Coaches cheating: No place for cheating in sports

This past week has had all the sports casters up in arms with two events by two coaches who were trying to get an unfair advantage for their teams. In the NBA, the struggling Nets led by first year head coach Jason Kidd were on the brink of another defeat when Kidd tried to give his club an edge. With no timeouts left Kidd called for his player to "come hit me" in order to purposely spill his soda and by time to draw up a play. The "SODA GATE" worked because Kidd and the Nets did get a play drawn up, only to have THE TRUTH revealed; cheaters will never win in the end. Pierce missed the game tying three just before time expired. Coach Kidd was questioned after the game about the incident and denied the account. Clearly he cheated on purpose, some would say a crafty move and heady decision by a rookie coach, others would say pure cheating. Either way there is no room for that in sports and the Nets still lost and continue to be at the bottom of the barrel despite a "All Star" lineup. Kidd was fined over $10,000 for his actions.

Furthermore, Thanksgiving evening issued in an even more sever cheating incident by Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers. On a kick return by Ravens wideout, Jacoby Jones, Tomlin was looking at the jumbo tron and strategically place himself on the field about a yard in play and then jumped out of the way just before Jones would have collided into him. This bought enough time for the Steelers defender to catch up to Jones and save the touchdown. I watched this play unfold live as well and could not believe it. Tomlin said after the game that coaches have been caught on the field before. When watching the replay you could see a smirk on his face that his actions were intentional. Now, again an unfair advantage was gained, however the Steelers would later fall to the Ravens and rightly so. No one is debating this one, it was blatant cheating and now Tomlin and Pittsburgh are paying the pri$e! The NFL is reviewing this play and are talking about a six figure fine as well as a possible draft pick being taken from the Steelers. Is it worth it? The answer will always be no because cheaters don't win in the end and if they do come out victorious their "W" is stained with poor sportsmanship and lack of class.

It is inevitable that an other cheating incident will take place. By whom and when is the only question. What we do know is that the consequences far outweigh the situational advantage and those who cheat ultimately compromise the integrity of the game. So coaches and player give your all on the field, play hard and clean, and may the glory go to the better team. There is no place for cheating in sports!

Hope still remains in Buffalo

This Sunday the Bills take on the Atlanta Falcons who are doing anything but flying high. It is another opportunity for Doug Marones club to Circle the Wagons and fight for a wild card bid. The final AFC wildcard spot is owned by the less than impressive Tennessee Titans who sit at 5-6. After examine the Bills schedule down the stretch it favors them and is manageable that they go 4-1 down the home stretch. If that is the case am 8-8 record could prove viable to skate their way into the playoffs. Beginning this Sunday, the opponents the Bills face have a combined record of 20-34, 8 of those wins coming by the Pats who they face in the week 17 finale. This week the Falcons come in to Buffalos home away from home, the Rogers Center in Toronto. Hopefully our friends north of the boarder to help cheer on the squad and provide a mini Ralph atmosphere in the Dome. EJ Manuel had been up and down since coming back from his injury, inconsistent to say the least. After the bye week he should have a bit more chemistry with his targets and getting Stevie Johnson back should be a great help. When it comes to the ground game, the Bills have nbeen dominant with their two headed monster of Spiller and Jackson. Watch for them to ride these two backs to another victory on Sunday. Atlanta has struggled and some would argue is due for a win. However with an improved Buffalo secondary as of late and a dominant and confident D Line which shut down the Jets, the Bills have high hopes to get another W.

Prediction: Falcons 20 vs. BILLS 27

Turkey Day Football: A tradition that lives on.

Nothing is better than football on Thanksgiving. This tradition started years ago when the Detroit Lions wanted to boost attendance and TV ratings for their less than popular team. Now, the Lions take the grid iron every Turkey day, but times have changed significantly. In the 90s the game was centered around watching the amazing cuts and spins of Barry Sanders. The Lions would typically lose as expected. The paper bag era also ensued when fans showed up to the game not wanting to reveal their own identity, was it that bad? Actually, the Lions were and the only bite they were taking out of anybody was the Turkey after the game was over. However, the Megatron and Matthew Stafford era has been much more kind to Detroit and for the average football fan. Many would argue that they are "tired" of watching the same team every year. The Lions sit atop the NFC North and take on a "Rogerless" team hoping to discount double check their way to a big win in a tight division. We should see plenty of air under the old pigskin as Stafford connects with Megatron, well worth all the fanfare.

Then there is the Cowboys who have been a Thanksgiving slate for decades as well. The BOYS being Americas team are either loved or hated. Last year did not fare so well as RG3 ruined the day in Big D. This season Dallas takes on the Oakland Raiders and should handle them in order to take at least a 3 day lead in the crazy NFC East. Tony Romo is sure to light up the big stage by tossing the hot to "Dirty" DEZ. Fortunately for the Boys and Jerry Jones, the only thing dirty about DEZ has been his play this year. Once again we will see the two best wideouts in the game. My hope is for the Lions vs. Cowboys matchup as the tradition evolves in the years to come.

Finally, the critics have been wanting for new and different teams to share in this American tradition of football on Thanksgiving day. Tradition is good, however it would be nice for the Boys from Big D and the Motor City to share the honors of football, food, and family on the special Thursday each season. It could be an awesome opportunity to rehash some old rivalries or to allow for flex scheduling to highlight the best matchup based on the flow of the season. The night cap does happen to include the Steelers and Ravens in a must win rivalry showdown which has playoff implications written all over it. Whatever the case may be, you will find millions in front of their big screens indulging in what takes place between the stripes while trying to fight off their food coma. Thanksgiving is an awesome holiday and is made just that much better because football is played and we all can enjoy it with our family and friends.