A slightly new approach have given the Lakers new life
The new strategy seems to be one that hasn't been done before on the team: Kobe passing the ball. Over the last three games, Kobe Bryant has scored just 49 points but has 39 assists. This last game, Kobe had 14 points and 11 assists as the Lakers beat the Hornets 111-106. These last three games have been wins for the Lakers in which the 2nd one was a win against the OKC Thunder by 9. Lakers have a 3 game winning streak but are still 5 games under .500 at 20-25.
It loos like Kobe being "Team Friendly" is best for the team right now. Before this winning streak, Kobe was attempting over 20 shots a game for four games in a row and they lost all four. Kobe gets a bunch of assists and doesn't shoot more than 15 shots a game and they win three in a row. Now this might not get the Lakers in title discussion again but it certainly does get them back in the postseason talk.
P.S. Congrats Kobe on finally PASSING the ball.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A-Rod Linked to PED's Again
Two PED stories in one day? Lance Armstrong must be jealous.
We've covered football and now onto Baseball and PED's once more. The Miami New Times has obtained a list of names from an anti-aging clinic in Miami of people who have received PED's from them. On the list are players like Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals, Nelson Cruz of the Rangers, and Melky Cabrera of the Blue Jays. Also on that list is Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees who has already been linked to steroids in the past.
Alex is already denying his involvement in this story. Meanwhile, reports are saying the New York Yankees are going to be exploring avenues to try and void A-Rod's contract which still has $114 million left on it over five years. Whether they can get out from under the contract or not due to PED's remains to be seen but it would certainly be a first.
This seems worse than last time with drugs and A-Rod. He's apologized and tried to move on and now there are reports saying that he's back to old ways. What adds insult to injury is the fact that he has stunk the last couple of years and that the drugs aren't helping if he has indeed taking some more.
If I was part of the Yankees, I would want to get out of this deal and figure out any way to do so. If I was a fan of the Yankees (which would take a "Bullet to the Head"), I would boo A-Rod wherever he was and wouldn't stop until he was gone from the game completely. He has just been bad news for the organization.
We've covered football and now onto Baseball and PED's once more. The Miami New Times has obtained a list of names from an anti-aging clinic in Miami of people who have received PED's from them. On the list are players like Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals, Nelson Cruz of the Rangers, and Melky Cabrera of the Blue Jays. Also on that list is Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees who has already been linked to steroids in the past.
Alex is already denying his involvement in this story. Meanwhile, reports are saying the New York Yankees are going to be exploring avenues to try and void A-Rod's contract which still has $114 million left on it over five years. Whether they can get out from under the contract or not due to PED's remains to be seen but it would certainly be a first.
This seems worse than last time with drugs and A-Rod. He's apologized and tried to move on and now there are reports saying that he's back to old ways. What adds insult to injury is the fact that he has stunk the last couple of years and that the drugs aren't helping if he has indeed taking some more.
If I was part of the Yankees, I would want to get out of this deal and figure out any way to do so. If I was a fan of the Yankees (which would take a "Bullet to the Head"), I would boo A-Rod wherever he was and wouldn't stop until he was gone from the game completely. He has just been bad news for the organization.
Ray Lewis a Dirty Birdy?
Bad titles are all I have, okay.
Sports Illustrated has a report that will be released on Monday that links Ray Lewis to a Performance Enhancing Drug. Mitch Ross who is Co-owner of the Sports with Alternatives to Steroids (SWATS) says he spoke with Lewis after his triceps tear back in October. Lewis had requested several products to speed up the healing process with Deer-antler spray being the funniest one they had. However, the Spray actually contains a banned substance called IGF-1 which is on the NFL list of banned substances. Ray Lewis addressed these accusations during Media Day of all times and denied using PED's.
Who you rooting for now America? (Forget Randy Moss claiming to be the best WR ever). While Ray Lewis will play in the Super Bowl, this story now possibly becomes a distraction for the team, especially considering that Ray is the heart and soul of that locker room. I think the Ravens are better than that but it's still a possibility.
To all you people out there that say "we don't care about PED's in football as much as baseball," are you Colts fans? Broncos fans? Patriots fans? Because guess what: Ray Lewis lead his team to victory in against all three of those teams in the playoffs and was the lead tackler in each contest. Not to mention the morale boost he gives the defense from simply being on the field also has to be taken into consideration. Still don't care about PED's in football?
P.S. Yes, I'm a 49ers fan and there is a bias but I'm not the one releasing the report on Ray.
Sports Illustrated has a report that will be released on Monday that links Ray Lewis to a Performance Enhancing Drug. Mitch Ross who is Co-owner of the Sports with Alternatives to Steroids (SWATS) says he spoke with Lewis after his triceps tear back in October. Lewis had requested several products to speed up the healing process with Deer-antler spray being the funniest one they had. However, the Spray actually contains a banned substance called IGF-1 which is on the NFL list of banned substances. Ray Lewis addressed these accusations during Media Day of all times and denied using PED's.
Who you rooting for now America? (Forget Randy Moss claiming to be the best WR ever). While Ray Lewis will play in the Super Bowl, this story now possibly becomes a distraction for the team, especially considering that Ray is the heart and soul of that locker room. I think the Ravens are better than that but it's still a possibility.
To all you people out there that say "we don't care about PED's in football as much as baseball," are you Colts fans? Broncos fans? Patriots fans? Because guess what: Ray Lewis lead his team to victory in against all three of those teams in the playoffs and was the lead tackler in each contest. Not to mention the morale boost he gives the defense from simply being on the field also has to be taken into consideration. Still don't care about PED's in football?
P.S. Yes, I'm a 49ers fan and there is a bias but I'm not the one releasing the report on Ray.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Australian Open in Review: Winners and Cheaters
Sorry I have written for a few days. I had an imaginary ailment that needed checking out.
The Australian open just concluded with some great winners and some controversy. First, Novak Djokovic proves he's still the #1 player in the world when he beat Andy Murray in four sets 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2. It's the fourth time that Djokovic has won it down under and his 6th overall Grand Slam title.
Andy Murray shouldn't feel too bad, however. He managed to beat Roger Federer for the first time in a Grand Slam event to get to the finals. That has to mean something.
As for the women's side, there was some controversy surrounding Victoria Azarenka who managed to beat Li Na in the final in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to claim her first Grand Slam title. In the semi-final round to get there, she stalled for ten minutes with an "injury" after Sloane Stephens managed to rally a bit to survive 5 match points by way of Azarenka's serve. Victoria killed the momentum gained by Stephens and came back and finished her off with ease in the next game effectively ending the match 6-1, 6-4.
Azarenka seems to have stretched the rules at best when she beat Stephens and the crowd didn't like her for it as there were signs of disgust in the women's final. Hopefully the rules are fixed so that this kind of thing doesn't happen again.
Congrats to Djokovic on winning another Grand Slam title. As for Azarenka, nice hair.
The Australian open just concluded with some great winners and some controversy. First, Novak Djokovic proves he's still the #1 player in the world when he beat Andy Murray in four sets 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2. It's the fourth time that Djokovic has won it down under and his 6th overall Grand Slam title.
Andy Murray shouldn't feel too bad, however. He managed to beat Roger Federer for the first time in a Grand Slam event to get to the finals. That has to mean something.
As for the women's side, there was some controversy surrounding Victoria Azarenka who managed to beat Li Na in the final in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to claim her first Grand Slam title. In the semi-final round to get there, she stalled for ten minutes with an "injury" after Sloane Stephens managed to rally a bit to survive 5 match points by way of Azarenka's serve. Victoria killed the momentum gained by Stephens and came back and finished her off with ease in the next game effectively ending the match 6-1, 6-4.
Azarenka seems to have stretched the rules at best when she beat Stephens and the crowd didn't like her for it as there were signs of disgust in the women's final. Hopefully the rules are fixed so that this kind of thing doesn't happen again.
Congrats to Djokovic on winning another Grand Slam title. As for Azarenka, nice hair.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Revis Island For Sale?
Darrelle Revis is perhaps the most valuable defensive back in league. So much so that the New York Jets entire defense basically hinges on that one cornerback. Anyone want him?
