June, 2006

NFL training camps open next month. In preparation for some pre-season coverage we're planning, I just finished a lengthy sit-down interview with Peyton Manning.

I've known Manning since 1994, and even though he's now an NFL star, he has always treated me with professional respect. And I've always appreciated that.

I consider him a class-act almost beyond comparison.

I took today off just to recuperate from watching Dwyane Wade win the NBA title for Miami. He's freakin' awesome!

And he bailed me out on my Miami in 6 prediction.

Loyal NBA fans might rate Kobe a better all-around player, but I'd rather watch D-Wade.

I'm glad for the Carolina Hurricanes. I'm happy for Hurricane hockey fans. And I feel bad for hockey fans in Edmonton.

The Stanley Cup is professional sports most cherished trophy (World Cup excluded) and the players and fans in Raleigh deserve their celebration.

I wasn't at the game, so I couldn't take a head-count, but it sure seemed like Boston fans out-numbered Atlanta fans at Turner Field on Sunday night.

And that's laughable.

After fourteen straight division titles, a World Series win -- and the legacy of Henry Aaron, I mistakenly thought Atlanta had cemented its tradition as a loyal baseball town.

Nope.

I've been out of town, but not out of the loop.

The preseason college football posturing has started. Matt Hayes of the Sporting News places Phillip Fulmer, and a few other big name coaches, on the hot seat in '06.

It's not mid-June yet, but NBC has started hyping the Manning vs. Manning showdown on September 10th.

I admit my knowledge of international soccer is somewhat limited. But I still appreciate the sport. I'll watch the World Cup-- and not just because the USA has a team playing.