Questioning Tiger

An article in the latest edition of Vanity Fair provides more insight into Tiger Woods' past. Obviously, none of it portrays Woods in a positive light.

I will say only one thing about the article. Woods has previously stated that no one enabled him during his romp. The Vanity Fair article reports quite the opposite. In fact, the names of Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are even being mentioned as enablers regarding Woods' escapades. This is based off the article's author allegedly talked to four of the women in which Woods carried on an affair, a former advisor and attorney for Woods and others that were in Tiger's circle.

Tiger's honesty is being questioned by many.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I've never been one of Tiger's biggest fans and I have taken a couple shots at him since last November. I will somewhat defend him here. I will say that the timing of this "piece" would be ironic to say the least. His presser upcoming at Augusta National. His comeback to golf at The Masters. It all seems too convenient and too easy.

Before we all make the decision to jump on board with this, consider the following.

The article alleges that Tiger ended his affair with Jamie Jungers because Woods' refusal to financially support her. Suspicious. Mindy Lawton claims the only thing Woods ever bought her was a wrap from Subway. That's suspicious, too. Two women complaining about not getting this guy's money even though he's loaded. Anyone willing to take a guess why they're talking? Is anyone questioning their honesty? Haven't really seen it.

Maybe, just maybe, we should.

Exodus in Lexington?

The list of players declaring for entry for the NBA Draft is starting to build. Kansas center Cole Aldrich and Michigan guard Manny Harris are only two of the recent declarations. There's a couple yet to declare that wouldn't surprise anyone and they both come from the same school, Kentucky's frosh duo of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.

Did we all witness the final collegiate game of Wall's and Cousin's career? Most likely. Wall has already been tapped as the #1 overall and Cousins is a top 5 selection according to various projections.

So exactly what are the prospects that Wall and Cousins will return another season in Lexington?

Um, none. Wall did make a reference during the presser following UK's Saturday's loss about finishing the school year, but that is merely a smoke screen to fend off speculation of the inevitable. Kentucky was primed to win it all this year and this year alone. Wall, Cousins and Patrick Patterson developed the nucleus for the Wildcats and all will be gone to the NBA. Patterson returned for that reason. Imagine if Jodie Meeks had stayed.

For yet another season, UK head coach John Calipari finds himself in a position to reload because of the "one and done" rule. Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and now, Wall and Cousins.

Creates a bit of an issue for the Wildcat faithful. Calipari has put his worth into these freshman and they have performed well at the NCAA level. Rose and Evans have proven themselves at the NBA level and there's nothing to suggest that Wall and Cousins won't do the same. But I have a difficult time viewing these moves as building a program. It's more or less supplementing it and it has the feel of plugging gaps instead of fixing them.

Don't worry or feel sorry about the Wildcats future. It's fine. Others freshman will come forward as sophomores next season (Eric Bledsoe, Daniel Orton, Darius Miller) and keep UK in the mix. There's also that potential of wearing that jersey with "Kentucky" on it which appeals to recruits.

That and there's always a feeling that Calipari has yet another phenom squarely in his sights with Lexington as the destination.

Coach Cal sure has this bit down by now.

McNabb Available

Update: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders are the "favorite" for acquiring McNabb.

Your favorite NFL team can have Donovan McNabb for a top 42 draft pick. The Philadelphia Eagles have made it known that McNabb's services are available for the right price. McNabb would rather stay in Philly, but if he is dealt, he says Minnesota is his preference.

That creates a stir. The Vikes can do it. They do have the 30th overall pick and there's always that drama the accompanies Brett Favre. The Vikings would be rid of all of that if they made the deal. With all the latest talk about this possibly happening, don't think for a minute that this would push Favre into a decision. It's not.

Minnesota isn't the only team that could use Donovan McNabb. Interested? These teams should be.

1. Buffalo - The Bills have an extreme need at QB. Using Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick last season didn't quite get the job done. But, the Bills need more than just help at the QB position. There are other needs that cannot be passed over. I don't think the #9 overall pick would be sent, but Buffalo does have the 41st overall selection. The Bills just don't have a offensive line to protect McNabb. Decent running backs and a good receiving corps.

