TEMPORARY INSANITY by ST

No question some Duck fans are still harboring resentment over the 2001 snub when Nebraska was sent to vie for the title against Miami in their rightful place.  The first BCS poll of 2013 would have ticked me off as well....if I were a Florida State fan.  No question they've compiled the most impressive resume as we speak.  I would never cast a ballot based on anything but the games that have been played this season.  Last year is meaningless.  Tradition has no value.  Who have you played and beaten thus far.  Alabama's best win had been Texas A & M but the Aggies just fell to Ole Miss.  Sure the Rebs just kayoed LSU but that only pushed their record to 4 & 3 overall and just 2 & 3 in the SEC.  Oregon's wins?  Please!  That national stage dismantling of the Huskies in Seattle has dwindled significantly in value with the Dawgs in the throes of a 3 game losing streak that included 2 blowouts.  The Duck opponents, outside of patsie Nicholls State have gone a combined 4 & 18 in their conference games.  Washington State has 2 Pac 12 wins, UW 1 and that Tennessee win over a decimated Georgia team was the Vols first in league.  Cal, Colorado and Virginia are zero for their conference.  Florida State tore up Clemson at Death Valley when the Tigers were #3 in the nation.  Certainly Maryland was overrated at 25 at the time but the Noles set a record for margin of victory over a ranked team with a 63-nothing thumping.  That said, it's meaningless.  If Oregon and Alabama win out, they will play for the final BCS Championship.  Consider the Nole lead in the standings over Oregon.  It would be like two students taking a test with 1000 questions.  FSU got 935 questions right with the Ducks correctly answering 932, but many exams remain.  Oregon has three teams left ranked in the BCS Top 25, while Florida State has one.  Duck fans, take a breath, they win out there is no issue!

COLT LYERLA FROM A FOOTBALL PERSPECTIVE by ST

Let's get this part over with.  Colt Lyerla is 20 and will turn 21 on November 13th.  He's a young guy.  Here's hoping he's okay mentally and physically.  It's a game.  Not as important as those two.  It's October 7th, the Ducks are ranked 2nd in the nation, very much in the race for all of it with 5 consecutive wipeouts and the biggest game of the season on the road in Seattle.  I don't buy any of the positive spin.  Amicable parting of the ways?  So all his mates and coaches are good with his quitting?  Okay, your call.  There is no possible way this enhances his NFL prospects.  Name a great player who left school at this juncture and the career path landed in Canton or Disney World after a Super Sunday performance.  Brady, AP, Peyton, Calvin Johnson, JJ Watt, or whoever if they were healthy, finished their collegiate career in a bowl game then got drafted.  Injuries are a different deal like the Rob Gronkowski case.  Missed his last year at Arizona with a bad back.  Colt is testing history which generally counter punches with tenacity. 
There seem to be 2 extreme schools of thought.  Ducks won't miss a beat with the fast emerging Johnny Mundt and the newly healed Pharoh Brown.  Maybe.  The fact remains Colt's mere presence in the offense equals accountability from the defense.  He's a crazy playmaker with mad skills.  He will be missed.  Other's think it's a distraction.  Not when the whistle blows.  Oregon's next man up has been drilled into everyone's head and it's not like Marcus Mariota will drop back to pass, look for #15 and take a bad sack or throw a pick. 
For 2013 in particular Lyerla has 2 catches and none since the Virgina game and has accounted for zero of the Ducks 41 touchdowns and 296 points.  Different deal if he'd been an offensive focal point, a go to guy for Mariota or Scott Frost to lean on.  He's obviously had half a foot out the door for weeks now.  What this all means exactly remains to be seen, but from a selfish football only point of view, I'm calling minimal ripple if anything at all now that his departure is etched in stone.

NO BENEFIT, ALL DOUBT AND YOU HAVE ZERO FIGURED OUT by ST

So Von Miller of the Denver Broncos becomes the latest high level jock to run afoul of his sports drug policy and rather than accept his punishment or admit what he did, we get the adamant denial.  It's the system, the collector, the test and I will fight this to clear my good name.  Then we find out he's another lying, cheating, greedy pinhead.  From Ryan Braun to Lance Armstrong and very soon, Alex Rodriguez these clowns get away with everything from the moment it's determined they're special at a given sport.  The world around them becomes a variation on "enabler".  While our American judicial system operates on innocent until proven guilty, that does not apply to athletes and PED's.  If they're in the news for a failed test or suspicion of using, they're probably guilty!
I love the NFL.  Giants can't win a game and they look awful.  Can't run.  Can't protect Eli Manning.  The 49ers have been exposed as somewhat fraudulent.  Their defense leaves much to be desired.  Chip Kelly and the Eagles went from redefining the game of pro football after 2 quarters to open the season against the Redskins to will this work?  The NFL is another world from college as far as talent, speed and adjustment.  Oregon fans know the pressure that warp speed offense puts on the defense.  It took time to tweak the recruiting and the ace capability of Nick Aliotti and his staff to work in concert with the offensive philosophy.  No lock it works at this level.  Miami has been a great story.  Some raised an eyebrow during the 2012 draft when the Fish jumped up to take Ryan Tannehill, the QB before Johnny Manziel at Texas A & M, with the 8th overall pick after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III went one and two.  Ryan flashed as a rookie engineering wins over playoff teams, Seattle at home and the Bengals in Cincy.  This is year 2 under head coach Joe Philbin, a career offensive coach who was the coordinator in Green Bay from 2007 thru 2011.  Those were some high octane Pack attacks. 
I'd comment on some of the college action, but it seemed lopsided blowouts were the theme which we will cover on both Crunchtime and Sportstalk this afternoon.  Have a great week!

ALL TIME MLB FRANCHISE PLAYERS by ST & You!

