Alma Mater Alterations

My proud alma mater, Davidson College, unveiled today a new set of "spirit marks" (a.k.a. logos) that will debut this upcoming athletic season. I tend to be rather conservative when it comes to these sorts of changes, so needless to say I was initially rather disappointed with the new look. But after further thought and examination, I tend to have somewhat softened my stance on the changes. I thought I'd offer my thoughts on the various changes and since Davidson insisted on assigning me grades for four years I thought it's about time I returned the favor.

Labeling: F

The name "spirit marks" is an absolutely ridiculous phrase. What's wrong with the word "logo"? "Spirit marks" sounds like a corny name for face painted paw prints at a junior high pep rally. I also don't get the idea for having multiple "spirit marks" in addition to a "youth spirit mark," but I can live with multiple logos- JUST CALL THEM "LOGOS".

"Primary Spirit Mark": B

The "primary spirit mark" of the Wildcat face on a diamond background actually isn't terrible. It pays homage to the old logo, which seemed to be generally well-liked. I like keeping the diamond background and I agree that the old Wildcat probably was due for an upgrade (the old one looked it came straight out of Microsoft Word's clip art). The new Wildcat is a little cartoonish for my taste and seems slightly less intimidating than the old one. Still, it could have been worse. Also, I'm not sure while there are two different colors for the diamond background. I actually prefer the black background with this particular Wildcat over the traditional red diamond. Overall, not bad.

"Secondary Spirit Mark": A-

The secondary logo is a "Davidson D" with claw marks through it. Using the first letter of a school's name is a classic collegiate logo look, and I like the effect of the claw marks. While I was initially ambivalent towards the two-tone color scheme and the outlining, both features have grown on me with further consideration. The logo looks fine on its own, but it looks better on football helmets and especially integrated within the words "Davidson" or "Wildcats" (see images 3, 14, and 18 here).

"Tertiary Spirit Mark": D+

The phrase "tertiary spirit mark" sounds both pretentious and corny, and the actual look of the third logo is not much better than its ridiculous name. I'm not a big fan of paw print logos regardless. They seem pretty cliche and a little too obvious for any school whose mascots have paws (there are 29 Division I schools named Wildcats, Tigers, or Panthers alone). On top of that, apparently that red blob is supposed to be a letter "D," something I only was able to notice after reading the official press release. Not only does it not look like a "D," the paw print seems to rip off the University of Cincinnati's logo, expect ours looks worse. Fortunately, this is only the "tertiary" logo, so hopefully it won't feature too prominently.

Overall, I'm actually okay with the new look. The "primary" and "secondary" logos are pretty solid, although I hope the school cans both the phrase "spirit mark" and the "tertiary" look. Still, I'm a little disappointed they didn't attempt to recreate the classic 1950s-era logo of a well-dressed Wildcat working away at a typewriter, although that might have been a little too accurate depiction of a Davidson student's life.

Pu-Pu Platter of Stories

In honor of my recent cameo as a delivery driver for a local Chinese restaurant, I thought I'd deliver a post modeled after the biggest dish on their menu- the Pu-Pu Platter. That is to say, a seemingly unrelated compilation of individual dishes/stories thrown together on one oddly-named platter/post that nevertheless leaves you satisfied at the end.

Enjoy:

I. I caught part of Brazil's 2-0 victory over the USA in Tuesday's friendly soccer match at the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. Only a handful of key players from either side's World Cup squads participated, with a lot of younger players getting big minutes. None shone more brightly than Brazil's Neymar, the 18 year-old scoring sensation. Despite an endorsement from the great Pele, Neymar was left off Brazil's World Cup roster by former head coach Dunga. In his senior national team debut Tuesday night, he tore apart the US defense and tallied the opening goal.

Neymar certainly seems to have all the makings of the next Brazilian superstar. He combines the flash of Ronaldinho with the precision of Kaka. And like most international soccer superstars, he has a proclivity for sporting funny haircuts (see above). He currently plies his trade at the club level with Brazilian club Santos, but it is only a matter of time before he moves over to a major European club- in all likelihood English powerhouse Chelsea. Remember his name in four years when 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil seek to take back the title for a record sixth time.

II. In the NBA, yesterday Houston, New Orleans, Indiana, and New Jersey pulled off a four-team, five-player trade. Deals like this tend to be confusing, so let me try to explain in the simplest manner possible:

The Rockets traded SF Trevor Ariza to the Hornets. The Hornets sent PG Darren Collison and SF James Posey to the Pacers. The Pacers sent PF Troy Murphy to the Nets. The Nets sent SG Courtney Lee to the Rockets. Got it?

