I'll warn you now, this post is about my faith and belief in God. If you're looking for a sports take or just something amusing, I'm not on that today. I feel the need to put this down for the record...
If you have a strong faith, believe in God and talk to Him in prayer on a regular basis you can likely relate to my post. I start every day with a prayer. I go to a quiet place in my house or wherever I may be, fall to my knees and begin by thanking God for allowing me for another day of life. It's part of what I do everyday, even more so than that regular cup of coffee you get. I also pray throughout the day--different times for different things. Sometimes just a prayer of thanks, other times for strength or wisdom or patience. I always believe that God answers my prayers. He does so in His own way and in His own time. On rare occassions though there are times when I'm praying to Him and it feels like He's revealing his answer to me while I'm praying. For me it comes in the form of a conversation. It doesn't happen that often but yesterday while praying it did.
I was pouring out my heart to God about something that's been on my mind (not going to get into details). At the moment I asked for His guidance on the matter I felt like He gave me a series of questions to evaluate my life with. It was mind blowing to say the least! I felt like God presented to me my situation in a different light and asked me if I can honestly tell Him I was handling it as a Christian man or how I felt He would want me to handle it. I was humbled--quick. As I began to ask more questions I still felt His presence and Him giving me guidance only a loving parent could. As I said it was humbling but a great sense of calm and understanding came over me. Honestly unless you've had a similar experience it's hard to explain.
I felt it important to post this because we often pray to God for things that may or may not be in His will for us. We tend to want things based on our own schedule. When we come to realize and embrace the FACT that God has His own schedule and His own plan for us (not to mention the plan and the timing are always perfect) we benefit so much more. How often could you go to a good friend that you've done something against or repeatedly made mistakes with and yet they still embrace you; genuinely want the best for you and forgive you when you show true repentance? I don't think I could (at this point: still working on me). That's how God is. We sin against him daily, yet with a contrite heart and asking Him for forgiveness He grants it to us and allows us to have a relationship with Him. If that doesn't show love, mercy, grace and kindness, I don't know what does!
For those of you who kept reading past the first line or two, I hope this brings you comfort and peace knowing God loves you. If you're searching for a way to get into a relationship with Him, go to Him in prayer RIGHT NOW! Tell him what's in your heart--leave nothing out. Ask Him for forgiveness, for His grace, for His love and for wisdom to know His will for you. GUARANTEED He'll show up. I speak from experience.
God bless
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
The Decision II
I didn't intend on blogging today. I also didn't think we'd get the most anticipated decision since...well.."the Decision". But, here we are, and from all accounts (Mort and Schefter) Peyton has decided on the broncos. Now, as a Raider fan...let me fix that, as a DIE HARD, bleed Silver and Black Raider fan, this pains me! Anybody of any consequence going to 'the enemy' is a bad thing for me. The broncos going out and convincing what's being called the 'greatest free agent in the NFL ever' for their starting QB position is amazing.
Tebow-mania took the NFL by storm last year. My personal opinion of Tebow is he's a great leader, hard worker and determination like no other. Those skills/attributes alone will get you far in any given profession. However in pro football, you still have to have those other skills if you want to be successful as a QB. Not if you want to play in the league, or stay in the league, but if you want to be successfull. The broncos (if the reports are true) intend on trading Tebow once Manning signs. That alone says volumes about what they think of his potential in developing into a successfull NFL QB.
Tebow counts for less than 2 million/yr. Who better to learn the position from than Peyton--if they thought he could develop. By signing "the biggest FA ever" it softens the blow for die hard bronco fans who drink the Tebow Kool Aid. Smart move on their part--if they're right about Peyton and Tebow.
Peyton isn't a guarantee. Consider he had 4 neck surgeries that kept him out all year. He's going to be playing in a cold weather stadium wtihout a dome. The offensive line for denver is young and suspect. Running game is inconsistent and the WR are young and thin for depth. Reggie Wayne, Garcon, Gonzales are signed with other teams. Dallas Clark is still available and likely will sign with them--I'm guessing. denver's defense is stout--no question. HOWEVA (in my Stephen A Smith voice) denver's DC is now our Head Coach. So that comes with some change as well. So denver signs Peyton, trades Tebow, what happens if Peyton gets injured? What if he goes through training camp and has a set back? his contract will be incentive ladden, but the broncos have all their offensive eggs in that basket. What if's are always interesting. Doesn't mean it'll be a factor but expect all the "experts" to pose the question.
why not the other teams?
