Storming the Court is Tradition But Safety Comes First

Florida State fans celebrate their victory over UNC
(Phil Sears/US Presswire)

Every year in college basketball there are upsets when ranked teams go on the road and that always means fans will storm the court. Inevitably, the question of whether or not storming the court should be allowed comes up every year. Roy Williams, head coach of North Carolina, recently made headlines because he sent his players to the locker room with 14.2 seconds left. However, he left the five walk-ons and bench players out on the floor which caused them to struggle through the mass of Florida State students that immediately rushed the court after their team's blowout victory over the 3rd-ranked Tar Heels. Some have frowned upon Williams' decision to send his players to the locker room early, but the reality is that it makes sense.

There are some conferences who have outlawed storming the court and schools who participate in such activity receive a fine for doing so. I disagree with this completely and I really don't like the idea of outlawing it because it is impossible to do so. Storming the court is part of the game and it has been for a long time. There have been a few times when it's been uncalled for, but to me it shows the ultimate sign of achievement in the underdog. Nobody storms the court at Kansas or Duke because winning is expected there. It doesn't matter who they play or when they play them, they are expected to win. However, a school like Florida State isn't supposed to beat the Dukes and Carolinas of the world. Leonard Hamilton has built a quality program down in Tallahassee but they will always be the underdogs when facing North Carolina. Why shouldn't the fans storm the court after a 33-point win over UNC? It's a sign of joy and celebration for accomplishing a task that many thought couldn't be done.

It doesn't make sense to outlaw something that will certainly happen no matter what. If South Carolina beats Kentucky then the fans are going to storm the court and the school will pay the fine later. That's just the way it is. Imposing a fine is silly. Let the kids have some fun. Now, I do believe that there should be announcements made about safety and a large amount of security needs to stand by in case trouble starts, but outlawing it all together takes away a fun aspect of the game.

The issue on whether or not to send players to the locker room early like Williams did is an easy one to me. Safety is the first priority and that is why I like what Williams did. With 14.2 seconds left and the game clearly over on the scoreboard, get the kids out of harm's way. It's easy to get knocked down and you never know what some idiot from the opposing school is going to say so remove the possibility of that happening. Williams did the right thing by informing Hamilton and congratulations can be given later. I do think five players need to be on the floor until the clock expires but even they can stand on the edge of the court while the other team dribbles out the clock. Once the buzzer sounds just make a beeline for the locker room and let the celebration begin.

I think Roy Williams went about this the right way and so did Leonard Hamilton and Florida State. Storming the court is one of the coolest traditions college basketball has and it's not going away any time soon. If safety is a priority then there should never be a problem. That is easy to say and harder to actually do but the Florida State-North Carolina game should be a model for other schools. Both coaches were classy about it and no injuries were reported. The scene in Tallahassee was college basketball at it's finest.

Why the Dysfunctional Jets Will Never Win

 

Rex Ryan

There are teams and players who create headlines for all the right reasons. Take Aaron Rodgers or Derrick Rose for example. The two are arguably the hottest athlete in their respective sports and they play at a high level while remaining humble and staying out of trouble. Rodgers is on his pursuit of a second straight Super Bowl victory and Rose is trying to lead his Bulls to their first NBA championship since the Jordan era. Both men are respected and that's because they win while keeping a low profile. In today's sports world everyone thinks that the loudest and the baddest win, but that is not the case. One must only look as far as the New York Jets to see why loud and out of control teams can't win.

