Rodriguez To Meeechigan

By now it's sort of old news. Rich Rodriguez, now the former head coach at West Virginia, has accepted the head coaching job at Michigan.

Just when it appeared that Michigan was having serious trouble luring anyone to Ann Arbor, reports started coming out that Rodriguez was a candidate. The most telltale sign of his interest came with one of those "Rodriguez mum on Michigan job rumors". Because when you don't say anything that's a sure sign of interest. Well, unless you're Dick Satan.

So now the Wolverines have a head coach, and an entirely new style of offense. Personally, I think that if RichRod(now that is a great nickname) can get another mobile quarterback in there, *cough*Terrelle Pryor*cough*, then he could acvieve success in the Big 10. Let's be honest, Ryan Mallett is not the right QB for the Rodriguez system, so it's going to take a while for him to get the personnel in place. The bigger problem that I foresee is with the Michigan defense. The Mountaineers have never been known for stellar defensive play, especially against the run. They allowed an average of 126yds rushing per game in '04, but improved on that in '05(99yds/gm) and '06(87yds/gm). However, they regressed a little in '07 when they averaged 107yds/gm rushing on defense. In the Big 10, Rodriguez is going to be facing four teams(MSU, OSU, Wisconsin, Illinois) that averaged 200 yards or more rushing per game in 2007. Good luck with that.

Michigan did need a "big name" hire, and Rodriguez gives them that. It's invigorated a fanbase that was probably feeling a bit discouraged after other coaches rebuffed their hiring attempts. Better yet, I'm sure it's put their opponents on notice. As of right now, it appears that Michigan has made a good hire, though I'm curious to see who comes in to run the defense because that might be the most important decision in the early going. Only time will tell if Rodriguez is a good partner for Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that the Wolverine faithful will be all that patient.

My Miami Dolphins Won!

I know some people get all pissy when you say "we", "us", "our" or "my" when referring to a sports team. They feel that since you don't play for the team that you're not really part of it. Well, guess what? When you suffer through a season like this one, and you stay onboard no matter how shitty it gets then you deserve to consider yourself as part of the team. At least the players get paid for what they do. Fans give 100% every game, and their only compensation comes in the form of wins. So today, the Miami Dolphins belong to everyone that has cheered them on, even when it looked like they might not win a game.

I remember thinking yesterday before the early games started that this could be the first win of the season. Sure, I had thought that quite a few times this year, but after seeing how bad the Ravens played against Indy I really felt it could happen. Then I checked the TV schedule, and saw that the game wasn't going to be on. Instead I got the Jaguars/Steelers game, which turned out to be good, but it wasn't my Dolphins. I couldn't even find it on Sopcast, and had to resort to listening to it on the radio. Straight old school style.

As time wound down, and Miami set up for the late, apparent game winning field goal I tried to not get too excited. I had been down this road before, and it hadn't turned out good all season. Wouldn't you know, after making it Jay Feely kicks the ball out of bounds on the ensuing kickoff. That gave the Ravens great field position, and they marched the ball right down the field. I thought for sure that they were going to score the winning touchdown, but the Dolphins defense held in there and forced them to kick the tying field goal. Miami took a knee after receiving the kickoff, and in to overtime we headed.

After the Ravens won the toss, it felt like most of the Dolphins' momentum was gone. The defense was obviously worn out, and the earlier shot at winning the game had come and gone. Baltimore drove down the field, then set up for the winning field goal. At this point I was glad that the radio announcers were discussing Stover's perfect overtime record. Normally, I'm yelling at the commentators to shut the hell up because they're jinxing my team, but not this time. And what do you know? Stover fucking missed it! I turned to my buddy, and yelled "he missed it, no fucking way!" Right then, I knew that Miami had a chance.

They started out with a run for a loss. Then followed that up with a Cleo Lemon rush for a few yards. Just like that, it was third and decently long. What happened next is something I will never forget. Remember, I was listening to it on the radio so I had to rely on the Miami announcers to let me know what was happening. They tell me that Lemon throws a little in pass, and that the receiver has it and is turning up field. They start counting down the yardage, "40, 45, 50, 45" and then the words I've been waiting for all year, "he might score, it looks like Camarillo is going to score, the Dolphins are going to win!" I couldn't believe it. A few seconds later the replay flashed up on the CBS postgame report, and my buddy and I got to see it unfold. At that point, we were still jumping around and high-fiving like Miami had won the Super Bowl. We calmed down just enough to see Camarillo roll into the end zone untouched, and then quickly resumed the celebration afterwards. A season of futility had been erased with that 64-yard touchdown strike, and even now a part of me can't believe it.

