Why

Though the posts of IDB have not delved much into our personal lives, I feel that this would be an appropriate first. As I embark on some major changes in the coming weeks, I hoped to share a little bit about myself. I must warn all that there will be some thoughts that go beyond the scope of sports, but they are a part of why this art, this business... this game holds so much meaning.

Back in 2000, when IDB version 1 was born, I was bringing the musical heat, even though I knew much, much more about the sports side of the show. From my earlier days in high school until the summer of 2001, I was working my way into the music industry in hopes of getting my own piece of the entertainment industry pie. A big part of this was because during the nineties, the music DID speak to me. Before suburbanites fell in love with Eminem, Jay-Z and Kanye West, I walked in 2Pac's shoes, defending his name when my fellow New Yorkers lambasted his Western locale (don't get me rolling on that). Before the Ying-Yang Twins dirtied up the airwaves, the only notable rap tandem to me was Mr. Cheeks and Freeky Ty of the Lost Boyz. And yes, the post-grunge era of rock picked up where rap left off in Las Vegas and Los Angeles when 'Pac and BIG were gunned down. It stayed real to me for many personal and family trials and tribulations. I also felt that in that time, I wouldn't have had a shot in the sports biz. I was possibly more passionate about it than the people that were picked ahead of me in Little League. Well, I was also better than most of those kids, but that's besides the point. I didn't know that the sports business would have a place for me; a young black male who actually didn't play many organized sports, but dug as deep as possible to know what the game was all about.

When marcellus sexington and myself started IDB, the change had started to take hold. While mr. sexington can elaborate on his expertise, I figured out that at least for four years, I could kick my knowledge as well as encourage others to do just that. After all, this blog exists because we have our own thoughts, opinions and realities to kick. Intelligent sports? There is such a thing, believe it or not. Because of the show, I had decided to build upon my media and business experiences during the years in college wherever I could. Scheduling and engineering live game broadcasts, interviewing prominent journalists, networking with media personalities, building 24-7 programming, etc. All of this coming from a kid who was elected to be Music Director after one semester on the air. Could I be on the air, on TV or in print? Could I be director of marketing or team operations, or even stadium operations? An agent?

I had heard the stories about how in the black community, the youth shouldn't have to limit their opportunities to just music or sports or the drug game. I was told many times that I should be a doctor, lawyer, teacher or businessman in something 'respectable', that I have too much intelligence and education to just be in the entertainment biz. And of course, we have dire statistics and realities to remind/scare us. As I recently explained to a MBA alum, there is much more to the game than the play itself, however, it seems that our global society has blended Hollywood scandal with Alex Gibbs' teachings of barely-legal offensive line blocks. And blended them too much. Just as the ACLU would argue the need for separation between church and state, I believe that there should be a separation between hype and heart. If we can keep the sensationalism away from the game itself as much as possible, maybe fans can enjoy the game as they should. Yet, in that statement, it's difficult to do so. As the late Ralph Wiley once said, sports in many ways did what boycotting, picketting and lobbying couldn't during the civil rights movement. Fair or not, no one paid attention to the plight of blacks until a significant figure showed his travails. Robinson showing the tallest example and Ali being the most vocal. In terms of rights in sports, Oscar Robertson, Reggie Jackson, even Spencer Haywood to a lesser extent. And thousands more of examples. That is my greatest motivation to be in this business. Understanding this, how could I not want to provide such a great service to my communities; racial, economical, local, national and global? And I have bounds of respect for any profession so long as the benefits are greater than the harms. Coming up, my parents raised me to do one thing: hustle hard at what you want to do. You're reading about a kid who used to design logos, uniforms and stadia for imaginary leagues and teams. The kid that read those press releases about the uniform changes and track the history of franchises to see where they were in the past (and why the frequent moves). As I became older, I found out there is much more to the game than the game itself... and how I wish it was still just a game.

