Imagine this, your driver has qualified over the course of the "regular season" of the Nextel Cup. The drivers are seeded 1-12 to begin the "Chase for the Championship" in accordance with the regular season point totals. Now everything is different, now the totals are erased and in order for a driver to win the Championship, he must survive elimination each week. Here is how it would work.

Each driver starts over in point standings and will start the first race in the chase in their standings position. Qualifying for non chase drivers will be for positions 13 - 43. Isn't this what everyone wants anyway, to see the twelve drivers in the chase up front and battling each other? The points will be accumulated as normal with the driver accumulating the least amount of points, eliminated from the Chase. With this being a new twist to the chase it will make each race more significant to the chase. Race two of the chase would begin with 11 drivers still alive in the chase, in the event of a tie in standings for last place, the next race will see the elimination of two drivers and so on as the races continue. This would place the chase as a true playoff type run. Reward the drivers for having a great season by starting them in their standings each week but eliminate the ones that perform the worst.

Based on my suggested chase, the starting lineup for this week's race at Loudon would look like this for the front 12 positions:

Row 1: Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon

Row 2: Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards

Row 3: Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin

Row 4: Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth

Row 5: Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton

Row 6: Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer

The rest of the field would be determined on qualifying. Now on to my reasoning for this. In the NFL, the teams with the best records in the conferences are rewarded for their season by home field advantage. Starting each race in the chase at the front is rewarding each driver for their season and most notably, rewarding the best with the poles and starting positions. Also in contrast with the NFL, if a team loses in the playoffs they are out, same to be true with the Chase. The lowest driver in standings after each race is eliminated, setting up a possible three driver clash at the last race.

Just a projected fantasy but I keep reading how the regular season doesn't mean anything and that the Chase has taken away from the excitement. That all may be true, but that is true in all sports. The regular season doesn't really mean that much in any sport. It's all about making the playoffs and then who gets hot. Why not make the same be true in NASCAR? Thanks for reading.

George Herman Ruth is known to all as "The Babe." His nickname known world wide is thought to have been made due to the love of the fans but to the contrary, he was labeled as Jack Dunn's newest "babe". Dunn gave Ruth his first opportunity in baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. The name stuck with him and became a household name for all that loved baseball.

The Babe began his career in 1914 at the young age of 19 with the Boston Red Sox. He made his first appearance in a World Series at the age of 21 and still holds a record for the longest complete game in World Series history with a 2-1, 14 inning victory over the Brooklyn Robins.

In 1919, the Boston Red Sox sold their soul to the devil. The Babe was sold for $100,000 and a $350,000 loan to the rival New York Yankees. In his first season with the Yankees, Babe crushed 54 homeruns, which was 25 more than his previous high. His performance alone drew such a crowd that in 1923, the Yankees were able to build their own stadium leaving the shared Polo Grounds. Thus giving New York "The House that Ruth Built." The same year that Yankee Stadium opened, Ruth hit a homerun on opening day and led the Yankees to their first World Series title. (The Yankees won 4 World Series with Ruth - 1923, 1927, 1928 & 1932. Ruth won 3 with the Red Sox - 1915, 1916 & 1918)

The infamous single season record first stood in Ruth's name in 1927 when he hit 60 homeruns in a 154 game schedule. The record stood for 34 years until a young man named Roger Maris hit 61 in 1961. The record was in question though because Maris had broke the record in 162 games. This event was trademarked by an asterisk placed in the record books by then Commissioner Ford Frick. (Maris died before the asterisk was removed)

In 1935, while playing for the Boston Braves in the National league, Babe crushed three homeruns against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last three of his career. 10,000 fans at Forbes field witnessed homerun number 714. Ruth retired three days later.The record stood until 1974 when it was surpassed by Henry Aaron.

The Babe also became one of the first five baseball players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The other four were Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.

All of these stoic accomplishments were not to be surpassed nor were they to be approached.

Before Ruth, baseball was a sport with few names. Shoeless Joe Jackson, who became famous because of the Black Sox scandal (still considered one of the best ball players of all time but not in the Hall of Fame), Ty Cobb (known to be an alcoholic and womanizer) and Honus Wagner who was considered the best all around player ever for the Pittsburgh Pirates. No other player drew the attention that Ruth did.

Ruth put baseball on the map of society and the love of the Yankees in everyone's homes. Ruth paved the way for Major League Baseball like no other before him. Not until April 15, 1947 was there ever a buzz about a player like Ruth. On that day in April, Jackie Robinson stole the headlines and paved the way for African Americans in Major League Baseball.

