Okay I haven't posted anything for a while now (I just haven't had the time lately). But here’s a Christmas greeting mixed in with some thoughts on the world of sports from this week.

First off, I know it's a little late in the game, but if anyone is looking for a last-minute gift for the sports fan you know, check out these gift ideas (I wrote the last entry, on "Poker").

Next, I just want to mention my prayers go out to Tony Dungy and his family. Really tough. Especially the timing, just before Christmas. Although, there certainly isn't ever good timing for you to lose your son. I just hope that he feels Christ's presence even stronger at this time. Dungy is a Christian and a man of superb character and known for his work and commitment with "family first" endeavours. I'm sure he'll have a great support. Football will be far from his mind for a while, but hopefully he'll be strong enough in a few weeks to lead his Colts to a SuperBowl win (I'm rooting for them.)

Now, onto some sports commentary, Team Canada announced its roster this week and there were two points of debate: the exclusion of Sidney Crosby and the inclusion of Todd Bertuzzi.

Firstly, I for one think it definitely should have included Crosby. One of the best columnists of our time, Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated, wrote that the exclusion of Crosby from the team effectively downgraded Mario Lemieux's status as one of this nation's icons to just another guy giving his two cents, since Lemieux lobbied for the Kid's inclusion and was essentially ignored. That's an interesting viewpoint, and I don't disagree.

Crosby is the future in hockey, not just in the NHL, but in Canada, and he should be representing the country right now, not four years from now. And I'm not saying he deserves a spot based on his "future". If you look at how he's played this year, I don't know how he really could have done anything more to earn a spot on the team. He doesn't have as many points as some of the other players, but he is also not on a very good team. And yet he is still the leading rookie point-getter and is the reason the Penguins won the games that they have won. I don't care who you leave off, you have to find a way to have him on the team. Or at least on the taxi squad.

Secondly, I don't have any problem with the inclusion of Bertuzzi. In fact, I have a problem with people who have a problem with the inclusion of Bertuzzi. They call him a thug and complain that he does not represent Canada well. Do they really think he's a thug?

What he did was wrong no doubt, but does that act represent the kind of person he is, and thus by extension what kind of team Canada is? I don't think so. I think he has paid his punishment for what he did, and whether or not you think it was enough of a punishment, you have to allow him a chance to move on and redeem himself.

To me there’s no doubt he should be on the team on merit. And I really think he’s a good guy who made one very bad lapse in judgment –- who is not likely to do it again, and that’s the key. I myself wouldn’t say I’m not proud to have him on my team.

Finally, for Team USA, Jeremy Roenick was not selected to be on the roster, but I think he has only himself to blame. And I’m not talking about him playing poorly this year, because perhaps you should give a veteran a spot based on some degree of loyalty and knowing the leadership he’s brought to the table in the past and is likely to do again.

But he kind of shot himself in the foot and backed the selection committee into a corner where they absolutely couldn't pick him for the team when he made comments the previous week saying they had better pick him. Now the committee couldn’t select him because it would be perceived that they’d be doing it because they have no backbone. Plus, how can they trust him to be on their team when he’s effectively putting himself above them and not respecting their authority in a sense. Roenick came out too presumptuous and it cost him.

Well, I tried to make up for a slightly long hiatus here. I hope you weren’t too bogged down. Hey it’s the Christmas holidays.

I wish you a happy one, and many blessings! And remember the reason for the season (a little corny, I know, but with things put in perspective, I had to say it.)