I will leave this open through Monday to talk about anything relating to the Super Bowl. The game, teams, players, commercials, half-time show, anything. I know some people don't watch the Super Bowl and some only watch it for the commercials. I also have a poll questing asking who will win.

One of the sites that I visit and have a link to is Spartan Nation. This is a site that covers Michigan State sports along with other sports teams in Michigan. A week or so ago I was happy to read an article that shared my view on women's sports. What was even better is that it was written by a woman. This particular article applied to the college level, but I think it also applies to the WNBA as well. Here are a few excerpts from the article:

"Amidst its glow of feminism, however, lies a bitter truth: women’s college sports are not as profitable as men’s. Volleyball, for example, is one of the more popular women’s sports. Like true Spartans, the fans are rowdy and spirited, but they number about the same a high school volleyball game. Men’s basketball fans are paying up to $400 a seat, while that same seat can be occupied for $13 at a women’s game. When it comes to making money, the two just don’t compare. Most women don’t support women’s sports... most women prefer watching men’s sports. A defined audience is missing for women’s sports, and it is reflected in ticket sales."

"Women’s basketball has managed to find a niche audience and become the most successful of the women’s programs. Even with that relative success, they have lost millions.It’s a popular event for families because good seats can be purchased for an affordable price... The publicity MSU gains from women’s basketball makes up for mediocre ticket sales in the opinion of the administration. Not all women’s sports, however, have enjoyed this success."

"everything comes down to money... If MSU is going to operate like a business, it needs to stick to simple business practices.Equal rights also means equal accountability and if men’s sports are on the chopping block for not being economically viable then certainly women’s (protected by title nine) must also be in a “real and equal” world."

I would add that Tennessee's women's basketball coach Pat Summit (how many people know who she is?) is about to achieve 1,000 wins. This is quite an achievement, but the sad fact of reality is, nobody cares.

The same can be said about the WNBA. Just last December WNBA team the Houston Comets folded. This was an original team that had won 4 league championships. Now the current news is that the roster number will drop from 13 to 11. I don't know anyone who can name 11 players in the WNBA. When the Detroit Pistons won the NBA championship in 2004 the WNBA team the Detroit Shock also won their championship. They brought the two trophies to our state capitol. You could see fingerprints on the NBA trophy from people touching it and they had to clean it about every few minutes. The WNBA trophy was spotless and I never saw them clean it once.

From Tom Landry to Roger Staubach, Shawn Alexander, Tony Dungy and last year's Super Bowl hero, David Tyree, a passion for Jesus Christ has been seen by millions of Super Bowl viewers. "You have the eyes and the ears of the world during the Super Bowl, so it’s natural players will want to talk about their faith in Jesus," said Miami Dolphins Chaplain Corwin Anthony, who oversees the Athletes in Action pro ministries program that provides chaplains to 12 NFL teams. "When you have the name of Jesus in you, you just have to get it out," as New York Giants receiver Tyree put it before last year’s miracle catch in the Giants’ upset win over the New England Patriots.

Even the NFL itself, which takes a decidedly neutral stance toward matters of faith, acknowledges a Christian presence in the league. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a question-and-answer interview with Baptist Press published Jan. 23, called faith a private matter for players and coaches, but acknowledged that faith is “an important aspect of their lives.” Christians in the NFL “are always pressured to compromise their faith, but they see the examples put before them as inspiration to share what is important." Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner, for example, will be among the most interviewed players, having pulled his career from the NFL scrap heap a decade after leading the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl title.

While Warner’s witness for his faith is no secret to anyone who has watched his career, Arizona chaplain Chad Johnson said the veteran player is grateful for another chance to share. "Kurt isn't a get-in-your-face type of guy," Davis said. "But he is a sincere witness."

As a side note, Christian influences also extends into the college ranks, players like Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy who have spoken of their faith to national media audiences.

FULL ARTICLE

I am so disappointed that I am speechless. This may be the shortest post. Regardless of my dislike for Obama, I would not support ESPN televising any presidential inauguration. The article mentions that they are trying to take a sports angle and will likely interview sports figures at the inauguration. The article made an interesting point that ESPN didn't cover the inaugurations of Reagan who was a sportscaster or George W. Bush who owned a baseball team. My last television oasis away from Obama hysteria is now gone.