No other player, no other coach,  no other organization can compare to the success of a sport that Ruth did. Ruth is the reason for the Yankees success, Ruth is the reason for the homerun hype, Ruth is the standard for greatness in the sport but above all else, Ruth stands alone as the sole greatest of his sport.

In today's day and age, critics, analysts, sports writers, coaches, players and even fans will try to argue with that fact but Ruth is the reason for all of the arguments.

Statistics can be compared and records can be surpassed but the importance Ruth brought to the success of Major League Baseball can't be compared or recorded as a stat. It is an intangible that every team in the sport searches for.

There are players that people will claim as the best ever. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are two names that will be thrown out there quite a bit. There aren't stadiums being built because of Barry, nor are there for Clemens. There are other superstars that even outshine them. A-Rod may end up with the homerun record, he already holds the record for highest salary in baseball and will extend that after this season but even without these players, there are those that can still put butts in the seats. Albert Pujols, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, David Ortiz. Baseball will continue on but it may have never made the mainstream if not for the Babe.

I know there are a lot of things that irritate people in sports and I for one have quite a few that bothers the #### out of me. Here they are, feel free to add you own personal irritations.

MLB - Nomar Garciaparra at bat. I change the channel every time I see him at the plate. It irritates me to no end to see him step out after every single pitch and do all of those stupid adjustments to his wrist bands and batting gloves.

NFL - Peyton Manning play calling. Not only because I dislike him but every single play he is constantly pointing, flapping and walking back and forth to the line. I give him his respect, he is a great field general but it is one of the most irritating things in the world for me to watch.

NBA - Rasheed Wallace crying. I don't think there is a bigger baby in the world of professional sports. He gets a foul called on him and he looks like a three year old throwing a fit over having to get a bath. His notoriety for being an agressive player and complaining about the calls became very apparent in the playoffs this year. His face grimacing like there is no way he made that foul.

NASCAR - Carl Edwards doing a back flip. Who cares, he hasn't won enough races to even be in the discussion but it gets on my nerves whenever they show him get out of the car and he does a backflip onto the track. Just once, I would love to see him slip or miss, that would teach him. Plus, imagine what goes thru the sponsors minds everytime he does that.

NHL - Could there be any worse Commissioner in sports than Gary Bettman? I mean the guy signs a TV package with the versus network. ESPN can show Pokerm the spelling bee and a hot dog eating contest but can't show hockey? WTF?

College Football - Why is the National Championship game a week after the New Year? Who came up with that idea? The only reason is for TV ratings. Whatever happened to the traditional New Year's Day of football? Now we have New Year's week.

College Basketball - This one is easy, #### Vitale is an instant mute button for me. I can't take the baby after every single sentence. "It's going to be a great one - baby. The Dukies are back  - baby. Coach K is the best coach in the world - baby." I would rather watch a foreign infomercial than listen to that all night.

And finally Golf.  If it weren't for Tiger I wouldn't even watch this sport but is there any way that we could get the PGA to make it more interesting? Unless I hear Tiger's name, I don't even pay attention to the tournament on TV.

Well everybody, there are my irritations with sports. Of course I have plenty more but those are the main ones for each of those sports, please add yours in the comments section.

Okay, what if the All Star team was based off of one All Star from each team. Who would that player be? Here are mine, take a look and offer up yours.

AL East

Boston - Josh Beckett - As many of you will cry David Ortiz, Beckett is having by far the best season on the team.

New York - It's amazing the year he is having but A-Rod could very well be having his best year ever.

Baltimore - In my opinion, the best player the Orioles have had all season has been Nick Markakis.

Tampa Bay - Ty Wiggington is their best and he probably won't even finish the season with the Rays.

Toronto - Alex Rios has emerged as the best player on this team and after giving all that money to Vernon Wells.

AL Central

Detroit - Justin Verlander has been solid all season and even though Magglio is having a great season, Verlander had been the better player.

Chi Sox - This team is in shambles and the only player I could mention here is Mark Buehrle and only because of his no-no.

Cleveland - Can anyone say C.C. Sabathia?

Minnesota - Another player that could be on another team next year but Torii Hunter is the star so far.

Kansas City - David DeJesus is having a great season but because he is on the Royals, no one is noticing.

AL West

Los Angeles Angels - Any question that this is Vlad?

Seattle - One word names are always stars and no different here-Ichiro.

Oakland - Dan Haren takes his Grizzly Adams look to the mound and brings it every start.

Texas - Amazing that a player signed to a minor league contract is the best player on the team right now. Sammy is coming to the All Star game.

NL East

Atlanta - Three or four to choose from but my choice is Chipper Jones. Edgar Renteria and John Smoltz were the other two but it was apparent how bad the lineup suffered with Chipper out.