Just when you think it can't get any worse in the Big Apple somebody else on the Jets steps up and says something dumber than the last guy. Rex Ryan is always good for a quote and he doesn't mind talking a little trash or speaking his mind. Sometimes that can be a good thing but Ryan repeatedly puts pressure on his players by voicing his honest opinions and predictions to the media. In their late season matchup against the Giants, Ryan talked a big game all week to the media before getting destroyed by their rivals 29-14. Afterwards, Giants running back Brandon Jacobs said what I think many opposing players around the league think when he told reporters that Ryan was a "big bellied loudmouth and disrespectful." Rex wants to win and he has shown that but his antics aren't working. The Jets lost in the AFC Championship game two years in a row but this year they finished 8-8 and ended the season on a three game losing streak. Rex keeps talking and his opponents feed off of his chatter more than his own players, or so it seems. Looking ahead to next season, Rex Ryan has to tone it down with his bold statements and predictions or the Jets will be doomed once again.

An even larger problem than Ryan's mouth is the locker room and the players' relationship with the media. The atmosphere that Rex has created is a terrible one for a sports franchise. What he has done is made it acceptable to say what you want, when you want and to who you want. Sure, that works fine when you are a good team but when the losses start to pile up the talk quickly turns negative and, as we see with the Jets, the team is in disarray. When a guy like Greg McElroy is going to the media and calling out several teammates and accusing them of being selfish there is a major problem. McElroy is so far down on the depth chart he isn't even sniffing the field and he is no place of leadership. Why would he go to some radio station and voice his opinions like that? Everything he said might be true but there is a code that what happens in the locker room stays there and he violated that. If the Jets are smart they put McElroy on the first plane out of LaGuardia and tell him go find another team.

McElroy's comments were uncalled for and have caused
a problem in the locker room

However, at least McElroy spoke his mind and put his name to it. In the latest developments, Jets players have anonymously called out quarterback Mark Sanchez saying he is lazy and content because he knows he won't lose his spot as the starter. If you think that then that is fine but there are two things wrong with these players' actions. First, why would they go say that to the press??? That is something that should stay in the locker room and be dealt with as a team. Second, if you are going to tell the media then be man enough to put your name to it. That's one of the most cowardly acts. The media is never the place to voice opinions about the locker room and the Jets' players must realize this. It starts with Rex Ryan.

Until Rex puts his foot down and stops this, the Jets will not win a Super Bowl. He has not created an atmosphere that is healthy and it is one that breeds anger and arguing. Ryan has to shut his mouth and get his players to shut up as well. The bold, loud talk worked for awhile but no one is intimidated by Ryan anymore. Other coaches let him talk and then go kick his tail on Sunday. The New York Jets are the laughing stock of the NFL right now and it's because Rex Ryan and his players are out of control. It's like they are having a contest to see who can say the stupidest thing to the press. They can keep on talking too, because that 8-8 record isn't going to change and next year won't be much better.

Sorting Through The Colts Predicament

Has there ever been a more interesting build up to the NFL Draft than this year? The Indianapolis Colts' dismal season earned them the first overall pick and what they have now is a conflict. Peyton Manning's well-documented neck injury kept him from playing the entire 2011-12 season and the Colts suffered greatly. It is clear how much of an impact Manning had on that team and it is realistic to think that, if he was healthy, Indy would have won at least 10 games. He's that good. However, there is no way to tell if he will ever be fully healthy again and that is why the Colts have tough decisions coming up. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is widely regarded as the top quarterback in the '12 Draft Class and he is nearly a lock to be shaking Roger Goodell's hand first on draft day. But what about Peyton Manning? A few years ago it would have been ridiculous to say that Indy might cut Manning, but now it's a real possibility. In this post I will discuss what each group/player should do with the current situation, starting with Luck.

Andrew Luck, Stanford QB
If I'm Andrew Luck then I am begging the Colts to take me. Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre don't exactly have the ideal relationship but look at Rodgers now. It doesn't hurt to learn from a living legend. If Manning is still in the blue and white Luck should come in with the mindset that his time will come. If he does his work and keeps quiet then there is no reason why Manning shouldn't welcome him in with open arms. Sure, Luck could get drafted and step into the quarterback role right away, but let's look at how well that has gone for guys like Ryan Leaf, Cade McNown and Joey Harrington. Elite quarterbacks in college usually end up in bad situations and they never reach their potential. A guy like Alex Smith has finally found what he was looking for, but it took him years. Rodgers is in pursuit of his second Super Bowl and has established himself as one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL. I could see the situation in Indy being very similar to Green Bay's a few years ago.

