Who is Demar Hamlin

 Until that fateful Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Demar Hamlin was a relatively unknown commodity in the football world.  He was simply a second year defensive player, who made contributions on the defensive side of ball to ensure he gave his team the best chance of winning games.  He would probably do anything in his power for that still to be the case.  Unfortunately, when he was involved in a tackle on the Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, his world was turned upside down when he collapsed on the field upon completion of the play.  After coming to his feet, he immediately tumbled to the turf, where it was determined that his heart had stopped, and CPR must be performed.  Through the use of an AED device, his heart was restarted and he was transported to the hospital.  Instantly, much of the country’s thoughts and prayers were for and with the Buffalo Bills safety.  Over the next several days, Demar Hamlin was at the top of people’s minds.  As a result, prayers were held on the air of ESPN, and other teams in the NFL were holding prayer gatherings before games.  Within days, Hamlin was communicating with teammates and family, and in a matter of a couple weeks, he was released from the hospital, and recently attended at Buffalo Bills home game.  Though this is not a desired manner to gain notoriety, Hamlin knew that God was using him in a different way for now.  Events like these bring people into into unity of cause, like nothing else can regrettably.  For unknown reasons, tragedy is one of the few things that allows people to put differences aside.  Though many now know who Demar Hamlin is, it is now necessary to explore other aspects of Hamlin’s life.

Beginning in 2016, Hamlin’s college career commenced with the University of Pittsburgh, after being named Defensive Player of the Year with Central Catholic High School.  After steady improvement year over year at the University of Pittsburgh, Hamlin was drafted in the 6th round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2021 NFL draft.  Though he had a lackluster inaugural season, in 2022, he had accrued 91 total tackles through 15 games.  Hope springs eternal that Hamlin will eventually be able to build on these solid numbers and have a long NFL career.

Even though it remains to be seen whether Demar Hamlin is able to resume his NFL career, he is expected to make a full recovery.  According to doctors, Hamlin suffered what is called commotio cordis, a rare condition caused by mild blunt force trauma to the chest.  In light of this, it would seem unlikely that he would ever be able to play football again.  However, to the Bills organization’s credit, they have agreed to pay out the remainder of Demar Hamlin’s contact.  In a story that could have had many negative outcomes, it has ended in the most positive way possible.

NFL Appears to Admit Subpar Officiating Ocurred in Game that Dictated Lions Playoff Fate

 Here we go again…NFL officiating once again affects the Lions organization.  History will show that inept officiating has influenced outcomes in games far to often.  The question is: Is the National Football League finally ready to take action to rectify the situation.  According to league sources, they are.  Although anonymous, executives are indicating that the officiating in the Rams-Seahawks game, which also affected the Detroit Lions playoff destiny, was the worst officiated game of the season.  Among the discussion taking place with the powers at be, is more training for officials.  However, it would behoove the league to add disciplinary consequences for incompetent field officiating.  Despite immediate actions that appeared to be taken by the league, longer term solutions still need to be implemented to maintain the integrity of the game.

To avoid scenarios that occurred in the Rams-Seahawks game, the NFL appears ready to implement policies to sure up officiating on the field.  In the past, the NFL said the proper things to ensure the proper changes took place, but those plans were never fully implemented.  Now, there seems to be more agreement than ever that it is finally time to make meaningful adjustments to the way in which officiating operates.  Some of those changes include more training for officials.  To show the importance of this issue, it is incumbent on league leadership to go a step further by ensuring that field officials are full time employees to give them time to hone their craft, and complete training that may be needed from season to season.  Furthermore, disciplinary consequences need to be attached for officials that habitually continue to get calls wrong.  This should include, suspensions, fines, and ultimately firings, for the worst offenders. If many of these policies are adopted, officiating would improve, and errors would be minimal.

During recent history, poor officiating has seemingly had a disproportionate effect on scoring outcomes in Lions games.  One of the most prominent instances of this was Calvin Johnson’s catch that wasn’t.   When this occurred Calvin Johnson made a catch in the end zone, only losing the ball when attempting to stand up to his feet after the catch.  At the time, this resulted in an incomplete pass, nullifying the touchdown.  Later, the rule was changed, requiring the receiver to “complete the process” of catching the ball, the rule would informally become known as the “Calvin Johnson Rule.”  If such a rule was in effect at the time, that catch would have been ruled a touchdown.  In a game that was that had a bit more consequence, a bad call would bite the Lions once again, when a pass interference call was rescinded against the Dallas Cowboys in the 2014 playoffs, which would ultimately result in a game winning drive by Dallas on the ensuing possession.  Inevitably, the history of Lions success may be a little different, had some officiating policies been in place when the aforementioned events took place.  Now, the powers at be have an opportunity to redeem themselves, hopefully they take advantage of it.