Peyton passed up the chance to play for the niners (who in my opinion was the best option to win early and often). Consider Jim Harbaugh is a control freak. What are the chances he and Peyton would knock heads on how the offense is run with a former QB as the HC? That likely played a big factor in his decision. I think more so than worrying about playing against little brother with a chance to go to the super bowl on the line.
No Titans either. With the Titans he had his best scouting done since he's been in the AFC south. Only real contender would have been the Texans coming off a franchise best year. They did lose their top defensive guy in Williams but HOU looked poised to be the top dog in the division for a while. Playing against his colts MAY have been the biggest NEGATIVE for Peyton here. He had an amicable divorce with the colts, not a contentious one. That may have been the big factor for not going to the Titans.
So here we are. The "unofficial" official choice of Peyton Manning. I doubt he holds his conference at a boys/girls club with a tablecloth looking shirt being interviewed by Jim Gray, but the cats already out of the bag too so the anticipation is somewhat subdued too. NCAA will take a back seat for the next two days. The pressure's on you now denver! You got the big dog, let's see what you can do with him. As for my Raiders? We'll be ready!
...just my expert opinion...
Tebow-mania took the NFL by storm last year. My personal opinion of Tebow is he's a great leader, hard worker and determination like no other. Those skills/attributes alone will get you far in any given profession. However in pro football, you still have to have those other skills if you want to be successful as a QB. Not if you want to play in the league, or stay in the league, but if you want to be successfull. The broncos (if the reports are true) intend on trading Tebow once Manning signs. That alone says volumes about what they think of his potential in developing into a successfull NFL QB.
Tebow counts for less than 2 million/yr. Who better to learn the position from than Peyton--if they thought he could develop. By signing "the biggest FA ever" it softens the blow for die hard bronco fans who drink the Tebow Kool Aid. Smart move on their part--if they're right about Peyton and Tebow.
Peyton isn't a guarantee. Consider he had 4 neck surgeries that kept him out all year. He's going to be playing in a cold weather stadium wtihout a dome. The offensive line for denver is young and suspect. Running game is inconsistent and the WR are young and thin for depth. Reggie Wayne, Garcon, Gonzales are signed with other teams. Dallas Clark is still available and likely will sign with them--I'm guessing. denver's defense is stout--no question. HOWEVA (in my Stephen A Smith voice) denver's DC is now our Head Coach. So that comes with some change as well. So denver signs Peyton, trades Tebow, what happens if Peyton gets injured? What if he goes through training camp and has a set back? his contract will be incentive ladden, but the broncos have all their offensive eggs in that basket. What if's are always interesting. Doesn't mean it'll be a factor but expect all the "experts" to pose the question.
why not the other teams?
Peyton passed up the chance to play for the niners (who in my opinion was the best option to win early and often). Consider Jim Harbaugh is a control freak. What are the chances he and Peyton would knock heads on how the offense is run with a former QB as the HC? That likely played a big factor in his decision. I think more so than worrying about playing against little brother with a chance to go to the super bowl on the line.
No Titans either. With the Titans he had his best scouting done since he's been in the AFC south. Only real contender would have been the Texans coming off a franchise best year. They did lose their top defensive guy in Williams but HOU looked poised to be the top dog in the division for a while. Playing against his colts MAY have been the biggest NEGATIVE for Peyton here. He had an amicable divorce with the colts, not a contentious one. That may have been the big factor for not going to the Titans.
So here we are. The "unofficial" official choice of Peyton Manning. I doubt he holds his conference at a boys/girls club with a tablecloth looking shirt being interviewed by Jim Gray, but the cats already out of the bag too so the anticipation is somewhat subdued too. NCAA will take a back seat for the next two days. The pressure's on you now denver! You got the big dog, let's see what you can do with him. As for my Raiders? We'll be ready!
