ESPN Bobs for ratings
Quick, somebody nail down the chairs on the SportsCenter set, institute a 10-second delay on anything Bobby Knight utters into his microphone and put the lawyers on stand-by just in case 10 seconds aren't enough.
If you thought ESPN's coverage of college basketball was loud enough already with Dick Vitale assaulting our ear drums, buy some ear plugs and develop an affinity for the mute button.
ESPN’s announcement Thursday that it has hired Knight, the former Texas Tech and Indiana basketball coach who has won more games than anyone else in Division I history, means the network will soon ratchet up its decibels and perk up the ears of the FCC. Knight will make his debut on March 12 and work through April 7, a time line that will include on-site appearances from the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio. He'll also be seen and heard on SportsCenter, ESPNEWS and ESPN Radio.
This promises to be an interesting merger seeing as how Knight now becomes a member of the very sort of profession he loathes. He once described the media as ''one or two steps above prostitution.'' Do you suppose Knight still holds that view now that he's thrown himself on the mattress back-first?
Part of me thinks he could be quite good in his capacity with the big E. He'll obviously be able to provide keen insight into the how and why of basketball tactics. Plus, as the anti-Kelvin Sampson, a man who by all appearances ran a sterile program in terms of NCAA compliance, he could provide an occasional voice of reason regarding the era of done-in-one star players and renegade coaches.
At the same time, this sets up as a boom-or-bust decision for the network. If Knight reinvents himself as something other than an egomaniacal and verbally abusive curmudgeon, it could be the start of a strong second career for him. If he continues to be an egomaniacal and verbally abusive curmudgeon, well, it will likely mean a ratings boost for certain ESPN programs that could offset the damage of FCC fines.
Consider some of his highlights from years past:
* 1985 -- Knight goes bonkers during a game against Purdue, slinging a chair across the court to protest a referee's call and drawing a one-game suspension.
* 1988 -- Knight infuriates women's groups and establishes himself as a misogynist when, during an interview with Connie Chung, he says: "I think that if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it." Knight's comments were in reference to a game in which he felt officials made poor calls against his team.
* 1993 -- Knight catches flak for allegedly kicking his son, Pat, during an Indiana game. He later claims he kicked a chair instead (but at least he didn't throw it this time).
* 1995 -- Knight goes ballistic on an NCAA tournament volunteer after a first-round loss to Missouri. The volunteer, Rance Pugmire, had been erroneously told that Knight would not be attending his post-game press conference and relayed the information to the media. What followed serves as a timeless example of Knight in full tantrum mode:
"You've only got two people that are going to tell you I'm not going to be here. One is our SID (sports information director), and the other is me. Who the hell told you I wasn't going to be here? I'd like to know. Do you have any idea who it was?...Who?...They were from Indiana, right?...No, they weren't from Indiana, and you didn't get it from anybody from Indiana, did you?...No, I—I'll handle this the way I want to handle it now that I'm here. You (EXPLETIVE) it up to begin with. Now just sit there or leave. I don't give (EXPLETIVE) what you do. Now back to the game.''
There are more nuggets, but I'm tired of typing and you undoubtedly get the idea.
Given those examples, you have to wonder why ESPN thought it was a good idea to put Knight in front of an open microphone and an unblinking camera.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Another playoff perspective
Given Auburn's experience with the quirks of the Bowl Championship Series computers in 2004, it would be perfectly understandable if university director of athletics Jay Jacobs favored a playoff system for college football.
Find an Auburn man (or woman) who wouldn't have been in favor of one when the Tigers won the Southeastern Conference, ran the table at 13-0 and failed to get a seat at the head table reserved for the BCS title pairing. The Tigers may not have won the national championship, but they would have done something Oklahoma failed to in its 55-19 face plant against USC. And that would be to show a pulse.
But this blog is not intended as a referendum on what went wrong in 2004. USC was clearly a deserving national champ and Auburn finished No. 2, which isn't too shabby at all.
Since Jacobs visited the Ledger-Enquirer office Wednesday afternoon to discuss various developments and ongoing plans on the Auburn athletic program, I managed to squeeze in a few questions about issues affecting NCAA members and the Southeastern Conference.
SEC athletic directors are generally reluctant to criticize the BCS monstrosity since league commissioner Mike Slive happens to occupy a seat of power in that system. Plus, the league has won the last two BCS championship games (LSU over Ohio State this season and Florida over Ohio State the year before). Plus, university presidents tend to do most of the shouting for change. Witness the of outcry Georgia president Michael Adams and state legislators, who were peeved that the Bulldogs had to ''settle'' for a Sugar Bowl berth in January after failing to win their league.
Anyway, I asked Jacobs if he liked the idea Adams presented -- a playoff system confined to eight teams. Jacobs would instead prefer uniformity in determining conference championships.
"I am not for the playoff as everybody talks about it,’’ Jacobs said. ''What I'd like to see first is that every conference has a championship game first. Let's pair those people up. It's not the same. When you have the last two national champions come out of the SEC because they won their conference championship, that's pretty strong. That's pretty sporty. The first step is that everybody needs to have a conference championship.''
It's unlikely that, say, the Sun Belt or Western Athletic Conference would ever become viable members of such a mix. However, it's laughable that the Big 10 and Pac-10 don't play a league title game when the SEC, ACC and Big 12 do.
"If we're going to have any type of playoff, let's have a playoff in the league first. Then, the next step for me would be a plus-one,'' Jacobs said.
Jacobs' concept makes sense because it would allow for the preservation of the bowl system and prevent the season from being lengthened to 15 or so games by a lengthy playoff.
"Having played in this league and gone to a bunch of bowl games, there's nothing like the experience for a student-athlete,'' said Jacobs, a former walk-on offensive lineman at Auburn who eventually started for a No. 3-ranked team as a senior. "The other thing is there's no way that my parents could have afforded to follow me around to two or three cities in December and January.''
Given Auburn's experience with the quirks of the Bowl Championship Series computers in 2004, it would be perfectly understandable if university director of athletics Jay Jacobs favored a playoff system for college football.
Find an Auburn man (or woman) who wouldn't have been in favor of one when the Tigers won the Southeastern Conference, ran the table at 13-0 and failed to get a seat at the head table reserved for the BCS title pairing. The Tigers may not have won the national championship, but they would have done something Oklahoma failed to in its 55-19 face plant against USC. And that would be to show a pulse.
But this blog is not intended as a referendum on what went wrong in 2004. USC was clearly a deserving national champ and Auburn finished No. 2, which isn't too shabby at all.
Since Jacobs visited the Ledger-Enquirer office Wednesday afternoon to discuss various developments and ongoing plans on the Auburn athletic program, I managed to squeeze in a few questions about issues affecting NCAA members and the Southeastern Conference.
SEC athletic directors are generally reluctant to criticize the BCS monstrosity since league commissioner Mike Slive happens to occupy a seat of power in that system. Plus, the league has won the last two BCS championship games (LSU over Ohio State this season and Florida over Ohio State the year before). Plus, university presidents tend to do most of the shouting for change. Witness the of outcry Georgia president Michael Adams and state legislators, who were peeved that the Bulldogs had to ''settle'' for a Sugar Bowl berth in January after failing to win their league.
Anyway, I asked Jacobs if he liked the idea Adams presented -- a playoff system confined to eight teams. Jacobs would instead prefer uniformity in determining conference championships.
"I am not for the playoff as everybody talks about it,’’ Jacobs said. ''What I'd like to see first is that every conference has a championship game first. Let's pair those people up. It's not the same. When you have the last two national champions come out of the SEC because they won their conference championship, that's pretty strong. That's pretty sporty. The first step is that everybody needs to have a conference championship.''
