Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Cavaliers and LeBron James...
I am a little too caught up in the recent events to put my thoughts down without my emotions getting the best of me, but check back tomorrow and I will have a post about the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, Mike Brown, etc.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Browns thoughts for Terry Pluto
Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto recently posed questions to his readers about the Browns for an upcoming book. I thought I would take the opportunity to answer his questions and send them off, but I also wanted to run them here:
Dear Browns Fans:
In conjunction with The Plain Dealer and Gray Publishing, I'm writing a book with the working title of What I've Learned From Watching the Browns.
I need your input. Here are some of the topics:
A) The scars from the move.
In many ways my entire life has revolved around sports. From an early age, I knew it was my interest and passion. So as I grew from the fan as a child and became a sports-industry professional as an adult, many of the feelings and ways I view sports changed. I no longer hero worship and I no longer let things in sports eat away at my insides.
However, the scars from the move still linger. The Cleveland Browns mean so much to the historically-rich football area of northeast Ohio that it was particularly painful when they were taken. The only comparison may be if the Packers were moved from Green Bay. The Indians and Cavaliers are loved, but the Browns leaving was a dagger to the soul of the city.
Even at that point, the city’s championship drought was over 45 years old, but even those terrible Browns teams got the people of Cleveland through the cold, gray winters. There was something so special about a Browns’ NFL Sunday. I used to look forward to the next game five minutes after the previous one ended.
As for me personally, it was at college at Ohio University. The final season came my freshman year and for the next three years I was in fan purgatory. The knowledge that Cleveland would again be getting a team helped, but being located about halfway between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh meant those teams on locally every Sunday. For the first time in my life, I found myself going to the library and doing schoolwork on Sundays.
We all were excited when the Browns came back, but due to the tough expansion situation and bad front office decisions they have not been successful. In fact, they have been awful. I still pull for them, but being in the new anti-septic stadium with a poor track record has definitely made the aura and feel of this team different from the past Browns. It is a feeling I hope one day returns because it was the best feeling in the world.
B) Why fans love Bernie Kosar.
Fans love Bernie Kosar because he reminds them of themselves. He was not the best athlete. He was not the GQ cover boy. He was a kid from northeast Ohio (Youngstown) who WANTED to be a Brown.
There are a few things that will endear someone to Cleveland sports fans and wanting to be there and playing hard are at the top of the list. Kosar had both traits. Add that to the most successful run of the franchise since the Jim Brown days, and he became beloved by fans and the city.
C) Why I keep watching this mess.
I keep watching this mess because I am a born-and-raised Cleveland sports fan. As such, there is no team more tied and loved by fans than the Browns. Maybe it is the hope that one day I will finally get to see that Super Bowl title and the unbridled joy of a city that has long deserved it? Maybe it is because I can say I am not a fair-weather fan? It is probably a combination of the two. The pride I would feel for the area along with the response I would receive from friends and family who know how much they mean to me would make it all worth it. I hope.
D) What NFL draft day means to me.
The NFL Draft means different things to me because it varies about how much it means to the Browns. If they are in a key draft position with intriguing players and trade possibilities, I am more likely to be tuned into the details of that year’s selections. However, if they are drafting near the bottom of the rounds or do not have a first-round selection, I do not focus on it as much.
I have the draft on every year if I can, but it is usually in the background and I switch over for the Cleveland picks and analytical breakdown. I do read about the picks from the online talent evaluators, but I also realize the nature of the draft and that patience is required.
E) My best/worst day at Browns stadium was ...
My highlights:
Oct. 23, 1989: Browns beat the Bears 27-7 on Monday Night Football. Kosar had two 90+-yard completions to Webster Slaughter and the Browns won a big primetime game.
Oct. 27, 1991: I sat in the Dawg Pound for the first time in a big game against the Steelers. The atmosphere was electric and I still recall the different characters and personalities out there that afternoon. Cleveland won on a fluke tipped touchdown reception and Gary Anderson, who was almost automatic from a short distance, hit the post for a 17-14 Browns’ win.
1994 Playoffs: This was the last playoff win for the franchise with Bill Belichick leading the Browns to a 20-13 win against his future employer, New England. A friend and I bought tickets the day before the game and got good seats, which is amazing nowadays. There was not much as far as expectations with that team, but they had a great day from the start and I remember the festive atmosphere of the old stadium made the moment magic.
Oct. 31, 1999: I was visiting a friend at Tulane Law School and we planned the Halloween weekend around the “new” Browns visit to New Orleans. Cleveland entered the game 0-8 in its return season and we were just hoping for a competitive game against the Ricky Williams-led Saints. What we were treated to is one of the best moments of the “new” Browns.
Williams fumbled three times and with no time remaining Tim Couch hit Kevin Johnson on a “Hail Mary” to give Cleveland its first win in over four years. I will never forget the unbridled joy among the handful of Browns fans at the game. My buddy and I were hugging strangers and jumping up and down like little kids. I remember heading down the escalators on the way out and high-fiving Browns’ fans heading the other way and seeing the sadness on the faces of the Saints’ fans. I have to say, it gave me a tinge of pride that the Browns gave them those long faces.
My lowlights:
Nov. 18, 1989: This was a lowlight because it was the only tie game I attended. If memory serves, it was a very cold, lake-effect day on the lake. The Browns and Chiefs tied 10-10 and I just remember the uncomfortable and empty feeling walking out of the stadium.
Nov. 15, 1992: In a snow-swirling, freezing day at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Browns led the San Diego Chargers 13-7 late in the game when Stan Humphries hit Anthony Miller with a bomb with two minutes left and Eric Metcalf fumbled in Charger territory on the final drive.
F) What the Browns mean to my family.
I am a sports fan, let alone Browns fan, because of my family. We used sports as a time to come together and speak a common language, no matter how old we were or where our lives were taking us. Some of my fondest family moments include rushing home from Sunday school, throwing off my nice clothes and running downstairs to get in place for the last few moments before kickoff. We regularly ordered Chinese food and would sit around television tables in the family room while watching, shouting and cheering at the happenings on the screen.
This extended to my other relatives too. Part of my family had company tickets to Browns games and when they had an extra ticket, I was the one who got the call. Sometimes it was at the last minute, but it was the most exciting call to get. Not only would I be going to the game that day, but my parents would let me miss Sunday school because they knew how much it meant to me.
G) Favorite Browns: Jim Brown, Brian Sipe, Sam Rutigliano, Joshua Cribbs, Brian Brennan, etc.
