A National Holiday

Baseball fans can rejoice because America's pasttime is back. Bosses, on
the other hand, fear Opening Day like the plague because it means zero
productivity from every employee.

For many bosses around the country, Opening Day might as well be a holiday. More employees call in sick  this day than any other day during the year. Even those who do make it into work are constantly distracted by watching their favorite team online and trying to look at last-minute projections for the season.

The real question is, why are we so fascinated with baseball?

Make no mistake, I'm just as sick as the rest of the world when it comes to America's pasttime. Nothing makes me happier than soaking up the sun and enjoying athletes run around the diamond for hours on end.

But the real reason behind our love for baseball comes from what it means. For all fans – even those that cheer on the Cubs or the Royals – baseball is a sign of hope springing eternal.

Not only does baseball give us hope, it's also a sign of winter's end. With each passing game, the promise of warmer weather at a sun-splashed ballpark let's us know that spring is just around the corner – even after a long winter such as this one.

Baseball is there to remind us of simpler times. The sport itself is not all that complicated and almost every son or daughter has memories of going to the ballpark with their parents. Teams are spread all across the nation – from the professional ranks to amateurs. Perhaps that's the reason why people in Hollywood tend to favor it more than any other sport.

With the thought of baseball also comes the ideas hot dogs, peanuts, sunflower seeds and beer. Even in this day where you might need a second mortgage on your house just to attend a game, the fact that you can choose to do nothing for hours on end makes the high cost well worth it.

So on this day, I lift a glass and say cheers to you Alexander Cartwright... and to the English, who originally came up with a similar game in the mid-1700s. For without you, many of us would be stuck in our cubicles working with no end to winter in sight.

Pounding The Pavement

Was that a truck that just passed you during
the Los Angeles Marathon? Nope, it was
former U.S. sumo champion Kelly Gneiting.

For those of us who have tried, running a marathon is no simple task. It requires training, determination and a special kind of athlete to complete the course without throwing in the towel.

Kelly Gneiting is not your typical athlete. The former U.S. sumo champion's daily diet could feed an entire colony in Uganda for a week.

But not hunger, shin splints nor anything else could stop the 400-pound Fort Defiance, Ariz. native during the Los Angeles Marathon last Sunday.

As Americans continue to look more and more the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Gneiting proved that there is hope. While he didn't set any land-speed records – finishing in 9 hours, 48 minutes and 42 seconds – he did become the heaviest person to ever finish the 26-mile race.

That's right, world. We may not be the quickest or most athletic people to lace up the tennis shoes, but when it comes to matters of weight, there is nobody better.

Ironically in this video from espn.com, Gneiting appears to have actually passed some other runners. One can only imagine the shock that ensued shortly thereafter when they realized it wasn't a semi truck on their heels but a man. That sight alone would be enough to make most runners wave the white flag.

To Gneiting's credit, he should be applauded for his effort. It's easy to pick on somebody who is overweight, but that determination is probably what made him a great sumo champion. It also appears that he's trying to do something about his weight – which is fantastic news.

So while people all across this land sit down to their Big Macs and extra cheese pizzas, maybe it's time for more people to follow Gneiting's example. If nothing else, generally there is a great spread of food at the end... just as long as you beat the sumo champions across the finish line.

No Happy Returns

Devin Hester thinks the NFL should run away from the new return rule.
Hester has made a career as a return specialist and could go down as one of
the best return men ever to play the game.

It appears the No Fun League is at it again.

Instead of dealing with important issues like dealing with the collective bargaining debacle and getting players on the field in 2011, the NFL took a little time to make some rules adjustments – namely regarding kickoffs.

To "ensure players' safety" the NFL has decided to move kickoffs from the 30 to the 35-yard line, while keeping touchbacks at the 20-yard line. The NFL also debated eliminating the two-man wedge, but that was shot down like a bird out of the sky by the coaches.

Essentially, the latest installment from the No Fun League has eliminated one of the most exciting and momentum-grabbing plays in all of sports. Rarely will we see the likes of Devin Hester or Josh Cribbs weaving their way to the end zone.

Hearing the rule change Hester told Waddle & Silvy of ESPN 1000 in Chicago, "They might want to put up the arena nets, because there are gonna be a lot of balls going in the end zone."

