Eldrick Woods

What is it about sports icons these days? When did the shining stars in sports become the pin cushions under the ass of society? It seems that just as quickly as they emerge to the top, they sputter and fall uncontrollably to the depths of society. I miss my heroes. And I will not be the first person to say that I am sick of the media and blood-thirsty society tearing down the "greats" in sports. Although I am confident Woods will resume his conquest on golf, shattering all records in front of him, I am concerned that his legacy that was once golden is now permanently tainted. Lets look back at how easy it was for 19-year old Katelyn Faber to tear down the NBA superstar Kobe Bryant's reputation. Kobe has recovered, so maybe Eldrick will as well. But at what point is the pressure going to drive all the superstars out of the spotlight? Do we as Americans fear the very success and perfection that our idols represent? Is our thirst for a hero what brings us to a form of social bloodletting? Because once we see them bleed we see that they really are just like us? I am sick of the bloodshed. I am ready for my Sunday afternoons to be filled with speechless crowds roaring to the swing of the most intoxicating golfer on television.

College Basketball. Who is in your Final Four?

I just want to get a quick discussion started about my favorite time of year, March Madness. We have seen two number 1 seeds fall in the past two weeks after being undefeated for half the season. And that leaves one undefeated team (Kentucky) left. Ive seen my Tarheels go from possible contenders to no-chance-in-hell pretenders, doubting that the Big Dance will even be remotely inviting to the ragtag bunch in Chapel Hill.

Last year seemed pretty clear cut with the top teams in the Nation. Mostly everyone had considered UNC the easy number 1 team, with teams like UCONN, Michigan State, Villanova, and Pittsburgh in the conversation. But who are those teams this year? Here are my predictions for the 4 teams that travel to Indianapolis.

Kentucky- the only undefeated team left. Young talent with upperclassmen leadership to compliment. John Calipari as a head coach since 2005 has suffered 14 losses total. One more time, John Calipari in his last 4 years with Memphis and this year with Kentucky has a record of 155-14. This guy wins, even though the Ncaa has some questions about his methods in Memphis.

Michigan St.- I'm going out on a limb here but I do not see UNC in the field of 64 (65) so therefore Michigan State has a chance. The Spartans have had no answers for the Heels, losing to them three times in the big dance in the past 5 years. They have a lot of talent in the likes of Lucas, Green, Morgan, Summers, and Allen. All 5 average in double figures in ppg. They play in the Big Ten, a conference that just isn't the Big East or the ACC. If Tom Izzo can rally his troops, I think this is his best chance yet to redeem his Tourny woes of late.

Kansas- I won't be ignorant here. This is a solid ball club with the backcourt of a lifetime. Sherron Collins and Xavier Henry are both fantastic. Cole Aldrich is a quality big man on the post, and Bill Self is one of the best minds in the business. He recruits, he develops, he coaches, he wins. Look for Collins and Aldrich to make a late push in March.

Duke- I can't believe I'm going to put them in this spot, but they are a solid ball club. Well rounded for the first time in years, Duke has a shooter/leader in Scheyer and Singler, slasher/playmaker in Nolan Smith, height in Zoubek and the Plumlees, and young flash in Dawkins who has hit double figures 6 times this year as a freshman. With a Hall of Fame coach who dictates his desires on a court with his name on it, Duke is ready to take the next step in March. When I say next step I am referring to not getting blown out by Villanova and staying far away from the likes of West Virginia and my personal favorite VCU Rams.

Jim Calhoun

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim Calhoun, the UCONN Men's Basketball Coach who is taking a medical leave of absence from his post. Calhoun, who has battled with skin and prostate cancer three times, has checked in regularly with his physician, Peter Schulman. Schulman has reported that the medical issues have nothing to do with his previous bouts with cancer. Assistant Coach George Blaney will be coaching in Calhouns absence, and trying to stop a 3 game losing streak that has dragged the Huskies down to the bottom of the AP and Coaches Top 25. They travel tonight to St Johns and then welcome No. 1 Texas Saturday.

New Debate. Sexiest Female Athlete Award

Got to give you props Komar on a great topic. My vote hands down goes to Natalie Gulbis. No need to say anything else about it. I just cant picture myself having a more enjoyable 18 holes, even though I know I'm shooting mid 150's. Any Jenny Finch, Danica Patrick, Anna Kournikova, Mia Hamm, Serena Williams, or Amanda Beard fans out there?