Basically, the trade involved a bunch of decent role players moving from one lottery team to another. Still, the deal actually makes sense from a personnel and/or financial standpoint for all four participants. The Rockets sacrificed defense for salary cap relief, moving Ariza and his contract for an offensively as talented, cheaper, and younger player in Lee. The Hornets moved the likewise expensive and older Posey for Ariza and attempted to appease disgruntled star point guard Chris Paul by moving Collison. The Pacers got a two-for-one package, moving Troy Murphy for Posey and Collison, the latter their possible point guard for the future. And the Nets moved Lee in exchange for Murphy, a power forward who can stretch the defense with his shooting but also rebound, a nice compliment to star center Brook Lopez.

III. The Eagles asked a fan at their practice yesterday to remove the Donovan McNabb Redskins jersey he was wearing. Security told the fan in question the request came from head coach Andy Reid, though the team later denied that claim.

Regardless of whether this came from Reid or not, this is just ridiculous. The fan is an actual Eagles fan who said he wore the jersey "to get reactions from the fan base." The logic there is kind of amusing. I personally would never wear Yankees or Cowboys gear, even as part of a pseduo-social experiment. But to each his own.

As for the Eagles, how can you make a big fuss over this? All it does is make you look stupid. It's not like McNabb pulled a LeBron and left Philly out to dry. YOU TRADED HIM AWAY! Maybe you should focus on your actual practice instead of what jerseys fans on the sideline are wearing. Just a thought...

IV. Finally, the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals got in a bench-clearing brawl Tuesday night. The incident stemmed from Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips' comments describing his "hate" for the Cardinals and insinuating that they complain too much (in more vulgar language). When Phillips stepped into the batter's box in the first inning, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina stood up and began to express his disagreement with Phillips' comments. Things turned ugly when both men removed their helmets/masks and both dugouts cleared.

The highlights of the brawl included Johnny Cueto, the Reds starting pitcher that night, crazily kicking at Cardinals players against the backstop (Cueto has since been given a seven game suspension for his part in the melee). The Reds also wisely tracked down Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter (who had beaten them the night before) and managed to pin him against the netting of the backstop in a rather vulnerable position (fortunately for the Cardinals, Carpenter was not hurt). And the two managers, St. Louis skipper Tony LaRussa and Cincinnati's Dusty Baker, went straight for each other and held a passionate screaming match in the middle of the chaotic scene (LaRussa and Baker were the only participants who were actually ejected). Still, no one topped the utter rage of the Ohio woman who tried to order McNuggets during McDonald's breakfast hours.

Well, that's its for the inaugural Pu-Pu Platter, hope you enjoyed it.

Why I'm Still Rooting For Tiger

Tiger Woods shot a 7-over par 77 today in the final round of the Bridgestone Invitational, finishing a dismal week that saw him post a career-worst +18 in the four-day event. Given his highly-publicized trangressions off the golf course, I would venture to say that a fair amount of people are not at all saddened- and perhaps even happy- to see the once dominant golfer struggle mightily on the course.

But as for me, I'm still rooting for Tiger.

Now let me make clear that I in no way condone Tiger's many marital transgressions. I don't like his club-throwing and cursing after he hits bad shots. I agree that Tiger has been a poor role model. I don't feel sorry for Tiger because he is struggling on the golf course.

Still, I'm rooting for Tiger. I'm rooting for him because, as a sports fan, I want to see golf played at the highest level possible.

Tiger Woods at his best plays golf on another level from the rest of the world. No one, not even Phil Mickelson, can do the things Tiger Woods can on a golf course. Tiger hits shots that no one else can hit. He won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes, shooting -12 when no one else could even shoot even par. He won the 2008 U.S. Open playing 90 holes with broken leg. He's the most dominant golfer of all-time.

Some people may find it humbling to see him struggle on the golf course like a mere mortal, shooting +18. Me, I just find it sad that we're being deprived of witnessing greatness.

Don't you want to see sport played at it's highest level? Don't you want to see the best in the world at their best? Don't you want to see this again? I, for one, do.

If Tiger plays well again, fans will inevitably return to loving him. It's a veritable certainty.

The "comeback" is an American sports phenomenon. We love athletes who come back from just about anything- illnesses, injuries, or personal problems. The "comeback" story is so popular that it has become overplayed. The NFL and MLB both give out trophies to the "Comeback Player of the Year" in addition to the awards for MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Furthermore, American sports fans are quick to forget a player's personal transgressions in time as long as they return to performing well in the arena. Look at the reigning World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant was once villified for his highly-publicized infidelity, but now he is probably the most popular player in the NBA. His teammate Ron Artest iniated one of the ugliest episodes in sporting history by charging into the stands and brawling with fans in Detroit. Now Ron Artest has become a loveable figure and media darling- America's favorite crazy person.

If Tiger Woods resumes his winning ways, he will eventually win back the support of the general public. He'll be hailed for his "comeback" and announcers will gradually phase out any mention of his off-course failings. And if and when that happens, I'll have mixed emotions. In some ways the forgiving nature of American sports culture is commendable that we are so willing to forgive our fallen heroes. In other ways it's rather sad that we tend to forget athletes' personal transgressions and return them to atop a false pedestal.