A source says that the Jets are open to trading Darrelle Revis. Possible reasons for the trade? It could be related to the many contract disputes between the team and Revis during their time together. It could be due to the fact that his contract expires after next season and he can't be franchise tagged due to a clause. It could be salary cap issues. Heck, it could be injury concerns and whether or not paying someone with a question mark in health is a wise move. The six year veteran corner played in just 2 games in 2012 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
A #1 receiver's worst nightmare is available. What team wouldn't want this shut down corner on their team? It just seems shocking that the team would actually be willing to trade him. Rex Ryan talks about him like it's his jersey his tattoo wife is wearing. The new GM John Idzik and Owner Woody Johnson obviously don't mind taking the team in a new direction. Not with the quarterback just yet but with their defense.
Who will get Revis and what will the Jets get for him will come in time, but there is no doubt that he will be the biggest off season story outside of the NFL Draft.
A source says that the Jets are open to trading Darrelle Revis. Possible reasons for the trade? It could be related to the many contract disputes between the team and Revis during their time together. It could be due to the fact that his contract expires after next season and he can't be franchise tagged due to a clause. It could be salary cap issues. Heck, it could be injury concerns and whether or not paying someone with a question mark in health is a wise move. The six year veteran corner played in just 2 games in 2012 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
A #1 receiver's worst nightmare is available. What team wouldn't want this shut down corner on their team? It just seems shocking that the team would actually be willing to trade him. Rex Ryan talks about him like it's his jersey his tattoo wife is wearing. The new GM John Idzik and Owner Woody Johnson obviously don't mind taking the team in a new direction. Not with the quarterback just yet but with their defense.
Who will get Revis and what will the Jets get for him will come in time, but there is no doubt that he will be the biggest off season story outside of the NFL Draft.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Raiders Sabotaged by Coach in Super Bowl?
Perhaps this is why the Raiders keep losing today.
Am unusual accusation came from Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Tim Brown. In Super Bowl XXXVII, Brown says that Raiders head coach Bill Callahan changed the game plan at the last minute. Brown, a longtime Raider, said they were preparing to run a ground and pound style of offense for the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then on Friday before the Super Bowl, the game plan was changed to accommodate more of an aerial attack instead. The G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice, who was on the Raiders for that Super Bowl, confirmed what Tim Brown said about Callahan and the staff changing the game plan on Friday.
The reasoning for it? Brown suggested that Callahan didn't like the Raiders and was doing it for his old buddy Jon Gruden who was the coach of the Bucs in Super Bowl and had coached the Raiders the season before. Brown said "We all called it sabotage ... because Callahan and Gruden were good friends. And Callahan had a big problem with the Raiders, you know, hated the Raiders. You know, only came because Gruden made him come. Literally walked off the field on us a couple of times during the season when he first got there, the first couple years."
Jerry would back the theory to a degree saying "And in a way, maybe because he (Callahan) didn't like the Raiders, he was willing to sabotage just a little bit and let Jon Gruden go out and win this one."
Bill Callahan has denied these allegations.
"Any suggestion that I would undermine the integrity of the sport that I love and dedicated my life to, or dishonor the commitment I made to our players, coaches and fans, is flat-out wrong," Callahan said in the statement. "I think it would be in the best interests of all, including the game America loves, that these allegations be retracted immediately."
I have said it a million times: the Oakland Raiders always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot. It seems a little far fetched that a coach would willingly sabotage his own team for the sake of a friend. However, the testimonies of Tim Brown and Jerry Rice seem to suggest that something irregular happened for some unknown reason.
Could Al Davis have been involved.... more than usual? I know it's hard to believe that the late meddler could've been more involved with the team but something he could've said or done might've affected the game plan. Still that theory seems far fetched even for him. He would've tried changing something early in the week rather than later.
Whatever the case might've been, a Super Bowl's outcome had seemingly been affected. The Raiders barely ran the ball and their quarterback Rich Gannon threw 5 picks in a blowout loss to the Bucs 48-21.
I hope that the league gets involved and conducts an investigation into the matter. I am not sure if they will find any testimony that would be helpful but they should at least try. The integrity of the NFL is at stake.... unlike with the refs lockout, the concussion lawsuits, safety rule changes, and spygate.
Am unusual accusation came from Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Tim Brown. In Super Bowl XXXVII, Brown says that Raiders head coach Bill Callahan changed the game plan at the last minute. Brown, a longtime Raider, said they were preparing to run a ground and pound style of offense for the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then on Friday before the Super Bowl, the game plan was changed to accommodate more of an aerial attack instead. The G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice, who was on the Raiders for that Super Bowl, confirmed what Tim Brown said about Callahan and the staff changing the game plan on Friday.
The reasoning for it? Brown suggested that Callahan didn't like the Raiders and was doing it for his old buddy Jon Gruden who was the coach of the Bucs in Super Bowl and had coached the Raiders the season before. Brown said "We all called it sabotage ... because Callahan and Gruden were good friends. And Callahan had a big problem with the Raiders, you know, hated the Raiders. You know, only came because Gruden made him come. Literally walked off the field on us a couple of times during the season when he first got there, the first couple years."
Jerry would back the theory to a degree saying "And in a way, maybe because he (Callahan) didn't like the Raiders, he was willing to sabotage just a little bit and let Jon Gruden go out and win this one."
Bill Callahan has denied these allegations.
"Any suggestion that I would undermine the integrity of the sport that I love and dedicated my life to, or dishonor the commitment I made to our players, coaches and fans, is flat-out wrong," Callahan said in the statement. "I think it would be in the best interests of all, including the game America loves, that these allegations be retracted immediately."
I have said it a million times: the Oakland Raiders always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot. It seems a little far fetched that a coach would willingly sabotage his own team for the sake of a friend. However, the testimonies of Tim Brown and Jerry Rice seem to suggest that something irregular happened for some unknown reason.
Could Al Davis have been involved.... more than usual? I know it's hard to believe that the late meddler could've been more involved with the team but something he could've said or done might've affected the game plan. Still that theory seems far fetched even for him. He would've tried changing something early in the week rather than later.
Whatever the case might've been, a Super Bowl's outcome had seemingly been affected. The Raiders barely ran the ball and their quarterback Rich Gannon threw 5 picks in a blowout loss to the Bucs 48-21.
I hope that the league gets involved and conducts an investigation into the matter. I am not sure if they will find any testimony that would be helpful but they should at least try. The integrity of the NFL is at stake.... unlike with the refs lockout, the concussion lawsuits, safety rule changes, and spygate.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Lakers 7 Games Under .500 at Halfway Point
Okay, I was wrong about the Lakers. So was Dwight Howard.
The LA Lakers have been well below par up to this point with last night being another example of that. They were on the road as they played the Bulls and they were actually keeping pace with Chicago, despite sloppiness, that is until the 4th quarter. The Bulls managed a 18-4 run and would win by twelve 95-83. This marks the Lakers sixth straight road loss and their third straight loss.
This was also the Lakers' 41st game of the season which means we are halfway through the pre-postseason. "The Lake Show" is the worst show to watch on TV and that includes "1600 Penn." They are 12-19 under Mike D'Antoni and are 17-24 overall. They might be scoring a lot of points averaging 102.6 per game but D'Antoni still doesn't knows what defense is. They are the 5th worst in the league in points with opponents averaging 101.4 points per game against them.
The worst case scenario for the Lakers used to be getting into the playoffs but not as one of the top 4 seeds. Instead, they are living out Washington's best case scenario and you know what? They are still 4 games back of the 8th seed.
Defense
Noun
Insanity
Noun
1. The state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.
ex. See Jim Buss.
2. Extreme foolishness or irrationality.
ex. Again, see Jim Buss.
The LA Lakers have been well below par up to this point with last night being another example of that. They were on the road as they played the Bulls and they were actually keeping pace with Chicago, despite sloppiness, that is until the 4th quarter. The Bulls managed a 18-4 run and would win by twelve 95-83. This marks the Lakers sixth straight road loss and their third straight loss.
This was also the Lakers' 41st game of the season which means we are halfway through the pre-postseason. "The Lake Show" is the worst show to watch on TV and that includes "1600 Penn." They are 12-19 under Mike D'Antoni and are 17-24 overall. They might be scoring a lot of points averaging 102.6 per game but D'Antoni still doesn't knows what defense is. They are the 5th worst in the league in points with opponents averaging 101.4 points per game against them.
The worst case scenario for the Lakers used to be getting into the playoffs but not as one of the top 4 seeds. Instead, they are living out Washington's best case scenario and you know what? They are still 4 games back of the 8th seed.
Defense
Noun
- The action of defending from or resisting attack.
