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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIM DONAGHY AND THE COLTS?

December 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Can someone please explain something to me? I’ve always thought throwing a game was a serious offense and any player, organization or official involved would be subject to fines, suspension or a prison sentence….

Just look at what happened to former NBA referee Tim Donaghy. When it was determined he was making bets on games and allegedly giving tips to members of organized crime, all hell broke loose. He was thrown out of the league, publicly disgraced and even went to prison….

A panicked David Stern then organized a cover up, laughably stating that Donaghy “acted alone” and was a “rogue offial.” Stern refused to have independant investigatos look into the matter and wrapped up his “investigation” in about 10 minutes….

Everyone was outraged and Donaghy’s name will forever be remembered as “disgraced.”….

So here’s what I need explained: Why isn’t the Indianapolis Colts organization under investigation for “compromising the integrity of the game?”….

Last Sunday, the undefeated Colts held a 15-10 lead over the Jets and certainly were going to win. With Peyton Manning at the controls and the Jets struggling offensively, Indy was going to pull away in the second half, go to 15-0 and give Manning a chance to make history….

Instead, head coach Jim Caldwell, reportedly under orders from GM Bill Polian and owner Jim Irsay, removed Manning, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney and other starters from the game….

The result was comical, as backup QB Curtis Painter was terrible and the Jets pulled away for a tainted victory….

In my book, that’s throwing a game….

So why isn’t the NFL launching an investigation, along with the FBI, and getting ready for trial?….

Here’s what I would do if I were NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:

-Order the Colts to give full refunds to every fan in attendance, since all of them were expecting to see a competitive game with both teams giving an honest effort. In these tough economic times, it is reprehensible to give anything less than your best, especially with the exorbitant prices they’re charging. Throwing a game is a slap in the face to your fans and transforms the NFL into nothing more than the WWF….

-Colts management should issue a formal apology to their fans, players and every NFL fan. But the biggest apology should go to Manning, who might have lost his only chance for the greatest season in NFL history. Sure, he’s a lock for the Hall-of-Fame and might go down as the greatest QB of all time, but winning the Super Bowl and going undefeated would have sealed his legacy with a million dollar bow. He’s been politically correct and said all the right things, but must be furious about his organization throwing a game. He works so hard to be great, studying film and preparing himself; so losing on purpose must eat away at him. What a disgraceful way to treat the gretaest player in franchise history.

-Fine the Colts organization millions of dollars for “compromising the integrity of the game” and take away at least one pick from the upcoming draft. I’d make it a first round pick, just to set the bar high for anyone else thining of tanking a game.

-Hold a press conference to announce you’re hiring independant investigators to look into the matter. I’d also contact the FBI to look into possible federal violations and prison time. .

I know this sounds harsh, but an example needs to be made of people who cheat the fans. Every time an NFL team takes the field, there needs to be an honest effort to win and anything less should be met with swift and tough penalties….

Of course this won’t happen, because Goodell has a pattern of giving slaps on the wrists to white management types, while penalizing black players to the fullest extent of the law….

Bill Belichick should have received at least a four game suspension, without pay, plus the $500,000 he was fined, for Spygate. And the Pastriots organization should have been hit with much more than a million dollar fine. Instead, Belichick didn’t miss a game and Goodell let him and the organization off the hook….

Raiders coach Tom Cable was accused of breaking the jaw of an assistant coach and beating two different women, but didn’t miss a game and as far as I know hasn’t been fined. I know charges weren’t filed against Cable for punching his assistant, but Pacman Jones has also never been convicted of anything; yet he was suspended, fined and run out of the NFL….

So if Goodell holds to form, he’ll give a pass to Irsay and Polian while making Caldwell the scapegoat….

If he does anything at all….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

After USC played in something called the Emerald Bowl, I turned on the TV yesterday afternoon and saw UCLA was playing Temple in something called the Eagle Bank Bowl….

I understand UCLA won the game, but I have a totally different feeling about their participation….

While USC should have rejected the offer from the Emerald representatives and then found a cave to hide in for a few months, a second-rate program like UCLA was correct to participate in a rinky-dink bowl….

USC has set a standard of excellence which should never include playing in garbage bowls, but UCLA is a school which doesn’t care about their football program and has been a non-entity for decades….

The Eagle Bank Bowl would be a humiliating experience for USC, but for UCLA it’s a reason to celebrate the end of an outstanding season….

So when I saw the Bruins celebrating their win, it didn’t offend me; because when you’re used to failure, a win over Temple is a great thing….

