4th_and_Long

Red's- Chapman Should Join Gymnastics Team

2012-07-16T07:25:00.003-07:00

I liked the celebratory roll...

Bengals training camp schedule

2012-07-16T07:14:00.002-07:00

Get your coolers and fan gear ready! But don't worry about the travel expenses because the Bengals Training Camp this year will be held at Paul Brown Stadium!

The Bengals recently released the camp schedule, opening up July 27th, and provided the details on ticketing, seating, and times. The practices will be split between the stadium and the adjacent practice field. For you anxious watchers, practice field tickets [FREE] will be made available at 10:00AM each day of the practice. The Early Bird Gets The Worm, Ladies and Gentlemen.

For the complete schedule and FAQ's visit the Bengals Training Camp Website

Hope to see you there!

B. Long

Phillips no All-Star show; La Russa Grudge, or something else?

2012-07-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

What is really behind Brandon Phillips not making the All-Star Game cut?

After the fans vote for this years' National League Roster and the players make their selections, the final 9 spots are up to National League skipper and former St. Louis Cardinal Manager, Tony La Russa.

Many believe that it isn't a coincidence that Reds 2B Brandon Phillips didn't make the cut Sunday to be chosen for his 3rd All-Star appearance. The theory- La Russa's rough history with the Reds, specifically Reds Manager Dusty Baker is what persuaded him to snub Phillips as well as favorited pitcher, Johnny Cueto.

The tension between the Reds and Cardinals boiled after 2010's violent brawl that ended Cardinal catcher Jason LaRue's season after a concussion inflicting kick by Cueto.

Baker and La Russa exchange comments to the media blaming one or being offended by the other on this conspiracy theory.

La Russa addressed Baker's decision to have Cueto in the line-up during the regular season games prior to the All-Star game and that that was a factor for him getting snubbed. La Russa didn't, however, comment on Phillips not making the cut.

With that being neither here nor there, Brandon Phillips still sits sideline while teammates Joey Votto, Aroldis Chapman, and Jay Bruce help represent the National League in this years' All-Star Game.

Although La Russa decided not to go with Brandon Phillips, it was not end all; he had other opportunities to land the spot and came up short. Phillips missed out on the popular fan vote, competing with 7 million votes for Golden Glove 1B Joey Votto. That's hard top. Despite the multiple SportsCenter Top 10 visits, Phillips fancy showmanship on defense didn't impress the viewers enough to gain votes.

Phillips is coming off of the disabled list after leaving the last game of the series vs the Brewers last Wednesday when he was diagnosed with a minor concussion. He returned for Saturdays game vs the Indians after scoring high on the SCAT2 concussion test. This might be a factor for La Russa's decision even though the All-Star game isn't for another 6 days.

After looking at Phillips' numbers up against All-Star selected 2B Dan Uggla, ATL, it's hard to believe a grudge wasn't what was standing between Brandon Phillips' spot on the 2012 roster. Close, but no cigar.

Best wishes to both the NL and AL come Sunday! It's sure to be entertaining, none the less.

B. Long (@Ms4thandLong)

Will falling asleep at Reds game

2012-06-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

My Twin Brother Makes it on ESPN1530 blog for Blacking out at a Reds Game. When "Day Drinking" goes wrong---->

This exclusive video landed its way on the Mo Egger Blog of Cincinnati's ESPN. This is what Mo had to say:

"-I find this Reds team to be pretty entertaining and enjoyable to watch, despite their warts. Apparently, not everyone is as drawn to them as I am."

Read more: http://www.espn1530.com/pages/mo.html?page=2#ixzz1z0nOQDky

(I'm not sure if Mo realizes he's had 1 too many beers.)

~Drink Responsibly~

@Ms4thandLong

Referees Blowing Calls, Losing Games. Can it be Fixed?

2012-06-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

The level of influence the "Human Component" of sports is becoming to have during games might lead to commissionors and owners being forced to make big changes across leagues.

Due to the fact that Major League Baseball does not use game time replays to overturn calls made by umpires, the MLB is argued to be the least progressive sport in this area, striving to hold tight to the leisure aspect of America's past time. Despite even the most obvious blown calls, the league has yet to incorporate 21st Century technology that could literally change the outcome of the biggest games played during the season and post-season.

If you're still on the fence about whether or not instant replay should be allowed in baseball even to at least hold umpires accountable, maybe you haven't seen the "Tim Welke's Call" made during the Rockies-Dodgers game in early May.Welke called Dodgers' baserunner Jerry Harriston Jr. out after Rockies infielder, Chris Nelson, throws his grounder to first. Clearly, the ball is thrown wide and the first baseman is pulled off the bag when the ball is caught.

