I’m getting old.

How can I tell? Because the upcoming shake up in college football has me disturbed and almost irate. Disappointed and disillusioned. Rather like I predicted in an earlier article about the future of college football.

While it’s good to know that my prognostic abilities are sound, I was really hoping I would be wrong this once. 

But I’m not here to write about the realignment of division I football just yet. I find it distasteful to know that what is happening in the world of college football –big money chasing bigger money,  with  everyone scrambling not to be left behind–is so contrary to what a great man who recently passed from this  world stood for.  My father referred to him as the Last Mohican, and there is some truth to the sentiment.

I  know I’m old because I remember John Wooden, that last Mohican he was referring to, and know of his fundamental teachings on the basketball court as well as on the court of life. My participation in sport  was heavily laced with his belief that integrity, effort,  and how one played the game truly mattered.  On the court the team came first and he expected 100 percent at all times, but how one conducted  themselves off the court was the end goal of his teachings. None of his players were a success until they left his classroom and excelled at life after basketball.

It’s said that the words winning and losing were never uttered in his pregame, halftime or postgame speeches. Instead, one of the blocks from his Pyramid of Success would be the topic. He might discuss the team’s enthusiasm or alertness, or maybe their intentness would be the theme of the halftime lecture.  The focus was not the end result, but how his team was going to get to the finish line.

After the game team spirit, poise or competitive greatness may have been the topic that coach closed the night with.

In an era where the ends justify  the means in sport, with athletes staying  only one year at the collegiate basketball level, it’s ironic that this formula gained UCLA more NCAA college basketball  championships than any other school in history. It’s highly doubtful that their winning streaks and stats will ever be broken.

Loyalty.

Was there ever another public figure who epitomized  this increasingly rare trait as strongly as John Wooden?  Whether it be to his school, his family, his players or his beloved Nell, he represented  standards of dependability, truthfulness and was the definitive example of a devoted man.  Old fashioned qualities at times in this day, but he was a rare man who lived an admirable and worthy life.

He set a standard in basketball that created a great dynasty.  Whether you revered or reviled them, UCLA and John Wooden carved their names in the history books and earned our respect.   

So I’m taking a brief break from the chaos of college football in June to remember this legend who will be sorely missed.  I wonder what he would think about this current re-structuring?

Would a man who lived simply in the same condo for years because it met his needs admire the advent of sport and winning first at the university level?

What would he say about the exorbitant  salaries that will be necessary to retain winning coaching staffs in these new super conferences, where winning will be everything?

 Would he caution against placing so much expectation and importance on winning championships at the possible expense of education;  the first and most important reason he felt a student should be attending college?

Sadly, we’ll never know.

Progress is inevitable in society, and sport is not exempt.  Whether the “progress” we’re heading into will be for the best is yet to be determined, but it certainly seems diametrically opposed to what the old coach taught.

Please join me in remembering the Wizard of Westwood;  the last great Mohican. The moniker is not intended to offend anyone, but to refer to the passing of an icon; a man who was a culture unto himself. One that I hope is not lost to us, as the Mohicans were, but that will live on as an example of how best to comport ourselves, both as sportsmen and as human beings.

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Baseball is not my favorite sport.  I liken it to watching grass grow; not terribly exciting. Playing it was fun, but as a spectator I was more enthralled with the Coney Island hot dogs and Cherry Cokes  from the concession stand.

Having said that, though, there have been some thrilling events so far in the 2010 season. Three–yes, three–perfect games in one month. Whether the most recent no-hitter gets into the record books is irrelevant; we all know it happened.

 The first one, thrown by Oakland A’s pitcher Dallas Braden was followed by his grandmother, who was in the stands, gleefully telling Alex Rodriguez to “stick it”.  Her grandson had taken exception to A-Rod returning to first base via the pitcher’s mound in an earlier game–one of those unspoken no-no’s in baseball. After Dallas let him know his feelings on the subject, A-Rod responded with some less than courteous comments.

Dallas’s grandma was just letting him know he needed to show her boy some respect. Hearing about her defiant message to the Yankee slugger, I smiled as I remembered my own grandmother. We called her Mamaw, and she was a rabid Oakland A’s fan.

I spent many  happy summer days with her, the radio tuned into every A’s game. She would sit quietly in her chair, cigarette dangling from her lips,  concentration divided fiercely between her sewing and the words of the radio commentator.  About the only comments to be heard from her during a game were a few profanities –always muttered  in her genteel lady-like manner–or words of encouragement to her favorite players. If the game ended in an A’s victory she would smile but was never over exuberant; it was only to be expected that Oakland would win.

If they lost,  she would sadly shake her head, comment on the terrible pitching, and turn the radio off.  They could redeem themselves in the next game, and we’d be listening.

Memories of our loved ones who are gone can assail us at different times. For me, summer and baseball will always remind me of this gentle lady who adored the wrong Bay Area team; the rest of the family rooted for the Giants. And just like Dallas Braden’s grandmother, she was unapologetic in her support of her chosen team. I can easily imagine Mawaw smiling and delivering a similar “stick it” to any baseball player or person, no matter how big, who disparaged her Oakland Athletics.

The second perfect game was thrown by Florida Marlins pitcher Roy Halloday. This was a nice respite from the controversy surrounding the Marlins due to their superstar Hanley Ramirez’s suspension and his following less than respectful comments about his manager.  It was a welcome contrast between what’s best in the game versus what is terribly wrong with the game, all on one team within a two week period.

Roy Halloday is an anomaly among MLB starting pitchers today, routinely throwing complete games in an era when most starting pitchers are good for five to six innings.  Obviously he throws more pitches than the average starter, but he also throws less pitches per hitter–a sign of efficiency that must be a welcome change for any manager or bull pen.  Pitching a perfect game is a great addition to his already impressive stats, and was another positive shot in the arm for the often beleaguered reputation of MLB.