I told a few people that asked me what I wanted for Christmas that I would take a Miami win over New England on the 23rd. Well, that's still true, but Christmas came about a week early for this Miami fan. My Miami Dolphins won, and I couldn't be any happier.

Beckham Visits The Hood

Yes, America's soccer savior spent some time with Tha Doggfather himself, and this Sunday we all get to see it.

David makes a guest appearance on reality show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood, which airs in the US on Sunday 16th December at 10.30pm on E! Entertainment Television, teaching soccer skills to Snoop’s kids in a bid to help them adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, in return David asks Snoop to accompany him to a chicken and waffle house. Luckily for David, the soccer season is over!
Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood premiers in the UK on Sunday January 20th @ 10.30pm only on E! Entertainment Television (Sky: 152 / Virgin: 173) Don’t miss it!

Personally, I can't wait to see Becks and D-O-Double G do some soccer drills. Though, I have a feeling that at some point Snoop will end up getting frustrated, and he'll challenge Beckham to a game of "real football". In any case, it should be entertaining, and maybe we'll see Snoop get Beckham blazed.

It's 5 O'Clock Somehere- Mashup 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.

So this morning I did an Internet search for "Jukebox Hero Remix". As I was going through the results I came across the website of DJ John. He's got some really cool remixes in his "mashup" section, but my favorite by far was the "Victim of Da Funk" track. It's a great way to start off the weekend.




Happy Friday!

He's Putting The "Fan" In "Fanatic"

There are a number of different types of fans out there. Some are just casual fans. Others are fair-weather fans. Some would consider themselves diehards. And then there are those fans that the others can't even explain. Mark Griffiths could very well fall into that last category.

Griffiths is a Red Sox fan, and he obviously can't wait for Boston to head south in a few months for spring training. He's so excited that he got in line on Thursday at noon for tickets. That go on sale on Saturday.

Mark Griffiths of Naples read that the first person in line for last year's Boston Red Sox spring training tickets started camping out at 5 p.m. on the Thursday before tickets went on sale Saturday.

"I figured if I got here at noon (Thursday), I'd have them," said Griffiths, 39, the first to set up camp in front of City of Palms Park.

Griffiths sat in a lawn chair, set up a small table and stockpiled various snacks and plenty of smokes.

He also has an inflatable mattress and a lawn chair for his girlfriend, Maria Zavala of Naples.

"She'll bring me some good food," Griffiths said.

He's probably lucky that she's not bringing him his stuff after kicking him out. Though, in this crazy mixed up world she's probably sleeping with a Yankees fan while he's waiting in line.

Maybe Chuck Was Asking For Some Stiff Arm Pointers

It seems that anything and everything related to Chuck Norris has experienced a resurgence in recent years. From the "Chuck Norris Facts", to the commercials, to even political endorsements, if you're with Chuck, then you're just that much cooler.

I guess that puts Florida quarterback Tim Tebow towards the top of the list at this point in time. Not only did Tebow just win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, but he also received a fax from Mr. Norris.

One of the many reporters gathered around Tebow wanted to know what sort of celebrity encounters Tebow has had since he won the Heisman Saturday night.

The first “celebrity” Tebow thought of was Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who Tebow said left him a voicemail. (OK, Crist’s an FSU guy, so perhaps that is a big gesture).

Then Tebow, ever so casually, tells us that Chuck Norris sent his congratulations. Tebow said it with a totally straight face. So ss reporters start looking at each other, like “Is he for real?”

Chuck Norris? Walker Texas Ranger wanted to talk to Tim Tebow? Did he want to compare outlandish facts?

This was just too good to be true. But it was. Norris indeed sent Tebow a fax, assistant sports information director Zack Higbee confirmed.

Incredible! Major Scott McCoy took time out of his busy schedule of asskicking to send Tebow a fax.

I would be willing to bet that none of the other Heisman winners ever got a message from Chuck. Though, Vinny Testaverde might have very well gotten one from Sonny Crockett.

The Mitchell Report

The Mitchell Report was released today, and it provides a pretty good insight into steroid(HGH, etc.) use in Major League Baseball. I'm not going to go into it too much in this post because I'm still reading through it. If you want more expansive coverage, then head on over to Deadspin.

One thing I did want to address was the inclusion of Roger Clemens in the report. It appears that Clemens has utilized "steroids" quite frequently since at least 1998. How will this information affect his legacy?

Personally, I don't believe that it will affect it much.

This is based primarily on the fact that Clemens is a pitcher, and the belief that the public sees a pitcher using steroids differently than they see a hitter that uses steroids. And remember, that the court of public opinion is often the harshest of all.

