By ”Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
As the focus in the NFL centers on Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, featuring arguably the two best teams – the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers – the league has spent time and capital educating players, employees and associates about gambling, betting and the ramifications to avoid the overt and inevitable pitfalls. Just like Michael Vick, too often players’ involvement is based on altruistic motives, endeavoring to assist family members or friends financially. Beware of the entrapments and follow the advice of sage, experienced counsel, thus avoiding the financial burden and lost playing opportunities.
Just wandering if anyone else has thought about or considered the plight of Eric Bieniemy, former Chiefs OC who left for Washington to improve his resume, only to be caught up in the losing malaise that has hovered over the Redskins, oops, Commanders for what seems like forever.
As the league seeks to expand its international influence, the Philadelphia Eagles will open the season against an, as of yet, unnamed opponent in São Paulo, Brazil. The popularity of the sport and its brand have never been greater so the timing is right. Another feather in the NFL cap is promoting flag football nationally, including record participation of female athletes. As I channel surfed on Sunday, completely oblivious of the NFC/AFC Pro Bowl flag football game in Orlando featuring some of the greatest players of this era, I actually enjoyed the competitive spirit, effort and passion displayed by the players and coaches, the Mannings and Ray Lewis. Besides, the previous Pro Bowl games had become laughable and unappealing. Kudos to the NFL brass for the foresight and commitment to a better product for the paying public which filled stadium to capacity. Additionally, flag football has the support of the NFL Players Association, USA Football, the International Federation of American Football and the International Olympic Committee to make it an Olympic sport and allow former NFL players to participate.
Former Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio left after one year to join the Philadelphia Eagles in same position. Now we’ve learned that Dolphins safeties coach Joe Kasper will follow Fangio in the same capacity. The Dolphins did hire former Ravens defensive line coach/assistant head coach Anthony Weaver as their defensive coordinator. The 44 year old veteran comes highly recommended, brings a wealth of experience and hails from a winning tradition. The Miami Dolphins were well represented in the Pro Bowl in Orlando: OT Terron Armstead, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, fullback Alec Ingold, running back Raheem Mostert, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. I’m The 49ers and Chiefs are 5-0 combined since Allegiant Stadium opened in ‘20 so something has to give.
The Miami Heat is contemplating whether to make any additional moves prior to the fast approaching trade deadline. The Heat ended a 7 game losing streak, won 2 in a row, then lost at home to a vastly improved, ascending Los Angeles Clippers team with championship aspirations at home. I believe the Terry Rozier trade will eventually pan out once his three point shooting improves. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference is loaded with outstanding, talented teams like Boston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Indiana, Cleveland and New York. In my opinion, another title run mandates a major move prior to trade deadline. We shall see.
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