I'm back. I wonder if anyone missed me.
OK, enough small talk.
The NFL has a serious problem and I'm not talking about the looming lockout or Rex Ryan's swearing.
I'm talking about the rule about what is and what isn't a catch. And it's a problem because the Detroit Lions lost their season-opening game at Chicago when an apparent game-winning touchdown catch by Calvin Johnson with about 24 seconds left was overturned after a booth review.
In case you missed it, the Bears scored a late touchdown and used their prevent defense to try and prevent their team from winning. The Lions marched down the field and scored what looked like a game-winner on a Shaun Hill to Johnson pass.
But upon further review, it was determined that although Johnson jumped 10 feet in the air, made an aerobatic catch and fell to the ground in the back corner of the end zone with possession, he didn't "complete the play."
The rules mandate that a receiver basically has to be able to hand the ball to the official when the play is over. Johnson did everything but that. At the end of the play it appeared his arm extended out and while still in his hand, the ball hit the ground, then Johnson let go of the ball, probably figuring he had it long enough.
But as ESPN's Lee Corso would say, "not so fast, my friend."
If Johnson would have just held the ball a second or two longer the Lions would have had perhaps a season-changing win. Instead it was incomplete. Game over.
Chicago won, and as a Bears fan I'll take it.
But the rule sucks.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Could be big year for OSU, Tressel
I wonder how the college football season will play out.
It's probably not going to come as much of a surprise, but I'm hoping for an Ohio State appearance and win in the BCS National Championship Game.
The table is set for Coach Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes, who are No. 2 in the pre-season coaches poll. As much as I hate pre-season polls, that's exactly where I thought OSU would and should be. Win out and they will make their 4th appearance in the BCS title game.
That will set-up the oft-criticized Buckeyes and Tressel to silence the critics who don't think too highly of the Big 10/11/12 and who don't Ohio State think can win the big game against a quality opponent.
While I don't want to put the proverbial cart before the horse (man, I hate cliches), a national championship would be the salve Buckeye Nation needs for several reasons.
It's probably not going to come as much of a surprise, but I'm hoping for an Ohio State appearance and win in the BCS National Championship Game.
The table is set for Coach Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes, who are No. 2 in the pre-season coaches poll. As much as I hate pre-season polls, that's exactly where I thought OSU would and should be. Win out and they will make their 4th appearance in the BCS title game.
That will set-up the oft-criticized Buckeyes and Tressel to silence the critics who don't think too highly of the Big 10/11/12 and who don't Ohio State think can win the big game against a quality opponent.
While I don't want to put the proverbial cart before the horse (man, I hate cliches), a national championship would be the salve Buckeye Nation needs for several reasons.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wrigley Field ..... up close and personal
I wonder if anyone else ever gets chills when they see Wrigley Field when approaching it from the Red Line train in Chicago.
I do. Every time.
It's been about a week since my Cubs Destinations weekend, a 40th birthday present from my wonderful wife, Karen. It still hasn't totally hit me ..... the opportunity I had during the late-July weekend series against the Cardinals. Forget what happened during the games.
I'm talking VIP treatment off the field.
In a word ..... Amazing.
The package included a jersey (my wife correctly chose No. 2 Ryan Theriot for me), a Major League baseball, a 2010 Cubs yearbook, a tour of Wrigley, lunch and a meet-and-greet with a player and an opportunity to watch batting practice before the gates opened to the public.
As an aside note on the jersey, my wife picked the alternate blue jersey instead of the traditional white with blue pinstripes, figuring the way I eat, there's less of a chance I could ruin the blue one. So my brother, Mike, got the home Derrek Lee jersey, and he smudged a protein bar on it before the first game. Oh the irony.
Anyway, I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog already in progress.....
I do. Every time.
It's been about a week since my Cubs Destinations weekend, a 40th birthday present from my wonderful wife, Karen. It still hasn't totally hit me ..... the opportunity I had during the late-July weekend series against the Cardinals. Forget what happened during the games.
I'm talking VIP treatment off the field.
In a word ..... Amazing.
The package included a jersey (my wife correctly chose No. 2 Ryan Theriot for me), a Major League baseball, a 2010 Cubs yearbook, a tour of Wrigley, lunch and a meet-and-greet with a player and an opportunity to watch batting practice before the gates opened to the public.
As an aside note on the jersey, my wife picked the alternate blue jersey instead of the traditional white with blue pinstripes, figuring the way I eat, there's less of a chance I could ruin the blue one. So my brother, Mike, got the home Derrek Lee jersey, and he smudged a protein bar on it before the first game. Oh the irony.
Anyway, I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog already in progress.....
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Are you ready for some football?
I wonder if I am going to lose any credibility, but then again, I wonder if I had any anyway.
I am the first person to speak out against pre-season polls, predictions, watch-lists, awards, etc.
I have always argued, much like William Devane in the Bad News Bears in Breaking Training, "Let them play, let them play."
But I was talking with a friend of mine while hanging out at GUCI in suburban Indianapolis and the conversation immediately moved in the direction of the NFL. It got me thinking about the upcoming season ..... who are the favorites, who looks good, whose going to struggle, who will suck (other than the Raiders and Lions), etc.
So if I'm going to be a hypocrite, I might as well be one of the first on the internet to predict the upcoming season.
So here goes ..... when this all happens remember where you read it first. And if none of it happens, this blog is part of that season of Dallas where Bobby Ewing never really died and nothing that you saw during that season ever really happened ..... it was all part of a dream.
I am the first person to speak out against pre-season polls, predictions, watch-lists, awards, etc.
I have always argued, much like William Devane in the Bad News Bears in Breaking Training, "Let them play, let them play."
But I was talking with a friend of mine while hanging out at GUCI in suburban Indianapolis and the conversation immediately moved in the direction of the NFL. It got me thinking about the upcoming season ..... who are the favorites, who looks good, whose going to struggle, who will suck (other than the Raiders and Lions), etc.
So if I'm going to be a hypocrite, I might as well be one of the first on the internet to predict the upcoming season.
So here goes ..... when this all happens remember where you read it first. And if none of it happens, this blog is part of that season of Dallas where Bobby Ewing never really died and nothing that you saw during that season ever really happened ..... it was all part of a dream.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Major League Baseball and the Scotty Awards
I wonder if anyone really picked San Diego and Cincinnati to lead their divisions at the Major League Baseball all-star break.
Honestly.
Did anyone?
I bet folks in Cali and Cincy didn't even pick their teams. They are among the nice surprises in what's been an interesting baseball season. And, they are among the nominees for the Scotty Awards. I would randomly give these out when I was in the sports writing business. Time to pull them out of moth balls.
The votes are in and have been tabulated by the accounting firm of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe.
The envelopes please .......
