A new study shows steroid abusers often suffer mental health problems in their old age. Hope those home runs and big contracts were worth it…

Sergio Garcia can’t get out of his own way. He’s going to make Tiger Woods fried chicken? Sergio apologized the right way. Now he needs to play the quiet game for six months…

Sergio’s insensitive comments brought Fuzzy Zoeller’s name up again, and not for good reasons. Fuzzy probably thought he was finally past that unfortunate interview from 1997…

Matt Kemp took a social media thrashing for “only” pledging $1000 per home run to disaster relief in his home state of Oklahoma. We shouldn’t be so judgmental that we expect a minimum amount that we approve. Kemp is one of the few athletes who pledged any part of his fortune. He’s now added $250,000, and said he planned that amount all along (in addition to the home runs). Not everyone is Kevin Durant. Oklahoma can use every dollar. Besides, I haven’t forgotten how Kemp treated that ailing Dodgers fan when Kemp had no idea someone was recording…

Andy Fales loves the new cover of Sports Illustrated. Cubs fans are not as excited…

Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway told me today, he’s 100% certain Kirk Ferentz will soon have Iowa back in the top ten. Several people sarcastically replied, “top ten of the Big Ten?”. Greenway said, without reservation or hesitation, he knows Ferentz will turn Iowa around again…

Greenway also said the Vikings shouldn’t give up a potential great home field advantage by playing indoors, but he knows it’s happening. Greenway, the son of farmers, just joined Farm Bureau’s America Needs Farmers. Perfect guy…

Greenway says he respect Brian Urlacher for not wanting to wear another team’s jersey. Urlacher retired after 13 seasons with the Bears. Greenway told me he’d retire a year sooner if it meant retiring a Viking. I like that. There’s just something cool about guys who played for only one team. Think of Marino. Now think of Favre…

ESPN just laid off 400 people. Chris Hassel NOT one of the 400. More than anything it shows you how big ESPN has gotten that it can lay off that many workers. I’m sure paying hundreds of millions for rights fees gets expensive…

The Pacers winning game 1 would not have been the same as the Bulls. The Pacers match-up well with Miami, though the Heat will win the series. Credit LeBron James. That was a big-time move in OT with the game on the line. Heat survive..

My wife and I have 15 graduation open houses to attend this weekend. I’m hoping a couple of seniors are held back. I kid…

Photo of Oklahoma tornado courtesy of KFOR/NBC in Oklahoma City.

It’s been hard to get work done. Or anything done. The pictures and videos from Oklahoma are devastating. Heartbreaking. It all happened so quickly, though thankfully, not without warning. One person dead is one too many. The death toll has reached 51 and counting, but when you see the destructive path the two-mile wide tornado left behind, you’d think thousands must have died. Early warnings by meteorologists using advanced weather equipment, and the heroic actions of teachers and first responders, kept a terrible day from being even worse…

The power of the tornado really comes through in this video…

Photo of Oklahoma tornado courtesy of KFOR/NBC in Oklahoma City.

Can you imagine what it’s like to climb out of the storm shelter? This family recorded video…

Here in Iowa it was another day of sirens and tornado warnings, though thankfully we weren’t hit hard. Parkersburg forever serves as a reminder that it can happen. Many of you sent in stunning photos of the abnormal sky…

May 20th at 7:23 P.M.taken from 47th and Michael Drive. Lowering and rotation of clouds.

Ed Wilson and the storm team did a superb job. It was nice to see all the tweets and emails from viewers who really appreciate that, especially after seeing what just happened in Oklahoma. Occasionally, we do receive complaints from those who just want their favorite program back on channel 13. In this case, The Voice. I understand getting into a show or game and not wanting to miss a minute. Happens to all of us. However, please understand our first responsibility as a local television station is to keep you safe. We should, and do, err on the side of caution.  A common complaint is the information is being repeated. As long as there is a tornado warning in Central Iowa, we can never make the assumption that all of our viewers have been watching the entire time. We live in an age when people are constantly multitasking. Right now, I’m watching our 10 p.m. news, KFOR’s feed in Oklahoma, and typing this blog. So on behalf of people like me, thank you for your patience and understanding…

I had a few thoughts on sports and pop culture, but after seeing the apocalyptic scene in Oklahoma, I should wait…

Pray for Oklahoma…

Keith

Weather in Iowa can be downright crazy.  A couple weeks ago it was snowing, now it’s severe thunderstorms with tornadoes.  I love living in Iowa, the weather though…Scary at times.

The state track meet ended just in time, perfect weather for 3 days at Drake Stadium and it showed.  14 records went down.  Hats off to the Waukee girls, Pella boys, and Manson NW Webster boys, all 3 brought home team titles.

Kirk Ferentz said his nickname in high school was ‘Fetus-head Ferentz.’  His football helmet apparently didn’t fit well so his friends came up with the nickname ‘fetus-head.’  Something tells me this may come up in the fall when fans don’t agree with a Ferentz decision.