So this was my explanation to my darling girlfriend when she asked me about my aspirations coming out of college. Why sports means so much to me, the adult male version. And though leaving New York for the West Coast proves to be the greatest dare in this truth-or-dare life I lead, I know this to never change, wherever I go.

Say What?!?!: Barry Bonds will represent the USA in next year's World Cup for baseball. Start counting the days until MLB itself tries to circumvent this. I must say that THIS will be sheer comedy.

Ticket

In so many ways, the best basketball player on the planet reminds me of my all-time favorite basketball player. Both had physical gifts that exceeded the true expectations of their positions. Both entered amidst strong franchise expectations; one to rebuild the identity of a long-standing franchise and the other to legitimize a franchise in its relative infancy. Both have also endured their share of criticism as being the most talented player on the roster would invite to anyone. Both have been the best offensive option for many years while having to still maintain a strong defensive presence and rebounding prowess. Both men were/are part of franchises who took too long to get help as the championship windows began to shut.

It is far-fetched to some to compare Minnesota's Kevin Garnett to New York's legendary Patrick Ewing, but in learning this game as much as I have over the last thirteen years, those parallels are hard to ignore. The Big Ticket, at the hard-to-believe age of 29 after ten years in the A, has been more than the franchise, but other than former Viking Randy Moss, is the only reminder that Minnesota has professional sports and really is one of the fifty states. Remember his adidas commercial prior to his 2003-04 MVP season? 23, 10 and 5. A seemingly lanky, 6-11 small forward out of high school showed that he could and would play all five positions on the floor. Just ask Steve Nash how willing he is to d-up against shifty point guards. Developed strength that allowed him to make the move to power forward without compromising his speend and quickness. His greatest nemesis, Tim Duncan was heralded as the best at the position, primarily because of his unstoppable, but ordinary fundamentals... oh, and because he's won a few more playoff series, including three NBA Championships. What did Timberwolves management do to help out KG? Well, long after letting a young (and both men were young, trying to make their mark) Stephon Marbury walk away and barely co-existing with Wally Szcerbiak, Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell were brought in to not only exit the first round, but contend for the Western Conference. Prior to that, Michael Olawakandi decided to cash in on his mediocrity and lack of able centers in the market. Of course, they were a few perimeter shots and stronger post play away from facing Detroit in 2004. Complete implosion last year made most fans and insiders wonder if the most skilled and affable forward in the league would ever get a shot at the NBA crown, let alone the playoffs.

Ewing was the most hyped prep and college player of the early eighties. The Hoya Destroya made Georgetown more than relevant, he made them national champions in 1984 (and made two other appearances before entering the A). Theorists are still working on finding out how the team with the third-worst record ended up being the New York Knicks and just happened to win the league's first lottery in 1985. Rookie of the Year, 11-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist (you know, when the Olympics themselves actually meant something). 21 points, 10 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.45 blocks over seventeen years. Who'd've thought that the Bill Russell-redux would become one of the premier jump shooting big men in league history? Post up moves and thundering jams were replaced with 18-footers from the right side of the key as the Big Fella's knees slowly gave in. Substituted brute force for that sure thing shot. His greatest nemesis: (H)Akeem Olajuwon, who was also his biggest collegiate foe, probably would suit some lists considering the 1994 Finals. Shaq was still learning how to use his frame when both men were in their prime. David Robinson was given more respect because he was more media-friendly and kept San Antonio relevant prior to Duncan's arrival. And there were those Jordan and Pippen guys somewhere in there. Few realize that the Knicks were held in championship regard because of potential: the potential of Ewing, Bill Cartwright and Bernard King to dominate the middle, defend, score, rebound and knock around some bodies. King only played six games with Ewing in the only two seasons they were together. The hired help soon after: Charles Oakley, Xavier McDaniel, Rolando Blackmon, John Starks, Anthony Mason (and his wonderful haircuts, one-handed free throw form and barfights), Derek Harper, Hubert Davis, Herb Williams... round two of "Save Patrick" included Sprewell, Allan Houston, Larry Johnson, Chris Mills, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas, Terry Cummings, Buck Williams, Herb Williams (why not), Chris Childs, Charlie Ward, Doug Christie, John Thomas, Walter McCarty and the list continues. While he came close many times, Patrick limped away from the Garden without so much as a chance to contend for the playoffs.

