Well this Saturday the Florida State Seminoles face their antagonists and instate rivals the University of Florida Gators. In a game that all but will signify who has bragging rights to call themselves the instate champions of college football within the state. That being said we’ll also be seeing two of the heralded players within that state’s much heralded college football program. They are Myron Rolle of Florida State and Tim Tebow of the University of Florida.
Tim Tebow the Gators’ quarterback runs for a first down against the Citadel during the first half of he game played in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators would go on defeat Citadel 70-19 in a lopsided win. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Phil Sandlin ………….
Tim Tebow we already know as the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and with Myron Rolle he’s the Rhodes’ scholar who one day hopes to become a neurosurgeon. What hasn’t escaped many who understand the intricacies of the game is what this will mean to both programs as well as the players themselves. To say that they’ll end their careers on a high would be an understatement. Albeit that Tebow has yet to make it clear as to what his ambitions are once the season is over. The one thing for sure that we know concering Rolle is that having graduated already in 2 1/2 years with 3.75 GPA and with a degree in Exercise Science and a Masters in Public Administration. But it has been his interest in articulating his passion for medicine and helping others less fortunate than he. His interests in biochemistry and all that it entails shows that this young man is indeed a very extraordinary human being. And with the aspirations to become a neurosurgeon it can be said that his calling is a profound one. The beckoning of the NFL can’t be far from his mind but pursuant of that may well lie the fact that Rolle himself doesn’t seem to be overly concerned by the riches that particular will reward him with.
Florida State Seminole safety Myron Rolle is congratulated after the Noles’ defeat of Maryland 37-3 in a game played in College Park, MD. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Rob Carr ……………..
For Rolle’s counterpart who’ll be on the opposing team. InTim Tebow we have a player who it can be said is having another stellar year. Though on the face of it his statistics aren’t as eye popping as last year. It can be said that he’s now leading the Gators with even more assuredness than anyone could’ve imagined. And what the team has been doing as of late to their opponents has sent a shiver across the college scene. So much so that there’s the belief that this team is by far and a way playing better than any other college program at present. In every facet of the game at present they’ve been playing with an exuberance not seen in a team in a long while. Their confidence now is at an alltime high but that’s not to say that they’re about to go into this game thinking that all they’ll have to do is just to turn up to intimidate their opponents. Nothing could be further from the truth and one doubts that the Gators’ coach Urban Meyer would even allow them to think that way. The game singularly would have tremendous ramifications were they to lose. National championship aspirations are still within their grasp. And with a game against Alabama in the offing for the SEC championship, one has to say that there’s still a great deal to play for.
Tebow(15) and teammate backup quarterback John Brantley(12) leave the field after the team’s win over the Citadel. They’re congratulated by fans as they make their way to the locker rooms. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Phil Sandlin ………………………
When the two teams step unto Bobby Bowden Field atDoak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. This game will mean a great deal to the fans in attendance and those watching nationwide. Both teams are ranked in the AP Top 25. The BCS rankings as they now stand leaves a lot to be desired and any slip up by any of the teams ranked within the top5 most assuredly would signal the death knell as to their ambitions. And an emphatic win by the Gators over their instate rivals could very well be the thing that’s needed to cement an even greater presence amongst the national championship aspirants as well as the justification to the public at large. Seemingly playing the best of any of the teams at the upper echelons of the rankings. Florida’s ranking of #4 in the BCS doesn’t on the face of it do them any justice. But for their loss to Ole Miss we mightn’t be discussing the facts and opining on it. But that’s indeed why the games are no doubt played on the field and not in the minds of the protagnosticators and analysts.
Florida State safety Myron Rolle is congratulated by Back Judge Tommy Pace having entered the game in the first half against Maryland. The game played in College Park , Maryland was won 37-3 over Maryland. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Rob Carr ………………
As for Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles’ team this may well be all the inspiration that they need to derail the ambitions of Urban Meyer’s team. Though the team has played with a great deal of gusto of late. They’ve been viewed as somewhat of a disappointment within the ACC. Their 8-3 over record though (5-3) within conference and sitting atop of the Coastal Division. So much were was expected of the team as a whole. Nor too was the inconsistency of their play throughout much of the season. There’s a great deal of talent on both sides of the ball on this team. And in Christian Ponder they’ve a quarterback who’s playing with a great deal of confidence and it’s now beginning to be embraced by his teammates. And they’re feeding of this with their play, raising it to what’d been expected by Bowden himself. And for all of the coaching experience by one of the grand old men of the game it can be said that for Bowden this is a season that has turned around somewhat. A bowl berth is theirs for the taking should the team close its schedule with the wins needed. But much of that now is predicated upon their performance this upcoming Saturday in their home stadium.
Gators’ offensive lineman Carl Johnson(57) celebrates with teammate Percy Harvin after he’s scored a touchdown on an 11yd reception in the game played against the Citadel, in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators went on to win with game in a lopsided fashion, winning 70-19. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/John Raoux ……………………..
Rivalries being what they are can either be exciting or they can dampen the ardor of the fan should the event fail to live up to expectations. And that if anything is something that I for one feel won’t be happening this upcoming Saturday. With so much at stake for both teams they’ll be playing with a great deal of passion and physicality. Both teams it can be said have their set of renowned athletes. The Gators however have been lighting up the scoreboards with such propensity that it has become downright scary to see them play with a full head of steam.
Seminoles’ quarterback Christian Ponder(7) splits Maryland defenders Jeff Allen and Dave Philistin to score a touchdown during the second half of the game played in College Park,Md. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Rob Carr …………..
The Seminoles for their part know that they’ll have to raise the level of their play if they’re to have a remote chance winning the game. Such has been the ferocity of this rivalry at times that it has to be said that without these two teams college football within the state as of late would be nothing more than afterthought. Yes Florida’s most recent championship was in 2006 . And with the Seminoles now appraoching on almost a decade since their last win of national championship. The woes of within the state though not acute it has to be said that if there’s not the presence of at least either Florida, Florida State or Miami on the national landscape when it comes to the college game. There isn’t as such any veracity to the game overall.
Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder is sacked by the Terrapins’ defense during a game played in College Pk, Maryland. The Seminoles would go on to defeat the Maryland Terrapins 37-3. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Rob Carr ………………….
As the season slowly winds down to its culmination, it can be said as to the vagaries therein. We’re all unsure as to what’ll happen as to the fortunes of a number of teams. But for many of them their fates will lie in their own hands. And for others it’ll lie in the hands of the BCS committee and the computer geeks who’ll be playing with the numbers in deciding who’s worthy of a BCS Bowl Berth and who’s not. Technology for all of its advances and we can’t yet to decide on a national champion in athletic endeavor . That it may well come down to the crunching of numbers when it’s all said and done as to who’ll be a participant in the game itself.
Did I Miss Something Here But Since When Did The PGA Tour Turn Into A Free For All ………. ?
Now we all know that the PGA Tour is missing Tiger Woods, dearly and ‘The Tour’ essentially without him, becomes somewhat non-descript . Those who think otherwise, really do need to get their heads examined. Without Woods on the PGA Tour, is in essence like having a four course meal at a swank restaurant but then being told that the chef can’t prepare the ‘main course’ due to unforeseen circumstances . So the maitre-de’ would like to know if you’d prepare to accept a ‘doggy bag’ instead ? That in essence is now what’s being served up until Woods’ returns to the golf course from his self imposed exile.
Ben Crane walks up the 18th fairway during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 in San Diego. photo appears courtesy of the Associated Press/ Lenny Ignelzi ......
Now don’t get me but when a sport become so self reliant on just one major star to make its presence felt on the global stage. To me that signifies that there’s either something seriously wrong within the sport itself. Or the mere fact that the USGA and the PGA are seemingly at a loss as to what to do about the whole situation. Granted , PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem , feels that the game and Tour itself can proceed along without Woods at present. But with each passing tournament and the player’s none appearance and the likelihood that he won’t be returning for some considerable time. It has to be exacerbating for all concerned ! Losses are mounting up for a number of tournaments , wherein Woods had been expected to compete at the start of the season. And that doesn’t add in the ancillary losses that’ve been borne by a number of small and major companies that would service these tournaments, as well as the PGA Tour. Never mind the fact that the hospitality industry must be quaking from this all . But as we know there has to be a silver lining to it all. Well at least , that’s what Tim Finchem is hoping for.
Phil Mickelson is bent over in frustration after his eagle putt on the sixth hole rimmed out during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 in San Diego. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / Lenny Ignelzi .........
With the world’s number one golfer absent from the Tour , it was felt that his closest rival in the rankings , Phil Mickelson would step up to the plate and lead the charge. Well, that’s akin to having Paris Hilton take you on a tour of the American Library of Congress and then finding out that ‘her knowledge’ of that edifice borders on that of Borat’s first cousin from Kazakhstan. Well, perhaps not quite that bad. But Mickelson’s dominance on the Tour is more often than not just fleeting. He has his throng of supporters but he also has a great many none supporters. If anything the one golfer that most fans seem more attuned to and seemingly have more sympathy for is not Phil Mickelson but ‘two time golf major winner’ , John Daly. But Daly’s accomplishments of late, haven’t been on the golf course but more so what he’s been doing off it. His slide down from the upper echelons of the sport , can be best described as one never-ending nightmare. From bouts of alcoholism , run-ins with law enforcement , claims of spousal abuse , to multiple divorces, to being on the verge of bankruptcy. This is how one could essentially sum up John Daly’s life as of late. As to his competitiveness on the golf course ? Well , let’s just say that if he’s even par for a round then he’s had an exceptionally good day. But the fact is , Daly is now more reliant from getting a sponsor’s exemption to participate on the Tour , than he is to be an actual entered contestant for an event.
Jim ‘Bones’ McKay (caddie) wipes clean the controversial Ping Eye 2 sand wedge used by Mickelson after the player hit a sand shot with the club during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego , California. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Lenny Ignelzi …….
Los Angeles (AP)—Phil Mickelson won’t be using the Ping Eye2 wedge that led a fellow player to accuse him of “cheating,” even though he hopes others will use the controversial club to keep attention on what he calls a ridiculous rule.
“I won’t be playing that wedge. My point has been made,” Mickelson said on Wednesday on the eve of his two-time title defense at Riviera. “But if these governing bodies cannot get together to fix this loophole, if players stop using this wedge—which would stop the pressure of the issue—then I will relook at it and put the wedge back in play.”
The Ping wedge has grooves that no longer conform under a new U.S. Golf Association regulation, adopted by the U.S. PGA Tour. However, any Ping wedge made before April 1, 1990, is approved for play under a legal settlement from two decades ago.
Mickelson is among five players who have used the Ping wedge in competition this year.
Several players believe using the club goes against the spirit of the new grooves regulation, although Scott McCarron fueled the debate when he said of Mickelson and others, “It’s cheating.”
Mickelson hinted at legal action after saying he was “publicly slandered.” He said McCarron offered him a sincere apology late Tuesday, which he accepted.
“We all make mistakes, and we all say things we wish we could take back,” Mickelson said. “I’ve done it a bunch in my career. And the fact that it’s also not easy to come up and face that person, look them in the eye and apologize … I appreciate him being a big enough man to do that.”
Instead, Mickelson vented his anger at the USGA and its lack of transparency in developing the new rules for grooves. He has complained that he’s submitted wedges that fit the guidelines, only for the USGA to reject the club for violating the intent of the new rule.
“I’m very upset with the way the rule came about, the way one man essentially can approve or not approve a golf club based on his own personal decision, regardless of what the rule says,” Mickelson said. “This has got to change.”
The next step remains murky.
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Phil Mickelson looks on after hitting a bunker shot on the sixth hole during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, in San Diego. Mickelson is among at least four players at the tournament using a Ping-Eye 2 wedge that was made 20 years ago and has square grooves. Such grooves now are banned on the tour because of a new U.S. Golf Association regulation this year that irons have V-shaped grooves. The square-groove Ping wedges remain legal, however, because of a lawsuit that Ping filed against the USGA that was settled in 1990. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / Lenny Ignelzi ........
At the PGA Tour’s most recent event a controversy erupted that embroiled Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron and wherein there were accusations of cheating on the part of Mickelson. These accusations specifically targeted Mickelson and were made by McCarron and directed at Mickelson. Mickelson clearly denies any wrongdoing on his part. But there is more to this all than meets the eye. It’s not so much that there has been an ongoing feud between the two players in question. But essentially what this boils down to are the rules of the game and the presumed etiquette of the players. Golf has always been a sport that is self governing as to the on course play and etiquette of its players. Unlike other sports where a player may well have flouted or unwittingly broken a rule. Then that player is required by the rules of the PGA as well as that of the USGA to either notify the officials that they’ve contravened or broken rule, therefore immediately disqualify themselves from further play , dependent upon the severity of the rule broken or that of an adjudication forthcoming from a tournament official.
