Oregon’s star QB took the field for a nationally televised game last Thursday night knowing something just wasn’t right. What had appeared to be just a scare two weeks before in a game against Arizona State was, regrettably, far worse. What fans, and perhaps many of his own teammates, didn’t realize was that Dixon had torn his ACL in that game. All subsequent assurances about the severity, or lack thereof, of the apparent injury were just a smokescreen, at Dixon’s behest, to buy the young man some time to make the most important decision of his playing career.
Although doctors had cleared him to play, there was an ominous caveat involved. He could play on the damaged knee, but the injury left him vulnerable to much more serious damage. And given the violent nature of the game, that vulnerability represented a huge amount of risk. As a senior, Dixon’s pro prospects had sky rocketed this season as he dazzled the football world with his frenetic, dizzying style of play. When defenses pressured the line, he could step back and launch darts downfield, hitting his receivers in stride. His 85-yard strike to Brian Paysinger that broke the game open against Michigan was as perfectly thrown a pass as could be made on such a play. When defenses took his receivers away, he could simply outrun the pursuit and slash upfield for back-breaking gains. And his decision making on when to throw and when to run had been superb. He’d made so few mistakes that it was easy to see why NFL teams were starting to buzz louder and louder about his game.
So, his weakened knee not only put his current season at risk, it put his professional future at risk as well.
Yet, there he was – laughing with teammates during pre-game warm-ups Thursday night, running all of his offensive drills, and taking the field on Oregon’s opening possession. And all the while, he knew there was a time bomb ticking in his damaged knee.
However, his team was playing for the Holy Grail of college football – the BCS Title. Oregon had climbed all the way to #2 in the BCS rankings and really controlled their own destiny for a title opportunity. In fact, they were in one of the spots for a title game showdown at the moment of their match-up with Arizona on Thursday, and Dennis Dixon knew it. He also had to know that his team wasn’t going to get the rest of the way there without him. So, he stepped onto the field, assuming huge personal risk, mostly because his team’s dream season simply could not go on without him.
And on Oregon’s first drive of the game, things worked out beautifully. Facing a 4th-and-3, Dixon further showcased his lethal ability. Faking a pitch to Jonathan Stewart, he took the ball himself on a QB draw and raced 39 yards right through the heart of the Arizona defense for a score. It was an emphatic statement – you just don’t have enough to stop me.
But the time bomb never stopped ticking. No matter how much danger he showed to the opposition, more danger lurked in that knee. And on Oregon’s third series of the game, the time bomb finally went off. Planting on the weakened knee, he crumbled to the turf. The risk suddenly became horribly real.
Still, Dixon likely assumed that risk, because the dynamics of a locker room are far more complex than putting on the same uniforms and executing plays on the field. There is a unity, a loyalty among teammates, that supersedes the box score. With college football’s crown jewel to be had and with so much already invested in the chase, how could Dennis Dixon just walk away from all of that?
It is a heartbreaking tale. Yet, it is also a tremendously heartening story of honoring what it means to be a part of a team – what it means to sacrifice for something bigger than your own immediate desires.
In fact, it is reminiscent of another story about another athlete who gave his sporting life to help his team.
In 2002, the San Francisco Giants were in a desperate struggle to reach the MLB post-season. The team’s closer, Robb Nen, was one of the National League’s most feared gunslingers. He regularly kicked open the bullpen door with a 98-mph fastball and a logic-defying 96-mph slider in his holster, and that slider seemed to contradict physics. A pitch with that much break was simply not supposed to be thrown with that much velocity. Yet, Nen could, and MLB hitters seemed helpless against it.
However, down the stretch of the 2002 season, something wasn’t quite right. Nen’s fastball slowed, and his nuclear slider suddenly became human. With the Giants surging, Nen also had a secret.
His rotator cuff was in tatters, and the more he threw, the worse the pain got. However, his teammates kept turning to him every time a close game inched towards the ninth inning, and he simply refused to let them down.
So, he kept taking the ball, and he kept destroying his injured shoulder.
He still walked out to the mound with the same stoic demeanor, the same cool confidence of having toxic stuff that he could use at a moment’s notice to humiliate hitters, but it was false bravado. He was clinging to reputation and sheer guts to get hitters out, and they were starting to figure it out.
