The Show Speak

Happy Birthday Chucky Brown!

2012-02-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to former Phoenix Suns player Chucky Brown.

Brown, who played for a record twelve NBA teams during a 13 year career, turns 44 years of age...or...11 years of age based on the intercalation of February 29th into the calendar.

Chucky Brown NBA statistics:

Season	Age	Tm	Lg	G	GS	PTS	PF
1989-90	21	CLE	NBA	75	35	545	148
1990-91	22	CLE	NBA	74	51	627	130
1991-92	23	TOT	NBA	42	2	150	48
1991-92	23	CLE	NBA	6	0	15	7
1991-92	23	LAL	NBA	36	2	135	41
1992-93	24	NJN	NBA	77	20	391	112
1993-94	25	DAL	NBA	1	0	3	2
1994-95	26	HOU	NBA	41	14	249	105
1995-96	27	HOU	NBA	82	82	705	163
1996-97	28	TOT	NBA	70	1	204	100
1996-97	28	PHO	NBA	10	0	34	14
1996-97	28	MIL	NBA	60	1	170	86
1997-98	29	ATL	NBA	77	8	387	100
1998-99	30	CHH	NBA	48	21	407	106
1999-00	31	TOT	NBA	63	29	334	114
1999-00	31	SAS	NBA	30	27	190	53
1999-00	31	CHH	NBA	33	2	144	61
2000-01	32	TOT	NBA	26	2	102	37
2000-01	32	GSW	NBA	6	0	24	10
2000-01	32	CLE	NBA	20	2	78	27
2001-02	33	SAC	NBA	18	0	21	12
Career			NBA	694	265	4125	1177

Have bags, will travel.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Special shout out to 1953 American League MVP Al Rosen who turns 88 years...or 22 today.

I have questions about marathons, swim meets, and Pete Weber

2012-02-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

Fake Grim Tweeper Kidding Around

And to think...Juan Pablo Montoya crashing into 200 gallons of jet fuel at the Daytona 500 only gets a paragraph in the weird week in sports news at The Show Speak. Primarily, because the image of JPM crashing into the back of a jet fueled super dryer distributing heat at temperatures over 1000 degrees has been televised approximately 624,321 times since it occurred 24 hours ago.

Thus, I have found three other bizarre, non jet fuel exploding finishes that make me want answers regarding marathons, swim meets, and professional bowlers.

Question #1 - Let me get this right...you can shit yourself, but you must have the proper bib while running a marathon? (Fort Worth Star Telegram)

Aside from the lack of suitable arrangements to defecate or urinate, running 42 kilometers is generally viewed as a healthy form of competition. However, how is it that you get disqualified for running without signing up properly for the race, but you can urinate or defecate on the go? I find this to be a public health issue and confusing in our modern society. (click Fort Worth Star Telegram above for story)

Question #2 - Why can't you shave the day of the swim meet? (Baltimore Sun)

Continuing with sensationalism of sanitation theme, I must ask -why it is ok for marathoners to do their business in stride, while swimmers must adhere to an obivously more strict set of rules? No shaving before, after or during the meet? I am going to address this with my local LA Fitness.

Under National Federation of State High School Associations rules for swimming, diving and water polo, "No team personnel/competitor shall perform any on-site shaving before, during or after the meet."

Why is this rule important you ask? Because a swim team in the Baltimore, MD area was stripped of their county title for not disclosing a pre meet shaving incident. (click the Baltimore Sun above for story)

Question #3 - Shouldn't you take your meds before big bowling tournaments? (Huffington Post)

If Kenny Powers ever migrates into the Professional Bowing Association, I have to imagine it will look a lot like this:

What the f*%# Pete Weber?

Who do you think you are? I am.

What?

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABalls

Albert Pujols is "El Hombre"

2012-02-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

Tempe, AZ - Albert Pujols is the man.

Despite the preference of Albert Pujols not to be marketed as "El Hombre" by the Anaheim Angels, he is without question the man at the center of the Anaheim Angels attempt to win their first World Series Championship in 10 years.

Pujols, who built a close relationship with Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinal icon Stan "The Man" Musial, is a three time NL MVP, two time World Series Champion, and a nine time All Star. He brings immediate relevancy to an Angels offense that averaged 4.12 runs per game, well below the AL average of 4.46 runs per game. The Anaheim offense needed a major overhaul...or someone to step into the middle of their lineup and be "The Man."

Albert Pujols at Tempe Diablo Stadium

"He changes the dynamic of a lineup, man," four time AL All Star Torii Hunter said. "Just him being in there is going to change everything."

With a starting pitching rotation that added CJ Wilson to an already top rotation of Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Dan Haren, the Angels are an offense away from regaining superiority in the American League West. The Angels starting staff's ERA of 3.59 was second best in the American League in 2011 - and they got better.

