Friday 6 Pack

1-Junior Seau, the Hall of Fame LB from the Chargers (and Dolphins and Patriots) committed suicide with a gunshot to the chest last Wednesday.  Nothing has been found that it was due to concussions and NFL head injuries, though people are connecting the dots.  First thoughts of Junior’s career and lasting image in the NFL and also in your opinion how will this affect the image of violence and head injuries in the NFL?

Matt – Junior to me always looked like he was having fun playing football.  He’s a Charger in my mind too, #55 pumping his fist in Jack Murphy Stadium.  As for concussions, the dots are lining up to much and I think it puts a focus on the NFL to improve maybe the helmets and maybe take some precautions more so too.  Also as a parent it makes me wonder about letting my kid play football too.  I want him to if he wants too but also got to think of his health.

Painter – Seau was one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game.  I would have liked to see him walk away sooner but that's gotta be easier said than done.  Sadly the head injuries and violence is part of the game.  Most fans like football for the violence rather than the strategy.  I'm becoming more in favor of dropping all forms of tackle football and going to more of a flag football type of game.  Not only would it cut down on the violence but also the unnatural weight gain

Majors – As a Raiders fan, I have a strong respect for Junior. He was one of those guys I knew I should not like, but loved him anyway. I will always remember him as a great player, great man. We never know the demons some people face.  As for the NFL, I don't think much will change. It is a true barbarian sport. The only way to get the injuries and such under control is to go to a flag football system, which won't happen

Zach – It may make the NFL think about protecting its players more, but I think that has already been in place for a couple years now

2-The Saints Bounty Gate had punishment handed down last week with the biggest punishment on Jonathan Vilma getting a year.  Feel this is too much for Vilma?  Just right or not enough?

Matt – I think this is right and just.  With safety being the biggest thing now in the NFL’s front office, this came at the wrong time for Vilma.  You can’t go Boba Fett on people and their lively hood.

Painter – There's been so much going on with the bounty deal that I don't even know what to think about it anymore

Majors – I live just a couple hours from NOLA, so I am in the middle of 'Aints territory. it is blowing up around here, all types of controversy. I think the year is pretty harsh, I expected 6-8 games. It will be interesting to see what comes of the appeals. I don't want to hear the players complain anymore about Goodell hearing the appeals, they are the ones who approved it in the CBA

Zach – It's more toward 'just right' if anything else, but a season-long suspension is a serious and hefty one

3-Kentucky is wanting to shut down the basketball rivalry with Indiana (after losing in Bloomington last year) unless it’s in a bigger venue that is at a neutral setting.  How is this good for either school?  The fans?  And an already watered down regular college basketball season?

Matt – C’mon. The college basketball regular season is already watered down. This ticks me off as much as Iowa and Iowa State not wanting to play at UNI or Drake. How are these decisions good for the fans, and the already terrible regular season? I don’t want to see any more games by big schools vs schools for the blind and deaf. Give us big great matchups. I loved when Iowa played UNC and Duke in the late 80s and early 90s. This is total crap and a BIG middle finger to the fans.

Painter – With the 1-and-done NBA entry rule college basketball has become pretty watered-down as it is.  If Kentucky wants to shut down rivalries then they have that power.  It's almost like the non-conference football schedules

Majors – Eh, it stinks, I guess, but I am not much of a college basketball guy anyway. The players come and go so fast it is hard to keep track. I enjoy the tourney and some rivalry games, but that is about it

Zach – It's not good for either school. Kentucky is just bitter that it lost at a true road site. Indiana was the better team that night, and this proves that Calipari is a bitter SOB about many things

4-Mariano Rivera’s career may be over after blowing his ACL in Kansas City shagging flies pregame.   Who is more responsible for the Yankees dominant run from the mid 90s to their last championship a couple years ago, Rivera or El Capitan…Derek Jeter?

Matt – Apparently this is normal activity for him but I’m shocked he did this.  I hope his career isn’t over but I am glad I got to see him in NYC and come out to Enter the Sandman.  As for the most important figure, it’s clearly Mariano.  He made (most) games for the  Yanks a 7 inning game.

Painter – Jeter by far.  Rivera only pitched one inning every few games while Jeter played every inning of every game during the playoffs.

