What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
Even those of us who are unsure we like this Pac-12 setup have to tip our caps to commissioner Larry Scott.
Wednesday’s announcement of the new Pac-12 television network, to debut in August 2012, means that every Pac-12 football and men’s basketball game will be shown nationally.
The Pac-12 network will add to the conference’s previously-announced 12-year deal worth $3 billion with ESPN and Fox. It will mean more revenue, and also more visibility, for all 12 schools.
All of that money is important to the stability and competitiveness of the conference programs — especially those (WSU, for example) with fewer resources.
But for fans, what matters here is we can see our favorite teams play live even when they aren’t the game of the week. And that’s a great deal.
2
On the surface, having its all-stars lose 9-2 over the last two seasons to Manchester United doesn’t make Major League Soccer look good.
But it’s not a black mark, either.
Man U is one of the two most talented soccer teams in the world. And the players from MLS, while talented, could hardly be considered a team after two days of practice. So the 4-0 loss on Wednesday that followed a 5-2 loss in 2010 aren’t a true indication of the gulf between MLS at its best and the rest of the soccer world.
Besides, we find a matchup such as this far more interesting than an East vs. West all-star match would be, a fact that makes it perhaps the most compelling of the pro sports all-star games.
3
Chad Ochocinco, meet Bill Belichik. Now put away that Twitter device and buckle your chin strap.
At first brush, the former Oregon State wide receiver with the colorful personality seems miscast for New England’s toe-the-line culture. But we see another smart move by the Pats’ boss.
And escaping the bungling franchise in Cincinnati should make Ochocinco so happy he quiets down.
