Is it fair that I wait until a game into the Western playoff before telling the world my picks? Most would see this as an unfair advantage. I have seen Memphis steal one in San Antonio with an injured Ginobli. I have seen Chris Paul dominate a lethargic Laker team. Denver probably got robbed in their loss to Oklahoma City. And Portland, who many picked in an upset, is already down 2-0.
But this isn't my NCAA office pool. No one is obligated to get their picks in before tip-off. This is a blog. Besides, nothing that has transpired has made any difference from my initial thoughts.
San Antonio worked all season long to grab the number one seed, only to lose Ginobli and the first game against the young Grizzlies. The rumor is that Memphis tanked games at the end of the season in order to match up against the Spurs, and not the Lakers. In game one, Marc Gasol played Duncan straight up. Parker and Jefferson were average. And Battier came up huge. But San Antonio is not losing to the Grizzlies. Ginobli or not, Memphis has never won a play off series and won't win this one either.
The Denver Nuggets played Oklahoma City to the buzzer. Oklahoma City showed the West that Durant and Westbrook are an impossible match up. They also showed that if their front line can't handle Nene, KMart, and Chris Anderson, they are not going past the next round. But the Thunder will survive round one.
This Dallas team is almost identical to past Maverick teams, which play too soft and lose early in the play offs. The biggest difference is Tyson Chandler. Finally, the Mavs have a rebounder and shot blocker that can cover for the lack of an interior game. Jason Kidd is playing great, Dirk is Dirk, and winning in Dallas is next to impossible as Dirk gets every call at crunch time. Portland, without a healthy Brandon Roy, never had a chance. But Dallas desperately needed the two seed in order to go far.
The Los Angeles Lakers. I'll admit that I'm a Laker fan. They have the most talent, back to back rings, depth, size, Kobe, Phil, and get most of the calls. In a close game, Kobe will get the whistle, Fisher will get the flop call, and David Stern will do all he can to boost ratings. But this was the year to pick against them. Three-peating is next to impossible. San Antonio had home court. The Thunder got Perkins. The Mavs had the second seed sealed up. But I can't pick against them. First, the Lakers luck out by grabbing the two seed, avoiding the Thunder or Spurs until the conference finals. Then Ginobli gets injured. The Lakers will beat New Orleans and match up well against Dallas.
The Spurs and Thunder will meet in the next round and beat up on each other. Either way, the Lakers are the winners. If the Spurs survive, they will be too old and beat up for the Lakers. If the Thunder survive, the task of running against the Nuggets, pounding against the Spurs, then travelling to Los Angeles with no real play off veterans will be tough. Hey, the Thunder are great. Durant and Westbrook are stars. But Kendrick Perkins won't win championships for you. You win championships with Duncan, Ginobli, Bryant, Garnett, and Ray Allen. The Thunder will get there, but not yet. Look for the Spurs to win in seven against the Thunder. Then look for the Lakers to hit their stride and win in six against the Spurs.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The NBA playoffs...the East.
The NBA playoffs start today, and the ring is up for grabs. The Chicago Bulls have the MVP, the best record, and the home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. The Miami Heat have LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and a lot to prove. The Boston Celtics were a quarter away from winning it all last year and come to the table with four all-stars, not including Shaq. San Antonio quietly won the West with relative ease. Dallas won 50 games again. The Thunder got better and bigger. And the Los Angeles Lakers grabbed the two seed in their quest to three-peat.
Let's start in the East. In the four vs. five match up, you have to like the Orlando Magic beating Atlanta. Atlanta has played bad basketball over the last few weeks and it is difficult to just turn it on come playoff time. The Hawks have a decent team, but show no signs that they have the match ups, or experience to beat Orlando. Orlando will go as far as Dwight Howard takes them. Gilbert Arenas, Richardson, Turkoglu, Nelson, and the rest, have been inconsistent to say the least. The Hack-a-Howard will be in full force. If Howard can't shoot better than 75% at the line, Orlando goes home.
The three vs. six match up looks good on paper. Ray Allen, KG, Paul Pierce, Rondo and company, versus Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Chauncey Billups. But the Knicks don't play defense and don't have the depth to stay with Boston. Boston has not been the same team since they traded Kendrick Perkins, and the thought that often injured Shaquille O'Neil will be a difference maker is laughable, but despite injuries, the Celtics have experience and the benches get shortened come playoff time.
Miami takes on Philly in the two vs. seven match up. I worry about the Heat in the playoffs. I could see Miami getting tight and LeBron forcing things. I could see strong defensive schemes forcing someone besides LeBron and Wade to make shots. But I don't see problems versus Philly. The next round versus Boston is a different story. Boston plays best in a defensive half court style, and Miami has been dreadful against the good teams. Look for Boston to advance to the conference finals.
Chicago is way too good for the Pacers in the one versus eight match up, but are they ready for a championship? Derrick Rose is the best point guard in basketball. The Bulls are solid at every position with Noah, Boozer, and Gibson up front. Korver and Deng on the wings. Thomas, Brewer, and Watson on the bench. They have depth, defense, and Rose. But new teams often need a few tries to win championships. Wade has won championships, LeBron has been to the finals, the Lakers, Spurs, and Celtics have all been there. Even Orlando went to the finals two years ago. Who on the Bulls has been there? Brain Scalabrine? I would love to see the Bulls go to the Finals, but I just don't see it. And as a long time Laker fan, I hate that I'm picking the Celtics.
So mark me down for the Magic, Heat, Celtics, and Bulls to advance. I like the Celtics in seven over the Heat, and the Bulls in six over the Magic. In the finals, the Celtics take the Bulls in seven games to advance for a chance for the ring.
Let's start in the East. In the four vs. five match up, you have to like the Orlando Magic beating Atlanta. Atlanta has played bad basketball over the last few weeks and it is difficult to just turn it on come playoff time. The Hawks have a decent team, but show no signs that they have the match ups, or experience to beat Orlando. Orlando will go as far as Dwight Howard takes them. Gilbert Arenas, Richardson, Turkoglu, Nelson, and the rest, have been inconsistent to say the least. The Hack-a-Howard will be in full force. If Howard can't shoot better than 75% at the line, Orlando goes home.
The three vs. six match up looks good on paper. Ray Allen, KG, Paul Pierce, Rondo and company, versus Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Chauncey Billups. But the Knicks don't play defense and don't have the depth to stay with Boston. Boston has not been the same team since they traded Kendrick Perkins, and the thought that often injured Shaquille O'Neil will be a difference maker is laughable, but despite injuries, the Celtics have experience and the benches get shortened come playoff time.
Miami takes on Philly in the two vs. seven match up. I worry about the Heat in the playoffs. I could see Miami getting tight and LeBron forcing things. I could see strong defensive schemes forcing someone besides LeBron and Wade to make shots. But I don't see problems versus Philly. The next round versus Boston is a different story. Boston plays best in a defensive half court style, and Miami has been dreadful against the good teams. Look for Boston to advance to the conference finals.
Chicago is way too good for the Pacers in the one versus eight match up, but are they ready for a championship? Derrick Rose is the best point guard in basketball. The Bulls are solid at every position with Noah, Boozer, and Gibson up front. Korver and Deng on the wings. Thomas, Brewer, and Watson on the bench. They have depth, defense, and Rose. But new teams often need a few tries to win championships. Wade has won championships, LeBron has been to the finals, the Lakers, Spurs, and Celtics have all been there. Even Orlando went to the finals two years ago. Who on the Bulls has been there? Brain Scalabrine? I would love to see the Bulls go to the Finals, but I just don't see it. And as a long time Laker fan, I hate that I'm picking the Celtics.
So mark me down for the Magic, Heat, Celtics, and Bulls to advance. I like the Celtics in seven over the Heat, and the Bulls in six over the Magic. In the finals, the Celtics take the Bulls in seven games to advance for a chance for the ring.
Monday, April 4, 2011
My Gambling Problem.
I thought it all ended a few weeks ago as I returned from Las Vegas a few dollars down. It's tough not to gamble when you spend three days in the casinos with sportsbooks, televisions, black jack tables, and a drink or two. But despite lady luck slapping me around a bit, I left the town in decent shape. A couple of stops at the ATM, a few bags under my eyes, and a few wagers lost, but I assumed it was over once I landed back home.
But last night I hit rock bottom.
The term "gambling problem" is an interesting one. No one has ever been accused of having a problem when things are going well. And to be honest, I only lost $20 on my wager last night after winning much more a few nights before. But every addiction has a defining moment. A drug addict finds themselves stealing from their grandmother's medicine cabinet. The alcoholic starts buying those little airplane sized bottles and storing them in her purse. And the addicted gambler, like me, bets on NCAA Women's basketball.
I'd like to blame my neighbor. After all, with the exception of the occasional bet placed between friends, the kind that no one ever pays, I only bet when I'm in Vegas. I don't have a bookie, or an online account. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, including my sports wagers. But the exception of the rule is when a friend or neighbor is in Vegas and calls you. Then wagering is allowed.
It all started with a winning ticket from a sportsbook at Bally's. I forgot to cash it in, so I gave it to my neighbor to "invest" for me. I put the money on the Kentucky vs. UConn game, analyzing the match ups, schedules, scoring numbers, shooting percentages, and defenses to try and predict the pace of the game and the total points. I bet the under, meaning if the combined score was less than 141 I would win. The final score was 56-55. I would now have 48 hours to think about my next investment, the Butler vs. UConn game, my neighbor would return by Friday, and my gambling days would end until next year's March trip to Vegas with the fellas.
But 48 hours was too long. And I was too hot.
"What's the spread on the UConn women's game tonight?" I asked.
I've never watched a complete women's college game before in my life. I only know two things about women's college basketball. Baylor has a 6'8 center who can dunk, and UConn wins the tournament every year. No stats, no match ups, I just put $20 on UConn and watched part of the game from my living room, drinking a glass of red wine from Chile. It was me hitting rock bottom, and my team lost.
Tonight is my last dance, so to speak. I have UConn covering the 3 point spread and I am betting the over at 129. Simply put, Butler will try and slow the game down and limit possessions. UConn will push the pace a bit more. I expect a low scoring game, but 129 is too low. Win or lose, it will be my last wager for some time as I still think about how I lost all self control, curled up in my living room, watching women's hoops on the big screen, holding a wine glass during a sporting event, defeated by the Lady Irish of Notre Dame.
Every addict has a defining moment. Last night was mine.
But last night I hit rock bottom.
The term "gambling problem" is an interesting one. No one has ever been accused of having a problem when things are going well. And to be honest, I only lost $20 on my wager last night after winning much more a few nights before. But every addiction has a defining moment. A drug addict finds themselves stealing from their grandmother's medicine cabinet. The alcoholic starts buying those little airplane sized bottles and storing them in her purse. And the addicted gambler, like me, bets on NCAA Women's basketball.
I'd like to blame my neighbor. After all, with the exception of the occasional bet placed between friends, the kind that no one ever pays, I only bet when I'm in Vegas. I don't have a bookie, or an online account. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, including my sports wagers. But the exception of the rule is when a friend or neighbor is in Vegas and calls you. Then wagering is allowed.
