JacksonSports

World Cup: FIFA's Answer To Tim Donaghy

2010-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ok let me get this out of the way for all the soccer haters that do not want to deal with the injustice that took place Friday in South Africa. Here it goes, the US team came out flat and were bad for most of the first half and dug themselves a 2-nil hole. Ok haters you happy now?! Next item of business they then dominated Slovenia scoring THREE unanswered goals to get the 3pts. However, it really didn't work that way instead they were awarded just two of the goals and settled for a 2-2 tie.

Why? Well referee Koman Couilibaly, who probably has a Swiss Bank account, waved off the third American goal, which was scored by Maurice Edu. What for you may ask? No one knows because apparently David Stern runs FIFA too. They refused comment about the play. Speculation is offside was called on Michael Bradley or Edu was called for a foul on the shot. Replay shows neither and actually showed FIVE Slovenia defenders putting WWE moves on the US attackers. I know it is part of the game especially in international competition. However, this is not some regular season ACC game that Karl Hess ruined. This is an event that happens every 4 years. So if team USA does not get into the next round this could be there 1972 Olympic Basketball moment.

Ok, controversy aside this game was a helluva lot more entertaining than the U-S Open and Game 7 of the NBA Finals. I could care less what the TV ratings say both were so poorly played throughout it made the "LOST" Finale look good. I guess we can blame the golf on the USGA because that is what the golfers usually do. (Also, let's get this out of the way, Tiger Woods was a better golf when he was sleeping around) However, the NBA is another story, face it if the two teams playing were not named Celtics/Lakers the game would have been universally ripped as one of the biggest letdowns of all-time. It was BAD basketball on the Biggest Stage. Save me your Defense defense! How ugly was it? It made me yearn for the great Detroit and San Antonio finals of 2005. Even Jeff Van Gundy said it was bad offense and he would know because he made a living coaching bad offense.

Ok back to the World Cup..Off the pitch things have been entertaining too. The disappointment of the highly touted England Team and of course the French Surrendering...again! However, they did go back to work on Monday and good idea since they can still actually advance to the round of 16. France plays South Africa on Tuesday and must win and needs help. If Mexico and Uruguay draw the other Group A match, France will be eliminated. Could you imagine if Team USA pulled this crap?! The headlines would scream, "Ugly American's" all across the world and for our friends in England, really? This is what you guys were all drunk over? A draw with the little Old United States and Algeria? One Goal in two games? I mean if it was not for BP this group would be the most hated guys from England since the Red Coats.

WTF: Vinny Back at Redskins Park!

2010-06-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Some of the all-time greats in franchise history convened at Redskins Park Thursday and somehow Vinny Cerrato snuck in. I mean who the hell is in charge of security? This is the biggest gate crashing scandal in DC since the Salahi's got into the White House dinner. WTF is Vinny doing anywhere near the park? Did he and Danny have a racquet ball game later in the day? Were Trung Candidate, Brandon Lloyd, and Adam Archuelleta also invited? I mean Cerrato is so unpopular among Redskin fans Albert Haynesworth could beat him in a popularity contest. Of course Vinny was the guy that armed Fat Albert with the big contract. So it was amusing to read his thoughts on the Fat Albert Saga.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/albert-haynesworth/cerrato-haynesworth-would-like.html

Washington Post Redskins Reporter Jason Reid got some good stuff from Vinny on the man he overpaid.

"When he signed, he said he wanted to prove everybody wrong," said Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations during the 2008-09 seasons. "He said he wanted to show everybody that it's not about the money. He said he wanted to be the best that ever played. He said he wanted to be like Reggie White. He said Reggie White was his hero, so live up to what you said. Don't have it change just because a coach changed."

Albert probably also told Vinny he didn't like strip clubs. There is more from Vinny on Fat Albert.

"To me, he signed with the Washington Redskins and not the 4-3 defense when he signed that contract," Cerrato said. "He's got to be concerned about team, you know? There's no 'I' in team. He needs to quit thinking about himself and worry about the team and how he can help these guys, you know?"

I like what he said even with the cheesy no "I" in team reference. However, the quote is meaningless because again Vinny has ZERO credibility not only with Redskins Fans, but in the NFL.

One of the actual Greats at the event was former Head Hog George Starke, who told Washington Post's Dan Steinberg what he thought about the new approach at the park.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/06/george_starke_on_bruce_allen_a.html

"The first thing it means is that the change in the administration from Cerrato to Bruce Allen is a good thing for the Washington Redskins, because Vinny didn't like us around," said legendary Hog George Starke. "He didn't like former Redskins. He wasn't part of this family. And as a result of that, the Redskins never went anywhere. You know, [most] of these guys out there on that field have never been in the playoffs. On this side, you've got guys here with four rings.

"And so Bruce, when he came in, the first thing he did was he called Brig Owens up, he called me up, he said the Redskins will never be successful as an organization unless we all come together. He's absolutely right. He says 'I want everybody to come out, I want you to come out all the time, I want you to be part of the deal, otherwise this team won't be successful.'

"And that's absolutely right. And that's what he did, so that's why we're here.....Whereas the Vinny guy was the exact opposite. He wanted to do it himself and he didn't know how to do it....

You know Starke is not the only former Redskin to feel this way, which begs the question, WTF was Vinny doing there? It has been a well run off-season for the Redskins with the hire of Mike Shanahan, trade for Donovan McNabb, and drafting of Trent Williams. So I will give the Skins a pass on the security breach and assume there was a racquet ball game to played.

World Cup Buzz: Tim Howard=George Washington

2010-06-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

The 2010 World Cup is off and running and the USA fans are fired up over the team's 1-1 ~~win~~ tie with England and why not. The English were supposed to beat down the United States and early on it looked like that would be the case. However, much like a big matchup between the two countries in 1776 one man changed the outcome. United States Goalkeeper Tim Howard made incredible save after save keeping the U-S in the match and Clint Dempsey did something more players need to do when given space, shoot the DAMN BALL! Sure England's Goalie Robert Green bobbled it or was it the juiced Adidas ball that bounced funny, who cares Goal Team USA. However, the goal would have been a side bar had Howard not played so heroically (bruised ribs and all) to keep his team in the game. Meanwhile, his English counterpart Green has already begun the process of defecting to the United States after the World Cup.

For all the soccer haters and there are plenty in this country just shut up and turn on NFL network and watch guys run around in shorts and helmets at OTA's. Leave the soccer and World Cup fans alone to bask in their every 4 year glory. I understand you are tired of all the talk that soccer will take over this country someday as a spectator sport. No it won't, but it has been the kicking the competitions ass as a youth sport for years. We know all the pitfalls for it in this country, lack of scoring, not our game, lack of scoring, even our best players are overseas playing not in the MLS (not a real estate code/name for US pro soccer league), and of course the lack of scoring. Maybe if goals were worth 7 points casual fans would get more excited about it? Better yet who cares! Just enjoy it if you do and ignore if you don't. Did I mention the lack of scoring?

Final thought on the REAL story of the 2010 World Cup.....the noise! Yes that constant bee buzzing sound or is cicada's coming out to mate? It is actually called a vuvuzela, which is a plastic trumpet that has become the unofficial sound track of the World Cup. Despite the whining about the noise, World Cup organizers are refusing to ban them from matches. This decision comes despite mounting pressure from players, broadcasters and even some fans who wanted it to stop. Here is the thing everyone needs to remember. This is South Africa's World Cup and the vuvuzela, named after the Zulu word for "noise," is considered a symbol of South African heritage, its sound a show of support for the country's team, Bafana Bafana. So in other words get over it or use your mute button or do what I do drink a lot of beer and take three Advil.

Happy 40th Anniversary Now Get Out

2010-06-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

You gotta hand it to the Gore's they know how to celebrate a wedding anniversary. I mean Divorce has now replaced the Ruby as the 40th anniversary gift (Ok before my guy friends say how would he know Ruby is for your 40th? I looked it up on line you know the thing Al Gore invented). Al and Tipper (what kind of name is Tipper? Was she a Bad Tipper? It is actually a nickname) could become trendsetters for the new 40th anniversary gift....FREEDOM! The odd thing is all the reports over the year's claimed the couple was living a "Fairy Tale" Marriage and yet here it ends. Meanwhile...yes I'm going there... Bill and Hillary Clinton are still "together." That's right the guy who got the Lewinsky in the ~~Oral~~ excuse me Oval Office is still with his wife, but his former Vice President the guy who appeared to be the one with the morals is splitting with the love of his life.

Once again we should be reminded the moral to this story is no different than the Tiger Woods Story or "Wide Stance" Larry Craig Story. Just because someone is portrayed one way publicly does not necessarily make it reality. The oddest thing about this Gore split up is the way they are portraying Tipper as the fun one of the couple. Wait a minute! This is the same woman that wanted to censor all of my favorite "Hair Bands" back in the 80s. You call that fun? Which really speaks to how Big a Bore Al Gore must be. Divorce is sad, but let's assume the Gore's know what is best for the Gore's and not lose too much sleep over this thing. I mean its not like they have a baby at home and are living paycheck to paycheck. They just bought a damn mansion down the street from Oprah for goodness sakes!

I am rarely surprised by the media and yes I'm sometimes one of them, but I am surprised this story has so many struggling for words. I mean why is this separation so tragic? Gore is no longer in office and to this point no sorrid tales of a third party or worse someone in the Tea Party (Tea Bagger...really great nickname). The only way this becomes a tragic story is if we find out Al is living a double life like Tiger Woods or God forbid Tipper is on the now infamous Tiger list of conquests (not that big of stretch if you have seen the Perkins waitress Tiger took home on a few occassions). I just hope this is not some John Edwards kind of story, where it turnes out a former Gore aide is going to release a book and has possession of some sex tape or a love child OR worse Tipper in a sex tape with a former lead singer of a hair band. I just don't think the American public could handle it.

Coach K and The King in Cleveland?

2010-05-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

A simple no would probably do or maybe hell no or in the words of the immortal Chad Ochocinco, "CHILD PLEASE!" I know the Cleveland spin...Danny Ferry is the GM and played for Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke and Lebron James really likes and respects him from their time together on Team USA. Ask yourself this why would Mike Krzyzewski leave Duke for a Cleveland? The court in Cleveland will never be named after Coach K like the one his team plays on in Durham. I know the $$$ would be great, but no greater than the money he turned down in LA to coach the Lakers. Lakers or Cavaliers??? Which team do you think anyone outside of Cleveland would pick? The window has shut, Coach K is not leaving Duke where he has a great chance to repeat as National Champions this upcoming season.

Here is the other thing about the NBA that any coach needs to consider even Hall of Famers from the College level; no pro sports league devalues the coach more. It is the ultimate player's league always has been and always will be. Coaches are the easiest piece to replace unless you name is Phil Jackson, Pat Riley (when he comes back), Larry Brown, Greg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, and perhaps Doc Rivers at least in Boston. Mike Brown's team won .663 of their games highest winning percentage all-time in Cavaliers history and five straight playoff appearances, but no title and the hometown hero appears ready to runaway from home. Brown's biggest mistake was apparently allowing players relatives near the locker room. He should have run a better defense to keep Gloria James (Lebron's mother) away from teammate Delonte West (allegedly of course).

Back to Coach K and why he will not and should not bother with the NBA. He coaches Team USA already the best of the best. These guys understand the urgency and importance of international play, therefore, he gets maxim effort. You do not get that on a nightly basis in the NBA with a less talented roster and playing 82 regular season games. Duke is not going on probation anytime soon like..I don't know say Kentucky (just throwing a name out there). So there is nothing to run away from and he gets paid well by Duke and Nike. Plus he writes books, does commercials, a national radio show, and could have any speaking engagement he wanted. So please enough about the money, no one is holding a benefit for Coach K in the near or distant future. His bank account will be ok even if he never takes a professional job.

One other thing if Coach K really wanted an NBA gig he could wait out Phil for the Lakers gig or how about the hometown Chicago Bulls they have a vacancy and good roster and most importantly enough cap space to get Lebron to move. No offense Cleveland (but here it comes), Chicago and LA have more to offer free agent coaches than the City that Rocks. So who should Cleveland try to hire?? Phil Jackson (no way), Jeff Van Gundy, Avery Johnson, John Calipari, or Tom Izzo. How about someone out of the box so to speak, like Lebron's mom Gloria James! I mean she was the only one this season to stop the league MVP this season (allegedly of course).

Great Wall of Chinatown

2010-05-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

The ~~Bullets~~ Wizards finally had some good luck after decades of failed lottery attempts and YES the Kwame Year! Raise your hand if you thought this was going to be another pathetic night for the DC hoops franchise. I was among those expecting this to be the icing on the cake of the Pollin legacy of shattered dreams (You know we had a real good year in 1978). Instead it was beautiful ending to an ownership group that loved the team like family and represented the city with class. Sure the franchise did not win enough over the years, but no owner brought more to the city than Abe Pollin. Sure this lottery win is not the second title he had hoped for before his death, but maybe it will be a building block for one down the road. (By the way many fans think the lottery is fixed. I do not subscribe to that conspirarcy theory, however, I'm just sayin', the Wizards sent a heck of a lot of people to the Secaucus studio; Irene Pollin, Ted Leonsis, and Ernie Grunfeld. They certainly went with purpose. One last thing thank you David Stern!)

It was also a fantastic beginning for the most beloved DC Sports owner Ted Leonsis, who has been really good at these lotteries with an NHL and NBA lottery win on his resume (I'm hoping to get this weekends Mega Millions numbers from him). Hopefully John Wall can do for the Wizards what Alex Ovechkin has done for the Capitals (No not flame out early in the playoffs!). Wall is the goods an electrifying player that can make everyone around him better. The league has set up the rules for point guards to dominate with no hand checking or touching of any kind. Rajon Rondo is doing a nice job exploiting that for the Celtics in this post season. If you don't have Kobe or Lebron you need a kick ass break you down point guard. That is what Wall brings. Oh can he play with Gilbert Arenas? Is that really a question I keep hearing and reading? IF Gilbert is even a Wizard when the season starts the question should be can he play with Wall.

