The New York Jest.. I mean Jets..

I usually root for all New York area teams in all sports.  I watch the Yankees, even though I am a Met fan.. I watch the Islanders and Devils even though I love the Rangers.. I watch even the Nets even though I bleed orange, blue and white for my Knicks.  I would much rather watch the Buffalo Bills than root for the New York Jets.  The Jets make me sick. I am absolutely floored with all of the media hype that surrounds this team.  This team won a Super Bowl in 1969 and has not been to one since.  They have been in four AFC championship games and have not been able to play two successful halves of football.  They could have easily defeated Miami in the 80's but let A.J. Duhe dominate them in that game.  They dominated Denver in the first half but Vinny ran out of gas in the second half.  They confused the Colts offense in the first half and ran all over their defense but could not stop Peyton in the second half.  They looked scared in the first half against the Steelers but in the second half regrouped enough to win the game but could not get off the field on the Steelers final drive. They talk more s*** than any team that has not won a damn thing.  Their coach is brash, comical, innovative and a"Ryan".   They play great defense at times and if they did not have to face Tom Brady twice a year, they probably would have the statistical number 1 ranked defense in the league.  Last year they finished 5th in defense I believe and they live and die by a blitz scheme that either makes Ryan look like a genius or a fool.  They have no pass rush so they whatever they can to get the quarterback.  Darrell Revis is a superstar, but most teams make him a non-factor in games. 
Why do I call them the Jests?  We live in an age of sports where when you hear the players speak all they talk about is winning the ring.  Players very rarely talk about themselves, especially those who have not won anything.  Except maybe during a contract dispute or if a player is Terrell Owens, you usually never hear so much about players who haven't accomplished anything.   Everyday and I mean EVERYDAY, there is a news story about teh Jets.  Whether it is Tim Tebow running with his shirt off in the rain, Rex Ryan losing 108lbs., whether it is Sanchez throwing better than Tebow, Revis hurting his groin, Mangold's sister going to the Olympics as a weightlifter, the jets the jets, the jets... I am having system overload about a team that was 8-8 last year.  They lost to the Giants last year when Victor Cruz scored on that beautiful 99yard pitch and catch from Eli.  They did not even make the playoffs and most people this year dont think they will either.  Look at the AFC. 
The Patriots will win the East.  Houston will win the South. Baltimore or Pittsburgh will win the North.  Denver is the trendy pick out West.  So that means the Jets have on spot to win.  The must beat San Diego, Oakland, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Kansas City who gets eveyone back from a team that went to the playoffs when they were healthy, for the last spot.  Are they more newsworthy than the ten teams I have already mentioned?  I can understand the over coverage of the Denver Broncos.  They just signed Peyton Mnning to a long term deal and he is of course Peyton Manning.  I can understand all of the coverage of the Saints.  They have no head coach. Have several lawsuits pending against the league, players suspended, coaches suspended, Brees contract and subsequent comments about comissioner, Super Bowl being held in New Orleans. Just to name a few.. But the Jets?  The coach says everyday that Sanchez is his guy. New York fans are not like other city fans.  We recognize if a player can play or whether or not he is hype, or garbage.  Giant fans had a dilemma when the battle was between Simms and Hoss.. Both got a ring and the ring Hoss got was impart due to the season that Simms had created.  Jet fans will not clamour for Tebow if Sanchez is struggling because they already know that Sanchez is a better quarterback.  They have nothing worthy to debate because they are not going anywhere!!!
Yes I respect that the Jest have been to the AFC title game 2 of the last three years and have amazed us with creative ways in which they have won games against pretty good teams.  They have some good players, but need to concentrate on better locker room comraderie than being on Sportscenter talking about Super Bowls.  Dont you remember Santonio Holmes melt down last year when this team needed him in a big moment and game? I know that the best part for some are the characters that in the league.  Usually we are touting them for their humor or candor because they have done something on the field worth noticing.  Win something first Jest fans and then I will call you by your real name. I am sick that i had to take the time out to write this blog about them..

Dont mess with football..

