The Phinsider

Your all-time favorite sports moment

2012-05-17T09:00:14Z

Ah, there's nothing like the month of May to really make football fans feel close to their favorite team. We're officially at the point where tumbleweeds would be a compelling news item, so it's a probably a good idea to take a step back from the NFL and acknowledge the fact that three other sports (four if you count Nascar, and I am purely doing so because Kevin and Duke will be heartbroken if I omit that ... pastime) are currently in season. Hockey is actually my No. 1 fave sport (yes, more so than football), so I've been paying close attention to the NHL playoffs (loving the L.A. Kings right now, btw). I know most of you here are Heat fans (I promise to not make any more mention of flops, FBI refs or Miami's "improved" bench during this article. We're good. It's out of my system). Tex is a die-hard Texas Rangers fan, while Kevin has something like five favorite baseball teams (not sure how that's even possible or acceptable), and I am sure many more of you are big baseball fans. My point, you ask? I am getting to it! Patience, please.

(clears throat)

(takes a bathroom break)

(returns three hours later with a half-empty bottle of Crown Royal)

My point is that there's a good chance some of your all-time favorite sports memories don't involve the Miami Dolphins (I just opened the gate for a crapload of jokes from Pats and Jets fans, didn't I?). I'll even go on a limb and say the Dolphins aren't anywhere near my top 3 for greatest sports memories. Part of the reason for that, of course, is because they just haven't been overly wonderful during the majority of my lifetime (I was born in 1984; I was in high school the last time the Dolphins won a playoff game); the other reason is because I am a sucker for the sports stories that typically trickle out of the NHL, NBA and MLB. Don't get me wrong, the NFL can be downright captivating, but the "meat market" aspect of the game sucks, imo. Honestly, these players we know and love have a very small window when it comes to competing at their absolute athletic peak, and that fact has always bummed me out. I almost feel like getting attached to a football player is like getting attached to a character in a Friday the 13th film--enjoy them while they're around, because some maniac is going to butcher them into oblivion right before your eyes. The NFL is fantastic, but its violence is a doubled-edged sword. We (myself included) crave the big hits, but God only knows how many of those "big hits" a player's body chemistry can endure before it's curtains for his career.

Anyway, I digress. I want to hear about a few of your favorite sports memories. You don't have to be Hemingway-like descriptive in your responses, but at least give me an idea of why that particular memory holds a special place in your heart. Examples? Sure, I'll bite.

Sports memory No. 1: Flu-ridden Michael Jordan goes upside the Utah Jazz's head in an ABSOLUTELY must-win Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals

I still remember this game as if it happened yesterday. I was 13 years old and just days into my summer vacation following 7th grade. The Bulls took the first two games of that series (including an absolute choked-so-bad, you'll-remember-this-moment-for-eons performance by then-MVP Karl Malone in the closing moments of Game 1), but were unable to prevent the Jazz from grabbing games 3 and 4 at the noisy-ass Delta Center (a place with decibal levels equating to that of a large jet flying over your head). Thus, Game 5 was as pivotal as it gets in the NBA Finals.

And then the opening NBA on NBC telecast showed Michael Jordan walking into the Delta Center looking he had just been hit by one of those big rigs Malone enjoys driving around in his free time. Oh crap, our best player has the flu and looks like he may drop dead at any moment. Forget about Game 5. This series might be over.

But it wasn't over, of course. In fact, Jordan was just getting started. Despite the fact the Jazz were absolutely on fire in Game 5 (Malone, John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek and Shandon Anderson all played out of their minds that night), Jordan was better, dropping 38 points on an unsuspecting Utah team that clearly struggled with the fact that its dreams of an NBA title were being dashed by a guy who was in danger of crapping his pants and passing out on the hardwood. I still think that '97 Jazz team was the best finals opponent the Bulls saw during their six-title run, which makes the Flu Game as impressive today as it was 15 years ago.

I just realized that I am old. Let's move on. Anyway, share your favorite sports memories in the comment section. I'll post some of my favorite responses in a story tomorrow evening.

New York Jets Tight End Dustin Keller: Tony Sparano Runs Tight Ship

2012-05-17T09:00:04Z

In a statement that will surprise no Miami Dolphins fans or players, New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller has told the New Jersey based Star-Ledger that new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano "runs a tighter ship than I've seen from anyone before." Sparano was the Dolphins head coach from 2008 to 2011, leading the team to an 11-5 record and the playoffs in his first season, before having three consecutive losing seasons.

