Ohio State. The Buckeyes continued their long line of success in breaking NCAA rules. This time in basketball. They did a whole bunch of things wrong that resulted in all kinds of penalties, not the least of which involves them having to take down their Final Four banner from 1999. Just like that, they had their place in the Final Four of 1999 wiped from the history books. Sunday the Buckeyes lost to Iowa in the finals of the Big Ten tournament. But Ohio State was at a huge disadvantage as their players had to contend with a situation that they were quiet unfamiliar with; they had to go to class once this month. Do you know what the average Ohio State athlete gets on their SATs? Drool.

NFL Free Agency. Sunday March 12 was a red-letter day for NFL free agents, as big brawny pro football types signed contracts for some mad "Benjamins," yo. Leading the way are two skill position players, Edgerrin James and Antwaan Randle El. Both moves are kind of risky for different reasons. James signed a big, four-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, but if I were a fan out there in the desert I'd be nervous. The first reason for angst is that Kurt Warner is the Cards' quarterback, and I would be nervous no matter what other moves the team made as long as he's running the offense. The second reason is that James - while a young man of 28 when next season starts - is kind of an old running back. Risky. But at least James has shown that he can be the centerpiece of a successful offense.

Randle El is another story. He caught 35 passes last year and the Redskins signed him to a $31 million contract. He's never been THE guy, despite the fact that he's a very versatile and exciting performer. Add to the mix that the Redskins don't have a good track record with their free agent signings, and you have all the makings of a major bust on the Beltway.

More World Baseball Classic. As I write this I'm watching the Puerto Rico-Dominican Republic game. If I didn't know better I would think that I fell asleep for 7 months and woke up during a World Series game. The 20,000 people at this game should be the example for all baseball audiences regardless of size with regards to enthusiasm and all that fan stuff. Watching this game I see why this tournament is a great idea. I'm thinking that maybe too many of us are jaded with all things sports, and take too much for granted. Maybe more of us - myself included - need to be more enthusiastic about events like this.

That's enough for now...We'll meet again, very soon.