Two items, one from each side of the pond, brought some deserved attention to the promotion of better sportsmanship.While both are not monumental in nature, the hope here is that the U.S. college football initiative will become more than a one-week test and that in England and other major pro soccer leagues, that the unbelievably annoying practice of crumbling to the ground with a supposed injury eases up at least a little bit.

Respect for each other and for the integrity of the game are essential. Sports does have the power to influence individuals and communities in a positive way around the world. However, it cannot preach one thing and do another. Being authentic in practice will strengthen the power of its intended messages.

College football plans pregame handshakes –http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=668034&sec=england&cc=5901

Ferguson launches blast at footballing fakers –http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ys-shakehands081509&prov=ap&type=lgns