Butler in the Final 4 Reminds Me of a Movie

Great drinking games can be played this time of year.  For example this week while watching Butler highlights drink everytime sportscaster says, "The Butler did It!" You would have been in a drunken coma by now.  God enough already I get it!   Also, how many more freakin' "Hoosiers" references do we need to be subjected to with the Butler Bulldogs?  A great, but dangerous Final 4 drinking game for Saturday night is to drink every time the game announcers mention Hinkle Fieldhouse was the gym in "Hoosiers".  Hell just drink when you hear the word Hoosiers.  You will be plastered before halftime of game one.  Also, drink everytime CBS gets in a Masters Promo (and notice how Jim Nantz's voice changes to a whisper) the entire country will be hung over Easter Sunday.

Ok enough of me reliving my College Days at ODU.  Let me instead be the guy who craps on everyone else's fun...because dammit that's what I do best.  FACT:  Preseason AP College Basketball Polls had Michigan State #2, Duke #8, West Virginia #9, and Butler #11.  Hardly off the radar, not even close to George Mason (plus I understand kids at Butler actually live on campus), who was an 11 seed in their region when they crashed the party in 2006. Much like GMU the guys from Butler did it (drink) by knocking off some heavy weights.  They took out No. 1 seed Syracuse and No. 2 Kansas State on the way back home.

This is not a Duke draw by any means. That's right I went there. There is no coincidence that the Blue Devils are the lone #1 standing. They had by far the easiest draw of all number 1's and not to mention playing 8 on 5 is a huge advantage!  (I put that in there for the Terps and Tar Heels fans)  Get over it Duke is back and no they are not one of those great Duke teams of the past.  However, they are capable of beating anyone in this watered down year of College Hoops. They play hard every game and YES are as well coached as anyone still playing. 

Since we are talking Duke, that reminds me another great drinking game... slam one everytime the announcers say, "This might be Coach K's finest coaching job yet!"  or for you Michigan State Fans, "Tom Izzo is great friends with Steve Marrucci", when are those two going to come out of the closet?  WE all can see what is really going on there!  For West Virginia fans ...well shit never mind you are West Virginia Fans you will already be sloppy anyway.  Enjoy burning the furniture. 

Back to Butler/Hickory high comparisons, yes they are just down the road from Indianapolis, yes they are a small school in a smaller conference, yes they play in the Gym that was in "Hoosiers", yes they have lots and lots of white kids on the team, but no they are not a real life version of the movie or a even a Cinderella team (another "overused" cliche this time of year).  They are a program that has been knocking on the door for several seasons a midwest version of Gonzaga except with a Final 4 appearance on the resume now.  Ok, if we must have a Hollywood type reference to Butler, how about this one there coach Brad Stevens has won has won more games (89) than any major college coach at his age, which I think is 17.  He is the real life Doogie Howser of the College Coaching ranks. 

Be Careful What You Wish For Philadelphia Fans

The Eagles are reportedly considering trading franchise QB Donovan McNabb, if they can get a draft pick in the top 42 in April's draft.  McNabb has been one of the most productive quarterbacks over his career. He owns pretty much ever Eagle record as a QB and also is part of some NFL history too:

-Least-intercepted quarterback per pass attempt of all time, (4588 attempts-96 interceptions, 2.09%)

-Second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio of all time, (209-96, 2.18) behind Tom Brady (217-92, 2.36)
-First NFL Quarterback ever to throw for more than 30 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions (2004)
-One of six quarterbacks of all time to have over 25,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards (alongside Randall Cunningham, Steve Young, Fran Tarkenton, Steve McNair, and John Elway)
-Currently the third-highest winning percentage among active quarterbacks (83-45-1, .647) behind Peyton Manning (119-59-0, .669) and Tom Brady (88-25-0, .779)

What fan base in their right mind would not want that from the QB position?  PHILADELPHIA (Maybe not the entire fan base just a Very vocal minority), the city of brotherly love only cares about one number.  That number is 0 as in Super Bowl Championships McNabb has won.  Don't bother telling them Ron Jaworski never won a Super Bowl either or that greats like Dan Marino, Dan Fouts, Fran Tarkenton, and Sonny Jurgenson (who Philly traded to the Skins and for that we thank you) are in the same boat.  No, no, they just want someone else at the position because Donovan can't win the big one.  So get one of the Detmer's, Jeff Garcia, Michael Vick (please), or Kevin Kolb under center. I think I speak for Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys, when I say, please trade the guy out of the NFC East. 

