Will Work For Food ………It’s A Troubling Sign Within The NFL , Bad Coaches , Bad Teams

Simple cartoon indicating my thoughts on the NFL and some of its so called stars. Herein, it’s about the former darlings of the NFL and the gossip columns. Tony Romo and the ubiquitous and far less talented Jessica Simpson. Two peas in a pod wouldn’t you say ?

No matter how many ways one tries to slice and dice it . It’s not so much that there are some extremely bad teams within the NFL. But there are also some really inept coaches , that are vastly overpaid and have little to show for merit ,despite their behind the scenes experience with their present and former clubs.

One constantly hears the talk of parity within the NFL. But if anything although the NFL strives for it. It clearly feels better when there’s a dominant team or dynasty created , for the fans either to love or hate. As of late that hasn’t been the case. Albeit , that the New England Patriots may well be the closest to fit that the bill . Especially, given the fact that around the NFL and its fans, Patriots coach , Bill Belichick just might be the most hated man in America behind, President Barack Obama and the assailant behind the recent tragedy at Ft Hood,Texas, -Major Nidal Malik Hasan.The latter of whom survived the heinous attack launched on his fellow comrades. Still something that I and others around me have yet to fathom. But in time, no doubt we’ll come to understand the facts behind this meaningless and tragic loss of innocent lives.

Peyton Manning and his team’s coach Jim Caldwell seen here in conversation with the officials of an NFL played game played against the San Francisco 49ers from earlier on this season. The Indianapolis Colts are 7-0 for the fourth time in their history to start an NFL season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Darron Cummings ………..

The NFL seems to be replete with some very good teams though none that you’d come to think of as being outstanding. The Indianapolis Colts (7-0), Denver Broncos (6-1), New England Patriots (5-2),Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) and the Pittsburgh Steelers(5-2) are the teams that seem to stand amongst the AFC . But even the unbeaten teams mentioned haven’t exactly shown themselves to be at a level above amongst the others mentioned within this piece. Granted, the Colts and Broncos have been playing some exception football. But the Broncos’ recent defeat at the hands of Baltimore Ravens may well indicate that there are some tough times ahead for this Josh McDaniels‘ coached team .

The lesser lights within the AFC have proven to me, as a fan, that when thingsget bad, they really get bad ! The fallout from the events in Cleveland have now made Browns’ coach, Eric Mangini the most reviled man in the city, since the days of Art Modell. Think about it , you’ve got to have done something so god-damn awful to be hated with such disdain. But really, should we expect any more or less from a group of fans that have devoted a great part of their lives supporting the Browns in their present and past persona to not feel sorry for their plight ? When Modell departed from the city like a thief in the night. It essentially ripped the heart out of the city and made the fans there distrustful of anything to do with the NFL. And now, even with the return of the Browns in their present persona, the team under the coaching of Mangini and his staff haven’t shown any signs of life. It were as the team was in need of resuscitation, having had a near death experience.

The are some who might say that the Cleveland Browns (1-7) were never really a very good team to begin with , since their return to the city. They have struggled to show signs of life , much less that they can be competitive within the NFL. This may well be indicative of what we’re seeing across the NFL with regard to the number of bad teams within its midst. Bad coaching , inexperienced coaches being hired to run a team. But perhaps, what might be even more frightening are the totally inept performances of the players on many of these teams.

In the NFC appears to be no different. As there too, you have your good teams and most definitely there are indeed some hideously bad teams ! Many are touting the play of the Minnesota Vikings (7-1) as a reason to be excited about the NFC. Well, I look at this way way Brett Favre and the Vikings’ coach Brad Childress are best suited for one another. Their indecisiveness , much like Brett’s indecision as to what point he’ll retire has become the norm for the ineptitude we’ve come to see in certain areas of the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell for his part, doesn’t seem to know how to communicate with the public , much less with the members of Congress . And having seen the inconsistencies in his rulings when meting out punishment to players. One begs the question is the NFL heading in the right direction under his tenure ? Much like many of the teams that now seem to find themselves in an abyss of mediocrity.

The play of the unbeaten New Orleans Saints (7-0) stands out amongst the teams in the NFC. And if anything, it has come as a great surprise to the fans of the team, as well as the fans of the NFL in general. Sean Payton and his coaching staff have the Saints playing well on both sides of the ball. So much so, that they’re now proving to be not only a well balanced team. But also a team that has bought into their coach’s wishes. And they’ve become a team that can take on whatever type of adversity that can be thrown its way on the field of play. And if anyone is not of the belief that Saints’ quarterback, Drew Brees shouldn’t be now seen as the prohibitive favorite for the league MVP. Then you ought to sit down call your doctor and have him check your health as well as your mental status. His play this season has been nothing short of stellar , if not outstanding. And while there may well the thought that Peyton Manning and Brett Favre should be shown some love in that directions. It’s my firm belief that Brees’ displays this season towers above that Favre and Manning. Sorry Brett, but I’m just not that into you !

Josh Freeman seen here on NFL Draft Day with family and friends having just made the 11th overall pick in the first round of the Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many thought to be a frivolous and capricious pick by the team. As it was felt that they had needs in other areas on their roster. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Scott Watson …………..

The wayward, woeful , inept befuddled and indescribably bad Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7) are now making last year’s Detroit Lions seem like All Stars. Who’d have guessed that there’d be a chance that in consecutive seasons we could very well have two teams lose all 16 games of a regular scheduled NFL season ? This is the history that this Buccaneers’ team is chasing and on the verge of achieving under first year coach Raheem Morris. Thrown in at the deep end without a life raft and with an inexperienced general manager at his side in Mark Dominik . The team is now on its third quarterback of the season, in their first round draft pick, Josh Freeman. His predecessors this season have been the veteran, Byron Leftwich and fourth year player, Josh Johnson. Leftwich and Johnson have shown about as much awareness and keenness for the game as Stevie Wonder would have, if he were being asked to walk through a minefield. Their performances have bordered on being from the truly average to the absolutely diabolical. Leftwich’s perceived athleticism as Morris’ assertion would have us believe comes from him being quick on his feet . Well, Leftwich has never been known to be quick at anything . Unless you count him excusing himself from the dining table to make one more assault on the buffet stand ? Johnson for his part, has shown that at best, he’s merely a backup quarterback.

The rest of this Buccaneers’ roster is just filled with players high on exuberance and very little else. And much of that blames rests squarely on the shoulders of Raheem Morris and his coaching staff. Whatever the players are being taught , they just don’t seem to either be learning it or buying into it. And unfortunately for Morris, no amount of statements being made with regard to him seeing improvements in certain areas of the team’s play will gloss over the fact that this is a terrible team in more ways than one ! There’s no leadership on the field and for the alleged stars on this team in Antonio Bryant , Michael Clayton, Kellen Winslow Jr., Ronde’ Barber ,Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams.Whatever their thoughts are on their play or form shouldn’t be at all expressed in public. Just because you’re on a team in the NFL doesn’t mean you know how to play in the NFL. And that quite simply is one of the reasons why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are such an ill suited and rather under achieving team. It’s a team that’s littered with players at certain positions who just can’t play the game with anywhere near the demands needed to be successful in the NFL.

Buccaneers’ coach Raheem Morris (left) and the team’s GM Mark Dominik,both seated , are seen here at a convened press conference to address the media and state that 5 prominent players from the Buccaneers’ team had been cut from the roster.The formal announcement was made earlier this year in February prior to the start of the season and the team’s OTA’s. picture appears courtesy of st pete times / Skip O’Rourke ………

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And as to whether not the Buccaneers fulfills its destiny in either losing all of their sixteen regular season games.Or even perhaps win at least one or two games. We can only watch and see what unfolds over ensuing weeks. Either way, it still can’t hide the fact that this is just another one of those really awful teams at present within the NFL. Strangely enough, with all the talk of the collective bargaining agreement being renegotiated between the NFL and the NFLPA . The fact that if an agreement can’t be reached for the season covering 2010-11. One has to wonder if an uncapped season would actually improve things allround or simply just make things a lot worse ? When there wasn’t a cap within the NFL , we had dominant teams and a slew of very good teams. Understandably also, there were one or two teams that just couldn’t make the grade , no matter what. But at this moment in time, which would you prefer ? Those teams from a bygone era ? Or what is now within our midst ?

Mr Fundamental …… Tim Duncan

Mr Fundamental ……Tim Duncan

He’s been called boring , he’s been called one of the alltime best to play the position of power forward and center. But quite simply put, when one uses the moniker Mr Fundamental to describe him . One simply knows who you’re talking about one of best players to have graced the basketball court of the last fifteen years. Tim Duncan is essentially that ‘Mr Fundamental’. Need one say anymore ?

Duncan drives the lane while being defended by the Toronto Raptors’ Chris Bosh . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Clarke Patterson ……

Long considered amongst the elite players in the NBA. Duncan alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant are the elder statesmen of the league. Their legacies are now etched in the annals of NBA history. And that essentially places this triumvirate amongst the very best of the best to have played in the NBA in pre and post modern era of the game. Each has four NBA rings and has been regular a season MVP and NBA Finals’ MVP. Accolades come to Duncan, much like applause comes to an opera singer after a great performance at La Scala or the New York Metropolitan Opera . Duncan consistently performs at a high level that leaves one aghast at his consistency.

The moniker of Mr Fundamental doesn’t seem to bother him at all. Other less focused players might consider it an insult or a sleight. Duncan simply lets it slide off his broad shoulders without a worry . And why not ? There are few players of his caliber to have graced the NBA stage and show the poise displayed by Duncan. The San Antonio Spurs are a better team for having him !

Often thought of as a cerebral player, Duncan is seen here alongside LaMarculs Alridge of the Portland Trailblazers in a recent NBA game played at the Rose Garden Area in Portland Oregon. The Trailblazers would go on to defeat the Spurs 94-86 in the game between the two Western Conference teams.picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Ross Coleman ….

He learned and honed his craft initially playing alongside ‘The Admiral’, David Robinson. And what better way for Robinson to exit stage left from the NBA courts than with an NBA championship and ring in his final season ? The torch was passed from Robinson to Duncan as a new era was set to begin in the history of the San Antonio Spurs. And throughout the next dozen or so years, Duncan and this team have been amongst the perennial contenders in the NBA. Such consistency is rarely seen in sports nowadays. Even less so in the NBA. But Duncan and the Spurs have been able to deliver that with their model of consistency under their legendary coach, Gregg Popovich. And the coach alongside General Manager R . C. Burford have been the main architects behind the Spurs’ success. During their era of their tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, 4 NBA titles in four appearances in the NBA Finals. And all four championships with Duncan in tow, have come in the past fourteen years.

