THE FINAL JOURNEY FOR HAWKEYE TAYLOR McCabe: AN ULTIMATE TEAM PLAYER

Taylor McCabe has some special traits as a three-point shooter but she has some other skills that are absolutely "jaw-dropping"

by Brian Brandsgard

Taylor McCabe is in the fourth quarter of her journey as a Hawkeye women’s basketball

player. The senior sharpshooter has experienced it all, from Final Four and national

championships appearances to Big Ten Championships, The evolution of NIL, player

transfers, head coaching changes, assistant coaching changes, Big Ten team changes and

lots more.

One thing that hasn’t changed throughout all this time is her ability to shoot the basketball.

Her coach Jan Jensen said she’s the best three point shooter in the country.

SportsRealm caught up with her recently on a rare road trip back home to Nebraska after

her team took a break for the weekend. This exclusive interview takes you in depth

into all things Hawkeye women’s basketball beginning with summer workouts, her summer

camp back home and the first two weeks of official fall practices. It ends with some insight

and fun facts she shares regarding her personal life.

SportsRealm will be checking in with Taylor periodically to get more insight and updates on

the team in the coming months. Until then, here is the first installment in the series.

When did summer workouts begin and what did they mainly consist of?

The first day of workouts was Monday June 16th, We reported on the 15th so we could get

the freshmen and transfers situated. We usually do three days of lifting and two days of two

hour practices, Lifting usually lasts an hour and a half. Then we get the weekends off.

We had sixteen total practices in the summer so we spent a good amount of time on

fundamentals, like how we close out, how we pass and cut and fill. It’s very basic,

We usually don’t scrimmage in practice a lot in the summer which is why we have our team

scrimmages outside of practice. The coaches aren’t allowed to be there so the seniors

usually run things and pick teams. We kind of know who is going to play what position like

the one, two, three, positions so we pick teams with that in mind.

Was there any area you wanted to work on yourself this summer that you thought

would improve your game?

I kind of looked at last year and thought okay what would help me out this year. Towards the

end of the year I was getting face guarded every game. I feel like they kind of knew,

especially after the USC game, where their coach had some nice things to say about me

after the game, about how I had the ability to change the trajectory of that game so I think

other coaches said we can’t let that happen to us so from then on I was guarded much

tighter, So I worked on ways to combat that.

A lot of people asked me if I was going to start extending my game into mid range with

floaters and more, which I did in high school, but I feel once you get to college, especially

within our program, the sooner you understand what the coaches want your role to be and

how you can be best at that rather than take on your own role and someone else’s it’s just so

much better. I’m going to play to my strengths.

Our coaches challenged us to get up 16,000 shots this summer and to record all of them. I

was able to stay healthy and achieve the goal. I made 76% of the 16,000 three pointers I

took.

Your coach recently said you were the best shooter in the country, how did that make

you feel?

I feel there’s a lot of good shooters in the country but I don’t think any of them are being

forced to run around and shoot the ball as fast as I do, I think what separates me is I don’t

think anyone shoots as well as I do taking the same shots I’m forced to take.

I also feel like I’ve been playing this game long enough and shooting long enough that my

shot is what it is at this point so now during the season I don’t need to worry about the

number of reps so much. I’m more worried about keeping my confidence up and trying to get

less reps to keep my body healthy and then making these reps I’m getting more game-like.

So what I really worked on was as quick as my shot was, it has gotten even quicker and

people have noticed. I’m also shooting from a lot further out and the coaches have said yeah

we need to see a lot more of that.

You put on your first ever youth Basketball camp in Fremont Nebraska this summer

In a gym where you became first team all-state and became the all-time state leader in

three point shots. What was that like?

It was so fun and so cool. We had about 65 kids mainly from Fremont ranging from K-12. I

don’t get back there often so being in that gym which they’ve redone and seeing they still

had our state championship banners hanging up there was pretty special. I was also part of

some track and cross country teams that had banners hanging up there as well.

I had a couple of my high school teammates assist me with the camp. It was so good to get

acquainted with them again but we didn’t want to make this camp about Taylor McCabe.

Some of those girls in the K-3 group were only seven years old and when they realized I was

the one they saw on TV their eyes got so big, It was really funny,

The community and coaches really want us to come back again next year which I’d love to

do because it was a lot of fun.

What’s the key to being a great three-point shooter?

I think the number one thing is confidence. You know you’re not going to make a shot if

you’re not confident in your ability to shoot the ball.

I think there’s definitely a couple of ways you can kind of gain that confidence; I think one of

those things that has always been a big deal for me has been not only putting in in a lot of

reps but putting in a lot of reps where you shoot the ball the same way, like don’t change

your shot in between reps, whether you’re coming off a ball screen or an away screen, or

just standing there, your shot should look the same, so that was a big thing growing up.

I have the tiniest hands imaginable, so I don’t shoot the ball the right way, I shoot the ball

two-handed completely, but since I’ve repped it a thousand times and figured out what works

and then started repping it that exact same way a million times it gradually worked and it’s

been pretty successful for me,

The other thing is to try finding different ways to create the shots that you’re going to get in a

game, like when I do my workouts I try and change it up a little bit but at this point I know

what my ten types of shots are going to look like so then I can just rep those shots. I’m a

very detail oriented person so if I miss a shot I know exactly what I did wrong and then I can

fix it. It’s pretty crazy actually, I need to write a book on it.

How did the first two weeks of practice go and what did the team mainly work on?

We had five days of practice in week one and two, so more practice time now has given the

coaches a chance to see us play against each other and against the gray squad (the men’s

practice squad) so that’s been good.

We put in a new offense last week so we’re going to run two offenses. One is just our usual

read and react which we’ve run since I’ve been here and the other will be more post oriented

because a lot of our strength will be with Hannah and Ava inside so I think we’ll be hard to

guard switching bank and forth. It’s looking pretty good but we’re still in the early stages of

learning it.

We’ve done a decent amount of conditioning especially in week two when we’ve gotten into

scrimmaging. We’ve also worked on transition and transition defense. There’s so many

intricate parts of basketball that you don’t even think about that we have to talk about and go

over, like who guards the ball on transition defense, who has to get back, what spots do you

need to be in, etc, We talk about boxing out, where we want to outlet the ball after we get a

defensive rebound. There’s a lot that goes into it with five new people and ten

underclassmen so things have to be repeated.

Do you think you’ll have a more prominent leadership role as a senior and what

advice would you give the new players about playing in the Big Ten?

I think when it comes down to a serious in -game situation and if I’m in the game people will

turn to me a little bit just because I know a lot about what’s going on. My basketball IQ is

very high so maybe when we get into games my leadership will be counted on more.

Right now I am kind of teaching from the sidelines so I don’t have to go in front of the team

and say anything which is fine with me. Kylie(Feuerbach) and Taylor Stremlow are our

captains this year.

My advice for the younger kids is to focus on playing defense and not turning the ball over

rather than worrying about getting a lot of shots up because you won’t be on the floor if you

can’t guard and take care of the ball.

As far as playing in the Big Ten, Get in the weight room. Everyone is bigger and stronger

and you’ll get boxed out and posted up. It’s very physical so get in the weight room.

How are the freshmen and transfers looking?