I used me as the final vote if it was necessary.  But of the established franchises here is what you had to say!
While Ichiro received limited support, the greatest in Mariner history hands down was Griffey Jr.  The other locks were George Brett of the Royals, the Padres Tony Gwynn, Robin Yount of the Brewers and I pulled rank calling it for Tom Seaver of the Mets.  Here are the rest in no particular order.
BRAVES:  Hank Aaron with some support for the winningest lefty ever Warren Spahn, and a call or two for Greg Maddux
RED SOX:  Pretty tight but Ted Williams emerges over Cy Young and Carl Yastremski.  One Met's fan did cast a ballott for Buckner.  Meany!
ORIOLES:  This was a wow with Cal Ripken, Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson.  Frank Robinson was too prominent with the Reds so I went Brooks by a nose over Cal and didn't sleep much last nighit.
ASTROS:  2 horse race, Jeff Bagwell & Craig Biggio.  I don't think Bagwell gets into the Hall.  Biggio will so he's my guy.
REDS:  I eliminate Rose via the D-bag rule and went with the greatest catcher in the games history, Johnny Bench.
PHILLIES:  It was all about the 1-2 punch of Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton.  With apologies to the Brooks Patrol, Schmidt is the greatest 3B ever thus my selection of Michael Jack Schmidt!
PIRATES:  Wow!  Clemente or Honus Wagner.  Some historians say Wagner in the conversation with Ruth, Cobb, ect as the greatest ever.  Love Roberto.  One of my faves, but had to go Wagner.
YANKEES:  Babe Ruth.  Why?  Because he's Babe Ruth.
INDIANS:  All old time guys like Nap Lajoie, Tris Speaker but the answer is Rapid Robert Feller.  Among the most dominant righties ever to toe the slab.  Love that cliche!
CUBS:  Thought about Cap Anson as the 1st ever to 3000 hits in MLB history.  Love Ryno, Fergie Jenkins, but there is only one Mr. Cub.  Here's to you Ernie Banks.  Let's play two!
ATHLETICS:  Though he played some prime years in NY, Rickey Henderson is in the running with XX Jimmie Foxx and Al Simmons.  Gotta go Simmons.  Drove in over 100 all 12 yrs with A's.  Batted .387, .392, .351, .365, .381 and .390.  "Bottomed" out at .322.
DODGERS:  One of the toughest calls of all.  Duke Snyder, Jackie Robinson, Yasiel Puig.  I'm going Sandy Koufax.  No pitcher remotely approached his 6 yr run starting in 1961 the past 70 years.  Regular season and World Series dominance.
ANGELS:  Nolan Ryan though this could change in 16 years with Mike Trout.
WHITE SOX:  Big Ed Walsh is among the least known, dominant pitchers ever with a career ERA of 1.82 but the answer is the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas.  Apologies to the Luis Aparicio fans.
CARDINALS:  Painful to eliminate Bob Gibson, Stan Musial or Rogers Hornsby.  Three words.  Stan the Man.
GIANTS:  Down to the trifecta of Christy Mathewson, Mel Ott and Willie Mays though I seriously considered Tito Fuentes.  Say Hey by a nose.
SENATORS/TWINS:  The always classy late great Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett and Walter Johnson.  You can make a case The Big Train is the greatest righty of all time.  Walter Johnson.
TIGERS:  Came down to the man they call "Six" Al Kaline, Hank Greenburg, Charlie Gheringer and the winner despite some personal "shortcomings", Tyrus Raymond Cobb.
Reply here, call the show, text your thoughts to 541 321 0824 or email stevetannen@live.com

NOT SURE I CAN DO IT by ST

I can't pinpoint the exact game but it was during the 1966 season, I'm five years old when my dad took me to my first game at Yankee Stadium.  Mantle was in the lineup.  He was born in 1935 as a Yankees fan and even though he busted my dad's chops, his dad, my grandpa was a Yankees fan.  I'm next in line.  Got my driver's license on Tuesday October 4th, 1977.  17th birthday.  Drove to Yankee Stadium for Game One of the World Series versus the Dodgers one week later, a 4-3, 12 inning victory.  I'm invested in this franchise like many of our listeners are in the Ducks.  Childhood team.  It's personal.  I did not watch last night's game against the White Sox.   I can not bring myself to cheer on the team with a slime ball like Alex Rodriguez staining my beloved pinstripes.  So he gets a big hit and I'm high fiving?  I don't think so.  I get that we've seen many, many unseemly characters in the sports we follow but this guy is garbage!  He's delusional.  He doesn't have the character or the balls to simply admit what everyone knows.  When asked point blank about his documented PED's use last night he played the "not the forum" card.  Really?  Innocent people scream it from the mountain tops.  Lying scumbags use their lawyers and double speak to avoid the facts of the issue.  Save the "everyone" did/does it crap.  There are a bunch of players coming out vocally against these Biogenesis pigs.  They want more severe penalties, perhaps even a lifetime banishment for getting caught that first time.  The union leadership will be more defensive when it comes to their members, so the real change must come from within.  Keep your eye on that because it represents a change in mentality.  They no longer circle the wagons in these situation, some are pointing the finger of accusation and I think that is a cause for hope.  As for my fanaticism for those guys in the Bronx, it's on hold.  The new question?  Has Alex Rodriguez ever played a season in the major league's clean?

ALL OF THE ABOVE by ST

Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez, Pete Rose.  All in the news this week.  Braun and Arod for more evidence they're cheaters.  Rose because it's Hall of Fame week and dummy always shows up in Cooperstown cause he's a desperate, pathetic clueless clown.  The conversation about what is worse using PED's or betting on baseball is for morons.  Why differentiate?  They both spit in the face of fans, the game and clean players.  Rose was interviewed on Dan Patrick and said it's important to admit the mistake.  So so happy I was stopped at a light or I might have crashed.  This from a guy who in 1989 was investigated via something called the Dowd Report.  The pile of evidence was so overwhelming he and his legal eagles decided to accept a lifetime ban rather than have this material presented to authorities outside baseball.  It included the possibility he was involved in distributing steroids, maybe cocaine and he definitely was hiding cash earnings from Uncle Sam.  He actually claimed he was unaware a lifetime ban was part of the deal.  That's exactly like Barry Bonds saying he didn't know the "clear" and "creme" his BALCO buddy was applying was illegal.  What a crock.  From 1989 through early 2004 he insisted he never bet on baseball.  Then it was time for the release of his book and suddenly it's "well I bet on baseball".  15 years and suddenly he comes clean because he heard dollar signs.  I'll go one further having dealt with bookies and degenerate gamblers for a period from about high school until I was in my early 30's, so up until about 20 years ago. If you think a losing gambler like Rose didn't bet AGAINST the Reds when he was in a hole you are a gullible moron!  Look, Aaron Hernandez, Rae Carruth, Michael Vick or OJ Simpson are the scum of the earth.  You want to ask what's worse?  There is the line.  Those trying to split hairs over liars and cheaters are wasting our time.  I put them under one slimy umbrella!

