Even though I'm not quite ready to jump on the Boston Celtics bandwagon after the Kevin Garnett trade, I would like to make sure there's a spot for me there next March. While I'm not yet sure this team is championship material, they have become the most interesting storyline going into next season.
The threesome of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen is as good as any in the NBA, but the Celtics will need an unproven group of players to quickly become role players if they are going to contend for a title.
After Tuesday's trade the Celtics only have 11 players under contract for 2007, three of which are rookies (Glen Davis, Gabe Pruitt and the undrafted Brandon Wallace). If the season started tomorrow their All-Star trio would be joined by Rajon Rondo (6.4 points, 3.8 assists per game in 2006-07) and Kendrick Perkins (4.5 points, 5.2 rebounds per game in 06-07) in the starting lineup. Their most experienced backup would be Brian Scalabrine, who averaged 4.0 points per game last year.
Maybe Danny Ainge did his job already, maybe this team is just suppossed to be more interesting than they have been for past 15 years. But for the Celtics to join echelon of elite NBA teams, they may need to do better than Rondo and Perkins.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Top 5 Ways the AFL can Improve Themselves
Earlier this week, I wrote about the Arena Bowl, and my disappointment in it. You may have gathered that I think there is a lot the league can do to improve itself. Some of these thigns are game-related. Some have to do with presentation. Here are five of the biggest ways the AFL can make themselves better.
1. More games nationally televised - This is an easy one. The NFL Network lost NFL Europa and in my opinion should be desperate to get some more original programming on the air, particularly in the NFL off-season. At least NBATV shows some NBDL, FIBA, and WNBA games. With the good will built between the two leagues anyway, I don’t see why the NFL Network can’t begin airing a Friday and/or weekend game. I think this would help both leagues out, and give more fans a chance to see what the Arena league is all about.
2. Better officiating - I can’t tell you how many times I watched an AFL game and saw a bad call made. These guys might actually be worse than NBA referees, although I’m not sure if it’s incompetence or lack of attention to detail. Whatever the reason, the AFL must do something so that the teams win the games, not the officials.
3. Acknowledge the past - If you watched any of ESPN’s broadcast, you would have had a hard time figuring out that this league has been around for just over two decades. And while ESPN Classic has shown a few classic games, I think the AFL should talk about the great legacy left by some of its best, be it on their website or during game broadcasts. By acknowledging the impact of former AFL alumni like Kurt Warner and Rashied Davis on the NFL, they will only make the AFL look better.
4. Focus on the other players more - This is also an easy one. A lot of time is paid to talking about how important the quarterbacks are to this league. And most of the time, those are the guys being interviewed on ESPN after touchdowns – Damien Harrell and Bobby Sippio are probably the lone exceptions. I’d like to see interviews with the defensive backs talking about having short memories after touchdowns. I want to hear linemen discuss how protections change and how a faster pace affects them. How ‘bout the fullback and what his role is with the offense? I would even talk to the kickers, because their role is a lot tougher. The crossbar coming off the ground is higher and the width of the goalposts is significantly smaller as well. Finally, this leads to…
5. More coverage of the AFL by the broadcast partners - I understand that the AFL is nowhere near the popularity of the NFL and is way short of MLB, the NBA, NASCAR, and probably the PGA, too. The least I ask for is pre- and post-game shows. A lot of these interviews with current players can take place here. People can also find out what’s going on around the league and see some highlights instead of having to flip over to ESPNews, who might not even show a lot of what went on. I need pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows completely devoted to the AFL; not a Sportscenter halftime show which spends most of the time discussing other sporting events that we could find out about elsewhere.
I’m not quite sure what the impact of these changes would be on the AFL; I don't know if it would increase the fanbase or not. But I certainly think it could give the league a more professional look and a fighting chance to gain some credibility in a crowded sporting world.
1. More games nationally televised - This is an easy one. The NFL Network lost NFL Europa and in my opinion should be desperate to get some more original programming on the air, particularly in the NFL off-season. At least NBATV shows some NBDL, FIBA, and WNBA games. With the good will built between the two leagues anyway, I don’t see why the NFL Network can’t begin airing a Friday and/or weekend game. I think this would help both leagues out, and give more fans a chance to see what the Arena league is all about.
2. Better officiating - I can’t tell you how many times I watched an AFL game and saw a bad call made. These guys might actually be worse than NBA referees, although I’m not sure if it’s incompetence or lack of attention to detail. Whatever the reason, the AFL must do something so that the teams win the games, not the officials.
3. Acknowledge the past - If you watched any of ESPN’s broadcast, you would have had a hard time figuring out that this league has been around for just over two decades. And while ESPN Classic has shown a few classic games, I think the AFL should talk about the great legacy left by some of its best, be it on their website or during game broadcasts. By acknowledging the impact of former AFL alumni like Kurt Warner and Rashied Davis on the NFL, they will only make the AFL look better.
