The finalists for NFL commissioner were announced today, 5 in all, and they are all qualified on some level.  To me, though, there is one that stands out from the rest of the crowd and would do a lot of good for a sport that continues to innovate and grow.  And oh yeah, it turns out, he's black.

Scary to some is the idea of a black commissioner, something that hasn't happened in any of the major American sports.  He is aging and balding like many of the NFL owners and personnel (with the exception of Jerry Jones, who uses money to try to defy age).  His qualifications are unparalleled and is a Harvard graduate.

Meet Frederick R. Nance

The Harvard grad (1975) and lawyer from Cleveland (J.D. from Univ. of Michigan) has worked for nearly 30 years to improve the community around him.  Nance worked deals that expanded the Cleveland airport and another where he was counsel to the Cleveland Municipal school district to allocate $1 billion in funds.  So how does this all tie into sports, particularly football?

Funny I should ask (because you didn't).  Frederick Nance helped bring the Browns back to Cleveland in 1999; working on the funding for the stadium as well as its construction (acting as counsel).  He was a principal reason that the Browns were able to debut on time with a flawless stadium.  The Cleveland Cavaliers looked to him to sew up negotiations in regards to the Gund Arena and its sponsor, the Gateway Corporation.

This is all well and good, but can Nance handle the players within the NFL, especially those Primadonnas like T.O.?  I don't know; let's ask LeBron James, who has Nance as his general counsel.  He is also experienced with handling people in authoritative positions, working as a counsel for Cleveland Mayor Michael White for over a decade.

Want more qualifications? That's cool, gauntlet received.

Nance's expertise has been in high stakes negotiations that pertain in particular to community interests.  That may come in handy if/when a team is awarded to Los Angeles.  New Orleans may need someone with that experience also, not only to keep the team where it's at, but to make sure the community around the team is not forgotten about by the NFL.  

Dispute resolution is another area that Nance is known for.  I wonder if dealing with 32 owners with more money than NASA's annual budget (not a fact) would sometimes force the commissioner to act as a mediator?  The issue of small v. large markets in sports has grown increasingly prevalent, making a commissioner with a compromising demeanor to be a priority.

All this begs a simple question; will Frederick Nance get the job?

He deserves it, has the experience, and is capable of continuing the NFL's current prosperity; so in a word, no.  I just don't see these old-school owners giving a free thinking African-American a chance at running one of the most profitable ventures in America.  It is a shame, however, to see someone so qualified and able to make a difference, in the NFL and outside of it, to possibly be passed up because they suffer from chronic pallid epidermis (being white). 

It's time to get up and vote (we can't actually, but I need a call to action, so says my 5th grade teacher)!!!  Bringing in someone like Nance would give the NFL someone who would provide a new dimension, a community-oriented mind in a business-driven position.

All info derived from ABA.com

It is official; the savior of New Orleans has signed a 6 year deal believed to be worth up to $60 million with $26.3 million of it guaranteed.  Reggie's college career, particularly his junior season, speaks for itself.  How does a Heisman trophy and 10.1 yards per touch sound? 

Agent Joel Segal has become Bush's "ambassador of kwan", making Bush look like a genius for holding out and waiting for Vince Young's deal to become public, perhaps being the catalyst to Bush finally agreeing to a contract.  

The next step is getting to training camp and making up for lost time.  Let's remember, notables like LaDainian Tomlinson held out of camp in the past and still managed to perform at a high level (1,236 rushing yards, 10 TDs).  Reggie is a special talent and is capable of making a similar impact (albeit not as a pure rusher) that LT did in his rookie year. 

There are two hurdles that Reggie Bush will have to overcome to make an impact in New Orleans:

1) Show the coaching staff that he is deserving of the lion's share of touches instead of Deuce McAllister.

Deuce is coming off injury, but has looked good since his arrival at camp.  Don't think that this will simply be another version of Bush-White; McAllister is not that type of runner.  He is more creative than physical and tends to bounce outside off the tackle or to the perimeter, sound familiar?  It should, because that description is interchangeable for these two backs. 

The difference, though, is in the passing game, where his holiness, Saint Reggie, is truly divine.  His ability to line up in the slot, in the backfield, or on the edges and routinely beat his defender in coverage is something the Saints will take advantage of.  Expect him to make an impact in this department from day 1 as Drew Brees has experience with passing to running backs (see LaDainian Tomlinson, c. 2003).

2) Show the city of New Orleans the level of his commitment.

After a tumultuous year on and in particular, off the field, the people of New Orleans need something to turn their spirits around.  Anyone who doubts the impact sports can have on people's lives may change their tune this year as Reggie Bush is capable of inspiring this city and helping to bring better days.  Bush has already pledged proceeds from jersey sales to the relief effort and gave $50,000 to a Catholic school for students with learning disabilities to keep it from closing. 

Reggie received a little help by owner Tom Benson, who has looked into moving the team to San Antonio, angering fans who had already endured so much.  Next to Benson, Bush's holdout looked more like Superman fighting Lex Luthor than the rich trying to get richer. 

Am I the only one tired of seeing Reggie Bush in suits???

If Bush is able to accomplish these two goals, he can anticipate not only a great year, but a great career.  The second one, specifically, is the one that will make or break young Reggie.  Ask any player who was embraced by his city, be it Walter Payton, Brett Favre, or Lawrence Taylor; that acceptance will ultimately lead to success, both personal and team.

