Super Bowl XLV ... Last Post on This

One more post on the Super Bowl, which I forgot about earlier.  I think there needs to be a rule change.  And it's not a rule that would impact the game.  Media needs to be restricted from on field access for about... 15-20 min after the conclusion of the game.  I searched for a picture but couldn't find one, but immediately after the game Rodgers was swarmed by the media vultures, the poor guy couldn't get to shake hands with Tomlin, Big Ben or celebrate with his teammates.  If you saw the shots of him you could readily tell that he was less than thrilled with the crowd of parasites looking for their picture or sound bite.  It's sad and a tragedy that the media has to ruin what is and will be his greatest sports accomplishment:  his first Super Bowl victory.  The media can wait, a picture maybe worth a thousand words... but I don't think the quest for a picture should intrude on a man's moment.

Also have to say, I like the possibilities for a re-match next year, both teams are young and very solid in nearly all facets of the game.

Bow Ties & Eagles

"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances," Carlson said on the show. "But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did [it] in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that. He wasn't, but the idea that the president of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs?" - Tucker Carlson, Fox News

Now, I'm not even going to get into the hypocritical nature of the first sentence with respect to what follows.  First and foremost what Vick did was awful, disgusting, and well, just grab a Thesaurus and keep the list going, but.... in a time were celebrities get what is essentially a free pass (how many times has Lohan gone to "rehab" when you or I would be in jail", Vick went to prison.  Fort Leavenworth prison.  He did real time in a real jail.  He was not in jail for 4 hours and released because of "crowding" he was in prison for 2 years.  To put this in some additional context... Donte Stallworth a WR in the NFL drove drunk in Florida, and killed a pedestrian and his sentence was 30 days in jail of which is plea agreement said he need only serve 24 days.  I'm not going to get into the debate about which crime is worse or if a human life is worth more than an animals I mean God knows I love my dogs and often times treat them like my kids, the example is merely to provide some context of two recent and high profile NFL crimes.

I think Vick is a good story, and I truly hope that he remains on the right path and truly fixes his life.  Right or wrong Vick doesn't appear to have many skills outside of his God given football talents.  So the NFL, in my opinion, did the right thing.  I think keeping him out of the NFL would have exponentially increased the possibility of him turning back to a life of criminal or at a minimum morally questionable activity.  A lot of people say that prison is to keep those who are to dangerous for society away from society and to rehabilitate those who need a nudge back onto the right path.  If that is true people need to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop on Vick.  You don't have to support him.  But one really should realize that he served his time and is trying now to pick up the pieces.

The thing that probably bugs me the most about Tucker Carlson is I would bet Mr Carlson his bow ties against my video games that before Obama was involved in this equation he had absolutely no opinion whatsoever on Vick.  Or at a minimum his opinion was inline with most sports fans; his resurgence on the field this year has been amazing to watch, what he did 2-3 years ago was appalling, and hopefully he truly has turned the corner in his life for the better.  Or something along those lines.  But with Obama involved, well, that changed everything and the ante needed to be raised.  What he said was said for shock value and meant to further stir the pot of  discontent for the current administration.  Carlson later retracted, saying in the heat of the moment he over spoke, or whatever nonsense word he used to describe it.  I think he knew exactly what he was doing the shock value of the statement got him in the news for a few days and served as an arrow in the quiver to, I dunno draw the conclusion that the President hates puppies, who knows.   He should, if he hasn't already, apologize to Vick.  Because from where I sit Vick is at least making an effort to improve, unlike some celebrities.

NCAA

I'm not going to spend a ton of space on this but...  there has got to be some changes in the NCAA.  Really two main things have just happened that prove, in my mind, beyond a shadow of a doubt that the NCAA is one of the most corrupt organizations in America that is so focused on money that they will throw common sense, logic, fair play out the window.

