Is It Fair To Punish A Team When You Punish An Individual?....YES

Let's get right to the point, as this has been brewing with Sarge for a while now. The question has been asked more than once of late, if it is fair to bench or suspend a great player for a big game since it would be punishing his teammates also? Being as LOUD and CLEAR as I can, YES - IT IS FAIR!

If a player breaks a team rule or commits behavior unbecoming of the program, he or she must be dealt with. Discipline is huge in the world of sports. Without discipline, success is hard to find. Teamwork depends greatly on consistent unbiased discipline. Players must know that they are all held to the same rules. Of course, in the real world consistent unbiased discipline doesn't always apply. Favoritism is found in every profession, but that doesn't mean it is right or best for the organization as a whole.

One of the most severe punishments one can have is to realize that his or her actions have hurt others or cost others who are innocent. I have learned as a parent that to get your child's attention sometimes you MUST push the button that hurts them the most. Whether it be a favorite toy, a favorite tv program, or a favorite place to go, a parent must be willing to take it away from the child in order to correct poor behavior. For many youngsters who love sports, the button that must be pushed is the suspending of their participation in sports, individual or team. Of course, if the child is an outstanding player in a team sport this will punish his or her team also.

Maybe it isn't fair to the coaches or the teammates to bench a person for behavior outside of the playing field. However, it is necessary sometimes to correct behavior. If playing that sport is the number one enjoyment that person has in life, the playing of that sport being taken away will get their attention better than anything. More important, is the life lesson that will come from the punishment. Our actions can have an impact, good or bad, on many lives whether we realize it or not. Each innocent teammate should also realize that if they break rules they can hurt innocent people just as they have been affected in this situation. Again, life lessons are more important than games. Make a bad decision early in life and get benched, it can ruin a GAME for many people. Make a bad decision later in life (crime), it can ruin LIFE for many people.

I Just Don't Understand......

Could you please help me understand one question that I have about two different football teams this season? The Dallas Cowboys and the Alabama Crimson Tide have confused and baffled me all season long. Why? Because both of these teams are fortunate enough to have not 1 but 2 great running backs, and they don't get the most out of these great players.

The Cowboys have Felix Jones and Marion Barber. Bama has Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why neither of these teams will use both great running backs in the backfield together at the same time. The Cowboys NEVER do it. Bama only does it rarely. WHY?

If two great backs are in the backfield doesn't it put pressure on the defense because they cannot key on one or the other but must respect both? If two great backs are in the backfield, does it not increase the chances that your offense can score and score quickly? If you fake to a Marion Barber and give to a Felix Jones, aren't the chances greater that some defenders will be fooled than if you are faking to a hardly known running back? Shouldn't the middle of the field open up better for Marion Barber, if defenders think that Felix Jones may have the ball running with it to the outside? Doesn't a defense HAVE to give respect to Mark Ingram's fake, which should allow Trent Richardson larger holes and fewer defenders to beat? Vice versa, doesn't Mark Ingram have better lanes to run in, when the defense thinks that Trent Richardson may have the ball? In addition to all of this, shouldn't the play action passing game be even better when the defense must respect the play fake to not just one but two running backs?

Sgt. Football is only a "borderline" idiot who has never coached a game of football in his life. Every coach and employee for the Dallas Cowboys and the Alabama Crimson Tide know more football than Sgt. Football will ever know. But for crying out loud, someone please explain to Sgt. Football why a team with 2 great running backs cannot use them both at the same time? Or at least try to and see how it works out? I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND!

You See It Coming....Don't You?

You do see it coming don't you? If you don't see it, please tell me you hear it coming? OK, if you don't see it or hear it, please tell me you smell it coming? Brett Favre is laying the ground work to bolt out of Minnesota and back to Mississippi, now that the Vikings are practically eliminated from the playoffs.

Yesterday, after Favre threw three interceptions and the Vikings lost to the Bears, Favre mentioned pain in his throwing shoulder for the first time all season. HUH? What about all those other injuries? Oh, he has been able to play with those as long as the games were meaningful. Now that the games are no longer meaningful, Favre needs a new injury that will keep him from playing well so he can be put on the injured reserve list and be through playing for the season.

Favre is having an MRI done on his shoulder and then will send the results to Dr. James Andrews for evaluation. I expect that Doc Andrews will inform him that his shoulder is too bad for him to play any more and Favre will head to Mississippi, possibly for good. However, until a complete season is finished without Favre playing a down, I would not say "for good".

So, now that you know this, please tell me that you do see it coming - Brett Favre quitting mid season on the Vikings since they can't make the playoffs. Should happen any day now!

Need A Job.....How Bout NFL Head Coach?

As the 2010 NFL season continues to fly by, it becomes more clear every day that numerous teams will be searching for new head coaches for the 2011 season. In fact, a close look reveals that as many as ten teams may be looking for new leadership. Thirty two teams make up the NFL and almost a third of them may be looking for a new coach at the end of this season.

Dallas has already sent Wade Phillips packing. Sarge suggests that you watch Titans head coach Jeff Fisher to fill the opening in Dallas. Yes, I know that sounds nuts but number 1 - Sarge is a borderline idiot and number 2 - Fisher is tired of the Titans owner Bud Adams not spending money on elite players plus Jerry Jones has let it be known for a while how much he likes Fisher as a coach. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys even give up draft picks and/or cash to get Fisher.

Carolina will be starting over as their record is awful. John Fox seems to be at the end of the line there. Lovie Smith has been on thin ice the last two seasons in Chicago. If the Bears miss the playoffs, don't be surprised if they are looking for a new GM as well as a new head coach. As this is written, Brad Childress is hated by his players and frowned upon by the Vikings owner. Even a Super Bowl win may not be enough to fix Childress future in Minnesota. Brett Favre indicates he won't return in 2011 and Sarge don't expect Brad Childress to return either.

Mike Singletary was picked by many in the preseason to be the NFL Coach of the Year. Wrong, it ain't happening. With the Niners 2-6, Singletary has to find a way to win the weak NFC West to have a shot at keeping his job. In fact, it may take a playoff win.

In the AFC, the Jaguars have wanted to get rid of Jack Del Rio for the past two seasons but the team struggles so much financially that they don't wish to pay a new coach. Rumors are constant that the Jaguars will be sold or relocated by the NFL to a better supporting city. If or when this gets done, Del Rio is D-U-N, DONE. This was supposed to be the year that the Houston Texans and Gary Kubiak got over the hump and made the playoffs. Well, a 4-4 record with a putrid defense won't get it done. Texans will finish as they always do 8-8 or 9-7 and will miss the playoffs. When they do, Kubiak will be job hunting.

The Bengals won the AFC North last year and added Terrell Owens in the off season. Somehow, the same old sorry Bengals have found a way to be 2-6. Marvin Lewis has used up all 9 of his lives with the Bengals. The day the Bengals season ends will also end Lewis' title as Bengals head coach. Norv Turner has had more talent than almost any other coach during his time with the Chargers. Norv always finds a way to lose in the playoffs. Sure, his Chargers will make a run at the weak AFC West crown but anything less than a Super Bowl appearance will probably get him fired. And truthfully, he was given at least one more year than he really deserved. Finally, Josh McDaniels has literally made the Broncos a mess. He traded Jay Cutler and started last season 6-0 but missed the playoffs with a 8-8 record. This year he traded Brandon Marshall and currently the Broncos are 2-6. You ask, Sarge do you really think McDaniels could be fired after only 2 seasons in Denver? Well, you tell me. A 6-0 start last season, but a mess made, and since then McDaniels team is 4-14. Yes, this could be bad enough after 2 seasons that the Broncos have to tell McDaniels to get lost.

More than ever before, the NFL is a what have you done for me lately business. Head coaches don't get but 3 or 4 years to make serious improvements. When the 2010 season ends, a large number of teams are not going to see the improvements they were expecting. Update your resume' and make some phone calls. Maybe you won't get the opportunity to be a NFL head coach, but with all these openings you can at least ask to fill out an application.

Aikman Confirms What We Have All Known All Along!

Sarge has been preaching ever since Wade Phillips was named Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys, that Wade wasn't the real deal but only a puppet for Jerry Jones to be the real Head Coach. Anyone watching the Cowgirls can tell that the players answer to Jones not to Phillips. In addition, it has been obvious that the players don't respect Phillips. After their only win of the season over the Texans, Phillips made his team promise to give that effort in every game. Promise? Are you kidding me? Seriously, Wade, Promise? What a joke. Head Coaches, Generals, and CEO's don't make their subordinates promise. They tell them what it is expected and if those expectations are not met then heads will roll. Now, one of the great Cowboys of all time has confirmed what the Cowboys problem really is. In fact, he has made it elementary simple for Jerry Jones. The only problem is Jerry Jones won't accept the advice because Jerry wants to be the head coach and a REAL head coach will not tolerate being a puppet for Jerry. Copy the url below and paste it in the address bar.


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/system/mt-search.fcgi?search=aikman&IncludeBlogs=14&limit=20


Aikman is dead on the money. However, if he really wants to help Cowboy fans, he should bust the chops of Jerry Jones for wanting to much coaching control. Either be the coach or hire a real one.

Why Such Love For Randy Moss?

Lately, you have heard a lot about Randy Moss in the sports news. First, Randy was upset about the fact that he was in the last year of his contract with the Patriots and the Patriots had not offered him a contract extension. In other words, when this season ended Randy would be free to sign with any team he wanted. Probably, what upset Moss about this is the fact that if he suffered a major injury, he may not be able to play next year or ever again and would no longer be making the big money, since he would be without a contract. In addition, not being wanted by someone hurt his massive ego. Randy publicly voiced his displeasure with the situation and the Patriots traded him to the Vikings.

After playing only 4 games with the Vikes, Moss complained about the coaching staff by expressing how much he loved the Patriots and their coach. He also cursed out a caterer who was serving lunch to the team, apparently, because he didn't approve of the food. So the Vikings just released Moss to be claimed by any other team through the order of worst record moving to best record. The Tennessee Titans have claimed him.

Sarge has watched Moss closely for the last year and half. See, Sarge's favorite player is Tom Brady - yes he needs a haircut; he is not a European model for crying out loud he is a quarterback in the NFL. Sarge watches the performance of Tom Brady and the Patriots closely each week. Over the pat two seasons, Sarge has repeatedly noticed that Randy Moss is not nearly as dominant as he once was. Randy Moss was lethal in his younger years because he was so fast, so tall, and could jump so high. All a quarterback had to do was throw the ball up near Moss and he would out run or out jump anyone else for it. Defenses had to account for not letting Moss get behind them and even then it still didn't matter some times.

Based on the eye ball test, my friends, those days appear to be over. All of last season and this season so far, Sarge has not seen Moss out jump a defender for the deep ball. Only occasionally does Moss get behind the defenders. The most lethal part of his abilities appear to have disappeared with his youth. Moss is 33, which is old for a receiver. His legs and speed could be gone at any minute of any day.

Yet, NFL people continue to give Moss the same respect he commanded in his prime. Sure, he will occasionally make a great catch but not with the frequency of a dominating player. When Moss went to the Vikings, everyone thought that him stretching the defense down field would allow Adrian Peterson to run the ball better. Yet, Peterson's numbers went down rather than up. Maybe quarterbacks and coaches feel the need to force passes to Moss to keep him happy, which in turn takes opportunities away from other players? Now as Moss heads to the Titans, people continue to say that Moss will help Chris Johnson run the ball better. Only time will tell but Sarge encourages you to monitor Chris Johnson's rushing numbers before and after Moss.


Sarge is stunned that Moss would not be putting forth his best effort and behavior since he is playing to get a new contract and get paid the big money for the final time in his career. Teams will be less likely to sign Moss or if they do they will be more inclined to give him less money and less years if they know his attitude is still a major problem or his abilities have faded. Vice versa, teams will be willing to pay more money if they see that Moss is still lethal and his attitude is in check.

Maybe Sarge is wrong, and he is more wrong than he is right, but it sure does appear that Randy Moss does not out jump or out run people with the dominance that he once did. If he still can, he doesn't show it hardly ever. Yes, defenses still respect his ability but maybe it is time they start to not show so much respect. Maybe it is time for defenses to challenge the 33 year old Moss and make him prove he can still do what he once could. If they get burned a couple of times then the defense should play back and respect Moss. However, defenses playing with less respect for Randy Moss just might expose the fact that Moss is a shell of what he once was. Which would mean that the team that employs Moss does not have to tolerate his unreasonable attitude or antics. Uh oh, then Moss may be without a contract at all.

Some Things That Are Wearing On Sarge, During This Football Season!

As the football season reaches the midway point, I have found a number of things that are just wearing me out. You know, irritating, fatiguing, and burdening. Sort of like that guy that does the Southern Bullion Coin and Jewelry commercials on TV. For your entertainment purposes only, here are some football things that are wearing on Sarge.

1) Bama throwing makes me throw up! Alabama has, possibly, the best pair of running backs ever to play together in the same backfield. Yet, who knows why they don't pound the rock with Ingram and Richardson. When they lost to South Carolina, the ratio was 17 carries for Ingram and Richardson combined compared to 35 pass attempts and 12 rushing attempts by McElroy - which of course the majority of those rushes were pass plays that turned into sacks or scrambles. Final ratio - Ingram + Richardson = 17 carries as to 47 plays that were passes or McElroy. WHAT! WHY? They trailed the whole game but in the first minute of the 4th qtr the lead was only 7.

Even in the rout of Tennessee, they attempted more passes than Ingram and Richardson got carries - McElroy attempted 32 passes to 26 combine carries for Ingram and Richardson...WHY? Their offensive line is great and these backs are great. MAKE TEAMS STOP THEM AND YOU WILL FIND THAT USUALLY THEY CAN'T! Ingram - 85 carries for 544 yards and 6.4 yards per carry on the season. Richardson - 86 carries for 606 yards and 7 yards a carry on the season. POUND THE ROCK, BAMA! Then work play action with EASE!

2) Dripping with Sarcasm, I CAN'T FUNCTION NOT KNOWING IF BRETT IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO KEEP THE STREAK ALIVE! I love Brett Favre the warrior but I can't stand the Drama Queen and now he is exacerbating injuries to have excuses for poor play. I know his ankle has given him problems. The pictures of it on the internet after last season's NFC Championship Game were proof that it was hurt. Sunday night against the Packers, Favre's ankle got tweaked. He began to limp all over Lambeau Field like he could hardly walk. OK, I am sure it didn't feel good. Only one problem, when he needed to run or scramble there was no limp what so ever. Watch the last few plays. He moved with no restriction at all during plays then limped like he was cripple after plays were over, as well as, in the post game interviews. In the post game interviews, he mentioned he may not be able to play the next game. DUDE, QUIT BEGGING FOR SYMPATHY! QUIT HAMMING IT UP SO YOUR FANS WILL SAY, "LOOK WHAT A GREAT WARRIOR HE IS. BARELY ABLE TO WALK BUT STILL OUT THERE TRYING." Sorry Brett, but if you limp that bad while walking, you have to limp that bad while scrambling or running. Then again this is par for the course for what we all know to be the biggest drama queen of them all. Still, quit faking the injury to be worse than it really is. Update - An MRI has revealed 2 small fractures in Favre's ankle but he is listed as DAY TO DAY on the injury report, just like me and you are in our jobs. Again, I stand by the eyeball test during the game that showed he couldn't hardly walk but he could run and scramble. HAM!

3) Jerry Jones, please just call yourself Coach. The Cowboys continue to struggle and the reason is so simple. Sarge has laughed about this for a couple of years now. Jerry is a great owner and business man, just look at his checking account. However, he can't get out of the way so a real coach can take them to the top. The boys have great talent but no "football leadership" because Jerry wants all the credit for building and coaching this team. Hand puppet coach, Wade Phillips, made his team promise to give a full effort every game after they beat the Texans. REAL COACHES DON'T MAKE THEIR TEAM PROMISE - THEY DEMAND THEIR TEAM GIVE FULL EFFORT OR CHANGES ARE MADE! So Jerry Jones, we all know you are the coach of this team. Please, start claiming the title that you demand. Do the press conferences, put it on the roster, acknowledge it in public, and give yourself credit for that losing record as HEAD COACH. But don't change a thing - the entertainment of a brilliant, rich guy too stupid to realize he is the reason his team loses is priceless.

4) Rex Ryan, his cocky attitude, and loud mouth. Rex is a good coach with a good team. However, THEY HAVEN'T DONE JACK SQUAT, YET! Rex, you can run your mouth all you want when you win the ring. Until then, shut up! And tell your team to shut up also. PAPER CHAMPIONS!

5) B(ull) C(rapping) S(illiness) - Yes, the agonizing talk of the BCS has begun. I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! Why should I have to figure out who the best is based on 3 polls and a computer poll or whatever there is? IT CAN FIGURE ITSELF OUT ON THE FIELD - JUST LOOK AT EVERY OTHER MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP IN COLLEGE AND PRO. I become more and more disgusted with this every year and take college football less and less serious every year. SORRY, IT IS JUST RIDICULOUS AND WE DON'T HAVE TO TAKE IT AS FANS. AND I WON'T!

6) Tom Brady's Hair! Tom, you are my favorite player. One of my favorite players of all time. But Dude, that MOP on your head is just BRUTAL. Let me guess, your Brazilian wife thought it would look cool. Dude, it is ok to grow it out, BUT STYLE IT, DO SOMETHING WITH IT! Here's an idea, Tom. When it is long enough, get it all cut off and allow it to be used to make wigs for cancer patients.

7) Oregon Duck's CRAP-i-forms! I mean uniforms. Green and yellow can be good looking colors together. Just look at the Oakland A's baseball uniforms of the 1970's. But the Ducks uniforms, look like Duck POOP! Hey Nike, quit showing how bad your design department can really be. GIVE THE DUCKS SOME REAL UNIFORMS, THAT SCREAM FOOTBALL INSTEAD OF FUTURISTIC ROLLER DERBY!

College Athletes Are Being Paid, Surely Not.....

Recently a former agent for pro football players has told his story to Sports Illustrated about how he used to pay college football players, which is against college rules and would make the players ineligible if the NCAA knew at the time. This gentleman claims to have a need to clear his conscience of his actions. Let's be honest, most of the time when someone is clearing their conscience they are filling their bank account at the same time. Regardless, I am STUNNED (dripping with sarcasm) to learn that college athletes have been and are being paid.

It is almost laughable to think how often this probably happens and yet the NCAA hardly catches and punishes anyone. Recently, they HAD NO CHOICE BUT to catch and punish USC over Reggie Bush taking money but only because of a high profile lawsuit that the former agent filed against Bush to get his money back. OF COURSE THEY ARE GETTING PAID - A LOT OF THEM ARE GETTING PAID! 18 and 19 year old kids who come from poor, below average, or average income families. They don't have time to get jobs because of the time they are supposed to spend in class and on the ball field. Then some slick, smooth talking, cash waving leech walks up and offers to pay them. YOU BETTER BELIEVE A LOT OF THEM TAKE THE MONEY - WHO WOULDN'T? SERIOUSLY, WHO WOULDN'T?

The main point I would like to make is what can be done to stop it. Honestly, I don't know and I don't believe anyone else knows either. However, let's try to fix something that is currently wrong while trying to help this problem also.

Currently, players cannot turn pro in football until 3 years after their graduating high school class has been out of high school. Can I please ask WHY? This is a ridiculous, un-American, and un-constitutional rule. Athletes should be able to turn pro when other people turn pro at whatever they do, which is usually 16 or 18 and in some specific jobs 21. It makes my blood boil that the "powers that be" are going to prevent an 18 year old kid from cashing in on a multi million dollar athletic career but that same 18 year old kid is allowed to do so many other jobs, including serving in our military.

Again, I ask the simple question of WHY? As far as football goes, I believe this rule is only in place to help protect college football. College football would never see the very best players if they could turn pro out of high school. If NFL owners really believe that an 18 year old out of high school can't play in the NFL, why do they have a specific rule about age? If all owners believe that 18 is too young for the NFL then surely an 18 year old wouldn't get drafted if they were allowed to enter the NFL. WRONG. That is exactly why they have an age specific rule because they know that some owners would be willing to draft an 18 year old.

Pro sports leagues, allow athletes to go pro when they are of age to accept other jobs. The Constitution grants them the right in my opinion. Of course, I am not a scholar of the Constitution but I do have common sense of the meaning of that document. Athletes like everyone else should have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If these athletes can go pro and get paid above the table for their services then it would curtail some of the getting paid under the table while playing for college teams. Would it eliminate the cheating? NO - not even close, but it would help. More importantly these athletes would be allowed the liberty to seek a profession like millions others do at the age of 18.

Pro sports leagues and the NCAA - SHAME ON YOU, until you fix this. Allow 18 year olds to seek professional athletic careers in any league and help lessen the cheating in college athletics by doing it. Will 18 year olds fail in professional sports leagues? YES - no questions asked. Will it be sad? YES. Will there be regrets? ABSOLUTELY. But the decision should be that of the 18 year old, his family, and advisers. Just like it is the decision of that 18 year old who decides to go to work, or go to college, or go in the military.

Of course in the end, money has to be the reason for this ridiculous rule. Some where in the picture some one would lose a lot of money if 18 year olds were allowed to turn pro in sports. Sorry, but that is usually my view point when things don't make sense - MONEY is the reason. Well, what about that 18 year old's right to make money? The Constitution gives us the right to vote WHEN WE ARE 18. The Constitution also grants us the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - except when you are an 18 year old athlete who wants to become a professional.

Everyone Wins With Randy Moss Trade!

Randy Moss is headed to the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots are getting the Vikings 3rd round draft pick this coming year. Rarely do you see trades work out so evenly, but this trade is good for everyone involved.

Randy Moss was upset with the Patriots because they wouldn't give him a contract extension. He said he felt unappreciated and made it known publicly more than once. Randy gets to play with Brett Favre, a QB he has wanted to play with for a long time. Randy will also most likely get offered a contract extension. It's all good for Randy.

The Vikings need a deep threat. The Vikings were also in desperate need of a receiver, especially with Sydney Rice out for a few more weeks if not longer. This also may give Favre a reason to come back next year. The Vikings also have 15 or more players who contracts' run out after this season, so it is Super Bowl or Bust. The Vikings are all in, it is now or never.

The Patriots do not have the defense to compete for the Super Bowl this season. They were not going to resign Moss after this season, so they should get something for him. In addition, Moss is 33 which is getting old for a receiver. At the most, Moss may have 2 good years left. If you think Bill Belicick isn't smart then consider this - Belicick got Moss from the Raiders for a 4th round pick, got 3 good years out of Moss, and now gets a 3rd round pick for Moss as he leaves.

The Patriots are a young team that are building for the future. They have 8 picks in the first 4 rounds of next spring's draft. Having a good number of draft picks, is like having good credit - you almost always can get what you need when you see it. Belicick is slowly building a young powerhouse out of high draft picks. It takes time though when building through the draft. In addition, the NFL Owners plan to have a rookie salary cap in place next year. This means the Patriots will get several good young players at cheaper salaries.

Moss' attitude was starting to have an impact on the locker room and potentially on younger players. No question asked, it is time to move him when that happens. The Patriots are all about team. Randy was getting beyond team because he wanted HIS contract extension that the Patriots didn't consider a good investment.

A big time trade that will be great for everyone involved once all the chapters of the book are written. Moss will be great this year, including putting a beat down on the Patriots when the Vikings play them on Halloween. The Patriots will struggle this year but in the long run, Belicick will make another run at a couple of Super Bowls in coming years.

Braylon Edwards Actions Say - I Don't Care About My TEAM!

Braylon Edwards, wide receiver of the New York Jets, was recently arrested in the early morning hours of a weekday, for driving while intoxicated. Edwards is a starter and key piece to the Jets offense. The Jets not only have aspirations of winning the Super Bowl this season, but have bragged openly about how they will win the Super Bowl.

After being arrested, Edwards has more or less demonstrated what can be called a flippant attitude about the ordeal. Edwards blood alcohol was ONLY twice that of the legal limit. The stupidity goes even farther, when you realize that the owner of the Jets pays for a car service that will pick up any of his players, any where, at any time if the player calls and makes a request for a ride. Two of Edwards teammates were in the vehicle with him, which would mean they allowed him to drive while intoxicated. No, I have not read whether the teammates were intoxicated or not.

Really consider this for a moment. The STUPIDITY is completely incomprehensible. He gets drunk twice the legal limit. Doesn't ask for a ride from someone at the bar. Remember, he is a star football player. Plenty of fans would offer to help for free and the owners of the establishment could have pointed him to the right guy. He doesn't call a cab. He is only a multi-millionaire and could afford a cab easier than you or I could afford a newspaper. He doesn't call the free car service that his boss pays to provide him anytime, anywhere. STUPID!

A better word is SELFISH! Edwards wanted his fun with liquor and had no regard for others that were driving on the road, the two teammates in the vehicle with him, or the rest of his team as a whole. It is possible the NFL will suspend him for a few games. The Jets should bench him for the next game for sure to send the message to their employees that they will not tolerate such actions.

Edwards' Jets teammates should let him know how selfish he was in his decision making. He could have killed someone, himself, or his teammates that were with him. If he gets suspended, he can't help his team standing on the sidelines. He has caused a huge distraction for his teammates as they have to answer questions about the ordeal.