- Attempted justification or vindication of something. Example: Jim Buss defended the move of hiring Mike D'Antoni saying "he fit the team the way we wanted to work it."
Insanity
Noun
1. The state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.
ex. See Jim Buss.
2. Extreme foolishness or irrationality.
ex. Again, see Jim Buss.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
49ers and Ravens Advance to First Ever Har-Bowl
There is one family in America that is ecstatic and that is the Harbaugh's.
In the NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers lead by Jim Harbaugh, went into Atlanta to face the Falcons. After being down 17-0, the 49ers fought a great 2nd half and managed to grab the lead with a Frank Gore touchdown run in the 4th quarter. It was their first lead of the game. Atlanta tried to take back control of the game but after a failed 4th and 4 conversion attempt, the Falcons were all but done. The 49ers with Colin Kaepernick at the helm (not Alex Smith) managed to win the game 28-24 and advance to thier first Super Bowl since 1994.
As for the AFC Championship game, the Baltimore Ravens lead by John Harbaugh, Jim's older brother, went into New England and managed to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for one more final game. After being down 13-7 at the half, the Ravens defense clamped down while Joe Flacco and the offense took off. Flacco threw 3 touchdowns in the 2nd half with the last two going to Anquan Boldin. The Pats, meanwhile, couldn't put up any 2nd half points and managed one touchdown all game long. In their 2nd straight AFC Championship game vs New England, the Ravens overcome the Patriots 28-13 and go on to their first Super Bowl since 2000.
Super Bowl XLVII is set with the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans. This marks the first Super Bowl in which the opposing head coaches are brothers. Definitely adds a bit to the term "Sibling Rivalry."
P.S. For a full recap of the 49ers win in Atlanta, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after the Super Bowl.
In the NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers lead by Jim Harbaugh, went into Atlanta to face the Falcons. After being down 17-0, the 49ers fought a great 2nd half and managed to grab the lead with a Frank Gore touchdown run in the 4th quarter. It was their first lead of the game. Atlanta tried to take back control of the game but after a failed 4th and 4 conversion attempt, the Falcons were all but done. The 49ers with Colin Kaepernick at the helm (not Alex Smith) managed to win the game 28-24 and advance to thier first Super Bowl since 1994.
As for the AFC Championship game, the Baltimore Ravens lead by John Harbaugh, Jim's older brother, went into New England and managed to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for one more final game. After being down 13-7 at the half, the Ravens defense clamped down while Joe Flacco and the offense took off. Flacco threw 3 touchdowns in the 2nd half with the last two going to Anquan Boldin. The Pats, meanwhile, couldn't put up any 2nd half points and managed one touchdown all game long. In their 2nd straight AFC Championship game vs New England, the Ravens overcome the Patriots 28-13 and go on to their first Super Bowl since 2000.
Super Bowl XLVII is set with the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans. This marks the first Super Bowl in which the opposing head coaches are brothers. Definitely adds a bit to the term "Sibling Rivalry."
P.S. For a full recap of the 49ers win in Atlanta, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after the Super Bowl.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
No More Head Coach Vacancies in the NFL
Two more head coaches were hired in order to fill every vacancy in the league.
First, defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, Gus Bradley, is hired to be the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bradley is the only coach of all hired this off season to be from the defensive side of the ball. Bradley managed to mold the Seahawks into arguably the best defense in the NFL. They ranked first in points allowed in 2012 allowing 15.3 points per game. He now takes over a Jaguars team which is tied for 29th in points allowed, 30th in overall defense, and had a 2-14 record. At least he gets the 2nd pick in the NFL Draft to work with.
The 2nd and final vacancy of this off season was filled by Bruce Arians as he goes to the Arizona Cardinals. Arians was the offensive coordinator for the Colts and the interim head coach for most of 2012 due to Chuck Pagano's leukemia. He now takes over a 5-11 Cardinals team which was dead last in total offense and 2nd to last in points scored. He might have Kevin Kolb but they have a lot of work to do.
Hiring season for head coaches being over seems a bit disappointing what with the fact that Lovie Smith didn't get another head coaching job in the NFL. A lot of unproven NFL head coaches in the bunch with the notable exception being Andy Reid. Which of these new coaches will shine brightest in 2013?
First, defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, Gus Bradley, is hired to be the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bradley is the only coach of all hired this off season to be from the defensive side of the ball. Bradley managed to mold the Seahawks into arguably the best defense in the NFL. They ranked first in points allowed in 2012 allowing 15.3 points per game. He now takes over a Jaguars team which is tied for 29th in points allowed, 30th in overall defense, and had a 2-14 record. At least he gets the 2nd pick in the NFL Draft to work with.
The 2nd and final vacancy of this off season was filled by Bruce Arians as he goes to the Arizona Cardinals. Arians was the offensive coordinator for the Colts and the interim head coach for most of 2012 due to Chuck Pagano's leukemia. He now takes over a 5-11 Cardinals team which was dead last in total offense and 2nd to last in points scored. He might have Kevin Kolb but they have a lot of work to do.
Hiring season for head coaches being over seems a bit disappointing what with the fact that Lovie Smith didn't get another head coaching job in the NFL. A lot of unproven NFL head coaches in the bunch with the notable exception being Andy Reid. Which of these new coaches will shine brightest in 2013?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Manti Te'o had an Imaginary Girlfriend
It seems that there is an unusual story coming out today in College Football.
Manti Te'o, a linebacker for Notre Dame, had a girlfriend that he had developed relations with over the Internet. She would end up dying of Leukemia in September and when Manti Te'o found this out, it was just six hours after learning that his grandmother had just died. The story would garner national attention and help build up the interest around Notre Dame and Te'o as a leader of the team. He would go on to finish 2nd in the Heisman voting.
Now imagine that the girlfriend part of that whole story wasn't true.
Accoridng to Deadspin.com, the supposed girlfriend of Manti Te'o named Lennay Kekua never existed. The whole romantic story between them was nothing more than a hoax started by a friend named Ronaiah Tuiasosopo. It seems that it was nothing more than a fake twitter account using another woman's picture. The mystery woman noticed her image being used in place of Lennay Kekua and eventually told Deadspin.com about it and of Tuiasosopo who was a classmate of her's back in high school.
While Manti Te'o has said he was the victim of a hoax, a friend of Ronaiah Tuiasosopo told Deadspin.com that he was "80 percent sure" that Te'o was "in on it" and it was for publicity. Notre Dame is currently conducting an investigation around the matter.
Look Manti, we've all made up a girlfriend from time to time but you don't kill her off. You say you broke up with her, she moved away, that you had a chance at hooking up with the homecoming queen and she found out.
In all seriousness (or at least all I can muster), how does something like this slip through the cracks? What else isn't true in the sports world? Is Tom Brady's wife Giselle really a model? Did Kaepernick really write a letter to himself in the 4th grade? Was Colin even under 6 feet tall? Can Drew Brees' kid really kick a football through an entire neighborhood?
Whatever the truth is, it's out there... along with the true identity of Manti's fake dead girlfriend.
P.S. It was either this guy or Johnny "Beer Pong." Great Heisman choices last year.
Manti Te'o, a linebacker for Notre Dame, had a girlfriend that he had developed relations with over the Internet. She would end up dying of Leukemia in September and when Manti Te'o found this out, it was just six hours after learning that his grandmother had just died. The story would garner national attention and help build up the interest around Notre Dame and Te'o as a leader of the team. He would go on to finish 2nd in the Heisman voting.
Now imagine that the girlfriend part of that whole story wasn't true.
Accoridng to Deadspin.com, the supposed girlfriend of Manti Te'o named Lennay Kekua never existed. The whole romantic story between them was nothing more than a hoax started by a friend named Ronaiah Tuiasosopo. It seems that it was nothing more than a fake twitter account using another woman's picture. The mystery woman noticed her image being used in place of Lennay Kekua and eventually told Deadspin.com about it and of Tuiasosopo who was a classmate of her's back in high school.
While Manti Te'o has said he was the victim of a hoax, a friend of Ronaiah Tuiasosopo told Deadspin.com that he was "80 percent sure" that Te'o was "in on it" and it was for publicity. Notre Dame is currently conducting an investigation around the matter.
Look Manti, we've all made up a girlfriend from time to time but you don't kill her off. You say you broke up with her, she moved away, that you had a chance at hooking up with the homecoming queen and she found out.