...just my expert opinion...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
NFL Free Agency--Let's get to it!
I read a great line this morning from NFL/ESPN contributer Adam Schefter: "The first few days of NFL free agency is like shopping at Neiman Marcus. After that it's like shopping at Target." Man that is so true! If you've got the money (cap space) why not go out and get you a big money FA?! Fact is proven NFL talent is USUALLY less of a gamble than the draft. You've already got a body of work against the best of the best. Most times you know how they'll fit in your system--it's high percentage (mostly).
Round up
Reggie Wayne--Indy Jason Campbell--CHI Cortland F--Rams
V Jax--Bucs Pierre Garcon/Josh Morgan--Skins Robert Meachem--SD
Smoke screens
Peyton to the Dolphins makes the most sense right? He has a home in Miami, Reggie Wayne wants to sign with Miami. They have a good defense, good o-line, good WR target in B Marshall and a solid running game. First trip Peyton took? He flew from Miami to Denver. Who saw that coming?! Next stop was Arizona. Now, B Marshall gets traded to Chicago, Reggie Wayne re-signs with Indy (nobody saw that coming) and Peyton is on his way to meet the Titans. FA kicks off and you get all these big money deals done in hours! How is that if you're not supposed to be able to negotiate until FA begins? TAMPERING! Can't say that though...but it's true!
My Rant
My beloved Raiders didn't make a splash. In all honesty I didn't expect one. We've got cap problems (due to bad contracts) and we don't have a lot of draft picks (due to bad decisions). That's cool. We finished tied for the AFC West lead with a ton of injuries. Those players are back and healthy, a new regime, including a defensive oriented head coach we stole from the enemy. The GM is a former Raider and learned from a very good system in GB. We've got a lot going in a positive direction. STILL every Raider fan (including myself) wanted/wants more. That's natural. We tend to live out our lives through our sports teams. It's a way we identify ourselves and our passions. It plucks my nerves to no end when you get the person who wants to correct you when you say "may team did...or we (refering to my team) won this ..." THAT GUY wants to point out to you "you're not on that team. You don't play for them. Why do you say 'my team' or 'we." UUUGGGHHH!!!! If I want to say my team or we that's my business. Believe me bank account and my body confirm to me DAILY that I don't play pro sports nor am I an owner. TRUST! Now that I'm on this rant let me take my shot at "why do you wear sports jerseys?" guy. I love my jerseys. I got upwards of 20. I wear all of them. Why? Because I do and I bought them with my money while minding my OWN business. Again, the jersey/t-shirt is how you connect with a team. To me it's no different than buying certain name brands of clothes, the latest cell phone or whatever it is. It's your choice in what you value. I'm getting a bit off topic but I think you get my point. If you don't here's a summary.
Don't let anyone dictate to you what you should/should not feel, value or do. It's your life and YOU are held accountable for how you live it and what you do with it--not those Jackwagons who, in all honesty are trying to impose their thinking on you.
...or is it just me?
Round up
Reggie Wayne--Indy Jason Campbell--CHI Cortland F--Rams
V Jax--Bucs Pierre Garcon/Josh Morgan--Skins Robert Meachem--SD
Smoke screens
Peyton to the Dolphins makes the most sense right? He has a home in Miami, Reggie Wayne wants to sign with Miami. They have a good defense, good o-line, good WR target in B Marshall and a solid running game. First trip Peyton took? He flew from Miami to Denver. Who saw that coming?! Next stop was Arizona. Now, B Marshall gets traded to Chicago, Reggie Wayne re-signs with Indy (nobody saw that coming) and Peyton is on his way to meet the Titans. FA kicks off and you get all these big money deals done in hours! How is that if you're not supposed to be able to negotiate until FA begins? TAMPERING! Can't say that though...but it's true!
