Standouts and Today's O.J. Winner

And the O.J. goes to...

This is starting to sound a bit like a broken record but the NBA just seems to have more than its share of idiots grabbing boards and headlines. Timberwolves player Al Jefferson is the recipient of today’s O.J. for his Sunday morning arrest for suspicion of DWI.

Jefferson was stopped by a Minnesota State Trooper early Sunday morning on Highway 394 for speeding in a 40PMPH zone. Unlike yesterday’s O.J. winner, Carlos Arroyo, Jefferson was very cooperative and very remorseful, issuing an apology to the public.

I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night.
I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself. I will learn from my mistake so that it does not happen again.

Jefferson will be suspended for two games without pay. We hope that this is a lesson that Jefferson learns and doesn’t repeat, mostly because you just hate to see good people make bad decisions.

Standouts....
Even though he didn't participate in many of the workouts and skills at the NFL Combine, Tim Tebow is still improving his stock with the skills that he did participate in. He showed his football I.Q. during the interviews and no one can really dispute his ability to run an offense to perfection.

BYU running back Manase Tonga may not have turned in the best 40-time but you gotta give him an A for effort. He looks trim and appeared to impress scouts with his speed despite his weight and you can't forget that the guy can block like a train in rush hour traffic.

But it was running backs C.J. Spiller, Montario Hardesty and Jahvid Best along with wide receivers Arrelious Benn and Jacoby Ford that really impressed me most. I'm really looking forward to seeing the defensive linemen and linebackers participate in the skills tomorrow. Daniel Te'o-Neshiem put up a respectable 29 reps (one of the days best) but it is Ndamukong Suh (32 reps) that everyone is eager to see.

Today's O.J. Winner is....

In keeping with an NBA theme, today’s “O.J. “ goes to Miami Heat guard Carlos Arroyo who was driving suspiciously in Coral Gables, FL. Arroyo refused to pull over and when he finally did, he refused to get out of his vehicle after repeated requests from a police officer.

Arroyo says that the matter will all work out in his favor when the facts come out in court. Apparently he was on his way practice. I wonder if he was texting while driving? It just seems odd that someone would be such an idiot, rather than cooperate with police?

Miami Heat adidas 2009-2010 On-Court Warm Up Track Jacket

NFL Combine: O-Linemen and Tight Ends

I've been watching quite a bit of the NFL combine today and have been very impressed by several players. Today scouts and coaches worked out offensive linemen, tight ends and kickers. There have been some very big names putting up impressive numbers in the speed, power and agility drills but there have also been several big (notable) names missing today.

As expected, Idaho Offensive Guard Mike Iupati is causing a stir. Iowa's Tony Moeaki was also impressive despite battling through injuries throughout his college career. Also showing that he is worth a look from coaches and scouts is Arizona State's Shawn Lauvao. But it was Dennis Pitta, Tight End from BYU who has really solidified himself in the upcoming draft. Oklahoma State Offensive Tackle Russell Okung lived up to the hype until he went down with a groin injury.

Will there be more standouts tomorrow when the quarterbacks and running backs participate in drills tomorrow? As usual, there will be a few 'projects' that will emerge in tomorrow's workouts because several players are planning on skipping several of the drills at the combine all together. Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy decided not to participate in the bench press.

The NFL Combine continues tomorrow from Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.

NFL New Orleans Saints: Best Games of the 2009 Regular Season 

NEW: The Context Sports O.J. Award

Contrary to popular opinion (sarcasm is one of my strong suits), celebrities are an invaluable source of incredible stupidity. There is a very deep well to draw from; an endless supply of material, and I’m tapping into it. Celebrities do and say the most bizarre, absolutely, insane and inane things and I’m happy to supply with a few samples every week.

Though there are hundreds to choose from in movies, television, radio and politics, I will concentrate my efforts to dig up humorous stories from the world of sports.

And who better to name this award of idiocy after than the all-time sports idiot, O.J. Simpson. You know, the guy who had the world in his hands and decided instead to throttle and slash his ex-wife and her boyfriend to death.

