A JIM ZABEL YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

I never wanted to be an obit writer.  By all accounts it simply  has to be one of the toughest jobs there is in the writing profession.  How can you put in a mere cascade of words the relevance of a person's life?  How does that do them justice......isn't there more to it than that?

In recent months, I've been put to the "test" in remembering the lives of an aunt and uncle, a college roommate, a good friend and fellow sports guy, Mike Newell and now Jim.

In life and in a caricature...Jim Zabel was special

The Jim I'm speaking of, is Jim Zabel, legendary sportscaster who called University of Iowa Hawkeye broadcasts since 1948.  Zabel passed away last week at the age of 91 in Arizona as he was preparing for his weekly radio show, "Two Guys Named Jim". That in itself is a testament.....working away at a true love right up until your last breath is taken. If only we could all be so fortunate.

I have purposefully held off writing anything about Jim's passing since it was reported on May 23rd simply because I wanted to soak in the meaning of his life....and his death.  Jim was without question....UNIQUE.  He had a style unto his own.  He thought highly of himself and his past experiences as an athlete growing up in Davenport, Iowa.  Some might have thought he was a braggart, but the longer I knew him, I became convinced it depicted his rub with the greats in their profession.  He forever spoke of his race with Olympian trackman Jesse Owens.  Not that he beat him...but that he saw Owens backside in such quick fashion.  He also took great pride in mentioning he succeeded Ronald Reagan at the famed WHO microphone in 1944.  In an interview with Reagan, ......came the line Jim would recite thousands of times, "Reagan said if I stay out of Hollywood, he'll stay out of Des Moines".  Of course those words had greater significance when the Hollywood star became the 40th President of the United States.

I've often likened Jim to Chicago White Sox broadcaster, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson.  Either you think they "talk" one of the worst games in town......or you simply love him.  There's no in between.  During one of Zabel's broadcasts some time in the  mid-1990's, came the line, "I love it, I love it, I love it" in describing a big Hawkeye victory.  It quickly became something Iowa fans seized.  Jim's line became their line.

A Hawkeye fan that shows the marriage between Jim and University of Iowa sports

I knew Jim a little differently than others.  I served as his producer for three years at WHO Radio.  Served might not actually be the right word, because it was am absolute blessing.  They were three years full of memories and travel and fun.  Right from the start I knew my job was to make Jim's job easier.  From show prep to broadcast time my role was to provide information, guests and show direction.  His job was to talk....and that he did.  And talk and talk.......

In many respects, he got what he wanted with air time and I received my rewards in other ways.  In the mid-80's, the two of us traveled to Chicago for the Big Ten Football  Meetings.  During the day we'd connect with players and coaches and then in the evening we'd head to a local studio to broadcast the "Jim Zabel Show".  But it wasn't just any old studio.  It was the work/home of Paul Harvey, famed radio man of the 20th century.  I recall being ushered into Harvey's office to meet the man who coined, "the rest of the story".  If ever I've felt command respect  for person it was then.....and so did Jim.  I don't recall any other time where he was smitten with the greatness in front of us.  At least for that time, I could say, Jim was speechless.

Not only was Jim without words, he did something unless that day he did very little of.  That's the only way I can explain what he did.  All I remember is, later that night we had a bite to eat at a Chicago eatery and he picked up the check.  Not only did he pick up the check, he paid for the meal.  And if you've ever heard anything about Jim, it was he was known for being "tight".   That evening our relationship became a little tighter, for sure.    

There came another time Jim was without words for a much different reason.  In 1997, the University of Iowa merged its radio broadcasts into one feed....one lead announcer.   And that man was NOT Jim Zabel.  Prior to the 1997 season, Iowa had several radio hosts feeding stations across the Midwest.  One flagship group was headed by Bob Brooks, one Ron Gonder and then Jim.  All that changed with the naming of Dubuque, Iowa native Gary Dolphin to the post.  It was a crushing decision for Z.  One I don't believe he ever fully recovered from.  He was bitter at the University and Dolphin and not exactly in that order.  If anything, it was probably hard on Jim who to blame the most.

Iowa tried to maintain relationships with all three men they bypassed for the head job.  All were offered some part of the game broadcast....but it wasn't the same.  There were some awkward moments for sure during these times.....but I will say one thing, Dolphin handled the entire affair with class.  He let Jim have his time and say and of course longer than usual microphone time.  Over the years, there came some lessening of the disappointment of the 1997 decision.  Some.