But when you’re used to success, an Emerald Bowl win over Boston College is an embarrassment….

It really doesn’t matter anyway, because once basketball season started there wasn’t a soul involved with the Bruins who watched football….

I’m not nearly the college basketball fan I used to be and hardly watch anymore, for three reasons: 1) The officiating is awful, with the zebras making ticky-tack calls almost every time down the floor and changing the outcomes of games. 2) The commercials have gotten to the point where the games are unwatchable; including March Madness. With eight TV timeouts and six coaches timeouts per game, in addition to fouls being called every second, there’s no way possible to sit through a game. 3) With all the elite players leaving after a year, there’s no continuity and not much reason to be a loyal fan….

But I did catch Kentucky yesterday and came to two conclusions: 1) The Wildcats have to be the best team in the country and 2) John Wall is one of the best players I’ve ever seen….

I’ve been reading about Wall and watching the highlights, but seeing him play live was something special….

This kid is spectacular and would be a household name had he played 20 years ago….

Not only is he a talented scorer, he’s also a brilliant playmaker; unselfish and finding his teammates in the right spots. He had 16 assists yesterday, breaking the all-time UK record, and is uncanny in his ability to penetrate, draw a defender and find an open teammate….

He not only finds his teammates, he gets the ball to the one who’s in position to catch and finish. And that’s what makes a great point guard….

He can knock down jump shots from distance, finish drives with spectacular dunks and has pure point guard skills. Unbelievable….

There’s no doubt he’ll be the first pick in the draft, it’s just a question of who’s lucky enough to get the right ping-pong ball….

He reminds me a lot of Derrick Rose, except Wall is a much better shooter….

Memo to my old friend Kurt Rambis: If your Timberwolves get the first pick, take Wall. I don’t care if you already have Johnny Flynn and possibly Ricky Rubio, you have to take Wall. Hell, if I already had Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, John Stockton, Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, Steve Nash and Chris Paul I’d still draft Wall….

A player like him doesn’t come around very often, and Kurt can’t be thinking he already has two promising PG’s and draft for need….

You know what drafting for need gets you? Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan….

I’m a believer in taking the best player available, regardless of your roster. And John Wall is by far the best player available….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

December 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

On Saturday, I was sitting in my father’s house watching something called the Emerald Bowl, only because USC was playing. To be honest, I’d never heard of the game and had no idea it existed; but decided to watch to see how Troy would react to participating in such a meaningless and degrading event….

As the clock wound down and the Trojans were going to defeat Boston College, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing: Pete Carroll and his players actually celebrating and acting as if they’d accomplished something….

Instead of being embarrassed about finishing 5th in the Pac-10 and accepting a bid to this humiliating event, they acted as though they’d just won another Rose Bowl….

To put it in perspective, if they’d finished higher in the Pac-10 they would have gone to the Sun Bowl….

Yes, Christmas in El Paso is an upgrade over the Emerald Bowl….

That about says it all….

I would have hidden my head in shame and declined a bid to San Francisco, but I guess Carroll wanted the extra practice time and the chance to end the season with a win….

Maybe he’s right, but in my opinion the Emerald Bowl is beneath a great program such as USC and I would have stayed home and left it to the UCLA’s of the world….

As time ran out and the Trojans reacted as if another National Championship trophy was going to Heritage Hall, I turned to my dad and said “Can you believe this? This is like North Carolina, Duke or Kentucky celebrating winning the NIT.”….

My father responded with a great point: “No, winning the NIT takes five wins. USC winning this piece of crap bowl is like winning a first round NIT game. An NIT championship is much more prestigious than winning the Emerald Bowl.”

A brilliant observation and an example of how wisdom comes with age….

Than, after actually being happy about winning a game absolutely nobody cares about or watched, Carroll and the players were presented the fabled Emerald Bowl trophy, which they proudly carried around the field….

If I were in charge, as soon as the team returned to Los Angeles I’d dismantle the trophy and give it to the janitor to use for spare parts. Just the thought of that monument to failure sitting in Heritage Hall next to Heisman and National Championship trophies sickens me….

Please, Mike Garrett and Pete Carroll, if you decide to put that testament to mediocrity in Heritage Hall, at least have the decency to keep it in the basement or in a case with the women’s field hockey titles….

Wait, I have a better idea: How about keeping the Emerald Bowl hardware in the locker room, raised on a platform and surrounded by bright lights? This way, every player and coach would get a daily reminder of how much they embarrassed the university this season….

