"Now I ain’t sayin’ it’s right or it’s wrong, but maybe it’s the only way...Talk about your 'Revolution'. It’s Independence Day!" -Martina McBride
If you haven't heard the news, then you are probably the type of person who doesn't care about sports at all, and therefore wouldn't even be reading this blog entry in the first place. On Wednesday September 1st, 2010 BYU officially announced their plans to ditch the Mountain West Conference following the 2010-11 season, declare Independence in football, and join the West Coast Conference in all but three of their other sports.
Let Freedom Ring!
According to BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe and President Cecil Samuelson, BYU has been exploring the Independent option for a significant amount of time now. The fact that the choice was made NOW, only after the University of Utah had recently been invited into the Pacific 10 conference, leaves room for some skepticism as to how much BYU would have preferred to be in another conference rather than go Independent, but no one came calling to the Cougars, and so here we stand.
And personally, I love it!
I'll go ahead and break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all and tell you why, in the long run, I believe BYU will be much better off as a result of this move:
-Have No Fear, ESPN Is Here
Corvette Stingrays (feel free to substitute your dream car in place of mine) are beautiful, sexy, appealing and desirable vehicles. But without a working engine, all you can do is watch the car sit and gather dust. You can't take it around the block and show it off, causing the gutters to fill with your neighbors' drool. All you can do is hope that they will stop by your place for a visit, and then try and coax them into the garage for a peek at your baby.
But if you put the biggest, greatest, most reliable engine under the hood...well, that changes everything. All you have to do is rev it ever so slightly and watch necks break as they snap all of their attention in your direction.
That engine in this whole ordeal is ESPN.
The #1 perk of going Independent, and really, what made it even possible, is the contract agreement ESPN and BYU signed with each other. Here are the particulars:
-Over the next eight years, at least 3 BYU home football games will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, etc.)
-BYUtv can choose to broadcast any games ESPN does not, and will also have the rights to rebroadcast any game (originally on ESPN or not) immediately following the end of said game.
-ALL of BYU's football games will now be available on national television.
Why is ESPN the saving grace? Holmoe admitted in Wednesday's press conference that once the WAC deal (original plan was for BYU to join the WAC in all other sports before the Mountain West invited Fresno State and Nevada to join THAT conference) fell through, "we thought maybe we should wait a year or two and decide [on Independence] later." And then David Brown, ESPN Vice President of Programming, came calling, and persuaded BYU not to stand pat but to move forward, convincing Holmoe and Company that scheduling teams to play would not be a problem with ESPN's influence on board.
And so ESPN became BYU's wing man. You know, that buddy of yours that talks you into asking the cute girl at the party for her phone number rather than just staring at her all night and going home empty handed, wishing you were one of the "cool" guys (read: Utah and their Pac10 invite)who actually had the guts to talk to her.
-Bread and Water
At least for the next couple of years, BYU will indeed experience some growing pains as this decision begins to take root. The WCC is a very good fit for most of the school's other sports, particularly men's basketball as they will face St. Mary's and Gonzaga every year. But there are still three sports that will be lost if they cannot find homes elsewhere: Softball, Track and Field, and Swimming and Diving. While none of these are a cash cow by any means to BYU, they are sports that have storied success in their histories, and LDS athletes who would enroll at BYU to participate in them will now likely choose a different school to attend.
Another hitch in the new plan is the fact that in the 2011-12, 2012-13 football seasons, BYU has made deals with 5 WAC schools to help fill the Cougars' schedule those years. This means that, at least for now, BYU is trading laughable opponents such as Wyoming and New Mexico for the less than stellar likes of Louisana Tech, New Mexico State and Idaho to name a few. There will be trips to sunny Hawai'i to play the Warriors, but other than that there is no draw for Alma Mater's to travel and see the football team play on the road, nor will the turnstiles at LaVell Edwards Stadium be in need of replacing every year due to overuse.
However, while none of that is very attractive, BYU does have the end result of this project to look forward to, and that's when it will get REALLY good.
-Milk and Honey
The decision to go Independent, while not as good as, say, an invite to the Big12 would have been, is the best option currently available for BYU.
-ESPN and ESPN2 are available in 99.5 million homes, while ESPNU is available in 73 million homes nationwide itself. Add BYUtv's 55 million homes in JUST the United States, and that's A LOT of exposure you weren't getting with The Mountain TV channel. BYU has just gone from the "Roadshow" to "THE Show".
Also, BYU's biggest goal has always been to use their sports as a way to get the LDS church into homes that may have otherwise rejected their message. Obviously, when you add ESPN's audiences to the mix, you are opening yourself up to opportunities that would have otherwise not been available. Not to mention the major deals you'll see happen with Notre Dame, Texas, Clemson, Texas Tech, etc. When BYU rolls into town regularly against those teams, people will take note and become curious about BYU, thus becoming more familiar with the school and consequently the LDS church.
-The West Coast Conference offers a wonderful spot for BYU to place their other sports, especially men's basketball. With the likes of Gonzaga, St. Mary's and San Diego, Dave Rose's team should be able to gain as much, if not more, respect and competition as they've had in the MWC.
The WCC also offers 8 other private institutions who are backed by Christian churches, just like BYU. The schedules will be redone so that BYU won't have to play on Sunday, and they will be able to accomplish the school's mission of being a missionary tool in the LDS church's hands in both exposure and recruitment. (Not to mention, Holmoe noted that 58% of BYU's alumni lives in the West Coast Conference's cities) And as far as traveling to road games is concerned, who doesn't want to go to the west coast during the dead of winter in Provo? I am thinking these two factors will lead to a lot of blue and white being in the crowds at ALL games BYU plays in, both home AND away.
-And finally, with greater risk comes the chance of greater reward. While Holmoe denied that this decision had much to do with monetary gain, logic begs to differ. By jumping the MWC ship and getting their own broadcasting system in place, partnered with juggernaut ESPN, BYU undoubtedly is in control of their own destiny money-wise. The risk: Football Independence could fail, and leave BYU worse off than they were with the MWC. The reward (and most likely outcome): More money, more exposure, more missionary opportunities.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
As you enter the gates at BYU, there is a large sign that reads: "The World Is Our Campus."
Ironic (or convenient), then, that ESPN's motto is: "The World Wide Leader In Sports."
World domination seems to be a common goal for both entities; and as long as this blue marble in the sky has enough room for both of them, I believe "Independence Day" will be a much celebrated day in Cougar Nation for years and years yet to come.
And that's the bottom line.
Austin's Sports Blog (the one place where he is ALWAYS right)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
BOTTOM LINE: BYU Camp - 5 Topics That Need to be Addressed This Week
For my sports radio job, I've been attending every BYU practice since the beginning of training camp eight days ago. Based on what I've seen during this time,I've narrowed the immediate challenges facing this team so far down to 5 topics:
1-The Quarterback Race
The "four man race" has clearly been whittled down to a two man competition (though Coach Mendenhall is trying his best to sell James Lark as still having a shot at the starting role). The true freshman phenom Jake Heaps, and the seasoned leader Riley Nelson. They both have their pros and cons, but I personally feel that Heaps is the guy. His pin point precision on the long ball, the natural ability to check through his progressions efficiently, and his confidence in the offense tell me that BYU would be best served having him be their starter NOW. Nelson is a great athlete, don't get me wrong. And he's no slouch as a quarterback, either. But his talents and abilities do not outweigh Heaps', and so I don't see why BYU would keep Heaps from progressing early this year, with Nelson ready to come in when needed.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Heaps needs to be named the starter, and soon, so that the team can get used to him being their leader on the field.
2. Wide Receivers Dropping Passes
The receiving corps at BYU this year are an incredible sight to behold. Tall, athletic, physical and FAST are attributes that could be used to describe each and every one of them. From veterans O'Neill Chambers and McKay Jacobson (not to mention back ups Spencer Hafoka, Luke Ashworth, BJ Peterson and Matt Marshall) to young up-and-comers Ross Apo and Cody Hoffman, whoever ends up being QB will not lack open targets on every play. HOWEVER, there have been WAY too many dropped passes in practice. It's not something that can't be fixed, but it needs to be fixed immediately. If you have a young QB like Heaps making great throws on the numbers to guys 60+ yards down the field, but the ball is being dropped time and again, that ruins a passer's mentality and poisons his confidence.
