Random Sports Notes

- So, Atlanta Braves 3rd baseman misinterpreted what starter John Smoltz said, retaliated via the media and the media is making a far bigger deal about it than it is. Go figure, right? Smoltz basically said in answer to a question that the team can't be looking over their shoulder, seeing who's playing and who isn't on a given day. Regardless, they have to all go out there, as a team, and try to win the ball game. This was said after Friday night's embarrassing 11-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Chipper was out of the lineup on Friday and took Smoltz's comments personally, as if John was singling out the star 3rd baseman. While I felt it was immature for Chipper to retaliate in the manner he did, the media shouldn't have blown things out of proportion as they so often do. Word has it that John and Chipper met up with manager Bobby Cox and hitting coach Terry Pendleton earlier in the day to "make up." As if there was anything to really "make up" about in the first place. Things get said all the time, especially during struggles, such as that the Braves are experiencing at this juncture. Larry, please don't get so Chippy. Play as much as you possibly can and help the team as much as possible, whether on the field or on the bench.

- Detroit Lions starting quarterback Jon Kitna just stated today that the Lions will win 10 games this upcoming season. For the record, the Lions finished last year 3-13, earning the second pick in the draft. While they got themselves a dandy ballplayer in Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson, I can't for the life of me see a Lions club improving seven games in a single season and in the division they're in. The NFC defending champion Chicago Bears reside in the NFC North as well, Brett Favre's Green Bay Packers, and the stingy Minnesota Vikings. As much as I'd love to see the Lions win for a change, I can't see them going 10-6 and into the playoffs. As long as Millen is around, the Lions will enjoy the early 1st round picks.

- Nike has refused to part ways with Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick as the Humane Society asked. Nike basically said that Vick is innocent until proven guilty and until his guilt is proven in a court of law, they will uphold their contract with him. Good. It's about time someone of notoriety has stood up and recited a portion of the Constitution back to the public. As opposed to the majority of the media and much of the public, which seems to believe one (especially of Vick's stature) is guilty until proven innocent, Nike believes otherwise.