Duncan having now reached the pinnacle of his career . He’s now set to see the curtain call, as the stage is being set for him to bow out gracefully with perhaps at least one more run at a championship ? In doing so they’ll have to get past the reigning NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers in the postseason of the Western Conference playoffs. But it’d be remiss to think that the Lakers are their only threat in the postseason within the conference. Such stalwarts, as the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks are looking to usurp the current champions. And this season we’re likely to have an enthralling year throughout the NBA but even more so in a contentious and competitive Western Conference. And all this sets up for a thrilling year in the NBA for the fans and in particular those of the San Antonio Spurs, with Tim Duncan in tow as their spiritual and vocal leader.

So over the course of the season, admirer or not ,watch this team and Duncan at play. It may well be the last time, perhaps that you’ll get to see this great player and an ambassador for the game at play. As the stage is being set for another pursuit of an NBA title.Few players of note, have been equally admired by his peers and fans of the NBA, alike. And that if anything, is something admirable in this day and age of the ego driven athlete . Duncan who if anything is as level headed as they come and shows little signs of being such an individual. He’s merely just a player whose graced us with his play and presence without the hint of being capricious and overbearing. He’s just simply, Mr Fundamental . He comes in and gets the job done without asking for anything in return. And that’s all, we as fans can ask of a player. Nothing more, nothing less ,wouldn’t you agree ?

The game of basketball being what it is , it’s not often appreciated by many who fail to understand many of the pleasures that it brings. When played with heightened skills and with the true essence of teamwork on display.It is one of the very few team sports that has the fans jumping out of their seats in praise. There are those who’ll look at the San Antonio Spurs and simply …” so what if they’ve won 4 NBA titles ” ? ” They’re so boring “! . But I’d ask of them what has your team done lately ? And better yet, on your team is there a player of Duncan’s caliber who has maintained the consistency that he’s shown over the past fifteen years ?

Tim Duncan’s bio :
Born 25th April 1976 College Wake Forest
Height 6′ 11″/ 2.11m Place of birth St Croix , USVI ,.
Years Pro 12

Chronological bio in part

1998-99: Named to both the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team … appeared in all 50 games, averaging 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.52 blocks in 39.3 minutes per contest … shot .495 (418-845) from the fi eld and .690 (247-358) from the line … was 1-for-7 (.143) from three-point land … the only player in the NBA to rank among the top 10 in scoring (sixth), rebounding (fifth), blocks (seventh) and FG percentage (10th) … finished third in MVP voting … led the NBA in double-doubles for the second straight season with 37 … scored in double-figures 48 times, with 20 or more 31 times … scored over 30 fi ve times, with a season-high 39 points – along with 13 boards and 6 blocks – vs. Vancouver on 4/1 … during the Spurs 31-5 run, averaged 22.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.72 blocks while shooting .512 from the field … named the NBA Player of the Month in March … named the Player of the Week for the period ending 3/8 … led the Spurs in scoring 35 times, in rebounds 31 times and in blocks 30 times … hit a pair of free throws with 3.7 seconds left to give the Spurs an 81-80 win over Portland on 4/16 … in the playoffs averaged 23.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.65 blocks in 43.1 minutes … named the 1999 Finals MVP after averaging 27.4 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.20 blocks in 45.8 minutes in five games vs. the Knicks … logged at least 44 minutes and had at least 20 points in all five games … had 33 points and 16 rebounds in Game 1 vs. the Knicks on 6/16 … in Game 4, in New York on 6/23, had 28 points and 18 rebounds in 47 minutes … in 17 postseason games, had 10 double-doubles, including four in the Finals … scored 20-plus 12 times and had 30-or-more four times, including 37 points in Game 3 at Los Angeles on 5/22.

Personal ……..

He and wife, Amy, were married in the summer of 2001 … the couple has two children … created the Tim Duncan Foundation in November of 2001 … Amy serves as the executive vice president of the organization which is set up to serve “the areas of health awareness and research, education and youth sports and recreation” in San Antonio, Winston-Salem and the U.S. Virgin Islands … since its creation the Foundation has raised approximately $1 million … through the Tim Duncan Character Champions program donates 50 tickets to each game to students who demonstrate integrity, respect, dependability, fairness, caring or civic responsibility … member of the NBA All-Star Reading Team … the winner of the 2001 Home Team Community Service Award given by the Fannie Mae Foundation and the NBA … named one of the “Good Guys” in sports by The Sporting News in both 2001 and 2002 … also supports the Children’s Bereavement Center, the Children’s Center of San Antonio and the Cancer Therapy and Research Center … received his degree in psychology from Wake Forest … didn’t play organized basketball until ninth grade … concentrated on swimming as a youngster – at one point was a top U.S. competitor in his age group in the 400 freestyle – before his local pool was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 … known for wearing his practice shorts backwards, a trend he started while in college … has two sisters, Cheryl and Tricia … admits to being afraid of heights and sharks … favorite movie is The Crow … a video game junkie.

Career Season Averages

Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
97-98 SAS 82 82 39.1 0.549 0.000 0.662 3.3 8.6 11.9 2.7 0.7 2.5 3.40 3.10 21.1
98-99 SAS 50 50 39.3 0.495 0.143 0.690 3.2 8.2 11.4 2.4 0.9 2.5 2.92 2.90 21.7
99-00 SAS 74 74 38.9 0.490 0.091 0.761 3.5 8.9 12.4 3.2 0.9 2.2 3.27 2.80 23.2
00-01 SAS 82 82 38.7 0.499 0.259 0.618 3.2 9.0 12.2 3.0 0.9 2.3 2.95 3.00 22.2
01-02 SAS 82 82 40.6 0.508 0.100 0.799 3.3 9.4 12.7 3.7 0.7 2.5 3.21 2.60 25.5
02-03 SAS 81 81 39.3 0.513 0.273 0.710 3.2 9.7 12.9 3.9 0.7 2.9 3.06 2.90 23.3
03-04 SAS 69 68 36.6 0.501 0.167 0.599 3.3 9.2 12.4 3.1 0.9 2.7 2.65 2.40 22.3
04-05 SAS 66 66 33.4 0.496 0.333 0.670 3.1 8.0 11.1 2.7 0.7 2.6 1.92 2.20 20.3
05-06 SAS 80 80 34.8 0.484 0.400 0.629 2.9 8.1 11.0 3.2 0.9 2.0 2.48 2.70 18.6
06-07 SAS 80 80 34.1 0.546 0.111 0.637 2.7 7.9 10.6 3.4 0.8 2.4 2.80 2.50 20.0
07-08 SAS 78 78 34.0 0.497 0.000 0.730 3.0 8.3 11.3 2.8 0.7 2.0 2.28 2.40 19.3
08-09 SAS 75 75 33.6 0.504 0.000 0.692 2.7 8.0 10.7 3.5 0.5 1.7 2.20 2.30 19.3
09-10 SAS 5 5 29.0 0.536 0.000 0.565 2.8 9.0 11.8 2.2 0.8 1.6 1.60 2.00 14.6
Career – 904 903 36.8 0.507 0.186 0.684 3.1 8.6 11.7 3.2 0.8 2.3 2.77 2.70 21.4

All Star Appearances

All-Star – 11 10 23.8 0.584 0.333 0.800 3.1 7.5 10.6 2.5 0.8 0.7 2.45 1.30 11.9

Career bio and playoff stats’ totals ……click here to view ……

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave ………

“Oh what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive” ……. A quote from Sir Walter Scott .

At present I can’t help but wonder what is going on within the Cleveland Browns’ (1-7) organization. As sorry a team within the NFL you may not be able find in the entire league. Well , perhaps with the exception of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7) , St Louis Rams (1-7) , Detroit Lions (1-6), Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) and the horrendous Oakland Raiders (2-6). And can someone tell me when was the last time that you can remember seeing so many bad teams within the NFL all playing this atrociously , all at the same time ? It seem inconceivable that things could be this bad ! But as of now they are and there appears to be no end to this madness in sight.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter talks about the Browns’ recent woes on the cable network’s televised program ‘Right Now’. The Cleveland Browns has a bye this weekend before they return to the field in Week 10 for a Monday night game (16th November) against the Baltimore Ravens at home at Cleveland Browns Stadium , Cleveland , Ohio. (Scheduled time 8:30 pm ET – ESPN)

In the midst of this all is Browns’ owner Randy Lerner. In bringing in coach , Eric Mangini to take over from the fired predecessor Romeo Crennel. This team now seems to be no further along in its progression to being a competent and competitive NFL franchise. If anything, the team has taken a backward’s step and regressed under Mangini, entirely. And it certainly didn’t help that Lerner acquiesced to Mangini’s demand that he be the one to make his own choice as to who the team’s General Manager should be. If ever there was a recipe for disaster , then this was it ! Mangini’s choice was close personal friend , George Kokinis.
Of limited experience with regard to the assessment and development player personnel. It was hard to see how this maneuver would be of benefit to the Browns’ organization. If nothing else, it smacked of sheer impetuousness. And one where the maneuver may well have been done as a favor to Kokinis. The decision if anything, was completely irrational and without much justification.

Brown’s owner Randy Lerner (right) seen here with the team’s coach Eric Mangini at the team’s training facility in Berea ,Ohio. Lerner voiced his disgust at the team’s woes and errant play. He has refused to speculate or comment on the future of Mangini at the present time. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Dejak …..

Now with the and organization in turmoil, Kokinis has been relinquished of his duties as general manager and abruptly fired. Mangini for his part must now be looking like a fool ! His own position within the organization has to be under review by the owner. Simply put, this former assistant under Bill Belichick is clearly a bust as a coach within the NFL ! Mangini clearly can’t communicate with his players, nor does he appear to command their respect or attention. Proof of that can be seen with his all but brief tenure with the New York Jets as their head coach. Even with Brett Favre in tow , the Jets were simply just another team without much guidance or leadership. That same situation is now being replicated in Cleveland , much to the dismay of their legion of loyal and devoted fans. Kokinis may have been shown the door but the thinking must now be that Mangini can’t be far behind.

George Kokinis the now former Browns’ General Manager. Kokinis was relinquished of his duties and abruptly fired by the organization. Mangini was said to be visibly shaken and completely surprised at the turn of events that took place. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Marshall ……………

At (1-7) and sitting afoot of the AFC North in what is turning to be a highly contested and competitive division . The Cleveland Browns’ season is for all sense and purpose essentially over. They’ll now be playing pride and a sense of honor. Most certainly there are a number of players on this Browns’ roster that will not be returning to the team next season. Either for financial reasons or from the mere fact that they’ve not been productive enough. Looking up at teams within their division such as the Baltimore Ravens (4-3) , Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) and the surprise leaders of the division, in the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2). Player on the team have to show the fans that they’ve still got the heart and passion to play with pride. And if Mangini can’t instill that into this team, then Randy Lerner has no other option but to fire him !

Chicago Bears’ defensive end Mark Anderson puts pressure on Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Derek Anderson in an NFL game played at Soldier Field in Chicago , Illinois. The Bears would go on to defeat the Browns 30-6 in a thoroughly lopsided game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Nam Y. Huh ………………..