Two nights ago we witnessed the third perfect game of the season, although it won’t be recorded as such.  Detroit Tiger pitcher Armando Galarraga was robbed of his perfect game due to a blown call by umpire Jim  Joyce at first base. On- line and televised outrage ensued.  Due to the beauty of 21st century technology and irrational sports fanaticism, Mr. Joyce’s father even received a call threatening his son.

I don’t want to argue the merits of instant replay in baseball, nor do I want to debate the issue of whether Bud Selig should have reversed the bad call and credited Armando with his perfect game. You can listen to this ad nauseum on ESPN or any sports radio show, as it’s currently one of the hottest topics.

I  do want to applaud what was possibly the classiest episode in professional sports  seen in a long time.  Jim Joyce went to the Tiger’s locker room after viewing a replay of the call in question. Not simply a bad call; a historical call.

He apologized to Galarraga, admitted he’d made a bad call and genuinely felt terrible.  Armando had never gotten overly upset, hadn’t thrown  a tantrum and never bad mouthed the umpire– a nice change from the reactions of other highly paid and self-important athletes  we’ve watched recently.

The following day, Tiger’s manager Jim Leyland handed Galarraga the game’s starting lineup to give to plate umpire Jim Joyce. The two were friendly, patted each other’s backs, and went about their business. It was respectful and the perfect antidote, allowing the afternoon crowd and the teams to get past the previous night’s error and get on with the business of baseball.

Kudos to Jim Leyland for diffusing what could have been a very difficult situation for the embarrassed umpire in Detroit by having Galarraga deliver the lineup.  It was a fine exhibition of sportsmanship, not to mention smart management skills.

Kudos to Mr. Galarraga for understanding that mistakes are made by everyone, and having the grace and maturity to let it go. He has the video; he knows he pitched a perfect game.

And finally, kudos to Jim Joyce. As a sports fan, a parent and a human being it can be frustrating seeing blatant mistakes or wrong-doings occur that the guilty party refuses to take accountability for. To see someone take ownership for something that had such monumental implications is almost unprecedented, especially  when dealing with the egos involved in every aspect of professional sports today.

Class, from every party involved. It was inspiring to see, and certainly a refreshing change.  

Ah, the days of summer.  I may like the hot dogs more than I do the baseball, but I always appreciate the memories,  and any examples of those involved in sports at their best.

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Well. Two negative responses to one article demands some sort of response. Do I apologize?
No.
Nothing was said that has not been said in private conversations, on national radio programs, or on ESPN’s Sportscenter. The Ben Roethlisberger situation is an emotional issue; there is no way around that. His lawyer stepping in front of cameras and offering the pitiful defense that he did, calling on the good ole boys network–even linking Roger Goodell to this club–was bound to upset half of the listeners.

And for what? They both insist that nothing was done wrong. Their actions and words would seem to indicate otherwise. Why else explain the “habits” of twenty-eight year old men? Why explain anything if nothing was done wrong?

However fair or unfair, most of the nation has made up its mind about Ben; if they even care. Sentiment is split, and we can’t escape the fact that we’re torn down gender lines. In general, men accept what’s happened and move on; they understand that he’s wealthy and famous, and important in his field. It will all blow over. It’s big business.

Many women, by comparison, have been in such situations. We understand that the ultimate defense that “no means no” should represent doesn’t always stop a predator. And the women are often the ones held responsible–because nothing can be proven.

When we learn that a six foot five, over two hundred fifty pound man separates a young inebriated girl from her friends–one who is documented as repeatedly saying “no”– putting his “posse” of equally large men between them, it’s disturbing. Those of us with young daughters cringe when reading the police report. It’s truly sad reading.

Does any of what is even known to have happened sound “right”? Is this a privilege awarded to young men because they play football well? If this had been a local boy, would he be sitting in jail now?

We can’t answer that; we can only speculate. We’ll hope nothing like this ever happens to our daughters. Or that our sons never show such “poor judgment”. And if they do, may they have the benefit of money and privilege that Ben does, although at the risk of sounding rude, I’d rather someone beat some sense and respect into them.

I’d rather deal with Santonio Holmes attitude than this, but sadly, I understand the value that Ben has to the Steelers. The fact that I do disturbs me; aren’t we always teaching our children that nothing can replace what’s right, what’s ethical?

Mr. Roethlisberger, I have no doubt, will come out of this just fine. He will continue his police charity work, and possibly add new causes. He will tow the company line, and behave himself, and continue to insist that he did nothing “illegal”.

He may even gain a couple more rings to grace his fingers in time.

Two women are out there somewhere, their lives possibly irrevocably altered. So I’m sorry, but there are times that I will refer to a huge sports celebrity in the same terms that I would any other…thug. Actions, after all, speak so loudly.

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I don’t know if it’s because I’m a woman or because I’m the mother of three girls, but the Ben Roethlisberger situation really bugs me.

I’ve read the reports and tried to keep an open mind, knowing that celebrity athletes are targets of the greedy and media-hungry, but my eyebrows are still somewhere in the vicinity of my hairline.

After listening to his attorney Ed Garland Thursday morning on the Mike and Mike show, I’m more offended than I was before. Can the wink-wink-nod-nod of the “men will be men and we’ve all been twenty-eight years old” defense get any lamer?

Funny; I’ve always thought that men who are twenty eight years old are adults, and I expect them to act that way.

Of course, most of this is all the media’s fault for blowing things so far out of proportion and only telling one side of the story.

Okay, Mr. 2000 dollar an hour attorney; step aside and let your client tell his story. If it’s anything like his apology after it was decided that no charges would be filed—something he said he knew the Georgia authorities would get right—it’s no wonder we haven’t heard much from Big Ben. Elocution spiced with sincerity is not one of his skills.

