The Sports Page

The Sports Page has a New Home!

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 01:01:00 -0600

You can now find us at.... http://thesportspage.blogsome.com

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Images from a Crazy Sweet 16

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 23:49:00 -0600

LSU Defeats Duke 62-54

UCLA-73 Gonzaga-71

Texas-74 West Virginia-71

Memphis-80 Bradley-64

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Coach 'K'ommercial, this is some funny stuff.

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:33:00 -0600

Everyone knows how Coach Krysjzejklafjdkaski (A.K.A. Coach K) was in the Chevy Car Commercial and the American Express Commercial, but has anyone seen how far Coach K has gone now? CHECK IT OUT...CLICK HERE!

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Terry Bradshaw is on Crack

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 08:51:00 -0600

I'm sure everyone remembers Terry Bradshaw leading those great Steelers teams in the 70's, but I doubt anyone ever imagined him walking around naked in a movie in 2006. Well, everyone's nightmare has come true.

Last night on Jay Leno Terry was on promoting his new movie, Failure to Launch. Which brings up an interesting point, why in the hell is Terry Bradshaw doing a movie? The guy doesn't need the money, and he can't even act. Anyways, Terry was constantly moving around and laughing hysterically. Every time Leno told a joke Terry would laugh uncontrollably, then ask where he got it from, and then try and give him a high-five. Terry also said, "Man I'm sweatin!" at least 68 times. He looked like a total goof.

This all leads me to believe that Terry is on the white powder. Why else would the legend quarterback walk around nude in a movie? Crack will do these kinds of things to you, so watch out kids!

This is pretty much just speculation. I would not encourage anyone to spread this rumor around.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

My Sweet 16 Predictions

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:09:00 -0600

Ahh sweet 16, doesn't everyone remember their 16th birthday? Well I don't, I've still got 5 months until mine. But anyways, I'm going to be breaking down the sweet 16 match-ups and give you my never-put-money-on-these predictions.

#1. Duke
#4. LSU
------------> I like LSU in this one. I think LSU matches up very well with the Dukies (as Glen Davis likes to call them). More than likely, J.J. Redick will be guarded by a very physical and athletic Garrett Temple. Temple will be on Redick like stink on poop. Also, the match-up down low is going to be a good one. Shelden Williams and Glen 'Big Baby' Davis is going to be a hoot to watch.

#2. UCLA
#3. Gonzaga
-------------> UCLA. Adam Morrison and Gonzaga's run will end here. UCLA is too talented for Gonzaga and I just don't think the Bulldogs will be able to hang with the Bruins for 40 minutes.

#1. UCONN
#5. Washington
-----------------> UCONN. Rudy Gay

#7. Wichita State
#11. George Mason
---------------------> This is a tough one. I really like both of these teams. George Mason has had a more impressive road to the sweet 16, but Wichita State did beat 2-seeded Tennessee. I'm going to go with George Mason.

#2. Texas
#6. W. Virginia
----------------> Texas. Texas will be able to shut down the Mountaineers 3-point attack.

#1. Memphis
#13. Bradley
--------------> Bradley. Memphis is a very good team, but I just don't see Bradley going down after already beating both Kansas and Pitt.

#1. Villanova
#4. Boston College
-------------------> Boston College. Villanova is too small to hang with the Golden Eagles. I had BC in the Final Four before the Tournament started so I'm going to stick with that pick.

#3. Florida
#7. Georgetown
----------------> Florida. I really like Georgetown. It seems like they've pulled it out for me when I've wanted them too. For instance, that Duke game back in January. Joakim Noah will be too much for the Hoyas down low.

Should be a great finish to what has been an outstanding tournament!

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Stanford Tree Ejected from Game

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 18:56:00 -0600

In last night's women's basketball game, the Stanford Cardinal's tree mascot was ejected for dancing on the floor. Yes, the Stanford Cardinal's mascot is a tree. Why not a cardinal you ask? I have no idea.

But back to the point. The 'tree' was ejected for dancing where he was not supposed to be. Why in the hell do you eject the mascot? I 'd understand if he ran across the middle of the court and stole the ball, but for dancing? I just don't get it.

