| Who’s Hot | Who’s Cold |
| Florio “Hoopla event”- The most anticipated event of the year avenger hoopla where teachers and students go head to head in a competitive match up. Mr. Florio led the faculty team with a 6-8 shooting percentage (He told me in health) and made it rain against the Avengers. Also, he was playing under severe ankle pains to the point of a slight limp, but he could not resist the challenge. | Joseph Mazzulla- The Bishop Hendricken star, now a point guard for top notch |
| This year | Mr. Brocato “Hoopla”- Well feared in the infamous Faculty morning pickup games, “He drain’s Three pointers like lay ups usually”- Mr. Perrin. The Teacher/Golf coach buckled under the pressure of the packed EGHS gymnasium and overwhelming expectations. He is projected to make it rain in the 09’ Hoopla tourney. |
| Lasalle football- 31-6 super bowl victory over | Brown NCAAB- Last season was successful for Brown, which finished 19-10, made the College Basketball Invitational postseason tournament, and saw its coach get a lot of press because of his famous family ties. Unfortunately, Craig Robinson parlayed that success and fame into a bigger job, leaving the Ivy League for the Pac-10 and |
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Get a KICK Out of This!
Inside the Locker Room at East Greenwich High School :
This week in the little town of East Greenwich what could possibly be going on? Well with both guys and girls basketball just about to start, it will be very interesting to see how they both start off. With injury-fund Thursday for the Lady Avs it will be a completely different varsity team stepping on the court. For the boy’s team it will be looking like a few new faces but they should be well off this year. Senior Mac will be coming back to coach the boys for another year. Both teams have their eye on the State Championship which will give them a good drive. Hopefully they both will make it to the Ryan Center.
Penalty Shot for the Bad Boy of the Week:
With a hole in his leg, people still love him. I think my favorite part of the story is that there are clubs in NYC where you can walk in carrying a gun and they won't throw you out or call the cops. They just politely ask you to step to the side and unload it. Then when you accidentally shoot yourself in the thigh, they unload it for you, and then give you the gun back, no questions asked. What is this world coming to? Athletes are getting away with too much these days and it is getting out of control. The New York Post says that when Burress finally went to the hospital, he gave the fake name "Harris Smith" and told doctors he'd been shot at an Applebee's. He has to learn a lesion and be taught that he cannot do these things.
MVP of the Week:
Changing it up this week I have to nominate someone that has been in the spot light for the 2008 season. A remarkable man and athlete. "I've watched that race so many times, and I still can't figure it out. I can't see where I was better. Was it my start, was it my turn, was it my finish? I have no idea. It still blows my mind" Michael Phelps said. Michael Fred Phelps (born June 30, 1985) is an American swimmer. He has won 14 career Olympic gold medals, the most by any Olympian. As of 2008[update], he also holds seven world records in swimming. Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics with the eight golds he won at the 2008 Olympic Games. Overall, Phelps has won 16 Olympic medals: six gold and two bronze at Athens in 2004, and eight gold at Beijing in 2008. In winning these medals. He has proven to be not only the athlete of the week in my eyes but the athlete of 2008.
The Goal of the Week:
Does it always have to be the BEST team? Does it always have to be the top team? Does it always have to be a team on top? The funny thing with sports is that you don’t need to always be on top to be a good team. Carolina rushed for 299 yards in a 38-23 victory over Tampa Bay. They have gone under the radar but are surprising people each game. The Panthers (10-3) pushed past the Bucs (9-4) to take control of first place in the NFC South and it's because Carolina pushed Tampa Bay all around at the line of scrimmage. The stamp on it all was a four-play, 90-yard drive in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Panthers ran on all four downs and built a 31-17 lead. They are going for it all!
Red Card of the Week:
This has been a very interesting couple of weeks with many celebrities getting in trouble. OJ Simpson popped right into my head. Sneaking by the first time with a murder case and now he is back. O.J. Simpson faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison after he and co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart were found guilty on 12 charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. He just wanted his stuff back! The case involved a Las Vegas, Nevada, hotel room confrontation over sports memorabilia. Simpson said the items had been stolen from him. Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, was thrilled with the result. The result may not have come years ago but it has finally come for Goldman’s father. OJ is now behind bars. He could have taken the easy root and flew to the bahamas to stay under the radar but he had to do something to put himself up on the stand. It did not workout for him this time.
Center Circle:
"I don't know how many more statements Dwight can make," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Another great game." Many names start to pour out of the TV screen as basketball gets off on a good start. One especially is Dwight Howard. I like to watch basketball and watching this man is unbelievable. His numbers are becoming more and more ridiculous. In Orlando's 95-88 victory over the Clippers Monday night Howard had his third at least 20 points and 20 rebounds and second in as many games, with 23 points and 22 rebounds. Oh yeah, he also had six blocked shots and four assists. That is insane. He is really helping the clippers to a great season, and it is just starting!
Annoying Fans:
So I am sitting in class just like any other day of the week minding my own business. All of a sudden my desk started to almost bounce. Now I really can't concentrate. Someone is sitting behind me playing with my basket on the back of my chair, bouncing me up and down. As the lesson went on I don’t think I caught one good thing about it because I was so dizzy. It was a very important lesson because the next day we had a test on everything. Please next time when you put your feet on SOMEONE ELSES DESK do not start tap dancing on the metal basket!
This week in the little town of East Greenwich what could possibly be going on? Well with both guys and girls basketball just about to start, it will be very interesting to see how they both start off. With injury-fund Thursday for the Lady Avs it will be a completely different varsity team stepping on the court. For the boy’s team it will be looking like a few new faces but they should be well off this year. Senior Mac will be coming back to coach the boys for another year. Both teams have their eye on the State Championship which will give them a good drive. Hopefully they both will make it to the Ryan Center.
Penalty Shot for the Bad Boy of the Week:
With a hole in his leg, people still love him. I think my favorite part of the story is that there are clubs in NYC where you can walk in carrying a gun and they won't throw you out or call the cops. They just politely ask you to step to the side and unload it. Then when you accidentally shoot yourself in the thigh, they unload it for you, and then give you the gun back, no questions asked. What is this world coming to? Athletes are getting away with too much these days and it is getting out of control. The New York Post says that when Burress finally went to the hospital, he gave the fake name "Harris Smith" and told doctors he'd been shot at an Applebee's. He has to learn a lesion and be taught that he cannot do these things.
MVP of the Week:
Changing it up this week I have to nominate someone that has been in the spot light for the 2008 season. A remarkable man and athlete. "I've watched that race so many times, and I still can't figure it out. I can't see where I was better. Was it my start, was it my turn, was it my finish? I have no idea. It still blows my mind" Michael Phelps said. Michael Fred Phelps (born June 30, 1985) is an American swimmer. He has won 14 career Olympic gold medals, the most by any Olympian. As of 2008[update], he also holds seven world records in swimming. Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics with the eight golds he won at the 2008 Olympic Games. Overall, Phelps has won 16 Olympic medals: six gold and two bronze at Athens in 2004, and eight gold at Beijing in 2008. In winning these medals. He has proven to be not only the athlete of the week in my eyes but the athlete of 2008.
The Goal of the Week:
Does it always have to be the BEST team? Does it always have to be the top team? Does it always have to be a team on top? The funny thing with sports is that you don’t need to always be on top to be a good team. Carolina rushed for 299 yards in a 38-23 victory over Tampa Bay. They have gone under the radar but are surprising people each game. The Panthers (10-3) pushed past the Bucs (9-4) to take control of first place in the NFC South and it's because Carolina pushed Tampa Bay all around at the line of scrimmage. The stamp on it all was a four-play, 90-yard drive in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Panthers ran on all four downs and built a 31-17 lead. They are going for it all!
Red Card of the Week:
This has been a very interesting couple of weeks with many celebrities getting in trouble. OJ Simpson popped right into my head. Sneaking by the first time with a murder case and now he is back. O.J. Simpson faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison after he and co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart were found guilty on 12 charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. He just wanted his stuff back! The case involved a Las Vegas, Nevada, hotel room confrontation over sports memorabilia. Simpson said the items had been stolen from him. Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, was thrilled with the result. The result may not have come years ago but it has finally come for Goldman’s father. OJ is now behind bars. He could have taken the easy root and flew to the bahamas to stay under the radar but he had to do something to put himself up on the stand. It did not workout for him this time.
Center Circle:
"I don't know how many more statements Dwight can make," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Another great game." Many names start to pour out of the TV screen as basketball gets off on a good start. One especially is Dwight Howard. I like to watch basketball and watching this man is unbelievable. His numbers are becoming more and more ridiculous. In Orlando's 95-88 victory over the Clippers Monday night Howard had his third at least 20 points and 20 rebounds and second in as many games, with 23 points and 22 rebounds. Oh yeah, he also had six blocked shots and four assists. That is insane. He is really helping the clippers to a great season, and it is just starting!
Annoying Fans:
So I am sitting in class just like any other day of the week minding my own business. All of a sudden my desk started to almost bounce. Now I really can't concentrate. Someone is sitting behind me playing with my basket on the back of my chair, bouncing me up and down. As the lesson went on I don’t think I caught one good thing about it because I was so dizzy. It was a very important lesson because the next day we had a test on everything. Please next time when you put your feet on SOMEONE ELSES DESK do not start tap dancing on the metal basket!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
RYAN'S RANTS
What Grinds My Gears
You know what really grinds my gears?-
-Trouble Makers. How come so many NFL players cannot keep themselves out of trouble for millions of dollars a year? They get paid so much money, get to play a sport that they love as their job, have many friends in the league, many fans and children looking up to them, and yet they still go out to clubs to cause trouble. This is getting ridiculous. The players need to realize that they have so much to loose by breaking the law, team rules, and league restrictions. Plaxico Burress is the most recent offender of being an idiot. He shot himself in the leg with an illegally unregistered gun at a New York night club while with teammate Antonio Pierce. He has gotten himself benched for the season by the Giants organization, costing him millions of dollars, and faces possible jail time for the illegal possession of the gun. This incident may bring his teammate down with him and the distractions may cost his team a repeat super bowl victory. Grow up! It’s not that hard to behave yourselves if you’re being paid millions of dollars to do so.
-Traitors. This is when athletes sign with a team that they have hated for so long because they were offered more money. If you are a part of a serious rivalry and you live to hate the other team don’t go out and sign a contract with them when your old contract has expired. Yes I understand that it is their occupation and they need money to put food on the table for their families, but if it’s the difference between 19 million dollars and 20 million, it’s not worth it. When an athlete sells out on their old team they may die a little inside, and become less of a player than they used to be. They may feel guilty and their heart may not be in the game the way it used to be. An example of this is Jonny Damon. He has lost all of my respect that I had for him after he played a big part in the Red Sox’s 2004 World Series win. He is not the player he used to be now that he is wearing the pinstripes in New York and has a clean shaven face. If an athlete stays with a team for the majority of his or her career and at least never plays for their arch nemesis they can become icons for their cities and may end up making more money from endorsements than the upgrade in salary they got for being a traitor.
