The ties that bind ….
The toil and troubles we create and then seek to blame others for the mess created. In the world of baseball , the game`s hierarchy is now seeking to prove to the fans that they can be proactive in dealing with steroid cheats . Meanwhile, the NFL, the commissioner , Roger Goodell continues to act like a buffoon, while team owners continue to sit quietly, as players simply run amok. That being said , it is to be expected when the two unions in question the MLBPA and NFLPA are powerful enough to make the respective hierarchies in question , simply quiver in their boots .
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Sideshow.
Much of this NFL off-season has been encapsulated by the events in New England , with the arrest of Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots . With no exact timetable set for the player`s murder trial, . he remains incarcerated , without bail and having not spoken to law enforcement in any great detail, as to the allegations of he and his two accomplices and their implication in the death of former associate Odin Lloyd . With Patriots` owner Bob Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick offering the family of the victim , their condolences as well as stating that this was a tragedy that could not have been foreseen . I would like to know what was it , that could not be foreseen as it related to the behavior of Hernandez, when it was widely known that the player had serious behavioral issues whilst in college, as well as a juvenile ? Furthermore, with the NFL hierarchy now suggesting that they will now conduct far more wide-reaching research into the backgrounds of the players drafted each season . It also begs the question, what were they actually doing prior?
The NFL pre-season is now merely less than a week away and a number of players will start their seasons in a new environment and with their new teammates. Before the actual seismic eruption within the Patriots` organization , the big story was the acquisition of free agent quarterback Tim Tebow . The fact that Bill Belichick has sought to take a flier on the player, either has more do with the coach’s ego or the fact that he truly believes that he can make a successful reclamation project out of the now infamous player. And as much as Tebow is beloved by fans and the public alike , I truly believe that this season with the Patriots will be nothing more than mere titillation, without anything of note being achieved by Tebow on the field of play.
Last season for the New York Jets can be best described as comedic in its tragedy and the very fact that Rex Ryan was lucky enough not to join the list of coaches fired at the end of the regular season . Poor 2012 performances , poor coaching and lack of leadership , all played a part in the Jets` downfall . Quarterback Mark Sanchez has now gone from being the face of the franchise to the now down on his luck and a besieged player with a great deal to prove not just in the pre-season , but most definitely in the regular season , as well. After a lackluster year in 2012 , with a string of woefully inept performances . It easy to understand why GM John Idzik took it upon himself to draft a quarterback , as well as revamping the roster from last season. If nothing else, turning over to a new page and chapter , is perhaps the best way forward for this beleaguered franchise .
For rookie quarterback Geno Smith , his being drafted by the Jets did not exactly come as a complete surprise, but what was undeniable was the player`s lack of maturity and due reverence shown for the whole draft process . Granted , Smith would then seek to defer that melodrama, by stating that his presence was not required after the first round process . Then again , the player , one of a slew of high-profiled athletes signed to the sports` management agency of rapper and entrepreneur ,Jay-z , has single-handedly gotten off to a bad start within the industry . Roc Nation Sports in conjunction with CAA Sports will now have a presence within the NBA , WNBA , MLB and the NFL . The company founder also found himself in a great deal of hot water, when it was noted that he had yet to be certified as a licensed agent by both the NFL , MLB and NBA. Yet , this is now the type damn incompetency being repeatedly being shown on an annual basis by the hierarchies in question. There are those who see these issues as being rather minor . With the matter now resolved , concerning Jay-z`s certification , it will be interesting to see the growing appetite of the entrepreneur and his agency.
Geno Smith for his part , will have a great deal to prove and with their being a growing call for the young rookie to be the starter for the Jets` regular season opener at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , rather than fans having to endure and witness the problems that repeatedly beset Mark Sanchez in 2012. It must be said, that Rex Ryan and John Idzik on the face of it , may well have a tough decision to make .