During his 48 years broadcasting Hawkeye games, Jim will forever be known for the game he called and the one that actually took place.  He had a vivid imagination.  I distinctly recall sliding into my stadium seat as a game was about to take place.  Over my headset came Jim's call about the captains meeting at midfield for the coin toss.  I looked once, then a second time.....straining to see where the heck they where.  They had of course been on the field earlier.  Several minutes earlier to be exact.  But that was Jim's way of setting the scene. And all I could do was shake my head and say to myself,  "Jim, Jim, Jim".

Zabel had an unusual way of announcing foreign players names in the sports world.  For instance, there was famed golfer, Chi Chi Rodriquez....who became Cha Cha Rod-ga-whez and Ilie Nastsse who was tagged with Il-lille Nah, tasse.  Yes...Zabel could make his sports broadcasts interesting.  In addition to his radio duties, Jim also worked for WHO-TV serving as the "sports guy" and also hosting several other shows.  Most notably were "Let's Go Bowling", which lasted for 30 years and "Beat the Bear".  Some of Jim's most fun times were the ad-libs he and numerous characters played during BTB.  Zabel often talked fondly of his special relationship with Duane Ellet, from Floppy fame in Central Iowa.  Their antics were on the edge and their ratings were off the wall.    

In a selfish manner, I will always remember Jim coming to our wedding reception.  Most of my side of the family knew I worked with Zabel.  But not my wife's relatives and friends.  People were like...."what's Jim Zabel doing here?"  Jim's presence was something to behold.  I'd like to think it wasn't because of a free drink that night.....because we only served wine at the reception!  And of course, that was not Jim's favorite beverage.

This week, I was talking to a gentleman about my previous work and background.  He asked if I knew Jim Zabel.  When I nodded the affirmative he went ahead with this story.  "Many, many years ago, my wife and I were coming out of Cristopher's in Beaverdale after a nice evening meal.  As we did, I saw some 50 feet in front of us a person who I knew was in the TV business.  I said to my wife.  Look honey, there's a guy who works for KCCI.  Jim overheard me still some thirty feet away said....no, WHO.  Then I said to my wife again just as we cross paths,  I think he's the weather guy.  And Jim says....no, sports.  As we continue walking, I say again to my wife, I think it's Ron Stoll.  To which Jim, as he's about to enter the restaurant shouts......no....JIM ZABEL.

That story alone was worth waiting the extra week for before writing some words about Jim.  Where he might not have always been known to everyone by name......people knew he was somebody by the way he carried himself.  Much like the way he wooooooed his second wife Jill.

When she first met Jim, Jill didn't much care for sports and she wasn't enamored with his past.  She simply fell in love with the guy.  Just for who he was.  Much like many of us did.

After a big Hawkeye victory, Jim would often encourage his listeners to "hug their radios" for the sure love of what they'd just witnessed.  So for this one last time, I'm going to ask you to do the same thing......"hug yours for old Z".

Thanks for many, many memories my friend.          

Thanks for reading,

John

***A Celebration of Jim's Life will take place on Friday, June 21st at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines at 4 p.m.  A visitation will take place preceding at 2 p.m. at the same location.


        


                  

NO SEX ON AIR FOR COMCAST'S COLLINS

The headline I chose for this story is probably a little over the top.  Just the same, so is the dismissal of Comcast Chicago's Susannah Collins from her duties as a reporter/anchor for the sports network.  Collins was filing a pre-game report outside the Chicago Blackhawks dressing room before their Stanley Cup Playoff opener versus the Minnesota Wild.  And she made a monumental mistake.

During Happier Days Interviewing Mr. T

The Comcast website had this to say about Collins in her bio.  "Prior to coming on board at CSN, Collins gained national attention for her on-air work at Showtime Sports, where she appeared as a special correspondent for the networks weekly studio shows "Inside the NFL" and "Inside NASCAR".  Collins reported from two Super Bowls (XLV, XLVI) interviewing numerous athletes and celebrities.  Collins also covered MMA and boxing events for Showtime as a live event reporter and web-feature contributor.  Collins also served as a correspondent/reporter for the NFL Network, NBC and CBS.  In 2011, she anchored the weekend sports broadcasts at WCBS-TV in New York and hosted numerous Fan Fest events for MLB.com at the 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City".  So, it would appear she was well thought of.

Here's what led to the farting of the ways.....errrrr parting of the ways.  Rather than trying to explain the situation, the tone in which she delivered her faux paus and whether it was an accidental slip, you be the judge.

