Let’s take a walk on the wild side
The fallout of the NFL season has begun with the firing of three NFL head coaches in the past ten days. There will likely be more to follow at the end of the regular season as the teams now will play their final games of the seventeen-week sixteen-game schedule. Jeff Fisher was given his marching orders by the front office of the Los Angeles Rams . Fisher for his part , stated he was proud of the accomplishments achieved , most notably the wins attained. Unfortunately, for the Rams , his record with the franchise was deplorable and overall it was sub. 500 . Buffalo Bills’ head coach Rex Ryan was ousted after GM Doug Whaley made the decision the vociferous head coach had to go. Two seasons of absolute failure with his teams failing to perform was far too much for team owner Terry Pegula to bear. It should be noted , Pegula purchased the Bills for a reputed $1.6 billion with the understanding he wanted a competitive product on the field of play , alongside a world-class organization within the front office . Clearly , the Buffalo Bills have fallen way short of the target sought by their billionaire owner .
—-
—-
Slideshow.
Another NFL owner, whose fortunes have failed to meet his own lofty expectations , are those of Jacksonville Jaguar’ owner Shahid Khan . Since his acquiring the franchise, the Jaguars have yet to post a winning season or have a top-two placement finish within the AFC South . Jacksonville , also seem to be waiting on the maturity level of their top pick from the 2014 NFL Draft . Quarterback Blake Bortles continues to struggle and much of this stems from the fact there front office has never placed around him, a team capable enough to win consistently . Gus Bradley was made the sacrificial lamb and with good reason, as he was never able to get the best out his players during any part of his tenure with the Jaguars. His firing was not a complete surprise to most NFL fans or analysts around the league.
Several of the divisions within the NFL have a reached a conclusion concerning their winners , but there are one or two which have yet to be decided. Likewise , within the AFC and NFC , there are postseason berths which are still up for grabs and many of the teams on the outside looking in , will be hoping to make one last attempt to make it in. Not to be left out of the equation are the teams capable of playing spoiler for the aspirants with an eye on a postseason position. Needless to say, all of the outcomes will become known to the fans as the week seventeen schedule comes to a close on Sunday evening (1st January). The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Arizona Cardinals , while the Buffalo Bills will have a divisional match-up against the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars will find themselves at the mercy of the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
Hue Jackson and the Cleveland Browns (1-15) managed what a number of fans did not think would be possible for the team this season. The Browns actually won their first game of the year , having defeated the San Diego Chargers in week sixteen . Prior to the victory , the Browns managed to lose fifteen consecutive games , one shy of the regular season record achieved by the Detroit Lions in 2008 . It is a record which remains intact , but there were several people who believed the Browns were capable of matching the feat this season. Certainly, the odds-makers in Las Vegas may well have hedged their bets, but I get the feeling they favored the Chargers to pull off the victory !
I am of the opinion, you never mess with a good thing , when things are going good, why seek change ? Jerry Jones and the coaching staff are said to be ‘toying’ with the idea of inserting Tony Romo back into the starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys for their final game of the season. Now consider the fact, while Romo was sidelined due to injury, the Cowboys were led by a rookie quarterback , Dak Prescott , who has since broken rookie franchise records for Dallas and actually making believers out of the detractors, who felt the Dallas Cowboys were past their prime. Not only have they been the best team in the NFC throughout the season , but also the best team in the NFL over much of the season.
Tony Romo will likely get some playing time in this game against the Philadelphia Eagles , but I do not feel it would be in the bests interests of the Dallas Cowboys were he to play the entire game ! The veteran quarterback remains susceptible to innocuous injuries and clearly as his career is in its twilight , he is no longer the passer everyone believed him to be , much less a player capable of leading this franchise to a Superbowl victory. His postseason record simply speaks for itself , in spite of the continuous excuses being made for one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the NFL over the past twelve seasons.
The Dallas Cowboys might well have been the surprise of the season , but I feel the most disappointing teams in the NFL were the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints . Both teams have very good coaches , with Chuck Pagano leading the Colts , while Sean Payton has led the Saints as their head coach for over eight years , along the way winning the Saints ‘ first Superbowl in the franchise’s history , during the 2009 NFL season . Defense and a lack of it has been one of the many issues which explains many of the woes faced by both the Colts and Saints this season. Quarterbacks Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts and Drew Brees of the Saints have been productive , but it could also be said, they are having down years by way of their own lofty expectations. Brees and his Saints’ teammates will lock horns in a season divisional rematch when they meet the Atlanta Falcons , while as I alluded to earlier the Colts will be facing the Jaguars. This season continues to be one filled with surprises and they will continue once the postseason begins .
So let me get this straight , fans are acting all surprised as the Philadelphia 76ers currently have the worst record in the NBA ? It’s not as if this wasn’t to be expected , considering the Sixers at its core remains the same team seen , as last season . The coaching staff has remained in place, with Brett Brown still serving as the Sixers’ head coach. The only real change other than another mediocre draft has been the insertion of Jerry Colangelo and his son, Bryan Colangelo into the franchise’s front office to head their Basketball Operations . Team owner Joshua Harris remains bereft of ideas and it would seem this franchise is more interested in off the court activities , having purchased several non-core basketball interests . One would have thought there would be an urgency to not only invest in the on-court product but also make sure this is a team built to be competitive and to win ?
Over their last twelve games played , the Philadelphia 76ers have performed with the mediocrity expected of a team with little or nothing to play for . Brett Brown will now prepare the Sixers for their next game when they face the Utah Jazz on the road this Thursday , 29th December . It is becoming abundantly clear the Sixers are playing to be part of the Draft Lottery for the third time in the last three seasons. It is no longer idiotic to suggest the NBA hierarchy led by Commissioner Adam Silver and the team owners are willing to accept continued mediocrity from their franchises , just as long as everyone is making money along the way . In the case of the league . when you have an estimated $7.7 billion a year in gross revenues , there are unlikely to be any complaints from within the NBA fraternity .
It didn’t seem that long ago when Rajon Rondo was on the crest of being seen as one of the elite point guards in the NBA. Having won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics , the player soon began to become a detriment to the team and who was disliked by his teammates and coaching staff . His departure from the Celtics and subsequent travels , has seen a decline in his productivity and to the point where is now being benched by his current head coach Fred Hoiberg of the Chicago Bulls . Hoiberg has this team playing some moderate baseball , while holding down the seventh spot within the Eastern Conference and 8 ½ games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (23-7) within the Central Division . If things continue to disintegrate between Rajon Rondo and Fred Hoiberg then the point guard’s days with the Bulls could be numbered. Though he is not due to become a free agent until 2018 , GM Gar Forman and John Paxson might think it feasible to cut their ties with the disgruntled player. Rajon Rondo continues to say all the right things , by vocally cheering on his teammates, but it cannot hide Hoiberg’s dissatisfaction with Rondo , as he is slowly becoming a distraction for the franchise.
