The most exciting thing to happen in the sports world this weekend was the post game comments made by Kevin Durant. After the OKC Thunder lost to the Miami Heat on Sunday Kevin addressed an altercation between he and Chris Bosh. He stood up for himself saying he's a nice mild mannered guy, but he's not a punk and won't be intimidated by anyone. He then referred to Chris Bosh as a "fake tough guy" or in other words a paper gangster. In one interview he gave notice to the rest of the league that he's not the guy to test your manhood against. As Kevin continues to evolve into the best player in basketball his stance on the Chris Bosh incident is just another example of what Seattle is missing out on. The bitterness continues. Here are some other weekend observations.
Kobe and Shaq still have quite a bit of animosity towards one another. Contrary to reports that they buried the hatchet and resolved their personal issues their body language on the court Sunday revealed the truth. These two will never get along and one of them ultimately had to leave Tinseltown.
If you tuned in to watch the Farmers Insurance Open over the weekend and didn't know who Tiger Woods was, you'd think he was an average player trying to make his way on the PGA tour. By mid summer you'll be convinced the old Tiger is dead and gone.
The Big East is now the power conference in college basketball. That being said there is a tremendous amount of parody in the league meaning there is no dominant team in the country. Anything can happen in March.
There is no interesting controversial stories heading into the Super Bowl. Media day will be a yawn and unless someone starts to talk trash quickly the storyline of this game will put you to sleep. Where are the New York Jets when you need them?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Is Li Na The Next Yao Ming?
It's hard to believe that a country with almost 20% of the population has never produced a tennis grand slam finalist. Tennis is not a sport where size and stature are a prerequisite for dominance. Discipline, mental toughness, and repetition are much more important than strength and unique physical attributes. China is known for turning out tremendous figure skaters, gymnasts, and ping pong players, but now that's all changed.
Li Na has burst on the tennis scene with a big personality and a big game to go with it on her road to the Australian Open finals. Her detractors will point to the fact that she advanced to the finals in a year where both Williams sisters were sidelined with injuries, but Li can only play who's in front of her. I'm sure she benefited from not having to play Venus or Serena, but that shouldn't diminish the significance of her accomplishment.
America has embraced Li Na in the same way it embraced Yao Ming when he entered the NBA. Li is an advertisers dream with the potential to capture a HUGE market and capitalize on endorsements. The more she continues to win the more popular she will become. Michelle Wie had the opportunity once upon a time and couldn't cash in on it. Let hope history doesn't repeat itself with Li. Good Luck.
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Sexist World Of ESPN
Can men and women coexist at the ESPN headquarters without sexual harassment being an issue? If you consider past and present altercations the answer is no. Here's a look at some of the incidents that have taken place at the network.
The Women:
Suzy Kolber: Had hall of fame quarterback Joe Namath tell her during a sideline interview that she was pretty and he wanted to kiss her.
Erin Andrews: Had an ESPN camera man videotape her naked in her hotel room then posted the footage on the internet.
Rachel Nichols: Has been repeatedly asked out by current and former players including text messages from Manny Ramirez.
The Men:
Ron Franklin: Had his contract terminated for sexually harassing a female sideline correspondent.
Tony Kornheiser: Suspended by the network for making inappropriate comments about co-worker Hannah Storm's wardrobe.
Sean Salisbury: Fired from the network for sending pictures of his penis to a co-worker.
Steve Phillips: Fired from the network for having an improper sexual relationship with an intern.
Mike Tirico: Suspended for stalking co-workers (plural) and making indecent proposals.
Stuart Scott: Suspended for sending inappropriate sexual text messages to a co-worker.
Harold Reynolds: Fired from the network for improper touching of a co-worker.
It is apparent that the culture surrounding the ESPN headquarters resembles that of an athletic locker room. As we all know the locker room is one of the most un proffesional and politically incorrect work environments there is. As long as former athletes and wanna be jocks work at ESPN the problem will persist. If America is looking for the next big reality show look no further than a behind the scenes glimpse at the total sports network. Beats Housewives of Atlanta any day!
The Women:
Suzy Kolber: Had hall of fame quarterback Joe Namath tell her during a sideline interview that she was pretty and he wanted to kiss her.
Erin Andrews: Had an ESPN camera man videotape her naked in her hotel room then posted the footage on the internet.