Three seasons ago, I began to see the links between Garnett and Ewing as KG once again lost in the first round. The questions began to mound up, but folks expected Minnesota to rebound strong for the '04-'05 campaign. Yet, completely missing the playoffs and firing Flip Saunders was not expected. The Joe Smith fiasco long ago cost them draft picks until picking up Rashad McCants in this year's draft, but there's not much to this team that says contender. Does KG stay or go? Because of the contract, the only options are let it run or trade him. Of course, New York is in the mix, but so are Detroit, Indiana, New Jersey (who should have went for him long ago), Dallas and several others that want a piece. It will be very interesting to see what happens. No matter where the final years of Garnett's career, he is not only the missing link for many franchises, but he is the reason for the Timberwolves still existing in Minnesota. No question that he is one of the most charasmatic and philantrophic players in the A, despite this myth of the image problem. Sure thing for the Hall of Fame as the Basketball Hall of Fame is the only of the major sports that does not make winning titles the number one criteria. I just hope that he isn't taken for granted like Ewing was in New York.

Say What?!?!: I'm not really a big Hot Stove fan in terms of the much-ado-about-nothing fashion of it all. Which is why I was surprised to find myself excited about the Florida Marlins wanting to win the World Series... did I say that right? Seriously, if Josh Beckett pitches like he's pitching against the Yankees thirty times a season, the Red Sox have the second-best rotation in the majors next to the World Champion White Sox... did I say that right? Mike Lowell picked up that contract last season based on a pending stadium deal in Downtown Miami, but as one can tell with his trade, the Marlins aren't going to have those new digs. However, for Boston, Lowell should be able to pick up his offense thanks in part to Fenway's dimensions. Oh, and I'll be taking bets on where the Marlins wind up... Las Vegas?!?!

Ching!

In the past few years, there have been two underlying stories out of the Heartland and the Pacific Northwest. As Peyton Manning developed into the top quarterback in the league and Marvin Harrison was hailed as the anti-T.O., Edgerrin James has been quietly stellar. Last season, James rushed for the most unheralded 1548 yards in NFL history, freezing defenses in the process of many of Manning's playaction TDs during his record-setting season. In 2001, James' success was curtailed by a season-ending knee injury in Kansas City, six games into the campaign. Yet, as the focus was shifted to Harrison and Manning, he came back strong the following season despite several injuries to his ankles, knees, ribs and hamstrings to start 14 games and compile 1,343 yards from scrimmage. The question of keeping the NFL's newest triplets came after these two seasons as many began to wonder if Jim Irsay could re-sign all three. No one was quite sure if James would be that explosive back that he was the first rookie RB since Eric Dickerson to win the rushing title back in 1999. To make a long biopic short, James signed a one-year tender prior to the start of the 2005 season, but Edge has opened to the thought of free agency, even once hinting at returning to his Miami roots.

Meanwhile, there's Shaun Alexander, the former Alabama Crimson Tide running back who has been the touchdown machine in Seattle. After supplanting Ricky Watters for the starting nod during the 2000 season, Alexander has been one of the league leaders in rushing, total yardage and the fantasy favorite with a gazillion multi-TD games for the past four+ years. One of the more consistent players in the league, his ability has allowed the development of Matt Hasselbeck into a solid QB and opened the field for their wide receivers. Though he has not had the injuriy history similar to that of his closest peer, Priest Holmes, he's been begging for that payday. Two consecutive years, two consecutive one-year tenders. Sure, there's a lot of good faith involved despite the holdouts, but with coach Mike Holmgren's future in the air and pressing defensive needs, the 27-year old's window of opportunity seems to be winding down.

