In N.Y., Jack Bell notes the release of the MLS schedule in previous years "often dragged late into January," but now, "with most of the league’s 19 teams playing in their own stadiums, organizing the schedule is easier." However, schedule-makers "still must contend with official FIFA international dates, dates for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the CONCACAF Champions League and assorted dates for international friendlies that usually occur in the summer." MLS once again, "with its odd number of teams, will play an unbalanced schedule," with 90% of its games on weekends (N.Y. TIMES, 11/26).
GO ON, SAY IT: In Arizona, Paola Boivin wrote D-Backs P Brad Ziegler "should be applauded" for his comments about the $52M deal SS Jhonny Peralta agreed to with the Cardinals. Ziegler on Sunday wrote, "It pays to cheat…Thanks, owners, for encouraging PED use,” and then shared a link to the Peralta story. Boivin: "I respect a player willing to take a stand for the good of the game. So few seem to make that a priority anymore. And unlike others, Ziegler hasn’t removed a tweet that caused a little controversy. Here is hoping the Diamondbacks respect his choice, too" (AZCENTRAL.com, 11/25). In N.Y., Andy Martino wrote there is "nothing but confusion and disagreement in baseball about drug issues, with attitudes ranging from Ziegler’s zeal to others’ off-the-record apathy" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 11/25).
TICK TOCK: In San Diego, Nick Canepa wrote, "As technologically advanced as it is, the NFL has not entered the 21st century -- or late-20th century, for that matter -- when it comes to keeping time." Why the NFL does not utilize clocks that "tick down to hundreths of a second" is "beyond me." The league will "fine players for wearing the wrong socks and fixate on minor matters, but it hasn’t changed the clock." Canepa: "Maybe because it makes sense" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 11/24).