It's unlikely that, say, the Sun Belt or Western Athletic Conference would ever become viable members of such a mix. However, it's laughable that the Big 10 and Pac-10 don't play a league title game when the SEC, ACC and Big 12 do.
"If we're going to have any type of playoff, let's have a playoff in the league first. Then, the next step for me would be a plus-one,'' Jacobs said.
Jacobs' concept makes sense because it would allow for the preservation of the bowl system and prevent the season from being lengthened to 15 or so games by a lengthy playoff.
"Having played in this league and gone to a bunch of bowl games, there's nothing like the experience for a student-athlete,'' said Jacobs, a former walk-on offensive lineman at Auburn who eventually started for a No. 3-ranked team as a senior. "The other thing is there's no way that my parents could have afforded to follow me around to two or three cities in December and January.''
Now that's a meal
I know this blog is supposed to be a clearinghouse for sports news and insight, but I simply must take a radical detour today.
Did anybody see the Associated Press story about the 16-foot python that stalked a family dog in Australia and eventually swallowed it whole in front of two terror-stricken children?
It used to be that the Aussies didn't have much to worry about other than dingos eating babies, but that changed Monday when a scrub python squeezed the life out of a silky terrier-Chihuahua mix and devoured it oustside a home in Queensland.
A 5-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl saw their family pet disappear down the gullet of the snake.
But here's the truly freaky part of the story.
"It actively stalked the dog for a number of days," said Stuart Douglas, owner of the Australian Venom Zoo, which sounds like a lovely place to visit. "The family that owned the dog had actually seen it in the dog's bed, which was a sign it was out to get it.''
Gee, do you really think so?
According to the story, the python was taken by the Australian Venom Zoo.
It was still in the process of digesting the dog as of Wednesday.
It undoubtedly needed a long nap afterward.
I know this blog is supposed to be a clearinghouse for sports news and insight, but I simply must take a radical detour today.
Did anybody see the Associated Press story about the 16-foot python that stalked a family dog in Australia and eventually swallowed it whole in front of two terror-stricken children?
It used to be that the Aussies didn't have much to worry about other than dingos eating babies, but that changed Monday when a scrub python squeezed the life out of a silky terrier-Chihuahua mix and devoured it oustside a home in Queensland.
A 5-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl saw their family pet disappear down the gullet of the snake.
But here's the truly freaky part of the story.
"It actively stalked the dog for a number of days," said Stuart Douglas, owner of the Australian Venom Zoo, which sounds like a lovely place to visit. "The family that owned the dog had actually seen it in the dog's bed, which was a sign it was out to get it.''
Gee, do you really think so?
According to the story, the python was taken by the Australian Venom Zoo.
It was still in the process of digesting the dog as of Wednesday.
It undoubtedly needed a long nap afterward.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Jeff Gordon interview
As promised (but ultimately delivered tardy), here's a rundown of a roundtable interview I participated in with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Gordon was in town to promote the Kobalt Tools 500, set for March. We covered a wide range of topics with Gordon, including his impressions of Atlanta Motor Speedway, his thoughts on the Car of Tomorrow, his new team alliance with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the concept of NASCAR drivers plotting exit strategies for careers.
Sadly, we ran out of time before we could ask him about the sizzling hot photo of his supermodel wife on the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Anyway, here's a transcript of the Q&A:
Q: The Car of Tomorrow seemed to take a pretty bad beating at Daytona. Your thoughts?
Gordon: ''Daytona is probably the toughest challenge we have. During testing, we cracked a lot of pieces in the chassis because of the pounding that car takes. You see the car bouncing. We saw some things. ... It definitely was a wake-up call for all of us as far as the stress that we're putting on the suspension components. I don't think any place is as bad as Daytona. It's 500 miles, the corners are so big that the loads are huge and the bumps ...''
Q: Where does Atlanta Motor Speedway rank in your estimation?
Gordon: ''This is one of my favorite tracks. Here, Michigan, Charlotte ... I like the road courses, too ... Bristol. This is an awesome race track. I hated to see them reconfigure it because I liked the old track. But I've gotten to where I really like the new track almost even more. Most of that is because of the surface that's there right now.''
Q: Do you think AMS will remain one of the fastest, if not the fastest, stop on the circuit?
Gordon: ''I would think so. We saw some laps drafting at Daytona that might be faster. Overall, grip is grip. This track has got a lot of grip. And, compared to all the other tracks, I still think it will play out as the fastest track.’’
Q: At Daytona, it seemed a lot of teams were having tire-wear issues with the Car of Tomorrow. Is that a result of set-up choices?
Gordon: ''‘It's the Car of Tomorrow. This car has a higher center of gravity. We can't even put lead in the car. It's just very heavy to the right side. We're trying to get grip in the car, but yet, at the same time, we're using the right side tires harder than we ever have. We knew that going in. From a set-up standpoint, you need to be a little more on the conservative side. Your set-up can make it worse. It's really more the fundamentals of this car versus the old car. We're going to see a lot more right-side tire wear. ... The car doesn't stop as good. You have to be smoother with this car. It's harder to get the car to slow down, harder to get the car to turn. We learned a lot last year and we're learning even more now. It's driving as good as what the old car did.’’
Q: Are you getting more comfortable with the Car of Tomorrow?
Gordon: "I think it plays into my skills pretty well. You have to be a little more patient with this car.''
Q: How's your new teammate (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) doing?
Gordon: "I'm pretty excited about having him onboard. ... I've seen nothing but good energy. I've read so much about how this is going to work. I think we all kind of questioned what this is going to be like. The way Junior has handled it has probably been the biggest surprise. He's down to earth, he's humble, he's appreciative. He's not a guy who's got an ego. He's not sitting there saying, I'm the man, you have to listen to me. He's excited and having fun.’’
Q: Have you picked up unexpected fans because of having him as a teammate?
Gordon: "Typically, that would be like a sin to ask me to sign an Earnhardt die-cast or hat. I see some people, say, hey they're teammates, it's OK. We still have our rivalry and our fans. The only difference I really see is we now have team debriefing meetings, he's there. He and I have always gotten along good.''
Q: Are more NASCAR drivers coming up with exit plans now?
Gordon: "I think we all think about it. I'm seeing guys earlier in their careers are thinking about it. You see how much money is coming in and they're saying, I have to invest, I have to think long-term. Before, I think if you didn't make a lot of money you didn't worry a whole lot about it. Now, you're seeing a time frame or a lifespan of an average career in this sport. You look at guys who are outside the sport and it starts to make you think about it a little bit more. You think about where you want to be. I didn't think about it much ... (Gordon's sponsorship contracts run through 2010) Once I knew there was that number out there that could be close to when I want to step away from a full-time schedule. I don't have a full plan or anything in place, but I certainly have thought about it a lot more.’’
As promised (but ultimately delivered tardy), here's a rundown of a roundtable interview I participated in with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Gordon was in town to promote the Kobalt Tools 500, set for March. We covered a wide range of topics with Gordon, including his impressions of Atlanta Motor Speedway, his thoughts on the Car of Tomorrow, his new team alliance with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the concept of NASCAR drivers plotting exit strategies for careers.
Sadly, we ran out of time before we could ask him about the sizzling hot photo of his supermodel wife on the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Anyway, here's a transcript of the Q&A:
Q: The Car of Tomorrow seemed to take a pretty bad beating at Daytona. Your thoughts?
