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AUGUST 14-15, 2009

NFC WEST PREVIEW 2009

Arizona, Seattle, San Francisco, St. Louis

The Cardinals came up 2 plays short of winning on of the great Super Bowl games. What a year for Kurt Warner.  Arizona should have another good year with Warner under center, he’s the best QB in the division and AZ should stay on top in 2009.

ARIZONA

I think Kurt Warner, 4500+ yds. And 30 TDs, is a Hall of Famer, he has taken two separate teams to the Super Bowl. That’s a first. The offense is solid, Fitzgerald, (96 rec. and 12 TDs).  Boldin had 89 rec. and 11 TDs. Edgerrin James is gone so the Cardinals must have JJ Arrington or Tim Hightower step up and take that #1 RB spot. The running game has to be solved. Maybe Chris Wells, RB Ohio St. the #1 pick is the answer.

On defense Arizona is not bad but not great.  I did write they came up 2 plays short of winning the championship.  It was the defense that led them down. The secondary is weak against the pass, (13 INTs) is very average.  Their 31 sacs is average as well.  Bottom line, the defense has to improve.

The division isn’t very strong top to bottom that’s why I’ll pick the Cardinal to win the West again in 2009.

SEATTLE

Jim Mora is now the head man in the “Rainy” City.  I don’t now, I’m not big on Mora, he didn’t do anything in Atlanta.  I see all these coaches get jobs because they’ve been around the game because their Fathers were coaches, SO WHAT! I can’t think of one son of a coach who was successful. The fact that you have been around the game your whole life says nothing to me. He learned from his father, well there’s your problem right there, Jim Mora Sr. wasn’t a very good coach “PLAYOFFS.” They do, however, have a much better QB in Seattle than they had in Atlanta. But I have to question the heart of this team, they mailed it in last year whey Holmgren announced his retirement.

On offense Matt Hasselbeck is good but has been injured the past few years.  The receiving group has been upgraded with T.J. “Who’s Your Mama” Housmandzadeh. The RBs are good, however, Julius Jones only had 158 carries and T.J. Duckett had only 62.

Defensively the Seahawks are very good. The LBs, Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu are solid. Patrick Kerney, 5.5 sacks is a good DE.  The 1^st round draft pick Aaron Curry should play early.  So the defense will remain very good. I just don’t see anything great happening here. The only reason they will be competitive is due to the overall weakness in the division.

Despite all these problems if Hasselbeck is healthy Seattle should come in second.

SAN FRANCISCO

QB issues, holdouts, and attitude issues i.e. (Vernon Davis) spells TROUBLE for the 49ers. Mike Singletary was one of the game’s best inside linebackers but his coaching skills have yet to be seen.  Coaches need to be great communicators and that half time “PULLING DOWN MY PANTS” speech is not a display of great communication skills. Singletary will have some time to show if he’s a head coach and hopefully he can learn to keep his pants on.

On offense the problem is at the very top, the QB situation is unresolved.  Alex Smith has to win the job.  If there is a tie, it’s actually a loss for Smith, he has to show that he is the unquestionable franchise QB or he can start packing. Frank Gore is very good with 4.3 yds/carry. The passing game is the problem Issac Bruce’s 61 rec led the team. Oh, Bruce is going to be 37 in November. Vernon Davis the beast of the combine from 3 years ago had 31 rec. COME ON MAN! That’s just terrible.

This is why you draft Crabtree but his prolonged holdout will prove devastating for he will not contribute on offense.  So you can expect the same offensive numbers in 2009 as you got in 2008.

The offensive line has to step up and allow for more rushing yards and play better overall. Without good O-Line play none of your offensive dreams will come true.

The defense looks much better. Pat Willis (141TOT) and Takeo Spikes, 3 INTs tied for the team lead are as good as it gets at the LB position.  Justin Smith had 7 sacks and Parys Haralson, OLB added 8 more.  These are good numbers, if these were stock we would be buying.

Offense needs to improve and we’re still not sure about the coaching, San Francisco will be 3^rd .

SAINT LOUIS

The most forgotten show on turf! The former Giant’s defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo begins his regime in St. Louis.  So many questions, so little time.  This a complete rebuilding job, other than Steven Jackson (1000+ yds and 7 TDs) and Torry Holt (64 rec.) who else is on this team.

On offense, Bulger is average (2700+ yds, 11 TDs.) the receivers are old. Jackson is the only bright spot but he makes too much contact with the other team, which makes for a lot of injuries and a short career.  He missed 4 games. Just don’t see enough punch in this offense to get excited about anything. Spagnuolo will need 2 maybe 3 more drafts to get some talent on this roster.

The same goes for the defense. Overall the group had 30 sacks and 12 INTs again, not exciting.  More time is needed for this front office to accumulate the kind of talent that will be able to compete with the top teams. Pisa Tinoisamoa, 104 TOT is the only bright spot. But by the time they bring in enough talent he will be tired of losing and with some other team.

And that’s how the WEST will be won.

AUGUST 12-13,  2009

NFC NORTH PREVIEW 2009

Green Bay, Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit

The NFC NORTH A.K.A the Brett Favre division. This division features a good crop of young QBs, Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Mathew Stafford (R) and John David Booty (currently 3^rd string for Minnesota.)  It’s going to be a three way race in the Black and Blue. Detroit will come in 4^th ,  they’re just trying to figure it out this year, how to play football that is.

GREEN BAY

I love Aaron Rodgers, over 4000 yards and 28 TDs. The Pack has a good offense.  Greg Jennings (80 rec.) and Donald Driver (73 rec.) are solid receiving combo.  Ryan Grant had 1200 plus yards but only a 3.9 average and only 4 TDs.  The Packers will need more scoring from the RB position take the division.  This is no easy task unless you’re playing Detroit. I know I have to stop picking on Detroit, it’s just so easy.

This offense is not spectacular but solid the real problem is on defense.  Two years ago GB had a very good defense and went all the way to the NFC championship game, which Favre lost with his 2 or 3 picks.  Last year that defense collapsed and GB was done early.

Drafting B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews in the first round and bringing in Dom Capers with his 3-4 defense will help and the Packers should be much improved. This defense had a lot of takeaways last year Charles Woodson and Nick Collins each had 7 INTs. but they could not stop the run. And in the North you’ve got to stop the run.

 If GB improves against the run they will edge out “Da” BEARS for tops in the North.

CHICAGO

Jay Cutler, I can’t really figure him out, he has great stats (4500 yds and 25 TDs with Denver last year) yet he seems bland. There is something missing, I just can’t put my finger on it. I’m not fan of Lovie Smith, his offenses are bland maybe that’s why he traded for Cutler.

Chicago needed to improve at the QB position and that’s what they did. Gossman is another in a long list of Florida QB failures, Tebow will be the next. That’s right you read it here first. The other problem is that the Bears have poor WRs.  Matt Forte, RB led the team with 63 rec. This is a problem.  Devin Hester a converted corner now WR has 51 receptions.  COME ON! That’s why they drafted Iglesias, WR OU. The Bears will need to improve the passing game to win the North.  Cutler is good but if there are no receivers to throw to there is no hope.

Defensively Chicago is always solid, 28 sacks and 22 INTs. Briggs, Urlacher and the front 4 are good, but not spectacular. Chicago needs to improve on both sides of the ball, that’s why I think they come in 2^nd behind GB.

MINNESOTA

This team won the division last year, it will not happen this year. The QB who should be starting is on the bench. John David Booty, is better than Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. Rosenfels is a better passer than Jackson and Jackson is the best athlete.  But as I wrote countless times, a good QB must be able to throw his way to a win.  An inaccurate thrower will be exposed in the playoffs against better defensive teams.

This is the way I see it. The Vikings have no QB at the first two spots so unless they both get injured Booty will continue to hold a clip board.  Of course the do have the great Adrian Peterson, 1700+ yards and 10 TDs (9 fumbles.) But the greater Barry Sanders, Detroit. never won the big one because there was never a passing game in Motown nor will the Vikes win with out a passing game.  Bobby Wade. WHO? Had 53 rec. Does that sound like a balanced offense? NO! The Vikings did draft Percy Harvin, WR. Flo. but they don’t run the spread in Minnesota and it will a long transition for the kid, especially if doesn’t stop “smoking”.

On defense Jared Allen (14.5 sacks) and Chad Greenway (115 TOT) are standouts but that’s where it ends.

The Vikings come in 3^rd.

DETROIT

The Lions took Matthew Stafford #1, and changed coaches. This means they come in last. Jim Schwartz, the new head coach brings his defensive expertise from Tennessee where he was the coordinator.  Of course he will not have Albert Haynesworth to anchor that D-line.

On offense Detroit will have to find themselves, they have a great receiver in Calvin Johnson, 78 rec, 1300+ yds, and 12 TDs. But this the beginning of a long journey to establish an offense which will start with the development of Stafford.  Stafford is the franchise.  The Lions will have to take their time and lay down the ground work for the future.

On defense Detroit has two outstanding linebackers, Paris Lenon (121 TOT) and Ernie Sims (113 TOT).   The front 4 is no good, Schwartz has his work cut out for him.

This is going to be a long season for Lions fans, get those paper bags out from last season, you’re going to need them again.

AUGUST 10-11, 2009

NFC SOUTH PREVIEW 2009

Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay.

What a rookie year for Matt Ryan. Atlanta is for real. Ryan has to steer clear of the dreaded SOPHOMORE SLUMP and things may actually get even better.  This is what happens when you have a real QB under center and not some “running” charlatan (Vick). QBs throw, RBs run, it’s not complicated.

As for the rest of the division, Tampa will come in last, below .500. Carolina, Atlanta and New Orleans will battle it out for best in the SOUTH.  Carolina has a QB on the decline and a shallow defensive roster but they have fewer problems than N.O.  This may be enough for Carolina to get past N.O. and contest for best in the division. Atlanta should take the division, however, again but it will be very close between them and the Panthers.

ATLANTA

Roddy White (88 rec., 1382 yds., 7 TD.) has signed and Tony Gonzales has been added.  These are some very good weapons for Ryan to have, expect a lot of high percentage passes in this offense. Matt Ryan should have another outstanding year.  The guy’s got a work ethic, he’s in the film room studying, he’s humble and he has respect for the game.  That is to say he know he has to work at it and improve, this kid is no Matt Leinart, partying with beer bongs. He’s smart and dedicated. Note to Mr. Leinart, this is how you win a starting job in the NFL.

Michael Turner’s 1700 yards and 4.5 average is as good as it gets. Jerious Norwood is a very nice compliment.  This is a well balanced offense that should be even better this year.

On defense Jamaal Anderson, the first round pick 4 years ago needs to starts playing like a first round pick.  John Abraham (16.5 sacks) are doing most of the work. They must have help this year for this team to go far into the playoffs.