Rachel Nichols: Has been repeatedly asked out by current and former players including text messages from Manny Ramirez.
The Men:
Ron Franklin: Had his contract terminated for sexually harassing a female sideline correspondent.
Tony Kornheiser: Suspended by the network for making inappropriate comments about co-worker Hannah Storm's wardrobe.
Sean Salisbury: Fired from the network for sending pictures of his penis to a co-worker.
Steve Phillips: Fired from the network for having an improper sexual relationship with an intern.
Mike Tirico: Suspended for stalking co-workers (plural) and making indecent proposals.
Stuart Scott: Suspended for sending inappropriate sexual text messages to a co-worker.
Harold Reynolds: Fired from the network for improper touching of a co-worker.
It is apparent that the culture surrounding the ESPN headquarters resembles that of an athletic locker room. As we all know the locker room is one of the most un proffesional and politically incorrect work environments there is. As long as former athletes and wanna be jocks work at ESPN the problem will persist. If America is looking for the next big reality show look no further than a behind the scenes glimpse at the total sports network. Beats Housewives of Atlanta any day!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
HTB Statements
It's time for another installment of HTB statements. For those of you not familiar with what HTB means HTB refers to statements that are hard to believe. Here's a few for your reading pleasure.
1. Either New England, Pittsburgh, or Indianapolis has represented the AFC in the Super Bowl 9 of the last 10 years.
2. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. still don't have a fight scheduled.
3. The top prospect for the NFL draft has returned to school the last 2 seasons.
4. Ohio St. is a legitimate basketball powerhouse.
5. Jimmer Fredette scored 34 of BYU's first 50 points en route to a 78-51 victory over San Diego St.
6. Jake Locker may fall to the Seahawks pick and they may actually take him.
7. Carmelo Anthony is still a Denver Nugget.
8. Spring training is less than 30 days away.
9. Wayne Gretzky is 50 years old.
10. Lance Armstrong is still professing his innocence.
11. Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick have gone from the most hated to the most beloved athletes in one season (winning cures all things).
12. Byron Scott (coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers) hasn't had a nuclear meltdown.
13. The NBA and the NFL could simultaneously lock out its players in 2011.
14. Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson both failed to make the all pro team.
15. Antonio Cromartie has replaced Shawn Kemp as the poster child for condom use.
16. The SEC has won the national championship 5 years in a row in football.
17. After signing Lebron James the value of the Miami Heat increased 17 percent. After losing Lebron James in free agency the value of the Cleveland Cavaliers decreased 26 percent.
18. The high school player of the year (Kasen Williams) will play for the University of Washington next year.
1. Either New England, Pittsburgh, or Indianapolis has represented the AFC in the Super Bowl 9 of the last 10 years.
2. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. still don't have a fight scheduled.
3. The top prospect for the NFL draft has returned to school the last 2 seasons.
4. Ohio St. is a legitimate basketball powerhouse.
5. Jimmer Fredette scored 34 of BYU's first 50 points en route to a 78-51 victory over San Diego St.
6. Jake Locker may fall to the Seahawks pick and they may actually take him.
7. Carmelo Anthony is still a Denver Nugget.
8. Spring training is less than 30 days away.
9. Wayne Gretzky is 50 years old.
10. Lance Armstrong is still professing his innocence.
11. Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick have gone from the most hated to the most beloved athletes in one season (winning cures all things).
12. Byron Scott (coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers) hasn't had a nuclear meltdown.
13. The NBA and the NFL could simultaneously lock out its players in 2011.
14. Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson both failed to make the all pro team.
15. Antonio Cromartie has replaced Shawn Kemp as the poster child for condom use.
16. The SEC has won the national championship 5 years in a row in football.
17. After signing Lebron James the value of the Miami Heat increased 17 percent. After losing Lebron James in free agency the value of the Cleveland Cavaliers decreased 26 percent.
18. The high school player of the year (Kasen Williams) will play for the University of Washington next year.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A Sports Fan's Guide To Retirement
Your average sports fan is an athlete in their own right and just like the pros there comes a time when you have to shut it down. This is what the typical life cycle of a recreational athlete looks like.