Gordon: ''Daytona is probably the toughest challenge we have. During testing, we cracked a lot of pieces in the chassis because of the pounding that car takes. You see the car bouncing. We saw some things. ... It definitely was a wake-up call for all of us as far as the stress that we're putting on the suspension components. I don't think any place is as bad as Daytona. It's 500 miles, the corners are so big that the loads are huge and the bumps ...''
Q: Where does Atlanta Motor Speedway rank in your estimation?
Gordon: ''This is one of my favorite tracks. Here, Michigan, Charlotte ... I like the road courses, too ... Bristol. This is an awesome race track. I hated to see them reconfigure it because I liked the old track. But I've gotten to where I really like the new track almost even more. Most of that is because of the surface that's there right now.''
Q: Do you think AMS will remain one of the fastest, if not the fastest, stop on the circuit?
Gordon: ''I would think so. We saw some laps drafting at Daytona that might be faster. Overall, grip is grip. This track has got a lot of grip. And, compared to all the other tracks, I still think it will play out as the fastest track.’’
Q: At Daytona, it seemed a lot of teams were having tire-wear issues with the Car of Tomorrow. Is that a result of set-up choices?
Gordon: ''‘It's the Car of Tomorrow. This car has a higher center of gravity. We can't even put lead in the car. It's just very heavy to the right side. We're trying to get grip in the car, but yet, at the same time, we're using the right side tires harder than we ever have. We knew that going in. From a set-up standpoint, you need to be a little more on the conservative side. Your set-up can make it worse. It's really more the fundamentals of this car versus the old car. We're going to see a lot more right-side tire wear. ... The car doesn't stop as good. You have to be smoother with this car. It's harder to get the car to slow down, harder to get the car to turn. We learned a lot last year and we're learning even more now. It's driving as good as what the old car did.’’
Q: Are you getting more comfortable with the Car of Tomorrow?
Gordon: "I think it plays into my skills pretty well. You have to be a little more patient with this car.''
Q: How's your new teammate (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) doing?
Gordon: "I'm pretty excited about having him onboard. ... I've seen nothing but good energy. I've read so much about how this is going to work. I think we all kind of questioned what this is going to be like. The way Junior has handled it has probably been the biggest surprise. He's down to earth, he's humble, he's appreciative. He's not a guy who's got an ego. He's not sitting there saying, I'm the man, you have to listen to me. He's excited and having fun.’’
Q: Have you picked up unexpected fans because of having him as a teammate?
Gordon: "Typically, that would be like a sin to ask me to sign an Earnhardt die-cast or hat. I see some people, say, hey they're teammates, it's OK. We still have our rivalry and our fans. The only difference I really see is we now have team debriefing meetings, he's there. He and I have always gotten along good.''
Q: Are more NASCAR drivers coming up with exit plans now?
Gordon: "I think we all think about it. I'm seeing guys earlier in their careers are thinking about it. You see how much money is coming in and they're saying, I have to invest, I have to think long-term. Before, I think if you didn't make a lot of money you didn't worry a whole lot about it. Now, you're seeing a time frame or a lifespan of an average career in this sport. You look at guys who are outside the sport and it starts to make you think about it a little bit more. You think about where you want to be. I didn't think about it much ... (Gordon's sponsorship contracts run through 2010) Once I knew there was that number out there that could be close to when I want to step away from a full-time schedule. I don't have a full plan or anything in place, but I certainly have thought about it a lot more.’’
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
One crazy ride
There's nothing quite like getting scared to death to make you feel alive.
If you read my column today about my experience as a passenger in a specially modified stock car at the Jeff Gordon Racing School (available, as always, at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports), you probably know where I'm coming from with this.
I've done some crazy things before. I've ridden countless roller coasters, tumbled head-first off high-dives, gone bobsledding and been relentlessly pounded by the ocean while surfing.
Nothing provided a rush quite like sitting in the passenger seat of a Monte Carlo being driven around Atlanta Motor Speedway at 175 mph.
At least they told us it went 175. The driver might have been taking it easy at 150 or so, but it's impossible to know for certain since no speedometer exists on the dashboard. Just an RPM gauge, a fuel indicator and lots of mysterious toggle switches.
You definitely feel the speed, whether it's 150 or 175. It throws you back in your seat and steps on your chest in the high, 24-degree bank turns. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be this: Speedgasm. I realize that's not a legitimate word and I hope it doesn't offend you, but that's the best approximation I can make.
During lunch Tuesday with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, Gordon explained what it's like to participate in a ridealong as a passenger.
"Imagine the best and worst feeling at the same time,'' he said.
I understand now. The best part is the sheer rush from going that fast. The worst is not having control of the wheel and getting an up-close view of the wall, which feels no more than six inches removed from the window as you roar into the straightaway.
Gordon proved to be a charming lunch companion. I've been around him at races before, but this was my first chance to talk to him. He's very personable and could easily transition into TV when he decides to quit driving.
He actually shared some interesting insights about his ''exit plan'' from NASCAR, which I'll post more about later.
There's nothing quite like getting scared to death to make you feel alive.
If you read my column today about my experience as a passenger in a specially modified stock car at the Jeff Gordon Racing School (available, as always, at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports), you probably know where I'm coming from with this.
I've done some crazy things before. I've ridden countless roller coasters, tumbled head-first off high-dives, gone bobsledding and been relentlessly pounded by the ocean while surfing.
Nothing provided a rush quite like sitting in the passenger seat of a Monte Carlo being driven around Atlanta Motor Speedway at 175 mph.
At least they told us it went 175. The driver might have been taking it easy at 150 or so, but it's impossible to know for certain since no speedometer exists on the dashboard. Just an RPM gauge, a fuel indicator and lots of mysterious toggle switches.
You definitely feel the speed, whether it's 150 or 175. It throws you back in your seat and steps on your chest in the high, 24-degree bank turns. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be this: Speedgasm. I realize that's not a legitimate word and I hope it doesn't offend you, but that's the best approximation I can make.
During lunch Tuesday with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, Gordon explained what it's like to participate in a ridealong as a passenger.
"Imagine the best and worst feeling at the same time,'' he said.
I understand now. The best part is the sheer rush from going that fast. The worst is not having control of the wheel and getting an up-close view of the wall, which feels no more than six inches removed from the window as you roar into the straightaway.
Gordon proved to be a charming lunch companion. I've been around him at races before, but this was my first chance to talk to him. He's very personable and could easily transition into TV when he decides to quit driving.
He actually shared some interesting insights about his ''exit plan'' from NASCAR, which I'll post more about later.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Be on the lookout
The news editor of ''Baseball America'' contacted me last week to see if I'd write a 700-word article about the ongoing process to sell and relocate the Columbus Catfish.
He also wanted the article to contain some background about the icy relationship between Columbus owner David Heller and the city government and the difficulty the team has had in drawing fans.
I told him that would require at least 700 words by itself.
Anyway, I just finished the piece. Assuming it passes muster, it should appear in the next issue.
As for what's going on with the Catfish and the prospects of them moving to Bowling Green, Ky., after the 2008 season, well, a lot must still be decided.
Art Solomon, the owner of the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, exercised an option last week to purchase the team but must still receive approval from the South Atlantic League and Minor League Baseball. He told me he should have the paperwork filed with the league office this week.
That part should pass without any difficulty. Solomon seems like a nice guy, plus he's a well-respected owner and savvy businessman. The annual attendance for his Double-A team has blown up since 2004, from 215,961 to 371,710 last season.
That's pretty impressive. Makes you wonder what he could do with the Catfish, who have brought up the rear in attendance in the South Atlantic League.
