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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

With all the talk about a possible trade for Kirk Hinrich, the Lakers need to stand firm with their original offer: Sasha Vujacic and Adam Morrison. I know the Bulls want to make a run at Dwyane Wade and would rather have Jordan Farmar than The Oven, but if I’m the Lakers it’s take-it-or-leave-it….

Hinrich has two years and $17M remaining on his contract after this season and The Oven (Sasha) has $5.5M coming next season….

Hinrich was an All-Star just a few years ago and one of the best defensive PG’s in the NBA. Sure his numbers are down, but that’s because of the emergence of Derrick Rose. Because of this, Hinrich’s minutes are down and the Bulls are looking to move his contract….

How about this for a counter offer? Derek Fisher and Morrison for Hinrich….

Fisher and Morrison have expiring contracts, which the Bulls are looking for, and the Lakers keep Farmar….

I like the way Jordan has been playing lately and some in the Lakers organization believe Farmar is a better player than Hinrich. I don’t agree, but would hate to see Farmar go unless the team is getting a real star in return….

So here is my final offer to the Bulls: Either Vujacic and Morrison for Hinrich or Fisher and Morrison; take your pick….

If they say no, remind them they can’t make a run at Wade unless they clear out Hinrich’s contract. Then wait for them to accept….

I know Fisher is a popular player and has made some huge shots, but he’s been awful this season and become a liability. How does a Hinrich/Farmar/Shannon Brown sound compared to what we have now?….

Goodbye D-Fish or goodbye Sasha….

What an excellent match last night between Andy Murray and Maran Cilic in the Australian Open semi-finals. The 6’6″ Cilic easily won the first set, but Murray hung in there, wore Cilic down and won in four exciting, athletic sets….

I know Roger Federer is playing great and will probably defeat Jo Wilfried Tsonga in his semi-final match; setting up a Federer-Murray final….

I like Murray in this match and believe the 22-year-old Scotsman will pull off a dramatic upset….

Of all the sleazy, dishonest, reprehensible politicians I’ve ever seen, John Edwards has to rank #1 on the list….

After cheating on his cancer-stricken wife and then threatening an aide into taking the blame for his pregnant mistress, I thought we’d heard the last of this weasel. But now something new has surfaced; a sex tape….

Evidently, Edwards and his mistress made a sex tape and the most disturbing thing is the mistress is pregnant!….

So not only does he cheat on his dying wife, he also makes a sex video with his pregnant mistress? He has to be the lowest form or life on earth….

According to a new book on the whole sordid affair, Edwards tried to get the mistress to abort and then ordered an aide to step forward and claim he was having the affair and knocked up the skank….

Wow, what a vile creature….

And to think this guy came within a couple of votes of being a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Had the Florida vote gone the other way, it would have been President Al Gore and Vice President John Edwards….

Just the thought of the mentally deranged Gore and the immoral Edwards in the White House is chilling….

From the first time I saw Edwards I knew he was a corrupt snake, so it’s laughable it took this affair and cover up for people to realize what a low life he is….

He made his money being a slip-and-fall lawyer, making up stories to bilk corporations and the medical industry out of millions of dollars. He shut down one hospital by convincing a stupid jury that babies born with cerebal palsy were the result of doctor malpractice, not a birth defect….

Then, it was learned that this “champion of the poor,” who was loudly denouncing Republican tax cuts and demanding the rich “pay their fair share” did everything in his power to hide his own money….

Despite tens of millions of earnings one year, he paid only $500,000K in income tax; the result of hiring the best lawyers in the world to hide, shift and move his money….

Reminds me of Ted Kennedy, who hid his money in the Fiji Islands while screaming about corporate greed and the rich not paying enough taxes….

