Monday, June 30, 2008

Trindon Holliday Becomes The 2nd "Fastest Player In College Football"


Well, Trindon Holliday has had a great run(it's puntastic!) as the "Fastest Player in College Football". However, that title now belongs to University of Florida incoming freshman Jeff Demps who ran a national high school record time of 10.01 in the 100m dash quarterfinal on Saturday night.

Holliday ran a 10.09 in his round of the quarterfinals, and eventhough Demps' time wasn't as fast as Holliday's personal best, he did beat him while competing sort of head-to-head. So, right now it seems that Demps has a legit reason for being called the "Fastest Player in Colllege Football". He's slated to suit up as an all-purpose back for the Gators in the fall.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Cedric Benson Gets Some New Hardware


Ok, so this happened on Monday, but it's the first that I've heard of it. Former Bears running back, and operator of vehicles while under the influence extraordinaire, Cedric Benson picked up some new hardware on Monday. Exactly what was it?

A Super Bowl replica ring from fellow Texas alum Aaron Ross? No.

A neckbrace signed by the entire Bears defense as a parting shot? No, but that would have been fitting considering their dislike of him.

It's something that he probably could have used before the offseason started.

Give up?

How about an ignition-lock breath tester?

Yes, Benson was ordered to install one because of the multiple DWI charges that he's facing.

If you're penciling in "busts" from the '05 NFL Draft make sure to have Benson up near the top. At least for the moment.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Tebow Adds To Trophy Case


The Heisman is still the big one, but being named the SEC Male Athlete of The Year is pretty damn cool too. Today, Tim Tebow added that award to the trophy case.

Florida Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow was named the Southeastern Conference's Roy F. Kramer Male Athlete of the Year in a vote of the league's athletic directors, the league announced Wednesday.

He was joined in the honor by Tennessee basketball player Candace Parker, voted as the league's Female Athlete of the Year.

"The SEC is very proud to honor Tim and Candace, as they are outstanding examples of what a student-athlete can accomplish, both on and off the field of competition," SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said. "Their hard work and dedication to excellence have made them fine representatives of their universities and this conference. We congratulate them and wish them the best in their future endeavors."

Tebow, the only sophomore to win the Heisman, already owns Gator quarterback records for rushing yards (1,364) and touchdowns (37). In two seasons, he has thrown for 3,644 yards and rushed for another 31 scores. He also was the first quarterback in college football history to pass for 20 touchdowns and run for 20 scores.

It's another achievement that Tebow gets to add to the long list that he's compiled in a relatively short amount of time. Eventhough Tebow can obviously do a lot of things, I would like to know if he can dunk like Candace Parker.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Javon Walker Has No Recollection Of That Wild Ride, Sir


Last week, Broncos' wide receiver Javon Walker was found beaten and unconscious on a street in Las Vegas. No one really knew what happened; though, some of the rumors floating around were pretty "out there"(Cristal wars, Floyd Mayweather thugs, oh my!). Even Walker himself didn't really seem to remember what went done, as was conveyed through his not so in-depth interview with TheDirty.com(via Deadspin):

"I was just back at my room and at about 5:30 in the morning I got a knock at the door. I opened it and 3 guys with guns were there. They cracked me in the head a few times, knocking me unconscious. They then robbed me of everything I had; my watch, money, everything! Somehow they got me to a car and dropped me off in the street. That’s what happened."

That sounds incredibly devious! Those rapscallions assaulted Mr. Walker then drove him from the scene of the crime! Wait, that's not exactly how it happened? Hmm, you don't say. Well, you might not, but Las Vegas Police Lieutenant Clinton Nichols does:
Las Vegas police have made an arrest in the robbery and beating case involving NFL player Javon Walker.

Lt. Clinton Nichols said Tuesday that 30-year-old Arfat Fadel is suspected of multiple felonies including kidnapping and robbery. Police said Fadel was arrested Friday and police were looking for a second suspect.

Nichols said police believe the second man is still in Las Vegas.

He said the 29-year-old Walker got into a vehicle with the two men early June 16 before he was found beaten and unconscious on a side street near the Las Vegas Strip.