Looking down the Cleveland Browns’ roster , one can’t help but notice the obvious that it is short on talent , leadership and players with play-making abilities. But for the exception of Josh Cribbs , Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie . There’s not really much that one could portend to say that the team can be competitive within the NFL. There’s no vocal or emotional leader on the team and their duo of quarterbacks in the guise of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson are about as intimidating as Clay Aiken dressed up in athletic gear ! Now there’s a picture that could paint way more than a thousand words !

The Cleveland Browns as a team can’t help but shoot themselves in the foot , each time they take to the field for a game. They look ill prepared , lacking in confidence and in large part intimidated by their opponents, whomever they maybe. Add to the fact that on either side of the ball , their play has been completely inept and devoid of creativity ! And with all this talk of the ‘ wildcat offense’ . I’d sincerely doubt that with this team adopting that as a part of their playbook we would actually see a vast improvement in their form. Remember this is a team where a quarterback was only able to compete two pass in seventeen attempts over an entire NFL game. If that isn’t an indication as how monstrously awful this team actually is. Then I for one can’t say much else besides than the …. ‘Cleveland Browns suck and they suck awfully bad ! So there you have it may take on the Browns and the ineptitude they’ve shown so far this season. Like I’ve already alluded to earlier. Could you ever have imagined that there would so many god-damn awful teams in the NFL all playing so badly on such a consistent basis ,week in , week out ? I couldn’t have !

Courtesy of NFL.com and Associated Press :

Browns coach Mangini remains quiet about Kokinis’ departure

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — The convoluted ouster of George Kokinis as Cleveland’s general manager barely made a ripple in the Browns’ locker room.

These guys are accustomed to losses.

Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas hardly knew Kokinis, who was hired in January and left the club under unexplained circumstances on Monday.

“He wasn’t around too much, and when he was, he was pretty quiet,” Thomas said.

Everyone inside team headquarters at 76 Lou Groza Blvd. was pretty quiet on Tuesday. The Browns, who have a bye this week, went about their business as rumors swirled about Kokinis, the events that led up to his departure and who — or if — anyone will replace him.

Browns coach Eric Mangini offered no details about the team’s decision to move on without his longtime friend and hand-picked GM.

“Anytime a decision like this is made it is difficult personally and professionally,” Mangini said. “George is a friend of mine and I respect him and I wish his family well. I can tell you that for a variety of reasons things didn’t work out. You never go into a situation like this with the intention of it not working out.

“We felt that, organizationally, this was the best decision in order to move forward.”

That was about as deep as Mangini would venture into the Kokinis matter. Mangini spent most of his news conference politely deflecting questions about why the decision was made.

He was asked if there were legal reasons why he couldn’t address Kokinis’ exit.

“There’s really a variety of reasons,” he said, “and I’ll just leave it at that.”

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AFC North Standings :

AFC North Team W L T Pct PF PA Net Pts TD Home Road Div Pct Conf Pct Non-Conf Streak Last 5
Cincinnati Bengals 5 2 0 .714 163 128 35 21 2-2 3-0 3-0 1.000 3-2 .600 2-0 1W 4-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 5 2 0 .714 167 129 38 20 4-0 1-2 1-1 .500 3-1 .750 2-1 4W 4-1
Baltimore Ravens 4 3 0 .571 199 137 62 25 3-1 1-2 1-1 .500 4-2 .667 0-1 1W 2-3
Cleveland Browns 1 7 0 .125 78 209 -131 7 0-3 1-4 0-3 .000 1-4 .200 0-3 3L 1-4

Cleveland Browns’ roster in part – click on link below to view in its entirety.

Cleveland Browns
No Name Pos Status Height Weight Birthdate Exp College
20 Adams, Mike CB ACT 5′11″ 200 3/24/1981 6 Delaware
3 Anderson, Derek QB ACT 6′6″ 230 6/15/1983 5 Oregon State
50 Barton, Eric ILB ACT 6′3″ 245 9/29/1977 11 Maryland
96 Bowens, David OLB ACT 6′3″ 265 7/3/1977 11 Western Illinois
90 Coleman, Kenyon DE ACT 6′5″ 295 4/10/1979 8 UCLA
54 Costanzo, Blake LB ACT 6′1″ 235 4/14/1984 3 Lafayette
16 Cribbs, Josh WR ACT 6′1″ 215 6/9/1983 5 Kent State
28 Davis, James RB RES 5′11″ 218 1/1/1986 0 Clemson
4 Dawson, Phil K ACT 5′11″ 200 1/23/1975 11 Texas
26 Elam, Abram SS ACT 6′0″ 207 10/15/1981 4 Kent State
83 Estandia, Greg TE ACT 6′8″ 265 11/18/1982 3 Nevada-Las Vegas
66 Fraley, Hank G ACT 6′3″ 310 9/21/1977 10 Robert Morris

Click here ………………….

Likes And Dislikes When It Comes To Sports …………….

Some sports I could watch to my heart’s content ! Whilst others , I just can’t stand in any shape or form . Much as I can’t stand the NHL ,as seemingly the action all gets caught up in the fact that the players in essence are either out there at times,trying to decapitate each other. Or they’re ready start a fight at the drop of a hat. Penalty minutes and all of the so called brouhaha that’s associated with the sport. I simply, just don’t get it !

Alexander Ovechkin (#8)of the Washington Capitals battles the Columbus Blue Jackets‘ Jason Chimera (#25) for the puck in a game played at the Verizon Center in Washington DC. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Greg Fiume ……..

But also, is it me ? A game goes into overtime after both teams are tied at the end of the regulation period and both teams attain a point because of that ? What sort of incentive is that for a team anyway ? Nonetheless there are fans out there who eat ,breathe and live for the sport of hockey. Not I , said the fly ! As physical as the game is , I still believe that when compared the game of rugby , it fall short in terms of the real physical aggression and the imposing of your will on an opponent. And besides the guys playing wear nowhere near as much protection as the guys playing professional hockey. What’s more the rugby players are just as physically imposing as the hockey players of the NHL, if not more so.

The Lowes’ Chevrolet (#48) points’ leader Jimmie Johnson pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup race , the AMP Energy 500 from Talladega Superspeedway , in Alabama. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris Graythern ………..

For all of the vagaries of the sport of NASCAR and the throngs of fans that are entirely devoted to watching these monstrous metallic beasts encircle an oval track repeatedly. Unless, I’m mistaken there’s something inherently awry with the sport. Granted , it’s a grand spectacle, if watching a race live at the venue , then it becomes a scintillating exercise to be a part of. Especially when these vehicles are traveling in excess of 200 mph down a straightway before having to make a right turn and brake hard with the precision of a locomotive having to come to an almost immediate stop. The adrenalin rush that it creates for the driver and the fans , can be quite exhilarating . Never mind the fact that it’s said to the crash that draws the fans to such an event. And for the super fast tracks such as, Daytona and Talladega Super Speedway . Well, these are the tracks where the most excitement can be obtained and in essence more bang for your buck . Pardon that , but there’s meant to be no pun intended.

I feel compelled to watch some of the races but honestly , I’m not a big devotee of the sport ! I can tell you the names of several of the drivers within the top ranks of the sport , which happens to be the Sprint Cup Series . And along with the very fact that for much of the time many of the races seem unendurably long and tedious. More often than not , that’s because for some needless reason there tends to be one pile up after another with ever increasing regularity. And when in essence it’s merely 43 high powered vehicles repeatedly making left turn , left turn , one after another. Let’s just say , that the momentum from the perceived excitement, just isn’t there. It’s simply akin to watching grains of sand fall through an hourglass. Tedious or what ?

Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button celebrates his third place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi,. Button is a first time winner of the championship and has become the second consecutive British driver to win the championship in the last two years. He succeeds Lewis Hamilton who became the first black driver to win the prestigious title in 2008. picture appears courtesy of reuters/ Steve Crisp ……..

For myself , the thrill of watching motorsports came from watching the races on the Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit . And even though the races there are favored road course events. The prerequisite skills required by the drivers are very much in a similar vein to that of their counterparts within NASCAR. And with the sport’s governing body Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) being of the a disposition to make their events much more popular and internationally relevant. This is the primary reason why I tend to veer towards the races that take place within this genre of racing. It’s fast , it’s exciting and most of all the races aren’t always convoluted with the spectacle of repeated crashes or stoppages for cautions from pieces of debris falling from a race car. That’s something that tends to be the norm within the realms of NASCAR, more often than not.

Pele`seen here as a member of the New York Cosmos of the NASL. The league at its inception in 1968 lasted for 17 years. But then folded in 1985, with its last champions being the Chicago Sting in 1984. picture appears courtesy of espn.com/archive/soccer ….

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Love it ,or hate it, soccer is the predominant sport played on the planet. That being said, I have to ask myself what is it that makes the vast number of US sports’ fans so oblivious to the sport of soccer ? I understand America’s proclivity for wanting to be competitive and be dominant in every international sporting event that it participates in. But given the fact , that its desires upon the sport stems from the fact that if they’re not dominant in it. Then, it bears no interest to them or to the social graces that comes with being an ardent fan of the sport. Perhaps , much of this stems from the very fact that at the height of the seventies , when a number of international soccer stars were lured stateside for vast amounts of money. Well , the game and what it represented , the U.S was place to be seen. And at the height of the euphoria surrounding the game here in North America. The venue to be seen at was at the home venue of the New York Cosmos , with its litany of world class international superstars. At that time, no star was more widely known than that, of Brazil’s Pele’ . In many people’s eyes, the greatest soccer player the world has ever seen, or will ever see.

Pele’ seen here the sixth player from the left is lined up alongside his New York Cosmos teammates prior to an NASL match played at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of afp/Paul Wright …..

With the inception of the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the governing board’s proclivity for wanting the brightest and the best that the game had to offer by way of international talent. No stone was left unturned in terms of money to lure the likes of Pele` , Giorgio Chinaglia , Franz Beckenbauer , Johann Cryuff , Graeme Souness, Hugo Sanchez, Gerd Muller , Rodney Marsh , Marinho` and a slew of other world class , who all inked their name on the dotted line. And the financial rewards for the top stars ? Well it was immense .

Fast forward to today and with the demise of the NASL . We now have the MLS and its sundry of players , primarily native born . But amongst them also are a number of international stars and some nationalized citizens, who’ve made the US their home. But nowhere is there the dearth of world class stars that once graced soccer here, as of now. OK , so fan favorite David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy was lured here to try and make the sport relevant amongst a certain type of male demographic. But as of yet that hasn’t really been parlayed into anything of significance. Granted , at first the curiosity factor was there. And inspite of it all , the Galaxy have still struggled to fully live up to expectations. As too has Beckham to some extent. But now with the team in the MLS playoffs, great things are expected of them.

The Los Angeles Galaxy team seen here prior to their MLS Western Conference Semi-final match against Chivas USA in a game played The Home Depot Center in Carson, California . Also in picture is David Beckham in the back , first player on the left. In the front row is Landon Donovan, 2nd player from the left. The game would end in a 2-2 tie. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Victor Decolongon …..

