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Friday, February 29, 2008

Free Agency: Corey Williams traded to the Browns

With all the action in the NFL Free Agent market, it is not surprising to see some trades to balance out the wins and losses teams are suffering. The Browns are involved in yet another move. Getting Corey Williams from the Packers for a second round pick this year.

The details weren't released but it will likely involve Williams signing the tendered offer tied to the Franchise tag that the Packers placed on him. He will get the average of the top 5 defensive tackles in 2007.

Williams is a good addition to a team that needs to strengthen its defense. The Browns young weapons scored a lot in 2007, but their defense gave up even more.

Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.

My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.

SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE

If you can donate great if not just check out her comment

It's Never To Late To Admit You Were Wrong Minnesota

As the NFL's Free Agency machine continues to whirl. I can't help but think back to this time of year a few years back. What could have been and what could still be.

As Draft day approached in 2005 the chemistry problems between Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss were ugly. The previous season their locker room issues spilled over, affecting their play on the field and their behavior on the side line. With Cris Carter a few years removed from mentoring Moss and keeping the peace between the Culpepper and Moss, things reached a breaking point.

Deciding that a premier quarterback would be harder to replace that an premier receiver they dealt Moss to the Oakland Raiders for Napolean Harris and the 7th over all pick. In a move clearly meant to replace Moss's presence as a deep threat, the Vikings took Troy Williams out of South Carolina.

It didn't work. None of it worked. Williamson was just traded after 3 years of poor production for a 6th round pick. Moss who was miserable in Oakland and played like it, was traded to New England before the 07-08 season. The worst part, the guy the Vikings decided to stick with has been on 3 teams since the Moss deal, he was cut by two of them and currently isn't on an NFL roster.

Moss got a small amount of redemption last year playing up to his old standards. He ended his final year with a bitter taste in his mouth, losing the Superbowl. Now he is a free agent and appears to be pretty far from a deal with New England. Oh, What could be.

Vikings please, swallow you pride and get Randy back in Minnesota. It shouldn't be that hard. It's pretty easy to see now that it was a bad move. It also wasn't their move, Rick Speilman now the Vikings GM wasn't brought in until a year later- probably as a result of the moronic Moss trade made by his predecessor. Moss still has ties in Minnesota and the people he had problems with are gone.

I am a huge Mike Tice fan and really enjoyed him as the coach. I am certainly not going to say that Randy Moss's behavior was his fault, but the issues Randy and Daunte had involved their own discipline. Tice was such a players coach that a stronger disciplinarian like Childress could be just the fit that Moss needs. He has shown he is willing to play for a tough coach. Whatever you may think of Belichick no one thinks he is soft.

I know it isn't likely to happen but this fantasy was going to run around my head 'til I got it out.

Jerry Porter Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Free Agency action continues to come in a flurry. Former Oakland Raider has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

ESPN is reporting the Porter signed a deal for six-years, $30 million. Porter, 29, will try to follow in Randy Moss's footsteps when he start his 9th season with Jags in 2008. He spent the previous 8 seasons in Oakland.

Moss who was traded away after two lackluster years in Oakland went to the Patriots for next to nothing. Adding Moss's big play ability and the fact defenses had to roll coverage to him most certainly helped the Patriots to their perfect almost perfect season. He was in fact such a benefit that Tom Brady said publicly "They better resign him, wherever Randy goes, I go."

Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, who didn't have a big time receiver to throw to last year, hopes Porter as well as Troy Williamson, can propel the Jags past the early playoff exit they suffered last season. Williamson, acquired for a 6th round pick from Minnesota, has certainly not delivered on his 7th overall draft selection in the 2005 Draft. The Jaguars hope he will perform a little better, with Garrard throwing him the ball, than he did with the revolving door at quarterback Minnesota has employed over the last few seasons.

Looks like my projection of the Jags draft will involve a defensive end just got stronger.

Free Agency: Minnesota Vikings In The Mix

As the NFL Free Agency machine continues to roll forward faster than I can keep track of I can't help but take some time to wrap up the moves my team has made so far, and some moves they ought to make.

As will happen with Pro Bowl fullbacks Tony Richardson is gone to free agency. Pro Bowl fullbacks always go; in part because they are under appreciated, in part because they over value themselves. Just because they have to vote someone into the fullback position does not all of a sudden mean that you deserve an extra 3 million a year.

The Vikings signed former Philadelphia Eagles fullback Thomas Tapeh. I don't see any details on the deal yet, but it looks like it'll be a good fit. He has blocked for the shifty backs in Philadelphia's west coast offense. Tapeh will transition nicely to the Childress, a former Reid assistant, version of that same offense.

When Dwight Smith was released last week, the need for a safety became almost as big as the Vikings wide receiver needs. Signing former Bengal Madieu Williams to a 6-year $33 million dollar deal answers the safety question and let's the Vikings get back to the wide receiver issue.

Troy Williamson has certainly not lived up to the 7th overall pick that the Vikings used on him in 2005. With a trade to the Jaguars for their 6th round selection this year the Vikings receiving core got even more shallow, especially in the area of deep threat guys. The Vikings are currently talking to Bernard Berrian about coming to Minnesota to be that deep threat.

As teams scramble over the top of each other during free agency I think the Vikings need to take some time before bringing in Berrian. He hasn't set the world on fire in Chicago. That could be blamed on the lack of consistent quarterback play in Chicago but the situation in Minnesota hasn't been any more stable than the Bears have been.

Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the Vikings offseason

Free Agency: Asante Samuel Signs With Philadeplhia

The NFL Free Agency Carousel has come to a stop again. This time corner back Asante Samuel, got off in Philadelphia. The Eagles are reportedly paying him $57 million over the next 6 years.

The Eagles are getting Samuel at a bargain. Expected to command a little higher price, it's likely he is in Philly as much for money as personal preference. His press conference this afternoon was full of comments about the future and helping a team that is close to the Superbowl to get there.

The Eagles have to be pleased with the addition. Having Samuel in the secondary should free up Brian Dawkins to concentrate even more heavily on playing the run. With teams likely to throw away from Samuel, Dawkins will also be able to cheat towards the other side of the field in deep coverage.

I am sure Donovan McNabb wasn't referring to cornerbacks when he said the Eagles needed play makers, but he should still be happy to see some help arrive in Philly.

Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for Philadelphia

Linking up with RonDean

Dream Shake continues the prediction streak(Dream Shake)

The begining of the end for Victoria's Secret(Yahoo)

Red Sox visit the White House and Bush get's his joke on(Fanhouse)

Denver, Colorado leading the county in lust-great now I associate Denver with Woody Paige and Sex, Gross(Forbes)

Denver athletes doing their part to bring in that #1 in lust(SportsbyBrooks)

I hate this website; but it keeps making me laugh(StuffWhitePeopleLike)

Like it or not UFC/MMA is getting more and more mainstream, it's all about the money(MMAJunkie)



Hitler Humor: Turns out it's still to soon(Yahoo)

Dallas Cowboys Feeling the Flo-Zell Adams

Just hours before the Free Agency period began Friday morning the Dallas Cowboys locked up stand out left tackle Flozell Adams.

The 4-time pro-bowler has been keeping Tony Romo's backside and blindside safe for the last two years. His services convinced the cowboys to give him $42 million for 6 more years. After the deal was announced he was asked about if he had considered leaving he of course said the right thing "Nope, not at all." It's not like he was going to say he really wanted to get the hell out of Dallas but the money was too good.

Not only was he saying the right thing he also did the right thing, for the Cowboys and for himself. He fits well on that line and he has played well there. That doesn't always translate to a new team and a new system. With the Cowboys offering him good money with nearly a third of it guaranteed there is no reason for him to leave.

The Cowboys got a good deal as well. For a guy performing as well as Adams, they could have been forced to pay more. The fact he wouldn't have performed as well elsewhere doesn't lower his value to them. After a year that started with an offensive bang and ended with a whimper, the last thing the Cowboys need is to mess with the chemistry on the offensive line.

Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the Cowboys Offseason

Free Agency: Todd Collins

NFL Free Agency isn't even 24 hours old yet and the hits keep on coming. The Washington Redskins re-signing QB Todd Collins is a hit to Jason Campbell's job security.

The Redskins signed Collins to a three year deal. It's somewhat surprising that Collins didn't test the waters a little longer. After a Jason Campbell knee injury, Collins took the helm with 4 games remaining in the season. He led the team well enough to beat out the Minnesota Vikings for the final Wild-Card spot. His performance against Seattle in the first round of the playoffs didn't help him but it wasn't bad enough to have really hurt him either.

