Things I missed and other random thoughts

During my sabbatical for the winter sports postseason, I missed out on a few stories that would have been fun to talk about, and I also had a few random thoughts and observations. To get it out of my mind, I’m writing about everything (Maybe not all but 800-plus words worth) in this column. So, in no particular order, here we go.

Aaron Rodgers returned from his darkness retreat and learned on that journey that he’d like to play for the New York Jets. I don’t know what’s more on brand, Aaron Rodgers bragging about going to a darkness retreat or the Jets getting an aging QB after he spent a month in darkness? 

I’m not into architecture, but the Natrona County High School building is awesome. It almost looks like a second-rate Hogwarts, one that those snobby wizards and witches would have talked down on, but it’s a cool building. They’ve updated it but have kept the architect that makes it stand out. I wish more schools, or buildings for that matter, would aim to have a good eye-catching design. Rather than the homogenous, bland, soulless buildings we’ve got going today.

Lamar Jackson could be the other big-name QB on the move this offseason. The Ravens put a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, meaning there will be a sign and trade for him. Not long after the Ravens hit Jackson with that tag, the Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins, Commanders and Raiders said they weren’t interested. The Panthers and Dolphins make sense, the Fins have Tua and the Panthers traded for the No. 1 pick. But for the Falcons, Commanders and Raiders, it’s hard not to ask how much have they had to drink and what drugs have they taken? QBs run this league. If you don’t have one, you’re not a contender.

The MLB has implemented the pitch clock for this season and has been using it during spring training. It. Is. Amazing. This is baseball’s best idea since they started allowing black and brown people to play baseball. It should not take five minutes to throw three pitches. I know the purists are in crisis over this change, but this only improves the game. Sure, a clock wasn’t necessary 60 years ago when baseball was the thing to watch. But, today, when we’ve got new episodes of “Ted Lasso” to watch, it doesn’t hurt to pick up the pace.

I hate to brag, but I saw “Cocaine Bear” while in Casper for state basketball. Every great film asks an important question and has deep-meaning themes. “Citizen Kane” asked how you properly sum up an individual’s life. “2001: A Space Odyssey” explored humanity’s relationship with technology and our penchant to create and destroy with it.

“Cocaine Bear” asks do you want to see a bear on cocaine? Yes. Yes, I do.

There are movies, and there is art. “Cocaine Bear” belongs in the latter. I know “Citizen Kane” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” delve into philosophically profound themes and ideas, but neither had a bear on cocaine. Sooooooo, how good are they really?

This is a tough segway, but here we go.

The day after state wrestling, Lovell Chronicle sports reporter Sam Smith was in a car accident that ultimately claimed his life when traveling back home from state. I don’t know how many, if any, of you knew Sam, but I did.

During my time on this job, I’ve gotten to know quite a few sports reporters. Some great, others, I’m happy to forget. Sam was in that great group. He was someone you’d bump into and be happy to see because he was just a good dude. I saw and talked with him that night at state wrestling. He was always excited about his teams and the athletes he covered. He even knew most of your teams and athletes. He just loved talking Wyoming high school sports.

I’ll miss bumping into Sam at state and regional events, and my deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends. To quote a favorite book of mine: (Please read “Slaughterhouse-Five” for context, I am not a cold individual.)

So it goes.