The freshmen and transfers have done a good job of getting themselves acclimated and I

think it helps there’s a lot of them and we’re all going over a lot of things competitively.

We’re also teaching our new coaches too so everybody is learning together which is really

nice. I think they have also been really good in team bonding scenarios which is good to see.

You always want to keep up the Iowa culture and tradition and they are all buying into that.

People don’t realize what a big jump it is from high school to college. Nobody plays defense

in AAU and then you get to college and it’s a battlefield so it takes time to adjust. I do think

that every player we added this year will be good for the program.

This is your last year as a Hawkeye. What would you most like to accomplish

personally?

I just want to enjoy it. I want to win games, shoot the ball well, make an impact on the team

and earn my minutes. The season gets so long and sometimes you get a bit burned out and

I don’t want that. I want to go into everyday having joy and loving the game.

Rapid fire questions to learn more about Taylor McCabe:

Favorite food? Sushi. I go to Formosa all the time. It’s saved in my contacts. They had a

Sushi roll named after me at one time.

Favorite Restaurant? Formosa is so good but my favorite is actually Basta. My boyfriend

just took me there for my birthday. It’s so good.

Favorite musical artist: Dua Lipa. I just went to her concert in Chicago a month ago with

my sister. That was one of the best nights ever. She is fantastic.

Favorite TV Show? Gossip Girl

Favorite Movie: I have two. Ferris Bueller’s Day off and Dead Poet’s Society. Super

different but so good.

Athlete you’d most like to meet? I had two favorites growing up, Kevin Durant and Sky

Diggins so I’d love to meet them. I’d also like to meet JJ Reddick because growing up I kind

of modeled my game after him.

I would also like to meet the entire Minnesota Timberwolves team. I thought I might have a

chance to when Luka Garza was there but he’s not with them anymore.

What do you like to do in your spare time: I love to oil paint. I’m a painter. I minor in art.

I took an oil painting class last semester and put in over 60 hours on my final piece which

was a 24 X 36 canvas of the Carver court storming after the USC win last year. People tell

me I should sell it, but I just can’t because I put too much time into it.

Taylor has some beautiful design to her paintings

Favorite Holiday?

I think when I get older my favorite holiday will be St. Patrick’s Day

because I’m Irish and my family does St. Patrick’s Day right, but for now its got to be

Christmas. It’s a nice little break from basketball and there’s so much that goes on

it just makes me so happy.

Favorite Vacation spot?

I’ve been very fortunate. My family loves to travel so I’ve been to nine or ten countries. The

coolest spot I’ve been to for basketball was Croatia when we went on our foreign trip a

couple years ago. My favorite family vacation was when we went to Naxos Island in Greece.

That was unreal.

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received

Really two things. My parents were really strong in their faith so they raised me and my

siblings to be strong in our own faith and I feel like that was pretty powerful and just set

my moral standards and pushed me to work hard.

My mom always advised me to keep at it when times get hard because there’s somebody to

lean on and a reason to keep going.

What really jumps out though is when I was younger my dad had a saying “Dare to be

Different” and that meant a lot. I think in today’s world it’s hard to be your own person and

take risks and when you try to please people all of the time it’s challenging. So if you dare to

be different you don’t really care about that and you just stay true to yourself. That’s just

been a big thing for me.

AS HAWKEYE WOMEN ENTER THE SECOND WEEK OF PRACTICE WHAT WILL THE STARTING LINEUP LOOK LIKE?

 The University of Iowa Women are back on the hardwood.  Just entering their second week back there's already some rumbling concerning the new faces the Hawkeyes added this off season.  There will be some names to get acquainted with, but that doesn't mean the cupboard is bare.  

Let's talk about the two portal gets.  PG Chit Chat Wright, a freshman transfer from Georgia Tech, will bring a dimension the Hawks haven't had in quite some time.  Wright is cat quick, and she will lead a pretty dynamic break.  Despite being 5-4 she also has a good outside game.  If she doesn't start a particular game, it's because Iowa is going bigger at the point guard position.  Next on the portal front is 6-1 Emely Rodriquez.  Rodriquez is a transfer from UCF that will have 3 seasons left.  Her ability to play both guard and forward will be a plus.  She was named to the Big 12 Freshman season last year.   

The three new freshmen all figure to be contributors this campaign.  The diamond of the recruiting class is 6-1 Addie Deal.  The 6-1 5-star from California will be counted on for her court savvy and leadership ability.  She no doubt will play some point guard and also the off-guard spot.  In some respects, she has a Caitlin Clark look to her game.  6-5 C Layla Hayes form Alaska has been a revelation in summer workouts and early practice.  Her ability to play a physical post will give Ava Heiden a sense of comfort and a tremendous workout partner.  Last is 5-11 Journey Houston, a slashing combo guard/forward from Davenport North.  Houston might be the surprise of the early going.  She appears completely healthy from the knee surgery she suffered in high school.     

The returnees are led by 6-2 F Hannah Stuelke.  Stuelke is poised to have a strong senior season. This past summer she helped the USA to Gold at the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Santiago, Chili.  Her ability to play the #4 position will go a long way in Iowa's success.  Another key player who was developing so fast at the end of last season was C Ava Heiden.  Heiden's game can complement Iowa's front line and give them some great rebounding presence. Her post moves are excellent.

The Hawkeye bench will be experienced in so many ways.  Grad Student 6-0 Kylie Feuerbach decided to return for her 5th season.  She is a superb defensive player and can play both the point guard and off-guard spots. Senior 6-0 Guard Taylor McCabe is the zone buster all teams like to have as a weapon.  McCabe shot 40% from 3-point range last season.  And then there is the energizer bunny 5-10 G Taylor Stremlow.  Stremlow does so much that doesn't necessarily show on the stat sheet, but she is a glue piece to the team.  She does very little wrong when she's on the court.  She has 3 seasons left.         

For certain, Hannah will be in the starting lineup

The remainder of the roster has several players that could be counted on if injuries should occur.  6-1 F Teagen Mallegni got some key minutes last season.  She often found herself in foul trouble due to her physical play.  Her sophomore year needs to be better.  PG Kennise Johnson has been injured a good share of her Iowa career.  It remains to be seen if she can find the court in 2025-26.  Another PG who has shown some flashes is 5-9 G Callie Levin.  The 2024 Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year could be a factor if she continues to develop.  And lastly, there is 6-1 F Jada Gyamfi.  Jada has been a vocal leader of the Hawks for quite a few years.  This season should be no different.    

So, who do I see as the starting lineup for this year.  I'll go with this:

PG  Chit Chat Wright

SG  Addie Deal

SF  Emely Rodriquez

PF  Hannah Stuelke

C    Ava Heiden    

The remaining part of the rotation looks like this in order of minutes played.

Kylie Fuerbach

Layla Hayes

Taylor McCabe

Taylor Stremlow

Journey Houston

Who you got?  Fire away if you think differently.

Go Hawks!!!

IOWA WOMEN ARE ON THE CUSP OF SOMETHING SPECIAL

Something special is happening in Iowa City these days.  If you'd guessed it was football related, you'd have to think again.  It's basketball.  Women's Basketball to be more exact.  You can feel the drama building as the National Signing Day approaches on November 12th. 