• Cam Newton.  NCAA ruled he is eligible because it was his dad, not him, that was asking for the cash.  While unfortunate that a parent would exploit their son like that, the NCAA has set a dangerous precedent.  Oh... so it was mom and dad that was trying to get paid?  Well by all means, go ahead and play.  Basically this now means that every shady parent of a blue chip recruit will be walking around like a bellhop, extending an expecting hand.  Now I'm not so down on humanity that I think this scenario is the "norm" which is exactly why I think the NCAA missed a golden opportunity to say, "Enough is enough" there is no grey area here.  If you accept, or in this case, attempt to accept money or other compensation as a collegiate athlete there are consequences.  One has to really really wonder if there were other motivations here, with the SEC title game and a BCS title game looming... those games would not be near as exciting with a Cam Newton-less Auburn.
• Second also involves NCAA and football and the BCS, now I could rant on my hatred of this absurd process for DAYS, but I'll say this.  IF the projections are correct and Boise State (11-1) their loss being to a #17 Nevada ends up playing in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against a 6-6 unranked Clemson who got WORKED by Wake Forest, Maryland, and... Presbyterian?  This is an insult of epic proportions, and if it comes to pass I may boycott college football in 2011.  I'm not even joking, as a fan I'm tired of this mess.  I really think running up the score is poor form, but I honestly hope that IF given the opportunity Boise State hang as many points as possible on Clemson if that happens to be 100 so be it.  

Texas Rangers

This is a great story of a team the Texas Rangers celebrated their win of the MLB Divisional Series (which is kind of ridiculous, not that they won but that players celebrate this in the same manner as the World Series, but that's beside the point).  The story really started when the Rangers clinched a spot in the Divisional Series, they did the customary thing that baseball players do and spray booze on each other, which is a waste for sure, but fun none the less.  Well, as it's well documented and I believe I've talked about here too, one of the teams biggest stars, Josh Hamilton (one of my favorite baseball players), is recovering alcoholic and drug addict.  So to avoid the temptation, he stayed on the field and did some interviews, rather than go to the locker room.  This was pretty sad really considering his significant contributions to the team and the season.  But for once, athletes surprised and actually did some good.  The Rangers conducted their most recent celebration and playoff advancement with Ginger Ale.  Josh got to participate.  Which is a great thing, especially given the days of Albert Haynesworth, LeBron James and others' selfish behaviours.  This team changed tradition to ensure that one of their own could participate.  Hopefully others, individuals and teams, will take notice and put the team first (I put a link below).

Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton Celebration

Chiefs

Today I became a season ticket holder.... I can barely contain my excitement.

Question of the day is now:  Who's jersey do I buy? 

Witness

Wasn't going to comment on this cause I really could care less about the NBA, it's, in my opinion, a bastardization of what basketball should be.  First and foremost I have zero problem with LeBron's decision, as if my opinion matters.  I had a problem with "The Decision" the hour long ESPN "look at me" show, but hey he's still young, chalk it up to a poor choice and move on.  The aftermath of the decision however has reveled the true character of some associated with the NBA.  Start with the Cavs owner and that idiotic rant that he issued moments after the Miami announcement was made.  Sir, you had FIVE years to improve that team and get someone else in there to help out.  All you had to do is get Amarie Stoudimire and LeBron stays or leaves and then send your letter and people will agree with you.  You sat on you hands and your money and gave him no help.

Perhaps what disturbs me more are the old-timers coming out of the woodwork to get some press by saying, why, in my day I never would have called up Bird, Magic, or Jordan....  That may be true there was a bit more rivalry amongst these guys than exist between Wade, Bosh and James.  Basically saying he took the easy way out.  If I were a reporter I would ask them one simple question after they quipped about these guys teaming up:  Who on the Cavs roster over the last 7 years will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and when?  Because this is the marque difference Bird, Magic, Jordan all had Hall of Fame talent on the court with them night after night, championship after championship.  Yes LeBron had Shaq but he had old knees AARP Shaq, not Shaq Diesel who will be in the Hall.  I guess it just bothers me because these guys were never in the same situation, they had talent surrounding them at all points in their careers.  That's not to say the Cavs players aren't talented, I mean they are in the NBA so they're clearly better than most everyone, but they are not Hall of Fame talent.  I guess I just wish they'd keep to themselves and not judge.  Magic has done it, which surprised me.  Jordan did it, which didn't he's kind of arrogant.  Bird has remained mum on it but you can bet that every reporter with a car is trying to track down a quote.  I truly hope he either remains mum on it, or comments that it's none of his business, everyone's situation is different.

