The State of the Oregon Duck Football Program

This past season and now well into the off-season, the Oregon Duck's football program has experienced some significant problems with regard to player behavior.  Let's take a look at the incident that many people think started the behavioral issues.

Legarrette Blount made headline's everywhere by punching a Boise State football player after a tough loss, essentially blind-siding the opposing player with a sucker punch that landed him an 8 game suspension by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly.  On top of that, Blunt also was seen after the punch yelling and trying to fight fans at Boise State.  Chip Kelly initially made a very strong statement by suspending the running back for the entire season, but in what critics are now calling a detrimental move to team discipline, he reinstated Blunt after 8 games.

Critics are now citing this reinstatement as a detrimental move to the program, as four Oregon players have been arrested in the last three weeks.  Let's examine what the reinstatement of Blunt did:

Let's make an assumption here; Blunt's athletic ability did have an impact on his reinstatement.  Consider this - if a backup punter had acted the same way, is there any chance that the player would be reinstated?  Never.  Instead he would be marked as an example, a scapegoat, plain and simple.  The fact that Blunt had the potential to help Oregon down the home stretch did lead to his return to the team, and sent a very bad message to players - if you make a mistake, but are a talented player, we'll give you a second chance.  Since that incident, the following incidents have occurred:

• Players allegedly involved in a brawl or retaliation for brawl. [Rob Beard, Mike Bowlin, Matt Simms].
• Player allegedly beat up girlfriend. [LaMichael James]. 
• Player arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. [Kiko Alonso]. 
• Player dismissed after publicly challenging Chip Kelly's authority. [Jamere Holland].
• Players accused - but not charged - in stealing items from fraternity house. [Jeremiah Masoli, Garrett Embry].

The state of Oregon football is in trouble, that is for certain.  Chip Kelly better get a grip on his team, and quick, or we could see boosters calling for his head.  

There should be a clear set of rules for all academic students putting on a uniform, these are college students, not professional athletes.  Putting on that uniform is a privilege, not a right.  If Kelly does not lay down some hard-and-fast guidelines for his program, Oregon will become a laughing stock. 

Here are a few links on the Duck's various problems:

Oregon football: Chip Kelly's interview with John Canzano (audio) 

Oregon’s troubles are traceable to ‘the punch’ 

Oregon football: Which allegation against the Ducks troubles you most? (Poll) 

Trouble for the England National Team

As it has been widely publicized, especially in Europe, the England National Team has experienced some considerable controversy over the John Terry, Wayne Bridge situation.  For those that don't know, it was confirmed that then England Captain John Terry had an affair with England teammate Wayne Bridge's girlfriend, and mother to his children.

So far Terry has already been stripped of his captaincy, and now even more drama has been stirred up.

The latest news is that Bridge has declined to join the England World Cup Team, as he reportedly told pals: “Terry makes me sick to my stomach. He betrayed me.”

Now the question on everyone's mind; is this the right decision by Bridge?

From my point of view, Bridge is standing behind two principles by making this stand:

1. He cannot stand the idea of being in the same locker room or on the same pitch as a man who betrayed him as a teammate and as a friend, and lost his trust.  I stand behind this point 100%.  Would anyone be able to stand being in that kind of proximity to a man that had committed adultery with your childrens mother?  I certainly would not.  Well maybe I would, but only to inflict some kind of physical harm to that person.
2. Bridge believes that being on the same team as Terry would serve as a huge distraction to the team, which would be detrimental to unity and comradery.  When you are preparing for a World Cup game, the last thing you want on your mind is to be worried about the mental state of two players who have a conflict over women.   

In my humble opinion, although it is NEVER easy to pass up an opportunity to join your country's World Cup team, I agree with Bridge.  I would have done the same thing in his position.  Furthermore, I find it absolutely ludicrous that people infer that his decision is selfish.  If anything it is noble, trying to keep the World Cup team focused on one thing - the game.  No matter the state of the England defense due to injury, I stand by Bridge's decision.


