Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth in the North Star State…

The whole world is talking about it, so that means I have to at least acknowledge it. Reports say that the crazy old man in the #4 jersey is finally hanging it up. This would be devastating news to some (Scott Hale) and a reason to celebrate for others (The NFC North), however, let me take this opportunity to take us on a journey. A journey into the not so distant past. There was a team, led by this same wily old vet, they had just suffered an excruciating NFC playoff loss at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl victors. The field general proclaimed to the world that he would never suit up as a professional football player ever again, and then he did, for two other teams. Don’t worry Brett Favre fans (Scott Hale), not so fast Brett Favre haters (NFC North) until the season starts and Brett Favre is not on the field I don’t believe a single thing about the retirement of old number 4.

CBA: The Season Killer…

On a way more relevant and important NFL note, we still can’t agree on a collective bargaining agreement. Now, like I have said before I am but a simple fan. It is true, I don’t know the fine intricacies that go into getting a momentous deal such as this done. I realize that there are issues that both sides are extremely passionate about, however, I do know one thing. They had better get it done. I think it is important to remember that without fans sports don’t matter. Without fans no one would care about ESPN. It is the passion of the fans that keep entities such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and even ESPN not only above water, but thriving. Fans can sometimes be ignorant not seeing or understanding the whole picture, but they know enough to understand that replacement players in NFL games or the prospect of a cancelled season is not going to cut it. Fans may also sometimes be overly biased. They can sometimes be blinded by their loyalty to their chosen team. I would argue this is their right. The fact is if I didn’t think my favorite teams were the cream of their particular league’s crop then they probably would not be my teams. The point is, regardless of all the flaws and faults that come from true fandom it is the fans that hold the true power in situations like this. It is only the informed fan that can learn what the issues are a pressure both sides to get a deal done. I’m not saying that fans should start sending letters to the NFL office or the NFLPA headquarters, Congress style, but I’m not saying they shouldn’t. Get informed and get involved.

Trojan Man No Longer…

It makes me laugh that when asked how they feel, in the wake of the USC fallout, ex-players, most notably Reggie Bush, and their former head coach are using language that would be more appropriate if they were talking about a friend who came down with a terrible illness rather than a friend that they pushed underneath a moving mac truck. Reggie Bush breaks the rules, allegedly, and then he escapes to the NFL where he can not be touched by NCAA sanctions leaving his alma mater to take the fall. Pete Carroll may or may not have known or been involved with the rule breaking, but he sure did know when the ship was going down and when it was time to leave. He escapes, just like Reggie, to the NFL safe from feeling the effects of the sanctions. Now, I am the last person who will cry over the fact that the Trojans can not contend for a NCAA Championship, but I will say that I think it is kind of messed up that ex-Trojans who helped cause this situation are treating it like it was something that couldn’t have been avoided or some injustice handed down by the NCAA. Give me a break.

Parting thought…

Everyone is talking about the Dolphins and Jets as improved teams ready to make a run at what used to be the Patriot’s strangle hold on the AFC East. Could this be the Bill’s year? Probably not.

– Jonathan “J$” Shreves