My Rant
My beloved Raiders didn't make a splash. In all honesty I didn't expect one. We've got cap problems (due to bad contracts) and we don't have a lot of draft picks (due to bad decisions). That's cool. We finished tied for the AFC West lead with a ton of injuries. Those players are back and healthy, a new regime, including a defensive oriented head coach we stole from the enemy. The GM is a former Raider and learned from a very good system in GB. We've got a lot going in a positive direction. STILL every Raider fan (including myself) wanted/wants more. That's natural. We tend to live out our lives through our sports teams. It's a way we identify ourselves and our passions. It plucks my nerves to no end when you get the person who wants to correct you when you say "may team did...or we (refering to my team) won this ..." THAT GUY wants to point out to you "you're not on that team. You don't play for them. Why do you say 'my team' or 'we." UUUGGGHHH!!!! If I want to say my team or we that's my business. Believe me bank account and my body confirm to me DAILY that I don't play pro sports nor am I an owner. TRUST! Now that I'm on this rant let me take my shot at "why do you wear sports jerseys?" guy. I love my jerseys. I got upwards of 20. I wear all of them. Why? Because I do and I bought them with my money while minding my OWN business. Again, the jersey/t-shirt is how you connect with a team. To me it's no different than buying certain name brands of clothes, the latest cell phone or whatever it is. It's your choice in what you value. I'm getting a bit off topic but I think you get my point. If you don't here's a summary.
Don't let anyone dictate to you what you should/should not feel, value or do. It's your life and YOU are held accountable for how you live it and what you do with it--not those Jackwagons who, in all honesty are trying to impose their thinking on you.
...or is it just me?
Monday, March 12, 2012
Patience and time
How many times have you made an impulse buy only to have buyers remorse later? What about planning and planning for a purchase or a vacation or something only to find out your finely detailed plan missed a thing or two that's now throwing a monkey wrench in your program. Yep, I've been there a time or hundred.
We're looking to buy a house this year. I've been planning it for about 2 years now. My original plan was to begin looking sometime around now or next month with an eye on moving sometime in June. HOWEVA, I made a classic mistake--started looking way too soon. Some things opened up in December and I figured I'd take a look, "just to get a gauge for what's out there." I had a plan of course. It was well thought out and this was just a look and see type thing. As with all major decisions, I took it to prayer. Knowing I'm getting God involved increases the success--as long as I don't screw it up. We started looking in December and kicked it up a notch in January. We found 2 VERY nice homes we liked--a lot. Timing wasn't right. We're still under contract where we're leasing and while both houses are still in the same school district, the busing issue is also a factor. We've had some family issues to take care of (and some are still on going). To top is all off we hit a snag with financing.
Looking at all these things popping up, it had me thinking "why am I rushing my time table for something so big? Didn't I take it to prayer? Surely God would have answered me by now?" Fact is God's been there all along. The timings not right--how do I know? Because God's plan is perfect. His timing is perfect. It's never late or wrong--truth. MY timing and actions were flawed. I got caught up in the here and now and not focused on what He has in store for me. This "issues popping up" were God's way of telling me now is not the time.
We hear people say all the time "Let go and let God." For those of faith, it's easy to take it to prayer--comes natural. The problem comes when we put our time table ahead of God's. When we put our plan ahead of God's. Then we wonder why our plan didn't work? We question whether God is answering our prayers. Reality is we didn't "let it go." That's a hard thing to do if you don't know how. I'm still learning myself how to get out of my own way and let God guide me. It's like standing on top of a ledge and falling backwards into someone else's arms. If it's a good friend (and they're not trying to play a joke on you) they'll catch you. You wouldn't try this with a complete stranger or someone you haven't established a good repore with would you? Same thing with God. You have to develop and have a good relationship with God--know what He expects from you--and do it. When you have that understanding and they repore it makes those leaps of faith that much easier to do.
We're looking to buy a house this year. I've been planning it for about 2 years now. My original plan was to begin looking sometime around now or next month with an eye on moving sometime in June. HOWEVA, I made a classic mistake--started looking way too soon. Some things opened up in December and I figured I'd take a look, "just to get a gauge for what's out there." I had a plan of course. It was well thought out and this was just a look and see type thing. As with all major decisions, I took it to prayer. Knowing I'm getting God involved increases the success--as long as I don't screw it up. We started looking in December and kicked it up a notch in January. We found 2 VERY nice homes we liked--a lot. Timing wasn't right. We're still under contract where we're leasing and while both houses are still in the same school district, the busing issue is also a factor. We've had some family issues to take care of (and some are still on going). To top is all off we hit a snag with financing.