It is for him that I respectfully and endearingly name our award: The Context Sports, O.J. Simpson Award for Excellence in Stupidity. Nicknamed, “The O.J.”

Today’s recipient is former NBA star Alvin Robertson. The 47-year-old was today charged with sexual assault of a child, trafficking an underage child for purposes of sex and forcing a sexual performance by a child.

The former Spur and 10-time All-Star has not been apprehended as yet but we’re hoping that when he is, the judicial process does not drag its feet and let him off on a technicality like they did with O.J.

For that, Mr. Robertson wins The O.J. and a hopefully a dance with the thick cell mate in prison.

O.J. Simpson Buffalo Bills Autographed Blue Throwback jersey

Oh Brother, where art thou?

A Vietnamese proverb teaches us, “Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet.” Think about it for a minute and you come to understand how the people who know us best can either buoy us up or bring us down. They are present to share in our triumphs and they are there to help us endure the trials. Siblings give life substance. They make the world matter, years before our friends, our careers and our lovers give us purpose.

Growing up, I always wanted to be like my older brother. He was permanently leaps and bounds ahead of me athletically (and many would agree that he was also light years ahead of me in moral character but that’s a different story). His excellence at excelling at life challenged me to be a better person as a youth that has carried over into adulthood.

So it is a bit surprising to read the case of baseball’s Mark McGwire and his relationship with his estranged younger brother Jay. The elder McGwire’s storied Major League Baseball career has been marred by allegations of steroid and human growth hormone (HGH) abuse.

There are famous siblings like Shannon and Sterling Sharpe, Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko , Ramon and Pedro Martinez, Sandy and Roberto Alomar, Petyon and Eli Manning, Tiki and Ronde Barber and of course the famous tennis sisters Serena and Venus Williams. Although the younger McGwire has been anything but famous, it is his soon to be released book, "Mark and Me: Mark McGwire and the Truth Behind Baseball's Worst-Kept Secret," that Jay McGwire is hoping will catapult him into the stardom that he so desperately craves. But at what price?

Sibling rivalry is common place in our homes just as much as it is in on the fields of play across America. But did Jay’s love of the limelight and his wish to be elevated to the status of his famous brother drive him to betray the guy who had taken him in and cared for him when he was down in the dumps?

The most telling sign of the relationship between the McGwire boys is Mark’s statement to the media.

"You try to be a good person, you try to take care of somebody, be a good brother," said McGwire, trailing off. "It's sort of sad. It's a sad day for my family. I don't know how a family member could do something like that."

Hard to say. I definitely would not stand by and let my brother break the law without consequences but then again, I’ve never profited from putting my family under scrutiny. Would Jay McGwire have been as forthcoming with his revealing, tell-all book if Mark McGwire was working at Wal-Mart? What do you think?

Tatupu Dead at Age 54

This man was a legend. A Polynesian pioneer who blazed the trail for younger players into the NFL. He was an All-Pro special teams player who became an adopted son in Massachusetts where he dazzled fans with his can-do attitude, his endearing smile and his work ethic. He was a blue collar player who was not concerned much with where he played on the field, but rather with how well he could get the job done.

Tatupu was the kind of player you wanted in the locker room because he could elevate other players with his attitude. But he was equally important on the field where he rushed for 2,415 yards in a career that spanned from 1978 - 1990. But the yards do not take into account all of the things that Mosi did on and off the field.

No information has been released as the cause of his death but many can believe that his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his family members, including his son Lofa, a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.

So powerful was the influence of this former USC Trojan that the NFL named an award after him. An honor that is given a player that has exemplified Mosi Tatupu in life and on the field.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft summed up the impact of this pioneering player who was a life changing individual in a press release:

"I was shocked by the news this morning. My sons and I loved to watch Mosi. He was one of our favorite players for more than a decade. I don't think you could watch a Patriots game in the '80s without becoming a fan of his. He was a dominant special teams player and a punishing rusher who loved the Patriots as much as the fans did. He gave everything that he had on every play and immediately became a fan favorite. He was an iconic player and will be remembered for all of his contributions as a Patriot, both on and off the field. Our sincere condolences go out to all of Mosi's family, former teammates and many friends who are mourning his loss today."

