The Kortney Pillar is moving. Where you ask, to my own website which will be officially launching next week (you can see it now here). That’s right you’re boy is taking ownership of his own content.
Now nothing is going to change. You’re going to get the same content: A comedic approach to Sports and Pop-Culture.
I will no longer writing my blog on my wordpress site. I won’t be shutting it down, but it will no longer be updated. Now if you want to continue getting my content just go to, www.kortneyshanewilliams.com/thekortneyshanepillar Go there now.
In the Eastern Conference we have the top 2 seeds battling it out for the right to go to the NBA Finals. When this season started I wouldn’t have dreamed of this being a possible scenario (which probably says more about me). However after some injuries and bad trades (shout out to Otis Smith and Danny Ainge) here we are.
Don’t be prisoners of the moment. We have seen Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls accomplish great feats throughout the regular season. At one time it was believed that they were the odds on favorite to go to the finals, but as the great Notorious B.I.G. said, “Things Done Changed.” During the post season the Bulls have been proven to be a limited team that does everything right. They’re kind of like a good looking guy with a limited vocabulary. Dude looks good, smells, and has good hygiene, but at the end of the day he going home alone, because he doesn’t have the mouth piece needed to get it done before last call (anyone can get it done after last call. At that point only low hanging fruit is left. You get no points for landing grenades). You can point to the Bulls and they’re defensive intensity, but everybody is playing with intensity at this time of the year. In addition Miami is the best defensive team left in the playoffs. So, Chicago’s two biggest strengths are null.
Now the Bulls definitely have the advantage at point guard. And when I say advantage, I mean it isn’t close. Derrick Rose will embarrass any point on Miami’s roster. Rose probably relishes the opportunity to go up against Mike Bibby. Heck I relish the opportunity to go up against Mike Bibby. Miami should petition the NBA to have the point guard position stricken from NBA rosters, and propose 4 on 4 as an alternative. So everyone would agree that Rose will have his way. Then what?
The Bulls don’t have anybody consistently outside of Rose. Carlos Boozer would be great in this series, but he’s not healthy. So, you’re left with an energetic Joakim Noah, a good player in Luol Deng and a specialist in Kyle Korver. If Miami is smart they will defend Korver and Deng with LeBron and Wade. Bosh will guard Boozer, which is a wash, because Boozer is injured and Bosh is…Bosh. The Bulls are then left with Noah at an advantage at Center. That’s just isn’t enough. You can point at depth as a means to offset this problem, but what happens when LeBron and Wade play 40 minutes…oh yeah they drop 30 on your 7th and 8th men (Depth can be the most overrated thing in the playoffs, especially when the other team’s core is young).
The only way the Miami Heat will lose is if LeBron James and Dwayne Wade have bad games. Those two guys must play great simultaneously for 4 games. The Heat don’t have the margin of error to get by without either of those guys. If the Bulls can somehow find out how to get one of those guys off their game, they will win this series. Now can they do it?
The Bulls problem this series will be offense. Defensively they will be fine. They may even be great, but if they can’t score they will lose (please see the Boston Celtics). This series is summed up perfectly by a friend of mine who said, “If you take away the 3 best players in this series. The Bulls will win this series hands down, because of their depth.” The problem is the 3 best players are playing in this series, and Miami has the best 2.
Kobe and D-Wade Look On..."I'm a Dope That Was Lame"
Let’s begin…
As much as I love being right you have to admit when you’re wrong. And I was/am/maybe wrong about Dwyane Wade (still can’t admit it).
Now I’ve always thought the hype that surrounded Dwyane was premature and unwarranted. Granted he was the MVP of the 2006 NBA Finals (what a shot to my argument), but what did he do in the playoffs without Shaquille O’Neal or LeBron James (I will give you time to think)…nothing.
One of the untold stories about Wade’s career is without Shaq and now LeBron James, he’s only been out of the first round of the playoffs one time. This has been one of my main sticking points with Wade (sticking point?? Who do I think I am?). If you’re going to be viewed as the one of the top 3 players in the league, you have to get out of the first round. However, I’ve never looked at the other side of that equation, which would go something like this, “When he does have help he gets the job done.” Now I would admit that perhaps I overlooked this.
Winning is an ability. I’m not sure if it’s a skill, but it is an ability. While it may be easy to dismiss this notion, there is something to be said for winning. Winning is why players become Hall of Famers (please see Robert Horry. By the way I’m looking for a Horry jersey. Somebody hook ya boy up). Winning is one of things we hang over players careers as a means to diminish their accolades (please see Charles Barkley). One of the best examples of winning amplifying a players career is Kobe Bryant (excuse me I have to vomit).
Let’s think about Kobe’s career for a minute with the championships aside. He’s been the MVP, the scoring champion a couple times, and a perennial all-star. Now look at Wade. He’s never been an MVP, but he’s a perennial all-star and has also won a scoring champion. So what’s the difference between Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade…nothing (that’s right I said it)? If Kobe Bryant had played with the same teams that Dwyane Wade has played with. The results would be the same. That’s a fact. Without Hall of Fame Players around him, Kobe Bryant made it out of the first round of the playoffs one time (eerily similar to D-Wade). So, if we’re going to hail Bryant as winner guy, the same should be done for Wade.
So I was wrong about Dwyane Wade. He is a great player, and a future Hall of Famer. My only question is can he win without Shaq…Kobe did it.
I can’t believe that this will be the first time Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki will face off in the playoff. One would think with the amount of time these superstars have spent in the same conference they would have locked up before now. However, that’s not the case, but now we will get to see it
Were the Lakers challenged in the last series? Who knows? I don’t think anyone could say with a straight face that they felt L.A. was in danger of losing that series at any point. New Orleans never truly challenged the Lakers. I wouldn’t have cared if the Lakers went down 3-0. I would have still expected them to win the next 4 games. The reason New Orleans won two games is because they have Chris Paul and the Lakers are vulnerable at the point guard position (can we someone please take Derek Fisher out of his athletically challenged misery. Dude ain’t had it for 5 years). However, when push came to shove Kobe defended Paul, the Lakers step up their game slightly, and sent the Hornets home. So there’s nothing to take from that series in relation to this one.
Now Dallas on the other hand had a real fight with the Portland Trailblazers. LaMarcus Aldridge and the Blazers gave Dallas everything they wanted. For years the Mavericks were see as a soft team that didn’t play defense. That however is no longer the case. Tyson Chandler has brought an interior toughness to the Dallas Mavericks that hasn’t been there in the past (by the way anytime Tyson Chandler is seen as the savior, things ha veto be bad). So they are not as soft inside. Now they need to fix that defense (I still can’t shake the image of Brandon Roy torching them in game 4, and dude has no kneecaps. What is Kobe going to do?).
I expect the Lakers to win this series. They just have too much length and skill inside. I think Dallas could be competitive early in games, but they just don’t have enough size.
With Kendrick Perkins, Oklahoma City has made themselves a formidable team in the playoffs and a potential champion. There is one thing consistently holds them back, and that is the inconsistent play of Russell Westbrook.
On just about every night Westbrook has an advantage against any team the Thunder face. His ability to score at the point guard creates problems for the opposition’s defense. However it creates a problem for his team as well. Winning with a score first point guard is nearly impossible. Now it’s great when Russell’s game is on and he’s hitting shots, because not only is he scoring, he’s distributing. Now if his offense isn’t rolling, he shoot tons of shots (like most shooters do) to try to get his offense on track. That’s a problem especially when you’re playing with Kevin Durant. Look I’m not breaking news here. Kevin Durant should be putting g up at least 20 shots a game if OKC plans on winning this series. And if he doesn’t get those shots it shouldn’t be because of Russell Westbrook.
The Memphis Grizzlies have everyone’s attention. After beating San Antonio in 6 games, the Grizzlies have proved that they belong. When you look at Memphis’s roster, you begin to understand why they are having so much success. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are a load in the middle. When you pair that with Mike Conley and their perimeter play, you can see the problems Memphis will pose to Oklahoma.
I really don’t know who’s going to win this series. I will pick Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the Conference Finals, because I think their better from top to bottom. With that being said, I have absolutely no confidence in my opinion.
After struggled to dominate games in the first round, there is reason to believe that they could struggle this round. This may seem like blasphemy, but Derrick Rose is not the second coming. That right I said it. In the playoffs you can’t win with a small guard being your leading scorer. There is only 1 small guard to lead their team to a championship, and his name is Isiah Thomas. By the way Thomas would wipe the floor with Rose. Dude isn’t in his league (Another notable small guard to lead his team to the finals is Allen Iverson, and he would wipe the floor with Rose too). With that being said, this isn’t the championship. This is the second round against the Atlanta Hawks.
When looking at the Atlanta Hawks you have to like some of their matchups. In their starting lineup they have the advantage at 3 and maybe even 4 of the five positions. Chicago will not be able to match their interior toughness. With the combination of Zaza Pachulia and Al Horford will overwhelm Boozer (which is nothing new, just take a look at the last series). Henceforth the Bulls will not be able to rely on post scoring. I also think the Joe Johnson vs. Luol Deng matchup could be interesting. Johnson has all the tools to exploit Deng, but he is Joe Johnson. So who knows?
I think the Hawks would be a no brainer to win this series. The problem is Atlanta is the most unreliable team in the playoffs. The Chicago will breeze through this series in rout to the Conference Finals. Derrick Rose and the Bulls live to fight another day.
YES YES YES, finally it’s on. The basketball community has been waiting on this since LeBron announced his decision to take his talents. Will LeBron quit once again during game 5 (You know Delonte West will be in the building and Gloria James will be drinking)? I don’t know, but we will all be witnesses.
This is the marquee series in the second round of the eastern conference, and maybe even the entire league. You obvious have headliners in LeBron James, D Wade, and Paul Pierce. However you also have the underlying story line of “The Traditional Team” vs. “We Put This Thing Together Ourselves Now Stop Us.” Let’s get into it.
The Miami Heat have been a work in progress for the entire season. Personally I’m shocked, not because of the amount of wins and losses. I just thought that the flow of their team on both ends of the floor would be more fluent by this point. The have had an unspeakably tough time integrating role players with their superstars. Who would have thought Mike Miller would be an afterthought, while Mike Bibby was in the starting lineup. With that being said the Miami Heat are the most talented team in the playoffs. You could argue that at any time against any team in the league they have the two best players on the floor. I don’t not sure how that will transfer to their series to Boston, but it gives them a great chance.
The Boston Celtics are an interesting this basketball team. Part of me is not sure how to access their chances, because of the amount of players with no significant playoff appearance. On the other hand these are the Celtics. They have championship medal. We aren’t talking about chopped liver (chopped liver? How old am I?). This is Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
Boston has a huge advantage at point guard. As a matter fact I would argue that he is the most important person player in this series for the Celtics. Rajon Rondo has a significant advantage against every point guard on the Heat’s roster (unless 1999 Tim Hardaway is walking through that door “Shout Out To Run TMC”). If Rondo can exploit the Heat he way he has exploited playoff teams in the past, this series won’t be close.
If you pair Rondo with Boston’s inside play creates a problem that Miami won’t be able to solve in a best of 7 series.
Derrick Rose is the next coming of some Zeus like basketball figure. He’s the greatest ever. “Derrick Rose is this mixture between Michael Jordan and Brock Lesnar. I literally don’t know how you stop him!” Well I’d just let him take jump shots because dude can’t shoot.
Alright let’s come down to reality (For all you with you Rose colored shades on. Reality is the place where the grass is green and the best player in basketball has a jump shot). Before I shred Derrick Rose I want to say he is a great player.
Now contrary to popular belief, Derrick Rose is not the best thing since sliced bread. This, “best player in the league stuff” is garbage. He’s barely even top 10 (Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant are all ahead of him). Of course if you’ve been listening to sports radio for the last 4 months you wouldn’t know that. The media is treating Rose like he’s actually won something. The other day I heard someone say, “Rose is the most athletic point guard ever.” Take it Easy. Allow me to introduce you to a guy by the name of Allen Iverson. At Iverson’s size and position, there has never been someone more athletic than him. I would even argue that Steve Nash is a more athletic point guard than Derrick Rose (before you kill me for that statement. Take into account that he was a star soccer and rugby player in high school). So, to call Derrick Rose the most athletic point guard ever is just lazy and asinine.
Derrick Rose is not the MVP of the league. It is well known that he’s is going to win the MVP, but so what (that was very unprofessional. Dock me all the journalist points that I’ve never had). We all watched the games, and he wasn’t the best player. You can say that it’s subjective, but there’s not an argument you can make in favor of Rose winning the MVP over LeBron James or Dwight Howard. The truth of the matter is, there are two reasons he’s going to win the MVP, and neither of them have anything to do with him. First every writer hates what LeBron James did this offseason, and they’re dead set on not rewarding him before the season started. The second reason is every writer hates what LeBron James did this offseason, and they were dead set on not rewarding him before the season started. The problem with that is LeBron isn’t the MVP this year either. So while the media allowed James to hold them emotionally hostage. They missed the true MVP this year (drum roll please), Dwight Howard.
Dwight Howard is the essence of what an MVP is. He’s the best defender (note 3 consecutive defensive players of the year) and he is the best player in the league at his position. Howard is the most irreplaceable player in the NBA. If you look at the drop off from Howard to the next best Center. It is a larger gap than Derrick Rose to the next best point guard. Especially since Rose isn’t the best point guard in the league (for the record I would put Rose 2nd this year behind Chris Paul who is top five in steals and assists. Derrick isn’t top five in any stat category). Dwight’s achievements continue to get overlooked, and I’m not sure why. Now granted I see why he didn’t win a MVP in past. Offensively he was limited, and wasn’t even the leader of his win team. You also have to take into account that he lost to LeBron James for the past two years and dude can ball. However, Dwight Howard significantly improved himself offensively while continuing his dominance on the defensive end. He carried a team that lived on 3 point shots and prayer to a top four seed in the playoff. He was top five in rebounds and blocks. He also finished 11th in points. Howard did all this while being saddled with the Orlando Magic (which included Vince Carter for 22 games, which alone is unbelievable).
Now if you still think Derrick Rose is the MVP, read the previous paragraph again.
Really New York, Really? This was team you were all excited about. All anyone said going into the playoffs was, “The Knicks are the most likely team to upset in the Eastern Conference.” The Knicks followed up those predictions, by being the only team to be swept out of the playoffs. Even Ricky Rubio thinks the Kicks got too much hype. “Man that was a waste of time.”
Now granted the Kicks were injured, Amare Stoudemire got banged up, and Chauncey Billups was virtually ineffective. Which is kind of the way he plays when he’s healthy at this point in his career (Too Soon)? At the same time, the Knicks got swept, and weren’t even competitive in two of the losses. I hate to brake it to Knicks fans (actually I love breaking it to New York. Anytime they leave their groin open I kick them) but get used to losing early in the playoffs.
The New York Knicks have obvious deficiency. Defensively they are inept, their coaching can be questionable, and the bench is challenged to be serviceable. I mean anytime Renaldo Balkman is in your potential playoff rotation, things ain’t good. Now these are problems that could be fixed, but it won’t be that easy. You have to factor in the looming CBA this offseason which presumably will decrease the salary cap. So the Knicks will be able to add pieces via trade, but they will not be in the market for major free agent accusations. This means you are looking at the Knicks core for the next 5 years. So at best they will be the third best team in the east at best for the foreseeable future (Miami and Chicago are 1 and 2 in no particular order). So say it with me, “Things ain’t good.”
I expect to be a very competitive team in the regular season, and post season going forward. They may even have a season where they finish with the best record. I mean they have the best scorer in the league. With that being said, they aren’t winning a championship. Their style of play coupled with their roster, is not set up for winning in the playoffs. So, good luck with that New York. You know there’s always Fubu.
There’s something stuck in my crawl (crawl? Where is that?). So give me a minute to hop up on my soapbox.
Now I don’t know if you’ll know about what happened with Kobe Bryant. If you haven’t, let me fill you in.
During a game Kobe Bryant was issued a call by a referee that he didn’t agree with. He went into a tirade as all players do after a call they don’t agree with (or after any call if you’re Gary Payton). During Bryant’s tirade he screamed profanity and called the referee a homosexual slur that rhymes with Zagat (use your imagination boys and girls).
I waited to see the backlash surrounding Kobe‘s comments…and I waited and waited…there was nothing. All I heard were people defend Kobe Bryant and dismissing his comment. I even heard someone say (I’m not going to say who it is, but his name rhymes with Chris Webber) that, people are competitive and sometimes things slip. What…”Things slip” really? The lone voice that came out against Kobe was Charles Barkley on the Dan Le Batard Show (Purple Drank). So allow me to align myself with Mr. Barkley by saying, Kobe Bryant’s language was completely unacceptable. Please don’t try to excuse that kind of langue as something that always happens in a competitive arena. When you start using slurs, it’s no longer about competition. You are trying to hurt someone, and degrade them as an individual.
The word that Kobe Bryant used toward the referee was disgusting and abhorrent. There is no place for that use of language. I am shocked that people on sports television, that run their yap for a living, haven’t stood up for what is right. It seems that when the shoe is on the other foot, social activist seize the opportunity to promote themselves (“Paging Al Sharpton, Paging Al Sharpton”). We all know if Kobe was white and he called a referee a Nigger. People would try to kick him out of the country (“Oh here comes all Sharpton”).
Now I’m not saying Kobe’s a bad guy, because I don’t pass personal judgment on people I don’t know. What I will say is the reaction to Bryant’s comment speaks to a bigger problem in the American sports arena. There is a homophobic acceptance in sports, because of the lack of representation of openly homosexual men in American sports. Is this a problem? Yes and no. The lack of openly homosexual males isn’t a problem. People have the right to be whoever they want to be in their life. It’s no one’s duty to let the public in on their personal preferences. However, I do think that fact that sports culture hasn’t evolved into present day society is a problem. We have confronted and somewhat conquered racial inequality in sports. It’s time to address homophobia.
The recent Kobe Bryant comment has brought to fore front a huge problem in sports. I really hope we resolve the issue of homophobia in sports. It only takes one person to start the movement, so pardon me while I get Al Sharpton on the phone. I will tell him Don Imus is on line 2.
The rankings are based on a combination of quality of players, expectations, and how awful the team was. I’m ranking best outcome to worse outcome.
“This is it. Don’t get scared now.”
L.A. Clippers: This was clearly the best lottery team this season. They toyed with the idea of making the playoffs while being just bad enough to make it into the lottery. Couldn’t have done it better myself.
Houston Rockets: This is the arguably the best team in the lottery. They obviously have some holes to fill in the front court, but they have one of the best front offices in the NBA. They will be fine. Look for them to make the playoffs next year.
Milwaukee Bucks: This is a playoff team that caught some bad breaks. Look for them to get back on track next season. “Fear the Dear”
Phoenix Suns: This franchise is in denial. They should have started rebuilding 3 years ago after the Shaq experience. They have to get what they can for Steve Nash and cut bait with Vince Carter as soon as possible. Do it for the kids.
Golden State Warriors: I don’t even know what to call this. I think it’s a basketball team, but I’m not sure what they’re trying to accomplish. I’m not sure they are even trying to win games, but I love this organization, because hands down they have the best fantasy players.
Utah Jazz: After losing their two best players what could you reasonably expect. If you’re a Jazz fan just pray Jimmer Fredette is off the board before the Jazz make their pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves: For the talent this team had they should have won a few more games. At the same time this is Minnesota. I’m not sure they know they still have a basketball team.
Sacramento Kings: Welcome to the best high school team of all time. If John Calipari were a GM this is the team he would put together. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Kings end up having to vacate wins.
Charlotte Bobcats: You changed coaches, traded away your best players, and Michael Jordan is your de facto GM. Other than that things are great.
Washington Wizards: Your team stinks, but at least you have John Wall.
Cleveland Cavaliers: “Damn” Nuff said
Toronto Raptors: I know why this debacle happened, but did you have to wallow in the debacle?
Detroit Pistons: I wanted to put Toronto last, but then I remembered that no one playing for the Pistons likes to organization. So I will jump off the ship with them.
I almost put Kevin Durant at shooting guard because he should be on this list.
2011 MVP
This belongs to Dwight Howard. I don’t want to hear about how Derrick Rose is so great. Look, dude isn’t even top five in the NBA (FYI top five: LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Dirk Nowitzki). Don’t get me wrong he’s a good player, but he is replaceable. On the other hand no one changes the game on both ends of the floor the way Dwight Howard does. He is the most dominate force in the NBA, and the MVP.
Best Team in the NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers are the best team. It may be seen as a copout, but they’re the best. The bottom line is they would be the favorite against every other team in the NBA. They have the best closer in Kobe Bryant, and the best coach in Phil Jackson. The Lakers should win the championship.
Season Synopsis
This has been the best regular season in recent history. I think it can spark another golden age in basketball, and I want to thank LeBron James (you’ll have to excuse me for a moment I just threw up in my mouth). James and the Miami Heat changed the way originations put their teams together. Now thanks to them we have powerhouse teams in big markets (the downside is terrible teams like Toronto ad Cleveland…just threw up in my mouth again).
There are 6 teams that have a legitimate shot at winning a championship. I can’t remember the last time that was the case. Wide open playoffs should make for some excitement.
I don’t know if you’ll have seen the Tiger Woods commercial, but it’s interesting. If you haven’t seen it, watch it here.
Spoiler Alert
So, the controversy surrounding the commercial is that Tiger Woods deceased father’s voice is heard in the background, while Tiger stairs blankly at the camera. When I first saw the commercial I was creeped out. To hear a dead guy talk to you is scary. It reminded me of the first time I saw the ring. I thought my faucet was going to turn on, and Tiger Woods would walk out of the screen, and twist my mouth sideways.
Once I finished the commercial my feeling was uneasy. I don’t like the idea of using his father. The man is not here, so we can’t say whether he approves. However, it’s Tiger’s father, so if Tiger is okay with it I have no problem with it. I’m not going to legislate morality. It’s not my job. I’ll leave that to Bill Payne, Glen Beck, and people like them. You know the type of people that look respectable until they open their mouth. Then you realize they’re losers. I rather you have to work to find out if I am.
What I will say is the commercial is brilliant. The purpose of a commercial is to be memorable, and everyone remembers it. That’s why Geico keeps doing those lame cavemen commercials. People remember that stuff. Unfortunately for them I also remember when they tried to turn it into a T.V. show. I think it’s fair to say, “Bad Move Geico.” I’d rather watch Frank T.V. reruns (that’s a lie. I would watch the cavemen show. The Caliendo experiment was a disaster. Note to T.V. executives: impressions don’t work for a half hour show.
So if Tiger likes it, I love it, except for the Porn Star, and the other 15 women.
That’s what the people in my head are saying. We made it. Can you feel it? The NBA Playoffs are here.
Before we get to the playoffs let me say this. The NBA season is too long for how uncompetitive some of the teams are. Its ridiculous how bad New Jersey, Golden State, and New York are, I literally think that there are more qualified basketball players in college and the D-League.
Now let’s get to the playoff talk. I’m not going to talk about every team so, if you’re a fan of the Bulls or Milwaukee sign off now, and move to L.A. First, of all don’t be surprised by Boston this year. That’s not a good team. I even argue that they never were a true championship team. Only thing that would surprise me is if they won a series. I think that they may lose in the first round. I’m not calling the upset, because at anytime during game 2, Rasheed Wallace may remember that he’s actually supposed to be playing basketball. For that reason I think they win one series and after that they get whacked.
The scariest teams in the playoff are Atlanta and San Antonio (in their respective divisions). Atlanta is a match up disaster for any team. They have size and speed on the wing. That’s hard to defend in any athletic field. The Spurs have a great coach, and the have the best chemistry out of all the teams in the west.
Let’s just skip right to the Conference Finals. Start the drum roll, The Conference Finals will be Spurs/Mavericks v. Lakers and Cavilers v. Hawks. I go with Spurs or Mavs because I don’t know if Dirk will show up down the stretch. He may still be suffering from D-Wade ’07 Finals after shocks. He also had that episode with David West, where he was patted on the cheek. Google those videos, and watch Dirk’s eyes. He looks like he’s in the ring with Tyson in 1989. With that being said, if Dirk shows up the Mavs win.
In the east I’m calling the upset. The Atlanta Hawks will get to the Conference Finals. If you’ve been watching for the last couple of years they have been right there. They have everything you need to beat Orlando. A good point guard, match up problems on the wing, and…oh yeah, Orlando have Vince Carter. I will always pick against him. He played his best basketball in those Nike Shox commercials. He reminds me of A-Rod, except he’s not as good, not as rich, and he don’t have a clutch bone in his body. Okay I guess we should scratch that comparison. I found a better one, just Google Jose Mesa.
The Finals will be the Cavs v. one of the three teams out of the west. I would out right pick the, but Derek Fisher can’t guard anybody, and Bynum is made of Paper Mache. If the Spurs slip the Mavs, Tony Parker would work Derek Fisher and possibly get to the Finals. The Mavs have the best team on paper, but…the D-Wade after shocks could be in attendance. So, let’s say everything goes somewhat normal. I predict the Lakers will go to the Finals. Mavs can’t take advantage of the Lakers biggest flaw at the point guard. Jason Kidd is just too slow. Also, too much Kobe, too much Phil Jackson, and “This just in” Ron Artest may have food coloring in his hair.
So, in the Finals we get what we have wanted for 3 years. Kobe v. LeBron
At this point I will sign off. I’m not predicting the Finals because I’m a Cavaliers fan. Therefore I’m not subjective when it comes to them. I don’t want to entertain the idea that they may lose. So, why don’t you just tell me what you think? If you think Cleveland will win I will be happy? If you think L.A. will win I will act like I never heard it.
I have argued that the 2008 Boston Celtics were never a championship team. Before we go any further lets get a couple of things straight. First off the best team doesn’t always win an NBA playoff series (1994 Nuggets, 2007 Golden State, and any team with Vince Carter). Also there is a difference between a championship team and a team that won a championship.
The 2008 Boston team was a group of players put together to win a championship, and that’s exactly what they did. The magic of the 2008 Celtics is that it put together people that had something to prove. Doc Rivers had to prove that he wasn’t a bad coach (he’s a decent coach). James Posey had to prove that he wasn’t a one trick pony, and he wasn’t. Garnett, Allen, and Pierce had to prove they could win, and they did. Danny Ainge had to prove he wasn’t a terrible General Manager, and he is terrible. Make no mistake about it. He’s missed more times than Nick Anderson in the 95′ Finals. If not for the inside job he pulled off with Kevin Garnett, he would have been fired by now (it reminds me of how Bush was re-elected, except Bush was better at his job).
So, Boston had the perfect combination of people and seized the opportunity. They should get full credit for that. I’m a Cleveland fan, hopefully Mike Holmgren is listening. I wouldn’t mind winning a championship with LaDainian Tomlinson, Matt Hasselbeck, and Chad Ochocinco if that’s what it takes. However, that doesn’t mean you’re a championship team. A true championship team has more than one great playoff run inside of them. That doesn’t necessarily mean they win multiple championships (please see the 2004 Detroit Pistons). It does mean that you should be a viable contender for the championship. So if you won one title, and never did anything in the playoffs before or since…you’re not a true champion. The Miami Heat won a Championship once upon a time, and no one brings it up. That’s exactly how the 2008 Celtics should be remembered.
”So what happens to a team that believes they’re champions when they’re not?” Oh that’s easy, they become the 2010 Celtics, over hyped old players that can’t play. They talk trash, they can’t back up. They start elbowing down low to get an advantage. And they begin wearing the Patrick Ewing endorsed volleyball kneepads. Remember when people said, “Paul Pierce is the best player in the NBA.” If you said that, how dumb do you feel right now? Whenever Pierce breaks his leg in the first quarter, and comes back in the game before halftime. Only one word comes to mind “Fraud.” If you look back to 2008 season was he even a top five player then? Think to yourself…was he better than LeBron, no…better than Kobe, no…how about Chris Paul, Steve Nash, D-Wade, or even Carmelo Anthony, no (I will stop there, you get the point). Remember Kevin Garnett in 08′? The guy that would start cursing after every made basket and snatch the opponent’s ball out of the air once a foul is called. Yeah that guy is long gone. His athleticism has left him, and now he’s just annoying. I would call him a bully, but occasionally a bully beats someone up. Garnett runs from a fight faster than Usain Bolt (See Zaza Pachulia video ). I wish Charles Oakley was still in the league. I would personally give him a fifth of Jack, and one of the new KFC chicken sandwiches. It would be great to watch him play against Garnett. As soon as Garnett yells, “Anything is possible” Oakley would come out of know where and hit him with the Flair Chop. At least bring back Rafer Alston, and let him slap Eddie House again (sorry to pick on Eddie, but I want to laugh). You may not believe it, but I like Kevin Garnett. He is one of my favorite players all time. I think he’s a hall of famer, and a great player. I just want to see him get slapped.
Now that Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce are content with their championship. We should let them ride into the sunset. Once they lose in the second round of the 2010 playoff, we should take them off life support. Send flowers, a card, and wish them well. It was great to see for one year, but it’s over.