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts QB

Nobody likes to have to check over their shoulder to see what's waiting behind them. That's especially true for a future Hall of Famer. We see it all the time in sports, a legend's career is coming to a close and the future star is waiting. That is a rough time period for any veteran. However, we don't know how good Manning could be if he gets back on the field. He may come back and be his old self. That is highly unlikely though, and if the injury is as bad as it sounds, then he should retire. That's my opinion but it makes sense. Retire a Colt and go out on good terms with the organization, the fans and his teammates. Also, a neck injury isn't something to mess around with because the ramifications of reinjuring it could be costly. Now, if doctors clear him and say he can go play then by all means he should go out and play. I just want to see him in a Colts jersey and if that doesn't happen then I would like to see him retire. He is a top five quarterback in history and will be in Canton as soon as possible so there is nothing left for him to prove. Don't be a Brett Favre. That's the best advice I could give Peyton Manning.

Indianapolis Colts organization
The Colts are in the toughest spot of anybody. The easy decision is to draft Luck at number one. That's the smart thing to do and it's the right thing to do. The hard thing will be deciding what to do with Manning. Like I said above, if he can play then let him play while Luck sits and waits his turn. If the Colts think he has lost his magic then I think they should advise him to retire and offer a position on staff as a mentor to Luck. That would be the ideal situation, but the reality is it probably won't happen. I think if you are the Indy front office you just have to make sure there is good communication with Manning and make sure that the relationship isn't sullied. He has been the face of the Colts since he was drafted and it would be a shame to see him leave in anger and try to get "revenge" on the organization by signing with a division rival or another team.

In my mind the perfect situation would be that Peyton Manning gets to play two or three more years at a high level for the Indianapolis Colts while Andrew Luck sits and learns from him. Manning then retires and Luck steps in and keeps the Colts at the top of the AFC standings. The two have a good relationship, unlike Favre and Rodgers, and it becomes one of the best stories in sports. However, I'm smart enough to know that that probably won't happen. We are still a few months away from the NFL Draft but there is no doubt that this will be a story that draws much attention and will disected from every angle. Tough decisions will have to be made and we could have to say goodbye to Peyton Manning. Something that would come too soon.

Paul Lifts Illini; Team Looking for Consistency

Paul earned a spot in the U of I record books with his
43 point outburst on Tuesday night

Number five in the world of college basketball has fallen to none other than the program who has seemed to struggle with consistency. Last night, the Buckeyes of Ohio State fell to the unranked Fighting Illini of Illinois. On a night when legendary Illinois coach Lou Henson was celebrating his 80th birthday and former players such as Kenny Battle and Stephen Bardo were in attendance, Illinois did everything in its power to put on a show.

And what a show it was. Led by junior shooting guard Brandon Paul, the Illini battled…and battled…and battled, until they finally gutted out the 79-74 win. Other than the fact that the Illini took down the perennial powerhouse Buckeyes, it was a special night for Paul and one that nobody could have expected.

Coming into college, Paul was a part of a very good recruiting class and one of Bruce Weber’s best thus far. Yet Paul, along with classmate and fellow guard DJ Richardson, struggled with consistency and maturity on the court. He was very impatient at times, he settled for mediocre or poor shots early in the shot clock, and didn’t seem to have the leadership a guard should exhibit on the hardwood. However, on a night like last night, when the game was nationally televised and Player of the Year candidate Jared Sullinger was in the Assembly Hall, Brandon Paul stepped up and showed everyone that he just might be stepping into his role as a leader and go-to guy.

