Hitting to all fields

I might be a little late to the party, but add me to the list of people who think the slam dunk contest has gotten ridiculous. When I was a kid, that's what I lived for. I would love to watch Michael Jordan compete, and then when he became too big for the event, role players like Dee Brown and Kenny Walker won with impressive dunks.

The concensus seems to be that bigger names will make for a better show. I couldn't disagree more. While players like Kobe and LeBron would make for out-of-this-world TV ratings, it might not be the best show. I want the best athletes, the highest flyers and the best dunkers.

And personally, I think we got that last Saturday night. Besides, the final result, which is in the hands of fans with text message packages, is a complete joke, a popularity contest. Is anyone really surprised that Blake Griffin won?

Another thing I didn't like was the props. I understand that guys are running out of ideas, but bringing a Kia (product placement) and a full choir really just cheapens the event. If you can't think of anything new to do, just wow the judges with your athleticism.

Also, while the judges are probably instructed to rate on the dunk itself, it can lose its luster when it takes nine attempts. I'm sure some of these elaborate moves are difficult to pull off on the first try, but attempt No. 13 on an alley-oop can really make you look silly.

- Just how much do sportswriters love controversy? Try this: a male wrestler in Iowa refused to wrestle a female in the first round of the state championships, saying it was against his religious beliefs.

He lost by forfeit, she won and they both moved on. Fair enough.

But no, writers from across the country landed in the Midwest to interview the girl, asking her how it felt to be "disrespected" like that. The girl's anwer?

"He had the right to make his own choice, and he made his choice," Cassy Herkelman, one of two girls in this year's tournament said of Joel Northup. "It's not like he did what he didn't want to do."

Sorry guys, no story here, and kudos to both kids for keeping things in perspective.

- Between Carmelo Anthony trade rumors, NFL labor talks and no spring training games, this has to be the most dismal time of the year for a sports fan.