Fueled by a successful off-season in landing three new recruits and two transfer portal targets, Head Coach Jan Jensen has raised optimism in Hawkeye Country for the immediate and for the future.  

But now, what's next?  Many think 5-star 6-2 Forward, McKenna Woliczko out of California would set the foundation.  If she commits.  No doubt she'd be a crown jewel to a recruiting season. Woliczko made her official visit to Iowa the last week of August.  Fans have been holding their collective breath ever since for her to pick Iowa.  From all reports the visit went as well as you could expect.  She has listed the pros and cons of her top 4, USC, South Carolina, Ohio State and Iowa.  The No. 6 overall prospect would immediately step into the shoes of Senior Hannah Stuelke.  She's that good.  But...

If Woliczko chooses someone other than Iowa, there are other ways they can go.  # 9 rated Addison Bjorn from the Kansas City area is another possibility.  Bjorn has been a frequent visitor to Iowa City.  Bjorn is known for her ability to dunk. Imagine a 6-2 forward dunking on a fast break. That would certainly send Carver-Hawkeye into a frenzy. She and Lewis remain the biggest mysteries.  We'll soon find out.  Bjorn visits on September 27th.

Will Woliczko lead the charge?

There are two other front-line players the Hawkeyes are looking at.  No. 29 Emila Krstevski out of Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, California.  The 6-4 post is a little bit of a surprise visitor who has set October 18th on her calendar to visit.  You can never have enough size.  She brings it.  And then there is No. 18 Amari Byles a 6-2 Forward from Texas.  She is rated No. 18 in the 2026 class.  Her visit date is October 25th.

Let's add in a couple more. Gigi Battle, a top combo guard recruit visited last weekend. There's been little information that has come out from her visit. UPDATE: (Battle did not come in last weekend.  There is someone in town right now.  It could be her.  We'll update when we know more).  She's a fast riser in the class from her summer league games.  The 6-0 guard from Daytona Beach, Florida would be a big-time addition.  Battle has a similar game to Johnston, Iowa guard Jennica Lewis.  No. 22 recruit Lewis has been on the Iowa want list for some time now. She has a visit scheduled for October 25th.  I see it coming down to one or the other rather than Iowa looking to take them both.  It might very well be the first player that says, "I'm in". Then again, there might be a surprise in the making with No. 50 rated Vienna Murray, a 6-1 guard out of East Ridge High School in Minnesota.  Options, options, options..... 

As of today, Iowa has no commits for 2026.  Should that be a concern?   Perhaps? That leaves 57 days as of today.  Fans are getting restless. Heck, players are no doubt restless too. Jan Jensen has faith in the direction her program is going.  And I for one am on board with that.      

 

LAUNCH OF "HAWKEYE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HOTWIRE"

For several months now, I have been extremely frustrated about the lack of coverage of Iowa Women's Basketball.  I know, most of the Hawkeye sites rely on football to carry their bags.  I get it.  If you were to break down coverage of University of Iowa fall sports, it would be Hawkeye Football coming in around 85%, then Iowa Men's Basketball, Iowa Women's Basketball and Women's Volleyball, Soccer and Field Hockey left with the remaining 15%.  Somebody gets a little of what's left over.  Frankly. the Iowa Women might be of more interest to fans than any of the Hawkeye programs right now.  Football is going through a love-hate relationship (or anger to apathy) and Men's Basketball, although on the upswing, is still in the question category.  

Thus, the reason for launching a site for Women's Basketball that can keep Iowa fans abreast of the team and prospects on the recruiting trail.  Additionally, there have been talks relating to the players lives off the court as well as on. Some other special features are also being planned.  

The full houses continue

Our features will originate from our blog site, "SportsRealms" and will be shared on our Facebook page, "Hawkeye Women's Basketball Hotwire".  

The remaining content on the Facebook site will consist of short blurbs or happenings to keep people updated.  In addition, the Facebook page will also serve as a FREE site for fans to share thoughts or information they want others to know about.  

We only ask that the Facebook chatter remains above board and language respectful. We will not be moderating the site as such, but if there is a clear abuse, one warning will be issued and if that behavior continues the poster will be blocked.

We look forward to a fun time and an opportunity to showcase Iowa Women's Basketball further.  

GO HAWKS

IOWA-IOWA STATE FOOTBALL BATTLE WILL MOST LIKELY BE ANOTHER "EL ASSICO"

 For some Iowa and Iowa State fans, this week is the absolute creme de la creme.  I wish I could share in that delight, but I never have.  It's always a struggle week for me.  Call me a spoil sport, but the Hawk-Cyclone rivalry is one I'd rather not see.  I'm sure Iowa's dominance in the early years has something to do with it.  Do I think Iowa has more to lose than win in playing the game...probably.   Heck, it might be our family trash talking that takes place that has something to do with it as well.      

This Saturday, Iowa State is favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points.  That's probably about right considering the game is being played at Jack Trice Field in Ames.  But if past years is any indication that won't mean a thing.  Last year, Iowa was a 3.5 favorite to win.  As we all know, that didn't happen as the Hawkeyes squandered a 13-point lead and lost 20-19.  It took a 54-yard field goal by freshman Kyle Konrardy to provide the upset.  

Will Konrardy come through again? 

Iowa enters the contest with a 47-24 edge in the series.  The Hawkeyes have not lost in Ames since 2011.  I'm sure those numbers will have much to do with the #16 Cyclones mindset entering the game.  But once the whistle is blown and play begins....all things are possible.  And some of them totally strange.  The Cy-Hawk Series is famous for producing bizarre and unpredictable results, regardless of the teams' records.  This phenomenon is so consistent that some fans refer to the game as "El Assico" to describe the strange, often ugly, but compelling games that frequently occur.       

Here are a number of other strange happenings according to AI:

1.  The 1897 Cy-Hawk game involved a controversial Cyclone touchdown in the second half that was allowed despite claims of an illegal by the player who committed the foul.  Iowa State won 12-0.

2.  In 2007, an Iowa State team that had already lost o Northern Iowa and Kent State predictably beat Iowa 15-13, adding another layer of weirdness to the series. 

3.  In what was dubbed, "El Assico", Iowa State led Iowa 9-3 at halftime.  The second half saw zero points from Iowa State and one field goal from Iowa.  The final score of 9-6 was a testament to the game's offensive ineptitude. 

4.  In 2014, ISU kicker Cole Netten missed a game-winning field goal attempt.  But an Iowa timeout negated the play, giving him a second chance, which he made to secure a 20-17 Cyclone win. 

5.  Iowa has been noted for questionable clock management decisions in the Cy-Hawk Series, such as calling timeouts when it seemed to benefit the opponent.   

Today is Tuesday.  Four days away from another Hawkeye-Cyclone skirmish.  There most likely won't be anyone any happier that this game will be over other than me.  Then,,,,two days later I get to do it all over again when my Bears tangle with the Vikings on Monday Night Football.  Geesh.  

TIME FOR SOME ANSWERS TO SOME QUERKY SPORTS THOUGHTS

With all the sports seasons colliding at the same time, now might be a good time to sort through some of the myths about sports and teams and see who they really are.