CAROLINA

Jake Delhomme had a good year last year, over 3000 yards and 15 TDs. DeAngelo Williams had over 1500 yards rushing and 18 TDs. Steve Smith had 78 rec., but only 6 TDs.  Statistically the Panthers did well but some how it did not translate into a great season. The problem is lack of depth on offense and on defense.

Steve Smith (1421 yds.) and Muhsin Muhammad (65 rec. 923 yds.) are the only receivers with any significant number of catches. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are a great duet of backs averaging 5.5 and 4.5 yards/carry respectively.  The passing game needs to be much better for this team to improve in the standings.

Defensively Jon Beason (138 TOT & 3 INTs-leads team), Thomas Davis (113 TOT) and Julius Peppers (14.5 sacks) are very good. But when your linebacker leads your team in INTs that’s not so good. More takeaways will be needed for Carolina to regain the top spot in the South.

The Panthers will come in 2^rd place in the division behind Atlanta.

NEW ORLEANS

I LOVE the Saints offense, the most exciting in the league, they throw it all over the field. Brees is off the charts with 34 TDs and over 5000 passing yards. These are MVP type stats people. However, the problems are all over the place on this team.

Deuce McAllister is gone and Reggie Bush has proven that he’s petty much a 3^rd down back. Pierre Thomas had a good showing in a limited roll, thus I expect his 4.8 avg. to decline.  The Saints hope that Thomas and Bush can do the job and hopefully they will.

The passing game is firing on all cylinders there are 3 receivers with 50 or more catches.  The “West Coast” offense is working beautifully here with everyone getting the ball. That’s the way it’s done, you spread the ball around to as many guys as you can so the defense can’t double anyone and keep the field open for the running game. If Sean Payton can figure out the running game the Saints are very dangerous.

The problem is with the defense.  Jonathan Vilma, ( 132 TOT), Bobby McCray (6 sacks) and Jason David (5 INT’s) won’t cut it. The Saint’s pretty much went all defense in the draft taking Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Oh. St.) with their first pick, with a Safety and an Inside Linebacker to follow.  Jenkins will have to start early and often and make an immediate impact for N.O. to be successful. 

I don’t see N.O. solving their defensive problem this year and the running back situation is problematic for me to pick them any higher than 3^rd.

TAMPA BAY

The Bucks, where to begin?  T.B.= Total Bust this year.  They have a new coach and a new QB, but they will not have the success like Atlanta, because Josh Freeman is no Matt Ryan. Athlete, YES! QB, MAYBE!

Byron Leftwich is a good QB and he will start for the Bucks.  Freeman will learn from the side lines. Raheem Morris is in his first year as head coach having been the defense backs coach.  He has a complete rebuilding job to do and it’s not going to be easy.

T.B. does have a good running game to start with and they have good receivers, Antonio Bryant, (83 rec. 1248 yrd. 7 TDs) but Michael Clayton’s 38 receptions are not nearly good enough. The one good thing is that Leftwich is a solid QB and will deliver the ball to the right receivers at the right time. We’ll just have to see how it all jells together.

On defense Barrett Ruud (137 TOT) is pretty much it.  Derrick Brooks is gone, Ronde Barber is all that remains of the Super Bowl glory.

There is much work to do, so let’s not waste any time.

AUGUST 7-9, 2009

AFC EAST PREVIEW 2009

New England, Miami, Buffalo, NY Jets

Tom Brady is back, hope that marriage lasts because Gisele will ask to be paid in Euros in case of a split but I digress. Brady being back sets the standard order in the division.  The Pats should win the East with 12 games.  Miami will be vying for a wild card. Buffalo has TO and all that come with having TO. And the Jersey Jets are rebuilding.

NEW ENGLAND

With Brady back NE automatically becomes the favorite to go to the big game.  At the very least they should win the division despite Miami’s advances.  I have no trouble writing that I think this is the best coached team in the league.  That’s easy to do when you have the other team’s plays. Oh! Just kidding.

As for the offense, with Brady there and the slew of RBs they have on the roster as well as Moss (not Kate, one model per team is enough, the Pats may never pass another drug test.) As I was writing, the offense will be fine as soon as they get the timing down all should be back to normal.

Defensively NE is stacked they have depth and talent and talented depth.  Such depth is hard to achieve in these days of fee agency, which is hardly free. Not much is in doubt here the Pats should pick up right where they left off.

MIAMI

You have to love the TUNA and not just for the protein.  Parcells is one of the greats, he has won everywhere he went.  He’s even won with the Jets. And even though he is not coaching you can be sure that his influence is all over this Dolphin team.  His impact is in the draft room.  In case you did not know there is direct correlation between drafting well and winning.  Bill understands that.

The offense will be good, with Pennington at QB this will be a solid offense.  Chad is very efficient and doesn’t make many mistakes. He did have a terrible game in the playoffs last year but that is not the norm and will not be repeated (don’t make me look bad Chad.) The back up QB is a question if Chad goes down then the other Chad, Henne from Michigan will come in.  I didn’t see anything special from Henne when he was in Ann Arbor but strange things happen under Bill Parcells, players play better than they ever thought they could.

Defensively, I have never sent a Parcells team do poorly on defense.  Joey Portter, Jason Taylor and Phillip Merling rushing the passer should provide enough pressure that the some what vulnerable corners will not be exposed.

If it wasn’t for the Patriots the Dolphins would win the division again, but this year they come in second probably as a wild card with 11 wins.

BUFFALO

Buffalo will edge out the JETS, but barely. The Bills have a lot of questions but they are more stable at the QB position than the Jests so I’ll go with the Bills. The problems are at the offensive line and TO (subtraction by addition.)

On offense the Bills would seem better but the loss of Jason Peters will hurt and Lynch’s suspension for 3 games is not going to help things. So Trent Edwards will have to hang on and hope that the new left tackle is capable and the back up RB will do the job, Dominic Rhodes should give them enough of a running game to be OK. However there are more question than answers on this team and the always mercurial Owens will not help answer them.

The defense needs to be better than the offense.  Posluszny is a good young LB and there are some good young players in Buffalo, Aaron Maybin of Penn State should make an immediate impact.  You can’t go wrong with a couple of defensive players from Penn State on your team.

NEW YORK JETS

The Jets bought the Sanchez hype and I think they over paid but things are always more expensive in NY.  What can you write, they are rebuilding.  New coach, new system, new QB, new stadium in the works, etc. Too many  “NEWs”  in there so don’t expect much.

On offense the Jets are a long way from being good they will struggle the whole year.  Maybe Sanchez will prove me wrong but I just don’t see anything special there worthy of a top 5 pick. Rex Ryan will help the defense and that group will be way ahead of the offense, but not enough to do any better than last in the division. Maybe Ryan can light a fire under Vernon Gholston because 13 tackles is simply not good enough.

Too many questions for the Jets, which the team will start answering this season.

AUGUST 5-6, 2009

AFC WEST PREVIEW 2009

San Diego, Denver, Kansas City, Oakland.

 

This one is a no brainer.  San Diego should run away with this division despite having Norv Turner as a coach.  And if they don’t Turner ought to be fired on the spot, I think he should have never been hired in the first place, but that’s another story.  This division is probably the worst in the league, 3 of the 4 team should be below 500.

 

SAN DIEGO

Phillip Rivers is one of the better QBs in the league. The Chargers have a very good offense, and even though I don’t think much of Turner as a head coach, he’s a good play caller.  LT is getting older but Sproles looked good last year, be it in very limited action, the two of them should be a force.

Now the defense. Merriman is back and that should be 10 sacks right there.  The addition of  Larry English, 6’2” 255lbs is good math. English is fast and that’s essential to get to the QB.  English could have 8 sacks as a situational pass rusher.  The corners are good but Cromartie should increase his INT total, 2 is not good enough if he wants to be a top corner in the same division with Champ Bailey, DENVER

DENVER

Later on I will have a whole column on Josh McDaniels, but for now I’ll just discuss the team that should probably come in a distant second.  8-8 is the best result I can see for Denver.  The thin Denver air affected McDaniels as soon as he stepped off the plane.  The nut got rid of Cutler and with an absolutely awful defense he drafted Moreno a running back from Georgia.

The offense will be a work in progress. Orton is dependable and they will be able to score some points, just not as many as they’ll need.

The defense will NOT be good, even though Denver’s poor showing last year can be attributed to some key injuries (Bailey 7 games) the Broncos have no depth. 3 out of the first 4 picks were on defense and this should help some what but these rookies will have to play right away and the chances of going far with rookies are slim.

 

KANSAS CITY

Mediocre, is the word that comes to mind when thinking of the Chiefs.  They singed Matt Cassel.  Cassel had a good season on one of the best if not the best coached teams in the league.  New England has a great O-Line and great skill position players so Cassel’s job was easier than it will be in KC.  Now that he has to run the offense with inferior talent around him he will be far less effective.

The offense has to be worse off now that Gonzales is in Atlanta. Todd Haley (offensive coordinator with Arizona) is in his first year as head coach but he is coming of a Super Bowl appearance with the Cardinals and but for the defense they would have won it. Thus he has a good idea of how to put an offense together. Amani Toomer will help in the passing game but this is the first stage of a rebuilding project and in this stage you lay down the foundation.

Barring a miracle KC will be below .500, they may win 4 or 5 games.

OAKLAND

It’s all about JaMarcus Russell, and if things don’t go well he has a nice insurance policy in Jeff “I married a Playboy model” Garcia. Russell is big and strong and he has a big arm, but oh it takes so much more to be a good QB. And I just don’t know if he’s got all the tools.  Al Davis is still running the show over there and that’s the problem, Heyward-Bey in the first round over Crabtree.  I can’t raise my eye brow high enough over that one. 

This is a complete rebuilding job.  Tom Cable is in his first full season and I just have no idea how this team will do.  I do know that the Raiders will RUN the ball, A LOT. That’s the extent of their offense, unless Russell really steps up. Zach Miller (TE) had 56 rec. last year which led the team.  When a TE leads the team in receptions that usually means that the QB has limited options. This year should be no different.

Defensively they are nothing spectacular.  Kalimba Edwards and Gerard Warren combined for 9 sack so the signing of Greg Ellis (8 sacks with Dallas) is much needed help. Trevor Scott added 5 sacks.

The Raiders will be sub .500.

AUGUST 3-4, 2009

AFC SOUTH PREVIEW 2009

Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Houston.

This division will be very competitive.  When it come to picking winners you have to go with the basics; does a team have a good QB, does it have a good defense and does it have a good coach. That’s why the Colts will win the division by a nose.  They should edge out Tennessee by a game as the Titans did last year.

