Probably my favorite story all year. So much so, that the blog is back.... for now.
US Federal charges have been unveiled against 14 people, including nine former or current FIFA officials for several counts of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. FIFA officials are accused of taking more than $150 Million in bribes and in return provided "lucrative media and marketing rights" to soccer tournaments as kickbacks over the past 24 years.
The next step is extraditing the arrested parties from Switzerland to the US to face charges.
Bribery accusations have haunted FIFA in recent years (or decades) but the move by the US Justice Department is a first as the major world power is attempting to hold the largest Sports Group in the world accountable for their illegal and immoral actions.
So far, the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has not been formally charged with anything despite being heavily implicated as being the master mind running the show. Ironically, Blatter's re-election bid is Friday (don't forget to VOTE!!!), an election that some within FIFA and it's various organizations will want to delay.
You have to admire the step the Justice Department is taking with FIFA. No corporation (let's call a spade a spade) may be as international as FIFA and the US is taking them on and trying to clean up the world sport... a sport which somehow finds itself behind golf in US viewership. (Golf, still not a sport btw).
I am no legal analyst (but I do play one on this blog) but I'm skeptical that this will actually change anything at least in the short term. I hope the Dominoes fall and officials turn on each other for leaner sentences and all that but FIFA still is a corporation and like every company they will unleash their army of Attorneys to help them out.
But lets be optimistic for the time being. Best case scenario, Blatter is charged, these accused officials and several more go down, and the 2018 and 2022 World Cup Winning Bids will be revoked meaning new locations will have to be chosen.
Again, that's best case scenario... along with me losing another 100 lbs. after winning the lottery and marrying Scarlett Johansson.
P.S. Okay, maybe not Russia getting revoked since it's three years away but Qatar at least. It's a desert for heaven's sake. They had to re-schedule for the winter because of the heat in the Summer. An issue they overlooked... BECAUSE THEY WERE BRIBED!!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Sunday, July 13, 2014
GERMANY BEATS ARGENTINA IN EXTRA TIME, WINS 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP!!!
All eyes were on Rio as the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final took place between Germany and Argentina.
For 90 minutes, Argentina learned from Brazil's mistakes against Germany in the semis and managed to shut down the attack. Unfortunately for them, this took away from their own attack as well. Each side had their chances but to no avail as the 90 minutes ended still 0-0.
It would be in extra time in the 113' where the tie would be broken. Just minutes away from penalties, Mario Gotze managed to control a cross from German teammate Andre Schurrle and hit the ball into the back of the net putting Germany up 1-0 and becoming a national hero.
The Germans then held on defensively and managed to clinch the victory and their 4th World Cup Title.
An amazing game and tournament for Germany who just dominated almost every match they were in. From beginning to end, they were certainly the top club in this tournament.
Germany also becomes the first European team to win the World Cup in South America.
Argentina falls short but certainly had their moments in this tournament. Messi dominated many of them and managed to be named best player in the tournament. A consolation prize that I'm sure he would like to exchange for another trip to the Final in four years time.
As for the entirety of the tournament, it was certainly worth the wait. There were shockers like Spain being eliminated in the group stage and Brazil getting dismantled by Germany. There were stars being born like James Rodriguez of Colombia. There was even history made as Germany's Miroslav Klose scored 16th career goal at the World Cup passing Ronaldo of Brazil's 15 for most all time.
And then there's the US who actually managed to get out of the group stage for a second time in a row, something that has never been done before. Sure we were eliminated in the Round of 16 like last time but it seems like the team itself is getting a bit better.
Congrats to Germany on winning the World Cup. The best team certainly won.
P.S. Okay, reset the countdown clock. Only 1426 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. DOSVEDANYA, COMRADES!!!
For 90 minutes, Argentina learned from Brazil's mistakes against Germany in the semis and managed to shut down the attack. Unfortunately for them, this took away from their own attack as well. Each side had their chances but to no avail as the 90 minutes ended still 0-0.