Questionable judgment is something we see from Brett Favre when he throws across his body and across the field, directly into the arms of the waiting safety.

 It’s not a third bad decision that potentially lands you in jail, with civil suits waiting in the wings.  Partaking of alcohol with a minor—whether the minor is willing or not—is against the law. We’ll just have to ignore the rest of the allegations for now.  Although, really—a picture taking session with the Chief of Police who ran the investigation?  The one who has since resigned his position?

One noted ESPN talk show host blamed the “thug mentality” in the National Football League on the exorbitant guaranteed monies and lack of a rookie salary cap. Possibly a good point, but I’m not willing to let the individual shrug it off that easily. In fact, I’m more inclined to have higher expectations of men who are given such an exalted status in society. These young men earn more money in one year than most will see in their lifetimes—simply because they have the physical skills to play a game better than others.

Big Ben has received a 6 game suspension without pay, with the possibility of it being reduced to four for his cumulative involvement in “undesirable behavior detrimental to the image of the league”.

Now rumors abound that the Steelers are trying to shop him out.  What teams will want to lose a high draft pick for him; a quick fix move that would improve their immediate stock—at least on the field? And further, what would that say about a team that takes a player, despite his being an “A” lister, when one of the premiere organizations in the NFL finds his actions and behavior less than acceptable?

Will they want to take a chance on a man (excuse me; according to his lawyer he’s not gotten out of the pubescent ‘mine is bigger than yours’ stage yet) who is showing a disturbing pattern in decision making because it enhances their chances of making the playoffs? Does it matter that the player’s code of conduct has meant very little to him for the third time now?

Rationalization #1:  Charges were never filed; Ben did nothing criminally wrong.

Rationalization #2:  Everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance…and a third…and a…

Rationalization #3:  He’s the third or fourth best quarterback in the league! This, of course, is the biggie.

Rationalization #4:  His team should have been aware of his issues, and supported him more. There are programs within the league for players with his problem, and we’ll make sure he has the help he needs.

We’ve all heard the above thoughts from various fans, sports anchors, ex-coaches and apologists.

I doubt that the Steelers were blindsided by his actions; he’s established a pattern of behavior. Who’s to say that they haven’t been working behind the scenes to rein him in? They certainly have well paid lawyers quickly available—as all big businesses do.  I’ll bet not many of you ever considered that the price of that Sunday afternoon ticket you purchased helped pay for high-priced legal representation made available to each team’s players.

No one, regardless of their position on the field, should be more important than another player when it comes to the morality, or personal conduct clause.  They should be faceless and nameless.

Yes, everyone makes mistakes. We sometimes make them twice. Repeatedly making them due to a sense of entitlement is another matter entirely. And guess what? Stupidity doesn’t excuse you either.

Our legal system can only address what can be proven in a criminal court of law; it doesn’t touch the social or moral wrongs committed.  It’s a sad reality of life, but it doesn’t mean we should ignore or accept the wrong doing, or shrug it aside and forgive easily because the person in question is an important part of a franchise that is worth close to a billion dollars.

When Ben’s attorney said that his client really hadn’t done anything that other twenty eight year old men had done at one point or another—he just had larger ramifications to face because of his heightened visibility—I literally snorted.

That’s right, Ed. And back in the day the girl’s men folk would have taken your client behind the woodshed to mete out their own brand of justice. But these days men like him have you to protect them from those more traditional ramifications, so even that little bit of justice is denied the less visible.

I personally think that the effort to trade Ben is a ruse on the Steelers part. One meant to show their offended fans that they’re willing to trade him and start over, implying that his behavior is reprehensible and not what the Pittsburgh family is all about.

No one will bite and give up so much for him; he’s a media nightmare, and no team needs to start out without a quarterback for six games. They’d also have the potential wrath of their own fans to deal with. Forgive me, though, for thinking that he deserves the Oakland Raiders and Al Davis.

I have no doubt, though, that said fans jeers would quickly turn to cheers if Big Ben helped deliver a play off, not to mention a Super Bowl victory. Ultimately the message is very clear. Professional football is big business, and certain players are more important than others.

And the name of the game is winning.

Yes; I’m a woman and a mother of women. And I’m offended. It’s a good thing I’m not a Steelers fan.

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Butler

Success is having it. Excellence is being.

So quoted Brad Stevens, men’s head basketball coach at Butler University in his post-game interview after his Bulldogs knocked off Kansas State.

His team has proven this sentiment in their surprising run at the 2010 NCAA Tournament. They’re now headed to the Final Four. In their home city. For the first time in school history.

Where is Gene Hackman? Only Hollywood could have written a script so sweet, and I’m not sure they could have done this justice.

This is the team that’s bringing back our love of defense, of ball control, of setting the tempo, of not caring if they score 90 points. They bend their opponents to their will through discipline, heart, talent and coaching.  There’s probably not a single NBA prospect on their roster, from a school with an enrollment of under 5,000.

But they don’t know that.

I’m in love with basketball again because of Butler University. They play every single minute as hard as they can, and don’t for a second believe that the McDonald’s All-Americans across the court from them are any better.

But they’re not content to rest on their laurels. No… they’ve only had success so far. Excellence is still attainable. And I’ll be rooting for them, whole heartedly. They’re another reminder that David does still slay Goliath, and they do it the right way.

Because, according to their coach, this isn’t the most important thing to happen in their lives. He wants his players to know that. The Butler credo is to be happy with where you are, but know that there is still a lot more out there—in all walks of life.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Other Final Four Notes

West Virginia, Duke and Michigan State will join Butler in the Final Four. I have to admit that after the Butler victory, I was less inspired by any of the other games, although I recognize the talent involved.