Please queue up the funeral music; it’s time to put some NBA seasons to death. First up is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma you’re just not ready soon you will be, but you still have to shake the ghost of Shawn Kemp. It could be worse. You could be in Seattle, drawing 1000 people to your home games.
The Denver Nuggets, what the hell happened? I thought you’ll were supposed to be good. I thought you had a chance. I picked you guys to win and you made me look bad. You made me look like some blogger that doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Then again I should have looked closer. I would have seen that you don’t play defense, and couldn’t score inside against Utah. I forgot you weren’t disciplined and lacked the mental toughness to beat Utah. I should have also seen the tattoos. You have way too many tattoos on that team. In my opinion you have too many tattoos to win. Has anyone figured out why Kenyon Martin has lips on his neck? I’m tired of treating it like a guy at work with a peg leg. I want an explanation. Until then, Denver enjoy the altitude and the summer off.
Dallas, oh Dallas, we do this every year so let’s not drag it out. The bottom line is you can’t win a championship with Dirk Nowitzki being your leader. Let Dirk opt out and don’t resign him. Get into the lottery and draft a guy that could lead you team one day.
Charlotte Bobcats you’re up next. Truthfully I don’t know how you’ll made the playoffs. I don’t know who to blame. So let’s blame people that use to play in Charlotte. I blame Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues. What an odd way to be known for basketball in a city. Oh yeah and lets blame Larry Brown, because we all know he doesn’t want to coach there. Also, please change you Bobcats name it sounds soft.
The Chicago Bulls. It was fun while it lasted, but you have to go. Make sure Derek Rose gets a back brace, because he has to be sore from carrying this team all season. Joakim Noah wanted to know what was so great about Cleveland…I’ll tell you, “The second round” Now go home, and don’t forget your hair ties in the locker room.
The Miami Heat, how embarrassing was that? There’s no need to say what was wrong with your team, because we say the games. I wish Dwayne Wade would stop acting like he’s some great winner. You haven’t been out of the first round since 2006. Since then Shaq has played for 2 more teams, the Saints won a Super bowl, Frank TV has been canceled, and you’re still getting older. Leave Miami and go contend for a championship, and get your title as a winner back. At least go visit another team, and if you decide to resign with Miami after that? Ask Derik Rose to borrow his back brace.
Second Round Break Down
The Boston Celtics v. The Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston is in serious trouble in this series. They have a definite advantage at point guard. There is no doubt that Rondo is a better all around player when compared to Mo Williams. I could argue that Rondo is the best player on the Celtics team. After that however they have no advantages. Kevin Garnett is injured, Ray Allen won’t be able to create a shot, Paul Pierce will have great offensive games, but defensively he won’t be able to handle LeBron. Then you have a limited Kendrick Perkins, and Big Baby who will probably start crying some time during the second quarter of game 2. I do think Boston could have a chance to make it a competitive series. The problem is you need Rasheed Wallace e to be effective, and let’s face it, he’ll be as about as effective as a spit ball in a gun fight. I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulled an Isaiah Rider and shows up during player introductions. I’m willing to bet $20 on the idea that he believes he still plays in Portland. Cleveland has the upper hand. They have the best player in basketball, energy with Varejao, and this year’s matchup nightmare, Antawn Jamison. They also have a better bench for what it’s worth, and home court advantage. I think I should start warming up the funeral music for Boston. I pick the Cavs in 5.
The San Antonio Spurs v. The Phoenix Suns. Oh baby, this is going to be an interesting series. I don’t know how good the Spurs are. They did control their last series, but they know the Mavericks inside and out. I know Duncan has lost a step and Ginobili has a broken nose, so we’ll have to see how that affects them. Phoenix on the other hand has clear flaws. What about “defense” does Phoenix not understand? I love Steve Nash, but he can’t stay in front of a quick point guard. If you’re not going to play defense as a team, stop trying to fool us every year. Just sign Kwame Brown, and stop getting Charles Barkley’s hopes up. I will take the Spurs in 6.
The L.A. Lakers v. The Utah Jazz. This series is the hardest to predict in regard to the number of games. I don’t see a sweep, but I can see either team winning in 6 or 7. If you look at the matchups Derrick Fisher and for that matter anyone the Lakers play at point guard will get abused by Darren Williams. However, that’s the only advantage Utah has. So you might ask, “Why don’t you outright pick the Lakers?”Well, because they are the Lakers. L.A. doesn’t always execute, and I know Utah will execute and play disciplined. The problem is the Lakers extremely more talented. I compare this series to a Porsche and 15 Chrysler 300s. I love the precision of a Porsche, but under normal circumstances the 15 Chryslers win. At the same time under normal circumstances the 15 Chryslers may have terrible transmissions. With that being said, I will take the Lakers in 7.
The Orlando Magic v. The Atlanta Hawks/Milwaukee Bucks. Now because Atlanta has no leadership they have to play a game 7 against Milwaukee. I wish I had the power to give Milwaukee the win, because Atlanta hasn’t earned it. I did pick the Hawks to take out the Magic, but still I can’t stand watching the way they played during the first round. With that being said, if the Hawks win I will stick with my prediction of them beating Orlando, because that would make me look smart. I will always bet against Orlando in that series because of Vince Carter. Now if Milwaukee does take out Atlanta? The Orlando Magic will live to lose in the next series. So I will take Atlanta in 6 or Orlando in 4.
Enjoy the playoffs, and make everyone read this blog.
”Is your mother a prostitute?” That question was asked during an NFL pre draft interview. During an interview between the Miami Dolphins and Wide Receiver Dez Bryant, that question was asked. Is your mother a prostitute? Man! I wonder how awkward the next 15 minutes of that interview were. I also wonder if he ever answered that question. Maybe the conversation went like this,
”Is your mother a prostitute? Well is she? Tell me. Is your mother a prostitute? What…okay I promise I promise I won’t
tell your dad. Don’t lie to me either, because if she is that’s bad for business, and if she isn’t I need to put my belt
back on.”
I guess that it could be important to know. I mean if I had a buddy and his/her mother was a prostitute. It would change my behavior around him. I know one thing I wouldn’t do; I wouldn’t spend the night in that spare bedroom.
How the conversation went is still in question. Neither side has come out and stated the dialogue of the conversation, so I’m not going to speculate (please disregard the last paragraph). I do find the question to be funny, and that’s all I take from it. “Is your mother a prostitute?” That makes me laugh. I take nothing more or less from it. I’m not going to take sides, or try to take a stand in the gap for the Hoes of America. Plus Dez Bryant is now a millionaire. So even if his mother was a prostitute chances are she won’t be on HBO’s 2011 installment of “Hookers and Johns.”
Let this just reinforce that whether your mother is a prostitute or not, there’s a job for you in the NFL.
Alright so let’s review a little of what happened in sports this weekend.
Why don’t we start with the quitter this weekend? Tiger Woods, I never thought I would say Tiger Woods was a quitter, but he is. Tiger, you’re my man, but come on. Two weeks in a row you have quit on the golf course. This weekend you said you quit because of neck pain. Really Tiger, you’re neck is bothering you? Tell the truth Tiger…it’s the hoes. They use to help you concentrate, and now that Ginger is gone you’ve lost your edge. It was obvious that it was the hoes when I watch your swing. Two years ago during the U.S. Open I say you hit one of the best shots you’re ever hit, and I noticed during your backswing you mouth the sentence “Pimpin ain’t easy.” You lost the risk in you. By the way if you’re going to quit, don’t blame it on your neck. Blame it on the Alcohol. Just say, “Hey I was doing shots at the Green Iguana last night, and the Bacardi is distorting my depth perception.” And just think all of this could have been avoided if you had 2 cell phones.
So, by now you’ve probably heard and maybe even saw the kid that got tased during the baseball game. Look he ran on the field like an idiot was laughed at like an idiot, and he got tased like an idiot. And I’m glad they did it, not because he could have hurt someone, but because I wanted to laugh. I made that the background photo on my computer. I haven’t seen something that funny, since that kid got tased on the University of Florida campus. “Don’t tase me bro.” is the best line ever uttered.
I think I will speak for everyone when I say I have save d the best for last. Cavs v. Celtics Game 4, Rajon Rondo had a great triple double. To grab 18 rebounds are commendable, but to do that from the point guard position is special. He put it down, and made it official that the Boston Celtics are his team. I know Pierce, Allen, and Garnett think differently, but just look at the box score in this series. If you need more evidence look at KG’s knees, Allen’s one dimensional game, and while LeBron blows past Pierce, notice how much bigger that patch of grey hair is getting in Rasheed’s head. I’m not going to bang Sheed, because he showed up, this weekend, but I will bang his head patch.
Other things this week include the overblown perfect game, Steve Nash ousting the Spurs with his eye hanging out, and I think I saw a hockey score. Why are they playing hockey. I thought we gave hockey to Canada in exchange for healthcare.
Alright I had to do an emergency post. I hear fans saying LeBron had a bad game, and in his post game press conference he said, “I had a bad game.” Oh really, a bad game? I’ve seen players have a bad game, and usually a bad game involves someone shooting the ball. James was outscored by Shaquille O’Neil, and he’s 38 years old. Last time Shaq outplayed the best guard in the league he played in L.A., Jordan played for the Wizards, and people still believed Tracy McGrady could win a playoff game. So don’t give me the bad game line. Now I will say I’m a Cleveland fan. So that’s the disclaimer, and now I will continue.
Last night it was obvious that LeBron was trying to send a message. The message was, “This team can’t win.” And if you’ve been paying attention he’s been doing it since game two. Just pay attention. Game 1: Everyone played like they have been all season in the first half. LeBron differs in the third quarter and Mo Williams plays great. LeBron wins the game down the stretch. Game 2: He differs to his teammates during the first have, and begins to disengage. Late in the game he tries to win the game, Game 3: He Shreds the Celtics to show that he’s not the problem, Game 4: In the fourth quarter he differs, and in a late game crucial possession he passes to Anderson Varejao. Without saying it he exposes the fact that these guys can’t get it done, Game 5: Completely checks out in the first half. Only takes 4 shots in that time span. The team gets blown out, and he mails it in. So, guys just pay attention. We don’t need Matlock to figure out the mystery. He’s sending a message, and the message is I can’t win with this.
Now I don’t know what the result of the message may be. It looks like he will be leaving Cleveland. The NBA hopes he leaves for New York, while Cleveland fans hope he leaves for L.A. Why L.A.? They want him as far away as possible. Think about this. When your wife leaves you, do you want her to move across the street? Or do you want her to move out of the country? Of course you want her to move to Istanbul, and catch Gout on her way there. At the same time let me play devil’s advocate for all the Cleveland fans about to jump in traffic. I believe you send a message when you want a situation changed. If you wanted to leave your wife/husband, you would just go cheat on them and take half of their retirement. You wouldn’t stick around to watch them get ugly. So, if you believe that, maybe the Cavs go make moves this offseason. At the same time if you believe that you probably live in Cleveland. And Cleveland step back from the situation and look at the people that have left the city to be successful in bigger Arenas: Don King, George Steinbrenner, Manny Ramirez, C.C. Sabathia. The only great Entertainers to stay: Jim Brown and the O’Jays (Jim Brown didn’t have free agency). Now that’s the facts.
Alright so it’s time to put some NBA seasons to rest.
Hey Utah you’re rents due. I feel bad for all the little blonde haired blue-eyed children in Utah. You just didn’t have what it took to push the Lakers in any way. Thanks for beating Denver, because I was tired of looking at the tattoos. I have nothing bad to say about you guys. You had a great season and you overachieved.
The Atlanta Hawks, you frauds have got to go. You pulled the wool over my eyes. Everyone should leave Atlanta quickly and quietly. You have to treat that Atlanta Arena like a crime scene. You guys should have at least tried to win a game. My goodness, you guys laid down like Lassie. Everyone in Atlanta should stop playing basketball for a week, and help Joe Johnson look for his game. Hopefully he finds it on his way to New York.
The San Antonio Spurs are next up. It hurts me to do this, but I have to ask…George Hill? Really, did you really think he could compete with a 2 time MVP? Come on Pop, that’s ridiculous. After all the Championships you’ve won, how could you not know that Tony Parker could expose Steve Nash? I think this offseason should be spent finding a true backup for Tim Duncan, and try to find someone that has ACLs. I heard ACLs are important.
Now we all know who’s next. For a full disclaimer I want to let you know I am a Cleveland fan. So, I have a vested interest in sports in Cleveland being great. However, I will call it like I see it. Now let me proceed in ripping the Cleveland Cavaliers. What happened? Were you surprised? Were you shocked? Was your elbow hurting? You guys wet the bed in the second round. 20 years from now when you realize that you lost a playoff series to Rasheed Wallace when he wasn’t interested in playing, fire Mike Brown again.
So here now we are in the Conference Finals. There have been causalities along the way, but the best four teams are definitely left.
The Eastern Conference Finals
The Orlando Magic v. The Boston Celtics. I don’t know who I should pick in this series. Orlando has advantages off the bench, at coaching, and at center. Boston has the experience, the big three, and the best point guard in the series. At the same time Boston has the sometimes engaged often enraged Rasheed Wallace, while Orlando has the king of lying down, Vince Carter. I will pick the Orlando Magic in this series. As much as I hate to think that Vince Carter will be in the Finals, I think it will happen. Boston struggles guarding multiple scorers. Orlando doesn’t have a consistent second scorer. They have Vince, Rashard, and Nelson as second scorers by committee. Orlando struggles when they can’t shoot, and Boston will definitely run them off the 3 point line. The problem Boston has is they just don’t have the legs to win the series. I would pick Orlando in 5 but they have Vince Carter. I will pick Boston in 6.
The Western Conference Finals
The Phoenix Suns v. The L.A. Lakers. The Lakers have the clear advantage in this series, and truthfully it’s not close. If the Lakers play to there potential they could beat Phoenix in 5. However in the last statement lies the problem. The Lakers don’t always play to there potential. So Phoenix has a chance, because I know Steve Nash will play hard every game. If Phoenix plays hard, and Bynum and Odem don’t show up the Suns have a chance. I don’t play ifs when it comes to picking series. So, I’m taking the Lakers in 6.
We have a finals rematch.
Jay Hollingsworth wanted a shout out on my blog, because I counted out the Celtics. So, here it is Jay, “Shout Out.”
First the entire Atlanta Hawks franchise must get in. I’d even throw Mookie Blaylock and Stacy Augmon in the Outhouse, because of association. By the way I hope the debate about whether Joe Johnson is a max player is over. He isn’t a max player even though he will be paid like one (please see Rashard Lewis).
Mike Beasley, I know you’re young, but welcome to the Outhouse. Enjoy your stay.
The Denver Nuggets state of mind is welcome to have a whole section. Please leave your intelligence at the door.
Dirk Nowitzki and Mark Cuban are up next. However, Cuban can go, but only if you leave Dirk.
Oh, Antawn Jamison get in the Outhouse, and don’t leave until Kevin Garnett stops pissing on you. I’ll make a deal with you. If you skip the last 4 years of your deal, I will start a Facebook campaign to send you back to D.C.
Mike Brown why don’t get in, and switch off with Antawn Jamison. You got worked by Doc Rivers, one of the worst postseason coaches ever (don’t email me until you check his record). So, Doc if you would do the honor, unload that big lunch.
”Please rise and welcome the last guy into the Outhouse for the second year in a row.” I was just practicing Mo Williams’ intro.
The Townhouse
Ron Artest, Rajon Rondo, Paul Peirce, Vince Carter, Amare Stoudemire, you’ll are welcome to stay in my Townhouse. Please sit in the, “I don’t know if you’re for real yet” section. Now relax it may not be permanent. You guys have at least 4 playoff games left, so it could get better. Except for one of these guys, just guess who…it took you too long. Vince Carter he may lay down in the Out house while Peirce does the honors.
Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers zip up your pants and come it here.
How about we send an invite to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook? You may make it in the Penthouse eventually, but as for now share the couch.
Brandon Jennings welcome. By the way, you were right to skip college and go to Europe. It made you a better player.
Darren Williams and Carlos Boozer, come on in. Jerry Sloan can show you around, he practically lives here.
I’ve been debating whether I should, but I think I will. So LBJ, LeBron James, King James, The Chosen One…which ever one of your alter egos showed up for games 4 and 5 of round two please get in. If you don’t go to New York, please tell me a day in advance. I want to go to Florida and laugh about it with Isaiah Thomas.
The Penthouse
Dwight Howard, Stan Van Gundy, and the L.A. Lakers (except for Artest, he’s coloring his hair in my Townhouse sink) are all welcome. I have a feeling all you guys will be here a while.
Steve Nash, it’s been a long time coming, but now you’re official.
Grant Hill you’re that last one in. You have always showed up. Thanks for not taking the Anfernee Hardaway approach.
I would like to describe it in a word, but one word isn’t enough. So, let me give you a barrage of words. The album was, weird, uncomfortable, bad, and flat out confusing. I’m not sure what they were trying to accomplish, but they failed. Unless they were trying to make me scratch my head, and wonder how one of these guys could be related to Bob Marley. I want to start a petition for Damian Marley to either change his last name, or only perform “Welcome to Jam Rock.” Those are the only options.
This is why people download music. You can’t put out crap, and expect people to buy it. People try to say that no one wants to buy albums, but that’s garbage. I went to a Jay-Z concert, and it was $75 for the cheapest ticket. I guarantee you that no one there was worried about spending $10 on a record. And if you are going to make bad music at least give me a discount. As a matter a fact a discount should be mandatory. Any time NaS and Damian Marley, Petey Pablo, or Lady GaGa come out with an album treat it like spoiled meat at Safeway, and give me a discount. If I buy their CD give me a $15 iTunes gift card, so I can buy something I actually want to hear.
Then both sides win. Now I have to figure out a way to stop stealing movies.
The Super bowl will be played in New York. Let me clarify that. The Super bowl will be played in New Jersey, which is close in distance and at the same time not in the same hemisphere. If someone were to tell you they live in New York, and upon visiting them you ended up in Trenton. You may kill yourself. I think it’s funny that New York won’t claim Ney Jersey. The Giants and the Jets play in New Jersey, but they call themselves New York teams. The New Jersey Nets don’t even want to be in New Jersey, and they’re the worst team in the NBA. Only people claiming New Jersey is the Devils and Redman.
The bottom line is in 2014 a cold weather city will host the Super bowl. Personally I don’t really care. I wouldn’t go to the Super bowl if it were 2 blocks away. And if I were to go to a Super bowl, it wouldn’t be the one played in 20°. I’ve been in 20° weather, and I didn’t, have, fun! As a matter I tried not to smile, for the sake of not splitting my lip. The Super bowl is in Jersey for one reason. To make money, and they will make plenty. It will be the highest rated game of all time. Over half of the country will have the chance of seeing something they never get to experience…snow. If it snows during the Super bowl, everyone will watch. I know I will watch. I love entertaining television, and NFL has been the best T.V. show for the last 10 years.
So my advice to all is to just enjoy it. Don’t worry about the quality of the game, or if it’s fair. Who cares? “Well Kortney what about the players?” Hey I guarantee you they will get paid. Now if something happens to where Peyton manning doesn’t get his check…he has that Oreo Cookie money to fall back on.
“Oh, so we made it this far…” It’s time for the final act, but before we do that, lets put Orlando and Phoenix to rest.
Orlando, what happened? Please don’t tell me. Let me guess. Was it Vince Carter? So, I guess this series puts the whole Vince Carter, Hedo Turkoglu debate to rest. Now everyone knows. Even though I thought everyone already knew. I guess Vince is like a woman that’s been on Maury 7 times. We’re hoping she finds the father, and we hope Vince can find a playoff game. In the mean time it’s fun watching him try. Orlando was a better team than the Boston Celtics, but the best team doesn’t always win. At the same time you have to give the Celtics credit. They knew they could leave Rashard Lewis open. They knew Vince was a playoff bum. And they knew it would take Stan Van Gundy 3 games to play J.J. Redick. Redick is not a great player, but they needed basketball IQ on the floor. That’s right Orlando lost because they were dumb. Now that they’re done lets start the Dwight Howard rumors. How about Howard to the Knicks?
”Phoenix, the rollercoaster season is over. You guys over achieved. No one thought you would even slightly put it together. I give you credit for entertaining me once again, and not playing defense. You guys even tried playing a zone. I haven’t seen a zone since I played JV basketball.” I don’t know what’s worse. The fact that they played a zone, or the fact that it worked. I think I have to give you credit for at least trying, but enjoy the finals at home. Also get ready for the offseason rollercoaster. Lets call it, “Amare Stoudemire.”
The Finals
So we have arrived. Celtics v. Lakers. The most storied franchises in the NBA. Old fans will watch because it reminds them of their youth. Young fans watch because of Kobe Bryant. Everyone else watches it, because they don’t want to watch hockey. I can’t believe that Boston made it. Not only do they have Doc Rivers as a coach, but they beat Miami, Cleveland, and Orlando. Those were the three toughest possible Eastern Conference matchups. The Lakers on the other hand were expected to be in this position. Many people felt they were the best team all season, and they proved to be the best team in the Eastern Conference. If you’re keeping count at home, they’ve been to 3 NBA Championships in a row. Now lets ask Phil Jackson if he’ll leave L.A. to coach the Nets.
This is a tough series to call. I could see it going either way. So let’s break it down player for player.
Kobe v. Paul Pierce. I give the edge to Kobe. He’s superior in every way, and he’s the best player in the NBA.
Ron Artest v. Ray Allen. This matchup is even. Offense cancels out the defense for both players.
Rajon Rondo v. Derrik Fisher. Rondo v. Fisher, need I say more. This match up is a mismatch and it’s not even close. The point guard position is the Lakers biggest flaw.
Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum v. Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. I give the Lakers a slight edge in the front court. The Lakers are better offensively while the Celtics have the defensive edge. Great offense always beats great defense.
Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Tony Allen v. Lamar Odom, Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown. I definitely take the Celtics bench. Rasheed will be smart and physical. Glen Davis will play hard. At certain times during the NBA Finals Tony Allen will bet the best player on the floor. Lamar Odom is up and down, east and west. He could give you a great game, but it depends on how many Gummy Bears he eats at halftime. The rest of the Lakers bench is useless. I give a huge edge to the Celtics.
I keep trying to talk myself into the Lakers winning the finals, but I can’t do it. I think they can win if Rondo doesn’t play well, but I don like picking a team based on a big time player failing. I will give the Lakers a punchers chance. They have the best and baddest man on the planet, Kobe Bryant. If Kobe can pull this off, I will rank him right up there with Jordan. I just don’t think it’s going to happen. I will take the Celtics in 5. Rajon Rondo will be the Finals MVP.
I’ve been watching baseball closely for the last 10 years. That’s one of the things I regret about the time I spent in New York. All they play is baseball games. They have their own Yankee Network. So, it’s 24 hours Yankees. It’s like B.E.T. in the 90′s when they kept showing Rap City reruns. The Yes Network still plays Mickey Mantle’s opening day game.
Something is happening in baseball. Since the post steroids era, great pitching and “The Athlete” has taken center stage. This is great for baseball. You can market athletes, because people envy what they can’t do, and great pictures make for appointment television. I think that if Major League Baseball markets it’s’ product correctly, it could once again become the number one sport in America once again. Now I know everyone is thinking, “How can they beat the NFL?” Alright just pay attention, grab some coffee, turn off the porn, and if you’re really weird turn off the hockey game.
These are a few of the reason why baseball could be number 1 again. Baseball has clear advantages over football. Baseball players don’t wear as much equipment (Helmet, Shoulder pads, etc.), so it’s easier to identify with the players. Fans can sit at home, and believe they can do it. As crazy as that sounds, we all know Bubba on the couch can’t hit a slider. Also, every individual baseball player has a larger impact on whether your team wins or loses. That’s not even close to being true in football. There’s no individual that can that can change a football game that much just ask Dan Marino. I do think it all comes down to showcasing your athletes, and for all the success of the NFL. They have not had a must see player since Deon Sanders, and even then they didn’t showcase him. Everybody is on Peyton Manning’s jock. People think he’s a great marketer, because pitches everything from Direct TV to condoms. However, he could never out sell Sanders. Manning could never drive a clothing line or sell his own shoes, because he’s not an athlete.
If baseball wants to be great again, they need to take a line out of the NBA’s marketing book. This is what baseball should do.
Advertise big pitching matchups as head to head battles.
Start playoffs earlier in the day. Maybe even have late morning/earlier afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday.
Market your athletes! Everyone should know who Jason Heyward and Carl Crawford are. Baseball should treat them like they treated Ken Griffey jr.
So baseball let’s talk. Don’t stay stuck in the past and tradition. Embrace the world now. Please start using more instant replay. Maybe if you embrace some change, the YES Network will stop playing Mickey Mantle reruns. That’s probably wishful thinking.
So it’s over. First, I have to offer a formal apology to Doc Rivers, and the Boston Celtics. I was completely wrong about your team. You all were a true championship team, and I was wrong. So, I will no longer rip Doc Rivers for his lack of coaching skills, especially since he worked Phil Jackson throughout the Finals. So the title for “questionable coaching” now belongs to Flip Saunders. I still can’t figure out how he keeps getting jobs.
The NBA Finals was a very good series. The two best teams this series reached the finals, and they didn’t disappoint. There was a blowout, flopping, comedy, and suspense. That’s everything you want a great series to be. By the way, I love the Shrek and Donkey line. I think I like it because Glenn Davis looks like Shrek (not a compliment if you’re wondering), and a cartoon movie fits Nate Robinson perfectly. Why you ask, because it’s has nothing to do with basketball. And I believe the further Nate is away from the ball, the better his career is. I believe one reason the Celtics didn’t win is Nate Robinson. I just don’t think the basketball hierarchy could have accepted him into the Celtic championship club. Just think: Sam Jones, Larry Bird, Dennis Johnson, Kevin Garnett, Kevin McHale, and Nate Robinson. Someone doesn’t belong in that group.
The Celtics had a fantastic season, and they overachieved. As for the champion L.A. Lakers, congratulations, they were the better team throughout the season. Kobe Bryant has now put himself in the discussion of being one of the top 5 NBA players of all time. Now that we have gotten that out the way, let’s talk game seven. Game 7 came down to one thing, closing the game. The Celtics were in the position to win NBA title, but it was derailed Paul Pierce the super hero. Somewhere in between Game2 against Cleveland and Game 7 against the Lakers, Paul Pierce forgot that the reason he was in the finals was Paul Pierce. Without Rondo, the Celtics wouldn’t have gotten out of the second round. However, at the end of Game 7 Pierce is running isolation plays. How many games did he win this post season running isolation? I’ll tell you, none. Dude pass the ball, and run the offense through Rondo. Here’s a rule of thumb, don’t be Vice Carter if you don’t have to be.
So let’s finalize the Outhouse, Townhouse, and Penthouse for the NBA playoffs. I’m not going to go through every player, because we already know where some players rank. For instance Vince Carter is in the crapper. That’s just were he does his best work.
The Outhouse
Joe Johnson please make yourself at home, and leave space for Mike Beasley, and the Phoenix Suns’ defense.
I want to put Mike Brown in the Outhouse, but I feel bad because he lost his job. “So Mike, why don’t you stand next to the Outhouse with a newspaper until the Raptors give you a call?”
How about we put the NBA referees in the all at once, and make the listen to Rasheed Wallace explain why he’s never committed a foul.
Last but not least Ron Artest must put his food coloring in the toilet. “Please Ron, don’t do that again.”
The Townhouse
”Dwayne Wade grab the top bunk and let Dirk grab the bottom.”
”Please welcome Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash.”
Why don’t we give LeBron James a cot in the back? That when it’ll be easy for him to slip out the back door on July 1st.
Magic Johnson should be in the Out house for his commentary. I’ll upgrade him to the Townhouse based on his playing career. I swear he has yet to successfully break down a game, and watching him try makes my head hurt.
The Penthouse
In the Penthouse we have a group of players, but they all have one thing in common. They’re all L.A. Lakers. When you win the NBA Championship you get the place all too yourself.
Waiting outside the Penthouse is the Boston Celtics (without Nate Robinson).
So, I had to write a blog about this. I’m not sure if it will be funny, and you know what, it doesn’t even matter.
Last night I got to witness a master at work. I saw Dr. Bill Cosby put on a show last night at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. It was the best show I’ve ever been to. For starters he came out, sat down in a chair, and never left his seat until he walked off the stage. Now when I tell you he filled the space in the hall. I mean he filled the space. Mr. Cosby performed for over 2 hours. No intermission. No opening act. No band, just Bill Cosby delivering a show. The show didn’t have the effect on me that I thought it would. I thought the show would inspire me as a comedian. However that didn’t happen. I came out feeling the same way I walked in. I did take two things from the show, and neither one of them had to do with comedy. The first thing that stuck out was the relationship Cosby had with the audience. The people really loved this guy. The connection was more intimate. I watch this guy and not once did I here a comedian. I heard my grandmother, my father, and my brother. The second thing I took from the show was his patience. He never rushed into or out of a joke. He made sure his wording was right, even if he had to go back and correct himself. He was so relaxed. He did stories that were extremely long, but you never felt there wasn’t something being accomplished with every word he said. It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen.