The Chicago Bulls have essentially become Jimmy Butler’s team though he will be aided by veteran guard Dwyane Wade , as the players seek to rally behind one the league’s brightest young stars . Butler and his teammates coming off a five-point victory over the Indiana Pacers will be on the court to face the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center in Chicago , Illinois, on Wednesday night. Brooklyn’s head coach Kenny Atkinson and the Nets are in need of a win , given their sorry state of affairs at present . This will be another problem year for the Brooklyn Nets and one in which, I do believe team owner , Mikhail Prokhorov will actively and aggressively seek to sell either a majority stake or the franchise in its entirety to any interested party willing to buy the Nets. He has sunk a considerable sum into the Brooklyn Nets as an investment and it has been to no avail . Prokhorov will perhaps retain ownership of the Barclays Center and the surrounding properties owned by his holding company, but the franchise must go , forfeiture of a sale .
If DeMarcus Cousins continues along his path of self-destruction , then he will have no one else to blame but himself. It is becoming exceedingly difficult to try to justify any reason for the mercurial and talented center to be kept by the Sacramento Kings . Cousins might well be the best player on the team’s roster , but he also has become their problem child , with a combustible temperament , which is also a detriment to the team. Former Kings’ players , Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic are senior front office executives for this Kings’ franchise and it does not appear that they carry enough of an influence to change the mindset of Cousins. The coaching staff of Dave Joerger also appears to be dumbfounded and at a loss for words in dealing with their troubled star. Suspensions and monetary fines by the Kings or the NBA hierarchy has done little to sway the behavior of DeMarcus Cousins and it is difficult to see how he has the respect of his teammates at this juncture.
At 14-17 , the Sacramento Kings are third within the Pacific Division of the Western Conference , some 12 ½ games behind division leaders, the Golden State Warriors , who are for all sense and purpose running away with the division and on their way to another divisional title . For the Kings their divisional record is poor and even poorer when facing divisional opponents. The Sacramento Kings have yet to meet the Golden State Warriors this season , but their first meeting of regular season schedule will take place on the 8th January at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California ,. The two teams will face each other four times over the course of the season and I believe the Warriors will end up being the winners of the regular season series between the two teams ! DeMarcus Cousins and his teammates will have their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies at home this Saturday, 31st December .
The New York Knicks might well be the most valuable NBA franchise , solely based on their location , but when it comes to basketball legacy within the NBA everything starts and ends with the Boston Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers . For Lakers’ head coach Luke Walton , his rookie season has been a tough baptism of fire , but he is coping well , has the respect of his players , but most noticeably , the front office have continued to back him all the way. However, on the personal side , with the revelation that Jeanie Buss had ended her four-year engagement to former Lakers’ head coach Phil Jackson . Conspiracy theorists have run amok, with the suggestion , because Jeanie couldn’t persuade Phil to return to the franchise , she torpedoed their relationship to devote more time to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving Jackson to try and reinvigorate the fortunes of the New York Knicks.
The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling , having lost thirteen of their last fifteen games , leaving them battling among the also-rans of the West , as well as within their division . If there has been one thing which Luke Walton has been able to convince his players in doing and that is to play hard for the entire forty-eight minutes of a game. The Lakers’ last victory came in a game played against the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day , but prior to that , you would have to go back as far as the 16th December when they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania. Luke Walton and his team will be looking to increase their wins’ tally, when they play their last game of 2016 , facing the Dallas Mavericks on the 29th December in a home game. The most consistent player for the Lakers throughout much of the season has been Lou Williams , averaging 18.8 points a game , a far cry from the 31.7 points per game , averaged by the league’s leading scorer and best player this season , Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder . Now one can understand why the Lakers problems have manifested themselves in the way they have done .
The Los Angeles Lakers simply have has no one on the roster who can score or average a double-double per game , much less their being any type of support coming off their bench. Defensively the team is also very anemic , but as long as there remains a commitment from the players in doing things the way Luke Walton believes they should be done, then there will likely be gradual signs of improvement from the team.
Picture gallery and by clicking on an individual frame you can read the narrative and leave a comment should you wish to do so.
Within the realms of the NBA and NFL which stories do you believe will create the greatest impact in the coming week or days ?
—
Tophatal ……….. 2016/12/28
—
NFL standings (divisional) and conference standings
NFL league standings
—
NBA divisional standings and conference standings
NBA team stats (wins) , team stats (offense) , team stats (defense) and team stats (points’ differential)
NBA player stats and rookie stats
Share this:
Tophatal's Blog 
Well the College Football postseason continues on unashamedly , but the fans have only their interests in the Bowl Semi-finals’ contests featuring the top-four teams in the nation.
NCAA Football
🙂
Tophatal ……………
LikeLike
More news from the world of baseball and as usual the trades continue on without the teams seemingly having a care in the world concerning payroll for the upcoming season .
MLB news
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
I firmly believe there will be at least one more head coaching dismissal , between now and the beginning of the NFL off-season ! Three head coaches have been fired within the last twelve days and there remain at least two more coaches whose heads are on the proverbial chopping block .
Of the games being played this weekend , perhaps none might be more important than the contest between the Oakland Raiders who are the guests of the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Derek Carr and the Raiders are looking to reiterate this season is not an aberration and this team is real by way of the consistency shown throughout much of the season. Denver’s disappointment can simply summed by the fact , no Peyton Manning , no leadership or threat to win. Way too much was expected of young quarterback Trevor Siemian and this was all played out with his play and that of his teammates . John Elway , Head of Operations for the Denver Broncos clearly expected more from the reigning Superbowl champions in their defense of the title they won so supremely when they faced the Carolina Panthers .
NFL news
Tophatal …..
LikeLike
In the UFC m this weekend will be very important for the brand and its image. Former women’s title-holder Ronda Rousey makes her long-waited return to the octagon when she takes on Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 . Nunes will be hoping to inflict another defeat on Rousey when they meet for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title currently held by the defending champion , Amanda Nunes. This is a bout the champion needs to win to further legitimize her legacy as the best fighter within the division .
From left to right, Ronda Rousey, UFC President Dana White and Amanda Nunes .