-The Lack of Touchdown celebrations. The NFL has started to fine players for excessive celebrations and the referees enforce a 15 yard penalty for any use of the ball as a prop. Some people are thankful for these precautions since they think that the celebrations showed off poor sportsmanship and disrespect for the game. I, on the other hand, think that they are harmless and entertaining. If players on the other team get offended of the poor sportsmanship then they should just try harder to keep the other team out of the end zone. There have been many memorable touchdown celebrations (most of the performed by “Ocho Cinco”) including Chad Johnson’s Tiger Woods impression, NFL please don’t fine me sign, Santa Clause, CPR for the ball, Hall of Fame class of 20?? jacket, wedding proposal; Steve Smith’s baby sitting; Terrell Owen’s Spike on the star, autographed ball, waiter; Randy Moss’s mooning Green Bay fans; and Joe Horn’s phone home. Almost all of those celebrations resulted in fines and a few suspensions. Never fazed, Chad Johnson doesn’t mind the fines, he has even sent money to the NFL commissioner before the game for the touchdown he knew he would score. Let them celebrate if they feel the need to do so, it makes for more entertaining games and gives the opposing defenses more motivation to prevent scores.
You know what really grinds my gears?-
-Trouble Makers. How come so many NFL players cannot keep themselves out of trouble for millions of dollars a year? They get paid so much money, get to play a sport that they love as their job, have many friends in the league, many fans and children looking up to them, and yet they still go out to clubs to cause trouble. This is getting ridiculous. The players need to realize that they have so much to loose by breaking the law, team rules, and league restrictions. Plaxico Burress is the most recent offender of being an idiot. He shot himself in the leg with an illegally unregistered gun at a New York night club while with teammate Antonio Pierce. He has gotten himself benched for the season by the Giants organization, costing him millions of dollars, and faces possible jail time for the illegal possession of the gun. This incident may bring his teammate down with him and the distractions may cost his team a repeat super bowl victory. Grow up! It’s not that hard to behave yourselves if you’re being paid millions of dollars to do so.
-Traitors. This is when athletes sign with a team that they have hated for so long because they were offered more money. If you are a part of a serious rivalry and you live to hate the other team don’t go out and sign a contract with them when your old contract has expired. Yes I understand that it is their occupation and they need money to put food on the table for their families, but if it’s the difference between 19 million dollars and 20 million, it’s not worth it. When an athlete sells out on their old team they may die a little inside, and become less of a player than they used to be. They may feel guilty and their heart may not be in the game the way it used to be. An example of this is Jonny Damon. He has lost all of my respect that I had for him after he played a big part in the Red Sox’s 2004 World Series win. He is not the player he used to be now that he is wearing the pinstripes in New York and has a clean shaven face. If an athlete stays with a team for the majority of his or her career and at least never plays for their arch nemesis they can become icons for their cities and may end up making more money from endorsements than the upgrade in salary they got for being a traitor.
-The Lack of Touchdown celebrations. The NFL has started to fine players for excessive celebrations and the referees enforce a 15 yard penalty for any use of the ball as a prop. Some people are thankful for these precautions since they think that the celebrations showed off poor sportsmanship and disrespect for the game. I, on the other hand, think that they are harmless and entertaining. If players on the other team get offended of the poor sportsmanship then they should just try harder to keep the other team out of the end zone. There have been many memorable touchdown celebrations (most of the performed by “Ocho Cinco”) including Chad Johnson’s Tiger Woods impression, NFL please don’t fine me sign, Santa Clause, CPR for the ball, Hall of Fame class of 20?? jacket, wedding proposal; Steve Smith’s baby sitting; Terrell Owen’s Spike on the star, autographed ball, waiter; Randy Moss’s mooning Green Bay fans; and Joe Horn’s phone home. Almost all of those celebrations resulted in fines and a few suspensions. Never fazed, Chad Johnson doesn’t mind the fines, he has even sent money to the NFL commissioner before the game for the touchdown he knew he would score. Let them celebrate if they feel the need to do so, it makes for more entertaining games and gives the opposing defenses more motivation to prevent scores.
Around the Bases
By Ralph Nader
First Base
Alex Rodriquez
A-Rod is in the news yet again! You ask, what could it be for this time, another Madonna scandal, is he trying to go back to his family, or is he donating a portion of his insane paycheck to people who actually need it? If you thought one of the above were correct, you are mistaken, A-Rod has become notorious in the news since becoming a New York Yankee. This is not a slap in the face to New Yorkers, but what A-Rod recently did is a slap in the face to the country. Alex Rodriquez has told the media that he is 100 percent sure that he wants to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Even though Alex isn’t from the Dominican Republic, he feels that it runs strong through his veins. A-Rod, you really need to use your brain, you are the most overrated baseball player, you left your kids and your wife for a washed up celebrity, and quite frankly the whole country hates you, clean up your act before you speak to the media next.
Second Base
The New England Patriots
Are the New England Patriots back in it? Well America, they were never out of it. Matt Cassel had a great bounce back week verse the Seattle Seahawks. But what does that really mean? Nothing. It means nothing to beat a team with Seneca Wallace as their star quarterback. The patriots need to play a good 60 minutes verse a team who is above .500. But the Patriots are back in the division, this may not look like a great win, seeing it was only a three point win against a 2-10 Seahawks team, but it gets a three way tie between the Patriots, Dolphins and Jets. In my eyes, the Patriots will win this division. Cassel has shown signs of greatness, this team is not going down without a fight, so watch out world, they may not be the 13-0 Patriots of last season, but they’re looking to go to the playoffs!
Third Base
O.J. Simpson
Thank god! Finally we have a murderer off the streets. Wow, its weird that you can get away with murder, but he couldn’t pull off a simple robbery! Ah, O.J. I am so disappointed in you. Where was Johnny Cockrian when you needed him? O.J., I’m not disappointed that you went to jail, or that you killed your wife, or that you were stupid enough to try to steal your own paraphernalia, which you could have remade by simply signing something else, but I am disappointed that no one will remember your Miami days. No one will remember you for being a Hiesmen winner, or one of the greatest running backs in the NFL, oh wait or was is wide receiver? See what I mean! No one is going to remember you for playing football, your just another menace to society. All you have left is to drive that white Ford Bronco into the sun and be on with your days O.J. fore you will never be forgotten, but your career will.
Home Plate
The Boston Celtics
Everything seems to be clicking for this team. There is not a single team in the NBA that can reckon with this squad. Through 22 games, they are 20-2, which ties the Chicago Bulls record in 95-96. But is this a team that’s going to go 72-10? Personally, it doesn’t matter as long as you get that gold trophy at the end of the season, and KG is screaming “Anything is possibleeeeeeeeee!” But, yes, this team could very well go 72-10, or even 73-9. This team is just dominating, the Big Three could be hurt missing the same game and the Celtics would steal beat about seventy-five percent of teams. The Celtics are just a team this year, and you may call this a bold prediction, but the Celtics will go 73-9.
First Base
Alex Rodriquez
A-Rod is in the news yet again! You ask, what could it be for this time, another Madonna scandal, is he trying to go back to his family, or is he donating a portion of his insane paycheck to people who actually need it? If you thought one of the above were correct, you are mistaken, A-Rod has become notorious in the news since becoming a New York Yankee. This is not a slap in the face to New Yorkers, but what A-Rod recently did is a slap in the face to the country. Alex Rodriquez has told the media that he is 100 percent sure that he wants to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Even though Alex isn’t from the Dominican Republic, he feels that it runs strong through his veins. A-Rod, you really need to use your brain, you are the most overrated baseball player, you left your kids and your wife for a washed up celebrity, and quite frankly the whole country hates you, clean up your act before you speak to the media next.
Second Base
The New England Patriots
Are the New England Patriots back in it? Well America, they were never out of it. Matt Cassel had a great bounce back week verse the Seattle Seahawks. But what does that really mean? Nothing. It means nothing to beat a team with Seneca Wallace as their star quarterback. The patriots need to play a good 60 minutes verse a team who is above .500. But the Patriots are back in the division, this may not look like a great win, seeing it was only a three point win against a 2-10 Seahawks team, but it gets a three way tie between the Patriots, Dolphins and Jets. In my eyes, the Patriots will win this division. Cassel has shown signs of greatness, this team is not going down without a fight, so watch out world, they may not be the 13-0 Patriots of last season, but they’re looking to go to the playoffs!
Third Base
O.J. Simpson
Thank god! Finally we have a murderer off the streets. Wow, its weird that you can get away with murder, but he couldn’t pull off a simple robbery! Ah, O.J. I am so disappointed in you. Where was Johnny Cockrian when you needed him? O.J., I’m not disappointed that you went to jail, or that you killed your wife, or that you were stupid enough to try to steal your own paraphernalia, which you could have remade by simply signing something else, but I am disappointed that no one will remember your Miami days. No one will remember you for being a Hiesmen winner, or one of the greatest running backs in the NFL, oh wait or was is wide receiver? See what I mean! No one is going to remember you for playing football, your just another menace to society. All you have left is to drive that white Ford Bronco into the sun and be on with your days O.J. fore you will never be forgotten, but your career will.
Home Plate
The Boston Celtics
Everything seems to be clicking for this team. There is not a single team in the NBA that can reckon with this squad. Through 22 games, they are 20-2, which ties the Chicago Bulls record in 95-96. But is this a team that’s going to go 72-10? Personally, it doesn’t matter as long as you get that gold trophy at the end of the season, and KG is screaming “Anything is possibleeeeeeeeee!” But, yes, this team could very well go 72-10, or even 73-9. This team is just dominating, the Big Three could be hurt missing the same game and the Celtics would steal beat about seventy-five percent of teams. The Celtics are just a team this year, and you may call this a bold prediction, but the Celtics will go 73-9.
Tebow For Heisman
Kyle Kelaghan
Mr. Brocato
Sports Lit.
12-7-08
Tebow For Heisman
Why shouldn’t he get a shout out? He is the reigning Heisman trophy winner, and oh yeah, he could play another year of football at Florida. He is the first player in the history of the sport to win it as a sophomore, giving him a chance to do something thats never been done in his sport before He is also playing in the 2008 national championship game against Oklahoma, giving him a chance to win three national championships, if he were to win in this year, and then return for his senior year. With a Heisman trophy victory this Saturday, Tebow will be given the option to head straight for the draft, or return for a senior year, giving him a chance to change the sport forever, and potentially become the first three peat Heisman trophy winner ever. Now if that were to happen could anyone but Tebow be considered the greatest college player ever. If a player could win three straight Heisman’s, he would be in a category of his own, essentially making him the best player ever. Also if he were to win three national championships, then I feel it should be an unanimous feeling that Tebow is the greatest college football player the sport has ever seen.
However, with all his upside, he has a tough competition with three Big 12 quarterbacks Graham Harrell, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy and a Big 12 wide receiver in Michael Crabtree. All of them are able to make good arguments for themselves to why they should be the Heisman trophy winner. Graham Harrell led one of the most dominating offenses this season and at one point was ranked number 1 in the country and have been top 5 for majority of the season He has only thrown 7 interceptions compared to 41 TD’s, 18 to Michael Crabtree, 4th highest in the the FBS. Colt McCoy has the highest completion percentage in the country with a 77% completion percentage. He has led a strong offense all year and his longhorns were also ranked number 1 in the country, but now sit in the third spot. He has thrown 32 touchdowns and only thrown 7 interceptions. However, Sam Bradford should be Tebow’s greatest competition. Bradford has led the greatest offense in the history of college football. He has thrown 48 touchdowns compared to his 6 interceptions, he has thrown for nearly 70% this season while still throwing for nearly 4500 yards. If this award is based on stats alone, no doubt should there be that Bradford should win.
