Say it isn’t, MoClo.
Let me put this on the table right away: I’m a fan of the Michigan Wolverines. It’s been since the first game I can remember: the 1977 Rose Bowl, during which a seven-year-old version of myself clearly fell in love with Michigan’s corn and blue color scheme, and those funny ear muffs on their helmets. The Wolverines lost that game anyway (14-6, to USC) and have been regularly breaking my heart ever since. But even I, who don’t like Ohio State like Daisy Duke doesn’t like long pants, wouldn’t wish this on Maurice Clarett.
The former Buckeye star, who led his team to an unlikely and heartwarming national championship in 2002 as a freshman, did an interview with an ESPN reporter via cell phone last Tuesday. She talked about how happy he was to have recently become a father, how he didn’t care so much about money, how he had grown a lot from the experience. Approximately two hours later, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Clarett began driving his SUV erratically, police officers noticed and gave chase, with Clarett refusing to stop. The police had to puncture his tires to stop him, so Clarett attempted to escape on foot. The officers shot him with a stun gun, but Clarett was wearing a bulletproof vest and kept moving. Cops eventually used Mace on him to get him to stop and found four loaded weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle, in the car, as well as a half-finished bottle of vodka. He will remain in prison for at least the weekend and is in serious danger of going to jail thereafter.
Now, the child clearly has mental and/or emotional problems, which is not funny. The funny thing, though, is the fact that Clarett is the guy who challenged the NFL Draft and could have potentially changed the face of football, Curt Flood-esque. If Clarett’s lawsuit had succeeded, freshmen or high school players would have been eligible for the NFL Draft, college football would have become more like college basketball (where players typically play a single season before jumping to the pro level), and drafting a “prospect” NFL Draft would have become a more speculative process than ever before (just like in the NBA, where young players sit on the bench for three years). And all of this would have been for a guy who was so ready to blow up that Robert Downey Jr. worries about Clarett’s stability.
Eesh.
With football just around the corner, I want to start asking about the NFL. Can you give me a true sleeper from each conference (say, someone who didn’t make the playoffs last year) who you think has a legitimate shot at making the Super Bowl?
Bodog.com Bookmakers, Bodog.com: You have to love what’s happening in Arizona with the Edge pick-up to add him to an offense that’s already on the rise. If Leinart can sign a deal and provide support for Warner, we could see Arizona contending for a wild card in the NFC. I say wild card because it’s unlikely anyone will beat Seattle for the NFC West title. A couple of other legitimate teams are Dallas and San Diego. Both teams barely missed the playoffs at 9-7 and have made some key additions in the offseason. No one can stop talking about Philip Rivers and the training camp he’s been through, while Parcells may be the only coach who can keep TO in check to do what he does best. Plus, when you pay Roy Williams that much, you better make a playoff run.
Who do you think has the biggest impact on his rookie year: Vince Young, Matt Leinart or Jay Cutler? Why?
BB, Bodog.com: So far it looks like Young will have the biggest impact this year. Leinart was a possible contender, but now even Dennis Green is talking trash about the USC star and his failure to sign a deal. I also don’t see Cutler getting much playing time in Denver with Jake the Snake leading the way.
Which AFC stalwart team is most likely to disappoint in 2006: New England, Pittsburgh or Denver? Why?
BB, Bodog.com: Indy will continue to be the most disappointing team in the AFC unless it makes it to the Super Bowl this year. This team dominated the AFC last year and was hitting the links after opening their Christmas presents. At least Peyton has his acting career to fall back on!
Which perennial NFC doormat makes the best run at .500 or better, Arizona, Detroit, San Francisco or New Orleans? Why?
BB, Bodog.com: Shingles, Shingles, Shingles! These guys have the best chance of breaking .500. Did you say San Francisco? The candle won’t be lit at Candlestick for at least another couple of years. Anyone who has Alex Smith in their goalkeeping league likes to plan a decade in advance.
