A busy day

There is so much on this sports fan's mind today. The main one for us here in the C.O. has to be the death of Columbus Blue Jacket owner John H. McConnell. The news is not shocking as the 84-year-old founder of Worthington Industries had a prolonged battle with liver cancer, but his prescence is surely going to be missed.

No one has done more for the economy or pro sports for Columbus than McConnell. When Columbus needed someone or something to step up to the plate to write a check to the NHL to cover the expansion fee, McConnell was there. And has been there since, often in his luxury box at Nationwide Arena as the Papal of the team. His wave and reception is much like the Pope, and he may very well be the only person to be shown on the video screen of Nationwide Arena so many times to never get booed.

The fans realize HE is the reason why the National Hockey League has a home in Columbus. HE is the reason why we have such a vibrant area of downtown. HE is the reason why this city has made it to the next level in pro sports. And that does not cover his accomplishments before turning 74.

John McConnell loved this city, and this city returned that love. Now his son John P. McConnell will now bankroll the team. One can only hope because of the sagging attendance with the team, that his son will live his dad's dream to fruition. To bring championship hockey to the city of Columbus. There will certainly be pressure on the son to sell the team, or move it. However his dad was certainly not in it for the money. McConnell never made anything of this team, but he wanted to make sure this city could enjoy the NHL.

Lets just hope Mr. Mac will be able to find a good seat from up above, and be able to wave down on us from time to time.

Now onto the business of sports today. Wow! Was that a dramatic NFL Draft today? Who would have thought that Jake Long would have been selected first? Hmm... everyone's hand went up. So I guess I could be wrong on that.

Why is there such glitz and glamour for something that is something along the lines of being prestaged? Several days ago, Miami pretty much signed their first round draft pick to a contract. This is why there has been so much talk about having a rookie salary cap. Part of why the NFL has a draft is to give teams a chance to bring in talent, not have to hook someone in with money. Not in today's NFL. Now the dollar sign is as important to teams looking for players as combine results.

Nothing against Jake Long. I would accept $57.5 million to play 80 football games. Yes my friend, that breaks down to be about $700,000 per game for someone to protect a quarterback. That is one expensive bodyguard for whoever emerges as the starting quarterback on the beach.

Just let these guys play their first year NFL. It almost makes me sick that they give these guys more money than what they know to do with. I am not insisting they won't do the right the things with it, but these guys need to realize that the careers of pro football players are short and the fact that they're getting paid big money right out of the starting gates is not helping young men. It is all about playing a game. That is it.