Speaking of better, the Angels are now better offensively because of the most dominant hitter of the last decade - El Hombre, El Numero Cinco.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
Twitter

Pearl Jam (Jimmy Fallon) sings "Jeremy (Lin)"

2012-02-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

On Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the host Fallon nailed another dead on rock star impersonation by singing a parody of Pearl Jam's "Jeremy" about the New York Knicks superstar guard Jeremy Lin.

Fallon knocked it out of the park with the lyrics and the Eddie Vedder approach.

"Came out of nowhere like an Asian Tebow"

"The Knicks were 8-15, oh, and before that no one really cared..."

"Just turned down a date with Kim Khardashian"

You can check out more of Jimmy Fallon's "Jeremy (Lin)" at NBC.com

(click here)

Bravo Eddie Fallon.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABalls

Dunk of the Year - High School Addition

2012-02-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

First it was Linsanity taking the NBA by storm.

Then, Derrick Pellum was introduced to The Show Speak hoops following after he threw an alley oop off the backboard to himself in a game earlier this week.

And now.....we have a Bear Down throw down from high school sensation Gabe York.

York, who is one of the nation's top rated high school basketball players according to Rivals.com, sent the home crowd into hysteria with this sick dunk:

Oh yes he did...

(Thanks to Ballislife.com via PointGuardU.com)

The good news - he will be an Arizona Wildcat in 2012-2013.

The bad news? Number 53 is going to need therapy after this goes viral.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Dunk of The Year

2012-02-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Forget Linsanity.

There is a new sheriff in town, and his name is Derrion Pellum.

You ask, who is Derrion Pellum? He is the MEAC conference leading scorer for the Hampton Pirates and owner of the best dunk during a game this year.

Pellum threw down an astounding two handed dunk after throwing an alley oop pass off the backboard.......to himself on Wednesday night during a game against Maryland Eastern Shore. Generally, this stunt is reserved for dunk contest and for the wanna be slam dunkers that have "too small of hands." However, Pellum utilized this show stopper jam in the flow of a game because he could.

Dunk:

Hampton defeated Maryland Eastern Shore 82-62 behind Pellum's 33 points and this dunk of the year.

Until next time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Gary Carter R.I.P

2012-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

The news of Gary Carter's passing today sent a flood of cold water through my veins. Carter passed away after battling brain tumors over the last few years. He was 57 years of age.

The 2003 MLB Hall of Fame inductee was wildly respected on and off the field and was an icon to those of us baseball fanatics of the late 1970s and 1980s.**

It was Gary Carter who started the two out rally for the New York Mets in the 10th inning of game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. The Mets went on to win that game on Bill Buckner's infamous error and completed the series comeback two nights later to become the 1986 World Series champions.

It was Gary Carter who was the centerpiece of Montreal Expos teams that won 95 games in 1979, 90 games in 1980, and lost 3-2 in the NLCS to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a strike shorted 1981 MLB season. He was the first Hall of Famer to go in as a Montreal Expo. Carter played for the Expos, the Mets, the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers and then the Expos again.

Montreal fans give Gary Carter a two minute ovation after his final MLB hit at Olympic stadium: (it will make your hair stand up on your arms...or head if you have any)

MLB -Gary Carter's Final Hit

Ironically, notice that it was former teammate Andre Dawson that he drove the ball over in right field?

To me, opening a pack of Topps baseball cards and getting a Gary Carter card was a good summer day. He was one of "those" guys as we were all growing up - playing a game with an exuberance and joy that could not be imitated.

He was real. He was passionate. He was "The Kid."

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@oldnbaballs

**Required reading: Big League Stew: Gary Carter talks Mets, Expos and signing by Dave Brown.

Jimmer Fredette "Jimmerisms" vs. Jeremy Lin's Linsanity

2012-02-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

What is a portmanteau you ask? It is a blend or the merging of two words of different meaning into one word. Motel is a portmanteau of motor + hotel.    Got it?

It is a portmanteau playoff - The Jimmer vs. Linsanity.

Jimmer Fredette Profile:  Brigham Young University, American studies major, point guard, 2011 NCAA men's basketball player of the year, 2011 Wooden award winner, currently plays for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Jimmermania took place between January 2011 and March 2011.

Jeremy Lin: Harvard University, Economics degree, All Ivy League 1st team, released by the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets in the NBA, currently plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Linsanity is currently ongoing on a global scale beginning February 6, 2012.

Portmanteau Playoff:

Jimmermania	Linsanity
You got Jimmered	Linsane in the membrane
Fredette about it	Super Lin-tendo
It's Jimmer time	Linning
Get Jimmered	Just Lin baby
Yes, Jimmer could make it from here.	Lin your face
Twitter follows Jimmer	Linstant attraction
What would Jimmer do?	Lin Dynasty
Unfrettedable	Lintastic

(courtesy @darrenrovell via twitter)

And the winner is.........

