The NCAA: 21st Century Slavery

Now i know the title seems outrageous, but please, listen to my arguments.  The NCAA is undergoing a major face lift that Joan Rivers would be proud of.  Teams are abandoning conference affiliations and rivalries that have been a part of college football and college basketball for decades. The problem is the college presidents have taken over college athletics, and lets be fair, most college presidents are old white males.  I am not big on stereotypes, but this one i think fits.  So if we end up with 4 or 5 big "super conferences" what does that mean for the NCAA?  Well for starters it will mean a boatload of money for the schools.  The TV contracts and the ticket sales and everything that goes with it will give the schools millions of dollars.  So that means lower tuition? right?  Doubt it.  It mans better programs at the schools and a better chance to earn a top flight education? Doubt it.  These guys are going to pocket this money.

OK, so maybe it will be a benefit to the "Student Athlete", an oxymoron if there ever was one. Not only do I doubt it, we all know it will never happen. These super conferences will lock out the smaller schools meaning less chance for kids, and yes college coaches are recruiting 13 and 14 year olds.  They will probably create a playoff for division I football (or whatever they call it these days) which is a good thing, but probably only half the current division I schools will be involved.  A bigger piece of the pie for Oklahoma's and USC's of the world and the Boise States will have to play in a 2nd tier "league".  

Lets get to the heart of the problem the slaves, student athletes.  They gain nothing out of this, yet they are the ones performing the reason we watch the March madness and bowl season.  But wait they get an education!  Well yes they are offered a chance at an education, but honestly some of these kids are not college students, which is not to be insulting, not every kid is college material.  So yes they are given a chance they might not have if they couldn't run fast or jump high.  But to a lot of these kids offering an education as payment for their athletic talents would be like offering gummy bears to employees at a factory.  What are you going to do with gummy bears? What are some of these kids going to with a chance at an education if they can't excel in school?  These schools are making so much money.   If the University of Texas paid their players using the NFL formula for revenue, every player on the Longhorn football team would make $200,000 and the school would still bring in millions.  Their likeness are being used on video games, they don't get a dime.  A music student on scholarship can make a jazz record and bring in money, but Terrell Pryor can't sell his autograph to get a stinking tattoo! Really?  I was considered middle class growing up.  My father paid for my tuition, but i didn't have a lot of money.  I had to work 2 jobs while going to school full time  to get books, spending money. These kids can't work.  And now you add more travel time with schools like Nebraska having to travel to the west coast for PAC 12 games, when do the student athletes get a chance to enjoy college? To go to class? for that matter.  We all remember Len Bias took Basket weaving in college.  In my opinion it is slavery to be making millions for your institution and you are offering the players a scholarship that half of them won't use.  Then if the coach leaves, the players are stuck, they have to sit out a year to transfer? What else would you call it.  These college presidents should be leaders in education, but they have sold out to greed, just like corporations our government, and everything else.  it is the almighty dollar that anyone cares about anymore, and we act surprised when a teen kills another teen over an ipod?

My final point to the people who still believe the student athletes are getting an education, which is more than a lot of kids are offered, is this.  2010 69% of  division I football programs students graduated.  61% of African Americans graduate. Oklahoma and Arizona graduated less then half. Not everyone makes it to the NFL or NBA, so what happens to these kids? Do we really want to know or care?  maybe they will expand the NCAA Tournament to 96 teams so its even more money for the College Presidents, but Nada for the student athletes.

Random thoughts from the weekend

I never did give my Super Bowl predictions, but I have been thinking for the last few weeks Ravens over Packers.  The Super Bowl I would like to see... a year after the game was in Texas, wouldn't it be ironic Cowboys vs. Texans?  But on with the thoughts from the weekend.
I haven't followed Tennis that much in recent years.  Was a big fan in the 80's McEnroe Lendl, Becker Edberg, and then the 90's one of my all time favorite athletes is Monica Seles. Haven't followed as much lateley ,but The Federer- Djokovic match was one for the ages.  Serena Williams needs to grow up.  Speaking of Djokovic 66-2 for the year? Wow.  I think the Giants (both football and baseball) are in trouble.  I am amazed as anybody at Cam Newton's 422 yards? What a performance.  Should point out that ESPN showed the quarterbacks who hadn't thrown for 422 yards in a game for their career.  Tom Brady was on it.  Not any more.  What's amazing about Brady is he is one of only 3 QB's to throw for 500 yards and 4 tds in a game.  The other 2? Norm Van Brocklin and YA Tittle.  Can you believe Manning Fouts Marino, Unitas never did it?  Passing stats are ringing up like a pin ball machine and before last night only Van Brocklin  and Tittle had done it..

