Query on Most Famous ESPN Catchphrases (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Laurence Horn]

On Jun 7, 2013, at 9:50 AM, Mullins, Bill CIV (US) wrote:

> Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
> Caveats: NONE
>
>
>>
>> The ESPN network is known for its vivid catchphrases, such as Dan
>> Patrick's "You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him."
>
> This one always bugged me a little -- if you contain someone, haven't
> you (by definition) also stopped him?
>
Not by definition in the sportstalk usage:  If Lebron James scores 25 points and single digit rebounds and assists (or arguably even if, like last night, he gets a triple double with 18 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 1 of the finals), the Spurs have arguably contained him without stopping him.  There's a scalar relation between the two.

LH

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