INDIANAPOLIS

Peyton Manning is a top 5 QB in the league and even though Tony Dungy has left the building the key components remain.  The offense is getting older. They lost Marvin and that’s too bad, he could have helped by shooting some of the better corners in the division, ONLY KIDDING.

Jim Caldwell begins his tenure with a very good crop of players on both sides of the ball.  The transition should be smooth.  With that many years under Dungy, Caldwell had to pick up a thing or two.

TENNESSEE

The Titans ran out of gas last year.  Jeff Fisher is a good coach but he needs to be tougher and there are a few factors working against the Titans. Kerry Collins is no spring chicken and although he is dependable he is not dynamic. Vince Young is a bust, not that I ever thought he could be a solid QB.  He may come in and change things up but he can not be relied on to lead the team to the championship.  The passing offense lacks punch and will be the drag on the rest of the team.  

The defense will carry Tennessee again this year and again they will run out of steam for lack of offense.  Even though they picked up a WR and a TE in the draft it will not be enough.

JACKSONVILLE

The Jaguars is an average team.  Jack Del Rio is an average coach and David Gerrard is an average QB, although he does have one thing going for him, he’s from New Jersey.  225 yards/game passing is nothing spectacular. 

Nothing really stands out about this Jacksonville team.  The offensive tackles they drafted will not do much for their success this year. The running game is fine but again not spectacular.  Some major draft blunders (Matt “Just Say No” Jones) has set them back which leaves Del Rio on the proverbial HOT SEAT. The Jaguars will be fighting with Houston for 3ed in the division.

HOUSTON

The Texans are up and coming.  Matt Schaub the QB is good not great.  Schaub missed 5 games last year and the team finished .500, respectable.  If Schaub can stay healthy this team can make a move possibly to the second spot in the division.

Houston pretty much went all defense in the draft. Some of those picks may contribute right way (Brian Cushing) and they will have to in order to have any success.

AUGUST 1-2, 2009

AFC NORTH PREVIEW 2009

Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland

Let’s start in the Championship division.  The AFC North is home to the reining Super Bowl Champs. Pittsburgh Steelers. Not much should change in 2009 UNLESS, COMPLACENCY overcomes this group of Steelers.

It is very difficult to repeat in professional sports, it doesn’t happen often.  Teams are not as hungry as they were a year prior.

PITTSBURGH

There is no reason why the Steelers can’t repeat. If they are not complacent and with Roethlisberger, ”Nice pick Cowher”, running the show the Steelers are the top team in the North.  Roethlisberger is the real deal, what a game he had in the Super Bowl, OUTSTANDING!  They have everything they need to do it again.

BALTIMORE

Pittsburgh has everything including a HUGE bull’s eye on their back.  What better team to challenge the champs than the one with one of the better defenses in the league.  With Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and company they can not be counted out. As for the offense, Flacco looked impressive for a rookie and if he can avoid the ”Sophomore Slump” they have something there.  Loss of Mason will hurt, but it’s not devastating.  Baltimore will threaten if they can get that offense to produce.

CINCINNATI

The “DARK HORSE” in this race, Cinci actually has the best QB in the division. But Palmer lost one of his weapons, T. J. “who’s your Mama” Houshmandzadeh, and this loss will be felt. However, when a player is lost another emerges. The very consistent Leveranues Coles is one. In Cincinnati’s case a lot of players will have to emerge.  The Bengals have a lot of holes especially on defense and Marvin Lewis has shown me nothing as a head coach. The reason they are a dark horse is because of Carson Palmer and a pretty good cast on offense.

CLEVELAND

They say ”When you have two QBs, you have NONE.” That’s true.  The Browns are rebuilding again.

Tags: Football Nfl Roethlisberger Quinn Lewis Houshmandzadeh Palmer Flacco

JULY 31, 2009

THE SMELL OF POSSIBILITY IS IN THE AIR

NFL training camps have begun.  It’s an exciting time of year where a new season brings the promise of   “something wonderful”, the hope of the playoffs and possibly beyond.

Everything, or just about everything heard from each team is positive, but dark ominous clouds loom ahead.  Players unsigned and injuries that ruin all hope.  But let’s not focus on the negative.

The Steelers are coming off one of the most thrilling Super Bowl victories ever, Tom Brady is back in New England. What will the passing away of the great defensive coordinator Jim Johnson mean to the Eagles, will Jim Zorn be a better play caller in his second year and actually have a ”West Coast” offense in D.C.

How will the Tampa Bay Bucks deal with the departure of Monte Kiffen, I write he was more integral to the team than that ”ONE HIT WONDER” Jon Gruden.  There are as many story lines as there are players.

We’ll be breaking it down for you in the coming weeks, stay tuned, we’re just getting started!

JULY 30, 2009

THE SAD LAZY RICH

The sad Stephon Marbury has a meltdown on his webcast.  Marbury says he’s entertaining, I say he’s another lazy rich guy who doesn’t want to do anything with his money but sit around and EAT VASELINE.

This is what happens when you are lazy and greedy.  Last year Marbury made over $20 million.  Is he building a youth center in his home town, is he holding a basketball camp, maybe he’s supporting an animal shelter or building a hospital wing, NO! None of the above.

Bored people are boring people, so no Stephon you are not entertaining.  All I see is a guy who doesn’t want to do anything, who is not engaged in life, who has no work ethic, no imagination and nothing to do.  Start a charity or a business or do anything worth while.  Don’t sit around in your underwear and eat lubricants.

This disconnect from the world will lead to depression or some more profound withdrawal from society. I would not be surprised if some years from now I hear of Marbury’s death.

When you are this lazy, this unintelligent and this uncreative life becomes limited.  To think that after having made some $100 million you would find something to do.  This is a problem with a lot of rich folks who became rich at an early age.  They are too greedy to spend any of their money on something other than material possessions, or too lazy to spend it even if they wanted to.

Here’s some advice kid, help some people out and maybe you will help yourself in the process.

JULY 28-29, 2009

THE LEGEND THAT WON’T DIE

Let me just start by writing that I like Brett Favre, but I do not think he was a GREAT quarterback, he was a very good quarterback who had GREAT MOMENTS.

All professional athletes, especially the great ones have trouble hanging ‘em up.  And the Vikings won’t let him.  Look, I don’t know about you but the human body begins deteriorating in the third decade of existence, that’s in your thirties.  What is Favre going to be 52, 64.  The point is the guy is almost 40.  And no matter what these athletes tell you about how great they feel, they can’t do it like they use to.

It takes a lot longer to recover from injuries at that age and a lot longer to recover from game to game.  In case you didn’t know Football is a tough sport, very tough.  Now I watched Favre last year and he did not look bad physically, BUT.  You know there has to be a BUT.  He threw 22 INTs.

New team last year, new system, maybe that was the problem.  Well guess what, it’s a new team this year and a new system.  And OLD Favre does not look like he takes too kindly to coaching and new players.  Didn’t the Vikings read any of the stuff the Jets players said about him, how distant he was in the locker room? 

The guy wants to show Green Bay that he can still play and he wants to show them by beating them with Vikings.  The Vikings as a professional organization should not accommodate him.

We are not in the vendetta business.

JULY 24-27, 2009

BAD DECISION

The NFL Draft is changing its format and broadcasting times.  People resist change but the NFL wants more television revenue thus it will change the schedule no matter the consequences to the avid viewers.

I’m sure they did some study or conducted some survey but the only way the NFL will really know if this is a viable move is by doing it.

The commissioner Roger Goodell stated "Moving the first round to prime time on Thursday night will make the first round of the draft available to fans on what is typically the most-watched night of television."  Thursday is big TV night for comedies and dramas. The draft does not fall into either of those categories, unless of course some player slated to go high keeps falling and they continue to show his disappointed face, yes that's drama.  

I have to write, I don’t like it.  If there is something I watch on Thursday I will have to TIVO it, but most people don’t have TIVO.  I guess I can have the same problem on Saturday morning but there are far fewer programs I’m interested in watching at that time so the NFL draft was most welcome. The two day broadcast was more concise as well.  This new format seems scattered, some rounds will be at night during the week and some on Saturday morning.

Then again those interested in the draft may actually tune in more Thursday night than on Saturday.  I know I’ll be there no matter what day its showing and I’m very curious to see how it all plays out.

I'll keep an eye on the ratings for you.

JULY 23, 2009

THE FIGHTLESS IRISH

Charlie Weis thought of leaving Notre Dame (ND) and he didn’t do it.  Just like his team, he CAN’T FINISH!

I stopped liking Weis ever since that moment three years ago when he raised his arms, prematurely, to celebrate the victory that would never be against the USC Trojans and Matt Leinart.  He dropped those arms moments later when Leinart scored on a sneak with no time remaining.

Charlie, don’t you know?  You only raise your hands if you’re SURE! (The SURE reference is for the 30 plus demographic only.)

Charlie’s tenure at ND is mediocre at best, 29-21. He may be a good play caller at the professional level but as far as recruiting and running a program like ND, nahh!!

Recruiting is the back bone of college football and to be good at it you have to convey stability of the program and that you are there to stay, not tell reporters that you thought about leaving.

I personally think you should finish the “thought” and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

JULY 22, 2009

THE MAD GENIUS

Mike Leach, they call him a genius. Well, “they” are dumb.  Joe Gibbs said it best, “there are no geniuses in football”, I would like to add “except Bill Walsh”. Let me explain why at this point in leach’s career I’m not a fan.

Last year (2008) Texas Tech (TT) was playing Oklahoma (OU), and Leach had a chance at the national championship.  Having beaten Texas on a last second play, OU stood in the way of a possible BCS championship.

TT likes to throw the ball, a lot, especially down field.  Bob Stoops is not stupid, he decides to play back, some cover two, some zone to take away the long pass.  Stoops understand that TT is out of their element if forced to throw short and intermediate routes. And Leach plays right into OU’s hand.

TT would continually throw down field even when the middle of the field was open for short gain. INFURIATING, but Leach would not adjust, he would not throw short.  This is an example of PRIDE and STUBBURNNESS precluding you from winning.

 John Madden used to say that Joe Gibbs made the best half time adjustments, and Gibbs won quite a few game there in Washington, oh and some championships as well.

Leach would not play the opponent on the field, but the opponent he wanted to play.  You have to adapt to overcome. OU gave you the middle of the field, TAKE IT!

Maybe in the future Leach will make those adjustments, and maybe then we’ll call him a genius.

JULY 21, 2009

DOG KILLER

I vomit at the sheer utterance of the name Michael Vick, so it’s a good thing I’m typing it then. The saying goes,  “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” but sometimes, it’s trash for everyone.

There is a possibility that this Vick may be reinstated to the NFL, a.k.a the No Fault League.  Where a player can commit vehicular homicide in the morning and still make the after noon practice, WE’RE TALKING ABOUT PRACTICE!

What kind of a world are we living in! If you are actually thinking about signing him and you chose to disregard his MINOR character issues, you have to think he can be a QB for your club, at least as a back up.

Well let me tell you, if you don’t already know he WAS, IS and ALWAYS WILL BE, AWFUL! Terrible, Horrible and did I mention AWFUL!  He made Akili Smith look sharp, WHO? Exactly.

He couldn’t be a good QB if his name was John Elway.

JULY 20, 2009

SECOND CHANCES

In the quietest hiring, maybe of all time, Terry Bowden was hired as the head football coach of the University of North Alabama.  You may not remember Terry Bowden, the forgotten third coach to come out of the Bowden family tree, but he’s the best coach out of all of them.

Father Bobby Bowden is just one “W” behind Joe Pa’s 383 Ws for best of all time. Despite this fact and the fantastic run Florida State had in the 90’s, Terry is the better coach.It’s hard to imagine why a coach this talented who comes from such obvious pedigree has been out of coaching this long.

In 1993, Terry Bowden’s first year at Auburn, the Tigers went 11-0.  Going undefeated is the best mark ever for a first year coach in Div. I or BCS Division or what ever they call it these days.Even though Terry went 28 – 5 in his first 3 years, something went wrong at Auburn, very wrong. 

In 1998 Terry was DISMISSED or FIRED if you prefer as head coach after starting the year 1 and 5.  But this wasn’t the problem, there were accusations of infidelity and sexual harassment by his assistant.We will never know what really happened there, maybe Alabama knows, only kidding. No matter what happened, Terry is back coaching and he will do well.

I just have one question, if you’re one of the schools in the SEC WEST, WHY DIDN’T YOU HIRE THIS GUY?

JULY 17-19, 2009

COCAINE, WHAT COCAINE?

Richard Gasquet. WHO? Glad you asked.  Gasquet is a tennis player who reached the semis at Wimbledon in ’07 before losing to Federer. Gasquet also tested positive for cocaine in March, a miniscule amount, but positive never the less.

You see what ha’ happen’ was, as Gasquet “esplains”, he had cocaine in his system from kissing a girl. Hold on there Romeo, he actually said he received the cocaine through KISSING. Well I have to write, this one is a topper, I’ve read many things and heard even more but this one is a first. The ITP bought the story. 

ITP’s rational for only banning Gasquet for two and a half month was that the amount of cocaine was so small that had he been tested a few hours later the results would have been negative. I have to hand it to this kid, it worked.Whether this is true or not does not matter to me but the fact that Gasquet was able to convince the ITP of this deserves honorable mention for creativity.

This gives French Kissing a whole new meaning.

JULY 16, 2009

BOOS FOR BECKHAM

No apologies. That’s what Beckham relayed to the media as far as the fans are concerned. As for his commitment to the Galaxy, he said he was still dedicated to the Galaxy cause.

It’s just hard to know how sincere Beckham is.  His ”Short Term Lease” turned out to be six month.  Now maybe he’s home sick, or at least Europe sick, maybe he desires to compete under more challenging conditions or maybe he got tired of LA, things ARE different around here you know.  A lot of folks from this country get tired of LA, so if that’s the case I can’t blame him.

What I can say is when you have a job to do you do it.  If you think the MLS is so beneath the Europeans then you should have no trouble DOMINATING here.  Then after you have dominated here with your stellar play maybe then you can cry about wanting to play for the best clubs in Europe.

Until you break some records here in our inferior league or at least you play better than everyone, maybe you should stick it out.

So let’s see what you got. 

Tags: Beckham Soccer Galaxy Tennis Gasquet

MAY 29, 2009

COACH SPEAK 101

For those who did not hear Coach John Calipari of Kentucky talk about his decision to leave Memphis to go to Kentucky, I’m here to recap.

Let me start by writing that I don’t think much of Calipari as a coach.  I think he is one of the best, if not the best recruiter in the country and by going to Kentucky he will be an even better recruiter.  But he couldn’t coach when he had to when with the NETS.  Of course everyone will tell you that the pro game is different, but I say basketball is basketball. And in my humble opinion he was out-coached in the 2008 NCAA Men’s Finals.  But we’re not here for that, we are here to enjoy and revel in coach speak.

In a press conference Coach Calipari stated that “It’s not about going to Kentucky, nothing to do with that. But how do you leave a place that you feel so connected to …how do you tell these kids that you always wanted to coach at Kentucky.”

Truly you have a dizzying intellect.

 

 

MAY 30, 2009

Denver has some explaining to do!

How does this happen? How does a team come out and lose by 27, at home, in an elimination game.

How does Carmelo and Chauncey come up so lame, 25 and 10 pts respectfully. Did they not see the super human effort by LeBron just the day before?  Billups has been here before, he has experience and isn’t that what everyone talks about all the time, this invaluable championship experience.

How do you not get up for a deciding game in front of your home fans? How does George Karl forget how to motivate his team?

This performance is inexcusable, unacceptable, embarrassing, unprofessional and down right sorry.  You can’t possibly collect your paycheck for this ignominious failure or fiasco if you’re into the whole brevity thing.

I will not stand for this, I WANT ANSWERS! I WANT THE TRUTH! And I can handle it.

 

 

MAY 31, 2009

BRANDON MARSHALL OF THE BRONCOS IS ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

I am so sick and tired of reading about these athletes allegedly or not of hitting women.  It’s ironic, that a man plays a sport that requires a great deal of courage and yet he can be accused of a loathsome and cowardly act of hitting a woman.

I would love to give Mr. Marshall the benefit of the doubt, but this is the SEVENTH incident.  How many doubts do you get? Is it like cats and the nine lives?  How can you as a man, a professional football player strike a woman?  The whole thing maybe fabricated but I have trouble believing that because there are too many accusations.

As mad as I have ever been at the women in my life I have never struck any of them, NEVER.  Because there is one thought that keeps me in check, would I hit the person at this exact time if it were a man? The answer is NO.  The woman is not threatening my life thus I am unjustified as any man would be unjustified.

If you call yourself a man, then act like it.

 

 

JUNE 1, 2009

EMBRASING DIVERSITY NFL STYLE

The Rooney Rule is the NFL instituting a mandate that minority coaches should be interviewed for Head Coaching jobs.  The league now wants to expand the policy to GMs.

Great, it’s about time.  My problem is that why should there need to be a rule in the first place.  Why should we need to mandate fair play and tolerance?  We’ve come far, but not far enough.

The only thing that maters is if your smart and can help improve the product, this is a business and the product is winning. Can you help us win, are you the right fit for the organization?  These are the fundamental questions one has to ask.  The fact that the owners need to be told this is a little sad. 

If you wish to hire your best friend, fine, it’s your company.  But at least talk some other folks, they may surprise you.  So much so, that you may go out of your way to find them a place with the organization.

 

JUNE 2, 2009

A NOTE TO VINCE YOUNG

It’s never too early to talk football. Vince Young told the Titans that if he’s not the starting QB opening day, he wants to be traded.

One way to solve this problem is to start him the first play and then bench him.

Here’s what I say; 

NOTE to Vince,

Quit whining! Take some responsibility for your poor play, hone your skills, and hit the film room. Don’t tell the team what they should be doing, prove it in practice. “WE TALKING ABOUT PRACTICE!!!”

When you get paid to do a job you are ACCOUNTABLE, they love this word in the NFL.  You have to earn your pay and do your job. The team has nothing against you, they want the player that will enable them to win. If you’re that player you will start.  But until you are that player you will not.

You deserve what you earn.  Remember Texas, you earned it then. It’s time to earn it again.

 

 

 JUNE  3, 2009

PARDON THE GUILTY

How about this?  Why not offer a pardon to all those who took steroids.

They can play, but if they violate the law again they get a 1 year suspension.  Let by gones be by gones.

I propose that everyone is tested at the end of this year and if they test positive they are placed on an alert list.  Everyone is again tested at the beginning of next season and, if they test positive again, THEY’RE OUT!

Look, too many players are doing this stuff, the bad stuff, they don’t have good stuff.  So I say give ‘em the good old warning, that way we do not have these one third of the season suspensions. 

The testing should be mandatory for everyone in the majors every month.  This way you run a tight ship and everybody is happy.  If for nothing else than to have them stop releasing those moronic public statements explaining that their doctor proscribed them these pills for these mysterious conditions and they had no idea what they were, COME ON! You’ve got to be cleverer than that.  You make all this coin, hire a writer, it’s embarrassing.

Think about what I wrote, and then write your congressman!!!

 

 

JUNE 4, 2009 

THIS ONE COMES DOWN TO COACHING.

Lakers v. Magic, an intriguing match up. Will Orlando get their 1^st, will Phil Jackson get his 10^th and surpass the great Red Auerbach, NEVER! Sorry, that was my inner Celtic bias.  

Basketball is a game of match ups, and both teams match up pretty well, but not at the two guard.  Kobe is the problem for all teams and Orlando is no exception. SO, I write that it will have to be the coaching Jackson v. Van Gundy.

See, Van Gundy has to figure out a way to match up against Bryant.  How do you stop the UNSTOPPABLE?  How do you stop that killer jumper?  Van Gundy is the key. This is why you get the big bucks Stan.  Now you have to do some coaching. 

I’m no coach but I would think he throws everybody at #24, and tries to wear Kobe down.

Other tactics may consist of multiple defenders, fouls, artillery, false accusations of improper sexual conduct.

 

JUNE 5, 2009 

PLAN B

The best name for a strip bar I’ve ever come across was PLAN B.  I’ve driven by, that’s how I know, honest.  The Orlando Magic may also need a Plan B.

A few observations,

Employee #24 was unstoppable, uncontainable, unmistakable and the undeniable the star of the show.

Stan Van Gundy does not know his history.  Stan’s first mistake was that he had Pietrus, a French man defend Bryant.  Stan, you should know the FRENCH DON’T DEFEND!

The second mistake is never get into a land war in Asia.

Howard was conspicuously absent, 1 of 6 from the field for a total of 12 pts.  Throwing that elbow to get an offensive foul was not smart.  One must always play smart.

But all is not lost I guarantee that the series will go to Orlando, because you can’t win 4 games in the first 2 games.  Perhaps, and I’m just theorizing here Orlando should order some room service for Kobe, like Utah did for MJ.  What, it’s just a suggestion.

If these things don’t work maybe we can call Dennis Rodman, can he still play?  I know he can use the money.

 

Tags: John Calipari Kentucky Bna Nfl Basketball Football Brandon Marshall

JULY 15, 2009

AN OLD SHARK

The last time Greg Norman won a tournament was 1997, and now at 53 even though he’s a long shot, Norman is going to give the Open Championship a shot.

The treacherous terrain at Turnberry will test anyone and your long and short game better be in top form if you want to be a top of the leader board when the day ends on Sunday.