He helped the Giants get into the 2002 playoffs and kept closing games for them in the NLDS and the NLCS. Somehow, someway, he was practically willing his way through those final tense innings. And the pain was excruciating. With a World Series title just six outs away, things finally gave way. In Game 6 of the 2002 World Series, Robb Nen gave up the tying and, ultimately, game-winning runs on Troy Glaus’ 2-run double, vaulting the Los Angeles-Anaheim Angels past the Giants, 6-5.
That was the final inning Robb Nen ever pitched in the big leagues. It was later discovered that he’d destroyed his arm in trying to deliver a championship to his team.
As with Dennis Dixon, the tidal pull of loyalty to teammates, the honor of unity of the team, must have held sway with Robb Nen. How else could you possibly explain willingly tearing your body to pieces?
Perhaps, the even more remarkable thing in Dixon’s case is that he made such a sacrifice without the benefit o####uaranteed pro contract. In any event, I can only hope that such sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. In the rush to celebrate the transitory nature of scoreboard results, we shouldn’t forget to value the people over the games they play.
Nooooooch! Well-written. Not only was it a shame to see Dixon go down, but it really proved how huge of a factor he was in their success. Athletes want to be heroes, and in this case, Dixon secretly gave in to the team mentality, or "tidal pull", as you so aptly put it. Here's hoping his pro chances will still be alive and well after he's done his rehab.
Nooch
All of what you've stated creates a situation that no player wants to find himself in. Especially when your coach is telling you it's for the team. And that's what I really do believe went on here. Dixon although heeding the advice of the medical staff if nothing else should've weighed his own future against that of the team. And now as it stands his professional career may well be over before it's even started.
Agreed, Dixon's value to the team was never more apparent than in the initial minutes after he left the game. While they definitely missed his playmaking ability, it was something even greater than that. They seemed to lose their fight, their belief in themselves. It was actually a rather stunning thing to see.
Agreed also that I hope he can rehab the injury without losing his key skill - his speed. At the pro level, even half a step is crucial. And for a guy who relies so heavily on his speed, he needs every bit of it to have a chance in the NFL. I just hope he can get it all back. I would really like to see him do well in the NFL.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, I think the pressure not to let his teammates down played a big part in his decision. However, I also think there is something incredibly honorable about that commitment.
That said, I do think that the coaching staff needs to do some soul-searching over this. No matter how badly a player wants to take the field, it is ultimately up to the coaching staff to decide whether or not he does. While it is easy to second guess in hindsight, the fact that the coaching staff knew the ligament was already torn really does bring up some tough, tough questions.
In all, it is a very unfortunate situation. The only positive to come of this is exactly how much this highlights Dixon's character. He's an exceptional young man, and I hope that he gets a chance to pursue a pro career.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Nice write Nooch. Dixon put his team first with all of the apparent riskes. You don't see that in todays athletes. Especially without a contract. Yes, the coachs probably should have made different decisions but there was a lot on the line and who knows what we would have done put in those shoes. Dennis was either done after ASU or try and play. That speaks a lot of his character.
Good point. However, everything I've read about it did say that the ACL was torn prior to the Arizona game and that Dixon was given the option to postpone surgery and keep playing with the understanding if the knee was further damaged then he would have to stop and have the knee treated.
That would lead me to believe that the initial tear was a partial tear and meant the knee was stable enough to bear weight.
However, given how violent the game is, I had a very tough time figuring out how it was that he was allowed to play if the knee was so vulnerable.
I'd like to get a better understanding of exactly what went into this whole situation. Hopefully, as time goes by, more info will become available. That said, the facts that are out right now do point to some troubling circumstances. Not the least of which, is how Dixon was alllowed on the field if his condition was as serious as it sounds it may have been.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, Dennis demonstrated remarkable character in his commitment to his teammates. He clearly knew how much he meant to the team and that the rarity that is national championship hope rested squarely on his shoulders.
That said, I do think some very tough questions need to be asked of the coaching staff that ultimately allowed him to play. It is one thing for Dennis to accept the personal risk and quite another for those in charge to allow someone else to be put at such risk.