This isn't the first time the 'tree' has been in trouble. It was recently ejected for a DUI, dancing under the influence. What the hell is the matter with the Stanford Tree? I can just imagine the FSU Seminole coming to the game drunk trying to ride that horse to mid-field in pre-game.

Hey 'tree' you've got to get your act together man. Maybe try laying off the crunk juice, and dancing on the court probably isn't the best idea.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

The Sports Page Gets a Face-lift!

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 16:49:00 -0600

How do you guys like the new look? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Candace Parker Dunks! Who gives a lick?

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 13:54:00 -0600

Tennessee Volunteer Candace Parker dunked the other day against Army in the NCAA Tournament. I don't know if ESPN just needed some time to kill on SportsCenter, but I must have saw this highlight at least 148 times. It's not that big of a deal. I mean, she's 6'4! Nate Robinson throwin' it down was impressive, because he's 5'7, but a 6'4 woman dunking just doesn't make my jaw drop. For one thing, she barely even dunked it. She pretty much laid it in and then grabbed the rim. If she were to have done a 360 two-hand throw down, I'd give her some praise, but what she did isn't even classified as 'dunking' in men's basketball. And if it was, Jason Kidd would be the greatest dunker to ever live.

They also brought up the question if this was going to bring in more fans. The answer is no. We see players dunking it every game in men's basketball, so what makes them think we care if the women start to do it? Even if they did, it would bring up the question if they were hookin' up with the baseball players swapping needles.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

They Don't Call it March Madness for Nothing

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 23:30:00 -0600

Well, there goes my NCAA Bracket. The Bradley Braves from the Missouri Valley Conference defeated my predicted National Champion Kansas Jayhawks tonight. What do I have to say about that? Pretty much nothing, it's actually pretty sad on Kansas' part. This is the second straight year in which Kansas lost in the first round, last year the Jayhawks lost to Bucknell. I would really love to know how many people's bracket around the world just went down the can, cause I know mine just did.

Upset City Saturday: #7 Wichita State over #2 Tennessee

Also, Northwestern State defeated Iowa at the buzzer, and George Mason beat Michigan State. They don't call it March Madness for nothing.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

The Moment You Have All Been Waiting For

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:50:00 -0600

It is time for my breakdown of the brackets! I know everyone has been patiently waiting for my picks. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY BRACKETS....

I really like Kansas. They are a big physical team who has only lost one game in the last two months. I really believe that they could win it all, it's going to be a difficult task, but I think they could do it. Besides, every other bracket I have seen has either, Duke, UConn, or Villanova winning it all, so why not be different? GO JAYHAWKS!

My sleeper: LSU Tigers
I really like Glen 'Big Baby' Davis and Tyrus Thomas. These are two big guys who could give Duke a lot of problems down low. Also add in shooters Darrel Mitchell and Tasmin Mitchell and LSU could make a big run.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Brees to Saints and Culpepper to Dolphins

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 16:26:00 -0600

The biggest free agents in the market signed today. Drew Brees shocked everyone (or at least me) by signing with the New Orleans 'Aints and Daunte Culpepper is unpacking the swim suit in Miami.

Brees signed a 6 year contract with the Saints, and Culpepper was traded to the Miami Dolphins in return for a 2-round draft pick.

Supposedly, Culpepper will be ready to play by September, which is great news for Dolphins fans. If Culpepper is ready to go at the begninning of the 2006 season, you can say bye-bye to the dominance of the New England Patriots in the AFC East. However, if the Dolphins are without Culpepper for the beginning of the 2006 season you can pretty much count them out for the playoffs.

After all of this, how does it affect the NFL Draft? Well, it looks as if the Saints are getting a 1 for 2 deal. The Saints now have the quarterback who can help them NOW, and they will also be able to improve their defense with DE Mario Williams in this year's draft. Also, Matt Leinart will be reunited with his buddy from USC, Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow (now with the Titans). This leaves the New York Jets (4th pick) with Vince Young. WOW, this is going to be a fun draft.

In other news: The Eagles have released WR Terrell Owens.
The Dallas Cowboys have released WR Keyshawn Johnson

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

NCAA Tournament Seedings

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 17:40:00 -0600

Here's the first look at the NCAA Tournament Seedings. I will post my predictions later on in the week.

Washington, D.C.