Another thing about John Wall and this will be foreign to Wizards fans, he plays DEFENSE! No joke your point guard is allowed to do that in the NBA. For all the Evan Turner lovers out there I think UNC's Ed Davis (son of former Wizard Terry Davis) summed it up best to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, "I'm telling you: You can get another Evan Turner, another Wesley Johnson, another Al-Farouq Aminu," Davis said of the various top-five candidates. "But John Wall is the only one in this draft who can do the things he can do, ALL the stuff that he can do." Plus don't get me started on Big 10 basketball and how AVERAGE it has been recently and Turner is not Deron Williams by the way. Another thing, Wall played for John Calipari for just one year and so did Derek Rose and Tyreke Evans both have won the last two Rookie of the Year awards in the NBA. Wall is a true franchise player, which the Wizards have so desperately needed and now they have to work on finding the right pieces to put around him.

Notes: Does anyone else feel sorry for the City of Cleveland? I do...talk about heartbreak city, they could lose their franchise player (Lebron) because of an "alleged" affair his mom (Gloria) had with teammate Delonte West. I know her lawyer is trying to pour cold water on this so to speak something Delonte should have done to himself. This alleged incident could go down as one of the City's worst sports moments especially if the King runs away from home via free agency. You already had the drive that crushed the city (Elway), the fumble (Byner), the shot (MJ over Ehlo), the move (Browns bolting for B-more), and the 1997 Game 7 World Series lose to the Marlins (no nickname sorry). Now you have The Affair and ironically teams all year were worried about stopping Lebron in the post season and all it took was momma! On the bright side for Lebron at least your mom didn't sleep with Tiger.

Can Abstinence Cause Neck Pain?

2010-05-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well it turns out Tiger Woods only has an "inflamed facet joint" that is causing his neck pain. Now none of the doctor's will say it but I will, Tiger's neck injury is probably do him constantly looking over his shoulder to see if he is about to be served divorce papers. Or perhaps it is from a lack of sex? Could you imagine how much funnier this story would be if Tiger had a wrist injury? Or blisters on his palm? I still can not believe Nike is not selling "Tiger Woods Blue Balls." Everyone would be playing with those things, except Elin of course.

Things have been tough for Tiger lately (all-time understatement by me), first his neck, then his swing coach quit, and now TMZ says his wife is lawyering up for the big divorce. My neck would hurt like hell if I was about to lose half of my fortune. To me the most amazing part of this Tiger meltdown since Thanksgiving is Elin still has not officially filed for divorce. I mean this woman must not ever surf the net, watch TV, read newspapers (well no one does anymore), listen to the radio, or talk to her neighbors (Tiger allegedly got to know one of them well she was part of the 121 he shot).

I could sit go on and on about how traumatic this must be for the kids, but that stuff is not funny. Sure he is technically still the world's Number #1 but he sure does not play like it anymore. (Could the "Buddha Bracelet" be to blame? Just sayin' ) No one must feel worse about what's happened than PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem. I mean this guy had the world in the palm of his hand as long as Tiger didn't retire, suffer a career ending injury, or as we come to find out screw everything in site. If Tiger does not come out of the funk the PGA Tour will certainly slide back to the sucky TV ratings they used to get when just old white men fell asleep watching it on the weekends. Finchem might want to start thinking about another sports league maybe he could see if Roger Goodell needs any help with the NFL's confusing drug policy.

It's not just Finchem that needs Tiger to be Tiger. The entire world of golf needs him. So he needs to man up and tell Elin to either serve the papers or get over it and be a good wife (for the record I do not believe this). If she says go f#$X yourself well, which she will, at least he will no longer be snapping his sore neck around wondering where and when the papers are coming. Then Tiger should treat himself to a dinner and dessert like he used too at the local Perkins in Orlando because clearly he is not capable of playing Championship golf with blue balls.

Hey, Hey, Hey Where's Fat Albert?

2010-05-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Redskins had a "voluntary" mini-camp this weekend where 99% of the players were in attendance. The lone absentee just happened to be the team's highest paid player Albert Haynesworth or better known as in DC now as Fat Albert. The irony to me is the cartoon character Bill Cosby created was the best friend a guy could have. He was always there for his buddies, meanwhile, the Skins Fat Albert can't even muster up the strength to show up to these "voluntary" workouts to support his teammates and meet his new coaching staff. Ok while we are on a cartoon kick here remember the great scene in "Spiderman" when Peter Parker's Uncle Ben tells him, "with great powers comes great responsibility." Well in pro sports with great talent and BIG contracts comes great responsibility, but someone forgot to let Fat Albert in on it maybe he did not have an Uncle Ben.

So where's the beef ...besides on the Fat Albert's breakfast/lunch/dinner/and second dinner plate you might ask? It appears Fat Albert does not want to play in the new 3-4 defense of new Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett. His peeps contends this is not what Fat Albert signed up for last off-season where he broke the bank for over $100(m). So he is only going to show up when the workouts are mandatory. I just hope for his sake he's in shape (unlike last year) when he does show or Mike Shanahan's face might get even redder than its normal shade. Most everyone that has ever had a real job has had to deal with some sort of change at work and sometimes it really sucks. However, most of us just suck it up and deal with it b/c we understand that is what employees do or you get fired. It is not that simple in pro sports especially when you are the highest paid employee. Fat Albert has the hammer, but that doesn't make it right and it certainly is not going to win you any popularity contests among the fans.

Meanwhile, Fat Albert's teammates really are not defending him. They just say things like, when he gets here he will fit in. I had a chance to talk to a couple of his defensive teammates this past weekend on 1067 The Fan, Chris Wilson and HB Blades both would not rip their absent teammate, but in the next breath both talked about the importance of these voluntary sessions for learning the new system and bonding with their teammates. Mike Wise in his column in Monday's Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/09/AR2010050903014.html has some juicy stuff from teammates like Phillip Daniels. "It says this is voluntary, but for us, what we went through last season after a 4-12 season, it's mandatory," Daniels said. "He should definitely be here. And it's a shame he's not." So it's not some crazy fan/media frenzy getting on Fat Albert's case here. Did I mention the new guy, you know #5 Donovan McNabb is already getting real high marks for his leadership skills as he not just fits in with a new team but makes it his. In only a months time McNabb has clearly earned the respect of the locker room something Fat Albert may never be able to do.

Notes: The latest Clinton Portis v. Lavar Arrington war of words got me to thinking, who hasn't this guy gotten into a verbal war of words with? Remember the great battles with Brian Mitchell, "my pockets are straight!" I believe there was a battle with Riggo too and of course he dogged Jason Campbell this off-season. I mean, Who's next Mark Mosley? How about one of the Zendejas brothers or how about a dead legend like Sammy Baugh? I mean enough already Clinton. Just run the damn football like you did in Denver and you can rip franchise favorites like Art Monk and Darrell Green or even Sonny and Sam. Just produce again and it's all good.

Tasered Fan=Teaching Moment

2010-05-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Most of the news and sports talking heads are wasting their and our time debating whether the force was excessive in the tasering of a 17-year old (Steven Consalvi) that ran onto the field at a Phillies game this week (OK IF I was actually working this week I too would be wasting the world's time on this topic...Bitter..YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT! THIS TOPIC WAS MADE FOR ME). Anyway, the bigger question is where were the players? I mean what is the deal with the Phillies Outfield? What a bunch of sissy's to sit back and watch! No Mike Curtis among them? The Former Baltimore Colts LB once jacked up a fan that ran on the field during a game. His point was it was his office! Stay out. Exactly! Good for the Police for using force maybe the next idiot will think twice OR maybe not because some drunk tried the next night no taser unfortunately. By the way give the Phillies Fans credit for booing the copycat who unfortunately was not tased b/c he surrendered to security (sissy!).

Of course the news media loves to pick up these stories and run them into the ground. Why are Police using tasers more often, blah, blah, blah. Would it have been better if they clubbed the dumb ass? Or just pulled out the 9m and shot him? They have no clue what the idiot is up too when he comes charging onto the field. I mean did he really think they would chase him like they did to Tanner in the "Bad News Bears in Breaking Training", and fans would start to scream "let them play, let them play?" My favorite part of the story is the kid called his dad and the father said "does not sound like a good idea to me." Yet the dumb kid did it anyway! Did he think he was in an episode of MTV's "Jackass"? This video is gold for all fathers of "knuckle head son's" and aren't all son's knuckle heads? (I should know) I have showed this video at least 10 times to both my boys and explained, "This is why you listen to your parents because we are ALWAYS RIGHT." (It is ok I had my fingers crossed)

Notes: Bret Michaels, gave us Something to Believe In! He is headed home after suffering a brain hemorrhage. I'm no doctor, hell I went to ODU for goodness sakes, but I'm just saying maybe just maybe wearing bandanas every day could be a problem or those cheesy cowboy hats? Just saying.

Lucky Charms Mascot Wins 3rd Derby

2010-05-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

He entertained us for years in those silly commercials for that sugar based cereal now Calvin Borel has strung together three Kentucky Derby wins. What a life! (Ok cheap joke, but man thank goodness for horse racing or all the "little people" that's the PC name for them b/c they don't want to be called midgets anymore. Anyway, if it wasn't for horse racing they would have to settle for Reality TV or those stupid "Austin Powers" movies unless of course they had a remake of the "Wizard of Oz.") I have to admit I thought with a name like Super Saver, the horse was owned by the people from Wal-Mart, but the Kentucky Derby is hardly the Wal-Mart crowd. Well at least the part they show us on TV. No it is rich people with woman wearing stupid hats and getting stupid drunk. The Wal-Mart crowd hangs at the infield of the Preakness in Bal-more drinking Natty Bo's.

Speaking of acting drunk, what about Calvin Borel? I mean good thing he is in a sport (use that term loosely) that allows obnoxious celebration without penalty. I mean this guy would make Deion Sanders and Chad Ochocinco blush with all his post race antics. Roger Goodell would suspend him for the season if he was in the NFL. The NBA would triple technical him, MLB pitchers would throw at him all the time for showing them up, and in the NHL they would just call him "Ovie." I mean you would think after winning two already you would understand the phrase, "Act like you've been there." Also, was it me or was he degrading the woman who interviewed him after the race? How many times can you say baby, honey, sweety and "make me a turkey pot pie bitch", and not get called out?

If anyone should have been over celebrating it should have been the guy (Glen Fullerton of Houston, TX) who won the dream bet. I mean the chance to throw $100,000 grand on one horse and the best part is you are betting with someone else's money. Well CNBC money and Churchill Downs to be exact. (I was shocked to learn CNBC actually made profit. I mean no one watches the "lefty talk shows" right? They only like the angry "righty talk shows" oh wait...even worse CNBC is the channel you tune that tells you that your retirement fund has been drained and Goldman Sachs are a bunch of thieves, my bad. Is that the channel where they used to show the dead guy on radio Don Imus, sorry not dead just looks it) So this Fullerton guy bet on Borel and Super Saver and boy did they come through for him by and paid $900,000. Can you imagine $900,000 for one race! Wow what a life changer and this guy says he won't spend it all in one place. However, for those of you watching we all know where he should spend it. On a new toupee or buy hair club for men or perhaps a DC favorite Mr. Ray's hair weave. Anything is better than the dead animal he wore on his head Saturday, although it may be his lucky charm like a rabbit's foot. Not that it matters now that he has $900,000 in his bank account because the ladies will over look the toupee for $$$. Just ask Donald Trump!

Caps Need DC Traffic in Game 7

2010-04-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Shortly after getting "Halaked" in Montreal the Capitals players and head coach praised the Canadians goalie and their own effort. Many said it was their best game of the series, but sometimes in hockey the goalie is the great equalizer. Not sure if anyone said Halak was "standing on his head", but they should have because he was that good. I feel like I have seen this series every year as a Capitals fan. Caps run into hot goalie and lose despite outshooting opponent. I promised myself I would not talk about "Ghosts of Playoffs Past" because most these players were not born or in another country. Also, let me first admit for those of you that don't know. I am not to be confused with the great Don Cherry, Barry Melrose, or hell even Peter Puck (remember that cool cartoon?) when it comes to breaking down hockey. However, I do know when to shut up and listen to those that do like Melrose and Alan May on Caps Post Game Live with Smokin' Al Koken.

So here's what the experts had to say, first yes they credited the goaltending (I mean the dude had 53 saves), and secondly they said the Capitals just did not get enough traffic in front of the Montreal netminder. (I mean how ironic a team from DC not knowing about traffic!) Melrose (great mullet) pointed out only one guy is not enough and May also added they needed to shot at the blocker side of the goalie. Hopefully Bruce Boudreau (the Penguin) will see this after watching the film too. I like Boudreau although lately he seems A LOT uptight and I understand why because IF the Caps choke this series away he might get fired OR perhaps GM George McPhee might get fired for failing to find a true blue line defenseman or dominate netminder for this roster OR maybe both get the gate. Someone will likely pay the price.