All in all, Braylon Edwards actions screamed loud and clear that he didn't care about the safety of innocent people on the road. He didn't care about his teammates safety in the vehicle with him. He didn't care about his safety. He didn't care about the well being of his team and helping them win. He didn't care about his employer's reputation. All he cared about was his "good time". Sad.

A Couple of 2010 NFL Predictions You Want Hear Anywhere Else

As the 2010 NFL Season gets into full swing today, Sarge has a couple of predictions that you won't hear anywhere else. Anyone can predict Super Bowl competitors, winners, and MVP's, Sarge is going a little more in depth here and being more specific.

1) Peyton Manning and Brett Favre will miss games due to injury. The fact that each of these legends have played as many games in a row is absolutely phenomenal. However, when you play such a violent game, injury is practically inevitable. The odds increase greatly each week that you will be injured.

Manning and Favre are way over due to get injured. There are whispers that Manning's offensive line is a little shaky this year. Of course, no one can compensate better for a shaky offensive line than Peyton Manning with adjustments and a quick release. However, reality screams that the odds are going to catch up sooner or later - this year is the year.

Favre's age is really starting to tell on him as the last two seasons he looks and moves more fragile than he used to. Oh sure, he looks and moves great to be a 40 year old quarterback in the NFL. However, being 43 Sarge can tell you that the body injures easier and heals slower. Anyone over 40 will usually tell you that age makes the body more fragile. Sarge believes that Favre, because of his age, will not only suffer injury but the season and career ending injury. Again, you can avoid it only so long.

2) Bill Belicick will be exposed as a SCHEMER not a TALENT EVALUATOR. Belicick gets so much credit as a great coach, and rightfully so. However, he had a lot of help building those Super Bowl teams, and Sarge isn't talking about the video camera. This is the NFL, everything other than a player, coach, or official giving away team information or throwing a game is legal. Sarge digresses. Scott Pioli, now the GM of the Chiefs and son in law of Bill Parcells, and Thomas Dimitrioff, GM of the Falcons, contributed greatly to the player selections on those Super Bowl teams. Can Belicick do a good job, yes. However, to do a great job he needs help. Look at some of his decisions in the last couple of years - Laurence Maroney, disappointment. Adalius Thomas, disappointment. The jury is still out on the young DB's Belicick has drafted in the last two drafts. However, Sean Payton, Drew Brees, and the Saints sure made them look AWFUL in that beating on Monday night last season.
In addition, Belicick has no offensive or defensive coordinator for the 2010 season. No matter how good you are, you must have good people in place around you in the ultimate team game.

Have a great 2010 NFL Season.

Favre Cost His Team By Reporting Too Late For Training Camp

Sergeant Football has said repeatedly that Brett Favre will not retire until one of three things occur - a major injury, another Super Bowl win, or an embarrassing season. Favre can say all he wants about he just isn't sure up until the last moment, but I believe deep in his heart he has known the last few years that he would end up coming back to play in the NFL. He has reported to training camp late allowing very little practice time for himself as well as time for him to develop timing and chemistry with his receivers. This selfish act could cost his team dearly in 2010.

Only Favre knows why he doesn't want to show up with his team until 2 weeks before the season starts. It has been proven time and again that playing the position of QB in the NFL is now the toughest thing to do in all of sports. If you don't believe me, consider that there are only 4 or 5 great NFL QB's playing today - Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and maybe a couple of others. YOU MUST HAVE PRACTICE TO PLAY SUCH A TOUGH POSITION NO MATTER HOW MANY YEARS YOU HAVE PLAYED IN THE NFL, WHAT YOU KNOW, OR WHO YOU ARE. The timing, strength, and endurance needed will not allow you to show up late and be great.

Last season, Brett was able to slip by because the Vikings started off with weaker teams such as the Browns and Lions. He didn't have to be at his very best for his team to win. In 2010, Favre and his Vikings opened with the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Favre didn't play awful, be he sure wasn't his best. Yes, he is missing a key part in WR Sydney Rice but still Favre was off his game. He stated after his Vikings lost 14-9 that he didn't feel rusty. He claimed that he felt fine but then went on to admit that some of his throws and reads were off.

Look at the score again, 14 - 9. Five points. Five points, that is all the Vikings lost by. They had opportunities in the second half but could not sustain drives. Five points, that is all, five points. I can't help but believe that those five points were left on the practice field in the weeks prior to Favre showing up for training camp.

How can such a legendary player in the ultimate team game, allow his team to suffer because he selfishly doesn't want to put in the time or effort needed to prepare? That is exactly what Brett Favre has done to the Vikings in 2010. No one wants to begin the season with a loss. Well, the Vikings have and that loss was by 5 measly points. No need for anyone to try and convince me that if Favre had of been well prepared that the Vikings would have still lost by 5 points. Wins are very hard to come by in the NFL. Ask all of the former head coaches and current head coaches. Again, in the ultimate team game, Brett Favre cost his 52 teammates and coaches a precious win because he selfishly waited too late to report for training camp thus not playing his best in game 1 of the season. 5 measly points, thats all, 5 measly points.

Make Your Fantasy League Better - Final Edition

Over the last few weeks, Sarge has listed several ways for you to improve your fantasy league. The best part of improving your fantasy league is the fact that there are no exact rules or ways to go about it. You and the other members of your league can make any and all changes that you want. With that said, here is the final suggestion to improve your fantasy league.

Picking Winners Each Week

Fantasy Football is usually about the players. However, there is another phase of football that can add to your league - THE GAMES. That's right, they play games in the NFL every week. There are winners and losers. Picking winners of each game is a great way to add competition to your fantasy league.

If you use a website to host your league, which you should, some will have a menu for each league member to pick NFL games each week. If you really want to add to the difficulty, you can find a way to use point spreads. In our league, points awarded for picking winners of games is compatible with the points awarded for players performance. We also have bonus games. We have found that the games that are split evenly in picks are the ones that should be valued more. Picks are not revealed on our website until kickoff of that particular game. With 10 members in the league, any game that is divided in picks by 5-5 or 4-6 is considered a bonus games and worth twice the points of games that are divided 0-10, 1-9, 2-8, or 3-7. If someone fails to pick a game, that is an automatic LOSER. Lack of effort is not rewarded here.

Fantasy Football can be about more than just the players. The more in depth, the more competitive and enjoyable. Sure anyone can realize that Chris Johnson should have a monster game against a weak defense but it takes a little more knowledge to determine who will win between the Colts and Patriots. It can get really entertaining when you need a player to do well but the opposing team to win because you have points riding on them winning.

Fantasy Football is great but you can make it better. BRAINSTORM! Stretch the limits to make your league unique and better than any other.

Making Your Fantasy League Better - Part 6

Now that we have improved on the basics of most fantasy leagues, let's get creative. Fantasy football is about players and statistics, however, we have added another element to our league. Your ability to predict the success of players and teams.

Add Preseason Picks of How The NFL Will Turnout

In our league, each participant is given a sheet to fill out at the beginning of the season. On this sheet, you must predict where each team will finish in each division. You must also predict who will be the wild card teams and the exact seedings of each conference in the playoffs. We award points for each correct pick as the season progresses. These picking points are added with the players points your team accumulates. So, not only do you have to study which players will have great seasons, you must also know which teams will do well.

We have a full sheet of predictions you must make including NFL MVP, First coach to be fired, offensive and defensive rookie of the year, Defensive MVP, Coach of the Year, team with the worst record, team with the best record, last team to lose starting the season, and last team to win starting the season. All of this adds to the fun of the NFL season. Much more for you to watch and pull for based on your predictions.

We also predict the Conference Championship games, Super Bowl, and Super Bowl MVP. We award huge points for these so that people who's players have been injured or not performed well still have an opportunity to win the league.

Because our predictions go all the way through the Super Bowl, we keep our players through the Super Bowl. This adds to the strategy of which players you want when the deadline for transactions takes place. That deadline in our league is week 12. So many people tell me how their league is over in week 17, BUMMER DUDE! Our league is just heating up.

Several times our league has been won in the Super Bowl, which made for an AWESOME ending. In 2001, when the Patriots beat the Rams in Super Bowl 36 on Vinatieri's kick, that kick decided our league champion. In 2004, when the Patriots beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl 39, our league was decided at the end of the game on whether Tom Brady was the Super Bowl MVP or not. Your league ends in week 17, MY LEAGUE IS DETERMINED IN THE SUPER BOWL. Not even close which is better.

Make preseason predictions a part of your points and carry your players all the way through the Super Bowl. You will be glad you did. AND YOU WON'T GO BACK.

Making Your Fantasy League Better - Part 5

Points, Points, Points, and more Points


Traditional fantasy football has very few points. It is time for you to enjoy the fun of having it rain points during a fantasy football game. Brainstorm with other members of your league for ideas about how your players can score points for you.

