Before I share my feelings on the Eight Belles situation, let me put a few things out there:
-I watched the Kentucky Derby this year, just as I have each of the past five years or so, but had turned off the TV before news of Eight Belles' injury had come about.
-I admit that if Eight Belles hadn't been euthanized, it probably wouldn't have crossed my mind to post this blog.
-I'm not a member of PETA or a vegetarian, but I'm also not a fan of animal cruelty.
OK, now that those points are out of the way (and feel free to reference them again should you continue reading this), back to this shocking situation.
Plain and simple, this horse racing stuff is getting out of hand.
Eight Belles didn't just die from two broken legs; she died from trainers running her into the ground for a race that's only a moneymaker for others.
Eight Belles was just a filly, meaning her racing in the Derby was like my 16-year-old cousin playing in the NFL. Yeah he's pretty good and might survive for a little bit, but ultimately, it's not the smartest of ideas. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and she did finish second, but at what cost?
I'm not saying they need to ban horse racing, BUT (and this is where I'm probably going to step on some toes) if people want to create an uproar over Michael Vick breeding dogs to fight so he and his buddies can be entertained and make some change, horseracing can't be too much further down the totem pole.
Think about it. Dogs aren't meant to fight and kill each other -- they are meant to be man's best friend, wag their tails, catch frisbees in the park and chase cars.
So when Vick and his buddies did the opposite with their pitbull ring, most were calling for his head, saying it was inhumane and unacceptable -- and I agree.
As for horses, I would think that God created them to graze in the pastures, gallop with their buddies and help with farmwork. Granted, horses also have been used for warfare and to pull tourists around town in a carriage. But still, the majority of horses don't do these things or race.
So now that we have the second horse in three years suffering a fatal injury on the track, all after spending two minutes making money for people who have taken these horses from their normal lifestyle to be "athletes," where's the huge outcry?
Not only that, but the talk of cloning horses is getting louder each year. Now, I'm not trying to get into the issue of whether cloning is right or wrong, but seemingly the only reason to clone horses is to make another Barbaro or Secretariat, aka a moneymaker. Yeah, it might be great for the sport of racing, but isn't our economy in a serious bind, meaning our money could be spent a little more wisely? And how is cloning in hopes of making another great horse any different from a baseball player taking steroids to become the next great hitter?
I understand these trainers aren't deliberately trying to kill these horses like Vick and his buddies were, which is why I'm not placing dogfighting and horse racing on the same pedestal. Yet you can't ignore that both unnecessarily place animals in danger (against their will) and really only benefit humans, who make money and can gloat of "their" achievement.
I also understand that human athletes have died playing many sports from basketball to football to hockey, showing that there is some type of danger in most athletic events. The human element doesn't make the tragedy any less sad, but at least these people have a say in if and when they want to play these sports.
But where do we draw the line? When does breeding, training and beating horses for the sake of three races become inhumane? When do these trainers become more cautious to the fact that these horses are more than just means to a jackpot?
Of course, I don't have all the answers, but this situation should certainly raise more ethical questions than it has. I'm sure most trainers and jockeys love their horses to no end, but it's really interesting to see how people react differently to certain sports, people and situations.
No doubt I'm a lover of sports, but I'm even a bigger proponent for the preservation of life and what's right. I know we can't get inside a horse's head and know if it really enjoys being bred into a racer. But I think we can all safely say that no horse wants to have its last moments in life play out like Eight Belles did on Saturday.