ONCE POWERFUL ESPN by ST

Read an article about the declining ratings at ESPN.  This is not surprising.  When I arrived at The Score in May of 2008, we were an ESPN affiliate but one of my first segments was about including a "G" in ESPN for gossip.  I felt the former worldwide leader had lost it's way.  Once upon a time it was the sole destination for highlights and insight into the games and athletes we follow.  Then along came the individual special networks like MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL & the Golf networks.  Of course you had the majors like CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox as players.  It seems to me that when ESPN was seriously challenged, rather than hunker down and upgrade the quality of their product, they deteriorated into a TMZ, sensationalistic style.  Then you have the repetition insanity.  Believe it or not it's been 8 years since they were showing video of Terrell Owens doing belly busters in his driveway as he held out from the Eagles.  It then morphed into Brett Farve's version of "should he stay or should he go" and bottomed out with their Tebow coverage. 
As far as the faces of the network I think Chris Berman has become somewhat of a caricature.  Once a source of unbridled humor and a unique approach, it's gotten a tad painful to watch.  When you roll out Skip Bayless on a daily basis you're credibility is going to take a hit and there is no way around it.  I'd love to hit him with a shot of sodium pentothal because there is no way he actually believes some of the opinion he expresses.  I think the devils advocate, disagree for the sake of offering another side that holds no water is a huge reason they're in trouble.  Everything is not debatable.  There are not 2 sides to every story.  I still love ESPN and will always be grateful for really bringing it all into our living rooms every day and night through all of the sports seasons.  The bottom line is like a family member you care about you hold them to a solid standard and when it begins to slip you criticize in the hopes it will provide a wake up call.  Look forward to your thoughts on this when we sign on at 3pm for Crunchtime and roll into SportsTalk.

THE ONLY CORRECT ALL STAR BALLOT by ST

When it comes to rankings, Hall of Fame, we all believe we are right.  I know I do.  So here is the lone accurate ballot with fan choice noted.

American League:
Begin with Chris Davis of Baltimore at 1st and Miggy Cabrera at 3rd.  Both fan choices.  Fans went Robbie Cano at 2nd over Dustin Pedroia.  Wow is this close.  Equal with the glove.  Gonna go Cano because he HAD to come up big with all those injuries.  Dusty is one of many Bosox raking.  Lot more cover.  I'd go Jonny Peralta of the Tigers in a tight one over the fan pick JJ Hardy of the Orioles.  Better average, close in ribby's, more hits and runs.  Joe Mauer is a no brainer at catcher.  Now healthy he's reclaimed his spot among the games elite.  The fans chose Adam Jones of Baltimore, Jose Batista of the Jays and Mike Trout of the Halos.  I pull Batista in favor of Jacoby Ellsbury.  Felix Hernandez starts.
National League:
Molina catches.  Honorable mention to Buster in Frisco.  Fans picked an outfield of Carlos Beltran of the Cards, Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies and Bryce Harper of the Nats.  Harper has missed too much time injured.  He's out.  In his place is the guy who robbed the Reds last night, Carlos Gomez.  The best glove in center.  Slight edge over the Pirates McCutcheon.  Joey Votto will start.  Not on my team.  Touch and go but I'm putting the Cardinals Alan Craig in his place.  69 ribbies to 40 edge.  Would not engage in a heated debate over this as Votto is a stud.  The fans blew it at 2nd with Brandon Phillips.  Matt Carpenter is the easy lock pick hitting .316, second in the majors in runs scored.  While Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies is tremendous, he's injured, rehabbing and missing at least a month.  Jean Segura of the Brewers is the answer.  Came over in the trade for Zach Greinke.  Leading the NL in hits, 2nd in assists at that critical SS position.  David Wright of the Mets at 3rd was EZ.  I start Clay Kershaw of LA.

NO LONGER NEEDED?  BY ST

I was filling out my MLB All Star game ballot online.  Began with Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers.  Then it hit me.  Why?  It might be a generational thing but before we had unlimited access and could see every player's every move it was a pleasure to get a rare glimpse of Clemente or Brooks Robinson in action.  Now it just seems forced.  I understand that the host city can generate some revenue and dough might be raised for a worthy cause, but can't that happen without this ridiculous exhibition.  If I'm a fan of a team do I want our 15 million dollar ace out there or home resting for the 2nd half pennant chase?  This can carry over to the NBA or NHL.  The NFL's Pro Bowl has become a knee slapper of a joke.  Is it time for a historical tweak?
I have been interested to get fans angle on their All Time Fantasy Team.  Let me know your age group and who makes the cut.  Add in a starting pitcher and a closer.
Mine:
1b-Lou Gehrig
2b-Joe Morgan
SS-Robin Yount
3b-Michael Jack Schmidt
C-Johnny Bench
OF:  Ruth, Ted Williams and Willie Mays
SP:  Bob Gibson
CL:  Mariano Rivera

AS GOOD AS IT GETS by Steve Tannen

Think about the last decade following sports.  Pro or college.  Franchise or program.  Name your Top 5 as far as well run, good reputation & successful.  Who pops?  Alabama football.  Duke hoops.  Yankees?  Spurs?  Lakers?  Red Wings?  NY Giants?  Patriots?  I'll throw in the St. Louis Cardinals.  They currently lead the NL Central with the best record in baseball.  After winning the 2011 World Series their long time manager Tony LaRussa retired and they lost bopper Albert Pujols to free agency.  Guided by 1st year skipper Mike Matheny they made Game 7 of the NL Championship series.  While making his bones with the Bash Brother A's, LaRussa made a major impact on the game with his bullpen use.  Then it was get 7 from your starter, lean on Rick Hunnycut in the 8th and Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersly to close the door.  With the Cards it was about volume.  Lot of quality arms.  That tradition continues.  Remember the name Trevor Rosenthal.  He throws about 100 mph and has a freaky good slider.  Edward Mujica is the closer.  Had some decent seasons with the Marlins and Padres in relative obscuring, but never held this role until this year and he's been terrific.  Their top pick in the 2009 draft Shelby Miller was a late season call up last year and flashed some serious stuff.  Now his 1st season in the rotation he's 7 & 1 with an NL best 1.91 era.  Incredible control works well with his more than a strikeout an inning mastery.  Then you have the elite Adam Wainright who never gets enough credit for how great he is.  Lance Lynn is proving his 18 wins 2012 is no fluke.  I can go on but I'll just say this is the best top to bottom roster in the majors.
On today's show I'll be asking you to evaluate the best organizations and programs we follow.