That's quite a bit different than the account that Mr. Walker gave. Though, whenever you get your ass kicked you're probably going to want to make it sound as dangerous as you possibly can.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Congrats To The Celtics


Well, that went a little bit different than most had probably visioned. After keeping the first five games of the series close, the Lakers got run out of the gym to the tune of 131-92. Ouch. No amount of zen will be able to ease that asskicking.

While it would be easy to heap most of the praise on Boston's "Big 3", the truth is that it was a total team effort. Rajon Rondo didn't shoot particularly well, but he ended up with 21 points and his defensive intensity frustrated the Lakers all night. James Posey scored 11, including 3-3 from 3pt range. Even Eddie House chipped in with 9 points. Though, without the "Big 3" firing on all cylinders the outcome wouldn't have been nearly the same.

Paul Pierce, the Finals MVP, ended up with a double-double by scoring 17 and dishing 10 assists. Ray Allen scored 26 despite missing much of the 2nd quarter. And KG made up for his "trash" play in Game 5 by scoring 26 and pulling down 14 boards. He also would have maxed out "overcome with emotion" if that were a statistical category. It's great to see these guys get rings, and I'm especially happy for Garnett because I've been a fan of his for quite some time. It's amazing how far things have come since his interview with John Thompson back in 2005.

From this:


To this:


KG was right when he said "in my heart, you can't measure that". Last night we all got to see what was in KG's heart.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Did Rick Dutrow Jr.'s Pride Cost Big Brown The Triple Crown?


Leading up to the Belmont, there were some that believed that Big Brown's impressive victories at The Derby and The Preakness were due in part to his monthly injections of the anabolic steroid Winstrol. Prior to the race, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. made it known that Big Brown had skipped his monthly injection in May, and would be running the race steroid free. However, according to Florida veterinarian and throroughbred owner, Richard Alker, that could be what ultimately caused the horse to finish last.

Alker is the veterinarian at the Panama City Animal Hospital and Equine Center and a thoroughbred owner. He believes that Big Brown was a healthy horse during the Belmont. He thinks, however, that skipping a scheduled monthly injection of the anabolic steroid Winstrol combined with excessive heat and fatigue produced Big Brown's disappointing finish.

"They took him off of steroids and that caused the problem," Alker said. "If you get a horse used to those for their recovery, the benefits that provides for muscles and the things that steroids do for them, and you take it off of it there is a letdown.

"And even though the horse wasn't on an abusive dose of steroids, it could have still caused an effect that was certainly detrimental to them."

So, could Dutrow's decision, possibly fueled by outspoken critics, really have had that much of an effect? Alker believes so because of the short amount of time in which the decision was made and carried out.
Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. did not give the colt his scheduled monthly dose of Winstrol on May 15, reportedly to quiet critics who said Big Brown couldn't win without steroids. Winstrol, Alker said, helps horses' muscles recover.

Alker said there's typically a six- to eight-week letdown time frame after a horse is taken off steroids. Saturday's race was seven-and-a-half weeks since Big Brown's last injection on April 15.

"If it had been on a year, then off for six, seven months, his body would have been used to not having them," Alker said. "But because he quit them in that time frame there's this kind of letdown then, I think, that's certainly possible it was a mistake."

Obviously, we'll never know just how much skipping that monthly injection hindered Big Brown in his quest for the Triple Crown. However, it had to have played at least some part in his extremely disappointing last place finish. Ironically, the man who was most responsible for putting Big Brown in position to win it all was also the one responsible for making the decision that might have cost him it all.

Gotta Love Fairweather Fans


The above photo was pulled off of the live update page for the FSU vs. Miami CWS game that's in progress.

It's good to see that this kid has all his bases covered so to speak. The Tarheels are a #2 seed in the CWS in case you didn't know. Honestly, it might not be such a big deal if the Seminoles and Tarheels weren't ACC foes. Whatever happened to sticking by your team, win or lose?

Trindon Holliday Finishes 3rd In 100m


Just a quick follow-up to this post. Trindon Holliday placed 3rd in the men's finals of the 100m at the NCAA Track & Field Championships on Friday. He ran a 10.18, and finished behind LSU's Richard Thompson(1st place, 10.12) and Clemson's Travis Padgett(2nd place, 10.16). FSU's Walter Dix finished 4th with a 10.22.

