A time for change

     Are the vast changes in the rules of our favorite past-times a good thing?  Over the years we have seen our favorite sports advance and modify over the years.  The game play itself has seemed to remain the same until the recent past.
    The NFL not only protects the quarterback, but recent ideas of change have been put on the table.  One of the one's I want to point out: protect the unprotected wide-out.  The rule would be that the defender is not allowed to hit him until he makes a move in a direction.  How is this going to work?  Will the ref blow a whistle when it's fair to hit?  May as well wear flags their waists.  The safety's job is to jar the ball loose...  The overtime rule is retarded too.  It's better, but still not quite it.  Just let them play til there is a winner.  Why change the rules for the playoffs only?  Too many strange things that just don't get it right.
    Now it has hit the news that they want to expand the NCAA tourny field to 96!  Good bye Cinderella story. Sure we will have some 9 seed make a run. Does it really mean anything if there is an 18 seeded team? 
   I just want someone to enlighten me as to why those in charge keep thinking they have to change a good thing.  I can understand moving the 3 point line back, no leading with the helmet.  But no hitting a reciever when he catches the ball. Allowing 96 teams in? (What would it mean to win the NIT?)  Come on guys lets just enjoy the good thing we have!

The Glass Slipper

        Long gone are the days where Gonzaga is the featured tournament Cinderella story.  This, however, doesn't mean there are no such teams anymore.  Over past NCAA tournaments, we have witnessed schools rise to the top from the bottom of the bracket. Some notable Cinderella storys include; No. 13-seed Vermont upsetting powerhouse No. 4 Syracuse in 2005, or No. 15 Hampton stunning No. 2 Iowa State in 2001, Bucknell defeating the fierce Kansas team, and do I dare mention 14 seed Cleveland State over Wake Forest only one year ago!
        Did I leave one or two out?  George Mason's final four run is probably the most notable run of recent history.  Let's not leave out the famous 1983 final four run by UGA or the 2008 SEC run by the same team (had to mention my Bulldawgs).  Being only one week away from the 2010 NCAA tournament, I find myself watching teams and wondering who will be this years Cinderella story?  Will a team rise from obscurity in their own conference tourny to make a majestic run in the big dance?  These questions will soon come to into light and the answers will be given.  This part of the basketball season is magical and if you miss a minute, you may miss history.
        Who will wear this years "glass slipper?"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Men%27s_Division_I_Basketball_Championship_upsets

NBA: Times are changing

People seem to understand that something is different about the NBA these days, however, no one seems to be able to put a finger on what the change is.  The face of the league began changing in the "strike" year of 1999.
        With the strike, came a change in mindset among the players.  Until this year, it wasn't out of the ordinary to witness a star taking a pay-cut in order to keep role players around.  There was an understanding that such "role players" were the core of the team (the stuff that held the team together).  Such role players were Bryon Russell (jazz), Steve Kerr (bulls), Sam Perkins (sonics), and Sean Elliott (spurs) are just a few that come to mind.
          Role players no longer exist they are now called "journymen."  This leads me into my next point;  pre-1999, the athletes had true team pride.  Yes, there are still your Kobe Bryants and Tim Duncans of the league. The difference is, back then, most of the stars would be playing with the teams that drafted them for 10-12 years.  A lot of time, entire starting lineups would stick together as a cohesive unit for all those seasons.  Never would I expect to see stars get traded to so many different teams, nor would you expect to see enemies begging to play with each other. For example, D-wade wanting to play with eastern conference rival Dwight Howard.
         The NBA is much more of a business now, with no city/team affiliation.  Long gone are the days where John Stockton, Karl Malone, and Jeff Hornacek play as a team for 10+ years.  The same can be said for the Knicks, Bulls, Sonics....I could keep going, but for the readers sake I'll leave it at that.  The 90's are what were known as the glory days of the NBA. Such days are long gone and the new face NBA is what we will see for the foreseeable future.  No more Dennis Rodman diving into the 3rd row, no more Bryon Russell calling out MJ, and no more dynamic duos like Payton and Kemp playing together for 10 years.  It's sad to realize this, but it's what the game has become.

Rob.

Great time to be a sports fan

          Not only does this week mark the "opening" of the MLB season, but it also marks the end of the NCAA basketball regular season.
          I was able to watch day one of spring training and it seemed like those guys were proud to be representing their city's baseball clubs. As our weather begins to turn for the better, the baseball bats begin cracking and the sunflower seeds are-a-spittin'.  It's only spring training, but America's favorite pastime is yet again upon us.  I was never a great baseball player, but I love the sport and know tons about it.  My love for this game reaches as far back as watching Atlanta Braves games as a child in Duluth, Ga.  As we get further and further away from the days of the strike, its becoming more and more apparent how much this game means to people.  Seats are starting to fill up at the ballparks and children are wearing their clubs colors yet again.
         On to basketball (the sport I can play). The level of these games are rising to a level beyond imagination.  Many of these teams are playing for their last breath of the season.  I see teams like, Duke, Kentucky, Syracuse, and others raising their game to a level that shows dominance.  While these teams take control, I see lesser known teams believing they too can play with the big boys.  Every player on every team leaves any and all sweat and blood on the court just to play another day.  As a Georgia fan, I see a team starting to understand and even expect to win.  Something not shown in the recent past.  There are teams like Uconn, Ole Miss, Florida, rutgers all playing for a spot in that big tournament.
        This time of year is amazing and every year is one of the best times to be a sports fan in America!

Government and the BCS?!

The Justice Department says the Obama administration is considering steps that would look into the legality of the controversial BCS system.  This is an absolute outrage.  I am a firm believer in shortening the NCAA football season by a game and implementing a playoff system. (top 8 teams, at each BCS bowl site for the opening round, all other bowls can still be played).  What I do not like is that our government is trying to put its' hand in forcing the NCAA to abide by their rules.  Our government has no place in sports, and it just seems to me like it is something else for them to take control of.  What will the NCAA be called in 10 years?  The GCAA (government collegiate athletic association?)  I would love nothing more than for there to be a playoff system put in place, but do we really want the government to be the ones to change what we have?  Its a terrible sign of things to come.

Tiger you will never learn

      After watching the first 4 minutes of the Tiger Woods staged "press conference,"  I realized that this guy just doesn't get it.  Calling out the Media for intruding in your personal life?  Your right to privacy went flying out the door when you agreed to the terms of becoming the most Iconic figure in the world of sports. Even if you had privacy then, it definitely went out the windows your wife beat in with a 9-iron in the middle of the street in a neighborhood.
      I repeatedly hear people saying he should be left alone and what happened is none of our business.  What is it with athletes that cause us to go blind?  With shows like; "cops," "cheaters," "Campus PD," where are these peoples right to privacy?  The second Elin "allegedly" took a nine-iron to his face or even his SUV, your story became public.  Sorry Buddy,  the price of fame.  I'll listen when you step up and answer media questions in a "conversation-oriented" PRESS CONFERENCE.

I'll be back next week for my thoughts on things political, sports, or anything else.  Stay Tuned.