The Best Bet

The Super Bowl proves once again that sports betting should be legalized in states other than Nevada. Last year, the legal bets totaled $119 million with the house making a profit of $19.7 million.

On the other side, there was $3.8 billion bet illegally. Government should get a piece of the action. It's a lot of money that is flying under the radar.

Vince Says All

Vince Wilfork did a very insightful 40 minute interview with the Super Bowl media. He called the concussion issue in the NFL "a bunch of bull crap".

I was surprised to hear him say that. He took a very defiant stand which I have a great deal of respect for. He gave the classic line of  "this is what we signed up for". He's right about that. It's a very violent game. Everyone knows what they're getting into.

I really think there is a connection between concussions and neurological issues later on in life. Research has shown that with the examination of brain tissue from deceased NFL players.

Sour Kurt

I was disappointed to hear former Rams QB Kurt Warner point a finger at the Pats concerning their win in Super Bowl XXXVI. During an interview, he kept reiterating his point that he hoped everything was done fairly by the Pats.

He had no specific allegations. He was just tossing it out there. He sounded more like a sore loser whose team lost the game in the final seconds with a field goal by Adam Vinatieri.

Prime

I always enjoy listening to Deion Sanders. He has a lot to say and does it so well. He can back it up with his great career. He was one of the best,

He does such a great job with the NFL Network.

The Fan Favorite

Former Pats FB Mosi Tatupu died suddenly five years ago at the age of 54. His death shocked his many fans. He was a favorite at Sullivan Stadium with his "Mosi Mooses" banner and cheering section.

His family revealed that his brain suffered from CTE, the debilitating condition found in many former players. His repeated head trauma caused him to have behavioral problems after he left the game.

There is no current test that can determine if a player has CTE. It can only be found upon autopsy. The problem will only get worse in years to come as players are autopsied.

Saying No To 14

The NFL is trying to make the point after attempt more challenging for teams. A missed kick is a rare occasion.

The Pro Bowl tried something new when they placed the ball on the 25 yard line and made it a 35 yard kick. They also narrowed the goal post width from 18 to 14 feet.

I have no issue with the change in distance, but the goal posts should be kept at their current width. I believe in tradition and the posts have been that wide forever.

Moving the ball back might encourage more teams to try for two points. That is always an exciting play.

Pro Bowl

I'm watching the Pro Bowl on ESPN tonight. They keep playing the game because people watch it and it raises revenue. The goal is to not get players hurt. Will anything happen tonight?

It's not the same as watching a real NFL game. Nobody wants to get injured.

Circus Continues

I thought Bill Belichick did a great job at his press conference today by trying to provide a scientific explanation on why footballs get deflated.

In spite of what he said, some people won't be satisfied. It will always be on his record no matter what he does. People have their minds made up and there is nothing he can do to change them.

He said he doesn't plan to talk about this again, but there will be a media circus waiting for him in Arizona.

Tuning It Out

I think the whole Deflategate issue is a result of the 24/7 social media feeding frenzy. It's really a product of our time. Things have been going on in professional sports forever. What is cheating?

People have agendas and they won't be happy until they see them through to their satisfaction. Many people hate the Pats and want to see them get the maximum punishment. What will it be? It probably won't be enough to satisfy many.

The media has hijacked this story and won't stop.  I might need to stop listening to sports talk radio. It is more venomous than if the Pats lost the AFC Championship game.

Inflating Nonsense

There are so many people who want to see the Pats fail. They hate Belichick and Brady and everything else associated with the team.

Football inflation was a non-issue before this week. How did it happen? Up to this point, there is no explanation. Some will never be happy with the outcome unless heads roll. It takes so much away from the game.

Another Chance To Show

I think it's a great idea that the NFL will have a combine for veteran free agents who want to show their skills to perspective teams. It will be held on March 22nd at the Arizona Cardinals training complex.

As it stands now, free agents must wait for the telephone to ring for another chance to play in the NFL. This combine will allow teams to assess specific players and their skill level. If the need arises, they will know who to contact for a tryout.

It's a win for everyone.

Taking The Air Out

I have no idea where the "Deflategate" controversy will go. Did the Pats intentionally deflate the footballs during their AFC Championship win over the Colts? I think this would be a very difficult thing to do, given the protocol the NFL has for game balls.

No matter what happens, the controversy will stay with Coach Belichick forever. It will become another thing to add to Spygate and the controversial offensive formations used against the Baltimore Ravens.

The people who hate the Pats are rejoicing in this latest issue.