God bless the memory of Mosi Tatupu and may his family be blessed with comfort in their time of need.

Blindsiding a Storm

No one really knows whether or not ESPN's Tony Kornheiser is truly remorseful for his off-color comments about colleague Hannah Storm's wardrobe. Kornheiser made the remarks in a radio interview, earning him a two-week suspension from his show, "Pardon the Interruption".

One thing (among many things) that really bugs me about the suspension is, 'why did ESPN decide to mete out punishment to Kornheiser for his comments when it is clear that ESPN has cultivated this culture of irreverence over the years? It can be argued that ESPN started out speaking its mind in the early years, only to be whipped into submission as it grew up by corporate lawyers and big money sponsors.

Can you blame them? I mean, who wouldn’t tone down their act to make sure that the bills are paid week-to-week? And don’t forget that in our politically correct universe, Kornhiser’s comments would have put ESPN back in the doghouse with a few lobbyists and activists.

But wouldn’t it be great if we could just speak our minds without repercussion? I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m all about being judicious and self-moderating my public outbursts but doesn’t this speak volumes about Kornhiser’s character? I know I’m a jerk but sometimes a camera and direct access to the world tends to throw a cloak over who we truly are. And honestly, Hannah Storm said she was hurt and initially surprised but she moved on and probably went out and bought more thousand dollar boots and plaid skirts to add to her wardrobe. And truly, should Storm be wearing those outfits? You be the judge.

I may be way off the mark and Kornhiser may be a saint, but something tells me that ESPN is setting up the rest of the world, particularly corporate America, for a long, rocky road where we have to keep our words and tongues in check.

Some people should not Facebook

At the very least, if you're an Oregon Duck, don't update your Facebook status with a long string of expletives and don't mix in racist rhetoric.

In the case of Oregon wide receiver Jamere Holland who was released from the team this morning by head coach Chip Kelly someone should have told this idiot that there is a reason they call this the World Wide Web. Maybe coach Kelly should invest a few dollars in "Internet For Dummies" books to educate guys like Holland on posting information to the Web.

I mean, who posts something like this on Facebook: "I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I'm misunderstood." Apparently, guys like Holland who thought this was not going to be read by millions, not just his friends.

It appears coach Kelly is done babysitting guys like Holland. If I were in Kelly's shoes (and maybe this is the primary reason I'm not), guys like Kelly would be posting FB updates like, "I'm working the night shift at Denny's tonight. Come get an order of Moons over My Hammy".

A man with no quad, is no man to me!

Emboldened by the support of his fearless leader, Russian figure skater Yevgeny Plushenko told adoring fans through Russian media that he was robbed of the gold medal by judges who instead awarded the gold to American Evan Lysacek. Can you hear cats fighting in your alley yet?

Said Plushenko, “You can't be considered a true men's champion without a quad.” Uh, Yevgeny…you can’t be considered a man wearing sequined spandex and dancing like a parlor maid.

Plushenko continues, "For someone to stand on top of the podium with the gold medal around his neck by just doing triple jumps, to me it's not progress, it's a regress because we've done triples 10 or even 20 years ago." And those of a sound mind believe that the triple jump is an incredible event in the real Olympics held every fourth summer.

Finally, "If the Olympic champion doesn't know how to jump quad, I don't know…Now it's not figure skating. Now it's dancing." And any guy who thinks that the words ‘men’, ‘figure’ and ‘skating’ should all go together should be a dancer not a fighter!

Hey Yevgeny, enjoy the silver medal and come back in four years. Maybe by then we will have men’s pairs figure skating and you and Evan can skate together in matching feathers and spandex to your hearts delight. The media will have another field day talking up the “drama” and the “passion” and the “regality” of your event. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be watching Lindsey Vonn and Shaun White.