This season I believe, as it relates the fortunes of the New York Jets , will be predicated on the play of Sanchez and whether or not he can overcome is foibles of last season. Their division, AFC East could very well be up for grabs, with all four teams now in transition , vying for divisional supremacy , and no clear and distinct favorite to be spoken of. This much we were certain of , before the off the field problems of the New England Patriots hit the headlines. One might easily have suggested that they would once again have the division to themselves and with everything at their beckoning . With the upheaval from within and no apparent certainty of what the fans should expect , we could very well be in for one or two surprises, in determining the likelihood as to whether or they can make a successful defense of their divisional title . Or perhaps we could very well see the most unlikeliest of challenges coming from either the Jets , Buffalo Bills or the Miami Dolphins ?
Though his figures are not all consuming , for James Loney of the Tampa Bay Rays (62-43) , this might well be looked upon as his most productive season from a team a standpoint . Loney , along with the pitcher Matt Moore , are two of the reasons why the team has been able to keep abreast with the Boston Red Sox (63-43) and Baltimore Orioles within the AL East for much of this season . Six weeks ago , I would have been one of the first to suggest that their season might well have been over . Yet the guile, with which Joe Maddon and his staff have kept the Rays relevant and their recent run of having won twenty of twenty-tree games , has put the ball-club of not just contesting the division, but also for an AL wild-card berth .
Having taken two out of the three games recently played at Yankees Stadium against a beleaguered New Yankees` team. It must be said Tampa`s fate now rests in their very own hands . No excuses can now be made at this juncture , as to any reason why the organization cannot seek to win their second divisional title over the course of their history . The fans now seem to willing the layers on , and they are now answering those calls with their play . Pitching and defense have always been the cornerstone behind the Rays success and this season is proving to be not different .
Monday, pits the Rays against divisional rivals the Boston Red Sox , in a game to be played at Fenway Park Boston , Massachusetts. With only a half game separating the two teams at the top of the division, both ball-clubs are fully aware how pivotal and meaningful this contest is likely to be . Taking the mound for the Red Sox will be Felix Doubront(7-4, 3.78 ERA) against David Price (5-5, 3.75 ERA) .
Perhaps I am mistaken , but I was always under the impression the reason behind having a coach or manager was one of instilling into the players a love of the game as well as preparing the for the day-to-day rigors of an elongated season . Also the expectations are , that the coaches and coaching staff will be able to impart their wisdom unto the younger and less experienced players on a roster . If the allegations are to be believed , then recent incidents between Miami Marlins` hitting instructor and batting coach Tino Martinez are to be believed . Then the former Yankees first baseman`s behavior was reprehensible and beyond disgusting. Martinez is said to have lost his temper,physically and verbally assaulted several of the younger players on the team on more than one occasion .
In light of that fact , manager Mike Redmond , GM Michael Hill and team owner Jeffrey Loria , are all said to have wanted the coach to remain within the organization . It was only after the players made their views public on the matter , Martinez offered his resignation to the organization and then issued a public apology to the players and fans alike . If it took Tino Martinez over a month to take this action , to my mind, it simply showed a complete lack of respect for the players under his tutelage . Also , what should the fans and public alike make of a situation, where the front office and manager collectively , stand behind the coach after such disdainful behavior ? Then again , the Marlins are going through a pitiful season where absolutely noting has gone right for a ball-club, where their competitive level is at an all-time low, as well as possessing one of the worst records in the Majors (MLB).
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Picture gallery .
At a time when the image of baseball is said to be in tatters and with Bud Selig and the league hierarchy commanding about as much respect as one might hold for a current seated member of Congress . Is it any wonder why the fans and public alike, no longer have any faith or respect for the game`s leading officials , never mind the very fact that the players themselves lack any integrity whatsoever ? By all means, chime in with your thoughts on this and anything else you believe pertinent to the subject matter as you deem fit .
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Picture and sideshow details below .