It all started with a winning ticket from a sportsbook at Bally's. I forgot to cash it in, so I gave it to my neighbor to "invest" for me. I put the money on the Kentucky vs. UConn game, analyzing the match ups, schedules, scoring numbers, shooting percentages, and defenses to try and predict the pace of the game and the total points. I bet the under, meaning if the combined score was less than 141 I would win. The final score was 56-55. I would now have 48 hours to think about my next investment, the Butler vs. UConn game, my neighbor would return by Friday, and my gambling days would end until next year's March trip to Vegas with the fellas.
But 48 hours was too long. And I was too hot.
"What's the spread on the UConn women's game tonight?" I asked.
I've never watched a complete women's college game before in my life. I only know two things about women's college basketball. Baylor has a 6'8 center who can dunk, and UConn wins the tournament every year. No stats, no match ups, I just put $20 on UConn and watched part of the game from my living room, drinking a glass of red wine from Chile. It was me hitting rock bottom, and my team lost.
Tonight is my last dance, so to speak. I have UConn covering the 3 point spread and I am betting the over at 129. Simply put, Butler will try and slow the game down and limit possessions. UConn will push the pace a bit more. I expect a low scoring game, but 129 is too low. Win or lose, it will be my last wager for some time as I still think about how I lost all self control, curled up in my living room, watching women's hoops on the big screen, holding a wine glass during a sporting event, defeated by the Lady Irish of Notre Dame.
Every addict has a defining moment. Last night was mine.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Bracket failures and reading the signs
Ohio State limped off the floor last night as a Kentucky freshman drained a tough shot at the buzzer to eliminate the number one seed, and worse, destroy what was a decent NCAA bracket that I had going. Winning six games is a difficult feat, especially when games come down to 18 year old kids making or failing to make plays under pressure situations.
I had Ohio State winning the whole thing, but it wasn't to be. I had Pittsburgh in the championship game, but they failed to take advantage of a bad play at mid court, then returned the favor with less than a second left.
My bracket now looks like my old high school English papers. Full of words crossed out and needing much correction.
Looking back at the beginning of it all, I should have read the obvious signs, I should have followed my instincts. Instead of looking at conferences, match ups, and zone defenses, I should have followed my gut.
First of all, my favorite show on television is WB's Wildcats, or is it HellCats? Whatever, it was a sign. Targeted towards the average thirteen year old, this YA cheerleader high school drama should have been an obvious sign to pick the Arizona Wildcats and the Kentucky Wildcats to make the Elite Eight. And the Tar Heels. How did I miss that? Tar Heel rhymes with car wheel, which I use to drive my kids to gymnastics to do cart wheels. We all should have had UConn in our bracket. I like Brian's Song, Hoosiers, Miracle, and The Natural. But the most inspirational sports movie of all time has to be The Waterboy. "UConn do it." The words are all so clear. Butler is an easy choice in retrospect. Who doesn't wish they had a Butler? Of course, by that logic Morehead State should have been a bracket favorite as well. Kansas is probably on everyone's bracket. I had them being upset in the Final Four, but again, I failed to read the signs. Kansas, Toto, The Wizard of Oz, follow the yellow brick road, the road to the Final Four, it is all right there. Even Dorothy had to get by flying monkeys and wicked witches. Kansas has gotten this far facing the likes of Boston University, Illinois, Richmond, and soon to be VCU.
For the life of me, I can't figure out the sign I missed that should have told me to pencil in VCU in my Elite Eight? Was it my love for the HBO show Entourage and Vincent Chase? My infatuation with Victoria C-cret? Whatever it was, that was a tough one.
Fortunately for me, the failure of Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Duke, and others, does not eliminate my prospects for the rest of the tournament because I did follow my instincts in one particular way.
My heart told me to fill out 27 other brackets in 11 different office pools.
I had Ohio State winning the whole thing, but it wasn't to be. I had Pittsburgh in the championship game, but they failed to take advantage of a bad play at mid court, then returned the favor with less than a second left.
My bracket now looks like my old high school English papers. Full of words crossed out and needing much correction.
Looking back at the beginning of it all, I should have read the obvious signs, I should have followed my instincts. Instead of looking at conferences, match ups, and zone defenses, I should have followed my gut.
First of all, my favorite show on television is WB's Wildcats, or is it HellCats? Whatever, it was a sign. Targeted towards the average thirteen year old, this YA cheerleader high school drama should have been an obvious sign to pick the Arizona Wildcats and the Kentucky Wildcats to make the Elite Eight. And the Tar Heels. How did I miss that? Tar Heel rhymes with car wheel, which I use to drive my kids to gymnastics to do cart wheels. We all should have had UConn in our bracket. I like Brian's Song, Hoosiers, Miracle, and The Natural. But the most inspirational sports movie of all time has to be The Waterboy. "UConn do it." The words are all so clear. Butler is an easy choice in retrospect. Who doesn't wish they had a Butler? Of course, by that logic Morehead State should have been a bracket favorite as well. Kansas is probably on everyone's bracket. I had them being upset in the Final Four, but again, I failed to read the signs. Kansas, Toto, The Wizard of Oz, follow the yellow brick road, the road to the Final Four, it is all right there. Even Dorothy had to get by flying monkeys and wicked witches. Kansas has gotten this far facing the likes of Boston University, Illinois, Richmond, and soon to be VCU.
For the life of me, I can't figure out the sign I missed that should have told me to pencil in VCU in my Elite Eight? Was it my love for the HBO show Entourage and Vincent Chase? My infatuation with Victoria C-cret? Whatever it was, that was a tough one.
Fortunately for me, the failure of Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Duke, and others, does not eliminate my prospects for the rest of the tournament because I did follow my instincts in one particular way.
My heart told me to fill out 27 other brackets in 11 different office pools.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Bracket Blabber
I know. You probably don't care about how I chose my bracket winners, assuming I flipped a coin, watched Dick Vitale, or threw darts with a blindfold on. But after I insisted you enter the office pool for job growth, and provided you with the picks, I failed to give much detail.
And since you are spending the entire week reading meaningless blogs and fan polls trying to fill out brackets and validate your choices, and as long as you aren't working much today, let's break down my picks.
First of all, while the 9 seed may take out the 8 seed, and a few large upsets may occur, the reality of this tournament is that I don't see any team worse than a 3 seed moving on too far. Kansas State has ability as a number 5 seed, but they are a mess. K-State has 10 losses, did nothing in the big 12 tourney, and would have to get through a good Utah State team, a smart Wisconsin team, and a mature Pitt. Washington could make some noise as a 7 seed as their point guard Isaiah Thomas is one of the best in the country. But they are not consistent enough to win more than three in a row. Wisconsin executes well as a 4 seed, but winning six games is tough when the score is always 52-50 at the end of a game.
The 4 seeds with the best shot are Kentucky and Louisville. I'm not high on Texas. They have all the talent in the world, but haven't been playing great as of late. Kentucky's only weakness is their youth. Knight and Jones are the best Freshman duo in the country. Lamb is a great shooter if healthy. And the coach knows what he's doing. Louisville is a good pick. Great athletes, good depth, but they rely on the perimeter shot a little too much for six games. And they would have to get by Kansas.
The three seeds are Syracuse, UConn, Purdue, and BYU. BYU is still pretty good, but with no inside game it will be tough. BYU likes a game in the 80's. In tournament time, defense and pace tends to slow teams way down and out of their comfort zone. UConn has depth, and the best closer in the game with Kemba Walker, but their nine losses show they are beatable. Purdue is really good. I just question the overall talent of the big ten this year and believe Purdue has the most difficult bracket to advance having to beat a healthy Georgetown, really good Notre Dame club, then Kansas just to win the region. Syracuse has a decent shot. But Xavier in Cleveland, a tall North Carolina squad, and Ohio State in the regional finals is a lot.
Truthfully, I like the three seeds more than the two seeds. North Carolina could lose to a hot Washington, even in Charlotte. But their biggest weaknesses are that Marshall and Barnes are really young, while Henson and Zeller are really soft. Great rebounding team, great talent. But they can't beat Ohio State. San Diego State plays great defense and has talent at every position. They simply haven't had to play anyone this year, especially with the world watching. Florida was seeded too high in the first place. But I don't see much of a challenge until they play Pittsburgh in the elite eight. Notre Dame has no weaknesses. They execute, have senior leadership, can really shoot and play defense, but have to get by Texas A&M, Purdue, and Kansas. Three teams that do the same, except with arguably more talent.
That leaves me with Ohio State, Duke, Kansas, and Pitt. While it is pretty lame to pick all four number one seeds making the final four, they all have the experience and inside/outside game necessary to go deep into the tournament. Ohio State beats Duke because Duke relies on too many deep shots from Curry, Singler, and others. Pittsburgh beats out Kansas by neutralizing the Morris twins with size and toughness, while frustrating the Kansas back court.
In the end, the Buckeyes win it. Ohio State has long distance shooting, an inside game, senior leadership, coaching, and have proven that they can win when the other team tries to slow the game down, or run you out of the building.
And since you are spending the entire week reading meaningless blogs and fan polls trying to fill out brackets and validate your choices, and as long as you aren't working much today, let's break down my picks.
First of all, while the 9 seed may take out the 8 seed, and a few large upsets may occur, the reality of this tournament is that I don't see any team worse than a 3 seed moving on too far. Kansas State has ability as a number 5 seed, but they are a mess. K-State has 10 losses, did nothing in the big 12 tourney, and would have to get through a good Utah State team, a smart Wisconsin team, and a mature Pitt. Washington could make some noise as a 7 seed as their point guard Isaiah Thomas is one of the best in the country. But they are not consistent enough to win more than three in a row. Wisconsin executes well as a 4 seed, but winning six games is tough when the score is always 52-50 at the end of a game.
The 4 seeds with the best shot are Kentucky and Louisville. I'm not high on Texas. They have all the talent in the world, but haven't been playing great as of late. Kentucky's only weakness is their youth. Knight and Jones are the best Freshman duo in the country. Lamb is a great shooter if healthy. And the coach knows what he's doing. Louisville is a good pick. Great athletes, good depth, but they rely on the perimeter shot a little too much for six games. And they would have to get by Kansas.
The three seeds are Syracuse, UConn, Purdue, and BYU. BYU is still pretty good, but with no inside game it will be tough. BYU likes a game in the 80's. In tournament time, defense and pace tends to slow teams way down and out of their comfort zone. UConn has depth, and the best closer in the game with Kemba Walker, but their nine losses show they are beatable. Purdue is really good. I just question the overall talent of the big ten this year and believe Purdue has the most difficult bracket to advance having to beat a healthy Georgetown, really good Notre Dame club, then Kansas just to win the region. Syracuse has a decent shot. But Xavier in Cleveland, a tall North Carolina squad, and Ohio State in the regional finals is a lot.
Truthfully, I like the three seeds more than the two seeds. North Carolina could lose to a hot Washington, even in Charlotte. But their biggest weaknesses are that Marshall and Barnes are really young, while Henson and Zeller are really soft. Great rebounding team, great talent. But they can't beat Ohio State. San Diego State plays great defense and has talent at every position. They simply haven't had to play anyone this year, especially with the world watching. Florida was seeded too high in the first place. But I don't see much of a challenge until they play Pittsburgh in the elite eight. Notre Dame has no weaknesses. They execute, have senior leadership, can really shoot and play defense, but have to get by Texas A&M, Purdue, and Kansas. Three teams that do the same, except with arguably more talent.
That leaves me with Ohio State, Duke, Kansas, and Pitt. While it is pretty lame to pick all four number one seeds making the final four, they all have the experience and inside/outside game necessary to go deep into the tournament. Ohio State beats Duke because Duke relies on too many deep shots from Curry, Singler, and others. Pittsburgh beats out Kansas by neutralizing the Morris twins with size and toughness, while frustrating the Kansas back court.
In the end, the Buckeyes win it. Ohio State has long distance shooting, an inside game, senior leadership, coaching, and have proven that they can win when the other team tries to slow the game down, or run you out of the building.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
NCAA Brackets and my winning picks
The East bracket. UTSA and Clemson will win the play in games. Then the first round winners will include Ohio State, George Mason, West Virginia, Syracuse, Washington, and North Carolina.
In the second round, Ohio State, Kentucky, Syracuse, and North Carolina will move on. I am tempted to pick Washington over NC, but the game is in Charlotte.
The third round winners are Ohio State and Syracuse. North Carolina is simply too young. Ohio State wins the East region.
In the West. Duke, Tennessee, Arizona, Texas, Cincinnati, UConn, Temple, and San Diego State win first round games. Look out for Oakland over Texas, but Texas should prevail. In round two, Duke, Texas, UConn, and San Diego State move on.
In round three, Duke and San Diego State move on. San Diego State is really, really good. UConn will be really, really tired by then.
Duke beats San Diego State...only because they have been there before. But I would not be shocked by a San Diego State upset.
Southwest region. VCU wins the play in game. Kansas, UNLV, Vandy, Louisville, Georgetown, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame win first round games. In round two, Kansas, Louisville, Purdue, and Notre Dame move on.
In round three, Kansas and Purdue move on, with Kansas winning the region.
The Southeast region has UALR winning the play in game, followed by Pitt, Old Dominion, Utah State in an upset over Kansas State, Wisconsin, Gonzaga in an upset over St. John's, BYU, Michigan State, and Florida winning first round games. Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Gonzaga, and Florida advance to the next round as BYU bows out.
Pittsburgh and Florida advance with Pittsburgh winning the region.
Final Four. Ohio State is too much for Duke. Pittsburgh guards are too much for Kansas. In the end, Ohio State is the National Champion.
Now go fill out your brackets.
In the second round, Ohio State, Kentucky, Syracuse, and North Carolina will move on. I am tempted to pick Washington over NC, but the game is in Charlotte.
The third round winners are Ohio State and Syracuse. North Carolina is simply too young. Ohio State wins the East region.
In the West. Duke, Tennessee, Arizona, Texas, Cincinnati, UConn, Temple, and San Diego State win first round games. Look out for Oakland over Texas, but Texas should prevail. In round two, Duke, Texas, UConn, and San Diego State move on.
In round three, Duke and San Diego State move on. San Diego State is really, really good. UConn will be really, really tired by then.
Duke beats San Diego State...only because they have been there before. But I would not be shocked by a San Diego State upset.
Southwest region. VCU wins the play in game. Kansas, UNLV, Vandy, Louisville, Georgetown, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame win first round games. In round two, Kansas, Louisville, Purdue, and Notre Dame move on.
In round three, Kansas and Purdue move on, with Kansas winning the region.
The Southeast region has UALR winning the play in game, followed by Pitt, Old Dominion, Utah State in an upset over Kansas State, Wisconsin, Gonzaga in an upset over St. John's, BYU, Michigan State, and Florida winning first round games. Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Gonzaga, and Florida advance to the next round as BYU bows out.
Pittsburgh and Florida advance with Pittsburgh winning the region.
Final Four. Ohio State is too much for Duke. Pittsburgh guards are too much for Kansas. In the end, Ohio State is the National Champion.
Now go fill out your brackets.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Big Dance mistakes
Maybe you don't care. On Sunday night the top 68 teams will be chosen for the NCAA basketball championships. ESPN will analyse every bracket, every match up, and America will sharpen its pencils in an effort to complete their picks for the millions of office pools due the next day.
You can choose not to participate. That's fine. But please understand that this will exclude you from the club. Every manager, sales person, CEO, and VP are spending countless hours getting together, networking, building relationships, and comparing brackets...while you wonder while no one is asking you to attend high level power lunches.
This is not just a bunch of basketball games. As an employee, you would not say no to a round of golf with the Board of Directors despite hating golf. You would not turn down a lunch meeting with the COO at an upscale steakhouse despite being a vegetarian. And you should not turn down the opportunity to show everyone in the office that you are more than just project demos and sales projections.
But be careful. An office worker can be invited to join the office pool as a symbol of inclusion, or as a simple strategy of adding your twenty dollars to the pool with little risk to them.
In every office there is a sports junkie like me, comparing statistics. And someone like you, circling winners because in a real fight, a Bear would beat a Horned Frog.
But fear not. On Monday, I will give you my picks and you can copy them, making you the star of the fifth floor cubicles. But just in case you plan to go solo. Here are the four biggest mistakes come bracket time.
Choosing a team because you attended the school. I know. You want to support your team. You don't want to jinx them by picking against them. And it's not like you picked them to win it all. You simply felt that your school was good enough to upset a team in the first round, and get lucky in the second round. Stop it. This is about winning...duh, winning. Besides, either way you win. If your college loses, your bracket is still good. If your bracket loses, at least your college is still in it.
History. Basketball is rich with tradition. Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas. Those schools are good. But so is Notre Dame, San Diego State, Pittsburgh, and Oakland. This is a year in which names like Georgetown, Louisville, Kentucky, UCLA, Arizona, Michigan State, and even North Carolina, are going home early.
Conferences. Every basketball fan follows a specific team and often feels that their team's conference is either the toughest, or under rated. ESPN will tell you that the Big East is easily the toughest conference in America. You have been following the Big Ten, Big 12, or Pac 10 all year and would take Wisconsin over Washington in a heartbeat. In the dance, it's not about conferences, it's about match ups. Senior leadership, point guards, post players. Butler made the finals last year.
Upsets. Congrats. Last year you picked a small liberal arts school in a first round upset and were the talk of the office for a day. Unfortunately, your other dark horse picks knocked you out early. Pools are won in the later rounds. You win with twelve out of sixteen left on the board, not with rolling the dice on BYU and Jimmer to win it all.
So this year, because of the play in games starting on Tuesday, you need to have your picks in on Monday! Just go to my blog, look for my picks, take complete credit, and include yourself in the least productive weeks of the year.
You can choose not to participate. That's fine. But please understand that this will exclude you from the club. Every manager, sales person, CEO, and VP are spending countless hours getting together, networking, building relationships, and comparing brackets...while you wonder while no one is asking you to attend high level power lunches.
This is not just a bunch of basketball games. As an employee, you would not say no to a round of golf with the Board of Directors despite hating golf. You would not turn down a lunch meeting with the COO at an upscale steakhouse despite being a vegetarian. And you should not turn down the opportunity to show everyone in the office that you are more than just project demos and sales projections.
But be careful. An office worker can be invited to join the office pool as a symbol of inclusion, or as a simple strategy of adding your twenty dollars to the pool with little risk to them.
In every office there is a sports junkie like me, comparing statistics. And someone like you, circling winners because in a real fight, a Bear would beat a Horned Frog.
But fear not. On Monday, I will give you my picks and you can copy them, making you the star of the fifth floor cubicles. But just in case you plan to go solo. Here are the four biggest mistakes come bracket time.
Choosing a team because you attended the school. I know. You want to support your team. You don't want to jinx them by picking against them. And it's not like you picked them to win it all. You simply felt that your school was good enough to upset a team in the first round, and get lucky in the second round. Stop it. This is about winning...duh, winning. Besides, either way you win. If your college loses, your bracket is still good. If your bracket loses, at least your college is still in it.
History. Basketball is rich with tradition. Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas. Those schools are good. But so is Notre Dame, San Diego State, Pittsburgh, and Oakland. This is a year in which names like Georgetown, Louisville, Kentucky, UCLA, Arizona, Michigan State, and even North Carolina, are going home early.
Conferences. Every basketball fan follows a specific team and often feels that their team's conference is either the toughest, or under rated. ESPN will tell you that the Big East is easily the toughest conference in America. You have been following the Big Ten, Big 12, or Pac 10 all year and would take Wisconsin over Washington in a heartbeat. In the dance, it's not about conferences, it's about match ups. Senior leadership, point guards, post players. Butler made the finals last year.
Upsets. Congrats. Last year you picked a small liberal arts school in a first round upset and were the talk of the office for a day. Unfortunately, your other dark horse picks knocked you out early. Pools are won in the later rounds. You win with twelve out of sixteen left on the board, not with rolling the dice on BYU and Jimmer to win it all.
So this year, because of the play in games starting on Tuesday, you need to have your picks in on Monday! Just go to my blog, look for my picks, take complete credit, and include yourself in the least productive weeks of the year.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Miami's Vice
I'm not a fan of the Miami Heat. Talking about multiple championships before their first practice. Dancing on stage like they're Justin Biebers. Pat Riley and his slicked back hair. Chris Bosh and his twittering. LeBron and his one hour specials.
Supposedly some Heat players broke down in tears after a last second loss to the Bulls the other day. Generally, the world loves to see elite athletes cry as it shows how much they care for the game. But not with a quarter of the season still to go. No one has sympathy for the Heat, their three millionaire all-stars, their South Beach lifestyles, or their continuous last second failures. It's like Paris Hilton losing her watch after a night at the clubs. We often call it Karma.
But they are good. Really good. I have to admit that Wade and LeBron are probably two of the top three players in the league. And Bosh is a 20 and 10 guy every night. LeBron is 6'8, powerful, and gets triple doubles on bad nights. Wade can get any shot he wants, any time he wants it. Both guys demand double teams, leaving Bosh one on one for low post turn arounds, and twelve foot jumpers.
But explain to me this. I get that all of your money was spent on those three, but is that the best a team can do for the rest of the players?
Haslem getting injured was huge, but Erick Dampier, Juwan Howard, Mike Miller, Zydranus Ilgauskas, Eddie House, and Carlos Arroyo? Hey Miami, 1999 called, they want their players back.
And now the Heat pick up Mike Bibby just before the deadline? Now the average age of the Miami heat is around 63 years old.
Couldn't LeBron, Wade, and Bosh just restructure their contracts, or find some loose bills between their couch pillows and sign someone that could help them? If Bibby turned down six million dollars for next year to play for the Heat, isn't there ten more guys hoping for a ring....and beachfront property...that would do the same? I just don't get it. Every team has four talented guys who sit the bench. Every team has disgruntled players, and salary dumps. They couldn't have figured out a way to get someone better than Joel Anthony?
If the Heat fail to win the championship this year it won't be because LeBron and Wade can't figure out who should take the game winning shot. It'll be because the ball is going to end up in Erick Dampier's hands as he's standing out by the three point line, because the team ran out of options.
Supposedly some Heat players broke down in tears after a last second loss to the Bulls the other day. Generally, the world loves to see elite athletes cry as it shows how much they care for the game. But not with a quarter of the season still to go. No one has sympathy for the Heat, their three millionaire all-stars, their South Beach lifestyles, or their continuous last second failures. It's like Paris Hilton losing her watch after a night at the clubs. We often call it Karma.
But they are good. Really good. I have to admit that Wade and LeBron are probably two of the top three players in the league. And Bosh is a 20 and 10 guy every night. LeBron is 6'8, powerful, and gets triple doubles on bad nights. Wade can get any shot he wants, any time he wants it. Both guys demand double teams, leaving Bosh one on one for low post turn arounds, and twelve foot jumpers.
But explain to me this. I get that all of your money was spent on those three, but is that the best a team can do for the rest of the players?
Haslem getting injured was huge, but Erick Dampier, Juwan Howard, Mike Miller, Zydranus Ilgauskas, Eddie House, and Carlos Arroyo? Hey Miami, 1999 called, they want their players back.
And now the Heat pick up Mike Bibby just before the deadline? Now the average age of the Miami heat is around 63 years old.
Couldn't LeBron, Wade, and Bosh just restructure their contracts, or find some loose bills between their couch pillows and sign someone that could help them? If Bibby turned down six million dollars for next year to play for the Heat, isn't there ten more guys hoping for a ring....and beachfront property...that would do the same? I just don't get it. Every team has four talented guys who sit the bench. Every team has disgruntled players, and salary dumps. They couldn't have figured out a way to get someone better than Joel Anthony?
If the Heat fail to win the championship this year it won't be because LeBron and Wade can't figure out who should take the game winning shot. It'll be because the ball is going to end up in Erick Dampier's hands as he's standing out by the three point line, because the team ran out of options.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
BYU....serious?
I was watching SportCenter the other day when I heard the report about the BYU basketball team kicking a member off their squad for "undisclosed reasons." This was big news. Brandon Davies was the Cougars starting center, third leading scorer, and leading rebounder. BYU was having an incredible season, ranked in the top five, and fighting for a possible number one seed in the NCAA tournament.
A student being suspended or dismissed for "undisclosed reasons" is a relatively common occurrence in Collegiate athletics. Immediately I thought about the possibility of this student being caught cheating in school. Cam Newton was accused of cheating while at Florida, the Florida State football team suspended a third of its team for a bogus online class that someone took for them, and historically, many papers have been turned in with players names which others created.
Wait. Maybe Brandon had dealings with an agent. Didn't A. J. Green, the Georgia wide receiver, have to sit out a few games for accepting money from an agent? Wasn't the North Carolina football team shorthanded because their players were connected to agents? Maybe this kid accepted money.
Or drugs. Performance enhancing or recreational. Either way, drugs were a real possibility. Steroids are all over the place. Or maybe the kid failed a urine test after running to Fat Burger for a little midnight snack. Was it last year or the year before, when the best player for Gonzaga got busted with a bag full of magic mushrooms in the back of his car?
Actually, it ended up being none of the above. BYU dismissed Brandon Davies for an "Honor Code Violation." Brandon had pre-marital sex with his girlfriend.
No criminal charges were filed as Brandon and his girlfriend were both consenting adults of legal age. There was no 911 call, no Charlie Sheen like activities going on, no Chris Brown and Rihanna suspense. Brandon Davies simply broke a rule of the team. A rule of the University. And was dismissed for breaking it.
The code of BYU and the Mormon Church are pretty clear for all those who attend the University. No drugs, no alcohol, no caffeine, clean language, no facial hair, attend Church regularly, and no pre-marital sexual relations.
Let's just say that most of us would be dismissed as well.
I wanted to write this blog in defense of Brandon and the absurdity of the rules that caused his dismissal. But I can't. I respect our Nation's freedom of religion, and the rules applied. Brandon knew the rules clearly when he signed on at the University. All of BYU students and athletes are aware of the code.
In most of our worlds, not only would we not follow such a code, but we would hesitate to ever turn someone else in for breaking them. But the reporting of those who break the code, is ironically, part of the code.
In a way, BYU showed how their faith overrules everything. Brandon Davies was allowed to stay at BYU and continue his academics, while the Cougars went out the next day and lost by 20 points to an average New Mexico team. The Cougars lost their chances at a one seed, lost their swagger, and most likely, have lost their chances to advance during tournament time.
Can you imagine Kentucky, Louisville, or Florida doing the same?
As a matter of fact. I think BYU should petition to have all NCAA players who drink alcohol, do drugs, drink caffeine, have facial hair, use foul language, or have pre-marital sex be immediately suspended as well.
That would assure the Cougars a spot in the championship game....and no opponent.
A student being suspended or dismissed for "undisclosed reasons" is a relatively common occurrence in Collegiate athletics. Immediately I thought about the possibility of this student being caught cheating in school. Cam Newton was accused of cheating while at Florida, the Florida State football team suspended a third of its team for a bogus online class that someone took for them, and historically, many papers have been turned in with players names which others created.
Wait. Maybe Brandon had dealings with an agent. Didn't A. J. Green, the Georgia wide receiver, have to sit out a few games for accepting money from an agent? Wasn't the North Carolina football team shorthanded because their players were connected to agents? Maybe this kid accepted money.
Or drugs. Performance enhancing or recreational. Either way, drugs were a real possibility. Steroids are all over the place. Or maybe the kid failed a urine test after running to Fat Burger for a little midnight snack. Was it last year or the year before, when the best player for Gonzaga got busted with a bag full of magic mushrooms in the back of his car?
Actually, it ended up being none of the above. BYU dismissed Brandon Davies for an "Honor Code Violation." Brandon had pre-marital sex with his girlfriend.
No criminal charges were filed as Brandon and his girlfriend were both consenting adults of legal age. There was no 911 call, no Charlie Sheen like activities going on, no Chris Brown and Rihanna suspense. Brandon Davies simply broke a rule of the team. A rule of the University. And was dismissed for breaking it.
The code of BYU and the Mormon Church are pretty clear for all those who attend the University. No drugs, no alcohol, no caffeine, clean language, no facial hair, attend Church regularly, and no pre-marital sexual relations.
Let's just say that most of us would be dismissed as well.
I wanted to write this blog in defense of Brandon and the absurdity of the rules that caused his dismissal. But I can't. I respect our Nation's freedom of religion, and the rules applied. Brandon knew the rules clearly when he signed on at the University. All of BYU students and athletes are aware of the code.
In most of our worlds, not only would we not follow such a code, but we would hesitate to ever turn someone else in for breaking them. But the reporting of those who break the code, is ironically, part of the code.
In a way, BYU showed how their faith overrules everything. Brandon Davies was allowed to stay at BYU and continue his academics, while the Cougars went out the next day and lost by 20 points to an average New Mexico team. The Cougars lost their chances at a one seed, lost their swagger, and most likely, have lost their chances to advance during tournament time.
Can you imagine Kentucky, Louisville, or Florida doing the same?
As a matter of fact. I think BYU should petition to have all NCAA players who drink alcohol, do drugs, drink caffeine, have facial hair, use foul language, or have pre-marital sex be immediately suspended as well.
That would assure the Cougars a spot in the championship game....and no opponent.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Hope Springs Eternal
Hope Springs Eternal....most people are unclear of where the famous line came from. But I am pretty sure the words speak of baseball, the start of Spring training, and the hope that this will be the year that your team will win it all.
Forget the groundhog. Baseball has begun, so Spring must be coming soon. Every year it seems that the tickets get more expensive, the games last too long, and the players under perform despite the million dollar contracts. But every Spring, baseball and my team are forgiven.
When the season begins, I'm a kid again. I flashback to my first game many years ago. While visiting my grandparents in Chicago over the Summer, my grandmother asked her one employee if he would take me to the Cubs game that day. I remember taking the train with him to Wrigley Field, seeing the ivy covered walls, the smell of hot dogs and stale beer. We were quite a pair. Bill was a 70 year old African American with thick glasses and wrinkled skin, and I was a pasty eight year old with a giant fro and a bag full of popcorn.
Every year brings back baseball memories. Catch with your dad in the backyard, pitching against the concrete stairs in front of your house, or your first little league home run (I think it was my only).
The Giants beat the Cubs in 14 innings that afternoon (all games were afternoon as Wrigley was the last team to add lights) as an old man named Willie McCovey hit a double off the left field ivy to win it. My team lost, as the Cubs often did, but that is one thing that makes baseball perfect. A team can lose 70 times during the season and still have a chance to win it all.
My memories as a young kid were special. I was the kid, like many, who took my allowance money directly to the drugstore to buy baseball cards. I was the kid who played baseball in my friend's backyards with whiffle balls, tennis balls, nerf balls, and a Fat Albert bat. I was the kid who dreamed to one day play in the majors.
As a teenager, I was lucky enough to have a step father who was a sports writer and editor. My memories include watching batting practice on the field of a major league game. Meeting a few professional ball players in a locker room, with Reggie Jackson standing in the background. And watching Rod Carew win a game with a single up the middle, then meeting him afterword as he gave me one of his baseball bats as a souvenir.
If there was ever a fire in my home, I would save my family first, hope the dog is smart enough to follow, and then go back in for that bat.
I mean come on, it's baseball. Dodger dogs, Kirk Gibson's homer, Kirby Puckett, the homer hanky, Bartman, Fenway, and the Yankees. Baseball is a history of names including Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Cool Papa Bell. Baseball is family picnics, mustard stains, and pennant races.
Every year a memory is born. In the past, some kid was sitting in the stands watching Babe Ruth. In the past, some kid was throwing against the stairs like Bob Gibson. And in the past, some kid remembers the time that he just missed catching a foul ball hit by a Derek Jeter, or a Troy Tulowitski.
Spring is coming. Kids will be attending their first games. Your team will go months before becoming mathematically eliminated. And memories will be made.
After a long Winter, the groundhog claimed that Spring will come sooner this year. Maybe he was in Punxsutawney looking for his shadow. Or just maybe, the groundhog was in Glendale, Arizona watching the Rockies play the Diamondbacks, loaded up with sunblock, and drinking a beer in the right field stands. Either way, Spring is coming.
Forget the groundhog. Baseball has begun, so Spring must be coming soon. Every year it seems that the tickets get more expensive, the games last too long, and the players under perform despite the million dollar contracts. But every Spring, baseball and my team are forgiven.
When the season begins, I'm a kid again. I flashback to my first game many years ago. While visiting my grandparents in Chicago over the Summer, my grandmother asked her one employee if he would take me to the Cubs game that day. I remember taking the train with him to Wrigley Field, seeing the ivy covered walls, the smell of hot dogs and stale beer. We were quite a pair. Bill was a 70 year old African American with thick glasses and wrinkled skin, and I was a pasty eight year old with a giant fro and a bag full of popcorn.
Every year brings back baseball memories. Catch with your dad in the backyard, pitching against the concrete stairs in front of your house, or your first little league home run (I think it was my only).
The Giants beat the Cubs in 14 innings that afternoon (all games were afternoon as Wrigley was the last team to add lights) as an old man named Willie McCovey hit a double off the left field ivy to win it. My team lost, as the Cubs often did, but that is one thing that makes baseball perfect. A team can lose 70 times during the season and still have a chance to win it all.
My memories as a young kid were special. I was the kid, like many, who took my allowance money directly to the drugstore to buy baseball cards. I was the kid who played baseball in my friend's backyards with whiffle balls, tennis balls, nerf balls, and a Fat Albert bat. I was the kid who dreamed to one day play in the majors.
As a teenager, I was lucky enough to have a step father who was a sports writer and editor. My memories include watching batting practice on the field of a major league game. Meeting a few professional ball players in a locker room, with Reggie Jackson standing in the background. And watching Rod Carew win a game with a single up the middle, then meeting him afterword as he gave me one of his baseball bats as a souvenir.
If there was ever a fire in my home, I would save my family first, hope the dog is smart enough to follow, and then go back in for that bat.
I mean come on, it's baseball. Dodger dogs, Kirk Gibson's homer, Kirby Puckett, the homer hanky, Bartman, Fenway, and the Yankees. Baseball is a history of names including Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Cool Papa Bell. Baseball is family picnics, mustard stains, and pennant races.
Every year a memory is born. In the past, some kid was sitting in the stands watching Babe Ruth. In the past, some kid was throwing against the stairs like Bob Gibson. And in the past, some kid remembers the time that he just missed catching a foul ball hit by a Derek Jeter, or a Troy Tulowitski.
Spring is coming. Kids will be attending their first games. Your team will go months before becoming mathematically eliminated. And memories will be made.
After a long Winter, the groundhog claimed that Spring will come sooner this year. Maybe he was in Punxsutawney looking for his shadow. Or just maybe, the groundhog was in Glendale, Arizona watching the Rockies play the Diamondbacks, loaded up with sunblock, and drinking a beer in the right field stands. Either way, Spring is coming.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Letting Tiger win one
Did anyone see D. A. Points win the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am last week? No? Well you must have watched Alvaro Quiros win the Dubai Desert Classic? You missed it? But you're a golf fan? I'm sure you recall that Martin Kaymer won the PGA last year, and that Louis Oosthuizen won the British Open? Can't recall that either?
Did you at least see Tiger Woods get fined for spitting on the green while finishing tied for 20th in Dubai after being in contention for the first two rounds? Yeah, that's what I saw too.
I have no sympathy for Tiger Woods. He has won countless majors, made millions of dollars, had a young Swedish nanny for a wife, and no one feels sorry for him. Unfortunately, golf needs him.
As Tiger Woods continues to become irrelevant on the golf course, golf is becoming irrelevant along with him. Tiger's best finish this year is 44th at the Farmers Insurance Open. He is currently 145th in the FedEx standings.
The leader of the FedEx standings is Mark Williams. I mean Mark Wilson. Actually, I'm not sure. Like the rest of the world, I only watch golf if Tiger is playing late on Sunday.
Look, sports needs successful villains. We, as a Nation, hate the Yankees, Duke basketball, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and the New England Patriots. We hate them because they are arrogant, and they win.
But we watch them in hopes that they will be beaten while playing their best.
Sports needs the villain in the finals. We want to see the Lakers, Celtics, or Heat lose at the buzzer. We want to see the Red Sox or Yankees overpay, then lose the World Series in seven. We want to see Butler hit a final shot to crush the spirits of the highly favored Duke Blue Devils.
What if the 1980 Olympic hockey team had beaten Austria instead of the Soviets? What if Buster Douglas would have knocked out Mike White instead of Mike Tyson?
I'm suggesting that the PGA should do all it can to get Tiger back on top and relevant again. Let him win four or five nothing tournaments in a row. Announce to the world that the old Tiger is back and have him leading at the Masters with one hole to go. Put him at the 18th tee with a six iron and water all around him, one good tee shot to win it. Millions yelling "noonan" and hoping for a splash. Millions hoping their guy is back for good.
Or there is the alternative. Tiger shoots a 76 on day two, Jason Dufner wins the Masters, and I spend my Sunday mowing the yard.
Did you at least see Tiger Woods get fined for spitting on the green while finishing tied for 20th in Dubai after being in contention for the first two rounds? Yeah, that's what I saw too.
I have no sympathy for Tiger Woods. He has won countless majors, made millions of dollars, had a young Swedish nanny for a wife, and no one feels sorry for him. Unfortunately, golf needs him.
As Tiger Woods continues to become irrelevant on the golf course, golf is becoming irrelevant along with him. Tiger's best finish this year is 44th at the Farmers Insurance Open. He is currently 145th in the FedEx standings.
The leader of the FedEx standings is Mark Williams. I mean Mark Wilson. Actually, I'm not sure. Like the rest of the world, I only watch golf if Tiger is playing late on Sunday.
Look, sports needs successful villains. We, as a Nation, hate the Yankees, Duke basketball, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and the New England Patriots. We hate them because they are arrogant, and they win.
But we watch them in hopes that they will be beaten while playing their best.
Sports needs the villain in the finals. We want to see the Lakers, Celtics, or Heat lose at the buzzer. We want to see the Red Sox or Yankees overpay, then lose the World Series in seven. We want to see Butler hit a final shot to crush the spirits of the highly favored Duke Blue Devils.
What if the 1980 Olympic hockey team had beaten Austria instead of the Soviets? What if Buster Douglas would have knocked out Mike White instead of Mike Tyson?
I'm suggesting that the PGA should do all it can to get Tiger back on top and relevant again. Let him win four or five nothing tournaments in a row. Announce to the world that the old Tiger is back and have him leading at the Masters with one hole to go. Put him at the 18th tee with a six iron and water all around him, one good tee shot to win it. Millions yelling "noonan" and hoping for a splash. Millions hoping their guy is back for good.
Or there is the alternative. Tiger shoots a 76 on day two, Jason Dufner wins the Masters, and I spend my Sunday mowing the yard.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Trading Carmelo
After Carmelo Anthony refused to sign the Denver Nugget's contract extension for millions of dollars, it became quite clear that the young small forward no longer wished to play in the mile high city. Sure, Carmelo could have been suggesting that the Nuggets pick up some more star talent to help him achieve a ring, but more likely, he simply wants to live in New York.
I don't really blame him. Denver is a great town, but if I was in my twenties, a multi-millionaire, and could live anywhere, I would probably pick Los Angeles, Miami, or New York. That being said, Anthony is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, which means that if Denver does not trade him, they get nothing in return if he walks away.
While I do have time to write a meaningless sports blog in the middle of the week, I don't have time to go through every team and contract to find the best fit for all. But I have a few ideas that might make everyone happy.
Trade Carmelo to the Lakers. The Nuggets would get Andrew Bynum, the 7 foot center, and Ron Artest. Ironically, ESPN leaked this story a few days ago, and while I wrote this blog in mid January, never finished my thought. The Nuggets would end up cutting Artest, and rebuilding with a big man to help Nene, and have some money to spend. The Lakers would trump Miami by puting Kobe, Carmelo, Gasol, and Odom together. Win another championship. Then lose Carmelo to New York, while getting rid of a 7 footer who is always injured, and an expensive and aging Artest.
Trade Carmelo and JR Smith to the Clippers for Gordon and two first round picks. First, Ha Ha Melo. You got traded to the Clippers. But for the Nuggets, Gordon is a rising star, and two Clipper picks means two lottery picks. The Clippers would have Melo and Blake, star power and playoff potential.
How about Carmelo to Cleveland, Milwaukee, Detroit, Toronto, New Jersey, or that Turkish team that Allen Iverson played for. How you like Denver now?
Or how about to Minnesota for Darko...straight up.
Trade him to the Miami Heat for Erick Dampier, then let them try to figure out the salary cap issues.
Trade him to the Utah Jazz, then ask him his favorite night spot.
In all seriousness, you can't trade Carmelo to a good playoff team because they won't want to give up good players, and their draft picks are too far down in the first round. Like him or not, the guy scores 30 a night, sells jerseys, and is starting in the all-star game. So Melo needs to be traded to either a lousy team with lottery picks, or average teams with two guys worth taking. How about to Houston for Scola and Kevin Martin? Milwaukee for Bogat and Jennings? Golden State for David Lee and Monte Ellis? Or New Orleans for West and Ariza?
To be honest, Carmelo is off to New York after the season is over. He's not coming back to Denver no matter what the rumor is. It's time for Denver to rebuild any way. Billups is aging. Kenyon Martin, Chris Anderson, and Nene are never healthy. JR Smith is a poor man's JR Rider. And not only can they not beat the Lakers, they can't beat San Antonio, Utah, or Dallas either.
Time to dump salary, get some draft picks and roll players....then do a Miami and buy the best available.
I don't really blame him. Denver is a great town, but if I was in my twenties, a multi-millionaire, and could live anywhere, I would probably pick Los Angeles, Miami, or New York. That being said, Anthony is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, which means that if Denver does not trade him, they get nothing in return if he walks away.
While I do have time to write a meaningless sports blog in the middle of the week, I don't have time to go through every team and contract to find the best fit for all. But I have a few ideas that might make everyone happy.
Trade Carmelo to the Lakers. The Nuggets would get Andrew Bynum, the 7 foot center, and Ron Artest. Ironically, ESPN leaked this story a few days ago, and while I wrote this blog in mid January, never finished my thought. The Nuggets would end up cutting Artest, and rebuilding with a big man to help Nene, and have some money to spend. The Lakers would trump Miami by puting Kobe, Carmelo, Gasol, and Odom together. Win another championship. Then lose Carmelo to New York, while getting rid of a 7 footer who is always injured, and an expensive and aging Artest.
Trade Carmelo and JR Smith to the Clippers for Gordon and two first round picks. First, Ha Ha Melo. You got traded to the Clippers. But for the Nuggets, Gordon is a rising star, and two Clipper picks means two lottery picks. The Clippers would have Melo and Blake, star power and playoff potential.
How about Carmelo to Cleveland, Milwaukee, Detroit, Toronto, New Jersey, or that Turkish team that Allen Iverson played for. How you like Denver now?
Or how about to Minnesota for Darko...straight up.
Trade him to the Miami Heat for Erick Dampier, then let them try to figure out the salary cap issues.
Trade him to the Utah Jazz, then ask him his favorite night spot.
In all seriousness, you can't trade Carmelo to a good playoff team because they won't want to give up good players, and their draft picks are too far down in the first round. Like him or not, the guy scores 30 a night, sells jerseys, and is starting in the all-star game. So Melo needs to be traded to either a lousy team with lottery picks, or average teams with two guys worth taking. How about to Houston for Scola and Kevin Martin? Milwaukee for Bogat and Jennings? Golden State for David Lee and Monte Ellis? Or New Orleans for West and Ariza?
To be honest, Carmelo is off to New York after the season is over. He's not coming back to Denver no matter what the rumor is. It's time for Denver to rebuild any way. Billups is aging. Kenyon Martin, Chris Anderson, and Nene are never healthy. JR Smith is a poor man's JR Rider. And not only can they not beat the Lakers, they can't beat San Antonio, Utah, or Dallas either.
Time to dump salary, get some draft picks and roll players....then do a Miami and buy the best available.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
What happened to hockey?