Most of you who have heard me chirp about sports know that I talk about every sport under the sun.  I may not be right all of the time, but I feel like I can and have given insight to the world of sports like few can.  I watch everything and I used to love playing everything.(when I had two knees of course).  I can usually talk ones ear off about tennis, baseball, basketball, boxing, golf, just to name a few.  But i don't dare however mess with talking football.
  Football should be taught as a curriculum course in college, high school and grammar school. Once you are hooked on the sport, you have an opinion and swear that you can explain defenses, offenses and special team.  You seem to understand the importance of a 40 time, the wunderlict test, the shuttle, and the standing broad jump.  You can explain the draft and why your team selected players. You can explain the direction of your team, transactions, team colors, mascot, and of course your teams play calling.  You can be the nerdiest geek, the coolest cool guy, an executive of a fortune 500 company, a lawyer, nurse, waitress, work at kinkos, beautician, a train conductor. Every person who follow pro football has something to say about his or her team.  I was at the cyber cafe yesterday and ran into a former co-worker friend of mine who is a die hard 49er fan.  He explained to me the Niners thinking on the Randy Moss transaction and where he fits in with the offense.  He talked about some of the defections on the offensive line and the draft.  He mentioned players who have less catches than I do.  I started to laugh because he left no stone unturned.  I know now more about the 49er team than I do the New York Giants who are my team.  I met a British gentlemen on the bus who hosts a radio show here in L.A. He talks my ear off about the Raiders.  Says he cant wait to get home tonight and watch the Carson Palmer interview on Espn tonight because he cant wait to hear what Palmer has planned for the season with all of the new coaches in Oakland.  I can give you several examples of people who can talk ad nauseum about their teams and no more about football than they do about their individual jobs.  The two things that most Americans can tell you about more than anything else in the world are the life and times of Tupac and the NFL.  Every person I run into out here can tell you everything you want to know about Tupac. 
 Now the reason for the post today is that Espn and the NFL network daily ask questions about what the stories are heading into the pre-season and what are the key questions beyond the pre season.  Every NFL fan has there own themes of the year and some scoff at the talking hairdos telling us what the themes could be.  The Jets seem to top everyone's list and I am fed up with them already.  Tebow and Sanchez have as many super bowl wins as I have.  Who cares about a a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year? Another story is Maurice Jones Drew.  He is on the Jacksonville Jaguars and wants a raise and wont report to camp.  Jacksonville won 3 or 4 games last year.  Is he that vital to the NFL?  what about Mike Wallace? Wes Welker?  The quarterback controversies in Cleveland, Miami, Arizona, Seattle?  Are any of those teams going to win a super bowl this year?  Iam sure that if you talk to their fans, they will be able to explain the relevance of all of these mellowdramas.  Peyton Manning starting over in Denver is must see television.  As a Giant fan I am amazed how everyone overlooks the Giants and thinks that last year was a fluke.  No one gives Eli Manning any credit for his come from behind victories.  They talk about the defense a little bit but, most pundits think that the Eagles will win the east and either the Saints, Packers, or Eagles will represent the NFC in the super bowl.  Who is to say that they are wrong?  We that is why you play the games right?
I am amazed by the passion of people when it comes to the NFL.  Some cities who don't have a professional team and have a dominant college football team have equal passion.  States like Alabama, Nebraska, South Carolina, Oklahoma just to mention a few have these rabid fans who can tell you any and everything about their teams and get rather upset when you question their knowledge.  I did a live interview last year and the only question got the interviewer angry at me was the debate over the place of Nebraska's football team in history of college football. Lets just say that I was lucky to get out of there in tact.  With fantasy football taking over most offices, it should not be a shock that football has supplanted baseball as the sport most americans follow.  Dont mess with football, cause if you do, you may not like what happens to you. 

here we go again mets fans.

I became an avid New York Met fan when the New York Yankees traded away Reggie Jackson in 1982. My first recollection of going to a baseball game was when I was 7 years old and i went to see the Mets play the Pirates I believe in 1975.  The Mets won that game behind 2 homeruns by Ed Kranepool.  Jerry Koosman pitched for the  Mets and Bruce Kison pitched for the Pirates.  I remember Rusty Staub and how big he was.  I may have been a Yankee fan but I still watched the Mets when they were horrible.  I remember Ellis Valentine, Joel Youngblood who became the first player to get hits for two teams in one day.  I believe both hits were game winners. I remember when Ed Ott picked up Felix Milan and body slammed him after a rough play at second base. Before Darryl and Doc there was Hubie Brooks and Jon Matlack.  Randy Jones was supposed to be the savior.  Tom Terrific was the horse.  I am reminiscing because prior to 1984 the Mets had no expectations.  They were something to watch if the Yankees were off. 
The Mets have been to two World Series since 1984.  They had a team for the ages in 1986.  That team only produced 1 world title.  Some say the 1988 team was better but ran up against a hot pitcher and team in the Dodgers.  We all wanted to see the bash brothers take on the Mets 5 aces in 1988 or even 1989.  I loved Strawberry and I touted him over Canseco and Big Mac.  The 1990's the Mets made on paper great trades that was supposed to get us back into the post season conversation.  They also had the young arms of Wilson, Isringhausen, Pulsipher, Kirk Pressley, who was Elvis's nephew or cousin, and of course Bobby Jones, the stud pitcher from Florida ST.  They traded for Frankie V. and John Franco.  They got Bobby Bo, and Bret Saberhagen.  Hojo was their star after they let Darryl and Doc go.  Then they signed future hall of famer Mike Piazza and he was the glue that kept this team together. 
I tell you this wonderful walk down memory lane because, the month is July and for the 5th year ina row, the Mets are falling apart.  They have these amazing unexpected or overachieveing first halfs of a season and when the temperature goes up, their winning percentage goes down.  They are about to lose their 10th gut wrenching game in a row.  They flat out stink.  They have no one who can pick them up because they don't have the ability to fix this mess.  This team plays like they are the Bad New Bears.  They come up with a way to lose games each night that defies logic.  A botched double play here, a wild pitch there, throwing the ball to wrong base, or over throwing a base or cut off man, are just a bunch of ways that this team has lost in the last month alone.  Their bullpen alone has cost this team 16 losses this year.  They have the worse ERA in baseball.  I couldn't hit a lick when i played and I gurantee you that i could reach base against this bullpen.  Santana's no hitter is being treated like a curse.  We all saw the blown call by the umpire.  R.A.Dickey's Cy Young bid is done.  Yes he still has a great record and palatable ERA, but even he is starting to fall apart.  David Wright is still hitting above .340. Even he alone does not appear to have the ability to carry this team on his back for ten days just to get some confidence. It is a sad sight to see. 
There were no expectations for this team this and most people thought that the Mets may challenge the record for worse season because of the money problems to start the year and trading away Reyes.  No one expected Dickey to be this good or no one knew what to expect from Santana.  Maybe I am too hard on them.  The trading deadline is next week.  There are no relief pitchers who can help this mess.  I think that the problem lies between the ears.  Confidence is very sexy... Dont you think?

