NFL Lock Out, Sports Round Up

Good morning!

Amazing how income tax time can knock me off my game! All those papers, all the faxing, etc.

Well, the BBQ is back on with a plateful of topics, starting with the NFL lock-out. Here's what you can chat about:

> Will there be a NFL football season in 2011? The players have been officially locked out.

> Why? The players and the team owners are at an impasse. Some of the many issues involved: an 18-game season instead of 16 and how to divide (allegedly) $9B a year.

> The NFL players union has voted to decertify and has filed an anti-trust suit in federal court.

> Who's right? Who's wrong? Discuss.

Ohio State Football

> Head coach Jim Tressel has been suspended for 2 games because he was warned that some of his football players were selling their memorabilia. Tressel reportedly received an email from a former OSU player who is now an attorney. Tressel responded that he'd look into it ASAP but apparently didn't.

> When the players were found out, including star QB Terrelle Pryor they were suspended for

the first 5 games of the upcoming season.

> Now Tressel is suspended for the first two.

> Should he have been punished? If so, should it have been more severe?

> In a news conference, Tressel said he thought the email was supposed to be kept confidential. Is that a defense?

> Did you ever see this coming? Tressel's known as a class-act.

Enough for now. Discuss and enjoy!

Big Ben Is Back

You've heard a lot about Ben Roethlisberger. This season, it hasn't been about his performance on the football field.

If you haven't heard, here's the (quick) skinny:

> He was accused of but not charged with sexual assault of a woman at a bar in Georgia.

> He was suspended 6 games by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension was later reduced to 4 games by the NFL Commissioner.

> Roethlisberger returned to the team this week.

Here's what you should be talking about:

> How will he play? He hasn't part of training camp and hasn't practiced with his receivers. Let's just say that timing between players, especially QB's and wide receivers is crucial.

> How will he be greeted by fans? Keep in mind, Pittsburgh is a great, proud sports town. Roethlisberger helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls. That said, lots of locals even my Aunt, one of the most loving and patient people I know (read: nun), thought Ben should be ashamed and should go. Terry Bradshaw, a Hall of Fame QB for the Steelers after winning FOUR Super Bowls, thought Big Ben should have been dumped.

> Has he changed? Is he a better man? Could he even be a better player?

Decide for yourself on October 17th when he is supposed to start against the Steelers' bitter rivals, the Cleveland Browns. It'll be in Pittsburgh and worth watching.

Thanks for dropping by the BBQ and talk it up amongst yourselves!