I hope Johnny-Boy is proud of himself and thinks about his wife undergoing chemotherapy while he’s skirt-chasing….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’ve been critical of Andrew Bynum this season because of his lack of effort on the boards and going long stretches without playing hard. But watching him dominate in the post brings up the following question: Why doesn’t he get more touches?….
When you have a 7’1″, 22-year-old center who was scoring at will, you’d think Phil Jackson and the staff would make sure he touched the ball on every possession….
Hell, he shot 12-14 last night against Indiana, but should have had 25 shots….
In my opinion, Bynum should touch the ball on every possession, because if he’s single covered he’s going to score. And if the opponent decides to double team, he can pass the ball to wide open teammates….
Every time I see Derek Fisher launch a three-point shot before even one pass is made, I find myself yelling down the bench for a sub….
Then I remember I’m simply a guy watching on television and Phil can’t hear me….
If I coached the team, the first thing I’d do would be installing the following rule. On every possession, the ball goes into the post, to either Pau Gasol or Bynum. Anyone launching an early shot without the ball going inside first comes out of the game….
Of course, I’d probably make an exception with Kobe, but still want the ball going inside before we launch a three….
Winning basketball is played inside-out, not outside-in….
I keep reading that Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley are going to fight on May 1 and I still don’t believe it….
The reason? Despite his claim that he’s “The greatst fighter in the history of boxing” and “a fighter who steps up to all challenges,” the Pretty Boy has always carefully selected opponents he knew he could beat….
Arturo Gatti, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez are all tough guys and good fighters; but too small to pose a serious threat to Floyd….
Oscar De La Hoya was bigger than him, but past his prime and not serious about fighting….
Mosley, on the other hand, poses a serious threat. Not only is he bigger and stronger than Floyd, but has a great chin, tremendous hand speed and will take Floyd to hell and back….
I don’t believe Mayweather really wants this fight and will find a way out….
The obvious escape hatch is to play the Manny Pacquiao card: Accuse Mosley of being a drug user and demand ridiculous, intrusive testing….
Shane was involved in the BALCO mess and admitted to using performance enhancing drugs. His explanation? He had no idea what he was taking and was somehow tricked into taking steroids….
I don’t believe this and neither does anyone else….
Since Floyd and Shane are both Golden Boy fighters and beholden to De La Hoya, will the drug testing demands be dropped in order to go on with a luctative show?….
If Mayweather doesn’t demand the same testing he did for Pacquiao, he’s a complete hypocrite….
One reason the fight might actually happen, however, is because De La Hoya allegedly paid off Mayweather’s $6M IRS bill in return for the Pretty Boy fighting for Golden Boy Promotions…..
If the Pretty Boy and Sugar Shane actually step into the ring on May 1 and Floyd has not made drug testing demands, it would lead me to believe Mayweather owes Oscar for fixing his tax mess….
This is going to be fascinating if the fight is actually signed….
It’s not often a great money making opportunity comes along, but after reading the following headline and story, it’s time to begin planning an exotic vacation:
“Barack Obama Is Pulling for Saints in Super Bowl”

“I think both teams are terrific. I guess I’m rooting a little bit for the Saints as the underdog. Partly just because, you know, when I think what’s happened in New Orleans over the last several years and how much that team means to them, I’m pretty sympathetic.”
The President made the comments to ABC reporter Diane Sawyer and Las Vegas must be shaking in their boots at the prospect of losing millions of dollars….
With his recent track record of attempting to get the Olympics for Chicago, participating in the comical Global Warming Conference and campaigning for three losing candidates, the Colts seem to be a sure thing….

Lately, this guy is the kiss of death….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Is it just me, or has Andrew Bynum fallen out of favor with Phil Jackson?….

Every time he gets on a roll and having his way around the basket, the Zenmaster takes him out of the game for several minutes….

I can understand sitting him down when he’s not hustling, but Phil gets him out of there when he’s playing well….

Andrew doesn’t get nearly enough touches on offense and seems a little hesitant this season. Maybe it’s the back-to-back knee surgeries, but I also think he’s not happy with the coach….

Body language tells a lot and I don’t like the way Bynum is carrying himself….

Granted, he doesn’t play hard all the time, isn’t nearly a good enough rebounder and still hasn’t developed the angle bank shot he needs. But he’s 22, has soft hands and still could be a star player….

If the Lakers are attmepting to trade him for Chris Bosh, they’re going about it the wrong way….

By the way, I still wouldn’t make that deal. As good as Bosh is, the result would be Pau Gasol playing center against Cleveland, Boston or Dwight Howard and Orlando….

And after the Finals loss to the Celtics two years ago, I never want to see the soft Spaniard at center again….

Unless you get a point guard like Chris Paul or Deron Williams in return, I’m not trading Bynum….

I have a great idea for all of to make a lot of money betting the Super Bowl; let’s find out who President Obama likes and play it the other way….

The way this guy is going, doing the opposite will result in lots of cash….

First, he goes to Eurpoe to campaign for Chicago getting the Olympics and is embarrassed when the I.O.C. eliminates their bid in the first round….

Then he goes to Copenhagen to participate in that farcical global warming summit and the conference is a complete disaster….

Finally, he goes to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to support Democratic candidates; only to watch all three of them go down in flames….

So I’m going to be watching the news wires, listening to talk shows and viewing the cable news channels; all in the hope the President will make a prediction….

Then it’s off to Las Vegas to make a large wager the other way. After that, a tropical vacation awaits….

As a big tennis fan, I’m enjoying ESPN’s coverage of the Australian Open. It’s the first major of the year and as usual the play has been brilliant….

One thing I particularly enjoy is the dramatic improvement in women’s tennis….

Not their play, of course, but their physical appearance….

When I was growing up, the women’s players were a horror show, with one more hideopus than the next. I remember breaking out the barf bags looking at the likes of Rosie Casals, Martina Navratilova, Hana Mandlikova, Billie Jean King and almost all the rest….

Chris Evert was kind of hot, but for the most part the women’s tour was perceived as predominantly lesbian group with really ugly players….

Nowadays, however, the players are so hot that I hardly miss a match. It seems like it’s one 18-22 year old European supermodel after another taking the court and a treat for any red blooded, American male….

Unfortunately there don’t seem to be any good looking Americans, but what the hell….

I prefer European women anyway….

These chicks are tall, statuesque, blonde, shapely and smart enough to show a lot of skin. The outfits are very sexy, which adds to the viewing experience….

Who needs the internet?….

Predictions: I like Scotland’s Andy Murray on the men’s side and Serena Williams to win the women’s draw….

