Things to write about: The William Gholston suspension; MSU's chances vs. Wisconsin in tonight's homecoming game; the third game of the World Series; the Detroit Lions attempting to bounce back after their first loss of the season without injured starting running back Jahvid Best...
After a long work week and the usual dose of bad economic news, I for one am grateful for this 21st century version of bread and circuses.
My esteemed colleague, K.N. McBride, has made many excellent points about the clumsy manner in which the Gholston suspension was handled, and the bad precedent it sets.
Methinks Gholston should have been tossed out of the game vs. Michigan since he committed two flagrant fouls, both after the play was over. Granted, Michigan got away with some cheap shots, but that's the way it works in sports: The refs call what they see, and they just cannot see everything. Where the heck are we headed, to an M.O. in which conference officials review game video and then mete out retroactive penalties to be imposed in the next game? The NCAA needs to think long and hard about this issue and attempt to develop some consistent standards.
As for the Spartans vs. Wisconsin, I suspect this will be a close, hard-fought game as MSU, with one of the nation's best defenses, faces Wisconsin, with top-notch quarterback Russell Smith and a massive offensive line. Wisconsin's gaudy offensive statistics, it should be noted, have mostly come against cream puffs and at home. It's been nine years since the Badgers defeated the Spartans in East Lansing, so I am feeling cautiously optimistic about tonight's tilt.
Turning to baseball, I am rooting for the Texas Rangers even though they booted my beloved Detroit Tigers from the playoffs. This is because I have a co-worker I like who is from Texas, and I know he's an avid Rangers fan. But also because Texas has never won a World Series, whereas their opponent, the St. Louis Cardinals, has won several.
The Lions? Their runing game was shaky even with Jahvid Best, in large part because their offensive line isn't very good. If Best sits out the rest of the season because of a concussion, they may need to find a journeyman running back off the waiver wires to help them make it through the season. Tough game tomorrow vs. Atlanta. More on that later.
IRAQ & GADDAFI — Commentary on these two situations in a day or two. But only sports for right now! Enjoy the weekend, everyone. I know I will!
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