The Corner of Controversy and Criticism- 11/9/2014
The NFL has the Super Bowl, the NHL has the Stanley Cup, College Basketball has the Final Four but next week at Homestead-Miami four NASCAR drivers will compete to become NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. The four drivers are Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman. This season has been quite intense and NASCAR has got what they wanted which is better ratings. I still don’t agree with the the system. One race should not determine the championship. It should be based on all 36 races and how consistent you perform. Think about it from the point of view. Brad Keselowski had 6 wins, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had 4 wins, Jeff Gordon 4 wins, and Jimmie Johnson had 4 wins. None of these four have a shot at winning the title because of these elimination rounds. Then there is Ryan Newman who has been consistent all year round but hasn’t won a race. I personally the four drivers who have the most wins during the season should get an automatic bye into the last race before the championship race. It’s exciting that there will be a new champion but I think NASCAR needs to rethink how a driver should earn a championship. I have no doubt it will be a good race and that whoever wins the championship will have earned it in that race.
Speaking of earning things, both Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice are looking to get reinstated back into the NFL. I personally think that both of them should have to take some classes, and perform some community service before either of them have a chance to get back in the NFL. Playing a sport is not a right, it’s a privilege that should not be taken lightly. Too many athletes have done wrong for too long so it’s time to set and make an example out of these athletes that they are not above the law. If I was an NFL team owner I would not either player on my team at this point due to the distractions. I think for now the focus needs to be off of them and on the playoff races in the AFC and NFC. Once this season is over then they should talk about the returns of Rice and Peterson. It’s sad that these two great football players have been a big disappointment.
When it comes to disappointing you can’t help but think about the Los Angeles Lakers who still have not won a game yet this season. For the longest time I remember when the Clippers were the 2nd team in L.A. and they couldn’t win to save themselves. Now the roles are reversed and yet people still talk more about the Lakers losing then they do the Clippers winning. Kobe Bryant should have done more to lobby players to come play with him. This is embarrassing to the legacy of the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant is one of those guys who should go out on top. It’s pathetic, sad and heartbreaking at the same time. When Kobe goes it’s going to be even worse to build a franchise without him there. It’s going to take a lot of years for the Lakers to become a dynasty again. Los Angeles fans are just going to have to get behind the Clippers because right now they are the best thing in L.A.
This past weekend I was watching Ring of Honor Wrestling and I have to say I was very impressed with the progression and development of former NFL Player Quinn Ojinnaka aka Moose. This guy is such a naturally gifted athlete who moves around pretty well for a big heavyweight. He could join the likes of Ernie Ladd, Wahoo McDaniel, Lex Luger, Brian Pillman, and Goldberg who are transitioned from football to wrestling and were successful. There is a huge list of pro wrestlers with football backgrounds that are successful but Moose could be a huge standout if he is used properly. I am honestly shocked WWE did not sign this guy and made him the next big star in the company. If you do not watch Ring of Honor Wrestling then I highly suggest you do and keep an eye out for Moose. You will be just as impressed as I was.
This time next week NASCAR will join Major League Baseball and be in their off-season. Not much takes place in the NASCAR off-season except for testing but you can bet a lot of free agent signings in baseball will start to take place and become very newsworthy. Until then be safe, be strong, and believe in yourself. Controversy Doesn’t Come Without Criticism!