Clearly, many TV executives had either neglected to do their homework.....or simply didn't care about Collins past that by Comcast's accounts, finally caught up with her. The "mistake" Tuesday night put a spotlight on Collins, and that quickly refocused attention on a series of raunchy You Tube videos uploaded between 2009 and 2010.  As co-host of Sports Nutz, Collins pushed the boundaries of sports journalism--and good taste-with sexually explicit reports and potentially offensive racial stereotypes.

I decided to take a check on the 16-video series produced by Middlebrow Media featuring Collins and her co-host, Sam Raddock.  I'll have to admit, they were lacking in taste and journalistic integrity.....that is, if that even exists anymore.  Still, what must have these two young ladies been thinking when they offered their talent to such a project?  For sure, neither woman displayed much concern of acceptance of their words....just the same...we've all done something we should have thought more about......especially when you know it's going to hit the internet.  Neither Collins or Raddock could say they were caught off guard in that respect.

Yet, I believe the dismissal of Collins was unwarranted.  A suspension?  Probably.  As you might have seen in the video, Collins quickly corrected herself.  Point One.  Point Two.  The network said the dismissal was more so from her reporting.  I'm not so sure.  And point three.  Collins, from all on-air perspectives, had made terrific improvement in her reporting since first coming on the air in September of 2012.

I have to wonder whether this is a dead issue or not.  Could her press brethren in Chicago come to her aid?  Could they say, hey, come on.....that's a might harsh.  Or do they stick their necks in their turtle shells and bury any comment on the subject?

I liked the work Collins did.  I think she should be given a second chance, which I'm sure she will.  Just not in Chicago and not with Comcast.  Here's hoping she gets that chance sometime soon.  She's talented, she's young and she's not perfect.  Something we all know a little bit about..

And by the way....Ms. Raddock, the co-host of the Sports Nutz show, by all accounts from the internet, is a key account manager at Southern Wine and Spirits in the Greater New York area.  I'm curious if her bosses feel the same way about their employee as Comcast did.

All I can think of, is, what an age we live in....stay tuned.

Thanks for reading,

John      


     




 

"UNSTOPPABLE" ROBLES OFFERS A DIRECTION

"When opportunities don't present themselves, you have to look for other doors to walk through", said a confident and smiling Anthony Robles Monday night.  My gosh, if that didn't resonate with me.  And it sure made me inquisitive of what else he might be passing along our way.

The night, was 2013 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Banquet for Central Iowa.  It's a night I've attended many times, but none with the effect I was left with on this particular evening.  If you don't know of Anthony Robles, you're probably not alone.  He's not what you'd call a household name.  At least not yet.  He's a former NCAA wrestler who in his final season won the 125-pound weight class while wrestling for the Arizona State Sun Devils.  That fact alone is not so unusual, but given that he only had one leg is.  In truth, that's his story....the past, present and future of what he encounters each and every day.

If ever a mother (Judy Robles) could have said, "I told you so"

Robles was born with one leg, just his left.  And his mother was young, just sixteen.  So given those odds, wouldn't it be easy to see failure written across much of these two lives?  That was not the case.  His mother, Judy, always reasoned things out by saying, "God made you this way for a reason", over and over and over again, until he believed it.  For sure, it was her unwavering push that enabled him to be where he is today.  Was it a cakewalk to fame?  Far from it, as Robles would say......

He's never met his real father.  In fact, he didn't know much about him at all until he needed to add that portion of his life to the book he's written, "Unstoppable-from Underdog to Undefeated".  His step-father,who had served as a father figure since he was four, left the family.....walked away from Anthony's mother and three other siblings because he could no longer handle the financial pressures.  Strange considering his step-father was a pastor at a local church in Mesa, Arizona.  Nonetheless, the remainder of Robles family leaned on their faith.  Somehow, Judy reasoned...."you stay in school and we'll be alright".

It was around this time, the sophomore year of Anthony's career, that there were also changes in his mind-set.  He became more focused......his prayer life became deeper and he depended on his God for strength......and he also kept thinking about his mother's message...."God made you this way for a reason".   Weeks later, Robles placed fourth in the NCAA Wrestling Tournament.  The next season, he enjoyed a 32-4 campaign, but finished seventh at the NCAA's.  There was but one year left.

In the 2010-11 season Robles enjoyed his achievements, going undefeated through the regular season and right up to the final match against Iowa's Matt McDonough, the defending champion at 125 pounds.  Scared....but determined.....and relieved to see his family in the arena....Robles wrestled "the match of his life", winning 7-1.  He had, in many respects, gotten his glory.  Hours later when the meet was wrapping up, he grabbed further accolades by being named "Outstanding Wrestler".   Later would come other forms of recognition through the NFL Hispanic Leadership Award and the Jimmy V Perseverance Award.

