Super Bowl 54 is only a week away. Normally I have a good idea of who I like in the big game. This year, however, I find the game hard to forecast. I really believe it’s a toss-up, and it wouldn’t surprise me if either team prevails. Back in my TV sportscasting days, my old friend Doug Williams, he of Super Bowl MVP fame, told me to always take the team with the better defense. Right now that is San Francisco. Still, I really like Kansas City’s explosive offense and their superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. I think he’s the X factor in this game. I’d also really like to see Chiefs coach Andy Reid finally win the big one. He’s done everything else in football except hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Don’t bet on it, but I’m going with KC 31-27.
· I spent part of my Saturday at PiratesFest. It really is a fun event for every Bucco fan. I think it’s much better having this event at PNC Park instead of the convention center. You get to see lots that the ballpark has to offer and experience things you wouldn’t ordinarily get to do. As expected the autograph sessions were packed. It was fun to see the kids get to see the players up close. I also enjoyed watching owner Bob Nutting mingle with those on hand. Nutting spent hours talking to the fans. I applaud him for doing that and for being more transparent in the future. The Pirates aren’t going to win anytime soon, but hopefully they are on the right track.
· It was also great to see the Pirates return here to Indiana last week for their annual caravan hosted by Renda Broadcasting. The players and coaches were terrific with the fans, as was announcer Greg Brown. I enjoyed watching the Buccos interact with the youngsters who play baseball and softball. It was a fun night for everyone who turned out.
· I applaud the Pirates for bringing back the 1990s uniforms. They are great looking and bring back some great memories from the time the Pirates were winning division titles under Jim Leyland. I’m guessing they will sell a ton of them.
· The IUP men’s and women’s basketball teams are a combined 35-2. Think about that for a minute. That’s outstanding and simply amazing. I have no idea how far these two teams will go once the NCAA Tournament comes around. What I do know is that IUP is lucky to have great coaches like Joe Lombardi and Tom McConnell leading these two elite programs.
· It was sad to see former Steeler Antonio Brown go to jail this week. Brown has hit rock bottom, and if he doesn’t get help he may end up in jail for the rest of his life or even die. I know he wants to play in the NFL again, but I don’t see how any team could risk signing him anytime soon. He’s simply radioactive.
· The Penguins only had two players in this year’s All Star Game. Considering all the injuries they’ve had, that wasn’t much of a surprise. It was surprising to see goalie Tristan Jarry make it this year. Who saw that coming? Jarry has been tremendous, and it’s hard to imagine the Penguins dealing him away anytime soon. Unless the Pens get a ridiculous offer I don’t see them trading either Jarry or Matt Murray. Both can help them win. And two great goaltenders might be good enough to bring them another Stanley Cup championship.
· RIP Kobe Bryant. I was stunned to hear the news of his tragic passing on Sunday. Bryant was without a doubt one of the greatest players in NBA history, and was one of those athletes who were worth the price of admission. I saw him once, in the NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets. He was absolutely sensational, the best player on the court that night. How sad that he has left us at just 41 years of age.
