September 25, 2012

September 25, 2012

Rightfully so, there is only one thing that will consume the sports world for the foreseeable future: the horrible MNF game between the Packers and Seahawks, and how this referee lockout has gone too far.  I've been a lifelong Packer and football fan, and I'm fairly sure I always will be.  Never before have I ever questioned my love for either, but last night was the first time I've ever doubted the game of football, and more specifically, the NFL.  This was arguably the first time that a ruling by the replacements has actually decided the outcome of a game, and it may finally be the straw that breaks the camels back in relation to the referee lockout.  The part that makes me the most angry is not that the Packers lost (though that does hurt a lot) and were screwed out of a hard fought win, it's more that the NFL can accept what has happened in games this season, especially last night, and not feel any emotion that would compel it to get a deal done with the former referees.  They've showed no desire to make the process easy and the longer they wait, the easier it will be for them to negotiate a better deal for themselves, granted the replacements don't get worse. (which has happened so far)  As long as the revenue stream for the NFL isn't affected, why would they try to get a deal done?  The league is as popular as ever and that doesn't look to change, in spite of the chaos raging.  If anything, it actually gives the NFL even more publicity, if that's possible.  The NFL is once again showing itself to be a cash grabbing, fan stomping monster, and cares nothing for the INTEGRITY of the game which it so endears itself to.  That's troubling as well, as the integrity of the NFL / football is at stake amongst this firestorm and they've done nothing except hand down fines to coaches who've stepped out of line.  And even more frustrating is that there's little fans can do about it, save a wholesale boycott of the league and its revenue streams, (that fans can affect) namely ticket sales, merchandise sales, and TV viewership.  Fans can't affect TV deals or sponsorships (the ones that make the big bucks) so while the NFL would potentially feel this drop in revenue, it would most likely be fine in the end.  The NFL has worked hard to restore its image after the summer 2011 lockout, and this is definitely posing a setback in terms of fan relations and quality of games.  I won't be doing an NFL recap this week, as I'm unwilling at this time to support the NFL until they show some remorse or intention to change the way this season is going. 

College Football Week 4

Minnesota 17, Syracuse 14 - F

The Gophers held on to defeat Syracuse at the Bank to move to 4-0 on the young season and put themselves in good position going into B1G season.  Max Shortell wasn't quite as good as he was the previous game, but still did enough in the passing game to move the offense down the field.  This week we head to Iowa City to play Iowa in the Floyd of Rosedale game.  I'll be going to this game as well, so I'm expecting a good atmosphere and a pretty fun weekend. 

#3 Oregon 42, #22 Arizona 0 - F

The Ducks overcame a slow start to lay down a beatdown on the Wildcats in Eugene.  What was also interesting is that the D stole the show in this game, completely shutting down the Wildcats offense and eventually giving the offense the drives it needed to run up the score.