It would be in extra time in the 113' where the tie would be broken. Just minutes away from penalties, Mario Gotze managed to control a cross from German teammate Andre Schurrle and hit the ball into the back of the net putting Germany up 1-0 and becoming a national hero.
The Germans then held on defensively and managed to clinch the victory and their 4th World Cup Title.
An amazing game and tournament for Germany who just dominated almost every match they were in. From beginning to end, they were certainly the top club in this tournament.
Germany also becomes the first European team to win the World Cup in South America.
Argentina falls short but certainly had their moments in this tournament. Messi dominated many of them and managed to be named best player in the tournament. A consolation prize that I'm sure he would like to exchange for another trip to the Final in four years time.
As for the entirety of the tournament, it was certainly worth the wait. There were shockers like Spain being eliminated in the group stage and Brazil getting dismantled by Germany. There were stars being born like James Rodriguez of Colombia. There was even history made as Germany's Miroslav Klose scored 16th career goal at the World Cup passing Ronaldo of Brazil's 15 for most all time.
And then there's the US who actually managed to get out of the group stage for a second time in a row, something that has never been done before. Sure we were eliminated in the Round of 16 like last time but it seems like the team itself is getting a bit better.
Congrats to Germany on winning the World Cup. The best team certainly won.
P.S. Okay, reset the countdown clock. Only 1426 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. DOSVEDANYA, COMRADES!!!
Saturday, July 12, 2014
More NBA Free Agency News (Other than LeBron to Cavs)
The first domino falls and a bunch of others fall with it.
Several prominent NBA players made their attentions clear after LeBron chose to go back home to Cleveland. First, LeBron's now ex-teammate Chris Bosh has decided to stay with the Miami Heat favoring a 5 year $118 million contract over going to Rockets. He will presumably now represent the Dynamic Duo of Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami providing that Wade chooses to stay.
Another player also decided to stay where he is for the time being. Reports have begun circulating that Carmelo Anthony's representatives are talking to the Knicks about a new contract after informing the Bulls that they are out of the Melo sweepstakes. Melo will stay in the Big Apple.
There is one player that is on the move and it's Pau Gasol. He's agreed to go to Chicago to become part of the Bulls. Not official yet as the Bulls still have make cap space in order to get Pau.
A lot to talk about with these moves and decisions. First, Bosh in Miami (presumably with Wade) keeps the Heat in the playoff picture but little else. LeBron was the driving force of that team and without him pulling them along in the playoffs and actually going against them, they won't get far.
As for Melo, most likely staying in New York for the money. Sure, he might want to win titles and maybe he believes that Phil Jackson will get the right people around him but for the time being, no one around the league will believe he wants championships over money. Now take significantly less money in order to get some decent players...
With Pau going to Chicago, he's better than Carlos Boozer and is certainly an upgrade but won't likely get them any closer to winning a championship. A healthy non-injury prone Derrick Rose is the only one that can do that for them.
More moves are certainly to come with one of them being the Lakers still searching for a head coach. Hopefully whoever the team wants to lead them can pass the most important test of all: Kobe's approval.
Several prominent NBA players made their attentions clear after LeBron chose to go back home to Cleveland. First, LeBron's now ex-teammate Chris Bosh has decided to stay with the Miami Heat favoring a 5 year $118 million contract over going to Rockets. He will presumably now represent the Dynamic Duo of Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami providing that Wade chooses to stay.
Another player also decided to stay where he is for the time being. Reports have begun circulating that Carmelo Anthony's representatives are talking to the Knicks about a new contract after informing the Bulls that they are out of the Melo sweepstakes. Melo will stay in the Big Apple.
There is one player that is on the move and it's Pau Gasol. He's agreed to go to Chicago to become part of the Bulls. Not official yet as the Bulls still have make cap space in order to get Pau.
A lot to talk about with these moves and decisions. First, Bosh in Miami (presumably with Wade) keeps the Heat in the playoff picture but little else. LeBron was the driving force of that team and without him pulling them along in the playoffs and actually going against them, they won't get far.