However, as you mentioned, the coaching staff was also put in a very tough spot. Trying to deny this yong man an opportunity to finish what he had worked so hard to help create would have been agonizingly difficult as well. I'd just like to know who knew what when and how sizeable was the risk prior to game time.
What is known, though, is how tough this young man is and what strength of character he ultimately demonstrated.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
It tore me up to see Dennis Dixon's leg give out. He is quite a young man. I still have not seen too much about the sacrifice he made in the national media. When kids are looking for someone to look up to, here's a perfect example, and yet this story evidently isn't deemed news worthy...
Agreed, I'm constantly disappointed when really compelling, positive stories in sports have to give way to the pandering, tabloid-centric sensationalism that always seems to grab the headlines. Agreed also that Dixon seems a terrific young man, and it was really awful to see him injured in that game.
However, as you mentioned, the back story of what character he displayed in taking the field in the first place has sadly gone unnoticed. Most of what is out there about Oregon since last Thursday is either about how they blew their chance to play for the title or what the loss does to the overall BCS picture.
It really has been quite stunning to see how fast the media has made the one-time Heisman front runner disappear off their pages once they no longer had any more use for him.
So, whenever, I get the chance to spotlight these types of stories I try to do so as much as possible. I just wish more of this kind of stuff was out there.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
What up Nooch. Very nice blog man. Dixon showed tremendous determination by playing in that game despie his injury . The true champions do. But he just wasn't as fortunate as so many others who have played through pain. It's sad ya know. He may never play again if his knee doesn't heal right. He's a tough guy though and may surprise us all. Here's hoping a team takes a chance on him in the draft. Bears anyone? Nice Job. LAters.
Hi Nooch, one of your best. I was thinking as I was reading your entire post about how Dixon risked so much, not just physically, but monetarily as well.
Here's hoping he will heal just fine and whether he's a first-rounder or not, will get an opportunity o showcase himself and get the chance to play in the NFL.
Robb Nen was a good parallel to use and there are others too, but all the ones that come to mind, at least for me, are guys that were already making money professionally....
Nooch-Dang you. You make me think about my comments like I'm writing a freakin' post or something. You've got some nerve.
I heard this story today, and a bunch of thoughts crossed my mind. I didn't know whether to laud Dixon for what he did, criticize him, or criticize those who allowed him to do it. I'm sure the best conclusion lies somewhere in the middle of all that. Then "Varsity Blues" crossed my mind (I think that was the movie) where it's win at all costs mantras from the coaches. Which I doubt happened in this case, but Bellotti will certainly be dogged by this nonetheless.
Excellent analogy with Nen. Unfortunately in this day and age, his sacrifice got lost in the "it's all about me" stories that we constantly hear. But not to Nooch,of course-a consummate professional if there ever was one. Bottom line is . . . well you already said it. Much better than I could have. Both Dixon and Nen were going above and beyond the call of duty for their team, because both knew this opportunity may never arise again.
I stand and applaud you, Mr. Dixon, and Mr. Nen. As I state in my bio, the quest for greatness often means just as much as the actual achievement. And to borrow a line from Shooter, "You da man."
Great post Nooch ! You don't fine many players now days thinking about team first. I think Dennis Dixon will be alright after surgery, and time to heal. He can throw darts and hand off the football and alot of teams just might still pick him up.
He has lost his high rank in the draft, but I think Dixon is a player who loves to play football, not the money for football.
True, it is Leaf's team now and, of course, I will still be pulling for them to win out. However, I am concerned at how unprepared Leaf looked against Arizona. In light of the news about Dennis and his injury prior to the game and given the bye week, there should have been no reason for a senior like Leaf to look as unready to play as he did.
I can only hope that the offense pulls things together this week against UCLA. I hope that Dixon's sacrifice and commitment to the team inspires his teammates to rally. They still have a lot to play for, and it would be great to see them honor their injured QB by playing inspired football on his behalf.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, Dixon definitely showed a champion's heart on Thursday. As you mentioned, it really is a shame how things turned out, though. I do hope that rehab gives his quickness back to him. As far as the Bears taking a chance on him, they could do a lot worse. The 49ers are starving for a playmaking QB, too.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, the most striking thing about Dixon's decision was how much he had to lose and, as an amateur, how little assurance he had to protect him.
