These were the words that Brett Favre uttered to himself while once again lying on the ground after a 300 pound lineman took him to the turf. As a Vikings fan, I do not want to hear words like this coming from my quarterback, no matter how much i dislike him. I am a Vikings fan through and through no matter who is my quarterback...even Brett Favre. But having said that it is time for Brett "Flip Flop" Favre to take a permanent vacation away from the NFL, before he dies. I have not watched a Vikings game for the last three weeks because I cant stand that Brett Favre is not playing because he loves the game anymore, he wants to play so he can prove to everyone that despite his age, injuries, and stupidity, that he still gives the Vikings there best chance to win. This is garbage, he can barely move, every time he gets hit it takes about an hour for Favre to pull himself off the turf. It just kills me to see him throw interception after interception because he does not know when to just take the sack and hold onto the ball. Let me speak to Brett Favre himself, your time is up old man, you keep holding on hoping that you will have one game that will make up for the crap you have put us through the last year and a half, well guess what its not gonna help, your washed up and need to realize it. Go spend some time with your hot wife and daughter and let this franchise move on.
Now that I have destroyed Brett Favre, let me convince everyone why Tavaris Jackson needs to be the starter...because HE GIVES US THE BEST CHANCE TO WIN, not Favre. Let's start with the fact that he is almost half Favre's age. He is young and mobile, much more less susceptible to injuries, and wont crumble to the turf after every hit. In 2008 when T-Jack had the opportunity to start 8 games he ended that season with 1000 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, but immediately got shoved to the back when The Relic came to town. I don't think Jackson has gotten his chance to shine in the NFL yet, he has so much potential and his ceiling is high. The Viking fans love Tavaris, especially when he running down the field because they know Favre couldn't and wouldn't do that.
It is time for a change in Minnesota, Favre had his fun, ruined me as a fan, and now needs to move on and leave us alone. I dont know how Packer fans put up with this for so long...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
College Football!
You know how excited I am that school is here, even though i am done with college. Because that means college football is here again! This is one of the greatest weekends ever because games stretch on from Thursday all the way until Monday, and on Saturday you can lay on the couch from 9 am until almost midnight, does that not sound like the best day ever? I have been watching all weekend, and even though I know I havent done anything, I still feel a sense of accomplishment. I cheered on my team even though it might have been the worst game we have ever played, and you know what, I dont care, I will watch them again and again. Thats what is great about college football, even if your team loses, next week it all starts again.
And there is nothing like college football, where else can you get a city, state, or country so pumped about one thing, every Saturday for months. The pride that comes with seeing your schools first game is something that cannot be duplicated anytime. Whether it is win or lose you know your school is trying with all their talent, and for that you should be proud. This is the time when you can identify with your team as "we", and place all your hopes on a team of your peers.
I know there are people out there who are bandwagon fans, and I say shame on them. They love their team, they say "we" when they talk about their team, but once they lose they call for the coaches head and say "they". I do not want to name universities where this happens, but lets say they are in close proximity to where I attended college. These people do not have as much pride, they cut their ties to their football team because they do not like to see the losing.
Not everyone feels the same way I do, but there is no better time of year than early September, the leaves change and the football fly. Pride is deep, and university colors become the colors you bleed.
And there is nothing like college football, where else can you get a city, state, or country so pumped about one thing, every Saturday for months. The pride that comes with seeing your schools first game is something that cannot be duplicated anytime. Whether it is win or lose you know your school is trying with all their talent, and for that you should be proud. This is the time when you can identify with your team as "we", and place all your hopes on a team of your peers.
I know there are people out there who are bandwagon fans, and I say shame on them. They love their team, they say "we" when they talk about their team, but once they lose they call for the coaches head and say "they". I do not want to name universities where this happens, but lets say they are in close proximity to where I attended college. These people do not have as much pride, they cut their ties to their football team because they do not like to see the losing.
Not everyone feels the same way I do, but there is no better time of year than early September, the leaves change and the football fly. Pride is deep, and university colors become the colors you bleed.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
NBA Free Agency
The last week in the NBA has been crazy to say the least. And the NBA has changed for the next few years anyway. As many of you have heard, the Miami Heat won the free agency competition, if you can call it that, by signing three superstars who are at the top of their games. Dwayne Wade, who has been favorably compared to Michael Jordan, Chris Bosh, who will give you 20-10 night in and night out, and LeBron James, arguably the most athletic and dominate player in the game right now. But in the last few days there has been so much talk about if this is enough for the Heat to win a championship, since they have three superstars making pretty much the maximum amount they can, doesn't leave the Heat much money to sign players to build around "The Trio". Now I do not agree with this at all, these three I think, can win a championship next year. They have the talent to win, they can play defense, obviously they can score, and even if the Heat just put a few players around them with any trace of talent, they are going to win. Just look what Wade did with the Heat last year when they basically had no talent, he single-handedly took them to the playoffs, and now with this talent they easily can win it all.
I did not watch the LeBron special when he announced his intentions to play in South Beach. But from what I have heard some consider it a success, while some thought it was just a publicity stunt to get The King more TV time. I tend to think along with the latter, it was an hour special, proceeded by a three hour SportsCenter. Three hours! to talk about the same topics, make the same predictions, and talk to the same guests over and over again. So James had an hour special for a decision that would literally take 15 seconds to announce. The word before the special was that he would announce in the first ten minutes, but from what I have read it took him almost half an hour to do it. This to me screams attention more than just letting people know where you are gonna play basketball. Bill Simmons, the NBA Sports Guy, wrote a great article about this topic, and I tend to agree with him Link.
This is a giant turning point for the NBA, it could really booster the reputation of the league back up again, or people could lose more interest because it is starting to look like baseball, with certain teams becoming like the Yankees. It also is up to the NBA brass to try as hard as they can to make sure the league does feed off this next year, and they try and boost the leagues image.
And I just wanna say that before this I was on the Miami bandwagon, so I am not just jumping on now, I was already on, because I think Dwayne Wade is the best player in the league, but we will see what happens, this is going to be an interesting year for the NBA.
