Have you taken a peek at the SEC basketball standings this week?
Being that the conference boasts the top two steam engines in the Associated Press football poll who are destined for a head-on collision in Atlanta this weekend, you probably haven't. That's OK, I'll fill you in. While no team has risen above the pack, one SEC team remains undefeated two and a half weeks into the season. Care to guess who it is?
No, it's not the NCAA's all-time winningest program from Lexington. It's not the team from Gainesville that has won back-to-back titles this decade. Heck, it's not even the team from Knoxville that spent part of the 2007-08 season ranked No. 1.
It's the LSU Tigers.
First year coach Trent Johnson has his team undefeated at 6-0 and fans in Baton Rouge building expectations as the decade-long John Brady era is becoming a quickly-shrinking speck in the rear view mirror. While the victories have come over Directional State U and teams from the lowly SWAC and may not seem impressive, it's how these Tigers have won that is catching the attention of round ball regulars on the bayou.
When Johnson was lured away from Stanford --where he led the Cardinal to the Sweet 16 -- by the gumbo and hefty pay raise in south Louisiana, Johnson promised his teams would do two things: play defense and rebound the basketball. Observers may call Johnson intense. They may call the scowl he wears on his face "gruesome". They may even call him soft spoken. One thing they cannot call him is a liar.
Through six games, LSU is holding its opponents to an average of 58 points per game and a comical 33% from the field. The Tigers have been even better on the boards, out rebounding their victims by an average of 16 per game. Compare that to a season ago when teams scored 69 points per game, shot 42% from the field and out rebounded LSU by an average of two boards a game, and you have the reason why John Brady is coaching at Arkansas State and Trent Johnson has LSU undefeated.
Johnson also turned heads in Baton Rouge on basketball media day when he promised to sit guard Marcus Thornton --the second-leading scorer in the SEC a season ago-- until he realized he had to be effective on both ends of the floor and not just on offense. True to his word, Johnson played Thornton only 18 minutes in LSU's opener against Jackson State while Bo Spencer paced LSU with a career high 21 points. Since the opener, Thornton has emerged once again as LSU's leading scorer, but also has 18 defensive rebounds and five steals on the young season. It's safe to say Johnson has the attention of his team.
Tiger fans, on the other hand, may still need some convincing. While there is cautious optimism in Baton Rouge after the solid start to the season, most fans are choosing to focus on the lack of quality opponents instead of the quality product Johnson is putting on the floor. And that is more than fair. Of the six victories, only Cal State Fullerton earned an NCAA Tournament bid last season and they were bounced in the first round as a 14 seed. What's more, Tiger fans saw this play too many times under Brady when the Tigers would feast on in-state stepbrothers, rack up an impressive record, only to fall flat once conference play started.
The difference is that those Brady teams never had an identity. It's clear through only six games how Johnson plans on winning ballgames: score points and work like hell to stop the other team from doing the same. So far, so good.
As for the naysayers, don't worry Trent, you will have ample opportunity to make them believers soon enough. After all, Texas A&M, Washington State and Utah will all come calling soon enough. So, go ahead an prove your team in for real.
And maybe you will have the rest of the conference looking up at you.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Hello and Goodbye
I have said for many years that as a talk show host it is not my place to call for a coach or administrator to be fired. I am not paid to make those types of decisions and I am modest enough to know that there is a better chance of me solving that whole space-time continuum thing than being consulted when such decisions are made.
That being said, I am a member of the opinion media and I am paid to have an opinion. And it is my opinion that Les Miles needs to cut his losses (and there were five of them this season) and fire defensive co-coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto.
I do not personally know Mallory or Peveto and have only observed them at practices (when the media is allowed in) and in game situations like any other fan. From what I can tell, they are honest men who represent LSU and the football program with class and dignity. Unfortunately, they can't coach a lick of defense. For an LSU program that built its foundation of dominance over the past decade on a concrete wall of a defense, the results in 2008 were shocking. Even after Nick Saban bolted from Baton Rouge for the Miami Dolphins, Miles's first major hire of Bo Pelini as DC worked like a charm. LSU finished in the top three in the nation in total defense each of Pelini's three seasons in Baton Rouge.
I also understand what LSU lost in personnel from the 2007 National Championship team: two senior corners (Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon); an All-American safety (Craig Steltz); two senior linebackers (Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders); and the greatest defensive player the university has ever produced (Glenn Dorsey). However, I refuse to believe that even with those losses, the 2008 LSU defense should have fallen to the depths it did. Twice teams scored 50 or more points versus LSU -- a first in NCAA history for a defending national champion. Lowly Arkansas had its highest point output against the Tigers (31) and even Mississippi State -- a team that battled Auburn to a 3-2 loss -- hung 24 on LSU.
If numbers are for losers, then these numbers explain why LSU lost five games in the '08 campaign: 37th in total defense (326.5 ypg); 66th in scoring defense (25.9 ppg); 81st in pass defense (220 ypg). The rush defense was the lone bright spot, finishing the season ranked 16th nationally allowing 105 ypg. Simply, this result should be unacceptable fora program that has come to expect championships and pays its coaches accordingly.
The silver lining in the cloud of doubt for Les Miles is that it is not too late to turn things around. Miles proved through his first three seasons at LSU to be an excellent judge of coaching talent in making key hires. Pelini was a fine fit at DC and is now a head coach himself. Bringing in Gary Crowton as offensive coordinator to replace Jimbo Fisher might have been the boost that put LSU over the top in 2007. The one bad hire Miles has made since arriving at LSU was Mallory and Peveto and I have confidence that he can and will remedy the situation.
That being said, here are a few of the names being mentioned as possible replacements at DC should Miles decide to make a change:
Greg Robinson
-Robinson was recently fires after four lackluster seasons as Syracuse head coach. He has previously serves as defensive coordinator on mack Brown's staff at Texas in 2004 and 14 seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator for the Jets, Broncos and Chiefs. The knock on Robinson is that even as a defensive-minded head coach, his Orange defenses were awful, finishing the 2008 season 100th in total defense and 101st in scoring defense .
