BEAS: A bouquet of boos for Kiffin, others

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January 19, 2010

By Mike Beas The Kokomo Tribune Tue Jan 19, 2010, 11:09 PM EST

Sports wouldn’t fascinate the way it does without controversial figures, for they are what pull us back time and again. We don’t necessarily agree with their actions or what they said, yet we continue to keep eyes and ears on alert.

Lately it seems the needle on the idiot meter is working overtime, which means water-cooler discussion isn’t in short supply.

For instance:

LANE KIFFIN

Never during the modern era has a coach, college or professional, been so historically insignificant and yet able to constantly lasso bigger and higher-paying jobs.

If not for his old man, Monte Kiffin, who spent 25 seasons in the National Football League as either a defensive coordinator or linebackers coach, this guy would be paying money to get into stadiums. Either that or selling cotton candy at them.

Don’t know anything about Hawaii’s gridiron prospects for 2010, but the Rainbow Warriors will have at least one fan in Indiana when USC opens its season in Honolulu on Sept. 4.

Think the network bigwigs won’t be trying to find a way to pair USC and Tennessee in the same bowl game sometime soon? Talk about a ratings bonanza, not to mention a lot of angry orange.

MARK McGWIRE

Everyone wants to throw the former Oakland/St. Louis slugger under the bus (OK, a train), and rightfully so. McGwire cheated baseball, cheated its fans, cheated the Maris family, cheated himself.

His publicly-aired confession to Bob Costas loosened the noose of guilt around his conscience even if it was five years too late. Remember, America is an accountability nation, which means over time we’ll view McGwire more positively thanks to those crocodile tears.

But only if ironclad proof surfaces that his eyes weren’t watering staring at Costas’ bad dye job.

TIGER WOODS

Seems we have a new way of spelling coward. Next time we see Woods’ mug it will be on the side of a milk carton. Golf’s meal ticket better get in front of the microphones soon. Staying away is taking a 9-iron to his reputation. Sorry, bad analogy.

THE TRIPPING HOYA

Seems one member of the Georgetown women’s basketball team purposely tripped a Louisville player as the Lady Cardinals were running a lap around the court during pregame warmups. A melee broke out with Georgetown and Louisville players exchanging pushes and punches before order was finally restored.

Who said women’s basketball is unwatchable?

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS

There was no reason why Brett Favre needed to throw another touchdown pass, his fourth of the game, late in Sunday’s 34-3 playoff demolition of Dallas. The move was classless to the point that the entire state of Texas will be pulling for New Orleans in the upcoming NFC Championship Game.

The Cowboys won’t have to wait for another postseason for a shot at revenge. Though a date hasn’t been set, Dallas plays at Minnesota during the 2010 regular season. My guess is they’ll Monday Night that one.

GILBERT ARENAS

If a person actually could shoot his mouth off, the Washington Wizards guard would be a solid candidate to do so given his big yap and fondness for firearms. Another black eye for the NBA, which can ill afford many more.

• Mike Beas is a freelance writer/columnist and Kokomo native who resides in Carmel. He may be reached by

e-mail at mbeas@att.net.

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BEAS: A bouquet of boos for Kiffin, others

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