Did Urban Meyer Leave Florida Because He Was Sick, Or He Was Sick Of Losing?

Call me one of the skeptics when it comes to Urban Meyer's sudden return to coaching.  I'm not doubting that Meyer's health was an issue.  I believe the health risks induced by stress/fatigue were real and that they were serious.

I also believe they were induced by a Florida team that just wasn't nearly as good as the ones Meyer had become accustomed to coaching.  In Meyer's 10 years of being a head coach, he had five season where his teams won 10 games or more.  Of the five other seasons, his teams won nine games three times, and eight games twice.

Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow Win Another Game They Shouldn't

Being a Denver Broncos fan right now is the most frustrating and also the most exhilarating fan experience that's been had in these parts for quite some time.

On one hand, the Denver Broncos offense is just so unbalanced it's almost laughable.  Coach John Fox has gone to a run-first, -second, and -third approach because his quarterback has a hard time completing a ten-yard pass.  The running game, once Denver committed fully to it, has blossomed.  Right now they're ranked fourth in the NFL.  The passing game is ranked 31st.

New Yahoo Post: Wasn't Pretty, But Tim Tebow and the Broncos Defense Do It Again

This particular article gives a lot of credit for the Denver Broncos' victory over the San Diego Chargers to the defense and John Fox.  Tebow didn't make any mistakes, but he didn't make many plays today.


It Wasn't Pretty, But Tim Tebow and the Broncos Defense Do It Again

Maybe The Greatest Touchdown Catch Ever: Video

Check out this touchdown catch by Marshall wide receiver Aaron Dobson.  A one-handed, backhand grab in the corner of the end zone...amazing!!

NFL Takes First Step In Helping To Better Monitor In-Game Injuries On The Football Field

The NFL sent a memo out to all 32 teams this past week informing them of a new change to their injury protocols in-game.  

“A direct ring-down phone line must be in place from the NFL Observer position in the press box to both the home and visiting bench areas. This line should be clearly marked on the NFL Observer’s phone. The purpose of the additional phone lines is to allow the NFL Observer to alert the Athletic Training staff to a possible injury that may have been missed at field-level.”

This isn't at all a surprise.  Ever since the NFL has begun to make a big deal about helmet-first hits and fines/suspensions for illegal hits during the games, concussions and their management have taken center stage in the public's eye.  Five years ago, a huge hit on a player would cause nothing but celebration.  Now, the sight of a player down on the ground provokes discussions of concussions, neck injuries, and brain trauma.

Colt McCoy Got Hazed By Eric Mangini Staff: This Surprises Who?

There's a good article out today on Yahoo about how the former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator under Eric Mangini was pretty verbally abusive to quarterback Colt McCoy when he was a rookie in 2010.

I'm not sure if the idea that he was hazed hard because he was a rookie is at all unusual by certain coaching staffs.  However, in this particular case, it does seem abusive.

Go To Ohio State Where, If You're A Football Player, You'll Pass Even If You Put In Minimal Effort

I actually couldn't believe this Ohio State recruit said it.  Adolphus Washington, a five-star defensive end, committed to Ohio State University this week.

Among the school's stellar football reputation, and revered tradition in Columbus, Washington mentioned academics as a reason why he chose Ohio State.

New Yahoo NFL Post: Ndamukong Suh's Violent Actions Trigger Memories Of Albert Haynesworth

My review of Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh's actions today that got him tossed from the game. Remind you of anyone?

Ndamukong Suh's Violent Actions Trigger Memories Of Albert Haynesworth

Urban Meyer Doesn't Want You To Know YET That He's Next Ohio State Buckeyes Coach

Multiple sources have reported that Urban Meyer is the next head football coach at THE Ohio State University.  Multiple years, multiple millions per year....the actual contract is besides the point.

Meyer is, of course, denying it right now.  That is, he's denying that an offer has been made or accepted.  Course, he's not denying that he's in talks with Ohio State.  The story actually broke November 18, so it's picking UP steam instead of going away.  There's a reason for that.

The big reason why Meyer doesn't want to announce a deal yet is that Ohio State is still currently playing its regular season with its current head coach, Luke Fickell.  Meyer likes Fickell and doesn't want to disrespect the guy.  He also doesn't want to distract the team from its upcoming matchup with Michigan.

