Even Spike Lee Would Laugh At This...Kobe Better Than M.J.?

The front page on espn.com reads "Like Mike, Only Better." You have to be kidding me! I understand if you make your comparisons of Michael Jordan to Wilt Chamberlin, Larry Bird to Irvin Magic Johnson, or even Clyde Drexler to Dominique Wilkins...but Kobe Bryant being better than Michael Jordan? Wait, is that a statue of Michael Jordan? Don't they go around making statues in honor of any mediocre player? Oh wait they don't! In the midst of all the hoopla and hype of Nash and The Dirk for MVP, Kobe has four high scoring games in a row, and suddenly he's being compared to the Royal Airness? That article says Kobe is just as good of a defender???? I remember, back in the day when Michael graced our presence for the World Champion Chicago Bulls. His battles against the Supersonics, Jazz, Cleveland Cavs, the list goes on throughout the playoffs all had one thing that's absent now a days. Something that has been lost in the translation many many years ago in the NBA . . . oh yeah I remember what it is. . . actual defense. In Kobe's high scoring games, from most recent to the first, here are the final game scores: 115/113, 111/105, 121/119, 109/102. I don't see any sort of defense in any of those games. EVERY SINGLE OPPONENT scored 100+. These weren't just any single opponent these were the Grizzlies and Hornets, nothing to brag about.
Being a long time Bulls fan I am outraged by this. I understand that Kobe is a good shooter and player, but after four good games in a row everyone is ready to kick someone out of the Greatest 50 NBA Players ever and slap Kobe in there. Just for another reminder of why Jordan is great, showing his supreme dunk skills. I could go on and on and bitch about this. If my opinion mattered, I'd take Lebron over Kobe ANY DAY. Lebron gets points, assists, steals, and blocks. When Kobe stops slapping people in the face after shooting, then he might be capable of making maybe an All Star team. Here's something for Kobe to dream about tonight:

Naismith Awared: 1984
Wooden Award: 1984
Adolph Rupp Award: 1984
ACC Player of the Year: 83-84
NBA Rookie of the Year: 84-85
NBA MVP: 87-88, 90-91, 91-92, 95-96, 97-98
NBA Finals MVP: 90-91, 91-92, 92-93, 95-96, 96-97, 97-98
NBA All Star MVP: 88, 96, 98
NBA Defensive Player: 87-88
Slam Dunk Champ: 87, 88

Maybe Kobe should have went to college?

Mascots ... Sad Situation

As many of you probably already know, the UNC mascot, rather Jason Ray, was killed due to injuries sustained from a car hitting him. The basis of this blog entry is that despite how sad it is for a human being to be taken too soon, with relevance to this class, the media attention it has received.

Articles have surfaced all over the internet and why shouldnt they as it is a big deal to the Chapel Hill community as Ray was a kid known by many of the students.

"My heart goes out to Jason's family," says Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams. "He was an engaging young man and a friend to a number of our players and managers. They tell me he was a wonderful person. Obviously our team is disappointed with the outcome of Sunday's game, but that pales greatly in comparison with the loss the Ray family is dealing with today. We ask everyone to remember Jason and his family in their prayers."

I thought that the actions taken by the media relations staff was well done given the state of events as addressed in this press release. They made the event important despite a huge loss last night and I thought this was done in good taste.

Ten Year Later, Brawl Still Remebered in Hockeytown

Unless you were a fan of the Red Wings in the early 90s, you can’t imagine the heartache that was associated with the fan base. We were so close. We were there. But we just couldn’t get that big win.

There were tough game-seven losses against St Louis, Toronto and San Jose. There was the 1995 season where the Wings won the presidents cup and breezed through the Stanley Cup Finals, only to be swept by New Jersey. But the worst was the 1996 Western Conference Finals.

We watched as our Wings won an NHL-record 62 games that season. We felt it, we though it was our time. But then we ran into Colorado and lost in six games. To add insult to injury in that clinching game Claude Lemieux put a dirty hit on Kris Draper, causing Draper to spend the summer sipping milkshakes while his jaw was wired shut. Already hated in Detroit, Lemieux quickly became public enemy No. 1.