Looking at these two players, two questions:

1. Why is the financial campaign for Alexander greater than that for James in the national media?
2. What has been holding both teams back from signing them long-term?

In answering the first, it just might be turning the channel at the wrong moment or noticing that Seattle seems to be on Sunday night every two-three weeks, but hasn't been Edge been every bit the dominating RB as Shaun? That's for debate, which in itself can turn out to be a wash. Manning's play fakes wouldn't work if he had Obafemi Ayanbadejo scaring defensive fronts. Seattle would have never contended for the NFC West if it wasn't for Alexander's goal-line punches. So why do analysts point out Alexander's contractual woes during the season much more? Because touchdowns are sexy, even if they comes against the likes of the Arizona Cardinals. Because Hasselbeck didn't throw for 49 TDs last season. Because Seattle has been "primed" for the Super Bowl for two years. Sounds silly considering that right now, James played for the league's last remaining unbeaten team.

In the case of both RBs, it makes no sense that neither are locked for long-term deals, even as they may be reaching their peaks. Much of the argument points to the duration of those who play the position. With the exception of the fullback, no other player on the team endures more punishment (see Oilers great Earl Campbell), but their compensation doesn't acknowledge that. Meanwhile, in fairness or not, the quarterback is the one making the major money to be the face of the franchise and the leader of the team. Yet, there are many teams in the league who prove to be successful without the most dynamic signal-caller. There are teams such as Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay that have shown to win games without throwing for 300 yards. And as those darling Eagles have shown, it takes more than an elite receiver and top-notch QB to move an offense. So the excuses have come. Comments Alexander made last season when he lost the rushing title to the Jets' Curtis Martin has been quirped as reasons why. Irsay linked the contracts of James and Harrison to the once-potential stadium deal that the Colts signed with Indianapolis and Indiana state officials earlier this fall (reminiscent of the Marlins keeping Mike Lowell this past year or the Phillies signing Jim Thome three years back based on new stadiums). So what if Peyton signed a seven year-$99 million deal last March... While it is a fact that the economics of the NFL are much different than those of all other sports, the league nor teams truly reflect this "socialism" that it is accused of when it comes to retaining and caring for its talent.

Similary, despite his down year, Jamal Lewis is hoping to remain a Raven for life at season's end. There's Travis Henry sitting on the pine in Tennessee after sitting on the pine in Buffalo. And it's hard not to forget the Steelers three-headed attack or Denver's shared backfield after this year. Plus, the Eagles still need a running game. This upcoming offseason in the NFL will be intriguing as many teams will chomp at the bit to sign these guys. You would hope that Indianapolis and Seattle would finally step their games up. Yet, stranger things have happened.

hey, at least someone loves Shaun.

Say What?!?!: I must say that so far, I have been impressed by one of the Knicks rookies - Channing Frye. While entering the season, his status on the team long-term was uncertain, Frye has showed a nice offensive touch and knack for rebounding. Sure, fouls hurt any player, especially rookies playing against savvier and bigger pro players. Yet, the kid can play. Even if he won't be considered for ROY honors, don't be surprised his he kicks into the starting lineup for the Knicks... and stays there for a hot minute.

Chickenhead

As the hip-hop world continues to stain the sports world, allow me to further haunt society with a brief vocabulary lesson for those who may be unfamiliar or need to be reacquainted. Please do note the extreme sarcasm in that introduction since sarcasm has been mistaken for cloaked truth.

To quote Memphis rap "icon", Project Pat:
bwok bwok, chicken chicken
bwok bwok, chickenheads

Yes, boys and girls, today's word is chickenhead.
There is one definition for mature audiences only, however, it just may apply if you stretch your imagination enough. In this case, the definition that came to mind is a little less graphic. If you are from the hood, you know about all of the criteria that comes to describe a chickenhead. Loud for no good reason. Constantly talking about a whole lotta nuttin. Stirs up more drama than (insert biggest alcoholic on any season of the Real World here), Skip Bayless and Jason Whitlock combined. An unnecessarily angry and/or nonchalant attitude about everything, everywhere and everyone. Signature head movements as if the person is, well, a chicken.