Maybe the old Shark is rejuvenated.  Norman married tennis champ Chris Evert last year.  Or maybe he thinks he can do well, even win.  Norman has only won 2 majors in his career, but one of them was the Open Championship at Turnberry. 

Through out his career The Shark has had many close finishes and many collapses.  This time, however, there is no pressure and playing in familiar waters may give this old Shark an edge.

It’s hard to bet against Eldrick Woods but maybe this Shark can catch that Tiger.

JULY 14, 2009

WHEN $12 BILLION IS NOT ENOUGH

When you’re Stanford University and you’ve just lost $5 billion of your $17 billion endowment, (now you’re at $12 billion, ESPN) you have to cut back. The Cardinals have cut back, like some funding to the Men’s fencing team, they have eliminated jobs in the athletic department and are not finished with the fiscal purging.

Am I missing something? Since when is $12 billion insufficient to run all your sports programs?  1% interest on $12 billion is $120 million.  Now I’m sure those bright kids at Stanford can figure out how to attain a better than 1% return on that endowment or a portion there of.  And even if they couldn’t I’m sure they can figure out how to maximize that measly 1%.

I have a problem understanding how they can’t figure this out in Palo Alto.  Other schools have eliminated teams to save money, e.g. University of Washington has discontinued its swim teams, although this may be temporary.  But other schools are not sitting on $12 billion.

I’m perturbed by this because a sport is not an excess.  Superfluous spending should be eliminated and maybe it already has been.  Maybe you don’t use a private jet to get to the competition.  But until you have no other choice and the school is really struggling, let’s keep the fencing.

Oh, and any other sport even though it’s not called football.  

JULY 13, 2009

THE JEALOUS TYPE

When you’re as gorgeous, as rich and as famous as David Beckham life can get pretty testy.  People will take shots at you.  Unauthorized books will be written about you. It all goes with the territory.  But they say there is honor among thieves and your teammates should be on the same team.

Landon Donovan was quoted, in an upcoming book about Beckham, stating that Beckham was “STINGY” and called him a ”BAD CAPTAIN”. I don’t know, looks like jealousy has reared it’s ugly head.

Now it’s easy to be envious here but Donovan is out of line.  There is no reason to besmear the guy publicly.  The thing to do, is NOTHING or say it more eloquently, be less direct.

Don’t say the guy is a bad captain, say instead, you would not have gone off to play in Italy when your team needed you.  And no matter how cheap Beckham is there no excuse to bring that up in public interview.

Jealousy is an ugly thing.  When I watched Beckham play for the Galaxy last year it was very obvious to me that the opposing players were trying to hurt the guy. They were tackling, tripping and taking his feet out from under him.  The whole thing was obvious and sad.

Some people are better looking, smarter and wealthier, that’s life.  LIVE WITH IT!

JULY 12, 2009

ARGUING SEMANTICS

An amateur golfer, Dusty Schmidt wants to remain an amateur but the USGA argues that he’s a professional.

PROFESSIONAL - Following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain

The reason why the USGA is characterizes Dusty as a professional is because Dusty has a bet going for $1 million to anyone who can beat Schmidt at 72 holes of golf AND a game of poker. He advertised this challenge on his web site.  There was also a press release.  Does the fact that Schmidt may win $1 million in a bet that involves golf make golf an occupation he pursues?

A few years back I was visiting the New Jersey shore, A.K.A. THE SHORE.  I happened to enter into a LIMBO contest, which at the expense of  a severe groin pull I won.  If there was a cash prize would that make me a professional LIMBO-ER? What if I bet someone that I would win, would that do it?

The answer is NO!

People who pursue or follow something as a means of livelihood, i.e. play golf for money and people who bet on golf are two different things.  If anything Schmidt is a gambler, he stated that he has won millions gambling, mostly from online poker.  So Schmidt’s profession, from which he derives his living, is poker or gambling, not golf.

The hidden agenda here, is the USGA’s disdain for gambling.  The organization wishes to keep it’s sport clean of such undesirable, perhaps even stigmatic activity. And it’s grasping at legal straws to preclude Dusty from playing golf.

Dusty, next time, keep it quiet.

JULY 11, 2009

THE RECESSION CATCHES UP TO NASCAR

I watch the financial networks and many times they report on the business of sports.  One of the networks reported on NASCAR.  I know how big a business it is, what I did not know is how the sponsors are affected by this recession.

Advertising is down there are fewer and fewer logos on the cars and fewer fans in the grandstands. Corporate America has withdrawn some of its marketing dollars, enough so that NASCAR is a little worried, and worried they should be. NASCAR has exploded since 2000.  Its television deals with TNT and FOX yield in excess of $2 billion per year. And racing is expensive.  

Cars must hit the race track to have a race.  It costs over $600,000 for an owner to put on one race, and sponsors cover most of that cost.  With fewer and fewer advertising dollars allocated to NASCAR the cost for owners will rise higher and higher.

This may have a negative effect on the teams.  It’s possible that owners will choose who gets to drive at a particular race because they can’t afford to put both drivers on the track.  The recession may play a hand in determining how many drivers are kept on the team.  Make no mistake about it lost jobs and rising unemployment may change the way fans know the sport today.

Time will tell.

The enormous popularity of the sport will ensure its survival, but at what cost?

JULY 10, 2009

NCAA v. Bobby Bowden (FSU)

The NCAA has penalized Florida State University Football by taking away game wins, as much as 14 wins are at stake.  Where do I begin?  There is an old saying that comes to mind, “The Punishment Should Fit the Crime” and in this case as in many of NCAA cases it does not.

I’m on coach Bowden’s side on this one.  For a football coach to be able to monitor and be responsible for the 100 plus players in his charge is not reasonable.  You can’t expect that coach to police every movement that his players make once off the field.  Which is what the NCAA is proposing Bowden do.

Students will do what they want, despite the consequences.  The students in this case cheated on some on line music history exam.  Now unless the athletic department or the football program facilitated this conduct in some way, unless the staff or assistants somehow encouraged, helped or covered up then by all accounts this penalty is wholly inequitable.

I’m certain that coach Bowden gives several speeches a year on how the members of the team are to conduct themselves. I’m sure he spells out the consequences for breaking the rules.  There is only so much he can do.

Taking way these wins would be the same as taking away vacation days from the parents of the students who cheated. It sounds ridiculous because it is.

What does the NCAA think will happen now, Bowden will give one extra speeches on proper conduct, as if the numerous talks he already gives are not enough. And does the NCAA think that by taking away these wins the cheating will stop.

Bowden is not at fault here, at least not in this case.

JULY 9, 2009

IN THIS ECONOMY

Even the NBA is feeling the pinch.  The association announced today that the salary cap for each team will be $57 million, $1 million less than last year. 

This is a first for me I’ve never seen anything like this.  The recession has affected even the ultra rich NBA, a sports monopoly with no competition.  But this salary cap is really a façade because there is this Luxury Tax  thing they have. A team can go over the soft cap if it’s willing to pay extra.  This cap does not level the playing field. The rich, large market teams like the Lakers, Knicks and Celtics will pay extra to sign the big talent.

Make no mistake about it the recession is getting worse the NBA employs a financial staff that monitors the markets and accountants who crunch numbers to figure this out.

The cap is said to be even lower in 2010, perhaps as low as $50 million.  This is due to the league’s decreasing income.  The BRI or basketball related income is expected to decrease by 2.5%.  Folks just don’t have a lot of discretionary income these days, the stock market is down 40%, unemployment is up to 9.5% and climbing with no relief in sight.

So it’s not just you out there feeling the pain.  What the league should really do is encourage each club to reduce ticket and merchandise prices and this may still happen.  But to see such drastic measures from an industry that is usually not affected by recessions tells you this is no ordinary downturn.

This actually IS your grandfather’s recession.

JULY 8, 2009

THE TWITTER KING

Chad Johnson, A.K.A OCHO CINCO, is yapping again how he’s going to wow the league with his TD celebrations, or that he’s going to twitter or tweet or what ever the heck you call it.  It’s important Chad or Ocho or 8 or whatever the heck he wants to call yourself that your audience should laugh WITH YOU not AT YOU.

I want to write that I like Chad.  I think he’s a very good receiver and he has a good sense of humor, but sometimes, it isn’t funny.  Don’t make yourself bigger than the team, don’t make your celebration more important than winning and don’t think anyone cares about the class clown when it’s time to take the test.

Laughs are good but wins are better.

I understand that Chad is working hard to get back to be the kind of receiver who has 90+ catches 4 of the 5 years from 2003 to 2007.  Like I wrote this is a very good receiver, but letting everyone know that you will be TWITTERING OR TWEETING during the game takes way from the task at hand.

This is not the attention you want and this is not the achievement you want to be remembered for.

Who does anyone remember, the guy with the end zone dance or the guy with the ring.

JULY 7, 2009

THE UNQUESTIONABLY STUPID

In October of this year a new professional football league is set to debut, The United Football League, (UFL).  I’m not that good a writer to articulate how stupefying this idea is, but I’ll take a shot.

To put it simply, this will be a colossal failure.  The UFL will consist of 4 teams, for starters and make that for finishers as well, this fiasco of a venture will not survive long enough to add any more teams.

What strikes me is how grown, and I assume experienced, people/investors don’t know any better.  It takes quite a bit of money to get something like this off the ground and on to the grid iron.  I assume the people behind this venture are wealthy, intelligent and knowledgeable.  Yet with all these tools at their disposal the idea they chose to invest in is a professional football league which will compete directly with the NFL.

THIS ONE IS A HEAD SCRATCHER.

I’m sure these savvy individuals are familiar with the USFL, which tried in every way to be successful, but lost $163 million in 3 years.  The USFL understood that they needed to attract the top athletes so they paid out of this worlds salaries to such notables as Steve Young, $40 Million for 10 years in 1984 (LA Express) and Herschel Walker (NJ Generals).  These hyperbolic contracts were unsustainable and eventually led the USFL into bankruptcy and the famous antitrust law suit against the NFL where the NFL was found guilty but awarded the USFL $1.00 enough to buy a subway token to get to defunct-ville.

The same fate would befall on the AFL, the Arena Football League.  It went belly up as well.  But it was not a total loss, the AFL did yield Kurt Warner, who has taken 2 separate teams to the Super Bowl.

The NFL is entrenched in our American consciousness and no other league will supplant it.

Which brings me to my point, this league WILL fail.  The foul stench of desperation has already permeated the air.  The new UFL is thinking of signing that sadist, Michael Vick.

Good luck I say, and try not to have a dog as a mascot.

JULY 5-6, 2009

NO MATCH

On this day of July 5^th, 2009 Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all time. Federer defeated Andy Roddick in a grueling 5 set match, 14-12 in the fifth, to take his 15^th singles title and his 6^th Wimbledon title.