For the sport to really make its presence felt . Much of that success will not only stem from the league’s chance to resonate with its fans. But also much of that success will also be predicated by the amount of success that can be attained by the men’s national squad. Inasmuch, as the women attained a great deal of success at the international level and then sought to follow that up with the creation of its own professional domestic league. The success there was only fleeting and much of that was derived from the fact that they took far too long in setting up a league in the first place.

For MLS and its hierarchy under the guidance of Commissioner Don Garber. . He’s entrusted with seeing that the game flourishes around the league through its franchises. And at the same he also seeks the maturation of such homegrown talent in Jozy Altidore , Landon Donovan , Marvell Wynne and a slew of up and coming players with the wherewithall to make their presence felt at the domestic level. And then all the way at the international level, if the game is to truly resonate with the fans here. And then, and only then, can the game consider to have been a success domestically as well as at the international level. Albeit, that the quality domestically doesn’t rival that of their European counterpart. The rise of US soccer has been incremental. And it is to the credit of template set by MLS and USA Soccer !

In parting , the thoughts made here within this piece are purely my own as to my likes and dislikes, when it comes to sports. If as such, there are certain sports that you consider to be mundane , either in part because they’re too monotonous to watch. Or perhaps in your eyes they just don’t elicit enough fervor and excitement . Then by all means, feel free to pass judgment by leaving a comment.

Who Knew ?

Well the United Football League (UFL) is up and running. And though in no way is it being ran in order to try and usurp the stronghold that the NFL has on the game of professional football here in the United States. The events of the league itself has been as welcoming a nor’easter within our midst. That’s not to say that the UFL is here to contend with the power that is the NFL . But I’m sure that the hierarchy within the UFL has greater ambitions than to be merely seen as some sort of feeder system and a springboard for the talent (college or otherwise)that may in the end want to make the jump to the NFL

A UFL game between the Las Vegas Locomotives and the California Redwoods . The Locos would end up defeating the Redwoods 30-17 in a game played at Boyd Stadium , Las Vegas , Nevada. The game was the season opener played 8th October 2009. picture appears courtesy of inquisitr.com ……….

To date the four team league has started its schedule and the games have been sparsely attended . The play,though not outstanding is somewhat on par with that of Division 1AA college football. Many of the players on team rosters are former NFL stars in some way shape or form. Some are college players not picked up in the NFL draft but are looking upon this as a chance to be seen by an NFL scout in the hopes being seen. Others , well for them it’s just a chance to play the game that they love and perhaps make a decent living from it.

California Redwoods’ owner Paul Pelosi holds up a team jersey to formally announce the arrival of UFL team there in the state. Alongside is UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue . picture appears courtesy of Joe Eskenazi ………

The league itself , has its own programming schedule in place and their games are carried on several independent broadcast outlets in a number of tv markets. But its primary source is via the Versus cable channel outlet. Now whether or not you can get this outlet via your cable system is another thing altogether. Versus as you may well be aware , or not be aware , as the case maybe. Well they’re the primary carriers for many of the games of the NHL as well as Professional Bull Riding (PBR) . Ride ‘em cowboy ! That’s how far the game of professional hockey has sank when you need to consult your cable provider’s guide to find out where and what the hell is Versus to begin with ? As to whether or you not you have a fascination with professional bull riding ? That’s something that can be discussed in another forum altogether.

Some of the coaches of the teams now in place, are either former NFL coaches, or as the case maybe they’ve held a similar position within the college ranks. The California Redwoods are coached by former Minnesota Vikings‘ coach, Dennis Green . The Florida Tuskers are coached by Jim Haslett , the Las Vegas Locomotives by Jim Fassel and the New York Sentinels are coached by Ted Cottrell . Names that are if anything are more synonymous with the NFL than a newly organized professional football league. But such are the machinations of the league and its founders.That they’re intent on making a success of the endeavor.

Dennis Green, head coach of the San Francisco franchise in the newly-formed United Football League (UFL), looks on at a news conference in San Francisco, California March 11, 2009. The league, with teams in San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York and Orlando, begins its inaugural season in October. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES SPORT FOOTBALL HEADSHOT)

They’ve already the corporate sponsorship to make it somewhat viable from the start and the intent no doubt is to be there for the long haul. Unlike the premise behind the upstart United States Football League (USFL) of the early to late eighties. The intent was there for that particular organization to be an immediate success. But once it sought to usurp the NFL and challenge its position of strength of operating in the Fall. Its sheer greed and conceit led by the ubiquitous and self aggrandizing Donald Trump, doomed it for failure. And that was essentially the case when they folded their tents in 1985. For a mere five years ,from 1982-1987 the USFL was all the rage. When they (USFL) ceased to operate it was to a great deal of acrimony within the organization and embarrassment as well. Their challenge to the NFL’s anti trust exemption 1987 in the US District Federal Court System, New York (USFL vs NFL @ circa 1986) created more of a media frenzy, instead of trying to right a wrong. The aftermath led to some rather insidious rants and tirades between the then remnants of the USFL and Trump. One hardly think that’s liable in the case of the UFL, as they know their place. And they’re not about to incur the wrath of the NFL. Not under any circumstance at all. They’ve seen the cost of going up against a giant such as, which was evidenced by the impetuousness of the USFL.

Bill Hambrecht a venture capitalist and founder of the investment and capital equities firm W. R. Hambrecht & Co,. Here he discusses the issues of IPO’s (initial public offerings) and the fledgling UFL. Hambrecht also is the founder and Chairman of the UFL.

A sound business plan is in place for the UFL and it would appear that they’ll take their time in increasing the size of their fanbase and the number of franchises in operation for the time being. It’s main focus however, is to operate under a viable set of parameters and to create an environment where they can be sustained long term. The founders of the UFL and in particular Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Bill Hambrecht .A founding member, he and his partners all come from a sound business background covering a variety of corporate fields. It is their intent to see this all come to fruition with their own legion fans and at the same time looking to coexist alongside the NFL , rather than being in servitude to them.

If these two entities can coexist without either side trying to outdo each other in certain areas. Then there’s no reason to believe that there isn’t a place for them both at the table and in the grand scheme of things with regards to professional football. Certainly as a fledgling organization the UFL will have its detractors. But I’m no of doubt also that it has a great many supporters. Its brand and product line may not reach the larger markets. But given time one is sure that they’ll aspire to meet and achieve those goals. The UFL can ill afford to go the way of the USFL. Five years in existence and at the end of it all they had nothing tangible to show for it. A $165 million dollar loss covering those five years and a $ 1-00 check as a financial settlement award in federal lawsuit brought against the NFL in 1986. Not much to show for the USFL despite the initial success and then its downward spiral thereafter. Safe for the sake of the glowing reputation of Donald Trump and his belief that he been listened to – the USFL would have gone on to outgrow the NFL and be the superior brand in the marketplace. Sadly then, Trump now , is still very much the same person. A loudmouth ,self serving , publicity seeking and top it all a narcissistic individual who cannot admit when he’s in the wrong. He may well have been a self made man and a multi-billionaire . But to most , he’s simply a legend in his own mind.

Jim Fassel seen here addressing the media as to his aspirations for the New York based, UFL franchise. The New York Sentinels formally to life after Fassel’s introduction as the team’s new Head Coach. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul Howard ………..

So, as of now there are entities taking center stage in terms of professional football.One has a vast legacy behind it. But as of late its image has become somewhat tarnished and the public seems to have lost faith in it hierarchy and to lesser extent its players. Simply in the case of the latter it’s because those players don’t want to be at all held accountable for their actions off the field. And in the NFL where image is simply everything. Where any light that’s shed brightly on it, to show its warts and misdeeds.Well, let’s just say if the new kid on the block simply learns from what the older that did wrong.Then the new kid is bound to prosper.

Certainly that’s something that fans of the game would like to see. And hopefully for the UFL it will be a starting off point for them , from which they can learn.

NB : The four professional teams of the UFL are -

California Redwoods

Florida Tuskers

Las Vegas Locomotives

New York Sentinels

UFL Standings

Team W L T Pct PF PA
Florida Tuskers 4 0 0 1.000 125 58
California Redwoods 2 2 0 .500 68 84
Las Vegas Locomotives 1 2 0 .333 69 73
New York Sentinels 0 3 0 .000 33 79

UFL Schedule

Week 1

October 08, 2009
California Redwoods 17
Las Vegas Locomotives 30 Final
Box Score Game Book

October 10, 2009
New York Sentinels 13
Florida Tuskers 35 Final
Box Score Game Book

Week 2

October 14, 2009
Florida Tuskers 29
Las Vegas Locomotives 15 Final
Box Score Game Book

October 17, 2009
New York Sentinels 7
California Redwoods 24 Final
Box Score Game Book

Week 3

October 22, 2009
California Redwoods 7
Florida Tuskers 34 Final
Box Score Game Book

Week 4

October 29, 2009
California Redwoods 20
New York Sentinels 13 Final
Box Score Game Book

October 30, 2009
Las Vegas Locomotives 24
Florida Tuskers 27 Final
Box Score Game Book

Week 5

November 04, 2009
Las Vegas Locomotives 41
New York Sentinels 10 Final
Box Score Game Book

’til You Do Right By Me, Everything You Even Think About Gonna’ Fail.

“Celie: [to Albert] Till you do right by me, everything you even think about gonna’ fail. ” A memorable line quoted from the movie ” The Color Purple” (1985) – a line uttered by the Whoopi Goldberg character ‘Celie’ to her then husband ‘Albert’ played by Danny Glover .

The best scene from the movie The Color Purple, which depicts the lines uttered above. In many ways, the words uttered may very well sum up how the Redskins’ fans feel about the team and its owner, Daniel Snyder. Disgusted ,just plain fed up, with the lack of nothingness to begin with-as the team head aimlessly nowhere .

I’ve always been something of a movie buff , chick flicks notwithstanding . Of which I can take or leave, dependent upon the subject matter. And if only to keep in the good graces of the girlfriend from time to time when she asks if we can take in a movie. If it’s her choice, then I know 9 times out of 10 , I’ll be almost bored to death. And then on the odd occasion that a movie has me thinking – this is great or OK ! Well , I don’t so much feel so hard done by. Which brings me to these two focal points. If you’re an avowed Washington Redskins‘ fan , how must you be now feeling about the team and the ownership regime of Daniel Snyder ? And in what direction is the franchise ultimately heading ? As to where that might be at this juncture, nobody within the organization seems to know.

