10. NFL Lockout Begins
For some reason, the players are demanding 10 years of audited financial data for every team before negotiations can be continued. What this has to do with actual football, I’m not really sure. The bottom line is that there’s plenty of evidence out there (read this piece by ESPN's Lester Munson, because he knows much more about the law and anti-trust suits than I do) that the owners have been planning a lockout ever since the reached a collective bargaining agreement in 2006 that gave the players 60% of all revenue generated by the league. Armed with this knowledge, the players union has gone on the offensive in looking to obtain better health benefits for retired players, and maintain the current revenue set-up. I’ve said all along that both sides would be stupid to risk games in pursuit of money (the NFL did have record TV ratings all season long in 2010), but it seems like they may be that stupid after all.
9. UFC Purchases Strikeforce
It’s unclear whether or not Strikeforce will remain as it’s own separate entity or be merged into UFC, but this combination should produce intriguing future match-ups.
8. Ohio State Awarded #1 Seed in NCAA Tournament
You can’t really argue with this, as Ohio State was the most consistent team all season long. They’ll more than likely see a pesky George Mason team in round 2 (or is round three now? I have no idea with this crazy expansion to 68 teams), and then have to face either North Carolina or Connecticut for the right to make the Final 4.
While I’m here, this is a great opportunity to remind you about the No Credentials At All Tournament Pick ‘Em group on Yahoo. It’s free to join, so sign up now (information on how to join is on the top right corner of this page).
7. Capitals Win 8th Straight Game in OT Over Blackhawks
I was fortunate enough to catch the last minute and a half of this game. Washington has offense for days, but will need one of their young goalies to step up and take care of business in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
6. Harrison Barnes Scores 40 to Lead UNC Over Clemson in Overtime
I’m not going to sit here and guarantee that Barnes will be a superstar in the NBA, but there is no reason that any other player should be taken before him in the NBA draft this summer.
5. Jimmer Drops 52 on New Mexico
Jimmer Fredette went bonkers, making 22 of 37 shots. It’s a shame their second best player got booted off the team, because this team could’ve made a lot of noise in the tournament. Jimmer will have to drop 30 a game for them to have a shot at making the Elite 8.
4. Duke Hammers North Carolina to Win ACC Tournament
North Carolina looked like they were out of gas after pulling off two straight comebacks. Both teams will have a chance at making it to the Final Four (Duke as a #1 seed, North Carolina as a #2).
3. Celtics Hold Milwaukee to 56 Points
Watching the Bucks try to score on Sunday was like watching my 8-month old son try to feed himself.
2. Connecticut Wins Big East Championship Game Over Louisville
The Big East is comically oversized (seriously, a conference tournament that runs from Tuesday through Saturday is ridiculous), but that doesn’t diminish the Huskies’ accomplishment. Winning five games in five days, with three is of those victories coming against ranked opponents, is arguably as impressive a feat as winning the entire NCAA tournament. We’ll see if they have any legs left against Bucknell.
1. Fennville High Wins Class “C” Michigan State Title in Boys Basketball
It won’t be very often that you’ll see a high school sports story on this list, but this one is truly special.
No comments:
Post a Comment