2. Oakland - So JaMarcus Russell has reportedly shed a few pounds and is in the best shape he's ever been in during his NFL career. The Raiders needed this commitment a couple of years ago (at least) from the former #1 overall selection. You know you'll get that from day one with McNabb, but the Raiders may not be the best option. Like Buffalo, Oakland has other gaps...and the 39th overall pick. The Raiders are interested.

3. Carolina - Matt Moore? Really? Is Moore better than Donovan McNabb? The Panthers are a good fit. Great running game and a Pro-Bowl receiver. What's not to like? Carolina doesn't have a draft pick until #48. They traded 2010's first round pick (to San Francisco) during the '09 draft to select Everett Brown. There is a chance Philly could give on that top 42 "demand" if Carolina could add a player plus that 48th overall selection.

Redskins QB Competition

Apparently, there's going to be an open quarterback competition for the starting job with the Washington Redskins. That's what Mike Shanahan is saying. Shanahan will not name a starter before training camp. Will the incumbent Jason Campbell's tenure in Washington be closer to ending? Will Shanahan go for a QB in the draft?

The answer to both should be no and for various reasons.

Let's address the question about Campbell's future in D.C. I'm not too concerned for him. If it's competition, shouldn't there be worthy competitors? There's not really a single QB currently on the Redskins roster that could threaten Campbell's job as the starter. Rex Grossman, Colt Brennan and Richard Bartel are not exactly going to strike fear into Campbell. Grossman did "lead" the Bears to a Super Bowl, but he was viewed more as a manager, not a QB. The Bears made the Super Bowl despite Grossman.

Shanahan has publicly commented that he will work with Campbell. The list of prior QBs is decent to say the least. John Elway, Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler. Shanahan helped create a Hall of Fame, two-time Super Bowl winning QB, a Pro-Bowl QB and a reach that, while in Denver, was more than a productive QB.

Keep this in mind. Campbell has never had a steady coach or influence during his time in Washington. He's had no cohesiveness. Shanahan will be all to Campbell. Maybe we will finally get to see the real Jason Campbell the Redskins thought they were getting when he was drafted. If Campbell emerges as the starter, I look for good things from him in 2010.

Spotlight on Woods

I know a lot of us are tiring of all the Tiger talk, but there's more to come.

On Monday, April 5 at 2 P.M., Woods will have his special day at Augusta National. Why? His very own press conference. Makes me wonder if this was hastily put together due to Arnold Palmer recently saying that Woods needs to be a bit more open with the press. Some viewed Arnie's comments as bitter since Tiger would not be playing this week at Bay Hill.

Will we all be totally captivated by this presser? Will we all hinge on every word uttered from Tiger? Will we all wonder exactly what questions the media will ask? The answer, unfortunately to all, is yes. Shouldn't be that way, though.

Look at this situation closely. What do you really see?

I see this:

The NCAA Championship game is that evening. Not a big deal, but it deserves mentioning due to the fact that CBS will also be covering The Masters. You know that every time during the game a promo for the tourney is aired, his "comeback" will be part of that promo. And who's the anchor covering both? Jim Nantz. Nothing against Nantz here. Just merely an observation.

Also, it's the first full day of the MLB baseball season. Funny how most games start somewhere between 1 P.M. and 2 P.M. that day. What time is Tiger's "parade"? That's right. 2 P.M.

All the other player's press conferences will be held on Tuesday.  Those will be short since it will be compacted. Add this. The press will have an entire day to digest what Tiger said the previous day and every player will field numerous Woods questions...if Augusta will allow that. Nice move by all involved to put the other players behind Tiger. They should be used to it. All that is important is to keep Tiger front and center. It's a eerie feeling that the PGA feels compelled to thrust Woods into the spotlight. It's almost a form of thievery.

I do understand that Tiger is the sport's biggest draw. I also understand that all of this is totally unnecessary. Put Tiger last. Allow the other player's to field questions pertaining to only their game. Does he actually need his own day for a press conference? A big no from me.

Have you ever wondered why Tiger said a few weeks ago in his "statement" that he felt entitled? Wouldn't you? Golf is expressing this very notion. We're being told that "Golf needs Tiger more than Tiger needs golf". It's that simple. Is Tiger bigger than the game? It's evident that many feel he is.