Maybe he didn't leave because he has his eye on the quarterback spot in Washington. New head coach Jim Zorn doesn't have any more ties to, Campbell, than he does Collins. Campbell will likely get the benefit of the doubt for the first few tough games. If Campbell struggles consistently it will be hard for a new coach, already facing accusations that he is not cut out for the job, to stick with him. Especially with a back up that has shown already that he can lead the team to wins.

Pre Free Agency projection for Washington's offseason

Raiders Give Biggest DT Contract Ever To John Doe


The Raiders have signed, Tommy Kelly, some guy 90% of the league has never even heard of the biggest contract ever for a defensive tackle. As NFL Free Agency was looming the Black Hole of franchises, who have lost player after player as well as a head coach, all of a sudden opened up Al Davis's old man coin pouch.

The Raiders doled out an NFL-record seven-year, $50.5 million contract. Just over $18 million is guaranteed. This guy came into the league as AN UNDRAFTED FREE-AGENT. I am all for guys getting money they earned, not being held back by draft status and all that but this is just bat shit crazy.

While the other 31 teams are cursing AL Davis right now for driving the value of defensive tackles with actual talent through the roof. Those same tackles are right now counting the increase their contracts are going to see. Right before they upgrade their mistresses to the more expensive model.

All of them except for Warren Sapp. Sapp, who retired at he end of the 2007-2008 season has got to be thinking about unretiring. If that stiff Kelly got $50 Million, Sapp should be able to get $7-$10 for a year.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

No Vandeweghe In Hell I'd Take That Job

Kiki Vandeweghe might be on his way to the New York Knicks. The rumors have him becoming Isiah Thomas's new boss. Vandeweghe would become the Team President replacing Thomas in that role while Thomas would maintain his position as the head coach.

The Knicks are amazing, how do you take a good idea; replace Isiah Thomas. Let it get even better; choose Vandeweghe to replace Thomas. Then Knickerbocker the situation by allowing Thomas to stay on as coach.

Vandeweghe may take the job, and probably should. He can do no worse. The team is losing left and right, they are the laughing stock of the NBA on and off the court, his predecessor (here after known as the moron on the sideline) overpaid every player who busted on their potential in the last 5 years. As long as he doesn't drop the body of a small child from the rafters of Madison Square Garden in the closing minutes of the Knicks 57th loss in a row he will be an improvement.

Being a good idea for Vandeweghe, doesn't make it a good idea. Owner James Dolan, who clearly turns towards Isiah's house in the morning to pray that his franchise stops being a crumbling house of cards, loves Isiah. That is the only explanation for the fact Isiah still has a job. Vandeweghe is a step in the right direction but not a complete solution.

After making some of the worst contracts in the NBA you would figure the over paid players, all 12 of them, would at least hustle for the guy over paying you. Not your New York Knicks. Now the coach they been dogging it on is going to get semi-fired. I don't see that raising the respect level on the Knicks bench. Now that the one thing Isiah has had in his corner, James Dolans undying support, is starting to fracture. Knick players are going to give even less to their coach.

Vandeweghe is not a very outspoken guy, something that makes him quite popular around the league, especially in the league offices. He has however been put in a position to give his opinion on Isiah as a columnist for ESPN. From his daily dime in November where he covered the challenges coaches were facing.

3. Isiah Thomas, New York KnicksThe
challenge: Dealing with a superstar The superstar player,
Stephon
Marbury
-- and he certainly is a superstar --is being asked to mold his game
into what the coach wants him to do. But he's not being productive and the team
is not winning. In fact, the team is doing better with the energy guys in there
instead.
No easy answers here, but the great thing to remember about
basketball is you start fresh at 0-0 each game. Marbury can be the star, but he
can't hesitate, can't be afraid to make mistakes. Marbury (notwithstanding his
2-for-13 FG in Tuesday loss to Bulls) has the talent to do it.


Vandeweghe certainly didn't blast Isiah for putting Marbury in a position to fail, but it isn't exactly a ringing endorsement from a guy who might be your boss a few losses from now.

NFL Moves

Small disclaimer:I know the posting has been a little light lately. I have been busy. (Yes, despite what Tony Kornheiser thinks, I am not sitting in my mom's basement waiting to write the next post) Now that I have a little time let get to the business at hand

The New England Patriots off season moves are always top billing for me. While despising the franchise is easy, arguing with their results is not. This year's surprising moves include not only what they've done but also what's been done to them.

They started their offseason shockfest by choosing not to franchise tag Randy Moss. He doesn't officially become a free agent until February 29th. I think at that point we'll find out if the Patriots have a deal in place with Randy or if they really know something we don't.

One of the areas where New England is aging quickly is at linebacker. With retirement questions swirling around Tedi Bruschi and Junior Seau, the Patriots surprised no one when they brought in recently released Zach Thomas, offering him a contract before he even left the facility. The surprises started coming when Thomas opted not to sign with the Patriots, choosing Dallas instead(ending my string of referring to him as Seau 2.0). The Patriots then did the last thing people expected cut Roosevelt Colvin from their already questionable linebacking core.

With any other team I would be boldly prediciting that both Randy Moss and Roosevelt Colvin will be back in Foxboro. That these moves were simply adjustments to the salary cap and how the contract numbers play out. With the Patriots though the only thing I am ever sure of is that I have no idea what is coming next. I do know better than to question the moves of a team that was won win away from a dynasty. A word that is rare these days in the parity driven NFL.

Linking up with RonDean

I'd be screaming in outrage too, but I can't stop blowing bubbles(ESPN)

Houston wins Yao-less debut; gives fans false hope(Dreamshake)

March is white basket ball history month, what did you get me for Larry Bird Day(Can't stop the Bleeding)

If we get any more sports trials ESPN is going to have to start up: ESPN Court, no that could be tennis. LAW & ORDER: ESPN. (Fanhouse)

Jordan jeans second worst idea in the jeans department(TheBigLead)

Goodell's sallary not that good when you figure it out; 147 dollars per player suspended(TheAngryT)

Oregon fans finally decide to quit complaining Kevin Love went to UCLA and do something(excessive) about it(Fanhouse)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

I Didn't Mean All That Stuff I Said Sean


I have been hoping year after year for less frequent ridiculous screaming matches between Sean Salisbury and Mr.Mackey. I found out my wish was coming true Tuesday when news started spreading that Salisbury was done at ESPN. It's like they say though, careful what you wish for. I actually enjoyed Salisbury, and not just because he was a Viking. I certainly didn't enjoy that at all. In a semi-interesting twist the guy replacing him will be another Viking, Cris Carter.(He should be in HOF) Don't worry though ESPN remains the World Wide Leader, in back up quarterbacks. Thanks Sean King.

As a football player Salisbury did not have the physical skills to keep up with his knowledge of the game. After retiring he managedd to turn that knowledge into a succeful career at ESPN. It seems that he also thinks he did well.


"I'd grown tired of being punished for not being an NFL superstar. Analysts
who don't work as hard as me, don't prepare as hard as me, and don't have my
resume were making more than me just because of their ability to throw or catch
a football."


"Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the opportunity ESPN gave me, but
they had capped my ceiling. There was only so far I could go there."


"I'd done nothing wrong, and if you hear otherwise, it's not true. I did everything that
was asked of me."


"I have created a brand and it's time to expand into other
opportunities in TV, radio, Internet, publishing, movies and public speaking,
among others. My resume speaks for itself."



As much as I liked Salisbury, that brand comment'sa stretch. Dana Jacobsen has a brand "Vodka-Swilling Lush", Skip Bayless has a brand "Mountain-Dew Hyped Moron". Salisbury on the other hand isn't really indentifiable in any way. There is no signatue style or gimmick that I associate with him.


Apparently Fox and CBS disagree. According to Salisbury he already has offers from both.