Who cares? This is a fun ride with Jeremy Lin, just as the Jimmer craze last year was must see, must root for television.

The sports world is fickle, so let's just sit back, relax, and hope that the @fakegrimtweeper steers clear of these two insta-stars and they just Lin, Lin, Lin.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABalls

Bonus - Steve Nash Tweets on Jimmer and Jeremy

Steve Nash: "Jimmer Fredette? Man, that name's straight outta Hoosiers. No wonder he never misses... (Twitter- Jan. 28, 2011)

Steve Nash: "It's crazy. I'm watching Linsanity and hoping every shot goes in. Hope I never grow up. (Twitter - Feb. 14, 2012)

You can check out more on Jimmer Fredette and Jimmerisms at www.gotjimmered.com and Jeremy Lin and the Linsanity at www.linsanity.com.

A point to remember

2012-02-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

This story was brought to my attention via my favorite investment advisor resource and very worthy of a repost. Please feel free to share this story about doing the next best thing with your friends, co workers and family.

Kudos to everyone involved in this story - CT

Gettysburg’s 83-69 men’s basketball victory over Washington College on Saturday didn’t end on a buzzer beater, but it sure was a one-point win for Bullets’ senior guard Cory Weissman.

Weissman, who suffered a life-threatening stroke while weight training during the off-season of his freshman year, had worked his way back to the team but hadn’t played a single minute until this game – on Senior Day. Gettysburg coach George Petrie started Weissman and then subbed for the player who still struggles to run because of the stroke that at one point left him paralyzed on one side of his body.
With under a minute to play and the game decided, Petrie reinserted his motivational senior. After a Washington basket with 19 seconds left, Shoremen coach Rob Nugent called a timeout. On the inbounds pass, some media accounts say that Weissman drew a foul, but what actually happened was that Nugent instructed his team to foul Weissman.

Because Gettysburg was in the double bonus, Weissman, who hadn’t scored a point in his career, had two chances to do so in his final game. He missed the first, but the fairy tale was completed with a swish on the second, much to the delight of the home crowd.

“There was not a dry eye in the place,” said Gettysburg Athletics Director David Wright.

Wright was so moved by the moment that he wrote the following letter to Washington President Mitchell Reiss and Athletics Director Bryan Matthews:

(continue reading at NCAA.org)
NCAA

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Jeremy Lin, Tiger Woods and sports fickleness

2012-02-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last Monday on February 6, 2012, the Lin Dynasty began simple enough with Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks starting against the Utah Jazz. Today, he is the NBA Eastern Conference player of the week, Ebay is littered with Jeremy Lin items (and scams) for sale, Magic Johnson has called him a cross between Steve Nash and John Stockton, and the Knicks have created an App (**Knicks from your Iphone or Android) for Linsanity.

I like it.

Last Monday, Tiger Woods was entering his first PGA tour event of the young golf season after being hired to play the Abu Dhabi HSBC Classic January 26-29, 2012. It was a pretty good start to the season for Woods, until Sunday. The weekend headlines included: Woods surges up leader board at Pebble Beach, Tiger Woods closes gap at Pebble Beach, and finally Phil Mickelson crushes Tiger and wins Pebble Beach. Now the whispers of Tiger will never win again are circulating around water coolers and banter radio.

Capricious, whimsical, and shallow.

Sports fans can be as impulsive as Kenny Powers.

There are people lining up to wait for the fall of the Lin Dynasty, just as people were ready for the fall of Tiger's golf course tyranny.

Pessimists will line up in dubious fashion waiting to say I told you so when the Lin dynasty becomes less Lin-sane. These same willy nilly naysayers also become giddy when Tiger starts yipping putts from four feet. That's cool - to each their own- but I don't roll that way. It takes a lot of courage and failure for great things to happen and when people rise meteorically to fame or fall from graces for lack of success - it is something to be respected. Just ask Phil - he has risen and fallen...and risen again, evidently.

It's sports, it's fun, and it's fickle.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

(A week from now, it will be something else such as critiquing Kenny Power's debut as he storms Myrtle Beach with his Season 3, episode 1 of HBO's Eastbound and Down.)

Kenny Powers:

Premieres February 19, 2012 on HBO

Jeremy Lin before he was a NBA phenomenon

2012-02-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

I have an inclination (Lin-clanation) that insanity (Linsanity) is about ready to go into hyper drive.

Jeremy Lin, the former Harvard point guard of Taiwanese descent, scored 38 points Friday night to lead the New York Knicks over Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.   Lin has scored 20 or more points in four straight Knick wins.   The Knicks were struggling at 8-15 just one week ago before Linsanity took over the starting point guard duties.

Impressive (dare I say Lin-pressive).