THE PASSING OF DEACON by ST

Not sure how to properly explain what Deacon Jones was to my generation of NFL Fans.  The Hall of Fame D-Line terror passed at age 74 last night.  I think most are initially lured to sports by scoring.  The QB, home run hitter, goal scorer, ect.  Later Lawrence Taylor would ignite interest in a stellar defensive player, but prior to his arrival there was Jones.  Certainly the growth of the league and the magnificence of the Sabol's and NFL Films played a role.  We got to see and just as entertaining, hear what Deacon had to say about the havoc he wreaked on a regular basis.  In a special called "The Ultimate Defenders of Sport" he talked about his primary job being to put as much fear in the quarterbacks heart and pain in his back.  He was a terrific guy who stood up for Civil Rights and a talented, charismatic character who had turns in TV series like "The Brady Bunch" & "The Odd Coup" playing himself.  He also appeared in a great Warren Beatty movie "Heaven Can Wait" as a defensive lineman.  Hysterical and engaging in each case.  You will hear about his numbers, the sacks, the head slap and it's all impressive.  None of the above approaches his impact on those who followed the league and understand his place in the game among the elite pioneers who was worth the price of admission.  RIP Deek!
I was reading about the conviction of former MLB'er Milton Bradley.  Guilty of abusing his estranged wife and looking at 7 1/2 years in prison.  Wonder who he'll blame for this cause none of his missteps or failures or complete wasting of his talent has never been his fault.  The team, the league, the fans, the umps and of course the women.  Choked his pregnant wife but got off with that.  Then in 2011 arrested for trying to strike her with a baseball bat!  Enjoy your state sponsored vacation dirt bag!
On today's show we talk about how the anticipation of a Game 7 doesn't usually live up, the end of the Duck baseball season, the above issues, the NHL playoffs, more MLB and of course your calls and our digression!

IS IT REAL? By ST

Was perusing the MLB Standings and came across teams like the Pirates, Indians, Yankees, Rockies and Diamondbacks.  Doing well.  Right in the thick of things.  Nice Springs.  One question:  are they legit?  A year ago Cleveland was leading the Central with a nearly identical record.  They ended up losing 94 games and were a memory when the playoffs approached.  New York was just 2 games over  .500 before a strong finish pushed them all the way to the ALCS.  None of the others was even in consideration.  It's great for baseball from my chair cause I love the fresh face angle which usually takes place in the NFL.  The fact we still have more than 100 games left means this could mostly be fraudulent but for those fans, hope has surfaced.  A lot of folks penciled in the Tribe as contenders with new manager Terry Francona.  I thought the Red Sox were incompetent letting him go.  He had a perfect demeanor to handle the Boston heat and of course guided them to ending the Curse and another World Series victory.  Love Tito but he can't pitch and they have 2 legit starters.  Former Bosox property Justin Masterson who is throwing well and 25 year old Zach McAllister.  He was originally a 3rd round pick of the Yankees back in 2006 but was part of the Austin Kearns trade in 2010.  He showed signs last season, his 1st real stretch in the bigs making 22 starts and posting a decent era just above 4.  That's it.  Ubaldo Jimenez was once on the cusp of becoming a legit front liner in the NL with Colorado but has gone bust huge in the American League.  Scott Kazmir is failing in his effort to resurrect a once promising career when he was the Mets 1st round pick in 2002.  Brett Meyers has an era over 8.  This team can hit and are well up the charts in every substantial lumber category but with no legit 3-4 or 5 starter I don't buy it.  Just as distressing is what's taking place in Cleveland.  They are last in the AL in attendance despite being 1st in the division.  The days of The Jake rocking with Alomar, Belle, Thome, Manny and Lofton in the mid 90's seem a distant memory!
Have a terrific holiday weekend as we take a moment to thank those who have served.  I look forward to returning from NYC and being back on the air 3pm on Tuesday!

VIEW FROM THE EAST by Steve Tannen

It took me my first football season as a West Coast guy, 1990, to really understand the difference.  For NFL Sundays it meant a quick cup of coffee and off to the sports bar to watch the Jets or Giants.  No more dilly dallying around for a couple of hours before kickoff.  Monday Night Football starts at dinner time instead of 9pm.  I also discovered it left less down time which for me and my then 20-something friends meant less time for "trouble".  Now 23+ years later I'm vacationing with my old buddies & family in Jersey and it's an adjustment.  Got to where I'm staying in West Orange, New Jersey around 5:30 last night and started flipping around for games.  Then it hit me!  Duh.  Nothing begins until 7pm local time.  And if it's a West Coast game, as late as 10:30pm.  When I hooked up with some of my peeps on Friday morning bleary eyed, they inquired as to my condition.  I got some strange looks explaining I'd been up late the night before catching the end of Sharks/Kings and Spurs/Warriors which ended past 1am local time.  I've noticed most who grew up in pro sports cities don't seem to care much when their team is either eliminated or not involved.  Being a nut and doing the type of show we put on, I dive in for it all.  I've found the conversations surrounding this issue interesting.
This past Sunday we headed to Yankees Stadium for Bombers/Jays.  Got rained out.  We learned of this after trekking in from Jersey, then jumping 2 subways from midtown towards the Bronx.  I went to about 8-trillion games when I lived in these parts for nearly 30 years. I recall one rainout.  1986, Mets/Cubs.  In the past 7 years my wife and I have experienced two.  Considering we get to 1 game every 2 years, that's an annoying percentage.  I got 10 tickets for the game.  I hope my dad, sister, brother in law and their pals enjoy a game sometime later this year.  I'm not speaking to Mother Nature!

JUST DO IT!  NO SERIOUSLY BUD...DO IT NOW!  By ST

Down a run in the 9th at Cleveland, A's shortstop Adam Rosales goes yard.  Tie game!  He hit the ball over the wall which according to the rules of baseball is a home run.  One glitch.  MLB as usual is behind the technological times.  The buffoons in blue looked at their 15 inch monitor stolen from Bill Gates garage sometime around 1983 and did not find sufficient evidence to make the correction. Oakland gets screwed.  Hey, they still could have lost in the home 9th or extra innings, but we'd rather settle things on the field than idiotville!  2 things drive me nuts about this.  The media reports the Tribe victory is controversial.  No it's not!  Controversy is when you are torn about a decision.  An investigation is needed.  Coming up with the proper answer tears away at the parties involved.  This was simple.  Homer!  Then you have MLB this morning admit the umps blew it.  Awesome!  So we get to go back, award Rosales his bomb, and pick up the game all tied up in the 9th from that point right?  Wrong!  There is no reason Bud Selig and his knucklehead patrol can't provide the proper equipment and implement a commons sense replay manual quickly.  There is no other side to this debate. 