For instance, the Dallas Cowboys have been called "America's Team" for quite a while now.  Actually, it couldn't be further from the truth.  While the Cowboys are the only NFL team to record 20 straight winning seasons (from 1966 to 1985) during which they missed the playoffs only twice (1974 and 1984), they have not been a superior team.  The last time Dallas made it to the Super Bowl was in 1996, when they played in Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cowboys won 27-17 for their 5th Super Bowl Championship.  So, it's been 29 years since Dallas was on top.  Altogether now, let's say it.....they are not America's Team anymore.  And we can thank owner Jerry Jones for that.     

No Jerry, you are not #1 

It used to be if the New York Yankees weren't in the World Series it wasn't an official championship.  That notion came from the Bronx Bombers dominance.  Last year the Yanks made it back to the Fall Classic losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers four games to one.  Prior to that though, it had been 15 years since the Yankees were in the Series.  The Philadelphia Phillies were their foe in 2009 when they won world title number 27.    

A number of pro football fans have become fed up with the constant dribble of mega-star Taylor Swift and all-pro TE Travis Kelce.  Many have suggested Swift is a distraction to her newly engaged partner.  In truth, it's more likely we football crazies are the more distracted.  I'm part of that group.  Swift has attended 16 Kansas City Chief games between September 2023 and the 2025 Super Bowl, during which Kansas City won 13 games and lost 3, securing a remarkable 81%-win rate in her presence.  It seems this duo is going to entertain us for at least one more season.  That is, if Kelce retires after this season.    

It was Game 1 of the 1936 Stanley Cup playoffs and a game featuring the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons.  The game began at 8:30 p.m. at the Forum in Montreal and ended at 2:25 a.m.  176 MINUTES!!  Mud Bruneteau, a rookie who had been called up two weeks earlier, scored at 16:30 of the sixth overtime, beating Maroon goaltender Lorne Chabot to win the game, 1-0.  Red Wing goalie, Normie Smith earned the shutout win with more than 90 saves.  The date-March 24th 1936.  Info courtesy of the Detroit Free Press.  

How about some strangeness in the basketball world?  The first dunk in a game came from George Mikan in 1944.  This past regular season saw that part of the game explode with some unusual numbers.  Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers was at the head of the class with 173 dunks. He shot 55.1% from the field.  No wonder.    

You want greatness?  The UCLA Bruins men's basketball program was darn near unbeatable in the 1960's and 70's.  John Wooden led the Bruins to 10 national titles in 12 seasons from 1964 to 1975.  They won seven straight from 1967-1973 and went undefeated a record four times during that run.  

Now for some quick facts:  

Golf was the first sport played on the moon by Apollo 14 astronaut Alan Shepard in 1971.

There are over 8,000 plus sports played around the world!  Despite this, there were only 33 sports played at the Olympics in 2021.

The world record for the most number of non-stop push-ups is 10,507 by Minoru Yoshida of Japan. He accomplished that feat in 1980.  

Hmmmm.  Wonder how many I could do?  Don't laugh, how about you?  

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

I've taken a couple of weeks off to digest college and pro football training camps.  I've read at nauseam the analysts take on who's going to win the National Championship and the Super Bowl.   More often than not, I wonder what they're smoking.  Maybe that's why fans are so off kilter with realistic expectations for their teams.  Because it sure seems like they've gotten their share of secondhand smoke.    

Singing to the high heavens (courtesy of Gameday Gallery}

It's common place to be thrilled about the coming football season. In college, if your team returns a number of great players and hit on some new recruits, you're no doubt excited.   Professionally, if your team made some trades, added a couple of nice draft picks or grabbed a free agent or two you should be pumped.  But tap the brakes of reality.  Training camp is essentially that.  Some rise to the surface, but more often than not, camp excitables are just that.  Many are never heard from again. 

How many of the 136 eligible Division 1 teams and how many of the 32 professional ballclubs are realistically all in on a run for the title?  That's where your thinking should start before you go head over heels about your team.  Of the 136 only 12 make it to the college playoffs.  That's a 0.088 chance you have in seeing the promised land.  In professional football your odds a quite a bit better.  Of the 32, 14 make the playoffs, a 43 percent chance.  

Let's tackle the pro's first.  Yes, there might be a 43 percent possibility of reaching post-season play...but those numbers are very, very misleading.  I had an NFL scout tell me a number of years ago, " you'd be surprised of the NFL teams that are truthfully in it for the prize.  If you watch how their front office works, you can easily see if they're in it to win.  The teams that show risk, creativity and spend wisely are usually going to make post-season.  "The others, clearly have no chance".   Why is that?  Is it more important for ownership to keep moving up the potential sale price of their team or truly play for the fan base?  

Let's take the New York Jets for example.  They haven't made the playoffs in 14 years.  That's the longest current drought in the NFL.  The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons are next with 7.  It would be easy to say that many teams are making the playoffs.  But making and having a serious shot

are two different things.  

   

So, with that being said, here are my projections for the coming NFL season.  In the AFC, I think it's truly time for the Buffalo Bills to make their way to the Super Bowl.  And this time to win it!  Baltimore will be a tough out and so of course will the Kansas City Chiefs.  They always are.  And then maybe Denver or Houston.  Home field advantage might have more of a play into the AFC entrant into the Super Bowl than it ever has.  Then there's the injury bug.  If anyone of those teams loses their star quarterback, they're toast.  None of them has a capable backup. 

In the NFC, things become a little more interesting.  Yes, Philly could repeat, or Washington makes a real run.  If the Commanders don't solve their WR Terry McLaurin contract issue, then they're out.  The North could offer any of the four teams in the division.  Yes, any of the four.  Without question, this is the toughest four team division.  Other than that, Tampa Bay may have an outside chance and the LA Rams, if they get Matthew Stafford healthy, they could be considered a threat.  In the end, I think the Eagles are back in the Super Bowl.  My dark horse is Washington.  But how can you root for a team with a head coach that has his hat on backwards?  That of course would be the Commanders Dan Quinn. I could be mistaken but I believe he is the only head coach in a major sport that wears his hat backwards. Something to me just doesn't look right with that from the leader of your team.  That's just me.  

In college, the new expanded playoffs were to offer some changes as to who could make a run to the National Championship.  I'm thinking not.  There might be an outsider or two that makes the final 12 but only because it's designed that way.  The field will no doubt come down to Texas, Ohio State, Penn State (as much as I hate to say it), LSU, Clemson, Notre Dame or Oregon. Three of those teams spent crazy money in the NIL world.  Texas was first, followed by Texas Tech, Ohio State and Oregon.  

As I said earlier, the teams with the best likelihood to win are those being led by front offices or administration's that aren't looking to compete, they're looking to win.  That's their bottom line and in the end, it will no doubt boost their bottom line, financially.  That's how the game is being played today.  Texas and Oregon in the National Championship.  And the Longhorns reel in the top prize.

ADDED NOTE:

For a year and a half now, I've heard nothing but criticism of the Bears QB Caleb Williams.  Considering the pathetic team around him last year, I believe he showed some nice signs of being a top-rated NFL signal caller.  Now, with new head Coach Ben Johnson at the helm, you're going to see some further growth in his abilities.   And that's why Ben is called, "the QB Whisperer".  Go Bears....