John Chavis
-Chavis has been an assistant coach at Tennessee since 1989 and has serves as defensive coordinator for Phillip Fulmer since 1995. Aside from sending a herd of Vols into the NFL, the '08 Vols were at the top of the conference rankings in most defensive statistical categories and finished 4th nationally in total defense and 5th nationally in pass defense. With Fulmer out at Tennessee, Chavis is looking for a job and knows the SEC well.
Ed Orgeron
-While Orgeron proved to be an excellent recruiter at USC and Ole Miss, his coaching ability is lacking. He led the Rebels to only two wins over teams with wining records in three seasons and has led an underachieving Saints defensive line in New Orleans this season. Also, it is unlikely that Miles and Orgeron could coexist after battling for recruits for three seasons.
Jon Tenuta
-He gained national acclaim during his six seasons as defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech. Known for his attacking style defense, Tenuta joined the Notre Dame staff as a defensive co-coordinator prior to the '08 season. The results for the Irish have not been good: 39th in total defense; 42nd in scoring defense; 62nd in rush defense; and 30th in pass defense. Tenuta's future in South bend will likely depend on Charlie Weis's status with the university.
That being said, I am a member of the opinion media and I am paid to have an opinion. And it is my opinion that Les Miles needs to cut his losses (and there were five of them this season) and fire defensive co-coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto.
I do not personally know Mallory or Peveto and have only observed them at practices (when the media is allowed in) and in game situations like any other fan. From what I can tell, they are honest men who represent LSU and the football program with class and dignity. Unfortunately, they can't coach a lick of defense. For an LSU program that built its foundation of dominance over the past decade on a concrete wall of a defense, the results in 2008 were shocking. Even after Nick Saban bolted from Baton Rouge for the Miami Dolphins, Miles's first major hire of Bo Pelini as DC worked like a charm. LSU finished in the top three in the nation in total defense each of Pelini's three seasons in Baton Rouge.
I also understand what LSU lost in personnel from the 2007 National Championship team: two senior corners (Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon); an All-American safety (Craig Steltz); two senior linebackers (Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders); and the greatest defensive player the university has ever produced (Glenn Dorsey). However, I refuse to believe that even with those losses, the 2008 LSU defense should have fallen to the depths it did. Twice teams scored 50 or more points versus LSU -- a first in NCAA history for a defending national champion. Lowly Arkansas had its highest point output against the Tigers (31) and even Mississippi State -- a team that battled Auburn to a 3-2 loss -- hung 24 on LSU.
If numbers are for losers, then these numbers explain why LSU lost five games in the '08 campaign: 37th in total defense (326.5 ypg); 66th in scoring defense (25.9 ppg); 81st in pass defense (220 ypg). The rush defense was the lone bright spot, finishing the season ranked 16th nationally allowing 105 ypg. Simply, this result should be unacceptable fora program that has come to expect championships and pays its coaches accordingly.
The silver lining in the cloud of doubt for Les Miles is that it is not too late to turn things around. Miles proved through his first three seasons at LSU to be an excellent judge of coaching talent in making key hires. Pelini was a fine fit at DC and is now a head coach himself. Bringing in Gary Crowton as offensive coordinator to replace Jimbo Fisher might have been the boost that put LSU over the top in 2007. The one bad hire Miles has made since arriving at LSU was Mallory and Peveto and I have confidence that he can and will remedy the situation.
That being said, here are a few of the names being mentioned as possible replacements at DC should Miles decide to make a change:
Greg Robinson
-Robinson was recently fires after four lackluster seasons as Syracuse head coach. He has previously serves as defensive coordinator on mack Brown's staff at Texas in 2004 and 14 seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator for the Jets, Broncos and Chiefs. The knock on Robinson is that even as a defensive-minded head coach, his Orange defenses were awful, finishing the 2008 season 100th in total defense and 101st in scoring defense .
John Chavis
-Chavis has been an assistant coach at Tennessee since 1989 and has serves as defensive coordinator for Phillip Fulmer since 1995. Aside from sending a herd of Vols into the NFL, the '08 Vols were at the top of the conference rankings in most defensive statistical categories and finished 4th nationally in total defense and 5th nationally in pass defense. With Fulmer out at Tennessee, Chavis is looking for a job and knows the SEC well.
Ed Orgeron
-While Orgeron proved to be an excellent recruiter at USC and Ole Miss, his coaching ability is lacking. He led the Rebels to only two wins over teams with wining records in three seasons and has led an underachieving Saints defensive line in New Orleans this season. Also, it is unlikely that Miles and Orgeron could coexist after battling for recruits for three seasons.
Jon Tenuta
-He gained national acclaim during his six seasons as defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech. Known for his attacking style defense, Tenuta joined the Notre Dame staff as a defensive co-coordinator prior to the '08 season. The results for the Irish have not been good: 39th in total defense; 42nd in scoring defense; 62nd in rush defense; and 30th in pass defense. Tenuta's future in South bend will likely depend on Charlie Weis's status with the university.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Park It, Parker
As I have written before, the ever-growing number of students-athletes that leave their respective sport in hopes of netting lucrative professional contracts is distressing. The latest addition to that list is just plain perplexing.
Tennessee junior forward Candace Parker announced through coach Pat Summit Thursday that she will forgo her senior season on Rocky Top to pursue a professional career.
Seriously? I mean, April Fool's is still six weeks away!
Ok, let's begin by looking at the positives for Parker leaving early. She has already won a national championship with the Lady Vols. Parker is an exemplary student-athlete and will graduate this semester. What's more, Parker will compete in the Beijing Olympics this summer and likely win a gold medal with Team USA's Women's Basketball team. In all, a degree, national title and gold medal is a pretty hefty purse to tote to the WNBA.
And therein lies the rub.
The WNBA.
Maybe someone at Tennessee forgot to tell Candace WNBA salaries are not exactly on par with those of their male counterparts in pro basketball. In fact, the rookie salary in the WNBA hovers right around $30,000. No, there are no zeroes missing. Thirty grand! The maximum salary last season was $100,000.