Now lets see what Tebow has done this season. He has thrown on 2 interceptions this season, lowest in FBS, he has thrown 28 touchdown passes and has ran for 12, and has run for 564 yards this season, making his career total nearly 2000 yards rushing in his career. He brought a team considered down and out early, ranked number 5 only a few weeks ago, and had no talk of a BCS national championship birth. Yes, it is true all of those Big 12 quarterbacks listed above will probably go higher than Tebow in the draft, but the heisman trophy is supposed to go to the quarterback whose pass happy offensive coordinator has him rack up amazing passing stats with no rushing attack. The trophy should go to a player who changes the sport, and who does that better than Tim Tebow, he is the first North-South quarterback in the history of college and pro football, making him the most dual threat athlete in the history of his position. Finally, the most important attribute to Tim Tebow is that he wins, and he does this by keeping the ball in his hands. The key to winning in football, but especially college football, is keeping the ball on the offensive end, not allowing the other team to score. Tim Tebow does that better than another quarterback in recent memory. Sam Bradford throws and interception ever 58 pass attempts, Colt McCoy throws and interception every 49 pass attempts. The reason why he should win this award over his opponents is that he throws an interception ever 113 pass attempts, and incredible achievement, and stat.
When you say Heisman, people think most touchdowns, yards and interceptions thrown. What you need to see is a winner, and see a winner in a system where his offense is not based off a passing style like the other candidates. He is changing the quarterback position becoming the first north-south bull running quarterback. He has a chance to win three straight heisman trophy’s and win three national championships. Not only does he deserve this award through his football and stats, but I feel like its time the sport found a new super hero, and a new era of who to compare college footballs future greats with.
Hallworth's Doghouse
The first dog this week is Dallas Star hockey player Sean Avery. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman suspended him for six games for "inappropriate public comments, not pertaining to the game". Avery made comments to the media about former girlfriends now dating other hockey players, especially towards Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who is dating actress Elisha Cuthbert. He stated, "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guy to fall in love with my (former girlfriends). I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight." Later on he apologized by saying, "I apologize for offending the great fans of the NHL, the commissioner, my teammates, my coaching staff and the Dallas Stars management and ownership. As many of you know, I like to mix it up on and off the ice from time to time, but understand that this time I took it too far." This is good that he apologized for his actions because here we have a role model for children. By saying and doing these stupid things can influence young children negatively. They might start doing stupid things and think there is no harm. However, there is. On the other hand, hasn’t this guy heard of think before you speak? And if you have nothing good to say don’t say it all? It is good that he apologized. That’s a start.
The next two dogs in my house this week are Minnesota Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. They were suspended after testing positive for diuretic bumetanide, a performance enhancing drug. However, the Williamses filed for a restraining order against the NFL and received, allowing them to play in this weekend’s game against the Detroit Lions. Again, here we have role models doing stupid and illegal things. C’mon, think of the kids. Also, it is ridiculous that the judge allowed them the restraining order. That is the stupidest thing I have heard. Even though they are pursuing legal actions, let’s allow them to play. Using performance enhancing drugs and other steroids is dumb. Not only is there that one positive effect, but there are many negative effects. If the reason an athlete is using them is because they are too old and need to catch up with the younger athletes, then RETIRE. You make enough money as it is.
The next dog this week is Texas Tech De’Shon Sanders. He was arrested by federal agents on Thursday and charged with conspiracy and felony possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine. The crime was committed between June sixth or seventh of this year. Sanders may serve a minimum of ten years in prison if convicted. Sanders is young and already committing illegal crimes. That is one bad habit to start at a young age. On the other side, I agree that Sander deserves to go to prison, but I think that ten years is too much because there are worst crimes he could commit such as murder. I would rather have a murderer in prison longer than a drug dealer. I don’t think any person in their right mind would want a murderer running loose.
Another dog in my house this week is Penn State football’s Nitanny Lion mascot played by senior James Sheep. He was pulled over on campus around 3:15 a.m. on November 22nd and charged with DUI and summary traffic violations. Sheep is suspended until 2009. I wonder if he was sent to prison. He definitely should have been seriously charged and fined because to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and driving is not good. Both impair a person’s judgement and therefore can cause a crash and can result in death or serious injury. I think that suspension for a couple of weeks is a good punishment. Hopefully, during that time he can think about the mistake he committed and spends more time studying.
The next big dog this week is who else but former football 61-year-old star O.J. Simpson. He was sentenced on Friday to between nine and thirty-three years in prison for being found guilty of twelve criminal charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. Another crime Simpson committed was in September 2007 when he had a confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers over collectibles that he insisted were stolen from him. Not only that but the big one is Simpson being acquitted for murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. Simpson deserves to go to prison for his stupidity. However, there is controversy over how long. If he served time for the 1994 murders, then it should not have been for 33 years for this crime. But since he did not serve any time for the murders he committed, he definitely deserves to be in prison for a really long time because obviously he has not learned from his mistakes. Who wants a muderer on the loose? I sure don't. On the contrary, fame gets to an athlete’s or actor’s head because he/she thinks that they are above the law when they are not. Some people do not realize the mistakes he/she is making at that time and as a result, need time to think about it and not make anymore in the future.
Another dog in my house this week is New York Jet Shaun Ellis. He was pulled over at a traffic stop earlier for speeding and admitted to smoking marijuana and voluntarily handed the bag containing fifty grams or less over. This is the first time Ellis has been in trouble with the law before in the nine years he has been with the league. The team captain apologized by saying, "Obviously it's a mistake and something I have to deal with." That is good that he realized he made a mistake and apologized. He definitely deserves to be fined and possibly go to prison. However, he still remains as team captain. I disagree with this decision because a captain needs to display good leadership and be a good role model. This is not it.
The next two dogs in my house this week are Minnesota Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. They were suspended after testing positive for diuretic bumetanide, a performance enhancing drug. However, the Williamses filed for a restraining order against the NFL and received, allowing them to play in this weekend’s game against the Detroit Lions. Again, here we have role models doing stupid and illegal things. C’mon, think of the kids. Also, it is ridiculous that the judge allowed them the restraining order. That is the stupidest thing I have heard. Even though they are pursuing legal actions, let’s allow them to play. Using performance enhancing drugs and other steroids is dumb. Not only is there that one positive effect, but there are many negative effects. If the reason an athlete is using them is because they are too old and need to catch up with the younger athletes, then RETIRE. You make enough money as it is.
The next dog this week is Texas Tech De’Shon Sanders. He was arrested by federal agents on Thursday and charged with conspiracy and felony possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine. The crime was committed between June sixth or seventh of this year. Sanders may serve a minimum of ten years in prison if convicted. Sanders is young and already committing illegal crimes. That is one bad habit to start at a young age. On the other side, I agree that Sander deserves to go to prison, but I think that ten years is too much because there are worst crimes he could commit such as murder. I would rather have a murderer in prison longer than a drug dealer. I don’t think any person in their right mind would want a murderer running loose.
Another dog in my house this week is Penn State football’s Nitanny Lion mascot played by senior James Sheep. He was pulled over on campus around 3:15 a.m. on November 22nd and charged with DUI and summary traffic violations. Sheep is suspended until 2009. I wonder if he was sent to prison. He definitely should have been seriously charged and fined because to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and driving is not good. Both impair a person’s judgement and therefore can cause a crash and can result in death or serious injury. I think that suspension for a couple of weeks is a good punishment. Hopefully, during that time he can think about the mistake he committed and spends more time studying.
The next big dog this week is who else but former football 61-year-old star O.J. Simpson. He was sentenced on Friday to between nine and thirty-three years in prison for being found guilty of twelve criminal charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. Another crime Simpson committed was in September 2007 when he had a confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers over collectibles that he insisted were stolen from him. Not only that but the big one is Simpson being acquitted for murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. Simpson deserves to go to prison for his stupidity. However, there is controversy over how long. If he served time for the 1994 murders, then it should not have been for 33 years for this crime. But since he did not serve any time for the murders he committed, he definitely deserves to be in prison for a really long time because obviously he has not learned from his mistakes. Who wants a muderer on the loose? I sure don't. On the contrary, fame gets to an athlete’s or actor’s head because he/she thinks that they are above the law when they are not. Some people do not realize the mistakes he/she is making at that time and as a result, need time to think about it and not make anymore in the future.
Another dog in my house this week is New York Jet Shaun Ellis. He was pulled over at a traffic stop earlier for speeding and admitted to smoking marijuana and voluntarily handed the bag containing fifty grams or less over. This is the first time Ellis has been in trouble with the law before in the nine years he has been with the league. The team captain apologized by saying, "Obviously it's a mistake and something I have to deal with." That is good that he realized he made a mistake and apologized. He definitely deserves to be fined and possibly go to prison. However, he still remains as team captain. I disagree with this decision because a captain needs to display good leadership and be a good role model. This is not it.
Tuesdays with Kirstin
Starting off the month of December, and the home stretch of the NFL season comes some final words of advise: “Carpe Diem!” With snow already on the ground, it seems as though a warning sign has presented itself of the cold winter months to come. Football, having one of the longest seasons in sports is coming to an end. Today, Sunday December 7th narrowed down the teams that will compete in the final stages. The pressure will be on without a doubt. Everything from this point onward will come down to the top teams from each division to represent. Unlike any other year, season 2008 has shown a parity of talent and effort across the board. With such an equal level of performance, I find it hard to predict what the final results will be.
One team that stands out is the Tennessee Titans. From the start, they have been successful. They have proven themselves beyond anyone else at this point. Tennessee has only lost one game in the season. Also, the Titans have Chris Johnson, best rookie of the year. The Titans have really risen to the occasion in this sport and as a team in the NFL. As a result, they happen to be doing very well.
Looking at the Patriots, its hard to say where we went wrong in comparison with other years. Theres been a lot of talk about an absence in our star quarterback, Tom Brady. However, you can’t say one player holds up an entire 40 or 50 person team. We have lost some players, traded some while others are out with injuries. Aren’t injuries normal in a full contact sport? So why is there so much focus on that? New England isn’t much different than other teams as far as opportunity. It’s a fair game.
What really sets this year’s NFL apart from other times is the level of playing. The Patriots have gone down a level in their game, disappointing many fans. Its hard to believe that the New England Patriots who have become so well-known and respected could loose all momentum in so short a time. Was it the money and fame that went to their heads? It is as if they have lost the desire to win. A similar tendency is seen in other teams as well.
My advise like I said before is: “Carpe Diem” or Seize the Day. This season pro-football is coming to an end, so make the most of it. The team with the greatest desire to win will succeed in the end. Some teams have become lazy and expect things to happen. Money and publicity can do that. In the end it all comes down to the players and their goals as a team. It’ll be interesting to see how everything turns out.