What do all of the teams have in common?

Good coaching, teams with three and four year players and discipline. If I were going to put my money on anyone, it would probably be Duke. For the simple reason that they make their free throws, and if the trend continues, the officials will be very involved in the games. Take that as you will. I’m still waiting for consistency in that department.

I also recognize the irony that Duke is the only #1 seed that made it through to the finals when they were the ones chosen by every expert to be the first to exit the tournament.  I’m not sure if they were the most underrated team in the tournament, or if the Southwest region was very weak. We’ll have our answers this weekend.

You’ll recall that I said Oregon fans were a tad delusional? I never realized the U of O athletic department is as well. Tom Izzo—really?  I’ll eat something truly offensive and distasteful if this happens, regardless of the Nike money offered.

He would be great for them; he knows how to control his players. He doesn’t suspend players for criminal actions. No, he suspends them because they don’t give him 100 percent effort, or because they’re hurting their team. I suspect that criminal offenses would have them off the team without discussion.

I admire this concept; the young men are there as representatives of a school that is supplying quite an opportunity for them.

Coach K. It goes without saying that he’s a class guy that runs a class program. Love ‘me or hate ‘me, you can’t argue with the fact that they do things the right way with Duke Basketball. Sure, he gets easy access to McDonald’s All-Americans, but he then turns them into incredible team players, with one of the highest graduation rates in Division I basketball. And he still has those pesky SAT scores to be concerned about.

And let me say it again—they make their free throws; a fact that must bring nightmares to John Calipari. In all fairness, though, this tournament has marked a new low in successful free throw percentages.  When you recruit players who only plan to be around for one year, I guess all of the skills sets can’t be addressed.

To Tiger

One interview was enough. Really, Tiger, it was. Now you’ve opened the door wide to all sorts of uncomfortable questions that I don’t believe anyone but the most rabid tabloid enthusiasts are interested in.

I’m curious to see how this all shakes out, and if you think the hefty sum you’re no doubt paying the fancy PR firm for their advice and expertise will be worth it.

I’d have advised you to give the one staged interview you did initially, and then urged you to get back to golf. As hard as it is, ignore the press and curious onlookers. These are the natural consequences you created for yourself with your actions.

By giving two mini-interviews, and now one open to questions before the Masters seems contrived and insincere. This is at odds with what you repeatedly stated when this whole debacle first became public. I wish you’d stick with your “this is between Elin and me” stance—we’d all be better off.

Sadly, I suspect we won’t hear a thing about baseball next Monday because Tiger is taking the stage—literally—at the Masters, and the Final Four championship game are both occurring on opening day.

If Tiger is the headliner on the sports pages and blogs next Tuesday, I’ll lose complete faith in the sportswriters of this country. And the people reading them.

Addendum

I just heard that Oregon offered their head coaching job to Tubby Smith of Minnesota. Thankfully I don’t have to eat anything disgusting now.

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Have you all missed me?

Forgive my longer than normal absence, but real life does rear its head at times. Very annoying when I have so much I want to say regarding the world of sports.  I thought I’d mark my return with an article recounting events of my recent trip to the greater Portland Oregon area.  

Let me share my observations with you about Oregon Duck fans. After listening to endless hours of the local sports talk radio program, I’m convinced they’re delusional. 

Reason #1

They’ve lost their quarterback—I’m not going to comment on the fact that he’s a thief, and not a very bright one—their star running back might still have to serve time by the time the investigation’s done, and five others were kicked off the team.  The team is in turmoil.

Despite this, the faithful believe they should enter the preseason polls ranked #1 in the Pac 10, and #3 in the national polls. Ahead of Boise State.

I’m all for team loyalty, but like to think I’m in touch with reality. How can they possibly believe they should be ranked higher than the Broncos when BSU beat them, won their bowl game, and all but one of their starters is returning?

Delusional.  I don’t think it’s sunk in that they lost the Rose Bowl, that a new quarterback will be debuting, and that their foes up the interstate have a pretty good team that will return almost all starters. On top of that, they get to play at home this upcoming season. Not even going to mention USC and their potential, or that this may be the year that Jake Locker and Washington finally gel.

Perhaps they’re waiting for Mike Belotti to find a loophole and grant fifth chances to some of these players?

Nope. Sorry.  He resigned as Athletic Director; to much hoopla, I might add.

Imagine my surprise while listening to the NCAA tournament when this breaking story interrupted the game, and continued to do so for over an hour. Given the serious intro and music, I’d thought the Pope had passed, or that something serious had happened. I was quite upset.

He’s beloved in Oregon, and possibly rightfully so. He loves college football so much that he will become a sports commentator for ESPN.

I’m sure he’s done good things for the university, and the football program is what he made it.  But did none of the mourning fans consider that the troubled players and the problems they brought with them were his recruits?

That some of them had known issues, even having been kicked off their high school teams?  That their activities that have been so visible lately have been happening throughout his tenure? Perhaps there was internal pressure to resign due to these factors?

I’m all for giving second chances. We’ve all benefitted from them at one time or another.

I’m not in favor of third and fourth chances and awarding full rides to athletes of questionable character when there are other athletes, or other students more deserving of the opportunity.

Change will be good; it’s probably necessary for the U of O athletic department.

Reason #2

Duck fans are color blind.

Either that, or they embrace the idea that their logos should be as varied and colorful (insert ugly) as their team’s uniforms.

I saw red, blue, black, white and orange O’s in car windows. Don’t they realize their colors are green and yellow? Never fear; I saw a few with those colors as well. But you can’t blame the tourists if they’re confused about the color of ducks.

Reason #3

There is no geographical loyalty.

Don’t the citizens of the Rose City realize that Oregon State is closer to Portland than the University of Oregon? I’d expected to see a few more Beaver fans, but Duck fans far out-numbered them.

