What’s up with the bad officiating in the NFL lately, Fred and Art want to know? Players are taking chances, making head-scratching plays, and the practice of on-field taunting takes away from the game. Football is a very violent, collision- and impact-heavy sport, and the referees need to protect players, not force situations that they should not be dealing with. Are there too many of the wrong penalties being called?

Aaron Rodgers is still not following Covid protocols. He made misleading statements regarding his vaccination status and seems to be held to a different standard, while other members of his team who have refused to get the shots have complied with safety practices, as per the NFL rules. State Farm Insurance says they’re still supporting him, but he is showing up on fewer of their commercials. Are they taking a step back? Will there be real repercussions for him or just a slap on the wrist?

Mark Davis has signed DeSean Jackson to the Raiders as a replacement for Henry Ruggs. He comes with a lot of baggage, so was it the right move for the team? He left the Rams for not getting enough passes, and now the Rams have picked up Odell Beckham Jr. Can Beckham expect enough playing time and a Super Bowl win with his new team?

The MLB season-ending award winners will be announced soon. Who will be the NL MVP – Fernando Tatis (San Diego Padres), Juan Soto (Washington Nationals), or Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)? How about the NL Cy Young Award, with Max Scherzer (LA Dodgers), Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers), and Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies) vying for the honor? Max Scherzer made a big difference for the Dodgers when he joined the team in August and has Al’s vote.

And there’s lots of fun football to watch this weekend…

Email Fred and Art with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com