Instead of remaining in Knoxville for her senior season and playing on national television for the most historic women's basketball program in NCAA history, Parker will relegate herself to virtual obscurity in a league no one cares about. While the Lady Vols play in front of more than 15,000 fans a night, only Detroit drew more than 9,000 fans a game last season in the WNBA.
What's a successful women's baller to do? The path has actually already been paved by a former Lady Vol, Kara Lawson. Parker needs to build more notoriety during one more season with the Lady Vols. Then join the WNBA and work as a NCAA analyst for ESPN during the WNBA off season, as Lawson does. Parker is attractive and obviously bright since she is graduating early from UT. Her accolades as a Lady Vol make her more than qualified to hold down the post.
Just stay away from the post in the WNBA for as long as possible.
Tennessee junior forward Candace Parker announced through coach Pat Summit Thursday that she will forgo her senior season on Rocky Top to pursue a professional career.
Seriously? I mean, April Fool's is still six weeks away!
Ok, let's begin by looking at the positives for Parker leaving early. She has already won a national championship with the Lady Vols. Parker is an exemplary student-athlete and will graduate this semester. What's more, Parker will compete in the Beijing Olympics this summer and likely win a gold medal with Team USA's Women's Basketball team. In all, a degree, national title and gold medal is a pretty hefty purse to tote to the WNBA.
And therein lies the rub.
The WNBA.
Maybe someone at Tennessee forgot to tell Candace WNBA salaries are not exactly on par with those of their male counterparts in pro basketball. In fact, the rookie salary in the WNBA hovers right around $30,000. No, there are no zeroes missing. Thirty grand! The maximum salary last season was $100,000.
Instead of remaining in Knoxville for her senior season and playing on national television for the most historic women's basketball program in NCAA history, Parker will relegate herself to virtual obscurity in a league no one cares about. While the Lady Vols play in front of more than 15,000 fans a night, only Detroit drew more than 9,000 fans a game last season in the WNBA.
What's a successful women's baller to do? The path has actually already been paved by a former Lady Vol, Kara Lawson. Parker needs to build more notoriety during one more season with the Lady Vols. Then join the WNBA and work as a NCAA analyst for ESPN during the WNBA off season, as Lawson does. Parker is attractive and obviously bright since she is graduating early from UT. Her accolades as a Lady Vol make her more than qualified to hold down the post.
Just stay away from the post in the WNBA for as long as possible.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Giant Disagreement
Go ahead. Admit it.
It's OK. You are probably one of the millions of people whose head hit the pillow Sunday night thinking, "That was the best Super Bowl of all time."
And why wouldn't you think that? Football God knows there is plenty of evidence to support your claim. The unbeatable Patriots are upset on their quest for 19-0. Eli Manning outduels Tom Brady. David Tyree's circus one-hand-against-the-helmet catch. Surely this was an epic clash. Heck, a Super Bowl record 97.5 million people tuned in. Only the M.A.S.H series finale can claim to have had a larger viewership.
On the other hand, I almost went to bed during the game.
Now, let me be fair. The final 11 minutes of the 4th quarter could quite possible be considered the greatest 11 minutes in Super Bowl history. After an offensively offensive day, two marquee quarterbacks led their team on clutch drives, answering the other each time to reclaim the lead. However, the game as a whole was severely lacking.
For a team purporting to be the greatest in NFL history, the New England Patriots could not even make the claim to be the best team on the field at university of Phoenix Stadium Sunday. An offensive line the boasts three Pro Bowlers allowed Brady to be sacked five times and hurried an additional nine times. The line was equally inept in their run blocking, paving the way for a grand total of 45 net rushing yards. Perhaps the guys were thinking about Hawaii's blue skies and Mai Tai's a week too soon.
Undoubtedly, there are those that will credit the Giants defense for the Patriots' struggles. And much of that praise in warranted. The Giants defensive line was a stronger, faster, more determined bunch all evening, and it showed -- until the point when it mattered most! After Manning drove for the go ahead score in the final frame, that vaunted Giants defense grabbed the throat, allowing Tom Brady to methodically march 80 yards in 12 plays, chewing up more than five minutes off the game clock. So much for 'Defense Wins Championships.' The Giants D almost lost this one.
But not for Eli Manning. Sort of.
The game's MVP won the award almost by default. The Pats held the edge on first downs, while the Giants totaled more net yards. Time of possession was even. Both teams were 50 percent on third-down conversions. Neither team cracked 100 yards rushing. Until Manning hit David Tyree for a score at the 11:05 mark of the 4th quarter, the MVP had guided his team to a grand total of three points in the game! And that chip shot figgie came on the game's first possession after Manning failed to get his team in the endzone following a 16 play drive that ate up ten minutes to open the game.
Manning won the honor based on his work on the Giants' game-winning drive. Surely Super Bowl history will look at David Tyree's catch as among the greatest in the game's history. Rightfully so. Manning eluded two New England defenders who had him in their grasp to scramble around, buying just enough time to loft a dying duck to Tyree who fought off Rodney Harrison's blanket coverage with one hand while pinning the ball against his helmet with the other. Thirty-two yards later, we have a play that will buy Tyree free meals in New York City for the rest of his life and a highlight reel staple for decades.
What we will probably never see again is the play before that one. It is a play that could have been equally as memorable in Patriots lore as it would have sealed 19-0 and a fourth Super Bowl title in seven seasons. Manning miscommunicated with his receiver and lofted a pass down the right sideline. As Tyree cut his rout short, All Pro corner Asante Samuel was waiting in perfect position to snag the INT and seal the win for the Patriots. Samuel jumped, opened his hands, and then forgot to close them. The ball passed through Samuel's hands, falling helplessly to the turf, allowing Manning the opportunity to hit Tyree for the big gainer on the next play. Manning was thisclose to being the goat and Samuel the hero.