One team that stands out is the Tennessee Titans. From the start, they have been successful. They have proven themselves beyond anyone else at this point. Tennessee has only lost one game in the season. Also, the Titans have Chris Johnson, best rookie of the year. The Titans have really risen to the occasion in this sport and as a team in the NFL. As a result, they happen to be doing very well.
Looking at the Patriots, its hard to say where we went wrong in comparison with other years. Theres been a lot of talk about an absence in our star quarterback, Tom Brady. However, you can’t say one player holds up an entire 40 or 50 person team. We have lost some players, traded some while others are out with injuries. Aren’t injuries normal in a full contact sport? So why is there so much focus on that? New England isn’t much different than other teams as far as opportunity. It’s a fair game.
What really sets this year’s NFL apart from other times is the level of playing. The Patriots have gone down a level in their game, disappointing many fans. Its hard to believe that the New England Patriots who have become so well-known and respected could loose all momentum in so short a time. Was it the money and fame that went to their heads? It is as if they have lost the desire to win. A similar tendency is seen in other teams as well.
My advise like I said before is: “Carpe Diem” or Seize the Day. This season pro-football is coming to an end, so make the most of it. The team with the greatest desire to win will succeed in the end. Some teams have become lazy and expect things to happen. Money and publicity can do that. In the end it all comes down to the players and their goals as a team. It’ll be interesting to see how everything turns out.
Do People in the US Care About Soccer?
Yes, people, it is me and the same strange type of articles again. Yes, I am going to bore you again for the third time I think. Isn’t that great? Not really, I know. Don’t worry, it will go by fast so you don’t have to be scared at all. Just trust me and my writing style, that is exactly what I need right there. Thank you for your respect and kindness, you have no idea how much I appreciate it.
So, today let’s take a look at a sport which I don’t play that often. The interesting fact is, all the time I spoke about activities which I do, but today everything changes. It is exciting, huh? Just be patient, everything needs its time, get it?
The topic is soccer, ladies and gentlemen and it’s definitely an extremely good topic. It is disappointing that David Beckham dazzled the crowd by not scoring the goal in the Los Angeles’ Galaxy 3-0 exhibition win over Oceania XI on Saturday.
Of course, Beckham is usually amazing, he always gives nice passes and goals too. He always enjoys playing in other parts of the world, but he is also supposed to shoot as many goals as he can, right?” I enjoyed playing in Los Angeles, the crowd did too,” he said. By the way, you should know that soccer is the most common sport in the Czech republic. It is the most popular sport there and always has been. Here it is probably football, right? It is ironic that in Czech republic they call soccer as football. That means, Czech republic doesn’t have football, they just have soccer which they call like this.
Another event which is interesting to discuss is the Irish, the Tar Heels advance in College cup. Courtney Barg scored in the fifteenth minute and Notre Dame beat Stanford 1-0 Friday to reach the championship of the NCAA Women’s College cup. The Tar Heels advanced with a 1-0 victory over UCLA after Yael Averbuch, making her school record 104th straight start, converted a penalty in the 41st minute. This stuff is always very impressive in sport, everybody wants to hear and read about it, also in Europe. Speaking about Europe, the Spanish players are the best players there, they won the title about a half a year ago, when they played their final European cup match against Germany, I think. Fernando Torres was amazing, he shot an awesome goal while a Germany player was running next to him. It was a very big moment, you should have seen it. Torres will be sidelined now. The Madrid star was supposed to be out of action for only two weeks, but specialists in Spain advised that he will remain on the sidelines for months. It is always very bad when a soccer player injures his hamstring, like our friend Torres here. Well, hopefully he will return back as soon as possible, he is the Spanish hero!
Soccer is sometimes an expensive sport-major league soccer. For example the Philly area MLS stadium. Officials are scheduled to break ground on a 115 dollar million soccer stadium oter Philadelphia. I mean, it is a lot of money so I don’t understand why people think it is not the most expensive sport.
Alright guys, this would be all, I am that naive to think that you liked this article. That was the ultimate “Czech” article, you will never ever see a better article. Just kidding. I hope you did’t fall asleep while reading it, I would be insulted. So, we are all set and read my next article, otherwise you are not going to get any Christmas presents.
So, today let’s take a look at a sport which I don’t play that often. The interesting fact is, all the time I spoke about activities which I do, but today everything changes. It is exciting, huh? Just be patient, everything needs its time, get it?
The topic is soccer, ladies and gentlemen and it’s definitely an extremely good topic. It is disappointing that David Beckham dazzled the crowd by not scoring the goal in the Los Angeles’ Galaxy 3-0 exhibition win over Oceania XI on Saturday.
Of course, Beckham is usually amazing, he always gives nice passes and goals too. He always enjoys playing in other parts of the world, but he is also supposed to shoot as many goals as he can, right?” I enjoyed playing in Los Angeles, the crowd did too,” he said. By the way, you should know that soccer is the most common sport in the Czech republic. It is the most popular sport there and always has been. Here it is probably football, right? It is ironic that in Czech republic they call soccer as football. That means, Czech republic doesn’t have football, they just have soccer which they call like this.
Another event which is interesting to discuss is the Irish, the Tar Heels advance in College cup. Courtney Barg scored in the fifteenth minute and Notre Dame beat Stanford 1-0 Friday to reach the championship of the NCAA Women’s College cup. The Tar Heels advanced with a 1-0 victory over UCLA after Yael Averbuch, making her school record 104th straight start, converted a penalty in the 41st minute. This stuff is always very impressive in sport, everybody wants to hear and read about it, also in Europe. Speaking about Europe, the Spanish players are the best players there, they won the title about a half a year ago, when they played their final European cup match against Germany, I think. Fernando Torres was amazing, he shot an awesome goal while a Germany player was running next to him. It was a very big moment, you should have seen it. Torres will be sidelined now. The Madrid star was supposed to be out of action for only two weeks, but specialists in Spain advised that he will remain on the sidelines for months. It is always very bad when a soccer player injures his hamstring, like our friend Torres here. Well, hopefully he will return back as soon as possible, he is the Spanish hero!
Soccer is sometimes an expensive sport-major league soccer. For example the Philly area MLS stadium. Officials are scheduled to break ground on a 115 dollar million soccer stadium oter Philadelphia. I mean, it is a lot of money so I don’t understand why people think it is not the most expensive sport.
Alright guys, this would be all, I am that naive to think that you liked this article. That was the ultimate “Czech” article, you will never ever see a better article. Just kidding. I hope you did’t fall asleep while reading it, I would be insulted. So, we are all set and read my next article, otherwise you are not going to get any Christmas presents.
4 qaurters of sports
1st quarter
Starting the game off we are going to talk about the Celtics and if they can repeat last season ending in a championship win. Right now the Celtics have a record of 20 and 2. They are also the best team in the NBA right now. Right now they are playing there best basketball then they have in years. After last season they have been dominate and haven't cooled down at all. They are averaging 100 ppg and the opposing team is averaging 89 ppg. If they keep playing the way there playing and scoring the way there scoring the Celtics will make playoffs and it wouldn't surprise me if they went to the championship again.
2nd quarter
Some major disappointments that happened in he NFL today were the Jets. They lost to a team with 4 wins and they had a chance to take the division even more if they won but now they are tied with the pats for first place. Another is the Giants loosing to the Eagles who haven't been playing good football. Now the Giants have two losses, one to the browns and one to the Eagles. If I were the Giants those would be the teams i wouldn't want to lose to. The last one of the day was the Falcons loosing to the Saints. I thought that should have been a good win for the Falcons but they didn't come through.
3rd quarter
Now its after halftime getting into the Red Sox and how well they will do this year. They have recently signed some really good key players that will help us out this year. Most of them are pitchers. The first good pitcher they got was Junichi Tazawa. He is from japan just like Matsusaka, and he is supposed to be as good as him to. Another good pitcher is the reliver from the Royals Ramon Ramirez. He was one of the best pitchers in the AL last year. Also we have alot of good players that are coming off the disabled list like Mike Lowell. So if we stay healthy this year and don't get hurt we will be in the playoffs again. Also we will beat Tampa bay and go all the way.
4th quater
Now its the end of the game and we are moving on to boston bruins hockey and there success and chances of making playoffs this year. The bruins are currently in first place in there division. They have a good talented young team this year. If they keep winning and skating hard they will make playoffs. If they beat the hard teams and win them they will get more reconized and have a better shot off making playoffs. I think they have a good team this year and this is the group of guys to bring the Briuns all the way
Starting the game off we are going to talk about the Celtics and if they can repeat last season ending in a championship win. Right now the Celtics have a record of 20 and 2. They are also the best team in the NBA right now. Right now they are playing there best basketball then they have in years. After last season they have been dominate and haven't cooled down at all. They are averaging 100 ppg and the opposing team is averaging 89 ppg. If they keep playing the way there playing and scoring the way there scoring the Celtics will make playoffs and it wouldn't surprise me if they went to the championship again.
2nd quarter
Some major disappointments that happened in he NFL today were the Jets. They lost to a team with 4 wins and they had a chance to take the division even more if they won but now they are tied with the pats for first place. Another is the Giants loosing to the Eagles who haven't been playing good football. Now the Giants have two losses, one to the browns and one to the Eagles. If I were the Giants those would be the teams i wouldn't want to lose to. The last one of the day was the Falcons loosing to the Saints. I thought that should have been a good win for the Falcons but they didn't come through.
3rd quarter
Now its after halftime getting into the Red Sox and how well they will do this year. They have recently signed some really good key players that will help us out this year. Most of them are pitchers. The first good pitcher they got was Junichi Tazawa. He is from japan just like Matsusaka, and he is supposed to be as good as him to. Another good pitcher is the reliver from the Royals Ramon Ramirez. He was one of the best pitchers in the AL last year. Also we have alot of good players that are coming off the disabled list like Mike Lowell. So if we stay healthy this year and don't get hurt we will be in the playoffs again. Also we will beat Tampa bay and go all the way.
4th quater
Now its the end of the game and we are moving on to boston bruins hockey and there success and chances of making playoffs this year. The bruins are currently in first place in there division. They have a good talented young team this year. If they keep winning and skating hard they will make playoffs. If they beat the hard teams and win them they will get more reconized and have a better shot off making playoffs. I think they have a good team this year and this is the group of guys to bring the Briuns all the way
Inside My Head
What Were They Thinking?
Jason Whitlock: So much for an undefeated season for your Ball State Cardinals. They took a beating from the 8-5 Buffalo Bulls, the top team in the Mid American East Conference on Friday night. Do you think any team in the SEC or Big 12 would lose Buffalo? I don’t think so. You should keep your mouth shut about these mid major schools deserving a chance because when they blow easy games like this, it makes you look bad. Also, how’d your boy Nate Davis play on Friday? Four fumbles and a pick, not too good I’d say.
Oscar De La Hoya: What was your reasoning behind taking a fight with Manny Pacquiao? First of all, you’re too old. Secondly, the fight was a mismatch anyway. It was over before it started. He murdered you, and then you quit after the eighth round. There’s nothing I hate more than quitters. Ever since you won that gold medal in the 90’s, your career has been downhill. You’ve lost every big fight you’ve ever had. You will always be known as one of boxing’s biggest choke artists.