I am not old enough to have seen some of the great legends of the franchise, such as Otto Graham, Marion Motley, Lou Groza and Jim Brown. For me, I grew up with the Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar teams. As a little kid, my favorites were Sipe, Mike Pruitt, Ozzie Newsome and Eddie Johnson.
As I got older, my fanhood has changed and I no longer have favorites the same way. Of the “new” Browns, I really enjoy Joe Thomas and Joshua Cribbs most. Probably for the same reasons Kosar was so loved—they play hard and want to play in Cleveland.
H) Meeting Browns players.
I would like to share this story because of all the things I have done in sports and all the people I have had the chance to meet, nothing was a more impactful moment for me and my future.
I was eight years old and our family was flying to Los Angeles on vacation to see relatives. When we got to the airport, we found that our seats had been separated. My five-year-old sister and my mother went toward the back of the plane and my father had the middle seat and I had the aisle seat in a row with a graying-haired man by the window.
During the flight, I noticed the man was wearing a 1980 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl ring. So, being the uninhibited kid, I asked the man about his ring. At first, he was quite surprised that this little eight-year-old kid recognized the ring, but then he mentioned he was the running backs coach on that Raiders team and was the current Browns running backs coach. His name was Joe Scannella and he was on his way to California to visit his daughter.
We talked football during the long flight and Joe was so impressed with me that he wrote me a nice note about being a fan and invited me to a Browns’ practice during training camp. I was so excited, but little did I know my expectations were about to be exceeded.
My parents got in touch with Joe and we went to Berea for practice. At some point during the practice, Joe came by and told me they were going to take me back to the locker room! I will never forget the look on my dad’s face, and the grin on mine, as the golf cart headed for the locker room and they were shutting him out behind the chain-link fence.
Inside the locker room I had the chance to meet many of my heroes. I had a small pad of paper with “Adam” printed on the top and the guys went around signing my pad for me and saying hello. At one point, I was sitting on Ozzie Newsome’s lap and talking with him as players came by. Now, more than 25 years later, I can still close my eyes and picture myself in his lap and seeing that scene.
I was hooked. The Browns had me before and now they had me for life. I was also officially hooked on sports and decided right then that I would work in the industry. I think of this day every now and then and I always smile and remember why I love what I do and why sports are so important to so many people.
I) To make the team better, I wish the Browns would ...
…stay the course and pick an identity. All of the good NFL teams start with an identity. With all of the front office changes, obviously the philosophies and plans have been in constant flux.
Look at some of the better teams. Pittsburgh and Baltimore started with a defensive identity and made that part of their team championship caliber. Only then did they get the pieces to fill in the offenses. Teams like Indianapolis and New Orleans went with offense first. The Browns need to decide what they want to be, build that up to a championship level and then advance.
Dear Browns Fans:
In conjunction with The Plain Dealer and Gray Publishing, I'm writing a book with the working title of What I've Learned From Watching the Browns.
I need your input. Here are some of the topics:
A) The scars from the move.
In many ways my entire life has revolved around sports. From an early age, I knew it was my interest and passion. So as I grew from the fan as a child and became a sports-industry professional as an adult, many of the feelings and ways I view sports changed. I no longer hero worship and I no longer let things in sports eat away at my insides.
However, the scars from the move still linger. The Cleveland Browns mean so much to the historically-rich football area of northeast Ohio that it was particularly painful when they were taken. The only comparison may be if the Packers were moved from Green Bay. The Indians and Cavaliers are loved, but the Browns leaving was a dagger to the soul of the city.
Even at that point, the city’s championship drought was over 45 years old, but even those terrible Browns teams got the people of Cleveland through the cold, gray winters. There was something so special about a Browns’ NFL Sunday. I used to look forward to the next game five minutes after the previous one ended.
As for me personally, it was at college at Ohio University. The final season came my freshman year and for the next three years I was in fan purgatory. The knowledge that Cleveland would again be getting a team helped, but being located about halfway between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh meant those teams on locally every Sunday. For the first time in my life, I found myself going to the library and doing schoolwork on Sundays.
We all were excited when the Browns came back, but due to the tough expansion situation and bad front office decisions they have not been successful. In fact, they have been awful. I still pull for them, but being in the new anti-septic stadium with a poor track record has definitely made the aura and feel of this team different from the past Browns. It is a feeling I hope one day returns because it was the best feeling in the world.
The city was betrayed by Art Modell (photo: waitingfornextyear.com).
B) Why fans love Bernie Kosar.
Fans love Bernie Kosar because he reminds them of themselves. He was not the best athlete. He was not the GQ cover boy. He was a kid from northeast Ohio (Youngstown) who WANTED to be a Brown.
There are a few things that will endear someone to Cleveland sports fans and wanting to be there and playing hard are at the top of the list. Kosar had both traits. Add that to the most successful run of the franchise since the Jim Brown days, and he became beloved by fans and the city.
Kosar wanted to be a Brown, making him beloved (photo: SI).
C) Why I keep watching this mess.
I keep watching this mess because I am a born-and-raised Cleveland sports fan. As such, there is no team more tied and loved by fans than the Browns. Maybe it is the hope that one day I will finally get to see that Super Bowl title and the unbridled joy of a city that has long deserved it? Maybe it is because I can say I am not a fair-weather fan? It is probably a combination of the two. The pride I would feel for the area along with the response I would receive from friends and family who know how much they mean to me would make it all worth it. I hope.
D) What NFL draft day means to me.
The NFL Draft means different things to me because it varies about how much it means to the Browns. If they are in a key draft position with intriguing players and trade possibilities, I am more likely to be tuned into the details of that year’s selections. However, if they are drafting near the bottom of the rounds or do not have a first-round selection, I do not focus on it as much.
I have the draft on every year if I can, but it is usually in the background and I switch over for the Cleveland picks and analytical breakdown. I do read about the picks from the online talent evaluators, but I also realize the nature of the draft and that patience is required.
Florida cornerback Joe Haden comes to Cleveland with big expectations as the 7th overall pick.
E) My best/worst day at Browns stadium was ...
My highlights:
Oct. 23, 1989: Browns beat the Bears 27-7 on Monday Night Football. Kosar had two 90+-yard completions to Webster Slaughter and the Browns won a big primetime game.
Oct. 27, 1991: I sat in the Dawg Pound for the first time in a big game against the Steelers. The atmosphere was electric and I still recall the different characters and personalities out there that afternoon. Cleveland won on a fluke tipped touchdown reception and Gary Anderson, who was almost automatic from a short distance, hit the post for a 17-14 Browns’ win.
