Posted on October 3rd, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
The FBI calls them “bribes.”
I prefer to call them “signing bonuses.”
Those discrepant views just might determine your stance on what happens in college basketball. But none of us should ever confuse NCAA violations for federal crimes.
Adidas, Nike and Under Armour understand the distinction. So do players, their families, college coaches, and grass-roots basketball organizers. Their secret economy is an attempt to compensate for unjust NCAA policies that perpetuate the sham of amateurism.
Yet, here we are, forced to endure the charade as federal prosecutors put recruiting tactics on trial in New York, where the first of three cases off an FBI probe of college basketball’s so-called underbelly has begun. James Gatto, a former high-ranking Adidas executive, is first up, charged with two counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
But the real fraud is wasting our tax money on what’s essentially a matter between the NCAA and its member institutions.
Read more…
Posted on October 2nd, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Once again, it’s time to check off some items on my “TIDU List” – Things I Don’t Understand:
*WHY THE NATS SHOULD OVERPAY BRYCE HARPER.
Outfield is far from Washington’s most pressing offseason need. The position doesn’t crack the Top 3, but the right fielder’s future is our town’s No. 1 question. Harper said he loves D.C. and wants to return if he’s in the Nat’s plans. That sounds great, but his head must agree if the Nats aren’t the highest bidder – which they shouldn’t be. He easily can prove his love.
Accepting hometown discounts are decisions of the heart.
*HOW JIMBO FISHER COMES UP WITH HIS LESSONS.
The Texas A&M football coach yanked the face mask of linebacker Tyrel Dodson during Saturday’s game, because Dodson was scuffling with a player. “There ain’t no sense to go out there and push and shove and do dumb things out there,” a tone-deaf Fisher said by way of explanation. So, he lost control of his emotions while trying to teach a student about self-control.
Fisher must be a real treat when the cameras aren’t rolling.
*WHY STRANGERS CARE ABOUT LE’VEON BELL’S MONEY.
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Posted on September 27th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
In an effort to reduce players’ risk of brain damage, the NFL is trying to “take the head out of the game.”
But who knew they were speaking figuratively, too?
The term became a mantra in 2012 when USA Football and its sugar daddy, the NFL, rolled out “Heads Up Football,” a program intended to make the sport safer for youth through new tackling techniques, improved coaching and better-fitting equipment. The effort netted commissioner Roger Goodell the Neurosurgical Society of America’s “Medal for Outstanding Service” in 2013.
“We want to take the head out of the game,” Goodell said at the time. “The helmet is for protection. It is not a weapon.”
And the brain is designed for thinking, not just filling space in a skull.
Read more…
Posted on September 24th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Twenty-two years ago, in a brilliant ad campaign from Nike, dozens of multi-hued, multicultural boys and girls were pictured playing golf or carrying clubs. The youngsters were filmed on golf courses and city streets, looking into the camera or looking into the distance. Several made a bold proclamation:
“I am Tiger Woods.”
The message was clear. They were inspired to follow the lead of Woods, a 19-year-old phenom whose “Hello World” commercial and $40 million Nike contract – not to mention his wildly successful amateur career – suggested he could be a force for a long while.
But neither those children nor marketing executives, neither pro golfers nor golf fans, imagined Woods would go through everything he’s endured, yet wind up in the winner’s circle again at age 42 after a five-year drought.
None of us is Tiger Woods.
And I’m not sure, notwithstanding his fortune, we’d want to be.
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Posted on September 23rd, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
LANDOVER – Washington’s offense showed little ambition and less aggression through the NFL’s first two weeks. It was a dink-dink here and a dunk-dunk there, with a check-down and short passes everywhere and everywhere.
Coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Alex Smith assured us that the unit is capable of more than intermediate strikes. They said the lack of downfield passing and the wideouts’ MIA-status was a function of the defenses, not Washington’s philosophical approach.
Trust us, they said. More is coming.
They didn’t waste time making good on their word.