Teams in the Race for C.C Sabathia: Right now, C.C is sitting on 140 million. Why? I understand that is a great pitcher and turned around the Milwaukee Brewers season last year, but he is not worth as much as he is hyped up to be. There are pitchers out there who are just as good, and are not at risk for heart attack every single day. Tell C.C Sabathia you’ll think about offering him a contract once he loses some weight. 300-pound pitchers should be outlawed.
Bryan Colangelo: The only reason you fired Sam Mitchell was to make it look like you weren’t the one bringing down the Toronto Raptors. You didn’t really even let him do his job. You are a GM and coach in one, and you fired Mitchell for your mistakes. If you weren’t going to let him coach, than you should’ve let him go earlier.
Glen Davis: What is your problem? There is no need to throw a temper tantrum for something that is not that big of a deal. Why are you mad at KG for trying to get you more involved? By getting mad at him for trying to get you in the huddle, it makes it look as though you are not a team player. Are you a team player? Maybe you should think about that.
Junior Seau: I’m sick and tired of people retiring and coming back. We are fourteen weeks into the season, and now you decide that you’re going to come back and play. Make up your mind at the beginning of the year so you don’t waste the whole season. I wouldn’t want you on my team.
College Football: Why is it that the later you lose, the worse off you are? Why is it that Alabama, who won their first eleven games and lost to the best team in the country, will not get their shot at the championship because they lost so late? Now, they will half to play Utah in a BCS matchup, a team who they will likely kill.
O.J. Simpson: Why did you have to give that final plea at your court hearing? We all know that it was an act, and we’re tired of seeing these kinds of things from you. I’m glad that you finally got what you deserved, and I hope you spend the rest of your life behind bars. You will always be seen as a criminal, not a football player.
What to Watch For:
The Celts are on quite a winning streak; let’s see if they can keep it alive.
We’ll, seeing how none of the important Bowl Games will be played for another month or so, turn your attention to college hoops.
I hate saying this, but let’s see if C.C makes a decision any time soon.
Hopefully, Providence can gain momentum from there victory over URI.
Both the AFC and the NFC playoff races should be quite interesting in the final three weeks of the season.
Pull Up a Chair... It's Story Time with Neups
Note to Readers: I will be abandoning the "Can You Pass the Test Concept" for weekly posts, and instead, I will hope to relate sports stories to past, and present stories of my life. Thank you for understanding.
The more time passes by, the more I miss, and yearn for, my elementary school days. Although I will never live the days of extended recess, fountain-like hand washing stations, and milk cartons ever again, my glory days [if you could call them that] can be related to a mess that all of us are complaining about each and every day.
During the fall of my third grade year at Frenchtown Elementary school - when Velcro sneakers were still cool and kickball was everyone's favorite sport - a number of fads emerged on the playground. Not only did Yo-Yo's and Beanie Babies take the school by storm, but so too did Pokemon. Well actually, Pokemon could be considered a tsunami in the tidal pool of 3rd grade culture. Pokemon cards and GameBoy games were so popular that a new rule had the be added to the school handbook that no child was allowed to carry around Pokemon cards at any time for fear of them taking away from the learning process. Before that, kids would bring in binders full of laminated Pokemon cards to lunch just so that they could show off the new cards they bought on eBay from some Japanese guy who lives in his mother's basement in California. Being the true economist that I always have been, I saw no value in a silly card, however when it came to the video game, I was all over it. The first generation of the Pokemon games for the GameBoy Color could not be topped back then, and I just had to get my hands on the first edition. So, like any other 8 year-old, I whined. I whined, and whined.... and whined some more. All in effort to snag this little video game. I whined until my throat hurt, I whined until my face was as red as a tomato. But I actually whined to no avail. My parents never bought me the game. Back them I said that I hated my parents for taking away such a precious game - a "must have" in the "who's who" of 3rd grade socialites - but in retrospect, I am glad that my parents did what they did. They taught me a valuable lesson that I will never forget - whining will never get you anywhere.
My fiasco with the Pokemon video represents the debacle that the surrounds the current BCS mess perfectly. For we the fans and the media are just like myself when I was younger - the ones yearning for the video game, or as I like to call it, a playoff system. We have the notion, just like I once did, that whining 24/7 would get you what you want, but in fact, it does anything but that. Whining exacerbates the once simple problem into something that it is not, and now that the BCS mess has been blown out of proportion, in my mind, there is no way that we will ever be able to recover. We all need to take a lesson from the textbooks of parenthood and realize that our constant whining and nagging will get us nowhere.
There are many reasons why we should keep or destroy the current BCS system, many reasons why we should preserve all of the bowl games, and many reasons for why every college football critic may have a dead wrong solution to the system.
First off, I like the the BCS point system - it creates a computer generated answer to dictate who is where in the nations rankings with no bias whatsoever. But by no means should it be the last element in deciding who are the two teams to play for, or who deserves the title of "Best Team in the Nation." The rankings and numbers are only based of numbers, and not the intangibles - the things that happen on the field, the emotions, the joy ride, and most importantly, the pressure. The point system should only exist for numerical and ranked based purposes only, not for deciding the best team in the nation, and cutting off the dreams of another well deserving school. In a dream world, I would like to see the national championship decided by a 8 game-playoff, where the rankings are decided by the BCS system. This allows the Boise States of the nation to sneak in there, if deservedly so, and really make a run. All the meanwhile, the NCAA would continue its other numerous bowl games for the schools that could never make it into the playoffs - allowing most college players their one last shot at victory.
But every rose has its thorn...
The problem with having a playoff system is that it would extend the football season at least 3 more weeks for the deserving and winning teams, and in case you didn't forget, the players are college students. It seems hard for me to imagine a student to be able to invest so much time in the game while taking so much time away from his studies at his respective university. Traveling wouldn't be by buses anymore, players and staff would have to travel cross country for games, and then travel away from school for weeks at a time. All this missed school can really add up and hurt a player's academic success. This all also adds up to extra stress and strained bodies as well, for the players would be going through a schedule almost as long as NFL franchises. I guess that won't work either...
The point I'm trying to make is that the BCS will never see a revolution in a long, long time. There is too much money invested in the bowl games, and the fact that ESPN just bought out a lot of those production rights, just makes this spectacular event, that much more insane. In my mind, the best way for us fans to lash back at the system, or "The Big Man", as I would like to call it, is simple. We must file simple, and orderly complaints through the schools and divisions of our favorite team, and not rant and whine on television or the radio. The talking heads on sports broadcasting stations deserve as much blame as the common fan, for our collective complaints add more fuel to the BCS fire... and that is just want they want us to do. The big shots for the BCS want to have all this news around their system, for in the end, it will only bring in more voters. I think that the only way we could really make a true effort and make a dent in this flawed system would be to boycott all the bowl games. Although it is impossible to create a nationwide revolution and have thousands or millions boycott, the hypothetical idea is one to consider. Just imagine what would happen if no one watched the televised games - sponsors would pull out knowing that they had no reason to air their advertisements, schools wouldn't reap in the benefits, and the BCS would loose all of its momentum and news coverage. Which in essence means that America needs to take a long hard look at what they are doing, quit whining, and listen to mommy and daddy.
The more time passes by, the more I miss, and yearn for, my elementary school days. Although I will never live the days of extended recess, fountain-like hand washing stations, and milk cartons ever again, my glory days [if you could call them that] can be related to a mess that all of us are complaining about each and every day.
During the fall of my third grade year at Frenchtown Elementary school - when Velcro sneakers were still cool and kickball was everyone's favorite sport - a number of fads emerged on the playground. Not only did Yo-Yo's and Beanie Babies take the school by storm, but so too did Pokemon. Well actually, Pokemon could be considered a tsunami in the tidal pool of 3rd grade culture. Pokemon cards and GameBoy games were so popular that a new rule had the be added to the school handbook that no child was allowed to carry around Pokemon cards at any time for fear of them taking away from the learning process. Before that, kids would bring in binders full of laminated Pokemon cards to lunch just so that they could show off the new cards they bought on eBay from some Japanese guy who lives in his mother's basement in California. Being the true economist that I always have been, I saw no value in a silly card, however when it came to the video game, I was all over it. The first generation of the Pokemon games for the GameBoy Color could not be topped back then, and I just had to get my hands on the first edition. So, like any other 8 year-old, I whined. I whined, and whined.... and whined some more. All in effort to snag this little video game. I whined until my throat hurt, I whined until my face was as red as a tomato. But I actually whined to no avail. My parents never bought me the game. Back them I said that I hated my parents for taking away such a precious game - a "must have" in the "who's who" of 3rd grade socialites - but in retrospect, I am glad that my parents did what they did. They taught me a valuable lesson that I will never forget - whining will never get you anywhere.
My fiasco with the Pokemon video represents the debacle that the surrounds the current BCS mess perfectly. For we the fans and the media are just like myself when I was younger - the ones yearning for the video game, or as I like to call it, a playoff system. We have the notion, just like I once did, that whining 24/7 would get you what you want, but in fact, it does anything but that. Whining exacerbates the once simple problem into something that it is not, and now that the BCS mess has been blown out of proportion, in my mind, there is no way that we will ever be able to recover. We all need to take a lesson from the textbooks of parenthood and realize that our constant whining and nagging will get us nowhere.
There are many reasons why we should keep or destroy the current BCS system, many reasons why we should preserve all of the bowl games, and many reasons for why every college football critic may have a dead wrong solution to the system.
First off, I like the the BCS point system - it creates a computer generated answer to dictate who is where in the nations rankings with no bias whatsoever. But by no means should it be the last element in deciding who are the two teams to play for, or who deserves the title of "Best Team in the Nation." The rankings and numbers are only based of numbers, and not the intangibles - the things that happen on the field, the emotions, the joy ride, and most importantly, the pressure. The point system should only exist for numerical and ranked based purposes only, not for deciding the best team in the nation, and cutting off the dreams of another well deserving school. In a dream world, I would like to see the national championship decided by a 8 game-playoff, where the rankings are decided by the BCS system. This allows the Boise States of the nation to sneak in there, if deservedly so, and really make a run. All the meanwhile, the NCAA would continue its other numerous bowl games for the schools that could never make it into the playoffs - allowing most college players their one last shot at victory.
But every rose has its thorn...
The problem with having a playoff system is that it would extend the football season at least 3 more weeks for the deserving and winning teams, and in case you didn't forget, the players are college students. It seems hard for me to imagine a student to be able to invest so much time in the game while taking so much time away from his studies at his respective university. Traveling wouldn't be by buses anymore, players and staff would have to travel cross country for games, and then travel away from school for weeks at a time. All this missed school can really add up and hurt a player's academic success. This all also adds up to extra stress and strained bodies as well, for the players would be going through a schedule almost as long as NFL franchises. I guess that won't work either...
