It’s been a wild year for the sports world.

Every week a new headline pops up about a lockout, scandal, blockbuster trade, or the phenomenon that is Tim Tebow. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time that Americans assembled their wish list, and here’s what they should be asking for.

The NBA should have forgiveness at the top of their list. Their return on Christmas day shocked many fans, and while the diehard fans may be excited, it’s going to take a lot of begging and groveling for the rest of America to get back into basketball.

I know what Tim Tebow is wishing for: a Super Bowl ring. I don’t know why people still doubt Tebow. He’s winning games. Of course, the real test will come if the Denver Broncos reach the playoffs. A Super Bowl ring would shut up the rest of the world, and prove to Tebow’s toughest critics, including John Elway. Of course, Tebow should settle for a couple more wins this season, but I know he’s secretly asking Santa for that coveted ring.

If you’re the NCAA, you better be begging Santa for a quiet year. It seemed that as one scandal died down, an even bigger one would be uncovered. It’s a sign that the NCAA needs to be restructured, or needs to start being more productive in enforcing the rules. Unfortunately, this year was home to some of the worst scandals, and if this is any indicator of years to come, it could turn into a bloodbath.

With all that the NCAA had to deal with this year, it would be great if they could finish the year on a high note. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look possible because bowl games are coming up for D1 football. If there’s any topic that can get people riled up, it’s the BCS system. It’s largely designed to bring in huge amounts of money to the universities that compete, making it a political process rather than a merit-based achievement. It’s a confusing process. While it’s fun to watch the bowl games, college football needs a playoff system. Top teams from each division need to compete against each other, and the top two teams need to meet up at the championship. It’d be a lot better than the whole ranking system, and the teams that are performing well would be rewarded.

When the world wakes up on Christmas morning, there will be presents galore for the sports world. They need all the extra help they can get this year. l

hrutt@mavs.coloradomesa.edu