Adam James & Texas Tech -- I don't want anyone to think I endorse Mike Leach's actions when it came to handling Adam James' medical situation. Now that is clear, this situation stinks. You had an administration that didn't like its coach, whether that is due to his quirky attitude or the fact he has entertained other jobs. This resulted in contentious negotiations for Leach's new contract after the big success he had last year. Now, with the Adam James situation, the administration saw this as its chance to get rid of this problem once and for all.
Texas Tech thought Leach was only out for more money and was waiting for its chance. Like when Indiana canned Bobby Knight for the whole "Hey, Knight!" episode with a student. The James thing just opened the door. The truth was they didn't want to pay the guy or give him his $850K bonus due at the end of the year.
As for James, what stinks is by all accounts this kid is a lazy, spoiled, wussy jerk. The fact that he is getting Leach out of there has to be a big point of pride to his bruised ego, when in truth, Leach should have kicked him off the team two years ago so this never would have happened. I don't think the ESPN job part of his dad Craig's background had as much to do with it as his dad is an entitled athlete who makes/made a lot of money and isn't used to not getting his way. It is a bummer this family is what caught up to Leach.
I wish someone would remove Adam James' smug smile
Cleveland Cavaliers and Shaq--Folks have been all over the Cavaliers case due to the slow start out of the gate and because Shaquille O'Neal isn't the player he used to be. What they don't understand is the Cavaliers really don't need Shaq until the playoffs. They went 66-16 last year without him, but they need him basically to play Dwight Howard, the Celtics and the Lakers big front line. The Christmas Day game at Los Angeles showed how important he can be vs. the Lakers, as he, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao have the size to matchup and cause problems. Shaq also helped Cleveland win in Orlando in the only matchup so far this season.
As for the slow start, the Cavs have the best record in the Eastern Conference and only a game behind the Lakers (who have had an easy schedule) in the NBA. So it looks like the Cavaliers and Shaq are learning to play together. They just need to keep everyone healthy because they are certain to have no worse than the three seed (and probably no worse than the two seed) heading into the playoffs. Chill out, pundits. It is VERY early.
Holmgren understands this job will impact his legacy and he has the unique opportunity of having a franchise's keys being handed to him. I don't see how he wouldn't want to do it his way from the start with so much on the line. It is like going to a car lot with the pick of whatever car you want, no matter the price. You may be driving a nice Mercedes that has served you well. Luxury car. Gets the job done. Would be a solid car going forward. Still, how many times would you ever get like that? You could pick a Lotus or Ferrari or anything else that catches your eye and at no cost. Could you just say, "No, I'll pass because at least I know my Mercedes is reliable."? Didn't think so. He's a West Coast offense guy with a deep family tree. I'm not saying he won't keep Mangini, but I don't see it happening.
This guy won't be smiling if the Browns fail while not doing it his way
Winter Classic and team relocation--Hockey's premier non-Stanley Cup event took place on New Year's Day at historic Fenway Park between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. It is one of the few marketing things the NHL does right. The majority of the game was dull this year until things picked up, along with the Bruins' offense, midway through the third period. However, the great ending that was capped by the Team USA hockey roster announcement worked out big for the NHL.
Word is they are going to get the Washington Capitals and star Alexander Ovechkin in the game next year vs. probably the New York Rangers at either Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. The other new idea is to have an annual outdoor game between two Canadian franchises. A long overdue idea. That country adores the game and with the Canadian dollar doing a complete turn over the last decade against the American dollar, they should take this opportunity to take some of the warm-weather American teams and move them back to Canada. How can Winnipeg or Hamilton not have teams, but Nashville, Tampa, Atlanta and Miami do? That's crazy! Then Gary Bettman talks about how they don't plan to relocate franchises and that they'd expand first. Someone should drug test him. Don't they realize the Phoenix Coyotes just went bankrupt and the league had to buy them??
The poor Winnipeg fans have no Jets, but at least Phoenix has a team!-logo from sportslogos.net
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