You can not win The Presidents Trophy and get iced in the first round after a 3-1 series lead with the two time reigning MVP on your team. Boudreau has never coached in a playoff series that has not gone 7 games. Is that all his fault? OF course not however, changing the guy in front of the room is always the easiest and usually most effective move in hockey. I do worry that his team is feeling the pressure and griping their sticks too hard because of the tone he is setting in the locker room. This will also be an indictment on The Great 8 if the Caps go down to Montreal. First the disappointing run in the Olympics with Team Russia and then losing in Round 1 to an 8 seed. In order to make this Magic/Bird comparison between Crosby and Ovechkin, eventually Ovie has to win more than just individual awards. The safe bet still is Ovechkin will come out guns blazing on Wednesday night and the Caps will dominate the Canadians much like the Penguins did to them just a year ago in round 2 after they forced a Game 7. If they don't we will be talking about getting "Halaked" all off season.

NFL Draft: Clausen Spends Night with Erin Andrews

2010-04-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Many people feel sorry for Jimmy Clausen because the Notre Dame QB, who has been called the most pro ready fell out of the first round Thursday night. I for one do not. Did you notice who was spending her time at his house? ESPN/Dancing with the Stars Erin Andrews! I bet Clausen told his agent to discourage teams from selecting him. The longer the process the longer he can hang out with Andrews. It was nice to see her on TV without seeing her feeling up that dance partner of hers. I mean enough already!

Did I mention I NEVER WATCH the show, but my DVR flips over for the final 5 minutes because I tape "Lost", which now sucks. Anyway, I was happy to see that pain in the ass Kate Gosselin get kicked off the show. Is her 15 minutes up yet? Also, I thought she was this great mother, where are the kids with the deadbeat dad? Enough with these losers already! I never watched "Kate Plus 8" either, but I know about thes show because you can't get away from it or any of these other "reality" shows. All the morning news shows recap them, radio shows too, and the internet. What would people do if they didn't have these lame shows to talk about? Politics? What would I blog about?
How about the NFL draft?

A brief thought on the Redskins....SCAREY! They picked a need position and did not do anything stupid like trade away draft picks for losers. Has anyone seen Dan Snyder? Did Mike Shanahan lock him in a closet? Also, was it may imagination or did Jon "Chucky" Gruden like everyone’s picks? I mean what a suck up or maybe just keeping his options open in case he wants back in the coaching mix. Anyone else think Tom Jackson was drunk? He said #13 is in the division with the Houston Texans when referring to the Indianapolis Colts. I believe Peyton Manning wears #18 still. I also gave NFL Network a try for a while; however Mike Mayock talks about guy’s measurements like he should be on the LOGO Network. "He is a 6-6 and 285 lbs, and has long arms, soft hands, soft eyes, pouty lips, and likes long walks on the beach..." Someone find Chris Hanson and set up sting operation.

The debate about who God's favorite team can now end. It is the Denver Broncos...well at least that is where his son will be playing. Tim Tebow did make it in the first round and if you missed the interview with Jeremy "I'm not as good as dad" Schaap, here is the highlights....Tim will work hard and do whatever you ask. He only said that a MILLION times. Tebow is a super person and even circumcised the baby at his viewing party, but please 3 picks for him? Is Josh McDaniels a complete idiot? Trading away a Pro Bowl QB and WR in less than two years and now giving up three picks for a guy who just learned to throw the football in the past 2-3 months?! I mean sure the Broncos are a Character team now, but I thought it was about winning football not running the local Girl Scouts troop. Well if nothing else as Thom Brennaman surely said somewhere last night, "the people of Denver and Broncos fans will all be better off just from just drafting Tim Tebow." AMEN

Class-Less Canadians: Get Ready For Golf

2010-04-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

I can only imagine how much it must suck to not have an NHL franchise win a title in YOUR Country's sport since 1993 (Montreal). I mean franchises like Dallas, Tampa, Anaheim, and Carolina have won titles since. Just imagine if the NBA's title winners were always the Toronto Raptors or another team from a foreign country like the LA Clippers or is that another planet? (By the way did you know James Naismith the inventor of Basketball is actually Canadian? We steal everything and make it ours, ask the Indians. Give me your tired, your poor, and talented Canadians) Sure the majority of the players on these NHL's franchise's are still Canadians, but surely they like the United States better now. Just like all the good CFL guys are from the United States (i.e. Doug Flutie).

So I guess it is not shocking that the Great fans of the Montreal Canadians booed and chanted during our nations national anthem before last night's Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. Did I mention the Caps drilled them 5-1. They even chanted OVIE Sucks late in the game! I mean that is the biggest joke in Canada since Keanu Reeves. For the record I like Canadians. We even have some friends from Canada. They are easy going and know how to have a good time, but when it comes to hockey they get pretty damn serious North of the border. I think they are still doing a victory lap over the Gold Medal Game from this years Olympics.

So I will not hold last night's classless display in Montreal against them. It probably was the all the French Canadians. No need to worry about these angry fans because this series will soon be in the Capitals rear view mirror. Golf courses all around Montreal will be picking up some serious business in the next week. I am concerned about how they might freak out if we nail this national healthcare thing. I mean are they going to be jealous about that too? Is it just going to be another thing the "Big Old Bad" United States stole and ruined? You know like Pamela Anderson. God forbid we became enemies with Canada. That would be the end of Molson, Labatts, Moosehead, Crown Royal, Bryan Adams, and Bob and Doug McKenzie in this country. We promise not to steal anything else and by all means keep curling to yourself and Minnesota.

Big Ben About To Be Violated

2010-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

A few seasons ago the NFL Players Union stupidly decided to give up their rights to due process for some reason and now Roger Goodell is more powerful than most dictators when it comes to handing out punishment. I know most fans think this is great, but for someone that actually was once in a union I think it is complete BS. At the very least players should have gotten a little something back from the league, like the ability to play football without their shirts tucked in or maybe the throat slash gesture could become legal again.

Anyway, the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appearing on the Dan Patrick Show Monday said Ben Roethlisberger has violated the NFL's personal conduct policy. What does that mean? It is now Big Ben's turn to get touched where he doesn't want too. His wallet most likely thanks to what should be at the very least a multiple game suspension. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5113322 The Commish also told former Big Show member Patrick, "The issue here is respect to a pattern of behavior." For a refresher course pattern of behavior suspensions under Goodell's watch have gone to Adam "Pacman" Jones for a full season although he never was found guilty in a court of law for doing things like "making it rain" at strip clubs or having bouncers at strip clubs shot. So Goodell can do whatever he wants to Big Ben much like Big Ben allegedly does to really drunk college girls.

Goodell has a reputation of a no nonsense guy, but dealing with Big Ben will not be easy b/c he is a QB and a damn good one too. You don't want to go soft on your "stars" however; if you go too hard on him then you send a message that you think the guy is a serial rapist (which he may be). Do not overlook the racial aspect of this situation because certainly the players will not. This will be Goodell's first big suspension of a white player and remember many thought he went soft on the Patriots for "spygate." All of these factors make Goodell's decision extremely delicate. Then after the smoke clears the ball is in the Steelers court. How do you weigh the off field successes against the off-field embarrassment? That will be the toughest call of them all.

Bad Role Models Everywhere

2010-04-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

I was listening to Round 3 of The Masters on the Radio in DC this weekend when some analyst got overly excited about Tiger Woods cursing himself out on the golf course. Woods said something to the effect "Tiger You Suck", something I am sure Elin has said to him many times since Thanksgiving. Anyway, the Analyst then went on a rant about kids watching and how he's a role model, blah, blah, blah. I understand that some expect so much more from the Varsity Letterman (Breakfast Club Reference). Why? Just because someone is good at their craft does not make them perfect. Now to be fair most of the criticism is Tiger's fault because he foolishly pledged he would be better behaved on the golf course. Call me old fashioned, but I think first he should master not sleeping with the local waitresses at Perkins, then move onto the on course cursing issue. I mean it’s like asking a smoker to quit smoking and drinking at the same time. Not happening!

The other amusing thing about The Masters was all the applause Tiger received. Those were not impressionable kids cheering it was their parents. So if you are among the group of parents that wants every athlete to be a role model, then stop cheering for the assholes. I also am pretty sure that was not a kids camp giving Mark McGwire the standing ovation in St. Louis at the Cardinals home opener. No again, probably parents and it will probably be parents cheering for Big Ben this year in Pittsburgh. I'm not here to defend athletes because they certainly should be held to a high standard, but they screw up like the rest of us. It doesn't mean kids should stop watching or caring about sports, but a little parental guidance goes along way.

I grew up in a time where some of my biggest Sports Idols ended up screwing up royally. One even died of a cocaine overdose (Len Bias RIP), but I never touched cocaine or even thought about it. Dexter Manley was one of my favorite Redskin's and he was a major drug addict. I loved Riggo too and still do, but he had his off the field issues. Sugar Ray Leonard was my favorite boxer, he was involved in drugs and accused of domestic abuse. Even my favorite musician Eddie Van Helen had his off stage issues (alcohol, drugs, bimbos). Somehow I have not needed to be sent to Trembling Hills yet. Why? I guess because my parents never bullshited me into thinking athletes, musicians, or politicians were better than the rest of us regular folks. I try to do the same with my kids and it works pretty well. I have them convinced the Dallas Cowboys are part of a terrorist organization.

I mean are athletes are no more important to our culture than teachers, clergy, politicians, and police. All the other industries mentioned have their share of scandals too (and their role models). I mean daily you can find a story about some sicko teacher touching kids or Priest for that matter. Also, Police using their badge for things like sex, illegal payments, drugs, or old fashioned brutality. Politicians well...where to start? How about wide stance Larry Craig or John Edwards, the Southern Gentleman cheating on his dying wife and has a love child and now sex tape! I should also mention the Tea Party they embarrass this country daily! Then there is Hollywood the folks that actually make as much or more than most athletes and most of them act like jackasses all the time. There are bad people in every profession and salary scale, but there is also a group worthy of being called role models. The kids will learn that whether Tiger curses or says "gosh darn" in front of the microphones. They just need their parents to explain it to them instead of cheering for these idiots.

Abstinence=Great Golf

2010-04-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Remember in "Rocky" when Mickey (Burgess Meredith) told Rocky to stay away from Adrian while training because sex weakens the legs? Well Tiger Woods is the latest example that abstinence equals peak performance in athletics (even though golfers are not really athletes). I could also throw Tim Tebow out there too as further proof, but apparently "saying no" does not make you throw the football like a man. Anyway, back to the World's Greatest Golfer, can we all agree he probably has not had sex since Thanksgiving? I think it is safe to assume Tiger is no longer allowed on Elin's "course" since the incident assuming he is even allowed in the house at this point (If Tiger wins the Masters Nike should market "blue golf balls").

Honestly, I have no idea if there is any relationship left between the two and neither does anyone else (outside of them and their lawyers) for that matter and that brings me to my big point here. None of us really knows anything about Tiger or his wife, which makes them no different than celebrity couples like Branjolina OR Sandra Bullock and Jesse James. We only get snippets of what they want to show us. So sorry, I'm not slurping up the new and improved Tiger bullshit that is being spread by the golf media at Augusta National.

On Thursday, golf analysts broke down his body language, his smile, interactions with the other golfers, and yes a little club tossing on the back 9. I'm not saying a Tiger can't change his stripes, but let's just give it some frickin' time please. Not that I care, but Tiger also was back to his short self with the golf media after the round of 68 and then of course there is the "Tacky" Nike Commercial with Earl speaking from the dead albeit out of context and the revelation that he slept with his 21 year old neighbor (is there any woman outside of Minnie Mouse he didn't sleep with in Orlando?). Everything outside of the club tossing, snippy stuff with the media, and latest mistress in the Tiger Slam was been planned by his agent and the rest of Team Tiger.

Anyway, in this "give it to me 5 seconds ago" world we live in, we want to know NOW. I get that, but something’s we can't make snap judgments on right away and this is one of them. It will take time for us to find out if Tiger is truly a new man or just trying to protect his sponsors and fan base. Does that make his accomplishments on the course any less impressive? Hell no if anything more impressive with all the stuff going on his personal life. Golf is clearly the only love in Tiger's life he has never cheated on. Can he save his marriage and his family? That is something won't be televised no matter how many shots TMZ gets of Elin without her wedding ring and the kids. Those things will be worked out by the two of them away from the cameras OR by their lawyers.

I find it amusing the same golf writers who were floored by the revelations of Tiger's infidelity now want to prop up Jack Nicklaus for NEVER straying from his family. Are we sure? Do we evidence he did? No on both accounts, so why even bring it up? Remember Charles Kuralt the highly respected CBS newsman that was always On The Road looking for great stories? Well it turns out one of the great stories on the road was a mistress he had, who ended in a messy courtroom battle with his family after his death. Not to mention recently with the Southern Gentlemen John Edwards, I mean really wake up America. How many more "role models" are going to burn us until we learn to stick to the facts? Great golfer...end of story…because truthfully you never know the entire story.

Thanks Again Eagles!

2010-04-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I hate to say I told you so..But here it goes. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR! http://scottjackson-jacksonsports.blogspot.com/2010/03/be-careful-what-you-wish-for.html Eagle’s fans you asked for it now you got it. Oh and you will see him TWICE a year. Donovan McNabb is gone, but he's just down I-95 with the Redskins (up until yesterday I did not believe it). I knew he and Andy Reid had a good relationship, but trading within division is CRAZY! I thought you learned your lesson from the Sonny Jurgenson-Norm Snead deal! Sure I know the Philly spin, Eagles always get rid of guys a year early. That has been true for the most part. However, remember Brian Dawkins? He was REALLY good in Denver last season. He was also a locker room leader, which McNabb was too.

Now not all Redskins fans are sold like I am on this move. I have heard plenty of talk about this move being same old same old. Keep in mind though, this guy is still very productive, he was not a free agent looking to rob a bank, and Dan Snyder did not make this decision over a candle lit dinner with Vinny and a bank robber free agent. Adults are now running the show, Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan or probably more like Shanahan and Allen. I'm sure the late HOF George Allen has to be smiling that his son was part of this move. He loved the Over The Hill Gang. Did I mention the price was VERY reasonable for McNabb?! A second this year and either 3rd or 4th next year. There is also the position he plays, it is kind of important, QUARTERBACK!!!! You know the turn style position in DC for the last decade. Even if McNabb only had 3 good years left that is more than anyone else has given since Mark Rypien.