If Elin was Samoan

What more is there to make of Tiger Woods' public confession to infidelity? How much more can the guy grovel in self-pity and hide from his once adoring fans before the public can forget about his sordid life outside of the media's glare? Like all things that have a (negative) lasting effect on our perception of the mighty and powerful beings that flit in and out of our television and with whom we are fascinated by, only time will tell.

Although Tiger is not the first sports celebrity to fall the trappings of the high life, he is by far the most intriguing and internationally known star to fall from grace. Was it because he lived under the façade of a perfect, story-book life with his beautiful wife Elin? Was it the fact that the guy was (before the real Tiger stood up) a clean cut, morally untouchable iconic figure with talent, style, poise and prestige?

No one truly knows what is in the mind of a man but if Elin were Samoan this much would be true, Tiger would have been dragged out into the street by her brothers, publicly flogged and then forced to buy the family dinner at the local L&L. And you can guarantee that if Elin were truly Samoan, she would have used much more than his 7-iron to teach him a lesson.

All that aside, let’s consider the fact that no matter who you are and no matter what magnificent things you can do with a golf club, tennis racket, football or a new pair of Air Jordan’s, you still have a mother who loves you, you’re still prone to human failings and when we fall, we become better people when we rise.

Three College Recruiting Tips and Advice

After spending several years now surrounded by people who are heavily involved in high school, college and professional sports, its always interesting to watch how the recruiting process unfolds. Some parents have already gone through the process and are veterans of the recruiting game. But there are far more parents who are relatively inexperienced. Not everyone is going to have coaches knocking down their doors like Haloti Ngata so its important to be prepared.

Anela Willis found that the there were more positives to the recruiting process than negatives. Her son Reuben is a Sophomore linebacker at Utah State University. Before moving to his new home in Logan, UT Willis spent a year at El Camino Junior College where he earned All-Central Conference honors.

Before Reuben enrolled at Utah State, Anela traveled the country, met with coaches, toured facilities on campus and explored every possible alternative before deciding on the Aggies.

"Upon learning all the perks of college football...lifestyle, seeing what all these amazing schools had to offer and also meeting some of the most amazing men (coaches) some who were very sincere and others who it was just a job and going through the motions...I was able to see what coaches have to go through," Anela said about her experience.

"To be honest every school we visited with him from oregon, arizona, byu, utah, cal, san diego st, utah state - all the schools had something great to offer."

Although each athlete has their own unique experiences, portions of Anela's story are similar to the experiences of other parents. It is a difficult and ultimately life altering experience.

Alema Te'o who coaches high school athletes at Bountiful High School and is the President of All Poly Sports, a full contact football camp held every year in Salt Lake City, gives us a sample of what parents should expect.

"Coaches look at the Big Three: Size, Speed and Agility.'

"Recruits must keep the following things in mind, their academic status (clearing house, test scores etc..), [whether or not] they want to stay close to home or go out of state, what school fits their major and if the program and the football program's scheme fits their abilities."

Perhaps the most important advice Te'o can give to young athletes and their parents is, make sure you develop good study habits and maintain good grades throughout high school.

"Start by developing good study habits, be on time, be responsible with your studies, practice making good choices."

Recently appointed Utah State running backs coach Ilaisa Tuiaki adds, "If someone is behind in school, their chances of being recruited go way down."

Tuiaki also suggests that all athletes prepare a highlight video to send out to potential colleges and coaches.

Most coaches are looking for a specific quality in their players and Tuiaki is no different.

"I look for the high intensity, high motor player. That means I am looking for the kid that is running everywhere. I want the kid that is chasing guys down from the back and running to the ball when the play goes away from him. This is a learned habit. Your high school coach might not be used to teaching this and that is why we think it is more of a personality trait more than a trained habit."

Finally, Tuiaki says that when shopping around for colleges, "Don’t be picky. Sometimes you are a good player but you just don't fit into the numbers that certain schools are looking for. Recruiting is a numbers and needs game. One college can't take every kid they love. You need to be up front and precise about what you want and ask what the college wants."