1994 Playoffs: This was the last playoff win for the franchise with Bill Belichick leading the Browns to a 20-13 win against his future employer, New England. A friend and I bought tickets the day before the game and got good seats, which is amazing nowadays. There was not much as far as expectations with that team, but they had a great day from the start and I remember the festive atmosphere of the old stadium made the moment magic.
Oct. 31, 1999: I was visiting a friend at Tulane Law School and we planned the Halloween weekend around the “new” Browns visit to New Orleans. Cleveland entered the game 0-8 in its return season and we were just hoping for a competitive game against the Ricky Williams-led Saints. What we were treated to is one of the best moments of the “new” Browns.
Williams fumbled three times and with no time remaining Tim Couch hit Kevin Johnson on a “Hail Mary” to give Cleveland its first win in over four years. I will never forget the unbridled joy among the handful of Browns fans at the game. My buddy and I were hugging strangers and jumping up and down like little kids. I remember heading down the escalators on the way out and high-fiving Browns’ fans heading the other way and seeing the sadness on the faces of the Saints’ fans. I have to say, it gave me a tinge of pride that the Browns gave them those long faces.
My lowlights:
Nov. 18, 1989: This was a lowlight because it was the only tie game I attended. If memory serves, it was a very cold, lake-effect day on the lake. The Browns and Chiefs tied 10-10 and I just remember the uncomfortable and empty feeling walking out of the stadium.
Nov. 15, 1992: In a snow-swirling, freezing day at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Browns led the San Diego Chargers 13-7 late in the game when Stan Humphries hit Anthony Miller with a bomb with two minutes left and Eric Metcalf fumbled in Charger territory on the final drive.
One of the few Belichick bright spots was the playoff win over New England in 1994 (photo: espn).
F) What the Browns mean to my family.
I am a sports fan, let alone Browns fan, because of my family. We used sports as a time to come together and speak a common language, no matter how old we were or where our lives were taking us. Some of my fondest family moments include rushing home from Sunday school, throwing off my nice clothes and running downstairs to get in place for the last few moments before kickoff. We regularly ordered Chinese food and would sit around television tables in the family room while watching, shouting and cheering at the happenings on the screen.
This extended to my other relatives too. Part of my family had company tickets to Browns games and when they had an extra ticket, I was the one who got the call. Sometimes it was at the last minute, but it was the most exciting call to get. Not only would I be going to the game that day, but my parents would let me miss Sunday school because they knew how much it meant to me.
G) Favorite Browns: Jim Brown, Brian Sipe, Sam Rutigliano, Joshua Cribbs, Brian Brennan, etc.
I am not old enough to have seen some of the great legends of the franchise, such as Otto Graham, Marion Motley, Lou Groza and Jim Brown. For me, I grew up with the Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar teams. As a little kid, my favorites were Sipe, Mike Pruitt, Ozzie Newsome and Eddie Johnson.
As I got older, my fanhood has changed and I no longer have favorites the same way. Of the “new” Browns, I really enjoy Joe Thomas and Joshua Cribbs most. Probably for the same reasons Kosar was so loved—they play hard and want to play in Cleveland.
H) Meeting Browns players.
I would like to share this story because of all the things I have done in sports and all the people I have had the chance to meet, nothing was a more impactful moment for me and my future.
I was eight years old and our family was flying to Los Angeles on vacation to see relatives. When we got to the airport, we found that our seats had been separated. My five-year-old sister and my mother went toward the back of the plane and my father had the middle seat and I had the aisle seat in a row with a graying-haired man by the window.
During the flight, I noticed the man was wearing a 1980 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl ring. So, being the uninhibited kid, I asked the man about his ring. At first, he was quite surprised that this little eight-year-old kid recognized the ring, but then he mentioned he was the running backs coach on that Raiders team and was the current Browns running backs coach. His name was Joe Scannella and he was on his way to California to visit his daughter.
We talked football during the long flight and Joe was so impressed with me that he wrote me a nice note about being a fan and invited me to a Browns’ practice during training camp. I was so excited, but little did I know my expectations were about to be exceeded.
My parents got in touch with Joe and we went to Berea for practice. At some point during the practice, Joe came by and told me they were going to take me back to the locker room! I will never forget the look on my dad’s face, and the grin on mine, as the golf cart headed for the locker room and they were shutting him out behind the chain-link fence.
Inside the locker room I had the chance to meet many of my heroes. I had a small pad of paper with “Adam” printed on the top and the guys went around signing my pad for me and saying hello. At one point, I was sitting on Ozzie Newsome’s lap and talking with him as players came by. Now, more than 25 years later, I can still close my eyes and picture myself in his lap and seeing that scene.
I was hooked. The Browns had me before and now they had me for life. I was also officially hooked on sports and decided right then that I would work in the industry. I think of this day every now and then and I always smile and remember why I love what I do and why sports are so important to so many people.
Ozzie Newsome is a Hall of Fame tight end and a Hall of Famer in my sports life.
I) To make the team better, I wish the Browns would ...
…stay the course and pick an identity. All of the good NFL teams start with an identity. With all of the front office changes, obviously the philosophies and plans have been in constant flux.
Look at some of the better teams. Pittsburgh and Baltimore started with a defensive identity and made that part of their team championship caliber. Only then did they get the pieces to fill in the offenses. Teams like Indianapolis and New Orleans went with offense first. The Browns need to decide what they want to be, build that up to a championship level and then advance.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Jair Jurrjens visits the Toy Department!
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens is one of the game's best young starters. Last season, he went 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA but he could have had several more wins if the Braves decided to score during some of his first-half starts. "JJ" has a 30-21 career record with 3.21 ERA.
As long as he stays healthy, he has had some shoulder tightness this spring but his MRI was good, he should be in for a big season. I first met JJ when he was just 22, but he seems like an older spirit and his grasp of the game is one of a seasoned veteran.
Below, JJ gives his quick answers in a segment I'm calling "The Quick Hit."
1. What teammate(s) taught you the most?
JJ: Javier Vazquez and Mike Gonzalez
2. Favorite MLB road stadium?
JJ: Coors Field (Colorado)
3. Video game you are just about unbeatable in (and format)? And what was your favorite video game growing up?
JJ: MLB The Show for unbeatable. Mario Bros. was my favorite growing up.
4. Opposing hitter who seems to have your number or you know you’re in for a big battle?
JJ: Willie Harris of the Nationals
5. Highlight game/moment so far in your MLB career?
JJ: My first career win (8/21/07 in a 2-1 at Cleveland while with Detroit).
