tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443259912945787092024-03-13T07:47:15.532-04:00The MezosphereThoughts on sports and a variety of other things.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-15655475971324549452008-07-10T12:02:00.003-04:002008-07-10T12:10:46.906-04:00One Play Does Make a Difference....Not just in a game, but in life. Great story from <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/index">The Mag</a> and writer Bruce Feldman. Talks about <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3471118&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1">the tale of James Felton</a> and how one Tracy McGrady dunk started a spiral down from what could have been an NBA career, to being dead by 27.<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">One was a star. One was a nobody. In a little more than 10 years, one would have a $155 million contract, a 24,000-square-foot house with a nine-car garage and a sneaker with his name on it. The other, after spending time at five colleges and in alcohol rehab, would be dead.</span></span></blockquote><br /><br />It's not a long article and definitely worth the full read. I could understand the argument that Felton was troubled, and it was many events, not just that one that led to that path.<br /><br />But I think its larger than that. I think its necessary to look at how a 16 year old kid can be affected by one event, and more importantly, without the right support system, how it can start to crumble down on top of him. There are a lot of ties one could make to inner-city life, being a young black male, no father, sick mother, etc. and I think most people are smart to see how everything ties together. But it is a lesson for every crazy sports parent out there. Just because you yell at your kid to suck it up, doesn't always mean they can. And not being there does make a big difference too.<br /><br />ESPN The Magazine: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3471118&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1">The Wrong Side of Great</a>Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-4274800945469373402008-07-10T09:19:00.005-04:002008-07-10T12:11:37.391-04:00Dick Rod...What a Douche.West Virginia got what they wanted, one last "Up Yours" to Dick Rod as he scampered to smelly michigan. An agreement was reached for Rodriguez to pay the $4 million outlined in his previous contract with West Virginia, but of course, Rodriguez isn't fronting the whole amount. Not even the majority of it. According to the <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/SPORTS06/80709037">Detroit Free Press</a>,<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Rodriguez will pay $1.5 million, spread over three years, beginning in 2010. U-M said it will pay the balance of the sum, $2.5 million, immediately and cover Rodriguez’s legal fees later.</span></span></blockquote><br /><br />Lovely. I really think this sets a bad precedent the way this whole situation has played out. You know, with the whole <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200804030435">comparisons to slavery</a> and everything? These buyout clauses have got to be enforced from the beginning or scrapped altogether. I guess I can take some satisfaction that $2.5 million in booster bucks will be used for that instead of trying to buy their next recruits.<br /><br />Or keeping their current players since they seem to want to <a href="http://deadspin.com/383638/rich-rodriguez-era-off-to-a-rousing-start">jump ship</a> too. And don't worry, <a href="http://michiganzone.blogspot.com/2008/04/boren-bolts-for-buckeyes-schembechler.html">scUM fans are being as classy as ever about it too</a>. Make sure to look at the first comment after the story.<br /><br />Way to go Dick Rod, see you in November.<br /><br />Detroit Free Press: <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/SPORTS06/80709037">Rodriguez, scUM will pay buyout to West Virginia</a><br />Charleston Daily Mail: <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200804030435">Rich Rodriguez's lawyer uses slavery in regard to coach's buyout</a><br />Deadspin: <a href="http://deadspin.com/5023478/rich-rodriguez-and-michigan-buy-west-virginia">Rich Rodriguez and michigan buy 64% of West Virginia</a><br />Deadspin: <a href="http://deadspin.com/383638/rich-rodriguez-era-off-to-a-rousing-start">Justin Boren transfers from michigan to The Ohio State University</a>Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-69879643305588762732008-07-09T10:41:00.002-04:002008-07-09T11:02:27.951-04:00College Basketball Is About To Be....Jammed!!!The announcement came fairly quietly, but 2009 NBA lotter pick Brandon Jennings announced he was <a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=432491">foregoing his opportunity</a> to play at the University of Arizona, and honing his game in Europe.<br /><br />I'm not sure how I feel about this. College Basketball is one of my favorite sports, but the creation of the mandatory one year rule for prep stars might do way more damage than help as many thought it would.<br /><br />The arguments were allowing players to become more NBA ready, giving the college game an opportunity to have these athletes for at least one year, and make teams stronger throughout the NCAA. Also it was said that it would give young athletes a chance to further their education, to become more ready for the real world.<br /><br />Opponents have said that this isn't true, and that renting a player for a single year does more damage to a program than it helps.