There is no denying Ronda Rousey needs to return back to the form which made among the best fighters within all of the weight classes for women within the UFC.
UFC news
Tophatal ……………….
LikeLike
I could actually see Ryan ending up in Jacksonville.
I mean, that team couldn’t get any worse.
LikeLike
SportsChump (Chris Humpherys )
Jaguars’ owner Shahid ‘Shad’ Khan and team GM David Caldwell in recent days , have been making overtures to former head coach Tom Coughlin . It’s rumored Coughlin is receptive to the idea pf making a return to the franchise where he found initial success , before guiding the New York Giants to two Superbowl victories within the span of six years .
Courtesy of NFL.com
Tom Coughlin .
As long-time Coughlin lieutenant Kevin Gilbride told me last week, the Jaguars job makes some sense logistically for Coughlin. The two-time Super Bowl winner has a home in the area and some of his family is still down there. Coughlin is a family man first and having them close would be a major draw.
————————————————————
Click on link to read in full.
————————————————————
It’s also rumored Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is also a target of the Jacksonville search for a new head coach . McDaniels proved he’s not head coaching caliber material after his tenure with the Denver Broncos . He was an abysmal failure during his time there.
Tophatal …..
LikeLike
So what will it take to knock off the defending NBA champions who it seems, has their division all to themselves as well as the entire Eastern Conference . From my own standpoint , the only way for LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers’ teammates to lose their title is to actually show a great deal of complacency . Head coach Tyronn Lue and his coaching staff will prepare the players for their next game as the Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics in a game being played at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland , Ohio , on the 29th December , 2016. the .
LeBron James (23) is seen here with Cavaliers’ head coach Tyronn Lue (background).
I believe this game against the Boston Celtics will be another win against a conference opponent for the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James for his part will be looking to up his seasonal average over the course of this season . James and the Cavaliers will open 2017 with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on the 2nd January , 2017.
Cleveland Cavaliers news
😉
Tophatal………………..
LikeLike
Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs is a three time NBA champion , a Finals’ MVP and considered to be a future Hall of Fame bound player from within the Spurs’ organization . Parker will likely join one of his peers , former teammate Tim Duncan . I certainly believe at the end of their respective careers all three of the Spurs’ triumvirate of stars of the last decade will be inducted into the Hall of Fame ! Manu Ginobli will likely be joining the duo at the end of his career. Needless to say , Gregg Popovich’s resume’ speaks for itself and the possibility of a sixth NBA title during his esteemed coaching career , will become all the more realistic , should beat out their conference rivals this postseason.
Tony Parker, point guard with the San Antonio Spurs .
This season the San Antonio Spurs have remained as consistent as ever. The team has been playing very well and they sit atop of their division , leading by a healthy margin over their nearest rival . Currently, they have the second-best record within the Western Conference with only the Golden State with a better overall record ahead of them in the league (NBA) standings .
Kawhi Leonard and Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich (right) are seen here court-side during a game .
Gregg Popovich will now prepare the San Antonio Spurs for their next two games respectively, which will be against the Phoenix Suns on the 30th December , 2016, to be followed by a game against the Atlanta Hawks on the 1st January , 2017. I fully expect the Spurs to prevail in both contests , given their form over their last eight games !
With the core of the Spurs’ roster older with a great deal of experience , it is now left with two-time NBA Defensive Player of The Year Award winner Kawhi Leonard to lead this team and lead he has done , by great example .
NBA news
NBA standings division
NBA standings conference
—
San Antonio Spurs news
Tophatal …….
LikeLike
Just two more days and we will enter 2017 with the NBA having almost three months of sheer rapture in terms of the performances of the teams and their players . Since being hired by GM Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics , I have greatly admired the gradual progression of Brad Stevens as the head coach of this team . While their record might not be overly impressive the players on the Celtics have managed to come into their own . Over their last ten games within the league , Boston has managed to post a 6-4 record . Their most impressive victory over that stretch came against the Memphis Grizzlies , who they defeated by a ten-point margin on their way to a 113-103 victory . Avery Bradley led the team in scoring , but there were also several solid contributions from Bradley’s teammates , most notably from Isiah Thomas whose all-around game has been very good .
Danny Ainge has seen fit to assemble a roster where there is balance , but also making sure the organization hasn’t overpaid for the talent acquired . The biggest outlay made was the signing of veteran Al Horford . The presence of the player comes from the standpoint , he will provide the type of leadership needed if this team is make its presence felt in the NBA Playoffs.
In their next game the Boston Celtics will meet the Miami Heat at the TD Garden (Banknorth Center) in Boston , Massachusetts on Friday 30th December . This is a game the Heat cannot afford to lose , given their recent poor form .
NBA news
Results 29th December and schedule for 30th December
NBA standings division and conference
—
Boston Celtics news
Tophatal ….
LikeLike
There can be no denying the San Diego Chargers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season . Barely competitive within their own division , the Chargers have been nothing short of embarrassing. Equally so , have been the coaching staff led by Mike McCoy , who might very well have the Sword of Damocles being wielded above his head at this juncture. It is very clear the front office will be under serious consideration to dismiss the head coach and continue to fallout seen with the coaching casualties seen this season.
Chargers’ veteran quarterback Philip Rivers might well be having one of his worst seasons over the past seven years . San Diego’s GM Tom Telesco will have some serious decisions to make during this upcoming off-season concerning the free agents on the Chargers’ roster , as well as among the coaching staff. Defensively, this team has been abysmal in just about every facet imaginable concerning a secondary and from an offensive standpoint it hasn’t been any better.
Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers.
Heading into week seventeen the San Diego Chargers will round out their regular season schedule with a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in a home game , I do not expect the Chargers to win , given their abysmal home record.
Chargers’ head coach Mike McCoy and GM Tom Telesco (right).
If Mike McCoy is fired, then I would expect the Chargers to cast a wide net as they search for a new head coach. McCoy’s four years in charge of the franchise has not yielded the results or expectations sought by the Spanos family , owners of the San Diego Chargers.
—
San Diego Chargers news
Tophatal ……………..
LikeLike
The Houston Texans will enter into their final game of the season knowing they have secured a place in the postseason and will be looking forward to a wildcard round match-up against a conference foe . Head coach Bill O’Brien and his coaching staff must prepare the team for one final push in their final contest of the regular season , which will be against the Tennessee Titans . The Texans having acquired quarterback Brock Osweiler during the off-season as a free agent , have been somewhat inconsistent throughout much of the season . Within the AFC South there was a great deal of mediocrity seen from all of the division’s occupants .