New York Mets - Jose Reyes gets the nod here.

Philadelphia - Cole Hamels has proven to be the #1 pitcher that the Phillies have been yearning for, the problem is that there isn't much else in the pitching staff.

Florida Marlins - The only time I may say that I would take Dan Uggla over Miguel Cabrera.

Washington - Comeback player of the year candidate, Dmitri Young.

NL Central

Chicago Cubs - Derek Lee isn't hitting for the power numbers that we are accustomed to but he has been the best stick in the lineup all season. Soriano has came on as of late but Lee has been there all season.

Cincinnati - Griffey is back and is slapping his doubters in the face. Even though he does not like it in RF and may end up on another roster, he has earned the right to represent this team.

Pittsburgh - This is a hard pick but Jason Bay is really one of the only players who has produced for this club.

St. Louis - Pujols gets in just because he is that good but other than Chris Duncan, no one else has done anything to help this club.

Houston - Carlos Lee is proving to all why the Astros paid to get him.

Milwaukee - Prince Fielder is bringing back nightmares to pitchers whenever they face him.

NL West

Dodgers - Brad Penny isn't even their #1 starter but he still mows them down much like he did in last year's All Star game.

San Diego - Jake Peavy may possibly be the best pitcher in the game today.

Arizona - Jose Valverde has proven to be the next in line of great closers.

San Francisco - As much as it pains me to do this Barry Bonds has been this team's best player.

Colorado - Matt Holiday debate for Helton but Matt's numbers are better overall.

Well there you go from my perspective. Agree or disagree? Make arguments for your team's representative.

Back again with the mid season GM of MLB post. Here I will list the 10 trades that could happen and see what you all think.

1. Mark Buehrle (Chi Sox) to the New York Mets for Lastings Milledge and prospects. Buerhle would fill one of the voids in the starting rotation for the Mets while Milledge could have a major role in taking over in CF for the White Sox.

2. Jermaine Dye (Chi Sox) to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Chad Billingsley and prospects. The Dodgers are yearning for a big bat in a woeful lineup and Billingsley could be the young pitcher to fill the opening with Buehrle gone.

3. Mark Texiera (Rangers) to the Atlanta Braves for Jarrod Saltalamacchia and prospects. Okay, this is a reach but Texiera when healthy is a pretty good 1B and Salty is out of his position playing 1B for the Braves. He is a true Catcher and with the extension of McCann this offseason, he needs to go where he can play Catcher. The Braves need a true 1B and being a switch hitter would resolve the platoon rotation.

4. Ken Griffey Jr (Reds) to Chicago Cubs for Felix Pie and prospects. Yes, it is in the same division but Griffey is not happy having been moved to RF and the Cubs have shown they are not scared to throw the money out there. It also helps that Griffey said that he wouldn't mind playing there.

5. Bobby Abreu (Yankees) to Cincinnati for Adam Dunn and Kyle Lohse. The Reds will need a RF with Griffey gone and the Yankees need someone who can hit a HR other than A-Rod.

6. Dontrelle Willis (Marlins) to the Boston Red Sox for a load of prospects. It is no question that the Red Sox want to make sure the dagger stays in the heart of the Yankees and they would be willing to give up qutie a bit to make sure Willis doesn't end up in pinstripes.

7. Eric Gagne (Rangers) to Detroit for Marcus Thames and prospects. Detroit has the bats, the starters and the closer filled but getting thru to the closer has been their main problem.

8. Miguel Tejada (Orioles) to the Angels for Chone Figgins and a couple of prospects. This deal may not happen at all because Tejada will not be back from injury until August and that may have been the Orioles intention of releasing that statement with the trading deadline July 31.

9. Aaron Rowand & Jon Lieber (Phillies) to Chicago White Sox for Jose Contreras. The Phillies are going to make a move and it is going to be for a pitcher. Contreras is the only other name out there that I could see them making a push for.

10. Jason Simontacchi (Nationals) to St. Louis for a player to be named. Yes back to St. Louis you go. The Birds are in desperation for pitching and Simontacchi has actually pitched well for the Nats. The Cards are familiar with him and would probably welcome him back with open arms.

I am sure there will be plenty of movement but I though this may be interesting to see happen.

There are times in everyone's lives where obstacles are faced. Sometimes the challenge seems to be too much, then some are just a matter of asking for help. The time to ask for help are the times in which one must #### their pride and extend to those we love and trust to seek help.