Also, I hope this decision makes Terry and Bridge's ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel feel sick to their stomachs, as they deserve.

ESPN reports on the matter.
Bridge refuses England call up

The Mirror UK reports on the matter.
Wayne Bridge quits England team over John Terry "betrayal"

Sports Update

Its been a little while since my last post, as my sports viewing has gone down considerably lately.  This is mainly because:

1. The NFL season has come to an end, and thus, life is not quite as grand.  The majority of my writing lately had been NFL playoff talk, so the absence of the pigskin has cut into my writing a bit.  The Sabbath has truly been a day of rest for me lately.
2. The MLB spring training has, for the most part, not started yet.  Soon I will be posting quite regularly on the latest news, transactions, fantasy updates and everything else under the sun.  Until then however, news is light.
3. The other sport I enjoy blogging about, MLS Soccer, is also in its off-season and has been relatively silent lately.  

Having said all this, I'm working on my picks for the upcoming Fantasy Baseball season, which will be coming in the next week days... I am starting to get excited for America's past-time!

News Around the MLB

Giants reach deal with Lincecum
The Giants have reached a preliminary two-year, $23 million dollar deal with ace Tim Lincecum. This deal will avoid arbitration for the two-time Cy Young award winner and the Bay-Area team. The proposed arbitration deal would have been a one-year contract for roughly 10-12 million.

Frank Thomas announces retirement
Frank Thomas announced his retirement today, after a 19-season career in which he hit 521 homers and won two American League MVP awards.

Mariners re-sign Chris Seddon and Guillermo Quiroz
Minor news for the M's, as they resigned a few players to minor league contracts with an invite to Spring Training.

Free agent Washburn awaits 'right offer'
Jared Washburn was traded last year at the all-start break from the M's to the Tigers, and at that point made it known that this off-season he would like to come back to the Emerald City if a offer was given.  Some months later however, he is a free-agent and has yet to sign with anyone.  Where will Wash end up?  It's unlikely he will settle in Seattle, who has a plethora of starting pitching depth...

Johnny Damon nearing decision
Johnny Damon looks like he will sign with the Detroit Tigers, who are offering more money than the proposed bid by the Atlanta Braves.  If Damon were to sign with the Tigers, he would also have the opportunity to DH this season, something that he would not be able to do for the NL Braves.

Saints Win Super Bowl 44: 2009/2010 NFL Predictions - 7-4

When all was said and done, my 2009/2010 Playoff predictions came out 7-4 - not too bad...  There were some speed bumps along the way [I fully expected the Cowboys and Packers to go deeper in the playoffs], but I think I did a pretty good job of putting my favoritism aside and picking the teams that I actually thought would win, over those I wanted to win.  Here is a recap of my playoff picks this post-season, and a recap of Super Bowl 44.

I was anticipating that the Saints would win Super Bowl 44, but never did I expect it to happen the way it did.  The men from New Orleans play superbly, clearly frustrating Peyton Manning and the Colts offense, as well playing with astounding efficiency on offense and making some gutsy calls in special teams.


Correct
Saints win 1st NFL title by beating Colts 31-17 
Drew Brees tied a Super Bowl record for most completions in a game [32] and was named the Super Bowl MVP after going 32-39, with 288 yds and 2 TDs.  Efficiency was Brees' middle name Sunday, throwing with an accuracy that is seldom seen in games of that magnitude, targeting eight different New Orleans receivers. 

Down 10-points early, the Saints did not give up, even going for a risky 4th down play near the Colts goal-line.  The Saints didn't convert, but instead amped up the intensity of defense and got the ball back and promptly kicked a field goal to make the game 10-3, then added another before half to make it 10-6. 

Showing their determination to do anything and everything to win the game, Sean Peyton called a gutsy onside kick at the beginning of the second half which the Saints recovered, and ultimately seemed to shift the momentum in the Saints favor.

