It hasn't even been two weeks and I'm back! I have to admit that I'm a bit shocked myself. As I said before, I was too focused on making everything perfect and just right. In turn, it took me way too long to post, I wasn't enjoying it as much, and I wasn't really getting enough of my sporting opinions across. So it seems I've found a good balance based on the last post and the fact that I'm back again. Anyway, let's get on with it...
Congrats to the United States Men's National Soccer Team on their CONCACAF Gold Cup title. It was the Americans' fifth Gold Cup title but their first since 2007. The USMNT now sees their record winning streak standing at eleven and they also have a great chance to leapfrog Mexico and be the number one ranked CONCACAF team in the next set of FIFA world rankings. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann had a hard time when first hired but he seems to have found his groove, particularly with his substitution strategies. Even though Klinsmann was suspended for the Gold Cup Final, the US didn't miss a beat. And how about Landon Donovan! Five goals, seven assists, and the tournament MVP. With that line, it's hard to believe that he took a four-month sabbatical and lost his spot on the national team. I'm excited and curious to see if the Americans can continue their winning ways once World Cup qualifying continues in September.
Am I the only one who is tired of the Johnny Manziel nonsense? He's a heck of a football player. There's no arguing that but something just doesn't sit right with me between the fiasco at the Manning Passing Academy and his latest frat party escapade. I understand the idea of "boys will be boys" or "college kids will do what they always do" and Manziel himself has said that despite his elite athlete status he will still live his life "to the fullest." I also know there are many people out there who support this and believe that college kids should be just that and that "Johnny Football" is no exception. And to those people, I simply say, that's a load of crap. Whether you like it or not, Manziel is not a typical college student. He represents Texas A&M across the country and is a symbol just as easily associated with the Aggies as legendary mascot Reveille. The things he does make him look like a fool (to put it very politely) and because of his position, he is not (and should not) be afforded the same leeway that other kids his age are given. It's always a fine line with athletes. People want them to speak more, then less. People want them to act out, then walk the straight & narrow. I think there's room for all types of athletes. I thoroughly enjoy Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and he talks plenty of trash. However, it's no secret that I enjoy athletes who walk the straight & narrow, lead by example, and conduct themselves in a professional manner putting team above all else. And let's not forget that Manziel has tweeted before that he wants out of College Station. If you're an Aggie fan, student, or alum it must be pretty hard to support someone who doesn't want to be there. I can't wait to see what Alabama has in store for the Aggies, perhaps a bit of payback?
Kudos to Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer for suspending running back Carlos Hyde from the program. Meyer's discipline (or lack thereof) during his Florida tenure has been the subject of much discussion. I am pleased to see that it appears Meyer is taking team discipline a bit more seriously in Columbus. I'm not going to sit here and criticize his time in Gainesville. Meyer is a phenomenal football coach and wins wherever he goes. It's also no secret there was quite a police blotter following some of his Gator players around and the perception is that discipline policy was loose at best. He seems to be acting far more swiftly and decisively in Columbus which will help him unite the team, win games, and mold youngsters into men of good character.
Has anyone been paying attention to what's going on with the Philadelphia Phillies lately? This team doesn't just go up and down. Their season can only be defined in peaks and valleys. The Phillies were irrelevant for most of the 90s and 2000s, until finally breaking through with a World Series title in 2008. They have been mainstays atop the NL East since but their grip seems to be coming undone. After missing the postseason last year and currently sitting seven games under .500, there has been much talk about being sellers at the trade deadline. Chase Utley's contract is up and Ryan Howard has been MIA. Then comes the latest news that closer Jonathan Papelbon wants out if the Phillies keep losing, saying this "isn't what he signed up for." Papelbon even went as far to suggest the Phillies mirror the Boston Red Sox, blowing things up to rebuild quickly as the Red Sox currently have the best record in baseball. Perhaps the only thing keeping the national focus off the Phillies is another NL East disappointment, the Washington Nationals. Predicted by many to be in the World Series this year, the Nats are struggling to get above .500 and currently trail the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves by eight and a half games. And how about some love for the Oakland Athletics? They just keep winning games while retooling on the fly. Perhaps this is the year that the A's can finally get out of the Divisional Series round.
The incredible excitement that surrounds the opening of NFL training camp has been muted somewhat by a rash of season-ending injuries. Baltimore tight end Dennis Pitta, Philadelphia wideout Jeremy Maclin, and Denver center Dan Koppen are just a few of the names that will find themselves on the sidelines for the 2013 season. Last year, people attributed the rash of knee and Achilles' injuries to the lockout-shortened camp, what is the excuse this year? Regardless, it looks like Chip Kelly's "next man in" philosophy will be the working around the rest of the NFL as well, not just Philadelphia.
The WWE Championship match has been set for Summerslam with WWE Champion John Cena picking Daniel Bryan as his challenger. I'm glad that Bryan is getting his due as he is an incredible wrestler but you can't help but think that Cena's choice is somewhat related to the promoting of "Total Divas," the new E! reality show featuring WWE Divas, most notably the Bella Twins who happen to be dating John Cena and Daniel Bryan respectively. What's happened with Bryan seems similar to what happened with CM Punk. The first few pushes Punk received always seemed a bit off, jaded by either involvement from outside forces or a lack of established legitimacy to his championship campaign. Punk was able to rise above and his 400+ day reign as WWE Champion simply confirmed as status as "The Best In The World." Bryan is just as talented and all of his pushes to this point seem a bit off as well. There was the illusion of him as a coward or paper champion and now the timing of this push. I do believe the WWE crowd values Bryan and sees him for the strong talent that he is but with the involvement of the entire McMahon family in his angle you have to wonder whether or not the company sees it as well. Then again, maybe their involvement is the official seal of McMahon approval.
There has been a lot of local outrage of the signing of Jaromir Jagr by the New Jersey Devils. I'm not on the Jagr bandwagon but I'm not going to lambast this move either. I believe that Jagr can contribute positively to Jersey's Team and as long as fans understand that Jagr, while still an effective player at 41 years old isn't the Jagr of old, then expectations can be tempered and perhaps people will actually enjoy his stint in a Devils uniform. I believe any sports fan would love to see an icon of sport play for his/her team and that's how I'm going to look at this. Jagr is an NHL icon (like it or not) and it will be interesting to see him in a Devils jersey. Plus, unlike many stars at the twilight of their careers, Jagr still has some talent left to be a positive addition.
I'm not going to really delve into all the talk that there will be a massive shift in the college football landscape. We are all still recovering from conference realignment and now there's talk about the Big Ten, Big XII, ACC, and SEC leaving the NCAA and forming their own super division. I agree that the NCAA needs to make some changes but there also has to be realism and compromise on both sides. The NCAA has to understand that football and those four conferences in particular make a large chunk of the organization's money while those power conferences have to respect the balancing act that the NCAA pulls off, trying to look out for the best interests of all schools whether their athletic budget or $5 million or $105 million.
That'll cover it for now. Until next time.
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