From left to right, Vinny Cerrato , Exec VP & General Manger of the Redskins, alongside the newly minted team coach , Jim Zorn and finally team owner, Daniel Snyder. The three were at the team’s training facility in Ashburn , Virgina, to make the formal announcement that Zorn had been hired as the head coach of the Washington Redskins. This was made effective 10th February 2008. picture appears courtesy of upi/photo/Kevin Dietsch ……………

The Redskins at present are 2-5 in the NFC East and are a far cry off from even where many NFL fans may well have envisaged them to be. But then again, they may not have. As this team hasn’t bordered on anything resembling an NFL team or franchise.Seemingly, with ever larger and ever deepening pockets but hopelessly misspending on otherwise useless talent by way of their free agent acquisitions. The Jim Zorn coached team under the flamboyant ownership of Snyder and the obeyance of team General Manager & V.P. of Player Personnel Vinny Cerrato. The Washington area franchise has in effect become the butt of far too many NFL related jokes about mediocrity , a lack of heart but overall the will to win.

Courtesy of Profootballtalk.com :

Redskins add Sherm Lewis

By Mike Florio

The prevailing thought regarding the job security of Redskins coach Jim Zorn has been that he’s insulated from in-season termination by the number of hats that he wears.

Zorn, after all, is the head coach, the quarterbacks coach, and he calls the plays.

On Tuesday, the Redskins arguably took a step aimed at easing any eventual transition that might occur.

The Redskins have announced that Sherm Lewis has been hired to serve as an offensive consultant.

“Sherm Lewis is an outstanding coach who has been an instrumental member of four Super Bowl championship teams,” executive V.P. of football operations Vinny Cerrato said in a release. “Sherm’s history started with the innovator of the West Coast Offense, Bill Walsh, and over the past two decades he has directed some of the best offenses, and coached and developed some of the league’s premier players. He has a diverse NFL background, having coached running backs, wide receivers, and serving as a coordinator. Jim and Sherman share a common bond in that they both worked for Mike Holmgren at different times in their careers. Sherman’s overall experience and expertise will be a tremendous addition to our coaching staff. His track record humbles us all.”
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Click here or on the above link to read further……..
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Redskins’ offensive consultant Sherm Lewis on the sidelines watches the warm ups prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Fedex Field , Landover, Maryland. Lewis has taken over the play calling duties for the team after Zorn was relinquished of those very same duties. The Redskins would go on to lose the game 27-17 in game between the two divisional rivals in the NFC East. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Win McNamee ………..

And much of what has transpired over the past few weeks has left many on the outside looking in, asking what now for this team ? Zorn has now become a de-facto lame duck head coach . As he’s been relieved of his play calling duties , which have been handed over to team consultant Sherm Lewis.The fans themselves, have not only shown their disgust with the team but the entire management and hierarchy of the organization. They’ve voiced their displeasure towards Zorn, and directly at Snyder and Cerrato , as well. It seemed only a matter of time before Snyder would respond. And seemingly , he has done so issuing a very terse and in some might deem a tepid statement. He acknowledges that there have been misjudgments on the part of the coaching staff and the organizational structure of the franchise. But what seems more incredulous, has been Snyder’s response in stating that he’ll seek to sue fans who’ve yet to pay for their premium tickets and at the same time enforce a ban on fans carrying signs or banners inside Fedex Field, Landover, Md, – the team’s home facility. Though not unprecedented , this hardly seems the appropriate action to be taking when your team and organization is said to be under siege from its very own fans. But that now seems to be the wherewith-all of Snyder as he tries to resurrect some sense of normalcy to an organization that is essentially in complete turmoil. And one that’s lacking in leadership on and off the field.

As for Sherm Lewis , it’s hard to see what he can do that hasn’t already been done. The roster of this Redksins’ team is replete with players who essentially, have given up on the season. Their demeanor says as much and clearly the likes of Albert Haynesworth , Jason Campbell , Ladell Betts , Chris Dooley, Santana Moss and Clinton Portis have sold the Redskins’ fans short , by way of their complete lack of commitment. Furthermore, for a team that’s said to have a number of seasoned veterans on it – it’s surprising to see such a lack of cohesion and leadership from those very same players mentioned. Whether or not this can be attributed to the lack of coaching shown by Zorn and his coaching staff is open to speculation. But it’s clear that the Washington Redskins as a team , are a complete bust, if you’re measuring a team by its resources and their abilities on the field of play !

If this Redskins’ team is fare better down the stretch run of the season . Then it’d better facilitate an immediate turnaround. Rather than, there being a bunch of excuses being made by Snyder and Cerrato, that they’ve got things well in hand. Clearly that hasn’t been the case under Snyder’s tenureship as the owner of the team. He’s failed the fans and the community miserably, by failing to do what was needed to be done in an appropriate and orderly fashion. Instead it’s been a constant revolving door in terms of coaches , players and the just that of the ego driven stance of both he and Vinny Cerrato to shortchange the fans by whatever means necessary. And ’til he does right by them , everything he thinks and does , will fail !

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports:

Redskins’ Snyder says team has ‘let everyone down’

By Joseph White , AP Sports Writer

CLINTON, Md. (AP)—Dan Snyder is embarrassed. He feels terrible. He’s also hurt, frustrated and apologetic. Name a downbeat adjective, and he’s all over it.

The Washington Redskins owner made some rare in-season comments about his team Tuesday, speaking at an event to celebrate the franchise’s charitable program to renovate football fields at Maryland high schools. He received nothing but cheers from appreciative students and faculty when introduced, a change of pace from the reception he and his team have heard at FedEx Field during a 2-5 start.

“We feel frustration and are disappointed for our fans,” Snyder told the crowd. “Obviously our performance to date is not what we expected, and we hope to turn that around.”

Afterward, speaking to a small group of reporters in a parking lot, Snyder elaborated—although only in general terms. Asked a question that referenced two recent controversies surrounding the team—the suing of fans who couldn’t pay for their premium tickets, and a total ban on fans carrying signs and banners into the stadium—Snyder addressed neither issue.

“I feel bad for the fans. I feel sorry for the fans, and we’re very, very appreciative of our loyal fan base,” he said. “We just feel terrible. We’re disappointed. We’re embarrassed, and we hope to get it going soon.”

Although the team says the ban on signs took effect at the beginning of the season, it was announced only recently, coinciding with an increase of negative signs targeting Snyder and front office chief Vinny Cerrato. Asked how he is affected personally, Snyder said: “It hurts.”

“It really hurts,” Snyder said. “We are really trying very, very hard, everyone at Redskins Park, the coaches, the players. The organization’s quite frankly held together well, and I think we’ve got an opportunity the rest of the season to hopefully get it going. But to date we’ve let everyone down, including ourselves, and we know that and we’re just apologetic. We’ve blown some games that obviously we think we should have won.”

The questions got more pointed as the interview progressed. After 2 1/2 minutes, in the middle of a question about stripping of coach Jim Zorn of play-calling duties, the Surrattsville High School marching band happened to approach the area, playing at full volume. Snyder stopped the question and made small talk about the fact that Tuesday was Election Day while waiting for the band to pass.

Just as the music was quieting down, Snyder said he had to go. He walked away, leaving the question unanswered.

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Thanksgiving Is Just Around The Corner And What’s The NFL Going To Serve Up ? Not The Detroit Lions……Again

OK I get it , I really do ! Customs are very quaint traditions that one tends to abide by. As it breeds satisfaction and a sense if nothing else , normalcy. Well , try telling that to the NFL this year ,who’ll once again serve up mayhem by providing us with another dollop of the hapless Detroit Lions (1-6-0) on Thanksgiving Day. Now pardon me for saying this, as I’m not from around these parts – I’m English by birth by way of parentage from the Caribbean – Jamaica to be precise. But enough of that – what is it that the NFL and their schedulers are failing to realize by serving up the Lions to us on a silver platter ?

A somewhat downtrodden Lions' coach Jim Schwartz looks up at the scoreboard at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions would go on to lose to the St Louis Rams 17-10 in the game picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Carlos Osorio ...................

A somewhat downtrodden Lions’ coach , Jim Schwartz , looks up at the scoreboard at Ford Field in Detroit , Michigan. The Lions would go on to lose to the St Louis Rams 17-10 in the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carlos Osorio …..

It’s bad enough that as a team this roster is only slightly better than the team went (0-16) last season. Much to the ridicule of the entire league and the fans of the game up down the country. Never mind the fact that the team then became the staple of the late night talk show hosts. Who, if they weren’t lambasting Sen. John McCain (R-Az) or former Governor Sarah Palin (R-Ak). Then the Detroit Lions were deemed to be seen as appropriate cannon fodder also for the butt of their jokes. But like the losers of the Presidential elections of last year the Lions can hold their heads high with dignity. Albeit, at the humor of others. But now it has to be said that enough is enough ! The NFL seriously needs to look at the schedule as it gears around the holiday period and serve up the fans with the best games possible. I know that they feel it’s best to stick with tradition. But by my way of thinking, that’s very much akin to walking with the same old worn out pair shoes for the last five years knowing full well that you can afford to buy a brand new pair of shoes. It may well have felt snug when you first bought them . But over the course of time the heel goes , as does the sole or instep of the shoe. Now would it be right to suggest that the NFL is just being downright ignorant by choosing not to replace Lions with a far better game on the day ? Well I’ve leave that for you to decide. But as you can see from the title of this piece , I’m no fan of the Lions and this team at present.

Former Lions’ running running back seen here shredding the defense of the Green Bay Packers , as he makes his way towards the end-zone. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/David Rasche ……

Well the season at its midway point, the Lions as usual are on the ground looking up at everyone else within the NFC North. Leading the way are the Brett Favre led Minnesota Vikings (7-1), followed by the Green Bay Packers (4-3) and the Chicago Bears (4-3). And for a team with aspirations of improving upon last year. What has taken place under this Jim Schwartz coached Lions is pretty much like watching the movie Titanic over and over again. You know that the script and storyline won’t change. After all the incident was based on fact. But in your heart of hearts you’re inclined to believe that providence will send the Lions some respite. And their overall fate will change. But alas once again you’d be wrong and so too are the NFL hierarchy if they’re of the belief that the Lions will be able to entertain the most errant or erstwhile fan of the NFL this Thanksgiving Day. In essence nothing could be further from the truth.

Once again you’ve guessed it, as is customary on Thanksgiving Day. We will be served up with the Detroit Lions playing the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit, Thursday 26th November. I wonder what film will be televised on TNT or HBO for that matter ? It’ll be either that or something intimate with the girlfriend to pass the time away. Pardon the pun here ! But if push comes to shove, I guess , I’ll still have my Thanksgiving Day’s meal and then devote some time to my better half. It’s safe to say that digesting the turkey and washing it down with several glasses of alcohol will safely do the trick in having to avoid watching the Lions play. Mind you that’s not to say that the other game being served up on the day will be any the more enticing. Again the usual staple of the Dallas Cowboys . However , we’ll get to see them play their very first Thanksgiving Day’s game at Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington , Texas , against the always less than dependable Oakland Raiders. No clue as of yet, as to whether or not Raiders’ coach, Tom Cable will still be in a position of employment-given his proclivity for beating up on his ex-spouses or live in lover as the case maybe. A rather disturbing fact , which is just now coming to light concerning the embattled coach.

Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith, right, avoids St. Louis Rams linebacker Paris Lenon to rush for a first down in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 in Detroit. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Duane Burleson ...............

Tradition being what it is , I do now believe that it’s time for the NFL hierarchy to plainly take a look at the scheduling of many of their games on Thanksgiving Day. Granted, there are those who’ve become accustomed to seeing both the Cowboys and Lions display their zeal on this festive period. But how much longer must the fans have to contend with the diatribe that’s served up by the Detroit Lions. It’s not as if the team has been relevant over the past decade at all. Heavens , one would have to go back to the days when their Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders held sway over the NFL . Who could forget his every jink or weave as he cut his way and carved up a defense almost at will ? When , I for one think of the Lions , that’s literally brings back memories for me and how great they once were. Especially Sanders, who if anything was right to walk away from the game when he did. He served this team with a great deal of distinction . Only to have it thrown in his face by an ownership that in no way shape or form tried to place a winning team around him.

Former Lions’ great Barry Sanders seen here in a montage , displaying his greatness as a player for the Detroit Lions .

The fans themselves felt betrayed by Sanders’ apparent decision to end his career so soon. But one could well understand Sanders’ situation. Had the Lions sought to trade him , it’d be hard to say that they’d be able to get something in return of equal value for a player of Sanders’ caliber. And if even if they’d built around a premise of obtaining several draft picks in exchange for the trade of Sanders. Who’s to say that those picks would’ve amounted to much ? Needless to say we’ll never know as the situation failed to arise. It’s at times like this I wonder as to the so called business acumen of certain members of the Ford family and in particular the current ownership regime. They’ve shown about as much common sense as a drunk exposing himself in public. And then that same individual act as if this was a normal form of behavior him. But the way some would have them tell it they’re quite well aware as to the underlying problems that the franchise faces.

Did it not occur to Bill Ford Jr. that after almost 6 1/2 years of mayhem and ridicule with Matt Millen at the helm of the franchise as the GM, that something urgent needed to be done ? Or my guess was, that he felt that Millen was still quite capable of pulling the proverbial rabbit out of his hat , if not his own ass ! The chances are that it was more likely than not, it was the latter . God knows even with Matt Millen now behind the desk performing as an NFL analyst for NBC. It’s hard to take anything seriously that he might have to say as it concerns the game in today’s NFL. His assessment in talent borders on the choices made in men by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor . Both of whom have seen better days behind them , rather than ahead of them.

It’ll always be debatable as to who the ‘greatest running back of all-time in the NFL should be. But I honestly believe that you’d have insert Barry Sanders in there, amongst the top 10 ever ! Alongside the names of such NFL legends as Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown , O.J. Simpson , Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson . If you’re either in agreement or disagreement with the names mentioned . Then by all means do leave a comment expressing your thoughts on the topic for further discussion. As always your comments are more than welcomed and will be duly given a reply worthy in response !

So now as that fateful day approaches it’s easy to suggest that the NFL could somehow make a change in its scheduling and have another fixture in place, instead of the Lions taking on the Packers . I’d dare say that the majority of the NFL fans watching will want to be entertained. Rather than being put to sleep by seething-less, haphazard and underachieving Detroit Lions. But then again , things could be worse , a fight could break out at the family gathering on Thanksgiving Day . And then where would you be ? Need I ask ?

If there’s one thing I’m now definitely sure of at this juncture , it will be that I won’t be watching the Detroit Lions this Thanksgiving Day. There has to be far better uses for my time on the day. I’m now about to initiate and write a list of the things I could be doing. Needless to say , an act of the carnal kind is atop of the list ! What’s atop of yours, may I ask ?

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Top 10 Running Backs in NFL history – statistically by yardage attained.

Rank[1] Player Seasons by team Total carries Total yards gained[2] Overall yards per
carry average[3] Year of induction into
Pro Football Hall of Fame
1 Emmitt Smith Dallas Cowboys (1990–2002)
Arizona Cardinals (2003–2004) 4,409 18,355 4.2 Not eligible[4]
2 Walter Payton Chicago Bears (1975–1987) 3,838 16,726 4.4 1993
3 Barry Sanders Detroit Lions (1989–1998) 3,062 15,269 5.0 2004
4 Curtis Martin New England Patriots (1995–1997)
New York Jets (1998–2006) 3,518 14,101 4.0 Not eligible[4]
5 Jerome Bettis Los Angeles Rams (1993–1995[5])
Pittsburgh Steelers (1996–2005) 3,479 13,662 3.9 Not eligible[4]
6 Eric Dickerson Los Angeles Rams (1983–1987[6])
Indianapolis Colts (1987–1991)
Los Angeles Raiders (1992)
Atlanta Falcons (1993) 2,996 13,259 4.4 1999
7 Tony Dorsett Dallas Cowboys (1977–1987)
Denver Broncos (1988) 2,936 12,739 4.3 1994
8 Jim Brown Cleveland Browns (1957–1965) 2,359 12,312 5.2 1971
9 Marshall Faulk Indianapolis Colts (1994–1998)
St. Louis Rams (1999–2005) 2,836 12,279 4.3 Not eligible[4]
10 Edgerrin James Indianapolis Colts (1999–2005)
Arizona Cardinals (2006– 2008)
Seattle Seahawks (2009–present) 3,028 12,246 4.0 Not eligible[4]

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Top 10 Running backs in NFL history statistically-by touchdowns

Rank[1] Player Seasons by team Total rushing
touchdowns[2] Year of induction into
Pro Football Hall of Fame
1 Emmitt Smith Dallas Cowboys (1990–2002)
Arizona Cardinals (2003–2004) 164 Not applicable[3]
2 LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Chargers (2001–2008) 129 Not applicable[3]
3 Marcus Allen Los Angeles Raiders (1982–1992)
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1997) 123 2003
4 Walter Payton Chicago Bears (1975–1987) 110 1993
5 Jim Brown Cleveland Browns (1957–1965) 106 1971
6 John Riggins New York Jets (1971–1975)
Washington Redskins (1976–1985) 104 1992
7 (Tie) Shaun Alexander Seattle Seahawks (2000–2007)
Washington Redskins (2008) 100 Not applicable[3]
7 (Tie) Marshall Faulk Indianapolis Colts (1994–1998)
Saint Louis Rams (1999–2005) 100 Not applicable[3]
9 Barry Sanders Detroit Lions (1989–1998) 99 2004
10 (Tie) Jerome Bettis Los Angeles Rams (1993–1995[4])
Pittsburgh Steelers (1996–2005) 91 Not applicable[3]
10 (Tie) Franco Harris Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1983)
Seattle Seahawks (1984) 91 1990

It Was The Best of Times It Was The Worst of Times The Rise And Fall of Isiah Thomas …………..

Perhaps it’s me but there has to be something extremely wrong in the world of sports when once a great player is said to be disliked so much by the peers of his era. The reason I say this , is having read an article in today’s edition of the online edition , sports section of Los Angeles Daily News – that it has me wondering what in God’s name could’ve brought about such a chilling relationship between two former greats of the NBA , in Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Isiah Thomas.

The cover the book which is soon to be released entitled ‘When The Game Was Ours’. The book details the rivalry and friendship that grew out of the relationship between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson from their college days through to their epic rivalriy in the NBA. The book written by Bird and Johnson in conjunction with Jackie Mullan , details also the fractured relationship that came about between Johnson and Isiah Thomas. picture appears courtesy of ap/photos ……

Egos asides , history tells us that these two players were amongst the greatest to have played the game of basketball in the NBA. And with both having climbed the game’s ultimate pinnacle, each having won an NBA title. There’s not much more that can really be said about these two superstars of the game. Other than the fact, that theirs is very much a fractured relationship. Perhaps built out of greed , envy and maybe a combination of the two ? But to have Magic tell it , this all surrounded his being diagnosed with HIV in 1991.Though it didn’t immediately bring an end to Johnson’s professional career. It did had some people questioning whether or not it was appropriate for him to still be on the basketball court playing the game.

Johnson and Thomas seen here in public ,exchanging a few pleasantries at some point in 2004. picture appears courtesy of ap/afp/photo/ James Richards …………

And the premise behind much of Johnson’s wrath and disdain laid in the fact that , he didn’t think it right that Thomas should’ve been asking others or even questioning his sexuality as he puts it. Much of the nineties hiv/aids was primarily viewed as a gay affliction , most notably amongst homosexual males. But there was a preponderance to suggest that it was also being transferred intravenously through the sharing of dirty needles through overt drug use. And it was in fact spreading amongst the hetero sexual community as well as being on the rise with the intravenous drug users. Johnson for his part, acknowledged that he caught the virus through having unprotected sex with numerous females other than his wife over the years of his playing basketball ,professionally. Which begs the question who’s really the victim here ? Magic Johnson or his wife and family ?

The US Dream Team from the 1992 US men’s Olympic basketball competition of that year. They would defeat Croatia in a memorable final 117-85 to take home the gold medal in the competition. Their average margin of victory throughout the tournament was 35 points per game. And it’s arguably understandable why 12 players on the roster are amongst the 50 greatest players in NBA history. The roster for the Dream Team from left to right back row , Patrick Ewing, Earvin Johnson, David Robinson, 2nd row , Christian Laettner, Karl Malone, third row , Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, coach Chuck Daly, Charles Barkley and Chris Mullin . Front row , Scottie Pippen, John Stockton and finally Clyde Drexler . picture appears courtesy of reuters/ Alexander Hutchinson ………….

The repercussion of this all was , albeit a maneuver which Johnson fully acknowledged he engineered- was to make sure that Thomas was never going to be a part of the original ‘Dream Team’ for the 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona , Spain. The team coached by the late Chuck Daly. A team, that was filled at the time , with a litany of NBA All Stars, with the exception a young college player by the name of Christian Laettner. The lone college player on the roster and a member of the Duke University (Blue Devils) who repeated that same year as NCAA champions. It’s arguable whether or not Johnson held that much sway as to the makeup of the roster at the time. But I certainly think that Thomas as a player wasn’t at all liked by certain members of that team, at the time. As to whether or not Magic Johnson can lay claim that much of this was because of him with regard to Thomas was overlooked for the team. One can really only speculate on the subject. If anything it may well be Johnson wanting to interject himself and his ego into the matter.

Courtesy of Los Angeles Daily News:

Lakers great Magic Johnson expected strong reaction from Isiah Thomas regarding book

By Tom Hoffarth, Staff Writer

NBA: Lakers great says about long-time friend, `We both move on and keep going.’

If Magic Johnson’s fractured friendship with Isiah Thomas suffers further collateral damage by a book released this week, there doesn’t seem to be much movement for any kissing and making up in the near future.

In “When The Game Was Ours,” a book coming out Wednesday co-authored by Johnson and Larry Bird to recount their basketball rivalry- turned-brotherhood starting 30 years ago, a few egos have been stepped on when diverting to other sidelights.