Linking up with RonDean

Sam Cassell a Celtic?; the Process Has to Start Today(FanHouse)

Thanks Mark Kotsay for getting semi-famous so your wife could the attention she deserves(umpbump)

Randy Moss and TO Together; Putting the Nitro in Nitroglycerine(TheBigLead)

Juicy Break up news(HitbyaPitch)

With Leather has a lot of time on their hands, but I appreciate all the hot women(WithLeather)

Apparently Skip Bayless is writing the headlines for Sports by brooks "Did Yao shut it down early for the Olympics?", Cough::MORON::Cough(SportsbyBrooks)

If the opinion of a semi-umployed kid who didn't finsh college sways your vote, don't vote(Fanhouse)

Boxing on the legitimacy bubble; what's that popping noise(The Big Lead)

Clemens has some more misremembering(Fanhouse)

Best News All Week: More Chuck in Your Life(The Big Lead)

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Yao Ming's Injured; Who's To Blame

ESPN is reporting that Lee from Dream Shake is giant jinx. Ok that not exactly what they said but I'm paraphrasing here. Maybe I am the jinx for metinong Dream Shakes Nostradamus skills. In either case Yao Ming is is out for the year, with a stress fracture in his foot.

Over the last few weeks Lee, over at Dream Shake, has been predicting win after win. I found it quite impressive, so impressive in fact that when the Rockets finally hit that tenth win and Lee's prediction was completed, I decided I'd give I'd give credit where credit was due and acknowledge his brilliance with a post of my own. Unfortunately I showed my lack of brilliance by crediting Dave who also writes for Dream Shake. Lee left me comment to clear things up. Now that we have all that cleared up though I can't help but wonder. Does Lee really want credit for jinxing the Rockets right out of the playoffs.

Yao is going to miss the rest of the year, including the playoffs-along with the rest of the Rockets now. An MRI revealed fluid around one of the bones in Yao's foot, upon further examination, the teams doctor think Yao should have surgery. There is an alternative to the surgery but either way the recovery time is 4-months. In related news that I could care less about that means that Yao will be available for the Communist Reds uhhh I mean China for the Olympics

Linking up with RonDean

More interesting Logo development, Google(Neatorama)

Taking stalker to a whole new, buttered-popcorn flavored, level(Neatorama)

Bears, two wrongs do not make a right. After signing Rex Grossman last week, Chicago is nearing a deal to resign Kyle Orton(Fanhouse)

Mustafa Redonkulous breaks down the match made in heaven that is Darren McFadden and the Cincinnatti Bengals. RunDMCYouInOrange(DueceofDavenport)

Niners feel amazing(ly bad) performance last year warrants a ticket price hike; fans say no(SFGate)

Nader to run for president in 2008. Apparently he is tired of the same old Black son of a muslim candidate again(NyTimes)

PTI Guys are OK with the Oregon sequin on black uniforms; they're wrong(Fanhouse)

Vikings Trade Troy Williamson to Jags

Anthony Hall of Vikings War Cry is reporting that Vikings receiver Troy Williamson has come to terms on a trade with Jacksonville. Reportedly it will be a pick from the 2nd day of the draft.

Last week Williamson's agent was total he could shop around to see what other teams might be willing to give for his player. I am sure the Vikings like myself expected the answer to be "nothing, I wouldn't trade you anything for the biggest draft bust in recent memory."Apparently Jacksonville has a short memory, as in, "can't remember how bad Williamson was last season" short. At this point I am having the most difficulty with two simple choices; Am I more pissed off they are only getting a day 2 draft pick or am I more surprised they got anything at all.

While it is impressive that the Vikings aren't being forced to just release him, the disappointment still kills me. It isn't that he was 7th overall and now we are getting a 6th or 7th rouunder for him. It is the fact we chose him in the first place, a junior out of a smaller school like South Carolina just isn't the 7th pick overall. Especially in a year where the Vikings passed on Antrel Rolle, Carlos Rogers, Demarcus Ware, and Shawne Merriman. Those 4 came in the next 5 picks, forget the late round surprises that did well. These 4 were known talents, but the Vikings thought they were smarter than everyone else.

I am willing to let this go, I promise not to rant on for the next 20 years about it the way I do about the Herschell Walker deal. In return I want only one thing from the Vikings. Don't try and hit a home run in the draft this year; just take the best guy out there. When the Vikings took Randy Moss inspite of the issues that had cause him to drop that worked out. When they got Adrian Peterson because of his durability questions it seemed to work. So just take the best guy on the board, everytime you go for the surprise it seems as though us fans are the ones who are surprised, and not pleasently.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Dream Shake is Being Run By Nostradamus

Recent trade action around the NBA has managed to keep another story under the radar. Grungedave over at Dreamshake(Note: I was mistaken the prediction was made by Lee- though now that the Jinx has come in with Yao going down for the season, I am wondering if Lee really wants all that credit) has predicited correctly win after win for his Houston Rockets, who are on a 12-game win streak. His over the top claim that Houston is the hottest team in the NBA, is a litte suspect with the Los Angeles Lakers succes since the Pau Gasol trade. Phoenix, is be given credit for 11 straight agaisnt the east. A streak that ended against Detroit on Sunday.

GrungeDave's constant predictions are impressive. They are made even more so by the fact he realistic about his team shortcomings. People often predict a win every game for their team, celebrating easily when they get it right. If the Rockets momentum carries with them to the playoffs, they will be a force to contend with.

I doubt the Lakers will be shaking in their sneakers at that thought. The Lakers have only lost one game since Pau Gasol's arrival. Their 7-game win streak is reassuring while their hottest emerging players this season, Andrew Bynum, is out recovering from a knee injury. If the chemistry that seemed evident from the moment Gasol donned the Purple and Gold continues when Bynum returns, the Lakers wont fear anyone in the league.

While it is to early for full scale panic; Phoenix GM, Steve Kerr, is likely experiencing some fear. He pulled the trigger on the questionable deal that brought Shaquille O'neal to Phoenix. In the game Phoenix won it appeared to be in spite of Shaq. The two losses seemed directly tied to him. His non-impact in his debut against the Lakers was not an endoresement of the trade. Yesterday's loss against Detroit was strongly tied to Shaq. Phoenix, one of the highest scoring teams in league history finishes a loss with only 86 points, 30 points short of their opponent. The anemic offense and lack of scoring on the break is easily tied to the new, immobile big man.

Barry Bonds Sinks To A New Low

While both of Barry Bonds fans wait, along with the millions who despise him, for him to sign with another club. Rumors are surfacing that he may be finding a new low. and by new low I mean a place that is still too good for him. Fanhouse is reporting that Barry is not ready to retire. If no Major League teams want his bat in their lineup, he will look to play over seas. Barry has a few strikes against him; his looming indictment for perjury, his ties to the steroids era, his black hole of a personality; and his lack of mobility in the outfield.

Bonds, the all-time home run champ, would on the surface be an easy pick-up. He still has power at the plate, as well as box office power. He is no doubt a hall of fame caliber player, but a lot of that is past him now.

Denials of his steroid use to federal investigators got Bonds a perjury indictment receently. Media attention has been drawn away by Roger Clemens and the Mitchell report. General Mangers it seems do not follow the media, and have opinions of their own. Bonds agent has taken to "driving from training camp to training camp in Florida, hoping to persuade a general manager of some major-league club to give Bonds a new opportunity"

While the indictment creates playing time, courtroom appearance conflicts. The larger issue for the General Managers my be the actual issue of steroids. No GM wants his team and clubhouse associated with steroids. It ould clearly be a gamble to have the greates hitter of the modern era wearing your uniform if the steroid allegations finally stuck.

As the Bonds approaches his twilight, he doesn't seem suited to the path that most diminishing veterans take. Clubhouse mentor just doesn't fit Bonds, from his public fued with Jeff Kent. to his general Vader like presence in a locker room. When beat writers are dropping quotes like "a reporter who visited the home clubhouse at Fenway Park when the Giants played in Boston in June was struck by the jocularity and fellowship inside a room populated by youngsters and superstars who together won a World Series four months later. It was a stark contrast to the way the Giants tiptoed through Bonds' clubhouse." you know you are a parriah.

The final piece to the Bonds puzzle is his ever decreasing mobility. His defense is lacking, no longer able to cover as much ground in the outfield. With diminshed speed on the base paths, he is not far removed from the David Ortiz Homerun or a single scenario. This leaves him only available to teams in need of a DH and even amongst that small group a team would have to be desperate to take on all the other baggage.

Would you take Barry on your team??