<br /><br />It is not as if a player has to do much at school as it is anyway. They have to pass two classes with a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/n1ckr1vers/2608330704/">D average</a> for the fall semester to be eligible for the basketball season. That is it. This doesn't sound like great preparation for the real world to me (Although, for the record, according to the end of Animal House, John Blutarsky did become a U.S. Senator). <br /><br />So Brandon Jennings becomes the pioneer, the first one to say "Piss off college basketball, I was only coming for a booty call anyway." And as long as he is remotely successful, be prepared to see this happen again and again.<br /><br />Sporting News: <a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=432491">Arizona recruit Jennings opts to play in Europe</a>Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-24543519651357773882008-07-09T10:39:00.003-04:002008-07-09T10:40:56.919-04:00Has It Been That Long?!Well apparently, I've been a lazy piece of shit, and haven't updated the blog in awhile. Well it is time to change that. I'll be working on adding (hopefully) a few blogs through the end of the week.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-1244804491002782592008-05-22T09:53:00.004-04:002008-05-22T10:05:47.187-04:00Sports Guy New & OldSo not to keep up with the Bill Simmons stuff, but something I found interesting checking out the WWL this morning. Simmons has a <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080522">new post on the leader about his ramblings.</a> The surprising part was how it seemed to not be so tame as some of his other posts. A couple examples...<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-weight: bold;">Speaking of "Idol," you know this whole David Archuleta thing has to be absolutely killing Michael Jackson, right? Twenty years ago, poor David would have been wearing a sequined glove and sleeping over at Neverland Ranch by now.<br /><br />I know she's doing a fine job, but does it make me a sexist that I can't listen to Doris Burke analyze NBA playoff games without thinking, "Woman talking woman talking woman talking woman talking ..." the entire time?<br /><br />...And can ESPN organize a Josh Howard roast so I can stand on a dais and make these jokes as someone like Jerry Stackhouse keels over in hysterics and does the slumped-over-and-pounding-the-table routine? (Whoops, I forgot -- you'll see Danny Moder leave Julia Roberts alone for the night with George Clooney before you see ESPN get involved with another roast. Scratch that thought.)<br /></blockquote><br /><br />I mean, I'm not saying, but I'm saying. Maybe ESPN is starting to give into some of his "promises" a bit in trying to make the workhorse happy. Either way, interesting in the grand scheme of this apparent near pissing contest between Simmons and ESPN.<br /><br />Simmons also updated his other blog with a <a href="http://sportsguy.blogspot.com/">new story on Will McDoogle</a>. It was a pretty solid piece I thought. More than any other reason, I'm enjoying the older stories so far because it really seems like watching a writer develop or hit that stride. You can see some of Simmons shtick that he uses now start to show through back then. Just an interesting point of view to look at it through.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-16285363992082083622008-05-21T11:22:00.003-04:002008-05-21T13:44:44.678-04:00Bill Simmons Is Reminiscing and Pissed<noscript></noscript><!-- End of StatCounter Code -->Deadspin got the ball rolling with their <a href="http://deadspin.com/390425/simmons-certain-promises-were-not-kept">interview of Bill Simmons</a> and it wasn't real hard to figure out he wasn't happy. Then came word of his <a href="http://deadspin.com/5009126/">non-espn blog</a> and you could see he was keeping the anger flowing. Now today he updates with a "new" old article from his past making sure to take a pot shot as well.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"This particular one was written right as I was starting to find a groove and my column was starting to resemble what it's like now, only if nobody was killing five of the best jokes or making me re-write them so they weren't as funny."</span></blockquote><br />Honestly, I've really enjoyed (for the most part) Simmons over the past few years, and this makes me near giddy watching this unfold. For his sake, lets hope he doesn't run into <a href="http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2008/05/dont-go-introducing-yourself-to-cris.html">Cris Carter in the hallway.</a><br /><br />You can check out his latest blog posting and his blog <a href="http://sportsguy.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />Credits to <a href="http://www.deadspin.com/">Deadspin</a>, <a href="http://www.awfulannouncing.com/">Awful Announcing</a>, and <a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog">Sporting News</a> for links above.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-8995952136519357772008-03-18T13:31:00.000-04:002008-03-18T14:36:08.188-04:00IT'S MADNESS!!!! YOU CAN TELL BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS IN CAPS!!!!So, arguably the best sporting event of the year takes place this week in the "Big Dance", the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. An even that has produced and crushed more dreams than possibly any other sports championship in history. I'm not gonna break everything down because you can find roughly 23097823509 other blogs/sites that discuss this in much greater detail, but I'm gonna give you some of my feelings as the tourney starts up.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How many REAL upsets will there be?</span></span><br /><br />This is pretty intriguing. For me, upsets stop in the sweet 16, unless its an obscene difference in seeds, and the 8-9 matchup is never an upset. Also, these are the potential upsets I see by seed, not by point spread. Listed in the order of likeliness.