The BCS Championship Game is still on in the standard format. There will not, we repeat NOT, be a college football playoff series anytime in the near future. I’m a torn man. I love the whole bowl game deal, laying back on the sofa and gorging myself with chips, dip, and a few cold milks. On the other hand, doesn’t a playoff system make sense for college football. Nah, what would we argue about?
Here in Balad we have a lot to worry about. To take our minds off of it, we worry about other things.
What will happen to San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito if he can’t make a gazillion dollars a year?
Does Pat Riley, former Miami Heat coach, have enough oil in his hair to end the energy crisis and bring down prices at the pumps?
Did Roger Clemens, when he was with the Red Sox, have an affair with anyone we actually care about?
Could NASCAR driver Danica Patrick get any hotter? This is a big one with the troops, endlessly debated, mulled over, and discussed.
Can the Atlanta Hawks eliminate the Celtics and end the perpetual parade of success coming out of Beantown?
Does anyone really believe Miley Cyrus, at 15, would take “racy” pictures for Vanity Fair? Come on.
As the sandstorms blow into Baghdad and beyond we fight the dust, the fear, and the boredom by lapsing into temporary but meaningful periods of discussion about nothing at all.
The Atlanta Hawks are no match for the Bston Celtics. The Beantown crew won 66 games. The Hawks won 37. Boston won their division. the Hawks finished third. And yet, here we are with the Atlanta Hawks locked in a 2-2 in their NBA Playoff series with the Celtics.
It just goes to show you that anything can happen in a short stretch oftime. The play of Joe Johnson and Josh Smith in last nights 97-92 win should give Celtics fans pause. Now the big question: Can the Atlanta Hawks do it on the home court of the Boston Celtics?
Think you’re a gambler? Try the NFL draft. How would you like to be an owner gambling say, $30 million on a college age kid like the Miami Dolphins just did? Never played a down, instant millionaire. Blows out a knee the first day of practice, bye bye $30 Million.
The Miami Dolphins took all the suspense out of the draft a few days ago but here’s the rundown”
#2 St.Louis Rams take Chris Long, defensive end. Solid pick although the Rams could have used the other Long more.
#3 Atlanta Falcons officially end the Michael Vick era with the pick of QB Matt Ryan of Boston College, as much for his leadership ability as physical ability. They say.
#4 The Oakland Raiders curse Darren McFadden to laboring behind the worst offensive line in history. Buy health insurance Darren
#5 Kansas City Chiefs bolster their D with LSU DL Glen Dorsey
Other Interesting Picks:
Jacksonville jumps to #8 and takes defensive end Derrick Harvey of Florida. Good move.
Carolina Panthers reinvent their running game with a back (Jonathan Stewart) and an OL (Jeff Otah).
Meanwhile, the Patriots, Colts, and Giants get better with solid but unspectacular picks to complement their already sound teams. Go figure.
Trailing the Boston Red Sox by three games, the New York Yankees have hit upon a sure fire scheme to launch themselves to the top of the MLB: Banning candy from the clubhouse and even eliminating it from the visitors dugout when they travel. No more goobers, jujubees, Mars bars, Gummy Bears, or Ding Dongs. I can see that World Series berth now.
The Dallas Cowboys have rolled the dice on a problem child again, trading 4th and 6th Round draft choices to the Tennessee Titans for the opportunity to snag Pacman Jones. Of course, the deal is contngent on Jones actually playing, which happens to be a big if. Jones sat out last year for various run ins with the law and hopes to put on an NFL uniform again in 2008.
In other NFL news the Seattle Seahawks have parted ways with Shaun Alexander after two unproductive years. this has as much to do with salary issues as it does with ability. Can teams really afford to keep around guys who are racking up more dollars than yards?
Finally a coach has done what needed to be done. Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told wide receiver Chad Johnson to shut up and sit out the season.
Bill Parcells appears ready to build the Miami Dolphins from the ground up. Rumour now has it that Michigan tackle Jake Long will be the Dolphins pick in the draft. While many experts had pointed to Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan as the obvious pick, it seems Parcells is going back to basics.
Long is pretty clearly a solid pick. Not a glamour pick, but offensive linemen are the heart of the running and passing game and Long has all the toold to be succesful. Maybe The Big Tuna has a surprise up his sleeve for his QB position.
The New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul has impressed the national media with his performance in the NBA Playoffs. In his 1st Round debut Paul notched 35 points and a mind boggling four steals to help New Orleans beat the Dallas Mavericks. While a long shot for MVP, Paul may prove to be one of the best draft picks of his class, providing leadership and talent to a franchise that many in the Crescent City has given up for dead.
Horse racing fans are getting all pepped up for the Kentucky Derby. The blastoff this year comes at Churchill Downs on May 3rd, where the Run for the Roses will pack thousands of fans beneath the twin spires to enjoy the show. Mint Juleps, fireworks, an air show and other treats are in store for anyone lucky enough to get their Kentucky Derby tickets. Sadly, War Pass won’t be in the race, having injured a leg in the Wood Memorial. the Breeders Cup winner was a big favorite and his absence will change the chemistry of the race. Alas, since gambling odds are forbidden on the internet here at Camp Anaconda, I can’t let you know exactly how much.
Still, the Kentucky Derby is always a great show. As the first race in a Triple Crown assemblage that includes The Preakness and Belmont, the party always starts at Churchill Downs.
Danica Patrick got her first win, taking the Japan Indy 300 yeterday. After looking at her pictures in the winners circle, I’m beginning to think that men should be banned fro driving and only ladies allowed to compete in Indy and NASCAR racing. No more hairy and ugly guys. The fan base is mostly men anyway and who better to appreciate this historic moment?