After reading about Vince Young’s recent outburst at a strip club in Dallas early Sunday morning im sitting in my room a bit baffled by it all. At first I thought about what I wouldve done in that particular situation, and realized that I may have acted similarly but theirs a big difference between me and Vince Young.  I wont belittle you and explain the differences between me and Mr. Young because I think they are rather self explanatory. Then I thought to myself, what would I have done if I were Vince Young, and had millions of dollars and got to play football for a few hours on a Sunday and get paid millions, and the two answers are very different.

According to the report on ESPN, young assaulted a man around 3:30 in the Am at a strip club. Now maybe im just a bit naive and give athletes to much credit, but as an NFL superstar what on earth are you doing at a strip club. I mean I realize you can blow money on girls at a strip club and not care, but whats the point? Lets not even mention guys like Pacman Jones or Ben Roethlisberger and what Young couldve learned from those two rejects, the fact of the matter is that your set for life and Id say that most girls would sleep with you for free. The solution then becomes, why dont we go to a club or a bar, ball it up and get laid for free? I suppose its tough for me to understand what really goes on with these guys because its not a position ill ever be put into but the solution to this ongoing problem seems pretty simple.

At the end of the day its hard to tell a young 20 something with a few million in the bank what to do, but for christs sake surround yourself with good people. At some point in your life you have to cut ties with those who are bringing you down and enabling you to make bad decisions. How much of a role model can you really be, when this is how you portray yourself? As for the players who say “I’m no ones role model” just remember that unless your a 3rd string long snapper, someone somewhere wears your jersey, and watches your clips on youtube, and ultimately look up to you. You might think that your affecting no one but yourself with your decisions but the fact of the matter is that you are out there for the world to see, and you need to make better choices.

Writing posts like this is always easier from the outside looking in, but I just know that if I had millions the last place I would go on a Sunday is a strip club.

How do you guys feel about these high profile athletes in the news? Guys like Arenas, Burress, Roethlisberger, Jones, and now Young?

The most recent development in the Lebron James free agent saga is the chatter about a possible new head coach in Tom Izzo joining the Cavs next season. I had planned on waiting to write about this issue until after July 1 had rolled around but I figure now might be a good time to share my opinion the topic of Lebron and his future in the NBA. You see I have been a Lebron James fan ever since I saw him play in high school against Carmelo Anthony on ESPN when James was a junior and melo a senior, so I have a soft side for the guy but I think he might be a bit of a liar.

You see Lebron has said all along that the decision he makes will be about winning championships in the NBA, but I think we all know that money talks and bullshit walks, right? Come July 1 2010 the Cleveland Cavaliers will be able to offer James a salary in excess of 120 million dollars, whereas the most any other team could offer James is right around the 100 million dollar mark. Now in my opinion theirs nothing more that you can do with 120 million as opposed to 100 million, but then again im not spending or making that kind of money so I can only assume. Would Lebron really be willing to walk away from an extra 30 million? The jury will be out for at least another month or so, but I think not and I will tell you why.

First off we all known that Lebron was born and raised in Ohio and thus his loyalty rests with the folks of that great state. Now unless he is a complete bullshitter he is sticking to his loyalty schpiel and I honestly have no reason not to believe him. Next, you look at whats happening behind the scenes in Cleveland and you really wonder how silent of a partner Lebron really is. I mean usually when the owner comes on camera and says “This player had nothing to do with this coaches firing” it usually filters through the BS meter as  “Our star though this guy sucked and now hes gone”. I would find it believe that Mr. Gilbert (Cavs Owner) is doing all this on his own and is not being given any friendly advice by Lebron. In all honesty I do not think Lebron has any true interest in leaving the team, and as long as it is molded around him and what he wants he will justify it in order to keep all of his money.

As for Tom Izzo and his possible transfer to the Cavs I think that would be as much a shame as Pete Carrol going to the Seahawks. Those are two coaches that are, or in Carrols case were staples at their institutions for many years. The prime recruiting tool for young talent, and mentors to young men many of whom are now playing at the next level. I think he should stay put, but then again its hard to snub 30 million over 5 years.

NO matter what we are talking about in sports, whether it be Lebron, the NCAA, Pete Carrol or anyone else in between it all comes down to one thing M-O-N-E-Y.

Although I do not consider myself much of an NBA fan (more of an NCAA buff) I am looking forward to the game five tonight at 8PM est on ABC. The game itself is rather intriguing both for the fact that it is a tie 2-2 series, but also because the Celtic’s Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace are in serious foul trouble. Both players have accumulated six technical fouls thus far and per NBA rule, if you accumulate 7 you are suspended for the following game. Although I would expect these guys to tighten up a bit for these next couple games, you have to acknowledge their track record and realize that loosing them would be a possibility for the celtics.