Houston’s billionaire team owner , Robert ‘Bob’ McNair has been looking for the Texans to make their presence felt within the NFL , but more so during the postseason. Any potential match-up for the Houston Texans in the wildcard round could prove to be problematical . The team’s performances against conference foes have not been overly impressive on the road or at home over the course of this season. This is a Texans’ team with some veteran experience and youth at its core . Possibly the best player on the team might well be running back LaMar Miller whose productivity has been among the best for the franchise in recent seasons.
Houston Texans news
—
Tophatal ………..
LikeLike
Dallas Mavericks’ veteran center Dirk Nowitzki is coming to the end of what can be best described as a historic career in the NBA . The German might well be considered the best European player in the league’s history, given his career statistics and achievements . This season the Mavericks have been one of the worst performing teams in the NBA and it is reflected in their record . Dallas’ head coach Rick Carlisle and his coaching staff have been in amidst of issues concerning the makeup of this team .
Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks .
At its core the Dallas Mavericks have an aging roster . Beyond Dirk Nowitzki, there doesn’t appear to be much to say about this Dallas’ lineup . The leading scorer on the Dallas Mavericks roster this season has been Harrison Barnes who is averaging just over 20 points per game . From my own standpoint I believe the Mavericks will continue to struggle over the rest of the season . Barnes has proven himself capable, but if Dallas is to succeed , then the play of the team will have to show a marked improvement during the second-half of the season.
In their last game the Dallas Mavericks played the Los Angeles Lakers falling to their Western Conference rivals by the score of 89-101 . Dallas’ next contest will not be any easier as they will face the Golden State Warriors on the road .
In recent seasons the payroll of the Dallas Mavericks has fluctuated quite drastically. This season among highest paid players on Dallas’ roster are Dirk Nowitzki , Harrison Barnes , Wesley Matthews , Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut .
Dallas Mavericks news
NBA standings one year ago
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
Hue Jackson cannot be blamed for the failures seen this season from the Cleveland Browns (1-14) . The team having avoided a win-less season , will look to extend their winning streak and finish their schedule on a winning note . Their defeat of the San Diego Chargers might well have the biggest surprise of the week fifteen schedule and results seen . Yet overall , the issue which created the biggest cause for concern was the fact their preseason acquisition and quarterback of the future , Robert Griffin III suffered an injury which ended their hopes of achieving something of note within the NFL for the year., Instead , they will have the ignominy of finishing with the worst record in the league .
Robert Griffin of the Cleveland Browns .
The Cleveland Browns played several of their opponents hard , but their failings were caused from the lack of veteran leadership and most certainly the loss of Griffin. Where the franchise now goes from here is very much dependent upon the view now being taken by team owner Jimmy Haslam and the front office executives . Clearly, some changes will have to be made among the playing staff and the view must be taken they have invested far too much in Robert Griffin and will have to address the player’s long-term future with the Browns. Griffin has become injury-prone while he also cannot curb his enthusiasm for running , becoming more of a liability than an asset to his team.
Sunday’s game for the Cleveland Browns will pit them against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . Robert Griffin has been cleared to play by the Browns’ medical staff and it will be interesting to see if he is inserted into the team’s starting lineup for the game on Sunday afternoon.
In his relatively enigmatic career in the NFL to date Robert Griffin has been lucky enough to have tasted the postseason as a sophomore with the Washington Redskins the team which drafted him second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft . Whether not he can return to his best form when he was able to lead the Redskins with a great deal of maturity remains to be seen. Clearly, his stock has plummeted , if not his confidence , but I do believe the player will struggle as he continues to find his way back to those great performances.
Cleveland Browns news
—
Tophatal ………
LikeLike
More games from the College Football Playoffs took place on Friday night and there will be more taking place today, Saturday , 31st December , 2016 . There can be no denying this has provided a monetary windfall for the programs involved but even more so for the NCAA , whose President Mark Emmert has yet to indicate , the institution is willing to provide clear transparency concerning their operations and how much of the revenue finds its way into the the programs across the country. The NCAA has now become a multi-billion dollar sporting behemoth, unchallenged and is actually registered as a charitable tax-free institution , legislation sanctioned by the Congress.
For those who were proponents of the Playoff System still with several flaws which have to readdressed , it seems somewhat asinine they would in no way seek to question how the NCAA conducts its business or what we know to be their lack of openness . Mark Emmert for his part continues to skirt those issues while being fully supported by academic institutions , but more noticeably by the original BCS Committee (Five Power Conferences) , whose power still carries sway , perhaps more so than the buffoons empaneled to oversee the current system .
Of the games played on Friday night there were no great surprises to be found concerning the results . Michigan (Wolverines) lost to Florida State in a nail-biting game , where both teams were extremely competitive . The Tennessee (Volunteers) had no trouble in dispatching Nebraska , winning the game decisively , 38-24 .
What the fans of College Football are really looking forward to , are the games taking place on New Year’s Eve which will likely keep the nation engrossed as the top-four teams in the nation are paired off for the two games which are of vital importance , with the winners of each , then facing off in the national championship game to be played on the 9th January 2017. We have the defending national champions Alabama facing Washington in a contest , which will be very competitive. In the other game we have Ohio State taking on Clemson .
NCAA Football news
—
Tophatal ….
LikeLike
At least we know , Pat Riley can do one thing right as of late and that has been to extend the contract of the Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra . Riley was given way too much credit for the Heat’s first NBA title , when not enough credit was given to members of his coaching staff in the triumph , most notably to Spoelstra , a protege of Pat Riley.
This season the issues have continued to mount for the Miami Heat and much of the blame requests squarely on the shoulders of the front office staff led by Pat Riley . To describe how bad things have become for the Miami Heat , in several of their most recent games , one only has to look at a single-game performance by Heat player , Justise Winslow . In a game against the Charlotte Hornets on the 29th December , Winslow’s performance was so bad , in many ways , it has been indicative of the team’s season to date .
While I believe the Heat might well be able to overcome their misfortunes , I do believe Pat Riley bears a great deal of the responsibility for the team’s current plight. His draft picks have been questionable since 2010 and I dare say a top-ten pick in 2017 , will be needed , if this current roster is to have any chance of improvement over the next few seasons .
In their next game the Miami Heat will be facing the Detroit Pistons in a home game against an Eastern Conference rival and opponent. One certainty we know the Miami Heat will be in need of , will be a top-flight marquee free agent if there franchise is to improve . Defensively the Heat leave a lot to be desired in terms of their play . Between now and the 20th February it will be interesting to see how the Heat acquit themselves .
Miami Heat news
—
Tophatal ……..