4. Focus on the other players more - This is also an easy one. A lot of time is paid to talking about how important the quarterbacks are to this league. And most of the time, those are the guys being interviewed on ESPN after touchdowns – Damien Harrell and Bobby Sippio are probably the lone exceptions. I’d like to see interviews with the defensive backs talking about having short memories after touchdowns. I want to hear linemen discuss how protections change and how a faster pace affects them. How ‘bout the fullback and what his role is with the offense? I would even talk to the kickers, because their role is a lot tougher. The crossbar coming off the ground is higher and the width of the goalposts is significantly smaller as well. Finally, this leads to…
5. More coverage of the AFL by the broadcast partners - I understand that the AFL is nowhere near the popularity of the NFL and is way short of MLB, the NBA, NASCAR, and probably the PGA, too. The least I ask for is pre- and post-game shows. A lot of these interviews with current players can take place here. People can also find out what’s going on around the league and see some highlights instead of having to flip over to ESPNews, who might not even show a lot of what went on. I need pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows completely devoted to the AFL; not a Sportscenter halftime show which spends most of the time discussing other sporting events that we could find out about elsewhere.
I’m not quite sure what the impact of these changes would be on the AFL; I don't know if it would increase the fanbase or not. But I certainly think it could give the league a more professional look and a fighting chance to gain some credibility in a crowded sporting world.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Great Soccer: Not Playing in a Stadium Near You
David Beckham is officially a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy. He’s also the newest and most respected spokesman for Major League Soccer, the American equivalent of the world’s game. There’s just one problem — he’s no longer relevant enough for anyone outside of the already endangered-species-like community of futbol enthusiasts to care, making the potential $250 million deal perhaps the worst investment ever.
It’s not uncommon for a fledgling league to pursue a national or international star to bolster its appeal or notoriety among avid sports enthusiasts. The American Football League sought the highly touted Herschel Walker to affirm its presence, while sports like NASCAR and Major League Baseball have turned to established international prospects to substantiate their position as the most dominant leagues within their respective sports. However, the MLS has not only failed to pluck the most notable and respected international futbol player, they’ve chosen the one who has been criticized as “Americanizing” the game too much already, and having corrupted the fundamental integrity and traditional fiber of the sport Pele made famous.
The 32-year-old Beckham struggled to make his native country’s (England) World Cup team during the most recent tournament in 2006, fails to rank in the top five of most experts’ rankings of his position, and was even rumored to be a tough sell to make a top ten list by most analysts.
International players such as Brazil’s attacker Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, or Madrid’s striker, Raul Gonzalez Blanco possess the talent level and skill set to create a buzz among futbol’s fanatics, but the MLS and the L.A. Galaxy declined to pursue substance and quality, instead going for glitz and glamor in Beckham – an individual that has yet to score 20 career goals.
Why’d they do it?
Perhaps the answer resides in the national media craze Beckham created with his announcement and arrival on American shores as the “savior” of soccer.
Perhaps it’s the A-list celebrities like Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith or Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes that graced the red carpet at Beckham’s welcoming party; making it resemble a typical silver-screen blockbuster premiere.
Perhaps the MLS realized that the star power of Beckham – as well as his wife Victoria, the former international pop-star member of the Spice Girls – offers an appeal and enticement to a demographic that isn’t necessarily concerned with the on-field abilities of the English midfielder, but the exact opposite. Whatever the reason for the contract that dwarfs those given to both Alex Rodriguez and Kevin Garnett for their record-breaking deals, the MLS, L.A. Galaxy and especially Beckham have a responsibility to their waiting and dwindling fan base. That responsibility is a quality product; and unfortunately that movie isn’t coming to a theater or stadium near them anytime soon, thanks to Beckham being the leading man rather than a more qualified talent.
It’s not uncommon for a fledgling league to pursue a national or international star to bolster its appeal or notoriety among avid sports enthusiasts. The American Football League sought the highly touted Herschel Walker to affirm its presence, while sports like NASCAR and Major League Baseball have turned to established international prospects to substantiate their position as the most dominant leagues within their respective sports. However, the MLS has not only failed to pluck the most notable and respected international futbol player, they’ve chosen the one who has been criticized as “Americanizing” the game too much already, and having corrupted the fundamental integrity and traditional fiber of the sport Pele made famous.
The 32-year-old Beckham struggled to make his native country’s (England) World Cup team during the most recent tournament in 2006, fails to rank in the top five of most experts’ rankings of his position, and was even rumored to be a tough sell to make a top ten list by most analysts.
