I know this hasn't been going on all that long since the NFL season ended not too long ago, but I am already REALLY tired of the NFL labor negotiations. Just what a nation of people facing a lagging economy want to hear about.... millionaires arguing about money with billionaires.
I realize the NFL players risk a lot in the way of personal health by just going out there every Sunday to entertain the fans, and they need to get as much money as they can due to the very short career span of a professional athlete. But there aren't many Americans who can relate to millionaires going on strike. Or on the opposite end, there are even fewer who can related to billionaire owners feeling like they just aren't getting a big enough piece of the pie.
In the end it doesn't even matter, because no matter who wins, the fans will be the ones losing. Ticket prices will go up to compensate for one party getting a bigger slice of the profit.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Curious Case of Rip Hamilton
Rip Hamilton, 3-time NBA All Star, NBA Champion and ..... team cancer?
Rip has been a valued member of the Detroit Pistons since the trade that brought him here in the 2002-2003 season. He helped define a hard working, lunch pail, tough minded Detroit team for many years during a very very successful number of years. However, over the years something has changed with Rip. Maybe as fans, we didn't notice it or just didn't mind it as much when the team was winning, but Rip is now viewed by many as a team cancer. The whining to officials, technical fouls, being critical of several Piston coaches and as of late coming up with seemingly fictional excuses to not participate in team activities.
What is worse is that his poor attitude has seemingly spread to the rest of the team. First it was Tayshaun, then Stuckey and now T-Mac too. The Rip virus has spread throughout the team. It is now at the point where the Detroit Pistons are the antithesis of what they once were. "Going to Work"? The team slogan these days should be "Going to Work When its Convenient".
The other tough part of this whole situation, was that I am not sure Joe Dumars could trade Rip Hamilton as many fans and sports personalities begged for him to do. Rip's contract was too large given his age and talents at this point in his career. No other team wants to be saddled with a disgruntled player who has a large contract.
Its sad to see as Rip was most likely on track to having his jersey put in the rafters with other Pistons' royalty. But given his childish actions this year and his part in a player protest, its hard to imagine Pistons brass would now want to hoist Hamilton's #32 into the rafters upon his retirement.
Rip has been a valued member of the Detroit Pistons since the trade that brought him here in the 2002-2003 season. He helped define a hard working, lunch pail, tough minded Detroit team for many years during a very very successful number of years. However, over the years something has changed with Rip. Maybe as fans, we didn't notice it or just didn't mind it as much when the team was winning, but Rip is now viewed by many as a team cancer. The whining to officials, technical fouls, being critical of several Piston coaches and as of late coming up with seemingly fictional excuses to not participate in team activities.
What is worse is that his poor attitude has seemingly spread to the rest of the team. First it was Tayshaun, then Stuckey and now T-Mac too. The Rip virus has spread throughout the team. It is now at the point where the Detroit Pistons are the antithesis of what they once were. "Going to Work"? The team slogan these days should be "Going to Work When its Convenient".
The other tough part of this whole situation, was that I am not sure Joe Dumars could trade Rip Hamilton as many fans and sports personalities begged for him to do. Rip's contract was too large given his age and talents at this point in his career. No other team wants to be saddled with a disgruntled player who has a large contract.
Its sad to see as Rip was most likely on track to having his jersey put in the rafters with other Pistons' royalty. But given his childish actions this year and his part in a player protest, its hard to imagine Pistons brass would now want to hoist Hamilton's #32 into the rafters upon his retirement.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Oakland #1 Seed in Summit League Tourney
Oakland University Golden Grizzlies will be the top seed once again in the Summit League tourney this year. They will be looking for a repeat of its 2010 title and once again, punch their ticket to the Big Dance.
The Summit League will be playing its tournament in Sioux Falls for the third consecutive season. For the second straight year, all tournament games will be televised, including five men’s contests that will have a national reach via ESPN Full Court plus the title game that will air nationally on ESPN2.
Quarterfinal action will begin Saturday night, with No. 1 Oakland (22-9, 17-1) vs. No. 8 Southern Utah (11-18, 7-11) at 6 p.m.