6. Best teammate(s) to hang out with on the bench when not starting?
JJ: Martin Prado, Javier Vazquez, Ruben Gotay
7. What will happen first, you’ll steal a base or hit a home run?
JJ: Steal a base
8. Best road crowd at taunting?
JJ: New York Mets
9. Favorite snack food?
JJ: White Chocolate
10. You’re single, so…: blondes, red heads or brunettes?
JJ: I like 'em all!
As long as he stays healthy, he has had some shoulder tightness this spring but his MRI was good, he should be in for a big season. I first met JJ when he was just 22, but he seems like an older spirit and his grasp of the game is one of a seasoned veteran.
Jair Jurrjens gives his thoughts on some fun topics below (photo: Atlanta Braves)
Below, JJ gives his quick answers in a segment I'm calling "The Quick Hit."
1. What teammate(s) taught you the most?
JJ: Javier Vazquez and Mike Gonzalez
2. Favorite MLB road stadium?
JJ: Coors Field (Colorado)
3. Video game you are just about unbeatable in (and format)? And what was your favorite video game growing up?
JJ: MLB The Show for unbeatable. Mario Bros. was my favorite growing up.
4. Opposing hitter who seems to have your number or you know you’re in for a big battle?
JJ: Willie Harris of the Nationals
5. Highlight game/moment so far in your MLB career?
JJ: My first career win (8/21/07 in a 2-1 at Cleveland while with Detroit).
6. Best teammate(s) to hang out with on the bench when not starting?
JJ: Martin Prado, Javier Vazquez, Ruben Gotay
7. What will happen first, you’ll steal a base or hit a home run?
JJ: Steal a base
8. Best road crowd at taunting?
JJ: New York Mets
9. Favorite snack food?
JJ: White Chocolate
10. You’re single, so…: blondes, red heads or brunettes?
JJ: I like 'em all!
Jurrjens is one of baseball's best young starters (photo: Atlanta Braves)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
I'm a curling junkie and other thoughts...
So sorry for the delay in posts. I have been caught up in the odd hours of the NBA.com life I'm leading, but I'll try to be more on the ball. Below are some thoughts...
Olympic Curling -- This may be the single greatest thing that ever happened to folks out of work due to the economy. Instead of another day filled with episodes of Maury and Judge Judy, Olympic Curling has been starting at noon and practically lasting all day. It is hypnotic. I have watched so many hours this week, that not only do I now understand the rules and strategy, I get upset when one of the American curlers makes a terrible shot! Heck, I bet I'd recognize half of the curlers in this Olympics if I saw them on the street. That isn't even addressing the added bonus of some of these women's teams having some attractive ladies and MILFs...
Anyway, I know it looks like anyone could curl. I supposed folks can, the same way anyone can bowl. But just like bowling, not everyone can step in and do it at the elite level. All that said, I still think it may be the most obtainable Olympic sport for the common person. Half the other Winter Games events are daring and youth-based. The snowboarding and the downhill can not just be picked up by the regular fan. I thank NBC for their scheduling of curling to fill out their broadcasting lineup. It has made the last two weeks a much richer experience!
Spring Training -- This being the first Spring Training in 10 years I am missing, I am finding the stories coming from the camps wildly entertaining. I love the optimism everyone has right now and how every team has a plan and it is falling into place. Of course, once the season starts that's all crazy talk but for now life is good. No one has a hitting slump and no pitcher has allowed a five-run inning. There's all these stories about guys with new physiques and new attitudes and feature stories on just about everyone on the team because the writers need a new angle to cover so many days.
This is the best time of the spring. The last week before games start. Everyone is in a good mood and looking forward to the exhibition games to see what everyone has and to do something other than practice. Also, they aren't sick and tired of being at Spring Training just yet. Wait until they get to the last 10 days or so. Everyone can't wait to go and the teams are just praying no one gets hurt at that point. That time is only used to figure out the last roster spot or two anyway.
Cavs' Jamison/Ilgauskas trade -- I am a big fan of this deal for the long-term goals of this season, but not the short-term. The Cavs were playing so well and many questioned whether to mess with the chemistry to make a deal like this one. A valid concern. However, I think that Antawn Jamison's ability to stretch the defense at the PF position will be a key for the Cavs in the playoffs. I do think it will take several games to get everyone up to speed again, so don't be surprised if the Cavs are up and down for now. Flow on the offensive end and picking up defensive assignments will be the sign they have overcome the new period.
I hope the Cavs can resign Big Zydrunas Ilgauskas now that the Washington Wizards have bought out his contract. I know he may have better financial opportunities elsewhere (and he did have to pay $1.5 million out of his own pocket, since the Cavs paid him up front, to get the buyout), but the chance to win a title may not be better anywhere else and he has the huge fan support in Cleveland. His home and family are there too and where else after all those years of struggles would he want to win more?
OSU's Evan Turner -- Many players have come through Ohio State's hoops program have won Big 10 and other awards. Jim Jackson, Michael Redd, Greg Oden, etc. Evan Turner will continue the legacy this season, but he may be the best player at Ohio State since Jackson and maybe since John Havlicek and Jerry Lucas. Turner can do it all. Handle, shoot (he needs a little work on his three-pointers), pass, rebound and defend and do it all at 6'7". His number have him in the top two in the Big 10 in scoring, rebounds and assists. That's never been done before. John Wall, the amazing point guard at Kentucky, is Turner's main competition for national player of the year. Wall's career may be better and he may have a better top end, but Turner is probably the better college basketball player.
I had decent expectations for this Buckeye team. I knew Turner would be there and David Lighty would be healthy after missing most of last season. William Buford was last season's Big 10 freshman of the year and Jon Diebler, who is Ohio's high school all-time leading scorer, can shoot the lights out. I have been pleasantly surprised by Dallas Lauderdale. He is letting the game come to him and leads the conference in blocked shots. He knows his role and does it well. The problem with guys in his position is foul trouble, and he does struggle with that at times.
If Purdue falls to Michigan State on today, OSU will tie those teams for the regular-season Big 10 title and will claim the top seed in the conference tournament. It is a solid, but not a deep, team. The can do some serious damage in the NCAA tournament with a player like Turner and three other players who defend with length and can score. It should be interesting, but they have a realistic chance at a Final Four appearance with a favorable draw.
NCAA Tournament Expansion -- Speaking of the tournament, there is a push from some coaches and other people to expand the teams from 65 to 96. The real reason, of course, is money. The NCAA wants to opt out of the remaining three years and $2.131 billion left on its contract with CBS because it thinks it can make MORE money than that by adding 31 teams and 31 games. The bidding would open for the tournament an the expanded round reportedly between ESPN, FOX, CBS and Turner too may be involved.