And what about rooting for the home boys? When I checked both teams’ rosters last season, the Beavers were the team with actual Oregonians on it; the Ducks had nary an Oregon athlete listed.

I know, I know… athletes come from all over, but come on! Not a single Oregon boy?

Reason #4

Broncos and Bronco fans are not popular here.

Shocking.

Wherever I go, I proudly wear my BSU gear. I received more sneers this visit than I have in the past. I was so tempted to say something, but you’ll be glad to know I restrained myself. Victors should always be classy and gloat privately.

I did have to laugh on my return visit, though. When going through airport security, the X-ray technician saw my blue Broncos T-shirt. He asked me if I thought that Brady Quinn would really be the answer.

I stared blankly at him for a minute, not comprehending. Then he looked more closely at the logo on the shirt and realized his mistake.

“Oh, those Broncos. They’re not very popular here.”

As I said; shocking.

Moving further along the line, I realized what he’d been asking, so I turned around and told him that no, I didn’t think Brady Quinn would be the answer.

“You a Denver fan, then?”

“Nope…a 49er fan.”

“Oh.” He looked disappointed in me. “Well, you’re oh for two here, then.”

Again, I showed restraint. I could so easily have said that in fact they were oh for two against my Broncos.

This incident exhibited both color-blindness as well as geographical disloyalty. Boise State Bronco blue is clearly different from Denver Bronco blue.

And Seattle is much closer to Portland than Denver.

When I arrived back in Boise, one of the first questions out of my mouth to my father, who has been house and child sitting for me, was, “How is spring ball going?”

It’s almost football season again, and although I’ll be living in Oregon when it offically starts, I was in Boise first. The orange and blue will follow me there.

Don’t think I’m not paying attention to one of the best sporting events known to man. The NCAA tournament’s first weekend was spectacular. So many underdogs to root for–that won! Basketball is the true equalizing sport, especially in a one-and-done scenario. It’s parody, baby…parody.

I hope the upcoming weekend will be as good as the previous, but however it turns out, I’ll be back with more observations and insights. And don’t think I’m without opinions on the 96 team format proposed for next years’ tournament.

I also want to talk about the NFL, Tiger, and I may even throw in some baseball, just for grins.

So stay tuned; I shall return.

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That Old North Wind

Did you feel the brisk nor’easter swirling down from Canada on Sunday afternoon? That was the collective sigh of relief of thirty-three million Canadians as their Olympic hockey team won the gold medal in an exciting overtime victory against Team USA.

Given the level of importance attached to this game (is the self-esteem of an entire nation enough?), I was almost afraid to root for my own countrymen. I like the Canadians, but it’s hard to stomach the potential mass suicide that might have occurred if the Canucks lost the match. We could not take the chance that the year-long mourning period that would surely follow would affect our already flailing economy.

As for the US, the defeat only cost us a case of Molson Canadian Lager, to be paid for by President Obama.  I was most proud of our young men; they did phenomenally well, considering that they weren’t even expected to medal in the Games. The Canadians, with professional salaries that ranged from 130 to 150 million dollars depending on who was on the ice, were Olympic ice hockey’s equivalent of the New York Yankees. The upstart Americans were the Florida Marlins…this time around.

When seen in that light, I understand why the Canadians had their jumping spots chosen along the Lions Gate Bridge.  Should we tell them that the eighteen-and-under American juniors not only won the international hockey title in Canada this past year, but that our fourteen-and-under squad did as well? They better hope that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman allows the professionals to compete in the next Olympics to be held in Russia. I’m just saying….

More Olympics Notes

Nordic Combined medals for the United States? Really? This was pretty darned cool! I loved this sport—possibly because I was tired of events that were determined by subjective judging. I like athletes competing, their physical abilities the only thing being timed or measured. They were in control of their performance. The only thing better than the gold and silver medal wins would have been a sweep including the bronze. But I suppose we shouldn’t be greedy. Team USA was already on their way to collecting more medals than any other in the history of the winter Olympics.

Curling: a sport or not? I tried to understand; I really did. It was mildly entertaining, and I began to recognize and appreciate the strategy of the game.  But an Olympic sport? I’m sorry, but darts in the pub was what came to mind, which had me looking for pints of Labatt sitting around the tables framing the ice. Is it the players’ upper body strength gained through vigorous sweeping that makes this an athletic event? I couldn’t tell. I was, however, impressed with the high-tech quality of the brooms. Wish I had one for my kitchen.

Bobsledding medals? What is the world coming to when the United States medals in this sport? Where were the East Germans and Soviets?  I know, I know. East Germany is no more, and neither is the USSR. But I remember their overwhelming dominance of most winter sports back in the day.  I used to resign myself to watching the flag of one of these countries rising behind the podium.  I can still hear their incredibly long, intimidating (to my young mind at least) anthems playing in my head.

I kind of miss those days; they were the big bullies on the block, making it easy to root for anyone who opposed them.  The complaint used to be that it was unfair; they were obviously fielding professionals against the amateur athletes of every other nation. This isn’t the case any longer.

Final, Dark Olympic Note

The Vancouver Olympics opened with a tragedy; the death of a Georgian luger on a practice run. It created a definite pall over the opening ceremonies, leaving athletes and spectators alike to question a course that was known to be incredibly fast and dangerous.

I refuse to minimize the loss of any life. I’m sure that Nodar Kumaritashivili’s family didn’t expect to be informed that he’d been killed rather than having competed well for his country.  This is why I found the IOC’s comment about him being at fault so distasteful.  If ever there was a case where silence was the better part of valor, this was it.

This comment created more questions when they shut down the course and moved the competition to another run, which seemed highly suspicious if they truly felt that the fatal accident was the athlete’s fault.  And no, I’m not suggesting that the Canadian or International IOC was covering things up.

