I like to keep my columns related to Oregon State. You know, since my target audience consists of the students of Oregon State U. and the citizens of Corvallis, it only makes sense.

But in July there’s not much to talk about when it comes to collegiate athletics. College baseball is long over. There’s nothing new on the recruiting front. The start of college football practice is still weeks away. So, really, there’s almost nothing to write about.

Apparently, the big media boys out there are suffering from a similar problem. Now that the NBA free agency drama is over (except Chris Paul), and Major League Baseball is in the midst of a dreadfully long 162-game season, and the first football game is still a month and a week away, there’s not too much to talk about in the world of sports.

Which is why they’re desperate for stories, and why something like “so and so wouldn’t carry so and so’s pads after practice” makes headlines.

Yes, I’m referring to you, Dez Bryant.

So, in a way, this column does have something to do with OSU. Just not the OSU we are all used to. Bryant was a star receiver at Oklahoma State University last season, and was a first round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Cowboys – Dallas Cowboys, that is – took a chance on the somewhat troubled collegiate receiver. Bryant was a superior talent on the field but missed the majority of the 2009 season due to a suspension.

Bryant came to Dallas looking to fight for a starting job. Rising superstar Miles Austin appears to have the role as the team’s No. 1 receiver on lock, but fading veteran Roy Williams failed to impress in Dallas last season, and his status as the team’s No. 2 appeared to be in jeopardy when Bryant signed on.

So it’d be safe to assume that Bryant, a fierce competitor according to everyone who knows him, came to Dallas looking to beat out Williams, and potentially Austin.

Which maybe explains why he refused to carry Williams’ pads at the end of practice last week. Despite the fact that he’s a rookie, and that’s what rookies do.

Just carry the dang pads!

It’s not much of a story. So it’s not much of a column. But it is funny: A) how desperate the media is for stories this time of year, and B) how the media will latch on to a troubled superstar and blow up everything he does wrong.

Receivers are always the biggest divas in the NFL. They always provide the best off-the-field storylines. Looks like this season will be no different.

Oh, and I just heard Terrell Owens is teaming up with Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati. Let the wide receiver drama continue.