THE BOTTOM LINE: If this issue can be addressed and nipped quickly, look for a big year from the wideouts this season.
3. Place Kicking
The Cougars have two kickers on the squad this season: Mitch Payne (place kicker), and Riley Stephenson (punter). However, Payne went down with a sprained ankle late last week, and his prognosis is not yet known (originally thought to be a 7-10 days deal, but Mendenhall has said he can't be too sure as of yet). Even before he was injured, Payne missed a PAT and two semi-long field goal tries. Stephenson, coming off a somewhat roller coaster freshman year last season, has now been thrown into the place kicking position, and has not been able to produce a consistency you need from your field goal kicker. Actually, field goals between 35-40 yards don't seem to be as big a problem for him as PAT's. He missed all but one PAT's during today's practice, and afterward Mendenhall said he will probably open the issue up to the rest of the team to see if anyone kicked in high school and can step in to the place kicking role until Payne heals.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Every game is vital in college football, and place kicking is the LAST position you want to have to worry about. Close games are always dependent on field position, and a missed field goal attempt can leave your defense in tough spots with the odds stacked against them. Plus, PAT's should be automatic. If they're not, you might as well go for two everytime. Losing by one is still losing....
4. Running Backs
Each running back on this team has his own talents and abilities that make him unique from the other backs around him. Brian Kariya is more of a power back who will run through a defender. JJ DiLuigi is the fast, shifty, finesse runner who can leave defenders in the dust. Then there's freshman Josh Quezada (Juice, as the team calls him), Mike Hague, Zed Mendenhall, and David Foote. Quezada will need some time to learn and flourish, but his future is bright. Hague is powerful, but short and slow. Mendenhall is a fullback playing tailback, and Foote, while always hustling and giving max effort, would not be successful on a different team with less experienced offensive linemen in front of him.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Harvey Unga had it ALL. Speed, power, finesse, and swagger. While you cannot replace a special player like Unga, it is important to make the transition period as smooth as possible. Running back by committee may be the answer for now, but eventually you're going to want that every-down-back you can rely on to move the ball down field and open up the passing game for your offense. Combined: These backs=Harvey Unga. Individually: they have chinks in their armor.
5. "Blue Zone" Defense
This year's secondary and defensive backs are stacked with experience and talent, and I expect a big season from them. Cornerback Corby Eason told me last week that the DB's are the cornerstone of the Cougar defense, and judging by their game between the twenties, I like what I see. However, once the offense gets inside the twenty (red zone, or "blue" zone at BYU), the needed stops don't seem to happen as often for the defense. It's not a HUGE issue, just a little something that could use some tweaking.
THE BOTTOM LINE: For the most part the defense is able to hold their own against the offense, but their confidence seems to be shaky inside the Blue Zone. While it's great that the Cougars are able to keep teams at bay in the middle of the field, they need to find a way to spread that success from the twenties and in, when big stops are most critically needed.
*Stay tuned for an update on these topics following this week of practices*
1-The Quarterback Race
The "four man race" has clearly been whittled down to a two man competition (though Coach Mendenhall is trying his best to sell James Lark as still having a shot at the starting role). The true freshman phenom Jake Heaps, and the seasoned leader Riley Nelson. They both have their pros and cons, but I personally feel that Heaps is the guy. His pin point precision on the long ball, the natural ability to check through his progressions efficiently, and his confidence in the offense tell me that BYU would be best served having him be their starter NOW. Nelson is a great athlete, don't get me wrong. And he's no slouch as a quarterback, either. But his talents and abilities do not outweigh Heaps', and so I don't see why BYU would keep Heaps from progressing early this year, with Nelson ready to come in when needed.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Heaps needs to be named the starter, and soon, so that the team can get used to him being their leader on the field.
2. Wide Receivers Dropping Passes
The receiving corps at BYU this year are an incredible sight to behold. Tall, athletic, physical and FAST are attributes that could be used to describe each and every one of them. From veterans O'Neill Chambers and McKay Jacobson (not to mention back ups Spencer Hafoka, Luke Ashworth, BJ Peterson and Matt Marshall) to young up-and-comers Ross Apo and Cody Hoffman, whoever ends up being QB will not lack open targets on every play. HOWEVER, there have been WAY too many dropped passes in practice. It's not something that can't be fixed, but it needs to be fixed immediately. If you have a young QB like Heaps making great throws on the numbers to guys 60+ yards down the field, but the ball is being dropped time and again, that ruins a passer's mentality and poisons his confidence.
THE BOTTOM LINE: If this issue can be addressed and nipped quickly, look for a big year from the wideouts this season.
3. Place Kicking
The Cougars have two kickers on the squad this season: Mitch Payne (place kicker), and Riley Stephenson (punter). However, Payne went down with a sprained ankle late last week, and his prognosis is not yet known (originally thought to be a 7-10 days deal, but Mendenhall has said he can't be too sure as of yet). Even before he was injured, Payne missed a PAT and two semi-long field goal tries. Stephenson, coming off a somewhat roller coaster freshman year last season, has now been thrown into the place kicking position, and has not been able to produce a consistency you need from your field goal kicker. Actually, field goals between 35-40 yards don't seem to be as big a problem for him as PAT's. He missed all but one PAT's during today's practice, and afterward Mendenhall said he will probably open the issue up to the rest of the team to see if anyone kicked in high school and can step in to the place kicking role until Payne heals.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Every game is vital in college football, and place kicking is the LAST position you want to have to worry about. Close games are always dependent on field position, and a missed field goal attempt can leave your defense in tough spots with the odds stacked against them. Plus, PAT's should be automatic. If they're not, you might as well go for two everytime. Losing by one is still losing....
4. Running Backs
Each running back on this team has his own talents and abilities that make him unique from the other backs around him. Brian Kariya is more of a power back who will run through a defender. JJ DiLuigi is the fast, shifty, finesse runner who can leave defenders in the dust. Then there's freshman Josh Quezada (Juice, as the team calls him), Mike Hague, Zed Mendenhall, and David Foote. Quezada will need some time to learn and flourish, but his future is bright. Hague is powerful, but short and slow. Mendenhall is a fullback playing tailback, and Foote, while always hustling and giving max effort, would not be successful on a different team with less experienced offensive linemen in front of him.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Harvey Unga had it ALL. Speed, power, finesse, and swagger. While you cannot replace a special player like Unga, it is important to make the transition period as smooth as possible. Running back by committee may be the answer for now, but eventually you're going to want that every-down-back you can rely on to move the ball down field and open up the passing game for your offense. Combined: These backs=Harvey Unga. Individually: they have chinks in their armor.
5. "Blue Zone" Defense
This year's secondary and defensive backs are stacked with experience and talent, and I expect a big season from them. Cornerback Corby Eason told me last week that the DB's are the cornerstone of the Cougar defense, and judging by their game between the twenties, I like what I see. However, once the offense gets inside the twenty (red zone, or "blue" zone at BYU), the needed stops don't seem to happen as often for the defense. It's not a HUGE issue, just a little something that could use some tweaking.
THE BOTTOM LINE: For the most part the defense is able to hold their own against the offense, but their confidence seems to be shaky inside the Blue Zone. While it's great that the Cougars are able to keep teams at bay in the middle of the field, they need to find a way to spread that success from the twenties and in, when big stops are most critically needed.
*Stay tuned for an update on these topics following this week of practices*
Monday, August 9, 2010
BOTTOM LINE: BYU Training Camp Days 1 and 2
I recently was given the opportunity through my sports radio job to attend BYU practices and gather notes/interviews for use at the station and on the website. After attending two days (Saturday Aug 7, Monday Aug 9) of training camp, I just wanted to share a few observations I've made:
Day#1 (Aug 7th)
The biggest question in camp this year is Who will be the starting QB? Here's my depth chart after day 1:
1a.Jake Heaps
Shared seemingly equal amount of snaps on first team offense with Riley Nelson. Seemed to be very confident with the offense and was able to make a few pin point perfect passes for big yards, including the last play of practice - an on the money, down the sideline 60+ yard pass to double-covered McKay Jacobson.