I did not watch the LeBron special when he announced his intentions to play in South Beach. But from what I have heard some consider it a success, while some thought it was just a publicity stunt to get The King more TV time. I tend to think along with the latter, it was an hour special, proceeded by a three hour SportsCenter. Three hours! to talk about the same topics, make the same predictions, and talk to the same guests over and over again. So James had an hour special for a decision that would literally take 15 seconds to announce. The word before the special was that he would announce in the first ten minutes, but from what I have read it took him almost half an hour to do it. This to me screams attention more than just letting people know where you are gonna play basketball. Bill Simmons, the NBA Sports Guy, wrote a great article about this topic, and I tend to agree with him Link.
This is a giant turning point for the NBA, it could really booster the reputation of the league back up again, or people could lose more interest because it is starting to look like baseball, with certain teams becoming like the Yankees. It also is up to the NBA brass to try as hard as they can to make sure the league does feed off this next year, and they try and boost the leagues image.
And I just wanna say that before this I was on the Miami bandwagon, so I am not just jumping on now, I was already on, because I think Dwayne Wade is the best player in the league, but we will see what happens, this is going to be an interesting year for the NBA.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
2010 NBA Draft
Since I did my own version of the NFL draft, and with the NBA draft coming up tomorrow, I thought I would lend my own opinion to this annual event. Now let me say, that even if I get some wrong, don't hold that against me, I don't have all the time in the world to sit and research haha, but I will try my best! And this is just round one, because I dont have time to do two rounds.
1. Washington Wizards John Wall-This is a no brainer, and has been since Wall first stepped onto the court for Kentucky and owned the SEC. Wall is a tall point guard, lightning fast, but does need to work on his jumpshot.
2. Philadelphia 76er's Even Turner-even though the Sixers have Andre Igoudala at shooting guard, if Turner can put on a little more weight he could play the 3. Turner is an all around player, athletic, and smart, but does need to work on his decision making and rebounding.
3. New Jersey Nets Derrick Favors-after finishing the season will almost the wort record ever in the NBA the Nets will just be happy to get anybody but Favors will help them out right away. He is NBA ready physically, he has great post moves around the basket, and is a freak athlete, but some question his work ethic and character, which is huge in draft.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves Wesley Johnson-I think with the Wolves lack of depth at the 3, they go with Johnson who can play that spot. Johnson is a athlete, has a great jumper, and is smart, but needs to add some more weight to take the physical play of the NBA.
5. Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins-I think with the lack of talent in the front court for the Kings they have to go Cousins, he is talented and athletic for his size, but some questions that come up are about his work ethic, and his weight.
6. Golden State Warriors Greg Monroe-With one of the best young backcourts in the NBA in Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, the Warriors upgrade the front court with Monroe. He is super athletic, great feet and a great jump shot, but does take plays off once in a while.
7. Detroit Pistons Ed Davis-The Pistons have no frontcourt height, with Ben Wallace playing center at 6'8", and Davis is tall. He is athletic, has very long arms, comes from a basketball family. But only played a few games his sophmore year so a small sample of what he can do is seen.
8. Los Angeles Clippers Ekpe Udoh-After taking Blake Griffin last year and him never playing a minute, the Clippers want someone who can actually play. Udoh has a very long wing span, athletic, and a great rebounder, but is not very efficient and is still a little raw talent wise.
9. Utah Jazz Luke Babbitt-Utah could be looking for a younger Carlos Boozer, but they cant pass up Babbitt. He is a very capable scorer, not an elite athlete, but is a very craft scorer and will find many different ways to score.
10. Indiana Pacers Al Farouq Aminu-Once my favorite team, the Pacers have fallen into a funk since Reggie Miller and Jermaine O'Neal left. Aminu is a very good rebounder, and gets a lot of points off offensive rebounds, not a tremendous athlete, but good enough to play the 3.
11. New Orleans Hornets Xavier Henry- The Hornets really have no set 2 player, and Henry proved his one year at Kansas that he is ready for the NBA physically. Does not have the greatest shot but is improving, and plays very smart basketball.
12. Memphis Grizzlies Gordon Hayward-The Grizzlies are a very, very young team, and need a mature player in this draft. Hayward is not going to start right away but can play serious minutes, he is a smart player, great shooter, and the world fell in love with him during Butlers NCAA run last year.
13. Toronto Raptors Patrick Patterson-This pick is based on the fact that I do not think Chris Bosh will be a Raptor next year. Patterson is a great player, very strong, very quick feet for his size, but needs to work on his outside game.
14. Houston Rockets Paul George-The Rockets really need a good strong center but cant pass up George falling this far. He has shot up draft boards in the last few months, comes from a non powerhouse school, but is athletic and has a amazing work ethic.
Whew! Half way done, hang with me, its gets better.
15. Milwaukee Bucks Cole Aldrich-The Bucks have no size, and no true center on the team and Aldrich is both those things. He is a awesome rebounder, a great shot blocker, and is mobile but not athletic, a bog body inside.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves Solomon Alabi-The Timberwolves went with Johnson with their first pick, and now match him with a big center. Alabi has a great NBA frame but needs to add a little more weight, but is still very athletic for his size, raw but has a very high ceiling.
17. Chicago Bulls Daniel Orton-This highly decorated franchise needs to get back to its original championship form. They need some size on the front line, and while I think its a reach Orton is the man. He only averaged 9 minutes and 3 points for Kentucky, but he is a big body and moves well for his size.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder Hassan Whiteside-The Thunder are also a very young team and have looked for a center to hold down the middle for them, Whiteside could be that guy. Has the longest wingspan of anyone in the draft, and still has room to put weight on. A great defender and shot blocker, raw offensively still.
19. Boston Celtics Larry Sanders-I have read that Boston is looking to shop this pick but if they keep it, its time to look for a replacement for KG , he is gettin seasoned. Sanders is freakishly athletic with a long wingspan and can score a number of ways, but some question his defensive prowess.
