Thinking Out Loud : CBSSports.com Blogs

Penn State: Just Start Over Already

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:16:31 EST

We hear more and more today about the ugly acts committed by Jerry Sandusky, and the equally ugly cover up by Penn State officials. It's sad that money and self interest came before moreality and common decency and common sense. It's even sadder to say, but it should not be in anyone's hands other than the Penn State Board of Trustees whether people stay or go. Yes, that includes Joe Paterno.

As I noted yesterday, it's sad to hear about him being lumped in with a child molester. He doesn't deserve that. It's sad to lump him in with the higher level officials who were supposed to handle things and didn't. He is among those guys. It's sad but true that he let it go. He stood by. he actively participated in doing nothing. He didn't commit the act, and he didn't behave like the diseased scum who pull out their cell phones and film acts of violence, but he stood by nevertheless.

Sad End to a Storied Career: Bye, Joe Paterno

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:03:39 EST

There are many reasons to be angry about the recent Penn State scandal:

Jerry Sandusky allegedly did something so horrible and unconscionable, that the allegations alone are enough to make you angry.

Sandusky's cronies covered up the aforementioned child sexual abuse.

Joe Paterno's noble effort to report an offense fell on deaf ears or was presented to people who had their own agenda that did not include basic human decency.

Butler & UConn Are Worthy Finalists. Get Over It

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:02:00 EDT

Due to insomnia, I was awake at 4am and listening to the radio. Of course, the sports stations were talking NCAA Basketball, and one set of morons to remain nameless blasted UConn and Butler, along with the NCAA because - no joke - Butler is not a powerhouse [Really? That's a disqualifying criterion? Only in Fantasyland!] and UConn really doesn't deserve to be in the finals because Ohio and Kansas were so much better. OK. So, where are Ohio and Kansas? Oh yeah! They lost during the tourney. Ohio lost to Kentucky State, and Kansas fell against VCU. Great games. Great performances. Not what anyone expected.

Look anyone can lose on any given day, and those who are more motivated to win and have the Fates on their side on that day will win. Ask Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal. Both know what it's like to be number 1 and fall. It happens.

Who's Ready for Baseball?

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:22:34 EDT

Tomorrow is opening day, and I can't wait. Looking forward to seeing how the season shapes up. Plus, the NCAA M BB season is winding down. This tourney has been great, and it's making me excited about the next sport: Baseball. I thoroughly enjoyed last year, and the World Series was also memorable. What does this year hold?

Let's not forget, too, that the tennis world is going through some changes as well. It's not a lock any more at the top. Federer has proven himself to be mortal, and Djokovic is finally living up to his potential. OK, some of that was just a physical limitation, but he did use that excuse a bit too much and lost the respect of most of his peers. (Federer considered him soft.) Let's hope that this is not a passing phase, and that he pushes through his problems to produce. No one likes playing, let alone watching, a wuss who cuts out before the finish when he starts losing. Fortunately, we do have Federer and the always delightful Nadal.

Forget the Brackets. Dig These Games!

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 10:36:34 EDT

OK. My bracket took some hits, but I might survive depending on the final outcome. Regardless, who cares when you have games like the ones from Thursday, Friday and especially Saturday? Butler played a great game, and I was happy to see them win, even though I wasn't sure that they could. And what about UConn? I had faith in that squad, but at times I thought they would screw up BIG TIME. Yet, they pulled through. Happy to see both teams in the Final Four. I just know that the games will be some of the best - not only of the season, but in quite a long time. Woo hoo!

Bruce Pearl: TN had no choice

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:57:32 EDT

Was reading the article on CBSSports.com and ESPN.com today (full story here ), and given the facts, TN was left with no choice. He may have been a heck of a coach and a nice guy, but his off-court behavior is just as important as what he could accomplish on the court. Let's face it: Pearl failed on a basic level. Even if what he did was harmless, his repeated transgressions pointed to someone who either didn't care or couldn't learn. Is that the kind of guy you want representing your school or program? Is that the kind of guy you want mentoring your kids?