I think that, if this arrangement works, it proves that LeBron is actually a better man than anyone thought.  If it works, it would prove that he does not have a huge ego, he does not need to be "the man" on a team, he just wants to play and to win.

Dickey V

Dick Vitale's Final Four

I must say I like it, although, Baylor in that 4th spot would be pretty sweet.

It's a Big Deal Because... It's a Big Deal

So I wrote this a few days ago about this video where a soccer player lost her cool and well frankly flipped out.  She expressed disappointment in herself and remorse for her actions, kind of... she followed up her apology with this statement:

“I definitely feel because I am a female it did bring about a lot more attention than if a male were to do it,” Lambert said. “It’s more expected for men to go out there and be rough. The female, we’re still looked at as, Oh, we kick the ball around and score a goal. But it’s not. We train very hard to reach the highest level we can get to. The physical aspect has increased over the years. I’m not saying it’s for the bad or it’s been too overly aggressive. It’s a game. Sports are physical.”

I disagree 100%.  This story brought attention to you because you flipped out in a game and after several questionable actions, went out for a big finish by yanking an opposing player to the ground by her pony tail.  The media coverage had 0 to do whith your gender.  I repeat ZERO.  I didn't even see this as a headline on ESPN.com, a site I visit regularly.  I can without thinking name four players all male who flipped out in games committing acts of "violence" that were a) front page news and 2) still talked about to this day:

LeGarrette Blount

Brandon Spikes

Zidane

Albert Haynesworth

That was easy, I'm sure there are a few more (how could I have forgotten: Latrell Spreewell).  Bottom line, your apology means slightly less in my eyes since you threw that comment in there.  Almost trying to dismiss some of the gravity of it by making it sound like it was blown out of proportion because of her gender.  It's time to take responsibility, full responsibility for what you did and the fallout.  As a serious college athlete, you can't expect to do something that out of left field and not land on ESPN.

Greinke's World!

So there is justice in the world after all!  Kansas City Pitcher Zack Greinke today won the AL Cy Young which is awarded to the league's best pitcher.  His numbers for the year were in a word, phenominal.  Especially given the fact that he played for one of the worst teams in all of Major League Baseball.  At 16-8 with 242 strikeouts and a league leading 2.16 ERA he dominated all he faced.  While it's not like I know the guy personally or anything, I write congrats to him.  It's a pretty big accomplishment, based on quotes from him throughout the season I'm sure he'd have traded this award for a few more Royal's victories, but neverthless I'm glad to see he got the individual recognition that he rightly deserved.  Hopefully, next year will bring a few solid youngsters and perhaps some surprise free agents to get us and Greinke a few more Ws next season and perhaps a Cy Young repeat? 

Here is a pretty funny interview with Greinke, he's got some "unique" responses to questions,  kinda goes without saying but, I'm a big fan: Greinke likes Chipotle too!

Changed my Mind

Wait... Changed my mind I do have words for this, and by this I'm refering to this weeks Video of the Week, see it below.  I think this is a classic double standard.  You know WHERE I found the link to that video?  Not on ESPN, Fox Sports, MSNBC Sports or one of the probably dozens of other media outlets where I cruise for my sports news throughout the day, no I found it on perezhilton.com (we'll discuss the embarassment of admiting to visiting perezhilton.com at a later date, right now, eye on the prize).  Now I understand that soccer doesn't have the popularity of football but this year when Oregon's LeGarrette Blount punched a Boise player after a loss, a huge to-do was made about it and he ended up getting suspended (since reinstated), more recently Brandon Spikes of the University of Florida was caught poking the eyes of a Georgia RB (idiot) he too was front page news and subsequently suspended for a game.  These two stories were front page news and they were vilified by the media.  What they did was absolutely stupid and deserved suspension.  But for this to not even get a mention?  I mean in watching that video this girl should be suspended for the duration of her time left in school.  Spikes and Blount had momentary lapse is sanity and did something deplorable and frankly stupid.  This girl was doing those same acts over an entire game until she was finally caught in the act and Red Carded by the referee.  I just hope that the same media voices that put all the pressure on Urban Myer and the Oregon coach to suspend there players for their actions, are putting at least equal energy into making sure that this girl's actions are publicized enough that action is taken.  There is no place for that kind of stuff in any sport.