ALL IN...WELL SORT OF....MAYBE NOT SO MUCH by ST

So the Knicks open 2nd round play in the post season for the 1st time since game one vs the Heat on May 7th, 2000.  Long time.  This was once a model franchise before many of you were old enough to follow the NBA or even born.  The group who from 1969 through 1974 made at least the East Finals and captured the only titles in it's history.  It was a very charismatic group that won the hearts of the Big Apple fans with their cerebral approach and heart.  The leader was the Captain, Willis Reed.  Walt Frazier was Clyde, among the greatest all around points guards ever, a defensive genius and a killer in the clutch.  I've enjoyed watching this group most of the season as they can sting it from outside which can be entertaining.  They lost me a bit when some showed up wearing black prior to Game 5 at Boston last week.  It was classless and a punk move considering the horror of the Marathon and Newtown are still fresh in people's memories.  Should be a great series with the Pacers for sure.
One must doff the cap to the Bulls.  This team is banged up and battling illness yet they can win a game 7 on the road against a higher seed.  Of course it's the Nets, one of the most brutal, failure of a sports franchise in the history of American team sports, especially when you consider the size of the market.  Leading scorer Luol Deng and top assist man Kirk Hinrich were out and big fella Joakim Noah is playing a one and a half good feet.  Smart money says the Coach of the Year will be Erik Spoelstra of Miami, but serious consideration must be given to Chicago's Tom Thibodeau.  Sure, the ballots are in at the end of the regular season, but now you look back and admire the work he did without Derrick Rose all year to win 45 games.  He's a defensive guru who worked along side another great coach Doc Rivers in Boston helping the Celtics win their championship in 2008 ending what was by far the longest title drought in it's history at 22 years. 
Of course the key question is, does any of this matter?  Do you see the Knicks or Pacers giving Miami a legit run for their money?  With the Russell Westbrook injury is Oklahoma City a true threat?  I think the Spurs and Grizzlies can give the champs a run for their money.  Memphis is physical and really good defensively.  San Antonio can "D" up and has transformed into a more athletic, dangerous offensive team as well.  Game time!

STEP ONE by ST

So Jason Collins becomes the first active team athlete to come out.  In a perfect world the reaction would be, oh!  Then we'd move on.  Considering it's the off season and lot's is happening with the recently completed NFL Draft, NBA playoffs rolling, NHL post season about to start, MLB off and running the true test has yet to begin.  For openers, Collins is a free agent who played a mere 38 games this season for Boston & Washington.  Over the last 6 years he's been an end of the bench center averaging about 15 minutes per game.  It's no lock he's on a roster next season.  Then I suspect we'd see the vile and ignorance from fans.  Another key question is will this open the door for those closeted who are truly active, well known players?  I've heard and read about fans who say "I'd never root for a gay athlete".  You already do!  I was encouraged by the support via twitter sent Collins way by Kobe, Steve Nash, Baron Davis, Kurt Rambis and Martina Navratilova.  Martina came out in 1981.  She never landed those endorsement deals or benefits worthy of perhaps the greatest the game has known because of the gutlessness of corporate America at the time.  We shall see how much has changed or if we've evolved as a society!

Can I get a "HALLELUJAH"!  2 annoying items that ESPN has repeatedly crammed down our throats are gone for now.  The 2013 Lakers and Tim Tebow.  Jets cut the QB.  The proof jumps off the page.  I thought Jim Rome nailed it.  When a player or coach is asked about Tebow, you NEVER EVER hear what a great or even good quarterback he is.  It's always about his work ethic or the type of teammate he is which has never been a debate.  The harsh fact is he's completely incapable of being a successful NFL quarterback.  End of story.

I SEE YOU BARRY SANDERS by ST

Somehow another high level celeb has skated away from facts and history.  Every I see Barry Sanders recently, he is being revered.  What a joke.  Make no mistake, the dude was as electrifying.  Sweep to the right side for a 4 yard loss..no wait...it's a 66 yard TD.  Granted.  Now he's making the rounds pitching the new Madden game.  This is the same guy who toured schools and did public service ads preaching abstinence to kids.  Was the A.C Green of football.  Except Green is a high character guy and honest.  When it was discovered Sanders had a child out of wedlock in 1994 he was confronted.  His response?  "I don't talk about that subject any more".  Then we focus on his retirement.  If you can call it that.  In 1998 he rushed for more than 14-hundred yards and the talk was perhaps he could be the all time leader in rush yards.  The franchise was expecting their superstar back for the 1999 season.  He did not announce his retirement before the free agent period, or the draft.  They were awaiting his arrival at camp in July when he disappeared.  The backs available in the draft that year were Edgerrin James, Ricky Williams or even Kevin Faulk had Sanders clued them in on his plans.  Instead he hung it up with no warning.  So this Saint Barry routine is garbage.
Really disappointed in the Russell Westbrook injury.  I thought the Thunder had a real chance to give the Heat a run for their championship money.  This guy is unique and from my chair, one of the true elite players in the NBA.  Been in the league 5 years.  This will be the 1st game he's missed.  He is a lethal 1-2 punch with Kevin Durant.  It's possible he could return of OKC reaches the finals, but with a knee injury like this, it's not logical he would simply return at the level we've grown accustomed to watching him operate. 
Lot of NFL draft talk and coverage today.  Look forward to your input as always.

THE HORROR AND THE CLUELESS by Steve Tannen

We did 3 hours of radio from 3-6pm on the West Coast.  Felt obligated in and out each break to say it's our job to bring Crunchtime & SportsTalk but don't mistake it for thinking The Masters, Kobe, NBA playoffs and the rest was important after the news from Boston.  I appreciate those of you who took part and got what we were trying to do.  It's a cliche, but I've gone on the air in the wake of Columbine, 911, Virginia Tech and most recently Newtown and tried to provide that much needed diversion or distraction.  After 24 hours the level of disgust and that awful feeling in the pit of one's stomach hasn't altered much. 
Late last night the investigation into the Oregon/Will Lyles/recruiting mess got some run which carried into today.  Here's my take.  Deluded Duck fans are trying to blow it off to validate this incredible 4 year run.  Duck haters are trying to draw a parallel between this and the SMU scandal or some of the renegade programs like Miami.  Wrong & Wrong!  I've always felt this money for recruiting services was a large gray area & hopefully the rocket scientists at the NCAA will offer some clarity for the future.  My question will always be about the level of competitive edge Oregon might have gained.  We know Lache Seastrunk never saw the field, but if he ended in Eugene outside the rules, there should be a punishment.  I don't want to delve into the details of the 515 page report or speculate on how heavy the hammer will be.  Another question is to Oregon fans.  Does this put a taint on the accomplishments of the Kelly era?
No shows today due to Oregon baseball.  Catch up with you tomorrow.