Bottom line, although there are more and more Polynesian athletes moving on to fulfill athletic and academic obligations across the nation, there are a lot of things to keep in mind.

Before you go shopping:

1) Know what you want - Decide which colleges are best for you and provide what you need to succeed.

2) Prepare now - Have good study habits and be prepared to workout harder than you ever have before.

3) Do your own scouting - Learn about the schools you are interested in, talk to former players.

Samoa Outpace New Zealand for USA Sevens Title

Samoa hoists their first-ever USA Sevens Cup in Las Vegas.

Nearly 24-hours after the USA Sevens came to close, the rugby world is still buzzing about Samoa's easy disposal of perennial rugby powerhouse and defending IRB Sevens Champs New Zealand for a 33-12 win in Las Vegas.

From the stands I watched as Samoa trumped Scotland (41-12), Chile (29-12) and wily sevens heart-stoppers Kenya (19-7) in Saturday's Pool C matches. at the end of the first day it was clear that New Zealand was on its way to the finals followed closely by their southern hemisphere rivals Australia and South Africa.

But it was Samoa who was the dark horse of the competition this time who were spurned on by veteran Uale Mai who controlled the ebb and flow of each match, marshalling his troops to victory alongside the ever imposing Mikaele Pesamino and stalwarts Simaika Mikaele, Timoteo Iosua, Lolo Lui and Fautua Otto.

I have to admit (and I'll gladly list the names of other Samoan fans who were present that jumped on the same boat we floated without a paddle), that I was pessimistic going into the semi-finals against Australia. After witnessing the close call against Wales where Samoa edged out a hard-fought win just before the final buzzer, I had a hard lump of skeptisism in my chest as the boys lined up against Australia in the semis. And rightfully so as Brian Karuria-Henry and the Aussies put up an incredible display of gut and grits against Samoa. Australia's Kimami Situati was brilliant, running in two tries but it was the boot of Lolo Lui who saved the day, slotting in the conversion that sent Australia home and Manu Samoa on to face the might of New Zealand.

New Zealand came into the finals a bit battered and bruised after hard fought Pool A victories over Australia and France along with a walk over Guyana. And in day two of the competition they took some punishment against South Africa and although the final score does not give it justice, Kenya really roughed them up before bowing out 21-7.

Samoa came into the final after a bitter loss to Fiji in Wellington, denied entry to the cup quarters in George and a loss at the hands of New Zealand in the cup finals in Dubai. Redemption was at hand for the boys in blue but the tension was thicker in the stands than it was on the pitch. From the opening kick-off when Samoa handled the ball sloppily resulting in a turnover that resulted in a NZ try, nearly dampening the Samoan spirit before the contest had even started. But Sam Boyd Stadium did not fall into a despair and the chilly night air was about to be electrified by the brilliance of Alafoti Fa'osiliva and top tournament try-scoring machine Pesamino.

As both teams fought desperately to maintain control of the game, NZ's crisp passing and a few fortunate penalties in the oppositions side put them inside the twenty-two meter line with seconds ticking away before the half-time whistle. But just as the try line appeared to be just a heart beat away, Pesamino intercepted the first of two passes on the night, both resulting in sensational tries.

Alafoti Fa'osiliva was named Player of the Tournament for his game-breaking abilities and sevens tries over the two day event making the first Las Vegas event a total success for Samoa.

The United States continues to show vast improvement with each IRB Sevens Series leg. They nearly toppled the might of Fiji in their opening USA Sevens match (14-12), nearly outclassed the South Africans and beat up on their North American counterparts Canada to close day one.

The US went on to victories against Guyana and an incredible win over Argentina that set up their Bowl showdown with France. The crowd cheered the home team on to a 28-17 victory, led by Matt Hawkins, Nese Malifa and Mile Pulu. I also have to put in a shameless plug for recent rugby convert Leonard Peters. Gotta love a guy who can seamlessly switch from gridiron to rugby in such a short amount of time. The guy is a class act.