ARTICLE

There were some unexpected surprises the first week of the NFL. The most being New England QB Tom Brady who looks like he will be out for the season. This makes it interesting because after their season last year they were the favorites. They still have a good team, but I am unsure of their back up QB.

It looked as if the Colts were going to be the team to beat in the AFC, but they lost to the Bears. This was shocking to me because I thought the Bears were one of the worst teams and they had to come into Indianapolis and beat the Colts. I know Peyton Manning was coming of an injury, but I still think it was a huge upset. I also thought the Chargers losing was an upset. Mainly because the Panthers did not have Steve Smith.

Brett Favre had a decent game as he made a comeback with the Jets. He started out nice, but then he was back to his old self throwing up a prayer that was caught for a touchdown. It was a close game and a good game to watch. What QB surprised me the most was Atlanta's Matt Ryan who embarrassed the Lions. He also beat my beloved Spartans in the bowl game last year. Along with Michael Turner they might have a decent team.

I will update this after tonight's game and I can see how my Packers do without Favre. I think they will be fair, but not as good if they would have kept Favre.

I have created a private pick em league through yahoo. For those that are unfamiliar, it is a free league were each week you pick who you think will win each game. It takes only a few seconds a week. Your points are added each week throughout the season. If you are interested send me an email at craigscogitations@gmail.com and I will forward you the group name and password.

It is that time again. Fantasy football season is here. I have been active in fantasy football for about five years now. I know it is kind of nerdy and geeky to pick players for a fake team who give you fake points. However, it does give me the opportunity to use my football knowledge and a reason to watch games between teams that I am not interested in. It also provides good comradery.

I have a draft this weekend and one next weekend. I remember my first draft. I was such an amature and so was my friend that ran it. Most of my friends that were in the leaugue are married so my friend that was the commissioner of the league suggested that the wives can hang out while we have the draft. That was a bad idea. We started out good, but as the rounds passed and being unprepaired sunk in we went into hours. We would see our wives peek around the corner giving the look to indicate they were ready to go and the frequent question of "how much longer?" Afterwards my wife indicated that she does not care if I do this in my free time, but she does not want to be included again. She has come around a little bit, but I still have a lot of work to do to get her really interested.

We all have our own hobbies and interests be it sports or video games. I strongly enjoy fantasy football and probably because the leagues I am involved in go above and beyond just playing the game. They include golf outings and post season parties. With that said it is time for me to get my cheat sheets and magazines in anticipation of another season of fantasy football.

These issues are a little old, but I am still interested in peoples' opinions.


A lesbian complained that an usher at Safeco Field asked her to stop kissing her date because it was making another fan uncomfortable. "The women refused to modify their behavior, began swearing at the seating hosts and complained that they were being singled out for their sexual orientation," the club said. I find it hard to believe that they were not trying to cause a scene after reading this statement: "Guerrero denied she and her date were groping each other, saying that along with eating garlic fries, they were giving each other brief kisses." That is what everybody does, eats garlic fries and then makes out. Here is the rest of the article.

Would you have complained?
Do you think men set a double standard for lesbians vs gay males?

Christopher Ratte of Ann Arbor had taken his son to a Detroit Tigers game. He didn't notice the $7 lemonade he bought contained alcohol. A security guard noticed the boy drinking the spiked lemonade and called authorities. Leo was checked at a hospital. No trace of alcohol was found in his blood. No charges were filed against the father, who says it was a case of "massive overreaction." Their son Leo spent two days in state custody. The father spent nearly a week outside his home before he was allowed to return. Here is the full article.

Do you believe the father didn't know that there was alcohol?
Do you agree that the State overreacted?

Brett Favre now is talking about a comeback. Unfortunately the Green Bay Packers want to move on. I somewhat understand their frustration, but a new season has not started yet. I say let him come back. How can you deny someone that has brought so much to this franchise?