We all know this is going to happen.  Just be patient and all will be revealed next week.

Kyle Orton Goes To Kansas City Chiefs; Should Be Thankful

We'll never know how many teams wanted Kyle Orton after he was released by the Denver Broncos a few days ago.  The waiver wire pickup process is a closed one, with only the team who ends up with Orton identified.

We'll never know for sure if the Bears really wanted him, or the Redskins, or the Colts, or the Dolphins.  What I do believe is that the Chiefs were the best possible landing spot for him.

Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Chicago Bears Want To Claim Orton? Smoke and Mirrors. It Ain't Happening

I'm finding it incredibly hard to believe that the Chicago Bears are in any way wanting to claim Kyle Orton off of waivers now that the Denver Broncos have released him.

As a Bears fan, I was very glad when the Bears got rid of him in the Jay Cutler trade almost three years ago.  Orton had a ceiling on his talent.  A ceiling that would not allow him to win games with his arm on a consistent basis.  The Bears won with him, even as a rookie, because they limited his passing and relied on a running game and a great defense.

There are tons of rumors out there now that with Jay Cutler's season-ending thumb injury, the Bears really want Orton.  Also, Orton supposedly pushed for his release because he thought the Bears would take him.

Really? It's all just peachy, isn't it? Cause any time there's a rumor out in the NFL that Player A wants to join Team B and it's mutual, the move always happens, right?

Denver Broncos Waive Kyle Orton; Why Now?

I was driving home from work today and was surprised to hear the news that the Denver Broncos had waived Kyle Orton.

Why was I surprised when he was in the last year of his contract, wasn't going to be brought back to the team next year, and clearly wasn't going to start again for the Broncos this year?

I was surprised that it didn't happen much earlier.

My Ever-Evolving Opinion Of Tim Tebow

I've spent the past four days trying to come to a finite opinion on what I think of Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim  Tebow.

The only thing I know for sure is that I don't know anything for sure.

Here in Denver, the local fan base are, by a vast majority, converted over to the phenomenon that is Tebow.  I can't argue when the guy has gone 4-1 as a starting quarterback this year.  I love to watch Tebow play. His ups and downs, his successes and failures. Nothing is boring.

Jay Cutler Breaks His Thumb; All Of Chicago Is In Mourning

I'm just as stunned as the next person.  Coming off an excellent game against the San Diego Chargers, the news out of Soldier Field that Cutler had a broken thumb was unexpected and shocking.

He certainly didn't act like anything was hurting him during the game.  Cutler threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns in a game that the Bears had to have to stay close to a wild card spot for the playoffs.  Now that they're 7-3, the playoffs seemed likely with their upcoming schedule.

Not, however, if Cutler is gone for the rest of the year.  Official word has yet to come from the Bears, but that should arrive tomorrow once their orthopedic specialist has had a chance to assess his injury completely.  As it's on his throwing hand, it's likely that he will be gone for some time.

Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

My Yahoo NFL post on Jay Cutler's Broken Thumb And What It Means For Chicago Bears

With Jay Cutler Breaking His Thumb, Season Is In Jeopardy For The Chicago Bears

Latest NFL Yahoo Post: Michael Vick's Injury-Riddled Season Is Bad Omen

My latest post on Yahoo is about Michael Vick's injury-plagued season.  He's sustained multiple injuries, and may not be able to continue to handle the punishment he keeps receiving.

Michael Vick's Injury-Riddled Season Bad Omen For Future

Mark Richt Has Saved His Job With Georgia's March To SEC Championship Game

When the Georgia Bulldogs lost their first two games of the season, most analysts (including me) wrote off their chances of having a successful season.  Coming off a disappointing 2010 season in which they went 6-7 and lost their bowl game (Liberty Bowl, ugh) to the University of Central Florida, Mark Richt was most definitely on the hot seat.

I have always liked Richt, but I was getting a bit sick myself of Georgia under-performing.  Richt's teams had gone a collective 14-16 against main rivals Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee.

In Richt's earlier years with Georgia, they won two SEC Championships in 2005 and 2002 but never got the chance to play for a national title. Since Richt joined Georgia in 2001, six SEC teams have won the BCS Championship (LSU twice, Florida twice, Auburn, Alabama).

