My how quickly things change these days. Just two days ago, FIFA President Sepp Blatter was insinuating that the United States and England were making false accusations against him and his organization out of bitterness over not being chosen to host upcoming World Cup events. Now, Blatter is resigning as word comes out that he is on the verge of being charged with widespread corruption. Blatter has been affiliated with FIFA for 40 years. That kind of tenure within an organization leads to corruption and temptation caused by too much acquired power. Does Congress come to anyone else`s mind? Term limits? And Sepp, yes America and England investigated because they lost out on hosting World Cups. That`s what this corruption case is all about. Your people getting paid millions to award the event to a country. My question is `America couldn`t outbid and win this thing?` It`s not like we operate on a budget or anything.
The Atlanta Falcons opted to release linebacker Prince Shembo after he was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend`s dog. While I applaud the quick response by the Atlanta I have to ask, what do the Falcons have against dogs. First the Mike Vick atrocities, then Jonathon Babineaux killed his girlfriend`s dog Kilo (although it appears that he killed the pit bull to protect his daughter) and now Shembo appears to have kicked his girlfriend`s Yorkie causing fatal injuries. I advise against the Falcons hosting a `bring your dog to the game` promotion. It could be catastrophic.
On the heels of five SEC teams making the NCAA Women`s College World Series in softball, there are five SEC teams in the 16 baseball teams remaining in the Super Regionals. It is not hard to understand why there is so much envy and vitriol toward the conference. Don`t hate us because we`re beautiful. Florida will host Florida State in what can only be called a grudge match. It should be fun.
I see that Johnny Manziel is in the news again. This time for throwing a water bottle at a fan that was heckling him. It`s not really a big deal and if it was someone else it would barely be a story. But, it is yet another example of poor decision making by a person who has a long list of those already. I still believe that Manziel will never amount to anything in the NFL. He is a head case and that just isn`t what you want at the most important position on your team. I predict that this will be his last season with the Cleveland Browns. How long before he is the guy Tim Tebow is battling for the third QB spot somewhere in the offseason?
For all of the pining over the roster the Atlanta Braves put together for the 2015 campaign somehow Atlanta is only three games out of first in the NL East. If not for a horribly undependable bullpen, this team might actually have a chance.
The NBA Finals begin Thursday. After watching the hideous Eastern Conference finals, I just cannot drum up any interest in the Finals. It is quite possible that I will not watch a single minute of it. I am pulling for Golden State to win it all. I just can`t stand watching Lebron James whine about not being fouled all the while mauling his opponent nearly every trip down court. I hope Stephen Curry shoots the lights out. I was hoping to be commenting on the Florida Gators softball team repeating as national champions but as I write this Michigan has just evened the series at one game apiece forcing a game three in the series. Go Gators.
Mark Miller
