For the St. Louis American
In my days in the talk radio business, I have learned many things. None more important than this: Never walk down the street with a fellow talk show host with Jerome “The Bus” Bettis coming the other way. You could be pushed in front of Jerome. Only good friends can save you.
As of Monday I will be moving to a new day part on 590 The Fan. Noon to 3 p.m. will be my new time, and it cannot get here quick enough. One thing is for sure, I will have more fun with friends than ever before. See you on the radio.
Rams? Huh?
Can someone explain the Rams and their front office? Only Lee Harvey Oswald is a better sniper than what appears to be housed at Rams Park. There are a lot of good people there who do a great job, but there is no leadership. John Shaw spends too much time in L.A. and not enough time in St. Louis. The last time I checked, they were the St. Louis Rams. Put someone in charge of the whole thing once and for all, and let’s move on to trying to win football games.
Quit running up the score
I commend those high school football coaches who recognize they have a mismatch on the field and elect not to run it up. It is a fine line, because while the other guy may not be that good you still want to reward your kids for a job well done. You should also reward the non-starters with playing time. After all, they come to practice everyday, too.
My problem is when coaches want to run it up because they can. Hang 70 or 80 points to get more exposure. They are kids, not Pro Bowlers. The moral fiber of our society is too fragile to run kids away from a game that gives them discipline, self-esteem and all the other ingredients that help mold a man. The risk of trading that for an embarrassing Friday night or Saturday afternoon is too great.
Never bet opening weekend
Never, ever take into account – nor bet – the opening weekend of the NFL season. Too many things can go wrong. Too much emotion, too many trick plays, and only one or two players and coaches who look at last year’s record and think their opponents are going to be equally bad.
This Rams team also proved last Sunday that you cannot trust pre-season games either. This team has the same problems they had at the end of last season. We saw the same suspect defense, head-scratching play-calling, poor offensive-line play that gives up too many sacks, and of course shoddy special teams play.
I thought the Rams would go 10-6. Did I say 10-6? Ok, I said it. The loss to the 49er’s was one of the games I had down for a win. Oh boy, this will really be a fun season at this rate.
Quickies
Thank you, Bernie Miklasz.
Brad Smith’s career at Mizzou has almost made me forget that Missouri once retired Brock Olivo’s jersey. I say instead of just having homecoming, retire Brad’s number then. We may never see anything like him again.
Adios for good to Kevin.