Weekly Quick-Hits

- Mark Sanchez is likely to have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder after he suffered a torn labrum.  Don't expect to see him as a Jet next year, but do expect for him to be a highly sought after back-up quarterback next summer.  Would you feel safer with Mark Sanchez as a backup or a host of the backups currently in place?

- More information about Oklahoma State's football program has been shared about drug use.  Allegedly, drug use during the Les Miles era was rampant.  Is anyone surprised to see so many drug issues at LSU?  Have to think Tyrann Mathieu wasn't given the support he needed in the Tigers' program.

- Blazers have added Dee Bost, EJ Singler and Richard Howell to their training camp roster.  None of these players are likely to make the final roster, but all could potentially play for the Idaho Stampede.  Howell especially has potential as a backup 4 man with his rebounding prowess (double-double guy at NC State).  All are capable of playing small roles at the NBA level.

- Roger Goodell finally made a quote about the presence of the mascot "Redskin" in the NFL, speaking that public opinion needs to be heard.  Count me in the group that thinks a name change is in order, as the name is racist and offensive.  Dan Snyder will be vehemently opposed to any sort of change, so expect a long, drawn out process unlikely to make progress until after this season ends.  Washington Griffins?

- The 4th place team in the CONCACAF region plays New Zealand in a home & home to determine who gets to play in the World Cup.  All signs point to Mexico playing in this game.  The Mexican team has had their issues, but I would be stunned to see them miss the World Cup next year in Brazil.

- Talks for extension have broken down between Luol Deng and the Bulls.  Given the players set to become free agents, or have an option to become, Deng is a terrific player to be added to the list.  The 28 year old small forward is in his prime right now, and could fetch an offer between 44-52 million over 4 years.  His is a name to keep an eye on around the trade deadline if Chicago struggles.

- FIBA Eurobasket is nearing its end, with teams like Ukraine, Serbia, France, Spain and Lithuania playing well.  Here are a few players who have impressed thus far:

Nemanja Bjelica (Serbia)
Pooh Jeter (Ukraine)
Goran Dragic (Slovenia)- Phoenix Suns
Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania)- Toronto Raptors
Rudy Fernandez (Spain)
   
*Speaking of Rudy Fernandez, I really miss him as an NBA player.  He deserved a larger role with the Blazers, and did not receive it.  He became disgruntled and left, but has played well in Europe again.  He deserves another chance in the NBA- and I'd love to see him in Portland- if he chooses to come back to the States.