Expert Picks for NFL Playoffs week 2

Experts

Eric Allen Cards Colts Minn SD
Mike Golic Cards Colts Boys SD
Merril Hoge Cards Colts Boys SD
Ron Jaworski Saints Colts Minn SD
Chris Mortensen Saints Colts Boys SD
Adam Schefter Saints Colts Boys SD
Mark Schlereth Saints Colts Boys SD
Seth Wickersham Cards Colts Boys SD

Dinky Cards Colts Minn SD
Brain Cards Colts Minn SD

Josh Johnson agrees to 4 year extension with FLA

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Josh Johnson has agreed to a 4 year $39 million dollar extension with the Marlins. Johnson was subject of trade rumors, that would have only increased the closer he came to free agency before this deal was struck. Last season the soon to be 26 year old Johnson went 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 209 innings pitched. He also ranked 10th in the National League with 191 Strikeouts.

The deal comes only a few days after the Players Union pressured the club to increase their payroll by spending revenue sharing dollars they obtain each season. Last year the club ranked last in opening day payroll with a payroll of $36.8 million.

Does a bye week hurt or help

Since 1990 teams coming off the bye week are 56-20. Now the record looks favorable but lets think about it. These are the better teams, at home, with a weeks rest (sometimes more depending on how they finish the season). The Colts have never won after a playoff bye. I know for some teams the bye will help like New Orleans who needed desperately to get healthy. But how does the rest affect these teams?

AP All-Pro Snubs in the NFL

Offense:
Peyton Manning
Chris Johnson
Adrian Peterson
Leonard Weaver
Andre Johnson
Wes Welker
Dallas Clark
Ryan Clady
Joe Thomas
Steve Hutchinson
Jahri Evans
Nick Mangold

Defense:
Jared Allen
Dwight Freeney
Jay Ratliff
Kevin Williams
Elvis Dumervil
DaMarcus Ware
Patrick Willis
Ray Lewis
Charles Woodson
Darrelle Revis
Darren Sharper
Adrian Wilson

Special Teams:
Shane Lechler
Nate Kaeding
Joshua Cribbs

A Few Thoughts about MLB

Last night news broke that Carlos Beltran will miss a minimum of 12 weeks following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Beltran had to operation performed by his personal doctor in Colorado without consent of the team. What do the Mets do at this point? Likely nothing, although they could file a grievance against Beltran looking to recoup money for games he will miss due to the surgery. It would not make sense at this point for the Mets to sign another Center fielder because that outfielder would likely be relegated to the bench once Beltran returns and the Mets are on a tight budget.

An interesting signing by the San Francisco Giants whom inked Aubrey Huff to a one year 3 million dollar contract. If Huff believe Baltimore is a horseshit city, I wonder what he will think of San Francisco.

Agent Bozo

I really hope Plaxico Burress can read this from his Riker's Island prison cell. Gilbert Arenas, have a seat. What are you thinking Gilbert Arenas? What are you doing with guns in your locker? What are you doing with multiple guns to begin with? The best questions is WHY DO YOU NEED A GUN? I have always thought that if you feel like you need a gun, don't be where you are. You have enough money to build a house in a nice neighborhood and hire a bodyguard (those are people that are supposed to have guns). What was Plaxico thinking going to a club with a gun? If you feel like you need heat to protect yourself at a club, you might have just picked the wrong place to go. Don't go to a club that requires heat. If you are afraid that your kids might get to your guns, buy a gun safe.

People look up to you Gilbert. You are the star on an NBA team. You are the face to a franchise. Your teammates both young and old look up to you. Your kids look up to you. You are representing the NBA, whose reputation is just coming to shape after years of scandal. Don't forget your responsibility as a leader. And for god's sake put the guns away. You're the Wizards remember? NOT THE BULLETS.

gunsafes.com
ADT.com
Libertysafe.com
patriotsafe.com
Browningsafe.com
Isentrysafe.com

Update on Several College Football Coaching Situations

Update: 12:23 pm

Chris Low on ESPN.com is reporting that Will Muschamp, UT's number one target, and current defensive coordinator and head coach in-waiting at Texas has turned down the head job at Tennessee. The search for Kiffin's replacement continues..