The controversy itself erupted out of the use of what is believed to be an illicit club used by Mickelson at the Farmers’ Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. The event itself is one that Woods usually would use as one the openers to his season. It carries with it a total purse of $5.3 million, with $954,000 going to the winner. Much of what happened is opened to a great deal of speculation and conjecture. But this much is known, throughout the tournament Mickelson used a Ping #2 eye club which is not normally used for competitive play by the USGA and the PGA. Though the rules itself are somewhat vague on this issue. Mickelson for his part knew of the regulations but states his reason for using the club (which gives the golfer an additional advantage in his putting because of the grooves aligned along the putting surface aids the ball in its trajectory and direction) – was in fact to bring this all to the PGA’s attention and that in no way was it his intention to be viewed as a ‘cheat’ . Now far be it for me to suggest but Mickelson’s argument doesn’t stand the ‘litmus test’ and there’s no veracity there whatsoever. If you know that there’s indeed an issue that needs to be raised concerning a specific type of equipment , you don’t intentionally go out to break the rules of the game to draw it the governing board’s attention. The appropriate thing to do , is to make the PGA aware of the situation and let them make a statement with regard to the equipment and whether or not its use will be prohibited.
McCarron for his part, was duly upset that Mickelson carried on playing throughout the tournament using the club in question. It constituted a heated debate between the two rivals which only added to the excitement of what was to be a somewhat droll tournament. The Farmers’ Open was won by Ben Crane, who carded a 70, -2 under par for the final round with an aggregate total of 275 for a -13 under par , with a winning margin of one stroke over Marc Leishman, who finished in second place. Mickelson finished a distant 19th, some five strokes behind the winner. His performance throughout the tournament was somewhat pedantic even by his lofty standards.
Though the tension between the two players , McCarron and Mickelson has simmered somewhat. It has brought some much needed attention to golf in the wake of Tiger Woods’ absence. Suffice to say, if you’re having more controversy off the course than the more exhilarating play that there ought to on the golf course. Then why not create some controversy on it , if it means garnering some much unwanted attention that call for player to be viewed openly flouting the rules of the game even if he states that he was trying to bring attention to something that’s wrong with the sport to begin with. By my way of thinking , all we need now is for Vijay Singh or Ernie Els or another of the Tour’s prominent golfers to be caught in a sordid sex scandal involving multiple partners and some farm animals. Oh shit, that’s already happened with Woods , hasn’t it ? Minus the farm animals that is . But then again, who knows what sexual proclivities that’ve yet to be unearthed concerning Tiger Woods ? For the moment however, we’ll have to put up with the likes of McCarron and Mickelson carrying on like adolescent schoolboys at it, in the playground leveling accusations at one another for the most mundane of reasons. It just goes to show how boring the sport can become when there’s not someone there that the fans can actually gravitate towards.
Ah well, some you win, some you lose. I guess that’s why the game is, what it is ? Played by self absorbed individuals who for the better part hold themselves to what some might deem to be holier than thou standards. But who for all sense and purpose are no different from any other ‘athlete’ who participates in a professional sport ? Cheating is cheating, and the rules are in place to be obeyed not to be flouted knowingly. As has been the case with Phil Mickelson.
Highlights from the final round of The Farmers Open golf tournament.
And even though McCarron has since apologized to Mickelson, one can’t help but wonder what episode will next unfold in this chapter between the two golfers ? Can we say <strong"……can we say a duel ? Pistols at dawn from 30 paces " ? Stranger things are known to have happened and will happen. Somehow I think, we've not heard the last of this ‘little hissy fit’ between these two golfers. If this is meant to be the excitement that we’re meant to be looking for , while Woods is away on his self imposed sabbatical from the PGA Tour. Then, I think that I’ll now devote more time to watching reruns of ‘The Andy Grffith Show’ ! There’s for more entertainment there to be had , that’s for sure ! Did Aunt Bee ever get her ’swerve on’ during the series ? And how comes there were never any African Americans to be seen in the town of Mayberry , North Carolina ? Was it actually the domain of the Klan ? Inquiring minds need to know ?
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I don’t know about you but nothing irks me in sports more , than when I see someone who’s supposedly intelligent act like a complete ass ! You just think on the face it, that when things are at their best, that it can’t get any worse. But it can and normally does. And that’s when you think and then ask yourself what’s the state of play ?
Well as no doubt all of you now may now know NBA Commissioner, David Stern has finally ‘had the stones’ to do what he ought to have done immediately of having been notified that a player within the NBA organization had been found to have taken a hand gun into his place of employ. In this case, it was the Washington Wizards’ player, Gilbert Arenas. The fact that the club itself, is still in the midst of conducting its own internal investigation as to the conduct of Arenas and that of his teammate , Javaris Crittenton at the Verizon Center – the home venue of the basketball team. And their altercation that led to each player drawing a hand gun on each other , leads me to believe that either dire warnings of errant gun play just doesn’t seem to mean anything to these two individuals. Never mind the fact that the city of Washington ,D.C has amongst the highest homicide rates in the nation as well as the most virulent crime with regard to the use of guns.
New York (AP)—Some of his teammates laughed when Gilbert Arenas(notes) pointed his index fingers at them, as if they were guns.
David Stern didn’t.
Stern hasn’t found any of Arenas’ behavior funny lately, so on Wednesday he handed down a punishment he wasn’t expected to deliver until much later.
Arenas was suspended indefinitely without pay by the NBA commissioner, who determined the Washington Wizards guard was “not currently fit to take the court.”
A day after Arenas made the gesture with his fingers toward his teammates who encircled him before a game in Philadelphia, Stern warned the former All-Star that his conduct will “ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse.”
Arenas is under investigation by federal and local authorities after admittedly bringing guns to the Wizards’ locker room. Stern said he intended to wait for that to be completed before taking action, and directed the Wizards to do the same.
He changed his mind a day after the Philadelphia game, when Arenas said he feared Stern more than the authorities because the commissioner was “mean.”
“Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game,” Stern said in a statement. “Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.”
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In this Jan 5th ,2010 photo, Washington Wizards’ player Gilbert Arenas watches a free throw attempt in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. Arenas was suspended without pay Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, by commissioner David Stern, who determined the Washington Wizards guard’s behavior made him ” not currently fit to take the court. ” A day after Arenas was photographed before a game in Philadelphia pointing his index fingers at his teammates as if they were guns, Stern also warned that the former All-Star’s conduct will ” ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse. ” picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matt Slocum ………
Stern has since suspended Arenas indefinitely, without pay but no action as of yet has been taken against Crittenton, as to his own conduct in the affair. The fact that this has taken so long to be dealt with by the league office is bewildering to me. And no matter what excuses are being used by Arenas for his behavior , it clearly shows that the player simply just doesn’t get it. The fact that he’d also had a prior encounter with law enforcement , having been pulled over in a traffic stop, wherein the officer in question conducted a search of the player’s vehicle and found two unlicensed hand guns in Arenas’ possession. And we’re now to think that his actions can’t be seen aren’t as counter productive as to the image of the NBA ? . Well anyone with the mindset to think that it’s OK for someone like Arenas to be towing hand guns around with him at his pleasure , clearly needs to rethink their ‘whole’ thought process through !
At an informal and impromptu get together Bruce Allen , Mike Shanahan and Daniel Snyder are seen at a local eaterie.
Well, well, well, the revolving door policy of coaches coming and going within the Washington Redskins’ organization abounds at a rapid pace. What is it now ? They’re now on their seventh coach since owner, Daniel Snyder bought the franchise in 1999. And considering that the Pittsburgh Steelers is now only on its fourth coach in the past four decades. It either tells us that the Steelers have definitely been doing something right , whereas, the Redskins must simply love the novelty of having all of these faces come and go. With the expected dismissal of Jim Zorn and the ousting of former GM , Vinny Cerrato. Daniel Snyder saw fit to hire Bruce Allen as the new general manager for the team and at the same time former Denver Broncos’ coach , Mike Shanahan was hired to be the coach. Now we know that Snyder’s pockets are deeply laden and money isn’t a major concern for this multi-billionaire entrepreneur. But what I’d like to know is when will Snyder to take it upon himself to apportion some the blame for the malaise of the franchise upon himself ? I’ve heard it said that he just sits back and delegates to others as to the teams wants and needs. But from where I sit this guy is just as meddlesome in the team’s affairs as Jerry Jones and Al Davis are with their respective NFL organizations. Never mind the fact that all three teams haven’t won anything of note, in the past decade or more. Essentially both franchises have been moribund in their very existence when it comes to competitiveness within the NFL .
Ashburn , Va,. Mike Shanahan speaks at a press conference introducing him as the new Executive Vice President and Head Coach of the Washington Redskins as Bruce Allen, Executive Vice President and general manager watches on January 6, 2010 at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images / Mitchell Layton ........
There’s no doubting that Shanahan is a very good coach when he’s surrounded by the right talent on the field of play. But herein , lies the caveat with the Redskins , they’ve no real talent of sorts when it comes to this team. Theirs has been one of missteps with either terrible NFL draftees or essentially overpaying for ‘free agents’ that have never amounted to much. But the real coup-de-gras may well be watching whether or not Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan can co-exist as equals of sorts ? Shanahan now not only becomes the Redskins’ head coach but also an Executive President , directly responsible for player personnel. Where that leaves Allen and his place in the pecking order of things and his overall input remains to be seen. But somehow , just by looking at this whole scenario you know that sometime down the line things are going to go awry for the organization and in the relationship between Allen and Shanahan. Never mind the fact that when it comes to assessing college football talent , Bruce Allen has about as much experience and intuitiveness in the matter, as Stevie Wonder and Andrea Bocelli combined. His track record jointly with Jon Gruden speaks for itself.
As to what Snyder hopes to get out of this all , one can only hope that the 5 year $ 35 million dollar contract can be justified for the services of Mike Shanhan. Otherwise , we can see the path as to how this could all end up. Over Snyder’s tenure he’s paid out in excess of $100 million for the coaching services of the coaches that he’s hired and fired, as well as their assistants that came in tow. It’s not so much that this irks me as an NFL fan. But what does it suggest to you about the organizational and managerial structure within Washington Redskins ? Their long suffering fans have put up with all of this crap over the past decade. But yet Daniel Stern as the owner has yet to apologize to them for any of the malaprops or prat-falls along the way. Many of which have come about at his own making.
Andre Dawson poses during a news conference after his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in New York, January 7, 2010. Dawson will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York on July 25, 2010. Dawson was the only one of the nominees on the ballot to have reached allotted 75 % vote needed to be considered to be an inductee for Baseball's Hall of Fame. picture appears courtesy of Reuters/ Brendan McDermid ......
One of my acquaintances within this forum, chappy 81 of doin’-work.com wrote a very good article as to the enshrinement of Tim Raines into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Whilst this was all laudable as to Raines being on the ballot. One knew that from the very start that the player would face an uphill battle with regard to his induction. And that’s certainly not because of his lack of credentials. As a matter of fact those credentials are credible enough. What it isn’t credible is the asinine notion that the BBWAA or Baseball Writer’s Association of America has any real credence to be the adjudicators for this prestigious recognition. After all, next to winning a World Series ring it is the highest honor that one can bestow upon a player over the course of their career. League and World Series MVP awards, while recognizable don’t quite have that same ring to it , as that of stating you’re in baseball’s Hall of Fame. The BBWWA has made the whole process now become more objectiveness rather than that of subjectivity . And that’s especially true in the case of a great many nominees over the years.
Admittedly, now the writers are faced with a great of indecision as to who ought to be included and who ought not to be. While we can all conclude that for the greater part of the nineties baseball was at the height of the ’steroids era’ and with it great many of the game’s watershed records were broken under dubious circumstances. At the same time who can fail to acknowledge that many of the writers who covered the sport knew full well what was going on inside a great of the ball club locker rooms, as to the omnipresent use of steroids and other banned substances. But in effect either they chose to ignore it all or they just thought it needn’t be reported. If anything, by that act alone along with the duplicity of the MLB hierarchy of Bud Selig and the Players’ Union (MLBPA) all of the parties concerned and that includes the BBWAA were all party to the subterfuge played out in front of the fans with regard to the nation’s pass-time. But yet the BBWAA now acts very pious and sanctimonious concerning the hallowed Hall of Fame and who ought to be now inducted ? That’s akin to saying, that as a Jew you’d welcome a member of Hezbollah into your house …’just as long as they don’t eat your food’. The MLB hierarchy, MLBPA and the BBWAA are simply a joke and not worth the time of day ! What merits the Hall of Fame once had is now being sullied by the laughable antics of the writers to begin with. And I’m supposes to believe that it’s still an honor for a player to be enshrined within that supposedly hallowed hall ? Give me break , it’s simply just not worth it any longer ! ‘nough said !
When is the premise of a boxing bout that’s said to be ‘the fight that everyone is waiting to see and absolutely no wants to miss’ , becomes nothing more than a sight gag and a complete bore ? It’s when fight promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. gets involved and starts to bitch and whine like someone has stolen money from him ! What was meant to be a world welterweight title bout between the ‘two most prolific fighters’ now in the sport, Floyd Mayweather, Jr and Manny Pacquiao. In essence, that event has become nothing more than afterthought, as two sides battle it out with barbs , that with each passing day over the last two weeks has become a trade insults and now a matter of a legal hyperbole. Pacquiao has started a civil suit against the Mayweather family citing ‘defamation of character’ and ’slander’. As to why Pacquiao should deem fit to take this stance when he’d better off facing his opponent in the ring is beyond me ! Especially when you would consider that he would be guaranteed at a minimum to see the better part of between $25-$35 million just for stepping into the ring for what many believe would have been the biggest PPV event in boxing history. The proposed March 13th event has been called off and there seems to be no signs of a compromise in sight between the two parties.
Now as much as I love the sport of boxing , as my late father nurtured me on the history of the sport. I now can no longer stand the fact that all of the power is now primarily in the hands of all but a few boxing promoters and at the same time the four major international governing bodies simply cow-tow to their every and very whim. It ought to be the other way around. But promoters such Bob Arum , Don King of Don King Promotions Inc and Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions Inc, simply just now write out an unfilled check and leave those bodies to fill in the blank amount. At the end of the day the promoters know that they’ll end up making ‘a killing’ to begin with.
Manny Pacquiao’s promoters said his prospective bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. was dead late Wednesday night after a mediation session failed to resolve the fighters’ differences over drug testing, scrapping what was likely to be the richest fight in boxing history.
The bout was slated for March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, but Top Rank said it couldn’t reach an agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, which represented Mayweather in the negotiations, after nine hours of mediation Tuesday and more discussions Wednesday.
Although neither side was allowed to publicly discuss the specifics of their dispute, Mayweather apparently balked at a hard-fought compromise in the testing issues first raised by the former welterweight champion.
“I knew this was going to happen,” said a weary Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter. “You had to play it out.”
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer and Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe didn’t immediately return phone messages.
The promoters went into the lengthy mediation Tuesday to resolve their differences over drug testing for the fight. Both sides claimed every other detail for the fight had been decided, but Mayweather had demanded random blood testing in addition to unlimited urine testing, with Pacquiao balking at the stringent requests.
The fighters’ representatives apparently thought they had a compromise after the mediation. The promoters were widely expected to formally announce the bout Wednesday – but subsequent discussions with Mayweather during the day led Top Rank to declare the fight canceled.
Arum was left fuming by Mayweather, who fought for Top Rank for several years.
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Mayweather Pacquiao another wasted opportunity to give the fans something that they want. Instead we'll now continue to see the further demise of a sport that has lost all relevance for a great number of fans and observers of the sport in general. picture appears courtesy of bbc.co.uk/sports/boxing/ Richard Marshall ......................
Much of the tumult behind the divisiveness of the Mayweather- Pacquiao situation lies with the intransigence shown by Arum in not wanting his fighter have to undergo mandated blood and urine sample testing prior and after the fight. Something in this day and age, I would’ve thought that Arum both and Pacquiao would have preferred ? But seemingly not , when one considers the last major indiscretion that took place in a ring concerned one of Arum’s fighters. Then it was his welterweight charge, Antonio Margarito in his title bout against Miguel Cotto . Margarito we later found out had an illegal body placed over his wrappings before his fight gloves were put on. Two things spring to mind right away ! Who did the on sight inspection of Margarito ? And how was it that they couldn’t detect that the fighter had a hardened substance (plaster of paris) over his wrappings prior to him being gloved up ? The fighter was later suspended a monetary fine was paid. In spite of all of this Arum stipulated that his fighter’s punishment was deemed far too harsh. Is he f_cking kidding me ? Margarito with that added advantage on the night could have ended up killing his opponent. But that simply didn’t occur Arum that it could have happened. Now as I’ve told my buddy sportschump , Bob Arum can’t be trusted as far he could be thrown from a standing position. The man for all sense and purpose is a lying, bigoted and self centered ass ! Why anyone now is at all surprised that this bout fell through shouldn’t be surprised by the turn of events that have taken place. Simply put you’re dealing with a cheating bastard in Bob Arum !
These are but a couple of things that’ve irked me as of late with regard to the world of sports. Has there been anything that plainly put , has you pis_ed off or just thinking to yourself…..’enough is enough I’m done with them or that’ ? By all means chime on with a comment and perhaps we can debate the issue or issues as the case maybe ?
Alan Parkins aka tophatal
A Tribe Called Quest feat’g Faith Evans give you ‘Stressed Out’
In light of what we believe we know, and the sports’ writers believe that they know about the world of sports and the athletes who compete in their chosen endeavors. I propose the following in this regard, the ‘Hall of Fame’ is deemed the highest honor for any professional or amateur athlete once their career is over. And with their enshrinement and acknowledgement not only from amongst the fans but also from their peers and predecessors who were enshrined before them. They are rightly accorded a great deal of acclaim, as is their due.
As an avid sports fan I’ve watched a great deal of sports across the panacea , since I first emigrated here to the United States from England, some sixteen years ago. I’m an avid follower of the Spurs , Marlins and Patriots. When it comes to the NHL, well I’ve about as much interest for the sport as I would for swapping saliva with Rosie O’Donnell , in a moment of unadulterated and heated passion. That scenario my friends, will never happen, not even you were going to pay me a $ 1million. Six million and you might just peek my interest, for $10-$15 million I’d ‘knock the socks’ of the bi_ch ! But that’s a story for another day.
We can all agree can we not , that the three most popular professional teams sports are baseball , football and basketball ? All three sports are governed respectively by Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Wherein, the commissioners there are Bud Selig, Roger Goodell and David Stern. And though their sphere of influence in the decision making process that takes places with regard to the players that meet the criteria for enshrinement isn’t influential. You can be damn sure that they’re closely monitoring who gets that call for induction. For all three , image is everything and then it’s nothing. Five years after the formal announcement of a player’s retirement , they’re deemed to have met the criteria for enshrinement based upon their career. That being said who are the adjudicators for each of these esteemed sanctums ?
It’s an esteemed body of journalists within the field covering those various sports who make the nominations based upon a body of work we’re led to believe. Baseball has the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). And before I go on , why is it that when using the words esteemed and journalists in the same sentence I begin to feel somewhat nauseous ? Surely there has to be something wrong with the use of this adjective ? Esteemed journalists ? My God the planet earth must be is close to falling off its axis or we’re now closer the apocalypse of 2012 ? For sure enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame , a player’s career has to be one that has been at least a decade in tenure in terms of his playing time. And furtheremore, they have to attain a minimum of 75 % of the ballots cast to be ensured in enshrinement into the Hall. A steep task indeed for the borderline candidate.
For the NBA it is in the cities where franchises are constituted and the NBA journalists covering the sport , cast their ballots for the nominees in question. Over the years the candidates enshrined have been noteworthy and deserving of the accolade. But yet there is the feeling that the NBA enshrinement in some respects is the least noteworthy of them all. What are your thoughts on that ?
Joe wanted to get his ’swerve on’ , if only Suzy had been more trusting and obliged him later ? Ah well it’s left to the likes of Steve Phillips and Harold Reynolds formerly of ESPN to show what real jack asses can be like , alongside Namath.
The candidates for the NFL have a similar format as that of the NBA and to the adjudication of the candidates. But in terms of longevity of a career. Well there , there have been exceptions , merely because of a player’s performances in specfic games or in part because of one or two memorably ouststanding moments in their careers. See Joe Namath and Lynn Swann, for that . Granted, for Namath , other than guaranteeing the Jets’s victory in Super Bowl III over Don Shula’s Baltimore Colts. Namath’s career beyond that one big moment of glory can be best described as being somewhat lackluster. But he sure knew how ‘to party hard’ and parlay that success to further that ‘Broadway Joe image’. And it served him well over the years , until insobriety caught up with him.
Over the next few years , no doubt a number of prominent athletes within MLB, the NBA and NFL will end their careers and formally announce their retirements. Though rumor has it that is Brett Favre’s intention to play well into his late sixties . Albeit, that he’ll retired , un-retire several times over before coming to a decision that neither his teammates or the assistant coaches are prepared to continue assisting him in changing his Depends diapers. Not when there’s said to be running stool and urine deposited in the attire. Oh, to be the much beloved, Brett Favre. And it has to be said that potential candidates such as Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera , Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, Vladimir Guerrero, Carlos Delgado, Omar Vizquel, Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash , LaDainian Tomlinson, Marvin Harrison, Randy Moss, Michael Westbrook, Terrell Owens, Clinton Portis , Ricky Williams, Kurt Warner, Junior Seau and Fred Taylor will either be looked upon favorably or they will not. I think more often than not, the adjudicators make this a matter of objectivity , rather than it being subjectivity. And far be it for me to suggest, many of them will no doubt have their own personal favorites amongst the nominees prior to the votes being cast. And in doing so will treat them far more favorably than others. It goes without saying , although we’ve never observed ‘the behind the scenes’ modus operandi as to how each body goes about assigning their votes and how the deliberations take place. Such is the secrecy, that when it’s all said and done you’d have thought this was a meeting of the ‘Conclave of Cardinals’ to decide upon who the next Pope will be.
Things haven't quite yet resorted to this when it comes to the Hall of Fame voting in either MLB, NBA or NFL Halls' of Fame . But who knows in the future it might. Vatican City , Vatican,. April 19th, 2005. White smoke is seen from the roof of the Sistine Chapel indicating that the College of Cardinals have elected a new Pope on April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. The 265th Pope will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Giuseppe Cacace .........................
With all of the controversy that has surrounded the game of baseball and the ’steroid abuse issue’ , I can’t think in all honesty that any baseball candidate nominated for their voting can escape not being tarnished. And yes, that’ll include the likes of Jeter, Tom Glavine, ;Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez and should I even dare to say it , Albert Pujols ? As remarkable as their careers have and seemingly untarnished by any major controversy stemming from the steroid abuse scandal. Even though they’ve been exemplary and outstanding performers. The dye was cast by the actions of such noted individuals as Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa , Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez. All of whom found a way of bringing the game into disrepute with their admitted use of steroids or hiding behind the veiled cloak of privacy and privilege. And it certainly wasn’t helped by the sheer ignorance shown by MLB’s hierarchy,the commissioner, Bud Selig,the owners, the MLBPA (Players’ Union) and their utter contempt in addressing the issue head on to begin with. But what more ought the fans to have expect to begin with ? It’s not as if they’ve ever been upfront with the truth surrounding the scandal at all. !
Barry Bonds is he really the 'poster child' for the steroids' abuse scandal in baseball ? Or is he merely being used as a scape goat ? picture appears courtesy of the onion.com/article/ photo/ Spires @ copyrighted material ..... All rights reserved
San Francisco – With the publication of a book detailing steroid use by San Francisco Giants superstar Barry Bonds, two San Francisco Chronicle reporters have corroborated the claims of Bonds’ steroid abuse made by every single person who has watched or even loosely followed the game of baseball over the past five years
In Game Of Shadows, an excerpt of which appeared in Sports Illustrated Wednesday, authors Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams claim that more than a dozen people close to Bonds had either been directly informed that Bonds was using banned substances or had in fact seen him taking the drugs with their own eyes. In addition to those witnesses, nearly 250 million other individuals nationwide had instantly realized that Bonds was using banned substances after observing his transformation from lanky speedster to hulking behemoth with their own eyes.
According to hundreds of thousands of reports coming out of every city in the U.S., Bonds’ steroid use has been widely reported and well-documented for years, with sports columnists, bloggers, people attending baseball games, memorabilia collectors, major ballpark popcorn and peanut vendors, groundskeepers, roommates, significant others, fathers-in-law, next-door neighbors, fellow fitness club members, bartenders, mailmen, coworkers, teachers, doormen, parking-lot attendants, fellow elevator passengers, Home Depot clerks, servicemen and women serving in Iraq, former baseball players, Congressmen, second-tier stand-up comics, Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilly, and random passersby all having stated at some point in the last five years that Bonds was obviously taking some sort of performance-enhancing drugs.
Many of those eyewitnesses came forward following Wednesday’s revelation with their own accounts of Bonds’ seven-year history of steroid use.
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The mindset of the BBWAA and how they cast their votes might not only have to do with the performances of the players themselves and their statistics. But in large part, it may well come down to whether or not they’re viable as a nominee, solely based upon their character and whether or not in any way they were personally tarnished by allegations or their association with a known abuser. Would that immediately count out Derek Jeter ?
And while we’re still on the subject of baseball ,it’s now been the long held opinion that former disgraced star, Pete Rose, should now be enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame , in Cooperstown, New York. Now while I’m not a fan of Rose , I do now believe that he’s paid his debt for a poor error in judgement. Albeit, that when confronted he still continued to lie about his actions. The way I look at it, some of baseball’s biggest names that’ve been inducted aren’t without their flaws. Hell you’ve got inductees who are racial bigots, you’ve got philanderers, known alcoholics and quite possibly several more who’ve committed far worse deeds than Rose has been found guilty of. So why the continued hypocrisy of Bud Selig and the Baseball Writers’ Association (BBWAA)? Ah well they feel aggrieved that if Rose gets in, then they’ll look like bunch of fools ? They already are ! Many of the writers who are empaneled as adjudicators had their suspicions about rampant ’steroid use’ within the game but failed to report it , and in some cases many simply chose not to. But what might be even more egregious, is their now sanctimonious act of piety .
Rose seen here giving an exclusive interview to ESPN Radio’s Graham Bensinger. Acts of contrition have to be sincere and not scripted and condescending.
Baseball they say, may well have the ethereal legacy when it comes to its history and that of its Hall of Fame. But I also believe that the NFL and NBA also has theirs ! And with both sports having a rich cultural history and legacy, I’d have to imagine that they’re in a far better position than that of Major League Baseball (MLB). Well , most certainly their images haven’t taken as many hits as that of baseball over the last decade. And their respective commissioners in Roger Goodell , and his predecessor, Paul Tagliabue, of the NFL. They made sure that under their tenure that the NFL was a well governed and smoothly oiled machine. And from a business standpoint, that has been very much the case. The same can be said of David Stern and his custodianship of the NBA, as its commissioner. Though neither commissioner and their respective sports have been without their own litany of problems as it concerns the image of their game and of their players.
But it has been their willingness to act swiftly at times that has in some cases curtailed what might have been a monumental disaster image wise for both the NBA and the NFL , why their commissioners and their sport in general is so well respected. Of which the same cannot be said of Bud Selig and his handling of the labor dispute , the lockout and then the whole ’steroids issue’ debacle. An adolescent child could well have handled the entire situation a whole lot better.
Now the question I’ll pose to you is which of the following athletes would you consider to be a viable candidate for their respective Hall of Fames ? I’ll place a list below of the names of these current and former athletes. And by all means take some time in assessing what you believe are their valid merits for gaining acceptance into the ‘Hall of Fame’. Also note you can choose to name some of the players that I’ve mentioned within this piece , controversy besides them or not . Just as long as you can articulate a valid argument behind your case for naming them .
2005-06:
Thirteenth NBA season (Philadelphia) … In 75 games/starts, averaged 20.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.37 steals in 38.6 minutes per game … Shot 43.4 percent (617-1422 FG) from the field and 75.6 percent (263-348 FT) from the free-throw line … Had 38 double-doubles on the season to rank 7th in the NBA … Ranked eighth in the league in rebounds per game … Had 40 games (20-20) with 20 or more points and seven 30-point games (5-2) … Had 38 games (18-20) with 10-plus rebounds this season … Had 18 games with 12-plus, rebounds, eight games with 15-plus and two games with 20-plus … Had nine games with six-plus assists (7-2) … Recorded his ninth-career 20-point, 20-rebound game with 27 points and 21 rebounds, versus Minnesota (12/12)… Also had a career-high 18 defensive rebounds versus Minnesota (12/12) … Had 20 boards versus Denver (3/9)… Had a season-high nine assists at Memphis (3/12) … Set his Sixers career-high with 34 points at New York (3/31)… Tied a season-high with five steals at Atlanta (12/23)… Blocked a season-high four shots versus Washington (3/3) … Scored his 15,000th career-point versus Charlotte (11/4) … Scored his 16,000th point at Houston on Mar. 1 … Had his 400th career double-double versus New Orleans/Oklahoma City (11/21)… Missed seven games (5-2) this season, four (3-1) due to a low back strain (1/4, 1/9, 4/8 and 4/10), two (1-1) due to DND – Coach’s Decisions (4/18 – 4/19) and one (1-0) due to the and flu (2/25).
Pro Career:
Thirteen NBA seasons … In 761 games (759 starts) averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds 4.4 assists, 1.50 blocks and 1.49 steals in 38.0 minutes per game … Shooting 48.0 percent (6888-14354 FG) from the field and 65.0 percent (2427-3734 FT) from the free-throw line for his career … Philadelphia is his fourth NBA team, after time with Golden State (1993-94), Washington (1994-98), and Sacramento (1999-2005)… Five-time NBA All-Star (1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)… Posted 51 points and 26 rebounds against Indiana (1/5/01)… Earned All-NBA first team honors in 2001; All-NBA second team honors in 1999, 2002, 2003; All-NBA third team honors in 2000… Named the 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with the Warriors… In four NBA All-Star Games, averaged 7.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.00 spg and 19.0 mpg (DNP – sprained ankle in 2003)… Leading scorer (18 points) and rebounder (10 boards) for the ‘Phenoms’ team which won the first-ever Schick Rookie Game during the 1994 NBA All-Star Weekend (Minneapolis)… Voted to the NBA’s All-Interview Team in 2002-03, 2001-02 and 1999-00… Named Conference Player of the Month in December 2002 and January 2002… Named NBA Player of the Week eight times, including seven times with Sacramento (12/15/02, 1/16/00, 1/2/00, 4/25/99, 12/11/00, 1/22/01, 1/6/02) and once with Washington (4/20/97).
In 1995, newly-appointed Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan drafted Davis in the 6th Round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Davis entered training camp as the sixth string tailback and was a long shot to make the team. He managed to impress the Broncos coaching staff after his second pre-season game, most notably with a crushing hit as a member of special teams. Davis kept improving with each pre-season game and was promoted to starting running back for the season’s opening game.[1] With Davis at running back, the Broncos possessed the potent running attack that they had previously lacked. Davis started 14 games during the 1995 season, carrying the ball 237 times, averaging 4.7 yards per run, and scoring eight touchdowns. Davis finished his season with a total of 1,117 rushing yards, becoming the lowest drafted player to ever gain over 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season.
In 1996, Davis signed a lucrative new five-year contract with the Broncos that was worth $6.8 million. That season, he rushed for a total of 1,538 yards and set a Denver Broncos record for rushing touchdowns with 13. The Broncos ended that season with a 13–3 record, tied with the Green Bay Packers for the best in the NFL that year.
In the Super Bowl, Davis rushed for 157 yards, caught 2 passes for 8 yards, and became the first player in Super Bowl history ever to score 3 rushing touchdowns. This performance earned him MVP honors despite having to sit out the second quarter due to a migraine, an affliction he has suffered with most of his life.
Davis’ 8 touchdowns in his three playoff games and the Super Bowl gave him a total of 48 points, the most ever scored in a single postseason. This record would stand until surpassed by kicker Adam Vinatieri’s 49 points in the 2006–07 postseason.
Single…Is active in the community in his home country of Puerto Rico…Conducts free baseball clinics and provides equipment for his former little league and high school…Donated $252,000 toward research on the disease Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and as a result of his relationship with Umpire John Hirschbeck. ALD is a rare genetic disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain… While in San Diego, he participated in the “Stay in School Campaign” volunteering as a guest speaker at many area schools, both English and Spanish-speaking…In Toronto, Roberto was a charter member of the Hugh MacMillan Foundation and hosted a celebrity golf tournament for four years to benefit the foundation…Raised $285,000 for the foundation which funds a hospital and school…In Toronto, he was also involved in the DARE program and filmed a PSA on the perils of drunk driving…With the Orioles, he donated over 2,000 tickets as part of the “Alomar All-Stars” program for children from non-profit, youth oriented organizations…With Cleveland teamed up with his brother, Sandy, and purchased 27 tickets (27 was the combination of their uniform numbers, #12 and #15) for every home date in 1999 for local charities.
Dennis Rodman had developed from a janitor who had never played organized basketball into arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history and one of the most recognized athletes in the world. Enigmatic and individualistic, Rodman has caught the public eye for his ever-changing hair color, tattoos and unorthodox lifestyle. Rodman’s achievements on the court are indisputable. A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a member of two championship Pistons teams in Detroit and three title-winning Bulls teams in Chicago, he has led the league in rebounding for seven consecutive years despite standing only 6-8–Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to win more rebounding titles, 11. Rodman is one of the few players in basketball who can change the course of a game without taking a shot. Rodman, whose two sisters were All-American basketball players, didn’t play high school basketball and stood only 5-11 when he graduated. At age 20 he was working the graveyard shift at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport when he decided, after having grown eight inches since high school, that he would pursue basketball. He enrolled in Cooke County Junior College in Texas and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State. In three seasons there, 1983-84 through 1985-86, he averaged 25.7 points and 15.7 rebounds, led the NAIA in rebounding twice and registered a .637 field goal percentage. Still relatively obscure, Rodman lasted into the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft before being selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 27th overall pick
5) Kurt Warner. Though he’s still playing, there’s been a great deal said as to whether or not he’s a noteworthy candidate for the NFL Hall of Fame. What are your thoughts , if any on the matter ?
6) Steve Nash. Hall of Fame worthy or not ? OK, so he’s a two time NBA league MVP recipient . But does that in essence ‘make him’ a Hall of Famer ? Granted, he just might be the best player the Phoenix Suns have ever had. But they’ve struggled as a team to get the job done. And that in no large is not down to Nash but primarily down to the Suns’ hierarchy of their GM Steve Kerr and Suns’ owner Robert Sarver. Their insight into basketball personnel decision making is in line with Sarah Palin’s knowledge on US foreign policy, domestic issues, global and economic affairs. On appearance each might seem to be bright but in reality they just are not ! Need one say anymore on the matter ?
These are but six names that come to mind and I could well have added great many others to the six mentioned here , in my own personal list. But as we exchange comments on the subject , I may well add them as part of any response that I will be making. So for now, read the article , peruse the list of names, gather your thoughts and then respond with a comment , as to a case that can be made for your own personal choice and perhaps some of the names listed within this piece. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. And as always thank you for your continued support as it’s greatly appreciated !
“
Little somethin for my godson Elijah and a little girl named Kerim
Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots
I give a holler to my sisters on welfare
Tupac cares, if don’t nobody else care
And uhh, I know they like to beat ya down a lot
When you come around the block brothas clown a lot
But please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don’t forget, girl keep your head up”
Now it goes without saying that the year 2009 has to have been one of great joy and no doubt costing us a great deal of heartache as it came to comings and goings of our team or teams , as the case maybe. Well, most certainly for me it was. Although I’m still pinning my hopes that the New England Patriots can acquit themselves well in the upcoming NFL playoffs. If not then , I guess that I’ll just have to deal with it. Fear not, I won’t be committing suicide or anything near as drastic as that. I’m more liable to drown my sorrows with a bottle of alcohol and reminisce as to what went right my teams and what indeed went wrong. Only then, will I have a really clear picture as to why things unraveled so, for my teams.
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) picks up yardages after pulling in a Tom Brady pass as he is hit by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox (21) during the first quarter of their NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 27, 2009. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Stephan Savoia ................
In the NFL as many of you will no doubt be aware I’m an avid follower and supporter of the New England Patriots. Call me any of the following adjectives if you must, stupid , naive , crazy. I’ll be able to take it. It’s what we Brits do best but not always , as I’m not your typical soft spoken Englishman. I may well have been born on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and a subject of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. But that’s as far as it goes with regard to my British background. As my ancestry is steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean and its islands. Both of my parents are natives of Jamaica . And for the younger part of youth, I initially lived there for the better part of 7 years.
Jamaica’s ‘greatest musical ambassador and export’ to the culture of the world. Bob Marley and his iconic group ‘The Wailers’ . Here they’re seen performing one of their biggest international hits ‘ Natural Mystic’. As a youngster I must admit that I went through the phase of mysticism and the Rastafarian faith and culture. Ever in search of something meaningful to life. Something that I still adhere to, today. ‘Jah , Rasta far I’ !
At the age of ten I returned to the United Kingdom with my younger brother to finish my formal education in Britain. My sister remained behind , living with my maternal grandmother for the next six years , before she too would join me , my younger brother ,father and mother in our home. Those years apart from my sister brought the siblings closer together as we advanced into adulthood. And for good reason, as it meant as a familial unit we could come to rely on each other when there was in fact a great problem. None perhaps more so , than when my father decided to up and leave his family to be with ‘his mistress’. What ensued from there made and the family and I ,a much closer unit than I could ever have imagined. No father there as a guide, for me and my brother . And no father figure as such , for my sister to dote on. Needless to say, it was our mother who ended up filling both of the roles, any child accustomed to having both parents around would need. And she fulfilled those obligations admirably.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (81) hug after Moss caught a Brady first-quarter touchdown pass during an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 27, 2009 . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Stephan Savoia ......
At (10-5) with the lone game remaining against the Houston Texans, this upcoming Sunday (Week 17). The team can take flight in knowing that it has already sown up the AFC East division, having garnered a wild-card berth in the playoffs. But this ought to be not a great deal to shout about for this Bill Belichick coached team. As their form as late, can be best described as erratic. From one game to the next you just can’t be sure which Patriots’ team will turn up. The one that exudes confidence and at times has played like champions. Or the one that for some lame ass reason tends to stoop to the level of a lesser opponent and who in the end comes off looking like a fraud. That’s the dilemma that I, as a Pats’ fan sees before me. Whether or not those views shared by other Patriots’ fans , I cannot be all that sure . But in all likelihood I know that there are some of us out there who are very much concerned with the unevenness of the team’s play throughout much of this season. I can only hope for their sake and that of the fans the ship is righted before it sets sail into the playoff against its first round opponent !
Admittedly two greats of the game the legendary Bill Russell and the Spurs’ Tim Duncan sit down for an chat about their personal observations of the game.
As Tim Duncan gets older, the more cerebral he becomes as a player. He may well be that one or two steps slower but he more than makes up for it with his more than agile basketball IQ. If there’s a better player in the NBA at present playing the position of that ‘power forward’ and hybrid center’ , then by all means name him and make sure that you’ve got the facts to back up the veracity of your argument. The San Antonio Spurs may not be the dominant force it once was but they’re still a team to be reckoned with. And in Gregg Popovich , they still possess one of the more astute and well rounded coaches in all of the NBA. Other than Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers, Popovich is the only coach in the league to have won multiple titles posted on their career resume’ as a coach. It paints in stark contrast as to what has happened in the rest of the NBA. Long tenured coaches in the NBA nowadays, is now becoming something of a rarity , with the exception of Jackson , Popovich and Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz. A very select and rare breed indeed !
San Antonio, Tx,. December 29th ,2009. Richard Jefferson (#24) of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Damien Wilkins (#3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game played at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ D. Clark Evans ....
This season I expect the Spurs to contend within their division and the Southwest Division of the Western Conference may well be the most competitive in all of the NBA. It is now stacked with teams from top to bottom that possess a great deal of talent. And in all likelihood it will take something of a dog fight for more than one if not two or more teams from the division to make the playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks, Spurs , Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets and now a resurgent Memphis Grizzlies are all looking to stake their claim that they are indeed playoff material and NBA championship contenders. And of the teams within the division , the Spurs are the lone winners of an NBA championship. As a matter of that they’re the only multiple winners of a championship outside of the Lakers within the Western Conference. And as of now , the Mavericks’ owner, Mark Cuban will do whatever it takes to make that a reality for his team to land its first NBA championship. He’s become the George Steinbrenner of the NBA but with a much more odious personality. Brash and outspoken, Cuban doesn’t give a rat’s ass what anyone thinks of him , just as long his name is in the spotlight. And for NBA commissioner , David Stern that has become a bone of contention. Especially given Cuban’s constant criticism of the league and its game officials.
The Los Angeles Lakers are quite rightly deemed the team to beat in the Western Conference. And as the defending champions that’s where everyone will take aim. But with the now confidence enriched Lakers and that of their All Star guard and regular and NBA Finals’ MVP in Kobe Bryant looking to repeat as champions. I do believe that things will be considerably more difficult for not only the San Antonio Spurs in derailing the aspirations of Bryant and his teammates. But it’ll also be the same for the entire NBA. And that is with due respect to the likes of the Eastern Conference’s Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. As the only way to derail the Lakers at this juncture, would be if someone were to pass on a communicable and deadly bacterial form of a disease unto Kobe Bryant. Now don’t get any ideas out there as this would be deemed a felony, punishable by a several years in prison , if found guilty. Think about it , do you really hate Kobe Bryant and the Lakers that much ?
Hanley Ramirez seen here at the plate for the Florida Marlins in an NL game played at Dolphin Stadium , Miami , Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Alex Bustamante ...................
If you drink it and it doesn’t kill you, then you’re fine. That’s how it is with myself and the Florida Marlins. I wasn’t tempted by Eve to bite of the forbidden fruit, or in this case drank of the wine that is the Marlins. In MLB , what you see is what you get with a vast array of the teams. The Florida Marlins aren’t glamorous but they are by no means the poor man’s Donald Trump. They’re mid tier to low market team who just happens to reside in one of the top 25 ad markets in the US and that’s it. Any appearance of grandeur is lost on the franchise. Their owner Jeffrey Loria , though a billionaire several times over is essentially a spend thrift. And anyone who knows of his previous exploits as major league baseball owner with the ‘now defunct’ Montreal Expos , should know exactly what I’m talking about. ‘Shout-outs’ to my man mceezy, over at doin-work.com It’d appear that’s something that he’s not accustomed to doing when it comes to an in depth research on an issue.
Dan Uggla congratulates teammate Jorge Cantu on his home run hit during the spring training game played against the New York Mets. New York would go on to win the game 5-4 in a game played in Port St Lucie , Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Alex Bustamante ....................
In the NL East the pecking order now appears to be the Philadelphia Phillies and everyone else in no discerning order, with the exception of the moribund Washington Nationals. They’re now beginning to make competitiveness within baseball seem like an all ‘too dirty word’. With the continued mediocrity of the Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals. Major League Baseball can now be happy that it has its own trifecta of piss poor major league teams. And for God’s sake please don’t bring up the use of the word prospects as the rationale behind the ineptitude. That argument has now become mute, archaic and completely devoid as to its veracity. If only we had someone within the upper echelons of baseball’s hierarchy to figure this all out ? But unfortunately baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig is too busy counting his salary from 2008 and that was an estimated $17.5 million for that year alone. What the fu_k ? Not even Steve Ballmer , the CEO of Microsoft pulls down that sort of cash each year. And we all know how big Microsoft is as a company , don’t we ? And people question my resolve when I say that there’s indeed a financial imbalance within the game of baseball. Well look no further than Bud Selig , to see one of the ‘biggest miscreants and frauds’ within the entire game.
Marlins' manager Fredi Gonzalez (left) seen here alongside his All Star slugger , Hanley Ramirez in the dugout of NL game . picture appears courtesy of Miami Herald / ap/photo/ Hector Barroso ............
As I alluded to earlier the pecking order within the NL East is he Philles and everyone else thereof. We have free wheeling , dealing and exorbitant spending New York Mets, the Washington Nationals , the Atlanta Braves and last but not least the Florida Marlins. And for Marlins’ manager, Fredi Gonzalez , each year that he has this team remaining competitive. Then each year that it is, he also gains more experience and no doubt the confidence of his players as a team.
The Marlins, albeit that they’re very much a young team they do possess on their roster several bright and up and coming players who’ve essentially taken the opportunity given to them and have begun to prove themselves. Add in the fact that they also have one of the most ferociously talented players in all of baseball in, Hanley Ramirez. And you can well understand why it is I am excited to see this team on the baseball diamond. Ramirez’s presence only adds to the confidence of the team overall and his teammates feed off that confidence. This team can contend with the likes of the Mets and Phillies , if they apply themselves to the task at hand. But it’d be easy to overlook the team’s frailties as well. And that comes in the lack of real consistent every day pitching from the rotation. As good as I and many others may well deem it to be. I’d be remiss to think that they all have to do is to rely on the offensive presence of the likes of Ramirez, Jorge Cantu , Dan Uggla, Cameron Maybin , Cody Ross and Emilio Bonifacio to see them through each game. It has to be a collective effort all round . And it has to be done with regularity on a day in, day out basis. That’s what separates the good teams from the bad teams and the bad teams from the woefully inept. Consistency has always paid dividends and that is what the Florida Marlins must now strive for . In time everything else falls into place.
Renowned art collector , business entrepreneur and Florida Marlins' owner Jeffrey Loria . The owner while harboring his delight in knowing that finally the ball club will have its own state of the art venue to call their very own. Loria has been less than fortright as to the financial obligation the organization is willing to incur in order to get the stadium built. picture appears courtesy of Damian Chiapa copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ...................
I have been lucky enough to witness this ball-club win two World Series championships in the very first decade of their existence. And there’s not that many major professional sports franchises that one can actually say that about , in this modern era. But more is the pity that the game itself can’t be played on an even footing . It might perhaps further the allure of the game instead of detracting from it .
Financial nuances asides the tumult that has beset the Florida Marlins being the only major league franchise to call its own home venue. The franchise only derives of its revenues through concessions and souvenir sales at Landshark Stadium Stadium.(formerly Dolphins Stadium- owned by the Miami Dolphins of the NFL) Much of this asinine juxtaposition comes from the lack forthright action by Bud Selig’s office and none commitment of Marlins’ owner in making a full financial obligation in getting a new stadium built. Since they’re coming into inception the Marlins have continued to play in the same venue. Here you can the political grandstanding by all parties involved. Herein the Miami City Commission.
These are but my thoughts and feelings to three major professional sports franchises that I for one wholeheartedly support in good and bad times. And I’m not one sugar coat my feelings about them when I know that their fortunes are heading towards the outhouse. As is my right I’ll be openly critical of ownership on down. I’ve a vested interest in seeing them do well, rather than seeing them being proverbially being used as a fire hydrant for every canine that wants to urinate on them. And that’s something that some fans would rather not question about the teams that they support. Instead they sit around and play the optimist. What use is that when you’re continually being sold a ‘bill of goods’ that offers nothing tangible in return ?
In good times as with the bad maybe the only thing as a supporter you can do …..”is just to keep your head up ’cause things are gonna get easier and things are get brighter” .
Tupac Shakur’s rendition of his seminal hit, ‘Keep Your Head Up’
I don’t know whether or not to laugh or cry at this juncture. But suffice to say that the NFL lived up to its appeal of ‘anything can happen on any given Sunday’. Oh my God, that’s an Oliver Stone ‘movie’. No conspiracy theorists here however. Alas, the New England Patriots are finally showing signs of life but I sincerely doubt that it’ll be enough to sustain them throughout the playoffs. As a divisional winner they’re guaranteed a wild card berth. And as good as this team was perceived to be, they are nowhere near as good as the teams of old.
Foxboro , Ma,. December 27th 2009. Tom Brady (#12) of the New England Patriots celebrates with Kevin Faulk (#33) after Brady threw a second touchdown pass to Randy Moss against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Simply put ,Bill Belichick is trying to plug holes into ill fitting pieces of a jig saw puzzle that in effect is still missing several much needed pieces. That has definitely got to be the case concerning the defense and how inexplicably inconsistent they’ve been this season. The Patriots had the pleasure of having their way with the Jacksonville Jaguars. And here’s a team that one now has to wonder how long their owner, Wayne Weaver , can continue to put up with Jack Del Rio as the team’s coach ? It’s safe to say that the cries …..’we want Timmy , we want Tim Tebow‘ won’t be enough to save Del Rio from the impending fall of the axe across his neck. Let the bloodletting begin. At this juncture it’ll be left to Weaver and the rest of the Jaguars’ hierarchy as to the final decision that will be made.
Foxboro, Ma- December 27th: Sammy Morris (#34) of the New England Patriots gains yards against the defense Anthony Smith (#20) and Reggie Nelson (#25) of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
The Patriots for their part are beginning to show ever growing cracks in that once invincible armor and it certainly hasn’t helped that Tom Brady hasn’t been playing up to his own lofty standards. But then again when watching Brady at his best , you realize how good he really is and why it is that the organization has been so successful. And much of that had a great deal to do with the insight of former GM, Scott Pioli , who now ply his trade as the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. And one would hope that the relationship between Pioli and Chiefs’ coach, Todd Haley won’t be as testy and icy ,as it was rumored to be between Belichick and Pioli towards the end of the general manager’s tenure with the New England Patriots.
David Garrard (#9 ) of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks for an open man against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 35-7.
Foxboro-Mass,. — Bill Belichick has a philosophy on whether to rest some of his key players for this Sunday’s regular-season finale, and it’s a rather familiar one:
“I do what’s best for our football team. That’s my philosophy,” he said Monday.
That was pretty much all Belichick would say in his late-morning news conference about how he’ll approach personnel decisions for the game against the Texans.