I don’t blame Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao for threatening to pull out of the Floyd Mayweather fight over Team Mayweather’s grandstanding attempt to disrupt Pacman. Forcing him to submit to Olympic-style drug testing; which means random, unannounced blood tests at any time of the day or night, including the day of the fight, is simply an attempt to rattle and unnerve Pacquiao….

Sure, Floyd would be subject to the same tests, but he’s used to the showmanship trash talking that’s going on. He knows Manny is already furious at Floyd Sr. for accusing him of steroid use and this is another attempt to rattle him….

So if I were Pacman, I’d call their bluff and cancel the fight unless they backed off. The Pretty Boy needs this fight a lot more than Manny, so I’d give them an ultimatum and then fight another opponent if Team Mayweather stood firm….

But my concern is this: Why in the hell is Paulie Malignagi going to be the replacement, instead of Shane Mosley? I know Mosley has a fight against Andre Berto on January 30, but this can easily be resolved….

Just give Berto some step-aside money and promise him the Pacquiao-Mosley winner….

Mosley-Pacquiao would do big box office and Shane would have a great chance to win, so why not?….

Malignaggi is a very good boxer with good hand speed and boxing skill, but has no chance against Pacman….

Paulie was overpowered by Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton, neither of whom has the hand speed, skill or power of Manny. If this fight happens, Malignaggi would not be able to keep Pacquiao off of him and get stopped in the middle rounds….

This fight is a waste of time and if Pacquiao-Mayweather isn’t going to happen, we need to see Mosley-Pacquiao….

Of course, we all hope common sense prevails and Floyd-Manny can be saved; but if not let’s get another competitive fight ready….

If Mayweather sticks to the drug testing nonsense and actually gives up this fight, where does he go next? If the Pacquiao-Malignaggi fight is made, why not Mosley? Shane has been calling out the Pretty Boy for years and this is another big money, big box office, big PPV fight….

In reality, though, Floyd needs this Pacquiao fight for two reasons: 1) He claims to be the greatest fighter of all time, but his resume’ of opponents doesn’t back that up. He needs to step up to this challenge, tell his people to drop this whole drug testing thing and make the fight happen. Team Mayweather people work for him, not the other way around. 2) With his rumored IRS and money problems, Floyd simply cannot turn down a potential $30M payday….

I believe both fighters and the promoters realize how important this fight is for the sport and we’ll see the two of them in the MGM Grand Garden ring come March 13….

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IT’S ALREADY GETTING INTERESTING

December 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

A few months ago, when Floyd Mayweather Sr. accused Manny Pacquiao of being a steroid user, this was my first thought: Team Mayweather knew a superfight against Pacman was inevitable and they were laying the groundwork for getting into Manny’s head….

Since Pacquiao has passed every test given him and has always been willing to be tested, the accusation seemed nothing more that gamesmanship from Floyd Sr, who is about as talkative and entertaining as anyone in boxing….

Now that the fight has been announced for March 13th and fight fans everywhere are counting the days, Team Mayweather is at it again; demanding Pacquiao sumbit to Olympic-style drug testing. This means random, unannounced blood and urine tests can be demanded at any time; even the day of the fight….

Predictably, Team Pacquiao and promoter Bob Arum are outraged and threatening to call off the fight unless standard testing rules are used; in other words either Nevada state rules or the regulations used by American professional sports leagues….

In my opinion, Team Mayweather is attempting to distract Pacquiao in any way possible and wants to harrass him all the way until fight time. There’s nothing wrong with current testing procedures and Manny has agreed to have blood drawn 30 days from the fight and immediately after. He has also agreed to urine tests any time….

But that’s not good enough for Mayweather, who claims Pacman is masking drug use and will time his steroid use around the announced tests….

Maybe, but I’m sticking to my opinion that Mayweather is attempting to get into Manny’s head….

While Pacquiao is a great fighter, I’ve also heard he can be fragile and superstitious. He goes months without communicating with trainer Freddie Roach, listens to people from the Philippines who don’t have his best interests at heart and sometimes tries to please everyone….

I believe Floyd and his people are fully aware of this and trying to gain any edge possible….

Would I be shocked if it turned out Pacquiao was a steroid user and they were the reason he kept his power while moving from Flyweight to Welterweight? Of course not, because steroid and HGH use is rampant in sports and I’m suprised when an athlete ISN’T using….

And I wouldn’t be suprised if Floyd had used them, either….