1b.Riley Nelson
Has strong ability to scramble and create on the run when the pocket disappears. Not as accurate as Heaps, but has a stronger line drive throw across the middle. Very familiar with offense plays and schemes, and has the division 1 experience Heaps lacks.
3. James Lark
Doesn't possess the natural talents that Heaps or Nelson do, but has the work ethic to be a terrific back up plan if needed. I wouldn't want him starting, but I'd feel fairly comfortable having him under center should the other two QB's get injured.
4. Jason Munns
His size is unreal, but he doesn't seem to be very comfortable at the QB spot. Makes mistakes, has little accuracy, and isn't able to read where a player is going to end up. We'll see what happens later on, but right now I don't see him being a big part of this race.
Other notes:
-Offense:
-Loaded at running back, with Kariya and DiLuigi splitting time. Hague, Foote, and Quezada all will see playing time.
-Tight end is full of possibility, though the spot may be filled by committee for the first part of the season until someone emerges as the better player.
-Receivers are looking very good this year. Young, strong and extremely athletic. If the QB can get the ball to them, look for the receiving corp to have a big season, led by McKay Jacobson and O'Neill Chambers.
-Defense:
-The defense, as a whole, was dominant today. Very enthusiastic, hyped up, and ready to hit somebody. They had all the momentum in the team segment.
-CB Carter Mees and DL Thomas Bryson both had exceptional practices. Bryson had two sacks and Mees 3 breakups.
Day #2 (Aug 9th)
QB Depth Chart:
1.Jake Heaps
It wasn't clear until team segment (scrimmage), but Heaps should definitely be the #1 QB on this team. He is confident, accurate, and powerful, and to watch him connect with Jacobson down the field is a thing of beauty. He has his flaws, such as his mechanical looking play fake, but he is head and shoulders above the other 3 QB's vying for the starting spot.
2.Riley Nelson
Has everything Jake Heaps doesn't, but they're attributes that don't really matter ALL that much. Ability to scramble, amazing magician-like skills on the play action fake, and division 1 experience. However, he isn't as tall/athletic/powerful as Heaps, and therefore will make a perfect back up for when Heaps makes his freshman mistakes.
3.James Lark
Nothing different from Saturday's practice.
4.Jason Munns
Reminds me of Brett Engemann. Tall and stocky, could take a hit and get back up, but really isn't a quarterback. Would have been better served to play linebacker or even tight end.
Other notes:
-Offense:
McKay Jacobson remains the favorite target, and is unbelievable at shaking off the defender on his first move. O'Neill Chambers had an off day, running wrong routes and dropping two money ball passes. Spencer Hafoka and Luke Ashworth are always reliable second looks, and newcomer Cody Hoffman is 6'4", 205 lbs. and runs like a gazelle. He will be THE guy for the next 3 years at the Y.
-Defense:
Thomas Bryson once again shined at defensive end. He had 3 hurries, a sack, and a fumble recovery in the scrimmage. The defensive backs really shut down the passing game, and the linebackers were able to contain the running game (other than two scampers by Riley Nelson for double digit gains).
THE BOTTOM LINE, it's only been 2 days of Fall practice, so not a lot can be determined yet. Jordan Pendleton, the star studded linebacker, hasn't participated in team segment scrimmage as of yet because of hampering injuries, and there are still a few players who haven't been cleared by the NCAA. Besides that, only time will uncover all the flaws/talents that haven't been shown as of yet. But it IS exciting that college football is back!!! Here we go.....
***Curtis Brown, Jan Jorgensen, and Nate Meickle were among the former BYU players I spotted at practice Tuesday. Brown sells pharmaceuticals in the Utah Valley area, Jorgensen was there as a representative of his new employer 1280 THE ZONE, and Meickle (formerly employed on KSL's broadcasts of the games as a sideline reporter) was there as a spectator. Rumors were he's going to Stanford Law School in the near future***
Day#1 (Aug 7th)
The biggest question in camp this year is Who will be the starting QB? Here's my depth chart after day 1:
1a.Jake Heaps
Shared seemingly equal amount of snaps on first team offense with Riley Nelson. Seemed to be very confident with the offense and was able to make a few pin point perfect passes for big yards, including the last play of practice - an on the money, down the sideline 60+ yard pass to double-covered McKay Jacobson.
1b.Riley Nelson
Has strong ability to scramble and create on the run when the pocket disappears. Not as accurate as Heaps, but has a stronger line drive throw across the middle. Very familiar with offense plays and schemes, and has the division 1 experience Heaps lacks.
3. James Lark
Doesn't possess the natural talents that Heaps or Nelson do, but has the work ethic to be a terrific back up plan if needed. I wouldn't want him starting, but I'd feel fairly comfortable having him under center should the other two QB's get injured.
4. Jason Munns
His size is unreal, but he doesn't seem to be very comfortable at the QB spot. Makes mistakes, has little accuracy, and isn't able to read where a player is going to end up. We'll see what happens later on, but right now I don't see him being a big part of this race.
Other notes:
-Offense:
-Loaded at running back, with Kariya and DiLuigi splitting time. Hague, Foote, and Quezada all will see playing time.
-Tight end is full of possibility, though the spot may be filled by committee for the first part of the season until someone emerges as the better player.
-Receivers are looking very good this year. Young, strong and extremely athletic. If the QB can get the ball to them, look for the receiving corp to have a big season, led by McKay Jacobson and O'Neill Chambers.
-Defense:
-The defense, as a whole, was dominant today. Very enthusiastic, hyped up, and ready to hit somebody. They had all the momentum in the team segment.
-CB Carter Mees and DL Thomas Bryson both had exceptional practices. Bryson had two sacks and Mees 3 breakups.
Day #2 (Aug 9th)
QB Depth Chart:
1.Jake Heaps
It wasn't clear until team segment (scrimmage), but Heaps should definitely be the #1 QB on this team. He is confident, accurate, and powerful, and to watch him connect with Jacobson down the field is a thing of beauty. He has his flaws, such as his mechanical looking play fake, but he is head and shoulders above the other 3 QB's vying for the starting spot.
2.Riley Nelson
Has everything Jake Heaps doesn't, but they're attributes that don't really matter ALL that much. Ability to scramble, amazing magician-like skills on the play action fake, and division 1 experience. However, he isn't as tall/athletic/powerful as Heaps, and therefore will make a perfect back up for when Heaps makes his freshman mistakes.
3.James Lark
Nothing different from Saturday's practice.
4.Jason Munns
Reminds me of Brett Engemann. Tall and stocky, could take a hit and get back up, but really isn't a quarterback. Would have been better served to play linebacker or even tight end.
Other notes:
-Offense:
McKay Jacobson remains the favorite target, and is unbelievable at shaking off the defender on his first move. O'Neill Chambers had an off day, running wrong routes and dropping two money ball passes. Spencer Hafoka and Luke Ashworth are always reliable second looks, and newcomer Cody Hoffman is 6'4", 205 lbs. and runs like a gazelle. He will be THE guy for the next 3 years at the Y.
-Defense:
Thomas Bryson once again shined at defensive end. He had 3 hurries, a sack, and a fumble recovery in the scrimmage. The defensive backs really shut down the passing game, and the linebackers were able to contain the running game (other than two scampers by Riley Nelson for double digit gains).
THE BOTTOM LINE, it's only been 2 days of Fall practice, so not a lot can be determined yet. Jordan Pendleton, the star studded linebacker, hasn't participated in team segment scrimmage as of yet because of hampering injuries, and there are still a few players who haven't been cleared by the NCAA. Besides that, only time will uncover all the flaws/talents that haven't been shown as of yet. But it IS exciting that college football is back!!! Here we go.....
***Curtis Brown, Jan Jorgensen, and Nate Meickle were among the former BYU players I spotted at practice Tuesday. Brown sells pharmaceuticals in the Utah Valley area, Jorgensen was there as a representative of his new employer 1280 THE ZONE, and Meickle (formerly employed on KSL's broadcasts of the games as a sideline reporter) was there as a spectator. Rumors were he's going to Stanford Law School in the near future***
Saturday, July 17, 2010
THE BOTTOM LINE: Something's Missing....