Biggest surprise: San Diego Padres leading the National League West. Can anyone name the Padres starting lineup? I can't. I know Adrian Gonzalez and that's about it. And I saw them play the Cubs in a spring training game. I still can't name anyone. Wait, they have some guy that used to play for the Reds. Denorfia, I think. Anyhoo, I don't see a more pleasant surprise. When anyone talked about the Padres the conversation was usually about when Gonzalez would be traded and to where.
Biggest disappointment: Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. The Cubs paid beau coup dollars for the former long-time Rangers hitting coach, known all around baseball as a hitting guru, and it hasn't helped. Derrick Lee is struggling, Kosuke Fukudome is having his typical summer slide after a hot start and they are leaving too may men in scoring position and hitting into too many double plays. Their starting pitching is second in all of baseball with the number of starts giving up 3 runs or less and they are still 9 games out of first as I write this.
Honestly.
Did anyone?
I bet folks in Cali and Cincy didn't even pick their teams. They are among the nice surprises in what's been an interesting baseball season. And, they are among the nominees for the Scotty Awards. I would randomly give these out when I was in the sports writing business. Time to pull them out of moth balls.
The votes are in and have been tabulated by the accounting firm of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe.
The envelopes please .......
Biggest surprise: San Diego Padres leading the National League West. Can anyone name the Padres starting lineup? I can't. I know Adrian Gonzalez and that's about it. And I saw them play the Cubs in a spring training game. I still can't name anyone. Wait, they have some guy that used to play for the Reds. Denorfia, I think. Anyhoo, I don't see a more pleasant surprise. When anyone talked about the Padres the conversation was usually about when Gonzalez would be traded and to where.
Biggest disappointment: Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. The Cubs paid beau coup dollars for the former long-time Rangers hitting coach, known all around baseball as a hitting guru, and it hasn't helped. Derrick Lee is struggling, Kosuke Fukudome is having his typical summer slide after a hot start and they are leaving too may men in scoring position and hitting into too many double plays. Their starting pitching is second in all of baseball with the number of starts giving up 3 runs or less and they are still 9 games out of first as I write this.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
No. 23 sticks it to the Cavs again
I wonder what Miami does now. In the last couple days, the Heat received verbals from two of the Big 3 in the 2010 NBA free agency class ..... Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
LeBron James just announced to a national ESPN audience his intention to leave Cleveland and join the other two in South Beach. That announcement was supposed to answer the biggest question since Who Shot J.R.?
But I have more questions that are yet to be answered.
One: Who is going to get how much money and will all 3 be happy? There is a salary cap so the Heat will have to journey into the Land of Luxury Tax or one or maybe more of the South Beach Boys will have to take less than their market value.
Two: Will LeBron be happy not being "The Guy?" The Heat have the incumbent and fan-favorite Wade and Bosh, who previously said he wanted to be the centerpiece of the franchise, not a piece.
Three: Will there be enough shots to keep all three happy? 'Nuff said there.
Four: Who can the Heat afford to get to fill out the roster? Most likely they will be minimum contract guys. Michael Beasley is probably gone so they have a little more room for the A1A Alliance. All they have left, in reality, is Mario Chalmers. That leads me to the next question .....
Five: Will the Miami Three be enough to lead the Heat to an NBA title? With a roster of minimum contract guys, James and Co. (or is it Wade and Co.?) will probably have to play 42 or 43 minutes a game. They are going to be tired when the post-season comes around. What do they do to combat that?
It's going to be interesting.
LeBron James just announced to a national ESPN audience his intention to leave Cleveland and join the other two in South Beach. That announcement was supposed to answer the biggest question since Who Shot J.R.?
But I have more questions that are yet to be answered.
One: Who is going to get how much money and will all 3 be happy? There is a salary cap so the Heat will have to journey into the Land of Luxury Tax or one or maybe more of the South Beach Boys will have to take less than their market value.
Two: Will LeBron be happy not being "The Guy?" The Heat have the incumbent and fan-favorite Wade and Bosh, who previously said he wanted to be the centerpiece of the franchise, not a piece.
Three: Will there be enough shots to keep all three happy? 'Nuff said there.
Four: Who can the Heat afford to get to fill out the roster? Most likely they will be minimum contract guys. Michael Beasley is probably gone so they have a little more room for the A1A Alliance. All they have left, in reality, is Mario Chalmers. That leads me to the next question .....
Five: Will the Miami Three be enough to lead the Heat to an NBA title? With a roster of minimum contract guys, James and Co. (or is it Wade and Co.?) will probably have to play 42 or 43 minutes a game. They are going to be tired when the post-season comes around. What do they do to combat that?
It's going to be interesting.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Big 10/12 divisional decision easy and not easy
I wonder what will happen when the Big 10/12 splits into 2 divisions.
Personally, I don't want the conference to divide just to be able to hold a championship game and make millions. Can one thing in this world not be about making an extra buck and preserving history?
But it's inevitable, so in a second I will offer my solution on how to split up into 2 divisions.
But first, no matter what the decision-makers do, it will create slightly unequal divisions because there is one absolute and I'm not talking about vodka ..... Ohio State and Michigan MUST be together.
Why?
Because the last Saturday in the season is sacred ..... it's all about OSU vs. That School Up North. And putting them in separate divisions will take away from The Game because it will create a championship game rerun.
Once Michigan becomes relevant again (as soon as the Wolverines fire Rich Rodriguez it will happen), OSU and Michigan will play two weeks in a row ..... once in the regular season and then the next week in the conference title game. I will be willing to bet that once Michigan recovers from it's Rodriguez-induced stinkyosity, OSU and the Maize and Blue will win their divisions with bran-like regularity.
Personally, I don't want the conference to divide just to be able to hold a championship game and make millions. Can one thing in this world not be about making an extra buck and preserving history?
But it's inevitable, so in a second I will offer my solution on how to split up into 2 divisions.
But first, no matter what the decision-makers do, it will create slightly unequal divisions because there is one absolute and I'm not talking about vodka ..... Ohio State and Michigan MUST be together.
Why?
Because the last Saturday in the season is sacred ..... it's all about OSU vs. That School Up North. And putting them in separate divisions will take away from The Game because it will create a championship game rerun.
Once Michigan becomes relevant again (as soon as the Wolverines fire Rich Rodriguez it will happen), OSU and Michigan will play two weeks in a row ..... once in the regular season and then the next week in the conference title game. I will be willing to bet that once Michigan recovers from it's Rodriguez-induced stinkyosity, OSU and the Maize and Blue will win their divisions with bran-like regularity.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fixing the BC-mesS
I wonder if the Big 12 will really be able to stay together. Will it become the Big 10 and will the Big 10 become the Big 12?
I wonder if anyone will read this whole thing because it is kind of long.
Anyway, whenever the carousel stops turning it will be a perfect opportunity for the NCAA and the BCS to fix what’s wrong with college football’s method of determining the national champion.
Like we do in my keeper fantasy football league whenever we have mass ownership turnover or make major rules changes, we throw all the names back into the draft and start over.
