By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Sports Editor
Wake Forest’s upset of Duke in Winston Salem, home of the Deacons, has rekindled a dormant controversy or dilemma for college coaches and administrators: what to do about court storming after major/minor upsets whether home or away. With March Madness looming, the last thing any coach needs is an injury to a key player following the end of the game, resulting from students stampeding onto the court in victorious celebration, oblivious of the endless injury threats to everyone in harm’s way regardless of status or position. As Duke’s Kyle Filipowski attempted to leave court, he was struck on knee by a clueless reveler in a moment of delightful merriment. It has occurred many times prior with one high school athlete actually suffering paralysis but nothing concrete or definitive to end the practice has evolved. Probably because they don’t know what to do or how to remedy the problem, or perhaps it is because no one wants to. Proposals have included fines and tighter security, but the will simply isn’t there yet. The only more severe occurrence because of this phenomenon other than paralysis is death! What then? It’s somewhat tantamount to mass shootings: We all know it’s wrong, but no one is willing to do anything about it.
The NFL free agency period is here; running backs aren’t being handed the ball. Teams don’t value runners like Derek Henry, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs or Austin Ekeler enough to use the franchise tag on them because the market for running backs has tanked. We’ll remain vigilant, seeing which team will be the first to cave and for how much. Or will the backs cave and accept the first acceptable offer they receive. I do believe Dallas would be a great fit for Derek Henry.
FAMU head coach James Colzie III has promoted offensive line coach Joseph Henry to assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, his first major move since taking the reins as Rattler head coach. Coach Henry stated that he was honored by the confidence placed in him by Coach Colzie and the administration to continue the tradition of past teams.
It appears sadly that high school students may soon have the same opportunity afforded to college athletes regarding NIL. The great ones will be allowed to sell their talents to the highest bidder, which is currently occurring on a massive scale, sans the money – at least as for as I know. I was told by a reliable source that Dillard’s less than stellar record in football last year was due in part to somewhere in the neighborhood of 26 players leaving the program for more well-endowed greener pastures. Stop selling your souls to the devil young men!
The Miami Heat have apparently found their mojo, winning 8 of the last 10 games, the latest a convincing victory over an excellent Kings team on the road. Let’s Go Heat!
Lastly, why are people so cruel. Coming off a serious heart condition, draft talks surrounding Bronny James‘ cred as a pro prospect have taken a beating. The fact that he is back on court is a blessing in and of itself.
Enough already!!!
Be the first to comment