The supporters claim the more teams that get a shot, the better. More teams would be rewarded and have the NCAA tournament experience and more mid-majors would get their shot. They also site there would be more upsets and unexpectedness with more teams.
Now, I am totally against this whole plan, but I understand how money talks and that this probably will be a reality soon. This idea will kill the regular season. I know some worthy teams get left out of the tournament each year, but that's part of the fun and challenge of the season. To add another 31 teams would basically be like adding the entire NIT field. That means 2009 NIT teams like Washington State (17-15) and Northwestern (17-13) would make the Big Dance. Should seasons like that be so richly rewarded? I know some of the smaller teams would get a chance, but even if they pull one upset they are a long way away from the Sweet 16 or really making a run at the Final Four like George Mason.
Also, in this plan some top seeds would get byes. The tournament brackets, which honestly where 99% of the people get their fun out of this, would be a mess. It won't be so easy for the common non-follower or casual follower to just pick up the brackets on the Monday and make it out. That woman in accounting who is participating for the fun of it may be a bit overwhelmed. Plus, I think the current setup is almost perfect. I haven't heard complaints about it over the years other than a team or two missing out on a birth, but those teams don't really have a true shot anyway.
It looks like this is going to happen, but I also think down the road I'll sound like an old fogey talking about the "good ol' days."
Olympic Curling -- This may be the single greatest thing that ever happened to folks out of work due to the economy. Instead of another day filled with episodes of Maury and Judge Judy, Olympic Curling has been starting at noon and practically lasting all day. It is hypnotic. I have watched so many hours this week, that not only do I now understand the rules and strategy, I get upset when one of the American curlers makes a terrible shot! Heck, I bet I'd recognize half of the curlers in this Olympics if I saw them on the street. That isn't even addressing the added bonus of some of these women's teams having some attractive ladies and MILFs...
Anyway, I know it looks like anyone could curl. I supposed folks can, the same way anyone can bowl. But just like bowling, not everyone can step in and do it at the elite level. All that said, I still think it may be the most obtainable Olympic sport for the common person. Half the other Winter Games events are daring and youth-based. The snowboarding and the downhill can not just be picked up by the regular fan. I thank NBC for their scheduling of curling to fill out their broadcasting lineup. It has made the last two weeks a much richer experience!
Cheryl Bernard and Team Canada will be in my head for months
Spring Training -- This being the first Spring Training in 10 years I am missing, I am finding the stories coming from the camps wildly entertaining. I love the optimism everyone has right now and how every team has a plan and it is falling into place. Of course, once the season starts that's all crazy talk but for now life is good. No one has a hitting slump and no pitcher has allowed a five-run inning. There's all these stories about guys with new physiques and new attitudes and feature stories on just about everyone on the team because the writers need a new angle to cover so many days.
This is the best time of the spring. The last week before games start. Everyone is in a good mood and looking forward to the exhibition games to see what everyone has and to do something other than practice. Also, they aren't sick and tired of being at Spring Training just yet. Wait until they get to the last 10 days or so. Everyone can't wait to go and the teams are just praying no one gets hurt at that point. That time is only used to figure out the last roster spot or two anyway.
Even at runown Winter Haven, the Indians would have Spring Training optimism
Cavs' Jamison/Ilgauskas trade -- I am a big fan of this deal for the long-term goals of this season, but not the short-term. The Cavs were playing so well and many questioned whether to mess with the chemistry to make a deal like this one. A valid concern. However, I think that Antawn Jamison's ability to stretch the defense at the PF position will be a key for the Cavs in the playoffs. I do think it will take several games to get everyone up to speed again, so don't be surprised if the Cavs are up and down for now. Flow on the offensive end and picking up defensive assignments will be the sign they have overcome the new period.
I hope the Cavs can resign Big Zydrunas Ilgauskas now that the Washington Wizards have bought out his contract. I know he may have better financial opportunities elsewhere (and he did have to pay $1.5 million out of his own pocket, since the Cavs paid him up front, to get the buyout), but the chance to win a title may not be better anywhere else and he has the huge fan support in Cleveland. His home and family are there too and where else after all those years of struggles would he want to win more?
This is just awful and a little sad that it wasn't made in 1996
OSU's Evan Turner -- Many players have come through Ohio State's hoops program have won Big 10 and other awards. Jim Jackson, Michael Redd, Greg Oden, etc. Evan Turner will continue the legacy this season, but he may be the best player at Ohio State since Jackson and maybe since John Havlicek and Jerry Lucas. Turner can do it all. Handle, shoot (he needs a little work on his three-pointers), pass, rebound and defend and do it all at 6'7". His number have him in the top two in the Big 10 in scoring, rebounds and assists. That's never been done before. John Wall, the amazing point guard at Kentucky, is Turner's main competition for national player of the year. Wall's career may be better and he may have a better top end, but Turner is probably the better college basketball player.
I had decent expectations for this Buckeye team. I knew Turner would be there and David Lighty would be healthy after missing most of last season. William Buford was last season's Big 10 freshman of the year and Jon Diebler, who is Ohio's high school all-time leading scorer, can shoot the lights out. I have been pleasantly surprised by Dallas Lauderdale. He is letting the game come to him and leads the conference in blocked shots. He knows his role and does it well. The problem with guys in his position is foul trouble, and he does struggle with that at times.
If Purdue falls to Michigan State on today, OSU will tie those teams for the regular-season Big 10 title and will claim the top seed in the conference tournament. It is a solid, but not a deep, team. The can do some serious damage in the NCAA tournament with a player like Turner and three other players who defend with length and can score. It should be interesting, but they have a realistic chance at a Final Four appearance with a favorable draw.
Evan Turner is a Buckeye great and may be the national player of the year
NCAA Tournament Expansion -- Speaking of the tournament, there is a push from some coaches and other people to expand the teams from 65 to 96. The real reason, of course, is money. The NCAA wants to opt out of the remaining three years and $2.131 billion left on its contract with CBS because it thinks it can make MORE money than that by adding 31 teams and 31 games. The bidding would open for the tournament an the expanded round reportedly between ESPN, FOX, CBS and Turner too may be involved.
The supporters claim the more teams that get a shot, the better. More teams would be rewarded and have the NCAA tournament experience and more mid-majors would get their shot. They also site there would be more upsets and unexpectedness with more teams.
