Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Owens could be good fit in Denver
Exiled wide receiver Terrell Owens visited the Denver Broncos yesterday, talking to the head coach there about whether he'd be a good fit with the Broncos.
I think this pairing makes good sense. Having fallen short of the Super Bowl, Denver can use a talented wide receiver in its attempt to reach the next level in '06. Owens needs a job, having p----d off the wrong people in Philadelphia.
Question: Can Owens help his new team reach the big game before wearing out his welcome? It reminds me of: Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?
I think this pairing makes good sense. Having fallen short of the Super Bowl, Denver can use a talented wide receiver in its attempt to reach the next level in '06. Owens needs a job, having p----d off the wrong people in Philadelphia.
Question: Can Owens help his new team reach the big game before wearing out his welcome? It reminds me of: Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?
Monday, January 30, 2006
Super Bowl article unfair
As we wait for the Super Bowl of the present year, we have plenty of time to visit with the ghosts of Super Bowls past.
A sports article on America Online lists the biggest Super Bowl goats of all time. On top of the list is Scott Norwood, the Buffalo Bills kicker who missed a field goal that would've given his team a victory in Super Bowl XXV. On top of that, the Bills lost the next three consecutive title games.
The article said Norwood's only task was to nail a 47-yard field goal to win the game. That's not exactly a chip shot. I'd only feel confident in that situation if Mike Nugent was my kicker. On the other hand, an NFL kicker should be able to hit that.
If Norwood missed a 20-something-yarder, there would've really been no excuse!
A sports article on America Online lists the biggest Super Bowl goats of all time. On top of the list is Scott Norwood, the Buffalo Bills kicker who missed a field goal that would've given his team a victory in Super Bowl XXV. On top of that, the Bills lost the next three consecutive title games.
The article said Norwood's only task was to nail a 47-yard field goal to win the game. That's not exactly a chip shot. I'd only feel confident in that situation if Mike Nugent was my kicker. On the other hand, an NFL kicker should be able to hit that.
If Norwood missed a 20-something-yarder, there would've really been no excuse!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Hornets should stay put
Hornets owner George Shinn said yesterday that his team should play in Oklahoma City, instead of hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, next season. This is a good idea.
We'd all love to see the Big Easy fully return to life as usual, but that's not going to happen overnight. The damage from the hurricane -- we also can't forget the bungled government response -- has to be worse than we could even imagine. I know that's easy to say from my living room in upstate New York.
Hopefully, the team will return to full-time play in New Orleans. That city just isn't ready for it yet. I know I'd hate to see Shinn take advantage of the situation by making a cash grab by moving the team to another area.
We'd all love to see the Big Easy fully return to life as usual, but that's not going to happen overnight. The damage from the hurricane -- we also can't forget the bungled government response -- has to be worse than we could even imagine. I know that's easy to say from my living room in upstate New York.
Hopefully, the team will return to full-time play in New Orleans. That city just isn't ready for it yet. I know I'd hate to see Shinn take advantage of the situation by making a cash grab by moving the team to another area.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Looking deep at numbers
Here's something to keep you a little busy as we wait for the Super Bowl. This may be of particular interest to stat lovers who are eager for baseball to come back.
If you play around with the numbers for New York Mets first baseman Julio Franco, you'll see that he's racked up a career average of 1.06 hits/game. At that pace, it would only take him another 1,636 games to break Pete Rose's all-time hits record.
Maybe Franco can do it. He's 47, still on a big league roster, and shows no signs of going anywhere. Now, if Franco breaks the record and writes a book of his own, I'd probably give it a read.
If you play around with the numbers for New York Mets first baseman Julio Franco, you'll see that he's racked up a career average of 1.06 hits/game. At that pace, it would only take him another 1,636 games to break Pete Rose's all-time hits record.
Maybe Franco can do it. He's 47, still on a big league roster, and shows no signs of going anywhere. Now, if Franco breaks the record and writes a book of his own, I'd probably give it a read.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Opening the e-mailbag
Karl from Scranton, PA had the following comment on my takes regarding Antonio Davis:
"Steve, the Knicks need all the help they can get. At least this gave them some publicity."
True, it gave them publicity. But, it wasn't for the right reasons. As a Knick fan, I'd rather seem them make headlines for stellar play, not for guys being suspended because they went into the stands.
