tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if I will need a boat to get to work today, here is what's on my mind this morning:

*http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/25/judge-nelson-lifts-lockout-nfl-appeals  Judge Susan Nelson issued a ruling yesterday for all football fans by lifting the NFL lockout which means that players can report to work this morning.  This is great news, particularly for teams like the Cleveland Browns who are looking to install a new offensive scheme under new coach Pat Shurmur.  Of course, the owners continue to look like the greedy hogs that they are by planning to file an appeal today to place a stay on Judge Nelson's ruling.  Their appeal will be presented to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.  The players have indicated through DeMaurice Smith that they are williing to continue negotiations with the owners.  The owners: they would rather go to court and prove their point.  And Commissioner Roger Goodell tells us he cares about the fans.  Pleeeeeeaassseeee.

* http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/04/25/ohio-state-tressel-ncaa/index.html  Well, the NCAA has issued its Notice of Allegations to Ohio State University regarding Coach Jim Tressel.  As is accurately stated in the article  from SI, the wording of the notice is similar to that submitted to the University of Tennessee regarding basketball coach Bruce Pearl.  By the way, Tennessee removed Pearl from his job.  The same should happen to Tressel.  He lied to his employer and in essence was involved in a cover-up.  Great example for the student athletes who he cares about so much.  If Tressel is not removed, Ohio State is a joke.  Up to this point, people in Columbus continue to defend Tressel.  This defense could lead to severe NCAA imposed sanctions against the Buckeyes.

* Tonight three of the most exciting NHL playoff series resume tonight, two in Game 7 situations.  The early games match Game 6 between the Bruins and Canadiens and the Game 7 war between the Flyers and the Sabres.  I'll be watching the game at the Bell Centre mainly because I can't stand Sabre broadcaster Rick "Pork Chop" Jennereat.  The Sabres have blown two 3 goal leads, ultimately winning one game in overtime and losing one in overtime.  Anything can happen tonight and I would not be surprised with whoever wins.  The Bell Centre will be ablaze tonight as the Canadiens will try to stave off elimination.  Meanwhile, the late game pits the defending champion Black Hawks against the choking Vancouver Canucks.  The Canucks led this series 3-0 and led in Game 6 throughout the game except for when it counted, in overtime.  For a hockey fan, tonight is going to be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

* The NFL Draft begins on Thursday and I am not sure who my Browns will pick.  I'm not sold on Robert Quinn.  The Browns don't have very good luck with players who have had issues in college.  I have to have faith in Tom Heckert based on the excellent draft he had last year.  Would love to get Marcell Dareus but he probably won't be there when the Browns pick at number 6.  Also wouldn't mind seeing the Browns take a flyer on Alabama QB Greg McElroy late in the draft.  The kid's a winner.

* http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-worst-No-7-pick-ever-Choosing-biggest-bust?urn=nfl-wp1194  Take a look at this article.  It's pretty interesting.

* Bud Selig wants to expand the number of playoff teams by adding an additional wild card team.  The plan is to have a best 2 out of 3 with the winner playing the team with the best record.  Many players have come out against it.  I wonder how is this going to prevent the World Series from being played in November.  Once again, its all about the money and Selig shows again that he doesn't give a damn about the integrity of the game.

* And finally, can you find 4 bigger lackeys that run major sports than Goodell, Selig, Gary Bettman and David Stern.  The NHL, NBA and MLB have teams in financial trouble which probably is a good reason for contraction and is a result of the mismanagement of their commissioners who are all about lining the pockets of their bosses who are the owners.  The NFL?? Financial trouble??  Please!!!  I guess I've answered my own question: it's Goodell.