A Bedtime Story And Fairy Tale All Rolled Up Into One …………………..

One upon a time in a place, far, far ,far away. There stood two very famous college football programs. Between them they’d won several national championships. And in-fact , they were so scary that they ran amok within collegiate football. They were very much like demons who ran wild and literally destroyed everything within their path.

Shrek and Donkey ……a kid’s animated movie(“Shrek”) based on a number fairy tale characters that were well worth watching and laughing about.

But in the ensuing years something went awry as these two once esteemed college programs fell upon hard times. So much so, that they’re barely talked about nowadays. And when they are , it’s always in the past-tence. Now if you’re wondering as to which two programs , I’m indeed talking about . Then I’ll give you something of a hint with regard to their logo or mascot.

Florida State Seminoles mascot.

Sebastian the Ibis, the Miami Hurricanes' mascot.

And now that these two esteemed programs have fallen upon hard times. Their effervescent and erst-while fans are of the belief that hope, is just around the corner. And that they’ll indeed rise to prominence once again. For many it can’t come quick enough. While for others they can only live in hope and pray that the impossible can happen.

As you’ve no doubt noted the programs are from the state of Florida. Where college football comes only second to …..well, nothing. As it borders upon being maniacal amongst the fans. It may well be God then family. But college football ranks right up there as to its importance.

Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden on the sidelines. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo ............

For the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles these last few years have proven to be a torrid time and a woeful existence. Nonetheless, football as their fans know it continues to exist. As to what form it takes to those on the outside looking in, is anyone’s guess.

The Florida State Seminoles under their long tenured coach, Bobby Bowden , has seen its fortunes rise and then bite the dust. And while no one doubts the fervor of the coach to be in his position and to continue coaching. In essence, the game has suddenly passed him by. He no longer gets the recruits that in large part , others could only dream of. But now it’s merely scraps that’ve been left on the table, as to the merits of the program’s recruiting. It is now no longer about what you’ve done in the past. It’s more about what have you done lately ? And one can reasonably suggest that Bowden and his staff haven’t exactly been doing anything of great value at all. The program and its play has become languid , lacking imagination , creativity and above all competitiveness. And the feeling is that the only reason , Bowden remains in the position is to actually pad his stats , with regard to his tally of collegiate wins. That tally now stands at 382 wins.

And as commendable as that might seem. When you’re not in the midst of things, as to national championship aspirations. Then it just doesn’t mean anything. The program under Bowden was steeped in that tradition. From major Bowl appearances to national championships. And for the program those came in 1993 and 1999, respectively. Fast forward , to today and you’d be hard pressed to find anything that’s at all desirable with regard to the program.

Miami Hurricanes' coach Randy Shannon on the sidelines of a game. picture appears courtesy of cstv.com/sports/collegefootball/miami hurricanes

For the Miami Hurricanes and their once esteemed program. Their fate as of late , has essentially mirrored the economic downturn of the country. Only in the case of the Canes , theirs has been somewhat longer. Everyone could see it coming but the so called experts merely stuck to their homespun truths, that there wasn’t really anything wrong and the tide would indeed turn. Well that tide has now become a cyclone. And the program and its players have essentially become caught in the midst of dire mediocrity and sheer ineptitude. Not unlike what we’re also witnessing from their counterparts in the guise of the ‘noles.

But then again both programs and many of their more famous alumni would have you believe that ‘…. change is just around the corner’. A far cry from those gaudy days when the Canes’ program , then under the auspices of Howard Schnellenberger , Jimmy Johnson , Dennis Erickson, Butch Davis and Larry Coker were reigning supreme. Each led the program with a certain amount of distinction. And along the way,they’ve won five national championships and produced a litany of players at the collegiate level who then went on the play in the NFL.

In light of that , it has been a long time since one can really attribute anything of merit with regard to the program. Their last national championship came in the 2001-02 season . When they won the Rose Bowl. defeating Nebraska 37-14 in what would prove to be the last of their five national championship wins.

Many have attributed the downward slide of the Hurricanes’ program. When it saw fit to leave the Big East Conference and then make their way to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) . Which could hardly be considered , to be a bastion of powerhouse football at the college level.But it may well have been done primarily to add to the luster of the conference and the financial inducements at the time. The ACC in all essence, is more widely known for its college basketball prowess, than anything achieved at the collegiate football level. And for the Canes and their coach, Randy Shannon, in his third season ,who has been entrusted to bring back to the luster to the program. It can’t be understated, that there are some very difficult times ahead for the program.

As for a former player for his alma-mater and a member of a championship winning team. Randy Shannon , though not viewed as the ideal replacement for his predecessor , Larry Coker. He does know and have the wherewithal to add some discipline and ability to the Canes’ program. But if anything it has been his overall inexperience that many have began to question. And therein lies the conundrum that’s said to be facing this program. Whereas , it was felt that Coker went away from the things that brought success for the program. The vast majority of the recruiting was done locally within the South Florida area. Long considered to be a hot-bed of footballing talent. Coker , saw fit to shy away from that mindset and at the same time made a major upheaval with regard to his coaching staff. And that was after having found success in winning the program’s last national championship.
Which goes to the old adage ‘…. if it ain’t broken, it doesn’t need fixing’. Shannon for his part has reversed the philosophy of Coker’s.