As for Melo, most likely staying in New York for the money. Sure, he might want to win titles and maybe he believes that Phil Jackson will get the right people around him but for the time being, no one around the league will believe he wants championships over money. Now take significantly less money in order to get some decent players...
With Pau going to Chicago, he's better than Carlos Boozer and is certainly an upgrade but won't likely get them any closer to winning a championship. A healthy non-injury prone Derrick Rose is the only one that can do that for them.
More moves are certainly to come with one of them being the Lakers still searching for a head coach. Hopefully whoever the team wants to lead them can pass the most important test of all: Kobe's approval.
Friday, July 11, 2014
The Prodigal King Returns
In the summer of 2010, LeBron James broke everyone's heart in Cleveland on national television by choosing the Heat over the Cavaliers. He then went on to win a couple of titles and went to the Finals in all four years. Now the King is coming back to his castle (to kick out that usurper known as Johnny Football).
SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).
Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.
Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.
For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.
P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.
SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).
Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.
Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.
For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.
P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.
Friday, June 13, 2014
STILL GOOD TO BE THE KINGS!!!!
Time to hail the Kings once more.
Game five of the Stanley Cup Finals went into double overtime with both the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings getting extremely tired. Neither Henrik Lundqvist or Jonathan Quick were giving in. Then with just over 5 minutes left in the 2nd OT, Alec Martinez becomes the hero of Los Angeles. Teammate Tyler Toffoli takes a shot on goal which deflects off Lundqvist and Martinez is there for the rebound and shoots the puck into the open net. Kings win it 3-2 and take the series 4-1.
What a series it was and what a series it could've been. Rangers could've easily taken either of the first two games of the series and instead the Kings come back from 2-0 deficits and win those games. Even in this game in the overtimes, it could gone the other way if not for some shots off the posts and Slava Voynov saving one for Quick with his stick.
Lord Stanley's Cup comes back to LA for the 2nd time in 3 years. Justin Williams is named the Conn Smythe trophy winner having recorded 9 goals and a total of 25 points during the postseason. Meanwhile, the Rangers, who had gotten back to the Stanley Cup Finals since winning it all in 1994, go back to the Big Apple with a lot of what ifs surrounding their performance in this series.
Congrats to the Kings of the NHL.
Game five of the Stanley Cup Finals went into double overtime with both the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings getting extremely tired. Neither Henrik Lundqvist or Jonathan Quick were giving in. Then with just over 5 minutes left in the 2nd OT, Alec Martinez becomes the hero of Los Angeles. Teammate Tyler Toffoli takes a shot on goal which deflects off Lundqvist and Martinez is there for the rebound and shoots the puck into the open net. Kings win it 3-2 and take the series 4-1.
What a series it was and what a series it could've been. Rangers could've easily taken either of the first two games of the series and instead the Kings come back from 2-0 deficits and win those games. Even in this game in the overtimes, it could gone the other way if not for some shots off the posts and Slava Voynov saving one for Quick with his stick.
Lord Stanley's Cup comes back to LA for the 2nd time in 3 years. Justin Williams is named the Conn Smythe trophy winner having recorded 9 goals and a total of 25 points during the postseason. Meanwhile, the Rangers, who had gotten back to the Stanley Cup Finals since winning it all in 1994, go back to the Big Apple with a lot of what ifs surrounding their performance in this series.
Congrats to the Kings of the NHL.
Netherlands Get Revenge Against Spain
So glad the World Cup is back. Happier that those vuvuzelas are not part of it.
What was supposed to be the match of the day was Spain vs. Netherlands featuring the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup. It was a great match for a while with it being tied 1-1 at the half. Then the Dutch got out in front with a goal by Arjen Robben and just started to run away with. Stefan de Vrij then scored in the 65' followed by another goal by Robin Van Persie in the 72' and then another for Arjen Robben in the 80'. The Netherlands win by a final of 5-1.
Not exactly the start Spain was hoping for in the defense of their world title. Meanwhile, the Dutch seemed like a team with a purpose and that was simply revenge. Attached to proving they're a team to be reckoned with in this tournament.