Linking up with RonDean

Just think LSU fan you can use the license plate from your trailerhome, once you park it(Neatorama)

Bruce Perl, Just living the dream(TheBigLead)

For the man that hooks to the left(Neatorama)

Primoz Brezec put's Sam Vincent on blast- and knows what on blast means(Fanhouse)

Wanna get away?(Gizmodo)

Bikini Girls Maxim spread still possible(Towards the end)(MilwaukeeJournalSentinel)

This Week In Sports February 25, 2008

Not much this week, thankfully the NFL always has legal problems and MLB has steroids.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

NFL Combine: Winners and Losers

As the NFL Combine comes to the midway point the draft picture becomes clearer. Team needs clear as players are signed and released. Available talent is clearing up as well. The widely reported physical results have been matched in importance, in recent years, by the Wonderlic test. Saturday, the most important players; Offensive Lineman and Tight Ends, along side Specialists show their stuff. Those results will be met by Sunday's perfprmers; quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. With the following two days covering the four defensive slots; defensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties .

The big three stats; 40-yard time, reps bench pressing 225 lbs, and Wonderlic scores are the benchmark for measuring players. (Wonderlic results are not reported but rumors do get out there) Soem embraced the test as a chance to really raise their stock, while others left hoping their in-game performance outways their poor results at the combine.

Heading into the draft talented Junior, Darren McFadden(RB-Ark), was the subject of some behind the scenes doubt. While few days of drills and testing can't wipe away questions of charachter or durability, his event leading 4.33 40-time, 33" vertical leap, and 10'8" broad jump certainly make the risk of drafting him a lot easier to swallow.

Day one's biggest surprise was Dustin Keller. Keller outperformed expectations across the drills; 4.54 in the 40, 38" vertical, 26 reps @ 225 lbs. Keller's reps were some of the most important for him. Adding to his reputation as an athletic, pass-catching tight end, he showed that he has the strength to block in the NFL.

I had Jeff Otah as an early to mid-first rounder, based on his potential more than his performance. The potential, based primarily on his size, remains at 6'6" 332 lbs; performance didn't get much help though. His 5.56 time, 27 reps, and average-at-best agility drill performance moved him down to late first at best, more likely early to mid second round. Early looks could come from a team with some mentors on the O-line that could surround Otah.

Ryan Torain When you're a larger tailback you need to show your strength if you cant impress with your speed. With a 4.69 time, and only 21 reps Torain did neither.

I'll be back with a day 3 and a day 4 update over the next few days.

Rivals.com has a complete list of top 5 and bottom 5 combine performers.

Linking up with RonDean

In spite of their new bathrooms MBSR is comfortable with their homosexuality(Neatorama and MBSR)
Doug Gottlieb was kind enough to add to the English language tonight. Prasing OU for their Sticktoitivness. Gosh, I hope I spelled that right.
Sharper Image: Going out of Business. I didn't even know they sold stuff I thought they provided free chair massages while I was waiting, waiting, waiting... for my girl to get done at Nordstrom(Wired)


McCain sprinting down the Bill Clinton path to the Presidency(CatsandBeer)


Not quite Honus Wagner but still pretty cool(Neatorama)
Bears sign Rex Grossman; Another Chance? That's very Lovie(Fanhouse)
Best Picture Posters through the years(Neatorama)
NSFKYLD--Not Suitable For Keeping Your Lunch Down(With Leather)
Crazy glowing worms turn kids into wide-eyed zombies(Neatorama)
In the event you have; a kid, an extra $250, and a complete lack of judgement(Neatorama)

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Neuheisel's a jackass, great fit for UCLA

The powder blue JUCO across town brought on a new coach this offseason. After a bunch of spinning their wheels Rick Neuheisel was named as the leader for the Bruins football program. What a leader they have chosen.

When UCLA Athletic Director, Dan Guerrero, was asked about the trouble that seemed to follow Neuheisal from Clorado to Washington. Guerrero showed what UCLA is all about "In the end, it was all about 66 collegiate wins." referring to the number of wins Neuheisel got while head coach at Washington.

What else did Neuheisel get while he was in Washington. He got a safety onto the field despite being aware that the player had a warrant in his name to address charges that he cut his wife's face, broke her arm and nose.


Neuheisel also got Seattle PD to wait until the end of the season to charge one of his Linebackers with murder. The SPD already had his bloddy print before the season started but Neuheisels protective umbrella was wide enough to keep him safe, Until Neuheisel got his eligibilty out of him, and then the murder charges were filed.

Neuheisel got his star wide receiver out of charge after charge starting fromt he time he had signed his letter of intent, with an assualt, escalating to charges of hit-and-run as well as rape in his senior season. The cases that occured once he was producing touchdowns for UW were all dropped . The case he got before he actually got to UW was reduced to the extent that he no longer had to remain confined and was allowed to practice with the team.

After all of this was detailed recently in a great Seattle Times series Kurt Streeter of the La Times sat down to talk with Neuheisel. When Streeter asked why no internal university investigation into allegations regarding tight end, Jerramy Stevens , was completed as the university had promised. Neuheisel leaned back on his couch, looked out the window and said it just wasn't his place. He said that after the arrest was made he met with his athletic director, and that an agreement was made to not penalize his player until more facts emerged.


Dan Guerrero seemed pretty confident defending Neuheisel as his hire. With Neuheisel so comfortable playing pass the buck. Guerrero better be sure he is comfortable with him. Looks like he just made his bed with Neuheisel.

New England Patriots Offseason

New England Patriots have certainly had better offseasons recently. After one of the greatest seasons in history, an offseason begun watching the other team celebrate your defeat is difficult. The continuing, evergrowing struggle of spygate isn't helping. New England, in typical fashion, are not allowing that to detour them from the business of getting better.

The season long "what if they go 19-0" session was certainly entertainimg, but New England now faces the truth; they didn't shank a field goal, have a fluke fumble, or suffer catastrophic injuries. They were outplayed on the field, simple football, along with some great scheming by Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnoulo, defeated them.

Which weakness, laid bare in the final game, will the Patriots address through the draft. With definite need at linebacker, Kieth Rivers(LB-USC) would be a likely prospect. Belichick has said in the past, he doesn not like to draft linebackers. Feeling that they can be evaluated much better after a few years in the league. Belichick's evaluation of recently released Dolphin, Zach Thomas, must have been good. Thomas was offered a contract during his visit to New England shortly after the Dolphins cut him loose.

Those two factors make a LB unlikely in the first round. The front line of the Patriots defense needs some attention. A solid group all year long, but they began to show their age as the season progressed, a situation likely to get worse not better. frontline options this earlyin the draft should still be good. Franchise defensive prospects Sedrick Ellis(DT-USC) and Vernon Gholston could still be available for New England. Ellis would be a great fit for Belichick, his motor suits Belichick play 60 minutes mantra. After his performance at the Senior Bowl he may not last until the Patriots pick. Gholston, certanly not be a bad consolation prize, may not be the best fit for the 3-4 the Patriots play. Whichever they choose to address it will be with the Niners #7 pick. The Patriots #31 pick was surredered as a penaty for spygate. The Giants now have the #31 pick.

New England is making all these preperations amidst ongiong spygate drama. Former video Assistant, Matt Walsh, has claimed he video taped the Rams wolk through prior to their Superbowl meeting with the Patriots. Belichick has denied ever filming or seeing film of a walk through. Alongside that back and forth Senator Arlen Specter is pressuring Roger Goodell with a laundry list of accusations; why did he punish Belichick priot to seeing the tapes, why did he destroy the tapes, why if he knew about Matt Walsh hasn't he persued questioning him.

Belichick has flatly denied Walsh's accusations. Along with personell director, Scott Pioli, Belicheck has gone out of his way to minimize Walsh. While Goodell and Belichick would love to see this go away; Specter, and the group of former Rams suing Belichick and the Patriots, seem bound to make sure that doesn't happen.

Linking up with RonDean


Gene Simmons sex tape somehow leaked; ::sniff::, ::sniff:: is that desperation in the air(People)


Video of that falling satelite getting owned(Engadget)


Get out your tin-foil hat kids it's conspiracy theory hour(MC Bias)


Rare double dip. I endorse womens basketball, and El Paso(Inside El Paso)(Pictured)
Something finally goes right for the Falcons(ESPN)
Kelvin Sampson run out of resigns from IU, his players say they may boycott(Deadspin)
Photos from the Canseco party, looks like Clemens is the one who Misremembered(ESPN)
Meet your next Randy Moss, charachter issues, steal of the draft- Darren McFadden(SMQB)
Looks like we have someone ready to take his place as the number one runningback(Fanhouse)
NFL's Competition Committee says Goodell handled Spygate well. I normally don't tell my boss he screwed up either. It's called job security.(ESPN)
List of NFL Players Franchise tagged(EMQB)
Roger Goodell continues his God complex(ESPN)

Friday, February 22, 2008

NBA Trades in 2008: You Make the Call

I've listed the major trades below and a couple are entertaining because of how pointless they are. My top three trades became my top three teirs as I realized some of the moves were on equal footing.