20. San Antonio Spurs Damion James-This is the type of player that the Spurs love to draft, like with DeJuan Blair last year, that two position player. Jones is a hybrid 3-4, and is very athletic, and a smart player, but his work ethic is in question.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder Quincy Pondexter-After taking Whiteside to fill the middle, the Thunder need a 3 to back up Kevin Durant. Pondexter really exploded his senior season and scores in a number of ways, also very athletic, but needs to work on his consistency.
22. Portland Trailblazers Kevin Seraphin-The Blazers love their international players, and this year is no exception. Seraphin is athletic and physically is the perfect NBA specimen, but is still very raw offensively.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves Jordan Crawford-With all the front court help the Wolves have got in this draft they need to address the back court. Crawford is a scorer, he can do it all, but some question his defensive skills.
24. Atlanta Hawks James Anderson- The Hawks are a good team but do need some depth in the back court. Anderson can play the 2 or 3 and can stroke the trey, but needs to get better creating his own shot, and not an elite athlete.
25. Memphis Grizzlies Greivis Vasquez-The Gizzlies selected a mature player with their first pick now they need to find a back up for Mike Conley. Vasquez made a name for himself by destroying the ACC his senior season with a number of big shots, not an athlete, plays smart and has a great shot.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder Lance Stephenson- The Thunders third pick is likely not going to play a whole lot this next year which is good for Stephenson, he is considered a long term project, has skills but didnt impress at workouts.
27. New Jersey Nets Elliot Williams-The Nets went big with their first pick and now provide depth with the back court. Williams has the tools to be a very proficient scorer, but needs to work on his ball handling skills.
28. Memphis Grizzlies Craig Brackins-The Grizz need to find a replacement for Zach Randolph, who is overweight, and a problem child. Brackins is a great scorer with great potential, and a good rebounder but needs to be more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball.
Stick with me, just a few more!
29. Orlando Magic Darington Hobson-The Magic are missing that one key to making it to the Finals again, and Hobson could be that. He played point guard through college even though he is 6'7", but is a good decision maker, but did crumble under the pressure of the NCAA tournament.
30. Washington Wizards Stanley Robinson-The Wiz could use just about anybody with this pick. Robinson is a freak athlete, can get to the rim at will, and shoots a good three ball, but needs to work on his free throw shooting and effort on defense.
Well there you go everybody, I would ask if you enjoyed it, but I already know the answer, of course you did! Well thats my opinion and I am sticking to it.
1. Washington Wizards John Wall-This is a no brainer, and has been since Wall first stepped onto the court for Kentucky and owned the SEC. Wall is a tall point guard, lightning fast, but does need to work on his jumpshot.
2. Philadelphia 76er's Even Turner-even though the Sixers have Andre Igoudala at shooting guard, if Turner can put on a little more weight he could play the 3. Turner is an all around player, athletic, and smart, but does need to work on his decision making and rebounding.
3. New Jersey Nets Derrick Favors-after finishing the season will almost the wort record ever in the NBA the Nets will just be happy to get anybody but Favors will help them out right away. He is NBA ready physically, he has great post moves around the basket, and is a freak athlete, but some question his work ethic and character, which is huge in draft.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves Wesley Johnson-I think with the Wolves lack of depth at the 3, they go with Johnson who can play that spot. Johnson is a athlete, has a great jumper, and is smart, but needs to add some more weight to take the physical play of the NBA.
5. Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins-I think with the lack of talent in the front court for the Kings they have to go Cousins, he is talented and athletic for his size, but some questions that come up are about his work ethic, and his weight.
6. Golden State Warriors Greg Monroe-With one of the best young backcourts in the NBA in Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, the Warriors upgrade the front court with Monroe. He is super athletic, great feet and a great jump shot, but does take plays off once in a while.
7. Detroit Pistons Ed Davis-The Pistons have no frontcourt height, with Ben Wallace playing center at 6'8", and Davis is tall. He is athletic, has very long arms, comes from a basketball family. But only played a few games his sophmore year so a small sample of what he can do is seen.
8. Los Angeles Clippers Ekpe Udoh-After taking Blake Griffin last year and him never playing a minute, the Clippers want someone who can actually play. Udoh has a very long wing span, athletic, and a great rebounder, but is not very efficient and is still a little raw talent wise.
9. Utah Jazz Luke Babbitt-Utah could be looking for a younger Carlos Boozer, but they cant pass up Babbitt. He is a very capable scorer, not an elite athlete, but is a very craft scorer and will find many different ways to score.
10. Indiana Pacers Al Farouq Aminu-Once my favorite team, the Pacers have fallen into a funk since Reggie Miller and Jermaine O'Neal left. Aminu is a very good rebounder, and gets a lot of points off offensive rebounds, not a tremendous athlete, but good enough to play the 3.
11. New Orleans Hornets Xavier Henry- The Hornets really have no set 2 player, and Henry proved his one year at Kansas that he is ready for the NBA physically. Does not have the greatest shot but is improving, and plays very smart basketball.
12. Memphis Grizzlies Gordon Hayward-The Grizzlies are a very, very young team, and need a mature player in this draft. Hayward is not going to start right away but can play serious minutes, he is a smart player, great shooter, and the world fell in love with him during Butlers NCAA run last year.
13. Toronto Raptors Patrick Patterson-This pick is based on the fact that I do not think Chris Bosh will be a Raptor next year. Patterson is a great player, very strong, very quick feet for his size, but needs to work on his outside game.
14. Houston Rockets Paul George-The Rockets really need a good strong center but cant pass up George falling this far. He has shot up draft boards in the last few months, comes from a non powerhouse school, but is athletic and has a amazing work ethic.
Whew! Half way done, hang with me, its gets better.
15. Milwaukee Bucks Cole Aldrich-The Bucks have no size, and no true center on the team and Aldrich is both those things. He is a awesome rebounder, a great shot blocker, and is mobile but not athletic, a bog body inside.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves Solomon Alabi-The Timberwolves went with Johnson with their first pick, and now match him with a big center. Alabi has a great NBA frame but needs to add a little more weight, but is still very athletic for his size, raw but has a very high ceiling.
