Resisting Temptation

Last week, Matt Barkley surprised the world of college football by announcing that he was returning to the University of Southern California for his senior season. Barkley had been projected as a top-10 pick in next April’s NFL draft as one of the best quarterback prospects behind Stanford’s Andrew Luck. Luck actually surprised everyone last year when he announced his intentions to return to college for his senior year instead of jumping to the NFL where he would have most likely been the top pick.

Both quarterbacks resisted the temptations of a huge paycheck to finish their college experiences, even if it meant risking injury. This is a nice change from athletes who are not mature enough athletically or mentally to make the jump, resulting in ever-disappointing busts (see: Vince Young and Ryan Leaf). Because the jump from college to the pros is so unpredictable, the correct formula for predicting an athlete’s future has yet to be found. From Wonderlic tests, to workouts, to combine interviews, the decision to stay or go has huge implications.

Many times, the mental maturity is overlooked in these decisions and the state of sports has taken a turn for the worse as we have seen a spike in arrests, scandals, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Respect for mental health needs to increase so that athletes can be viewed as role models again, whether that is their responsibility or not. Only then will college athletics begin to move away from an emphasis on money to one on a balanced education and love of the game.

I do have to admit that the money available can be extremely tempting, and without some of restrictions by the NCAA and professional leagues, athletes would jump to the pros at even earlier ages. But there is no extensive support system that teaches athletes, sometimes from dismal backgrounds, to deal with societal, financial, and social pressures that come with this business. Maybe these problems trace themselves back to bigger root causes: the failing educational system and the priorities of American society. But seeing a small trend of athletes hold back for an extra year to complete their education or take time to mature has been refreshing.

There are still two quarterbacks, Robert Griffin III and Landry Jones, who are yet to decide on their NFL draft statuses for 2012, but either way, they are doing their homework to make an educated decision. The new NFL rookie pay scale, implemented starting this year, limits ridiculous bonuses for new players, and this change will keep more athletes from making premature jumps. As fans of all sports, we can only hope that money does not continue to persuade athletes to become professionals when they will be better served in the long-run by waiting an extra season. Instead of rushing to criticize athletes for not taking the leap, the media should realize that enjoying life is actually more important than sports.

Disaster in Manchester

Are you a tool-wielding person? If so, go ahead and throw your wrench into both the Champions League and Premier League races. After both Manchester clubs failed to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League, the whole European soccer scene has shifted. England and Spain have been recent perennial powerhouses in the Champions League scene but only Barcelona and Real Madrid have advanced out of the arguably best four teams in Europe.

On Wednesday, Manchester United needed a draw at FC Basel to advance to the round of 16 while Manchester City needed a win or a Napoli loss to stay afloat. Neither happened and now both will sit back while other European club teams strive for one of the most prestigious titles in the world. This will not only alter the course of Champions League soccer come February, but will change how the English Premier League race will play out.

As a United fan, this loss to Basel was admittedly devastating. Competing for the Champions League title has been a given for United for 14 of the last 16 seasons, and now they find themselves on the outside looking in. United started the season on a tear that was normal of a Sir Alex squad, but have stumbled mightily since their embarrassing loss at the hands of City. With news that captain Nemanja Vidic is out for the season with a knee injury, the United faithful will certainly be in a state of pain that they have not experienced for quite some time.

For City, this loss is tough but not as crushing. They needed a win and a loss by Napoli, and by beating Bayern Munich 2-0 they did their part but Napoli did not lose and thus advanced ahead of City. However, critics of the newly successful Manchester City squad will say their path to the Premier League title will be easier now that they do not have to deal with the pressures of the Champions League. This is true to some extent. Playing against Europe’s best while also being targeted by every other team in the EPL can be tough and may be the reason that few teams have been able to win both. Chelsea and Arsenal, who both advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League, will certainly feel that they have more obstacles along the road to catching City in the EPL.

The city of Manchester had certainly been flying high this season and the events of the past week have brought both squads down to earth. It should still be an interesting race for the EPL title, with the perils of winter and the January transfer window yet to come. But it will be in the back of the minds of fans, players, and managers alike that both Manchester clubs were not able to stave off the pressure and stay in the Champions League. Winning the EPL without participating in this top-level competition will not be quite as sweet if either City or United take home the championship and while we can hope that the race stays exciting, it certainly has lost some its luster.

A Season To Remember

Welcome to December! The malls are crazed, school and work have become places to daydream about Christmas, and every snowflake is magical. This is also the beginning of a treacherous trek through the winter months of the Premier League. We are finally through the part of the season where managers blame mistakes on rust and into the segment where Carling Cup, Champions League, and other competitions intertwine with EPL pressures to ensure that only the fittest survive.

Right now, Manchester City have built a comfortable lead with a monster goal differential, so it seems that if they can make it through the coming months with few blemishes, then springtime will be all flowers and no showers. But the teams behind them are in a scrum that may not be sorted out until the final matchday. I am going to do my best to get to the bottom of this to see who will survive and take the four Champions League spots and EPL title.

1.     Manchester City—This may seem like the easy pick, but here’s why they will stay at the top. With Chelsea experiencing a surprising freefall, and Liverpool having to settle for draws when it deserved to beat both Manchester squads, Manchester United remain the top challenger to the title. Tottenham and Newcastle have had great starts to the season, but sadly, they do not have the budget or depth to keep up with City. I think City finally keep their heads on straight (if they can avoid Balotellitis) and take home their first Premier League crown.

2.     Manchester United—In the past, I may have predicted Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad to come out and snatch back the title from City, but they seem a little off this year. The second spot comes down to United and Liverpool, as they are the two teams who have looked most impressive behind City. Their first match resulted in a draw at Anfield, but United was lucky to escape with the point. The second match, in February, could very well decide who challenges City for the title.

3.     Liverpool—Kenny Dalglish has done a wonderful job of reinvigorating the Reds after two disappointing seasons. They are playing aggressive, team soccer and if not for a somewhat groggy start, they may have been right next to City at the top of the table. If they can get over the unlucky breaks that have weighed on them early this season, they will be lying in wait should City or United slip up.

4.     Tottenham—I have a feeling Spurs fans will take this as a sign of disrespect. Currently, Tottenham sit in third place, only two points out of second with a game in hand. However, it is hard to overlook the shellackings they took from both Manchester teams at the start of the season. They have rebounded nicely and are on a 10-game unbeaten streak, including a beat down of Liverpool. They have more staying power than Newcastle and even Arsenal, and could very well take a top three spot. I gave the edge to United and Liverpool because, unfortunately, money still means something in this league and they have more of it. While Hotspur is my favorite nickname for any club, they may have to settle for a Champions League spot when May rolls around.

Now, don’t discount Arsenal, Chelsea, or Newcastle, who are all within seven points of second place. But they haven’t shown just yet that they can compete at the top level of the table this season. With so many teams in contention, this season is turning out to be one for the ages. City would be wise not to take their foot off the pedal, as many teams will be eager to trip them up.