2012 NCAA Final Four

The 2012 Final Four isn't loaded with No. 1 seed favorites like the experts predicted, but there isn't a lack of talent and good coaching, that's for sure.  With one No. 1 seed, two No. 2 seeds, and one No. 4 seed, this year's Final Four in New Orleans should make for some entertaining competitive basketball.

Here's my take.

LOUISVILLE (30-9, 10-8 Big East): I really like the way this Louisville team is playing right now.  After only going 10-8 in the vaunted Big East Conference, the Cardinals won four games to win the Big East Tournament.  The lowest seed in the Final four,  the No. 4 Cardinals are well balanced offensively and well disciplined on defense.  Rick Pitino has done a masterful job in getting this team to the Final Four, however I think that's as far as he can take them.  They will face in-state rival Kentucky in their first game and as much I would like to see Louisville pull off the upset, but I don't think they have the talent to keep up with the Wildcats.  As it is, Louisville made a great run and I'm sure Pitino will have another Cardinal squad back in the Final Four.


KENTUCKY (36-2, 16-0 SEC): The No. 1 overall seed in the field of 64, the Wildcats are a strong, athletic, and explosive team with NBA talent all over the roster.  Their only loss this regular season came on the road against a well disciplined Indiana Hoosier team who, ironically enough, were knocked out of the tournament by Kentucky in the Sweet 16.  I can go on and on about Kentucky's depth and talent.  They have three players projected to be 1st round draft picks in the 2013 NBA Draft, including the presumptive No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis, who is only a freshman and seems to be the consensus NCAA Basketball National Player of the Year.  Led by recruiting genius and head coach John Calipari, I don't see the Cats losing in New Orleans.

KANSAS (31-6, 16-2 Big 12):  The Jayhawks proved to be a solid team throughout the regular season.  Led by National Player of the Year candidate, Thomas Robinson, the Jayhawks had an impressive 16-2 record in Big 12 play with losses coming at Missouri and vs Baylor.  Their tournament schedule was relatively favorable playing No. 15 Detroit, No. 10 Purdue, No. 11 NC State, and an injured No. 1 North Carolina team.  Although I like PG Tyshaun Taylor and F Thomas Robinson, I don't see Kansas getting past Ohio State who are coming off a big win against a very talented Syracuse team.  With that said, I wouldn't be surprised if Bill Self and his Jayhawks make their way to the title game.

OHIO STATE (31-7, 13-5 Big Ten): Throughout the regular season I wasn't sold on the Buckeyes.  Maybe it was the tough Big 10 schedule, I don't know.  After seeing them beat Syracuse in the Elite 8 though, I think this team can compete.  I really like PG Aaron Craft who displays toughness, leadership, and an unrivaled passion for the game.  He isn't the most talented player on the court, but his will to win has definitely rubbed off on his teammates.  This could prove dangerous for opponents considering the Buckeyes boast one of the best front court tandems in the nation with F Jared Sullinger and F Deshaun Thomas.  I think the Buckeyes beat Kansas in a heavyweight battle, but lose to Kentucky in the championship.

FINAL FOUR:
No. 4 Louisville vs No. 1 Kentucky
No. 2 Kansas vs No. 2 Ohio State

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
No. 2 Ohio State vs No. 1 Kentucky

NFL Bounty Suspension

Suspending Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints for an entire year is ridiculous.  The NFL has long been a gladiator sport, a sport that thrives on big hits, physical contact, and toughness.  To say that players on teams had incentive to make some additional money for big hits, fumbles, interceptions, and sacks isn't a problem to me.  It only becomes a problem when their is intent to injure.  That's when I cross the line, but my goodness I don't think that was the case.  At least not enough to suspend the head coach for an entire year, especially when he is more involved with the offense rather than the defense.

I feel like many other teams had some sort of bounty or incentive system in the locker room.  It doesn't seem uncommon for any professional team to have competition amongst one another for a little extra cash.  But again, when money is being made for injuring players that becomes a problem.  Other than that however, I feel players can do whatever they want with their money.  What's the harm in earning an extra $100 per interception?  It's the same concept parents use when they give their child an ice cream if they get an A on their test.  Sure, added incentives shouldn't maximize the performance of people, but it sure as hell doesn't minimize it.  And as a sports fan I'm okay with that.  If it means that players are going to play harder, faster, stronger, and with more passion then I have no problem with it.

What I do have a problem with is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's suspension of Sean Payton.  Talk about making an example.  A one year suspension without pay ($7.5 million) is a little extreme if you ask me.  I'm sure Goodell wasn't complaining when the Saints made their Super Bowl run, playing in an exciting fashion that fans definitely enjoyed.  The Saints will have a difficult time getting back to the Super Bowl next season when their head coach won't be anywhere near the organization.