Maybe it's time to be less cynical about the sports world. I know, I know, that statement is contrary to everything I stand for and believe in, but perhaps the time has come. What has created this sea change of emotion, you ask? Well, I was inspired to write after watching the NCAA championship game and reflecting on some of the sports commercials that have been omnipresent on TV lately.

Although this all may be fanciful wishing, let's just pretend for a second.

Perhaps Coach K really does want to help you "grow as a person," as he states in his moving American Express commercial. He seems really sincere anyway.

Maybe good ole Barry Bonds just decided to eat all of his greens and do a lot of push ups in his late 30s and became immensely muscular that way.

There has to be some truth to all those MasterCard commercials, otherwise they wouldn't still be running after all these years. You know, the ones where they talk about how you paid $8 for your hot dog and $90 dollars for your ticket, but when the team of multi-millionaires you associate yourself with wins the championship, the feeling is priceless? It's not whether or not the people you're cheering for are actually good people, they represent everything you hope and wish for in that moment.

Perhaps there was some truth to Curt Schilling thanking God after the Boston Red Sox won the World Series last year. Perhaps the Almighty One came back for another day of work after his seventh day of rest and actually said, "I hate the Yankees, too. Let Boston beat them and win the World Series. And also let them inspire a new Jimmy Fallon movie." Maybe not, but it's a nice thought isn't it?

Going back to NCAA title game, it was just a stunning performance from Sean May that anyone could appreciate. He was an unstoppable force in every aspect of the game. Even if he may have allegedly received illegal booster money to come to North Carolina, his mom allegedly wrote his papers for him and he allegedly drank a Red Bull before the game — who really cares? It's obvious he cared about the game and was doing everything in his power to win it for his team and their legions of fans. And we watch sports for that kind of attitude and talent.

Like I said though, I might just be going crazy in my newfound acceptance of big-time athletes. Actually, I don't really mind if all the negatives turn out to be true. Otherwise guys like me and Jose Canseco would never have anything to write about.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on April 7 2005.