NFL Draft Prospects Should Boycott the NFL Draft

Recently the NFLPA has asked the top draft prospects to boycott the draft. I completely agree that players should, but definitely would understand the ones that don't.

While going to New York with your family is a dream come true and a reward for the hard work a player has put in is spectacular, I think the fact that once you get drafted you're shaking the hand of the man that just locked you out is worth skipping.

Not all the players attend the draft anyway and their accomplishments aren't diminished any more than those present in New York. Having viewed the NFL Draft from time to time, it's not uncommon to see when a player gets drafted the TV network cuts to wherever the player is and we see them on the phone with their new team and celebrating with family and friends at home. The time players could have used in New York to thank their parents and agent could be spent thanking those people, plus everyone else that has impacted their life at home.

Here's a suggestion, for players that attend the draft, don't shake Roger Goodell's hand when you go on the stage when your name gets called. Be respectful and verbally thank him and be appreciative, but by not shaking his hand you acknowledge that you don't support what he stands for right now on the side of the owners. It's unfortunate for this year's players to be in this position, but they should understand that they can't do anything once they're drafted. Their team and coaching staff can't contact them and they can't fully integrate into the new systems they'll have to learn. The lockout imposed by the NFL is hurting their careers and they should send the message that a deal needs to get done before any time practicing or playing in games is lost.

UConn Rolls Bucknell

In the true 1st round of the NCAA Tournament, UConn showed that they were clearly not tired from their Big East Tournament run and didn't have a Big East Tournament hangover, unlike Louisville (which ruined several of my brackets).

Bucknell didn't stand a chance against the Huskies. While the game was kept relatively close for most of the 1st half, with around 8 minutes left, UConn pulled away and would never look back. The Huskies destroyed Bucknell 81-52.

Connecticut's star, Kemba Walker was practically a bystander throughout the first half and let the rest of his team step up, which they did. Walker still almost managed a triple-double finding himself 2 rebounds shy, but he didn't play the whole game and was taken out with 3:47 left in the 2nd half. Overall he had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 steals. Freshman, Roscoe Smith had another great game. After establishing himself in the Big East Tournament, he continued to play well. He scored 17 with 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks. Another freshman, Jeremy Lamb continued his stellar play. He had 16 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound. Sophomore, Alex Oriakhi played well too with 9 points and dominated the paint grabbing 12 rebounds.

The Huskies move on to the 3rd round (really the 2nd) of the NCAA Tournament and will play Saturday against either 6 seed Cincinnati or 11 seed Missouri.

This UConn team looked very promising without Kemba Walker dominating the game. Look for a deep run in the tournament. They're playing their best basketball when it matters most and are in tournament mode. They could potentially roll through whoever they play in their 2nd game and no.2 seed SDSU in their bracket may not last much longer or will lose to UConn. Expect an Elite 8 appearance at least.

The scary part of this team is that any player other than Kemba can step up any game and dominate, specifically the freshman, Shabazz Napier, Jeremy Lamb, and Roscoe Smith, as well as sophomore, Alex Oriakhi. No matter what happens this year, even if Kemba goes to the NBA, imagine this team next year. If Kemba comes back be even more afraid.

Chad Ochocinco Might Have Found a New Job

In the wake of the NFL lockout Bengals wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco has already been job hunting. Starting Tuesday, Ochocinco will be attending try outs over the next 4 days with MLS team Sporting Kansas City.

If the club likes what they see, they can extend the try out process for Ochocinco.

Chad is no newcomer to soccer. He started playing the game when he was 4, but chose to concentrate on football in high school and look how that turned out. Maybe he could have been a pro in soccer too if he chose that over football. Thanks to the lockout, Ochocinco has the opportunity to find out. In addition, he's already made friends with some of the international stars of the sport such as Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and in January had a visit with Real Madrid.

Sporting Kansas City's season starts Saturday in their new stadium after relocating and changing their team name this year. They barely missed the playoffs last year and maybe Ochocinco can prove himself to be what will get them over the hump.

Selection Sunday and Selection Monday UConn Recap

It's that time of year again, the time to fill out your brackets for the NCAA Tournament.

The UConn women deservedly received a no. 1 seed in the Philadelphia bracket. They will be facing off against the 16th seed Hartford Hawks on March 20th at 12:05 pm on ESPN2 in Storrs, CT at Gampel Pavilion.

The UConn men got a no. 3 seed in the West bracket and will be playing against the 14th seed Bucknell this Thursday, March 17 at 7:20 pm on TNT in Washington D.C.

Both games as you can see are a virtual lock for the Huskies so there shouldn't be any worries out there at least for the first round of the tournament.

Let the March Madness continue!