Dr. William Cosby is the greatest comedian ever. I know everyone believes Richard Pryor is the greatest and he great. However, let me entertain you with a basketball analogy. Richard Pryor is Michael Jordan in comedy. He completely changed the game, and everyone is chasing him. Bill Cosby is Bill Russell. He has more championships than anyone, and he will probably never be surpassed. You can chase, but you will be lucky to get close.
Last night I got to watch the greatest comedian ever for over 2 hours. No intermission. No opening act. No band.
So now that the NBA Draft is over and free agency is approaching it’s now time to give my thought on NBA free agency, and in particular LeBron James. Everyone has already stated their opinion on what they think will happen. Some think all the free agents will stay, and some think they will all go. So it’s only far that I give you my take.
This summer will be a very telling point in these free agents career. The moves made this summer will stamp the stamp the first chapter of their NBA careers, and it will be the first indicator as to what is most important to each individual. So let’s just go down the list.
Carlos Boozer will end up playing for whoever is left out. He’s the wingman you stick on the ugly girl at the club. I think he will end up with the New Jersey Nets (or Brooklyn depending on if you’re a glass half filled guy).
Chris Bosh will end up with the L.A. Lakers. There has been rumored to be a sign and trade deal on the involving Bosh and Bynum. The Lakers would be foolish not to pull the trigger. Bynum has heart, but he barely has a knee cap. If you con find someone dumb enough to take him off your hands, do it.
Dwayne Wade stays in Miami. There’s no way dude is leaving Miami. Even though Miami is about as committed to winning as JaMarcus Russell, Wade will try to rationalize it publicly with the 2007 championship. Don’t you remember that championship? Yeah you know the championship. The one that had a limited Udonis Haslem, a washed up Gary Payton, and a misshapen Antoine Walker in the starting line up (would say Walker was washed up, but that would be an insult to the word).
It’s not all bad for Wade though, because he will be joined by Amare Stoudemire. With Wade and Stoudemire the Heat will be a top 3 Eastern Conference team.
Joe Johnson and his lack luster playoff game will be in New Jersey.
I think that Rudy Gay probably ends up signing with the New York Knicks. The Knicks will be left out, and they’ll have to sell their fans something. So, I think they’ll sign Rudy Gay to save face.
The next few players I call free agent stragglers. I think the name is self-explanatory. Ray Allen will be in Miami or New York. David Lee will stay in New York, and continue to put up NBA Jam like rebounding stats. Shaquille O’Neal will be in New York. I know it’s a reach, but I had to put him somewhere. Maybe he’ll start making rap album again, and we can act like the last 2 years of his career never happened. The other day someone asked me were I thought Nate Robinson was going …who cares. It’s Nate Robinson; just keep him as far away from the basketball as possible. Hopefully Nate Robinson and Gilbert Arenas join the And1 Tour. Then they can shoot all the half court shots they want, and drink red Mountain Dew.
So, I saved the big prize for last. Where do you think LeBron James will end up? My opinion on this changes daily, so I’ll layout all possible scenarios, and start another post.
So this offseason is all about LeBron James. Where will he play? Maybe he’ll play with Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh. Will he win a championship?
Well here are all the possible scenarios. There are only 3 teams that have a chance of employing LeBron next season, and 1 team with a delusional shot. Those teams are Miami, Chicago, Cleveland, and The Clippers respectively. Now he should find his way to Dallas, but that’s not going to happen. I will say that my thoughts and opinion changes almost daily on what he’ll do, so I’ll layout the 4 possible scenarios. If LeBron wants to win he’ll go to Miami. However, his stay in Miami will be short lived. Any Hall of Famer can win multiple championships with another hall of famer, just look at Bill Russell. The problem is the egos in Miami won’t be able to coexist, just ask Kobe and Shaq. I give that relationship 3 years, 5 max before LeBron leaves town. “They don’t make them like they did in the 60s.”
If you want to challenge the legend go to Chicago. That’s the only reason to go there. There’s no need to put that kind of pressure on yourself if you don’t think you can surpass that legacy. Playing in Chicago is the ultimate challenge. Maybe LeBron is up to it?
You go to the L.A. Clippers if winning is secondary to becoming a superstar. Yes the Clippers could win with LeBron, but that’s a slim chance. That franchise is historically bad, and the owner doesn’t want to spend money. I’m talking Carl Lewis singing the national anthem bad. If he does chose L.A. he’ll become a star win or lose. “LeBron if you want to be a billion dollar athlete go to the Clippers, just don’t get talked into making ‘Kazaam 2′”
If you want the burden of saving a city, stay in Cleveland. Winning in Cleveland gives you the opportunity to be the greatest player ever, the highest paid player ever, and the most beloved athlete by his home town. Only other team that comes close to offering that is the Clippers. The problem there is the Clippers will never be the Lakers. Just like the Nets won’t be the Knicks, Mets won’t be the Yankees, and Soccer won’t be anything. You can’t be a number one when you play for a number 2. Now LeBron can have this kind of power if he wins in Cleveland. At the same time if he stays and loses? It’s Kevin Garnett all over again. Another player that could have been top 10 all time if he wouldn’t have let a max contract and loyalty get in the way. Losing in Cleveland is high devastating. It’s not like losing in Miami. You see when Dwayne Wade loses in the first round every year, a day later he has a smile in his face. If you lose in Cleveland you don’t get a back rub on the beach by a super model, you’re forced watch the Cleveland Indians in your basement while you cry during commercial breaks.
Today I think LeBron takes the money and Celebrity status challenge. LeBron will wear number 6 and a Bulls logo on his chest.
What teams will be the big winners this offseason?
1st The Miami Heat with two guaranteed franchise players.
2nd Chicago with whatever piece they add.
3rd Cleveland they lose Shaq’s big contract and keep or lose LeBron. I smell cap room.
The only loser is the New York Knicks. “You gave away the last 2 season to pull of a sure fire miracle. Your problem was and still is Isaiah Thomas. New York you should always play to win now.”
I’m not sure. I thought that was Mike Tyson, but after UFC 116, you could argue those adjectives refer to Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is the most electrifying fighter that the UFC has ever seen. He can do what no other fighter can, drive paper view by himself. His appeal is reminiscent of Iron Mike Tyson, but is he UFC’s Mike Tyson? For the sake of the UFC I hope not. While Mike Tyson was great for boxing, because of fighters like him boxing is ruined. Mike Tyson was bigger than the sport of boxing. Usually that’s okay, especially when it comes to team sports. However, their must be some kind of governing body emplace in order to insure the health of the sport. That’s why Dana White is the most important person in the UFC. Dana has the ability to keep the likes of Brock Lesnar in check. E won’t allow someone to become bigger than UFC, or make a farce out of the sport. Why do you think Kimbo Slice is out of UFC? It isn’t because he wasn’t making money. Just youtube Kimbo, and watch the money he makes in someone’s backyard. Dana White could have made plenty of money off Kimbo Slice, but he knew Slice was bad for the sport. Besides that, Kimbo also couldn’t fight. Who’s paying $50 to what a fighter lose to someone half his size? But what happens when a must see fighter comes along that can fight. You know the guy I’m talking about, the guy that’s built like an oak tree with a left hook. What happens when you get a fighter like Brock Lesnar? The type of fighter that’s intimidating, controversial, and dominating?
Is Brock Lesnar, UFC’s Mike Tyson? I hope not, but if he is…long live Dana White.
According to ESPN LeBron James will decide his free agency future on National TV. He will announce his decision Thursday on ESPN during a 9pm ESPN Special. No one knows where the announcement will be held, which is important because that could tip James’ hand. But why make a decision so public? I could only come to one reason, humongous ego.
For LeBron’s sake I hope he announces his intent to stay in Cleveland. To make a spectacle of leaving a city that depends on you so much is bad karma. If you decide to move on that fine, but you have to do it the right way. To say James wouldn’t be welcome in the city of Cleveland is an understatement. He will be the most hated entertainer in the history of Cleveland, if he leaves in this fashion. If he does announce his intent to stay in Cleveland, the city will breathe a collective sigh of relief. However what about Miami, Chicago, and New York?
First off Miami won’t miss a beat. They’re happy to keep Dwayne Wade and acquire Chris Bosh. Most of Miami won’t even watch the special, because they have better things to do. The city will not find out were LeBron will play until sometime Saturday morning.
If LeBron passes on the Bulls, their fans will be disappointed… but I think the Statue in front of the United Center will help them get over it. If he decides to go to Chicago, the city will welcome him. There will be great anticipation for his first home game. The whole city will be talking. “What will LeBron do?” “How many points will he score” “This will be great!” Then on their way inside the United Center they’ll see the statue out front…
New York will be pissed if they miss out on LeBron. They were the prohivitive3 favorites to acquire his services for the last 2 years. However it was fumbled away by tanking regular season, bad draft picks, and the ghost of Isaiah. I’m not even going to entertain the idea of LeBron going to New York, because it isn’t going to happen. But hey New York Amare Stoudemire and a lack of defense will save the day.
The LeBron James Mural Will Be Fully Removed From Cleveland's Skyline Within the Next Few Days
Let’s begin…
Reaction from the decision
I’m a Cleveland sports fan. I support the Indians, the Browns, and the Cavaliers. So, I was definitely paying attention to the LeBron James (by the way that’s the last time I’ll mention his name. He now gets the Bill Parcells to T.O. treatment. I now call him the small forward) dog and pony show. I’ll spare you on the Cleveland sports venom. You can get that on a message board somewhere. I’m here to give perspective. I find no fault in the small forward leaving Cleveland. It was probably time to go. I left Cleveland twice, and I didn’t have to get paid to do it. So, I don’t consider him a traitor for leaving. However, could he have found a classer way to do it? You talk about a kick in the groin. Even the crowd winced when he said Miami. He knows what the city of Cleveland has gone through when it comes to sports, so why would you add to it? Why would you want to be public enemy number 1? He went from loved, to hated in one sentence. I’ve never seen anything like that before. I don’t know how pissed off you have to be to want to stab a fan base like that. Sure Delonte West had sex with your mother, but the fans weren’t video taping it. Why take it out on them? That was a bad move, and it pretty much guaranteed that you will never be able to come back to Cleveland. Even if you run out of gas passing through Cleveland, you better push your car to Youngstown. So, good luck on your first game back in Cleveland.
What did the small forward give up?
On July 8th 2010 at 9 ET, the small forward gave up the chance of being one of the top 10 players to ever play in the NBA. All of his accomplishments will be diminished, because of the players he played with, and the means by which he got there. Let’s just say that he went to New York or Chicago? Not only would he have been the alpha dog of the team, but he would have been able to beat Wade, Kobe, Dwight Howard, and Carmelo by himself. He would have been seen as the guy that took down the best players in his era. He would have been the ultimate champion of his time. His legacy would have been comparable to the greatest players ever. People may have even argued that he was the greatest player ever. Everyone would have talk bout his combination of size and speed. They would have talk about how he over came adversity, like Jordan and Isaiah did before him. If he wins in Miami, he’s a better version of Robert Horry. No offense to Robert Horry, but there’s no way he could have sniffed icon status. Maybe I’m becoming a grumpy old fan, but I like seeing the best in any Arena go head to head. I want to compare Letterman to Leno, Frazier to Ali, and Magic to Bird. I don’t want to see Bill Gates making a call on iphone. If Ohio State and Michigan decide to merge, I want Woody Hayes to arise from his grave and uppercut the guy that thought it was a good idea.
I still can’t believe that he talked himself into giving up that level of greatness. How did that conversation go? “I could be considered the best player ever. I could play in New York. Maybe I could play in Chicago. I could be the biggest thing to hit that city since Jordan. Naw, I’ve decided to take my talents to South Beach”
Now What?
I think the Miami Heat have to win immediately. That’s the only way you could somewhat justify the decision. If this team doesn’t win multiple championships, it will be a failure. I don’t think they will win a championship in their first year, because they won’t be able to successfully defend in the front.
Depending on how this situation pans out it could change the way free agency is handled in the future. There’s a possibility that we could see more of these super teams in the NBA. If you look at how basketball has changed in the last 15 years. AAU is bigger than ever, no one stays in college, and you access to agents at the age of 13. That’s why the small forward took his talents to South Beach. It’s not about competition in the NBA. It’s about how big you can make your brand, being a celebrity, and not being too hung over on game day.
The summer of 2010 can be summed up in one statement, “In this fall, I’m going to take my talents to South Beach…” That’s the title for the next chapter of the NBA.
Sports can't get rid of what makes the ball bounce
Let’s begin…
Amateur competition does not exist. As soon as you insert the word “competition” everyone involved becomes a professional. If you want it to be an amateur sport, don’t keep score. That would fix the problem. Treat it like a YMCA 10 and under league. I’m sure at some time there were Amateur Athletics. Back when Rick Barry shot underhand free throws, Pele was on the pitch, and people thought only Rock and Roll singers did blow. That time is long gone. Now athletes do blow, and they have the opportunity to be paid if they’re good enough. From American idol to the Jersey shore, if you have a product worth watching there’s money to be made.
The integrity of College Athletics has taken center stage once again this summer. The on going investigation into USC athletics and Reggie Bush came to a conclusion. USC was found at fault by the NCAA, and levied a heavy punishment. Why…because they got caught. Just like the University of Miami before them. Note to all college Athletic Directors. Don’t invite Snoop Dogg or Uncle Luke to sit on your side line. A rapper on the downside of their career will cause problems. Just ask Eminem. At the same time no matter what an A.D. does college athletes will continue to get paid, thanks to boosters and agents. Rich boosters and Slimy Agents, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks to them the newest member to the club of recent violators will be the University of Florida, if they are found at fault in the Maurkice Pouncey situation (Pouncey allegedly received $100,000 before the Sugar Bowl. Straight Cash Homie).
Take a look at the schools that have recently been found in violation of NCAA rules. Alabama, Florida State, University of Miami, Ohio State, Michigan, and any team coached by John Calipari. What do they all have in common? They all win. That’s why Boise State and Utah can’t compete consistently, because you can’t get Reggie Bush to run the Hook and Ladder for minimum wage.
Even though it’s a violation of the rules, I think players should be compensated financially. They enable the University to make millions of dollars. It’s only right that they get some kick back. However, it is against the rules so let’s fix it, and make it Amateur Athletics. First start paying coaches like you pay the head of the College of Business. Stop allowing conferences or schools to have television deals. And stop agents from having any contact with players. Then I think you can try and sell your product as an amateur sport. However that won’t happen. Amateur competition doesn’t exist. Players and coaches will continue to get paid. Conferences will merge to make more money. “So rich boosters and slimy agents come on in, and don’t forget Uncle Luke.”
LeBron and Paul Have More Than Frienship in Common
Let’s begin…
So there’s a report out in regard to Chris Paul. According to Chris Broussard, Chris Paul has request a trade from the New Orleans Hornets. Hi preferred destinations are said to be New York, Portland, and Orlando which is said to be a top that list. I think Paul’s request was caused by the decision that the Heat’s small forward made, and it may even reveal why he made the move. He’s said to be “best friends” with Chris Paul (I had to put best friends in parenthesis, because James (used his name) is best friends with everyone. He’s best friends with Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Jay-Z, Donald Trump, Warren Buffet…he’s probably best friends with Mel Brooks (the alcoholic not the comedian). Chris Paul and LeBron (did it again) had conversations about where they would play their respective careers. So, that leads me to believe that they both knew each other was thinking about leaving their respective teams before LeBron (I give up) made his decision. And if you didn’t know that, you’re just not paying attention. So, maybe LeBron made his decision to stay ahead of the curve. Maybe Chris Paul decided to leave now, and exercise his power, after he saw it was possible to pull off. I side with the later. I think players say think about what it would be like to play with another great player, but because of the salary cap they don’t think it will happen. However, this summer that was proved wrong.
I hope that Chris Paul ends up playing for the Orlando Magic. Now as a Cleveland sports fan I’m a little torn, because I see what James leaving did to a city. At the same time the duty of a true fan is to wish vengeance on a player that doesn’t leave the right way. And what better way to wish vengeance than to hope Chris Paul plays in Orlando. Just imagine LeBron tries to back door his way into a championship, but wait a minute. Chris Paul and Dwight Howard form the Magic 2. Not only are the Magic younger, but the team is better. So you spin this forward 3 years, and Miami hasn’t won a championship. There’s dissension among the Heat, Pat Riley comes back, and Van Gundy is smiling. Imagine the hysteria and the backlash. I can see it right now. LeBron takes an hour out of ESPN, he’s at a Sports Authority in Las Vegas, he donating the money to Hookers, and he says, “This fall I have decided to take my talents to Venice Beach, and play for the L.A. Lakers.”
This summer things have changed in the NBA. For the last 10 years everyone has been trying to find the next Michael Jordan. “Who’s going to take over?” We’ve been reaching for what the NBA was going to be. “Well now we have arrived at an answer. The NBA is now the league of super powers. Stop looking for the next Michael Jordan, because he won’t be here for another 15 years. Instead embrace the supper teams. For the next 10 years the NBA will be reminiscent to the 70s and 80s. It will become the undisputed number two sport in America, and become must see T.V.
Dez Bryant is Not Willing to Carry Roy Williams' Pads
Let’s begin…
It hit the headlines right after Dez Bryant hit the microphone at the Dallas Cowboys training camp, “Dez Bryant refuses to carry Roy Williams’ shoulder pads.” Now Rookie hazing is a familiar occurrence in all fields of athletics. Most first year players are asked to carry equipment, by lunches, and/or perform other task by veteran players. It’s tradition. An NFL right of passage. That’s why so many people can’t understand why Bryant has a problem carrying Williams’ shoulder pads.
I think Dez Bryant being hazed by Roy Williams is intriguing. First of all it’s Roy Williams. He hasn’t been elite since middle school intermural. It’s hard to take a demand from someone when you’re in direct competition with them. Not to mention that he’s overpaid and can’t play. I bet if Jerry Rice would have told him to pick up the pads, he would have done it. If I was Dez Bryant I would have said, “Dude, you know you’re Roy Williams, right? I’m about to take your job in like two days, and you’re asking me to pick up your pads? How about I do you one better? After I take your job, I’ll pick up a job application for you. I heard UPS is hiring, and they need someone to drop packages.”
The other thing that crossed my mind when I first heard of this story was…hasn’t Dez Bryant been hazed enough? If the purpose of hazing is paying your dues, I think he’s done enough. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have to pick up pads (Because he should, just not a player you’re competing against. Maybe pick up Tony Romo’s or Wade Phillips’ pads), but he has definitely earned his rookie stripes. He was denied an opportunity to play his senior year of college, took less money to get into training camp, and in a pre-draft interview he was asked if his mother was a prostitute. Dude has gotten raked for the last year in the name of football. So Dez should ask Roy, “If you go through what I went though, then I’ll carry your pads…What…you’re willing to go through it…Well, is your mother a prostitute?”
Ochocinco told reporters, "It would be a (expletive) shame if we don't win the Super Bowl."
Let’s begin…
I’m talking about must see T.V. The Cincinnati Bengals should write a book entitled, “How to Create Must See T.V.” because they know how to do it. They already had the most entertaining receiver in the NFL, the most arrest in the NFL, and the 2002 Heisman Trophy Winner. Now they add the second most entertaining player in the NFL, Terrell Owens (T.O. if you prefer). This, my friend is must see T.V. Even the most interesting man in the world will grab a Dos Equis on Sunday and watch the game. I absolutely can not wait to see the Bengals. If I had the chance I would buy season tickets.
Now that I’ve gotten my pleasure out of the way, lets talk about the actually team on the field. I think the Cincinnati Bengals are better today than they were last year. Say what you want about T.O. and Chad, but those boys can play. Owens is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He is third all in receiving yards and touchdowns. Those are facts. You can think what you want about him as a person, but he knows how to play. Now pair him with Chad Ochocinco who’s a 4 time pro bowl receiver, and you have the best receiving core in the NFL. Add the receiving core with the best team in the AFC North last year, a great defense, and Quarterback with something to prove. I think they have to be considered Super Bowl contenders. I mean why wouldn’t they be? What could possibly derail there Super Bowl run? Oh yeah T.O. and Chad OchoCinco. Arguably the most egotistical athletes ever (LeBron tried to make a run at the title this summer. Even Nick Saban felt bad about what he did. However, I have faith in the new Cincinnati teammates, and within one touchdown reception they will be the undisputed champions again). Can Chad and T.O. make it work? Well see. I know I will be watching, “Hey T.O. I got my popcorn ready.”
Haynesworth Has Yet to Pass Mike Shanahan's Conditioning Test
Let’s begin…
As the Albert Haynesworth turns, it turns slowly, but it turns (It’s more of a drift than a turn really). I’m starting to get confused by the whole Albert Haynesworth saga. I thought we didn’t like Haynesworth. For you’ll that don’t know what’s going on, let me fill you in briefly. Albert Haynesworth plays for the Washington Redskins, and is the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. He was promised a bonus and the opportunity to play in a 4-3 defense. However, once the Redskins hired Mike Shanahan (over hyped head coach). He decided to change their base defense to a 3-4. Haynesworth expressed that he wouldn’t play in the 3-4, and after he received his bonus, he blew off voluntary offseason workouts (which are not really voluntary. It’s like your father asking you to volunteer to cut the grass). That upset the entire Redskins organization. Things however changed when he showed up to training camp 30 pounds lighter and ready to play. At least I think they were supposed to. I mean the fans liked it; the owner liked it, but Mike Shanahan, not so much. He was visibly upset with Haynesworth, and decided he wasn’t in the shape he should be. Shannon decided he had to pass a conditioning test, that consistent of two 300 yard shuttle sprints. What? I think I speak for the Redskins’ fans when I say, “Huh.” 300 yards is not a sprint, that’s suicide. Carl Lewis couldn’t sprint 300 yards. The dude is a 300 pound defensive lineman. What about nose tackle says sprint. At most they run 5 feet (one foot if Rob Johnson is playing quarterback). By the way if you’re wondering Haynesworth has failed to take and/or pass the test for the past week.
That’s where we are now. Haynesworth has not yet passed the conditioning test, and Shanahan is not loosening his demands. At first everyone thought it was great, “Shanahan is putting his foot down. He’s demand respect from the best player on the team.” However, lately things are changing. The object of football is to win games. Albert is the best defensive player on the team. He needs to be on the field for this team to be competitive. So, for Mike Shanahan to continue to demand a conditioning test, that not Germane to his position is ridiculous. While Haynesworth looked like the bad guy a month ago, Shanahan is starting to shift public perception. If I could talk to Mike Shannon I would say, “Have you not been paying attention this offseason. Dan Gilbert created the blueprint on what not to do, when a player does you wrong. If you don’t want him to play for you get rid of him. Stop with all the conditioning drills, because you’re turning your team into a circus. You are creating what all coaches say they hate, “A Distraction.”
MTV has asked Kanye West to come back to their awards show, after a controversial event. This contradicts the statement they released following his last outburst. Where they said, said he wouldn’t be welcome. Please stop me when this sounds familiar.
I would say I told you so, but I didn’t get to talk to everyone individually. However, to everyone I did talk to, “I told you so.” Following the Taylor Swift incident, everyone had the same reaction. “I can’t believe he did that.” “He just ruined his career.” “He will never be allowed at an MTV award show.” I didn’t understand this reaction, because this it what Kanye does. Every time he’s on the screen it’s must what T.V. Even though you’re not sure what he will do, you know he will do something. This is great for MTV. It’s like a drug attic getting sponsored by smack. MTV is not in the business of morality, there in the business of ratings. So, if Kanye West drew eyeballs to MTV, why wouldn’t they invite him back? They would actually be dumb if they didn’t. Lets be honest, who over the age of twelve is watching an MTV award show on purpose? There trophy is a man on a moon wrapped in Aluminum foil. Oh and the movie award is a golden cup of popcorn. Even 1980s rappers think that looks tacky.
So how do you get people that matter to watch your show? Create controversy. Use the model that reality shows use. Go pay a Snookie, a Situation, or Paula Abdul, give them drinks, and watch your ratings. Do you think I watch the bad girls club, because of their aesthetic approach? No, I want to see someone wake up at 4pm, throw back a couple whiskey sours, and figure out who they will fight that day. If I was MTV, I would sit Kanye next to Taylor Swift. I would ask them if they would perform, “Ebony and Ivory.” I would say, “Hey Taylor, you’re just as irrelevant as your career. What do you say we do that whole acceptance speech thing again? He’ll cut you off; you’ll look like an idiot. Then we can put it on the front page of MTV.com, like we did last year. What do you think Taylor? …you don’t want to do it…well call Carrie Underwood and ask her if she’s game.”
So, it’s Football season, and it’s time for the NFL Preview. Let me start by previewing the NFC. Why you ask, because when I was in high school the J.V. always played before the Varsity.
Breakout
The breakout team in the NFC is between the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. I really want to pick the 49ers out right. There talented young players are now a year older, and I personally think Vernon Davis is going to establish himself as a top 3 NFL Tight End. However, they play in a putrid division (one reason I think they will breakout), so they almost have to be good by default. The Washington Redskins will be a good football team. They have upgraded at the 2 most important positions in football, coach and Quarterback. They will finish second in the NFC, and make it to the playoffs.
Overrated Team
The New York Giants, I just don’t see it. I don’t know what people are drinking. I know they got on a roll in the playoffs a few years ago to win the super bowl. You have to take a look at what they did before and since that run. Everyone forgets that they were going to fire their coach. You don’t almost fire your coach, magically win a Super Bowl, and live happily ever after. Just ask Brian Billick how that works out.
NFC Season MVPs
Drew Brees and Julius Peppers are my season MVPs.
Drew Brees is the man on offense. You have to take the champs title before you can change my opinion. Nuff said.
Now when I say Julius Peppers is the best defensive player, you probably think I’m smoking something, but Peppers is a beast. Plus I haven’t frequented the Mary Jane since college. I do however ride the bus, so there’s a good chance I’m in contact with PCP on a daily basis.
The Worst and the Best
The worst team is the St. Louis Rams. They have a rookie quarterback, and a head coach that will be fired soon(through no fault of his own), and a running back who will have to rush for 3000 yards for them to even be competitive. “St. Louis just cancel this season, and hope that the scotch tape on Sam Bradford’s shoulder doesn’t come undone.”
The best team will be the Green Bay Packers. Thy have a great quarterback, a great offense, a good defense, and a good coach. To win in the NFL you have to be able to run the ball and stop the run. The Green Bay Packers will be the best at doing that in the NFC. That’s why they’re going to the Super Bowl.
The AFC is the varsity (in case you couldn’t figure that out) with many good teams and some great ones. So, let’s break it down.
Breakout
The breakout team in the AFC (“drop the beat, I said drop not drum roll”) will be the Oakland Raiders. As soon as the Raiders got rid of Jamarcus Russell, I started paying attention. They brought in Jason Campbell, who is an above average NFL Quarterback. You couple that with the fact that they have the best defensive back in the NFL, and they play in a terrible division. How could they not win? Now I’m not picking the Raiders because they’re a good team. I picked the Raiders because Jamarcus Russell was just that lazy. People underestimate how much Russell brought down that franchise. I know he could throw 70 yards on one knee, and he was built like an ox. However, football isn’t played on one knee, and it’s never good when your quarterback is pushing 3 bills. Note to NFL GMs, never draft a quarterback that could out eat Kobayashi.
Overrated
The New York Jest, are completely overrated. I know it may shock people, but I don’t think they’re even a super bowl contender. I was once told, “Whenever everyone is going one way, go the other.” In this case look at the coach and quarterback, and bet your money else where.
These are the facts on the Jets. They have a second year quarterback with knee problems, and a coach that would be a niche through comic if not for Lenny Bruce. I don’t know what’s taking everyone so long to realize he’s a one dimensional head coach. I give him 3 more years, because that’s how long Charlie Weis lasted (a fellow one dimensional lame duck coach. Also see Lane Kiffin, Larry Coker, every Notre Dame coach for the last 10 years, and Mike Brown). The Jets are an 8-8 football team, with or without Darrelle Revis.
AFC Season MVPs
The defensive MVP will be Mario Williams. He plays defensive end for the Houston Texans, and is probably most known for being the first pick of the 2006 draft. He’s had good defensive years for the last few years, and I think he’ll have a great year this year. I have no confidence in this pick. Feel free to shred this.
The offensive MVP will be Peyton Manning. Peyton is the greatest regular season football player of all time. If you could be a hall of famer based on the regular season? He would be on the first ballot. Oh yeah that’s right, you can be a hall of famer based on regular season stats. So, he will be in the hall of fame, but truthfully he caught some luck in the playoffs one year and won a championship. I know what you’re thinking, “So what’s the difference between Peyton Manning and A-Rod?”…yeah, I don’t know either.
The Worst and the Best
The worst team will be the Buffalo Bills. I’m not going to waste my time talking about them anymore.
The Best team will be the New England Patriots. They have their 2 best players (Randy Moss and Tom Brady) in M. Jordan sophomore mode (having the nee to prove everyone wrong). They have a great coach, and an over-hyped division. However, the Cincinnati Bengals will go to the Super Bowl. They can run the ball and stop the run. They also have a great coach, a pro-bowl quarterback, and they will be able to comfortably win their injury stricken division.
