At the beginning of the season it looked like Los Angeles was the center of the NBA universe. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul created Lob City while Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum adjusted to life without the Zen master. The Staples Center was rocking with both of its tenants playing at a high level. With less than 20 games left in the regular season the fate of the Clippers and the Lakers is in question.
Earlier this week Vinny Del Negro got the dreaded "vote of confidence" from the Clippers front office. This is the same "vote of confidence" they gave his predecessor (Mike Dunleavy) before showing him the door. The team has struggled since losing Chauncey Billups and the league has figured out how to make the Clippers play a half court offense. At present they are 2 1/2 games away from missing the playoffs and their schedule isn't that favorable down the stretch. Look for Del Negro to get fired at season's end replaced by Nate McMillan.
As former President of Laker Nation it pains me to see the turmoil and chaos surrounding the purple and gold. Both Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum have had recent run-ins with coach Mike Brown and the situation doesn't seem to be getting any better. I wouldn't be surprised if coach Brown gets the Danny Ainge treatment soon (a towel thrown in his face by a disgusted player). To be fair, coach Brown is a nice guy and he knows his stuff, but his demeanor makes him an easy target and a push over. He always has a goofy look on his face and the players don't respect him. It's time for Byron Scott to come back and take the reins.
LA drama is good for the NBA and sports in general. If no one cared the fortunes of these teams wouldn't be an issue. As it stands everyone is on pins and needles waiting to see if these two franchises can turn things around or if they will be consumed by the weight of expectation and unfulfilled promise. The most probable scenario is the Clippers will barely make the playoffs and lose to OKC in the first round. The Lakers will suffer the same fate (losing to OKC) in the second round. It could have been beautiful, but the LA story will end in tragedy. Too bad Kobe and Blake. You deserve better.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Is Magic In Over His Head?
Magic Johnson calling you in free agency is cooler than the Kansas City Royals owner calling you. No offense to those guys.
Curt Schilling's comments on Dodgers new owner Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is the most beloved athlete in the city of Los Angeles. He's what Derek Jeter is to New York, Michael Jordan is to Chicago, and Bret Favre is to Green Bay. He's the face of the city. Now he is the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a proud franchise that has fallen on hard times. It will be his job to resurrect the enthusiasm and winning tradition among the Dodger faithful. Is he in over his head?
Magic has proven himself a successful businessman in many different endeavors including movie theaters, Starbucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. No one can question his ability to make wise investments and capitalize on his name recognition and good standing in the community. On the surface it seems like a match made in heaven, but what does Magic really know about baseball? Can he tell a curve ball from a slider? Will he know when to be critical of players and coaches? Will he defer to his baseball brain trust on everything?
Whether or not Magic Johnson helps the Dodgers win a World Series he is an example of how to leverage your accomplishments and financial resources into great wealth and power. Young kids growing up (especially African American) should pay attention to his evolution. Going from prep star and national champion in East Lansing to a world champion in the NBA to the owner of a $2,000,000,000 entity is quite a story. Horatio Alger would be proud. I've been watching Magic Johnson since I was 7 years old and I am more impressed with his latest accomplishment than all of his championships and MVP trophies combined. You've come a long way Magic.
Curt Schilling's comments on Dodgers new owner Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is the most beloved athlete in the city of Los Angeles. He's what Derek Jeter is to New York, Michael Jordan is to Chicago, and Bret Favre is to Green Bay. He's the face of the city. Now he is the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a proud franchise that has fallen on hard times. It will be his job to resurrect the enthusiasm and winning tradition among the Dodger faithful. Is he in over his head?
Magic has proven himself a successful businessman in many different endeavors including movie theaters, Starbucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. No one can question his ability to make wise investments and capitalize on his name recognition and good standing in the community. On the surface it seems like a match made in heaven, but what does Magic really know about baseball? Can he tell a curve ball from a slider? Will he know when to be critical of players and coaches? Will he defer to his baseball brain trust on everything?
Whether or not Magic Johnson helps the Dodgers win a World Series he is an example of how to leverage your accomplishments and financial resources into great wealth and power. Young kids growing up (especially African American) should pay attention to his evolution. Going from prep star and national champion in East Lansing to a world champion in the NBA to the owner of a $2,000,000,000 entity is quite a story. Horatio Alger would be proud. I've been watching Magic Johnson since I was 7 years old and I am more impressed with his latest accomplishment than all of his championships and MVP trophies combined. You've come a long way Magic.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Why The Kingdome Had To Go
Yesterday marked the 12 year anniversary of the implosion of the Kingdome. The iconic Seattle structure was the host to many sporting events including the NBA and MLB all star games, the Final Four, the Seattle Supersonics in their championship year (1979) and the Seattle Mariners during their improbable playoff run of 1995. Although the dome more than served its purpose functionally and financially the city is much better off with Safeco and CenturyLink Field. If you ask anyone that has been to all three venues it's not even close.
