I love to watch football, my alma mater in high school went from good to bad to good to bad again. My college alma started its season with a 56 point thrashing of some division I-AA team. That wasn't even the biggest win of the night (Louisville 73 Murray State 10 are you kidding?)
The pros kick off in less than a week and as usual I will make my picks and predicts for the week.
But what I'm on the soapbox about is the sudden rise in the networks and colleges to make a fast buck off the games that are being shown.
When I was a kid, the CFA had a strict leash on how often a team could be shown. Up until bowl season you rarely saw teams other than Notre Dame (who was then and still is an independent) on TV more than once or twice a year. With the rise of the major sports only TV network like ESPN and Fox Sports you have the ability to see teams more often and the dissoluition of the CFA meant a relaxation of the TV rules. Me being a Michigan fan, I could see the Wolverines every game and now with the formation of the Big Ten Network has created a way for people to follow the major football conference. Not only are the football games televised but also other sports that do not normally get much television exposure.
Greedy cable operators see this as an opportunity to make big bucks. They want the channel on a specialized sports tier that they can make extra money from rabid sports fans who are willing shell out the extra loot to follow their teams, conferences that have formed these sports network want the channel on a basic tier so that more people can watch it and more importantly have more television exposure for advertisers whose revenues are so critical.
I live in an area served by Time Warner who is the second largest cable system in the country and so far is holding the line on putting the network on its system. The whole situation is annoying most of these cable systems have so many of these useless channels that no one uses and no one watches. (I'm not referring to the Public Access) There are some channels that are just not effective and all they are being used for is glorified local advertising or use for car dealers. Why cant these channels be used for these sports networks? Its a rhetorical question, I know why, money. I dunno, I just wanted to vent. Read thearticle about how Time Warner subscribers cant get the Big Ten Network from the Cincinnati Enquirer. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/SPT/708300333/1062
I promise the NFL team previews and picks will be coming this week.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Some Thoughts on Vick
Sooner or later I'll post a photo of me and you'll see I'm a proud black man. I'm fairly educated but like to think I'm in touch with my hood upbringing. That said, I still do not understand why it seems that people want to associate dogfighting with black folks or hip hop culture. I know people that have pitbulls. These dogs are not vicious, and you'd be in more danger of getting licked to death. You can make any dog vicious, I've known a vicious pekinese. But in any account. What Michael Vick pled guilty to, was wrong. Period. What he did and was a party was sick and deplorable. Its not a black thing, cause I sure as hell not defending him. I understand the black machismo mentality that feeds the need to have two dogs fight to the death. I dont condone, but I understand the hood mentality that is behind it. Vick is going to jail and he has more than likely destroyed his football career. He was without question an electrifying player to watch. This same player took all that promise and talent and pissed it away because he couldn't shake his hood mentality. I'm not saying that when a player hits it big that he forgets his friends and where he came from. He should just disassociate himself from his so-called friends who would as soon distance themselves when things go bad As it appears that Michael Vick's associates are doing with plea bargains to distance themselves from Vick now that it appears that he will go down in flames.
Don't get me started on the NAACP, their quick rush to defend Vick is ill-timed and just wrong. I'm calling out all these "black leaders" that are trying to defend Vick and play the race card. There is no card to play, Vick pleaded guilty. There is no excusing the horrific treatment of these animals. None whatsoever.
Don't get me started on the NAACP, their quick rush to defend Vick is ill-timed and just wrong. I'm calling out all these "black leaders" that are trying to defend Vick and play the race card. There is no card to play, Vick pleaded guilty. There is no excusing the horrific treatment of these animals. None whatsoever.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Bonds conquers HR Mountain
Just hit the ball and touch 'em all, a moment in the sun (Crack) Its a-gone and you can tell that one goodbye-John Fogerty "Centerfield"
I was just over a year old when Hank Aaron swung and drove an Al Downing fastball into a rainy April Atlanta night and passed Babe Ruth as MLB's home run king. 33 years, 3 months 29 days later, Barry Bonds crushed a 3-2 pitch from Mike Bascik into the deepest part of AT&T Park in San Francisco to pass Aaron. Bonds was cheered by his loyal home fans, fireworks lit up the night and he was greeted with a hug from his son, and generally got love and dap from his teammates. Bonds' godfather baseball legend Willie Mays was there and though MLB commish Bud Selig was not there (Like Bowie Kuhn not at Aaron's 715th,) Hammerin' Hank gave a classy, elqouent video remark congratulating Bonds on his acheivement. Bonds seemed geniunely moved by the video and I'm sure his father Bobby is smiling down from that super high press box.
That all said, Bonds still has that cloud of suspicion. Writers from Boston to San Diego while giving effusive praise to Bonds' home run, they were quick to question if he was able to do with out enhanced help. I say, look at the numbers except for the freakish 73 he posted in 2001. Bonds never hit more than 49 in any one season and he did that the year before and after moving to a new ballpark while not hitter friendly had less rabid winds than Candlestick. Willie Mays finished with 660, had he not played half his games in Candlestick for 11 years how many would he have had?