This year throughout the college football season, I will be previewing each week of college football, while paying special attention to “My Game of the Week.” This means I will not be focusing on D-3, D-2, D-1AA, Tulsa, Vermont, or any Conference USA football. I will analyze and predict football games each week.
So, that’s what I will be doing. I hope you all enjoy, and as also comment and let me know what you think.
Now let’s get to the preview.
The Top Ten according to me.
Alabama
Ohio State
Texas
Virginia Tech
Florida
Oklahoma
Boise State
Miami
Iowa
TCU
Also receiving votes: LSU, Washington, Stanford, UConn, Wisconsin, Pittsburg, Arkansas, and No one from Conference USA. USC received no votes, but…Reggie Bush is still receiving money. I think that this year will be somewhat of a down year for college football. There will be many teams that will have to opportunity to make it to a B.C.S. Bowl game. Don’t be surprised if both TCU, Boise State, and Washington, make it into the B.C.S. With that being said, I think there are 3 teams that could possibly win the championship.
Conference Previews From East to West
Big East: I’m going to pick the USF Bulls to finish first. I love their coach, I like their location (Florida schools can ball. I don’t know if you’ve noticed), and that’s the worst B.C.S. Conference.
ACC: Virginia Tech will win the ACC. I do think that Miami has the most talent. However, the talent is too young, and young talent in Miami can be a bad combination. Give them another year, and I think they could make a National Championship run.
SEC: The SEC will be won by Alabama. They’re the best team so why not.
Big Ten: Ohio State is once again the class of the Big Ten, and the will win the Conference title for the 6th straight year. The bigger question is will they lose a Big Ten game and Jeopardize their title chances.
Big 12: Texas will win the Big 12. This is definitely a down year for this conference, so it’s kind of hard to predict. I pick Texas because they generally recruit better talent. Plus I like their quarterback to fill Colt McCoy‘s shoes, better than Oklahoma filling Sam Bradford’s shoes.
Pac-10: This conference is definitely the most wide open. If not for the sanctions that USC will be facing for the next 2 years, I would pick them hands down. However, because of the sanctions Washington, Stanford, Arizona State, and Oregon have a real chance to dominate. With all that being said talent wins in college sports. That’s why I’m picking the USC Trojans to win the Pac-10. They just have a better team than everyone else. There biggest road block will be keeping their players motivated to play, while knowing they won’t be rewarded with post season play.
Everyone Else: Obviously you have to keep an Eye on Boise State. You don’t need me to tell you they have an oppurtnity to make history, by being the first non-B.C.S. school to play in the championship game. TCU is another team that I love. I definitely think they will make it to another BCS bowl game. Notre Dame will continue to be terrible. Notre Dame Apologist will tell you their building a team and they recruit top players. Well if that’s true, why don’t you win? Boise State wins, and they (supposedly) recruit lesser talent. Notre Dame will only win this year if they finally embrace what they are, a team that has limited talent, and must rely on a change of pace game.
Big Winners and Big Losers
The big winners this season will be
The SEC: They will continue to show their dominance.
The Big Ten: This year they will reestablish themselves as the second best conference in the country.
The Michigan Wolverines, if I were Rich Rodriguez I would rent and not buy. “Hey Rich, your rents do.”
USC will be a loser, because of the post season ban. The amount of money and recruits they will lose could really hurt them in the future.
The BCS Bowl system will be a loser. After all the bad publicity they’ll get this season, I don’t know how they win…unless everyone watches all the games? MY bad, the BCS is still a winner.
Small conference will be the big loser, because after all the publicity Boise State, TCU, and Utah get this season. They will no longer have a need for you. Those teams will leave for bigger and better conferences, rendering the WAC and MWC even more irrelevant than they already are. Personally I thought that was impossible, but if you have faith, scrubs always come through.
So, that’s what will happen this season. Feel free to react with a comment, or just continue to mumble under your breathe.
If you don’t know James “Lights Out” Toney will be fighting tonight in UFC 118. I have no idea what he’s thinking. He could get demolished in the octagon tonight. First off he’s 42 years old. “Hey man, you should not be fighting if you’re 42.” If I’m 42 and someone wants to fight me, I try to negotiate some type deal. Hopefully he’s 42 as well. Then maybe we can go out for a Miller High Life, and exchange stories about the good old days. As if his age is not a big enough deterrent, James has never fought in the UFC. That’s right! He’s about to fight a professional, in an arena, that he has never participated in before. How does that make sense? Even Pacman Jones thinks that is a bad decision. Now I will give Toney some credit because he was a good boxer. So he has a fighting background. However, he’s not boxing Randy Couture tonight. As soon as the fight goes to the ground, “Lights Out” will realize you can’t wrestle a guy carrying a gut big enough to make the Octomom jealous.
I really don’t see how James Toney won’t be demolished tonight. Of course he is fighting Rand Couture, a fighter that’s past his prime and 47 years old. That actually gives him a chance. So, maybe the question should be what makes old people want to fight? I like the fact that they are fighting, because you have no idea what will happen. They could both have simultaneous strokes within the first 30 seconds. They call the fight a draw, while small misshapen men clean up the bodies. The camera pans to Dana White and Joe Rogan laughing their heads off. The audience is happy, everyone that bought the fight is happy, and I’m happy because I predicted it right here. Personally, I think this is the best case scenario for James Toney. “Lights Out”
Man it fells good to be a sports fan right about now. Why you ask? Just check out the title of this post. I’ll give you a couple second, because some of my readers are remedial. It’s time for college football. The football season will open up this Thursday with great games this Saturday starring TCU, LSU, and Oregon State. This Labor Day however is the game of the week. Make no mistake about it; this game will end all National Title hopes for the team that loses this game. The game I’m referring to is Boise State v. Virginia Tech. The hype surrounding this game will be met in full. I believe that both teams will be ready to play, and there will be a Championship atmosphere. This, my friend is Boise Sate and Virginia Tech’s shot to practically guarantee themselves a National Championship bid. You can’t ask for anything more in the opening week of a season.
Breakdown
This is what you need to know. Virginia Tech just has better players than Boise Sate. They have a underrated quarterback, a good defense, and a fantastic coach. This will also practically be a home game for Tech. You may say, “There playing in D.C. that’s not Virginia.” And after you told me that I would tell you, “To check out a map. Find D.C. then find Virginia…now agree with me that it’s a home game.” Only way Tech fans don’t show up. Is if in a weird way the channel the energy of Tampa Bay Rays fans, and are secretly trying to get rid of the team.
With that being said, Virginia Tech always starts slow at the beginning of the season. Also Boise Sate has proved in the past that they can beat teams better than them on any given day. So, I don’t think that Boise State is scared by any Stretch of the imagination. I actually think that Boise Sate fans are more confident than Virginia Tech’s. I absolutely love the Broncos‘ receiving core, Quarterback, and coach. I wish I liked their smurf turf, but it makes them look like a dope. I think if you want to be taken seriously, you have to stop panting you field weird colors.
I think this game comes down to talent and coaching. While I think that Boise Sate has the coaching, they just don’t have the players. I also think if the game gets close, the environment will eat them alive. It’s easier to beat a team when you’re an underdog, because no one is expecting you to win. However, you’re Boise State, #3 in the Nation; you could make history and win the National title. This is the first time you’re supposed to win the big game.
I don’t think you can do it. Virginia Tech wins, 27 – 14
“Boise Sate welcome to the big boys table. Now go get us some coffee.”
So, incase you haven’t heard College Athletes get paid all the time. Sorry to break the news so casually, but that’s the deal. The problem is that college athletes being compensated, violates NCAA rules. That means no cash compensation, no items given to an athlete (cars, houses, trips, jobs, etc.), no drinks on the house, no strippers on credit; basically no fun with out the NCAA sending the fun through an Iraq like airport check. The latest high profile athlete to be found guilty of violating the rules is Reggie Bush. Now to be fair Bush probably violated every rule2-3 times a week, so everyone knew. Except for the NCAA, who actually want you to believe that it took 5 years of investigation to figure out, the best football player in L.A was getting paid. (By the way, 5 years is way too long to investigate anything, unless you’re looking for Bin Laden, because we’re getting really close to finding that guy). Note to the world: Great people in any field get compensated, immediately.
Consequently the NCAA punished UCS (the school Reggie Bush attended) by stripping them of wins, and future scholarships. I had no problem with that, because there should be some type of punishment. However, a report surfaced today that the Heisman trophy may be stripped from USC, because he was ineligible for the season he won the award. What? The association that rewards the Heisman has nothing to do with the NCAA. It seems like they’re trying to argue that Reggie Bush was ineligible, so technically he didn’t exists that year. The problem is, he did exist. I watched Reggie Bush shred college teams throughout his career. Bush was the one of the 2 best college football athletes (the other is Michael Vick) in the last 25 years. So, how can you try to erase that from my memory? Why don’t you just reward the best player on the field that year? Think about this. Let’s say you steal a car to go to work, and for 5 years no one finds out. During those 5 years you’re employee of the month for the entire 5 years. You get arrested during the 6th year at Wal-Mart right before you clock in. Now let me ask you. When you go to jail for stealing that car, should they also take away your employee of the month plaques? Yeah, I don’t think they should take them back either.
”Boise State and their Cinderella story lives to fight another day.” What? I saw the game on Monday night. I had some food to eat, I had some drinks, so I could have been a little sleepy, but I didn’t see a Cinderella team on the field. They were wearing those weird Cinderella like uniforms, but you can’t let that throw you off. A Cinderella doesn’t go undefeated for 2 years, and win an opening day road game in front of 90,000 people. What I saw Monday night was a BCS contender. Now I did pick Virginia Tech to win the game, but I was wrong. Boise State is a better team than Virginia Tech, and they proved that in D.C. on Monday night.
I was also somewhat impressed by Notre Dame. I don’t know if I was impressed as much as I was surprised. They had an offensive game plan. I haven’t seen them have a game plan for 4 years. Good for Notre Dame. Hopefully the next time I’m surprised it’s because you beat a team that was actually good.
Preview
So this week in college football there are great power teams in action. You have Michigan v. Notre Dame. That game has some baggage attached to it. If Michigan can win that game Rich Rodriguez will probably keep his job. At the same time, if Notre Dame wins Brian Kelly might get a lifetime contract. By the way where is Michigan’s quarterback from? Dude doesn’t tie his shoes. He’s probably from some place where they chase rabbits for fun. Penn Sate v Alabama could be an upset, however it’s more likely to be a massacre. My game of the week is Miami v. Ohio State.
Breakdown
Someone is going to pass a test this week. Will Ohio State step up, and prove they have a big game team after recent years of disappointment. Will Miami’s young talented team pull an upset, and propel themselves into National title contention. For Ohio State this game comes down to expectations. “Can you live up to being a favorite?” The Buckeyes have better players in every position, a better coach, and home field advantage. For Miami you have to have composer in a hostile environment. The Hurricanes need to play out of their minds. They can’t get caught up in everything surround the game. They must run the ball, and focus on getting first downs. However that mind friend, will not happen. Miami is young, inexperienced, and they’re going to “The Horseshoe.” That’s a bad combination. You may be “The U” but you won’t beat “The” Ohio State University.
So I watched the MTV awards last night, and it was a great show. At least I think it was great. I didn’t really watch the show. I fast forwarded through everything I didn’t want to see (anytime someone was receiving an award), and just watched the performances. Most of the performances were fantastic.
Even Justin Bieber got my attention. I do wonder what Taylor swift was doing. I believe she still thinks the Kanye sympathy allows her to do…whatever you call that last night. That was some kind of country, music, ballad/pop/”I Hope the Kanye sympathy is still working.” I wasn’t too ecstatic about that performance. On the other hand Usher and Kanye West put it down. I will focus on the self-titled “Douche” Kanye West. West is still the best musical artist in America and maybe even the world. Despite the backlash and the shots he’s been taking, everyone still wants to watch him. You can say there’s “bad blood” between MTV and Mr. West, but even they recognizes what he brings to their show. So, I wasn’t surprised to see him close out the show last night. I was surprised they didn’t let him open the show too.
Jersey Shore
Alright so I like watching Jersey Shore. There! I said it. I’m not proud of it. It’s something I need to help get me by, kind of like a Meth addiction. Every episode of this show is a must watch. It has the perfect amount of alcohol, breast implants, and staged fights, to make a great show. Someone should probably tell the guys to lay off the steroids, however if they need an over load of testosterone to make bad decisions. Please continue your cycle. As for the girls…continue to be hypocrites, and get bad tans. When your spray tans start rolling off your body like sweat on a hot summer day. I’m reminded why I like HD TV.
Did big teams show up this weekend? I think so. Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Florida pounded their competition. They proved that they are in the 10 of college football. One of those teams will win the National title this year, and all of them will play in a BCS game.
The big performance of the weekend goes to Denard Robinson of Michigan. He showed Notre Dame in one game why they’ve been losing for the last 10 years. He has something Notre Dame hasn’t had…speed (along with dreadlocks and shoes without any laces).
I think I feel bad that Boise State loss this weekend without even playing (thanks to Virginia Tech‘s losing to James Madison).
Preview
There aren’t many good games this week. I will be watching Michigan State v. Notre Dame and Iowa v. Arizona. However my game of the week is Nebraska v. Washington. This is probably not the sexiest game, but I have to give some love to the west coast.
Breakdown
The Washington Huskies really have their backs against the wall this weekend. Nebraska is a better team at least I think they are. If you take a quick look at them, you would think they are the power team of last year. However, when you look closer they are a one dimensional team, with a run first mentality. They have looked great against terrible teams, and still haven’t been able to generate a passing game. Washington on the other hand is a more balanced team. They do have a limited defense, but they have a good coach to compensate. They also have two ex-factors working for them. They have home field advantage and they have a great quarterback (Jake Locker). If Washington can stop the run they will win the game going away. I don’t think they will do that, but they will do enough to win.
#1 Alabama Takes On #10 Arkansas. Will It Be An Upset?
Let’s begin…
Review
”Jake Locker, time to wake up. You’ve wet the bed again.” Man! I can’t believe I fell for the façade. I’m a dope. Locker had people fooled into thinking he was actually good. I give him credit for fooling people while never winning a big game in his career. However, I have to dock him points for fooling himself, and not taking 50 million dollars in the NFL. The rest of Washington’s season is irrelevant. At least Locker will have time to change his own sheets.
I also didn’t see Iowa losing. The deck was definitely stacked against them. They had to go to the West Coast, and play a game at 10:30. However, if you want to be the man, you have to win those games. They didn’t and they’re not the man. Somewhere Ohio State is smiling.
Preview
It’s a good week in college football. Boise State will be in action this week against Oregon State. This is there last big game this year. You also have South Carolina v. Auburn and West Virginia v. LSU. My game of the week is Alabama v. Arkansas.
Breakdown
The Alabama Crimson Tide will be tested for the first time since the National Championship this week. The Arkansas Razorbacks are a good college football team this year, and they have a great chance to pull the upset. The Razorbacks possibly have the best quarterback in college football this year and a good coach. The will also have home field advantage. And home field advantage in the SEC, can be huge. Alabama has what I think is the best player in college football. He’s (drum roll please) Julio Jones! They also have the best coach in college football, two top 10 running backs, and oh yeah, their quarterback hasn’t lost a game since 8th grade. Now I said the Arkansas has a chance to pull the upset, and if they win that’s exactly what it’ll be. Roll tide!
Umm…did I miss something? Someone in America is defending LeBron James? After the decision I thought everyone agreed he was a Douche. I didn’t know that we had a revote. If the polls are still open, please put me down for ‘still a Douche.”
There was an article written on ESPN.com, and it focused on how “Black America” is defending LeBron James.
On a side note I always cringe when I see or hear the term, Black America. That term infers that a group of people agree on thoughts, feelings, and reaction. I hate to break it to the developer of Black America but those people don’t exist. My family is black and we agree on about 2 things. And if we did have the opportunity to agree, we wouldn’t waist our time with LeBron James.
I don’t feel bad for LeBron James. I don’t even channel energy in the direction of James. As a matter fact I haven’t heard anyone (who wasn’t emotional invested in sports) say anything about LeBron. No one outside of Ohio and Florida even cares. This isn’t the O.J case. This is a man with a huge ego that decided to tell the world, he was taking his talents to South Beach. So let’s keep this in perspective.
My interest was originally sparked in the subject while I was watching ESPN: First Take. They were arguing about this topic. Someone was pro black America people group and someone was passive aggressively against it (that’s just how T.V. works). Jemele Hill (who I like like), said she’s heard black people say, the burning of LeBron’ jersey remind them of the KKK. Really….the KKK? When I saw them burning his jersey I thought. “What is a grown man doing with a jersey? That guy is a dope.” Sports starts change every five years for the most part.
Sports stars change every five years for the most part. So let’s just ride out this whole South Beach, I’m not a leader, I’m egotistic, and hopefully I can win a championship era.
Michael Vick Is The Philadelphia Eagles' Starting Quarterback
Let’s begin…
I thought the reason the Eagles traded Donovan McNabb was because they had a better quarterback. I didn’t know that the better quarterback was Michael Vick, and Kevin Kolb didn’t know either. When Andy Reid announced that Michael Vick would be the starting quarterback I was shocked. This is the same guy that said just 2 days earlier that Kolb was the starter and the future of the Philadelphia Eagles. I applauded Reid for reversing his decision. It’s obvious that at this time Vick is a better player, but it’s hard for a veteran head coach to swallow his pride publicly.
Now that the burden is squarely on Vick’s shoulder, what will happen? I don’t know, but it will be must see T.V. There hasn’t been a quarterback as exciting as Michael Vick since…Mike Vick. Watching this guy play now brings back old memories. I think about that incredible touchdown runs and the way he won a playoff game in Lambeau Field. You also think about the guilty plea to bankrolling a dogfighting ring. You think about the prison time, and the rumors about him never playing again. Then you think about his return to the NFL, and how he was a third string quarterback. No one expected him to play significant time, but after a trade and an injury, Vick got his opportunity.
It’s very rare that someone takes time away from athletics, and upon returning regains their previous level of excellence. I think that Michael Vick has a great opportunity be a better quarterback than he was before. He has a favorable upcoming schedule, and the NFC East is not a great division this year. Whether he succeeds or crashes and burns I will be happy to watch. I just have one request, please don’t fight dogs! I don’t want the burden of defending that.
You may have heard about this story by now (Because it surfaced a week ago, but I’m going to act like it just happened). However if you haven’t seen the video here it is.
ABC: The View
First off that behavior is 100% unacceptable. I’m not condoning or defending any of the bullying behavior. That was inexcusable!
Now I understand why someone would do that. However, that doesn’t make what he did right. I understand why drunk drivers hit trees, but that doesn’t justify the action. At this time I will say I don’t have children. Why you ask? Because I some goals I want to accomplish, and children seem to interfere with Goals. With that being said I understand I don’t have the emotional connection to this topic. At the same time it gives me an unemotional perspective.
I know that he was trying to protect his child, but that’s not the way to do it. I would even argue that he didn’t protect her at all. I was in grade school once upon a time, and anytime my parents came to school I cringed. If you’re not getting picked on at school, having your parents show up will seal the deal. I would also argue that he is a danger to any child that doesn’t belong to him. Dude has a temper (which I relate to, because I have one myself. Another reason I don’t have kids).
What Should Happen
Obviously this is a special case. His daughter does have a medical condition, so you have to be sensitive to that. So, I think this situation is worthy of special accommodation. That girl should not be subject to that abuse, and her parents shouldn’t have to worry about the welfare of their daughter. This girl should be allowed to go to a different school. Some place where she and her parents feel comfortable.
I think the father’s friends should get together and hold and intervention. Maybe some quality time, and a vodka tonic will help out.
The Bullies need to be sat down with professional therapist, because this behavior is a huge problem throughout schools National wide. Children are taking their lives, because of mental anguish caused by bulling. This has to stop.
Another great week of College Football is in the books. While Texas was getting absolutely dominated by UCLA, Terrelle Pryor strengthened his grip on the Heisman trophy. After watching the games this week I have one question. As much as I would love to question why Notre Dame is still on T.V., I don’t have the energy or the ink. What I want to know is why the Big East still owns an automatic bid into the BCS. There’s not one team in the Big East that could beat any of the teams in the Big 12, SEC, Big 10 or the Pac-10 (I don’t include the ACC because that’s a bad conference, and they shouldn’t have an automatic bid either). The teams aren’t every kind of scary. I would argue that the Mountain West has better teams at the top of their conference…okay I won’t go that far because the Mountain West is Garbage (pronounced garbaaagg).
Conference games begin this week, so you’ll start to get a good barometer on what teams are. That means there are many good games this week. I have my eye on 2games, Oregon v. Stanford and Alabama v. Florida. As much as I want to breakdown the SEC I just can’t. They have too many good games left to play (they’ll have more opportunities) and I’m not putting Alabama’s logo on my blog 2 weeks in a row. So, I’m paying attention to the Pac-10
Breakdown
Ever since LeGarrette Blount put that big corn-fed guy from Boise State to sleep on the 30 yard line, the Oregon Ducks have grown something. Something that Rhymes with guts, and they’re kind of like guts but not really. The Ducks are on absolute fire offensively. They score quick and often. They will also have home field advantage this week, and I love home field advantage. Stanford is a great Pac-10 team. They have one of the top 3 quarterbacks in college and the have a great coach. Ever since they beat USC 2 years ago I would argue they have been a top 3 team in the Pac-10. I think Andrew Luck will have a decent game, but it won’t be enough. The Cardinals are coming off of an emotional win, and I don’t think they can get up 2 weeks in a row. Oregon on the other hand still has a lot to prove. They are playing to get in the National Championship this year, and if they win this game. They will jump over Boise State, and be #3 in the country.
I think the Oregon Ducks will win the game, 45 – 17
Boise State Is Now Ranked Fourth In The Nation. Could This Be The Beginning Of Their Free Fall?
Dear Boise State,
We regret to inform you that through no fault of your own you will be downgraded from the third to the fourth ranked team in the nation. It’s not something we wanted to do, but our hand was forced. I wish we would have been able to warn you, but you should have seen it coming. You knew you were playing in a terrible conference. So, it was only a matter a time before a team with a better schedule leaped over you in the rankings. By now you know that team is the Oregon. Now we don’t know if they’re better than you, but we have to use or best guess. And for now they’re better than you.
It’s a long season so things change. Our only advice is to win all your games, and hope the teams above you lose. I know the system is flawed, but it’s the way we make the most money. Please send our reguard to the groin we kicked you in.
Ps. we will have a spot waiting for you in the Fiesta bowl…if you win all your games.
It’s time to see who the best team in baseball is. However, before we get there I have to address the biggest problem with baseball. There are just too many games. It doesn’t take 162 to find out who’s the best. The baseball season should be three months long. It could become the summer sport, and garner its own niche. With that being said, I think this will be one of the greatest pitching postseason ever. There will be potential 8 Hall of Fame pitchers in action. I can’t remember the last time that happened. Let’s just say it never happened, because that makes me sound good.
I’m not going to waste my time with the AL first time. Why should I dissect a forgone conclusion? So, let’s not insult each other’s intelligence, Tampa Bay and New York will play in the ALCS. The Rays can’t keep up New York’s offense. The Yankee line up is a beast my friend, however the Rays speed is going to pose some problems. I think the age of the Yankees will show up when these 2 teams play. I think this series will end up going to game 7. I think the Yankees will win because of the clutch play led by Alex Rodriguez (I can’t believe I wrote that sentence), and the pitching of C.C. Sabathia. At the same time the Rays will trump those 2 exactors if David Price is pitching game 7. Price is the best pitcher in the Major League, and if this is news to you, you’re just not paying attention. In this scenario I think David Price and C.C. Sabathia will cancel each other out, and the game will be decided in the bullpen. I’ll take the Rays pen in a big spot , and give you Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and any other bum they trot out(outside of Mo Rivera of course, but I don’t think it will come to a closing situation).
National League Breakdown
I’m also not going to waste your time in the National League. I will say I hope Bobbly Cox and Dusty Baker golf, because in 3 games they’ll be doing a lot of it. San Francisco and Philadelphia will play in the NLCS. I like the Giants a lot, but they can’t hit. The Phillies will win, and make their third straight appearance in the World Series.
Michigan State Will Go Into The Big House, But Will They Will?
Let’s begin…
Raise your hand if you’re pissed off about Boise State dropping to #4 in the polls. Now keep your hand up if you’re surprised. This is the way the BCS works. The same system that gives Boise State hope of playing in National Championship must also reward Oregon for looking like a more impressive team. I’m not going to rant on this topic, because the BCS has already written Boise State a letter (see here).
I was impressed with Oregon this weekend as was everyone else. Them boys can score my friend. I think if a team wants to beat them, they must make them throw the ball. That quarterback has a raggedy arm, and you must make him use it. If you don’t, get used to seeing the back of LaMichael James‘ jersey.
The whole Denard Robinson spectacle has reached a frenzied level. Everyone has given this guy the Heisman after 5 games. Will he win it…I don’t know. I do know that he hasn’t played a good team yet, and Michigan‘s schedule picks up this week. Michigan State will be coming to town, and the Wolverines will be tested.
Breakdown
Denard Robinson is the most captivating college football player since Reggie Bush. Dude can flat out play my friend. This week the Michigan Wolverines will be matching up with the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans are a good team that dominated Wisconsin last week. Their defense made John Clay look average. So, I think their defense can at least compete with Robinson. At the same time…that’s Denard Robinson. The Michigan Wolverines have home field advantage, and the previously mentioned Robison. That’s it! I’m not buying into the hype. Michigan isn’t a good football team. You may say, “Kortney their 5-0.” Well last year they were 4-0, and then they played Michigan State. So I think the Spartan will go into the BIG House, and beat the Wolverines.
This Weekend Will Feature a Battle Camp Randall Stadium
Let’s begin…
The story of the weekend was South Carolina beating Alabama. I watch the game, and for the first time I knew Alabama wasn’t going to be able to come back in the fourth quarter. I could just tell by the way The Gamecocks stopped the run. Steve Spurrier decided to make Greg McElroy try to beat them, and he couldn’t do it. I’m not going to say McElroy is not a big game guy. I just think he was put in an unfamiliar position, and couldn’t figure out what to do. South Carolina played a perfect game, and Spurrier had a flawless game plan. I have to give South Carolina an A+. With that being said, Alabama is still the best team in the country. Don’t forget they played Arkansas, Florida, and South Carolina in succession. Those coaches have 3 combined national titles, and 4 years of NFL head coaching experience. For Alabama to come through unscathed is asking a lot.
The other story that surfaced Sunday was the idea that Boise State would play in the national championship if the season ended today. Not only would The Broncos play in the National title game, but top ranked Ohio State would be #5 in the BCS. “You know what though…the season doesn’t end today.” If the season would have ended last week, Denard Robinson would have won the Heisman trophy. So, I’m not entertaining these hypotheticals where you eliminate half of the regular season.
I think everyone would agree that Ohio State is the better team. So, I’m not going to insult your intelligence with comparing rosters or coaches. The best team however doesn’t always win. If that were true Alabama would have won last week.
I think the running game of Wisconsin could create problems, but the Bucks defend the run well. I think the Badgers passing offense is subpar, so I don’t see them gaining an advantage there. I think Wisconsin has to find a way to out scheme the Buckeyes. If the can gain a mental edge over Ohio State they will win Saturday. Ohio State’s weakness is in between their ears. It’s been that way ever since they lost to Florida in the National Championship. The Badgers must stay two steps ahead of Ohio State. I don’t think they can do it. I have to go with Ohio State in this game, because they have the best game planner in Jim Tressel.
"The Philadelphia Phillies Are The Favorite To Win Another World Series"
Let’s begin…
I have this theory called “The Unsinkable Ship.” I named it the Titanic. It was one of the most glamorous architectural structures ever. It was said to be an unsinkable ship, until later on when it sank. The requirements of being “The Unsinkable Ship” are as follows.
It has to be a team, individual, or situation that is unproven
The subject must widely be considered as the favorite to win on a big stage
They must have a flaw no one talks about
Every few years there’s a team or individual in sports that is widely seen as unbeatable. This year that team is the Philadelphia Phillies. Every time I turn on the Television or listen to sports talk radio. All I hear is, “The Phillies are great” and “The Phillies have the best rotation in the history of baseball.” Umm please stop if I’m wrong, but didn’t the Phillies lose in the World Series last year. You can say they upgraded at pitching(which they did), but Roy Halladay has never pitched in a big game, Roy Oswalt has a history of back problems, and Cole Hamels wet the bed in the World Series last year. However everyone keeps talking about how they’re better than the Yankees. Stop me if I’m wrong but didn’t the Yankees beat the Phillies last year with Cliff Lee (who is a better pitcher than Roy Halladay). And even if the starting lineups hold up, what will they do about their bullpen? The bullpen is the flaw that no one is talking about. The Phillies may breeze through the National league, but when they match up against great hitters they will have problems. I think they will run into those great hitters in the World Series. Some people will call it an upset. I will call it, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Robinson Cano.