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4825513

Update: 12:39 pm

ESPN is reporting that Norm Chow will stay at UCLA and remain Offensive Coordinator. It had been rumored he would rejoin USC and assume the position of Offensive Coordinator on Kiffin's staff.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=4825852

Update: 12:40 pm

Fanhouse.com is reporting Skip Holtz will leave East Carolina and take the head job at South Florida to replace the recently fired Jim Leavitt.

http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/01/14/south-florida-hires-skip-holtz/

Bruce Smith in good ole Virginia Beach

Hall of famer Bruce Smith finally pleads guilty today for a DUI arrest last May in my humble hometown of Virginia Beach. Last year a stunning 2,300 DUI arrests were made in the city of Virginia Beach alone. But out of all the information I could read on Bruce's DUI, none shocked me more than his defense in court in July. "His attorney, Larry Cardon, said at Smith's first trial in July that the 19-year NFL veteran's 11 knee surgeries made it difficult for him to walk a straight line heel-to-toe and stand on one leg for 30 seconds." Pause for reaction. I don't know about all of you but this clearly is one of the saddest arguments I have ever heard. But damn I love lawyers. So Cheers Bruce, you have slightly tarnished your sterling reputation, but I still love ya!

NFL Playoffs Round 2 Matchups Game 2 Jets Chargers

My Pick: San Diego

I think by now everyone knows what the Chargers are. An elite team in the National Football League (end Ron Jaworski impression). The Chargers have won 11 straight heading into this matchup with the surprising Jets. The bigger question heading into this game in my opinion is what are the NY Jets? Up until the Jets beat the previously undefeated Colts, whom didn't play their starters including Peyton Manning after the first offensive series of the second half, they were 7-7 and coming off a terrible last minute lost at home to Atlanta. Rex Ryan likes to talk about how great the Jets defense is which ranks tops in the league. However, great defenses (e.g. '00 Ravens, '85 Bears) stop opposing offenses on the last drives on games, something the Jets were unable to do on more then one occasion (Miami on MNF, Atlanta, etc.).

For the Jets to win this game not only will the defense need to come up big, unlike last week when Cedric Benson ran all over them for 169 yards, but Mark Sanchez will need to make plays because I believe San Diego will be able to slow down the Jets running game. Last week Sanchez played great mostly because of a wonderfully called game by offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. However, this week Sanchez will be forced into more throwing downs which will be troublesome for the Jets. The Jets are playing with house money hear, no one expected them to get this far, however San Diego will be too much to overcome.

San Diego 24
NY Jets 13

NFL Playoffs Round 2 Matchups Game 1 Cowboys Vikings

My Pick: Minnesota

How lucky can we get? Not only are Joe Buck and Troy Aikman announcing the game but we get to hear about Favre vs. the Cowboys. Yes, I know Dallas is the hot team heading into this huge matchup with Minnesota in the early game on Sunday. However, can you really trust Romo and company to put up on offense against the Vikings D in a road playoff game? Was the game in New Orleans a month ago a sign of things to come or will Romo revert back to being unable to win big games. Yes, I know Dallas beat Philadelphia two weeks in a row. Big Deal. Philadelphia has no running game and plays little defense.

This will be Dallas' first road test in the playoffs since the botched field goal in Seattle in three years ago and I don't believe they are tough enough to get by a very good Minnesota team that features a dominate front four on defense.

Minnesota 34
Dallas 23

Texas Bama... lets talk about it

Even though college football is over in what has been a heck of a season, there are a lot of things that we can talk about. im going to pretend im a math teacher and give you the following equations.

