Just get me to the madness already
Humans do some really odd things when there isn’t a lot of things to do. At this point of the year, sports fans are pretty much desperate for anything.
For example, after missing perhaps the greatest day of basketball in the short history of the Sanford Health Athletic Complex, I have been forced to fulfill my sports news quota with some out of left field stuff.
Between complaining over how much money a lazy infielder is getting to stand around and hit a ball with a stick, going full mingo and looking into the social media gold that is Forward Madison FC, Minnesota United’s UCL affiliate, and digging into as much Formula One testing data as possible, it has been a long week.
And it is set to continue, with limited college basketball left, no NFL, MLB or MLS yet, NBA being terribly predictable and an overall poor coverage of NHL in the U.S., there isn’t much left.
So, for the next couple weeks, here are some things to do to get through the worst weeks in the sports world.
Attend “Senior” Day
One last day of basketball at the SHAC for the year, as both the men and women have their final home games of the season for a doubleheader Saturday. Usually, Senior Day is a huge day, but this year is different.
The Bison men don’t have a single senior on the roster, so the second game of the day will be just another game.
In the matinee, it is a little more complex. Marina Fernandez has been the only senior to see the floor on a regular basis. The Casper College transfer and Barcelona, Spain player is averaging nearly 6 points per game this year.
Hanna Norman is another senior listed on the roster. The Hastings, Minnesota native was added to the roster two weeks ago, extending her North Dakota State athletics career after four years as the starting center-back for the soccer team. Norman has seen just five minutes of action in two games.
Either way, the women begin action against Omaha 1 p.m. Saturday with the men following at 4 p.m.
The Alliance of American Football
Because America loves football and the NFL season over, the AAF has tried to fill the hole. Apparently, the Alliance was in a little financial trouble heading into Week 3 of play, but Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon splashed $250 million for investment to keep the league going for the moment.
Those looking to fulfill a need for fantasy football, there is also some of that to go along with the Alliance. Be warned, however. By round 10 of a draft, you will have very slim pickings for a six-team fantasy league.
Make popcorn and watch the trade/ free agency market
With Manny Machado putting pen to paper for a 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres, the MLB free agent market is set in motion.
The next domino to fall will likely be Bryce Harper, who could command even more money.
On the NFL side of things, the Kardashian experience that is the Pittsburgh Steelers rolls on. Antonio Brown seems to be set to force a move away. Lots of money will be spent on him and former teammate Le’Veon Bell, who held out last year.
Watch a sports documentary
Usually, an ESPN 30 for 30 will fill this space, but ESPN+ is annoying. On Netflix, “Icarus” is one of the best out there and has great insight into the Russian doping scandal.
Another great story that flies under that radar is “Senna.” Detailing the life and career of F1 driver Ayrton Senna, there are some great life lessons and some excellent racing wisdom.