I don't know what good publicity is going to do when the team is 13-27. The Knicks need to start winning very soon or this will be another lost season.
A while back, my father wanted to entertain some clients who were visiting New York City, so he bought them two Knicks tickets at $70 a pop. The seats were nothing spectacular. Considering the price and the team's performance, we can easily say the Knicks are the most overpriced sports ticket in town.
"Steve, the Knicks need all the help they can get. At least this gave them some publicity."
True, it gave them publicity. But, it wasn't for the right reasons. As a Knick fan, I'd rather seem them make headlines for stellar play, not for guys being suspended because they went into the stands.
I don't know what good publicity is going to do when the team is 13-27. The Knicks need to start winning very soon or this will be another lost season.
A while back, my father wanted to entertain some clients who were visiting New York City, so he bought them two Knicks tickets at $70 a pop. The seats were nothing spectacular. Considering the price and the team's performance, we can easily say the Knicks are the most overpriced sports ticket in town.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Thomas deal is good move
Two-time American League MVP Frank Thomas has agreed to a one-year, $500,000 deal with the Oakland Athletics. The A's now have the big right-handed bat they've been looking for. The team will formally introduce its new acquisition tomorrow.
On the surface, this may seem to be a lot of money to pay an aging superstar who has been battling injuries. However, the A's did a few things right on this one.
The deal is just for one year, so the A's won't be tied too long to a player whose productivity will eventually decline. Thomas can make an additional $2.6 million in bonuses for staying healthy and making plate appearances. If he's productive, fine, pay him. Giving him guaranteed money and watching him get injured again and miss playing time would've been just damn foolish.
On the surface, this may seem to be a lot of money to pay an aging superstar who has been battling injuries. However, the A's did a few things right on this one.
The deal is just for one year, so the A's won't be tied too long to a player whose productivity will eventually decline. Thomas can make an additional $2.6 million in bonuses for staying healthy and making plate appearances. If he's productive, fine, pay him. Giving him guaranteed money and watching him get injured again and miss playing time would've been just damn foolish.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Red Sox job shuffle
File this under "What the f---?": Theo Epstein is back as general manager of the Boston Red Sox; he left that job in late October. The two men who had been serving as co-GMs have been reassigned. Few other details have been released.
I guess the Red Sox thought having two general managers would be as effective as a football team having two alternating star quarterbacks. In each case, it's better if a team commits to having one person do the job.
This reunion is almost like a man and woman getting a divorce then remarrying after realizing they're more miserable apart than together.
I guess the Red Sox thought having two general managers would be as effective as a football team having two alternating star quarterbacks. In each case, it's better if a team commits to having one person do the job.
This reunion is almost like a man and woman getting a divorce then remarrying after realizing they're more miserable apart than together.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Hoping Del will be back
I don't have any illusions about how the world works. I know the good guys can't win every time. I accept that. But, it still sucks.
Yesterday, Del Ballard, Jr. finished second in the PBA's Phoenix Classic. While that was good for a $20,000 payout, he needed the tournament title to earn a spot on the exempt tour.
I think, in some ways, the move to make the PBA an exempt tour has made the circuit more interesting. There's a lot more at stake as the guys are competing for money and guaranteed spots in tournaments. But, it's unfortunate that a 12-time PBA champion -- one of the true greats of the game -- is on the outside looking in.
Yesterday, Del Ballard, Jr. finished second in the PBA's Phoenix Classic. While that was good for a $20,000 payout, he needed the tournament title to earn a spot on the exempt tour.
I think, in some ways, the move to make the PBA an exempt tour has made the circuit more interesting. There's a lot more at stake as the guys are competing for money and guaranteed spots in tournaments. But, it's unfortunate that a 12-time PBA champion -- one of the true greats of the game -- is on the outside looking in.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Title matchups disappointed
If your idea of fun is spending a full day in front of the TV watching high-stakes football, today was a good day. However, if you like tight matchups, you were sorely disappointed just as I was.
I really expected the Denver Broncos to put up more of a fight on their home field during the AFC title game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But, when the leader of the Denver offense gave up the ball four times (two lost fumbles, two interceptions), the uphill climb for the Broncos became higher than Mile High Stadium.