There was indeed a time when a FSU , Miami Hurricanes’ match-up actually meant something on the national football stage. Now it’s more like having to endure the removal of a bad tooth but without the assist of novacaine to brunt the pain. Something that you could well do without but for the sake of others , you’ll just grin and bare it. And on Monday , the 7th September , we’ll get to view this on a national stage as to the programs face off against each other. It’ll no longer be for the footballing supremacy within the state. As for all sense and purpose the University of Florida (Florida Gators) now rules the roost within the state of Florida. Having won two national championships in the last three years-in 2006 and 2008, respectively. All this was achieved under their coach, Urban Meyer. Which has brought about something of a new pecking order within the state.

As to the event on Monday and what can be envisaged. If it’s anything like the games in recent memory . Then we could be either in for a treat or quite possibly a great deal of tedious and uneventful play from both teams. Having alluded to the fact earlier, the competitiveness of both programs have left a great many of their most vociferous fans wandering if there’s still a need for the two teams to actually play each other. But on the fact of it , it doesn’t really tell us anything at all, as to how far either of the teams have come. They’re no longer viewed as being relevant on the national stage. And within the ACC , they’re not even considered as being amongst the better teams within the conference. That’s indeed how far both have fallen on the national stage.

Much like any fairy tale that’s often told, the fans of both programs are said to be looking for a happy ending. As to which of the two teams will prevail, your guess is as good as any. But one can only surmise that the ending of this tale has some happiness for one and some heartache for the other.
Who do you think this will apply to ? The Canes or the ‘Noles ?

And The Survey Says ……….

If like me you’re an avid sports fan and you just can’t wait for the NFL and College Football season to start. And you have about as much interest in preseason football, as perhaps you might want in seeing the numerous repeat issues , as to how Brett Favre or Michael Vick might fare , as to the upcoming season. Enough of it already ! Then what better way than to get away from that all , than just analyzing some of the sports stories that are now taking place ?

Lou’s belief that Notre Dame will make it to the BCS championship game. Keep on taking those meds Lou. I can feel your saliva all over me at present . Thanks , now does that mean I’ll end up with the swine flu ?

In college football , ESPN analyst and well respected former coach , Lou Holtz has made his own prediction as to whom he believes will be playing for the BCS national championship. No surprises there, mind you , except the fact that one his choices is that of his former college team Notre Dame . Whom, Holtz believes, will be taking on the preseason AP Top 25 number one ranked, Florida Gators in the championship. Believe me , when I say understand Lou’s decision when it comes to remaining loyal to a program , where he served them well , as their coach. But in all honesty is there really anyone out there who really believes that The Fightin’ Irish really stands a cat in hell’s chance of making it to the championship game ? It’s not as if the program has been of any relevance in collegiate football for the last decade to begin with.

Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen attends a press conference on campus as he's photographed and takes questions from members of the press as to Notre Dame's hopes for the upcoming college football season. picture appears courtesy of usatoday.com/photo/ John Zich ....................

It’s been the proverbial hype and the fact that at the continual behest of NBC that its games are televized to an ever dwindling audience. Never-mind the fact that the network itself has no real rationale in its continuing loyalty to the program. Other than the fact that its head of sports programming Dick Ebersol is a former alumni. But that would seem to explain it all ! I mean what else is there to watch on NBC at present other than the nightly Jay Leno Show , 30 Rock , The Office or Heroes ? When you’re the fourth placed network on broadcast television and you’re even behind Fox when it comes to prime time coverage . Then things have got to be really bad when you’re pinning your hopes on Notre Dame football games , in order to lure viewers and the patronage of your corporate advertisers.

As to Holtz’s reasons behind this sudden burst of enthusiasm for the Charlie Weis coached team . I can only think that Holtz, himself , hasn’t woken up and smelt the coffee. Or one can surmise that his meds are being prescribed to him by Michael Jackson’s former personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray. Over the tenure of Weis’ rein this program hasn’t improved significantly. And if people were being honest , Weis hasn’t really performed any better than his predecessor Tyrone Willingham as a coach. And that’s despite the fact that last season they won a meaningless Bowl game against the University of Hawaii . That being said , if that’s what Lou Holtz is judging this program by and the mere fact that he believes that the team’s quarterback Jimmy Clausen has finally matured into a college player. Then all bets are off !

Whilst on appearance Clausen seems a good player . His leadership skills and on-field decision making does leave a great deal to be desired. Less we forget , this team in terms of its roster isn’t one that you’d deem to be breath taking, in terms of its depth and experience. Even with the return of a number of seniors on the squad. But then again for The Fightin’ Irish boosters and alumnus out there , they live in hope. Anything short of a major Bowl appearance and one will have to question whether or not Weis’ tenure at Notre Dame has been at all worth it. The continued excuses and the fact that the university extended Weis’ contract. It either proves that university President Rev. John I. Jenkins and Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick were foolhardy or they may well have been worried that he’d bolt back to the NFL. I’ll leave it for you to be the judge of that .