Friday, June 13, 2008

KG's Revenge Has Been Four Years In The Making



That video reminded me of the last time that Garnett made it anywhere close to winning an NBA title. It was the '03-'04 season, and instead of getting bounced in the first round the Timberwolves found themselves matched up against the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

Garnett did his best to get the T'Wolves into the NBA Finals, averaging 23 points and 13 rebounds for the series, but Minnesota just couldn't put it together and lost the series 4-2. However, you can bet that he's been relishing this shot at redemption from the moment that he knew he would be facing the Lakers in the Finals. Hopefully, KG remembers some of the scenes from that video, and it motivates him to take over Game 4 and win the ring that he's been chasing his entire career.

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere - R.I.P. Tim Russert Edition

Since it's Friday, and the end of the workweek for most people, we think that you should be provided with a post that takes the edge off so to speak. Because it's going to be random and hopefully humorous, that means that it won't always be sports related. It will also pop up at any time on Friday.

Originally, I was going to put up a post regarding "He Got Game" in honor of Ray Allen's play last night. However, due to recent, and very sad, events it's been replaced to honor the memory of Tim Russert. He died today of a heart attack at the age of 58.

I always thought he did a good job hosting "Meet The Press", and his political coverage seemed to be pretty fair(well, as fair as one can be in that arena). Death is never an easy thing to deal with, but when it strikes suddenly at the age of 58 years young it's even harder. My condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.



R.I.P. Tim Russert.

Woman Taking "Be Like Mike" A Little Too Far


Michael Jordan may be a lot of things, Hall of Fame basketball player, Nike and Gatorade pitchman, horrible outfielder, but there is one thing he isn't. And that is the father of Lisa Miceli's son. Though, she doesn't agree despite the paternity tests and legal rulings.

A judge has barred a Pennsylvania woman from contacting Michael Jordan, his family or his representatives.

Lisa Miceli says the basketball great fathered her 4-year-old son. The 35-year-old woman was thrown out of court after speaking out several times during a hearing on the request June 4.

Earlier this year, Jordan filed a lawsuit to enforce a 2005 agreement to stay away from him after two DNA tests proved he was not the boy's father.

Jordan's attorneys say Miceli continued to send Jordan hundreds of e-mails and telephone him in spite of that agreement.

Seriously, she sounds a little overzealous, but don't you know that that's how all bloggers are? Wait, you didn't know that she was a blogger? Well, don't worry because I've got the link right here:

http://mjordanmistress.blogspot.com/

It's where you'll find gems like:
MJ NEVER EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN KELLY WERNER - he called her bowlegs and my horse ended up stolen and then my DNA files....

A stolen horse? Well, that's pretty sad.
/Affirmed.

And this:
THIS IS WHAT INFURIATES ME THE MOST...... MJ WAS WITH ME AND NOT JUANITA JORDAN... I have no desire to be that woman.... nor look like her or have her thick body..

If that is what MJ likes, this proves that I was raped and he should go to jail.... and never contact me or the child again....

Sounds like a pretty airtight case to me!

And of course this:
His lawyer, Fred Sperling needs to be disbarred.... for fraudulent misrepresentation... does he represent LIVE NATION??? NO - He is not one of their lawyers...

Is he DEREK JETER's lawyer??? NO....

So, then how can he speak for them.... he cannot... MJ IS SPEAKING FOR THEM.. he wants the whole world to ban me for me asking him for a DNA TEST.... MJ flips the script like he is the important one... and he CASUED 9/11 with his mockery of ARAB CULTURE AND BLATANT DISRESPECT OF ME.... and blaming me for the affair.. WHY??? I wanted to be married to a faithful partner.....

M.J. as the cause of 9/11? How could George Tenet ever have missed that?

Oh man, maybe Bissinger was right about this blog stuff.

Nobody F@#ks With The Jesus!



Especially not you Sasha Vujacic!

If Vujacic is "The Machine", then Ray Allen, a.k.a. Jesus Shuttlesworth, must have been "The Ghost" in that machine because on more than one occasion he easily floated by Vujacic on his way to the basket. The biggest one came with less than 30 seconds left in the game when Allen dribbled the ball at the top of the key, his teammates spread the floor and he drove right past Vujacic for an easy layup to push Boston's lead to 6.

