Nobody can't call Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis a gambler. Lewis, head coach since 2003, has made the playoffs twice in his six year stint with the Bengals, including winning the AFC North Division with a 10-6 record this past season as well as earning AP Coach of the Year honors.
He has done this with a group of players that can be called (at the least) rambunctious. According to a San Diego Union-Tribune database of arrests involving NFL players since 2000, the Bengals have a league-leading 32, with 21 since 2005 and 10 since 2007. This includes three Bengal arrests this off season. One of the players is RB Cedric Benson, who was charged with two DWI's while wearing out his welcome in Chicago. He has been charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face on May 30. Last season, he led the Bengals in rushing with a career-high 1,251 yards and set a team single-season record with seven games of 100 yards or more. In 24 career games with Cincinnati, Benson has totaled 2,167 yards and nine touchdowns rushing. Heck, he was a mainstay with my fantasy football team last year. Other co-stars of this show include Tank Johnson and 'Pacman' Jones.
Having said all this, Lewis's latest gamble has a different kind of spin. The Bengals have signed future HOF receiver Terrell Owens, who is more known for his 'love me some me' attitude. His name even comes up first when I google him. During his tenure, he has thown two quarterbacks under the bus and singlehandely destroyed two locker rooms. Having said that, he only trails Randy Moss and Jerry Rice for career touchdowns by a wide receiver.
On the opposite WR side is six-time Pro Bowler Chad Ochocinco, a guy with his own history. This includes bringing the Mohawk back, his actually enjoyable end zone celebrations and his phrase, made famous by the HBO show 'Hard Knocks', "Child, Please".
Colorful does not begin to describe this duo. I don't know what to expect from them. I have to say in T.O.'s defense, that he kept his nose clean this past season while with the Buffalo Bills. He almost became a league pariah from his antics in the past. But as the saying goes, "as long as you can play the game..there will always be a spot for you in the league". Or something like that. Also these two guys have never been on any police blotters and they both have had their own reality TV shows. If this potential NFL reality show works on the field...you better get your popcorn ready.
Have a great weekend!!!
Song of the Blog: Brittney Spears - "Circus"
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Life's Decisions
It's rant time.
One of the things I consider a right of passage if you are a true football fan (and can afford it) is the renewing of your NFL Sunday Football Ticket, a Direct TV sports package that shows almost all of the league games during the NFL season. In existence since 1994, the ticket's popularity has expanded to Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Bermuda and the Bahamas. It also has other packages such as Superfan, which has the Game Mix (which shows 8 games at the same time, The Red Zone Channel (acts as a viewer's "remote control" and switches around various NFL games as plays of interest occur (scoring plays, key turnovers, etc.) and Short Cuts, which recaps almost every NFL game in 30 minutes or less.
They just extended the contract they have with the NFL, paying four billion (that's right, with a B) for the rights through the year 2014.
I can still remember being seduced by DTV, when they said I could get the Ticket for FREE as well as the full channel package for the rest of the year if I signed up. That was a few years ago. I've been in love ever since.
Now let's be clear. I can not watch all of the games at the same time. But I do enjoy watching the big plays (live). Any game, at any moment. I know that on paper, I am not getting my money's worth. Helping to feed my addition, is my love for fantasy football, now in it's 15th year. It's one of the few indulgences that I allow myself for all the hard work at my job, my business and my life. I happily pay the premium for this package.
Until now.
This years cost for the package is $300 dollars. Five monthly payments of sixty bucks. It has even caused me, a loyal fan, to pause. I could barely afford last years payments. Even my love has it's limits.
I don't what I'm going to do. On the one hand, football is one of the few passions of my life and on the other hand, three hundred dollars is three hundred dollars.
Then again, it is only two bucks a day.
Rest In Peace to Jack Tatum...
