by Jimmy Vaccaro (Twitter @JimmyVaccaro)
November 22, 2011

I don’t know where the term Black Friday came from. Maybe we can apply it to our racket and have some fun with it.

You as the "consumer" can either camp out or be first in line to attack an overnight line that maybe will not be adjusted or look for a weather game. I do remember when "Doc" was to release his Big Ten Game of the Year the line started forming at 4 a.m. as the game was to be released at 10 a.m. ET.

Some very progressive players would pay up to $500 to hold their place in line. To them it was a cheap price to pay for a game that would usually move seven points once the smoke had cleared.

It was just like our Black Friday warriors, who have the aisle numbers and items planted in their head before the doors opened are now switching off with friend or spouse that stays in line.

Everything is relative. I suppose a 48 inch flat screen at half price is worth the wait the same as our guy buying his ducat at his local Walmart – excuse me sports book.

While we are on a shopping spree, I would hope to see Bob Stoops and Chip Kelly in line buying the new toy sensation called the "hello is anybody in there toy."

Remember when Biff was whacking Marty McFly on his coconut in Back To The Future. Stoops calling time out when he shouldn’t have and "Chipster" playing the last seconds down to the nub may have cost both a higher bowl bid.

Black Friday to the bookmakers is simple – walking in that morning after witnessing the three  faves along with the overs that lined up Thursday. If that’s the case we will all be in line buying out the Pepto Bismol.

All joking aside we are all a part of this this topsy turvy industry. Make your plays, but leave some time for your family. Happy Thanksgiving.

Take care,
Jimmy V.

Re-printed with permission of Gaming Today.