Now, I am totally against this whole plan, but I understand how money talks and that this probably will be a reality soon. This idea will kill the regular season. I know some worthy teams get left out of the tournament each year, but that's part of the fun and challenge of the season. To add another 31 teams would basically be like adding the entire NIT field. That means 2009 NIT teams like Washington State (17-15) and Northwestern (17-13) would make the Big Dance. Should seasons like that be so richly rewarded? I know some of the smaller teams would get a chance, but even if they pull one upset they are a long way away from the Sweet 16 or really making a run at the Final Four like George Mason.
Also, in this plan some top seeds would get byes. The tournament brackets, which honestly where 99% of the people get their fun out of this, would be a mess. It won't be so easy for the common non-follower or casual follower to just pick up the brackets on the Monday and make it out. That woman in accounting who is participating for the fun of it may be a bit overwhelmed. Plus, I think the current setup is almost perfect. I haven't heard complaints about it over the years other than a team or two missing out on a birth, but those teams don't really have a true shot anyway.
It looks like this is going to happen, but I also think down the road I'll sound like an old fogey talking about the "good ol' days."
Less Cinderella teams would go deep in the tournament if it expands
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Not such a hot pick...
I guess my Super Bowl pick was not quite accurate. I admit it. Picking the NFL nowadays is not easy. It isn't like in the mid-80s when you just knew who were the better teams and which teams had no shot at the upsets.
Congrats to the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees. Yet another team off both the "never won a Super Bowl" and never "been to a Super Bowl" lists that my Browns still are a member. Sigh...
More to come tomorrow...
Congrats to the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees. Yet another team off both the "never won a Super Bowl" and never "been to a Super Bowl" lists that my Browns still are a member. Sigh...
More to come tomorrow...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Super Bowl prediction and thoughts
Super Bowl XLIV -- So it is upon us, finally! No more hearing about Dwight Freeney's ankle or Drew Brees being next to Tim Tebow as the most amazing person on this planet. Phew...I can't stand all the Super Bowl coverage. Everyone follows the season so closely that when you get down to just one game, most of us know the storylines and eventual stories by the time the AFC and NFC Championship games end.
On to the game and prediction...
Both teams are capable of winning this game, which is nice because there are some years when you just know one team is happy or lucky to be there only to face a monster team. There were some big blowouts in the '80s and '90s that reflect that. The last of those games was the Indianapolis Colts over the Chicago Bears three seasons ago. The score may not have reflected a huge blowout, but before and during the game you knew the Colts would be in control.
Obviously, all the talk is about the quarterbacks and the offense. Makes sense, of course. Both are amazing and among the best of their generation. The problem for the Saints is that they are running into Peyton Manning at the peak of his powers. It's like running into Michael Jordan or Joe Montana at their peaks. You may be great yourself, but they are all-timers. That's what I sense here. Brees is Clyde Drexler or John Elway or Karl Malone. It doesn't mean he isn't terrific, but it may be the wrong timing. He may very well win a Super Bowl one day like Drexler or Elway, but I don't think it is this Sunday.
Manning is a surgeon and will figure out the Saints defense eventually. There's only so much you can do on a football field and Manning has seen it all by this point. Even if the Saints initially get pressure, the Colts will adjust and get it done. Whichever team doesn't have to settle with field goals will win, and I just see the Colts being that team. I know Freeney is hurt, but I think it won't be the big deal many are making it.
The pick: Indianapolis 34, New Orleans 24
On to the game and prediction...
Both teams are capable of winning this game, which is nice because there are some years when you just know one team is happy or lucky to be there only to face a monster team. There were some big blowouts in the '80s and '90s that reflect that. The last of those games was the Indianapolis Colts over the Chicago Bears three seasons ago. The score may not have reflected a huge blowout, but before and during the game you knew the Colts would be in control.
Lovie Smith's Bears had no real shot vs. the Colts. (photo: thestartingfive.wordpress)
Obviously, all the talk is about the quarterbacks and the offense. Makes sense, of course. Both are amazing and among the best of their generation. The problem for the Saints is that they are running into Peyton Manning at the peak of his powers. It's like running into Michael Jordan or Joe Montana at their peaks. You may be great yourself, but they are all-timers. That's what I sense here. Brees is Clyde Drexler or John Elway or Karl Malone. It doesn't mean he isn't terrific, but it may be the wrong timing. He may very well win a Super Bowl one day like Drexler or Elway, but I don't think it is this Sunday.
I just think this picture is fantastically awesome. (photo: about.com)
Manning is a surgeon and will figure out the Saints defense eventually. There's only so much you can do on a football field and Manning has seen it all by this point. Even if the Saints initially get pressure, the Colts will adjust and get it done. Whichever team doesn't have to settle with field goals will win, and I just see the Colts being that team. I know Freeney is hurt, but I think it won't be the big deal many are making it.
The pick: Indianapolis 34, New Orleans 24
Friday, January 22, 2010
More topics on the brain...
Curt Schilling -- Is anyone else tired of hearing what Curt Schilling thinks about...anything? The way the media handles him and the way he behaves is the epitome of what's wrong with the way sports stars are revered and how celebrity has blown up in America today.
This guy is a pitcher in a game. He throws hard. He was a really good pitcher too. That said, why does the media report all of his thoughts on politics just because he is the one who said them? If he wants to comment about steroids or changes needed in the game, fine. However, until he actually does something in politics then I don't want to hear it. He's a loudmouth who thinks he knows more about things than he does and he has always been a good quote so the media runs his comments and he has become a "go-to" guy.
If Schilling runs for office or actually becomes a politician, that is a different story. He's not alone either! I don't condone actors or pseudo celebrities having their opinions reported on either.
Announcer Gripe: Jim Nantz -- First, let me say I think Jim Nantz does his homework and is prepared. My issue with him is his delivery while doing football. For golf and tennis, his voice is the perfect tempo and volume and works holding viewer interest. However, while doing football on CBS' #1 team with Phil Simms, he seems like a fish out of water.
Nantz reminds me of Pat Summerall (who was propped up like "Weekend at Bernie's" at the Cotton Bowl) in terms of his enthusiasm and dynamic personality. For Summerall, it worked because he balanced out John Madden's over-the-top personality and volume. Simms knows his stuff, but isn't that type of personality to balance the lame Nantz. Maybe a different partner pairing would make me feel different about him, but I think CBS could still keep him in some capacity just not on the #1 team. They won't do that, of course, because he is one of their headliner sportscasters. He is better during basketball with Clark Kellogg because Special K is loud and excitable. It has made a difference for Nantz since the departure of the grumpy Billy Packer.