Jeremy Lin is an international superstar in 5 days. Yes, 5 days. His supersonic rise to fame has spawned the Taiwan Sports Lottery to form a task force to identify potential bets; a laundry tag on Ebay selling for $4800, pre ordering of Linsanity T-shirts at Madison Square Garden, and comparison's to Tebow. Yes, Tebow.

However, did you know that Jeremy Lin was a star before he became a star? He was featured in "Daily Life of a Basketballer" posted by Ryan Higga. The video has over 4 million views.

(The daily life of LeBryant Jordanicus Walton featuring Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks)

Finally, one last thought ---

Who would have thought that J.R. Smith would be starring for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China and Jeremy Lin would be starring for the New York Knicks?

That's all.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABalls

*Carmelo Anthony (injury -Monday)) and Amar'e Stoudamire (bereavement Monday).

Linsanity TShirt pre orders available at Madison Square Garden

2012-02-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Lin is an official sensation.

Magic Johnson stated Lin plays like "Steve Nash and John Stockton....this guy is for real." The ESPN crew called their halftime show "Jeremy Lin central."

Lin had 88,000 followers on Twitter to start the day if my memory serves me correctly - because I had to join in the Linsanity. He has over 92,000 followers now after an 18 point 5 assist first half against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hell, even "Lenscrafters" sponsored the first half play of the game. How long before it is renamed the "Lins-crafters" play of the half. Linsanity!

Fortunately, the Knicks are all over this future hall of famer's marketing moment:

(Courtesy @darrenrovell via Twitter)

Mike D'Antoni can thank Jeremy Lin for saving his job. One week ago, it was rumored that the Knicks coach may be on his way out of New York because of the team's 8-15 start.

Go ahead Mike D. - get yourself a Linsanity T-shirt.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Coach Calipari turns 53, or is it 51 today?

2012-02-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

John Calipari was asked today about turning 53 today and he responded "two years were vacated, so I am really 51." (via @KYSports)

The University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari has had two Final Fours vacated in his career for NCAA rules infractions at UMASS and Memphis.

The 1996 Final Four appearance Calipari made while coaching Massachusetts was vacated when it was found that star Marcus Camby took money from an agent. Calipari had moved on to the NBA by the time the NCAA ruled.

Now, the NCAA will wipe out his 38-2 season with Memphis in 2007-08, when the Tigers bulldozed their way to the NCAA championship game behind star freshman Derrick Rose before losing to Kansas in overtime. That makes Calipari the only coach to have Final Four appearances vacated at two schools.

(USA Today)

Coach Calipari was never singled out as having direct knowledge of either major infraction.

Right or wrong, you have to love Coach Calipari's sense of humor.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABalls

Will Ferrell makes New Orleans Hornets fans laugh

2012-02-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

"He majored in Economics, minored in love," Omeka Okafurrrrrr

Being a New Orleans Hornets fan this season is not funny. The team has lost seven straight games after a 90-67 defeat to the Bulls, dropping there season record to 4-22.

Fortunately, Will Ferrell was on hand Tuesday night in the Crescent City doing what Will Ferrell does - making people laugh and bringing some levity to an otherwise wasted NBA season in New Orleans.

Ferrell cracks on Joakim Noah's dancing skills, Carlos Boozer's living arrangements and the language of choice for Hornets Gustavo Ayon. Funny, very funny.

(Courtesy NBA and You Tube)

Everybody panic! Oh my God, there's a bear loose in the coliseum! There will be no refunds! Your refund will be escaping this deathtrap with your life! If you have a small child, use it as a shield! They love the tender meat! Cover your sodas! Dewie loves sugar! - Jackie Moon

This is the first time New Orleans hoops fans have had a chance to laugh since they were laughing at David Stern defening the block of a trade that would have sent All Star guard Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers. (Paul was subsequently dealt to the LA Clippers.)

Sorry New Orleans Hornet fans...but there isn't anything in the rulebook that says you can't cheer drunk.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABAlls

Stop golf club abuse

2012-02-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to come with grips that my bogey golf career may be over after surgery repaired a ruptured thoracic disc in my T5-T6 spinal area. After years of chopping through excruciating difficult rounds of golf across the US and Caribbean, it may be time to bid adieu to a game that frustrated me 90% of the time. *The other 10% consisted of participating in charity golf scrambles - hit drive 220 down the middle..pick ball up after your "A" teammate crushes their drive- snap hook your 2nd shot into a body of water - play your "B" players approach that landed 12 feet-hope that someone makes the putt before you have to give it a roll. No pressure-no score-and you are as good as your last shot, or your handpicked scramble team...my kind of golf!

It is time to focus on something much bigger than I - golf club abuse.