To make matters worse, there was not one lapse. There were several. Just when TN thought they had a handle on what went down, more lapses emerged. You can forgive someone only so many times: He admits he does something, they review, admonish and get a hearty promise not to do it again. Anything else to know? No? OK. Move on. New violation. "Oh yeah! I forgot about that." He admits he does something, they review, admonish and get a hearty promise not to do it again. Anything else to know? No? OK. Move on. Then another appears. Here we go again. We're not talking instructions for using shampoo here (lather, rinse, repeat). We're talking repeating behaviors until getting caught as if seeing what you can get away with. Then, when caught, apologizing and waiting a small period before doing it again. Give us a break.

March Madness and Indian Wells = I'm Beat

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:36:09 EDT

Well, this years's NCAA tourney may be frustrating to some, but games have proven to be exciting. If not, they're always entertaining. What it does point out, though, is that the NCAA committee needs some help in picking some teams. Blowouts just should not happen at this level. The solution is NOT to expand the number of teams who qualify. Enough's enough there. Rather, try to remember that this is the last big tourney of the year, and treat it that way. Not everyone is going to get in. Sorry. That's just the way it is. If everyone gets some kind of pass, then it's not a competition; it's an exhibition. Pick teams according to talent and performance. The NCAA says it does, but look at the performance of those who got a pass, and look at the quality of talent that was left on the sidelines and should have been there instead of some who were chosen.

March Madness Lives Up to Its Name

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:27:12 EDT

iOK. Not surprised about Ohio's performance, but a few others have really impressed and surprised. I have to admit that Richmond and Morehead State were not ones I saw moving on, and I compliment Richmond on holding on. While I like Butler, I thought Pitt was going to take them. Happy for both. Duke won, and I am happy since I have them going to the Final Four. I didn't see Carolina getting passed Washington. I also thought Kansas State would hold on until the Final Four, too. Such is life. My bracket may hurt a little, but it's worth it to watch such great basketball.

NCAA Conference Tourneys Live Up to Hype!

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:23:18 EDT

OK. Who else was up last night watching that Big East final between UConn and Louisville? I like both teams; so, for me it was about watching quality basketball. But I have to admit that it was hard not to root for Kemba Walker, Roscoe Smith, Coombs-McDaniel, Jeremy Lamb and Alex Oriakhi. It's not a team of front-page headline stars. UConn is a team of young players who were mostly dismissed at the beginning of the season. No one thought that they would make it this far. NIT? Sure. NCAA Tourney. Yeah. Right.

What makes them stand out for me is the true teamwork and team spirit. Walker always put the team first, and he inspired his teammates by giving them credit where due, depending on them in clutch situations, assisting as much as possible and never giving up:

Looking forward to Selection Sunday!

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:35:01 EST

At last, the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament selection is around the corner and the Madness will be in full swing. I'm looking forward seeing the matchups because I have enjoyed the season so far. Kemba Walker is peaking at the right time, and I'd like to see how Jimmer Frdette fares in the post season, too. Happy to see that Gonzy will be back. I just enjoy watching them. For me, the best thing about the end of the NFL season is that it signals the beginning of the best play in the NCAA games. My evenings are usually filled with ESPN games. And when it's all done? It's Baseball Season, Baby!

College Basketball Does Not Disappoint

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:37:46 EST

Watched quite a few games yesterday, and I am never disappointed. Teams play with such fervor and pride. It's great to see in an era where so much is determined by a dollar bill (or several millions). It's nice to see while it's still a great game to play before it becomes a job. Not that I begrudge players using their talents to make what they love or what they have as their greatest skill into a career. In fact, I wish I had that kind of talent. In the meantime, I will enjoy a good game. In fact, I can enjoy several. March is going to be truly Mad!

World Cup. It's Madness!

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:09:50 EDT

I am crazy about March Madness. Love college basketball in general, but March is a special time. Just like baseball on opening day for me. Just special energy. First day of Wimbledon and the US Open do that for me, too....

