SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Nostradumbass

In case you did not see it last night, the Orlando Magic became one step closer to the NBA Finals. They took a commanding 3-1 lead against the NBA's "best team".

Right, the same best team that would be home right now, short of a miraculous shot from Lebron James in Game 2.

Cavs guard Mo Williams decided to go Matt Hasselbeck and predict his team would win Tuesday's game 4, and furthermore the series.

Probably not a good idea, Mo. You are down 2-1, on the road, and decide to give the "underdogs" prime bulletin board material.

His predictions on Monday followed comments he made after Game 3 Sunday in which he claimed that his team were "giving them (Magic) too much respect".

What? Fortunate to not be facing an 0-3 hole, that is your analysis? Genius.

If that is your approach to this series, it is no wonder you are the only point guard in this series who hasn't stepped up for his team.

Let's compare Williams' series to that of Magic point guard Rafer Alston.

(per game averages)

Williams Alston
Points- 17.3 14.8
FG Pct.- 32% 45%
3 Pt. Pct.-22% 44%
Assist/TO- 3.8/2.5 4.3/2.0
Steals- 1.0 1.8

......and Mo has averaged 10 more minutes a game.

Bottom line, if the Cavs believe that Mo Williams is Lebron's "Robin", if you will, then they are in serious trouble.

Well, I think down 3-1, they are in serious trouble.

Mo Williams was not an All-Star in Milwaukee, and was only an All-Star this season because he happens to be the second best player on one of the NBA's best teams (and through a flurry of other injuries to players named to the team).

His mouth regarding his initial exclusion from the Eastern Conference All-Star team helped him gain personal glory for one weekend.

It isn't helping now when his team needs him the most.

It's not like the guy was great in the regular season. He averaged 18 points and just 4 assists a game.

Those are not All-Star numbers for a point guard, sorry.

When you play with the most physically-dominant player in the NBA, you are naturally going to get a lot of good looks. He does, and he is not automatic.

This Cavs team looks an awful lot like the Cavs we saw in the NBA Finals two years ago. They are a one-trick pony.

Lebron is human, he needs help. Mo Williams would be a great 3rd or 4th scoring option for a Championship-calibre team, but that's it.

Lebron James is a better facilitator than he is a scorer. It typically does not bode well for the Cavs when Lebron has to score 40 points or more.

Cavs GM Danny Ferry has to be extremely worried that Lebron is starting to doubt the cast around him, meaning Lebron will hit the free-agent market in 2010.

Lebron's comments after Game 4 seem to suggest he has little no confidence in them. Here is what he said, "We are looking forward to the challenge. I know I am. I'm up for the challenge, and I think my play, my leadership has spoke for that. So I will be ready, and I think our guys will be ready also."

How can you blame him?

It's not all on Mo Williams. There other "shooters" have been horribly inconsistent.

Given Mike Brown's substitution patterns, it is hard to imagine a Pavlovic, a Szczerbiak, or Daniel Gibson really coming up big. Charles Barkley alluded to this last night. This is not the series to sit a guy one night, and then stick him in there for 20 minutes the next.

Unless the Cavs make an unlikely comeback in this series, Mike Brown will probably get the axe.

And let's not forget, Lebron missed crucial free throws in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and Game 3, that were ultimately the difference in both games.

Series could be 3-1 the other way.

But let's be honest, Lebron James is not the reason the Cavs are down 3-1.

Sports' radio in Cleveland are ripping Mo to shreds this week, and for good reason.

Unless he shows that he is a legit sidekick to the game's most dominant player, the "mistake by the lake" will continue to mire in futility.

My Man, Chris Berman

There was a strange story today, courtesy of Deadspin, regarding Chris Bermans' sense of entitlement.

According to Bod Raissman of the New York Daily News said Berman, "was seen walking around the Yankees clubhouse like he owned the place. Berman was big-timing to the max, strolling into areas clearly marked "no media allowed beyond this point." Perhaps Berman thought the sign did not apply to him because it did not read "no clowns allowed beyond this point. By the time PR personnel found out Berman was trespassing and went to evict him, he was in Girardi's office talking to the manager. Berman occupying prohibited space in the Bombers' clubhouse is nothing new. He did it at the old joint and in Detroit. When the Yankees were in there, he parked his tuchis in the players' food room, totally off limits to media. Perhaps Berman subscribes to the following old adage: If it ain't catered, it ain't journalism."


What a club they're running up there in the Bronx.

They haven't won a World Series in nearly ten years, yet "Boomer" and Hank Steinbrenner are engrossed in a hot dog-eating contest for the ages.

Bottom line, Berman is a clown, and he has too much responsibility within the ABC network.

ABC needs to yank his NFL duties, but they won't.

Worst of all, he has to be the worst commentator in the history of golf. Having to listen to him during the first two rounds of my favorite tournament, the U.S. Open, is torture. As lame and sappy as I think Jim Nantz is during golf coverage on CBS (well any sport for that matter), he's much better than this ironhead known for his "rumbling-bumbling" and "back, back, back, back, back" calls.

He is good for the Home Run Derby each year, because it is also becoming increasingly worthless.