International players such as Brazil’s attacker Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, or Madrid’s striker, Raul Gonzalez Blanco possess the talent level and skill set to create a buzz among futbol’s fanatics, but the MLS and the L.A. Galaxy declined to pursue substance and quality, instead going for glitz and glamor in Beckham – an individual that has yet to score 20 career goals.
Why’d they do it?
Perhaps the answer resides in the national media craze Beckham created with his announcement and arrival on American shores as the “savior” of soccer.
Perhaps it’s the A-list celebrities like Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith or Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes that graced the red carpet at Beckham’s welcoming party; making it resemble a typical silver-screen blockbuster premiere.
Perhaps the MLS realized that the star power of Beckham – as well as his wife Victoria, the former international pop-star member of the Spice Girls – offers an appeal and enticement to a demographic that isn’t necessarily concerned with the on-field abilities of the English midfielder, but the exact opposite. Whatever the reason for the contract that dwarfs those given to both Alex Rodriguez and Kevin Garnett for their record-breaking deals, the MLS, L.A. Galaxy and especially Beckham have a responsibility to their waiting and dwindling fan base. That responsibility is a quality product; and unfortunately that movie isn’t coming to a theater or stadium near them anytime soon, thanks to Beckham being the leading man rather than a more qualified talent.
Juiced - The Sad Story of a Bruised Ego
They say Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I suppose it's possible that before a creepy-big regimen of steroids, Jose Canseco was a woman. I think it's more likely he's just scorned, in which case perhaps we should rewrite the old adage - Hell hath no fury like a steroid-abusing megalomaniac scorned.
Imagine the consternation - you were the self-perceived pioneer of steroids in baseball. You helped the man who saved baseball juice up to his full potential; you saw he and others who followed in your wake celebrated and honored as you are vilified and (ultimately) laughed/unceremoniously shoved out of the game. So you publish a book and call them all out.
Great - the focus is back on you, with your giant ego and your nasty, sewer-rat stink. But then Congress (yeah, the US Congress - who would believe it?!) gets involved. They investigate - hey! some of that crap you spewed was true - they interrogate and are lied to, ignored and disrespected ("I have never used steroids. Period!" said Rafael Palmeiro as he hastily pocketed the needle sticking out of his ass; "No hablo inglés," said Sammy Sosa). Barry Bonds is suddenly on the doorstep of 755 and - surprise, surprise - everyone ignores you again.
Why be shocked? If they can ignore the first man to go 40-40, an MVP, why not a pumped-up, whistle-blowing, self-serving steroid advocate? But you were shocked; are shocked. And you needed a way to get some attention back. Don't they know you told the truth in your book? (in some parts, anyway) Don't they respect the fact that you were the only one to come "clean" about baseball's dirt?
No - because we know you did it for yourself. Not to clean up the game, not to tell the youth of America about the dangers of drug abuse - if that was the goal, why tell us steroids are good for you if used appropriately? It was a money-making ploy, and attention-getting play, and even if you told the truth we saw you for what you are.
And now, you want us to believe you have "stuff" on A-Rod - but you want us to wait for your new book to come out to find out precisely what this "stuff" is. Is it steroids? "Wait and see." And you want us to like you; you want us to believe you...
If you didn't pick up on this yet, Reader X, I'm not convinced on this one. If it is steroids, why not hint that? Hell, why not say that - it's bound to increase book sales. So I wouldn't really believe it, but here's the problem... Everyone's so scared of crossing themselves up by defending a cheater that even A-Rod's teammates and manager won't really say anything to defend him directly:
Sure don't sound like denials or defenses. Sounds like a couple of guys hedging their bets. A-Rod himself had nothing to say, which is probably the best approach - don't dignify it with a response; if it's true you're a liar, if it's not there's no reason to engage.
But that's what Jose has really done - destroyed everyone's faith in baseball. From fans to owners to coaches to players, nobody wants to assume that anyone is clean. And that - not Bonds, not Canseco, not Selig - is where baseball's true problem lies. It's going to take an awful lot of work to earn that trust back - not just the trust of an outside group of fans, but trust within the great big locker room that is Major League Baseball.
How's that investigation going, George Mitchell?
Imagine the consternation - you were the self-perceived pioneer of steroids in baseball. You helped the man who saved baseball juice up to his full potential; you saw he and others who followed in your wake celebrated and honored as you are vilified and (ultimately) laughed/unceremoniously shoved out of the game. So you publish a book and call them all out.
Great - the focus is back on you, with your giant ego and your nasty, sewer-rat stink. But then Congress (yeah, the US Congress - who would believe it?!) gets involved. They investigate - hey! some of that crap you spewed was true - they interrogate and are lied to, ignored and disrespected ("I have never used steroids. Period!" said Rafael Palmeiro as he hastily pocketed the needle sticking out of his ass; "No hablo inglés," said Sammy Sosa). Barry Bonds is suddenly on the doorstep of 755 and - surprise, surprise - everyone ignores you again.