 TWO IN A ROW, KOBE, FAKE RIVALS AND MORE by Steve Tannen

Last week began with a tremendous NCAA Final as Louisville and Michigan put on a magnificent display of young guys in pursuit of their sport's ultimate prize.  It was an "A" performance.  Then we got the 2013 Masters which in my opinion equaled Cardinals over Wolverines for terrific sports theater.  Sudden death.  The class in defeat displayed by "El Gato" Angel Cabrera.  The clutch performance of our champion, Adam Scott.  The Tiger Woods drama where he signed an incorrect scorecard due to a 2 shot penalty that dropped the morning after the infraction.  By the letter of the rules he was within his rights to continue to play.  Some felt a true sportsman would have disqualified themselves.  In what world would Woods do the honorable thing?  I think it was fine he continued to play.  The rules were altered a couple of years back to allow a player to stay in the tournament under these circumstances.  But Tiger is the same guy who played musical bimbo chairs while his young wife and babies were home without dad!  So now when he tees it up Merion for the US Open it will be exactly 5 years since his last major championship which has covered 15 events.  He remains stuck on 14 in pursuit of the Jack Nicklaus standard of 18 Grand Slam victories.  It's far from etched in stone he ever catches up.
The Kobe Bryant season ending injury has an historic impact as it's a Hall of Famer nearing the end of his career.  I can't imagine Kobe going out like this and he's already set the surgery so he can begin rehab.  This might sound cold, but basketball wise for the remainder of the 2013 season and playoffs, it's simply not that big a deal.  The Lakers might not have made the post season with Kobe and in what fantasy world would they have survived round one against Oklahoma City who demolished them in 5 games last spring.  A better LA team! 
With timing being everything we get Padres at Dodgers a few days after the drama surrounding the plunking of Carlos Quinton by LA's overpaid free agent Zack Greinke.  It led to a brawl that busted up Greinke's collarbone and will cost him 6 weeks on the sidelines.  I'm hearing about how this will heat up the San Diego/Los Angeles rivalry.  Really?  Didn't know that existed from the LA side.  The Padres are one of the biggest joke franchises in American professional sports.  No titles and 2 Series appearances in 45 years of existence.  Save 1984 & 1998 when they made the Fall Classic but lost in 5 to the Tigers, then were swept by the Yankees, this team has never won a playoff series.  They're the Lions, Jets, Clippers, Hawks or any other annual failures we follow in sports.  Believe me, this is another one way rivalry.  Oh by the way,  the Pads are 2 & 10.  Scintillating. 
If you are a true sports fan and not just some honk for your home team, take a moment to acknowledge what happened 66 years ago today.  Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Talk about a game changer.  Question for today's radio shows.  Is this the single most impactful event, beyond the invention of the games in our world of sports??

STILL SEARCHING by Steve Tannen

I have a tendency to put sporting events into historical perspective as they happen.  I took the night but still can't recall many, if any recent games to determine a champion like we witnessed between Louisville and Michigan.  We've seen a last second three by Mario Chalmers push Kansas into overtime against Memphis 5 years ago with the Jayhawks capturing the crown, but the finish was a car wreck with the Tigers missing 3 of 4 foul shots the final :16 sec to keep the door open.  Butler almost stole it from Duke in 2010 when Gordon Hayward's half court heave almost banked home in a 61-59 game that was certainly exciting at the finish.  In that one the shooting was off and the Blue Devils managed one basket the final 5 minutes.  The entertainment value wasn't even close to what we witnessed last night in Atlanta. 
A decade ago when Carmello Anthony guided Syracuse to their lone title, the final against Kansas was pretty fun.  It ended with Hakeem Warrick blocking a potential game tying 3 at the gun by Michael Lee.  But again, Melo was held scoreless the final 13 minutes and Warrick bricked a pair of free throws with :14 seconds left. 
With partial credit to Matt Prehm, I think you have to go back to the 1999 Final with UConn sneaking past Duke 77-74.  The Blue Devils had Tray Langdon, Elton Brand, Shane Battier and Corey Maggette.  They'd won 31 straight and were a big time 9 1/2 point favorite.  The Huskies countered with Rip Hamilton, the portly Khalid El-Amin running the point, a quality big in Jake Voskuhl plus a tremendous defensive guard who could sting it from outside in Ricky Moore.  Last night was about young guys willing to do any and everything to win a championship.  The unyielding effort on defense, chasing loose balls and attacking rebounds.  My lasting memory will be Louisville's 6'6" sophomore forward Chane Behanan grabbing 4 offensive rebounds the final 2:47, tipping one in and just refusing to allow Michigan what could have been a game altering defensive rebound and possession.
The short history of the BCS title game peaked with Vince Young's scramble past the gassed USC defense to win the '05 championship.  Sure, Oregon & Auburn played a down to the wire tight game but it was not nearly as crisp and electrifying as last night.
I believe history will view this among the all timers.  Up there with NC State's Lo Charles buzzer beating dunk of a Derrick Whittenburg airball to take down Houston & Phi Slamma Jamma 30 years ago, Keith Smart from the baseline in '87 as Indiana beats the Cuse, Carolina with Worthy & Jordan in 82 over  Ewing and Georgetown by one.  You get my point.  This is locked into the Top 10.