I didn’t think Roddick would play as well as he did but he got motivated for the dual. This would have been quite an upset, but it was not to be as RFed was too much at the end.  RFed passes Pete Sampras (14 titles) to become the greatest winner in tennis and has a French Open on his resume, something that Sampras was unable to do.

Federer will be 28 on August 8^th and is currently the world’s #1 player.

The US Open is the last major of the year and Federer will be the favorite in New York. He has won two Grand Slams this year (French Open, Wimbledon) and with Nadal struggling to stay healthy Federer may take the US Open trophy as well

Roger should add a few more titles by the time he is done, a total that may never be surpassed.

15 and counting.

JULY 4, 2009

2 IS THE NEW 1

Serena Williams takes her 3ed Wimbledon title defeating her older sister.  Serena had 12 aces and 72 for the tournament, a record.  The dynamic duo has won 8 of the singles titles handed out in London this decade, now that’s dominance.

Venus was not at full strength her taped left knee was a noticeable hindrance.  She did not need to be at 100% to beat the others but to best her sister she needed to be in the best shape.

Serena has won 2 Grand Slams so far this year but is currently ranked #2 by the WTA she is behind Dinara Safina (Russia), who has not won any.  This is another example of how these computer rankings with their convoluted mathematical formulas come up with absurd results.

Maybe the Russians devised the WTA computer program.

Of course at the end of the day or career no one will put more importance on the weeks a player spends at #1 than on how many Grand Slams a player has won.

And at 27, Serena has some more Grand Slams ahead to look forward to.

JULY 3, 2009

BEWILDERING CURIOUS SYSTEM (BCS)

The BCS is simply a creation by the rich schools to maintain their wealth under the pretence of fairness.  It is a trust, an agreement, an arrangement among the BOWLS and the NCAA to share the wealth amongst themselves in the glorious name of TRADITION College Football is the only sport that does not have a playoff system. For many painful years the winner would be determined by a vote, YES, a vote. The AP writers and the NCAA Football Coaches would vote on the National Champion.  There would be  NO GAME PLAYED. How should I describe this, STUPEFYING, ABSURD, RIDICULOUS, UNFAIR, MORONIC, need I write on.

You see the Bowls, A.K.A. “TRUST MEMBERS” have been in bed with the NCAA for over 75 years.  And now because of this long standing arrangement they put forth the argument that it’s “TRADITION”.  They were willing to appease the critics some what by instituting a 5^th game so that a team from outside one of the six BCS conferences, (BIG 10, PAC 10, BIG EAST, ACC, SEC, BIG 12,) is allowed to participate in the cash bonanza.

This 5^th game has brought us instant classics.  In the greatest bowl game that I’ve ever had the pleasure to witness the Boise State Broncos defeated the mighty Oklahoma Sooners in over time and last year the Utah Utes DOMINATED Alabama.

Yet still there is no playoff.

There is some silly computer program that spits out some ranking and the NCAA defends it’s fairness by saying the computer is unbiased, but the program takes into account the same AP writers’ votes or some ESPN Poll or some nonsense OTHER THAN A PLAYOFF.

David Frohnmayer, president of the University of Oregon and chairman of the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee, state the proposals for a playoff system "disrespect our academic calendars, and they utterly lack a business plan."

Well what else would you expect the Chairman of the BCS Oversight Committee to say. After all, the University of Oregon (PAC 10) is a schools that belongs to one of  the conferences that gets an automatic bid to play in a BCS game where over $15,000,000 is shared by the two participants.

It’s about the money you see, it always is.  They, the NCAA and the big 6 conferences have it and they don’t want to share, that’s what monopolies do.  And as far as the academic calendar is concerned, that insults my intelligence.  Players don’t go to class, the teams are practicing for a 2-4 weeks before the games. A 16 team playoff will not alter the current schedule one bit. Four weeks of games would yield more revenue as well.

 

The NCAA wouldn’t possibly say no to more revenue would they.

JULY 2, 2009

DOG DAY OF SUMMER

I’ll tell you straight out, I don’t follow Baseball.  So this time of year, July mainly, is really hard for me, Football training camps are a month away and college Football is  nearly two months away.

What to do? This dilemma is not easily solved. So I’ve come up with a few ideas;

1. I could watch the NFL network, but there isn’t anything going on this time of year.

2. I could watch some old game on the Classic, but I probably already know the outcome.

3. I could go on TWITTER and I have, but the experience is overrated.

4. I could try to watch Baseball, but it’s not October so what’s the point.

5. I could try to see THE TRANSFORMERS but not even Megan Fox can make that watchable.

There are, however, some Wimbledon story lines brewing.  Federer going for #15, the most major wins all time.  The Williams sisters are on a collision course to meet in the finals.  And I have to write these are intriguing stories indeed.  But what then, after the last serve has been returned, what then?

Maybe Baseball can institute tackling.

JULY 1, 2009

REAL SPENDTHRIFT

Spendthrift – a person who spends possessions or money wastefully or extravagantly.

I am writing today about Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, who’s 54,000-square-foot home in Atlanta is in foreclosure.  WHAT?!?! You read me, FORECLOSURE.

I’m not very good in math but let me just run the numbers for you.  The “REAL DEAL” has grossed over $200 million, just in the ring, we’re not even talking endorsements.  The man made $34 million in the last Tyson fight where half his ear was bitten off (1997.)

Let’s just say, for argument sake, that Holyfield paid 50% in taxes which would leave the poor guy with $100 mill.  2% interest is $2 million per year earned and that’s taxed at 50% so the guy is left with $1million to live on.  Of course Evander couldn’t live on that kind of cash.  And like so many before him he spent with reckless abandon.

Apparently the REAL DEAL has been real busy.  Holyfield is rumored to have 11 children, RUMORED? Does that mean there could possibly be more?

However many there are, Holyfield has not been keeping up with the payments.

 

Not splurging on those Trojans seems pretty stupid right about now huh big felloa’

 

I thought BREWSETER’S MILLIONS was just a movie. Oh, but leave it to those wacky athletes to show you how life can indeed imitate art.

Tags: Boxing Evander Holyfield "real Deal" Nfl Nba Ocho Cinco

JUNE 29-30, 2009

NOT TO BE

For one half of play it seemed possible, what am I writing it seemed probable, that the US Men’s Soccer team would finally be champions of an international tournament. 

There were, however, two problems.  The first was there are TWO halfs in a soccer match and the second was that the US was up against the mighty Brazilians who’s roster is filled with international stars like Kaka for one.

The US fresh from their lesson against Brazil a week ago stormed out of the gate to a 2-NIL lead. The US jumped out to this lead by being on the offensive and really taking the fight to Brazil.  But Brazil was not done teaching this young US team.  There was no sense of panic on the Brazilian player’s faces.  It was as if they knew that the US was not suppose to win, they were here because we, Brazil, beat Italy by 3 goals and allowed them to be here.

In the second half Brazil came out guns blazing.  With a most remarkable on the dime 180 degree pivot and kick Luis Fabiano in the 46^th minute made the score 2-1, and the rout was on.

The US played on their heels the rest of the game and officially gave up 3 goals.  A 4^th goal was incorrectly taken away from Brazil, it really should have been 2-4.  This means the US gave up 4 goals after leading 2-0 at the half.  The defense was truly offensive.  The offensive attack plan was abandoned and all hope of victory dissipated.

But we must walk before we run and the best is yet to come.

JUNE 28, 2009

SPORTS WRITERS BE DAMNED

The absurd process by which Hall of Fame athletes, coaches, owners and general managers in professional sports are chosen, i.e. by SPORTS WRITERS. has been debated for some time.

As you can guess from my introduction I’m not happy with the current arrangement. How did this ever come about, that writers get to determine who goes into the Hall of Fame.  I can understand if they shared this responsibility with the inductees, but this is not the case. 

The fact that your peers and fellow Hall of Famers have no say in your induction is preposterous.

Let me illustrate the point by an example from the NFL; ART MONK, who should have been a first ballot HOFer had to wait 9 years. WHAT!!! PREPOSTEROUS!!!

Monk retired from the game the all time receptions leader, 940 with 68 TDs and 12,721 yards. These statistics are all top 10 in their respective categories, and he had to wait.  But Michael Irvin with 750 receptions, 65 TDs and 11,904 yards was inducted AHEAD of Monk.

LAUGHABLE!

Oh yes, lets not forget that Irvin was doing hookers and blow in motel rooms as part of that illustrious career.

There is something wrong with this picture.  Perhaps some of those writers were in the motel room with Irvin.

Everyone, including those Cowboy fans, will agree that Monk should have been inducted ahead of Irvin.  That’s what I’m arguing, not that Irvin should not have gotten in, but that he should NOT have been in AHEAD of Monk.

Any process that allows this to occur is flawed and must be reconsidered.

JUNE 27, 2009

UNBREAKABLE

They say to NEVER SAY NEVER.  But I’m going to do it anyway, the all time interceptions record will NEVER be broken.

Paul Krause(Washington ’64-’67, Minnesota ’68-’79) has the record for most INTs in history, 81.  That is an astounding number of picks.  Two other players come close, Emlen Tunnell with 79 (NY Giants ’48-’58 and Green Bay ’59-’61) and Rod Woodson with 71.

Woodson’s 71 is quite a feat, but he’s 10 shy and retired.  No one will break this record for two simple reasons.  The first is that once you establish yourself as shutdown corner teams simply do not throw to your side of the field.  Now you may move to safety in your later years but by that time you’re old and expensive. This brings me to my second reason, SALARY CAP.

By the time you move to safety, if you have not been cut already, you probably soon will be.  To do what Krause has done is truly remarkable especially when you consider that the time when he played there was no “WEST COAST” offense and there wasn’t much passing in professional football.

And even though there is far more passing in football today than there has ever been, for the reason stated above the record will NEVER be broken.

JUNE 26, 2009

THE COME BACK KIDS

Lambasted by the media for showing up yet again to an international soccer tournament without their game face the U.S. Soccer team has answered the call.

In three days the U.S. Mens Soccer team will play in the championship game. They will face either Brazil or South Africa.  Having lost to the “Boys From Brazil” a few days ago 3-0 I should think the U.S. team wants a chance at redemption and most likely they will get their chance.

The odds of getting to this point were non existent, literally.  The U. S needed to beat Egypt by 3 goals and have Brazil beat Italy by 3 goals IMPOSSIBLE! The British bookmakers concurred with the “impossible” sentiment and suspended all bets for the match.

THAT’S WHY THEY PLAY THE GAME

The U.S. rose to the challenge and defeated Egypt by a score of 3-0 and the Brazilians helped by defeating Italy 3-0.  One of the goals was scored due to a misplayed ball by one of the Italian players, so we owe a thank you to Italy as well.