Over the next 20 seconds, L.A. didn't score another point, and Boston walked off the court with a 97-90 victory after being down by 20 points at the end of the first quarter. It was an incredible comeback that seemed to get its spark from Ray Allen stealing the ball from Derek Fisher, and then making a layup to cut the lead to just 10 with 2:59 left in the third quarter. From there, Boston outscored L.A. 10-1, and closed out the quarter down by just a single point.

Allen finished the game with 19 points, but maybe more importantly he played all 48 minutes. Eventhough the Celtics got down big in the first half, they were able to have at least one of the "Big 3" on the floor throughout the entire game to keep them pointed in the right direction.

And true to what his character said in "He Got Game", Allen made basketball look like poetry in motion as he crossed over to the left, then came back to the right, had Vujacic fallin' back and made a sweet layup. Allen didn't even have to look at Vujacic and say "what". Millions of Celtics' fans were doing that for him.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Knowshon Moreno Has Moves And A Sense Of Humor

From Dawg Sports(via EDSBS) comes the tale of Knowshon Moreno, and his investigation into the harmful effects of noise pollution.

It's a good thing that Dr. Moreno was asked forced to put together this wonderful two page document letting us all know just how dangerous loud noises can be. Even if he did find it "time consuming and boring"(but educational!).

At the very least, it shows that Knowshon is just as talented with humor and sarcasm as he is when running the football(...down your favorite team's throat to the tune of 188yds and 3TD's. Yeah, nothing funny about that.).

Trindon Holliday, Yep, He's Still Scary Fast

I've pointed out just how crazy fast LSU's Trindon Holliday is before. Last night, we got another quick reminder that Holliday is still quick.

Walter Dix cruised into the finals Wednesday night in his bid for a third and final NCAA 100-meter title.

The 5-foot-9 Florida State cannonball won his first heat, even though he swiveled his head to watch the opposition in the final 50 meters.

He ran a 10.45 semi to finish second in the heat to LSU's Trindon Holliday's 10.34 and advance to Friday's finals.

Yeah, the guy who was the focus of the article, and is damn fast in his own right, finished second in the heat to Trindon Holliday. Holliday and Dix have battled before in the 100m, and last June Dix ran a 9.92 to Holliday's 10.06 in the NCAA Track and Field Championships. It's going to be interesting to see how these two perform in the finals on Friday.

Do You Want Me To Pass It? No! Do You Want Me To Save Your Homes From Foreclosure? Yes!


It's amazing how far we have come from the "Shaq Diesel" days. Now, instead of dropping rap tracks or thunderous dunks, The Big Aristotle wants to drop some cash to help Orlando homeowners avoid foreclosure. Fortunately, Shaq has been much more successful at real estate investing than he ever was at free throw shooting.

Shaquille O'Neal says he wants to build a legacy -- literally -- in Orlando.

The NBA star said he is working on plans for real-estate-development projects in Orlando, with an eye toward helping those who are facing foreclosure on their homes.

"I want to come in not to kick them out, but to work with them and save them so they can stay in their homes," O'Neal told the Orlando Sentinel during an impromptu stop Tuesday at Orlando City Hall.

Attorney Mark NeJame, who arranged the visit along with longtime friend and Realtor Curtis Cooper, said the star center wants to buy the mortgages of homeowners who have slipped into foreclosure because of high interest rates. He would sell the homes back to those troubled buyers with more affordable terms, hoping to make a small profit.

So the homeowners get better terms, and Shaq effectively becomes their bank? Sounds like a good deal to me! Seriously, if he can help out the economy in Orlando by providing some relief to struggling homeowners, then I'm all for it. Besides, it's apparent that Shaq has a pretty good idea of what he would be getting into.
It wouldn't be O'Neal's first foray into real estate. In 2006, he announced the formation of The O'Neal Group to pursue commercial and residential development. At the time, the new company said O'Neal had amassed a real-estate portfolio valued at $50 million during his time in the NBA.

