When TV matters more.

Once upon a time unsafe events would not be allowed to be run.

Sometimes we had exciting events where aggregate times were raced against.

Now the almighty television audience must be satisfied within the timeframe originally allocated, so Formula One decide to run 20 (TWENTY!) odd laps behind a safety car, then continue with the race later on when the rain falls harder.

The drivers seem united in their view the race should not have been started, but they’re only the ones who risk their lives to make Bernie and co very rich.

At least NASCAR will leave a race for 1 or 2 days until it is safe to run.

Dan, Dan, Brett’s our man.

Brett Farve is about to pass Dan Marino for the most touchdowns in NFL history. While half the sporting press are writing about the collapse of the San Diego Chargers, and Rex Grossmans latest trip into Quarterback hell.

It would be nice to see Rex move elsewhere to try and restart his career, because in Chaicago they are gunning for him every time he steps out. But the whole of the NFL is under a microscope and he wouldn’t find it easy anywhere, except maybe Atlanta with everything they’ve been through…

In such a negative environment however, just knowing Farve has re-ingnited his love for the game is something we should all be celebrating. Too often we bemoan athletes who could care less about the game they play and more about their social status, here is a guy who is showing us what we wanna see. Go Brett!

Meanwhile look for the Colts to go to 4-0 against Denver this weekend. They have to drop one soon, but this week I think you’ll see them step up and once again do whatever it needs to get the win. When you try to stop them one way, they find another.

Stretch the nets and he will go.

Roberto Luongo says if the NHL tried to make goals bigger (in response to goalies equiptment growing in size) he would retire. Straight up.

One scene from Bull Durham has Kevin Costner teaching Tim Robbins catchphrases to use in response to reporters questions when he makes the big time. Reading a transcript of a recent chat with Alexander Ovechkin makes Tim Robbins answers look like those of a great poet.

Obviously sportsmen and women can’t say too much otherwise they’ll land themselves in some kind of bother, but could they please try to be a little more enthusiastic?

There’s a reason guys like Ozzie Guillen are well liked, because he says what he thinks and feels. Here’s hoping to a few more Ozzies coming out of the woodwork.

Chelsea

Because they feature heavily in the sports sections today.

So Marco Van Basten is not to be their boss according to the BBC. But then closer inspection of the wording does not say that at all. Not that I’m saying the beeb would allow sloppy journalism.

The Dutch FA and Chelsea both say that Van Basten has not been approached for, or offered any sort of job, even though he sat very close to Roman Abramovich at Old Trafford last Sunday. Van Basten is under contract with the Dutch FA until after Euro 2008, though their last qualifier is in November. There is a chance then that he could be installed after that date, and the speed of the move would surprise no one who has seen Abramovich move for someone he wants.

Failing that you might see Avram Grant until next summer if Chelsea pre-arrange a move for Van Basten. This would make more sense and might allow them to request dispensation for Grant to stay as manager without the requied licenses as he would not be permanently in the job.

 Jon Obi Mikel will serve a full 3 game ban for his red card on Sunday, which was a harsh decision. Fifa should consider a change to the rules where an offense is deemed red card worthy (as Mike Dean felt it was) but a full 3 game ban does not befit the crime.

And in light of a half empty stadium for a Champions League tie, Chelsea have decided to drop their prices for European games. Evidently their hardcore support could not muster another £45 for such a key affair, so a much more reasonable £36 was charged. Realising this is still a bit much (uhm, yeah!) they will now charge £25.

All I’m wondering, is if you can’t sell out a key tie against Valencia at full price, what sort of fans do you have?