THE BROO VIEW with Ken Broo

It was great to see Carson Palmer win the MVP award at this year's Pro Bowl game. It gave us a taste of what it might be like, if Palmer and his Bengals could ever get to that next step and be a legitimate playoff contender. But I have a serious question about the Pro Bowl: what is the point?

Has this game outlived its usefulness? It used to be a nice reward for players who'd had outstanding seasons. Most weren't making a lot of money, so a week paid vacation to Hawaii, with only a few grunts, groans and tackles asked for in exchange was a pretty good deal.

Now, virtually every player selected to play in the Pro Bowl is making hundreds of thousands of dollars every season (some of course, much more than that.) Almost 20 percent of those selected beg off, most with some phantom injury.

And you have to ask why any team would want one of its star players involved in a meaningless game where a serious injury could occur? I'm sure the Saints are asking themselves that tonight, after Drew Brees dislocated his elbow in Saturday's game. The Bengals are breathing easier, after holding their breath watching Chad Johnson go down with what turned out to be only a knee 'tweak'.

I have a much better idea as to how the NFL can address its all star situation. In fact, it's part of this week's Broo v. Broo, which you can find posted on my web site: www.kenbroo.com. Head on over there and check it out. It's in the "Podcasts & More" section.