We Suck at Sports

Dear Jim Tressel: That sucked

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:56:00 +0000

I was at the game today, and I was rudely treated to one of the worst games I've ever seen. So, from this point forward, I am going to stop going to games and buying tickets for said games until there is a product on the field worth paying for.

Offensively, that was putrid. And maybe Jim Tressel can follow in the lines of Tommy Tuberville, and fire his offensive coordinator - namely himself. I'm not going after Jim Tressel's head, but it's about time he gave up play calling duties, because the results this year have been worse than anything. It's sad though, I'd say that this year has been as bad an Ohio State coached year as 2002 has been good. It's like they are polar opposities.

Why am I so mad? Because contrary to the results both today and at Southern Cal, athletically, Ohio State is on par with just about anyone in college football. And it's extremely frustrating to see guys with such talents be held back by their coach. I don't understand, because whenever Pryor, and the recievers have been asked to perform - that is, the plays have been called well - they've responded by executing successfully. This game, the playcalling seemed to be completely independent of down and distance. I didn't feel as if the offense was in any kind of rhythm all day long. And it took until the fourth quarter until there was a play-action play. Inexcusable.

It's insulting to both the fans, and the players to be coached like this. To be coached like a bunch of babies in diapers unwilling to take the smallest chance.

1. Why not go for it on 4th and 2 rom the plus side of the field?
2. Why not go for it on 4th and goal from the 5.

3 points is actually inaccurate enough to how well the OSU defense played. I even saw a defensive lineman win a one-on-one battle. It looks like there's a lot more man, it looks like it's a lot more aggressive, and it looks like they're finally letting the players play. With that said, let your offense make a play. Let your athletes make a play. That's what they want. Stop holding back this hungry young talent.

Until the day when we actually look like a real team, any amount I would pay for tickets would be too much. I don't think it's too much to ask that a guy that gets paid 3 million dollars a year do his job well. Or, he can start paying for peoples' tickets to go to games.

Curious rankings in college football

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Most notably, it is the buoyancy of USC despite suffering an inexcusable loss. Spencer Hall hit the nail right on the head, the fact that Southern Cal didn't fall out of the Top-10 in either the poll, while everyone else had an anchor attached them when they lose.

Let's take a look at USC. Five games into the season, they have as many wins as bye's. So far their wins have consisted of winning at Virginia and home vs. Ohio State. Virginia is far worse than we all thought they'd be - and no one thought they'd be any good to begin with. So that win is worth slightly more than nothing. Ohio State is clearly not as good as they were originally ranked, so that win loses its notoriety as well. So, useless win, okay win, and then a horrific loss against Oregon State make up the season so far for USC. Nothing notable except a bad loss. Oregon State played hard, and no one will make the conclusion that USC sucks, but they did lose, you can't just sweep that under the table. Losing to Stanford the way they did and to Penn State is an indictment on how bad they truly are.

Florida probably fell as much as it should have fallen, anywhere between 10-15. Losing at home to a team that hasn't sniffed a conference win in something like 2 years is just atrocious. The fact that Tennessee is now turning out to be a worse version of overrating than Ohio State isn't helping their resume. By most calculations, their MNC aspirations are likely over, even though they have enough time and quality opponents to make up a lot of that room.

Georgia had the most excusable loss, and yet fell further than USC to Florida territory. They got smacked around at home, but it was against an obviously good team. Although Moreno being hurt may crush the remainder of their season.

As an Ohio State fan, rankings are completely worthless to me now. I can't imagine, and don't want a scenario where Ohio State has a meteoric rise in the polls to be in contention for the championship - they just aren't good enough. I'd rather see worthwhile teams get that chance.

It's just kind of insulting to college football fans to see Southern California create a Teflon barrier to the rankings. This year might be their down fall, because they can no longer rely on big wins to hold them up

About those Ohio State quarterbacks

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:04:00 +0000

Free hugs. Who's next?

At the risk of becoming almost solely an Ohio State blog, I'm going to write about the Buckeyes an unprecedented 3rd time in a row. But that's only because I can toss in an Arrested Development quote. Doug Lesmerises is an Ohio State beat writer for the Plain Dealer, and his updates are probably the most interesting, and in depth with respect to those of the Columbus Dispatch. And, the guy looks Jack Bower - what's not to like! Anyway, he wrote a nice piece about five [not-so-easy] ways to fix the Buckeyes. I like it, and he's right on all these facts, so it's not like I'm going to take a Dave Lozo, or FJM approach to dissecting an article. But I did want to allude to his first point: 1. Handle the quarterbacks with care.

He's right. Todd Boeckman isn't entirely useless, but he's treading pretty close to that line in big games. He's accounted for numerous momentum shifts that lead directly to humiliating losses. Anyways, a quarterback rotation is something I'm not a huge fan of in general. It never works, because it eventually takes practice and rhythm away from the better player, or a player with more potential. A full quarterback rotation has never worked with desirable results anywhere, but people keep trying it. Why? Because:

Some say if you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback at all. But this rotation could work, given the right massaging and the right messages. Define your rotation plan, explain it to the offense, but crack the window to stick with a hot hand. Reassure Boeckman about his past and Pryor about his future and guide them with a strong hand in a quarterback room that has sometimes been uncertain

You know what this reminds me of? This.

