The Workout Cycle Part I

Working out is essential to maintaining a healthy body and staying in good shape. My friend Paul Butler and his wife have dedicated an entire blog (The Butler Way) to the benefits of running and the results attributed to a healthy diet and a solid regiment. They are living proof the program works. I myself am a bit lazy. I used to be the guy that played pick up basketball with his friends and tennis on the weekends, but after rupturing two Achilles tendons (one during basketball and one during tennis) anxiety and fear keeps me off the courts. The gym is the only solution to getting in a good workout.

I start my morning by making plans to go to the gym after I get off of work. I get pumped up to get in the pool and do some serious laps. As I start my work day I watch people jogging on Lake Union and it motivates me. I can't wait until the work day is over so I can stay healthy like them. The work day runs its course, I do my after work errands, I battle the long commute, and get home around 7. It's generally a long day and by 7:15 my motivation begins to wane. Instead of putting on my swim trunks and heading to the gym I turn on the TV and watch ESPN. Most of the time the have a good sporting event on so I sit down and watch. I know if I grab a beer and sit too long I probably won't make it to the gym. I grab one anyway, then another, and before you know it it's 9:00 and my motivation is completely shot. I feel guilty for not executing the plan and following up on my goals, but I have an easy fix to the problem. I'll work out in the morning!

Dennis Rodman Is Not A Hall Of Famer

My initial reaction when I heard Dennis Rodman had been inducted into the basketball hall of fame was that his 5 championship rings gave him a lot of credibility. He was an integral part of the Bad Boys in the late 80's and the 2nd Chicago Bulls three peat in the mid 90's. His defensive and rebounding prowess made him a unique talent, however I still questioned whether he was worthy of the hall of fame or not. If you look at the numbers it's not even close.

For an entire career Dennis Rodman averaged 7.3 points and 13 rebounds per game. He never averaged more than 3 assists and didn't block any shots. If you don't factor in the intangibles there's no way to make a compelling argument. Dennis Rodman had the ability to guard 4 different positions on the court and his tenacious defense, intensity, and energy helped his teams win at a high level. David Robinson and Michael Jordan both won league MVP awards while Dennis was a team mate and his ability to shut down the opposing team's best player shouldn't go unnoticed. Does that make him a hall of famer though?

I've always been able to look past Dennis Rodman's colorful personality and assess him solely on his basketball skills. Never mind the tattoos, piercings, hair color, wedding dresses, and kisses with RuPaul. He was a hell of a basketball player that won defensive player of the year 2 twice, first team all defense 7 times and the rebounding title 7 times. He routinely shut down the leagues most prolific scorers and frustrated big men to no end. I will look back on the career of Dennis Rodman with fond memories and acknowledgement of his impact on the game. When I look at his entire body of work however (as hard as I try) I don't see a hall of fame basketball player. Your thoughts.

When Fans Attack

It's hard to imagine that rivalries in sports can invoke enough emotion and anger to beat someone senseless into a coma. Such was the case last week at Dodger Stadium when Bryan Stow was brutally attacked for wearing a San Francisco Giants Jersey. There is no way to predict how ignorant fans will respond in a hostile environment so what's the solution for these random acts of violence? Do we tell fans they can't wear jerseys of the opposing team at home games? Do we add security to sporting venues? Do we tell patrons they can only root for one team?

As a trash talking sports fan I've been on both ends of the spectrum. I've been the guy in the sports bar rooting for the Lakers when everyone else was rooting for the Celtics. I've been the guy heckling Steeler fans after Super Bowl XL. I've been the guy throwing eggs at WSU students during Apple Cup weekend. Too often sports fans project themselves into the role of team protector. They feel the need to defend their squad against anyone who doesn't share their opinion and opposes their views. Fans poison trees in Alabama. Fans fire employees for wearing a tie with the opponents emblem on it. Michigan Wolverine fans refuse to do business with anyone associated with The Ohio St. University. Sports fans can be irrational to say the least, but you should never have to fear for your safety because of the team you cheer for. The same things that make sports so popular are the same things that make sports so ugly. I seriously doubt the fans that attacked Bryan Stow meant to cause permanent brain damage. I think they wanted to protect their turf and let outsiders know they weren't appreciated. THey took their make believe role too seriously. This unfortunate incident is an example of what can happen when fans don't keep things in perspective. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to unruly fans that they are not the ones participating in the sport and physical violence predicated on the outcome of a game is grossly inappropriate.

