Pasing The Buck

It's always amazing to me how people with little or no "real" experience comment or write on certain subjects. Which is why I think some of the comments being written or said about college players taking money or going to parties is completely ridiculous. Of the people saying anything about it, how many have been in the same position as these kids ? Do they know what it's like to be in there position ? Sure, they may have an idea, but do they really know ? Do they know anything about these kids backgrounds or family situations ? Financial situation ? I think not.

I'm from Monroe, Louisiana. Monroe and West Monroe combined has a population of 13,250. Where I lived was still pretty segregated. Not even 5-10 minutes or so away was a house or town hall where Klan rallies were held. I know for a fact there were drug transactions going on at the house next door to me and on the other side of the street about 10 houses down. My parents worked very hard to take care of me. They sacrificed a lot to make sure I was staying out of trouble. In my neighborhood it wasn't, "when I grow up I wanna be a pro sports player, or doctor", or anything like that. It was be the Scarface of the neighborhood, and then the city. Thats not me saying it for someone, these are people I hung around everyday, they were my friends. Fortunately for me, my mom and dad decided to move to Dallas because they could see what was going on. And it saved me, it gave me opportunity, to be something.

I read an article that was in the sporting news that said, the kids are the real culprits. They are cheaters not victims. It also made reference to the comment Nick Saban made that "using runners to entice kids to take money, gifts and other benefits while still in school is ridiculous and it's entrapment for young people at a difficult time in their life." This person's response to that was, they are college level athletes, "the big men on campus", are brought into a multi-million environment where they are treated like kings, so if being a college football player is the difficult time in their lives someone on campus isn't doing their job right. There are parts of this I agree with and other parts not so much.

Yes these kids, just as I was once, are brought into situations where they have the opportunity to create a life for themselves. Whether it be sports or something else, a free ride is a free ride, and college educations don't come free. Agreed. Now being the "big man on campus", that doesn't happen to everyone. Sure you're known just because of the media and the schools itself putting it out there, but unless you are a stud star player, you're just another kid on scholarship. And as mentioned in the article, these kids being plucked from terrible domestic situations, how do you think they are going to respond to fame, money, and catering of all sorts. Do these people think all of a sudden the kids understand how to manage these issues when arriving on campus ? All of a sudden, straight laced "student athletes." Most kids that come from these situations see only one thing, a way out and a way to take care of their families. Period. A small portion may realize that life is more than sports, however, that comes to light when they go from high school star to a back up.

Student athletes bring in infinite amounts of money for universities. I know the response is, "we provide a place for you to grow and we present opportunity." I agree. Problem with that, is these athletes see the huge amounts of money steadily being piped into these schools. Many times over than the $40,000 used to pay for a scholarships. And for the record, between 3% and 6% of high school seniors who play on their schools major sports teams can expect to make it on an NCAA roster as freshmen. 85 scholarships a year are allotted for football, lets just multiply that times $40,000 and you get $3,400,000. University of Texas, on their own, cleared a $65 million profit in 2008-2009. Thats 20% up from the previous year. The athletes see this, I definitely saw it. Just like me and other athletes that played in college, we ask ourselves do we deserve more.

I can speak from these kids position. Seeing the chance to make it to the NFL. And thats all it is, is a chance. 1% of college football players make it to the NFL. A chance to get some extra trips or cash just in case doesn't sound so bad considering the odds. If you're projected to be a high round draft pick, the money is just fronted. College players are governed by a different set of rules. I agree with that too. But to think that any player in college wouldn't at least be enticed at the opportunity, by a runner or agent flashing some cash and them taking it is crazy. Colleges do the same thing in some form to get recruits. Even if a kid does take the money, why does the NCAA care ? They surely aren't missing out if a kid takes a $300 dollar airline ticket, or even if a kid did take $100 grand. The NCAA just signed a 14 year $11 billion dollar deal. Word ?

I do agree that some agents and runners go to great lengths to get athletes signed. The kids are not out there chasing them down, the agents and runners are chasing them. So to just flat out punish a kid, and the school for being around is ridiculous. If this was a new issue at hand, I'd understand. This is not a new problem, and it will continue. Question is how big is it going to get and who is gonna regulate what. Student athletes are responsible for abiding by NCAA rules. However instead of solely blaming the athlete, the NCAA and NFL need to step in and do something about it. When it comes down to it, these organizations are the ones who let them in anyway. So what are they responsible for ? Where is their accountability ? They are definitely passing the buck in more ways than one on this one.

Is It Worth It ?

In light of the NFL season getting underway, the huss and buss of negotiations, rumors, and money transactions are taking place. Some of these dealings aren't worth the breathe used to talk about them. On the other hand there are some issues going on that need to and needed to be addressed. Question is, are they worth it ? For some teams and players yes, for some no. Here are a couple that I'm keeping close watch on now and during the season.

I'm gonna get it out the way. Brad Childress made his annual high school recruiting trip down to the crooked letter to check on Baby Brett. Attending a 7 on 7 camp, I'm sure Brett was throwing in, Childress is no doubt wanting an answer or even already knows the answer. Wait, how old is Brett again ? How long has he played ? Why does daddy need to make a trip down to do a check up ? I find this whole Farve issue continuing to get more disgusting the longer it goes on. Can't wait till the TV series comes out. If there are any directors out there here are some good names. Befuddled Brett, Banking on Brett, or The Puzzle. If I were a Vikings player, let alone one of the other quarterbacks, I'd be pissed. The entire organization is waiting on him. Selfish. Does he not understand he is toying with people's livelihood ? Uh hello ! Dude, just make a decision get into to camp at some point and play football. That's what you said you "love" to do isn't it ? Well do it. The longer he waits the more turmoil the team is in. And what if he says no. Sure, there is a back up plan but the entire dynamics of the offense changes. Especially with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage "Helicopter" Rosenfels. TheVikings need and deserve a decision now.