Celtics are still the one-A impact leaders. Garnett's a top 5 player the NBA and the intangibles he brings to Boston make him even more valuable. Paul Pierce no longer loafing on defense, Rajon Rondo playing up to the confidence KG has shown in him, and the emergence of Big Baby. None of these things would be happening, at least not as much, without the trade for Garnett. The Lakers are pulling a strong one-B right now. Bynums fit when he returns will determine the legacy of the Pau Gasol trade.So far the Lakers have lost one gaem in the Gasol era. Gasol is not only bringing his game to the Lakers, he is bringing up the game of the guys around him.

The Kidd and Shaq deals are the second impact teir. Their age limits their impact to some extent. Kidd will have a larger impact, but it still wont be enough to put the Mavs over the top. 3 years from now, when Devin Harris is a top 5 NBA point guard; the Mavs will be talking about having mortgaged the future, only to be disappointed. Phoenix wont find any more success from their trade, but they didn't give nearly as much either. Marion is more talented than Harris is, but he had one foot out the door already.

The Spurs move, seemingly minor, bringing Kurt Thomas in ,could have the biggest impact.He may be the little bit the Spurs need to put them over the top. His hieght and physical presence on defense and the boards will help the Spurs match up with the large front lines of the west.

What about you how do you rate the different moves?

Boston/Seattle & Boston/Minnesota

  • Celtics get Ray Allen and the rights to Glen Davis. Seattle Supersonics get Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak the rights to Jeff Green.
  • Celtics get Kevin Garnett. Timberwolves get Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick (top three protected) and a return of Minnesota's conditional first round draft pick previously obtained in the Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade and cash.

San Antonio/Memphis & San Antonio/Seattle
  • Spurs Sign Damon Stoudemire a week after he was released by the Memphis Grizzlies to make room for Mike Conley at the starting spot. (Not really a trade but it's a move)
  • Spurs get Kurt Thomas from the SuperSonics in exchange for Francisco Elson, Brent Barry and the team’s 2009 first round draft pick

Los Angeles/Orlando & Los Angeles/Memphis
  • Lakers get Trevor Ariza trading Maurice Evans and Brian Cook to Magic
  • Lakers receive Pau Gasol and a 2010 2nd-rounder. Grizzlies gets Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Pau's brother Marc Gasol, and Aaron McKie(signed for the trade), and 1st-rounders in 2008 and 2010.
Phoenix/Miami
  • Suns get Shaquille O’Neal. Heat receive Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks

Atlanta/Sacramento
  • Hawks get Mike Bibby from the Kings who get Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second round draft

Dallas.New Jersey
  • Mavs get Jason Kidd, Malik Allen and Antoine Wright from Nets in return for Devin Harris, Degana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Moe Ager, Keith Van Horn, a pair of draft picks and cash
Chicago/Cleveland/Seattle
  • Bulls get Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons from the Cavaliers who got Joe Smith, Ben Wallace and Chicago’s 2009 2nd-rounder. The Cavs will also get Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West from Sonics who will receive Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall from Cavs and Adrian Griffin from Chicago(Who goes where)

Denver/Portland
  • Nuggets receive Taurean Green from the Trailblazers who get Von Wafer.

Toronto/Detroit
  • Raptors get Primoz Brezec and cash from Pistons who receives Juan Dixon.
Houston/New Orleans/Memphis & Houston/Minnesota
  • Hornets receive Bonzi Wells, Mike James, and cash from Rockets who get Adam Haluska, Bobby Jackson, Marcus Vinicius and a 2008 2nd-rounder. As part of the three-team deal, Grizzlies get involved and a bunch of europeans you've never heard of move around.
  • Houston also got Gerald Green from Minnesota for Kirk Snyder, a 2010 2nd-rounder and cash.

K-Rod Arbitration

I missed this over the weekend but better late than never. Francisco Rodriguez and the Angels are headed for arbitration. Teams normally hope to win arbitration; the Angels need to lose this one. If they don't this could be K-Rod's last season in Los Angeles Anaheim.

Rodriguez is facing a tough situation. He is going into arbitration after a down year. The Angels reportedly offered him $34 million over 3 years. Rodriguez is likely looking to get a little closer to the 45 million over 3 years that Yankee shut down man Mariano Rivera recently received.

Rivera isn't really worth the $45 million in the twilight of his career. Rodriguez though isn't quite into his twilight. After the offer the Angels made they can't buckle to his demands. Setting a precedent like that is the fast road to Yankee-ville.

If the Angels lose arbitration, they have a fall guy. They can come back to Rodriguez, with an offer closer to what he is worth. Making an offer that reflects the arbitration, the Angels would meet Rodriquez half way without setting a bad precedent.

The Angels have some flexibility; doing nothing though will ensure Rodriguez leaves. His feelings are clear with statements like this "If they wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. In the meantime, I have to put that out of my head and do my job."

Ideally the Angles would offer him two years for a little more instead of three. He isn't to the twilight I mentioned yet; 3 seasons from now he'll be eye-to-eye with it.

Guest Post: Keyshawn Johnson NFL or ESPN

Guest posting again for GridironGoddess. The voices in my head debate where we want our Keyshawn Johnson

Linking up with RonDean

NSFW: I've got no problem with what I'm working with, but I don't think it needs a spotlight from 6 inc...I MEAN 9, 9 INCHES(Gizmodo)

Olympic Athletes aren't scared of sabotoge, they just don't want to be hungry again in an hour(ESPN)

A while back we found out who players thought the least of, JA Adande tells us who the players root for(ESPN)

Somebody is getting fired over this briliant idea(Neatorama)

If you liked the tech logos; Neatorama's got your car logos(Neatorama)

Kool-Aid Scented Shoes. How long 'til a kid gets punted in the face after being told "lean down, smell these"(Gizmodo)


Why are these sold in sets of two? If you have these you are clearly sleeping alone(Nerd Approved)


MLS expands to Philadelphia: Both US Soccer fans really excited.(Fanhouse)

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Well Runs Dry

I have been guest posting over on Gridiron Goddess for around a week. I really like posting on other peoples sites I try and match my voice to their site's style. I take some pride in the work I do for other people, possible more so even than the work I do on my own site. I don't think I could be posting on someone else's site at a worse time. So I am taking suggestions. Anybody have anything that want a post on that is USC related. Just that simple leave a comment with your request and ye shall receive.

Here is my most recent guest post

Linking up with RonDean

I don't know how we all missed this. It's up on ballhype. This clip is the eagles doing "Buddy's watching you." What I want to know is why some one with a lot more talent than me didn't turn out a "Billy's watching you/And Pats staff is too" mashup to this same beat.





Auburn already starting's spring practice and Sunday Morning Quarterback is pretty excited about it(SMQB)

The Big Lead continues their bloodfued with Colin Cowherd(TheBigLead) p.s. Colin why don't you give your daughter her jersey back

The NFL Combine is over rated(TheBigLead)

Kurt Thomas to the Spurs may be the final trade before the deadline, Shawn over at Thattalldude breaks is down for you(ThatTallDude)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Shaq's Phoenix Debut

The big time game atmosphere for Shaquille O'neal's debut was clear from the moment ESPN switched to the NBA coverage. The Big Cactus--Shaq's chosen moniker, not mine--wasn't as good as he said he would be. He wasn't as bad as Bill Walton made him out to be either.

It's hard to fault Walton because Shaq's first half was about as bad as Walton had predicted. His first attempt was a point blank miss off the front of the rim. He also appeared lost in the offensive scheme at times.

Shaq didn't lack for effort. He left the game 3 minutes in, shortly after that first miss off the rim. When he returned with 4 minutes remaining in the first he fired up another shot. After missing that second attempt, he sprinted back in time to catch Lamar Odom and tip his attempt--though Odom's shot still went in, the hustle was evident.

Shaq eventually got his first bucket on a dunk. However it was a catch-22. He also got fouled. Shaq's Phoenix premier at the charity stripe would not be nice. O'neal missed horribly; the ref's decided it was funny and called a lane violation. We watch O'neal shot-put the ball again; this time so many guys are in the lane they decide to just jump it at mid-court. Thanks, ref's.