At Philadelphia
No. 1 Connecticut vs. No. 16 Albany
No. 8 Kentucky vs. No. 9 UAB

At San Diego
No. 5 Washington vs. No. 12 Utah State
No. 4 Illinois vs. No. 13 Air Force

At Dayton, Ohio
No. 3 North Carolina vs. No. 14 Murray State
No. 6 Michigan State vs. No. 11 George Mason

At Greensboro, N.C.
No. 7 Wichita State vs. No. 10 Seton Hall
No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Winthrop

Atlanta

At Greensboro, N.C.
No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Southern
No. 8 George Washington vs. No. 9 UNC-Wilmington

At Jacksonville, Fla.
No. 5 Syracuse vs. No. 12 Texas A&M
No. 4 LSU vs. No. 13 Iona

At Auburn Hills, Mich.
No. 3 Iowa vs. No. 14 Northwestern State
No. 6 West Virginia vs. No. 11 Southern Illinois

At Dallas
No. 7 California vs. No. 10 NC State
No. 2 Texas vs. No. 15 Penn

Minneapolis

At Philadelphia
No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 16 (Monmouth/Hampton)
No. 8 Arizona vs. No. 9 Wisconsin

At Salt Lake City
No. 5 Nevada vs. No. 12 Montana
No. 4 Boston College vs. No. 13 Pacific

At Jacksonville, Fla.
No. 3 Florida vs. No. 14 South Alabama
No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 11 Wisconsin-Milwaukee

At Dayton, Ohio
No. 7 Georgetown vs. No. 10 Northern Iowa
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Davidson

Oakland

At Dallas
No. 1 Memphis vs. No. 16 Oral Roberts
No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Bucknell

At Auburn Hills, Mich.
No. 5 Pittsburgh vs. No. 12 Kent State
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Bradley

At Salt Lake City
No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 14 Xavier
No. 6 Indiana vs. No. 11 San Diego State

At San Diego
No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 Alabama
No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 15 Belmont

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

NFL Free Agent Signings

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 12:11:00 -0600

Here is an up to date list of some Free Agent Signings...

Houston has signed former Miami quarterback Sage Rosenfels to a four-year deal worth $7 million, including a $2 million signing bonus.

Former Denver defensive end Trevor Pryce reached agreement with Baltimore on a five-year, $25 million deal.

Cleveland reached agreement with former Seattle wide receiver Joe Jurevicius on a four-year deal worth about $10 million.

Former Minnesota safety Corey Chavous reached agreement with St. Louis on a five-year deal.

Former Seattle safety Marquand Manuel reached an agreement with Green Bay on a five-year, $10 million deal that includes a $2 million signing bonus.

Denver has reached an agreement to re-sign defensive tackle Gerard Warren to a six-year contract.

Former New Orleans center LeCharles Bentley agreed to terms with Cleveland -- 6 years, $36 million, with a $12 million signing bonus. The deal makes him the highest-paid center in NFL history.

Former Washington tight end Robert Royal has reached an agreement with Buffalo on a five-year, $10 million deal that includes a $2.5 million signing bonus.

Washington and San Francisco are nearing a deal that would send a 2006 third-round pick and a 2007 fourth-round selection to the 49ers for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. Pending a physical, the deal should be completed before the end of the weekend.

Former Baltimore defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu reached an agreement with Carolina -- 5 years, $23 million, with $8 million of it guaranteed.

Dallas agreed to terms with ex-Detroit guard Kyle Kosier on a five-year, $15 million deal that includes a $5 million signing bonus.

Arizona agreed to terms with ex-Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy on a four-year, $8.1 million deal.

Carolina re-signed RB DeShaun Foster to a three-year deal worth about $14.5 million.

Tampa Bay re-signed FB Mike Alstott to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.

Minnesota re-signed WR Koren Robinson to a three-year, $12.7 million deal that, with options, really is a one-year, $3 million deal.

Green Bay re-signed DE Aaron Kampman.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Reality Slap!

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 23:44:00 -0600

I know this is old news to some, but it's too good to pass up. Since early January some very loyal LSU fans have been raising money to put a billboard up by USC's campus in Los Angeles. Why would they want to do this? To show that USC wasn't going for a threepeat this year like everyone believed.

