Things that drive me completely insane.......

OK, I've been watching the world of sports recently, and I just want to scream. I hate the coddling, the sucking up, the whole bend-over-backwards attitude of some organizations and networks, and it really makes me sick. I mean, I do some radio coverage, and I try to maintain a professional attitude as much as possible (well, there was that little thing during the WTAMU game. If you see me one day, just ask). But, I'd like to think I don't call a player a "great" player, when he's really not fit to clean up the hot dog wrappers in the bleachers after the game. With that in mind, let's move on to what's really driving this article.



The British Open was completed recently, and instead of being on TNT and ABC, it might as well have been on K-TIGER Radio, or something to that equivalent. I mean, if I had to hear the phrase "an emotional Tiger Woods" one more time, I was seriously going to throw something through my TV or XM receiver. I mean, I'm sorry he lost his father. Yes, that is sad. But, at the end of the day, it's also a part of life. It's something we'll all have to go through, unfortunately. The guy that finished second, Chris DiMarco, had also lost a parent, and how much love from the networks did he get? None, compared to the syrup-laden comments Woods received. For a week, I had to endure seeing Woods' crying face all over my magazine covers, my favorite websites, my newspaper, etc. Come on , people, LET IT GO! The kowtowing the media gave Woods during this time is shameful, at best.

Another thing that is driving me nuts is pro football. Now, don't get me wrong.....I'm ready for the game to start. But, the draft took place in April, and some of these players haven't been signed yet? What are you waiting for....an invitation? I mean, these pro teams go through all of the mini camps during the summer, and you couldn't get something done during that time? Here's a tip, NFL front offices.......GET SOMETHING DONE!!! If they want to play bad enough, you'll get them in camp with a signed deal. REggie Bush basically held the New ORleans Saints hostage for a few days, because he wanted #1 money. Hey Reggie, you weren't the #1 pick, so you don't deserve #1 money. And who knows, maybe Bush needed the #1 money to pay for his parents' house in San Diego. Oh come on....like none of you were thinking the same thing. Speaking of athletes on the take, read on.

In Norman, OK, the Sooner football season has been torpedoed by player greed and booster exuberance. Never mind the fact that Clemson is undefeated against OU, and that the Tigers are the team that sent Barry Switzer into that good night. But I get off-track. Back to the real story. QB Rhett Bomar and OL J.D. Quinn were kicked off the Oklahoma football team for taking illegal cash payments from an Oklahoma City car dealership. This was "compensation" for these players having a "job" at said dealership. Well, OU coach Bob Stoops reacted quickly, and dismissed both players from the team. Once again, it's a case of players who have always had their hands out during their careers meeting up with boosters who want to be "part of the team", or who are "friends of the program". Don't get me wrong. I've always said "You show me a program that follows every NCAA rule to the letter, I'll show you a program that's never won a game". But, at the end of the day, discretion should also be the better part of valor. Hey guys, I hope the money was worth it. Maybe you can use it to buy yourself a ticket to the Red River Shootout this season. That will be the only way you get to that game. And, guess what, more athletes on the take. Read on.


Maurice Clarett........do I really need to go on here? He's a regular for the Sports Hall of Shame. He's quickly becoming the player who gets enshrined in the section that houses former Nebraska RB Lawrence Phillips. Clarett, while awaiting trial on charges of brandishing a weapon and theft of a cell phone, led police on a chase last night before being dragged from his vehicle, maced, and led away in handcuffs. It's worth noting that the police Taser had no effect on Clarett, sine he was wearing a bulletproof vest. It should also be noted that, again, while out on bail, and awaiting trial, he was found with LOADED WEAPONS in his possession. I think I said it a long time ago when he filed that phony police report while he was still at Ohio State. Cut your ties with him and move on. Ohio State finally did it, and they are better for it. The Broncos finally did it, and they are better for it. And, if I'm not mistaken, this should be his third strike. Shouldn't he be called out by this time?


And, while I'm not a fan of their team, I will come to their defense. To all the people that call the New York Yankees cheaters for acquiring Bobby Abreu and others at the trade deadline, stop the whining. What are the Yankees doing that is not within the framework of the rules? Do they have a huge advantage as far as revenue streams go? Let's see: They are in the nation's number one media market, they have their own network, and their logo is recognized worldwide. OK, I see the advantages there. So, why do people cry when the Yankees go out and try to improve their team? Did they overspend for Abreu? Probably, especially since he'll be paid 15 million for next season. But, they did nothing illegal. If they want their payroll to go over the 175-200 million dollar mark, well, that's their problem. They are the ones cutting the check, at the end of the day. Besides, looking at the Yankee roster, it's a collection of guys that have seen their better days pass them by, so age will catch up them before its over. Are they buyin the championship? That remains to be seen. The last time someone tried to do that, it didn't work out so well (See also: Lakers, Los Angeles). I'm a Braves fan, and I still long for the days of Ted Turner, when he would go get whatever the team needed. I wish they would have traded Chipper Jones while he still had huge value. I'd rather see them trade a player one year too early than one year too late. Hopefully, they can flip Andruw Jones in the off-season, and get some young talent in return.


Well, that's about it for today. I feel much better, having gotten that off my chest. College football season is right aound the corner, so we can debate all of that in this forum as the season draws closer. I really like West Virginia this season. I don't think Ohio State will survive the heat of Austin in the second week of September. Never mind that Texas doesn't have Vince Young anymore. Mother Nature can be a heck of a teammate. Penn State lost a lot of people, so we'll see what they have. Miami looks like they are returning to their penitentiary ways. Florida State is an enigma. Florida won't make it past their tough SEC schedule. Neither will Tennessee or South Carolina. And, while I'm on that, who really gives the Gamecocks a shot at the title, even though they have Spurrier? Maybe in the late 90's, but I really thing the game passed Spurrier by during his stint in the NFL. USC is another question mark. Sift through all that, and you're really left with West Virginia with returning starters and riding a momentum high. There hasn't been this much hype in Morgantown since the days of Major Harris and Don Nehlen.


Till next time............


Patrick