Call it a 'Harbowl'

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Last weekend, as time dwindled down in the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, media outlets from around the country hopped aboard the Harbaugh train, craving to create that next, new catchy Super Bowl XLVII phrase.  Already knowing the outcome of the NFC Championship Game between the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, I’m sure the media was excited for a Ravens’ victory, since 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s brother is the Ravens' head coach.  Headlines exploded onto Twitter, ranging from “Harbowl” and “Brother Bowl”, to the “Super Baugh.”

Next week, when media members have the opportunity to seek out their coverage, both coaches will experience the craze that goes on the week before the biggest game in America.  However, the brothers squaring up against each other is not the only story that will attract attention.

The following are potential stories from each team:

San Francisco 49ers

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-QB Alex Smith’s injury and how it affected the 49ers’ season.

-The emergence of QB Colin Kaepernick during a Week 11 matchup against a tough Chicago Bears’ defense.

-Jim Harbaugh’s gutsy decision to keep Kaepernick as the starter for the rest of the season as well as the playoffs.

-Harbaugh and Ravens LB Ray Lewis used to be teammates during Lewis' rookie year.
-Lewis recorded his first career NFL sack on Harbaugh when he was the Colts' QB. 

-Kaepernick growing up as an adopted child.

-Kaepernick’s birth mother trying to keep in contact with her son.

-The 49ers’ defensive dominance.

-Kicker David Akers and his struggles.

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Baltimore Ravens

-Whether QB Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback or not.

-WR Torrey Smith playing for his brother, who passed away earlier this season.

-WR Anquan Boldin catching fire in the playoffs.

-Ray Lewis’ last game in the NFL.

-Lewis shrugging off a triceps injury to lead his team to the promise land.

- Terrell Suggs coming back from a torn Achilles injury.

-Safety Ed Reed’s first Super Bowl and possible retirement after this season. 

Racism Still Exists, Even in Sports



As we enter a new year, the topic of racism, shockingly, still exists in today's world, even in the realm of sports.  Racism seems to be a problem of the past for many, yet there are still those in certain parts of the world who partake in these senseless acts.

When you think of sports, you think of it as being an outlet or an escape from concerning issues, whether it's political or racial; yet, that still doesn't seem to be the case.  From Chelsea defender John Terry's racially abusive comments toward Anton Ferdinand, to an Italian newspaper publishing a racist cartoon monkey of Mario Balotelli, an Italian of African descent, and now, AC Milan midfielder Prince Boateng receiving racist chants from opposing fans in a friendly match against Pro Patria, which ultimately was abandoned.

Italy is not the only place where racism is a dilemma.  Black players who participated in the Euro 2012 in Poland-Ukraine did not bring their families to the games, fearing an attack on their loved ones by fans in the stands.  Also, in Russia, there have been extensive problems, specifically when a Zenit St. Petersburg fans' group issued a statement calling on the Russian club not to sign black or gay players.    

Racism is more prevalent in soccer as opposed to American sports such as basketball, football and baseball.  FIFA has taken its stance against discrimination by developing awareness programs like the FIFA Anti-Discrimination Days, which have been present at FIFA's competitions every year to raise attention of the need to abolish racism and other forms of discrimination worldwide.

Nevertheless, FIFA needs to explore racism more thoroughly in hopes to resolve this ongoing issue.  As the old expression goes, "why can't we all just get along?"