“If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.” -Tom Stoppard
What do you miss from sports these days? Here are the things I find myself yearning for:
Ken Griffey, Jr. and his backwards hat. His smoother-than-an-insurance-salesman swing. His willingness to sacrifice life itself to run down ANY ball hit in his direction. And that trademarked self-admiring stare as he strutted towards first, watching his latest jack sail over the fence.
John Stockton setting and taking picks on/from power forwards. His ability to see a play happen in his mind before it actually took place. The bounce pass down into the post. The speed of hands both on defense and offense. Seeing him take the ball coast to coast for a layup before the defense could even turn around. His signature quirky over-the-shoulder shot.
Payne Stewart. His clothes, yes. But not JUST his clothes. His game, his smile, his fist pumps, his rugged swing and follow through, and his celebration after winning the US Open.
Cal Ripken, Jr. and Steve Young.
Fast, lean, tall, quick and athletic offensive/defensive linemen.
Golden Goals
Larry H. Miller: one of the best people to ever walk this earth. He was a role model, and not just because of the good things he did. When he made mistakes, he fessed up to them, apologized, made it right, and became a better person because of it all.
Patrick Ewing dripping reservoir-sized drops of sweat in the key, thus employing a TEAM of towel-boys/towel-girls underneath each basket, charged with being the fastest acting human wet-vacs imaginable before he returned the next time down the floor.
Old school uniforms: such as high socks in baseball, Kareem/Rambis-like goggles in basketball, and Dan Mariono-esque face masks in football.
Lil Penney commercials.
For that matter, Penney Hardaway's swagger, Tim Hardaway's no-rotation shot, and Muggsy Bogues.
Monday Night Football without Mike Tirico, or Tony Kornheiser, or Jon Gruden. Never should've lost Al Michaels.
Two-hand touch at recess. Tackle when the "duty" wasn't lurking...
Homerun derbys in the backyard with a t-ball stand, foam bat, and plastic wiffle balls.
Raspberries from sliding into home ahead of the tag.
Hot Rod Hundley. Ernie Harwell. Jack Buck.
Roller/street hockey after school.
Karl Malone turn-arounds. Karl Malone defense. Karl Malone power. Karl Malone taking thirty days to shoot a free throw.
The Seattle Supersonics. The Sonics-Jazz rivalry circa Shawn Kemp, Detlef Schrempf and Gary Payton.
The CALIFORNIA Angels. None of this Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim via Denver near Boise sans New York neighboring Mars business....
Marathon games of "hot-box", or "pickle," in the backyard with my brothers, dad, cousins, uncles, friends, etc.
Long summer days spent in my basement, in my pajamas, usually til about 3 or 4 PM, playing game after game, making trade after trade, hitting homerun after homerun, and WINNING game after game on N64's "Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey, Jr."
And finally, THE BOTTOM LINE of what I'm missing most from sports these days: Every single Saturday having either a soccer game, a basketball game, or a baseball game to play in. Sometimes a combination of those. *Sigh*.....Mine was a blessed childhood, indeed.
“The childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day” -John Milton
What do you miss from sports these days? Here are the things I find myself yearning for:
Ken Griffey, Jr. and his backwards hat. His smoother-than-an-insurance-salesman swing. His willingness to sacrifice life itself to run down ANY ball hit in his direction. And that trademarked self-admiring stare as he strutted towards first, watching his latest jack sail over the fence.
John Stockton setting and taking picks on/from power forwards. His ability to see a play happen in his mind before it actually took place. The bounce pass down into the post. The speed of hands both on defense and offense. Seeing him take the ball coast to coast for a layup before the defense could even turn around. His signature quirky over-the-shoulder shot.
Payne Stewart. His clothes, yes. But not JUST his clothes. His game, his smile, his fist pumps, his rugged swing and follow through, and his celebration after winning the US Open.
Cal Ripken, Jr. and Steve Young.
Fast, lean, tall, quick and athletic offensive/defensive linemen.
Golden Goals
Larry H. Miller: one of the best people to ever walk this earth. He was a role model, and not just because of the good things he did. When he made mistakes, he fessed up to them, apologized, made it right, and became a better person because of it all.
Patrick Ewing dripping reservoir-sized drops of sweat in the key, thus employing a TEAM of towel-boys/towel-girls underneath each basket, charged with being the fastest acting human wet-vacs imaginable before he returned the next time down the floor.
Old school uniforms: such as high socks in baseball, Kareem/Rambis-like goggles in basketball, and Dan Mariono-esque face masks in football.
Lil Penney commercials.
For that matter, Penney Hardaway's swagger, Tim Hardaway's no-rotation shot, and Muggsy Bogues.
Monday Night Football without Mike Tirico, or Tony Kornheiser, or Jon Gruden. Never should've lost Al Michaels.
Two-hand touch at recess. Tackle when the "duty" wasn't lurking...
Homerun derbys in the backyard with a t-ball stand, foam bat, and plastic wiffle balls.
Raspberries from sliding into home ahead of the tag.
Hot Rod Hundley. Ernie Harwell. Jack Buck.
Roller/street hockey after school.
Karl Malone turn-arounds. Karl Malone defense. Karl Malone power. Karl Malone taking thirty days to shoot a free throw.
The Seattle Supersonics. The Sonics-Jazz rivalry circa Shawn Kemp, Detlef Schrempf and Gary Payton.
The CALIFORNIA Angels. None of this Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim via Denver near Boise sans New York neighboring Mars business....
Marathon games of "hot-box", or "pickle," in the backyard with my brothers, dad, cousins, uncles, friends, etc.
Long summer days spent in my basement, in my pajamas, usually til about 3 or 4 PM, playing game after game, making trade after trade, hitting homerun after homerun, and WINNING game after game on N64's "Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey, Jr."
And finally, THE BOTTOM LINE of what I'm missing most from sports these days: Every single Saturday having either a soccer game, a basketball game, or a baseball game to play in. Sometimes a combination of those. *Sigh*.....Mine was a blessed childhood, indeed.
“The childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day” -John Milton
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
THE BOTTOM LINE: The Free Agents You (and everyone else) Forgot About
“We [used to have]the advantages of the underdog. Now we have the disadvantages of the overdog.”
-Abba Eban, former Israeli Foreign Minister
The "Summer of LeBron" is nearly over (insert sound of joyous cheers from ESPN audiences everywhere, exhausted from the never ending praise and attention that has been pumping from said sports station for the "King" during the past month) and I can't help but feel a sense of detachment from the moment. I'm sure most of you would agree that this whole free agency ordeal has become pretty comical and tabloid-esque. Every "expert" in the land has given their predictions as to where James, Wade, Bosh, etc. might end up playing, each claiming to have THE inside information/sources with all the final answers (magically ALL differing from the others' guesses). And to them all I say this: Go get a job at the E! channel or TMZ.com and leave my sports channels alone!!!
At any rate, you can probably tell I'm just a little over the LeBron-a-palooza all around me. And I think I've come up with the biggest reason WHY: I believe it is the lesser-known players who actually end up making a team ultimately good or bad. The sixth mans, the role players, the back-ups...the SUPPORTING role surrounding the All-Stars are who keep the team together when Kobe hits a cold streak, or LeBron goes down with an injury, or Duncan shoots 67% from the free throw line (his ACTUAL career average, by the way). And in the middle of all the public lauding and loving for the BIG names in this year's free agent market, it's the "underdog" free agents who are being neglected. So, as a general rooter of all underdogs everywhere, I give you my list of "The Free Agents No One Is Thinking About Who Will Still Make an Impact in the NBA Next Season":
(Player/ Former Team/ Best 2009-2010 Stat)
Derek Fisher/ LAKERS/ 2.5 APG
-Fisher has won 5 NBA Championships with the Lakers. Yes, he did this with one of the best players ever in Kobe, but that is NOT a slight AGAINST him, but a perk to being able to sign him to your team. Just look at what he was able to do for the future of a young Deron Williams during his short stay with the Utah Jazz....'nuff said.
Nate Robinson/ BOSTON/ 10.1 Points Per Game
-Backup point guard who provides fast-paced, effective offense and in your face defense. Forces opponents to respect both his shooting and slashing abilities.