Tobias: You know, Lindsay, as a therapist, I have advised...
[falls off the bed]
Tobias ...a number of couples to explore an open relationship where the couple remains emotionally committed, but free to explore extra-marital encounters.
Lindsay: Well, did it work for those people?
Tobias: No, it never does. I mean, these people somehow delude themselves into thinking it might, but.... but it might work for us.

Now, my love for Arrested Development is unabashed, but this kind of quote perfectly describes the delusion that people go through in both an open marriage, and a two quarterback system. It doesn't work for anyone else, but... it might work for us! No, it won't.

Five steps to fix the Buckeyes [Plain Dealer OSU Blog]

No Quarterback controversy in Columbus

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:25:00 +0000

A controversy implies that you do not know who to starts, whether they are both playing extremely well, or I guess extremely horrible. This is clearly not the case, because unless the coaches want to show me some secret video tape of Boeckman winning games, I know one thing: he should not be starting. It's an incredible indictment when a true freshman can come in and blatantly beat you out of a job and do everything better than you except for being your age. I don't know if it's an indictment on the coaching staff (although they are not free of blame), but it's certainly on Todd. He seems like a nice guy, but he can't win a football game.

Sure, I'll admit, Pryor has been coddled from an offensive standpoint. It's likely that it's completely simplified for him, where if he's throwing he only has one read before he takes off. But you know what? It works. Lines from last night:

Boeckman: 14/21 for 84 yards, 2 INT; 8 carries for -27 yards.
Pryor: 7/9 for 52 yards, 11 carries for 40 yards.

Less than half the attempts. Half the compeltions, 75% of the yards and no turnovers. One game you say. Alright, let's take a look at Boeckman's last 5 games: 4 touchdowns (2 against YSU, 2 against LSU), 8 interceptions, 3-3, no wins against ranked teams. And the only reason he won at Michigan was because he handed it off to Beanie about 100 times. I can do that.

There is no downside to having Pryor take a majority of the snaps, and hell, I wouldn't mind seeing Bauserman back there. What's the worst that could happen, we fall ass-backwards into a touchdown?

There is good news for OSU.

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:42:00 +0000

At least we won't be embarrassed in a national championship game this year. After that kind of a performance (3 points, really?!) it's hard to imagine the amount of things that would have to go wrong in the college football universe to put this team into a position for a championship. But hey, Big 10 championship here we come. A la Clemson.

Begin Rant
I never want to see Boeckman again, and for all those people who were wondering what the "most efficient passer in the Big 10 last year" did to earn the ire of Ohio State fans, well, you just saw it. He is Justin Zwick, except without the hype of being agreat high school quaterback. I have no desire to ever see him in a big game ever again, because I can't imagine the result would be any different. If there's a quarterback rotation, it should be Bauserman and Pryor, this humiliation was the last straw. Paying only mild attention to the game after the first half - come on, it was over - whenever I see Boeckman in, he's always doing something stupid. Whether it's an interception, or intentional grounding, or running right into the face of the blitz. Bench foreva'.

On to the program though, it's time to fire Heacock and Bollman, and Jim Tressel deserves some serious heat for this loss, and even bringing up the echoes of the last 2 championship losses. The offense is beyond unimaginative, it's painful, and all this honor toward the upper classmen is just getting us creamed. Ohio State, as a program has shown that they are unable to win a big game, and now that's cemented. And after a magical 2002, Jim Tressel has not notched an impressive win without maybe Michigan 2006 - and maybe they weren't even that good.

The talent is undeniable. And we have arguably the best talent we've ever had at Ohio State. And yet results are at an all time low. Alright, not an all time low, seeing as how we're likely going to win our third Big Ten Championship in a row, but now those are ringing as hollow victories. One team on the field tonight was a different stratosphere, both in execution and discipline, and sadly, it wasn't mine.
/Endrant

It's just that much worse when they tell you they're going to kick your ass, and then go out and do it.

Those things about Boeckman? All true

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:40:00 +0000

This game is very likely over, but to my chagrin I'll keep watching it. However, there is one truth in this game, and that is that Todd Boeckman is clearly not a good quarterback. How, how as a senior quarterback do you loft that pass across the middle and not see their best defensive player?

Pryor is moving the offense much more effectively, and looks increasingly more settled as the game moves on. I realize that he has roughly half a progression to go through, but it's producing results. There's no reason that Boeckman and [Mo] Wells shouldn't sit on the bench. Several bad plays that are just inexcusable for a senior quarterback. And as I'm saying this, he gets rocked.

Another quick aside, the refs have already been atrocious, it's just being overshadowed by the fact that it has no bearing on the game.

Boeckman: Epic Fail.
Refs: Almost nearly Epic Fail.

The hard life of Vince Young

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Before I get into ripping Vince Young for his part in a real life Young and the Restless soap opera, I want to put forth a caveat. All this is null and void if he's having some problems that aren't related to football, like family issues, or if he's been diagnosed with some chemical imbalance. As far as it's been reported, that's not the case, he's just fragile.

He's 25, I think it's about time he grew up and spoke for himself, instead of being a mama's boy and having his mom come to his rescue. Speaking of his mom, let's take a look at her comments.

“Vince has gone through a whole lot as a young person,’’ Felicia Young said, according to the Tennessean. “And I think he has done pretty well up to this point. But it is hard, all he is going through right now. He’s hurting inside and out.”

And.

“What would you think, if you were tired of being ridiculed and persecuted and talked about and not being treated very well, what would you do?” Felicia Young said. “What kind of decision would you make? He may not want to deal with it [all], but you have to get to that point before you make that decision first.”