But even if you dont believe me, look at the numbers Bonds had been remarkably consistent. Look at his last year in Pittsburgh. 1992 he won the MVP with 34 homers, his first season by the bay he hit 46 and won another MVP. He had 37 in 112 games in the strike shortened 1994 season and 33 in a shortened 95. The next four seasons saw him hit 42, 40, 37 and the last 34 which he only played in 102 games.
What am I driving at? No one will ever call me a Bonds apologist. I think he's a jerk, but the numbers dont lie. Bonds has consistently put up solid numbers. Aaron did as well he only hit 45 or more homers twice (45 in 1962 and 47 in 1971) but he hit 40 or more homers 8 times and aside from his first and last two seasons never hit fewer than 20 homers in a season and fewer than 25 homers twice. Aaron was steady, thats how he passed Ruth. Bonds was just as steady and the numbers bear him out. Had Bonds been a more sympathetic figure to the media, he would not be lambasted for setting the mark. Like I've said before, Bonds is a churlish moody player, but he has put the numbers up to earn the record. It takes skill to re-direct a 80-95 mile an hour pitch with a cylindrical object 315-450 away and over a fence. You think its easy go take some pitches at a batting cage, take the pitches at 60 MPH. You won't touch the 80. Give Bonds his due, until they come up with either a postive test or a blubbering subject of a congressional hearing (See McGwire, Mark 3/17/05) Bonds deserves the praise for reaching baseballs once thought unreachable star.
Besides you purists (Yeah I'm talking to you Costas) Bonds will only hold the records for 7-10 years tops, My money is on Alex Rodriguez passing Bonds for the Southern Cal Angels in 2015. So just be quiet and let Bonds wear the crown temporarily.
I was just over a year old when Hank Aaron swung and drove an Al Downing fastball into a rainy April Atlanta night and passed Babe Ruth as MLB's home run king. 33 years, 3 months 29 days later, Barry Bonds crushed a 3-2 pitch from Mike Bascik into the deepest part of AT&T Park in San Francisco to pass Aaron. Bonds was cheered by his loyal home fans, fireworks lit up the night and he was greeted with a hug from his son, and generally got love and dap from his teammates. Bonds' godfather baseball legend Willie Mays was there and though MLB commish Bud Selig was not there (Like Bowie Kuhn not at Aaron's 715th,) Hammerin' Hank gave a classy, elqouent video remark congratulating Bonds on his acheivement. Bonds seemed geniunely moved by the video and I'm sure his father Bobby is smiling down from that super high press box.
That all said, Bonds still has that cloud of suspicion. Writers from Boston to San Diego while giving effusive praise to Bonds' home run, they were quick to question if he was able to do with out enhanced help. I say, look at the numbers except for the freakish 73 he posted in 2001. Bonds never hit more than 49 in any one season and he did that the year before and after moving to a new ballpark while not hitter friendly had less rabid winds than Candlestick. Willie Mays finished with 660, had he not played half his games in Candlestick for 11 years how many would he have had?
But even if you dont believe me, look at the numbers Bonds had been remarkably consistent. Look at his last year in Pittsburgh. 1992 he won the MVP with 34 homers, his first season by the bay he hit 46 and won another MVP. He had 37 in 112 games in the strike shortened 1994 season and 33 in a shortened 95. The next four seasons saw him hit 42, 40, 37 and the last 34 which he only played in 102 games.
What am I driving at? No one will ever call me a Bonds apologist. I think he's a jerk, but the numbers dont lie. Bonds has consistently put up solid numbers. Aaron did as well he only hit 45 or more homers twice (45 in 1962 and 47 in 1971) but he hit 40 or more homers 8 times and aside from his first and last two seasons never hit fewer than 20 homers in a season and fewer than 25 homers twice. Aaron was steady, thats how he passed Ruth. Bonds was just as steady and the numbers bear him out. Had Bonds been a more sympathetic figure to the media, he would not be lambasted for setting the mark. Like I've said before, Bonds is a churlish moody player, but he has put the numbers up to earn the record. It takes skill to re-direct a 80-95 mile an hour pitch with a cylindrical object 315-450 away and over a fence. You think its easy go take some pitches at a batting cage, take the pitches at 60 MPH. You won't touch the 80. Give Bonds his due, until they come up with either a postive test or a blubbering subject of a congressional hearing (See McGwire, Mark 3/17/05) Bonds deserves the praise for reaching baseballs once thought unreachable star.