COME ON ZEBRAS by Steve Tannen

I do not believe referees or umpires decide who wins or loses.  They don't fail to hit the cutoff man.  Never turn their head on defense, miss a tackle or run the wrong route.  I do think we've seen some horrific officiating in college basketball this post season.  The jump ball called with 6 seconds remaining in the Louisville victory versus Wichita State was obscene.  Refs certainly panic and choke like players.  This was a perfect case.  Why the quick whistle?  Again, the zebras didn't blow the Shocker double digit lead in the second half.  They also didn't go 26 minutes without a turnover before coming unglued and coughing it up 5 times during a critical 3 minute period late in the game.  I don't believe they had much to do with Wichita State point guard Malcolm Armstead hitting 1 of 10 shots.  They just stunk it up at a highly visible moment.  Awful.
I like Michigan to win it this evening.  For the most part on Saturday Louisville was not able to apply the pressure that sent shivers down the spines of so many fallen opponents this season.  When Kevin Ware suffered that gruesome broken leg it was early in the Duke game and the Cardinals were able to ride the emotions and overwhelm the Blue Devils without their fallen teammate.  Once that situation settled down the reality he was not in the rotation and the Rick Pitino bench was shorter and less dangerous, the Shockers almost knocked them off.  I think the Wolverines are better suited with more firepower and multiple options to handle UL.  I see a grinder with Michigan taking their first natty since 1989.
A year ago the Trailblazers pretty much mailed it in down the stretch losing their final 7 games and 9 of the last 10.  They had to deal with the official end of Brandon Roy and Greg Oden with the franchise and the dismissal of Nate McMillan as coach.  Then it appeared owner Paul Allen pulled his head out and cleaned house.  New GM, coach and point guard.  There were times this season when fans got a nice glimpse into a bright new future.  With their youth, bad spells did surface, a roller coaster ride if you will.  Right now they are playing as poorly as anyone in the Association.  They've barely been competitive during this 8 game losing streak.  Last night's loss to Dallas was the 1st that was less than double digits and Portland needed a furious 30-15 4th quarter rally to make a game of it.  Perhaps it's for the best as they simply accumulate more ping pong balls for the lottery.  Perhaps it's just step one of a long rebuilding process.  The bottom line is this extends the streak to 13 years without winning a playoff series.  The remaining schedule is no day at the beach with each opponent very much with a lot to play for.  Home games this Wed & Fri against the Lakers & Thunder followed by trips to Denver and the Clippers before wrapping at the Rose Garden against the Warriors.  Will they win another game?

The Final Weekend, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. With only four teams remaining, tomorrow will decide who will be playing for the National Championship. In Saturday's first match up, it will be a battle between the Cinderella story and the overall #1 seed with an extra incentive to win. The Wichita State Shockers have shocked everybody on their way to the Final Four by defeating the first and second seed in their region. However, they are matched up against a very talented Louisville team who are playing excellent basketball at the moment. And if that isn't already a tough task at hand for the Shockers, the Cardinals are playing with extra passion after the gruesome injury to Kevin Ware in the Elite Eight. If you haven't seen that injury to Ware's leg yet, consider yourself a lucky human being. I just feel fortunate that they didn't show a super close up like they did to Joe Theismann, but I still couldn't stand to watch the replay later that night.
Although it would be great to see another Butler in the National Championship Game, I don't think Wichita State will be able to hang with Louisville for an entire game. But hey, next to no one thought they would even make it this far, so anything could happen.
On  the other side of the bracket, a pair of four seeds take each other on for a shot at playing on Monday. Both Michigan and Syracuse beat their region's #1 seed to get to this point. The Wolverines' Trey Burke put the team on his back against Kansas, and was able to rally Michigan to their first Final Four appearance since the Fab Five days. Burke was named the Wooden Award winner for being the most outstanding player in College Basketball. If I had a vote, I would have had him second behind Indiana's Victor Oladipo, but Burke deserves the award just as much as anybody in the country. The Syracuse Orange are going to have to keep a close eye on Burke if they want to win this game and have a chance at the championship.
I hope to see two very tough games tomorrow evening, and a set up for another great National Championship Game.

A TEACHING MOMENT by Steve Tannen

This whole car wreck of a situation at Rutgers University is certainly disturbing and despicable.  Considering no one was seriously injured or died, it also might qualify as a blessing in disguise.  For openers, let's remember these are kids.  They might be 6'5, 225 with the ability to bench press the rack or jump out of the gym, but at age 21 and under, they are too young to grasp what their idiot coach is doing and how far over the line he is stepping.  Parents should take their young ones, show them the video and leave no doubt should a coach, teacher or anyone else in a position of authority get overly physical or verbally abusive with them, do one thing.  Tell mom and dad.  Or auntie or grandma or whoever is raising you.  The second a situation like this surfaces, tell.  TELL....TELL....TELL....drill it into their heads.  This is unacceptable.  Never stop reminding them.  As always with a negative circumstance, a main goal is future prevention. 
Here are some of the things I'm thinking about.
-My wife and I have to go back and watch the last episode of Mad Men because this hiatus has been so freaking long I forgot what is happening.
-It's not about Oregon being out or my bracket getting a Chernobyl like nuking, but something is NOT grabbing me about this weekend's Final 4.  I'm guessing once Wichita and Louisville tip it off the temp will rise again and I am curious to see how that Syracuse zone will work against those great Michigan guards.
-Out of the gate I'm loving the Tigers in the American League.  Certainly in the division.  Don't buy Cleveland and the White Sox can be anemic at times with the lumber.  Toronto is testing history by throwing money at their issues and that blew up in the faces of Miami a year ago.  Free Agents are a great supplement, but not the be all end all solution.  Still like the Rays in the East.  I'm rooting against the Angels is the West cause I think Josh Hamilton is a self-righteous hypocrite.  The Rangers rescued his career and maybe his life with a personal assistant to make sure he didn't go on one of his booze/drug binges and he showed them very little appreciation.  Texas can rake and if the back end of the rotation becomes stable they're the team to beat in the West.  California has rotation issues and their closer, Ernesto Frieri had one decent year.  Let's see him do it again.  I think New York and Boston are in for long seasons and could run next to last and last in the East.

WHY IS EVERYTHING A DEBATE? by Steve Tannen

Back to blogging after several months.  The switch to CBS Radio is complete and it's time to get rolling again.  An issue that annoys the heck out of me in this country whether it's political, social or in sports is no one accepts the obvious.  It's always an argument.  The logic that conceding you are WRONG is a weakness is destructive.  It's the opposite, it's a sign of strength.  It's okay to make an honest mistake.  Admit and move on.  The Rutgers situation is unreal.  An athletic director knows his basketball coach is humiliating his players.  Physical and verbal abuse.  The imbecile(AD Tim Pernetti) is aware it's all being captured on film.  He doles out a minimal punishment based on some kind of rehabilitation.  Only when the video is released does he finally take action and can the piece of garbage(now former coach Mike Rice).  Aside from the obvious(murderers, rapists, ect), nothing worse than a bully.  Rice was a spoiled brat who threw a hissy fit when things didn't go his way.  He is no different than the child in aisle 2 of the supermarket throwing a temper tantrum cause mom or dad wouldn't buy the bag of candy.  Pernetti should be canned by days end and Rice should never be allowed near young men again.  Let him try and pull that in the real workplace and countdown from 10 and see how far you get before someone throws him out a window.  Bullies are abusers.  In the cases of coaches like this, nothing more than a pathetic insecure D-bag who can't feel good about their wit, intelligence, or accomplishments so they have to belittle others to feel better about themselves.  Good riddence.
Look for my National League preview and on Friday we hit the AL.  Liking the Nats, Giants, Reds and Tigers.  Not enamored about anyone else!