Fast forward to March 26, 1997. The mention date alone still gives me the chills. The hated Avs were coming into Joe Louis Arena. All over the state of Michigan you could feel the rivalry. Eighteen minutes and twenty-two seconds into the game, all hell broke loose.

It started out with a fight between the Wings Igor Larionov and the Avs Peter Forsberg, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Next thing you know Drapers roommate, Darren McCarty is pounding away at Lemieux. And he wasn’t stopping. McCarty implemented Draper’s revenge and kept pounding away even as Lemieux turtled. Colorado goaltender Patrick Roy skated to center ice to help out Lemieux, but was intercepted by Brendan Shanahan. Then Red Wings goalie Mike Vernon met Roy at center ice and the two goalies started going at it. Just from that incident alone, seven players were penalized for a total of 34 minutes. And it didn’t stop with that. There were a total of nine fights throughout the game. By the end, both teams had racked up a total of 148 penalty minutes.

The end of the game came 39 seconds into over time when McCarty, who had sent Lemieux to the locker room in the first period, scored the game winning goal, giving Detroit a 6-5 win.

“I can't believe it was 10 years ago,” McCarty said in a Detroit Free Press article. “It'll never replace that winning-the-cup game and scoring that goal, but to take just a game in general, (the March 26, 1997, contest) was the greatest game I've ever played in, that I ever saw. Just because it had every ingredient you could ever want. That game had everything.”

That was the day Hockeytown was truly born. There was a new swagger in Wings fans. We no longer thought we’d win the Stanley Cup, we now knew we were going to win the cup.

And that June, for the first time in 42 years, Detroit was the home of the Stanley Cup Champions. All the heartache that came before was erased when the final horn of game four sounded in Joe Louis Arena, giving the Wings a sweep over Philadelphia.

For a sports fan living in Michigan, it would be very hard to top 1997. Not only did the cup call our state home, but that fall the Michigan Football team went undefeated to win the National Championship. Even our Lions made the NFL playoffs behind a 2000-yard rushing season by Barry Sanders.

But perhaps the greatest day of that year was on March 26. It was the day everything changed. It was the day we could be proud of our hockey team. It was the day we could call them our Red Wings.

Practice Continues without Hep

As spring practice unfolds for the Hoosier football team tomorrow, coach Terry Hoeppner will not be in attendance. Last fall Coach Hoeppner underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. Greenspan made a statement saying Hep will be taking some time off to regain strength and energy to make sure he is ready for the upcoming practices. Offensive Coordinator, Bill Lynch will take over with the day-to-day tasks in maintain close communication to Hoeppner. Lynch took over the roll of head coach when Hep underwent surgery and recovery this previous fall. He has been Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator for two seasons and has also been head coach at Ball State, Butler, and Depauw.

"Coach Hoeppner is one of the strongest men I've ever been around and his health is the most important thing to everyone who cares about him. Our coaching staff will effectively guide this program's progress throughout the spring practice period as we look to prepare for a successful season." –LYNCH

Lynch took over the roll of head coach when Hep underwent surgery and recovery this previous fall. He has been Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator for two seasons and has also been head coach at Ball State, Butler, and Depauw. The Hoosiers will take part in fifteen practices for the next few weeks. The spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 14^th, Hoeppner is yet to announce whether he will be in attendance coaching or watching the game.

"My faith, my family and the Indiana Football program are the most important things in my life," Hoeppner said. "In order to serve them best and make a full recovery, I need to take some time away to regain my strength and energy. – HOEPPNER

There has been no set date as to when coach will be returning. But he has made statements to eagerly return to his coaching position and lead the Hoosiers into the 2007 season. This winter Hoeppner signed a two year extension with the Hoosiers continuing his contract into the 2011 season.

Ball Mark Dooms Tiger

Tiger Woods PGA tour streak was finally ended today February 23, 2007 with a loss in the Accenture Match Play Championship. The man who finally dethroned the champ was the number four seed in the Match Play Championship Australian native Nick O’Hern. The two men were tied after regulation after a miraculous come back by Woods to push the match to extra holes. Tiger eventually had a four foot putt to win the match.