I am the most skeptical so and so on the face of the earth 99% of the time, but I truly think the Redskins hit a homerun with this deal (more than the Nat's already). Again the numbers and winning percentage speak for themselves with McNabb. Sure the Skins need to rebuild the O-Line more and now they can address that instead of a QB in the first round. Plus they might get some extra picks from a Campbell deal. The WR's (outside of Moss) are still green, but that is exactly what McNabb dealt with in Philly over the years. The running game will be better here just because they will commit to it, which Andy Reid never did. The other sign that should reassure Skins fans is they are shopping Fat Albert Haynesworth already. It is Mike Shanahan's show. Ask Clinton Portis he should remember, you workout with your teammates or get out. I doubt they will be able to get his fat ass and his contract out of town, but I like the effort.

Finally, I feel bad for Jason Campbell.....BUT...This is pro football and if they had drafted an unproven and dumped him that would be one thing. Instead they added arguably a Top 5 QB or at worst a Top 10 QB. It is a Quarterbacks league with the way the rules are set up and the teams that have the best usually perform the best. Campbell never got a real far shot in DC, but his thin skin to the criticism that goes with being a QB did not help him either. Plus it is interesting to hear Campbell's teammates say they feel for him and then in the next breath say McNabb brings leadership which we so desperately need. Maybe in the right situation Campbell will become that guy.

Unfortunately the days of bringing QB's along slowly is gone. Quarterbacks like every other position need to put up or shut up faster than ever before. As long as we are passing out blame let's not forget Campbell was Joe Gibbs guy and costly too (a 3rd in '05, 1st and 4th '06). Ok, I have not been struck by lighting yet so I will continue. Most of the free agents that were shown the door this off-season b/c of production issues and high contracts were under Gibbs watch too. Saint Joe had the hammer but never used it. He could have told the owner to shut up and let the adults do the work, but he was too busy spending like a drunken sailor on over priced veterans. Maybe he did not notice that the team was not getting much production from their picks or free agents b/c he too busy lining up sponsorships for his NASCAR team. Now Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen are cleaning up the mess he, Vinny, and Danny made. There is still lots of work left to do, but at least they have someone good under center.

Grief Counselors Working OT in Chapel Hill and College Park

2010-04-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

You know why people are suckers for Sports Movies like "Rocky", "The Natural", "Over the Top", and "Hoosiers" (although it is loosely based on a true story)? It is because the story book endings NEVER happen in real life. So it is not surprising the "Perfect Ending" did not take place for the Butler Bulldogs, no chance to hear Jim Nantz say, "Butler Did it!" No instead "Duke is King", really? Hall of Fame broadcaster and that's all you got for me! (Still love Jim despite the cheesy canned championship calls) So name brand Duke (the Notre Dame of College Hoops except still good) holds off the pesky kids from little Butler University and the majority of America hates them for it. They have surpassed the Yankees and Cowboys for the most hated team in Sports according to some geeks, who call people and ask them such important survey questions.

I understand they cancelled classes in Chapel Hill today and in College Park, MD, because of the high levels of depression. Hate the players and Coach all you like but don't hate the game. Duke is hated because they get it done. SCOREBOARD! Did anyone see Dicky V's emotional outburst about the hatred toward Duke? Why do so many choose to hate? Look in the Fing mirror DICK! I mean Overkill is too soft of a a word to describe what you have single-handedly done to the program. Ok back to this year's champs... raise your hand if you saw Duke this year at any point before or hell even during the ACC tournament and said Duke is a National Championship team. No way unless of course your last name is Krzyzewski or Vitale or unless you lie on Sports Talk radio for living (yes some of these guys lie about predictions and years of service too).

This was a Duke team that was solid all year and peaked at the right time and yes got some breaks in the bracket, but no apologies needed this is the system we play and Duke earned it. The Blue Devils have a Coach that adjusted to his personnel and got his players to work on their individual games and perfect their roles. Did they play hard? Do bears you know what in the woods? This is Duke they ALWAYS play hard! Players like Brian Zoubek and Nolan Smith have come a long way in their careers at Duke and no one got more out of their ability than Jon Scheyer (sorry Hansbrough lovers). Kyle Singler is a special, special player (in Coach K voice) and the rest fill their roles. More BAD news for the ACC, they are going to be really good next year.

One final thought on the Final 4 can we bury the Mid-Major title now? I mean Butler is a Major Program and they were no fluke. They were not a Cinderella story like George Mason or Hickory High from "Hoosiers", did you know they shot that movie in their gym? NO Butler is legit and will be for years to come if they keep Coach Doogie Howser around. They were SO close to pulling off a story book finish, but unfortunately they came up just short. It happens in sports and life (vomiting in my mouth now). It is a shame because they would have become America's Team for a season at least and we all could have said, Butler DID IT! Roll the cheesy One Shining Moment music please, did I mention the Masters are coming up this weekend on CBS?

Final Four Needed An NC 17 Rating

2010-04-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

What in the world was West Virginia Coach Bob Huggins doing to Da'Sean Butler?

a) giving him mouth to mouth

b) stick his tongue down his throat

c) choke him to his death

d) all the above

If you said d) all the above you are correct.

It may have been the oddest scene at a Final Four since Duke teammates Christian Laettner and Thomas Hill made out on the floor. However, it was far from the ugliest thing Saturday night. No, that would have been the AWFUL display of shooting from Michigan State and Hickory High School. I'm happy the "Cinderella" story is still living, but they tried to give the game away and Tom Izzo's team refused to take it. Izzo not to be outdone by his team's pathetic shooting showed his ASS after the game whining about a "no-call" on their final desperate attempt. I would have expected more from a Varsity Letterman. Hopefully a nice glass of wine with life partner Steve Mariucci and all will be good with Izzo. I understand why he was so upset, he once again failed to save the economy of Detroit.

There is a good chance the feel good fellas from Butler will get waxed by Coach K's crew that is playing their best basketball at the right time. However, you never know and that's why they play the games and we watch. Those who don't prefer scripted shows like "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars", I mean you don't really think your vote counts do you"? (If you do, give me a call I have a beach house I want to sell you in Vegas) Anyway, you gotta hand it to Coach K even with the calls not always going his way last night his team hit the boards and hit their shots. You also should probably feel free to credit the players at some point, but I know that is not what College Hoops is all about. Instead we over glorify the head coaches. Now we get to see the child protege ~~Doogie~~ Brad Stevens match wits with the Legend Monday night.

The clock is probably about to strike midnight on Butler, but it would be a helluva a finish to a strange College Basketball season. Tomorrow I will wrap up College Hoops season and talk McNabb as a Redskin! I refuse to write about it until it has been over 24 hours because I'm affraid it is too good to be true.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter! And let's not lose focus on what Easter is all about: Tim Tebow's second coming!

RIP NIT and NCAA Tourney

2010-04-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Last year's Champion is now #67, UNC, after they lost in the likely final NIT game (RIP) ever to Dayton. For what it is worth ESPN's Doug Gottleib is calling the Heels an NCAA Title Contender next year. However, he did not bet the credit cards he stole in College on it. Anyway, the NCAA is hell bent on expanding the field to 96 because they care so darn much about the student athletes (vomiting in my mouth). You see they just want more kids to get the special experience of being among the best 96 and playing in the ~~watered~~ ~~down~~ special event. They also want to shut up all their sissy coaches, who continue to cry that College Football has all those bowl games. Yeah and those are wonderful. So for all you NIT fans (Dayton fans) it probably is going to be retired despite its once great history.

Anyway, leave it to the NCAA to screw up a good thing. The only thing that could suck worse is if Dick Vitale or Jimmy Dykes were doing NCAA tournament games. Oh wait, they probably will be when ESPN outbids CBS in the new contract negotiations. NO more Jim Nantz saying "UConn you Can" or "The Jacket Fits for the Ga. Tech Yellow Jackets" or "Carolina on Their Mind". So I guess there is some upside, but seriously I live for the corny Jim Nantz moments. I even like the lame "One Shining Moment" highlight reel (BUT I have never watched "Dancing with the Stars") and I even enjoy Nantz's Masters voice when he talks about the upcoming Golf Major. Hell I even miss that grouchy Old Man Billy Packer, who did not care if viewers tuned out he kept it REAL. Remember '08 Final Four the Kansas Jayhawks jumped out to a 38–12 lead over UNC, at which time Billy Packer declared, "This game is over." (UNC eventually cut it to 4 pts, but so what it was funny!)

So enjoy this years Final Four because this could truly be an end of an era. The tournament will never be the same again. Too big, too watered down, and surely too many Big East Teams in the future. The only way I will be sold on this 96 field is if Old Dominion runs off 16 straight tournament appearances. Ok, who is going to win tomorrow night? Can the Butler do it (ha, ha) or will Michigan State save the economy of Detroit by getting into another title game? Sorry, but ~~Hickory Highs~~ Butler's run will end, too much experience on Michigan State. Plus I love Coach ~~Mariucci~~ I mean Izzo this time of year. Duke and West Virginia, yes the Mountaineers pose some match up issues for the Blue Devils with their wing players. Can you imagine if WVU knocks off Duke? The riots in Morgantown and furniture burning will only be matched by the kids in College Park, MD. Do you think the Terp Fans will tear down the goal posts at Byrd? I ~~like~~ pick Duke to win. Too solid and too much experience and they play 8 on 5 (joking of course).

Coming Soon...I get Political and talk Obama Care (did you read the bill?????????HELL NO! AND YOU DIDN'T EITHER SO GET OUT OF MY F-ing FACE). Plus a breakdown of GOP party and their parties (why didn't they show this side earlier!) and why would anyone want to be referred to as a "Tea Bagger?" Unless of course you were on the High School Wrestler team or a fraternity rush chairman.

Butler in the Final 4 Reminds Me of a Movie

2010-03-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-03-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Weekend Wrap Up: ODU Wins, UNC and The Oscars Suck

2010-03-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

The Defending National Champion North Carolina Tar Heels have fallen really, really far. I mean a free freakin' fall to sound like Good Old Roy. A 32 point loss to their neighbors/rivals, the Duke Blue Devils, kind of puts the exclamation point on the sucky season. The Heels went into the game riding a 4-game winning streak at Cameron Indoor and the Duke Seniors not only ended the did it without breaking a sweat. Hell the Cameron Crazies thought so little of the game they did not bother rushing the court! The ~~Dorks~~ Fans were even chanting C-B-I not NIT, that's why these are our future leaders, so clever.

The Oscars suck every year and every year I waste my time watching. I understand the show may be more enjoyable if I actually saw some of the movies up for the awards, which is a problem for me. However, is it my imagination or has Hollywood become one big animation industry? In another year they will need to put this on Cartoon Network. Also, animation winners keep your speeches to about 15 second's b/c we don't know any of you or care too. That's why your mics kept getting cut off; we want the stars to bore us not you dorks. By the way George Clooney what are you so pissed about? I mean you are sitting with a girl half your age, you got millions in the bank, and your look pissed. Dude, you used to be on the "Facts of Life", be happy!

ODU is a step closer to a CAA title, but have to beat William and then Mary to win their first conference title since 2005. Great win over the hated VCU Rams on Sunday. I would love to see ODU make some noise in the Big Dance. However, if I had one wish for my Alma Mater it would be for the head coach to shave his Hitler Mustache! Please Coach Taylor if you want players like John Scheyer to attend get rid of that thing.

Wizards Andray Blatche says he is a man just like Kevin Garnett, that is of course minus the 13 All-Star Appearances, numerous all league team honors, all defensive team honors, an NBA Title, and MVP award. Blatche does have one distinction over KG. The Celtics star never been arrested for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer. Do not poke the bear with a stick, dummy! I don't care if he stuck his tongue down your throat, keep playing, and let the scoreboard do the talking! God I am getting old.

The Carolina Panthers cut QB-Jake Delhome and now word is Michael Vick is interested in playing with the franchise. Eagles obviously control Vicks rights to this point and his parole officer. However, would be an interesting fit if it could work out. The Panthers would be substituting a guy that played like a dog for a guy that tortured them. Thanks tip your waitresses I will be here all week.

Coming up later today: Big Ben keep your hands to yourself, Dale Jr. sucks, and DC restaurants are suffering thanks to the Redskins.

Who's So Vain? Who Cares?

2010-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

NFL free agency has sucked so bad that I am forced to go away from sports. In my backyard the best rivalry in College Basketball is being played Saturday night. Duke hosts Carolina, but the bottom line is the Tar Heels are not good team this season. Duke will win and their fans will rush the floor just days after whinning about Maryland Fans doing it at their expense. The only difference is the kids at Duke will not riot....they have to hurry back to their dorm rooms to study. Did also mention most of them are dorks?

So instead I want to explore the burning question, does anyone truly give a crap who that stupid Carly Simon song is about? I mean it has been 38 years turn the
f-ing page already. Either you tell us or shut up about it already, it's that simple. Are you so vain that you think any us cares anymore. Here's another question did anyone really give a crap 38 years ago? However, give her credit for riding that one song for 38 years.

I understand in her day Carly Simon was considered attractive and dated a lot of famous guys (Warren Beatty and married James Taylor). It is kind of hard to see that now since she looks more like a clown. Plus much like famous male musicians (i.e. The Rolling Stones) it does not really matter what you look like someone will sleep with you. The other thing about it is the song really sucks. I mean have you listened to it?