Jermaine O'Neal/ MIAMI/ 13.6 PPG
-O'Neal's stats from last season make the argument for him: 13.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and a respectable 1.4 blocks per game (19th over all last season). Not to mention he shoots roughly 50% from the field... AS A CENTER.
Brad Miller/ CHICAGO/ 4.9 RPG
-Statistics don't truly show the things Miller does for a team when on the court. A veteran who provides quiet leadership, at 7 feet 261 lbs., Miller can bang with the best of the Bigs and keep them in check on the blocks.
Raymond Felton/ CHARLOTTE/ 12.1 PPG
-Physical point guard who not only averages double digit scoring, but also 1.5 steals per game, proving his ability to shut down usually smaller, thinner guards he's up against.
Kyle Korver/ UTAH/ .536 3P%
-I could say a lot about Korver (such as how he has the best, purest shot in the league, or is an underrated passer, or can take a charge better than most shooters in the history of the league, or how anywhere he goes he becomes marketable gold due to his next-door demeanor and Kutcher-esque appearance), but I'll simply point to his record setting three point percentage last season of 54% and leave it at that.....
Matt Barnes/ MAGIC/ 5.5 RPG
-As a back-up small forward, Barnes leaves everything on the floor night after night. While he may not provide the flashy scoring most wings possess in today's NBA, he is a hard-nosed pest who will defend the big names with linebacker-type grit, causing more than one All-Star to have a season low sometime during the course of the year.
Mike Miller/ WIZARDS/ 10.9 PPG
-Miller is a tall and lanky shooting guard who averages double digits in scoring and a respectable 4.3 defensive rebounds per game. While his temperament can be a little on the teenage-drama-queen side of things, he's a ten year veteran who will excite fans with his ability to both entertain and get under the skin of his opponents.
Honorable Mentions:
Shannon Brown/ LAKERS/ 8.1 PPG
Josh Howard/ DALLAS, WIZARDS/ 12.7 PPG
Richard Jefferson/ SPURS/ 12.3 PPG
While none of these guys make you ask "LeBron who?", I can guarantee each of them brings something to the table that opposing teams DO NOT want to overlook, and that's the Bottom Line on the underdogs of this year's free agency market.
-Abba Eban, former Israeli Foreign Minister
The "Summer of LeBron" is nearly over (insert sound of joyous cheers from ESPN audiences everywhere, exhausted from the never ending praise and attention that has been pumping from said sports station for the "King" during the past month) and I can't help but feel a sense of detachment from the moment. I'm sure most of you would agree that this whole free agency ordeal has become pretty comical and tabloid-esque. Every "expert" in the land has given their predictions as to where James, Wade, Bosh, etc. might end up playing, each claiming to have THE inside information/sources with all the final answers (magically ALL differing from the others' guesses). And to them all I say this: Go get a job at the E! channel or TMZ.com and leave my sports channels alone!!!
At any rate, you can probably tell I'm just a little over the LeBron-a-palooza all around me. And I think I've come up with the biggest reason WHY: I believe it is the lesser-known players who actually end up making a team ultimately good or bad. The sixth mans, the role players, the back-ups...the SUPPORTING role surrounding the All-Stars are who keep the team together when Kobe hits a cold streak, or LeBron goes down with an injury, or Duncan shoots 67% from the free throw line (his ACTUAL career average, by the way). And in the middle of all the public lauding and loving for the BIG names in this year's free agent market, it's the "underdog" free agents who are being neglected. So, as a general rooter of all underdogs everywhere, I give you my list of "The Free Agents No One Is Thinking About Who Will Still Make an Impact in the NBA Next Season":
(Player/ Former Team/ Best 2009-2010 Stat)
Derek Fisher/ LAKERS/ 2.5 APG
-Fisher has won 5 NBA Championships with the Lakers. Yes, he did this with one of the best players ever in Kobe, but that is NOT a slight AGAINST him, but a perk to being able to sign him to your team. Just look at what he was able to do for the future of a young Deron Williams during his short stay with the Utah Jazz....'nuff said.
Nate Robinson/ BOSTON/ 10.1 Points Per Game
-Backup point guard who provides fast-paced, effective offense and in your face defense. Forces opponents to respect both his shooting and slashing abilities.
Jermaine O'Neal/ MIAMI/ 13.6 PPG
-O'Neal's stats from last season make the argument for him: 13.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and a respectable 1.4 blocks per game (19th over all last season). Not to mention he shoots roughly 50% from the field... AS A CENTER.
Brad Miller/ CHICAGO/ 4.9 RPG
-Statistics don't truly show the things Miller does for a team when on the court. A veteran who provides quiet leadership, at 7 feet 261 lbs., Miller can bang with the best of the Bigs and keep them in check on the blocks.
Raymond Felton/ CHARLOTTE/ 12.1 PPG
-Physical point guard who not only averages double digit scoring, but also 1.5 steals per game, proving his ability to shut down usually smaller, thinner guards he's up against.
Kyle Korver/ UTAH/ .536 3P%
-I could say a lot about Korver (such as how he has the best, purest shot in the league, or is an underrated passer, or can take a charge better than most shooters in the history of the league, or how anywhere he goes he becomes marketable gold due to his next-door demeanor and Kutcher-esque appearance), but I'll simply point to his record setting three point percentage last season of 54% and leave it at that.....
Matt Barnes/ MAGIC/ 5.5 RPG
-As a back-up small forward, Barnes leaves everything on the floor night after night. While he may not provide the flashy scoring most wings possess in today's NBA, he is a hard-nosed pest who will defend the big names with linebacker-type grit, causing more than one All-Star to have a season low sometime during the course of the year.
Mike Miller/ WIZARDS/ 10.9 PPG
-Miller is a tall and lanky shooting guard who averages double digits in scoring and a respectable 4.3 defensive rebounds per game. While his temperament can be a little on the teenage-drama-queen side of things, he's a ten year veteran who will excite fans with his ability to both entertain and get under the skin of his opponents.
Honorable Mentions:
Shannon Brown/ LAKERS/ 8.1 PPG
Josh Howard/ DALLAS, WIZARDS/ 12.7 PPG
Richard Jefferson/ SPURS/ 12.3 PPG
While none of these guys make you ask "LeBron who?", I can guarantee each of them brings something to the table that opposing teams DO NOT want to overlook, and that's the Bottom Line on the underdogs of this year's free agency market.
Friday, June 18, 2010
THE BOTTOM LINE: Ten Sports Pet Peeves That Must Stop NOW!
Attention: All athletes, coaches, fans, spectators, commentators, and anyone else who may be considered a guilty party. The following is a list of things that must be stopped IMMEDIATELY in the sports world:
10. Deny today, confirm tomorrow.
This is when an athlete, coach, general manager, etc. denies a report that has been made, only to turn around the next day (oftentimes sooner) and do or say something to CONFIRM the report anyway. If it’s a true, legitimate report, confirm it and move on. Enough of the Rich Rodriguez-syndrome. If you need to, use the old cop-out “No comment,” until you can confirm the report.
__________________________________________________________________________________
9. Boo-boos
I’m so sick of athletes today making paper cuts into hemorrhages. I’m not talking about legitimate injuries that require rest or surgery. I'm referring to the stubbed toes keeping players on the bench for 3 weeks type of "injuries" (or my personal favorite:the "strained" muscle). Listen: Unless you’re needing surgery or a tourniquet, get back to work. I won’t bring up the money thing….ok yes I will. They make WAY too much money to be allowed to sit out 7-10 days every time they stub their toes. Someone put an end to this circus. (FIFA, you are officially on notice….start calling dives or get rid of the rule.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
8. “Touchdown!.....er, I mean, No touchdown!....er, I mean, uh, Fumble!....er, actually He’s Safe…uh, Out! Oh forget it, can I go eat my hot wings now?”
Missed calls. Now, in no way am I one of those people who blame the officials for everything. I’m also not a purist who believes human error is “good for the game.” Yes, it is PART of the game, but it shouldn’t RULE the game like it does. There needs to be a system in place (in EVERY sport) that protects the officials, players, coaches, organizations, and fans from games being RUINED by human error. The technology is there, so why not use it?