It’s time to hit control, alt, delete on the BC-mesS and start over. If I’m not mistaken (and I usually am) the BCS is under contract until 2013, but coaches under contract are fired all the time. So ….. what the heck.
I have two plans that I think will help eliminate all the justified complaining.
I wonder if anyone will read this whole thing because it is kind of long.
Anyway, whenever the carousel stops turning it will be a perfect opportunity for the NCAA and the BCS to fix what’s wrong with college football’s method of determining the national champion.
Like we do in my keeper fantasy football league whenever we have mass ownership turnover or make major rules changes, we throw all the names back into the draft and start over.
It’s time to hit control, alt, delete on the BC-mesS and start over. If I’m not mistaken (and I usually am) the BCS is under contract until 2013, but coaches under contract are fired all the time. So ….. what the heck.
I have two plans that I think will help eliminate all the justified complaining.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Corky Rose?
I wonder what they will uncover next about Pete Rose.
A story on cnnsi.com says that Rose, baseball's hits king, used a corked bat and there is photo proof.
A memorabilia dealer had one of Rose's 1985 Mizuno PR4192 bats (or should I say one of the bats Rose allegedly used) x-rayed and it showed a cork, or at least some foreign object, in the hollowed out bat. The bat in question was first used in a series in Philadelphia, a story on deadspin.com reports.
It may be true. It may not be true.
At first I wondered why Rose would need a corked bat because he was not a power hitter. Of the six players caught with a modified bat since 1970, five were more or less known to hit homers.
My question is why would a corked bat help Rose?
Corked bats help generate more bat speed and to an extent improve timing. Later on in Rose's career, specifically the 1985 season, his magical swing wasn't as swift. A quicker swing would enable him to better catch up to a fastball, say from a Doc Gooden-type pitcher.
So apparently, a corked bat would help him (Charlie) Hustle the game of baseball.
A story on cnnsi.com says that Rose, baseball's hits king, used a corked bat and there is photo proof.
A memorabilia dealer had one of Rose's 1985 Mizuno PR4192 bats (or should I say one of the bats Rose allegedly used) x-rayed and it showed a cork, or at least some foreign object, in the hollowed out bat. The bat in question was first used in a series in Philadelphia, a story on deadspin.com reports.
It may be true. It may not be true.
At first I wondered why Rose would need a corked bat because he was not a power hitter. Of the six players caught with a modified bat since 1970, five were more or less known to hit homers.
My question is why would a corked bat help Rose?
Corked bats help generate more bat speed and to an extent improve timing. Later on in Rose's career, specifically the 1985 season, his magical swing wasn't as swift. A quicker swing would enable him to better catch up to a fastball, say from a Doc Gooden-type pitcher.
So apparently, a corked bat would help him (Charlie) Hustle the game of baseball.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Wait and see on new Buckeye's QB
I wonder who will take this post the wrong way.
Let me preface by saying I am not being critical of the young man.
I am excited about Wayne High School quarterback Braxton Miller verbally committing to play for The Ohio State University.
But excited is as far as I will go. The 6-foot-3, 200 pounder is either the No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2011, depending on which scouting service you believe. And just as a quick sidebar, if guys from scouts.com and rivals.com know that much, why aren't they working for one of the top college programs?
Anyway, back to Miller.
He apparently has the tools to be a successful major college quarterback. Florida and OSU were his final 2 choices but since Florida signed the other No. 1 quarterback in the nation, and since Miller has an OSU tattoo on his arm, it was pretty obvious. He reportedly didn't even make an official visit to Florida.
But excited is as far as I will go.
Miller has done some great things at Wayne. But he has missed some games due to injury so I have to keep that in the back of my mind.
But the real reason for my tempered optimism is history. Remember Justin Zwick, Buckeye fans? He came to Columbus with all the fanfare and hoopla and stunk worse than the men's room at Papa Joe's on campus.
Remember Ron Powlus, Notre Dame fans?
He was the Parade Magazine prep player of the year in 1992 and the USA Today offensive player of the year. An ESPN analyst predicted Powlus would win three Heismans. He couldn't even win three bowl games.
Let me preface by saying I am not being critical of the young man.
I am excited about Wayne High School quarterback Braxton Miller verbally committing to play for The Ohio State University.
But excited is as far as I will go. The 6-foot-3, 200 pounder is either the No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2011, depending on which scouting service you believe. And just as a quick sidebar, if guys from scouts.com and rivals.com know that much, why aren't they working for one of the top college programs?
Anyway, back to Miller.
He apparently has the tools to be a successful major college quarterback. Florida and OSU were his final 2 choices but since Florida signed the other No. 1 quarterback in the nation, and since Miller has an OSU tattoo on his arm, it was pretty obvious. He reportedly didn't even make an official visit to Florida.
But excited is as far as I will go.
Miller has done some great things at Wayne. But he has missed some games due to injury so I have to keep that in the back of my mind.
But the real reason for my tempered optimism is history. Remember Justin Zwick, Buckeye fans? He came to Columbus with all the fanfare and hoopla and stunk worse than the men's room at Papa Joe's on campus.
Remember Ron Powlus, Notre Dame fans?
He was the Parade Magazine prep player of the year in 1992 and the USA Today offensive player of the year. An ESPN analyst predicted Powlus would win three Heismans. He couldn't even win three bowl games.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wanted: replay in baseball
I wonder if you will believe me or not, but I have wanted instant replay in baseball for a long time.
Forget what happened in Detroit on Wednesday night, when an obvious blown call by respected umpire Jim Joyce caused Armando Galarraga a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians.
Joyce admitted he blew the call. Baseball did the right thing in not overturning the call. Obla Di, Obla Da, Life goes on.
MLB Commissioner Dud Selig, uh, I mean, Bud Selig, has confirmed that he will look into expanding instant replay in some capacity.
Long overdue.
Currently MLB replays questionable homerun calls. It needs to go deeper than that. The game is quicker, the umpires are not. They are older, more out of position (more out of shape too) and slower to react. There needs to be a safeguard in place that will protect the integrity of the game going forward.
I love the human element of officiating in sports. But the camera is quicker than the eye. Tennis has the eagle eye replay. Hockey has replays to make sure the puck did or didn't completely cross the goal line. Football allows coaches and the replay official in the booth to challenge a variety of calls.
Forget what happened in Detroit on Wednesday night, when an obvious blown call by respected umpire Jim Joyce caused Armando Galarraga a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians.
Joyce admitted he blew the call. Baseball did the right thing in not overturning the call. Obla Di, Obla Da, Life goes on.
MLB Commissioner Dud Selig, uh, I mean, Bud Selig, has confirmed that he will look into expanding instant replay in some capacity.
Long overdue.
Currently MLB replays questionable homerun calls. It needs to go deeper than that. The game is quicker, the umpires are not. They are older, more out of position (more out of shape too) and slower to react. There needs to be a safeguard in place that will protect the integrity of the game going forward.