Looking at all these things popping up, it had me thinking "why am I rushing my time table for something so big? Didn't I take it to prayer? Surely God would have answered me by now?" Fact is God's been there all along. The timings not right--how do I know? Because God's plan is perfect. His timing is perfect. It's never late or wrong--truth. MY timing and actions were flawed. I got caught up in the here and now and not focused on what He has in store for me. This "issues popping up" were God's way of telling me now is not the time.
We hear people say all the time "Let go and let God." For those of faith, it's easy to take it to prayer--comes natural. The problem comes when we put our time table ahead of God's. When we put our plan ahead of God's. Then we wonder why our plan didn't work? We question whether God is answering our prayers. Reality is we didn't "let it go." That's a hard thing to do if you don't know how. I'm still learning myself how to get out of my own way and let God guide me. It's like standing on top of a ledge and falling backwards into someone else's arms. If it's a good friend (and they're not trying to play a joke on you) they'll catch you. You wouldn't try this with a complete stranger or someone you haven't established a good repore with would you? Same thing with God. You have to develop and have a good relationship with God--know what He expects from you--and do it. When you have that understanding and they repore it makes those leaps of faith that much easier to do.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Lakers at the trade deadline
I'm writing this after seething from two losses against future lottery teams (Pistons/Wizards). This road trip should have been a catapult for the remainder of the season--it very well may be after all. Most pundits are griping and saying the Lakers have to make a trade now. Why? Because they lost to two bad teams? Is the current roster the reason for that? Nope. There are many reasons for these two losses. Let's jump in!
1. The roster
the Lakers got swept out of the playoffs last year by the eventual champs. Some hold on to hope that because it was the eventual champs no shame in being ousted. WRONG! The Lakers almost lost to a decimated Hornets team in the first round! The roster is old (by NBA standards). Pau played up to his nickname (I gave him) Butta! Soft as butter! Kobe's legs/wrist, nose, etc...are all a year older in NBA years. They then trade away the 6th man in Odom for some magical beans that are yet to sprout. They let go of 'the new microwave' Shannon Brown (all respect to Vinny Johnson). The bench is a bunch of guys in awe of the roster in place. Ron Metta World Artest Peace Jenkins IV (whatever his name is today) is more eradict than a 16 year old driving on the free way for the first time. Luke Walton isn't even a good mascot anymore yet he holds a roster spot!
2. The coach
This one hurts me because I backed hiring Mike Brown. I worked in Cleveland during most of the LeBron/Mike Brown years and I defended the hire. CLEARLY after about 1/2 a season it's not working. You can criticize the X's and O's but the BIG 800 lb gorilla in the room is the players lack of respect for what Brown is trying to do. When you lose the players THIS early into your first year--nothing good can happen. The roster was suspect to start; a new offense/defensive philosophy, a coach who everyone said road the coattails of a superstar isn't getting it done.
3. the rest of the league got better
Clippers are the better team in LA..now. The Heat are meeting their lofty expectations, Bulls continue to surge, Spurs just have a better coach/roster, Houston is successfully rebuiling, the Thunder FINALLY look mature enough to make a championship run.
In short, don't make a trade--period. Finish the season and see if you can get D-Will w/o getting compensation. The draft is supposed to be the deepest in years and they Lakers got 2 first round picks (waiting for the beans to sprout). Problem is LA is used to a winner--this year that'll have to rest with the Clippers.
I feel dirty saying that...
1. The roster
the Lakers got swept out of the playoffs last year by the eventual champs. Some hold on to hope that because it was the eventual champs no shame in being ousted. WRONG! The Lakers almost lost to a decimated Hornets team in the first round! The roster is old (by NBA standards). Pau played up to his nickname (I gave him) Butta! Soft as butter! Kobe's legs/wrist, nose, etc...are all a year older in NBA years. They then trade away the 6th man in Odom for some magical beans that are yet to sprout. They let go of 'the new microwave' Shannon Brown (all respect to Vinny Johnson). The bench is a bunch of guys in awe of the roster in place. Ron Metta World Artest Peace Jenkins IV (whatever his name is today) is more eradict than a 16 year old driving on the free way for the first time. Luke Walton isn't even a good mascot anymore yet he holds a roster spot!