______________________________________________________________________________
7. 15 Minute Replay Reviews
I know, this contradicts #8, but not really. There is a happy medium that needs to be reached between the use of the replay technology, and the length of time it takes to complete a review. If while sitting on my couch watching the TV (non-HD, I might add) can determine after only a couple of replays that the runner was down, or the shooter had his foot on the line, or Bob Bobson wasn’t actually in the crease, then a professional AT THE GAME, WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AT HIS FINGER TIPS, BEING PAID TO MAKE THE DECISIONS can certainly do the same! If you have to cut to more than one sixty second commercial break because a review is taking too long, just call the game and start over tomorrow.
_________________________________________________________________________________
6. Conspiracy Theories
The idea that a referee or a group of referees would actually join together in efforts AGAINST any one team is the most insane notion I’ve ever heard of. There are no conspiracies. Your team will lose an important game now and then. It doesn’t mean that the commissioner has summoned his armies of officials and commanded them to destroy your blessed empire. It just means that in sports someone has to win and someone has to lose. Yes, TV ratings do in fact matter for revenue purposes. But not enough to throw outcomes and lengthen playoff series, risking the demise of the entire sport itself if found out. Take the tin foil off your head and enjoy the game. Speaking of someone having to win, and someone having to lose…….
____________________________________________________________________________
5. Ties
There is no room in sports for a tie. Period. The reason sports were ever invented in the first place was to provide a way for differences to be settled (have you never seen a John Wayne film?) The Olympics, perhaps the first ever known organized sporting event, were created so that different cities could prove their worth and strength to their rivals. Someone had to win, and someone had to lose, otherwise nothing would ever get accomplished. The reason we have sports is so that we can learn the joy of victory, as well as the agony of defeat. If after 90 minutes of playing no one has lost and no one has won, then we’ve wasted 90 minutes of our lives and might as well have had a compliment session where everyone goes around the room saying nice things about everyone else, and ending it with a big group hug and tearful smiles. People: it’s sports, not religion. Meaning, it’s not personal. If you are beaten by someone who was better than you that day, then you have learned a valuable life lesson or two and will be better for it. And that’s the whole point of sports anyway.
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Cliches
“It is what it is.” “We need to step up and make plays.” “He gives 110%.”
Stop it. Just stop it already. If you are not intelligent enough to give a thoughtful, well phrased response to a question, then don’t answer it at all. I’d rather hear you say “No comment,” your entire career than hear another “A win’s a win, and that’s all that matters.” I’m not expecting Socrates or Plato like response. I don’t even care if it makes sense. Just as long as YOU are construing YOUR thoughts, and YOUR feelings about the issue at hand, and not regurgitating age-old responses in order to get it over with quicker.
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Stupid Celebrations
The dog-pile on the mound. The Gatorade baths. The burning of cars following a championship. The jumping up onto the scorer’s table and screaming primeval grunts. It’s all got to go (by the way, all of these actions took place in professional, televised sporting events within the last six days). I would really prefer that when you score/win/make a good play that you act like you’ve done it before. But if you must celebrate, do so with class. And if you can’t muster a classy, professional display of happiness, then at least be creative and original. Chad Ochocinco-nueve-dix-carpe diem-Johnson (or whatever he’s calling himself these days) may be a clown, but at least he is imaginative. If you can’t celebrate maturely, then celebrate originally. That’s all I’m asking. (This includes “The Wave.” No other action could be made to show just how bored you actually are. So, if you’re bored enough at a sporting event to do “The Wave,” get up and go do something that interests you.)
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Vuvuzelas / Corny, Cliché Arena Music
The awful noise that never ends at those infernal soccer matches (you know the ones I speak of-they sound like a herd of tone deaf mammoths are being skinned alive and sautéed in Tabasco) ought to be against the Laws of the Geneva Convention. No one should have to endure the refuse that comes as result of blowing into one of those things.
Secondly, the music that is played at sporting events has been, well, played. Get a new gig, or get out and let someone else take over. “We Will Rock You,” and “Y.M.C.A,” and the like were cute for the first little while. But now it’s time to be innovative and find something new.
_________________________________________________________________________
And finally, the number one thing in sports that has got to be stopped IMMEDIATELY….
1.The Lakers Winning the NBA Championship
I don’t care if the Jazz win it every year, so don’t give me the "You're just a homer" baloney. I just get sick of seeing that Satanic purple and gold year after year after year, amidst the devilish purple and gold ticker tape rain, all accompanied by that smug, crooked, spoiled smile of Kobe Bryant as he pretends to feel the joy he will chase his whole life (I speak of TRUE joy, here, in case you didn’t catch on. You know, TRUE love, TRUE spirit, TRUE happiness. Not the kind that comes from winning basketball trophies). So please…PLEEEEAAAASSSEEEEE! Someone else step up next year and knock the Los Angeles Fakers off their high horse.
And that’s THE BOTTOM LINE.
10. Deny today, confirm tomorrow.
This is when an athlete, coach, general manager, etc. denies a report that has been made, only to turn around the next day (oftentimes sooner) and do or say something to CONFIRM the report anyway. If it’s a true, legitimate report, confirm it and move on. Enough of the Rich Rodriguez-syndrome. If you need to, use the old cop-out “No comment,” until you can confirm the report.
__________________________________________________________________________________
9. Boo-boos
I’m so sick of athletes today making paper cuts into hemorrhages. I’m not talking about legitimate injuries that require rest or surgery. I'm referring to the stubbed toes keeping players on the bench for 3 weeks type of "injuries" (or my personal favorite:the "strained" muscle). Listen: Unless you’re needing surgery or a tourniquet, get back to work. I won’t bring up the money thing….ok yes I will. They make WAY too much money to be allowed to sit out 7-10 days every time they stub their toes. Someone put an end to this circus. (FIFA, you are officially on notice….start calling dives or get rid of the rule.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
8. “Touchdown!.....er, I mean, No touchdown!....er, I mean, uh, Fumble!....er, actually He’s Safe…uh, Out! Oh forget it, can I go eat my hot wings now?”
Missed calls. Now, in no way am I one of those people who blame the officials for everything. I’m also not a purist who believes human error is “good for the game.” Yes, it is PART of the game, but it shouldn’t RULE the game like it does. There needs to be a system in place (in EVERY sport) that protects the officials, players, coaches, organizations, and fans from games being RUINED by human error. The technology is there, so why not use it?
______________________________________________________________________________
7. 15 Minute Replay Reviews
I know, this contradicts #8, but not really. There is a happy medium that needs to be reached between the use of the replay technology, and the length of time it takes to complete a review. If while sitting on my couch watching the TV (non-HD, I might add) can determine after only a couple of replays that the runner was down, or the shooter had his foot on the line, or Bob Bobson wasn’t actually in the crease, then a professional AT THE GAME, WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AT HIS FINGER TIPS, BEING PAID TO MAKE THE DECISIONS can certainly do the same! If you have to cut to more than one sixty second commercial break because a review is taking too long, just call the game and start over tomorrow.
_________________________________________________________________________________
6. Conspiracy Theories
The idea that a referee or a group of referees would actually join together in efforts AGAINST any one team is the most insane notion I’ve ever heard of. There are no conspiracies. Your team will lose an important game now and then. It doesn’t mean that the commissioner has summoned his armies of officials and commanded them to destroy your blessed empire. It just means that in sports someone has to win and someone has to lose. Yes, TV ratings do in fact matter for revenue purposes. But not enough to throw outcomes and lengthen playoff series, risking the demise of the entire sport itself if found out. Take the tin foil off your head and enjoy the game. Speaking of someone having to win, and someone having to lose…….
____________________________________________________________________________
5. Ties
There is no room in sports for a tie. Period. The reason sports were ever invented in the first place was to provide a way for differences to be settled (have you never seen a John Wayne film?) The Olympics, perhaps the first ever known organized sporting event, were created so that different cities could prove their worth and strength to their rivals. Someone had to win, and someone had to lose, otherwise nothing would ever get accomplished. The reason we have sports is so that we can learn the joy of victory, as well as the agony of defeat. If after 90 minutes of playing no one has lost and no one has won, then we’ve wasted 90 minutes of our lives and might as well have had a compliment session where everyone goes around the room saying nice things about everyone else, and ending it with a big group hug and tearful smiles. People: it’s sports, not religion. Meaning, it’s not personal. If you are beaten by someone who was better than you that day, then you have learned a valuable life lesson or two and will be better for it. And that’s the whole point of sports anyway.