Penn State Penalties excessive

It has taken me a while to formulate a conclusion as to what I feel about the entire Penn St. scandal.  I remember when I was doing my radio show when the story broke last year, i commented how I hoped that the story does not become more about  Joe Paterno than Jerry Sandusky or the victims.  We live in world where hyperbole and innuendo rule. You are guilty without due process and you have to spend the rest of your life denying and defending your actions no matter what you do and to whom.  No one is supposed to be above the law, but no one is supposed to beneath it either.  Penn St. was punked by the NCAA.  They took this punishment because they wanted to close this chapter and move on.  The punishment is worse than the death penalty.  When SMU got the death penalty no one cared because they were an aberration.  Penn St. has standing and pedigree.  I am appalled at the public's outrage and I will tell you why.
In November of 1995, I was blessed to have a memorable sporting experience. I went to Happy Valley, Pa. towatch Penn St. play Michigan in an important game that had Big Ten title implications.  The game was marred because the student body was throwing snow balls all over the field and Joe Paterno got on the Microphone and told the students to stop throwing snowballs and the place went wild.  I stayed to the very end because I wanted to take in what I deemed as real college football.  I was pelted several times with snowballs.  I did not care.  I was at a college football mecca.  I will never forget that weekend or that day and I am glad that I had that experience.  93,000 strong during one of the worst snow storms that area had ever seen, cheering on these two legendary teams.
I am disgusted with what Jerry Sandusky did to those children.  I am disgusted that the two people who allegedly saw him do what he did not kick his ass and take him to the cops immediately. I am disgusted that NO adult dialed three little numbers and him arrested.  I am disgusted that the first time that this brought to the attention of the the authorities the case was not pursued and he was allowed to continue on doing what he was doing.  We trust people in power to protect us and do the right thing.  We trust everyday that we drop our kids off to school, that someone there will do anything to protect them and teach them right from wrong. I did not want to write about this story because I don't want to engage in the blame game. Blaming anyone is not going to give back the dignity, virtue, and power that tese youngsters have lost. Sandusky will die in jail and that is his punishment for eternity. 
My problem with what the NCAA did yesterday is that it has dumped truck enough dirt on Joe Paterno's grave than is on any beach here in sunny California.  Hearing Bobby Bowden, make comments makes me sick.  Florida St. during his tenure was in the news for criminal activity how many times? Mark May or any other of the talking hairdos at Espn making their comments makes me fully understand why athletes and coaches don't like talking to the press.  Joe Paterno was told not to speak out and allow due process to take place.  People have this perception that speaking out all of the timeis the right thing to do.  Look what ithas done to George Zimmerman.  Every time he does an interview, he just continues to add to the fire that he shot Trayvon Martin unjustifiably. Joe Paterno admits that he should have gone to the police himself.  He admits regret for not keeping Sandusky off the campus of Penn St.  He did what is required by code in telling his superiors of what he had learned.  What about the case that was going against Sandusky before the shower incident?  Why is that case being treated as it never happened?  What about the coach and janitor who actually witnessed these action?  The Freeh report and the summation by the NCAA was all done without consulting with all parties to find out what they did or did not do.  Where is the due process?  Penn State took the high road and riding that road into the dark night.  Joe Paterno gave 60 years of his life to the school.  He donated millions of dollars to the school.  Does the school plan to refund his family the money that he gave personally to the school?  Taking his statue down, plaques that indicate everything that he stood for, are not going to make people forget about this case.  Now most of you know that i am an avid sports fan of all sports.  Now you see why I am always pro athelete.  What ever you do in life can be erased as fast as you did it in the first place.  Legacy and hall of fame stuff means nothing.  That is why people do steroids, cheat in nascar and boxing, and why Dana White gets allof the money in MMA.  No one cares..  We are here today for today.  Tomorrow is just another eight letter word. Penn St. starts a new chapter.  Would you want to go there?  I wouldn't.  They just showed me what the real world is all about.  You are guilty until proven innocent.  That is today's modern due process....

Will someone stop the SEC in footbal this year?