Cyclone football commit Allen Lazard is the #1 rated WR in the entire country.  The Urbandale wideout recently went to a Rivals.com camp and received rave reviews.  Lazard was voted to have the best hands in the country.  He recently picked up an offer from Notre Dame and will apparently take a visit to South Bend.  If I’m Paul Rhoads, I’m nervous.  I still think Lazard sticks to his word and ends up at Iowa State, but as the ‘big boys’ come calling the offers will be harder and harder to pass up. Signing day can’t come soon enough for Rhoads.

The Preakness was a downer.  I like watching the ‘big’ horse races, but I also like it when a horse has a chance at the triple crown.  Orb was never in the race, finished 4th.  Disappointing.  Hats off to Oxbow, it’s not often a horse leads wire to wire to win.

The Vikings are spending $975 million on a new stadium.  The artist ‘flyover’ renditions are pretty wild.  You can tell the Vikings are going for more than just a ‘football stadium.’  They want this stadium to be the ‘next big thing.’  I have to think they want to host a Super Bowl someday.  Personally I think the Vikings should play in an outdoor stadium, if the Packers can play outdoors why can’t Minnesota?  On the other hand wild, bigger than ever stadiums are the new thing, I get it.

I ate at 801 Grand tonight to celebrate by sister-in-law Shannon’s graduation from Drake.  I’m stuffed, beyond stuffed.  Man they have good steaks.

I’m still writing this blog, so I obviously didn’t win the Powerball.  Reports are 1 winning ticket was sold in Florida.  $370 million dollar cash payout.  Yowza.

“Congrats to the 2nd best player in Ames High School history @HBarnes for making the all rookie team…well deserved honor!”…

Patrick Ingram says he’ll transfer from Iowa to move closer to home. Ingram may or may not move closer to home, but nine times out of 10, that translates to, “I want more playing time”. This could work out well for all involved…

Andrew Wiggins, the #1 basketball recruit in America, picks Kansas. At least he didn’t go to Kentucky. The Jayhawks become favorites to win their 77th straight conference championship…

Cyclone fans applaud the NCAA for changing the block/charge rule, which did need changing. However, fans must remember Iowa State also benefited from the previous rule. Not as much as Ohio State though…

The University of Hawaii decides it won’t change from Rainbow Warriors to just Warriors. Good. PC overreaction runs in both directions…

Chuck Muncie died of a heart attack at age 60. Muncie was an underrated running back. He started with the Saints, but peaked with the Chargers–scored 19 touchdowns in one season. Muncie also wore glasses, not goggles, glasses…

Vikings fan will soon have a palace, but I can’t help wondering if they wouldn’t be better off outdoors…

Did I just hear Ed Wilson say it was 100 degrees in Fort Dodge, but piles of snow are still melting? Only in Iowa…

Why didn’t anyone warn me how uncomfortable it is watching “Hope Springs”? It’s like two hours of walking in on your parents. It’s not the laughfest suggested by commercials…

If you’d like to receive SoundOFF video segments in a newsletter each Monday, please sign up. You’ll receive the following: I Think, look-alikes, What’s Bugging Andy?, Who’s In Your Five?, and FaceOFF. Sign up here…

The Vikings should just budget in another 25 million and make it a cool billion…

The Maple Leafs lead the Bruins in game 7 by two goals with under 90 seconds to play, and the Bruins scored twice, then won in overtime. Playoff hockey rules. The tension of next goal wins is unlike anything in sport…

Another awesome feature in Stanley Cup playoffs: the post-series sportsmanship handshake line. Love it. Can’t imagine how hard it was for the Maple Leafs to go through after blowing a three goal lead in game 7…

Charles Barkley on Kevin Durant, “He’s Michael Jackson playing with a bunch of Tito Jackson’s.” The TNT show is what every other show wants to be: fun and informative…

The Bulls in game one did just what we thought. They woke up the Heat…

The lamest new trend in sports is Tiger-haters and rule nerds sitting at home calling in what they think are illegal drops. Among several reasons it needs to end is basic fairness. Tiger Woods is on TV far more any other golfer. If the golfers aren’t scrutinized equally, it’s simply not fair…

Another mountain lion sighting, this one in Oskaloosa. If true, I guess mountain lions don’t need mountains. Or hills…

I put a tire swing near our yard on the boulevard this weekend. My son Colin played on it a good 45 seconds before asking if he could get back to video games. The tire is a little on the big size, but neighborhoods kids keep stopping to play on it. Some for more than 45 seconds…

Andy’s life changed this weekend. He fulfilled his dream of a Corvette Summer. I’d say it’s a midlife crisis, but he’s been on this mission since his 20s…

Tiger, Tiger, Woods ya’ll.  Tiger is back. Woods wins the Players Championship.  That’s 4 wins already this year for Tiger, #78 for his career.  Where are all the people who thought Tiger would never make it back?  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Sundays are 100X better when Woods is in contention.

To quote Tiger, “Am I surprised?  No.  I know many people in this room thought I was done.  I’m not.”

Sergio Garcia had an epic collapse.  Garcia dunked 2 tee shots in the water on the par 3 17th, ala Kevin Costner in Tin Cup.  Quadruple bogey 7.  Garcia then puts his tee shot on 18 in the water.  +6 in the final 2 holes, that’s choking.

