(NFL PR Guru) "Ladies and Gentleman thank you for attending today's press conference on NFL Kickoffs if you'll all find your seats, the panel will be taking questions soon. Once again this is a reminder that our panel today consisting of NFL return specialist Devin Hester, Darren Sproils, and 2nd year return man Javier Arenas from Kansas City. Also joining us today on the other side of the table, defensive specialist LaMarr Woodley, Clark Haggans. Note only one question to one player at at time lets begin in the front here with the ESPN Magazines NFL Insider John Eastcoster."
Eastcoster: "A question to Devin Hester, aren't you thrilled the new NFL kickoff rule will lower injuries for return men such as yourself?"
Hester: "Uh ya no one ever wants to get hurt playing this game, but then again no one wants to give up their bonus money either. Do we have solid evidence that that injuries are going to go down? Or is there solid evidence I won't make bonus money and my family will have to suffer lost career income? Next question."
(Guru): Next lets go to CBS Sports' Paul Talkinghead
Talkinghead: "Lets get the defensive prospective, question to Mr. Woodley. Isn't the new shorten kickoff going to save a lot of energy for your defensive unit and save you from getting hurt too?"
Woodley:"Last time I checked the National Football League produced a sport that was played by Men. This powder puff horse sh*# has to go."
(Guru): Woodley there will be a fine for that non-1910 language... Next uhh uhh Oh yes NFL on Fox ex coach Tom Turkeyneck
Turkeyneck: "Uh ya, wow ok this thing on, hello hello test.
(Guru): MIKES ON TURKEYNECK SPIT OUT YOUR QUESTION!
Turkeyneck: Uh ya well uh, To Mr. Arenas from uh KC...ohh you guys have good BBQ, what a stadium tailgate too with the brats and burgers, and BBQ, and beers, and did I meantion BBQ...
(Guru) QUESTION TURKEYNECK or your network losses pre-game rights.
Turkeneck: "Well now you put that way... Arenas does it feel like you are a dying breed of NFL player right now?
Arenas: "Well truth be told Tom, all of us up here have a short Not For Long shelf life and this is just killing my position right now. May be I can take up the issue in front of Congress or President Obama, because Goodell has stopped listening"
(Guru) Watch yourself Arenas that college education, with lack of serious hits to the head thus far has still let you think a little to much on your own, another step out of line and its back to rookie grooming school for you.... So I see we have time for one last question... Uh HBO Real Wannabe Sports, or New York Times... hmmm HBO wins go ahead.
HBO: "Question to Arizona Cardinal Clark Haggans: This does mean less running in that Arizona heat, that has to make you happy, right?
Haggans: "I get paid to hit people, my stats suffer, yet your concerned if we are running too much. Thank God our new CBA has better retirement bennies I can't take much more of this. More dumb questions and I'll start hitting dumb reporters.
NFL PR Guru: Well this has just gone great thank you all for coming...uh whats that murmuring from the back of the room, oh you want to ask more questions...Uhhh ummm hmmm the NFL will release player cleared statements on our website tomorrow. Freedom of speech you say... uh yes they'll have the freedom to talk to NFL PR, thanks again for coming out.
THE NEW KICKOFF RULE IS SIMPLE. Simply not going to work. I have a solution that can keep the NFL from going down its narrow path to game censorship described above. Instead of shorting the kickoff make them longer, make teams kick off from their 15 and mandate kickoff defensives must run up from the Endzone. I seriously doubt full impact collisions are going to take place after one player just puts in a 80 + yard wind sprint and the opposing coverage has time to set a few protections up and juke defensive players from the first one or two big hits. Just think how much more exciting the game good be. Average drives start at the 40 and points per game go up. After all no one wants to watch a three hour game for a 10 to 3 out come. How about sitting through a game where an average 50-70 points are scored. Still want onside kicks sure free onside balls must be kicked from the 15 and reach the 30 yard line any where there on is free game, however the receiving team can not line up any closer then the 50. It could work or it least it would be a step in the right direction. NBA Commissioner David Sterns had to pull a 180 on the "new basketball" they tried a few years ago, now NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to see this idea was just as worthless. If they can revamp the kickoff rule they can remove a snooze feast of a play, and inject more excitement for a better end product.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Let's Fix Football
In light of "The U" there are some college football fans, supporters, deans, athletic directors that are just coming out throwing their hands in the air and saying why don't we just pay this college athletes? Why not let boosters pay to recruit them, and then pay for their play. Give them the 30 Grand school signing bonus, then a million a year to play. Those comments are so asinine and egregious that sports bars and ticket takers every where should be issued your photo so that those who think they should get paid that amount can't attend another game and spread such unfounded ideals amongst true sports fans. However I think there finally might be room for compromise, not a pay for play, but another form of a student loan. One that the athlete will have to be responsible for whether or not they go pro or major in something else.