My golfing career started as a youngster in Central Illinois where I honed my golf skills in summers featuring oppressive heat and humidity that at some point would spawn thunderstorms that more often than not produced funnel clouds. The golf courses I learned the game on favored crew cut haircuts including tails extending to the mid back region, jean shirts, and Triumph t-shirts. Collared shirts and khakis were the exception not the rule at clubtrailer drive. My point being, I grew up in a non country club atmosphere in the middle of grasshopper infested corn fields where the signature hole looked just like the other 17 holes. Golf course etiquette was questionable at best. As I grew up and spread my wings, I was fortunate enough to play courses that were nestled in mountain regions and cut through coastal areas overlooking crystal blue oceans. Let's just say I have played in atmospheres ranging from too uptight to just barely right. In every instance there has always been one consistent - club abuse was unacceptable.

Evidently, times have changed.

Will golf courses add "Stop Golf Course Abuse" signs?

Recently, the story of a man impaled by a golf club in Texas by another golfer hit the news and talk radio circuit. According to various reporting agencies, it was over the slow play of a foursome in front of the victim's group that led to the crime and the golf club abuse.

MyFox-DFW reported that the fight broke out at about 3:30 p.m. and that Carpenter's assailant may have swung the club at his head before it broke.
During the 911 call, the other golfers said that Carpenter's groin was "leaking [blood] like a faucet" and that they had to pinch his femoral artery to stop it from bleeding while paramedics arrived.

The thought of being airlifted away from a golf course is absurd unless you:

A.) suffered a coronary episode due to a near hole in one....
or
B.) struck by lightning because you were too foolish to halt your round and find safety during a lightning show...
or
C.) wrecked your golf cart as you were traveling down a hill as you attempted to navigate a switchback at full speed.

The only acceptable answer is "A" - however, "B" and "C" all of sudden appear to be not so foolish. (read on)

Another atypical use of a golf club is to imitate an Italian mobster by beating a six pound Chihuahua to death while screaming "fore." (I added "screaming fore" for dramatic effect)

Daily News: (read full story)

Jaurequi was arrested Jan. 26 after witnesses reported seeing him strike the dog with a golf club, sending the animal into the air.
The animal belonged to a neighbor and had gotten loose.

Really?

Until these stories, I thought golf club abuse was making your putter mimic a helicopter blade after yipping a three foot putt on the 18th hole and blowing your friendly Nassau wager.

I was wrong. Apparently, it is a good time to get out of the casual golf game.

Please join me in the fight to stop golf club abuse.

Note: I have a set of Calloway Fusion irons for sale currently - background checks will be required if purchasing the above average bogey golf club set. Additionally, an oath indicating proper care and use of the clubs will be required upon successful negotiation.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

The New England Patriots will win the Super Bowl- OR NOT

2012-02-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Updated 10:39 pm:
I was wrong. I was wrong about the Patriots. I was wrong about the over/under. I was wrong about the "prop bets are for suckers." I was wrong about Brady winning on the revenge factor. Finally, I was wrong on the Manning Karma angle.

My cat did think the Puppy Bowl sucked.

Congrats to Nostra-Mick-damus who said Giants by 4 earlier today...before the game.

Spring Training weeks away...hold onto your excitement about my pre season picks that will be coming down the pipeline for the 2012 MLB season.

ct

I was going to hold off making my prediction public until after the game, however, that is how Congress works, so I am taking the high road on this one. and delivering the good just hours before kickoff.

Without further adieu, CT's Super Bowl prediction is....

The New England Patriots over the New York Football Giants 34-24.

You may question my philosophy and my magic 8 ball shake - however, you will be thanking me later today if you put your magic beans on the Patriots to cover the 3 points they are giving to the Giants in Vegas and the 53.5 over/under line.

Shaka watching the Waste Management Phoenix Open -Not interested in the Puppy Bowl

Other random reasons why you should heed my advice:

All Bark -There are no quality lines on the 2012 Puppy Bowl.
Prop bets are for suckers...and I will substantiate that today - blindly taking action on the other side of 25 Super Bowl prop bets of a soon to be nationally acclaimed gold bug author.
The Patriots defense is better than advertised. You will hear they were the 31st rated defense this year - and they were in yards given up per game. They also have won 10 straight games, faced over 600 pass attempts as teams play catch up to the potent New England offense, and allowed only 15 ppg to their two playoff opponents.
Revenge. I always like the revenge angle with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick involved.
Karma - the Manning circus in Indianapolis has taken away deserved focus on the Patriots and Giants. Sorry Eli, blame your big bro.

If that is not enough for you, consider that the Giants screwed me in a Monday Night Football game earlier this season as they were torched for 49 points against the New Orleans Saints.

Consider this revenge and karma on behalf of CT.

Enjoy the game-

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Aaron Rodgers quotes Bruce Lee

2012-02-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

Aaron Rodgers continues his critique of the NFC Pro Bowl effort by reaching into his Bruce Lee quote bag via twitter:

@AaronRodgers12

Just read this quote by Bruce Lee, "the less effort, the faster and more powerful you will be". Maybe I was wrong about the pro bowl?