The Last Two Undefeated SEC Teams Will Battle This Weekend
Let’s begin…
The AP Ranked #1 team went down this weekend. The Ohio State Buckeyes were beaten by The Wisconsin Badgers (feel free to substitute “dominated” for the word beaten). That was the kind of game where one team took the upper hand early and held on for the win. I don’t think The Badgers are a better team, but they were last Saturday.
After this weekend I don’t know who the best in anything is. I don’t know the best team or the best quarterback. Then I looked at Boise State. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Boise State has the best quarterback in college football, in Kellen Moore. I don’t think they have the best team, but I think they will play in the National Championship. Eventually I think the best team will rise to the top. So, just sit back, try not to get work up about the BCS, and watch the games.
The LSU Tigers v. The Auburn Tigers will be a match between the only unbeaten teams left in the SEC. Let me start with LSU, the most underrated, undefeated team in college football. Everyone wants to fire Les Miles because of his coaching, and sometimes I think he’s actually trying to lose games. However, the guy just keeps on winning. This year LSU has Patrick Peterson, the most exciting player in college football this year. If you have heard about him, YouTube him now, I’ll wait… On the other side of the field is the Auburn Tigers. At quarterback they have what many people think is the leader in the Heisman Trophy race, in Cameron Newton. Newton was nothing short of spectacular in Auburn’s win over Arkansas last week. Cam Newton accounted for 4 touchdowns last week, in what was the highest scoring game in the history of the SEC. Although Newton ran for 3 touchdowns and 188 yards, I do think he will hold up physically because of his size (Unlike Denard Robinson who was injured again this weekend. I think I had that right). So, make no mistake about it. Cam Newtown is the real deal. I think that Auburn is good enough to stay unbeaten at home, but if this game is close LSU will win. As much as I want to straddle the fence, I will predict a close game.
History always repeats itself, especially in sports. While the NBA’s summer of free agency captivated the sports world, I began to think about free agents of the future. I was immediately drawn to Dwight Howard (partly because I’m a Cleveland fan who was trying to avoid ESPN, and partly because I was planning my fantasy draft). The similarities between Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, and Dwight Howard are stunning. They were all: drafted out of high school, top 5 lottery picks that went to small markets, the focal of a team that became a championship contender, and eventually forced to leave…well not all of them. As of now Howard has yet to leave the franchise that drafted him. However it seems like the writing is on the wall, if he plans on winning a championship.
If you look closely at the progress of the Orlando Magic, you will see that they are following the same pattern that all small markets do. All small markets have the same pattern. They draft a franchise player and surround him with average roll players, eventually the team tops out as a championship contender, and over the next few years they slowly begin to digress. Somewhere in between that process the team hopes to sign their franchise player to a long-term deal. This is the problem that Dwight Howard is beginning to face. Will he leave Orlando? I don’t know. Some before him have decided to stay (please see Dominique Wilkins, Patrick Ewing, and Reggie Miller).
I think he should leave. He doesn’t have to take his talents to South Beach, but I don’t see him winning a championship in Orlando. The formula to winning a championship is clear. If you don’t get to play for the Celtics or the Lakers, you have to find a way to play with another Hall of Fame player. If Orlando cannot create that formula within the next three year, it would be wise for Dwight Howard to leave Orlando. I wonder how he would look in a Boston Celtics uniform?
This Weekend Features A Big Ten Showdown Between Top 25 Teams
Let’s begin…
Now that the Oklahoma lost (the third #1 team to lose in 3 weeks) it’s wide open for Boise State to move into the top 2…or not. Auburn (as you know by now) has leaped up to number one in the country. If you’re Boise State you can’t get worked up about what’s happening. There are teams beating better teams than the teams you’re facing, but that’s old news. The problem is the teams above you are undefeated. Even with that considered, you can’t get worked up. Look it doesn’t matter who is ranked one or two until the season is over.
The most impressive thing I saw last weekend was Cameron Newton‘s passing ability. It’s probably an indictment on me more than it is a complement. I don’t watch Auburn because they’re not exciting and i don’t think they’re that good (by the way, still don’t think they’re that good). However Cam Newtown has great talent, and he could be a starting quarterback in the NFL next year.
There’s not many selection this weekend, so there’s no need to tease my game of the week. My game of the week is Michigan State v. Iowa.
Breakdown
Michigan State better bring their fake punts to Iowa this weekend. They will need everything in their arsenal to beat The Hawkeyes. Although Michigan State is undefeated, they’re often not talked about. I think this weekend will be a great opportunity for the Spartans to establish themselves as championship contenders. If they beat Iowa this weekend, don’t be surprised if they are ranked 3rd in the BCS (“Boise brace for impact”). On the other hand you have the Iowa Hawkeyes. Last week they were handed their second loss of the season by Wisconsin. With that loss they are probably out of the hunt for the Big Ten title. The only way for them to keep a glimmer of hope of winning the Big Ten, is to win out the rest of the season. Iowa has everything to lose Saturday. I’m not buying Michigan State stock. They win sloppy games with trick plays. That’s a sell in my book. If you include the fact that Iowa has a home field advantage, I don’t see the Spartans winning.
Did Jersey Shore do its job or did Jersey Shore do its job. I love sports which is the reason I struggle to find anything worth watching on TV during the summer, because baseball is the only thing on T.V. There is nothing I want to see less than regular season baseball (actually I would watch baseball over that Frank Caliendo Show. That thing was garbage (pronounced gar-bah-gg)).
So I was leaning on Snookie and the gang (gang?…why’d I say that) to get me through the summer, and they came through. Every episode of season 2 of Jersey Shore was great. They should get the MVP for compelling Television. The show has everything you want: men working too hard to impress women, women that don’t care about image, steroids, breast implants, transvestites, and tee-shirt time. If I was ask to script a more exciting show. I’d ask Pauly D to direct it.
Takeaways
Everyone on this show now understands they are actors. It’s no longer a reality show. This is a sitcom. The Situation is as much of a character as Charlie Sheen on Two and A Half Men, and maybe real like.
Ronnie and Sammie Sweetheart are a great couple for T.V. They never disappoint to entertain you with everything you don’t want in a spouse. They have a future in entertainment as long as Ronnie takes it easy on the juice.
If you’re not The Situation, Ronnie, or Sammie save you money. Your chance in entertainment is about as P. Diddy making a band that works out.
This show has possibly one more season before it falls flat. I just hope they air it next summer.
There is plenty to talk about this week in college football. The BCS picture is taking shape, Cam Newton gets closer to Heisman, and Oregon has staked their claim as the Alpha Dog of the Pac-10. I’m going start with Boise State, because they’re crawled up in the fetal position, asking why everyone is picking on them. I have changed my stance on the Boise State issue. In previous weeks, I thought they were being jumped in the polls because of their competition. However, they’ve been jumped in the BCS poll this week by TCU. Armed with that information, I’ve come to the conclusion that Boise State is preserved as being not good. I DO NOT AGREE. Let me refresh everyone’s memory. There’s one team that beat both TCU and Oregon last year. That’s Boise State. If you think a miracle happened in the offseason, and somehow there now better than Boise State. You are wrong. For a team to be good, you must win all the games you’re expected to win and some of the games you’re not supposed to win. Neither Oregon nor TCU has done that…The Boise State Broncos do it every year. Everyone is falling in love with Oregon and their offense, but that defense is putrid at best. Sooner or later that offense will stall and a team will hang 40 on them. If you think Oregon is unbeatable, I have some 2010 Rose Bowl tapes I want you to check out.
I heard a question on ESPN Radio this week. They asked if you had to pick a college football program, would you want to be Miami, Notre Dame, or Michigan. If you forced me to pick I would take Miami because of their location, but I don’t want any of those teams. The fan bases of those teams don’t understand that their identity has changed in college football. They now need to change their approach in order to be successful. Notre Dame has to run an offense that will work for the personal they can recruit (which they are), Michigan has to commit to an identity (by the way Wolverines fans, how would you like to have Lloyd Carr?), and Miami, “If you want to be big time, act like you’re big time. Upgrade that dump of a facility, and quit trying to sell that 1980′s we’re “The U” facade. This may be a news flash, but Jimmy Johnson ain’t coming through that door.”
Cameron Newton is a great college football player, and he could end up being a very good NFL player. I am thoroughly impressed with his play, and I think he has the inside track on winning the Heisman Trophy (now allow me to dismiss the rest of his season). Auburn is not going to the National Championship. In 2 weeks they will lose to Alabama by double digits.
I really like this game. You match two undefeated teams against each other that get no national respect. However, whichever team wins this game will at least be the 3rd ranked team in the Nation. I actually think the BCS polls will have them ranked at number 2. TCU has a defense that will be up to the challenge of stopping Jordan Wynn and the Utah Utes. Along with their defense TCU has a senior quarterback in Andy Dalton that can get the job done. Utah has home field advantage (which is probably the only advantage they have). TCU has never beat Utah in Salt Lake City. With that being said, I have TCU winning this game. They’re just better than Utah this year. I can’t wait to watch the game. Too bad I won’t be able to watch the game. This game is not on national TV, despite both of these teams being undefeated and ranked in the top 5 (please see the first three sentence of this paragraph if you need to know why this is). However, that’s not going to stop me from predicting a score.
Ray Lewis Introduces Himself To Mark Sanchez Photo courtesy of http://turnonthejets.com/tag/jack-simmons/
Let’s begin…
We are now virtually half way through the NFL season, so let me way in.
I like to wait till I can get a gauge on the season before i give an opinion. I don’t want to look like an idiot, picking Dallas to go to the super bowl just to feel like an idiot as the wet the bed for the first 17 weeks. By the way, could someone tell NBC to stop with the “Dallas Cowboys are Americas team.” They haven’t contended for the championship since the 90′s. If Dallas is America’s team, Ronald Regan is president.
Randy Moss is playing for his third team in just one year. Moss’ career is interesting. You would never think that a hall of Fame player would be reduced to a 3rd round pick, and the waiver wire. Randy Moss is the personification of a fine girl in high school that never developed social skills. Now that she’s 34 and her breasts are starting to drag. She’s reduced to reminiscing about how things use to be.
Is it possible to move the Buffalo Bills to Canada? Having them around is not good. That team is so bad, that their bringing the property value down in L.A.
Michael Vick is back, and he is a better quarterback than he was with the Falcons. Why you ask. I blame it on the braids. If you’re a man and your hair is twisted in any fashion the chances of you making a bad decision increase by 35%.
The beginning of this football season reminds me of a strip club that tries to keep men out of the back room. Only reason creeps go to the strip club is for the backroom. Sure there are some people there that just want to eat lunch while they listen to a girl talking about how much money she needs for college, but if your business was made popular because of the back room, good luck trying to regulate it. If you’re wondering, the backroom in the strip club is equivalent to big hits in the NFL.
The NFL is banning “devastating hits” to prolong the careers of their labor force. I think I will take this sentence to say that is ridiculous. Outlawing devastating hits it will on delay the inevitable. Your product is based on 250 pound men hitting targets while running full speed. Oh and by the way, those targets are also running full speed. Football is a barbaric sport by nature. If you allow Ray Lewis to hit you every Sunday for 16 weeks, eventually your appendix will explode. You and I know that football isn’t safe, but more importantly the players know. So, if a man decides that’s how they want to make their living. I’m not going to stop it. I’m going to enjoy it on my couch every weekend, while I chant, “Spaniard, Spaniard”.
This Weekend Is Headlined By An SEC Showdown In The Swamp
Let’s begin…
After what happened in college football last week, I have no idea who the best team is. I thought it was Alabama, until they lost for the second time. I don’t think Auburn is the best team. They may not even be top 5. I’m not in love with Oregon even though they can beat any team in the country on any field. TCU is a very interesting team. I knew there defense was the best in the country, but after last week I want them to have an automatic bid in the National Championship. Boise State…what can I say. You guys continue to get pushed out, because teams look better than you. I don’t know what to say except, enjoy the Fiesta Bowl. Then you have to look at LSU, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Stanford, Arkansas, and even Iowa and South Carolina. Of course I would like playoffs, but it’s not going to happen. So, allow me to entertain you with my tier rankings (Tier 1. Any Where Anytime – Self-explanatory, Tier 2. Any Given Sunday – They can beat anyone, but things have to go right, Tier 3. Ahhh…I don’t know – They may be competitive, but there a chance they could get blown out).
Any Where Anytime
TCU
Alabama
Oregon
Any Given Sunday
Ohio State
Boise State
LSU
Stanford
Ahhh…I don’t know
Iowa
Arkansas
Wisconsin
South Carolina
There are a few great college football games on the slate this weekend. My game of the week is the South Carolina Gamecocks v. The Florida Gators
Breakdown
I’m picking this game not only because these are both good SEC teams, but this is Steve Spurrier v. Urban Meyer. It’s old Gator vs. new Gator. Usually you can pencil in a win for the Florida Gators whenever South Carolina comes to “The Swamp”. However, the Gators are struggling this year to establish an identity. Meanwhile South Carolina is having their best season since the Carter administration. For the first time since coaching at Florida, it looks like Steve Spurrier likes players on his team. This is a very tough game to call. I think the talent is equal between both teams. Neither one of these teams are great, which makes it hard to pick a winner. I think the Florida Gators will win the game, because of home field advantage
Recently, the “Big 3″ took their talents to S. Beach. So far, not so good. With the exception of Chris Bosh, it looks like everybody took a step in the negative direction where it matters most. After their most recent unimpressive victory over Bosh’s old boys the Toronto Raptors, the Heat, projected by idiots across the USA to win 72 games or more, are only 2 games better than .500.
Now, I could go on and on for days about why this is happening, who’s to blame, or who’s not going to have a job by the time Pat Riley can say 2006, but those are all for other blogs.
Nope. Today, I want to address a simple and egregious statement made by Erik Spoelstra (I don’t care if I spelled it right) and D-Wade, and break down why these two and LBJ MAY be on two, different pages.
After their second loss to the Boston Celtics, both of the Heat vets from last year (Spoelstra and Wade) made the same statement: ”We know we won’t be playing our best b-ball until end of January going into February.”
As the above statement was being said, I think I heard LeBron inside his head saying “well . . . ‘What Should I Do?’ until then???” However, neither the King, nor I should be surprised. Why? Because this is the terrible basketball Miami plays EVERY YEAR! This year isn’t a special exception. I believe this has little to do with special offensive sets that need to be drawn up and much more to do with tradition. Traditionally, every year, the Miami Heat and Wade don’t play basketball until after the All-Star Break. Why…because in the Eastern Conference you don’t need to. Wade beats up on the teams he can, steals a win or three from a playoff contender and then cruise controls it to April/May for the playoffs.
I looked at the records and what I found supported this argument. All of last year, the Heat had about 9 wins against playoff teams that went to the second-round. The other times they played these same teams (save the Orlando Magic) they lost. They had only 23 wins by Feb. 6, 2010, they were 23-27 before they/Wade decided to make the playoffs last year. All the while, King James had nearly double this amount of wins and his Cavs stood at 43-10 by the same date last year. So, while James was playing for the best record not just in the East, but in the entire league, on his way to his second MVP. Flash and company decided to take the easy road. They beat up on easy wins (see Indiana, N.J., Wash., Golden State, et al.) and didn’t start playing LAST year until February. Which leads me to believe this year’s late start is more by choice than D-Wade would have a King to believe. But the proof is in the record. . .
Long story short, LBJ doesn’t take games off and he doesn’t fancy losing often. No wonder these last two Celtics games he’s just decided to play them into it in the 4th quarter, turning double-digit leads into mere 5 pt. victories for the C’s. To add insult to injury, they lost AT HOME. LeBron doesn’t even know what that looks like. He nearly NEVER loses at home. Only 6 home losses for Bron-Bron last year (including 2 to the C’s in the playoffs). Further, when he plays, he plays to beat the best. Why does D-Wade get 23 points combined in both Celtic games, but then avg. high 20′s versus all other opponents? Is he just having off-days, or is he just not used to actually needing to show up for work before MLK day???
I think this will end-up with LeBron making a brand new Nike commercial in 3 years, similar to Tiger Wood‘s famed commercial of last year, but instead it will be Michael Jordan’s voice asking softly in the background: “Did You Learn Anything?”
Another week of college football is in the books. The end of the season is approaching quickly, and there’s not much time left for Boise State and/or TCU to get an opportunity to play for the National tile.
I watched games this weekend that weren’t even close. Ohio State handled Penn State easily, Boise State Blew out Idaho, Wisconsin should be jailed for what they did, and even Notre Dame shellacked Utah. When you have Notre Dame winning game, you have to take your blood pressure. I checked mine, and I’m cool, so I guess that really did happen.
The Auburn vs. Georgia game almost collapsed the hopes of the Tigers title chances. During the first half I thought the starts had a lined, the moon was blue, and Georgia was actually going to win a big game. Then the second half started. Auburn woke up, wiped the crust out of their eyes, and started dominating. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cam Newton stole a laptop during halftime to get his juices flowing. The Auburn Tigers survived a scare last week, but will they be able to stay unbeaten?
Now that you know my game of the week I will allow you to catch your breathe. Let me explain why I picked this game. I picked this because there was nothing better. I get tired of talking about the usual suspects, so I went off the grid. I’m channeling my inner Boise State. I do think this game will be exciting. On the surface it looks like Nebraska is a mismatch for A&M. Nebraska is team that will be going to the Big 12 title game. They have Taylor Martinez, and one of the best defensive coaches in college. However, don’t overlook the Aggies. Since they made a change to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, they’ve won 4 straight games which included a win against Oklahoma. And with a win Texas A&M keep their title hopes alive. I’ve gone back and forth on this pick. Right now I’m picking the Texas A&M Aggies to pull off an upset. If you ask me in five minutes I would pick Nebraska.
There Will Be Some Long Faces In Tuscaloosa This Weekend.
Let’s begin…
It’s time for Rivalry week in college football. So, this week will not be deprived of great matchups. You have Ohio State and Michigan, the greatest rivalry in sports. The problem with this game is Michigan will be playing. I don’t know if you’ve seen their defense lately, but they couldn’t stop water with an off switch. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State also play this weekend. I think the Sooners will win this game and bring the Cowboys back to earth. My game of the week is Auburn vs. Alabama.
Breakdown
The Auburn Tigers will be going to Tuscaloosa this weekend to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Now I thought that this game would have title implications for both teams, but with Alabama having two losses, it’s clear that they have no chance to make the title game. I even think the will struggle to get into a BCS Bowl game. With that being said, the only thing better than going to the national title, is keeping your rival from winning the national title. That’s what Alabama has a chance to do this weekend.
Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers, better be ready to go to battle this weekend. I think this is going to be their toughest game this season. The Auburn Tigers have the personnel to dominate Alabama. They have the best offensive weapon in college football (Cam Newton), and…that’s it. Okay let’s be honest Auburn is going to have to put forth a man size effort to even stay in the game this weekend.
If this game were being played on a neutral field I would pick Auburn. Even though Alabama and Auburn are instate rivals, I don’t think Alabama would rise to the occasion. The problem for Auburn is, the game is in Tuscaloosa, and the coach on the other sideline is Nick Saban. In order for Auburn to win Cam Newton will have to have an incredible game. I don’t think he’ll be able to do it. Auburn will be dominated on Saturday in every aspect of the game. With a loss, Auburn will prevent 2 potential college football catastrophes. First it will prevent the need for Auburn to vacate a national championship. Second it will stop Boise State from complaining every offseason. They will finally get their title shot, and a chance to prove everyone wrong. I hope everyone can stomach a Boise State vs. Oregon in the national championship. The Alabama Crimson Tide will win.
I know I’m not supposed to say this, but overall the NFL hasn’t been exciting this year. I know people will argue with me and regurgitate the rhetoric of NFL analyst. You’ll try to tell me that the NFL is must watch television, but I don’t see it. Maybe you’re living in the past when the NFL had personalities and fun. However in 2006, fun began to be stripped from the NFL by commissioner Goodell.
In 2006 Roger Goodell was chosen to become commissioner of the NFL. He wasted no time in deciding to make Public Enemy Number One “fun”.
Now I don’t blame him for focusing on behavior in the NFL, because the players were out of their minds. Bill Belichick was stealing opponents’ signals, Pacman Joneswas starting gun fights at strip clubs, and Mike Vick was running a dogfighting ring. So there was a need for someone to come in and establish order. The problem is Goodell wanted to be a first ballot Hall of Fame kill joy (kill joy? Why did I write that? I couldn’t think of anything better), so he couldn’t stop there. Next on the agenda was to ban celebrations.
I have never heard a valid argument as why celebrations should be banned. People talk about the integrity of the game and respecting your opponent. What’s respectful about giving a 20 year old man paralysis? I know the goal is to distract me, but I’ve seen the NFL integrity, and it’s brought to you by Geico. So spare me the Vince Lombardi speech. I think banning celebrations stripped the NFL of the personality that brought people like me to the game. Think about Deion Sanders (who is the best athlete to ever play the game). He wouldn’t be able to step on the field without being fined.
Now I’m not saying the NFL doesn’t have a good product. As a matter of fact they have a great product, and there are still players I like to see. I like watching Michael Vick baffle defenses and Peyton Hillis run over linebackers. The problem is I don’t like watching Peyton Manning (I know I just blasphemed, but Manning is about as exciting as a M. Night Shyamalan film). Couple that with the television networks, which have made a conscious effort to force the Colts down my throat. And you have something that I’m not excited to watch.
This Thursday December 2nd LeBron Will Be In Cleveland, But Will He Bring His Powder?
Let’s begin…
On December 2nd at 8pm TNT will have my undivided attention. LeBron James and his talents will be in Cleveland Ohio at the Quicken Loans Arena.
Now this is great for me. I’m a Cleveland sports fan, and this is one of two times i will be able to see my team on television. I will also get to see the smile on Dan Gilbert‘s face as the city of Cleveland welcomes LeBron. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gilbert flies in Delonte West and seats him behind the Miami’s bench.
Now I’m not delusional. I’m expecting Cleveland to not only lose but be dominated by Miami. I expect LeBron to channel is inner Wilt Chamberlain, and go for 100 points.
I also think the Cleveland Arena to be the ugliest scene in the NBA since the malice in the palace. I think beers and batteries will be thrown. I believe the over under on in game interruptions sits at 3 (and I’m taking the over). I only have one request from Cleveland fans. At some point in the game I want everyone to stand up, grab their elbow, and chant, “Game 5, Game 5, Game 5.”
After this summer I’m not sure how smart LeBron James is. I know LeBron James the publicist, should not only be fired, but he should be pelted with common sense. Many people believe his public image can’t get lower. However, I believe his public image elevator could find a trap door in the basement if he decides to throws chalk up into the air Thursday night.
LeBron James has no perception of reality (If you don’t know that, you’re just not paying attention). Why don’t we take a look at the past? He wore a Yankees cap to an Indians home playoff game, and dismissed it by saying he grew up a Yankees fan. When he was called out for quitting on his team, he used his elbow as an excuse. And he used a $2.5 million dollar donation to the Boys and Girls Club, as a pawn in his narcissistic approach to “The Decision”. The public could accept his excuses as fact, because he was able to hide any malicious intent. However, that will change if on December 2nd, he continues his pregame tradition of tossing chalk into the air (a tradition that belong to Kevin Garnett before him and Michael Jordan before him). That action will not only be a kick in the groin for Cleveland, but it will be an unveiling of the character of someone that was idolized. Someone who would like you to believe he’s a kid that has just made some mistakes.
There are times when you have to deal with your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend. On December 2nd LeBron James will walk into his ex-boyfriend’s house with his new lover. He should be proud of what he has now, but don’t forget about who use to love you. Respect the fans, take the boos, and for goodness sake don’t throw powder in their faces.
There’s only one appropriate place to start…Boise State. What happened? As soon as I got on the Boise State bandwagon, the wheels fell off. Maybe the kicker shanked the wheels off? I’m not going to ask how he missed a game winning kick, because I saw his form. By him missing that kick Boise not only missed a chance at a title game, but they also missed out on about $9 million dollars (that’s the money you get for a BCS game appearance, and if you’re wondering the players don’t get any of it. I know that was stressing you out. That’s why I’m here). With that kind of financial hit, I wonder how Boise State is going to afford to paint their field blue.
I completely whiffed on the Auburn vs. Alabama game. I don’t know if Alabama knows, but there is a second half. I’m still waiting for the team that played in the first half to come out of the locker room. I think I speak for Auburn University when I say, “Cam Newton was money well spent.” If you’re going to risk you integrity on someone, risk it on a player that can get you to the title game. I think Auburn should thank Pete Carroll for the blueprint. I suggest they send him a Christmas card.
I want someone to explain to me why TCU went to the Big East. The automatic bid into a BCS bowl game is attractive, but the Big East is terrible. I hate to break the news, but TCU is not any closer to a championship game. As a matter of fact I think it’s easier for them to win a championship now. If I were TCU I would stay in the Mountain West, play maybe two good teams a year, and let everyone else be pissed off because I stole a bowl bid.
There’s no need to breakdown this game. They played in week 4 so we already know how they match up. I would like to pick South Carolina to win the game. However, it doesn’t seem that smart.
When they played earlier this year South Carolina was beating Auburn by 14 before the Tigers made a comeback and eventually won the game. So does that mean Auburn will win? They do have the best player in college football, and they’re undefeated. At the same time their coaching stinks, and they’ve been winning by comeback victories. Eventually luck will run out…will it run out Saturday?
These teams are even. I have a rule of thumb when college teams are even (rule of thumb? What was that?). Go with the best coach. I’m going with Steve Spurrier.
Who Knew LeBron James Still Had Teamates That Play For The Cavaliers
Let’s begin…
So that happened!
I wasn’t surprised about the outcome of the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers game Thursday night. LeBron James had a great game in his return to Cleveland. He scored 38 points in the first 3 quarters, as the Heat routed the Cavaliers (He didn’t play the fourth quarter. I think he was busy laughing at the people that thought it would be a good game). That’s what you’re supposed to do when Jamario Moon is guarding you. Moon couldn’t stop a faucet from running, so what makes you think he could stop LeBron James?
What did surprise me was the way Daniel Gibson, Jawad Williams, and Anderson Varejao treated LeBron. They hugged and joked with him like they were still playing on the same team. Halfway through the first quarter I couldn’t figure out if the crowd was booing LeBron, or the dopes on the Cavs bench. I have never been able to figure out how people have fun getting their ass kicked.
Dan Gilbert (Cavaliers owner) did not return to his seats in the second half. I hope he was in his office doing shots of jack, trying to figure out how to trade LeBron goons. I will personally donate $50 and a bag of Sun Chips towards the effort.
Several times during the second half LeBron taunted the Cavs bench. I was waiting for someone to stand up and do something about it, but they laughed it off, “Oh that’s Bron being Bron. Yeah, he’s kicking our teeth in, but look at all the fun we’re having.” And that’s when it hit me, LeBron James was right to leave.
Occasionally I will run into someone, and as soon as they find out I’m from Cleveland Ohio (My family moved to Florida when I was ten. That means my father was the first to take his talents to Florida.), they ask me what I think about LeBron James. I usually say, “I have no problem with his decision. I would have left as well. My problem is he made it into a television show.” The problem is they can hear the venom in my voice, see my change in posture. I speak for sports fans in Cleveland when I say. LeBron James was more than a small forward for the Cavaliers. He was hope for a city that is desperate to win.
Hope is dangerous to have in sports. It’s something that makes you believe, but when it leaves it can make you hate that you ever had it (For everyone outside of Cleveland, imagine how you felt when Obama was elected. Now imagine the economic downturn afterwards…welcome to Cleveland). Cleveland is a city that has seen their chances at a championship folded, fumbled, and driven away. LeBron “Taking his talents to South Beach” was just another punch to the gut. That’s a punch that 7 million people got to see the results of on Thursday night.
Now that Miami beat Cleveland everyone wants to know what it means. It means nothing! The Cleveland Cavaliers are a bad team that got embarrassed by a good team. Miami will win in between 45 and 50 games, before they flame out in the second round of the playoffs. The Heat will not be a championship team until they make a decision at point guard and obtain a strong inside presence. Speaking of an inside presence, where the hell was Eric Dampier? I thought he was the second coming. The guy that was going to help the Heat win the 7 championships LeBron promised. I guess sometime after they signed him and before the Thursday night, the Heat realized, “We signed Eric Dampier? The same Eric Dampier that averaged 5 points and 6 rebounds in the 2006 playoffs…that guy sucks!” (In 2006 the Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. At least Dampier helped Miami win one championship). The Heat will be a true Championship contender in a couple years. By that time it I wonder if Cleveland will have new hope to cling on to.
My take away from this season is one thing, Cam Newton. There are other stories that I will talk about, but Newton is the main event. So let me get the undercards out of the way.
The most surprising story this year is the Texas Longhorns. Now I know they lost Colt McCoy (McCoy was their quarterback for the previous 4 years and currently holds the records for most career wins in college football. He now plays for the Cleveland Browns which I think is the highlight of his career), but you’re Texas. You’re supposed to get quarterbacks like Bill Cosby gets Jell-O pudding, “very easily.” Texas has decided to fire their offensive coordinator which is a bit of a knee jerk, but after this kind of season someone has to go. They’ll be better next year…I think so.
