Kev’s Weekly Sports Re-Capp

The last time the Summer Olympics were held in Paris, France was in 1924. The world, and Europe, was a much different place then, or maybe not so different, depending on how you look at things. The world was only 10 years removed from a war that killed over a million Frenchmen and wiped out an entire generation of fighting age men in England. America was in the throes of the beginning of The Great Depression and political as well as social upheaval was in the air. Nationalism and militarism was on the rise, especially in Germany and Japan. Communism was sweeping across the globe. A swine Flu epidemic had killed millions just a few years before. There was a massive gulf between rich and poor. People everywhere were worried about the future. 

Sound familiar? I could be describing 2024, not 1924 right? Go figure!

In spite of all of this, The Olympics Games went on as before. The Torch was lit and carried into the stadium. Athletes from around the globe paraded for the adoring fans. Kings and Queens and prime ministers as well as the occasional president filled the stands. The Athletes themselves mingled with the well known and not so well known. The spirit of the games was just as real then as it is today. 

Much like 100 years ago Paris is once again welcoming the world for The Olympics although I’d dare say there are some differences galore. There will be no marching into the stadium. Instead the athletes will ride on boats down the Seine, serenaded by French artists and cultural enrichers. A new type of spectacle that will show case the history of Paris and France. Instead of showcasing the athletes a visual buffet of French modernistic artistry that is sure to impress almost nobody. As for me, I’ve always been a traditionalist when it comes to The Olympics. I like the March-In at the Stadium with all the fan fare concentrating on the athletes. That’s what’s it’s supposed to be about right? 

The security for the games in Paris is like nothing seen before. Entire sections of the city have been surrounded by temporary walls that close off all traffic and pedestrians. Residents and businesses owners are kept away under strick control, especially along The River Siene where the individual groups of athletes and their flags will drift in boats during the opening ceremony. Entire regiments of elite French Paratroopers have been deployed on street corners and alleys. 10,000 extra police and security personnel have been callecalled it much has been left to chance but as we all know here are n America it only takes one nut with a weapon to make it all go south. Let’s hope The French don’t drop the ball because I need to watch some games, any games!!! Plus, I’d like to see people enjoy themselves if only for a few weeks. After two successive Olympics marred by covid with very few athletes and no crowds it’s time we let loose a little. Let the games begin!!

Speaking of games, we are now looking at 40 days until the start of The NFL season and perhaps a few less days until college ball starts. Just a week from the Hall of Fame Game!! Of course leave it to us to bring our readers all the news but for now I’m looking at my pre season picks for anything and everything. 

The big news for The NFL this week surrounds the contracts of several key players, primarily quarterbacks, who are looking at free agency at the end of the season. Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovaoila, and a couple others have now joined the 50 million dollar per year  club. Several others, Dak Prescott for instance, are looking to join them. 50 million dollars to play football to me seems rather obscene considering the state of today’s economy but it’s a clear indicator that The NFL has become one of the most lucrative franchises in the world, if not THE most all alone. Bottom line is that if you pay that kind of money you better see production. We’ll have to wait and see!

Many analysts are claiming that this will be Lamar Jackson’s year. The two time league MVP landed a huge contract last year only to fall once again in the playoffs. Being from Florida I’m somewhat of a Lamar fan but his record in the playoffs is a manifestation of the current league wide practice of paying players (quarterbacks mostly) huge money and getting no where. Sure, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow all make huge money but you have to admit they’re in it at the end every year. Baltimore how ever…….? 

My three hot NFL teams this year, pre season of course are 1.Houston 2.Kansas City 3.Buffalo (don’t @ me!)

College football this year is a hornets nest of confusion and what if’s. With Alabama in a new coaching era and the huge traffic in the transfer portal it’s difficult for me to really focus on anything about the game pre season. The SEC will once again dominate I’m sure. The addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the conference is gonna provide barn-burner games on a weekly basis. Of course, we may see the spectacle of Colorado football again but I’m thinking it might be a bit more tame this year. Neon’s team lost alot of players to the same system that it gained them from last year, the transfer portal! 

My three hot college teams this year are 1.Georgia 2.Texas 3.Alabama (like I said, SEC all the way!)

For now we’ll have to pick up the latest from Paris to get us over this last hump of the summer until the real games begin. My mind is drifting towards the gridiron early this year (and keeping a close eye on The Houston Texans) as we get closer to Labor Day weekend. Hopefully ,all this French culture won’t affect my judgment, or my viewing!!! Play on I Say!!!

Kev

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