Song of the day: Love's Theme - Barry White
One of the things I consider a right of passage if you are a true football fan (and can afford it) is the renewing of your NFL Sunday Football Ticket, a Direct TV sports package that shows almost all of the league games during the NFL season. In existence since 1994, the ticket's popularity has expanded to Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Bermuda and the Bahamas. It also has other packages such as Superfan, which has the Game Mix (which shows 8 games at the same time, The Red Zone Channel (acts as a viewer's "remote control" and switches around various NFL games as plays of interest occur (scoring plays, key turnovers, etc.) and Short Cuts, which recaps almost every NFL game in 30 minutes or less.
They just extended the contract they have with the NFL, paying four billion (that's right, with a B) for the rights through the year 2014.
I can still remember being seduced by DTV, when they said I could get the Ticket for FREE as well as the full channel package for the rest of the year if I signed up. That was a few years ago. I've been in love ever since.
Now let's be clear. I can not watch all of the games at the same time. But I do enjoy watching the big plays (live). Any game, at any moment. I know that on paper, I am not getting my money's worth. Helping to feed my addition, is my love for fantasy football, now in it's 15th year. It's one of the few indulgences that I allow myself for all the hard work at my job, my business and my life. I happily pay the premium for this package.
Until now.
This years cost for the package is $300 dollars. Five monthly payments of sixty bucks. It has even caused me, a loyal fan, to pause. I could barely afford last years payments. Even my love has it's limits.
I don't what I'm going to do. On the one hand, football is one of the few passions of my life and on the other hand, three hundred dollars is three hundred dollars.
Then again, it is only two bucks a day.
Rest In Peace to Jack Tatum...
Song of the day: Love's Theme - Barry White
Monday, July 26, 2010
Down...Set...Blue 14...Blue 14...Hut..Hut!!
It's official! The football season has officially began with the opening of training camps. And right out of the box the drama begins with who else, Jerry's team, the Dallas Cowboys. Just to let you know, this blog will never call the Cowboys America's team.
The latest drama involves their 1st round pick, WR Dez Bryant. So far, he has done all of the company's things: signed early, was officially the first player to hit the field for camp. Even got HOF'ers Michael Irvin's #88 (how in the heck did he do that?). All before he makes his first catch in the NFL.
Generally, rookies are pressured (by the vets) to do some tasks to show solidarity with the team. Milder examples of this include singing the team fight song and ,in the case of former head coach Bill Parcells, have the rookies bring him cups of water.
WR Roy Williams, who also will be competing with him for a staring job at wide receiver, wanted Bryant to carry his shoulder pads for him, a typical vet demand of a rookie. Bryant said no. Here's where I draw the line the line. Who does he think he is? Oh, I know, he's Dez Bryant, who had the bomb 2008 season with 19 TD's, but just 10 in the other two seasons. He is part of that entitlement generation that feels that everything should be given to him before doing anything. Why do I feel a T.O. thing coming on ?
Personally, I think justice will be meted out by the vets in one way or another. I don't want say how, but things have a way evening themselves out in the NFL. Either way, this will have to dealt with or it could grow into something more dysfunctional. It couldn't happen to a more deserving team.
Song of the Day: "The World is Mine" (from the movie Scarface)
The latest drama involves their 1st round pick, WR Dez Bryant. So far, he has done all of the company's things: signed early, was officially the first player to hit the field for camp. Even got HOF'ers Michael Irvin's #88 (how in the heck did he do that?). All before he makes his first catch in the NFL.
Generally, rookies are pressured (by the vets) to do some tasks to show solidarity with the team. Milder examples of this include singing the team fight song and ,in the case of former head coach Bill Parcells, have the rookies bring him cups of water.
WR Roy Williams, who also will be competing with him for a staring job at wide receiver, wanted Bryant to carry his shoulder pads for him, a typical vet demand of a rookie. Bryant said no. Here's where I draw the line the line. Who does he think he is? Oh, I know, he's Dez Bryant, who had the bomb 2008 season with 19 TD's, but just 10 in the other two seasons. He is part of that entitlement generation that feels that everything should be given to him before doing anything. Why do I feel a T.O. thing coming on ?
