Lem Barney: NFL will dissappear in "10-20  years"

On Friday, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney was in Detroit, Michigan and said that the NFL would cease to exist in 10 to 20 years according to multiple sources.  Barney apologized Sunday for these statements.  Barney said,

"The other day, at the Sound Mind and Body Camp (a youth football camp), I was asked about my thoughts on football and safety, while I made comments I believe to be truthful it is apparent to me now that the camp was not the forum for those comments. These are the same comments I have made for years before Congress, under oath and at numerous events for retired players and it's become second nature."  

He went on to say,

"I don't want to discourage young men from their love of the game, I just want the game to be safe. What I said were things I feel, things that happened to me, but obviously it was not the right time or place ... and I apologize to any of the coaches whom I made uncomfortable at the event. I wish all those involved in our great sport a long, healthy and safe career."

The coaches at the camp were very uncomfortable and tried to downplay Barney's comments.

Lem Barney played 11 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions and is currently involved in a lawsuit against the NFL for not educating players properly about the potential health hazards of playing this violent sport.  

 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

Lem Barney brings back to focus an even larger issue.  It is safety in the game of football.  Current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has instituted policies to limit the head-to-head contact in pro football and hopefully lessen traumatic head injuries and issues after the playing field.  That still doesn't mean that it puts an end to injuries in the NFL, and it is still not a big issue of the NFL and society.  Goodell told reporters and students at the UNC Chapel Hill's Department of Exercise and Sports Science that,

"The risk of injury in football is well known. But throughout history, football's evolved and become safer and better. In recent years, there's become a sharper focus on concussions in football," Roger Goodell said.  "Scientists and doctors know more about concussions than they did even a few years ago. This is our biggest challenge: changing the culture to reduce injury risk, especially the risk of head injury."

When I was aware of these comments by Barney on the NFL ending in 10-20 years, I was both shocked and horrified.  After a while, I calmed down and looked at this story objectively.  The NFL won't come to an end in my opinion.  There is too much interest from fans and the media and many people's lives are involved in football.  For some it is their livelihood including, obviously, the players.  But ultimately, it comes down to money, and much money is to be made in the NFL and football in general.  

So you ask me if the NFL will change? Maybe.  Will the culture in the NFL and football as a whole change? Maybe somewhat. Will the league cease to exist? Not likely.  End of conversation.

Other Georgia News: 4-star QB Jacob Park commits to UGA.

 

The Famous Howard's Rock before the Vandalization

Is there a vandalization problem in college football? According to clemsontigers.com, on June 2 or 3, vandals broke into Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.  Vandals broke the glass casing on the famous Howard's Rock and broke off a huge chunk of the hallowed stone.  Its been a Clemson University tradition that when the Tiger's football team runs out of the tunnel they rub this rock.  Its one of the most iconic symbols in all of college football.  Many of the Clemson faithful are sad and angry at this cruel plot.  Head coach Dabo Sweeney had this to say on the matter.

"I am sure the Clemson police will investigate this thoroughly and prosecute the person or persons responsible for this behavior.  Thankfully, most of Howard's Rock is still intact and I know Clemson University will do what is necessary to protect it going forward.  I know our coaches and players look forward to rubbing Howard's Rock  and furthering one of the great traditions of college football when we open the season against Georgia on August 31."

Another vandalization problem in college football is the Toomer's Oak Affair. The Alabama-Auburn rivalry is getting even more heated.  Toomer's Oaks are an iconic symbol in Auburn tradition.  

After something worth celebrating, fans roll the venerable Southern oaks in toilet paper.  The oaks are located on Toomer's corner next to a famous drug store of that name.  

Toomer's Oaks Before Their Poisoning

Then one day in 2011, the famous oaks were poisoned by Alabama fan Harvey Updike.  Harvey Updike  recently admitted to the poisoning and was prosecuted.  The trees are in such bad shape that the plan is to tear them down.  Plans are in the future to rebuild and plant new oaks in their place to keep this tradition alive.  