I think Aaron Rodgers when all is said and done will be thought of as being better than Favre.  Did you know Peyton Manning came in to the league a year before Donovan McNabb.  They both have 9 playoff wins.  Brady has 14.  It was always said Brady could light it up like Manning but doesn't have the weapons like Manning.  Well guess what? Other than Moss he hasn't yet, he is lit it up as great as Manning ever did.

I think the Bills will give the Pats and Jets headaches this season.  (ok mainly the Jets.)  But i do stand by my prediction that the Pats will lose their 4th straight playoff game in January.  They are great for Fantasy Football.  I just think the way they play cannot win a Super Bowl, and their defense is suspect.  They made Chad Henne look like.. well... Tom Brady last night.

Everybody knows I am the biggest Tony Romo fan, but at 31 years old. Can he protect the ball? Please?  At this point he has to know game tied you can't force a pass.  Ball protection is key in the NFL.  Win the Turnover battle win the game.  It is that simple.  If Romo ever learned how to protect the ball, especially in the 4th quarter, he would be up there with Brees and Rodgers and Brady, but he hasn't, I just don't know if he ever will, and that stinks.  For the Record though Romo isn't as big a choker as is perceived.  since 2006, he has 39 TD's in the 4th quarter.  and 18 Ints.  he has 9 comeback wins, its just that people remember the fumble in Seattle and the game against the Giants in 07, which The Giants D Line played out of their mind.  (The Giants had 52 yards in the 2nd half in that game, but everyone keeps reminding me Eli outplayed Romo in that game.)

I think the Red Sox will not make the playoffs

I think the NBA will not play this season and they can blame the NFL.. here is why:  Demaurice smith made a horrible deal for his players.  less than 50% of the revenue (48%) to a bunch of owners who have tax exempt status and have stadiums for the most part paid for by the taxpayers.  What did he get for the players. No more 2 a days, less practice in pads.  Do you think the owners give a #%^$ about that.  They have a product that everybody wants.  look at the ratings for this weekend.  They don't care if the players don't know how to tackle anymore.  They just signed a deal with ESPN for Monday Night football that will pay the NFL $16 Billion over the next 10 years.  that's right Billion.  Now with a new agreement in place they are swimming in money.  If the NFL labor negotiations were a title fight, Roger Goodell knocked out Smith in the 4th round.   The players have less money, People like David Garrard are out of a job.  so the owners can save even more money.  Look don't cry for the players they are still making millions more than me and you, but they got beat and beat soundly by the owners.
Anyway, back to my original point, how does this affect the NBA?  David Stern is determined to get the salary cap changed and rightfully so.  Bill Simmons of Espn actually is great at pointing out all the horrible contracts, but look at Eddie Curry, basically got payed 3 years for doing nothing, Rashard Lewis didn't need a gun to hold up the Orlando Magic.  Joe Johnson is a nice player but the Hawks to compete had to give $100 million. Ok no way anybody should be making $100 million, but in terms of NBA players, Joe Johnson does not deserve that. A lot of teams are garbage in the NBA because a not so franchise player makes $100 million and the team needs to be competitive, the problem is being "competitive" means a first round exit or just missing the playoffs and picking 13th in the NBA draft.  So I commend Stern for wanting to change this. (Actually he is money hungry like everyone else, but I think he really cares about his product, unlike Roger Goodell).  I think the players realize there is a problem with the contracts and would be willing to move for a compromise, but Billy Hunter head of the NBA players association saw what happened to DeMaurice Smith and he does not want Stern to knock him out like Goodell knocked out Smith, so there is a lot of bobbing and weaving going on right now, and i think the next time we see the NBA is November 2012.  Sad to say because the NBA had one of its most compelling seasons in recent memory, but they are going to blow it up, I think they need to, but they don't need to lose a season doing it.

NFL Predictions: AFC

Today we do the AFC tomorrow.. Super Bowl Predictions.

16. Cincinatti Bengals... For a couple of seasons they were no longer the Bungals.  Marvin Lewis built the team with good and bad players (good on the field.. bad off it)  The had Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco.  Well guess what? No Palmer, No Ocho Cinco.. they are the Bungals again!

15.  Jacksonville Jaguars... Ok didn't have them this low until last night.. how do you cut your starting QB 5 days before the season starts??  Peter King of SI said it best. The Jags will be starting  a QB Luke McCown who didn't even play in the third preseason game, when all the starters play.  Jack Del Rio needs to make the playoffs to save his job?? get the resume ready Jack.

14.  Buffalo Bills.  getting Brad Smith and trading Lee Evans? I like Brad Smith, but that is not even close to even.  I like CJ Spillar, problem is he is behind Fast Freddie Jackson.  I don't know what plan the bills have... i am sure they have a plan, i am just not sure even they know what it is yet.

