Your “Mo’ MAC, Mo’ Problems” Wednesday Evening Open Thread

I didn’t get my book read last night.  Shocking, I know.

I probably won’t get to it today/tonight either.  Mostly because I suck and am easily distracted…

Also, you guys are too damned funny to resist sometimes.  Peer Pressure!!!!!

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We’ve Got Some NFL Stuff To Talk About

First and foremost, fuck you Spanos, Goodell and the FAA…

FAA Emails Show NFL Was ‘Freaking Out’ Over Anti-Dean Spanos Flyover Banners  (TheBigLead.com)

According to emails obtained by ABC’s 10 News in San Diego, the NFL was “freaking out” about the banners and did not want them flying above the stadium when Goodell was in attendance on October 1.

The FAA bans flyovers for venues with a capacity of 30,000 or more, and StubHub only seats 27,000. Therefore, the league could do nothing to prevent them. Then, suddenly, the FAA permitted a temporary flight restriction to stop the flyovers during games. The newly-released emails shed light on to how and why that happened.

[snip]

From the 10 News report:

Officials told the FAA that the Chargers upgraded the venue before the season, expanding the stadium to 30,000 seats, even though they don’t sell all of them. An FAA special agent viewed those seating areas a few days before the Oct. 1 game, and agreed, according to the emails.

The restriction then went into place.

The NFL has repeatedly claimed the restriction was sought due to safety concerns, but the emails suggest a different motive. The league was embarrassed by the flyovers and didn’t want them happening during games.

(tip of the hat to Low Commander for pointing me to this one)

Ezekiel Elliott decides to drop appeal, will serve entire six-game suspension  (CBSSports.com)

“The decision arises from a practical assessment of the current legal landscape,” a statement from Elliott’s lawyer said, via NFL.com. “Mr. Elliott’s desire for closure in this matter is in his best interest, as well as the best interests of his teammates, family and friends.”

After a back-and-forth appeals process, Elliott was suspended for good Nov. 9. However, the Second Circuit court did leave a small door open for Elliott to possibly continue his appeal. Unfortunately for Elliott, the court didn’t schedule another hearing until Dec. 1, which means Elliott would have missed four games even if he won his appeal.

(Good decision, Zeke.  At this point, even Jim Valvano thinks you should give up.)

The Debrief, Week 10: What to panic about — and what not to  (NFL.com)

Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick are fond of saying that the NFL season doesn’t start until after Thanksgiving. For the upstart Los Angeles Rams and the rest of the teams that make up this crowded NFC playoff picture, that schedule is getting moved up a week this season.

The upcoming Week 11 clash between the Rams and Vikings — two surprise 7-2 teams — kickstarts a frantic stretch for Rams coach Sean McVay’s crew, which will face the other four best teams in the NFC in a span of five weeks: at Minnesota in Week 11, vs. New Orleans in Week 12, vs. Philadelphia in Week 14 and at Seattle in Week 15. An organization whose onfield product has mostly been ignored or gawked at nationally since the middle of the last decade will be at the very center of the NFL universe for the next five weeks.

(RAMMIT!!!!! about to be tested?)

NFL Insiders predict: Week 11 upsets, flops, Pats’ top challenger, more  (ESPN.com)

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns get Myles Garrett a running mate in Bradley Chubb  (CBSSports.com)

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State. What? Another defensive end? Sure, why not? Myles Garrett has lived up to the billing in his rookie year. Beyond him though, the Browns have essentially no semblance of a pass rush. Chubb can play the strongside defensive end spot opposite Garrett and opposing offensive tackles will have their hands full against the Browns for a long time.

(Admittedly, I have mixed emotions about the possibility of a player from my alma mater going #1 overall if that means he gets stuck in The Factory.)

Win projections for all 32 teams  (ESPN.com)

Jerry Jones: No evidence Thursday football is ‘inordinately challenging physically for players’  (CBSSports.com)

Papa John’s issues weak apology after blaming NFL protests for drop in sales  (CBSSports.com)

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What You’ll Be Watching Tonight

NHL

Just about everybody played (badly) last night, so not many facing off tonight.  And again, only one national game tonight.

• Rangers @ Blackhawks – 8:00pmEST – TV: NBCSN

Full Schedule

NBA

Just about nobody played last night, so full night tonight.  ESPN has you covered with a double bill.

• Cavs @ Hornets – 8:00pmEST – TV: ESPN
• Sixers @ Lakers – 10:30pmEST – TV: ESPN

Full Schedule

NCAA Basketball

Games of Note:

• Indiana @ (22)Seton Hall – 6:30pmEST – TV: FS1
• American @ (24)West Virginia – 7:00pmEST – TV: ESPNHC
• Niagara @ (14)Minnesota – 8:00pmEST – TV: B1GN
• Bucknell @ (9)U*NC-CHeat – 8:00pmEST – TV: ESPN3
• Creighton @ (20)Northwestern – 9:00pmEST – TV: B1GN

Full Schedule

NCAA Football

What?  Two MAC matchups wasn’t enough for you last night?  Well take heart, because tonight you get three.

• E. Michigan @ Miami(OH) – 7:00pmEST – TV: CBSSN
• W. Michigan @ N. Illinois – 7:00pmEST – TV: ESPN2
• Toledo @ Bowling Green – 8:00pmEST – TV: ESPNU

But tonight there will be no cheese because Mo’ MAC, Mo’ Problems…

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Okie doke then, I guess I’m outta here….

…but be sure to medicate yourselves ahead of time and avoid the rush.

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