Rumors have been swirling that Scott Rast, the former Battery Creek baseball coach and current science teacher at BC, has accepted a coaching position at Beaufort High School.
Not true.
I talked to the man in question Thursday and even he was wondering what brought about this speculation.
"I've been hearing this rumor for quite a while, but I wish somebody would tell me something," Rast said with a laugh. "I have put my name out there to get back into coaching again and have talked to some prospective schools around the area, but nothing has been offered to me or accepted by me."
Maybe it was the sight of Rast at several BHS baseball games this season ("I live close to Beaufort High, so I went to some of their games").
Maybe it's his close relationship with BHS coach Brook Dixon ("I talk with Brook a lot, but our conversations are about how to improve baseball here in Beaufort County and how to get the kids more involved.").
Or maybe people are looking for some answers after Rast's abrupt resignation during the first week of spring practice ("I'm not in the position to comment on Creek baseball. It's not my program anymore. I just happened to lead the program for nine seasons and raised the program with a lot of help.").
Rast did say that the list of "prospective schools" does include BHS, but he made it clear that IF a position does open up, he would only want to be an assistant to Dixon.
As it stands, Rast recently signed a contract to continue teaching at Creek next year, and while the urge to coach baseball still remains, whatever opportunities that might come will have to be what's best for his wife and 3 kids as well.
"I'm looking to get back into coaching, but I'm also looking at things differently now than I was nine years ago when I first got here," Rast said. "I gotta do what's best for my family.
"I'm still coaching...I'm just coaching my kids right now."

Didn't get a chance to pull something together about my second day at the Verizon Heritage on Thursday (and don't worry, you didn't miss much), so let's skip to day 3.
Saturday was the first time I had the pleasure of sitting in on a Boo Weekley press conference, and I quickly realized the man is truly everything people say about him.
In a 5-minute press conference, the Florida native:
-likened chewing tobacco during his round to a jolly rancher ("I just like to spit a lot, you know. Kind of have to have something in my mouth, I reckon, like a Jolly Rancher or something").
-explained why talking to the fans doesn't throw off his focus ("You're looking around anyway. You're like looking out there in the water or looking at the people").
-proclaimed for the umpteenth time that he's a redneck.
-and admitted who has the better diary ("I guarantee you mama does. She can spell").
Classic stuff.
With the way he's hitting the fairways and draining putts, it's pretty much a done deal that Weekley will become the event's third back-to-back champ.
And since part of the Heritage's prize is a tartan jacket, I guess it makes sense that a colorful guy like Weekley would have two.

Serena versus Sharapova.
Maria versus Williams.
No matter how you say it, the names alone generate great expectations.
And their quarterfinal match Friday certainly lived up to the billing.
I've never seen two players hit as hard and for as long as these two did in their battle.
It was one of those matches where you didn't want to get up to use the bathroom, even if you really had to go, because you were afraid that you might miss another great moment.
Two hours -- yes, two hours! -- went by before the first two sets ended, and one exchange in the first set characterized the intensity.
With Sharapova up 3-2 and the score locked at deuce, Sharapova attempted to cach Serena off guard by slicing a drop shot near the net. But Serena kept her footing on the slick clay and smashed a backhand winner while letting out a scream.
On the next point, the 21-year-old Russian responded, hitting a strong forehand winner down the right side that impressed everyone in the stands.
Speaking of the stands, of course, Serena's dad, Richard, was there and he appears to have some fascination with cameras. He would stroll around the stadium and stands behind photographers, studying their superior cameras and sometimes asking them questions. Then, if he wasn't encouraging his daughter with monotone yells of "Let's go Mika (not sure what that means), he'd sit down and take pictures of Serena at random times.
Anyways, back to the match.
The thing was, even though Sharapova seemed in control for most of the first two sets while Serena seemed out of it, the score said otherwise. Serena won eight straight games at one point and had 11 aces in the first two sets. But afterward, she said that she wss just "going through the motions" during those first two hours. Don't we all wish it was that easy?
Obviously, Serena hit another gear in that third set, winning six of the seven games in just 30 minutes and keeping Sharapova guessing with an arsenal of shots around the court.
It was a tough way to go out for Sharapova, but when the media tried to push her into saying it would ruin her 21st birthday on Saturday, she wouldn't budge. Instead, she somewhat looked forward to actually celebrating her birthday with friends rather playing tennis.
With defending champ and top seed Jelena Jankovic falling in Friday's evening quarterfinal match, Serena is the favorite to win her second straight WTA Tier I event.