The Saints defense also played terrific, limiting Peyton Manning, the NFL MVP, to just one score [a field-goal] in the final three quarters.  Tracy Porter picked off a Manning pass with 3:12 left in the game and returned it for a touchdown to seal the victory.

New Orleans is celebrating its first Super Bowl victory ever.

Mariners Update: Bedard Resigned

The Mariners resigned pitcher Erik Bedard to a one year, incentive-laden contract this week.  This comes as good news for the M's if they can get Bedard healthy for the second half of the 2010 season, as he is rehabbing from shoulder surgery.   A starting rotation of Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee and Erik Bedard down the stretch would be one of the best in the MLB. 

Bedard, Mariners reach 1-year deal

Predictions: SUPER BOWL XLIV

After the Conference Championship games I am 6-4 in my predictions this post-season, hoping to finish 7-4 when all is said and done.  Last week I was fortunate to be correct on both of my predictions.  

Here we go, SUPER BOWL XLIV


AFC vs. NFC


New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts 
Sunday, February 7th - 3:25 p.m. PST, CBS

Common sense tells me to go with the Indianapolis Colts.  They have Peyton Manning after all, the MVP of the 2010 regular season, a slew of talented wide-receivers [Wayne, Garcon, Collie and Clark] and a speedy defense that could present Drew Brees and company with a difficult time scoring points.  My heart however, tells me otherwise.

The Saints story-book season is going to be tested on Sunday, and one key Colts injury just may swing the tide in the opposite direction.  The big question mark is whether the Colts DE, Dwight Freeney, will be able to play or not.  Freeney is nursing an ankle injury he sustained in the Conference Championship game against the Jets, and is questionable for the contest.  If Freeney is out, that is a big advantage for the Saints.  One of the premier pass rushers in the league, Freeney complements DE Robert Mathis on the other side of the line, who team up to cause havoc on opposing offenses.  With just Mathis rushing the quarterback, the Saints won't have to attribute as many men in protection and can focus more on the down-field attack.   

For the Saints they must give Drew Brees time in the pocket so he can exploit the Colts secondary.  If given the time, Brees can spread the ball around to any of his talented weapons in the passing attack [Colston, Mechum, Shockey and Bush out of the backfield] and keep this high octane offense in gear. Important as well is the balancing the passing attack with the running-by-committee system of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, especially considering the Colts featured a sub-par rushing defense that ranked #24 in the league this season.  Without Freeney, the Saints have the ability of limit the pass rush of the Colts.

For the Colts, they need to protect Manning against a Saints defense that has pounded opposing quarterbacks in the past two games [Warner and Favre].  Beyond that, putting the ball in Peyton Manning's hands should always keep them in the game, especially considering the Saints have given up a lot on defense this season; defensively the Saints are #25 in the league in total yards and #20 in total points, not a recipe for success against the game's best quarterback.   

This game has me absolutely torn.  I believe in Peyton Manning, and I know without a doubt that he is the best player on either side of the ball, and the most clutch.  Having said that, I just can't discredit the Saints momentum and ability to physically dominate the opposing quarterbacks in their path.  I see this being a very close game, with the Saints coming up with a miraculous win.
Saints win Super Bowl XLIV. 

Links - Thoughts

The Mariners have agreed to terms with Catcher/First Baseman Ryan Garko on Monday, adding more depth to the lineup.  Garko will be expected to platoon with Kotchman at first base, and could see some action at catcher as well, although the latter is much less likely.  Garko split time between Cleveland and San Francisco last season.  Here is what Jack Z said of Garko:

"We think he is a player that adds versatility as a right-handed hitter with experience playing first base, designated hitter and catcher," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said.

The Hot Stone League - Mariners agree to terms with Ryan Garko


The M's have the city of Seattle excited again after a tremendous and exciting off-season.  As you can see, this is affecting the fanfest positively.

The Hot Stone League - Fanfest attendance off the charts


Here is an article on the new coaching staff of the Seahawks.

Carroll convenes Seahawks' new staff