Unless I’m mistaken the reason for the New York Mets’ signing of Francisco Rodriguez was to secure a closer that could get the job done. Albeit , that the team over the last couple of years has seemingly fallen apart with the regularity of Janet Jackson or Tara Reid wardrobe malfunction. Staged or not at the time it made you sit up and take note as to what was going on. And for a team that has underperformed overwhelmingly this season. I for one am sick and tired of hearing the continuous excuses from the paeans within Foxsports and ESPN as to what ails the Mets. OK, so one can attribute many of team’s woes to injuries. But isn’t there a reason why an organization has an active roster of 25 players plus its affiliates within AAA and AA ? Whereby they can draw those resources from ? But then again these are the foolhardy Mets . Where they’ve always been of the opinion that they can buy their way out of trouble.

To see the Mets operate when it comes to making many of their personnel decisions. In many respects it’s like viewing a sailor on leave making a deal with a hooker for her services. No matter how steep the price may well be , just as long as he gets laid. Never-mind the fact that the hooker mightn’t be all that experienced to begin with. That’s been the where-with all and mindset of the club’s GM Omar Minaya .

As to their fortunes this year , let’s just say that with a record of (57-68) in the NL East . Their season is effectively over-all that they’re now playing for , is self respect and pride. Not that any of that has been exhibited with by the team to begin with. They’ve bitched and moaned as to their problems and that’s just the players and front office. Never-mind that their fans have been their usual contemptuous selves. Who’d have thought of any New York fan to begin with ? Rarely has a team promised so much each season but continually comes up short with an ever increasing consistency. But then again these are the New York Mets that we’re talking about ! Mediocrity seems to the norm for a franchise that can but look on , as to the success of their crosstown rivals the New York Yankees .

Pitching problems apart this team can’t manufacture runs if their lives depended upon it. And nowhere has this been more indicative than when it comes to their ace Johan Santana . Countless times this season the player has kept his team in games. Only for them to fall apart offensively because of their anemic play . And defensively, this team leaves a hell of a lot to be desired. Little leaguers could teach several members on this team how to play this game while being fundamentally sound at the same time still relish a zeal for playing baseball. Instead it’s like watching a bunch of overpaid primadonnas play at the part of being a professional baseball player.

And if at present , if there’s anything that is indicative as to how out of sorts and the idiocy that’s now taking place within the Mets’ organization. It is that of the case of the team’s former closer Billy Wagner . The player, having resumed his career after having been on the disabled list. He was placed on waivers by the team and an interest was shown in the player by the Boston Red Sox . That notwithstanding , the player is seeking assurances from the his suitors that they’ll guarantee him being a closer on the team. Unless I’m mistaken the Red Sox already have a closer in Johnathan Papelbon . Who if anything , is more than Wagner’s equal and is far more reliable. And whilst I understand that Wagner has a no trade and buyout clause within his contract. He’s hardly in a position to be dictating to either party , as to where he ought to ultimately end up playing . But such is the idiocy of the sport of baseball , where the players seemingly have the real power-management and the game’s hierarchy are held hostage to their demands , much of the time.

Mets' closer Billy Wagner poses for the team's official pictures prior to the start of the '09 season at the team's training facility in Port St Lucie in Florida . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Doug Benc .......................

Now come full circle and if things couldn’t get much worse for the Mets. They’ve now lost Santana for the season, due to a lingering elbow injury. That being said if the player should be in need of having to undergo surgery. It’s best that he’s shut down now and the team tend to the problem.

Courtesy of Yahoo and AP Sports :

Mets trade reliever Billy Wagner

By Jimmy Golen , AP Sports Writer .

Boston-(AP) Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox.

After a few days of back-and-forth talks about Wagners’ future , the New York Mets traded the left-handed reliever to the Red Sox for two players to be named.

The AL wild card leaders had claimed Wagner on waivers. He’ll join a strong bullpen that features All-Star closer Johnathan Papelbon .

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In order to read the Yahoo AP article in its entirety just click on the text headlined link shown.
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The travails of the Mets are never-ending. But many of their problems have come from the sheer ineptitude shown by their front office staff and the moronic coaching led by Jerry Manuel and his staff. And seemingly the Wilpon family, as owners of the team, have shown faith in not only Manuel but also Minaya. As they’ve stated that the two will be back for next season. In the case Mets you can’t win but for losing and then some !

Mets' ace Johan Santana on the mound against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Flushing , New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jim McIsaac ................

Courtesy of AP Sports :

Mets’ Santana to have elbow surgery, out for year

By Ben Walker , AP Baseball Writer .

New York-(AP) Johan Santana needs surgery for bone chips in his left elbow and the star pitcher is out for the season, the latest blow for a New York Mets’ team battered by injuries.