So here we are the finals.  However improbable or impossible it may seem the chance at a historic victory is with in their grasp.

JUNE 25, 2009

NBA ABYSS

Blake Griffin will most likely be the #1 draft pick going to the LA Clippers.  I live in LA and let me write that the exhilaration the young man will feel when he hears his name called will soon turn to tears of agony for he will be sucked into the abyss of the worst franchise in the NBA and if not for the Detroit Lions, the worst franchise in sports.

You see Donald Sterling the owner of the Clippers doesn’t care about winning, it’s his man toy.  Sterling only cares about being able to say he owns an NBA team, it doesn’t have to win or anything, winning would require a commitment.

A few years ago Sterling was so severely criticized in the local press for not fielding a competitive team, that it actually forced him to shell out some of the money he was hoarding to hire coach, Mike Dunleavy Sr. and sign some star caliber talent.

But the more things change the more they stay the same. Even though there has been some retention of talent the results have remained the same. Elton Brand is gone and Baron Davis is the only legitimate star on the team.

Apparently Davis doesn’t care about winning either, that is the only explanation I have for his remaining in LA, of course he may just love the weather.

So Mr. Griffin, I have a word of advice, you will have to tread water for three years until your rookie deal is up, then you can go to a place where they actually play to win.

JUNE 24, 2009

GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER

They started playing tennis at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.  For a serve and volleyer like Roger Federer, the grass is best.  

Federer is going for a record 15^th singles title.  Bjorn Borg won five times on the grass. Pete Sampras hoisted the trophy seven times. Federer has five himself.  Barring any unforeseen events Roger should have #6

Roger is going to be twenty eight years old on August 8^th and that’s not really young in sports, Borg retired at 26.  It’s difficult to know how many years one has left, especially after you turn 30.  Things begin to go in your third decade and only a few achieve championship status in their thirties.

Of course if anyone can do it, it’s Federer.  He’s so smooth on the court, his swing of the racket seems effortless.  Even with the skills in his possession, it gets much tougher in your thirties. What I’m writing is that, Time is of the Essence.

I’m certain that Roger recognizes his tennis mortality and will do what he has done five other times before, but just in case he’s relaxed because Nadal didn’t show, I thought I’d remind him.

JUNE 23, 2009

OUT OF NOWHERE

Ranked #71 in the world and having missed the cut at the previous three U.S. Opens Lucas Glover wins the U.S golf championship.  In an improbable victory Lucas passed the leader Ricky Barnes and staved off a surge by Mickelson and Duval to take the title.

Glover said he was nervous and his knees were shaking on the last three holes, but he kept it together.  He had only won once prior to the ’09 Open and his best finish at a major was tied for 20^th. But now that’s the beauty of the Open Championship, it’s anybody’s game.

The conditions in New York were awful.  The championship couldn’t even start at it’s scheduled day due to the rain, oh, there were also the three best players in the world to contend with, Woods, Mickelson and Duval.  But Glover seemed unaffected by it all, maybe it was the time off.

Glover left the tour in 2007 because “it wasn’t going right.”  The time off did some good and with a new focus and attitude Lucas started playing again and play he did. 

We may never see Lucas Glover again hoisting a trophy from one of the Majors, but at this moment in time we tip our cap to the gentleman from South Carolina.

Tags: Golf Federer Tennis Blake Griffin NBA Basketball

JUNE 22, 2009

TROUBLED

When Jayson Williams was with the Nets I heard many of his interviews.  This was a funny, charming guy, he had a personality.  You would always find a crowd of reporters around him, for he wouldn’t give you the same old dry cliché.   But something happened on the way to retirement.  

The former NBA player who once led the league in rebounding, and was a happy go lucky kind of a guy has become a dark violent character and continues to be in trouble with the law.

This is not some one time altercation, but a pattern of violent behavior which started with his shotgun going off and killing a limo driver in 2002.  This deeply troubled man faces incarceration for covering up the shooting at his home.  Williams has yet to be sentenced and continues to exhibit violent behavior everywhere he goes.   Williams has not been sentenced because he has to be retried for reckless manslaughter, a charge he faces for the shooting.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Meanwhile, JW has been busy.  In April the police had to use a stun gun on JW in a hotel altercation and in May he was involved in fisticuffs in a North Carolina bar. His wife has filed for divorce claiming physical and drug abuse.

 

It’s a funny thing, fame and fortune, sometimes it goes to your head.

JUNE 21, 2009

KlitschK-O

Wladimir Klitschko defeated Ruslan Chagaev for the Ring Magazine belt, the WHAT?

I get confused with all these titles and belts.  Wladimir has a brother, Vitali.  In 2003 I attended the Heavyweight Title fight between Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis.  I’m not a boxing fan but this was an event like the Oscars, you may not like the movies but you’ll go to the show.

I have to write, it was quite a bout.  But for a severe cut over his left eye Vitali could have won.  Lewis was out of shape but a much better athlete, smoother and a hint stronger.   Vitali was younger and in better condition, but it was not meant to be for him that day.

Enter Wladimir, pronounced V-la-dea mear.  Wladimir is the younger brother who seems to be better, stronger and a bit more athletic.  Wladimir has all the belts the WBO, IBF and IBO, his brother still holds the WBC. Eventually, they may have to meet.

I don’t think there has ever been a heavyweight title bout between two brothers.  Now there is something to talk about.  Boxing has been absent from the front page.  It has been missing a great champion. UFC and WEC are getting more headlines.  A sport that had Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, just to name the first ones that come to mind, needs the brothers to resurrect it.

 

This is something that I, a mere casual observer of the sport, would actually be interested in.

 

Something to consider.

JUNE 20, 2009

FATIGUED

$25,000,000, that’s how much Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) makes in a single season for playing baseball.  But apparently, A-Rod is tired or as the Yankee organization puts it FATIGUED.

This is absurd.  This guy is batting .145 (8 for 55) in June. He's in an 0-for-15 slump, and is hitting .212 with nine homers and 26 RBIs. He was replaced Friday by Angel Berroa.

Was “Cal” Ripken Jr. ever fatigued? NO! The guy played since he was 6.  Did Jordan ever take off a few games to REST UP? How about football players who play through all kinds of injuries and with all kinds of pain?  This A-Rod character is pathetic.

But baseball deserves this, baseball did it to itself.

Just like the business of housing surged and Wall St. didn’t think it would ever end, the housing bubble burst resulting in the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression.

So did Baseball turn a blind eye to the use of steroids thinking it wouldn’t end and the home runs would rain down perpetually.  But the steroid bubble burst.  Now baseball is stuck with unfathomable salaries to average players who will never live up to them.

Maybe this A-Rod needs 5 Hour Energy

A-Rod really wanted to play against the Marlins in his home town of Miami and now he will not get the chance.  Rodriguez said. "It's a big disappointment."

That’s the understatement of the year.

JUNE 19, 2009

DONTE’S INFERNO

I know a little about the law.  I’d like to explain what little I know about it with regards to Donte’ Stallworth.

In order for the law to consider you a violent criminal it requires INTENT.  You had to intend for the consequence.  When a person walks into a post office with a gun and starts shooting, they probably intended to kill.  Worst yet, when a person thought about the act for a week and decides to go through with it, they most certainly intended to kill. (This is called PREMEDITATED)

In the case of vehicular homicide the INTENT is missing. Stallworth most likely did not intend to kill the person he struck with his car, Donte’ was simply RECKLESS.

 Criminal recklessness, although without intent, has devastating consequences. The law recognizes that, just not in Donte’s case.

A few hundred dollars and this tragedy could have been avoided.  After all we are dealing with a millionaire, a professional athlete.  Donte’ could have hired a limousine to drive him around.  If he’s frugal he could have called a cab or a car service.  But he did not and decided, in his inebriated state, to drive himself.

So I praise Roger Goodell for suspending Stallworth indefinitely with out pay and do what the legal system failed to do, hand down the appropriate punishment.

JUNE 18, 2009

SECRET WEAPON

How can you be so dumb so as to carry a gun especially in an airport!  I understand all about needing protection form crazed fans and the paparazzi, but you need less protection in a public place with so much security.

It’s this thing athletes have, they like guns. Just because you’re an athlete doesn’t mean you have to be violent or do dangerous things like carry guns.

It’s the airport that has me baffled, you may be approached by fans and the media but it’s highly doubtful that you will be attacked in such a public place.  However, a crazed fan will probably attack anywhere, no matter how public the location, but it’s rare, very rare, especially for athletes.

SO STOP CARRYING GUNS!!!

Stop going to places where you need guns, be humble, and don’t FLASH THE CASH.  There are a lot of jealous people out there who do not have much to lose.  But you do and you should not be at a place with such people.  The only reason you go is to boast about your success. If you go to places frequented by your peers you won’t have to show off.

Say little when you lose, say even less when you win.

JUNE 17, 2009

BUSTED

 

Ryan Leaf, a.k.a. the BUST, is on the run, or just gathering his things before he goes to jail and ties to make a career of it in the prison league.

From a #2 pick in the draft to a jail bird.  WHAT HAPPENED?  This my friends is the result of laziness, the man had no work ethic.  “This is what happens Larry, when you #$%!*@! a stranger in the ass”  The Big Lebowski

You see folks, you have to work in life, apply your self or all those things that you think should just happen will go by the way side.  Leaf could have been great, he had the tools but he didn’t have the all important mental portion down, from having emotional outbursts to overeating in the off-season.

What surprised even me is how far the BUST has fallen.  He hasn’t even attempted to salvage what little life he has left.  Has the BUST tried to coach football at some high school, NO! How about volunteering at a youth center, you know, do something constructive with your free time, NO! Leaf is popping pills and committing burglaries.

The irony is, is that Leaf would probably not go to jail if he were still playing.

Have fun in jail BUST, good by and good riddance.

JUNE 16, 2009

THE JACKSON TOUCH

“Phil Jackson is not a great coach because he had great players” this is what some pundits are saying out there.  Now maybe they’re just being provocative or are trying to draw attention to themselves.  But lets just end this ridiculousness right now.

YOU CAN NOT WIN WITHOUT GREAT PLAYERS!!!

Part of what makes you a great coach is that you can communicate with great players, you can let them be themselves.  Allowing autonomy is crucial in dealing with today’s athletes.  If a player wants to be vocal for the cause Phil steps aside and allows the player to do a little “COACHING” of his own.  Kobe and Jordan did a fair share of that.

To win one must have great players.  Auerbach had Russell and Cousy, Riley had Magic, O’Neal and Wade, K.C. Jones had Bird and McHale, Popovich had Duncan.  And Jackson had MJ and Kobe.

In every sport the winning coach had great players, can’t win with out them.

