{"id":1521,"date":"2019-12-15T20:13:47","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T02:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/roykessel.com\/?p=1521"},"modified":"2019-12-16T21:00:19","modified_gmt":"2019-12-17T03:00:19","slug":"roys-ramble-12-15-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/roykessel.com\/roys-ramble-12-15-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Roy’s Ramble 12-15-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Some very interesting stories to follow over these last couple of week.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This coming week I am excited about the Sports Philanthropy Network holiday events in DC (December 17th) and Chicago (December 19th),<\/a> as well as the Aspen Institute’s event on the State of College Sports which is being held in DC on December 17th. Should be a a very interesting week ahead with lots to report next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NFL CELEBRATIONS<\/strong>\u2014for so many years the NFL fought against allowing players to celebrate.\u00a0 The moniker of the \u201cNo Fun League\u201d seemed to fit very well.\u00a0 I think one of the best things to come along in sports in a long time is the permission the NFL has given players to have fun planning, executing and enjoying the pleasure that comes along with a TD or a turnover.\u00a0 Though the games are long enough, I would much rather watch the players celebrating than seeing a commercial for the 100th<\/sup> time<\/s>, 500th<\/sup> time.\u00a0 Let\u2019s hope that they find other ways to encourage these positive spirited enhancements of the game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHRIS PETERSON<\/strong>\u2014His retirement highlights the enormous pressure cooker college coaches are under.\u00a0 NFL coaches are no different, except that very few of them are able to make it past a few years in the league.\u00a0 Virtually no coach has an open ended contract, unless your name is Belichick or Tomlin.\u00a0 We have seen Urban Meyer retire multiple times and there are reports he will be back. Bill Cowher took a step back and there does not appear to be much chatter connecting him to any job openings this year.\u00a0\u00a0 Jon Gruden stepped away for a long time before he was lured back.\u00a0 Though it gets in the coach\u2019s blood, people often underestimate the mental, physical and psychological damage it can do to the coach and his family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

49ERS ANNOUNCER<\/strong>\u2014This was a very disturbing incident in which the 49ers announcer Tim Ryan stated that one of the main reasons Lamar Jackson succeeded<\/a> was due to his dark skin (and uniform) being able to hide the ball on play-action and read-option plays.\u00a0 The absurdity was highlighted by Jackson wearing white sleeves and white gloves and continuing to put up huge numbers.\u00a0 Anyone watching his performance will tell you that his running and passing abilities have nothing to do with \u201chiding\u201d the ball due to his skin color.\u00a0 The announcer got the appropriate flack and hopefully this issue is put behind everyone.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME<\/strong>\u2014I had the privilege to get press credentials to cover the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis last Saturday night.\u00a0 Indianapolis has the well-earned reputation for putting on a phenomenal show.\u00a0 It was doing so for many years of NCAA tournaments, Big Ten Tournaments and other events, before the Super Bowl showcased its capabilities to a much wider audience.\u00a0 The fan set up in Indy is tough to beat with the hotels and restaurants so close to the action.\u00a0 The Indiana Convention Center hosted a terrific Fan Fest and pep rallies letting fans get opportunities to kick field goals, run the 40 yard dash and much more.\u00a0 Some parents even let their kids get in front of them in line. \ud83d\ude0a\u00a0 The staff at Lucas Oil Stadium does a great job hosting the media and ensuring first-class access to the field and all of the necessary resources.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n