The SEC football conference is really full of itself.  Three days of media coverage to hear the "good ol'" boy network talk about their teams and upcoming season was nauseating.  Les Miles, Nick Saban, and Steve Spurrier are paraded around college football like they invented the game.  Yes Alabama and LSU have won championships in recent years  and yes the SEC schools have won the last six titles.  They have every reason to feel like their "s*** doesn't stink".  Who can argue against the achievements of the players in the conference. Cam Newton, Tim Tebow, Mark Ingram all won Heisman trophies in the last six years.  They put the most 1st and second round players in the NFL. They win most bowl games they play in all over the country.  Why not give them the championship now before the season starts?  Why not just have the SEC games be the entire season of college football because no other conference matters?  At the end of the last six seasons at least one SEC coach has come out and stated that without equivocation an SEC team will be playing in the championship game. He has been right and they have not disappointed.  Florida, LSU, Alabama and Auburn have been your champions over the past 6 seasons.  Will it change this year?  Lets see...
I have a feeling this year I will get to see the matchup that I have wanted to see for years.  Don't you find it odd that the upper echelon SEC schools wont play USC? USC is the only school in the BCS era that can put its number and accolades up there with the SEC schools.  Texas and Oklahoma have been great in the BCS era but USC can match any school in the SEC for all they have done.  The last time an SEC school played USC, they were ambushed and embarrased.  Arkansas played USC twice and lost 51-14 and 70 -17.  Both of those Arkansas teams challenged for SEC titles and played in New Years day bowl games.  Before Arkansas did, Auburn welcomed an unknown quarterback named Matt Leinart into Jordan Hare Stadium and got embarrassed.  This year USC returns the most high powered"legal" offense that have had since the Leinart days.  In fact as much as the SEC likes to put Tim Tebow(there's that man again) out there as the greatest college footballer ever people need to remember that Matt Leinart only lost two games in his college career.  A triple overtime game at CAL when his kicker missed a chippy field goal and the greatest college game of the last 25 years in the title tilt against Texas.  Leinart was brlliant in the game.  The SEC teams have feasted on the Big Ten over the BCS era.  The Big Ten has not put up much of a fight against any conference over the BCS era.  Ohio State has taken the whippin' over the past 15 years but at least they can say that they have been in the big game right? The story of college football should be how someone can take down the mighty SEC.  Matt Barkeley of course has to stay healthy and out of trouble off of the field.  His receivers are big and fast and his tight ends can get down the field against any safety or linebacker.  They have what it takes to score on any defense any time and any place.  The schedule is not tough as it usaully is for them to make a run. Most of the "tough" games are at home.  It wont be easy but I am penciling them in as the team to end the SEC's run in BCS title game.
The other teams to watch this year are Oklahoma, Clemson, Florida St. and Michigan.  Michigan gets Alabama in the first game of the season and that game could set the tone for the entire season.Michigan has a lot of players returning from last years team that played in a BCS game and can make people think that this season is the re-introduction of the Big Ten.  If Robinson wins this game he will undoubtedly be the front runner to the Heisman until they lose.  Clemson has the best team coming back on offense that they have had had in years.  Their quarterback Boyd and receiver Watkins are fast and potent.  They have Auburn to start the year.  Last year Clemson defeated Auburn in a epic contest of speed and big plays.  This game could define their entire season.  Oklahoma and Florida St. have the talent to beat anyone.  Both return quarterback who could play on Sundays in the near future.  Florida St. has great receivers back but just suffered a huge setback when one of their main star players was suspended for "knuckleheaded behavior".  I don't understand why college football players get themselves in trouble with the law when every school caters to their needs.  Oklahoma has to regain the defensive form that made them great in the beginning of the BCS era.  Offensively they can score 50 on anyone.
In the end until someone knocks the SEC off its perch atop the BCS we have to suffer listening to their constituents tell us how great they are.  The SEC wins with great defense and power running and no one seems to be able to stop their avalanche.  This year however, I believe there are a few teams ready to take their chances against them.  USC has the offense and physical defense to match up with the SEC anywhere and anytime.  Lets get it on as we look forward to a fun college football season..

The Olympics are coming... SO..

Most of you who knew me in 1984 at Adirondack Camp remember how often I would parade around the dining hall exalting, gloating, the accomplishments of the United States basketball team.  Everyday I would write how many points we won by, how many points Micheal Jordan had, and who we defeated.  That basketball team was one of the greatest amateur teams assembled but they were not the only stories that year.  Carl Lewis was still at his best, Edwin Moses was still running circles around the world. Greg Louganis was the diving champ.  Mary Lou Retton was the media darling.  Jackie Joyner Kersey started her dominance just to name a few.  We knew the swimmers, the boxers, the distance runners all by first name.  Remember Mary Decker Slaney and Zola Budd controversey? Mark Breland was supposed to become the next Sugar Ray Leonard.  We had a loaded team. Do you know that Mark McGwire, Will Clark, and Barry Larkin were on that team?  Can anyone name anyone on this Olympic team other than the professional athletes?
This current olympic team is headlined by Micheal Phelps, the "Dream Teams", Allyson Felix, and the William Sisters?  I dont know who is on our boxing team.  Our wrestling team, I know who Tyson Gay is on our 100 meter sprint team.  I don't know who our long jumper is, weightlifter, or who are our top gymnasts. Most of our distance running team are people who were born in other countries who have American citizenship.  I know Ryan Lochte, I know some of the names of the womens swim team.  I know we have the top women's volleyball team in the world.  The womens basketball team hasn't lost a game in years.  I watch the commercials on television and they are all about Usain Bolt.  Bolt isn't even the best sprinter on his current team this year, but because of what he did in Beijing he is getting all of the praise.  Micheal Phelps dreads going to the pool.  There are so many reports that he can't wait for all of this to be over and go into hiding. He has already dropped an event and at the trials he acted as if he really did not want to be there, which prompted one of his teammates to call him out publicly a few weeks ago.
The Olympics and the Presidential election are the only time we as a country feel patriotic and I will support my fellow athletes till I die.  I have to tell you that I am not as excited for this Olympic game as I was in 1984.  I don't think anyone is who isn't on the team.  I think the biggest reason other than the fact that I don't simply know anyone on this team is we are not as dominant in all sports as we were in 1984.  Yes I remember thatt the Russians did not participate in 1984, but I don't think that would have mattered.  We were just simply that good in 1984.  We don't have the top sprinter in the world, yet we have the top swimmer.  Our basketball team in the men's is the favorite to win gold but no one is expecting a cake walk. There just doesn't seem to be any huge expectations for our team. 
I hope that by the end of the two week Olympiad, I will eat all of these words and rejoice in our glory as Americans.  We need to re-ascend to the top and reclaim our thrown as the worlds best.  I am hoping to be introduced to new champions and seeing new legends.  I hope these two weeks inspire us all to be better people.  I will watch all that I can... Will You?

The question is why?...

Before i rant, I will say that I am using a computer at the library so posting photos of the athletes i talk about is missing from my blogs.. I miss showing my creativity.. (I Digress)
The question today is why? I will talk about a few sports and maybe you will ask me why not?  I am confused about of a ton of life mysteries. One of the things I am confused about is players in the N.F.L. getting franchised tags put on them and then a team not signing them to along deal or the furor created about players who eventually get signed. Franchising a player means that a team his a one year exclusivity right to negotiate with a player who could become an unrestricted free agent.  Drew Brees, Matt Forte, and Ray Rice are three of the best football players in the world and any team would be foolish to part ways with. The Saints, Bears and Ravens eventually stepped up and paid these men contracts and the sports universe should be happy.  Now don't get me wrong, Brees, Rice, and Forte were going to get paid beaucoup dollars this season just to play one year and I am not crying for these players at all.  I just don't understand the logic behind franchise tagging players at all.  Especially players who when healthy do more than contribute to victories and the upliftment(if that is a word) of said team.  I understand what the players gripe are.  They want long term stability.  They want to know that a team wants them, appreciates them, and is willing to stand by them.  The team is concerned about injury, image, and salary cap room.  That to me is a disgrace.  Wes Welker is why.  He is the best slot receiver in football bar none. He has caught over 550 since he became a Patriot and is first in the league in several other categories in his six years with the Pats.  He has been a perennial pro bowler and is simply Tom Brady's go to man.  The simple fact that he gets hurt or the fact that he dropped a difficult pass in the super bowl last year is not good enough for me.  I understand that players age and may lose a step or two over the years, but his risk has been a huge reward for the Patriots.  He is not replacable.   Other players may be.  Josh Scobee is a kicker and a kicker value is only missed when the replacement kicker starts missing field goals or the average starting position on the field is not good.  Dwayne Bowe is the only receiving threat worth anything on the Chiefs but maybe the Chiefs are going to try and re-live 2010 where they led the league in rushing.  You still need to pass the ball to set up the run at times in the games so I dont know what the Chiefs are thinking about.  The Lions think that they have a plethora of defensive line players and that Mr. Avril is expendable. He may be but didn't the Giants just win the Super Bowl because their defensive line had a plethora of players who could rush the passer? 
My other why has to do with Tiger Woods.  Why does the sports media spend so much time eulogizing him when he is not dead or done?  The biggest deal in sports isn't sports itself it is the speculation and innuendo created by people who can't play any sports.  Rick Reilly has been writing sports for almost 30 years and i respect his knowledge and creativity but the most recent Tiger piece was offensive and an attempt to call attention to himself.  Last year the golfing world said Tiger was done winning tournaments.  He has won 3 already this year.  He hasn't won a major since the U.S. Open in 2009. We get it.  Roger Federer is showing the world how to age gracefully and win major titles and maybe Tiger will learn from him. So many more stories to talk about in sports.  Tiger Woods has 14 years left on the PGA tour before he goes to the Senior Tour.  That means he has 54 chances to win 5 major tournaments to pass Jack.  If he wins 100 tournaments and not the 18 majors that everyone wants him to do, is his career a failure? Let him play golf and enjoy the ride, resurgence, and skill level.  I guess Federer was done too until he won Wimbeldon right?
Ihave some other why's but I will save them for a rainy day..

Nothing still beats Boxing

I watched with wide open eyes last night the fight between Amir Khan and Danny Garcia last night and nothing still gives me a rush like a quality knockout like boxing.  I know the world is falling madly in love with mixed martial arts but nothing beats a simple butt kicking in boxing.  Khan was absolutely "bombing" Garcia last night.  Garcia was getting hit with the kitchen sink, garage sink, bath tub, walk in closet, pet gold fish, and recliner.  All three of the announcers kept warning that Khan has a soft chin and that his over aggressive tactics may get him caught because "Garcia is tough as nails".  They listened in to Garcia's corner and Garcia's dad, who is his trainer said that the left hook was there and the upper cut if Garcia would just take a step back.  Khan was on the attack and Garcia took a step back and absolutely flattened him.  Khan never saw the punch because he was already engaged in throwing a punch.  He actually landed the punch he threw but got absolutely "mollywhopped" with the left hand and was done.  Yes Khan showed some toughness and "heart"  because he fought hard in the next round before he was dropped twice and the ref stopped the fight.  I give him credit for being valiant.  The decision to stop the fight was correct.  I can't believe that I witnessed what i saw.  Boxing is always critcized for tainted outcomes.  I am excited that fight left no reason for doubt.
MMA last week had Anderson Silva TKO Sonen and it wasn't nearly as compelling.  Yes Sonen nearly beat Silva in the last fight and talked a great fight before they met, but c'mon, did you really think Silva was not going to be prepared and hungry to shut Sonen up?  Silva hasn't lost in a decade and he left no doubt that he wont be losing any time soon.  Then the worst injustice happen in the Ortiz/Griffin fight just before.  Griffin himself said it was at least a draw.  Ortiz dominated him in the second and third round and was even with him in the other rounds.  Boxing isnt the only sports that have b.s. results. MMA at least makes these fight again to shut up all speculation.  However, Ortiz was inducted into the MMA hall of fame that day and deserved a bit more respect and a victory.
I am just saying for me boxing is simply better when you get a decisive result and a star is born.  Did you see the Heavyweight fight when David Haye knocked the other Brit out in the 5th round?  This fight only happened becausethese two men got into a fight after Haye whipped his butt at a post fight conference. Only in boxing could an insignifcant fight happen between two guys that don't mean anything to anyone but the two fighters, and not only get worldwide attention but make millions of dollars for both involved.  MMA fights dont get paid nearly as well as boxers do.  Plus right now MMA needs an infusion of new blood.  The old champs keep on winning and the re-matches are getting old and uninteresting. What next for boxing?  Some good title fights in the fall.  New faces and new champs.  Floyd will be out soon. Manny needs to regain his belt. Yes Iknow he was robbed, but maybe Manny needs to do like Garcia and not leave it up to a judge in order to get his result.. That is why the knockout is the most dominant form of destruction in sports right?

What to expect in the second half..

The first half of the baseball season was extremely confusing and exciting,  We saw no-hitters thrown by Weaver, Santana, Humber, the Mariners staff, and of course the Perfecto by Matt Cain.  We saw Josh Hamilton hit 4 homeruns in a game.  Matt Kemp electrify the month of April.  The Dodgers, Pirates, and Nationals lead the divisions.  Mike Trout and Bryce Harper amaze us with their bats, legs, and gloves.  Edwin Encarnacion, James Mcdonald, A.J. Burnett, Johnny Cueto and Brandon Phillips get snubbedd from the all star game.  R.A. Dickey dazzle, and the Yankees and Rangers show dominance in the American League.  We saw Jamie Moyer at age 49 get a win for the Rockies before he got released.  Ozzie get in trouble for his Castro comments.  Strasburg just being filthy.  Beltran find the fountain of youth. Bobby V. treated like a villain in his local team market.  Linncecum and Pujols struggle, the Phillies start to implode right in front of eyes, and Adam Dunn find his homerun stroke again.  That is a lot to digest and a lot to recall. 
How can the second half live up to all of that plus with 2 wild cards this year give us the same thrills and chills?  Well several things will have to happen.  Firstly, the Phillies got Utley and Howard back and they still keep losing.  They get Roy Halliday back next week and with Cliff Lee finally getting a win, maybe they have the team that can put together a 10 game streak to send notice to everyone that they are not done.  They  have way too many good players to be this bad and with no one playing in the All star game too significantly, this team can get it done.  As a Met fan, I am afraid.  If I was Charlie Manuel, I would call a team meeting today and ask his team "who is all in with me"?  Way too many great players with big contracts to be sub par.
Secondly are the Red Sox.  I hate to keep giving the east coast teams so much publicity but they really do control the balance of power in all sports.  The Red Sox got rid of Kevin Youklis and now he is flourishing in Chicago.  This team gets back Ellsbury, Crawford, and if they can get a true closer, they too can make a run for the post season.  Most people concede that the Angels are going to have one of the wild card spots so the Rays, Red Sox, Tigers, and Indians are going to have to step up their games and fight.  The Red Sox could field an entire new team on the field that would surpass the underachieving one that has played in the first half. The Tigers just need to start to perform.  Delmon Young is too good to being barely hitting .250 with only 10 homeruns.  Prince Fielder showed his prowess at the all star game and with only 14 dingers, he must match Miguel Cabrera or this team is done.  If the Rays get back Evan Longoria they have the pitching to get it done.  We shall see.
The other huge story are the Pirates and Nats.  Both teams are young and have potential to be a big pain for a lot of teams this second half.  Last year the Pirates hung around until mid July and then after a blown call by the homeplate umpire, they went into the tank.  They have solid starting pitching and the best closer in the N.L. and they have the league M.V.P. thus far in McCutcheon. Teams would be wise to make other guys beat them but if LaRoche and Alvarez keep getting clutch hits they may have enough to hold off the Reds and Cards.  Joey Votto may have a lot to do with what team comes out of the Central.  He too is having an M.V.P. season but the Reds tend to wilt in the hot Cinncinati sun.  St. Louis is having a great season without Carpenter and Pujols.  They need more from Craig and Freese if they intend on staying in the race.
Now the Nats have the biggest problem.  They have announced to the world that Strasburg will be shut down after 160 innings.  On the pace he is on, that could mean some time in August.  Is he supposed to tank games so he can pitch in the meaningful September games? Bryce Harper has yet to hit the rookie wall.  They haven't had their entire team all season either and would be devastating if they collapse in September because of no Strasburg and fatigue of Harper.  Jason Werth and both Zimmerman's have not been around alot this year and they are still in first place.  Will they make a move? They have two weeks to figure out who they are.  The Mets still cant spend money.  The Braves are giving Ben Sheets a chance.  The Marlins just picked up Carlos Lee. Standing pat may not get it done for the Nats, but it will be fun to see how it unfolds. 
The Dodgers, Giants, and Diamondbacks are getting ready for a war.  Matt hopes to be healthy and restore order in the division.  Colorado plays best in the second half and have not played well since Tulowitski was put on D.L.  The Angels are hoping that Pujols can get his number up to normal and that their pitching can hold up in the heat of the O.C.  A very tough 10 games to start the second half for them could bury them.  (Yankees,Tigers, and Rangers) Will more than two players hit 50 homers? Will we see more no hitters? I hope so.. Cant wait!!!

Kobe Bryant says this current team could beat original dream team..