Johnson writes how more than miffed he was that Thomas began asking people close to both of them whether Johnson was gay after it was revealed he had HIV in 1991. He adds that he helped orchestrate blackballing the Detroit Pistons’ All-Star guard from being picked for the 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team.”

When book excerpts came out last week on SI.com, Thomas, the former Detroit Pistons All-Star guard who just took over as head coach at Florida International University, responded: “I’m really hurt, and I really feel taken advantage of for all these years. I’m totally blindsided by this. …

“I didn’t know he felt this way … What most people don’t know is, before Magic had HIV, my brother had HIV. My brother died of HIV, AIDS, drug abuse. So I knew way more about the disease, because I was living with it in my house.”

Johnson said Monday he wasn’t surprised by Thomas’ reaction to the book.

“No surprise, that’s just a part of life,” Johnson said. “Isiah’s got to worry now about his Florida team and his life going on, and I’ve got to worry about my businesses. We both move on and keep going.”

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Johnson’s and Thomas’ career paths after basketball have diverged and intersected along the way. Though not at the same time, in terms of their professional accomplishments. Both have tried their hands at coaching. Without much undue success to be shown in terms of success. Johnson for his part even had a failed late night talk show for that matter. Of which, those of us who might have been watching, must have felt that the Fox network either made a genuine mistake or they completely overestimated Magic’s appeal to a television audience. The show itself came, and went with the blink of an eye. It was indeed terrible ! As Johnson’s command of the English language and its vernacular bordered on being awful to say the very least. He has however , kept himself involved in the game behind the scenes as minority stakeholder in the Los Angeles Lakers’ franchise. And at the same time he’s become a wealthy entrepreneur in a wide range of diverse businesses. Building himself an accumulated wealth said to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. His vast business interests has over 7,000 people in its employ and generates in excess of $2 billion dollars a year in gross revenues. Much of that has brought a great deal of investment to the inner cities blighted urban decay and crime.

Johnson seen here with hjs family, his wife Cookie pictured next him, along with his son EJ ,aged 17 and daughter Elisa,14. Johnson also has an older son Andre aged 20. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ross Harrison …………..

But it’d also be remiss not to mention his philanthropic efforts through his Magic Johnson Foundation . Set up in part to educate about aids awareness and to assist those in some way afflicted by the disease. The foundation also gives out scholarships to needy students and it also assist in community aid programs. Johnson by his own volition has gone out to set an example for others to follow.

Thomas after his stint as a coach with the Indiana Pacers. He then was tapped to take over the woefully inept New York Knicks. He was installed as the team’s general manager. And his relationship with the then coach , Larry Brown , can be best described of covering the gamut from being contentious to downright asinine and comical. Brown’s own dismissal wasn’t at all totally unexpected. But what transpired next with Thomas installing himself as the coach. Well , let’s just say that everything from thereon in for the Knicks went downhill. What Thomas brought to the Knicks as a coach, is akin to Paris Hilton being asked to teach a class in quantum physics. The one certainty that we know is that the exercise is doomed for disaster. And the same can be said for the ‘Isiah Thomas’ experiment in New York.

The fans railed on Thomas for his roster moves but even more so for the lack of competitiveness shown by the team . And much of this transpired under the watchful eye of the Knicks’ corporate parent Cablevision Systems . Which is in turn owned by the Dolan family . Money was of no object for the NBA’s wealthiest franchise in terms of value. But when it came to showing common sense and due diligence. Well, none of that was forthcoming from either party involved . In this case that would be James Dolan and Isiah Thomas. The team has been a model of inconsistency under Thomas’ reign and when added to the fact he and the organization were embroiled in a sexual harassment and wrongful termination suit. It only added to comedy of errors that as unraveling with the Knicks’ organization. If nothing else, one could only watch from afar and wonder what was about to happen next. Needless to say that the writing was on the wall once James Dolan saw that ‘enough was enough’ and that the idiocy had to be stopped in its tracks.

Dolan initially moved Thomas into a consultancy position within the Knicks’ organization and then brought in Donnie Walsh to oversee the player personnel activity within the New York Knicks as VP and Head of Basketball Operations. At a later date they sought out and hired former Phoenix Suns‘ coach Mike D’Antoni .

Thomas , now coach of the FIU Panthers is seen here with a young fan , Jordi Fernandez , 13 , at the Panthers’ Alumni Basketball Preview. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Wilfredo Lee ………………

Knowing that his role was ever diminishing, Thomas left the organization citing that he was seeking out fresh business opportunities. Little did we know that those opportunities would be as a coach within the collegiate ranks of basketball. He found himself being hired by Florida International University (FIU-Panthers). He states, ….. ‘ that it’s been a life long ambition of mine to give back to the college student athlete and to enhance their lives as not only students but also as outstanding citizens as well ‘. A very commendable thought indeed, on his part ! As to whether or Isiah can make a success of it as basketball coach within the collegiate ranks. It remains to be seen but certainly he can’t do much worse than in his tenure with the New York Knicks . Or can he ?

Pardon The Interruption But That’s Bull !

So Andre Agassi would have us all believe that he became so disinterested in the sport of tennis that he took to crystal meth ? Way to go Andre ! And oh by the way , why’d you pull a former friend under the bus with you ? I’m sure that the young children whom you no doubt benefit through your philanthropic efforts will be somewhat disheartened by this admission. But not to worry, as it was all being done in a good cause wasn’t it ? I mean if you’re going to write an autobiography, then what better way to publicize it all than with an admission that’s bound to cause a great deal of notoriety and add to the sale of the ode itself. It certainly won’t hurt the sales of the book and if nothing else it’ll create an avenue wherein you can appear on of the various talk shows and then be bored by none other than Larry King . As he fawns over you with the meaningless questions that he’s bound to ask.

Open Agassi’s self titled autobiography written in conjunction with Pullitzer prize winning author J.R. Moehringer . The book scheduled for release this month is said to be filled with scintillating stories concerning the players career and his struggles as a professional tennis player. picture appears courtesy of /sportsillustrated/si.com

As for Agassi, the only reason he lied about his situation, was merely because he didn’t want the wrath of the ATP and the ITF brought down around his shoulders were he to admit at the time that he’s been using crystal methamphetamines. As he’d have ended up being banned and no doubt having to lose several multi million dollar lucrative corporate endorsements along the way. It’s as they say …..” once a cheat always a cheat ” !

A tearful Agassi at his final US Open in 2006 , staged at the US National Tennis Center in Flushing , New York City, New York. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Marcus Coles ………..

Courtesy of ESPN:

Crystal meth, hair weaves and majors

Andre Agassi knows how low he once sunk because of the grand view he has now

By Rick Reilly, ESPN The Magazine

If image really is everything, why would Andre Agassi admit in his new book that he used crystal meth? Not once but dozens of times? And why would he admit he lied about it to the Association of Tennis Professionals?

Why would a son admit how much he feared his Iranian father — feared him and hated him since the age of 7? And why — why! — would a man admit he wore perhaps the world’s only Mohawk toupee?

Why? Because this isn’t just any book.

This is Agassi’s mea culpa — “Open” (from Knopf, written with Pulitzer Prize winner J.R. Moehringer) — and from the beginning, he and Moehringer set out to write the most revealing, literate and toes-stompingly honest sports autobiography in history. From the parts I’ve been allowed to read, they might have done it.

“I just tell people, this book is honest,” says Agassi, who worked with Moehringer for a full year, meeting nearly daily at the Las Vegas house Agassi once lived in with Brooke Shields. “It lives up to the title. It’s my life, for better or worse. Get ready, buckle up, and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.”

“Open” is the story of a flawed man who sees everybody’s imperfections, but none more than his own. It’s the tale of a man who knows how low he sunk if only because of the grand view he has now.

Agassi’s early life was not his, never his, not from the beginning, not from the time his Olympic boxer father built a backyard prison especially for him, a tennis court he was figuratively chained to day after day, while his father’s homemade ball machine — the dragon, Agassi called it — ceaselessly spit out balls faster, harder, forever.

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Well folks , we’ve all but reached the mid-point of the NFL season and things basically haven’t changed all that much. And as one can see from the standings , we’re now seeing the contenders ever so slowly make their way from the pretenders. Is anyone really of the opinion that the Detroit Lions (1-6) have improved at all, with rookie first round draft pick Matthew Stafford at the helm ? I’m not trying to suggest that Stafford would be viewed as an earth shaker or world beater in his rookie season . But clearly there’s something awry with this Lions’ team !

Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford is tackled by the St Louis Rams’ Leonard Little in an NFL game played at Ford Field in Detroit , Michigan. The Lions would succumb to a 17-10 defeat, enabling the Rams to win their first game of the season. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus …….

And the team’s pitiful display in their 17-10 loss to another downtrodden franchise in the St Louis Rams (1-7), would suggest that the NFL may well have reached an alltime low , in terms of the sheer ineptitude shown by many of its franchises. Anyone trying to state the claim that there’s still parity within the NFL . Then I’d suggest to them that they really need to take a long hard look at the product on the field of play. It’s now become about the teams who are very good and who can execute . And the teams that one can best describe as being downright atrocious. Which team is yours at this juncture ?

Phillies’ closer Brad Lidge on the mound in the ninth inning of game 4 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. Lidge would give up three runs in the inning , enabling the Yankees to earn a 7-4 victory in the game and now go up 3-1 in the series. The Yankees are now but one game away from winning their twenty seventh World Series title. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Rob Carr …………

I can’t help but wonder what or how one can best assist the plight of the Philadelphia Phillies. From a team that came into this postseason with a great deal of heart and playing with a great deal of aplomb. They’re now being beaten up on , much like an overseer would take to a slave with forty whips of the lash. In the World Series thus far , the New York Yankees now seem to have their number having taken a (3-1) lead in the best of seven game series. And poor old Charlie Manuel now has to play a psych and analyst for pitchers Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge. Never mind that the bat of the once dangerous Ryan Howard has about as much ‘pop’ in it , as a bottle as a bottle of soured champagne. Needless to say, if Howard isn’t firing on all cylinders then this team isn’t going to be going anywhere. And that essentially will open the door for the Yankees to lift their twenty seventh World Series title.

Coach John Wooden speaks about life and death and things in between that mean such a great deal to us all.

If there’s one thing that one would expect from a college coach at any level withing the collegiate ranks . It’s that they have character and if nothing else it’s also that they carry that trait of integrity and honesty. After all they’re ensured with the duty of not only coaching the young collegiate athlete but also teaching them life lessons along the way. Perhaps the best collegiate coach ever to do that and that’s to imbue those under their care with a sense of responsibility. Well, to my mind no one more embodied that , than former UCLA men’s basketball coach , John Wooden.