You know what, I'm sure he has gone through a lot as a young person. Inner city Houston, and inner city anywhere is not the greatest place to grow up. I can't imagine the things he saw or was involved in; they may be things I can't even imagine. But guess what? For the last 7 years he's been a pampered kid. He had a full scholarship to a good school, where he was taken care of nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For the last FOUR years, he's been getting paid some fraction of the $58 million contract he signed when he was drafted.

He's being ridiculed because he sucks at quarterback, and now he's all pouty about it? Guess what, most people go through that, and they aren't going to see the broad side of 58 million in roughly 6 years. Most of those people are probably struggling to survive - people he's likely familiar with, and a life he grew up in. Now the worst thing that happens to him is getting boo'd and he's running around moping, and eating chicken wings in the middle of the night? Give me a break.

A great majority of people deal with mental hardships like this on a daily basis with more pressure than just winning a football game, and for far less reward. Can we baby a guy anymore than him? Boo hoo, people are booing me because I suck. Maybe I should go get my mom to call their moms.

Pathetic, if that is indeed the case.

Odd story of Vince Young [PFT]

Baby 'Canes causing trouble for Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:20:00 +0000

Urban Meyer doesn't look happy, even though his team is up. I understand his consternation, seeing as how the score is 9-3 when it should be 17-3 after the first drive.

That first drive showcased the talent, coaching, and experience difference between the two teams, as Tebow nearly effortlessly drove his team down the field for an opening touchdown score. I say nearly, because he got beat up some, and it was a short field off a shank punt.

Since then, it's been nearly an even game, if not favorable to the U. Save for a blocked-punt-turned-safety, the repetitive name calling of the playmaking true freshmen has been surprising and impressive, specifically at the defensive line. They look fast, strong, and have continually put pressure with only 4 people - very impressive.

Could this be a chink in the armor of the spread offense? The WVU offensive line has shown to be soft when punched in the mouth, is Florida going the same way? This is only half time, these young 'Canes could run out of gas by the 4th, andyone thinking Florida won't win this one is still going out on a limb.

I'm not impressed

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:24:00 +0000

Ohio State pulled out the win, and in the end that's all that matters, but it wasn't until late in the 4th quarter that the game was in hand.

Anyone that was watching this game can't be too impressed by either the Buckeye effort, scheme, or talent. Of all the talk about depth and extreme talent of that depth at just about every position, I'm questioning where it was when OU was up 14-6. There's so many things to talk, and specifically get mad about this game, that it's difficult to do in a rational breakdown of the game.

Todd Boeckman, Maurice Wells were Epic Fail. It's hard to have any confidence in 2 seniors that were lucky to make plays against a far inferior defense.

Nearly Epic Fail has to come on the coaching ,that kept the nearly useless Maurice Wells in the game far too long when Herron was on fire and making plays. The incessant rotation of inexperienced players had broken all rhythm for both offense and defense, and it took nearly a 2 quarters to get it back.

Fail comes upon the defense, that let the middle of the field open up like a cheap hooker. A guy named Boo looked like Vince Young or Juice Williams running through uncontested.

26-14 is not a suitable score at home for the theoretical caliber of this team. Furthermore, there have been unimpressive starts to the season versus YSU last week, and last year, as well as Akron and OU this year.

Attribute this one to looking ahead, but nonetheless, overall grade: Fail.

Big 10 will be much improved this year

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:36:00 +0000

SEC Speed. It's becoming an annoying footnote to any college football argument from the West coast to the East coast, completely trampling over the Midwest. The Big 10 has become a laughing stock (why does everyone ignore the ACC?!) to the SEC in football. The slow hoofed lumbering beasts can't keep up with the purebreds running in the warm, and hurricane devastated South. But, the Big 10 is catching up.

The lone secret of SEC domination has been their almost completely monopoly of criminal activity on their football team. But, with recent developments in the Penn State program, I feel like Midwest football is in for a revival this year. When an ESPN does a special on the number of arrest on your team, you know something is going on. And even though the recent transgression is just pot in a room (come on, it's college PIGS) it has let to at least 3 players being suspended for at least one game. Pending voluntary drug tests, it could lead to more. It wasn't my pot, I'm just holding it for a friend.

This year, the SEC has only moderately dominated the Fulmer Cup, named famously for everyone's most hated coach (even the SEC fans hate him!), where four teams have found themselves in the top 10, but also the winner. The Big 10 has seen a revival on the recruiting trail as Missouri climbed up to #2, and Penn State and Illinois brought up the final third. This gives me hope for some really good football in the fall.

It seems though that we've always had our share of arrests, and yet we couldn't break through on the football field. This year, criminal activity has gone up, and theoretically, so should the level of play. Watch out, BCS, the Big 10 is back.

Paterno Suspends 3 in drug case [Philly.com]
Fulmer Cup [EDSBS]

Ocho Cinco thinks team first

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:23:00 +0000

In a hilarious development that has finally come to fruition, Chad Johnson has completed his growth from selfish prima dona receiver to a team player. As customary upon a big win, players often flash and pull out the front of their jerseys, signifying that their team has won. Team on the front, individual on the back, there's a reason this is the way jerseys are created.