Joe Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Firing Now A Blessing In Disguise?

No one wanted to hear about this: former Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer.  His son announced the news earlier today.  He also stated that his Dad's cancer is treatable and that doctors are very optimistic.

It's an odd turn of events, and the latest bombshell for a University and football team in turmoil.  Paterno has had a multitude of injuries over the past several years (hit on the sideline in 2006 and broke his leg, had hip replacement surgery in 2008), but this is the first illness that has been reported.

New Baseball Yahoo Post: Colorado Rockies Sign Brandon Wood

My latest baseball post for Yahoo is about former Los Angeles Angeles minor league phenom Brandon Wood.  After playing this year for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wood was signed by the Rockies as a third baseman.  They hope he can improve his hitting enough to compete with Ian Stewart.

Colorado Rockies Sign Third Baseman Brandon Wood: A Fan's Reaction

Many Reports Announcing Urban Meyer As New Ohio State University Football Coach

How much should you believe in these rumored reports that Urban Meyer will be the new Head Football Coach at Ohio State?  Sports by Brooks claims not only is the agreement done in principle, but he's already recruited much of his coaching staff.

(**Note, this story was written on Nov. 18; I wrote a follow-up piece on November 24)

This staff would include current head coach Luke Fickell, ESPN's best college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Spielman, and Jon Tenuta, among others.

I have no doubt that if Urban Meyer wants to coach again that he would choose Ohio State.  Of all the vacancies that are out there (Ohio State, Penn State, Arizona, New Mexico, Tulane, Ole Miss are the current openings), Ohio State is BY FAR the best job available.  The facilities, fans, and the multitude of millions the program brings in ensure top-notch surroundings.  Add to that a fairly cushy schedule (far easier than Meyer's days in the SEC) and easy-to-get top recruiting classes every year, and you have a team that should win 10 games every year.

Wow, This Highly Emotional Little Girl Really Wants Minnesota Vikings To Win: Video

If only the rest of the Minnesota Vikings team cared about winning as much as this little girl:

New Yahoo Post: Colorado Rockies In Market For Second Baseman

So now I'm writing some baseball articles on Yahoo as well.  Here's my first piece:

Colorado Rockies In The Market For A New Second Baseman: A Fan's Perspective

How To Explain Tim Tebow's Success With the Denver Broncos

Did anyone really expect Tim Tebow to be 4-1 as a starter? So many folks (including me) really thought the Denver Broncos season was over when the Broncos benched Kyle Orton in Week 5.  

Obviously now, that was by far the correct decision.  The Broncos are actually now in a place where they could be in first place in the AFC West at the end of this weekend.  Tebow's four wins have come in a variety of different ways, but ultimately you have to say that in each victory Tebow was a major factor in the end.  I don't care about his stats. I really don't.  They don't really matter in the scheme of things.

How Different Would 2011 MLB Playoffs Have Been Under Pending Playoff Changes?

The big news out of the MLB CBA negotiations are that, starting in 2013, MLB will orient itself into two large 15-team Leagues instead of the current divisional structure.  They will also add an extra playoff wild card team to the mix, bringing the number of playoffs teams to 10.  I would expect from this that the top seed in each League would get a bye through the first round of playoffs.

How would this new playoff structure have affected the 2011 playoffs?

Houston Astros Sold, Team To Move to American League In New MLB Alignment

Well, the times are most certainly changing in Major League Baseball.  The Houston Astros were sold today to Jim Crane today for $615 million.  The bigger news is that the Astros will be moving to the American League in 2013 as part of the sale agreement.

MLB is on the verge of announcing a new CBA that will completely change the way baseball runs its season and playoffs.  Instead of 6 divisions spread out over two leagues, MLB is going to simply divide its teams into two 15-team Leagues.  The top 5 teams from each League will make the playoffs instead of the current structure of divisional winners followed by a wild card team.

My Matt Leinart Article On Yahoo About His Second Chance To Start In The NFL

This is an article in which I discuss Leinart's history in the NFL and how profoundly disappointing he's been.