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WEEKEND NOTES

January 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As Brett Favre drove his team down the field in the closing moments of a tie game, my thoughts turned to the 1998 Vikings; in my opinion the best team not to make the Super Bowl….

That team was fun to watch, as rookie Randy Moss destroyed the league and Randall Cunningham came out of retirement to win the MVP….

All they needed to make the Super Bowl was a 29-yard-field goal from Gary Anderson in the closing seconds; a virtual lock since he had not missed all season….

Alas, Anderson hooked his kick wide, Minnesota lost in overtime and we were deprived of what looked to be the best Super Bowl ever; John Elway and the Broncos against the explosive Vikings….

So with the Vikings on the Saints 33 with less than a minute remaining, I thought two things: 1) The missed kick in ’98 and 2) Favre’s tendency to make poor decisions….

Once again, the prospect of a memorable Super Bowl loomed; with the 40-year-old Favre battling Peyton Manning and the Colts. This matchup would probably break ratings records and be one of the greatest sporting events of all time….

Then, some idiotic things began happening….

With a first down on the New Orleans 33, Minnesota needed another first down; thus avoiding a 50-yard field goal attempt and possibly giving Drew Brees the ball on his own 40….

Idiotic move #1:

For some reason, Brad Childress got conservative and tried two running plays against an eight-man front. Naturally the two plays got nowhere and now the Vikings faced a difficult third-and-10….

In this situation, you have to play to win and the best call would have been a play action pass with a safe throw. It would have been open, because the last thing the Saints expected was a pass….

Idiotic move #2: Before third down, the Vikings were penalized for having 12 men in the huddle. To make such a colossal mistake in that situation is inexcuseable and whomever was responsible should be filing unemployment papers….

It was third-and-15, but the Vikings were backed up to the 38 and out of field goal range….

Now the Saints knew Favre has to pass and adjusted their defense accordingly….

I could smell an interception coming and said to myself “Please, Brett, don’t force and do something stupid.”….

As Favre rolled to his right, he had room to run and probably could have gotten near the 30 before running out of bounds….

Idiotic move #3: Instead of pulling the ball down and running, Brett threw across his body into the center of the field, right into the arms of a waiting Saints defender….

I love Favre, but this is his weakness and why he’s not the greatest QB of all time….

That was the ballgame, as New Orleans won in overtime and will face the Colts in the Super Bowl….

Don’t get me wrong. the Saints are fun to watch and it should be a good game; but Favre vs. Manning would have been better….

The Vikings outgained the Saints by almost 2-1 and still should have won despite six fumbles and two interceptions. They proved they were the better team, but found a way to give the game away….

And once again, 1998 reared its ugly head and we are deprived of a memorable and historic Super Bowl….

I just hope Favre doesn’t retire, because he’s still on top of his game and certainly capable of taking the Vikings to the Super Bowl next season….

In the AFC Championship game, Indianapolis overcame an early 17-6 defecit and won going away, 30-17….

The Jets are well coached, good defensively and can run the ball, but simply don’t have enough offense to beat Peyton Manning on the road….

By the way, Manning was magnificent and showed why he’s the best QB in the NFL and on his way to legendary status…..

No matter what New York tried, Peyton figured it out and made plays. Whether it was zone, man or blitz, Manning moved the ball….

I read this morning that the Colts have opened as a 4.5 point favorite, which was suprising. With their poor running game, I thought the line would be pick’em….

The betting line is the ultimate show of respect for Manning and evidently the wise guys feel his presence will be the difference….

And they’re probably right….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Thursday night was a great example of why I would not make the Andrew Bynum for Chris Bosh deal….

Sure, Bosh is an All-Star and the better player, but when Pau Gasol has to play center the Lakers are simply not going to beat physical teams like the Celtics or Cavs….

Bynum was in foul trouble, which limited him to seven points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes. But it was obvious how much the Lakers need him in the pivot to win another championship….

In the 2008 Finals against Boston, when Bynum was out with an injury, Gasol was manhandled by the Celtics physical front line and disappeared. He was soft, weak and pushed all over the court….

Last night against Cleveland, with Andrew on the bench, Gasol had to guard Shaq; who proceeded to back him down and score at will….

After one easy basket, commentator Reggie Miller shouted, “Come on, Pau, lift some weights and man up. That’s too easy.”….

As good a front line as Bosh, Gasol and Lamar Odom would be, they’re far too soft to win a championship….

Gasol is not a center and too soft to contend with the big guys in the post….

That being said, Bynum has to play better. He has a disturbing habit of loafing and needs to play hard all the time; especially on the boards….

I’d also like to see the Lakers make a trade for a point guard, because Derek Fisher has been horrendous this season. In fact, he might be the worst starting PG in the NBA….

He’s shooting 37%, can’t guard anybody and is by the far the worst finisher in the NBA on drives to the basket….

Whenever he goes to the hoop, one of three things happen: 1) His shot is blocked 2) He misses badly or 3) He turns the ball over….

And then he fakes like he was hit, lays on the floor and yells for a foul while the opponent gets a fast break and easy basket….

I’d love to see a stat on what his shooting percentage is when he puts it on the floor and drives….

It has to be less than 10%….

