racingmeridian.com

GRIDIRON..Minnesota Viking running back Adrian Peterson has averaged 5.2 yards a carry through two seasons in the NFL. That figure was accomplished with buffoons like Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson under centre. Think Brett Favre factored playing with this astonishing young runner into his comeback calculations?…the St Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that Tarvaris Jackson, Viking QB of the future, will be released by the end of the week…Randy Moss tracked 1008 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air last season while playing catch with Matt Cassells. What will those numbers look like this season with Tom Brady back in the drivers seat?…LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook, vital cogs in the San Diego Charger and Philadelphia Eagle offensive schemes, have both turned 30, the “Rubicon” for running backs…last Sundays Michael Vick interview on Sixty Minutes was the highest rated show of the night, second highest of the week. It might have been a more enjoyable show had a journalist been assigned to the dialogue instead of the obsequious James Brown…ICE..Chris Chelios has, apparently, two offers from clubs in the KHL. The ancient blueliner intends to pursue options this side of the ocean before considering a move to Russia…PONIES..two of the finest animals ever to bless the thoroughbred ranks are currently tearing up their respective opposition. In times past the pair would be household names but, today, what general sports fan can expound on Rachel Alexandra and Sea The Stars?:…PUG LIFE..caught the Roy Jones Jr - Jeff Lacy replay on Justin TV last night. Jones was his usual classless self, mugging and talking to the crowd throughout. It was fascinating, however, to observe how a stationary, limited target allowed Jones to flash some of his old brilliance. A washed up Lacy had no resemblance to Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson or Joe Calzaghe. At one point Jones through a lightning quick six left hooks in a row. He also fired off insane combinations, including several biting body shots mixed in with ripping uppercuts. If you are a Jones fan it certainly would have been a magic night, evoking memories of his finest performances. It also was an illusion. Against an opponent who counters and has even a rudimentary knowledge of how to cut off a ring, Jones will be administered another drubbing…also caught a replay of the Mike Tyson - Frans Botha scrap. Tyson attempted to break Botha’s arm at the end of the first round and generally displayed anti-social tendencies throughout. After Tyson’s two losses to Evander Holyfield he devolved into a nineties version of Earnie Shavers. He had power but little else. Eventually he lost any interest in conditioning, refusing to run or spar. The debacles against Danny Williams and Kevin McBride were a direct result of Tyson’s refusal to log any meaningful time in the gym. It is interesting to speculate if any heavyweight champ ever lost to an opponent as abjectly woeful as McBride. It probably is the lowest moment in the annals of the linear champions. The lack of character, the incessant whining, the refusal to take responsibility for his own actions, on and on, I don’t know how or why people take the compulsive liar seriously. Iron Mike certainly could not have been expected to show the fortitude to defeat any of the genuinely great heavyweight champions…the Sept 19^th Mayweather - Marquez fight has been gifted with a loaded undercard featuring three genuinely good bouts. I can’t help but feel this is the result of the heat boxing is facing from the MMA. Watching the Octagon, fans expect a full night of entertainment, not just one big bout. It will be beneficial to boxing if the top promoters, Bob Arum, Golden Boy etc. begin to stack their premium events with meaningful bouts…THE RAIL..what a pleasure it was to get cranked/ripped/smashed while loud Madonna pumped through the Rails and Ales Saturday night. The effervescent Maria was celebrating her “Name Day” and festivities gradually morphed into an appreciation of the Material Girls 51^st birthday. Backing off previous vows, and pleas from other patrons, I did get up and dance the night away. The Rail proves that, contrary to all appearances, partying and having a great time have not been outlawed in the Big Smoke…