I can remember planning to watch the implosion with my friends. For some reason we all had the silly notion that this was a fairly original idea and that less than 200 people would show up to watch the demolition. After a night of serious partying and a quick 6:00 am snack we made our way to the prime viewing location.
To our surprise this was not an original idea. Tens of thousands of people showed up and countless helicopters circled in the air to get a bird's eye view of history in the making. It took all of 25 seconds for the largest concrete structure in the world (when it was built) to be reduced to rubble. It was an awesome spectacle. I can still recall the enormous clouds of dust floating in our direction. I imagine this is what people experienced when Mount St. Helens erupted.
Fortunately for my man Chris Hansen there will be no need for these type of theatrics when he constructs his new multi faceted sports arena. I'm sure the arena will breathe new life into the city and create a buzz throughout the country. At least that's how I've drawn it up in my mind.
Although I saw several games, concerts, and shows at the Kingdome I can't say as I really miss it. The dome had outlived its usefulness and it was time for a change. Hopefully the Chris Hansen project will have the same effect the last two stadiums had. Do you think they'll have manicurists at the new facility to care for my delicate cuticles? I wouldn't be surprised if they did. Hurry up Chris! 206 sports fans can't wait!
I can remember planning to watch the implosion with my friends. For some reason we all had the silly notion that this was a fairly original idea and that less than 200 people would show up to watch the demolition. After a night of serious partying and a quick 6:00 am snack we made our way to the prime viewing location.
To our surprise this was not an original idea. Tens of thousands of people showed up and countless helicopters circled in the air to get a bird's eye view of history in the making. It took all of 25 seconds for the largest concrete structure in the world (when it was built) to be reduced to rubble. It was an awesome spectacle. I can still recall the enormous clouds of dust floating in our direction. I imagine this is what people experienced when Mount St. Helens erupted.
Fortunately for my man Chris Hansen there will be no need for these type of theatrics when he constructs his new multi faceted sports arena. I'm sure the arena will breathe new life into the city and create a buzz throughout the country. At least that's how I've drawn it up in my mind.
Although I saw several games, concerts, and shows at the Kingdome I can't say as I really miss it. The dome had outlived its usefulness and it was time for a change. Hopefully the Chris Hansen project will have the same effect the last two stadiums had. Do you think they'll have manicurists at the new facility to care for my delicate cuticles? I wouldn't be surprised if they did. Hurry up Chris! 206 sports fans can't wait!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Weekend Observations
The Final Four is set and my bracket stinks. I only have one of the Final Four teams left (Ohio St.) and I don't have them in the final game. To say the college kids let me down would be an understatement. At least the 206 is representing with Peyton Siva running the point for Louisville. I can't wait to see Rick Pitino vs. the Rick Pitino wanna be. John Calipari has the better team, but somehow he always seems to falter when it really counts. I guess Saturday will be his moment of truth. Here are some observations over the weekend.
Tiger Woods got back on track with a victory at Bay Hill. The momentum has shifted and now he looks like the favorite to win at The Masters. It's Deja vu all over again.
Kevin Love backed up his 51 point performance going for 30 and 21 against the Nuggets. The Blake Griffin argument is officially over.
In a preview of the NBA finals OKC manahndled the Miami Heat. The Thunder looked quicker, stronger, and longer. If they played a series right now my money would be on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Somebody get me some pepto bismol.
YOUNG SAM ROTHSTEIN ALERT!!!!!!! The Utah Jazz just came off a 4 overtime game against the Atlanta Hawks and they play today at 4:30 in New Jersey. BET HEAVILY AGAINST THEM!!
Brittney Griner is the female version of Shaquille O'Neal. Any woman that can cram with two hands is far too dominant for her opponents. I'm not saying she's Cheryl Miller good, but she's climbing up the ladder very quickly.
Tiger Woods got back on track with a victory at Bay Hill. The momentum has shifted and now he looks like the favorite to win at The Masters. It's Deja vu all over again.
Kevin Love backed up his 51 point performance going for 30 and 21 against the Nuggets. The Blake Griffin argument is officially over.
In a preview of the NBA finals OKC manahndled the Miami Heat. The Thunder looked quicker, stronger, and longer. If they played a series right now my money would be on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Somebody get me some pepto bismol.
YOUNG SAM ROTHSTEIN ALERT!!!!!!! The Utah Jazz just came off a 4 overtime game against the Atlanta Hawks and they play today at 4:30 in New Jersey. BET HEAVILY AGAINST THEM!!