This year OU has won both meetings against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds by scores of 81 -65 and 82-68.
The Summit League will be playing its tournament in Sioux Falls for the third consecutive season. For the second straight year, all tournament games will be televised, including five men’s contests that will have a national reach via ESPN Full Court plus the title game that will air nationally on ESPN2.
Quarterfinal action will begin Saturday night, with No. 1 Oakland (22-9, 17-1) vs. No. 8 Southern Utah (11-18, 7-11) at 6 p.m.
This year OU has won both meetings against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds by scores of 81 -65 and 82-68.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Final 2009 Big 10 Footbal Power Rankings
ESPN.com
Adam Rittenberg
1. Ohio State (11-2): That Purdue loss feels like a long time ago, doesn't it? Ohio State capped an impressive turnaround with a Rose Bowl championship, snapping a three-game slide in BCS bowls. Terrelle Pryor's performance in Pasadena and a productive defense raises the expectations for 2010, when Ohio State could contend for the national title.
2. Iowa (11-2): Everyone outside Iowa seemed to doubt the Hawkeyes all year long, but this team just kept winning. Iowa delivered its best performance of the season against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and never looking back. The final score didn't show how dominant Iowa was in this game. Ricky Stanzi and Adrian Clayborn will try to lead Iowa to a Big Ten title in 2010.
3. Penn State (11-2): Quarterback Daryll Clark and a valuable group of seniors went out with a big win in the Capital One Bowl against LSU. Penn State notched a signature victory against a talented opponent, completing an excellent two-year run. The Lions now must overcome some key personnel losses to challenge Ohio State for the league title this coming fall.
4. Wisconsin (10-3): A return trip to the Champs Sports Bowl ended up being the perfect opportunity for the Badgers to showcase the progress they made this season. Wisconsin beat Miami by only six points but thoroughly dominated the game on both sides of the ball. The Badgers return a bunch of key players, including running back John Clay, and will enter 2010 ranked in the top 15.
5. Northwestern (8-5): For the second straight year, the Wildcats participated in one of the most exciting bowl games, only to come out on the losing end again. Pat Fitzgerald's team gained some national respect with their comeback against Auburn, but Northwestern eventually needs to get over the hump in a bowl. The Wildcats lose several key pieces, but the program is on the rise and should again contend for a postseason berth in 2010.
T-6. Minnesota (6-7): The Gophers defense definitely came to play against Iowa State, but the offense couldn't translate good drives into points in the Insight Bowl. Getting the offense on track will be the top offseason priority for head coach Tim Brewster and his staff as they enter a pivotal 2010 campaign.
T-6. Michigan State (6-7): Credit the Spartans for performing admirably without 14 of their teammates in the Alamo Bowl, but their season long struggles in the secondary eventually caught up to them against Texas Tech. Despite a disappointing season, the Spartans are a young team that could make a jump next fall. Mark Dantonio must fix a defense that broke down too often this year.
8. Purdue (5-7): It would have been great to see Purdue represent the Big Ten in a bowl this year, but the Boilers' inability to finish games and avoid major mistakes kept them at home. Purdue is my early pick as the sleeper team in the Big Ten next fall, as head coach Danny Hope returns several exciting skill players and an excellent pass rusher in Ryan Kerrigan. I really liked what I saw in Big Ten play from the Boilers.
9. Illinois (3-9): Ron Zook will be back in 2010, but his coaching staff received a major facelift. Illinois will have new coordinators on both sides of the ball this coming season, not to mention several new position coaches. It'll be a make-or-break season for Zook, who needs young players to step up on both sides of the ball.
10. Michigan (5-7): The offense should be potent in 2010, but Rich Rodriguez must repair a defense that really couldn't stop anybody. Michigan loses its two top defenders in end Brandon Graham and cornerback Donovan Warren, so the coaches need to identify and develop talent during the offseason. The Wolverines simply can't afford another bowl-less season.
11. Indiana (4-8): Much like Michigan, Indiana's offense should be very dynamic in 2010, but the defense has major question marks in all three levels. The Hoosiers were close to getting over the hump this fall, but they lose a good senior class and continue to fight a history of defensive futility.
