* It’s thought that the Bucs are preparing their fan base for the selection of Jameis Winston with the top draft pick that would make him the de facto face of the franchise. It’s also thought this won’t be an easy sell. Frankly, I think any fan wariness will disappear with positive signs coming out of pre-season practices and exhibition games. This is still a win-at-virtually-any-cost league, and Winston is thought to be NFL, if not society at large, ready. That’s the bottom line–not that there’s a renegade running the offense. Remember how popular the unlikeable Warren Sapp was?
* Brandon High just won another Hillsborough County wrestling championship. It’s what the Eagles do. And with such regularity that locals take it for granted. But consider the magnitude of the Brandon accomplishment: It has been county champion for 42 consecutive years. Richard Nixon was president when it began.
* We can all agree that it was unfortunate what happened to the Little Leaguers from Chicago–the feel-good, all-black, Jackie Robinson West team. It was stripped of its national title after it was revealed that team officials cheated by falsifying boundaries to add ineligible players.
A couple of issues overlap. First, cheating has happened before. Where boundaries, birth certificates and fame are involved, there’s always a temptation. When a violation is discovered, action must be taken. It’s called doing the right, however emotionally blindsiding, thing.
Even a bunch of good kids who deserve better can’t be sent the message that cheating can be countenanced. Wins and honors–but not memories–have been withdrawn. They are no less talented kids, but without adding ineligibles, they probably wouldn’t have made it to Williamsport in the first place. Adults don’t cheat to bring in marginal players.
Second, Little League has become too big. National and international television, network sponsors and ratings, interviews, autographs, up-close and -personal backgrounders–and all the accompanying pressure. Sandlots on steroids. Last year, a losing pitcher was shown on live network TV emotionally melting down. You had to avert your eyes, it was that cringe-worthy.
This is what the Little League World Series has become. Lights, cameras, action in front of sold-out crowds and millions watching at home. Any wonder some will cheat at a kids’ game to get there?