I realize that this post probably comes across as contradictory. I recognize the contradictions in my own thought. If Tiger Woods does start to win again, he'll probably be let off too easily. But I'll root for him nonetheless, contradictions be damned. Just for my own viewing pleasure.

Super Early NFL Preview: Washington Redskins

It's a slow time in the sports world, so I figured I'd do some quick NFL previews. We'll start with probably the strongest division in football, the NFC East. Just for kicks, I'll go in reverse order-of-finish from 2009, so we'll start with the Washington Redskins.

Washington Redskins

2009 Record: 4-12 (4th in NFC East)

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan

Significant Additions: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Larry Johnson, RB Willie Parker, WR Bobby Wade, OT Trent Williams, OT Jamaal Brown, DT Maake Kemoeatu, DE Vonnie Holliday, CB Phillip Buchanon, P Josh Bidwell

Significant Losses: QB Jason Campbell, RB Rock Cartwright, WR Antwaan Randle El, OG Randy Thomas, DT Cornelius Griffin, CB Fred Smoot, P Hunter Smith

Major Offensive Issue: Offensive line. The o-line was ravaged by injuries last season and as a result was utterly horrific. The retirement of All-Pro LT Chris Samuels, release of G Randy Thomas, and season-ending injury to G Mike Williams means a lot of new faces along the offensive line. The key will be the play of the two new tackles, top draft pick Trent Williams and former Saint Jamaal Brown. Donovan McNabb is a significant upgrade at quarterback, but he desperately needs the line to give him enough time to find his targets. And the Redskins veteran running back trio of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker desperately need good blocking as they lack some of the explosion and elusiveness they once possessed earlier in their careers.

Major Defensive Issue: Anytime a team switches from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, changes have to be made. Despite the national hullabaloo over where defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth fits in on the team, the key to the success of the Redskins defense lies in how the linebackers adjust to the new defense. 3-4 outside linebackers are really a hybrid between linebackers and defensive ends and spend a lot of time rushing the passer. For that reason Brian Orakpo, who registered 11 sacks as a rookie last season while splitting time between OLB and DE, should thrive in a 3-4. Andre Carter, the other projected starting outside linebacker, also tallied 11 sacks last season, but has spent his entire 9 year career at defensive end. Can he continue to rush the passer while also holding his own in pass coverage? Meanwhile London Fletcher has routinely been near the top of the list of the NFL's leading tacklers in his long career as a middle linebacker in 4-3 defenses. But Fletcher's smaller frame makes him less suited for a 3-4, where middle linebackers have to take on more blocks from offensive lineman and have less freedom. And how will he react to sharing the middle with converted OLB Rocky McIntosh. Talent-wise, linebacker is probably the deepest position on the entire roster, yet the adjustment to new roles across the board as a result of the change in defense makes it the area to watch.

Major Current Storyline That Should Have Little Effect On The Actual Season: The whole Albert Haynesworth saga is great for the media. And yes, his refusal to participate in the Redskins' offseason workouts was selfish. But he's under contract and the Redskins aren't going to trade him (and there aren't many teams that are willing to take on his huge contract given his attitude problems). Once he eventually passes Mike Shanahan's conditioning test seemingly designed for Haynesworth to initially fail and face public embarassment, expect Haynesworth to keep quiet and play. And if healthy, he will be an immense asset (no pun intended) to the defensive line, especially if he is able and willing to play both defensive end and nose tackle.

Key Schedule Stretch: Weeks 4-6 (@ Philadelphia, vs. Green Bay, vs. Indianapolis). The Skins should emerge from the first three weeks of the season (vs. Dallas, vs. Houston, @ St. Louis) no worse than 2-1. The next three games feature Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia, followed by visits from Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (the favorites in the NFC North if Brett Favre is actually retired) and Peyton Manning and the Colts, the latter on Sunday Night Football. The remainder of the schedule is quite favorable, so if the Skins can emerge from that stretch 4-2 or even 3-3 they should be in good shape to make a run at the playoffs.

Best Player Name: I figured I should throw something fun in here, and what better for a guy named Wheat to do then scour teams' preseason rosters for the coolest-named player? NT Maake Kemoeatu has the best name of the defensive players in a landslide. OG Kory Lichtensteiger is a another strong candidate for the honor. But I'm going to have to give the nod here to OT Selvish Capers, the Redskins' 7th round draft choice out of West Virginia.

Predicted Pro Bowlers: QB Donovan McNabb, TE Chris Cooley, OLB Brian Orakpo

Final Record Prediction: After studying the schedule, I've vacillated between 9-7 and 10-6. I'll go with 9-7 for now. And here's one more prediction for you: the season finale January 2 between the Redskins and Giants at Fed Ex Field will be for a Wild Card spot in the NFC.