Why be shocked? If they can ignore the first man to go 40-40, an MVP, why not a pumped-up, whistle-blowing, self-serving steroid advocate? But you were shocked; are shocked. And you needed a way to get some attention back. Don't they know you told the truth in your book? (in some parts, anyway) Don't they respect the fact that you were the only one to come "clean" about baseball's dirt?
No - because we know you did it for yourself. Not to clean up the game, not to tell the youth of America about the dangers of drug abuse - if that was the goal, why tell us steroids are good for you if used appropriately? It was a money-making ploy, and attention-getting play, and even if you told the truth we saw you for what you are.
And now, you want us to believe you have "stuff" on A-Rod - but you want us to wait for your new book to come out to find out precisely what this "stuff" is. Is it steroids? "Wait and see." And you want us to like you; you want us to believe you...
If you didn't pick up on this yet, Reader X, I'm not convinced on this one. If it is steroids, why not hint that? Hell, why not say that - it's bound to increase book sales. So I wouldn't really believe it, but here's the problem... Everyone's so scared of crossing themselves up by defending a cheater that even A-Rod's teammates and manager won't really say anything to defend him directly:
"I just hope he thinks about not ruining someone's life, marriage, or whatever he plans on doing," Damon said. "If that's what Jose Canseco wants to be remembered for, so be it.
"To me, Alex is a great teammate who will always respect the game, play the game right and work hard. He loves the game, so hopefully nothing that can ruin a family or something comes out. ... Hopefully (Canseco will) think twice about it."
Sure don't sound like denials or defenses. Sounds like a couple of guys hedging their bets. A-Rod himself had nothing to say, which is probably the best approach - don't dignify it with a response; if it's true you're a liar, if it's not there's no reason to engage.
But that's what Jose has really done - destroyed everyone's faith in baseball. From fans to owners to coaches to players, nobody wants to assume that anyone is clean. And that - not Bonds, not Canseco, not Selig - is where baseball's true problem lies. It's going to take an awful lot of work to earn that trust back - not just the trust of an outside group of fans, but trust within the great big locker room that is Major League Baseball.
How's that investigation going, George Mitchell?
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Arena Bowl Doesn't Measure Up
As an AFL fan, I was looking forward to the game even if the Chicago Rush weren't involved. I expected an exciting game between the San Jose SaberCats and Columbus Destroyers that would make up for the poor coverage ABC would clearly deliver.
Unfortunately, the only thing I got right was how bad ABC's coverage was. We'll get into that shortly. But first, Columbus clearly was not in San Jose's league today. It was clear from the first quarter that San Jose would win this game. Mark Grieb, the quarterback of the SaberCats who would go on to win M.V.P, picked apart the Destroyers' defense all game long. The defense may have collectively deserved the M.V.P even more. If you want to see good defensive back play, look no farther than the Cats. They hounded the Destroyers' wideouts all game long.
And quarterback Matt Nagy losing his composure in the second quarter – when the game was still close – did not help Columbus either.
The big story here is that San Jose has established a mini-dynasty in the AFL: three Arena Bowls in six years. While they aren't the sexiest city or the media haven of a New York, they are a quality franchise; and with Coach Darren Arbet leading the team to the future, there's no reason to think they won't win another one.
The coverage of the game itself was quite atrocious. There were a great deal of technical problems with the microphones. Also, if you're going to have the players mic'd up, then either let everything go or dump the mics. Moments of silence because a player or coach swears is extremely distracting. There were also replays that were cut short by the start of the action. Skycam was not used near enough on replays. The "player tracker" lines were essentially useless, because we can all see where the players are going and didn't need to see lines showing that.
Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic do a pretty good radio show, but they call a horrible game. They seemed way too concerned about explaining the rules of the AFL, something that I don't need to know because I watch games every week. This is a league that's been around for 21 years and has had national coverage for most of that time. I'm sure people have at least a decent understanding of how the game is played, and instead of hearing about the rules, I want to know what is going on in the game itself. If people are sampling the game, then let them figure the rules out for themselves. Also, they can go to wikipedia, arenafootball.com, or arenafan.com to get the rules if they're that curious. No other network spends that much time explaining the rules of a sport. ESPN should stop treating fans like morons and just show the games.
Overall, this season has been a frustrating one. ESPN did a terrible job covering the league this season as games were buried in poor time slots. Not to mention only having one national game per week. They had no decent pre or post-game coverage to give fans a taste of what's going on in the league on a consistent basis. The four letter network can spend hours and hours debating "Who's Now?" or "Who's being arrested?" but they can't spend more than five minutes on a decently run league with a fans' bill of rights and games that are usually very exciting.