The team said their 30-year-old ace is expected to be ready for spring training next year. The two-time Cy Young winner was examined Tuesday by Mets’ medical director Dr David Altchek in New York.

Mets’ general manager Omar Minaya said Santana was evaluated around the All Star break, adding the injury worsened in recent weeks, especially after his last start. The GM said “nothing was there” during the previous checkup.

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In order to read this AP article in its entirety then just click on the headlined text shown within .
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Nobody Can Do Me Like Me ……….. Cause I’ve Got It Goin’ On Like That

I truly believe that the three most overhyped things in sports at present, are , … in no discerning order . Dale Earnhardt Jr and his prowess in NASCAR . I’ll ask this question only once . When is this guy going to win a friggin’ race ? All, I continually ever hear from his myopic and blindly loyal fans, are the continous excuses as to his vehicle. Well I guess , that’s what tends to happen when you drive a domestic piece of crap ?

Earnhardt Jr (right) sits with Martin Truez during Friday's practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup being held on the road course at Watkins Glen , New York state. The race scheduled for Sunday has been rescheduled for Monday due to the inclement weather conditions of Sunday afternoon. Earnhardt remains winless for the Sprint Cup season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Russ Hamilton ..............

Here sits a driver , 23rd in the Nextel Sprint Cup Standings , whose primary purpose at present , appears to be, is to live off his esteemed father’s name. Rather than going out there and carving a real career for himself. But then again that’s the way one can perceive the world of NASCAR to be .

Notre Dame offensive tackle Paul Duncan during the team's football practice in South Bend , Indiana. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Joe Raymond ..................

Am I wrong , to believe that the coaches have been drinking far too much of the Kool-Aid ? How in hell’s name can anyone actually believe that the Fightin’ Irish’s program of Notre Dame this upcoming season , can be ranked inside the top 25 ? I know that we’re all suppose to take College Football seriously. But even the idiots who allegedly work studiously to bring us these rankings appear to have hit one hookah, too many. That’s when I’ve got to take a second glance and ask WTF ?

Fightin' Irish coach Charlie Weis at the team's practice in South Bend, Ind. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Joe Raymond .............

All this coming from a program that came off a (7-6) season with a win in , a non-consequential Bowl game. But then again the expectations for a once mighty program aren’t meant to be all that great to begin. Not as long as the mighty NBC and its high priest Dick Ebersol continue to fawn over the program. In reality however, NBC has about as much credibility nowadays as the members of Congress have , when it comes to dealing with the nation’s woes.

Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Claussen. As a senior Claussen will be looked to for leadership with regard to the team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Joe Raymond ....................

The apparent 49-21 mauling that they placed on Hawaii , in the Hawaii Bowl, was enough we believe to finally put us in a place to think that program is back to where it ought to be. Well, that’s like having the opinion that former governor Sarah Palin would have indeed made a fine Vice Presidential candidate had Senator John McCain won the Presidential election. It’s all a matter of perception , more than anything else.

And unfortunately for the program the audacity and the stupidity shown by the Athletics Department in extending coach Charlie Weis’ contract. It has only gone to show that common sense and rationale , went completely out of the window. Weis’ record when measured against that of his predecessor Ty Willingham is only marginally better. And on the recruiting front , to put it mildly . Weis as a recruiter, certainly isn’t all he’s been cracked up to be !

Much is expected of the program this season under Weis. And all of the ballyhoo and hooplah that has been forthcoming from the erstwhile fans, boosters and alumni of the Fighting Irish. That being said, should they even finish with a sub-par record , they’ll still try and explain it away with the numerous excuses that we’ve come to know from these all too over bearing and rambunctious fans. They’d have you still believing that ‘Touchdown Jesus’ still looks down and smiles upon them. But the truth of the matter is , neither God or Jesus likes ugly ! And as long as The Irish continue to play the brand of football that they’ve been playing under Weis, they never will !

Buckeyes' coach Jim Tressel picture appears courtesy of ap/photo ................

The Ohio State Buckeyes are great for college football . As too are Oklahoma Sooners . But that’s where all of the accolades and applause should stop. As great as both programs appear to be . And once again it’s all about perception , more than anything else. How often have we heard the ludicrous predictions of the Buckeyes’ fans as to how great their season will be ? Only for it all to come crumbling down around their ears. And then, all we tend to hear from them is the constant asinine whining as to the fact that their real inherent problems lay elsewhere.

Big Ten Conference football , as good, as the pundits make it out to be. Much of it, is predicated on offense and very little else. Far too often their teams are found wanting when it comes to defense. And hell, let’s not even touch on the fact that when it comes to athleticism , even the members of The Golden Girls , well those who are still alive could teach many of their players a thing or two.