Despite a dismal showing from Fiji, the Pacific did very well this time around. Samoa is now just two points ahead of Fiji in the overall standings at 70, but New Zealand still holds a sizeable lead with 84 points.

Is Sin City Ready to Ruck?

I’ve been a faithful partygoer at the USA Sevens event since the inaugural competition in Carson, CA back in 2004. Since then its moved from the Home Depot Center to Petco Park in San Diego (2007) where the tournament rapidly grew into a party like atmosphere for people traveling from abroad and around the country.

During its three year stint in San Diego, the people of that beautiful city have helped precipitate the tournaments growth thanks to its clean environment, a bustling city with several amenities and a raucous rugby crowd. This year tournament Director Dan Lyle of USA Rugby has pulled stakes yet again and moved it to the desert, a decision that has everyone wondering, ‘Why ruin a good thing?’

But Lyle insists that it is a good business decision and points to Las Vegas’ easy access, its ability to provide entertainment and its global draw. Lyle believes that Las Vegas has the potential to compete with the IRB Sevens Series’ most popular destinations, Hong Kong, Dubai and Wellington, NZ.

Understandably it is a central location to some of the USA’s rugby breeding grounds. Although there are established clubs on the eastern seaboard, there seems to be a much larger fan base west of the Rockies and its 300 miles closer for USA Rugby Executives who are based in Boulder, CO.

Vegas is smack dab in the middle of hundreds of rugby clubs from California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and of course the new home of the USA Sevens, Nevada. I’m really looking forward to see how Vegas is going to top San Diego. Will it be as popular a draw as it was at Petco Park? Only time will tell but judging by the number of people I already know who are heading down this weekend, its going to be another powder keg ready to explode!

Why are your balls oblong?

Get a group of testosterone laden, chest bumping hooligans together and throw a topic in the middle no matter how mundane and eventually they will find a way to segue into what almost always matters most in life: sports! Amongst Pacific Islander males who have had some significant exposure to two pervasively masculine sports, ultimately the conversation steers towards the topic of, ‘Which is bigger, yours or mine?’

In the United States there is no comparison between the game of rugby and its counterpart, American Football, thanks in large part to the National Football League which has made it a mainstream phenomenon. There are names in the NFL that are more popular amongst children and youths than politicians, Brad Pitt and his country brother Brad Paisley combined. Say the name Troy Polamalu and everyone from California in the west to Pittsburgh in the east can tell you that he is the long haired hitting machine that wears No. 43 for the Steelers. Say the same name in an English pub and their bound to throw you out with an accusation that you are cussing in your native tongue. Arguably the same can be said of rugby stars with a large international draw like Jonny Wilkinson or Jonah Lomu. If you don’t follow the sport, chances are you really don’t know the daily intricacies and dramas.

A long standing argument is that rugby players are tougher than football players because they don’t wear pads. Football players argue that if a rugby player were to stand in the path of a 240-pound wrecking ball they would get a better appreciation for the hits they sustain every Friday night under the lights or on Sunday afternoons on CBS.

Rugby players have better stamina and conditioning because the dimensions of the pitch is larger and they run non-stop for 40 minutes, rest for 15 and then run another 40 with a bit of stoppage time for good measure. Football players will contend that running at top speed, colliding head on with a wooly mammoth and sustaining that type of punishment for four 15 minute quarters will never be classified as a brisk stroll in the park followed by crumpets and tea on the lawn.

Regardless, there are minutiae in the preparation and execution of each game. There is a wholesome combination of speed, power and agility on both ends of the spectrum. There is fault and folly; there are oversights and lapses in judgment. But overall, whether you’re a fan of one or the other, once you come to understand the particulars of the game you least understand, you come to the realization that rugby players and football players are athletes with a love and a passion for their game of choice.

Why I'm an Addict

Edward R. Murrow once said, "Just once in a while let us exalt the importance of ideas and information." All thoughts have the ability to invoke a reaction, good or bad. I appreciate the exchange of information and it is the reason that I started this blog. My thoughts, in writing, are seldom right. But it's not the reason that I began writing in the first place. Writing, is my attempt to 'vocalize' my opinion, solicit a response and amplify my belief in the Pacific Islander experience.