The point I'm trying to make is that the BCS will never see a revolution in a long, long time. There is too much money invested in the bowl games, and the fact that ESPN just bought out a lot of those production rights, just makes this spectacular event, that much more insane. In my mind, the best way for us fans to lash back at the system, or "The Big Man", as I would like to call it, is simple. We must file simple, and orderly complaints through the schools and divisions of our favorite team, and not rant and whine on television or the radio. The talking heads on sports broadcasting stations deserve as much blame as the common fan, for our collective complaints add more fuel to the BCS fire... and that is just want they want us to do. The big shots for the BCS want to have all this news around their system, for in the end, it will only bring in more voters. I think that the only way we could really make a true effort and make a dent in this flawed system would be to boycott all the bowl games. Although it is impossible to create a nationwide revolution and have thousands or millions boycott, the hypothetical idea is one to consider. Just imagine what would happen if no one watched the televised games - sponsors would pull out knowing that they had no reason to air their advertisements, schools wouldn't reap in the benefits, and the BCS would loose all of its momentum and news coverage. Which in essence means that America needs to take a long hard look at what they are doing, quit whining, and listen to mommy and daddy.
Lighting the Wick of Sports
Welcome back to Varsity College. Class before we begin I would like everyone to introduce themselves to our newest student, Stephan Marbury. Stephan can you please stand up and tell us a little something about yourself? “Nah, I will just sit, I really don’t do too much, and there isn’t too much to know about me. I used to play basketball but now I sit on the bench and watch the game with a foul expression on my face. You know what? I really don’t want to be here right now so I’m just going to leave.” Great, thank you Stephan you are an inspiration to all. Well on that note I would also like to notify the class that Gregg Maddux has graduated. He will most likely be attending graduate school, seeing though he was one of my best students.
A Period
Lesson: Working your way up the depth charts
Two top ten quarterbacks on the same team? That sounds odd but next season that can become a reality. Matt Cassel has filled in unexpectedly well for the injured Tom Brady and the numbers he has been posting recently have made him a star in the NFL. What makes Matt Cassel a top 10 quarterback is his ability to play a primarily pass first offense. Last year with Tom Brady, the Patriots also had an effective ground attack with Laurence Maroney. Maroney allowed the Pats passing game to flourish due to his effectiveness on the ground, especially in third down situations. With Maroney on the injured reserve, Matt Cassel doesn’t have a go to option in the running back position. With Dante Stallworth gone, Wes Welker is now the Pat’s second option behind Randy Moss, which leaves Jabar Gaffney in the slot. What I’m getting at, is Matt Cassel has two viable options to pass two as opposed to Tom Brady who had a much stronger receiving core with Stallworth. 14 weeks into the season Cassel has posted a respectable 8-5 record with 2784 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 85.5. As a first year started these numbers are impressive and should improve within the next couple of seasons. With Tom Brady returning to the starting lineup next season, Matt Cassel will be thirsty for another starting job. Expect Cassel to sign with a team that is looking for a decent passer such as Kansas City or Detroit next season. Matt Cassel passes my class this week with an A- because a comeback victory against the Seahawks is unacceptable this last in the season. The Pats can’t afford to play close games in the middle of a playoff push.
B Period
Lesson: Inspiring others
Not too many people would have been able to tell you that last week was Jimmy V week. You should be ashamed of yourself if you don’t know who Jimmy Valvano was and why there is a week celebrating his accomplishments but most importantly his battle against cancer. Jimmy V was a phenomenal coach to say the least. He had 346 wins as a head coach, complemented by a national championship in 1983 and two conference championships in 1983 and 1987. Valvano’s accomplishments as a head coach are only a fraction of what makes him such a special sports figure. IN 1992 Valvano was diagnosed with cancer that had unfortunately spread over his entire body. Shortly before Jimmy died in 1993 he had the honor of hosting the ESPYs (a sports awards show sponsored by ESPN). During his speech the cameraman had signaled Valvano to finish his speech in 30 seconds. After seeing the signal Valvano replied “I have 30 more seconds, this guy wants me to finish in 30 more seconds. I have tumors all over my body and the last thing I need to worry about is how much time I have left for my speech.” By the end of Jimmy’s though provoking speech, the crowd was in tears and gave Valvano a standing ovation as he was being helped off stage. After his tragic death Jimmy V week began. Some of the best college basketball games are scheduled to play during Jimmy V week and ESPN also raises hundreds of thousands of dollars during Jimmy V week that will be donated to the Jimmy V foundation. Jimmy V will always have “A” in everyone’s grade book.
C Period
Lesson: Never trade away a prime point guard for a “has been”
Practice? Practice… come on we are talking about practice! Practice? Are you serious, practice? These are the lovely words of the Piston’s point guard, Allen Iverson. Without Chauncey Billups the Pistons are 7-8. Why did they trade for AI? No one knows and I have no answers. Allen Iverson has never played for a winning team other than his brief time with the Denver Nuggets. Although Iverson always puts up outstanding numbers he adds nothing to team chemistry. Before Billups was traded to the Nuggets, Detroit was one of very few teams in the NBA that had solid team chemistry. Now holding a mediocre record at 11-8 the Pistons playoff picture is looking much different than it did with Chauncey running the floor. After loosing three straight games, Allen Iverson fails this week of classes.
Homework:
1. After this past weekend (if you are a URI fan) write “Safety School” over and over on loose leaf paper until there is no more paper available.
2. If you are having trouble with your stroke ask Mr. Brocato for some jump shot advice.
3. Keep a close on the hot stove, it could be very interesting to see where all of the free agent closers will end up.
A Period
Lesson: Working your way up the depth charts
Two top ten quarterbacks on the same team? That sounds odd but next season that can become a reality. Matt Cassel has filled in unexpectedly well for the injured Tom Brady and the numbers he has been posting recently have made him a star in the NFL. What makes Matt Cassel a top 10 quarterback is his ability to play a primarily pass first offense. Last year with Tom Brady, the Patriots also had an effective ground attack with Laurence Maroney. Maroney allowed the Pats passing game to flourish due to his effectiveness on the ground, especially in third down situations. With Maroney on the injured reserve, Matt Cassel doesn’t have a go to option in the running back position. With Dante Stallworth gone, Wes Welker is now the Pat’s second option behind Randy Moss, which leaves Jabar Gaffney in the slot. What I’m getting at, is Matt Cassel has two viable options to pass two as opposed to Tom Brady who had a much stronger receiving core with Stallworth. 14 weeks into the season Cassel has posted a respectable 8-5 record with 2784 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 85.5. As a first year started these numbers are impressive and should improve within the next couple of seasons. With Tom Brady returning to the starting lineup next season, Matt Cassel will be thirsty for another starting job. Expect Cassel to sign with a team that is looking for a decent passer such as Kansas City or Detroit next season. Matt Cassel passes my class this week with an A- because a comeback victory against the Seahawks is unacceptable this last in the season. The Pats can’t afford to play close games in the middle of a playoff push.
B Period
Lesson: Inspiring others
Not too many people would have been able to tell you that last week was Jimmy V week. You should be ashamed of yourself if you don’t know who Jimmy Valvano was and why there is a week celebrating his accomplishments but most importantly his battle against cancer. Jimmy V was a phenomenal coach to say the least. He had 346 wins as a head coach, complemented by a national championship in 1983 and two conference championships in 1983 and 1987. Valvano’s accomplishments as a head coach are only a fraction of what makes him such a special sports figure. IN 1992 Valvano was diagnosed with cancer that had unfortunately spread over his entire body. Shortly before Jimmy died in 1993 he had the honor of hosting the ESPYs (a sports awards show sponsored by ESPN). During his speech the cameraman had signaled Valvano to finish his speech in 30 seconds. After seeing the signal Valvano replied “I have 30 more seconds, this guy wants me to finish in 30 more seconds. I have tumors all over my body and the last thing I need to worry about is how much time I have left for my speech.” By the end of Jimmy’s though provoking speech, the crowd was in tears and gave Valvano a standing ovation as he was being helped off stage. After his tragic death Jimmy V week began. Some of the best college basketball games are scheduled to play during Jimmy V week and ESPN also raises hundreds of thousands of dollars during Jimmy V week that will be donated to the Jimmy V foundation. Jimmy V will always have “A” in everyone’s grade book.
C Period
Lesson: Never trade away a prime point guard for a “has been”
Practice? Practice… come on we are talking about practice! Practice? Are you serious, practice? These are the lovely words of the Piston’s point guard, Allen Iverson. Without Chauncey Billups the Pistons are 7-8. Why did they trade for AI? No one knows and I have no answers. Allen Iverson has never played for a winning team other than his brief time with the Denver Nuggets. Although Iverson always puts up outstanding numbers he adds nothing to team chemistry. Before Billups was traded to the Nuggets, Detroit was one of very few teams in the NBA that had solid team chemistry. Now holding a mediocre record at 11-8 the Pistons playoff picture is looking much different than it did with Chauncey running the floor. After loosing three straight games, Allen Iverson fails this week of classes.
Homework:
1. After this past weekend (if you are a URI fan) write “Safety School” over and over on loose leaf paper until there is no more paper available.
2. If you are having trouble with your stroke ask Mr. Brocato for some jump shot advice.
3. Keep a close on the hot stove, it could be very interesting to see where all of the free agent closers will end up.
Hidden Answers
The answers for all the questions that everybody asks but nobody knows
The Question
Is chess considered a sport? If is, why?
The Answer
For see if chess can be considered a sport we need to look at the definition of the word “sport” first, well the dictionary says that is an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature. As I recall, chess can be a competitive activity, such as in championships, and that is a necessary condition but not sufficient to be considered a sport.
Chess is clearly not an activity that requires physical exercises , a computer can easily play chess, and the only physical activity that you do is sit, and move your arm. But, is not necessary in that way, chess matches can take hours, even days sometimes, and, the person who is in better physical condition I has more chances to win the match.
Also move the wood or plastic knight, peon, queen, or any other chess pieces is not actually part of the game, sometimes you even move by a click of the mouse on your computer. What actually counts is the production of the move, is what happens after the move. You could say to a computer or other person move the piece for you, you just say where you what put it and it is okay.
I mean, what really counts is not how you made a move, it is how you could think about doing this, how this will influence your opponent's move, what was your move, and how you make your strategy to win the game. On football, for example, is important to make a strategy too, but it is not important the way that you made this strategy, the important is the way that you made your move to make a touchdown, what is important is how you do it, and not why you do it as in chess.
When chess is been playing just for fun, it is considered a game. That makes sense because chess requires all what is necessary to be a game, as its definition says: a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.
But when there is a competition on chess, like on the Olympic games it is considered a sport, actually just the International Olympic Committee considers chess a sport. Even them are now thinking twice about consider it a sport. The definition of chess says clearly that is a game: “a game played by two persons, each with 16 pieces, on a chessboard”.
“There is the odd country where there’s some lingering doubt whether chess is art or sport. Quite clearly it is a sport.” said Viswanathan Anand, the number one-ranked chess player in the world. Well, apparently it is not a sport. It is clear that a sport requires physical activity such as in soccer, football, and volley, for example. You need to have your body and mind connected and in good condition to perform those sports and you have to think on the preset, in what is happening right now on the game, not as in chess where you just need have your mind focused on the future, to predict what will be your opponent move.
by Eduardo Watzko 12-07-08
The Question
Is chess considered a sport? If is, why?