In other words, I think everyone is guilty unless proven otherwise….

One of Arum’s best lines was that Manny is “squeamish” about needles….

If that’s true, I wonder what method he used to get his tattoos?. Maybe they use a branding iron in the Philippines….

Roach has already stated he will not allow his fighter to have blood drawn so close to a fight and correctly stated that “Mayweather needs us more than we need him.”….

If the fight is called off, Pacman could instead fight Shane Mosley and it would still be a huge sell….

But the bottom line is boxing needs this fight and the fighters will not make nearly the money fighting someone else….

Bob Arum and Oscar Del La Hoya, the promoters, are also fully aware of this and will not allow the biggest moneymaker in the history of boxing slip away….

A compromise will be reached, the fighters will enter the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 13 and it will be a great night for the sport….

And Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will walk out of the ring a convincing winner….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

December 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment

One of my favorite bands is the Who and I was thrilled to hear they would be the featured band at this year’s Super Bowl. I’ve seen them in concert several times and never came away disappointed; because their music is unbelievable….

They combine power, ballads and great songwriting as well as any band ever has and should add something to the normally boring Super Bowl….

Thank God we’re not stuck with Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson or any other acts which have disappointed me greatly over the years….

I know we won’t get a full show and both the network and NFL will do everything in their power to ruin the performance, but I’m still going to watch….

If there’s a God in heaven, please don’t have all the cheerleaders, most of them who.ve never heard of the band, dancing in front of the stage in a scripted, staged routine….

And no kids in matching T-Shirts, either….

Just let them play and leave them alone….

As much as I love The Who, however, I couldn’t help but notice another example of Commissioner Roger Goodell’s hypocrisy….

A few months ago, when Rush Limbaugh was exploring buying the St. Louis Rams, Goodell said that Rush wouldn’t be welcome as an owner because “divisive comments have no place in the NFL”….

Evidently, however, Goodell has no problem with a man who is a former registered sex offender prominently displayed in his sports biggest event….

Here’s the latest column from the Palm Beach Post’s Jose Lambiet:
“Child abuse groups in Florida are asking the NFL to drop the British classic-rock band The Who from the upcoming Super Bowl’s halftime show.

And one organization asked U.S. immigration authorities not to allow the band’s famed guitarist into the country.

Axman Pete Townshend, they point out, was arrested in 2003 in a roundup of alleged pedophiles cruising the Internet for pictures of infants and teens engaged in sex. He was placed on the United Kingdom’s sexual offenders list.

In a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Child AbuseWatch founder Evin Daly wrote: “Inviting Townshend to play is a blatant disregard to the values of . . . American families and a slap in the face to victims of child sexual abuse.”

Townshend wasn’t convicted of a crime but was “cautioned” by authorities, the equivalent to Florida’s “adjudication withheld.”

With The Who frontman Roger Daltrey calling Townshend “naïve,” the guitarist admitted to using his credit card to access child pornography. Townshend’s excuse? He was doing research!

In 2006, Townshend — known for his guitar-smashing antics on stage — wrote a short story that described graphically sex between two teenagers, and posted it on his Web site. The public’s outrage pushed Townshend to shut down the site.

Now, slightly more than a month before Super Bowl XLIV, child abuse organizations here say the 63-year-old Townshend represents a risk to area youngsters when he comes next month to prepare for the Feb. 7 performance at Land Shark Stadium.

For more, and the poll, look below or click

In addition to the Pompano Beach-based Child AbuseWatch’s letter to the NFL, Brevard County’s Protect Our Children asked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement not to allow Townshend into the United States. It has yet to receive a response to its official complaint. The Who has played several U.S. tours since 2003.

The Brevard group also wrote a protest missive to tire manufacturer Bridgestone, main sponsor of the Super Bowl’s halftime show. No response either.

“We’re part of a coordinated effort to prevent Mr. Townshend from coming into this country,” said Protect Our Children Kevin Gillick. “We acknowledge he was not convicted but he was on their sex offender list. In the United States, you’re on a sex offenders list for life.

“When Janet Jackson showed half a boob (during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, in a duo with Justin Timberlake), everybody was offended. Why having Pete Townshend perform in what’s supposed to be a family show?”

In his response to Daly’s request to drop The Who, the NFL’s Joe Browne, head of public relation, pointed out that Townshend viewed one child abuse photo and didn’t download the material. Browne also wrote that Townshend has been known to support children’s charities. The NFL, Browne added, “has worked hard in recent years to ensure the (halftime show) is suitable for . . . mass audience.”