Today, Robles is working on a movie deal, serves as an analyst on ESPN wrestling coverage and.....is on the motivational speakers circuit.

To me, what a crowd of some 400 saw Monday night had much to do with humbleness.  Truth is, it could have been an evening where disabilities took center stage.  But they didn't.....and after the initial walk to the podium, the two crutches that were positioned under Robles' armpits seemed as natural as a stool.  That's how much he held the interest of the crowd.

Yes, Judy Robles, God did make your little Anthony for a reason.  Just like he has for each and every one of us.  It's our path......much like the one Anthony painted of his Monday night, that we need to find.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance"-James 1:2

Thanks for reading,

John                

****The evening ended with a poem Anthony read after receiving the Jimmy V Perseverance Honor which he shared so graciously...it goes like this:

Every soul who comes to earth with a
leg or two at birth must wrestle his
opponents knowing its not what is, but
what can be,  that measures worth.  Make it
hard, just make it possible and through pain,
I won't complain.  My Spirit is unconquerable.
Fearless I will face each foe for I know I am capable.
I don't care what's probable, through blood, sweat
and tears, I am unstoppable"---Anthony Robles.

THE ROAD GOES THROUGH ATLANTA

Last week I flew down to Port St. Lucie, Florida to move my brother-in-law back to the Midwest.  We left for the Northlands on Thursday afternoon and after spending five hours on the road through a continual drizzle....we decided enough was enough for one day.  Packing, cleaning, loading and driving that is.

We pulled over in Lake Park, Georgia to wind down and I figured it would be a good place to watch the Finals of the NIT Men's Basketball Championship direct from Madison Square Garden in New York.  The Iowa Hawkeyes were taking on the athletic Baylor Bears.  That should say enough, athletic I mean.  My Hawks looked pretty pathetic, I must say.  They didn't have a good shooting night and the long Bears frontline made life very uncomfortable for any short range shot.  It was a complete Baylor blowout.....74-54.

The next morning we hit the road bright and early....in the rain of course.  Still comin down. And traffic was the same as it had been the day before. Everywhere.  I was driving the U-Haul truck and my brother-in-law was in his pickup.  Cars and trucks were in front of us, beside us, behind us.  Everybody going lickity-split.
For four more hours we faced this test.  Then came Atlanta.

A city with a whole lot going on....especially in the Sportsworld.

 

Ever since we left Florida, I'd been envisioning our path through "the city in a forest", for its abundance of trees.  National Geographic named it "A Place of a Lifetime".  The reason for my concern and excitement had to do with Atlanta being at the center of the Sportsworld the next few days.  We rolled in around 11 a.m.  I figured it would be gridlock to the utmost.  Why?  Over 5 million people live in the Atlanta and surrounding area.  That's one thing.....and.....

The Chicago Cubs had arrived in town late Thursday night to play the Atlanta Braves a weekend series.   Cub fans will show up just about anywhere and the Braves were receiving notice as one of the favorites in the National League.  Over 33,000 fans went through the turnstiles in seeing Atlanta knock off Chicago 4-1.  Saturday night, another 38,000 fans attended a 6-5 Braves win.  On Sunday, almost 46,000 were on hand for another Atlanta victory 5-1.

In another part of town Friday evening, the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA were hosting the Philadelphia 76ers.  Over 17,000 fans were on hand to see Philadelphia ride off with a 101-90 victory...and then of course there was the NCAA Final Four crowd.  Louisville, Michigan, Wichita State and Syracuse fans had invaded the south to see their teams fight for the 2013 Championship.  And if that wasn't enough.....the Masters Golf Tournament was due to tee off on Tuesday with two days of fun leading up to the Thursday beginning.

Let's see....33,000...38,000 and 46,000 for baseball, 17,000 for pro basketball....75,000 for the Saturday games of the Final Four....74,300 for the Finals Game on Monday night...and the Masters.  The prestigious Masters has never announced their attendance figures, but estimates are figured at 35,000 a day.  Was this the place to be if you loved sports?  Ahhhh, ya.

A friend of mine told me this past week of some insurance buddies of his that made it to two Cubs games,  the Final Four semi's and the Finals and the first day of the Masters on Tuesday. What a couple of days for them, huh?

So, you can see I had some apprehension about traveling through the city.....but no worries.  Traffic was heavy, but manageable, at least for us at the time I mentioned.   Did it get crazier later on in the day and into the weekend?  I'm sure it did.  But from my vantage point.  Atlanta-well done.  You are without a doubt one of the meccas of the sports world.