Shaq wrapped the first half with 3 fouls and a handful of points and boards. Walton let it be known how unimpressed he was after the half. He let it be known so clearly, in fact. Eternal ranter Stephen A Smith commented"You are making me sound like a nice guy"

Second half action was a little kinder to O'neal. He was a little more active and appeared to actually know what was happening in the Suns offense. On the defensive end he got a few blocks and altered a few more shots. Shaq even teamed up with Amare Stoudemire for a block. You could pretty much hear Mike D'antoni praying that was a microcosm of the next 30+ games.

One occasion where O'neal's hustle was a problem, he crossed the lane to help on Kobe Bryant. In the course of shooting his arm forward to block Bryant he hit teammate Raja Bell in the back of the head. Bell was dazed if not knocked out as he lay on the floor. By the time they got Bell up off the deck he had a racquet ball sized knot forming on the back of his head.

The Lakers maintained a lead most of the game but never got too far away. Shaq was the biggest focus for the home team; On the Lakers side Pau Gasol was impressive as a new addition. The Man I used to call Pau Ga-Soft caught the ball on the break and took it up over Stoudemire and Raja Bell. Having Gasol, a number one, playing as your two, or your three even, is great. In a situation that hopefully foreshadows some future fourth quarters. Kobe received all the focus as they worked for the final shot in the third. He then passed of to Gasol who calmly took his man across the lane for a running right hand hook.

Kobe clearly no longer feels he has to do everything. On a play late in the fourth Bryant was leading the break with a defender in front of him. Bryant would have taken that in and forced a shot from a tough angle in the past. Tonight he pulled the defender with him towards the wing, turned, and dished to Gasol who rose and threw it down.

Shaq will receive all of the attention coming out of this game, but Gasol once again showed why he will be the piece that puts that Lakers on top of the heap that is the Western Conference.

While the game was very entertaining. Shaq's post conference was, as usual. the most entertaining part of the evening.

When discussing his athleticism he said.

"I was the first big man to run up and down the court, over the last few years I get a couple of knick knack injuries and you earthlings start to think I can't run"

  • Apparently Shaq is no longer an earthling. He also appears to be unaware of any big men prior to 1990. I am guessing that if Wilt were alive he could probably beay Shaw in a foot race even now.

"Steve Nash told me to get my Randy Moss on"

  • The last thing Randy Moss needs while he is trying to negotiate a contract is his speed and Shaq's speed in the same sentence

While discussing his first three chapters(teams) in his book(career) he referred to them as "Dramaful"

  • I Misremember; is Dramaful a word?

NBA Where Debut-tiful Happens

After Mike Bibby's debut last night, as well as Shaquille O'neal and Jason Kidd putting sweat on those new unifroms tonight, it should be an interesting couple of days. Mike Bibby's performance against the Lakers was certainly not what he was hoping for. You can't jump to conclusions after one game. That will also be the theme after Shaq's debut tonight. Kidd on the other hand, might "be who we thought he was"(Thanks Denny Green)

Mike Bibby and the Atlanta Hawks were in LA for the Lakers Home return from a 9 game road trip. The Hawks played like they were the ones that were road weary. Through a series of turnovers and poor shot selection the Hawks gave the Lakers a 73-37 edge at the half. Mike Bibby certainly wasn't an exception to the Hawks poor play. Managing 5 points 3 assists to 2 turnovers. I'd blame this on him only logging 16 minutes, but he seemed plenty capable of racking up 4 fouls in that short time.

It is just one game. Without even seeing Shaq's performace tonight I know it will produce the same mantra. It is just one game. Shaq will come out like gang busters; showing the pride and passion he has been missing all season. He is old though, that body can't give him that game-in and game-out. The new team has always brought out the pride and passion in Shaq. Tonight he will have that as well as the revenge motivation. Shaq wants nothing more than to prove that Kobe and the Lakers were wrong to send him packing.

Jason Kidd is the likely exception tot he just one game rule. He still has the body. He has played unmotivated basketball all season and still managed quite a few triple doubles. He is right now getting a whiff of the ring that Dallas fell short of last season. He will step up his effort and intensity--which is a scary thought--and be best fitting missing piece out of all three of these deals.

Kidd can't help but be motivated when he hears team owner Mark Cuban saying things like "..He is the reason I bought season tickets and started watching the Mavs". The unspoken end of this statement is "...and then I bought the team"

New York Giants Offseason

The best part of the Giants Offseason is how it started; with a Superbowl parade. Now comes the difficult task of repeating. While much of the offense seems set; I would say deep at some spots. The offensive line could use a little work. The defense has question marks throughout.

The offensive line isn't truly a huge need. The Giants experienced some injury issues toward the end of the regular season. They held up well with their backups, but as the age of their line creeps up, they could start to look for the next crop.

Since their offensive needs certainly can't be described as pressing they are more likely to look to their defense. The lack of a primary need on defense is less about the Giants over all talent and more about the numreous question marks. Both cornerbacks played well-when they weren't hurt. Safety James Butler stepped up in the post season-but his week to week play isn't good enough for a starter. Linebacker Mathias Kiwanua seems to be fitting into defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo's, plans well. Linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor played well all season, but both are unrestricted free agents. This is where Giant fans find out if ownership is commited to building a dynasty.

Since they are likely to keep one, but not both of them. The Giants draft starts here. They could get quite a steal here if Dan Conner(LB-Penn St.) is still on the board. Linebacker is not a real area of need for the teams choosing shortly before the Giants #31 pick. In a turn of luck, the Giants would likely have missed out on him if the Patriots had been able to keep their pick. It was forfeited as a penalty for the Spygate incident.

If you are interested in the Offseason plans of the rest of the league check out this list

Not Suitable for Mamz (NSFW)

It's tough to hold the world up with 4 tiny strings

So my girl popped her head over my shoulder and saw me "reviewing" the recent photos of the Sacramento Kings Dancers(WithLeather). I stammered out "I was simply prepping for a post". To keep that true, I need your help.



Linking up with RonDean

I love it when writers admit they were wrong, apparently "Mea Culpa" is Latin for "This Blows"(Sports Illustrated)


Wikipedia: not as cool as your friends at starbucks think(SportFrog)

As the trade deadline approaches ESPN has the list of players that could Devean George potential deals(ESPN)


TrailerparkTrysts.com and MethLabMatchUps.org teamed up for a new spinoff MeetMeAtTheRaces.com

Can't pass an opportunity to mock Florida(EveryDayShouldBeSaturday)

Looks like Devin Harris is happier to be out of Dallas than he is disappointed to be going to the Nets(Star-Telegram)

First Florida now UCLA getting blasted, this post is getting better and better(SportsbyBrooks)

The Draft is coming people(ESPN)


The story is semi-interesting; the headline is amazing(umpbump)

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Belichick and Pioli Finally Comment On Spygate

The Boston Globe got what would seem like a big scoop. They got Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli to discuss Spygate as well as former Video Assistant Matt Walsh. I am calling Lee Corso(Not so fast me friend) on the scoop.

Belichick answered questions immediately after the ruling by the league. By answered I mean he said about 3 sentences and then said "That's all I have to say about that". Now all of a sudden he's chatty cathy. What Boston Globe reporter Mike Reiss just asked nicely and all of a sudden Darth Sweatshirt is ready to open up. I am not buying it.

This is clearly a preemptive strike against the fact that the NFL and Matt Walsh seem to be getting a little closer to working out a deal. Walsh wants to be protected from any kind of lawsuit. Whether the league will give it because they really want the truth or they end up giving it because Senator Specter and Congress force Roger Goodell's hand, is yet to be seen. But the why they do it isn't nearly as important as the fact it seems likely to happen.

Not only was Belichick trying to downplay the value of information gained from the Spygate tapes when asked about the use of the other teams signals to make halftime adjustments. Belichick said that was "never, never" the case.

He described the impact of the tapes as "minimal" to the Patriots' preparations, rating it a "one" on a scale of 1 to 100.

Belichick also teamed up with Pioli to downplay the role Matt Walsh had within the company, Belichick stated that he "couldn't pick Walsh out of a line up". While Pioli made sure it was clear the Walsh was let go for secretly recording Pioli. Apparently trying to discredit him.

My real question is if you aren't doing anything questionable why do your employees feel the need to secretly record you.

Guest Posting for a Goddess Continues

Gridiron Goddess continues to pack for her big move. So I get to continue to fool around on her blog hile she is away. My post today covers Arlen Specters delusions of being in control
Head over to GridironGoddess and check it out.