It's entirely possible we'll find out.
While Solomon didn't make any definitive promises when asked whether there was any scenario in which the Catfish would remain in Columbus after the 2008 season, it's a possibility.
Two credible sources told me the South Atlantic League may not rubber-stamp a relocation request. It seems some owners may not embrace the extra mileage that would be required to travel to Bowling Green. Plus, there are questions of whether Bowling Green (population 60,000) could support minor league baseball any better than Columbus over the long haul.
The news editor of ''Baseball America'' contacted me last week to see if I'd write a 700-word article about the ongoing process to sell and relocate the Columbus Catfish.
He also wanted the article to contain some background about the icy relationship between Columbus owner David Heller and the city government and the difficulty the team has had in drawing fans.
I told him that would require at least 700 words by itself.
Anyway, I just finished the piece. Assuming it passes muster, it should appear in the next issue.
As for what's going on with the Catfish and the prospects of them moving to Bowling Green, Ky., after the 2008 season, well, a lot must still be decided.
Art Solomon, the owner of the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, exercised an option last week to purchase the team but must still receive approval from the South Atlantic League and Minor League Baseball. He told me he should have the paperwork filed with the league office this week.
That part should pass without any difficulty. Solomon seems like a nice guy, plus he's a well-respected owner and savvy businessman. The annual attendance for his Double-A team has blown up since 2004, from 215,961 to 371,710 last season.
That's pretty impressive. Makes you wonder what he could do with the Catfish, who have brought up the rear in attendance in the South Atlantic League.
It's entirely possible we'll find out.
While Solomon didn't make any definitive promises when asked whether there was any scenario in which the Catfish would remain in Columbus after the 2008 season, it's a possibility.
Two credible sources told me the South Atlantic League may not rubber-stamp a relocation request. It seems some owners may not embrace the extra mileage that would be required to travel to Bowling Green. Plus, there are questions of whether Bowling Green (population 60,000) could support minor league baseball any better than Columbus over the long haul.
Wild ride
My wife had a question for me when she found out what I planned to be doing Tuesday afternoon.
''Where's your life insurance policy?''
In the lock box, of course.
She needed to know a couple other details.
The 401K? My IRAs? Any and all over savings accounts that we don't already share jointly?
"I am the beneficiary, right?'' she asked.
Of course, dear.
She wanted to know because, as of noon or so Tuesday, I could be flying around Atlanta Motor Speedway at roughly 165 mph. There's a good chance you'll recognize me by the unique screaming sound I'm sure will be just barely audible above the growling engine.
My Ledger-Enquirer colleague, Jerry Morehouse, and I have accepted an invitation to attend a media luncheon with four-time NASCAR Spring Cup Jeff Gordon at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He'll be there to promote the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500.
Afterward, there's a good chance he'll be scaring us to the point of near-bladder release.
After lunch, us reporter-types will be allowed to participate in ride-alongs provided by the Jeff Gordon Racing School. We'll get strapped into a modified, two-seat stock car and driven around the track at alarming speeds. If I happen to be one of the six reporters who win a sweepstakes drawing, I'll have Gordon at the wheel for my turn.
So I had to do some thinking today. Have I ever written anything that would p--- off Gordon?
I didn't think I had, but checked just to be safe.
I also made sure the life insurance policy was in the lock box, but that was more for my wife's benefit.
If I'm going to watch my life pass before my eyes at 160-plus mph, I might as well have a driver like Gordon at the controls.
My wife had a question for me when she found out what I planned to be doing Tuesday afternoon.
''Where's your life insurance policy?''
In the lock box, of course.
She needed to know a couple other details.
The 401K? My IRAs? Any and all over savings accounts that we don't already share jointly?
"I am the beneficiary, right?'' she asked.
Of course, dear.
She wanted to know because, as of noon or so Tuesday, I could be flying around Atlanta Motor Speedway at roughly 165 mph. There's a good chance you'll recognize me by the unique screaming sound I'm sure will be just barely audible above the growling engine.
My Ledger-Enquirer colleague, Jerry Morehouse, and I have accepted an invitation to attend a media luncheon with four-time NASCAR Spring Cup Jeff Gordon at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He'll be there to promote the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500.
Afterward, there's a good chance he'll be scaring us to the point of near-bladder release.
After lunch, us reporter-types will be allowed to participate in ride-alongs provided by the Jeff Gordon Racing School. We'll get strapped into a modified, two-seat stock car and driven around the track at alarming speeds. If I happen to be one of the six reporters who win a sweepstakes drawing, I'll have Gordon at the wheel for my turn.
So I had to do some thinking today. Have I ever written anything that would p--- off Gordon?
I didn't think I had, but checked just to be safe.
I also made sure the life insurance policy was in the lock box, but that was more for my wife's benefit.
If I'm going to watch my life pass before my eyes at 160-plus mph, I might as well have a driver like Gordon at the controls.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Super Bowl suit
Here's a new cheer for athletes to learn:
Two, four, six, eight, losers get to litigate!
Seriously. A former St. Louis Rams player filed a $100 million class action suit in U.S. District Court in New Orleans as a result of allegations that the New England Patriots videotaped the Rams' walkthrough before Super XXXVI in 2002.
Former Rams defensive back Willie Gary, who played seven games for St. Louis that season, now plays for the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. The suit filed on his behalf named the Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft as defendants.
The Patriots upset the Rams 20-17 at the Louisiana Superdome. The filing came after allegations surfaced that New England, which was sanctioned by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this season for spying on the New York Jets, videotaped the Rams' walkthrough before the Super Bowl.
According to the Associated Press, the suit said the Patriots illegally taped the Rams' workout for the purpose ''of gaining an unfair advantage in the game.'' It claims the Patriots engaged in a raft of unsavory practices, including fraud, breach of contract and racketeering in violation of Louisiana's consumer protection act.
The suit seeks damages for Rams players, coaches and staff, as well as the 72,922 fans who attended the game.
It doesn't specify whether Patriots fans who bought tickets would be eligible to share in a victorious judgment.
Here's a new cheer for athletes to learn:
Two, four, six, eight, losers get to litigate!
Seriously. A former St. Louis Rams player filed a $100 million class action suit in U.S. District Court in New Orleans as a result of allegations that the New England Patriots videotaped the Rams' walkthrough before Super XXXVI in 2002.
Former Rams defensive back Willie Gary, who played seven games for St. Louis that season, now plays for the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. The suit filed on his behalf named the Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft as defendants.
The Patriots upset the Rams 20-17 at the Louisiana Superdome. The filing came after allegations surfaced that New England, which was sanctioned by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this season for spying on the New York Jets, videotaped the Rams' walkthrough before the Super Bowl.
According to the Associated Press, the suit said the Patriots illegally taped the Rams' workout for the purpose ''of gaining an unfair advantage in the game.'' It claims the Patriots engaged in a raft of unsavory practices, including fraud, breach of contract and racketeering in violation of Louisiana's consumer protection act.
The suit seeks damages for Rams players, coaches and staff, as well as the 72,922 fans who attended the game.
It doesn't specify whether Patriots fans who bought tickets would be eligible to share in a victorious judgment.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Falcons purging roster
We knew Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith would likely do some radical things to reinvent a franchise that went 4-12 last season, but it was a little surprising to see tight end Alge Crumpler and defensive tackle Rod Coleman among the seven veterans released Friday.