And then there's the World Cup. Anybody watching this year's WC knows how crazy it can get, and this one has been special in it's madness. I wanted Spain in the semis, but I wasn't sure if they would wake up from their collective slumber in time. Well, they did wake up. It looks like they're peaking now, and that's a relief. Germany did not come out of nowhere. They have always been very consistent, and it's a good squad. Perhaps being good but under the radar has helped, but those who know futbol know better: Yes, Germany IS that good. Argentina was not. Neither was Brazil. And the Netherlands are that good, too. They, too, were known to be good enough, but somehow didn't get the notice of the public. Big mistake. How come only Brazil seemed worried? They have the talent, but they understood what it's like to play against a team that a star of legendary quality, who is a playmaker, but - most importantly - is a unifying force. This is something neither Brazil nor Argentina have - a unifier. They also don't have the same consistency in the big games. Why? Probably ego for Brazil. They aren't good team players. Everyone wants that Nike ad moment. Argentina? Probably some of the same, but also burdened by a country's expectations. It can weigh on you.

NCAA March Madness

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:58:43 EDT

OK. So my brackets are holding up nicely. However, there are still a ton of games to see in this first round. YIKES!

However, it doesn't get much better than this. College Basketball has an excitement and passion that's not rivaled by many other sports. I look forward to seeing the talent, heart and dedication which is so lacking in other arenas.

And then we have tennis!! Indian Wells and Sony Ericsson this month, and Champions League action, Rugby Six Nations, baseball around the corner. Good times. Enjoy the change of season people. We need it after this strange and sometimes harsh winter.

Tennis Channel on the Sidelines. Again.

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:25:07 EST

As a rabid tennis fan, I'm happy to see the first big open tournament of the season in order to see how players are doing after a crazy 2009.

I am even happier that the Tennis Channel and NBC can't ruin it with their sub-par broadcasting. ESPN and CBS really know how to present sports: in general I am not inundated with too much fluff or off-topic talk. If I want to know who's dating whom or what kind of fashion the people wear, I can turn to E or pick up a gossip rag. When I'm watching sports, I want to hear about the sports. Tell me how they train. That's ok. Tell me what they eat. Passable. Tell me about the issues facing the game or rules and regs that may change. Good. DON'T bother me with hair product (Gimmestob's obsession last year with Verdasco. A line of commentary meant to be a joke that wasn't, and it went on longer than Energizer's bunny.) Don't tell me about the flavor of the month whom a player is dating. Not interested, especially during points. Want to do extracurricular stuff? OK. Do it in a pre-game or post game show. Not during the event.

Resting Players: Why Not?

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:46:04 EST

I heard all kinds of talk and complaints about the fact that Indy chose to rest its top players as opposed to using them in the past couple of games. Quelle scandale! All i can say is, "Get over it!" It's not a bad idea to rest your players. In fact, it's good business and strategy.

First off, let's get some practicality in here. Players get injured. If you're the Colts, you've seen your star injured and in danger of being out for the season. You have a real chance of making it the Super Bowl, and you want to risk losing your leader who can all but guarantee a win? Second, using replacements made no difference in the outcome of the team's post season chances. So, who cares if Bob Smith plays? Isn't he a member of the team? Doesn't he get a check for essentially showing up? Isn't his job to stand in when the first-team guy can't? Third, fans need to ask themselves: Is it about your team winning and playing to win, or it about you? is it all about your selfish need to see your favorite player, or have you invested in tickets and in Sunday afternoons to watch your team win and get to the post-season? Coaches need to strategize and use their options wisely. If a coach thinks it's time to let his players rest, and he thinks they deserve it, then sit down and let him do his job.

ATP Rankings: Surprise! 1,2,3= Fed, Nadal, Djoko

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:25:36 EST

OK. It's been an interesting year. After all, we saw Federer lose at the Australian Open and declare later that he was happy that the hard court season was over. We saw Nadal go on a tear until the French Open when he fell due to injury and could not play until the US Open series. We saw one of the best finals ever (Nadal v Djokovic) which went on for 4 hours in Monte Carlo. We saw both Nadal and Djoko go through some rough patches, but both have come back pretty strongly, as evinced by their performance in Paris this weekend.