O’Hern said "I wasn't watching, to be honest with you," O'Hern said. "I was just waiting for the sound of ball going into hole," but luckily for O’Hern he never heard that putt drop thanks to a ball mark that was not fixed by a player earlier in the day.

Tiger was so focused on that putt that not once did he notice that ball mark that was sitting directly in line with the putt that could have kept the second longest PGA tour win streak in PGA tour history alive and still going.

Tiger said, "I was so enthralled with the line, I didn't see the ball mark," Woods said. "I knew if I hit it left-center, the match would be over. It's my fault for not paying attention to detail." And that detail was a costly one.

Even though that ball mark should have been fixed earlier in the day, it was the attention to detail which was not there for Tiger Woods on this crucial putt. The man who could be considered the greatest golfer ever let the smallest thing end his masterful streak.

In my opinion Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer ever, and could be one of the greatest athletes ever, even though he does not play a physical sport. You have to give the man his props the second longest PGA tour win streak ever and a small divot in the green was the cause of his demise. The greatest ever have to notice those small things; that’s what makes them great but you can’t win them all.

You have to give credit to the Australian O’Hern who played very well in beating the great Tiger Woods. He was never given a chance against Woods, but he sure proved his critics wrong. O’Hern eventually sank a twelve foot par putt to end Wood’s streak and move on to the next day of competition.

Bears agree to trade RB Jones to Jets for second round pick

On Monday, the Chicago Bears agreed to deal disgruntled running back Thomas Jones to the New York Jets for the 37th overall pick in next April's draft. The Jets will also receive the 63^rd overall pick. Jones must pass a physical and agree to an extension with the Jets.

Jones had requested a trade earlier in the offseason. After rushing for over 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, he became unhappy with his contract and first voiced his displeasure by boycotting voluntary offseason workouts. However, he remained a Bear and had another solid season. Jones was set to earn $2.75 million this season, but he and agent Drew Rosenhaus are working on a new long-term contract with the Jets.

"I had a great time in Chicago, and it was a great experience
playing there and making it to the Super Bowl last year with those guys," Jones said on a conference call. "But I'm very, very
excited to be here in New York."

By trading Jones, the Bears are handing the reigns over to unproven Cedric Benson. Benson combined with Jones to give Chicago a formi-dable one-two punch during their Super Bowl run but has yet to prove he can handle a full-time load during his two injury-plagued seasons. After being drafted fourth overall in the 2005 draft, the question was not if Benson would become the starter but rather when.

As for the Jets, they hope Jones can address their glaring need for a number one running back. Last year, New York used Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, and Kevan Barlow and ranked 30^th in the NFL with an average of 3.5 yards per attempt.

"We did a lot of research on Thomas as a person, and we think
he's a good fit on and off the field," general manager Mike
Tannenbaum said. "He's a tough, outdoor, Northeast runner, and he provides leadership."

Migrating Penguins?

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the state and local leaders of the Pittsburgh area still have not met on agreements for new arena. Once again, the possibility of a move for the Penguins seems to be increasingly close, and Kansas City might once again play host to an NHL team.

For months now owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle have been trying to work an agreement out with government officials to keep the team in Pittsburgh, but have failed to close any deal. At first they made an agreement with the Isle of Capri Casinos to build the arena if they were given a license to build slots, but they were shut down by the state board. They would need $290 million to cover the construction costs and have come close in the past with government officials, offering them $120 million over the next 30 years, but still they have not reached a deal.

"We have made a single-minded effort to bring this new arena to a successful
conclusion and keep the team in Pittsburgh," owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle
said in a letter to Rendell and local government officials. "... Our good-faith
efforts have not produced a deal, however, and have only added more anxiety to
what we thought at best was a risky proposition for us moving forward."

The move seems even more foreseeable now that Kansas City has completed their brand new Sprint Center. The pens would be playing in the newest arena in the NHL as opposed to Mellon Arena, the oldest in the NHL, where they play now.

This news is unfortunate, especially for the young team that seems so promising fir the future of the franchise. Young stars such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jordan Stall have all put up extraordinary numbers this season even though they only average the age of 19. For the first time in six years the team is contending for a spot in the playoffs and they hold the top points leader in the NHL, Sidney Crosby, with 98.