I love the Tiger-Sergio beef.  It adds a little drama to the game.  Now, the only way this ‘fun/beef/drama’ continues is if Sergio continues to play well.  We need a Tiger-Sergio, same group pairing on Sunday at the U.S. Open.

Iowa native Zach Johnson finished in a tie for 19th.  Johnson carded two triple-bogeys on the weekend to derail his hopes of winning.  Outside of those 2 holes, Johnson played really well.

It was a career night for Harrison Barnes.  The Ames native scored 26 points in the Warriors’ game 4 win against the Spurs.  Now full disclosure, the 26 points came on 26 shots, not a great shooting percentage.  None the less, with Steph Curry injured someone had to shoot, and Barnes stepped up with 26.  Barnes shows flashes of how great he can be, remember he was playing at Ames High just 3 years ago..  I love watching the Warriors, and hope they meet the Heat in the finals.

I sent in my ‘Umpire’ application this week.  Haven’t heard back yet.

The Hawkeyes are picked to finish last in the Legends division this upcoming football season.  Coming off a 4-8 year, new QB, lack of playmakers…I can see why no outsider has faith in the Hawks.  I hope they prove the doubters wrong, but I also have my doubts.  I’m going with 6-6.

Detroit Lions WR Titus Young is having a bad week.  Young was arrested 3 times in one week, that’s just dumb X 3.

Not able to stay up and watch Soundoff?  Good news, you can now sign up for email alerts to see all segments from the show.  Here’s a link to sign up.  Do it.

‘The Office’ show comes to an end on Thursday.  9 years, it was a good run.  The show started in 2005, my first year out of college.  This is one of my all-time favorite shows.  It took a bit of a dive when Steve Carell left, but it’s still good.  Thursday is a 2-hour series finale, it has to be good.  Farewell ‘Office,’ it was fun.

Happy Mothers day to all the moms out there.  Hope you had a great day.  Thanks for all you do, we can’t say it enough and probably don’t.

94 degrees on Tuesday!?!?!?!?!  Holy weather.

The Players Championship is turning in to appointment viewing Sunday.  Tiger is in contention.  We can only hope he and Sergio are paired together in the final round.  The two don’t like each other.  We need a good Sunday showdown, golf needs a good Sunday showdown.  Tiger vs Sergio, lets see it.  Please.

Rough 3rd round for Iowa native and Drake alum Zach Johnson.  Johnson cards a 4-over 76.  He’s now at -3 for the tournament in a tie for 38th.

Want to see Lee Westwood whiff?  Here you go.  I know how you feel Lee…

The Barnstormers finally win their first game at home, and not just win, but put a beatdown on the New Orleans VooDoo.  62-16.  That’s one of the largest margins of victory I’ve seen in arena football.  Stormers are now 4-4, two straight wins.  Let’s keep it going, the summer will be a lot more fun when the Well is rockin.’

Norwalk native and Red Sox pitcher Joel Hanrahan is done for the season.  Hanrahan will have season ending surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his elbow.  Ouch.  He’ll miss 6-9 months, possibly more.  Hanrahan signed a 1 year $7-million deal with Boston in the off-season, it’s doubtful he will be back with the Sox.  Hanrahan is a free-agent in the winter.

Finally some good news for the Drake basketball program.  After promising Freshman Joey King transfers the Dogs get a solid commitment on Saturday.  Iowa Falls Alden forward Casey Schlatter, 6’9″ verbally commits to Drake.  Schlatter picks the Bulldogs over Creighton.  He averaged 26 points a game last season.

By now everyone has heard of Charles Ramsey, the man who rescued the 3 girls in Cleveland.  What a surprise, he already has a song about him.  Here it is.

The Powerball is $270 million.  I really want to win.

CBS cancels ‘CSI: NY.’  I liked that show.

Congrats to all the recent graduates.  I graduated high school 13 years ago, college 9 years ago.  Man, time flies.  I remember all of it like it was yesterday.

I’M not that guy who goes around showing pictures of his kids all day long, but my wife text-ed me this tonight.  My 2 month old son Jack looks confused/bewildered beyond belief while my daughter Adrienne looks wild and crazy, which she is. They crack me up.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there.  You deserve to have a great Sunday.

All four NBA series now tied 1-1. If you jumped off the NBA train, it’s a good time to get back on board…

Denver’s George Karl named NBA Coach of the Year. Meantime Nugget fans call sports talk radio shows to urge Karl’s firing…

It hasn’t gone well for Norwalk’s Joel Hanrahan in Boston. The Hammer strained his forearm–maybe more–Monday night.  He’s headed to see Dr. James Andrews. If surgery is needed Andrews is the guy. He’s been taking care of athletes since the Games in Greece. The original ones…

Oakland A’s fans, and I do know one, feel jobbed after the blown no home run call Wednesday. The umpires watched the replay, which clearly showed a home run, and ruled a double. What’s the point of replay if one is too close-minded to see the obvious?…

The 49ers will play in Levi’s Stadium? I’ve heard worse…

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder says the team will NEVER (he asked caps be used) change the nickname. I don’t think it will either. At least not in near future. The name Redskins is believed by many to have its origin as racial epithet, but I don’t think anyone intends that now. Some may even appreciate Native American culture more because of it. It’s a tough one, but it’s not changing…