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(1) New York Jets coach Rex Ryan speaks to the media at their NFL football training camp Monday, July 29, 2013, in Cortland, N.Y. The beleaguered head coach will be under a great deal of pressure to succeed this season. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun …
(2) New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws a pass at their NFL football training camp Monday, July 29, 2013, in Cortland, N.Y. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun …
(3) Tampa Bay Rays’ James Loney follows through on a three-run home run off of New York Yankees relief pitcher Adam Warren in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2013, in New York. AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek …
(4) Miami Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez looks from the dugout during a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Miami, Sunday, July 28, 2013. Martinez has resigned after players complained he verbally abused them. AP Photo/Alan Diaz …
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tophatal ……..
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Tophatal's Blog 
As an avid Pats` fan I will be pleasantly surprise if the team ekes out more than a ten win season in 2013 . Far too many off and on the field issues to deal with . And it is unlikely to get any better during the regular season .
Geno Smith has a great deal to live up to this season and even if Mark Sanchez is the starter in te regular season opener . The first sign of a flaw in terms of his composure or lack of leadership. Well , the Jets` fans will be calling for the starting quarterback`s head and Smith`s insertion as the starting QB.
It is now the Rays` time to shine , nothing more and nothing less will do at this juncture .
There is no excuse that can be made for Tino Martinez`s behavior under any circumstance ! No way in hell should he e even have the temerity to be putting his ands on a player or to be even verbally abusive . As for the damn idiots in the Marlins` front office , what the hell were they thinking and looking to cover this whole mess up ? As if baseball did not have enough problems as it is . Now you have a manager and the front office executive`s seeking to condone a coach`s behavior and then cover up his actions . The Marlins are an organization simply devoid of any frigging intelligence and the concept of proper etiquette .
Martinez should have been suspended for his actions the moment this came to light .
There is a good reason why the Marlins … (40-63) are one of the worst teams in baseball at present . And that is not just representative of their record , but also their play over the course of this season .
Tino Martinez , no more Mr Nice Guy . Martinez ,left, and Marlins` manager Mike Redmond . Two dicks as always will find an @ss to have some fun in . And the Marlins are putting the @ss back into baseball , because they are certainly no fun to watch !
One of the worst games on today`s schedule is that of the Marlins playing hosts to the New York Mets . Two of the most underachieving teams not only in the NL East , but in baseball altogether .
tophatal………
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Travis
Thanks for chiming in with the vote , greatly appreciated !
tophatal ……….
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Here`s what is on tap for Tuesday , in terms of the games scheduled .
This just in MLB and its hierarchy have yet to come to a decision on suspending Alex Rodriguez , Nelson Cruz , Jhonny Peralta , Francisco Cervelli , Bartolo Colon and others tied to the Biogenesis scandal . Yet , fans were all aboard the fact that Ryan Braun got a sixty five game suspension . ad they bothered to do any research into te matter , they would have realized that Braun got this suspension after his lawyer and agent , Nev Balelo intervened and interacted with Bud Selig, and the two reached a compromise on the length of the Bewers player`s suspension .
All of this after the league hierarchy itself , hinted that suspensions at a minimum , would no less than 100 games . Baseball under Bud Selig`s leadership remains a damn joke !
This baseball season has already been devalued and it will continue to be that way , as this whole dumb spectacle carries on because of Selig`s inaction !. Funny, is it not , how the broadcast and cable networks Fox , TBS, NESN , ESPN , YES Network and WGN , who cover the game , do not even have the temerity to question the lack of the league`s actions . I guess kissing ass and making money , rather than having a conscience and being a voice of reason .
Courtesy of Letterman
Neither of the two are particularly funny , but this might have been the one time, when it was actually worth laughing at the host and his guest . Letteman pandered to Selig and the guest gladly accepted the invitation to make himself look an even bigger moron .
Another reason why Bud Selig will remain an @ss ! Selig`s bark is worse than his bite . And the only thing the commissioner can bite into , is his continued stupidity .
tophatal …………….
