It's Friday....

We have made it to Friday, a look at what's up....

- The Falcons got a solid hold on a playoff spot in the NFL with a dominating 41-14 win over the Jaguars Thursday night. One player that was invisible most of the season but has come alive in recent weeks is Roddy White. White had 10 catches and two touchdowns in the win as Atlanta improved to 9-5. I think that win clinched Atlanta's ticket to the playoffs. The Bears and Lions aren't going to catch them now.
- The Penn State story continues today as former athletic director Tim Curley and former vice president Gary Schultz are in court to fight perjury charges. A sad state of affairs in Happy Valley. Let's just hope it all gets figured out sooner than later.
- There are reports this morning that the Blue Jays made a bid of over $40 million on Yu Darvish and that was probably enough to win the bidding for the Japanese star pitcher. That would be a tall task for any AL East team to face Darvish and the 6'5" pitcher wouldn't even have to move to the United States.
- An interesting storyline is developing in Indianapolis with the Colts and Peyton Manning. Indy is assured of the No. 1 pick in the 2012 Draft and there is no doubt they will take Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Where does that leave Manning though? Does he stay and mentor the new kid? Does he ask for a trade to clear the path for Luck? I'm thinking Manning wants nothing to do with having a possible star on the roster with him and will ask out.
- It's a light morning so let's discuss four high school students being suspended for doing Tim Tebow's famous pose at school. If the kids are trying to be like Tebow, let them. It could be a lot worse.
- Last, I would like to talk about the new NFL TV deals a bit...I think we are heading towards Thursday Night games each week of the season for one and wouldn't be surprised if a weekly Saturday game is added. Saturday games showed up a lot on schedules in recent years in the final weeks of the season when college football was done. Why not do it again? Also, I like the switches possible to make the best games to another network if blocked by another great game. More viewers is more money for the NFL. Finally, all three Thanksgiving games on where people can watch them. The NFL can now control the whole holiday, a win-win for everyone.

That's the story for now, trivia later and more sports thoughts tonight....

Thursday morning thoughts

It's early and it's time for a look at what's going on or about to go on....

- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.

That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....