Chris Benoit was an entertainer known worldwide for his no quit persona. At 5'10" and 220 lbs he was undersized in comparison to the big names in the industry but he was driven to succeed. He trained in "The Dungeon" with the legendary Hart family. He was considered one of the best technical wrestlers in the industry and was the epitome of what every young wrestler strived to be. Although he attained many nicknames throughout his career such as the Crippler and the Rabid Wolverine, he did not wrestle under a stage name. He did, however, wrestle underneath a mask that no one could see.

According to recent interviews and discussions with those close to Benoit exclaimed that he had been dealing with some inner demons over the past year. He had paranoia of someone following him. The stress of raising a special needs child and a wife who had already threatened to leave him before. Yet, even those close to him did not anticipate the actions he took. His performances appeared the same in the ring as they ever have. His stardom and popularity with the fans were as strong as ever. So what lead him to this decision?

The only one who could answer that took his own life after taking that of his wife and son.

There is no excusing the tragedy of events that occured over the past weekend. There will also be no known explanation for them. The evidence can determine the event itself but cannot interpret the thought process nor the explanation for the tragedy. Speculation will be given by anyone and everyone who feels that they know why he did it.

The argument of "Roid Rage" has been thrown out in the media as an excuse for these actions. Evidence contradicts that assumption. The long term results of using steroids could have been a benefiting factor but the root cause lied within the mind of the beholder.

A wife and child was taken from this world without any warning or notice. Not by the hand of God or by the hands of a stranger but by the hand that stood beside them and was suppose to love and protect them. The hand that they trusted, trusted with their lives. That love and trust was not enough to protect them from himself.

The life of Chris Benoit has been tainted and will forever be frowned upon. We mourn the deaths of his wife Nancy and child Daniel. Innocence taken by the hand of a loved one.

For those that have a wife and child(ren) as I do, the impact of this tragedy hits closer to home. Every day I leave my home with the comfort of returning to the family that I love and protect. There is no greater feeling to me than the love for a child.

This is my family, the ones that I love and will forever protect.

It seems as if every time Gary Sheffield has an opinion on something it has to do with race. I remember an interview with Jeremy Schaap on ESPN one night in which Sheffield was asked about the publicity of Mark McGwire's chase of the season homerun record. In the interview Sheffield was asked would the coverage be different if it was him making the chase? He answered yes, Schaap asked why and without speaking a word, Sheffield took his hand and brushed across his bare skin two times to signify race was the issue. Apparently, he did not consider Sammy Sosa in with his display but now that is all cleared up with his most recent outburst.

In the current edition of GQ, Sheffield released the opinion that the reason there was such a flood of Latinos into MLB is because they are more "manageable" than African American players. There is no arguing that the percentage of African Americans in MLB is at its lowest since the early 80's but to make a statement like that is just as disrespectful and racist as any that has been made in sports. Where is Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton at now? They aren't crying afoul about these statements. In fact MLB isn't crying afoul either. How can MLB, the NFL, the NBA or any company in the United States condone these statements without any repurcussions.

The Media was quick to request Don Imus' firing. Where is that reaction to this? I don't condone what Imus said but the situation is no different. No Sheffield didn't call Latino players "knappy headed ####'s" but his words did just as much damage to an entire race of players, much less a team.

Where are the Latino supporters pushing this issue? Where are the Media police that appear at every other racist comment across the country? Or is it not an issue because it was a comment made from a minority and deemed acceptable. There has been no reprimand for his statements and there have been arguments that this is just how Sheffield is. Okay, with that being said, isn't that just how Imus was on his radio show? Controversial, shock jock radio? Is this a double standard?

Sheffield's comments were that "Latinos were not like African Americans. They're too independent apparently. If it's a close call on the roster, black players are sent home and the jobs given to men from Venezuela or the Dominican Republic because of being able to tell them what to do-being able to control them."

"I know a lot of players that are home now can outplay a lot of these guys."

If they can outplay them then why aren't they in the league? There are 30 teams in the league, surely if they were that good, someone would be calling. These are assanined statements and race is the centerstone around them. With these statements being made, why isn't Sheffield being labeled as a racist and why isn't this issue being made mainstream as the Imus one was?

Just curious.

I am not an Adam "Pac Man" Jones fan at all. I think that Roger Goodell was justified in his decision with Jones but now I wonder if Goodell opened up the door for a major appeal. Jones has already appealed so does this alter Goodell's original ruling and make him change the suspension as a result of Jones' appeal?

We all know that Jones was suspended for an entire season related to the multiple off the field incidents he has been linked to. Tank Johnson was not only guilty, he spent two months in jail and now he is reprimanded by the NFL with an 8 game suspension. Where is the justification in that. I am not an apologist or making excuses for Jones but Jones has not been convicted nor has he served two months in jail. Now I wrote an earlier post about it shouldn't matter about Jones involvement because his actions and involvement justified enough activity for the NFL to interject (since the Titans did not).

