Morning, all.
I usually am lucky enough to report on some spring practice observations, but no can do this week. At least the actual spring game will be this Saturday.
In the meantime, I have some post-basketball season updates, a lawsuit, and weird water in Louisville to share with you. Onward, dear readers.
CONCUSSION SUIT. While the O'Bannon case is getting a lot of the air time right now (and deservedly so) for football-related lawsuits, it's not the only grouping of lawyers in town.
Former NFL Players are suing the league over misinformation about concussions:
Former NFL players trying to sue the league over concussion-linked injuries argued in court Tuesday that the NFL "glorified" violence and profited from damaging hits to the head. Players' lawyer David Frederick also accused the league of concealing the emerging science about concussions over several decades, even after creating a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee in 1994.
This is a serious deal. Regardless of whether or not the lawsuit itself finds the NFL at fault, concussions are a serious problem at all levels of football and the issue needs to be addressed.
At the Big Ten Media Days before the last football season, Zach Boren was asked about concussions and how he felt about the recent suicide of Junior Seau. At the time, I was somewhat surprised by how opinionated Boren was about head safety.
Now I understand his concern perfectly – modern helmets aren't doing enough to protect players – and it's possible that the NFL isn't either. The joint Big Ten-Ivy League study on concussions can't release its findings soon enough.
Oladipo is gone to the NBA and we all rejoice ROUNDBALL ROUNDUP. Now that the Wolverines have lost to Louisville, college basketball beat writers around the country can finally begin to post their "way early" previews of next season.
Jeff Eisenberg over at Yahoo! Sports takes a look at the top teams that could challenge for the national championship next season, and the Buckeyes come in at number eight on his list.
Eisenberg's analysis is pretty good, as he correctly points out that the Buckeyes will have to rely on Craft, Thompson, and Ross to continue their surging efforts towards the end of the season.
Without Thomas leading the way with 19.8 points per game, Ohio State will need Ross to assume that go-to scoring role: "If Ross can tap into his immense talent, build on his strong finish to this season and take on Thomas' go-to role, the Buckeyes could be a Big Ten and national contender again next season."
On the other side of the rivalry, Borzello believes that the Wolverines are back for good (stop me if you've heard that before):
“We're raising the standards on what Michigan is about. It's not about making the tournament anymore. It's not about finishing in the top three in the Big Ten. It's about winning Big Ten regular-season championships, winning Big Ten tournaments, and ultimately, trying to win national championships,” Person said.
However, Michigan has four starters that are at least considering leaving early for the NBA, with Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. as probables. I don't think we'll shed too many tears if the rumors of their departures are true.
Speaking of players leaving, Indiana's all-star Oladipo is headed for the NBA. While Indiana will miss Oladipo and graduating seniors Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls, they return a core of Yogi Ferrell, Will Sheehey, Jeremy Hollowell, and Hanner Perea, and add five-star recruit Noah Vonleh.
But what about Cody Zeller? The seven-foot sophomore is expected to announce soon, but one Amish man is convinced that Zeller is returning. I'll take an Amish man's word to the bank (by horse and buggy).
BUT SERIOUSLY, LOUISVILLE. Louisville's win over Florida in the Sugar Bowl was cool with me; any opportunity to see Will Muschamp blow a gasket is fairly worthwhile. But after winning the NCAA Tournament, I think they're just getting cocky. Even more, their women's basketball team ended up second in the country as well.
Neil Jandwitz asks what everyone is thinking – what is in the water in Louisville? Seriously, the Bluegrass State doesn't deserve this. Sure, their city has a nice bridge or two, Teddy Bridgewater is OK I guess, and Mark Ennis is funny, but man, this is too much good luck for a school that isn't Ohio State.
You might remember that Ohio State topped the list – with Louisville in second place – of top two-sport schools in the country. I would have been alright if the Buckeyes had captured the NCAA Tournament crown, though.
LAY DOWN THE LINKS. I think I can get behind Nebraska academics now... I don't hate Arizona State's new helmets... It's cool to fire your head of officials... Really just an excuse to post something about Jay-Z... The Domers will take on FSU in 2014... The new C-USA... Well, that's a little misleading.