Rodgers, last year's Super Bowl MVP, was critical of the NFC's lack of effort in a 59-41 Pro Bowl loss to the AFC in Honolulu last Sunday. Rodgers was quoted on ESPN radio as saying he felt like "some of the guys on the NFC side embarrassed themselves." (rant sports)

Fortunately, he has had a few days to reflect on his statement and has changed his tune regarding the NFC's Pro Bowl game plan.

I'm glad Bruce Lee and a moment of Zen could clear things up for Aaron.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Rodgers continues to score points this off season with me - 1st with his direct observation about what a joke the Pro Bowl is....and now quoting Bruce Lee. Now if he could just get in between the Manning and Irsay squabble....

Irsay: "Peyton Manning has not passed our physical"

2012-02-02T22:56:00.000-08:00

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted that QB Peyton Manning has not been cleared to play for the Indianapolis Colts, contradicting reports by ESPN Thursday that the former four time MVP was medically cleared to play.

@JimIrsay:

"Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts. Team statement coming on Friday."

23 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

The drama continues.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABalls

Who is the half time show for the Super Bowl?

2012-02-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

Madonna.

This is a borrowed idea from What Time Is The Super Bowl experiment posted by the Huffington Post.

Deadspin:
It existed for the sole purpose of garnering internet search traffic from the thousands of people Googling "what time does the superbowl start?" It was perfectly planned, right down to the intentional use of "Superbowl" as one word—just what the random person would search for, but not the actual name of the Super Bowl.

Welcome to my sinister, dumb, ruthlessly brilliant copycat like post.

Let the Google Analytic stats pile up.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

*Madonna will not be attending this year's Waste Management Phoenix Open- where the weather is perfect and the cougars wish they were like her.

(I committed to mentioning the Open in every post this week)

Bubba Watson Showing Off The General Lee

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

PGA tour pro Bubba Watson arrived Wednesday for the Waste Management Phoenix Open Silver Pro-Am in his recently purchased "Dukes of Hazard" General Lee. Watson purchased the General Lee just a few weeks ago at the Barrett Jackson* automobile show in Scottsdale, AZ for $110,000.

(courtesy You Tube)

Follow the link provided to see Watson arrive at the TPC of Scottsdale in his "dream car."

(Click Here) (courtesy azcentral.com)

It is good to be Bubba ....YEE-HAW!

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@OldNBABAlls

*Referenced Barrett Jackson via Devil Ball Golf courtesy Jaybusbee.

2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open Raises Money For Special Olympics

2012-01-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is known for it's rock star event crowds at the 16th hole, caddie races, and the after party at the Bird's Nest. At an event where there isn't a bad dollar spent, some of the most important dollars goes to the charities supported by the host Thunderbirds and Waste Management Phoenix Open charities.

Y.E. Yang prepares to hit his drive at the 18th hole Tuesday during a practice round.

On Tuesday, 10 Special Olympic athletes joined 10 celebrity and 10 local business leaders at the TPC of Scottsdale putting green to raise an announced $55,000 during the CBS Outdoor Special Olympic Open.

Congratulations to the Special Olympians of Arizona that participated in this tremendous event and special acknowledgement to Thunderbird Charities as they continue their generous contributions to Special Olympics.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Super Bowl Trivia CT Style

2012-01-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl media day has concluded and it is time to get serious about Super Bowl XLVI. So stop what you doing because I'm about to ruin your day with some Cliff Clavin Super Bowl knowledge. You can thank me later as you rattle off these futile football facts Sunday at your Super Bowl party.

CT's Super Seven:

1.) Who is the New York Giants backup quarterback?

2.) Who is the Atlanta Falcon player that got arrested the night before Super Bowl XXXIII?

3.) Who is the place kicker with the most Super Bowl rings and how many does he own?

4.) What is the over/under time for Kelly Clarkson's performance of the National Anthem Sunday?

5.) How many touchdowns did Walter Payton score in Super Bowl XX?

6.) What PGA event coincides with this weeks Super Bowl?

7.) Where did NFL record setting TE Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots attend college?

Scroll down for answers to CT"s Super Seven and watch the You Tube interactive bonus question from 1972 AFC divisional playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders.

*Who was the Pittsburgh Steeler that Terry Bradshaw targeted on the play that is famously recalled as the Immaculate Reception?

If you answered John "Frenchy" Fuqua you have correctly answered the bonus question. "Frenchy" was destroyed by a Jack Tatum hit - deflecting the ball to an alert rookie by the name of Franco Harris who picked the ball off his shoelaces and rambled the remaining 40 plus yards for the score with just seconds remaining. Pittsburgh won the game over the Oakland Raiders 13-7.

Trivia Answers:

1.) David Carr - the former first ever pick for the expansion Houston Texans and first overall pick of the 2002 NFL draft is Eli Manning's backup in New York. Carr holds the record for most times sacked in a single season - 78. (2002).