His musical references are about all he has going. My personal favorite, "Ground Control to David Toms", is a classic. That said, these references are the only ace this guy has left. An ace that was bludgeoned into the ground long ago.

By all accounts, they might be terrified of this nut...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TLG_LtWhj4&feature=PlayList&p=92948C402DFFD085&index=0&playnext=1

That one, however, never gets old.

James Harrison- Beyond Belief

Thank you James Harrison.

You just delivered a head-scratcher for the ages...

In case anyone missed it, Steelers linebacker James Harrison does not plan on making the team's trip to the White House, virtue of their Super Bowl victory.

Here is what he said, “This is how I feel – if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl,” Harrison said. “As far as I’m concerned, [Obama] would’ve invited Arizona if they had won.”

Really? Did he just say that?

Mr. Harrison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it.

Now apparaently his agent has come out and claimed his fear of flying is the reason for his absence-to be at the White House.

So why not just say that, and spare yourself nation-wide embarrassment.

Thoughts For the Week

After a one-week hiatus post-illness and exams, I am back.

My favorite quote had to come from Roger Clemens during his interview with Mike & Mike Tuesday morning.

During the interview, Clemens said former trainer Brian McNamee "never injected me with [human growth hormone] or steroids," and pointed out that his family has a history of heart conditions, saying his brother had a heart attack in his late 40s and his stepfather died of one. Because of that, he said, "It would be suicidal for me to even think about taking any of these dangerous drugs."

Stepfather, right? The guy knows all about injecting himself and forgot the basics of the field of genetics. Kind of like, my stepfather's history of health has nothing to do with mine.

However, Clemens did clarify his remarks about his stepfather by stating that seeing him die "was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. Those memories are vivid in my mind to this day."

His interview came the morning of the release of the new book, "American Icon", which depicts Clemens career and his involvement in the steroid-era of baseball.

The cover of the book is favorite part. Who didn't know the guy was 'roiding as he returned Mike Piazza's broken bat to him in the Subway Series of 2001?

....As for the NBA Playoffs, a city sick of Roger Clemens, Houston has had comething to cheer for. Who would think that the Rockets could take 2 of the last 3 games from L.A. without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming?

Not many. Aaron Brooks looks like an All-Star calibre point guard, with exceptional quickness. His quickness, and the inside presence of Luis Scola have proved to be a struggle for the defensively-challenged Lakers.

Regardless of the outcome in Game 7 in L.A., the future is bright for the Rockets, with or without Tracy McGrady.

....In the NHL, there were 3 great series in the conference semi-finals that produced 3 game 7's with the Blackhawks, Red Wings, Hurricanes, and the Penguins going on.

Despite an anti-climatic Game 7 in the Penguins-Caps series, I thought the exclamation point to the 6-2 beatdown of the Caps was a fitting end to the series.

Sidney Crosby swipes Alex Ovechkin in the 3rd for a breakaway goal to go up 6-1.

Ovechkin's one-ice antics are hard to pull for. Sidney Crosby just goes about his business.

.....PGA Tour, one thing is clear. Tiger Woods is not yet back. Last Sunday in going into the final round of The Players Championship, he sat in second, four shots behind leader Alex Cejka.

As expected, paired with Tiger on Sunday, resulted in Cejka vomiting over himself and firing a 79. But on a day where there was a lot of scoring, Tiger himself shot a (+1) 73.

He struggled to hit fairways all weekend long. I do not think it is so much the injury, but the fact that he had a nine-month layoff.

It will be most interesting to see how he fairs on the extremely difficult Bethpage Black in upstate New York for the upcoming U.S. Open in a month.

The last time the course hosted the U.S. Open in 2002, your winner was Tiger Woods.

One thing we can look forward to is the verbal undressing of Sergio Garcia by way of the New York fans.

The Summer of Brett

March 4th, 2008 will be a date I won't soon forget. Brett Favre announced his retirement from the NFL. Who can forget his tear-ridden press conference to formally announce his decision. Packer fans everywhere were devastated for many reasons. He was not just a football player, he was an icon. Throw his records out the window, he was beloved because you knew who was lining up behind center every Sunday for 16 years. He rescued a proud franchise that had made the playoffs just twice in the 24 years following Vince Lombardi's departure.

Yet, with one foul swoop he could further tarnish his already damaged reputation.

Those who closely monitored the he-said, she-said saga that ensued between Brett Favre and the Packer organization last summer were exposed to his true character. He turned down multiple opportunities following his retirement to come back, and Green Bay moved on.

They had a young quarterback whom they invested a first round pick waiting in the wings. Aaron Rodgers patiently waited for his chance for multiple off-seasons, only for Brett to make his inevitable decision to come back.

So here was his chance to shine, Brett was officially gone. Green Bay had to move on, and prepare for an eery 2008 season without Favre.

So fast forward to July 2nd, 2008 when it was reported he was in contact with the Packers about his desire to return. He claimed on Fox News with Greta Van Susteren that he was, "not fully committed to retirement", and that the Packers had pressured him into making a decision prior to the NFL draft and free-agency. Think about this, from the Packers' exit out of the playoffs to the draft, he had over three months to make his decision. Yes, three months. This is a business Brett, not a game of cat and mouse.