I am suggesting that they made a horrible situation worse.  It’s always sad when a life is lost and the only concern of the officials is to shift any possible blame away from themselves.

OT Debate

The NFL is finally succumbing to the pressure of the extreme left in football. The side that insists that everything must be fair and even-handed and that everyone should get an equal opportunity to score. What—the previous 60 minutes wasn’t enough time?

 I am puzzled by the proposal for a new overtime rule. If a team scores a touchdown on the first possession of the overtime period, the game is over. If they score a field goal, then the other team gets the ball and an opportunity to score.

How is this fair and equitable? What happens if the defense steps up and scores a safety?  Is there a handicap awarded if a starting quarterback is injured, because honestly, it’s not fair that a team has to rely on its back up QB.

AND—did I hear this right—the new rule would only apply to the playoffs?

I’m of a different opinion than the majority of football fans, which I suppose puts me in the Independent or Green Party of football. I don’t think there should be overtime periods. What’s wrong with ties? I’d like to see teams have to go for broke, be gutsy and run trick plays at the end of games. Two point conversion attempts are exciting to me; I’m just funny that way.

As for the playoffs and Super Bowl, where there must be a winner? I propose a five-minute period in which the offense must play defense and the defense must play offense. Don’t you think that would prove who truly has the team with the most depth and talent? I’d like to see Troy Palamalu at quarterback, and the speedy corners would run great reverses. How difficult would it be for the defensive line to turn around and play the other way?

 I suspect that the best defenses would win the day, even on the offensive side of the ball,  but we’d still be left with the same debate if the first team that got the ball scores.

Obviously something other than the luck of a coin toss needs to be used to determine who gets the ball first. Something that calls for skill, and would therefore demonstrate a team’s superior aptitude.  So let’s go for a multiple choice, three-question apiece examination based on the Wunderlich test. Each team can have a combination of halfbacks and offensive tackles answering the questions. This affords each team an equitable start, as this offers an average of the historic lowest and highest scoring athletes on this haloed test.

Seriously, Mr. Commissioner, you have so much else on your plate in the next two years to tackle, not least of which is making sure that the owners and players continue playing. I’m afraid a walk-out or lockdown would sour my (and many other Americans’) taste for professional football, especially in these trying times. So many families are struggling with multiple jobs, lay-offs and the highest number of mortgage defaults in history.  An agent-led athlete not making 8 million dollars a year, or an owner not able to purchase the largest Trinitron screen on earth, won’t garner sympathy.

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Let’s jump forward in time a bit, shall we?

I can tell what you are thinking.  What is BB ranting about now?

Cue theme song to Star Wars:  The Empire Strikes Back and journey with me into the future world of college football. The landscape, according to outspoken Athletic Directors, journalists and bloggers, will look vastly different. This is the result of our overwhelming, unending dependence on the almighty dollar. The big boys still won’t share the wealth, which makes one wonder if we ever learn our lessons.  What if we’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again?

We’ll be asked to ignore the lack of tenured professors in state universities while we applaud the prowess and character of ten million dollar a year head football coaches.  Football, by this time, will far outweigh the importance of Bachelor and Masters’ Degrees. One “student” out of every 10,000 will go on to make a profitable living in the NFL…and they’re the only ones that will matter.

Reasonable odds, don’t you think, for the future of our youth?

We’ll witness the advent of the Super Conferences, which will relegate conferences now known as non-BCS, or non-AQ to the level of third world countries.

The most likely change proposed is the eventual addition of Utah and Colorado to the Pac 10, according to a Salt Lake City columnist. Who doesn’t like this idea? Brigham Young University and the Mountain West Conference. The far reaching consequences of losing Utah and possibly TCU in a reactive move would potentially kill the Mountain West’s addition as one of the mighty BCS conferences. 

Solution? Mountain West  presidents and Athletic Directors should quickly invite Boise State into their fold, thus assuring them the coveted BCS AQ classification and pre-empting any moves made by bigger conferences . BYU, Utah, TCU and Boise State would be a formidable football conference, as well as regionally relevant.

More awe-inspiring, confusing conjectures follow.

Texas and Texas A&M will become members of the Pac 10. Wow. As one member of my family said, Texas is denying this possibility, which means it’s probably true. Oklahoma might like this move, although removing two Texas teams from the Big 12 means they’ll need to replace them with two new ones. If memory serves correctly, TCU does fairly well against the Sooners, and Houston is a potential threat looming on the horizon.

The Big East and the Mountain West will combine to create one large conference with branches in the east and west.  This move would assure that the beleaguered Big East does not lose its AQ standing, while the inclusion of the Mountain West into a preexisting BCS conference means that we don’t need to create a new one. This will also help eliminate the threat of two non-AQ team’s inclusion in the big money of the BCS bowls.

Missouri or Rutgers will join the Big Ten, finally making them the Big 12? Yes, I know that ten plus one equals eleven. Penn State has just been hanging out for years, understanding that not only is eleven an odd number; it’s also a lonely one.

 A new conference name will obviously be called for. Perhaps the Slow Pokes, the Twelve Packs, or the Irrelevants? Hey, this isn’t my line; those words came from the mouth of a Big 10 president, who said that the conference needed a twelfth member so that they could have a conference championship game.  They are tired of being irrelevant for three weeks leading up to the Bowl season.

Surely they’re jesting. They honestly want to have a true conference champion and forego the three-way tie breaker we all watch, but don’t understand? In truth, the only conferences that deliver true champions are the ones without championship games. Teams in these leagues have to play everyone in their conferences—true head-to-head matchups with the victor still standing at the end of the season.

But the money generated from an extra game televised by a major network is too enticing to ignore. Who cares if we’ve already seen the match-up earlier in the season, and that neither team played every team in their conference?