He added that he had not yet made any decisions, as he and his coaching staff had just wrapped up their review of New England’s win over Jacksonville.
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Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches the final minutes of action against the Jacksonville Jaguars after a Patriots' 35-7 win at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Sunday’s game between these two AFC representatives show why the teams are heading in opposite directions. New England sits atop of the AFC East with a 10-5 record and are assured of winning their seventh AFC East crown in the last nine years. The Kansas City Chiefs for their part are in the San Diego Chargers’ dominated AFC West. Where if you get two competitive games between the contestants within the division you’re bound to be crying ‘foul’ . So god-damn awful is that division , that I continually ask myself why are there games scheduled between the occupants to begin with ? Because I know for damn sure that no one from the NFL’s hierarchy will be willing to give me or the fans a legitimate straight forward answer as to how bad the division really is.
Randy Moss (#81) of the New England Patriots reacts on the sideline after he caught his third touchdown pass of the day against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
And it’s now pretty much safe to say that the Chiefs (3-12) will be fighting it out amongst themselves with the lowly Detroit Lions (2-13) and St Louis Rams (1-14) for the privilege of obtaining the number one draft pick in the NFL Draft of 2010. Oh to be a fly on the wall in the war rooms of those particular organizations. Suffice to say, things cannot get any worse than they are now. Absolutely not, well at least I’d like to think so !
Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots shakes hands with Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars after a Patriots' 35-7 win at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
New England had their way the Jaguars, rolling them over on their way to an emphatic 35-7 win at Gillette Stadium , Foxboro, Massachusetts, on Sunday afternoon. For the Patriots’ this was a welcome win on a cold and blustery day.
At best the Patriots can end up with an 11-5 record at the end of the season ,garnering them the number four seed in the AFC. As an avid Patriots’ fan I’m hoping that it’ll be enough whereby they can use their playoff experience to acquit themselves well this postseason. If they can hit a rich vein of form over the ensuing weeks however, there’s no reason to believe that they can’t upset the apple cart and throw a ‘monkey wrench’ into the ambitions of the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals who are ahead of them in the NFL’s AFC seedings.
Randy Moss (#81) of the New England Patriots catches his third touchdown pass of the day against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
I know the limitations of the Patriots but I’m also fully aware as to what they’re capable of doing when they actually set their minds to it. The problem being is that will the team collectively be in unison when they’re needed to be at their very best ? If not then this postseason could end as swiftly for them as a sudden cold Nor’easter has been known to suddenly envelope the New England area. And that as we know is never a pleasant thing to begin with. In other words it can be odious but yet it can also be simply bloody marvelous. It just matters whether or not you’re on the receiving end of it all ?
NB: All pictures herein, appears courtesy of either AP/Photos or Getty Images
Someone really needs to let me know why I’m suppose to be enamored with the college football bowl games that we’re now being festooned with. It has become something of an oxymoron to think that these Bowl Games are in the best interests of competitive collegiate football. But that is what the BCS hierarchy would have us all believe. And who am I, to question their rationale ? Oh I know , I’m one of a growing number of detractors of the system ! But let’s put it this way, they’re hardly liable to listen to the fans of the game, much less anyone else.
Bill Hancock , the recently installed Executive Director of Bowl College Series (BCS). Hancock will oversee the operations of the BCS but is ultimately answerable to the six major conferences that essentially make up the organization. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Rex Thompson .......
The six conferences that in large part makes up the BCS, are essentially the custodians of a financial behemoth who’d rather see the status quo remain as is. And why not, when one considers that the system rakes in , in excess of $ 6 billion a year. The SEC, Big 10, Big 12,ACC , PAC 10 and the Big East make the operations of KBR (Kellog Brown & Root) (a Halliburton subsidiary)and Blackwater LLC seem like positive bastions of morality and accountability. Less we forget also, the six conferences in question, as too the BCS, is registered essentially, as a charity as a way of circumventing having to pay federal taxes. And the way the BCS operates, offers absolutely no transparency whatsoever. Much like the two aforementioned government contractors. Who by last count were under investigation by federal government under the auspices of the US Justice Department, for numerous issues borne out of their operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Misappropriation of funds and several criminal charges brought against both entities.
Nick Saban (center) leads out his Alabama team ('The Crimson Tide') prior to the start of NCAA college football game. Saban as a coach will be seeking his second national title , having won a national championship with LSU. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Rich Costello ..................
Now it’s understandable that the system has its admirers as well its detractors. But from there your guess is as good as mind as to their very existence and what they represent and do. Does anyone really know ? But somehow here we are regaling over the virtues of this pseudo organization. They are about as trustworthy as La Cosa Nostra (Mafia). But then again what’s new ?
Let us begin today by turning to John Swofford, the commissioner of the ACC, a football conference that might — might — have one good football team. As it happens, this is Swofford’s year to be the spokesman (read: spinner) for the BCS because the six commissioners who run the so-called power conferences take two-year turns trying to defend their indefensible system.
After Sunday night’s BCS “selection show,” — which had all the suspense of the tallying of the electoral college — Swofford said this about the fact that undefeated Texas Christian and undefeated Boise State had been so graciously included in the BCS bowls — actually one BCS bowl, since they will play one another in the Fiesta Bowl.
“I think it certainly shows that there’s more access than before in terms of the BCS system,” Swofford said. “If you look back in recent years, there’s a consistency in that access that is evident and very healthy for college football.”
Gee, why does the BCS need to spend all that money on former White House flack Ari Fleischer when it has Swofford and his fellow commissioners out there to drop such words of wisdom on us?
To paraphrase another former White House press secretary, here’s what the commissioner meant to say: “Look, Congress pretty much forced us to let them [non-BCS schools] into our house, but you can be damn sure they’ll be using the back door.”
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Texas coach, Mack Brown (left) and the team's quarterback, Colt McCoy (12) seen here at the end of a NCAA game . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Tim Sawyer ................
It’s now on to the Bowl Championship Series , a series of games set out to reflect the popularity of the collegiate football. But in no way does this determine or truly represent who eventually is the national champion in collegiate football, at the 1 A level. The national championship game will pit Alabama (13-0) of the South East Conference against Texas (13-0) of the Big 12 Conference. Alabama the newly installed number one team in the nation against the number three. Though these two teams are unbeaten , it was probably more out of serendipity than anything else that the BCS was in some way fortuitous with this final scenario. Whoop di-do , if that wasn’t a joke to begin with ! A ranking system that has a computer as part of the derivative in determining the actual ranking. Well there is voting , but that’s done by the coaches and writers who cover the sport. Did I miss something here ? Please let me know when China and the US begins to use computers as part of the democratic process , well with regard to them (computers) being able to vote. Can someone say I Robot ?
Well as much as I may well be looking forward to the big game itself, I’ll just say that I may well or may not watch. It’s not that I’m not an avowed a fan of collegiate football. But let’s just say that the game in terms of the BCS, is in dire need of restructuring . Unfortunately as it is all driven by commercialism and money. We ’ll just have to continue living with this monstrosity as determined by the game’s hierarchy and the tv broadcasters who over the years have emboldened the BCS to carry on with this outrage.
Now if you were under the impression that in any way shape or form, the BCS benefits the smaller conferences and schools within collegiate football. Then you’d be sadly mistaken, as theirs is the mantra ,…..’you’re on your own buddy’ ! And given the fact that it’s a rarity if the BCS actually recognizes the merits of a smaller conference and the contributions and competitiveness of a smaller school’s program. It is as if they’re not worthy of being part of the bigger overall picture as to the system and what it allegedly stands for. But you’d be hard pressed to find someone within the BCS not try and change things to the benefit of the smaller conferences and schools with national title ambitions. It’s essentially a ‘closed shop amongst the Big Boys’, unless you happen to gate crash the party. And even then, you’re still at a disadvantage in the ‘pecking order’ of things.
Click here…. to view the various series of Bowl Games that’ll take place leading up to the culmination of the national championship game Citi BCS National Championship game.
It doesn’t say much for your sport that’s allegedly male dominated but your most popular driver happens to be a curvacious self effacing female by the name of Danica Patrick. And in the world of Indy Car Racing (IRL) , where all things being equal . Danica Patrick reigns supreme as the sport’s most popular driver by far. Though she’s not the lone female competitor within the sport. Alongside Patrick as fellow female participants are Sarah Fisher and Milk Duno .
Patrick makes use of her assets and was in-fact #91 in Maxim’s Hot 100 females. She’s not averse to showing of her body to further gain that notoriety that she eagerly craves.
And in a sport where one excels through sheer determination and having nerves of steel to handle a vehicle that at times can travel in excess of 200 mph . One can only but admire Patrick, Duno and Fisher. Their male counterparts haven’t readily accepted Patrick within their throng. But in reality , they know that without her presence , the sport in effect would be on its last legs. Nevermind the fact that only recently had the sport re-enter into detente , wherein the former splintered factions of IRL and CART re-emerged to form the present body of IRL. For the present things seem to be working out OK.
Milka Duno of Venezuela. Duno is a driver of #23 Newman Haas Lanigan Racing team. She alongside Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher are the only females competing on the IRL circuit. picture appears courtesy of forum/klipsch.comarchives/duno_milka ........................
The sport itself is now at a crossroads , merely of the financial constraints that a number of teams are now being placed under. With major Fortune 500 companies now leaving the sport because of the uneasiness of the current economic crisis. And the mere fact that in terms of cost effectiveness the visual media in terms of direct television advertising is far more cost effective , than that of spending millions of dollars each year, with marginal returns if that specific team isn’t having a great of success on the track.
History is made by Danica Patrick as she wins in Japan. Finishing second was Helio Castroneves in the Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Rings circuit , Motegi, Japan
Financially the sport cannot live without its major corporate sponsors or without the backing of several auto manufacturers. As the sport is one the primary testing grounds for its technology. But as with most auto sports where large part of the costs comes from the running of a team and the costant testing retesting. It’s easy to understand why it’s to cost millions of dollars to run a team for an entire season. It’s no wonder that several teams have either fallen by the way or merged with other notable teams in order to cut costs. The dilemma though for IRL was the impact that it would’ve caused had Danica Patrick left the sport to make the jump to NASCAR . The temptation was there as it had been suggested that several teams within the sport had shown interest in the driver. However , she was still under contract with her team Andretti Green Racing, until the end of the year. So it was imperative for the team and the sport not to lose the driver. She’d become the darling of Madison Ave , in terms of sponsorships and endorsements. But with Patrick , also came the glare of the spotlight for the sport in general. And genuinely that was what the sport wanted and very much needed.
Patrick’s Sports Illustrated 2009 expose’
For Patrick apart from her brassiness and her willingness to run afoul of her male and at times female competitors. There was no denying her eagerness to become a success on the track. She made history by becoming the first female to win an open wheel event within IRL. That moment came with her winning the Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Rings at the Motegi circuit in Japan , in 2008 . The fact wasn’t lost within the realms of the sport. And it certainly wasn’t overlooked by the press and the public alike.
Danica Patrick has agreed to a three-year contract to remain at Andretti Green Racing and stay in the IndyCar Series, according to a report in the Indianapolis Star.
Patrick, the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in last year’s Indy Japan, is finishing her fifth season in the IndyCar series and is fifth in points. She’s been rumored to be considering a move to NASCAR and still could compete in a limited number of races.
Patrick’s agent, Alan Zucker, did not return calls from The Associated Press. The Indy Racing League and Andretti Green Racing had no comment.
The IndyCar Series season finale is Oct. 10 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Jeff Belskus, the president and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has said the 27-year-old driver is important to the future of the series.
“I know she has said winning the Indianapolis 500 is important to her and that it’s a lifelong dream to win that race,” Belskus said at the Indy Japan 300.
Patrick finished sixth at this year’s Indy Japan, which was won by Scott Dixon.
NASCAR star Tony Stewart said this month that he has no doubts that Patrick will eventually make the jump to stock cars. They’ve talked frequently about what it would take for Patrick to go from open-wheel racing to the heavier cars.
Stewart said Friday at Dover International Speedway that he has not talked to Patrick about her decision.
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And for Patrick it’d appear that her being in a swimsuit is almost as desirable as being in her fire retardant race gear.
It’s now almost certain that Patrick will remain within the discipline , having signed a lucrative three year contract with Andretti Green Racing. It will no doubt make her one of the highest paid individuals within the sport. And when one adds in her earning potential away from the track. It’s easy to understand why she’s the most popular driver within the sport. She’s no doubt the envy of many of her male contestants. However, in light of the fact that she’ll remain within IRL for the forseeable future. She may well participate in several NASCAR events. Quite possibly in the Sprint Cup Series ,as well as in the second tiered Busch Series . The opportunities are there for her.
The very infamous spat between Duno and Patrick had everyone talking . Even if it was viewed in some circles as being for all the wrong reasons. But as they say “….. a little bit of controversy never hurt anyone”. In this case it only added to the persona of Danica Patrick. Who some viewed as a bitch , while others viewed her as the sport’s saving grace.
And while Danica Patrick no doubt has her admirers . She also too , has her detractors. She’s often viewed as a person who’s willing to push the envelope just a little too far on the course and then seemingly take the stance that she wasn’t at fault. In doing so she’s courted controversy with her antics. But in the not much has come of it , by way of a reprimand from the sport’s ruling body.
Ryan Briscoe # 6 pits his Penske Dallara Racing Honda as Dario Franchitti #10 leaves the pits in his Target Chip Ganassi Dallara Honda. The event taking place was the Indy 300 at the Twin Rings circuit in Moetegi, Japan,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris McGrath .................
For the male contestants within IRL , it’s hard to see what their take is on Danica Patrick. Some may well view her favorably . While there are bound to be others who look upon her as something of a mild irritant that for the time being they’ll have to live. Afterall the sport hasn’t seen a female competitor race within the sport since Janet Guthrie. Since the emergence of first Sarah Fisher , then to be followed by Patirick and Duno. The sport has seen a raise in its profile somewhat. And for the likes of Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan, Ryan Briscoe , Scott Dixion , Vitor Meira , Graham Rahal and Thomas Scheckter , this may seem as something of a welcoming
respite. Albeit , that it might well take away in part , the level of seriousness of the competition.
Danica Patrick #7 drives the Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda in the Indy Car Series 300 at Twin Rings Circuit in Motegi , Japan. The circuit was the scene of Patrick's first win an in Indy Car race in 2008. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris McGrath ..........................
Seemingly Patrick now has the sport at her feet to almost do with as she pleases. Let’s just hope that she’ll act with a little more decorum when competing. At the same it’ll prove to the fans of the sport she’s capable of not only being competitive . But also that she’s serious about remaining in the sport and looking for continued consistency and success. Patrick now stands fifth in the IRL standings and without much hope of winning the championship. But it represents thus far her most successful season to date. In 2010 it’s hoped she’ll look to make further progress in the series. And take another shot at making history by winning the series championship outright.
Coming into this NFL season , it was thought that there was room for hope and improvement as far as the Detroit Lions goes. And in the NFC North where the Lions reside , they’re at present 0-2 in a season still young in its infancy. Nevermind the fact that this team will have to contend with the likes of the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers within the division this season.
Detroit Lions first round draft pick, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carlos Osorio ...............
What has further exacerbated the Lions’ plight is that with the two losses suffered this season. The team has now lost eighteen straight regular season games , taking into account last season. And there we all know what transpired as to their travails. They had the pleasure of posting the first winless season since the NFL went to a 16 game regular season schedule. The players and the Lions’ fans in particular of had to face the ignominy of the franchise going down in NFL history – having the dubious distinction of attainig that milestone. Now with these two losses at the start of the 2009-10 season. One can only ask this of the franchise … are things liable to get a whole lot worse before they get better ? I for one don’t think that this would be something that the Lions’ fans and the fans of the NFL in general would be contemplating this early in the season.
Lions' coach Jim Schwartz and the team's defensive tackle Lance Cohen (98) look on from the sidelines as the waning moments die down in an NFL game played against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit , Michigan. The Vikings would go on to defeat the Detroit Lions 27-13, forcing the team to endure its 19th straight loss of NFL game . It is the second lonest mark of its kind NFL history. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carlos Osorio ........................
Statistically for the Lions their season has become one of impending woes in every facet of their game. And if they’re at all to fare well , then there will have to be drastic improvements made on all fronts . The franchise took a great deal of pride in the fact that they drafted quarteraback, Matthew Stafford as the number one overall pick in the NFL draft. And it was thought that he would solidify the team’s offense with his play. And with veteran quarterback , Daunte Culpepper on the team’s roster. There too , it was felt that the elder statesman could provide his experience and leadership qualities in making Stafford’s introduction into the NFL an easy transition. So far thing haven’t seemed to have worked out as planned. Stafford’s baptism of fire has been a telling one to say the very least. He’ll no doubt learn from his mistakes but at what cost to his team and his very own psyche ?
Vikings' wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) evades Lions' safety Louis Delmas in an NFL game at Ford Field , Detroit , Michigan. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Stephen Dunn ...............
Week one , saw the Detroit Lions capitulate to the New Orleans Saints in losing 45-27 . And in that particular game we saw Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees eviscerate the Lions, throwing for 6 touchdowns in leading his team to victory. In week two , we saw the Brett Favre led Minnesota Vikings inflict more of the same in defeating the Detroit Lions 27-13. The Lions were lethargic and ineffective on both sides of the ball. And it’s hard to see what the team’s coach , Jim Schwartz can now do from here. Inasmuch , as we know that Schwartz is passionate about the game and his team. It can’t have escaped him that history now seems to be repeating itself. And for Lions’ fans having to resort back to wearing paper bags over their heads to hide their shame and disgust ,can’t be someting that they’d envisage having to do once again this season.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP)—The Detroit Lions were down in their opener at New Orleans and refused to be out.
In their next game, the Lions stuffed Adrian Peterson more times than not and had some success running the ball against Minnesota’s vaunted defense.
Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford(notes) has connected with standout receiver Calvin Johnson(notes) on breathtaking plays and fellow rookie, Louis Delmas(notes), looked like a battering ram in a violent collisions with Peterson that jarred loose the running back’s helmet.
Detroit is off to an 0-2 start, extending its losing streak to 19 games, and yet coach Jim Schwartz is seeing signs of life.
“There’s tangible proof of what we can do—of what we’re going to be,” Schwartz said Wednesday.
The first-year coach and his players say a lack of consistency has kept them winless.
“We’ve put up two good quarters in both games,” linebacker Julian Peterson(notes) said. “Now, we’ve got to put it together for four quarters to win.”
Peterson insisted if Detroit can string together four quarters of sound football to win some games, earning a spot in the playoffs is possible.
Playoffs?!
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To read this AP article in its entirety just click on the text link provided.
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The strange thing is , on this Lions’ team there’s a nucleus of young players who can play the game. The problem however, may well lie in the fact that they’ve yet to acclimatize themselves to the schemes being taught to them by the coaching staff. It’s not that there isn’t effective communication going on between Schwartz’s staff and his players. It’s just the mere fact that they’ve been all to slow on its intake. And nowhere is this more evident than in the play itself of Matthew Stafford. His play at best, can be described as being tentative. And when you have offensive weapons such as Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith . You had better be sure that you’re not under utilizing them from the outset.
Lions' receiver Calvin Johnson (81) goes in for the touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings . Minnesota's Chad Greenways (52) tries to grab the legs of Johnson in order prevent Johnson from scoring . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carlos Osorio ..................
The steps that are being taken are indeed baby steps and purposefully so at this juncture. Afterall , this franchise has had to live with the Matt Millen years. And those we know bordered on being manical in its very execution. Suffice to say, that with Millen’s departure from the franchise , sanity it was felt, was brought back to the inner sanctum of the franchise. Ownership, in the form of the Ford family, has been positive with the hiring of Jim Schwartz. And it is to the coach whom they now look to lead the team to success. And if success should found this season by way of an improvement upon last year. Then it can be thought of a resounding success by the organization.
If not then then they’ll just have to batten down the hatches and just get the job done in the best way possible.
I for one would like to think that this franchise after what it has had to endure . It can improve in such a way the fans and indeed the entire city of Detroit can feel a sense of pride in the organization. It’d indeed go a long way in suggesting that the bad times are now behind them. Rather than them having to endure unwanted notoriety and mockery from others. The history and legacy behind the franchise suggests that it’s capable of being and remaining a success in the true sense of the word. What one has to still ask at this juncture is, are the fans willing to wait for it all to materialize ?
As a fan of the NFL do you ultimately feel that the Detroit Lions can turn things around ? If so , how do you see them achieving this ? Will it take a year or longer ? And will the present coach be the one to guide this team back to respectability ?
I’d welcome your thoughts and comments on this matter and I’ll look forward to discussing them with you in great detail. As always, thanks for the incredible support shown. It’s gratefully appreciated !
Jags' wide receiver Nate Hughes (16) misses a pass in the second half of a game played against the Arizona Cardinals . The Cardinals would go on to defeat the Jaguars 31-17 in with an emphatic victory. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ John Raoux ..................
And Sunday’s 31-17 debilitating loss , sustained at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals did nothing to dispel the growing disquiet amongst the Jaguars’ fans and around the city of Jacksonville. Clearly this isn’t just a growing concern amongst the fans but also the franchise’s hierarchy. They have to be now placing the club’s coach , Jack Del Rio under close scrutiny. In all probability Del Rio could very well become the first managerial casualty of this, still young , NFL season.
Jags' quarterback David Garrard buries his heads in his hands and his face in the turf as time runs out in the game against the Arizona Cardinals in a game played Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Coale ........................
If the fact that the team hasn’t at all performed well during their first two games of the season. Well also consider this , there is a guaranteed certainty that the franchise will not sell out all of its eight scheduled home game this season. That is indeed a terrifying obstacle for the franchise to face. With the dire economic climate across the nation and the high unemployment(9.7%) across the state. The present fate of the franchise not only rests in the hands of its players but also , the fortunes of the state and in particular within the city of Jacksonville, itself. And for Del Rio and his coaching staff . Now isn’t the time to be making any excuses whatsoever ,as to how his team is underachieving. They’ve got to batten down the hatches and get this team back on the right track.
Jags' running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) blocks for quarterback David Garrard as Cardinals' defensive end Calais Campell tries to negate the play during the fourth quarter of the game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Coale ......................
It was a fine afternoon for football Sunday in Jacksonville and 46,520 fans (actually, probably less) showed up to rattle around the city’s Municipal Stadium for the Jaguars’ home opener. The stadium, which hasn’t had a name-rights deal in two years, can seat over 76,000. The Jags long ago gave up on that number, and in an effort to avoid television blackouts they covered up sections to cut capacity to 66,066.
They still didn’t come close to selling out.
They’ve publicly stated there is no hope for filling the joint for a single game the entire season. They aren’t even blaming the fact they’re coming off a 5-11 campaign.
“Even if we made the playoffs last year, we’d still be in this situation,” Bill Prescott, the team’s CFO, told the Florida Times-Union. He went on to claim that based on playoff appearances in two of the last four years, the postseason is worth only a 5 percent bump in sales.
This is all the economy’s fault, Prescott maintained.
If that’s true, then the NFL’s grand small-market experiment hatched in 1995 is all but over. Jacksonville as a viable professional sports market isn’t going to end well. Eventually everyone will have to admit it.
No one is blaming fans for staying home. Even with discounted tickets and generous package rates, attending a pro sports event is an expensive and time-consuming proposition. You can be the most loyal fan in the world and never go to a game. Jaguar fans shouldn’t apologize for saving money for something more important than football.
Still, a market that can truly support professional sports has enough people who either can afford it or simply won’t live without it. Every town will support a new team or a big winner. The truth comes not in good times but, like now, bad.
Jacksonville is struggling. The unemployment rate is 10.5 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and like much of Florida foreclosures are high.
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In order to read Dan Wetzel’s article in its entirety just click on the text link shown.
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Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald gets into the endzone as Jags' safety Sean Considine is unable to derail Fitzgerald in his effort . picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Phil Coale .................
Certainly there seems to be something askew with regard to franchise’s thinking as to their present problems. Chief Financial Officer of the franchise, Bill Prescott thinks that the franchise’s inherent problems lies in the fact .’…. the country is in the midst of a bad economy and that is in large part to blame’ for the the franchise’s woes. Either Prescott isn’t prepared to acknowledge the fact that the Jaguars can also be apportioned much of the blame for its own self inflicted malaise. Wherein, it hasn’t performed up to standard by way of being a competitive NFL franchise on the field of play. At best, the franchise’s form over the past few year can be described as being lackluster . One has to wonder if Prescott’s sentiments are shared by team owner , Wayne Weaver ?
Wayne Weaver (left) ,owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars is seen here with Atlanta Falcons' owner Arthur Blank at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium prior to an NFL game between their respective teams . picture appears courtesy of getty images / Paul Hughes ................
Coming off a 5-11 season in 2008 . It was felt that there was room for improvement for the Jaguars. Within the AFC South, they were always considered to be a better than average team. And within that division they may well have been viewed as the second or third best team behind the Indianapolis Colts . With the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans , as well as the Jags at one time or not being closely bunched together. The difference between the trio was a matter, as to their levels of consistency. Make of it what you will.
