Epic Post Because It's Been Too Long

It has been a busy few weeks for the sports world. The World Cup has begun. Michigan announced its self-imposed sanctions. The NCAA has accused both UConn and Kansas of major infractions. Nebraska and Colorado left the Big 12. And of course...there was that baseball game the other night. So...I'm going to do my best to sum up everything and say a few things....

The World Cup

The World Cup has no begun and the world is turning it's sight to South Africa. Some of the favorites include Spain, defending World Cup Champion Italy, England, and France. The US is in the same group as England, along with Algeria and Slovenia. I think the US will make it out of it's group, but I don't see them going much farther than that. England is highly favored considering the tournament is being played in South Africa, which is going through Late-Fall/Winter currently. Cold, wet, and dark...just the way England likes it. Personally, I see Brazil and England making it to the final. It is a toss-up who will win, but I will go with England. They are due.

Michigan's Sanctions

On May 25 Athletic Director Dave Brandon, along with coach Rich Rodriguez, announced the self-imposed sanctions for their violations that mostly involved miscommunication within the athletic department. The majority of these violations involved over practicing. The athletic department announced a series of sanctions including less practice time allowed and being on probation for two years.

Personally, I believe these self-imposed penalties are enough. The NCAA will meet Aug 13-14 to discuss whether or not these penalties are enough. Like I said, I think they are. But, if Rich Rodriguez fails to have an impressive season, I do believe this incident is enough to put the Rich-Rod experiment to an end. There have been many hints and suggestions that Coach Rodriguez needs to win nine games this year or his job is over. And, I'm ok with that. He has had his chance, he needs to produce. This is a storied program with consistent winning, and he is turning us in the wrong direction. Obviously, we would have to keep the spread/option/run and gun style we play and not go back to the pro-style of Coach Carr. That would just result in another 2-3 years of rebuilding. Hopefully nothing else comes of this, the NCAA approves our sanctions, and we move on to a successful season. UConn won't know what's coming to them Sept. 4.

Other BCS Programs in Trouble

UConn, USC, and Kansas have been in the news as of late for allegedly and actually breaking NCAA rules and regulations. If you ask me, it is about time teams are getting caught. I think USC not being allowed to play in bowl games for two years is fair. I think UConn and Kansas should both be handled with accordingly. I guess altogether I am sick and tired of watching schools get off on technicalities, or not enough evidence. Clearly shady stuff is going on...go find it.

Welcome Nebraska

Nebraska officially announced that it will be leaving the Big 12 and joining the Big 10 (I personally find it hilarious that the Big 12 now has 10 teams and the Big 10 has 12 teams). Nebraska will begin play in the 2011-2012 season. Colorado also announced that it will be leaving the Big 12 to join the Pac-10. This is just the beginning of what should be an interesting time of conference changes and realignments. I do believe that the Big 10 needs a few more teams. Obviously Texas or Notre Dame would be ideal, but I'll take what we can get.

Galarraga

The Detroit Tigers' Armando Galarraga had a perfect-game (no hits, no walks, no errors) going into the last out of the 9th inning. After a controversial call by umpire Jim Joyce, he lost his bid for perfection. As a fan, I was extremely disappointed, angry, and just did not understand why it had to happen to Armando. Why not Roy Halladay a few days earlier? But, as a general baseball watcher, clearly it is time for replay to enter the game. Bud Selig needs to step up and do something. Joyce, shortly after the game, saw the replay and instantly apologize. I applaud him and the way he handled the situation. I was thoroughly disappointed, but accepted the outcome. The Tigers still won. Galarraga was still accepted by many as to have thrown an amazing game. And, Jim Joyce accepted his mistake.

I deeply apologize to my readers (as few as they are) for how long it has been since my last post. This post itself has been in the works for over a week and I just did not get around to it. I will do my best to stay up to pace a little more, especially since it is summer and have time. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to write a "goodbye" to Tom Izzo or possibly a "O.M.G. WE JUST WON" piece for the US team. Also, I'd like to congratulate Chicago sports fans on their Blackhawks' Stanley Cup Win. But, as always, I hope everyone is doing well and enjoy yourself these next few days. Its summer. Live a little.