Coming up on his first contract year, the Packers had to see what Aaron Rodgers could do. If they allowed Favre to waltz right back in as a starter, chances are good that Rodgers' walks after the season. GM Ted Thompson and Coach Mike McCarthy were confident he was the guy, and his play spoke volumes.

So of course Favre entered his woe is me plea, and attempted with some success, to chastise Ted Thompson among the Packer faithful. Thompson rightfully stood his ground. Favre proceeded to threaten the organization through creating a media-frenzy by showing his showing up at Packer camp. Thompson made it clear he would not be granted an unconditional release.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers said all the right things in the firestorm Favre had created. So push comes to shove, and on August 7th the Packers dealt Favre to the Jets. Packer fans were divided into two categories: Packer fans and Favre fans. Despite the emotional attatchment every Packer fan has for Favre, it was time to move on.

Now here is Aaron Rodgers, who's only noteworthy career mark in the NFL was his notorious slide down the first round in the 2005 draft. He received a not-so warm welcome when Favre stated that he has no obligation to groom Rodgers. Nice one, Brett.

After sitting for three seasons, Aaron Rodgers stepped into the hottest seat in sports. He had to follow a legend. He had to follow a Super Bowl winner. He had to follow the NFL's all-time leader in consecutive games started, victories, passing touchdowns, passing yards, and completions. He had to follow one of two players (Peyton Manning) with 3 MVP awards.

How's that for a hot seat?

So how did the season go for the Packers, not very well. They were in the running for the division title for most of the season, but injuries to a depleted defense left them without a chance.

How did Aaron Rodgers do? He quietly had the greatest season (statistically) of any first-year starter in NFL history. Rodgers finished in the top 6 in every major passing category in the NFL. His play was awarded with a six-year deal, worth 65 million dollars.

Sorry "Favre fans", you were wrong. Anyone who believes Brett Favre would have been the difference in the Packers making the playoffs last season watched very little, if any, of the Packers and the Jets respective seasons.

Let's compare the numbers...

Passing Yards- Rodgers 4,038, Favre 3,472.

Passer Rating- Rodgers 93.8, Favre 81.

Touchdowns- Rodgers 28, Favre 22.

Interceptions- Rodgers 13, Favre 22 (most in the NFL).

And for good measure, Rushing Yards- Rodgers 207, Favre 43

Rushing TD's and Rushing First Downs- Rodgers 4/21, Favre 1/4.

The numbers speak for themselves. Yes, I realize these stats are circumstantial to an extent, but there is no denying who was more effective last season. The future is bright for Aaron Rodgers.

Brett Favre failed in every way possible in his season in The Big Apple. His relationship with the New York media and his team was reminiscent of a camera-shoving Randy Johnson.

His task was simple, make the playoffs. He did not. So he rides off in the dust for four months.

Once the Jets released Favre, speculation was rampid of his possible return. And wouldn't you know it, he resumed his flirting with the Vikings from last summer almost immediately.

Per yahoosports.com, Favre will not return next season.

Right, no one will believe that until next season's completion. Rather he signs with someone this summer, or waits to see if a top-notch team has a QB go down, who knows. There is no reason to believe him at this point.

His motivation to keep playing was obvious last season: stick it to Ted Thompson. No move would cement that like signing with the Vikings. Not that anyone would care if he returned to further embarrass himself (purely in terms of play). The talk of the Vikings being a Super Bowl contender with Favre is laughable at best.

So, while rumors will exist for multiple years about his return, just put it to rest. While you have an ounce of dignity left, do the right thing.

Sign a one-day contract with the Pack, and retire where you belong. Take your 10-20 million dollars to make a few appearances at Lambeau, and end it.

His legendary status would be restored, and all will be well in Titletown.

NHL, Why Not?

As I'm watching Game 2 of the Penguins-Capitals conference semi-final last night, I couldn't help but wonder why there are not more NHL fans. If you don't watch hockey, or simply don't get it, last night was the time to tune in.

Two names the hockey layman surely reckognizes in the current NHL are Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. They are without question the faces of the NHL, present and future. You have the so-called "neanderthal" in Overchkin, and Crosby being the popularly dubbed "pretty boy". It is fast becoming one of sports' best intrapersonal rivalries. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4bGh3lsDxE

So what happened last night? In a 4-3 Caps victory each star recorded a hat trick for their respective teams. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4139061&categoryid=2459791.

It was incredible stuff. So why the lack of fans? I understand that this is not Scandanavia or Canada, but come on. There is non-stop action, generally high-scoring, and of course, fighting. The only down-time in the duration of any game is the result of an on-ice brawl. The fans of each franchise are as passionate as we are about our football. The atmosphere around the ice is ridiculous. So where are the faults? The sport possesses everything a sports' fan desires.
How about this for ridiculous....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_OaHMY2hQU, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDYARsNlvfQ..

Fan yet? Check out the league's best franchise and team in action tonight, the Detroit Red Wings. They take on the Ducks at 9:30, on Versus, in a large Game 3.


So short of a face-painting David Puddy, the NHL fulfills the requirements of a great game.