It would've been fun to see the Carolina Panthers make more of a showing in the NFC title game. Perhaps, this team was just out of magic after taking out the Chicago Bears, whom many had picked to reach the Super Bowl. It was likely more a case of: more talent + home field = Seattle Seahawks romp.
So, we're left with the Steelers and Seahawks in the big game. If the matchup on turf turns out to be anything like the matchup on paper, this should be a good one.
I really expected the Denver Broncos to put up more of a fight on their home field during the AFC title game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But, when the leader of the Denver offense gave up the ball four times (two lost fumbles, two interceptions), the uphill climb for the Broncos became higher than Mile High Stadium.
It would've been fun to see the Carolina Panthers make more of a showing in the NFC title game. Perhaps, this team was just out of magic after taking out the Chicago Bears, whom many had picked to reach the Super Bowl. It was likely more a case of: more talent + home field = Seattle Seahawks romp.
So, we're left with the Steelers and Seahawks in the big game. If the matchup on turf turns out to be anything like the matchup on paper, this should be a good one.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Fan's potential lawsuit out of bounds
New York Knicks forward Antonio Davis was suspended for five games because he went into the stands of the United Center during a recent contest against the Bulls. Davis believed a drunk fan was harassing his wife.
The verbal confrontation was quickly dissolved once Davis headed back to the bench and arena security got involved. Now, that fan is threatening to sue Davis and his wife for a reported $1 million.
In published reports, the fan claims Davis' wife scratched him, and that his good name is being slandered. If Davis apologizes, the lawsuit will supposedly not be filed.
I wasn't there to see any of this first-hand, but this sounds like a lot of nonsense. How was this fan harmed at all by what happened? And, how did he come up with a figure of $1 million? It's all a play for publicity and money.
The verbal confrontation was quickly dissolved once Davis headed back to the bench and arena security got involved. Now, that fan is threatening to sue Davis and his wife for a reported $1 million.
In published reports, the fan claims Davis' wife scratched him, and that his good name is being slandered. If Davis apologizes, the lawsuit will supposedly not be filed.
I wasn't there to see any of this first-hand, but this sounds like a lot of nonsense. How was this fan harmed at all by what happened? And, how did he come up with a figure of $1 million? It's all a play for publicity and money.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Kobe going for the gold
LeBron James will have some good company on the 2008 U.S. Olympic basketball team. Kobe Bryant will suit up for Team USA at the '08 Games and this year's world championships.
Hopefully, this will send a message to misguided NBA stars who think they're too cool and their time is too valuable to play for their country. Playing in the Olympics may not have much to offer financially for some NBA hoopsters. But, why sit on the sidelines and let other countries have an easier shot at beating the U.S. and earning bragging rights?
Hopefully, this will send a message to misguided NBA stars who think they're too cool and their time is too valuable to play for their country. Playing in the Olympics may not have much to offer financially for some NBA hoopsters. But, why sit on the sidelines and let other countries have an easier shot at beating the U.S. and earning bragging rights?
Thursday, January 19, 2006
NBA should use restraint
New York Knicks forward Antonio Davis might be suspended for going into the stands at Chicago's United Center last night. Worried that his wife was in trouble during the Knicks' game against the Bulls, Davis went into the seats but stayed calm and went back to the bench when security arrived.
Officials ejected Davis from the game, and security escorted a few fans from the area.
"I witnessed my wife being threatened by a man that I learned later to be intoxicated," Davis said in a statement published after the game. "I saw him touch her, and I know I should not have acted the way I did, but I would have felt terrible if I didn't react. There was no time to call security. It happened too quickly."
Davis is likely to be suspended because league rules forbid players from entering the stands. However, there should be room for common sense here. It's only natural for a player to want to protect his family, especially with fan behavior at an all-time low. Nobody got hurt. No harm, no foul. Let Davis keep playing, and maybe this whole incident will be forgotten quickly.
Officials ejected Davis from the game, and security escorted a few fans from the area.
"I witnessed my wife being threatened by a man that I learned later to be intoxicated," Davis said in a statement published after the game. "I saw him touch her, and I know I should not have acted the way I did, but I would have felt terrible if I didn't react. There was no time to call security. It happened too quickly."
