EB’s Random Thoughts, the NFL is looming, drugs, and why is everyone so concerned about my gut?
I’m looking forward to the start of the NFL season, fantasy football, and fall—my favorite time of the year. So let’s get my NFL predictions out of the way early.

NFL Predictions

Divisional Champions:
NFC East: Washington Redskins
NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West: Los Angeles Rams
AFC East: Buffalo Bills
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars (SURPRISE!)
AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers

Wild Cards:
NFC: Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers (Yup, 3 teams from the North!)
AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
NFC Champion: Minnesota Vikings
AFC Champion: Baltimore Ravens
Super Bowl Champion: Minnesota Vikings

It might be wishful thinking, but I believe if J.J. McCarthy and the offensive line stay healthy, the Vikes will be unbelievable. Brian Flores will figure out how to stop Lamar Jackson. I’d love to go to Ireland to see the Vikings play the Steelers, but a 7-hour flight just isn’t for me.

Surprise Team: The New England Patriots. I think they’ll be much improved—just one game out of the playoffs.
The Red Sox & The Yankees

I really like this Sox team. They’re frustrating at times, but so is every MLB team. Don’t trade Jarren Duran or any of the young guys. I love Roman Anthony man, he’s a stud. Incredible plate discipline, clutch hitter, and the power will come.

The Yankees? I think they’re in trouble. Aaron Judge’s injury might be worse than we know. If he’s out for long, their playoff hopes are slim—though they always seem to pull off a miracle.

The Vermont Football Network on NSN

This fall, NSN will broadcast at least 80 high school football games from late August through November. We’re already working with forward-thinking companies who understand how meaningful this is for the athletes. Our goal: every football game on NSN, and eventually every other sport.
We’re still hiring producers, camera operators, and sportscasters. If you know someone—or are someone—who wants to be part of this, email me at eberry@nsnsports.net. This whole project has me fired up!

My Gut
Ah yes, my gut. Apparently, it’s a topic of great fascination. I could laugh it off and say it’s “bought and paid for,” but let’s talk seriously. People feel the need to comment on it—one guy at the golf course even said, “That shirt really shows off your gut.”

Back in 1990, I ruptured and herniated my L5 and S1 discs playing against NFL players in an exhibition basketball game. After surgeries, setbacks, and excruciating pain, I’ve learned that my back isn’t forgiving. Since then, one wrong step or sneeze can leave me bedridden.

So yes, I’ve gained weight. Yes, it shows. And yes, I’m working on it. Starting August 4, I’m aiming to lose 15 lbs per month for two months. I appreciate encouragement. I like food. I like drinks. But it’s time for change—for me, my family, and yes, for you, Mr. Gutchecker.

On Drug Trafficking in Vermont
Let’s get serious.
Recently, a known drug dealer was released on minimal bail. It’s infuriating. I asked ChatGPT: How much does Vermont spend to stop drug trafficking?

Here was the jaw-dropping answer:
The State of Vermont does not currently allocate state-general-fund dollars specifically to combating drug trafficking through enforcement.
Wait, what?
We must do better. Here’s what I propose:
The Governor must push legislators to earmark state funding for police forces to combat trafficking.
The State’s Attorney and Lieutenant Governor should coordinate with judges, prosecutors, and local law enforcement to design the most comprehensive anti-drug plan in Vermont’s history.
We need an Eliot Ness-style sweep: If you deal drugs, you’re out. We must believe it’s possible. If not, it never will be.

I once walked out of LI’s Alumni Auditorium with the late James Hemond, an incredible leader. He said: “We arrest them, and the judges just let them out.” I can’t imagine how frustrating that is for our police.
I admit I don’t know all the operational details of local law enforcement and the DEA, but I know this: they need more resources.

The opinions expressed by EB are his own and do not reflect those of NSN.
To contact Eric, email: eberry@nsnsports.net
Read all blogs at: www.nsnsports.net