In other words: Won’t happen!

Don’t be so sure, said Daly, a guardian at litem.

“It’s a classic cover-your-behind letter,” Daly said. “I think there’s a chance the league would drop Pete and let the rest of the band perform. The Super Bowl is just not suitable for him.”

Reaction: Not only is Goodell’s lack of response deplorable, but the NFL’s Joe Browne’s response is condescending and shocking. To condemn Limbaugh, a man who expresses his own opinion on the air and simply expressing freedom of speech, while welcoming with open arms a man who was once a registered sex offender can only be interpreted one way: If you’re a conservative Republican you are not welcome in our league, but if you’re someone who was a registered sex offender and also wrote graphic sex stories about teenagers, welcome aboard!….

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not calling for Townshend to be banned from the Super Bowl and think he should be allowed to perform. He was not convicted and as far as I know is free to travel from his native England. If you are against his performing, turn off the television….

But to publicly rebuke Limbaugh and then allow Townshend to perform is blatant hypocrisy and political grandstanding from the commissioner….

And by the way, why doesn’t anyone go after Goodell for dropping the disciplinary hammer on black players, such as Michael Vick, Donte Stallworth and Pacman Jones; while going soft on white coaches such as Tom Cable and Bill Belechick?….

I’m waiting for Jesse, Al and the NAACP to launch an investigation….

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TIME FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA TO DO THE RIGHT THING

December 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I’m not a fan of John McCain and thought he ran the worst campaign in American history last year, but he’s right on the money in pushing for a Presidential pardon for the great Jack Johnson, who became the first black man to win the heavyweight championship in 1908….

Along with fellow Republican Peter King, McCain has been pushing the President to right this injustice; and it’s high time this racist incident in American history is changed….

Johnson was railroaded after he defended his title against Jim Jeffries in 1910, with the Feds using something called the “Mann Act” to indict him. The Mann Act was “taking a woman across state lines for immoral purposes;” seemingly absurd in today’s world….

The truth is Papa Jack was despised by America for two reasons: 1) He was a black man holding the greatest prize in sports and 2) He was married to a white woman….

Since nobody could defeat Johnson in the ring, the United States Government decided to take his title by trumping up some bogus charges….

Instead of surrending, Jack fled to Eurpoe, defending his title several times while on the run. In 1915, an old, out of shape Johnson was knocked out in the 26th round by Jess Willard; with many believing Johnson threw the fight so he could be allowed back in the country….

After the fight he arranged to surrender to authorities, served less than a year and proceeded to chase Jack Dempsey for a shot at the title….

Even though he was in his early 40′s, there was a demand for the match and Dempsey was reportedly offered a staggering $250,000 to face Johnson in a superfight….

Unfortunately, Dempsey passed, keeping his perfect record of refusing to face black fighters….

A few years later, Dempsey had the chance to defend against Harry Wills, the best black heavyweight of his day, but of course the fight never happened….

McCain and King drafted a letter to Justice Department attorney Ronald L. Rodgers, who responded that the Department “does not process pardons for dead people.”….

Not satisfied, McCain and King have written a letter directly to President Obama; requesting he overrule Rodgers and do the right thing….

It seems funny that two conservative, white Republicans are fighting for the rights of a wrongly accused black man while a black Democrat in the White House seems to be stonewalling them….

Let’s hope the President steps up, condemns the injustice done to Johnson and overturns a shameful, racist part of our history….

And by the way, why doesn’t every boxing arena in America have a pair of boxing gloves and a photo of Johnson hanging from the rafters?….

Jackie Robinson went through tough times when he broke baseball’s color line, but didn’t face nearly the hatred and bigotry Johnson did….

While Jackie faced racial taunts and bigoted views, Johnson was in danger of being lynched every time he walked out the door. His life was constantly threatened, papers ran racist pictures andd his own government conspired to ruin his life….

He won the greatest prize in sports 40 years before Robinson broke the color line and went through tougher times than anyone can imagine….

Robinson’s number is retired by every team in baseball and it’s time boxing retired Jack Johnson’s gloves everywhere a promoter puts on a card….

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WEEKEND NOTES

December 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Just back from a great weekend in San Francisco, where I filled in on Thursday and Friday for XTRA Sports 860, the new all-sports station in the Bay Area. It was great to be back on the air again, but it also made me realize how much I miss what I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid; being on the radio….

Thanks to everyone involved with the station and hopefully I’ll be popping up somewhere soon….

