Random Thoughts

- A few weeks ago I had asked people for memories on Steve McNair. Super sports fan, Brian Freeland responded with this

"I think of Alcorn State and how the entire nation seemed to doubt whether he would be successful in the NFL. It was like his college accomplishments didn't mean anything unless he proved to be successful in the NFL. Well, he was successful and he did it in different style offenses that didn't throw the ball as much as he did in college. I think that is even more impressive as he proved to be versatile."

"He led by example and demonstrated courage and toughness by playing injured consistently. My biggest memory will be seeing highlights of him in college and having people compare him to the Heisman hopefuls during the same year."

The McNair saga ended tragically but he should be remembered for the man he was on and off the field because he was a heck of a football player.

- Another situation that ended tragically is the story of Arturo Gatti. Gatti, was at first believed to be murdered by his wife. Then, it was speculated that Gatti committed suicide. Gatti, will be remembered most for his trilogy with Micky Ward. Gatti, also did have some fights with big fighters in his career, when he fought Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. I think Gatti was a great boxer and warrior in the ring. I think if Gatti had lived until his 60's, he would have had serious brain damage because he took so many blows to the head. However, for those classics with Micky Ward, those will be considered legendary and that is what made Gatti a legend.

- Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle, became the 5th man to pitch a perfect game and no-hitter in different instances, with his mastering of the Rays on Thursday. DeWayne Wise probably made one of the most sensational catches of all time if you look at the situation. Buehrle also did it in an economical 2 hours and 3 minutes.

- I visited Brett Favre at his house the other day. While I was at the Waffle House, I ordered a waffle as well. Now Favre is unsure whether he wants to play or not, so Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen are trying to talk him into coming and playing with the Vikings. If at this point, Brett Farve has to be persuaded to play for a team, I wouldn't want him. I think when Brett Farve stops playing football or stops being in the public eye, he will die because the cameras and attention of the nation won't be focused on him as it is now.

Thoughts from the Sports World on Friday 7-17

- When I heard the alarm clock this morning at 9:55 A.M. this morning, I thought two things. Number one, it was time to go back to work. Number two, Tom Watson's run is over. Watson birdied hole number 1, but then bogeyed 5 of the next 6. I thought Watson's run was over. However, two long putts on 16 & 18, put Watson in the final group on Saturday with Steve Marino. Last year, it was Greg Norman, this year it's Tom Watson. Is the British Open now becoming the fountain of youth? Next year, I am taking Sir Nick Faldo to be the man who visits the fountain of youth.

It's definitely going to be odd to not see Tiger Woods around for the weekend. Woods missed the cut at a major for only the second time as a professional. No Woods, no Mickelson, no problem for ABC's coverage on Saturday and Sunday as long as the 59 year old Tom Watson can stay towards the top of the leaderboard, ABC will be okay. Will it be as good as it would be if Tiger was there, probably not? But, ABC won't have the disaster that NBC had with the U.S. Open.

Will the leaderboard look different after Saturday's round with more harsh weather on the way?

More news surfaces in the murder of former Titans and Ravens quarterback, Steve McNair. Apparently the gun that was sold to McNair's girlfriend was bought illegally from a convicted felon.

In other unfortunate news of someone who was slain by a lover, Arturo Gatti's wife is claiming she is innocent. The Gatti-Ward trilogy was replayed tonight on HBO, and will be reshown tomorrow morning on HBO 2. Dan Rafael wrote a very good tribute piece to Gatti on ESPN.com.

Anything strike your fancy from the sports world? Leave it in a comment, or e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net