And whilst no one ought to discount the prestige and esteem with which the program is held amongst collegiate football. One can also can allude to the fact that when they’ve fallen from grace. Their fans all too quickly tend to become as silent and as docile as a church mouse. Though no one questions the character of their great coach, Jim Tressel , and the authority with which he’s led the program. His teams have played for the national championship, three times, having won their lone title under his reign in 2002 , defeating Miami Hurricanes 31-24 .

And while we can be appreciative of the players that’ve played for the Buckeyes and then have gone on to make a career for themselves within the NFL . It’s got to be said that the program and hype placed around in recent times. In reality it as much as it’s said to have going for it. There’s also a great deal that one can detract from it. One , the reverence with which the program is held , though unabashedly forthright and proud. The skill-set of many of its players aren’t as great as they would have you believe. And that’d be most definitely be true of the players churned off their productively lines over the last five years. But then again one can allude to the fact that in some cases it’ll take a player up to five years to acclimatize to the rigors of the NFL.

Terrelle Pryor (2) ,quarterback of Ohio State seen here playing against Troy St in a game at Columbus Stadium in Ohio in 2008. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus .................

That being said it’s not so much about the players that depart from the program. But where the program now stands . Under Tressel , he’s gone about doing things the right way. Insomuch as a coach is allowed to do in this day and age without falling afoul of many of the idiotic idioms of the NCAA and its recruiting guidelines. But it shouldn’t escape the fact that when great things have been expected of the Buckeyes of late. They’ve fallen flat with the speed of a missile descending from the sky having missed its trajectory completely. Whether or not that has been from the fact of poor coaching or the mere fact that their players have underachieved. That can be open to debate and a great deal of speculation. I, for one just tend to think of it as nothing more than the usual proverbial hype that tends to be lofted upon the shoulders of those who tend to be not worthy of it , at all !

Picks And Pans ………

Maurice Clarett , now there’s a name I’d rather not hear ! Over-hyped, enabled by all within the Ohio State’s athletics program. Having squandered, what many thought was once a promising college career. The Buckeyes’ running back felt that he was ready for the NFL as a sophomore entrant at the next level, in terms of his football career. He sought to challenge the NFL’s age eligibility entrance requirements. Having failed in that endeavor, Clarett’s ambitions spiraled downards and headed south. Next thing we knew , the former Buckeye had ran afoul of the law and he then sought to blame others for the poor choices that he’d made.

Clarett seen here making a phone call while in prison. The former Buckeye sought his early release but has since requested the state Parole Board to rescind the request. The player still feels that upon his release , he'll have something to offer the NFL as a player. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Michell Mayhew .....................

Granted , one has to be accountable for one’s actions but at the same time , I’ve a question to ask. What is it that Clarett apparently learned whilst in college ? Other than being there, on an apparent football scholarship. It’d appear that the player forsook all the privileges made available to him. Now an inmate within the state penal system in Ohio . Clarett recently tried an appeal to the state parole board in order to gain his early relase. Misguided as Clarett is , he’s still under the impression that he’s got something to offer to the NFL. From my point of view , that’s akin to Paris Hilton stating that she’d be a suitable candidate to be the next Professor Emeritus at Yale or Harvard. On both levels, Hilton and Clarett share the same sort of personas. They’re both of the opinion that they’re talented and have something to offer to the world. As to what that might be , I’d leave that up for you to decide.

Jason Bartlett (right) gets the high five from teammate Evan Longoria after the player had hit a home run in the Rays' 6-4 defeat of the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Last night , the Tampa Bay Rays (60-48) took the second of two games, in a two game series against the Boston Red Sox (62-44) . That being said, the Rays are still behind the 8 ball in terms of garnering a wild card berth as an entrant into the postseason. They’re now equal with the Texas Rangers percentage points’ wise and are three games behind the venerable Boston Red Sox. Their only hope now may lie in the fact that the Red Sox now face a do or die series against the AL East division leading, New York Yankees . Should the Sox then fall there, then it’s create something of a respite for the Rays as to their long term ambitions might appear , as to the remainder of the season. As good as they appear to have been playing at present . It has been their inconsistency to win back to back series regularly, that has primarily harmed their chances and that has placed them in the predicament that they now find themselves in.

Rays' DH Pat Burrell smiles as he leaves the field alongside the team's third base coach Tom Foley. Burrell had just hit a sixth inning home run off Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Rays’ coach, Joe Maddon , has to have been satisfied as of late with the play of his All Stars, Carl Crawford , Evan Longoria and in particular Jason Bartlett . This trio, seemed to have epitomized what this team has been about as of late. On the pitching front , it has been Matt Garza and James Shields , that’ve borne the brunt of the work. But for the unfortunate Shields , he’s never gotten the run support needed when he’s gone and out and pitched a gem of a game for the team. The batters have let him down , all too often !

Rays' pitcher David Price delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game played against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ........................

As the season now reaches the stage, where teams will now have to be at their level best. It remains to be seen whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays are able to replicate the success of last year and go one step further and perhaps win the World Series . It’s makes for an interesting prospect don’t you think ?