But that was the story of this game: great NFL players consistently making goofs. Steve Smith allowed a ball to bounce off his hands in the second quarter, tossing it into the hands of Ellis Hobbs of the Patriots. Eli Manning held the ball like a loaf of bread, fumbling twice after being hit by patriots defenders. The Pats defense could not receover either fumble, despite having numbers around it both times. There were dropped interceptions, missed receivers, shanked kick-offs, missed blocks, and even Tom Petty was boring at halftime. Seriously, could he have cared any less during that show? Maybe his last dance with Mary Jane took place in the bowels of University of Phoenix Satdium to entertain himself during an unentertaining first half.
There are football purists who will claim that they love a good old fashioned defensive ballgame. I have no problem with good defense. What I have a problem with is ineptitude on both sides of the ball. And there was plenty of that to go around Sunday. Just because a game is competitive, does not mean it is a quality product. I used to watch a minor leafue hockey team in Baton Rouge battle to 4-3 victories or shootout losses. The games were competitive, but the quality of play was lacking. That's what we were treated to Sunday: a competitive minor league hockey game.
Think of it this was: had this been a game between the Bengals and Chiefs in week 3, would you have watched? Not just no, but heck no!
Congratulations to Eli Manning and the Giants. You did what no one else could do this season -- beat the Patriots.
And you've duped America into believeing you did it all in Super fashion.
It's OK. You are probably one of the millions of people whose head hit the pillow Sunday night thinking, "That was the best Super Bowl of all time."
And why wouldn't you think that? Football God knows there is plenty of evidence to support your claim. The unbeatable Patriots are upset on their quest for 19-0. Eli Manning outduels Tom Brady. David Tyree's circus one-hand-against-the-helmet catch. Surely this was an epic clash. Heck, a Super Bowl record 97.5 million people tuned in. Only the M.A.S.H series finale can claim to have had a larger viewership.
On the other hand, I almost went to bed during the game.
Now, let me be fair. The final 11 minutes of the 4th quarter could quite possible be considered the greatest 11 minutes in Super Bowl history. After an offensively offensive day, two marquee quarterbacks led their team on clutch drives, answering the other each time to reclaim the lead. However, the game as a whole was severely lacking.
For a team purporting to be the greatest in NFL history, the New England Patriots could not even make the claim to be the best team on the field at university of Phoenix Stadium Sunday. An offensive line the boasts three Pro Bowlers allowed Brady to be sacked five times and hurried an additional nine times. The line was equally inept in their run blocking, paving the way for a grand total of 45 net rushing yards. Perhaps the guys were thinking about Hawaii's blue skies and Mai Tai's a week too soon.
Undoubtedly, there are those that will credit the Giants defense for the Patriots' struggles. And much of that praise in warranted. The Giants defensive line was a stronger, faster, more determined bunch all evening, and it showed -- until the point when it mattered most! After Manning drove for the go ahead score in the final frame, that vaunted Giants defense grabbed the throat, allowing Tom Brady to methodically march 80 yards in 12 plays, chewing up more than five minutes off the game clock. So much for 'Defense Wins Championships.' The Giants D almost lost this one.
But not for Eli Manning. Sort of.
The game's MVP won the award almost by default. The Pats held the edge on first downs, while the Giants totaled more net yards. Time of possession was even. Both teams were 50 percent on third-down conversions. Neither team cracked 100 yards rushing. Until Manning hit David Tyree for a score at the 11:05 mark of the 4th quarter, the MVP had guided his team to a grand total of three points in the game! And that chip shot figgie came on the game's first possession after Manning failed to get his team in the endzone following a 16 play drive that ate up ten minutes to open the game.
Manning won the honor based on his work on the Giants' game-winning drive. Surely Super Bowl history will look at David Tyree's catch as among the greatest in the game's history. Rightfully so. Manning eluded two New England defenders who had him in their grasp to scramble around, buying just enough time to loft a dying duck to Tyree who fought off Rodney Harrison's blanket coverage with one hand while pinning the ball against his helmet with the other. Thirty-two yards later, we have a play that will buy Tyree free meals in New York City for the rest of his life and a highlight reel staple for decades.
What we will probably never see again is the play before that one. It is a play that could have been equally as memorable in Patriots lore as it would have sealed 19-0 and a fourth Super Bowl title in seven seasons. Manning miscommunicated with his receiver and lofted a pass down the right sideline. As Tyree cut his rout short, All Pro corner Asante Samuel was waiting in perfect position to snag the INT and seal the win for the Patriots. Samuel jumped, opened his hands, and then forgot to close them. The ball passed through Samuel's hands, falling helplessly to the turf, allowing Manning the opportunity to hit Tyree for the big gainer on the next play. Manning was thisclose to being the goat and Samuel the hero.
But that was the story of this game: great NFL players consistently making goofs. Steve Smith allowed a ball to bounce off his hands in the second quarter, tossing it into the hands of Ellis Hobbs of the Patriots. Eli Manning held the ball like a loaf of bread, fumbling twice after being hit by patriots defenders. The Pats defense could not receover either fumble, despite having numbers around it both times. There were dropped interceptions, missed receivers, shanked kick-offs, missed blocks, and even Tom Petty was boring at halftime. Seriously, could he have cared any less during that show? Maybe his last dance with Mary Jane took place in the bowels of University of Phoenix Satdium to entertain himself during an unentertaining first half.
There are football purists who will claim that they love a good old fashioned defensive ballgame. I have no problem with good defense. What I have a problem with is ineptitude on both sides of the ball. And there was plenty of that to go around Sunday. Just because a game is competitive, does not mean it is a quality product. I used to watch a minor leafue hockey team in Baton Rouge battle to 4-3 victories or shootout losses. The games were competitive, but the quality of play was lacking. That's what we were treated to Sunday: a competitive minor league hockey game.
Think of it this was: had this been a game between the Bengals and Chiefs in week 3, would you have watched? Not just no, but heck no!
Congratulations to Eli Manning and the Giants. You did what no one else could do this season -- beat the Patriots.
And you've duped America into believeing you did it all in Super fashion.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Silly Senator
Clearly the United States Senate is not busy enough.