18-25: You're fresh out of high school and in the best shape of your life. You routinely play pick up games at the park or a university intramural facility. You can play 12-15 games in a row on a regulation size court and 8-10 softball games in a weekend. You push the younger guys around and you crush the older guys. All you need is a tall glass of orange juice and you can go all day.
25-30: You settle into work and family life, but the competitive fire still burns. You join rec leagues and participate in 3 on 3 tournaments when your schedule permits. The regulation size court looks a little bigger than you remember and that 12-15 games is more like 8-10 games. You feel a slight twinge or pull here and there, but you ignore it because you've never had a problem in the past and you like to feel invincible. On the softball circuit you start platooning with another player and only make half the games.
30-35: For those who can still play regulation courts are off limits unless you want your lungs to collapse and burst into flames. You got 5 games in you at most. The young guys torch you and you realize you have no advantage over the old guys whatsoever. Your brain can't wrap itself around the concept that you are the old guy so you push your body to do things it can't do anymore. Casts, crutches, and knee braces become common place amongst your friends.
35 and beyond: You and your friends exchange war stories about various injuries and you wonder if it's even worth it to get back on the field or court. You watch older players on television (Ray Allen, Derek Fisher, Jim Thome) and you get inspired to give it one more try. Your body goes snap, crackle, pop like a rice krispies commercial and you end up on the sidelines permanently.
The better the athlete, the longer this cycle goes. The better your memory of past glory, the more it will betray you. If this cycle sounds familiar always remember the swimming pool is your friend. Less wear and tear on the body and no ego to bruise.
18-25: You're fresh out of high school and in the best shape of your life. You routinely play pick up games at the park or a university intramural facility. You can play 12-15 games in a row on a regulation size court and 8-10 softball games in a weekend. You push the younger guys around and you crush the older guys. All you need is a tall glass of orange juice and you can go all day.
25-30: You settle into work and family life, but the competitive fire still burns. You join rec leagues and participate in 3 on 3 tournaments when your schedule permits. The regulation size court looks a little bigger than you remember and that 12-15 games is more like 8-10 games. You feel a slight twinge or pull here and there, but you ignore it because you've never had a problem in the past and you like to feel invincible. On the softball circuit you start platooning with another player and only make half the games.
30-35: For those who can still play regulation courts are off limits unless you want your lungs to collapse and burst into flames. You got 5 games in you at most. The young guys torch you and you realize you have no advantage over the old guys whatsoever. Your brain can't wrap itself around the concept that you are the old guy so you push your body to do things it can't do anymore. Casts, crutches, and knee braces become common place amongst your friends.
35 and beyond: You and your friends exchange war stories about various injuries and you wonder if it's even worth it to get back on the field or court. You watch older players on television (Ray Allen, Derek Fisher, Jim Thome) and you get inspired to give it one more try. Your body goes snap, crackle, pop like a rice krispies commercial and you end up on the sidelines permanently.
The better the athlete, the longer this cycle goes. The better your memory of past glory, the more it will betray you. If this cycle sounds familiar always remember the swimming pool is your friend. Less wear and tear on the body and no ego to bruise.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Young Sam Is On The Run
Young Sam has been forced underground. Due to forces out of my control, mainly Matt Ryan's post season jinx and New England's inability to stop a nose bleed I've been forced into hiding. After the debacle 2 weeks ago the bosses put the word out they wanted to see me IN PERSON! Whenever they say that you know you're in trouble. They've even gone so far as to recruit 2 of my competitors to run the operation. Donny "2 team" Meisistrano from Queens got a call and so did Billy "1/2 point" Parker from Miami. Neither of those guys are as good as me, but this is a results oriented business. The proof is in the cash. I will admit I've been a little gun shy after going 50% 3 weeks in a row. Money doesn't grow on trees and I'm paid to earn. I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man! There's nothing left to do but lay it all on the line. It's time to get the mattress money out and settle things once and for all. I'm breaking out the wave motion gun to correct this situation! Super Bowl or bust! The big game will pull me out of this funk I'm in, restore my credibility, and the prodigies will be better off for it. Don't wish me luck cause I won't need it. I'm Young Sam Rothstein! Super Bowl picks next Friday. Be sure to heed my words if you want to change your life (for the better). Here's a quick review of the prodigies progress:
Sally: On the straight bets Sally won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with Atl/GB under 43 1/2. On the 3 team parlays Sally won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with Denver and Atl/GB under 43 1/2.