In all seriousness (or at least all I can muster), how does something like this slip through the cracks? What else isn't true in the sports world? Is Tom Brady's wife Giselle really a model? Did Kaepernick really write a letter to himself in the 4th grade? Was Colin even under 6 feet tall? Can Drew Brees' kid really kick a football through an entire neighborhood?
Whatever the truth is, it's out there... along with the true identity of Manti's fake dead girlfriend.
P.S. It was either this guy or Johnny "Beer Pong." Great Heisman choices last year.
Chip Kelly Makes New Nest in Philly
Which Kelly is this again?
The Philadelphia Eagles have taken their sweet time finding a new head coach but they have finally found one. Chip Kelly of Oregon originally said he wasn't going to leave the Ducks after meeting with several NFL teams earlier this month. It seems that he has reconsidered after realizing that Oregon was always going to fall short of a National Title. So Chip Kelly has agreed to become the next Philadelphia Eagles head coach.
So what does this mean? Is Michael Vick actually going to come back? What will happen with Nick Foles? Will there be a totally different quarterback? Will the Philadelphia fans actually be nice? (no they won't)
Whatever it does mean, it certainly suggests that the high tempo offense that Kelly brought to Oregon will be brought to the NFL. Now certainly the league is showing that there are plenty of QB's that can play in his system but the Eagles might not have one of those if they and Michael Vick do part ways. Also, the Oregon offense is dependent on good running backs. Are LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown good enough for that system? Is the line good enough to run block?
With Chip Kelly in Philly, that means a vacancy in Oregon. Someone call Emilio Estevez. Wait... that's stupid. He's a hockey coach, this is football.
The Philadelphia Eagles have taken their sweet time finding a new head coach but they have finally found one. Chip Kelly of Oregon originally said he wasn't going to leave the Ducks after meeting with several NFL teams earlier this month. It seems that he has reconsidered after realizing that Oregon was always going to fall short of a National Title. So Chip Kelly has agreed to become the next Philadelphia Eagles head coach.
So what does this mean? Is Michael Vick actually going to come back? What will happen with Nick Foles? Will there be a totally different quarterback? Will the Philadelphia fans actually be nice? (no they won't)
Whatever it does mean, it certainly suggests that the high tempo offense that Kelly brought to Oregon will be brought to the NFL. Now certainly the league is showing that there are plenty of QB's that can play in his system but the Eagles might not have one of those if they and Michael Vick do part ways. Also, the Oregon offense is dependent on good running backs. Are LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown good enough for that system? Is the line good enough to run block?
With Chip Kelly in Philly, that means a vacancy in Oregon. Someone call Emilio Estevez. Wait... that's stupid. He's a hockey coach, this is football.
Chargers Hire McCoy and Chicago Looks to Canada
A couple more coaching vacancies have been filled in the NFL.
First, the San Diego Chargers hired the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncs Mike McCoy. This is McCoy's first head coaching job and should thank Peyton Manning for getting him the job. McCoy certainly has his work cut out for him having to try and figure out what's wrong with Phillip Rivers and that offense, and also having to deal with the Broncos and Manning for the foreseeable future. He will definitely get some leeway considering he is taking over for an unpopular coach in Norv Turner.
The 2nd coaching vacancy filled was in Chicago where the Bears hired Marc Trestman, head coach of the Montreal Alouettes since 2008 in the CFL. This is Trestman first NFL head coaching job but has previous coaching experience in the league mainly as an offensive coordinator and/or quarterback's coach. The leash will not likely be as long for Trestman, however, as he takes over for a fairly successful head coach in Lovie Smith who got the Bears to a Super Bowl and finished the 2012 season with a 10-6 record. The Bears, however, did not make the playoffs and Lovie was dismissed after the season.
These couple of hires should be interesting to watch heading into next year, especially considering both coaches enter their new teams with proven quarterbacks. The trick for both of them, however, is trying to figure out how to get their QB's from "good" to "elite."
First, the San Diego Chargers hired the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncs Mike McCoy. This is McCoy's first head coaching job and should thank Peyton Manning for getting him the job. McCoy certainly has his work cut out for him having to try and figure out what's wrong with Phillip Rivers and that offense, and also having to deal with the Broncos and Manning for the foreseeable future. He will definitely get some leeway considering he is taking over for an unpopular coach in Norv Turner.
The 2nd coaching vacancy filled was in Chicago where the Bears hired Marc Trestman, head coach of the Montreal Alouettes since 2008 in the CFL. This is Trestman first NFL head coaching job but has previous coaching experience in the league mainly as an offensive coordinator and/or quarterback's coach. The leash will not likely be as long for Trestman, however, as he takes over for a fairly successful head coach in Lovie Smith who got the Bears to a Super Bowl and finished the 2012 season with a 10-6 record. The Bears, however, did not make the playoffs and Lovie was dismissed after the season.
These couple of hires should be interesting to watch heading into next year, especially considering both coaches enter their new teams with proven quarterbacks. The trick for both of them, however, is trying to figure out how to get their QB's from "good" to "elite."
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Lance Armstrong Admits PED Use
While the interview will not air until Thursday on OWN, an anonymous source has told the Associated Press that Lance Armstrong did confess to Oprah Winfrey that he did use Performance Enhancing Drugs to win the Tour de France.... I'll pause for minute so everyone can take off their Livestrong bracelets. Before the interview on Monday, Lance made an apology to his Livestrong charity earlier in the day. The confession comes after the USADA stripped Lance of his 7 Tour de France titles and banned him for life from the sport of cycling back in August of 2012.
One of the most inspiring men in the history of professional sports has admitted that he's essentially a fraud. To be fair, the entire sport of cycling does seem to have a huge doping problem but it certainly doesn't absolve Lance of his drug use and his efforts to conceal it. In the age of PED's, he was the one athlete we just couldn't see using drugs to win in a sport. When we first heard the rumors regarding Lance, we didn't want to believe it. As the evidence mounted, we looked everywhere for possible reasons not to believe it and even attacked those who said the reports were true while knowing deep inside we knew we were wrong. It wasn't until August leading up to yesterday that we saw the reality of all it: Armstrong did in fact use Performance Enhancing Drugs.
While the motives behind the interview aren't quite clear, it certainly marks the absolute low for Lance Armstrong's decline. He had not just become an icon to an entire sport, he had become a true inspiration to all people around the world, especially to those who face the horrible reality of cancer. To hear that the story of a cancer survivor winning one of the world's most grueling events 7 times be revealed as no more true than a fairy tale is heart wrenching.
Of all the athletes that have been connected to PED's or steroids, Lance Armstrong's drug use has certainly been the ultimate fall from grace.
One of the most inspiring men in the history of professional sports has admitted that he's essentially a fraud. To be fair, the entire sport of cycling does seem to have a huge doping problem but it certainly doesn't absolve Lance of his drug use and his efforts to conceal it. In the age of PED's, he was the one athlete we just couldn't see using drugs to win in a sport. When we first heard the rumors regarding Lance, we didn't want to believe it. As the evidence mounted, we looked everywhere for possible reasons not to believe it and even attacked those who said the reports were true while knowing deep inside we knew we were wrong. It wasn't until August leading up to yesterday that we saw the reality of all it: Armstrong did in fact use Performance Enhancing Drugs.
While the motives behind the interview aren't quite clear, it certainly marks the absolute low for Lance Armstrong's decline. He had not just become an icon to an entire sport, he had become a true inspiration to all people around the world, especially to those who face the horrible reality of cancer. To hear that the story of a cancer survivor winning one of the world's most grueling events 7 times be revealed as no more true than a fairy tale is heart wrenching.
Of all the athletes that have been connected to PED's or steroids, Lance Armstrong's drug use has certainly been the ultimate fall from grace.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Falcons Win a Playoff Game and Pats Destroy Texans... Again
Today were two more playoff games with conference championship appearances at stake.
First one had the Seattle Seahawks seeing if they could remain hot against the #1 seed Atlanta Falcons. It was the Falcons, however, that played well starting off the game leading 20-0 heading into halftime. The Seahawks then managed to make a great comeback in the 2nd half. Still being down by 20 heading into the 4th quarter, Seattle managed to score 3 touchdowns to take a one point lead with just 31 seconds left.
