Heels, Sox & Steelers

Clarett probably shouldn't be in the NFL

Maurice Clarett has decided not to participate in the upcoming NFL combine because he wants more time to get into playing shape.

Tom Donohoe, Bills GM, isn't buying it. "That's a farce...that was expected but that's ridiculous."

"I'm kicking it in the next four weeks...I want to put myself in the best position possible," Clarett said. Let's see, Clarett hasn't played organized football since January 2003 and apparently, 13 months isn't enough time prepare for his professional future. The combine didn't sneak up on Clarett and he's currently about 10 pounds over his playing weight--that really sounds like someone who takes this opportunity seriously.

Good news however, because Clarett promises to leave his old ways behind him once he gets to the NFL--"I think I'm going to keep my mouth shut at this level."

This is the same song and dance we hear every few years about tremendous athletes who are marginal human beings. Two words immediately come to mind: Lawrence Phillips. Maybe teams will remember that on draft day.

The Luxury Tax is not a Problem for Big Spenders
After acquiring A-Rod, it's a safe bet that the Yankees aren't really concerned about taking a luxury tax hit. Mark Madden writes that if Major League Baseball operated as a free market, instead of a cartel, we could see three or four teams in the metro NYC area and maybe some semblance of competitive balance. This argument has been made for as long as there has been the long-term contract, but Madden offers some insight.