Majors – I am a firm believer in everyday players having a big role in the games. Mo is a great pitcher, and was available more than a starter, but Jeter was the rock of that team. I am so against pitchers being MVP's it is ridiculous. I do like Rivera though, and wish him a speedy recovery

Zach – Rivera, Rivera, Rivera. He has played the equivalent of two full seasons in the postseason and his numbers rival that of a video game. Absolutely dominant

5- Bob Bowlsby took a new position as Big XII commissioner.  The conference is going through change, Texas A&M and Mizzou are leaving (marking the 4^th orig Big XII member to leave) and West Virginia & TCU are coming in.  Put yourself in his shoes…to make the Big XII stable and on par with the SEC and Big Ten what do you do?

Matt – First thing I’d do is talk to Texas and tell them this is 9+1,this is a ten team conference.  Then you have to look at adding 2 more teams to get the football championship and the first one I’d make is to Notre Dame.  Force their hand with the new National Championship playoff that is coming.  That would be a big statement and also hurt the Big Ten who tried to get the Irish for years.  Add them with Louiville…Split the divisions to be Texas/TCU/Tech/Baylor/ND/Louisville and OU/OKState/ISU/KU/KSU/WVU.  After that go to NBC/NBC Sports and negotiate a TV deal and show the mothership that there are other outlets who want college football.  But they made a play this week to extend contract with ABC/Fox through 2025. 

Painter – First and foremost take the power away from Texas.  One school cannot be making the decisions for the rest of the conference.  2nd get rid of the Longhorn Network and replace it with a conference network and make it available to everyone in the country

Majors – Institute a new rule in the Big XII football. Teams MUST play defense, haha. They are actually not a bad conference, their lower teams are on par or above the bottom dwellers of the SEC. (Kentucky, anyone?) I think he has to continue to keep the football strong, and hope the basketball can remain popular as well

Zach – Not much he can do until his conference starts being competitive with SEC and B1G

6- The voting is over…the pewter family is dead, or melted down and the new Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk trophy is a wood base, Herky and Cy in a corn field holding up a football.  Do you like the trophy that was fan decided?  Would you have done something different, or do you want to see the old one back?

Matt – This is a better choice than the Pewter family, but really I don’t know if I like it yet.  What happens when ISU changes their logo and Cy every 5 years, is it interchangeable?  I thought a legacy trophy with Nile Kinnick and Jack Trice would have been cool.  Or a Barn with the scores every year on the side.  That’d be cool.  But what we got I’d take the old one back.

Painter – I still like B-Sox's Cornbelt Championship.  I've never seen a rivalry trophy that's actually a championship belt.  At least this one is much better than what we saw last fall

Majors – I think the new one is ok. It represents the state and the teams well. Better than the family one

Zach – What was wrong with the old one? Don't change something that isn't not working. I don't hate the new trophy, but this drama could have been avoided if it was simply left alone

Final March 6 pack

1-The Final Four is set.  In State battle with Louisville and Kentucky in one semifinal….some Midwest flavor in a Big Ten-Big 8…er..12 showdown with Kansas and Ohio State.  Who is playing Monday Night and who cuts down the nets?

Matt – I’m going to say that Pitino is going to get the best of Calipari and Louisville knocks off the ‘Cats.  Kansas wins on the other side and Monday Night Bill Self is cutting down the nets.  (**this is the scenario my boy picked on his logo bracket-so I’m hoping this happens)

Wendt – Ohio State vs Kentucky and I'm gonna pick an upset and say the Buckeyes are cutting down the nets.

Painter – Kentucky will beat Ohio State

Blake – Ohio State and Kentucky.  Kentucky is still by far the best team in the Nation, the only thing that stops them is themselves and if they were to have an off night.

BSox –Gut is telling me Kentucky vs ohio st for the title, but I have this weird feeling about Louisville, and maybe this is their year. I’ll go Kentucky though, I picked them to win, and not going to give up now

Majors – Kentucky beats the Cardinals; Rock Chalk Jayhawk beats the suckeyes, and The Kentucky Wildcats beat the Jayhawks

2-The Iowa basketball seasons are over.  In 3 words or less describe the instate seasons and future of the men’s basketball programs.

