Grumblings and fumblings.

The sports business world has really gotten to me in so many ways. Guaranteed contracts, prolonged career to stand in the spotlight one more time. Trade clauses, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The first is the absurd contracts that rookies are receiving in sports these days. These are players who have not proven themselves at the maximum level. These are players who are using their stats achieved at a lower level of competition to negotiate large contracts. He signed a 6 year 72 million dollar contract and hasn't even thrown an NFL pass. He is guaranteed 41.7 million dollars. A person who has done nothing is making 41.7 million dollars, yet there are other players who have proven themselves that are making less money. What is wrong with this picture?? Then a rookie holds out for guaranteed money and a contract similar to those who were drafted around or ahead of him(eg Michael Crabtree.) Why should the team who drafted you have to give you a contract better than the returning players who want to play in that city. Players who show up to training camp and do the 2-a-days. Players who go to weight training on their own, work out with other team member to be better. Why should a rookie who is using stats achieved against a lower competition get more money than a proven veteran player. Where is the logic.

The next thing that irks me is no-trade clauses. What were GMs thinking giving players the right to decide where they can and cannot play. I agree that the players do have a say in this but the job of the GM is to make the team better. The 2 players that come to mind right now are Thomas Kaberle and Dany Heatley. Thomas Kaberle squashed a trade to the Canadiens and a trade to the Bruins both of which would have given the Maple Leafs the top 6 forward that is needed to make their team a bonafide contender. Yes I agree that no player wants to be traded or if they do its for a legitimate reason. But if that player is being traded, why should he get a choice of where he goes. This is absurd. The real reason for this one is the famous Dany Heatley. Mr. Heatley voided 2 trades, one which was to go to Edmonton for 2 top 6 forwards, a top 4 defenseman, and Dany Heatley would have the ice time and responsibilities that he feels he wants. Yes, players should have some say in being traded or not, but if they do want to be traded, the trade should be to a place that benefits both teams, and not a place that accomodates a players wishes and handcuffs his team.

The third one that gets me is Brett Favre. Here is a (with all due respect to Barney Stinson)legend...wait for it.....airy player. Brett holds nearly every substantial quarterbacking record and is a 3 time MVP, and superbowl winner. But here is a player who has single handedly nearly ruined 2 teams and the career development of 3 players. Brett Favre's indecisiveness forced the team in which he wrote the record book, Green Bay Packers, to trade him to the New York Jets. This was to give Aaron Rodgers the chance he deserved after 3 years of stting on a bench and holding a clipboard. A chance which he took by the horns and is looking like a future franchise quarterback. Favre then goes to the Jets, takes over the starting job and sends promising qb Kellen Clemens to the bench and starter Chad Pennington to the Dolphins who roll into the playoffs and Favre back to his ranch in Mississippi to ride around on his lawn mower, promoting Wrangler Jeans. This hindered the development of Clemens and now hes backing up rookie Mark Sanchez and his guaranteed contract yet only having 16 games starting at a NCAA level (see above grumbling). Favre then "retires" and goes back to Mississippi. Then the Minnesota Vikings come calling in May asking Brett to join the team. He declines and does so until 2 weeks are left in training camp. For 2 months Mr. Favre told the Vikings he was retired and didnt want to play. Then with 2 weeks left in camp, Brett decides he wants to play and signs a contract for 2 more years. Meanwhile the Vikings have 2 good young qbs in camp by the names of Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson. These guys now arent getting the snaps or reps to get any experience, and again Favre has held back the progress and development of 2 more players. Here is a guy who has hindered 2 teams and 4 players for his desire to play. He isnt a team player, nor one who can ever say goodbye. A legacy has been tarnished by a players desire to stay in the spotlight.

Next is the BCS. The NCAA is great for watching. I myself am a fan of college football and love the Big 12 and SEC. These have the best teams, and often the best players. But the problem is how can you determine a national champion with one game between 2 teams. Last year Oklahoma played Florida for the title. Texas was great last year, Texas Tech had a phenomenal year. USC, had a good year and Utah went undefeated. Why dont these guys have a shot at the title. Bring in a tournament and have that determine the champion. Not only does this give us a clear, defined champion but also rids us of any debate of who is the best team. I know its against tradition, but it helps us eliminate the debates that have gone on for years about who is the "true national champion".

With college football coming up this weekend. The excitement starts, and I can tell you that I think Jevan Snead from Mississippi is going to be the steal of the draft and the most unnoticed player this year. He is an outside shot to get the Heisman behind Tebow , Bradford and McCoy. But with Kent Austin leading his offense and Austins attention to details, and Sneads talents, I sense a huge season for this qb and possibly the best quarterback in the NFL draft next season.

Also on some Rider news, I heard Andy Fantuz wants a shot at the NFL. If he so chooses to try going down south all the power to him but sign this guy if he returns regardless. He is a keeper and franchise player.

Only one more month until NHL season starts, and a couple more weeks until the WHL season gets under way. The questions now arise, how good will john Tavares be on Long Island. How good will the Red Wings be after this disaster of an off season. How about the off season catastrophe that hit the Chicago Blackhawks. Will Steve Mason be able to carry Columbus again or will he be hit with the sophmore jinx. How will the new faces in Montreal be able to handle the pressure of playing in Canada's hockey capital and under the Montreal media? Finally when will Dany Heatley be wearing the teal and blck of the San Jose Sharks?

After supposedly signing Pacman Jones the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have not brought im on the Mike kelly crash landing he is giving Bomber fans now. Instead they have gone after NFL reject Charles Rogers. I am a Rider fan but I love the CFL. If you want to bring in NFL cuts fine, I am all for it but please quit looking for these guys in prisons, probation offices and at strip clubs. Im sure there are players who love the game, and will play for the love of the game and not just to make enough money to cover debts that came from stupidity. Maybe professional sports needs to give these rookies a money management course, or better yet force them to save money for after their careers, since most of them have little work skills have lived an entire life playing a game.

Tomorrow on the score is boise state and Oregon at Bronco Stadium. If you love new adventures and obscure sporting facilities, Bronco Stadium is one of these in itself. The blue turf and atmosphere is incredible. Its going to be a heck of a game tomorrow, and then starts the labour day classics that will come to us all weekend long on TSN. Now only if we can get Daved Benefield, Scott Schultz, and Mike Abou-Mecherak as guest hosts on the panel for some interesting insights and quotes.

Ryan