-- only to point out some alarming numbers that seem to be resultin

Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw wants New Zealand to change their flag to one with a silver fern. The 35-year-old, who earlier this week was named New Zealander of the Year, said he felt his country needed to change the flag when he ran out ahead of last years World Cup final against Australia.McCaw won 148 Test caps for the All Blacks and, as one of the countrys greatest ever sportsmen, his opinion carries substantial weight. The moment when I decided a new flag would be great for our country (was when) running out at Twickenham and seeing the two flags looking so similar. Richie McCaw New Zealand is currently undergoing a two-part referendum to determine whether or not to change its flag, with the second phase due to be held next month when a design featuring a fern on a blue and black background, will face off against New Zealands current flag.The existing flag features the United Kingdoms Union Jack in the corner and four red stars in a Southern Cross formation, indicating New Zealands location in the South Pacific.The moment when I decided a new flag would be great for our country [was when] running out at Twickenham and seeing the two flags looking so similar, McCaw wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday, with a picture of the two flags side by side. Richie McCaw holds up the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the World Cup in 2011 The silver fern has always been the special symbol on the All Black jersey that represents who we are as Kiwis, so the new flag with a silver fern as a part of it would be a great option I believe.McCaw joined fellow All Blacks team mate Dan Carter, who now plays in France, as two high-profile sports people to come out in favour of a new flag in the last week. Also See: Jones has three-year plan Warburton: Im never complacent Rugby on Sky Follow @SkySportsRugby Discount Asics Shoes Australia . First off, the fans ripped the Cubbies introduction of a fuzzy new kid-friendly mascot named "Clark". Asics Clearance Shoes Australia . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. http://www.australiaasicscheap.com/ . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. Cheap Asics Shoes Online Australia .J. Ellis hit two-run homers and the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-0 Saturday night. Asics Shoes Outlet Australia . While hell be dialed in to that tournament on a course he loves, you can forgive him if his eyes glance down the calendar just a bit, towards April. Sometimes, even Superman needs to sit one out and think things over.Cam Newton has carried a lot on his shoulders the past couple of years, and his shoulders arent the only part of him thats sore. A concussive blow to Newtons head knocked him out of last weeks game and will keep him out of Monday nights game. That blow could have been avoided if Newton had taken the clear path to the goal line -- as in, not through a linebacker -- on a two-point conversion attempt last Sunday. But his path isnt really the issue here.Look, no ones arguing that Newton deserved his concussion. The silver lining in the reigning MVPs injury is that it offers him a chance to take a break -- and maybe take stock.While Newton is fun and brilliant on the field, one of his problems right now is that hes playing both quarterback and running back. Newton has 188 rushing attempts since the start of the 2015 season. Thats 62 more than Russell Wilson, who has the second-most quarterback rushing attempts over that time, and more than all but 31 NFL running backs. Theres more: According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Newton has encountered contact 831 times while rushing or throwing the ball since his debut in 2011. The next-highest total over that time frame belongs to Wilson, and its 533. Thats a massive discrepancy.Newton runs the ball much more than any other quarterback and gets hit much more than any other quarterback, and wed all be fools if we failed to make a connection there. This is who Newton is, and its who the Carolina Panthers ask him to be. But maybe its time to think about changing things up a little bit. Maybe Newtons concussion-induced absence offers him and his team the chance to ponder whether running as much as Newton runs is really the best way to go.Again, not assigning blame here. Newton wasnt doing anything wrong when he waltzed toward an apparently wide-open end zone on that two-point try -- wasnt doing anything he hasnt done many times before. The point is that these kinds of injuries happen in football, regardless of how careful you are. Identifying the situations in which it makes sense to be careful can be a key to extending your career.Since entering the NFL, Newton has played with breathless abandon. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, hes bigger than many of the defenders who try to hit him, aand sometimes seems invincible.dddddddddddd. But if an injury to your brain doesnt make you question your invincibility, one must wonder what would.The facts of Newtons life right now include Hall of Fame talent and a good enough supporting cast to allow him to dream of the games greatest glory. He played in the Super Bowl eight months ago. He has an MVP award. He is merely 27 years old. With the way the games rules are set up now to protect quarterbacks, he easily has 10 years left -- maybe as many as 15 -- if he can keep himself healthy.Again, its about all those hits.Additionally, since this seasons opener in Denver, it has become disturbingly clear that opponents are interested in hitting Newton in the head. The leagues rules offer some protection against that, but that protection dwindles for a quarterback when he leaves the pocket and becomes a runner, and Newton does that often. Several of the Broncos quarterback hits in Week 1 were illegal and should have been penalized. The hit that knocked him out of last weeks game, however, was legal. It would not have happened if he hadnt turned himself into a running back for the sake of two points.I do not come to tell Newton how to play football -- only to point out some alarming numbers that seem to be resulting from his attempts to play the games most important position and its most dangerous at the same time. If thats the way he wants to play, thats his perfect right. I know I love watching him, as much as any player in the league right now, and playing this way has made him rich and famous and successful. If he comes back from this concussion next week or two weeks from now or two months from now and decides nothing needs to change, hey, its his life and his career.Its unfortunate Newton has a concussion and that he cant play this week. He absolutely must take as long as he needs to get back, and the leagues concussion protocol ensures he will, whether he likes it or not. But however long this break from football ends up being, it offers Newton and his team a chance to think about whether his playing style is really the best thing for him and for them moving forward. Its a conversation theyd be wise to have. ' ' '