Apparently it wasn't simple enough for the Associated Press.
Somehow Brian Cushing kept his AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but it wasn't because he was still the best first-year player on defense. It was because of a fatally flawed progress that was bungled like a Kris Brown field goal in the fourth quarter.
Because the AP clumsily asked for a last-second revote, it allowed the writers and broadcasters to take a stand. They either kept their votes as is, or took a ridiculous stand of some sort. Chris Mortensen, who I have a ton of respect for, was one of three voters who abstained. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (also highly respected) changed his vote *to* Cushing.
The problem is that Cushing became headline news, and every voter had to take a political stand. Instead of just doing a little research and placing a vote, they either jumped on their soapbox against the process, or stepped out against performance-enhancing drugs.
My real question is why didn't the AP think ahead and have a plan for this situation?
Here's the simple solution.
1. Have all voters give 1-2-3 on their ballots. You can stagger the scoring; 5-3-1 for first, second and third.
2. If a player is suspended for any sort of PED, their votes go away. No re-voting, no re-tabulating. Second place wins.
Simple, huh?
That way, we don't make the most dangerous move of all - give writers time to think.
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