LikeLike
Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins , have come extraordinarily close to gaining a postseason berth and while the Buccaneers’ fans were elated with the team’s recent five-game win streak entering into week sixteen. Here is what they failed to acknowledge and it is the fact, this team is simply doing it all with smoking mirrors. They have a moderately average defense and a less than stellar offense led by a quarterback , Jameis Winston , who still tries to excel in certain facets of the game where he remains very weak. Head coach Dirk Koetter and his coaching staff are to be admired for getting so much out of a team , which on face of , their record has suggests what the franchise is all about. Moderately good players assembled together, merely to make up the numbers.
Playing in a division where we have seen a rejuvenated Matt Ryan having perhaps his best season in the last eight years , has led the Atlanta Falcons to an NFC South divisional title , while the likes of the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans have simply regressed. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to beat themselves with their inconsistency and a great deal of complacency. Needless to say , one could make comparisons to other divisions around the NFL . Yet in no way, can you suggest the football seen within the division has been any better or any worse than the rest of the league. In actuality we tend to see these vagaries within the NFL, as the league goes through its phases of being up and then down.
Off the field of play , the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to deal with the mandatory suspension of their running back Doug Martin who failed a mandatory drug test and has stated he will not appeal his suspension and will enter into a substance abuse program . Kind of makes you wonder what the front office and coaching staff might have to say about this all ? The NFL remains extremely soft on their players when it comes to the matter of not only substance abuse , but also steroid use, as a means cheating . Yet NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it his own personal crusade to punish Tom Brady with impunity over the Deflate-Gate saga . In their final game of the season the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Carolina Panthers at home , needing a win , hoping one of their postseason aspirants simply slip up.
NFL news and news from around the league
NFL schedule (week seventeen) and team injuries
Tophatal ……………
LikeLike
The NBA season is no longer in its infancy with over twenty-five games having been played by all of the league’s thirty teams . A clarity is beginning to show concerning the play of the teams but also concerning the divisional and conference standings . The teams with the two best records just happen to be within the always and extremely tough Western Conference. Both the Golden State Warriors (29-5) and San Antonio Spurs (27-5) are the class of the NBA this season and it shows by way of the consistency from both of these teams. Neither of these two teams will be in action today , but there will be several fascinating games likely to pique the interest of the fans at home watching a live broadcast or in attendance .
One early result from today , saw the Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Sacramento Kings in a match-up between these Western Conference teams . The best game taking place on today’s schedule will likely be the contest between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder , considered to be among the top-five teams within the West. Of late the Clippers have performed miserably losing six of their last ten games played .
Los Angeles Clippers’ owner , billionaire mogul , Steve Ballmer did not spend in excess of $2 billion purchasing the Clippers , with the view that the franchise was merely there for show . His intent is to win and if necessary he will do so , by either spending big big or getting the players he sees fit, who will be able to get the job done . With players such as Chris Paul , Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan on the roster and with the coaching acumen of Doc Rivers and his coaching staff . I do believe the window of opportunity for the Los Angeles Clippers to win an NBA title must happen within the next two years or sooner ! If not then the front office will have some decisions to make concerning the makeup of the playing staff .
Steve Ballmer (right) is seen here with Doc Rivers .
Through the month of January it will be interesting to see how the Los Angeles Clippers will fare against their opponents.
NBA news
NBA schedule 31st December
This month in NBA history
On this date in basketball
—
Tophatal ……….. 12/31/2016 6:59 pm
LikeLike
Well you can’t say you weren’t warned, as it looks as if Alabama will be giving Washington a lesson in how to play football at the Collegiate Level (FBS) . A rout is ensuing as Nick Saban’s players begin to turn the screw , tighter and tighter , having already built a double-digit lead early in the game.
In the other contest of the evening which mattered Clemson came to their shootout with both barrels blazing , as they shot down Ohio State in an embarrassingly lopsided game .
NCAA Football (FBS)
NCAA Football results 31st December
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
So let’s take a moment to let this all sink in . She was hyped as the biggest thing to hit the UFC in the past five years and said to be the most dominant female MMA fighter the UFC had ever seen ? Pardon me for saying this , but how much bull$hit can Dana White continue to pedal about the greatness that was meant to be Ronda Rousey ? In the space of three fights not only has Rousey proved to be vulnerable and flawed , but she now lacks confidence to defeat the fighters who are her equal or better athletically , Amanda Nunes made a successful defense of her UFC Women’s Bantamweight title by knocking out the challenger Ronda Rousey in the first round.
Oops there it is bi#ch . Rousey ,left , is knocked out by Nunes inside of two minutes of their Bantamweight title fight,
What the future now holds for Ronda Rousey is anyone’s guess , but it is clear the fame and acclaim with her being caught up in a Hollywood acting career overtook her within the sport. It also seems somewhat insulting, Ronda Rousey was $3 million as a purse in this bout against Amanda Nunes , merely rubbing salt into the wound and simply insulting the UFC champion, who was defending her title and was given just $100,000 . This once again represents what’s wrong with the MMA world and how autocratic the rule of Dana White just happens to be . It would appear even with new owners of the UFC brand , the ugliness and pomposity which has become the trademark of White, will be around with no changes in sight.
UFC news and the results from UFC 207.
Tophatal ……
LikeLike
So the fans will be given the national title game they yearned for, as the number one ranked Alabama (Crimson Tide) will face the number two ranked Clemson (Tigers) in a televised contest likely to draw millions as a television audience. Nick Saban will be going for a fifth national title , his fourth with the Crimson Tide.
Clemson’s rise back to prominence as the best team in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) is a further indictment of the things having been done right by head coach Dabo Swinney . The Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson will be provided the stage to showcase his numerous skills as a leader and player for the team and will no doubt have several NFL coaches and general managers interested. Clearly, for the seniors and juniors seeking to make themselves known in this game , there will be no better stage than the national championship title game for them show their value to a potential NFL recruiter . DeShaun Watson does have the potential to be taken as a top-five pick in this upcoming NFL Draft (2017) and there are several teams in the league who are in need of a great passing quarterback and I believe Watson will be among one of several leading candidates atop of the list.
DeShaun Watson (4) of Clemson.
If as expected, the Cleveland Browns (1-14) do end up with the worst record in the NFL , then the clock will start ticking as to their various options and whether or not it will be be desirable for them to draft a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft. Their needs are great and it only seems right that they do what is in the best and long-term interest of the franchise moving forward .