The argument now becomes subject of suspension length. How does a player who plead guilty of housing loaded automatic weapons, served two months in prison and violated his probation only get 8 games? If I am Jones lawyer (another #### that I am not fond of either) I am on the phone right now with the Player's Association asking what the hell is going on. 

Am I the only one who thinks that Johnson should also receive a season long suspension? Enlighten me with your thoughts.

Yesterday, 1Steelerfan1 posted a blog that suggested having a Blogger get together in Nashville. I live just outside of Nashville and work there every day. I contacted the local Fox radio station and received a reply. Here is what the reply stated:

Was LeBron fouled with 4 seconds left? Who cares? The real question should be about the WIDE OPEN 8 foot jumper that Larry Highes missed.

The Cavs are a "No excuse team". That's right, they have no excuse why they only scored a pathetic 26 points in the second half. King LeBron is having his Kingdom taken over by a bunch of rebels that refuse to lose. If this is Braveheart, LeBron is being castrated right about now.

Can anyone give Detroit their just due for the stellar defense they have played throughout the playoffs? Once again Rasheed Wallace was a big difference maker in the 4th Quarter. In the last minute of play, Wallace made a steal then hit a bank shot off of a flop play by the defender.

Cleveland ran the exact same play at the end of this game as they did in Game 1, the difference this time was that LeBron didn't kick the ball to Marshall for three. Instead he drove the lane and threw up a prayer of a shot trying to draw the foul. Was there contact, sure there was but no more than the referees had allowed throughout the entire game.

If the Cavaliers ever want to have a chance to play for a Championship, someone other than LeBron is going to have to step up. It seems we continue to talk about a different player stepping up for Detroit, Game 2 was Maxiell.

The refs called this game from buzzer to buzzer as well as any game in these playoffs. Not that I am a fan of the refs but the called it fair and the same for both teams. Instead of us all focusing on whether or not LeBron was fouled, we ought to be questioning how the game boiled down to that play for the Cavs.

I have grown tired, over the past 36 hours, of hearing about how Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw should not have been suspended. Even the local radio host, Mark Howard, who is a former sports anchor for the local news in Nashville is defending that they shouldn't have been suspended. Sorry it isn't sugar coated but it is straight out of my mouth.

GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robert Horry received his two game suspension as well he should but Amare and Boris were both guilty as well. No matter the intent or the result of the action, Stoudemire and Diaw left the bench during the altercation and were suspended in accordance with the rule. The argument is that there is gray area, there is no gray area. The rule specifically states that if a player leaves the vicinity of the bench during an altercation on the court, the player would be suspended for a minimum of one game and could face penalties including fines. The rule doesn't say if a player leaves the bench but doesn't do anything, it also doesn't say based on the result of the interaction, it says LEAVE THE BENCH.

There is no argument to defend them on and this is the reason why. There are 16 players on the Suns roster. When the altercation occurred, five were on the court meaning that there were 11 players on the bench. Of those eleven players only two (Stoudemire & Diaw) left the bench area. Those other nine players seemingly knew the rule, why didn't Stoudemire and Diaw?

I am not condoning what Horry did because it was disgraceful and stupid but the same lack of intelligence can be assigned to Stoudemire and Diaw for leaving the bench. I too did not want to see this series tainted with suspensions or injuries but every player in the league knows this rule and regardless what anyone thinks about the rule being stupid or having to deal with it on an isolated basis is insignificant. The players broke the rule and the punishment of that rule has been documented from the inception.

Simple solution, DON'T LEAVE THE BENCH FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN CHECKING IN. (and the bullsh!t excuse Stoudemire gave about checking in was an admission of his knowledge of the rule)

Chipper Jones has expressed his displeasure of the Braves interleague schedule and the "interleague rivalry games."

"Is it fun? Yeah. It's fun playing in new cities. It's fun playing in front of new crowds, it's fun playing new teams," Jones said. "What's not fun is when they're all contenders and your competition doesn't have to play the same competition you do."-AP

This is very true in regards to the Braves but the Mets have just as much reason to complain as the Braves do. Interleague play was introduced in 1997 and was such a success it has remained since. The original inception had teams in the same divisions but in different leagues playing each other on a regular basis, however, that concept has evolved to include baseball induced rivalry games between the two leagues. Atlanta/Boston, Yankees/Mets, Angles/Dodgers, Oakland/San Francisco, Rangers/Astros and so on.