After taking in the pong of rackets at the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday, I switched gears Wednesday for the thwap of clubs at the ballyhooed Verizon Heritage.
First let me say, the pollen is something else at Sea Pines. I've been sniffing and sneezing at least three times a minute.
But I'd take that any day over sand gnats, plus there's some good golf to played this weekend.
Wednesday was pro-am day/practice round for the competitors. It's a little funny to watch the amateurs follow up the fluid, powerful swings of pros like Ernie Els and Jim Furyk -- not that I could do any better.
As you can tell from today's article, my focus was on Davis Love III, a five-time winner at Harbour Town and a sleeper/favorite at this year's event (oh, and he's a fellow Tar Heel!).
With his boyish looks and innocent demeanor, it probably easy for some to forget this guy's success on the tour. But a win this weekend would give him 20 on the Tour, meaning he'd have a lifetime exemption to majors. And if Wednesday was any indication (yeah, I know, it was just the pro-am), this could happen.
DL3 looked impressive with the driver and putter Wednesday, as did 16-year-old Blake Mitchell, who joined the group alongside his grandfather.
Mitchell fit right in, placing several nice shots on the green of the beautiful par 3s and sinking some long putts, good for a 3-over finish.
His grandfather wasn't so fortunate, and almost knocked me in the head with one wide shot on the 15th hole.
I couldn't help but laugh when he strolled toward the ball with a can of beer in hand. I'll never understand how people can golf while drinking a beverage that takes away much of what is needed to succeed on the links -- concentration.
Likewise, it's also interesting to me how golf is the sport that demands the most silence from its fans, but also features so many drinkers in its crowd. It's like bringing a baby to the library -- the potential is there for a disturbance, but I guess they make it work.
Other observations from the Heritage:
-Not that I've been to many golf courses in my life -- let alone PGA courses -- but I think I'm safe in saying Harbour Town has some of the best scenery surrounding its course. Especially on the 18th, with the small waves bouncing against the shore and the sun beaming down on the fairway.
-I've tabbed having a house on a place like Sea Pines or Fripp Island as an indication that I've "made it" in life....these resorts are NICE.
-If you make it out here this weekend, expect a zoo, bring your sunscreen and have a good time.

With Venus Williams and Justine Henin dropping out of the Family Circle Cup at the last minute, I know it seems like the event lost some of its star power...not so.
Competition was still fierce and faces were quite familiar in the Cup's second day of action Tuesday.
Take Anna Chavetadze, for instance.
The No. 3 seed was none too happy during and after being upset by Sorana Cirstea, the world's 86th-ranked player. And yeah, I understand, losing is never enjoyable. But Chakvetadze went a little overboard.
During the decisive set, the 21-year-old Russian hit one of her backhanders that sailed wide and out, leading her to smack away one of the balls fed to her by a ballgirl.
A few points later, after crushing a winner down the line, Chakvetadze pumped her fist while displaying her game face, which looked like a mix of every face Bob Knight pulled out a few years back when mocking the term "game face."
As you know, Chakvetadze eventually lost, making for a stirring press conference.
First question: So what do you think decided the match?
Her answer (to the effect of): You saw the match. What can I say? The match was decided when the match was decided.
OK, let's try this again...
Question: What do you think helped your opponent regain the momentum after you stole it in the second set?
Her answer (with a cold stare ahead): She just stopped making mistakes and pushed the ball back to me. That's it.
A minute later, she was off.
After that, I made an abrupt transition to the lighter side of tennis, thanks to my encounter with legendary commentator Bud Collins.
Before Tuesday, I only knew Collins by name, so I had no idea this guy dressed the way he does. His choice of pants Tuesday was a red, white and blue checkered-like pattern to go with his blue shirt and the red sweater draped around his shoulders.
To each his own.
Still, he's a great guy who makes you feel like you are just as accomplished as he has been in 36 years of commentating.
In the nightcap, I got to see none other than Serena Williams, the incredible specimen of a tennis player.
It's easy to see on TV that Serena is built (to say the least), but after seeing her in person...wow, she's built!
Serena's calf muscles bulge out from her legs while calling her shoulders broad is an understatement. This all makes for a powerful volleys and serve, which reached 118 mph Tuesday. But as her opponent, Gisela Dulko, tried to expose in the match, it makes it harder for Serena to make the sprint from the baseline to the net for those tricky drop shots.
A (very) small contigent of celebrities were in the crowd to see this pretty tight match, from Venus and Serena's dad (well, I guess he's kind of made himself a celebrity) to rapper Common, who came off as another nice guy when I acquainted myself with him after the match.
As for Serena's press conference, it was fortunately a total 180 from Chakvetadze's. After plopping her gleaming, gold purse on the table, she was charming, funny and gracious, even with fireworks blaring outside and a couple journalists making some corny, suck-up comments.
All in all, it was a great first day at the Cup.
I'll be back and forth between the Cup and the Heritage this week, so check back on my blog for more off-the-cuff details and observations, if you so desire.