Though wholesale changes are difficult to implement in the middle of a season, it would appear the league is attempting to get calls as correct as possible under the given rules. It was apparent that in recent games officials would confer with one another frequently, in theory, to ensure they got calls correct.  Along with this, after the conference it appeared calls were changed more often than usual.  This leads one to wonder if certain calls were changed by the review booth.  If his is the case, this is a good thing because games are being called more accurately, and human error has less of an impact on the game.  Yes, it may add length to the game, but at least the call is right, which is in the best interest of all involved.

For too long, it seems like poor officiating in the National Football League has not been addressed properly.  The right things are articulated from a communications standpoint, but as of now, enough action has not been taken to rectify the issue.  As a result, teams have been inhibited from achieving their highest potential.  Lately, however, there is enough dissatisfaction with the officiating product, the NFL may be compelled to act. If they choose to modify officiating policies on a meaningful level, a more balanced and fair game will result.

Refs in Rams-Seahawks game is Major Reason Why the Lions Missed Playoffs

 Despite having an unexpected tremendously successful season, the Detroit Lions will miss the playoffs for the fifth straight year.  Though this is due to the team’s poor play through the first seven games of the season, part of the blame can be placed on the officiating in a game the Lions were not even a part of.  In order to achieve a playoff berth, the team needed the Los Angeles Rams to defeat the Seattle Seahawks, and subsequently beat the Green Bay Packers themselves.  Even though, the Lions were able to beat the Packers Sunday Night, the Rams could not beat the Seahawks (and the refs) earlier that afternoon.  It is quite evident that if the Rams-Seahawks game had more accurate officiating, the Lions may be preparing for a playoff game this coming weekend.  In my estimation, several infractions were missed or called incorrectly, and were pivotal to the final outcome of the game.  To eliminate such fiascos from occurring in the future, the replay system must be expanded greatly, thus this would minimize the effect of human error on game results.

To avoid such a predicament of having to rely on other teams’ performances to determine whether they make the playoffs in the future, it is imperative that the Lions play more consistently at the beginning of the season.  Needless to say, if this happened this year, the Lions could have held their destiny in their own hands.  But the fact is, at the start of the season, defense was non-existent, and the offense struggled as well.  Not many games can be won when you struggle on both sides of the ball.  Though the team corrected many of the issues experienced earlier in the year, it turned out it was to little, to late to make a playoff appearance.

Because the Lions were required to allow their playoff chances to be dictated by the performance of other teams due to their early season woes, they also had to hope the officiating was competent enough to ensure the most accurate result was achieved in the game that determined their future.  Unfortunately, for the Lions and their fans, this task would prove to be difficult to achieve, since officials managed to rule on 4 major infractions incorrectly.  As a result, the outcome of the game may have been impacted.  One of the the first calls that may have done this occurred when the Rams were called for running into the Seahawks kicker on a punt attempt.  Therefore, the Seahawks were awarded a first down, and kept possession of the ball, leading to a field goal, which tied the game.  To add insult to injury, Quandre Diggs should have been called for taunting for pointing at the Rams bench with the football after intercepting a pass, which would have inhibited their offensive progress on the ensuing drive.  On another Seahawks possession, Jalen Ramsey was called for unnecessary roughness on Geno Smith, inevitably extending the Seahawks offensive opportunity.  It is quite obvious that every pivotal call in this game seemed to benefit the Seattle Seahawks, meaning the outcome of this game may have been unfairly determined.  As a result, the Lions playoff destiny may indeed be unjustified.

To minimize the impact of human error on game results, the time has come to implement changes to the replay system in the NFL.  Since the goal of the league is to get every call correct, major modifications are in order.  For starters, every play should be subject to review, either by coaches’ challenge or booth review.    In addition, booth reviews, and challenges should be unlimited.  Yes, calls will still be missed by coaches, referees, and the review booth, but the instances of error would be further reduced.  All parties should applaud these changes in order to achieve the stated goal of officiating games as accurately as possible.

If the Lions would have had the good fortune of improved play, better officiating in certain games, and improved replay policies, we may be discussing a playoff appearance at this moment.  Hopefully, all of these facets will converge in the future to help this team achieve the highest possible goal of a Super Bowl Championship.  Though a team must overcome adversity to win championships, unnecessary adversity can be created by unneeded and avoidable human error.  It is undeniable that changes to the review and challenge system are needed, and if changes are implemented, it will go a long way in ensuring integrity and fairness are maintained in the game.

