If you've been living without a television, radio or down in Fraggle Rock, then I'm pretty sure you're well aware of Rush Limbaugh's statements about Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb. I'm not going to waste precious space on something you should have heard already when I can rather rant on Boston, Florida and the cursed Cubbies.
Seriously though, why was ESPN so shocked when Limbaugh made his comments about McNabb? ESPN got exactly what they ordered - a controversial, talking garbage can, who is willing to stir things up in the media.
What bothers me more is why Tom Jackson didn't jump over the countdown desk and bullrush Limbaugh, Denver Bronco style. And where was Michael "clean" Irvin during this fiasco? I mean he was there physically, but mentally I'm not too sure. According to him he "didn't think anything of it". Right, I'm sure he was thinking of what college bar to hit up in anticipation of scoring some "sugar."
Plain and simple, ESPN couldn't foot the bill that Limbaugh threw at them and now the network is paying for it. Whether it's continuous hate mail in Limbaugh's honor or disgusted listeners on ESPN radio affiliates, ESPN is getting what it deserved.
I have to give a big shout out to that one crazy group of fans who attend every single UB football and men's and women's basketball games. Everyone who wants to be a real fan of UB sports should look upon this group of students, although sometimes I have no clue what the two kids who paint themselves in blue and dress up are trying to be. What the heck were you two were supposed to be at the Connecticut game? Are you over-dosing on Nyquil or something?
But in all honesty, it's awesome that there is some sort of a fan following, even if it is only 20 students. That's 20 more people rooting for the Bulls and heckling "Mighty Mouse" or that Abercrombie wannabe quarterback Dan Orlovsky from UConn.
It's a shame though the UB higher ups decide to kick out every fan that voices his or her own opinion in a rather loud and obnoxious manner at a basketball game. Come on, that's how college sports are supposed to be played - in a deafening venue with chants against the opposing teams. So how about not seating children and their families in the student section, I think that will fix a lot of the situations at Alumni.
How many of you have been to the Reilley Center down at Saint Bonaventure? I've been to more Bona games than UB games and usually sit down by or in the student section - which mind you is a true student section - and I don't think there was ever a moment when you could hear a pin drop.
What's even greater about that venue is that it only holds around 6,000 people and every game is sold out. Most games are even sold out before the season begins, mainly when Temple comes to town or Saint Joe's. And what's really funny is that I don't think there are more than 3,000 kids at Saint Bonaventure compared to the 20,000 or whatever it is here at UB. I'm sure UB is taking notes, if not, then they should be.
Who else witnessed Indianapolis' impossible comeback against the reigning Super Bowl champ Tampa Bay Buccaneers? I did, and from what I can remember the 20 of us at Third Base were going nuts for Indy while those paper champ Bucs gave up 21 points in four minutes. What a game - Even with all of those shoddy calls by the refs, it was still the game of the year, possibly the season.
Thankfully for Indy, that liquored up kicker Vanderjagt came through and barely made his second attempt after a good call - but stupid rule - against Simeon Rice. I highly doubt that Vanderjagt will call out Manning anytime soon. So far my prediction on Manning as being the MVP is looking pretty good (knock on wood).
How can you not hit a 70 mph knuckle ball!? Maybe the Yankees should of gotten a local high school's baseball team to play against Wakefield - I'm sure that's what they're use to hitting. Props to Wakefield since he's a Bison alumnus, but the rest of the team can join Byung-Hyun Kim for all I care. At least this series gives me a reason to wear my "BOSTON SUCKS" shirt. Hopefully by the time you're reading this, we will be watching the Yankees in the World Series against the Marlins.
Speaking of the Marlins, how in the hell did they beat the odds down 3-1 and hit Wood and Prior en route to take the series in dramatic fashion 4-3. Yes Chicago, there is a curse - two of them, actually. First I'm sure everyone is familiar with the Billy goat curse, but what many people don't take into consideration is the 1919 Chicago Black Sox throwing of the series where it was deemed that no team from Chicago would win the series from that point on. So far that curse is holding true. So if you're as mad as I am with the Cubbies not making the World Series, don't blame the fan who just wanted a souvenir, blame the Chicago White Sox - those greedy Scrooge McDuck impersonators.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