Instances like this happen all around the major leagues in not only baseball but football and basketball as well and some would argue that these poor calls cost teams a win. The tic-for-tac fouls called during this Heat and Celtics series have trended across twitter during both games. In the most recent lost to the Heat Wednesday, the Celtics made it to the free-throw line 29 times to the 47 appearances by the Heat (Lebron shot 24.) Although this statistic could be argued that the Heat is a more aggressive team in the paint and earned those not-so-freebe points, the margin between FT's could be slimmed by at least one- a missed call.

Hit on Rajon Rondo by Dwayne Wade (Replay at 00:45)

The hit to Rajon Rondo's face by Wade that caused Rondo to hit the floor late in the fourth easily could have been the call to swing the momentum back to the Celtics. At this point, the game was tied and Rondo should have made it to the line for 2 shots or And-1. Instead, the play wasn't stopped and 2-points went the other way. A 4-point difference.

Is this the time where fans want to nix the human element of referees, and watch the replay, or let the game play out for that sporting experience everyone looks for? While some are hoping the referees swallow the whistle during close games seen in both the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Finals, others are screaming at their TV's for the ref to call the foul.

The National Football League believes they've found a solution, for their sport at least, the Challenge Flag. This is effective mostly because there is so much stop-and-go in football. After each play, coaches, officials, and fans are looking up to the jumbo screens double-checking the call, or no call. That little red flag is thrown, holding each referee accountable for their human instinct to call a penalty.

Should we look for ways to incorporate a system like the Challenge Flag into baseball and basketball? That is the ultimate question. Baseball is a much slower sport and could possibly stand a chance for this change but with the MLB's Old Fashioned ways of doing things, it is unlikely to see something so soon. I don't see it happening in basketball at all since it is so fast paced. The battle to try to keep the fouls called against teams fair will continue. Spectators should probably accept the fact that although professional referees are trained and have years of experience, mistakes will be made. It's all part of the game.

See you soon,

B. Long (@Ms4thandLong)

Letter to Goodell. From, Ocho Cinco

2012-05-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Dad,

I know it has been a rough week, so I wanted to reach out. Players dying, players suing and on top of that my peers are just going off on you in the media. It does not help that ESPN has all of a sudden become Medical TV with damn near every brain expert on the planet. This has got to be the worst week[s] ever. Since no one is showing any support, I figured I would be the first. You are in one big-ass catch 22 and quite frankly, I am not sure there is any solution. One thing I think can help is killing the NFL PR machine.

Y'all do a darn near perfect job at portraying this game as one played by heroes.

But let's be real dad. This is a nasty, dirty and violent game with consequences. Sign up or go get a regular job. Watch it or turn off the TV and go fishing with your kids. It is really that simple. I know there are probably legal and financial implications that prevent this blunt depiction, but am not sure if you have a choice. If you don't say it now, the mounting evidence being revealed publicly will say it for you very soon. In all, I love you and if anyone can lead us out of this mess, it will be you. Oh by the way, I have a deal for you. Am having a rebound year and plan to do a lot of celebrating in the end zone. Can my fine money go to supporting ex-players suffering?

Sincerely,
Chad

Big Bad Bengals, True "Hard Knocks"- The Harsh Reality

2012-05-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

With the Atlanta Falcons decline and new team vacancy for HBO's Hard Knocks, many fans have pushed for their team to be cast under the spotlight. This reality sports documentary series captures the raw culture of the NFL during the off-season and training days.

Given our less than squeaky clean run-in with the law, the Bengals on Hard Knocks would capture more than just the irony, but maybe shed some light of the hard work the team has done and adversity they've had to fight through. The Bengals franchise has been through a face lift since last featured on Hard Knocks in 2009 (which won a Sports Emmy for that series) and can be refreshing to see dedicated players rather than distraction and disappointing endings.

The truth of the matter is, the Bengals have had 25 recorded arrest since 2006 dealing with a pleathera of charges including: assault, marijuana trafficking, and DUI, just to name a few. The Bengals are ranked among the top in the NFL of arrest since 2000. Not the right kind of "hard knocks" you want to see on a professional football team and may be the reason the nation tuned in when the Bengals were the featured team just a few years ago.

Rey Maualuga, who was most recently cited in Feburary for misdemeanor assualt after alledgedly punching a bar employee in the face, talked with HBO about some different experiences he's had as a Bengal.