Unfortunately, it happens to be the first word that pops up when it comes to Mr. Terrell Owens. Unfortunately being the word because he used to be my favorite player in the entire National Football League.
Then he arrived in Philadelphia.

I cannot deny the "about time" tone of my post as it had been sitting in publishing abeyance (you like that big word) since he opened his flap this weekend. Everything has been said, read and fed to the American sports world since he cried foul about his contract, so this sounds no different. Yet, as others, I was an unapologetic fan of Owens since he cracked into the starting lineup in San Francisco in 1996. This was a guy who was originally was to have been to JJ Stokes what the underrated John Taylor was to Jerry Rice, the next second fiddle of the future of the 49ers. He surpassed Stokes in terms of dependability and health, even as he was criticized for too many dropped passes. And what was considered a unique personality may have not been the most well-received in the public view, but Owens once had the admiration and respect of fellow teammates. The occasional outlandish statement was brushed under the rug so long as he was part of the movement to keep San Francisco in contention into the new millennium. The celebrations that were deemed excessive in conservative circles were thoroughly enjoyed by those who wanted to see the F (as in fun) back in the NFL. And with Randy Moss as the other controversial great receiver, there was another name to debate along with Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt and Marshall Faulk for the best fantasy draft pick that wasn't a QB. Mike Ditka once said he won't shut up until you beat him. Well, it was how he was beat once to prove that he was amongst the top in the game.

After his press conference this afternoon, former cornerback and ESPNEWS analyst Eric Allen felt that the turning point of Owens' career and reputation came in 1998. The Catch II as faithful Niners fans call it. Four dropped passes and miscues against destiny's football child, Green Bay. Each catch dropped could have quickly exorcised the 49ers' demons (and bad calls) against Favre & Co. He was his own harshest critic, but demanded much, much more of himself with each pass Steve Young lobbed to him. Shortly after Rice's "catch", he made the second-most famous grab in franchise history. Flooded with his own tears and emotion, the man vindicated himself for a team, fans and... well, himself. As all wide receivers, even the mum Harrison, each have an individualistic nature that says in Owens' own words, "Who can make a play? I CAN! I can make a play!" However, the man thanked the team, the fans and God for having the continued confidence that he could make that play.

Fast forward to what notoriousjtb may not want to be reminded of. 2002 Wild Card Playoff. The New York Giants were on their way to the divisional round by the end of the first half. Jeremy Shockey wanted to show America that he could be talented and obnoxious like Owens, even on the field of play when headhunting for Julian Peterson. Michael Strahan was caught on camera pointing to the scoreboard. Even Tiki Barber wanted the crowd to have been as quiet as he normally is when handing the Niners a beatdown. Yet, T.O., normally not the most loquacious player on the team, challenged his teammates to step up in the half. Not then-coach Steve Mariucci. Not Owens' first QB thrown under the bus, Jeff Garcia. Not even the other longtime veterans of the team such as Ray Brown, Derek Smith and Fred Beasley. Of course, the rest was history.

See, the man was once a good teammate. And he was once likeable guy, even for non-49er fans who appreciated his sense of ingenuity. The Sharpie. The pom-poms. And yes, his most daring exploit, posing on the Cowboys' star (and a second attempt) kept the Niners as the most hated non-NFC East team in Dallas as of the previous twenty-five seasons. Never heard a thing about him off the field, even if the more explosive Moss got himself out there a few times. Played hard and hardly made an excuse.... when things were going well, that is. And the celebrations were actually worth talking about because they were great.