Finding a way out of Iraq must not be challenging enough for elected officials.
Neither is battling drug problems, swelling illegal immigration, teen pregnancy, an inevitible recession, global warming, the Kennedy Assassination, Hannah Montanta, and Big Foot.
Our infrastructure must be perfect. Foreign relations could not be better.
Nope. Our very capable U.S. Senate must have all of those challenges nipped in the bud.
That is the only logical explanation why Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) chose Super Bowl Sunday to announce his investigation into the NFL's response to Sypgate -- the scandal involving the New England Patriots filming opposing coaches to steal signals.
Yes, a man who has spent nearly 30 years in the United States Senate is investigating if the NFL properly punished cheaters. Maybe next, Specter will seek a retroactive punishment against wide receivers who used Stickum to help catch passes.
In a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Specter wrote, "I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties and, most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes."
Let's examine Specter's concerns one at a time. The underlying facts on the taping are quite simple: a coach was trying to help his team win. He had peons in the Patriots organization film opposing coaches and he got caught by a former assistant now with another team who was hip to the practice. Are we clear?
As for the "limited penalties", nothing could be farther from the truth. The $500,000 fine levied against Patriots coach Bill Belichick is the maximum possible penalty. Also, the Patriots must pay an additional $250,000 fine and forfeit their first-round choice in the 2008 NFL Draft -- a first in NFL history. That hardly seems "limited."
And after the NFL confiscated the six tapes from the Patriots and conducted a thorough review of their contents, they were destroyed. Last week, Goodell said, "There are very good explanations why the tapes were destroyed by our staff -- there was no purpose for them." Simply, the Pats got caught. The NFL punished them. Public opinion will decide how history judges their dynasty. End of story.
Hardly. Specter tells ESPN's Bob Ley the investigation could broaden. Says Specter, "We're going to follow the facts and if warranted, there could be hearings." Hearings! As in Senate hearings! As in United States taxpayer dollars funding a charade where self-important Senators drill NFL officials about a game. I know I'll sure sleep soundly tonight knowing these are the people deciding policy that affects my country. Maybe next month the Senate could televise hearings into the inexplicable disappearance of slap bracelets.
Specter claims his investigation is centered around possible Antitrust violations stemming from Spygate. Antitrust laws were put into place to prohibit anti-competitive behavior which hurts businesses or consumers. Spygate hardly seems to have hurt business in the NFL. Maybe Sen. Specter missed the Nielsen Ratings from Super Bowl XLII which estimates more than 97 million people tuned in to the game, making it the second most-watched event in television history -- a game involving those same darn cheating Pats, coincidentially.
I wonder if FOX was upset about collecting $2.7 million per ad during the game.
I doubt QVC felt the pain of unfair competition when more than half of their championship merchandise was sold within 60 seconds of the conclusion of Sunday's game.
And I wonder if the New York Giants felt they were at a disadvantage when they pistol-whipped the Patriots for 60 minutes during the Super Bowl.
So sleep easy tonight, my fellow Americans. Our diligent law makers have solved poverty, homelessness, and gang violence. Terrorism is a thing of the past. High school dropouts are no more. And we know what happened to Natalee Holloway.
The NFL has never been helathier, more popular or more profitable.
And apparently, the U.S. Senate has never had less to do.
Finding a way out of Iraq must not be challenging enough for elected officials.
Neither is battling drug problems, swelling illegal immigration, teen pregnancy, an inevitible recession, global warming, the Kennedy Assassination, Hannah Montanta, and Big Foot.
Our infrastructure must be perfect. Foreign relations could not be better.
Nope. Our very capable U.S. Senate must have all of those challenges nipped in the bud.
That is the only logical explanation why Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) chose Super Bowl Sunday to announce his investigation into the NFL's response to Sypgate -- the scandal involving the New England Patriots filming opposing coaches to steal signals.
Yes, a man who has spent nearly 30 years in the United States Senate is investigating if the NFL properly punished cheaters. Maybe next, Specter will seek a retroactive punishment against wide receivers who used Stickum to help catch passes.
In a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Specter wrote, "I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties and, most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes."
Let's examine Specter's concerns one at a time. The underlying facts on the taping are quite simple: a coach was trying to help his team win. He had peons in the Patriots organization film opposing coaches and he got caught by a former assistant now with another team who was hip to the practice. Are we clear?
As for the "limited penalties", nothing could be farther from the truth. The $500,000 fine levied against Patriots coach Bill Belichick is the maximum possible penalty. Also, the Patriots must pay an additional $250,000 fine and forfeit their first-round choice in the 2008 NFL Draft -- a first in NFL history. That hardly seems "limited."
And after the NFL confiscated the six tapes from the Patriots and conducted a thorough review of their contents, they were destroyed. Last week, Goodell said, "There are very good explanations why the tapes were destroyed by our staff -- there was no purpose for them." Simply, the Pats got caught. The NFL punished them. Public opinion will decide how history judges their dynasty. End of story.
Hardly. Specter tells ESPN's Bob Ley the investigation could broaden. Says Specter, "We're going to follow the facts and if warranted, there could be hearings." Hearings! As in Senate hearings! As in United States taxpayer dollars funding a charade where self-important Senators drill NFL officials about a game. I know I'll sure sleep soundly tonight knowing these are the people deciding policy that affects my country. Maybe next month the Senate could televise hearings into the inexplicable disappearance of slap bracelets.
Specter claims his investigation is centered around possible Antitrust violations stemming from Spygate. Antitrust laws were put into place to prohibit anti-competitive behavior which hurts businesses or consumers. Spygate hardly seems to have hurt business in the NFL. Maybe Sen. Specter missed the Nielsen Ratings from Super Bowl XLII which estimates more than 97 million people tuned in to the game, making it the second most-watched event in television history -- a game involving those same darn cheating Pats, coincidentially.
I wonder if FOX was upset about collecting $2.7 million per ad during the game.
I doubt QVC felt the pain of unfair competition when more than half of their championship merchandise was sold within 60 seconds of the conclusion of Sunday's game.