We also saw some players whom many pundits saw as contenders NOT do so well. Murray has been hampered by injury, but he still has a consistency problem. Simon, too, has had to struggle with knee problems, as had Roddick. However, some others don't really have an excuse. Monfils is great when he's on, but he is the not the king of consistency. Ditto, Soderling. Verdasco has been around the top 10 like some sort of a yoyo, going from 8 to 15 to 9 and so forth. Yes, he's been hampered recently, but not to the scale of Nadal or Simon. The most glaring under performer for me is Del Potro. I like the guy, but it seems that the hype got to him. Not in the ego way but in the sense that he seems to be dealing with pressures for which he wasn't completely prepared.

ATP: Get a Clue! Players Need a Break.

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:50:55 EDT

Who knew that Rafa Nadal's injury was a warning cry - not to his camp - but to the the tennis executives who manage the schedule?

I was watching the match between Nadal and Lubicic today, and I witnessed yet another player leave an event due to injury. How many does that make? Let's see. Since October 11, the following players have had to retire from the Shanghai Maters 1000 event due to injury: Ivan Lubicic (CRO) - Right Hip, Stanilaw Wawrinka (SUI) - Abdomen, Tommy Haas (GER) - Right Shoulder, Gael Monfils (FRA) - Back, Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) - Right Wrist, Tommy Haas (GER) - Right Shoulder, Andy Roddick (USA) - Left Knee, Mischa Zverev (GER) - Right Wrist, Jose Acasuso (ARG) - Left Knee, Brendan Evans (USA) - Unknown. 10 players in one event in one week. What's going on here? Andy Roddick at his post-match press conference said, "It's ridiculous to think that you have a professional sport that doesn't have a legitimate offseason to rest, get healthy, and then train."

Sorry, Chicago, But Rio Deserved the Games.

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:46:59 EDT

Wow. South America had never hosted the Olympics? Wow. With so many talented athletes, then it's about time that the Olympic games be hosted somewhere in South America.

Chicago may have made a decent pitch, but let's face it: It never had a chance. For one thing: The IOC is pretty Euro-centric, and Europeans love sports like soccer and rugby. Brazil and Spain play these sports, and they are well represented in both sports, plus others. Tokyo hosts many other impressive events, and that may have disqualified it from the final decision. Plus, Chicago doesn't have the flash of an LA (which has already hosted an event) and NY (which missed out on the Olympics, but did have the chance to host soccer World Cup level events). It wasn't going to be Chicago's year. The IOC is a fickle bunch, and more political than a House of Representatives luncheon. I wouldn't be too disappointed.

Work and Sports Keeping Me Busy

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:01:25 EDT

Ok, everyone. We may be bummed about the economy, but at least the sports has been entertaining. This year's tennis has been exceptional so far, and the Davis Cup race is proving to be very good stuff indeed. The soccer world has so many good teams and events, and I'm really enjoying the European and South American leagues. And who knew that the US would get so aggressive? Good for them. The international basketball competitions are getting me ready for the US college season, and let's not forget American football. (I will ignore Philly's acquisition of a new quarterback who should have been thrown out for good.)

Yes, fans, sports are good. Yippee!

A Tale of Two Champions: Wimbledon W Semis

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:30:21 EDT

SO, I was sitting here awaiting the first semi-final between Serena Williams and Elena Dementieva and thinking about the Australian Open semi, and I have to admit that I was not optimistic about Dementieva's chances. Then, they began the match, and it turned out to be one of the best matches in years. YEARS! Both women showed tenacity, heart, skill, and will. Nothing was left to give on either side. In the end, it came down to nerves, and Serena was clearly more in control, but only by the slightest margin.

After seeing that match, I thought: "Wow! Venus and Dinara's match will be close to this good. I mean, Venus will be ready for a fight, and Dinara will feed the need to assert herself. After all, very few people in the media (Brad Gilbert among the most vocal) felt that Safina was not truly the number 1 player. Sure, she had the points, but she choked. She had the skill, but she'd leave them in the locker room. She had the desire, but she lacked the heart. OK, that should change. Right?