13.  Denver Broncos... Was never a big fan of John Fox, boring is a word that comes to mind, but any coach that could get the Super Bowl with Jake Delhomme as his Qb is doing something right. The roster is not that bad... I think they should give Tebow a chance, but Kyle Orton does give them the best chance to win,  But they won't win many.

12....Tennessee Titans... They have Chris Johnson, but Matt Hasseelbeck was passed over for Tavaris Jackson in Seattle (ok back to back blogs mentioning T Jackson... promise it won't happen again).. Kenny Britt should have been Suspended.  How do you suspend Tyrell Pryor who wasn't the NFL and not Britt because there was no collective bargaining agreement.? where is that logic?  Anyway Jeff Fisher was a good coach and Titan Fans will soon find out how much.

11.... Miami Dolphins...  The dolphins have a better than average defense.  Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall are playmakers.  The difference between 6-10 and 9-7 comes down to the play of Chad Henne. which is why I rated the next team higher...

10.  Cleveland Browns.  The difference right now between the browns and the fins is Colt McCoy's stock up.. Chad Henne's down.  I like what cleveland has going on under GM MIke Holmgren.  Greg Little out of UNC is a  sleeper at WR.

9.  Oakland Raiders...   The 1st team in NFL history to go undefeated in their division and not make the playoffs.  Losing  Nnamdi Asomugha hurts the defense.  Love Darren McFadden. They might be better this year, but you cannot expect them to go 6-0 in the AFC west again.

8.  Kanas City Chiefs... Made a nice run last year.  They have weapons, Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel, Dwayne Bowe.  I love Jonathan Baldwin, but he got hurt in a fight with Thomas Jones and will miss time.  this is a team like the Bears where everything broke right last year.  It can't happen two years in a row.

7.  Indianapolis Colts.... They definitely dropped with Peyton Manning's neck surgery.  Has there ever been a more Valuable player in the history of Team Sports?  They go 12-4 with him this year.. without him 5-11. Notice i said Valuable.. not the "Best"  Look up Valuable in the dictionary...yeah i am talking to you AL MVP voters who won't vote for Justin Verlander because he is a pitcher!  (sorry got off track a little there)

6. Houston Texans.. Pass the Colts because Peyton Manning's neck and all the weapons on offense the Texans have.  If you are buying the Texans winning the AFC South... buyer beware.. 1) The Texans are like Ace King in texas holdem.  Looks really good, but you end up disappointed.alot. 2) The cowboys d didn't look so great under Wade Phillips last year.

5. New York Jets...  Rex Ryan has done a great job.. Mark Sanchez in two seasons, has more road playoff wins then anyone in history... 4 (an amazing stat.. he is tied with Joe Flacco).  Here is the problem with the Jets.  LT is done. sad to say.  Can Shonne Green Carry the load.  if not they may have to put a lot of pressure on Sanchez's arm to lead the team.  Can he do it. Plaxico Burress returning to pre-con form would help.

4. New England Patriots.... You have Bill Bellichick and Tom Brady, add Ocho cinco. This a team that during the regular season should rack up wins.  the question is can the offense come through in the playoffs? Last season Brady played flawless during the regular season, but they were exposed for lack of speed in playoffs by the jets.  I don't know if they are any different last year.  Now you know why Brady was crying for Randy Moss the other day.  The other thing is the Defense isn't a championship caliber defense any more.  The Pats i believe are staring at their 4th straight playoff loss in January.

3. San Diego Chargers... This a team that was top three in offense and defense last year... yet missed the playoffs.  Special teams killed them.  Vincent Jackson for a full season gives Phillip Rivers a ton of weapons.  I am not a big Ryan Matthews guy, but MIke Tolbert is a bruising fullback that Norv Turner loves.  Speaking of Turner, He may be the reason the Chargers don't go to the Super Bowl.  Which by the way my earlier blog of Dave Wandstadt being the worst coach ever, The Jimmy Johnson Coaching Tree..didn't bear a lot of fruit.

2. Baltimore Ravens.  The only thing that would scare me about the ravens right now is their defense is still going by the reputation of the 2000 Ravens, and honestly they are not as good.  They don't have to be though with Flacco, Ray Rice and Lee Evans to team up with Anquan Boldin.  Its a shame that the week1 match up between the Steelers and Ravens will go a long way to determine the AFC North title and possibly a 1 or 2 seed.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers... Ben Roethlisberger proved he was human in the Super Bowl, but this team definitely has a chance to get back there this year.  Mike Wallace is ready to become a superstar.  Rashard Mendenhall is a solid running back and as usual it seems for the last 40 years, the Steelers will hit you in the mouth defensively (wow not as much now, because that leads to fines and suspensions)  The last two super bowl appearances they failed to make the playoffs the next year  I really can't see that happening a third time, but like Chris Berman always says "That's why they play the games"

NFL predictions: NFC

We will do the NFC tonight, the AFC tomorrow.