<br /><br />1. Davidson (10) over Gonzaga (7)<br />2. Siena (13) over Vanderbilt (4)<br />3. St. Mary's (10) over Miami, Fl. (7)<br />4. Baylor (11) over Purdue (6)<br />5. Kansas St. (11) over USC (6)<br />6. Temple (12) over Michigan St. (5)<br />7. St. Joseph's (11) over Oklahoma (6)<br />8. South Alabama (10) over Butler (7)<br /><br />The big one on my sheet will be Siena over Vandy. I think Vandy is over-ranked, and in reality, I think they aren't that good. They were crap on the road, and Siena plays well away from home. Cheering for OSU, I saw way too much Big 10 basketball for any human being this year and it was horrendous. That being said, I like Tom Izzo as a coach, but if you shut down Neitzel, they struggle from the perimeter. Purdue is good but another team that doesn't play well away from home. Oklahoma got shellacked and you just never know how a team will bounce back from that, plus St. Joe's is getting a lot of support. Butler got shafted in this seed and then has to play South Alabama IN Alabama. Just has trap written all over it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Which of the #1-3 seeds has a chance to lose before the first weekend is out?</span></span><br /><br />So taking a look at the four #1's, 2's and 3's which might lose in the first two rounds. Again, listed in an order of likeliness that I think it could happen.<br /><br />1. Stanford<br />2. Tennessee<br />3. Wisconsin<br />4. Xavier<br /><br />Stanford, I just don't know about them. I mean, all I've heard is about the Lopez brothers, but I just don't see them as a powerhouse. Lone benefit to me for them is they are playing in Cali. If Marquette is knocking down the jumper they are dangerous, and whoever Stanford plays in the 2nd round will be bringing their defense to Anaheim.<br /><br />I can't say this enough but Tennessee is undependable. Last year they choked down the stretch to OSU. This year they've looked mortal since beating Memphis, losing on the road at Vandy, and should have lost to Kentucky. Then bounced by Arkansas (an 8) who got run off the floor by Georgia (a 14) in the SEC championship. I just don't like em and a pissed off Butler would have all the non-Tennessee fans cheering them on in rival SEC country.<br /><br />Wisconsin. You won the Big 10. It's comparable to getting dumped but getting the last scathing remark in. In the long run, it didn't do anything for you, but at that time, you felt much, much better. They play defense. That's all I can say, they have no go to scorer or dependable shooter in my opinion. I watched them in the game hold Michigan to 34 points, but the scarier thing to me was they didn't hit a shot for nearly 8 minutes in the 2nd half! I like Kansas St. matching up bodies, and if it's against USC, the PAC-10 schools are just stronger, period.<br /><br />I like Xavier a lot actually. But they play a potentially hot Georgia team, and then a potential trap against Purdue-Baylor. Both have shown good things through the year, and you just hope they hype of "walking to the sweet 16" doesn't go to Xavier's heads.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Which teams look like they could win it all, but are too terrifying to trust?</span></span><br /><br />This one is simple for me. Scariest teams (in my opinion) rated first.<br /><br />1. Kansas (1)<br />2. Texas (2)<br />3. Memphis (1)<br />4. Georgetown (2)<br /><br />I love Kansas. LOVE. Rock Chalk Jayhawk. And I think Bill Self is a real swell guy. But I do not trust Bill Self one bit in a big game. I just can't do it. Just too scary.<br /><br />Texas, well, I don't like Texas to begin with. But they are one helluva team this year. The problem is, Rick Barnes coaches them, and he might be worse than Bill Self. No bueno for me.<br /><br />Memphis...if I was up by 2 possessions against them with a minute to go, I might just foul them. Not even let them run their offense, just let them go and shoot their 62% from the line.<br /><br />Georgetown can definitely win it all, but Roy Hibbert NEEDS to be on the floor. If they get in foul trouble and he has to spend time on the bench, thats Barney Rubble for them.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">So smart guy, who is going to the Final Four and who is winning it all?</span></span><br /><br />Here is my Final Four: East - UNC, Midwest - Georgetown, South - Pitt, West - UCLA<br /><br />Yes Pitt. I watched them play a few times and now that they are healthy, they are hitting full stride. I mean, this is a team that can play with ANYONE in the country right now and they are full of confidence. The rest can't be that surprising.<br /><br />I have UNC beating Georgetown and UCLA beating Pitt, with UNC taking home the title.<br /><br />UNC is just too strong, and too good. They run the floor exceptionally, can handle any defense you throw at them, with playing some tough defense of their own. Rebound the ball better than most, and have outstanding shot blockers. They also have guys that can knock down the 3 with consistency and inside presence even with others on the bench. Just can't see anyone beating them at this stage as long as everyone stays healthy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Last one, what teams are good enough to win it, without getting as much love from the public?</span></span><br /><br />Here is a quick list of teams, in no particular order and ranked #3 or higher, that can win it all.<br /><br />Louisville (3)<br />Pittsburgh (4)<br />Marquette (6)<br />U Conn (4)<br />Xavier (3)<br />Clemson (5)<br /><br />We'll find out in a couple weeks how everything turns out, but no matter what, it makes March a wonderful time of year.