And I wonder if the New York Giants felt they were at a disadvantage when they pistol-whipped the Patriots for 60 minutes during the Super Bowl.
So sleep easy tonight, my fellow Americans. Our diligent law makers have solved poverty, homelessness, and gang violence. Terrorism is a thing of the past. High school dropouts are no more. And we know what happened to Natalee Holloway.
The NFL has never been helathier, more popular or more profitable.
And apparently, the U.S. Senate has never had less to do.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Unfriendly Hornets Nest
Care to take a stab at which NBA team has the best record in the Western Conference?
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs, you say? Nah. They're a solid 28-16, but this team trounced the Spurs by 24 over the weekend.
The high-powered Phoenix Suns? Uh-uh
Last year's steamroller, the Dallas Mavericks? Nope
It's the unassuming New Orleans Hornets.
Chris Paul's steady hand and Peja Stojakovic's hot one have helped the Hornets cool the Suns, dull the Spurs and drain the Lakers on their way to a 32-13 record two weeks out from the All-Star break.
While their journey from the duldrums to dominance is stunning, equally as shocking could be this gem: the Hornets are pulling up the rear when it comes to attendance.
Of the 30 NBA teams, only Indiana has drawn fewer fans at home games during the first half of this young season. Going by percentage capacity, New Orleans edges Memphis and Philly for third-worst in the league. When they hit the road, no team draws fewer fans to opposing arenas than the FIRST PLACE Hornets.
While businessmen and cynical sports talk hosts are ready to toss in the towel on New Orleans owning an NBA franchise, I'm not ready to make that leap just yet, despite embarassing attendance figures.
The most common argument for the team's lack of support from the locals is the Stepchild Theory. Basically, there are those that claim because the Hornets came from Charlotte and were not born in New Orleans, the city will never embrace the team the way they might an expansion franchise. Much like a parent will seldom love a stepchild with the same vigor he would his biological child.
Interesting, since the Indianapolis Colts seem to be doing well after their move from Baltimore two decades ago. So much so that the city of Indianapolis is helping the World Champions build a new stadium at an estimated cost of $625 million. That's a lot of cash for a stepchild.
Need we mention the Los Angeles Lakers moved from Minnesota; the Tennessee Titans once called Houston home; Fort Wayne hosted the Detroit Pistons; oh, and the team that was stripped from New Orleans which still bears its name in Utah claims the fifth-best attendance record currently in the NBA. So much for that theory.
Some blame silly things like the mascot and color scheme, while others think parking and safety in New Orleans are to blame. Others say there is just not enough disposable income in post-Katrina New Orleans to support two professional franchises.
Baloney! All of it.
The truth is, there is just no emotional connection with this team and there are many reasons that have caused this.
Aside from Peja and Paul, south Louisiana sports fans would be hard-pressed to name the other three members of the starting five. And don't even mention the bench players. Nobody knows this team, and the actions of the NBA after Hurricane Katrina are to blame. While the struggles endured in the Superdome have been well-chronicled, the newer design of the New Orleans Arena allowed it to hold up well during the storm. While the city may not have been open for business, the Arena was reopened only one month after Katrina hit. Yet, the Hornets did not play a game in New Orleans until March 8, 2006 -- 19 months post-Katrina. How can a city take ownership of a franchise when a fan base only sees its team on television with the words "Oklahoma City Hornets" littered across the floor of the Ford Center?
True, the Hornets were dead last in attendance the season before Katrina, but during their playoff run in 2002-2003 they were in the middle of the attendance pack. It was only during lean years under Tim Floyd and the departure of fan favorites Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn that attendance waned. Translation: give the people a winning product and they will come.
This year the team is winning -- a lot -- and people are still not coming. The answer is quite simple. The Hornets have been out of sight, out of mind for two seaons, while the beginning of the current season coincided with the LSU football team's run to a National Championship. Truthfully, the Hornets could be in the middle of a Jordan-esque championship run and the sports world is south Louisiana would stop if LSU were making a football title push. So, while radio and television analysts were debating which color sweatervest Jim Tressel would wear for the BCS National Championship Game, the Hornets were gelling and running to the top of the standings.
Now, here were are three weeks after the Tigers pounded Ohio State to take home the crystal ball, the championship buzz has worn off and lo and behold the Hornets are in first place. With LSU basketball dragging up the rear in the SEC and baseball still a month away, people will begin to notice this team. And when they do, they will like what they see.
Chris Paul is a legitimate MVP candidate. Peja is shooting almost .500 from three-point range. Julian Wright can jump out of the gym. And the NBA world will turn its eyes to New Orleans next month for the All-Star Game. Sports fans love to follow a winner. There may not be a better time for south Louisiana to fall in love with the Hornets. There may not be a more necessary time either, as Oklahoma City would welcome the Hornets back in a flash.
If New Orleans wants to keep its basketball team, it had better turn the New Orleans Arena from a dried up beehive into a Hornets nest.
A full Hornest Nest.
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs, you say? Nah. They're a solid 28-16, but this team trounced the Spurs by 24 over the weekend.
The high-powered Phoenix Suns? Uh-uh
Last year's steamroller, the Dallas Mavericks? Nope
It's the unassuming New Orleans Hornets.
Chris Paul's steady hand and Peja Stojakovic's hot one have helped the Hornets cool the Suns, dull the Spurs and drain the Lakers on their way to a 32-13 record two weeks out from the All-Star break.
While their journey from the duldrums to dominance is stunning, equally as shocking could be this gem: the Hornets are pulling up the rear when it comes to attendance.
Of the 30 NBA teams, only Indiana has drawn fewer fans at home games during the first half of this young season. Going by percentage capacity, New Orleans edges Memphis and Philly for third-worst in the league. When they hit the road, no team draws fewer fans to opposing arenas than the FIRST PLACE Hornets.
While businessmen and cynical sports talk hosts are ready to toss in the towel on New Orleans owning an NBA franchise, I'm not ready to make that leap just yet, despite embarassing attendance figures.
