Ellington

There is not just one topic on my mind this week. Instead, I have thoughts on a few things from around the sports world.

After a great start, Mississippi State and Ole Miss are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs need to finish their regular season of SEC play at 8-8, and the Rebels need to win out and go on a run in the SEC Tournament.

Mississippi Valley State could finish undefeated in SWAC play in the regular season and still miss the NCAA Tournament by losing in the SWAC Tournament. That means the Delta Devils can't afford to lose a game now.

Speaking of Cam ...
It drives me nuts when sports reporters like Sports Illustrated writer Peter King says teams should give up a whole draft for Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck. Bad teams need to use all their picks to try to make their team better, not gamble on one big pick.

I am looking at you Cleveland, Washington and Miami. Carolina drafted Cam Newton and was a better team, but they did not turn into a contender overnight. Build a team over the long haul, and don't give up tomorrow for a couple of wins next season.

Speaking of Cam Newton, I have even more respect for him throwing at the NFL Combine. Luck and Griffin chose not to throw this past weekend. Newton threw and was still the first pick in the draft.

True, Newton was picked apart by the guys watching, but he took all the criticism and handled it well. By throwing at the combine, Newton showed he was not afraid to fail.

Cheatin'
Ryan Bruan had his 50-game suspension for using a banned substance overturned on a technicality. Only an idiot (now I am looking at you, Aaron Rodgers) would believe Bruan didn't cheat. It makes me sad to read the conspiracy theories from Bruan and his defenders.

Sports are great because we marvel at the accomplishments athletes can achieve naturally from hard work and God-given talent. Bruan might have natural talents, but he takes too many shortcuts to achieve his accomplishments.

And Finally
I am still surprised the New Orleans Saints have not reached a deal with Drew Brees. It could be that both sides are waiting to see where next year's salary cap will be placed.