I love the human element of officiating in sports. But the camera is quicker than the eye. Tennis has the eagle eye replay. Hockey has replays to make sure the puck did or didn't completely cross the goal line. Football allows coaches and the replay official in the booth to challenge a variety of calls.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Big season for Bengals
I wonder what Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown will do regarding Marvin Lewis.
Lewis is in the last year of his contract as head coach and there some clamoring for Brown to extend Lewis' contract now.
Brown should take the wait-and-see approach before deciding whether to keep Lewis or move on. It has nothing to do with the fact that the 2011 season may or may not happen. And my feelings have nothing to do with all the off-the-field things because a head-coach has very little control over his players when they leave the stadium.
Lewis, a defensive-minded coach, was hired to turn around the beleaguered franchise that was the punch line of many jokes during the 1990s and 2000s.
Has he done it? I don't think so.
Not yet at least.
Lewis' record heading into this season is a paltry 56-55-1. He has 2 division titles and two playoff losses, both in the wild card round, at home. Forget the "Carson Palmer Injury Game." Had Kimo von Oelhoffen not punked QB Carson Palmer early in the game, I really think the Bengals would have won.
But they didn't and life goes on.
Under Lewis, the Bengals have had 2 winning seasons and have finished third in the 4-team AFC North three times. Thank goodness for the Cleveland Browns, huh? Cincinnati is averaging 8 wins a season.
So under Lewis the Bengals typical season is mediocrity.
Lewis is in the last year of his contract as head coach and there some clamoring for Brown to extend Lewis' contract now.
Brown should take the wait-and-see approach before deciding whether to keep Lewis or move on. It has nothing to do with the fact that the 2011 season may or may not happen. And my feelings have nothing to do with all the off-the-field things because a head-coach has very little control over his players when they leave the stadium.
Lewis, a defensive-minded coach, was hired to turn around the beleaguered franchise that was the punch line of many jokes during the 1990s and 2000s.
Has he done it? I don't think so.
Not yet at least.
Lewis' record heading into this season is a paltry 56-55-1. He has 2 division titles and two playoff losses, both in the wild card round, at home. Forget the "Carson Palmer Injury Game." Had Kimo von Oelhoffen not punked QB Carson Palmer early in the game, I really think the Bengals would have won.
But they didn't and life goes on.
Under Lewis, the Bengals have had 2 winning seasons and have finished third in the 4-team AFC North three times. Thank goodness for the Cleveland Browns, huh? Cincinnati is averaging 8 wins a season.
So under Lewis the Bengals typical season is mediocrity.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Can I get a T?
I wonder if this will be the only time there is technical-foul controversy in the NBA that doesn't involve Rasheed Wallace.
OK, all joking aside, what in the world is going on in the NBA? Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins received two technical fouls -- nos. 6 and 7 of the playoffs -- in game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic, meaning an automatic one-game suspension.
The media dropped the hint that the league could review it. And of course, given that the media thinks the NBA needs an LA-Boston finals (which I think is BS), the powers-that-be reviewed the calls and rescinded one technical, meaning Perkins can play in the suddenly important Game 6. Funny thing is that the technical foul that was rescinded was not the accidental elbow slip when he tried to help up teammate Rajon Rondo. The disappearing technical was the one Perkins picked up in the second quarter for complaining about a foul.
This is not your father's NBA.
OK, all joking aside, what in the world is going on in the NBA? Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins received two technical fouls -- nos. 6 and 7 of the playoffs -- in game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic, meaning an automatic one-game suspension.
The media dropped the hint that the league could review it. And of course, given that the media thinks the NBA needs an LA-Boston finals (which I think is BS), the powers-that-be reviewed the calls and rescinded one technical, meaning Perkins can play in the suddenly important Game 6. Funny thing is that the technical foul that was rescinded was not the accidental elbow slip when he tried to help up teammate Rajon Rondo. The disappearing technical was the one Perkins picked up in the second quarter for complaining about a foul.
This is not your father's NBA.
Monday, May 24, 2010
This, that and the other thing
I wonder if I will ever start a blog by writing something other than "I wonder ....."
OK, now with that out of the way, the Cleveland Cadavers, uh, Cavaliers, fired coach Mike Brown today, Monday May 24, after 5 years.
It was a move the Cavs had to make for several reasons. The least important of which is to try to get LeBron James a coach under whom he can flourish. Doesn't matter who they hire because James is going to opt out and become a free agent July 1.
Another reason Cleveland had to part ways with Brown is the offense, or lack thereof, that really had no imagination. With James, the Cavs needed to run more.
But the real reason is simple. The Cavs went to the NBA finals in 2007. Since being over-matched against San Antonio, they have lost in the conference semifinals twice and the conference finals once. They have taken giant steps backwards in the playoffs despite having one of the best or the best record in the NBA. They are getting it done in the regular season but not in the playoffs.
Folks, that's coaching. I don't buy the "no supporting cast" argument. They gave James a still-serviceable Shaq and the consistent Antawn Jamison this season.
Just as a side note, of the Cavs 19 regular-season losses this season, all but 4 came against playoff teams.
Super idea
Mike Golic and Colin Cowherd, on their own shows on ESPN Radio today, ripped the soon-to-made announcement that the Super Bowl in 2014 will be in New York at the Giants/Jets new stadium.
They say the weather will make it a horrible game. They argued fans will be sitting in the stadium in freezing rain, sleet, snow, wind, etc.
OK, now with that out of the way, the Cleveland Cadavers, uh, Cavaliers, fired coach Mike Brown today, Monday May 24, after 5 years.
It was a move the Cavs had to make for several reasons. The least important of which is to try to get LeBron James a coach under whom he can flourish. Doesn't matter who they hire because James is going to opt out and become a free agent July 1.
Another reason Cleveland had to part ways with Brown is the offense, or lack thereof, that really had no imagination. With James, the Cavs needed to run more.
But the real reason is simple. The Cavs went to the NBA finals in 2007. Since being over-matched against San Antonio, they have lost in the conference semifinals twice and the conference finals once. They have taken giant steps backwards in the playoffs despite having one of the best or the best record in the NBA. They are getting it done in the regular season but not in the playoffs.
Folks, that's coaching. I don't buy the "no supporting cast" argument. They gave James a still-serviceable Shaq and the consistent Antawn Jamison this season.
Just as a side note, of the Cavs 19 regular-season losses this season, all but 4 came against playoff teams.
Super idea
Mike Golic and Colin Cowherd, on their own shows on ESPN Radio today, ripped the soon-to-made announcement that the Super Bowl in 2014 will be in New York at the Giants/Jets new stadium.
They say the weather will make it a horrible game. They argued fans will be sitting in the stadium in freezing rain, sleet, snow, wind, etc.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
My top 10 sports moments
So my main blog page explains that I used to be a sports writer. I worked for a couple suburban newspapers and the metro paper in the Dayton area.
