Dr. I: Can UConn fans stop acting like bumpkins?

Idle Thoughts, while waiting for Election Night, the New York Football Giants and for Michael Kay to ditch "let's do it" before the first pitch of every game:• Dr. Idle, Dr. I to his close friends, wonders when the UConn crowd will finally arise and inhale the Nantucket Blend (wake up and smell the coffee):If you insist on catering to basketball, stay in the Big East and accept that media revenue payouts to member schools, comparatively speaking, are minimum wage. But if you want the money, it's about upgrading football, provided there's still time, money and outside interest, following the dreaded decision to render the program Independent.Remember: Three schools from the American, UConn's old conference, went to the Big 12 during expansion and realignment two years ago: Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida. Dr. I believes UConn would have been chosen as well, had it stayed in the AAC. The decision to placate basketball was lauded throughout the state, all the blubbering about the Big East and how great thou art.Except that it was wrong. And now the UConn hierarchy is begging.• A tweet from U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy: "I've always believed UConn should stay in the Big East. Our athletes and fans have a great regional conference that clearly works for our highest profile sport, basketball. Chasing football relevance is a mistake. We will get burned," he wrote last week.Holy Naivete, Batman. An elected official content with State U athletics running $30-40 million in the red, balking at the only path to fiscal salvation? A reminder to Sen. Murphy: The Big 12 announced in May that its revenue distribution among its members will be $470 million in 2024.And he's OK with somebody else bearing the responsibility for UConn's deficit?• Quiz: Name the two New York Football Giants who share the record for most interceptions in a season with 11. Hint: None are on the current roster, but then, you probably figured that already. (Answer below)• Tremendous line last week from longtime New York Daily News columnist (and highly intellectual BC grad) Mike Lupica: "J.D. Vance is such a bad pick I can't believe the Jets didn't draft him."• RIP, WCBS radio (880-AM). The ultimate go-to. Traffic and weather together on the eights. The great Tom Kaminski in the chopper. Paul Murnane. Marla Diamond. Wayne Cabot. But then, why would anyone want real news anymore when there's Facebook, right?• Dr. I sends best wishes for the potential sale of Maple Lane Farms to owners Allyn and Kim Brown.One of Dr. I's favorite places.Never forget "Strawberry Shortcake Night" at Dodd Stadium during the old Norwich Navigator days. The whole crowd got free strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries from Maple Lane Farms. Good people.• Dr. I and Little I, his 14-year-old son, were in the car the other day on Williams St. by Mr. G's in New London, heading to Route 32.Suddenly, one of our esteemed dirt bikers whipped past — riding the yellow line near oncoming traffic — darting hither and yon. Our esteemed dirt biker also had a passenger, looking to be about a 10-year-old boy, wearing no helmet.Just remember: There is nothing — absolutely, positively, indubitably nothing — our police and elected officials can do about such matters. Nothing. Know why? Because they keep saying so.Isn't it about time we start holding them accountable?• From Dr. Is pals at GameTimeCT: Former CIAC high school football players in the NFL this preseason include Zach Allen (New Canaan/Broncos), Jack Driscoll (Hand/Dolphins), John Jenkins (Maloney/Raiders), Travis Jones (Wilbur Cross/Ravens), Will Levis (Xavier/Titans), Tyler Matakevich (St. Joseph/Steelers), Lucas Niang (New Canaan/Chiefs), and Jason Pinnock (Windsor/Giants).• If actress Rita Moreno married former Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book and then divorced him for former pro soccer player Paul Toomey, that would make her something little kids say every night before bed. (Rita Book Toomey)• Best follow on X is the great Ruth Buzzi. Her recent contribution: "I just saw a casket for sale on Facebook marketplace and thought to myself that's the last thing I'll ever need."• Dr. I thinks he witnessed baseball history the other night.Before the immortal Carlos Rodon threw his 10th pitch of the game in Washington, he had already allowed a home run, single, stolen base, thrown a wild pitch and balked home a run.Sorry, but that takes a certain skill.• Does anyone know why the light on Montauk Ave. at Mitchell College stays red longer than the duration of some marriages?• Quiz answer: Jimmy Patton (1958) and Otto Schnellbacher (1951).This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro