Indiana vs. Miami
The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers are all tied up at two games apiece in the Eastern conference finals and I for one couldn't be more surprised. The Pacers don't have a marquee player and only one dominant performance (game 2 by Roy Hibbert) that really stands out. Because I'm not a hater I have to give them credit for getting further than anyone anticipated. That being said I blame the current Heat situation on Ray Allen. His inconsistent shooting and uncharacteristic turnovers have plagued Miami in both of their losses. I believe Allen will turn things around in game 5 however. He's a champion and a clutch player when it counts. The Heat need him now so he'll step big. Miami will win in a rout with a solid contribution from Jesus Shuttlesworth and good game from Chris Bosh.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Money Doesn't Make You Popular
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the greatest boxer of his generation and the highest grossing athlete on the planet. Without question his skills are extra ordinary and his flamboyant lifestyle has been well documented. Whether it's eating with 24 karat cutlery, sporting $3,000,000 cuff links, or traveling with an entourage and $1,000,000 in cash everyone knows Floyd is all about money. The thing you may not know is all of the accolades, accomplishments, earning potential, and athletic superiority doesn't make him the least bit popular.
According to Sports Illustrated Floyd Mayweather Jr. made $30,000,000 more than the 2nd highest paid athlete (LeBron James), but he did it with no endorsements. If the statement is true that is a startling fact. Companies ask you to endorse their product because they know people are drawn to your persona and the positive effects that come with your name and fame. If you have no endorsements that means there is an extremely negative connotation associated with you and people don't really like you.
Sure they are impressed with what you can do on the court or in the ring, but that's where it ends. The pay-per-view numbers for a Floyd Mayweather fight boggle the mind. Millions of viewers tune in to watch him cave someone's face in with straight rights, but after the fight they want nothing to do with him. Conversely other athlete are able to cash in on their celebrity status because they have likable qualities. Even those athletes that find themselves in hot water at some point in their career (Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods) can eventually win back the public's sentiment. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has no ability to do that.
As you all know I'm a big Mayweather fan, but I must admit I was shocked to find out he makes no endorsement revenue. Perhaps that says more about him than all the negative publicity, ridiculous tweets, and character bashing stories combined. Good thing he's a hell of a fighter. If he had to make money based on his public persona there's a good chance he'd be broke.
According to Sports Illustrated Floyd Mayweather Jr. made $30,000,000 more than the 2nd highest paid athlete (LeBron James), but he did it with no endorsements. If the statement is true that is a startling fact. Companies ask you to endorse their product because they know people are drawn to your persona and the positive effects that come with your name and fame. If you have no endorsements that means there is an extremely negative connotation associated with you and people don't really like you.
Sure they are impressed with what you can do on the court or in the ring, but that's where it ends. The pay-per-view numbers for a Floyd Mayweather fight boggle the mind. Millions of viewers tune in to watch him cave someone's face in with straight rights, but after the fight they want nothing to do with him. Conversely other athlete are able to cash in on their celebrity status because they have likable qualities. Even those athletes that find themselves in hot water at some point in their career (Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods) can eventually win back the public's sentiment. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has no ability to do that.
As you all know I'm a big Mayweather fan, but I must admit I was shocked to find out he makes no endorsement revenue. Perhaps that says more about him than all the negative publicity, ridiculous tweets, and character bashing stories combined. Good thing he's a hell of a fighter. If he had to make money based on his public persona there's a good chance he'd be broke.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Extended Weekend Observations
For years basketball aficionado's have been begging for LeBron James to develop a low post game. The 4 time MVP embraced the challenge and went to work with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. The results weren't visibly evident until game 3 of the 2013 Eastern conference finals against the Pacers and Paul George. LeBron simply abused George with with post moves reminiscent of Kevin McHale. Careful what you wish for, now the world's best player has no weaknesses.
The San Antonio Spurs showed there's no substitute for a sound plan that seasoned veterans can execute. The Memphis Grizzlies barely put up a fight as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker brought out the brooms on Monday taking the Western conference finals in four straight games. At least Quincy Pondexter came to play. I'm still looking for Zach Randolph and Mike Conley as they were completely MIA for the close out game. They embarrassed me in my B3TZ game, cost me money, and cost me credibility. I hope they never get back to the conference finals (not really, but I am a little bitter they went out the way they did). They don't deserve all the praise that was bestowed on them so early if they're not even going to show up and save face. Here are some observations over the long extended weekend.
Brittney Griner came out dunking on fools (twice) in her WNBA debut. It appears she will become the WNBA version of Shaq. I don't think they are ready for dominance.
After losing 8 of their last 10 games the Seattle Mariners have sent second baseman Dustin Ackley and catcher Jesus Montero to the minors. I can't tell if this is an improvement or an acknowledgement that management was wrong about these can't miss prospects.
The elements are becoming a factor at Roland Garros. So far the favorites have been able to adjust, but I've got a feeling the extensive rain could have an adverse affect on who will ultimately win the French Open. Stay tuned.
Can anyone tell me who won the Indy 500 on Sunday? Although it's considered one of the world's greatest sporting events I don't know a single person that watches it. Not saying the race doesn't warrant more attention, but it seems to be at a crossroads as far as popularity is concerned.
The San Antonio Spurs showed there's no substitute for a sound plan that seasoned veterans can execute. The Memphis Grizzlies barely put up a fight as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker brought out the brooms on Monday taking the Western conference finals in four straight games. At least Quincy Pondexter came to play. I'm still looking for Zach Randolph and Mike Conley as they were completely MIA for the close out game. They embarrassed me in my B3TZ game, cost me money, and cost me credibility. I hope they never get back to the conference finals (not really, but I am a little bitter they went out the way they did). They don't deserve all the praise that was bestowed on them so early if they're not even going to show up and save face. Here are some observations over the long extended weekend.
Brittney Griner came out dunking on fools (twice) in her WNBA debut. It appears she will become the WNBA version of Shaq. I don't think they are ready for dominance.
After losing 8 of their last 10 games the Seattle Mariners have sent second baseman Dustin Ackley and catcher Jesus Montero to the minors. I can't tell if this is an improvement or an acknowledgement that management was wrong about these can't miss prospects.
The elements are becoming a factor at Roland Garros. So far the favorites have been able to adjust, but I've got a feeling the extensive rain could have an adverse affect on who will ultimately win the French Open. Stay tuned.
Can anyone tell me who won the Indy 500 on Sunday? Although it's considered one of the world's greatest sporting events I don't know a single person that watches it. Not saying the race doesn't warrant more attention, but it seems to be at a crossroads as far as popularity is concerned.
Birdman B3TZ
Indiana vs. Miami
The 2013 series between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers is starting to look a lot like the 2012 series. The Pacers surprised the Heat early, but can't maintain that level of intensity. Miami has made the necessary adjustments and now the series looks like a blow out. So long as Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem can hit enough shots to keep the Pacers honest there's really no chance Indiana can make this series interesting. Roy Hibbert dominated in game 2 then fell asleep in game 3. Without him contributing in a major way the next few games will be lopsided. To make matters worse the "Birdman" has yet to miss a field goal. With that kind of productoin from a role player this series is about to get ugly. Look for LeBron to do his thing and the Heat will win by a comfortable margin.
The 2013 series between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers is starting to look a lot like the 2012 series. The Pacers surprised the Heat early, but can't maintain that level of intensity. Miami has made the necessary adjustments and now the series looks like a blow out. So long as Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem can hit enough shots to keep the Pacers honest there's really no chance Indiana can make this series interesting. Roy Hibbert dominated in game 2 then fell asleep in game 3. Without him contributing in a major way the next few games will be lopsided. To make matters worse the "Birdman" has yet to miss a field goal. With that kind of productoin from a role player this series is about to get ugly. Look for LeBron to do his thing and the Heat will win by a comfortable margin.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Mike Conley B3TZ
Memphis vs. San Antonio
The San Antonio Spurs and The Memphis Grizzlies have played two overtime games in their best of seven series, but Memphis has absolutely nothing to show for all their hard work. As close as they've battled the 4 time NBA champs they find themselves down 0-3 with no chance of advancing to the NBA finals. What they lacked in experience they certainly made up for in hustle and heart. That being said I think Memphis has one more hay maker left. One more game where they leave it all out on the court and will their team to victory. Look for Zach Randolph and Mike Conley to have big games tonight. No one wants to get swept if they can help it. The pride factor alone can usually get you one game. The Griz are good enough to sneak one out.
The San Antonio Spurs and The Memphis Grizzlies have played two overtime games in their best of seven series, but Memphis has absolutely nothing to show for all their hard work. As close as they've battled the 4 time NBA champs they find themselves down 0-3 with no chance of advancing to the NBA finals. What they lacked in experience they certainly made up for in hustle and heart. That being said I think Memphis has one more hay maker left. One more game where they leave it all out on the court and will their team to victory. Look for Zach Randolph and Mike Conley to have big games tonight. No one wants to get swept if they can help it. The pride factor alone can usually get you one game. The Griz are good enough to sneak one out.
Friday, May 24, 2013
LeBron James B3TZ
Miami vs Indiana
The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers had a dramatic finish to their 1st game, but all the talk was about coaching decisions. The media and critics have raked Frank Vogel over the coals for not having Roy Hibbert in at the end of the game, but that doesn't mean it was a mistake. The logic was sound, they just got beat by a better team and a player that is unstoppable when he makes up his mind to do something. In addition Paul George was playing out of his mind and they were lucky to even be in that position. Tonight will be much less drama filled as the Miami Heat have taken the Pacers best shot and weathered the storm. Now it's back to business as usual. The Heat are too talented and too focused on establishing their legacy. They won't let the Pacers stand in their way. Look for LeBron & Co. to turn up the intensity and blow out the Pacers in the 4th quarter.
The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers had a dramatic finish to their 1st game, but all the talk was about coaching decisions. The media and critics have raked Frank Vogel over the coals for not having Roy Hibbert in at the end of the game, but that doesn't mean it was a mistake. The logic was sound, they just got beat by a better team and a player that is unstoppable when he makes up his mind to do something. In addition Paul George was playing out of his mind and they were lucky to even be in that position. Tonight will be much less drama filled as the Miami Heat have taken the Pacers best shot and weathered the storm. Now it's back to business as usual. The Heat are too talented and too focused on establishing their legacy. They won't let the Pacers stand in their way. Look for LeBron & Co. to turn up the intensity and blow out the Pacers in the 4th quarter.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tequila Is Bad For You (Ask Josh Portis)
Can one shot of tequila on May 5th really ruin the rest of your life? In the case of former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Josh Portis the answer is yes. Portis was waived yesterday after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. It's hard to believe that a celebration for El Cinco De Mayo can have such long lasting implications. It's apparent the organization was out to make a statement.
After hearing the news that pass rusher Bruce "The Kraken" Irvin has been suspended for the first 4 games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy the Seahawks couldn't stand anymore negative publicity. Someone had to be the fall guy and that guy was Josh Portis. I'm not condoning his behavior and certainly Portis was on a short lease after past indiscretions, but he is the victim of circumstance in this example.
If his name was Russell Wilson or Earl Thomas this case would be a non issue, but Portis is far from being a franchise player. Clearly Pete Carroll and the Seahawks brain trust decided he was expendable and not a crucial part of the team's future success. I'm not sold on Brady Quinn or Josh Johnson as back up QB's, but I don't question the decisions the coach makes. In Pete we trust so I'll have to live with it.
Someday Josh Portis will have to sit down and tell his kids and grandchildren how he blew an opportunity to win a Super Bowl and pursue an NFL career because of a lapse in judgement. There may still be an opportunity for him to catch on with another NFL team, but most likely Portis is going to end up in the CFL at best. Saskatchewan or Winnipeg isn't the same as Seattle, but for now it's probably the best option he has. Jose Cuervo strikes again! The moral of the story is when you're future can be jeopardized always error on the side of caution. Josh Portis has learned this lesson the hard way.
After hearing the news that pass rusher Bruce "The Kraken" Irvin has been suspended for the first 4 games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy the Seahawks couldn't stand anymore negative publicity. Someone had to be the fall guy and that guy was Josh Portis. I'm not condoning his behavior and certainly Portis was on a short lease after past indiscretions, but he is the victim of circumstance in this example.
If his name was Russell Wilson or Earl Thomas this case would be a non issue, but Portis is far from being a franchise player. Clearly Pete Carroll and the Seahawks brain trust decided he was expendable and not a crucial part of the team's future success. I'm not sold on Brady Quinn or Josh Johnson as back up QB's, but I don't question the decisions the coach makes. In Pete we trust so I'll have to live with it.
Someday Josh Portis will have to sit down and tell his kids and grandchildren how he blew an opportunity to win a Super Bowl and pursue an NFL career because of a lapse in judgement. There may still be an opportunity for him to catch on with another NFL team, but most likely Portis is going to end up in the CFL at best. Saskatchewan or Winnipeg isn't the same as Seattle, but for now it's probably the best option he has. Jose Cuervo strikes again! The moral of the story is when you're future can be jeopardized always error on the side of caution. Josh Portis has learned this lesson the hard way.
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