When I began writing many years ago, my sole intent was to give Pacific Islanders (young and old), positive stories from people of Pacific Island ancestry. None of these athletes, entertainers, educators, etc are perfect. However, it is their ability to rise above their situation, whether those circumstances are economic, personal or a result of societal woes, is the impetus that compels me to write.

Along the way my opinions have been met by more than an occasional resisitance, often open opposition to my views regarding talent on the stage and on the fields  and courts of the world. Sometimes the comments are hostile but more often than not, the opinions expressed are constructive and thought provoking. Though it is difficult to sometimes read harsh comments I've come to understand that criticism helps me to further refine my craft and to accept the opinions of others as part of the process and not just as objectionable ranting.

After all these years the irresistable obsession still urges me on in the hopes that young Pacific Islanders will capture the spirit embodied in the work ethic and the perseverance of others and learn in turn to uncover pride and objectivity in their own efforts.

If you have ideas or subject matter that you would like me to research and write about, feel free to email me at contextsports@gmail.com.

WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?

What should 12 and 13-year-old kids be doing on a typical afternoon? Riding bikes in the summer, snowboarding in the winter. Perhaps reading a book and chatting it up with friends. Sadly, for some tweens and teens they are being exploited by the media and college coaches. Its nothing new to the world of sports but its still a puzzling one all the same.

This week, 13-year-old David Sills of Bear, Delaware verbally committed to USC and their ever enigmatic head coach Lane Kiffin.

Is it too early to tell if a kid is going to be the next Matt Leinart or Matt Barkley? according to personal quarterback coach Steve Clarkson, who by the way discovered Leinart and Barkley, not so in the case of Sills who he believes is going to be the next big star when he is officially eligible to sign his letter of intent...in 2015.

Sills' father David senior, is adamant that if we were in his shoes we would do the same.

Quoting from ESPN, Sills Senior says, "The way I look at it is if David was a phenomenal mathematician and I held him back, wouldn't that be wrong? If he was a great piano player or a gifted child actor and I held him back, wouldn't that be wrong?" Sills' father asked. "There are a lot of things that people don't put a negative stigmatism to because they're considered prodigies and all I'm doing is saying David has been recognized as a decent athlete and I'm allowing him to fulfill whatever opportunities that he can. It's as simple as that. There's no pressure, there's gentle encouragement. He's the one that always says dad let's go to the gym and let's throw. It's what he enjoys doing. If he ever got to a point where he doesn't love what he does I told him to stop."

I think there is a difference between solving algorithms as a math prodigy and getting your mind and your body beaten down daily in the hopes that you may be the next great Leinart. And five years from now, will Clarkson's prophecy hold true? He's banking on it with an all out media blitz that includes possible appearances on Oprah and Ellen.

So what do you think? Too much too soon or not enough face time on ESPN? I'm on my way to drop my 7th grader to play a game of pick-up basketball. Maybe Tom Izzo will be there.

Feminist Vilifies Vonn

I'm just going to put it out there, Lindsay Vonn is a very talented skier who also happens to be an attractive woman. She is also on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Should she be on the cover because she's attractive or because she's a great skier representing her country in the Olympics?

According to Dr. Nicole M. LaVoi of Women Talk Sports, Vonn's appearance on the cover of SI is in line with the magazines historical portrayal of women: that women are objects who are often shown in "sexualized poses" in the rare instance that they do appear on the cover.

As stated, I agree that Vonn is attractive. I also agree that she is an exceptional athlete. But until LaVoi pointed out that she appears to be in a sexual position, the only thing I saw was Vonn simulating what downhill skiers do....SKI!

If you read LaVoi's latest response on her blog to the fire she is fanning you'll find that she comes off more and more like a woman who despises attractive women. Thanks for sexualizing a photo that was, until now, an image of a successful, attractive female athlete. I think if you're going to be a feminist, you had better defend feminism and not provide fodder for the people you are trying to demonize.