After starting the season 0-7 last year, Sparano relaxed from his well documented strict rules and schedules, allowing the Dolphins to have more fun, and get more productive in practice. The loosening of the reins led the the Dolphins winning four of the next six games before Sparano was relieved of his coaching duties.

Now, as a member of a coaching staff in New York that has, at times, seemed to be the antithesis of his coaching mentality, Sparano is looking to bring a stricter scheme to the Jets. And, apparently, it's being well received.

"He's not going to let anyone skip up," Keller continued, speaking at the United Say of New York City's Gridiron Gala. "I think that's when problems do arise. It's going to continue. You can tell it's not just a one day or an OTA thing, this thing is going to keep on going and going, and I think we need it."

While never mentioning former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who is currently holding the same position for the St. Louis Rams, Keller did continue to explain his fondness for the systems that Sparano uses. "When Sparano is in there talking, all eyes are on him," Keller said. "It's a change. Before, I would say it was a little more laid-back. But with him it's more stern, and he just has everybody's attention, and I think guys are paying more attention to details now more than ever.

"Most all the guys have been very accountable to themselves, to the things they're doing, but I think this year more than ever. Everything from the details of how far you need to line up and everything, guys already have that stuff down, and if you don't, he's kind of coming down on you. And that's how it's going to be all season, you can already tell."

Right tackle Wayne Hunter, however, wasn't afraid to mention Schottenheimer when he was discussing Sparano. "I like him," Hunter said of Sparano. "He's night and day from Schotty. I think it's a good change."

According to Hunter, it's Sparano's "attitude" and "presence" that will make a difference for the Jets this upcoming year.

"The one thing you can really appreciate about him is he's very honest," Keller added. "He told us that from the get-go. He's going to be honest with us, and if you want to know where you stand with the team, go in there and ask him, because he'll always be honest with you. That's something we really respect."

Quarterback Mark Sanchez also weighed in on his former AFC East rival coach, "He expects a lot of you, but he's fair. Just like a game plan, he'll let you know, ‘We're going to work on a specific situation; here's what I expect.' And if doesn't happen, that's when you hear the coach Sparano that everyone talks about.

"But at the same time, I said he's fair. When you throw a good ball, when somebody runs a good route, when you get the answer right, that's what he wants and he expects it, but he also rewards you for that and lets you know. His demeanor will be great for us."

The Dolphins will face their former head coach for the first time in Week 3 of the NFL season, when the Jets travel to Miami. The two teams will complete their season series during Week 8, when the Dolphins travel north to New Jersey.

Wednesday Night Random Live Thread:Do You Still Trust Certain Sport's Media Outlets Edition

2012-05-17T00:00:21Z

Today the news of the ex-Syracuse coach's wife who was accused of molesting two of his ball boy's and her now threats to sue ESPN for their shoddy reporting. It seems to me that they had little to base their story on other then the claim of a couple of guys. Of course there is no proof that it did or did not happen but reporting in the fashion that they did as if it were fact seems at the very least irresponsible. It got me to thinking and reminded me a lot of the whole UM/Yahoo story.

Yahoo, although they knew parts of their story had been proven inaccurate before posting the story chose to still go forward with it in its entirety with not a single edit to show the facts as they actually knew them to be at the time. I honestly wonder how some of these people sleep at night and still at the same time somehow, someway call themselves journalist?

There was a time in journalism where you would check your sources, back the facts up with another source and then double check both of those before ever thinking of printing or broadcasting anything. Now days it seems as if beating everyone else to the punch is all that matters. Be damned the facts, journalistic integrity or the people you might hurt or the lives you might destroy. The worst part of it is the guilty parties seem to do so with total impunity.

I am not and never have been a fan of suing anyone for anything and think that as a society we have become way too litigious but I hope someone eventually comes along and sues the hell out of one of these media outlets. If for no other reason then to prove that there is a price to pay for shoddy reporting or just doing whatever it takes, be damned those that you must trample along the way, to get the big ratings and that precious advertising revenue.

Remember this is open thread and as such any subject is on the table outside of religion and politics. Please keep pics to a maximum of 2 per person and no GIF's in any of the live threads. Also try your best to keep things as close to PG as possible as we are on the front page.

So my question to you is do you trust any of these sports media outlets to report things in a factual manner any longer?

NFC Playoff Teams - Who Misses Out?

2012-05-16T20:00:17Z

A few days ago, we voted on the 2011 AFC Playoff team most likely to miss the 2012 NFL Playoffs. In a league that normally sees about 50% turnover in playoff teams every year, selecting just the AFC teams doesn't seem right. So, today, we bring the vote for the NFC team. We will review the final results in a follow up post.