So now she has released it again with backtracking, which I thought was just for the satanic heavy metal bands I used to love. You know like Black Sabbath, Motely Crue, and Iron Maiden. Anyway, in the backtracking she says the name David, no more details except it is not record executive David Geffen that rumor has been shot down. So which David could it be?? Cassidy, Bowie (no he liked men), Letterman (not famous then), David Lee Roth? (ok that's a stretch), Beckham (not quite old enough), or how about David no last name needed. You know from David and Goliath. I mean killing Goliath would probably make someone pretty Vain.

The Apocalypse Is Upon Us

2010-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Killer earth quakes, tsunamis, me on facebook, and now the Redskins not spending in an upcapped year, the end is near folks! In what may be the first sign of fiscal responsibility in Washington DC since the George Washington Administration, the Skins have not spent a cent in free agencies early hours. Instead they have cut loose $17 (M) in underachievers (except for Rock Cartwright). I must admit I will miss Antawn Randle El. No Skins punt returner (use that term loosely) was ever better at the fair catch.

Now who will I curse at every Sunday? Perhaps Clinton Portis? Yes, Southeast Jerome is still on the team somehow, while good guys Ledell Betts and Rock Cartwright are not. CBS for the past several years has been shooting a show called "Survivor DC Athlete" the two stars are Clinton Portis and Gilbert Arenas. The object is to see who can do the most damage to their respective franchise and still keep their job. So far it is too close call! Ok, for accuracy sake, I understand the only reason both are still employed has to do with $$. Cutting them would be costly, but it is a goofy irony that they are still here and others have been sent elsewhere. I would still bet on Arenas being gone by next season. Portis right now looks like he is will be reunited with Mike Shanahan, which is fine as long as he plays like he did in Denver.

I am a little worried about the new "Redskins brain trust," of Allen and Shanahan. It seems like they actually have a plan, out with the old in with the new, and don't overspend. How will DC Sports Radio survive? What will there be to talk about? Caps, Wizards, or Nats? Ok, I'm getting carried away because it is still early. I mean Redskins One could swoop in still and pick up Julius Peppers at Chicago Midway and bring him to DC, right? Or could it be this time there actually is a plan unlike the "Crazy Eyed" Vinny Cerrato era. The only pitfall is if it works the Redskins may lose Allen to the White House, they clearly could use help with the books.

Redskins Put their Title on the Line

2010-03-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year Redskins fans. The time when the once glorious franchise shines....FREE AGENCY! Not just any free agency, no, no, free agency without a Salary Cap! The day Vinny and Dan dreamed off, but wait there is no Vinny and Dan is just the guy who writes checks now. Right? I guess we will find out at 12:01a.m. if this is truly a new era for Redskins Football with Bruce Allen and Mike Shannahan running show.

I for one will miss Vinny, really, no guy ever had more confidence in himself that achieved less. He used to stroll out every year and say we got our #1, #2, and #3 targets. He acted like the Commissioner was about to hand over the Lombardi trophy. Of course we all know that's complete crap, 52-65 won/loss record in his second stint when he was allegedly in complete charge is proof. No team handed out more free money and got less in return in free agency than the Vinny led Redskins. Deion Sanders, Jeff George, Mark Carrier, Bruce Smith, Brandon Lloyd, and Adam Archuleta jus to name a worthless few.

Whatever Vinny's doing now (Manager at a Johnny Rockets) it must be tough not to be part of the action and all those great dinners with Dan and the free agents. I'm sure Redskins One is getting fueled up as we speak. Let's hope when the Skins spend b/c they will, they at least spend wisely this time around.

Notes: Tiger Woods Caddy Steve Williams claims he would have blown the whistle had he know about the Tiger Slam. Please are you kidding me? He would have kept his damn mouth shut and probably helped Tiger like he does on the course knocking anyone out of the way that annoys the World's #1 Playa. Don't be surprised if Steve is working the door at a New Zealand nightclub in the near future.

No Joke a Big Game in the ACC

2010-03-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to crush Carly Simon some more today. You know that old bag who is so vain she thinks she can make us give a damn about her stupid 38 year old song. My other idea was to talk about the stupid father, who took taking your son to work a little far. You see he's an air traffic controller at Kennedy Airport and he let his kid give some directions to pilots. Not a College or High School kid, no, no, his kid is in elementary school. So in about 10 years we can read about this kid going Todd Bridges and holding up a CVS for drugs because he lost his mind after he got his old man fired.

Anyway, back to the topic I was strong armed (thanks Jon) into writing about Duke and Maryland tonight at Comcast Center. It is the second best rivalry in the ACC (sorry its still UNC/Duke, they f-ing live next door to each other). However, in this mediocre season of ACC play (thank you UNC) it is the best the conference has to offer (#4 v. #22). It is like 2001-02 all over again or at least the Terps hope so. They can move into a first place tie with a win over the Blue Devils. It also will likely decide Conference Player of the Year, Scheyer v. Vasquez. In what has been a real mediocre year for The ACC as a national power this game does have some zip. I have liked Maryland all year even after the loss to William and Mary, of course the CAA rocks, and ACC teams should continue to avoid playing powers like the Tribe, George Mason, and of course Old Dominion (the Harvard of the south).

As for Duke they are putting together a typical Duke year. Wonderful at home, tough, smart, gritty, and not very athletic (ok real white). Coach K love him or hate him and I know Terps fans hate him, he is still among the best on the bench in College Hoops. So is Gary Williams by the way, you know Maryland fans, the guy you want to replace with Mike Brey. Anyway, Duke is essentially a three man show Scheyer, Singler, and Smith, and the other guys just fill their role. It has worked to the tune of 25-4, but unless you went to Duke, root for Duke, or are related to the Coach, or live in New Jersey or New York, you know that this team will not be in Indianapolis for the Final 4 without a ticket. Duke is hardly worth storming the court over these days, but we know if Maryland wins, they will.

Maryland has a lot going for them tonight home court, confidence, athleticism, Vasquez, and of course Gary. Enough of the x's and o's b.s. here is what every Maryland/Duke Game boils down too (or at least in Terps Fans minds). How will it be called? Which scares the hell out of the Terps Fans. You know how well Coach K works 'em (see picture above) and how well they sell the charges (or flops/fainting goats). One of these teams is going to deal with foul trouble and that could spell trouble for them. For the record I like Maryland's depth better. Too much youth off bench for Coach K and this will be first real hostile environment (sorry Heels fans). This is the Terps best shot at Duke in several seasons and they need to take advantage of it and if they do let the looting begin!

To Catch a Predator...Go to the NFL Combine

2010-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Let me first get the background out of the way. Ok, here's the deal I love the NFL, best pro sports league going by miles. It is the only league I actually pay to watch. I am now a 10 year subscriber to NFL ticket (where you get ever game each Sunday) for the price of three months mortgage, but it makes Sunday's a lot more fun. Plus as a Redskin fan if I didn't see all the other games I would have no clue what a real NFL Offense is supposed to look like. So as they say I am all in. I even play fantasy football (yes I'm a geek).

However, the NFL Combine is a huge waste of time and the media coverage is too. It is a glorified field day. Guys in t-shirts and shorts is not football. Doing the broad jump, shuttle runs, pull ups, bean bag toss, potatoe sack races, and getting completely naked in front of NFL "Personnel Guys." None of it translates into what wins on Sunday's. Why even bother sending out the scouts all season long to watch these guys play College Football? I understand it is just a small part of the evaluation process, which is fine, but just don't act like it means anymore than it really does.

This year's TV coverage on NFL Network has been a little different. There are lots of guys in under armour tights and plenty of strange camera shots of guy's legs and arms most bulging muscles (not that there is anything wrong with that). There are networks for this type of cinematography, but not on the NFL Network! I mean sure they shoot similar things on the annual Dallas Cowgirl Cheerleader Calendar Shoots, but that show is hitting the core demo of NFL Network. This years Combine has more of a LOGO Network feel too it.

For the record, the only reason I know about LOGO Network is by accident. It happens to be near Travel Channel, which has cool shows like Rick Steves Europe Through the Backdoor. Ok, so that show sounds like it should be on LOGO too, but trust me it is a real manly show. He hangs out in cool pubs in Europe and drinks beer with cool guys he meets over there.

Wait...never mind, my point is football is a manly tough sport. It is the closest thing we have to the Old Gladiator Days of Rome (Do you like movies with Gladiators in them?) very manly stuff, high testosterone, no need for the tights, strange camera angles, and creepy comments from analysts about the players physiques. All I'm saying is if they are not careful, next years NFL Combine may be shut down by NBC's Chris Hanson.

Canada The Best in Hockey and Healthcare

2010-02-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

The Winter Olympics came to a close and lots of records were broken in the Vancouver Games. Team USA set a record for total medals, thank God for the X-Games events and the host Country Team Canada set the record for Golds. Plus the Canadians showed that they still own hockey winning gold in both the Mens and Womans.

I'm sure Canada is breathing a sigh of relief especially those who work with or live near Ugly Americans. No one does a victory lap like Americans do and couple that with the way those "woman" in Canada acted after beating Team USA, I would have been prank calling Canadians all night long. So you better be thankful for Sidney Crosby right about now.

Canada feels about hockey the way the United States feels about basketball, although, Mr. James Naismith was actually Canadian (only Steve Nash apparently knew this). We freakin own basketball and when we didn't, it pissed us off real bad. So I understand how the Canadians must have felt when they lost last week to Team USA. Give the American team their due they played with tons of heart and goaltender Ryan Miller was "standing on his head" (hockey lingo) until the Crosby goal.

Bigger issue for me and others who like the Washington Capitals is Sidney Crosby continues to f-everything up for us. In the last year he and the Penguins eliminated the Caps on their way to a Stanley Cup and now he scores the decisive goal in the Gold Medal Game of the Olympics. Did I mention he's only 22 years old? He's in the Eastern Conference and he is on the franchise that owns (Penguins) the Caps in the Post Season. He is an absolute pain in the ass!

For many here in the States hockey is over until the next Olympics four years from now. The fans that will stick around will likely see one of the more unpredictable finishes thanks to the two week break and a schedule that continues to cram games together. The NHL apparently trying to Capitalize on the Olympics decided why wait to get back at it and will play a game Monday night, Detroit @ Colorado. Coach Mike Babcock you just won Olympic Gold what are you going to do? Sorry Coach no time for Disney World your Red Wings play the Avalanche on the road.

Tomorrow, We tackle why the NFL Combine should be on the LOGO Channel.

Best Olympic Event: Cat Fight

2010-02-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

So it turns out the United States Woman's Ski Team is not much of a team afterall according to Julia Mancuso. She feels too much attention is being given to Lindsey Vonn. I guess no one ever told her blondes have more fun.

Certainly this should be no shock; Vonn was a Sports Illustrated Cover Girl twice and in the swimsuit issue. She is getting tons of attention and is by far the best all around skier on the Team USA. Also, let me point out a little something about skiing. It is an individual sport for goodness sakes. Just like golf and tennis, although sometimes there are team events. Also, keep in mind and no offense (but here it comes) to the country club crowd, skiers are usually rich kids.

Translation, not as mentally tough as athletes that play real team sports. Golfers need shrinks as do tennis players and apparently so do skiers, especially Mancusco. Golfers and tennis players need silence when they play. Tiger Woods greatest player or is it playa in World has a heart attack every time a camera shutter clicks. He allegedly grew up on Military golf courses, which usually have more noise than Grand Central Station. You see the country club scene softens even those that were not born into it.

Plus let me point out the obvious, these are woman! Of course there will be petty jealousy! My god that is in their nature. Plus let's not forget when the Olympics are over the real gold rush begins for endorsement $$$. So Mancuso is marketing herself as the underdog. Although I find it funny this is the same girl complaining about Vonn getting special treatment and she's the one that wears a tiara? So who's the diva Julia?

There is also a saying in the world of public relations, all publicity is good publicity. I think that is the case here and notice NBC has not shied away from talking this thing up on their coverage. This is also a great opportunity for the Olympics to add a new event, Cat Fights, which they can just call woman's wrestling. I think a Vonn/Mancuso matchup would break some serious pay per view $$ if Vince McMahon's WWE is inclined to make a pitch. For the record I would take Vonn and her 160lbs. over the tiara wearing Mancuso, but I'm partial to blondes.

Baseball, Steroids, and Major League Shrinkage

2010-02-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

"I'm not here to talk about the past".....but your brother is Big Mac. Fomer Big League Slugger Mark McGwire's brother Jay McGwire is selling his brother's steroid use story in a book about to released. Talk about Bash Brothers! Big Mac can not be happy as he tries to become comfortable in his new role as Cardinals hitting coach.
"http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Cp_27%3AJay%20Mcgwire&field-author=Jay%20Mcgwire&page=1
Great Family as you might have guessed from the strange family portrait, Mark's brother was a male body builder. What a tool! He claims he got Big Mac hooked to get him healthy, HGH and all kinds of steroids.

However, I'm a little confused I thought Jose Canseco was the only "guy" to inject Big Mac in the buttocks. Now his brother wants part of that fame. At least he kept it in the family. Too bad his father was not involved like Andy Pettite's old man. I mean some dad's like to be buddies with their sons, but Pettite's dad took it a little to far, "son daddy got you some HGH!" As you might guess Big Mac and his brother Jay are estranged and in the book he essentially says the slugger took everything outside of a fish parazlyer (which would be fine in the all drug Olympics).

Jay McGwire seems like a guy desperate for attention. I mean he was a male body builder for goodness sakes, what a tool! By the way what do you think the longterm steroid use did to his testicles? Not a pretty picture. You want to scare teenage boys away from steroids use and HGH? Tell them about the MAJOR league shrinkage these players suffer. That will keep them off the juice! Sorry ladies, but they don't call them the family jewels for nothing. Yes, guys like to think they are priceless.