And Another Thing, Jankovic!

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:20:35 EDT

She's been on the WTA tour since 2001. I expect a lot more from a veteran player than a newcomer 17-year-old. To put down the newcomer's game when she's just starting out (and impressively is in a Major) is stupid and out of line. Plus, with eight years under her belt, Jankovic has no excuses. The sense of entitlement this chick feels is incredible. She has NO Grand Slam title, yet she wants to be treated like Venus or Martina would be. She'll never get that championship play is usually paired with championship understanding. Johnnie Mac may have been a pain in the butt, but he understood the game, his competition, and the history. Buy a vowel, Jankovic.

(No) Surprise!: Jankovic Out of Wimbledon

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:30:25 EDT

Here we go again with excuses and delusion from Jelena Jankovic:

1. "It's the heat"

2. "It's the conditions"

3. "I have a stomach problem"

Wimbledon! Yeah!

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:21:13 EDT

It's here! The Championships: Wimbledon has arrived.

So far it has proven to be quite a year in Men's tennis. At the same time, many things remain the same. We see Federer resurgent, but who called him out anyway? Perhaps it's all the science and stats that I do, but I firmly believe in and understand waves. So what that Fed had an off year in 2007? For anyone else, it would be a career high. Give the guy a break. He has other things on his plate, and he's allowed to have a life... and have moments of failure and/or doubt. We don't see Nadal, which is a bummer. Outside of the friendliest rivalry around, it's just fun to know he's around. He brings dynamism, excitement, and decency to the game. It shows that Federer is not alone in being a decent and well-mannered person. I look forward to seeing Nadal, but I look forward to seeing him healthy; so, I wish him well and hope that his recovery is a full one. (Note to Rafa: Call Darren Cahill. He knows a thing or two about knee injuries and managing pain and your sport. If nothing else, he'll understand exactly what you're going through.) Nevertheless, things remain the same. Everyone still talks about Roger and Rafa.

Wimbledon: Tennis Channel/ESPN/NBC Shudders

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:17:54 EDT

OK. We have less than a week to go before the next big tennis tournament. Once again, I am left wondering if Tennis Channel will bombard us with useless trivia (anyone for more comments on hair products?), or will they actually talk tennis? More to the point, will we see any tennis? I shudder. They did well in Australia, but they've tanked on the others (except those not covered together with NBC). I'm going to wait and see, but I'm nervous. PLEASE do better than you did at the French, you guys!!!

Dear NBC & Tennis Channel:

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:20:49 EDT

Knock it off!

Today was the French Open Men's semi-final, and what do the genius programmers do? Well, let's see:

TENNIS CHANNEL: Chooses to show reruns of yesterday's women's semis, even though the men had already started one match. (ESPN is off the hook since NBC had rights for today.) Even though NBC was NOT showing both semis, Tennis ran another rerun of the Champions Series. GRADE: F

NBC: After making people suffer through a 3rd hour of the Today Show (but mercifully not presenting the unpleasant pair of Gifford-Kotb), they finally showed the Soderling-Gonzalez semi (which was in progress). Once that was done, the "day" ended. GRADE: D-

They Did It Again!

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:06:38 EDT

ESPN and Tennis Channel are really dropping the ball here. Tennis Channel started its coverage at 8 and showed both the Williams v Kunetsova and Federer v Monfils matches live. This is good. However, matches didn't end at noon EDT. There was still the Del Potro v Robredo match to watch. So, what does ESPN do? They replay the Williams v Kuznetsova match which finished not two hours earlier! And this match will be replayed ad nauseum all day.

Good grief, ESPN! As the premier sports network, I expect exhaustive coverage, not repetitive coverage. The fans deserve so much better and more than what these networks are offering, and it's especially disappointing that the Tennis channel doesn't get it when it's supposedly founded by people who disdained the regular networks' coverage. MLB Network does it sooooo much better: morning updates, reviews of games, historical analyses.... Tennis Channel gives us Murphy Jensen. ESPN gives us repeats. Why can't we have 15-30 minute morning newscasts at Tennis Channel? Why can't we have better productions, too? Tennis Channel has been around long enough to figure out how to do this. It has chosen not to do so.