That being said, I have a funny feeling that who ever wins tonight’s game 5 will also go on to win the series, and considering the location Im going to give an edge to the Celtics. I realize that we are talking about two very good teams here, but the Celtics big 3 have not managed to put up a solid game together. Surely Pierce has had his game, Allen his, and Garnett his, but when these three come together and have a breakout game together, Im not sure the Lakers will have an answer. Also, considering the fact that Bynum is having some serious knee trouble which could limit his playing time and give the Lakers trouble late if Odom or Gasol get into foul trouble.

Its hard to deny the fact however that Kobe Bryant plays for the Lakers and although im a skeptic many would call him the best of all time. I for one will save my comments on the Bryant, Jordan and James argument until after I see where Lebron is heading this upcoming season, but I digress. When looking at the game tonight and Boston at -2.5 I think you have to go with them if for no other reason than to make the game exciting. If your feeling really confident in the Celtics winning tonight, I think you have to get them as an underdog to win the title before tonights tip.

It will be an exciting game and I look forward to discussing it with you all after it concludes.

As an avid football fan (and former high school player) I have to say that I am a bit disturbed by what is happening currently with the NCAA. For those of you who may have been living under a rock for some time now, the Pac 10 is on the verge of becoming the Pac 16, the big 10 has 12 teams, the big 12 has 10 teams, and their is chaos every where in between. Once the dust settles it will be easier to see what exactly happened, but in the mean time I can only speculate as to the problems that will arise after its all said and done.

Let me start by saying that I am all for teams moving around conferences under the right circumstances. To me the right circumstance in this situation would only be if the reason for the switch was to incorporate Boise State, TCU and Utah into big time conferences. Though it seems that those schools are going to be staying put through all of this, so in reality whats the point? I mean I could understand if Nebraska got paid to leave, to make room for Utah, or something along those lines, but that did not happen, they are moving for the sake of movement. Thats my first gripe and im sure many would agree that this does nothing to fix whats wrong with college football, and in some ways makes it worse.

Now assuming someone could explain to me why Boise, TCU, and Utah are not coming into bcs conferences what about the Texas schools? Texas and Texas Tech want to move to the pac 10, and Texas A&M wants to pitch their tent in the SEC? I mean do these conference names mean nothing? South Eastern Conference, if you can show me on a map that Texas is considered a south east state then I suppose we can talk, but barring any major shake up in world geography I think im right. Whats next, the University of Southern California is going to travel to the Big East? Its absurd!

Now putting my capitalist hat on for a second, I understand at the core why this is happening, and anyone who understands money should as well. Texas A&M can bring in a lot more money if its playing its games against opponents people actually care about. Aggies vs. the Gators is going to draw a lot more fans than Aggies vs. Wildcats. Considering that its just a capitalist ploy for more profits, it still makes me sick that a guy (or girl) student athlete can lose a year of eligibility if someone wants to buy them a free happy meal. A&M will make more money off its athletes than ever before, and most of them will still struggle for four years trying to feed themselves after the dining halls close.

There is certainly a lot to be debated here, so lets get those comments rolling and see whats what.

As someone who had not watched a full stanley cup playoff series before this year, I can honestly say that hockey has become one of my favorite sports to watch. Im not sure what the draw is specifically, but I will say that the fast paced action that it delivers is unlike anything you see in other sports. As someone who considers them self a Buffalo Sabres fan I had no real bone to pick with either team in the championship, and just wanted to watch some solid hockey, and both teams delivered. I will say that after watching the HBO documentary, “Broad Street Bullies” not to long ago, a small part of me wanted to see the Flyers hoist the cup, although its hard to root against Team USA stand out, Patrick Kane for the Hawks.

As the game started in Philly, my buddy and I quickly realized that the tape of Kate Smith singing God Bless America was not being played over the loud speakers. This came as a bit of a shock to both of us, as I had assumed that before every big/must win game the song would be sang, so theres something for you conspiracy theorists to chew on for a bit.  In any event, I wont blame the loss on a song, though it is a bit odd.

Once the pre game festivities were over with, the opening face off took place, and although the scoreboard tells a bit of a different story, I think you really felt as if the Hawks were simply destined to win this game. Im not a huge statistic guy, but when you look at some of the numbers from this game, its hard to believe how close of a game it truly was, and I think you have to give a lot of credit to Michael Leighton for how he performed in many of these situations. For starters the shots on goal wasn’t even close, Chicago 41 and Philly 24, Philly gave away 16 pucks as opposed to the Hawks 13, and the Hawks would take away 12 pucks as opposed to Philly only taking 9.  Philly would end up with the slight edge in face offs (32-30) and hits (27-19) but in the end it would not be enough.