The 2011 NFC playoff teams were the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Detroit Lions. Compared to 2010, the NFC matched the AFC with exactly a 50%. In 2010, the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks each won their division before being replaced by the 49ers, Giants, and Lions the next year.

Related: AFC Playoff Teams - Who Misses Out?

Which again brings us to our discussion and the poll.

Which of the six NFC playoff teams from 2011 is most likely to miss the playoffs in 2012?

You can vote below in the poll, and leave your comments for who you think will replace the team you selected.

Poll

Which 2011 NFC Playoff team is most likely to miss the 2012 playoffs?

Young guns: Top 10 NFL players under the age of 25

2012-05-16T19:15:22Z

Young guns: Top 10 NFL players under the age of 25

No Miami Dolphins included on the list, but an interesting look at some of the top young players in the league.

Former Miami Dolphins Running Back Ricky Williams Doesn't Buy Link Between Football and Concussions

2012-05-16T18:00:30Z

Good interview with former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, but it's definitely the Ricky Williams Dolphins fans got to know with the retirement and holistic medicine side. Williams has always thought of things a little differently than most - and this is another example of that.

At least he's proud to be weird.

Former Atlanta Falcons Fullback Ovie Mughelli to Meet With Miami Dolphins

2012-05-16T16:45:51Z

@JasonLaCanfora
Jason La Canfora FB Ovie Mughelli arrives in Miami tonite and visits Dolphins Thurs
May 16 via Twitter for BlackBerry® Favorite Retweet Reply

Former Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli scheduled to meet with the Miami Dolphins tomorrow.The free agent fullback was been a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, and has twice been an All-Pro (2006, 2010). He spent 2011 on injured reserve with the Falcons, and was released on May 8.

It's an interesting free agent visit for the Dolphins, who have gone away from the traditional fullback recently. It could signal a move by the team to use sophomore h-back Charles Clay in a more tight end type role.

Miami Dolphins News You May Have Missed - 5/16/12

2012-05-16T16:00:49Z

Here are the Miami Dolphins news stories you may have missed over the last 24 hours:

DOLPHINS QUARTERBACKS:

Garrard Loves Dolphins Up-Tempo Offense " The Finsiders – Miami Dolphins
No matter who wins the Dolphins’ quarterback competition heading into the season, one thing has become evident. They better be ready to play fast.

DOLPHINS WIDE RECEIVERS:

Seventh-rounder Rishard Matthews has a chance in anonymous WR corps | The Daily Dolphin
Jeff Ireland’s seventh-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Jimmy Wilson, impressed as a rookie and could be in contention for a starting job at safety this year. Could Ireland do it again in 2012 with Nevada wide receiver Rishard Matthews?

DOLPHINS OFFSEASON:

Miami Dolphins host FinsWeekend to benefit the Miami Dolphins Foundation - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Miami Dolphins host FinsWeekend to benefit the Miami Dolphins Foundation

DOLPHINS 2012 SEASON:

How good can the Miami Dolphins be in 2012? – Miami Dolphins – Sun-Sentinel
What the Dolphins need is better quarterback play, and better coaches. This offseason’s moves should help South Florida’s NFL franchise in both those area, but by how much?

PHINSIDER NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

Miami Dolphins Running Back Jerome Messam to Have Knee Surgery - The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins running back Jerome Messam, trying to make the team after an All-Star season last year in the CFL, is set to have knee surgery today. Messam tore his meniscus during the CFL playoffs last year, and has to have a second surgery to fix it.

Miami Dolphins Running Back Reggie Bush: "I Want the Rushing Title" - The Phinsider
Last year, Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his 6-year career. This year, Bush wants more..

Adam Schefter thinks it will be 'an upset' if Ryan Tannehill doesn't start at some point in 2012 - The Phinsider
Adam Schefter thinks it will be 'an upset' if Ryan Tannehill doesn't start for the Dolphins sometime in 2012.

Miami Dolphins Rookie Linebacker Josh Kaddu Profile From Addicted to Quack - The Phinsider
In the fifth round of the NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Josh Kaddu. To get a better idea of what the Dolphins are getting, we turn to SB Nation's Addicted to Quack for a profile.

Six Questions About Miami Dolphins Draft Pick Josh Kaddu - The Phinsider
A look at Miami Dolphins rookie linebacker Josh Kaddu, using six questions. The Kansas City Chiefs use these six questions in their scouting profile of a player leading up to the draft.