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Well the Rays pulled out a close one last night. Had a bad call go their way, but that’s baseball.
I didn’t know that the allegations about Tino were so serious. It’s always hard to see a fellow Tampa boy in trouble. Hopefully he can get help with his anger issues and can get his life back on track.
Peace!
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aero
With the Rays taking on the Diamondbacks tonight , it should be a great game for the fans to get behind the team , as they look towards winning a divisional title .
tophatal ………
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The Rays` recent run has been astonishing to say the least . If they can keep up the momentum , then there is no reason to believe why they cannot possibly now take the division or if that is out of the question , one of the two AL wildcard berths available .
Pitching and offense over their last twenty plus games have been great .
Last night`s victory was just one of those things with the bad call went against the Red Sox . Those calls comes down to the incompetency of the umpires , especially last night`s plate official .
Tino Martinez`s actions were deplorable and uncalled for . Whether it was out of frustration or anger , he ad no right to put his hands on a player . And the fact that the Marlins` hierarchy tried to cover this all up , made the situation even worse . Were it not for players coming out and speaking publicly on the matter . No one would have been any the wiser concerning the matter . Even with Martinez`s act of contrition , it still is not enough and he should still be suspended for those serious actions .
Martinez is a grown man and not some immature teenage hot-head . Simply inexcusable ! .
tophatal ……………….
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So Alex Rodriguez and his legal team intend to fight any lengthy suspension to be rendered by MLB stating that such action would contravene the CBA (collective bargaining agreement ) between the league and union . Last I looked , Executive Director Michael Weiner and his executives voted on and certified the agreement which is binding . Hopefully, the hierarchy`s general counsel , Rob Manfred won`t fall into the trap and let Rodriguez and his lawyers make fools of the leaders within baseball .
tophatal ………..
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The Rays surprised everyone. Thanks for gthe updates on MLB. I do not follow the game. It is boring and that’s it. The NFL is joke. the EPL is gearing up. The rest can jump in the lake
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bobby gee
The Rays could very well pull off what might be the biggest surprise of the season , should they win the AL East . God knows , the game of baseball needs real feel-good story at present , rather than the continuous negative story lines concerning the steroid cheats and the names associated with the Biogenesis scandal .
As to the NFL , I can`t find any thrills in it until by the third of fourth week of the regular season . By that time, teams should be in their full edge of real competitive play .
Carlos Ortiz , accomplice of Aaron Hernandez
The Aaron Hernandez story is about get a real shot in the arm with one of his accomplices Carlos Ortiz now seeking a plea deal . As a potential three-time offender , he faces as many forty-five years to life in prison . But with a plea agreement , he could face no more than eight or ten years .
As far as I am concerned the Premiership (EPL) cannot start soon enough .
tophatal ………
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if they did it throw the book at em
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I believe that Hernandez will be found guilty even if a murder weapon is not found ! The preponderance of evidence against him and the fact one of the accomplices is seeking a plea agreement deal , indicates to me that the player has little to offer by way of his own innocence .
tophatal ………….
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let’s hope that this is the case. we never really know what evidence the police have. they usually play it close to the vest.
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bobby gee
I don`t believe that much of the state`s case will be predicated upon the evidence in their possession , because if Carlos Ortiz`s (an accomplice- one of two accomplices) appearance and testimony on the stand is credible . Then , I don`t see how Hernandez`s lawyers can categorically and possibly state their client is innocent of this crime .
They (defense attorneys) can`t assert a self-defense claim or manslaughter , not under these circumstances or the premise of how and were the alleged crime is said to have taken place (abandoned clay pit on the outskirts of North Addleboro, Massachusetts ) .
tophatal …………..
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The good prosecuters never reveal their whole card. they play it close to the vest. From what I read he is guilty as sin. he should be fried but we will see.