2.) Eugene Robinson - On the day before Super Bowl XXXIII, Robinson was the recipient of the Bart Starr Award presented by Athletes in Action for his high moral character. Hours later he was arrested by a Miami undercover female officer impersonating a hooker. Robinson reportedly offered the self employed model $40 to speak into his mic (oral sex) at their own private karaoke party. The Falcons lost to the Denver Broncos 34-19 the next day.

3.) Adam Vinatieri - according to Adam Sandler, the kicker is lonely. Not Adam Vinatieri. The former Amsterdam Admiral of the World Football League has four Super Bowl rings. Vinatieri kicked the game winning field goals in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XVIII for the New England Patriots. He has three championships with the Patriots and a fourth kicking for the Indianapolis Colts. (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007)

Adam Sandler's Lonesome Kicker (courtesy mrief85 via You Tube)

4.) 1:34 - I am all over the under on this prop bet listed by the online gaming site Bovada. Clarkson has ripped through the National Anthem in 1:27 prior to a Cleveland Indians baseball game and in 1:33 at the NBA All Star festivities. Christina Aguilera's 2011 Super Bowl anthem performance was an improvised and lengthy 1:54.

5.) Zero - The greatest running back of all time did not have a touchdown in the 85 Bears shellacking of the New England Patriots. I am still bitter about this...nothing left to say.

YE Yang hits a drive on Hole 18 at the TPC in Scottsdale during his practice round. (photo courtesy of Craig Turley)

6.) Waste Management Phoenix Open - I will weave the Waste Management Phoenix Open into everything I write this week thanks to the powers that be graciously providing me with a media pass. They got my back, I got theirs. Furthermore, it is a great event that rocks the best fan hole on the PGA tour (16), cougars rocking high heels all over the golf course (tune in later this week for more on this) and perfect sunny blue skies sporting 75 degrees. Hell, I even ran into a couple of Giant fans from New Jersey spending Super Bowl week in Scottsdale instead of Indianapolis.

7.) University of Arizona - Gronkowski set an NFL record for TE with 18 touchdowns and 1327 receiving yards in 2011. Gronkowksi's touchdown output equaled the total touchdown tally of the St. Louis Rams this year. Bear Down.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open

2012-01-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played January 30 – February 5, 2012, at the TPC Scottsdale.

Aside from a week in 2009, Super Bowl week bores me. Ridiculous questions, over analysis, and incessant speculation over commercials consumes a majority of the United States as they grind through winter.

I avoid listening to radio row, do not watch television, and happen to live in a town where the forecast is dry and sunny with highs ranging from 72 to 80 degrees this week.

And this town happens to be the host of the PGA's biggest fan friendly event - the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

From the Grandstand at the 16th hole to the Coors Light Birds Nest - the Waste Management Phoenix Open has a little fun for everyone. If you like people watching and great golf, the TPC in Scottsdale is the place to be. (including Super Bowl host city Indianapolis)

Ricky Fowler Passes Out Green Puma Hats on 16th Hole: (GolfWRX.com)

Quick Guide to the 2012 Phoenix Open:

The field includes 17 of the top 30 from the 2011 FedEx Cup final standings.
Alice Cooper, George Lopez, Ken Whisenhunt, Ian Kennedy and others will play in Wednesday's Silver Pro-Am.
Will-I-Am and Goo Dolls are headlining the 2012 Coors Light Bird's Nest.
CBS Outdoor Special Olympics Open on Tuesday at 11:00 AM features 10 celebrities, 10 local business leaders, and 10 Special Olympic athletes.
Green Out II on Saturday Feb. 4 - everyone is encouraged to wear green.
People watching - all week. (the number of women parading around the TPC of Scottsdale in heels is utterly fascinating and worth the price of admission to watch them navigate the landscape)
The 16th Hole Grandstand - "There is nothing like it on tour"

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

The tournament host Thunderbirds have raised more than $75 million for charities, with more than $45 million generated since 2004. The 2012 edition will mark the 77th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships). Title sponsor Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America.

Eli Manning vs. Peyton Manning

2012-01-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

Ironic, as Super Bowl XLVI Indianapolis becomes the center of the universe this week, the only Manning not in the news is Cooper.

Eli has led the New York Football Giants to their 2nd Super Bowl in five years, and this one happens to be in Peyton's house, Lucas Oil Stadium.

Peyton Manning has been the best quarterback not named Brady over the last decade. The Colts have 141-67 record since 1998 with Peyton barking out offensive plays, while leading them to three Super Bowl appearances.  Peyton has one Super Bowl ring to show for his efforts.

He was the first pick by the Colts in 1998 and has been the starter since draft day 1998. (Until this year's next injury sidelined him for the entire season) Peyton was 3-13 his first year and then proceeded lead the Horseshoe to ten wins or more in eleven out of twelve seasons. Peyton has four NFL MVP's, 5X All Pro selection and a Super Bowl MVP for all his success. Peyton's career playoff record is 9-10.

