Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Rummaging through the recycling bin of sports news:

To think I was concerned about American athletes going over the top with their Olympic celebrations. Did you catch that display Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt put on in winning the 100-meter sprint and earning the title of World’s Fastest Human?

Not only did Bolt break his own world record in the process, he did so by the largest victory margin in an Olympic final over the last 40-years. Just imagine what he would have done had he not spent the last 20-meters mugging for the crowd? I understand the kid’s joy at accomplishing a lifelong goal, but in this day and age of records falling more often than Alicia Sacramone, he missed out on a golden opportunity to set a mark that might stand for a long time.

Count me among those who thought something fishy was up with Michael Phelps’
“phantastic” victory over a stunned Milorad Cavic in the 100-meter Butterfly. I realize my eyesight is fading fast and that camera angles sometimes lead to optical illusions, but I had yet to see a conclusive video replay or photo that showed America’s newest superstar touching the wall before his Serbian counterpart. Finally on Monday, Sports Illustrated released this shot confirming what electronic gadgetry told us was the case. Seeing is believing, but I still can’t fathom how Phelps was able to pull that off. Simply Amazing.

How could the judges award trampoline gold medals to contestants who didn’t even dunk a basketball as part of their routine? If they’re going to allow a joke of a “sport” to be included in the Olympics, the least they could do is force the competitors to turn a trick any NBA mascot can perform blindfolded on a nightly basis.

The Patriots offense may be stuck in pre-season mode (see, I didn’t say exhibition!), but Bill Belichick already has his regular season face on. Asked if Tom Brady would have played against Tampa had it been a regular season game, Belichick responded: “Well, it’s not a regular season game.” A follow up about whether the Patriots Head Coach would characterize keeping Brady out of action as a precautionary move was met with the “I wouldn’t characterize it” response. Can’t wait to see how funny Belichick’s going to be if and when Brady ever misses a game that counts.

Speaking of which, I hope Matt Cassel’s agent is contacting Arena League General Managers about possible quarterback openings, because his client sure as heck doesn’t look like he has a future in the NFL.

Tampa Bay is rumored to be shopping Chris Simms’ services. The Pats might be wise to take a look-see in that direction.

Matt Welch is “getting his feet wet and learning the offense,” according to University of New Hampshire Head Coach Sean McDonnell. Welch is still working exclusively at QB and there are currently no plans for a position switch. However, McDonnell says it’s “most likely” a redshirt year is in the offing for the former Lowell High standout.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the Wildcats’ previous quarterback also sat out his first season on campus. You may have heard of him: four year starter, holds every major passing record in UNH history, 2006 Walter Payton Award winner (the 1A equivalent of the Heisman Trophy). Ricky Santos was his name.

Welch, or anyone else for that matter, will be hard-pressed to match Santos’ level of production, but if you believe in karma, here’s a positive sign: While Santos’ number 2 uniform has been retired, Welch is currently using the same locker room stall as the player he one day hopes to replace.