Crumpler, while plagued with injuries of late, represented one of the Falcons' few dependable elements on offense with 42 catches last season and an average of 45 receptions over his seven-year career in Atlanta. Coleman, while certainly not the dominant presence he represented during Atlanta's run to the NFC Championship game four seasons ago, was at least productive.
"As a football coach it is never easy to cut any player, especially veteran players who have been valuable members of the organization," Smith said in a written statement.
Coming off a 4-12 season makes it that much easier. Other players released were quarterback Byron Leftwich, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins.
Leftwich represents the most notable name among the other cast-offs. While Leftwich possesses a indisputably strong arm, his lack of mobility, injury difficulties and inability to separate himself from a mediocre cast of quarterbacks that includes Joey Harrington and Chris Redman made him expendable.
That's where most of this Atlanta roster falls right now, into the category of expendable. Beyond linebacker Michael Boley, running back Jerious Norwood, wide receiver Roddy White and defensive end John Abraham and, maybe cornerback DeAngelo Hall, there's not much to like. Linebacker Keith Brooking and running back Warrick Dunn, while wonderful human beings, have lost a step with time. They may be worth keeping around strictly because of their professionalism, but their influence couldn't ward off the disastrous downturn of the last three seasons.
In a situation such as this, there’s only one decision to make. Raze the whole thing, get a dump truck to cart off the rubble and try again.
Dimitroff seems intent on doing this because it's the way he learned during his apprenticeship as a New England Patriots' talent evaluator. Dimitroff has said he wants to build from the draft and he'll have that opportunity. Atlanta will get nine draft picks in seven rounds, including an early first-round pick.
Putting yourself in Dimitroff's position, which player would top your wish list?
The Falcons need so much, but their first choice will obviously be determined by what happens with the draft picks ahead of theirs. LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey could be the first overall pick, or he could slide. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden could be available when the Falcons choose. So could Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, the lone marquee prospect at his position, might be the safe bet.
The possibilities are infinite, but so are the Falcons' needs.
We knew Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith would likely do some radical things to reinvent a franchise that went 4-12 last season, but it was a little surprising to see tight end Alge Crumpler and defensive tackle Rod Coleman among the seven veterans released Friday.
Crumpler, while plagued with injuries of late, represented one of the Falcons' few dependable elements on offense with 42 catches last season and an average of 45 receptions over his seven-year career in Atlanta. Coleman, while certainly not the dominant presence he represented during Atlanta's run to the NFC Championship game four seasons ago, was at least productive.
"As a football coach it is never easy to cut any player, especially veteran players who have been valuable members of the organization," Smith said in a written statement.
Coming off a 4-12 season makes it that much easier. Other players released were quarterback Byron Leftwich, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins.
Leftwich represents the most notable name among the other cast-offs. While Leftwich possesses a indisputably strong arm, his lack of mobility, injury difficulties and inability to separate himself from a mediocre cast of quarterbacks that includes Joey Harrington and Chris Redman made him expendable.
That's where most of this Atlanta roster falls right now, into the category of expendable. Beyond linebacker Michael Boley, running back Jerious Norwood, wide receiver Roddy White and defensive end John Abraham and, maybe cornerback DeAngelo Hall, there's not much to like. Linebacker Keith Brooking and running back Warrick Dunn, while wonderful human beings, have lost a step with time. They may be worth keeping around strictly because of their professionalism, but their influence couldn't ward off the disastrous downturn of the last three seasons.
In a situation such as this, there’s only one decision to make. Raze the whole thing, get a dump truck to cart off the rubble and try again.
Dimitroff seems intent on doing this because it's the way he learned during his apprenticeship as a New England Patriots' talent evaluator. Dimitroff has said he wants to build from the draft and he'll have that opportunity. Atlanta will get nine draft picks in seven rounds, including an early first-round pick.
Putting yourself in Dimitroff's position, which player would top your wish list?
The Falcons need so much, but their first choice will obviously be determined by what happens with the draft picks ahead of theirs. LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey could be the first overall pick, or he could slide. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden could be available when the Falcons choose. So could Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, the lone marquee prospect at his position, might be the safe bet.
The possibilities are infinite, but so are the Falcons' needs.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Dawgs, jungle cats and Catfish
I've spent so much of this day multi-tasking, typing column and story notes while simultaneously interviewing various sources on the cell phone, so I guess I should exercise the same efficiency in blogging.
The topics: University of Georgia athletics, Smiths Station High School football and Columbus minor league baseball.
It's a bizarre mix, to be sure, but the last two days have been less than conventional.
OK, here we go. The University of Georgia Board of Regents signed off on a plan Wednesday to put non-football facilities under the banner of the Vince Dooley Athletic Complex. The complex will include a large bronze statue of the coach being carried off the field on the shoulders of his players following the 1980 national championship game and a garden. If you read my column Wednesday morning, you know how I feel about this. It's great to honor Dooley for his accomplishments as a football coach and athletic director, but the placement of it seems all wrong. Based on the reader reaction I've received via phone and e-mail, a lot of other folks feel the same way.
In contrast to Georgia's attempts (however misguided they may be) to honor a legend, Smiths Station High School dishonored one by firing football coach Woodrow Lowe, a three-time All-America linebacker at Alabama, a former NFL standout and member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. A lot of parents were confused by the Lee County Board of Education's 4-3 vote for termination, particularly since 50 parents and players and a petition with 200 signatures of support were seemingly overlooked. The Panthers went 1-9 in Lowe's first season, but followed up with 6-5 and 5-5 finishes. Participation has gone up and Lowe instilled discipline in his players. This has the feel of a firing based on politics rather than performance.
Transitioning from Panthers to Catfish, I spoke with the baseball team's prospective new owner today. Art Solomon hopes to assume ownership of the franchise from David Heller in time for the season opener. People in Bowling Green expect him to move the Catfish there for the 2009 season. If the deal falls through, it won't be due to a lack of financing or concerns about Solomon's stewardship of a franchise. He owns the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and is well regarded in the minor league baseball community.
Solomon seems like a genuinely nice guy as well and an involved, community-minded kind of owner. I asked him if there was any scenario he could see that would allow the Catfish to remain in Columbus and he was coy on his response. Check out what he said at www.ledger-enquirer.com.
It would have been interesting to see what results a guy like Solomon would have achieved in owning the Catfish from Day One. While Heller is perfectly justified in wanting to sell the team in the face of lagging attendance, it's reasonable to question whether he did all he could to sell the product. He was trying to move the team from the time it arrived here and didn't even bother showing up for the South Atlantic League championship clincher at Golden Park.
It's true that attendance has been stale and that the city might have been slow to improve Golden Park, but Heller built some pretty tall walls between himself and this baseball market.
I've spent so much of this day multi-tasking, typing column and story notes while simultaneously interviewing various sources on the cell phone, so I guess I should exercise the same efficiency in blogging.
The topics: University of Georgia athletics, Smiths Station High School football and Columbus minor league baseball.
It's a bizarre mix, to be sure, but the last two days have been less than conventional.
OK, here we go. The University of Georgia Board of Regents signed off on a plan Wednesday to put non-football facilities under the banner of the Vince Dooley Athletic Complex. The complex will include a large bronze statue of the coach being carried off the field on the shoulders of his players following the 1980 national championship game and a garden. If you read my column Wednesday morning, you know how I feel about this. It's great to honor Dooley for his accomplishments as a football coach and athletic director, but the placement of it seems all wrong. Based on the reader reaction I've received via phone and e-mail, a lot of other folks feel the same way.
