Olympics So Far

This year’s Olympics have been everything the hype has made it out to be. There have been tremendous victories won on the ice rink or out in the snow. The United States has represented this great country well. The stars the U.S. possess have stepped up and really contributed to the lead they have in the medal count. There have been many memorable moments in this year’s winter Olympics. Some include the men’s hockey team beating the hosting Canadians, Lindsey Vonn winning gold in women’s downhill despite being injured, Shani Davis repeating in his best even, the 1000 meter speed-skating, snowboarder Shaun White absolutely dominating all competitors in the men’s halfpipe, and Bode Miller winning in the men’s super combined. These skilled individuals came into these Olympics highly praised and they walked-the-walk and talked-the-talk. I am sure there will be many more moments that will go down in the books, and I will be sitting in my seat watching every minute. USA ALL THE WAY!!

New NFL Overtime Rule

Does the NFL need a new overtime rule? I believe so. This was very evident in the New Orleans Saints/ Minnesota Vikings' game. The two best NFC teams were dead even in talent and score, and then their fates came down to a coin flip. I feel bad for the Vikings because they did not even get a chance to challenge the Saints' defense. Any team that wins the coin flip just needs to have an okay kick-off return, and then drive the ball forty-five yards to get themselves in decent field goal range. I just hate how one team gets the opportunity to do all this because of a fifty-fifty chance of calling the right side on the coin. What should the NFL do? One idea is do the same thing colleges’ do, which is each team gets it at the opponent's twenty-five yard line, and they play it live. The only problem with that is the second team gets the advantage. They get to see how the other team plays their possession and then goes from there. I do not think that is the answer for the NFL. If they did decide to use that idea, then I believe the NFL teams need to back up and get the ball at midfield. The other idea, which I like, is shortening the overtime to like ten minutes and then just playing the overtime out. I like that idea because it gives each team at least one or two possessions and both sides of the ball get a chance to stop the other teams. The only problem with that idea is the team that gets the ball first will come down to a coin flip and we are back to this same argument again. I believe the NFL has to make a change in the overtime rule, but what they do will have controversy too. It will be interesting to see how the NFL decides to go about this problem. What do you think?

Thoughts on Tiger Woods' Speech

One word describes the "apology" speech that Tiger Woods spoke, "Wow". I didn't really buy it. I mean who needs to read their speech off a paper? Why can't you just say what you feel in your heart? I kind of think that this speech was what the press wanted to hear, and not what the people wanted to hear. He did not get real emotional, and he wanted everyone to help him. Then, he throws a curveball and talks about his new found religion. I have no problem forgiving the guy if he comes out and explains what he did and his reasons for doing it. Look at America these days, baseball players who admit using steroids are heckled for a little awhile, but then are eased up on. Fans respect those players who are up front with them and admit their wrong doing. I just believe Tiger tease America by saying what he did. This was not an “apology” speech, but instead a stunt to get attention. This was however the worst case of the press ruining the integrity of an athlete. I do feel bad for his family that had to be ambushed by the press day and night. I do hope he and his wife work things out for the kids’ sake. He needs to stay away from golf for awhile to prove to his wife he is loyal to her. If he thinks this matter is far from over because of this speech, he is mistaken. What are your thoughts?

Who Should the Indianapolis Colts draft for 2010?

The Super Bowl just happened and now its offseason right? Wrong. Since the last seconds ticked off the game clock in the Super Bowl game, I have been asking myself, what do the Colts need to improve?" If you look back on the last couple of years, the Colts have gone after an offensive specialist, whether it is a receiver or running back in the first round. Do they continue to go after offensive people? I do not think so. I think this year is the year to go after some defensive players. Some key positions where the Colts could use some help is maybe another linebacker and a defensive tackle, so it helps the young secondary. On the offensive side, I think the Colts should make sure they get some linemen because the line is getting older and older with each season and game played. I think the Colts draft the right type of players and that has always been Bill Polian's forte. I know every time I watch the Colts draft, I always ask myself, is this the right pick? He has a system for the players he picks, and I think that it would be wrong of me to question his picks. When the Colts start losing more games than they play, then we can start challenging his moves. It will be an interesting Draft and I am looking forward to seeing the new Colt faces. These are my opinions. What's yours?

Are Colleges Recruiting Men or Boys?

It seems like in today's world, college coaches are finding athletes that are just kids and not even men yet. In recent news, ESPN did a story on a thirteen year old boy, who got recruited by USC's football coach. The boy is a lengthy quarterback named David Sills. Honestly, the kid is in seventh grade and already receiving a scholarship to play at USC. I just do not understand why coaches are putting these young boys in the spotlight already. With that being said, the parents are just as much in fault as the coaches. David's dad wants his son to get the exposure and said that any parent would do the same thing if they were in the situation. I'm sorry Mr. Sills, but no I wouldn't. I believe I would let the boy enjoy being a kid before I got too serious about his future as an athlete. USC head coach, Lane Kiffin, has nothing better to do than to go after thirteen year olds, instead of the top high school players. If he wants to be in the spotlight more, he has done it. I would be worried if I was a Trojan fan because Coach Kiffin is looking too far in the future at athletes instead of winning now. The young boy hasn't even taken a snap in high school to see what his true potential is. I believe that even though the boy verbally committed to USC, he will back out of that and go somewhere else that will be better than USC. I mean in five years, USC could be one of the worst universities to play football, especially with Lane Kiffin as their coach. I do not think Lane Kiffin has proven himself enough to be a good enough coach to lead a college to the promise land. Only time will tell what will happen with this thirteen year old and the future for the program of USC. I believe that colleges and universities should stay away from young athletes until their sophomore year of high school. This would allow the athlete to develop as a person and player. I believe too much exposure can put more pressure on the athlete than they can handle and mess them up psychologically. With athletes becoming more and more developed at a young age, I think the world will see more and more of these kinds of situations. It is bad for the sport, for the programs, and for the athletes!