"If we're going to play the American League Central, everybody has to play all the teams in the American League Central," Jones said. "This split-it-up and we have to play our rival in the American League East stuff, I don't get it. It's unfair for us and the Mets on a year-in, year-out basis to have to play the Yankees and Red Sox when other teams don't.-AP

Here are some statistics that back Chipper's argument for the Braves but make an even stronger argument for the Mets.

Atlanta Braves (166) top three opponents by game totals:

Boston - 39 Baltimore - 27 New York Yankees - 19

85 of their 166 interleague games against three teams. That's four more total games than they have played against all the other American league teams combined.

Now to the stat that will really open your eyes as to how lopsided interleague play is.

New York Mets (166) top three opponents by game totals:

New York Yankees - 54 Baltimore - 19 Boston - 18

91 games against three teams? 54 games against the Yankees? Interleague play has been in MLB for ten years and almost a third of the Mets interleague games have came against the Yankees?

In agreement with Chipper's argument, why does major league baseball deem it necessary to instill rivalries that may not even exist. Yes there was the subway series when the Mets and Yankees met in the world series but that moment could have been so much more important to the league, the fans and the players had the teams not had to meet in the regular season.

I enjoy interleague play but I would like to see more adversity. I agree that the divisions should swap up every year or every two years, put it on a two year rotation where each team gets a home series and then the teams play another division.

Is Chipper whining? Probably a little bit but his argument is just as strong for the Mets as it is for the Braves.

I haven't seen it in many national headlines but Steve McNair was arrested here in Nashville overnight for breaking the DUI owner law. For those that did not know what this is, If a driver gets pulled over for DUI and he is not the owner of the car, the owner is also charged with DUI. Sort of confusing at first but now that I think about it, there are quite a few laws that work in the same way.

Seatbelt laws here in Tennessee are enforced in which the driver of the vehicle can be cited for any passengers under the age of 18 in the car without a seatbelt on, passengers over the age of 18 receive their own citation.

Open container law is also one in which the driver doesn't even have to be drinking but can be cited for it because there is one in the vehicle.

Anyway, there are laws in every state that may differ but in the state of Tennessee, this is a law that not a lot of people even knew existed. Ultimately, it makes the owner of the vehicle responsible for anyone who is behind the wheel. In this case, the person driving was pulled over for DUI and McNair was in the passenger seat but was listed as the owner of the vehicle. He then too, became arrested for violation of the DUI owner law.

One thing is for sure: Ignorance of the law is never a valid excuse.

Once again we have a lawsuit that is being based on discrimination but this time it doesn't have anything to do with race, gender or even a sexual preference. USA Baseball has filed a lawsuit against New York City to lift the ban of the use of metal bats that goes into effect in September.

"The lawsuit maintains the law is unconstitutional because it discriminates against the use of metal and composite bats — not made from wood — without any rational basis."-Associated Press.

We have now resorted to discriminating against Wood and Metal. Are you kidding me? There are states all across the country that have bans on radar detectors but they are still in business. New York City is a huge market but for USA Baseball to file this lawsuit is ridiculous.

What's next? Ashtray companies filing lawsuits against Los Angeles for banning smoking in public areas? Catholics filing lawsuits against Trojan condoms?

Here's a statement from the filing that baffles me.

"The lawsuit says New York City's law would harm high school players, coaches, schools and bat manufacturers because it would increase costs for players and teams and would make high school baseball less enjoyable and less competitive."-Associated Press

Is Major League Baseball less competitive because they use wood bats? Are NBA games less competitive because they play on a wood court instead of concrete? Is the NFL less competitive because some teams play indoors and some play outdoors?

What kind of argument is this? I will tell you what it is all about. It isn't about competition, it isn't about entertainment and it is not about the players, coaches or schools. It is all about MONEY!!!!! Notice how the statement includes "bat manufacturers" and I didn't? That's because bat manufacturers are still involved, they are just wooden manufacturers instead of metal/aluminum. It isn't that it would increase cost for those involved, it is about the money they are losing by not being involved.

I am not disputing that players should be able to use the bats of their choice but they have to choose the ones that are approved. I play softball and every year we received a listing of bats that are "banned" from use in the league we play in. Outside of the ones listed, we can use whatever softball bats we want, just not the ones on the list. The list in New York City is simple, no metal/aluminum.

I don't believe that this decision was a discrimination against bats made of metal/aluminum. I think it was a decision made to protect the players from Pee Wee and up. I love the pure sound of a solid ping when a ball is hit by a metal/aluminum bat as much as the next person but this isn't the players or coaches that are filing this lawsuit, it's the manufacturer.