Seemingly down for the count, the Falcons didn't give up. Thanks to a good kickoff return from Jacquizz Rodgers and a couple of nice passes from Matt Ryan, they had a chance to grab the lead back with a field goal. After Pete Carroll attempted to ice the kicker with a timeout, Matt Bryant made a 49 yard field goal to take the lead back. Seattle got it back with just 8 seconds left and failed to make a Hail Pass that picked off by Julio Jones in the end zone. Falcons win it 30-28 and advance to the NFC Championship game. It was the first playoff win for Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez.
The 2nd game featured the Houston Texans traveling to New England once more to take on the Patriots. The Texans got blown out in Gillette Stadium in week 14. The outcome wasn't too different. The Patriots managed to humiliate the Texans once more leading by as much as 25 early in the 4th quarter after Shane Vereen scored his third touchdown of the game. Houston came back a bit but still fell way short. Patriots win it 41-28 and head back to the AFC Championship game. This win for Tom Brady gives him more playoff wins (17) than any other quarterback in history.
Th conference title games are set. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Atlanta Falcons. It will be the first time that Atlanta is hosting the NFC title game. The AFC has a rematch from last year with the Ravens facing the Patriots again in Foxboro. New England won last year's AFC title game vs. Baltimore but the Ravens did beat the Pats back in September with a last second field goal by Justin Tucker. Looks like a couple of great match ups.
First one had the Seattle Seahawks seeing if they could remain hot against the #1 seed Atlanta Falcons. It was the Falcons, however, that played well starting off the game leading 20-0 heading into halftime. The Seahawks then managed to make a great comeback in the 2nd half. Still being down by 20 heading into the 4th quarter, Seattle managed to score 3 touchdowns to take a one point lead with just 31 seconds left.
Seemingly down for the count, the Falcons didn't give up. Thanks to a good kickoff return from Jacquizz Rodgers and a couple of nice passes from Matt Ryan, they had a chance to grab the lead back with a field goal. After Pete Carroll attempted to ice the kicker with a timeout, Matt Bryant made a 49 yard field goal to take the lead back. Seattle got it back with just 8 seconds left and failed to make a Hail Pass that picked off by Julio Jones in the end zone. Falcons win it 30-28 and advance to the NFC Championship game. It was the first playoff win for Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez.
The 2nd game featured the Houston Texans traveling to New England once more to take on the Patriots. The Texans got blown out in Gillette Stadium in week 14. The outcome wasn't too different. The Patriots managed to humiliate the Texans once more leading by as much as 25 early in the 4th quarter after Shane Vereen scored his third touchdown of the game. Houston came back a bit but still fell way short. Patriots win it 41-28 and head back to the AFC Championship game. This win for Tom Brady gives him more playoff wins (17) than any other quarterback in history.
Th conference title games are set. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Atlanta Falcons. It will be the first time that Atlanta is hosting the NFC title game. The AFC has a rematch from last year with the Ravens facing the Patriots again in Foxboro. New England won last year's AFC title game vs. Baltimore but the Ravens did beat the Pats back in September with a last second field goal by Justin Tucker. Looks like a couple of great match ups.
Ravens Win a Dramatic One in Denver
At least Tebow won a playoff game. OH SNAP!!!
The Baltimore Ravens went into Mile High Stadium as underdogs to the Denver Broncos. It was a back and forth game the whole way with a couple of fascinating Trindon Holliday returns for touchdowns. The Ravens were sticking around throughout and got the ball back with 1:09 to go being down by just 7. On a 3rd and 3, Joe Flacco managed to evade a sack and throw a bomb to Jacoby Jones who somehow got behind every DB of the Broncos and scored on a 70 yard play to tie it at 35-35. That forced the game into overtime.
Neither side could do anything on their first drives and it kept going with sudden death rules in place. The Broncos had it and it was near the end of the first OT when Peyton Manning scrambled a bit, threw across his body, and had his pass intended for Brandon Stokley picked off by Corey Graham getting his 2nd pick of the game. His first pick came in the 1st quarter when he returned an interception 39 yards for a pick-six.
The 2nd overtime came with the Ravens setting up for a field goal. Rookie Kicker Justin Tucker made the 47 yard field goal for the win as Baltimore stuns the Denver Crowd 38-35 in double overtime.
What a way for a game to end. It seemed unlikely that the Ravens would win in Denver but they somehow did and manage to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for another week. Lewis actually the most tackles in the game with 17.
With the the win, the Ravens move on to the AFC title game and wait to see where they are headed next: Houston or New England.
P.S. To read about Colin Kaepernick's historic game and the 49ers win over the Packers, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after every game.
The Baltimore Ravens went into Mile High Stadium as underdogs to the Denver Broncos. It was a back and forth game the whole way with a couple of fascinating Trindon Holliday returns for touchdowns. The Ravens were sticking around throughout and got the ball back with 1:09 to go being down by just 7. On a 3rd and 3, Joe Flacco managed to evade a sack and throw a bomb to Jacoby Jones who somehow got behind every DB of the Broncos and scored on a 70 yard play to tie it at 35-35. That forced the game into overtime.
Neither side could do anything on their first drives and it kept going with sudden death rules in place. The Broncos had it and it was near the end of the first OT when Peyton Manning scrambled a bit, threw across his body, and had his pass intended for Brandon Stokley picked off by Corey Graham getting his 2nd pick of the game. His first pick came in the 1st quarter when he returned an interception 39 yards for a pick-six.
The 2nd overtime came with the Ravens setting up for a field goal. Rookie Kicker Justin Tucker made the 47 yard field goal for the win as Baltimore stuns the Denver Crowd 38-35 in double overtime.
What a way for a game to end. It seemed unlikely that the Ravens would win in Denver but they somehow did and manage to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for another week. Lewis actually the most tackles in the game with 17.
With the the win, the Ravens move on to the AFC title game and wait to see where they are headed next: Houston or New England.
P.S. To read about Colin Kaepernick's historic game and the 49ers win over the Packers, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after every game.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Mularkey Fired; Tebow not in Jags Future?
The bunch of Mularkey is gone.
After one season as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Mike Mularkey has been fired. The relatively new owner Shad Khan fired Mularkey to give his new GM David Caldwell a clean slate to work with. Caldwell was introduced as the team's new GM to signify the "out with the old, in with the new" attitude (even though the old was just a year in this case).
On top of this, the possible Tebowmania in Jacksonville was silenced by Caldwell right when he got in the door. Caldwell said about acquiring Tebow "I can't imagine a scenario in which he'll be a Jacksonville Jaguar -- even if he's released." It seems that Shad Khan isn't going to overrule this possibility.
"It's not my decision," Khan said. "I want to do whatever to help this team win. Who the players are is really the general manager's and coaches' -- it's a football-side operation decision. It's really not my decision."
Two careers in Jacksonville done before they even had a chance. Though the Tim Tebow idea maybe a bit more literal in this case. Right now it certainly seems like Khan is going to let the football people decide, a concept lost on Jerry Jones. It's probably the best move for the team in terms of winning but when it comes to publicity and attendance it won't help.
I am not saying that Khan should overrule his newly hired GM because he shouldn't. It just would've been nice to see if a team would get behind Tim Tebow completely. With Jacksonville making these moves, it seems "Tebow's Time" in the NFL might almost be up.
After one season as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Mike Mularkey has been fired. The relatively new owner Shad Khan fired Mularkey to give his new GM David Caldwell a clean slate to work with. Caldwell was introduced as the team's new GM to signify the "out with the old, in with the new" attitude (even though the old was just a year in this case).
On top of this, the possible Tebowmania in Jacksonville was silenced by Caldwell right when he got in the door. Caldwell said about acquiring Tebow "I can't imagine a scenario in which he'll be a Jacksonville Jaguar -- even if he's released." It seems that Shad Khan isn't going to overrule this possibility.
"It's not my decision," Khan said. "I want to do whatever to help this team win. Who the players are is really the general manager's and coaches' -- it's a football-side operation decision. It's really not my decision."
Two careers in Jacksonville done before they even had a chance. Though the Tim Tebow idea maybe a bit more literal in this case. Right now it certainly seems like Khan is going to let the football people decide, a concept lost on Jerry Jones. It's probably the best move for the team in terms of winning but when it comes to publicity and attendance it won't help.
I am not saying that Khan should overrule his newly hired GM because he shouldn't. It just would've been nice to see if a team would get behind Tim Tebow completely. With Jacksonville making these moves, it seems "Tebow's Time" in the NFL might almost be up.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
No One Elected into Baseball HOF (You Can Do That?)
If only we could do this with politicians.
