The Sixth Cents III

They say that once you do something three times it can become a habit, right? That means we are good to go with the Six Cents posts...this will officially be a regular feature. Most of them won't be as long as they were last week, I promise. Some of those topics could be large columns by themselves, but I digress. We've had a fairly busy week in sports since last time and it was tough to narrow down my favorite six stories to chime in on. Here we go!
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1. I love Bush as much as the next guy, but come on Eileen
For those that weren't paying attention, Reggie Bush of the USC Trojans won the Heisman Trophy this year. I don't have a problem with this at all. He is clearly the most dominant athlete in college football, and I'm not even just talking about this year. His performance over the past two seasons has to be right up there in terms of "all-time college superstars."

My problem is this: Matt Leinart only received 18 first place votes. 18!? Is that it?

Listen, I know this was Reggie's award and all. I know that Leinart won it last year. I didn't even want Leinart to win it because then Archie Griffin of THE Ohio State University wouldn't be the only two-time winner anymore. But 18!? His numbers were better than last season and does anyone remember the throw during the final drive of the Notre Dame game that saved the Trojans' season? This guy was unbelievable in 2005. While he clearly did not deserve to repeat with the way his teammate performed this fall, I think he earned more respect than 18 first place votes.
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2. The FIFIX World Cup
If you missed yesterday's World Cup article, scroll down and check it out, or click here. If nothing else, it offers a different perspective on the United States' chances than most members of the media are presenting.

I mentioned in that article about the USA's getting snubbed for one of the top eight seeds, which is essentially the reason why we got lumped into the group of near-death. I'll say this up front though, I don't think we deserved a top seed. But then again, neither did Mexico...or perhaps even Italy.

The crazy formula that FIFA used was based on a few factors. They weigh in your current world ranking and how you performed throughout the qualifying tournaments in your region. That makes enough sense, right? But then they score your performance in the previous three World Cup Finals.

Now I understand that the most recent World Cup is weighted heavier than the others, but tell me something. How does a team's play during 1994 or 1998 have any relavance whatsoever on what they are doing in 2006? Seriously. I need someone to explain it to me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the United States will have just ONE player remaining from that 1994 squad, and perhaps only FOUR from the 1998 version. This is a different team...as are all of the other nations in this tournament.

I believe that this formula is in place entirely to protect the traditional powers. Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, England, Spain, Mexico. Those are the teams that FIFIX wants, so those are the teams that FIFIX gets.

Nevermind that Holland won it's qualifying group and is ranked #3 in the world right now. They failed to qualify in 2002!

Nevermind that the United States was a quarterfinalist in 2002. Or that we played well enough to be a semi-finalist. Or that we won our qualifying group and are ranked #8 in the world. We got dumped back in 1998 with a horrendous coach that took a number of slow, over the hill guys to France.

And Mexico? MEXICO? Last I checked, they didn't win their region...WE DID. We are also 7-2-1 in our last 10 games against them since 2000. Mexico has only scored 3 goals against us, all coming at home in their only two wins over that stretch (2-1 and 1-0.) Oh yeah, and we beat them in the previous World Cup. Remember that? I know they do.
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3. Kobe can't be my Superman
First of all, any time the Lakers lose, it's fine by me. Couple that with Kobe Bryant getting kicked in the face by Anthony Carter and I might even chuckle a little bit. But what Kobe said afterwards? That just sends a chill down my spine.

"My nose is a little crooked, man," Bryant said afterward. "I'm normally super, super sexy. I'm just super sexy now."

I'm sorry, are you kidding me? This statement came from an admitted adulterer who was recently accused of rape. How is it possible that he thinks the American public has forgiven him? I can't believe how completely arrogant and obnoxious that comment is. YOU WERE ACCUSED OF RAPE DUDE, YOU ARE NOT SEXY.

I'm sure he was trying to be funny, but he hasn't earned that from us yet. Had that come from Shaq, Ron Artest, or Dennis Rodman that quote would have been pretty amusing. But Kobe? Nope. No free passes for scum bags.
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4. Cute, racist collegiate athlete chicks and the idiot football players that love them
This story is one that I would like to hear the conclusion of. Is there something in the water in Boulder, CO? First Gary Barnett and all of the sex scandals with the Colorado football team and now we have the adorable Zeigle sisters from the cross-country program.

Apparently a Hispanic runner by the name of Greg Castro received an email from Jacqueline Zeigle and her boyfriend, football player Clint O'Neal calling him a "river rat," a "border hopper" and a "bean eating piece of shit." Incredible stuff.

Zeigle, a sophomore, told police that Castro has an obsession with her and that he pushed her twin sister Laura at a party. Castro claims that Zeigle tried to pin a cheating scandal on him as well and that she invokes her boyfriend's name to threaten others.

The boyfriend got a slap on the wrist from the football team, as expected, but Jacqueline has left the cross-country team for personal reasons. The rumor is that the Zeigle sisters were once considered two of cross-country's fastest rising stars. There was even a magazine article written about their close friendship, devout Christianity, and promise for Olympic glory.
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5. Much Adu about his future
If you haven't heard, Freddy Adu is the boy-wonder of the American soccer scene. What you probably don't know is that he is still young, inexperienced and isn't even a full-time contributor for his club team, D.C. United. He has yet to make an appearance with the senior national team, and rightfully so. He isn't ready. But after acting extremely immaturely he was suspended by United for the playoffs.

US head coach Bruce Arena has called Adu into camp in January, but has also stated that the 16-year old is a long shot at best to make the squad for 2006. Now we have this article quoting Ghana head coach, Ratomir Duikovic. You see, Adu was born in Ghana and moved to the United States when he was 8-years old. Until he makes an appearance for the senior team, or he turns 21, he is still eligible to switch countries. Adu has said that he will only play for the Americans, but what an interesting story that would be if he suited up against us in the upcoming World Cup.

Personally, I think it would ruin his future success to play for Ghana. The United States is slowly but surely becoming a world power in soccer. While the Black Stars are considered Africa's top team, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who thinks Adu would be better served playing for them for the remainder of his career.
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6. Obligatory Miami University and/or Ohio State reference

Miami Hockey tied #15 St. Lawrence and then defeated #16 Clarkson to remain #2 in the country behind Wisconsin. However, the Badgers slipped up over the weekend, losing 4-2 to Michigan Tech before pummeling them in the return leg 7-0. Last week Wisconsin was a unanimous #1, but the Redhawks stole 14 first place votes this week inching us within just 10 points in the overall rankings of the top spot.

As for Ohio State, I can't believe I'm even going to mention this, but the Lady Bucks are ranked #4 in the nation and take on #3 LSU on Thursday night. I didn't used to consider women's basketball a sport, but for gambling purposes, there is nothing quite like the easy spreads laid down for the top 10 every year.