        

FRESHMAN MIGHT BE THE KEY TO HAWKEYE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM 2025-26 SEASON

Last week I traveled to Iowa City to see the Hawkeye Women showcase their last summer practice session and media opportunity for the summer.  It was Coach Jan Jensen's last of four such looks at what the upcoming season might offer.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect with five new faces on the roster.  I will say, it was eye-opening.  

After an hour-long work on fundamentals, the doors were opened to the media to see the team run through different sets, i.e. passing to the post and half-court defense.  Coach Jensen spent a good deal of time fine-tuning what she was going to demand from her second-year squad.  I expected to spend much of my time watching Hannah Stuelke (just back from her Team USA Gold Medal win at the AmeriCup Tournament in Santiago, Chile) and highly touted freshman, Addie Deal.  Boy, was I wrong.   

What I was most intrigued by was the amount of work done with post players Ava Heiden and Layla Hays.  Heiden was a huge factor in Iowa's late season success.  She showed she'd arrived and was ready to play some big-time basketball.  The early season looks like she is ready to explode to another level.  The real bonus, though, might be freshman, Layla Hays.  Hays, a highly touted 6-5 post player from Alaska could be the biggest surprise of all.  Let me tell you, she will be a hard move off the block for any Hawkeye foe.  She is big, smooth, tough and has some of the biggest legs I've seen on a player not named Audi Crooks of Iowa State.  Hays can hold her own, for sure, and the practice time with her and Heiden going at each other will be a plus for both.      

Another freshman, Journey Houston, a solid wing player from Davenport, was also impactful.  In taking an early look at this season's roster, Houston might have been the 11th player off the bench.  I'm not so sure about that now.  She is completely recovered from a devastating knee injury she suffered late in her junior year.  She is not a slight built player.  She is a solid, 6-0 wing that has a great three-point shot and is known for her slashing ability.  She might make it tough on Coach Jensen to not find her playing time.   

So, by watching Heiden, Hays and Houston, I almost completely forgot the other freshman phenom, Deal.  The 5-Star recruit from California is going to be special.  She might not wow you every minute she's on the court, but she has in her arsenal, a unique ability to hit the court length pass or long distance three-pointer.  That will make her extremely dangerous.  She's going to lull people to sleep....then take over.  Where Iowa was once heavy on Caitlin's efforts, the depth of this year's team and big-time skill at every position on the court, will make the Hawkeyes dangerous.   

Heck, I haven't even mentioned the two transfers into Iowa's program.  Point Guard Chit Chat Wright from Georgia Tech and wing Emely Rodriquez from UCF.  Wright is super quick, is a great passer and has the ability to go outside and hit the 3.  Rodriquez was making the transition at practice of learning a completely new offense.  She seemed a little robotic, but that will all but be eliminated by Big Ten season. Rodriquez has a skill set that hasn't been seen in Iowa City for some time.  That's not to say she's the next coming of Caitlin Clark, she isn't.  But she is only in her 4th year of playing big-time basketball.  Her abilities are endless.

Hayes will be a tough move off the block for Hawk Women

I haven't yet made mention of four contributors from last season.  Taylor McCabe, Kylie Feuerbach, Taylor Stremlow and Teagen Mallegni.  Do McCabe and Feuerbach factor into the starting lineup this year.  I'm not sure.  I think the safest thing to say, it might very well depend on the opponent. If it calls for outside shooting, it's McCabe, if it's defense, it's Kylie.  McCabe is a dangerous three-point weapon and Feuerbach is as tough a defender as there is.   Stremlow will get minutes because she is a dynamo when she plays.  She does so many things so well.  Mallegni has shown a few glimpses but might very well give up some playing time to Houston.  All that will sort itself out in the pre-season games.  By Big Ten season, a shorter rotation will appear.  Injuries though, always present opportunities.  

And then there's Hannah.  She could be primed to return to her early years when she and Clark ran the fast break to perfection.  If she adds a mid-range to her game, she could be destined for a great senior season.     

The remaining players on the roster PG Callie Levin, PG Kennise Johnson and F Jada Gyamfi will be the bench frenzies.  Their job will be to keep the group on task and offer great team chemistry.  And if duty calls, be ready.  

Now that I've had a couple of days to reflect on what I saw last Tuesday, I've come to these thoughts.  Iowa's non-conference season will be tough.  They play UCONN, Baylor, Miami (FL) and Iowa State.  These will be learning opportunities.  It will make them tough and seasoned and I believe, a team that will be hard to defend.  They will be able to play up-tempo, slow down and anything in-between.  Get ready Hawk fans.  Could be an interesting ride in 2025-26.

And don't forget the new faces.  You're gonna like them.

 

   

FINALLY SOME SMARTS WHEN IT COMES TO NATIVE AMERICAN TEAM NICKNAMES

I've watched this nonsense for some time now when it came to renaming teams with a reference to the Native American.  As a Chicago Blackhawks fan, I had dog in the fight.  Sunday, President Donald Trump weighed in with his big stick.  Perhaps he can cause those who felt they were being pushed to making a name change, to wise up.  

"President Trump implored owners of the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians to revert to the organizations' old nicknames in a social media post.

Daniel Snyder changed Washington's team name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team before the start of the 2020 season amid a summer of racial tensions.  The team eventually became the Washington Commanders, and Snyder sold the team to Josh Harris. 

In July 2021, team owner Paul Dolan announced the Cleveland Indians would become the Cleveland Guardians.  Cleveland had been known as the Indians since 1915.  Dolan previously said the decision to explore the name change came from "an awakening or epiphany" after the death of George Floyd".

All of these excuses are bunk.  How can you take a proud nickname of a professional sports team and treat it otherwise?  Both the Redskins and Indians were such. They represented the Redskins and Indians with class.  Their city deserved better.  Their fans deserved better.  And so did their sport. 

    

The Redskin logo designed by a Native American

As a Blackhawks supporter I had some real uneasy moments when this nonsense hit fever pitch.  Despite the uproar, Chicago management remained staunch. They didn't cave to change their nickname and the support they got from the Blackhawks nation was overwhelming.    

"Regardless, the push to keep the Native American team names has been strong, particularly with the Commanders' organization.  Trump already expressed his belief that the Commanders made a mistake when they changed the name from the Redskins. The Washington 'Whatevers' should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.  There is a big clamoring for this, wrote Ttump on Truth Social on Sunday.   Likewise, so are the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a stored past".  The Redskins logo was inspired by Blackfeet Chief John Two Guns White Calf.

I would only hope with Trump jumping into the fray that some strong consideration to change comes.  It's time to take back the names of a couple of proud sports franchises. Actually, it's way past time because it never should have happened.  Trump might have an upper hand in this matter.  He has said he might not support a new stadium being built if a name change doesn't occur.  The new stadium deal involves federal land, though Congress transferred control to the city in January.  However, Congress retains control over the District of Columbia's budget.  

It doesn't make any difference if you're a fan of Donald Trump to agree with what he's suggesting.  It's simply Common Sense.  

"Our great Indian people, in massive numbers want to this to happen.  Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them.  Times are different now than they were three or four years ago.  We are a Country of passion and common sense.  OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!"       

