Matt Millen and Five More Painfully Obvious Things That Should’ve Happened by Now

We’re talking about how this phenomenon infiltrates the world of sport. We speak of instances where we as fans watch things transpire over the course of games, months and, in the case of the Lions, seasons and wonder how on Earth somebody is seeing what we’re seeing — and not doing something about it.

Matt Millen’s canning earlier this week is a perfect case (our apologies for being a day or two late to the party). In fact, it’s a model example. So, in honor of his ousting, we’ve decided to take a quick tour of the sports world and throw in our two cents. Here’s our take on five painfully obvious things that should have happened, but haven’t yet.

Surely, you may agree (because, duh, they’re obvious). If not, tell us why and/or hit us up with yours in the comments.

1. Dave Wannstedt Gets Fired

It’s amazing to us that Wannstedt is still at the helm in Pittsburgh. Sure, the loyal son returning home to restore the glory of yesteryear to this alma mater was perfectly scripted. Unfortunately for Panthers fans, the results have been less than fairytale. Wannstedt is 19-20 through a little over three seasons in charge. The numbers don’t tell half the story, though.

There’s just something about the look in his eyes and the demeanor of the team he puts on the field. We can’t quite put our finger on in it. He’s got a little bit of the Loser Face Disorder action going. Coaches Hot Seat goes into in even greater detail. Plus, you know it’s bad when the folks at FireWannstedt.com don’t even have the energy to continue to post. And, no, we don’t care that they’re 3-1 after today. Go win nine games this year. Do that and we’ll give you a reprieve. After all, you needed a ferocious fourth-quarter comeback to beat Syracuse. Speaking of which…

2. Greg Robinson is Asked to Leave

My father has strong ties to “upstate New York.” He grew up in the same town as Ernie Davis. So each week, he tunes into watch Syracuse play football whenever possible despite now living half-hour or so outside Manhattan. Unfortunately for him, the ‘Cuse can be found somewhere on the set almost every week. Since Greg Robinson took charge, most of those viewing experiences have been pretty brutal.

Robinson now sports an 8-32 record as Syracuse head coach. He is 2-23 in the Big East. Wait a second, is that even possible??!! During that time, Cuse boasts the third-worst PPG average in the country. We’re not sure what else has to happen here for the axe to fall. There seems to be a strong chance based on this schedule and recent history that the Orangemen finish up 1-11. One would think Robinson’s making it even that far would be a miracle. But, then again, he’s somehow made it this far.

3. Isiah Thomas Shown the Door by the Knicks

I shake my head as I write this, because the fact that Isiah Lord Thomas III is still gainfully employed by the New York Knickerbockers is absolutely mind-boggling. Zeke’s historic exploits are well-chronicled. I’m not even sure if it’s possible to screw up in his current “role,” but I put nothing past this man.

4. Scott Linehan Dismissed

Linehan’s resume isn’t as dreadful as the others in this lot. He hasn’t failed to as great a degree, nor is he maybe deserving of as much heat. However, the NFL has one of the shorter fuses for head coaches of any other major sport. The Rams finished 3-13 in 2007 and things are looking beyond awful this year. It’s a wonder a head man is still in charge after a hometown article like this in which the writer calls the 2008 edition of the Rams the “worst team in the history of NFL football in St. Louis.” Ouch.

5. Starbury Departs the Big Apple

Really, this could’ve been a number of Knicks (Eddy Curry comes to mind). However, Starbury’s continued tenure in New York, even after Isiah’s removal as head coach, is a constant head scratcher. Although Stephon is now reporting to camp, it will be shocking if he makes it to the opening tip in a Knicks uniform. Then again, what the hell do we know.