By Staff
Dec. 17, 2001
Many musings on a Monday morning …
Okay, that was a little too much.
Even if the Cleveland Browns did get hosed in their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night, the reaction of the Cleveland fans went way overboard.
After a play was overturned, allowing Jacksonville to hold on to a 15-10 win, Browns fan began throwing things including very hard and very dangerous beer bottles onto the playing field.
The field had to be cleared of the players before things could be sorted out.
Did Cleveland get ripped off? Well, I don't think so, but even if the Browns were robbed by a bad call it certainly isn't the first time that has ever happened in the world of sports.
The thing that dismays me the most is the reaction of the owner of the Browns, as well as team president Carmen Policy.
If that is what caring looks like, let's just thank goodness that they are not passionate. We would have had a hanging from the goal post.
State's win quite impressive
While Mississippi State's early season basketball schedule which is really not that much unlike most Southeastern Conference schools has taken a lot of flack, the Bulldogs did come away with a quality win on Sunday afternoon.
While Georgia State may not be a powerhouse name, the Panthers have built up a good program, going 29-5 and winning a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season.
This year Georgia State was 5-2 and had a win over Georgia in its pocket before falling to MSU 72-63 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Point guard Derrick Zimmerman was very impressive, especially with his defensive play, as was former Sumter County High School standout Mario Austin.
The big man worked the boards and made some big baskets, but the most impressive part about his performance was a nifty no-look behind-the-back pass to a teammate for a layup.
The guy can flat play and the Bulldogs just may, just may mind you, be for real.
MSU will face its biggest challenge on Dec. 21 when the Bulldogs take on Cincinnati in the Las Vegas Classic.
That will be interesting to watch.
Lady Wildcats tough at home
The girls soccer program at Meridian High School is recognized as one of the best in the state, and for good reason.
MHS is off to a solid 8-2 start to this season, but more impressive is the way the Lady Wildcats continue to dominate opponents when they have to come to Ray Stadium.
Meridian's 3-1 win over Clinton on Saturday afternoon was the 32nd straight victory at Ray Stadium for the Lady Wildcats, stretching over three seasons.
Now that's pretty impressive.
Next up for the Lady Wildcats is a 5:30 p.m. home game on Tuesday against Petal High School.
The two boys teams play at 7:30.
Austin Bishop is regional sports director of the East Mississippi Group and oversees the sports operation of four newspapers, including The Meridian Star. You can e-mail him at abishop@themeridianstar.com.