I have covered everything from youth baseball in Beavercreek to "Major League" Baseball in Cincinnati and everything in between.
I've witnessed a lot of great moments, interviewed a lot of famous people and probably ticked off a lot of athletes being brutally honest. Letterman likes to give his Top 10 list nightly, ESPN counts down top plays of the week, top sports moments of all-time, etc.
So here I give you, for the first time, my top 10 moments as a sports writer.
10) In 1994, the UD Flyers were dead and nearly buried against visiting St. Louis, coached by the venerable Charlie Spoonhour. Down 33-13 at one points, Shawn Haughn, a freshman, scored 25 points in a span of 8:40 to lead UD to an 82-77 upset of the No. 17-ranked team in overtime. Haughn hit 7 of 7 from 3-point range in that stretch. St. Louis actually had to hit a shot at the buzzer just to send it to OT. After the game UD Coach Jim O'Brien looked like they had lost the game. They won the game but he lost the battle and was fired later that year. If I'm not mistaken, his last game was against St. Louis in the Great Midwest Conference tournament.
9) In the early 2000's I made the road trip to Chicago with Dayton Daily News Bengals writer Chick Ludwig to write a sidebar story on the Bears-Bengals pre-season game. Before the game, Ludwig and I went on the field and he introduced me to a couple Bengals. I met kicker Neil Rackers and asked him a simple question, looking for an obvious answer. The question was which kicker I should take in my upcoming fantasy football draft. I was expecting him to say "take me, of course." Well, his answer shocked me more than his inability to make a field goal. He told me to take a kicker who kicks inside, like Mike Vanderjagt of the Colts. What, no confidence in yourself, Neil? He must have been looking at his stats before we met. In all fairness, Rackers turned out OK after he left the Bengals. I also got to meet Mike Ditka.
I have covered everything from youth baseball in Beavercreek to "Major League" Baseball in Cincinnati and everything in between.
I've witnessed a lot of great moments, interviewed a lot of famous people and probably ticked off a lot of athletes being brutally honest. Letterman likes to give his Top 10 list nightly, ESPN counts down top plays of the week, top sports moments of all-time, etc.
So here I give you, for the first time, my top 10 moments as a sports writer.
10) In 1994, the UD Flyers were dead and nearly buried against visiting St. Louis, coached by the venerable Charlie Spoonhour. Down 33-13 at one points, Shawn Haughn, a freshman, scored 25 points in a span of 8:40 to lead UD to an 82-77 upset of the No. 17-ranked team in overtime. Haughn hit 7 of 7 from 3-point range in that stretch. St. Louis actually had to hit a shot at the buzzer just to send it to OT. After the game UD Coach Jim O'Brien looked like they had lost the game. They won the game but he lost the battle and was fired later that year. If I'm not mistaken, his last game was against St. Louis in the Great Midwest Conference tournament.
9) In the early 2000's I made the road trip to Chicago with Dayton Daily News Bengals writer Chick Ludwig to write a sidebar story on the Bears-Bengals pre-season game. Before the game, Ludwig and I went on the field and he introduced me to a couple Bengals. I met kicker Neil Rackers and asked him a simple question, looking for an obvious answer. The question was which kicker I should take in my upcoming fantasy football draft. I was expecting him to say "take me, of course." Well, his answer shocked me more than his inability to make a field goal. He told me to take a kicker who kicks inside, like Mike Vanderjagt of the Colts. What, no confidence in yourself, Neil? He must have been looking at his stats before we met. In all fairness, Rackers turned out OK after he left the Bengals. I also got to meet Mike Ditka.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Where are the fans?
I wonder where the Reds fans are.
Cincinnati has a first-place team, a bunch of young players who haven't realized they should be playing for their next contract, not for the love of the game (that'll change) and an empty stadium.
OK, not totally empty. But Tuesday's comeback win over Milwaukee was witnessed by around 17,600 fans. The ballpark was 41% full, but I suspect it was only around 20% full when the bottom of the ninth began with the Reds losing by a pair.
Capacity at GABP is listed at 42,059 and through 22 home games, the Reds are averaging 21,535. Only 7 teams are averaging fewer fans and I don't think any of those teams are in first place. In fact, all but 5 of the teams ahead of the Reds are in first place (duh).
I can't figure it out. I have made it pretty clear that I'm not a big Reds fan. But I have to admit, they are exciting to watch and so far have a knack for comebacks. That's cool. There should be larger crowds.
I don't buy the "small market" argument. More than 2.1 million people live in the Cincinnati metro area and throw in the Dayton area you have another 700,000 fans who live within an hour of the park.
I realize Tuesday was a day game but there's still plenty of people who could have gone to the game. And they have had only a handful of day games during the week. Except for the Diamond seats, prices are not outrageous.
Let's hope some fans start showing up while the Reds are still in first place because it won't last. Remember, Dusty Baker is their manager.
Is Hanley Ramirez the new Milton Bradley?
What in the world is the Florida Marlins ultra-talented shortstop thinking? He accidentally kicked a ball Monday then moved at a snail's pace to try to get to it. Ramirez blamed it on a nagging injury and said he tried his best.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez didn't buy it and benched Ramirez Tuesday.
Cincinnati has a first-place team, a bunch of young players who haven't realized they should be playing for their next contract, not for the love of the game (that'll change) and an empty stadium.
OK, not totally empty. But Tuesday's comeback win over Milwaukee was witnessed by around 17,600 fans. The ballpark was 41% full, but I suspect it was only around 20% full when the bottom of the ninth began with the Reds losing by a pair.
Capacity at GABP is listed at 42,059 and through 22 home games, the Reds are averaging 21,535. Only 7 teams are averaging fewer fans and I don't think any of those teams are in first place. In fact, all but 5 of the teams ahead of the Reds are in first place (duh).
I can't figure it out. I have made it pretty clear that I'm not a big Reds fan. But I have to admit, they are exciting to watch and so far have a knack for comebacks. That's cool. There should be larger crowds.
I don't buy the "small market" argument. More than 2.1 million people live in the Cincinnati metro area and throw in the Dayton area you have another 700,000 fans who live within an hour of the park.
I realize Tuesday was a day game but there's still plenty of people who could have gone to the game. And they have had only a handful of day games during the week. Except for the Diamond seats, prices are not outrageous.
Let's hope some fans start showing up while the Reds are still in first place because it won't last. Remember, Dusty Baker is their manager.
Is Hanley Ramirez the new Milton Bradley?
What in the world is the Florida Marlins ultra-talented shortstop thinking? He accidentally kicked a ball Monday then moved at a snail's pace to try to get to it. Ramirez blamed it on a nagging injury and said he tried his best.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez didn't buy it and benched Ramirez Tuesday.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Time for Notre Dame to join Big Ten
I wonder who will join the Big Ten.