Personally, I think justice will be meted out by the vets in one way or another. I don't want say how, but things have a way evening themselves out in the NFL. Either way, this will have to dealt with or it could grow into something more dysfunctional. It couldn't happen to a more deserving team.
Song of the Day: "The World is Mine" (from the movie Scarface)
Friday, July 23, 2010
The New Guy
In DC, we have had our share of unique owners from all of our sports teams. From Skins owner Jack Kent Cooke, who patted the mayor on the rump during negotiations to Bullets owner Abe Pollin, who brought the city our last major sports championship (apologies to DC United), it seems to be a special type of owner that owns the teams from this town.
Add to the list Ted Leonsis, new owner of the Wizards. While he did (and does) own the Washington Capitals hockey team, he has now added the men's basketball team to his portfolio. With this addition, as well his ownership of the WNBA's Mystics (which are currently tied for first in the Eastern Conference), he hopes to continue to work his magic of success.
What makes this former AOL executive turned sports mogul special? Over the last three years as Caps owner, they have won three out of every five games while winning the Southeast Conference each year. They actually were the best team in the entire league this past year with 54 wins. He did this while learning from the school of hard knocks. Initially he went for the veteran move, signing Jaromir Jagr to a large deal (7yrs., 77 million). He did not live up the hype--helping the team miss the playoffs that year. Learning from the experience, he did a paradigm change, developing young talent from the farm system.
From there, the rest will soon be history.
He plans to use the same strategy with the Wizards. He has been mainly on the sidelines this past free agent signing period, just signing a small piece here and there. He caught a major break getting John Wall as the number one pick of the recent draft. One block at a time.
Having said all this, the reason that I did this blog is in regards to his customer service skills. According to various sources, he shows his responsiveness to his customers by, for example, personally responding to e-mails regarding customer suggestions. He received one suggestion that cup holders should be added to bathroom stalls in the Verizon Center. What did it for me was his recent statement saying that he plans to mop floors in the Center, just to understand the process. Wow.
Mr. Leonsis is laying the groundwork to bring winning and championships back to the DC area. One block at a time.
Song of the day: We Are the Champions - Queen. Have a great weekend!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY&feature=avmsc2
Add to the list Ted Leonsis, new owner of the Wizards. While he did (and does) own the Washington Capitals hockey team, he has now added the men's basketball team to his portfolio. With this addition, as well his ownership of the WNBA's Mystics (which are currently tied for first in the Eastern Conference), he hopes to continue to work his magic of success.
What makes this former AOL executive turned sports mogul special? Over the last three years as Caps owner, they have won three out of every five games while winning the Southeast Conference each year. They actually were the best team in the entire league this past year with 54 wins. He did this while learning from the school of hard knocks. Initially he went for the veteran move, signing Jaromir Jagr to a large deal (7yrs., 77 million). He did not live up the hype--helping the team miss the playoffs that year. Learning from the experience, he did a paradigm change, developing young talent from the farm system.
From there, the rest will soon be history.
He plans to use the same strategy with the Wizards. He has been mainly on the sidelines this past free agent signing period, just signing a small piece here and there. He caught a major break getting John Wall as the number one pick of the recent draft. One block at a time.
Having said all this, the reason that I did this blog is in regards to his customer service skills. According to various sources, he shows his responsiveness to his customers by, for example, personally responding to e-mails regarding customer suggestions. He received one suggestion that cup holders should be added to bathroom stalls in the Verizon Center. What did it for me was his recent statement saying that he plans to mop floors in the Center, just to understand the process. Wow.
Mr. Leonsis is laying the groundwork to bring winning and championships back to the DC area. One block at a time.
Song of the day: We Are the Champions - Queen. Have a great weekend!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY&feature=avmsc2
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Fight - The Remix
Today I want to talk about possibly one one the greatest sporting events not just this year but in the last couple of years: The title fight between Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. This would be one of the biggest title fights ever in the history of boxing...if it happens.