Unfortunately, Hester is right. Tuesday's decision could change the game forever. The sport will become nothing more than a glorified game of backyard football. Although backyard football is fine for Thanksgiving with the relatives, no fans want to see teams slug it out in a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust style. Fans go to the games hoping to see lightning in a bottle.

The other option for teams with strong kick coverage is to pooch the ball inside the 20 and hope to surround the returner before he has a chance to get going.

Again, this sounds like it might cause more injuries than prevent them. Without an extra five-yard head start, players won't be as exhausted getting down the field. That and the combination of the ball arriving just as the defenders do may have Hester and Cribbs tightening their chinstraps a little more.

The point is, Arena Football doesn't have nearly the amount of fans as the NFL for a reason. From the time these players lace up their cleats for the first time in the league, they know what they're getting into – football is a contact sport. Sometimes it's just best to leave well enough alone and understand that in football – as with any sport – injuries are bound to happen.

If Your Mother Says She Loves You...

Missouri coach Mike Anderson is apparently in shock over
the rumors that he's heading to Arkansas.

In this age of getting information out to the public almost as soon as it comes in, journalists are constantly under the gun to beat everybody else. It is the thing that makes a low-paying job like this fun.

But at what cost are reporters willing to risk everything for the inside scoop?

If you follow the sports world or even the NCAA Tournament, no doubt you have obviously heard a rumor that Missouri coach Mike Anderson will be leaving for Arkansas. The story has spread through the twitter universe like wildfire after a Tulsa – that's Oklahoma, not Missouri or Arkansas, for you folks not from the Midwest – television reporter tweeted about Anderson's departure.

This is apparently news to Anderson and those in the Razorback athletic department. As of early this afternoon, Anderson was actually at Mizzou Arena watching a little high school hoops while hoping to attract Scott County senior Otto Porter to join the Tigers' roster next fall.

Of course, you can't blame the Tulsa reporter completely. Arkansas seems like Anderson's dream job. He was an assistant there for 17 years under Nolan Richardson before getting his first coaching job at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Still it makes you wonder, what was he thinking? Did he even try talking to Anderson?

When the job first opened up, Anderson stood his ground saying that he was happy in Missouri. He continued to stand firm after Missouri lost to Cincinnati in the first round of the tournament saying, "I thought we dealt with that."

Ironically, fact checking is one of the major core values taught at the Missouri School of Journalism. The school's newspaper, The Missourian, even goes as far as saying "If your mother says she loves you, you should check it out." Even the Columbia Tribune's Missouri football beat writer Dave Matter even weighted in on the subject via twitter saying "Twitter can be (a) fun, helpful tool for journos, (but the) industry gets (a) black eye when rushed to tweet (a) 'scoop' that's still an infant."

It is still unclear what Anderson's future is, but this is certain. Everything that comes across twitter – even the musings of a Dave Matter or Tribune Sports Editor Joe Walljasper – should be taken with a grain of salt. Although in the case of Matter and Walljasper, perhaps a salt block would be more appropriate.

A Different Kind Of Football

A new career? Chad Ochocinco might be pondering suiting 

up for Sporting Kansas City this fall instead of the Bengals.

With the impending NFL lockout, Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver Chad Ochocinco hopes to trade in his shoulder pads for shin guards.

Ochocinco – who has grabbed publicity with sombreros, putting footballs and even a name change – is currently in the midst of a four-day tryout with the MLS team Sporting Kansas City, formerly the Kansas City Wizards.

Could this be the turing of the tide in sports in America?

It may be the world's most popular sport, but soccer has generally taken a backseat to America's love of the big three – football, basketball and baseball. If an NFL lockout ensues, the league that may benefit the most could be the MLS.

During the World Cup last year, commentators on TV often talked about how America would be a much better soccer team if other sports didn't interfere. And they're absolutely right.

Imagine LeBron James or Kobe Bryant attacking on the wing. Or Troy Polamalu taking down strikers similarly to the way he takes out an unsuspecting wide receiver. It's often been said that America has the best athletes. We pay them ridiculous salaries and idolize them like gods.

But now the time has come for soccer to step into the limelight. The NFL is quickly becoming a non-factor with each passing day that the owners and players can't agree on a collective bargaining deal.