As an SF Giants fan, I thought Robb Nen was a good parallel, because I saw all that happened in 2002 day by day, game after game, and when the facts came out later about the extent of his injury, it was heartbreaking. By all accounts from the clubhouse, Nen was also a fantastic teammate and a really good guy. I've been hearing similar things about Dixon.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and it's good to see you, my friend.
You know I always want to hear what you've got to say. So, don't sweat the details.
Agreed, Dixon's situation raises a lot of tough questions, not the least of which is how much heat the coaching staff deserves for allowing this young man to put himself at risk like that. Since the team had a bye week the week prior, all parties involved had a lot of time to discuss and consider the situation. I know with so much at stake on the national stage it must have made things that much more complicated. That, and it would have been agonizing not to let Dixon have the chance to finish what he had been such a huge part of. A tricky issue with an unfortunate outcome.
Agreed also that in the "me-first" sensationalistic world of sports and sports reprting these days it is refreshing to see that commitment to teammates and personal honor still have a place. It would just be nice to hear about that kind of stuff more often rather than the latest bombastic statement made by a self-important star being baited into a tantrum by a self-serving reporter.
Again, thanks so much for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, the kind of sacrifice and commitment Dixon displayed is a rarity in sports these days. I do hope he is able to recapture his quickness through rehab. I would really like to see him have a shot at the NFL and do well.
Agreed also that his dropping draft status was likely not nearly as much of a concern for him as his loyalty to his teammates. If anything, that's the clearest indicator that he plays largely for the love of the game and not the lure of a big paycheck.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
I love his commitment of the QB and wandered if he hadn't had an issue with the knee. The coach should have made the decision for the QB and stated he can not start due to an injury. There is the future to think of and what Oregon fan would not want to see him prosper in the pros. This injury has cost him draft slots, a possible heisman, $ and maybe a career.
Thank you for giving Dennis Dixon some kudos. I sure hope he was not pressured to play by the coaching staff. Having been a coach there is tremendous pressure to win but athletes have the same kind of investment and desire to win. This young man deserves to succeed but the world is a tough place and football is tough on the body. I sure hope Dennis' ability is not dimiished and he gets a chance to play and win again. He sure gave the University of Oregon team his all. WE cannot assume from the outside what happened here, but everyone might just have acted honorably yet emotionally. It's that kind of game and season. Oh that he had never been injured. The chance of serious injuries is the very worst part of football and I wish such risk was not part of the game. I love football but not the violence. This injury to Dennis was not the result of a violent hit so how do you make this a safe game? YOU can't so life is just not safe. Maybe that is why we love the game with all the crazy emotional things that happen. I had given up on Dennis as a Duck QB until this season and look what he did........What a world, what a turnaround. I jsut hope he gets a good chance to thrill us again on the football field. Thanks for giving him some extra thought.
Nooch, good comments about the heart and soul of a courageous young athlete. However, I agree with nospin-the coaches have to be responsible enough to make the tough decisions regarding what's best for the player! What price victory? Sure, Dixon made the choice, but young football players think they're bullet-proof. Bellotti went so far as to say he was out of the decision! I applaud Dixon's courage but I condemn Bellotti's cowardice. As columnist John Canzano of The Oregonian wrote: would you want this guy coaching your kid?
I'm an Oregon State fan and we have a fierce rivalry, but I'm happy to see them doing so well. (Gotta support your state and conference after your school)
Last edited by sheppo4beavrs on November 20th at 12:02 PM.
Agreed, amazing dedication on Dixon's part. I was a big fan of his before this and am an even bigger fan now. What tremendous character.
Agreed also that ultimately the coaches have the responsibility to decide who does or doesn't take the field. To allow Dixon to risk his future like that is incredibly questionable.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Dixon is definitely a character guy. However, I believe the coaches should have stepped in and said NO! The team continued to practice as if nothing was wrong when they should have been making adjustments for Leaf. Belotti should be fired for such an error in judgement. I have been a Ducks season ticket holder for 9 years now and it is time for a change at the top.