I'm an admitted sports junkie. Last night I fell asleep watching the Boston Celtics playing the Phoenix Suns in a meaningless game. I'm excited about the Superbowl coming up next weekend. I plan to watch a few rounds of Tiger Woods today. College basketball never gets boring to me. And despite no playoff system, college football makes every Saturday a good one.
But what about hockey?
Now, you could rationalize that I'm simply not a hockey guy. Kind of like no one in America is a soccer guy. But that's not true.
I grew up in the hockey crazed state of Minnesota. Herb Brooks was the coach of the University of Minnesota, and as kids, we would often skate in that same arena. The High School hockey championships were the most watched event on television. I collected hockey cards, knew every player on every team, and went to quite a few games. I never played hockey, but spent countless hours with the combination of hockey sticks and rolled up socks, tennis balls, or crushed coke cans.
The greatest sporting event ever is still the 1980 USA victory of the Soviets in the Olympic games. I watched every minute of that game as a child. And still have the autographs of the young University of Minnesota kids who returned to campus afterwards. Slapshot is still a classic movie. And Youngblood is way under appreciated.
Maybe I lost interest when I moved to Los Angeles? Makes sense when you replace frozen ponds with palm trees, but even if my interest was fading, the signing of Wayne Gretzky to the Kings kept my interest. Maybe it was my move to Colorado years later? Are you kidding me? The Avalanche won two Stanley cups, had guys like Blake, Bourque, Roy, Sakic, and Foote, and I watched every game. Maybe it was the childhood trauma of showing up at ice skating lessons in my sister's hand-me-down white figure skates? Could be. But Dad spray painted them black the next day, and skating with my own children is still one of my favorite things to do.
How could hockey of faded away so fast?
Maybe it's the new scoring system. It used to be that 90 points won you a division. Now 90 points means you're tied with 11 other teams for 7th place. Maybe it's expansion. Carolina has a hockey team? Hockey in Florida? Maybe it's free agency. Sakic was always an Avalanche, Yzerman a Red Wing, Lemieux a Penguin, now I can't find Chris Pronger....where'd he go? Could be star power. I know Crosby and the Russian guy from Washington. That's about it.
Colorado recently talked about bringing back Peter Forsberg to help with a rapidly dropping attendance number. Really, is that the move that will bring hockey back to life? Are they going to bring back Rick Springfield to sing during periods? Is Flock of Seagulls going to perform the National Anthem?
Hockey needs to do three things. Change the scoring system, get rid of some teams, and beg ESPN to take over the viewing rights. Until then, wake me up when my team clinches the seventh spot.
But what about hockey?
Now, you could rationalize that I'm simply not a hockey guy. Kind of like no one in America is a soccer guy. But that's not true.
I grew up in the hockey crazed state of Minnesota. Herb Brooks was the coach of the University of Minnesota, and as kids, we would often skate in that same arena. The High School hockey championships were the most watched event on television. I collected hockey cards, knew every player on every team, and went to quite a few games. I never played hockey, but spent countless hours with the combination of hockey sticks and rolled up socks, tennis balls, or crushed coke cans.
The greatest sporting event ever is still the 1980 USA victory of the Soviets in the Olympic games. I watched every minute of that game as a child. And still have the autographs of the young University of Minnesota kids who returned to campus afterwards. Slapshot is still a classic movie. And Youngblood is way under appreciated.
Maybe I lost interest when I moved to Los Angeles? Makes sense when you replace frozen ponds with palm trees, but even if my interest was fading, the signing of Wayne Gretzky to the Kings kept my interest. Maybe it was my move to Colorado years later? Are you kidding me? The Avalanche won two Stanley cups, had guys like Blake, Bourque, Roy, Sakic, and Foote, and I watched every game. Maybe it was the childhood trauma of showing up at ice skating lessons in my sister's hand-me-down white figure skates? Could be. But Dad spray painted them black the next day, and skating with my own children is still one of my favorite things to do.
How could hockey of faded away so fast?
Maybe it's the new scoring system. It used to be that 90 points won you a division. Now 90 points means you're tied with 11 other teams for 7th place. Maybe it's expansion. Carolina has a hockey team? Hockey in Florida? Maybe it's free agency. Sakic was always an Avalanche, Yzerman a Red Wing, Lemieux a Penguin, now I can't find Chris Pronger....where'd he go? Could be star power. I know Crosby and the Russian guy from Washington. That's about it.
Colorado recently talked about bringing back Peter Forsberg to help with a rapidly dropping attendance number. Really, is that the move that will bring hockey back to life? Are they going to bring back Rick Springfield to sing during periods? Is Flock of Seagulls going to perform the National Anthem?
Hockey needs to do three things. Change the scoring system, get rid of some teams, and beg ESPN to take over the viewing rights. Until then, wake me up when my team clinches the seventh spot.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Trade Cutler....'s PR guy.
Jay Cutler stood on the sidelines with the same disinterested look he has shown his entire career. There was no "hide the helmet" moment for Cutler. Nobody saw Jay Cutler screaming at his coach to let him play the rest of the game against the Packers. There was no Jay Cutler refusing treatment from the medical staff, no injection at halftime, no ice, and no brace. Jay Cutler simply stood, not sat, on the sidelines and watched his Chicago Bears limp to defeat.
I'm not doubting his injury. Cutler obviously felt that he couldn't escape the rush, drop back in the pocket, or plant his leg well enough to help the team. Although questionable, I'm not doubting Cutler's heart. Maybe Cutler and the Bears felt that benching him was best for the team. The Bears were doing nothing offensively. Brett Favre cost the Vikings multiple games by playing when injured. Maybe Cutler sacrificed himself for the chance to go to the Superbowl. I'm not even questioning Cutler's threshold for pain. I have trouble tying my shoes when my back is giving me trouble. Maybe Cutler just knew that he was too hurt to give it a go.
So for next year, I draft a receiver with size, pick up a veteran who goes over the middle, and try it one more time. Oh yeah, and I fire Jay Cutler's Public Relations guy.
Jay Cutler is obviously a man who is difficult to like. He throws a lot of picks, gets traded by the Bronco's new coach, shows zero emotion, and leaves games when the Superbowl is on the line. Where the hell is your PR guy when you need him?
The first move in the Jay Cutler PR department agenda would show how to leave a football field. Cutler could have limped out for one more play, stood in the shotgun formation to avoid moving, thrown the ball into the stands to avoid the interception that was probably coming, then fall to the ground holding that knee of his. The networks would have seven different angles of the pain in Cutler's face, applauding the fact that he gave it one more try. Brian Urlacher and Devon Hester would carry him off the field like a wounded soldier. On the sidelines, Cutler could scream at his coach to let him go back in the game, then fall to ground in pain. Jay could make one last attempt to play as he refuses medical treatment, pushes away the doctors, and crawls away from the medical cart that is heading to the locker room for xrays. Finally, Jay Cutler could have had the nation watching him as the strapped down quarterback gives the team, and crowd, the thumbs up and a Tim Tebow like pep talk as the cart vanishes into the stadium locker room.
When the game was over, a tearful Jay Cutler could have apologized to his teammates and the city of Chicago, for not being strong enough and for letting his team down. But no apology would be necessary, because the world would have seen his effort.
Willis Reed will be forever known as the man who limped onto the court during the NBA finals. Curt Schilling pitched in the World Series with blood dripping down his ankle. Byron Leftwhich had his offensive linemen carry him down the field in a college bowl game after a broken leg. Steve Nash played in the NBA playoffs with blood streaming from the bridge of his nose. And Ronnie Lott cut off his own finger to continue playing the game of football.
You blew it Jay Cutler. You're fired PR guy. You could have ended up looking like Cuba Gooding Jr. at the end of Jerry Maguire, but instead, you ended up looking like Jeff George, or worse, yourself.
I'm not doubting his injury. Cutler obviously felt that he couldn't escape the rush, drop back in the pocket, or plant his leg well enough to help the team. Although questionable, I'm not doubting Cutler's heart. Maybe Cutler and the Bears felt that benching him was best for the team. The Bears were doing nothing offensively. Brett Favre cost the Vikings multiple games by playing when injured. Maybe Cutler sacrificed himself for the chance to go to the Superbowl. I'm not even questioning Cutler's threshold for pain. I have trouble tying my shoes when my back is giving me trouble. Maybe Cutler just knew that he was too hurt to give it a go.
So for next year, I draft a receiver with size, pick up a veteran who goes over the middle, and try it one more time. Oh yeah, and I fire Jay Cutler's Public Relations guy.
Jay Cutler is obviously a man who is difficult to like. He throws a lot of picks, gets traded by the Bronco's new coach, shows zero emotion, and leaves games when the Superbowl is on the line. Where the hell is your PR guy when you need him?
The first move in the Jay Cutler PR department agenda would show how to leave a football field. Cutler could have limped out for one more play, stood in the shotgun formation to avoid moving, thrown the ball into the stands to avoid the interception that was probably coming, then fall to the ground holding that knee of his. The networks would have seven different angles of the pain in Cutler's face, applauding the fact that he gave it one more try. Brian Urlacher and Devon Hester would carry him off the field like a wounded soldier. On the sidelines, Cutler could scream at his coach to let him go back in the game, then fall to ground in pain. Jay could make one last attempt to play as he refuses medical treatment, pushes away the doctors, and crawls away from the medical cart that is heading to the locker room for xrays. Finally, Jay Cutler could have had the nation watching him as the strapped down quarterback gives the team, and crowd, the thumbs up and a Tim Tebow like pep talk as the cart vanishes into the stadium locker room.
When the game was over, a tearful Jay Cutler could have apologized to his teammates and the city of Chicago, for not being strong enough and for letting his team down. But no apology would be necessary, because the world would have seen his effort.
Willis Reed will be forever known as the man who limped onto the court during the NBA finals. Curt Schilling pitched in the World Series with blood dripping down his ankle. Byron Leftwhich had his offensive linemen carry him down the field in a college bowl game after a broken leg. Steve Nash played in the NBA playoffs with blood streaming from the bridge of his nose. And Ronnie Lott cut off his own finger to continue playing the game of football.
You blew it Jay Cutler. You're fired PR guy. You could have ended up looking like Cuba Gooding Jr. at the end of Jerry Maguire, but instead, you ended up looking like Jeff George, or worse, yourself.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
McWhoops and the Denver Broncos
The Broncos were a game away from going to the playoffs a few years back as Jay Cutler and company headed off to San Diego to fight for victory. But instead, Denver was destroyed by the Chargers and finished the season 8-8. Bronco country was disappointed, but felt that with their explosive offense, some defensive additions, and the brains of Mike Shannahan, all would work out.
Ownership had a different idea. Enter Josh McDaniels as the youngest coach in the league, a disciple of the great Bill Belicheck, and the man who taught Matt Cassel how to win by believing in system before self.
The Bronco move surprised me a little as the young McDaniel replaced the legendary Shannahan with zero head coaching experience, but a lot of people fear change.
McDaniel would surely bring in some needed change, draft a few guys on the defensive side of things, and get the Broncos back into the post season. But McDaniels was a McWhoops.
