6B
Thursday, March 7, 1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NY Giants made the right move
It didn't seem to make much sense initially. But the New York Giants definitely made the right move by matching the San Francisco 49ers' offer to Rodney Hampton. The Giants will now have to pay the All-Pro running back $16.45 million during the next six years, but Hampton is worth the money.
Many feel that matching the offer did not make sense because the Giants already have Herschel Walker and Tyrone Wheatley. Herschel Walker is one of the best all-purpose backs to ever play in the NFL. He proved this in 1993 with the Philadelphia Eagles when he had a run, a reception, and a kickoff return of 90-plus yards. But his best days are probably behind him and, although he can still contribute, he may not be able to take the constant pounding of being the full-time back. Wheatley was a fantastic college back, but he still hasn't proven himself in the NFL.
But New York's motivation for matching the offer goes beyond merely needing a good running back. It has more to do with needing a good team player. Hampton is the Giants' all-time career rushing leader and has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in five of his six years. He has done so behind good, but not outstanding, offensive Jines. Although he is often the only offense the Giants have, he has never complained or lashed out at his teammates.
George Young, the Giants' general manager, wants Hampton to stay in New York and finish his career there. He recognizes what Hampton has done for the organization.
Perhaps, despite free agency and the salary cap, more teams can follow the Giants' example and keep the players that are true to their teams. Hard work and dedication always should be rewarded, and in Rodney Hampton's case, it will.
SPORTS RAP
Out of the 12 months of the year, the one that's filled with the most pretzels, beer, excitement and celebration is the month of March. That's right, March Madness, and we're here to give you some maddening thoughts about not only the Big Eight, but other underdogs and top dogs as well.
The Big Eight coaches had a meeting the other week and came to the idea that at least five of the eight teams should get into the Big Dance. Quite frankly, don't get your hopes up.
Madness is in the air
Matt Woodruff
Olathe junior
More than likely, one of those teams will be New York bound; headed for the NIT, not the Final Four. Even though in years past any Big Eight team with a 17-win season or a .500 record in the conference has gone to the NCAA Tournament. It's a bad thing, but the clown conferences such as the lowly Atlantic 10 will give the Big Eight a bum rap come Selection Sunday.
The reason is the Big Eight has solid parity while your Atlantic 10 and eastern conferences have two powerhouses. How about UMass — maybe they've got Marcus Camby and Dana Dingle, but after that they've got a starting five that was recruited straight off the playground.
Sorry, no chain nets and asphalt in the Final Four.
Kentucky's a lock, as if everybody didn't know that. Most think of their high-powered offense, and that will get them to the Final Four. Kansas will be there — well, because we want them to. The other two teams will fall into place as this unpredictable month moves forward.
Enough about who will be there — how about bubble teams such as the College of Charleston and Wisconsin-Green Bay, who both have 20 wins and impressive conference records. The College of Charleston has three losses with two of them coming to Top 20 teams. Their problem is the Trans America Athletic Conference isn't guaranteed an automatic bid — bubble burst #1.
Bubble burst #2 is Wisconsin-
Green Bay, whose 20-win season came with an undefeated conference record. The problem is they lost in their conference tournament championship. Sorry, no automatic bid, but before you cheese heads shed a tear and drown your sorrows in Milwaukee's best light, there's light at the end of the tunnel. More than likely Wisconsin-GB will get an at-large bid before most of the overrated Big Ten.
On the topic of the Big Ten, besides most of their wasted talent and Purdue, a bright spot has risen with our dark horse — Penn State.
Mark L'Heureux
Lenexa sophomore
Penn State has two things that no one else has in the Big Ten. One is outside shooting, and the other is their heads-up play and use of talent.
Bill Gassen
Blue Springs junior
Sports Rap letters run every Thursday. Letters must be typed and less than 500 words. They can be dropped off at 111 Stauffer- Flint Hall or faxed to Tom Erickson or Bill Petulla at (913) 864-5261. If you have any questions call 864- 4810.
EUROPE ON 84$ A DAY WITH GIL WHITE FREE TONIGHT
8 PM KANSAS UNION BALLROOM
And . . .
Gil White book signing
Europe on 84¢ a Day
2:30 p.m. Oread Bookstore
2nd Floor, Kansas Union
A multi-media presentation of imaginative and fun-loving methods for "doing Europe" on a budget. How to find free transportation, free lodging, and even free food Suggestions for saving on currency exchange and the Eurorail.
Free vouchers available at the SUA Box Office. Call 864-3477 for more information.
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