17. Chicago Bulls Daniel Orton-This highly decorated franchise needs to get back to its original championship form. They need some size on the front line, and while I think its a reach Orton is the man. He only averaged 9 minutes and 3 points for Kentucky, but he is a big body and moves well for his size.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder Hassan Whiteside-The Thunder are also a very young team and have looked for a center to hold down the middle for them, Whiteside could be that guy. Has the longest wingspan of anyone in the draft, and still has room to put weight on. A great defender and shot blocker, raw offensively still.
19. Boston Celtics Larry Sanders-I have read that Boston is looking to shop this pick but if they keep it, its time to look for a replacement for KG , he is gettin seasoned. Sanders is freakishly athletic with a long wingspan and can score a number of ways, but some question his defensive prowess.
20. San Antonio Spurs Damion James-This is the type of player that the Spurs love to draft, like with DeJuan Blair last year, that two position player. Jones is a hybrid 3-4, and is very athletic, and a smart player, but his work ethic is in question.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder Quincy Pondexter-After taking Whiteside to fill the middle, the Thunder need a 3 to back up Kevin Durant. Pondexter really exploded his senior season and scores in a number of ways, also very athletic, but needs to work on his consistency.
22. Portland Trailblazers Kevin Seraphin-The Blazers love their international players, and this year is no exception. Seraphin is athletic and physically is the perfect NBA specimen, but is still very raw offensively.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves Jordan Crawford-With all the front court help the Wolves have got in this draft they need to address the back court. Crawford is a scorer, he can do it all, but some question his defensive skills.
24. Atlanta Hawks James Anderson- The Hawks are a good team but do need some depth in the back court. Anderson can play the 2 or 3 and can stroke the trey, but needs to get better creating his own shot, and not an elite athlete.
25. Memphis Grizzlies Greivis Vasquez-The Gizzlies selected a mature player with their first pick now they need to find a back up for Mike Conley. Vasquez made a name for himself by destroying the ACC his senior season with a number of big shots, not an athlete, plays smart and has a great shot.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder Lance Stephenson- The Thunders third pick is likely not going to play a whole lot this next year which is good for Stephenson, he is considered a long term project, has skills but didnt impress at workouts.
27. New Jersey Nets Elliot Williams-The Nets went big with their first pick and now provide depth with the back court. Williams has the tools to be a very proficient scorer, but needs to work on his ball handling skills.
28. Memphis Grizzlies Craig Brackins-The Grizz need to find a replacement for Zach Randolph, who is overweight, and a problem child. Brackins is a great scorer with great potential, and a good rebounder but needs to be more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball.
Stick with me, just a few more!
29. Orlando Magic Darington Hobson-The Magic are missing that one key to making it to the Finals again, and Hobson could be that. He played point guard through college even though he is 6'7", but is a good decision maker, but did crumble under the pressure of the NCAA tournament.
30. Washington Wizards Stanley Robinson-The Wiz could use just about anybody with this pick. Robinson is a freak athlete, can get to the rim at will, and shoots a good three ball, but needs to work on his free throw shooting and effort on defense.
Well there you go everybody, I would ask if you enjoyed it, but I already know the answer, of course you did! Well thats my opinion and I am sticking to it.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My Thoughts on the NBA
Since everyone else is starting in on the NBA, I figure I would wade in with both fists and give my opinion of the league nowadays. I absolutely hate the NBA, I used to try and watch every game, but now I always look for something else to watch, even now during the playoffs, I have yet to watch an entire game the whole season. I cannot just sit and watch after every foul the player whine and complain that they didnt do it, I say man up and admit when you did it, raise your hand like a man instead of acting like a kid and protesting. But this is just one of many problems that the NBA needs to figure out before they can get their reputation back. I am not going to say that I didnt complain when I played basketball, but it was not every foul, if I committed a foul I would raise my hand and say it was me. And I did not run toward the referee and get into their face and ask them what they called, I would usually just look at them and shake my head. But as a fan, this type of behavior from "grown" men is embarrassing and annoying.
Another thing that really ticks me off is the lack of defense that is played, and when I say lack, I mean practically never, nonexistent. There was one game back in March when the Phoenix Suns scored 152 points in one game. Does that not strike anyone else as weird, 152 points! Was there anyone even on the floor for the other team? I do enjoy watching college basketball because coaches and players give a crap about playing defense, while coaches in the NBA preach, lets score more points and not worry about stopping the other team. NBA players do not want to waste the energy playing defense when it can all be used on the offensive end. Also the laziness of players is apparent when it seems like every other play is a one player running into another defender, or a charge. I have always believed that if someone has to draw a charge, someone else on the team screwed up. Some one either blew an assignment or just got beat, either, way a charge is a cop out.
I do not even want to go into the amount of flopping that goes on in every game, I was watching part of the last Lakers game, and Derek Fisher, if even touched with a finger will flop and fall over and throw his hands up in the air, its disgusting.
I feel like this post has been a long time coming, I have felt this way for quite a while, but today when I read an article that talks about Kareem Abdul Jabbar and his feelings about the NBA today. The NBA is not something I will watch until they finally fix the problems, it is a league full of cry babies with no sense of accountability, and I cant stand it.
Another thing that really ticks me off is the lack of defense that is played, and when I say lack, I mean practically never, nonexistent. There was one game back in March when the Phoenix Suns scored 152 points in one game. Does that not strike anyone else as weird, 152 points! Was there anyone even on the floor for the other team? I do enjoy watching college basketball because coaches and players give a crap about playing defense, while coaches in the NBA preach, lets score more points and not worry about stopping the other team. NBA players do not want to waste the energy playing defense when it can all be used on the offensive end. Also the laziness of players is apparent when it seems like every other play is a one player running into another defender, or a charge. I have always believed that if someone has to draw a charge, someone else on the team screwed up. Some one either blew an assignment or just got beat, either, way a charge is a cop out.