The most overrated portion of College Football is the Pac-10. Now before I rip the Pac-10 allow me to say I love the west coast. As a matter of fact I live in Seattle. I think there are serviceable football teams in this time zone, and some excellent quarterbacks. However this is not a great place for football. Between Google, lattes, and tree hugging there is no emotion left for sports. So to compare the Pac-10 to the SEC is about as smart as Jake Locker coming back to school another year (Even Lindsay Lohan thinks that was a bad decision). If you give the Pac-10 time and patience, they will come through below the big boys every time.
Over the last year and two months Urban has conducted a clinic on how to quit a job after success. If you didn’t attend the clinic, shame on you because it was open to the public. After two titles and Tim Tebow, Meyer saw that he was at the top of the heap. Actually it wasn’t a heap. It was more like a cliff, with mediocrity and irrelevance at the bottom. So, what does Urban do? He toys publicly with the idea of retiring (because he knew it was going to be tough to stay on top), and eventually ends up coming back for another year. Now he decides walks away after taking half a step off that cliff (He probably saw a lot of jagged rocks and Nick Saban laughing at him).
Urban Meyer said he retired from the Florida Gators to be with his family. Coaching at a high level is time consuming and unhealthy. Only thing that makes coaching worse is losing. I think it’s odd when people want to spend more time with their family as soon as their ship starts sinking. I’m not going to say he is lying. I will say he hasn’t coached his last game. “Urban thanks for showing the public how to get out. Now get in there and coach the Denver Broncos.”
Finally we arrive, Cam Newton!
First let’s get something straight. Cameron Newton got paid to play college football…now let’s move on.
For the last year I’ve been trying to think of a way to pay college players without creating a competitive advantage for NCAA teams (if you have any suggestions email me). Amidst my struggle, here come Cam Newton and his pops. Until I figure that out I want to formally adopt Cecil Newton’s (Cam’s father (I like to call him Don King Jr)) pay for play scheme. So, until I figure out a solution, “Parents are the only people allowed to negotiate contracts for college athletes. It’s only right that kids get paid. Now excuse me…I have to figure out how to keep Boise State out of the BCS.”
Cameron Newton has game. Anyone would like to have a player like him on their team. I watched this guy week after week trying to find the flaws in his game, and every week I ended up disappointed. I would mumble under my breath, “There’s no way a guy could win with a team that bad. His coach is Gene Chizik for goodness sake. Prior to this year his record was 13-24.”
I am skeptical about how much he will win as an NFL quarterback, because the guy has a lot of LeBron James in him (You win big individually but you can never quite get over the hump and win championships at the highest level). During an interview he uttered the phrase, “…I also told him. I was going to take my talents to Auburn.” That phrase should be on the ban list in the “Good P.R. Handbook.” Stop with the “taking of talents.” Especially is you’ve already stole a laptop, cheated on a test, and lied to the NCAA. How about you take the money from Auburn and go to the NFL.
The college football season was good. I could have done without all the Pac-10 breakdowns and BCS debate shows. The only thing that pisses me off more than the BCS, is people that debate it at nauseam. We all get it the BCS stinks, but it’s not going away. Treat the BCS like a spouse that you owe a lifetime of alimony. The only way to stop it is to kill it. So let’s be quiet until it dies.
“Oh Cliff, thanks for giving me a knife to stick in the side of New York’s delusion.” When you talk to a New York sports fan they have a way about them (I would call it swagger, but their confidence is based on being something they’re not). Everybody says, “New York always gets there man.” That’s all I ever hear. Well somebody should have told Carl Crawford and Cliff Lee (I’m still waiting on LeBron James to show up. “You promised him to me. Somebody get Isaiah Thomas on the phone.”). Both of them spurned New York this summer for another franchise.
I have to give Cliff Lee credit. He used two teams as pawns in order to get what he really wanted.
A Chance to be competitive every year
Pitching in the National League
No Pressure
I can’t wait to watch the press conference. I’m expecting him to show up with Don King and Nick Saban. Cliff Lee will step to the microphone and say, “These are two of my three best friends. Shout out to Kanye West, he couldn’t make it. Nick told me not to talk too much. So, I’m happy to be a Philly and let’s go Heat.”
I’m not going to completely dump on New York, because they did sign one big free agent “number 2, Derek Jeter (pronounced Jee-tah), number 2″ Oh yeah, and good luck signing Andy Pettitte. I think the city on New York should put some money together, and buy C.C. Sabathiaa back brace. He’s going to be sore carrying that pitching staff.
The truth about New York is no one wants to play there. That’s why they have to over pay superstars. If it were true that everyone wanted to play in New York, the Knicks and Mets would be contenders every year. A majority of athletes and people don’t want to live in cold weather. In order to get someone to do something they don’t want to do. You have to entice them. That is why the Yankees are the best franchise in baseball. They’re willing to pay you to be uncomfortable (Boston is also willing to do it, because the Yankees have forced them to do it). However if all things are equal…there are a lot of people lining up to take their talents to South Beach. That is why New York sports fans are delusional. They have one friend that’s good looking but, they all walk around like they’re hottest girl in the club. When in actuality, if your friend isn’t with you? You should be at a truck looking for change.
In this last paragraph I’m going to grab the Yankee fans off the Brooklyn Bridge (It will probably be a while before you had the chance to jump, because you have all those Mets’ fans in front of you). The Red Sox or the Yankees will represent the American League in the World Series (I give the nod to Boston because they have better pitching but its close). They have the best 2nd baseman in baseball (Robinson Cano) and a 1st baseman (Mark Teixeira) in the top three. And they also have tons of money. So, they’ll be okay.
Now excuse me while I figure out who the Cleveland Indians are going to bring in.
This weekend Donovan McNabb will be benched by Mike Shanahan in favor of Rex Grossman. That’s right Rex Grossman. I can’t figure out how that guy is still in the NFL. I thought somebody from Chicago killed him after he gave away the super bowl. I wonder if Grossman has ever been a good player. I know he had a great career at the University of Florida, but so did Danny Wuerffel. Wuerffel was also a terrible NFL player, but he managed to go away subtlety (Kind of the way ABC stopped making that Caveman Television show. What an epic fail that was). That’s Grossman’s biggest flaw…he just won’t go away. Rex Grossman is to the NFL what Roaches are to Studio Apartments.
Donovan McNabb is getting replaced for the 4th time in a little over 2 years. So, if twice is a trend…what’s four times. Is Donovan a good quarterback? I’m not sure. I want to say he’s a great quarterback, because of his history. However, if someone is great and they know they’re great…why doesn’t he defend himself?
Why does McNabb never step up and say something. From the time he was drafted (He was booed on draft night) until now Donovan has doubted and disrespected. And he has also never said a word about it. I wish I were Donovan McNabb for a day. I’d say what he won’t, “Terrell Owens sucks! I can’t stand that guy. Andy Reed is still my boy. I know he had to trade me. Look Mike Vick is a beast, so it’s cool. Now Mike Shanahan on the other hand is a terrible coach. He’s overrated and red in the face. What’s that all about? How do you get that tan in Washington? Even black be people are surprised by his hue. He told me that I wasn’t going to start this weekend. I know I am not as good as I was, but don’t bring in Rex Grossman. I’d rather get traded to the Bills than lose my job to him…” I would be happy if he said anything close to that, but he hasn’t. And I don’t think that he will. So until then, you can catch McNabb this Sunday on Washington’s bench.
I don’t know what the future holds for Donovan McNabb. I think he will play for the Arizona Cardinals next year, but beware…Max Hall will be looking over his shoulder.
First read the headline…now read it again. That means I will not be breaking down 6-5 teams playing in the Top Ramen bowl (I’d rather talk about high school volleyball). So this is my apology to fans of irrelevant teams, playing in irrelevant games.
The Huskies are going to get their doors blown off. I’m not going to waste my time explaining why. My only question in regard to this game is…why does the Big East have an automatic bid. I don’t know why they can’t allow the 4th automatic bid to go to the highest ranked BCS team, who’s Conference is not already represented in a BCS bowl games (So this year TCU would have got the automatic bid, and that would have made way for Boise State to play in a BCS bowl).
I’m telling you don’t buy the hype. That should be the title for this game and all the BCS bowl games for that matter. Everybody has been talking about how great Stanford and Andrew Luck are, it makes you believe they’re actually a good team. I hate to break the news (I’m lying right there. I love breaking news, especially when it makes me look good) but Stanford isn’t that good. Now before you tell me about how John Harbough is an NFL coach and Andrew Luck is the best quarterback since Nute Rockney. Allow me to ask you a question…who have they beat (Don’t worry I will give you time to think. I know it takes a while to mentally sift through all those Pac-10 juggernauts. By the way the Pac-10 is the most overrated conference in the country).
While you’re still thinking let me address Virginia Tech. As we all know the Hokies got off to a rough start. After losing to Boise State to open the season, they lost to James Madison (I know some of you’ll are confused. You thought James Madison was only a president. Well he also plays football in Division 1-AA. Now go back to figuring out who Stanford beat). What no one talks about is how Virginia Tech hasn’t lost since then. The Hokies ran away with the Coastal Conference of the ACC, and cap their run by winning the ACC Championship.
I respect Stanford as a football team, but I haven’t seen enough to say they have been truly tested. Virginia Tech will beat (hey you guys still thinking I’m making my pick) Stanford, because overall they have better players. Stanford won’t be able to keep up with their speed.
In recent history the Ohio State Buckeyes have struggled against the SEC in bowl games. The Bucks have had trouble trying to stop the spread offense. Now they did beat Oregon last year (who runs a spread offense), but maybe it was in admiration.
The Arkansas Razorbacks are a good team that has proved themselves in the SEC. They have an NFL quarterback and a serviceable coach. However they’re not that good. Now I give them credit for over achieving, but Ohio State isn’t going to give them any. “So congratulations Arkansas now brace for a beating.” They have no business playing in this game. You may say, “Ohio State struggles with the SEC.” I agree that they have struggled, but this team is barely a top 5 SEC team.
Ohio State should beat Arkansas in dominating fashion.
This is the best game out of all of the bowl games. I’m expecting a heavy weight championship fight. You have the bruising running game of Wisconsin in one corner, and TCU’s defense in the other corner.
I hear people trying to downgrade TCU because of their competition, and I agree. I don’t think they are the 3rd best team in the country. However, that doesn’t matter. I judge teams based on what I see. I saw TCU play, and they have the best defense in the Country. I think it will make for an interesting game, because Wisconsin has the best running game in the country. The Horn Frogs offense is also underrated. Their senior quarterback Andy Dalton can flat out play. I think their passing game could pose serious problems for the Badgers.
I had the misfortune of experiencing Wisconsin when they beat Ohio State (And man did they beat them. I haven’t seen someone dominate the spotlight like that since Beyoncé was in Destiny’s Child). Wisconsin is a good football, and they’ll be ready to play. Some of their wins are a bit overrated, but they won the games. The problem with Wisconsin is their biggest strength is their biggest flaw. The Badgers run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball. That’s a good way to win in the Big Ten, but when you play warm weather games on a neutral field. You have to be able to throw the ball.
I think TCU will stop Wisconsin’s running game and narrowly win this game.
Horned Frogs win, 22 – 20
The BCS National Championship
Oregon Ducks vs. Auburn Tigers
Auburn is better than Oregon. However, the best team doesn’t always win. So allow me to make a case for Oregon.
The Ducks have the most efficient offense in college football (by efficient I mean they score fast…I wanted to define that is case you didn’t have a dictionary handy, or hadn’t left your house since 1910). Their spread offense is not like the other ones being run in college football. Usually a spread offense is based on a finesse style of play where the object is to get the ball to your athletes in space. Oregon’s offense can not only spread you out, but with LaMicheal James they have the ability to be a power running team. This makes the opposition vulnerable to play action passing one every play. Consequently your defense is never comfortable and always off balance. Defensively the ducks are extremely limited. They play great with a lead, but in tight games their flaws are evident.
The Auburn Tigers are the best team in the country. With Cam Newton they have the ability to control your entire team. Newton single handedly got Auburn to the national championship (which is what you’re supposed to do when you’re getting paid).I would like t be able to point to all the qualities Auburn has, but I can’t find them. I don’t know how they beat LSU, Arkansas, and Alabama. I picked against Auburn in every big game. I’m not going to look like an idiot again. The Tigers are beast. Cam Newton will earn his pay check.
Can we please stop with the Bill Cowher mania! He’s a good coach. I repeat, a good coach. He’s not exceptional by any stretch of the imagination. So I can’t figure why everybody is treating him like Vince Lombardi. Cowher is not going to turn around anybody’s franchise. He can get you over the hump if your team is ready to win, but what is that saying. If that’s what you’re looking for save 20 million dollars and higher Barry Switzer (In my opinion Switzer is a better coach than Cowher. That’s right I said it. Now give me time to put the cap back on this banana cognac).
Bill Cowher is going to get a head coaching job (probably in Miami) and he’s going to be over paid (just like 20 other NFL coaches). This doesn’t make him a bad hire (it would be a good hire for certain teams), it just makes him another NFL coach. So let’s stop treating him like the Dali Lama. This is an above average NFL coach trying to get a job. Treat him like Brian Billick, John Gruden, Jason Garrett, Leslie Frazier, and Urban Meyer (That’s right I said it).
I can’t wait for the Christmas, because of the slate of intriguing NBA games. I feel like I’m 7 years old again I might just sleep by the Television and wake up every 15 minutes to see if it’s 11:30 (2:30 east coast time. Allow me to show some love to the west coast here. They have to watch the Seahawks play for goodness sake. Let me throw them a bone). This has been the most exciting NBA regular season since 1995 when Michael Jordan came back to the Chicago Bulls. The NBA has star power, intrigue, and most importantly…juggernauts. If I knew all it took was a decision by LeBron to create this kind of excitement? I would have signed up for it a long time ago. I would have even help scrounge up some kids to beef up that boys’ and girls’ audience.
Now there are plenty of people opposed to the NBA as currently constructed, because of the unwatchable teams at the bottom of the league. If that’s your concern I understand (Shoot I’m a Cleveland Cavaliers‘ fan, so I feel your pain. You couldn’t pay me to watch 82 games of that). This summer I thought this would be bad for the league. Then I realized, “I’m emotionally invested in the NBA during the summer? This is great.” Do you know what’s worse than having 15 unwatchable teams? (You’re not really supposed to think about that question. That’s just a non-rhetorical question that makes me feel like I’m making a groundbreaking point “I’m dropping knowledge”)…having 2 great teams and 25 uncompelling teams that are just okay (please see the NBA 1998 – 2004).
There are 8 NBA juggernauts in this order: Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, L.A. Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic (tie), Chicago Bulls, and Oklahoma City Thunder (Feel free to complain). These teams have managed to make the regular season mean something, when it means nothing at all. I would argue out of all professional sports, basketball’s regular season means the least. In the last 10 years only 2 teams have led the regular season in wins and went on to win the championship. So, these Christmas day games are going to be great, but outcome it really doesn’t, unless Miami wins by double digits.
If the Miami Heat beat the L.A. Lakers convincingly; ESPN, VS, and even The Food Network, will re-fire the hype machine. You remember that machine…the one that continues to show the first 30 seconds of the decision, followed by the championship celebration in Miami the next day. It’s been out of order ever since Boston beat Miami for the second time and LeBron accidently bumped his coach on purpose. I don’t expect the out of order sign to come off of that machine. Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will be ready to play. I think Kobe’s been ready to play ever since Miami celebrated their “9 consecutive championships” (They haven’t actually won 9 championships. Just in case some dope is looking that up). This game will be competitive, but the Lakers have too much for the Heat to deal with. Miami will lose this game, and sport networks will actually have to work for a lead story.
Enjoy the games and embrace the juggernauts. Personally I’m going to start taking Benadryl and drinking NyQuil, so I can fall asleep.
At what point is, “I’m just a young kid” no longer a valid excuse for making a bad decision? I think it’s at the age of 25 or whenever you start making adult decisions. Whichever comes first.
I’m just a young kid is LeBron James‘ go to move. More than his step back jumper, or a dunk in traffic. He loves to tell you how young and innocent he is.
In the latest edition of I’m just a kid. James made a comment over the weekend where he supports the idea of contraction, and all-stars teaming up in the NBA (personally I agree with the statement, because of the level of incompetence in certain organizations. Can you say, L.A. Clippers)? He stated that it would be a better league, because teams would be more competitive.
This statement is unpopular because people around the league will lose jobs, and the players union is trying to negotiate a deal with the NBA. The players union wants to get their clients the most money possible. In order to receive that money you have to show that the league is profitable and the players deserve a huge chunk. So, if teams are contracted it shows that teams aren’t profitable, and it hinders the players negotiating power. In conclusion LeBron helped the other team, which isn’t the first time. Please see 2010 playoff Boston game 5.
When LeBron was questioned about his comments he said, “I don’t even know what the word contraction means…” Really…you want me to believe you made it to the age of 26 without knowing the definition of contraction. Come on man. Don’t piss on me and tell me it’s raining because sooner or later I’m going to taste the salt.
If LeBron just came out and said I’m a douche people would respect him more. And if you don’t know what words mean, STOP TALKING. Take a page out of the Michael Jordan Hand Book For P.R. Dummies and say nothing (Jordan never took a stand on anything. You could ask him if Wheaties truly was the breakfast of champions and he’d plead the fifth). Everyday I’m happier he left Cleveland, and took his talents to South beach…another “I’m just a kid” move.
I knew it would happen if Miami beat L.A. on Christmas day. I knew writers would fuel it, because of the easy story line. I thought the Lakers would stop it dead in it’s tracks. What I didn’t know is the Lakers could care less about it.
“It” is the hype machine. Let’s refire it.
The stage was set for the main event on Christmas day. The Miami Heat vs. the L.A. Lakers in the Staples Center, The Heat 3 versus Kobe and the boys. The game started at 5 o’ clock, but I’m still waiting for the Lakers to show up (Maybe there on Isaiah Rider time and they’ll show some time in the second quarter next week). I would like to say the Lakers quit, but that would be giving them too much credit. They just no showed.
I have to give Miami credit. They won the game. They showed up, and dominated. I don’t remember them missing a jump shot. It was like watching Pleasantville (when everyone was black and white…I think I’ll stop with the lame movie references). They didn’t make any detrimental mistakes the entire game, which is surprising because Eric Dampier and Joel Anthony are on the team. I didn’t even know they could catch a basketball. I saw the look in their eyes and they were shocked too. So, big ups to the Heat.
With that being said my opinion on the Heat hasn’t changed. I think they’re top 3 in the Eastern Conference and a championship contender. That opinion isn’t changing until they win something.
The Magic Back To How They Were?
I was somewhat impressed with the Orlando Magic, but more with what they did before the game.
The Magic made two huge trades last week. They brought back Hedo Turkoglu, and acquired Gilbert Arenas. More importantly, they got rid of Vice Carter and Rashard Lewis. Vince Carter has never went to another team, and made it better. He has always made the team worse. (If you don’t believe me look it up). The problem with Vince is he always shrinks on the big stage, milks injuries (By the way he hasn’t played a game since the trade because of…wait for it…a knee injury), and mails in games all the time. He’s, just, puree (A saying I made famous in high school, which means no one but me knows of it). Vince Carter is everything you don’t want in a franchise player.
As for Rashard Lewis, dude is just over paid. If he were making less money he would have stayed in Orlando. At least he gets to go to D.C. It should be easier for him to get his steroids there.
With the trades Orlando made they publicly admitted they made a mistake. They should have paid Hedo (Even though he’s over paid), because of what he was to their team. He was the guy that step up in clutch moments and led the team to the finals. He even made Rashard Lewis look good. Turkoglu has always been big time, even going back to his days in Sacramento. I don’t have much to say about Gilbert. I just hope he doesn’t bring guns in the locker room, or take a dump in someone shoes. So, I give the Magic credit for rectify their mistake.
I think Orland has gotten back to what made them a good team. They have a clear franchise player in Dwight Howard (please see this on Dwight Howard), and a proven clutch performer in Hedo Turkoglu. The fact that they beat Boston says nothing. If you want to dissect it, you could say Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins weren’t playing. You could also say Orlando beat and lost to Boston in the playoffs, so the game proves nothing. What I saw was a group of players that all knew their roles. That’s what got Orlando to the Finals two years ago, and they now have a chance to win a championship.
Now I’m not a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. I just think it would be great if the Seattle Seahawks won the super bowl, because they are terrible. Think about all the great story lines. Imagine a team winning a super bowl with a quarterback controversy (I can’t figure out how you have a quarterback controversy when the both stink. Just pick a pile of feces to play with), a losing record, and a city that doesn’t even want them in the playoffs (If the Seahawks lost Sunday they would have had the number 8 pick in the draft. They would have been able to get a quarterback, and cut one of those pile of feces). What would Roger Goodell say when he presents Pete Carroll with the Vince Lombardi trophy, “Congratulations to the Seahawks. I’m sure you all are just as shocked as everyone else. As soon as the FBI finishes investigating those Brett Favre photos, I’ll have them figure out who you paid to get here. So take this trophy and don’t tell anyone about this.”
The greatest thing that would come out of the Seahawks winning the super bowl is the silencing of the football purist that live to spout off principles about “what it takes to win.” “You have to have defense. Defense wins championships.” “No it’s not defense. You need great coaching.” If Seattle were to win those purist would blow their head off and analyst that believed the same way would have to find a new gimmick. I know ESPN is sweating, because have of their analyst are employed by them.
With all that being said the Seattle Seahawks have no shot. I mean none. There’s a better chance that Michael Vick will organize the 2010 Westminster dog show.
This is just a personal fantasy of mine. I know it won’t happen, but I will be routing for turmoil.
So Rich Rodriguez got fired twice by Michigan this week (his firing originally surfaced Tuesday thought the Detroit Free Press. Michigan denied the reports, and the next day they fired Rich Rod). That was cold blooded. I think he should have gotten fired two and a half. The last half was uncalled for.
Rodriguez never fit at Michigan. In college sports your coach has to be a representation of what your school stands for. From his spread offense to the teary-eyed speech at the team banquet. Rich Rod never said Michigan Football. A school like Michgan is hard to break into as an outsider. There’s too much tradition and too many old people longing for the way things use to be. If you’re going to be different you better produce, and even then you’re never fully accepted, just ask Les Miles (He has a national title and wins 10 games every year, yet everyone at LSU can’t stand him). Some would argue that only a “Michigan Man” can succeed at Michigan.
Alright, this whole Michigan Man thing is a crock. First off Bo Schembechler (he established the term Michigan Man) wasnt even from Michigan. As a matter of fact Shembechuler received a degree from Ohio State which is the opposite of Michigan. That’s like saying, “We need an actor” and you hire a porn star. If you win games no one cares who you are or where you came from.
Part of me wants to say, “Michigan…you’re Michigan! Why are you even looking for coaches? Coaches look for you.” Michigan is the winningest program in the country. This isn’t Notre Dame longing for the past, or the University of Miami who was a flash in the pan. This is Michigan…best job in the country.
The Big Ten is a conference that is struggling to remain elite. They need the University of Michigan in order to be a great conference. It has been widely reported that Michigan would like to hire Jim Harbaugh. A good coach who played at the University of Michigan (He also fulfills their “We Need A Michigan Man Theory”). I hope they get Harbaugh, but if they don’t. Remember the times of Bo Schembechler and hire somebody that will win.
Can you believe it? The Seattle Seahawks won this weekend. I was astonished, and immediately I thought the Saints were on the take. I want to pull Sean Payton aside and ask him to empty his pockets. He would probably start babbling before admitting that Pete Carroll had it direct deposited into his off shore account. The Seahawks did come to play. Their defense was good, the offense was serviceable, and Marshawn Lynch was a beast…on one play. That run by Marshawn Lynch was nasty. It reminded me of the running game in NFL Quarterback Club ’98. Every stiff arm you threw ended with the defender on their back (If you don’t know what that looks like. You Tube that Lynch run again). So big ups to Seattle. My dream is one step closer.
This weekend was what everyone expected it would be (except for that Seahawks win/Payton payoff). The Ravens rolled while the Jets and Colts played a close game. As expected the most entertaining game this weekend was the Michael Vick Eagles vs. the Aaron Rodgers Packers. Going into the game I thought it was a toss-up. I picked the Philadelphia Eagles because they were the home team, but I had no confidence in the pick. Rogers and the Green Packers ultimately won the game after Vick through an interception.
Now that Aaron Rodgers has won a playoff game. I hear people saying he’s arrived as an elite quarterback in the NFL. Umm maybe it’s just me, but I thought he’s been elite for the last 2 years. You can’t name 5 quarterbacks better than Aaron Rodgers. Since Rodgers has been the fulltime starter for the Packers his touchdown to interception rating is 86 – 31 (respectively) and his quarterback rating is 98. So if it took until Sunday night to figure out dude is elite, you’re just not paying attention.
I want to close this out borrowing from Dennis Green, “He is who I think he is.” I’m talking about the great Peyton Manning. Can we officially stop with the greatest quarterback of all time comparisons? I’m not pinning this solely on the game yesterday, because Manning didn’t get any help yesterday. Even his coach made it tough on him. (When Jim Caldwell called that time out with time running out on the Jets game winning drive Peyton look at him with a face that said, “What are you doing!?” Caldwell look back with an expression that said, “Hey, don’t you see the Jets aren’t ready. I want to make sure they have enough time. I thought we both decided to choke this game away. I just want to do my part.”) The fact is over Manning’s career he’s been the greatest regular season quarterback of all time, and a playoff choker. The difference between him and Dan Marino is somehow Rex Grossman got to a Super bowl which he gave to Peyton Manning. “So if you want to crown him, crown him. But he is who I think he is.”
Last night was a very interesting game. I knew it would start slow, because the stage was something these schools haven’t experienced. I didn’t think it would be so sloppy throughout the game. The biggest play on of the game occurred on a bad tackle. Where the runner, didn’t realize…he wasn’t tackled (what?). The execution on the field was terrible, and the coaching didn’t help.
I’m not going to blame everything on the coaching. What I will say is Gene Chizik is a bad coach and Chip Kelly is good to okay (Good in the Pac-10, and okay against everyone else). I thought Chizik’s approach hampered his offense. His play calling allowed Oregon to stay in the game. Auburn should have won that game by at least 14 points.
As for Chip Kelly, I tend to give him a bit of a pass. He’s coaching the players he has the best they can be coached. He has a small offensive line, and a defense that can kind of sort of create pressure. So, it makes sense that Kelly would try to play the edges of the field. At the same time if you’re a big time program, act like your big time. Play to win. Don’t run trick plays, and try to back door your way to a championship. GO WIN.
Now that the SEC has effectively dominated the entire college landscape, let’s stop arguing about what conference is the best. That’s like arguing about whether Amy Winehouse has a substance abuse problem. I know she has a problem, because I watched her do bumps on YouTube (See it here). And we know the SEC is the best conference, because they keep winning.
This college football season was decent. While I enjoyed the games, there weren’t any great teams this year (It also didn’t help that Florida and Texas both had down seasons). That’s fine with me, because this year wasn’t about what happened on the field. This season will be remembered for rule violations and the hypocrisy of the NCAA. After seeing the way college football was expose for being the business that it is. I don’t know how anyone could deny that under this current format, college players should be compensated. I’m not talking about a suitcase full of case, or a scholarship (you know that scholarship they give to players, that’s supposed to convince everyone they’re actually students). I’m talking about a plan to funnel some of the money back to the individuals that are doing the work.
As long as this system stays the way it is. I will not condone or condemn any athlete with their hand out. So, I’m not slamming Cam Newton, A.J. Green, or the “Tat Five” at Ohio State. Instead I’m hoping that the playing field is made level for everyone. Now let’s count down the days until Auburn has the give back the National Title.
After the Miami Heat paired Dwayne Wade with LeBron James and Chris Bosh this summer, they became the biggest attraction in the NBA. Since then the media has tried to cast the Miami Heat as the bad guys, and LeBron James as the villain of the NBA. Maybe it is the black uniforms, or the fact that LeBron James has worn fangs on his mouth piece (By the way what the hell was that? You have a mouth piece with fangs? Why don’t you just come out and say, “I really miss being in high school, so I decided to dress like one of the cool kids).” I would argue that they have been miscast.
Now I would concede that LeBron hasn’t done anything to quell the idea of him being a villain. He has even been quoted say, “…I’ve kind of accepted this kind of villain role that everyone has placed on me, and I’m OK with it.” He may be okay with being a villain, but is he worthy of the title.
What has LeBron done to be called a villain? The only people he terrorizes are Cavalier fans and anyone who watch that decision show. Villains are supposed to intimidate their opponents. Think about sports villains like Barry Bonds, Mike Tyson, Reggie Miller, and Charles Oakley. They scared people as soon as they walked into the Arena (There are still people scared of Oakley. Shoot, I’m scared of Charles Oakley). Nobody is scared of LeBron. As a matter of fact people like him.
Have you ever seen James before a game? He’s always trying to find an opponent to hug, and high five. He welcomes the crowd with a powder toss, and even showcases a trick shot or two. So, if he were a villain, he would be the one you loved, but didn’t trust. Kind of like Wile E. Coyote. (He’s that guy you can’t stand at work, but you still want him to help you move).