Well.... that wish may soon become a reality and the McNabb haters (some are in my family by marriage only) can see how the other side has been living. It should be pointed out McNabb has never had a workhorse running back (sorry Westbrook is no workhorse) behind him or a Pro Bowl WR outside of Terrell Owens short stint and DeSean Jackson for just the last two seasons, but why bother rationalizing with an irrational group.  Get rid of the bum! Sure, McNabb and the Eagles have been the picture of consistency in a day and age where the NFL is all about parity.  The Redskins have gone through thousands of QBs since McNabb arrived in Philly and let us not forget that arrival.  Eagles fans loudly booing the pick and the Philly Mayor Ed Rendell (now PA Governer) ripping the pick b/c they all wanted Ricky "I quit football because I had to get High" Williams.  What did you expect from the City that Booed and threw snowballs at Sant Claus.  

Redskins Coach Will Be Better for Meeting Tim Tebow

The Redskins could be poised to have a Super season now that head Coach Mike Shanahan scouted Tim Tebow on Saturday and if you believe Fox play by play man Thom Brennaman's assessment of those that are touched by the former Gator Savior. "If you're fortunate to spend 5 or 20 minutes around Tim Tebow, you're better for it," said Brennaman as fans across the country not associated with the 700 Club or the Gators collectively vomited.

The news Skins Coach giving a glowing review himself, "I like everything about him," and added "If you can't root for a guy like Tebow, man, you don't like your [own] kids." He later said if you don't root for Tebow you support Osama Bin Laden. It should be pointed out in the early '80s Shanahan was the Florida Gators Offensive Coordinator, long before the birth of Gainesville's Savoir. Shanahan was also a candidate to replace the "Old Ball Coach", Steve Spurrier, when he left. So Shanahan is a Gator in many ways, maybe that's why he made a crazy statement like this:

"When Phillip Rivers came out, everybody said he didn't have the perfect throwing motion, the perfect release. At least in my opinion, [Rivers'] is one of the best in the business; he's in the top three or four," Shanahan said. "Sometimes you've got to be able to play the game. You can dissect everybody's game, but the bottom line is how he plays and how he gets it done."

Maybe Shanahan was too busy on Saturday's to watch Rivers play College Football at NC State. Rivers played in an NFL style offense and put up big passing yardage numbers, 13,484 for his career to Tebow's 9,285, which is respectable considering it was in Urban Meyer's College Offense. However, Tebow often threw short screens to "burners" like Percy Harvin, who could go the distance at anytime. So that's probably a bit of a stretch, but this is the time of year Coaches and General Managers lie for a living.

I like Shanahan and think this has been the best off-season in the Dan Snyder era for the Redskins. The used the uncapped year to dump bad contracts. I even like the way he's handling the QB situation with Jason Campbell, not guaranteeing him anything, but also not discounting him. I like Campbell and think he has had a tough go of it in DC b/c of things beyond his control, but why should QB's be treated differently than any other profession? I have never understood that. These are supposed to be the leaders and smart guys on the team, right?  Yet, Coaches torture kickers and they are clearly the most fragile species known to man. (By the way, how about the new Post Season OT rules, which pretty much mean kickers will soon be the way of the T-Rex in a few more seasons)

I have no idea who the Redskins will ultimately have under center come September, Campbell, Rex Grossman, a rookie (Bradford, Clausen, or McCoy), or the Savoir himself Tebow.  However, I do know  the leadership from the sideline up to the front office is much better without Snyderato calling the shots. The is a clear plan of attack and a formula for getting it there.  Plus Shanahan has already made the franchise better by just scouting Tim Tebow. 

Next Episode of LOST: The Wizards '09-10 Season

When players with first round talent fall into the second round that is usually a red flag there is some serious baggage. In the case of Wizards Forward Andray Blatche that certainly appears to be the case. The latest episode came during the lose the Charlotte Bobcats when he was taken out in the first quarter for dogging it on defense, refusing to discuss the matter with his coach, ignoring assistants who tried to talk to him, and sneaking out of the locker room before the media arrived. Now Blatche says his Coach Flip Saunders a liar.  He wants an apology.  Please read Dan Steinberg's bog today from an interview with Blatche on 1067 The Fan's Mike Wise Show. 

 http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/03/andray_blatche_disputes_flip_s.html

Now maybe if this was another player I would be more willing to listen to their version of the story, but  Blatche's track record speaks for itself. He had issues with former Coach Eddie Jordan, interim Coach Ed Tapscott, and now Flip Saunders. Three in a row and three very different coaches. He is a player that has shown flashes of brilliance on the floor, many flashes of stupidity off the floor, and also a work ethic that has been lacking. Maybe some reflection is needed?  I mean who is the common denominator in all these stories?