Brittney Griner is the female version of Shaquille O'Neal. Any woman that can cram with two hands is far too dominant for her opponents. I'm not saying she's Cheryl Miller good, but she's climbing up the ladder very quickly.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Roger Goodell Went WAAAY Too Far
Have you ever smashed a bug so ruthlessly that you left it there so all the other bugs could see what happens to bugs when they get out of line? That's pretty much what Roger Goodell did to the New Orleans Saints for participating in a bounty program.
In the old days the saying around the NFL was "the quarterback must go down and he must go down hard." In 2012 the saying around the NFL is "If the quarterback goes down he better be able to get up and play next week." As the NFL has become more and more lucrative the emphasis on protecting its star players has been paramount. There have been rule changes, adjusted practices, and equipment modifications to ensure player safety. In other words no one is going to hurt the golden goose.
I used to think David Stern was the biggest tyrant in professional sports, but Roger Goodell has surpassed him by leaps and bounds. Roger Goodell went Kaiser Souza on the New Orleans Saints. He took their coach away for an entire season (along with his $7,500,000 salary), took their 2nd round draft pick for two years, fined the organization a half a mil, suspended the GM for half the season and told defensive coordinator Gregg Williams (the ring leader of the bounty program) he wasn't sure if he could ever come back to the NFL. All this and he still hasn't got around to disciplining the players for their participation in this whole thing. I'm surprised he still allows oxygen to flow freely through the team facility.
The commisioner would have you believe the New Orleans Saints were maliciously and intentionally trying to hurt other players and ruin their careers. The reality is coaches were just giving out little bonuses for big plays. Other teams had bounty programs, they were just more discreet about it. I can promise you this, that old school menality is gone forever. Roger Goddell made sure of that by coming down on the Saints with great vengeance and furious anger. Next rule change? Quarterbacks wear flags and receivers are down after being touched with two hands. That's where the league is headed.
In the old days the saying around the NFL was "the quarterback must go down and he must go down hard." In 2012 the saying around the NFL is "If the quarterback goes down he better be able to get up and play next week." As the NFL has become more and more lucrative the emphasis on protecting its star players has been paramount. There have been rule changes, adjusted practices, and equipment modifications to ensure player safety. In other words no one is going to hurt the golden goose.
I used to think David Stern was the biggest tyrant in professional sports, but Roger Goodell has surpassed him by leaps and bounds. Roger Goodell went Kaiser Souza on the New Orleans Saints. He took their coach away for an entire season (along with his $7,500,000 salary), took their 2nd round draft pick for two years, fined the organization a half a mil, suspended the GM for half the season and told defensive coordinator Gregg Williams (the ring leader of the bounty program) he wasn't sure if he could ever come back to the NFL. All this and he still hasn't got around to disciplining the players for their participation in this whole thing. I'm surprised he still allows oxygen to flow freely through the team facility.
The commisioner would have you believe the New Orleans Saints were maliciously and intentionally trying to hurt other players and ruin their careers. The reality is coaches were just giving out little bonuses for big plays. Other teams had bounty programs, they were just more discreet about it. I can promise you this, that old school menality is gone forever. Roger Goddell made sure of that by coming down on the Saints with great vengeance and furious anger. Next rule change? Quarterbacks wear flags and receivers are down after being touched with two hands. That's where the league is headed.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Darkside Of John Elway
I wasn't privy to the conversation between John Elway and Peyton Manning, but I'm pretty sure it went something like this.
John: Look P, you and I both know the Broncos can't win a Super Bowl with Tim Tebow at the helm. I mean I like the guy and all, but that hokey ass offense and that ridiculous delivery just won't get it done. I mean the guy couldn't hit water if he fell out of a fu*king boat. I know what you can do and money is no object. Son, I've watched you grow up over the years and I know you got a raw deal in Indy so come play in the Mile High city for your uncle John. I'll take care of you.
Peyton: What about the fans? Tebowmania is real serious in Denver.
John: Once we hold up that orange #18 jersey they'll forget all about that clown I promise you. Don't worry P, this will be your town.
Peyton: Alright John. I'm in.
John Elway never wanted to start Tim Tebow in the first place. He didn't draft him and as a Hall of Fame quarterback with two Super Bowl rings he knew the kid wasn't legit. The organization put Tebow in to appease their fan base and end the controversy once and for all. To every one's surprise Tebow did the impossible and led the Broncos to a playoff victory over the reigning AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Now they were stuck with him for better or worse.
Then along came Peyton Manning. When the 4 time NFL MVP put Denver on his short list of suitors John Elway went full speed ahead. Never mind the hurt feelings or the insincere commitment to Tebow John was all in. It was a decision based on conventional wisdom and a lack of confidence in an unorthodox offensive scheme.