Vick seen here on his to court in Virginia stemming from his indictment on illegal dogfighting and illegal gambling charges. The player recently finished serving two years in a Federal penitentiary in Leavenworth Kansas. He now hopes to resume his career in the NFL. But still has to serve four game suspension as part of the re-instatement process. He also has the alternative of signing with an UFL team , rather than awaiting to play in the NFL. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Taylor ..........................

As Michael Vick looks to make his comeback within the NFL . Already having been re-instated , he’s still now under suspension , courtesy of the NFL’s commissioner , Roger Goodell . There may well be, one or two teams around the league intrigued to see what the player may well have to offer to a franchise , by way of his play. That being said , two years away from the game , all of the rust and then returning back to a physical regimen won’t shake off the lethargy that the player’ll no doubt posssess. But it appears that the NFC South’s Carolina Panthers as well as the Green Bay Packers are indeed keen to see what Vick might be able to do for their respective franchises. Albeit, that the John Fox coached Panthers, still has Jake Delhomme doing the signal calling for the team. What we have come to realize, is that despite the enigma that Vick is said to be as a player. When he’s on the field of play , there is something that’s electrifying about him. He may well be one of a handful of players , who when they’re in a game , can seemingly make the impossible happen, that can change the complete course and outcome of a game.

As to the Packers , one now must wonder what may well be going across the mind of Aaron Rodgers ? Will be he pull a Jay Cutler on Mike McCarthy ? And clearly one would’ve thought after the team’s distastrous handling of the Brett Favre saga. This’d be the last thing that they would want landing on their plate, within the midst of the Packer faithful. I guess that they’d better call in former White House Press Secretaries to Presidents’ George W Bush and Bill Clinton , in Dee Dee Myers and Ari Fleischer . At least those two , know how to handle any blowback that might and any type of turmoil that’s liable to take place . They’re very well versed in dealing with the media. Which is more than can be said of McCarthy and the Packers’ hierarchy.

However, the unfortunate thing for most fans of the NFL , is the mere fact that we’ve never seen Vick produce that sort of a performance at the professional ranks , much less at the college level. Granted , his career has been built around his exceptional physical abilities and athleticism. But when was the last time you actually saw or even remember Vick playing and leading a team with a great deal of authority ? You may well need to have the memory of an elephant to in-fact go back that far. In reality, it has been few and far between for the player. And in terms of his performances on the field as a professional.

Vick seen here playing for the Atlanta Falcons looks to evade the Eagles' defensive player Sean Considine in a game played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia in December of 2006. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Jim McIsaac .........................

Now should Vick return to the NFL , it may or may well not be at his desired option of being a quarterback. One way or another however, his return will be welcomed by some . But in other circles, it’ll be looked upon as just another self indulgent star being granted another oppportunity after seemingly being unable to be cognisant of what’s right from what is indeed wrong . Nevermind, the fact that as an adult he was unable to admit to his actions when first asked. We may well be asked to be a forgiving society and in particular of those we believe to be deserving of a second chance. But are we actually able to really forgive someone who from the very onset made a choice on all accounts , he knew to be wrong ?

The Clock Is Ticking And It’s Gator Time

Well coming off a heralded season of triumph , acclaim by their multitude of fans and the panacea of the collegiate football world . The University of Florida (Gators) are riding on the crest of a wave. And even more so that they’d won a second College National Football Championship, having posted a 13-1 record for the season. Albeit, that there were many who felt that the Gators weren’t deemed worthy to be playing for the BCS National Championship . Congress we can hear you, but it’s falling on deaf ears.

Florida Gators' player Tim Tebow , the Heisman Trophy and twice national championship winning quarterback. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mattew Ronson .....................................

And the Southeastern Conference (SEC) now has the legitimacy that many have felt wasn’t deserving. The conference if anything is amongst the most competitive in all of collegiate football. Though there are those who feel that the Big Ten , Big 12 and Pac-10 conferences are more deserving of that accolade. But then again as they say …….’ beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ And the beauty of it is , that the SEC has been the dominant conference in collegiate football over the past six years plus.

And whilst the conference has its detractors, it also has its admirers. The team to be admired at present has to be the Florida Gators. And with the heroics of their Heisman Trophy winning quarterback , Tim Tebow , at the helm. This team has reigned supreme atop of collegiate football. But none of this would’ve been possible without the program’s most successful coach by way of national championships , in Urban Meyer . He’s been the consummate professional as a coach and his players and coaching staff have bought into his ideas, which’ve proven to be extremely successful.

Gators' coach Urban Meyer who has won two national championships at the helm of the Gators' progam as its coach. picture appears courtesy of afp/photo/ Mario Casales..................

And while many were surprised that Tebow chose to return for his junior year. It wasn’t much of a surprise to the real devoted fans of the program. And for Tebow as far as he was concerned . He felt that he had some unfinished business. Be that as it may, the team is now viewed as the prohibitive and preseason favorites to make it back for another major BCS Bowl appearance. But the Bowl of preference would have to be the BCS National Championship.