The questions are being thrown around already: Should Memphis have fouled? (No question) Should they have called a time out to set up a defense or even a last-second shot after that Chalmers 3? (Maybe, but who really does that?)
Of course, you've got the Vitales and the Digger Phelps of the world who are so certain about what they would have done in that situation. Mind you, there's a reason they are working for ESPN and not coaching in Monday's game...yeah, calling plays and TOs under pressure didn't work out too well for you guys, did it?
So let's be honest. No, you don't call a TO to set up a defense. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you leave it up to the offense to call the TO, and if not, you play it out like they did last night, which is how it should be. If Sherrod Collins loses that ball on the Jayhawks' last possession or if Chalmers misses that 3, John Calipari is a genius who dodged the bullet of bad FT shooting. Instead, now everybody wants to play the coach with 20/20 hindsight vision...kind of bothers me.
Ultimately, Memphis just needed to make its free throws. As much as Calipari tried to overlook his team's problems from the foul line all year, even Shaq knows you can't go 1-for-5 in the final minute and expect to hold on to the lead. Regardless, that shot by Chalmers was SWEET.
Honestly, I thought Memphis would win pretty easily last night, mainly because I'm still seeing red after that debacle of a performance UNC put together on Saturday. Never seen anything like it, from the Tar Heels' 10 points in the first 13 minutes to Roy Williams coaching a very questionable game (I told you guys that was the one matchup that scared me for my Tar Heels).
But I've thought all year that Kansas was a very solid, balanced team. They have guys who step up every night from that Cole Aldrich guy to Darrell Arthur (20 pts, 10 boards Monday) to Brandon Rush to, of course, Chalmers. Oh and when they execute their offense, especially on press breaks, it's a thing of beauty. If the bracket looked different, I'd have had Kansas in the title game against UNC.
Minus Jim Nantz's corny line at the end (Rock Chalk Championship...you can do better than that, Jimmy) and Roy Williams adding a sizable group of UNC faithful to the laundry list of those who already call him "traitor" (yes, Roy we saw that Jayhawk beak sticking out of your jacket during your halftime cameo as UNC's head coach), Monday's game was quite entertaining. Exciting finish to a solid tourney and a so-so regular season.