Earlier in the season, when Mike Singletary cost the 49ers a road win against the Vikings because of some ultra-conservative play-calling in the final seconds, I predicted that would be the game which cost San Francisco a playoff spot….

Sure enough, the 49ers were eliminated from the post-season yesterday after a predictable road loss to the Eagles….

When you have an opportunity to steal one on the road against the likes of the Vikings, you cannot let it slip away. The NFL is evenly matched nowadays, with several teams fighting for a few playoff slots, so you need to win at home, beat the bad teams and hope you can pull off an upset on the road….

Giving that road game away came back to haunt the 49ers and hopefully it was a lesson learned for Singletary….

He’s very stubborn, set in his ways and does not like to be questioned about his sideline decisions, so maybe he is what he is. But adapting to your situation and playing to win are the hallmarks of all great coaches; so hopefully Singletary will learn from mistakes and get the 49ers back intot he playoffs next season….

Excellent road trip for the Lakers, as they win four out of five and return home 22-4, the best record in the NBA….

But the pressure is on, because the Celtics are healthy, playing well and only a game behind at 21-5. Any slump by the Lakers could cost them home court advantage in a Finals match-up….

And we all know what happened in the 2008 Finals….

Boston is still a little thin on the bench, but the addition of Rasheed Wallace was huge and Eddie House and Tony Allen provide instant offense….

I also fear that the Celtics will add a player or two at the trade deadline, making them even more dangerous….

Yes, their three stars are over 30 and the window might be closing a little bit, but they’re still a great team and capable of winning the championship again….

One star who isn’t a graybeard, however, is Rajon Rondo, who has developed into one of the NBA’s best point guards. He’s averaging 12 points, 10 assists and shooting 53% from the floor….

He still can’t shoot, which is an area the Lakers can exploit, but if he destroys Derek Fisher again it won’t matter….

In fact, I think D-Fish is still wondering where Rondo is located; because in the 2008 Finals, Rondo blew past him time after time….

Question #1: Would the Lakers have beaten Boston in the Finals with a healthy Andrew Bynum; who was playing the best basketball of his career at the time of his injury? Maybe, because Pau Gasol had to play out-of-position and was manhandled trying to play center. As was Lamar Odom, the starting power forward….

Both of them played soft and disappeared when the Lakers needed them most; which goes to show how much they needed Bynum….

Question #2: Would the Celtics have beaten the Lakers again last season had Kevin Garnett been healthy? Maybe, because they had the same team which whipped the Lakers the season before, except for James Posey. We’ll never know, but hopefully we’ll get a Lakers-Celtics Final this season to settle all this….

I know it was great to win the championship last season, but it was a little hallow because it wasn’t the Celtics. Nothing feels better than beating them and this year could be the ultimate test for both teams….

I do know one thing, though. The Lakers sure as hell will not defeat the Celtics unless Bynum dramatically improves his effort. His rebounding over the last month has been abysmal, which shows a lack of hustle….

There’s no such thing as an off night when it comes ot rebounding and defense and Andrew needs to play harder and focus for the Lakers to repeat….

We saw two years ago what happens against Boston with Gasol forced to play out-of-position, so an inneffictive Bynum would force the Lakers to improvise….

And that would not be a good thing….

The good news is Bynum has 50 games left to get his head out of his ass, quit sulking and start playing hard on every possession….

Every time he stands with his hands at his sides while a shot is in the air infuriates me; as does Bynum heading toward the other end while a shot is taken….

If Bynum is playing hard and focused, the Lakers dispatch the Celtics in five or six games….

But if he’s loafing and whining, the Celtics win their second championship in three years….

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CAN WE NOW ADD STEROIDS TO TIGERS’ PROBLEMS?

December 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Oh, my goodness Tiger; when it rains it pours. After all the embarrassing news about affairs, hookers, orgies and kinky sex, you’d think it couldn’t get any worse. Until I read the latest report from the Associated Press….

Here’s the first couple of paragraphs:
NEW YORK — “A Canadian doctor who has treated golfer Tiger Woods, swimmer Dara Torres and NFL players is suspected of providing athletes with performance-enhancing drugs, according to a newspaper report.

The New York Times reported on its Web site Monday night that Dr. Anthony Galea was found with human growth hormone and Actovegin, a drug extracted from calf’s blood, in his bag at the U.S.-Canada border in late September. He was arrested Oct. 15 in Toronto by Canadian police.