Davis is likely to be suspended because league rules forbid players from entering the stands. However, there should be room for common sense here. It's only natural for a player to want to protect his family, especially with fan behavior at an all-time low. Nobody got hurt. No harm, no foul. Let Davis keep playing, and maybe this whole incident will be forgotten quickly.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
No Super Bowl for dumb fan
You can call this creative sentencing: A judge in Cleveland ruled that a fan who ran onto the field during a Steelers-Browns game must spend Super Bowl weekend in jail. During his three-day sentence, the fan will not be allowed to watch the game on television or listen to it on the radio.
Nathan Mallett, 24, was convicted earlier this month of disorderly conduct while intoxicated and criminal trespassing.
Maybe other fans will get the message and think twice before doing something dumb. Or, perhaps, alcohol will win out and fans will be stupid anyway.
There's nothing cool or funny about running onto the field during a game. We've seen it before. And, while it's somewhat interesting to watch, we're all thinking the person who does it is a big-time jackass.
If you run onto the field during a game, you deserve whatever justice is given out. In Mallett's case, Steelers linebacker James Harrison body-slammed him and held him for police.
Hope it was worth it.
Nathan Mallett, 24, was convicted earlier this month of disorderly conduct while intoxicated and criminal trespassing.
Maybe other fans will get the message and think twice before doing something dumb. Or, perhaps, alcohol will win out and fans will be stupid anyway.
There's nothing cool or funny about running onto the field during a game. We've seen it before. And, while it's somewhat interesting to watch, we're all thinking the person who does it is a big-time jackass.
If you run onto the field during a game, you deserve whatever justice is given out. In Mallett's case, Steelers linebacker James Harrison body-slammed him and held him for police.
Hope it was worth it.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Passing on Lakers-Heat for now
Right now, old friends/foes Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant are facing off as the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Miami Heat. Shaq is 3-0 against the Lakers since he moved east. According to Yahoo! Sports, Kobe doesn't seem excited.
He's not the only one; I'm not all that excited either. We've been through this drill a couple of times already. It was fun and interesting in the beginning, but it's hard to get excited about watching these two match up during the regular season.
Now, if only Shaq and Kobe met up in the NBA Finals, that would really be something. You'd have the whole basketball world watching, and the stakes would be incredibly high. This would be a true grudge match. Which one of these stars could win a title without the other? That would get me jacked up.
He's not the only one; I'm not all that excited either. We've been through this drill a couple of times already. It was fun and interesting in the beginning, but it's hard to get excited about watching these two match up during the regular season.
Now, if only Shaq and Kobe met up in the NBA Finals, that would really be something. You'd have the whole basketball world watching, and the stakes would be incredibly high. This would be a true grudge match. Which one of these stars could win a title without the other? That would get me jacked up.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
James makes right move
Basketball phenom LeBron James will play for Team USA at this year's world championships and the 2008 Olympics, according to published reports citing the head of USA Basketball.
This is a refreshing change from what has been a disturbing trend. Many of the NBA's biggest names are more than happy to skip out on the Olympics, because, in their view, there's nothing for them to gain by playing in the Summer Games. To some of today's stars, it's all about CTC (cutting the check). James, on the other hand, clearly sees the value in representing his country.
This is a refreshing change from what has been a disturbing trend. Many of the NBA's biggest names are more than happy to skip out on the Olympics, because, in their view, there's nothing for them to gain by playing in the Summer Games. To some of today's stars, it's all about CTC (cutting the check). James, on the other hand, clearly sees the value in representing his country.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Coaching decision coming for Jets
Tomorrow, the New York Jets will begin a series of interviews, seeking to replace former head coach Herman Edwards.
On tap for the Jets: extensive conversations with New England Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini and former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice.
So far, Mangini appears to be the favorite. That's a good choice. Even though he's only 35, Mangini's relatively young age should not be considered a negative. In my view, the Jets players should be able to relate more with a younger coach. Also, I don't think Mangini will scalp Super Bowl tickets as Tice did.
The Jets often generate negative publicity with their less-than-stellar play on the field. They don't need their coach to make headlines for the wrong reasons.
On tap for the Jets: extensive conversations with New England Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini and former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice.
So far, Mangini appears to be the favorite. That's a good choice. Even though he's only 35, Mangini's relatively young age should not be considered a negative. In my view, the Jets players should be able to relate more with a younger coach. Also, I don't think Mangini will scalp Super Bowl tickets as Tice did.