So, what could be a more team-centric action that emphasizing the back of your jersey? Nothing. Enter Chad Ocho Cinco. It's been rumored that he was changing his last name so that he can finally and legally according to NFL regulations put "eight five" as the moniker on jersey-name-area. He was already fined once by the No Fun League and Herr Goodell for having it on there instead of "Johnson" even though it was merely a ripoff.

Am I chastising him for this action? Not at all, I think it's entertaining, and since Chad Javon Ocho Cinco has been in the league, he has been at the forefront of entertainment. But the lengths that he went through to single out himself in such a team based sport should make Bengals fans cringe for the upcoming year. I can't imagine how the Bengal Spanish-speaking population feels, as this is really the incorrect way of saying "eighty five" which he calls himself in English - this is merely two single numers "eight five." A dose of double hate from Bengalio-Espaniolio. Spanish of course.

Can't wait for opening day.

Chad Javon Ocho Cinco [AP]

ESPN College Gameday curses Clemson

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Obligatory: I've got your Howard's Rock right here.

Am I the only one that noticed the hidden jinx that ESPN put on Clemson this season? The new College Gameday commercials featured the gang running out of their bus and touching Howard's Rock. Fowler does it, Herbstreit does it, and then Corso touches it - knocking it over with his baby arm, and shattering it into 2 pieces.

Could a simple TV spot have metaphorically explained - and doomed - Clemson's season before it began? Shattered psyches in Death Valley want to know.

Great start for Slick Rick

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:06:00 +0000

Nice start.

Not to overstate the the season through the result of one game, but I think I'm going to do it anyway. What an impactful and resounding start to the season and UCLA coaching career of Rick Neuheisel. Beating a team from the unbeatable conference, and a favorite from the East coast is impressive. From here they could lose the next 11 games and this great start will be a long forgotten memory in Los Angeles.

All in all, it's still just one win. However, anyone that has watched USC trample across the Pacific hopes it's more than one. Rick is nearly a mirror image of Pete Carrol in his electricity and enthusiasm. Oh yeah, and don't forget the incredible coaching staff that includes ace defensive guru DeWayne Walker and Heisman Tutor Norm Chow. The skill was displayed in the 2nd half of this game as both the defensive and offensive units clicked completely for a terrific overtime game.

Ruh roh, there's another team in Los Angeles. And this year might be too early for the resurgence of the fear-inducing "true blue" of UCLA, but it may spell a lot more competition for the Pac 10 crown.

Photo: GuttyLittleBruins

Clemson's ACC title hopes remain unscathed

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:56:00 +0000

I didn't watch the game last night, but I wish I could have. Driving to my previously scheduled engagement I listened to nearly a quarter of it on the radio to lead up to half time, and two words were constantly creeping up, "complete domination." I'm not sure if the pain in Dennis Franchione's voice was that of a jaded colleague, a bad analyst, or just somber from the butt-whopping he was trying to analyze.

Was a 23-3 half-time deficit too much to overcome for the offensively stacked Clemson Tiger team? Yeah, I'd say so. Is it an embarrassment that they lived up to their mantra of falling flat so early in the season? A resound yes will do. But for all the negative aura surrounding this program right now, that's come about 6 weeks earlier than expected, their chances of a BCS bowl probably look better than they have before?

Why? The ACC is no good. Virginia got manhandled by USC, albeit a really good USC team. NC State got manhandled, but by a not so great USC team. Virginia Tech, off their curious decision to redshirt Tyrod Taylor (who, if I was in his shoes, is probably looking for transfers) got upset by ECU.

So, while Clemson doesn't stand in high opinion this morning in the college football world, they still look pretty good in the ACC.

Clemson vs. Alabama Recap [Yahoo!]
Are you serious, Clemson [Fannation]
Photo: Dave Martin/AP

USA BBall: Analysis 3 games in

noreply@blogger.com (Banana Grabber) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:11:00 +0000

Well, it's been a while for me but it'd be a shame for me to skip out on all the Olympics fun. Without further ado, here's my analysis of Team USA Basketball after 3 games of group play.

Overall strengths:
This team is by far the most talented and has the most depth, and it shows. The team defense, when they turn it on, has been incredible. The overall athleticism is on display when they make spectacular steals, blocks, dunks, and overall hustle plays. Ball pressure, steals, and amazing blocks have been the true highlights of this team's defense. In addition, the team can penetrate the lane at will and has no problem setting up opportunities.

Overall weaknesses:
Oh boy, where do I begin? Even with these blowout victories, there are a lot of things the team is weak on. First off, where does the defense go half the time? After making a spectacular play, Team USA is prone to allowing the opponent to just WALK into the lane and make an easy layup/pass. This has just got to stop, it is absolutely atrocious. For all the amazing pressure defense they put on the opponent, they love to just let someone have the ball within 2 feet of the basket and score at will. What is going on here?
In addition, the team is still ridiculously weak at shooting free throws (NO ONE IS GUARDING YOU) and shooting open three pointers (NO ONE IS GUARDING YOU). Yes the guard penetration is happening at will but people are missing easy layups, easy wide open jumpers, and countless free throws.
Finally, the team is still not used to playing international ball. And by international ball, I mean wussy, flopping, oh my god you hit my hand I can't believe it, basketball. The refereeing is extremely confusing. When guards play outside the paint, you can't touch them without getting whistled. Of course, once a guard penetrates the lane, anything goes and they can be murdered on their way to a basket. Apparently all the other international teams understand this because they flop outside the paint (to get the foul call) and if they penetrate into the lane they kick it out because they know they can't get a call inside.