The Last Push, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. After two tough losses to end the regular season, the Duck's impressive win over Washington is keeping them alive in the PAC 12. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, Arsalan Kazemi scored 11 points in overtime to lead the Ducks to the victory. Up next, Oregon tries to redeem their loss to Utah after the Utes shocked Cal in the quarterfinals. Of the four teams left in the tourny, three of them are going to make the Big Dance regardless the outcome of a Conference tournament. With our recent struggles, I think it's important to head into the NCAA Tournament with momentum on your side.
The Western Conference is usually pretty tight this time of year, but the race for the final playoff spot is nearing the home stretch. The disappointment of the Laker's season isn't a lost cause just yet after taking over the eight spot for the time being. The difference between the six and nine seed isn't but only 3.5 games. Golden State, the sixth best in the west, are 7 games back of the red-hot Nuggets for the fifth spot. Not looking like any of these teams will be seeded higher than six, potentially five teams are scratching and clawing for postseason basketball.

The Lake Show, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. If you were to say the Lakers season has been a disappointment, that would be quite the understatement. Despite all the adversity, they sit at 26-29 and 3.5 games out of the last Playoff spot behind the Rockets. I don't think many people would say LA is a sure fire Playoff team, but Kobe Bryant isn't like many people. Kobe not only thinks they have a chance at the postseason, he says "It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will." And once they get there, Bryant isn't afraid of any team in a best of seven series. He's been criticized for his guarantee, but I think it was a good thing for the Lakers. It shows that the mere thought of missing out on the Playoffs isn't an option for Kobe and the city of Los Angeles.
The Ducks return to PK Park for their home opener, to face the Lions of Loyola Marymount today at 6. After sweeping the four game set over Hawaii, the Ducks have moved up to #5 in the NCBWA College Baseball rankings. First baseman Ryon Healy had a great start to the season, being named PAC 12 player of the week. He went 8 for 15 and batted in four runs in the first series of the year. Still a lot of ball to be played, but the Ducks are starting this season off the right way.

Ducks' Downslope, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. Twenty straight wins at home for the ducks ended with a disappointing loss to Colorado last night. Throughout the game, it seemed like the Ducks were going to put an end to its recent struggles on the court. They lead the entire game up to 29 seconds in the second half, when the Buffalo's 8-0 run ended with Andre Roberson hitting the game winner to give Oregon their third straight loss. The Ducks now sit at 18-5 overall and 7-3 in the PAC-12, looking like they will drop out of the top 25 polls.
Over the past few seasons the PAC-12 has been the laughing stock of the college basketball world, but 10 of the 12 teams in the conference are above .500 and five teams have 15 wins or more. So the strength of schedule should help the Ducks more than recent seasons where it could be the difference between the big dance or the NIT. The Ducks face off with Utah at home tomorrow, and will try to get back to their winning ways. The Utes are one of the two teams under the .500 mark, so this is a game that Oregon should win, especially at home.
Although they have been struggling as of late, it is great to see how Dana Altman has put this team back on the map. He took this program from irrelevant to contender in two seasons.

Kaepping off a season, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. With the Conference Championship Games over and done with, the Har-bowl is all set up. In just Kaepernick's ninth start as a pro, he put together an incredible performance to catapult the Niners into their first Super Bowl since 1994. At that time, Steve Young under center and Jerry Rice was still catching passes. What made Kaep's performance even more impressive, was that he played at that level just one week after his record setting game against Green Bay in the Divisional Round. For a young quarterback to have that kind of success and not read his own headlines really impresses me. I'll be honest, I was not supportive of Jim Harbaugh's decision to start Colin Kaepernick over Alex Smith midway through the season. Especially since Smith had the highest completion percentage in the league at that time, and I don't think you should ever lose your job due to injury. Obviously Harbaugh made the correct decision, and now he is rewarded with a trip to New Orleans to face his brother on the other sideline.
Ray Lewis and the Ravens punched their ticket to Super Bowl 48 last Sunday. It wasn't an easy task, but shutting down the Patriots offense in the entire second half of the AFC Championship Game did the job. Quarterback Joe Flacco has been inconsistent over the past couple of years to say the least, but he's been money this postseason. Flacco now has the most road playoff wins in NFL history. Not Montana. Not Brady or Manning. Not even John Elway. Joe Flacco has been the man when it comes to Playoff football on the road in his career. The next thing on his list is a Super Bowl ring on his finger. He has a chance to get it next Sunday, but he will have to get past the stout 49er defense in order to get that type of jewelry.

Farewell Chip, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. As the clock expired and Chip Kelly was doused in yellow Gatorade, it seemed that would be the last time we would see Coach Kelly with the Oregon visor upon his head. Chip had lead the team to four consecutive BCS Bowls in four years, and won the last two trips. Arguably the most successful head coach Oregon has ever seen, looked poised to head to the NFL. When word got out that Chip would be returning for another shot at a Natty, you could almost hear the entire city of Eugene sigh in relief. Although it was thought he would be returning, I knew that it was just a matter of time before he headed to the Pros. That time ended up being sooner rather than later, as the Philadelphia Eagles announced their new coach would be none other than Chip Kelly. Even though I was a little dissapointed, I could not say I was surprised nor angry. For people to question the character of Kelly really gets on my nerves. Sure, I'm not happy with his decision to leave, but you have to be able to see where he is coming from. He has spent his four years in College and is now heading for the ultimate challenge. Coach Kelly has elevated this program to a level that we have never seen before, and left us in a pretty good situation (disregarding possible sanctions). Next season will not be the year to see if we can survive without Chip. There is so much returning talent on that Duck roster, the true test will be a few years from now when the new recruiting class must take over. To me, Mark Helfrich makes the most sense to be the head guy, instead of going out and chasing after Chris Peterson or somebody else. Oregon Football will live on, but Chip Kelly will surely be missed.