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-30648914517175383092008-01-17T18:57:00.000-05:002008-01-17T20:01:27.525-05:00Top 10 Boxing KnockoutsSo I started thinking about the upcoming fight on Saturday between Roy Jones Jr. and Felix Trinidad and thought it might be interesting to think of some of the best knockouts I've seen. Both these guys could throw some bombs in their day, and even now that they are a little older, I wouldn't be surprised to see either one one get put on the canvas.<br /><br />So I decided to make a top 10 list with some ground rules.<br /><br />Rule 1 - The knockout <span style="font-weight: bold;">MUST</span> be on YouTube so you can see it today. I'm sure the greatest knockout ever happened in front of 200 people in some dinky hall, but it doesn't count if I can't YouTube it.<br /><br />Rule 2 - To make the list, it had to involve at least one significant fighter. Believe me, I love watching undercards and little no name guys just throwing haymakers at each other, but for this list, we needed some name recognition.<br /><br />Rule 3 - Bonus points are awarded for viciousness, ridiculousness, and unbelievableness in knocking the opponent out. This helped decide the top 3.<br /><br />Also, I will try to give you key points to look at in the video, but feel free to watch them all, they all have something fun to see.<br /><br />So without further ado, here is my not even a little bit of boxing expertise, Top 10.<br /><br />10. Lennox Lewis defeats Mike Tyson (2:00 minute mark)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rZ91-PpfRE0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rZ91-PpfRE0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />This was basically the end of Iron Mike. And I loved Iron Mike before he started raping and biting people. He was the scariest human being on the planet. YouTube the Michael Spinks fight. It lasts about 2 minutes, and he had never been knocked down before. Scary.<br /><br />The bonus greatness of this clip is the weird British announcers. It was a peach of an announcing job.<br /><br />9. Antonio Tarver defeats Roy Jones Jr.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sq6MQ2kYLu8&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sq6MQ2kYLu8&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Roy Jones Jr. does not see this coming. However, he felt it for about 3 months afterwards. Just a wicked blind hook that knocks out one of the best pound for pound fighters of all time.<br /><br />8. Felix Trinidad defeats Fernando Vargas<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pBBjjuUujLc&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pBBjjuUujLc&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Trinidad basically had this fight barring Vargas knocking him out, but he leaves absolutely no doubt in round 12. The ref gave Vargas a shot at finishing it, and all he did was walk face first into another left hook from Trinidad to end it on a TKO.<br /><br />7. George Foreman defeats Joe Frazier<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gfr5MXl8llI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gfr5MXl8llI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Just a domination, Foreman didn't throw bombs, he threw nukes. I mean, it was unreal. And bonus points for producing one of the most famous sports calls of all time.<br /><br />6. Marvelous Marvin Hagler defeats Thomas Hearns<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZYHSHd1xfpY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZYHSHd1xfpY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />You have to watch this entire clip. This was why boxing used to be so incredibly popular. Because you had two guys like this, just going toe to toe in an absolute war with each other, and ending on a vicious hook by "Marvelous"Marvin.<br /><br />5. Bernard Hopkins defeats Felix Trinidad (0:50 mark)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_YkYpMnYyEI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_YkYpMnYyEI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Absolutely wicked punch. Just a haymaker that lands right on Trinidad's jaw and gives him a 3 month long concussion.<br /><br />4. Thomas Hearns defeats Roberto Duran (6:30 mark)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GWei_1rSssE&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GWei_1rSssE&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I know this is past Duran's prime, but this ending is still vicious. I'm sure he was wishing he would have yelled no mas before he got in the ring if he knew that was about to happen to him.<br /><br />3. Sugar Ray Robinson defeats Gene Fullmer<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2jeZIyjxss4&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2jeZIyjxss4&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />This goes down as one of the top 5 punches I've ever seen landed. I mean it's a left hook that hit probably as square as possible and was just wicked. Beastly.<br /><br />2. Diego Corrales defeats Juan Luis Castillo<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/imZaiGJgbsw&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/imZaiGJgbsw&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />This is honestly one of the most amazing rounds of boxing I've ever seen. If this fight is ever on ESPN Classic, it is a imperative to watch. I can't believe these two guys walked out of this ring, and with the death of Corrales in his motorcycle accident not long ago, it helps put this fight, this round and this knockout on another level.<br /><br />And Number 1.......<br /><br />Rocky Marciano defeats Jersey Joe Walcott<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1DojRjL_FKY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1DojRjL_FKY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />And then just for good measure..........