Off The Post Sports

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-05-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

JaMarcus Russell Cut from Raiders

2010-05-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Oakland Raiders released the first overall pick from the 2007 draft, JaMarcus Russell today. Not surprising really as many consider Russell to be well on his way to being the biggest bust of all time. Ryan Leaf is sitting in his way, but at only 24, Russell has plenty of more chances to screw up. It is pretty likely that another team will at least take a shot on him. When you can get a guy that was taken number one overall for nothing, it is worth the shot. However, we keep hearing reports talking about him weighing more than 300 lbs. If JaMarcus doesn't start shedding some pounds he is going to be playing for anyone.

Lawrence Taylor Charged with Rape

2010-05-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has been arrested and charged with the rape and solicitation of a 16-year-old girl. It is being reported that Taylor had sexual intercourse with the girl in a hotel room and before the girl arrived there she was struck by her pimp. Taylor is pleading not guilty and is released on bond. If found guilty he could be facing some serious jail time as well as the obvious label as a sex offender.

Wow. I don't know what is going on with athletes and their sexual indiscretions. Taylor has had a pretty troubled past in terms of drugs, alcohol, and the occasional tax evasion scam, but nothing like this. If this is true, and things aren't looking good for LT, than he could be behind bars for quite some time. Soliciting a prostitute is bad enough, but she is underage, a runaway, not consenting, and was beat by her pimp BEFORE he had sex with her. Yikes LT, yikes.

Shogun vs. Machida II This Saturday at UFC 113

2010-05-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

The biggest rematch in recent memory is taking place this Saturday. At UFC 104 these two light heavyweights went to war. It a back and forth battle of vicious muay thai striking and Lyoto's counter striking karate. Machida took, what many believe, was an extremely controversial decision over Shogun Rua. Fans felt that the judges had essentially screwed Shogun out of the title. Only Machida and his training partners felt that he had won the fight. Even Dana White seemed to have his own opinion on the fight...

I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen in this fight on Saturday. I have a feeling that both these guys are going to be coming out a lot more aggressive as neither of them wants a repeat of what happened last time. I expect one of them to finish this fight. I believe that Rua is the better aggressive fighter as being aggressive is out of Lyoto's style. However, Machida is an extremely dangerous fighter controversial decision or not. He is one of the best fighter's in the world and could really cement that if he can stop Rua on Saturday.

Jason Heyward is Legit

2010-05-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

6-4, 220 lbs. Jason Heyward is built like a power hitter. He was touted as the number one prospect in baseball. Like so many in the past he sat in the demanding throne of baseball's top prospect. They are usually overhyped and expectations are far too high for a young ball player. In a sport where hitters normally peak around age 27, it is hard to believe that we continually put such demanding expectations on these young hitters year after year rather than just accepting them for what they are.

It appears Heyward is a different breed. He is currently hitting a solid .272, with 7 HRs, and 23 RBIs. He has hit a few game winners for the Braves this season and had his highlight moment of launching a ball in his first career AB. This kid is a monster at the plate and can only get better from this point. The Braves have hit big with this kid and they need it. Their team isn't very impressive this year and they are still looking to recapture the glory they had in the 90s. This is the kind of hitter you can build your team around. The sky is the limit for 20 year old Jason Heyward.

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-05-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Marc Savard makes his return to the Boston Bruins and scores a game winning OT goal.

On Break

2010-04-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

I haven't been blogging very often of late due to my busy schedule at school. However, I only have two weeks remaining and will be making my return here for the summer.

See you then.

Big Ben Meets With Goodell

2010-04-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

The day after we find out the Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged in Georgia, he meets with NFL Commish Roger Goodell. Big Ben came away from the meeting calling it "productive".

No word of a suspension yet. However, there is growing feeling around the sports media world that he certainly deserves one. This is the second time an incident like this has happened. It is time to sit him down and remind him that he needs to cut back on the drinking and the assaulting. Last time I checked, it wasn't a three strikes for a 4-game suspension. Goodell hasn't hesitated to drop the hammer on other guys, it is time he does the same to Ben.

If This Doesn't Keep Chris Bosh in Toronto, Nothing Will

2010-04-13T16:30:00.001-07:00

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Mike Riberio of the Dallas Stars putting on a show in a shootout against the Ducks. I love the Datsyuk deke, but this is up there in that tier of dekes. Enjoy.

Eagles Still Shopping Michael Vick

2010-04-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News is reporting that the Eagles are still looking to move Michael Vick this offseason. Not really surprising considering Vick has a pretty large contract for a back up QB. It would also open the door for the Eagles to draft a young QB incase Kolb isn't the guy they think he is.

