For once the right thing happened
A GRIP ON SPORTS
It's not often we get to put together a follow-up. And it is even less often it is a happy one. Read on.
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• We introduced you yesterday morning to the story of Steven Rhodes (pictured), the Middle Tennessee State "freshman" who was trying to get on the field. But the NCAA had derailed the 24-year-old former Marine. We also introduced you to the outcry the organization's decision had released. So it is only fitting to report Rhodes will be able to play for the Blue Raiders this year. The NCAA ruled yesterday afternoon he was immediately eligible. All's well that ends well, right? Sure. Except my first thought revolved round the NCAA succumbing to pressure, seeing a gaffe that was opening it up to criticism and reacting to the crud it was getting. Then it hit me. It doesn't matter. At least not to Steven Rhodes. He gets to play football. A game he loves. A game with a limited shelf life for most participants. So the ending, for him, is a happy one. Whether or not the rule the NCAA invoked to initially rule him ineligible had been massaged over the years to something the original writer would not have recognized. Whether or not the NCAA is tone-deaf in 98 percent of these cases. It worked out for Steven Rhodes.
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• WSU: Though practices are now officially closed, Christian Caple will be on the elevator tower still observing this afternoon as Washington State prepares for its season opener at Auburn. To get you in the mood Christian has his position preview of the defensive backs (a couple who are pictured at left) along with a morning post. ... The Pac-12 Networks turn 1-year-old. ... What will Fox Sports 1 mean for college sports?
• EWU: The Eagles are also back on the practice field and Jim Allen has a look at the running back situation, a little up-in-the-air due to injuries. ... Former Eagle running back Taiwan Jones has made a position switch with the Raiders. ... Another former Eagle is still trying to make it in the NFL.
• Indians: Spokane's hitting – or Hillsboro's pitching – has led to a three-game losing streak. Chris Derrick has the story and a blog post on last night's 2-1 defeat.
• Mariners: For the 10th time this season, the M's had to watch last night as their opponent celebrated a last-inning victory. Brandon Moss' home run off Carter Capps gave host Oakland a 2-1 win in the opener of a three-game series. ... It looks as if Eric Wedge will be back in the dugout Friday when the M's return to Safeco. ... Are the Mariners any better than last season? The numbers say they are not. And how does that saying go? Numbers never lie? ... Larry Stone is saying goodbye – sort of. ... Ryne Sandberg has earned his managerial position through hard work. That is no surprise.
• Seahawks: Speaking of numbers, the Hawks decided they needed greater numbers on the defensive line, so a trade was made. Offensive lineman John Moffitt, the team's third-round pick in 2011, was dealt to Cleveland for little-used Brian Sanford. ... Speaking of 2011, was that the worst draft of the new era? ... Quarterback Russell Wilson is a fashion star. ... The newest depth chart for the Green Bay game is out. ... Preseason games may not matter but they matter, if you get my drift. ... The Hawks made some other changes Monday as well.
• Sounders: If the Sounders get healthy, what will the attack look like? ... For Seattle to win the MLS it first has to make the playoffs. Right now, it is outside looking in.
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• Another day on the radio. We will be joining the Patchen, Lukens and Osso show between 3 and 6 p.m. You can listen here. And, of course, we'll be back here tomorrow. Until then ...