Most leagues award points for touchdowns scored. Well, it is time to modify that rule. Award more points for a longer touchdown. Why should a 1 yard TD run be equal to a 80 yard TD run? This can slightly alter the value of some players as they are "home run hitters" that can score from anywhere on the field. It provides more entertainment to the game. When your players score, the first question you ask is, "how far was it?"

Award points for yardage gained while rushing, receiving, or passing. Have negative points for turnovers. This alters the strategy for QB's who throw a lot of int's and RB's who fumble a lot. Award points for individual defensive players. Sacks, tackles, interceptions, fumble recoveries, and defensive touchdowns are some of the categories for scoring.

Make sure you are using team defenses. Again, be very creative with the scoring. In our league, we draft 3 team defenses and start 2 of them each week. Award points for sacks, turnovers, defensive and special teams touchdowns. Award big points for the rare accomplishments in a game, such as a team defense getting a safety. I have found that awarding BIG points for a team defense getting a shutout can be greatly entertaining. It is so rare to see a shutout in the NFL. Plus, as the game progresses the shutout takes on the feel of a no hitter in baseball. You are holding your breath with every play.

One other category that we do not use but I feel could be fun is drafting head coaches as a part of your team. Each player draft 1 or 2 head coaches and award points for wins and take away points for losses. If you set the values correctly, coaches wins and losses would weigh very heavy each week.

The great part of all this is that there are no boundaries or etched in stone rules. Again, the participants of your fantasy league should mold and shape your league to what is most entertaining for those same participants. A point for every TD is long out dated. Give me points, more and more points, falling like coins from a slot machine.

Sit Up And Listen When......

You hear Cris Carter or Marcellus Wiley giving their insight or opinion on football. I have grown to enjoy these two former NFL players more and more each time I hear them. What makes them so enjoyable? Simple. They speak what they really believe without fear. Being genuine, what a concept.

So many sports analyst or commentators are afraid to really speak their mind. They are afraid that they will ruin their friendships with so many other players, coaches, or front office people. Cris Carter and Marcellus Wiley are not afraid to criticize anyone.

Just a few weeks ago, Cris Carter's son left Ohio State's football program due to his bad grades and enrolled at a junior college. I was very interested to see if Carter would hold his son to the same standards he indicates professional athletes should keep. Sure enough, about a week after the news broke, Carter made a public statement that the family's goal was for his son to be back at Ohio State next year. He also indicated that him and his wife wanted their son to grow up, accept responsibility and "be a giver in life and not a taker". That last quote is my favorite quote of the year so far.

Carter has also spoke candidly about how he himself failed his teammates at Ohio State when he took benefits from an agent and was ruled ineligible his senior season. In addition, he has been very brutally honest about how partying almost cost him his NFL career in the early years.

Earlier this year leading up to the NFL draft, Jeff Ireland of the Miami Dolphins asked Dez White if his Mom was a prostitute. A big uproar ensued over whether a GM should ask such a question of a player. Marcellus Wiley was very candid in stating that a GM should be able to ask anything he or she wishes. He elaborated on the fact that football is an emotional game and that if you are going to draft a kid and pay him millions of dollars, you want to know how the kid is going to react in pressure situations. Wiley is a very smart guy, who attended college at Columbia.

In a day when it seems everyone is kissing up to someone or stroking someone's ego, it is very refreshing to hear two former players who have been there - TELL IT LIKE IT IS. ESPN should create a radio show for Carter and Wiley. They would need a host who could ask the thought provoking questions and stir the pot. Carter and Wiley could just be themselves and give informative, opinionated answers. I guarantee you it would be a great show. Anytime you hear Cris Carter or Marcellus Wiley, I encourage you to sit up and listen. You may or may not like what their opinion is, but you will know exactly WHAT THEIR INFORMED, EXPERIENCED, OPINION IS.

Making Your Fantasy League Better - Part 4

EXPAND THOSE ROSTERS

The more players you have playing, the more games you want to watch. In addition, the more scoring you have the more fun fantasy football can be. If you don't understand that last statement, then you really need to try this. You have fun when your players score. The more they score, the more fun you have. The more players you have, the better chances you have of scoring. Was that an Abbott and Costello routine - if you are too young for that reference then google "Who's On First".

When I say expand the roster, I also mean to expand the number of starters. In our league we draft 3 QB, 6 RB, 7 WR, 2 TE, 3 K, 3 Defenses, 2 Team Offenses, 2 DL/LB, & 2 DB. We start 2 QB, 4 RB, 5 WR, 1 TE, 2 K, 2 Defenses, 2 Team Offenses, 1 DL/LB, & 1 DB. As you can see, with this many starters we have plenty of players to watch which means we have plenty of scoring. Notice that although we have a lot of starters, we still have subs at many positions. Yes, the subs are there for injury but it also adds a pinch of strategy - you must make the call as to who will have the better day.

The expanded roster also allows you to recover easier from injuries to fantasy studs. If your stud RB is hurt during the game, in our league you have 3 more starting RB's to try to make up for the loss of production that Sunday by your injured stud. If that same stud RB is out for a few weeks, 4 RB's starting have a better chance of producing similar numbers as the stud RB than just 1 substitute RB.

Without a doubt, expanding the roster makes draft day more fun. First, it makes the draft a longer event which means more food, more beverage, and more fun. Second, it makes for more study and strategy. When our draft gets to the 23rd or 24th round, you better know something about the players at the positions you need.

Remember, think outside of the box. We have set our roster limits and starting lineup limits by adjusting the numbers every year until we finally found numbers that we all agreed provided us with the most fun. Scoring is fun in fantasy football - the more players the more scoring - the more scoring the more fun. Dare to border on ridiculous, you might be surprised what you find.

Make Your Fantasy League Better - Part 3

Fantasy football is a great way to spend your time, not only on Sunday, but throughout the week. Just think, when you get bored at work and really don't want to be there, you can escape by diving into your fantasy football team and league. Sure, you may get fired, but at least you will have the right starting lineup for Sunday.

USE A WEBSITE BASED SERVICE TO COORDINATE YOUR LEAGUE

Coordinating your league online via a website has become almost standard in fantasy football. Gone are the days of calculating points using the box scores and keeping the standings by handwritten notes. The question is, which website are you using and how much will it allow you to do with your league?

Most people just sign their league up for a website and proceed with the standard rules set forth by that website. WRONG! As mentioned in Part 1 of this series of posts, it is time that your league evolve into what the members want it to be. Therefore, you need an online league manager that will allow you to modify the rules of your league as the members see fit.

Your online league commissioner or manager should allow you great flexibility for changing the rules, roster limits, scoring descriptions, trades, message boards for trash talk, stats - stats - and more customized stats about the teams and players performance in your league, and several links to other informative fantasy football sites. YES, THIS WILL COST YOU BUT IT IS MORE THAN WORTH IT. The price will usually be less than $100 and should be figured into league dues so all league members share the expense. A fantasy football League without a good, flexible online managing website is like a golfer with only a driver and putter in his bag.

There are a number of online fantasy football league managers that you can choose from. A simple google search will give you plenty of prospects. I encourage you to view the sample league in each so that you get a real feel for how the website works. Reading about "how great the site is" doesn't compare to actually seeing how and what the site will provide. Our league has used myfantasyleague.com for a number of years. We are very pleased with it's flexibility and huge database of information. Also, myfantasyleague.com keeps all of your league info from prior years that you can check out at any time. Sometimes it is fun to take a walk down memory lane, even in fantasy football.

Probably the most important aspect of having the online manager for your league is that this website will allow your league members a place to convene, communicate, coordinate their team, crunch the numbers, and check out all the latest football info. Having a website to visit at any moment, cultivates interest in the league.

Make Your Fantasy League Better - Part 2

The time is now to improve your fantasy league. For the next several weeks, Sarge will be giving you ideas based on his 19 years experience as a Commissioner of a deep, very competitive fantasy league that evolves every year to be better.

So many leagues miss out on possibly the greatest enjoyment of fantasy football - the male bonding and forming of friendships. Especially as you get older and develop more responsibilities such as job, wife, kids, etc., these friendships and the time spent together becomes less available and more sacred. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES WHEN YOU CAN.

MAKE YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT AN EVENT

When possible, hold your draft with everyone in person at a convenient location. What fun is it to hold the draft online with no one there to comment on selections or to not be able to catch up on whats going on with the other league members and their lives? When I say make it an event, I MEAN MAKE IT AN EVENT. Make this your day and let everyone else in your life know that this particular day will revolve around your fantasy draft.

