NFL Prepares for 8 Game Season

With the NFL lockout in full swing and no end in sight, the league's officials have begun planning an alternative eight game schedule for the 2011 regular season. The NFL has not had a shortened season since 1987 - the last time the league suffered a work stoppage.

The league's current plan for this new eight game format is to have games start in November; if a settlement occured in October, the league would still have time for a free agency period, training camp and eight games. The league took previous measures to prepare for a late start, designing a schedule that could drop bye weeks and the week before the superbowl and still play all 16 games.

It remains unknown how this shortened season would play out. It remains likely that teams will still play all six interdivision games, and the remaining two games would be decided later. This format obviously helps teams in a weak division tremendously.

The league remains adamant that its focus is on a full 16 game regular season, but it isn't a bad idea to start drawing up a plan B. After all, some football is better than no football.

USC Stripped of 2004 National Title

The University of Southern California has been stripped of its 2004 NCAA title in football. While this is one of the most severe penalties that a football team can face, many fans and pundits feel USC ultimately got what it deserved. The record books will now have no BCS champion for the 2004-05 season.

Although the news was expected, USC losing the 2004 title is yet another black eye for college football. This news comes off the heels of the Jim Tressel scandal and resignation at Ohio State, and rumors have been swirling about a scandal involving Cam Newton and Auburn, last year's national champion. The situation feels a bit like the steroid scandals in major league baseball that took place a few years ago - a lot of bad news seemed to surface at the same time and the public learned more and more as time progressed. Fans must now wonder if Auburn will lose its recent title, or if any other championship teams will face a scandal similar to what USC has gone through.

USC lost more than just its national title. The BCS also stripped the Trojans of their 2005-06 season, including the memorable loss in the national title game to Texas. Several years ago, USC was the premier dynasty in college football and in the mix for a national title every year. Now, all the Trojans are left with in the record books is a partial national title from the 2003-04 season. The BCS sent a clear message with the USC ruling: cheaters never win. At least not in their official records.

Extreme Heat, Humidity Hit Kansas City Area

Summer weather has hit Kansas City already. The Forecast calls for extreme heat and humidity through Wednesday of this week. Highs will be in the mid 90's with heat indexes over 100 degrees. These conditions have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The Kansas City School district, one of the few still in session, has sent students from East and Northeast High Schools home for the day because these two facilities do not have air conditioning (I never went to an air conditioned school - my how times have change - wussification of America). Cooling centers have been opened throughout the Metro area to help those who do not have air conditioning. People are also advised to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and make sure pets have adequate water and a shady place to hang out.

If you have to be outside, make sure you drink plenty of water - and though beer is mostly water, it will dehydrate you in this kind of heat. Loose fitting, light colored clothing is also helpful. And for God's sake, DO NOT leave any living creature in a vehicle with the windows closed - cars can get to a deadly temperature in a hurry.

Royals Swept by Twins

Kansas City earned a rare sweep of Minnesota earlier in the year, and the Twins returned the favor over the weekend. Kansas City couldn't get anything going against Minnesota's Brian Duensing this afternoon, and fell 6-0.

There weren't many positives that emerged from the disastrous weekend, but the Royals have to be encouraged by the sudden improvement by Joakim Soria. Soria has now had two impressive outings since losing his closer role, and he may be promoted back to that spot now that he appears to be pitching at an all-star level once again. The Royals were right to take Soria out of the closer spot, as he quickly went from one of the game's best to a disaster in a terrible two week stretch. Luckily, Soria has responded, and he should find himself closing Kansas City's games again soon.

The loss dropped Kansas City to 25-34 overall and nine games back of Cleveland in the AL Central. The Royals begin another home series Monday night against Toronto, and Felipe Paulino will get the start. Paulino has yet to give up an earned run as a Royal.

Royals Fall to Twins

Fresh off a dramatic walk-off win over the Angels, the Royals fell flat on their faces last night. Kansas City got embarrassed by the Twins, 8-2, as starting pitcher Sean O'Sullivan continued to struggle.

I'm not sure if it is possible for anyone to pitch as poorly as Sullivan has recently. He gave up five home runs in less than three innings of work last night, and he has struggled all season long. It is time for Kansas City to explore other options and to cut ties with Sullivan. He has proven he doesn't have what it takes to make it in the big leagues, and Kansas City has plenty of prospects ready for a shot.

The lone bright spot for Kansas City was Jeff Francoeur, who had a big day at the plate. Francoeur hit two doubles and a triple, and was responsible for batting in both of the Royals' runs. Francoeur now leads the team with 32 RBI, and continues to be a pleasant surprise for the team. Joakim Soria, in his first appearance since losing his closer role, retired all six batters he faced.

Kansas City will face the Twins again tonight at 7:10 PM. Carl Pavano, who has struggled this season, will get the start for Minnesota. Danny Duffy will get the start for the Royals, as he continues to search for his first major league victory.