Blame as to why this hasn't been cemented yet has bounced back and forth like a tennis match. At first Pretty Boy didn't want to fight because he wanted the drug testing similar to Olympic testing (very strict). This would address his concern about Pacman's alleged steroid use. When he refused, no fight. Since then, after being elected to Congress in his home country (The Philippines), he has now agreed to the Olympic testing format. But "Money" Mayweather did not respond to a midnight deadline to agree to the fight.
So here we are...a big sandbox filled with a big pile of cash money (estimates say that EACH boxer could make 30-40 million from this fight) but no one wants to play. One reason is a favorite word in boxing: gamesmanship. Boxers always like to get some type of edge before entering the ring. Manny did his, then Mayweather. Ok, that's out of the way. "Money" may also be distracted because his uncle (who is also his trainer) is scheduled to appear in court to face an assault charge. At the end of the day, the fight will happen because (as they say from the show, The Wire) there is just too much dope on the table.
By the way, I go on the record as a Mayweather man, but I really like the heck out of PacMan. It will be a great fight. I may even pay for it. By the way, who do you like?
Song of the day (only for the true 80's clubbers): "Pac Jam", The Jonzun Crew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWZRhvhBC-0
Blame as to why this hasn't been cemented yet has bounced back and forth like a tennis match. At first Pretty Boy didn't want to fight because he wanted the drug testing similar to Olympic testing (very strict). This would address his concern about Pacman's alleged steroid use. When he refused, no fight. Since then, after being elected to Congress in his home country (The Philippines), he has now agreed to the Olympic testing format. But "Money" Mayweather did not respond to a midnight deadline to agree to the fight.
So here we are...a big sandbox filled with a big pile of cash money (estimates say that EACH boxer could make 30-40 million from this fight) but no one wants to play. One reason is a favorite word in boxing: gamesmanship. Boxers always like to get some type of edge before entering the ring. Manny did his, then Mayweather. Ok, that's out of the way. "Money" may also be distracted because his uncle (who is also his trainer) is scheduled to appear in court to face an assault charge. At the end of the day, the fight will happen because (as they say from the show, The Wire) there is just too much dope on the table.
By the way, I go on the record as a Mayweather man, but I really like the heck out of PacMan. It will be a great fight. I may even pay for it. By the way, who do you like?
Song of the day (only for the true 80's clubbers): "Pac Jam", The Jonzun Crew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWZRhvhBC-0
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
We're talkin Baseball...
How ya doin sports fans...
If you have been reading my blog (or not) you would know I've been trying to talk about the major sports stuff of the day, or at least the week. One sport that has been left out has been major league baseball. In thinking about it, this is for a couple of reasons.
Since the days of playing catcher for my Boys & Girls club in my single digit years to my legendary days (in my own mind) of playing in HS, college and adulthood, I have a sincere love for the game. This was enhanced by my awareness of Negro League baseball, played by players of color more than 100 years ago when they were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues. The league's legitimacy was confirmed with entry of some of the players into the Major League Hall of Fame such as Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige, who's picture hangs proudly in my front room.
I have personally been turned off by the current product for a couple of the reasons. The first is the length of the season. The 162 game schedule is rough for a guy who has a attention span of about 89 games. For me, the first 35 games of the season, the last 50 games or so of the regular season and the playoffs are more than enough for me. I still enjoy the All-Star game. The players are still into it.
On a more general note, my major unhappiness with baseball is from what I call the Steroid era. I admit to drinking the kool-aid during the touring home run show starring Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa when they chased the single season home run record. Throw in the personal drama of Bobby Bonds, who I think didn't need it in the first place, I've been just disgusted with the sport in general. Oh, that's right, he says that he didn't use it.
One other reason is management, or lack thereof. Bud Selig, who by the way is a owner as well, has run the league like an owner. The league has been run pretty much on auto pilot the last couple of years. My personal opinion is that someone was aware of the steriod use by the players, but was just given a wink and a nod.
Usually, when I'm negative about a topic, I try to offer alternatives for improvement. Right now, I can't think of any.