Feeling that if he could win with Cassel, he could win with anyone, McDaniels forced the trade of Jay Cutler. The same Jay Cutler who is one game away from going to the superbowl. Over the next season and a half, McDaniel traded away Peyton Hillis who would end up with 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns with Cleveland, Brandon Marshall who ended up with 86 catches and 1000 yards with Miami, and Tony Scheffler who caught 45 passes for Detroit this year.
But McWhoops had a master plan. Forget defense. Draft an injury prone running back with your first pick, replace Marshall with Demaryius Thomas and his 22 catches this year, and steal Tim Tebow by picking him three rounds before anyone else would have. Wait, it gets better.
In 2009, his first year of drafting players, McWhoops traded up to snag Alphonso Smith, a cornerback, by trading away a first round pick in 2010, the 14th pick. Alphonso was a bust and was traded months later for nothing.
Then of course, there was spygate junior. During McDaniels trip to London and the Broncos game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos were found guilty of videotaping the 49ers practice in order to have an advantage in the game. The Broncos still lost 24-16.
In my opinion, it wasn't the two losses to the Oakland Raiders, 59-14 and 39-23, that cost McDaniels his job. It wasn't the horrible draft picks, videotaping, or lack of head coaching experience.
Great coaches learn to manage the problem children, not trade them away. Phil didn't trade away Kobe, he worked with him, then brought in Ron Artest. Belicheck brought in Randy Moss, and won a superbowl. Boston worked with Manny Ramirez. Montreal couldn't work with Patrick Roy and he went and won two stanley cups with another team.
McDaniels could have had Jay Cutler at quarterback, Peyton Hillis in the backfield, and Marshall, Brandon Lloyd, and Donald Royal as receivers. McDaniels could have used his Tebow, Thomas, and Smith picks, for three defensive starters. And owner Pat Bowlen, could have saved himself the embarrassment that was 2010.
Ownership had a different idea. Enter Josh McDaniels as the youngest coach in the league, a disciple of the great Bill Belicheck, and the man who taught Matt Cassel how to win by believing in system before self.
The Bronco move surprised me a little as the young McDaniel replaced the legendary Shannahan with zero head coaching experience, but a lot of people fear change.
McDaniel would surely bring in some needed change, draft a few guys on the defensive side of things, and get the Broncos back into the post season. But McDaniels was a McWhoops.
Feeling that if he could win with Cassel, he could win with anyone, McDaniels forced the trade of Jay Cutler. The same Jay Cutler who is one game away from going to the superbowl. Over the next season and a half, McDaniel traded away Peyton Hillis who would end up with 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns with Cleveland, Brandon Marshall who ended up with 86 catches and 1000 yards with Miami, and Tony Scheffler who caught 45 passes for Detroit this year.
But McWhoops had a master plan. Forget defense. Draft an injury prone running back with your first pick, replace Marshall with Demaryius Thomas and his 22 catches this year, and steal Tim Tebow by picking him three rounds before anyone else would have. Wait, it gets better.
In 2009, his first year of drafting players, McWhoops traded up to snag Alphonso Smith, a cornerback, by trading away a first round pick in 2010, the 14th pick. Alphonso was a bust and was traded months later for nothing.
Then of course, there was spygate junior. During McDaniels trip to London and the Broncos game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos were found guilty of videotaping the 49ers practice in order to have an advantage in the game. The Broncos still lost 24-16.
In my opinion, it wasn't the two losses to the Oakland Raiders, 59-14 and 39-23, that cost McDaniels his job. It wasn't the horrible draft picks, videotaping, or lack of head coaching experience.
Great coaches learn to manage the problem children, not trade them away. Phil didn't trade away Kobe, he worked with him, then brought in Ron Artest. Belicheck brought in Randy Moss, and won a superbowl. Boston worked with Manny Ramirez. Montreal couldn't work with Patrick Roy and he went and won two stanley cups with another team.
McDaniels could have had Jay Cutler at quarterback, Peyton Hillis in the backfield, and Marshall, Brandon Lloyd, and Donald Royal as receivers. McDaniels could have used his Tebow, Thomas, and Smith picks, for three defensive starters. And owner Pat Bowlen, could have saved himself the embarrassment that was 2010.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
POUND FOR POUND CHAMPION
I made a stupid move about a year or so ago and cut way back on my cable package. Now, I can live without Entourage, Mad Men, and Cinemax after dark, but after having a week of HBO in my Los Angeles hotel rooms, I miss HBO boxing.
I stopped paying for pay-per-view fights after Mike Tyson cost me $95 for a one round knockout years ago, but I still love watching talented fighters hoping for greatness. Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Miguel Cotto, and others. But I keep thinking about Eddie Murphy's "Coming to America" and the barbershop scene. You remember it. The men are discussing the greatest of all time. Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, or maybe Joe Louis? Ask any true boxing fan of experience and Sugar Ray Robinson may jump them all. I'm going with Manny Pacquiao.
No, I haven't been drinking. Just hear me out.
Sugar Ray Robinson lost 19 fights, Louis was beaten three times by a better fighter, and Muhammad Ali lost 5 times. Losing a fight doesn't seem to matter in the discussion. Paddy Monaghan finished his career with a record of 114-0, Joe Calzaghe retired 46-0, and the great Rocky Marciano retired as the only undefeated heavyweight champion. But they all lacked one of two things. They either lacked good opponents, or lacked Jim Lampley talking about them.
Muhammad Ali hung with Malcom X, was influential in the protest of civil rights and the Vietnam War, and is an American icon. Of course, Manny Pacquiao is currently an elected Congressman in the Philippines.
No, he never fought George Foreman, Joe Frazier, or Ken Norton. No, he didn't have to avoid the mafia or defeat 173 guys like Sugar Ray Robinson. And no, he never bit a man's ear off. But none of them ever won titles in eight different weight classes.
Unfortunately, the great ones rarely retire great. Ali got pummeled by Larry Holmes, Michael Jordan wore a Wizards jersey, and Brett Favre limped away.
Time for one last pay day with Floyd Mayweather, Jr., one last win on your record, then walk away...part of the discussion.
I stopped paying for pay-per-view fights after Mike Tyson cost me $95 for a one round knockout years ago, but I still love watching talented fighters hoping for greatness. Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Miguel Cotto, and others. But I keep thinking about Eddie Murphy's "Coming to America" and the barbershop scene. You remember it. The men are discussing the greatest of all time. Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, or maybe Joe Louis? Ask any true boxing fan of experience and Sugar Ray Robinson may jump them all. I'm going with Manny Pacquiao.
No, I haven't been drinking. Just hear me out.
Sugar Ray Robinson lost 19 fights, Louis was beaten three times by a better fighter, and Muhammad Ali lost 5 times. Losing a fight doesn't seem to matter in the discussion. Paddy Monaghan finished his career with a record of 114-0, Joe Calzaghe retired 46-0, and the great Rocky Marciano retired as the only undefeated heavyweight champion. But they all lacked one of two things. They either lacked good opponents, or lacked Jim Lampley talking about them.
Muhammad Ali hung with Malcom X, was influential in the protest of civil rights and the Vietnam War, and is an American icon. Of course, Manny Pacquiao is currently an elected Congressman in the Philippines.
No, he never fought George Foreman, Joe Frazier, or Ken Norton. No, he didn't have to avoid the mafia or defeat 173 guys like Sugar Ray Robinson. And no, he never bit a man's ear off. But none of them ever won titles in eight different weight classes.
Unfortunately, the great ones rarely retire great. Ali got pummeled by Larry Holmes, Michael Jordan wore a Wizards jersey, and Brett Favre limped away.
Time for one last pay day with Floyd Mayweather, Jr., one last win on your record, then walk away...part of the discussion.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CHEATERS ALWAYS WIN!
My daughters were playing crazy eights the other night when the nine year old accused the seven year old of cheating. My initial reaction was to fine her $1.25 and give her a three day suspension. But after thinking about it, I instead admired her effort to become the best. Cheating has become the necessity for greatness, and it always seems to pay off in the end.
Floyd Landis, Alberto Contador, and Lance Armstrong are the three most decorated cyclist we know. Sammy Sosa cheated by corking his bat, then took steroids. McGuire cheated to pass Sammy. Bonds cheated to pass everyone. Arod tried to cheat to pass Bonds. Manny Ramirez, Andy Petite, and Roger Clemens all cheated and won World Series rings. Reggie Bush and Cam Newton cheated their way to Heisman trophies and million dollar deals. Bill Belichick cheated with spygate and has the superbowl rings to show for it.
Last year's NFL defensive rookie of the year cheated by using steroids, a revote was taken, and he still won. Five players from Ohio State's football team cheated and they still got to play in the next game, a bowl game at that. Bruce Pearl cheated in recruiting, Rick Pitino cheated on his wife, and Antonio Margarito put a mixture of concrete and plaster in his boxing gloves during the Sugar Shane Mosley fight.
Cheating has been a part of victory all of our lives. Diego Maradona and his "hand of God," the East German swim team in the Olympics, Marion Jones in the Olympics, Ben Johnson in the Olympics, actually, everyone in the Olympics. A woman once jumped into a cab to win the NY marathon. A teenager faked his age to pitch his team to a little league world series championship. And more recently, a NY Jets assistant coach tripped a player on the other team during a punt return.
Ironically, between the Heisman trophies, gold medals, championship titles, and world records, the only athlete who hasn't been caught cheating....is Tiger Woods.
Floyd Landis, Alberto Contador, and Lance Armstrong are the three most decorated cyclist we know. Sammy Sosa cheated by corking his bat, then took steroids. McGuire cheated to pass Sammy. Bonds cheated to pass everyone. Arod tried to cheat to pass Bonds. Manny Ramirez, Andy Petite, and Roger Clemens all cheated and won World Series rings. Reggie Bush and Cam Newton cheated their way to Heisman trophies and million dollar deals. Bill Belichick cheated with spygate and has the superbowl rings to show for it.
Last year's NFL defensive rookie of the year cheated by using steroids, a revote was taken, and he still won. Five players from Ohio State's football team cheated and they still got to play in the next game, a bowl game at that. Bruce Pearl cheated in recruiting, Rick Pitino cheated on his wife, and Antonio Margarito put a mixture of concrete and plaster in his boxing gloves during the Sugar Shane Mosley fight.
Cheating has been a part of victory all of our lives. Diego Maradona and his "hand of God," the East German swim team in the Olympics, Marion Jones in the Olympics, Ben Johnson in the Olympics, actually, everyone in the Olympics. A woman once jumped into a cab to win the NY marathon. A teenager faked his age to pitch his team to a little league world series championship. And more recently, a NY Jets assistant coach tripped a player on the other team during a punt return.
Ironically, between the Heisman trophies, gold medals, championship titles, and world records, the only athlete who hasn't been caught cheating....is Tiger Woods.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Counting sheep....and point guards.
I often have trouble sleeping as my head hits the pillow and the television turns black. And while I hope to dream of beaches, supermodels, and margaritas, I often struggle to get there. So I play mental games in my head in order to rack my brain and tire from it all.
My favorite is the alphabetical NBA all star team. I start with the letter "A" and search my memory for the best team I could put on the court using just the letter "A." You can use players of any era, but I go for players currently in the NBA. Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Ray Allen....sometimes I have too many point guards, sometimes I can't think of five players, sometimes I make it to the letter "G" before falling asleep. But every team is pretty solid.
