Friday, July 27, 2012

Today's Topic: Rediscovering the Summer Olympics

ESPN | CBSSports.com | Yahoo Sports | Fox Sports | Bleacher Report | Official USA Olympic Site

I’m told the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics are going on today in London.

Full disclosure, I haven’t been the most enthusiastic Summer Games viewer the past three decades.

Oh, I’ve always been into the Winter Games, thanks largely to hockey, downhill skiing and curling. (OK, some sweeping humor there. I watch curling to laugh -- but at least I watch.)

The USA hockey team’s Miracle On Ice in 1980 remains the greatest sports achievement I’ve witnessed.

But the Summer Games? Let's just say I joined the U.S. boycott for the 1980 Moscow Games and really never went back.

Sure, it was hard to ignore completely the ’84 Games in Los Angeles. But with the Soviet Union boycotting, the competition was between all of the world’s best athletes.

I worked at United Press International during the ‘88 Seoul Games and was among the staff on the desk in NYC.  Other than 100-meters winner Ben Johnson failing a drug test, I don’t recall much about the two weeks.

The Dream Team’s participation in basketball at the ‘92 Barcelona Games excited many Americans and NBA fans, though I didn’t really care to watch a dominant team live up to expectations.

I certainly recall Muhammad Ali lighting the torch at Atlanta in ’96, when the Games were overshadowed by the Centennial Park bombing that killed  two people.

I’m sure the Summer Games of 2000 in Sydney, 2004 in Greece and 2008 in Beijing had their thrilling moments, but I missed them.

This time around, however, I’m going to give the London Games a chance.

Yeah, NBC doesn’t make it easy with its schedule, but I’ll watch anyway.

It’s not like controversies that jaded me during the past 30 years began in 1980. Most notably there were Adolph Hitler’s treatment of Jesse Owens in 1936 and the kidnapping and massacre of Israeli athletes at Munich in 1972.

But the ’72 Games also had swimmer Mark Spitz and his seven gold medals.

There was Bruce Jenner winning the decathlon in ’76 at Montreal.

Gymnasts Olga Korbut (’72) and Nadia Comaneci (’76), from the Soviet Union and Romania, respectively, provided memorable moments.

I also really enjoyed watching boxing, especially when Cuba’s Teofilo Stevenson was winning two of his three gold medals in the heavyweight class. (His third came in Moscow.)

Yeah, I ready to give the Summer Games another try. Besides, my girlfriend enjoys them. Who am I to argue? J

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Today's Topic: Nittany Lions should be off-limits

ESPN | CBSSports.com | Yahoo Sports | Fox Sports | Bleacher Report

Thanks to his penchant for keeping the offensive pedal to the metal, even in games clearly headed for Wisconsin's "W" column,  Badgers coach Bret Bielema hasn't been easy to like for many non-Cheeseheads.

But Bielema deserves some respect today for saying he has no plans to recruit Penn State players, whom the NCAA said can transfer and play immediately in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Northwestern's Pat Fizgerald and Indiana's Kevin Wilson -- two coaches who undoubtedly could benefit from catching a Nittany Lion or two -- agreed with Bielema and said they will not try and raid Un-Happy Valley.

But this position should not be limited to those in the Big Ten. All coaches should stay at home and refuse to blitz Penn State.

If the cleat were on the other foot, they certainly wouldn't like new Nittany Lions coach Bill O'Brien coming after their players.

A Penn State player who initiates contact with another school obviously wants to explore his options. Fine. Coaches should answer such a call.

But opposing coaches treating the Nittany Lions like free agents just isn't right.

Of course, it has been a long time since doing the right thing was of the utmost importance in college football. Even that usually takes a back seat to winning.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Today's Topics: Hanley and the Marlins

ESPN | CBSSports.com | Yahoo Sports | Fox Sports | Bleacher Report


With Hanley Ramirez having been dealt to the Dodgers, Marlins fans should be grateful another team took him and his contract.

Ramirez's offensive production has dropped considerably in recent years -- partly due to injuries -- and, to put it nicely, he has struggled at third base. Also, he never has been a positive off-field presence.

What is being describe as a Marlins' fire sale -- starter Anibal Sanchez and 2B Omar Infante dealt to Detroit; trade rumors involve ace Josh Johnson and reliever Heath Bell -- was totally unexpected when you consider how the team began the season.