Matt Leinart Gets Second Chance To Turn Career Around

New York Jets Need To Start Looking For Quarterback To Compete With Mark Sanchez

I was going to write another article about how disappointing Mark Sanchez has been this season, but Yahoo's  Jason Cole has beat me to it with the exact same point I was going to shoot for.

In case you don't want to read the full article here (and you should), here are some highlights:

• Sanchez has barely improved statistically since his rookie season.  
• He still makes maddening throws that end up as interceptions.
• The Jets are still not able to give Sanchez the lead in the offense, despite the fact that he's in his third year starting.
• A big theme in the article is that Sanchez is being sloppy with his play, and that's leading to ill-timed turnovers.

Major League Baseball On Verge Of Revolutionary Labor Deal

Bet you didn't know this, huh? With all the NBA lockout/labor nightmare going on for NBA fans, most MLB fans probably have no idea that MLB has made astounding progress in their own labor negotiations.

However, that's exactly the latest news coming out of MLB today.  Both sides are very close to a new labor agreement that will ensure the longest continuous labor peace since the MLB Players' Association was formed in the 1960's.

The current labor deal, signed in 2006, was also signed with little animosity.  However, this current five-year deal being proposed is unusual in that the negotiations are going smoothly and quickly despite the revolutionary changes.

Everyone Changing Their Story In Penn State Scandal, This Is Going To Get Ugly

There's a few interesting developments in this Penn State Child-Sex Abuse scandal that has rocked this public institution.  Both could highly impact Joe Paterno and may be the basis for why he ultimately retained a high-powered lawyer.

First is the Jerry Sandusky interview with Bob Costas from yesterday.  

“I have done some of those things,” Sandusky said. “I have horsed around with kids. I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their leg without intent of sexual contact.”

Notice the use of the term, "horsing around." That is the term that Paterno claims was said to him by then-graduate assistant (now assistant coach) Mike McQueary in describing what Sandusky was doing to the boy in the Penn State locker room showers.

Peyton Manning Okay With Colts Drafting Quarterback In 2012

Doesn't it seem like every piece of news out of Indianapolis in the past few months has indicated that Peyton Manning is unlikely to play again?

First we had all the negative news surround his neck surgery back in September.  Then, eights weeks after his surgery, Manning was fairly negative in his comments to the media concerning his healing and return.  Now, we have word that Colts Owner Bill Polian has said that Peyton Manning has given him his blessing on drafting a new quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft.

For someone who wants to see Manning play again, I'm feeling pretty discouraged by all this negativity.

Boston Bruins Reunite Soldier With Parents In Surprise Ceremony At Center Ice

I love these surprise reunions between returning soldiers and their families.

In honor of Veteran's Day, the Boston Bruins had Darren and Lori Jacobs, the parents of Lt. Charles Jacobs, come to center ice pre-game to drop a ceremonial puck.

Unbeknownst to them, Lt. Jacobs was actually flown home by the Bruins for a surprise reunion.  He had spent the past seven months in Afghanistan with the 182nd Infantry of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Grab some kleenex.

Dana White Tells Fans To "Shut Up" After Incredibly Short Title Fight

Dana White isn't always known as the most eloquent of spokesmen, but his vitriolic response to critical fans last night was absolutely the wrong move.

After a title bout that lasted 64 seconds, fans took to Twitter and Facebook to voice their displeasure with the way the night went.  Fans were upset with the short duration of the title fight and with the way the UFC put the rest of the fights online instead of another network or PPV.  That made it hard for fans to enjoy the UFC the way they normally do: on their gigantic big-screen HDTVs 

White, the President of the UFC, got very angry during the post-fight press conference when asked about fan response.

"For anyone to [expletive] about this fight because they didn't get to see [this fight or] that fight ... shut up!  You should've bought tickets if you wanted to see all the fights," White said. "And you don't like to watch them on Facebook? Seriously, shut up."

I understand why fans were upset.  They're used to paying $50 and, even if the title fight is a bust, you still have probably a half dozen other fights to watch.  Some are good, some are bad.  Well, this time fans didn't have to shell out any money but most ended up with watching only a title fight that wasn't worth much.

You know the old saying:  you get what you pay for.