One last question. Who knew that Jim Furyk won last week for the first time since the Canadian Open in 2007? Not many at first. It was more important to air Tiger's little five minute interviews.

Poo on all of them, Arnie. Same goes for you, Ernie Els and Jim Furyk, too. You have all the right in the world to feel slighted (if you really do) and if others can't see that, it's their loss.

This is merely another display of how the world of golf continues to openly pander to Tiger and that will never change.

NFL OT for Playoffs Only

By a 28-4 margin, a modified playoff only overtime format has been approved. Here's a quick recap of what the new rule entails:

1. Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner.
2. If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal on its initial possession, the other team shall have the opportunity to possess the ball. If [that team] scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If the score is tied after [both teams have a] possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.
3. If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime period, or if [the overtime period's] initial possession has not ended, another overtime period will begin, and play will continue until a score is made, regardless of how many 15-minute periods are necessary.

One of many reasons the new rule was even considered is due to the fact that on almost 60% of the time, the team winning the OT coin toss goes on to win by either a field goal or TD. The four teams voting down the measure were Buffalo, Cincinnati, Baltimore and, oddly enough, Minnesota. It was a Brett Favre led Vikings squad that suffered an NFC Championship game loss due to New Orleans winning the toss and driving for a game winning filed goal.

For those that are opposed to the now former system of OT, one debate raised was the team having the ball first merely had to complete a couple of passes and connect on a field goal. I simply have this to say on that: stop them. If your defense holds, you get the ball with your chance. Remember the old saying: great defenses wins championships.

Not so sure I like this idea though. Not because it doesn't apply to the regular season, but because it has just the slightest touch of the NCAA's version of OT. The NCAA version of OT is a pure joke.

What I would have liked to see was a way to put a certain amount of time on the clock, maybe ten minutes instead of the fifteen currently played in an NFL quarter. Play until the clock reads 0:00. Isn't that what football is? A timed contest?

The next move? Approve the same for regular season games.

Where Tiger Will Return?

There have been conflicting reports about the return of Tiger Woods to the world of golf.

The New York Post is reporting that Tiger will return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Meanwhile, ESPN's Tom Rinaldi is stating that Woods is set for his return at Augusta National for The Masters. His report is in line with an Associated Press story. One other source, longtime friend of Woods Mark O'Meara, say he "wouldn't be surprised" if Tiger resurfaced at the Tavistock Cup.

All three have pros and cons and all three are highly likely.

The Tavistock Cup is particularly interesting. First, only members of Isleworth and Lake Nona communities and special invited guests are able to attend. That limits the chances for a security breech. Well, unless your a member of Isleworth that felt somewhat intruded by the incident from November. Also, the Tavistock Cup is more of a competition than a tournament. It's also only two days in length. It is held the Monday and Tuesday before the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Arnie's tournament presents more potential security issues than the other two. Tickets can be obtained by the general public and passes can be purchased to other extending areas of the course. The big plus is the relationship between Palmer and Tiger. That and the fact that Tiger has won there 6 times. It's a course that's surely to stir positive memories for Woods. It's been reported that Palmer has said Tiger will be at Bay Hill.

The Masters possesses the greatest of both worlds...to an extent. There is an extremely high chance that any unwanted guests will be unable to attend. There is a waiting list to obtain any tickets/badges for entrance. Plus, you know Augusta National will not issue any extra press credentials to those that normally do not attend. The reality of this situation is that Augusta National doesn't care nor should they. It is hallowed ground in the world of golf and they strictly adhere to their own set of rules.

The only negative is not reflective of The Masters, but of Tiger. Coming back at a major may place undue pressure upon him by himself and us. It may wind up being counter-productive if Woods plays poorly.

Here's the funny thing. This is all strictly conjecture. Woods recent hiring of Ari Fleischer as a consultant and the fact that Hank Haney is in Orlando has fueled the fires of speculation. Remember what Woods said during his "speech". Even he wasn't sure then and that was only three weeks ago.

One thing can be duly noted. It will be only when and where Tiger wants...as always.

Report: Tebow Scores 22 on Wonderlic

Now his intelligence is being questioned.