The Answer
For see if chess can be considered a sport we need to look at the definition of the word “sport” first, well the dictionary says that is an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature. As I recall, chess can be a competitive activity, such as in championships, and that is a necessary condition but not sufficient to be considered a sport.
Chess is clearly not an activity that requires physical exercises , a computer can easily play chess, and the only physical activity that you do is sit, and move your arm. But, is not necessary in that way, chess matches can take hours, even days sometimes, and, the person who is in better physical condition I has more chances to win the match.
Also move the wood or plastic knight, peon, queen, or any other chess pieces is not actually part of the game, sometimes you even move by a click of the mouse on your computer. What actually counts is the production of the move, is what happens after the move. You could say to a computer or other person move the piece for you, you just say where you what put it and it is okay.
I mean, what really counts is not how you made a move, it is how you could think about doing this, how this will influence your opponent's move, what was your move, and how you make your strategy to win the game. On football, for example, is important to make a strategy too, but it is not important the way that you made this strategy, the important is the way that you made your move to make a touchdown, what is important is how you do it, and not why you do it as in chess.
When chess is been playing just for fun, it is considered a game. That makes sense because chess requires all what is necessary to be a game, as its definition says: a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.
But when there is a competition on chess, like on the Olympic games it is considered a sport, actually just the International Olympic Committee considers chess a sport. Even them are now thinking twice about consider it a sport. The definition of chess says clearly that is a game: “a game played by two persons, each with 16 pieces, on a chessboard”.
“There is the odd country where there’s some lingering doubt whether chess is art or sport. Quite clearly it is a sport.” said Viswanathan Anand, the number one-ranked chess player in the world. Well, apparently it is not a sport. It is clear that a sport requires physical activity such as in soccer, football, and volley, for example. You need to have your body and mind connected and in good condition to perform those sports and you have to think on the preset, in what is happening right now on the game, not as in chess where you just need have your mind focused on the future, to predict what will be your opponent move.
by Eduardo Watzko 12-07-08
O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson was finally on trail on Friday for his latest crime that will give the 61 year old i minimum of nine years and a maximum of 33 years in prison. O.J is charged with 12 criminal charges including kidnapping ans armed robbery. O.J. says he and his crew were trying to get back items of his he says were stolen but that is no excuse for what he did. He went way over the edge for a few sports memorabilia and other mementos.
The judge said several times that her sentence had nothing to do with his past case in 1995 about killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ronald Goldman. She did this because lots people think it is part of the case some people happy about it and some not so happy. Lots of people feel that O.J sentence would be shorter if it wasn't for the 1995 trial. But at the same time lots of people would be happy if it played a role in his sentence like Fred and Kim Goldman who have been waiting a long time to see O.J in prison.
I wasn't paying attention to things like O.J's case in 1995 so i have no feelings toward the matter. I do pay attention to problems in are society these days though and i feel like O.J deserves every year he gets in prison for being so stupid and money hungry because he blew his huge fortune.
O.J. Simpson was a great football player one of the best of all time but he is also a person with a lot of problems. O.J. Simpson had a great NFL career with no problems but i don't know if it was boredom or him being crazy or a money problem but in 1995 he might have killed his wife and her friend. O.J. made millions playing football but because he was young and no one was telling him how to use his money he spent more money each day then people would hope to make in ten years. After years of throwing away money he became bankrupt and sold lots of his possessions to make some money. But he decided he wanted these items that he says were stolen back and made a stupid decision to kidnap, rob, and 10 other crimes to get them back and now the 61 year old will be sitting in a jail cell for 9 year to the rest of his life.
The judge said several times that her sentence had nothing to do with his past case in 1995 about killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ronald Goldman. She did this because lots people think it is part of the case some people happy about it and some not so happy. Lots of people feel that O.J sentence would be shorter if it wasn't for the 1995 trial. But at the same time lots of people would be happy if it played a role in his sentence like Fred and Kim Goldman who have been waiting a long time to see O.J in prison.
I wasn't paying attention to things like O.J's case in 1995 so i have no feelings toward the matter. I do pay attention to problems in are society these days though and i feel like O.J deserves every year he gets in prison for being so stupid and money hungry because he blew his huge fortune.
O.J. Simpson was a great football player one of the best of all time but he is also a person with a lot of problems. O.J. Simpson had a great NFL career with no problems but i don't know if it was boredom or him being crazy or a money problem but in 1995 he might have killed his wife and her friend. O.J. made millions playing football but because he was young and no one was telling him how to use his money he spent more money each day then people would hope to make in ten years. After years of throwing away money he became bankrupt and sold lots of his possessions to make some money. But he decided he wanted these items that he says were stolen back and made a stupid decision to kidnap, rob, and 10 other crimes to get them back and now the 61 year old will be sitting in a jail cell for 9 year to the rest of his life.
By The Numbers
1:1,000,000 – Chances that free agent C.C. Sabathia will end up with the Boston Red Sox next season. Although the addition of Sabathia would make the Red Sox rotation so good it’d be illegal in 20 states, there are just too many factors that contribute to him not wearing a Sox jersey next season. Mainly the fact that the 6’9”, 290 pound pitcher from California wants to stay on the west coast is the issue, but the fact that Theo Epstein doesn’t like offering big contracts to pitchers doesn’t help either. Especially that Sabathia is not too enthused by the 6 year $140 million dollar contract offered by the Yankees.
3 – The number of players in MLB history to win the Rookie of the year award, and then the Most Valuable Player award the next. Cal Ripken Jr. did so, winning the Rookie of the year award in 1982, and then MVP in 1983. Then Ryan Howard winning the RoY in 2005, and league MVP in 2006. Finally, just this past month, Dustin Pedroia became the third winning the best fresh meat award last season (2007), and winning the league’s best this year. Although Pedroia did this with a Gold Glove award as well, and at the age of 25 (although he looks 55) he has an extremely bright future ahead of him.
7 – The number of touchdowns that the previously crowned “touchdown champion” has this season after 13 games. LaDainian Tomlinson broke the record for touchdowns in a season by a running back just two seasons ago, and had an “off year” for LT last season with 15 touchdowns and 1400 yards. After being hyped yet again as the league’s best, being taken first in thousands of fantasy drafts, and being considered as the one to dethrone Emmitt Smith atop the career rushing yards list, LT battled through injuries and has had his least productive season yet. His numbers this season are all career lows (including his rookie year) from total rushes, to yards per game. Is Tomlinson on his way out already?
62 – The again humiliating amount of points that the Oklahoma Sooners put up against the once BCS considered Missouri Tigers. Including their loss to Texas, the Sooner offense hasn’t put up less than 35 points this season, and average 54 points per game. They also have scored 60 or more points the past five games. For those who doubt the Sooners talent and National Title chances after the Texas loss, they also average only 24 points against them, giving them an average 30 point margin of victory. With Sam Bradford and his Heisman hopeful arm leading the way, the Sooners should be able to squeeze into the Title game against the SEC champion Gators, creating quite the controversy due to the fact the Texas Longhorns won’t play against the Gators after they handed the Sooners their only loss earlier this season.
5,160 – The weekly Drew Brees update: after a “disappointing” 296 yard game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, Drew Brees has lost some of the steam he had going earlier this season. Although he is still on track to break Marino’s 5,084 mark, Brees has dropped 42 yards from his estimated number last week. Another story to look at is Kurt Warner’s number of 4,988 yards after a 235 yard game last week, his worst since week 3. Drew Brees however should easily be able to pass Marino with Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Carolina left, two of which are in the bottom for passing yards allowed, and one of which guarantee a 500 yard game.
18,500,000 – The contract given to shortstop Edgar Renteria of $18.5 million over 2 years. As a desperate team, it seems the Giants are just throwing away money to do whatever they can to win more games. Renteria has been a shaky story in the baseball world ever since his big year in 2003 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Renteria has been on four teams in the past five years, and in those five years hasn’t been the hitter he was once believed to be. In St. Louis, he was a young, athletic shortstop who could hit over .300, around 15 homeruns, and steal around 30 or more bases. However, since leaving the Cardinals, he’s hit over .300 only once, and hasn’t had more than 17 stolen bases. With Renteria at the age of 33, it is understandable that he would receive a 2 year deal, but for $18.5 million? Are the Giants that desperate? Well, yes they are, but they could’ve put that money to much better use. As a comparison to those who do not know much of MLB contracts, Renteria’s $8 million (roughly) that he will make this upcoming season, is (again, roughly) $2.5 million more than shortstop Hanley Ramirez will make, and $2.25 more then Jose Reyes will be making this upcoming season. Both of these shortstops are much more productive offensively, and are 8 and 7 years younger respectively. These two are clearly much better and prove that the Giants could have really done better with this money. Maybe they should have used it to buy Barry Bonds out of trouble and get him back in a Giants uniform.
3 – The number of players in MLB history to win the Rookie of the year award, and then the Most Valuable Player award the next. Cal Ripken Jr. did so, winning the Rookie of the year award in 1982, and then MVP in 1983. Then Ryan Howard winning the RoY in 2005, and league MVP in 2006. Finally, just this past month, Dustin Pedroia became the third winning the best fresh meat award last season (2007), and winning the league’s best this year. Although Pedroia did this with a Gold Glove award as well, and at the age of 25 (although he looks 55) he has an extremely bright future ahead of him.
7 – The number of touchdowns that the previously crowned “touchdown champion” has this season after 13 games. LaDainian Tomlinson broke the record for touchdowns in a season by a running back just two seasons ago, and had an “off year” for LT last season with 15 touchdowns and 1400 yards. After being hyped yet again as the league’s best, being taken first in thousands of fantasy drafts, and being considered as the one to dethrone Emmitt Smith atop the career rushing yards list, LT battled through injuries and has had his least productive season yet. His numbers this season are all career lows (including his rookie year) from total rushes, to yards per game. Is Tomlinson on his way out already?
62 – The again humiliating amount of points that the Oklahoma Sooners put up against the once BCS considered Missouri Tigers. Including their loss to Texas, the Sooner offense hasn’t put up less than 35 points this season, and average 54 points per game. They also have scored 60 or more points the past five games. For those who doubt the Sooners talent and National Title chances after the Texas loss, they also average only 24 points against them, giving them an average 30 point margin of victory. With Sam Bradford and his Heisman hopeful arm leading the way, the Sooners should be able to squeeze into the Title game against the SEC champion Gators, creating quite the controversy due to the fact the Texas Longhorns won’t play against the Gators after they handed the Sooners their only loss earlier this season.
5,160 – The weekly Drew Brees update: after a “disappointing” 296 yard game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, Drew Brees has lost some of the steam he had going earlier this season. Although he is still on track to break Marino’s 5,084 mark, Brees has dropped 42 yards from his estimated number last week. Another story to look at is Kurt Warner’s number of 4,988 yards after a 235 yard game last week, his worst since week 3. Drew Brees however should easily be able to pass Marino with Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Carolina left, two of which are in the bottom for passing yards allowed, and one of which guarantee a 500 yard game.