Washington officials remain a hard sell on changing the nickname back.  Cleveland remains mum. 

We'll see who blinks.  

IS THIS CAITLIN CLARK BERATING EVER GOING TO END?

I truly hope this is the last time I have to write about the Caitlin Clark saga as to how the WNBA players hate her and try to impose their physical play on her each and every game.   I said I hope, but I know it's not going to happen.  The real question is, where will this mindset take the league?  

"Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon that has changed women's basketball, women's sports and sports, Period", according to USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan.  Brennan hits the issue spot on.  No ifs, ands or buts.  "But what makes her tick?  How did a kid from Iowa become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world?  And what does her presence mean for the future of the WNBA and how we talk about it?"  Brennan's new book, "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports", is a classic read.  Brennan's words were calculated and gave a truthful look into what's at stake if changes don't take place in the league.   

"Reports and social media posts indicate that Brennan has been critical of the WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league's handling of Clark, particularly concerning the physical play she has faced.  Her criticism mainly focuses on what she perceives as a lack of protection for Clark and a missed opportunity by the league to fully embrace and support its rising star".   

For me, the Brennan book further supports my belief that the league should fire Engelbert and completely dismantle and rebuild its officiating crews.  The officials are horrendous, and safety has now become an even bigger issue.  To think the WNBA has a greater issue in this regard than the NBA is mind boggling. 

To see how Ms. Clark is impacting the league, take a gander at this:

"ABC had its most watched WNBA game ever on Sunday when Paige Bueckers and Dallas faced Clark and the Indiana Fever.  Indiana won in a blowout, 102-83, in the first pro matchup between the two-star guards.  The game averaged 2.1 million viewers".  Clark clearly is working her way back from a quad injury but still managed a double-double with 14 points and 13 assists.   

Clark is not only the face of the league on the court, but she is also a slam dunk off it.  Clark has an innate way of being one and two steps ahead of any competition she faces.  She is a marketing guru. Case in point, the upcoming WNBA All-Star game.  At the conclusion of the drafting of players by the captains from each team, Clark and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, Clark fired off a jaw-dropper.  

She did what?  Traded me?

"Clark announced on the WNBA Countdown show, she was trading head coach Cheryl Reeve to Collier (who is, of course, her coach in Minnesota) in return for New York Liberty head coach, Sandy Brondello.  While Clark didn't go into too much detail as to why she wanted this trade, it obviously makes sense for Collier to have her own head coach.  But fans were quick to notice that Reeve was notoriously critical about the amount of attention Clark received compared to the rest of the league heading into the Fever's star rookie season.  Not to mention that Reeve was coach of Team USA Olympics squad, from which Clark was infamously snubbed.  Reeve asserts having played no role in that decision.  Her continued criticism of Clark says otherwise.  The look on Reeve's face of Clark's actions definitely will add to their fiery relationship.  I'm not sure if it would be wise to take on Clark.  Caitlin is truly the much bigger commodity.           

When the WNBA season ends and contract talks begin for 2026, it will be interesting to see who carries the biggest stick regarding the league's future.  I have a pretty good idea.  Hey, and if there is a big blowout, Clark can always go start her own league.  I wouldn't put it past her

Enjoy your sports day!!!

    

CARVER-HAWKEYE SEATING GETS A BIG BUMP....FINALLY!!!

Well, it's about time! Let's see if we can have one word express something long, long, long overdue...FINALLY.

The University of Iowa made a decision this past Thursday to change the seating arrangements in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.  Now, students will be closer to the floor and be able to rain down their great support for the Iowa Athletic teams.

"There is nothing like the roar of Carver-Hawkeye Arena", said Director of Athletics Beth Goetz.  "Our fans are the heartbeat of every season, and their unwavering support is felt by our student-athletes and coaches.  We are excited for the upcoming seasons and creating the next wave of unforgettable Hawkeye moments".     

"While the announcement provided the various seating prices for the three winter sports at Car-Hawkeye Arena (Men's and Women's Basketball and Men's Wrestling), potentially the most exciting news in the release was that students will now have the ability to sit behind the south baseline.  

Carver-Hawkeye Arena became a little more rabid

"This will be made possible by installing a courtside riser with a capacity for over 200 individuals, which enhances the in-game atmosphere by bringing students closer to the action and providing additional floor-level concession opportunities. Previously, students were seated far behind the south baseline due to the oval-shaped seating configuration of Carver-Hawkeye Arena". 

This move has been a much-debated topic over the years.  Fans, sportswriters and reporters bought up the home court disadvantage the Hawks have had over the years. Former Athletic Director Gary Barta never seemed to want to address the situation.   Fans were less than satisfied with Barta's complacency.  Their chief argument had to do with Kinnick Stadium that sits south across campus of the basketball arena.  For years, Kinnick has been known as one of the toughest stadiums to play in across the country.  It's known for its raucous crowds and small sidelines which has been a great boost for Hawkeye Football.  "Why can't we make Carver-Hawkeye as tough to play in as Kinnick", was the chief cry from the fan base.  They now have their wish.  

The Women's Basketball team has enjoyed several years of unbelievable support.  The sellout crowds they've enjoyed these last few years have put Iowa on the map of a place to come watch a game.  With added student craziness, look out.  Waiting, waiting is a new and improved Men's Basketball Team.  The seating chart move should help increase their attendance.  

AD Beth Goetz continues to address the sports department in so many good ways.  Was it the perfect marriage when she became AD in 2024?  I'm beginning to think so.   

There are a few items that are moving up the Goetz's ladder for attention.  Will Kirk Ferentz retire at season's end?  Will becoming the top man in Big Ten Football wins and a victory total at years end that would enable him to be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, finally be enough?   

And then there's Tom Brands.  He might be in the final run of his Hawkeye career as head wrestling coach.  Much bad news these past few weeks are showing cracks in the program.  A once proud Iowa team is finding it real hard to remain in the top 5 nationally.  

FINALLY, I'd love to be a fly on the wall of Dan Gable's sauna at his Iowa City acreage.  He can't be happy.  

AND...may your team play passionately this week and be deserving of your love in SportsRealms.    

  

  

WHERE OH WHERE HAVE THE DRAFT SHOWS GONE?

 

Once upon a time the draft shows for each of the bigger sports had some entertainment and some factual information about the players that were being drafted.  The granddaddy of them all, the NFL continues to provide a pretty good couple of days of interest. Although I don't watch it from beginning to end like I used too, I find myself drawn to watching because of the plethora of information and video provided on each player drafted.  The families and friends are kept in the green room, so the main focus is on the athlete.    

The WNBA draft which was held on April 15th was lacking in so many things, that is except skin.   The ladies showed cleavage in about any way possible.  Dresses were slit up the side to give viewers ample look at their long legs.  Oh, and let's not forget the many ways made possible to showcase their rear ends. I really am concerned whether these players are more interested in their fashion career than they are in playing the game of basketball.  Facebook has become like the tabloid of old, Playboy.  Our culture has given in to this way of life.  Can't say I agree with it.

