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The Sky Full of Buckeyes
January 12, 2015: A gr8t night for Buckeye Nation.
It was a result 12 years in the making that was an absolute dream for the fans, players and coaches for The Ohio State Buckeyes football team. The last national title win was back in January 2003 against the explosively fast, electric and seemingly unbeatable Miami Hurricanes. Interestingly, both of Ohio State’s last two national championships were not-so-subtly underscored by notions by the “experts” that we don’t belong, aren’t fast or talented enough. The Oregon Ducks (and Alabama Crimson Tide) were each a Goliath in their own right in 2014.
And yet, the video below is The reality:
42-20.
The journey to becoming the best damn team in the land for the 8th time was historically improbable, as the Buckeyes were not guided by their Heisman-caliber QB in Braxton Miller, but first by their backup J.T. Barrett and then by their 3rd string quarterback Cardale Jones. They were, by all accounts, a year early in their return as the kings of college football. But before the 2015 season starts, this past season will not soon be forgotten.
OH-IO!!!
Going Dutch in Kansas City?
While the world’s shining city on a hill has emitted a dull glow in recent years, there still appears to be an allure for footballers in South America and Europe. A recent report revealed Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has been offered a major contract to sport a light shade of blue in Kansas City. The deal is estimated at $4.8 million/year for the 32-year old.
I repeat: Rafael van der Vaart is only 32-years old.
He’s a game-changer. He can define a midfield with purpose, incorporate dynamic calculation in its movement and offer spontaneous displays of applause-worthy flair. Rafael van der Vaart still has a few years left and, if this deal is signed, would be a tremendous pick-up for Sporting Kansas City and MLS in general.
Here’s some evidence:
New International Players arriving in MLS this season:
- Kaká
- Frank Lampard
- Steven Gerrard
- Sebastian Giovinco
- David Villa
- Rafael van der Vaart?
Will Rafael van der Vaart be living in the Midwest in 2015? Who knows. It could just be a bargaining chip in Europe or merely an initial interest in hopping across the pond to America. Regardless, it’s exciting speculation. And just on the surface, there are several reasons to check out MLS this season beyond our favorite squads. There’s the amazing redesign and re-branding of the Columbus Crew SC, big international signings, new club introductions and modernized club identities. 2015 may seem a little bit like the mid-late 1990s with a refreshed, adrenaline-fueled enthusiasm for soccer in America.
Of course, if Rafael van der Vaart does sign with an MLS team, remember his wife and kids will join him as well.
Rafael and Sylvie van der Vaart encapsulate why soccer is called the beautiful game.
Right in the Middle of It All
Basketball season is in full swing, both at the collegiate and professional levels. Watching the athletic dunks, improbable shots and skill (not ability, but skill!) of the best players is great fun. Still, no player quite compares to my favorite basketball player of all-time: Penny Hardaway. Penny made crazy shots that were highlights every night for the Orlando Magic. Plus, he dished some stellar passes to this short and shy guy named Shaq. Hardaway also had the best little brother in the wise-cracking, Chris Rock-voiced Lil’ Penny.
And yet, his legacy is being defined in a middle school gym in Tennessee.
Penny Hardaway’s Legacy: Instead of offering our “two cents,” let’s volunteer one cent.
Winter’s Sun
Reports are circulating that the controversial governing body FIFA will solidify its controversial decision to reward the Middle Eastern country of Qatar with the 2022 World Cup. The grandest prize in soccer/world football will all but certainly be played during November and December due to extreme heat in the nation’s summer months.
So, what’s the problem everybody? (and yes Sheldon Cooper, that’s sarcasm)
With the exception of Major League Soccer (MLS), virtually every major soccer league in the world competes during the winter months listed above. This includes a heavy majority (nearly all) of World Cup participants and its biggest global stars. It unnaturally interrupts their seasons and the critical evolutionary stage for team chemistry and individual development in training camps and league competitions, as well as the UEFA Champions League. Listing just a few big negatives with Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup in its winter months starts with why?
That’s easy: money. Literally. Next.
The nation has no rich soccer history or traditions (ironic, right?), the summer heat is unbearably hot and the process for obtaining hosting rights was reported to be blatantly corrupt. Soccer-centric countries like Belgium & the Netherlands were passed on, including the undeniably enthusiastic up-and-comer United States of America. Remember, the USA hosted the 1994 World Cup and did a great job. Consequentially, the nation and its people have been inspired by the beautiful game ever since. It’s domestic league MLS was launched in 1996 and is about to enter its 20th season.
When you think of world-class soccer, Russia and Qatar instantly comes to mind, right? FIFA certainly hopes so because those are where the next two World Cups will be played. There are some countries where the World Cup should not be awarded. Whether it’s unsatisfactory infrastructure and venues, safety, entertainment for ticket buyers, lack of soccer culture and identity, corruption, safety, weather and overall atmosphere. There’s also the small fact that some nations haven’t earned this exclusive right to host a World Cup. Bear this in mind: the Netherlands finished 3rd and 2nd in the past two World Cups, yet they were been denied hosting rights for 2018 and the foreseeable future. South Korea and Germany (speaking from experience for Germany) did an excellent job hosting in 2002 and 2006. Going to games and being in that atmosphere in Germany was unforgettably amazing! It was world-class. In South Africa and Brazil in 2010 and 2014, there were a range of complaints and concerns. Even though Brazil is the most famous soccer country in the world, there were still serious questions that needed answering beforehand.
Recent news surrounding the 2022 World Cup occurring during Qatar’s winter months won’t quell speculation of FIFA’s scandalous decision-making DNA. In fact, it will only further intensify this corrupt reputation, maintaining the stigma that this group has a selling price for its services and, most devastatingly, its values.
Apologies. I meant “values.”
Jimmy's Daily Planet 