First, these are Student-Athletes, the student part always should come first. Don't make the grade don't play, don't follow the rules don't play, and guess what all students are broke. These 18,19,20 year-old kids are getting their room and board paid for, extra free meals in the athletic department dinning halls, FREE tutors, plus a $40,000 education laid in their laps. Let me tell you that is a damn lot more than I had going to school, I ate noodles and dollar menu's 6 or 7 days a week to survive and pay rent.
However, now you want to see them get paid well for their contribution to the university. That is that I'm not blind and realize that certain blue chip athletes can pull in a ton of cash from jersey sells, tickets purchased, etc. Either way they already did get paid to the tune of $40-60 K a year if you add up the paragraph above. Plus what's to say if we are just opening the flood gates and giving up on the real problems at hand that it would solve anything? In fact it would make it worse. So your QB, RB, WR, and Defensive captain get more than other players on the team. In what world does that make sense to you? Once again these are very young men, who if given 5 to 10 grand extra year are not going to spend it on Subway, a date night to the movies, or cell phone bills to cover calls home to mama. They are going to blow that cash on booze, weed, pimpin rides, tattoos, and who knows what else. Don't believe me? What would you have done if someone gave you an extra $10 grand the first week you were away from your family structure and off on your own at college? Like any 20 year old that money wasn't going to the bank it was going to the bar.
So devils advocats think that just because some boosters do it now, they should just open it up and let boosters have the money let them? C'mon how does that level the playing field when there are the T. Boone Pickens, and the Phil Knights of the world can give amazing recruiting and signing bonuses . So now we know how the Big XII, Pac 10, Big 10 would draw to get their talent, yet the Independent schools, Mountain West Leagues, and Conference USA schools of the world get left to suffer.
ESPN did come back later in the day with a round table panel to discuss this, the likes of the College Football Analysts and former coaches Urban Meyer, Nick Saben, and other professionals. This Cost of Attendence notion they brought up should be looked it as a loan from either the University or Federal Aid, that must be paid back upon exit of the university. Make it one flat rate of an easy $1,000 per semester per athlete, and only if the school deems it necessary does it get offered. Correct human behaviors, show these kids there is a price for attending instutions of higher learning. If they break the rules, get benched, or kicked out of school guess what the bills still keep coming just like in the real world. It makes me sick that we are putting the NFL supplemental draft on hold for Terrelle Pryor if he didn't meet the requirements especially due to rules violations then he must pay the consequences. The NFL should not be any sort of escape or safe haven for players who broke rules and laws in college. Sit out, unemployed for an entire NFL year, realize what a gift you have and how foolish it can be wasted on the things that don't matter. They might get a small taste of what it is like for the millions of Americans that know what it is like to be out of work. A lot of those are the same Americans that will pay for tickets when there are a few extra bucks in the bank. These athletes should even be thankful they are not locked up for that year or more like a Mike Vick or Plaxico Burress, who I'm sure would tell you having your lively hood taken and shelf life decreased hurts. Just giving a free pass to these kids to take what ever money they get from where ever they get it and not have someone to answer to at the end of the day is just ludicrous, not lucrative.
Well I've been up for 20 straight hours, next time how to fix the NFL kick off, HERE WE GO!
First, these are Student-Athletes, the student part always should come first. Don't make the grade don't play, don't follow the rules don't play, and guess what all students are broke. These 18,19,20 year-old kids are getting their room and board paid for, extra free meals in the athletic department dinning halls, FREE tutors, plus a $40,000 education laid in their laps. Let me tell you that is a damn lot more than I had going to school, I ate noodles and dollar menu's 6 or 7 days a week to survive and pay rent.