It's a forgone conclusion that the conference will expand. It's all about making a buck, and with more teams, the Big Ten can have a football championship game, fill a stadium (probably Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis) and get a nationally televised game.
Cha-ching!
So who is going to join? I've read about all kinds of rumors from Texas to Nebraska to Rutgers.
Personally, none of them sound good to me. The Rutgers option is intriguing, some talk show experts say, because it would open the Big Ten Network to the New York television market.
Good in theory. But geographically it's not a great fit, especially for Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
I certainly hope the powers that be don't make a huge decision based on the number of households who could potentially watch the conference's television station.
Texas and Nebraska aren't good geographic fits either. Too far west and too far south.
I think it's time for Notre Dame to make the move.
It's a forgone conclusion that the conference will expand. It's all about making a buck, and with more teams, the Big Ten can have a football championship game, fill a stadium (probably Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis) and get a nationally televised game.
Cha-ching!
So who is going to join? I've read about all kinds of rumors from Texas to Nebraska to Rutgers.
Personally, none of them sound good to me. The Rutgers option is intriguing, some talk show experts say, because it would open the Big Ten Network to the New York television market.
Good in theory. But geographically it's not a great fit, especially for Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
I certainly hope the powers that be don't make a huge decision based on the number of households who could potentially watch the conference's television station.
Texas and Nebraska aren't good geographic fits either. Too far west and too far south.
I think it's time for Notre Dame to make the move.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Booing unfair to Castro
Starlin Castro is only 20-years-old. He made his Wrigley Field debut for the Chicago Cubs against the Florida Marlins Monday night and promptly made 3 errors in the Cubs 4-2 loss to the Fish.
The Wrigley Field faithful booed.
Castro is only 20-years-old.
He didn't skip high school and jump right to the Major Leagues.
He didn't politic to make the Big League squad out of spring training.
He didn't beg or plead to be called up from the minors this early.
He has gone about his business the best he could in the minors at DOUBLE A Tennessee so far this season and was being patient.
The Cubs, needing an offensive spark, called him up, mostly on his offensive merits.
The fans' booing was way out of line. I don't care that the guy drove in a MLB record 6 runs in his debut or smacked a 3-run homer in his first at bat against the Reds.
The kid is 20-years-old. He is going to make mistakes.
Shame on the fans for booing him like he was a seasoned-veteran.
I know what you are thinking. The guy is a professional and is getting paid to play the game. Fans pay their money and deserve the right to boo. I normally agree. Not this time.
Boo A-Fraud for, well, you know. Boo Milton Bradley for acting the way he does. Boo Ken Griffey Junior for allegedly napping in the clubhouse when he could have pinch hit in a game. Boo Radley. Oh, sorry. Got carried away there. That's something for my literary blog (which will probably never exist).
You get my point.
Maybe Castro's sparkling debut in Cincinnati raised the bar too high, too soon. The kid played in 26 AA games this year. Last season he played in 94 games in A ball and only 31 games in AA ball.
In 2008 he played 51 games in the Arizona League and in 2007 he played in the Dominican Summer League. Those two leagues are lower than the the Midwest League where the Dayton Dragons play (not a knock on the MWL, just a reference point).
So you can see, this kid is more than wet behind the ears.
Let's let him towel off a bit before we shower him with boos.
The Wrigley Field faithful booed.
Castro is only 20-years-old.
He didn't skip high school and jump right to the Major Leagues.
He didn't politic to make the Big League squad out of spring training.
He didn't beg or plead to be called up from the minors this early.
He has gone about his business the best he could in the minors at DOUBLE A Tennessee so far this season and was being patient.
The Cubs, needing an offensive spark, called him up, mostly on his offensive merits.
The fans' booing was way out of line. I don't care that the guy drove in a MLB record 6 runs in his debut or smacked a 3-run homer in his first at bat against the Reds.
The kid is 20-years-old. He is going to make mistakes.
Shame on the fans for booing him like he was a seasoned-veteran.
I know what you are thinking. The guy is a professional and is getting paid to play the game. Fans pay their money and deserve the right to boo. I normally agree. Not this time.
Boo A-Fraud for, well, you know. Boo Milton Bradley for acting the way he does. Boo Ken Griffey Junior for allegedly napping in the clubhouse when he could have pinch hit in a game. Boo Radley. Oh, sorry. Got carried away there. That's something for my literary blog (which will probably never exist).
You get my point.
Maybe Castro's sparkling debut in Cincinnati raised the bar too high, too soon. The kid played in 26 AA games this year. Last season he played in 94 games in A ball and only 31 games in AA ball.
In 2008 he played 51 games in the Arizona League and in 2007 he played in the Dominican Summer League. Those two leagues are lower than the the Midwest League where the Dayton Dragons play (not a knock on the MWL, just a reference point).
So you can see, this kid is more than wet behind the ears.
Let's let him towel off a bit before we shower him with boos.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Be careful what you wish for
This and that from here and there .....
I wonder who will be with the Houston Astros longer, Lance Berkman or GM Ed Wade.
Why is this relevant? Well, Berkman recently said that if he were GM he would explore trading any player on the roster, including himself. Wade responded with the typical "no issue" comment and joked that "I were the first baseman, I might want to be hitting .350 right now."
At 10-21 Houston is the worst team in the National League and if not for the Baltimore Orioles (9-23) they would be the Detroit Lions of MLB. They should be looking to trade away some salary and build for the future.
Berkman, by the way, is hitting .194 and has an on-base percentage of .296. At his current pace and based on the percentage of Astros games he has played now, Berkman has to get 153 hits the rest of the season to hit .350. The Astros have 131 games remaining so you do the math.
My vote goes to Wade.
Perfect game, perfectly empty stadium
If a pitcher threw a perfect game and nobody was there to see it would it still count? Well, ask Oakland A's pitcher Dallas Braden. The former 24th-round pick, who played for 8 minor league teams from 2004-2008 threw the 19th perfect game in Major League history in a 4-0 win over Tampa Bay.
A crowd of 35,067 -- all but 12,228 were dressed like empty seats -- witnessed the feat.
How pathetic is that? What a story he can tell his kids. He did the near-impossible and probably could hear the conversations going on in the stands at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum throughout the game.
I love to dummy things down so consider this .....if every student enrolled in Centerville and Kettering city schools were to have gone to that game, they would have had 4,000 more people.
As of the 2008 figures, there are 404,155 in the City of Oakland.
Wonder what could be keeping fans away.
I wonder who will be with the Houston Astros longer, Lance Berkman or GM Ed Wade.
Why is this relevant? Well, Berkman recently said that if he were GM he would explore trading any player on the roster, including himself. Wade responded with the typical "no issue" comment and joked that "I were the first baseman, I might want to be hitting .350 right now."
At 10-21 Houston is the worst team in the National League and if not for the Baltimore Orioles (9-23) they would be the Detroit Lions of MLB. They should be looking to trade away some salary and build for the future.