Tophatal ……
LikeLike
No rest for the wicked as the NBA season continues amidst of a hectic schedule . There will be several games scheduled for 1st January as the teams ring in the New Year. There can be no denying James Harden is one of the best players in the NBA , though one might question Harden’s defensive prowess for the Houston Rockets (26-9) . However, what he does bring to the table is tenacity and a voracious appetite for scoring .
On a night where historic performances were called for James Harden delivered in a very big way as the Houston Rockets demolished the New York Knicks with a performance which was worthy of the effort put in by the Rockets’ players . Harden racked up a triple double , as he led all-scorers in the contest , with Houston getting a home victory , beating the Knicks by the score of 129-122 , in a game where defense didn’t seem to be on the agenda for either team.
James Harden might not be putting up the numbers seen by Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder , but there are are comparisons which can be made to their respective games .
James Harden (left) and Russell Westbrook.
The Houston Rockets will be on the court for their next game when they are due to face the Washington Wizards at the Toyota Center in Houston , Texas on the 2nd January , 2017.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook are among the leading candidates for the League MVP this season and it will be interesting to see how things will pan out for both of these formidable over the course of the NBA schedule. I certainly do believe both the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder can be seen as legitimate contenders for the Western Conference title based on their performances , but once again all roads lead to and through the Golden State Warriors , who remain the best team in the Western Conference .
NBA news
Houston Rockets news
NBA standings division
LikeLike
A great deal of praise should be heaped upon the shoulders of Jack Del Rio as he has managed to do what his four predecessors have failed to do and that is go get the Oakland Raiders (13-2) into the postseason for the first time in over ten years . While there has been a great deal mentioned about the play of quarterback Derek Carr and his growing stature as an NFL quarterback. It cannot be denied the greatest area of improvement for the Raiders has been their defense as well as the offense . There was a time when the Raiders were considered the laughing stock of the league in both categories.
Raiders’ head coach Jack Del Rio .
Jack Del Rio and his coaching staff have instilled discipline into this team , while expecting accountability from the players for their mistakes. For GM Reggie McKenzie and team owner Mark Davis , this might be their finest hours collectively , ever since Davis assumed control of the franchise after the death of this father Al Davis .
The Oakland Raiders are still a major draw by way of their attendance levels and they also remain one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL . Looking to round out their season with a win the Oakland Raiders will be facing divisional rivals the Denver Broncos (8-7) . I fully expect to go out on a win and increasing their conference as well as divisional record for the season .
Oakland Raiders news
Tophatal ……………..
LikeLike
Perhaps it’s the actual idiocy of the press in general , but a year removed from having guided the Carolina Panthers to their first Superbowl appearance, the knives are now all out to be placed firmly between the should blades of the team’s quarterback Cam Newton . Admittedly , the Panthers are having a horrendous season , barely competing within their division or conference . One should also bear mind , Newton was injured earlier in the season and missed several games , yet the press came out and simply attacked the player , making statements as to his being overrated. . Last I damn well looked , neither Jay Cutler , Tony Romo , Alex Smith , Carson Palmer or even Derek Carr had led their respective teams to a prolonged postseason run in the NFL , yet Cam Newton should be viewed as overrated ? These being the very same media credentialed as$holes who undoubtedly voted for Newton as he won the 2015 League MVP Award . Then again. who ever said the members of the press were the brightest individuals among us , let alone those within the arena of sports’ journalism ? Just as we see within the political arena among the journalists and analysts , we have also become accustomed to the imbecilic ravings of the underbelly within arena of sports journalism also. Think a less racially bigoted version of Anne Coulter , but a male version with the persona and less than average IQ of Terry Bradshaw .
Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.
Having truly regressed in 2016 , much of what ails the Carolina Panthers can put down to a number of things , the failure of the front office to realize how much of a loss Josh Norman would be for the team as well their having misjudged the growth and maturity of their rookies and sophomore players . The team lacked real depth and a quarterback good enough to replace Cam Newton while he was sidelined due to injury , but instead all we heard from the press were ignorant sound-bytes and even more imbecilic statements in print as well as on the airwaves across the country.
Ron Rivera the head coach of the Carolina Panthers will have to address the issues where the team fell short and decisions will have to made concerning the makeup of the roster . The front office of the Panthers will undoubtedly integral to the decision-making needed and I doubt they will want to make the same mistake as last season concerning the decision to allow Josh Norman to leave via free agency.
In what will be their final game of the season the Carolina Panthers are lined up to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) on the road this Sunday afternoon. With the NFC South having been won by the Atlanta Falcon , the rest of the occupants within the division are merely playing for pride .
Carolina Panthers news
🙂
Tophatal ……………..
LikeLike
The early afternoon results are in for the NFL in week seventeen and it looks if the teams who were victorious have something to cheer about. . The Tennessee Titans . having lost their starting quarterback Marcus Mariota for their final game of the season started backup starter Matt Cassel as he would lead the team to victory defeating the Houston Texans who are now beginning to look like a team that doesn’t belong in the NFL postseason .
Another big game in the NFL was that of the New England Patriots as the guests of the Miami Dolphins and their hopes of postseason greatness for the first time in eight years Miami was simply hoping to stay abreast with the Patriots , but that was never going to happen as Tom Brady and his teammates systematically tore the Dolphins’ defense to shreds on the ground and through the air .. Any thoughts about the Miami Dolphins being able to state their case as a legitimate contender for the AFC Championship was just laid to rest in this game . .
NFL news
NFL results week seventeen
NFL standings (divisional) and conference standings
NFL player stats and team statistics for 2016 .
Tophatal ……..
LikeLike
The late afternoon games are reaching their climax within the NFL ending the regular season for 2016 . By contrast to last season the teams have played with a great deal of resolve . Now as the dust settles, there are likely to be some serious ramifications for several of the teams who failed miserably.
The late evening game will feature the Green Bay Packers facing off against the Detroit Lions in a game which will have a great bearing on the NFC North divisional title .
NFL divisional standings
Tophatal ……..
LikeLike
As we enter 2017 , the NBA will enter a relentless pursuit as the teams will have acclimatized themselves having played more than thirty-percent of their games for the regular season .
There were just five games on today’s schedule . All of these contests are currently in progress and should have some bearing within their divisions and conferences. At this point last > season the conferences and divisions were up in full flow.
Last night’s games offered a contrast in styles in terms of the teams on the court.