I do not even want to go into the amount of flopping that goes on in every game, I was watching part of the last Lakers game, and Derek Fisher, if even touched with a finger will flop and fall over and throw his hands up in the air, its disgusting.
I feel like this post has been a long time coming, I have felt this way for quite a while, but today when I read an article that talks about Kareem Abdul Jabbar and his feelings about the NBA today. The NBA is not something I will watch until they finally fix the problems, it is a league full of cry babies with no sense of accountability, and I cant stand it.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Dez Bryant
I want to say that it is about time for everyone to leave Dez Bryant alone. He has gone through so much crap in the last year that has been blown out of proportion by the media, that it is starting to get really annoying. The things he has done arent anything a regualar kid wouldnt do, his are just more noticeable because he is a very talented football player. Lets keep this in mind Bryant is still only 21 years old, he is still maturing and the mistakes he makes should not surprise anyone, he is a kid, we make mistakes.
It all started when in 2009 Bryant lied to the NCAA about a meeting he has with ex NFL players Deion Sanders. It is not so much about the fact that he met with Sanders, but he did get suspended for lying about it here is good link to an article Link Now I know he shouldnt of done this, but lets cut him some slack, its like lying to your parents when after you stole a cookie, you are a kid, you dont know the rules of society, or sports as well as others. Bryant was probably unsure whether he has broken a rule, so he lied about the meeting. This is nothing a normal kid wouldnt do, we all lie, he just catches so much media attention for it. Now I am not saying that he shouldnt be punished for it, but the media needs to lay off him, he is just trying to live his life, and it is hard when you always see your name in the headlines.
Just the other day on ESPN I saw a link that was talking about how his mom in 2009 for selling cocaine Link, so what? What does this have to do with Dez playing football in the NFL. Just because the kid is considered to have "character issues" doesnt mean that anyone that is connected with him is going to affect his life. This just to me seems like the media has decided to pick on Bryant because he hasnt always been the perfect role model. It is just ridiculous what has been said about him, just let the kid live his dream and play football for the Cowboys in the NFL.
It all started when in 2009 Bryant lied to the NCAA about a meeting he has with ex NFL players Deion Sanders. It is not so much about the fact that he met with Sanders, but he did get suspended for lying about it here is good link to an article Link Now I know he shouldnt of done this, but lets cut him some slack, its like lying to your parents when after you stole a cookie, you are a kid, you dont know the rules of society, or sports as well as others. Bryant was probably unsure whether he has broken a rule, so he lied about the meeting. This is nothing a normal kid wouldnt do, we all lie, he just catches so much media attention for it. Now I am not saying that he shouldnt be punished for it, but the media needs to lay off him, he is just trying to live his life, and it is hard when you always see your name in the headlines.
Just the other day on ESPN I saw a link that was talking about how his mom in 2009 for selling cocaine Link, so what? What does this have to do with Dez playing football in the NFL. Just because the kid is considered to have "character issues" doesnt mean that anyone that is connected with him is going to affect his life. This just to me seems like the media has decided to pick on Bryant because he hasnt always been the perfect role model. It is just ridiculous what has been said about him, just let the kid live his dream and play football for the Cowboys in the NFL.
NCAA Tournament Expansion
Since this has grown to be a hot topic in the last few months, I thought I would chime in my opinion as well. So the proposal for a while was to expand the tournament from 65 teams to 96 teams, adding an additional 31 teams. I think this would be a terrible idea. For one thing letting 96 teams in will ruin the exclusivity of the tournament, fans would think that every team is in the tournament and it would lose its reputation for being a selective tournament. One other point is the TV coverage for the tournament, if you add an additional 16 games, you will begin to lose viewers because that is just to much basketball. Now I am a college basketball nut, but I think even I would find that a bit to much. Especially because it would be more games of mediocre teams beating up on each other.
So about a week ago the NCAA changed the field to 68 teams, which means that every region is going to have its own play in game. Now, I am just guessing that the play in game, which is the 2 worst teams in the tournament battling to see who will play a 1 seed, has the lowest amount of viewers of every other game in the tournament. But I am not gonna lie, I did watch the play in game this past March, I did say I am basketball nut. But I just dont see this working out well for CBS and the NCAA. This policy change is just putting more games on TV that 12 people will watch ( I am included in that 12), which does not sit well for the advertisers and other programs that are getting the ax for a crappy basketball game. I am all in favor or changing the field back to 64 teams and cutting out the play in game. I mean how is not a slap in the face for the team that wins the game, to go on and play a 1 seed, knowing that never has a 16 seed beaten a 1 seed. I think they would start to wonder why they were in the tournament in the first place.
So about a week ago the NCAA changed the field to 68 teams, which means that every region is going to have its own play in game. Now, I am just guessing that the play in game, which is the 2 worst teams in the tournament battling to see who will play a 1 seed, has the lowest amount of viewers of every other game in the tournament. But I am not gonna lie, I did watch the play in game this past March, I did say I am basketball nut. But I just dont see this working out well for CBS and the NCAA. This policy change is just putting more games on TV that 12 people will watch ( I am included in that 12), which does not sit well for the advertisers and other programs that are getting the ax for a crappy basketball game. I am all in favor or changing the field back to 64 teams and cutting out the play in game. I mean how is not a slap in the face for the team that wins the game, to go on and play a 1 seed, knowing that never has a 16 seed beaten a 1 seed. I think they would start to wonder why they were in the tournament in the first place.
One Regret
The more time that passes in my life, the more I have come to regret not playing football. I know that sounds like a trivial decision, but I don't think it is. I talked to my mom recently about why I didn't play football, and she said because I wasn't as interested in it as I was baseball and basketball. I then asked her why she didn't push me harder to play, and she gave the typical motherly answer, I didn't want you to get hurt. Which shouldnt surprise anyone, I think it is built into mothers DNA to worry about their children getting hurt.