Is Tim Tebow Real?

I'm convinced now more than ever that Tim Tebow is a robot. First of all, the guy is a phenomenal college Quarterback, they guy has a won nearly every award a college football player can win and I'd go so far as to say that if he wins the title and the Heisman this year, he will go down as the greatest quarterback in college football. Ever. Now that's all well and good, but perhaps more importantly he's a phenomenal human. The guy does more for charity with his "celebrity" than probably anyone, and for sure any athlete. I would challenge anyone to find a professional athlete (other than Lance) that does more for charity and mankind in general. And I'm not talking simply about writing a check for a tax write-off, because they have millions. I learned how to write a check in I think 5th grade, a monkey can write a check. I don't know if Tebow will make it in the NFL, but I sincerely hope he does because I would love to see what he does with millions and millions of his own money at his disposal. I also think it will be great to see him make the rest of these NFL "stars" look like the big babies that they truly are.

Visit MSNBC for a full article on Tebow.

Please Leave a Message...

Hey yeah, Jeff this is Lovie, yeah, I ah, saw your 1/3 of a inning Tuesday, not lookin' so good man.  Say don't know if you heard but, we got, well sold our souls for, a new quarterback, guy by the name of Jay Cutler.  Cutler to Samardzija has kind of a ring to it, sounds a lot better than Cutler to Hester, don't ya think?  Give me a call, unless you think this baseball thing will work out.  Seriously, give me a call, we'll talk.

Grab Your Coffee... This May Get Long

Sports Illustrated writer and ESPN contributor Selena Roberts just penned a book A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez based on interviews, previews, leaked chapters, articles, hype, etc. the book paints a particularly unfaltering picture of the home run hitting Yankee.  I think the book is garbage.  First and foremost let me be clear, I'm not disputing the so called "facts" of the book, did he?, didn't he?  We already know he cheated for a time period, he admitted to that publicly.  Which is more than we can say for some other former players who have just as much "credible" evidence linking them to steroids.  My problems, and what I think is garbage is with the book in general, essentially I have a problem that this book was even written in the first place.

My biggest gripe is that the book was penned without the permission of A-Rod.  The man has a family, he has kids.  None of us are perfect (including Miss Roberts) and I would image that if we look back on our lives we will all find some transgressions that we are not particularly proud of.  Now imagine someone takes those, bundles them up in Microsoft Word and prints a book, now that book will be in every Barnes & Noble in America for your kids to read, your kids classmates to read.  It sickens me that people continue to profit off of someones trials and tribulations with complete and total disregard for how it may affect them and their families.  And she's touting this like she discovered Watergate.  Guess what he already admitted he cheated.  Move on.  How many times over the next year do you suppose his kids are going to have to deal with questions about their dad's b#%ch t$#s?  Kids can be cruel, so I'm guessing more than a few, but hey Miss Roberts is getting a lot of face time on the networks, ink in the press, and is sure to make a lot of money.  It's one thing to report the news, to report fact, but to fill a book chuck full of all a man's transgressions; which you got from "anonymous" sources, without his permission, and for all involved to peddle it for profit is a pretty cold thing to do.

As I mentioned, I've heard over and over about one of the biggest question marks and another of my big problems with the book is her use of "anonymous sources".  According to numerous reports the book is littered with these so called "anonymous sources" aka "I could have just made this up" or "This came directly from A-Rod himself", you don't know, because they were all anonymous, there is absolutely zero way to filter out and discern fact from fiction because you have no idea where this information is coming from.  The entire process has to be questioned.  Add to this the fact that Miss Roberts was one of the leaders of the pitchfork mob after the heads of the Duke lacrosse players and you really have to question the "sources" she uses and how she gets her information, as I recall from Googling articles, her and her sources were certain that these men were guilty; and we all know how that one turned out.  Read the following Jason Whitlock article for a pretty good discussion on this:

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/columnists/jason_whitlock/story/1175681.html

Because bottom line if someone knows they will be be veiled as "anonymous" I suspect that they may speculate a little bit more on what they know, saw, or thought they saw; their recollection of certain situations may be as clear as day, but tell that same person that their good name will be attached to ALL statements and they may not be as sure about what they saw, or remember.  In my opinion if they aren't sure enough and secure enough in what they are saying to sign their name to it, otherwise it should not be presented and touted as fact.