Some guys started a website and organize a weekly ralley outside Lambeau Field. They make a good point. Unlike any other professional sports team, the Green Bay Packers are owned by the community and stock holders. They are calling for Ted Thompson to be fired if he releases Brett Favre or trades him.

What do you think?

The character George Costanza on Seinfeld played a loser type roll, yet somehow he ended up with a position for the New York Yankees. He was the Assistant to the Traveling Secretary. He did not do anything except offer some comical suggestions. This leads me to the comparison...



Isiah Thomas has been fired from the New York Knicks, but he still has a job within the organization. This article talks about how Thomas is banned from communicating with any of the players and only reports to the new president because he has nobody who answers to him. In addition, he does not have an official title. This whole story with Isiah Thomas is right out of the play book of Seinfeld and George Costanza.

My Michigan State Spartans have made it to the Sweet Sixteen just as I predicted on my brackets. I think they have an excellent chance of beating Memphis. What are your thoughts concerning the tournament thus far?


The other exciting news is that the Detroit Tigers home opener is March 31st. I can't wait. I am predicting that they are going to the World Series. The blockbuster trade they made this off-season was brilliant. I could only manage to go to one game this year because I won't be able to go to any day games and it was extremely difficult to find one opportunity to get four tickets together.

Here a montage of dunks by MSU players to get you in the mood if you need any motivation.



And the best dunk ever! (In My Opinion)

It is a day I knew would come. At the end of the NFL season for the past few years I hoped Brett Favre would return for one more year. I was shocked to find out today that he decided to retire. The Green Bay Packers had a great season and I thought for sure he would be back.

I became a fan of the Packers in the early 90s. I would watch the Packers regularly and instantly became a fan of Brett Favre due to his unique character and arm strength. His attitude was one I have never seen before, whether he would congratulate a defensive lineman after getting sacked or more recently in last year's playoffs he slapped hands with a referee. His love for football was easily noticed by anyone who watched him.

I remember one of the first things my wife and I did together when we were dating is watch the Packers win the Super Bowl in 1997. We just met and I knew she was a keeper if she didn't think I was crazy after watching the game together. She even became somewhat of a fan of Brett Favre. In January 2005 I was the bestman in my friend's wedding. The wedding was just south of Madison, Wisconsin. My wife and I decided to take the opportunity to visit Lambeau Field after the wedding. We spent the entire day at Lambeau Field taking a tour of the venue and visiting the Packer hall of fame.

As much as I hate to see him retire, I do appreciate having the opportunity to watch in my opinion the greatest quarterback ever. In this last season he broke almost every passing record. As I looked through different news article comments, it is obvious that he will be missed by many, non-packer fans included.

The MSU Basketball team made my day yesterday by beating Indiana 103-74. Especially on senior day. Drew Naymick who broke the shot blocking record left in the most fitting way, after blocking a shot. Even Drew Neitzel, had a nice exit by making the 100th point. I was happy for him because he was the savior last year and has had an up and down season this year.

This has been a roller coaster year because we had such high expectations. MSU had some upsets on the road, but was perfect at home. I am looking forward to the tournament and hope they make a good run.

It was a great game. This one will go down as a classic. I was glad because I am not a fan of the Patriots nor Tom Brady. Coach Belichick unsportsmanlike conduct of leaving early has been consistent with the rest of his cold shoulder acts.

As for the commercials, I thought they were decent. I liked the Doritos one where the giant mouse attacked the guy and liking politics I liked the Coke one with Bill Frist. Overall it was an outstanding game and decent commercials.

What are your thought/remarks about the game or commercials?

My beloved Spartans have finally made it to a bowl game. They have a tough match up against Boston College (especially when they have 5 players missing). There are some good articles there is one here.

I don't like to have a mediocre attitude, but already MSU has surpassed my expectations for the year. Coach Dantonio has done a wonderful job and I hope they win. The good news is that Spartan fans were faithful and there will be a great turnout. Time is getting short for predictions, but here is mine.