Started with: $121
Wagered: $50
Won: $14
New total: 135
Baxter: On the straight bets Baxter won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with Ne/NY under 44 1/2. Baxter lost a 2 team parlay with Atl/GB under 43 1/2 and Denver and won with Pitt/Bal over 37 and Denver. Baxter lost a 3 team parlay with Denver, NE/NY under 44 1/2, and Pitt/Bal over 37.
Started with: $448
Wagered: $250
Lost: $78
New total: 370
Fast Freddy: On the straight bets Fast Fred won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37. On the 2 team parlays Fred won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with NE/NY under 44 1/2 and Atl/GB under 43 1/2.
Started with: $1,660
Wagered: $800
Won: $60
New Total: $1,720
All 3 of my prodigies will wager everything they have on Super Bowl XLV. Should be exciting!
Sally: On the straight bets Sally won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with Atl/GB under 43 1/2. On the 3 team parlays Sally won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with Denver and Atl/GB under 43 1/2.
Started with: $121
Wagered: $50
Won: $14
New total: 135
Baxter: On the straight bets Baxter won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with Ne/NY under 44 1/2. Baxter lost a 2 team parlay with Atl/GB under 43 1/2 and Denver and won with Pitt/Bal over 37 and Denver. Baxter lost a 3 team parlay with Denver, NE/NY under 44 1/2, and Pitt/Bal over 37.
Started with: $448
Wagered: $250
Lost: $78
New total: 370
Fast Freddy: On the straight bets Fast Fred won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37. On the 2 team parlays Fred won with Denver and Pitt/Bal over 37 and lost with NE/NY under 44 1/2 and Atl/GB under 43 1/2.
Started with: $1,660
Wagered: $800
Won: $60
New Total: $1,720
All 3 of my prodigies will wager everything they have on Super Bowl XLV. Should be exciting!
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Boring Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is set and I have to say I 'm a little disappointed. Let's start with the losers. Give Chicago 3rd string quarterback Caleb Hanie all the credit in the world for stepping into an impossible situation at a moments notice. He responded admirably and almost led the Bears to a come from behind victory. As for the Jets, the inability to stop the run ultimately led to their demise. The culmination of a long season finally took its toll and once again New York ended up 1 game short of their goal. Let's hope Rex Ryan doesn't become the next Andy Reid.
As for the winners, congrats to Pittsburgh and Green Bay for taking care of business. I picked the Cheese Heads and Aaron Rodgers picked apart the Bears defense. He deserves his shot at the brass ring. As for Pittsburgh, the formula still works. Run the ball effectively, make timely plays, and and play solid defense. It's no wonder the Steelers are playing in the Super Bowl for the 3rd time in 5 years. Their style is not pretty, but it's effective.
I won't give a Super Bowl prediction for a few weeks other than to say the outcome will be uneventful. There is no villain for America to rally against. The Packers and the Steelers both have a fanbase that's been in place for generations and everybody loves them. I'm missing the trash talking, overconfident Jets already. They brought a swagger and an attitude to the game that will sorely be missed come media day. I'll watch the Super Bowl because I'm a huge fan of the NFL, but it's so much different to watch the game when I don't really care who wins or loses. It's Big Ben vs. Brett Favre's back up. Who you got?
As for the winners, congrats to Pittsburgh and Green Bay for taking care of business. I picked the Cheese Heads and Aaron Rodgers picked apart the Bears defense. He deserves his shot at the brass ring. As for Pittsburgh, the formula still works. Run the ball effectively, make timely plays, and and play solid defense. It's no wonder the Steelers are playing in the Super Bowl for the 3rd time in 5 years. Their style is not pretty, but it's effective.
I won't give a Super Bowl prediction for a few weeks other than to say the outcome will be uneventful. There is no villain for America to rally against. The Packers and the Steelers both have a fanbase that's been in place for generations and everybody loves them. I'm missing the trash talking, overconfident Jets already. They brought a swagger and an attitude to the game that will sorely be missed come media day. I'll watch the Super Bowl because I'm a huge fan of the NFL, but it's so much different to watch the game when I don't really care who wins or loses. It's Big Ben vs. Brett Favre's back up. Who you got?
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