Song of the day: "Take me out (still) to the ball game"
If you have been reading my blog (or not) you would know I've been trying to talk about the major sports stuff of the day, or at least the week. One sport that has been left out has been major league baseball. In thinking about it, this is for a couple of reasons.
Since the days of playing catcher for my Boys & Girls club in my single digit years to my legendary days (in my own mind) of playing in HS, college and adulthood, I have a sincere love for the game. This was enhanced by my awareness of Negro League baseball, played by players of color more than 100 years ago when they were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues. The league's legitimacy was confirmed with entry of some of the players into the Major League Hall of Fame such as Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige, who's picture hangs proudly in my front room.
I have personally been turned off by the current product for a couple of the reasons. The first is the length of the season. The 162 game schedule is rough for a guy who has a attention span of about 89 games. For me, the first 35 games of the season, the last 50 games or so of the regular season and the playoffs are more than enough for me. I still enjoy the All-Star game. The players are still into it.
On a more general note, my major unhappiness with baseball is from what I call the Steroid era. I admit to drinking the kool-aid during the touring home run show starring Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa when they chased the single season home run record. Throw in the personal drama of Bobby Bonds, who I think didn't need it in the first place, I've been just disgusted with the sport in general. Oh, that's right, he says that he didn't use it.
One other reason is management, or lack thereof. Bud Selig, who by the way is a owner as well, has run the league like an owner. The league has been run pretty much on auto pilot the last couple of years. My personal opinion is that someone was aware of the steriod use by the players, but was just given a wink and a nod.
Usually, when I'm negative about a topic, I try to offer alternatives for improvement. Right now, I can't think of any.
Song of the day: "Take me out (still) to the ball game"
Thursday, July 15, 2010
It's true
I was scanning the sports waves last night, looking for my next topic. ESPN had the ESPY's. In general, I don't do award shows, so...no. There was no baseball and there was no interesting classic games to watch. There was an Canadian football game, but come on, I'm American (Just kidding).
And then, it hit me all at once: I was a sports junkie looking for a fix. I mean I wasn't scratching like Ray Charles from the movie Ray, but while I look at other venues like movies or documentaries, I needed (at that moment) the drama of athletic competition. It did made me pause. I didn't realize how much sports was in my life. Even from my athletic days from HS and college (sorry, got caught up in the rapture for a minute), I thought it would always be around like the Spinners.
And guess what, it has. It is my preferred choice of viewing. Give me a competing match any day, whether it's b-ball, football, hockey, golf, baseball, softball, horseshoes, cricket, soccer, wrestling, badminton, bowling...well you get the point.
Fortunately, I did run into some summer league NBA B-ball. It beats the heck out of heroin.
Song of the day: Hip - Hop Hurray http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaH-m_2ffik&playnext_from=TL&videos=p5MzA3nndI4
And then, it hit me all at once: I was a sports junkie looking for a fix. I mean I wasn't scratching like Ray Charles from the movie Ray, but while I look at other venues like movies or documentaries, I needed (at that moment) the drama of athletic competition. It did made me pause. I didn't realize how much sports was in my life. Even from my athletic days from HS and college (sorry, got caught up in the rapture for a minute), I thought it would always be around like the Spinners.
And guess what, it has. It is my preferred choice of viewing. Give me a competing match any day, whether it's b-ball, football, hockey, golf, baseball, softball, horseshoes, cricket, soccer, wrestling, badminton, bowling...well you get the point.
Fortunately, I did run into some summer league NBA B-ball. It beats the heck out of heroin.
Song of the day: Hip - Hop Hurray http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaH-m_2ffik&playnext_from=TL&videos=p5MzA3nndI4
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Rant of the Week
How ya doin sports fans?
Every once in a while, I go on a rant. For some of the people who read my stuff, some can't tell the difference. In either case, I don't use any stats to back up my thoughts, don't cite any sources. I just...well, rant.