So to the owners of the various MLS teams, take a cue from Sporting Kansas City. Several athletes grew up playing soccer during their childhood. Being professional athletes, they're in tremendous shape and a few hundred may be out of a job come September. Why not give them a chance and maybe draw a little more attention to yourselves and your sport? Who knows, you might even change the face of sports in America?

This Vest Isn't Bulletproof

Jim Tressel has a lot to hang his head
about at Ohio State these days. Tressel
will not be on the sidelines for the first
two games as the Buckeyes begin their
2011 season.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has always been one of the classiest guys on or off the football field. His sweater vest and tie are as iconic as Bear Bryant's checkered fedora or Steve Spurrier's visor.

But when the 2011 season rolls around the Vest will not be on the sidelines against in-state rivals Akron and Toledo – along with five players.

While the players are at fault for selling merchandise for free tattoos, Tressel's failure to comply with the NCAA cost him $250,000 and the first two games of what looks to be a promising 2011 campaign. In April, he was warned about two players involved in a drug-trafficking scheme through an e-mail, only to brush it off like a one-star recruit.

It isn't that Ohio State will necessarily need the Vest on the sidelines. The practice squad will probably still hang 60 points on the lowly Zips and Rockets, but it's the Vest's principles that are at risk here.

For years, Tressel was regarded as one of the good guys. He did everything by the book. When he beat Miami to win his first national championship in 2002, there was hope that a college football team could win without making an appearance in the local court. Of course, that was with Maurice Clarett – who has now spent more time behind bars than in the classroom.

But you can't fault the Vest for one bad apple emerging after Clarett ended his career in Columbus. Even during the Terrelle Pryor recruiting saga, Tressel did nothing out of the ordinary to steal Pryor from Pennsylvania. He simply told Pryor exactly what he wanted to hear, and that got the prized recruits attention.

When the five players were suspended for the free ink, a small portion of that fell back on the Vest. Most of it dealt with Tressel not being able to control his players 24/7. But when the news broke about Tressel's failure to comply with the NCAA, questions start to arise.

What was he doing that was so important that he couldn't talk to his players? He has the typical professor look, why not do what every college professor would have done and approached the players about the issue? Ohio has a lot of great golf courses in the spring and summer, but he could have at least left the clubs in his office for one day while trying to avoid NCAA sanctions.

The reason the Vest didn't act is fairly simple – he didn't think he would get caught.

Most major powerhouses believe that if you're not cheating, your not trying. And apparently Ohio State is no exception.

With the suspension, a dark cloud has suddenly started to form over the Horseshoe in Columbus. Those sunny skies and days of doing things with class are over. Tressel just better hope the NCAA doesn't find out about any more violations or the Vest may be looking for a new wardrobe.

Dog Eat Dog World

Dustin Pedroia has been practicing order hot

dogs and a beer all season.

Millions of sunflower seeds litter Major League dugouts each year. A spread that makes Thanksgiving look like fast food is catered into clubhouses to feed hungry players coming off three hours on the diamond.

But only in spring training do you hear about a player leaving during a game to grab a quick snack.

After being lifted in the sixth inning of Saturday's game, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia changed and slipped out the back entrance to buy three hot dogs. Disguised in a brown T-shirt, Pedroia paid the unsuspecting cashier – a high school girl from Fort Myers – with a hundred-dollar bill before heading back to the clubhouse.

He might have gotten away with the snack run had the doors to the clubhouse not been locked. Nobody – not the cashier, not the other stand workers, not even the fans – realized who he was. But upon hearing him pound on the doors the jig was up and he was busted.

While this may seem comical during spring training, just imagine it happening during the regular season – or worse in the playoffs. Fortunately the Red Sox are no stranger to players slipping out during games. During his time in Boston, Manny Ramirez was known to run into the Green Monster to use the facilities.

These players are paid millions of dollars for anywhere from three to four hours of work each day. Can't they just wait? Reggie Jackson – known for soiling himself and his uniform mid-game – must be in awe of today's players.

Baseball is a team sport. Even if your day is done, there are guys trying to make the team who need all the support they can get. So Dustin, become a cheerleader for the next three innings and help give a young player some advice.

Or at least bring back enough hot dogs for everybody, since you've decided to break out the Benjamins.