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Cliches
“It is what it is.” “We need to step up and make plays.” “He gives 110%.”
Stop it. Just stop it already. If you are not intelligent enough to give a thoughtful, well phrased response to a question, then don’t answer it at all. I’d rather hear you say “No comment,” your entire career than hear another “A win’s a win, and that’s all that matters.” I’m not expecting Socrates or Plato like response. I don’t even care if it makes sense. Just as long as YOU are construing YOUR thoughts, and YOUR feelings about the issue at hand, and not regurgitating age-old responses in order to get it over with quicker.
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Stupid Celebrations
The dog-pile on the mound. The Gatorade baths. The burning of cars following a championship. The jumping up onto the scorer’s table and screaming primeval grunts. It’s all got to go (by the way, all of these actions took place in professional, televised sporting events within the last six days). I would really prefer that when you score/win/make a good play that you act like you’ve done it before. But if you must celebrate, do so with class. And if you can’t muster a classy, professional display of happiness, then at least be creative and original. Chad Ochocinco-nueve-dix-carpe diem-Johnson (or whatever he’s calling himself these days) may be a clown, but at least he is imaginative. If you can’t celebrate maturely, then celebrate originally. That’s all I’m asking. (This includes “The Wave.” No other action could be made to show just how bored you actually are. So, if you’re bored enough at a sporting event to do “The Wave,” get up and go do something that interests you.)
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Vuvuzelas / Corny, Cliché Arena Music
The awful noise that never ends at those infernal soccer matches (you know the ones I speak of-they sound like a herd of tone deaf mammoths are being skinned alive and sautéed in Tabasco) ought to be against the Laws of the Geneva Convention. No one should have to endure the refuse that comes as result of blowing into one of those things.
Secondly, the music that is played at sporting events has been, well, played. Get a new gig, or get out and let someone else take over. “We Will Rock You,” and “Y.M.C.A,” and the like were cute for the first little while. But now it’s time to be innovative and find something new.
_________________________________________________________________________
And finally, the number one thing in sports that has got to be stopped IMMEDIATELY….
1.The Lakers Winning the NBA Championship
I don’t care if the Jazz win it every year, so don’t give me the "You're just a homer" baloney. I just get sick of seeing that Satanic purple and gold year after year after year, amidst the devilish purple and gold ticker tape rain, all accompanied by that smug, crooked, spoiled smile of Kobe Bryant as he pretends to feel the joy he will chase his whole life (I speak of TRUE joy, here, in case you didn’t catch on. You know, TRUE love, TRUE spirit, TRUE happiness. Not the kind that comes from winning basketball trophies). So please…PLEEEEAAAASSSEEEEE! Someone else step up next year and knock the Los Angeles Fakers off their high horse.
And that’s THE BOTTOM LINE.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
THE BOTTOM LINE
THE BOTTOM LINE
-University of Utah Moving to the Pac-(TBD) Conference:
There’s been a lot of discussion and rumors regarding whether or not the Utes will be leaving the Mountain West Conference and joining the (currently named) Pac-10 Conference. There is a plethora of information to go through and analyze regarding this subject, but I’m just going to focus on the local implications such a move would have.
1. Recruiting: Right now, Utah is doing very well recruiting out of the Mountain West Conference. They currently only have two teams with whom they squabble over the top recruits coming to the conference-BYU and TCU. However, if they were to move to the Pacific Conference, they would have to recruit players away from the likes of USC, UCLA (both schools have a LOT more than great football to offer….like, say, beaches. Girls. Weather. The glitz and glammer of Hollywood.), Arizona State (notorious party school), and Oregon. Undoubtedly, by being a member of the Pacific Conference, the Utes would draw bigger talent than they currently do in the Mountain West, but they’d be taking only the players the “fun” schools (read: NOT in Salt Lake City) wouldn’t want. They’d be to the Pacific Conference what Colorado State currently is to the Mountain West.
2. While they’ll be able to “compete” in the Pac., they won’t necessary be a “winning” program. Certainly not the way they have been in the MWC. Meaning, the Utes will be trading games against Wyoming, New Mexico, SDSU, and UNLV for games against USC, UCLA, Oregon, Washington, and Stanford. While I don’t perceive the Utes as being terrible in the Pacific Conf., I certainly don’t see them consistently winning the 9 or 10 games they have been producing in the MWC.
THE BOTTOM LINE: In the Pacific Conference, the University of Utah will be able to compete, but they won’t be King of the Hill anymore. Expect 8-4, 9-3 seasons consistently. They will be the Utah Jazz of the Pac. Conf.-competitive, but not elite.
_________________________________________________________________
-How U of U Move to the Pacific Conference Would Effect BYU:
If in fact the Utes left the MWC (and BYU stayed), it would have drastic effects on the Cougars and their program. Here are the pros and cons for BYU if such a move were to occur:
PROS:
1.With Utah gone, BYU would only have one other school who could legitimately contend with them recruiting-wise: TCU. And let’s face it, while TCU is a good team coming off a great year, how long can they really expect to ride the BCS wave they enjoyed recently? BYU has the history and facilities needed to draw in the big recruits. TCU does not. The Cougars will benefit talent-wise from a Utah defection.
2.BYU would be the “BIG TICKET” in the MWC, much like Boise State is in the WAC. It will be the “BYU and Others” Conference. Boise State has been the nation’s darling for a long time, mostly because they play well in a mediocre conference, and show up when ESPN and ABC are watching. With no Utah to worry about, BYU would OWN the MWC.
3.Without Utah to go against, the MWC Title will be BYU’s every year for a long time to come. Sure, TCU will be a force to reckon with for another year, maybe two, but after that I really don’t see the Horned Frogs consistently winning double digit games. What’s a MWC Title worth, you might ask? Well, with the likes of who will be left in the conference, I’m assuming an MWC Title will also mean an undefeated season, which equals BCS attention.
CONS:
1. BYU will still be stuck in a conference full of crappy competition. This will not only mean less respect/value for victories, it will also mean loss of big time money as no one wants to pay to see San Diego State (change out for any other school in MWC) lose by 50 in Provo, Utah on a cold October Saturday.
2. BYU will still be stuck with crappy Mtn televison coverage. Trust me, in this day and age, TV coverage is EVERYTHING in college football. Don’t believe me? Look at the SEC, or the Pac10, or the Big East, even. They ALL have contracts with big time TV stations: ESPN, ABC, Fox, etc. What does the MWC have to offer? A road-show-esque production, run by nobodies, featuring irrelevant has-beens for talent, and broadcast with old USSR equipment. Sure, it’s on national reaching frequencies, but no one is tuning into The Mtn to see New Mexico take on Wyoming when they can see USC vs. Notre Dame on NBC.
3. Finally, BYU will still need to go undefeated in order to get some BCS love, while Utah will be in an automatic BCS conference. While the Cougars will likely be favored in every matchup they have in the MWC, an off week leading to a surprise/fluke loss to a cellar-dweller will shut down the season, whereas Utah could lose to BYU every year and still have a chance to show up in a BCS bowl because of their conference’s automatic bid.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Utah leaving BYU behind in the MWC would be less than an ideal situation for the Cougars. While they will indeed be the top dog in the conference, BYU will have ZERO competition to deal with. The rivalry may still be active, maybe even with a more bitter edge to it (what BYU fan wouldn’t relish a victory over a Utah team that would take away a potential Pacific Conference top-seeding?), it won’t have the Conference Title implications it seems to have year in and year out. BYU needs Utah to thrive, and without them I feel Provo will be even less of an “exciting” place to visit in the Fall.
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-Carlos Boozer: At Least He’s Not Terrell Owens
We all remember the circus that was Carlos Boozer last offseason. The tongue baths he gave every city/team whose radio monkeys would put him on the air was far less than appealing. He really made it easy to hate him. However, I just wanted to take a quick second and compare his mannerisms of last year to those he is portraying this year.
