20 Questions With Jeff Johnson

Just a few thoughts, in no particular order of importance, from this Source Media Group multi-media reporter. Let me know if you agree or disagree.

Or if you've got some questions (and answers) of your own!

1. Isn't this 9.2 live sports coverage awesome? Not to act like a company shill or anything, but, yeah. Prep sports, RoughRiders hockey, Kernels baseball, coverage of small college athletics … good stuff. And look for live prep football games on 9.2 this fall.

2. Have you heard about KGYM-AM's new “Balbinot and Brommelkamp” radio show? Or is it “Brommelkamp and Balbinot?” At any rate, it's amazing an all-sports station took this long to create a local drive-time talk show. Guessing it'll be popular.

3. Will the NFL strike/lockout end in time for the 2011-12 season to start on time? Yes.

4. Will the NBA strike/lockout end in time for the 2011-12 season to start on time? No.

5. Is it me or has ESPN Radio turned into a 24-hour commercial for its television programming? Turned on the radio the other night, and there was a pre-competition interview with hot dog eating champ Joey Chestnut. No, I'm not kidding.

6. Do you enjoy watching the MLB Network or ESPN more for your baseball viewing needs? MLB Network, hands down.

7. Has Tiger Woods taken performance-enhancing drugs in his professional golf career? Let's see, his body has suddenly broken down and a doctor that has treated him and other pro athletes (like Alex Rodriguez) pleaded guilty Wednesday to smuggling drugs, including human growth hormone, into the country from Canada. Two and two in this case does equal four.

8. Has college football become a cesspool of cheating? Sportsline.com is doing a five-part series on that subject that began Wednesday. Very interesting and recommended reading.

9. Should college athletes be paid? I know I'm in the minority here, but, no.

10. How will the Iowa football team fare this season? Talk to me in a month. It ain't time for football, yet.

11. How will the Iowa State football team fare this season? See above.

12. Can someone please explain this NASCAR thing to me? It's an individual sport, but you've got teammates. If you don't have a teammate, you're not going to win a race. I don't get it.

13. Will the Cedar Rapids Kernels explore their affiliation options after next season? Attendance has become stagnant, as has the franchise in some ways. Hey, board of directors. Rebranding yourself with a new major league affiliate (Twins, anyone?) could breathe new life. I know you think the Angels have been good to you, but you're running a business. At least see what's out there.

14. Did you see Mike Trout last season when he was a Kernel? Don't lie. Dude's only hitting .330 in Double-A as a 19-year-old with 11 triples and 28 stolen bases. A major league star very soon.

15. Watching much of the Women's World Cup? No, me neither.

16. Isn't it time for the CFL to begin? Already has. Week 2 in the land of the hosers begins Friday.

17. Who's going to win the PGA John Deere Classic this weekend in the Quad Cities? Going out on a limb here and picking Louis Oosthuizen. Don't know why.

18. Did you hear there's another “Major League” sequel in the works?” It's true. The script is being written and Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Dennis Haysbert and Corbin Bernsen want to be in it. Not sure if that's a good thing. ”Major League II” was OK, but “Major League: Back to the Minors” starred Ted McGinley. All you need to know about that, ahem, movie.

19. Have you bet the Tri-Super at Gulf Greyhound Park in Texas lately? Carryover is up to $10,000. As an old “dog guy,” this has suddenly piqued my interest.

20. How 'bout that weather?