The baseball writers who decide who goes into the Hall of Fame effectively concluded that no one gets in this year. They failed to elect anyone into the HOF for a 2nd time in 4 decades. Notables failing to get in include Barry Bonds (36.3%), Roger Clemens (37.6%), and Sammy Sosa (12.5%), all of which mentioned were on the ballot for the first time. There was also Mike Piazza (57.8%), Curt Schilling (38.8% ironically) and Mark McGwire (16.9%). Craig Biggio with 68.2% of the votes was the closest to get in that didn't. You need 75% of the vote to get in.
On initial tries, the steroid and PED users aren't getting in. Sure, many of them will have plenty of other chances at it but it just seems really bad when some others where there have only been rumors about PED use like Mike Piazza aren't allowed to get in. Eventually, the best of the Steroid Era should be allowed into the HOF. Even in an era of drug use, there were the best of the best. It's way too early to tell if any of them will be enshrined but it would be a real shame if no one gets in two years in a row.
P.S. Let's open the PED Users Hall of Fame. Viagra users need not apply.
The baseball writers who decide who goes into the Hall of Fame effectively concluded that no one gets in this year. They failed to elect anyone into the HOF for a 2nd time in 4 decades. Notables failing to get in include Barry Bonds (36.3%), Roger Clemens (37.6%), and Sammy Sosa (12.5%), all of which mentioned were on the ballot for the first time. There was also Mike Piazza (57.8%), Curt Schilling (38.8% ironically) and Mark McGwire (16.9%). Craig Biggio with 68.2% of the votes was the closest to get in that didn't. You need 75% of the vote to get in.
On initial tries, the steroid and PED users aren't getting in. Sure, many of them will have plenty of other chances at it but it just seems really bad when some others where there have only been rumors about PED use like Mike Piazza aren't allowed to get in. Eventually, the best of the Steroid Era should be allowed into the HOF. Even in an era of drug use, there were the best of the best. It's way too early to tell if any of them will be enshrined but it would be a real shame if no one gets in two years in a row.
P.S. Let's open the PED Users Hall of Fame. Viagra users need not apply.
New Kingdom in Washington?
The Kings could be on the move. After the deal for a new castle fell through a while ago, it seems they have found a new one in a land to the North.... the Pacific Northwest to be more exact. Seattle investor Chris Hansen has approached the Maloofs to buy the Sacramento Kings. The figure in mind is expected to be over $500 million. It would most definitely mean a move to Seattle as Hansen and his group managed to negotiate a deal with the local governments in the city to build a new $490 million arena near the other sports stadiums there. While the deal is not finalized, it is expected to go through.
Is this the end for a professional team in Sacramento? Yes, even though Mayor Kevin Johnson tweeted earlier today "Bottom line Sacramento: it's not over." Someone is in denial. It's especially sad to see this happen when Mayor Johnson and the city tried so many times to keep the Kings in town. It seemingly was bad attendance over the years combined with the fact that the Maloofs where tempted by other destinations. The only difference here is that an outsider wants to buy the team and bring it to his hometown.
So if the deal does go through and the team does move to Seattle starting with the 2013/14 season, will they be renamed the SuperSonics?
Is this the end for a professional team in Sacramento? Yes, even though Mayor Kevin Johnson tweeted earlier today "Bottom line Sacramento: it's not over." Someone is in denial. It's especially sad to see this happen when Mayor Johnson and the city tried so many times to keep the Kings in town. It seemingly was bad attendance over the years combined with the fact that the Maloofs where tempted by other destinations. The only difference here is that an outsider wants to buy the team and bring it to his hometown.
So if the deal does go through and the team does move to Seattle starting with the 2013/14 season, will they be renamed the SuperSonics?
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Armstrong to Go on Oprah
It's a little late for Oprah relevance, Lance.
After rumors that Lance Arnstrong might come forward and admit to the world what France has been screaming about for years, there is now news that Lance will have a tell-all interview with Oprah regarding his alleged PED use. The interview might have happened already but it will be shown on Oprah's network OWN at 9 PM eastern on January 17th.
A potential huge story in the making if Lance admits his drug use during the interview. Potential reasons for admitting drug use now? Everything has gone downhill for Lance. He has been ban from cycling, former teammates are turning on him, "Livestrong" has been replaced with "Chuckstrong" (the cancer charity fights are real bloodbaths). Admission could help bring some of those things back as sports fans can be forgiving people. Baseball players who have admitted their PED use and apologized really don't get hassled for it anymore.
It will certainly be a highly watched interview that might be a turning point in Lance's career and life.
P.S. Maybe we could title this "The Admission."
After rumors that Lance Arnstrong might come forward and admit to the world what France has been screaming about for years, there is now news that Lance will have a tell-all interview with Oprah regarding his alleged PED use. The interview might have happened already but it will be shown on Oprah's network OWN at 9 PM eastern on January 17th.
A potential huge story in the making if Lance admits his drug use during the interview. Potential reasons for admitting drug use now? Everything has gone downhill for Lance. He has been ban from cycling, former teammates are turning on him, "Livestrong" has been replaced with "Chuckstrong" (the cancer charity fights are real bloodbaths). Admission could help bring some of those things back as sports fans can be forgiving people. Baseball players who have admitted their PED use and apologized really don't get hassled for it anymore.
It will certainly be a highly watched interview that might be a turning point in Lance's career and life.
P.S. Maybe we could title this "The Admission."
Alabama Overpowers Notre Dame for the Title
Looks like the Fighting Irish got KO'd before they even threw a punch.
Last night was the illegitimate BCS National Title Game between Notre Dame and Alabama. The Notre Dame haters had been calling the Fighting Irish overrated and not worthy of a title shot and just looking at last night's game makes it harder than ever to shut those guys up. It wasn't anywhere near being a close game. Notre Dame scored their first TD in the 3rd quarter after 5 TD's from Alabama.
Everything was working for Alabama. AJ McCarron threw for 264 yards and 4 TDs, the ground game ran for 265 yards and and 2 TDs, and Alabama had 227 more total yards than Notre Dame (529 to 302). Meanwhile, Notre Dame struggled, especially on the ground game getting only 32 rushing yards on 19 attempts.
Alabama cruises to a victory 42-14 winning their 3rd BCS title and 2nd in a row. It is the 7th straight national title for a SEC team. It is also Nick Saban's 4th national title.
Where the hell is Johnny "Football" when you need it? There is no doubt that Alabama and Nick Saban are in some kind of dynasty right now. You might as well just stop watching college football until Nick Saban is done at Alabama. I have for a while now (that mixed in with a few other reasons).
Still, congratulations to the Crimson Tide on winning another national title.... and also on next year's title and the next one and the next one...
P.S. As you noticed, didn't even bother with any of the other bowl games. I was tempted to skip this one as they all seem meaningless. This one just had more people shouting for no reason.
Last night was the illegitimate BCS National Title Game between Notre Dame and Alabama. The Notre Dame haters had been calling the Fighting Irish overrated and not worthy of a title shot and just looking at last night's game makes it harder than ever to shut those guys up. It wasn't anywhere near being a close game. Notre Dame scored their first TD in the 3rd quarter after 5 TD's from Alabama.
Everything was working for Alabama. AJ McCarron threw for 264 yards and 4 TDs, the ground game ran for 265 yards and and 2 TDs, and Alabama had 227 more total yards than Notre Dame (529 to 302). Meanwhile, Notre Dame struggled, especially on the ground game getting only 32 rushing yards on 19 attempts.
Alabama cruises to a victory 42-14 winning their 3rd BCS title and 2nd in a row. It is the 7th straight national title for a SEC team. It is also Nick Saban's 4th national title.
Where the hell is Johnny "Football" when you need it? There is no doubt that Alabama and Nick Saban are in some kind of dynasty right now. You might as well just stop watching college football until Nick Saban is done at Alabama. I have for a while now (that mixed in with a few other reasons).
Still, congratulations to the Crimson Tide on winning another national title.... and also on next year's title and the next one and the next one...
P.S. As you noticed, didn't even bother with any of the other bowl games. I was tempted to skip this one as they all seem meaningless. This one just had more people shouting for no reason.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Chip Kelly Staying at Oregon
It was Chip Kelly who was the most sought after coach from college after Nick Saban who can't be trusted on anything regarding a potential job. Kelly, however, doesn't like the current NFL possibilities (at least) and says he will stay at Oregon feeling like he must continue falling short of a national title. The Browns and the Eagles expressed interest in Kelly but both teams will have to look elsewhere.
