From the Sports Desk

October 20, 2008 by William K. Wolfrum

Some thoughts from a part-time sportswriter:

You, know, with all hell breaking lose in the world and it seeming like we’re only moments away from having brain-eating zombies wander the planet, sports fans got themselves an embarrassment of riches this weekend. At least I did.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-1 and had their 30th-string running back run for 120 and score three TDs. Ok, it was against the craptastic Bungals, but after six games, the Steelers have just about clinched their playoff spot. If Roethlisberger can stay in one piece, the Steelers are as solid of contenders for the Super Bowl as anyone out there.
I believe I mentioned that Lawrence Timmons would turn out to be a great draft pick.
Seeing the Cowboys implode is just delightful, isn’t it?
In Campeonato Brasileiro, Cruzeiro easily beat archrivals Atletico Mineiro to move one point from the top of the table. The Raposas are as solid of contenders for the title as anyone. And, well, at least Galo has crazy fans that support their team no matter how crappy and uninspired they play.
And, sure, maybe you could care less about Brazilian soccer. But if you’re a fan of European soccer, you’ll be seeing these Cruzeirense soon enough – Ramires, Guilherme, and possibly Wagner.
Let me just say again, I was blown away by Bernard Hopkins and apologize for ever saying anything bad about him in the past.
That said, WOW was Kelly Pavlik a disappointment.
I’ll admit it: If I still cared about Major League Baseball, the Tampa Rays would be a team I’d like a lot.
Ronaldinho seems to be getting along well in Italy. Once the Brazilian National Soccer Federation fires Dunga as coach and hire Vanderlei Luxemburgo, getting Ronaldinho and Kaka on the pitch at the same time would likely be wise.
By the way, I’ve interviewed Luxemburgo and you haven’t. Degrees of separation between Me and Brazilian President Lula = 1.
Let it be known that I’ve always liked Wayne Rooney.
Jimmy Johnson is going to win the NASCAR title, and let me tell you, that’s going to make my Mom and all other Kurt Busch haters really happy. He’s the second-most hated Busch in the nation, I hear.
Remember Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr? They were really something, weren’t they?
He may have yet to pan out as a starting tailback, but Reggie is a Bush that folks seem to like. Tough break with the knee injury.
The NHL is in full swing! There, I’ve gotten my yearly mention of hockey out of the way.