Besides you purists (Yeah I'm talking to you Costas) Bonds will only hold the records for 7-10 years tops, My money is on Alex Rodriguez passing Bonds for the Southern Cal Angels in 2015. So just be quiet and let Bonds wear the crown temporarily.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Back in the saddle and a farewell to KG
I'm back and after taking the spring and most of the summer off, I'm back with news and views on sports. My commentary on my takes in sports will appear on a regular basis.
The biggest news besides Vick and the Dogs, Bonds and his slog to 756 and the saga of Tim Dougahy is the trade of my favorite NBA player, Kevin Garnett to the one team that besides the San Antonio Spurs I refuse to root for, the Boston Celtics. Teamed with long suffering captain Paul Pierce and newly acquired Ray Allen the Celtics have suddenly went from Eastern Conference also-ran to powerhouse. KG also signed 3 year extension meaning he will be in Celtic Green for more than just this season.
I'm big on conspiracies (See the cold enevelope for Patrick Ewing getting to the Knicks in 85, The Patriots mysteriously winning the Super Bowl in 2002 and Ohio State winning in the Fiesta Bowl in 2003) but this one is so blatant. Kevin "Herman Munster" McHale laced up a sweeeet deal for his former teammate, Celtics GM Danny Ainge. Even though McHale is a native Minnesotan his loyalties to the Celtics run deep and he was willing to gut the Timberwolves of their one drawing card. So my once favorite pro team has been reduced to their Timberpups status that they were 12 years ago. I'm now putting out a shingle for a new favorite NBA team if any.
The Candidates:
Cleveland: Got to the finals last year and I've followed Lebron since he was in high school (this was before the SI cover) But I cant bring myself to root for a team in Cleveland
Indiana: Been to several of their games, they are closer and I'm pretty sure I can sweet talk my barber into getting me tickets since he is a season ticket holder. They have the baby faced vet in Jermaine O'Neal, but this is a team that could end up like the Wolves, if O'Neal bolts.
Phoenix: I was once fiercely loyal to this team, when Charles Barkley and "Thunder" Dan Majarle roamed the hardwood of what was then known as America West Arena. The team cooled off and my loyalties went elsewhere. This team is a high speed frantic group and is fun to watch, my daughter lives in the Phoenix area and that would give us one more thing to bond over, though the only chance I would get to see them is if I went to Indy and like other Western teams, they only go there once.
I'll mull it over, though I might just be a casual observer of the sport and claim loyalty to no one.
Starting next post: NFL Team Outlooks, I'll give my take on the 32 teams. I'll start with the rough and tumble AFC North. The Bengals and Ravens wrestle for control of this tough division the Steelers break in their 3rd coach in 38 years and the Browns are trying to get out of their own way.
The biggest news besides Vick and the Dogs, Bonds and his slog to 756 and the saga of Tim Dougahy is the trade of my favorite NBA player, Kevin Garnett to the one team that besides the San Antonio Spurs I refuse to root for, the Boston Celtics. Teamed with long suffering captain Paul Pierce and newly acquired Ray Allen the Celtics have suddenly went from Eastern Conference also-ran to powerhouse. KG also signed 3 year extension meaning he will be in Celtic Green for more than just this season.
I'm big on conspiracies (See the cold enevelope for Patrick Ewing getting to the Knicks in 85, The Patriots mysteriously winning the Super Bowl in 2002 and Ohio State winning in the Fiesta Bowl in 2003) but this one is so blatant. Kevin "Herman Munster" McHale laced up a sweeeet deal for his former teammate, Celtics GM Danny Ainge. Even though McHale is a native Minnesotan his loyalties to the Celtics run deep and he was willing to gut the Timberwolves of their one drawing card. So my once favorite pro team has been reduced to their Timberpups status that they were 12 years ago. I'm now putting out a shingle for a new favorite NBA team if any.
The Candidates:
Cleveland: Got to the finals last year and I've followed Lebron since he was in high school (this was before the SI cover) But I cant bring myself to root for a team in Cleveland
Indiana: Been to several of their games, they are closer and I'm pretty sure I can sweet talk my barber into getting me tickets since he is a season ticket holder. They have the baby faced vet in Jermaine O'Neal, but this is a team that could end up like the Wolves, if O'Neal bolts.
Phoenix: I was once fiercely loyal to this team, when Charles Barkley and "Thunder" Dan Majarle roamed the hardwood of what was then known as America West Arena. The team cooled off and my loyalties went elsewhere. This team is a high speed frantic group and is fun to watch, my daughter lives in the Phoenix area and that would give us one more thing to bond over, though the only chance I would get to see them is if I went to Indy and like other Western teams, they only go there once.
I'll mull it over, though I might just be a casual observer of the sport and claim loyalty to no one.
Starting next post: NFL Team Outlooks, I'll give my take on the 32 teams. I'll start with the rough and tumble AFC North. The Bengals and Ravens wrestle for control of this tough division the Steelers break in their 3rd coach in 38 years and the Browns are trying to get out of their own way.
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