The time has almost come for Reggie to prove whether the Gayle Sayers and Barry Sanders comparisons are not just college based.  Reggie, save the city of New Orleans, and while you're at it, see if you can get Kevin Costner, Steven Seagal, and Jean-Claude Van Damme to stop making movies!  You do that and you are my savior.

(Side Note: I am in no way trying to be blasphemous or sacrilegious, so please do me a favor and spare me the sermon, I'm heading to one soon, it is Sunday)

This is it, the position that can make or break your fantasy team more than any other.  They grace the covers of every Fantasy Football magazine and their potential ranges from Paris Hilton on the violin (yeah, she claims she plays; wood on her chin, what a surprise) to Matt Leinart at a sorority house.  This year is no different from others, with confusion at the top of the draft of who to pick at 1 and 2. 

Strategy: I would venture to guess that over 50% of last year's league winners were Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson, or Larry Johnson owners.  The difference between last year's top scorer (Alexander) and the average back was nearly twice the points on a weekly basis.  This disparity should tell you to grab early and often until the elite backs are gone.  Then, don't be afraid to gamble on sleepers and high upside backups *cough* Larry Johnson *cough*. 

Stockpiling on running backs is like keeping extra steaks in the freezer, they are always good to have around.  Below are the top 40 Running Backs entering the fantasy season with projected round and statistics.

1) Shaun Alexander, SEA (1st to 3rd overall pick)

     Say all you want about the Madden Jinx and I'll just point to his 19.6 TD average over the last 5 years.  How about the career highs in carries, yards, TDs, and yards per rush last year?  What about the loss of Steve Hutchinson?  He returns every other OL starter, has a balanced offense, and a coach in Mike Holmgren that gives his running back every opportunity to punch it into the endzone.  Take someone else if you want, but give me consistency and durability every week (never missed a pro game).

2) LaDainian Tomlinson, SD (2nd to 3rd overall pick)

     Again, it's consistency over potential.  Questions persist on Philip Rivers and his ability to keep defenses honest, but just remember that LT managed nearly 2,400 total yards and 17 TDs, not to mention 100 receptions, in 2003 when Drew Brees' numbers were less than stellar (11 TDs, 15 INT).  He is only a year older than Larry Johnson and has never missed a game due to injury, so draft the most all-around running back in the game and you won't be disappointed.

3) Larry Johnson, KC (1st to 3rd overall pick)

     If Fantasy Football had any sex appeal, Larry Johnson would be the one providing it.  People have been salivating over the possibilities that exist with Johnson now in the feature role.  He has very limited wear and tear on his body since entering the league and has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.  He does face arguably the toughest schedule against the run and his potential to fail is higher than the top 2, which puts him at #3 on my board, by a hair.

The Filet Mignon is gone, try a Sirloin instead

4) Clinton Portis, WAS (4th or 5th overall pick)

     At 25, Portis already has three 1,500 yard rushing seasons and is getting Al Saunders as his new offensive coordinator, the genius behind Kansas City's dominant run game.  In his second season with Coach Joe Gibbs, CP saw increases in carries, yards, and TDs; showing Gibbs' trust in Portis to shoulder the load.  Expect more of the same next season.

5) Rudi Johnson (1st round)

     Just call him "Camry" because he isn't flashy, but he manages to get where he needs to go.  How does 1400 yards rushing and 12 TDs sound?  Rudi calls it another year behind Palmer, something he may not see at the start of the season.  If you want receptions, don't come here as Rudi has never surpassed 150 yards receiving in any season.  If that's the only scratch on this Camry, then put me behind the steering wheel today!

6) Tiki Barber, NYG (1st round)

     Little known fact, the offensive Barber twin has led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in each of the last two years.  His wear and tear is limited in comparison to most backs his age (31), but a decline may occur as soon as this year.  The presence of Brandon Jacobs limits his TD potential, but to expect anything less than 2,000+ yards from scrimmage and a heavy load in the passing game.

Hope you're good at craps because it's time to start rolling the dice on a #1

7) Edgerrin James, ARI (1st round)

     If only he could have stayed in Indy...we can still dream.  He joins another prolific passing offense, but the offensive line plays as if they're a man down.  James, however, can create on his own and is capable of putting up solid receiving numbers when Kurt Warner is forced to dump the ball off.  Expect a decline in his overall numbers, but they still will be better than most, particularly the TD numbers.

8) Ronnie Brown, MIA (late 1st)

     Finally, Brown doesn't have to look over his shoulder for the first time since high school.  Getting Mike Mularkey and "losing" Ricky Williams will lead to Brown being leaned upon heavily, particularly if Daunte Culpepper is slow to recover.  The only knock on him is the fact that Brown has never carried more than the 207 he managed last year, something he may pass by Week 11.

9) Steven Jackson, STL (late 1st to early 2nd)

     When Bulger was in the lineup, Jackson was on pace for 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 16 TDs.  Jackson is a load to take down (6'2", 231 pounds) in the open field and is surrounding by talent and a coach in Scott Linehan who actually believes that yards can be attained on the ground.  He has experienced some dings in his first 2 seasons and his recognition of defenses needs work, but his overwhelming talent can't be denied.  The loss of Marshall Faulk will only add to Jackson's value.