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bobby
The pretrial hearing and arraignment was enough of a clue , even if they (prosecution) do not have the murder weapon in their possession . They know Odin Lloyd was shot and with what type of caliber of weapon . From there, it is simply a matter of joining the dots and relying on credible eye witness testimony, but also in some respects Aaron Hernandez`s alleged behavior (uncooperative and belligerent) when questioned by law enforcement . Any damn prosecutor outside the state of Florida should be able to obtain a guilty verdict with their damn eyes shut .
The state of Florida has more lawyers than they know what do with , but I would say at least 85% of them collectively , have the IQ of a gnat .
tophatal ………………
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That statement is an insult to gnats
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Gnats have responded , at least they know that there are individuals who are as lowly thought of as they are .
Even though I work for a law firm , my work relates more on the corporate side and with regard risk management and consultancy for firms, needing info for corporate governance across international borders .
Criminal attorneys I find to be obnoxious gas-bags !
tophatal ……
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do you know the shark did bit the lawyer professional courtesy
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It was great to see the New England Patriots distance themselves from Aaron Hernandez so early in the case. A true example of a classy and smart organization.
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Blog Surface
Things began to look bad for Hernandez , the moment he met with the franchise`s security staff (head of security) and the team`s chief legal counsel (team lawyer). Lying to both, simply made the inevitable all the much quicker , as team owner Robert Kraft simply had not other alternative than to let the player go . And in all likelihood the same fate could await defensive player , Alfonzo Dennard , in spite of the most recent statements attributed to head coach Bill Belichick .
However , that still does not excuse the fact that the franchise knew about Aaron Hernandez`s previous issues , simply ignored it all and quite rightfully, it came back to bite them in the ass not just from a competitive standpoint , but it also as cost them financially in terms of the cap hit .
tophatal …………….
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It makes no sense to me for the Jets to fire the GM and keep the head coach. Rex Ryan is a lame duck, and the Jets QB situation doesn’t look very good at all. Geno Smith needs to be brought along slowly, but I’m afraid they will through him into the fire too soon. Regardless of whatever he thinks of himself, Smith is not on the level of an Andrew Luck, RGIII, and Russell Wilson. He’s going to need some time to master the psychological aspects of the game.
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Maurice
You`re failing to understand that Jets` owner Woody Johnson is a whining wind-bag and an @ss . Johnson bemoaned the fact that after the . Tebow experiment blew up in is face , he goes on to state that he was pressured into signing the player by Rex Ryan and then GM Mike Tannenbaum . What sort of an excuse is that from an owner ?
Johnson, Idzik and Ryan (left to right)
GM John Idzik was brought in to clean up the mess and get rid of the dead weight on the roster from last season .
The Jets are frigging mess , as long as Rex Ryan has any say , in any type of personnel decision making . Good , but not an excellent head coach .
tophatal ……….
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If the Jets are off to a bad start , such as 2-3 or 2-5 through their first seven games . Then, it would not surprise me if the decision is made to fire Rex Ryan , with GM John Idzik seeking to hire a coach elsewhere . Ryan as proven to fairly successful in is first two years, but for the past two , h e as been an utter embarrassment to himself and to the Jets` organization as a whole . Personality , be that as it may , the guy has proven to be a complete @sshole !
That week seven game against the Patriots will prove to be pivotal for both teams within the AFC and the division itself .
tophatal ……..
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What’s the point of doing background checks when teams will ignore the results? I’ve stated before, Aaron Hernandez should have never been allowed in the NFL to begin with. his background was already questionable. But NFL teams think that if they draft the questionable prospect later in the draft then they are getting a steal. But what they fail to realize is, whether you draft a questionable player in the first round or the fourth, it’s still a risky job offer none the less.
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Look at this way , the Wonderlic Test (psyche profile test) proves nothing more than that a number of the players drafted by the NFL barely have the aptitude to fill out the damn form to begin with .
