What were they thinking?

What were they thinking is back! I know everyone who reads this wondered where it went for a few weeks, but I got pretty busy. Anyways, things were back to normal this week and I got to watch quite a bit of sports this weekend. Normally there is only one candidate, but for this edition there are three names that come to mind. Here are the candidates for this edition of what were they thinking.

Candidate #1- Kansas Coach Mark Mangino 

Situation-Kansas is down seven, 4 and 1 (probably a little less than 1) with a little over seven minutes to go

Result-Todd Reesing fumbles the snap and Texas Tech runs it in for for the go ahead touchdown to put Tech up 14.

What I did not like-It seemed a little to early to go for it on fourth down in a seven point game. The game had been pretty close for the most part. The decision to go for it seemed like an indictment on Kansas defense. It is always easier to second guess, but punting the ball and giving yourself a chance seems like a much better option. Instead of being down seven, Kansas got down 14 and the game was pretty much over.

Candidate # 2- Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh

For some reason Suh decided to go for a joyride after Nebraska's win against Baylor. Suh blew a  .035 below the limit of .08, but still not a smart idea. Suh should have just stayed asleep at his friends house rather than try to get to home. Suh not only messed up his land rover (over 10,000 in damages), but also hit two other cars ($8,000 a piece) and totaled another one. Suh is lucky things did not get worse for him and no one was seriously hurt.  Suh is an extremely talented player who will go on to make big dollars on the next level. No one says not to drink and have a little fun, but think the next time. Give credit to Nebraska coach, Bo Pellini for disciplining Suh.

Candidate # 3- Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels


Hamels, potential game seven started for the Phillies in the World series if it gets that far, had a brain fart after game five.

"I can't wait for it to end," Hamels was quoted as saying after the game. "It's been mentally draining. At year's end, you just can't wait for a fresh start." (ESPN)

Whether Hamels meant it or not, this is not something that should get said aloud. Hamels has a lot going on in his life with a newborn child and the rough year he has had. As a manager, I would not be so sure I could trust Hamels after a statement like that. Hamels has talked with Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to make sure they are on the same page, but does he trust Hamels?

The Winner-

After some careful thought, the winner is... Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh. Hamels and Mangino made questionable decisions, but Suh could have hurt someone, including himself. In the future Suh will think better about making questionable decisions driving drunk. Suh should be terrific on the NFL level so in the end, getting in trouble should help him think a lot better.

-Mike Moreau


Mangino Photo-http://rankthatcoach.com/blog/2007/12/kansas-mangino-is-coach-of-the-year/

Suh Photo- http://www.cornnation.com/photos/how-cornnation-voted-for-all-big

Hamels photo-http://citifield.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/utley-disappointing-mets-falter-in-11th-5-4-61009/