I guess this is part of a bigger frustration I have that sees millions being made on America's out of control voyeuristic obsession with so called "celebrities."  US Weekly sells millions of issues a week, just so we can look at pictures of these people, pictures.  I mean they have an entire section of pictures of celebs doing normal things "Brad Pitt picking up his dry cleaning" "Lauren Conrad drinking Starbucks" it's insanity.  At the end of the day what is it all for:  

Does it matter the exact dates he used steroids?  Does it really matter?  Is it going to change anything?  I believe the answer to all questions is a resounding NO.  He admitted that he cheated.  Let's move on.  If you really want a guaranteed clean up to the game, test players before every game.  Two strikes and your out.  First time, year long suspension.  Second time, lifetime ban.  I would bet that that would clean up the game in a NY minute.  If they knew that their meal ticket steak could be cooked and doused with A1 and that they had to pee in a cup almost daily no one would try.  But they won't ever do that, because no one is really that serious about cleaning up the game, not the players, not the owners, no one.  To them a little bit of controversy is good for the game, it keeps them relevant November through April, it's almost like to them the proverbial "black eye" is worth it.  Baseball needs another smooth hitting "white knight" to restore purity to the game.  Mr. Pujols better watch out, because now that A-Rod has been knocked off the pedestal I suspect your turn under the microscope is rapidly approaching.

Draft Day!

The NFL draft was Saturday and Sunday, the official sign that Football is alive and will be back sooner than we know (but not soon enough).  The day was a festival of good food and drink and even better company.  Mother nature did not fully cooperate with us, raining out several games of washers, but the day was still a blast, except getting owed in darts which never happens... but it did I'm losing my mojo.  Scrumptrulesant ribs and homemade poppers were consumed and many beers passed the lips.  All in all it was a pretty fun day an excellent kick off to the spring/summer months.  As far as draft commentary I have a few observations, rants, predictions:

• Mel Kiper, this should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway: greatest hair in America.
• KC... I hope you know what you're doing, Aaron Curry is a beast not sure how I feel about the pass, but in Pioli I trust.
• Al Davis is officially the worst drafter in the history of the NFL.  How on this planet do you pass on Michael Crabtree?  Did they not watch the Texas game?  I mean he That Dude (that's right I don't even remember his name and refuse to use Google it to find out) before Jeremy Machlin, which Machlin before Crabtree would have still been pretty stupid IMO,  at least that move would be somewhat defensible.  I predict that Crabtree will be one of the most dominant receivers to ever play the game, and it will further solidify the fact that Al Davis has lost his mind.  I (along with EVERYONE but Al) think he's that good.  
• Remember this phrase, you're going to hear it often: "Davis to Crabtree... for 6."
• A cap on Rookie salaries is needed.  $42 million in guaranteed money for a guy who's never played a down is absolutely insane.  If the guy busts (cough cough Alex Smith cough), sorry something in my throat there cause a choking sensation, to proceed, If the guy busts the Lions are still on the hook for $42 million, that's a lot of cabbage and ties the hands of the team for a LONG time.  Now I hope it works out because it suck have a team that is that terrible.  But having a top pick in the draft should cause for excitement for a team, not total dread because of the $ that will have to shelled out.  

Josh Hamilton

Last night I watched "Homecoming: with Rick Reilly" on ESPN, Josh Hamilton was the guest.  I know a lot of people have heard his story already, but I'd strongly recommend trying to catch this on a re-run because to hear him tell it is pretty amazing.  Particularly in a day where sports seem to have a fair number of alcohol, drug, and steroid related incidences it's "nice" to hear someone who has struggled with these demons and who has fought so hard to get back.  The most compelling part of his story is how he continues to fight everyday to deal with his demons.