The new Williams Stadium Bob Savage Alumni Plaza is impressive. It looks like something you’d see near a nice college football stadium. Well done, East. Eastside pride earned…

It’s fun watching the pros play TPC Sawgrass. In HD, it looks just like Golden Tee…

24-year-old Spencer Holt of Oklahoma City allegedly got drunk and tried to steal a Zamboni. He lost the low-speed chase…

96% of our Murph & Andy Show listeners say if a woman dumps a man before the wedding, she should return the ring…

The Office has struggled since Steve Carell left, but Thursday night’s final 15 minutes was fantastic. Really rewarded longtime viewers. Next week is the final episode. Here’s hoping the momentum continues. And Carell drops by…

If you want to see a great, high energy comedy act, don’t miss The Midnight Swinger at the Funny Bone. The Swinger is fresh off a new world record. He performed stand-up for more than 40 straight hours. Swinger doesn’t drink alcohol, and he broke the record by consuming no caffeine (a nutritionist advised him he crash). Swinger tells jokes, dances, even sings. It’s a mostly clean show too…

And an early happy Mother’s Day to my two favorite moms…

NBC confirms Carrie Underwood will take over the Sunday Night Football open from Faith Hill. Clearly, the network didn’t reach for something drastically different. In many ways, Underwood is a younger, shorter version of Hill, though I do think Underwood has more talent. She too will sing revised words to Joan Jett’s “Hate Myself for Loving You”. We’ll see if NBC showcases Carrie’s legs to the degree it did Faith’s…

T.J. Otzelberger leaving Iowa State for the same job at Washington is a move motivated mostly by Otzelberger’s goal of becoming a head coach. Drake showing little interest in hiring Otzelberger undoubtedly got T.J.’s attention, though I figured from the jump Drake would not hire another assistant without head coaching experience. It’s like the guy who gets out of a relationship that didn’t work out, and his next girlfriend is nothing like the previous one. Lorenzo Romar at Washington has had several assistants become head coaches. I think Cyclone fans wish T.J. well. He played a big part in bringing success back to ISU basketball…

Details of Fred Hoiberg’s contract show me what I’ve always thought. It’s highly unlikely Hoiberg ever coaches a college basketball team other than ISU. Never say never, things can change, but in my mind, it’s Iowa State, and maybe one day the NBA if Fred wants a new challenge, or gets tired of recruiting (it’s a grind)…

If you care about bowl predictions in May, you’re really bored…

Iowa’s home basketball schedule looks better with Notre Dame visiting Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It’s not football, but the Irish brand covers all sports, albeit not equally…

Glad to see Mason City High School didn’t fire 13 assistant coaches. For at least one more  year. The combined coaching salaries of the 13 comes to $36,000, less than Kirk Ferentz or Paul Rhoads make in a week. When you consider how many hours most middle school and high school assistants in Iowa work, it’s less than minimum wage…

This video, released by a Dodgers fan, will make you appreciate Matt Kemp. Best part is he had no idea anyone would ever see it. It appears genuine…

The Kings and Ducks will place ice hockey at Dodger Stadium January 25th. Record high temperature for LA in January, 95 degrees…

Attention all teams who don’t have the talent to win an NBA title: Phil Jackson won’t be interested. Jackson is great at getting the most from talent, but look who he’s coached…

A huge international sports story that will barely register here: Sir Alex Ferguson retiring after 26 years managing Manchester United…

Bills defensive end Mario Williams gave his fiance a 10 carat engagement ring worth a reported $785,000. Then she dumped him. Williams wants the ring back. She won’t give it. He’s going to court. I think Williams should get the ring back. What do you think?…

Glad to see Tommie Frazier elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He should have been in a long time ago…

Rob Gronkowski reportedly needs sugery on his arm a fourth time. Doubt we’ll ever see quite the same player again. Gronk dominated, and changed game plans…

The Jaguars should sign Tim Tebow. Nothing to lose, much to gain, and the organization could actually use publicity. It’s an NFL team most of us forget exists. This isn’t the Jets…

Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ is out of the hospital. Happ took a line drive off his head Tuesday night. This happens too frequently. Someone is going to die. No pitcher wants to wear protective headgear, but something must be done…

One of the reasons I’ve worked at channel 13 so long is that I’m fortunate to have a boss who doesn’t just say, “put family first”, he backs it up. That’s worth more every year. I’ve left my shift at various times to catch numerous kids’ activities, which happens when one works until 11 p.m.  Tuesday, I didn’t even ask because Cade’s first singing solo happened at 6:15 p.m., right about the time I anchor sports. Fortunately, when I told Merrill Middle School’s music director, Courtney Copic, she arranged a performance for me in front of one of her classes. What a nice thing to do. Anyway, Cade has never even been in a choir, so I’m most proud of him for having the guts to stand up in front of gym full of people and sing. I couldn’t do that. And you wouldn’t want me to. Former channel 13 assignment manager Joe Mahoney happened to be at the show Tuesday night and recorded Cade’s solo for me. Thank you, Joe. If you want to see it, please click here…

Love the Kentucky Derby. Thought Orb had a rather uninspiring name until I heard NBC announcer Larry Collmus bellowing, “OORRRRRBBB!”…

My son, Cade, who’s 12, told me over and over I had to hear this really great song, and see this awesome video. Cade says it really kicks in at the :25 mark. Okay, I hit play.