His ventures range from carwashes and strip malls to a financial stake in Metropolitan Miami, a luxury development under construction in downtown Miami that will include what's billed as the tallest residential tower south of New York.

He is also a partner in the 24 Hour Fitness chain, and there are plans for one of the gyms to anchor part of the SoDo mixed-use development being built south of downtown Orlando.

He's got the experience and the capital to assist with a serious problem that cities all over the country are facing. Hopefully, his plan holds up, and he can implement it in the somewhat near future. Otherwise, Orlando residents might add this to a list that already includes "poor free throw shooting" and "bolted to Los Angeles" as reasons they're not big fans of The Big Cactus.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Craigslist: The Place To Scout Talent For Your UF Themed Party

Craigslist is great for a lot of things. Finding cars, jobs, furniture and now talent for your son's going away to college party.

I need 4 ladies who don't mind wearing body paint for my sons going off to College Party. There will be a University of Florida theme so you will have UF football uniforms professionally airbrushed on your upper body but you will be wearing blue boy shorts. You will be compensated $100 per hour for serving drinks and finger foods plus any tips you receive. I will take care of the rest, your shorts, meals & transportation if needed. If you are interested please contact me at metrofilmz@yahoo.com and please include photos that demonstrate your figure so I can determine if you have the right look for the party, thanks.

Haha, amazing. Surprisingly, my "going off to college party" consisted of a dinner out somewhere(probably Olive Garden, molto buon!), a congratulatory card and the not so subtle hinting that I better get my degree in a reasonable amount of time. Honestly, I'm curious to know if the 4 ladies will be airbrushed with real numbers and player names. If so, #15 Tebow will probably be the most popular, but only because Florida doesn't have a #69 on the roster.

If You Have To Break The Rules At Least Be Discreet

"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing."

And when you've lost repeatedly there's a chance that you'll do anything to become a winner. Including, breaking the rules in a very non-discreet fashion. At least that appears to be what Bradenton Prep did on their way to compiling winning records in football, basketball and tennis.

The report lists 19 violations of FHSAA regulations that led to three years probation for the football, boys basketball and boys tennis programs as well as a $38,000 fine.

Recruiting, allowing players to live with school personnel, accepting students who are under disciplinary sanctions at their former school, is that how you build a winner?

In the case of Bradenton Prep, the answer seems to be yes.

Not long ago the school's athletic program was an afterthought - except for the boys tennis program, which has always been among the best.

Look at it now.

Yes, look at what the school was able to accomplish through various rules violations. Instead of building the programs slowly, the school opted for the fast track approach and did its best to go from worst to first.
The football team won the Class 1B regional title last fall in just its second year of existence and fell one win shy of playing for a state title.

In 2006, one year after losing by nearly 100 points in a district tournament game, the boys basketball team played for the district title and advanced to its first-ever regional tournament with a roster that drew criticism from nearly every school on the schedule.

And how did school officials respond to the criticism and allegations? By calling their accusers jealous, and telling everyone that they were just trying to improve their academic performance of course!
Bradenton Prep officials maintained everything was on the up-and-up - the athletes transferring to Bradenton Prep were doing so purely for the chance at a Bradenton Prep education.

The howls from coaches, administrators and parents at opposing schools suggested otherwise. But it was the position of Bradenton Prep officials that they would rather their school be an academic powerhouse than an athletic powerhouse.

That might very well be the case. But Bradenton Prep, according to the FHSAA, apparently wasn't shy about skirting a number of rules to increase its enrollment if that increase brought in a few athletes.

Those athletes, we have to assume, weren't recruited to ride the bench.

And it wasn't shy about the sudden success of its athletic program, claming the finger-pointing was born out of petty jealousy by schools used to easy victories against the Patriots.

Honestly, if the school had gone about this in a much more covert way I have a feeling that they wouldn't have been busted by the FHSAA. As the article points out "stories of recruiting and other misdeeds by coaches and administrations are not uncommon for any high school, especially private schools". However, you rarely ever hear of any of those allegations being investigated too deeply, and it's even more rare that a school is placed on probation and fined almost $40k. Though, when you flaunt it like Bradenton Prep did you're just asking for trouble.