18,500,000 – The contract given to shortstop Edgar Renteria of $18.5 million over 2 years. As a desperate team, it seems the Giants are just throwing away money to do whatever they can to win more games. Renteria has been a shaky story in the baseball world ever since his big year in 2003 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Renteria has been on four teams in the past five years, and in those five years hasn’t been the hitter he was once believed to be. In St. Louis, he was a young, athletic shortstop who could hit over .300, around 15 homeruns, and steal around 30 or more bases. However, since leaving the Cardinals, he’s hit over .300 only once, and hasn’t had more than 17 stolen bases. With Renteria at the age of 33, it is understandable that he would receive a 2 year deal, but for $18.5 million? Are the Giants that desperate? Well, yes they are, but they could’ve put that money to much better use. As a comparison to those who do not know much of MLB contracts, Renteria’s $8 million (roughly) that he will make this upcoming season, is (again, roughly) $2.5 million more than shortstop Hanley Ramirez will make, and $2.25 more then Jose Reyes will be making this upcoming season. Both of these shortstops are much more productive offensively, and are 8 and 7 years younger respectively. These two are clearly much better and prove that the Giants could have really done better with this money. Maybe they should have used it to buy Barry Bonds out of trouble and get him back in a Giants uniform.
PC-URI, Plaxico Burress, David Ortiz and OJ Top This Week's Four Quarters
Quarter I: PC-URI needs to become a two game a year rivalry
This weekend marks another chapter in the local basketball rivalry. Surely its not the Tobacco road rivalry but there is something special to the one game a year that PC plays URI. If these two teams played in the same conference, they would ideally play twice a year once in each’s home court. Unfortunately these two only play once a year and to me that needs to change. A second PC-Rhody game would be beneficial in many ways. First, it would enhance the bottom lines of each of the schools. The PC- Rhody game always sells out bringing enhanced ticket revenue and concession sales to the teams involved. Adding a second PC-URI game would give each of these schools more revenue then any of the buy games that each of these schools currently play. Next, a second game would provide a stronger schedule for each of these teams. For both teams a second game would provide each team with a significant road test that will help each team’s computer numbers, which are especially important in March. Even more beneficial is the fact that neither of these teams will have to travel far to have this significant road test. The schools will argue that a second game between the two will make each’s schedule too difficult. However, what the schools don’t realize is that this game sparks interest in college basketball in this state and excites college basketball fans locally. I’m sorry if this takes away a game against Eastern-Western Mississippi State but its better for everyone and if by some chance one of the school’s is having a down year the other school will get a easy W. All in all a second PC-URI will provide a better fan experience and be mutually advantages for both schools. What more could one ask for?
Quarter II: Plaxico Burress Tops This Week's Worst Persons
3 Glen Davis, Boston Celtics for his childish temper tantrum at the end of the Friday nights game against Portland. Look Big Baby, I know you were upset. The fact that you were frustrated says that you care and that you are willing to get better. It is just that you need to handle your feelings in a more appropriate fashion
2. Sean Avery, Dallas Stars for his disgusting remark about his former girlfriends before his game in Calgary last weekend. Sean, have fun with your six-game suspension and when you get back why not clean up the Dallas Zoo you have helped create in the Stars’s locker room.
1. Plaxico Burress for his stupidity in a nightclub last week. This is perhaps the easiest worst person yet. Not only to do shoot yourself in a nightclub but you commit a felony but not registering to have a concealed weapon. Wait this gets better. You now have dragged your teams All-Pro Linebacker into this putting him into serious trouble. Plax, you have created a distraction in the locker-room while weakening your team in the process. Congratulations. Plaxico Burress, this week’s worst person in the world.
Quarter III: David Ortiz Tops This Week’s Best Persons
3. Greg Maddux for announcing his retirement. This is more of good luck recognition but it says something when you can reinvent your self like Maddux did and still pitch well into your 40s.
2. Matt Ryan. Atlanta Falcons for being named ESPN’s next athlete. Matt, you have an excellent season so far. Hope the pressure doesn’t get to you as you continue to lead the Falcons to places they never though possible.
1. David Ortiz. Boston Red Sox for announcing that he will hold a charity gold tournament in the off-season to raise money for heart patients. It’s always good to see athletes willing to give back to their communities that have supported them so well. David Ortiz is true example of what we want our athletes to be. David Ortiz, this week’s best person in the world.
Quarter IV: Game of the Week: Alabama - Florida
Number one versus number two and this isn’t even the BCS championship. Alabama had been undefeated all year long but with the exception of their win last week against Auburn had been showing some cracks in the armor. Florida had an early season loss but led by Tim Tebow had been playing some of their best football down the stretch. The game lived up to its billing as a tough hard fought contest. Bama led by three points when Tim Tebow took over. Leading Florida down the field, his hand off to running back Jeff Demps gave Florida a 24-20 lead that would not be relinquished. Tebow iced the game with his third touchdown pass later in the game leading Florida to a possible bid in the BCS championship game.
Overtime: 10 Random Pieces of Sports Knowledge
10. A judge blocked the suspensions of five NFL players this week.
9. Sam Mitchell is the third NBA coach to be fired this season.
8. ARod will play for the Dominican Republic in next spring’s World Baseball Classic
7. Oklahoma clinched the Big 12 title with its dominant win over Missouri
6. The Giants continue their free agent makeover with the signing of Edgar Renteria
5. The Knicks are the NBA’s most valuable franchise
4. This week is championship week for college football, as numerous conferences will crown their conference champions
3. Buffalo ruined Ball State’s dream season with its upset victory Friday night
2. Barry Melrose has returned to ESPN after his losing his job with the Tampa Bay Lightening
1. The Celtics have won 11 straight games
Double Overtime: OJ’s sentence long overdue
Rather than throw this in with worst persons. I felt that OJ deserved his own special column. Simpson was sentenced to a minimum of nine years after being convicted for armed robbery. Simpson claimed that the items he was trying to get were his own but it was clear the evidence proved otherwise. Simpson drew a gun upon the victims and some accounts said that someone might have been shot. OJ if something was stolen from you, take it up with the police like mature responsible people do. It would have kept you out of this mess. I don’t buy OJ’s argument. His side of the story is yet another attempt to skirt the law just as he put all of his money into his houses in Florida to avoid paying his civil settlement many years ago. All in all, it seems the law has finally caught up to OJ Simpson: a man who had so much yet threw it all away with several stupid decisions.
This weekend marks another chapter in the local basketball rivalry. Surely its not the Tobacco road rivalry but there is something special to the one game a year that PC plays URI. If these two teams played in the same conference, they would ideally play twice a year once in each’s home court. Unfortunately these two only play once a year and to me that needs to change. A second PC-Rhody game would be beneficial in many ways. First, it would enhance the bottom lines of each of the schools. The PC- Rhody game always sells out bringing enhanced ticket revenue and concession sales to the teams involved. Adding a second PC-URI game would give each of these schools more revenue then any of the buy games that each of these schools currently play. Next, a second game would provide a stronger schedule for each of these teams. For both teams a second game would provide each team with a significant road test that will help each team’s computer numbers, which are especially important in March. Even more beneficial is the fact that neither of these teams will have to travel far to have this significant road test. The schools will argue that a second game between the two will make each’s schedule too difficult. However, what the schools don’t realize is that this game sparks interest in college basketball in this state and excites college basketball fans locally. I’m sorry if this takes away a game against Eastern-Western Mississippi State but its better for everyone and if by some chance one of the school’s is having a down year the other school will get a easy W. All in all a second PC-URI will provide a better fan experience and be mutually advantages for both schools. What more could one ask for?
Quarter II: Plaxico Burress Tops This Week's Worst Persons
3 Glen Davis, Boston Celtics for his childish temper tantrum at the end of the Friday nights game against Portland. Look Big Baby, I know you were upset. The fact that you were frustrated says that you care and that you are willing to get better. It is just that you need to handle your feelings in a more appropriate fashion
2. Sean Avery, Dallas Stars for his disgusting remark about his former girlfriends before his game in Calgary last weekend. Sean, have fun with your six-game suspension and when you get back why not clean up the Dallas Zoo you have helped create in the Stars’s locker room.
1. Plaxico Burress for his stupidity in a nightclub last week. This is perhaps the easiest worst person yet. Not only to do shoot yourself in a nightclub but you commit a felony but not registering to have a concealed weapon. Wait this gets better. You now have dragged your teams All-Pro Linebacker into this putting him into serious trouble. Plax, you have created a distraction in the locker-room while weakening your team in the process. Congratulations. Plaxico Burress, this week’s worst person in the world.
Quarter III: David Ortiz Tops This Week’s Best Persons
3. Greg Maddux for announcing his retirement. This is more of good luck recognition but it says something when you can reinvent your self like Maddux did and still pitch well into your 40s.
2. Matt Ryan. Atlanta Falcons for being named ESPN’s next athlete. Matt, you have an excellent season so far. Hope the pressure doesn’t get to you as you continue to lead the Falcons to places they never though possible.
1. David Ortiz. Boston Red Sox for announcing that he will hold a charity gold tournament in the off-season to raise money for heart patients. It’s always good to see athletes willing to give back to their communities that have supported them so well. David Ortiz is true example of what we want our athletes to be. David Ortiz, this week’s best person in the world.
Quarter IV: Game of the Week: Alabama - Florida
Number one versus number two and this isn’t even the BCS championship. Alabama had been undefeated all year long but with the exception of their win last week against Auburn had been showing some cracks in the armor. Florida had an early season loss but led by Tim Tebow had been playing some of their best football down the stretch. The game lived up to its billing as a tough hard fought contest. Bama led by three points when Tim Tebow took over. Leading Florida down the field, his hand off to running back Jeff Demps gave Florida a 24-20 lead that would not be relinquished. Tebow iced the game with his third touchdown pass later in the game leading Florida to a possible bid in the BCS championship game.
Overtime: 10 Random Pieces of Sports Knowledge
10. A judge blocked the suspensions of five NFL players this week.
9. Sam Mitchell is the third NBA coach to be fired this season.
8. ARod will play for the Dominican Republic in next spring’s World Baseball Classic
7. Oklahoma clinched the Big 12 title with its dominant win over Missouri
6. The Giants continue their free agent makeover with the signing of Edgar Renteria
5. The Knicks are the NBA’s most valuable franchise
4. This week is championship week for college football, as numerous conferences will crown their conference champions
3. Buffalo ruined Ball State’s dream season with its upset victory Friday night
2. Barry Melrose has returned to ESPN after his losing his job with the Tampa Bay Lightening
1. The Celtics have won 11 straight games
Double Overtime: OJ’s sentence long overdue
Rather than throw this in with worst persons. I felt that OJ deserved his own special column. Simpson was sentenced to a minimum of nine years after being convicted for armed robbery. Simpson claimed that the items he was trying to get were his own but it was clear the evidence proved otherwise. Simpson drew a gun upon the victims and some accounts said that someone might have been shot. OJ if something was stolen from you, take it up with the police like mature responsible people do. It would have kept you out of this mess. I don’t buy OJ’s argument. His side of the story is yet another attempt to skirt the law just as he put all of his money into his houses in Florida to avoid paying his civil settlement many years ago. All in all, it seems the law has finally caught up to OJ Simpson: a man who had so much yet threw it all away with several stupid decisions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)