MSU 41 BC 35

The National Football League has been overly strict this season. This is ironic for me to stand up for a non-disciplinary attitude in an industry of sports that has had some problems in recent months. For example, the NBA had a referee gambling on games he officiated and everyone is aware of the drug use in baseball.

It started this season with the New England Patriots and what is now known as spygate. You may find the article here, where the Patriots videotaped the N.Y. Jets defensive signals. While the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that it had no effect on the end result of the game, he still gave an heavy handed fine to the organization and coach in addition to taking away a first round draft pick. Now the Patriots are out to prove themselves and are getting criticized for running up the score on opponents.

Secondly, the NFL sent a letter to all 32 teams telling them not to let their cheerleaders warm-up in front of the visiting team before the game (article). Is it that big of problem that football players are not able to control themselves? What about the mental toughness that all of the sports media pundits talk about?

Lastly, is something more recent. The Green Bay Packers are being investigated about violating the bounty rule. Supposedly the defensive backs have offered the defensive linemen $500 each for accomplishing defensive goals. My response “WHO CARES?!!!”. Honestly these players make millions and we are worried that other teammates trying to motivate them financially with an extra few hundred bucks.

Every commentator that has NFL experience said all of these are common in the NFL. Everyone is looking for any edge they can get. I understand videotaping compared to just using memory, but the punishment was excessive. The cheerleader rule is just stupid and what the Packers are doing is working. The organization is not paying them additional money and they are not trying to intentionally hurt another player. If anything this shows team unity. The last thing fans want is an overregulated sport.

UPDATE: Lloyd Carr Retires Monday November 19th 10AM

This Saturday has some interesting games, at least for Big Ten fans. There are some old rivalries and just important games to make it to a bowl game.

1) MSU vs Penn St.
This is a good game because MSU really needs this win to make it 7 for the season and secure a bowl bid. It is always a good game when your going against Joe Paterno, who by the way is 80 years old and has no desire to retire yet. I predict that MSU wins this one 21 to 17. A close game, but the home field advantage helps MSU win.

2) UofM vs Ohio State
This is a good game and would have been better if they both didn't lose last week. The Buckeyes will travel to the Big House, but I don't think Michigan can pull it off. Jim Tressel has owned Michigan the last several years. In addition, I think UofM is distracted with all of the rumors that Lloyd Carr is going to retire at the end of the season. My prediction is UofM 21 OSU 27

What are your predictions and feel free to give your input on the new look.

What is your prediction of UofM vs MSU football game this Saturday?

HERE IS A GAME TO PLAY

1) The New England Patriots have been found guilty of cheating. Last week against the New York Jets they had a camera focused on the defensive coaches recording their signals. Other teams such as the Green Bay Packers have said they have witnessed them do this in the past. Everyone is questioning their success in the last few years. I think it is most probable last year. They had nobody on offense yet they made it very far in the playoffs.

2) Nortre Dame visits Ann Arbor to play Michigan Saturday at 3:30. The funny thing is, both teams are 0-2. I delight in this because I am a Spartan fan and those two schools I consider my biggest rivals. I would think UofM would win since ND has –8 rushing yards in 2 games and has yet to score an offensive touchdown.

3) MSU vs Pitt. From what I have read, Pitt has many injured players and is very young. I think MSU will dominate them and go on to beat ND. After that the schedule will become more difficult. But hey, I will be ecstatic if MSU starts 4-0.

What do you think about the situations going on in the football realm?

Well, the Spartans are 1-0 and face Bowling Green this Saturday. Bowling Green beat Minnesota last Saturday. I was happy with the performance of this MSU football team. As I said before the season started, I wasn’t expecting much. That has changed with the historic loss UofM had against Appalachian State. As many have said, “MSU had two victories on Saturday”. I was impressed by MSU’s running game, even though I knew that was their strength. Even Hoyer was impressive. There were few penalties and though it was UAB, many good things came out of it. In addition to UofM’s loss, Nortre Dame lost badly to Georgia Tech. I now expect MSU to not lose games they should win and also pick up a win were they are expected to lose.

What are your thoughts on MSU’s football team and UofM’s loss to Appalachian State?

*UPDATE* UofM IS NOW UNRANKED !!!