With a brand new stadium and a new brand (Florida exchanged for Miami), combined with several high-priced free-agent acquisitions, the Marlins had hopes of playing in the World Series. Instead, the team is looking to 2013 and beyond.

Marlins fans should understand this is the way things are and the way things will be. 

Under owner Jeffrey Loria, the organization has, and will, make moves to try and contend. But if they don't succeed, those plans will be scrapped and they'll start over.

Following the Marlins will be like watching the movie Groundhog Day -- they'll be back ... then start over ... then be back ... then start over ...



Monday, July 23, 2012

Today's Topics: NCAA, Penn State penalties

ESPN | CBSSports.com | Yahoo Sports | Fox Sports | Bleacher Report


Oregon State president and chair of the NCAA Executive Committee Ed Ray: "The message is the presidents and chancellors are in charge.


"The cautionary tale here is, every major college and university needs to do a gut check on athletics' role in the school's culture."


Encouraging words. 


Reality and money say otherwise.


During the Monday morning press conference to announce sanctions against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, NCAA President Mark Emmert and Ed Ray spoke using words that were very admirable.


Ray's suggestive "gut check" probably will resonate with some people -- the people already trying to do the right thing. 


Officials and coaches who went to bed last night with a bend-the-rules approach will continue to do so. When such people feel a threat from outside forces, they still will employ a bunker mentality.


That's because the NCAA has not initiated investigations in the past. The organization's involvement usually follows media reports or other information that arises as a red flag.


The NCAA will need to police athletic programs and universities actively to fulfill Emmert's statement that, "football will never again be placed ahead of educating, nurturing and protecting young people." 


That, or Emmert should hit the circuit with a stand-up routine.


Penn State penalties


The high levels:

  • A four-year ban from bowl games
  • Football scholarships reduced to 15 annually for four years
  • A $60 million fine to be paid by the university
  • Football team stripped of all of victories between 1998-2011
The stance here had been a "death penalty" decision for Penn State to create a true break from the past. But such a decision would have harmed harshly many innocent people within the school and community who had nothing to do with the scandal.

The initial take on the sanctions are this: They do the former, but limit the latter.

The football program essentially will be forced to start over. It will be years before the Nittany Lions recover on the field from what has transpired.

Still, football will be played for fans who want to attend games and a local community that depends on those events.

Even for those not affiliated with Penn State, the crimes, the coverup and the results remain hard to comprehend. 

It's all so surreal -- except for the victims.


D4H4HEB6UYGV 

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Today's Topics: Tiger, British Open, Penn State penalties

While watching this weekend's British Open, I became convinced Tiger Woods has what it takes to add one or two more Major titles to his current 14.


I'm also sure of something else -- Woods will not surpass Jack Nicklaus as the all-time Major winner (18 championships).


As he continues to try and rediscover the Tiger of old, Woods faces an opponent he never will be able to stare down: Father Time.


Putting together four rounds of precision driving and radar-like putting becomes more and more difficult with every tournament, every month and every year.


Throw in the increasing number of talented PGA Tour and international young guns, the Golden Bear's Major mark seems more golden than ever.


Scott misses out on Big Easy victory


I love, when after a player suffers a crushing defeat, broadcasters or fellow athletes tell that player something such as: "Keep your head up. With your talent, you'll win many of these."


A nice sentiment. I'm sure 23-year-old Dan Marino heard such things after Super Bowl XIX.


Marino, you might recall, never played in the big game again.


Adam Scott has the talent to win Major golf tournaments. Also, players often benefit from the experience of contending in a Major.


Shooting a 75 on the final day of the British Open is no embarrassment. Doing so with four closing bogeys that turned a four-stroke lead into a second-place finish behind the Big Easy, Ernie Els, simply might mean the law of averages on a tough course caught up to him.


But Scott is crushed right now, and he should be. Opportunities such as the one he blew Sunday don't come along often, even for an extremely talented golfer.


D-Day for Penn State: Monday, 9 a.m. ET


When it comes to imposing any penalty or sentence, any judge or decision maker usually has two main objectives:


1. Retribution


2. Deterrence


NCAA President Marl Emmert will announce 9 a.m. ET Monday he is personally sanctioning Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.