I would imagine there is some interest out there for Vick. Talent wise he showed he can still move well and with this being his second year back in football he will be sharper. There are some teams out there that aren't close to being contenders, but could use to sell tickets. These are the teams that should be taking a long look at Vick. He could be a great transition QB and certainly will put fans in the seats.

Jimmy Clausen Goes 57-59 at Pro Day

2010-04-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

It is being reported from Brian Hamilton's twitter that Jimmy Clausen went an impressive 57-59 at his Pro Day. Apparently the two misses were overthrows to a slow receiver. However, 57-59 is pretty impressive especially with many of the experts already saying that Clausen is the most ready to play in a NFL system.

Barring a surprise pick I still feel that Clausen will be the 2nd QB off the board. Sam Bradford is the most talented QB in this draft and it will take something big to knock him off that throne. Clausen has been taking a little for being considered "cocky" and called by some a "bad teammate". He has handled the criticism fairly well. He has become one of the biggest mysteries of the 1st round. It will be interesting to see who grabs him.

My guesses - Seahawks, Raiders, and Bills are candidates.

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-04-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

In honor of my posting of my Fedor article, here is an example of Fedor doing things that only he can do. Hong Man Choi may not be the greatest fighter in the world, but the size difference is incredible. And yet, Fedor is not phased.

Fedor Emelianenko: The Most Hated and Loved Man in MMA

2010-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Fedor Emelianenko is like the health care bill.

You have a side of devoted support and a side of blind hate...and both sides will exaggerate or lie a little to make their point.

Fedor is one of the most talked about fighters in the world of mixed martial arts, and rightfully so. He is known for his practically perfect record, his heavy hands, and his agile arm bars from the bottom.

It is hard to bring up Fedor's name without a raging debate over his career and his future plans taking place.

However, what I want to do is take a realistic, objective look at Fedor's career. So I ask you to set aside your current feelings for Fedor and do the same.

Lets take a look at some of the biggest Fedor debates and try to settle the issues.

Debate One - Undefeated Record

Many consider Fedor undefeated because of the controversial ending of his one loss. Emelianenko was competing in a tournament in Japan and was facing off against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. Very early in the fight Kohsaka threw what was deemed an illegal, but accidental, elbow that opened an old wound on Fedor.

The doctors were forced to stop the fight and Kohsaka was awarded the win and moved on in the tournament.

Due to the fact that it was a tournament and someone had to advance, the fight stood has a loss for Fedor. Many of Fedor's fans dismiss this loss and call him undefeated.

I agree that this loss is controversial, and if it had taken place elsewhere it may have been changed to a no contest. However, as I will approach this case the same way I have approached other controversial decisions, such as Machida vs. Rua, Couture vs. Vera, or even Arona vs. Fedor.

A win is a win and a loss is a loss.

This match and what happened has been clearly documented and is known my most MMA fans. Fedor still has yet to be stopped or finished by any opponent, which is almost as impressive as being undefeated. However, it does need to be recognized.

Debate 2 - Fedor Hasn't Fought Anyone Good

I've often heard this argument from those who are trying to diminish Fedor's accomplishment. This argument is very weak.

Fedor has defeated two of the top heavyweights of all time in Antonio Minotaruo Nogueria (twice) and Mirko Cro Cop. He beat both of them in their prime, a feat that very few, if any can claim.

Many scoff at Emelianenko's record because of what some have called "freak show" fights. These include Hong-Man Choi (7'2'', 320 lbs) and Zuluzinho (6'7'', 407 lbs).

I agree that both of those fighters are not elite by any means. They don't have much backing in their MMA records, and don't have much of a reputation from any other combat competition such as K-1.

However, both these men dwarf Fedor. Fedor (6'0'', 233 lbs) is by no means a large man. He is actually a fairly small heavyweight.

His ability to handle the incredible size difference is impressive. Many fighters his size may have struggled if taken down by one of these men. However, in the case of the Hong-Man Choi fight, Fedor won the match off his back.

Fedor also holds wins over Richardo Arona, Renato Sobral, Semmy Schilt, Heath Herring, Mark Coleman (twice), Kevin Randlemen, and Mark Hunt. A respectable list of former champions, K-1 strikers, and talented wrestlers. All of these men's size ranging from much bigger than Fedor to fairly smaller than Fedor.

The most recent criticism comes from his past three victories.

Tim Sylvia was dominated by Fedor and finished quickly. Some claimed that Sylvia was washed up, while others recognized Sylvia as a former UFC Champion.