Today's target is the one of the biggest pimps in the sports game: the NCAA. They have one of the largest stable of workers in sports that generate billions (with a B) of dollars for the organization. If this is not enough, they now want to fill their bulging pockets even more by adding a fake final 4, adding four additional teams to have a "play-in" tournament to get in the big dance. I don't know all of the particulars, they don't even know themselves yet.
I got beef because I'm a purist when it comes to the tournament. It's just about one of the best sports events in our sports landscape. It's called March Madness, even though the championship game is now in April. I can live with that. But it's just the continual juicing of the athlete-students (I did mean to say it that way) to help increase the bottom line.
Some would say that it's a fair exchange because the school offers a opportunity to earn a college degree. Fine. Others say that it help to expands the athlete-student's view of the world. I get that. But I look at it in terms of dollars and cents. In most cases, it's billions vs...maybe hundreds of thousands for that average competitor. As soon as their eligibility is used up, that's it.
You know what I would like to see? I would like to see curriculums actually geared toward the athletes that will not be around for the complete four years. I would like these classes/workshops help to these athletes to plan for life after college. Examples of this include money management and how to help build successful teams to help themselves. Even a year of this would help. I also would like to see these athletes get larger slice of the pie. These guys are not just your average students.
Whew, I feel better already.
Song of the day: Slick Rick - Pimpin Ain't Easy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybC7wOAeXpk
Every once in a while, I go on a rant. For some of the people who read my stuff, some can't tell the difference. In either case, I don't use any stats to back up my thoughts, don't cite any sources. I just...well, rant.
Today's target is the one of the biggest pimps in the sports game: the NCAA. They have one of the largest stable of workers in sports that generate billions (with a B) of dollars for the organization. If this is not enough, they now want to fill their bulging pockets even more by adding a fake final 4, adding four additional teams to have a "play-in" tournament to get in the big dance. I don't know all of the particulars, they don't even know themselves yet.
I got beef because I'm a purist when it comes to the tournament. It's just about one of the best sports events in our sports landscape. It's called March Madness, even though the championship game is now in April. I can live with that. But it's just the continual juicing of the athlete-students (I did mean to say it that way) to help increase the bottom line.
Some would say that it's a fair exchange because the school offers a opportunity to earn a college degree. Fine. Others say that it help to expands the athlete-student's view of the world. I get that. But I look at it in terms of dollars and cents. In most cases, it's billions vs...maybe hundreds of thousands for that average competitor. As soon as their eligibility is used up, that's it.
You know what I would like to see? I would like to see curriculums actually geared toward the athletes that will not be around for the complete four years. I would like these classes/workshops help to these athletes to plan for life after college. Examples of this include money management and how to help build successful teams to help themselves. Even a year of this would help. I also would like to see these athletes get larger slice of the pie. These guys are not just your average students.
Whew, I feel better already.
Song of the day: Slick Rick - Pimpin Ain't Easy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybC7wOAeXpk
Monday, July 12, 2010
Perspective
How ya doin sports fans.
You know I had to check out the professional debut of #1 overall (and Wiz) pick John Wall. I have to admit that I made a rush to judgment.
His first pro jump shot was a pro brick off the backboard. He committed eight turnovers on the night. Starting out, he did not seem like the first pick of the draft. But then I looked at the stat sheet at the end of the game: 24 points (on 7-15 shooting and 10-11 FT's), eight assists and two steals. Take a look:
http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100711/WASGSW/gameinfo.html
After the slow start, and pre-game jitters, he did get it going. He showed general command of the offense at the point, to the point that it was almost dysfunctional when he wasn't in (he played almost 34 of the 40 minutes). Look for the developing chemistry between him and probable starting center JaVale MaGee. And man, when he gets those jets going, I still say he's a bigger Allen Iverson. I have to mention as a sidelight that reports have Miami talking to both Derek Fisher and wait for it...AI to come to the Heat. As a former President used to say, "scary, Scaaaary".
Two other points: This WAS his first game since the tournament since late March. Lot of those missed shots are going to be good when the season starts. He also has as a teacher two-time champ Sam (I am) Cassel, a guy who played the position very well in his heyday. I know that this was against second and third tier players, but it is inching me closer to renewing my NBA Ticket for the season. And by the way, John Wall...Wow.