Next on the agenda was the NBA draft that was held this past Wednesday with the first round.  The second round was shown on Thursday.   Without question, this sport's draft lottery left much to be desired.  Viewers were confused throughout both evenings' coverage as to where the players were being drafted.  If there was a trade involved, the Commissioner and his assistant didn't announce said trade until several selections after the transaction took place.  Not only were viewers trying to figure out who was going where, the ESPN panel of Malika Andrews, Jay Bilas, Kendrick Perkins and Bob Meyers had the same issues.  At one point, Andrews had to look at her notes to make sure she was giving the right information.  It shouldn't be that difficult. What was rather repetitive was the blather of explaining the long roads each of the athletes had taken to get to their dream.  Ok, we get it.  But aren't all those roads long?  Some more than others, no doubt.  There was also way too much overkill with seeing the parents, friends, coaches and girlfriends at their respective tables.  The hands down winner of the evening was Chloe Kitts, of South Carolina, a baller for the Gamecocks Women's team and the steady of #9 selection, Collin Murray-Boyles.  The picture below gives an indication of the distraction she became.  Is she beautiful?  I would say very much so.  But the dress left little for the imagination on a night that clearly should have been Murray-Boyles when he was selected by the Toronto Raptors.     

Her response?  "It's crazy to think that last year we were sitting on the couch watching the draft and you looked at me and said, 'That'll be next year.'"-Kitts wrote on her Instagram accompanied by picture from the Draft Night   Kitts is expected to go high in the 2026 WNBA Draft.  I wonder if Collin will wear anything as revealing as his partner.  To be continued.....   

One more thing on the NBA.  Monica McNutt has to go.  She is a terrible sideline reporter.  Her conversations with the each of the drafted players was stiff and lacking in any substance.  "Tell me what you're thinking?" is not an idea of getting much of any kind of a response back. It might make more sense for a reporter doing the follow up with the athletes to be seated and enable a good, short discussion as to what their mindset is.       

And the night was to be about who?

This past Friday night and Saturday we saw the NHL's version of the Draft.  For me, their coverage has been rocketing up each and every year.  Again, the players are the focus.  The friends and family are present in the stands and give their support when their star's name is called out.  What I found creative was the interview each player had with his new organization after donning their new hat and entering what they called, the War Room.  The back and forth with the newest member of their organization, I found to be refreshing.  The biggest complaint I heard was the length of the first round which many thought far too long.  That's correctable.  I give the NHL an atta boy for thinking outside the box. 

Up next will be the MLB Draft Show on July 13th and 14th in Atlanta at the All-Star Game. I'm not sure what to expect from them this year.  They've shown over the years to be a little less than creative.  Now would be a good time to hit a home run.    I'd have to think the backdrop with the myriad of celebrities on hand would provide for a good show.    Mabe we'll have a little Holiday in Atlanta.  Like in Ethan, the brother of Jackson playing for the Baltimore Orioles and father, Matt, a former Athletic, Rockies and Cardinal player of note.  Ethan might be the first one off the board.  

Let's hope for a little less skin and a little more substance on the players of tomorrow.  As they say.....PLAY BALL!!!   

BASSETT'S DECOMMIT FROM IOWA SIGNALS BIG TIME TROUBLE FOR THE HAWKEYES

 

The University of Iowa Hawkeyes received some devastating news on Sunday.  The type of news that can cause some real problems for the Hawkeye wrestling future.  The top recruit in the 2026 class informed the University that he is decommitting and reopening his recruitment.   

"Bassett, who competes for Bishop McCort High School in Pennsylvania, was a major pickup for Iowa this past February, according to the Des Moines Register.  Bassett was a U17 World champion in 2021 and U20 World bronze medalist in 2024.  In the United States, he is also a three-time Ironman, Powerade and Super 32 champion.  He chose Iowa after a lengthy recruiting process, during which Bassett considered around 80 different programs".    

There has been a myriad of rumors for Bassett's change of heart.  Some say there was a disagreement between the parents and the Iowa coaching staff.  Others suggest something that at first blush makes no sense at all.  Bo Bassett and Melvin Miller wanted to train at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, as other programs do with their recruits.  Brands told them no and he wasn't gonna be told how to run his program.  Melvin wanted to commit to Iowa.  He is the #1 ranked wrestler on the class of 2027 Big Board.  He is a teammate of Bassett at Bishop McCort.  Why would you choose something so petty to stand your ground it would cause some of the top wrestlers in the country to say, goodbye?    

As big a loss as there is....

Here is Bassett's story from his Instagram account.  "After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I've decided to decommit from the University of Iowa.  This wasn't easy, but I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey.  I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I'll never speak a bad word about their program.  This is about finding the place God wants me to be.  This is a huge decision in my life, and it has to be the right one".    

From Bassett's post, the words, "I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey",  are more than damning to Iowa recruiting-wise.  It's words like that can set back a program for years.  It will be more than interesting to see where Bassett lands.  If it's Oklahoma State, wow!!  Penn State is clearly the leader of the collegiate wrestling world, but Nebraska and the Cowboys are trying all they can to close the gap.  Sunday's decision is going to put Iowa outside the top three for sure.  

Iowa had shown in recent months they were making some in-roads with some recruiting wins.  My guess is, some other committed athletes will now begin looking around.  Is this enough to signal a change at the heading coaching position?  Not sure.  But I do know this....an Iowa fan base is wanting things to return to the glory days.  It's been far too long in their minds.  This won't help matters.

Would love to be a fly on the wall in Dan Gables' sauna.  I'm sure he has a few thoughts of his own.

Hopefully better days ahead Hawk fans...

   

  

WHAT SPORT IS THE HARDEST AND MOST DANGEROUS TO OFFICIATE?

If you've been channel surfing in recent days, you've seen virtually all of the top sports in the world.  Hockey is in its final stages, the same for the NBA (WNBA is just getting started), MLB is in full speed, Golf just completed the U.S. Open, Tennis finished up the French Open and Soccer is still in full swing.  Heck let's not forget Football with its recent UFL Title Game.  Yes, you've been able to see a variety of sports, some that require officials on the field of play and others, like Tennis, where the judge sits in the safety of a chair.  Even Track and Field has its own nuances. So, having a chance to see so many, I asked myself the question, what is the hardest and most dangerous sport to officiate?   

A puck can do serious damage to the face, teeth and body, for sure 

 In doing some follow-up research to my question, it appears that baseball, football, soccer and hockey seem to be the leaders.  Let's take a look at each.

BASEBALL:  

A game of precision, power and speed.  Umpires need excellent vision, hearing and stamina. An ability to see the spin on a curve ball and a bang, bang play at first is crucial. It's going to be interesting to see how their duties change when the robo umpire comes into play in the not-too-distant future.  Some danger for sure, especially if you're hit by a 100-mph fastball or a battled ball at speeds nearing 120-mph.  A minimum of four umps on the field of play and replay help in the ease of making the right call.

FOOTBALL: 

In a typical college or pro football game, there are seven officials on the field. That number plus replay is again a helping factor in making crucial calls.  The most obvious danger is getting run over by 300-pound linemen, which seldom happens.  The weather might be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome.  Play continues in nearly every condition but lightning.  The speed of the game and the physical play makes this job somewhat difficult.