In contrast to Georgia's attempts (however misguided they may be) to honor a legend, Smiths Station High School dishonored one by firing football coach Woodrow Lowe, a three-time All-America linebacker at Alabama, a former NFL standout and member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. A lot of parents were confused by the Lee County Board of Education's 4-3 vote for termination, particularly since 50 parents and players and a petition with 200 signatures of support were seemingly overlooked. The Panthers went 1-9 in Lowe's first season, but followed up with 6-5 and 5-5 finishes. Participation has gone up and Lowe instilled discipline in his players. This has the feel of a firing based on politics rather than performance.
Transitioning from Panthers to Catfish, I spoke with the baseball team's prospective new owner today. Art Solomon hopes to assume ownership of the franchise from David Heller in time for the season opener. People in Bowling Green expect him to move the Catfish there for the 2009 season. If the deal falls through, it won't be due to a lack of financing or concerns about Solomon's stewardship of a franchise. He owns the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and is well regarded in the minor league baseball community.
Solomon seems like a genuinely nice guy as well and an involved, community-minded kind of owner. I asked him if there was any scenario he could see that would allow the Catfish to remain in Columbus and he was coy on his response. Check out what he said at www.ledger-enquirer.com.
It would have been interesting to see what results a guy like Solomon would have achieved in owning the Catfish from Day One. While Heller is perfectly justified in wanting to sell the team in the face of lagging attendance, it's reasonable to question whether he did all he could to sell the product. He was trying to move the team from the time it arrived here and didn't even bother showing up for the South Atlantic League championship clincher at Golden Park.
It's true that attendance has been stale and that the city might have been slow to improve Golden Park, but Heller built some pretty tall walls between himself and this baseball market.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Furthering the discussion
The folks at BallparkDigest.com, an excellent Web site for seamheads, adds some perspective on the possibility of the Columbus Catfish being sold and relocated to Bowling Green, Ky.
They linked to my story, so there's some shameless self-promotion at work here. But it's an excellent Web site and it adds some interesting points on to the story I wrote for this morning:
http://ballparkdigest.com/
The folks at BallparkDigest.com, an excellent Web site for seamheads, adds some perspective on the possibility of the Columbus Catfish being sold and relocated to Bowling Green, Ky.
They linked to my story, so there's some shameless self-promotion at work here. But it's an excellent Web site and it adds some interesting points on to the story I wrote for this morning:
http://ballparkdigest.com/
The Gambler
Mention Kenny Rogers to most baseball people and they won’t think of the country crooner with a voice and silver beard like spun silk. They'll think of the other Kenny Rogers, the left-handed pitcher with 200 wins and a perfect game to his credit.
In most respects, Wade Townsend, who pitched for the Columbus Catfish last season, resembles the other Rogers. He stands 6-foot-4, weighs 230 pounds and throws some serious heat.
But Townsend channeled the original Kenny last month and demonstrated that he knows when to hold them and knows when to fold them.
The blog of my friend and esteemed colleague Stacy Long, the Montgomery Biscuits beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser, pointed me to this wonderful nugget:
http://www.thepokerforum.com/wsopctu120708.htm
It seems Townsend won a whopping $77,000 and a gold championship ring at a World Series of Poker circuit event last month at the Grand Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. He emerged victorious from a No-Limit Hold'Em tournament that featured 380 players and a prize pool of $256,120.
Not a bad day of work. Wonder which he'll wear more often: The ring from Tunica or the championship ring from last year's South Atlantic League championship.
Mention Kenny Rogers to most baseball people and they won’t think of the country crooner with a voice and silver beard like spun silk. They'll think of the other Kenny Rogers, the left-handed pitcher with 200 wins and a perfect game to his credit.
In most respects, Wade Townsend, who pitched for the Columbus Catfish last season, resembles the other Rogers. He stands 6-foot-4, weighs 230 pounds and throws some serious heat.
But Townsend channeled the original Kenny last month and demonstrated that he knows when to hold them and knows when to fold them.
The blog of my friend and esteemed colleague Stacy Long, the Montgomery Biscuits beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser, pointed me to this wonderful nugget:
http://www.thepokerforum.com/wsopctu120708.htm
It seems Townsend won a whopping $77,000 and a gold championship ring at a World Series of Poker circuit event last month at the Grand Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. He emerged victorious from a No-Limit Hold'Em tournament that featured 380 players and a prize pool of $256,120.
Not a bad day of work. Wonder which he'll wear more often: The ring from Tunica or the championship ring from last year's South Atlantic League championship.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Scary scene
A good friend of mine just covered the most gruesome and frightening scene of his journalistic career.
Buffalo News sports writer John Vogl, whom many of you remember from his days of covering the Columbus Cottonmouths for the Ledger-Enquirer, covered Sunday’s NHL game between the Sabres and Florida Panthers.
Florida’s Richard Zednik was struck in the throat by the skate blade of falling teammate Stephen Weiss. The collision severed Zednik’s jugular vein and left a 100-foot trail of blood on the ice of Buffalo’s HSBC Arena.
Thankfully, Zednik is in stable condition in the intensive care unit at Buffalo General Hospital after undergoing surgery.
Check out John Vogl’s story about the incident by following this link:
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabresnhl/story/273620.html
John provided an eyewitness account of the horrific scene during an interview with ESPN this morning.
The video shown by ESPN was chilling to say the least. Two conclusions are inescapable after seeing it and reading the story.
Zednik is very lucky to be alive and it’s a wonder this doesn’t happen more often in professional hockey.
A good friend of mine just covered the most gruesome and frightening scene of his journalistic career.
Buffalo News sports writer John Vogl, whom many of you remember from his days of covering the Columbus Cottonmouths for the Ledger-Enquirer, covered Sunday’s NHL game between the Sabres and Florida Panthers.
Florida’s Richard Zednik was struck in the throat by the skate blade of falling teammate Stephen Weiss. The collision severed Zednik’s jugular vein and left a 100-foot trail of blood on the ice of Buffalo’s HSBC Arena.
Thankfully, Zednik is in stable condition in the intensive care unit at Buffalo General Hospital after undergoing surgery.
Check out John Vogl’s story about the incident by following this link:
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabresnhl/story/273620.html
John provided an eyewitness account of the horrific scene during an interview with ESPN this morning.
The video shown by ESPN was chilling to say the least. Two conclusions are inescapable after seeing it and reading the story.
Zednik is very lucky to be alive and it’s a wonder this doesn’t happen more often in professional hockey.
Going, going ... almost gone
Assuming the paperwork gets filed on time and passes the inspection of the South Atlantic League and Minor League Baseball, the Columbus Catfish will be playing in Bowling Green, Ky., in 2009 under a different name.
That raises the likelihood that Golden Park could be empty for quite some time.
According to South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa, the SALLY League can't expand unless Major League Baseball does the same. Two things would have to happen in order for Golden Park to have a tenant other than pigeons in 2009.
(1) Another ownership group would have to step forward and poach a team from another South Atlantic League market and move it here. That seems unlikely in the immediate future since the Catfish aren't officially gone yet and a sale and change of location for a franchise would require months of preparation and reams of paperwork.
(2) Independent league baseball anyone?
In the past, I've used this blog and my column to examine some of the issues surrounding the Catfish. Assuming the deal closes and they move on, it's difficult to imagine Columbus not having a minor league baseball team.
What do you think would have to happen in order for Columbus to maintain baseball in some form or another? Is local ownership enough? Does the location of Golden Park work against attendance?
Feel free to voice your ideas in the comments section or e-mail me at johnsont@ledger-enquirer.com.
Assuming the paperwork gets filed on time and passes the inspection of the South Atlantic League and Minor League Baseball, the Columbus Catfish will be playing in Bowling Green, Ky., in 2009 under a different name.