The letter "B" includes Kobe Bryant, Chris Bosh, and Chauncy Billups. The "W" has Dwayne Wade, Deron Williams, and Johnathon Walls of the Wizards. Garnett, Blake Griffin, and Manu Ginobli isn't bad. Chris Paul, Paul Pierce, and Tony Parker is solid. Nowitski and Nash back together again.
How about all-time? Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson....Bird, Bryant, Barkley...I'm getting sleepy just thinking about the possibilities.
What about just a team of Johnsons? Magic, Kevin, Dennis, Joe, and Vinnie the Microwave. Or Williams, with Deron, Marvin, Mo, and Gus.
Then I finish it off with the alumni game. Putting a team together from North Carolina isn't too hard with names like Jordan, Worthy, Stackhouse, and others. But how about the other schools? How about a team like LSU? Shaquille O'Neal, Pete Marovich, Chris Jackson, Big Baby Davis, and Tyrus Thomas?
Now turn off SportsCenter, have your head hit the pillow, and start the clock.
My favorite is the alphabetical NBA all star team. I start with the letter "A" and search my memory for the best team I could put on the court using just the letter "A." You can use players of any era, but I go for players currently in the NBA. Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Ray Allen....sometimes I have too many point guards, sometimes I can't think of five players, sometimes I make it to the letter "G" before falling asleep. But every team is pretty solid.
The letter "B" includes Kobe Bryant, Chris Bosh, and Chauncy Billups. The "W" has Dwayne Wade, Deron Williams, and Johnathon Walls of the Wizards. Garnett, Blake Griffin, and Manu Ginobli isn't bad. Chris Paul, Paul Pierce, and Tony Parker is solid. Nowitski and Nash back together again.
How about all-time? Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson....Bird, Bryant, Barkley...I'm getting sleepy just thinking about the possibilities.
What about just a team of Johnsons? Magic, Kevin, Dennis, Joe, and Vinnie the Microwave. Or Williams, with Deron, Marvin, Mo, and Gus.
Then I finish it off with the alumni game. Putting a team together from North Carolina isn't too hard with names like Jordan, Worthy, Stackhouse, and others. But how about the other schools? How about a team like LSU? Shaquille O'Neal, Pete Marovich, Chris Jackson, Big Baby Davis, and Tyrus Thomas?
Now turn off SportsCenter, have your head hit the pillow, and start the clock.
Brady, Manning, and Rex Grossman?
I was reading a posting from a relative the other day who mentioned winning a small sum of money after betting it all on Rex Grossman and the Washington Redskins. It got me started on thinking about a simple theory of mine. Superbowl winners and their quarterbacks.
If you were to look at the list of quarterbacks who have won the superbowl over your lifetime, you would fine names like Starr, Namath, Montana, Aikman, Favre, Unitas, and Elway. Not Rex Grossman.
Drew Brees, Steve Young, and Kurt Warner proved their names belonged with wins. And some quarterbacks brought great defenses to help them such as Bradshaw, Stabler, and Roethlisberger. But not Rex Grossman.
Yes, Trent Dilfer has a ring with the help of Ray Lewis and friends. Yes, Brad Johnson has a ring as Tampa Bay relied on their defense. But my theory is solid. Unless you have the 1985 Bears, the Trent Dilfer Ravens, or the Lawerence Taylor Giants, you need a MVP, hall of famer to be, top 5 quarterback to win it all.
So repeat after me. Favre, Elway, Manning, Brady, Flacco??? Doesn't work. Bart Starr, Joe Montana, Mark Sanchez??? I don't think so. Cassell is out. Seattle is out. Cutler is good, but Kurt Warner, Drew Brees good??? And let's be realistic. We all love Manning and Rodgers, but their teams are too banged up. That leaves us with Ryan, Brees, and Vick in the NFC, Brady and Roethlisberger in the AFC.
If you think Ryan and Vick are worthy of the list, place your bets. But my point is that you need the name, or the once in a decade defense to win the whole thing.
So if your quarterback is named Orton, Campbell, Whitehurst, Palmer, Henne, Alex Smith, or anyone not in the top 5, you have work to do.
If you were to look at the list of quarterbacks who have won the superbowl over your lifetime, you would fine names like Starr, Namath, Montana, Aikman, Favre, Unitas, and Elway. Not Rex Grossman.
Drew Brees, Steve Young, and Kurt Warner proved their names belonged with wins. And some quarterbacks brought great defenses to help them such as Bradshaw, Stabler, and Roethlisberger. But not Rex Grossman.
Yes, Trent Dilfer has a ring with the help of Ray Lewis and friends. Yes, Brad Johnson has a ring as Tampa Bay relied on their defense. But my theory is solid. Unless you have the 1985 Bears, the Trent Dilfer Ravens, or the Lawerence Taylor Giants, you need a MVP, hall of famer to be, top 5 quarterback to win it all.
So repeat after me. Favre, Elway, Manning, Brady, Flacco??? Doesn't work. Bart Starr, Joe Montana, Mark Sanchez??? I don't think so. Cassell is out. Seattle is out. Cutler is good, but Kurt Warner, Drew Brees good??? And let's be realistic. We all love Manning and Rodgers, but their teams are too banged up. That leaves us with Ryan, Brees, and Vick in the NFC, Brady and Roethlisberger in the AFC.
If you think Ryan and Vick are worthy of the list, place your bets. But my point is that you need the name, or the once in a decade defense to win the whole thing.
So if your quarterback is named Orton, Campbell, Whitehurst, Palmer, Henne, Alex Smith, or anyone not in the top 5, you have work to do.
Give it back Cam!!
Cam Newton accepted the Heisman Trophy last month and is now playing for the National Championship. Unsure if the young quarterback from Stanford will put his name into the draft, Cam is expected to be drafted high. But those looking to choose the 6'5 kid with blazing speed, or those with current Heisman winners, be careful what you ask for.
In the last 20 years, 14 quarterbacks have won the Heisman. Andre Ware, Ty Detmer, Gino Torretta, Charlie Ward, Danny Wuerffel, Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Carson Palmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith, Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Cam Newton.
Bradford looks promising so far, but the odds aren't good. Most failed to hold a clipboard, yet alone a job in the NFL.
The Heisman goes to the quarterback of winning teams. Teams with either a system that allows them to rack up incredible numbers, or with talent so great they have all day to throw to first round receivers.
The last Heisman quarterback to win a superbowl was Jim Plunkett in 1983. But even Plunkett struggled with the Heisman jinx. Oakland picked him up as a back up only after the San Francisco 49ers released him outright in 1977.
I'd love nothing more than to watch Tim Tebow plow over a linebacker, or Cam Newton outrun a safety. But Brady, Manning, Brees, and other top notch quarterbacks do two things well. They read defenses and throw accurate passes. Add arm strength and mobility and you have a first ballot hall-of-famer. But keep your 6'5 frame, your 4.3 speed, your stats, and your trophy. Without those two things, you're bound to hold a clipboard too.
In the last 20 years, 14 quarterbacks have won the Heisman. Andre Ware, Ty Detmer, Gino Torretta, Charlie Ward, Danny Wuerffel, Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Carson Palmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith, Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Cam Newton.
Bradford looks promising so far, but the odds aren't good. Most failed to hold a clipboard, yet alone a job in the NFL.
The Heisman goes to the quarterback of winning teams. Teams with either a system that allows them to rack up incredible numbers, or with talent so great they have all day to throw to first round receivers.
The last Heisman quarterback to win a superbowl was Jim Plunkett in 1983. But even Plunkett struggled with the Heisman jinx. Oakland picked him up as a back up only after the San Francisco 49ers released him outright in 1977.
I'd love nothing more than to watch Tim Tebow plow over a linebacker, or Cam Newton outrun a safety. But Brady, Manning, Brees, and other top notch quarterbacks do two things well. They read defenses and throw accurate passes. Add arm strength and mobility and you have a first ballot hall-of-famer. But keep your 6'5 frame, your 4.3 speed, your stats, and your trophy. Without those two things, you're bound to hold a clipboard too.
College Bowl Games
After losing a few bucks on the Wisconsin Badgers, I am more confident than ever that there should be a playoff system in college football. The Badgers along with the rest of the Big Ten simply proved that it wasn't as strong as thought, but it told us little about TCU. No matter who wins in the Auburn/Oregon match up, TCU is left out of the discussion. The truth is that nobody cares about watching Notre Dame, UConn, Northwestern, or Hawaii, unless you attended those schools. We care about 8 schools at the most, and who is the best.
The NCAA forces us to watch unranked teams and match-ups we care little about in their effort to provide entertainment to the fans and dollars to specific areas. When most of the top teams finally reach their bowl games, it has been a month since they played their last game. It's time to stop the conference tournaments and put the top 8 in a playoff. The other teams can travel to Boseman, Montana to play in the Priceline.com bowl, but leave the final 8 to fight it out. Eight teams could start playing on December 11th. Four teams could play on December 26th. And the final two could play on January 10th. No conference tournaments, three games at most, one champion.
According to my playoff, Auburn (1) would play Arkansas (8), Oregon (2) vs. Oklahoma (7), TCU (3) vs. Ohio State (6), and Stanford (4) vs. Wisconsin (5). The 9th and 10th ranked teams this year were Michigan State, who got walloped 49-7 in their bowl game, and Boise State, who had their chances.
It worked out this year for the most part as two undefeated teams play for it all while the rest of the games meant nothing. But the match-ups above would have been great to see.
Predictions: Auburn would have beaten Arkansas to advance. Oregon would be too much for the Sooners. Give TCU the nod considering the big ten troubles. Ditto Stanford. That would leave us watching Auburn's Newton versus Stanford's Luck. While testing whether TCU could prove it could win more than just one in a row versus high powered Oregon.
Time to go. They are previewing the GoDaddy.Com bowl on ESPN.
The NCAA forces us to watch unranked teams and match-ups we care little about in their effort to provide entertainment to the fans and dollars to specific areas. When most of the top teams finally reach their bowl games, it has been a month since they played their last game. It's time to stop the conference tournaments and put the top 8 in a playoff. The other teams can travel to Boseman, Montana to play in the Priceline.com bowl, but leave the final 8 to fight it out. Eight teams could start playing on December 11th. Four teams could play on December 26th. And the final two could play on January 10th. No conference tournaments, three games at most, one champion.
According to my playoff, Auburn (1) would play Arkansas (8), Oregon (2) vs. Oklahoma (7), TCU (3) vs. Ohio State (6), and Stanford (4) vs. Wisconsin (5). The 9th and 10th ranked teams this year were Michigan State, who got walloped 49-7 in their bowl game, and Boise State, who had their chances.
It worked out this year for the most part as two undefeated teams play for it all while the rest of the games meant nothing. But the match-ups above would have been great to see.
Predictions: Auburn would have beaten Arkansas to advance. Oregon would be too much for the Sooners. Give TCU the nod considering the big ten troubles. Ditto Stanford. That would leave us watching Auburn's Newton versus Stanford's Luck. While testing whether TCU could prove it could win more than just one in a row versus high powered Oregon.
Time to go. They are previewing the GoDaddy.Com bowl on ESPN.
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