This and That
Each week I'll write about the world of sports:
• To me, quarterback Jay Cutler has to get his mind in the right order. Everyone knows about his physical skills and how talented he is, but the way he handled the situation with Denver was a problem. He got what he wanted, a trade out of the Mile High City, and now he has a new environment. It is up to him to produce with the Bears. Personally, I feel Denver fared well in the deal, getting two first round picks, a future number three plus a veteran quarterback in Kyle Orton. Denver benefitted from this because Orton has a pretty good winning record; he is not a spectacular talent but he can fit in well. I think the Broncos will come out of this smiling.
• Ford Field will be rocking and rolling on Monday night. Tom Izzo will use every motivational tool in the book to prepare his Spartans. He may even remind his team about Jimmy V and 1983 as the Wolfpack stunned Houston. Izzo will tell his team that America thinks there is no shot that North Carolina will lose. The first meeting was an M&Mer, a 35-point blowout. Something tells me the Spartans will put up a great fight, but I still feel the Tar Heels will cut down the nets. Funny but in 2005 UNC won it all by beating a tough Big Ten foe, Illinois, in Saint Louis.
• Fans are tired of hearing about the off-field problems of players like Plaxico Burress and Pac Man Jones. They're fed up with all of the nonsense and reach a point of total frustration. The players have to realize that the game is bigger than any individual. Burress was let go by the Giants and I understand the disappointment of the front office over so many problems. It is time for the team to move on.
• The Mets made a good addition by picking up Gary Sheffield. They needed another big bat in the outfield to go with Carlos Beltran. Yes, names like Murphy and Church may have potential, but Sheffield is one shy of the 500 home run club and he is a proven commodity. Sheffield has an intense sense of pride; I think he will go out and try to prove that he can flat-out play.
• I am here in the Motor City for the Final Four and the news out of here regarding the Pistons and Allen Iverson has not been good. The decision to get him from Denver was a bad one from the get-go, trading Chauncey Billups for him. Iverson is sidelined with a back injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season. It has not been a good fit for Iverson or the Pistons.
• Georgia made an interesting hire by bringing in Mark Fox from Nevada. Fox brings a winning record, knowledge and a lot of talent on the sidelines. My only question is, does he fit that section of the country? He doesn't have familiarity with that region but his track record has been very productive. Fox beat Georgia twice earlier in his career, and he believes in discipline.
• Tim Floyd decided to turn down overtures and stayed at USC. He has gotten to the point of being comfortable running the USC program. They have a beautiful new arena, things are moving in a positive direction. He analyzed the situation and the offers and opted to stay in Los Angeles. Mike Anderson decided to sign an extension at Missouri because he is comfortable there. When you are in a good situation where you are capable of enjoying success, as Jimmy V used to say, why should you move elsewhere. It isn't like these guys are starving when they get a new contract.
• Butler made a wise decision giving coach Brad Stevens a contract extension. He certainly deserved it and he has been a solid leader since taking over from Todd Lickliter. Stevens has a bright future on the sidelines at Butler.
