Dan Wheldon: 1978-2011

It is always said that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. I wish Dan Wheldon had not been killed in Las Vegas, but I hope a catastrophe like this one never occurs in racing again anywhere. Wheldon died of unsurvivable injuries he suffered when his race car clipped another car and burst into flames after literally flying into a catch-fence. If I were a race car driver, fire would be my greatest fear. When the 15 car pile-up occurred, fire was the mitigating factor. IndyCar was very fortunate that it lost only one driver in such a terrible mishap, but one driver is far and away one too many. The two-time Indy 500 winner is survived by his wife and two young sons. Godspeed Dan Wheldon.

Barbara Dooley: That Rile Might Stay Up...

I think Derek Dooley is a good guy. I don't know what caliber of football coach he is because he hasn't been operating at the SEC level long enough to prove himself. There is one thing for sure, the "Hillbilly Honeymoon" won't last forever. That proving period will probably end this year, past program problems and transgressions not withstanding. Mama can defend her "Precious" all she wants, but he's a Big Boy now coaching in a Big Boy conference. The vultures will soon begin circling if he doesn't restore the Volunteer program back to its days of glory. Take all the shots at her baby you want, but just remember Mama's listening. Oh yea, take a hint from Bobby Bowden, she's "not too old to find you, son"!

Stephen Garcia: The Straw That Broke the Gamecock's Back

This can't be baseball, because you only get three strikes in 'America's Pastime'. It has to be the 'Ole Ball Coach, because he's the only one who allows anyone to tempt fate five times. It appears that even six times is one too many transgressions for Steve Spurrier. Thus a failed alcohol test and one Stephen Garcia is permanently booted off the South Carolina football team. And we all thought he had has many lives as the old feline, only to come up three short. But wait, knowing Garcia will partake of an adult beverage is just as sure a thing as the preacher man praying. So what's really going on in Columbia? I think that Connor Shaw's performance against Kentucky on Saturday finally convinced Spurrier that he is now prepared to be the 'Cocks number one signal caller. Shaw finally gave the "Evil Genius" the assurance he needed to rid himself of Garcia and all of his excessive baggage. It was Shaw who helped Spurrier put the noose around the neck of Garcia, not a failed alcohol test. But you all knew that anyway, right? Of course you did. But be careful Coach, it was 'Kensucky' that Shaw excelled against...

Tennessee Nike Pro Combat Uniforms

You can take the Volunteer out of the hills, but you can't take the Hillbilly out of the Vounteer! Rock on 'Rocky Top', they're playing your song. But you'll be seeing an awful lot of RED before Saturday night is over.

Women's World Cup: Seizing the Moment...

The United States women failed to close out a Japan team that looked outmatched for much of the World Cup final. It almost seemed as if the U.S. was playing not to loose, more so than playing to win. There is a big difference you know. There were scoring chances missed by our American team, and the defense seemed to almost totally collapse on Japan's first goal. But then again, that is soccer. It is a game than can sometimes lull you to sleep, then keep you on the edge of your seat without a moments notice. Anything can happen in soccer, as is true with most sports. Anything did happen Sunday. Japan upset the United States to win the World Cup. They were a team of destiny, and they did do a better job of seizing the moment. But not to worry, where there's Hope (Solo), there's U.S. soccer!

Atlanta Braves: It's a 'Wild Card' Kind of Year

I know we are only three games past the All-Star break, so there is actually a full half-season to be played. Nevertheless, it's already time to cut to the chase and admit that the path to the playoffs for Atlanta runs through the wild card race. There will be no Eastern Division title for the Braves, because the Phillies will claim that pennant flag once again this year. There is no disgrace in that admission, for the defending champions are the real deal. Their pitching staff is so complete with great arms that they will not experience any prolonged losing streaks. A two game hiccup is all you'll get from them down the stretch, and that won't happen with any regularity. The Braves are actually not that far behind Philadelphia in reality. The Braves starting rotation isn't "phillyesque", but it isn't so shabby either. I would also rate the Atlanta bullpen ahead of the Phillies'. However, the boys from the A-T-L just do not hit consistently enough. The lineup that takes the field for most games looks much better on paper than it performs on the field. They're wild card worthy, but a title will have to wait. Again.