The upgrade from Tim Tebow to Peyton Manning is like trading in a Hyundai Sonata for a Bentley. If the Broncos could win 8 games and get into the playoffs with the Holy Roller what could they do with the best quarterback in the game?
That still doesn't excuse the way John Elway handled the situation. He threw Tim Tebow out of Denver like a piece of old chewing gum. If karma is real his handling of Tim Tebow may come back to bite him in the ass. If not John and Peyton can swap Super Bowl stories overlooking the Rocky mountains with a nice cold Coors. In any event John Elway showed he can be as ruthless as Bob Kraft if he has to. Who knew?
John: Look P, you and I both know the Broncos can't win a Super Bowl with Tim Tebow at the helm. I mean I like the guy and all, but that hokey ass offense and that ridiculous delivery just won't get it done. I mean the guy couldn't hit water if he fell out of a fu*king boat. I know what you can do and money is no object. Son, I've watched you grow up over the years and I know you got a raw deal in Indy so come play in the Mile High city for your uncle John. I'll take care of you.
Peyton: What about the fans? Tebowmania is real serious in Denver.
John: Once we hold up that orange #18 jersey they'll forget all about that clown I promise you. Don't worry P, this will be your town.
Peyton: Alright John. I'm in.
John Elway never wanted to start Tim Tebow in the first place. He didn't draft him and as a Hall of Fame quarterback with two Super Bowl rings he knew the kid wasn't legit. The organization put Tebow in to appease their fan base and end the controversy once and for all. To every one's surprise Tebow did the impossible and led the Broncos to a playoff victory over the reigning AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Now they were stuck with him for better or worse.
Then along came Peyton Manning. When the 4 time NFL MVP put Denver on his short list of suitors John Elway went full speed ahead. Never mind the hurt feelings or the insincere commitment to Tebow John was all in. It was a decision based on conventional wisdom and a lack of confidence in an unorthodox offensive scheme.
The upgrade from Tim Tebow to Peyton Manning is like trading in a Hyundai Sonata for a Bentley. If the Broncos could win 8 games and get into the playoffs with the Holy Roller what could they do with the best quarterback in the game?
That still doesn't excuse the way John Elway handled the situation. He threw Tim Tebow out of Denver like a piece of old chewing gum. If karma is real his handling of Tim Tebow may come back to bite him in the ass. If not John and Peyton can swap Super Bowl stories overlooking the Rocky mountains with a nice cold Coors. In any event John Elway showed he can be as ruthless as Bob Kraft if he has to. Who knew?
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I Never Liked Hines Ward
Over the last 14 years I can't think of a player I despised more than Hines Ward. The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver got on my nerves like you wouldn't believe. From the cheap shots on the field (he once broke Keith Rivers jaw blocking on an interception return) to the ridiculous name (what kind of name is Hines?) to the irritating smile that always covered his face Hines Ward could get under your skin. After watching his retirement press conference I must say I feel differently.
In an emotional ceremony Ward professed his love for the city of Pittsburgh, the terrible towel waving fans, and the Steelers organization he played his entire career for. Although he thought he still had some football left in him he couldn't see himself wearing another jersey and would rather retire a Steeler for life.
That type of loyalty and respect for a team is very rare. In a business as unforgiving as football where no player is untouchable (Favre, Manning, Smith, Rice) and trust is a four letter word Ward's position is astounding. It is evident his experience with the Steelers had a profound impact on his life.
I don't like Hines Ward the player, but I respect Hines Ward the man. To be fair he's probably had a Hall of Fame career. If you count the 2 Super Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP, 4 Pro Bowls, and the Steelers all time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns it seems like a no brainer. 6 months ago I would have given my right pinkie toe to see Hines Ward carted off the field on a stretcher. Now I'd like to see the number 86 retired in Pittsburgh forever. What a difference a 10 minute press conference can make.
In an emotional ceremony Ward professed his love for the city of Pittsburgh, the terrible towel waving fans, and the Steelers organization he played his entire career for. Although he thought he still had some football left in him he couldn't see himself wearing another jersey and would rather retire a Steeler for life.
That type of loyalty and respect for a team is very rare. In a business as unforgiving as football where no player is untouchable (Favre, Manning, Smith, Rice) and trust is a four letter word Ward's position is astounding. It is evident his experience with the Steelers had a profound impact on his life.
I don't like Hines Ward the player, but I respect Hines Ward the man. To be fair he's probably had a Hall of Fame career. If you count the 2 Super Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP, 4 Pro Bowls, and the Steelers all time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns it seems like a no brainer. 6 months ago I would have given my right pinkie toe to see Hines Ward carted off the field on a stretcher. Now I'd like to see the number 86 retired in Pittsburgh forever. What a difference a 10 minute press conference can make.
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