Phil Jackson needs to tell him to do what he does best: Stand behind the three point line and shoot open set shots….

Any time he puts the ball on the floor and attempts to create should result in Derek getting a seat on the bench….

I can’t stop laughing about Tiger Woods allegedly checking into a sex addiction center….

This is purely a PR move, done to generate sympathy and try and convince people he has a disease….

I believe I speak for men everywhere when I say there is no such thing as sexual addiction. Tiger was simply doing what any man in his situation would do; bang an endless supply of pretty girls dying to be with him….

Chris Rock once said “A man is only as faithful as his options” and no truer words were ever spoken….

It’s easy to stay faithful if you’re not handsome, don’t have any money and work in a dead end job. It’s quite a different story if you’re young, rich, handsome and world famous….

Let he among us without sin cast the first stone at Tiger….

But to claim he needs rehab because he likes to have sex with pretty girls is absurd….

We men are all addicted to sex; the problem is we can’t convince hundreds of beautiful women to play along….

I don’t know much about new Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, but so far I like what I see. To defeat a Democrat in that state, especially when running for Ted Kennedy’s seat, was something considered impossible….

His best moment was his closing line: “I want to spend money on weapons to defeat terrorists, not on lawyers to defend them.”….

That’s a grand slam….

In just a year, Barack Obama has gone from someone riding an immense wave of popularity to becoming the kiss of death….

In the past few months, he’s gone to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts to campaign for the Democratic candidate and gone 0-3….

Not only did he not deliver a win, his candidates all took nose dives immediately after the President’s endorsement….

In my opinion, it all boils down to Obama refusing to listen to the will of the people. The latest poll has only 36% of Americans approving his health care reform, yet he continues to try and ram it down our throats….

Tuesday night was a chance for the people of Massachusetts, probably the most liberal state in the union, to show the President just how angry Americans have become….

If the President is a pragmatic man, which I don’t believe he is, he’ll forget about health care until after the November mid-term elections. But if he stubbornly goes ahead with this health care fiasco, it’s going to be a Democratic blood-letting come November….

Hopefully California Senator Barbara Boxer is next on the chopping block….

What hasn’t been getting a lot of press is the next item on the President’s agenda, scheduled to go into motion after health care: Amnesty for illegal aliens….

If Obama thinks people are angry about state run health care, wait until he sees the reaction to amnesty….

He’ll be a one-term President and make Jimmy Carter look like a tremendous success….

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NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

What a shocker! After Floyd Mayweather announced he was going to fight Paulie Malignaggi on March 13, the same night Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey were getting together, the fight appears to be off….

As you’ll recall, I predicted the fight would not happen on that date, because the Pretty Boy can’t sell flies unless his opponent is popular and well known….

They won’t admit it, but the reason the fight will not happen is because nobody would watch and HBO didn’t want it. While he’s white and a pretty good fighter, nobody but the hard core fan has ever heard of Malignaggi and the Pretty Boy wa sgoing to be embarrassed….

Not because he was in danger of losing, but because the MGM Grand would be empty and the Pay-Per-View numbers embarrassing….

Despite his claims that he’s the “PPV king,” nobody buys PPV to see Floyd….

Sure, the numbers were big for his fights against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez; but only because the opponents fans were hard core and responsible for 90% of the buys….

When Floyd is the star, however, fans stay away in droves….

The latest news has Mayweather fighting Shane Mosley on May 1 at the MGM, which would be a very competitive fight and could go either way….

But before we go on, though, heartfelt condolences to Andre Berto and his family….

In case you don’t know, Berto is the WBC Welterweight Champion with an impressive 25-0 record. He was scheduled to defend his title against Mosley on January 30, but backed out of the fight yesterday morning, for an understandable reason….

Berto is Haitian and the latest word is that at least eight members of his family have died after the earthquake….

In the press release, Berto said he was “mentally and physically exhausted” from dealing with the catastrophe and needed to be with his family….

Obviously, he needs to go to Haiti and deal with this….

So this leaves Mayweather-Mosley for May 1, which is a great matchup….

Since Shane is a live, dangerous opponent with a good chance to win, I’d doubt Floyd goes through with this. I think he’ll find a way to back out, because a loss kills his chances of a fall mega fight with Pacquiao….

Mosley is too good, too tough and Mayweather will find a way out of the fight….

Prediction: If Team Mayweather has suspicions about Pacman using steroids, they must be ready to have Shane Mosley drug tested around the clock for a month….

Mosley was implicated in the BALCO report and admitted to using PED’s; but claimed he didn’t know what they were….

It was the Barry Bonds defense and nobody believed him, but since boxing doesn’t get much media coverage anymore the Mosley story flew under the radar….

I think Team Mayweather will make life difficult for Shane and demand Olympic-style testing for him, too….

But if Floyd gives Shane a pass and doesn’t demand the same testing he was asking of Pacquiao, it will prove he never wanted to fight Manny and looking for a way out….

This should be interesting….

It will also be interesting to see how well this does on Pay-Per-View, because without a Hispanic or foreign fighter it would seem the numbers would be low….

Since Mayweather and Mosley are very well known, though, this one might do well….

I’d certainly pay to see Mayweather-Mosley, but let’s see if the casual fan is buying….