Sports Networks Can Be Whack

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:29:11 EDT

Yes, I've been away for a while. My apologies. Looking for a job makes you hate being on a computer for any longer than you have to be.

Anyway, I love tennis. So, it should be no surprise that I watch every match I can. I'm partial to the men's game because it's much faster, the play and athletics really are superior, and I can do without the shrieks as if the girl is having her first sexual experience. And except for Serena, very few women are willing to put in the work and actually work on the court.

However, I digress. My main issues with the broadcasters of the French Open:

1. The Tennis Channel/NBC/ESPN: Is it necessary to speak ALL THE TIME? I don't want to hear about hair products, cars players drive, issues from 20 years ago, or anything that does not relate to the match at hand. Save the other commentary for post-match.2. "Home of the Slams"? Tennis Channel can claim this title once it can show the events live without deferring to NBC which will nonetheless show a match on delay (e.g., Nadal v Soderling) when there is no reason to do so. NBC decided to show 3 hours of filler programming ranging from paid programming to local affiliate programming. As a result, fans had to hear about the final score way before the NBC broadcast (which was truncated) and on French Open radio. Good job there, Guys.3. Dead Wood: It's bad enough that Tennis Channel kept Gimelstob, who adds as much value to the sport and to sports broadcasting in general as Tony Kornheiser did, but the worst is the interview period on the women's side. It's un-watchable. The girl with the deer in the headlights look (whose name I have never bothered to learn) is awful. Does she have any credentials that merit her being on TV at all? She doesn't know what to ask. She has not done research. She seems to be waiting for the director to feed her questions. This is the channel that boasted having Martina and Johnnie Mac. They are getting Jimmy Connors to do commentary during the US Open. And this is the best you can do?4. Priorities: What is the point of breaking away from a major match or NOT showing it all (as they did with Federer and Nadal matches) to stay watching non-entities? Last week I wanted to throttle someone. Djockovic is playing for his life, and we had to hear about it. It was shown in highlights later.5. Post Match Interviews: Why do we get snippets? Why doesn't Tennis Channel provide a feed on it's website to show the interviews? They can get these rights. It's annoying to hear the broadcasters talk about the interview and maybe show a highlight. I also love how they flub the quotes. Nice that.

Manny? Really? You Didn't Think To Check?

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:15:36 EDT

OK, let me first go on the record stating that I am not a fan of Manny Ramirez,but one has to admit that the guy can play. Manny is a pain in the butt. He's had the reputation of being a bad teammate, difficult to manage, moody, drama-queen like, etc. In short, he can be a spoiled brat. Regardless, people were willing to overlook that as long as he kept playing well. He finally spent all of Boston's patience, and they let him go, but the worst problem he had was that he has an award-winning level bad personality. What surprises me is how he has behaved this week after his suspension.

He says that he went to a doctor who prescribed meds which the doctor believed would be acceptable under the MLB guidelines. Unfortunately, he neglected to double check with the league, and now he is paying the price. You know what, though? He didn't whine. He didn't make a plethora of excuses. He simply said, "Bummer. OK." I really expected a tantrum or denials a mile long. I even thought he'd do the A-Fraud route and make the combo of explanations, excuses and blames. ("My cousin made me do it," is a classic.) Yet, Manny simply accepted it with little comment, and said his lawyers would handle it. Of course, he did make a swipe at people when he said that he relied on the non-MLB doc to properly inform him, and under the MLB's rules it's his responsibility to follow up with them. The sad thing is that if it is as he says that he sought legitimate treatment for a legitimate illness, then he is penalized for being dumb and not dishonest. He failed to follow up and guarantee that everything was OK. He misunderstood the level of a professional's knowledge when he assumed that the doctor who is not part of the league - and therefore not privy to all of the drug regulations - would be aware of MLB's medical restrictions. Yes, he complained about the fact that the MLB places the responsibility on players to keep the league abreast, but he also said he should have been more thorough and followed up. Wow. Simple.