I think that when the public hears about a pitcher using performance enhancers a majority of them justify it by tying the use to rehabilitation and not gaining a competitive advantage. I feel that many people hear about a pitcher like "The Rocket" using HGH, or injecting Winstrol, and they, in their own minds, see it as a way for him to keep his arm fresh. Not make it more powerful. They don't feel that Clemens is doing it to get a leg-up, but rather that he's trying to prolong his career.

On the other hand, when they hear about hitters like Giambi, Palmeiro, Sheffield or Bonds using a performance enhancer they instantly envision homeruns flying out of ballparks. They feel that the hitters are gaining a competitive advantage, and that they're tainting the game. They will vilify the hitters for the rest of their lives, while giving the pitchers a "free pass" of sorts. All because of their perception of how performancing enhancers relate to each position.

Fathead Lets Us All Know Who Sucks

I'm sure that most of you are familiar with "Fathead". You've probably seen their slightly annoying commercials. Though, the one with the bear spitting fire is mildly amusing.

While perusing their site the other day I happened across some of the ones that are on sale. Most are on sale because the player featured is playing for a different team now. Notice I said "most", but not "all". No, some of the players are still playing for team pictured in their Fathead.

And who are they?

Why, it's Chad "Noodle Arm" Pennington and Rex "Sex Cannon" Grossman of course!

Now, both of them could be playing for new teams next season, and that's probably why they're on sale. However, they're both still on the roster of their respective team. Though, it is nice that Fathead is providing this "players who suck" service free of charge.

Yes, You Heard Correctly, Petrino To Arkansas

It was announced last night that Bobby Petrino, now the former Atlanta Falcons' head coach after just 13 games, is leaving to take the vacant head coaching spot at Arkansas. Some are probably happy, and some are probably mad. Pat Forde says that he's worse than Nick Satan, and cautions Arkansas fans against getting too excited about anything long-term.

Back in August, I touched on the fact that the Falcons team he was preparing to coach was much different than the one that was there when he signed on. Jokingly, I wondered aloud if he would try to get his old job at Louisville back before the season even started. Looks like I was a little wrong on the timeframe, and in the wrong conference, but other than that I wasn't too far off.

Petrino has a history of making these types of moves, as Forde covers in his column, so it's not too surprising to see this. A little suspect? Yes. But certainly not surprising. Though, with the ongoing Vick debacle looming over the team, I'm sure that some feel that Petrino should get a "free pass" of sorts. Personally, since I'm not a Falcons or Razorbacks fan I can't say that I care too much one way or the other. The SEC gets another solid college coach which makes the conference stronger(for at least a few games), but outside of that Petrino's move out of Atlanta doesn't really bother me. All the parties involved knew what his tendencies were before he was hired, and no matter what he said there always had to be a belief, no matter how small, that he could bolt at any time.

Todd Sauerbrun Is At It Again

Todd Sauerbrun, the juicing punter who refused to kick away from Devin Hester and paid the price, is back in the news. This time it's for assaulting a cab driver.

Denver police said Sauerbrun was cited for simple assault early Saturday after an altercation with a cab driver.

Surprisingly, I have a transcript here of how the whole thing went down. What follows may or may not be true.

Sauerbrun: Hey buddy, I just wanted to let you know up front that I won't be paying for this cab ride.

Cabbie: Yeah, ok. Where ya headed?

Sauerbrun: Seriously, I'm not going to pay.

Cabbie: Whatever. Look do you need me to drive you somewhere or not asshole?

Sauerbrun: Yes. I need to go to this address(hands cabbie slip of paper).

Cabbie: Ok. What does this say? Dr. Amesjay Ortshay? That's a weird name.

Sauerbrun: Yes, he's Middle Eastern. Now could you please step on it? I need to get something from him immediately.

They arrive at the destination, and Sauerbrun leaves for a few minutes. He soon returns with a small package.

Sauerbrun: Alright, let's get outta here. I've got some chicks waiting for me at home. It's #10 Dooshbagg Ct.

Cabbie: No problem.

The cabbie gets Sauerbrun home, and waits to be paid.

Sauerbrun: Sorry man. I told ya I wasn't going to pay upfront. And if you know me, then you know that I make good on those statements no matter what the consequences.

The cabbie hops out with a blackjack, and starts advancing towards Sauerbrun.

Cabbie: Listen, you punk motherfucker. I'm gonna get my money, or I'm going to kick your ass. It's your choice.

Sauerbrun grabs a rock, and hurls it wildly at the cabbie hitting his foot. He then turns and runs toward his front door.

Sauerbrun: Screw you cabbie!

Cabbie: What an idiot. I've got his name and address. Time to call my lawyer. I'm rich bitch!

As you can clearly see, Sauerbrun was up to his latest douchetastic tricks. It appears that the cabbie has a valid complaint, and he'll probably get paid. Maybe that will teach Sauerbrun not to make irresponsible decisions.