Monday, 01/07/08
Bourbon Street Blues
NEW ORLEANS -- A few days ago in San Antonio I purchased a fabulous Chris Gamble Ohio State jersey in a Salvation Army for 99 cents.
Since our assignment was to cover the scene outside the Superdome, I threw on the jersey because I'd be mixing with the fans, as opposed to sitting in the press box. I've never actually owned a jersey before and I thought it would be fun to wear on the streets of New Orleans. Mistake.
Sunday, 01/06/08
Reunion Tour
NEW ORLEANS -- One thing that can be a bit frustrating about being in the media is the idea that we need to remain neutral.
It all stems from the whole "no cheering in the press box" rule, and though I appreciate and respect this rule, it can suck the fun out of things sometimes.
I got into this business because of my intense fandom, and though I often cover games where I have no rooting interest, there are times when I want to be a fan but can't.
Therefore, it's always nice when I can get a chance to really root for a team, and even more fun when I can get to passionately support two squads.
Saturday, 01/05/08
Say It Ain't San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO-- Between Going Big and Going Bowling, Matt and I have now spent almost an entire week in the city of San Antonio, and we don't have many nice things to about it.
It has become one of our bigger inside jokes of the trip, we say "San Antonio" the same way Seinfeld says "Newman."
Friday, 01/04/08
Back To (High) School
SAN ANTONIO -- I have very conflicted feelings about national coverage of high school sports.
On the one hand, it just seems like overkill. Most of these kids are deified as it is by their peers and parents, and it doesn't seem necessary to give them national exposure so early. As I see it, they'll get their time in the sun when they get to college.
On the other hand, their is something I find irresistible about the "I saw them back when" phenomenon, something I am wrestling with here at U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a high school football all-star game.
Thursday, 01/03/08
BCS'ing
SAN ANTONIO -- So far the BCS games have been mainly duds, with last night being no exception. The one saving grace of last nights game is that West Virginia is fast and fun. There were a number of highlights that made the game enjoyable, despite the end result.
Most college football fans have something to say about the BCS, and I will take advantage of our "day off" to voice my opinion.
Wednesday, 01/02/08
It's A Fiesta!
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- William Goldman once famously said about the film industry, "nobody knows anything."
As I've learned thus far in my career, this also applies to media will call and parking at sporting events.
Tuesday, 01/01/08
Who's Your Grandaddy?
PASADENA, Calif. -- For a second Matt and I were tempted to ring in the New Year by seeing a Nas concert. Using our better judgment we decided to make it an early night and for the first time in my adult life I was fast asleep when the clock struck midnight.
The reason we shunned Nasty Nas was that we had to be up for the Tournament of Roses Parade, and Matt and I have gotten too old to party through the night and sit through a parade and game the following day.
Monday, 12/31/07
Sign Of The Times
LOS ANGELES -- If 2008 is anything like today, it could be a surreal year.
That might be an overstatement because most of the day was relatively typical, but something happened to us that's never happened before.
Sunday, 12/30/07
They Blinded Me With Science
LOS ANGELES -- Apparently not everyone in LA is excited as us about the Rose Bowl.
Just ask Richie, the guy who graded our personality tests at the Scientology center on Hollywood Boulevard.
Saturday, 12/29/07
Three Is The Magic Number
LOS ANGELES -- These close bowl games are starting to get a little silly.
I sat through 14 games during Going Big, and we saw one game that was decided by less than a touchdown. In a pleasant turn of events, Going Bowling has most definitely reversed that trend.