SPORTS
Competition For Your Attention
by James Mundy-*-
The 2009-2010 NFL season has been an eventful one to say the least, with stiff conference competition and record breaking seasons for some. Even more
noteworthy about this season, is that the ever so popular Pro Bowl game was played before the Super bowl, which is unprecedented. Not only was the air time of
the Pro Bowl different, so was the means in which you could keep track of it. This was the first legal broadcast of the Pro Bowl on internet radio.
The AFC (American Football Conference) triumphed over the NFC (National Football Conference) in a nail bitter, 41-34. Matt Shaub, quarterback for the
Houston Texans, led all Pro Bowlers going 13-17 for 189 yards, and two touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl MVP honors.
This Pro Bowl ushered in a lot of changes. The previous Pro Bowl games were held in Hawaii, but this year it was held in Miami, at the Sun Life Stadium,
home to the Miami Dolphins. The Pro Bowl is traditionally held sometime in mid February; however, this year it was played on January 31st. This was a direct
conflict with the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. You might think television executives would consider not having a major event the same day as something of
even grander magnitude. However, if the Pro Bowl would have maintained its routine date, it would have had to compete with the NBA All-Star Game, The Win
ter X Games, as well as the Daytona 500 for ratings. Despite its conflict with the Grammy’s, the Pro Bowl viewing audience increased by 39 percent.
The Minnesota Vikings had the most representation at the Pro Bowl, with 10 selections. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles had the second high
est total of selected Pro Bowlers with seven, respectively. The Carolina Panthers had three Pro Bowl selections, running back Deangelo Williams (34), middle
linebacker Jon Beason (52) and North Carolina native, defensive end Julius Peppers (90). This was his fifth Pro Bowl appearance.
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Students exiting the Capel Arena where refund checks were issued.