Frankly today in sports history is a rather slow one. However one subject jumped off the page at me. And it's a tragic and sad one. It was on this date back in 2001 that Korey Stringer, the massive lineman of the Vikings collapsed on the field and subsequently passed away from organ failure due to heat stroke. It's good to see coaching staffs taking this sort of thing so much more seriously than they used to. I remember in high school practice playing dehydrated and dizzy and having salt tablets tossed to us. If you ever read or saw the film the Junction Boys about Bear Bryant and his first season coaching at Texas A&M it is a miracle nobody died during that brutal camp. Later on in life the Bear even acknowledged he had gone too far. Right here at Missouri back in Aaron O'Neal, and red shirt freshman linebacker collapsed and died during a drill. It was a shock to not only the entire team and staff but the town of Columbia.
Okay, a free selection for today. I'm suggesting #909 the Pirates as they venture into the desert to take on Kirk Gibson's Diamondbacks. I don't live and die by trends but I do check things out and the stubborn fact is the Diamondbacks are a lousy 6-16 playing off a win. On the flip side the Buc's are a stellar 15-6 when taking the field as a favorite. They have also prevailed in four of the last six on Arizona's field. I like the Pirates here to take the winner more times than not.
On the business side I have a Triple Star featured release in play tonight. I don't do featured releases every day. Also I want to thank all those who have already taken advantage of the early bird football offer being presented by Pregame. Last season between the College & NFL my clients and I finished up exactly 100 units. I don't know if this season will be less or more but I know I am working just as hard as ever to prepare. I also know the offer is temporary and the price will be higher for those who wait until the last moments. I also know Tom is perfectly willing to work out a personal package if you have an interest in pairing up a couple of different Pro's. Anyway, many very sincere thanks to all those who have signed on already. It is my intention to enable you to enjoy a big football season at your man's expense. That's it for today. Thanks guys and best of luck as always with your action.