I was in Cleveland the past couple of days, and while there I went to a Cavaliers game. Throughout the game I noticed that Lebron James seemed lifeless. He made a few great plays like always, but there seemed to be no spark. I also remembered thinking this same thing watching him on tv earlier in the season. Its not that he doesn't bring a great talent to the game or his team, but He just isn't the superstar team leader everyone has expected him to be.
Lebron leads his team by example, but you never see him trying to motivate his teamates. His play doesn't seem to effect them at all. Even stars like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson at least seem to light a fire under their teams every now and then. Their teams see the passion and feed off of it and they are almost able to will their teams into playing better basketball.
Right now I see Lebron as one of the most overrated athletes in any sport. He is right up there with the likes of Andy Roddic. And he will stay there as long as people are willing to pay to watch him play uninspired basketball or until he figures it out and learns how to truly lead a team.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The better route
TV sports personality's (either an announcer or an analyst) all seem to have taken one of two routes to get to their positions. Most of them have taken the sports route. They were players of their sports who exhibited a certain charismatic ability to speak to the cameras. The other route seems to be of the way of sports journalism. Sports journalists start normally in college. After college most write in Newspapers and for Magazines before ever getting a shot at being a radio or local television announcer. The ones who make it though are masters of their craft and have spent the better part of their lives studying sports for a living, not just playing one.
A stunning example is Tony Kornheiser who I don't believe has ever announced a live game before being thrown onto ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcasts this year. He took to the spot naturally though. He shows that he understands the sport and what is going on. He makes Theisman, who has been doing this for years, sound like a bumbling idiot some of the time. Have you ever noticed the long pauses from Theisman and Tirico (Yes I know Tirico took the route of journalism, but he is a college football specialist)?
And Its not just Theisman look at all the horrible analysts they show on an ordinary sunday. Terry Bradshaw, Shannon Sharp, Michael Irving, Phil Simms I could list them all day. Why do the company's keep hireing these idiots? Do people actually tune in to see which of their favorite players is making a fool of himself on national tv?
Players just do not seem to translate into good sports analysts or announcers. Coaches, although lacking the charisma needed, can at least show a good understanding of the game. I don't know though, maybe they should just let the professionals do their jobs.
A stunning example is Tony Kornheiser who I don't believe has ever announced a live game before being thrown onto ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcasts this year. He took to the spot naturally though. He shows that he understands the sport and what is going on. He makes Theisman, who has been doing this for years, sound like a bumbling idiot some of the time. Have you ever noticed the long pauses from Theisman and Tirico (Yes I know Tirico took the route of journalism, but he is a college football specialist)?
And Its not just Theisman look at all the horrible analysts they show on an ordinary sunday. Terry Bradshaw, Shannon Sharp, Michael Irving, Phil Simms I could list them all day. Why do the company's keep hireing these idiots? Do people actually tune in to see which of their favorite players is making a fool of himself on national tv?
Players just do not seem to translate into good sports analysts or announcers. Coaches, although lacking the charisma needed, can at least show a good understanding of the game. I don't know though, maybe they should just let the professionals do their jobs.
Don't worry Shaq will be back
I was watching the Miami Heat game on Thursday and the announcers started to discuss if they thought the Heat had a chance at winning the title. One announcer came out and said of course they do Shaq will come back refreshed and hungry again, and they will make a run for the title.
Is it really that easy? Miami is only 5 and a half games back in the east right now, and they could easily vault to the top with the return of Shaq. But I only see that happening if he can return at 100% and be able to sustain a high level of play for a good stretch. Shaq turns 35 this year and although that might not sound old remember he is a big guy. NBA Basketball is a high paced sport that is very rough on even young guys joints and ligaments.
Also Shaq has had trouble keeping in shape for the past few years. Is an out of shape and deteriorating Shaq better than 99% of the big men in the league? Sure, but can he carry a team that is currently standing 9th in the east for a title run? I highly doubt it.
Is it really that easy? Miami is only 5 and a half games back in the east right now, and they could easily vault to the top with the return of Shaq. But I only see that happening if he can return at 100% and be able to sustain a high level of play for a good stretch. Shaq turns 35 this year and although that might not sound old remember he is a big guy. NBA Basketball is a high paced sport that is very rough on even young guys joints and ligaments.
Also Shaq has had trouble keeping in shape for the past few years. Is an out of shape and deteriorating Shaq better than 99% of the big men in the league? Sure, but can he carry a team that is currently standing 9th in the east for a title run? I highly doubt it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Drugs on a Plane
Michael Vick entered Miami International Airport on Wednesday carrying a 20 oz bottle of water. After displaying a hesitancy to allow the bottle to be checked out by airport personnel suspicion arose and Vick had to relinquish the bottle to enter his flight. The bottle was found to contain a secret compartment hidden by the label that contained a dark sediment and smelled like marijuana.
Now I am a college student and I understand that there is nothing really wrong with smoking marijuana. But the United States as a whole has decided that that substance is illegal. So why would a high profile individual like Michael Vick even have the need to try to sneak it onto a plane? It is not like it would be hard to get once he landed. Vick you are not a bad guy for smoking marijuana, you are an idiot for attempting to sneak it on a plane.