Why Sports Fans Love Sports

 Many people love, or know of someone who loves sports, and many times we take it at face value, neglecting to delve into the reasons why the passion exists at all.  Undoubtedly, there are a plethora of reasons why sports enthusiasts choose to spend their time engaged in sports related activities of some kind, a few of which we will discuss.  Athletics allows fans to view competition at its finest level, develop relationships, and aspire to be the best athlete possible by watching the best perform their craft.  Though it would be difficult to give a complete account of why so many enjoy sports, the most prominent aspects for this phenomenon will be theorized about in this blog installment.

Obviously, at the heart of the love of sports is competition.  Sports fans love to watch talented athletes compete against each other.  There is something special about watching various talent levels tangle with one another, and how one team can defeat another on any given day.  In addition, it is fascinating to watch the various facets of teamwork converge in an attempt to compete and beat any potential opponent.  Competition is the main attraction for the typical sports fan, and all the facets that surround it are icing on the cake.

As a general rule, people as a collective society, are relational, and sports fans are not exempt from this tendency.  Consequently, athletics creates an atmosphere to allow quality relationships to form.  Usually relationships develop based on a common interest, and among fans, sports acts in this capacity to form a sense of community among people.  Furthermore, this community is provided ample opportunity to be inspired because athletics lends itself to plenty of adversity, which forces participants to develop techniques to overcome it.  Observing athletes conquering their adversity can allow fans to implement some of those same practices to overcome hurdles that they encounter.  Moreover, fans can discuss it with their own community circle to motivate them to power through problems they experience.  Relationships are vital to maintaining a healthy society, and to a sports lover, sports acts as a catalyst to create those relationships.

Generally, when young, the sports fanatic dreams of attaining the goals of their favorite athlete.  Therefore, one practices the exact techniques and mannerisms of that individual in an effort to emulate the favored athlete as much as possible.  Even if unable to ever perform at the level of a given athlete, sports still allows you to ponder what it would be like to be in that person’s shoes.  Unlike any other walk of life, you are able to visualize what it would be like to perform at their level, thanks to the power of television. Atheletics is virtually the most tangible avenue we have as sports fans to try to live out our lifelong dreams.

Everyone has certain elements that must be present in their life to maximize the effectiveness of their existence.  To a sports fan, we love to see the lessons that sports teaches us take place in real time on an athletic field.  From childhood, we are taught to be the best version of ourselves as consistently as possible. Furthermore, we are encouraged to develop friendships and work together to solve problems.  Along with this, we are encouraged to dream about what our future adulthood will look like.  In my estimation, all of these goals must be met simultaneously to be successful in sports.  As a result, sports has a unique purpose in the successful function of society.  That’s why we love sports.

My Top 10 Funniest Moments in Sports

 10.  When Major League Umpire Ken Kaiser, (who was heavyset) was shown on camera, and announcer Al Kaline said, “He hasn’t missed to many Burger Kings.”

 9.  Malice at the Palace - A fan at a Detroit Pistons game threw a beer on Ron Artest, and he started a brawl with the crowd.

 8.  I got called “A fire hazard” at a hockey game because someone thought I was blocking the isle, even though there was plenty of space for people to get through.

 7.  When I was banned from the Sound booth at the IMA Sports Arena, now Dort Federal Event Center, for accidentally knocking a sign into some sound equipment, and it reverberated through the arena speakers.

 6. When a Tigers game was delayed because there was a goose on the field, and they attempted to make it leave by spooking it with fireworks, but they ended up chasing it off.  Ironically, after this occurred, the team went on a mini winning streak, they called it “The Rally Goose.”

 5.  When I ran into baseball player, Ted Power with my wheelchair, in a frantic attempt to get an autograph.  Yes, I did get the autograph.

 4.  At Spring Training, someone asked then-Tigers manager Jim Leyland to autograph a pack of Morlboro  cigarettes.  He said no...

3.  When I interned for the Flint Generals, I was responsible for reporting scores to local media outlets.  On one occasion, I called in a wrong score to a game that I was working.  Radio stations obviously threw me squarely under the bus on air.

2. When at Spring Training one year for the Detroit Tigers, a fan came up to me an said, “The Tigers are gunna win just for you.”

1.  When baseball player Steve Lyons forgot where he was for a moment, and pulled his pants down right on first base to clean dirt out of them.