Now I am not here to brag but I think I would of been a pretty good football player. I know the game better than a lot of people, I am athletic, playing basketball and baseball and pretty much every other sport, and I have the determination and competitive edge that it takes to be a winner. My love for the game has really made me look back and wish that I had played, it really bugs me sometimes that I didn't. I think my life would be completely different if I had, and I would think in a good way. Not just physically but mentally as well. I think that is one of the reasons I love sports, they teach you how to be emotionally tough and most importantly to believe in yourself. Which from what I have seen a lot of people lack, the belief that they can do anything they want.
This semester I have been asked multiple times if I was on the football team, and every time I am asked that, it bugs me that I have to say no. Its not just the aspect of being a well known athlete or famous football player, for me I just love the game, and I do want to play it. Many people wonder why Brett Favre keeps coming back, and as much as I don't like him as a player, he definitely plays because he loves the game. I feel like I would be like that. I study the game, even though I don't play it, and everything I read makes me like it that much more.
And again, I regret not taking the opportunity to play football, a sport I love to watch and learn about, because my life would be different than it is now, and I think for the better.
Now I am not here to brag but I think I would of been a pretty good football player. I know the game better than a lot of people, I am athletic, playing basketball and baseball and pretty much every other sport, and I have the determination and competitive edge that it takes to be a winner. My love for the game has really made me look back and wish that I had played, it really bugs me sometimes that I didn't. I think my life would be completely different if I had, and I would think in a good way. Not just physically but mentally as well. I think that is one of the reasons I love sports, they teach you how to be emotionally tough and most importantly to believe in yourself. Which from what I have seen a lot of people lack, the belief that they can do anything they want.
This semester I have been asked multiple times if I was on the football team, and every time I am asked that, it bugs me that I have to say no. Its not just the aspect of being a well known athlete or famous football player, for me I just love the game, and I do want to play it. Many people wonder why Brett Favre keeps coming back, and as much as I don't like him as a player, he definitely plays because he loves the game. I feel like I would be like that. I study the game, even though I don't play it, and everything I read makes me like it that much more.
And again, I regret not taking the opportunity to play football, a sport I love to watch and learn about, because my life would be different than it is now, and I think for the better.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Hockey Since the Olympics
Am I the only one that has noticed the popularity boost the NHL has received since the last Olympic Games, which featured one of the best Olympic hockey games since Lake Placid when the smaller, less talented USA team took down powerhouse Russia? Now I have never been much of a hockey fan, just have never gotten into it. But I did watch the USA vs Canada game in this years 2010 Olympic Games, and I have to say since then I have been more involved and paid more attention to hockey. This was a monumental game for the Gold medal. The USA on their road to the Gold medal game had already beaten Canada http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU9i9jD0E18. So the Gold medal game was a rematch and the USA went into the game with high hopes they could pull off the upset once again. The game was intense and lived up to all the hype it had garnered. The USA tied the game up with about 20 seconds left and sent the game into overtime. Enter Sidney Crosby, arguable one of the best players in the NHL, and his game winning shot on goal to win the game for Canada, here is the link to watch the shot Link.
Anyway, this game really brought hockey to another level in the US and Canada, the numbers show that this was the most watched hockey game since 1980. And had a higher rating than any World Series game since 2004, and any NCAA Final Four game since 1998. Since the Gold medal game hockey has been more popular, has seen an increase in attendance, and an increase on media coverage. Especially now that we are in the middle of the NHL playoffs. It also helps to see so many players from the Gold medal game in the NHL, which can bring back memories of that game.
Personally I had never really just sat down and watched a whole hockey game until the USA vs. Canada Gold medal match. I never really thought it was as intense as it was, and that is one thing i love to see in sport, intensity. But watching what these athletes are capable of and can do on the ice, they have my respect. It takes so much determination, hard work, and patience to learn what it takes to be a hockey players. I know that from the Gold medal game on, never again will I take hockey for granted.
Anyway, this game really brought hockey to another level in the US and Canada, the numbers show that this was the most watched hockey game since 1980. And had a higher rating than any World Series game since 2004, and any NCAA Final Four game since 1998. Since the Gold medal game hockey has been more popular, has seen an increase in attendance, and an increase on media coverage. Especially now that we are in the middle of the NHL playoffs. It also helps to see so many players from the Gold medal game in the NHL, which can bring back memories of that game.
Personally I had never really just sat down and watched a whole hockey game until the USA vs. Canada Gold medal match. I never really thought it was as intense as it was, and that is one thing i love to see in sport, intensity. But watching what these athletes are capable of and can do on the ice, they have my respect. It takes so much determination, hard work, and patience to learn what it takes to be a hockey players. I know that from the Gold medal game on, never again will I take hockey for granted.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2010 NFL Mock Draft
So with the NFL draft coming up in a few weeks, I thought I would, and everyone else does, lay out my own first round picks for each team. Now I know how much you want to etch these in stone but these are my opinion, no matter how close to fact they are. These picks are based off my own observations of teams, and what I think their needs are.