Got me. Cade explained I’d been trolled by Mr. Trololo. The facial expressions can’t be real, right? They are. It’s from the 70s. Trololo Man is Eduard Khil, a popular Russian baritone for decades. He died last year at age 77. How in the world did I miss all this? And why didn’t Will Ferrell ever do a sketch?…

Ironman 3 made more money its first weekend than any movie in history except… the Avengers. Robert Downey Jr may be the biggest movie star in the world right now. That’s quite the comeback story…

Just saw a commercial for edible arrangements. I’ll be sure not to get one for Jenny on Mother’s Day…

Watched the Kentucky Derby with new Drake basketball coach Ray Giacoletti–long story–liked him a lot…

15 years ago today, Round Guy, photojournalist Brad Smith, and I were in Chicago to do a story on Jay Leno’s live Tonight Shows in the Windy City. Word spread Kerry Wood was pitching one of the great games in baseball history. The 20-year-old Wood struck out 20 Astros, and these weren’t the 2013 Astros. These guys could hit. But not that day. Wood was good to us on that trip, in part, because he used to go watch Round Guy at the Funny Bone…

NBC says it will make a major announcement Tuesday. The Big Lead reports that it’s Carrie Underwood taking over the Sunday Night Football open from Faith Hill. If true, big voice, #1 songs, and famous legs must be on the job requirement…

I don’t see the Bulls beating the Heat, but what a shocker to see Chicago win game 1 in Miami without Deng, Hinrich, or Rose. The Bulls play so hard. And Tom Thibodeaux can flat out coach…

Lebron James almost becomes the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.  Key word, almost.  1 voter votes Carmelo Anthony over Lebron.  Carmelo?  You have to be kidding me.  Not Durant, not Chris Paul, but Carmelo.  Lebron is the MVP, how someone can vote for anyone else is mind boggling.

Royce White talks trash to Kevin Durant via twitter.  White called the Thunder ‘shhaakkyyy’ after the Rockets win.  Durant responds by closing out Houston in 6 games.  I’m not sure we will ever see Royce White play in an NBA game.

People need to settle down about Derrick Rose.  I understand people wanting him to play, I get it.  But if he says he isn’t ready, he isn’t ready.  Who knows Rose’s body best?  My guess is Derrick Rose.  If Rose doesn’t think he can play at the level he wants to play at, why on earth would you risk getting injured even worse?  Rose and the Bulls made the mistake of saying there’s a chance he could come back this year.  From day 1 they should have said his season was over, no chance of coming back.  Instead, they put false hope in the minds of fans and media.

The Iowa Cubs finally get to play.  After postponing 3 straight games the I-Cubs split a doubleheader with Oklahoma City.  The good news, the weather is turning for the better.  The bad news, leading hitter Ryan Sweeney is being promoted to Chicago.  That’s the life of a Triple A team.

Nate Kaeding retired from the NFL at the age of 31.  Kaeding had a solid career.  If a couple kicks in the postseason go a different way Kaeding may have played in a Super Bowl

One of my good high school friends got married Saturday night.  It’s always fun to catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while.  Time flies.  I remember some wild times in high school with my friends.  Can’t believe its been 13 years since I graduated high school.  As I get older and continue to attend weddings I also realize how much tougher it is to get up the next day.  Beers + shots + age = slower moving body.  Good times. 

April showers bring May flowers, or more like, May snow and rain storms bring June Double-headers. It doesn’t rhyme but you get my drift. The I-Cubs have postponed three-straight games for cold, snow, and now rain. I was at Principal Park on Tuesday. I had to throw on the SPF 30.

Then I was also at the ballpark on Friday when there was snow on the ground, a depressing site in May to say the least.

Luckily for the fans, they’ll get a little gift for their patience. Chicago closer Kyuiji Fujikawa is set to pitch on Sunday, while Matt Garza will start on Monday.

On Monday I’ll be golfing in the Principal Charity Classic Media outing. It’s tough to work on your swing with snow on the ground. I did take few hacks indoors at the Longview Golf Centre. Felt good, but it would have been nice to get outside.

Hey, at least my first round of the season will be on an easy course err… maybe not. I heat Wakonda is as difficult as it is beautiful.

According to a report in USA Today, Ben McLemore’s AAU coach was paid $10,000 to sway his decision to leave college early. Paying players is like an out of control wildfire. You can only hope to contain it. The fire and money always wins.

The Kentucky Derby is on my ‘Sports Bucket List.’ It’s easy to understand why. One word: Atmosphere. No matter what horse wins it’s always a great moment. Plus, the mint juleps and southern ladies in hats don’t hurt. It’s never bad watching it at home either. Larry Collmus, the Kentucky Derby caller, is music to the ears.
My ‘Sports Bucket List’ is pretty lengthy. Super Bowl, World Cup Soccer Game, and the night race at Bristol are all in my Top 5.

