Carey

I actually don't have a problem with him wanting fans there. I wouldn't go. I'm not sure I would pay the regular price for part of the fan experience. When attending a game, you'd want the full deal with a ton of fans, full concessions, etc. No restrictions. Health and safety are important; that aside, no disrespect there, but it's like going to an amusement park where it's different, yet the prices are the same as they would have been with or without a pandemic. AT&T Stadium would be the perfect place to allow fans, at the end of the day. It is advanced and big enough!

ACC is planning on playing as well. Big 12 is on the fence; I forgot who said it, but I had to laugh at the thought of the idea that the ACC and SEC should play, and the winner of each league plays for the title, since that's what happens every year anyway

The NFL putting safety before money happens when their star players express concern about the possible conditions, which was done not too long ago. If an unknown expressed concern about it, then the NFL would’ve suggested he opt out. However, if it’s people like Mahomes, Wentz, and others like Watt & Brees, then that is a different story. The NFL can’t afford to have their big stars opting out. Really, while it looks like the league would put safety first, it is fair enough to say that it’s about money. As for the misbehavior during the season, the league has been known to be tough on players for things that jeopardize the sports. In addition to that, I can’t imagine a team that has two dozen players test positive and then say nothing. Players breaking the rules (and getting in trouble for it)? Absolutely. Maybe I’m wrong, but I can’t picture the Cleveland Browns pulling a Miami Marlins to the point of putting the NFL season on life support. If, say Cleveland has 2 or 3 dozen players test positive because they went to Atlanta to party, then the Browns would likely get punished to a point where they're kicked out for 2020. I think they would be smart enough to report it, which would help avoid a spread. I think the biggest concern, as mentioned, is with the injuries (over COVID) that'll happen this year due to the lack of training and conditioning. The thing that'll suck is if there's a major injury that trickles into 2021. People will say that these athletes could have worked out on their own & that they should've known better. The problem is that they couldn't this year, obviously. The NFL assumed that this would've gone away by now. They concluded that they were luckily immune since they were in their off season while the other sports had their stuff cancelled. The league would lose no time or no games and proceed normally. That is not good on the NFL's part. Those that said back in March they'd be shocked to see football are starting to look smart right now

The difference, IMO is that baseball is, was, and will be more focused on money before safety. That part was a mess even before things got started. While it's early, it doesn't appear to be the case for the NFL. MLB had a major breach; I don't think that'll occur with football

Merylinkid, AFAIK, and as far as I can recall right now, only Mike Vick returned after an absence exceeding 24 months. He also suffered a lower body / leg injury. Vick returned from both; the year after his injury his led his team to the NFC Title Game, and his team following his 2-year absence made the playoffs twice in as many seasons (with one division title). So there's motivation for Alex Smith. The difference is that Michael Vick returned at 29, and his injury occurred earlier in his career (at 23). Gotta say that isn't the best news as it relates to an Alex Smith return. Meowmommy, I think we may have seen the last of Laurent in the NFL. I guess it could depend on how much he made and how much he saved, but he played a position that isn't exactly one that lasts forever. Given the fact that he earned his ring, and also suffered a significant injury the year before, if it works out well as an M.D. that may be the best path, a chosen path for him

About 3 decades ago, really more than that, the lead model on the Price is Right almost died due to a freak accident, a situation that was very rare as she was handing Bob Barker his microphone. She returned and continued with that task for another 12 years. Sports-related, NASCAR's Ryan Newman was in a scarier accident and returned as if it never happened. The life threatening thing is something to take seriously, but when you love something, one would probably conclude that they'll die with a decision to abandoning his or her chosen/favorite sport as opposed to losing their life from it. That being said, I wouldn't return if I was in Alex Smith's shoes. At that age, and given the nature of everything, it wouldn't be worth it. I guess he got his blessings from his family, and therefore I'm okay with the attempt. The family aspect is more of a reason to call it quits. If he was 26 I might have had a different opinion on the situation. It even isn't so much a matter of life and death; it's about the ability to function as a human being outside of football. Not sure if the league will take a chance on him anyway. Only Washington can do the right thing, or has a chance to do the best thing. I wouldn't bet that Dan Snyder will get it right a la Art Rooney II and Pittsburgh with Shazier. Hats off for Alex for going for it. Even if it means one play, and conservative and successful one