The officials most responsible for the Sandusky child abuse cover-up no longer are working for the school. With that being the case, hopefully the many good people dependent upon the university and football program will not have to pay too dearly.


But as mentioned in yesterday's blog, the NCAA needs to come down hard on Penn State -- and other violators of rules -- to send a serious message to all members.


If reports of a "multiple-year" bowl ban and "staggering" scholarship loss are true, the local Un-Happy Valley economy still we will be able to make money on football Saturdays.


And hopefully, all people under NCAA jurisdiction will be put on notice.









Saturday, July 21, 2012

Today's Topics: Tiger, 'Canes, Penn State

One of the world's best golfers having an exceptional Major tournament, only to be outdone by a player performing at a higher level.


The current British Open scenario isn't foreign to Tiger Woods -- although in the past, he often was the one running away and intimidating the field. 


Now Woods gets to experience what many of his peers felt when Tiger was chewing up and spitting out opponents and Major courses.


Woods has played the first three rounds at the 2012 British Open in 6-under par -- a score that puts him in fourth place heading into Sunday's final round.


Adam Scott, ranked No. 13 in the world rankings, sits atop the leaderboard at 11-under. (Click here for official Open Championship site.)


Is Scott's lead insurmountable? Absolutely not, especially with a blustery forecast for Sunday. Any player can have a bad round -- and a total collapse in a Major's final round would not be unheard of. 


Players such as Woods (world No. 4), Graeme McDowell (7-under, world No. 12) and Brandt Snedeker (7-under, world No. 29) certainly have the talent and moxie to make a run.


Naturally, a good night's sleep tonight would help. I just wonder how Tiger sleeps on fourth place?


NCAA Death penalty and Miami, Penn State


What's worse, repeated offenses by an institution or a horrific controversy and cover-up by a university's leaders?


Certainly recruiting violations, illegal payouts, etc., pale in comparison to sexual abuse of children and an ensuing cover-up.


But in the NCAA's world, serious violations of all kinds need to be dealt with.


Yahoo Sports reported new allegations that Miami's coaching staff used a booster's associate in possible recruiting violations.


And we all know about Penn State and last week's Freeh Report.


The best way for the NCAA to enforce rules and send a message to potential violators would be to hand down the Death Penalty --  a year without competing -- and allow all scholarship players to transfer and be immediately eligible.


Individual coaches and administrators who committed wrongdoings also should be held responsible with a probationary period that would prevent them from working at any school in an equal or higher position.


If such penalties result in schools threatening to break away from the NCAA, so be it. That would be the best way to end the hypocrisy and treat D-I football and basketball as the professional sports they are.


Unfortunately, money talks -- and with the NCAA, all it needs to do is whisper.



Friday, July 20, 2012

Today's Topics: Paterno statue, Titans' Britt

According to news reports, the decision to remove or move the Joe Paterno statue from outside Beaver Stadium will be made by Penn State University President Rodney Erickson.


The easy stance to take is demanding the statue be removed entirely.


The sad stance is to say it should remain.


But what really should happen to the statue is it should be replaced.


No unbiased person would want to arrive at Un-Happy Valley this fall and see a depiction of Paterno with his index finger pointing upward and four Nittany Lions right behind him.


The notion of being "No. 1" is the last thing associated with Penn State these days.


But Paterno's accomplishments at Penn State, good and bad, should not be put in a room or pushed aside. 


Whether or not the statue has a prominent home, Paterno's career and actions will be a constant presence at the school for an undetermined amount of time. And we're talking decades, not months or years.


The statue should be replaced by a more subtle one, perhaps a bust, with a summary of the coach's record, accomplishments and details of the horrific ending.


Just as if Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire or Roger Clemens ever get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame,  their plaques in Cooperstown should explain the complete story.


Latest NFL DUI: TItans WR Britt


Today's NFL Player in Trouble Spotlight focuses on ... Tennessee WR Kenny Britt, who reportedly was arrested for DUI.


Britt and Titans CB Tommie Campbell apparently were with a female soldier and were stopped at a gate heading back to Fort Campbell (Ky.), according to a report from 104.5 The Zone radio in Nashville.