Philadelphia’s story book playoff run could only be called Cinderella if they had managed to win, but for whatever reason they could not seem to muster up the puck play to do so. I do not feel bad for Philly or its fans and I suppose I owe that to the fact that they went ahead and Booed the Hawks and the man presenting Lord Stanley’s cup to them. If your going to win do it with class, and if your going to lose do it with class. Though I dont think the term class will ever be associated with the Flyers, Phillies, or Eagles so I guess we will let them go on their marry way.

As for the Hawks its been 49 long years for their hockey team, and in a place where championships are few and far between I think you need to be happy for them. I suppose now fans will assume that the cubs have a shot sometime in the near future, but theirs nothing wrong with dreaming right?

In the end I am proud to call myself a newly minted hockey fan and look forward to watching many more Stanley cup series in the future, especially ones where the Sabres are included!

If you look at the cumulative stat sheet for the Boston Celtics throughout the 2010 NBA playoffs it is apparent they play team basketball.  Every series leading up to the classic rivalry the Celtics utilized every essential player to secure victories against the star studded lineups of the Heat, Cavaliers,  and Magic.  Be it Tony Allen attacking the paint, Nate Robinson’s’ enthusiasm from the bench, or the sweet jump shot of Ray Allen’s, that has tortured opposing defenders for years.

In the first three games of the Finals foul trouble has broken up player rhythms and has disallowed Kevin Garnett (Game 1 and 2) and Ray Allen (Game 3) to establish any type of flow.  After game 3 Doc Rivers aired his frustration towards the tight officiating saying, “Every game so far, we’ve had one of our top players in foul trouble.”  When one of the big three are forced to sit, the team basketball the Celtics pride themselves is irrelevant.  The ability for each person on the court to establish a flow is critical for the success for any team.  Unfortunately the Celtics have seen one of their key players in early foul trouble in each of the first three games of the Finals.

The only consistency through three games is they are constantly in foul trouble.  Even in the their loan win they needed one of the best Finals performances ever by Ray Allen to escape from L.A. with a tied series.  For the Celtics to have a chance in game four or the rest of the series they need Garnett, Pierce, and Allen to average around 38 to 45 minutes a game throughout the rest of the series.  For that to happen they need to out work L.A. and put themselves in better positions defensively to avoid ticky tacky foul calls.  If in the next two games the Celtics big three develop a rhythm with in the first five minutes and add in the stellar play of Rondo, we could see the Celtics from the Magic series finally show up.  However that doesn’t mean a guaranteed series victory for the Celtics, because personally I feel if the Laker’s play their best game and the Celtics play their best game, the Laker’s will repeat as champions.  We know there will not be a perfect game and both teams are going to have to fight adversity.

The players still need to play well, even if the officiating is perfect Paul Pierce can not have another game 2 performance.  I have skeptasism if he can just play basketball and keep Ron Artest out of his head.  If there was a time to play smart basketball I think it would be a good time for the Celtics to practice what they preach.  Ultimatley the Celtics biggs need to play the way they did the previous series, being more physical making it tough for the more skilled biggs of the Lakers to establish a sense of comfortability during the game.  Game four is going to be very compelling and I will make sure I am able to give my thoughts on the changes and adjustments of both the Lakers and Celtics for the rest of the series.

]]> http://www.fotisports.com/2010/06/celtics-need-consistency/feed/ 1 http://www.fotisports.com/2010/06/stephen-strasburg-is-a-freak/ http://www.fotisports.com/2010/06/stephen-strasburg-is-a-freak/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:51:37 +0000 PJ Foti http://www.fotisports.com/?p=160

Every so often in the world of sports we are graced with a talent that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and the Alexander Ovechkins of the world are a few names that pop into my mind. I think we should all get ready to add another name into the list of all time sports greats, with newly minted MLB pitcher, Stephen Strasburg. After being picked number 1 overall by the Nationals last year Strasburg started his career with the Syracuse Sky Chiefs, where he would post a 1.80 ERA and .80 WHIP in nine starts. During his time spent playing at the AAA level many commented that he already looked like the greatest pitcher in the game, and it was just a matter of time before we were all believers. After watching his first major league start on June 8th at a sold out Nationals home game against the Pirates I think its safe to say that everyone is now a believer. You could comment on the fact that he gave up two runs, or that he walked no one, or about how he struck out 14 batters! That is second most all time for a rookie starter, and I think he is well on his way to writing his name in every single record book that the MLB has to offer.