NFL Championship Weekend Picks
AFC: INDIANAPOLIS over New York -- Look, the Jets are a great story and they have put together quite a run. They run the ball well, play solid defense and have a bit of attitude to go with it. History is on their side lately as the last several Super Bowls have featured first-round teams that caught some momentum like the Cardinals last year.
I just think the run ends here. Cincinnati gave up in Week 17 to prevent injuries and then showed why they played so poorly in the second half of the season. Carson Palmer's passing has disappeared and Cincy has no stretch-the-field WR to balance Chad Ocho Cinco's route running. As a result, the Jets could put Darrelle Revis on Ocho Cinco and play aggressive, attacking defense. Ballgame. Last week, San Diego plain choked. If Nate Kaeding hits the two makeable field goals it may have been completely different. Also, the Chargers are a team with a history of playoff failures. The Colts and Peyton Manning have overcome that part of their past.
Manning is the most dependable player in the NFL. A coach on the field. There isn't much the Jets can throw out there he hasn't seen or prepared for. You can't shut down the Colts' offense completely and I think they get a few touchdowns in the first half and make the Jets have to go to the air to try and stay with them. That is not Jets football. Colts 27, Jets 17
NFC: NEW ORLEANS over Minnesota -- This game is harder to pick because the two teams are very even. It comes down to which team can pressure the quarterback the best. Both have many offensive weapons, so it is the ability to disrupt their rhythm and put them tough down-and-distance situations that will make the difference. The Vikings' pass rush last week vs. Dallas was very impressive, but there was some mitigating circumstances that helped aid that. I just see Drew Brees as the more dependable of the two QBs in this game, and a lot like Manning, will make the right quick reads to get around the tough pass rush and expose the Minnesota CBs.
Brett Favre has had his best season in years, but all it takes is one mediocre game for the season to be over. With an offense like the Saints out there, Minnesota needs to get off to a fast track or risk falling behind, which would limit their impressive running attack. If Favre plays great, the Vikings will win. I think he plays good, which may not be enough in the road atmosphere of the Superdome, which is hosting its first-ever NFC title game. Saints 30, Vikings 27.
2011 NFL Labor Issues -- The focus right now is on the 2010 season that will be uncapped, but the possibility of a lockout of the 2011 season is real and right now, probable. Brace for it, folks. The owners can't agree among themselves how to divide revenue. Teams like Dallas don't think it is fair they have to split the Pepsi revenue and stadium-naming revenue in the same pool with other teams that don't market themselves well or try as hard and still get the same share of the pot. Also, teams like Dallas and others that privately finance stadiums take more of a financial hit for doing so. Until the owners agree on the new revenue issues, they can't realistically bang out the other side with the players.
Both sides will agree to reforms on draft picks, pension and alumni plans but the owners want the current 51-49 revenue split that is in favor of the players to be 60-40 in favor of the owners. The owners think the money they have put into new stadiums and the changes that were expected in the last CBA that didn't happen need to be factored in and they are refusing to go forward with the current NFL economic structure. The players gladly would. Heck they are an $8 billion industry, I hope they can figure something out before it is too late. Most pundits are seeing a grim future.
All-White Basketball League -- I saw this on Deadspin earlier in the week. And it is for real! Don "Moose" Lewis is starting up the All-American Basketball Alliance (AABA) and this guy and the concept are half in the looney bin. According to the Augusta Chronicle, where the league is attempting to place one of its 12 single-entity owned teams, the league put out a statement that said, "only players that are natural born United States citizens with both parents of Caucasian race are eligible to play in the league." Ok then...
From the Augusta Chronicle:
"There's nothing hatred about what we're doing," Lewis said. "I don't hate anyone of color. But people of white, American-born citizens are in the minority now. Here's a league for white players to play fundamental basketball, which they like."
Lewis said he wants to emphasize fundamental basketball instead of "street-ball" played by "people of color." He pointed out recent incidents in the NBA, including Gilbert Arenas' indefinite suspension after bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room, as examples of fans' dissatisfaction with the way current professional sports are run.
"Would you want to go to the game and worry about a player flipping you off or attacking you in the stands or grabbing their crotch?" he said. "That's the culture today, and in a free country we should have the right to move ourselves in a better direction."
Ok, Moose...some questions. What does flipping someone off, grabbing one's crotch, attacking people in the stands and Arenas' gun incident have to do with "fundamental basketball?" These are non-playing style issues and speak toward the racist undertones he is striving to bury. He sounds like Mark McGwire saying steroids didn't help his performance, when we all really knew that was the elephant in the room. I'm sure the "street-ball" he is referencing is so awful that the NBA brings in billions of dollars and fans of all colors and cultures. Yep, sure looks like the billions in China that like that type of basketball just fine.
If you want fundamentals, go watch the WNBA. If you want to see white guys playing "fundamental basketball," then go to the church picnic, YMCA or Jewish Center. There's a reason why there has not been an outcry for the formation of a league like this. Guess where the league is based? Georgia, of course. The same place that was having a rally for the state flag for the old Stars & Bars aspect because it had to do with southern heritage, but then people were all wearing and selling John Rocker t-shirts...which go right back to the racist undertones, thereby completely undermining their point.
Obviously, the reason for this league is racist based. I like how he says because "white, American-born citizens" are in the minority now, that they should make a league so they play the way they want to. Absurd. Why isn't there a Mexican soccer league in the US now? Or a cricket league for English-born Americans? I can't wait for this to fail. Anyone involved with the league or goes to watch a game should have the government keep their information on file. I think Timothy McVeigh would like these games.
This guy is a pitcher in a game. He throws hard. He was a really good pitcher too. That said, why does the media report all of his thoughts on politics just because he is the one who said them? If he wants to comment about steroids or changes needed in the game, fine. However, until he actually does something in politics then I don't want to hear it. He's a loudmouth who thinks he knows more about things than he does and he has always been a good quote so the media runs his comments and he has become a "go-to" guy.
If Schilling runs for office or actually becomes a politician, that is a different story. He's not alone either! I don't condone actors or pseudo celebrities having their opinions reported on either.
This photo makes me sick to my stomach (photo from crooksandliars.com)
Announcer Gripe: Jim Nantz -- First, let me say I think Jim Nantz does his homework and is prepared. My issue with him is his delivery while doing football. For golf and tennis, his voice is the perfect tempo and volume and works holding viewer interest. However, while doing football on CBS' #1 team with Phil Simms, he seems like a fish out of water.