Using, selling or importing Actovegin is illegal in the United States.

The FBI has opened an investigation based in part on medical records found on Galea’s computer relating to several professional athletes, people briefed on the inquiry told the Times on condition of anonymity because they did not want to be identified discussing a continuing investigation.”

Reaction: As if the infidelity wasn’t enough to hurt Tiger’s reputation, now he’s going to have to answer questions about steroid use.

Here’s more from the column:

“According to the newspaper, Galea has developed a blood-spinning technique — platelet-rich plasma therapy — to help speed post-surgery recovery. Galea visited Woods’ home in Florida at least four times in February and March, the newspaper reported, to provide that platelet therapy after his agents were concerned by his slow recovery from June 2008 knee surgery.”

Reaction: Even though it’s illegal in the United States, I don’t have a problem with Actovegin, because its purpose is to speed healing of injuries. And anything that speeds healing and returns a player to the field, as long as it’s not an anabolic steroid, should be okay. But people have long suspected Tiger of being a steroid guy, and if it’s found to be true he might be done as a pitchman and world icon. His records would be tarnished and the PGA Tour might not recognize any of his major championships.

Do you see that fat, old guy turning cartwheels and celebrating? Wow, it’s Jack Nicklaus….

And I thought I’ve had a bad couple of weeks….

Over the years, Woods has scoffed at steroid rumors and cracked a good line when asked if PGA players had anything to worry about with testing: “Only if they test for bourbon in the player’s lounge” was his reply….

Tiger has always denied PED usage and I’ve believed him, because he certainly doesn’t have the look of a juicer. He’s added muscle over the years, but in my opinion it was the result of hard work in the weight room. Eldrick’s work ethic is legendary and he’s the first golfer to take weight training and diet seriously….

He has the look of an elite athlete and the other players on tour have been forced to get into better shape; because if they didn’t they were going to be left in the dust….

But now that Tiger has proven to be a liar, who knows what he was doing to get into such phenominal shape? We certainly can’t take him at his word anymore, because for the last five years he’s been talking about how much he loves Elin and the kids….

In fact, he did an interview with a reporter from New Zealand just a few weeks ago; during the Australian Masters and days before this scandal broke….

During the interview, he spoke of how important his family was and when the reporter said “So it’s family first and golf second?” Tiger replied, “Always.”….

While he was giving the interview, he had Rachel Uchitel stashed in an Australian hotel room….

So his word evidently means nothing and now his denial of steroid use rings hallow….

Of course, there is no evidence yet that Woods used PED’s and a man is innocent until proven guilty. All he’s guilty of is cheating on his wife and kids, which is not a crime and should not effect his golf career or records….

But it will be interesting to see what Dr. Galea has to say when he’s pressed and threatened by the authorities. When he’s threatened with jail time and the revocation of his medical license, he might just sing like a canary….

And that song might be the end of Tiger as we have known him….

Filed Under: Dave Smith Tagged With:

MAYBE TIGER HAS SOME LEVERAGE, AFTER ALL

December 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

While thinking about the Tiger Woods situation last night, amid rumors that Elin has already contacted a divorce lawyer and quit wearing her wedding ring, I came up with an ironic thought….

If Elin is indeed leaving and taking the kids, Tiger should press assault charges and have her arrested….

The latest news has Florida cops investigating whether an assault took place in front of the kids; which allegedly took place with “an object.”….

Obviously, the object was a nine-iron to Tiger’s head; delivered by his lovely wife….

If indeed Elin nailed Eldrick with a golf club, he finally has some leverage. And she should go to jail….

He could tell Elin, “Look, I’m embarrassed by my behavior and what I’ve put you through, but you’re not going anywhere. We’ll put on a good act at the press conference, I’ll cry some crocodile tears and eventually we can put this behind us. But if you file for divorce or attempt to move to Sweden with the kids, I’ll file assault charges and you’ll go to jail. Then you’ll be a convicted felon, I’ll get full custody and you can chew on that for the rest of your life.”….

Maybe Tiger can get out of this thing after all….

Can you imagine this ending up with Tiger getting the kids and Elin in prison? I’d have material for the rest of my life….

I’ve already run this scenario by several people and got a predictable reaction: Every man roared with laughter and every woman was appalled….

Kind of like when stories break on the news about a female teacher having sex with a male student or some pervert peeping on women in the locker room….

Every man laughs and every woman screams bloody murder….

Yet we keep trying to figure out why we don’t understand each other and can’t live together….