Kobe Bean Bryant has been one of my favorite players in the NBA over the last 16 years.  He is tough, extremely talented, gutsy, venomous, and a winner.  He has five titles to his credit and he has a ton of street cred when he plays or speaks.  I think he may have stepped on a land mine when he said that this current team could beat the "DreamTeam" if they played.  I heard last night that a team of current all stars of college players defeated the current team. I know that it happened 20 years ago but Chuck Daly stopped the game as the "Dream Team" was making a comeback.  He wanted them to know that they could be beat.  The very next scrimmage the college team got absolutely obliterated and no team got closer than 32 points against the "Dream Team". 
Lets break down the rosters.  First, Micheal Jordan has no equal.  Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are players who try and emulate their games to Micheal Jordan.  Jordan was 29 in 1992 and was at the apex of his dominance.  Ask Toni Kukoc about how good his defense was and the utter humiliation that he was put under at the Olympics. Kobe and Lebron are great. Micheal Jordan would wear both of them out. Who is going to guard Magic?  Magic was 33 and had an entire year off from the league because of the H.I.V. scare and just was named M.V.P of the all star game. Back in those days, they defended you 94 feet and he would have had a fast break field day against this team that has no defensive stand outs.  Lets talk about the center position.  Tyson Chandler is athletic and quick.  David Robinson and Patrick Ewing could score on him at will and get him in foul trouble before he was able to get a grasp of what was happening to him.  I love Blake Griffin and Kevin Love but Malone and Barkley would destroy then.  Not only that, Griffin and Love are this teams current back up centers.  Ewing and Robinson have at least 5 inches on both of them.  It would be a disaster.  I haven't even mentioned Drexler and Pippen and Stockton.  The players today can't even spell screen and roll. The defense that Pippen and Clyde would put on Durant and Lebron would be humiliating.  Even after all of that Chris Mullin would shoot the lights out if that is what the team needed that day. Do I need to say more?
I dont even have to mention Christian Laetner.  He is one of the 10 greatest college basketball players ever to play the game.  Even he would get at least 15 points against this team.  They won every game except the final game by 40 plus points.  In fact only maybe three players on the current dream team would make this roster.  I haven't even mentioned Larry Bird.  Yeah he had a bad back but he could still post and shoot on anyone in the league at that time, this time, or anytime.  I love ya Kobe.. But this current team would lose by at least 20 points. This current team is missing several key players and even they wouldn't impact the butt whipping they would get.  The current is younger and maybe more athletic, but they are still just learning how to play the game. Plus Kobe himself is 34.  he doesn't have the same "magic" in his legs as he did as a younger player.  I saw that Vegas has the line at 8 points.  It wouldnt be close unless Coach K. went Princeton offense.

I love the lists that these networks keep putting out..

The NFL network put out a list a few weeks ago where the players rated the 100 best players in the NFL.  ESPN and Ron Jaworski just put out a lit of the top 30 quarterbacks in the league.  Doesn't that get you fired up for the upcoming season in football?  Everyone's favorite darling, Tim Tebow made both lists and Aaron Rodgers topped both lists.  I was extremely surprised at Rodgers ranking because he did not have the best stats, the best team and they did not win the best prize.  Everey day we watch sports all we hear about is the ring.  They play for the ring in basketball, football, and  baseball.  All we are inundated with is commentary about how winning the ring is the most important thing and individual accomplishments dont mean a thing.  Well guess what? I guess that talk is only to fill in time on the 24 hour news services and networks because Aaron Rodgers did not win the ring. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning did not either.  How Eli Manning is not a top of both lists is a joke to me and heres why..
The Nfl Network poll of top 100 players rated Eli Manning 30th on their list.  30th? He threw for over 4900 yards.  He led the Giants to several fourth quarter comeback and victories.  He beat Rodgers once and Brady twice,  He plays in the most difficult division in pro football and in the most difficult city to play sports in.  He ended the Patriots 21 game home win streak.  In the playoffs, he led the Giants to victory over Atlanta who won more than 10 games, Green Bay who won more than 13 games, San Francisco who who won more than 13 games and then New England who won more than 13 games.  He won all of these games except Atlanta on the road and the Giants were underdogs in all of the games.  What does the man have to do to get his respect.  He proclaimed last year that he is in the class of Brady and his brother Peyton.  What was he supposed to say?  "No, I suck and I got lucky to win a ring?" Every network ran that story and laughed in his face for saying that.  Well guess who has the hardware basedon the 2012 season?  Guess who outplayed everyone of the quaterbacks rated ahead of him? Guess who has more rings than Rodgers, Brees, and Peyton Manning?
The Ron Jaworski rating is even more comical because Peyton Manning did not even play a single down last year.  We don't know what we are going to get from Peyton Manning this year.  He look impressive on tape and on youtube, but what happens when he gets hit?  Eli doesn't even get mention in New York.  Every story is about Tebow and Sanchez.  Tebow and Sanchez have as many Super Bowl wins as i have.  They also have as many Super Bowl appearances as I have.  My friend David Karatz has more super appearances than Tebow and Sanchez.  The Jets haven't been to the Super Bowl since I was 1 year old.  They belong on VH-1 as a reality television show as opposed to a football team.  Tony Romo and Mike Vick get all of the talk in the NFC east.  Neither of them have a SuperBowl ring either. 
So what does this all mean? It means nothing to Eli Manning.  He made his statement last year and looks forward to defending his title this year.  What it means to me is that the ring is what they play for and if you win the ring and are the reason that you won the ring then you should be on top of every list. Isn't that what we hear every day?  I will defend Eli Manning every day.  We are born on the same day and Capricorns rule..

Federer is simply the best..