Special Congrats to former WHO employee, and Murph & Andy producer, Andrew Downs on his engagement to his wonderful girlfriend, Judy Crane.

Friday night all 4 of the men’s division 1 head coaches from the state of Iowa gathered at Prairie meadows for the Kentucky Derby Gala.  It’s Coaches vs Cancer, and it’s a great event.  Money raised goes to the American Cancer Society.  The event raised close to $150,000.  Hats off to everyone, including all four of the coaches, Fred Hoiberg, Fran McCaffery, Ben Jacobson, and Ray Giacoletti.  These guys are non-stop traveling during the off-season, for all four of them to be at he same event on the same night is pretty cool.

The Barnstormers ended a 4 game losing streak Friday night 48-36 over San Antonio.  Much needed.  Stormer games are much more fun when Iowa is in contention.  Keep it up.

Lebron James wins the NBA MVP for the 4th time, he’s only 28 years old.  James joins Jordan, Chamberlain, Russell and Kareem as the only 4-time MVP winners.  In my mind Lebron will go down as the 2nd best player ever, behind Jordan.  I’ve seen both and I still think Jordan is the best of all-time.  James has 4 MVP’s and is on his way to another title.

Snow?  Really?  It’s frickin’ May 3rd.  Ugghhhhh…3 days from now it will be in the 70′s.  Crazy weather.

Nebraska basketball has already sold out all of their season tickets for next season.  Yes you read that correctly.  The Cornhuskers have sold out their BASKETBALL season tickets.  The Huskers move in to a new arena next year so that’s the draw, it certainly isn’t the play on the court.  Props to Husker fans though.

Reporters and anchors make mistakes every day.  Just go to Youtube and type in news anchor fail.  Here’s the latest slip-up.  The Chicago Blackhawks reporter was fired Friday after accidentally saying ‘a tremendous amount of sex’ instead of ‘tremendous amount of success.’  Obviously CSN was looking for a reason to get rid of her.  I’ve seen/heard MUCH worse.

Jay Cutler can multi task.  Cutler feeding his baby a bottle while he, himself, is fed a beer.

It was my wife’s birthday on Friday.  I think I did pretty good.  Took her out to dinner on Thursday night, Taki Steakhouse, where they cook the food on your table.  Sake bombs.  Surprised her when we got home with her favorite cupcakes I made earlier in the day (rainbow chip).  Her gift, new running shoes, new headphones, and candy.  Then on Friday she gets fresh tulips in the mail.  She says I get the ‘Outstanding Husband Award’ for her birthday.  Humble brag, yep.

I hear you, Ethan. May 2nd and we received an email at work warning us ice and snow chunks could fall from the tower. That’s a literal heads-up I appreciate.

After midnight, so technically Friday. Still snowing. And now it’s slush…

The Iowa Hawkeyes just switched Thanksgiving basketball tournaments from Alaska to the Bahamas. Alaska is nice, and underrated, but this is still a Daniel Craig for Pierce Brosnan-level upgrade…

Nate Kaeding calls it a career. The former Hawkeye kicker retires from the NFL after nine seasons due to a chronic groin injury. That sounds like a good reason. Kaeding is one pro who appears completely prepared for post-football life. He’s one of our favorite guests on the radio show. Good guy, and can talk about nearly anything…

Brad Banks sent out the following tweet:

phone is ringing off the hook. Jus got another call Iam being inducted into University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame truly honored. GoHawks

Banks types like me from his phone. He had just one big season for Iowa, but what a season. Banks finishing second for the Heisman trophy is one of the all-time out of nowhere stories. Banks seems like he really appreciates Hawkeye fans too…

Iowa offensive coordinator Greg Davis tells the Register’s Rick Brown the Hawks will pick up the pace this fall. I would sure hope so. What’s the alternative? Taking a knee on first down?…

The SEC and ESPN announce an SEC Network through 2034. Couple things come to mind: 1) The Big Ten Network was ahead of its time. 2) What kind of video delivery devices will we watch in 2034? Contact lenses with 3D screens that change channels when we blink?…

I know I’m a dad when I read the infamous sorority letter and my first thought is how upset and embarrassed her parents must be. I learned new words and phrases in that diatribe…

Authorities confirm Chris Kelly, of Kris Kross fame, has died. Chris was just 34. He was found unresponsive in his home. Hard to believe it’s been 21 years since the Kris Kross single, Jump, dominated radio play. It was, and is, a real earworm. If you’ve forgotten how it sounds, click here.

Lynn Melling tells me she was so into Kris Kross, she used to wear her clothes backwards in the early 90s. Maybe a few people will do that in tribute.