<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M9msELiZKyU&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M9msELiZKyU&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />By all accounts, Marciano was gonna lose this fight. He needed a knockout, and Walcott got cocky. He didn't protect himself, and he wasn't worried about Marciano. And then Rocky proved why he went undefeated and did it in vicious style. I'm pretty sure if he did this to a normal person, it would have resulted in a decapitation.<br /><br />And there you have it. My Top 10. Hope you enjoyed it.<br /><br />And just because I can't help it, one other video I found along the way.<br /><br />Uncoordinated Tall White Guy defeats Uncoordinated Short White Guy<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><object width="464" height="392"><param name="movie" value="http://embed.break.com/ODg3OTk="></param><embed src="http://embed.break.com/ODg3OTk=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="464" height="392"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.break.com/index/bigknockout.html">Big Time Knock Out Punch</a> - Watch more <a href="http://www.break.com/">free videos</a></span>Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-87160451476765646792008-01-11T14:26:00.001-05:002008-01-11T14:40:59.103-05:00We Need a New Nickname!As many people may know, Jacobs Field no longer exists. Oh the stadium is there, but under the new name of Progressive Field. I saw on another blog about someone that found the irony of the "Indians" playing at "Progressive" Field. And I can't lie, I see it too.<br /><br />But irony is not what this is about. When Jacobs Field was stripped away, we lost something important to our stadium. A nickname. That's right. Now, don't get me wrong, "The Jake" wasn't the best in sports, but it was something...it was Cleveland. And I'll be damned if I'm going to say that I'm going to "The Prog" for a game. It sounds like the new club that Britney Spears was caught without underwear and throwing up in.<br /><br />So that is where I'm enlisting the help of all the loyal Internet readers out there. Cleveland has a ballpark, and now we just need our nickname. If we can get enough good ideas, I'll set it up for a vote and I will do everything in my power to have all the fans calling Progressive Field, "_________".<br /><br />Leave any of your ideas for a nickname in the comment section.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-50513707376166218172008-01-07T11:26:00.000-05:002008-01-07T11:30:25.325-05:00Chris Bosh, Former Used Car Salesman???Chris Bosh wants your vote for the NBA All-Star Team, and he's not afraid to campaign. Check the video yourself and see how good the deal is that Chris and Bubba are ready to make.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="373"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hv7IZP7u9FE&rel=1&border=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hv7IZP7u9FE&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed></object><br /><br />I think if more politicians campaigned this way, more people would actually vote.<br /><br />Credit Yahoo! Sports NBA Blog with the original findingMezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-33553424135261750292007-12-06T15:48:00.001-05:002007-12-06T16:03:17.253-05:00Jason Kidd to the Cavs? AND No Larry Hughes?!?So a story came out recently that Nets PG Jason Kidd is angry with the New Jersey Nets and has basically all but demanded a trade. You can read the story <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-kidd120507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns">here</a> from Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski.<br /><br />Personally, I don't trust anyone that looks like that guy talking about sports, but he made some good points. It didn't take long, but Jason Kidd came out and denied the reports, his agent saying he was "hurt" by the comments people were saying. You can read that article <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3144197">here</a> from ESPN.com.<br /><br />Now, personally, I try to be an optimist. I mean, being a Cleveland sports fan, you have to be, otherwise you'll be jumping off the Terminal Tower. So I decided to head to the trade machine on ESPN.com to see what we could do to get us that point guard we all want. Here was my favorite scenario and one I think would work:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_pjkNyFqdMII/R1hjRe9P03I/AAAAAAAAAAg/eZG7PoN51I4/s1600-h/best-trade-ever.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_pjkNyFqdMII/R1hjRe9P03I/AAAAAAAAAAg/eZG7PoN51I4/s200/best-trade-ever.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140968126662300530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(click the image for a larger view)<br /><br />The key though is, we'd have to give them Larry Hughes, or dump draft picks which I don't want to do, but that might not be such a bad thing. Larry Hughes might fit there, a different set-up with guys like Jefferson and Carter who will take care of all the scoring necessities, I think it frees him up to be a better 1 or 2. And it also gives them cap help by being able to dump an extra 6 million with the contract differences between Kidd and Hughes, and then they can get rid of Ira and Shannon and save more cash. So I think it works well for them.<br /><br />And with the Cavs, do we even need to speak why this trade would be immaculate?! A true PG, a guy who plays hurt, knows how to get the ball to his teammates, and shows LeBron, we really do love you, please don't leave us. If this trade is even remote, I think it has to be done. Hell even if we have to keep Hughes, how many guys are untouchable on the Cavs? One. Do it Danny Ferry. You owe us.