The former Bruins’ coach epitomized what it meant to be coach and a father figure to the players under his tutelage. People may harp on about the likes of Bobby Knight, Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden and Mike Krzyzewski. But it is Wooden, to whom they all pay homage to in the end. They haven’t been able to achieve the type of success not only on the field of play but also off it , when it comes to the athletes that he brought along. But most of all, it is how many of the athletes under his tutelage have fared, that one ought to admire with regard to his achievements. Were it , that they ended making a name for themselves at the professional level in the field sports. Or through another vocation outside the world of athletics. Wooden, the man and the coach has to be greatly admired.

Courtesy of the Associated Press:

Gillispie pleads guilty to DUI charge in Ky.

By Jeff McMurray , (AP)

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — Former University of Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence of alcohol and apologized for what he called a mistake.

Gillispie, wearing a dark suit and yellow tie at the hearing in Anderson County District Court, accepted a plea bargain, which included fines and court costs of more than $1,000, a 30-day suspension of his driver’s license and an agreement to complete an Alcohol Drivers Education Program.

During the brief hearing, Gillispie gave one-word answers to questions from Judge Linda Armstrong about whether he understood his rights and the consequences of the plea.

Gillispie filled out paperwork in an undisclosed location in the courthouse, then made no comment to reporters as he darted out the side entrance and got into a car carrying his attorney, William Patrick.

Patrick said Gillispie had left the state by midday but otherwise declined to comment beyond a statement, which included Gillispie’s apology and pointed out the coach had received the maximum fine for a first-time DUI offender in Kentucky.

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Billy Gillispie seen here in court in Lawrenceburg , Ky,. Gillispie pled guilty to a dui charge stemming from a vehicular stop by local law enforcement there in Lawrenceburg. Gillispie was given the maximum penalty for a first-time offense in Anderson County, which included a fine of a little more than $1,000, a 30-day suspension of his license and orders to complete an Alcohol Drivers Education Program. Accompanying Gillispie in the courtroom is his lawyer William Patrick. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ben Carlson ………..

This now brings me to the point with regard to former Kentucky coach , Billy Gillespie . If ever there was a troubled individual within the college coaching ranks. Then a bust of Gillespie should be the landmark for such a person ! Here’s a guy, who had the world at his feet but he thought better , were he to eschew the values that he were to be passing on to the students under his care. He’s proven to be dishonest and a person of low moral standard. But yet he was seen as a fit for such coaching positions at the University of Kentucky , UTEP and Texas A & M amongst others . But perhaps Gillespie’s gravest error has been the fact of his failure to acknowledge his character trait of being an alcoholic and failing to address it. And then using it as a pretense for his misconduct. Hardly the thing that the parents of a potential recruit would want to see from a coach who’d have their son’s best interests at heart. But here he was , a man in a position of trust being accommodated by many parents, not knowing of Gillispie’s proclivity for alcohol and his past indiscretions. That asides , it’s my belief that in some cases his demeanor was overlooked by some of his employers . And this was done , merely because he was a college coach with a name and he’d brought about a modicum of success at several stops along his way.

Now having further tarnished his reputation , I’m not so sure that Gillispie ought to be deserving of a second , much less a third chance as a coach. His moral fiber and integrity has been shot to hell. Furthermore, what faculty or educational establishment would be willing to give him another chance at this moment in time ? It’s not as if he’s learned his lessons from past mistakes to begin with. Much like a repeat criminal offender. Gillispie is not different in this regard to his recidivism . I know that there are many out there who’ll be in support of him , thinking that he’s fully deserving of another chance. But I put this question to you – if you’re a parent and he entered into your home looking to recruit your son. Would you be willing to listen anything that he has to say ? Bearing in mind also that you’re fully aware of his background. To my mind a person of Gillispie’s character is bound to falter again, one way or another.

No Habla Espanol …………….

No Habla Espanol

Surprising enough listening to the NFL Commissioner , Roger Goodell address the House Judiciary Committee recently,was like listening to a Caucasian trying to have a conversation with a Spanish speaking native in their native tongue. Goodell’s command of the English language was a hideous embarrassment. With his double-speak and the fact that the NFL hierarchy has become so secretive that it makes Opus Dei seem like the transparency shown by the Klu Klux Klan. But in essence, we should expect no more different from an individual tries to appear to be all things to all people. The commissioner’s appearance up on Capitol Hill was to address a very acute issue, that somehow the commissioner and the NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith have been averse to deal with it head on. And that is the issue of players current and past, who’ve suffered from repeated numerous concussions on the football field. And if that wasn’t enough with the country in apparent uproar of health-care reform and the fact that the government is about to change the parameters of that very issue. By possibly pursuing a public option, it will bring about a situation wherein the government essentially enters the health-care market. What people seem to forget, is that they already are doing so. Now if the question being raised is whether or not they can operate better in this field than the private enterprises . Then, there you have the veracity of a case for an argument that can be made.

Goodell meets with Congress in a scheduled meeting with the House Judiciary Committee, on Capitol, Hill, Washington D.C.,.

The NFL and the NFLPA would have you believe that they have the players’ best interests at heart on this very issue. But the fact of the matter is, that both parties have failed odiously on this very issue to address it head on. Over the years there have inexplicable situations where former players have been unable to attain benefits due to them and what is even more incredulous has been the undeniable fact the NFL appears to be oblivious to the issue. They’ve skirted around it for years even when former players have made numerous calls to Goodell and his predecessor Paul Tagliabue. Their failures , have made this very issue all the more transparent that the NFL’s sole goal is the chase after the ‘Almighty Dollar’ and the expense of their players and very little else. Inasmuch, the same thing was stated by Smith’s own predecessor Gene Upshaw and his odious rant that’ ………the players then, aren’t my concern but today’s players are! As they’re the ones making the money for the NFL’ . If that’s not a damning indictment of the league and the union. Then can someone tell me please what is ?

Courtesy of The New York Daily News :

Congress slams NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about NFL’s head trauma policy …..

By Wayne Coffey Daily News Sports Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Like a quarterback facing a game-long blitz, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the nation’s richest professional sport absorbed a barrage of hits on Capitol Hill Wednesday, when a hearing on football head injuries produced sharp questioning and a finger-jabbing accusation from Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).

Waters, whose husband played in the NFL, was particularly incensed when Goodell refused to acknowledge a direct link between football and brain-trauma injuries.

“I believe you are an $8 billion organization that has failed in your responsibility to the players,” Waters said. “I know that you dearly want to hold on to your profits. I think it’s the responsibility of Congress to look at your antitrust exemption and take it away.”

The league’s antitrust exemption, established in 1961, cleared the way for owners to reap billions in television revenue.

The hearing – convened by the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) – was held before an SRO crowd in the Rayburn Office Building, among them two NFL Hall of Famers, Willie Wood and Jim Brown.

Wood, the former Packers defensive back, was in a wheelchair. Brown, perhaps the greatest running back in history, walked with a cane.

The hearing was called in the wake of a recent NFL-commissioned survey that revealed that retired NFL players may suffer from such irreversible brain diseases as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and dementia, at rates far greater than the general population. Conyers said it was time for the committee to do “an expeditious and independent review all of the data.”

The league has steadfastly downplayed the validity of any studies indicating a connection between playing football and the incidence of brain disease, maintaining that its own recent survey was widely misinterpreted.

Christoper Nowinski, a former Harvard football player and professional wrestler, is the founder of the Sports Legacy Institute and co-director of Center For the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University. He testified about his own years of concussion-related problems, while his colleague, Dr. Ann McKee, reported that she found “severe” brain damage in all 11 of the postmortem studies she has made of former pro and college football players.

“I am constantly surprised by the NFL’s reaction to evidence that is overwhelming that we have a serious public-health crisis on our hands,” Nowinski said.

Goodell repeatedly defended the league’s actions and policies, saying he had spent more time and attention to the issue of brain injuries to NFL players than any issue in his time as commissioner.

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The league has conducted its own investigations into concussions and head traumas suffered by NFL players and the their aftermath. But as of yet , they’ve yet to make their findings public. However, a number of universities have conducted similar studies their own investigations into the issue at the behest of former NFL players and a number of insurance concerns. Much of which had repudiated earlier claims that were being made by the NFL. The real issue however , may well be why the NFL has failed to deal with this very acute issue ? The thought would be that the health of its players would be paramount to the well being of the game and its viability ? But then again, when the feeder system for your non ending talent pool, is that of the collegiate game. Then one would guess that this sole issue would be not be of paramount importance to the league.

Much of what Goodell and Smith have stated here has only recently enacted done in the last ten months . What of prior to this period in time ? As I alluded to earlier, it’s been nothing more than mere double-speak on both of their parts.

The indifference shown by the league has been incredulous and what has proven to be even more exacerbating has been the very fact that we’ve not heard any current NFL player come out openly and comment on the issue. It’s as if they’re of the opinion that this doesn’t concern them . Moreover , it’s unlikely that they’d ever suffer such a trauma on or off the field of play. One of the bye products of a concussion suffered on the field is the very real possibility of there being long suffering and lingering long term problems for the victims. The possibility that down the line there’s a chance of possibly a player being in the first early stages of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease is a very disturbing scenario. Anyone whose seen the result of this very debilitating disease ,surely knows that the suffering is a constant one . And most certainly, it leaves its victims in a place of not being cognizant of what’s happening around them. Much less, being able to hold an oral line of conversation with anyone and then being able to respond with some semblance of clarity.

Courtesy of USAToday.com:

Goodell grilled by Congress on head injuries, won’t admit link

WASHINGTON (AP) — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell would not acknowledge a connection between head injuries on the football field and later brain diseases while defending the league’s policies on concussions before Congress.

Under sometimes-contentious questioning from lawmakers — and suggestions about reconsidering the league’s lucrative antitrust exemption — Goodell sat at a witness table Wednesday alongside NFL Players Association head DeMaurice Smith.

Both men agreed to turn over players’ medical records to the House Judiciary Committee.

Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., asked Goodell whether he thinks there’s an injury-disease link. Goodell responded that the NFL isn’t waiting for that debate to play out and is taking steps to make the game safer.

“I just asked you a simple question. What is the answer?” persisted Conyers.

Goodell replied by saying a medical expert could give a better answer than he could.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., whose husband played in the NFL, asked Goodell how the league was addressing the welfare of retired players during current collective bargaining negotiations with the union.

Goodell said that it’s a “priority for the owners and players to take better care of our retired players,” but Waters cut him off, demanding specifics.

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So what now , you may ask ? Will the NFL and the NFLPA be proactive on this issue ? Or will they just cast it aside as so often has been done , with them issuing the statement that they will address it at some time in the future ? Much like any other business entity where image is everything. The NFL is no different than any other – other than the fact that in their field of operation they’re the only game in town. And they will continue to act and do as they please because they’ve no opposition within their field of endeavor. Or from the federal government as a matter of fact as they too have been culpable in ignoring the plight of present and former players in the NFL , in this regard. Now being the only game in town and with this issue being of a very delicate nature. There has to be something that the NFL can do at this juncture ? Rather than hiding behind that veil of secrecy and outright denial.