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that former Florida Gator legend Tim Tebow scored a mere 22 on his Wonderlic test. The average score for QBs is cited as 24. Just for comparison, Sam Bradford scored a 36, Colt McCoy scored a 25 and Jimmy Clausen scored a 23.

One thing to keep in mind about the Wonderlic. It is not a "tell-all" indicator of a person's actual intelligence. It's a test of general intelligence and none of the questions on the test are football related. That has been a widely criticized aspect of the test. There are also different types of tests and the one the NFL uses is a personnel test. The same one you or I may have taken in a pre-screening process in order to obtain employment.

Some prominent players have scored low and are in the Hall of Fame. It's said that Terry Bradshaw scored a 15 and Dan Marino got a 14. It works the other way, too. There are QBs that have scored high and have not fared well in the NFL. Alex Smith got a 40. David Klingler (remember him Bengals fans?)scored a 30. How have those draft picks worked out?

I've knocked Tebow ever since he announced his intentions as pursuing an NFL career as a QB. I've never thought he was mechanically sound enough to be one. Many in NFL circles have publicly stated the same. That in itself have given NFL scouts enough reason to be highly skeptical of Tebow's prospects.

This leakage of his score has led to threads being started on message boards going so far as to proclaim Tebow as an idiot. That's where the line has been crossed. To dissect his throwing motion is an essential part of evaluation process. To watch film of his days at Florida are also instrumental. The Wonderlic proves not a thing about Tim Tebow.

Something else just hit me. Why isn't anyone saying anything about Clausen's score? He only scored 1 point higher and it's below the QB average, too.

Chapman and Strasburg Shine in Debuts

Two of the most anticipated spring outings have come and gone...and left batters a bit baffled. Granted, it is only one outing, but...

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds unwrapped Aroldis Chapman. Chapman proceeded to unveil that famous 100+ mph fastball...three times. That's not what makes Chapman so special in the eyes of the Reds organization, it's because he's a lefty. Comparisons to Randy Johnson are already being thrown around.

One of the concerns going into this outing was that Chapman has no other pitch. He clarified that on Monday showing a slider and an 84-86 mph changeup. Going from that triple digit fastball to that severe change of speed on a changeup can be devastating to a hitter. How do you time that?

Royals manager Trey Hillman had the quote of the day in regards to Chapman.

"It sounded like he was throwing real hard. I couldn't see it," Royals manager Trey Hillman said, laughing. "He gets it up there. I'm not sure I've ever seen a longer stride. It looked like he was going to run out of mound."

That bids well for Chapman. Throwing at that speed and not giving any indication of effort.

Chapman's line: 2 IP, 1 hit, 1 walk, 3 K's. Yeah, impressive.

The Dynasty Keeps Rolling

In baseball, you have the New York Yankees. In the NBA, it's the Boston Celtics. The Montreal Canadians in the NHL. UCLA and John Wooden in men's basketball. Penn State in women's volleyball. Just some examples of dynasties in sports.

Add the Connecticut Lady Huskies to that list...again.

After yet another beatdown, the UConn women broke their own record for most consecutive wins in women's college basketball. They even broke their own record which was 70. It now stands at 71 with the Big East Conference tourney final against 9th ranked West Virginia coming tonight at 7:00 PM. A win would not only make it 72, but it would also give UConn the automatic bid for the NCAA women's tournament.

Like they need that automatic bid.

The one constant in both streaks has been head coach Geno Auriemma. If you get a seal of approval from Bob Knight, you've pretty much received the ultimate approval.

In assessing the miraculous run, one fact should just punch everyone, the average margin of victory of almost 33 points a game. The closest was 10. Not a single digit win. They have not even really been pushed.

All this dominance brings about a big question. Is this good for women's basketball? Anytime a team is as dominant as UConn has been, the question will be asked.

One place people look is the ratings...and they are up. View those numbers and you're immediate response is "yes". We live in a society where numbers mean so much. The increase in ratings could be a boost in ad dollars, but I have a feeling those figures are a bit skewed.

More people are watching, but they're are watching the game for two reasons. One is because it's the UConn women. The second is a byproduct of the first. They want to see if the streak will continue. It leaves all involved holding that dreaded double-edged sword.

