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Kyle Nodarse

I am not a Packers fan. I never have been, and I highly doubt that I ever will be a Packers fan. That makes the fact that I am opening this article by talking about Brett Favre and the Packers even more miraculous than their 4-0 start. It’s not that they’re undefeated, which is the first time in nearly a decade, going back to the 1998 season. It’s more important to talk about Brett Favre becoming the NFL’s new touchdown king, throwing his 421st and 422nd touchdowns in a 23-16 win against the rival Minnesota Vikings. That record goes along with him already being the pass completions leader and second in passing yards, less than 4000 yards behind Dan Marino. If he plays again next year, he will likely own that record as well, and if the Packers continue on the path they’re on now, he will definitely be back again next year. This record cements Brett Favre as being not only one of the greatest, but perhaps the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.
The playoffs are starting in Major League Baseball, and unfortunately for Wisconsin sports fans the young upstart Milwaukee Brewers missed the playoffs by only 2 games to the Chicago Cubs. Not so unfortunate for the Brewers future is 23-year old first baseman Prince Fielder, who led the Brewers in home runs, RBI’s, and runs scored. Coupled with 25-year old Rickie Weeks and his 25 stolen bases this year, as well as the pitching of Ben Sheets and Francisco Cordero, the Brewers will be fighting for a playoff spot for quite a few years to come.
Here is what I think we should do with Michael Vick, who recently just tested positive for marijuana. Come on Mike, you were the fastest quarterback in the NFL, you played in a city that absolutely loved you, and you made a ridiculous amount of money for being an average quarterback. You blow that because of the excitement of dog fighting? Non-athletes have to worry about taxes, their families, and their own character. You worry about whether or not the dogs you bred were better at fighting than the other guy’s dogs. Grow up and get a clue. He should be banned from the NFL, so that he doesn’t have the money to raise and kill defenseless animals anymore. Though, with the rising amount of charges against him, he’ll be in jail until he’s 50, and no one, not even Michael Vick, is that good.
Athletes who cheat are despicable. Not even just athletes but coaches as well. Look at Bill Belichick for example. Here is a man who has, or, had a great reputation as a mastermind of the sidelines. Yet he was arrogant and cocky enough to illegally videotape the New York Jets sidelines to get signals to use, he claims, the next time the two teams played. Carl Mayer, a New York Jets season ticket holder, is suing the Patriots 185 million dollars for “deceiving customers.” While I agree that what Belichick did is wrong, this guy is just out looking for some easy money. As stupid and illegal as Belichick’s actions were, people who are saying that he deserves a stronger penalty are just not being smart. If you had to shell out 500,000 dollars of your own money, you would think twice about actively pursuing that illegal activity again. Mayer is saying “the NFL just slapped them on the wrist.” I believe that the penalty Belichick personally received, as well as another 250,000 against the team and a first round draft pick should they make the play-offs is almost perfect. Fans, athletes and coaches alike all need to grow up and remember that sports are a game meant to be enjoyed.
With the school year getting underway, I want to put this plug in for Lawrence athletes. The Lawrence fall athletes really deserve a stronger support cast. They give up a month of their summer to represent our school, we’ve got a great location for football, soccer and volleyball games, and I know that all of these athletes would love to see everyone come out and support them whenever possible.