NBA news
NBA schedule (1st January) and schedule for 2nd January
This month in the NBA and on this date in basketball history
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
Another series of Bowl Games and the fans were meant to lap it all up with glee and excitement and so far too many of these games have been lopsided events very non-competitive , completely lacking excitement. Nowhere was that more visible than today’s game between Florida (Gators) and their opponents Iowa (Hawkeyes) . Anyone of the belief that were going to see two great defenses were sadly mistaken , as this game was over before the second half actually began . Iowa was a poor excuse for a team , as they failed to deliver anything of substance during this entire contest. The margin of victory could well have been greater , had Florida taken every opportunity handed to them by their opponent.
Tophatal ………
LikeLike
No longer expect the unexpected , just expect some actual common sense to prevail in the NFL . Another coaching dismissal took place as Mike McCoy was fired by the San Diego Chargers after a disastrous season where the team failed to compete . It will be interesting to also see what dramatic choices are made by GM Tom Telesco at the behest of team owner Dean Spanos concerning the current roster ,as there are likely to be several players not retained for next season . I firmly believe also the Chargers will be looking to the future , by seeking to draft a quarterback to replace their veteran starter Philip Rivers . Rivers has bled his heart and soul for the franchise , but unfortunately , during that time , they have never surrounded the player with a good enough supporting cast to get the job done during the postseason .
Elsewhere , we have Sean Payton speaking as if he is a man , who knows his time with the New Orleans Saints could very well be coming to an end . However, I feel in the case of Payton , a great deal of the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of himself and GM Micky Loomis with the botched draft classes over the past six years as well many of the trades made in 2013 , 2014 , 2015 and 2016 ! None of which made the team any better or actually competitive . All the Saints’ fans have really seen during that time , has been Drew Brees amassing more yardage each season to break Saints’ franchise records without the franchise achieving any meaningful results. The Saints have simply regressed since they won the Superbowl , as they sought to rest on their laurels.
Believe it or not , there could very well be another sighting of a Shanahan being back in the NFL as rumors continue to hit the airwaves Kyle Shanahan is on the shortlist of several possible candidate interviews for a number of the head coaching jobs now available in the NFL . Pardon me for saying this , but I believe Kyle Shanahan is overrated as an offensive coordinator and will likely fail as an NFL head coach. We saw first-hand what a mess both he and his father created while they both oversaw the offense for the Washington Redskins and their mishandling of how to deal with Robert Griffin III as a player and not handling the rookie a great deal better than they did. I find it ludicrous that any general manager , much less a team owner would be willing to entrust Shanahan with such a responsibility ! Then again , this is the NFL and common sense isn’t actually common place among the owners or the league hierarchy to begin with !
Quite possibly for the third time in the last four seasons the San Francisco 49ers might be on the search for a new head coach ? Not only is there a growing possibility the incumbent head coach Chip Kelly will be fired , but GM Trent Baalke will be made the sacrificial lamb for the lack of competence shown by the Yorke family ever since they were granted control of the 49ers by the league.
Chip Kelly (left) and Trent Baalke .
Denise DeBartolo-York , her husband , Dr John York and team CEO Jed York have shown themselves to be bereft of intelligence concerning the fiduciary responsibilities of owning the team. Their biggest concerning over the past five seasons , has been the building of their new stadium , built at the taxpayers’ expense , while little if anything has been done to truly improve the team’s roster. It was bad enough when there was the idiocy of a lack of real communication between Trent Baalke and Jim Harbaugh , former head coach of the Niners who returned to the collegiate ranks to have a very successful season with Michigan (Wolverines) , completely reinvigorating the program. Then we had the complete idiocy seen with the Niners’ fans and their treatment of quarterback Colin Kaepernick . Then to add insult to injury we also had former Niners’ great Jerry Rice questioning Kaepernick’s loyalty to the team and his patriotism. All of this had been going on without any of the individuals such as Rice or Baalke ever questioning what a failure Chip Kelly has been during the two years he was in charge of the team as a head coach.
From left to right Dr John York , Jed York and Denise DeBartolo-York .
For those who were also proponents of Blaine Gabbert being the long-term solution to the Niners’ alleged problems at quarterback , has anyone actually looked at Gabbert’s career in the NFL and his overall lack of success , without also looking at the fact the 49ers were simply hopeless when it came to defense without also looking at the lack creativity shown by Chip Kelly and his coaching staff when it came to offense ? Personally, I was never of the opinion Kelly was that good a coach or that there was ever any intelligence to be found among the entire fan-base of the Forty Niners ! The incoming head coach and general manager for the San Francisco 49ers will not have a great deal of time to assess the needs of this team in its current guise , but is clear , there will be some major upheavals concerning the roster at various levels.
NFL news
—
Tophatal …….
LikeLike
If Pat Riley knows what’s good for him , he’d better start to think about what needs to be done to reinvigorate the current Miami Heat (10-25) lineup. The play of this team continues to be mediocre with few of the players willing to play with heart , much less their being any leadership shown by anyone.
Over their last twelve games the Miami Heat have been one of the worst teams in the entire league. Hassan Whiteside was offered a king’s ransom by way of his contract and now looking back of the stupidity of the deal and the lack foresight shown by Pat Riley, you really have to begin questioning his own vision for the franchise moving forward .
Prior to or at the trade deadline , Pat Riley will have to make a move either by seeking to make some sort of major trade or just stand ‘pat’ on the team and just let the chips fall where they may , concerning the season . One thing is clear , with falling attendance levels and no marquee name on the roster , Miami Heat fans who have become very fickle , will no longer be willing to put up with the mediocrity now being shown by the team.
In their game on New Year’s Day the Miami Heat fell to conference opponents the Detroit Pistons , putting on a lackluster performance in-front of a home crowd at the AA Arena in Miami , Florida . The Heat’s home record has been abysmal and on the road it simply doesn’t get any better as reflected in their overall record .
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and his coaching staff will now prepare the team for their next game which will be against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday , 3rd January .
NBA news
Miami Heat news
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
He wasn’t fired but the pressures of coaching in the NFL and major concerns for his health led Gary Kubiak to step down as head coach of the Denver Broncos . One year removed from winning the Superbowl , the Broncos had indeed lost a step or two to their rivals within the AFC as well as seeing a resurgent Oakland Raiders be dominant , while the Kansas City Chiefs won the the AFC West division , a division where in recent years the Broncos had been dominant as a perennial favorite. John Elway as the Head of Operations and a minority stake owner in the franchise is a very demanding executive and will no doubt want a successor to Gary Kubiak , whom he can work with . It would be fair to suggest , Elway will think long and hard before choosing a successor , by sifting through many of the likely candidates. From my own standpoint , I do not believe he will go after Rex Ryan or Chip Kelly , given their recent missteps over the past two seasons. I certainly do not believe he will go after Nick Saban of Alabama who seems a possible candidate , but again Saban’s track record in the NFL makes him a certainty not to be among the top contenders.