Now here come the grades for the players in alphabetical order:
Carmelo Anthony - C
The man who was supposedly our best international player has not shown up at all. There is no doubt that his style of basketball fits perfectly with international play. He can shoot the three, he can slash, he can shoot the midrange shot, he can take a pass in the lane and finish, and he's an overall fluid, finesse player. He even acts tough but is a wimp at heart (see: sucker punch in brawl at MSG). However, he hasn't shown any of his abilities well so far. He cannot seem to connect on any of his open looks (midrange or three) and is even missing simple layups.

Carlos Boozer - F
Skullhead traitor dude.

Chris Bosh - A+
Most people questioned his selection on the team, or at least how much he would contribute. However, Bosh has been the most pleasant surprise of Team USA and has shown how much a superstar like him can still be underrated. Mainly the critics of his selection noted that he did not help Team USA's lack of size, but this has not really been a problem. He hasn't been pushed around that much even though he is stick thin. He has been excellent on defense, swarming the opposition's big men and blocking shots well. He is extremely athletic, CAN finish, and just knows how to play ball. Unlike our other big men who seemingly have zero basketball IQ (see: Skullhead Traitor Dude above, Big Dumb Animal 2 below), Bosh actually knows where to be on the floor, how to finish plays, when to pass, how to defend, etc. I've become a big fan of him due to this tourney.

Kobe Bryant - B
Even though he had a great game vs. Greece, he has just not been his usual self. He shot an atrocious 10/27 FGs in the first two games, missing both typical Kobe shots and wide open jumpers. He could not hit a three-pointer to save his life for the longest time until he FINALLY turned it on during the Greece game. Now that he's got his confidence back, I think he'll start torching opponents again. Even with his poor offensive performance for 2 1/2 games, I will give him a B for his great defense and overall leadership to the team. He definitely could boost his grade by the end of the Olympics.

Dwight Howard - D-
OK, so he's no Kendrick Perkins (Big Dumb Animal 1), but this tournament has shown me that Dwight Howard has been succeeding in the NBA on pure physical talent alone. I guess I haven't been watching his games that closely but he must get all his points on simply overpowering defenders or easy dunks. He has no skills down low and is completely lost all the time. Whereas Bosh actually puts himself in good positions both offensively and defensively, Howard is way out of position all the time and often lets lesser opponents score easily on him. In the commentary for the Greece game, they mentioned that Tayshaun Prince had to teach him how to run screen and rolls. SCREEN AND ROLLS! He is an NBA big man, that's what he's supposed to specialize in!!! His rebounding and his blocking defense (not to be confused with ACTUAL defense) will always be there but that's cause he's a ridiculously jacked 6'11" athletic specimen. Huge disappointment. Imagine the player he could be if he actually had some basketball IQ.

Lebron James - B+
Well, Lebron has been absolutely incredible on defense. He's come up with some incredible blocks, just absolutely stuffing the defense. He's also come up with some great steals and overall great plays. However, he's been struggling offensively. He can't seem to make a lot of his driving layups, nor can he hit those open jumpers. He's also forced the issue on a lot of passes and caused some very dumb turnovers. His offense hasn't been atrocious but he's made as many dumb mistakes as he has great plays. If he eliminates his mistakes and fine tunes his shooting a little bit, I could bump him up to an A.

Jason Kidd - F
Kidd has been atrocious. I don't understand how he even finds playing time. I guess Coach K wants him on board for his "leadership", if leadership refers to playing slow and flat. He is just a step slow on defense, offense, and he can't seem to really spark the other players' offense. He is still an atrocious shooter and just makes USA play some bland basketball.

Chris Paul - A-
Paul hasn't been scoring a lot or even making the amazing passes that we're used to seeing in the NBA, but he has been running the team perfectly. He still has the ball on a yo-yo and sets up good (not flashy) opportunities for his teammates. He gives great pressure defense to the opponent and makes his teammates run and play true USA basketball. He needs to take over for Kidd.

Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd - Incomplete

Dwyane Wade - A
Like the commentator said during the Greece game, Wade has screwed himself over by actually playing defense in the Olympics. Now Pat Riley is going to push him to do that for 82 games in the NBA. It's unfortunate that Wade is a competitor when he wants to be, and not all the time. He is obviously over his injury and is as fast and strong as ever. He wants to prove a point so he has been playing great defense and has been scoring and penetrating at will. He's been absolutely superb and defenses can do nothing about him. He might wonder why the fans turned on him so quickly last year, but that's because he basically takes games off if he feels he has nothing to prove or nothing to win. And that's not what NBA fans like to see. They like to see players who play hard all the time, no matter what. That's why people feel sorry for KG when he was with the Wolves, not for Wade when the Heat fell to the worst record.

Deron Williams - C
Nothing too bad, but nothing particularly good about his performance. He's no Paul so far, but at least he's not Kidd.

The Referees - F-----------
These refs are so bad, even Hubie Brown would complain about them. My God, they have just been screwing the US so badly. Jason Kidd got 3 fouls in 2 minutes in the Greece game. No one will touch a jump shooter and a foul will be called. No one will touch a man on the way to a layup and somehow a foul is called. A player will push the hell out of a US player and either no foul is called or the foul is somehow on the US player. In general it is poor to assume that refs are unfairly influencing a game (99% of the time it's a fan being biased), but this has been so atrocious that even the commentators who are supposed to be neutral have been making sly suggestions like, "Refs are calling this game unusually tight" or "Interesting calls there".