SOCCER:

Endurance and good vision make for an excellent official.  There are generally three referees on the field.  Over enthusiastic fan bases typically make calling a soccer match extremely hard.  That fact alone makes their job dangerous. Soccer games have long halves with minimal stoppages.  Refs cover a large area and are susceptible to injuries from running and collisions.  

HOCKEY:

The absolute #1 sport. Four on-ice officials are required in hockey.  Hockey is incredibly fast-paced, and officials must maintain constant awareness of the puck. Physical contact breaking up altercations happens often throughout the game as is the exposure to collisions with players from each team. Verbal abuse from fans and players are continual.  And lastly, the officials have to skate, skate, skate.  Players typically have a shift of 30-60 seconds.  Not the officials.  Endurance is essential.

A POSSIBLE HOCKEY SUBSTITUTE?

"In 1996, sports anchor Ed Harding explored a unique twist on hockey, a version played off the ice and in the water.  This version challenged players to keep their snorkels clear with navigating the game.  Actual underwater footage of the game showed how strategic people need to be. Just like in regular hockey, players duked it out in corners and fought for control over the puck.  Poetically, one player stated, "age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill".

YOUTH SPORTS (HONORBLE MENTION): 

It goes without saying, the most demanding officiating takes places at the youth level.  Overzealous parents and coaches are tremendously demeaning to officials at this level.  So much so, it is becoming harder and harder each year to find volunteers to fill these roles. 

Next time you watch a sporting event, watch the officials, umpires or referees and see how they do their job.  Each sport has its unique flavor to add to the difficulty of officiating.  Appreciate the job they do. Not everyone wants their jobs.  Can I get an amen?  

Heck, even Roller Derby has three officials.  Although you'd never know it.....

Have a great sports day.     

SIMONE BILES BORDERING ON SNL IGNORANCE

 Back in the 70's, actor Dan Akroyd launched on his co-anchor, Jan Curtin, with a famous line that has echoed over the years. The line was part of a comedic rendition of their Saturday Night Live newscast. Akroyd had become fed up with Curtin's lack of knowledge and fired off a one-liner, "Jane you ignorant s___t". If things could have gone viral back then, that shot would have been a huge success.  Considering today's social media, it still could be.  

Last week Simone Biles teetered on the same level with her comment on transgender men playing in men's sports. 

Here is the report from Fox News...   

"Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles received harsh backlash on social media on Saturday after the gymnastics star sparred with former 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines over the debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports.

Riley Gaines will not back down

Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer and current OutKick contributor and host of the "Gaines for Girls" podcast, took to X on Friday to call out the Minnesota State High School League for posting a picture of the new state champions, Champlin Park High School.  Champlin Park used a male pitcher to win the title.  In response to Gaines' criticism of the post, Biles posted a message calling Gaines "truly sick" over her stance on trans athletes.  She even launched a personal attack at Gaines.   

You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race.  Straight up sore loser", Biles said, referencing Gaines competing against former UPenn swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships.  You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports.  Maybe a transgender category IN All sports!! But instead....you bully them.  One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!"

Biles signed off by telling Gaines she should pick on somebody her own size.    

The backlash to Bile's comments has been far-reaching.  As well it should.

Let's not forget this is the same athlete (Biles) that wore a Green Bay Packers-themed jacket to a Chicago Bears pre-season game last year.  The jacket featured photos of her husband, Jonathan Owens, who was once a Packer, but who had signed with Chicago that spring.  If anyone knows anything about sports, wearing Packer gear to a Bear's game is a serious lack of smarts.

Gaines has received a ton of support since this past weekend especially when she revealed a comment from Biles that she posted in October of 2017.  And it's not a great look.  "Ahh good thing guys don't compete against girl's, or he'd take all the gold medals".  Gaines has suggested that if Bile's competed against men, nobody would know about her.  Ouch.  That says a lot.  

I am inclined to think of an old saying my father used to say when ignorance reared its ugly head.  "You can't fix stupid".

We have so much to be proud of in athletics in our country.  It's a shame the prestige has fallen to this level.  What will Simone do next?  I'm sure whatever it is, it will show her ignorance. Keep endorsing the products, you do Simone and stay out of the politics of sports.  And from the sounds of it, it might be too late to do that.  Altheta is considering dropping her as a client. 

COURT RULING OPENS NCAA BARN DOOR FURTHER

It's taken a long time, but the courts have finally weighed in on colleges ability to pay their athletes.  A decision was reached on Friday.  

An article from Dan Murphy of ESPN said the following.  "Judge Claudia Wilken approved the deal between the NCAA, its most powerful conferences and lawyers representing all Division I athletes.  The House vs NCAA settlement ends three separate federal antitrust lawsuits, all of which claimed the NCAA was illegally limiting the earning power of college athletes. 

Wilken's long-awaited decision comes with less than a month remaining before schools are planning to start cutting checks to athletes on July 1st. Both sides presented their arguments for approving the settlement at a hearing in early April.  While college sports leaders have been making tentative plans for a major shift in how they do business, the tight turnaround time means schools and conferences will have to hustle to establish the infrastructure needed to enforce their new rules".  

Here's a rundown of what the new process will look like:  

Revenue Sharing:

Schools can share up to $20.5 millions of their athletic revenue with student-athletes, a cap that is expected to increase annually.

Back Payments:

The settlement also includes $2.8 billions in back payments for athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024.

Roster Limits:

The settlement includes provisions for new roster limits, but schools can grandfather in existing athletes.

NIL Clearinghouse:

A new clearinghouse will be responsible for reviewing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, ensuring compliance with the settlement.

Enforcement:

The enforcement of the settlement will be primarily managed by the four power conferences, (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC) rather than the NCAA.

Power Conferences:

The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC hold significant decision-making power, particularly concerning the College Football Playoff. 

Future Legal Scrutiny:

The settlement is expected to face future legal challenges, potentially including those related to Title IX and the capped compensation system.

Congression Action:

There are efforts to codify the settlement terms through a congressional bill to protect the NCAA and power conferences from future legal challenges.

I have many questions regarding the ruling.  For one, the back pay of athletes that played from 2016 to 2024 is going to a convoluted mess.  How is a dollar amount going to be reached for their play during that time period?  What about injuries that curtailed their statistics or perhaps ended their careers?  Good luck in administering that.  

Supposedly a new sheriff is going to be leading a new Clearinghouse in NIL.  My understanding that individual will be coming from an NCAA background.  I see a whole array of issues there.  And where might other hands be trying to dig into the till of the athlete that got a nice deal?  

And lasty, when dollars are laid out by universities by a percentage for each sport and say football gets 75% of the piece of the pie, how long do you think it will take for sports that get a small piece to begin filing lawsuits to change the amount their sports get?

Money, money, money for the trophies 

Wilken's final-approval ruling can be taken to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  It is not certain whether it will be appealed, but objecting parties have 30 days to decide.  The contentiousness surrounding the roster limits could result in one of more of the objectors who were focused on that issue not only appealing but also seeking a stay that would delay implementation of the entire settlement.  

The barn door is swung open much further now based on Wilken's ruling.  I highly doubt we have an across-the-board agreement. The fighting is far from over so.....Let the Wild, Wild West continue to roll.     

   

  

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