The Jets often generate negative publicity with their less-than-stellar play on the field. They don't need their coach to make headlines for the wrong reasons.
Friday, January 13, 2006
No. 11 hangs at MSG
Just hours ago, the New York Rangers honored Mark Messier by retiring his No. 11. What a fitting tribute for someone who will forever have a place in the city's sports folklore.
His accomplishments in New York alone are enough to make him a hockey hero. In 1994, he was the fearless leader of the Ranger team that ended a 54-year drought and brought the Stanley Cup to Manhattan. To say that was huge is an understatement. Unless you're a Boston Red Sox fan, you can't possibly appreciate how significant that was.
His accomplishments in New York alone are enough to make him a hockey hero. In 1994, he was the fearless leader of the Ranger team that ended a 54-year drought and brought the Stanley Cup to Manhattan. To say that was huge is an understatement. Unless you're a Boston Red Sox fan, you can't possibly appreciate how significant that was.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
We saw this coming
We could've written this story immediately after USC lost the Rose Bowl to Texas. Today, Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush announced that he's entering the NFL draft, and giving up the chance to play a senior season at USC.
He said the decision was difficult. I simply don't buy that. He's already won the highest individual honor in the game, and been part of two national championship teams. What is there left to achieve on the field at USC, especially considering that star teammates Matt Leinart and LenDale White are also going pro?
It's always hard to pass up instant millions. Because he's the reigning Heisman winner, Bush's Q-rating is as high as it can get. If he waited a year to enter the NFL, he might make less money.
He said the decision was difficult. I simply don't buy that. He's already won the highest individual honor in the game, and been part of two national championship teams. What is there left to achieve on the field at USC, especially considering that star teammates Matt Leinart and LenDale White are also going pro?
It's always hard to pass up instant millions. Because he's the reigning Heisman winner, Bush's Q-rating is as high as it can get. If he waited a year to enter the NFL, he might make less money.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Stanford is Colorado West
It appears that Stanford University and the University of Colorado have been working together to form effective recruiting strategies. A lawsuit filed by a former Stanford athletic department staffer says that football players took recruits to a strip club three years ago using university funds.
Stanford has basically fallen off the college football radar screen. So, the program is apparently willing to try anything to get talented players to come to Palo Alto. Maybe, the Cardinal could go a step further and get Gary Barnett to serve as head coach.
Stanford has basically fallen off the college football radar screen. So, the program is apparently willing to try anything to get talented players to come to Palo Alto. Maybe, the Cardinal could go a step further and get Gary Barnett to serve as head coach.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Hall of Fame choices
Today, legendary relief pitcher Bruce Sutter was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In his prime, his split-finger fastball was virtually unhittable. He finished ahead of Jim Rice and Goose Gossage in the balloting.
One person who you won't see in the Hall of Fame anytime soon is Pete Rose. He got 10 write-in votes in what would've been his last year of eligiblity. Basically, he got a few sympathy votes from people who wanted to cut him a break, and let in the game's all-time hit leader.
I wouldn't vote him in. If you've committed acts against the game sufficent to be banned from it, how can you receive the ultimate honor baseball has to offer? It's apparent that almost nobody fell for his altogether transparent attempt to apologize for his misdeeds. It didn't help his case that he tried to cash in on his experience by writing a book. He came off as someone who would do anything for a buck.
One person who you won't see in the Hall of Fame anytime soon is Pete Rose. He got 10 write-in votes in what would've been his last year of eligiblity. Basically, he got a few sympathy votes from people who wanted to cut him a break, and let in the game's all-time hit leader.
I wouldn't vote him in. If you've committed acts against the game sufficent to be banned from it, how can you receive the ultimate honor baseball has to offer? It's apparent that almost nobody fell for his altogether transparent attempt to apologize for his misdeeds. It didn't help his case that he tried to cash in on his experience by writing a book. He came off as someone who would do anything for a buck.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Right approach for Panthers
The New York Giants' postseason vacation is off to an unexpected early start, as they lost to the Carolina Panthers 23-0 yesterday. That means, in the near future, the most exciting action taking place at the Meadowlands will be at the horse track (pictured).In published reports, the Panthers' Steve Smith said, "Everybody may say we're a Super Bowl team -- we're not. All we are is a one-win playoff team."