Even if LeBron tries to portray himself as a bad guy, he will never allow himself to be a villain. For the last 10 years James has crafted an image of being the good guy. “The athlete that fans love and every kid wants to be.” What makes anyone thinks he’s going to walk away that? This guy spent a minute and half asking the world, “What should I do?” So why don’t we hold off on giving LeBron James the villain title until further notice.
Will Sanchez Have To Run For His Life Against The Steelers?
Let’s begin…
I’m going to start with the NFC because when I think Fraud I think NFC
The biggest fraud in the NFL this year was the Atlanta Falcons. I never believed they were good. People keep telling me how great Matt Ryan is, but I’m not seeing it. Before I give someone that kind of credit you have beat somebody (I say that like Matt Ryan cares what I think). He is a good quarterback, but he’s not elite. So please stop comparing him to my man A.R. (That’s short for Aaron Rodgers. I talk to Aaron about the nickname and he’s cool with it).
Next we have the Seattle Seahawks. I’m not going to call them a fraud, because that word doesn’t describe them. I don’t believe anybody thought they were a good team. They over achieved this year. So, congratulations to the Seahawks, and enjoy the 25th pick.
Time for the AFC
The New England Patriots fooled us again. Sunday was Super bowl XLII all over again. The build up to the game was eerily similar. In one corner you had the Patriots led by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. They were hitting on all cylinders leading up to the game. They were beating teams convincingly, and it looked like it was time to size them up for another super bowl ring. On the other side you had the New York Jets with a young quarterback, and a great defense. They had bravado, and the confidence of a team that felt like they were better. I couldn’t believe how much they reminded me of the 2007 New York Giants (I was expecting Plaxico Burress to come out of the locker room and start catching touchdowns from Mark Sanchez). The bottom line is the Jets have better players. The only weakness is at quarterback. (Hey Pats’ fans you may want to skip ahead to the next section, and act like the rest of this paragraph doesn’t exist). In a couple years Mark Sanchez will become a better player, and the Jets will dominate the AFC East. Let’s see if they can squeeze a super bowl out of this.
I have nothing critical to say about the Baltimore Ravens. That was a great football game. The Ravens vs. Steelers is a perfect display of what it takes to win. Baltimore did have a chance to win the game, but came up short. If I had to give Baltimore advice I would say, “Cut T.J. Houshmandzadeh, because he has no hands, and hire Trent Dilfer as a quarterback coach.”
NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
I have no idea who will win this game. Every 15 minutes I change my mind. So, I have concluded there are a couple things you want to watch. If the Bears are able to get pressure without blitzing the Packers offense is in trouble. On the other hand the Packers defense is no slouch. Jay Cutler must protect the ball, and manage the game. If he does that, the Bears will win this game with their special teams’ play.
As much as I want to say this game is close, I just can’t buy in. The Jets are a good football team. They play great on defense, but are just okay on offense and special teams. It hasn’t been a problem yet but against the Steelers the youth of Mark Sanchez will be exposed. Just think about the teams the Jets beat, the Colts and the Patriots. Both of those teams are putrid on defense. This worked to the advantage of New York, because Sanchez was allowed to adjust to emotion and speed of the game, during his first couple of series. Against the Steelers they won’t have that luxury. From the first snap to the last, Jerome Harrison will be trying to take his head off. I think Sanchez will have a bad game, and ultimately spell the end for the New York Jets.
I’m picking the Pittsburg Steelers and the Chicago Bears to play in the super bowl. Now let’s watch the game, and laugh when I’m wrong.
Does It Matter Which New York Teams Picks Carmelo?
Let’s begin…
The Carmelo Anthony trade speculations has been nauseating (That may be too harsh of a word, but I do feel like throwing up. Mainly because of the Vodka last night, but it makes me feel better if I blame it on sports). By this time everyone knows Anthony will end up in New York. It’s just a question of when, and will it be the Nets or the Knicks.
What no one is asking is why.
Why is it worth me caring about where Carmelo Anthony is going to play? What has he done during his NBA career to garner this kind of attention? As much as I want Melo to go to the Knicks and matter, there’s a better chance that this could be Dominique Wilkins and Stacy Augman situation all over again, if he is eventually paired up with Amare Stoudemire. We have already seen Carmelo in this situation. He played with Kenyon Martin (a comparable athlete at the time) and he couldn’t get it done. Not only did he play with Martin, he played with a good supporting cast add a Hall of Fame head coach, and what do you get…early playoff exits (At one time he played with Allen Iverson. It sounded good at the time, now…not so good). Those teams were better than every Knicks team for the last 15 years, and he still got it done (You see what I did right there? I mix in a random stat to increase my credibility). So, good luck to the Knicks if you make that move.
I’m still not counting out the New Jersey Nets. I know Mikhail Prokhorov came out last week and said the Nets were out of the running, and as much as I respect his gangster (God knows I respect his gangster. Anytime someone accumulates a billion dollars with no receipts, I take notice). I just can’t believe an organization that will be opening a new arena in Brooklyn would pass on the opportunity to add one of Brooklyn’s own to their team. Call me a skeptic, but I think they want to sell tickets. The obvious problem with Melo going to the Nets is he will become even more irrelevant. If he thinks he doesn’t matter now, go to Nets. That’s the equivalent of quitting your job at Wal-Mart to work at a car wash.
Another question no one is asking is why Carmelo wants to leave. Everyone assumes he wants to win, or play in New York because that’s where he’s from. However, I strongly disagree with that assumption. Before this year you never heard about Anthony being disgruntled. He never complained of not winning or his need to play in New York. I thought he was having a great time in Denver scoring 30 points a game and not playing defense. Only thing that changed is that he got married. Ding, ding, ding (That’s me saying I just cracked the case. I actually made the noise out loud when I wrote that). His wife wants to live in New York…that means he wants to move to New York. So, let’s stop acting like Carmelo is fed up with underachieving.
*For the record I would never do that, because I wouldn’t have lived in Denver in the first place. No offense to Denver, that’s just too much snow.
I don’t know where Carmelo Anthony with play next year. I don’t know whether he will win a championship. I do know him leaving the Nuggets doesn’t garner the attention it’s getting. I also know has played on better teams than both the Knicks and Nets. So no matter where he goes expect what you’ve seen for the last 6 years. All I want to know is will La La take that Prokhorov money.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but hopefully I missed something. I can’t figure out why everyone is picking the Green Bay Packers to win the super bowl. I hope people know that they are playing the Pittsburg Steelers. In case you forgot let me refresh your memory.
The 2010-2011 Pittsburg Steelers won the toughest division in football this season. They beat the 2nd and 3rd best teams in the NFL this year to get to the super bowl (Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets respectively). The Steelers also have Ben Roethlisberger, who by percentage is the second winningest quarterback in NFL playoff history (By the way dude is wearing two rings, so don’t try hitting me with the, “Well Aaron Rodgers only lost one playoff game.” No Ben is on a different level, so relax and try not to cry on your Packers Jersey). This is the team everyone is picking against. Are you kidding me?
I’m picking the Pittsburg Steelers to win the super bowl (in case you haven’t pick up on that by own), and the more people talk about how great the Packers are, the more confident I feel. It may seem like my opinion is based solely on the Steelers, but it actually based more on Green Bay.
Take a look at the teams the Packers beat to get in to the super bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles, with a terrible defense and a quarterback that was in prison 2 years ago, the Atlanta Falcons, who were the biggest fraud in the NFL, and the Chicago Bears, who ended up have to play their 3rd string rookie quarterback (By the way Chicago should have won that game). Now I will acknowledge that Aaron Rodgers is a good quarterback and maybe one day he will be great. However that’s one guy. Now I will give you Greg Jennings stretching the field and Charles Woodson locking down the corner (I love me some Charles Woodson). Those are strong points for the Packers, and probably an advantage. Green Bay’s problem will surface the first time James Harrison hits A.R.
Aaron Rodgers’ biggest flaw is his health. He was on fire during the NFC Championship, until Julius Peppers hit him. After the hit A.R. was not the same. That’s the blueprint to easily beating the Packers, and Pittsburg will execute it.
At the end of the day the Pittsburg Steelers are better on defense and at coach (I didn’t breakdown coaches because come on, that’s Mike Tomlin on the sideline. Even Packers fans think Pittsburg has better coaching). I have more confidence in the Pittsburg Steelers talent to show up in a big spot.
The Black Eyed Peas Gave Us A Halftime Show To Remember
GreenLet’s begin…
I want to break down the Super Bowl without talking about the game. Why you ask…because I have heard enough Super Bowl analysis to last a lifetime. If another person tries to explain to me why the Packers won, I’m going to vomit (I also don’t want to talk about the game, because I lost some money on a bet). So I want to start by addressing the commercials. Now I’m not breaking new ground by saying those were some of the most under whelming commercials, in recent Super Bowl history. With that being said my two favorite commercials were: Doritos House Sitting and Budweiser Wild West (click the links to see them). That Wild West commercial was the funniest commercial all night. Something about Cowboys singing Elton John makes me smile. The weirdest thing about that commercial is, if Elton John were around during that time, they wouldn’t have allowed him in that bar (awkward).
When did Lil Wayne get out of jail? Nobody told me (I almost forgot that he went to jail since dude drops a new album every Tuesday). I found out rather shockingly. I woke up Friday morning after having my usual cup of coffee, turned on ESPN, and there was Lil Wayne…in a green sweater vest, answering super bowl questions. I was like, “What” You’re not even going to acknowledge his recent vacation. I’m not the best interviewer, but I think you have to start by asking him about prison. Maybe see if he kicked his old habits, just say, “Hey Dwayne, do you still enjoy the purple drank? …you’re not going to answer? Well if you want us to promote this terrible rap song, you need to talk about your time in the clink…speaking of that rap song. What made you think green and yellow remix was a good idea? You can’t say it was because of the original song, because that version sucked too. So, the faster we get done talking about the purple drank, the fast we can get answers about that terrible song.” By the way, when did Lil Wayne become a Packers fan? I thought he was from New Orleans. “Those rappers will do anything to stay relevant (I said that in my old man from Tuscaloosa Alabama voice).”
Next up, The Black Eyed Peas. What happened? I know the microphone had problems, but explain the sound of their voices. I was under the allusion that they could sing. Apparently I was wrong. They must use the same studio equipment that Ashlee Simpson uses (Shout out to Ashlee. Let me know when the new album is dropping, because I’m eager to find something to confusing). Having the Black Eyed Peas perform during the Super Bowl halftime show was a bad decision. Not because of the fact that they may or may not be able to sing (I’m going to go with can’t sing). The problem is they only have 3 good songs. Once they hit their limit they kind of looked at each other as to say, “Now how are we going to fill the last 15 minutes? We should have added a second impromptu verse to that last song. I have an idea, why don’t we stop the music, and announce to everyone that it’s time to take a bathroom break.”
Now I have to address Christina Aguilar. “Oh Christina!?” I think Morgan Freeman said it best when trying to lobby for the United States to get the World Cup, “I’m sorry I missed a page.” Aguilar should adopt that quote as her Super Bowl manifesto. I’ve watched her version of the National Anthem about 6 times, and I still can’t figure it out. I even went as far as falling asleep to the audio. What was she trying to accomplish? I thought maybe she forgot the words, but she looked so confident. At one point I started questioning myself. “Maybe I have the words wrong. Let me Google it…no I stand corrected. She is making stuff up.” Now that I have had time to reflect, I think we should adopt Christina Aguilar’s version of the National Anthem as the official remix. We could get Timbaland to produce it while Christina does the vocals. Maybe we could even talk those cowboys from the Budweiser commercial into to the background. The only problem is we have to get Christina to remember the words.
Now that the Cavaliers have set the record for longest losing streak in NBA history, I think it’s the perfect time to weigh in with some perspective (I didn’t want to talk about it before it happened, because I didn’t want to jinx the streak). For everyone that couldn’t understand why people in Cleveland were crying and burning LeBron‘s jersey after the decision…do you understand now? With that being said, don’t be fooled by what you hear. People talk about how the impact of LeBron is the reason why Cavaliers are losing, and that’s just not completely true. No player in the history of organized basketball is worth 60 wins. It’s easy to dismiss the Cleveland Cavaliers as a team that can’t win without their star player, but let’s examine the whole story.
The Cavs lost the best player in the NBA during free agency. I’m not going to argue that. As a matter of fact I think LeBron should get another MVP this year just for carrying that team for the last 7 years. What many people don’t talk about is that they also lost Delonte West, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Shaquille O’Neal during free agency (What? Did I really just throw Zydrunas Ilgauskas in there as a loss? We may disagree with on Ilgauskas, but I think we can all agree that Delonte’s guns will never be replaced). Couple that with injuries to Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao, and you have a team that could lose 25 games in a row. There is only one player currently playing for the Cavaliers that was a starter for the opening game of the 2009 – 2010 season. So it’s just lazy to say LeBron James is main reason why the Cavs are losing.
What’s happening to the Cleveland Cavaliers is extraordinary. I’ve never seen anything like this before. I have absolutely no faith in their ability to win. I would rather bet on a 6 year soccer team, before I bet the Cavs to cover in a parlay. At the same time if you know anything about the Cavaliers this shouldn’t be shocking (that was a dumb statement by me. I don’t know why the average person would know anything about the Cavs. There people in jail that have better things to do). The good thing is I’m a Cleveland fan, so I will break it down for you (Oh it just keeps getting better).
The Cavaliers struggled throughout the early 80s until they landed Brad Daugherty, Mark Price, Ron Harper and Larry Nance in 1986. The Cavs would be competitive for the next 6 years, and even reach the Eastern Conference Finals. When Cleveland’s core begin to age and retire the Cavs started to struggle again. From 1993 – 2003 they would wallow in mediocrity and never win a playoff series. In 2003 Cleveland drafted LeBron James, and we all know what happened after that. The Cavs would become one of the marquee teams in the NBA, and perennial title contender. After a one championship appearance and a decision, the Cavs were broken up. Now the Cavs are in there traditional low period, but how long will it last (This is where I come in. Watch me save the day)?
The Cavs need to finish what the “The Decision” started, and exile the rest of their core to South Beach. Everything incorporated with the LeBron James era needs to be severed, in order to create a new identity. They can start by either trading or buying out Anderson Varejao, Daniel Gibson, and maybe even Mo Williams. I say maybe Mo because he was not a part of Cleveland teams that had playoff success. I also think he would be an asset worth keeping if the Cavs can rebuild fast enough. They also need to sever ties with Anthony Parker and Antawn Jamison. They can wait on Parker, but I think they should trade Jamison now. Dude has about 4 days of Cavalier basketball left in him. I think they could do him and themselves a favor if they let him go. That would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers with a core of J.J. Hickson and Mo Williams. If they couple that with their lottery pick and trade acquisitions, the Cavaliers could be back in the playoffs in 2 years. Will they be title contenders in 6 years? I don’t know. What I do know is they won’t be losing 25 games in a row.
So the Grammy Awards are tonight, and under normal conditions I would be happy. However this year’s lineup is terrible. Both the award nominations and performances this year are underwhelming. It has been reported that Dr. Dre will be performing. Really? Now I love the Doctor just as much as the next guy that grew up in the suburbs. I would just rather remember him as the guy with the Jerry Curl that didn’t like the police. I don’t want see Dre at 46 wearing skinny and a Kangol, trying to reinforce his gangster. Speaking of Dr. Dre…can we please stop with the Eminem charade, because it’s starting to get sad? There is no way “Recovery” should be nominated for Album of the year. Now I understand that they want a representative from Hip Hop in the Album of the year category. I just think that nomination should have gone to Jay-Z for “The Blueprint 3.”
I will concede that there weren’t a lot of great albums that came out, but do you think that’s going to stop me from creating a list of this year’s must have music (the answer is absolutely not in case you didn’t catch my self-importance).
These are the top albums this year in no particular order (I don’t highlight singles, because I think they can be a misrepresentation of what an album truly is).
This album reminds me of all the reasons why I’m still pissed off that OutKast broke up. Big Boi brings his regular style
How I Got Over
The Roots
I’m a big fan of the Roots, so my opinion can be considered bias. However, I don’t know how anyone could argue with the merit of this album. One would think that the quality of their work would slip, because of their job as a house band for Jimmy Fallon, but this isn’t the case.
The Blueprint 3
Jay-Z
This is just another notch in Jay-Z’s belt. At this point his career is unexplainable. Dude is still getting better. At this pace I’m expecting at least two more retirements, and timeless classics.
It may surprise you that I have this on my list, but I have to respect the game. Not only is this album in my library, but it’s in rotation.
Thank Me Later
Drake
As much as it pains me say, this album is hot. I have this bet with my brother that Drake is all hype, and my bet isn’t looking good (We also have a side bet with Lady GaGa that still have a lot of faith in). I don’t know what he’s doing, but dude is delivering the mail.
Battle Studies
John Mayer
I totally understand why some people can’t stand this guy’s music. At times I even agree. This is not the case with this album. I believe it’s his most versatile album to date.
So Albert Pujols wants to get paid $300 Million over 10 years, and I don’t blame him. I want $300 Million to play baseball, and I can’t even play. I also think the St. Louis Cardinals would be idiots to sign him for that amount of money.
Now I’ve hear people say that the Cardinals should do everything in their power to keep Pujols. Really…maybe you have it confused. This isn’t the Cleveland Cavaliers (no disrespect to Cleveland). St. Louis is the biggest baseball city in America. This is the franchise of Ozzie Smith and Bob Gibson. They have 10 World Series Championships. So what makes anyone think they need Albert Pujols? They need Pujols about as much as the Disney Channel needs Lindsay Lohan.
Now Pujols is a great play, maybe even the best player in baseball, but how significant is he? Among the Major Sports, baseball is one where individuals have the least amount of control. This isn’t basketball where one player can single handedly change a team’s fortune. Think about the best players in recent history. Barry Bonds (who is the greatest player ever, but we can argue that later), Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr., and Cal Ripken Jr.; how many championship have they won…two (you can totally move me off of Ripken, but then you would have to take away a championship, and that’s not helping you out). So tell me why Pujols is a must have again.
It takes a collection of good players to have a great team, and if you give someone $300 million exactly how will you form that team. There are only two teams in baseball that over pay players, and continue to be competitive franchises; The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Currently both of those teams have over priced first basemen. So if Albert leaves the Cardinals in order to make more money, what are the chances of him winning another championship? I’m going to go with, no chance at all. Because there’s a good chance he’ll wake in a Chicago Cubs uniform for the next 10 years.
At the end of the day an employee is worth however much they get paid. If Albert Pujols signs a contract for 300 million dollars over 10 years this offseason, two teams are going to be very happy. However, only one of those teams will be happy in 5 years. That team is the St. Louis Cardinals.
I can sum up this year’s college basketball season in three words, “One and Done.” Now when I mention the term one and done. Your mind probably goes to the common place of the NBA rule, which mandates a player to be either 19 or one year removed from college. You know the rule…the one that was supposed to save immature intercity kids from the traps of the evil real world. When in all actually they were making sure NBA owners didn’t give their money to kids that were more concerned with the purple drank than playing basketball. That’s a bad rule, but it’s not the rule I want to talk about (Even though I just wrote a paragraph about it). I want to address why there seems to be so many upsets in college basketball.
Every week it we have a new #1 one team in college basketball, and every week that team loses. Many people have said it is because there are no great teams in college basketball. Now I will concede that there is some validity to that assumption. However, I would also argue that the number of upsets can be contributed to a meaningless regular season. Rankings in college basketball don’t mean anything. Every good team has an opportunity to win the national title (via the NCAA Tournament). Consequently games don’t mean as much, and you get weekly upsets. This is College Basketball biggest problem. “Well Kortney how do you fix it?” “I thought you’d never ask (actually I knew you would ask, because I’m the one writing the blog).” I think the number of NCAA Tournament bids should be contract from 68 to 48, and bids should be rewarded to teams based on record, with an emphasis on conference play. Here is how the tournament bids would breakdown in a 48 team field.
6 Automatic bids for regular season Conference Champions in the ACC, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10, and SEC
32 Automatic bids for Conference Tournament Championship (If the respective conference has no tournament? The bid will go to the team with the best conference record. If the tournament is won by a team already holding a bid. The bid will go to the tournament runner up.
The tournament seeding would be decided by a panel as it is now. The only tweak is that the top 4 seeds in each region would get byes into the second round of 32. While the reaming lower seeded teams would compete in, “The First 32″ (You see how creative I got with that title…pure genius). My tournament regional brackets would look like the one below.
Now I know many people would say that this system would be unfair to teams from weaker conferences. To that I would say, each of those weaker conferences would receive an automatic bid for their conference champion, and they would be eligible for the 10 at large bids. I would also say, it’s not the job of the NCAA Tournament to be fair. The tournament’s only obligation is to pick the best teams. This isn’t a charity case. If you want charity, go to the NIT (which would inevitably feature underachievers, and any team coached by Seth Greenberg).
At the end of the day you have to make college basketball’s regular season meaningful. I believe contracting tournament bids would be a step in the right direction. I maybe be wrong, but something needs to be done. If not, get use to the one and done.
Who would have thought a kid from Akron Ohio would change the landscape of the NBA with a one hour television special (that special could have lasted 2 minutes, but you have to add 58 minutes for Narcissism, Jim Gray, and the statement, “I’m Taking My Talents To South Beach” But hey, he did it for the kids…Trick love the kids). After LeBron James’ decision, there was universal criticism for what he did to the city of Cleveland, and justifiably so. Now I think it’s time to give LeBron James and Dwyane Wade some credit for being visionaries.
When Pat Riley formed the new look Miami Heat this offseason. He put the NBA on notice, and loudly said, “This is how the games, is going to be played.” Players and GMs took notice and the Superstar Trading Spree kicked into high gear. Now 8 months later Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams are already on the move to another city. Why…because the Nuggets and Jazz didn’t want to end up like the Cavaliers (By the way the New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic are on notice). The winners in those trade scenarios were the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks, but will their respective moves lead to a championship.
Despite the trades the Knicks and Nets have made, they’re still playing catch up to the Miami Heat. Not only does Miami have two hall of fame players, but they also have a hall of fame coach overlooking basketball operations. That’s something that neither New York nor New Jersey will be able to duplicate anytime in the near future. In addition to that, the new collective bargaining agreement is looming in the horizon. It’s inevitable that the new CBA will have regulations to prevent super teams like the one constructed in Miami. So, “Good luck to the Knicks and Nets, but I’d keep those championship rings on a wish list.”
I planned on stopping my post right here. As a matter of fact I had this written yesterday. I thought I was finish. Until…I woke up and big Baron Davis was on my television screen smiling with his homeless man’s beard. Underneath his picture it read that he was trade to the Cavs. So, I couldn’t resist weighing in on my man B.D. For the amount of money that Davis has stolen over the past 2 years this is justice. He’s always out of shape and would have eaten himself out of the league in Shawn Kemp like fashion, if not for Blake Griffin rejuvenating him. So Blake Griffin shows up this year. Baron embraces him, and even helps him win the dunk contest. Now the Clippers actually have the buzz that owner Donald Sterling wanted when he acquired Baron Davis 2 years ago, and what happens next…Baron and his beard are shipped to Lake Erie for Mo Williams. How pissed are you if you go to bed in L.A. and wake up in Shaker Heights. I mad just thinking about it. Then again I’m a Cavaliers fan so I’ve been pissed since June.
The other trade that caught my attention today was the Boston Celtics sending Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. This is a great trade for Oklahoma City, and if they’re able to resign him, it will make them championship contenders for years to come. So, I know why the Thunder did this, and I applaud them. Now what the hell was Danny Ainge thinking? I’ve never been convinced of his skills as a General Manager, but who thought he would expose himself with a championship on the line? The Celtics are a championship team with Perkins, so why would they trade him for Nenad Krstic. There are only two reasons to excuse this trade. The first reason is that the Celtics believe they can’t resign Kendrick Perkins (he has already turned down a deal from the Celtics this year). The other reason is Ainge still owes Sam Presti for the robber he helped him pull off when he gave him Ray Allen in 2007. Personally I believe they wouldn’t have been able to keep Kendrick Perkins, but under this circumstance, you don’t jeopardize a championship. I never thought I would say this, but the Heat have a great chance to win a championship this year.
Now excuse while I go on EBay and place a bid on a Baron Davis jersey.
The Academy Awards are tomorrow night. So it’s only right that I issue my movie awards for the year. Now I have to let you know that I have my own special categories and qualifications. First of all any movie that I have seen this year qualifies. It doesn’t matter if the movie came out 10 years ago. This mean that Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo could be my movie of the year. Also I have no problem saying that a movie sucks. If it was bad it was bad. So, I will break it down, and try to keep it simple.
*Please note that I do not plan on seeing Black Swan. I have seen enough reviews of this film to know it will make me vomit at some point in time. I put the over/under at 15 minutes.
Movies of the Year
The King’s Speech
This movie was dope. I was skeptical going in, but it surpassed all expectations.
I enjoyed it, but come on. We’ve seen this genre of sports movie in all its possible forms. The movie didn’t surprise me, but it was worth seeing.
Inception
Even though I still can’t figure it out. I’m pretty sure something cool happened. Plus I enjoyed the way they made the city block turn upside down. The moral of this story is if
The Town
This is a great movie. Ben Affleck did a good job directing.
I know it came out a while ago, but notice my qualifications.
“What Was That” Movies of the Year
Alice in Wonderland
I thought this would be worth my time, but I was sadly mistaken. This thing just didn’t work.
Piranha 3D
This is the poster child for when 3D goes too far. It reminds of 1997 when skater jeans were in style, and everyone was wearing Jincos. We have to get this #D thing under control.
The Expendables
I don’t know if you wasted your time watching this movie, but I sure didn’t. I saw enough in the previews to make me pass on this. I would venture to say, that theres not enough steroids in Hollywood to lure me into watching a Sylvester Stallone action film.
Grown Ups
I think this movie was supposed to me laugh, but it confused me. I’m still trying to figure what was going on.
She was great at portraying the classic overbearing parent, that can’t get her life together.
Amy Adams, The Fighter
She sold the idea of the hard edge woman from Boston. I even felt like I was in Boston. (What did I just say? Truth is I’ve never been to Boston. I just assume it looks like what I’ve seen on T.V.)
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
I’m going to take everyone’s word for it, and assume she was great. I do not plan on watching this film. In case you forgot why, pleas reread the first paragraph.
“Please Stop Making this!” Movies of the Year
For Colored Girls
I like Tyler Perry’s “Black men a terrible” movies just as much as the next black guy, but I think this is enough.
Jackass 3D
It was funny at first. Now the desperation to stay relevant is saddening.
Little Fockers and Shrek 4
I’m knocking both of these out with one shot. Please stop. If not for me, do it for the kids.
I really want to like this movie, but there was nothing ne. I think it’s reached its limit, unless somehow they could set up a fight between Jason and Freddie. That would be something worth seeing.
I not sure who win what, but if I were you I would bet on my predictions. The good about being me is, I’m not you, and I don’t trust me.
I keep hearing people say that college basketball is full of parody. Really…have you been watching the games? These teams suck. If you think even half these games are worth watching, there are some six year old soccer games at your local park that I think you’d be interested in as well. Now I don’t want to sound like some older curmudgeon, and start ranting about how Phi Slama Jama was the greatest team assembled. What I will say is I don’t see many NBA players in college this year. I think there are about 7 NBA players in college basketball, 10 on a good day. Consequently there are not many good teams. The bad news for college basketball is that this isn’t going to get any better.
There will be times in college where the talent level will be high. It’s just the fact of how things work. There’s probably somebody producing a man child right now with arms like Scottie Pippen, and hopes like Darvin Ham (That’s right a Darvin Ham reference). However, even if this were to happen it wouldn’t improve the product, because the talent would be spread out among the legions on teams. “So Kortney what’s going to happen?” I thought you’d never ask. The college basketball regular season will continue to become more irrelevant, while the post-season will gain in popularity. In all actuality this may be the best case for college basketball. The NCAA Tournament is second to none at attracting both the hard core and moderate sports fan. So this could be great for the NCAA. At the same time don’t confuse a competitive post season with parody, because these teams suck.
The NBA season is over half way over, and I still have many unanswered questions. Personally I think I have too many unanswered question (did I just write that? I didn’t need to say that twice. I’m a dope).
What’s going on with the Miami Heat? It was great watching them lose at the beginning of the season, but now it’s becoming disturbing. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t this team supposed to good? I think they were. At least that’s what LeBron told us after the decision when the “Big Hype” stepped through the smoke, like the 87′ Miami Hurricanes. You remember the unveiling when LeBron counted off the Championships, “Not 1, Not 2, Not 3…” Then again maybe he was counting off the number of terrible late game possessions.
By this time shouldn’t we know what the Miami Heat are? I can’t figure out is their finesse or tough. During close games I don’t even know if their alive. The Heat have time left to address their problems, but it’s getting dangerously close to their carriage turning into a pumpkin. Then again they did sign Mike Bibby, so everything will be alright.