German Golf: Conveyor Belt Style...

...and I thought you didn't get much exercise riding in a golf cart. At least you have to get your rear end up and down and in and out of it. These guys in Lohmar, Germany are doing absolutely nothing. I wonder what the ruling is if your ball lands on the belt and gives its golfer some extra yards? Go figure...

Stephen Garcia: Down for The Count?

South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia has been suspended from any participation with the Gamecock football program. Indefinitely. Again. Again as in five times. Since arriving in Columbia as a freshman, Garcia has been suspended from the program FIVE times. And he's still around, so go figure. Talk about second chances, and second chances, and second chances...I think you get the picture. He's about to embark on his senior gridiron season if he gets to hang around that long. The old saying about cats is that they have nine lives. I wonder if Gamecocks do as well? Hum...only at South Carolina, where it apparently is easier to overlook discipline than it is to administer it.

Ben Jones: A "Throw-Back" Who Will Throw-Down

In a matter of a few months, Ben Jones will embark on his fourth campaign as the starting center for the University of Georgia. And he wants it to count. So either lead, follow, or get out of his way. He is determined to do everything in his power to turn the Bulldawg program around, and he wants every one of his Georgia teammates to feel the same sense of urgency that he does. Jones has already called out his fellow offensive compatriots this spring, and he has no plans to let up until he has played his last snap in Bulldawg Red and Black. This spring he's not just Georgia's center, he's the center of attention.

Trey Thompkins: No Dawg, No More...

Trey Thompkins will enter the NBA Draft this year as expected. No great revelation here. He said no to the league as a sophomore last year, so he really can't continue to leave millions on the table any longer. It was a sound decision on his part. Even though he will have to toughen up to play in the league, he will turn into a solid pro player. His propensity to hang out around the bonus arc will work out well for him at the next level. He has enough touch with his jump shot to offset his softness in regards to working in the paint. I also believe his leaving will be a good thing for Georgia. After all, he didn't exactly put the Dawgs on his back and carry them this past season. I certainly would not label his junior campaign as "stellar". It is time for Thompkins and the Georgia program to both move on. I wish Trey well, but I wish for the Dawgs of Mark Fox much more success.

Nate McLouth: Is Time On Your Side?

Nate McLouth had a lousy 2010 season, and that assessment is being extremely gentle. However, to his credit, McLouth worked hard during the off-season, had a successful "bounce back" spring campaign and emerged as the Braves starting center fielder. Just another "feel good" story, right? Huh, not quite yet. Now that the official 2011 campaign has begun the speedy center fielder is back to his bad habits once again. He is 3 for 16, with five strikeouts and one walk. Not very good numbers for your hitter occupying the number two hole, again being very gentle here. I realize that one week does not a season make, but how much time will new manager Fredi Gonzalez give his center fielder to get his offensive numbers turned around? I would assume far less than former skipper Bobby Cox would have. I want Nate Mclouth to succeed because I want the Atlanta Braves to succeed. In order for the team to flourish, they will have to have a center fielder playing at the top of his game. At least closer to the top than the bottom.

Shaka Smart: VCU Yes; N.C. State No..

Shaka Smart has decided to remain as the head basketball coach at VCU, as opposed to joining up with the Wolfpack of N.C State. Pardon the pun, but 'smart' decision. It hasn't been that long ago that practically any basketball coach in America would forsake all to become a head coach in the once powerful round-ball world of the Atlantic Coast Conference. And along with that the conference member programs could go after and get almost any coach that they so desired. My how times have changed. Those changes obviously include N.C. State individually as well. The once-proud Wolfpack program always prowled along the border of the first and second tiers of the conference's basketball hierarchy, always just a pounce away from the Tarheels and the Blue Devils. However, now State is considered a 'bottom feeder', and I suppose Shaka Smart wants eat a little higher on the hog than that.