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-30469521249547703332007-11-26T17:59:00.000-05:002007-11-26T21:35:45.160-05:00For All Those People That Say.....<p>That Ohio State doesn't deserve to play in the National Championship game because they don't play in a conference championship game, shut up. You can't blame them for something they have no control over. </p><p>For those that don't know, the SEC is the one that started the conference championship business back in 1992. In 1996 the Big 12 thought what the SEC was doing sounded super and jumped on board. The ACC was the last major conference to jump on the bus and that happened in 2005 when they expanded (The MAC and Conference-USA also play conference championship games but they won't be considered for the rest of this blog). But in 1999, to try to finally settle a true champion, the #1 vs. #2 debate each year, they created the BCS. And the <strong>real</strong> debate began. </p><p>Now, the first question we need to answer is, how do they decide to play a conference championship game? The Big 10 doesn't do it, the Pac-10 doesn't, Big East doesn't. But why do the other 3 big conferences do? Well a bunch of Athletic Directors get together and take a vote. If they want a conference championship game they play it. If they don't, there isn't one. Oh by the way, don't forget the money that is involved either, because, really that's what its about. Look at the areas that play them...the south, south eastern coast, and the Midwest. Areas that don't have the same professional sports draws and factors that areas like the north/north east and the west coast has. And honestly if you've been to those areas, college sports is held on a much higher level, with football elevated well above anything else. </p><p>Okay so lets look at some numbers. Here is how many teams from each conference that have played in the BCS title game since 1999. All years reflect year the game was played. </p><p>Big 12 - 5 (Oklahoma <strong>'01, <span style="color:#ff0000;">'04</span></strong>, & <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'05</span></strong>, Nebraska <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'02</span></strong>, Texas <strong>'06</strong> two wins, three losses)<br />SEC - 3 (Tennessee<strong> '99</strong>, LSU <strong>'04</strong>, Florida <strong>'07</strong> all champs)<br />ACC - 3 (Florida St. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'99</span></strong>, <strong>'00</strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'01</span></strong> one win, two losses)*<br />Big East - 3 (Virginia Tech <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'00</span></strong>, Miami <strong>'02</strong> & <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'03</span></strong> one win, two losses)**<br />Pac 10 - 2 (USC <strong>'05</strong> & <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'06</span></strong> one win, one loss)<br />Big 10 - 2 (Ohio State <strong>'03</strong> & <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'07</span></strong> one win, one loss) </p><p>*Pre-Conference Championship game<br />** Virginia Tech and Miami are now both members of the ACC </p><p>So lets take a look together. The two conferences that I hear complaining about the most are the ones that lead this list in championship appearances <strong>and</strong> champions. The ACC and Big East stat is an anomaly because those programs, sans Va. Tech, have lost an immense part of their luster in the last 5 years. So what does this tell us? I think a few things. </p><p>First, it says the Big 12 and the SEC know how to win when they get there. A combined 5-3 record (3-0 for the SEC) is impressive. Aside from 2000 and 2003, a member from at least one of the conferences have played in the title game. </p><p>Second, I think it says the Big 10 and Pac 10 are good, but have few teams in the way of championship contenders. It doesn't mean an Illinois can't beat an OSU or an Oregon can't make a run, but the jury is still out if they can have the non-perennials make runs. There are 5 teams from the ACC, Big East, Big 10 and Pac 10 combined in the championship games while the Big 12 and the SEC sent 3...each! </p><p>Third, and most importantly, I think it shows this conference championship business might be blown out of proportion. I mean look at the stats that are there and it shows that chastising OSU is unnecessary. It's not their fault how the system is set up, and for those that say they play cakewalks, I'll give you partial credit. Do we forget the Texas home and home? What about the USC home and home the next two years? And Miami after that and tentative schedules for Cal in '12 and '13, Va. Tech for '14 and '15 and then Oklahoma in '16 and '17. Give all those schools credit for taking the chance, but keep it in mind for the Buckeyes for the next 6 days or so. </p><p>And as Ohio State gets put down and slammed in the media this week, and they wait to see if Missouri or West Virginia even allows this conversation to matter on Saturday night, keep in mind what they did and what they are going to do. 11-1 this year, the Rose Bowl no matter what, and waiting for an opportunity to go to New Orleans for some redemption, <strong>if</strong> it happens. But don't blame them for doing what was asked and what was on their schedule. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride...it's really the only thing you can do with the BCS anyhow.