Back on the Apple

I'll try to hit a number of topics, so, if you don't like one, just skip ahead to the next paragraph.

I'm not sure which is worse: a) the excuses given by Floyd Landis and his camp or b) the jump to condemn Landis of cheating. I'm not a chemist (I did have the highest score in my college chemistry I and II classes though), but it seems odd to me that Landis would only test positive once for synthetic testosterone. I wouldn't think Landis would decide one day, hundreds of miles into the tour, that he was going to start cheating. Maybe he did. Maybe he didn't realize that it probably wouldn't help him. Maybe he thought he was done being tested. Or, maybe he's telling the truth and he has no idea why his urine would test positive. Is there any chance the people at the lab doing the tests have something against Floyd Landis?

Moving on to Norman, OK, where Rhett Bomar and his "job" at a local car dealership may have pissed the season away for the Sooners. Bob Stoops was 100% correct kicking Bomar off his squad. In his two years in Norman, one as a redshirt and one as the starting QB, Bomar was twice cited for underage drinking. Then, his unearned income came to light. Three strikes and you're out. Bomar didn't learn that he wasn't above the law ... I would think that being cited for drinking in Norman would have prevented most people from putting themselves in a situation to be caught drinking at a Hornets game in OKC. Not Bomar. Stoops isn't Bomar's babysitter. He isn't Bomar's dad. Stoops is the head coach of a national powerhouse college football team. He is also a husband and father. It isn't Stoops' job to know where all his players work during the summer. The players know what they can and can't do ... Bomar got caught trying to cheat the system. What is Stoops going to say to the boosters the next time OU losses to Texas? "Sorry, I was too busy checking up with players at their summer jobs and walking them to class to devote time to recruiting, film study and all my other football-related duties." Yeah, that's going to fly. And "No!", Stoops shouldn't have just suspended Bomar. This is the best thing for the school, the program, and Bomar. Can you imagine the reception Bomar would get if he returned next year if OU fans believe his transgressions cost them a national title this year and then he didn't have a fantastic season (which would be likely if he's suspended all this year)? It wouldn't be peaches 'n cream.

Coach K has USA Basketball on the right track. The United States still has the best basketball talent (and players) on the planet. Will Coach K's squad win the upcoming World Championships? Maybe, maybe not. But, the emphasis on playing good defense and sharing the ball is the right strategy when you have guys like Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Joe Johnson, Shane Battier, Bruce Bowen, Chris Paul, etc. I wouldn't want to have to try to score against athletes like that. It is important that the players are dedicated to playing good defense, on and off the ball, and let their defense fuel an unstoppable transition game. The USA team should be able to pressure the ball, get out in passing lanes, be in good position chasing shooters off screens, and challenge and block shots. It will come down to focus and dedication ... I guess we'll see if Coach K can instill those qualities in his team before the important games start. Looks promising so far.