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I'm Appalled, Are You?

I see that you interviewed Terrell Owens a few times and I was wondering your take on his latest stupid stunt. I can't believe they would show a woman jump into his arms and he would actually say the team would need to win without him. It was dirty, a downright disgrace, and I can't believe it was on Monday Night Football. What is your opinion on the matter?

Bill, Kentucky

I'm surprised by all the controversy, to be honest. I thought it was funny. Then again, I also thought it was funny when T.O. stood on the star, imitated Ray Lewis, and signed the autograph with his Sharpie. The man is entertaining to say the least. What I am most appalled by in this situation is the NFL's reaction. I mean, why is the NFL so offended by a shot of Nicolette Sheridan's bare back when you can browse most official NFL team sites and find cheerleaders in bathing suits and lingerie? And why is it so shocking, so obscene for the youth of America to see a playful exchange between two adults (a scene that is far less racy than anything else you'd find on primetime, or even during soap operas for that matter), but the NFL is not offended by its repeated ads for "male enhancement" drugs with voiceovers talking about seeking help if your erection lasts more than three hours?

Some want to call the outcry just another division of the red and blue states, some (including coach Tony Dungy) see the issue being more a matter of black and white.

I see it as colorblind hypocrisy, and it's a hypocrisy the NFL is famous for. Remember, this is the league that fines players for taunting, dancing, and leading with their helmets, then open every telecast with the hardest hits from the week and players taunting and dancing.

Don't hate the player, hate the game…or at least the league that runs it.

MVP Baseball 2005

Love the new screens of MVP 2005. Can't believe they already got Omar in a Giants uniform. Anyway, do you know the release date? Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Tom, Oakland

I don't know the official date yet, just that it should be released in early March. Hopefully I'll be able to narrow it down for you in the coming weeks.

Surviving the Survivor Series

I think you're one of the best wrestling writers on the net. Seriously. You treat the wrestlers with respect and ask intelligent questions. Anyway, what did you think of Survivor Series? Do you think the WWE is going the right direction or should they bring back Hogan and Piper and Sting and Savage to spice things up?

I really enjoyed Survivor Series this year, and I'm glad they had a couple of the old-school elimination matches thrown in there. I still remember the first Survivor Series and loved how they had Rick Rude and Butch Reed in there with Andre The Giant and the other big heels of the time. It was the only time back then when you actually saw bad guys grouped together like that, and some of those guys would never get a shot at Hogan on their own. I think Randy Orton has "it" and I can't wait for the match I anticipate him having with Triple H at Wrestlemania. I'm also looking forward to watching the progression of Shelton Benjamin. He's an explosive athlete, and his match against Christian was one of my favorites for the night. Personally, I don't want to see the return of the older wrestlers you mentioned, unless it is just Sting. I think Sting could have one last good run in him if used right, and it would be something new since he never competed in the WWE before. Another guy they should bring back is D-Lo Brown. Team D-Lo and Mark Henry together again and let them leave their mark on the tag division, a division that is really lacking right now. I always thought they could be a great team if given enough time, and some of their past skits were classic. They have that traditional tag team look of one huge guy and one regular guy, and would bring as much to the table if not more than any current team from day one.

Salary Cap Question

I keep hearing how Michael Vick is the next A-Rod, but how can he with the NFL salary cap. Sure, he will get paid, but not that well.

Due to the current collective bargaining agreement coming to an end, the 2007 NFL season looks like it could be an un-capped year, and lucky for Michael Vick, this is also the year he becomes an unrestricted free agent. This is where the A-Rod comparisons come in, as you can just imagine owners like Dan Snyder and Jerry Jones going crazy in the one season where they can spend as much as they want. Mr. Vick could become the richest player in NFL history.

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