Oh, by the way, we got home that next morning about 2:30.  Drove 19 straight hours.  Thirteen of those 19, we fought traffic, tooth and nail.  It wasn't until we hit Clarksville, Kentucky that things began to slow down and the white knuckle driving ended.  It was a trip worth remembering....

Thanks for reading,

John

****Who will be triumphant in Atlanta this weekend at the Masters?  Tiger Woods was in a pretty good position until Saturday morning when he was assessed a 2-stroke penalty for a ball drop.  As of this writing, Woods is -1 through the tourney, trailing the leader, Jason Day, by five shots.  I'll go out on a limb and pick Angel Cabrera to win it all.  He's been very consistent thus far.  But Tiger lurks and who knows how mad the penalty made him.  We'll see...

And lastly, I couldn't let this day go by without  passing along a quote from SS Jose Reyes from the Toronto Blue Jays,  who severely sprained (or fractured) his ankle Friday night.  When asked for his feelings, he said, "Sunny days wouldn't be special if it wasn't for rain", he tweeted.  "Thank you guys for all the love and prayers.  I put everything in God's hands for he is the one that got me here".

I know what you mean about the rain.....and with sunny skies today....Amen!!!

GOTTLIEB OFFERS A WHITE MAN'S PERSPECTIVE

People have become offended again.  And this time is was during the Sweet Sixteen buildup to the four games on CBS.  And just what was it that Doug Gottlieb said from a perspective many couldn't comprehend?
.
"In a cringe-worthy introduction on Thursday night, the CBS analyst dropped an odd reference to race when when was introduced by host Greg Gumbel.  Said Gotllieb, "Cream rising  to the crop.  I don't know why you guys asked me, I'm just here to bring diversity to the set here.  Give the kind of white man's perspective on things from the point guard position".  Colleagues Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith laughed awkwardly and Greg Anthony looked at Gottlieb in a similar manner that U.S. officials look at North Korea.  Gottlieb later apologized for the statement saying, " It was not a smart thing to say and I apologize".  Barkley later came to the defense of his media member telling people to "get a life".

What's Gottlieb's Defense a 1-2-2 or Man to Man?

Was Gottlieb completely off base?  Were his comments meant to be something they weren't?  Or could there have been a thin-skinned panel he was offering his introduction to?

Let's look at a couple of things.....first off, when CBS hired Gottlieb away from ESPN last year, they thought they had a star in the making.  They planned on making him part of college basketball broadcasts (which they have) and also had a TV show in the works.  Still might.  And......with Steve Kerr's contract an issue, Gottlieb was squarely in sights as a replacement.  

Secondly, Gottlieb has spent many years working the ESPN radio beat as a talk show host.  In that position, you can imagine he's had to fill thousands of minutes with comments people can be offended with.  And he did.....and they were.  Yet, he was still thought enough of for CBS to lure him away from the mega-star Sports Network.  And here is one of the reasons....because he wasn't afraid to say something.

I know, you can say his comments were racist.  You can say they were done with little thought.  But I think you'd be wrong in those assessments.  I'm pretty positive, it was Gottlieb being Gottlieb.  You don't spend all those hours behind a radio microphone thinking, "if I say this will I offend anyone.....or maybe I better stay away from that because someone might take it wrongly".  You do what you do and offer your perspective and move on.  If someone is offended, so be it.

That's what's so disheartening about the Gottlieb apology.  I'm not so sure it was his doing.....or simply the network who felt it needed to save face.  

Frankly, being politically correct is getting old.  Time and time again we see people speaking their minds.....politicians, religious leaders and talk show hosts just to name a few.  But when the media feels they've overstepped their bounds.....they pounce with everything imaginable.  Then come the "sorry I didn't mean to say that".

We might not have heard the last of this Gottlieb thing....and if this thing lingers on, maybe the network will feel they have to dump the former Oklahoma State baller.

If CBS does indeed dismiss him, I've got a thought for Gottlieb to consider.  He might have found a new name for a show, one that might have mass appeal.  How about,  "A White Man's Perspective in Sports.....with Doug Gottlieb."   Or......with rumors of several gay NFL players coming forward, he might consider "A Straight White Man's Perspective in Sports with Doug Gottlieb".  That would cause the phone lines to light up, you can be assured of that.