Bias duly noted. LOL. Hey, I'm an Oregon alum, so you know what a big fan I am of Dixon's.
Good point. That pick in the end zone was huge momentum shift. If Jones hangs onto that ball, it's 15-0 and maybe they just ride Stewart the rest of the way.
I was hugely disappointed in Leaf. He's a senior who's started before. Yet, he looked lost out there right after he was put in the game. Given that we now know about Dixon's injury status prior to the game and that Oregon had a bye week, there's no reason whatsoever for Leaf not to be prepared to play.
The UCLA game will huge in terms of whether or not Belloti has lost the team. I'm hoping that they will rally around their injured QB and play inspired football in his honor.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
I certainly hope that the coachng staff wasn't pressuring him to play hurt, especially with that type of injury. However, we can't really know what happened, so I guess the benefit of the doubt applies.
Agreed that Dixon's amazing year was a true surprise, given the way last year ended. However, my understanding was that he really, really dedicated himself this off-season (even in light of the fact that he played minor league baseball in the summer - I had heard he took to study the playbook and working on throws with his baseball teammates in between games) so as to be better prepared this year. And that dedication really paid off. What an amazing transformation. He looked like a different player - so much more confident, so much sharper skill-wise. He turned into a real leader.
As you mentioned, the inherent violence makes injuries an unfortunate part of the game. Still, it doesn't make it any easier to see a star player have to leave the field, especially one with such great character.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, I also applaud Dixon's courage and commitment. And you're right, the coaching staff has a responsibility to protect the players, even if it's from themselves. That said, I don't know all of the particulars that went into the decision so I'll hold off on total condemnation of Bellotti, but I sure do have some questions about allowing Dixon to play (albeit with 20-20 hindsight).
Also, thanks for the classy comment. Yes, the UO-Oregon State rivalry is a bitter one (and I have said my share of nasty things about all things Corvallis). However, I do appreciate the thoughtful perspective here on a tough situation for the rvial school.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Agreed, Dixon showed tremendous heart in playing. However, as you mentioned, the coaches need to be the ones looking out for the players. Also, excellent point about Leaf. If the coaching staff knew that Dixon leaving the game was a possibility under the circumstances (and that should have given them all pause for thought about alowing him to take that risk in the first place), why did Leaf look so lost when he first entered the game? And why was the play calling so disjointed?
I've been critical of Bellotti in the past (mostly for not being able to make effective in-game adjustments and allowing team morale to slide when things don't go well). This just adds more fuel to that criticism.
I know that he's done a lot for the program and his recruiting has been brilliant of late. However, maybe it is time for a change. The entire unfortunate situation calls for at least some consideration of that.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Lets get one thing straight. Oregon coach Mike Belotti (Teflon Mike) is only responsible if the event is tied to success. He is the coach who never gives credit to the other team in defeat. A Ducks defeat is only attributable to a Duck shortcoming. This is the coach who covered up for his own son (Duck Kicker Luke Belotti) who had two DWI's but no team related dicipline until after the incidents were publicized. Knowing that Dennis Dixon had a Torn ACL, and Coach Belotti allowed him to play speaks volumes about his level of personal morality. Realistically, Belotti only had a few more games to suck out of Dixon so what the hell, he's gone after the season anyway. Yes players play with pain. Most of that pain is the kind that will heal by itself. Bruises, sprains etc. Unfortunately for Teflon Mike, the world got to see him trot out his star QB Dixon with the fragile knee that collapsed without even any contact. Coaches get paid huge money these days to make big decisions that will be second guessed. Unless you're Teflon Mike. Than you leave the biggest decision of the year to the team doctor and to the star player to make.
I applaude a coach with the players safety at heart like Tyrone Willingham of the Univ of Washington who held QB Jake Locker out of the next game after a scary neck injury that required a trip to the hospital in an ambulance.
Its ironic that only after the decision to send Dixon to his demise did Teflon Mike deny any reponsibility for the decision.
But then, he's Teflon Mike, it wasn't his responsibility.
So, I'm guessing Bellotti shouldn't be expecting a Christmas card this year. LOL.