F@#k It, Let's Go Bowling


Yes, The Dude and Walter Sobchak would most definitely support Disney's newest venture. Well, at least on every day except Shabbos.

And exactly what is Disney's new addition to its Wide World of Sports complex going to be? How about a 100 lane bowling stadium? Yeah, when you're laying down that much wood you get to call it a stadium.

Disney's Wide World of Sports is expanding its strike zone with what could be the biggest bowling stadium in the country.

Planned for 100 lanes, stadium-style seating and a restaurant, the facility would be complete in about 18 months. When not used for tournaments, the stadium would be open to the public, Disney officials said Monday.

"It's big. It will be big for the area," said Ray Turgeon of Winter Springs, a bowler who had heard rumors about the facility and the tournaments it will host. "For a lot of new bowlers who have not bowled in a national tournament, it would be great."

Big is an understatement. The venue is going to be huge. Though, apparently United States Bowling Congress tournaments are the "world's largest participatory sporting event", and Osceola County is hoping that they'll energize the economy with dollars from the visiting bowlers. Hopefully, none of them show up with an empty briefcase, and a sob story about a stolen rug.

Friday, June 06, 2008

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere - Volvette Edition

Since it's Friday, and the end of the workweek for most people, we think that you should be provided with a post that takes the edge off so to speak. Because it's going to be random and hopefully humorous, that means that it won't always be sports related. It will also pop up at any time on Friday.

When you hear the term "Volvette" you probably don't know what to think. Sure, it sounds a bit girly, and maybe even some visions of pink and purple sedans and wagons pop into your head. However, if you don't think that this thing means serious business, then you are sadly, sadly mistaken. Especially, if you're still doubting it when it pulls up next to you at the stoplight with a rear cargo area full of groceries. That's because it's got a twin turbo LS1 stuffed under the hood, and can cover the quarter mile in less than 12 seconds. It is definitely one badass grocery getter, and would make any car enthusiast will the clock to strike 5 so they can enjoy their commute home basking in that sweet turbo V8 sound.



Happy Friday!

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Chris Leak And Kelvin Kight Reunited In The Great White North

With the signing of Chris Leak, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats get to treat their fans to one of the most prolific quarterback and wide receiver tandems in college football history.

Well, not exactly.

Though, Kight was on the receiving end of 27 of Leak's completions for 421 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 2003 season. Welcome to Canada, Chris! Watch out for those wild Argonauts fans!



Something tells me that the CFL is much, much tamer than the SEC.

Hawaii To Get Early Wake Up Call In Gainesville


Based on their performance against another SEC team, Georgia, in their bowl game last season, and the fact that both their coach and starting quarterback from that one loss season are gone. You could say that playing Florida in the season opener will indeed be a wake up call of sorts. However, this one is meant in the most literal sense. The kickoff time for the Gators vs. Warriors game was announced yesterday, and thanks to all of those wacky time zones it will feel like it's 6:30 a.m. to the Hawaii players.

The Gators will host Hawaii at 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 to accommodate TV. The game will be televised by Raycom. Their second game, against in-state rival Miami on Sept. 6, will be televised by ESPN with an 8 p.m. start.

The early start in the opener could pose problems for the Warriors, who will have to adjust to what will equate to a 6:30 a.m. kickoff for players and coaches making the 4,700-mile trip.

6:30? In the morning? Don't the schedulers know that the only reason college kids would be up that early is because they're still partying from the night before? Pack your alarm clocks and beerbongs Mai-Tai's(it is Hawaii), kids. It's going to be a long trip.

Oh, and thanks for another 12:30 p.m. kickoff. At that time of day in late August in Gainesville it should be just slightly cooler than the surface of the sun.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

College Basketball Programs Need New Rulers

It's always interesting to see just how wrong college athletics programs are when it comes to player measurements. Somehow, it's become quite a guessing game. One that usually isn't figured out until the player has left the program, and is getting sized up by pro teams. The latest round of clearing up some misinformation comes from the results of last week's NBA Pre-Draft Camp. Currently, Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose are regarded as the top two picks. And how did they stack up against their official college numbers?

Michael Beasley, listed as 6'10". Measured at 6'7" w/o shoes and 6'8-1/4" in shoes.