It's too bad Arena Bowl XXI couldn't show what this league can be all about.
Unfortunately, the only thing I got right was how bad ABC's coverage was. We'll get into that shortly. But first, Columbus clearly was not in San Jose's league today. It was clear from the first quarter that San Jose would win this game. Mark Grieb, the quarterback of the SaberCats who would go on to win M.V.P, picked apart the Destroyers' defense all game long. The defense may have collectively deserved the M.V.P even more. If you want to see good defensive back play, look no farther than the Cats. They hounded the Destroyers' wideouts all game long.
And quarterback Matt Nagy losing his composure in the second quarter – when the game was still close – did not help Columbus either.
The big story here is that San Jose has established a mini-dynasty in the AFL: three Arena Bowls in six years. While they aren't the sexiest city or the media haven of a New York, they are a quality franchise; and with Coach Darren Arbet leading the team to the future, there's no reason to think they won't win another one.
The coverage of the game itself was quite atrocious. There were a great deal of technical problems with the microphones. Also, if you're going to have the players mic'd up, then either let everything go or dump the mics. Moments of silence because a player or coach swears is extremely distracting. There were also replays that were cut short by the start of the action. Skycam was not used near enough on replays. The "player tracker" lines were essentially useless, because we can all see where the players are going and didn't need to see lines showing that.
Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic do a pretty good radio show, but they call a horrible game. They seemed way too concerned about explaining the rules of the AFL, something that I don't need to know because I watch games every week. This is a league that's been around for 21 years and has had national coverage for most of that time. I'm sure people have at least a decent understanding of how the game is played, and instead of hearing about the rules, I want to know what is going on in the game itself. If people are sampling the game, then let them figure the rules out for themselves. Also, they can go to wikipedia, arenafootball.com, or arenafan.com to get the rules if they're that curious. No other network spends that much time explaining the rules of a sport. ESPN should stop treating fans like morons and just show the games.
Overall, this season has been a frustrating one. ESPN did a terrible job covering the league this season as games were buried in poor time slots. Not to mention only having one national game per week. They had no decent pre or post-game coverage to give fans a taste of what's going on in the league on a consistent basis. The four letter network can spend hours and hours debating "Who's Now?" or "Who's being arrested?" but they can't spend more than five minutes on a decently run league with a fans' bill of rights and games that are usually very exciting.
It's too bad Arena Bowl XXI couldn't show what this league can be all about.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Briggs saga shows a unique side of sports
I'm glad Lance Briggs is going to play for the Bears this season. Looking back now, I feel silly for ever doubting he would accept the Bears franchise offer of $7.2 million. Maybe it was when he said, "I'll do everything that's within my power to not be with this organization." Or maybe it was when he said, "I am now prepared to sit out the year if the Bears don't trade me or release me, I've played my last snap for them. I'll never play another down for Chicago again." Really, how could I think he wouldn't play in Chicago this season?
I usually try to avoid comparing an athletes job with a more conventional job, but I can't help it on this one. At almost any job if you said these things, you would be told where the door is and given a map showing the quickest route to said door. Of course, Lance Briggs doesn't have just any job.
I think more than anything this shows that when it comes down to it, sports is nothing more than a business. With the contracts the Bears have given Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher as well as Tommie Harris due for a raise sometime soon, there's no way this team is going to keep Briggs beyond 2007. Hopefully $7.2 million is enough compensation for Briggs not to feel too awkward about this mess. Excuse me while I go tell my job I'll do everything in my power not to be with them.
I usually try to avoid comparing an athletes job with a more conventional job, but I can't help it on this one. At almost any job if you said these things, you would be told where the door is and given a map showing the quickest route to said door. Of course, Lance Briggs doesn't have just any job.
I think more than anything this shows that when it comes down to it, sports is nothing more than a business. With the contracts the Bears have given Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher as well as Tommie Harris due for a raise sometime soon, there's no way this team is going to keep Briggs beyond 2007. Hopefully $7.2 million is enough compensation for Briggs not to feel too awkward about this mess. Excuse me while I go tell my job I'll do everything in my power not to be with them.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The three little commissioners and the big bad controversy
The month of July is usually reserved for meaningless trade deadline talk in baseball and the arrival of training camp in football. This year, that is not the case – there is enough action in each of the three major sports to keep us busy well into each sport's respective season. There is a wide of array of controversies that range from dog fighting, gambling and a commissioner that until recently has not been able to simply make up his mind. It seems that daily there is another black eye besmirching sports that makes us wonder why we are even sports fans to begin with. The three commissioners in question are Roger Goodell, David Stern and Bud Selig, and they all have unique situations to deal with. The three respective "leaders" in each sport also have their own ways of dealing with and doling out the proper judgment.