Back to Big Mac, many are outraged that he will be the St. Louis Cardinals hitting coach. Count me in! There is no place in baseball for a guy like him. Oh, I'm not talking about the cheating with the steroids. I mean everyone was doing it. What bothers me is Big Mac was not that good of a hitter. He was only a .263 career hitter, had more strikeouts than walks, and just slightly more hits than strikeouts. Plus according to his brother the juice is what improved his bat speed later in his career. What positives can this guy bring to the locker room you might ask? Well, he could always scare the guys straight by showing off his shrinkage.

The Winter Olympics Stealing Circus Talent

2010-02-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

The more I watch the Winter Olympics the more it reminds me of something I would see at the Circus, but without those annoying fing clowns. Does anyone honestly like clowns?

Anyway, the Winter Olympics are full of acrobats these days. I know they are trying to appeal to a younger audience and it also helps NBC get their billions worth by keeping the American audience interested. I'm not complaining we are good at these X Games Sports and are on pace for a record setting medal count thanks to them.

I just wonder what the net effect is on the good folks at Ringling Brothers. I mean the PETA folks already want to take the animals out of the circus. Anyone, who has been to the circus lately knows the daredevils have become the show and the fing clowns. So if the daredevils start chasing Olympic Gold like that Shaun White kid, who actually looks like a daredevil clown, then what?

Notes: Also, who came up with The Nordic Combined? A combo of ski jumping and a cross country skiing relay. Really? What a stupid combo, I mean anyone cool enough to Ski Jump would never waste their time with something as boring as cross country skiing let alone a relay.

Do You Believe In Miracles!

2010-02-22T15:37:00.000-08:00

Today is the 30th Anniversary of the greatest sporting event in American history, the 1980 USA Hockey Team beating the Soviet Union 4-3 in the Lake Placid Winter Olympics. I remember it like it was yesterday. There are many reasons why it is so memorable, a bunch of College Kids beating the best pros in the world. It was the height of the Cold War. It was a sport no one really paid much attention too outside of the Major NHL cities and Canadians, which come to think of it is just like today.

ABC thought so little of the game they showed it tape delayed and for the kids reading, no there were no extra cable channels, hell there was no cable or dish for that matter. (Yes it was the dark ages. We even had to get up to turn the channel! No this was not the great depression.) There were lots of tape delayed events back in those days, which come to think of it 30 years later is similar to what NBC is doing now!

I mean Bode Miller was not shown live during the day yesterday, instead Russia and the Czech Republic hockey was on NBC, which I did not mind. Yet the United States and Canada were kicked MSNBC and plenty of tape delayed action was shown on NBC in Prime Time including Miller's gold and of course Live Ice Dancing. What the hell were those Russians wearing! They made Johnny Weir (rhymes with Queer) seem conservative. Maybe the Native Americans can hate on the Ice Dancers instead of the Redskins for a little while.

Back to why Team USA's win was so memorable especially for those of us growing up in Washington DC. There was a news anchor on the local ABC Channel 7 named Renee Poussaint. Anyway, as I said the game was shown tape delayed, so between peroids (game tied 3-3 after 2) they had local news teases and Renee blurts out something like U-S-A beats Soviets at 11pm!

The producer let her have it and she was very embarrassed. Sports guy, Tim Brandt (style), helped Renee by saying it was still very exciting to watch even knowing the result. She felt horrible and really never lived the moment down. No one could ever bring her name up without telling that story, but everyone in DC remembers Renee when they remember "Miracle On Ice." Hell she's a legend for it, kind of like the Mike Eruzione of local news anchors making a career off of one moment.

A Visit to the Mecca

2010-02-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I set out for a truly religious experience. I went to a NY Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. I mean this is the building Elvis, Led Zeppelin, MJ, Gretzky, Kobe, Lebron, U2, and Numerous United States Presidents have performed in. Oh and the Knicks call it home too. If the Category is Greats, which one of these does not fit? If you answered Knicks you are right. It is great to have celebreties courtside (Justin Tuck of the Giants was the celeb last night..Weak!), but not so great when they are a bigger story than the team. Also, you ever notice some of the greatest moments always involve opposing players lighting up the Knicks?

Ok enough of the cheap shots. I went to what many ballers (I'm so white) refer to as the Mecca. I have been to my fair share of different arenas during my seven years covering the NBA, but never MSG. How is that possible? Simple.. I only traveled during the Playoffs, understand now? I mean the Knicks have been a punch line for the last decade. The talk surrounding the franchise is rarely the play on the court, but instead what Superstar can we get to play here in the off-season.

Monday Night they will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their 1969-70 NBA Championship team. Three years later they won another in the 1972-73 season. You know how many Knicks Titles have been raised since? 0...zip, nada, none! You know how many franchises have won titles since the Knicks last? 12 some multiple times like the Celtics, Lakers, Bulls, Pistons, Spurs, Rockets, and others one title like Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, Seattle Super Sonics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. For my DC friends we laugh at how long ago '78, yet it was 5 years more recent than the Mighty Knicks! Yet there is not the man power wasted on what might be with those franchises because they don't have the historic building and #1 media market hyping them.

I will admit if it boiled down to which building and fan base cares more the Knicks would be the Lakers or Celtics or the Yankees to put in New York terms. The Hype around the Knicks is so enormous and it overshadows the mediocre results. The last time I checked pro sports are about results right? It is really ridiculous to think about all coverage wasted on such a mediocre product. It got me to thinking, what if this happened in politics? You know someone with style an no substance getting way too much airtime. You know someone who is not even in the game? Imagine what a joke that would be!

Buddhism The Cure for Bootie Calls

2010-02-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

Before I get to Tiger Woods "robotic apology", the press coverage has officially "Jumped the Shark." I will not say which one, but a certain National News Network (who's building I have been working in this week), used the the first 10 minutes to cover it from every possible angle. At one point some stupid Junior College Woman's Golf team was be interviewed and one of the players actually started crying about Tiger cheating on his wife. Get your own freakin life girl!

Ok to the "press conference" or actually poorly read statement because there were no questions allowed, which got me to thinking. What would I ask Tiger if I could? I would simply ask Tiger this...Outside of the "Hostess" from NYC, WTF were you thinking? (I mean a waffle house waitress who lives in a trailer park, Two washed up porn stars, two failed models, and several bimbos looking for their 15 minutes and guess what they are getting it now). I think Tiger should sue TLC Laser Eye Center because clearly the surgery did not work. There is no way in hell he has 20/20 vision. I mean look at your wife man!

Anyway, my favorite moment of the press conference was when Tiger explained how if he had kept practicing Buddhism it might have kept from chasing Bootie! The theory may hold water though, really, I mean the Dalai Lama has never been involed in a sex scandal. So now that he's back to buddhism does this mean Elin needs to worry about Tiger buying gerbels like Richard Gere? Ok, that may have been too much of a visual , for that I am sorry.

So Tiger is headed back to therapy for his "sex addiction" in Mississippi. For those of you that do not know my position on "sex addiction" I will sum it up simple as possible. It is complete BULLSHIT! The only bigger b-s is the body language experts, which are everywhere on this Tiger apology. I really think the "disease" was created for the rich and famous as an excuse to basically do whatever the hell they want until they get caught. It is amazing John Edwards has not figured this out yet.

Notes: Happy to report a full week in NYC and I have not seen a single rat (outside of Bernie Kerik on tv). Also, for those of you wanting to let me know that the snowboarders jeans are snow pants, please read the top of the blog banner. On this blog we go for entertaining before accuracy. This is not the NY Times, we don't break news, we make fun of it or if necessary make it up.

Super Bowl of Rednecks

2010-02-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

Great news for all the diehard NASCAR Fans out there. Last week's Super Bowl of Racing the Daytona 500 proved once and for all that Corporate America has not taken away the sports ~~roots~~ rednecks. No, no, the fact that a pothole on the Super Bowl surface held the race hostage for several hours proves NASCAR is still a real redneck operation. Ok, wait to be fair, do you know how many times the Super Bowl has been delayed because of issues with the field? ZERO! The NFL should sue NASCAR for trying to compare the two events.

The other thing that kills me about this story is why do you need to fix the pothole? I mean these guys are supposed to be the greatest drivers in the world, right? I have spent the past week in the back of New York City Cabs and these guys seem to drive just fine with endless amounts of potholes and a hell of a lot more traffic! I know the argument NASCAR drivers are racing at almost 200 mph...and guess what so are the New York City Cab drivers! Some how, some way these guys avoid not only the endless amounts of potholes, but also the pedestrians that have no regard for the cross walk signs.

Clearly I'm not a big NASCAR fan, but here is some advice for Hendrick Motor Sports dump Dale Jr. now and sign up Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (ok maybe that is not his name) the Cab driver who got me from the Port Authority to West 57th in under 5 minutes during rush hour while it was snowing on Tuesday. This guy has mad skills!

Notes: Today while on a break (little boys room) on my really important assignment I had another brush with fame. While I was letting it hang out so to speak at the urinal who walks in? A pretty famous musician from a really cool Late Night show. I wish I could tell you his name, but it would blow my cover.

Can't wait to hear Tiger's bullshit tomorrow!

I'm Alive and Watching the Winter Olympics

2010-02-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, first let me say that I am sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I am on assignment and actually doing real work. I can not reveal much, but let's just say that a former "Perky" Today Show Host and I are working in the same building. That's right the bigtime...although in two weeks I will be kicked out of the building and she will continue to handle the nightly news.

Anyway, how bout the Winter Olympics? The more I watch curling the more confused I am. I can't decide whether it is more like bocce or shuffle board on ice? Apparently it works in Canada just like public healthcare, which means it is doomed to fail in this country.

However, I love the Extreme Sports addition to the Winter Games. You know Snowboard Cross and the half pipe basically X Games Stuff that will help Team USA pad the medal count every year. I just worry about these ~~burnouts~~ athletes passing their drug tests.

Another issue I have with it is some of these snowboarders are wearing jeans during their competition, which begs the question is it really a sport? I mean if you can drink, smoke, or wear jeans and compete it is not a sport. Apologies to bowling, golf, darts, rodeo, pool, and Major League Baseball.
I have actually attempted to snowboard on a few occasions and I realize it is not easy on the lower body you have to be strong and have balance (I have neither). I respect these snowboarders, but if you want the over 30 crowd to take you seriously put on some snow pants over the jeans.

NOTES: Late breaking news...Another member of the Wizards big three is gone, Antawn Jamison is headed to Cleveland and a real chance at an NBA title. Great Guy on and off the floor, good luck Antawn. As for the Wizards or what is left, GILBERT ARENAS! That's right that is what's left, Gilbert. You know the quirky oft injured all-star, who started the bring all your guns to work day in DC. Sure the Wizards cleared lots and lots of cap space, but that does not mean all-star free agents will line up to sign up to play in DC. The dump was the easy part. The Hard part is finding the next core group, good luck Ernie.

Friday Tiger Talks but doesn't take any questions seems like he learned a lot in rehab.

NC State Still The Nail

2010-02-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

A year ago at this time the Tar Heels were well on their way to a National Championship....fast forward a year...oh, how the mighty have fallen. However, as much as things change, some remain the same as evident in Saturday's whipping of (rival?) NC State.

The Wolf Pack as much as it pains their fan base are still the nail to the Tar Heels hammer. No, Ed Davis, Tyler Zeller, and even down a Wear Twin, no problem it's NC State/Carolina it is the Tar Heels birth right to win. The Heels have been horrible of late, but something about the NC State Red and Cool Aid Coat on Sidney Lowe=Win. It must suck to be a State fan because they HATE the Tar Heels more than they love them selves. (How many days until football season?)

UNC is likely NIT bound still, which won't sit well with a fan base that expects ACC titles and Final 4s. However if nothing else this season they can be prideful of the fact they are the Cool Aide Killers.

Notes: Maryland crapped the bed Saturday in their chance to pass Duke in the ACC. A Fantastic week for the Blue Devils beating UNC and Maryland. However, why do I feel Duke would only be 5th in the Big East? Very ordinary year for College Basketballs Most decorated conference.

Caps Coach It Keeping Real

2010-02-12T05:25:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to like about Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau, winner, makes great commercials, and does not have a post game filter. Here was his thoughts on his teams defesive efforts and goaltending after a 6-5 loss to the Ottawa Senators, "It was an ugly display," a furious Boudreau said. "I thought our defense was horrible and our goaltending was horrible. You're not going to win when you give up six goals and maybe five of them are bad ones and our 'D' can't make a play. It's awful."

So Coach what did you Really think of Goalie Semyon Varlamov's return to the ice?

"I don't think he was ready to play," Boudreau said. "He knew he was going to play. He's had 12 days of practice and a game [in the minor leagues] under his belt. It's his responsibility to be ready."

And there is more...."When you say, he's rusty, it's an excuse," he added. "And excuses aren't tolerated. The puck's going through his legs? He's been making that save since he was seven years old."

Wow..no need to panic obviously 14-straight W's and a pair of losses is a good trade off for any team, but the manner of the two losses has raised some red flags on the Red's biggest concern going into the season..Defense/Goaltending. They have surrendered 23 goals in the past five games after allowing 7 in the five games before that. Defense, Goaltending, and health are the three biggest factors for the Caps hopes of raising Lord Stanley's Cup. The first two may have to be addressed before the trading deadline and the latter they have no control over.

ACC Basketball Meet ACC Football

2010-02-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

The best rivalry in College Basketball hardly was an instant classic on Wednesday night when Duke pulled away to beat the sputtering defending National Champion UNC Tar Heels. Shooting a sorry 34% and once again proving if you take them out of Cameron they are very vunerable.

A win is a win and no one should apologize for it, but let's be honest if Duke is truly the elite team in the ACC that was not an inspiring performance. The conference certainly is suffering from what football suffers from year in and year out...No title contender and no real horrible teams (Miami knocking off Ga.Tech). Although NC State made a strong case for horrible against Va. Tech. However, in some ways it is more entertaining because night in and night out it is anyones game. Just remember not to fill your brackets out with a bunch of ACC teams in the Elite 8.

Duke (already at 20 wins) will have a fantastic looking record when the season is over, but scratch beneath the surface and you will see a team that looks very similar to the last several years. They need the right draw to make through the first weekend of the NCAA tournament.

As for the Heels it has been quite a down year fresh of the National Championship. First it can't be stated enough this is not that Championship team (NO Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington, and Green). Too many injuries, no leadership, too much youth, poor shooters, poor defensive effort, and too many turnovers, to name just a few.

An ugly win over Duke could have been what the doctor ordered, but instead they will have to get well against NC State this weekend. The Wolf Pack not too long ago whipped Duke and looked like a team that could make some noise. Instead they have settled into the ACC basement and for all the hoopla about next year b/c of the recruiting class coming in...just remember THIS YEARS TAR HEELS.

Break Up Wizards..Bring Back Terpzards

2010-02-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

The Washington Wizards season is thankfully at the All-Star Break, but unfortunately they do have to play the final 32 games of the season. They sit at 17-33, which sadly is just 7-games back from the final Playoff spot in the sorry Eastern Conference.

By now you know the story of the fall of franchise player/practical joker/soon to be felon Gilbert Arenas. A sad tale of stupidity/immaturity at the highest level. Certainly Gilbert is not Charles Manson more like Peter Pan with a lot of guns, but his immaturity and lack of leadership has cost the franchise dearly. Now its time for the front office (Ernie Grunfeld) to clean up the mess that he had a hand in creating.

The NBA's trading deadline is just 9 days away and it would be almost criminal if the Wizards stood pat and played the patience card once again. Look in the stands there are a more empty seats than a Washington Nationals game. So they better do something to fire up the fan base. Most likely to move seems to be Caron Butler and if someone will take Soulja Boy (DeShawn Stevenson) it would be worth it. There are so many trade rumors it's not even worth listing them, but there is one that might really fire up a portion of the fan base that has left the building.

One hint...TERP-ZARDS...that's right a deal with Portland that would bring back the pasty point guard, Steve Blake! Then the Wizards could bring Juan Dixon back to the States, he is currently playing for Unicaja Málaga in Spain. Plus they could get Lonny Baxter at a discount since he's not playing anywhere right now. Plus who better than Baxter to explain DC gun laws to the team?

You may remember Baxter was arrested only a few blocks from the White House after firing a .40 caliber Glock handgun into the air. He was later sentenced to 60 days in prison after pleading guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition charges.

The other option is to just see if you could make a deal to get the current group from College Park to play out the season. Their season is certainly worth watching, while the Wizards are essentially on a trade watch and the games are just a side note.

Sex Addicts or BS Artists?

2010-02-09T00:41:00.000-08:00

Former Mets GM and ESPN Baseball Analyst Steve Phillips did his public mea culpa on NBC's Today Show and played what is becoming the first card in the deck of public salvation these days, SEX ADDICT. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4896683
He was in the same treatment center in Mississippi that Tiger Woods has made famous. Before I spit in the face of these therapist that diagnose this disease, let me say this. Who really gives a crap about Steve "Freakin" Phillips? I mean he did those obnoxious fake press conferences on ESPN and had no shot of ever running a baseball team again before this. So what's the upside for him? Doing MLB TV? (plus could you have picked a better looking woman to cheat with?)

Ok back to the big point here. For those of you that do not know my position on this let me make it real clear, I think most of these famous "sex addicts" are full of shit! Ok I said it, I think they are liars that are only remorseful because they got publicly humilated usually by their wife or some crazy ex. I'm not saying sex addiction does not exist however, it would not be more believable if it was not always some Hollywood actor, athlete, or politician that claims it after being busted?

Are they really sick or just sick? For entertainment purposes only I will put money down on John Edwards playing the card publicly before 2011.

New Orleans and Baltimore Celebrate!

2010-02-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Shame on us, that's right all of us. You know who you are (me), I am rooting for New Orleans, but Peyton is just too smart and the Colts will win. Super Bowl 44 is another example of why I do not bother with Reality TV, you know Dancing with the Stars and American Idol. Sports are still the best form of Reality TV. As Jim Mora once said, "You think you know but you don't!" Plus the toughest part of watching shows like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol is telling your parents you are GAY.

Where do you think they are partying harder, Bourbon Street or the Inner Harbor? Anyway, way to go former great Redskins Gregg Williams, Mark Brunell, Chase Daniel, Leigh Torrence, and Pierson Prioleau! Be thankful the Redskins let you leave. Great weekend for former Skins, congrats to Russ Grimm about damn time a Hog got into the Hall of Fame. The most famous offensive line ever and only one representative. Apologies to the Buffalo Bills Electric Company, but the Hogs made bigger better and they weren't blocking for a double murderer (OJ). OK Timmy Smith did time for drugs, but he never cut his ex-wife's head off. Hopefully this will open the door for Joe Jacoby and the head Hog Joe Bugel.

Notes: Congrats to the Caps for rallying to beat the Penguins. I had an unfortunate Twitter incident in the second period of that game. Let's call it premature Twitter, which is common at my age. Anyway, I stated the Caps were still Pittsburgh's ....., whoops! Not the case however I still need to remind the world that the NHL Post season is so much different than the regular season. So enjoy it...but remember its still sports, that's why they play the games.

Johnson Getting Help For His

2010-02-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

A former Dallas Cowboys coach endorsing a male enhancement drug! Wow, you can't make up copy this good. I always thought of Jerry Jones as the franchise's little prick. No apparently former two-time Super Bowl Champion Coach Jimmy Johnson has that title now.

In all seriousness (sort of) every man has their issues and I guess instead of making fun of the JJ we should give him credit for being man enough (thanks to extenze) to admit it.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/05/in-an-effort-to-go-mainstream-extenze-hires-jimmy-johnson/

Judge Tells Perv Turn Over Edwards Porno

2010-02-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

The viewing parties will have to come to an end for Andrew Young and his wife. Friday a judge order they turn over the sex tape that allegedly has John Edwards and his former mistress Rielle Hunter in it. The tape allegedly was shot while Hunter was pregnant with the "love child."

Ever since the story broke I have wondered what is this pervert Young doing with this video. Turn it over already. It is just gross. Then I remembered a Jerry Springer episode I saw several years ago or wait was it Maury or Geraldo? Never mind the point is the episode was about guys that were turned on by porno movies involving pregnant woman. Now I can't confirm this, but there was a guest who was behind a curtain that looked a lot like this pervert Andrew Young.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure it was Springer because a fight broke out when a pregnant lady in the audience got angry at the "perv" behind the curtain (probably Young). Jerry and his security team had to break it up. Anyone else see that episode?

Capitals Win 12th in a Row, DC Freezes Over

2010-02-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

I remember my first pro sports experience as a youngster. I was 4 or 5 years old and I went and saw the Washington Capitals play the LA Kings at Capital Centre. My entire family went thanks to my aunt's connection with the Kings. There must have been at least 100 other people at the game. It was the franchise's second year of existence; they won 11 games the entire season.

They got better in the 80s making the playoffs 14-straight times. Unfortunately the playoffs would always end with epic heart break. Remember the opening round of the playoffs in 1987? Caps up 3-1 in series on the NY Islanders, who rally to force a Game 7. It was no ordinary Game 7, it would be known as the infamous Easter Epic that finally ended at 1:56 am on Easter Sunday. The Capitals despite dominating most of the game, outshooting the Islanders 75–52 lose in overtime when Pat LaFontaine scored for the Islanders.

I remember fans saying the day the Caps win a Stanley Cup, hell will freeze over. We are not there quite yet, but DC is certainly freezing over again this weekend. The Caps are a breath of fresh air in a pro sports town where we have seen a lot of losers and I'm not even talking about the Politicians. I mean another overhyped Skins team did not deliver and the best Wizards roster in decades is well...AWFUL. (A Positive side note on the snow coming. It could very well keep the Wizards from getting back in time to lose again on the home floor Saturday night.)

Unfortunately it is still a long, long, journey to the Stanley Cup Finals, let alone hoisting the Cup. In two weeks the red hot Caps will take a break with the rest of the league for the Winter Olympics. The Caps best players though will not be resting, but representing their respective countries. How will it effect the season? No one knows and there are still questions with the defense and goaltending that may need to be addressed by the trade deadline. Oh and I have yet to mention the f-ing Penguins likely standing in the way like they have some many other times?

That still won't stop me from expecting the best from this team. They have the best player in the world sorry Sid in Alex Ovechkin, young stars like Nicholas Backstrom, Alex Semin, and veteran Mike Knuble has been a great fit, thanks Flyers. Anyway, too many positives to worry about the possible pitfalls, so for now enjoy the ride and the snow in New Hockey Town USA.

Super Bowl Week is a Super Bore

2010-02-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, first let me get this out of the way. Yes I wish I was in Miami, Florida, eating and drinking on some station's dime. No doubt, so there will be a tone of envy and jealousy in this blog. Now that is out of the way.....one question for you. Have we learned a damn thing about the Saints or Colts we already didn't know before this week of hype and non-stories?

Here's a sample of what has been covered so far on each side.
Saints:
1. Great story b/c of Hurricane Katrina
2. Peyton's dad played for them
3. Drew Brees Great QB and Great guy
4. Reggie Bush likes Kim Kardashian's large ass
5. Owner Tom Benson has seen lots of losing

Colts:
1. Great story b/c they f-d Baltimore
2. Peyton plays for them
3. Peyton has a large brain under that helmet
4. Freeney's ankle is as large as Kim's ass
5. Peyton, Peyton, Hatian WR, Peyton

Bankers get a bad rap for their big bonuses and rightfully so, but we need an audit of money spent and worthwhile work achieved from Super Bowl week. I mean most of this crap could have been written while sitting on the hotel room toilet or from South Beach. I know it sounds like I'm there.

Two Great Nights of TV Thanks ABC

2010-02-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the return of "Lost" and the best comedy on TV since Seinfeld, "Modern Family", ABC owns me Tuesday and Wednesday nights. First, I have no clue how there are two sets of realities going on with the cast of "Lost." I mean the explosion happens and the plane doesn't crash, yet there is this whole other thing happening on the island. I still love the show although I feel lost when watching "Lost" most of the time. They should run a disclaimer that says creators of this show are on mind altering drugs.

"Modern Family" meanwhile just gets funnier each week, a Moon Landing! Last night it saved me from overanalyzing the Hoyas meltdown against South Florida. Where did all the Hoyas fans go? I mean Saturday the place is packed with Duke in town. I'm sure they will draw well with Villanova on Saturday unless it snows out. Bottom line... the Hoya fan is like a lot of the others in DC, front runners. Good news for the Hoyas though, everyone is average in College Hoops this season with perhaps the exception of Kansas and Kentucky, but raise your hand if you trust John Calipari in the big game? Heck he blamed "God's Will" two years ago when he choked the title away against the Jayhawks. So although many love the unpredictability of this years College Basketball, I love the predictabilty of TV's two best shows.

Hostage Crisis Reaches Day 3 in NC

2010-02-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how soft this generation of kids is in this great country of ours and it pisses me off too. What used to be considered parenting or coaching is now considered child abuse. Vince Lombardi would have never had a Championship trophy named after him if he coached in this decade. He was way too tough and clearly would have been run off. Could you imagine if that sissy kid of Craig James played for Frank Kush or Woody Hayes? OMG..as the kids like to say.

I know it is called progress. WE know more today than we did back then. Bottled water, bike helmets, car seats until your 16, mouth pieces for PE, No PE, and extra sunscreen.

Anyway, here's my point....I never walked up a hill 2 miles to school with no shoes, but I sure as hell went to school with a little snow on the sidewalks every once and a while. Even my kids are now saying being home is a bore and why can't we go to school. However, the school district is just covering their backsides in this sue everyone society we live in. Now the kids get ready for Saturday school this weekend and a shortened Spring Break and guess who pays the price for those goofy schedules? That's right the parents. Isn't progress great?

What is Exclusive Anymore?

2010-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

Remember when exclusive actually meant exclusive? I have thought a lot about this word "exclusive" while watching coverage of the John Edwards scandal lately. Not "exclusive" in the sense of Edwards and his wife, which apparently was not very exclusive. No I mean from the media standpoint. When a network says they have an exclusive, I figure that means they have the interview and no one else does.

However, in this day and age of show business/news it is all about how you sell it to the public. Yes and sadly that does mean "deceive" or bend the truth. I say this b/c two tv stations here in Raleigh, NC, claimed to be the exclusive place to see former Edwards aide, Andrew "Judas" Young get interviewed.

First of all Young has talked to every media outlet at this point about his book, so big damn deal. I mean "Cat Fancy" and "Horse and Hound" had him on the cover this week. The guy gets around. Secondly, clearly neither station one upped the other yet they wanted to b.s. their viewers just in case they were not paying attention.

Late breaking news Andrew and Cheri Young need to turn over the Edwards sex tape. No word on whether or not they will or is they will continue watching it together. Either way I know one or two stations here will have an exclusive story on it even if "Cat Fancy" or "Horse and Hound" had it first.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7253229

Tebow Pro Choice But is He a Pro QB?