A lot of this smells like a more talented version of Kwame Brown.  Remember he had an excuse or a coach to blame at every turn. He's been all over the league and still dealing with the same issues and lack of production. Of course in Kwame's defense he never got busted trying to pick up a DC street hooker/undercover vice cop.  I mean that was the moment the Wizards should have been worried about Blatche.  What guy in the NBA can't find some action on his own?  Again speaks of the poor work etchic. 

This is a team that has lost 12-straight and an alleged building block basically quits on his team in the middle of the game. In a season that was LOST months ago why deal with DIVAS?  Speaking of LOST last nights episode confirmed my theory all along that the island was in fact hell, which for some strange reason reminds me of the Wizards season.  The play on the court and drama of it has felt that way to the fan base.  So dump the bad apples and keep playing the effort guys and pray the ping pong balls bounce your way, John Wall is Our Savior! 

Memo to NJ Nets: The Customer is Always Right

How sucky are the New Jersey Nets (7-63) this year? The Washington Wizards have 3 times more wins (21-47)!  That is some pretty awful basketball. The only thing worse in East Rutherford is the air quality.  So it should come as no surprise that the few fans that still bother to call themselves fans of this sorry franchise are not happy people. Some have even resorted to wearing paper bags over their head to games.  That's rough, but at least they still are bothering to show up to the games, right?

Well apparently CEO Brett Yormark does not appreciate the effort. Below is an account from ESPN.com.

Yormark reportedly shouted match with a fan wearing a paper bag over his head on Monday evening.  Yormark left his courtside seat at the IZOD Center late in the second half of New Jersey's 99-89 loss to the Miami Heat. Yormark then doubled back toward the fan, identified by the New York Daily News as Chris Lisi of Middletown, N.J.  It was at that point that Yormark, Lisi and a friend of Lisi's got into a shouting match.  Lisi told the Daily News that the CEO initiated the exchange by asking him why he had a bag on his head. Lisi's response -- "because the Nets are so good," according to the paper. Yormark then snapped at him and walked off, Lisi told the Daily News.

I get it losing SUCKS especially if you are the CEO of the team, but come on be happy anyone is bothering to spend hard earned dollars showing up to see your sorry product.  This should be a fair warning to other sucky franchises, times are tough and sports fans have plenty of places to spend their money.  So make your product watchable and treat your fans the right way.  As long as this guy and his friends are not cursing out loud, or urinating on each other (Philly fans), they have a right to wear whatever they want.  You have no right to attack fans for paper bags or shirts that may make fun of the team. I mean last time I checked East Rutherford, NJ, is in USA right?  Albeit an AWFUL part of the country, but it is still the USA where you have certain rights!  I mean where does Yormark think he works?   FED EX FIELD! 

Tiger Answers All in Speed Dating Interviews

I have never done speed dating, but from what I understand the concept is to ask as many question in 7 minutes as you can to get the know the other person before the timer rings. That is pretty much how Tiger Woods handled his business in a pair of "no holds" barred interviews (only 5 mins each) with ESPN and The Golf Channel. Give ESPN's Tom Rinaldi a lot of credit for quantity of questions, 20 in 5 minutes very impressive. However, was it my imagination or did it look like he and Tiger were in two different places? The spacing was very odd as are Rinaldi's two front teeth; he looks a bit like Bugs Bunny to me. As for Tiger well he seemed like a guy at the proctologist office, but to true Tiger Championship form he gave him no real compelling answers.

Speaking of proctologists, why would anyone go to medical school to study assholes for a living? I'm sure there is good money in it, but really, I mean of all the directions you could go, you go back there? (Although after reading a transcript of Tiger's texts to one of his ex-mistresses, he apparently might have been interested in that field) Where was I? The broadcast industry is actually very similar to being a proctologist just less College required, but you certainly deal with more than your share of assholes.