No doubt he's got to own a fair amount of the reposponsibility, whether he admits to it or not. It's his team and he makes the final decision about who takes the field. I'm also guessing that the fallout from this will likely take some of that teflon coating off.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
dixon is a huge lose.
leaf cannot run the spread offense, the only other player who can do that is Justin Roper.
if not Roper then take the redshirt of cody kempt.
with brady leaf oregon will no dought lose there other games. if he stays in then oregons offense and defense will have to step it up "ALOT"
Last edited by muguai on November 21st at 7:01 AM.
Nooch
With the way that Meyer lets Tebow play. I'm surprised that he's not been more seriuosly injured this season. He's allowed to play with such reckless abandonment that it shouldn't be inescapable to him that should Tebow take one big jarring hit. His college career as well as a professional career could go up in flames.
Agreed, Leaf is a bad fit for Chip Kelly's system. Mobility is a must, and he just doesn't have any. In fact, it's now made worse by the ankle sprain. I think Costa would have made a nice fit if he hadn't gotten hurt in practice.
And what's up with that? A season-ending injury in practice?! Talk about rotten luck.
You're right, I think they should go with Roper. Or at least, they should be giving him a lot of reps in practice, just in case they need a quick hook on Leaf.
I'm also not sold on lettting Stewart play on Saturday. He's got shoulder, toe, and ankle injuries, albeit not serious. However, I'd like to see them give him another week before Oregon State. Besides, Crenshaw has looked pretty good since he filled in for JJ. Granted, he's not Stewart or JJ (who is?), but he's been a pretty solid runner.
I don't know what the team will look like against UCLA, guess we'll find out quickly. That first quarter will give everyone a pretty good idea of what kind of teh team they'll be for the rest of the year. I'm hoping for the best.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Good point about Tebow. It's not just that he runs a lot (and the number of carries is staggering). It's the way he runs - shoulder down, right in the middle of the field. There's no way a star QB should be taking that much contact.
If he keeps playing that way, he'll have taken way more punishment than he ever should before he even gets to the pros. And that style just won't play in the NFL. The defenses are just too fast and strong. If a QB wants to make his living running the ball up the middle in the NFL, his days are numbered.
Since he's only a sophomore, Tebow would do well to start modifying his game over the next two years, if for no other reason than to extend his career.
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback. And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Nooch, Caught the tail end of tonights BB game, and other than missing three free throws in the last minute of OT there was not much to not like. Ernie needs a chill pill, but the team looked poised, don't know why Marty wasn't in. No Dorsanville, whats up with that. Good to see a Duck win, maybe some determination will rub off on the football team. Go Ducks!!!
I caught some of last night's game as well. They did look good playing in a tough environment with K-State's superstar freshman Michael Beasley firing on all cylinders.
I think Porter will settle in at PG. However, he's still making the transition from SG, so there are still some growing pains. Ditto for Kamyron Brown. You could see the potential but he also looked ragged at times. And what can you say about Maarty Leunen? What a heart that guy has. He just keeps battling. 14 points and 14 boards last night.
Catron looked really good in the paint, too. He picks up a lot of silly fouls, though. That will need to be worked on. Good point about Dorsainvil. Where was he? Is he hurt? If not, I don't know why he got a DNP and Platt leapfrogged him. Also, where's Drew Viney? I'd like to see what all of the buzz is about.
Regarding the football team, Egads! I had intended to write something about the UCLA game and then realized that all I would be saying was that a team that has to go three and four spots down on the depth chart at QB, RB, WR, and LB isn't going to be all that good. The Civil War game is going to be ugly, I fear. Anyway, it was a heck of a ride until all of the injuries ruined things. I certainly thank Dixon, Stewart, and the rest of the team for some great moments this year.
Hey, at least, college hoops are back. Go Ducks!
Thanks for the comments and the visit. I always appreciate the feedback.
Nooch is a lifelong sports fan who believes that Indianapolis ended up with a slightly better QB than San Diego in the 1998 NFL Draft, the Golden State Warriors may not make the NBA playoffs again in his lifetime (how was I supposed to know that Chris Mullin would make a coaching hire and a mid-season trade that would basically save the franchise?), and that Mike Ivie's pinch-hit, game winning grand slam for the Giants against the Dodgers in 1978 may have been the greatest moment in baseball history.