2010-02-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

NFL teams could care less is Tim Tebow is pro life or pro choice. What they do care about is whether or not he can actually play Quarterback in the NFL. If he threw the ball like Matt Ryan he could be the Devil himself and NFL GM's would draft him. So far the evidence suggests he is no pro at least at Quarterback. He makes Danny Wuerffel look like Dan Marino with his wobbly passes. Everyone talks about his release point, but what about his velocity or lack there of? Nothing he did or didn't do at the Senior Bowl should be shocking. Struggled taking snaps from center, showed poor mechanics, and thanked God.

On the College Gridiron Tebow could do it all and even circumsize babies in the off-season. He was a model citizen, who one day may really lose it when he realizes all the fun and opportunity he missed in Gainesville. He probably will never be a starting QB in the NFL. Sure he could be a career backup, great locker room guy, leader, etc. Some sucker team like the Jaguars may even take him with an early pick to fire up their disinterested fan base or ego maniac Bill Belichick may take him just to prove a point. And if all else fails he could always replace Pat Robertson on the 700 Club.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/01/AR2010020102067.html

Redskins Find Excuse for Miserable 2009 Season

2010-01-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

See I thought all along the Redskins were awful for the entire 2009 season. However, our buddy Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post with help from Football Outsiders, presents an alibi for the sucky Skins season. They were the 7th most injured team in the NFL. Is it too late to bring Zorn back? What about Vinny? Oh wait he was in charge of the roster that had no depth, oh well. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/01/redskins_had_2009s_most_injure.html

The more interesting part is the fact that the Indianapolis Colts ranked 2nd and the New Orleans Saints ranked 4th. Why do those team sound so familar?

Caps Win Again, Wizards Win Hell Freezes

2010-01-30T01:23:00.000-08:00

All the Washington Capitals do is win, 9-straight to be exact, which is their best streak since 1983-84. I wish the Playoffs started tomorrow because the regular season is just too easy. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/29/AR2010012904470.html

In a horrible season that has been just as bad off the court as on it at the Wizards do not suck as bad as the NJ Nets. Soon to be face of the franchise Earl Boykins hit the game winner. The Wizards need to develop an ad

campaign around Boykins maybe he and Haywood could do a retro Manute and Mugsy thing? Not funny I know..but I have to joke or I would cry thinking about that team. 1978 was a good year!

Is John Edwards a Political Paris Hilton?

2010-01-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Has anyone fallen faster than John Edwards? Ok Tiger, but the more I read about Edwards the more amazed at his double life. Granted it was just one affair that we know of right now...however in many ways it is much more interesting than Tiger's issues. I mean a sex tape are you kidding me? Did he think she was making a campaign video? He makes Bill Clinton look like a choir boy.
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7246367
Now his mistress and baby mama wants it back..the tape that is and who knows maybe Edwards too. For the record I have never been in one of these videos, but it seems like all them end up in the wrong hands. Why not destroy or put it in a safe? Just a thought. It seems to me like most of the people that make them want them released. I mean it has done wonders for Paris Hilton's career. Mabye Edwards should have released it during the Democratic Primaries? It certainly would have separated him from Obama and Hillary.

Snow Headed Towards NC, Time to Get Drunk!

2010-01-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

As a youngster growing up in the Washington Area we had our fair share of serious winter storms, but many more misses than hits. I thought there was no market that drummed up wintery weather fears better than DC. I mean 24/7 weather talk when a storm got within 48 hours. They gave us all the models, maps, and accumulation totals well before they had a freakin' clue if it would actually hit the DC area.

Gordon Barnes from Channel 9 is personally responsible for my sorry high school GPA. You see when he called for snow I believed it and because of that belief there were many tests I didn't study for figuring I would be hanging out home the next day. Thank God for Old Dominion University!

Winter Storm Advisory here in the Triangle, which means complete panic! Much worse than DC, you see they don't have the right equipment to handle it down here. So everyone is freaking out. The grocery stores and jammed because the news media (worst people in the world) are telling everyone we may lose power. So you better get your milk and toilet paper. http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/storysection=weather/forecast&id=7245836

So I went to the store, but not for TP and Milk.... no I went out for the real essentials. I went to the ABC store. What is a snow storm without Crown Royal?? I know that sounds kind of sad. However, when I arrived just before 1pm the checkout line was 10 deep. We like to have to the fun South!

The Hawk Disses Our Washington Nationals!

2010-01-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Baseball Hall of Fame has spoken Andre Dawson will go in wearing a ~~Washington Nationals hat~~ I mean Montreal Expos hat, but the Hawk wants no part of it!
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4862768

He instead wants to wear a Chicago Cubs hat and may even wear one to the ceremoney when he makes his speech. I mean talk about another level of humilation for the Natinals Organization. Bad enough the teams sucks, no one goes to the games, and they can't get uniforms that are spelled correctly. Now former Expos wanting no part of this great tradition. Very sad.

NBA Makes Their Move, Wizards Up Next

2010-01-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

NBA Commissioner David Stern has handed down a season long suspension for Jarvis Crittenton and Gilbert Arenas, now the million dollar question in DC is what the Wizard will do with Crittenton, who becomes a free agent this off season (I promised sarcasm). http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/01/27/AR2010012703330.html

Oh and there is Arenas to worry about too. The former face of the franchise has 4-years remaining on his 6-year, $111(m) contract. The word is Arenas no longer wants to play for the Wizards or President Ernie Grunfeld and they obviously are not all that excited about him anymore. The Wizards will explore all options but most likely this marriage will end quicker than John Edwards (Sex tape really?). It seems almost impossible to fathom anyone even the Knicks would want to trade anything of value for Arenas. A buyout seems much more likely and a major rebuild.

So who will own these Wizards? That is apparently not the slam dunk for Caps Owner Ted Leonsis after all.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4864550

Hopefully cooler heads will prevail because the Wizards need some good PR and no disrespect to the Pollin Family (but here it comes), the fan base wants Ted and no one else to own this team and yes that includes the Pollin Family. The only worse scenario for Wizards fans would be Dan Snyder getting control of the team. Abe Pollin did some great things for DC, but this franchise needs some new leadership and direction from the very top. Leonsis has done wonders with the Capitals and could do even more with an NBA franchise.

Some hardcore Caps fans have asked why would Ted want the Wizards with all their problems. Here is the reality of the NHL for you, a sorry TV deal with Versus and NBC. Outside of NHL markets the coverage is pathetic. ESPN practically ignores it. Today for example on Sports Center, the RED hot Caps were the 27th story some 46 minutes into the show (I know I have too much free time not my choice). There were 11 NBA games highlighted, 5 College Basketball games, even the X-Games, Golf, NFL pro bowl, and Tennis before the NHL. Also, for some strange reason the Devils and Sabres were in front of the Caps.

The NHL among the 4 major pro team sports is still a distant 4th. The NBA is still in a better position to generate revenue even in the downtrodden state the Wizards are in. Leonsis owning both would be win win for DC sports fans and the franchises involved.

Tennis Anyone?

2010-01-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

Remember when Tennis mattered? I don't either. Anyway, the first major is taking place the Australian Open. (YAWN) Serena Williams is still playing Sister Venus is out on the woman's side. Anna Kournikova no longer plays so I really don't follow woman's tennis anymore, but at least it is more interesting the worthless men's tour.

I know (Dave) I have offended you and only you, but men's tennis sucks. Sorry to Roger Federer who is the best player ever... maybe, but there are no good American players worth following so it will always be a country club sport until another "Meth addict" like Andre Agassi comes along. I can't think of a less important major in sports.

A Tigerless Masters would be more compelling than this garbage down under. By the way how concerned is CBS that Tiger's "treatment" might keep him away from Augusta National. I mean if Elin really wants to see how bad he wants her back then she should tell him to skip the Majors. He would be back at the Orlando Waffle house the next day.

Side bar for a second here a few questions about the treatment Tiger is receiving at the "clinic." What do they do to these "addicts" in these clinics? Do they hypnotize him? Golfers are all about visualization, so why not have Tiger visualize John Daly naked everytime he gets the urge to cheat. That would fix the problem.

Back to tennis at least they are trying to drum up interest expect maybe they are going too far. I mean Venus apparently is playing commando. PLEASE put some underwear on girl!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1245542/Venus-Williams-flesh-coloured-underwear-causes-stir.html

Now if Anna Kournikova did that imagine the interest and excitement. Tiger would surely watch.

Hammer and the Nail=UNC v. NC State

2010-01-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

This is the simplest way I know to explain the NC State/UNC Basketball Rivalry for my friends that don't live here in the Tar Heel State. You see the hammer is UNC and the nail is NC State. No matter how bad the hammer seems to be feeling it always pounds the nail. That's exactly what happened for the 13th time in 14 games on Tuesday night here in Raleigh, NC.

http://http//tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012610aaa.html

Why Brad Pitt is a Fool

2010-01-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

I have been busy today sorry for the delay. I have some finishing touches to deal with on a bathroom paint job, locking up guests for tonight's Prime Time in the ACC Show, a morning meeting, and a run to the grocery store.

I could go on and on about how wonderful it is that London Fletcher finally made the Pro Bowl, or how ridiculous this Wizards Gun mess with Crittenton and Arenas has become with the various versions of the story, or I could take more cheap shots at the choking Brett Favre.

Instead I have decided to talk about what a fool Brad Pitt is and it has nothing to do with his alleged break up with Angelina Jolie. (For those of you worried my wife will kill me for this...don't. We have an agreement Jennifer Anniston is top of my Celebs I can .....with, so no worries)

http://http//www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/697182/Golden-couple-Brad-Pitt-amp-Angelina-Jolie-see-top-divorce-lawyer.html

NO he's a fool because he broke up with the woman pictured above. This really needs no explaination if you have any type of vision. Now what does he have to show for his poor decision 5 years later? An Orphanage full of kids? Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which actually is not a bad movie. Anyway, my only hope is Jennifer Anniston doesn't let Brad come crawling back because he simply is not worthy.

The Agony of Defeat Has Never Sounded Funnier

2010-01-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Agony of Defeat sounds like this and it may be the best call since Al Michaels, "Do you Believe in Miracles."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/images/01/25/FavreINT.mp3

Let the Favre Watch Begin

2010-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the Colts and the Saints, but guess what America you are about to get knocked over the head with 24/7 coverage of Brett Favre's ever emotion and move for the next month until he retires. Don't worry he will be back in September.

Plus it is always good to see Ed Werder working especially on location in places like Kiln, Mississippi. Maybe while Ed is in Mississippi he can stop by and see what Tiger is up to at that "clinic." I just can't wait for the Favre video in August when he starts working out with the local High School team again.

What About the Family?

2010-01-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well maybe Urban Meyer doesn't like his family that much after all. http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/12828350/floridas-meyer-feeling-better-staying-involved

Clearly Meyer's chest pains were no more than a breaking heart for departing Quarterback and Messiah Tim Tebow. Apparently time does heal all wounds as the Coach now has his family back where Gator Football fans know they belong, behind football.

Another Meanlingless Championship Weekend

2010-01-22T11:18:00.001-08:00

It has been 18 years since I had any emotional attachment to an NFC Championship Game. Yes I am talking about the last time the Redskins were in the game. It has been that long. I hate this feeling as a football fan.

I decide who I will root for or against based on a lot of factors. First and foremost I root against Dallas no matter who they are playing even it was against a Terrorist Group. Secondly I root for teams that have the coach or player or story line that appeals to me. I rooted for the Colts b/c of nice guy Tony Dungy and for the Steelers for Bill Cowher b/c he had never won the big one.

This year it is simple unless you HATE America you have to root for the New Orleans Saints. Ok or you are from Minnesota or have no heart. I mean I still get chills when I see the stories about Hurricane Katrina. Plus the Vikings have that Diva/Drama Queen, Rangler Jeans wearing Red Neck Brett Favre at quarterback. Plus I believe in tradition and the Vikings they are supposed to choke! Too add to my disdain of Minnesota that have that mullet wearing DE Jared Allen, what a tool. So go Saints and Drew Brees!

AFC is a little tougher, I am still mad at the Colts for quitting on going undefeated. That really sucked! However, Fat Rex Ryan I believe trumps all of that. The Son of Buddy is just like the old man and is going to put his foot in his mouth plenty before his Jets Coaching career is over. Also, the one thing I agree with Giants fans on is this, the Jets should always suck. Something about them has a second rate quality and I never want to seem them win anything. So even though Peyton Manning is on tv too much, Go Colts!

The only downside to me getting my wish is we will be subjected to 24/7 reporting from ESPN on whether or not Brett Favre will retire again. However, it is a chance I am willing to take.

Next year it would be nice if the Shanaskins make it to the post season so I don't have to go through these strange rationalizations for finding a rooting interest.

The Beginning

2010-01-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

It took a while... I know and many of you have been telling me to get on it and here we go. I have sold out and jumped feet first into the ever crowded world of blogging and yes I twitter too and perhaps a facebook page is in my future. Don't hold your breath on the facebook thing though. In this little piece of crowded cyber space I will talk sports and probably whatever else is on my mind. So here it goes, enjoy......

DC Sports fans waited a long time for Thursday night and it was certainly worth the wait as the Caps hammered the Pittsburgh Penguins on their home ice 6-3. There have not been many victories to celebrate in the city these days when it comes to pro sports teams. Certainly beating your hated rival is nice, but let me go ahead and be "that guy."

Winning in January is one thing, but winning in the playoffs is what will and should define the Capitals season. Certainly the here and now should be enjoyed, but hockey playoffs are not like the NBA or NFL where the favorites usually win (ask a Bruins fan). Not to mention the long break for the Olympics and most of the top Caps playing for their country. What will the wear and tear effect be? Is the goaltending situation and defense good enough? Will GM George McPhee make a trade? This season will be a battle of attrition more so than ever before, but here's hoping its the beginning of something much bigger..just like this little blog I bring you.