No NBA team has ever come back from 0-3. I doubt the Boston Celtics make history, they struggle to score, but winning two straight has the New York Knicks tightening up. The only MLB team to crawl out of the unthinkable was Boston. And the Red Sox were playing New York…

Can’t remember a Kentucky Derby having less buzz…

The embattled NCAA has a dozen important issues it needs to address immediately. Instead, the NCAA announces football fields may no longer have a twitter hashtag. #phew…

I followed a cement mixer to a construction site Wednesday. Had to wait five minutes for the truck to back-up. Didn’t mind at all. I even gave the driver a cheesy “thumbs-up”. Some of the things, and people, I found really cool as a kid, still make me wide-eyed: big trucks, fire fighters, military members, to name a few…

Going home to watch the Deer Hunter. What a great movie. If you haven’t seen it, please do. Well, please do if you’re up for an R-rated movie about Vietnam that’s heartbreaking at times, inspiring at others…

Erin Kiernan’s blog brought to my attention this Oklahoma City cheerleader, Kelsey Williams, called out by a CBS blogger as “chunky”. Here’s the picture posted by the blogger, who uses the pen name “Claire Crawford”:

To quote Sheriff Buford T. Justice, “What the hell is the world coming to?”. This woman is beautiful. If she’s fat, I’m tall. And I have a luxurious head of hair. Come on. I’m not surprised to learn the blogger is a woman. Women are hard on each other. It’s created a cottage industry of reality television shows. The blowback to the blogger’s story was so severe, CBS fired “Claire Crawford”. Kelsey keeps her job. America cheers…

Memo to the Pacers: You might want to guard Kyle Korver on the arc…

23 points, 9 rebounds for Harrison Barnes Tuesday night. Harrison looks more comfortable in the NBA playoffs than he did in last year’s NCAA tournament…

Joel Hanrahan lost his closer role in Boston. The Hammer has struggled with a sore hamstring, and a double-digit ERA. He’ll bounce back…

Why is it when I eat a salad, no matter how much grilled chicken is on it, I don’t feel full?…

You always know when your kid is going through a growth spurt. I took Colin to the Waveland for breakfast. Stack of pancakes, three scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon, and a glass of chocolate milk. I need Tums after typing that. He wanted dessert.

Dan Patrick Show Stat of the Day: In the past 25 years, 16 quarterbacks won the Heisman trophy. Of the 16, only one QB won an NFL playoff game: Tim Tebow…

Loved Tom Brands comment to Dan Winters during “Three Minutes in the Chair”. Brands says he’s just like anyone else: “When I buy new shoes, I dance in front of the mirror.” I like the quote, though I’m not sure it applies. It will next time I buy new shoes…

Most Americans, including many sports fans, had not heard of Jason Collins before Monday. They know Jason Collins now. The 34-year-old NBA center out of Stanford is the first active man in a major United States sports league to announce he’s gay. If the first man out had been a household name, you’d hear even more about this story, but by any reasonable definition, it’s big news.

Reaction from around the NBA, and beyond, appears largely supportive. I’m not surprised. Polls show the majority of Americans, including this one, don’t see homosexuality as a choice. Most of us also don’t care what others do in the privacy of their own bedrooms. Some do.

I think Jason Collins shows courage. If it didn’t take guts, someone would have done it before now. A few athletes previously revealed they’re gay after their careers ended, but until now, no man had done it while planning a return to the locker room. This is how it was with one of my high school football teammates. My friend didn’t tell us he was gay until after graduation. I understand why, especially 30 years ago. It took Collins many years too. He’s now comfortable and confident enough to take this step. He’s brave. Some will say heroic. I won’t. And I’m sure he wouldn’t either.

I believe sports are ahead of society when it comes to social change. Teams tend to be melting pots, and people who normally don’t socialize are often thrown together for a common cause. Living in the South as a kid, I was largely oblivious to racial tension and prejudice because many of my teammates were black, and we hung out together all the time. I suspect the athletes of today are well aware they’ve played with gay teammates.

Collins is a free agent. Some fear it’s now less likely an NBA team will sign Collins. He’s a 7-footer nearing the end of his career as a reserve center. I think it’s actually more likely a team signs Collins. I believe the NBA wants to help break this barrier, and Collins is a good man to do it. In a perfect world, signed or not would depend solely on merit.

If Collins doesn’t sign, many will say he was blackballed because he’s gay. If he does sign, some will say it’s only because he is gay. Get ready for that. It’s predictable. It’s also predictable that Collins’ announcement quickly became divisive. I don’t believe I should tell someone how to feel, and I generally respect those who disagree with me. We should have no tolerance for hatred, and there’s some of that, but thoughtful discourse brings progress.

It’s interesting how many tweets I’ve seen either supporting Collins or condemning him using the bible as justification. I’m a Christian, but not a bible scholar. I’m not qualified to mix it up with those more learned than me. However, I do know the bible is so open to interpretation that people have used it to justify everything from slavery to genocide. I’d rather focus on the bible lessons of love, tolerance, and forgiveness. I benefit from all three…

What an awesome weather day.  Almost 80 degrees, perfect.  How in the hell is it going to be in the 30′s by Thursday?!?!?!?!?!?!  Seriously?  My wife’s birthday is on Friday, there’s a chance for rain/snow mix overnight, not kidding.

Man, what a tank job by the Lakers.  This season reminds me of when LA brought in Karl Malone and Gary Payton, everyone thought the Lake-Show was going to win it all.  They didn’t.  Only difference, this season was much worse.  Even with Kobe playing, this team was a mess from the git go.  D’Antoni, adios.