Listen, I've heard some pretty amusing things over the years watching sports.  Several years ago, Don Criqui was broadcasting an NCAA game involving the University of Iowa.  The Hawkeyes had a young 7-foot center by the name of Brad Lohaus, who at the time, was still learning his craft.  Anyhow, as the game wore on and it was apparent Lohaus had some refining to do to his game.  After missing a dunk, Criqui said, "it's apparent he has white man's disease".   Offensive?  Maybe a little......Funny????  Ah, yeah.  In fact, over the years, the story has been told among my Hawkeyes friends, that Lohaus, indeed had "white man's disease".  Sickly dunk anemia. We've had many laughs, that's for sure

Big Ten Network analyst Shon Morris tossed one of the funniest lines I've heard when he was just beginning his broadcast career.  After watching an Northwestern basketball team be beat continually on the boards, he fired a shot at a player who for the life of me I can't remember.  He was a good rebounder and that's why Morris offered this analysis.  "He's been out rebounded all night.  My gosh.  In fact, he has only one more rebound than a dead man".  I remember being in the TV production truck the night Morris made the comment. There was a whole lot of oooohs and aaahs because he sure made his point.

There's one other circumstance I'd like to share.  And tell me if this got taken out of context.  A couple of friends of mine were coaching some youngsters the fine points of soccer.  Their team had not enjoyed much success.  Really, they were down right pathetic.  During a practice the coaches asked the boys to round up and let's talk some things out.  "What do you think is our problem", the head coach started with.  For several seconds there was silence.  Then one of the boys offered this.  "My dad said, the coaches suck".

Okay, I know they asked for it.  But that might have been a little more than they were seeking.  Anyhow, as the story goes, the mother of the boy who made the remark found out what was said.  She, mad as a hornet,  told her husband to go an apologize to the coaches.  Maybe those are the times when we need to suck it up and say "I'm sorry".

So ultimately we are back to the Charles Barkley summation.  "People get a life".  And don't take yourself so seriously.

And that's from the perspective of another white man.

Thanks for reading,

John            

AFTER HIBERNATION BEARS SEE BIG CHANGES

There have been some big changes in Bear Nation this off-season.  So much so..that if you've been in hibernation after Chicago was knocked out of playoff possibilities this past January you might not recognize all the changes that have taken place.

Head Coach Lovie Smith.  Gone.  In fact, all but one of the coaching staff.  Gone.  Johnny Knox.  Not returning.  Nick Roach.  Gone.  And now, Brian Urlacher.  Gone, too.  Let's recap the above.  Lovie had to go.  His time had come and gone in the Windy City....and now he's holding out for another head coaching job, which may or may not happen.  It won't this season, we know that.  And maybe not next.  Look around the National Football League and ask yourself where he might fit in.  My best guess could suggest Detroit, but I really don't see that happening.  There is a good chance we've maybe seen the last of Smith as a head man.  In Smith's place is Marc Trestman, the offensive guru who could change the way the Bears have been viewed over the years.....run first, then pass.  Maybe, things are a changin....

 Knox's situation is a difficult one to say the least.  A promising young receiver, Knox, suffered a terrible back injury in a game in 2011.  For his sake, it's probably best that he moves on to something else.  Roach, the third wheel of the Bears linebacker corp is now an Oakland Raider.  He signed a lucrative free-agent contract......one that far exceeds his potential.  And then there is the former face of the franchise, middle linebacker, Brian Urlacher.

Once the face of the Franchise

On the first day of spring Urlacher announced he and the Bears were going their separate ways.  And the 1-year, 2 million dollar contract offer they threw his way, was in essence, a "slap in the face".  Sadly, this day had been coming...although many, including Urlacher, tried to ignore.  This, after 13 years of loyal service to the Chicago organization.  We've heard Urlacher's side of the story.....where he was given an ultimatum of take it or leave it and nothing else.  I'm not sure we'll ever hear the full side of the Bears organization argument.  And why should they?  Frankly, it's a no-win situation.  We've heard from  Bears Chairman, George McCaskey, thanking Brian for his years of service.  That's the best road he could have taken.

Is it really necessary for the Bears to say......"Brian you are no longer a 3 down linebacker.  In fact, we're not sure you are a first and second down linebacker anymore.  And that's what we had to decide.  Could you play at a level that was beneficial to the team".  I think not.  And ultimately, that's what Urlacher is going to find out.  Is there any NFL team that is willing to pay him as a 3-down linebacker to the tune of 4 to 5 million a year?.  Is there anymore who thinks he will play an entire season without suffering another injury?  Can he go to training camp....play in exhibition games, practice throughout the week during the season?  That's where things stand now.  One by one, you're hearing teams say they are not interested in the future Hall of Famer.  And.....if someone is, are they a team that can contend for a playoff run?  If not, then I believe reality finally sets in for Urlacher.  His days are over.