</p>Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-85853022573918346662007-11-16T12:18:00.000-05:002007-11-16T16:51:15.399-05:00Larry Hughes...Your Killing Me Smalls!It came out that Larry Hughes is gonna miss 4 weeks with a deep knee bruise, in yet another case where he ends up with a seemingly nagging injury. The thing that kills me is in 2 seasons he's played in 112 of the Cavs 173 regular season games since he's been a part of this time. He's missed 35 percent of all the regular season games they've played. That is simply unacceptable. I've seen way to much of Larry Hughes like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_pjkNyFqdMII/Rz3TKjrTVZI/AAAAAAAAAAM/otD2lyqzZeU/s1600-h/larryhughes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_pjkNyFqdMII/Rz3TKjrTVZI/AAAAAAAAAAM/otD2lyqzZeU/s320/larryhughes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133491328601249170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Instead of how it should be, like this:<br /><br /><object height="330" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n7zLuiOK9nk&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n7zLuiOK9nk&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="330" width="400"></embed></object>Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-80840717266174002772007-11-16T11:10:00.000-05:002007-11-16T12:09:08.119-05:00Why do people want to see Barry Bonds go to jail?I should start by saying, I'm in the group that wants to see him go to jail. But not for the same reason that I want to see OJ go to jail (its about time) or the same reason I'm excited for the Michael Vick sentencing (you can kill people and not go to jail, see above, but don't screw with dogs in America buddy). Barry is the first time I think people want to see this guy go down just because they simply don't like him.<br /><br />It's not like anyone has strong feelings about the crime of Perjury and Obstruction of Justice. I can honestly say I've never heard someone or seen a lifetime movie (my girlfriend watches them so don't even say it) where the bad guy was able to get away with some serious Obstruction of Justice. <br /><br />See Barry did the one thing you can't do when you cheat...draw attention to yourself. And it's pretty hard to not do that when you are breaking the single season and career home run records. And its no secret that Bonds is controversial, he has that me first persona that opposing fans can't stand and hometown fans struggle to defend. The indictment changes things though. Its as if Barry just gave all those that didn't believe him, didn't like him in the first place the go ahead to tee off and acknowledged they're right. The SanFran fans have it worse though. They are the ones that defended him, protected him, said it was all just a witch hunt. And Barry just turned that big ol' head around and spit right in their faces. If I was a Giants fan, I'd want him to go to prison just for lying to the fans, just for lying to me.<br /><br />And for those that think this isn't serious or thinks it will just go away, not so fast my friend. This is an indictment by the Feds, who normally, don't mess around with something unless they think they can win. Barry is in some serious shenanigans right now. And if I had to make a prediction, I'd expect a plea deal from Barry but I don't know if he can get away without serving time in prison.<br /><br />What does this do for Barry's legacy? Destroys it. It doesn't matter what happens with the charges, the simple fact that there was an indictment vindicates the opponents and crushes the defense of the supporters. If I was a writer, I would have a hard time voting to put Barry in the HOF, but I still think I would. Unless more facts come out, I still think he goes. But whether Barry likes it or not, he's going to be associated with an asterisk...right now he just better hope its not next to his cell number too.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-43267436255230097382007-11-16T11:02:00.000-05:002007-11-16T11:08:24.425-05:00The Cure for Unemployment!I have come up with a cure for unemployment. Well I didn't come up with it, I just saw it on the Internet and I'm claiming it as mine. I think thats fair, right? Check out this video and you'll see one of the coolest halftime shows I've ever seen, and my new idea to cure joblessness.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="319"><param name="movie" value="http://www.megavideo.com/v/7ZP0PEF7f51a59f59a9e222493785167509f7ece.4921773.0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.megavideo.com/v/7ZP0PEF7f51a59f59a9e222493785167509f7ece.4921773.0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="400" height="319"></embed></object><br /><br />See, if we can train people to do crap like that, halftime would be sweet! It would probably lead to lower alcohol intake, be a more effective marketing tool and make Dolphin fans have a reason to stay until at least halftime. It might help drive more hallucinogenic drug use though........<br /><br />This video just has to be experienced. Could be one of the greatest renditions of a song I've ever heard done at a sporting event.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="330"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zgXzMgPYjMo&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zgXzMgPYjMo&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="400" height="330"></embed></object><br /><br />And by greatest, I meant absolutely horrendous. I'm not sure if anything short of Charley Steiner and his "Francis Scott OFF-Key" zinger on Carl Lewis has made me laugh harder. Both of those videos came from a list on All Balls. You can check it out here: http://allballs.uber.com/halftime. Another good blog to check out is www.AwfulAnnouncing.com. Great sports blog with some extra emphasis those that bring us the game in their annoying fashions.