1. St Louis Rams Sam Bradford(QB)- The Rams need help at every position but most importantly QB, especially now that they released Marc Bulger
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh(DT)- He is the best player in the draft and the Lions also need help everywhere, he will make an immediate impact in the middle
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy(DT)-McCoy is very athletic for his size and Tampa Bay needs help on the defensive line, he will be a great player
4. Washington Redskins Eric Berry(S)- A week ago I would of said the Redskins would draft Jimmy Claussen, but with the acqusition of Donovan McNabb, they need to go defense and Berry is the defensive player, and will be a contributor for a long time
5. Kansas City Chiefs Jimmy Claussen(QB)- The Chiefs traded for Matt Cassell last year but he is not the answer, Claussen is NFL ready
6. Seattle Seahawks Russell Okung(OT)-The Hawks need an offensive line to protect their aging QB Matt Hasselbeck, Okung is big and athletic and will start from day 1
7. Cleveland Browns Joe Haden(CB)- The Browns are thin at DB and Haden is fast and great in coverage, will start right away
8. Oakland Raiders Bryan Bulaga(OT)- The Raiders will take the best player available and that is Bulaga, he has the intelligence and athleticism to play from the get go
9. Buffalo Bills Dez Bryant(WR)- The Bills need a receiver for whatever QB they end up with to throw the ball to, Bryant is big strong and without a doubt the best receiver in the draft
10. Jacksonville Jaguars Derrick Morgan(DE)- Thought about going CJ Spiller here to go alongside MJD but the DE position is quite weak for the Jags
11. Denver Broncos Trent Williams(OT)- The Broncos need alot of help on offense and they cant reach for a skill position here so they help protect the QB, Williams is athletic but a little raw
12. Miami Dolphins Rolando McClain(LB)-The Fins are thin at linebacker especially with Joey Porter gone, McClain is very smart and a leader
13. San Fransisco 49ers Earl Thomas(S)- San Fran will add to their already solid D with Thomas who is a big hitter and a leaper
14. Seattle Seahawks CJ Spiller(RB)-Since they drafter an OT with their first pick the Hawks need someone who can finally run the ball, Spiller is fast, dynamic, and great in special teams, the best RB in the draft
15. New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul(DE)- With the DE end situation in NY a little shaky, the G Men take Pierre-Paul, who might be the most athletic person in the draft, just watch this video, he is the first guy flipping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4-1e6Faglw
16. Tennessee Titans Dan Williams(DT)- With Haynesworth gone for a year now, the DT poistion is young and there is no clear starter, Williams is big and will throw his weight around
17. San Fransisco 49ers Mike Iupati(OG)- The 9ers will shore up their offensive line with this addition, Iupati is big and fleet footed and will be a great addition
18. Pittsburgh Steelers Kareem Jackson(CB)- The Steel Curtain hasnt been living up to that name lately, especially in the secondary, Jackson knows the game and came from a great school with a great coach
19. Atlanta Falcons Sergio Kindle(LB)- The Falcons have a dynamic offense, but their defense is suspect, Kindle is fast and athletic and will play right away
20. Houston Texans Ryan Mathews(RB)- The Texans could easily go defense here but Schaub needs someone to take some pressure off him, Mathews is big and a hard runner
21. Cincinatti Bengals Taylor Mays(S)- Mays is a hybrid safety linebacker but is very fast and a huge hitter, could make a difference in the secondary
22. New England Patriots Sean Witherspoon(LB)- It seems like NE is always trying to upgrade their linebacker corp, and this year is no difference, Witherspoon is a fundamentally sound LB who knows the game
23. Green Bay Packers Maurkice Pouncey(OL)- The Pack gave up the most sacks in the league last year, Pouncey can play multiple positions, and play them well
24. Philadelphia Eagles Anthony Davis(OT)- The Eagles will want to protect new starting QB Kevin Kolb so they take Davis, he has room to improve but has upside
25. Baltimore Ravens Demaryius Thomas(WR)- The Ravens need a receiver to go opposite Derrick Mason, and Thomas is big and a deep threat
26. Arizona Cardinals Brandon Graham(LB)- The Cards will have to replace one of the best tacklers to play in a while, Graham is big and really knows how to play
27. Dallas Cowboys Everson Griffin(DE)-The Boys will upgrade their defense with Griffin who is fast and has a motor that never stops
28. San Diego Chargers Jahvid Best(RB)- With LT gone, they need someone who can be part of the two headed monster with Darrin Sproles, Best is fast and a game breaker
29. New York Jets Jermaine Gresham(TE)- The Jets have no glaring needs but they are a little thin at TE, and Gresham is the best at that position, he is tall and will be a good red zone threat
30. Minnesota Vikings Kyle Wilson(CB)- The Vikings D was good but can get better in the secondary, Wilson is a good cover corner, and plays smart
31. Indianapolis Colts Myron Rolle(S)- The Colts dont have a great safety, and Rolle is a great one, a Rhodes scholar, knows how to play the game, and plays it well
32. New Orleans Saints Jerry Hughes(LB)- The Saints offense is dynamic, so the defense needs improvement, Jonathon Vilma is getting up there in age, and Hughes is a dynamic playmaker, and quite fast
1. St Louis Rams Sam Bradford(QB)- The Rams need help at every position but most importantly QB, especially now that they released Marc Bulger
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh(DT)- He is the best player in the draft and the Lions also need help everywhere, he will make an immediate impact in the middle
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy(DT)-McCoy is very athletic for his size and Tampa Bay needs help on the defensive line, he will be a great player
4. Washington Redskins Eric Berry(S)- A week ago I would of said the Redskins would draft Jimmy Claussen, but with the acqusition of Donovan McNabb, they need to go defense and Berry is the defensive player, and will be a contributor for a long time
5. Kansas City Chiefs Jimmy Claussen(QB)- The Chiefs traded for Matt Cassell last year but he is not the answer, Claussen is NFL ready
6. Seattle Seahawks Russell Okung(OT)-The Hawks need an offensive line to protect their aging QB Matt Hasselbeck, Okung is big and athletic and will start from day 1
7. Cleveland Browns Joe Haden(CB)- The Browns are thin at DB and Haden is fast and great in coverage, will start right away
8. Oakland Raiders Bryan Bulaga(OT)- The Raiders will take the best player available and that is Bulaga, he has the intelligence and athleticism to play from the get go
9. Buffalo Bills Dez Bryant(WR)- The Bills need a receiver for whatever QB they end up with to throw the ball to, Bryant is big strong and without a doubt the best receiver in the draft
10. Jacksonville Jaguars Derrick Morgan(DE)- Thought about going CJ Spiller here to go alongside MJD but the DE position is quite weak for the Jags
11. Denver Broncos Trent Williams(OT)- The Broncos need alot of help on offense and they cant reach for a skill position here so they help protect the QB, Williams is athletic but a little raw
