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.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
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 !
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 !
Friday, April 16, 2010
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?
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?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, April 9, 2010
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.
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.
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