Texas + Colt McCoy = Bama

Florida + rematch vs Bama = Tebow ending career with national championship #3

Boise St = National Championship caliber

NFL Playoffs Round 2 Matchups Game 2 Colts Ravens

My Pick: Colts

Cant argue with peyton manning being the best in the business. Look at the teams in the playoffs and try to tell me that this isnt a league based on QB success. its just a fact. The ravens bring back a great defense as usual but they arent the defense of old. Ray Rice and Mcgahee are great in the backfield as well. But when it comes down to it you gotta take the team with the experience and grit that Indy has. They have been here before. A few times... and yes in 05 they were 14 n 0 and lost the first round. but this is a new team. Caldwell didnt end the season the way that he should have in his first season as king, but he has a team determined to win behind his every decision. Colts snag a close one 20 - 13

NFL Playoffs Round 2 Matchups Game 1 Ari NO

MY PICK: Arizona

In a game that could end up with a score that resembles a womens basketball game (mid 50s), I could not be tempted more than to pick Arizona because of experience. Warner loves turf, loves being the underdog, and loves surprising us. I understand that the two teams average almost the same points per game given up as a defense. I understand that Arizona averages almost a touchdown less than the saints this season. I understand that Drew Brees was the second best player in the league this year. I understand that its in New Orleans. Listen, i get it. but i am on the warner train. No doubt in my mind that warner is the better QB this time of year. disagree all you want and i get it. but the saints have not impressed me after october. Their win in washington was a fluke, they shouldnt of had a chance in dallas (at HOME). the lost to arguably the second worst team in the nfl (Tampa) at home the next week. and followed all of that up by a dismantling in carolina (another garbage team). I know they had nothing to play for, but thats not the point. The bad taste in their mouth will linger. it will affect them. they havent been winners in a month. the NFC champs havent won in a MONTH!!! the cards just came off an emotional and intense victory over a VERY GOOD packers team. do they look good? your god damn right they do. final score cards 30 saints 20. i dont expect the score to fly that high because the defenses are ready to make a stand. the Cards will stop brees just enough to take the game and advance

Lane Kiffin aka Nick Saban aka Larry Brown

OK so this is the first topic we are gunna discuss and it could not be a hotter debate. How much of an asshole is lane kiffin? I want to start by saying i have no bias at all. none. i dont care about him, tennessee or usc. What i do care about is the reputation of college football (which isnt very good at the moment). College football has been struggling from my point of view. the BCS is bullshit, and there is always an argument about who is really number 1. does that happen in any other sport.... NO. because in every other sport u have a playoff. my second problem with college football is its overall focus. winning is everything and ncaa is making a fortune... but thats a whole different topic. Brings me to our topic today, which is lane kiffin. Before we get started lets get something straight. College football is a business, a competitive business. enough said.

So Lane Kiffin.... heres your report card

What is legit: Lane, your going back to where it really started for you, and i get it. USC is in a better place with better recruits, a better team, a better job. Hands down. dont argue it. thats the way it is. not tryn to take the thunder away from the Vols, but lets get serious. 7 straight pac ten titles. a few national championships and Heismans here and there. if i were in your shoes id jump at the opportunity to go back to the school that made me a "legit" coach. especially USC.

The Foul Play: You have been a total asshole in the sec. Talking trash about Meyer wasnt smart. Promising a victory over a team (florida) that was clearly stronger, smarter, quicker, and just overall better (maybe cause they were the best team in the nation) wasnt the smartest decision. 8 recruiting violations.... with at least 4 more pending, doesnt make you look so hot. It makes you look like a down right cheater which you may as well be but i wont accuse you without proof. you have a multi year deal that lasts just over one season... jump out of your seat and run out the door like the fire alarm went off.

My Overall Grade
B+
There arent many people that wouldnt take the usc job with your identical backgroud. I know i wouldn't. but just get ready lane. USC is on the verge of ncaa reprimand after questionable recruiting strategies (sound familiar?). yes lane its called CHEATING. Yes pete carroll wasnt found guilty of any serious violations, but he sure bolted from the throne of college football as fast as Calipari did in memphis. you made the right career move but you didnt deserve it. 5 n 15 in the pros and 7 n 6 with an embarrassing bowl loss in college is not a good resume. ITS AN AWFUL ONE. Bobby bowden is 375 - 129 and he won 21 bowl games at fsu AND GOT FIRED. at your pace lane u wouldnt have that many wins until mid season 2067.
But lane you played the field. you sleezed your way into this position without earning it so congrats. i guess the biggest loser is USC today, but with those recruits, everyone will win but Tennessee

The Big Debate

So this is all new to me but Im going to try and figure it all out. I guess the overall goal is to have people hear us as we voice our opinion on topics involving sports. I mean all aspects. From steroids to lane kiffin. from figure skating to football. OK MAYBE not figure skating. lets see what happens