Just when you thought that 2012 was going to be the year of vindication and triumph for all athletes, something happens that makes you realize that some thing just may not be meant to be.  Spain defeated Portugal and denied Christian Ronaldo a chance to be a champion in a year where he is clearly been defined as Europes best footballer.  He has had a magical year and leading his country to the Eurocup would have been quite a topping on his iced cream cone.  This year so far we have seen Tiger win three times after hearing that he may never win again.  Serena Williams winning Wimbeldon after being elimnated in the first round at the French and being deemed over the hill.  We have seen Lebron win his first title.  Coach Cal lead Kentucky to a title.  Maria Sharapova ascend to number 1 in the world and complete the career grand slam.  We have seen Dale Earnhardt Jr. win a NASCAR race and the Los Angeles Kings win the Stanly Cup.  Andy Murray could not unfortunately join this vindication group however.  The reason is tha Roger Federer was seeking his own vindication and validation.
Roger Federer has won more major titles in his sport than any individual has in their sport in this generation.  Serena has 14.  Tiger has 14, Kobe has 5.  Marty Brodeur has a handful. Derek Jeter has 5. Is he the greatest tennis player to live?  Most say yes because of some of the records he has posted.  The consecutive streak at number 1 is amazing.  The records for consecutive grand slam semi-finals and quarter finals will never be duplicated. He has made tennis more than relevant world wide and has elevated the play on the court.  I have never seen someone have a reply for every type of shot hit or every type of style.  I mean, he hits winning shots off of winning shots.  He "holds" shots on his racket and then strikes with precision of a surgeon.  He makes great players look silly and he has been doing this for many, many years.  He has beaten Sampras and Agassi.  He has an all court game that translates on all surfaces.  What else can one say?
The only problem for me is that he has only one French Open title because Rafael Nadal is just a better dirt baller.  I never saw Rod Laver play and so I cannot say that Federer was better than he.  Laver is the only man to win the grand slam of tennis.  He actually did it twice.  Laver had grace and finesse around the net and I often wonder what would Federer have done to off set his game.  The reason Nadal gets him on clay every time is the spin and kick of Nadals ball to Federer back hand give him fits. Laver was a lefty and may have used the "crafty"  lefty ways to defeat Federer.  We will of course never know but i wonder if they could C.G.I the match just to see what would happen.  Nadal actually beat Federer on grass a couple of years ago and made everyone speculate that the torch was about to be passed. Federer continues to show that he is not ready to relinquish anything and beating Murray in Wimbeldon, he reminds us that he still has game.
Federer is now the number 1 ranked player in the world again.  The Olympics will be yet another stage where he shows us how great he is.  I really wanted Murray to win the other morning because he truly is carrying the wait of the United Kingdom on his shoulders.  The Olympics are in London and maybe Murray will get another chance to play for the gold.  I just hope that he is not in Federers draw, because if he is, he will most certainly be defeated..

Nash and Kidd hoping for walkoff into the sunset

What can I say?  Jason Kidd is about to become a Knick.  Steve Nash a Laker.  Both guys are pushing 40. Kidd has been around since 1994. Nash been around since 1996. I have had the pleasure of meeting both and find them extremely cool and pleasant when talking to them.  Kidd has had so much drama in his hall of fame career.  Remember the Jim Jackson, Toni Braxton, and Kidd love triangle?  Remember the drama with his wife and Phoenix and the New Jersey? He has his title so I just expected him to ride off into the sunset and wait for his coronation into the hall of fame. This past season was not spectacular for him in Dallas. Top ten in assists is normal. Scoring average was nothing to write home about. He is moving up on career assist and three point shot records.  But what did he really do this past season.  Dallas in my opinion got their ring and acted as if they were taking the year off.  They have since lost Tyson Chandler, Desean Stevenson, J.J. Barrera, Jason Terry is now a Celtic, Caron Butler is a Clipper and now Kidd.  Mark Cuban has a paln in place i guess but I haven't seen a dismantling of team like this since 2003 when the Florida Marlins did it in baseball.  They did it for financial reason. They could barely make payroll and lost everyone, and everything that was not bolted to the floor. 
Kidd is a great teammate based on everything that i have ever read about him and heard. Is he better than Jeremy Lin?  Lin torched Dallas and Kidd for 38 points in a game last year.  Lin is being wooed by other teams in the league as he too is a free agent. I think the Knicks will have them both in the fold because in my opinion Lin is not a leading point guard.  He is great off the bench to provide a spark. Yes he had brilliant games against several teams last year and the Knicks had a great record with him in the lineup, but i could get 15 on him (if i was in shape).  Neither guy is a defensive stopper, but Kidd is maybe the right guy to lead this team because he believes in the pass first, shoot third mantra.  Kidd will do whatever is necessary to win.  He is what the Knicks need right now. With J.R. Smith, Carmelo, and Amare all wanting the ball, they need a point guard who will give it up and not care about the consequences.  Sorry Lin fans.  The Knicks will be his team in the future soon enough.
Nash to the Lakers is funny to me.  Dont you love it when people say that they wont play for this team or that team and then they are on that team?  Nash was going to be a Knick, but in the 23rd hour, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers said not so fast my friend. Nash has made millionaires out everyone he plays with.  Joe Johnson got paid in Atlanta.  Amare got paid in New York.  He is the prototypical guy who makes everyone better(and richer).  Kobe has never had a guard likethis in his 16 year career.  They were in the same draft and respect each other games.  I wonder if the league owned Phoenix would they have allowed this trade to go through?  This could have been Chris Paul.(should have been Chris Paul). I am confused as to why no one is clamoring about this trade like last year. Can this team stop Oklahoma City or the Spurs, Nuggets? The answer is definitely no.  Can they outscore those teams now with a NBA all star at every position? Probably.  If Gasol and Bynum dont get better because of this trade, then they dont have a basketball I.Q. worth anything. If Ron Artest does not get better because of this trade, then he does not have a basketball clue either.  Nash and Coach Brown may have to become like Ditka and Buddy.  Buddy was the defense guy and Ditka was the offense guy.  Brown's strength is defense and would be wise to trust Nash to run the offense as he sees it.  If he doesn't this could be an absolute disaster. 
Both men dont need validation for their careers to be hall worthy.  Obviously as a Knick fan I want Kidd to succeed and win a title immediately.  Nash has probaly an easier task because the East will be better than the west for the first time in a long time.  Shane rode off into the sunset and got shot. Lets hope both men continue to bring the excitement to the game and maybe meet in the finals.  This going to be a wild summer in the NBA.