Now I am a college student and I understand that there is nothing really wrong with smoking marijuana. But the United States as a whole has decided that that substance is illegal. So why would a high profile individual like Michael Vick even have the need to try to sneak it onto a plane? It is not like it would be hard to get once he landed. Vick you are not a bad guy for smoking marijuana, you are an idiot for attempting to sneak it on a plane.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Congrats Anthony
The Associated Press announced on tuesday that Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets had been announced as the USA Basketball Player of the Year. Carmelo Anthony led the USA team to a 3rd place finish at the World Championships in Japan last year. He Averaged 19.9 points per game, and was the only USA player named to the all-tournament team.
Carmelo has blossomed into one of the most well rounded players in the world, and he is not even 23 years old yet. If you were trying to build a team who better to build around? Remember he led Syracuse to a title in his 1 year at college.
Carmelo has blossomed into one of the most well rounded players in the world, and he is not even 23 years old yet. If you were trying to build a team who better to build around? Remember he led Syracuse to a title in his 1 year at college.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Peyton time?
Time for some football picks
AFC Championship
Brady Manning three. Doesn't have the same ring to it as Ali Frazier three but for me at least is almost as big. This game could be the game that cements Brady in as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Or it could mark the coming of age of the true king Peyton Manning.
Beyond the quarterbacks there are more levels to this game than a skyscraper. Can Indy stop the run? What will Belichick come up with to stop Peyton and company? Will Vinatieri kick the game winner to break the Patriots heart? Who knows. But one thing you can be sure of is that both teams will come and play hard.
I for one think this is Indy's year. Peyton will come out and take his place on th throne that he deserves. With the balance that the defense has been providing Indy should be able to easily dismantle the mistake prone New England team. New England will need mental errors by Indianapolis like those commited by San Diego last week just to keep it close, and I don't see that happening.
Colts 31-24
NFC Championship
The Bears who seemed to be everyones early season pick to run away with the NFC, against the Saints who everyone had written off after a hectic season last year following the Hurricane. But like the city of New Orleans the Saints have come alive again. They are playing great football with a balanced offense which showcases two dynamic rookies, Marques Colston and Reggie Bush.
The Bears had serious problems with consistancy down the stretch of the season, and Rex Grossman was at the center of it all, but with injuries on defense mounting at the end of the season they really began to lose their sense of who they were.
I don't think the Bears can survive against such a dangerous offensive team without their defense stepping up big and creating plays. They need to make several turn overs to help keep the score close. They will also need Rex Grossman to play the game of his life. With the crowd behind them it could happen, but I will ride with the Saints.
Saints 27-20
AFC Championship
Brady Manning three. Doesn't have the same ring to it as Ali Frazier three but for me at least is almost as big. This game could be the game that cements Brady in as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Or it could mark the coming of age of the true king Peyton Manning.
Beyond the quarterbacks there are more levels to this game than a skyscraper. Can Indy stop the run? What will Belichick come up with to stop Peyton and company? Will Vinatieri kick the game winner to break the Patriots heart? Who knows. But one thing you can be sure of is that both teams will come and play hard.
I for one think this is Indy's year. Peyton will come out and take his place on th throne that he deserves. With the balance that the defense has been providing Indy should be able to easily dismantle the mistake prone New England team. New England will need mental errors by Indianapolis like those commited by San Diego last week just to keep it close, and I don't see that happening.
Colts 31-24
NFC Championship
The Bears who seemed to be everyones early season pick to run away with the NFC, against the Saints who everyone had written off after a hectic season last year following the Hurricane. But like the city of New Orleans the Saints have come alive again. They are playing great football with a balanced offense which showcases two dynamic rookies, Marques Colston and Reggie Bush.
The Bears had serious problems with consistancy down the stretch of the season, and Rex Grossman was at the center of it all, but with injuries on defense mounting at the end of the season they really began to lose their sense of who they were.
I don't think the Bears can survive against such a dangerous offensive team without their defense stepping up big and creating plays. They need to make several turn overs to help keep the score close. They will also need Rex Grossman to play the game of his life. With the crowd behind them it could happen, but I will ride with the Saints.
Saints 27-20
Monday, January 15, 2007
Steven A. Smith... Your Fired!
Yes its true. ESPN has announced in a statement released last week that it had canceled its night time talk show "Quite Frankly" starring sports writer/commentator Steven A. Smith. And I couldnt be happier.
Steven A. Smith was a racist hack who should have had his show cancelled after his first dumb politically incorrect statement was ever uttered for the world to hear. The man spends most of his show talking about how the white man is holding the black athlete down. He even stood up for Barry Bonds (alleged) steroid use by saying he was just trying to level the playing field with the likes of Mark McGwire (and other white athletes who cheated first). Even more rediculous for that he lectured about how the NBA was in the wrong when they punished Carmelo Anthony and a few others for an on-court fight that occured. He even said in his show that if they had been white players the penalties would have been less severe.