I must commend Kelly either way. With the school being investigated for recruiting violations, he's either innocent or loyal not wanting to abandon his school because of his wrongdoings (Pete Carroll). Sure, he could be trying to work out a pay raise but he probably could've done a bit better in the NFL.
While I do praise him, he is still no Saint. Kelly did listen to coaching offers which means he might reconsider the NFL in the future.
I must commend Kelly either way. With the school being investigated for recruiting violations, he's either innocent or loyal not wanting to abandon his school because of his wrongdoings (Pete Carroll). Sure, he could be trying to work out a pay raise but he probably could've done a bit better in the NFL.
While I do praise him, he is still no Saint. Kelly did listen to coaching offers which means he might reconsider the NFL in the future.
Ravens Win at Home and Seahawks Beat Redskins and Injured RG3
The wild card round of the postseason finished earlier today in the NFL with some great games.
First, the Colts went back to Baltimore to face the Ravens in Ray Lewis' last game at home. Lewis gave the crowd some great dancing throughout and managed to go the distance with his injured arm. The defense played a solid game despite the fact that they were on the field most of the time. They held the Colts and Andrew Luck to just 3 field goals. The Ravens, meanwhile, managed a few touchdowns themselves and won it 24-9. Lewis was in on the last play of the game as Flacco and the offense kneeled it down for the victory.
The 2nd game had the Seahawks going on the road to Washington D.C. to face the Redskins. Seattle got off to a slow start while Robert Griffin III and the 'Skins offense managed to score two touchdowns on their first two possessions. After that, RG3 re-injured his leg again and that offense couldn't do a thing after that. The Seahawks then scored 24 unanswered points throughout the rest of the game. RG3 came out in the 4th quarter after a bad snap fumble lead to his leg buckling. Seahawks win 24-14 and are the only visiting team to win this weekend.
Sunday ends with Russell Wilson being the only rookie QB of the three rookie QB's in the playoffs. You know, the one least talked about during the draft, the season, and the wild card round.
First, the Colts went back to Baltimore to face the Ravens in Ray Lewis' last game at home. Lewis gave the crowd some great dancing throughout and managed to go the distance with his injured arm. The defense played a solid game despite the fact that they were on the field most of the time. They held the Colts and Andrew Luck to just 3 field goals. The Ravens, meanwhile, managed a few touchdowns themselves and won it 24-9. Lewis was in on the last play of the game as Flacco and the offense kneeled it down for the victory.
The 2nd game had the Seahawks going on the road to Washington D.C. to face the Redskins. Seattle got off to a slow start while Robert Griffin III and the 'Skins offense managed to score two touchdowns on their first two possessions. After that, RG3 re-injured his leg again and that offense couldn't do a thing after that. The Seahawks then scored 24 unanswered points throughout the rest of the game. RG3 came out in the 4th quarter after a bad snap fumble lead to his leg buckling. Seahawks win 24-14 and are the only visiting team to win this weekend.
Sunday ends with Russell Wilson being the only rookie QB of the three rookie QB's in the playoffs. You know, the one least talked about during the draft, the season, and the wild card round.
NHL Lockout Coming to an End
It looks like there will be hockey this season. That's a good thing considering when this story broke most people replied "Something happened to Hockey?"
Both the league and the players reached a tentative agreement that was announced early Sunday morning. The proposed collective bargaining agreement is a 10 year deal with a mutual opt out clause after 8 years. Details of the CBA included a focus around revenue sharing as well as contract term limits and contract salary variances from year to year. It is not etched in stone but the proposed dates for the 2012/13 season to begin are either January 15th with a 50 game season or January 19th with a 48 game season.
While it would've been best for the league not to miss a single game, it's still a good sign that they were able to get a deal done and return for a shorter season than none at all back in the 2004/05 lockout. The labor disputes in the NHL are gone for now but this round of bargaining shows that Hockey still has the shakiest labor deals among the four big team sports in North America.
The NHL is now going to go through a condensed season like the NBA did last year which should make things very exciting down stretch.
P.S. Looks like the Sharks have no excuse anymore as to why they won't win the Cup in 2013.
Both the league and the players reached a tentative agreement that was announced early Sunday morning. The proposed collective bargaining agreement is a 10 year deal with a mutual opt out clause after 8 years. Details of the CBA included a focus around revenue sharing as well as contract term limits and contract salary variances from year to year. It is not etched in stone but the proposed dates for the 2012/13 season to begin are either January 15th with a 50 game season or January 19th with a 48 game season.
While it would've been best for the league not to miss a single game, it's still a good sign that they were able to get a deal done and return for a shorter season than none at all back in the 2004/05 lockout. The labor disputes in the NHL are gone for now but this round of bargaining shows that Hockey still has the shakiest labor deals among the four big team sports in North America.
The NHL is now going to go through a condensed season like the NBA did last year which should make things very exciting down stretch.
P.S. Looks like the Sharks have no excuse anymore as to why they won't win the Cup in 2013.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Texans and Packers Winners Saturday
The NFL playoffs started today with two games in the Wild Card round.
The first one featured a rematch from last year's Wild Card round with the Bengals once again making a trip to Houston to take on the Texans. Houston managed to win last year's game and pulled off the same result today. It was a low scoring game throughout and the Bengals offense didn't do much failing to convert all 9 of their 3rd down attempts, only getting 12 first downs compared to Houston's 24, and only having 198 total yards compared to Houston's 420. The Bengals' only TD came off a Leon Hall interception in the 2nd quarter. Cincy's defense might've kept them in the game until the end but their offense didn't have the spark. Houston wins 19-13.
The 2nd game was less exciting despite the match up. After beating the Packers in Minnesota just to get into the postseason, the Vikings now traveled to Green Bay to face the cheeseheads for a 2nd week in a row. This time, however, they had to do it without Christian Ponder at QB. Joe Webb came in off the bench to play having not thrown the ball once this season. On top of that, the Green Bay defense played Adrian Peterson much better allowing him to get just 99 rushing yards on 22 carries. That combined with Joe Webb equaled a Packers win 24-10.
Both home teams win and know who they will face in the next round. The Texans will travel to New England to face the Patriots while the Packers go to the Bay Area to play the 49ers. Both the Texans and the Packers played their upcoming opponents during the regular season. The Pats beat the Texans in week 14 while the 49ers beat the Packers in week 1.
The first one featured a rematch from last year's Wild Card round with the Bengals once again making a trip to Houston to take on the Texans. Houston managed to win last year's game and pulled off the same result today. It was a low scoring game throughout and the Bengals offense didn't do much failing to convert all 9 of their 3rd down attempts, only getting 12 first downs compared to Houston's 24, and only having 198 total yards compared to Houston's 420. The Bengals' only TD came off a Leon Hall interception in the 2nd quarter. Cincy's defense might've kept them in the game until the end but their offense didn't have the spark. Houston wins 19-13.
The 2nd game was less exciting despite the match up. After beating the Packers in Minnesota just to get into the postseason, the Vikings now traveled to Green Bay to face the cheeseheads for a 2nd week in a row. This time, however, they had to do it without Christian Ponder at QB. Joe Webb came in off the bench to play having not thrown the ball once this season. On top of that, the Green Bay defense played Adrian Peterson much better allowing him to get just 99 rushing yards on 22 carries. That combined with Joe Webb equaled a Packers win 24-10.
Both home teams win and know who they will face in the next round. The Texans will travel to New England to face the Patriots while the Packers go to the Bay Area to play the 49ers. Both the Texans and the Packers played their upcoming opponents during the regular season. The Pats beat the Texans in week 14 while the 49ers beat the Packers in week 1.
Demba Ba Scores Two in Chelsea Debut
The Chelsea season hasn't gone so well on the international level and is starting to take a bad turn on the domestic level. A way to avoid further bad news is get some new talent.
The new striker's name is 27 year old Demba Ba. Yes, apparently Fernando Torres hasn't been enough for them. Ba came from Newcastle United for a undisclosed fee. While playing for Newcastle, he managed to score 13 goals in 19 premier league games.
As for his debut with Chelsea, it went very well. Playing on the road vs Southampton, Chelsea managed to get a great win to advance in the FA Cup. While Southampton may have scored first, it was Demba Ba that started off the scoring for the Blues. BA scored off of Juan Mata's effort in the 35' to tie the game. He would later tack on another goal to make it a 3 goal lead. Ba would finish with two goals on the evening, one just short of a hat trick. Chelsea won by a final of 5-1.