Well, the US hasn't lost yet but there have been some major disappointments considering the depth and talent of this team. Hopefully they'll start to put it together. Spain should be a tough match but in reality no team should come within 20 points of the USA. They are focused, have continuity, have superior talent, and are playing hard to win. Let's hope they bring home the gold.

Wide World of Blog [8/14/2008]

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:05:00 +0000

Breaking Down The Mo Williams Deal [Waiting for Next Year]
I like 17 ppg from a starting PG, that's what.

ADRIAN PETERSON INSPIRES JOURNO-PORN [With Leather]
GQ journalist drools on Adrian Peterson.

Spaniards Meant the Slant-Eyed Photo to Be 'Loving,' Blame You for Thinking Otherwise [Fanhouse]
Hear no evil, see no evil.

Fan escorted out of Lions practice after yelling at Roy Williams [FreeP]
They should be happy toeven find fans that still care for the team. And, oh yeah, there's the fact that he takes plays off.

An open letter to Troy Smith [ESPN AFC North Blog]
How bloggery!

Forget Phelps, I'm Watching The Olympics For Bela! [Awful Announcing]
Love it.

The 100k Condom Handout: What Happens in the Olympic Village Stays in the Olympic Village [TBL]
Some of those girls can really fill out a skirt. Not so much a sweater.

Shhh! Ray Ray graduated [3rd Saturday in Blogtober]
This was an interesting story for a long time.

Gymnastics provide compelling theater

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:18:00 +0000

No consolation is really going to help.

For the second time in as many nights, I was glued to my TV for Olympic Gymnastics. Yesterday, the men struggled and eventually wilted under pressure, not to mention injuries, to concede the gold and silver medals to China and Japan. Last night, with a clear avenue for the lead the women's team, more specifically one woman wilted under the pressure to hand the Chinese their second gold in a row. I won't summarize it, partly because I'm no gymnast savant, secondly because someone already did a much more thorough job.

But I don't need to be an expert to know compelling television. Even though the US didn't win the gold, there's nothing more gripping than watching someone compete with the pressure of the world on them. Especially when that someone can really fill out a sweater. She failed, it happens, she just happened to fail when everyone was watching. When she fell for the second time, in my head I could only echo the words (changed for her), "She must be the sickest woman on the face of the earth." She's in luck - no one remembers who came in second.

I'm also glad someone came out and said it, instead of beating around the bush - those Chinese girls are way under age. I'm not sure anyone can watch and somehow convince themselves that some of those girls are even close to 16. And Bela was absolutely on the mark calling it out without hesitation; not some politically correct assertion by bringing up the controversy. Bottom line is, some of them aren't even close to legal age. That doesn't devalue their incredible performance, but it does question integrity.

Alicia Sacramone is hot [LB Sports]
China adds women's gymnastics gold [NBC Olympics]
Forget Phelps, watch Korolyi [Awful Announcing]

Wide World of Blog [8/13/2008]

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Ominous start for preseason No. 1 Bulldogs [ESPN SEC Blog]
Lose starting left tackle to season-ending knee injury. With all that rehab time, when is he going to learn how to read?

Mike Nadel Keeps His Erin Andrews Takedown Fame Afloat For One More Day [Deadspin]
"Dawn Eberle-Hanback, Allendale, N.J.: How would you like it if someone wrote an article about women laughing at your bald head?" I thought bald was in...

Cincinnati Reds: Who Killed The Cincinnati Reds? [Deadspin]
It would be easy to assume, in the wake of the trade of Adam Dunn to Arizona, that the Reds are in a long-term rebuilding mode. But the team's chief executive officer, Bob Castellini, said Monday that's not the case. Asked if the team could win next season, Castellini said: "Absolutely." If that's the case, the Reds must win with a very different cast of players than the one they started with on Opening Day. I'll have what he's having. Punch tastes great.

Buckeyes; Spartans; Utes; ah, heck, just about anybody: Commence Trashtalk Now [TOGTM]
Ouch. Not so much for me. For me: funny.

Indispensable players [ESPN CFB Blog]
Chase Daniels #1, Tebow #2, Beanie #8, Hoyer #10 (?!??!!?). Misguided list. Indespensible <> best, just means lack of depth. Most teams mentioned are one trick ponies (or suck): Missouri, Florida, Pitt, Washington, VT, WVU, Cal, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Michigan State

Wide World of Blog [8/12/2008]

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Speedy Lions plan to spread out opponents [The Morning Call]
Spread HD as in High Def? This is what you get when players suggest names.

The Wild Fans of Lithuania [True Hoop]
Well, Argentina is beatable.

Olympics: This Is The Problem With Live-Streaming Female Water Polo Photos [Deadspin]
Just for the titty.

Swimming world records have become expected, meaningless [SI]
I did notice an inordinate amount of record breaking performances as well. And four seconds? That's an eternity in a race.

Lyons coming along slowly at wideout [Charleston Gazette]
So, that's why he couldn't sniff the field at OSU? Because he was running harder than everyone?

Zook has questionable coaching ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:38:00 +0000

I wish I could understand the reason for this, but I don't. The whole article is really garbage, including a deceiving title. First paragraph, no better.