Ok, so the Golf Channel interview was conducted by Kelly Tilghman, who you may remember for an unfortunate moment on the air involving Tiger. During a January 4 2008 PGA Tour Telecast, in response to co-anchor Nick Faldo's joke that younger players should "gang up" on Woods, Tilghman replied "Lynch him in a back alley". She apologized immediately, but was suspended for two weeks; Tiger took no offense to the suggestion (maybe because he knew Elin would eventually feel the same way).

Anyway, no reason for Tilghman to apologize for the way she interviewed Woods. She went to the core questions about his "issues" and "therapy" and asked Tiger what his father Earl would have said to him if was still alive. She even asked what he will tell his children if they ask. Maybe a female touch (no pun intended) was what Tiger needed to loosen up because he seemed more relaxed and his answers seemed less robotic with her than Bugs Bunny Rinaldi OR maybe it was his peeps telling him that he really sucked with Rinaldi and better loosen up this time around.

The highlight of the Golf Channel interview for me was when Tilghman got Tiger to show off his Buddhism Bracelet that has magical powers, it keeps the Bimbos away! I'm sure Elin regrets not buying Tiger one as a wedding gift; imagine all the pain that could have been saved. Lance Armstrong better watch out. I can see it now, Buddhism bracelets will become the new "live strong" and wives and untrusting girlfriends everywhere will be buying them for their men. 

Nike better get on this immediately.  I can see the commercial now, Tiger walking into a nightclub saying, "I used to say just do it," while being surrouned by attractive woman, but then he reveals the  Buddhism bracelet and the woman scurry away like mosquitos that have been hit with a shot of OFF and then from accross the bar walks Elin straigh to Tiger. Future ads could include Kobe and Vanessa Bryant and perhaps even Ben Roethlisberger after he gets done with his no means no rehab program.  

Bracket Busters and Jesse James No Longer a Wanted Man

Day one of the tournament had some of the "little guys" coming out as the big winners like Murray State, ODU (my alma mater), Northern Iowa, and Ohio (not The Ohio State).  Big losers were certainly the Hoyas (sadly), Vanderbilt, and hell the entire Big East for that matter (good for you Villanova beating Robert Morris which is a school where they make cigarettes).  Georgetown clearly screwed up many a bracket with their pathetic performance especially on the defensive end.  They were so bad at guarding the 3 point line I understand players from the Wizards were making fun of them. I'm just pumped that ODU has a shot at the Sweet 16, but I really wish Coach Blaine Taylor would think about getting rid of the "Hitler" mustache!

However, the Biggest Loser was clearly Sandra Bullock's husband Jesse James, who had to apologize for an alleged affair with a tattoo model.  I mean I learn something new everyday.  I had no idea there was an industry of tattoo models.  Did anyone tell Dennis Rodman?  To be fair to Jesse James, maybe he was just giving this woman a tour of his "Monster Garage."  I just find it amusing everyone is calling it an Oscar jinx.  Sum it up like this...IT'S Fing HOLLYWOOD!  No one stays together for any length of time.  So get over it America.  I bet Tiger Woods is sending this guy tickets to the Masters.  I feel for Sandra Bullock though because she is from Arlington, Virginia, went to Washington and Lee High School and to ECU, but apparently she never took history.  I mean who could trust someone named Jesse James?  She's lucky he only cheated on her. 

Back to the tournament I love it, but as stated in a past post this thing needs to stay as is, NO EXPANSION!  Did you notice all those empty seats yesterday?  Do you really think people are having a hard time getting tickets?  Adding another weekend would be moronic!  I blame CBS for the lack of attendance.  It is a made for TV event and the coverage is great with all the games to choose from in the comfort of your own living room.  I don't blame fans for passing on paying the freight to travel to some sucky destinations. I mean Buffalo, Milwaukee, Spokane, and Oklahoma City not exactly vacation destinations.  I mean it's really bad when Jacksonville is your best destination in the South!  

I am worried that I might be watching too much of the tournament.  I mean yesterday I began to wonder the orgin of Play by Play man Spero Dedes name.  Was he named after a brand of gum?  Or some type of swimsuit?  Did Michael Phelps wear one of those Spero Dedes in route to all those gold medals in China?  Ok he is Greek, whatever strange name, but promising career.  It is also bad when I have seen Greg Gumbel (let your soul glow) and that God Awful hair piece more in the last 24 hours than my family.  Oh crap, that reminds me, I was supposed to pick my son up from preschool two hours ago!  Gotta run.

The Second Coming of Tim Tebow

All it took was one workout for Florida Quarterback Tim Tebow to wow the scouts and assembled media with his new throwing motion.  This is truly an amazing story that a Quarterback can fix years of bad habits in a matter of 5 weeks.  Forget the Obama Healthcare Plan, how about sending Sam Wyche and Zeke Bratkowski to DC, they can clearly fix anything!   

They are the two guys that have been correcting Tebow's issues, which come to think of it really does not make Urban Myer look like much of a Coach does it.  I thought one of the reasons Tebow came back for his senior year was to improve his skills to play Quarterback in the NFL.  I guess Myer is too busy anyway on his leave of absence, but wait he's back.  I guess his family was not that great of company after all.  Myer can always hang his hat on Alex Smith, of course it took the 49ers only 5 years to make him look respectable in an NFL uniform. 

Did I mention Pro Day did not include pads or a helmet for Tebow and obviously no pass rush?  Just your run of the mill flag football kind of stuff going on in Gainesville on Wednesday.  So as heart warming a story as it is being portrayed, with all the rave reviews from scouts and coaches that are paid to lie this time of year, let's not get carried away quite yet.  (On a side note, great PR move by the NFL to have him in NY City for Draft Night.  Tebow is gold with the media.  However, the real and only question that should matter is can he play Quarterback in the NFL?  Not that he has performed hundreds of circumcisions on babies in the Philipines).

Is there a place in the NFL for Tim Tebow?  Of course there is, right next to the coach with a clipboard and headset, but not as a starter at least not for several seasons.  In the win now attitude of the NFL it is not cost effective to draft a developmental quarterback early in the draft.  Picks are too valuable.  Someone will take Tebow, perhaps the Jaguars for marketing sake or Patriots b/c of  Bill Belichick's ego and knowledge of the kid through his buddy Urban Myer. 

There has never been more hoopla for a QB that may not really be a QB (perhaps a FB or H-back) in the history of the NFL.  NFL Draft Guru Todd "Doogie Howser" McShay  and Tom "I stalk Tiger" Rinaldi from ESPN were there to cover ever pass. Sure Tebow has a great vertical and speed for a QB, but Vince Young he is not and Young at least knows where the sidelines is located.  Tebow though has a habit of lowering his shoulder and playing like a fullback.  What happens if he is in the open field lowering his shoulder on Brian Urlacher?  Not to mention the guy has never been asked to throw the ball down field on a consistant basis and did I mention many of his throws look like they were kicked (ducks!)?  I guess it was a slow news day, maybe Tiger was at the therapists office.  What does that therapy entail?  Tiger repeat after me Elin is your wife only sleep with her or you will lose half your money and all your balls.

Alex Ovechkin: Dirty or Reckless?

The NHL has put Capitals Superstar Alex Ovechkin on ice for two games for the second time this season, this time as punishment for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell in the first period of Sunday's 4-3 overtime win.  This is not the first time "The Great 8" has been involved in a controversial hit, earlier this year he got two games for a knee to knee on Carolina Hurricanes Tim Gleason.  Ovechkin also injured fellow countryman Sergei Gonchar of the Penguins during last year's playoffs with a knee to knee hit.  Plus he was involved in a couple others this year;

-- Oct. 22 -- Fined a collective bargaining agreement-maximum $2,500 for "slew-footing" Atlanta's Rich Peverley.

-- Nov. 25 -- Received a five-minute major and game misconduct for boarding Buffalo agitator Patrick Kaleta. No supplementary discipline was issued.

For the record I like love the way Alex Ovechkin plays with an edge and energy other players wish they could match.  Ovechkin's teammates and fans are defending him of course, but if that play Sunday had been Mike Green of the Caps instead of Campbell would everyone's feelings be different?  On the record no one in the NHL is calling Ovechkin dirty even if they believe it.  That would be suicide for a league that needs Ovechkin and yes Sidney Crosby to help rebuild the overall fan base.  So with that in mind the NHL must feel Ovechkin is doing something wrong to suspend him twice in a season. 