Matt –  IOWA:  Getting MAD again!        IOWA ST: Keep Transfers Coming     UNI: Damn you McDermott     DRAKE: Future looks better         

Wendt –  IOWA: Future is bright   IOWA ST: Future is unclear   UNI: Future is average   DRAKE: Future is below average     

Painter –  IOWA: Future is bright  IOWA ST: Need high schoolers  UNI: Roller coaster ride  DRAKE: Cotlar loves you  

Blake –  IOWA: Fun Again  IOWA ST: Awesome Run  UNI: Gotta start improving   DRAKE: Who?

BSox –  IOWA: improvement, toughness, crowds  IOWA ST: transfers, recruiting, magic UNI: disappointment, future, bright  DRAKE: ummmmm, wha, who

Majors –  IOWA: On the rise  IOWA ST: does anyone care? UNI: Still hanging around DRAKE: Ummm, about them...         

3-Des Moines had a successful showing at the women’s regional final that may have featured Pat Summit’s final game.  Will this get Des Moines a Men’s first round game?

Matt – I would think packing in 17,000 for the session for a WOMEN’S Regional and selling out the NCAA Wrestling Championships would be enough to get a Men’s First Round site here.  I flipped on the Fresno Regional final last night and ESPN wouldn’t show the crowd at all…like no one was there.  NCAA give us a MENS TOURNAMENT!  Des Moines will sell out!

Wendt – Not next year but I could see Des Moines getting one in the next 5 years

Painter – I'd like to think so but there needs to be some sort of hotel actually connected to Wells Fargo apparently. 

Blake – I believe so, good job Des Moines!

BSox – It’s a step in the right direction, I’d say next 10 years we have a good chance of seeing it. They need to get more stuff to do around the arena to really up the shot.

Majors – Living here in FL I am not in tune with the DSM sports scene. However, it seems they are picking it up rather well. It would be cool to see the state get a 1st round game!

4-Tim Tebow is now on the J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!  He apparently picked New York over Jacksonville.  Good move for Tebow and the Jets?

Matt – The Jets are going to sell jersey’s and cause controversy when Sanchez goes out and throws picks.  I thought Jacksonville would have been a better fit for Tebow.

Wendt – I'm still not sure why New York thought it was a good idea to even be in the conversation and why didn't Tebow want Jacksonville? Still alot of questions unanswered if you ask me

Painter – I don't think so.  The Jets don't need him and he's not real good with the media.  He would have been better off going to a team with a creative offense that could fit him into certain situations.

Blake – Who cares, fun for everyone else to sit back and watch the drama!

BSox – Not at all. Jets are a mess at the moment. The first time Sanchez has a bad game they’ll be calling for Tebow. It makes no sense bringing in a guy like Tebow to an environment where you have a QB that isn’t the overall leader of the locker room. It’s going to be a huge head ache for them this season. But maybe Sanchez works way harder because of Tebow …

Majors – I think it is an okay one for each side. I do think it shows a lot that the owner, coach, & GM are in Fl when the presser happened. I know the meetings are here, but they could have arranged it. I am a firm believer in the statement: "If you have 2 QB's, you have no QB's."

5-The Saints got punished heavily by the NFL.  Fair punishment or did Goodell go too far?

Matt – This was a statement punishment meant to have a ripple effect throughout the NFL down to College and then to High School.  Saints fans shouldn’t cry like they are, they just got caught.  Then the Cover Up is worse then the crime.

Wendt – Goodell seems to be softening a little bit on Sean Payton but the punishment was fair in my opinion

Painter – Goodell wanted to send a message which he did. Kind of hard to say he went too far or not. 

Blake – Not at all.  I think everyone had an idea that bounties for good clean hits were going on, but money for Cart-Offs is barbaric and wrong in a civilized society.  Goodell had to leave no doubt that such activity would never happen again.