Also featured is former Bengals QB, Carson Palmer and camera shy Chad Johnson (now a wide-receiver with the New England Patriots.)

Ask a Player #3- Hard Knocks

The owner, Mike Brown, and head coach Marvin Lewis can use this as a tool to show the strides they are making to push those mistakes behind them and what new efforts they are making to ethically better as a team. They have brought in rookies with huge potential on (and off) the field, and are coming off a season who made it to the playoffs. The Bengals are a rising team and need something like this to set the bar higher for themselves and come to the realization that the NFL, and fans, expect more from the Bengals then just jail birds when off the field. Though it might be seen as entertaining, performance when they are on the turf is much more valuable to the city of Cincinnati.

I must leave you, though, with the fact that the Bengals did use their first draft pick (17th overall) for rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who was arrested for marijuana possession in January. Whether or not he will be a problem for the Bengals is unsure and we can only hope he can break through the Bengals Nation negative stereotypes.

Other possible candidates for the 2012 Hard Knocks series include not just one but both Harbaugh brothers. Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the 49er's and the Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh would make the series interesting if featured together. The Arizona Cardinals have also been rumored to be interested. The New York Jets finally ruled out of race to be next for Hard Knocks via Pro Football Talk.

B. Long ( @Ms4thandLong )

Kurt Warner & Amani Toomer Dispute on NFL Concussions

2012-05-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

The controversy between former NFL Quarterback Kurt Warner and former Giants receiver Amani Toomer, has escalated tremendously over this past weekend.

After initial comments Warner made regarding concussions in the NFL, himself and Toomer found themselves going back in forth on the issue. Kurt Warner made a statement on the Dan Patrick Show last week saying that it scares him of the thought of his boys playing football and he has considered the idea that the risk involving injuries is serious enough that he would prefer them not to play the sport.

Last Thursday, Toomer responded:

"I'd definitely have my son to play football," Toomer said. "That's what the Toomer family does. We all play football. But what this reminds me of is the guy at the basketball court, who once he gets done playing takes the ball and ruins the game for everybody else. I think Kurt Warner needs to keep his opinions to himself when it comes to this. Everything that he's gotten in his life has come from playing football. He works at the NFL Network right now. For him to try and trash the game, it seems to me that it's just a little disingenuous to me."

Of course Kurt Warner had plenty to say in return in what I believe wasn't recanting his previous statements, just clarifying:

"Yeah, I want my kids to play and I want them to be healthy and I'd love them to have a great long career whether that's collegiate, whether that's professional. I'd love all that. But as a parent I can't avoid the fact that it's a dangerous sport, and it's a violent sport.

A lot of Amani Toomer's concern was the fact that Warner said anything at all. He wants Warner to keep those negative ideas about the NFL to himself, as if Warner was blatantly telling parents not to allow their children to play. Now why would anyone want to keep furthering the knowledge of how to make a sport more safe behind closed doors? Warner has acknowledged the fact that he has a huge voice within the NFL community and suggest we enlighten ourselves on concussion health and treatment.

It should take a powerful sports icon to speak up and out about these concerns and not the death of an admired athlete like Junior Seau to get the attention of the NFL, doctors, fans, and parents.

Athletes like Toomer might be the reason why young men and women fight through pain and concussions to stay on the field when they should be thoroughly examined by a trained professional. Hiding and covering symptoms is not safe but strongly encouraged among these athletes. An open-door policy is what is needed between players, parents, and coaches to keep the sport safe and our future professional athletes safe.

Until next time Jersey Girls,

B. Long (@Ms4thandLong)

Top Anticipated 2012 MNF Games

2012-05-07T09:31:00.002-07:00

Week 1: Bengals vs. Ravens- Division Rivalries. The last match-up between the two ended in a 31-24 Baltimore win. The Red Rifle, Andy Dalton, lead an explosive comeback down 17 pts with 14minutes left in the game but couldn't quite close in the last 2-minutes. This is a great Monday night game to open the season with, aggressive and high-powered. I’m itching with anticipation.

Week 2: Broncos vs. Falcons- This will be Peyton Manning’s first MNF appearance after returning to the league after being out with a neck injury last year. Alone, Manning is probably THEE most anticipated player in the entire NFL especially with all the hype surrounding his free agency and then signing with the Denver Broncos. He is on the biggest stage with all eyes on him.

