SEARCH NEWS:

 

Columnist Jimmy Vaccaro: As I See It

But first off, I would like someone to explain the NFL's "tuck" rule to me. Forget about the side you had, but after reading the league's convoluted wording that distinguishes between a fumble and incomplete pass, are any of you still as foggy as I am about what it really means?

League commish Paul Tagliabue is a lawyer, and that rule as written reeks of legal overkill. I bet that was a long drive home after the game for the Raiders.

So here's my proposals: all playoff games should be played in Foxboro in January. I also think coaching strategy separates contenders from pretenders when playing in those types of conditions.

Okay, the first proposal is a goof, but I think I am on the right track with my latter comment.

Favorite and over -- favorite and over -- that is the bookmaker's lament when it comes to the playoffs.

Summerall and Madden. Very simple. The network boys told the old-timer to hit the road while they get someone closer to Fox's demographics to set up John and his telestrator.

Not that I think Pat was any less capable than ever, but those set-up guys are simply interchangeable. There will always be a few broadcasters who transcend the game, but the Howard Cossell's don't come along very often.

Remember the "A" team always gets the marquee matchup of the week. I have always wondered if the TV hotshots really believed if the announcing team alone is what makes us watch a game.

I personally do not think so. Poll question of the week: if Dick Vitale were doing the broadcast this Saturday on ESPN with Fordham and LaSalle, and I was on ESPN doing the Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech, who would win the time slot?

Okay, let's get to the main event. Were you shocked at Mike Tyson's apparent meltdown at the press conference hyping his coming bout with Lennox Lewis? Or was it simply another predictable and embarrassing episode in boxing's less than illustrious history?

You need not answer. The sport keeps digging itself into a hole, but as in the past it will survive the current silliness . until the next one happens.

The inevitable question of whether the fight will come off or not is being asked by the media. Five to one against the bout scheduled for April 6th taking place.

Will Tyson even show in Las Vegas? Even though it is mandatory, he is not an "out" price to be there, considering he may have legal issues to deal with.

But the whole concept of news or press release-inspired meetings to whet the public's interest has really lost steam over the last decade. The notion that the fight sells itself on the merits of the combatants has been lost, and is now a poor imitation of a wrestling promotion.

It is common knowledge that the cable TV promoters, HBO and Showtime, believe these types of antics will sell more "buys" to a gullible public. But I am not so sure.

Boxing has not had such a great run on pay per view, with the exception of a few terrific matchups. The way things are these days, I suspect the histrionics, whether real or staged, are passé and more counterproductive than ever before.

Mike is still a big draw, and he is the only one who can and will keep getting second, third and fourth chances because of the big payday for everybody that he represents.

So, do not put all the blame on Mikey, because the powers that be will keep insisting that they can make it work and control Mike just so long as they are part of the gig.

All that said, the first fight will be out of the States, and the next one will be on our turf early next year.

With college baskets in high gear and the conference schedules reaching midpoint, here is a tip to watch in the coming weeks. Some teams have their annual dreaded road trips coming up with out-of-conference teams. Very often a lot of travel is included.

Case in point: this Saturday, Temple plays at NC State, and Connecticut travels out west to play at Arizona. Keep your Don Best schedule books close at hand for the next month and look a week ahead for these types of spots, especially if the home team is catching a few points.

These games are usually on weekends, and it really makes sense if the road team has a huge rival on deck and will be part of a nationally telecast game such as the ESPN big Monday package. This play will show more winners than losers.

Like millions of others, I took a few early leads this weekend on both favorites as both lines will continue to climb until Sunday morning. However, I will definitely keep my total bets with the Pats and Steelers, where I played the over and like it quite a bit.

A lot of fuss has been made over the maturity of Kordell Stewart, but do not overlook both Steelers' wideouts: Hines Ward and especially Plaxico Burress, who has really developed as a go-to receiver.

Yardage gained after the catch by these two has been outstanding, and in garbage time, unlike the Ravens last week, I believe you will see productive effort from Brady. Unlike Grbac, who truly played like Elvis, I believe Brady will keep his intensity and put up some points.

This game is in the low to mid 40's.

Comments are appreciated at vaccarosports@lvcm.com or www.jimmyvaccaro.com, and check up with the off shore report at www.legalwagerreport.com. Free pick phone 1-800-899-1122.

< Gaming News