Berkman, by the way, is hitting .194 and has an on-base percentage of .296. At his current pace and based on the percentage of Astros games he has played now, Berkman has to get 153 hits the rest of the season to hit .350. The Astros have 131 games remaining so you do the math.
My vote goes to Wade.
Perfect game, perfectly empty stadium
If a pitcher threw a perfect game and nobody was there to see it would it still count? Well, ask Oakland A's pitcher Dallas Braden. The former 24th-round pick, who played for 8 minor league teams from 2004-2008 threw the 19th perfect game in Major League history in a 4-0 win over Tampa Bay.
A crowd of 35,067 -- all but 12,228 were dressed like empty seats -- witnessed the feat.
How pathetic is that? What a story he can tell his kids. He did the near-impossible and probably could hear the conversations going on in the stands at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum throughout the game.
I love to dummy things down so consider this .....if every student enrolled in Centerville and Kettering city schools were to have gone to that game, they would have had 4,000 more people.
As of the 2008 figures, there are 404,155 in the City of Oakland.
Wonder what could be keeping fans away.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
St. Louis sans Pujols?
I wonder how much money Albert Pujols is going to get. Probably somewhere in the $35 million a year range.
On Tuesday, ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd said the St. Louis Cardinals can't afford to pay Pujols that kind of money because there are only 8 Fortune 500 companies in St. Louis. And because of that the Cardinals can't raise ticket prices to cover Pujols' raise.
Blah, blah, blah, blah. Or should I say, blog, blog, blog, blog.
It's what Cowherd went on to say that totally blew my mind. First, let me backtrack a bit. It appeared the topic was going to be LeBron James and NBA Commissioners David Stern's, uh, stern opinion that James should stay in Cleveland.
Cowherd said Cleveland needs James. Without him, Cowherd said Cleveland would basically roll over and die. He didn't use those words but it's pretty much what he said.
Then Cowherd decided to talk about what sports teams/towns could afford to lose their superstar.
Cowherd said St. Louis would be "fine" if Pujols left. He said the Cardinals have (Skip) Schumaker, (Manager Tony) LaRussa, (Matt) Holliday, (Adam) Wainwright.
What in the name of Stan Musial is Cowherd thinking?
On Tuesday, ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd said the St. Louis Cardinals can't afford to pay Pujols that kind of money because there are only 8 Fortune 500 companies in St. Louis. And because of that the Cardinals can't raise ticket prices to cover Pujols' raise.
Blah, blah, blah, blah. Or should I say, blog, blog, blog, blog.
It's what Cowherd went on to say that totally blew my mind. First, let me backtrack a bit. It appeared the topic was going to be LeBron James and NBA Commissioners David Stern's, uh, stern opinion that James should stay in Cleveland.
Cowherd said Cleveland needs James. Without him, Cowherd said Cleveland would basically roll over and die. He didn't use those words but it's pretty much what he said.
Then Cowherd decided to talk about what sports teams/towns could afford to lose their superstar.
Cowherd said St. Louis would be "fine" if Pujols left. He said the Cardinals have (Skip) Schumaker, (Manager Tony) LaRussa, (Matt) Holliday, (Adam) Wainwright.
What in the name of Stan Musial is Cowherd thinking?
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Random thoughts for this specific Saturday
Just how good of a player is Derek Jeter? He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer. No doubt about it. I know a lot of sports talking heads like to criticize him for various reasons. But they should have his spot in Cooperstown marked already. Get the bust ordered.
Have your doubts about his first-ballot worthiness? Consider this ..... Ken Griffey Junior is almost a lock to be inducted as a first-ballot Hall member. Junior was the best player in baseball for much of the 1990s.
When Jeter made his Yankee debut in 1995, Griffey had 998 career hits. Jeter now has more career hits than Griffey, who had a 6-year head start. I know Griffey has had some injuries and is 40-years old.
Jeter plays everyday and is 35.
Any questions?
As a side thought, it would be hilarious if Jeter retired now and actually went into the Hall before Junior.
Phil and LeBron together ..... in Chicago?
It's unknown if Phil Jackson will coach in Los Angeles next year. But he will coach somewhere. LeBron James will be playing next year, but it's unknown if it will be in Cleveland.
Hmmmm. My beloved Chicago Bulls will most likely be looking for a head coach, their 4th full-time coach since Jerry Krause broke up the dynasty after the 1998 season.
Hmmmm. My beloved Chicago Bulls have the salary cap room to go after one of the NBA's prized free agents after this season. And with a strategic sign-and-trade, they could go after two.
With Krause out of the picture, Jackson could be enticed to return to Chicago. It won't be a rebuilding project, which is what he didn't want to be a part of when Krause broke up the dynasty. There are a lot of solid foundational pieces in place on Madison.
And James isn't necessarily looking to break the bank. He wants a big market (Cleveland is a top-10 TV market, but it's not exactly the cure for boredom) and it's doubtful James and Kobe Bryant can co-exist in LA. New York/New Jersey would be another logical place given LeBron's friendship with rapper Jay Z and his love for the Yankees. But LeBron won't win with either team. And after this season is over, James will still be looking for a title.
He could go to Miami and play with D-Wade but can the Heat afford them both? How about Orlando and Dwight Howard? Probably not enough down there to keep LBJ happy.
So that leaves Chicago.
It is one big player from being a contender. It's is one big market. There's lots to do. And the Bulls have the money. Oh yeah, James has said he grew up a Bulls fan.
Stop laughing now. It could happen.
That's all for now. Cheers!
Have your doubts about his first-ballot worthiness? Consider this ..... Ken Griffey Junior is almost a lock to be inducted as a first-ballot Hall member. Junior was the best player in baseball for much of the 1990s.
When Jeter made his Yankee debut in 1995, Griffey had 998 career hits. Jeter now has more career hits than Griffey, who had a 6-year head start. I know Griffey has had some injuries and is 40-years old.
Jeter plays everyday and is 35.
Any questions?
As a side thought, it would be hilarious if Jeter retired now and actually went into the Hall before Junior.
Phil and LeBron together ..... in Chicago?
It's unknown if Phil Jackson will coach in Los Angeles next year. But he will coach somewhere. LeBron James will be playing next year, but it's unknown if it will be in Cleveland.
Hmmmm. My beloved Chicago Bulls will most likely be looking for a head coach, their 4th full-time coach since Jerry Krause broke up the dynasty after the 1998 season.
Hmmmm. My beloved Chicago Bulls have the salary cap room to go after one of the NBA's prized free agents after this season. And with a strategic sign-and-trade, they could go after two.
With Krause out of the picture, Jackson could be enticed to return to Chicago. It won't be a rebuilding project, which is what he didn't want to be a part of when Krause broke up the dynasty. There are a lot of solid foundational pieces in place on Madison.