Couldn't agree more. If Smith's teammates share his point of view, the Panthers should be fine mentally against the Bears. While the win against the Giants was big, the road for the Panthers is only going to get tougher.
Hopefully, they'll avoid what legendary hoops coach Bob Knight calls Last Game-Next Game. That's when a team is so focused on a big win in the last game they played that they botch the next game.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Loved the BCS replays
Just so I'm not accused of always being negative: Thanks to ESPN Classic for giving us replays of all four 2006 BCS games yesterday. I was able to tape the Fiesta Bowl, and see parts of the Sugar and Orange Bowls that I had missed.
However, I passed on watching the Rose Bowl. After watching Vince Young beat Ohio State and USC live on TV, I didn't need to see more of him. But, thanks anyway.
However, I passed on watching the Rose Bowl. After watching Vince Young beat Ohio State and USC live on TV, I didn't need to see more of him. But, thanks anyway.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Vick needs to clean up his act
Marcus Vick must have been hanging around with Maurice Clarett. Just like Mo, Vick managed to get himself tossed out of his college football program. Virginia Tech had enough of its problematic quarterback and told him to get lost.
The school certainly had a laundry list of reasons. Most recently, Vick stomped on the calf of an opposing player during the Gator Bowl. Add to that: losing his driver's license, being charged with possessing drugs, and getting convicted for serving alcohol to underage girls.
It shouldn't have taken so long for the program to come to its senses. Vick is talented; however, he's been a public relations nightmare for Virginia Tech. If not for the Gator Bowl incident, Vick would still be in Blacksburg, where university officials would be hoping for him not to make an ass of himself.
If he doesn't change his act, he may become as welcome in the NFL as Clarett.
The school certainly had a laundry list of reasons. Most recently, Vick stomped on the calf of an opposing player during the Gator Bowl. Add to that: losing his driver's license, being charged with possessing drugs, and getting convicted for serving alcohol to underage girls.
It shouldn't have taken so long for the program to come to its senses. Vick is talented; however, he's been a public relations nightmare for Virginia Tech. If not for the Gator Bowl incident, Vick would still be in Blacksburg, where university officials would be hoping for him not to make an ass of himself.
If he doesn't change his act, he may become as welcome in the NFL as Clarett.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Expensive cell phone call
Here's another reason why the NFL is called the No Fun League: Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora was fined $25,000 for making a cell phone call while on the sidelines during an overtime loss at Tampa Bay. He was talking to team officials about the Falcons' status in the playoff race.
The NFL has fined players for things such as socks that are too long or short, socks that are the wrong color, and headbands. To describe all this using the word "ridiculous" would be too mild.
Fines should be assessed for unprofessional conduct, not for making an important call to team executives during a game.
The NFL has fined players for things such as socks that are too long or short, socks that are the wrong color, and headbands. To describe all this using the word "ridiculous" would be too mild.
Fines should be assessed for unprofessional conduct, not for making an important call to team executives during a game.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
NFL likely choice for Young
Now that Texas has won college football's national championship, only one question remains: Will quarterback Vince Young come back for his senior season?
His messages to the public contradict each other. Young had said he plans to return for a final season, yet he also said he'd discuss his future soon with his family. If you're going to stay, what's left to talk about? What off-campus apartment to choose?
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him go pro. What else is left for him to accomplish at Texas other than winning a Heisman Trophy? The instant millions available from the NFL will be enough to make him forget about a senior season in Austin.
If he stays in college, he could use the time to finish work on a degree. I don't think that will be enough to keep him in school. The majority of big-time athletes don't care about classes. And, if Young does want to finish a degree, there are ways for him to do that without being on campus full-time.
His messages to the public contradict each other. Young had said he plans to return for a final season, yet he also said he'd discuss his future soon with his family. If you're going to stay, what's left to talk about? What off-campus apartment to choose?
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him go pro. What else is left for him to accomplish at Texas other than winning a Heisman Trophy? The instant millions available from the NFL will be enough to make him forget about a senior season in Austin.