Picture of Harvey Updike on Issue of Sports Illustrated

This leads to an undeniable question.  Is vandalization a problem in college football? I have to say "Yes" and "No." It is not a problem because their have only been a few such vandalism cases.  It is a problem with certain fans and attitudes.  I am a huge college football fan and obviously a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan.  

I would never think of doing such a horrible thing as to vandalize someone else's property.  I know the great fans especially in the South can be very enthusiastic and crazy about their respective team.  Fans like Updike and the Howard's Rock vandals take it way to far.  Whatever happened to good sportsmanship?  

Now granted these are very isolated cases, and there are many good fans and players who exhibit good sportsmanship in college athletics.  I think some fans need to keep their priorities straight and remember what's ultimately important.  

It may seem like football is a way of life sometimes, but everyone needs to remember that it's just a game.  If everyone does this, hopefully, we won't have to talk about this issue for years to come. 

Malkom Parrish is a 5-10, 185 pound Athlete from Brooks County High School in Quitman, GA.  He announced his decision of where to attend college this morning via Twitter (@Ed_Hooper).  It was a very interesting situation as Georgia and Georgia Tech were vying head-to-head for his skills. 

Parrish played both defensive back and quarterback in high school.  Parrish wants to play on the defensive side of the ball in college. He said to Michael Carvell of the AJC,

"I like to get after it, I like getting to the ball, and I like hitting people," he said. "I just like everything about defense."

 He further elaborated on his top two college choices.  

"I love the offense there (Georgia Tech), and I love the defense," he said. "The coaches are great, especially (assistant Andy McCollum). He's a really good friend of mine. I love the way they get after it, every play and every down. I just like the way the school system (academics) is set up. I'd probably play QB there," Parrish said. "It's all right, I can deal with it. Hopefully when I get there, I can transfer to a defensive player. They've talked to me a little about defense. They prefer me as a athlete -- wherever they need a spot filled in." 

Parrish had this to say about Georgia.

"I love the way they play and the defensive coordinator," he said. "I love Mark Richt, and he's a great coach. He puts the team first, before himself. I like the way they coach them boys up to get after the ball. They want me to play nickelback or corner. That's great. That's right up my alley. That's where I want to be." 

Parrish is a 4-star prospect, the #7 in GA, and the #8 ATH in the country via ESPN.com.  All in all his decision came down to academics.  He is unlike many high school athletes and understands the importance of a degree and getting a good job after football.

Hopefully, Georgia got a smart-football player and knows how to do things the right way.  

 

      Mark Richt Is One of the Most Successful Coaches in the SEC

Did Mark Richt make a subtle jab?  That's what I wondered when I read his comments via ESPN.  Richt said, 

"We've got a tremendous schedule this year, we know, " said Richt.  "I don't hear Coach Spurrier complaining about it this year."

Mark Richt is refering to Steve Spurrier's comments last offseason.  Spurrier said,

"You think I make the schedule?" said Spurrier.  "If I made the schedule, Georgia would be playing LSU, and we'd be playing Ole Miss."

Steve Spurrier was a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback at the University of Florida in 1966.  However, he was 2-2 against UGA including a 27-10 blowout loss to the Dawgs in his senior season.  Thus started Spurrier's hate for Georgia.  Spurrier was a great player, and he is one of the best coaches in college football.  He started his coaching career in 1978 as the quarterbacks coach at Florida.  In 1979, he was hired as the quarterbacks coach at Georgia Tech.  

In 1980-82 he was the offensive coordinator at Duke.  In 1983-85 he was head coach at the Tampa Bay Bandits, a former USFL organization.  In 1986-1989, he was head coach of the Duke Blue Devils and went 20-13.  He was hired by his alma-mater Florida the next season.  Then began the big scourge in the Bulldogs' flesh over the years.  He coached for 12 successful seasons at the University of Florida, dominating the Dawgs by winning 11 games against them while only losing once.  From 2002-2003, he tried his luck in the NFL by coaching the Washington Redskins.  He was a very mediocre NFL coach which led to his quick firing.  