Of course, a buffet of food, beverages, and snacks should be provided. All league members should split the cost and contribute to the menu. Eat, drink, and be merry - THIS DAY ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR!

You should use a large draft board with player name labels. These draft boards can be purchased online for very cheap prices and it makes a world of difference in the level of enjoyment and the ability to keep up with which players have been taken.

If possible, use a podium and microphone to do dramatic introductions for each team owner in the league. Even have entrance music for each participant. The more dramatic, the more fun.

Sarge recommends 2 parties per year for everyone to enjoy the male bonding - the draft and the actual NFL Super Bowl. Again, make your draft an EVENT - FOOD, FUN, AND FRIENDSHIPS.

The Entree Hasn't Arrived, But The Appetizers Of Football Season Are Here!

Yes, we still have more than 50+ days before the first college and pro football games. However, if you are a die hard football fan, who anxiously awaits kickoff every year, then you have to look for the small victories in life. Sarge, is talking about the small but significant signs that football is right around the corner.

The football preview magazines - Euphoria! When you see these babies hit the shelves at Wal-Mart, Wal-Greens, or your local bookstore, the fact that football is on the way can't be denied. You must absolutely purchase at least 2. Why 2? Because for the next 50+ days this will be your appetizer before the entree that is the 2010 football season. As the season draws closer, you will become more excited and with each minor rush of adrenaline you will need something to curb your football cravings. Each time you feel the need for football NOW, you pick up the preview magazine and read an article or about a team that you haven't got to yet.

Phil Steele's college and pro football preview magazines are an absolute must for the serious football fan. If you only prefer college, then pick up this college mag and one more that you feel covers a wide variety of topics that you like such as schedules, conferences, traditions, CHEERLEADERS, etc. Make sure you get 2 - better too much than not enough.

For the die hard pro football fan like myself, I recommend Phil Steele's mag and one more that covers predictions, schedules, tv shcedules, fantasy, CHEERLEADERS, and etc. Make sure you get 2 as you will need them.

If you love college and pro, get both of Phil Steele's mags and one more pertaining to college or pro, whichever you like best.

Preview Shows - I noticed this week that the NFL Network will be having shows all week pertaining to who their analysts feel are the best 5 players at each position. Also, college preview shows should start popping up on ESPN in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled when watching sports channels, the football is starting to sprout.

Internet Articles - Finally, read, read, read on the Internet. Football is now a year round sport, in case you haven't realized it. Now, the info is starting to get much more relevant. Scan the Internet with searches when the mood strikes you. YOU WILL FIND INFO TO READ ON THE NET ABOUT THE 2010 FOOTBALL SEASON.

Football is coming, but the beverages, bread, and appetizers for this entree are starting to arrive at the table. Make sure your hands are clean and your napkin is close. Feel free to begin to wet your football appetite with a sample of all of these. When the season hits, you will be ready for a feast.

Make Your Fantasy Football League - BETTER !

Sure, we still have 2 months before the NFL season kicks off but before you know it your fantasy football league draft will be here. Now, not later, is the time to start thinking about how to make your fantasy football league bigger, better, and more enjoyable.

Over the next 2 months, I am going to provide you with a little of the knowledge that I have been exposed to over the last 19 years as The Commissioner of a very deep, competitive, and fun fantasy football league. Feel free to use any suggestions you find here and discard any you do not like. This will be a buffet of fantasy football league ideas that you can satisfy your appetite with by what looks appealing to you.

With that said, here is the first suggestion for making your fantasy league better.

AS A LEAGUE, DARE TO CHANGE THE RULES - THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

So many people I talk to about fantasy football tell me how their league is "standard" fantasy football. Well, if you want great, "standard" will not cut it. Right now, I want you to think about the rules of your league. Which rules do you like? Which rules do you not like? Thinking outside of the box, what would you like to see put into or taken out of your league to make it more interesting and enjoyable?

Dare to make your league fun and unique according to the ideas of your league's competitors, rather than settling for the traditional "boring" rules of fantasy football. It is your league, make it what you want it to be.

Some time prior to your league's draft, have a league meeting for nothing more than rules discussion. This meeting will also give you another reason to hang out with the guys for a night. Order pizza, beverages, chips, etc. again - whatever you want. Then sit around for an hour, or two, or three and discuss your league. Allow everyone to make suggestions and give input, then vote on the proposed ideas. You will be amazed at where the brainstorming can take you.

Give everyone in your league about a week's notice of this meeting. Challenge them to not only think about changes, but to also read articles about the many different rules suggestions for fantasy football. The more brains you can pull from the better the ideas are that you find.

Most of all, have fun. Have fun during the rules meeting - that is being conducted so you can have MORE FUN during your league. Don't be lazy and remain standard. Challenge yourself and your other league members to shape your league into something better. If it is worth the time of participating in, it is worth the time of improving it. DARE TO CHANGE THE RULES!

Sgt. Football Is Moving To ESPN RADIO 105.1 FM

Sound Off Sports with Sgt. Football will be moving to ESPN Radio 105.1 FM beginning Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 11 am. Sarge and company will be telling it like it is and like it is telling it about sports every Saturday from 11 am til 12 noon.

Sound Off Sports is a fast paced, informative, opinionated sports radio show that touches on pro, college, and high school sports. Sarge's goals each Saturday is to inform you of something you haven't heard during that sports week, make you laugh or smile at least once if not more, and inspire you to form your own opinion on sports topics.

Sgt. Football has a platoon of co hosts that include - Mr. Irrelevant, The BackUp Quarterback, The Official Scorekeeper, and Jesse The Body. The names may be cheesy but the conversation is hard core opinion and facts from a variety of studied opinions who can admit when they are wrong but don't back away when they are right.

Listen for Sound Off Sports with Sgt. Football on ESPN Radio 105.1 FM beginning Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 11 am.

Hey Ump, Be The Adult !

We all are very aware of the fact that most professional athletes act like spoiled children. They have either bought or been given everything they want. The attitude of entitlement that this creates in the person often shows up on the playing field or court when the player complains about an official's or ump's call during a game. We all know that players will act like children. We expect it.

However, we don't expect the umpires or officials to act like children. More and more every year, we see umps or officials act like children just as the players do. Being the ump or official in sports is much like being the parent to kids. You must maintain control of your emotions when the child throws temper tantrums. As the umpire or official, you must remain professional and control your emotions. Too many umpires or officials are antagonizing players and trying to be part of the show.

We see umpires or officials going after players or coaches. They yell, scream, and spit on players and coaches with the same lack of professionalism that the players and coaches show. Hey umps and officials, just stand your ground, be professional, and when a coach or player yells, screams, and spits let their actions speak for themselves. Real fans will not condone the child like antics of players and coaches. When players and coaches cross the line, throw them out of the game and be done with it. Instead so many officials and umps want to show up the coach or player and continue to go after them. They seem to want to make the statement that "we are people too and we will not be treated that way". Sorry, receiving that verbal abuse is part of the job that you get paid to do just like the clerk at the store has to put up with complaints from the customer. Except the clerk gets paid a lot less money than the ump or official. Ump or official, if you can't handle that verbal abuse, then get out of the profession.

Hey ump or officials, be the grown up and quit sinking to the level of the spoiled athletes and coaches. Be calm, be invisible for the most part, and most of all just be professional whether the players and coaches are or not.

To People In Charge of Pro Sports - CLEAN UP THE STEROIDS & HGH !

Floyd Landis is the latest athlete to come out and admit that he cheated using performance enhancing drugs. Floyd also found it in his heart to clear everyone else's conscience by exposing all their "supposedly" cheating ways in cycling. What a guy, with friends like him who needs enemies?

ENOUGH ALREADY! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! STOP THE CHARADE! The powers that be in all professional sports can and should clean up the cheating athletes are doing by using PED's. BLOOD TEST! It is very simple. Tell the athletes that all testing will be performed on blood drawn from their body. The blood will tell all the truth. Human Growth Hormone doesn't show up in urine tests. Blood tests are simple, non invasive and the most accurate form of testing, just ask the contestants in the Olympics.

Unions in the pro sports league will fight blood testing tooth and nail. I DON'T CARE! Commissioners and Owners, just get it done for the future of professional sports. Please, I want my sports as clean as possible so that I know everything possible is genuine. Enough of Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemons, Floyd Landis, Lyle Alzado, and everyone else that has caused my sportsworld to become so disingenuine.

This problem can be, if not completely removed, at least minimized to the very most. GIVE ME MY SPORTS WITH REAL RESULTS AND NOT COMIC BOOK OUTCOMES!

Lebron - No Heart Or Just Immature?