The Barry Bonds home run train is currently back home in San Francisco, and so is Bud Selig. The major question surrounding the chase for the all-time home run record has been whether the commissioner would even be in attendance when Barry Bonds broke Henry Aaron's record of 755 homers. The indecisive Selig may still get a reprieve from having to photo-op with Bonds if the latter is able to finish the chase while the commissioner is in Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame festivities this weekend. If that does not happen and the always nervous looking Selig is forced to face his maker and congratulate the new home run king, then that will make for interesting television at the very least. This saga is far from over; but, it is just another black eye on a commissioner that has let baseball down again and again.
While Bud Selig merely faces a P.R. nightmare, David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, has to take on a problem that had bedeviled sports for as long as I can remember. Gambling, and its inevitable trappings. When the news came out that referee Tim Donaghy had allegedly helped fix games in an attempt to clear gambling debts with the mafia. The news did not surprise many - there has always been a cloud of suspicion over the NBA because of television ratings, star treatment and highly questionable calls by past referees that have raised an eyebrow or two. Is there anything that David Stern can do? The answer will satisfy few. There is really very little he can do; Stern cannot go back in time and correct the situation before, say, Game Three of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. It is unlikely we will ever know the extent to which Tim Donaghy fixed or manipulated games. The NBA will have to earn their already shaky trust back one game at a time.
The problem that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has is to determine whether he has the power to suspend a player that has no criminal record, and have it stick without a fight. Although it may the easiest of the three controversies, because dog fighting and the cruel acts of torture that Vick and co-defendants are accused of is completely indefensible. It will be easier to force a season-long suspension on Vick with little public outcry. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the players union will not stand in the commissioner's way, and will likely go hand in hand with the league down the road to justice.
Sports used to be a way out of our daily grind. A chance to forget our problems and take two or three hours with our friends and family to just not worry about anything other than making sure our team won. It is obvious that the current major-sport commissioners have very different problems and very different ways of dealing them. I think Roger Goodell's brick house will stand the test of time – he has shown the fortitude to do what is right; to make sure that his game is as clean as he can keep it. David Stern's stick house might be about to get blown over by a controversy that few can survive. The issue of gambling is the most deadly in sports, and can damage a fan's trust in that sport forever. Not to be forgotten, Bud Selig's house of straw is already lying in a heap on the ground. This players union patsy has never shown the courage to do what is best for the game of baseball. There is a reason that the NFL is king in the sports world.
The Barry Bonds home run train is currently back home in San Francisco, and so is Bud Selig. The major question surrounding the chase for the all-time home run record has been whether the commissioner would even be in attendance when Barry Bonds broke Henry Aaron's record of 755 homers. The indecisive Selig may still get a reprieve from having to photo-op with Bonds if the latter is able to finish the chase while the commissioner is in Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame festivities this weekend. If that does not happen and the always nervous looking Selig is forced to face his maker and congratulate the new home run king, then that will make for interesting television at the very least. This saga is far from over; but, it is just another black eye on a commissioner that has let baseball down again and again.
While Bud Selig merely faces a P.R. nightmare, David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, has to take on a problem that had bedeviled sports for as long as I can remember. Gambling, and its inevitable trappings. When the news came out that referee Tim Donaghy had allegedly helped fix games in an attempt to clear gambling debts with the mafia. The news did not surprise many - there has always been a cloud of suspicion over the NBA because of television ratings, star treatment and highly questionable calls by past referees that have raised an eyebrow or two. Is there anything that David Stern can do? The answer will satisfy few. There is really very little he can do; Stern cannot go back in time and correct the situation before, say, Game Three of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. It is unlikely we will ever know the extent to which Tim Donaghy fixed or manipulated games. The NBA will have to earn their already shaky trust back one game at a time.
The problem that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has is to determine whether he has the power to suspend a player that has no criminal record, and have it stick without a fight. Although it may the easiest of the three controversies, because dog fighting and the cruel acts of torture that Vick and co-defendants are accused of is completely indefensible. It will be easier to force a season-long suspension on Vick with little public outcry. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the players union will not stand in the commissioner's way, and will likely go hand in hand with the league down the road to justice.
Sports used to be a way out of our daily grind. A chance to forget our problems and take two or three hours with our friends and family to just not worry about anything other than making sure our team won. It is obvious that the current major-sport commissioners have very different problems and very different ways of dealing them. I think Roger Goodell's brick house will stand the test of time – he has shown the fortitude to do what is right; to make sure that his game is as clean as he can keep it. David Stern's stick house might be about to get blown over by a controversy that few can survive. The issue of gambling is the most deadly in sports, and can damage a fan's trust in that sport forever. Not to be forgotten, Bud Selig's house of straw is already lying in a heap on the ground. This players union patsy has never shown the courage to do what is best for the game of baseball. There is a reason that the NFL is king in the sports world.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I'll bet $20 on a new NBA gambling policy
Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't buy this Tim Donaghy scandal as that big of a deal. Of course I don't think officials should be betting on NBA games that they participate in, but at the same time I've come to accept that gambling is part of professional sports. Just like I've come to accept that many of my favorite athletes probably used steroids and that Covell Crisp changed his name to Coco to get ladies.
