Even if they are rooted in the best intentions, like the reoccurring one where I try to eradicate all foul words from my mouth, these "resolutions" wind up no better off than "suggestions" the first time you stub your big toe (if only "golly gee" made the pain go away as quickly as say, @#$%).

With that being said, it's undoubtedly harder to ask someone else to keep a resolution if you can't keep your own.

It's worth a shot though.

There are a number of resolutions the sports media should keep throughout the year. And as a card-carrying member, I'd be happy to suggest a few.

1. Stop hiring every ex-jock to give analysis.

Emmitt Smith was a great player, but I'm not sure he knew much more about football other than how to keep his body intact and follow his blocks.

There are exceptions, of course, like Tom Jackson, Kenny Smith, Steve Young, Jay Bilas, etc. But there's no reason Jalen Rose, a guy who consistently gets facts and pronunciations wrong, should still be getting a paycheck from ESPN.

Somebody, hire those who are used to being either on radio or in front of the camera, and those who are used to covering sports for a living. I can't take much more of Emmitt, or Keyshawn Johnson for that matter.

2. Start recognizing a player by how he actually plays.

I remember when Manu Ginobili first broke into the NBA. He was described as "deceptively quick." What's deceptive about being quick?

Honestly, I think most media members were shocked a white guy from Argentina was playing more like Dwayne Wade than J.J. Redick, and before you knew it we had a new term.

It's time we went back to evaluating guys by what they do on the field, not our expectation. Tyler Hansbrough is regarded as a "hard-worker," which is only part true.

Fact is, athleticism not only runs in the family (brother Ben will play for Notre Dame next year), but Psycho T exudes all sorts of skills. How many guys his size can run the court like he can or maintain body control as well?

It took a good 10 years of top-flight play in the NFL for Steve McNair to be considered more than a running quarterback who could throw. Fact was, he was always a smart throwing quarterback who happened to run.

3. Stop telling fans what to expect.

This can work on a year-to-year basis, but not when talking about the entire program.

For instance, saying that N.C. State shouldn't expect to compete for a national championship this season is perfectly fine. You can look at the roster and make that assumption.

But when media outlets get into the business of telling the Wolfpack or any other fan base that it's not right to dream big because of who you are, well, we have a problem.

Nothing turns off fans more than being lectured to about how high they should hope. And in this day when Kansas is good in football and Florida is good in basketball, how can anyone know who can and can't be winners in the future?

4. Get out of players' personal lives.

I don't care that Tony Romo dates Jessica Simpson, or if Matt Leinart wants to party with co-eds in the hot tub. OK, maybe it perks my interest just a little. But don't try to pass off this personal stuff as "sports news."

I love to hear more about athletes off-the-field persona, and appreciate a good player feature. But please, leave Tom Brady's out-of-wedlock kid as material for the National Enquirer, not The Sporting News.

5. Keep pushing for a college football playoff.

This one just got a lot harder when ESPN bought out the rights for the BCS. Now the largest voice in the sports media has a conflict of interest.

It's already started in some regards, as Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit have both done a 180 on the subject of a college football playoff, both staring into the camera and telling Texas fans that they should put being shafted for the national title game behind them.

They both know Texas fans won't forget. but they're hoping you and I will so there isn't as much fuss once the BCS becomes their client.

But remember, the current system basically said in order for Texas to be considered better than Oklahoma, it would have to switch near-identical resumes, which includes losing to Oklahoma. That's an outrage.

That's five resolutions, which greatly increases one's media's chances of keeping just one.

And even if most don't, you can bet at least one member will. Besides, I like these resolutions way better than giving up Hershey's.

Happy New Year to you all, from TCN Sports.