who has played only a few minutes in his entire NFL career.

As you're walking around with stars in your eyes, just make sure you don't fall into a ditch.
© 2012 Stephen Yuen
[Update: Miami signed quarterback David Garrard tonight. Looks like San Francisco and Alex Smith have no choice but to spend next year together. They can take comfort in the knowledge that successful marriages don't need true love, just a strong common interest.]