It's not that the whole thing doesn't bother me, but I was much more outraged by having to watch the Spurs and Cavs in the NBA finals. Stern will announce some new policy in the next couple of weeks and we won't hear about gambling in the NBA for a while, but it will still be there. It will ALWAYS be there. Hopefully the NBA will spend just as much time on things that can be fixed, like competitive balance and playoff reseeding.
It's not that the whole thing doesn't bother me, but I was much more outraged by having to watch the Spurs and Cavs in the NBA finals. Stern will announce some new policy in the next couple of weeks and we won't hear about gambling in the NBA for a while, but it will still be there. It will ALWAYS be there. Hopefully the NBA will spend just as much time on things that can be fixed, like competitive balance and playoff reseeding.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Changing Jobs
By Andrea Beaver
Let me ask you all a question. If you were unhappy with your job what would you do? We've all been there at least once in our lives. The last time I was unhappy in a job I started looking for a new one, interviewed and ultimately found something new that made me happier. It happens every day all over the world.
So what's the big deal about Dale Earnhardt Jr. finding a new team to race for in 2008? All kinds of people kept saying that he didn't have the "tools" to win a championship. Even Dale Jr. said he didn't have the equipment to win races and championships. So what did he do?
He went looking for a new team to race for, interviewed and found a new place to race where he felt he would not only have the tools to win races and championships but where he would be happy.
So why are so many people so divided about Dale Jr. doing something that millions of us do every couple of years on an average?
There are the obvious reasons. He's the four-time most popular driver in NASCAR. He is driving (at least until the end of the '07 season) for the team his father founded and that ultimately bares his name as well.
Let's face it; some hard core die hard fans feel it's a betrayal for Jr. to leave his father's team. If your name is on it you should race for the team for your entire life. It's sacrilege to race for any other team. And to go to the "enemy" and race for Hendrick Motorsports is beyond comprehension.
Change. There are many of us who hate to make or see change. All is right with the world for many with Dale Jr. in the Number 8 DEI red Budweiser car. Anything else is just not acceptable.
But let me ask you a question. Would you stay at a job where you saw no chance for advancement or success? I know some people are happy where they are. But many of us would go on to find something that at very least would make us happy. That is exactly what Dale Earnhardt Jr. has done.
Junior didn't feel like he had the equipment or opportunity to win more races and that elusive first championship at DEI. He wasn't completely happy. So he talked to teams, essentially interviewed, and found a new team to race for in 2008. A team that he apparently felt that he could not only win races with but championships with. A job that would make him happy. How could anyone deny anyone, even Dale Earnhardt Jr., the chance to be happy with his job?
Let me ask you all a question. If you were unhappy with your job what would you do? We've all been there at least once in our lives. The last time I was unhappy in a job I started looking for a new one, interviewed and ultimately found something new that made me happier. It happens every day all over the world.
So what's the big deal about Dale Earnhardt Jr. finding a new team to race for in 2008? All kinds of people kept saying that he didn't have the "tools" to win a championship. Even Dale Jr. said he didn't have the equipment to win races and championships. So what did he do?
He went looking for a new team to race for, interviewed and found a new place to race where he felt he would not only have the tools to win races and championships but where he would be happy.
So why are so many people so divided about Dale Jr. doing something that millions of us do every couple of years on an average?
There are the obvious reasons. He's the four-time most popular driver in NASCAR. He is driving (at least until the end of the '07 season) for the team his father founded and that ultimately bares his name as well.
Let's face it; some hard core die hard fans feel it's a betrayal for Jr. to leave his father's team. If your name is on it you should race for the team for your entire life. It's sacrilege to race for any other team. And to go to the "enemy" and race for Hendrick Motorsports is beyond comprehension.
Change. There are many of us who hate to make or see change. All is right with the world for many with Dale Jr. in the Number 8 DEI red Budweiser car. Anything else is just not acceptable.
But let me ask you a question. Would you stay at a job where you saw no chance for advancement or success? I know some people are happy where they are. But many of us would go on to find something that at very least would make us happy. That is exactly what Dale Earnhardt Jr. has done.