None of his opponents have used the "dirty" word yet instead going with "reckless." Even Mike Knuble his teammate and former Flyer used "reckless."  Let's remember this is hockey where guys are armed on skates so "reckless" play is part of it.  Remember Bobby Clarke?  The former Flyer great is a hero in the City of Brotherly Love he brought home a Cup, but in DC we hated that SOB! Being "reckless" is not a bad thing if Ovechkin does not hurt himself in the process or seriously injure others, which appears to have happened to Campbell.  He reportedly could miss the remainder of the regular season with a broken collarbone, a fractured rib and a concussion.  Bruce Boudreau pointed out Ovechkin plays at such a speed and force that is unmatched, which may make judgment calls very difficult for the officials.  Sometimes others just get in the way?  At least that's the spin coming from DC. 

Being "reckless" is not all bad, remember in the movie "Top Gun", Maverick was a brilliant pilot, but he too was "reckless" and sometimes "dangerous" as Ice Man pointed out (Great Movie, Kelly McGillis was pretty hot and still liked men at this point in her career and Tom Cruise was not a lunatic yet).  The Great 8 is not going to change, so let's just hope he doesn't hurt himself or any of his wingman in the process as Maverick did to poor Goose. Plus Maverick did not win the Top Gun award, that cocky jerk Ice Man did, but Ovechkin is the NHL's Top Gun in lots of ways.  Hopefully being grounded will not take away from his brilliant flying  play and as long as he is on my favorite team I really don't care what anyone else thinks. 

NCAA Tourney+St.Patrick's Day=BAD WORK WEEK

This has to be the worst week of the year to be a boss in this country.  You have St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday and then the start of the NCAA tournament.  I'm not sure how the real world works because I have never really been part of it, but at radio/TV stations/newspapers, men, woman alike, and even the sales tools are obsessed with filling out their brackets this week.  Workers are highly distracted, so those TPS Reports may have to wait. 

No one is able to concentrate until they think they have their bracket filled out correctly.  Here is a word of warning from someone who has wasted more valuable time in his life to fill three lifetimes, don't spend too much time on it.  First of all there is no science to it, secondly flipping a coin likely will work as well as cheating off Dick Vitale, and thirdly you have a better chance at winning a multiple state lottery game than having the perfect bracket and winning one of the bogus million dollar prizes.

Also, picking upsets may make you feel smarter than that know it all a-hole in the cubicle next to you, but remember getting the most in the Elite 8 and Final 4 is where the Champions are made.  So do not waste your time looking for a Cinderella, who will likely be gone before the first weekend.  Plus thanks to George Mason the NCCA has pretty much made the road as smooth as possible for the #1 and #2 seeds these days.  Since Mason's historic run in 2006 to the Final 4 as an #11 seed, in the following three Final 4's there has been no fewer than 2 #1's, in 2007 all 4 #1's made it for the very first time, and the lowest seed since to make the Final 4 since '06 is last year's Villanova team that was a #3 seed.

Remember this is a made for TV event and although I think the world revolves around ODU, the suits at CBS probably know better and that's why they rigged it for Duke in the South.  I mean no school is more polarizing than the Blue Devils.  You either love them or hate them, no in between.  How else to you explain them moving ahead of Syracuse for beating the #9 seed, #12 seed, and #7 seed in the watered down ACC Tournament?  Ok sorry to go Jason Whitlock on you, but there is an interesting point or two made by the Big Man. 
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/13/1813273_ncaa-caves-to-tv-pressure-by-going.html

Speaking of made for TV as much as I love the Tournament, do we really need 24/7 coverage of the damn brackets?  I mean I get it ESPN is trying to secure the TV contract away from CBS, but this is a whole new level off ass kissing.  I mean they even had a frickin' NIT show!  Do you think the Tar Heels Team got together and ordered piazza and watched OR Virginia Tech for that matter?  Speaking of which has anyone filled out those NIT brackets I sent out, they are due tomorrow by 5pm.
CIT AND CBI Tourney Previews tomorrow!

Tar Heels Season Review: From Champs to Chumps

What a difference a year makes...the Tar Heels Basketball team can tell you better than most. They are 16-16 and an NIT bubble team just a year after winning the National Title. The Heels season been uglier than Gerald Henderson's cheap shot on Tyler Hansbrough, uglier than the Final 4 loss to Kansas, uglier than losing by 32 @ Duke, uglier than a Roy F-bomb in a presser, as ugly as Haiti after the earthquake (Roy said it well or sort of) OR.. ok sorry Heels Fans I will stop there.