Nantz reminds me of Pat Summerall (who was propped up like "Weekend at Bernie's" at the Cotton Bowl) in terms of his enthusiasm and dynamic personality. For Summerall, it worked because he balanced out John Madden's over-the-top personality and volume. Simms knows his stuff, but isn't that type of personality to balance the lame Nantz. Maybe a different partner pairing would make me feel different about him, but I think CBS could still keep him in some capacity just not on the #1 team. They won't do that, of course, because he is one of their headliner sportscasters. He is better during basketball with Clark Kellogg because Special K is loud and excitable. It has made a difference for Nantz since the departure of the grumpy Billy Packer.
Please stick to golf, Jim, and leave the NFL alone (photo from CBS)
NFL Championship Weekend Picks
AFC: INDIANAPOLIS over New York -- Look, the Jets are a great story and they have put together quite a run. They run the ball well, play solid defense and have a bit of attitude to go with it. History is on their side lately as the last several Super Bowls have featured first-round teams that caught some momentum like the Cardinals last year.
I just think the run ends here. Cincinnati gave up in Week 17 to prevent injuries and then showed why they played so poorly in the second half of the season. Carson Palmer's passing has disappeared and Cincy has no stretch-the-field WR to balance Chad Ocho Cinco's route running. As a result, the Jets could put Darrelle Revis on Ocho Cinco and play aggressive, attacking defense. Ballgame. Last week, San Diego plain choked. If Nate Kaeding hits the two makeable field goals it may have been completely different. Also, the Chargers are a team with a history of playoff failures. The Colts and Peyton Manning have overcome that part of their past.
Manning is the most dependable player in the NFL. A coach on the field. There isn't much the Jets can throw out there he hasn't seen or prepared for. You can't shut down the Colts' offense completely and I think they get a few touchdowns in the first half and make the Jets have to go to the air to try and stay with them. That is not Jets football. Colts 27, Jets 17
This guy may be the best QB in NFL history & not the guy you want to face this Sunday.
NFC: NEW ORLEANS over Minnesota -- This game is harder to pick because the two teams are very even. It comes down to which team can pressure the quarterback the best. Both have many offensive weapons, so it is the ability to disrupt their rhythm and put them tough down-and-distance situations that will make the difference. The Vikings' pass rush last week vs. Dallas was very impressive, but there was some mitigating circumstances that helped aid that. I just see Drew Brees as the more dependable of the two QBs in this game, and a lot like Manning, will make the right quick reads to get around the tough pass rush and expose the Minnesota CBs.
Brett Favre has had his best season in years, but all it takes is one mediocre game for the season to be over. With an offense like the Saints out there, Minnesota needs to get off to a fast track or risk falling behind, which would limit their impressive running attack. If Favre plays great, the Vikings will win. I think he plays good, which may not be enough in the road atmosphere of the Superdome, which is hosting its first-ever NFC title game. Saints 30, Vikings 27.
2011 NFL Labor Issues -- The focus right now is on the 2010 season that will be uncapped, but the possibility of a lockout of the 2011 season is real and right now, probable. Brace for it, folks. The owners can't agree among themselves how to divide revenue. Teams like Dallas don't think it is fair they have to split the Pepsi revenue and stadium-naming revenue in the same pool with other teams that don't market themselves well or try as hard and still get the same share of the pot. Also, teams like Dallas and others that privately finance stadiums take more of a financial hit for doing so. Until the owners agree on the new revenue issues, they can't realistically bang out the other side with the players.
Both sides will agree to reforms on draft picks, pension and alumni plans but the owners want the current 51-49 revenue split that is in favor of the players to be 60-40 in favor of the owners. The owners think the money they have put into new stadiums and the changes that were expected in the last CBA that didn't happen need to be factored in and they are refusing to go forward with the current NFL economic structure. The players gladly would. Heck they are an $8 billion industry, I hope they can figure something out before it is too late. Most pundits are seeing a grim future.
Jerry Jones in his Palace in Dallas. His Cowboys rake in the $ compared to others. (from thesportingblog.com)
All-White Basketball League -- I saw this on Deadspin earlier in the week. And it is for real! Don "Moose" Lewis is starting up the All-American Basketball Alliance (AABA) and this guy and the concept are half in the looney bin. According to the Augusta Chronicle, where the league is attempting to place one of its 12 single-entity owned teams, the league put out a statement that said, "only players that are natural born United States citizens with both parents of Caucasian race are eligible to play in the league." Ok then...
From the Augusta Chronicle:
"There's nothing hatred about what we're doing," Lewis said. "I don't hate anyone of color. But people of white, American-born citizens are in the minority now. Here's a league for white players to play fundamental basketball, which they like."
Lewis said he wants to emphasize fundamental basketball instead of "street-ball" played by "people of color." He pointed out recent incidents in the NBA, including Gilbert Arenas' indefinite suspension after bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room, as examples of fans' dissatisfaction with the way current professional sports are run.
"Would you want to go to the game and worry about a player flipping you off or attacking you in the stands or grabbing their crotch?" he said. "That's the culture today, and in a free country we should have the right to move ourselves in a better direction."
Ok, Moose...some questions. What does flipping someone off, grabbing one's crotch, attacking people in the stands and Arenas' gun incident have to do with "fundamental basketball?" These are non-playing style issues and speak toward the racist undertones he is striving to bury. He sounds like Mark McGwire saying steroids didn't help his performance, when we all really knew that was the elephant in the room. I'm sure the "street-ball" he is referencing is so awful that the NBA brings in billions of dollars and fans of all colors and cultures. Yep, sure looks like the billions in China that like that type of basketball just fine.
If you want fundamentals, go watch the WNBA. If you want to see white guys playing "fundamental basketball," then go to the church picnic, YMCA or Jewish Center. There's a reason why there has not been an outcry for the formation of a league like this. Guess where the league is based? Georgia, of course. The same place that was having a rally for the state flag for the old Stars & Bars aspect because it had to do with southern heritage, but then people were all wearing and selling John Rocker t-shirts...which go right back to the racist undertones, thereby completely undermining their point.
Obviously, the reason for this league is racist based. I like how he says because "white, American-born citizens" are in the minority now, that they should make a league so they play the way they want to. Absurd. Why isn't there a Mexican soccer league in the US now? Or a cricket league for English-born Americans? I can't wait for this to fail. Anyone involved with the league or goes to watch a game should have the government keep their information on file. I think Timothy McVeigh would like these games.
Looks like the AABA has its uniforms picked out already.
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