Del Rio for his part saw fit to rid the team of players, whom he felt could no longer contribute to the Jaguars. And though on the face of it – it might well have been done in order for the franchise to be financially prudent. Those players seem to now be making somewhat solid contributions for their new found teams. Draft wise, Del Rio sought young talent but at the same he brought in veteran wide receiver, Torry Holt, to add to the team’s receiving corps and provide some much needed veteran leadership. As to whether or not Holt can provide that theme, remains to be seen. And no doubt the jury is still out on that ? And the team’s roster doesn’t make you sit up and take note as to its presence. You’d be hard pressed to state that there’s someone on the roster that would seriously pose a threat on either side of the ball.
Jags' wide receiver Torry Holt signals a completion against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL game played at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium . The Cardinals would defeat the Jaguars 31-17 in a game played on Sunday 20th September 2009 . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Al Messerschmidt ...................
We can regale that one of the problems also facing the Jaguars is that of the NFL’s blackout policy with regard to televised broadcast games. NFL Commissioner , Roger Goodell has taken note as to the inherent problems that this no doubt brings for many of the NFL’s franchises. In particular for those within the small markets. But he’s done little to address the issue, merely pointing out that the NFL has taken note. It’s plain to see that for Goodell and the hierarchy of the game ……the gravy train has to continue flowing without there being seemingly any disruptions in whatever form it might well take.
Reduced season-ticket sales for some N.F.L. teams could result in a greater than usual number of local television blackouts.
“It’s all part of the challenges that we’re seeing in the economy and what our clubs are going through,” Roger Goodell told reporters Tuesday at the Washington Redskins’ training camp in Ashburn, Va. “Our clubs have been working hard in the off-season to create other ways to try to get people in the stadiums and to have policies that are a little more flexible, and hopefully, they’re going to pay dividends for us.”
He said that the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose season tickets have fallen to 25,000 this season from 42,000 last season, were one of the teams whose games could be blacked out if their home games are not sold out.
N.F.L. rules require that games be blacked out in local markets if they are not sold out 72 hours before kickoff.
A USA Today survey found that the fans of a dozen teams might face some blackouts this season.
CBS and Fox said they did not expect the blackouts to significantly affect ratings or cause them to provide givebacks to advertisers.
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In order to read Richard Sandomir’s article in its entirety just click on the text link shown . Article first published 09/01/09
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The scene now facing the Jacksonville Jaguars now takes on an acute scenario. They have to turn things around with an immediacy not often associated with the team. And with the franchise’s fixtures now getting into full swing. Attaining wins will be of the utmost urgency for the franchise. Jack Del Rio , no doubt understands that he’s now on the clock. With that , each moment of indecision may well play a part as to his immediate future. The chances are he may well not see out the remainder of the season , should there not be signs of a significant turnaround. Meanwhile, Wayne Weaver and GM Gene Smith will be watching Del Rio with an intense scrutiny, for the first time since he took the helm of the franchise in January of 2003. Six years and but two playoff appearances under Del Rio’s tenure. It’s a meager dividend by most NFL standards . Certainly not something befitting Weaver’s lofty standards.
Jacksonville Jaguars' coach Jack Del Rio (center) contests a call by officials Greg Gautreaux (80), Bob Waggoner (25) and Gene Steratore (14) in the first half of the game played between the Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Coale .........................
Though much has been made of the fact that there has been dwindling attendance at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. And the rumblings that the ownership might well choose to relocate the franchise. Certainly for the fans of the Jaguars they may well feel that they’re being betrayed by not only the ownership but also the NFL . It could very well be that this present situation could be cause for the Jaguars to take leave of the city of Jacksonville , altogether. Because the fan-base there, seems to be dwindling in ever growing proportions. The dwindling loyal band of supporters appear to be no longer interested Jaguars’ football. And it’s not just because of the present economic climate. But seemingly , from a competitive standpoint as well with regard to lack its lack of success on the field of play. And you can’t but blame the economy for one’s own self inflicted woes. Bill Prescott, his fellow executives and the Jags’ management seem to be forgetting that at this juncture.
Week 3 Sep 27 JAC @ Hou Reliant Stadium
Week 4 Oct 4 TEN @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 5 Oct 11 JAC @ SEA QWest Field
Week 6 Oct 18 STL @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 7 Bye —————————————-
Week 8 Nov 1 JAC @ TENN LP Field
Week 9 Nov 8 KC @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 10 Nov 15 JAC @ NYJ Giants Stadium
Week 11 Nov 22 BUF @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 12 Nov 29 JAC @ SF Candlestick Park
Week 13 Dec 06 HOU @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 14 Dec 13 MIA @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 15 Dec 17 IND @ JAC Jacksonville Mun Stad
Week 16 Dec 27 JAC @ NE Gillette Stadium
Week 17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium
In the quaint old world of sports we all understand that the game itself has its foibles , history but above we’re led to believe its honesty, dignity and integrity.
And the venerable Vince Lombardi , a man known for his honesty and integrity but more so for his success and anecdotes. He states the following ……”Winning is not a sometime thing, it’s an all time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.”
Lou Piniella is formally introduced as the Chicago Cubs' manager. Assisting him in putting on the team jersey is the GM Jim Hendry. Piniella took over the position from the fired Dusty Baker . He assumed those responsibilities on October of 2006. He signed a three year conract for $10m with a 1 year option extra as an incentive. picture appears courtesy of upi/photo/ Brian Kersey .....................
So it’d explain a great deal at present with regard to the plight of the Chicago Cubs and their woes over the last century plus. And the fact that they’ve continued to be mired in the depths of ineptitude. Furthermore the fans have had to endure these debacles without much recourse. When on the outside looking in would say it’s the Cubs’ fans undying loyalty and willingness to accept the futility that they’re prepared to endure such pain.’ Personally , I feel it’s all a bunch of hog-wash and it lies with the fact that neither the Cubs’ management or ownership aren’t prepared to be ambitious and do what it takes to place a winning product on the field of play !
WILMINGTON, Del. — A Delaware bankruptcy judge on Monday approved Tribune Co.’s request for quick court action on the company’s planned sale of the Chicago Cubs.
The family of billionaire Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, has agreed to buy a 95 percent stake in the team and its Wrigley Field home for $845 million, but the deal must be approved by the bankruptcy court, as well as Major League Baseball.
Judge Kevin Carey approved Tribune attorneys’ proposals regarding notification to interested parties, including creditors of both the Tribune and the Cubs.
The process approved by the judge calls for any objections to be filed by Sept. 17, followed by a Sept. 24 court hearing on Tribune’s motion for court approval of the deal. Carey also approved break-up fees ranging from $5 million to $20 million to be paid if it falls through.
The plan filed by Tribune attorneys calls for a separate bankruptcy filing by Chicago National League Ball Club, a Tribune affiliate that is not involved in the company’s Chapter 11 case. That filing would come after Carey approves the sale as part of Tribune’s bankruptcy reorganization and escrow financing documents are in place.
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Milton Bradley is formally introduced as a Chicago Cubs’ player. Listen carefully, as the player waxes on lyrically about his emotions with regard to the team. My, how times have changed ?
And even though the franchise, having been sold by real estate mogul and developer Sam Zell to Tom Ricketts and the immediate members of his family. Tom Ricketts is one the founders of the online investment firm TD Ameritrade . The final selling price was said to be $845 million . Somewhat of an overly inflated price but clearly what Zell was after- considering that he’d placed the Cubs’ parent company -The Tribune Group into bankruptcy proceedings. And whilst MLB haven’t been all that forthcoming as to the ongoing situation. We’re led to believe that Commissioner Bud Selig and MLB Chief Executive Officer Bob DuPuy were said to be closely monitoring the proceedings. This, I for one find to be totally preposterous. Considering the duo were about as cognizant of the issues with regard to the the steroid issue and its ramifications for the game as a blind man would be in the desert. You know it’s hot but you’re not prepared to do anything to safeguard yourself. Much as in the same they’ve both mishandled the issue. Albeit, that they’re now crediting themselves with what they believe to be the unparalleled success of the game’s steroid program.
In light of what has gone on with regard to Cubs . Isn’t it somewhat strange that a public comment hadn’t been forthcoming from the commissioner’s office or for that matter from anyone within the game’s hierarchy ? But then to MLB … silence is golden . Until there are serious ramifications for the health and financial well being of the game. But even then , they’ve failed to act appropriately and with due diligence. It is to be expected from an organization that has been as transparent as the members of Opus Dei . There’s a lot that they’d have us all believe divine as to their being. But there’s so much more that’s held from the prying eyes of the public. Much like the inner workings of the hierarchy of MLB
ST. LOUIS (AP)—Milton Bradley’s(notes) season is finished. Perhaps his days with the Chicago Cubs are, too.
The Cubs suspended their volatile outfielder for the rest of the season Sunday, one day after he criticized the team in a newspaper interview.
Bradley was disciplined for conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Jim Hendry said he decided to send Bradley home after learning of the player’s remarks in the (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald of Illinois. Bradley, scratched from Saturday’s lineup with a sore left knee, was quoted as saying “you understand why they haven’t won in 100 years here.”
Bradley has two years remaining on a three-year, $30 million contract that he signed as a free agent last offseason. Hendry said he doesn’t know if the relationship can be salvaged.
“The last few days became too much for me to tolerate,” Hendry said. “I just decided late last night that’s what I was going to do, and I didn’t give it a lot of thought what’s going to transpire moving forward.”
Cubs manager Lou Piniella agreed with Hendry’s move.
“Jim made the decision and I support it,” the manager said. “I really do.”
Chicago signed the switch-hitting Bradley to provide balance in the lineup, but he struggled throughout his first season with Chicago, batting .257 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs. He was booed vigorously by home fans at Wrigley Field.
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In order to read this article click on the text headlined link provided within the piece.
And if you thought that the present situation for the Cubs couldn’t at all get any worse. You’d be entirely wrong . As the team has taken the unusual step of suspending their outfielder Milton Bradley until the end of the season. The reason behind the suspension are for the statements made to the press with regard to the Cubs’ organization by the player. The Cubs for their part see Bradley’s actions as conduct detrimental to the sport and to the organization. Both GM Jim Hendry and the team’s coach , Lou Piniella are in complete agreement with the course of action taken.
And for the Chicago Cubs as a team who’ve underperformed throughout the entire season. Theirs is a situation that if anything , is viewed as irreparable. Piniella now seems to be out of his depth and unable to communicate with his players. Hendry as the team’s GM has been about as useful to the organization as a three legged horse trying to run an obstacle course. He’s fallen so many times that it has become laughable. Personnel decisions made under his tenure have proven to be disastrous, more often ,than not. And as a duo , Hendry and Piniella would make for some very fine comic relief.
It remains to be seen upon finalization of the sale of the franchise , whether not both the general manager and manager will be asked to remain with the organization.
If they’ve not been able to lead the team win anything of merit . Then in reality there’s no reason at all for them to remain with the Cubs’ organization.
The Chicago Cubs (76-72) remain 10 games behind the NL Central Division leading St Louis Cardinals (87-63) . As the season now winds down , it has to be said that for all sense and purpose the season just can’t end quick enough for the Cubs and their long suffering fans. They’ve been asked to endure far too much and more than any one fan can be asked to bear. And even though there are second , third and fourth generations of fans that still show their unwavering support to the organization. One has to ask the question ….’how much more are they all willing to bear’ ?
Bradley’s future with the club remains bleak and it’s enough of a suggestion to believe that the player won’t be back with the club for the 2010-11 season. And it wouldn’t be at all out of the question to suggest that the player’s professional career within baseball has reached its climax. One hardly feels that there’s still a major league team that’s willing to want the player- with the all the baggage that he’ll apparently bring with him. A worse case scenario, would be to see the volatile Bradley implode once again and seemingly bring down an organization with him. Best case scenario , he once again becomes a productive player and contributes to an organization. One of those is preferable but in actuality I’m inclined to believe that he won’t be around to contribute to a team. It’s as plain and simple as that !
For the Chicago Cubs and their long suffering fans. One empathizes with them. But at the same time how must they feel seeing the likes of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays all making it to a World Series . Two of those organizations winning the game’s most prestigious prize. But bear this mind, all three in question have been around a lot less longer than the Chicago Cubs, in terms of their tenure within the game of baseball. And it has been over 100 years since the Chicago Cubs won the last of their two World Series championships. And it could well be another century before they’re liable to achieve the feat again.
So what say you as to the impending fate of the Chicago Cubs ? The game’s lovable losers seemingly can’t win but for losing. It’s not been within their DNA for years ! Winning that is .
tophatal
tophatal
Alan Parkins