At this rate, Roger Goodell is going to have to hire someone to deal with players who break rules or laws. Otherwise, the NFL commissioner will have little time to do anything else. 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Today's Topics: Fred Willard, Linsanity

Actor Fred Willard arrested for lewd conduct


Actor Fred Willard reportedly was arrested for lewd conduct Thursday night in Hollywood, where police allegedly caught him with his pants down and a tool in his hand in an adult movie theater.


Needless to say, Willard was not writing a movie review with his instrument.


Willard first gained national fame as Jerry Hubbard on the '70s TV show Fernwood Tonight. He later had memorable roles in Best In Show, Everybody Love Raymond and Anchorman.


But here's the rub -- Willard is 78 (TMZ), or 72  if you prefer Wikipedia!


Thus, Willard likely became an idol for many septuagenarians last night. Of course, the Fred's faithful would be best advised to honor Willard at home and not in adult theaters. 


At the very least, they should toast him with a stiff drink.


Linsanity


My initial take on Jeremy Lin leaving the New York Knicks was, "So, what?"


I mean, the guy had a few good, albeit very entertaining, weeks with the Knicks. But we're not talking the second coming of Bob Cousy here. (At least, that's what I think.)


Did a little Linsanity really warrant that crazy deal the NBA's highest-profiled Asian player got from the Houston Rockets?


Well, I've since reversed pivot.


Friend and fellow reporter Ian O'Connor wrote that letting Lin bolt was a big mistake by the Knickerbockers. Besides that, James Dolan, apparently being pissed and feeling deceived by Lin and the Rockets, signed off on letting the point guard join Houston.


Hmm, Ian vs. Dolan? Based on their track records, I'd say that's a no-brainer -- I side with Ian.





Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Today's Topics: Player arrests, Theo stalker

Player arrests in full force

There's a popular saying that things run in 3s. But when it comes to athletes/celebs being arrested, it seems more like they run in three sets of 3 x 3.

Joining the recently charged DUI/DWI stars, Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence in Oakland. That, on the same weekend of Jason Kidd’s wild night in the Hamptons.

Lynch is a running back who apparently loves to reverse field

His DUI arrest came two days after he and 49ers QB Josh Johnson awarded a scholarship to an Oakland gunshot victim.

But back in 2011, Alameda County (Calif.) prosecutors declined to file charges against Lynch after his former girlfriend alleged he tried to kill her and forced her to touch him sexually.

Other stars arrested during the past weekend included Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and Cowboys WR Dez Bryant on a misdemeanor domestic charge.

I'd just like to say, "Thanks, guys. You made this a good week in which to start a blog."

Theo stalker arrested

First Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman, now Cubs GM Theo Epstein. And we thought these guys wouldn't be tied together after Theo bolted the Red Sox.

A Massachusetts woman was arrested and charged with felony stalking of Epstein after telling police she was inviting the Cub stud to "go to church."

Theo, she sounds like a keeper.

Cashman, you might recall, apparently was a bit of a player himself. One of his former mistresses was arrested for extorting money from the Yanks GM. She was released from jail recently.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Today's topics: Kidd, Paterno



Jason Kidd arrested for DWI


Knicks guard Jason Kidd ended what reportedly was a wild evening by smashing his Escalade into a telephone pole early Sunday morning.


Since the pole had position, Kidd earned a charge: DWI.


Perhaps teams that sign players to lucrative contracts should request the player hand over his driver's license until the contract expires. (Not that that would stop all of them from driving, but it couldn't hurt.)


DUI/DWI obviously is not restricted to the rich and famous. But unlike the average person, paying a personal driver or getting a limo for the night is like you or me paying to ride the bus or subway.


Many athletes/celebrities constantly told how special they are start to believe it. Some even think they're invincible to the outside world.


Ask Jim Leyritz or Donte Stallworth if they were invincible.


Joe Paterno's family order own review of Freeh report


Note to the Paterno family: Let it go.


Anything associated with the family will be looked upon, at best, with skepticism. At worst, as a desperate attempt to restore JoePa's image.


Unfortunately for them, there's nothing to erase the coach's role in the Sandusky story.


Joe Paterno, like all of us, should not be defined by one moment/incident in his life. He was a great coach who did many great things throughout his life.


But good deeds don't earn us Mulligans -- especially in a storyline that ruined the lives of victims, scarred a great university and further proved that few things in life are what they seem to be.