*Week 13: Giants vs. Redskins- Notice the asterisks. This MNF game now makes Top 5 because Redskins drafted RGIII. By week 13, Robert Griffin III should be well developed and smoothly assimilated into the NFL and able to execute the Redskins offense. No need to mention Eli Manning and the Super Bowl Champions, the New York Giants. Solid defense and offense with only a few positions to fill this upcoming draft.

Week 12: Eagles vs. Panthers- What to look for: Cam Newton vs. Michael Vick. If Michael Vick can make it to Week 12 still standing then this game could be quite interesting. Even bandaged up, Vick never lets the Top 10 SportsCenter highlights down. I call Vick my juke-stick athlete (for all my Playstation 3 gamers.) He knows how to win with explosive plays that keep you on the edge of your seat. Up-and-coming Cameron Newton has shown to do the same, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year last year and throwing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns. I hope to see a high scoring game.

Exciting Monday Night Football games all depend on how the season goes and who is battling for what. The NFL did a great job adjusting the schedules these last couple of years by keeping divisional games towards the end of the season, intentionally keeping the battle for playoff positions hot.

How healthy these teams are also can effect the more anticipated games. The Old Steelers play in week 10, who are known for lots of contact and big hits. This might be a slow motion game if the Chiefs offense haven’t taken off and Pittsburgh is slow getting up off the turf after each play.

B. Long (Ms4thandLong)

“The Tebow Effect” seen in Washington; Draft Woes

2012-05-07T09:18:00.001-07:00

Frankly, I'm not a huge fan of "Draft Grades" only because it is difficult to truthfully rate how well a draft went until we see the rookies perform on a professional level. We can, though, see how well teams filled needed positions and predict if there will be cohesion amongst these new players and veterans playing to keep their starting positions.

It's been a little over a week since the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and the rookie free agent signings have commenced! Since this past Thursday, analyst have evaluated and re-evaluated these new players entering the league and now we can take a look at the heavily praised moves by ownership as well as the mere strides of desperation done within this years draft.

We can argue the most surprising signings, but the Award for Worst Draft Pick goes to the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins had the 2nd overall pick, drafting Quarterback Robert Griffin III as predicted. What was surprising is that in the 4th round they choose to draft another quarterback, Kirk Cousins from Michigan State.

Cousins had a decent last year as a Spartan with 3,316 passing yards and a 145.1 passer rating. He's said to be light on his feet and capable of moving around in the pocket. Most importantly, Cousins is coming from a pro-style offense as opposed to a spread offense (like RGIII.) Kirk Cousins will definitely give Griffin a run for his money. The problem I have with this is that it is all unnecessary and unhealthy competition.

Signing two rookies, one who looked to had already obtained the starting position, creates tension between not only the two quarterbacks but between the quarterbacks and head coach. Does Head Coach Mike Shanahan not have faith in RGIII? And what about Rex Grossman, their previous QB? This could complicate the atmosphere in Washington as it has in the New York Jets territory, which has slowly become a circus act with both Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow on the Roster. (I call it the Tim Tebow Effect.)

As seen in Denver with Tebow as the back-up quarterback last year, Kyle Orton was boo'ed off the field by fans during any on-field hiccup. Fans made Tebow the starter by putting pressure on the head coach and Owner John Elway. This was unpleasant and could have been prevented if coaches were a little more strategic with roster moves.

My suggestion for Coach Shanahan: choose one QB to be your starter and develop him. He just might be spreading himself too thin with three quarterbacks on his roster of this caliber.

See you soon,

B. Long (@Ms4thandLong)

*Winning the NBA Playoffs (Injuries Noted)

2012-05-01T07:25:00.003-07:00

There has been question whether or not the winner of the Finals series should be starred with an asterisks due to the amount of injuries around the entire league during the Playoffs. Although this may be a stretch, noting the key injuries and thoroughly evaluating each should be done because of the large impact they can have on each teams competition level with each series. A handful of teams have found testing the depth of their bench while many all-stars find themselves filling the seats.

The most recent and disheartening injury came Saturday when Derrick Rose, with the Bulls, suffered a non-contact ACL tear with less than 2-minutes left in the game vs. Miami Heat.

Other key players also on this Inactive List due to injury include:

Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic

Jeremy Lin, G, New York Knicks

Iman Shumpert, G, New York Knicks

Baron Davis, G, New York Knicks

C.J Miles, G, Utah Jazz

Earl Watson, G, Utah Jazz

Ray Allen, G, Boston Celtics

Al Horford, C, Atlanta Hawks

Wilson Chandler, F, Denver Nuggets

Caron Butler, F, LA Clippers

Chauncy Billups, G, LA Clippers

With the compressed schedule, teams allotted less recovery time after a more less serious injury causing more strain later in the season. I definitely don’t think the shortened, jam-packed season due to the lockout is the end-all reason for the excess amount of injuries. This is only a fraction of why teams could be dealing with an increase of all-stars on the bench.