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044325991294578709.post-83667914827125459972007-11-15T11:47:00.000-05:002007-11-15T12:59:05.925-05:00Did you know a wolverine is also called a skunkbear? I wasn't surprised either.So I couldn't think of a better time to start this blog going then during Hate michigan week. This leads up to what is, easily, my favorite sporting event of the entire year. There is something about this game, that to me, at least transcends rivalries in all other sports. In my opinion, there is no bigger rivalry/game/tradition <span style="font-weight: bold;">in all of sports</span>, than <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OSU</span> - michigan.<br /><br />And I can already tell people are going to say, what about the Yanks-Sox, Cowboys-Redskins, Army-Navy, Auburn-'Bama, Duke-UNC etc. So any people thinking that right now, stop. You're wrong. And here's why.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cowboys - Redskins</span>....well, maybe if Joe Gibbs could go back and time or allow Jason Campbell to use a racecar during games this one would have a fighting shot. The 'Boys are still America's Team, but until the 'Skins get some Tanto Power, this one will stay off the radar.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Army - Navy</span>....First, thank you to all those that have served, are serving, or plan to serve in ALL of our Nation's military. With that being said, please stop acting like the national audience cares about this game. I mean, people don't even know where the Naval Academy and West Point even are anymore! I'll save you the Google search, it's Maryland and New York respectively. Unless these teams can compete with the new powerhouses and in the top 25, it just won't have the same shine to it. And Navy, the San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl isn't helping. And no, I didn't make up that bowl name.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Auburn - 'Bama</span>....The Iron Bowl. Let me preface this by saying I worked for a summer in Mobile Bay, Alabama so I did get a slight experience of the hype leading up to this game. Yes it is hyped in the summer, it actually is hyped about 36 hours after the game is over the previous year. This is the only game that has an argument for me against <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OSU</span>-michigan in college football because the fans are crazy about it. But they have nothing else. The college teams are their true sports passion, and nationally this game will never catch on for two reasons. 1. If you aren't from the SEC you hate SEC fans because all they talk about is how hard their conference is and how bad your conference really is, no matter what the case might be. 2. People from the rest of the country just don't get the South. It is not the same as other places. It's true. Go there sometime, check it out. It's pretty wild.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Duke - UNC<span style="font-weight: bold;">....</span></span>Another classic college rivalry and this one ranks closer than most people think. This one always has the makings of being truly special. Perennial powerhouses, about 10 miles away from each other, passionate fans, and the hatred that fuels the best rivalries. The strength of this rivalry, Men's Basketball, is also its biggest knock for being up there with the best. This game can't end a championship run. It can't keep someone from the National Championship game. The beauty of College Basketball is the Big Dance at the end, but because it's there a loss in one of these games still gives you hope when the game is said and done.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yankees - Red Sox</span>....well maybe I should just put Red Sox - Yankees. Two great teams from "America's Pastime". The problem is, the sport is being left in the past for the America's Presentime, Football. Plus, in a sport that plays 14 months a year like baseball (I'm pretty sure Pitchers and Catchers are already reporting), with two teams that play against each other at least 18 times, it loses some luster to the "non-fan of one of these teams" national public. Sorry, its just the case. Plus the huge national attention given to both squads leaves a sour taste in the mouths of other fans. As a Tribe fan I knew I had to watch 3209587 hours of Sox highlights after the ALCS but couldn't I have 10 minutes of highlights to enjoy beating the Yankees? It became the Joe Torre variety hour and they lost! The national media will keep trying to beat this down the throats of all sports fans but it's one that just won't take.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >OSU</span> - </span>michigan....So why is this one the best in all of sports? Because it has everything.<br /><br /><ul><li>Football has become the new American sport. </li><li>It's played one time a year so the wait when you lose is unbearable. </li><li>This game has decided the Big Ten Conference championship 22 times (23 on Saturday) in the last 72 years. A third of the time this game is for a title, that is remarkable. </li><li>Perennial National Championship contenders.</li><li>The proximity of the schools, just a few hours of a drive away. </li><li>Fans with the utmost passion for their teams. </li><li>Schools encased in tradition.</li><li>Hatred for the opposing team that is as strong as your love for your own team.</li><li>Other people throughout the country who aren't fans actually enjoy watching the game<br /></li></ul><br />With all of these rivalries, they all have had their glory times. And most continue to thrive and fuel their fans passion each time they roll around. And whether you agree, disagree, whatever, leave some comments and keep the debate going. It's a good debate to have...I mean, Hate michigan week only gets to come around once a year.Mezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02253464688111882284noreply@blogger.com0