Promoters won’t say it publicly, because it’s not politically correct, but the money men in boxing are reluctant to put two black fighters against each other on PPV, because of the belief it won’t sell….

The common belief is that the days of Hearns-Leonard and Leonard-Hagler are long gone and it’s the Hispanic fans who buy the fights and support the sport….

But good PPV numbers for Mayweather-Mosley could change all that….

As for Pacquiao-Clottey at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, I think this is going to be a great fight and big-time winner for HBO PPV. Manny would sell tickets fighting Dave Smith, because of his action style and popularity….

And by the way, I’d whip his ass….

The more I look at this fight, the more I like Clottey’s chances….

He’s much bigger than the Pacman, fights hard and has a good chin. Sure, Manny has faster hands and great power, but Clottey will be the biggest, strongest guy he’s ever been in there with….

I know the record says Clottey is 35-3, but in my opinion he’s undefeated….

Clottey’s first loss, to Carlos Baldomir, was a fight he was dominating before being DQ’ed in the 11th round for a low blow; despite never receiving a warning or point deduction….

Loss #2 came to Antonio Margarito. In that bout, Clottey was winning early until breaking his hand. He then hurt his other hand later in the fight and lost all firepower. Still, he showed great heart and was competitive all the way before losing a decision….

His third loss was by split decision to Miguel Cotto, a fight I believe he clearly won….

In my opinion, this will be a much better fight than Pacquiao-Mayweather, because it’s going to be start-to-finish action….

Clottey has received the opportunity of a lifetime and on March 13 has a chance to reverse the bad officiating, bad decisions and bad luck which has plagued him throughout his career….

Mayweather-Pacquiao would, in my opinion, Floyd dancing around Manny all night long and winning a decision….

So if Floyd goes through with the Mosley fight, all of this nonsense regarding the Pacquiao-Mayweather cancellation could be a blessing in disguise….

If Mayweather and Pacquiao win impressively, it will only make a future matchup more attractive. Wins against quality opposition like Mosley and Clottey can only help both of them and make them more money….

But this is a dangerous game they’re playing, because either one could lose and find themselves losing a potential $30-$50M payday….

It’s great for the sport, however, and let’s hope both fights go off as scheduled….

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Weekend Notes

January 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Remember when Brett Favre signed with the Vikings shortly before the season began and “experts” were claiming the Minnesota locker room was divided? They also said the organization made a mistake signing him and it was “sending the wrong message” to Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels….

At the time, I said the only message that mattered was winning and asked the following question: Who would you rather have at QB, Favre, Jackson or Rosenfels?….

Since the Vikings were a quarterback away from the Super Bowl, the answer was a no-brainer….

Were there some Vikings players upset that Favre came in at the last minute? Probably. And did some of them want to see a guy like Jackson get a chance? I’m sure there were….

Winning cures everything, however, and I’d love to hear what some of the “experts” are saying now that Brett has led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game….

Favre has played at an MVP level this season, which I doubt would have happened with Jackson or Rosenfels. And he topped off his remarkable season by throwing for four TD’s in Minnesota’s 34-3 drubbing of Dallas….

And if any of his teammates still question his being there, they should be ex-teamates after the season….

This sets up a great NFC title game between the Vikings and Saints; matching the NFL’s best offense against one of the all-time great QB’s in the midst of a Cinderalla story….

New Orleans demolished Arizona on Saturday and looked unstoppable, so this is going to be fun….

The Vikings defense was very impressive in dominating the Cowboys and is going to have to match that in order to slow down this Saints offense….

As for the AFC, it was another bitter, disappointing, early exit for the Chargers, as they managed to lose at home to the Jets, 17-14….

New York’s game plan was textbook in how to defeat a high-powred offense; effectively run the ball, keep the oppoents’s offense off the field and get them out of rythym….

Of course, when your kicker misses three FG’s and you commit 10 penalties, you’re putting yourself in danger….

As for the AFC title game, I don’t give the Jets much of a chance against the Colts….

Sure, they can run the ball and play defense, but they are not going to hold Indy to 14 points on their home field….

Mark Sanchez is going to have to make plays and I don’t believe he’s ready to win an AFC title game on the road against a great team….

Speaking of Sanchez, how happy must he be about his decision to leave USC and enter the draft?….

Despite Pete Carroll throwing a hissy-fit and tellnig the press Mark was not ready, here he is in the AFC Championship game….

He’s living in New York, is a multi-millionaire, is a game away from the Super Bowl and must be enjoying life to its fullest….

By the way, how similar and eerie is the Sanchez-Joe Namath comparison?….

At the same stage, both were young, talented, good looking, personable, likeable and went into a game against the Colts with almost nobody thinking they could win….

Broadway Joe pulled it off and became a legend and now it’s Mark
s turn to make history….

Maybe he’ll guarantee a win….

Now that would be something….

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IT’S NOW A MESS

January 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Well, ladies and gentlemen, all the information is in on the Lane Kiffin hiring and I can safely state the following two conclusions: 1) It’s officially a bad hire and 2) Lane Kiffin is delusional….

