This sport can make people do funny things. But I certainly
don’t blame them for it; I loudly applaud them
for it. Take 37-year-old Ismael Robinson for example.
The die-hard fan ventured out into the blazing Arizona
sun the other day expecting to get his head shaved by
his favorite barber and walked out as a prime example
of how different we soccer people are. And I mean that
as a compliment.
As his wife, a local news crew and a handful of intrigued
strangers looked on, Ismael stepped up and let Papa
Joe of Papa Joe’s Barber Shop in Chandler, Arizona,
go to work on his melon. Papa Joe’s (who has been
customizing people’s heads for decades) creation
is here for the entire world to see with the cooperation
of Ismael and his wife. If you see Ismael on the street,
don’t look at him strangely, he’s one of
us. I caught up with Ismael to get his thoughts on his
daring, yet oh-so-admirable endeavor. Then I followed
up with his wife to hear her thoughts.
What made you think of doing this?
I just came for a haircut and the barber told me he
would like to turn my head into a soccer ball.
You didn’t get forced into it?
No, I’m fine doing it.
Did your wife try to talk you out of it?
No, she said to go for it. We’ll see what happens.
Do you think she might take off on you if it doesn’t
come out looking good?
Hopefully not (laughs nervously).
Will you be bummed if Mexico doesn’t do well in
the World Cup?
My team is first Mexico, and then the USA so hopefully
one of them will do well.
What do you think of your husband doing this to his
head?
I think it’s great.
What if he wants to leave it like this the rest of his
life? Would you have a problem with it?
No, if he enjoys the sport. It’s great if that’s
what he wants to do.
God bless her…
Tomorrow: The Games Have Finally Begun
Departments
In every
issue of 90:00® we cover the game of soccer with style, intelligence
and passion. You'll find hard-hitting editorial, explosive action
photography, insightful interviews and in-depth coverage of the personalities
and products that represent the best of soccer. Plus, in each new
issue you can count on enjoying our popular departments that include...
Inside
the Touchline
Kicking off each
issue, we cover everything from the weird and wacky to the latest
developments affecting the game we love.
Sideline
Chatter
Gadgets, games,
gear and gossip all collide in this section, bringing you up to
date with the modern soccer lifestyle.
World's
Game
News and views from
a passionate perspective on the global game; Asia, Europe, Africa
and both Americas. It's all in play.
Mark's
Mayhem
A place where absolutely
nothing is off-limits and only the strong survive.
Stoppage
Time
A parting shot that sometimes
shocks and always delights. One last reminder to look out for us
next time.