So this was going to be the year. The city of Cleveland, Ohio was finally going to get another pro sports championship. WRONG! The Celtics finished off the Cavs on Thursday by winning the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals series 4 games to 2. The team with the MVP and the best record in the regular season sent packing much earlier than expected.

Lebron James, the NBA MVP for the past two seasons, looked like anything but that in the game 5 blow out loss. Although he had a triple double in the final game, he committed 9 turnovers and didn't seem to concerned at times during the game that would end his season. James is taking a beating from fans and media alike for failing once again to win his first NBA Title.

All GREAT, not good, but GREAT champions have one thing in common - a burning desire to win with just as much hatred for losing. Based on body language and effort during the last two games, one must ask himself if Lebron really wants to win and really hates losing. Sure, Lebron doesn't have the great side kick yet in Cleveland. He does need more help than he has right now in Cleveland. But Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and all of the other GREATS of the NBA past would not have taken the losses in the last two games as well as Lebron did. These men hated losing so much that they would have been screaming at their teammates while leaving everything including blood, sweat, and tears on the floor during these losses. Lebron didn't seem real upset.

So Lebron just doesn't have the cut throat win at all cost mentality and heart of a great champion? Well, maybe but then again maybe not. Lebron started in the NBA right out of high school at 18 years of age. Maybe, Lebron just needs another year or two in order to mature. He seems frustrated by the lack of talent around him causing him to not play as hard. No excuse for this and the all time greats would never do it but he does seem very frustrated. With another two years or so under his belt maybe he doesn't let the frustration get to him and we see that burning desire for winning with just as much disgust for losing.

Either way, it will be a long off season for Lebron as he must wait another year to win that ever elusive NBA Title. He is a free agent and will get many offers. However, Cleveland is his hometown. It is bad enough he hasn't won a title for them but if he up and leaves then he may be hated for ever in his own hometown. It will be interesting to watch how this plays out.

Even more interesting is this question, who is Lebron James - Batman or Robin....Lone Ranger or Tonto....Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen?

Pay Attenttion - The Chiefs Are On Their Way Up

I wish NFL football was year round. Unfortunately, it isn't. However, the NFL Draft is an oasis in the middle of the desert known as the NFL off season. With the 2010 NFL Draft fresh out of the oven, I really like what the Kansas City Chiefs are doing.

The Chiefs front office is one half of the brain trust that built the Patriot Championship teams. Scott Pioli, also son in law of Bill Parcells I believe, is the General Manager. The offensive and defensive coordinators, Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, were in the same position for championship teams in New England. Last year the Chiefs signed Matt Cassel to a lucrative contract as Pioli believes Cassel is a franchise quarterback for the future.

Now with the 2010 draft, the Chiefs added three very quality football players from the best conference in college football. Eric Berry, who many consider to be the best talent in this draft, was chosen in the first round. A very talented defensive back from Tennessee, who makes plays. In the second round, the Chiefs selected Dexter McCluster from Ole Miss. A lightening quick multiple threat running back that can also play receiver and return kicks. Some reports indicate the Chiefs may try to use the speed and quickness of McCluster to play the slot receiver position that Wes Welker plays for the Patriots. Later in the second round, the Chiefs took defensive back Javier Arenas from the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Arenas also is an excellent return man and play maker.

I feel these three players could strengthen the core of the Chiefs organization for the future. All played in the SEC, which is the next closest thing to the NFL level. All are "playmakers" and every coach worth his salt will tell you that talent is a must. A coach without talented players is like a chef with rotten ingredients.

Pay attention to the Kansas City Chiefs in the coming years. Scott Pioli, Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, and Javier Aerenas are all the real deal.

Why Hasn't Anyone Mentioned Reggie Bush's Settlement?

Most sports fans know that the USC Trojans football team has been investigated recently for possible rules violations. A sports agent in California has claimed that he gave over $275,000 in benefits to New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush while he was playing at USC. In addition, the agent claims he also provided a $600,000 home for Bush's family to live in free of charge while Bush was playing at USC. The agent claims that Bush agreed to hire him as his agent when he entered the NFL in exchange for these benefits.

If these accusations are correct, it would mean that Bush should be ruled ineligible while he was playing at USC, as it is against NCAA rules for college athletes to accept such benefits from a sports agent. The result would most likely be USC having to forfeit games they won that Bush played in and would mean that USC would be stripped of a National Championship they won with Bush playing. In addition, Bush possibly could be forced to surrender the Heisman Trophy he won in the event he was found to be ineligible. USC football would most likely be hit with sanctions and put on probation not being allowed to go to bowl games as well as losing scholarships.

Upon entering the NFL, Bush did not hire this particular agent. In turn, the agent sued him demanding to be repaid the benefits he provided while Bush was at USC. The NCAA has done their own investigating. They interviewed Bush who denied any wrong doing or taking of benefits. Well, now the lawsuit has progressed in the courts. Bush was scheduled to testify UNDER OATH - MEANING IF HE IS FOUND TO BE LYING HE COULD BE CHARGED WITH PERJURY AND FACE JAIL TIME - Friday, April 23, 2010.

If he did not take any benefits or do anything wrong, Bush should be able to testify with no worries, one would think. After, all that is what he told the NCAA. In the days before he was to testify, Reggie Bush settled with this agent out of court ending the lawsuit. Settled meaning, he made the agent happy enough that the agent dropped the lawsuit and did not progress with it. The settlement is a sealed agreement that is not released to the public. Settlements usually mean that the person being sued pays the other person to drop the lawsuit. Not always, but usually.

With all of this knowledge, I ask you the reader, why did Reggie Bush settle the lawsuit if he did nothing wrong? Why didn't he take the witness stand and state the same things he did to the NCAA? And my last question is, why hasn't anyone in the national media been making a big issue of this?

The NCAA has not released the findings and/or punishments of their investigation. However, it appears they will only use the information from their interview of Bush since Bush never testified in the lawsuit. I don't know about you, but as a college football fan this seems like a pretty big deal to me. National Championship and Heisman trophy won with an ineligible player. Is it fair to the other players and teams who competed those years that the NCAA turn a blind eye to what would be very disturbing to the average fan? Would you consider the fact that Bush settled out of court an admission that he in fact did something wrong while at USC? Questions that will never be answered but only disappear with the settlement of the lawsuit.

Tid Bits About The 2010 NFL Schedule

Finally, a hint that the NFL will eventually start again. The 2010 schedule of games was released on Tuesday. Here are some interesting notes about it.

The opener couldn't be any better with a rematch of last year's classic NFC championship game - Vikings @ Saints.

The NFL appears to be urging Brett Favre to return as 4 of the Vikings last 5 games are in domes, when outdoor stadiums could be very cold.

Speaking of Favre and the Vikings, how bout this little stretch of games Week 5 @ the Jets, Week 6 the Cowboys @ home, Week 7 @ the Packers, and Week 8 @ the Patriots. Ouch, that won't be easy.

Just when the Texans appear to be on their way and playoff bound, they get the toughest schedule in the NFL based on teams wins and losses from 2009.

The Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints draw the 27th toughest schedule which is also the 5th easiest. GGGRRRRAAAAVVVVYYYY!

Cowboy fans, you better be good as you get the 3rd toughest schedule in the league. In addition, your Boys will travel over 15,000 miles on their road games. If the Boys get to 10 wins, they will have earned every one of them.

The Colts schedule is the 11th hardest and this little stretch don't look fun at all - Week 10 Bengals (playoff team last year) @ Colts, Week 11 @ Patriots, Week 12 Chargers @ Colts, and Week 13 Cowboys @ Colts. Good news is 3 of those 4 are at home.

Steeler fans, you get the 21st hardest schedule and you only travel a little over 8,000 miles total to all of your road games but, Week 7 @ Dolphins, Week 8 @ Saints, Week 9 @ Bengals, and Week 10 Patriots @ home.

The Jets have loaded up and their schedule is only the 18th hardest but it isn't as easy as it looks. Patriots and Dolphins both home and away. Ravens, Vikings, Packers, Bengals, and Texans all are home games. Other than the Patriots and Dolphins on the road, the only other tough road game is at the Steelers. Tougher than it looks, but several of the tough games are at home.

Finally, some Thanksgiving Day games that can be considered decent. Patriots @ Lions - OK, don't count that one, sorry. Saints @ Cowboys and Bengals @ Jets.

And finally, we don't have to tolerate the Sunday night World Series game. The NFL has not scheduled a Sunday night game in the past when the World Series is being played. Well, that changes this year. Saints vs Steelers - SWEET !

Enjoy your NFL !