BSox –Completely fair, maybe not enough. Paying someone for a good play, good hit, getting a fumble stuff like that isn’t a big deal to me. Going out and trying to ruin someone’s career/life is a whole other issue. I almost go with the punter who says kick them out of the league

Majors – The Aints... I would say they got busted. I think the penalty is very harsh, however, they had multiple chances to stop the program as well as be honest with Goodell. They did neither. He has shown he hates being lied to, and he punished them as he saw fit. Now with them talking to The Big Tuna, who knows what will happen. I think losing Payton hurts, I think losing Loomis really hurts, though. Losing a GM for 8 weeks, including the draft? Ouch. I know they will find ways to talk, but they better not get caught.

6-WRESTLEMANIA is this weekend.  The Rock vs John Cena!  Finally! What is your favorite Wrestlemania moment?

Matt – Favorite match is WM3 with Ricky Steamboat vs Macho Man…one of the best matches I’ve seen.  Also WM6 with Hogan vs the Warrior at Sky Dome.  I think Jericho-Punk steals the show this year.

Wendt – Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant was awesome

Painter – Wrestlemania X8 in Toronto (2002).  Rock vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan.  The original WWF/WWE superstar passing the proverbial torch to the "People's Champion".  Plus Jericho and Triple H had a good match for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.

Blake – Um, huh?

BSox –Shawn michaels vs the undertaker…or pretty much any shawn michaels match. Those were the best matches. He sells so well, and tells such a great story throughout the match. I still consider him the greatest wrestler ever, and haven’t watched a ton since he left

Majors – Wow, haven't watched wrestling in years. Fav moment? Probably the original one. I remember being at my buddy's house watching it. Good times!

Welcome to March Madness foreplay…Conference Tourney week.

1-Iowa will take on Illinois in the 8-9 game in the Big Ten Conference Tourney on Thursday.  Predictions on the Hawks and who cuts down the nets in Indianapolis?  **note answers submitted prior to start of conf tourney**

Matt – I don’t like this matchup for Iowa but atleast its not in Champaign.  The Hawks need Gatens to hit a few early and have Basabe and White to not let their big guy beat us like he did a few weeks ago.  I think in the end it comes down to Michigan State & Ohio State and this time Michigan State wins, goes in to the NCAA as a #1 somewhere.

Wendt – Illiannoy-76 Iowa-67. I'll take Michigan State to win the title this year

Painter – Iowa may win a game but I doubt they make it to the weekend.  I have a feeling Ohio State or Michigan State will win it all.

Blake – I'll take Michigan State winning the Conference Tourney, and Iowa getting out of the first round.

Majors – Hmmm, let's go Hawks!!! I think they can win this one, but they will have to play fast and play smart. As for the team to win the tourney, I hate to say it, but tOSU looks pretty good lately. They have been pretty consistent this year.

Silker – Hawks beat then Illioni however lose the next game. They suffer a first round lose in the NIT and look to next year. Michigan State cuts down the net after suffering their last lose this past weekend. They go on a terror and win the tourney.

2-Iowa State is the #3 seed in the Big XII tournament and will take on #6 Texas on Thursday.  Will the Cyclones make a run in Kansas City or is it the Jayhawks and everyone else?  **note answers submitted prior to start of conf tourney**

Matt – I think you’ll see Iowa State in the final four and I won’t be surprised if they make the title game.  But thinking its KU vs Mizzou one last time for the Title. 

Wendt – I'll take Kansas vs Missouri for the Big 12 Title

Painter – ISU may make it to the weekend but I have a feeling Missouri is the team to beat.

Blake – Iowa State can definitely go on a run.  That is, if they don't get blinded by the Baylor uniforms.

Majors – Rock Chalk Jayhawk. I think Mizzou & KU will be int he finals, but I think M-I-Z-Z-O-U wins it

Silker – State will make a run but no one in the big XII can stop the Jayhawks.

3-Breaking this weekend is that Saints DC Greg Williams had a bounty pool for the Saints defenders in big hits and game ending hits on opponents.  The NFL will be dropping some punishment here this week, if your Roger Goodell what is your judgment?

Matt – With player safety being the biggest concern, someone is getting punished big time.  Williams will get hit and I’m sure the Saints too.  But this has been around a while, it will need to be each organization taking the correct actions on this too.  Bad hit for the NFL.

Wendt – If I'm Roger Goodell I'm pissed that somebody actually talked, you know these type of pools/bounties have been around for a long time

Painter – I don't know if I would do anything too harsh, maybe fine the coaches involved as well as the team itself.