But be on the look-out to see how teams pull through in clutch times during these Playoffs. The 6th Man will have to step up now more than ever which could make an even more exciting post-season.

Take Care,

B. Long

NEW Brooklyn Nets LOGO

2012-04-30T11:14:00.002-07:00

How does the new logo measure up???

Not Sure What to Look For During The NBA Playoffs?...

2012-04-28T08:34:00.002-07:00

...Well....then you're like me. I admit it! I'm a Playoff-Watcher. I tend to only tune in during this time of the season (or other big, big series during the season.) I fell in love with Lin-sanity, but that was about it. I caught the Coach Kobe Fiasco and the Metta World Peace Elbow, and didn't miss a second of the Blake Griffin highlights every week. I also kept up with The Old Spurs and the Battle of the Bobcats throughout the year. I was an avid SportsCenter watcher that gave me what I needed to know.

But now that the NBA Playoffs have arrived, and yes it will be a very long couple of months, I have to get my p's and q's together. You Too?

Let's get started.

For Starters, know who is in the Playoffs:

Good Start!
O.K. A lot of Big Games! Lets begin from the top.

The 76er's won't go too far in the series against the Bulls. All you need to know, watch casually to watch for big plays in the paint from the Bulls.

Miami vs New York! Carmello Anthony has his team on his back right now with much of the team out with injuries (including Jeremy Lin.) But the trio down in Miami shall and will make this an interesting series. It's always good to see how this team performs under close circumstances. Watch for King James to show why he should be MVP. The Heat will make it far in the tourny, so become well versed with common tendencies.

Old Spurs over Utah Jazz, #ThatIsAll BUT, if I were to see an upset early, here is where I would plug it.

LA vs Denver- Kobe in, Artest ...I mean Metta World Peace out (for 6 more games.) If you haven't heard, watch here ---> Peace Delivers a Piece Still a good game, Lakers take it in 6.

This is a good start for the Playoffs without getting too overwhelmed.

See you soon,

B. Long

How much Trouble are the New Orleans Saints in?

2012-04-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Saints find themselves knees deep this off-season, but have faith they can pull through.

The delay associated with Dree Brees and signing of his Franchise Tag is the last of the Saints concern. The most important work comes after. Brees, easily the on-field coach, will be the one in charge as the season approaches. He will regulate OTA's (Organized Team Activities) and most likely have a huge influence in the back office with the coaches and management. When the season does arrive, he will do most of the play calling and help direct traffic on the sidelines. Securing his spot as the quarterback puts a hush on the uncertainties felt by New Orleans fans, who ultimately pay the bills.

Assuaging the concerns of the fans would become all that more attainable if the Saints got a handle on the coaching staff, or lack of. After the NFL's Commissioner Roger Goodell came down hard on New Orleans after the Bounty Scandal, the Saints were forced to replace personell in the Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and General Manager positions. As of right now, they have 2 interim coaches to fill the head coaching position, changing over after 6 games of the season.

This all sounds like a lot, and it is. The chemistry between the rest of the athletes and coaching staff begins and ends with the quarterback and head coach. the struggle to come up with an agreement on Brees' franchise tag sets an uneasy precedence and an unnecessary distraction during the off-season. Although Brees has worked with Joe Vitt, formally the assistant coach, the first 6 games will be rocky. Going up against Goliath opponents that include the Redskins, Panthers, Packers, and Chargers, the Saints will finish 2-3 in the first quarter of the season when Vitt will take over as Head Coach.

I haven't even mentioned the Gregg Williams live audio of bounty hits or Gary Loomis who is now under investigation after being accused of alledgedly eavesdropping on opposing teams throughout his term as the Defensive Coordinator. The Saints need to let HR and PR handle these stories and focus on their performance on the field.

There is a lot of time during this off season to overcome the adversity and fight to become Americas Team once again. As long as they can stay afloat during this 2012-2013 season, next year they will see themselves dominating the league again.

Racist tweets towards NHL Joey Ward after win in game 7

2012-04-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

After Joey Ward scores the game-winning shot Wednesday night against the Bruins, fans rush to the viral stage to voice they're raciest views. Bruin spectators drop N-bombs towards Joey Ward who is Canadian with parents from Barbados. Apparently a large number of fans aren't too fond of this talented hockey player who beat them in game 7.

