Friday Commentary: Works For Me
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A coupla three or more thoughts entering the weekend …
#1 – My TV remote control hovered between the NFL Draft and Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday night. In the end, it settled on the Draft and it didn’t disappoint. Yes, the Las Vegas Raiders took Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the #1 pick, but the drama didn’t stop there. Watching several players break down after hearing their names called is theatre you just can’t recreate.
#2 – I’ll leave the draft analysis to the hardcores but what Canadian football fans need to know is that Miami Hurricanes defensive end Akheem Mesidor of Ottawa went #22 to the LA Chargers which, I believe, makes him the highest-ever drafted Canadian in NFL history. Quarterback Mark Rypien is the greatest Canadian NFL’er ever, but he didn’t get drafted till the sixth round. There’ve been many go higher than that since, but none higher than Mesidor Thursday night. (**Glen Erickson corrected this point to reflect Canadian Tony Mandarich was selected #2 overall in the 1980s!)
Also, he’s the #1 prospect in next Tuesday’s CFL Draft but methinks him going so high to the Chargers changes that.
#3 – I always need to know why. It’s a curse, but it’s also why I’ve been in business so long in sports media. This week the NHL trumpeted that the TV ratings for Round 1 games are the highest in 14 years and selected games enjoyed the highest ratings ever. I wanna know why! We put that to RP Show viewers this week and they suggested that since NBA ratings have dropped through the floor, that’s where the new eyeballs are coming from.
Works for me.
And #4 – There’s some unreal stuff going on in Junior Hockey. The Flin Flon Bombers won their first SJHL title in 33 years by sweeping Yorkton and are now off to the Centennial Cup in Summerside, PEI. Meanwhile the WHL Conference Finals open this weekend with PA taking on Medicine Hat in the East and the expansion Penticton Vees facing Everett in the West.
What a time to be alive! Enjoy it all.
That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.
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NFL draft pick parties. 1) I prefer the girlfriend who gets overly excited believing she is heading to the NFL with the player. “Mama” of course gets the first hug. I also count how many people will be in the entourage and payroll putting these guys in future 30 for 30 Broke episodes 2) Mike Vrabel was absent as he had to attend “counseling”. Apparently counseling isn’t open next week or over the weekend. What goes on in that r words home is between him and his old lady. He is a classic archetype – 50 years old. Same old… Read more »
USA winning Gold Rod that’s the increase in viewers!!!
Great point
Canadian Tony Mandarich went #2 overall to the Green Bay Packers at the 1989 NFL Draft. (Interestingly, to me, 1989 was the year the late John Mandarich of the 16-2 Edmonton Eskimos mouthed off about the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ chances in the Western Final. We all remember what happened next…)
Tony Mandarich is a redemption story for the ages. I had that SI subscription for decades and he made the cover. Alas he imploded, but his comeback in Indianapolis and life after football. This is the guy a n R word like Johnny Manziel should be seeking counsel from. Going through the NFL Draft I’m shocked anyone who isn’t a degenerate gambler or an active alcoholic could even be a fan of that league. To show up for an event like that. They all wear the sunglasses inside now as a fashion statement. It’s chimp culture influencing chimp culture and… Read more »
Bronko Nagurski
I was intrigued by the greatest Canadian NFL player and was surprised he was Canadian I did a quick google search.
Between google searches and asking your daughter what’s happening in the culture.
When you are awoken from your slumber to post. I write for all of us to thank you for the enlightenment.
This guy is what is referred to as the elbows up crowd.
how sad your life must be that I live this free in your head, and the constant need to write trash you wouldn’t have the courage to say to someone’s face outside of this fantasy world you live in.