Florida quarterbacks John Brantley (12) and Tim Tebow (15) congratulate each other after the team's emphatic 63-5 win over Kentucky in a game played in Gainesville , Florida,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Sandlin .......................

This offseason for the program it was about retooling their roster. And having lost several players to the NFL . It was viewed that the team would be in for something of a jolt. But it remains to seen as to how they’ll fare this upcoming season. Their recruiting can be viewed again as being amongst the best that the program has had under Meyer’s tenure . And that’s above all a credit to him and his renowned coaching staff. They’ve been meticulous in assessing their needs and going out and obtaining the best talent available to them. With the prestige of having won two national championships , it certainly makes it all the more enticing for any potential recruit to this esteemed program.

But as of now it’s going to be about the Gators and how they’ll go about in defense of their national title and their aspirations for this upcoming season. And the ‘Tebow watch’ is on. Can this young , prolific quarterback possibly win a second Heisman Trophy and alongside that raise an unprecedented third national title as a player ?

However while the nation’s eyes may well be on Tim Tebow. It’ll be interesting to see what use will be made of his backup in John Brantley . For as the Tebow era will most certainly draw to a close. Brantley will be entrusted with stepping into the shoes of his esteemed teammate. And for Urban Meyer much of that trust will come into being this season. Tebow may well be the heartbeart and vocal leader of this team. But under his presence this season , Brantlely will have to learn his craft diligently from Tim Tebow.

The one two punch , running attack of Jeffrey Demps and Chris Rainey at work for the Florida Gators.

And while Brantley will be earnerstly learning from Tebow as any young protoge’ would be expected to do. One has to also look at the roster of this Gators’ team to see from where their next stars will emerge. With the loss of wideout Percy Harvin to the NFL. One would expect that there’ll be someone expected to come to the fore. It’ll now be incumbent on the likes of Jeffrey Demps , Chris Rainey , Brandon Spikes , Riley Cooper and Rick Burgess provide the arsenal behind this team’s prolific offense. Nevermind, that Tebow , himself, will look to don his Captain America facade and lead by example on the offensive side of things.

Brandon Spikes (51) of the University of Florida makes a timely interception in the game played LSU in Gainesville , Fla,. picture appears courtesy of The Gainesville Sun/ Brandon Kruse ....................

As prolific as the Gators’ offense can be. Its defense when called upon has proven that they’re up to the task when called upon. The defense with Brandon Hicks and Ryan Stamper will be looked at , to provide the fulcrum to an already stout wall of inpenetrability. While we know that the SEC will provide a stiff challenge as to the ambitions of the Florida Gators this season. Wherein the challenges are likely to be provided by LSU and Alabama within the conference.

Brandon Spikes (51) of the University of Florida makes a timely interception in the game played LSU in Gainesville , Fla,. picture appears courtesy of The Gainesville Sun/ Brandon Kruse ....................

On the national stage those posing a challenge to the Gators’ supremacy will come from the likely usual suspects. The always steadfast USC Trojans of the Pac-10 , from within the Big 12, Texas , Oklahoma and Oklahoma State . From within the Big 10 we’re liable to see Penn St and Ohio State out to prove a point. And that point will be something to usrup the dominance of the Florida Gators who at present reign supreme atop of the world of collegiate football. It will be very interesting to see what transpires once the season begins to unfold. If nothing else in only see how well the Gators acquit themselves against the teams mentioned.

We’ll either end up seeing history being made as the Florida Gators sets about on this monumental task. And as alluded to earlier , where much of their success will be at the behest of Tebow’s performance this upcoming season. Theirs is a season that’s to be reckoned with as to their supporters’ and that of the team’s aspirations.
And for coach Urban Meyer the ensuing success that has already been achieved , having already added to his legacy. Triumph once again, this upcoming season would place him alongside the modern era giants of coaching within the college game.

So let’s see what awaits the Gators as the 2009-10 beckons. The voiciferous fans of the Gator Nation are indeed a force to be reckoned with. And their unwavering support for the team , is as always to be commended. Come what may , we can’t argue as to the success that the program has achieved.

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If You Can’t Trust The NCAA Or Conferences of The BCS Then Who Can You Trust ?

Now that Senate Judiciary member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) wants to further ingratiate himself within collegiate athletics and that of football in particular. It begs the question what will he do for an encore once the status quo remains unchanged concerning the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) system. This being collegiate football’s way of determining a national champion in football. And more to the point if after all these years whereby they’ve allowed the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and in particular the major conferences that make up the rules as they go along . Why all of a sudden is the Federal government and in particular the Judiciary Committee so overly concerned ?

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) a senior ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Hatch seeks a broad band of measures investigating the BCS and how they conduct their business as well as how they go about determining a national champion in college football. picture appears courtesy of afp/ photo/ Paul Matthews ..........