With the great Norm Chow expressing interest and USC offering him much more than UCLA, all that was needed was Kiffin showing proper humility and respect a man of Chow’s accomplishments deserves….

But at yesterday’s press conference announcing the hire, Lane couldn’t resist running his mouth and saying something stupid; which is the equialent of the sun rising….

In other words, Kiffin doing or saying something offensive is part of his DNA….

When a reporter asked him about Chow and if Lane would call the plays after Stormin’ Norman’s arrival, I sat up in my chair and waited for the inevitable….

If ever there was a time to be humble and praise such an outstanding coach, this was it. In my columns this week, I wrote about Kiffin’s massive ego and worried if he could keep it in check and allow Norm to run the offense without interference….

Lane’s answer to this question was the single most important response he would ever give, because a huge piece of his success laid in the balance….

Here is what Kiffin should have said: “I have nothing but the greatest respect for Coach Chow and it would be an honor and a privelidge to have him return as my offensive coordinator. As a young coach at USC, I learned so much from him and will always be grateful. Rest assured, if Norm decides to return I will give him complete autonomy and not interfere with his game plans or play calling. It will be his show and he will call all the plays.”….

Instead, when asked if he would call the plays if Norm returned, Kiffin responded: “That’s my assumption. It’s what I’ve always done.”….

Unbelievable….

Can you imagine Chow sitting in his living room and listening to this? USC is attempting to hire him, the fans and alums are ecstatic and this 34-year-old egomaniac has the nerve to tell the press that he, not Chow, will call the plays?….

As soon as I heard the answer, I knew Norm would never return to USC and work for a kid who has such little respect for his accomplishments….

Predictably, it was announced this morning that Chow was staying at UCLA….

And a massive sigh of disappointment could be heard all over Trojan Nation….

Yesterday was a day of great expectation for Troy, but you could literally hear the air going out of the balloon today….

There are those inside the USC program who believe Kiffin was working behind the scenes with Pete Carroll to push Chow out the door after Troy’s second National Championship, so it wouldn’t have been easy for Norm to return under any circumstances….

After all, why come back to work for the kid who was your intern, especially if he had something to do with your departure?….

Which is why Lane should have been bending over backwards to convince Chow he had nothing to do with his departure five years ago and would do anything possible to bring him back….

I would have sent flowers to Norm’s wife, taken his family to dinner and made him feel like the most wanted coach in the nation….

Instead, Kiffin tells the world that he will be the play caller regardless of whom he hires as the offensive coordinator….

So, in my opinion, the future is sealed….

With Troy losing Taylor Mays, Damian Williams, Joe McKnight and a few others, it looks like another Emerald Bowl for Troy next season….

In my opinion, Kiffin is a predictable play caller, lousy game planner and will have all kinds of trouble moving the ball….

His role should be recruiting, delegating authority, cheerleading on the sideline and trusting his great assistants to run the show….

Instead, he alienates the best offensive coordinator in college football history and misses a golden opportunity to win big….

Funny how Carroll didn’t miss when he went after Chow 10 years ago….

Pete gave him the keys, stayed out of his way and watched the scoreboard light up…..

Lane Kiffin had an unbelievable opportunity to finish a Dream Team of assistants, had he only showed humility and respect….

But with one stupid answer, he let it all slip away….

Filed Under: Dave Smith Tagged With: ,

NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Although I like the coaching staff new USC coach Lane Kiffin is putting together, I simply cannot get excited unless Norm Chow decides to return….

Yes, Ed Orgeron and Monte Kiffin are outstanding additions and will help Kiffin a great deal, but without Chow the program will not be successful….

The reason? Without Norm, Kiffin will call the plays; and that’s a recipe for disaster….

While a good cheerleader and recruiter, Kiffin is a terrible play caller and the offense will suffer greatly if he’s in charge….

I’ve always thought he was a snake-oil salesman and vastly overrated as an offensive mind, so a full court press needs to be applied to Stormin’ Norman, the best offensive coordinator I’ve seen in college football….

Hopefully Lane has matured and is smart enough to swallow his pride, butt out and let Chow call the plays….

As I write this, Norm still hasn’t made a decision, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed….

Chow has reportedly been offered $1.5M to return to USC, which is a number UCLA couldn’t come close to matching; so it makes me wonder what Norm is waiting for….

This could be the reason….

No matter what Chow or Pete Carroll say publicly, there was a big rift between the two after the Trojans National Championship win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. And I’ve heard Chow didn’t think much of Lane Kiffin, either….

Reports are that after the Orange Bowl, Carroll informed Chow that Kiffin’s role was going to be increased, including calling some of the plays, which pushed Chow out the door….

Coincidentally, USC never won another national title….

The bottom line is this: Lane Kiffin is a good hire if Norm Chow comes on board….

But Lane Kiffin is a bad hire if Chow does not return to USC….

It’s that simple….

I still can’t believe Floyd Mayweather is being so stupid and pig headed and actually going to let a $30M payday slip away….

The Nevada State Athletic Commission is the best in the world and their drug testing procedures are more than fair; so the Pretty Boy’s demands for Olympic-style drug testing are absurd and makes him look like he doesn’t want the fight….