Did Aaron Rodgers’ Comments, “Can’t Lose to that Team” motivate Lions

 It’s no secret that defamatory comments made about a particular opponent can serve as an instrument to ensure that team performs at a higher level in the future.  In fact, the “Can’t Lose to that Team” comments made by Aaron Rodgers after the Green Bay Packers loss to the Detroit Lions may have been a catalyst to the Lions becoming a great team.  Since that time, the Lions have gone 2-1, only losing in a close game to the Buffalo Bills.  Furthermore, this team has continued to exhibit continuity, confidence, and consistency.

There is no doubt that no organization appreciates being disparaged in any way, and as a consequence, an unstoppable camaraderie can emerge amongst the players.  It is quite possible that this is what has taken place to contribute to the Detroit Lions current streak of success.  Moreover, the words of Rodgers, got under the team’s collective skin.  Therefore, the effort of the Lions’ has gone to another level.  The offense  has become markedly consistent, and the defense has improved astronomically over its anemic performances earlier this season.  This squad is now beating good teams by double digits, and holding opposing offenses at bay.  All of the improved play seemed to begin with the Rodgers comments.   Though the comments and play may be unrelated, it the play the team has displayed since that occurrence is unmistakable.

Potential provocative statements, either unintentional or intentional, can fuel even bad teams to victory over good teams.  It can cause teams to have more focus, discipline, and motivation toward the task at hand, which is victory.  Furthermore, struggling teams want to prove the offending party wrong and eradicate the perception that they are a bad team.  By the same token, derogatory comments regarding an opponent, can act as a distraction to your own team, and diminish the effectiveness of their performance.  As a result, comments such as Aaron Rodgers should be avoided at all costs to avoid impacting your team in a negative fashion, as exhibited by the Packers 5-8 record, and pouring fuel on an opponent’s motivation to beat you.

2022-2023 College Football Playoffs Set, It’s a Prime Example of why Playoffs Should Be Expanded

 The greatest time of year has finally arrived, College Football Bowl Season that will encompass the College Football Playoffs, which will determine the ultimate National Champion of collegiate football.  It was announced Sunday that Ohio State will face Georgia, and Michigan will face TCU in the semifinals for a chance to appear in the National Championship Game that takes place on January 9, 2023.  While all four teams chosen for this year’s playoffs are certainly deserving of their selection, other teams were definitely worthy of an opportunity to play for a championship.  With expansion of the playoff system planned beginning in 2024, most deserving teams should get that chance, as 12 teams will participate in the playoffs

Because of the current playoff system, only four teams could be chosen for playoffs.  Unfortunately, this means those teams selected were left up to a playoff committee.  In theory, squads are selected based on the quality of their overall play, with particular emphasis on their performance against elite opponents.  Therefore, TCU was picked based on only having one loss, and their previous victory against the team they lost to in the conference championship game, Kansas State.  Similarly, Ohio State was selected based in part, on their victory against Notre Dame.  Furthermore, OSU’s case was bolstered thanks to USC losing to Utah, thus eliminating the Trojans opportunity to enjoy an undefeated season and a playoff berth.  As a result of these scenarios, both TCU and Ohio State were playoff bound despite not winning their conference championships.  As a consequence of the current system, teams like Alabama were left on the outside looking in, despite winning the SEC Championship.  With the revised playoff system on the horizon, national champions will be based more on competition than “experts” opinions.

To eliminate the human influence on who become the college football national champion, it has been decided by the powers at be to expand the number of playoff teams to twelve.  Although I support such a move, the manner in which the NCAA has chosen to implement the system is peculiar.  As of now, the 6 conference champions will get automatic berths to the playoffs, with the next 6 going to the highest ranked teams, which are chosen by the playoff committee.  To me, this is a vast improvement over the current four team system, however minor adjustments still need consideration.  College football consist of 10 major conferences, involving 131 teams.  As a result, the NCAA should rely more on competition when determining national championship contenders.  To accomplish this, all conference champions should make the postseason, and then the next 2 highest ranked teams should fill the final 2 playoff positions. Yes, there is still a human element present in picking national champions in this proposed system, but it would be held to bare minimum.  Decreasing human decisions in this process eliminates possible bias and outright corruption from taking place in the selection of playoff teams.

Expanding the playoffs allows teams to earn their playoff position by performing at the highest level possible, rather than relying on a committee to “give” you a playoff berth.  Furthermore, a bad performance or two does not necessarily eliminate a team from playoff contention.  No other collegiate sport has such a heavy reliance on rankings in determining championships.  These proposed changes will definitely develop a reliable playoff setup that ensures that only the best teams win championships.