Other games of the day included Mexico getting a 1-0 win over Cameroon which should've been 3-0 but whatever. And then Chile getting a 3-1 win over Australia.
Four World Cup games set for tomorrow including England vs Italy.
What was supposed to be the match of the day was Spain vs. Netherlands featuring the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup. It was a great match for a while with it being tied 1-1 at the half. Then the Dutch got out in front with a goal by Arjen Robben and just started to run away with. Stefan de Vrij then scored in the 65' followed by another goal by Robin Van Persie in the 72' and then another for Arjen Robben in the 80'. The Netherlands win by a final of 5-1.
Not exactly the start Spain was hoping for in the defense of their world title. Meanwhile, the Dutch seemed like a team with a purpose and that was simply revenge. Attached to proving they're a team to be reckoned with in this tournament.
Other games of the day included Mexico getting a 1-0 win over Cameroon which should've been 3-0 but whatever. And then Chile getting a 3-1 win over Australia.
Four World Cup games set for tomorrow including England vs Italy.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
SEAHAWKS BLOWOUT BRONCOS AND WIN SUPER BOWL!!! WHY?!?!?!?!
If someone told me before this one started that the winner would blow the other team out of the Hudson, I would've put every penny I had on the Broncos. Thankfully, I don't bet and I take my meds so the voices don't come to me like they use to.
Unfortunately, I sat there and watched the Seahawks dominate Super Bowl XLVIII winning by a final of 43-8 over the Broncos. Offense wins games and sets records, but Defense still wins Championships.
The key of the game was turnovers. Well, before that was a bad snap by the Broncos leading to a safety to start the game off. But still, it was turnovers that got to Peyton Manning and the Offense. Four total turnovers committed by the Broncos leading to 21 points off of turnovers by the Seahawks, including the 69 yard interception for a touchdown by Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith late in the 2nd quarter.
Thankfully, the Broncos did score a touchdown as the 3rd quarter ended with a 14 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. But even after the successful two point conversion, they were still down by 28.
Seattle would score the final points of the game with Doug Baldwin catching a 10 yard TD pass. early in the 4th quarter. A few more possessions where neither teams did anything and the game was over.
Certainly Seattle's defense dominated this game but a nice job by Russell Wilson and Seahawks' offense. A balanced offense with key 3rd downs being converted went a long way. Also, a couple of Harvin designed runs threw Denver's defense off from the start. Not to mention that Kick Off return for a TD to start the 2nd half off.
Congrats to the Seahawks and the 12th man for winning their 1st Lombardi Trophy. They certainly were the best team of 2013.
P.S. I guess I'm not picking the Broncos for 2014. Sorry Van.
Unfortunately, I sat there and watched the Seahawks dominate Super Bowl XLVIII winning by a final of 43-8 over the Broncos. Offense wins games and sets records, but Defense still wins Championships.
The key of the game was turnovers. Well, before that was a bad snap by the Broncos leading to a safety to start the game off. But still, it was turnovers that got to Peyton Manning and the Offense. Four total turnovers committed by the Broncos leading to 21 points off of turnovers by the Seahawks, including the 69 yard interception for a touchdown by Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith late in the 2nd quarter.
Thankfully, the Broncos did score a touchdown as the 3rd quarter ended with a 14 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. But even after the successful two point conversion, they were still down by 28.
Seattle would score the final points of the game with Doug Baldwin catching a 10 yard TD pass. early in the 4th quarter. A few more possessions where neither teams did anything and the game was over.
Certainly Seattle's defense dominated this game but a nice job by Russell Wilson and Seahawks' offense. A balanced offense with key 3rd downs being converted went a long way. Also, a couple of Harvin designed runs threw Denver's defense off from the start. Not to mention that Kick Off return for a TD to start the 2nd half off.
Congrats to the Seahawks and the 12th man for winning their 1st Lombardi Trophy. They certainly were the best team of 2013.
P.S. I guess I'm not picking the Broncos for 2014. Sorry Van.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)