John Rooke - Thinking Out Loud

Saturday, September 24, 2011

John Rooke, GoLocalProv Sports Editor

Thinking Out Loud…while wondering what I’m going to do without my semi-regular Primanti’s fix in Pittsburgh, or Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse…

• Here’s the thing about all of the college realignment going on – too many of our institutions of “higher” learning have forgotten the basic principles on which they’ve been founded. Things like loyalty, wisdom…and striving to make the world around us a better place to live. All these money-grabbers have done…is look out for themselves. What the heck are they teaching here?

• I don’t begrudge anyone or any school the chance to make more money. It’s the American Way. What I don’t like is stepping over – or stepping on – your friends along that way…

• With increased travel costs, and more time away from the classroom for the student athletes, Pitt and Syracuse might initially be making more money, but at what real cost? Forget friendships and rivalries. Go ask the Boston College field hockey or soccer teams that question…

• Moving forward, here’s what the Big East should do: Navy and Air Force are the solid, “out-of-the-box” type of additions that could work, especially in a football-only scenario. Army also has national appeal, but remember they were in Conference USA at one time, and went back to independence. Central Florida’s time has probably come, and they add a further presence in recruiting-rich Florida. Even though the market size isn’t large, East Carolina should get serious consideration. They’re in the heart of the ACC, and they have applied to be in the Big East. And as I suggested this summer – go get Houston. Right now. Or the Big 12 will beat you to the punch…

• The Big East can’t make any moves, however, until they have unified the schools left behind. Can anyone be trusted? Not right now, and that’s going to make it very tough on Commissioner John Marinatto – or anyone else, for that matter – trying to put this together…

• Would any of these additions make up for the loss of Syracuse and Pittsburgh? No. This is simply making chicken salad out of chicken (expletive deleted). But life goes on…

• The “basketball only” schools in the Big East, of which Providence is one, simply need to bide their time a little bit longer. If they’re ever going to break out on their own, they’ll need to make certain the Big East name and brand comes along with them. And it will…

• I’m pleased that the Pac-12 decided not to further expand, and that the Big 12 has decided to apparently make a “go” of it…but the Pac-12 decided not to bring in OU and Texas, largely because they would have to bring “little sisters” OSU and Texas Tech along. The Big 12 stays together because there’s no other place to go…for now…and the Big East is in similar shape…

• Much has already been written and said about the irony of Dave Gavitt’s passing this past week coinciding with the departure of Syracuse and Pittsburgh from the Big East. However, as was so eloquently stated by PC President Father Brian Shanley at his memorial service, Coach Gavitt’s legacy isn’t just creating the Big East. It was his ability to create friendships - and keep them - that means so much more…

• I lost a friend in Coach Gavitt, and so many people lost more than that. The “A List” really came out in force this week, from all over the country, to honor him and pay their respects. Providence, Rhode Island was the sports capitol of the world on Wednesday and Thursday, and has lost a once-in-a-lifetime legend…

• My lasting memory of the service will be watching John Thompson – the former Georgetown basketball coach, icon and PC graduate – pay his respects to Coach Gavitt by standing alone, outside of the church, watching the funeral procession go by. It was a very poignant moment, signaling the end of an era in so many ways…

• We’re really spoiled around here. It needs to be said, again: Thank you, Coach Gavitt, for years of enjoyment and opportunity. You’ve been a great friend to us all…

• There’s big opportunity this week for Big East football to say “gotcha!” Cincinnati blasted NC State on national TV Thursday night, and West Virginia gets #2 LSU at home Saturday night…

• The Patriots potentially have an offense that could be better – statistically – than the one they had in 2007 when they went 18-1. But if the newcomers on defense don’t find a way to make a difference, there won’t be any difference in the ultimate outcome to this season…

• Injuries will be any NFL team’s Achilles heel this year. Everyone can play. But can they actually PLAY?

• More evidence that the NFL is a quarterback league…the Pats’ Andre Carter was fined $15K for his hit on the Chargers’ Philip Rivers last week. A great hit, that Carter was flagged for. But because Rivers’ helmet was hit, ever so slightly, but not violently…the league hits Carter’s wallet for 15 large…

• Maybe the NFL should just put a red “no contact” jersey on the QB, and be done with it…

• I am so not looking forward to the MLB playoffs. Why is that? Because it’s football season? Because the Red Sox don’t deserve to be there? Because the Yankees DO? All of the above…

• The Yankees faked their interest in Carl Crawford last off season to drive up the price for the Red Sox? Really? So if New York had “won” his services, the Sox would already be division champs now?

• NBA training camps are postponed indefinitely. YAWN. Pre-season games through October 15th (including one at the Dunkin Donuts Center) have been cancelled. OUCH…

• Primanti’s makes fantastic sandwiches that come with slaw and French fries ON the sandwich…try the fried bologna…while Dinosaur BBQ may be some of the best north of the Mason-Dixon line. Try the Dinosaur eggs. I’ll be ready, however, for the steaks and Mexican food soon to come in places like Fort Worth, TX…

• The mailbag question(s) this week come from Bert in California: “With Brady on pace to shattering records and no one being able to stop this guy for a decade, I have to ask these questions - how has Tom improved the offense over the decade? How has it evolved with him and how has he evolved? Where do you see it going as Brady enters his twilight years? And what makes him so great?”

• All great questions, Bert. Let’s just say Tom Brady has intelligence, and a “sixth sense,” almost…in knowing where to be when he’s in the pocket. His study habits are second to none, the Patriots have done a great job of finding personnel that match his skills (like Wes Welker over the middle), and he’s probably beginning his twilight years right now. What makes him so great? He’s also a true leader, on and off of the field. Guys respect that…

• Interested in having your questions on local RI sports (including the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics) answered in a somewhat timely fashion? Send ‘em to me! It’s your chance to “think out loud,” so send your questions and comments to [email protected]. We’ll share mailbag comments/Facebook posts/Tweets right here! Follow me on Twitter, too @jrooke0722…