Vontae Davis has learned the hard way that being a first-team all-Big Ten cornerback as a sophomore isn't always enough. Spending time with the second string in spring practice makes that clear.

Vontae Davis is one of the most talented cornerbacks in the B10. In fact, if I wasn't an OSU fan, I'd probably find a good reason for putting him as the premier defensive back in the Big 10. He's been a starter from basically his freshmen year, so I'm at a complete loss as to how he's assuming the "cornerstone" (get it? corner!) by working with the 2nd team. In fact, that's why I wanted to read this piece, to figure out what the case was. I mean, wouldn't you want your best player on the first team, practicing with first team players to get the speed down, and hone skills? That makes sense to me.

The spring benching was designed to send a message heading into the summer camp that began Monday.

What message? That he's probably leaving after this year and therefore should savor every moment on the 2nd team? Oh no, he means....

"I want him to be perfect," Zook said. "I'm a little bit of a perfectionist with him. We made a deal when I recruited him. And he forgot it. I just had to remind him. Vontae's going to be fine."

You'd better hope so. Because with several key defensive players graduating last year, Vontae Davis better get the right idea pretty quick, before he pulls a Mendenhall on the coaching staff.

[Chicago Tribune, via ESPN B10 Blog] Davis an Illini cornerstone here, now

Suck it, Frenchie

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:35:00 +0000

I'm sure a similar headline rings world wide this morning, as the French lost a sizeable lead in the premier race of the Olympics so far.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not a big fan of the Olympics, but I like to watch here and there. But seeing the US - and maybe because it was the US - come back in an awe-inspiring last 25m sent chills down my spine. I watched it again, knowing the result full well, and it was still the most exciting thing I'd ever seen. I'm not going to bother trying to break it down, because I can't, and I don't know that much about swimming. But what I do know, is that coming back from half-body-length in seemingly the last 40ish meters is just an incredible feat. And how about Jason Lezak not even breathing for seemingly the last 25 meters while making his incredible surge? I wasn't breathing just watching it!

There was not question, that a picture of Phelps and Garrett Weber-Gale screaming and pumping their fists would be plastered on the front pages, and what an incredible site. Phelps keeps his quest alive for an unprecedented 8 gold medals, but let's not forget what Lezak did in his 100m, swimming the fast split in a relay ever. There's no question that the remarks made by the French team fueled him in the last few strides of that race.

[NBC] Leezak saves best for last

Buckeyes refuse to forgive Carson

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:45:00 +0000

By now, Carson Palmer's comments have spread throughout the Internet and through the radio waves. From Los Angeles to Cincinnati through wire services and radio stations Buckeye fans quickly dropped Carson Palmer into their hate lists, even those ardent Bengals fans who believe every year their team contains all Pro Bowlers.

As an Ohio State fan, I'm disgusted.

It pains me to be associated with the crazy people that have lost touch with reality over some noncombatant phrases. What Carson Palmer said was badly worded at worst, and something that should be shrugged off as something a fan and an alumnus would say. I'm not a Bengals fan, I have no specific affinity for Carson Palmer, he's just a guy who love his team and his school. Something that should be all too familiar to the same fans that are currently lambasting him.

I don't completely absolve Palmer, but I understand it. The only thing that irks me is the hypocrisy he showed in the following sentence, "It’s amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel." We think about our football program what you think of yours, but that's where poor choice of words come in.

Other than that, what's wrong with wanting to beat a team you're playing. I'm sure if he was playing in Indianapolis, he wouldn't feel so strong about the University of Indiana if they were playing SC. if anything it shows respect.

So I urge the fans to let this go, because I know I would want an AJ Hawk or a Troy Smith to defend their alma mater the same way, and not spit some pansy 'both teams are great" garbage." This is getting too much national attention for being a complete non-issue.

Hi, I'm Brett Fa-vra

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:50:00 +0000

This story is annoying. It was annoying when there were rumors of him coming back, it was annoying when I heard every 20 minutes that there were text messages, and it's annoying now, that it's taken over television. As much as it's annoying, it's also completely inevitable. Who believed for a second he wasn't going to cause a clusterfuck of controversy about playing again, when he's done the reciprocal of it every year for the last 5.

For anyone who liked Brett Favre before,it's a huge punch in the gut. I liked him as a person, I thought he was decent. But the last couple of years have turned that notion on its head. A person who cares for his teammates, and a player of Favre's seniority and standing should not be acting like this. He shouldn't have been acting like this for the past couple of years, when he held the franchise hostage for most of the summer. And he certainly shouldn't be acting like this several months after his very public, very tearful, very nauseating retirement. And to boot, I'm not even a Packers fan!

I'm so glad that the Green Bay franchise hasn't caved into his demands. Mostly because his demands are erratic and moronic. I find it humorous when I hear analysts say that Brett Favre holds all the cards. What possible cards could he hold? He's proved that he can have one good year in the last five, and he's proved that he's publicly retired. He cannot force the Packers to trade him. He cannot force the Packers to play him. And he cannot force the Packers to release him. In reality, he doesn't hold any card, except this absurd notion of public scrutiny. And it boggles the mind how anyone in the public eye can possibly agree with him. Some of these quotes are preposterous.

"Them moving on does not bother me," Favre said. "It doesn't. I totally
understand that. By me retiring March 3, I knew that could possibly
happen. All I was saying is, you know, I'm thinking about playing
again."