Song of the day: Kleer - Winners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjng2KQjww
You know I had to check out the professional debut of #1 overall (and Wiz) pick John Wall. I have to admit that I made a rush to judgment.
His first pro jump shot was a pro brick off the backboard. He committed eight turnovers on the night. Starting out, he did not seem like the first pick of the draft. But then I looked at the stat sheet at the end of the game: 24 points (on 7-15 shooting and 10-11 FT's), eight assists and two steals. Take a look:
http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100711/WASGSW/gameinfo.html
After the slow start, and pre-game jitters, he did get it going. He showed general command of the offense at the point, to the point that it was almost dysfunctional when he wasn't in (he played almost 34 of the 40 minutes). Look for the developing chemistry between him and probable starting center JaVale MaGee. And man, when he gets those jets going, I still say he's a bigger Allen Iverson. I have to mention as a sidelight that reports have Miami talking to both Derek Fisher and wait for it...AI to come to the Heat. As a former President used to say, "scary, Scaaaary".
Two other points: This WAS his first game since the tournament since late March. Lot of those missed shots are going to be good when the season starts. He also has as a teacher two-time champ Sam (I am) Cassel, a guy who played the position very well in his heyday. I know that this was against second and third tier players, but it is inching me closer to renewing my NBA Ticket for the season. And by the way, John Wall...Wow.
Song of the day: Kleer - Winners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjng2KQjww
Friday, July 9, 2010
Now that done with...
I would not be much of a blogger if I didn't comment on "The Decision" that was on ESPN last night. Fact is, I only caught the last 22 minutes of the show.
Were you really surprised? The only way Bron-Bron was going to stay in Cleveland is if he could get one of the other two to join his "court". I personally think that his decision was made when he was eliminated from the playoffs this past season and he couldn't wait to take his jersey off as he left the court.
If you were/are a Labron hater (which I have to continually say that I'm not), there was a lot to hate about. It was so phony that he said that it hard for him to say that he was leaving for Miami. For my boy (you know who you are), the show was really ALL about him. It's still a positive that's the Univ. of Phoenix provided five(?) scholarships and a half million to his charitable organization. It is tough trying to be a global icon.
Now for..The Reason. Labron hopes that this move will give the championships deserving of a king. It doesn't matter that there are only five players currently on the roster and they have no center and "banger" presence. Draft pick Dexter Pittman (Texas, 6-11, 303) might fit the bill and sleeper point guard pick Da'Sean Butler from West Virginia, who had a great tournament this past year before tearing his ACL, might contribute right away. The real question is can the King accept being just a prince in the Court of D Wade.
Football can not come fast enough...
Song of the day: Miami - Will Smith
Were you really surprised? The only way Bron-Bron was going to stay in Cleveland is if he could get one of the other two to join his "court". I personally think that his decision was made when he was eliminated from the playoffs this past season and he couldn't wait to take his jersey off as he left the court.
If you were/are a Labron hater (which I have to continually say that I'm not), there was a lot to hate about. It was so phony that he said that it hard for him to say that he was leaving for Miami. For my boy (you know who you are), the show was really ALL about him. It's still a positive that's the Univ. of Phoenix provided five(?) scholarships and a half million to his charitable organization. It is tough trying to be a global icon.
Now for..The Reason. Labron hopes that this move will give the championships deserving of a king. It doesn't matter that there are only five players currently on the roster and they have no center and "banger" presence. Draft pick Dexter Pittman (Texas, 6-11, 303) might fit the bill and sleeper point guard pick Da'Sean Butler from West Virginia, who had a great tournament this past year before tearing his ACL, might contribute right away. The real question is can the King accept being just a prince in the Court of D Wade.
Football can not come fast enough...
Song of the day: Miami - Will Smith
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What's he gonna do?
