Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Boise State ain't Gator Bait.

So Gators, what does this prove: absolutely nothing. Florida's lopsided win over Ohio State is almost as laughable as the system that created a mythical champion; and judging by the television ratings, no else is buying it. The tightly contested Orange Bowl between underdog Boise State and Oklahoma experienced a 27 percent drop in ratings. That translates into 27 million less viewers than last year. The Sugar and other nameless bowls saw their numbers drop also. It seems to suggest that no one is buying the theory a National Championship can be won using computers, sportswriters, and coaches. After not playing for nearly two months, did you really expect Ohio State to play to its potential. Now maybe OSU coach, Jim Tressel, will join Florida's, Urban Myer, in calling for a playoff. It would have been nice to see who would emerge from a pool of Florida, LSU, Boise State, and USC. The NCAA does it for every other sport ; why not do it for the biggest money maker of all. My hat goes off to Florida, but are they really better than LSU or USC? Americans are right in tuning out these bowls. Now if the NCAA really cares about the regular season, the only undefeated team left standing is Boise State, therefore the Broncos are the real national champions.
As for the National Football League, I like the the Colts to upset the Ravens. Despite Baltimore's record, the Titans were right in giving up on quarterback, Steve McNair, and the Colts should exploit his declining skills. The San Diego Chargers should eke out a close win over the ageless Patriots. The Philadelphia Eagles are peeking at the right time and they'll defeat the Saints, but this one will be close. Finally, the Chicago Bears will win one more game before hibernating for the winter....Happy New Year Football Fans.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Darrent Williams: Pro Athletes and Gangsta Rap

Its becoming all too clear pro athletes partying with gangsta rappers is a volatile cocktail. On New Year's eve, the Denver Broncos' 24-year old starting corner back, Darrent Williams, was gunned down a few blocks away from a popular Denver night club: the Shelter. The New Year's eve social gathering was held in conjunction with a birthday party for the Denver Nuggets, Kenyon Martin.
According to police, a confrontation erupted between Williams' entourage and another group in attendance. This group may have consisted of some rappers also their Disc Jockey. Williams was not thought to have been an instigator, only a bystander; however his past affiliation with gangsta rappers is well documented. This violent episode coincides with another shooting at the University of Pittsburgh. Several of their basketball players were shot when a man thought a player was coming on to his alleged girlfriend. Professional athletes are accustomed to being the toast of the party, nevertheless this perception is starting to be routinely challenged by hoodlums, rappers, or anyone else seeking the limelight. The competition for women, particularly the gold-diggers and hoes, frequenting these sets can set off a deadly explosion resulting in a carnage of fatalities. Consider the ingredients: booze, male ego, and the allure of sex can make any high strung male risk everything for a tenuous one night stand. The women know which night spots are frequented by athletes and rappers. These affairs are high stakes opportunities to meet gorgeous women of all races. Unfortunately, it's turning into a life and death battle for African American males who are rapidly becoming the sexual role model and preference for many women. Congratulations brothers; Jack Johnson would proud; but if you want to keep it real, let the hotties know, they're not worth dying for.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Gruden vs Alstott

In Tampa, a unique showdown occurred between coach, John Gruden, and the legions of fans endeared by hard charging full back, Mike Alstott. Since winning the Super Bowl, the Bucs have posted losing seasons four of the past five years. 2005, however, was an aberration with Tampa capturing the 2005 NFC South title. During each of those losing seasons, some fans complained on talk radio about the lack of carries for Alstott. Some believed Gruden had something against the popular veteran; for the time being, Alstott didn't help his case by privately complaining about the lack of carries. Meanwhile, the tempestuous Gruden may have bent over backwards by giving Alstott chances at the expense of the more productive, Michael Pittman. Sunday, Pittman had over 108 yards rushing including 33 all purpose yards. Arguably, he's as good as starter, Cadillac Williams, but Pittman usually comes in on passing situations. Yesterday, he started in place of the injured Williams. A five time all pro, Alstott may have been underused considering how nimble he is running the ball. He also has excellent hands; something Cadillac clearly lacks. As for Gruden, he shows poor judgement in evaluating talent. For example, quarterback, Tim Rattay, has a better grasp of the West Coast offense than either, Chris Simms, or Bruce Gradowski. Rattay, however, didn't start until the last two games of the season; furthermore, the selection of Cadillac Williams, also receiver, Michael Clayton, seems inexcusable considering the wealth of talent around the league at these positions. Alstott, and defensive end, Simeon Rice, have insinuated the Buccaneers are poorly prepared for games and fail to make adjustments during crucial junctures. Although that's the head coach's responsibility, there are over 20 other Buccaneer assistant coaches who are also at fault. This may have been Alstott's last game, nevertheless, the Bucs should put him in a key management position to continue his association with the team. For no other player symbolizes the traits of toughness, character, and responsibility than the man known as the " A Train."