The most common argument for the team's lack of support from the locals is the Stepchild Theory. Basically, there are those that claim because the Hornets came from Charlotte and were not born in New Orleans, the city will never embrace the team the way they might an expansion franchise. Much like a parent will seldom love a stepchild with the same vigor he would his biological child.
Interesting, since the Indianapolis Colts seem to be doing well after their move from Baltimore two decades ago. So much so that the city of Indianapolis is helping the World Champions build a new stadium at an estimated cost of $625 million. That's a lot of cash for a stepchild.
Need we mention the Los Angeles Lakers moved from Minnesota; the Tennessee Titans once called Houston home; Fort Wayne hosted the Detroit Pistons; oh, and the team that was stripped from New Orleans which still bears its name in Utah claims the fifth-best attendance record currently in the NBA. So much for that theory.
Some blame silly things like the mascot and color scheme, while others think parking and safety in New Orleans are to blame. Others say there is just not enough disposable income in post-Katrina New Orleans to support two professional franchises.
Baloney! All of it.
The truth is, there is just no emotional connection with this team and there are many reasons that have caused this.
Aside from Peja and Paul, south Louisiana sports fans would be hard-pressed to name the other three members of the starting five. And don't even mention the bench players. Nobody knows this team, and the actions of the NBA after Hurricane Katrina are to blame. While the struggles endured in the Superdome have been well-chronicled, the newer design of the New Orleans Arena allowed it to hold up well during the storm. While the city may not have been open for business, the Arena was reopened only one month after Katrina hit. Yet, the Hornets did not play a game in New Orleans until March 8, 2006 -- 19 months post-Katrina. How can a city take ownership of a franchise when a fan base only sees its team on television with the words "Oklahoma City Hornets" littered across the floor of the Ford Center?
True, the Hornets were dead last in attendance the season before Katrina, but during their playoff run in 2002-2003 they were in the middle of the attendance pack. It was only during lean years under Tim Floyd and the departure of fan favorites Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn that attendance waned. Translation: give the people a winning product and they will come.
This year the team is winning -- a lot -- and people are still not coming. The answer is quite simple. The Hornets have been out of sight, out of mind for two seaons, while the beginning of the current season coincided with the LSU football team's run to a National Championship. Truthfully, the Hornets could be in the middle of a Jordan-esque championship run and the sports world is south Louisiana would stop if LSU were making a football title push. So, while radio and television analysts were debating which color sweatervest Jim Tressel would wear for the BCS National Championship Game, the Hornets were gelling and running to the top of the standings.
Now, here were are three weeks after the Tigers pounded Ohio State to take home the crystal ball, the championship buzz has worn off and lo and behold the Hornets are in first place. With LSU basketball dragging up the rear in the SEC and baseball still a month away, people will begin to notice this team. And when they do, they will like what they see.
Chris Paul is a legitimate MVP candidate. Peja is shooting almost .500 from three-point range. Julian Wright can jump out of the gym. And the NBA world will turn its eyes to New Orleans next month for the All-Star Game. Sports fans love to follow a winner. There may not be a better time for south Louisiana to fall in love with the Hornets. There may not be a more necessary time either, as Oklahoma City would welcome the Hornets back in a flash.
If New Orleans wants to keep its basketball team, it had better turn the New Orleans Arena from a dried up beehive into a Hornets nest.
A full Hornest Nest.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Football Junkies Unite
Are you like me?
If so, then this past December 20, when Utah and Navy locked horns in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, you were locked into coverage, despite having absolutely zero rooting interest.
Same goes for when Memphis tangled with Florida Atlantic, East Carolina blitzed Boise State and for the rest of this college football season's 32 bowl games. The reason: because I'm a football junkie, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
I get overly agitated when people who claim to be college football loyalists moan about there being too many bowl games. To a football junkie, there is no such thing. Think about it: it's a random Thursday night in December; all of your TV shows are in reruns; it's too cold to do anything outside; and the glory that is college football rewards you for your loyalty with free football! How is this bad?
Just as we begin our entry into the coldest, darkest months of the year -- Spring -- a time when football as we know it ceases to exist and junkie's like me are cast into withdrawals scraping for anything to satisfy our addiction, a new shimmer of hope is emerging. It's called the All-American Football League, and I am already an ardent fan.
True, sports fans have seen professional football leagues come and go. We all remember the wildly popular but short-lives USFL; Vince McMahon's XFL debacle; and who could forget NFL Europe's failure despite the backing of the most powerful professional sports league in the world. But I believe, with a few modifications, the AAFL could work. I mean, really work.
The league is made up of six teams without mascots and bearing only the name of the state it represents: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas. The goal is to create border loyalty as is often demonstrated in college football. Think Tennessee-Alabama in the Spring instead of October. Franchises have been cemented in areas saturated with football-crazed fans dying for a football fix in the Spring (Notice four of the six teams are in SEC states). Teams are also allowed to "protect" players who played college ball in their designated area, allowing the local fan bases a greater familiarity with its players. Oh, and most importantly, the games are played in the Spring, so there is no direct competition with the NFL.
Another important factor that the AAFL is addressing is perception. If these games were to be played at local high school facilities where fans line up at a Pot-O-Gold to use the restroom and purchase concessions from the bed of a pick-up, attendance would dive and the league would be a laughing-stock. Instead, the AAFL has reserved major venues to feature their games: Ford Field, Neyland Stadium, War Memorial Stadium, Legion Field, and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to name a few. By holding its games in larger, historic venues, the league is granted instant credibility and allows fans the feeling of a "big game" atmosphere.
The AAFL also gains instant credibility with several players currently on AAFL rosters. Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch will play for Team Texas. Former NFL No. 1 draft pick Peter Warrick has agreed to suit up for Team Florida. National Championship quarterbacks Chris Leak of Florida and Tee Martin of Tennessee are also on board. All six rosters are littered with names football fans will recall from their days playing major Division I football.
