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Life & Death As sports fans, we get caught up in the moment every week. We've lived the old "Wide World of Sports" mantra of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It's the sole reason we get nervous and psyched up before a big game and then let the emotions of the contest take us for a wild ride. There's nothing like a big win or the sudden ending of a tough loss. But in the in the big picture, it's just sports....a lousy game with a winner and a loser. The tragedy that took place this weekend in Kansas City involving Chiefs player Jovan Belcher and the mother of his child puts all of these games into perspective. If your favorite college or pro team lost this weekend and you find yourself screaming at the play calling or a bad call by the ref that cost your team....well, you need to check yourself. We all love sports....but all of us are guilty of losing sight of the big picture. Sports is the ultimate getaway from reality...unfortunately, situations like the one in KC bring us back down to Earth pronto. The killings in KC this weekend should put all of these great games and players' performances into perspective. Jovan Belcher was a 25 year old millionaire football player...and he was also the father of a 3-month old baby girl. The senseless murder of his girlfirend and gutless suicide leave an infant behind along with a ton of questions. So while we all absorb the emotion that sports provides each and every week of the calendar....let's not forget that it's a game...there are far more important issues than the outcome of a sporting event. It's only sports. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the parties affected by this tragic situation. It was sad to note that Rick Majerus passed away this weekend. He was a member of Al McGwire's great Marquette teams and was looked upon by basketball insiders as one of the great minds of the game. Majerus accumulated 517 wins in his 25 years on the bench and he coached three different teams to NCAA Tournament victories. He had a great sense of humor and loved life....he also shared in my love of BBQ. I'll never forget when he brought his team down to Clemson for a tournament when I was in school. I happened to be sitting by his bench during the game, working on press row.....Majerus came up to me during the game and said, "Hey, you're Billy's kid, right?" I was surprised, and acknowledged, "yes". As the game continued on he mentioned to me that I have to know of some good places for BBQ or ribs...and he asked if I could help him out with a few suggestions. I loved it.....Rick Majerus was a terrific coach....great guy....and he will be missed. The legendary Al McGwire has company....Rest In Peace, Rick. The BCS Championship is set and ready to go....Notre Dame and Alabama will square off for the crystal on January 7th in South Florida. Two of the great names and brands in college football....the Tide goes for their third BCS title in four years and the Irish are hoping for their first BCS win and crystal trophy since claiming their last national title way back in 1988. You can bet that the Bama-ND ticket will be worth some serious cash....both fanbases are stoked and the hype will be off the charts for the next 5 weeks. I'm looking forward to being down there for my shows on SiriusXM...but before I head down to South Beach, I'm off to New York City this week for some shows on SiriusXM covering the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria. I enjoyed doing the shows from NYC last year, and I'm pumped about going back to the Big Apple this week. I'm equally excited about heading out to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl and our SiriusXM shows from LA-LA land later this month, too. As for the title game, I'll have plenty of time to break down both sides and form an opinion....on the surface, Bama will be and should be favored...but sometimes, teams are destined for championships. Stay tuned. By the way, I know the SEC has had some great teams and games....but this year's conference title game between Bama and Georgia was the best SEC title game that I've ever seen. I know there have been some classics, including some #1 vs. #2 showdowns, but that game in the Georgia Dome this past Saturday was off the charts. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll rate and debate all of the 35 bowl games heading our way for the holidays. I want to give a special congrats to App State icon, Jerry Moore, who has decided to step down as the head coach of the Mountaineers. Coach Moore has done an incredible job in Boone...and between the 10 SoCon titles and handful of national championships...he has always treated people with respect and class. He will be missed on the mountain, but never forgotten. He's a class act....and I wish him the very best and hope he enjoys the rest of his life. Well done, Coach...you won the right way. I don't want to waste a whole lot of time on the Panthers....there's nothing more to say after their loss on the road to the previously 1-10 KC Chiefs. But I did notice that the Carolina Panthers have 11 wins since the start of the 2010 season. The Atlanta Falcons, leaders of the NFC South, have 11 wins since September. Do I need to say anything else? I didn't think so. |
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