Since Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks, the Denver Nuggets are 5-1. So, is Anthony really that valuable? Now I’m not going to argue that the Nuggets are better without Carmelo Anthony, but I don’t believe they lost anything. With Carmelo the Nuggets had only advanced in the playoff one year out of seven. Call me optimistic, but I believe the Denver could do that without him.
Is it possible to hold off on nominating Danny Ainge as the King of Basketball? Before Kevin Garnett was gift wrapped to the Celtics, like a tennis bracelet from Jared, Ainge was known as an unsuccessful GM that was on the hot seat. Now four years since the trade the Celtics want you to believe that Danny Ainge has Nostradamus like powers. Now if Kendrick Perkins breaks down, and Jeff Green turns into Scottie Pippen, they would be right. However, there is a better chance that the Celtics capitalized on a small window with aging superstars, and they won’t be able to duplicate in the future. This has happened before, and at that time we overreacted the same way. “Danny Ainge, meet Joe Dumars.”
Can someone tell me how the San Antonio Spurs keep doing this? Their like a super hero that won’t die. I thought their window was close 3 years ago. There must be something in San Antonio’s water. How else could you explain the fact that their starting center is playing without ACLs. I demand a Federal Grand Jury investigation (Barry Bonds style).
If the Spurs advance deep into the playoffs, it’s only right that Tony Parker be court mandated to repair his relationship with Eva Longoria. “Come on Tony please do it for the kids!” (Trick love the kids).
Is it hypocritical for small market teams like Indiana, Cleveland, and Sacramento to complain about the structure of the NBA? They weren’t complaining when they were the perennial Championship contenders, and Miami, New York, and Boston were at the bottom of the league. This is the way the system works. The only city that should be pissed off is Seattle. Not only did they lose a team that is now a championship contender, but they don’t have a chance of getting another one in the near future. Then again they have the Mariners and Seahawks to help ease the pain.
This has been the greatest NBA regular season since the late 80s when Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Isiah Thomas were in the league. Many people have said that was the golden age of the NBA. If it was golden then, it’s platinum now.
The questions surround the NBA has made one most predictable professional sport leagues intriguing. It will only get better with the playoffs starting in a month, and I “Can’t Wait” (Bart Scott style).
First off, I think Jim Tressel knew that his players broke the rules, and I think he lied hoping that the issue would go away. Once the issue came to light he owned up to what he did, because he had nowhere else to turn. With that being said, is anyone surprised? This is college sports. It’s a system based off the exploitation of individuals that are denied the opportunity to profit off of their skills (If I read that too you and asked you to guess the profession. You would probably say black market prostitution or AAU basketball). Big time college sports are dirty, and when you’re in a dirty industry it’s hard to be clean while being successful. Just ask Randy Shannon of the University of Miami what a clean program gets you (Gets you fired in case you’re wondering).
Ohio State publicly reprimanded Jim Tressel yesterday in a press conference. They suspended him for 2 games and docked him $250,000. Now I think this is hypocritical. Look no further than the players that he covered up for. They got a five game suspension, and Tressel only got two? At the same time isn’t it also hypocritical that Terrell Pryor and the tattoo five got to play? Was it hypocritical that Cam Newton got to play last season? And while we’re at it lets sprinkle a little Reggie Bush scandal in here? The entire scope of college sports is hypocritical. So, can we please stop the farce that is, “College Student Athletes” and start paying the players.
There is too much money involved college sports to call it amateur athletics. Even Don King thinks college sports are immoral. There needs to be a union to represent the players. I propose the idea of giving players the option of a scholarship or cash (I’m talking straight cash homie). The amount of money would be collectively bargained through the union. If players opt for the cash, then they would forfeit the right to all amenities normally supplied by the university including tuition, books, and housing (I’m talking about being an adult homie).
Until changes are made these are the rules. Jim Tressel violated the rules, and should be punished. You can suspend him and his sweater vest for the entire season, but it’s not going to fix the problem. You have to end this idea of amateur athletics, and start compensating players. Now excuse me I have to wire some money to Thad Matta.
This year’s tournament is full of the usual suspects. You have UCLA, Arizona, UConn, and Syracuse. In addition you have the normal amount of terrible teams complaining about why they should have gotten in. The argument for bubble teams that got left out is always ridiculous. It’s just bad teams complaining because other bad team got in over them. That’s like a parent arguing because a kid dumber their kid got into truck driving school. “Who cares? You both stink, and if you would have gotten in, you would have lost in the first round anyway. So stop whining and enjoy the NIT.” Never the less there’s always a group of teams that find a way to complain, and who better for the face of complainers than Seth Greenberg.
As usual Virginia Tech was shut out of the NCAA Tournament, and as usual Seth Greenberg is lobbying for why Tech should be in the Tournament. I don’t know why Greenberg or anyone at Virginia Tech is surprised. It happens to them every year. The Hokies getting left out is as routine as the sun coming up, and Charlie Sheen doing blow. I think we should turn it into a National holiday. We could throw a parade, LeBron James could bring smoke and balloons, Don Magic Juan could bring his green hat. It would be great.
I have pasted my bracket below. Come play along with me for free on ESPN.com. Fill out your bracket and add my group The Kortney Shane Pillar Blog.
My Bracket Is Always Subject To Change
I’m not going to break down my brackets round by round, because you can read. Unless you’re related to Fantasia from American Idol (I don’t know if you heard, but word on the street is baby girl can’t read, or sustain a long term career). What I will say is watch out for the Florida Gators and Kansas State. Those are the two teams no one is talking about that could win the title.
I have heard analyst talk about how the Gators are over seeded, but that’s a good basketball teams. They also have a great coach in Billy Donovan that since 2000, has led Florida to three title games, and two championships.
Kansas State is also a good basketball team. Their biggest problem is that their coach, Frank Martin is a psychopath. I’m expecting his head to pop off like one of those Rock’em Sock’em Robots. He’s a good coach, but his style could wear down his team mentally (That is how you play both sides of the fence my friend).
ESPN has added the Fab Five to their critically acclaimed 30 for 30 series. The documentary about the 1991 -1993 Michigan Wolverines basketball team highlights the journeys of Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, Chris Webber, and Ray Jackson. Those players were freshmen in 1991, and would later be better known as the Fab Five. They introduced rap music and baggy shorts to America on one of the biggest stages in sports.
The documentary was produced by Fab Five member and ESPN basketball analyst Jalen Rose. It didn’t take long for Rose to become the star of the documentary (I don’t blame him. If you give me control of anything I’m taking over. You could make me the co-producer of a cooking show, and within two segments I’m doing my comedy act). He displayed ultimate transparency when taking about his childhood, Michigan, and decisions he made.
When talking about his teams’ battles against Duke. Rose stated that he hated Duke, and “… felt like they only recruited black players that were Uncle Toms” (can we retire the slur Uncle Tom? I mean as Americans we have a better imagination than that. Let’s hold a poll and select a new term. I would argue that any slur made popular before 1980 should be retired Barry Sanders style). He believed they only recruited black players that came from well to do families. This made him resent Duke University and the black players that played for them. Since the airing of the documentary these comments have sparked a controversy, and even prompted Grant Hill to make a response.
Now I’m not going to regurgitate the angle that has been stressed all week, or condemn Rose for his comments. It was how he felt at the time. When someone decides to talk about their past, you want to hear the truth. Unless you’re asking your wife how many people she had sex with. You want to lie, and not say 15 (15 is way too many).
I want to talk about what this comment exposes. First it exposes the resentment that surrounds Duke and the type of players they recruit. To be honest they do recruit a certain kind of black player that has been successful for their university (I wrote about this: Black at Duke, or Maybe Not). I don’t blame them for that. That’s their propagative. In addition since 1990 they’ve led all schools in National Championships, and have consistently put players in the NBA. So, it works for them. However, despite their resume, they’re still seen in the black community as a school that only recruits white players. It’s the same feeling that surrounded the Boston Celtics until the mid-90s.
Rose’s Uncle Tom comment also exposed a dirty little secret well known throughout the black community. It’s a class issues that highlights the idea that well off black people. Somehow become jaded by their reality, and lose their black identity. Now I would argue that this isn’t true. If you are black in America, you know you’re black! At the same time someone could argue that there are indeed black people that disconnect from their identity. I would agree with that statement. However, there are people among all races that disconnect from their identity. Those people are the exception. Let’s not make the exception the rule.
No one should see black individual as a, “sell out” because they want to further the black community, by educating themselves and promoting the idea of a nuclear family. At the same time people in a single parent home, that aren’t as well off, shouldn’t be look down upon as not worthy. Everyone’s black experience is of equal value to the black community and society as a whole. The real sell outs are individuals that don’t take care of their responsibilities. People that walk out on their kids, rob people, kill people, and/or spend their life in and out of prison. Those are the individuals that should be resented throughout the all of society. My man Chris Rock spoke to this brilliantly during his comedy special Bring The Pain, in a segment better known as, “Niggas vs. Black People.”
I hope the issue of class in the black community ceases to become an issue. Instead let’s focus on the true sell outs.
“Hey New York! How’s that Melo saves the day thing working out?” I haven’t heard from you’ll lately. I know you’ll were once piece away from winning the championship. So, I’m wondering if Carmelo was that missing piece. Alright I will stop kicking Knicks fans in the groin, and begin my spiel.
Since Carmelo Anthony has left Denver. The Nuggets are 9-4 and the Knicks 7-8 (That’s less than .500 for the kids keeping count at home). Does this mean the Nuggets are better without Anthony? Not necessarily. It’s a small sample size, and it doesn’t indicate what a team truly is. With that being said the stat is an indicator of one important thing.
The fact that the Denver Nuggets are still trending in an upward direction indicates that Carmelo Anthony is not irreplaceable. Carmelo Anthony was overrated (I would like to take this time to say, “I saw this coming”). He is not in the class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Howard, or Deron Williams. He is a great scorer in the NBA, but he’s not someone that can carry a team. To put it in Big Boi terms, “He Ain’t No DJ.”
Now that doesn’t mean you can’t win with Carmelo Anthony. As a matter of fact you should win with Anthony. It means that if you plan on winning a championship (listen up New York. I’m about to drop some knowledge) you better lower your expectations, until you build pieces around him. Once the Knicks compensate for their lack of defensive intensity, they will be primed for a title run. However, that’s not New York’s biggest road block in route to a title. There biggest problems are the Lakers, Miami, Chicago, Oklahoma City, and any team Dwight Howard plays for.
As a Cavs fan I’m envious of Denver Nuggets. They didn’t give themselves the opportunity to get screwed by their superstar in free agency the way Cleveland did. At the same time Nuggets fan could be pissed off at the Cavaliers. If somehow LeBron never leaves Cleveland, then Denver would have had the upper hand on Carmelo, because he wanted the money more than anything. He can say it was about winning, but he wanted that money almost as much as Charlie Sheen wants another rail of blow (I say almost, because I’m not sure anyone wants anything more than Sheen wants blow).
There are now three models of how to unload your superstar in the NBA.
South Beach Style: Leave yourself open to the possibility of your franchise players walking when there contract is up.
Go Utah on it: Get out in front of the rumors, and trade your superstar a year before their contract is up.
Mile High Way: Wait for some team to become desperate and over pay for your superstar.
I have been watching Jersey Shore since the exception of the program on MTV. Originally the Jersey Shore was highlighted on an episode of MTV’s show True Life I’m A Jersey Shore Girl, in 2004. In 2009 MTV casted it as its own reality show, and formed what is now known as Jersey Shore (by the way what took them so long, and why am I so proud to know this information). It didn’t take long to figure out the show was a keeper, and it took even less time to figure out that Ronnie had the potential to be the greatest reality star of all time. He has everything it takes: mood swings, chemical imbalance, binge drinking, and infidelity. In the business we call that, the total package. Now I want more.
Can someone please sign Ronnie to a book deal? I want to know this guy’s secrets. I have never seen someone repeatedly cheat on his girlfriend, somehow justify it, and convince the woman to apologize to him. This kind of talent is once in a lifetime. He is a franchise player in the making, and soon to be a Hall of Famer. As a matter of fact if Infidelity had a hall of Fame, Ronnie would be the guy shaking inductees’ hands, welcoming them in.
Now if we could somehow get Ronnie a book deal. He could sell some of his best moves to the general public. It would be a real life version of, “Breakin’ all the Rules” (terrible movie, but watch it so you can laugh at this joke). Now I’m not interested in practicing Ronnie moves. Ya boy has his own game, and it works great. Plus there’s a good chance Ronnie’s secrets involve some weird amount of steroids and street pills. So, I think I’ll pass. However, I would like to read the book. That book would be essay style porn. A car accident you have to see. A grease fire (add more ridiculous analogies in your head).
So, let’s start a campaign. Maybe I should create a Facebook Page? Hold on, already did that. Support the cause here, “Ronnie Needs A Book”. Now spread the word.
Ps. I can’t believe I wrote this post. Sad thing is, I fist pumped throughout the whole thing, while wearing an affliction tee shirt. “Douche”
The Barry Bonds perjury trial began this week. This is the trial to find out rather or not Bonds knowingly he took steroids. This is also known as, a complete waste of time. Barry knows he took steroids. I don’t even see how he could argue that he didn’t know. Come on Barry. You’re head doubled in size the minute you started taking the supposed flax seed oil, and if that didn’t get your attention. The acne and 73 homeruns should have tipped you off. I hate calling someone a liar without the facts (brace yourself, I’m about to call someone a liar), but I don’t see how Bonds couldn’t know.
Now we can disagree on whether Barry knew he was taking steroids (I’m not sure why we would disagree). However, one thing that is a fact is that Greg Anderson (who was Bonds trainer) is the “Best Friend of All-Time.” This dude has middle school girls jealous of his loyalty. When they write B.F.F. on their Trapper Keeper (Are they still making those?), this is the person they hope to be.
If you don’t know, Greg Anderson is a childhood friend of Barry Bonds. They played baseball together at a young age. While Bonds became one of the greatest players ever, Anderson had little to no success. After giving up his career as a baseball player, Anderson began working out at World Gym which just so happened to be a few blocks away from BALCO. How convenient is that? To have a steroid like crack house within walking distance from you’re gym. It’s hard to find those kinds of amenities now a day. Shoot, I’m happy to have a laundry mat 2 blocks from my house (FYI when looking for a place to live you need two things close by, 7-Eleven and a laundry mat). Now we can connect the dots from here. Anderson dabbles with steroids, later becomes Barry Bonds’ trainer, Bonds is pissed because scrubs like Mark McGwire are setting homerun records, and he ends up taking steroids himself as well. Now 762 homeruns later and about a yearlong regiment of Clearasil to clear up his acne, Bonds is on trial for lying to the grand jury for knowingly taking steroids. It would be easy to convict Bonds if the government could get Greg Anderson to testify. The problem is they can’t get him to testify.
Greg Anderson will not testify against Barry Bonds. Since 2006 Anderson has been sentence to jail time 3 times for contempt of court, because he won’t testify in the Barry Bonds’ perjury trail. This makes no sense, because if he told the truth he wouldn’t have to worry about jail. I thought you were supposed to lie to stay out of jail. I’m confused. At the same time, maybe this is what good friends do. If that is true, I am the dirt bag of friendship. Compared to Anderson, my friendship is about as loyal as LeBron James in July. I’m not going to jail for a friend. I wouldn’t go to jail 3 times for my momma. As a matter of fact if she asks me to do something like that, I wouldn’t talk to her for a year. So, I salute Greg Anderson and his loyalty. He’s a better man than I am.
Then again could Greg Anderson be the smartest guy in the room? Maybe Anderson is operating by the idea of keeping your friends close, and your enemies closer. Bonds could know something about him that could ruin his life.
Then again could it be possible that as childhood friends Greg and Barry made a pack?
“We’re never going to snitch on each other. We’re blood brothers and friends for life. Pass me the crayon and construction paper, so we can document our love…yeah. We’ll always be friends. As a matter of fact lets buy one of those overhype gold plated necklaces with the hearts separated in jagged fashion, that way no matter what happens we will remember each other. I got your back dog no matter what happens. If I got hit by a bus tomorrow, I got your back, dog. If anything happened to me while I jumped out a window…and my hair caught on fire, I got your back, dog. If 15 years from now we get caught up in a Federal investigation we’re not going to say anything, because we have each other’s back dog. Picky swear…yeah! Now grab that syringe and the clear stuff.”
Now I know it’s just one win for a team that is terrible. A team in the Cavaliers that have no chance at the playoff this year, and probably even next year. With that being said, do you think that’s going to stop me from overeating? This post is for Cleveland fans that have been slowly slitting their wrist for the last 3 months. If you’re not a Cavs fan you may want to sit this post out, but thank you for clicking it, because I still get the credit for the hit. I am a Cleveland fan, and ya boy is about to represent.
The Cavs played nasty last night. They fouled hard and didn’t back down when challenged by Miami (thank you Ryan Hollins for not backing down the Dwyane Wade. You are now my twitter avatar, “You’re Welcome!”). They gave them what I like to call, the Zaza to Garnett treatment. I loved every second of it. The only thing that could have made last night better was post-game tears.
Now I think the Cavaliers should build on this, and become a tough team. The Cavalier organization should make a conscious effort to change their image. They can shed the frontrunner image, and embrace toughness as their mantra. Cleveland like other Midwest cities is tough. It’s full of blue collar, grind it out people. So, why not put a team out on the floor that represents your city. It just seems practical, even the owner is a tough crazy man. As a matter of fact Dan Gilbert should spark the campaign with a letter on the Cavaliers website, “Anyone down for a little Comic Sans?”
As for the Miami Heat, this game was probably an admiration. They are better than the Cavs. However, it was interesting to see their response in a playoff like atmosphere. They seemed disinterested, and a little caught off guard. If I were a Heat fan I would be concerned, because this is another game where Miami got punched and didn’t respond.
Miami is supposed to be gearing up for the playoffs. They should be firing on all cylinders by now, poised to make a title run. However they have yet to solve the problem that has been hanging over them this entire season. They still aren’t executing in the half court consistently.
Playoff basketball is all about half court execution (Unless you’re playing the Dallas Mavericks in 2007). Teams that rely on the fast break don’t win in the playoffs (Please see Mike D’Antoni’s playoff record). So as the playoffs approach Miami has to get their game on point.
With that being said, the Cavs win! It’s a beautiful day in Cleveland. They have officially broken up with their ex-girlfriend. She may have left for someone better, but they have the car and the house. There is only one way to sum up the way the city of Cleveland feels today, “The world is better now because the Heat is losing.” (Courtesy of Dwyane Wade).
Today is MLBopening day. So it’s only right that I welcome you to the most overhyped day in sports. People try to convince you every year of how great opening day baseball is, when in all actually it’s not that significant. Only thing more overrated is the Reagan administration. All the baseball purist, use nostalgia and romanticism to sell you on 1 of 162 games. All you here is, “Oh it a sign that summer is here. All I have to do is smell the grass and see the pitcher’s mound. It brings a tear to my eye. Opening day is as American as Apple Pie.” Yeah, the only thing is I actually like apple pie (with a scoop of ice-cream of course).
Now I want to make something clear. I like baseball. I love going to games, and watching on T.V. I just think the number of games in a season, make opening day insignificant. I would argue that the last 20 games of the regular season are far more compelling than opening day.
Strangely enough with all my problems in regard to opening day, I can’t wait for fantasy baseball to start. Everyone I selected in my auction draft has been waiting for this moment. We’ve made it through spring training injury free, and my players are foaming at the mouth, relishing the opportunity of taking the field. This is when my leadership as a manager is tested. Last year we finished second place, and I take full responsibility for our shortcomings. I should have dealt Ubaldo Jiménez when I had the chance. As a veteran owner I should have known better, and I have promised my team that I won’t make that mistake again. With a pitching rotation of C.C. Sabathia, Josh Johnson, and David Price, I don’t expect to have any pitching problems this year. Now in my hitting lineup I went young with Jason Heyward, Mike Stanton, and Justin Upton as my core. This will give me a good nucleus to build around this entire season. “Ya boy feels good”. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can’t wait for opening day (Bart Scott Style).
So I think there’s a national championship game tonight/today/yesterday, depending on what time you read this. It could have easily gone over your head because no one is really talking about it. This may be because; the Butler Bulldogs are playing in it for the second year in a row. Only this time they should be the odds on favorite to win.
The NCAA Tournament this year is a perfect snapshot of what happens when you make NBA players go to college for a year. When the one and done rule was put into place, most people thought it was going to help the elite programs. However, it helped lower profile teams compete with elite teams. While you have traditional powerhouses like UConn and Kentucky doing well you also have schools like Butler and VCU representing the underdog (Word to the wise. When you make people do something they don’t want to do, they tend to underachieve). So now we have Butler in the national championship game for the second year in a row, consecutively. Before the one in done rule, the bulldogs would have never had a chance to get to the championship game. Why? Well they wouldn’t have been able to recruit the enough talent.
Prior to the one in done rule, elite programs recruited the caliber of players that now attend mid majors, and mid-major programs recruited D-III players that had a very limited chance of competing on a big time level. What this has shown us is when all things are equal; every school is capable of being competitive. Now I don’t say that to diminish Butler in any way. They are a good basketball team with a great coach…let me clarify that. Their couch is a beast. I’m talking Tom Izzo level beast. So, props to Butler. With that being said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see another mid major team in the National Championship next year. As I stated before the system is set up for all teams to be competitive. The downside to this scenario is that every University believes they are entitled to a winning program. There is no excuse for not having a competitive program. I don’t care where you are, or what conference you’re in. You need to be competitive, and if you’re not, the school is justified in firing you. (Full disclaimer I went to USF, and I may or not be inebriated and pissed off right now).
Now let’s talk National title game.
Usually I would give you some kind of prediction or analyst, but I have no clue what’s going to happen. I’ve been wrong since this tournament started, so I not going to try to save this boat now. I’m sinking with the rest of the people on board. I’m like the band on the Titanic. I’m playing while the ship is going down (except my band is playing “Get Money” by The Notorious B.I.G). With that being said…The Butler Bulldogs and Brad Stevens are going to win the National Championship.
I never thought I would utter that last sentence, but I think Butler is going to win. They have the best team. Connecticut has had a great run, and they have over achieved. However, it’s reality check time. The Huskies have yet to play a team that haven’t beaten themselves. When UConn meats Butler on Monday night they will find themselves in a struggle with a team that plays smart. I don’t think Connecticut has the talent to compensate for their lack of basketball I.Q., and it will catch up with them.
Butler is going to win the National Championship…I can’t believe I just said that.
Man that was one of the most unwatchable games I’ve ever seen. Honestly I would not be surprised if someone told me the players were injected with a liquid that was opposed to making people happy. There are 12 year old softball games that are more compelling. That game was so bad that it took me 2 days to write about it. I almost decided against writing about it, because I didn’t want anyone to know I watched it. I was ashamed of myself. IT’s probably the same feeling 30 year old men have when they buy Justin Bieber tickets.
Now everyone agrees that the National Championship game was terrible. Both Butler and UConn had terrible shooting performances, and they were equal culprits in the crime of making that game unwatchable. However, I still hear people saying that UConn is the best team in the country. Really…you have got to be kidding me!
UConn spent the entire season showing the Nation their limitation, and proving to everyone that they were not in the top echelon of college basketball. So, now because they won 6 games in a row that means they’re the best team? I don’t want to take anything for the huskies. They had a great tournament run, and are the 2011 champions of college basketball. They are champs, nothing more and nothing less, but they are not the best team because they won single-elimination tournament.
It’s traditional to think that because someone wins the NCAA Tournament, they are the best team in the county. However, I would argue that since when is a sudden death is not a good way to determine who’s the best. If that were the case every sport on every level would do it. The truth is it’s the worse way of determining who the best team is. As a matter of fact I think the BCS does a better job of determining who the best team is in a season. There has only been one time since the BCS came into existence when I thought the BCS Champion wasn’t the best team (In 2003 you could argue that USC was better than LSU). Does this mean the college basketball should adopt a BCS system? Not necessarily. Instead they should implement a playoff series format.
If the goal is to determine the best, then there should be a series of games played to determine who the best is. Instead of having the NCAA Tournament as currently constructed. Why not invite the best 16 teams, and play five game series. Not only would this give you a champion, but it would significantly reduce the argument of who was the best team. And don’t tell me it can’t be done, because it can. College baseball holds a series to determine who the best is. So, it can be done.
The NCAA Tournament is used to crown the champion of college basketball. However, that champion is not always the best team. Until another format is adopted get use to teams that may not be the best, being crowned as champions. Whether they change the system or not I will continue to watch the games. I just hope that I’m not embarrassed the morning after.
I don’t know if you’ve heard but Many Ramirez has decided to retire from baseball. When I heard the news I thought, “Manny is done, and he just doesn’t want to play anymore. Maybe he realizes that his skills have diminished to the point that he can no longer be elite.” Then a report was issued by ESPN.com that stated that Ramirez had been busted for performance enhancing drugs…again…for the second time, consecutively. I couldn’t believe that someone could be so careless. You know you’re going to get tested, and you’ve already been busted. So, you decide to do it again…what? Come on Manny.
If I could talk to Manny (who am I supposed to be, “If I could talk to Manny” I’m a Douche) I would want to know why? Is it because you were jealous of other players? Were you influenced by other great baseball players, or did you need it to become a great player?
Usually I believe that great players are not made hall of famers because of performance enhancing drugs. I mean these are great athletes, the best of the best. In addition to that no one can become a hall of famer on drugs? Then again maybe they can. I would argue that Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire, were all made potential hall of Famers because of steroids. All you have to do is look at their numbers, and you can see the spike in their respective performances. However that’s not the case with Ramirez. His numbers never jumped or dipped erratically. This makes it tough to decipher when he started using steroids. Furthermore it allows me to believe that there’s a possibility he used them for his entire career.
I don’t eliminate anyone from the hall of fame for steroid use. The only reason I eliminate people is because you’re a scrub or you’re just not good enough (please see Jose Canseco, because he’s a good example of both scenarios). That’s why Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger Clemens are in my Hall of Fame. They are just great players. I considered Manny Ramirez to be in this category as well.
When it originally came out that Manny had taken steroids I wasn’t surprised. It had become so rampant in the baseball community that assumed everyone was taking them. So, I decided that I would judge players based on their career pre and post steroid era. This is where I have a problem with Ramirez being in the hall of fame. Manny has been busted during the steroid era, and post steroid era. So, I am led to believe that he took steroids throughout his entire career. Consequently this makes all of his numbers tainted.
As a Cleveland Indian fan, I would like to look over the transgressions of Manny Ramirez, but I can’t. He cheated the game. I can’t let him in the Hall of Fame. With that being said, Manny Ramirez will always hold a special place in my sports pantheon. I will remember him has an entertainer and great hitter, with once in a generation talent. I’m not going to remember the dreadlocks or the lost years in L.A. I’m going to remember the Manny Ramirez that led the Boston Red Sox to the World Series Championship. I will remember the guy that I first identified with a Cleveland Indians uniform. The Dominican kid with talent and a jerry curl, poking out of the bottom of his hat.
First off, I think Jim Tressel knew that his players broke the rules, and I think he lied hoping that the issue would go away. Once the issue came to light he owned up to what he did, because he had nowhere else to turn. With that being said, is anyone surprised? This is the state of collegiate athletics. It’s a system based on the exploitation of individuals that are denied the opportunity to profit off of their skills (The only other place you see this sort of system: The Black Market, Prostitution, Black Market Prostitution, and AAU Basketball. But that’s a different column). Big time college sports are dirty, and when you’re in a dirty industry it’s hard to be clean and successful. Just ask Randy Shannon of the University of Miami what a clean program gets you (fired, in case you’re wondering).
Ohio State publicly reprimanded Jim Tressel yesterday in a press conference. They suspended him for 2 games and docked him $250,000. To someone this might be justice. I just call it hypocrisy. The very players HE covered for got a five game suspension, and Tressel only got two? At the same time isn’t it also hypocritical that Terrell Pryor and the tattoo five get to play? But then again, this is the spoils of collegiate athletics. It was also hypocritical that Cam Newton got to play last season, win the National Championship and a Heismann Trophy? And while we’re at it lets sprinkle a little Reggie Bush scandal in there. The entire scope of college sports is hypocritical. So, can we please stop the farce that is, “College Student-Athletes” and start paying these young professionals.
There is too much money involved in college sports to call it amateur athletics. Even Don King thinks college sports are immoral (okay, maybe his vote doesn’t really count, but still). There needs to be a union to represent these players. I propose the idea of giving players the option of a scholarship or cash (I’m talking straight cash homie). The amount of money would be collectively bargained through the union. If players opt for the cash, then they would forfeit the right to all amenities normally supplied by the university including tuition, books, and housing (I’m talking about being a straight pro homie).
However, until changes are made, these are the rules. Jim Tressel violated the rules, and should be punished. You can suspend him and his sweater vest for the entire season, but it’s not going to fix the problem. You have to end this idea of amateur athletics, and start compensating players. Now excuse me I have to wire some money to Thad Matta.
You may have a championship team, and you know I'm cynical RT @gwaposnuka: U wouldn't believe the cockyness going on @kortneyshane4 days ago
I respectfully disagree Orlando is just making shots while Miami's best players are on the bench. RT @WindhorstESPN: Magic have done a great 4 days ago