Elisha Manning (Eli) has been a little more of an enigma since being drafted first overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2004. Eli (or Dad Archie) expressed no interest in signing with the San Diego Super Chargers and a trade with the New York Giants was orchestrated.    Eli started the 2004 season on the bench behind future Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner. After nine games in 2004, Tom Coughlin replaced Warner as the starting quarterback and handed the reins over to Elisha who guided the Giants to a 1-6 record down the stretch.

Eli led the Giants to a Super Bowl XLII victory over the New England Patriots in 2008. He has a 7-3 career playoff record including three game winning drives. Meanwhile, he has only led the Giants to ten plus win seasons four out of eight years.  Eli has matched Peyton's Super Bowl MVP, however, has not achieved All Pro status or been recognized as the league's MVP.

So, Eli or Peyton?

Head to Head Regular Season Career Numbers: (Pro Football Reference)

Career Reg. Season	Peyton Manning	Eli Manning
Attempts	4682	2291
Completions	7210	3921
Yards	54828	27579
TD's	399	185
Int	198	129
Record	141-67	69-50

I will save the head to head analysis of the regular season. Peyton wins in a landslide every year and every positive category.

(Archie, Peyton, Cooper, and Eli Manning - NY Daily News)

Career Post Season Numbers for the Manning Bros. (minus Cooper)

Career Post Season	Peyton Manning	Eli Manning
Completions	453	190
Attempts	718	316
Yards	5389	2220
TD's	29	15
Int	19	7
Record	9-10	7-3

These numbers tighten up significantly if you are comparing the two. Each category is a push until you get to wins and losses. In addition to Eli's superior win-loss percentage, he has three game winning playoff drives to Peyton's one.

Interesting dichotomy between Peyton and Eli.

Perhaps, Peyton received the quarterback talent gene, and Eli received the clutch gene?

Anyhow, if Eli pulls another Super Bowl win over arch Manning nemesis Tom Brady, you can rest assure the debate on which Manning on your team would you rather have heats up the airwaves.

I'll take Peyton...in Arizona....after Jim Irsay releases him via twitter.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Best Super Bowl Ads -Encore

2012-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine U2 performing a concert without playing Sunday Bloody Sunday?
(Watch: Sunday Bloody Sunday video and Bono's magnificient mullet)

Yeah, neither can I.

So, put your lighters down...The Show Speak is taking the stage and presents an encore of the best Super Bowl advertisements.

How can you have a best of Super Bowl advertisements without the 1979 Mean Joe Green "Hey Kid...." Coca Cola commercial?

Coca Cola - Mean Joe Green

Fun Facts about the 1979 Coke commercial featuring "Mean" Joe Green and that kid:

The commercial debuted on October 1, 1979, and is not technically a Super Bowl ad.
The 1980 Super Bowl XIV was won 31-19 by the Pittsburgh Steelers over the ~~St. Louis~~ LA Rams.
That kid...that kid was not played by Lee Evans. (The kid caught the shirt...sorry Baltimore fans)
That kid is Tommy (Tom) Okron. He is a co owner of a business in Westchester, NY and has four kids. (USA Today)

Baltimore Raven and San Francisco 49er fans, wipe your tears away, at least you didn't waste $2 million like ETrade did in 2000:

ETrade Monkey: Wasted $2M:

Wow, what was ETrade thinking?

At least they graduated from a monkey wasting there cash to a chatty 10 month old baby.

Anyhow, as Bob Ritchie (Kid Rock) penned in Only God Knows Why....

"Oh somehow I know there is more to life than this"

.....I'm guessing Kid Rock didn't have Ferris Bueller in mind when he penned this song; however, it is worth prefacing because of the rumored return of Ferris Bueller for Super Sunday 2012- at least for one day and one advertisement.

If anyone knows there is more to life than this, it is Ferris Bueller!

Teaser for Ferris Bueller 2.5.2012

#WhatWouldFerrisDo

I know what CT would do.....

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley
@OldNBABalls

Rolling Stone Magazine

News and Notes about this encore:

No Monkeys were hurt in this production.
I apologize to Lee Evans for Billy Cundiff's missed field goal.
Wipe your tears away reference is from U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday.
That Kid in the Mean Joe Green commercial is not Kid Rock or to be confused with Bob Ritchie.
Word on the street: Ferris is driving a Honda now, not the Ferrari he borrowed from Cameron's Dad.
Only God knows why I attempted to weave so many musical references into this article.

CT DROPS THE MIC AND WALKS OFF STAGE.

Additional Notes:
Waste Management Phoenix Open this week. I'll be out there M-W - so look me up. Don't forget that Saturday Feb. 4, 2012 is Green Out II at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.