And James isn't necessarily looking to break the bank. He wants a big market (Cleveland is a top-10 TV market, but it's not exactly the cure for boredom) and it's doubtful James and Kobe Bryant can co-exist in LA. New York/New Jersey would be another logical place given LeBron's friendship with rapper Jay Z and his love for the Yankees. But LeBron won't win with either team. And after this season is over, James will still be looking for a title.
He could go to Miami and play with D-Wade but can the Heat afford them both? How about Orlando and Dwight Howard? Probably not enough down there to keep LBJ happy.
So that leaves Chicago.
It is one big player from being a contender. It's is one big market. There's lots to do. And the Bulls have the money. Oh yeah, James has said he grew up a Bulls fan.
Stop laughing now. It could happen.
That's all for now. Cheers!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Right idea, wrong execution
I wonder if Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland will be conducting predraft interviews before next year's NFL Draft.
I hope so. I don't blame him for what he was trying to find out. I do blame him for how he did it.
Ireland is the man who, during a predraft visit in March, asked former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant if his mother was a prostitute.
Under normal circumstances that would be a question that, in football terms, is wide right. In an every day walk of life that question would be flagged for illegal procedure.
But this is not a normal circumstance. This is the NFL, where image is everything. It's a multi-billion dollar business where teams select young men, some barely out of their teen years, and sign them to a contract where millions and millions are guaranteed.
GM's have every right to snoop and dig to find out everything they can about a potential employee. Remember, athletes are employees of a business. I had to give references before I was hired as an insurance agent. I had to pass a background test and truthfully answer questions on an application. I had to pass a credit check and divulge financial information so my parent company knew they were hiring someone who was responsible with money, organized and wouldn't run an agency into the ground.
I hope so. I don't blame him for what he was trying to find out. I do blame him for how he did it.
Ireland is the man who, during a predraft visit in March, asked former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant if his mother was a prostitute.
Under normal circumstances that would be a question that, in football terms, is wide right. In an every day walk of life that question would be flagged for illegal procedure.
But this is not a normal circumstance. This is the NFL, where image is everything. It's a multi-billion dollar business where teams select young men, some barely out of their teen years, and sign them to a contract where millions and millions are guaranteed.
GM's have every right to snoop and dig to find out everything they can about a potential employee. Remember, athletes are employees of a business. I had to give references before I was hired as an insurance agent. I had to pass a background test and truthfully answer questions on an application. I had to pass a credit check and divulge financial information so my parent company knew they were hiring someone who was responsible with money, organized and wouldn't run an agency into the ground.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Gregory staying at UD for a while
I wonder which college will reportedly be interested in University of Dayton men's basketball coach Brian Gregory next.
Rutgers of the Big East is the latest team to have some interest. In the past, it seemed that we heard about DePaul being interested yearly, given Gregory's Chicago ties. Every time there is a major college or a college in a major conference with an opening, Gregory's name pops up.
Doesn't matter who comes calling. Gregory is staying.
Why leave? He's got a nice and comfy contract with the Flyers. He's got an arena that's packed every night (it's among the top 30 in attendance yearly). His program hasn't been investigated for anything other than a missing offense (more on that later). His players don't get in trouble and when they do, as we saw with recruit Jesse Berry, Gregory does the right thing. In this case he told Berry thanks, but no thanks.
And let's be brutally honest. When it comes to college hoops, UD is the only game in town. Sorry Wright State. I'm a Raiders fan too. But Dayton gets top billing in the newspaper, on the sports highlights and with fans too. The Flyers attendance nearly triples a typical WSU game. Shoot, even Andy Katz of ESPN.com, when writing about Brad Brownell, referred to Wright State as Dayton-based. Ouch.
Rutgers of the Big East is the latest team to have some interest. In the past, it seemed that we heard about DePaul being interested yearly, given Gregory's Chicago ties. Every time there is a major college or a college in a major conference with an opening, Gregory's name pops up.
Doesn't matter who comes calling. Gregory is staying.
Why leave? He's got a nice and comfy contract with the Flyers. He's got an arena that's packed every night (it's among the top 30 in attendance yearly). His program hasn't been investigated for anything other than a missing offense (more on that later). His players don't get in trouble and when they do, as we saw with recruit Jesse Berry, Gregory does the right thing. In this case he told Berry thanks, but no thanks.
And let's be brutally honest. When it comes to college hoops, UD is the only game in town. Sorry Wright State. I'm a Raiders fan too. But Dayton gets top billing in the newspaper, on the sports highlights and with fans too. The Flyers attendance nearly triples a typical WSU game. Shoot, even Andy Katz of ESPN.com, when writing about Brad Brownell, referred to Wright State as Dayton-based. Ouch.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The NFL Draft
I wonder what the Denver Broncos were thinking. Correct me if I'm wrong but they traded their franchise crybaby, I mean franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler, to my Bears for Kyle Orton. Then, if I'm not mistaken, the Broncos acquired Brady Quinn, who I still say is built more for defense.
So with their first pick in the recently completed NFL draft, the Broncos take Tim Tebow. Makes perfect sense to me.
Not!
Five solid defensive players were taken to close the first round, defensive players that the Broncos could use.
History lesson time. They started 6-0 and had given up 56 points. The Broncos were the toast of the town.
They finished the season 2-8 and gave up 58 points in their first two games after their bye week, which was week 7. The Broncos proceeded to give up fewer than 20 points only twice the rest of the way.
So with their first two picks they take a receiver and a great college QB with a questionable release and a run-first mentality. And then the coach announces that Tebow will be a QB, nothing else. Denver will be watching the playoffs on TV. Nothing else.
Of their 7 picks, they drafted 1 defensive player.
Huh?
So with their first pick in the recently completed NFL draft, the Broncos take Tim Tebow. Makes perfect sense to me.
Not!
Five solid defensive players were taken to close the first round, defensive players that the Broncos could use.
History lesson time. They started 6-0 and had given up 56 points. The Broncos were the toast of the town.
They finished the season 2-8 and gave up 58 points in their first two games after their bye week, which was week 7. The Broncos proceeded to give up fewer than 20 points only twice the rest of the way.
So with their first two picks they take a receiver and a great college QB with a questionable release and a run-first mentality. And then the coach announces that Tebow will be a QB, nothing else. Denver will be watching the playoffs on TV. Nothing else.
Of their 7 picks, they drafted 1 defensive player.
Huh?
Welcome to my blog
Hello, there.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm new to blogging but definitely not new to writing about and talking about sports.
Just a little bit about myself, I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1992 and was a sports writer in the Dayton area until 2003.
I'm now an insurance agent with American Family Insurance in Middletown but I still follow sports as closely as I did when I was a writer. Ask my wife. She will tell agree, much to her dismay.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm new to blogging but definitely not new to writing about and talking about sports.
Just a little bit about myself, I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1992 and was a sports writer in the Dayton area until 2003.
I'm now an insurance agent with American Family Insurance in Middletown but I still follow sports as closely as I did when I was a writer. Ask my wife. She will tell agree, much to her dismay.
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