While I am jazzed about the opportunity to see quality football in the Spring, I do believe the AAFL might be shooting itself in the foot in one area. The league requires all of its players to have exhausted their college eligibility and and to have received their college degree. Sadly, this eliminates a chunk of potential talent on AAFL rosters. For example, Trev Faulk was an All-SEC linebacker at LSU before leaving school early for the NFL. Faulk went undrafted and is bouncing around the league as nothing more than a practice squad player. Faulk could be an impact player on an AAFL roster, but will not get the chance because he left school before finishing his degree.
Fans will watch, but they will also want to watch a quality product. The AAFL only hinders that effort by instituting this rule. While I believe the essence of the rule is good in forcing players to consider life after football, it will only hurt the bottom line. Consider the aforementioned XFL. It was a ratings bonanza in Week 1. However, a sub par product caused ratings to sink so far that Saturday night programming on PAX and UPN were outpacing the XFL. Yes, PAX was beating a live football game! It's no wonder the league bottomed out after one season.
The AAFL will also need to address fan bases in states outside of those hosting teams. The protected player rule extends for smaller states to include neighboring states. Team Arkansas, for example, can protect players from Oklahoma and Louisiana as well. However, while there are 11 players currently on the Arkansas roster from Louisiana, all five home games are being player in Little Rock. Honestly, there is little to no likelihood of any LSU fan driving to Little Rock to watch an AAFL game. Team Florida has the right idea. To galvanize their fan base throughout the entire state, games will be played in Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tampa. Arkansas should be open to playing home games in Baton Rouge and Stillwater as well. Don't designate fans for your team and then shun them.
The AAFL has potential. Any league willing to provide relief to football junkies in dark times of Spring is welcomed. It would be a shame to see poor planning send the AAFL into a tailspin and football junkies like myself back into withdrawals.
If so, then this past December 20, when Utah and Navy locked horns in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, you were locked into coverage, despite having absolutely zero rooting interest.
Same goes for when Memphis tangled with Florida Atlantic, East Carolina blitzed Boise State and for the rest of this college football season's 32 bowl games. The reason: because I'm a football junkie, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
I get overly agitated when people who claim to be college football loyalists moan about there being too many bowl games. To a football junkie, there is no such thing. Think about it: it's a random Thursday night in December; all of your TV shows are in reruns; it's too cold to do anything outside; and the glory that is college football rewards you for your loyalty with free football! How is this bad?
Just as we begin our entry into the coldest, darkest months of the year -- Spring -- a time when football as we know it ceases to exist and junkie's like me are cast into withdrawals scraping for anything to satisfy our addiction, a new shimmer of hope is emerging. It's called the All-American Football League, and I am already an ardent fan.
True, sports fans have seen professional football leagues come and go. We all remember the wildly popular but short-lives USFL; Vince McMahon's XFL debacle; and who could forget NFL Europe's failure despite the backing of the most powerful professional sports league in the world. But I believe, with a few modifications, the AAFL could work. I mean, really work.
The league is made up of six teams without mascots and bearing only the name of the state it represents: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas. The goal is to create border loyalty as is often demonstrated in college football. Think Tennessee-Alabama in the Spring instead of October. Franchises have been cemented in areas saturated with football-crazed fans dying for a football fix in the Spring (Notice four of the six teams are in SEC states). Teams are also allowed to "protect" players who played college ball in their designated area, allowing the local fan bases a greater familiarity with its players. Oh, and most importantly, the games are played in the Spring, so there is no direct competition with the NFL.
Another important factor that the AAFL is addressing is perception. If these games were to be played at local high school facilities where fans line up at a Pot-O-Gold to use the restroom and purchase concessions from the bed of a pick-up, attendance would dive and the league would be a laughing-stock. Instead, the AAFL has reserved major venues to feature their games: Ford Field, Neyland Stadium, War Memorial Stadium, Legion Field, and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to name a few. By holding its games in larger, historic venues, the league is granted instant credibility and allows fans the feeling of a "big game" atmosphere.
The AAFL also gains instant credibility with several players currently on AAFL rosters. Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch will play for Team Texas. Former NFL No. 1 draft pick Peter Warrick has agreed to suit up for Team Florida. National Championship quarterbacks Chris Leak of Florida and Tee Martin of Tennessee are also on board. All six rosters are littered with names football fans will recall from their days playing major Division I football.
While I am jazzed about the opportunity to see quality football in the Spring, I do believe the AAFL might be shooting itself in the foot in one area. The league requires all of its players to have exhausted their college eligibility and and to have received their college degree. Sadly, this eliminates a chunk of potential talent on AAFL rosters. For example, Trev Faulk was an All-SEC linebacker at LSU before leaving school early for the NFL. Faulk went undrafted and is bouncing around the league as nothing more than a practice squad player. Faulk could be an impact player on an AAFL roster, but will not get the chance because he left school before finishing his degree.
Fans will watch, but they will also want to watch a quality product. The AAFL only hinders that effort by instituting this rule. While I believe the essence of the rule is good in forcing players to consider life after football, it will only hurt the bottom line. Consider the aforementioned XFL. It was a ratings bonanza in Week 1. However, a sub par product caused ratings to sink so far that Saturday night programming on PAX and UPN were outpacing the XFL. Yes, PAX was beating a live football game! It's no wonder the league bottomed out after one season.
The AAFL will also need to address fan bases in states outside of those hosting teams. The protected player rule extends for smaller states to include neighboring states. Team Arkansas, for example, can protect players from Oklahoma and Louisiana as well. However, while there are 11 players currently on the Arkansas roster from Louisiana, all five home games are being player in Little Rock. Honestly, there is little to no likelihood of any LSU fan driving to Little Rock to watch an AAFL game. Team Florida has the right idea. To galvanize their fan base throughout the entire state, games will be played in Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tampa. Arkansas should be open to playing home games in Baton Rouge and Stillwater as well. Don't designate fans for your team and then shun them.
The AAFL has potential. Any league willing to provide relief to football junkies in dark times of Spring is welcomed. It would be a shame to see poor planning send the AAFL into a tailspin and football junkies like myself back into withdrawals.
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