One More Pro Bowl, Then What?
Friday - February 09, 2011
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Del.icio.usAnother Pro Bowl has come and gone, and one thing we know for sure is it will be back in Hawaii next year.
After that it is up for grabs, and other cities would like to host.
Hawaii has always been a favorite destination with the players and their families, and gauging from player interviews this year that hasn’t changed.
The NFL, however, remains noncommittal about future sites. And from the league’s perspective, there may well be better revenue possibilities elsewhere.
In this economic climate that could prove to be a decisive factor.
Hawaii currently pays $4 million to host the game, and better economic minds than mine would have to calculate the impact and value of the three-hour postcard from the Islands. And the NFL does give some of that money back in community outreach programs and hosted events the week of the game.
It is very much an exhibition game with all that implies, and while it disappoints hardcore football fans, it does delight fans who love to be up close and personal with their favorite players.
It will take a committed effort to keep the game, and it might not be too early to put together the team that will make Hawaii’s case for the future.
• The 8,000 or so fans who were at Stan Sheriff Center to watch UH host Utah State were treated to a college basketball classic.
Both teams played well throughout, and while the Aggies won a double-overtime thriller, it was quite apparent that the Rainbow Warriors have made significant progress under first-year head coach Gib Arnold.
This team plays with great intensity and desire. It may not yet match most of its WAC opponents in raw athleticism, but nobody gives a better effort than this group.
It will be hard for anyone who was there to ever forget the inspired play of football-slot-back-turned-point guard Miah Ostrowski, who was playing four days after the sudden death of his 43-year-old father, Kui. Miah posted career highs of 15 points, six assists and three steals, and very nearly sparked UH to a huge upset.
It’s hard to believe that there are only three home games left, and you have to think that the kind of play Hawaii showed against the Aggies would yield good results against their remaining opponents.
• It is way too soon to write Tiger Woods off, yet some are doing just that after his worst first outing as a professional at Torrey Pines, where he’s won five times in the past. It is obvious that he’s still not back on his game, but he has the work ethic and determination to recapture his form.
Here’s a bold prediction: Tiger will win multiple tournaments this year, and will be in the hunt on Sunday at Augusta.
Don’t be surprised if he’s wearing the green jacket in Butler cabin when it’s all said and done.
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