I keep expecting to read Floyd has come to his senses and will save the fight, but today I read that he’s going to fight Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand on March 13th; which happens to be the exect same date Manny Pacquiao will be fighting Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium….

This is another example of why boxing is being overtaken by MMA, because they would never allow something like this to happen. Instead of staging the greatest fight in years and potentially the bigest money-maker, Pacquiao and Mayweather are going to fight different opponents on the same night….

Absurd and embarrassing….

Even though Manny agreed to blood testing, which the NSAC does not do, it wasn’t good enough for Floyd….

Pacquiao agreeing to a blood test after they announced the fight, 30 days before the fight and immediately after the fight was more than fair and that should have been it….

But Mayweather wasn’t satisfied and will cost himself millions of dollars for his stupidity….

As for the two fights, here is my opinion:

Clottey is an excellent fighter and this is going to be a tough night for Pacman. Clottey was beating Antonio Margarito a few years ago before breaking his hand and losing a close decision….

Last year, he outworked and defeated Miguel Cotto; except in the eyes of the judges, who somehow got it wrong….

He’s bigger and stronger than Manny and this will be an excellent and competitive fight. The crowd will be huge in Dallas, the PPV will be strong and it will be fun to watch….

As for Mayweather-Malignaggi, this will be a stinker and an easy fight for the Pretty Boy. It also won’t sell and there are going to be a lot of empty seats….

Paulie is too small to be a Welterweight and will get tattooed all night long….

HBO should sign up immediately for Pacquiao-Clottey and walk away from Mayweather-Malignaggi….

Despite his claims, Mayweather doesn’t put butts in seats or sell PPV’s, unless people want to see his opponent….

Mayweather-Hatton, Mayweather-DeLaHoya and Mayweather-Marquez did big numbers, but only because fans of Floyd’s opponents filled the seats and bought the PPV….

You’ll see on March 13th how much attraction Mayweather has when he’s up against someone most people have never heard of and it’s up to Floyd to drive ticket and PPV sales….

Interesting to read that Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones are finally going to have their rematch, even though it’s 17 years too late….

It was set a few months ago, with both of them slated for tune-up bouts. The Executioner did his part and won easily, but Roy went down to Australia and was knocked out in the first round by a white guy I’ve never heard of….

Fortunately, the casual boxing fan has no idea Jones lost his last fight, so this has some appeal….

It’s too bad Roy lost, because he’s looked good recently in stopping Jeff Lacy and decisioning Felix Trinidad….

Back in 1993, Bernard was talented, but inexperienced young fighter. Fresh off a five-year stretch in Graterford State Prison, he gave Jones a hell of a fight before losing a decision….

At the time, Jones was the best fighter in the world and many considered him an all-time great. And since nobody had ever heard of Hopkins, the win didn’t mean all that much….

But I saw something special in Bernard that night and became his biggest fan. Although Roy was much quicker and more experienced, Hopkins kept pressing the action, managed to back up Jones and actually won three or four rounds; which was unheard of against a Roy Jones opponent….

Since that fight, Jones has been knocked out three times, lost four fights and been exposed as a guy with a weak chin….

Hopkins, on the other hand, went on to be one of the greatest fighters in boxing history, holding the Middleweight title for 10 years and then moving up to win the Light Heavyweight title….

And in my humble opinion, he hasn’t lost a fight since that night in 1993….

Officially he’s lost three fights in that time, but not in my book….

He was flat out robbed in his two “losses” to Jermaine Taylor because Taylor was the HBO house fighter….

The fight against Joe Calzaghe was closer, but I had Bernard the 115-112 winner….

Hopkins knocked down Calzaghe in the first round and schooled him the rest of the fight. Siure, the Welshman was busier, but he never actually hit Bernard; which escaped the eyes of the judges and HBO announcing crew….

Filed Under: Dave Smith Tagged With:

NOTES ON A SCORECARD

January 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Of all the people I’ve heard as possible replacements for departed USC coach Pete Carroll, I hadn’t heard the name Lane Kiffin….

Which was a relief….

He seems like a nice enough guy in the dealings I’ve had with him, but has a tendency to run his mouth and antagonize people….

I also don’t think he’s a good coach and more of a con man than leader….

I never liked his play calling after he took over for Norm Chow as offensive coordinator and thought he did a lousy job last season at Tennessee; leading a pretty talented team to a disappointing 7-6 record; including a bowl loss to Virginia Tech….

So when I heard the shocking news that he was leaving the Volunteers to become the new head coach at USC, my first reaction was Mike Garrett had made a huge mistake….

Why hire a guy has proven nothing as a head coach?….

But when I read the entire story, some interesting things popped up….

Kiffin has hired Ed Orgeron as assistand head coach, lead recruiter and line coach, which is a brilliant hire. Orgeron is a great recruiter and the guy most responsible for the stockpile of talent Carroll brought to Troy. He’s also an excellent coach, based on the success of his defensive lines at Miami in the late ’80′s and early ’90′s, and also his tremendous DL’s at USC under Carroll….

He’s also bringing his father Monte, one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, to be his defensive coordinator….

But the real bombshell is the news that USC is negotiating to bring Norm Chow back as the offensive coordinator. If Kiffin pulls that off, maybe Garrett was right to hire him….

