I Misremember My Name Sometimes

Here are a collection of thoughts from the week that was in life, sports, politics, and everything else we can think of:

It was horrifying to hear again of another campus shooting this time at Northern Illinois. Steven Kazmierczak opened fire on a classroom at the DeKalb, Ill., school before turning the gun on himself. In all, five students were killed and 16 were wounded. Kazmierczak was described as an outstanding student, though erratic at times.

We’re less than a year removed from the worst of the worst at Virginia Tech and now here we stand in the face of yet another tragedy. One must wonder how do we stop these events, these tragedies, from taking place? How do you get to a Kazmierczak in time before someone gets hurt? I’m not a counseling student, but as a seminary student this question intrigues me, because I don’t know the answer off hand.

I can’t imagine what it must be like for the families involved. The emotional pain they must be feeling - not just the victims’ families, but for Kazmierczak’s family as well - must be overwhelming. I pray they have a support circle they can cling to in times like these.

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Roger Clemens went to Washington this week and he misremembered a lot of things. That seemed to be the key word of the day, Clemens’ use of the word “misremember” to describe Andy Pettitte’s use of HGH and a conversation they had about HGH. Sorry, Clemens but we’re just not buying your alibi.

First, you’re wife used HGH before a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue photo shoot. If you’re wife was taking it … have to wonder if the Rocket ever dabbed into the stuff.

Secondly, the way Clemens was on the defensive throughout the hearing had the feel of the “how dare you criticize me” tactic. Clemens, in case you forget that’s Congress you’re talking to and not Mike Piazza.  By the way, you never want to get someone in Congress upset at you on national television (i.e. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif.). That’s just not a good sign.

At the end of the day, Clemens is in a heap of trouble. His Hall of Fame candidacy soiled and his reputation forever ruined. The greatest pitcher perhaps of the past 30 years now has the sporting world wondering if he did it the right way. My gut says we will forever remember Clemens and Barry Bonds as the icons of the steroid era in baseball.

I’m a supporter of Mike Huckabee, but let’s face it the former Arkansas Governor has as much chance becoming the Republican nominee for president in 2008 as I do going on a date with Alyssa Milano.

It’s just not going to happen.

Huckabee is continuing in the nomination process even after losing a must-win state in Virginia on Tuesday. Also this week, Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain and asked his delegates to support McCain. One must wonder if Romney is trying to get a vice presidential nomination, like some believe Huckabee is trying to do. But if Huckabee wants to become vice president, he should bow out now.

There is no shame in walking onto the field when there is time for one last play and you’re down by three touchdowns.

And speaking of the presidential race, the Republicans - who would’ve guessed this - are OK going into November. As long as the Democrats continue to fight for their nomination, the Republicans have the opportunity to rest up, raise cash, and craft their message against the Democratic nominee. The advantage goes to the Republicans on being out of the nomination process first.

The only downfall is that national television news programs will focus on the Democratic race because it’s still in the news. That’s OK. The Democratic winner, at this point, will have a short time to replenish cash for the September-November stretch run.

Regardless, this is going to be a close election and I believe it could be closer than in 2000. Only a few percentage points are going to separate McCain from Obama and he would have the edge, most likely, against Clinton.

Fasten your seat belts, this should be interesting.

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And finally, Kelvin Sampson, head coach at Indiana, wins the prize of boneheaded employee of the month.

Lying to your boss. Repeated offense that got you in trouble at Oklahoma. Possible NCAA violations … at Indiana.

Something tells me Sampson is a short timer at HoosierLand. Why he hasn’t been fired yet is a mystery to me?

Bobby Knight is available? You don’t think they would … nah, they wouldn’t. Or would they? Nah.