That raises the likelihood that Golden Park could be empty for quite some time.
According to South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa, the SALLY League can't expand unless Major League Baseball does the same. Two things would have to happen in order for Golden Park to have a tenant other than pigeons in 2009.
(1) Another ownership group would have to step forward and poach a team from another South Atlantic League market and move it here. That seems unlikely in the immediate future since the Catfish aren't officially gone yet and a sale and change of location for a franchise would require months of preparation and reams of paperwork.
(2) Independent league baseball anyone?
In the past, I've used this blog and my column to examine some of the issues surrounding the Catfish. Assuming the deal closes and they move on, it's difficult to imagine Columbus not having a minor league baseball team.
What do you think would have to happen in order for Columbus to maintain baseball in some form or another? Is local ownership enough? Does the location of Golden Park work against attendance?
Feel free to voice your ideas in the comments section or e-mail me at johnsont@ledger-enquirer.com.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Signing day leftovers
There are certain components you can always count on for National Signing Day.
1. The teenagers signing scholarship papers will be seated behind a long cafeteria-style table in either the lunchroom, library or gymnasium.
2. Parents, teachers, classmates and newspaper photographers will take enough photographs to rival the paparazzi's latest Britney Spears sighting. The kids will sign their national letters of intent and it will be treated as if they're affixing their names to the Declaration of Independence. But then Aunt Berta's camera will have jammed and they'll have to pose again with their pens suspended above their important documents.
3. If the TV camera crews are late (and they generally are), then they will stage a signing. Instead of signing letters of intent, the athletes will probably be signing their names to blank scrap paper.
4. The football players will be referred to by someone -- most likely the high school principal -- as ''student-athletes.'' When they get to college, most will become ''athlete-students.''
5. If a player has multiple offers from high-profile programs, he may milk the moment for maximum suspense. He might have, for example, several different team baseball caps hidden beneath the table and take turns putting them on and teasing the fans of those respective schools until finally finding the hat and program that best fits.
6. You can count on the idiot faction to emerge when a player who has been verbally committed to a school spurns that program for another on signing day. Carver High School wide receiver Jarmon Fortson was labeled a ''traitor'' among other things for backing out of a commitment to Auburn and signing with Florida State on Wednesday. Prospects across the country caught a ridiculous amount of heat for doing the same thing. Here's the thing: Fortson didn't turn his signing into a major media event or a joke. He changed his mind, which 18-year-olds tend to do from time to time. It doesn't make him a bad person. It makes him human.
7. You can count on the same idiot fans to not say anything when their favorite team ''turns'' a prospect who had been verbally committed to a rival program.
8. When interviewed about their decision, many of the ''student-athletes'' will say they signed with Big State U. because Coach So-and-So ''cared about me.'' Within a few months, they'll be cursing Coach So-and-So with every other breath for being so tough on them.
9. Fans will obsess over how their programs' recruiting classes fared in the rankings compiled by Scout.com, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and any other outlet whose name if followed by a period and a ''com.'' It's true that many of the top programs are where they are because of how many five-star players they signed, but how do you explain the sudden success of signing day non-factors like Missouri and Kansas?
10. At most every player signing, cake and sodas will be served. That's reason enough to attend.
There are certain components you can always count on for National Signing Day.
1. The teenagers signing scholarship papers will be seated behind a long cafeteria-style table in either the lunchroom, library or gymnasium.
2. Parents, teachers, classmates and newspaper photographers will take enough photographs to rival the paparazzi's latest Britney Spears sighting. The kids will sign their national letters of intent and it will be treated as if they're affixing their names to the Declaration of Independence. But then Aunt Berta's camera will have jammed and they'll have to pose again with their pens suspended above their important documents.
3. If the TV camera crews are late (and they generally are), then they will stage a signing. Instead of signing letters of intent, the athletes will probably be signing their names to blank scrap paper.
4. The football players will be referred to by someone -- most likely the high school principal -- as ''student-athletes.'' When they get to college, most will become ''athlete-students.''
5. If a player has multiple offers from high-profile programs, he may milk the moment for maximum suspense. He might have, for example, several different team baseball caps hidden beneath the table and take turns putting them on and teasing the fans of those respective schools until finally finding the hat and program that best fits.
6. You can count on the idiot faction to emerge when a player who has been verbally committed to a school spurns that program for another on signing day. Carver High School wide receiver Jarmon Fortson was labeled a ''traitor'' among other things for backing out of a commitment to Auburn and signing with Florida State on Wednesday. Prospects across the country caught a ridiculous amount of heat for doing the same thing. Here's the thing: Fortson didn't turn his signing into a major media event or a joke. He changed his mind, which 18-year-olds tend to do from time to time. It doesn't make him a bad person. It makes him human.
7. You can count on the same idiot fans to not say anything when their favorite team ''turns'' a prospect who had been verbally committed to a rival program.
8. When interviewed about their decision, many of the ''student-athletes'' will say they signed with Big State U. because Coach So-and-So ''cared about me.'' Within a few months, they'll be cursing Coach So-and-So with every other breath for being so tough on them.
9. Fans will obsess over how their programs' recruiting classes fared in the rankings compiled by Scout.com, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and any other outlet whose name if followed by a period and a ''com.'' It's true that many of the top programs are where they are because of how many five-star players they signed, but how do you explain the sudden success of signing day non-factors like Missouri and Kansas?
10. At most every player signing, cake and sodas will be served. That's reason enough to attend.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Glad I was wrong
As it turns out, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress knew what he was talking about and I didn’t.
Burress stated before Super Bowl XLII, to much derision, that his team would pull the upset and it did. He also said the Giants wouldn’t give up more than 17 points, again to much derision, but they didn’t.
I blew it in both categories, but I've never been so happy to be so wrong.
The Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots was one of the most stirring moments in sports history.
While the first three quarters last night were enough to make viewers search for the remote and turn to the ''Puppy Bowl'' on Animal Planet, the last quarter more than made up for the lagging pace that preceded it.
The last 12 minutes were what we hope for in a Super Bowl -- Eli Manning shaking off pass rushers, David Tyree making an acrobatic catch to sustain a 12-play drive, Tom Brady heaving the football some 70 yards in the air in a hold-your-breath moment at the end.
The Patriots, who could have won their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, may one day be regarded as the NFL's most powerful dynasty. Because of what the Giants accomplished with their pass rush and their poise at the end, however, the Patriots won't get a seat at the head table reserved for perfect seasons.
The only place setting belongs to the 1972 Miami Dolphins and will until further notice. Their 17-0 record and collection of Hall of Fame busts remain the standard-bearer for the league.
You have to feel good for Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, Bill Stanfill, Jake Scott, Mike Kolen, Paul Warfield, Garo and the rest. It was widely assumed they would be eclipsed, but this morning they should have been savoring a champagne buzz from the previous night.
The latest and nearest threat to their legacy tripped with the finish line in sight.
The Dolphins' 17-0 season may well be the most impressive record in professional sports. I used to consider the most hallowed marks to be those achieved individually, Hank Aaron’s home run record and Roger Maris' summer of 61, but juiced baseballs and juiced players have caused me to see the numbers differenly now.
Miami’s 17-0 season remains pure.
Yes, it's tougher to run the table in the NFL now. Keep in mind, however, that the Dolphins played 11 regular season games with their backup quarterback and won without the benefit of hidden cameras or Human Growth Hormone.
What sports records resonate the most with you?
As it turns out, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress knew what he was talking about and I didn’t.