Honor Thy Code

Brandon Davies did not honor BYU's honor 

code, resulting in his suspension from the 

team for the remainder of the season.

The dream appears to be over the for the BYU Cougars men's basketball team. After nearly locking up a No. 1 seed with its second win over highly-ranked San Diego State, the school proved that there's more to life than basketball.

Standout sophomore Brandon Davies was dismissed from the Cougar basketball team for breaking the BYU honor code. Several teams have a set of team rules, but every school in the country fails by comparison the the BYU code, which can be found here.

Most college programs would scoff at the code, but the folks in Provo should be commended for their adherence to the code. They are trying to make the world a better place by enforcing strict rules – no matter the cost. Students at BYU know what they're getting into the moment they step on campus and have accepted the rules.

If all schools had a similar honor code, college basketball would certainly be more of a family-friendly environment. Of course, with a similar honor code, a lot of teams would also have a hard time finding enough players for a full squad. 

So what did Davies do that was so bad? He simply had sex with his girlfriend. 

We all know that premarital sex can lead to unplanned pregnancy, but of all the rules in the honor code, this one seems the most laughable. It's hard to imagine the guys at Caltech – which snapped a 310-game conference losing streak recently – are scoring more than the third-ranked Cougars. 

College is a time where students shape into the person they will be for the rest of their lives. It is a time to make mistakes – and a time to learn from those mistakes. Ask any graduate and they're bound to have stories that will split your sides with laughter. Even being of Mormon faith, the code could use some much needed tweaking.

No tobacco or substance abuse– smart. No alcohol – a good way too keep everybody out of trouble. No caffeine? Caffeine is the essential ingredient to make it through the all-nighters during finals week. But most of all, no tea? Tea has been proven to be one of the healthiest drinks out there. Who wouldn't love to sit down and have a nice relaxing cup of tea before taking a big test or playing in one of the biggest games in school history?

BYU, you have a great thing going with the honor code, but times have changed. Students are having sex all across the country in their dorm rooms. Some might even be – gasp – drinking a Coke or a mocha latte before hopping into the sack.

Besides, there's no point in throwing away possibly millions of dollars because a star athlete couldn't keep his hands off his girlfriend.

Time For Some March Madness

Time is ticking for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFLPA to

reach a new collective bargaining agreement or risk a lockout.

For some, the madness of March has already began. High school across the country are starting basketball playoffs, while bubble teams on the college level are trying to make one final push toward the ever-expanding NCAA field.

And it appears the NFL has caught the madness fever, as well.

The clock continues to tick on the collective bargaining agreement between the players' union and the NFL. In less than three days, either a deal will be reached or the threat of a lockout could make a long offseason even longer.

So, why can't the two sides come together?

One of the main reasons is that the owners want to put a cap on the amount rookies can earn in their first year. What the owners don't understand is that with a cap, their 20-something future prodigies will only be able to afford a couple of Lamborghini's instead of the standard fleet. How will they survive?

Along with the rookie wage scale, there is dispute on how the revenues should be shared. In an effort to help recoup expenses brought on by the season, owners are looking to take $2 billion from the revenue pool – doubling the amount from the current agreement.

Yet, players continue to fight. Why?

A majority of that billion the teams are asking for would go to helping sustaining the league for years to come. With that kind of coin, new stadiums will be built – replacing old, rat-infested places like the Minneapolis Metrodome.

But it isn't just the players who are at fault. The owners have some responsibility, too.

Teams are wanting to extend the regular season to 18 games, with only two preseason games. Even though they are meaningless exhibitions, four preseason games seems right. After all, you wouldn't want your highly overpaid rookies going up against wily veterans with just two games under their belts.

In addition, teams want to eliminate benefits for retired players. Again, this just seems wrong. These players have sacrificed their bodies for you. 

Studies have shown that an exuberant amount of concussions can lead to depression and even death. On top of that, several former players also deal with drug or alcohol addictions. And you want to take away players' benefits, limiting the chance that they can get help? Shame on you NFL.

It's time for both sides to put away their swords and figure out a deal. Players need to stop acting like spoiled children and owners need to stop being so miserly. The NFL has a great thing going, and it would be a shame to lose such a large portion of its fans. Just ask the NBA, NHL and MLB what happens when there's a strike or lockout.