Also keep an eye out for my follow up post regarding Belichick and Pioli discussing Spygate.

Green Bay Packers Offseason

The Green Bay Packers Offseason breakdown cont really begin without addressing the 800-pound gorilla in the room. The 250+ start quarterback in the room actually. Brett Favre started this offseason by saying he would make his decision a lot sooner this time. He has yet to make an announcement of his decision so far. Even though I am a huge Vikings fan I have already put in my request that he come back.


Even if Favre retires they have a nice succession plan in place with Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers put on a fine display when Favre went out against the Cowboys. Apparently the Bikini Girls were not as impressed I was.
The Packers needs are primarily on defense. While Al Harris and Charles Woodson are a top-5 maybe even a top-3 cornerback duo. I couldn't even have guessed who their backups were prior to researching this post. Add to that the fact that they are 33 and 31 respectively. It becomes clear this is a reall area of need.
They may also have some questions about the line backers. While it would be a stretch to call Brady Poppinga a weak spot. When you put him beside Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk. It will be hard to justify the 4 million dollar cap hit that Poppinga will call for this coming season.
While the Packers could look for a linebacker they are more likely to address the corner back position. Not only because that is a larger need, but also because they may have a chance to get a steal at their #30 spot.
If Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is still on the board at this point, the Packers could be looking at an ideal situation. They could bring on the Rodgers-Cromartie who already has above par athleticism and ball skills, without having to ask him to play right away. This would give him time to fill out physically while the packers coaching staff, as well as Harris and Woodson mentor him on being a more physical corner. An area they both excell at that is a weak spot Rodgers-Cromartie.
While Packers fans wait with anticipation for Favre's decision. They can at least take some comfort int he fact that the future is bright in Green Bay. Between their talent and the fact the rest of their conference looks so weak, it looks bright for a while to come.

Linking up with RonDean

Can anyone give me a reason the New York Knicks shouldn't hire Colengelo(Fanhouse)

Another installment of "A million good ideas never get produced but some moron found a market for this?"(Nerd Approved)

I am not sure if I recommend this or not. It's educational. In the way poking yourself with a sharp stick will educate you about pain. (LifeHacker)

If this is your identity, you really shouldn't be so worried about protecting it(Yahoo)

Honestly if you are going to get married at a burger joint could you at least spring for In-N-Out(Yahoo)

Pimping my 4-Year olds ride(Nerd Approved)

How do you spice up Mixed Martial Arts, mix in a little Mark Cuban(MMAJunkie.com)

Behind the scenes photos from SI's swimsuit shoot(Deadspin)

Fake wrestling provides fake ghosts(TheBigLead)

JA Adande hypes the second half of the NBA. and this year I actually buy it(ESPN)

NFL to pay Saints for lost Home Game. Today, just for a little while I think Roger Goodell might be human(Fanhouse)

Monday, February 18, 2008

LSU QB Ryan Perilloux Suspended, Keep Your Pants On Big-10errr11 Fans

So ESPN is reporting that LSU head coach Les Miles has suspended QB Ryan Perrilloux. The suspension comes down because Perrilloux violated team rules. What does that mean, we have no idea at this point. It'll come out because it always does, but I have no idea, at this point.

Settle down Big-10errrr11 fans. One, it doesn't really matter. The SEC isn't better than the Big-11, because of LSU or another team in their conference. The SEC's dominance stems a lot more from how bad the Big-11 is than from how good the SEC is. (Before I get a million comments from SEC fans freaking out. I know your are an above average conference, My point here is just how bad the Big-11 is). Two, that suspension is going to be about as effective as when coaches do the whole "I am not going to start so-and-so" as some form of punishment. Then they put the guy in in the middle of the first drive.

The LSU Tigers have suspended him, but they threw in the magic word in college sports, indefinitely. See when the NFL suspended Micahel Vick and Pacman Jones indefinitely. They meant until hell freezes over. But when a team like LSU uses that magic word. It means until I see how your backup does and possibly not even that long if Miles already knows those two aren't ready.

Right now the backups are junior Andrew Hatch, who began his career at Harvard, and redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee. Now I am not the SEC's biggest fan, but I am willing to admit. No one from the Ivy League is about to step in and take the reigns of the National Champion and guide them through the SEC. I do think Jarrett Lee will be ready someday. Someday is Latin for NOT TODAY BUDDY.

NASCAR: Car of Tomorrow Backfiring

NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow has become the Car of Today. It seems though that while NASCAR is embracing the Car by going with it full time this season. They just might be getting a negative effect that they didn't plan on.

The main purpose behind going to a car that the drivers pretty universally feel is more difficult to drive was competition. With the wide variety of tracks that NASCAR performs on, the smaller teams were starting to develop a disadvantage. Teams were getting to the point where they had three or four different style's of car. For the different style tracks. Then they would have backup cars for those styles. At 200,000 a car you can see how the price tag starts climbing and quickly. NASCAR's answer. The Car of Tomorrow. It is set up so that it can be used at every track. In theory it makes it a lot more realistic for the smaller team to compete. After this initial week-and-a-half I am not so sure it isn't backfiring.


Not only was Daytona won on team work. With winner, Ryan Newman, as well as teammate Kurt Busch acknowledging that it was definitely the two of them working together that brought about the win.


It was also lost on teamwork Tony Stewart tried to maintain his leaf when he dropped from top to bottom on the track to pick up Kyle Busch but Busch was no where to be found having already had to drop back a few spots in order to keep from being penalized for passing to far inside. With out the benefit of a teammate to work with Stewart didn't have a prayer of beating the two Penske teammates.

My overall strongest impression of the race was the effect of teamwork. While Earnhardt had been strong along with Johnson and Gordon in the early running. He was unable to amke any real headway when those two were out of the race. Stewart as well was in a position to win or assist teammate Kyle Busch in his win but they were unable to hook up in the end. While the winning tandem hadn't really been a big factor in the race, once they were able to hook up near the front they used that to win.


So how does all this tie in with the Car of Tomorrow. Once again the little guy is at a disadvantage. While a lot of the team work was a product of the fact that it was a restrictor plate race. I don't think anyone who was watchign didn't see how much more of a factor it has become with the new car. So once again the small team who is frequently a single car starts the race at a disadvantage.I can't wait to see what happens next week at Fontana.



What do you think of the Car of Tomorrow?

Linking up with RonDean

John Salley wants to get a NASCAR team going. Please let him draw Brad Dougherty back into the sport. The sport needs a little color errr ethnicity uhhh soul. What's the pc way to say every guy in the garage is white? (ESPN)

Mark Cubans yearbook is on Ebay, forget the lame hair I mean he still has that. How bout those pants(Yard Barker)

Reggie Miller invites you all to visit him in the Too Much Information department(insomniacs lounge via The Big Lead)

Since I would blast an athlete doing the wrong things I'll include this link on Caron Butler's turn around so I can keep telling myself I am fair(ESPN)

Since it isn't quite time for the combine here's your football fix(SportsbyBrooks)


I don't like Roger Goodell but atleast now I have a reason(Fanhouse)

This Week In Sports February 18, 2008

  • John Rocker announces he used steroids with MLB assistance- Blog
  • Vikings Kenechi Udeze has rare form of Leukemia - Blog
  • Jason Kidd Trade is On-Again,Off-Again all week - Blog 1, Blog 2
  • Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee appear before Congress - Blog
  • Indiana head coach, Kelvin Sampson, accused of more NCAA violations - Blog
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. Continues success with his new team - Blog
  • Mike Bibby traded to the Atlanta Hawks - Blog
  • Finally a dunk contest worth watching - Blog
  • Ryan Newman wins the Dayton 500 - Blog
  • East wins an All-Star game that actually seemed to matter - Article

Sunday, February 17, 2008

NASCAR: Daytona 500: Recap

The 50th Running of the Dayton 500 ended up a lot better than it seemed it was going to. After the offseason of anticipation. The build up of all the driver and team switches. Not to mention the influx of all the open wheel drivers. I couldn't wait to see how things would play out when they dropped the green flag. It turned out I would have to wait a little longer than that.

As they rolled off to start the race, I immediately found changes I liked and changes I didn't. Rather than introduce the drivers row by row, each driver was pictured stating their name and where they are from. Kind of a cool thing they picked up from their football broadcasts. Cool to see guys take pride in their home towns. Though I do not look forward to the drivers modifying it the way football players do. I definitely could pass on Fox's other new addition. They have the new Gopher Cam which is set down into the track. It is an annoying view that provides nothing to the race view.