While dissecting the Tiger situation, I also thought about the injustice which occured in New York on Saturday night; Toby Gerhart not winning the Heisman Trophy….

I also came to this conclusion: As good as Mark Ingram is, he would not start at either Oregon or Oregon St….

Think about it for a second….

Having watched college football all season, both Jaquizz Rodgers and LaMichael James are better than Ingram and Mark would have to transfer if he attended either school….

And both Oregon schools would beat an overrated Alabama team….

Hell, I’ve been watching the Tide play all season and they wouldn’t beat Stanford, either….

So if Ingram isn’t as good as Rodgers or James, how in the hell do you give him the Heisman?….

Answer: The NCAA and BCS are run by SEC and Big-12 honks who do everything in their power to screw over the Pac-10….

And Saturday was another example….

Filed Under: Dave Smith Tagged With:

WEEKEND NOTES

December 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I had a feeling Alabama’s Mark Ingram was going to win the Heisman, even though Stanford’s Toby Gerhart was more deserving. And sure enough, the Pac-10 got screwed again when the national press bestowed the award on Ingram, by a scant five votes….

Of the finalists, none was as good or consistent as Gerhart; yet somehow he was denied….

And where was my choice for the Heisman, Oregon’s Jeremiah Masoli? Nobody in the country made more big plays and he was the best player on the best team in the best confernece….

Unfortunately Masoli was not invited to New York, so Gerhart should have won in a landslide….

Too bad most voters were asleep during Masoli’s unbelievable, come-from-behind performance against Arizona a few weeks ago. Had Masoli played for Florida, that game alone would have had his name engraved on the Heisman….

He was also huge in wins over USC and the Pac-10 clincher against Oregon St, all of which aired while the geritol-sipping voters were tucked away and dreaming of voting for an SEC or BIG-12 player….

But of the finalists, Gerhart was clearly the best player….

Here are the numbers of Gerhart and Ingram:

GERHART: 311 carries, 1,736 yards and 26 TD’s

INGRAM: 249 carries, 1,542 yards and 15 TD’s

More carries, more yards, more TD’s. Like I said, no contest….

Had Gerhart played for Alabama and Ingram for Stanford, it would have been the most lopsided vote in Heisman history; with Toby posing with the trophy….

I can’t prove it, but I’ll bet most of the voters from the Midwest, South and East had never seen Gerhart play live. Most of these old farts are beddy-bye by the time the Stanford score appears and go strictly by the numbers….

And most of them are condescending college football elitists who feel Pac-10 football is inferior and not worthy of their time….

Thus the ridiculous Heisman vote….

Isn’t it funny that nobody is screaming about how the Division 1AA playoffs are “compromising the academics” of the “student athletes?” While watching the semi-final game between Montana and Appalachian St, none of the announcers worried that the playoff was depriving the players of much needed class time….

There wasn’t any talk about “cheapening the regular season” or “hurting the bowl system,” either….

Isn’t it funny how every division in college football, except fot Division I, can pull off a 16-team playoff without a hitch? And the players aren’t dropping out of school in record numbers because the season is too long?….

The answer is simple: The NCAA is a corrupt organization which should not only be investigated for anti-trust violations, but by the Feds for violating RICO laws….

Even though 99% of the fans want a playoff, the crooks who run the NCAA hold their breath and cross their arms in defiance….

Reminds me of George W. Bush when it came to border security….

And nothing is going to change as long as their enablers in the media, mainly ESPN and Fox, allow them to prosper….

Yes, the college presidents and athletic directors are in on the graft and should be prosecuted, but without big money, network cooperation they couldn’t get away with it….

ESPN has been promoting “bowl season” as if it’s the equal to March Madness; with commercials running non-stop about how “special” all of this nonsense is….

This puts money into the corrupt pockets of the NCAA, BCS and bowls….

Wouldn’t it be nice for ESPN to take a stand and inform the NCAA there will not be another dime until a playoff is installed? No bowl coverage, no promos and not a mention of post-season play without a playoff….

That would put a huge dent into the BCS monopoly and a huge step toward a Division II-style playoff….

Another villian is Fox, who a few years ago signed a huge, multi-million dollar deal with the NCAA to televise all the
BCS games….

Again, had Fox insisted on a playoff before they spent a dime, the NCAA and BCS would have been becked into a corner and might have been broken….

For all the talk about NCAA and BCA corruption, let’s not forget the networks who bankroll them….

Filed Under: Dave Smith Tagged With:
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