Perhaps the most ambitious suggestion I heard was the idea of combining conferences to create super conferences. This plan is not fully formulated yet, though, as I suspect they most likely mean to combine the existing BCS conferences with the top two or three teams from all of the non-BCS conferences. Then they’ll split them all up regionally, do the hokey pokey and shake them all about.

This will lead to a wealth of haves and have nots in college football’s future. Sounds like they want to create elitist leagues divided into four regional super-powered conferences, each having their own television network and elaborate administration.  I thought the University of Texas already had this, as well as the largest Trinitron screen in the college game—and they want to share?

I can already hear ESPN’s war cry as other networks gain exclusive new contracts in upcoming years. This possibility can’t be good for them.

All of this is, naturally, because of money. And it brings to mind the debate that all college football fans will likely have to face. How big do we want—or need—the game to be? Big enough to eclipse secondary education? Yes, football revenues help a lot of programs at universities, but the salaries that coaching staffs receive have grown much faster than the revenues taken in.

This means that the conferences are looking for new ways to create revenue to support not only the football programs and athletic departments, but the university staff and its educational system.  This means more advertising, increased hype, heavier recruiting and bigger stadiums.  Sports—especially football—will play a larger role on campuses than ever before.

So what came first: education or football? It’s definitely food for thought. For now, I’d rather pretend to be an ostrich and bury my head in the sand—because I don’t have the answers.  Neither do the college presidents or the NCAA. If their solutions are not fair to all involved, we’ll have congress’ intervention to look forward to as well.

Is college football experiencing the pinnacle of its success? Has it reached its height?  Has it become the most popular sport in the US, second only to the NFL, just to decline as a result of greed, a false sense of entitlement, and the public’s ennui—and the disillusionment that follows?

I hope not, because I love college football. The Boise State Broncos, as many of you know, are my team. I have a solution for them if the earth does change its directional rotation and the four super conferences come to be.  They can become an independent and play Notre Dame and the armed forces teams every single year while picking up games from each super conference.  The revenue from those games should keep them in good stead, and the elephant in the room—the oft-maligned weakness of the WAC—will finally be put to rest.

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I’m not a golf fan. I only know who is on the PGA tour circuit because I watch and listen to sports–related broadcasts year round. It’s the white noise of my household. Given this environment, you cannot avoid learning a certain amount of sports trivia, whether you want to or not.

Media-crafted scandals are not the usual fodder for our reports here at Lassen Sports Network. However, I’m going to make an exception and hope Da Boss doesn’t fire me. The litany of praise, criticism, cynicism and hostility following Friday’s Tiger Woods Production had me itching to type.

Celebrity and logos have no place in my life. I am baffled by all of the attention paid to Tiger Woods and his “transgressions”. Why does everyone care so much? Is his infidelity affecting Jim Rome’s life, much less any of the other critics who have chosen to comment? Does this, in fact, involve anyone besides Tiger’s family? I don’t understand why so many people feel that Tiger owes them something.

Did Tiger cheat in a tournament? Did he break the law? No—he did what millions of married people have done throughout history. As a wife myself, I’m appalled, but it’s far from earth shattering. He’s neither my role model nor hero.

Heroes, in my estimation, are found closer to home. They are family members, mentors, teachers or coaches; people who actually touch and help to shape a person. Tiger Woods is a golfer, not a moral paragon.  

These are some of the most often quoted responses heard throughout the day following the Tiger Woods press conference:

“He was robotic. He needed to show more emotion.”  

So he needed to act differently from all previous behavior, maybe even change his nature? His calm demeanor was widely appreciated when he was considered the best golfer in the world. Now that “cheating spouse” has been added to the equation, he apparently needs a total personality overhaul. 

“He needed to mention golf more. We needed to know when he’ll return to the game. He’s killing the game of golf and he owes it to all of the players as well as the game to get back.”

This overriding sentiment was followed by a contradictory assessment:

“He needs to take care of his family life and himself. The only apology he needs to make is to his wife and kids.”

Which is it? We can’t have it both ways, and I was slain when the same commentators stated both opinions. If golf’s future depends on Tiger Woods, then it’s in sad shape.  The interesting part about this debacle, though, is that the media and fans have helped to create the problem.  Tiger Woods is in this position because he has been built into something larger than life.  Shouldn’t they be looking into the mirror to determine what is important in life, just as Mr. Woods apparently has?

Perfection doesn’t exist.  All of us are subject to making mistakes. In my world, taking accountability is called for when mistakes have been made; it’s far more important than catering to the illusions that others have created for themselves.

What we heard on Friday was stilted and rehearsed, but I wasn’t expecting an Academy Award-winning performance in contrition.  It must have been hard to stand up and admit to his failings to an unprecedented number of people because every single network chose to follow this story—an amazing fact, though it saddens me.  Is this really worth focusing on? Tabloid journalism and editorializing seems to be taking over the media—am I the only one concerned with this trend?

I heard a man who took accountability for what he’d done, using phrases like I felt I was entitled, I cheated, I was wrong, I have work to do. I need to find balance.

While I didn’t actually need any of these admissions, since it all comes down to his choices and how he’ll live his life, it was still an admirable move. Anyone familiar with the Twelve Steps, counseling or rehab would have recognized them. That his family and well-being were foremost in his mind warmed my heart. That’s how it should be.

“He should have had Elin there.”

Why? So the media could scrutinize her expressions and speculate as to how she was feeling, like they did with Tiger’s mother?  I have enough trouble trying to decipher my children’s feelings—I’m not about to guess at a stranger’s.

It’s amazing that we have so many psychic sportscasters in our country, able to understand a person’s feelings simply by looking at them.  I’m not sure if it’s empathy or clairvoyance that would give them this knowledge.

“He should have apologized to all the other women.”