It is predicted that the Penguins will sell out the final eight home games this year and there is already orders for season tickets for the 2007-08 season. They are one of the top teams in the NHL for overall attendance and TV ratings for the year. How can the Pens leave one of the strongest U.S. markets for hockey and go to one that’s smaller. None of this makes any sense to me.

"Scratch my back with a hacksaw!!" - Mike Lange

Bleeding Shades of Blue

What's a better way to get back at your arch rivals than to take a jab at it's best player? On Sunday, what was undoubtedly going to become yet another Tarheel win over nemesis Duke Blue Devils in Chapel Hill, Duke struck back, literally. Being down 12 points with 14 seconds to go, UNC center Tyler Hansbrough missed a free throw attempt, got his own rebound and went back up for another shot. Making sure that shot didn't go in was the right elbow of Freshman G/F Gerald Henderson of Duke. Rather than take a swipe at the ball, which didn't make it up too far since Hansbrough was already fouled by another Duke player, Henderson skies into the air and comes down with his elbow obviously extended from his body. What it hit wasn't a basketball. Moments later Hansbrough is sprawled on the court bleeding profusely.

"His hand is open but the ball never goes up there and in the middle of the jump he never extends his arm and because there is no ball you can see [Gerald] turning and closing his eyes and he hits Tyler." - Mike Krzyzewski

Once Henderson "accidentally", as he and all Duke faithful like to put it, clubs Hansbrough in the face, rather than make sure he's OK when he sees him lying in pain on the floor, he walks away with back turned as if to say, "Yeah, I meant to do that." Which is exactly what I believe happened.

Duke has been struggling, losing 9 games this year, 5 of which came in the arena formerly known as the toughest place to play a road game. Now it seems everyone who plays there is guaranteed a win if they don't call Cameron Indoor "home." In the midst of the Blue Devils' worst year in recent memory, and the fact that many say they will only make the tournament because of the name on the front of their jerseys, for this to happen tells me one thing, they don't know what to do.

You tell me this happens last year and it's JJ Redick drawing blood from Hansbrough, and I'll call it an accident. Redick was a premier player on a premier team and a senior leader. But trying to tell me the mediocre Freshman Henderson didn't let his emotions get the best of him when even the perfect Mike Krzyzewski is frantically making comments in the media, something he never does, is ridiculous.

What's a better way to get back at your arch rivals than to take a jab at it's best player? On Sunday, what was undoubtedly going to become yet another Tarheel win over nemesis Duke Blue Devils in Chapel Hill, Duke struck back, literally. Being down 12 points with 14 seconds to go, UNC center Tyler Hansbrough missed a free throw attempt, got his own rebound and went back up for another shot. Making sure that shot didn't go in was the right elbow of Freshman G/F Gerald Henderson of Duke. Rather than take a swipe at the ball, which didn't make it up too far since Hansbrough was already fouled by another Duke player, Henderson skies into the air and comes down with his elbow obviously extended from his body. What it hit wasn't a basketball. Moments later Hansbrough is sprawled on the court bleeding profusely.

"His hand is open but the ball never goes up there and in the middle of the jump he never extends his arm and because there is no ball you can see [Gerald] turning and closing his eyes and he hits Tyler." - Mike Krzyzewski

Once Henderson "accidentally", as he and all Duke faithful like to put it, clubs Hansbrough in the face, rather than make sure he's OK when he sees him lying in pain on the floor, he walks away with back turned as if to say, "Yeah, I meant to do that." Which is exactly what I believe happened.

Duke has been struggling, losing 9 games this year, 5 of which came in the arena formerly known as the toughest place to play a road game. Now it seems everyone who plays there is guaranteed a win if they don't call Cameron Indoor "home." In the midst of the Blue Devils' worst year in recent memory, and the fact that many say they will only make the tournament because of the name on the front of their jerseys, for this to happen tells me one thing, they don't know what to do.

You tell me this happens last year and it's JJ Redick drawing blood from Hansbrough, and I'll call it an accident. Redick was a premier player on a premier team and a senior leader. But trying to tell me the mediocre Freshman Henderson didn't let his emotions get the best of him when even the perfect Mike Krzyzewski is frantically making comments in the media, something he never does, is ridiculous.