Pretty much several in Pittsburgh are concluding that the plan was nixed because the invitation didn't happen in Philadelphia. Could be a mix of jealously and pettiness. If something positive happens in Philly (over anywhere else in Pennsylvania) then that's the norm, but when there a disadvantage in Philly, it brings down everyone else, even when it's not warranted. That's been the beef between Western PA and Philadelphia. Some would say that it was the right move, but making up statements like we didn't want anyone coming in from Florida. As mentioned, MLB should've checked with the state and its health department. That way, they could've said no before breaking news that it was okay. I believe veteran Post Gazette columnist Ron Cook wondered how they could assume that this could proceed without checking with Dr. Levine and Governor Wolf. Doesn't matter whatever agendas are there, if that wasn't done then that's on the Blue Jays, Pirates, and MLB. Sucks that it didn't happen but life continues. I'm neutral with the crown noise. It isn't perfect, which might be the definitive complaint, but I might turn the TV off if it was dead silent during a professional game, fans or not

While I think the CP3 thing was worse due to the lack of a reason for it, the aftermath (albeit a very, very brief aftermath) was probably worse between Boston and New York. Obviously Boston did okay since then but many in New York would have had their say as it relates to everything. Or mainly just February 3rd, 2008 Not sure the MLB has the power for the following, but say the Phillies are good enough to win the pennant. I wonder what the response would be if MLB said that the American League Championship Series Winner will be hosting each of the games for the Fall Classic as it's not safe to operate in Pennsylvania. They might actually win a close battle with that argument. PA residents might get upset but it would be fair enough during these tough times

It was the state officials, mainly Dr. Rachel Levine. Not so much Travis Williams and Bob Nutting. Classy response from Williams about it, however. It does feel similar to that failed CP3 trade to the Lakers, where something is or seems like a done deal but then right after it's made public it gets wiped away like a dream. It would've been better had the news that Toronto was Burgh bound peaked as a possibility pending the Health Department's approval as opposed to "It's happening!", and then the Health Department says no. I think that's what makes people more upset than a plan or idea that comes around before said plan or idea is simply shot down or rejected

Looks like the Blue Jays are Burgh-bound!

Personally, this latest news should be enough for FedEx to separate itself from Washington. Doesn't matter whether or not Washington changes its name, this is just about as bad. As for Dan Snyder, I do not think there is anything for the NFL to gain from keeping him around Edited for grammer. Think and thing aren't really alike

Done or not done, I don't see the rush to get it done today. I imagine it'll get done as soon as possible unless they're okay losing FedEx. Would it be great to have a new name by the start of the season? Of course! They probably have to; while they could say the new name is effective 2021 but it's written in stone, there won't be any sales as everyone's taken Washington's gear out of their stores. As mentioned: As much as money doesn't talk, money talks

That is crazy. OTOH, no a super-shocker. Nearly forgot that he didn't win a playoff game until his 4th season. Even after his 17-2 MVP year, he and his team were in contention. Maybe not so much 2016, but from 2017 to later in 2018 before a trip to Pittsburgh, he was relevant. If New England wins and Cam is on the field throughout, that should change his worth Speaking of Cam, as it relates to his original team, I didn't even know someone put a statue of Jerry Richardson at Bank of America Stadium, let alone forgetting it outright

How so? I agree if it's presented that way. Otherwise, IMO, if it's presented in a way that no student is safe on campus, including athletes, it would work. It wouldn't be safe for a full capacity, but maybe a handful. Personally, it's not the students being there, it's the quantity of students. A select few percentage-wise would have to be the norm until further notice. It probably will mean athletes and certain students. At least several athletes are on scholarship. Of course, if sports are cancelled then it's a moot point. It ensures they have control of the testing protocols. That's not the case if the play out of conference. Exactly! Maybe if a team from a different conference travels to the Big 10 it'll be a different story, but personally they don't have a choice. If all goes well, it's only for one year. Otherwise this might be the best-case scenario annually

Following the best of the best from 2018-2019, looks like Jeopardy is going back in time. After all, there have been 36 years full of great moments to chose from, personally!