While last offseason Mr. Boozer could not even spell the word LOYALTY, this year is quite the opposite. In every interview he does he is quick to reference his desire to rejoin the Jazz, and calls them “his team” and uses grouping words such as “we, us, ours” when referring to both himself and the Jazz. AND THEY AREN’T EVEN HIS TEAM ANY MORE!!! He is politically correct, mature, and even loyal this time around when discussing his free agency plans. Everything a Jazz fan wanted from Carlos Boozer in the past, he is displaying currently.
Now, you may question whether or not he is being sincere or honest. That is more than fair, in my opinion. He’s never had the George Washington “I cannot tell a lie” persona. But let me say this: Remember how he left Cleveland high and dry to come to Utah? Well, so does Carlos Boozer. And so does his agent. They’re not idiots. They know that this offseason is the Year of the Prodigy, and Boozer is second-tier. So, he may be blowing smoke, but smoke is better than fire. Meaning, teams are more likely to sign him if he’s lovable. If their fan base can get behind him and fall in love with him, Carlos Boozer will provide his new team with profits.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Even if it’s cliché and cheesy, Boozer has in fact matured. He DOES know loyalty, and I may dare say he learned that when the Jazz refused to trade him last season. They remained LOYAL to the commitment they had made to Boozer. Also, last offseason Boozer was going through A LOT personally. His marriage was falling apart, and divorce looked imminent. But his personal life is now in order, and his marriage is “in a good place,”according to Carlos. While his actions and words may drip with insincerity, the way he is conducting himself THIS offseason is sure making it hard to have a case to still hate him.
-University of Utah Moving to the Pac-(TBD) Conference:
There’s been a lot of discussion and rumors regarding whether or not the Utes will be leaving the Mountain West Conference and joining the (currently named) Pac-10 Conference. There is a plethora of information to go through and analyze regarding this subject, but I’m just going to focus on the local implications such a move would have.
1. Recruiting: Right now, Utah is doing very well recruiting out of the Mountain West Conference. They currently only have two teams with whom they squabble over the top recruits coming to the conference-BYU and TCU. However, if they were to move to the Pacific Conference, they would have to recruit players away from the likes of USC, UCLA (both schools have a LOT more than great football to offer….like, say, beaches. Girls. Weather. The glitz and glammer of Hollywood.), Arizona State (notorious party school), and Oregon. Undoubtedly, by being a member of the Pacific Conference, the Utes would draw bigger talent than they currently do in the Mountain West, but they’d be taking only the players the “fun” schools (read: NOT in Salt Lake City) wouldn’t want. They’d be to the Pacific Conference what Colorado State currently is to the Mountain West.
2. While they’ll be able to “compete” in the Pac., they won’t necessary be a “winning” program. Certainly not the way they have been in the MWC. Meaning, the Utes will be trading games against Wyoming, New Mexico, SDSU, and UNLV for games against USC, UCLA, Oregon, Washington, and Stanford. While I don’t perceive the Utes as being terrible in the Pacific Conf., I certainly don’t see them consistently winning the 9 or 10 games they have been producing in the MWC.
THE BOTTOM LINE: In the Pacific Conference, the University of Utah will be able to compete, but they won’t be King of the Hill anymore. Expect 8-4, 9-3 seasons consistently. They will be the Utah Jazz of the Pac. Conf.-competitive, but not elite.
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-How U of U Move to the Pacific Conference Would Effect BYU:
If in fact the Utes left the MWC (and BYU stayed), it would have drastic effects on the Cougars and their program. Here are the pros and cons for BYU if such a move were to occur:
PROS:
1.With Utah gone, BYU would only have one other school who could legitimately contend with them recruiting-wise: TCU. And let’s face it, while TCU is a good team coming off a great year, how long can they really expect to ride the BCS wave they enjoyed recently? BYU has the history and facilities needed to draw in the big recruits. TCU does not. The Cougars will benefit talent-wise from a Utah defection.
2.BYU would be the “BIG TICKET” in the MWC, much like Boise State is in the WAC. It will be the “BYU and Others” Conference. Boise State has been the nation’s darling for a long time, mostly because they play well in a mediocre conference, and show up when ESPN and ABC are watching. With no Utah to worry about, BYU would OWN the MWC.
3.Without Utah to go against, the MWC Title will be BYU’s every year for a long time to come. Sure, TCU will be a force to reckon with for another year, maybe two, but after that I really don’t see the Horned Frogs consistently winning double digit games. What’s a MWC Title worth, you might ask? Well, with the likes of who will be left in the conference, I’m assuming an MWC Title will also mean an undefeated season, which equals BCS attention.
CONS:
1. BYU will still be stuck in a conference full of crappy competition. This will not only mean less respect/value for victories, it will also mean loss of big time money as no one wants to pay to see San Diego State (change out for any other school in MWC) lose by 50 in Provo, Utah on a cold October Saturday.
2. BYU will still be stuck with crappy Mtn televison coverage. Trust me, in this day and age, TV coverage is EVERYTHING in college football. Don’t believe me? Look at the SEC, or the Pac10, or the Big East, even. They ALL have contracts with big time TV stations: ESPN, ABC, Fox, etc. What does the MWC have to offer? A road-show-esque production, run by nobodies, featuring irrelevant has-beens for talent, and broadcast with old USSR equipment. Sure, it’s on national reaching frequencies, but no one is tuning into The Mtn to see New Mexico take on Wyoming when they can see USC vs. Notre Dame on NBC.
3. Finally, BYU will still need to go undefeated in order to get some BCS love, while Utah will be in an automatic BCS conference. While the Cougars will likely be favored in every matchup they have in the MWC, an off week leading to a surprise/fluke loss to a cellar-dweller will shut down the season, whereas Utah could lose to BYU every year and still have a chance to show up in a BCS bowl because of their conference’s automatic bid.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Utah leaving BYU behind in the MWC would be less than an ideal situation for the Cougars. While they will indeed be the top dog in the conference, BYU will have ZERO competition to deal with. The rivalry may still be active, maybe even with a more bitter edge to it (what BYU fan wouldn’t relish a victory over a Utah team that would take away a potential Pacific Conference top-seeding?), it won’t have the Conference Title implications it seems to have year in and year out. BYU needs Utah to thrive, and without them I feel Provo will be even less of an “exciting” place to visit in the Fall.
________________________________________________________________________
-Carlos Boozer: At Least He’s Not Terrell Owens
We all remember the circus that was Carlos Boozer last offseason. The tongue baths he gave every city/team whose radio monkeys would put him on the air was far less than appealing. He really made it easy to hate him. However, I just wanted to take a quick second and compare his mannerisms of last year to those he is portraying this year.
While last offseason Mr. Boozer could not even spell the word LOYALTY, this year is quite the opposite. In every interview he does he is quick to reference his desire to rejoin the Jazz, and calls them “his team” and uses grouping words such as “we, us, ours” when referring to both himself and the Jazz. AND THEY AREN’T EVEN HIS TEAM ANY MORE!!! He is politically correct, mature, and even loyal this time around when discussing his free agency plans. Everything a Jazz fan wanted from Carlos Boozer in the past, he is displaying currently.
Now, you may question whether or not he is being sincere or honest. That is more than fair, in my opinion. He’s never had the George Washington “I cannot tell a lie” persona. But let me say this: Remember how he left Cleveland high and dry to come to Utah? Well, so does Carlos Boozer. And so does his agent. They’re not idiots. They know that this offseason is the Year of the Prodigy, and Boozer is second-tier. So, he may be blowing smoke, but smoke is better than fire. Meaning, teams are more likely to sign him if he’s lovable. If their fan base can get behind him and fall in love with him, Carlos Boozer will provide his new team with profits.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Even if it’s cliché and cheesy, Boozer has in fact matured. He DOES know loyalty, and I may dare say he learned that when the Jazz refused to trade him last season. They remained LOYAL to the commitment they had made to Boozer. Also, last offseason Boozer was going through A LOT personally. His marriage was falling apart, and divorce looked imminent. But his personal life is now in order, and his marriage is “in a good place,”according to Carlos. While his actions and words may drip with insincerity, the way he is conducting himself THIS offseason is sure making it hard to have a case to still hate him.
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