Those who say Sylvia was washed up claim he was 1-2 in his last three fights before fighting Fedor. Well, those two losses were to Randy Couture and Minotauro Nogueira. Certainly respectable talent in my book.

Andre Arlovski was also deemed as "washed up" after his loss to Fedor. However, he was 15-5 in his career coming into the Fedor fight, and four of those five losses were against either former UFC Heavyweight champions or former UFC No. 1 contenders. He certainly hadn't been fighting any cans up until that point.

Finally, Brett Rogers. I have the easiest time understanding why people may not approve of Rogers as "top" competition. He came in 10-0 with his last victory being a win over Andre Arlovski. However, 10-0 is 10-0, and I don't think we will be able to fairly judge Rogers as a fighter until we see him fight more.

Overall, this is the debate that angers me the most. I understand not supporting a fighter, but diminishing a man's fighting record when there is no one else in MMA that has one comparable is a low move.

Debate Three - Fedor Needs to Fight More Top Competition/in the UFC

The dream of many mixed martial arts fans has been to see Fedor Emelianenko make his way to the UFC.

However, due to issues between his management and the UFC, this has yet to happen.

I am very torn on this issue. I believe that the UFC has done just about everything they could, besides agreeing to co-promotion with M-1 Global, to bring Fedor to the UFC.

I also don't blame Fedor for not being a fan of Dana White or his style of business.

In this matter, I believe, as fans, we just have to accept that this is part of the business side rather than the sport side. M-1 Global knows how much Fedor is worth, and if they are not getting the price they want they will sit pat with smaller promotions.

As a fan of Fedor, I want to see him fight in the UFC like everyone else. I want to see how he handles fighters like Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez, and, of course, Brock Lesnar.

I agree with those who don't support Fedor that there have been opportunities for him to face this top competition and for reasons that none of us really know, he has declined.

What I don't agree with are those who call Fedor "scared" or claim that he is "ducking" anyone. To claim that any fighter, regardless of record, is scared to fight someone is disrespectful and low.

Fedor, in the past, has offered to fight Randy Couture, Brock Lesnar, or any heavyweight from the UFC. It has also never been documented that Fedor himself declined a fight, or said he wouldn't fight someone.

Again, this is the business side of MMA getting involved. Dana White would never let one of his fighters go elsewhere to fight Fedor, even for just one fight. To Dana, thats a waste of profits.

The answer to this debate is very complicated. Yes, we all want to see Fedor Emelianenko fight top ranked fighters from the UFC. However, to question Fedor's manhood as a fighter or to make claims that have no backing is unnecessary and out of line.

Fedor Emelianenko is one of the most polarizing figures in MMA. He has the great ability to make fans cheer and jump to their feat. He has also seemed to develop the ability to make fan's blood boil.

I am a fan of Fedor. I support him as a fighter, and believe that he is the greatest heavyweight of all time, and the greatest fighter of all time.

Yet I agree with those who say he should fight better competition, and that the criticism of Fedor's recent actions is justified. He belongs in the UFC in the octagon.

I believe that mixed martial arts fans need to find the balance with Fedor. Blindly bashing anything Fedor does or his accomplishments is unnecessary. Disregarding any criticism and refusing to believe Fedor can do wrong is also unnecessary and foolish.

It is possible to look at Fedor objectively. It is possible to appreciate a man's accomplishments and yet criticize is recent career moves.

I've seen so much energy put into this never ending debate. It is time we refocus that energy on hoping that one of the greatest fighters of all time's story can be finished with a final chapter that it deserves.

Off The Post: Sport Moment of the Day

2010-04-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

Mark Buehrle made an insane play yesterday. If you haven't seen it you just need to look for yourself.

UFC Undisputed 2010 Video Updates

2010-04-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Lots of info has been pouring out on the upcoming UFC Undisputed 2010 that is set to be released May 25th. Here are a few videos with some new features...

You can check out this channel and the UFC website for more info.

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-04-05T15:13:00.001-07:00

As much as I dislike him and believe he is overrated in terms of MMA ability, Alistar Overeem is certainly a talented striker. Here is a video of him dominating with those vicious knees of his. He will be defending his Strikeforce championship against Brett Rogers this summer. Hopefully the winner will finally face Fedor.

Jason Campbell Learned of the McNabb Trade Through Reporter

2010-04-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

It is being reported that Jason Campbell first learned of the Redskins trade for Donovan McNabb through a reporter. Apparently the conversation went as follows (From John Keim of the Washington Examiner):

Me: Did you hear about what happened?