How ya doin sports fans. I hope you enjoyed your holiday and helped to celebrate the independence of our great country. Special shout out to my former FEMA brethren, who probably worked during the holiday helping disaster victims.
LBJ. For my generation, those initials stand for one of our presidents. For this generation, they stand for the second (some say 3rd --that's for another blog) best player in the league, Lebron James. I always have to preface this by saying that while I am not a Lakers fan, the best player in the league is still on the West Coast.
But I digress. He is making his big free agent decision on Thursday with an hour long special on ESPN. Are you kidding me? So I won't sound like I'm totally hating (which I'm not) I appreciate his game on the floor. He had an MVP year (29.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 8.6 apg) but fizzled (can you say that averaging 26, 9 and 8?) in the playoffs.
I guess my point is that this is a lot to do for a guy who has been to the championship finals once. I personally think this is more about him wanting to see how it would have been if he were recruited for college. The other point is while MOST pro athletes have large egos, others go to the next level (see TO -- I love me some me) He could just give a little press conference and make his intentions known, take a few questions and leave, but...nah. I heard that he is making a donation from this show to the Boys & Girls club (one of my favorite charities). That would help to alleviate my feelings about this upcoming show.
By the way, I actually don't have a problem with him having this show (especially if the charity part is true.). If you got it, flaunt it. It just would be nice to have a championship to go with the hype.
Song of the day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1pkTzawexg&playnext_from=TL&videos=SXYRmS1iDKc
LBJ. For my generation, those initials stand for one of our presidents. For this generation, they stand for the second (some say 3rd --that's for another blog) best player in the league, Lebron James. I always have to preface this by saying that while I am not a Lakers fan, the best player in the league is still on the West Coast.
But I digress. He is making his big free agent decision on Thursday with an hour long special on ESPN. Are you kidding me? So I won't sound like I'm totally hating (which I'm not) I appreciate his game on the floor. He had an MVP year (29.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 8.6 apg) but fizzled (can you say that averaging 26, 9 and 8?) in the playoffs.
I guess my point is that this is a lot to do for a guy who has been to the championship finals once. I personally think this is more about him wanting to see how it would have been if he were recruited for college. The other point is while MOST pro athletes have large egos, others go to the next level (see TO -- I love me some me) He could just give a little press conference and make his intentions known, take a few questions and leave, but...nah. I heard that he is making a donation from this show to the Boys & Girls club (one of my favorite charities). That would help to alleviate my feelings about this upcoming show.
By the way, I actually don't have a problem with him having this show (especially if the charity part is true.). If you got it, flaunt it. It just would be nice to have a championship to go with the hype.
Song of the day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1pkTzawexg&playnext_from=TL&videos=SXYRmS1iDKc
Friday, July 2, 2010
NBA gone wild
Drew Gooden: 5yrs - 32mil. Channing Frye: 5yrs. - 30mil. Rudy Gay - 16 mil/yrs for 5 years. To the naked NBA fan eye, it would seem that there is something wrong with this picture. How are these guys getting paid like this?
It depends on how you look at it. On the one hand, most of these middle of the road guys are servicable (and relatively) proven guys in that you know what you are going to get. They will help to put a decent product on the floor. In comparision to what the superstars (i.e., James, Wade, et al - sorry, I like that phrase) are going to get , the owners are getting off cheap. It also speaks to the salary scale of the league, which I'm sure will be addressed with the upcoming bargaining talks.
The other point leads me to the BreezyG Theory of Value: The value of anything in the world is EXACTLY what someone is willing to pay for it.
It depends on how you look at it. On the one hand, most of these middle of the road guys are servicable (and relatively) proven guys in that you know what you are going to get. They will help to put a decent product on the floor. In comparision to what the superstars (i.e., James, Wade, et al - sorry, I like that phrase) are going to get , the owners are getting off cheap. It also speaks to the salary scale of the league, which I'm sure will be addressed with the upcoming bargaining talks.
The other point leads me to the BreezyG Theory of Value: The value of anything in the world is EXACTLY what someone is willing to pay for it.
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