Whether you like it or not it's here to stay

Many players agreed with Iverson, but were intimidated to voice their opinions."Just because you put a guy in a tuxedo, it doesn't mean he's a good guy," Iverson said.There is no athlete more responsible for ushering in the hip-hop era to professional sports, period. While some may view this as a negative contribution, hip-hop culture has pervaded sports irreversibly. Whether you like it or not, it's here to stay.In terms of performance on the basketball court, Iverson is the greatest six-footer in NBA history. Ranked sixth all-time in PPG at over 27 per contest, he carried a team that started Eric Snow, George Lynch, and Tyrone Hill to the NBA Finals in one of the most remarkable seasons ever played. If this is really the end, it will be an injustice to his magnificent legacy. Perhaps the media and the viewing public should take a step back before stepping on Iverson's throat.

Here's hoping that Iverson leaves with the dignity and respect that he no doubt deserves.? . One day ascommissioner of the National Football League is all I ask.? While the league is enjoying record revenues in a struggling economy, nothing is being done to help the smaller market teams compete.? The leagues image continues to be tarnished by off the field antics of players.First thing I would address after taking my seat behind my desk for the day would be to address the on again, off again Los Angeles having a team issue.Not one, but two teams left the second largest television market for smaller cities.? If financing is in place for a new stadium and the city of Angels really does want two teams then first is to get Al Davis to move his Raiders back and then the Jacksonville Jaguars can be the second tenant in the new stadium.Oakland claims to have the most dedicated fans in the world but even with blocking entire sections of their outdated stadium they continue to be blacked out week after week.Good or bad Jacksonville has always struggled to attract NFL fans in a college environment.? Time to move on to richer pastures.Make the move soon while theinterest is still there.? Los Angeles is a busy city with plenty to do, lets not forget they also have USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins to compete with in the football market.Next on the agenda would be to ensure the Buffalo Bills stay in Buffalo.? Sharing games with Toronto is and always was a bad idea.? With 19 days until the second regular season game in Toronto, plenty of seats remain at a cost of $285 or slightly less.? While there are plenty of NFL fans in Canada most would rather take the less than 2 hour drive to Buffalo for the game.? In fact most Canadians I have talked to find it is cheaper to spend a weekend in the Buffalo / Niagara Falls area than to park and buy tickets for a game at the Rogers Centre. Also remember Buffalo is NewYork's only real team and only team that pays New York State sales tax on ticket sales.The Bills continue to sell out despite working hard at not making the playoffs for the 10th straight year.? Fans are displeased with coaching, the lack of offense and poor play at the quarterback position but continue to support their beloved Buffalo Bills.The owners need to be reminded that dedication from the fans is what built the empire they are currently ruling, not corporate greed (that came later).This idea could work with all 32 NFL teams by adding 2 games to the regular season schedule (subtract 2 pre season games).? Every season each team would play one extra home game at a site within their region and one away.? (The London game would count as one of these).? Examples could be? Buffalo plays a home game at Syracuse's Carrier dome, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia play at Penn States Beaver stadium, Kansas City or St. Michigan Wolverines football. The very thought causes several different reactions among Big Ten fans."I would rather kick myself in the face than see the Wolverines win a game." -Josh, L.A.

Ohio State fan."...they are without a doubt the most arrogant fans in the college football universe." -Antwon, L.A. Michigan State fan."Just thinking about last year's game against Michigan gives me a migraine." -David, Pittsburgh. Wisconsin fan.The Badgers had a 19-point lead going into halftime of last season's game against the Wolverines and are still smarting from the memory of the 27-25 loss that sent the Badgers spiraling into a-five game losing streak.The Badgers were ranked ninth in the nation before that loss and hoping for a strong start to the Big Ten season.That loss is just the latest in a series that Michigan has dominated, 49-12-1. The Wolverines have posted a 19-5-1 record at Camp Randall.However, the Badgers have won their last two home meetings against Michigan.

In both, the Wolverines were ranked and upset by the Badgers.? Wisconsin will win if...? -John Clay rushes for over 100 yards The Badgers have always been a run-oriented offense That has held true this season John Clay leads the conference in rushing yards this season. He is backed up by freshman Montee Ball, who is coming off of a 115-yard, two-touchdown performance against Indiana last week.The Badgers are 5-0 when Clay reaches the century mark and 2-2 when he does not.? -The defense limits big plays. The Badgers allowed Tandon Doss and Ben Chappell to make things look easy on some huge plays last week.Allowing big plays, particularly through the air, has been the Achilles heel for this defense. Should they let Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier tear apart the secondary, the Wolverines will walk away with a big win.? -They contain Michigan's run game. Michigan leads the conference in rushing yards per game and has arguably the best running back duo in the conference. The Badgers have allowed the fewest yards rushing per game during conference play.