According to Van Susteren, who spoke to the AP by telephone Monday
afternoon, Favre said he was "never fully committed" to retiring and
felt pressured by the Packers to make a decision, a notion Packers
general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy tried to dispel in
an interview with the AP on Saturday.

No Brett, you know what's a ridiculous notion? The fact that anyone could possibly believe that you were pressured into doing anything. For the last 5 years, the league and the franchise has bent over backward for you, living on your every word and pass, they let you have the latitude that no other player in the league would have in making your decision. How could they possibly force you into any kind of a life altering decision, when you've been calling the shots for the last 3 years. It's ridiculous, absurd, and insulting to everyone involved.

That Southern-good-ol'-boy farce has gotten you far enough. It's revolting that you decided to come back, and are now trying to make management seem like they're some evil organization keeping Brett Favre from being Brett Favre. Grow up, you're 38, not 18. I hope they don't trade him, they don't release him, and they don't start him. If they are stead fast in their decision making, Brett will be left alone on an island crying like a little baby with no recourse. He doesn't get a vote, he gave that up at the end of last season.

Hamilton story is perplexing

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:28:00 +0000

I have to admit, the only reason I was really watching the home run derby last night was to see how the only player from my team would do. I didn't expect him to win - and he didn't (Sizemore) - but he had a pretty decent showing, with some pretty solid shots. I never thought of him as a prolific home run hitter, even though he's tied for the HR lead in the AL. That being said, last night's home run derby was pretty entertaining all in all. Josh Hamilton single handedly made it that way.

The ending was proper, and you could see that after a scintillating first round he might run out of steam, just like so many big bats quiet in the final round. I think after his 28-home-run-first-round display though, people will believe that Morneau winning was just a bad dream. All in all, it doesn't really matter, because no one can remember the winner from last year, and this exhibition battle means absolutely nothing.

But as I was watching the Derby, and Hamilton's performance, one thing really amazed me - the reaction of the crowd. They took to him in almost a split second after he hit a couple of monster shots. And I'm thinking to myself, only in America could a guy, who a couple of years ago was a worthless junkie, be celebrated for doing something almost equally worthless, on one of the biggest stages in the world. That's right, he's doing something worthless. He's playing baseball, making millions of dollars hitting a ball with a bat. I love sports, but let's be honest, in the big scheme of things they are really nothing.

And Berman, Ravi, and all those guys are falling over themselves talking about how great his story is. That this one time first overall draft pick, who by his own glutenous sins ruined his life for a handful of years with drugs and alcohol. And how now it's a resurrection. A what?! Give me a break. Let's not make his story more than it should be, a lucky break that most of us normal people aren't afforded that athletes are given day in and day out. And let's not celebrate a guy who still walks around with a chaperone because he doesn't trust himself in idle times of the season. I got news for you, a majority of the people in this country have some idle time, and the first thought in our minds isn't, "let's shoot up" or "let's get hammered beyond recognition."

It's a feel good story that he was able to overcome his demons. But let's not blow it out of proportion. He came back to play baseball he didn't come back to win the Nobel Peace prize. I hope he continues to have a great career, with the obvious talent he possesses, but it makes me feel awkward when he's risen to martyrdom, just because he's only a borderline junkie instead of a full blown one.

Worst. Draft. Ever.

noreply@blogger.com (Hermano) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:29:00 +0000

The jokes for this draft write themselves. I mean seriously, do I really need to try to make up something funny, when this dastardly basketball killer to your right from UIPUI was picked in the first round? It's as if roughly after the lottery, every GM had a stroke at the same time, and let their kids pick people whose "name sounded funny". It was a contest of one-uppery of retardation one pick after another well into the night. Half the people picked in the first round were second round talent.

And let me say this: for a while there I thought Darrell Arthur was going to be taught to drive a truck by his mom for the rest of his life. Ma and Son trucking would really take off then. I feel bad for the possibility of having serious health condition, but other than, it was uncomfortably entertaining to see his discomfort.

As a Cavs fan, with so many players still on the board, when they picked JJ Hickson I had no reaction. I wasn't upset. I wasn't happy. I was caught so far off guard by this ridiculous pick that I just stared at my television. No matter how you spin it, it was just not a great pick.

My favorite part had to come with the 26th pick, when Accountant/Basketball player George Hill was selected. I watch 500 college basketball games a year, and not once have I heard his name called. And I'm possitive that David Stern snickered a little when he said, "George is not here."

There's so much to talk about within these draft picks, that it would take all day to go over. But the most insteresting has to be Detroit's 2nd round draft pick Walter Sharpe. Let's get this out of the way: who the fuck is this guy. DSC's a big fan. Free Press finds some information about your local sports hero:

I'll fill you in on a few details: Yes, he really has struggled with narcolepsy. He was academically ineligible last semester, presumably for spelling "Sharp" wrong. And maybe the best sign that he is ready for pro sports is that he already has his first nightclub arrest under his belt.

You say what now? He's narcoleptic? That doesn't stop him from getting arrested apparently. This guy should love Det-riot. Yeah, I would assume that narcolepsy would make it difficult to concentrate in school. But maybe, and I'm just spit balling here, it might also make it difficult to play basketball. Undeterred Pistons. Good thing they didn't take local undefeated basketball superstar CDR. That would have been foolish, and not at all fan-friendly.

I woke up this morning, hoping that last night was a big joke. Unfortunately, I still have JJ Hickson for next year.

[FreeP] Don't assume Pistons blew the draft