Spurrier went back to coaching in the SEC in 2005 as the South Carolina head coach and is coaching in Columbia to this day.  Steve Spurrier, or "the ole' ball coach" as he is called, is one of the most hated opposing coaches in Georgia history.  He has had great success against Georgia and on the college-level in general.  He took perrenial SEC cellar-dweller South Carolina and has seen improvement almost every season.  

In 2011 and 2012, Spurrier won 11 games for the first time in Gamecock history.  He has won 3 straight games against Georgia.  He has won 7 SEC Championships and 1 national title, and he has gone 197-75-2 as a head coach in his career.  

Spurrier's comments last offseason were not the only comments he has made slandering Georgia.  He has also jabbed at UGA for player suspensions, etc.  Spurrier's offseason comments were directed to Georgia not playing any of the Big 3 in the SEC in 2012 (Alabama, LSU, or Arkansas.)  South Carolina had a tough schedule with a brutal three-game stretch with Georgia, LSU, and Florida.  They also faced Arkansas later that season.  

This year is the opposite as the Gamecocks have a relatively easy schedule.  South Carolina avoids all of the SEC West powerhouse squads including Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M.  Georgia has to host LSU in 2013 and play one of the nation's toughest early two- game stretches in Clemson and South Carolina.  

Spurrier has been very quiet this offseason because he has no room to joke.  I totally agree with Mark Richt's comments and hope Georgia can survive through this rugged schedule.   Hopefully, Richt's Bulldogs will reach Atlanta for the 3rd straight time and this time win.  Who knows? Georgia might hoist crystal in Pasadena.

Other Georgia News:

                             Nick Chubb via Scout.com

On Tuesday, class of 2014 4-star RB Nick Chubb of Cedartown, GA committed to UGA over offers from Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Texas, Stanford, Ohio State, and others.  

 

                             Tim Tebow is Now a Pat

Bill Belichick is the second happiest guy in the world next to Tim Tebow.  Bill Belichick, as head coach of the New England Patriots, is arguably one of the best NFL coaches of all time.  Bill Belichick has had his eyes on Tim Tebow since the 2010 NFL Draft.  

Tebow is truly a top notch competitor and winner. Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach of the Patriots, was instrumental in drafting Tim Tebow in the 1st round in 2010 when he was the head coach of the Denver Broncos.  He was later fired by the Broncos organization and later hired by New England.  

With that being said, this situation, organization, and team are the best fit for Tim Tebow.  Tim Tebow was not appreciated in Denver (especially by John Fox and John Elway) despite leading the Broncos to the playoffs and a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who at that time had the top defense in the league.  Tim Tebow was then traded to the New York Jets before the 2012 season. 

Head Coach Rex Ryan of the Jets did a horrible job utilizing Tebow.  Tim Tebow did not get a chance at the starting job even with Ryan's promises and Mark Sanchez's struggles.  We can all see what happens when you play for one of the worst orginizations in the NFL right now.  

Tebow was cut by the Jets in the offseason, and it appeared as if his NFL career might be over.  Then on Monday there were reports from multiple sources that the Patriots would sign Tim Tebow.  He was officially signed for 2 years with no guaranteed money according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and other reports on Tuesday.  

This is truly a great fit for Tebow and the New England Pats.  Tim Tebow will have a team and organization that will appreciate him and will effectively utilize him.  Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will put Tebow in the right position to succeed (maybe short-yardage plays, two point conversions, etc.)  They will make "Tebowmania" a non-issue with the starting QB job sealed with superstar quarterback Tom Brady.  Belichick had this to say,

"Anything we do is what we feel is in the best interest of the team. Tim (Tebow) is a talented player that's smart and works hard, so we'll see how it goes." 

Overall, this is the best situation possible for Tim Tebow, and he hopes to succeed for years to come in Foxborough.