Dallas and Pittsburgh are still scheduled to play this year

I second this. Both termination and prison. During orientation a long time ago, there was a story mentioned situation similar to this. A celebrity gets surgery for something, and the fact that people need to know everything about a celebrity thought it was necessary to peek into something that, after time passed, served no purpose. It was nothing but trouble and unemployment. Basically we were told "Don't be those people!" and I really can't remember if it got worse to where the perpetrators couldn't keep quiet to where the news spread to where the celebrity would battle against the company for the violation. As mentioned, I think it's a situation that doesn't violate HIPAA for Zeke. Athletes and people in sports (or a higher profession) are held to different standards. While HIPAA is HIPAA, I can't imagine someone losing everything over a positive test. I'd be pissed if someone talked if I had COVID, but only because it didn't come from me

Looks like the league is passing on 4th and 15 and the Sky Judge. Meh on the Sky Judge, though I sorta wanted to see if a team down 3 possessions with 60 seconds left could win outright in regulation. Personally I think it would've been great if the rules hit overtime where a team that won the toss could kick a FG, then convert 4th and 15 and that's it I'll pass on the Brady documentary. As mentioned, it's way too soon. Yet it's totally unsurprising that ESPN would go for it so soon, and of course it had to be Tom. Not sure I would watch it in 2040 either for several reasons but it's just one of those things where something so good like Jordan and the last dance is emulated to the point where an idea is run directly to the ground

Agreed. There's no reason to play all the regular season games, though maybe if you had a play-in format where the worst team played the second worst team in a one-and-done scenario, with the winner playing the third worst...all the way to the 9th seed, I might buy that. The logistics are too much to figure out (which is okay since better & smarter people would be making the final decisions instead) but I'd imagine the NBA would want to do it right without copying from the NHL given that their sport is a bigger deal (but not for everyone) As mentioned, they ought to treat 2020-2021 like it's a lockout year with resolution and maybe resume in the New Year. Otherwise, they'll never get caught up to its normal schedule. Personally, I'm just glad that it looks like the plans are ones where it's a matter of when and no if the NBA will return

I think I'd be actually shocked this time if TAR were to get bumped for any reason. You'd have to add the optimism of TAR33 for me to be shocked. Whatever happens, I'm glad that it's on the schedule, and I'm casually optimistic that if all goes well, and if Season 32 is a good one, TAR could follow Survivor going forward. Of course, S.W.A.T. is a great show and with that delay it could easily work its way back to Wednesday with Seal Team

I knew long ago that Steve Kerr's dad died way too soon more or less for others due to his service. Wasn't aware of the circumstances, however. Either way, that totally sucks.

Pretty neutral about Game On! I might watch; I might not. Even with the stuff going on, my TV schedule of watching first run stuff during a dead period stay the same. I probaboy won't be surprise if, when we get to autumn, TAR32 is pushed back again due to Survivor and other shows finding a way to return. Which would suck since several would complain that they were better off leaving it where it was. Though to be fair, the show should have aired a long time ago. I'd personally be pissed, but as mentioned, it may be impossible to tape the Amazing Race in the foreseeable future, if ever again unless it's done within the continent. Even that right now is not easy. I would understand if CBS and company pushed it back to spring of 2021 to coincide with the show's 20th anniversary. However, in doing so, it could spell the end of an incredible run. I hope not but JMO

I actually would love to see that. It would be a treat to see several struggle with a puzzle, while the ones that don't win IC by a mile. OTOH, someone could crush the puzzle, but then if they're not athletic it would be such an embarrassing loss (and I'd be okay with that too)

It did look questionable (from my standpoint)

I was a little ticked off regarding Love getting drafted. Sure you need to plan for the future, but Aaron has been the only definitive thing about Green Bay. Without him, they'd be more likely picking in the Top 10, which was proven in 2017. Aaron has been active throughout most of his career. Not Favre stability, but he's played a full season in most seasons since 2008. Save for 2013 & 2017 he's been available for meaningful games. I think it's more than age with Rodgers. JMO; the Packers have other needs that weren't really addressed, and have been lacking throughout the past decade. I agree with Hurts being drafted. Wentz is young so that can't be a reason, but the fact is the man never finished a season that included the postseason. The draft was okay. Thought it was neat with the virtual stuff. I wouldn't mind if they did that again, but not for another 5 years at least. Though as mentioned, I would be okay for maybe doing the draft for the first day or two traditionally, and then go remote after that!