Before anyone starts to link the name Jon Gruden , to the vacant position , please think long and hard about what you are suggesting as , Gruden would want complete control of all personnel decisions , something which John Elway would not be prepared to relinquish. One name which does come to mind should he not be hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars , would be Tom Coughlin , a head coach whose record speaks for itself and who is someone with a no-nonsense approach when it comes to accountability from his players.
Gary Kubiak (left) and John Elway.
When you hear the words uttered by a general manager … ” It wasn’t my decision to fire the head coach ” . You simply know the executive in question , his head was also predetermined to be on the chopping block alongside the departing head coach who was fired. Such was the case Buffalo Bills’ general manager Doug Whaley , as he gave a explanation as to why Rex Ryan was relieved of his duties this season. If anyone hadn’t noticed the Bills were wayward , lacked consistency and at no point during the season was this team ever on the same page of the head coach or his , coaching staff .
Terry Pegula (left) and Doug Whaley .
For Doug Whaley to come out this explanation and comment , was completely absurd as well as asinine. Is he trying to suggest Ryan warranted being retained for another season , given how the mediocre Buffalo Bills were for much of this season ? Bills’ owner billionaire entrepreneur Terry Pegula should have brought down the Sword of Damocles on Whaley’s neck, given his comments , though it was it after the fact , but you simply have to look at the preposterous draft picks of 2014 , 2015 and 2016 , as well as the recent acquisitions to realize this wasn’t a team built for the long haul , let alone any type of journey.
Denver Broncos news
Buffalo Bills news
Tophatal ………….
LikeLike
Deals are still coming down the pike as the New Year comes into focus, , with several Major League Baseball teams likely to increase their payrolls , while others will see a drop as they seek to be competitive financially as well as competitively for the upcoming season . There are still several marquee free agents still available .and t will be interesting to see where their new destinations will be.
MLB news
—
Tophatal ………
LikeLike
With just under a week to go before the national championship game between Clemson and Alabama , several players have declared themselves eligible , wishing to enter the 2017 NFL Draft . One which will be very interesting , as many of the teams which struggled in the NFL, will be looking to acquire the best talent available from among the college ranks . Quarterbacks will be at a premium and they will likely be the target of several teams in the need of a top-notch passer.
With the Miami Hurricanes’ quarterback Brad Kaaya having declared his wish to enter the Draft , it will be interesting to see if his contemporaries DeShaun Watston and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson will also follow the same path.
NFL news
NFL College Football news
—
Tophatal ………..
LikeLike
Both College Basketball and the NBA were in action last night . At the Collegiate Level there were several games taking to the court. Meanwhile , at the professional level there were eight games played .
The Villanova (Wildcats) remain unbeaten and atop of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings . For their efforts in their next game I doubt they will be severely tested when they face Butler , in a game which on paper looks to be completely lopsided and favoring the top-ranked team in the nation.
In the NBA teams are simply riding along amassing the results necessary to prove a point . Still leading the way are the Golden State Warriors the first team in the NBA to have notched thirty-wins on the season. Golden State will next be in action when they are due to face the Portland Trailblazers at home on the 4th January , 2017.
NCAA Men’s Basketball
NCAA Men’s Basketball results and schedule (4th January)
NCAA Men’s Basketball (D1) standings and rankings
NCAA Men’s Basketball(D1) statistics
—
NBA news and results
NBA schedule (4th January)
NBA standings (division) and standings by conference
—
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
If the rumors are to be believed , then there could be as many as three or four teams looking to acquire the 2013 NLMVP and current Pittsburgh Pirates’ All Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen . New York Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi was very passe’ when broached on the subject in a recent interview with the press. Adding a player of McCutchen’s stature would certainly boost the Yankees’ outfield while also adding more productivity to their projected lineup in 2017. Another team also interested in Andrew McCuctchen are the Toronto Blue Jays who are still in the midst of trying to sign Jose Bautista to a multi-year deal .
LikeLike
If the rumors are to be believed , then there could be as many as three or four teams looking to acquire the 2013 NLMVP and current Pittsburgh Pirates’ All Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen . New York Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi was very passe’ when broached on the subject in a recent interview with the press. Adding a player of McCutchen’s stature would certainly boost the Yankees’ outfield while also adding more productivity to their projected lineup in 2017. Another team also interested in Andrew McCuctchen are the Toronto Blue Jays who are still in the midst of trying to sign Jose Bautista to a multi-year deal . Also thought to be in the mix are the New New York Mets, but their having resigned Yoenis Cespedes to a lucrative deal , it would mean the front office would have to give up some major pieces from their farm system and lineup to lure the Pittsburgh Pirates into such a deal .
MLB news
—
Tophatal …………..
LikeLike
Rex Ryan should have been shit canned a long time ago. The same with Jeff useless Fisher and the Jags coach. San Diego got rid of their coach. The Cowboys have a great record yet they have not faced the playoffs. This is a different kind of animal. Yet I think the Packers are on a roll. Atlanta is over hyped. The Falcons defense is not that good. Seattle? who knows. In the AFC the Raiders playoff hopes when KaBoom when Derick Carr got hurt. Too bad. NE is a good team. KC has a great D. Can they win Andy Reid has history of taking the Eagles to four straight NFC title games abet losing three out of four. KC can make a run. In the end, it may wind up Dallas- KC or NE in the Super Bowl.
LikeLike
Bobby Gee
Rex Ryan simply promised more than he could ever deliver . He had the initial success with the New York Jets and then things went downhill with the decline of Mark Sanchez and Ryan not being able to show any type of coaching acumen whatsoever. In the case of Jeff Fisher and the Los Angeles Rams , the front office spent more time dealing with their having to relocate than they did with placing a competitive product on the football field . Meanwhile their always obnoxious clueless and ignorant fans , simply wanted to talk about football being back in the city of Los Angeles. Well this season, they got a $hit-load of meaningless football from a team that was so mediocre , it was beyond embarrassing . The idiocy of Fisher , was even less compelling , when he made the comment , that he took pride in the wins achieved over the course of his career. All you need to do is to look at his record and realize this was a coach who took pride in mediocrity rather than seeking out excellence in the things he sought to achieve.
Rex Ryan , now former head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Jeff Fisher who was dismissed the Los Angeles Rams .
It will be interesting to see who the recipients will be for the vacant head coaching positions with the Buffalo Bills , Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams . New York Jets .
—
NFL news from around the league
Tophatal ……….
LikeLike