Player Hatin'

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said if Pacman Jones can find the light, he can one day return to the NFL. Goodell is in no way lenient and I think he is handling the manner appropriately but should the league take more severe actions to set a precedence? On the radio show, Mike and Mike, Goddell said, "I've been consistent on this one. He has to recognize his responsibility to play in the NFL." The bigger issue is are professional sports doing enough to help these players recognize the responsibility. Like baseball’s Darryl Strawberry, Jones has had a large number of legal mishaps. There is no way the NFL or any league should be held responsible for a player’s conduct, but is time for someone to be made example of. A year ago Commissioner Stern made it a rule that basketball players should show up for work dress like they are going to work. Many star players decried this rule and even said it was discriminatory, but I do not see that. I see it as Stern making the players known that if they want a job, they must adhere to the company’s rule. It is indeed a profession and to act or look disrespectful is to disrespect one’s boss. Regardless of the situation, some players need to get their stuff together, or get out.

0-No!

New York fans are neither as vicious as Philadelphians nor as pompous as Bostonians. However, New York fans are willing to drop a team like its hot faster than anyone. While no one is about to be dropped (the Knicks were dropped long ago after Van Gundy) it is amazing to see who the prized pupils are as of late. This week New York fans saw two undefeated streaks snapped; on Sunday the Giants and then on Wednesday the Rangers. Obviously, the losses came in due time, but the streaks are impressive none-the-less. The Giants, the reigning champions, have been called the best team in football lately and at the start of last season, who would have ever thought that? Even losing there flagship players, Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan, in the past two season has been unable to slow them down because of the emerging youth. The Rangers have finished at or around third in the Atlantic conference in the past few years and are of to a lovely start. Fans, do not hold your breath- things go south fast. Teams fade, they face injuries and the firs week is no indication of how the season is going to go. However, it is something for New Yorkers to get a little excited over. Maybe not gloat, but at least a little smirk. Seasons last months for a reason, but in New York, maybe this year it will be a winter wonderland.

Big Blue Looks to Bounce Back

History most certainly has a way of repeating itself. Last year after a rocky 0-2 start, Michigan bounce back to win eight straight. Now, while they only have a one-game win streak going, with a win over ninth ranked Wisconisin things are looking up. Can they carry the momentum that propeled them from a 15-0 half time deficit? It is a bit hasty to say they will cruise over the Big East, but being home home against Illinois, a team they have a good track record definitely helps.
So far, Michigan's Achilles ' heal has been switching over to Rodriguez spread offense. Last week, Threet threw for negative yards in the first half. That is unacceptable, especially since Threet earned the starting spot after handling the spread better than fellow QB Nick Sheridan did.
Currently, Illinois is the slight favorite but I do not see Michigan's defense being unable to contain Juice Williams and the rest of the Illini. I would say there is a lot of pressure on Michigan's defense if the team wants to hang in there until bowl season.