Simon gets 30; Okposo leaves school; Costas still short

Kyle Okposo, he of "the" famous YouTube goal, has reportedly left University of Minnesota and The Golden Gophers have even called a news conference for 5 p.m. ET to announce Okposo’s decision.

According to Greg Logan's kick-ass Newsday blog--the blog of record if you ask me (and I write this one)--the Islanders have offered no comment about the situation so far.

This allows for some fun speculation. Okposo was (is?) expected to be a major player for the US at the World Junior Championships after Christmas. (Thank you, Center Ice.) Will he jump straight to the Isles? Will he play for the US and then come to the Island? Let the speculations begin!

In other Islander news, of course, Colin Campbell passed out a 30 game hall pass to Chris Simon. It's about right, I think.

The thing that we need to take into consideration here is that something is wrong with the dude. After the initial knee-jerk reaction I had to can him for good, I'm thinking that the Isles are taking the high road in this mess and are trying to do right by Chris Simon the person. Do I think he is going to play again for the team? I doubt it. He's caused many more headaches and embarrassment to the organization than he really should have. But Mr. Wang and Garth Snow and Ted Nolan are being very brave and noble in their attempt to help the guy out. You just have to respect that.

Oh, yeah. And the boys are back against Buffalo tonight.

In sad news, NBC announced that perpetual midget and Bill James Lap Boy Bob Costas will be the master of ceremonies at Ralph Wilson Stadium on 1/1/08 when the Penguins play the Sabres in the Winter Classic in Buffalo.

Early reports we can find online are projecting a high-pressure system full of self-importance settling in over the greater Buffalo metro-area right before the opening faceoff. Skies will be smirky with a 90% chance of smugness. Highs of 4-foot-2.

Seriously, is it too late to get NBC to cancel the game? C'mon, Gary. I already get the Center Ice package (bless you, Center Ice) and I could always watch the CBC coverage instead? Gary? Little help?