I read an article stating the Rams need to take a stand against Tom Condon and the negotiating tactics he's using to get a deal for QB Sam Bradford. Basically saying instead of paying him a large sum of money that most number 1 picks have gotten, be firm because they are only obligated to offer him the minimum $ 320,000. Word ? The NFL is trying to break the cycle of how players are paid. The formula is extremely backwards. Money is being fronted on potential as opposed to how well they play. This has been a topic that has gone nowhere but in circles for years. But can the Rams really make a stand ? I understand the business side of it, and organizations want to spend as little as possible and still make the player feel he has been taken care of. However, I think even with an uncapped year, a possible lock out, there is no way they can shun Bradford or the fans of St. Louis. It will definitely looks as though they are not serious about winning. It's almost a slap in the face to the fans and the team. They need a franchise QB in St. Louis so they better suck it up and pay him. If not, people will turn their backs on them, and not take them seriously. Unfortunately thats the situation they are in.

Bob Sanders is a very good player. Nope I'm not saying it, he's not a great player. Great players are around. Not missing 13-14 games a year because of injuries. Now there are reports he may not be able to play again. Indy of course just says his rehab is slow. How slow could it be ? He hasn't played since week 16 ! It's time to cut ties with Sanders. And even though he took a pay cut, he has not played up to what his contract was worth. As far as the reports, I've done years of research on injuries and how different ailments heal. His injuries happen to often and they do not seem to heal in the correct manner. Based off of what I know the report could have some validity to it. The Colts still went to the Super Bowl without him, I just wonder what they are holding on to.

The Tennessee Titans and Chris Johnson have worked out a deal for the upcoming year until one is done long term. NFL Player of the year, the teams most productive offensive player, the main scoring presence, I say he is do. It's said they are talking through some issues and it will get done. Sounds good, but considering the economic status, don't be shocked if the team pulls something fishy. Just look at how the Texans are doing Owen Daniels ! Talk about no loyalty, wow ! The Titans will not find another guy like Johnson, they know that. Right now the negotiations seem to be going in a positive manner. let's see if they stay that way.

Long Time Coming

Consistent, athletic, and Innovative. These are just a few words that describe newly elected Hall of Fame player and coach Dick LeBeau. LeBeau making it to the Hall of Fame finally after years of being mentioned in passing on the voters ballots is personal for me in a sense. I have always admired him as a player and as a coach. Being credited with inventing the Zone Blitz scheme, he helped transcend the game of  football to what it is today. Just look around the NFL, colleges, even high schools. The Zone Blitz out of the 3-4 set is being run at all levels. It has allowed coaches to become creative and even put their own spin on the defense itself. Although it requires a certain kind of athlete for it to be effective, it is extremely flexible. So why did it take so long for LeBeau to be elected ? Why is one of the greatest players and coaches to be involved in the game sitting on the sideline watching everyone pass him up ? Well, you would have to ask the "media" voters that question because it's ridiculous.

Although I have joined the ranks of the media, it still shows how suggestive voting on these types of awards can be. Take  the  Pro Bowl for example. Now you can't tell me all the guys that are voted in deserve to go. I won't name anyone but let's be serious here. Half of the guys go strictly off  name, not to mention that most go the year after they were suppose to go. Can you say backwards ? I mean who are these guys anyway ? What credibility do they have ? Seems like none looking at how they vote. I mean Lynn Swann and Jack Youngblood just got elected in 2001. Word ? I'd like to know what the formula is that has continued to keep this process behind.

In 1959, Lebeau was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. After being cut, he signed with the Detroit Lions and went on to play 14 years. He recorded 62 interceptions for 762 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also has 9 fumble recoveries for 53 yards and 1 touchdown. He holds the record of consecutive games by a cornerback with 171 games. He made the Pro Bowl in 1965 through 1967, and was voted second team All-Pro several times. He played along side Dick "Night Trane" Lane, Yale Lary and Lem Barney during his career. As a coach, he has contributed and been a key element into the improvments those teams made. In 1981 as coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals, his defense didn't allow more than 30 points during the regular season or in the playoffs. During that same year in the AFC Championship game hi defense held  a prolific offense lead by Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow to only 7 points en route to Super Bowl XVI. In 1995 with a defense lead by Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd, and Rod Woodson, his defense finished third in total yards allowed. During the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons, his defenses finished first, and fifth last year.

Inventing the "Zone Blitz" scheme for LeBeau was a process in the making. His thoughts were at the time, " It was a thought process kind of born out of necessity. It was basically an out cropping of the run and shoot that was becoming pretty prevelant in the league back then. We were in the same division as Houston, and they were tremendous at it with Moon and Co. Then the West Coast offense was spreading throughout the league. Those were quick-rhythm, get the ball out of your hands and cut up the defense types of passing games. We were just looking for ways to get pressure without exposing our defensive backs to have to cover the whole field."  These theories and this idea still holds true today. Which shows how ahead of his time he was at coaching. Since the NFL game has become wide open, the flexibility of his defense has still managed to put out great defenses and great numbers year after year. Many of the 3-4 defenses that you see today either have derived from  or uses some form of LeBeau's 3-4 Zone Blitz scheme. A trendsetter, without question.

I'm happy for Coach LeBeau, he no longer sits and watches as others pass him by on the way to the hall.  He is more than deserving of his election. He has done so much for the game, and has coached and touched the lives of players for years. The consistency of his play and his defenses throughout the years speak for itself. As the game has evolved so has he, if not staying ahead of the curve altogether.  If you're not willing to change and make your game more well-rounded, you will find yourself on the outside looking in. Clearly he is in, in the Hall of Fame.