However, now you want to see them get paid well for their contribution to the university. That is that I'm not blind and realize that certain blue chip athletes can pull in a ton of cash from jersey sells, tickets purchased, etc. Either way they already did get paid to the tune of $40-60 K a year if you add up the paragraph above. Plus what's to say if we are just opening the flood gates and giving up on the real problems at hand that it would solve anything? In fact it would make it worse. So your QB, RB, WR, and Defensive captain get more than other players on the team. In what world does that make sense to you? Once again these are very young men, who if given 5 to 10 grand extra year are not going to spend it on Subway, a date night to the movies, or cell phone bills to cover calls home to mama. They are going to blow that cash on booze, weed, pimpin rides, tattoos, and who knows what else. Don't believe me? What would you have done if someone gave you an extra $10 grand the first week you were away from your family structure and off on your own at college? Like any 20 year old that money wasn't going to the bank it was going to the bar.
So devils advocats think that just because some boosters do it now, they should just open it up and let boosters have the money let them? C'mon how does that level the playing field when there are the T. Boone Pickens, and the Phil Knights of the world can give amazing recruiting and signing bonuses . So now we know how the Big XII, Pac 10, Big 10 would draw to get their talent, yet the Independent schools, Mountain West Leagues, and Conference USA schools of the world get left to suffer.
ESPN did come back later in the day with a round table panel to discuss this, the likes of the College Football Analysts and former coaches Urban Meyer, Nick Saben, and other professionals. This Cost of Attendence notion they brought up should be looked it as a loan from either the University or Federal Aid, that must be paid back upon exit of the university. Make it one flat rate of an easy $1,000 per semester per athlete, and only if the school deems it necessary does it get offered. Correct human behaviors, show these kids there is a price for attending instutions of higher learning. If they break the rules, get benched, or kicked out of school guess what the bills still keep coming just like in the real world. It makes me sick that we are putting the NFL supplemental draft on hold for Terrelle Pryor if he didn't meet the requirements especially due to rules violations then he must pay the consequences. The NFL should not be any sort of escape or safe haven for players who broke rules and laws in college. Sit out, unemployed for an entire NFL year, realize what a gift you have and how foolish it can be wasted on the things that don't matter. They might get a small taste of what it is like for the millions of Americans that know what it is like to be out of work. A lot of those are the same Americans that will pay for tickets when there are a few extra bucks in the bank. These athletes should even be thankful they are not locked up for that year or more like a Mike Vick or Plaxico Burress, who I'm sure would tell you having your lively hood taken and shelf life decreased hurts. Just giving a free pass to these kids to take what ever money they get from where ever they get it and not have someone to answer to at the end of the day is just ludicrous, not lucrative.
Well I've been up for 20 straight hours, next time how to fix the NFL kick off, HERE WE GO!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ten Dollar Dinner w/ President Obama: More jaw work is in order
An Alexander Hamilton for an audience with current President Barack Obama, that's right our nation's leader is inviting four people to a "casual dinner" with him. The only catch is that you do have to drop that ten-dollar bill, or more if your leaning more toward the left, to get your name in the drawing.
In the name of transparency, I did put down my ten bucks for a chance to meet the President. Why not, its only about half an hour salary for me, plus with looming chance to meet the leader of the free world, win the Powerball, or get hit by lighting I figure I'm due for one of the three. Plus like many American's I'm sure my thoughts are at least worth a dime of that ten dollars. So many topics to cover over three courses from Obama's recent announcement of troop withdrawals, higher education student loan reform, and bringing American ingenuity to meet energy needs and disaster recovery plan.
First have to get in the appetizer, a little light wedge salad or Maryland crab cakes would be a nice lead in to the tough to stomach debt that many of America's college educated are now accruing. The national debt continues to grows, and students that are not ready to make the leap into the real world are applying for graduate schools. While specialty studies can help, they can then be too narrowed as individuals and when they do get the first real job in just out side of their specialty they may have lost the ability to adapt. Especially when that first job as a shift manager doesn't even cover the student loan interest payments on their student loans. Tack on other expenses of the real world, i.e. transportation, rent (even if living back with the parents), groceries, bad spending habits developed on care-free campuses and the American Graduate is stuck breaking bricks off their legs at the bottom of the pool while the rest of the world swims laps above us.
