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.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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.
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