Racism is a horrible thing, and breeds hatred between people. Steven A. Smith is a racist in the worst sense of the word because not only does he base decisions on race, but he attempts to spread his racism as fact to the world through tv and type. I hope he is never given another chance to get on television.
Steven A. Smith was a racist hack who should have had his show cancelled after his first dumb politically incorrect statement was ever uttered for the world to hear. The man spends most of his show talking about how the white man is holding the black athlete down. He even stood up for Barry Bonds (alleged) steroid use by saying he was just trying to level the playing field with the likes of Mark McGwire (and other white athletes who cheated first). Even more rediculous for that he lectured about how the NBA was in the wrong when they punished Carmelo Anthony and a few others for an on-court fight that occured. He even said in his show that if they had been white players the penalties would have been less severe.
Racism is a horrible thing, and breeds hatred between people. Steven A. Smith is a racist in the worst sense of the word because not only does he base decisions on race, but he attempts to spread his racism as fact to the world through tv and type. I hope he is never given another chance to get on television.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
My Hall of Fame Ballot
Mark McGwire has been snubbed from the hall of fame for doing nothing wrong. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? It isn't possible to say for sure whether or not he ever took steroids or any other performance enhancing supplements, and until it can be proven without a reasonable doubt they should let his numbers speak for themselves. 7th on the all time home run list! I don't care what the man did between games, he was the best pure power hitter of the generation.
He also brought the league back after a turbulant 90's . In 1998 he reinvigorated the nation with its love for baseball. He and Sammy Sosa competed for the home run title in a fun family friendly way. They didn't brag or gloat the entire way through it they competed with dignity and respect for their teams, their fans, and for each other. It showed the world what competition is all about.
And who knows how many people may have been on performance enhancing drugs. Barry Bonds, Jose Conseco, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and probably anyone can be blamed. What about Cal Ripkin Jr? Performance enhancing drugs can be used to cut back healing times, that would sure help in an unbelievable streak of games played.
Now I am not saying Cal Ripkin Jr ever took steroids nor do I believe he ever did. I am just saying how rediculous this witch hunt sounds. I believe if you are the best of your era you should make it into the hall of fame. That means Mark McGwire, and even later Bonds, should not only be in the hall of fame but should both be hall of fame locks, and McGwire not making it on the first ballot was a great injustice.
He also brought the league back after a turbulant 90's . In 1998 he reinvigorated the nation with its love for baseball. He and Sammy Sosa competed for the home run title in a fun family friendly way. They didn't brag or gloat the entire way through it they competed with dignity and respect for their teams, their fans, and for each other. It showed the world what competition is all about.
And who knows how many people may have been on performance enhancing drugs. Barry Bonds, Jose Conseco, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and probably anyone can be blamed. What about Cal Ripkin Jr? Performance enhancing drugs can be used to cut back healing times, that would sure help in an unbelievable streak of games played.
Now I am not saying Cal Ripkin Jr ever took steroids nor do I believe he ever did. I am just saying how rediculous this witch hunt sounds. I believe if you are the best of your era you should make it into the hall of fame. That means Mark McGwire, and even later Bonds, should not only be in the hall of fame but should both be hall of fame locks, and McGwire not making it on the first ballot was a great injustice.
Will Peyton Manning Ever figure out the Playoffs?
Peyton is almost undeniably one of the most skilled quarterbacks to ever play the game of professional football. He comes out every game with fire and intensity and a will to win. He makes incredible passes with laser like accuracy. That is until the playoffs roll around. Before this years playoffs even began most of the sports writers were already writing his team off because of his inability to pull them through in the big game. I stood by his side though. I believed previous years failures fell more on the team than just the star quarterbacks inability to win.
This year has changed everything. With the Colts rolling to two playoff wins noone thought that they would even have (especially over the great defense of the ravens). Cheers for Peyton, or not. He looked more like Eli Manning in those games then the great Peyton. He made bad decisions threw balls that should have never left his hand. Yet his team rallied around a great defensive effort and held both the Chiefs and the Ravens from taking advantage of Peytons mistakes and turnovers.
After all the sports writers said he needed to play like the hall of fame quarterback he is to pull his team to victory his team played like super bowl competitors and pulled their hall of fame quarterback to two wins he didn't deserve. Now he is going into the AFC Championship and needs to have a great game not only for his fans but his teamates who deserve it more than anyone.
This year has changed everything. With the Colts rolling to two playoff wins noone thought that they would even have (especially over the great defense of the ravens). Cheers for Peyton, or not. He looked more like Eli Manning in those games then the great Peyton. He made bad decisions threw balls that should have never left his hand. Yet his team rallied around a great defensive effort and held both the Chiefs and the Ravens from taking advantage of Peytons mistakes and turnovers.
After all the sports writers said he needed to play like the hall of fame quarterback he is to pull his team to victory his team played like super bowl competitors and pulled their hall of fame quarterback to two wins he didn't deserve. Now he is going into the AFC Championship and needs to have a great game not only for his fans but his teamates who deserve it more than anyone.
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