It's a shame we still deal with such non-sense, especially within sports. All of the titles and accomplishments minorities have overcome in the world of athletics, there is no need to retreat back to such poor behavior after a loss.

On top of that, the boldness these fans have to post these comments via twitter with their profiles detailing who they are. I would be ashamed and embarrassed to have my family, friends, and co-workers know the type of hatred I have towards an entire culture of people. I guess they are oblivious to all of this.

Congratulations to Joey Ward and the Capitals on their win towards the NHL Stanley Cup. I hope to see him do well as he furthers in his career.

Mrs. Pilar Mug Shot- Colin County Jail

2012-04-23T21:41:00.001-07:00

"Hold On Playa"

2012-04-23T16:16:00.003-07:00

Former NFL Cornerback Deion "Prime Time" Sanders found himself in a sticky situation Monday afternoon. Twitpic'ing pictures and tweeting all about the affair, Mr. Sanders was alledgedly attacked by his wife Pilar Sanders and her friend, Dee Boswell.

Better than reality t.v, all 374,000+ followers got to witness his twitter tantrum against the two women.

@ DeionSanders "filling out police reports now! Thank God for this platform to issue the Truth."

Other tweets included: "Pray for me and my kids now! They just witnessed their mother and a friend jump me in my room. She's going to jail n I'm pressing charges!"

and...

"I'm sad my boys witnessed this mess but I warned the police department here that she was gone try n harm me and my boys. This is on my mama!"

His Daughter, Deiondra Sanders tweeted, "On my mama @pilarsanders and @deethickchick better chill. Put yo hands on my daddy again see & what it do !! real talk," just minutes after her dads tweets.

#HOP !!!!

Shot Fired Across ESPN's First Take Debate Table

2012-04-22T08:11:00.003-07:00

Hot Debate Table on ESPN’s First Take

If you have flipped passed ESPN’s First Take this past week, you may have caught a glimpse of the hot debates being discussed surrounding the relationship between the media and athletes. If not, here are a few clips of the hot topics:

Skip vs Jalen Rose

Skip vs Ryan Clark

Despite how the rough turf was first crossed, athletes are doing their best to stand their ground and defend their integrity against harsh media critiques like Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) and Stephen A. Smith (@StephenASmith). Jalen Rose (@JalenRose), a retired NBA player and former member of the “Fab Five” at the University of Michigan now is an analyses for ESPN. He sat in on one of the discussions, arguing that often time reporters are attacking the credibility of a person when name-calling is being done and he himself can take an innocent comment personally based on the tone of their voice.

So, is the integrity and credibility of the reporters and/or athletes being questioned? NEWS FLASH: that’s exactly what a discussion is, arguing opposing views on a particular platform. At a collegiate or professional level, when athletes commit to performing on such platforms they commit to being analyzed and picked apart by reporters. They choose to open their careers and lives to the public. This “whining” done by athletes when the Stephen A. Smiths of the world call them “scrubs” should just be ignored.

This position of vulnerability holds true with reporters as well. If you are a member of the journalism community, might it be publishing pieces or speaking openly on a debate show, you’re allowing yourself to be put in a vulnerable position where your opinion can be questioned. So, when Skip is being checked via twitter or across the table by an athlete, it’s all fair game. Reporters, and bloggers, are in a position to be critiqued just as they are critiquing athletes of any sport.

Are both parties being just a little too thin skinned?

My Take- Yes. What the athletes are asking for, analyst to pass along the box scores and leave the name-calling out of it, would take that much more life out of sports. If the debate shows ended and the controversy dissolved, entertainment in the sports world wouldn’t be any fun.

Fortunately for the fans, that just won’t happen. With the emergence of twitter, facebook, and high-speed internet, the rawest opinions are able to be uploaded as quickly as you can hit the “update” button. The term “freedom of speech” has a whole new meaning and it just so happens that Skip Bayless has exploited this viral stage. He, and all other professional analyst, part-time reporters, and back-room bloggers will continue to tag on their 5 cents on the lives of these celebrity athletes. The entertainment that is created on the back of these people is what is fueling the 21st century.

None-the-less, Skip was right: top performers in any arena should shame the personal attacks by out performing or out debating their opponent. Shrug off the rest and keep it moving.