2. The coach
This one hurts me because I backed hiring Mike Brown. I worked in Cleveland during most of the LeBron/Mike Brown years and I defended the hire. CLEARLY after about 1/2 a season it's not working. You can criticize the X's and O's but the BIG 800 lb gorilla in the room is the players lack of respect for what Brown is trying to do. When you lose the players THIS early into your first year--nothing good can happen. The roster was suspect to start; a new offense/defensive philosophy, a coach who everyone said road the coattails of a superstar isn't getting it done.
3. the rest of the league got better
Clippers are the better team in LA..now. The Heat are meeting their lofty expectations, Bulls continue to surge, Spurs just have a better coach/roster, Houston is successfully rebuiling, the Thunder FINALLY look mature enough to make a championship run.
In short, don't make a trade--period. Finish the season and see if you can get D-Will w/o getting compensation. The draft is supposed to be the deepest in years and they Lakers got 2 first round picks (waiting for the beans to sprout). Problem is LA is used to a winner--this year that'll have to rest with the Clippers.
I feel dirty saying that...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Looking for the next Lin-Sanity? It's coming at noon
Life as we know it will NEVER be the same again--so say the pundits of EVERY sports and news outlet. Eclipsing "Super Tuesday" primaries is not so breaking news that Peyton Manning will be released by the Colts today. OK...didn't we all think this was going to happen anyway? Well, I did think he would restructure and stay with the Colts (which would've been the smart move for the Colts) but STILL IM NOT SURPRISED! Are you? So why is everyone lamenting this press conference like it's not expected?
Why? "I'll tell you why, because they want us to kill ourselves!" Sorry I was channeling my inner Furious (from Boyz N the Hood--funny/great scene). I digress...The real "why" is simple--we want the next big story. We thirst for it. There's a fascination about who can get what detail fastest. I'm admittedly a junky for it. I subscribe to the "rumor" sites just to get a hint of what someone might be thinking. It's a part of our DO IT NOW/SEE IT NOW society.
Today you'll hear everyone and their mother compare Peyton leaving to Favre and his quest to play for all 32 teams, Montana playing for the chiefs, and a host of other stars at the end of their prime playing out the string elsewhere. You'll also hear "it'll be strange to see Peyton in another jersey" about 20,000 times today too. I don't think so. We're so used to seeing stars switch teams it's not that shocking.
The real winner today is yet to be shown--Nike. They begin their first year as uniform supplier for the NFL. they've got 6 and 7 year olds around the globe waiting in the sweat shops to churn out old #18 in Redskins, Jets, Dolphins gear as we speak! The fans of whoever gets Peyton will simultaneously see a spike in ticket prices the moment he signs as well.
Aahhh the offseason. We've missed you!
Why? "I'll tell you why, because they want us to kill ourselves!" Sorry I was channeling my inner Furious (from Boyz N the Hood--funny/great scene). I digress...The real "why" is simple--we want the next big story. We thirst for it. There's a fascination about who can get what detail fastest. I'm admittedly a junky for it. I subscribe to the "rumor" sites just to get a hint of what someone might be thinking. It's a part of our DO IT NOW/SEE IT NOW society.
Today you'll hear everyone and their mother compare Peyton leaving to Favre and his quest to play for all 32 teams, Montana playing for the chiefs, and a host of other stars at the end of their prime playing out the string elsewhere. You'll also hear "it'll be strange to see Peyton in another jersey" about 20,000 times today too. I don't think so. We're so used to seeing stars switch teams it's not that shocking.
The real winner today is yet to be shown--Nike. They begin their first year as uniform supplier for the NFL. they've got 6 and 7 year olds around the globe waiting in the sweat shops to churn out old #18 in Redskins, Jets, Dolphins gear as we speak! The fans of whoever gets Peyton will simultaneously see a spike in ticket prices the moment he signs as well.
Aahhh the offseason. We've missed you!