Derrick Rose, listed as 6'3". Measured at 6'1-1/2" w/o shoes and 6'2-1/2" in shoes.

I doubt that anyone really cares how tall these guys are without shoes, but that 1-3/4" discrepancy for Beasley is rather large. At least Rose was within 1/2" of his measurement.

So, is it that the athletic departments just don't care that much about the accuracy of the heights listed for the players? Or, do they think they're gaining some type of psychological edge by inflating the numbers? This isn't something new either, as we always hear about players not stacking up to what their college measurements had them listed as.

Increasing Fuel Prices Causing Increase In Ticket Prices

This post goes hand in hand with the one that I posted about recreational racers, and the pinch they're feeling as they try to continue participating in a hobby that requires a lot of fuel. Only this time, the cost of fuel is trickling down and affecting the fans.

Many people probably don't realize how much minor league teams travel. It's not always hundreds of thousands of miles, but it does add up during the season. And when the price of fuel has increased like it has, that cost has to be covered somehow. Oftentimes, it's done by increasing ticket prices, which means that fans are feeling the effects on the way to the game and when they arrive.

Firecats tickets started at $12 or $15 in 2003. Today, they start at $17.50 or $25.
Everblades ticket prices will rise by $1 from last season, ranging from $12 to $34 for rink-side seats. In 2001, Everblades tickets ranged from $8 to $17.

Miracle tickets have risen from $3 and $5 to $5 and $7 since 2001.

However, the rise in fuel prices can also benefit the teams. Instead of having to increase ticket prices, some teams are using larger attendance numbers to offset the increasing costs. That's happening because people are searching out local events instead of driving out of their immediate area.
But the rising cost of gas might actually help the minor-league teams in terms of attendance, Gliner said.

“As we get into the summer time, people who might go away for vacations might not be doing that right now,” said Gliner, who noted a 20 percent rise in attendance this season from the last. “They’ll be looking for things to do locally.

“If we can continue to work hard on our end and keep the sponsors coming back, we can stay affordable.”

Overall, it appears that teams are doing their best to keep ticket prices from increasing. Hopefully, increased attendance and creative sponsorship deals can allow them to offer fans an affordable entertainment option.

Monday, June 02, 2008

Please Don't Stare At The Disabled Olympians


As if Olympics organizers didn't have enough problems with the Tibetan protests and air pollution and such. It appears that someone didn't thoroughly proofread the volunteer guide to make sure that it didn't contain anything offensive. Instead, it left the printer with some colorful remarks regarding disabled athletes and spectators. Things like:

A section dedicated to the disabled said that "paralympic athletes and disabled spectators are a special group. They have unique personalities and ways of thinking."

And:
To handle the "Optically Disabled," the guide said: "Often the optically disabled are introverted. They have deep and implicit feelings and seldom show strong emotions. ... Remember, when you communicate with optically disabled people, try not to use the world 'blind' when you meet for the first time."

And:
On the "Physically Disabled," the guide said: "Physically disabled people are often mentally healthy. They show no differences in sensation, reaction, memorization and thinking mechanisms from other people, but they might have unusual personalities because of disfigurement and disability.

"For example, some physically disabled are isolated, unsocial and introspective; they usually do not volunteer to contact people. They can be stubborn and controlling; they may be sensitive and struggle with trust issues. Sometimes they are overly protective of themselves, especially when they are called 'crippled' or 'paralyzed.'"

And of course, wonderful advice about how not to joke with the disabled athletes:
The guide said volunteers should "not fuss or show unusual curiosity, and never stare at their disfigurement." It also advised volunteer to steer away from words like "cripple or lame, even if you are just joking."

Ah, the Olympics in Beijing. Who knew they would be so screwed up, yet entertaining.

R.I.P. Bo Diddley

Accomplished musician Bo Diddley passed away today at the age of 79.

For a number of people my age their first experience with Bo Diddley came via a Nike commercial. It featured Diddley, Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretsky and a number of other athletes. Including, Jim "My name's not Chris" Everett telling us that Bo knows football! Even to this day, it's one of the coolest commercials that Nike has ever produced.



I can only imagine how many times the phrase "you don't know Diddley" was used throughout the '90's.