Ahh I love it! I think it is time to show those pretty California boys what's up. I would love to see USC play in a conference like the SEC, and play teams such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, etc. week in and week out. If you were to put one of the SEC's mediocre teams in the Pac-10, such as South Carolina, they would go undefeated as well. The Pac-10 is a joke and everyone knows it.

Wooo... I feel better now...

CLICK HERE TO VISIT ONEPEAT.COM...

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

The Raiders Not Interested in Culpepper

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 11:38:00 -0600

Per ESPN Radio The Oakland Raiders have dropped out of the running for Daunte Culpepper after hearing that the Vikings were asking a 2-round pick in return.

In other news: Drew Brees is visiting with the New Orleans Saints today. Brees is scheduled to visit with the Dolphins tomorrow.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Quarterback Shuffle in the NFL

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 20:33:00 -0600

There has been a lot of quarterback news the past few days. Daunte Culpepper wants out of Minnesota, the Chargers don't seem too interested in signing Drew Brees, and the Raiders have officially released Kerry Collins.

As of right now, it is looking like Culpepper is headed to Oakland to be reunited with his buddy Randy Moss. What really scares me about this move is that Culpepper won't be ready to hit the field until mid-season of 2006. Taking Culpepper right now is a huge risk, but if he returns and plays like his old self, it will definitely be worth it.

The rumor is that the Miami Dolphins are the leading candidate for Drew Brees. This makes perfect sense. Miami Coach Nick Saban is known for getting what he wants, and he wants a quarterback who can lead his team to the playoffs.

There has also been some speculation that the New Orleans Saints are interested in Drew Brees. The Saints going after Brees makes no sense. For one, they haven't even cut Aaron Brooks yet, and two, they have been planning on drafting Leinart all along. I have got some news for you New Orleans, your team needs more than just a quarterback.

According to The Hater Nation, the Oakland Raiders have released QB Kerry Collins. It is also being reported that the Baltimore Ravens are interested in Collins, and with a starting quarterback like Kyle Boller, I'd be interested in him too.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Overrated? Yeah Right...

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Thu, 9 Mar 2006 16:27:00 -0600

Just yesterday, Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim lit up the Syracuse Newpapers and Syracuse Assistant Coaches about the statements saying that Gerry McNamara was "overrated".
"Without Gerry McNamara, we wouldn't have won 10 f****ing games this year," Boeheim said. LISTEN TO IT HERE...

Well, it looks like those papers and coaches were wrong. With 5 seconds to go in today's game versus Connecticut, McNamara hit his second game-changing three in a row to force overtime; in which Syracuse went on to win 86-84 over #1 UConn.

Hmmm... I bet they regret their comments now. I don't know about you guys, but I'm not sure I know anyone on the Syracuse team other than McNamara. So for them to be going to the Big Dance must mean that he's the reason for it. I'm not saying he's the next John Stockton, but this kid is pretty good. I will definitely be rooting him on, through not only the Big East Tourney, but the NCAA Tournament as well.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

UPSET ALERT: Canada defeats United States

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Wed, 8 Mar 2006 18:33:00 -0600

With Florida Marlins Pitcher Dontrelle Willis on the mound for the U.S. everyone expected a blow out, for Team USA. Canada jumped all over both Willis and Al Leiter, who came in after Willis hit the 65-pitch count. The United States did have a nice 6-run rally in the sixth which was topped off by Boston's Jason Varitek's two-out Grand Slam to cut the Canada lead to two runs. In the end, the U.S. fell to Canada 8-6.

This is totally unacceptable. The U.S. should not be losing to a subpar Canadian team, hell, they shouldn't lose period. Team USA better get their act together by Friday when future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens takes the mound versus South Africa, or they won't be advancing to the second round.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

USA wins 2-0 over Mexico

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Tue, 7 Mar 2006 18:02:00 -0600

The United States won their first game of the World Baseball Classic 2-0 over Mexico. Team USA combined great pitching with 2 long-balls from Chicago Cubs Derek Lee and Atlanta's Chipper Jones. Jake Peavy from the Padres was outstanding. Peavy gave up only 1 hit, and the sixth other U.S. relievers gave up only 3 hits. Mike Timlin was credited with the win, and Astros Pitcher Brad Lidge got the save.