Adam Rittenberg
1. Ohio State (11-2): That Purdue loss feels like a long time ago, doesn't it? Ohio State capped an impressive turnaround with a Rose Bowl championship, snapping a three-game slide in BCS bowls. Terrelle Pryor's performance in Pasadena and a productive defense raises the expectations for 2010, when Ohio State could contend for the national title.
2. Iowa (11-2): Everyone outside Iowa seemed to doubt the Hawkeyes all year long, but this team just kept winning. Iowa delivered its best performance of the season against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and never looking back. The final score didn't show how dominant Iowa was in this game. Ricky Stanzi and Adrian Clayborn will try to lead Iowa to a Big Ten title in 2010.
3. Penn State (11-2): Quarterback Daryll Clark and a valuable group of seniors went out with a big win in the Capital One Bowl against LSU. Penn State notched a signature victory against a talented opponent, completing an excellent two-year run. The Lions now must overcome some key personnel losses to challenge Ohio State for the league title this coming fall.
4. Wisconsin (10-3): A return trip to the Champs Sports Bowl ended up being the perfect opportunity for the Badgers to showcase the progress they made this season. Wisconsin beat Miami by only six points but thoroughly dominated the game on both sides of the ball. The Badgers return a bunch of key players, including running back John Clay, and will enter 2010 ranked in the top 15.
5. Northwestern (8-5): For the second straight year, the Wildcats participated in one of the most exciting bowl games, only to come out on the losing end again. Pat Fitzgerald's team gained some national respect with their comeback against Auburn, but Northwestern eventually needs to get over the hump in a bowl. The Wildcats lose several key pieces, but the program is on the rise and should again contend for a postseason berth in 2010.
T-6. Minnesota (6-7): The Gophers defense definitely came to play against Iowa State, but the offense couldn't translate good drives into points in the Insight Bowl. Getting the offense on track will be the top offseason priority for head coach Tim Brewster and his staff as they enter a pivotal 2010 campaign.
T-6. Michigan State (6-7): Credit the Spartans for performing admirably without 14 of their teammates in the Alamo Bowl, but their season long struggles in the secondary eventually caught up to them against Texas Tech. Despite a disappointing season, the Spartans are a young team that could make a jump next fall. Mark Dantonio must fix a defense that broke down too often this year.
8. Purdue (5-7): It would have been great to see Purdue represent the Big Ten in a bowl this year, but the Boilers' inability to finish games and avoid major mistakes kept them at home. Purdue is my early pick as the sleeper team in the Big Ten next fall, as head coach Danny Hope returns several exciting skill players and an excellent pass rusher in Ryan Kerrigan. I really liked what I saw in Big Ten play from the Boilers.
9. Illinois (3-9): Ron Zook will be back in 2010, but his coaching staff received a major facelift. Illinois will have new coordinators on both sides of the ball this coming season, not to mention several new position coaches. It'll be a make-or-break season for Zook, who needs young players to step up on both sides of the ball.
10. Michigan (5-7): The offense should be potent in 2010, but Rich Rodriguez must repair a defense that really couldn't stop anybody. Michigan loses its two top defenders in end Brandon Graham and cornerback Donovan Warren, so the coaches need to identify and develop talent during the offseason. The Wolverines simply can't afford another bowl-less season.
11. Indiana (4-8): Much like Michigan, Indiana's offense should be very dynamic in 2010, but the defense has major question marks in all three levels. The Hoosiers were close to getting over the hump this fall, but they lose a good senior class and continue to fight a history of defensive futility.
Charlie Brown's Career Pitching Stats
From Wezen-Ball.com
Some brilliant soul has calculated Charlie Brown's pitching statistics based on comic strips from the 1950s (record: 1-25) and 1960s (7-85). Stats from the 1970s are not included due to Charlie Brown's heavy use of amphetamines.
Some brilliant soul has calculated Charlie Brown's pitching statistics based on comic strips from the 1950s (record: 1-25) and 1960s (7-85). Stats from the 1970s are not included due to Charlie Brown's heavy use of amphetamines.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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