You can't help but feel for the Beaufort High School baseball team, which keeps finding itself doomed by one inning, one swing or just one bad turn of events.
Ben Sauls looked very impressive from the mound Monday, striking out eight batters in 5 1/3 innings, but without any runs to complement this effort, it ultimately was for naught in a 5-0 loss to West Ashley.
Like Beaufort coach Brook Dixon told me after the game, the Eagles need to find a way to bring all three facets (pitching, offense and defense) together if they want to make up for their 0-4 start in Region 8-AAAA play.
It's not like the other teams are that much better than Beaufort, at least in my eyes. It just seems like when their opponent seizes some kind of momentum through a scored run or a Beaufort error, the Eagles have a hard time recovering. And of course it's even harder when there's no prior scoring to offset this surge or spark a late-inning rally.
The Eagles already beat Battery Creek once this season, but the Dolphins have come some way since the season-opening Sertoma Classic and are actually a game ahead of Beaufort in the region standings at 1-3. Errors are still an issue, but teams are no longer blowing out BC at a dizzying rate.
So it should be a good battle during Wednesday's rivalry game starting at 7 p.m. at Beaufort. And there might be something at stake for me.
I've seen one Beaufort win (when they beat BC) in the five or so games I've covered the Eagles this season, so Coach Dixon jokingly told me that if they win Wednesday when my esteemed colleague Buddy Hughes is doing the reporting, he's "putting in a request for Buddy to cover (Beaufort)'s games after that."
I'm not a superstitious guy, but like I told him as we shared that laugh, "Hey man, whatever it takes."
Oh and lastly, let me give a belated congrats to my fellow Tar Heels for reaching the Final Four. They look unstoppable and my belief is that if they beat Kansas (and that's no easy task), the championship is theirs.

Ever wonder why the guys who teach the pros aren't pros themselves?
That's what kept crossing my mind as I watched Hank Haney, the golf instructor for Tiger Woods, offer putting tips to several young golfers at the International Junior Golf Tour event at the Legends at Parris Island on Saturday.
This guy was sinking 20-foot putts with ease and almost no concentration. Plus, he's obviously helped Tiger take his game to another level, where win streaks have become as much a part of golf (for Woods) as they are in all team sports. So why isn't Haney on the PGA tour banking on the wealth of skill and wisdom he holds?
I googled Haney's name several times in search of any history on his possible playing days. Nothing.
Apparently, he's taught golf ever since he graduated from Tulsa University in 1977 and never tried venturing onto the pro circuit.
Looking back, I wish I had asked him about this. No doubt, he's doing well for himself instructing the best golfers in the world, but I can't help but wonder why he never took to the professional links, and if he did, what happened?

39, 31, 21.
No, that's not my combination to my safe at home. It's the margins of victory in North Carolina's first three games in the NCAA Tournament.
Yeah, I know it's insane. And while some might see it as reason to worry once the Tar Heels come up against a formidable opponent (which will likely be Louisville in the Elite 8), I see it as just another reason why UNC will win its second title in three years.
As someone who witnessed the school's last champion in 2005 as a UNC student and sports reporter for the school's newspaper, I can confidently say all the ingredients are once again there to cut down the nets.
They've shown the resolve, saying they have a killer instinct might be an understatement, and the weapons are eerily similar to the last champs.
Back then, there was a peaking big man who owned the paint in Sean May. Now, there's Tyler Hansbrough.
In 2005, there was a speedy, playmaking point guard named Raymond Felton. Now, there's Ty Lawson.
Also, there was a silky smooth shooter in Rashad McCants. Now, there's Wayne Ellington.
On top of that, there was a sixth man who could and would start on 99 percent on the rest of the tournament teams in Marvin Williams. Now, there's Danny Green.
And you can't forget the do-it-all hustler and defender in David Noel. Now, there's Marcus Ginyard.
Oh yeah, they also had a wise, fiery coach named Roy Williams. Now, there's...Roy Williams.
Speaking of Roy, he's actually the one factor that worries me the most. Should UNC face Kansas in the Final Four, it would be the worst nightmare for this emotional coach who isn't that far removed from jilting the school that gave him his first chance as a head coach. Granted, Roy won't be on the floor playing, but you've got to wonder how much that media firestorm could distract the team.
Judging by the polls and expert picks, I'm sure most of you agree with the notion that UNC will win it all, so consider this a vote of confidence or encouragement that if you picked the Tar Heels, your busted bracket might not look so bad in the end.