The U.S. takes on Canada tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. CT. A win against Canada would lock up a 2-round berth against Japan and Korea beginning Sunday.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

World Baseball Classic: USA vs. Mexico

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Tue, 7 Mar 2006 12:34:00 -0600

First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. CT and will be Nationally Televised on ESPN2. Taking the mound for the United States is San Diego Padres Pitcher Jake Peavy. Rodrigo Lopez from the Orioles will get the start for Mexico.

I'm probably one of the few who support this World Baseball Classic. I think it's a great idea. Maybe wrong timing, but great idea. It's going to be an atmosphere very similar to March Madness. Fans of teams such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela are ecstatic about this event. I love the idea and am very excited about seeing how it turns out.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

BREAKING NEWS: Kirby Puckett has Passed Away

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Mon, 6 Mar 2006 19:16:00 -0600

It is being reported that former Minnesota Twins great Kirby Puckett (44 years old) has passed away in an Arizona hospital after suffering a stroke Sunday morning.

Puckett died at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. He had been in intensive care since having surgery at another hospital following his stroke Sunday morning.

Kirby, you were one hell of a player man. I'll always remember that '91 World Series against the Braves. In Game 6 you hit a game-winning home run to force a game 7, in which the Twins ended up winning. My all-time favorite quote was said by you, "I'll rest when I'm dead." Sadly, it is time to rest.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Gonzaga, are they for real?

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Mon, 6 Mar 2006 16:36:00 -0600

When you think of Gonzaga what comes to mind? Probably scoring leader Adam Morrison, but does a great team ever enter your head? I would hope not.

Gonzaga has only played five ranked teams this season. The last time Gonzaga actually played a quality opponent dates all the way back to December, in which they lost by 11 to then-ranked #3 Memphis. Just yesterday, Gonzaga went into Overtime with a tough San Diego team. Give me a break.

There is just no way Gonzaga goes far in the NCAA Tourney. If a team locks up on Morrison, which isn't an easy task, Gonzaga will lose early. However, you can't take away the fact that they are 26-3, but are they good enough to beat a UConn or a Duke? The answer is no. They just haven't been tested enough to be a top team in my opinion. If they were to have this record and be in a top conference like the Big East or the ACC then it would be impressive. But, beating teams such as San Francisco and Eastern Washington is definitely not a jaw dropper.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Shaun Alexander Signs With Seattle

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sun, 5 Mar 2006 22:11:00 -0600

It's been reported that 2006 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander has signed with the Seahawks, as I predicted. Alexander has signed an 8 year, $60-65 million contract.

This is definately a great move by the Seahawks. I just do not see how they could give away the guy who just took them to a Super Bowl. It is about time they treated Shaun the way he deserves.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Jets release Kevin Mawae

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sun, 5 Mar 2006 22:01:00 -0600

The New York Jets released my boy from the Bayou, Kevin Mawae, today. The move will actually only save the Jets $1 million in cap room. Kevin is a tremendous center, actually the best in the NFL. Although he is not as young as he used to be, Mawae is still a great player and will be on an NFL team next season.

Mawae, 35, recently completed his eighth season with the Jets and his 12^th in the NFL. Mawae joined the Jets in March of 1998 as an unrestricted free agent after his first four seasons with the Seahawks, and has played in 180 career regular season games, making 177 starts, and started all seven postseason games he has appeared in, all with the Jets. Mawae was a six-time Pro Bowl (1999-2004) while playing for the Jets.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com

Twins Kirby Puckett Has Stroke

jeffhathorn@gmail.com (Jeff Hathorn) — Sun, 5 Mar 2006 18:20:00 -0600

The 44-year old former Twins great Kirby Puckett had a stroke at his home in Arizona Sunday morning. The team has not released any further information about Puckett's state.

The Twins had invited Puckett to spring training as a special instructor for 2006, but Kirby declined. One of Kirby's former teammates, Tony Oliva, said he has been worried about Puckett's weight. Oliva said that he was becoming bigger and bigger every time he saw him.

One of my favorite quotes was Puckett's, "I'll rest when I'm dead." Well man, if you don't watch out you'll be getting your rest 30 years too early. Kirby, I really wish you well man.

E-mail Jeff: jeffhathorn@gmail.com