Burress stated before Super Bowl XLII, to much derision, that his team would pull the upset and it did. He also said the Giants wouldn’t give up more than 17 points, again to much derision, but they didn’t.
I blew it in both categories, but I've never been so happy to be so wrong.
The Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots was one of the most stirring moments in sports history.
While the first three quarters last night were enough to make viewers search for the remote and turn to the ''Puppy Bowl'' on Animal Planet, the last quarter more than made up for the lagging pace that preceded it.
The last 12 minutes were what we hope for in a Super Bowl -- Eli Manning shaking off pass rushers, David Tyree making an acrobatic catch to sustain a 12-play drive, Tom Brady heaving the football some 70 yards in the air in a hold-your-breath moment at the end.
The Patriots, who could have won their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, may one day be regarded as the NFL's most powerful dynasty. Because of what the Giants accomplished with their pass rush and their poise at the end, however, the Patriots won't get a seat at the head table reserved for perfect seasons.
The only place setting belongs to the 1972 Miami Dolphins and will until further notice. Their 17-0 record and collection of Hall of Fame busts remain the standard-bearer for the league.
You have to feel good for Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, Bill Stanfill, Jake Scott, Mike Kolen, Paul Warfield, Garo and the rest. It was widely assumed they would be eclipsed, but this morning they should have been savoring a champagne buzz from the previous night.
The latest and nearest threat to their legacy tripped with the finish line in sight.
The Dolphins' 17-0 season may well be the most impressive record in professional sports. I used to consider the most hallowed marks to be those achieved individually, Hank Aaron’s home run record and Roger Maris' summer of 61, but juiced baseballs and juiced players have caused me to see the numbers differenly now.
Miami’s 17-0 season remains pure.
Yes, it's tougher to run the table in the NFL now. Keep in mind, however, that the Dolphins played 11 regular season games with their backup quarterback and won without the benefit of hidden cameras or Human Growth Hormone.
What sports records resonate the most with you?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Super Bowl clairvoyance
OK, two veterans of the Miami Dolphins’ unbeaten 1972 team shared their insights into what it would take to knock off the New England Patriots.
While I respect my elders, I can only say this:
Not happening.
In addition to having a ridiculous assembly of individual talent, the Patriots have probably hidden miniature cameras inside the New York Giants’ hotel and can tell you if Plaxico Burress takes his morning coffee with one or two spoonfuls of sugar.
Giving Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for any team is highly unfair. The NFL should install its own Patriot Act and forbid New England from making any other dynamite offseason acquisitions after this Super Bowl, or else the Pats will own that shiny silver trophy for a while.
Here's what I think will happen Sunday:
The Giants will get more pressure on Brady than most teams. They have the pass rushers to do it, but they probably can't account for Brady's check-down options all of the time. Wes Welker, the consummate hot route receiver against the blitz, and Kevin Faulk, the third-down threat out of the backfield, will ultimately be difference-makers.
Patriots 24, Giants 20.
OK, two veterans of the Miami Dolphins’ unbeaten 1972 team shared their insights into what it would take to knock off the New England Patriots.
While I respect my elders, I can only say this:
Not happening.
In addition to having a ridiculous assembly of individual talent, the Patriots have probably hidden miniature cameras inside the New York Giants’ hotel and can tell you if Plaxico Burress takes his morning coffee with one or two spoonfuls of sugar.
Giving Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for any team is highly unfair. The NFL should install its own Patriot Act and forbid New England from making any other dynamite offseason acquisitions after this Super Bowl, or else the Pats will own that shiny silver trophy for a while.
Here's what I think will happen Sunday:
The Giants will get more pressure on Brady than most teams. They have the pass rushers to do it, but they probably can't account for Brady's check-down options all of the time. Wes Welker, the consummate hot route receiver against the blitz, and Kevin Faulk, the third-down threat out of the backfield, will ultimately be difference-makers.
Patriots 24, Giants 20.
How do you stop them?
Since no NFL team has succeeded in stopping the 18-0 New England Patriots yet, I asked a couple knowledgable football people for game planning insight.
Mike Kolen and Bill Stanfill both started for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who are thus far the only team in National Football League history to go unbeaten. Kolen, a former Auburn linebacker, started 13 games for the 17-0 Super Bowl champions that season, while Stanfill, a defensive end from Georgia, contributed 10 quarterback sacks to the cause. I wanted to talk to '72 star Jake Scott, the bone-crushing safety from Georgia, but he’s living incognito and mostly incommunicado on a beach in Hawaii.
Still, Kolen and Stanfill provided some good insight. I'll have more from both of them in my Sunday column which, as always, can be found at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports. Anyway, here’s what the former Dolphins had to say:
KOLEN: ‘‘To me, if I was a coach, it’s plan and simple. If you’re going to beat the Patriots, you have to put some pressure on (quarterback Tom) Brady. You have to do whatever you have to do and take the risk. If you’re going to win, you have to go for it and do everything possible that you can.’’
STANFILL: ‘‘They’ve got a great team, no doubt about it. They key to their success is they don’t make mental errors. They’re extremely disciplined with a lot of individual talent, but they funnel that all into the team effort. You’ve got to get pressure on Brady, and I think (the) New York (Giants) did a good job of that in the last regular season game.’’
Since no NFL team has succeeded in stopping the 18-0 New England Patriots yet, I asked a couple knowledgable football people for game planning insight.
Mike Kolen and Bill Stanfill both started for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who are thus far the only team in National Football League history to go unbeaten. Kolen, a former Auburn linebacker, started 13 games for the 17-0 Super Bowl champions that season, while Stanfill, a defensive end from Georgia, contributed 10 quarterback sacks to the cause. I wanted to talk to '72 star Jake Scott, the bone-crushing safety from Georgia, but he’s living incognito and mostly incommunicado on a beach in Hawaii.
Still, Kolen and Stanfill provided some good insight. I'll have more from both of them in my Sunday column which, as always, can be found at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports. Anyway, here’s what the former Dolphins had to say:
KOLEN: ‘‘To me, if I was a coach, it’s plan and simple. If you’re going to beat the Patriots, you have to put some pressure on (quarterback Tom) Brady. You have to do whatever you have to do and take the risk. If you’re going to win, you have to go for it and do everything possible that you can.’’
STANFILL: ‘‘They’ve got a great team, no doubt about it. They key to their success is they don’t make mental errors. They’re extremely disciplined with a lot of individual talent, but they funnel that all into the team effort. You’ve got to get pressure on Brady, and I think (the) New York (Giants) did a good job of that in the last regular season game.’’
Friday, February 01, 2008
Our tax dollars at 'work'
You'd think Georgia lawmakers had enough issues on the table what with the drought, gun control, etc., etc.
They somehow found the team to address what's really important to Georgians: The BCS.
According to an Associated Press story filed this morning, the state House voted 151-9 to prod the NCAA into creating a playoff system for college football.
The resolution, which now heads to the Senate, calls the BCS "the greatest disappointment of the 2007 college football season."
Your blogger does not know if the nine house members who voted ''nay'' are Georgia Tech fans.
You'd think Georgia lawmakers had enough issues on the table what with the drought, gun control, etc., etc.
They somehow found the team to address what's really important to Georgians: The BCS.
According to an Associated Press story filed this morning, the state House voted 151-9 to prod the NCAA into creating a playoff system for college football.
The resolution, which now heads to the Senate, calls the BCS "the greatest disappointment of the 2007 college football season."
Your blogger does not know if the nine house members who voted ''nay'' are Georgia Tech fans.
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