Something happened long before he arrived in Philadelphia. Of course, by the looks of things in the last 22 months, most people damn near forgot. San Francisco struggled and Owens decided to say a little too much against Mariucci. Against Garcia. Against team ownership (which, as a fan, no one was too upset when he criticized Dr. John York and Denise DeBartalo-York). Despite the constant state of change in the Bay Area in his last two seasons, he distanced himself more and more from those very teammates he rallied after a big playoff deficit. He didn't even workout with them in his last few months as a 49er, his own choice. We forget that he was shipped to Baltimore, but talked enough up about the lack of stability and talent at quarterback that he spurned a chance to play with Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jamal Lewis and some of the league's best teammates. He found a way to come to Philadelphia. Much more high profile than Baltimore. Much more attention with Donovan McNabb and Brian Dawkins than with Tim Rattay and Kevan Barlow. Much more media to hear him scream.

I didn't like that he spurned the Ravens, partially because the aforementioned players are some of my favorites in the league. Yet, I absolutely hated his signing with the Eagles. Starved for a title and even more starved for national attention for the city's tough image. The media that once vilified him for his behavior on the field suddenly interrupts its local programming to show surgery on his leg days after injury against Dallas. The experts who reserved placing Owens at the top perch of receivers in the NFL suddenly made him number one above receivers with greater numbers and greater tracks of winning. Hell, even NFL 2K5 put him on the cover and gave him a 99-rating before he played his first game with the team.

I wasn' t too thrilled that he called out his coaches, even letting now-Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp have it during a losing effort. I heard about his alienation from teammates with a none-too-happy ear. Like many of his fans, I forgave those because they weren't on the field with him. Yet, my respect was lost for him with his parting shots as he left for the Media Champion Eagles. I disowned my T.O. jersey when he made off-color comments in Playboy a while back about Garcia's sexuality, even as the quarterback was dealing with his own personal issues. Sounds like a chickenhead who doesn't know when to quit. Yet, this isn't the 'hood, this is American football we're talking about.

Now, just as big of a player in this mess has been ESPeN... sorry, ESPN. The MTV of sports can make anything seem like they found Osama bin Laden walking the streets of Bristol, but for once, there is one article that says what fingers are too tired of typing. This is far from the first indictment of the channel's bold journalism of the past five years, but Philly Inquirer's Phil Sheridan has said what no one wants the big bad wolf to hear.

This is the last I shall speak of this pariah, this fool, this... chickenhead.

Say What?!?!: The Clippers are 3-1 with what will definitely become a greater scoring threat once Corey Maggette returns to the lineup. So far, I don't think folks with think there is a changing of the guard in the California ranks as the Warriors try to eclipse the Kings as Northern Cali's best squad and the Clip Joint overshadows the Lake Show. Yet, this entire season is about shifts. The Western Conference is not that great for the first time since Shaq and C-Webb dominated the Left, but this season, expect some changes with the teams that will push hard for the playoffs. Just don't bank on Utah (for the love of dunks)

Premature

Normally, I stray from college sports. Without stating the reasons in detail, I haven't been a fan for quite some time. Yet, as I struggle through the Arena Football League-like scores to find a preseason NBA game (my time of year, baby!), I couldn't help but to notice that Charlie Weis is a beloved man. So beloved in the state of Indiana that Notre Dame signed the rookie head coach to a new ten-year contract that would continue into the 2015 season. With a 5-2 record and number 9 ranking, Weis has been credited for bringing his offense prowess to what seemed to be an offensively-challenged program. People are mistaking Brady Quinn for Tom Brady (just imagine Julius Jones still there), but this is the first time in years that South Bend is the eastern center of college football.

Tyrone Willingham must be simmering in frustration, anger and confusion. Even if he is too classy and employed by the University of Washington to so any emotion. You know when you have a guest that people aren't truly fond of leave the room to only be talked about incessantly? And when the guest actually leaves, suddenly, the fun begins? Notre Dame looks like those host; a group of high school girls talking about the new friend that replaced "the unpretty girl" in the crew.