12. Miami Dolphins Rolando McClain(LB)-The Fins are thin at linebacker especially with Joey Porter gone, McClain is very smart and a leader
13. San Fransisco 49ers Earl Thomas(S)- San Fran will add to their already solid D with Thomas who is a big hitter and a leaper
14. Seattle Seahawks CJ Spiller(RB)-Since they drafter an OT with their first pick the Hawks need someone who can finally run the ball, Spiller is fast, dynamic, and great in special teams, the best RB in the draft
15. New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul(DE)- With the DE end situation in NY a little shaky, the G Men take Pierre-Paul, who might be the most athletic person in the draft, just watch this video, he is the first guy flipping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4-1e6Faglw
16. Tennessee Titans Dan Williams(DT)- With Haynesworth gone for a year now, the DT poistion is young and there is no clear starter, Williams is big and will throw his weight around
17. San Fransisco 49ers Mike Iupati(OG)- The 9ers will shore up their offensive line with this addition, Iupati is big and fleet footed and will be a great addition
18. Pittsburgh Steelers Kareem Jackson(CB)- The Steel Curtain hasnt been living up to that name lately, especially in the secondary, Jackson knows the game and came from a great school with a great coach
19. Atlanta Falcons Sergio Kindle(LB)- The Falcons have a dynamic offense, but their defense is suspect, Kindle is fast and athletic and will play right away
20. Houston Texans Ryan Mathews(RB)- The Texans could easily go defense here but Schaub needs someone to take some pressure off him, Mathews is big and a hard runner
21. Cincinatti Bengals Taylor Mays(S)- Mays is a hybrid safety linebacker but is very fast and a huge hitter, could make a difference in the secondary
22. New England Patriots Sean Witherspoon(LB)- It seems like NE is always trying to upgrade their linebacker corp, and this year is no difference, Witherspoon is a fundamentally sound LB who knows the game
23. Green Bay Packers Maurkice Pouncey(OL)- The Pack gave up the most sacks in the league last year, Pouncey can play multiple positions, and play them well
24. Philadelphia Eagles Anthony Davis(OT)- The Eagles will want to protect new starting QB Kevin Kolb so they take Davis, he has room to improve but has upside
25. Baltimore Ravens Demaryius Thomas(WR)- The Ravens need a receiver to go opposite Derrick Mason, and Thomas is big and a deep threat
26. Arizona Cardinals Brandon Graham(LB)- The Cards will have to replace one of the best tacklers to play in a while, Graham is big and really knows how to play
27. Dallas Cowboys Everson Griffin(DE)-The Boys will upgrade their defense with Griffin who is fast and has a motor that never stops
28. San Diego Chargers Jahvid Best(RB)- With LT gone, they need someone who can be part of the two headed monster with Darrin Sproles, Best is fast and a game breaker
29. New York Jets Jermaine Gresham(TE)- The Jets have no glaring needs but they are a little thin at TE, and Gresham is the best at that position, he is tall and will be a good red zone threat
30. Minnesota Vikings Kyle Wilson(CB)- The Vikings D was good but can get better in the secondary, Wilson is a good cover corner, and plays smart
31. Indianapolis Colts Myron Rolle(S)- The Colts dont have a great safety, and Rolle is a great one, a Rhodes scholar, knows how to play the game, and plays it well
32. New Orleans Saints Jerry Hughes(LB)- The Saints offense is dynamic, so the defense needs improvement, Jonathon Vilma is getting up there in age, and Hughes is a dynamic playmaker, and quite fast
Aprils Master's
This past weekend was the Master's and while golf may never seem like a controversial sport, there were plenty of issues that made this one of the best Master's in a while.
Now I am sure that everyone has heard about the Tiger Woods ordeal for the last year, and frankly I am tired of hearing about, so there is no reason for me to recap it. But as for this weekend this was Wood's first tournament back since he went into rehab. And despite all the criticism from the public and the press, he went and finished fourth. This should be considered a monumental occasion for him, he played well and the reception from the fans was much more supportive than he thought. You can use this link too see the interview that Tiger gave to the media a few days before the tournament started http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters10/news/story?id=5057494.
Despite the scrutiny for his off the field issues, Tiger put all that behind him and went out and played four good rounds of golf, and for this he should be commended. Now I am not saying that what he has done in the recent past should be forgotten because he is playing golf again, but for the pressure he was under he did an amazing job just playing golf.
Now the other issue has to do with the winner Phil Mickelson and how he won this tournament despite the fact that both his wife and mother are fighting cancer, this link to the ESPN article http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters10/news/story?id=5075606. This just shows the kind of character that Lefty has, his wife wanted him to play in the Master's, and he went out and won the tournament. He was able to push the thoughts of his suffering wife and mother out of his head and strictly concentrate on winning. Now this may sound insensitive, but just remember that he was encouraged to play, but you know that it was still weighing heavily on his mind the whole weekend. This is a great victory for Mickelson and his family.
Now I am sure that everyone has heard about the Tiger Woods ordeal for the last year, and frankly I am tired of hearing about, so there is no reason for me to recap it. But as for this weekend this was Wood's first tournament back since he went into rehab. And despite all the criticism from the public and the press, he went and finished fourth. This should be considered a monumental occasion for him, he played well and the reception from the fans was much more supportive than he thought. You can use this link too see the interview that Tiger gave to the media a few days before the tournament started http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters10/news/story?id=5057494.
Despite the scrutiny for his off the field issues, Tiger put all that behind him and went out and played four good rounds of golf, and for this he should be commended. Now I am not saying that what he has done in the recent past should be forgotten because he is playing golf again, but for the pressure he was under he did an amazing job just playing golf.
Now the other issue has to do with the winner Phil Mickelson and how he won this tournament despite the fact that both his wife and mother are fighting cancer, this link to the ESPN article http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters10/news/story?id=5075606. This just shows the kind of character that Lefty has, his wife wanted him to play in the Master's, and he went out and won the tournament. He was able to push the thoughts of his suffering wife and mother out of his head and strictly concentrate on winning. Now this may sound insensitive, but just remember that he was encouraged to play, but you know that it was still weighing heavily on his mind the whole weekend. This is a great victory for Mickelson and his family.
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