UConn Wins, I Guess

I sat through the game, but it was absolute torture. My dad called me at halftime to ask me what the score was and when I told him 22-19 he said, "how much time is left in the first half?" Realizing how ridiculous the score sounded I knew it would take some convincing. "It's halftime." "Of the national championship game I mean." "Yeah, it's 22-19." "Clea, these chumps have only scored 19 points in a half of basketball?" "Yep." "College basketball ain't sh*t no more is it?" "Nope." Being the sports fan that I am I can watch anyone play hoop. I can watch the Lakeside 5th grade girls game and still find a silver lining. Last night's championship game had no silver linings. I had to watch the game to the end just for the suspense factor, but I got no enjoyment out of it. The McDonald's All American team could have blown out either one of those guys last night. If UConn and Butler were the 2 best teams in the country what does that say about college basketball as a whole? The system is broken and if they don't fix it soon college basketball will lose even die hard fans like myself(not really, but can I see some real hoop please?). The good news is Jim Calhoun gets to go out a winner before the NCAA wolves come huffing and puffing and blowing his house down about recruiting violations. Coach Calhoun is guilty as sin, but who wants to prosecute a 69 year old coaching legend? This way he gets to ride off into the sunset as 1 of only 5 coaches to win 3 or more national championships. That's an impressive feat irregardless of how ugly the game was.

Jimmy Johnson: The Modern Day John Madden

When I think of Jimmy Johnson I think of the charismatic, egotistical coach led the Miami Hurricanes to a national championship and the Dallas Cowboys to back to back Super Bowls in the early 90's. In recent years Jimmy Johnson has re-invented himself into the 2011 version of John Madden. Jimmy pitches everything from natural male enhancements to dandruff shampoos to appearances on the reality show Survivor. What's behind the transformation? Just like Madden before him Jimmy Johnson has mastered the art of parlaying Super Bowl rings into endorsement riches. No longer is the hall of fame coach viewed as an X's and O's guy, but rather a personality the public feels comfortable with. Companies pushing their product understand the importance of branding and the association with a persona synonymous with winning. That is a perception Jimmy Johnson embodies and corporate America is reaping the benefits. Football is a business and if you're lucky you can continue to be viable and profitable long after your playing and coaching days are over. Typically sports fans relate to the athletes more than coaches, but there are rare exceptions. Jimmy Johnson has the unique ability to attract a wide ranging demographic that transcends the game of football. Before long there will be a generation of consumers that won't remember Jimmy Johnson as the architect of talented, arrogant, dominant football teams just the guy with the honest face that tells it like it is. It's been over 15 years since he parted ways with the Dallas Cowboys and Jimmy Johnson has evolved into a persuasive and effective spokesman. The Super Bowl rings give him credibility and his personality gives him a marketing presence. Pretty soon we'll be asking ourselves who has the skills to be the next Jimmy Johnson. His name is Jon Gruden by the way.

VCU And UConn In The Title Game

Much like the regular season the Final Four has no clear cut favorite. In fact the Final Four only has one All American and two legitimate pro prospects for the 2011 NBA draft. Although you can't equate the excitement of the games to how the players will perform on the next level, it is indicative of what college basketball has become. We don't watch the games to see future all stars, we watch the the games in anticipation of the unknown. Truth be told this tournament has been so wacky that no one can say with absolute certainty or conviction who will win. From Young Sam Rothstein's perspective however it's a whole different story.

The Vegas Gods have given me the crease I so desperately needed to get back on even ground. VCU is getting 3 points and so far they have covered the spread in every single game of the tourney. The feel good story, the little engine that could, the Mighty Ducks, or whatever you want to call them VCU seems to be a team of destiny. I'm gonna ride this pony off into the sunset with a satchel full of cash. My other money team is UConn +2 over Kentucky. UConn is the DJ Khaled of the tournament (all they do is win) and Kentucky is a little green. Jim Calhoun has a personal grudge against John Calipari that dates back to his days at UMass and he would relish the opportunity to show who's the better coach.

I must admit part of my decision making has to do with my dislike for the Kentucky program, but I'm getting points in a game where no one has a decided advantage. Butler has more experience yet Shaka Smart has the ability to make his team believe in themselves when no one else does. 3 points is safe. Good luck everyone. The next time I contact you it will be from a suite at the Aria. I'm already spending my winnings.

Should Isaiah Thomas Go Pro?

University of Washington point guard Isaiah Thomas has declared himself eligible for the 2011 NBA draft. He has not signed with an agent so if he doesn't like his draft status he can come back to the UW for his senior season. Is that a wise decision? Let's examine it from both sides.

If you ask yourself the question is Isaiah Thomas ready to play in the NBA today the answer is no. At 5'8 Isaiah will have a difficult time guarding taller point guards and his quickness would be considered average for his size. There is no distinct advantage he has on the next level. In addition, there is no collective bargaining agreement in place which means there's no guarantee of when and if the NBA season will start. From that perspective he should stay in school.

If you ask yourself the question does Isaiah Thomas have anything left to prove at the collegiate level the answer again is no. Isaiah has shown he can make the transition to the point guard position and few people in the country can match his toughness and shot making ability. It would be nice to get to the Final Four, but not necessary to validate his skills. Without signing with an agent the draft is an opportunity to see where he stands presently and if he doesn't like the results he can always come back. From that perspective he should test the market.

At present Isaiah Thomas is projected at the top of the 2nd round in the draft. That could all change depending on what other underclassmen decide about their eligibility and what scouts think after his NCAA tournament performance. If he came back for his senior season chances are he would be at least a 1st round pick, but there are no guarantees in this world and it never hurts to check your current status. My guess is he'll be back and I wish him luck either way it goes.