No matter how people felt about Willingham's firing after last season or the manner Notre Dame went about it, it is hard deny this: Weis is the truth. I think that no matter how dire the situation, it'd be retarded to not take the chance to hire a coach on five Super Bowl teams, including three titles with the Patriots. Yet, to extend a contract just months into its first year, let alone sign a contract longer than that of the previous coach is a bit odd. And that is a nice way of putting it.

Prior to Weis' arrival to South Bend, the program was shellshocked by Willingham's firing. A few players, including the late-blooming Quinn felt that the administration did not give Willingham's recruitment class time to go all four years. Up until Weis interviewed and was hired during the Pats' third Super Bowl run, ND was at the end of wholesale criticisms from current students to college football analysts to civil liberties activists. In the eyes of most of the critics, it was not just the fact that the school's first black head coach in any of its sports was canned, but that this school did not honor its contract with this coach. Though the team slipped from a 10-3 record in 2002 to 5-7 in '03 and 6-5 in '04, many felt that compared to Gerry Faust and Bob Davie, Willingham should have been given as much slack as two coaches that defined Fighting Irish mediocrity.

It was obvious that back in 2002, the former Stanford coach was not the man Notre Dame wanted. In fact, like a download on LimeWire, he was waiting in line, fourth to the three in progress. Add to the mix that the university apppeared more and more irrelevant because it was not "a football factory" such as Miami, FSU or even USC, the buzz around the hiring process after firing Davie made the school somewhat intriguing again. Wait, snatch that rebound for a moment, this school hired and fired George O'Leary, who lied several times on his resume. Others strayed from the mess such as Jon Gruden and Steve Mariucci. Yet, the sun did come out tomorrow. If the school was not praised enough for hiring Willingham since he was its first black head coach in any sport, the 8-0 start in his initial season made students, alums and fans take notice again. Sure, the 5-7 mark the following year disappointed some, possibly no more dissatisfaction than in that fabled locker room, but for those who did not take the field, the time to change was near.

For whatever football reason the coach was canned, he followed the school's mantra for NOT being a "football factory". High graduation rates (for a school that no matter what it believes, is not as academically elite as Stanford, the school he left) and solid recruiting without compromising this proverbial integrity. Despite all of this, it took a season and a half for the "Fire Ty" rallies as opposed to three years of "Fire Bob".

Oh, yes, prestige. Image. Pride. That's what this is about, isn't it? Weis has a team that is more exciting offensively and nearly beat its western rival USC in a much revered game a few weeks back. Weis has the most hyped and beloved 5-2 team in recent memory as even the BcS currently ranks them 14th. You know, that 2002 team was ranked fifth by this time and still didn't lose until two weeks later. Yet, this 5-2 team seems to have "America's Team" written all over it. Seems to be a lot of pride and talk for a team that has two losses under its belt. There has been much more said about the team and school now than when they were spoken for national title contention three years ago.

But not much said by anyone about suddenly, all is right again at Notre Dame. Barely a mention in the media about how this all looks, even as you can't correct the wrongs of the past.

It is not that Weis is a better coach than Willingham or visa-versa. And in college football, where reason doesn't necessarily reign over revenues, it is obvious to see that bowl games are of the highest priority. However, the manner in which the University of Notre Dame has decided to reclaim its relevance should always be questioned. For a school that claims to not be like its competitors, it has the damndest of times figuring out who it is and who should represent it. Weis is a good soldier as Willingham was. And no one is going to say anything critical of the program or college right now. Yet, what if next season, the team deadpans? And the season after that, that third year litmus test? Will ND wiggle its way out of its ten-year pact or will they continue prop Weis up to the heavens? Why don't we see Touchdown Charlie have the chance to fail first. Or at least finish this season.

Say What?!?!: I've read the unanimous predictions of another Spurs title in '06. Real risque. How about this for bold: the Eastern Conference for the first time in a decade is the better conference. Name all the teams in the league that improved in the offseason and those that digressed. I bet that you'd see more improvement in the East and greater digression in the West. Welcome back to the promised land, east coast.