Keep the Grey Cup indoors, latest NFL thoughts, who will get fired next in the NBA and will Jason Varitek return to Boston?

Keep the Grey Cup Indoors!

Now that was a sports weekend! The 96th edition of the Grey Cup had to be deemed a success by the CFL, the city of Montreal and by bar owners anywhere near downtown Montreal. Despite the fact that the Als dropped another title game, the season was a major positive. Seeing owner Robert Wetenhall make some money is nice, especially when you consider his team plays in the smallest venue in the league.

As for the game, well, no one wants to see a defensive struggle in the marquee game of the CFL. The fact that the outcome was in doubt until the dying seconds did keep viewers tuning in. In fact, viewership was up from last year, disproving the notion that you need Toronto in the big game.

Speaking of Toronto and Montreal, I mentioned on THE TEAM 990 Door Doctor Als Post Game Show that the Grey Cup should be played indoors EVERY year. It should be rotated between Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, period! Considering the fact that the game was telecast on Versus and on ESPN360.com, it's important to showcase the best possible product. You need your marquee players doing their marquee thing in the biggest game of the season. Watching a quarterback wobble a throw in howling winds and wet snow is just not smart. I understand people want to see the CFL title game the way nature intended it, but come on. Do we really need to see the elements take the game out of the playmakers' hands?

Yes, every city in the league wants a crack at hosting the big game - and the economic advantages that come along with it. But, is it really smart business to see a watered-down version of what the big game can be? We all saw the incredible amount of fans that poured into Montreal this past weekend. Do you think they're all interested in flocking to Regina or Winnipeg with the same gusto? I didn't think so. It's time the CFL take a stand and do what's best for growing their game - keep the big one indoors! The NFL's been keeping a little game called the Super Bowl in warm climates for a few years and it's worked out pretty well.

NFL Week 12 Thoughts

Can someone explain to me how Donovan McNabb has let himself go? The guy is probably 15 pounds overweight, at least! Now, I'm not sure if his blubber-ness led to the Eagles pulling him in Week 12, but something has to give. We've seen the star QB huffing and puffing late in games this season while in the huddle. It's pathetic. You're the supposed leader of the franchise Donovan, cut back on the fast food!

The Saints finally showed up on Monday night for a full 60 minutes. Sure, their defence still gave up a ton of yardage, but their secondary did enough to prevent Aaron Rodgers from mounting a comeback in the second half.  It marked the first time the Saints won back-to-back games all season. Coach Sean Payton and company have an uphill battle to make the playoffs. They have teams like Dallas, Atlanta and Washington all ahead of them in the standings. But, with Reggie Bush returning in Week 13, they could be peaking at the right time.

How about those Giants? The defending champs just keep on rolling. Despite deactivating Brandon Jacobs and losing Plaxico Burress early at Arizona, the G-men racked up 37 points and beat a division-leading team who was trying to measure itself against them. Coach Coughlin isn't gettting any buzz about coach-of-the-year, but if they go 15-1, he HAS to be in the conversation.

When is Romeo Crennel going to be fired? It's getting sad already. Cleveland dropped to 4-7 with a home loss to Houston in Week 12. Crennel seemed so desperate to save his job in that game that he yanked Brady Quinn after only 2.5 weeks as the starter. Veteran Derek Anderson didn't fare much better and now you have to wonder if Crennel has lost the team - and ultimately the confidence from ownership.

NBA Firings

Two coaches have already been fired so far this NBA season. P.J. Carlisimo of the Thunder and Eddie Jordan of the Wizards both bit the dust. I wasn't surprised about the Thunder firing but Jordan being let go did surprise me. He had gotten the most out of his players in previous years despite crippling injuries. But, with a horrible start to this season, Jordan was the scapegoat. Who is next? Smart money is on Sacramento's Reggie Theus. The former NBA player and star of NBC's teen morning show Hang Time hasn't done much with the Cowtown team. And how about Larry Brown? He's done nothing with the horrid Bobcats. Charlotte has much more talent than their current record.  

Tek signing

Everyone believes it's a foregone conclusion that Jason Varitek will re-sign with the Red Sox this season. I am not so sure. While Varitek was just brutal offensively in 2008, he is still adept at catching a pitching staff. He's also a leader and a good guy. This would lead me to believe that an also-run team in the American League will make him a lucrative offer to help with their pitching staff. I can easily see the Royals or the Rangers over-paying for Varitek's services. Meanwhile, I could also see the Red Sox going after a catcher who has a little more pop in his bat. Ivan Rodriguez comes to mind. The perennial all-star has a World Series ring and is known for being a good team player. Bostononians would be shocked, but I wouldn't be.  

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