16. Carolina Panthers... I think Cam Newton will be a good QB in the NFL but right now not much to work with.  They will improve from the 1 win last year.  But not by much.

15. San Francisco 49ers.... Until they get rid of Alex Smith the Niners will never be any decent. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is hoping for Andrew Luck next season.. maybe he figured with the lockout it was better keeping the status quo.  Either way they need a QB to get Michael Crabtree the ball

14. Seattle Seahawks... After winning the division with a losing record and beating the defending champ Saints last year, The Seahawks took a step back with Tavaris Jackson.  Their defense was horrendous last year, Pete Carroll  will wish he was still in southern California, only a year later then i thought.

13. Washington Redskins.... OK Mr Shannahann 1 playoff win since Elway retired and you are going with Rex Grossman? Enough said.

12. Arizona Cardinals.  I would like the them better if they had another receiver to compliment Larry Fitzgerald. going to be hard for Kolb, but this team could be a lot better then people think.

11. Detroit Lions.  Ok they have had an undefeated preseason before, but did you see the way they manhandled the Pats in week 3 of the preseason? this is another team that could go higher if Matthew Stafford plays at least 10 games.

10. Minnesota Vikings.  I probably have them rated too low here.  they made the NFC championship two years ago.  Still have Adrian Peterson.  I think they got McNabb one year too late.  losing Sidney Rice hurts.

9.  St. Louis Rams  -The Rams have a lot of things in place, Sam Bradford is going to take a leap forward with Josh Mcdaniels as his OC.  The problem is their schedule.  Their 1st 7 games Phily At NYG at Bal Was GB at Dallas NO  Wow.. if they could make it to 3-4 that would be a feat.

8. NY Giants... I hate the Giants, I openly admit this, but I really don't know what to make of them.  they have some weapons, I think Elil Manning and Tony Romo are two of the most under appreciated QB's in football.  (wait did i just say that?)  Every time it looks like Tom Coughlin is in trouble the team responds. I think they are 7-9 at best, but i would not be shocked if they go 10-6.

7.Chicago Bears... Here is the problem i have with the bears.  there defense is mostly all in their 30's and Jay Cutler doesn't protect the ball and Mike Martz doesn't protect Cutler.  I think Forte starting and Marion Barber closing could be a good combination, but last year everything went right, can't happen two years in a row.

6 Tampa Bay Bucs... They have a very good young team.  Love their QB their running game and their coach.  its too bad the Saints and Falcons are in their division.

5. Dallas Cowboys... Without being biased i will just state some facts.  1) two years ago Tony Romo became the 1st Cowboys QB to take every snap. 2) Felix Jones doesn't have Marion Barber looking over his shoulder.  3)Every defensive coordinator knows the cowboys best offensive player is Dez Bryant and it keeps them up at nights. 4)Under Jason Garrett the cowboys went 5-3 and were a Roy Williams fumble against the saints and missed extra point against the cardinals from going 7-1.  ok one opinion: The cowboys will make the playoffs.


4... New Orleans Saints.  The Saints are loaded on offense.  Mark Ingram and Sprolles are certainly an upgrade over Reggie Bush. I love Jimmy Graham ... a fantasy sleeper. The defense took a step back last year.  If they go back to two years ago, the Saints can win the NFC

3. Philadelphia Eagles.  Michael Vick Lesean McCoy Desean Jackson etc.  This team is loaded on offense and defense.  Can Andy Reid mesh this team together? Can they protect Michael Vick?  I think the Vikings game last year on that tuesday night exposed the Eagles pass protection. if they sure it up they definitely can win the NFC

2. Atlanta Falcons... This is a team that won 13 games last year added Julio Jones.  Plus they don't have to play pittsburgh and baltimore this year.  Going to be the 2 seed

1. Green Bay Packers.  With all the injures they had last year.  They still managed to sneak into the playoffs and win the SuperBowl.  Imagine Jermichael Finley healthy, with Greg Jennings and an up and coming Jordy Nelson.  Aaron Rodgers is at the top of his game.  The defense stepped up last year.  Could the Packers Repeat? Yes i think they can, and the lockout helped because teams like the Rams and Lions may be held back a year.  It is a QB league now and the Packers have one of the best.

Tomorrow... AFC predictions.