The best the game has offered have faced similar times.  Johnny Unitas, the former Baltimore Colt,  tried to beat the odds.  As a San Diego Charger, it never happened.  Same for Joe Montana when left San Fransisco for Kansas City.....and Emmitt Smith and so on and so on.  And if there is someone to blame.....blame it on Father Time.  He's the one that forced the issue.  

So....where do the Bears go from here.  Hopefully, they have a plan.  Today, they are down two linebackers with little money left in their salary cap.  Unless.....they have some restructured contracts come to light.  Amazing isn't it.....when center Olin Kreutz wanted more money several years ago, no one offered to rework his contract.  Didn't hear any teammate step up when Urlacher's situation was being thrown about the press clippings, either.  Not Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman or Jay Cutler.  Hmmmmm, what's that say?  Selfishness might be a word to consider.

We are a little more than a month away from the 2013 Draft.   Some of the problems the team faces will be addressed there.....but not all of them.   Here's are the concerns as we head to the coming year.   Linebacker, slot receiver, corner back, guard, back-up quarterback, center, defensive tackle and DEPTH.  A big list.  And if those questions are answered, the following year has quarterback (Jay Cutler's contract is up), linebacker (Briggs position), defensive end and corner back and offensive line.

The past couple of years the Bears have started fast out of the gate, only to stumble.  Even the most recent 10-6 campaign was one with very few quality wins.  In 2013, the NFC North plays the NFC East (Giants, Redskins, Cowboys and Eagles).  It will be an interesting year for new head man Marc Trestman.

As much as we've heard from General Manager Phil Emery that we're reloading.....not rebuilding....I wonder.

Brian....you might have left town at precisely the right time.  

Thanks for reading,

John            

*****  Note:  Bears signed linebacker D.J. Williams to a one-year contract.  That news came on  Friday afternoon.  The former Denver Bronco can play either middle or outside linebacker.

BIG TEN BASKETBALL IN THE HOME STRETCH

We are down to the last five games of the Men's Big Ten Basketball Regular Season.  And to say this year has been a spectacle is selling the season short.....it has been a fan's delight.

Indiana has been the class of the league, but not by much.  Right behind is Michigan State, Michigan and late charger Wisconsin and then don't forget Ohio State.  The Badgers have to be the surprise team this year.  Early season injuries had many suggesting Wisconsin was not going to be a factor.  But don't ever count the Badgers short with Bo Ryan at the helm.  He truly can flat out coach.

The five mentioned above are the cream of the league.....but there are three others trying to make noise enough to make the NCAA dance.  Illinois has some big wins this season, namely Gonzaga, Ohio State and Indiana.  Currently they are sitting on 19 wins.  You'd have to give them the nod to make it.


Iowa is another team wishing upon dreams they can finally return to conference significance.  The Hawkeyes have a remaining schedule that could enable them to put together a 10-8 conference mark.  That should do the trick.  And then there is Minnesota.  The Gophers were early season surprises, but head coach Tubby Smith has seen his squad drop to 6-8 in the conference.  Should Minnesota fail to make the NCAA's,  look for Tubby to be on the proverbial hot seat.

Indiana and Big Ten Basketball are back

But in addition to the remaining schedule lies the conference tourney.  That's where things are going to get interesting.  My gut tells me should Indiana hang on to win the regular season title, which they should,....they won't do the same in Indianapolis.  As good as they are they can be beaten.  I've got a hunch Michigan or Michigan State just might be the one to do it.  And then again, why not take Illinois?  They've shown they can beat anybody.

What's the reason for the strong, strong showing by the Big Ten?  Well, the disintegration of the Big East helped catapult the Big Ten to the top.  Long the dominant basketball conference-oftentimes merely because of its size-the Big East is slowly evaporating.

"Realignment is upending every major conference in college athletics.  Additional revue streams that will come from more powerful expanded leagues with lucrative television deals will drive the endless shake-up" , says Josh Sanburn a Times Reporter who is an astute writer of college athletics.  The Big Ten is prone to ride this year's basketball success for quite some time.   And for Big Ten fans....that's just what they hoped for.  Dominance.

So get ready for the final three weeks.  It's going to be a humdinger...

Thanks for reading,

John

IOC TO DROP WRESTLING IN 2020

This is about as bone-headed as it gets.  The International Olympic Committee wants to drop Wrestling beginning with the 2020 Olympics.  First baseball, then softball and now this. Might gosh, what the heck gives?