In any case, White was very emotional and reacted poorly.  I would wager that he was upset with how the night went as well, but he couldn't exactly voice his displeasure with Dos Santos or Velasquez.  Instead, he turned against the group of fans who have turned the UFC into the success that it is.

Mike Shanahan's Reputation Is Far Better Than He Actually Is

Occasionally, I write guest posts for StateoftheSport.com.  Today they posted an article of mine that I wrote about  Washington Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan.

In the post I discuss the history of Mike Shanahan's coaching career and make a claim that he's not nearly as good as his reputation.  He has two fundamental flaws: he can't organize the defensive side of the ball, and he has little ability to select a quarterback (in his history, both Elway and Steve Young were already there when he coached them to Super Bowls, two of the greatest QBs ever).

He also proved in Denver that he can't properly run a team when he's given full control, and that's a major reason why he was fired there.  Apparently, Washington owner Dan Snyder didn't get that message and gave him the same duties when he hired him.

For more, go to Mike Shanahan Is Not Nearly As Good As He Thinks He Is.

Nebraska's Bo Pelini Says Game With Penn State Shouldn't Have Been Played: Video

Interesting how the one voice of reason in all this came from Nebraska.

Junior Dos Santos Knockout Of Cain Velasquez After One Minute Worst Case Scenario for UFC/Fox

As someone who wants to see the UFC succeed on Fox, this was the worst case scenario.  A challenger defeating a champion one minute into the fight with one hard shot to the side of the head.

Dos Santos is powerful, quick, and agile.  His ascent to the heavyweight throne was inevitable.  However, most thought that Velasquez would provide more of a fight.  Perhaps the 12-month layoff was too much for Velasquez to overcome.  Perhaps it didn't matter and Dos Santos is just that good.

In any case, this quick knockout can not be what Fox and UFC President Dana White wanted.  It would have been better to at least seen some back-and-forth punches.  Perhaps a little grappling.  Even some ground and pound.  Not this.

Let's remember that Shane Carwin most recently took Dos Santos to three rounds before he lost in a decision.  Carwin's jaw seems a lot more sturdy than Velasquez.  The Heavyweight ranks seem a bit muddled, but Dos Santos seems like the kind of champion who could dominate for a while.

No Air-Conditioning For Qatar World Cup With Temps Expected Above 106 Degrees?

I'm not going to immediately call this a disaster of epic proportions, but Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup (in part) on their assurance that the weather would not be a concern.

This is something akin to a city in Alaska winning a bid to host the Super Bowl on the basis of getting a dome built, and then deciding to build an open-air stadium instead.

Originally, Qatar officials told FIFA they could bring the temperature down to 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit), but John Barrow, the architect behind much of the new construction needed in Qatar, is shooting down the idea that air conditioning the stadiums is a feasible idea.

"It doesn’t need to be 26°C," he added. "Fan expectation needs to be a little more relaxed."

My latest Yahoo Post: Preview Of Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions Game

In which I discuss the first meeting of the Bears and Lions and what has happened to each team since then.

Chicago Bears Face Crucial Home Test Against Detroit Lions in Week 9

Penn State Starts To Get It Right With Students/Fans Supporting Victims Of Sex Abuse

After what has been the most turbulent week in Pennsylvania history since the battle of Gettysburg, Penn State University and its students are finally getting the right message out.

When long-time head coach Joe Paterno was fired on Wednesday night, it provoked a riot of roughly 2,000 distraught and angry students.

On Friday night, the student body held a candlelight vigil dedicated to the victims of the child-sex abuse allegedly perpetrated by former coach Jerry Sandusky.  Several thousand students attended and listened to speeches by student leaders and alumni.  The students seemed to get it.

Photo courtesy of Reuters/Tim Shaffer

 Today, for the football game, fans are being encouraged to wear blue in support of victims of sex abuse.  It's another good step forward.

Insane Video Of a Mountain Biker Being Charged By An African Antelope

At a South African mountain bike competition recently, Evan van der Spuy, was very lucky to have escaped serious injury after a run-in with a male antelope.

Run-in is putting it mildly.  The antelope charges the rider and simply plows him over.  Spuy suffered only whiplash and a concussion, despite the fact that his helmet was nearly split in half.

“I saw the animal moving to cross the road in front of me, but when I saw how close it really was, I was shocked" said Spuy. "Then, from the moment it hit me I was unconscious. I actually don’t know what happened from then.”

