Thursday, December 23, 2010

Bonehead Move

File this one under "selfish and stupid."

In case you've been on the moon, Terrelle Pryor and four Ohio State teammates have been suspended for five games in 2011 for accepting illegal benefits. According to ESPN.com, the players sold awards, gifts, and university apparel, including Pryor's Big Ten title ring.

I'm not an expert on the NCAA rulebook, but this kind of violation is probably on page one. So much for next season's national championship ideas, Buckeye fans. Happy holidays.

And can somebody please tell me why these athletes get to play in the upcoming Bowl game?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Better Look Out For The Brew Crew

They didn't quite make the same splash as signing Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford, but the Brewers' off-season moves propelled them back into contention.

By adding starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee is powering up for a run at the NL Central title. The offense is still solid, and now the rotation (including Yovani Gallardo and Randy Wolf) is no longer a liability.

If new manager Ron Roenicke can develop a reliable bullpen, the Brewers should challenge the Cardinals and Reds in 2011, which will likely be Prince Fielder's final season in Milwaukee.

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Soap Opera Continues

Today the Redskins announced that Donovan McNabb has been benched in favor of Rex Grossman. You heard me, Rex Grossman. What in the name of Jay Schroeder is going on in Washington?

Look, we all know it's been a struggle for McNabb this year, as he's thrown a career-high 15 interceptions. But McNabb on his worst day is twice as good as Rex Grossman or John Beck, the next QB on the depth chart.

Mike Shanahan is a proven NFL head coach, but the way he's handled this situation boggles the mind. McNabb is 34, so his best days are obviously behind him. However, he's still more than talented enough to lead a team to the postseason. It all comes down to the quality of players around him.

I hope he gets a fresh start in another city next year.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

High Noon

It's put-up or shut-up time for the San Diego Chargers.

As usual, the Bolts dug themselves a big hole early in the season. As usual, they have a chance to finish strong and make the playoffs.

I simply don't understand how this team underachieves so often. The roster is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. At some point Norv Turner has to be held accountable.

On paper, tonight's match-up with San Francisco looks like an easy victory for Rivers and company. However, the Chargers keep reminding us that there's no such thing.

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Streak Is Over

I simply can't believe it. Who would have guessed that it could end this way?

In case you missed the big news, today is the official end of my coffee streak. For 297 days, I bravely consumed at least one cup of black coffee--McDonald's coffee, office coffee, vending machine coffee, bank coffee. You name it, I drank it.

I'd like to thank everyone who supported this challenging endeavor. I won't lie to you, there were days that I simply didn't feel like drinking another cup. But it was during those difficult times that I remembered all the kids who were counting on me. I gave it my best shot for 297 grueling days, and now it's done. I hope that I made you proud.

Oh yeah, that Brett Favre thing ended today, too. Maybe I'll buy a pair of Wrangler jeans in his honor. Then again, maybe not.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Don't Look Now

It's no surprise to me, but the Miami Heat are on a roll. Last night's win over Golden State was seven in a row, which runs their record to 16-8. Hands off the panic button, please.

So what happened to the so-called experts who were calling for Erik Spolestra's head on a plate? Did he suddenly get smart? It's always amazing what a little patience and perspective will do.

Having said that, the Pat Riley rumors won't go away, which is really too bad. Spolestra looks like an up-and-coming NBA coach to me. Then again, I thought the Knicks would be terrible this year, so what do I know?