I’m sorry, but this bothered me. A lot. The “other women” knew who he was and that he was married.  Willing participants in “transgressing” are now the victims?

“He built his multi-billion dollar empire on the backs of his sponsors, his fans and the public. He brought the negative attention on himself, so he doesn’t get to ask the press to not follow his family.  That’s not how it works.”

Of all the comments, this one bothered me the most. When did we become a nation of slavering wolves, unmindful of the privacy or dignity of those innocent of any wrongdoing simply because they’re attached to the story of the year?  Children are fair game to the tabloids just because their father is a billionaire?  There’s something very wrong with this picture.

But it’s uglier than that. We find entertainment in the suffering of others, as evidenced by our most popular TV shows.  Reality television that delights in humiliating and knocking a person down to size are top rated shows every week.

I’m not worried about the state of golf. It was there before Tiger, and it will be there after he leaves the game.

I’m not worried that he didn’t appear sorry enough.  It doesn’t matter to me that he staged a controlled public statement on his terms or that he didn’t take questions. I can imagine the questions that would have been asked, so what would it have added to the press conference?

In the end, none of this has anything to do with me. Thankfully, my own transgressions are not public, so I only have to make amends with the parties involved.  That’s hard enough by itself.

And for the many people and media who have blasted Tiger for his ego and supposed arrogance? I can only say that he is what they’ve made him into. Perhaps they need to find a bit of balance for themselves along with Tiger.

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Football season is officially over, and once again I’m in mourning. Thoroughly depressed this morning listening to ESPN Sports anchors scramble to interest us with NBA news, I cringed through thirty minute break downs of the Kentucky Wildcat and Kansas Jayhawks basketball teams.

Forgive me, but I’m more excited about the upcoming Vancouver Winter Olympics. A bad sign, as I’m not terribly excited about them. It is intriguing waiting to see if any of the massive snowfall the northeast is experiencing can find its way back west. It’s so warm that the Olympic venues can’t even make snow to cover the slopes.

I have some final football notes to leave you with, however, before I crawl back into my hole and wait for my shadow to present itself again. Should be about the time that spring ball rolls around. There were many topics I could have rambled on about, but I chose the four that resonated most strongly from both the local and national markets.

Local Thumbs Up

Congratulations to Lassen High’s Darren Lee! I was privileged to speak personally with him, and he struck me as an intelligent, polite and personable young man. After watching him on film and speaking with people who are familiar with his athletic abilities, I suspect that Boise State has found the next Corey Hall. A local hero, a past four year starter at linebacker and WAC defensive player of the year, Corey is currently a Green Bay Packer. Big shoes to fill, but I know that Darren has it in him. No pressure, though.  Welcome to the Orange and Blue, Darren!

Local Thumbs Down

A local Susanville radio sports reporter, before letter of intent day,  broadcast that Mr. Lee was a Boise State Bronco. First of all, it wasn’t true yet. It’s not official until all parties have met and the athlete has signed on the dotted line. Such news then cannot be made public sooner than the national letter of intent day.

Secondly, shame on the reporter’s lack of knowledge and professionalism. Football programs have suffered NCAA sanctions for less than this leaked information, and players have lost scholarships due to early or misreported signings. Boise State would not even talk to us about Darren until after February 3rd.

If the NCAA decided to investigate, they would find no infractions, of course, but Boise State would not appreciate the attention. They go to great lengths to stay within the rules and regulations the NCAA lays out in regards to recruiting. Putting a scholarship and a program’s future in jeopardy is unpardonable.

You Are Kidding Me

Lane Kiffin continues to astound and amaze. A verbal, non-binding agreement with a 13-year-old quarterback to attend USC in 2015? So many things are wrong with this.

1. Can a coach really see enough talent in a seventh grader to know that he’ll be a premiere college program’s starting quarterback years in advance?
2. Does USC really need this kind of controversial attention?
3. It’s questionable that high school athletes are already highlighted on ESPN. Now we’re identifying junior high kids? And the NCAA is worried about what kick backs current college athletes may be getting? I can see the agents and boosters lining up at these kids’ doors already.
4.  Mom and Dad—what are you thinking?
5. Lane, won’t you be looking at other, more age-appropriate men for the quarterback position in the next five years?  If you’re still there, that is. If not, is the verbal agreement binding to the coach or the school? You didn’t seem to be clear on that point when you left Tennessee.

But I’m not surprised by this…and that fact disturbs me. It’s a sad testament to the state of college recruiting.

Who Dat

Last Sunday’s Super Bowl was one of the most surprising, bold and entertaining games that I have seen in years.  But the visual that will remain with me is the picture of Drew and Baylen Brees on the podium. Despite the enjoyment that so many of us find in football, we are often disappointed with its athletes’ behavior, gun-toting needs and demands for more money than the population of the average town will see in their lifetimes.

This made the scene on Sunday night’s victory podium a refreshing change.

A father, who had just helped his team win arguably the most coveted prize in professional sports, helping his one year old son catch confetti, his tiny ears encased in head phones to protect him from the deafening noise. Hugging him close, tears in his eyes, the father appeared to say, “I love you, little man.”

If this didn’t move you and remind you of what can be right in the world, then I won’t waste my time bashing you over the head with the Lombardi Trophy in an attempt to convince you. The simplicity and beauty of the moment spoke for itself.

No, New Orleans’ elevation has not risen 300 feet, its troubles are not magically eliminated and the rest of the world’s ills are still there. But for one very bright moment we could forget them and watch as a father embraced his little boy and smile, faith renewed that we do indeed live in a world where anything is possible. It was easy to understand why the city of New Orleans and the rest of the region have embraced Drew Brees, his family and these Saints as their own.

Who Dat?

They Dat!

I’m glad I got to see Dat. 

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