I’m a bandwagon Golden State Warriors fan.  This team is so much fun to watch.  They aren’t going to win it all, but I hope they make it to the 2nd round so we can see some more fun.  Steph Curry might be my new favorite player to watch, best shooter in the league, and underrated ball handler.

The Miami Heat are gong to roll to the NBA title, it won’t be close.

Des Moines native Jeremy Hellickson was tossed at the Tampa Bay Rays game today.  He wasn’t pitching.  Here’s the story, good stuff.  It takes too long to explain, but if you know anything about Hellickson he’s the last person in the world to talk back to an umpire and get ejected.  In this case he didn’t, but took one for the team to be thrown out.  Very weird situation.

The Hawkeyes had just 1 player drafted in the NFL Draft, Micah Hyde…In the 5th round.  The last time Iowa had just 1 player drafted, 2001.  Who?  Kevin Kasper.  The Hawkeyes usually produce NFL talent every year, last season, not the case.  Right now Iowa lacks ‘top tier’ talent, plain and simple.  Hopefully this season is different and more players emerge as ‘playmakers.’

Does Mel Kiper have the best job in sports?  He analyzes football players all day, and then hits the crescendo at the NFL Draft.  Kiper is great, and really really good at what he does.  Frank Caliendo does a really good Kiper.

Some people say I look like Kiper’s NFL Draft partner Todd McShay.  Thoughts?

A guy made an entire ‘Iron Man’ suit.  This guy has waaayyy too much time on his hands.  I barely have enough time to make myself a sandwich, let alone an entire ‘Iron Man’ suit.

What an awesome week for the Drake Relays.  Has the weather EVER been this nice?  60′s, 70′s and even 80′s???  What planet am I on?  The good news is we’ll be coming back down to earth later this upcoming week.  30′s are in the forecast, no joke.

The ‘London Games Rematches were a great touch to the relays, definitely brought out more fans.  Top runners WILL come to Drake if the $$$price$$$ is right.

Lolo Jones finishes 4th…Again.  After finishing 4th at the London Olympics Lolo finishes in that same spot at Drake in the 100 M hurdles.  The race was super close.  Just 4-hundredths of a second separated 1st and 4th.

Lolo essentially said she doesn’t like the week of the Drake relays, it’s not fun.  Lots of pressure, and not a great endorsement.  The dislike has nothing to do with Des Moines, Drake or the people of Iowa, but rather all the negativity that comes her way after not winning.  Lolo has done a lot of great things, and has tons of supporters so I’m not sure why she mentions these things in the press.  It’s great for the media because we like covering a ‘real’ person who tells it like it is, but she’s not doing herself any favors.

Lolo will be 33 when the 2016 Olympics roll around.

The broadcast restrictions put on the media this week are absolutely some of the dumbest restrictions I’ve ever seen.  I think it’s great that the relays are broadcast on ESPN2 Saturday night.  But telling the local media, who are your bread and butter in publicizing this event, there are limits/restrictions to what they can show on their newscasts is wrong.  This isn’t Drake’s doing, but rather the USATF and ESPN.  I get it, it’s all about the benjamins.  But, I hope the ‘higher ups’ realize there will be more people watching our 6 and 10 newscasts than watching the tape delayed broadcast of the relays on ESPN2.  It’s track and field, not the Super Bowl.

AJ Klein (Cyclone) is a Carolina Panther, Micah Hyde (Hawkeye)  a Green Bay Packer and Carter Bykowski (Cyclone) a 49er.  Those are the 3 loacal draftees in this years NFL draft.

Jake Knott was ‘not’ drafted, but later signed a free agent contract with the Eagles.  I think Knott makes the team.

James Vandenberg signed with the Vikings.  Not sure JVB will make it in the NFL, his SR year certainly didn’t help.  I talked to James a while back and he said if it doesn’t work he’s not going to spend the rest of his life chasing the football dream, he has other goals in life.  Good kid, I wish him the best.

The Drake Relays Pole Vault in the Mall just keeps packing them in. What a great idea this is. Fans love it, and the athletes do too. Germany’s Bjorn Otto cleared the bar at more than 19 feet. He entertained on two levels…

As the Rockets continue in the NBA playoffs, their top draft pick will make several stops in Des Moines on behalf of mental health advocacy. What a long, strange trip year one has been for Royce White. Hopefully a healthy one as well…

Harrison Barnes had his best game as a pro at a good time. Barnes scored 28 points in the Warriors playoff win over Denver. Two of those points are worth a replay…

The Des Moines Register reports Ankeny girls basketball coach Scott De Jong is headed to Centennial, and former Cyclone star Kelsey Bolte will take over the Hawkettes. It’s the latest in a line of interesting moves that will no doubt quickly make for a heated crosstown rivalry, no matter how unthinkable now…

The latest ESPN 30 for 30 film, Elway to Marino, is terrific. It’s the story of the 1983 NFL Draft. From Elway refusing to play for the Colts, to Marino going after Eason, Blackledge, and O’Brien (among others), it shows how much goes on behind the scenes…

We talked on our radio show about the most embarrassed we’ve been while watching a movie. For me, it was seeing “Something About Mary” with my dad (hair gel), and “The Reader” with my mom. I should have known with Kate Winslet in it, there would be sex and nudity. Both were good movies though…