Instead of asking if this streak is good for women's basketball, we might want to ask this: How will the interest be after UConn loses? They will eventually lose a game. That will be the true measuring stick of exactly how popular women's basketball is or if it is growing in interest.

I'm sure a few new fans have jumped on board. The previous UConn teams of the early 2000's is one reason why women's basketball holds an audience still today. It's the casual hoops fan that needs to be roped in and held. It's similar to the situation the NHL has found itself thrust into since the Olympics and the high ratings the gold medal final between the US and Canada produced.

I have no doubt that if the Lady Huskies continue this historic run all the way to the final, it will pave even more roads for women's basketball.

Just for the record, UConn has played West Virginia once this season. The final score was 80-47.

But what if they drop a game before the NCAA championship game? Will these "new fans" stick around?

Carl Edwards Caused Crash Intentionally

Update: Mike Helton just announced the Carl Edwards will be serving a probation period of the next three Sprint Cup races. Helton also stated that NASCAR will meet with Edwards and his car owner Jack Roush, Keselowski and his car owner Roger Penske.

Now doubt that crash involving Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski toward the end of yesterday's Kobolt Tools 500 in Atlanta was a horrific event. Unfortunately for NASCAR, it's the big news for the day. Not a spot they want to be in, that's for sure.

This isn't the first time Edwards and Keselowski have had a "run-in". Who could forget the wild ride Edwards took into the fence last year at Talladega. Keselowski got into the left side of Edwards' bumper and sent him soaring. There was also the spin Edwards took in Memphis during a Nationwide race. Oh, there's a history here, and the Atlanta incident could be viewed as a revenge factor from Edwards' side. But Keselowski hasn't exactly earned a lot of friends either. He's got a bit of a rep for rough driving. Just ask Denny Hamlin.

Most sports have a way of policing themselves. In baseball, there's the "brush back" pitch or the outright "beanball". In hockey, almost every team has an "enforcer" to limit shots at star players. NASCAR has a bit of the same in a "punt", knocking another driver into a spin or into a wall. Justified or not, it happens. That's what Edwards was wanting to accomplish, but the end did not justify the means.

Merely read Edwards' post on Facebook and you'll clearly see Edwards isn't hiding his main objective in wrecking Keselowski.

"My options: Considering that Brad wrecks me with no regard for anyones safety or hard work, should I: A-Keep letting him wreck me? B-Confront him after the race? C-Wait til bristol and collect other cars? or D-Take care of it now? I want to be clear that I was surprised at his flight and very relieved when he walked away. Every person has to decide what code they want to live by and hopefully this explains mine."

There are a couple of glaring omissions here, Carl. You don't give the whole story. You were 150+ laps down to the race leader. Keseleowski was running 6th and was possibly going to get a top 5 out of the deal. In this case, the correct answer is actually none of the above.

More Troubles for Big Ben?

Update #2: It has been reported that Roethlisberger talked to local authorities on the night of the alleged incident. He states he did not have intercourse with the alleged victim, but there was contact. Also in his "statement" was that the alleged victim slipped on the floor and hit her head. Roger Cossack, an ESPN legal analyst, says this could somewhat paint Roethlisberger into a corner if this is actually Ben's side of the story. The investigation could now center on disproving this account.


Also, a sample of Roethlisberger's DNA has been requested. Ed Garland, Ben's attorney, has refused this request.

Update: The local authorities will be examining evidence taken from the club in which the alleged assault occurred. The GBI also wants to interview up to eight individuals including Roethlisberger. The Roethlisberger camp in stating that no assault occurred. Roethlisberger has hired a high profile attorney Ed Garland. Garland is noted for representing Ray Lewis and T.I.

As impressive as he is on the field, it's his off the field prowess is becoming less impressive.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been identified as the accused in an alleged sexual assault of a 20 year old college student in Milledgeville, Georgia. Both Big Ben and the accuser have been interviewed and no charges have been filed. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations has since joined in the investigation and more work was to be done on the case. The story was first reported by TMZ.

This wouldn't be so big if there wasn't an open civil case involving Roethlisberger in Nevada. Last year, Andrea McNaulty filed a civil suit against Big Ben claiming rape and she was asking for $440,000 in damages from the two-time Super Bowl winning QB. No criminal charges were ever filed in this instance.