The time has come again for Pipsy to reveal his mock draft of '07. This draft will actually be different than what most drafts will be. The teams need will be outlined and the draft pick will be in accordance to their needs. So without further adieu, here we go:

1. Oakland Raiders: In all honesty, this team does need a QB but a rookie is not going to fix all of their problems. Oakland had a stout defense last year and have some offensive weapons. The addition of Dominic Rhodes will bolster the run game, having a coach that Jerry Porter will play for and re-motivating Moss are key elements. However, Oakland's greatest need is not at the QB position, it is on the offensive line. Although, I fully expect Oakland to trade down from the first position, based on need and availability, I take:

Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin

2. Detroit Lions: You can't draft a GM here but that is what Detroit really needs. Truth be told here, Detroit hasn't had a great running back since Barry Sanders retired. Kevin Jones has been plagued by the injury bug and now they have signed Tatum Bell. That signing changes there draft in my mind. If not for the signing of Bell, Detroit would be primed to take Peterson but instead, they need someone to throw the ball to their receivers. Kitna just does not have the makings of a franchise QB but their pick does. Detroit selects:

Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame 

3. Cleveland Browns: Assuming the Browns get some deal worked out to get Trent Green, they are probably not going to go with a QB here and with Romeo Crennel, being the defensive mind that he is, cannot pass up the opportunity to take a beast of a pass rusher. So with the third pick in the draft the Browns select:

Gaines Adams, DE Clemson

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: There are a lot of needs for the Bucs but the age of wide receivers Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard and David Boston is a glaring concern. Drafting Maurice Stovall last year was a step in the right direction but imagine the impact of Stovall and this year's pick. Tampa Bay selects:

Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech

5. Arizona Cardinals: Edgerrin James was once an elite running back in the NFL, now he has faded away. The offensive line gave him no opportunity to showcase his talent and with this pick this year, they may be able to give him a little more running room. Arizona selects:

Levi Brown, OT Penn State

6. Washington Redskins: Let's assume that Snyder isn't able to work out a deal to get Lance Briggs. Washington will have the sixth pick and still be looking for a LB to play with London Fletcher. Who would be a better fit than this pick. Washington selects:

Patrick Willis, LB Mississippi

7. Minnesota Vikings: Daunte Culpepper was traded to Miami last year and no one was able to quite fill the void. Now there may be a second coming of him. The Vikings select:

JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU

8. Atlanta Falcons: With the addition of Joe Horn, Atlanta finally has a respectable WR. The loss of Patrick Kerney could prove to be the big void in a decent defense. Replacing him with this next pick could prove to be the better decision in the long run. Atlanta selects:

Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas

9. Miami Dolphins: This pick could essentially go anywhere, there are needs at OL, DL, DB and WR, and with both Quinn and Russell off the board here, they will probably look at solidifying the defensive backfield. The addition of Joey Porter help the front seven but the defensive backfield is as weak as it has been in many years. Look to take the best DB in the draft here. Dolphins select:

LaRon Landry, FS LSU

10. Houston Texans: Reggie Bush, wait a minute I mean Ahman Green is now in the backfield and seems to be there go to RB. Vince Young, I mean Matt Schaub is now under center and the Texans seem to be set right? Wrong, the "errors" I made of Bush and Young are ones that are going to haunt this franchise. Carr was released for being sacked more than groceries at the local grocery store but he had no one but Andre Johnson to throw to. Sure Moulds was once a great receiver but his time has passed. The offense has got to produce this year or Kubiak will come under fire just as his predecessor. Houston selects:

Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee

11. San Francisco 49ers: Wrapping up Frank Gore was a great move, Vernon Davis with a second season is going to be phenomenal but their defense has got to get better. The overpriced Clements will help the secondary but the 49ers are going to have to add some up front help with the DL. San Francisco selects:

Amobi Okoye, DT Louisville

12. Buffalo Bills: Didn't sign Clements back, traded away London Fletcher, Takeo Spikes gone, McGahee traded. What is going on? The Bills need more than the 12th pick to help. They need the first ten picks but since they only have this one, they have got to take the best player available to help their defense. Buffalo selects:

Leon Hall, CB Michigan

13. St. Louis Rams: The most glaring need for this team is CB. There is only three CB on this roster and they have got to have some help. St. Louis selects:

Darrelle Revis, CB Pittsburgh

14. Carolina Panthers: Mike Minter is starting to get up in years and the defense is pretty solid. No glaring needs but building for the future is a key. Carolina selects:

Reggie Nelson, FS Florida

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: The once defending Super Bowl Champs have dismantled the heart and soul of the team. Since Cowher "retired", Porter signed with the Dolphins, Jeff Hartings retired and Mike Tomlin received the head coaching job that everyone thought Ken Whisenhunt was going to receive. Pittsburgh has always been known for defense and this pick will be no different. Pittsburgh selects:

Alan Branch, DT Michigan

16. Green Bay Packers: Favre to Moss, never going to happen. Everyone wants it to but Davis is not going to part with Moss because Green Bay really has nothing to offer the Raiders. After losing Ahman Green to free agency, the Packers really have no one to run the ball. In steps the next pick. Green Bay selects:

Marshawn ####, RB California

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Del Rio has a knack for having a stingy defense. There defense sums up to having a great line and very good secondary but in between is the concern so that void needs to be filled. Jacksonville selects:

Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Depending on the outcome of Commissioner Goodell's rulings, the Bengals may have to draft from the Ohio State Prison. Offensively, the Bengals can play with anyone but defensively, they can't get any pressure on the QB. They need a pass rusher and/or a run stopper. Cincinnati selects:

Adam Carriker, DE Nebraska

19. Tennessee Titans: Adam "Pac Man" Jones will probably not see the field this season which the Titans addressed by signing Nick Harper. The Titans are also in negotiations with San Diego about Michael Turner, which leaves only two glaring needs at this point, DE and WR. As rich as this draft is with receivers, the Titans are not going to pass up this opportunity. Tennessee selects:

Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC

20. New York Giants: Tiki is gone! So is Arrington, Emmons, Morton and Petitgout. This team needs almost everything. The went out and traded for Rueben Droughns but will he actually be able to fill that void? They hope so, but how do you replace everyone else? Well hopefully this pick will fill one of the voids. New York selects:

Lawrence Timmons, LB Florida State

21. Denver Broncos: One of the most active teams in free agency and they are doing it very well. Cutler has been deemed the future but he is needing a couple of more weapons. Rod Smith is recovering from injury so that leads me to this pick. Denver selects:

Dwayne Bowe, WR LSU

22. Dallas Cowboys: The speculation is that Owens and Glenn are getting old and that there needs to be fresh legs at the WR position, but I disagree. The WR position did just fine last year, the glaring need is a corner who can remind them what it was to have Deion on the team. The next selection may not be Deion but it will definitely help make the secondary better. Dallas selects:

Aaron Ross, CB Texas

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Year in and year out, the secondary of the Chiefs get man handled by opposing teams. They need that player that can take away the homerun play and the next selection just may be that player. Kansas City selects:

Michael Griffin, SS Texas

24. New England Patriots: With the departure of Corey Dillon and now the injury to Laurence Maroney, Belichick has got a void to fill in Brady's backfield. Versaitility is a main focal point of the Patriot's offense and the next selection provides the versaitile playmaking that Brady needs. New England selects:

Antonio Pittman, RB Ohio State

25. New York Jets: The Jets need that "weapon". They need an impact player that can change the shape o####ame in one play. New York selects:

Ted Ginn Jr., WR/KR Ohio State

26. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan still needs people to throw the ball to. Stallworth left and once again, McNabb is left withour marquee receivers to throw to. Kevin Curtis isn't the answer and with the next pick left on the board at 26, McNabb will have that security to throw underneath. Philadelphia selects:

Greg Olsen, TE Miami

27. New Orleans Saints: Not much depth in the LB corps for the Saints. An area that really needs addressing. New Orleans selects:

Jon Beason, LB Miami

28. New England Patriots: Back again for their second pick in the first round. The Patriots will help out the defensive side of the ball and help clog up the middle of the line of scrimmage. New England selects:

Justin Harrell, DT Tennessee

29. Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Ogden is not getting any younger and he can only carry the O-line so far now. He needs help and so does their running game. If McGahee is going to produce this year, he is going to have to have this next pick. Baltimore selects:

Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan

30. San Diego Chargers: Having LT on your team you would think that you wouldn't need offense but Rivers has no receivers to throw the ball to. San Diego selects:

Sidney Rice, WR South Carolina

31. Chicago Bears: The Bears have put the running game in Benson's hands now and it doesn't appear that Briggs is going to be playing for Da Bears this season. There has been some speculation that the Bears are going to format the shotgun offense to accomodate Grossman and what he was accustomed to in college. So with the next pick. Chicago selects:

Ruan Kalil, C USC

32. Indianapolis Colts: Once you take Bob Sanders out of the equation, the Indy D is not that good, especially against the run. There is a glaring need on the D-line but there is no way that Indy will pass on the speed on this next pick. Indy selects:

Chris Houston, CB Arkansas.

Well everybody, this was a lot of fun for me and it may not be anywhere close to what happens in the draft but as you all know, Anything can happen on draft day. Thanks for reading.