Read more…
Posted on September 19th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Once again, the NFL has demonstrated its uncanny inability to find the sweet spot between extremes. On some of the most pressing issues the league faces, its judgment either caroms off the left pole or ricochets off the right one, as if splitting uprights is equivalent to splitting atoms.
Roger Goodell & Co. continue to struggle – and fail mightily – to find the proper balance on so many things. Player benefits. Player protests. Player conduct. Player safety.
Bonk, bonk, bonk, bonk.
Eric Dickerson and several other Hall of Famers are leading a push for improved benefits for retired players. Owners tried to jam a national anthem policy down the union’s throat. The league muddles through suspensions for players who are accused of misconduct but not arrested.
None of those issues – despite what you hear from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – threatens the NFL’s future like the matter of player safety. As growing numbers of people express concern or reservations about the game’s nature and physical toll, there’s a growing number of former fans and an increase in parents who won’t let their children play.
Broken bodies and scrambled brains aren’t good for business. So, naturally, the NFL is leaning too far in the other direction, particularly regarding its quarterbacks.
Read more…
Posted on September 16th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
LANDOVER – So, about last week …
Why oh why do we fall for the fake-out every single time? We’re like Charlie Brown, believing we’ll finally enjoy a chance to kick the football, only to fall flat on our back as Lucy pulls it away.
Again, and again, and again.
Those warnings and admonitions about not putting much stock into Washington’s opener against Arizona? Yeah, yeah, we heard all of them knew it was prudent advice.
But, come on. The Skins didn’t have to replicate their performance in the desert. Even a faint resemblance might’ve been enough for their first 2-0 record in seven years. Instead, they looked like a completely different team, failing to score a touchdown in a 21-9 defeat.
Read more…
Posted on September 12th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
There was a lot to like about Washington’s season-opening victory Sunday against Arizona.
The Cardinals were squashed and held scoreless for 54 minutes before finally cracking the end zone against a prevent defense to create the final margin, 24-6.
Washington’s key starters returning from injury – offensive tackle Trent Williams, halfback Chris Thompson and tight end Jordan Reed – resembled their old selves.
Newcomer Adrian Peterson looked nearly as good as ever, gaining 96 yards rushing and 70 yards receiving in his debut as the team’s starting halfback.
Then there was new quarterback Alex Smith, turning in a tidy performance of 255 yards with a 70 percent completion rate for two touchdowns and no interceptions.
But numbers weren’t the most impressive aspect of “the Alex Smith Era, Game 1.”
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Posted on September 11th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
You never know what you might find on the NFL scrap heap. Perhaps a serviceable body for special teams. A solid reserve for situational rotations. Maybe an upgrade at kicker and punter, as there’s always some of those to choose from.
But Washington found a rarity three weeks ago when it rummaged through the bargain bin: a Hall of Fame halfback with tread left on the tire.
We don’t know if enough remains for Adrian Peterson to last the entire season, but he had plenty of traction in Week 1. For at least one game, Sunday’s 24-6 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson showed the form that makes him the 10th-leading rusher in NFL history.
Dominating an opponent on the ground with a punishing runner sets a distinct tone. Screens, sweeps and quick posts can be nice and account for positive yards. However, they don’t make the same statement as sending your halfback through the heart of the line. That’s equivalent to punching a defense in the mouth.
Read more…
Posted on September 5th, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
NFL football is back.
You just have to dig through all the noise, clutter and distractions to find it … if you still care.
This season opens like every other season and like no other season, both at the same time. As usual, there are questions about the defending champs’ ability to repeat, up-and-comers poised on the brink, and exactly how long Tom Brady can remain Tom Brady.
But as we approach Thursday’s opening kickoff between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, off-field matters obscure the product like crazy. At least for folks who allow themselves to be bothered.
For some of them, the issue of player safety has dampened enthusiasm for the game. They find it increasingly difficult to consume a sport that inflicts such damage on the participants. Not only the unseen toil of concussions and CTE, but also the stomach-churning visuals of knees bent in grotesque fashion.
But for others, their growing distaste has nothing to do with the game and everything to do with the business.
Read more…
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