So how good is this guy really? Well I for one am not the guy in the batters box with the chore of having to hit off of him, so I guess I will never really know. In reality however the simple fact that both former and current pros (including those who faced him last night) essentially consider him the second coming is pretty damn impressive. Now in baseball I believe that one players impact is the smallest of any sport (basketball being the largest). Lebron will immediately make his new team better and im not sure whether or not you can say that about strasburg. However what you can be assured is that every time he takes the mound your team is in the greatest possible position to win, and many will drop their jaws when he looses, but rest assured that it will happen. That being said, when you look at the nationals from a franchise point of view, and the pick in Bryce Harper that they just made I think they are well on their way to becoming a solid baseball team. So long as they win some games and are in championship contention before strasburg’s contract is up im sure he will stay for the long haul and help them win games.

If I had a gun to my head and had to make a prediction as to how he will fare throughout the duration of his MLB years, I think your looking at a top five pitcher of all time at least, and it would not surprise me if he goes down as number one all time.

Tim Tebow has dominated college football both on and off the field like no other player in recent memory. Tebow was the recipient of the 2007 Heisman trophy, and collected two national championships during his tenure at the University of Florida. Those accomplishments are far greater than any award or championship I’ve ever dreamed of winning, but for some reason has yet to influence my opinion of Tim Tebow as a player. I consider Tebow one of the greatest leaders and human beings college football has ever seen, but as a player, I have never been sold on his talent.
Before you call me crazy or just another Tebow hater, give me a chance to elaborate. Tebow was good, but to consider him one of the greatest “players” of all time, I have a difficult time coping with that. To me Tebow’s success on the field was a direct correlation with the system he was in, surrounded by some of the best athletes in college football. His system at Florida, the players around him, and one halftime speech have given some Tebow fans a false indication of his talent. My thoughts were confirmed last week at the Senior Bowl as Tebow struggled with the simplicity of taking a hand off under center. It was also noted that many passes were wobbly, and that it was difficult for Tebow to through tight accurate passes. All three things he struggled with last week are key to a successful career in the NFL, at least at the quarterback position. Do I think Tebow will have a semi successful career in the NFL? Yes, but not quarterbacking any of the current 32 NFL franchises.
Tebow was great for the game, and had an extremely successful career in college football. That success however will not correlate to continued success at the next level. Great leader, great motivator, great teammate; no doubt about it! My argument has and always will be about Tim Tebow’s talent as a football player. Good player for sure, but the system at Florida along with his teammates have given Tebow supporters a false sense of greatness. For four years Tim Tebow has taken over the landscape of college football, being considered by many as the greatest player in college football history. I support what Tebow has done on and off the field during his career at Florida, but sympathize with the long journey he has ahead of him. He may shock all those who criticize his game including myself next season, however until he proves me wrong Tim Tebow will be nothing more than a “good” football player.

The monotony of the Tiger Woods saga over the last few months has grown increasingly frustrating with each passing day. Media personnel are still camping out outside of his Florida home, and most recently outside the rehabilitation center where he is receiving treatment for a supposed sex addiction. I have refused to read any articles pertaining to Tiger Woods for about two weeks now, but this morning I stumbled upon the comments made by Tom Watson, one of the most respected men in golf. “Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done. He must get his personal life in order. And when he comes back he has to show some humility to the public I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer], Byron Nelson, the Hogans”(Watson). Its not so much Watson’s comments that bother me, although I disagree, but it is however the media’s onslaught of questions regarding Tiger’s personal life to everyone but Tiger Woods.
I am outraged that I can still wake up each morning and find a new article pertaining to Tiger Woods personal life. The accident happened just a little over two months ago, how long before the daily updates perish? He was in an accident, he admitted to numerous transgressions, and is seeking help, what else do you want from the greatest golfer of all time? I’m not writing this to give my opinion on what Tiger should or shouldn’t have done, but simply to express my extreme displeasure with the media. Is it really necessary to ask every professional golfer their thoughts on Tiger Woods personal life? Tiger has the same right to privacy as you, me, or any other American citizen in this country. The PGA Tour is just as much to blame as the media. They continue to allow players to express their opinion on a very “personal” situation involving their greatest asset, Tiger Woods. I’m not saying the media shouldn’t be allowed to ask the question, but do we need EVERY golfer on the tours opinion 2 months after the incident. Someone needs to step in and say enough is enough.
The media has created such a negative image of Tiger Woods through the opinion of seemingly every sports figure in America that it will be virtually impossible for him to restore it. No matter how many tournaments Tiger will eventually win, or how many PGA records he shatters, he will always be remembered as the man who cheated on his wife in one of the biggest sex scandals of all time. Unfair? Absolutely! My biggest argument pertaining to the defamation of Tiger Woods as a human being and as a golfer is expressed in Mr. Watson’s comments yesterday. “I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer].” Why now? Where was the constant barrage of negativity towards Woods on and off the course before the accident? I understand these incidents have triggered a lot of the negativity, but it just seems like there all taking their shots while Tiger remains in seclusion.
I am truly sick of everyone weighing in on Tiger other than Tiger. How long will it take before we associate Tiger Woods with the game of golf, and not sex, escorts, and rehab? Tiger is an exceptional athlete and in my opinion the greatest golfer of all time. He has many years of dominance ahead of him, and I truly believe Tiger Woods will be stronger than ever when he makes his return to the game of golf. I send out a warning to Tigers colleagues on the Tour who have yet to give their opinion on his personal life. Choose your words carefully, although we may not be able to see Tiger, he can see you, he can hear you, and he will certainly remember your face when he makes his return to the game of golf.                                                                                                            

