As I see it, the sideline reporter was traditionally supposed to be someone who had played the game and was giving you an insider’s perspective on what is happening on the field of play. More recently, the NFL, etc. has made this the place to put a relatively attractive woman with some sports journalism experience. They don’t ever do it where it OUGHT to be, i.e. you never see a woman in the role of play by play or color commentary in any sport except tennis or women’s basketball. And I think that’s a shame. Al Michaels never played pro football or baseball. He’s just a fan, and a sports reporter. His gender doesn’t qualify him any more than Amber Theoharis to be there, it’s his experience as a reporter, and that shouldn’t disqualify women. The sideline job, however, I feel should go to someone who played the game, and has had that experience, and can give you a real idea of what the players are thinking while in the thick of it. The same way I wouldn’t want to see Tony Siragusa telling me about mixed doubles from courtside at Wimbledon.

I blame inarticulate types like Eric Dickerson for this whole trend.

The plan for now is to do new installments of the SMARs every Monday (or thereabouts). It’s going really well so far — thanks to everyone.

But, seriously, he’s no Bob Haynie. How great (it’s not even close!) is Bob Haynie?

Neal, your Bmore SMARs seem to be working out pretty well, so that’s pretty awesome. Get the Loss Column on the map already!