Blake – Suspended for at least a year.  He has to set a standard that this will not be tolerated...even if I firmly believe it goes on in every clubhouse.

Majors – Move the 'Aints to Cuba. Actually, this has been a hotbed conversation, especially here locally since I am so close to the Cajun land itself. Most "Who Dat' fans think it is a conspiracy against them, but it isn't. They are going to lose...bad. Payton may be suspended 8 games, MULTIPLE draft picks being lost, etc. This will be hard to recover from

Silker – It will be a slap on the wrist with some fines and suspensions. However if I were him, Williams is suspended for the same amount of years he had a pool going. The way is sounds it could be between 7-10 years. Sean Peyton is suspended for one year. New Orleans doesn't forfeit the super bowl they won but it gets the MLB * next to it signifying rules were broken that year. Williams is fined half his salary while at New Orleans and the saints are fined the amount they made for winning the super bowl.

4-Greg McDermott is back in the NCAA after Creighton’s MVC Championship.  Who’s in a better spot now 2 years after McDermott leaving Iowa State for Omaha, the Bluejays or Cyclones?

Matt – I think right not it’s a win win for everyone.  Hoiberg has the Clone (if White stays) in a really good spot with his Transfer U but in time he will need to get a base going and if they can grow a base I think they can compete with KU for a while.  McDermott gets to coach his kid and be in one of the best non BCS conf there is and have a great fan base supporting him.  Sorry Blake to rub salt in a wound, young McDermott would have looked great in purple and gold.

Wendt – Great question. Iowa State seems poised to compete in the Big 12 and let's be honest, the Missouri Valley Conference isn't good top to bottom so I'll take Iowa State being in a better spot

Painter – Short term:  ISU.  Long term (right now):  Creighton

Blake – Bluejays because of the conference.  Creighton is basically that Kansas of the Missouri Valley, the rightful owner of the throne.  The Cyclones will never be that.

Majors – This one is a little out of my wheelhouse. I think ISU has done a good job of rising up. Hoiberg has become impressive as the coach. Creighton has generally had a decent team, but I think the CyClowns are doing pretty well right now.

Silker – Cyclones. McDermott cannot recruit with the big boys. His best player is his son who should be a panther right now. Iowa state is looking better by the day

5-What record in all of sports has NO CHANCE of ever being broken?

Matt – Cy Young’s 500+ wins and Johnny Vandermeir’s back to back no hitters are tough ones to beat.  I don’t think you’ll see a running back top Emmitt or Walter either.  Fricken Emmitt!

Wendt – Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive games played will never be broken

Painter – All records have a chance to be broken (records were meant to be broken) but Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive games streak and Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hit streak are the most likely to never be broken.

Blake – I don't think anyone will ever surpass Wilt's 100 or Cal's Consecutive Game Streak.  I think DiMaggio's Hit Streak could be broken someday.  Maybe

Majors – 56 game hitting streak.

Silker – Wilt! No one will ever score 100 in a game again. No chance ever!

6-Tiger Woods shot a 62 Sunday at the Honda Classic, Rory McIlroy won it to take over the #1 World Golf Rankings.  Many will utter TIGER IS BACK…does Tiger’s round of 62 change your mind on his play?

Matt – I don’t think he’s back but its baby steps.  It’s all in his head.  I will predict that he finishes in the top 5 at Augusta. 

Wendt – One round doesn't make up for last Thursday when he was missing putts all over the place. Let's see how he does for a few tournaments in a row before I start waving my Tiger flag. 

Painter – Not yet.  He needs to shoot in the 60's consistently before I consider him to be back.

Blake – Sure, he's been on an uptick since the end of last year.  It would have been foolish to say Tiger will never win again, but his days of dominance are over

Majors – I think he will begin to play consistent. With all of the distractions, there was no doubt he couldn't focus anymore. As for being the undisputed man? Those days are gone. Too many young players that are really good. Even those guys can't emerge over each other. I think Tiger will win some more, probably multiple majors, but not be dominant, no.

Silker – Tiger still needs to win a major to say he is back. Until he does that he is just a cub. Rory is also a great golfer who is getting better. Players are scared of his name like they were with old Tiger!

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