First the obvious needs to be pointed out; they lost 4 starters to the NBA (Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington, and Green). So no one thought they were repeating as National Champs. However, they were the preseason pick to win the ACC along with Duke; does the media get credit for being partially right? The ACC has announced there will be no open bar until voting is complete in years to come b/c of this embarrassing prediction.

Everyone in ACC country wants to blame someone (key being one) for Heels sorry season, but the truth is there is plenty of blame to go around. The veteran leadership never led, the freshman that were supposed to be the 3rd best recruiting class did not live up to the hype, injuries, no shooters, poor ball handling, poor point guard play, poor defense, Obama healthcare plan, and yes coaching. Add it all up and you have 16-16 and the Carolina Blue Sky is falling.  Coach Roy Williams is taking a lot of the blame, which is part of the job and goes with getting paid the big $$. However, when the Heels won it all last year he refused to take any of the credit, which is part of Roy's aw-shucks persona/charm.

A wise and large Hall of Fame Coach once said be careful what you say b/c those m-fers might start to believe it. The m-fers are the players and in a lot of cases the fans and media. Old Roy has nothing to prove, two national titles at the alma mater, a silly winning percentage (79.4%), and he is in the Hall of Fame already. Yet he has plenty of critics, part of being the Coach of UNC much like the being the Manager of the NY Yankees I suppose.  For those people I would just ask, would you like him running your program?  Only Duke and Maryland fans can argue no in The ACC, the rest would love to have a coach half as successful. 

Don't be fooled by the aw-shucks Huckleberry Hound act. The man is confident and ultra competitive and admitted after Thursday night's lose this is going to hurt and help motivate him for years to come. He will go back to the drawing board, adapt where needed, and get the program back on track. This is North Carolina Basketball they do not suffer long.  Even the Great Coach K has tweaked something’s during his current Final 4 draught to get his program back to where it needs to be. Roy is always going to be better know for recruiting, but guess what that is part of the game in College Sports, a very important part.  He's not going to burn more timeouts and do the look at me crap some other coaches do late in losses just so Dick Vitale can scream, Oh look at him teaching til the final seconds.  So ABCer's enjoy your run while you can because like it or the Heels will be back with Old Roy leading the way.

A Bigger Dance in March Would Be Madness

The NCAA is toying with the idea of a bigger dance a Monster March Madness, increasing the field of 64 (I don't count the play in game), to 96.  They say it would only add an extra weekend of basketball.  I say it would be the biggest joke in the history of sports.  I get it there are more teams playing D-I hoops and the College Football folks keep adding bowls, but that's already the biggest joke in sports. 

The coaches think this will let them sleep better at night, more job security.  Wrong!  The standards of evaluation will just change.  Plenty of bowl elgible coaches in football get fired every year.  The NCAA tournament is the best thing going in College Sports. No one will ever say that about the BCS.  Sure College Football's regular is more dramatic, but they screw up the end game every damn year.  Imagine how boring the regular season in College Basketball will become if you increase the field. The Conference tournaments will also become much less important and dramatic. 

I am so tired of hearing all these whiney overpaid coaches talk about how nice it would be to give more kids the chance to play in March. What a joke!  This is not little league where every team gets a participation trophy.  What's so wrong with making it tough to get to March?  I mean you want your tournament to be special and to stand out, right?  Plus let's count how many years after the tournament we have sat down and said boy if Team X had been in The Dance this would have turned out differently.  How about never!  Teams that have their bubble burst are no threat to win the title anyway.

The NCAA already has a huge credibility issue as it is with the whole "student athlete" thing. The coaches are making more money than ever and so are the conferences with some pretty pricey TV contracts. The TV networks, who really run the show clearly are cashing in too or they would not be willing to pay the outrageous rights fees.  I understand there is no turning back, but bigger is not always better in sports. Take a look at some of the expansion teams in the pro sports (if I ruled the sports world I would think seriously about contraction).  Anyway, the NCAA tournament is PERFECT in its current form, so leave it alone!  Plus imagine all the bracketologists (like Joe Lunardi pictured on left) that would hit an already over crowded job market.  I mean what hell would we do with these geeks? 