In large part as we know the NCAA really as such doesn’t have a say in the process. But you can be sure the major conferences that make up the BCS take their stance as prescribed in the actions of the NCAA and the way that body conducts its business. And those conference as they are the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big 10, Pac-10 and the SEC . However , what shouldn’t be lost in this all is an independent without any allegiance to a conference . It is that Notre Dame and its program indirectly has a say in determining the series as with regard to the Bowl appearances. Be it a major Bowl or not.

Whilst the major conferences themselves, feel that there’s nothing wrong in the way that they go about determining a national champion in football. There are those who feel that the system is most certainly flawed and makes no acceptance of the schools from the much smaller conferences at all. And therein lies the problem. As egregious as it all might appear on paper. This is allegedly the best that they can determine as to being an impartial way of deciding a national champion. But as we all really know this is more about money , the handling of the purse strings and how the money is disbursed between the major conferences and the major schools within those conferences.

Rep Joe Barton(R-Tx) The congressman represents the 6th Congressional district in Texas. He's proposed far reaching measure in the House which have yet to take effect as he's not received enough backing from members in both chambers to have a law enacted. It would declare that the system used under which the national playoff system is determined is fraudulent. And it would also seek to rescind much of the antitrust exemption that the NCAA receives as part of it regulatory status. And thereby that of the BCS as well. Barton feels that the two bodies are in collusion in large part in their governance of collegiate athletics. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Todd Richardson .........................

Whilst we can appreciate that the government has to show some vestige of interest as to the conduct of corporations as well as the populace. It has to be said the concern being shown whilst valid. It does smack of stupidity upon their part ! The NCAA for its part gained anti-trust exemption at the behest of the federal government. And with both houses of Congress looking to engage themselves into the conduct of the BCS and NCAA. We can only imagine the posturing that is liable to take place when and if any appearances are to be made in-front of a member in either chamber of Congress.

The Daily Texan: An article written by staff writer Bobby Longoria. In order to view the article in its entirety click on the headlined text below.

Antitrust concerns raised about BCS selection process.

The legality of the Bowl Championship Series was put into question Tuesday in a hearing hosted by Sen. Orrin Hatch R,Uth.

Hatch is a member of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee and has examined the football system’s constitutionality since he chaired a hearing in the full Judiciary Committee in 2003. The BCS is a committee that grants national spots based on a computer algorithm which takes into account certain team statistics.

Hatch said that the system puts smaller conferences at a disadvantage and violates the Sherman Antitrust Act, which was established in 1890 to limit cartels and monopolies from forming. Hatch held the hearing to shed light on whether or not the system violates section 1 and 2 of the act by limiting competition and by monopolizing college football.

In 2008, the University of Utah was denied a spot in the BCS championship for a second time even though it was the only undefeated Division 1-A team and finished second behind 13-1 Florida , who went on to the championship.

“[The BCS] creates inherent disadvantages for those conferences that don’t receive automatic bids,” Hatch said. “Nearly half of the teams in colleges football are left to share relatively small amounts of BCS revenue, while the six automatic-bid conferences each have a share in a much larger pot-even if they don’t win a single game.”

In early May, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade , and Consumer Protection held a hearing disputing the BCS system. U S Rep Gary Miller ,R-Calif., submitted a statement at the hearing expressing the consequences of distributing large revenue unfairly.

He said the projected payouts for this past year’s BCS bowls are $17.5m and that this amount does not weight equally upon each school.

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Inexplicably having seen Rep. Joe Barton(R-Tx) trying to do the same thing. Wherein he , along with another congressional member would propose an act that in effect determine a playoff system as prescribed a legislative act within the House. When you have members of Congress acting in such a way. It’s easy to understand the reason why the public no longer has any real faith in a legislative body and Congress as a whole. They enable entities such as the NCAA and BCS Committee by emboldening them just as much as they’ve done with many corporate entities across the nation with favorable exemptions through some extraordinary measures. Tax-exempt status, favorable legislative opinions, that border on being illegal. Were it not for the fact that in many cases the members themselves aren’t fully cognisant as to what they’ve passed as law. And yet we’re now to believe that certain members are now in favor doing what they believe to is the right thing ?

And as far as the BCS Committee and its members are concerned. This much ado about nothing. They do feel that they and they alone know what’s best as far their determining a national collegiate champion is concerned in Division 1-A football. But yet at in the lower sub-divisions of the game there is already a playoff system in place. Albeit that the financial stake there is nowhere near as great as in Division 1-A.

Collegiate sports is a multi-billion dollar business and it is in large part the sport of football that is viewed as the fatted calf. And whomever controls the purse strings there, profits greatly as to the disbursement of untold millions each season.

One may view the BCS and the conferences therein as just another corrupt organization. An organization that seemingly conducts its business as being beyond reproach. But in essence their practices in many ways are no different than those of some members of Congress , much less many of the other corporations across the country. It’s the price that some are willing to pay in order to conduct business. What no doubt many of us may well look at this juncture is the very fact that Congress is now crying foul when they to begin with enabled the entities in question to get away with so much , for so long.

So I say to you again ” ….if you can’t trust the NCAA or the conferences of the BCS then who can you trust ?”