Until next time Jersey Girls,

B. Long (@Ms4thandLong )

The Jungle....MY Sports-topia

2012-04-16T19:54:00.003-07:00

The tips of my fingers were blue by the time I walked the 4 blocks to the entrance of the stadium. The layer of hoodies and sweats under my jeans couldn’t stop the abuse my body was taking from the icy snow that fell in downtown Cincinnati. The little boy next to me, who also walked what seemed like treacherous terrain, had blood shot cheeks and a ruby red nose. His eyes were as big as mine as we entered Paul Brown Stadium. I adjusted my pig-tails from under my knit Bengals hat that my father gave me for the game. My first ever NFL game.

Speechless, I handed over Luke’s ticket to the usher as I fumbled through all 7 pockets to find mine. He showed us to our seats, 50-yard line, just rows behind Coach Marvin Lewis and the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals sideline. My stomach sunk as I tried my best to breath, literally breath taken by the enormous stadium and thousands of fans. The two of us climbed over people as we made our way to our seats, which were given to us because the owners of the season tickets had laundry to do on this frigged Sunday. Go figure. Just barely 14, Luke and I had our chest puffed out proud that we took on the challenge of attending the game by ourselves only obtaining the tickets hours ago as church was letting out.

I was just a little girl who loved football and sitting next to me, from opposite ends of what we called reality, was a boy who loved the same thing. The love of the game for myself, Luke and the fans that surrounded us is what created an unimaginable atmosphere where we all had a connection. We all cheered together. We all wanted a win. For every first down completed or defensive stop, we all felt like we knew each other. The love of the game brought the many different backgrounds, colors, and creeds together. That day, I created a love affair with football.

And that is MY sports-topia. Welcome to my world!

This is more than blogging to me. I am a sports enthusiast who is obsessed with all aspects of athletics. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio I am a die-heart Bengals and Redlegs fan. I love the Michael Jordans of the world and can’t get enough of the Cinderella Story. I mean, who doesn’t? I feed into the drama that the sports arena can offer, entertaining and never lackluster.

A Jersey Girl at her best!

Hope to see you soon,

THISSSSS!!!!!

2012-04-05T19:51:00.002-07:00

Caught Red-....well, you get the picture

Attack the Head; NFL Culture

2012-04-05T19:17:00.002-07:00

OK OK OK... now that its been almost 24 hours since the release of Gregg Williams audio brutally putting out bounties on the heads of 49er players (and almost 500,000 hits on YouTube) we can now take a step back and rightfully evaluate.

The language in the locker room is said to be the "typical" culture of the NFL (aside from the "ankles on top of the pile" and the "outside ACL tearing".) It is a violent sport and maybe as spectators we have lost sight of that. Roger Goodell is making his own efforts to address this issue...well...at least attempted to before it got to this point.

As pointed out before around the league, bounties or other similar incentives are used among other teams, not just the Saints. The Saints just HAPPENED to get caught and just HAPPENED to mislead investigators, oh and just HAPPENED to get caught continuing the bounties.

I look at it as this----> We all love our video games including the all-mighty Modern Warfare series. Kids (and grown men) sit countless hours indulging in the gruesome and disturbingly detailed war game filled with violence. This was all acceptable until the most recent footage of the war oversees was being shown on your 6 o'clock news while eating dinner and discussing your work load to your spouse. It was surreal. the sounds and sights of explosives and gun shots that filled the nights sky only became reality when a brave reporter step foot in the nations of Iraq and Iran to deliver the news on the War on Terror.

These sounds being heard around the NFL now weren't put into existence because of Sam Pamphilon. Because of Sam Pamphilon, they just became available to the public. Available to me. To you. To your 5-year old son with his personalized jersey of his favorite football player on the back. Ouch.

(My extra 2cents: High-five to Goodell for making this stance against inappropriate hits to the head that are followed by fines/suspensions. Please continue to keep the integrity of the game and protect and provide safety to our idolized players and future men entering the league.)

Muffet Shoulda' Stuffed It

2012-04-05T17:44:00.002-07:00

Notre Dame Head Coach Muffet McGraw makes a statement after their lost to undefeated Baylor Bears after National Championship game. The statement was referring to Baylors' 6-foot-8 junior Brittney Griner's post presence saying "she's one of a kind...She's like a guy playing with women," amongst other flattering comments.

Many fans and spectators believe Coach McGraw should have kept her mouth closed. That the statement was inappropriate and a better choice of words could have been used instead of referencing Griner as a male, considering her more masculine features. (Who many shy away from publicly acknowledging.)

