Weekly Sporties

-People around here are having very mixed reactions to the Patriots drafting of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. Some people are pleased that we got a guy who was projected as a first-round talent in the third round, while others are annoyed that we drafted a quarterback when we had much more pressing needs at other positions. (I contend even these people would have been ok with taking Mallett if we had at least taken a pass-rusher with one of our earlier picks.) Personally, I'm looking at it like this: at least we know Belichick isn't going anywhere for a while. This tells me Bill is already thinking ahead to the post-Brady days and doesn't want to draft a quarterback out of need (like Carolina did this year) and then be forced to play him even if they don't think he's ready because he's their only option (like has happened to many teams in the past). The only question is whether or not Mallett has the patience to sit for three years. If he does, it's a great move. If he doesn't then you can only hope someone is willing to take him off our hands for at least an equal pick.

-Speaking of quarterbacks, let me go on record as saying I don't like the Panthers' selection of Cam Netwon. This has nothing to do with me being a Notre Dame guy and the fact since Newton is now there it will push Clausen further down the depth chart. It also has nothing to do with the fact that Newton had off-the-field concerns, because every player has those. I wouldn't have taken him because he only played one year of big-time college football, didn't seem to grasp the offense when questioned about it during various TV segments and threw a grand total of 280 passes during that one year. In today's pass-happy NFL he'll be asked to throw that many by week 7. I'm going on record as saying he'll end up a thinner JaMarcus Russell.

-It was announced this week that Tiger Woods has suffered a mild MCL sprain and is going to be out of action for another couple of weeks. While this would screw up any other player's rhythm, in reality it will only cost Woods a couple of tournaments because he doesn't play nearly as much as the rest of the PGA. The interesting statistic that came out of this was that since 2008, Woods has only participated in 28% of the PGA Tour's tournaments. Basically, he's the Yao Ming of golf - don't expect him and anything you get when he shows up should be considered gravy. People always wonder what will become of the PGA Tour after Woods retires, but I say that have a pretty good idea of it now.

-Despite protests from owner Frank McCourt, Major League Baseball continues down the path of a hostile takeover of the Dodgers, appointing one of its own to run the team. If I were a Dodger's fan, this would annoy me greatly. Not because I think McCourt has been doing a great job, but the guy they brought in used to be President of the Rangers. Up until about five minutes ago the Rangers were terrible. I mean, if you are going to take over the team against the owners' wishes, the least you could do is install a guy who knows how to run a successful franchise.

-In an interview with Yahoo sports, former Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez now admits that he was never really comfortable during his time at the school and, in retrospect, making the move from West Virgina was a mistake. Finally, something Rich and the Michigan alumni can agree on.

-A couple weeks back I said I doubted that Norm MacDonald's new "Sports Show" was going to be any good. Well, I'm man enough to admit when I am wrong. It's basically back to MacDonald doing his "Weekend Update" roots but only covering sports stories and it is really funny. I find myself laughing out loud at least once an episode. If you like sports you should really give it a try.