Check this unbelievable video out and see how lucky Spuy was to not have been killed:

Men's 2011 Tennis Season Winding Down, Novak Djovakic To End Season #1

So if you're like most casual tennis fans, you probably haven't thought much about men's tennis since the end of the US Open in September.  What have you missed?

No NBA Will Mean Much Bigger Audience For College Basketball

This is not exactly a revelation. With the NBA in its seemingly interminable lockout, college basketball figures to increase its audience this year.

I was at a sports bar last night and caught the crazy second half of the St. Johns - Lehigh game.  I was actually surprised to see the game, as I hadn't checked out the college basketball schedule.

The other thing that surprised me was how happy I was to see the game.  I'm not a huge NBA fan.  I was born in Indiana and have always loved the team-oriented, fundamentally-sound style of game that is fairly rare to see these days.  The NBA, with its reliance on 1-on-1 play, is less interesting to me.

However, it's November.  And it's cold.  We should be watching basketball.

Is It Really A Tragedy That Joe Paterno Isn't Going to Coach Another Game?

In what has been the biggest story in the sports world in some time, the Penn State Child Sex Abuse Scandal has eclipsed most other news stories in the past week.

I argue that it shouldn't really be a sports story.  Sure, it's being debated hotly by every sports talk show in the nation every day this week, and the key figures in the story are tied to the football program, but this is a tragic social event that has little to do with the game of football.

It's NOT BECAUSE IT'S THE END OF JOE PATERNO'S CAREER.  Let's stop making JoePa a victim in all this.  The true victims are those kids that were abused by Sandusky.  Joe Paterno losing his job is a fitting punishment to a guy who probably shouldn't have been coaching in the first place.

Sexual abuse of a child is a horrific, horrific thing.  I know someone who was sexually abused as a child and it has had far-reaching negative effects on their entire lives.  It ruins kids before they ever have a chance.

So, spare me the "poor JoePa" crap.  The man is supposed to be such a legend, such a force for good.  Witness the reaction of so many Penn State students and alums as they rally around the guy.  They love him, trust him.

It's a fair bet none of their kids were taken by Sandusky into the showers of the football locker room.

My Yahoo Post About Dustin Keller Being Allowed To Play After Suffering A Head Injury

My latest post about the NFL on yahoo.

Dustin Keller's Non-Concussion Call Illustrates How The NFL Is Failing Its Players

Alabama and LSU: The Day After

Hard to believe that, just a year ago, a lot of fans in Louisiana were calling for Les Miles' head.  Admittedly, I thought he was a bit over his head as well.  However, another dominant season from the Tigers has changed my opinion.

Saturday night they took it to what I thought was the best team in the country, the Alabama Crimson Tide.  In the Tide's house.  A rivalry game, by the way, they've won three out of the last four years.  Saban years.

Makes you scratch your head, doesn't it? Saban is the guy who gets all the evil genius compliments, the coach of the year accolades.  However, Saban seemed to coach this game insecure.  Playing it safe.  Until he didn't, and the one trick play that could have worked backfired with an interception on the goal line.

New Yahoo Post Article On Peyton Hillis

Just published another NFL article on Yahoo this morning about Peyton Hillis and his contract issues.

Peyton Hillis Has Cost Himself Millions

Is Anyone Else As Sick Of The Media's Treatment Of Tim Tebow As I Am?

I'm still trying to figure out if I'm lucky or unlucky.  I live in Denver where the biggest story of the 2011 NFL season has unfolded: Tim Tebow.  It's not for good reasons.  Nope, the media itself has made this story far, far bigger than it should be.

How is Tebow any different from other young, inexperienced quarterbacks who just didn't have what it took to succeed in the NFL? Plenty of other QBs have failed miserably without receiving the kind of seemingly gleeful wall-to-wall coverage of Tebow's failings this year.  Let's trot out a few: Drew Henson, Joey Harrington, Matt Leinart, Ryan Leaf, Brady Quinn, Alex Smith, Kyle Boller...

I could keep going.  All of these quarterbacks (with the exception of Hanson, who would have gone first round but took a MLB Yankees contract instead) were drafted in the first round.  All of these quarterbacks were declared failures fairly early into their careers.