I completely understand where Muffet was coming from though. As an athlete, a female athlete at that, I know what it is like to be disadvantaged and physiologically over-powered when competing against men. Until my young male counterparts hit puberty, I could easily out-score, out-catch, out-kick, and out-wrestle any of my opponents, male or female. Often times being mistaken for a little boy with raggedy clothes and uncombed hair.

Brittney Griner is just one of the few fortunate females who can still physically hang with the guys on the court and display talent that has taken her further than any tom-boy could ever imagine. Now, we can clearly see the advantages it has, blocking or altering 17% of the shots taken within the paint and finishing with 26 points and 13 rebounds v.s Notre Dame Monday night. Playing against Griner is like Men amongst Boys. (Excuse the cliche)

Maybe, Muffet was just referring to that...

"Kill the head and the body will die."

2012-04-05T10:18:00.002-07:00

Reaction to Saints DC Gregg Williams pre-game speech v.s 49ers on Janurary 13, 2012 that was recorded and released by Sam Pamphilon.

Gregg Williams Bounty Audio

During this audio you can hear how Williams is laying out a bounty on QB Alex Smith, repeatedly saying "Attack the head." Williams is also noted for rubbing his fingers together indicating cash while saying "the first one is on me."

Honestly, I didn't realize how real this bounty was until I heard the audio. My initial reaction to the audio: I immediately cupped both my hands to my mouth in disbelief! Then, questions where being asked: Did the NFL/Roger Goodell know about this footage before coming down on the Saints? What other hard hitting teams are on that list for putting out bounties? Is this the culture in every locker room?

And the safety of Sam Pamphilon? He will either be collecting money to keep quiet from other teams, reaching out for fame and glory, and/or has a bounty out on him to keep quiet. Either way, this is only the beginning.

Safe Bet for Minimum Coverage, RGIII's move past the Colts

2012-04-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

With unmatched parallel football intelligence, there must be a true motive behind not making a visit to Indianapolis to display his athleticism to the Colts staff up close and personal. Robert Griffin, III has remarkable agents and staff backing his decision to stay clear of the Colts this off-season as a mere overall 2nd pick favorite in this years upcoming draft. Why? Why not take the chances to trump Luck and start for Jim Irsays franchise as THEE franchise quarterback following the Great Payton Manning.

Arguably, the complexity of the Colts offense might scare the 2011 Hiseman Trophy recipient into the comfortable fetal position the Redskins offense might offer. Highly doubtful. RGIII's on and off the field intellect and full off-season to dissect anything an OC might throw at him would easily allow him to fill the cleats of his predasessers.

RGIII's athleticism has also been called into question, saying he can't assimilate into a pro-style set and/or spread offense and doesn't want to be exposed for not having the skills once predicted. 0_o. HELLO! Throwing 37 TD's, a total of 4,293 yards , and a 72.4 completion percentage proves you can. Being able to be flushed out of the pocket and completing passes off his back leg shows strength. And most importantly, he shows poise in the pocket under pressure standing his ground and making multiple reads.

Which brings me to Mr. Griffin's reasoning for not stepping into Lucas Oil Stadium. Those valuable pocket protectors that was once there during Mannings era have now thinned out. With (OG) Ryan Diem, (C) Jeff Saturday, and (OG) Mike Pollak gone, RGIII has zero security that the line will be efficient in time of the draft. Oh, but he should be reassured that 2nd year and only 12 starts under his belt, Anthony Castanzo will be there to protect his blind-side and Jeff Linkenbach as a gaurd, also going into his 2nd year in the league will be there to carry him into promise land. Again, Highly Doubtful.

Robert Griffin, III left the Baylor Bears that consisted of an Offensive Line that could be considered the best and most explosive in the Head Coach Art Briles' career. Robert Griffin, III is asking HIMSELF: " Why Settle?"

The liability of extending his chances to be signed by a team with a crippled offensive line is like playing with no insurance. That line IS his insurance for a long and successful career, but it has minimum coverage. He'd rather not bother.

Who ya Wit? Bernie Mac voice

2012-03-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

CREATE A PLAYER

NAME: BRITTANY LONG
AGE: 22
COLLEGIATE LEVEL: MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OH)
DRAFT CLASS: 2012
POSITION: SPORTS ENTHUSIAST,
JERSEY GIRL SPORT CONTRIBUTOR

ATTRIBUTE LEVEL:
Strength 0---------------------*-99
Creativity 0---------------------*-99
Controversy 0------------------*----99
Originality 0--------------------*--99
Statistical Knowledge: 0------------------*----99
Home Field Advantage: 0---------------------*-99

Against the Grain, Hail Mary Around the League