Junior didn't feel like he had the equipment or opportunity to win more races and that elusive first championship at DEI. He wasn't completely happy. So he talked to teams, essentially interviewed, and found a new team to race for in 2008. A team that he apparently felt that he could not only win races with but championships with. A job that would make him happy. How could anyone deny anyone, even Dale Earnhardt Jr., the chance to be happy with his job?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Only $599,900,000 to go
Weird things happen when your team hasn't won a World Series in almost a century. Things like letsbuythecubbies.com, a new website that is giving Cubs fans a chance to purchase the team at the end of the season. You can go to the site and make a non-obligated pledge of as much as 100 shares at $200 a share for a chance to own a piece of your favorite team.
As of this writing the website has accumulated $100,000 of pledges, well short of the $600 million or so the team is likely to sell for. That means that at this point the website has about as good a chance of owning the team as a third party candidate does in the presidential election, or about the same chance of the Cubs actually winning a World Series.
And while the idea is not without charm, there are problems. If the fans own the team, then who will they blame when the team inevitably underachieves? Oh yeah, and will Pabst be sponsoring all ownership meetings?
As of this writing the website has accumulated $100,000 of pledges, well short of the $600 million or so the team is likely to sell for. That means that at this point the website has about as good a chance of owning the team as a third party candidate does in the presidential election, or about the same chance of the Cubs actually winning a World Series.
And while the idea is not without charm, there are problems. If the fans own the team, then who will they blame when the team inevitably underachieves? Oh yeah, and will Pabst be sponsoring all ownership meetings?
Are you a believer?
Are you one of those Cub fans that are wearing the wristbands that say "It's gonna happen"? I didn't even know those type of things were around, this early at least, until I saw a Cub fan decked out in a local bar with this around his arm.
I am hesitant to jump on the Cub playoff – dare I say World Series? – bandwagon, too. Being a life long Cub fan I have learned to be weary, and to question whether my team actually has a shot to do the unthinkable. The unthinkable, you ask... yes, bring a World Series title to the Northside. Yeah, it was nice when our rivals to the south won theirs in 2005; but, c'mon... the celebration that would take place in this city for a Cubs championship would rival that of the 1985 Bears.
The Chicago Cubs continue to amaze with the different ways they find to win a game. The daily line-up changes that manager Lou Piniella has had to endure due to suspension and injury; the bullpen, which has gone from a major weakness in April to a strength thanks to the emergence of Carlos Marmol. If someone would have have told me during the beginning of the season that the Chicago Cubs would be in this position – only two and a half games out of first place, and seriously contending – I would not have believed them; but now, you can call me a believer and the next three months will be electric on the Northside.
I am hesitant to jump on the Cub playoff – dare I say World Series? – bandwagon, too. Being a life long Cub fan I have learned to be weary, and to question whether my team actually has a shot to do the unthinkable. The unthinkable, you ask... yes, bring a World Series title to the Northside. Yeah, it was nice when our rivals to the south won theirs in 2005; but, c'mon... the celebration that would take place in this city for a Cubs championship would rival that of the 1985 Bears.
The Chicago Cubs continue to amaze with the different ways they find to win a game. The daily line-up changes that manager Lou Piniella has had to endure due to suspension and injury; the bullpen, which has gone from a major weakness in April to a strength thanks to the emergence of Carlos Marmol. If someone would have have told me during the beginning of the season that the Chicago Cubs would be in this position – only two and a half games out of first place, and seriously contending – I would not have believed them; but now, you can call me a believer and the next three months will be electric on the Northside.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Should Mike Vick be suspended?
Absolutely... Positively... NO!!!! Have we all forgotten that an individual is innocent until proven guilty? Despite the water bottle incident, Mike Vick has had no real transgressions off the field that would rival anything near the likes of a Pacman Jones, a Chris Henry or a Tank Johnson. If Roger Goodell wants to suspend the quarterback, then the players union must step up and show a backbone that has been previously missing.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Bloggin' with the Chicago Sports Review
What is a blog of a review? Well, that's an interesting question, my curious friend.
Since our main page is already a home for opinionated pieces on virtually anything in sports, clearly this blog is not here to be that. Instead, the hope is to let our writers or contributors address minutia - respond to games, nitpick about things, and generally engage the blogosphere in an ongoing discussion about sports (Chicago-based or otherwise.) We hope you enjoy it, and we hope you comment on it.
And that's it... no more rules. At least, I'll hold off on establishing any further rules until somebody breaks one.
Thanks for popping by, and keep your ear to the grindstone... or something...
Since our main page is already a home for opinionated pieces on virtually anything in sports, clearly this blog is not here to be that. Instead, the hope is to let our writers or contributors address minutia - respond to games, nitpick about things, and generally engage the blogosphere in an ongoing discussion about sports (Chicago-based or otherwise.) We hope you enjoy it, and we hope you comment on it.
And that's it... no more rules. At least, I'll hold off on establishing any further rules until somebody breaks one.
Thanks for popping by, and keep your ear to the grindstone... or something...
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