What one needs to understand is that these coaches were not the original coaches to draft these players, except maybe Auerbach.  All the coaches above replaced another coach who couldn’t win with those great players.  That’s what makes these coaches special, they were able to get these players to be even better, to put the team before themselves and to make winning the only goal.

These GREAT coaches buttressed that all important team chemistry and found the formula that worked.

JUNE 15, 2009

WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

4 for 24, that’s four titles for #24 (Bryant.)  This year’s NBA Finals was a far cry from the embarrassing 39 point loss of a year ago.  This was a dominating performance, a FIVE GAME SWEEP, is the best way I can describe it.

It would seem to the casual observer that the games were close and they were points wise, two games going to over time.  However, the Magic could not find a way to win those close games and that determination and mental toughness is what separated the champion Lakers from the runner-up.

The Magic did have a record setting night in Game 3 (62.5% FG), but this was an emotionally charged game, and a repeat performance was unrealistic.  In Game 4 Orlando had a complete collapse in the 4^th quarter (inability to make FTs-?) which led to a loss in OT. 

Marred by inconsistent play from Lewis and the supporting cast, the Magic simply could not muster enough offense to win.  The balance that allowed them to get to this point was gone and the scoring averages decreased. Howard, although getting a double double in every game, only scored 20pts or better once.  For Howard’s first series, he showed that greatness is not out of reach but he will need to improve his scoring to win the ring.

The Lakers were better, tougher and mentally stronger, in Game 4 where no call went their way they fought and competed to win in OT. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back.  With that Game 4 win the series was over and a demoralized Orlando team did not have enough in their emotional tank to change the course of history.

What can you write about Kobe?  #24 was resilient, ultra competitive and yes, UNSTOPPABLE.  He was every bit the superstar.  Unable to finish last year, he certainly finished this year, with an exclamation!  Bryant did it all, and if you paid attention to the time outs, he did most of the coaching as well.

So we give credit where credit is due, and the Los Angeles Lakers are NBA champions for a reason, they were the toughest team in the league this year, and maybe for years to come.

JUNE 14, 2009

MAGICLESS MEN

It is inevitable that the Magic lose the series.  After losing the all important game 4 at home due to their inability to make free throws, Orlando is finished.  This Magicless bunch will not win 3 games in a row and 2 on the road.  Forget it!

After being given every opportunity to win game 4 Orlando simply BLEW IT!  I don’t think the Lakers had a single free throw attempt in the fourth quarter.  The referees were working so hard to help the Magic the organization should cut them a check.

These undeserving chaps are awful the cheerleaders could have made those free throws. Orlando was leading the game by 3 with 00:36 left and failed to hit one out of two “charity” shots, that what they call free throw, CHARITY SHOTS, which would have given them the win.

Fine, the game goes into over time and these would be champs proceed to lose the game in OT.  AT HOME!

Unbelievable, inexplicable, unforgivable.  Maybe next year.

JUNE 13, 2009

HISTORY REPEATING

RESULTS: NHL Finals Game 7, Pittsburgh@Detroit.  Penguins-2  Red Wings-1

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins!  The Penguins have done what only 2 other teams in the history of the NHL Finals were able to do, win a game 7 on the road.

And what a game it was, fast, clean, just how hockey was intended to be played.  There was tremendous offense and even better defense.  Detroit started fast and played most of the game on the Penguins’ side of the rink with the crowd behind them it seemed inevitable that they would win their 12^th cup, but it was not to be.

A focused, scrappy, determined Pittsburgh team found a way to get the puck in the net more times than the guys from hockey town (Red Wings).  And they did it without their captain, Sidney Crosby.  And if it wasn’t for the cross bar we may still be playing.

This is the second time Detroit lost a game 7 at home in the Finals (First-1945.) Thanks to both teams for putting on quite a finally.

JUNE 12, 2009

“7”

Game 7, that is.  No two words are more important in sports than GAME 7. 

The NHL Finals come down to this final, all or nothing, for all the marbles or for Lord Stanley’s Cup, game.

I will admit that I have not watched the finals this year.  But now that the NBA Finals are over, today’s game 7 is most intriguing.  The Penguins were down 0-2 and are now in a one game playoff.  Both teams have won every home game.  Pittsburgh would need a champion’s performance to win the game on the road.  

The NHL Finals have gone to a game 7 fourteen times and the road team has won twice.  Thus it’s NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!! Let me write that again Pittsburgh, it’s NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!!

One of the losing home teams was the 1945 Detroit Red Wings.  Will history repeat itself? The last time a road team won was in 1971, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Chicago Blackhawks.  

12-2 is better than 14-0, if some team has done it, then it can be done.

Maybe it can be the Penguins.

JUNE 11, 2009

IT’S BOOTY TIME

John David Booty that is.  Where do I begin in writing about the mess in Minnesota.  This tango that Brad Childress and Brett Favre are doing is dizzying.  The Vikings are DONE, their OTAs barely started but I’m writing here they’re DONE!!

I think the reason why Childress wants #4 (Favre) so much is because they are so much a like.  Let’s compare.

Both can’t make up their minds.

Both can’t tell the truth.

Both go back on their word.

And now Childress has lost all credibility.  He told the press that “If Brett had the shoulder surgery.”  WHAT!  You know he had the surgery, you told him to have it, that’s why he sent you the X-RAYS.

Football is unique sport where toughness is a core element of everything you do.  You have to be a strong-willed individual to coach and play this game.  Making such allowances will not sit well with the other players and they will not play for you.  When the coach’s character becomes an issue you can kiss that team good by.

Oh, and I began this little vent by mentioning a fellow by the name of Booty.  That’s QB, John David Booty and he went to USC, and it’s not South Carolina.

JUNE 10, 2009

BABY STEPS

Let’s congratulate the Orlando Magic on their first NBA Finals victory.

Orlando shot a record field goal percentage 62.5% and yet I felt they just survived.

Orlando’s win seemed like a steal at home.  They survived a Kobe Bryant so hot in the first half that they had to turn the AC up in the arena.   They survived their own mistakes and this time made fewer of them than the Lakers.

In the closing minutes of the game #24 (Bryant) let his team down.  He did not recognize the defensive pressure in time and after being double teamed he could not pass the ball, thus committing a turnover.  With enough time remaining to still give the team a chance #24 proceeded to miss a key free throw.

Odom must have been on a candy break, because I did not see much of him in the closing minutes. 

Perhaps Orlando can build on this small record setting victory.  Unfortunately, however, I don’t see the Lakers losing.  It would take a Dallas Mavericks like collapse for that to happen, and they’re too good.

But, that’s why they play the game

JUNE 9, 2009

THE COARSE HE HAS TAKEN

Lane Kiffin is young.  And you know what they say about youth, YOUTH IS INEXPERIANCE.

The young, brash coach of the Tennessee Volunteers has been accused of recruiting violations.  Who hasn’t!  Some of the NCAA rules are so ridiculous that it’s hard not to violate them. But I’m not here to defend the kid.

It’s his style or lack there off that I wish to comment on.  This guy has offended more people than Andrew “Dice” Clay in his prime.  He is accused of telling a recruit that “he would be pumping gas after graduating from South Carolina.”  When asked if that’s true Kiffin told ESPN that all the stations are self service and the kid would not be pumping gas.

That’s cute.

He hired away an Alabama recruiter and then told the news papers that it was that recruiter who was responsible for all that talent and not Nick Saban.  WHERE DOES THIS GUY GET OFF!

What has Kiffin accomplished? Hold on I’m searching the internet for his accomplishment, yes his one single accomplishment….

It’s all about recruiting in college, but you have to coach the talent.  Time will tell if the Vols recruited the wrong coach and Kiffin is the one pumping the gas.

JUNE 8, 2009

NO GUTS NO GLORY!

I want to know how many chances a team needs to win one game.  I want to know why JJ Redick won’t take a shot and can’t make a pass.  I want to know why Superman is playing like a mere mortal.

“Is this a mistake or are they doing it to me on purpose, because I really want to know.  If it’s a mistake maybe we can do something about it.” The Witches of Eastwick, the movie not the book.

Game 2 of the NBA finals was a great game, but the Orlando Magic kept coming up short.  For one, their star player is not shining, and the bench is cold. Take Courtney Lee missing the shot at end of regulation.  ROOKIE you say, it’s the finals he has a year under his belt, maybe he should paint that mask black, he could be more intimidating. 

How about JJ Redick, our scholar athlete from Duke.  JJ “Dynamite” Redick made one good shot then decided to commit a turnover and deferred to others when he had open looks STAIRING him in the face. 

TAKE THE SHOT MAN!!!

Orlando will need to drive the ball to the basket if they wish to get back into this series, and I think they will. Now we’ll just have to see if they do.

JUNE 7, 2009

UNFORCED SUISIDE

When Serena Williams was asked who had the better game on the tennis tour, she emphatically stated, the WOMEN’S!  She said this before they played the Women’s Finals at the French Open.  

How can I put this without hurting any of the ladies’ feelings, let’s just say it was a non event.  Both women, Kuznetsova and Safina committed 22 unforced errors, but for Safina it was not enough, she also double faulted 7 times.

I can understand if one player just doesn’t have it that day and continues to make mistakes.  Maybe the stage is too big, the lights are too bright, and butterflies never go away.  But such sloppy performances just to see who can outlast whom are not inspiring.

The men have Federer and Nadal, the women have 44 unforced errors and 8 double faults.

Forgive us Miss Williams, but we must respectfully disagree.

JUNE 6, 2009

IVAN THE GREAT

The great Roger Federer has reached his 19^th Grand Slam finals match.  This is a remarkable feat, however, he is not alone to have accomplished this.  A fellow by the name of Ivan Lendl, tennis’ greatest overachiever also has 19 Grand Slam finals appearances.

Lendl was my favorite player, he was disciplined, determined, and dedicated, like we are here at Sportvent.  Lendl was a worker, he had to be, he was not as gifted an athlete as Federer or Sampras.  To better understand this man let me relay some anecdotes.

Lendl would never stop training, he would say, “some people live to eat, I eat to live.”  On his birthday he would go for a 20 mile bike ride to keep up his conditioning.  Before Andre Agassi got serious about his craft he told Ivan that he had a trainer coming to get him in shape.  Ivan responded, train yourself and save the money.

Ivan never won Wimbledon, but you had to admire his determination.  He skipped the French open one year to take extra time to train on the grass, he was a worker.

Federer is a much more gifted athlete, ultra cool, ultra smooth, just like his shave in those ads with Tiger Woods.  Roger should become the greatest of all time by winning more Grand Slam titles than anyone, currently Federer has 13 (Pete Sampras has 14).

But not too far behind him in the record books will be the greatest overachiever in tennis.

Tags: NBA Finals Basketball Orlando Magic Lakers Kobe Howard Pietrus Rodm

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