Monday, March 5, 2012
What's old is new again!
UNC V Duke
Lakers V Heat
Knicks V Celtics
Classic games this weekend. UNC applies the Kobe system and DOMINATES Duke at Duke. Lakers featuring Kobe Bryant (y'all know Kobe is like the lead singer who threatens to leave the group if they don't change the name: The Commodores featuring Lionel Ritchie, Tempatations feature David Ruffin...ok that didn't happen). Celtics and Knicks in a retro classic OT game with Rondo giving everyone some nice interview tape (if the Celtics are stupid enough to deal him). It felt good to get back to the way things were...even if only for a weekend.
Honorable mention to Deron Williams and his 57. Only honorable mention because I hope he's a Laker next summer. What happened to scoring?! 57 used to be got once a month by either Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Shaq, Duncan, and a list of others. Heck Dana Barros scored 50 one game! I know, "who's Dana Barros?" Exactly the point. D-Will's 57 was the most points in the NBA since Kobe's 61 in 2009. Wow! All this fast paced offense doesn't give you the big scores anymore. Kind of fitting on the anniversary of Wilt's 100 points. Probably one of the few records that may not ever be broken and there's no tape of it--sad but true.
Speaking of what's old is new again, NFL bounty scandal with the Saints was front and center. Some of us remember the "Buddy Bowl" bounty years and years ago. Most of us and a lot of players are speaking out and condeming "snitches" for the bounty scandal. Consider:
NFL is cracking down on violent hits--what do you think they're going to do when they find out about 'bounties' being paid for hits?
Saints beat the fudge out of Favre the year of the bounty--think there wasn't some cash on knocking out/down the old man?!
Players (not all;mostly after retirement) criticize the NFL for not taking a firmer hand in curtailing the violence--yet 'bounty games/seasons' seems the norm (from some accounts).
I'll be honest, I like seeing the hard hits. I like seeing the players get up and walk away even better. Players are bigger, stronger, faster and smarter these days than in past games. There is also more protection but the game itself is violent by nature. As a man you are often judge by your bravado/machismo. This is gladiator without the death--at least so far...
Lakers V Heat
Knicks V Celtics
Classic games this weekend. UNC applies the Kobe system and DOMINATES Duke at Duke. Lakers featuring Kobe Bryant (y'all know Kobe is like the lead singer who threatens to leave the group if they don't change the name: The Commodores featuring Lionel Ritchie, Tempatations feature David Ruffin...ok that didn't happen). Celtics and Knicks in a retro classic OT game with Rondo giving everyone some nice interview tape (if the Celtics are stupid enough to deal him). It felt good to get back to the way things were...even if only for a weekend.
Honorable mention to Deron Williams and his 57. Only honorable mention because I hope he's a Laker next summer. What happened to scoring?! 57 used to be got once a month by either Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Shaq, Duncan, and a list of others. Heck Dana Barros scored 50 one game! I know, "who's Dana Barros?" Exactly the point. D-Will's 57 was the most points in the NBA since Kobe's 61 in 2009. Wow! All this fast paced offense doesn't give you the big scores anymore. Kind of fitting on the anniversary of Wilt's 100 points. Probably one of the few records that may not ever be broken and there's no tape of it--sad but true.
Speaking of what's old is new again, NFL bounty scandal with the Saints was front and center. Some of us remember the "Buddy Bowl" bounty years and years ago. Most of us and a lot of players are speaking out and condeming "snitches" for the bounty scandal. Consider:
NFL is cracking down on violent hits--what do you think they're going to do when they find out about 'bounties' being paid for hits?
Saints beat the fudge out of Favre the year of the bounty--think there wasn't some cash on knocking out/down the old man?!
Players (not all;mostly after retirement) criticize the NFL for not taking a firmer hand in curtailing the violence--yet 'bounty games/seasons' seems the norm (from some accounts).
I'll be honest, I like seeing the hard hits. I like seeing the players get up and walk away even better. Players are bigger, stronger, faster and smarter these days than in past games. There is also more protection but the game itself is violent by nature. As a man you are often judge by your bravado/machismo. This is gladiator without the death--at least so far...
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