With an All-Star staff of assistants like that, all Lane would have to do is recruit, stand on the sidelines and cheerlead….

As long as he doesn’t make any important sideline decisions, USC will be okay. He was horrendous at Tennessee in this department; including horrible clock management and a tendency to make the worst decisions possible in kick-or-go-for-it situations….

If he simply butts out and allows his father, Chow and Orgeron to work their magic, this could be another great run….

Unfortunately, Lane is a guy with a big ego and thinks he’s a football genius. I can’t imagine him sitting back and letting his remarkable staff run things….

He needs to be a cheerleader, delegator, recruiter and figurehead….

We’ll see….

But the key is hiring Chow. He’s had a disastrous couple of years at UCLA, which can be explained by two things: 1) The talent level at UCLA is horrendous and he didn’t have anything to work with. His QB’s receivers and running backs never gave him a chance to succeed. 2) He was working for Rick Neuheisel, a guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing and puts Lane Kiffin to shame when it comes to being a con man. Hell, he puts Bernie Madoff to shame….

Back at USC, however, the real Chow would resurface and Troy will be an offensive force again….

What a shocker in the world of baseball, as Mark McGwire admitted he used steroids throught the 1990′s, including his 70 home run season of 1998….

And here I thought he was simply the result of hard work and a good diet….

As angry as people are at McGwire, though, there are two other targets we should take to task: 1) Commissioner Bug Selig, who consistentley lied about the steroid problem and covered up the story and 2) Baseball writers and talk show hosts who were too lazy to do their jobs and expose what was happening in the summer of ’98….

Since I was the only member of the sports media to speak out publicly in 1998 and call out both McGwire and Sammy Sosa as steroid cheats, I keep waiting for all the major news outlets to book me as a guest….

If you’ll recall, I BBQ’d both of them on a daily basis during their quest to break the home run record; accusing them of being steroid users and saying the record would be tainted….

And did I get in trouble for that, getting called into the Program Director’s office about once a week and being told there was no evidence they were using PED’s and I was going to get our parent company sued….

Callers accused me of being a hater, baseball writers said I was headline-grabbing without facts and my bosses assured me I’d be fired if it continued….

Having watched McGwire for years, I knew he was a steroid user, because I know the look from years of going to the gym. He was getting bigger every year, had huge traps and shoulders and his face and eyes had the puffy look of a juicer….

Early in the 1998 season, with Big Mac on a record setting pace, I went into the Cardinals locker room before and after all three games and saw McGwire walking around with his shirt off….

Even though I already had him pegged as a steroid guy, seeing him in person actually made me laugh. He was huge, puffed up and had the typical back acne you see with juicers….

The next day on the air, I called him out and said he was using steroids and the record was going to be tainted. I also said that “10 years from now, when you all see I’m right, McGwire will be run out of baseball and have to apologize to the Maris family.”….

A few weeks later, when I saw Sosa in the Cubs locker room, I said the same thing about him. While he didn’t have the back acne, he had the body builder-style shoulders and the juiced up look I saw every day at my gym….

Of course, the fat slobs who comprise the media and have never seen the inside of a gym completely whiffed on the story….

I also called out Selig that summer, saying he was afraid to do his job and covering up the story; because it was too close to the 1994 strike which cancelled the post-season….

Buddy-boy now claims that he “never heard of steroids” until “1999 or 2000,” which is another flat-out lie….

In an interview with Bob Nightengale of the Los Angeles Times in 1995, Selig is quoted as saying there was a steroid problem in baseball which needed to be addressed….

You know Selig is lying when his lips move….

And Selig should also explain why he ignored McGwire’s steroid use, even though he knew what was going on, and later ripped into Barry Bonds….

A real Trent Lott/Harry Reid situation, if you ask me….

So even though I remain unemployed, I take pride in the fact I was the only media member in the country who exposed the home run race of ’98 and was proven correct….

Speaking of laughing out loud and guys lying, how about Pete Carroll’s ridiculous statement that possible sanctions against USC “had nothing to do, not at all” with his leaving Troy for the NFL?….

Carroll has been approached by the NFL before, but was very happy and didn’t want to leave. And who could blame him? He had a mother-lode of talent, was adored by the Trojan community and making great money….

But everything is different now….

USC is coming off a four-loss season and with the loss of Joe McKnight, Damian Williams, Taylor Mays and others, they figure to lose at least that many next season….

With the NCAA expected to drop the hammer on the Reggie Bush scandal in February, Pete ran like a guy whose house was on fire….

The mystique is gone, the talent is thin, NCAA sanctions are looming and the next few years might be very, very tough….

With his tremendous record of success, Pete can survive one bad season. But if he has another year or two of multiple losses and Emerald Bowls, the NFL might not be so anxious to hire him….

With Seattle offering five years, $35M and GM responsibilities, the timing was perfect to get the hell out of L.A…..

Approaching 60 years of age, Carroll probably figures he doesn’t need to coach a team under probation and looks at this as a great retirement plan….

If he fails again in the NFL and gets s***-canned in two or three years, he gets bought out for $14-21M and would still be young enough to go back to college….

Filed Under: Dave Smith Tagged With:
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