There is a new book out about extracurricular activities that were allegedly taking place at Mizzou. One former player went as far as to say how much sex took place between athletes and tutors and others who were associated with the program. Former Mizzou running back Derrick Washington, who contributed to the book, also contributed some time as a guest of the state after he was convicted of sexual assault of none other than a tutor.
There seems to be a quiet groundswell that would indicate some of the natives have grown tired of Mizzou football coach Gary Pinkel. All of a sudden the term “hot seat” is now in play in print, TV and radio.
Some in St. Louis are not happy with how he has handled things, especially when it comes to local players. Others are not fans of his because he keeps the media at arm’s distance. Then still others feel that he is not getting the job done on the field.
All that could be true, but here is a fact. In this day and age of college football, where education (as well as discipline) has taken a back seat in many programs, Pinkel’s players graduate, and bad apples are quickly ushered out the door. For African-American parents who send their kids there, it’s essential for their child to have an education when their playing career is over.
As for last season, what coach could win with all the offensive line injuries Missouri had? Before they get the moving vans ready for Pinkel, why don’t we let the season play itself out? I am not sure if Nick Saban is going to take over in Columbia before Halloween. While I understand some of the criticism, Pinkel is still the coach until further notice. He has time to fix this.
Room on Blues bandwagon
For those who try to keep up with local sports, the St. Louis Blues made some news last week when they announced that the greatest player in their history, Brett Hull, had returned to St. Louis. Unfortunately, he will not be in uniform, as he will be assuming a position on the business side of the organization.
I have followed the St. Louis Blues and the multiple ownerships that have been in place over the years, and I must say that this current locally owned and operated group is pushing all the right buttons. They have been proactive despite pockets that may not be as deep as some of their counterparts.
In short, they are going for it now, and they could use a little support from all corners of town. The St. Louis Blues are close. As close as they have been in some time. There is room on the bandwagon.
Johnny Manziel mania
Is anyone getting tired of the whole Johnny Manziel mania? I think he is a good player, but there are 10 other guys who play with him on offense and they are doing their jobs as well.
The hype that surrounds him has gotten out of hand. He makes things happen, and college football has their eye on him for sure, but what is really next for him? A recent survey of NFL scouts reported that Manziel is undraftable at this time because of all the baggage that comes with him.
The mood swings and tantrums along with the entitlement thing will not go over well at the next level. It barely works now. But Manziel certainly has time to clean up his act.
Must-watch TV
In this day and age with every sports network having a score and highlight show, ESPN has gone in a different direction. Someone thought it was a good idea to bring former anchor Keith Olbermann back for a late-night show. Even if you vote with the extreme right, you would have to give this show a shot as good research and reporting, not politics, comes into play. There is not a better writer in the business than Olbermann. It is worth the late-night hour. You can find it on ESPN 2 at 11 p.m.
Money Mayweather
Like him or not, Floyd Mayweather runs this show, and everyone else is playing for third place. While there are some who pooh-pooh boxing and say it is a dying sport, show me another sport where it’s best performer will make $73 million in a calendar year.
Mayweather added on to his $32 million from an earlier fight this year to a level unseen in any other sport. Spare me with the MMA and Ultimate Fighting talk. They have competitive athletes, for sure, but none of those guys will ever cash a check like Floyd. When you put pen to paper for the year 2013, Mayweather will make $200,000 a day.
For the haters, who would you like to see him fight next? Age is the only opponent he will have to contend with for the foreseeable future.
