As if we needed any confirmation...

of how screwed up the NFL's "Rooney Rule" is--the one that requires teams to interview at least one minority before hiring a new head coach--read this article, courtesy of Len Pasquarelli on ESPN.com.

I'm not sure any additional commentary is needed here, but it absolutely blows my mind that the NFL would have two rules (the aforementioned Rooney Rule and the anti-tampering rule with regard to employees of other franchises) whose coexistence could very well result in an NFL franchise losing a potential hire. And for what? So some token minority candidate can have a patronizing cup of coffee with a franshise's owner and front office?

Before one even considers the complications arising from the coexistence of these two rules, there's a fundamental flaw in the intent behind the Rooney Rule: it is entirely unneccessary. The bottom line is that the NFL, as any professional sports league, is a business--a business that is, in almost every case, directly proportional to winning. Consequently, NFL owners are going to hire whomever gives their franchise the best chance to win, with as little regard for one's race as the size of one's manteets.

Hollachaboi: Saban Headed to Miami

Apparently, Saban to the Dolphins is a done deal: $5 mil/year, full reign as GM

Mailman on the Prowl

I can't believe I waited until today to share this gem.

Here's an excerpt:

Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, told the Los Angeles Times on Sunday that Malone was asked by Vanessa Bryant, "Hey, cowboy, what are you hunting?" in reference to Malone wearing a cowboy hat and boots.

"She said it twice," Manley said, "and Karl answered, 'I'm hunting for little Mexican girls.' "

I mean, what can you say about that? The UCR is off the charts here. Before you even get to the priceless quotes, how about the fact that you have an adulterer and alleged rapist publicly taking a teammate to task for making a pass at his wife? I couldn't come up with this stuff if I tried.

Thanks, NFLPA

I know most of you probably don't give a damn about this, but I was pretty pissed when I came across this bit of news.

Call me naive, but I think it absolutely sucks that the NFL would sell-out with no regard whatsoever for the consumer/fan. I'd expect that shit from MLB or the NBA, but I expect better from the NFL.

Many people who played both NFL games this year (EA's Madden & Sega's ESPN NFL 2k5) felt that 2k5 was the superior game (I own it, btw), regardless of price--and the damn thing retailed for $19.99 versus Madden's $49.99 (which they were eventually forced to lower). Now, EA can offer a sub-par product and charge the full $49.99 and anyone who wants an NFL game will just have to take in the poopchute.

I have ESPN College Hoops 2k5 and it is, by far, the best basketball game I've played on any system. Once again, 20 bucks. I know the development above deals only with the NFL, but I hope it doesn't discourage Sega from continuing their other sports franchises.

UPDATE: At the risk of being subjected to unrelenting ridicule, here's the link to a petition protesting the NFL's decision to enter into the exclusive contract with EA Sports. Don't ask questions--just sign it, you bastards: Upshaw Can Suck It

Denny Neagle goes skank hunting

Denny, you're a millionaire. You get what you pay for, buddy.

MSR cruising with his girl. 

* 

Methodist jury convicts lesbian minister

Shit, meet Fan

I'll have more thoughts on this post-LSAT, but let me get this straight: Barry* works out every day with his childhood friend and trainer, Greg Anderson. Numerous other MLB players have testified to receiving illegal steroids (including the cream, the clear, & clomid) from Anderson, through Bonds*, and that they knew the substances were steroids. Yet Barry* maintains in his testimony that he took only the cream and the clear, which he thought were an ointment and flaxseed oil, respectively? Are you kidding me? Hey Barry*, I take flaxseed oil, ok buddy? You don't have to go to top secret BALCO labarotories to acquire the stuff--try $6.99 at GNC. Yeah, I would imagine that a professional athlete, whose body is worth millions of dollars, would simply take substances that his lifelong friend & trainer gave him without ever inquiring as to what he was taking--must've had a real open relationship.

The truth will set you free, Barry

Waiting for the other shoe to drop...