The debut for Ba couldn't have gone much better. While certainly getting further in the FA Cup should please the fans, it's making sure that Chelsea finishes in the top four of the Premier League that really interests them. They are currently ranked 4th in the league with 38 points while Everton is on their heels two points behind. Will Ba be enough for the Blues in the EPL?
P.S. Fernando Torres has only 7 goals in 20 EPL games. Maybe that's why he didn't play against Southampton.
The new striker's name is 27 year old Demba Ba. Yes, apparently Fernando Torres hasn't been enough for them. Ba came from Newcastle United for a undisclosed fee. While playing for Newcastle, he managed to score 13 goals in 19 premier league games.
As for his debut with Chelsea, it went very well. Playing on the road vs Southampton, Chelsea managed to get a great win to advance in the FA Cup. While Southampton may have scored first, it was Demba Ba that started off the scoring for the Blues. BA scored off of Juan Mata's effort in the 35' to tie the game. He would later tack on another goal to make it a 3 goal lead. Ba would finish with two goals on the evening, one just short of a hat trick. Chelsea won by a final of 5-1.
The debut for Ba couldn't have gone much better. While certainly getting further in the FA Cup should please the fans, it's making sure that Chelsea finishes in the top four of the Premier League that really interests them. They are currently ranked 4th in the league with 38 points while Everton is on their heels two points behind. Will Ba be enough for the Blues in the EPL?
P.S. Fernando Torres has only 7 goals in 20 EPL games. Maybe that's why he didn't play against Southampton.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Reid Goes to the Chiefs
The money was on Arizona and yet it turned up Kansas City.
After being let go by the Eagles on Monday, Andy Reid has reached on agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their next head coach. It took a bit to sort out the details of the contract and to fire Scott Pioli as GM so that Andy Reid could have his own guy in there but the deal got done. Reid's unemployment didn't last long as he now has the task of turning around the worst team in the league. He has the entire off season and the #1 pick in the draft to work with.
Looks like Andy Reid knows where to go. The AFC West is easier to navigate than the NFC West making Kansas City truly the more luring option. Sure, Reid has to turnaround the Chiefs coming off one of their worst seasons ever but he managed to turn around the Eagles when he first took over that team. More likely than not, next year will be seen as an improved year anyway.
As for the Cardinals, have you tried petitioning to move into another division?
P.S. Thanks for reading, Andy.
After being let go by the Eagles on Monday, Andy Reid has reached on agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their next head coach. It took a bit to sort out the details of the contract and to fire Scott Pioli as GM so that Andy Reid could have his own guy in there but the deal got done. Reid's unemployment didn't last long as he now has the task of turning around the worst team in the league. He has the entire off season and the #1 pick in the draft to work with.
Looks like Andy Reid knows where to go. The AFC West is easier to navigate than the NFC West making Kansas City truly the more luring option. Sure, Reid has to turnaround the Chiefs coming off one of their worst seasons ever but he managed to turn around the Eagles when he first took over that team. More likely than not, next year will be seen as an improved year anyway.
As for the Cardinals, have you tried petitioning to move into another division?
P.S. Thanks for reading, Andy.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Andy's Choice... So Easy (Yet Please Reconsider)
Andy Reid gone from the Eagles means that a team will scoop him up and hire him as their next head coach. The two most likely destinations at this point for Reid is either Arizona or Kansas City. Reid will likely choose a spot very soon... hopefully not too soon as for no one to be interested in this post. Both KC and Arizona have just fired head coaches themselves with the Chiefs letting Romeo Crennel go while the Cardinals dumped Ken Whisenhunt.
Where would Andy Reid be most comfortable? It would be very tempting to say Arizona but I could make a good argument for Kansas City instead. It really has to do with strength of the division (and possibly the conference). Arizona might be alluring with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald but you have to think about how strong the NFC West is right now and how strong it will stay for the foreseeable future. With young guns of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson being the competing QB's along with great defenses behind them, how well do you think the Cardinals are suited for all of that? Andy knows the ins and outs of a strong division and how uncertain it can be.
So why not Kansas City and the AFC West instead? While Peyton Manning and the Broncos might be kings there now, age catches up to everyone and who's to say how long Manning can delay father time's arrival? You also have to look at the fact that the AFC West has no strong #2 team. The Chargers have the next best record in that division at 7-9 and while there is uncertainty to how well Philip Rivers can play under a new coach, you have to think without viable targets to throw to his career might be in decline.
Despite my attempts to try and sway Andy Reid, he will probably end up in Arizona. The Cardinals are more suited to passing the ball as opposed to the Chiefs who are currently built more for the run at the moment. Kansas City might have the #1 pick in the draft but it's a year too late for maximum value. Seeing the QB class lacking in the draft, Reid will likely choose the Cardinals over the Chiefs.
P.S. Hey, who says you have to keep that draft pick? Why doesn't Andy join the Chiefs and then trade the #1 pick to Seattle for Matt Flynn and some extra picks? It would be a development project for a bit but it could work.
P.P.S. Yes, I am really trying to think of ways to convince Andy to go elsewhere.
Where would Andy Reid be most comfortable? It would be very tempting to say Arizona but I could make a good argument for Kansas City instead. It really has to do with strength of the division (and possibly the conference). Arizona might be alluring with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald but you have to think about how strong the NFC West is right now and how strong it will stay for the foreseeable future. With young guns of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson being the competing QB's along with great defenses behind them, how well do you think the Cardinals are suited for all of that? Andy knows the ins and outs of a strong division and how uncertain it can be.
So why not Kansas City and the AFC West instead? While Peyton Manning and the Broncos might be kings there now, age catches up to everyone and who's to say how long Manning can delay father time's arrival? You also have to look at the fact that the AFC West has no strong #2 team. The Chargers have the next best record in that division at 7-9 and while there is uncertainty to how well Philip Rivers can play under a new coach, you have to think without viable targets to throw to his career might be in decline.
Despite my attempts to try and sway Andy Reid, he will probably end up in Arizona. The Cardinals are more suited to passing the ball as opposed to the Chiefs who are currently built more for the run at the moment. Kansas City might have the #1 pick in the draft but it's a year too late for maximum value. Seeing the QB class lacking in the draft, Reid will likely choose the Cardinals over the Chiefs.
P.S. Hey, who says you have to keep that draft pick? Why doesn't Andy join the Chiefs and then trade the #1 pick to Seattle for Matt Flynn and some extra picks? It would be a development project for a bit but it could work.
P.P.S. Yes, I am really trying to think of ways to convince Andy to go elsewhere.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Ray Lewis to Retire After Season
Looks like the New Year's resolution of Ray Lewis involves retirement.
The great career of Ray Lewis is coming to an end. One of the greatest defensive players of all time will retire after this season ends. Ray Lewis has told his team "this will be my last ride." It is still uncertain whether or not Ray Lewis will play in this Sunday against the Colts in a wild card which might be his last chance to play in front of the Baltimore crowd.
After 17 seasons in the NFL, the 13 time pro bowler will hang up the cleats. In hindsight, it's now a real shame that torn triceps have kept him out for most of the season. While the team will certainly want to try to give Ray a parting Super Bowl ring before he leaves them, Baltimore hasn't been playing well heading into these playoffs losing 4 of their last 5 games (though the last one didn't really mean anything to them).
Whether Ray Lewis plays or not Sunday, this upcoming Wild Card game will certainly turn into part appreciation night for all he has lead the team through over the last 17 years including a Super Bowl back in January of 2001.
The great career of Ray Lewis is coming to an end. One of the greatest defensive players of all time will retire after this season ends. Ray Lewis has told his team "this will be my last ride." It is still uncertain whether or not Ray Lewis will play in this Sunday against the Colts in a wild card which might be his last chance to play in front of the Baltimore crowd.
After 17 seasons in the NFL, the 13 time pro bowler will hang up the cleats. In hindsight, it's now a real shame that torn triceps have kept him out for most of the season. While the team will certainly want to try to give Ray a parting Super Bowl ring before he leaves them, Baltimore hasn't been playing well heading into these playoffs losing 4 of their last 5 games (though the last one didn't really mean anything to them).
Whether Ray Lewis plays or not Sunday, this upcoming Wild Card game will certainly turn into part appreciation night for all he has lead the team through over the last 17 years including a Super Bowl back in January of 2001.
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