Vigilante Justice Rules in NASCAR

NASCAR put Carl Edwards on double secret probation, well actually a three-race probation, for deliberately wrecking Brad Keselowski in Atlanta on Sunday.  If you have not seen the wreck please click on the link and check it out.  Edwards intentional tap sent Keselowski's car upside down and airborne into the wall and catch fencing.  Fortunately he is fine and no drivers OR fans were injured. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_4I12wwBIE

You have to love NASCAR's explanation yesterday, "There is a line you can cross," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "We'll step in to maintain law and order when we think the line is crossed."

So what is the imaginary line? "We see it when we see it," Helton said.  In other words liberals, Yankees, and fans of other sports, go f-yourself, we like our racin' this way and we don't care about being "pc."  However, Yankees and Liberals please feel free to sponsor our cars and enjoy our sport, just keep your opinions to yourself.  

Helton also points out Edwards was sent to the garage immediately, which is kind of like sending your kid to their room after they start a fire in your living room and later saying you are not grounded but we are going watch you real closely.  Seriously, what does it take to get a suspension in NASCAR if intentionally causing an accident at 190mph does not?  I have few that might get actual race suspensions:

1. Drive by shooting...So if Edwards had not just tapped Keselowski but then opened let's say a full round into the car.  That would be an automatic one race suspension. 

2. Using the Lords Name in Vain, saying something like Earnhardt Damn in public, is an automatic two race suspension. 
 
3.  Drinking and driving...automatic 3 race suspension...oh wait only IF the alcohol consumed is not a sanctioned sponsor of NASCAR like one of them there Sissy Beers, like Amstel Light (for the record I love Amstel Light and anyone who can get me some free product I'll take it).  Drinking Budweiser before and during races is just fine.
 
Outside of those couple it is all good.  A few seasons ago NASCAR made a point of saying they needed to reconnect with their core fan base, you know...REDNECKS. Well apparently this is what they think rednecks want to see.  I'm still hoping for races on tracks that have potholes, but I'm not redneck enough to have a voice in NASCAR.

Big Ben Not So Smooth with the Ladies!

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is once again in the middle of some serious allegations involving sexual misconduct with a female.  I know the cynics and Steelers fans are saying another woman looking for her 15 minutes of fame and looking to cash in.  However, if you step back and ask yourself, why Big Ben and Why not Matt Leinart?  Why not Tom Brady?  Why not Peyton or Eli?  Then it is not so easy to dismiss.  There is a common denominator here and it is #7.

Also, it needs to be pointed out this is an UGLY GUY!  I mean he's fat and has that weird mole on his face too.  He would be just another ugly dude in the Steel City if it was not for the NFL Quarterback job title, two Super Bowl rings, and the "Big Ben" nickname, which certainly helps with the ladies.   Anyway, Steeler Fans will forgive as long as he gets them back in the post season. 

From a flawed QB to the Messiah of QBs....We have a date for the second coming, it is March 17th, that is when Tim Tebow will have his pro day for NFL front office types at the University of Florida.  It is also the first chance for everyone to see the new look Tebow (new throwing style).  Most kids would not want work on St. Patrick's Day, but heck Tebow have no clue what he is missing.  I was trying to think of all the Pro Bowl Quarterback's in NFL history that completely had to change the way they throw the football months before the NFL Draft.  I came up with NO ONE!  Being a great guy does not make him an NFL Quarterback!

The new professional approach of the Redskins in free agency is apparently taking a huge bite out of the DC economy.  Think about it, no new players with money to buy fancy new cars, houses, and with no free agents to woe over fancy dinners.  The restaurants are suffering bigtime!  I hope you are happy with the new plan Mr. Snyder. So while the Redskins may be a better organization these days, the entire DC Metro area pays the price.  By the way what is an Artis Hicks?

Not that anyone North of the Mason Dixon line gives a crap about NASCAR, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. really stinks.  He earned his first pole in 2 years this weekend in Atlanta only to finish 15th and his winless streak is now at 61.  To call him the Anna Kournikova of NASCAR is unfair because early in his career he was a winner.  Despite working with the NY Yankees of racing teams in Hendrick Motor sports, he still can not win anything.  However, the fans and sponsors love him.  I'm sure it is his personality and skills they love, not his name. 

Good to see our Washington Nationals have picked up where they left off. They are 0-6 this spring and have been outscored 67-30. Tuesday Stephen Strasburg makes his debut and if he's as good as advertised maybe he can be the number one starter and the fifth starter.