It was apparent right from the start that Paul and the Illini were ready to go. The shooting guard had a chase-down block that was capable of being compared to one that we’ve seen LeBron James do over and over. In past seasons, Paul might have given a half-hearted effort coming down the floor or would have stopped at half court. Yet here he was making a big time play against a big time team.
He wasn’t satisfied, though. He would end the game with forty-three points (which ranks 3rd all time in Illinois history), eight boards, four blocks, and two assists. As a part of the jaw-dropping, history-making performance, Paul was the man that, in the clutch, would hit two monumental threes and would knock down free throw after free throw to put the nail in the Buckeyes’ coffin.

As an Illinois fan, it was unreal to see a team that, despite a 14-3 record before last night’s game, lacked consistency yet put on such a performance. Games such as a nail-biter against St. Bonaventure and a mere four point victory over Cornell, presented a little skepticism as to how well this Illinois team could perform. This team is young, there’s no doubt there. Transfer student Sam Maniscalco is the only senior and is currently suffering from an injury. You can see it in Illinois’ play that they still get ahead of themselves on fast breaks and they aren’t always fluent on offense. Guys such as Tracy Abrams are still trying to fit into their new positions and sophomore big man Meyers Leonard is working on performing at a high level that will compete with other studs such as Sullinger and Michigan State forward Draymond Green.

But after the show that was put on last night on ESPN, Illinois has shown that, when all their players are on the same page and when they’re all ready to go to work, this team can be dangerous. It’s hard to tell just from last night’s game, but if this Illinois team can begin to be consistent and play to its potential rather than play to the level of their opponent, the Big Ten championship might, just might, end up in Champaign.

The Intensity of Detroit Sports



The Bad Boys were a thorn in MJ's side in the late 80's/early 90's



After beginning the NFL season better than anyone could have expected, the Detroit Lions slowly trailed off until they were eliminated from the playoffs by the New Orleans Saints this past Saturday. But this Lions team was something significant not only because they finally brought a good football team back to the Motor City, but because they emulated exactly what Detroit sports is all about.

With the addition of Ndamukong Suh two seasons ago, the Lions acquired a player with a tenacity and attitude that few players have. He plays dirty, late hits are easy to come by, and he does whatever it takes to bring down an opposing player. A lot of people, including myself, hate Suh’s style of play. I’m not a fan of the helmet-to-helmet hits he’s had and as far as his actions on Thanksgiving Day go, I’ll never have respect for him as a player again. There’s no place for that in sports. Ever.

Yet something about Suh fits right into the city of Detroit and the city’s history of athletes. Dating back to the 1980’s, the Motor City has had its fair share of questionable characters. Who could forget the Bad Boys who were the Detroit Pistons? Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas, and Dennis Rodman had a presence on the hardwood that was intimidating to say the least. There were Laimbeer’s many fights with Hall of Famers such as Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, and Kevin McHale, as well as Dennis Rodman’s constant bouts with Scottie Pippin. The Bad Boys didn’t care what you thought and weren’t bothered by their reputation. Bottom line was, they were good, and that’s all that mattered to them.

Then there was the infamous brawl in the Palace of Auburn Hills between the Pistons and Pacers in 2004. The Pistons were on the rise again with a loaded roster containing Rip Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups, and Tayshaun Prince. They had an attitude and a swagger that pretty much owned the Eastern Conference. Yet Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson (both members of the Pacers at the time) played a huge part in starting the brawl. It began with Artest fouling Ben Wallace extremely hard with just nineteen seconds left in the game. Wallace responded with a hard shove and after that, all hell broke loose.

The 2004 brawl wasn’t necessarily begun by the Pistons, but it speaks to the intensity and environment that Detroit presents. In no way am I saying that Detroit’s a city full of fighters and thugs, but I am saying that Detroit presents athletes that are willing to fight for victory, both literally and figuratively. The Motor City may not always enjoy perennial success, but there’s no doubt that a game against one of the city’s teams will certainly be interesting to watch.