Beckham's Hurt, Anybody Care??

So we have talked a bit about soccer the past few weeks in class. David Beckham, one of the world's biggest scoocer stars, signed a 5 year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy in January. He will reportedly be making $27.5 million while playing in Southern California. He was in the news again today becasue he injured a ligament in his right knee over the weekend playing for Real Madrid.

The 31-year-old hurt his right knee during Real Madrid's 1-1 tie with Getafe on Sunday when his momentum following a cross took him into an advertising sign behind the goal. He limped off the field, and a scan Monday revealed the injured ligament.

It's kind of ironic that he was hurt by an advertising sign considering he make millions upon millions in advertising contracts. He is an international star who has been able to sell pretty much anything all over the world. However, soccer is the world's sport, not America's sport. So, he is coming into a place trying to turn a league around. The MLS is making a huge effort to make soccer more popular in the United States. I am interested in seeing if Beckham can carry the league on his shoulders. What do you guys think?

Jones Jets, Benson #1 Back

As if the loss to the Colts in this years Superbowl wasn't hard enough on Bears fans, they now must deal with last year's starting running back, Thomas Jones, possibly being traded to the New York Jets.

The proposed trade will send Jones and a 2nd round draft pick ( No. 63 Overall) from Chicago to New York for the Jets 2nd round draft pick. ( No. 37 overall)

Last year Jones carried the ball 296 times for 1210 yards and 6 touchdowns. However, with Jones going to the Jets, it is now Cedric Benson's time to shine in the Windy City. In 2006 Benson rushed 157 times for 647 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Benson was selected 4th overall by the Bears in the 2005 draft. The Bears are confident with Benson as their primary back and were pleased with his performance during the second half of last year's season. Benson is signed with the Bears until 2009.

Although Thomas Jones will be a tremendous loss, Bears fans should not be too worried about the running back situation. Benson is consistently developing as a strong back.

The real issue for Bears in 2007 will not be their running back, but rather their quarterback. However, that in itself is another story.

Piniella Not Satisfied. Can You Blame Him?

For all you die-hard Cubbie fans out there, next year is finally here. However, it seems as though someone forgot to remind the $100 million Chicago Cubs. With 5 spring training games under their belts, Chicago's lovable losers were winless until today's 6 - 5 victory over Seattle. This coming after begin outscored in their first 4 outings 36-15. With many question marks still remaining in the starting rotation, a lack of offense is the last thing I want to see.

Manager Lou Piniella didn't even wait until after today's game to let the team know he is unsatisfied with what he has seen so far. Before getting on the bus to Peoria, to take on the Mariners, Piniella made it clear that they had a lot of work to do.

"We've got some work to do. this is no push-button operation. Let me tell you this - there is a job at hand." Said Piniella.

While some were inspired just enough to edge out a win, Mark Prior was obviously not one of them. Prior made his first Cactus League appearance since 2005 and had to be taken out in the second inning after throwing only 40 pitches. He made it clear that his performance was poor by saying,

"I wasn't happy with how I threw [...] I wouldn't say i was comfortable out there as far as pitching and obviously executing pitches"

It is still far to early to predict how the Cubs will fair in 2007, but their lack of enthusiasm thus far combined with their infamous track record, makes it hard for even the biggest fans to remain optimistic. Everyone seems to be excited about all the changes that took place within the Cubs organization, except for those who actually matter - the players. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations for this season, but is it asking to much to not be blown out in spring training?

I guess for now I just have to look on the bright side: Kerry Wood miraculously made it through an entire inning without ending up on the DL, it's a long season, and there is ALWAYS next year.

The Come Back Kid

Dywane Wade announced Monday that he will return to the Miami Heat's lineup at some point towards the end of this season. Wade has not played since he dislocated his left shoulder on February 21 after attempting to steal the ball from Houston Rockets player Shane Battier.

Dywane will not have surgery, but will partake in an intensive rehabilitation program that should allow him to have his shoulder ready for the final games of the regular season. Wade is very important to the Heat's success and is definitely the most valuable player to the team. He is averaging 28.8 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game and 7.9 assists per game. In addition Dywane plays 38 minutes a game and is the go to guy down the stretch.

Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley is happy with Wade's decision and feels he should be admired for his love for the game of basketball and desire to come back and help the Miami Heat win another championship.

Wade is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA and makes major contributions towards the Heat. It is great for the NBA that he is coming back. I feel he is making the right decision as long as his shoulder feels good and he is medically cleared before he returns. The idea of Dywane Wade returning is very exciting, but what do you think?

Senior Night a Success for the Hoosiers

Saturday March 3rd marked another successful home season in IU basketball history. Not only was it senior night, but an undefeated home record rested on the match up with the Nittany Lions of Penn State. The Hoosiers have three seniors on the team: Rod Wilmont , Errek Suhr, and Earl Calloway. Fans expecting a good game received quite a bashing of Penn State. The Hoosiers shot over 50% on field goals and from the 3 point arc. All three seniors contributed to the games decisive win. Rod ended the game with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Suhr fueled the fans with his hustle and was rewarded with cheers every time he touched the ball in the 2nd half. Calloway finished the game with 15 points including 3 three pointers and 11 assists.

The Hoosiers also tied the school record for 3 pointers, hitting 17 three's in this game. Coach Sampson led this team to its first 20 win season since 2000. Hoosier fans enjoyed the first perfect home season since the 93-94 season.

The IDS quoted Rod Wilmont as saying,

“This year is something I’ll never forget,” Wilmont said. “Twenty wins, undefeated at home. That’s something that’s always going to be in my heart.”

This was a great first season for Samson and I can only hope things get better in the Big Ten Tournament where the Hoosiers will take on the winner of Illinois vs Penn State. Let me know your opinions of Sampson's first year here.

Lost in March Madness?

On March 2nd a terrible incident occured in Atlanta. A bus carrying the Bluffton University's baseball team broke through a barrier on the interstate and fell from the overpass to the road below. Six people aboard the bus perished and nearly all of the other travelers were injured.

The team was on it's way to a 10-game tournament in Fort Meyers, Florida. This group of guys worked very hard to raise the needed money to fund the trip. The baseball team, as well as the university itself, is very involved in the surrounding community. This time is not only hard for the team members and coaches who lost their fellow teammates, but also very hard for the families, the university, and the community who cares so much for the school.

This is a tragic and horrible incident that, to me, isn't getting enough press time. Perhaps this story is getting lost in all the hype of college basketball and March Madness? As discussed in class, all the talk about brackets and tournament time came two weeks early this year. Is this what is overshadowing the bus crash that is rocking a small university in Ohio?

I am attaching a link to a great story about the incident I found on ESPN.com. I am glad that ESPN is still giving some light to the story; however, I found this story not in the 'Headlines" category but much further down the page. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2786749

Shades of Pedro? Let's not go that far.

After three months of hype, a $51.1 Million bid, and a $52 million contract, New England finally got a glimpse of their savior in the post-Johnny Damon era. And for the Red Sox it’s so far so good.

Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up a leadoff double, but proceeded to retire the next six hitters, striking out three.

"I wasn't particularly nervous before the game," Matsuzaka said through an interpreter. "So since there was no nervousness, [there was] no relief [that he had gotten past his first game]."

Matsuzaka pitched two innings in a 9-1 win over Boston College.

Wait repeat that again. Boston College? That’s right all this excitement about a team that went 9-21 in the ACC last year, 28-25-1 overall. Yawn. Wake me when he’s pitching against major league teams. Better yet, wait until the regular season starts.

Look I’m not saying the guy won’t be a good pitcher, but let me put this in prospective. This is like getting excited about Peyton Manning throwing for three touchdown passes in the first quarter of a preseason game against IU. So what? He’s a multi-million dollar professional athlete. He should be putting up numbers like that against amateurs.

"I don't mean to be sarcastic, but if he gets rattled against Boston College, we're all in trouble," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "That probably wasn't going to happen."

But even so, it seems as if Red Sox Nation is ready to crown him the next Pedro after just 25 pitches. Lets just hold off on this assessment at least for now. And if come October Dice-K mania is just as big, we’ll revisit the topic.