McNaulty had offered a deal to Roethlisberger, but that was denied since a public admission of the wrong doing was rumored to be part of the agreement.

Is this merely another case of Ben's fame possibly being used against him due in part to the Nevada issue or is there actually a developing pattern? Roethlisberger's agent is wary of the accuser's motive due to the alleged incident in Lake Tahoe. Roethlisberger has been cooperative with the Milledgeville and GBI authorities.

I have a sense that there's something afoot here. While TMZ is breaking this story, many will immediately dismiss it as rubbish. Some may perceive the angle in which TMZ covers a story as an unfavorable one. We may have to slightly adjust those thoughts. All other media outlets are acknowledging that TMZ has first crack at this one...and the information is correct. Sometimes, ignorance is not always bliss.

I realize that other news outlets have their stream of sources and contacts, but who's to say those are any more or less reliable than those under the arm of TMZ? All I'm saying is that it boils down to reputation.

And regardless of what transpires in Georgia, Big Ben's rep got sacked once again.

What's the Point?

We once again are observing a total meltdown. A brain cramp, if you will.

By now, you've seen this video of Baylor's Brittney Griner throwing a vicious right cross to the face of Texas Tech's Jordan Barncastle. Barncastle will most likely needs surgery, but that cannot be performed until the swelling subsides.



The NCAA mandates a one game suspension for the act. Baylor has ruled that Griner will have to sit an additional game, bringing Griner's total suspension to two games.

Two games? That's all?

It's baffling. I'm going out on a limb here and say this must be Griner's first case of being reprimanded by the university. That can be the only explanation available to anyone that can breathe. This punishment is beyond absurd.

I understand that Griner will carry this incident thoughout her career...and so does LeGarrette Blount.

The two episodes can be compared on two simple facts.

First, they both launched a punch toward a defenseless individual. There is absolutely no defending that point. Both are on video.

Second, both Blount and Griner both made a conscious decision to throw their punches. Granted, more transpired after Blount's than Griner's. Boise State's Byron Hout was taunting Blount. Barncastle had committed a hard foul on Griner. That still does not excuse either athlete to react in the manner they chose.

And don't use the defense of being "in the heat of the moment" either. All too often that "reason" is used to explain away any reaction. Controlling your emotions is also part of the game. Griner failed to do that.

While Griner gets to continue playing, Barncastle will be making an appointment with a doctor to repair the damage.

Two games. What an absolute joke.

Employer/Employee Relations - Williams is Mad at His Boss

It's the stage Steve Williams finds himself on now, but for only one reason: he's the caddie for Tiger Woods. And there are those that suggest Williams knew more than Tiger's yardage to that bunker on the left side of the green.

Williams denies any such knowledge as part of an interview on New Zealand's TV3. Williams also delivers a peek into how thing's have been for him since the incident and subsequent worldwide fallout.

"It's been the most difficult time of my life, no two ways about it, because every single person believed that I should know or did know or had something to do with it."

"I knew nothing, that's my answer. I don't have to clarify or extend that answer. I knew nothing. It would be very difficult as a caddie not to know, but I'm 100% telling you, I did not know, and that's that."

Williams is saying he's mad primarily because Tiger let his own family down. I do believe Williams on that point, but I think it all goes just a bit deeper for a couple of reasons.

Most caddies make their living based on their players payout from a tournament's purse. The golfer will pay a percentage of their winnings to the caddie. That being the case, Williams isn't making any dough since Tiger isn't playing in any tournaments. Oh, there's a tad more.

Williams also has a sponsor. Ever wonder why he doffs his caddie's bib when he and Tiger approach the tee on the 18th hole? Now you know. Williams must avoid the "guilty by association" tag that society seems to want to use on him. If that "guilt" is perceived, his sponsor would surely drop him like Gatorade, Accenture and Tag Heuer, among others, have dropped his boss. That is a realistic and legitimate concern. The pocketbook takes yet another hit.

Williams does confess that he would have blown the whistle had he known of Tiger's exploits. Not a lot of fans believe that. They're viewing Williams as playing the role of Tiger's enabler. After all, the most beloved athlete in all of the world was eventually caught with his hand in the cookie jar. So, people think Williams was acting as the lookout.

