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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