2010 Broncos Training Camp With Tebow
Note the coach behind him studying his footwork
Does he have that kind of intense instruction anymore?

Coach Paterno Should Also Share Blame For Sandusky Scandal At Penn State

Forget the NCAA violations that USC committed. Cheap.

Erase in your mind the things that Coach Jim Tressel lied about in the Ohio State scandal. Small hill of beans.

What is enveloping Penn State University right now is the worst sort of wrongdoing you ever want to see on a college campus.  The kind of scandal that will rock a well-respected university to its foundations.

Allegations of child abuse, specifically of a sexual nature, by retired, long-time defensive football coach, Jerry Sandusky.  A man who started a boys organization under the guise of "helping" troubled adolescent boys, but who in reality was a sexual predator who used his special Penn State privileges to help him win these little boys' trust.

At the heart of the scandal, however, are some of the highest officials at Penn State.  The Athletic Director, Tim Curley, and the VP for Finance and Business, Gary Schultz, are both being charged with perjury in connection with their testimony in front of a grand jury into these allegations.  They're both going to lose their jobs and go to prison for protecting a monster of the worst kind.

New Yahoo Article on Philip Rivers' Terrible Season

I just completed my latest content article for the Yahoo Contributors Network:


This Terrible Season For Philip Rivers Could Cost The Chargers The Playoffs

Peyton Manning Admits Nerve Regeneration Still An Issue, Neck Fusion Has Yet To Heal

On the two-month anniversary of his neck fusion surgery, Peyton Manning made an unexpected visit to the Indianapolis Colts locker room on Thursday.  Reporters gathered to talk to the team then mobbed Manning in a rare interview opportunity.

It was an unusual move for Manning in that he's been incredibly private since his neck surgery in August to fuse two vertebrae and remove a damaged disc that had been impinging on a nerve that controlled the triceps of his throwing arm.

When asked how he was progressing, Manning said this:

Nothing earth-shattering, just two months today since my surgery. Not a whole lot to report. Still waiting for the fusion to take place. That takes place, they thought, between two and three months. Still going slow with that. I still have some of the same issues I had before the fusion as far as the nerves and the regeneration. Still dealing with that, the idea being that this surgery gave me the most stability for the nerves to regenerate. That’s still a process there.

Now I Understand Why The Cubs Won't Hire Ryne Sandberg

I'll admit, I was pretty upset when the Cubs came out yesterday and said that they weren't going to interview Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg for the open managerial spot.  Not only is he a Cubs icon, but he's a promising MLB managerial prospect.  Currently he's managing the top AAA team in the Phillies organization (a year after he held the same spot for the Cubs).

However, after listening to Chicago writer, Dave Kaplan, on the Dan Patrick show this morning, I have changed my mind.  Kaplan made some excellent points on why the Cubs weren't going to select Sandberg.  Chief of them is a desire to remake the entire franchise from top to bottom.  That includes bringing in fresh faces all over, and not bringing back Cubs legends just because they were Cubs legends.

Los Angeles Dodgers Hire First Female Athletic Trainer In MLB

In the wake of all the stupid and crazy things that the Los Angeles Dodgers have had to endure in the past year with owner Frank McCourt's legal and financial troubles (as well as bad publicity from the fallout over the beating of Bryan Stow), the Dodgers have finally done something worth applauding.

Today the Dodgers hired the first female head athletic trainer in Major League Baseball (or any major pro sport in America), Sue Falsone.  For those who may not know, athletic trainers are concerned primarily with injury management and prevention. They're the staff that is a bridge between players and physicians.

Running Backs Who Lost Their Wheels In 2011: Update

Back in August, I wrote an article about running backs in the NFL.  Specifically, about which ones that were going to have a down year in 2011.

It's a rare running back that has 5+ highly successful years in the NFL at this position.  Two examples would be Adrian Peterson (in his fifth year and going strong) and Steven Jackson (although Jackson has suffered at the hands of a poor offense more years than not).

My feeling is that most running backs either run out of steam or that fire that has made them the best.  Things that can destroy a running back's career include a large contract, a long holdout, carrying the ball too much too many years in a row, and injury.