Maybe he still is...

Something about a 'Golden Horseshoe'

We're only three races into the NASCAR Sprint Cup season and Jimmie Johnson has already scored two victories. Familiar tune, isn't it?

One offseason topic was the domination of the #48 team and if that domination hurting NASCAR. I bring this up because of a comment Kevin Harvick (left) made after the race in Fontana in which Johnson received a stroke of luck.

Johnson was in the middle of a pit stop when the caution flag was waved. As the pace car was leading the drivers around, Johnson emerged from the pits, crossing that infamous white line, and avoiding going a lap down.

Oh, Harvick's opinion:

"They're really good, but they're really, really lucky, too," Harvick said. "Jimmie is a good friend mine, but there's no denying how lucky they are. They have a golden horseshoe stuck up their a--."

I wish he'd be more opinionated.

I realize this happened over a week ago, but it goes back to the thought of the #48 team's recent run of four straight championships and if it's good for the sport.

To put it in perspective, how would most baseball fans feel if the New York Yankees (either you love them or hate them) won four straight World Series? Waht about football fans if the New England Patriots won four consecutive Super Bowls? That's the company Johnson is distancing himself from.

The only true upside in this is that other teams must truly be on their "A game" every week in order to compete with Johnson and his crew. But the downside can hold potentially bad vibes for NASCAR.

The casual NASCAR fan may be tiring of seeing Johnson in victory lane. They me be tiring of hearing the same smug comments during the after race presser. I watch the race every week, have a certain driver I root for, have followed NASCAR for over two decades and this string by Johnson is ruining it for me. Not because my favorite driver isn't winning, but because it's just plain getting tiresome.

But something hit me about the "golden horseshoe" of which Harvick spoke. Harvick is making me see the light brighter and brighter. And he's correct. I did a little digging into the Sprint Cup Championships Johnson has won and found that he is truly lucky to have the four in a row.

Can the NHL get this right?

The ratings are in and the news is all good. The gold medal match between the USA and Canada grabbed a share of 17.6. It is the second highest non-NFL program for 2010, next to the BCS Championship Game. That ought to be good news for both NBC and the NHL, right?

For NBC it is, but what about the NHL? What direction? How will NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the rest of the league handle the potential surge of interest? Will there even be a surge of interest?

Well, for starters, the NHL already received from free publicity from NBC and may not even realize it. During every Olympic men's hockey game, the announcers went out of their way to acquaint you with players and the NHL team for which they played. You would hear "Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks" or "Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks" or "Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins" in every game. That is excellent work by all involved.

But NBC's role is by far over. They can capitalize on the very Olympics they just finished covering. In their NHL promos, refer to certain players and the Olympic team they played on. Flip the field used in the Olympic braodcasts. If a Blackhawks/Sharks game is to be aired, use Kane or Marleau or any other Olympian in the promo and state the fact that they played in the Olympics and the country they played for. Versus could do the same for its weekly broadcasts as well. There is a crossover of announcers and analysts between the networks. Each of the NHL's 30 teams should implement a similar strategy in its home market.

Get Reebok more involved. Reebok currently provides authentic gear for the league. Imagine a Reebok commercial airing in prime time with video of Sidney Crosby scoring that overtime goal to win the gold or Ryan Miller (right) making one of his many spectacular Olympic saves.

One of the biggest complaint I hear from the non-hockey contingent is the excessive number of TV timeouts compared to the Olympic coverage. There is a way to correct that, but a deal between the NHL, the teams and the advertisers and sponsors must be agreed upon. Here's my solution and it's simple.

For those that have watched an MLS soccer game, you know where I'm going here. On all MLS broadcasts (and some international matches carried by other networks), you will notice the graphic showing the score and the time remaining. Also, within that graphic is also a logo for certain companies. Those companies are sponsoring uninterrupted play. You can limit the number of commercial interruptions this way. This is an issue I have with the beloved NFL. A team scores a touchdown, kicks a PAT and the network airs a commercial. No big deal. Return from commercial for the kickoff and then...another freaking commercial. It usually makes me switch the channel bacause I don't want to see another commercial since I just saw one not even a minute ago. Plus, it's frustrating.