If he stays in college, he could use the time to finish work on a degree. I don't think that will be enough to keep him in school. The majority of big-time athletes don't care about classes. And, if Young does want to finish a degree, there are ways for him to do that without being on campus full-time.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
New deal for Minnesota coach
No more questioning where Minnesota football coach Glen Mason will end up. He agreed to a four-year contract extension, which is a reward for his leading the Golden Gophers to six bowl appearances in nine years. With its coach firmly in place, the program is looking to make a run for the Big Ten title in '06.
Honestly, this program has a long way to go if it wants to be among teams such as Ohio State and Michigan. Mason needs to get a more consistent effort from his guys, who have a tendency to be up one week and down the next.
For example, this season, the Gophers were 4-4 in Big Ten play. At home, they racked up almost 600 yards of offense against the Buckeyes, yet, amazingly, found a way to lose by 14 points. In a four-week stretch, Minnesota beat Purdue, got blown away by Penn State, narrowly beat Michigan, then lost to Wisconsin because of a botched punt.
The Big Ten is a very evenly-matched conference, in which, on any given Saturday, anyone can beat anyone else. However, 4-4 is not going to win a conference title in this lifetime or the next.
As most coaching contracts do, Mason's deal includes incentives; so, he'll get a bonus if the Gophers win a national championship. I don't think the school will have to worry about paying that out.
Honestly, this program has a long way to go if it wants to be among teams such as Ohio State and Michigan. Mason needs to get a more consistent effort from his guys, who have a tendency to be up one week and down the next.
For example, this season, the Gophers were 4-4 in Big Ten play. At home, they racked up almost 600 yards of offense against the Buckeyes, yet, amazingly, found a way to lose by 14 points. In a four-week stretch, Minnesota beat Purdue, got blown away by Penn State, narrowly beat Michigan, then lost to Wisconsin because of a botched punt.
The Big Ten is a very evenly-matched conference, in which, on any given Saturday, anyone can beat anyone else. However, 4-4 is not going to win a conference title in this lifetime or the next.
As most coaching contracts do, Mason's deal includes incentives; so, he'll get a bonus if the Gophers win a national championship. I don't think the school will have to worry about paying that out.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Clarett in major trouble
Maurice Clarett couldn't just go away and let Ohio State enjoy its Fiesta Bowl victory.
He turned himself into police last night, just as the Buckeyes had finished off Notre Dame. Clarett is headed to court, charged with robbing two people with a gun in an alley behind a bar in downtown Columbus.
Clarett helped the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002, and that was great; however, the university is now forever associated with this perpetual public relations nightmare.
Mo is a whiz at self-sabotaging. I could only imagine that he's intent on ruling the roost in prison yard football games, because his NFL bid was a bust.
He turned himself into police last night, just as the Buckeyes had finished off Notre Dame. Clarett is headed to court, charged with robbing two people with a gun in an alley behind a bar in downtown Columbus.
Clarett helped the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002, and that was great; however, the university is now forever associated with this perpetual public relations nightmare.
Mo is a whiz at self-sabotaging. I could only imagine that he's intent on ruling the roost in prison yard football games, because his NFL bid was a bust.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Fiesta Bowl Champions!
Although the Buckeyes had a lead over Notre Dame for most of the time tonight, the Fiesta Bowl was an exciting, fairly tight contest. The Buckeyes didn't deliver the knockout punch until Antonio Pittman broke away for a 60-yard touchdown run with 1:46 left in the game.After that, I was surprised the Fighting Irish didn't try to hurry up and score a touchdown, then go for an onside kick. Basically, they just gave up.
The cutaways to Laura Quinn (sister of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and girlfriend of Buckeye linebacker A.J Hawk) were a little excessive. It reminded me of when the New Jersey Nets were in the NBA Finals, and we kept seeing shots of Jason Kidd's wife. Tonight, the only times the reaction shots were interesting were after Hawk tackled his girl's bro.
Ted Ginn, Jr. made up for his miscues during the Michigan game, and for his virtual absence earlier in the season. Once he eluded the first defender during his 68-yard touchdown run, you knew he was going all the way. I'm not going to start all the "Ginn for Heisman '06" talk yet. I thought he'd be a contender early this season, and we all know what happened.
Once again, it was good to see that Buckeye coach Jim Tressel let his playmakers make plays, and he didn't play things too close to his trademark sweater vest.
The Buckeyes did a great job turning things around after two early losses, and many (including me) were mentally preparing for a lost season.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
We'll talk about college football tomorrow.