Goodell , the league hierarchy and their in-house legal team are a bunch of worthless oafs . And unfortunately it is left to the likes of imbeciles such as Chris Mortensen , Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com and Adam Schefter to fill us in with the bull#it of how glorious te league and game is meant to be . In reality , nothing could be further from the truth !
“Yes I believe that Manti T`eo will get some deep penetration working the line for the Chargers this upcoming season“ . Mike Florio
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Mortensen and Schefter make ESPN`s coverage of the NFL so banal and such utter diatribe . Fantasy geeks , can get an erection the moment that duo appears on screen .
tophatal ……………………..
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Maurice
Over the past eight seasons in the NFL , these four programs , USC (Trojans) , Ohio State , Florida and Miami Hurricanes in terms of the players drafted , have all had their players implicated in numerous felony offenses . That is not to say , those four programs alone , are without fault . Yet it begs the question, what the hell is the NFL and specifically the teams` security personnel , doing in terms of in-depth checks and why are they taking a coach such as Urban Meyer at his word when it comes to his giving a favorable recommendation for a player ?
Meyer cannot be trusted to tell the truth about anything whatsoever . The Buckeyes` coach lacks credibility , honesty but above all integrity and is disingenuous .
tophatal ………………..
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Maurice
If Mark Sanchez fails at any point in the Jets` preseason , then look for the fans to be calling for Geno Smith . Personally , I don`t believe that Smith is ready for the NFL and is likely a year away from being good enough. I may well be wrong , but having seen some of his games and reviewed is stats in games and certain plays . Nothing really stands out as being overly impressive .
tophatal ………..
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bobby
A shark who actually bites a lawyer , should be immediately checked by a marine biologist or marine veterinarian for any form of bacterial infection or parasite .
Actually believable !
tophatal ……
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We`d like to thank the Eagles` wide receiver Riley Cooper for proving that once again the US still yearns for a time back in the early part of this century where the black man /African American knew his place . Cooper claims , his drunkenness was the primary reason for his is antisocial behavior and the use of several racial derogatory epithets during a racially charged rant . Either Cooper meant what he was saying , because there is no excuse that can be used to explain away his insidious and intolerable display and distasteful rant .
Eagles` wide receiver Riley Cooper
Dick of the month and we`re only into the first day of the month of August .
It now appears that the Gators` program is simply intent on producing a bunch of dumb @ssoles to play in the NFL ? Most definitely since 2010 , that has been the case .
Former US Senator Trent Lott must have been pleased with Riley Cooper .
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So what’s the story with the Marlins, Al? Is that team losing money? I know they’re last in the league in attendance but the Rays are 29th and at least still making a profit. Are the Marlins?
And a nice little Hall of Fame ceremony last night. Sapp will eventually be followed by Derrick Brooks and John Lynch. While I do think the Bucs are headed in the right direction by rebuilding that defense, I’m not so sure those guys can live up to the expectations guys like Sapp, Brooks, Lynch, Barber and others established years before them.
Those are mighty big shoes to fill.
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Chris
The Marlins are a mess on the field and are just as abysmal off the field of play , in terms of their business template . All of the corporate endorsers big and small , were banking on maximum exposure and a successful on-field product . So far , they have got neither and the city of Miami is left to foot the bill for a stadium , that only has a major audience presence , when there is a non baseball activity taking place .
Need I remind you , the only reason the Rays turn a profit , is because of the financial assist provided by the league`s luxury tax revenue scheme ? Without that , Andrew Friedman and the organization would have noting to show in terms of a real operational profit .
The fact that Warren Sapp becomes only the second Buccaneers` player inducted into the Hall of Fame is commendable . Yet after his retirement , his life has become one big mess . A messy divorce , filing for bankruptcy and still , he has learned absolutely noting from those experiences .
It will be great to see the likes of Derrick Brooks and John Lynch follow suit in good time , having met the eligibility requirements.
tophatal …….
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