Knucklehead of the Week
Russell Erxleben is the Art Schlichter of Texas. The former Longhorn and NFL kicker was arrested last week and charged with running an illegal investment scheme that netted more than $2 million. No doubt Erxleben collected plenty of cash from trusting UT boosters as he recalled his famous 67-yard field goal in 1977, a college football record. It’s hard to feel sorry for Erxleben’s marks, though, considering he served time for a previous scam that fleeced investors of $36 million.
The NFL’s annual all-star scrimmage known as the Pro Bowl will be contested tonight. The players vow to use their shoulder pads this year, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Perhaps trying to set the tone and convince a suspicious public that actual contact will be involved, Redskins tackle Trent Williams was injured Friday in a fight at a Honolulu nightclub. He received stitches and won’t suit up.
With the Super Bowl one week away, it's time to start asking the important questions. Will Beyonce lip-sync the entire halftime show? With her reputation at stake, I'm confident she'll let it rip. Question 2: Will Danica Patrick be featured in one of those cover-the-kids'-eyes Go Daddy commercials? Yes, but one of her ads does look tame.
OK, how about the over-under on how many times the Harbaugh boys’ parents are shown on TV? Eight. Will Colin Kaepernick get a special tattoo this week? No, not enough room. Finally, will a reporter ask Ray Lewis about what he did after the 2000 Super Bowl in Atlanta? If that happens, we may see our first concussion suffered by a journalist.
The most important game of UD's season is (late) Wednesday night at Xavier (9 p.m.). A win against their rivals would pull the Flyers to 3-3 in the Atlantic 10 with some serious momentum. Lose and things could get ugly with Saint Louis, Saint Joseph's and Temple waiting.
Xavier is not Sweet 16 material this season, so I’m thinking the Flyers finally do it. They get their first win at Xavier since Prohibition, or something like that.
I'm usually a no-show when it comes to the Academy Awards. Overpaid, know-it-all actors prancing around in fancy clothes doesn't do it for me. But this year I might have to tune in because the six actors who have played James Bond through the years will make an appearance. That should be unbelievably cool.
MLB released its 2013 schedule last week and the usual head-scratchers were present. For starters, cold-weather franchises Minnesota and Pittsburgh open their seasons at home. Start the snow-blowers. Meanwhile, warm-weather teams San Diego and Miami open on the road. Brilliant.
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