If you’re an optimist and had any thoughts or aspirations of putting away the winter jacket and maybe doing a little spring cleaning in the near future I say to you, “Not so fast my friend.” Punxsutawney Phil has done it again predicting six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow this morning in front of hundreds of frozen Pennsylvanians. If you’ve already started throwing everything within an arms length away, relax, take a deep breath, and follow along as I reflect on what the world of sports has to offer throughout the next six weeks.

WEEK – 1 – February 2nd – 7th
The granddaddy of all sporting events takes place February 7th, as Super Bowl XLIV kicks off between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. The game showcases two of the best offenses in footballs with some incredible individual players. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Reggie Wayne, and many more will take the field Sunday night in a battle for world supremacy.
WEEK – 2 – February 8th – 14th
Let’s refer to week two as variety week. February 11th-14th is NBA All-Star Weekend in the new Cowboy Stadium in Dallas. The weekend will feature a number of televised events to include a celebrity game, 3-point contest, and everyone’s favorite the Slam Dunk competition. All-Star weekend wraps up with on February 14th as the Western conference looks to make it two in a row over the East. My prediction, West 132 East 117. The other major sporting event is the arrival of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic games. Opening ceremonies will kick off the Olympics on Friday February 12th. Maybe its just me, but if you ever saw the movie “Cool Running’s” you’re a fan of the winter Olympics.
WEEK – 3 – February 15th – 21st
The 2010 Olympic Winter games continue all week long with coverage taking place on a variety of different channels including NBC. Please check your local listings for coverage in your area.
WEEK – 4 – February 22nd – 28th
The Olympic Games comes to a conclusion this week as each country counts their golds, silvers, and bronze to determine if their country was a success. Let’s hope the American’s can shake off some Winter X Games injuries and come away with a high medal count. Shifting gears from the world best, to some of the nation’s best, February 27th features two of college basketball elite as Villanova heads to the “Loud House” to take on Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange in a battle of top 5 ranked teams. Prediction Syracuse 82 Villanova 79. The inside game of the Orange is going to be to much for the undersized Wildcats to handle.
WEEK 5 – March 1st – 7th
One of the greatest rivalries in all of college athletics takes place during week five as North Carolina will head to Cameron Indoor Stadium to take on the Blue Devils. Both North Carolina and Duke have had their struggles this year, but you can bet when these two teams get together on March 6th, well see the best each has to offer. Prediction Duke 84 North Carolina 71. You think the young players from UNC turn the ball over way too much, just wait until March 6th.
WEEK 6 – March 8th – 14th
Does your team have what it takes to make it to the big dance? Conference tournaments kick off a week dominated by college basketball. Tune in to watch as teams battle for their conferences automatic bid. The week long college basketball palooza comes to a conclusion with the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, March 14th. Will your team make the field of 65, or will they have to battle at MSG for the NIT crown.

So if you find yourself depressed just thinking about six more weeks of winter, don’t be. The next six weeks in sports will showcase the world’s best athletes, a historic rivalry, and the biggest sporting event of the year. Selection Sunday, The Winter Olympics, and a Super Bowl all during a six week stretch? If you’re a sports fan in general and are still too busy pouting over six more weeks of winter to realize the enormity of events occurring during the next month and half, then its about time someone questioned your fanhood!.