NFL Must Publicly Denounce Videotaped Comments of What Appears To Be A Drunk Jerry Jones

Every day we are reading or hearing about another athlete in the spotlight who committed a crime, made a poor decision, or allowed himself to get caught in a place that embarrassed himself and his team. It would appear that there is little if any control over famous athletes. They have plenty of money and the MAJORITY of fans don't care how these athletes act away from the field, as long as they perform great on the field. Leadership in professional sports is greatly challenged to find answers for these issues.

Now, we have a leader rather than an athlete embarrassing himself, his team, and his league. Jerry Jones, the self created flamboyant high profile owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was secretly video taped making negative comments about Tim Tebow and former Cowboys coach now Dolphins GM Bill Parcells. Jones is in a public business and appears to be very drunk and his speech sounds slurred. The video has been all over the internet and ESPN has shown it several times on Sportscenter.

The NFL has had several players embarrass the NFL logo in recent years. The NFL has begin to deal severely with these players as they try to improve and protect the image of their product. Now, the NFL must at least make a statement condemning Jerry Jones for allowing himself to be videotaped in this condition. Does he have a right to get drunk? Sure. Does he have a right to make such comments about others? Sure. However, he is not only one of thirty two owners in the NFL, he is the most popular owner by his own efforts. This video embarrasses himself, his team, and the league.

The NFL when asked for comment issued a statement saying no comment. That is not good enough. No, the NFL shouldn't try to fine or suspend him but they should make a public statement indicating that the actions were embarrassing and unacceptable. The NFL should also make reference to, how can the NFL expect players to have good conduct when the owners don't have good conduct?

Jerry, next time stay at home and get wasted where no one will video tape you. If you go into public to drink, take a close friend or employee to protect you from such embarrassment. You are only a BILLIONAIRE, Jerry. I am sure you can afford to hire people to protect you from yourself.

I will close with two questions. First, if this had been one of Jerry's employees how would he have dealt with them? Second, for a person of this magnitude to appear to be this drunk in public, shouldn't someone consider the possibility that they might have an alcohol problem?

Suspend Roethlisberger? ABSOLUTELY

So, the investigation into whether Big Ben Roethlisberger being accused of sexual assault has been completed. The District Attorney says he will not press charges because nothing can be proved based on the evidence. The accuser has also informed the District Attorney that she no longer wishes to pursue charges against Roethlisberger. I will give you this opinion free of charge. Sure does sound like someone got a check with a bunch of zero's on it to drop this matter and I am not talking about the District Attorney. But now the question is what will the NFL do if anything?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended several players in the past as he has tried to clean up the image of the league. I believe, but am not sure, that almost all players that have been suspended for off the field issues have been arrested and charged with crimes. So what about Ben? Should Goodell suspend him even though Ben has not been arrested for anything? My answer is absolutely, positively, YES!

For the past two years Ben has been in the news for the wrong reasons. July of 2009 he was accused of sexual assault also. That alleged victim is currently suing Ben in civil court seeking money as damages. Again, in that case no charges were filed against Ben. This current case was magnified even more by that previous situation. In addition, Ben was in a college bar where him and his entourage were 8 or 10 years older than most of the patrons. All of these issues combined show a pattern of disturbing behavior and decision making. Ben putting himself in situations where bad publicity could be produced even if he were innocent.

Quarterbacks are the stars of the NFL. They get paid more than any other position. This is the opportunity, unfortunately, for Commissioner Goodell to make an example and set a standard that would land the most solid blow in cleaning up the image and shining the shield of the NFL. Roethlisberger is a QB, but he is also in an elite group in the fact that he is 1 of 2 QB's currently playing to have won more than 1 Super Bowl. The other being Tom Brady. Roethlisberger's contract is worth over 100 million dollars. Only about 15 or at the most 20 players have contracts that great in value.

Commissioner Goodell should suspend Ben for at least 2 games to fire the shot heard through out the league that no one, not even a 2 time winning Super Bowl quarterback will be excused for shady or questionable behavior that brings bad publicity upon the NFL. This will set the standard where no one will have any excuses. Doesn't matter who you are, or whether you get arrested or not. If your actions cause negative publicity and you are not clearly in the innocent area, then you will possibly be suspended. If the league doesn't suspend Ben, the Steelers should. Send the message that you are our leader and you are expected to walk to a higher standard. Along with the message to other players that if we will suspend our highest paid player we will suspend anyone. If the players union fights the suspension, then suspend him with pay. Yes, with pay. Why? These athletes are so well paid there is but one way you can hit them where it hurts. On the field. Yes, playing time on the field is the one thing you can take from them that they cannot get back and that they miss the most. In addition, it gives them the vision that without playing time on the field ALL the fame and money could easily disappear.

NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers if either of you really want to clean up the actions of your players, this is your opportunity to draw the line in the sand that will be your biggest weapon in the future. As NIKE says, just do it.

How Can Fans CELEBRATE Tiger at The Masters?

I have always heard that sports is a reflection of society. Well, the reflection the past two days has been utterly and literally nauseating. Tiger Woods returns to play golf at the Masters. As I continued to hear how fans gave him the "warmest" reception of any player on the course, I could not for the life of me understand it.

In the last few months, Woods has admitted to cheating on his wife with several women. Of course, it would appear that the only reason he made such an admission was because he was caught. Mind you, he didn't come forward of a guilty conscious. The proof was all out there so he had no choice but to admit to it.

After all of his apologies,promises, and self criticisms, I still believe Woods hasn't accepted the full responsibility for his actions as he has hidden behind a so called addiction to sex which he has sought treatment for. He portrays himself as a victim of an addiction in order that sponsors and fans will have sympathy for him rather than disgust.

I understand that there are fans that will always pull for Tiger. I understand that some fans aren't interested in golf unless he is playing. I believe we all have skeletons in our closets and need forgiveness as well as second chances. I have no problem with Tiger being allowed to return to professional golf. Although I do believe if it were any golfer other than Tiger, they would have been suspended for bringing such negative attention to the game. Tiger is the Golden Goose that brings in all of the money. And as we all know, money talks and people walk.

What I don't understand and never will, is how so many fans can CELEBRATE Tiger's return to golf. Over and over I have heard how the reception was louder and warmer for him than any other golfer. Fans have stated how it is so great to have him back and that if he wins the Masters it will shut up his critics. I hear repeatedly how this was between him and his wife and that fans just want to see him play golf.

Sorry, but I believe because athletes are so CELEBRATED in our society they should be leaders and honor the abilities they have been given by leading a life that will inspire others. To whom much is given, much is required. Tiger deceived a lot of people that were vested in him and he made a lot of money doing it. Fans invest their time, money, and emotion. Sponsors invested millions of dollars in him while paying him millions. AND PEOPLE COULD CARE LESS THAT HE DEFRAUDED EVERYONE! I don't get it. Sure, he can return to golf. Sure, go watch him play. No, people shouldn't necessarily boo or heckle him. But for the love of all that is right, how can people CELEBRATE him? And of all sports for fans to do this in, it is golf - the gentleman's game. Shouldn't he have to earn back a little respect before he is CELEBRATED? Can the fans not just at least be luke warm at best with their reception of him?

Sure, this has all taken place at The Masters in an environment that has been well controlled by people that are pro Tiger. But remember, sports is a reflection of society. The Tiger saga has shown a reflection that we all knew was there in society. The fact that people have little value for character, integrity, or morals. Unfortunately, they have less than I ever imagined.

Just play. Just win. Fans apparently will celebrate their sports heroes regardless of his actions. I can't understand that but it did help me understand this, I am getting old. However, I would rather be getting old with an ounce of appreciation for character, integrity, and morals than to CELEBRATE a guy who deceived so many people. No matter how good he is at hitting a little white ball into a little white cup.

Sound Off Sports Joins With Varsity Team Sports Presenting High School Athlete of the Week Award

Sound Off Sports with Sgt. Football is proud to announce that we have teamed with Varsity Team Sports Apparel to present the Chattanooga, TN area with a high school athlete of the week award. Each week the staffs of Sound Off Sports and Varsity Team Sports Apparel will determine the outstanding high school athlete who has performed the best in his or her sport.

Each winner will receive a plaque and T-shirt furnished by Varsity Team Sports and presented by Sgt. Football and a representative of Varsity Team Sports. The award can be presented to any athlete competing in season for any sport. The presentation will occur on campus and in front of coaches,teammates, and/or student body. Some winners will be invited to be interviewed the following Saturday on Sound Off Sports with Sgt. Football aired at 11 am on Talk 102.3 FM.

Email candidates names, school, and sport to soundoffsports@gmail.com or varsityteamsports.com.