This is going to be one ugly, passionate fight.  The wrestling community will not take this laying down.  That's a given.  Let's see, the sport has been part of the Games since 640 B.C.  You'd kind of think that it would be safe from this notion.  "This is not the end of the process, this is purely a recommendation", IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters after the executive board vote.  "It is the session which is sovereign.  It was a decision to look at the core sports, what works best for the Olympic games.  This was the best program for the 2020 Olympics.  This is not what's wrong with wrestling, but what is good for the Games".  

It might be a headlock now, but just wait

I've been around wrestling for over 25 years (as a researcher for College Wrestling and producer of a Dan Gable documentary) so I think I can give you a pretty good idea of what happens next.  Wrestling, for the most part is an individual sport.  It's man against man.  Best one wins.  You leave it all out on the mat even if you're the inferior one.  Even in losing, you can gain knowledge and strength so the next time the result can be different.  At least that's the premise.  But there is a team element.  And that's what's about to take place.  You're going to see a whole lot of individuals come together.....the stars in the sport like the Dan Gables, Cael Sandersons, John Smiths, Jim Gibbons and Rulon Gardner's, each Olympic Champions from the United States, join hands.  At that's just from the American side.  In all, over 70 countries participate in wrestling in the Olympics.  If you've heard the message, " you ain't seen nothing yet.....get ready......because you ain't seen nothing yet".       .

Here's what I mean.....

"Dan Gable and Cael Sanderson, Olympic wrestling champions and icons of their sport,d awoke Tuesday to the news that wrestling had been dropped from the 2020 Games.  They were shocked , but Gable and Sanderson pledged to fight for a reversal.

"It's obviously one of my worst nightmares", said Gable, the 1972 Olympic freestyle wrestling champion who went on to coach an NCAA wrestling dynasty at Iowa.

Gable said his wife first saw the news early in the morning on an Iowa wrestling message board.  She awoke him and he read a news report on the Internet.  "But I'm what is called a prevention guy", said Gable by phone.  "That's why I'm working on the sport every day.  I haven't been coaching for a long time, but I spend my working hours on the sport.  I'll continue to do that.  Hopefully, it's a major wake-up call that we can work through".

Knowing Gable, he won't be satisfied until he covers every angle.  He is the best there is when it comes to preparation and focus.  This will be a battle for the ages.  I'm taking Gable, despite the all powerful IOC.  That's how much I believe in him.  

PATERNO REPORT A REOPENING OF A CAN OF WORMS

This Sunday we are going to hear the Paterno side of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case.  And for the life of me, I don't understand why.

Oh sure, there's some hope to dispel the notion of Coach Joe Paterno's involvement in the sorted affair.  But short of finding out that he was experiencing some mental or health issue that precluded him not being able to ascertain what was going on in his Penn State football program....then let the issue lie.  What can be gained?

Sue Paterno, Joe's wife, said in a letter to Penn State players received Friday that her commissioned report due to be released this weekend presents "a persuasive critique of the Freeh Report as a total disservice to victims of Sandusky and the cause of preventing child sex offenses."   Her letter also defended her husband as a "moral, disciplined" man who never twisted the truth to avoid bad publicity.

Really?  How about looked the other way......or chose to act like nothing evil was taking place within the walls of a program he led for many, many, many years.  Are you telling me he had know idea what was going on?

Is this family report necessary?

A story written by ESPN Friday offered some additional information about the Commissioned Report.  "The Paterno family directed its attorney, Washington lawyer Wick Sollers, to assemble experts to review Freeh's findings and Joe Paterno's actions, Sue Paterno wrote.

She did not offer details on findings in the letter to players, "except to say that they unreservedly and forcefully confirm my beliefs about Joe's conduct."  Sue Paterno said neither Freeh's report, nor the NCAA actions, should "close the book" on the scandal.

"This cannot happen," she wrote.  "The Freeh report failed and if it is not challenged and corrected, nothing worthwhile will have come from these tragic events".

Again, I say REALLY?  I think a whole lot worthwhile has come out and will continue to come from what took place at Penn State.  First, this case proves no one university should be so all powerful that integrity loses its place.  Secondly, those who were abused finally feel they have a voice to the disgusting things they had to hide each and every day of their lives.  And lastly, perhaps, and I say that with big hope.....perhaps this is the last time we have to hear about abuse of this nature.

Mrs. Paterno, I know you want to clear your husband somehow and someway...but after 430 interviews and 3.5 million emails and documents they went through....I'm going to stand by the Freeh Report.  And not yours. Reopening the can of worms on this case is not only unnecessary......its a travesty.

Thanks for reading,

John