One of the heavily covered aspects was the fact that it is the 5oth anniversary of the race. Michael Waltrip managed to improve drastically over last years race. Last year he was penalized for a fuel additive coasting him 100 points. This year will start he started a little by leading a lap to get 5 points. He also rolled gold wheels for the first run of the race that were pulled at the first pit stop, they will be auctioned for charity.

For the first half of the race it seemed that this might be shaping up to be a very dull repeat of last season. While the Gibbs and Hendrick racing teams were running one through four through much of the first half. About the only interesting aspect of that is the fact that the Gibbs team is now running Toyotas. As that was happening I couldn't help but wonder what NASCAR would think of a foreign nameplate winning the Anniversary edition of a sport that has always been American. Those thoughts only get stronger as Kyle Busch continued to be the strongest car in the field.

All of this started to get a lot more interesting with 40 laps to go. Around that time Hendricks flag ship man Jeff Gordon went out of the race with suspension issues. Dropping that team to Jimmie Johnson, newcomer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other(Casey Mears). Then Roush Fenway's team took a nice hit when David Ragan slid up the track, for no reason at all, at least that's how it appeared to me. On his way up he managed to take out Mr. Roboto, Matt Kenseth.

Once we got recovered from that caution we got rolling again... briefly. Just a few laps later last years Champion Jimmie Johnson got loose in the middle of the pack and took out himself and Martin Truex Jr. This ended up being a huge blow to teammate Earnhardt on two fronts. Not only had he know lost an ally in the ever important drafting game , that Daytona has become with restrictor plates. He also didn't pit, just as he hadn't on the previous caution. While the last move was strategy, this one came about because to many guys were chatting on the Radio, and Crew Chief Tony Eury, Jr. couldn't get on to tell Junior in time.

So then we got rolling again... briefly (Are you picking up a trend here). At this point we got to enjoy my least favorite aspect of NASCAR. The "Who is Juan Pablo Problem Montoya Going to Wreck This Week" game. This weeks lucky winner, Clint Boyer. Boyer, who happened to be leading at the time, ended up spinning off the track and into the infield. On the bright side he didn't end the race on his roof and on fire like he did last year.

Now with 14 laps to go we get things started for the final time... Almost final. As the green flag dropped everyone abandoned Juan Problem and he dropped like a stone. Then as they were coming through the turn Dave Blainey slid up track in front of Montoya and went into the wall. It is possible that Kevin Harvick made a brilliant move by slightly nudging Blainey, in a much more intelligent way than Montoya had done a few laps earlier(Disclosure, Harvick is my favorite driver and I can't stand Montoya) So to the caution we go.

Now to the Green-White-Checker. It turns out we will be going for the final time now for sure. In a bit of crafty driving Ryan Newman managed to work around Tony Stewart which put them about equal but then Newmans teammate Kurt Busch came in from behind and pushed both of them across the finish for a first time 1-2 finish for team owner Richard Penske.

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San Francisco 49'ers Offseason

The San Francisco 49'ers Offseason got off to a real interesting start with the back and forth between head coach Mike Nolan and starting quarterback Alex Smith. Then they both got a little help in the form of Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz.

While Martz could be just the piece that solves all their problems. He just might be the piece that spells the end for one or both of them. Alex Smith definitely needs a mentor that can help him tap into his potential. Either that or a lobotomy so he isn't such an emotional eggshell. Nolan on the other hand definitely needs someone like Martz who can help him turn up the offense on a team that grossly under achieved in 2007. However, if Martz manages to turn the offensive production up and Nolan still can't deliver on some wins. Martz might end up helping himself to Nolans job.

It just isn't time to give up on Alex Smith yet so while that is a question mark. The last thing his fragile ego needs is for the Niners to take a quarterback. So with the team set well in the backfield with Frank Gore. The Niners need a strong Wide Receiver to compliment Darell Jackson, Arnaz Battle and Tight End Vernon Davis. While any of those three could take the next step to beocme a premier player none of them managed to do it last year.

Early Doucet(WR-LSU) is a big time speed guy that could really free things up underneath. He has also shown that he can step and deliver in big games and big situations.While the head of a team certainly isn't going to be a Wide Receiver any kind of leadership the Niners could bring would be helpful. Especially, considering they are one of the youngest teams in the NFL.

The Niners could also look to shore up thier offensive line though they do a have an early pick in the second round to address that. It would go a long way to improving Alex Smiths play if he wasn't getting dropped one out of every ten plays like he did in 2007.

Linking up with RonDean

I can't say I'd go for all these ways to fix baseball, but #9 is a gem(Sports Hernia)

Really, A couple of extra Gold medals aren't worth having to deal with these grape-smuggling suits(FanHouse)

Like we needed one more reason to win the Superbowl(With Leather)

Bloggers win again, IOC approves blogging from Beijing. No word on whether Chinese Government will allow competitors out of their cells to use computers.(ESPN)

I am still relevant for another 5-years, let's do this(Dan Shanoff)

le Basketbawl next list should be of the stuff they find in Varejao's hair(le Basketbawl)


NASCAR:Nice little story that'll give you a good preface for where stoack car racing is right now(ESPN)

Representatives of all the Major Leagues(NFL, NBA, NHL) as well as NCAA and High school officials will appear before congress to discuss steroids. They will be joined by representatives from... Horse Racing. WTF?! HORSE RACING?! If I was a professional athlete I'd find this insulting on some level.(ESPN)

Today's entry for"it's not a tragedy it's natural selection"(NYT)

Saturday, February 16, 2008

All Star Dunk Contest

It wasn't that what I saw was amazing. It was that the dunks were unbelievable. Not unbelievable in the sense that we normally use it. I mean in it was unbelievable in the sense that I literally couldn't have thought of some of the dunks that were pulled off.

All totalled Dwight Howard, the eventual winner, puled off four dunks. Every one of them would have been a winning final dunk in most years of the contest. Though it is good he brought them this year, because he needed all of them. Gerald Green had a final dunk type of performance on all but one dunk.

Dwight Howard Round 1 Dunk 1

  • Howard came from behind the glass bouncing the ball of the backside and coming under to dunk the ball.

Gerald Green Round 1 Dunk 1

  • Green had teammate Rashad McCants place a cupcake with a lit candle on the back of the Rim. Green than ran up, catching the ball in mid air from McCants, blew out the candle and thendunked the ball without disturbing the cupcake.

Dwight Howard Round 1 Dunk 2

  • Dwight Howard stripped off his Magic uniform to reveal a superman undershirt. He then put on a red cape. He took off without the ball from mid court and flew from just inside the freethrow to catch the ball in mid-air. He may have made it to the basket to dunk, but he decided not to risk it by throwing the ball down from about 4 feet away

Gerald Green Round 1 Dunk 2

  • McCants climbed to the top of a ladder and held the ball out. Green elevated to take the ball from him and throw it down windmill style.

At thie point the first round ended and I knew already this was the best dunk contest I have seen. Magic also made a funny comment regarding the scores the 5 judges were handing out. "3 of us have never dunked." 2 of 3 has to be himself and Karl Malone. I am guessing he meant dunked with style because Darryl Dawkins was the 3rd that he was referring to and the only dunk he knows is the backboard breaker.

Gerald Green Round 2 Dunk 1

  • Gerald Green pulled off the Vince Carter style alley-oop between the legs and windmill in dunk. It was good but a re-do of a past duk wasn't gonna get it done, today.

Dwight Howard Round 2 Dunk 1

  • Howard left from midcourt lobbing the ball off the bounce to himself in the middle of the key caught the ball with his left hand then threw it back of the glass and dunked with his right. It seems like I left out the part where he went down and jumped back up. That is because he pulled off all of that while still in the air.

Gerald Green Round 2 Dunk 2

  • Green pulled off the same dunk he had for the first one this round. The big difference was he took his shoes off and signed them for the judges, then performed the dunk barefoot. Darryl Dawkins didn't think much of it though, he knocked the shoes off the judges table.

Dwight Howard Round 2 Dunk 2

  • Howard took a nerf type Orlando Magic mini rim and stuck it to the backboard. He then placed the ball on top of it. He came from the side grabbed the ball from it's mini hoop and slammed it through the real hoop. Though it did take a few tries.

Howard ended up winning not only the 5 judges over, he won the text in fan vote 70/30.