Jason: What?

Me: The Redskins traded for Donovan.

Jason: Really? Ummm... I didn't know that, man.

Me: I'm sorry I had to be the one who told you. I can't believe they didn't tell you.

Jason: No, that's the first I heard of it. ... I'd better go call my agent.

When I called back later, it went to voice mail. His mailbox was full.

While Campbell was no local legend or a veteran, he still deserves the respect of the Redskins organization. To let your former starting QB go unaware of a trade like this is a pretty classless move. Campbell has given all he has for a lousy team the past few years. Redskins were moving their way towards embarrassment, but that kid hung in their no matter the circumstances. He deserves better.

Hopefully for his sake the next trade he hears about involves him.

Baseball Begins

2010-04-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Baseball got off the great start last night with an exciting Red Sox win over the defending World Series Champion New York Yankees. It was a back and forth game, but the Sox took it led by Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. Jonathan Papelbon came in to get his first save of the season.

Lots of baseball action on ESPN and ESPN 2 today. Albert Pujols and David Wright already have their first home runs. Roy Halladay makes his debut in a Phillies uniform. Everyone is 0-0, besides the 1-0 Sox and 0-1 Yankees.

Enjoy everyone.

Donovan McNabb Traded to the Redskins

2010-04-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded QB Donovan McNabb to their division rival Washington Redskins. As of now there are no details on what the Eagles got or whether or not the Redskins will extend McNabb's contract.

I have to say I'm not sure about this one. The Eagles better be getting some excellent compensation if they are sending McNabb to the Skins. With the rumors of McNabb to the Raiders for Nnamdi Asomugha or to the Rams for the first pick of the 2nd round, this sounds like they may be getting less. We will have to wait for further details to make fair judgement.

UPDATE:

It is being reported now by Adam Schefter that the Redskins sent their 2nd round pick and a conditional 4th round pick in 2011 in exchange for McNabb. More accurate in terms of what the Eagles wanted for McNabb, but still a little odd they chose Washington.

Malone, Pippen, and Johnson Elected to NBA Hall of Fame

2010-04-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Johnson are the latest names to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. They along with former WNBA player Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Springfield High School coach Bob Hurley.

None of the inductees are surprises really. Pippen is known for being Michael Jordan's right hand man on their championship runs. Malone was a 14 time all-star and played with last year's inductee John Stockton. Dennis Johnson won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird.

We should be in for some good speeches from Malone and Pippen. I wouldn't expect any bitterness like MJ last year though.

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-04-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

In honor of the beginning of the baseball season tonight and the greatest rivalry in baseball and maybe all of sports, here is a classic Red Sox - Yankees moment. This goes down as maybe a top three baseball fight. We've all seen some crazy ones, but this certainly is one of the most famous and very deserving that it happened between the two biggest rivals in the sport. Enjoy.

Happy Easter From Off The Post Sports

2010-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone enjoy your Easter Sunday and the beginning of the 2010 baseball season.

Off The Post: Sports Moment of the Day

2010-04-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Brett Rogers, whether he earned it or not, is going to get the title shot against Strikeforce champion Alistar Overeem. Overeem is a very successful K-1 striker, but hasn't fought in MMA competition in the US for a couple years. Here is Rogers knocking out former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andre Arlovski. Personally, I'm hoping Rogers drops Overeem so we can see Fedor get a shot at the belt.

Kenyon Martin Freaks Out Over April Fools Prank

2010-04-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Apparently Kenyon Martin wasn't in a pranking mood. When ex-Nugget's ball boy Laquan Johnson filled Martin's Range Rover with buttered popcorn, lets just say that Kenyon wasn't exactly laughing.

"That ain't no [expletive] joke," Martin said. "I'm going to find out who did it ... put my [expletive] hands on one of y'all. I'm going to put my hands on whoever did it. You better believe that. It's [expletive] personal. You better believe it."

Yikes, not a big prankster are we Kenyon?

"How 'bout if I don't play in the playoffs until somebody tells me who did it,"

That is the mature way to handle it.

So Mr. Johnson ends up apologizing to Kenyon and paying for the damages caused to his car. The Nuggets organization calls it "a prank that went horribly wrong" and all is right with the world. However, if I'm the Nuggets Kenyon Martin is a guy I'd be looking to get off my team as soon as possible. When you are in the heat of a playoff run and a guy that makes millions threatens to not play be cause of a prank, that is not a guy you want on your team.

Kenyon is making a run at stealing Glen "Big Baby" Davis' nickname.