Ready for the main course Mr. President? Lets bring more of the steak and potatoes. Just a week ago you made the announcement in prime time, in front of the nation that it was time to make good on your promises of bringing troops home. Alright as Commander and Chief you have the right to make this call, and with in meetings with your joint chiefs of staff, and top Pentagon officials I'm inclined to believe the other headlines that your administration is going to let those on the ground make the call on which forces are ready to leave and which combat forces must stay and hold their lines. However, this is a chance for your administration to let actions speak louder than words and headlines. Bring home the troops you can yet don't boast numbers and their geographic relation in the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is easily taken by enemies of the United States as propaganda to boost they have beaten our armed services, and it allows them to reoccupy areas our service members have worked so hard to gain, maintain, and try to reform. Granted the cost of keeping large amounts of troops there would bankrupt America, the cost of using technology to keep terrorist at length. It's also one thing to keep them at distance when an ocean separates us, however to the vast amount of troops returning home their skill sets can still be applied at our boarders. With our economy still trying to recover, create jobs, and bring back more value to the dollar these brave men and woman would be flooding a job market that isn't ready for them yet. This isn't like the 1940's and 50's where Rosie Riveter just gave up the assembly line and stepped back into a Better Homes and Gardens kitchen. For one thing the assembly lines aren't there for the solid paycheck as they once were, and our Armed Forces members have a skill set they can apply to our boarders with Mexico, Canada, interstate commerce, travel, and infrastructure protection. It still allows them to dawn the uniform they were proud to serve wearing in foreign lands now bring the reality of their commitment to the vision of the neighbors around them.
Its amazing how heavy just a few ideas and suggestions can weigh on you. Yet there is still room for desert right, of course there is you play hoops and take care of yourself. Just stay open minded for a few more lines and see what good we could accomplish. The push for newer, cleaner, electric energy was a big part of the platform that put you in your current seat. So now lets look a head 10-20 years when your no longer in that seat, but you hope its in good shape especially if one of your daughters looks to follow in her father's footsteps. Starting in my own corner of the country, the might Missouri River is being poured out of Gavins Point Dam at 150,000 cubic square feet of water/second causing massive flooding. The cause of this massive snow falls in the Dakotas and upstream. Why more snow? More violent storm systems are being directly linked to our global warming. We are not going to stop nature, but we can prepare for it. Why not start initiatives to redirect flood waters when needed to win-win hydro electric damn systems. A system of mini-Hoover dams along the Missouri could supply massive amounts of clean energy though out the heartland. There are already win farm projects in place yet they could be connected to an electric rail system to make transportation easier especially in urban areas that haven't always had rail travel yet current infrastructure could support it.
Either I'm stuffed or I'm full of it, and need to go walk off and exercise this vent out of me. While I still have a slim chance to bring these ideas personally to President Barack Obama, at least I did my part of chewing the fat.
In the name of transparency, I did put down my ten bucks for a chance to meet the President. Why not, its only about half an hour salary for me, plus with looming chance to meet the leader of the free world, win the Powerball, or get hit by lighting I figure I'm due for one of the three. Plus like many American's I'm sure my thoughts are at least worth a dime of that ten dollars. So many topics to cover over three courses from Obama's recent announcement of troop withdrawals, higher education student loan reform, and bringing American ingenuity to meet energy needs and disaster recovery plan.
First have to get in the appetizer, a little light wedge salad or Maryland crab cakes would be a nice lead in to the tough to stomach debt that many of America's college educated are now accruing. The national debt continues to grows, and students that are not ready to make the leap into the real world are applying for graduate schools. While specialty studies can help, they can then be too narrowed as individuals and when they do get the first real job in just out side of their specialty they may have lost the ability to adapt. Especially when that first job as a shift manager doesn't even cover the student loan interest payments on their student loans. Tack on other expenses of the real world, i.e. transportation, rent (even if living back with the parents), groceries, bad spending habits developed on care-free campuses and the American Graduate is stuck breaking bricks off their legs at the bottom of the pool while the rest of the world swims laps above us.
Ready for the main course Mr. President? Lets bring more of the steak and potatoes. Just a week ago you made the announcement in prime time, in front of the nation that it was time to make good on your promises of bringing troops home. Alright as Commander and Chief you have the right to make this call, and with in meetings with your joint chiefs of staff, and top Pentagon officials I'm inclined to believe the other headlines that your administration is going to let those on the ground make the call on which forces are ready to leave and which combat forces must stay and hold their lines. However, this is a chance for your administration to let actions speak louder than words and headlines. Bring home the troops you can yet don't boast numbers and their geographic relation in the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is easily taken by enemies of the United States as propaganda to boost they have beaten our armed services, and it allows them to reoccupy areas our service members have worked so hard to gain, maintain, and try to reform. Granted the cost of keeping large amounts of troops there would bankrupt America, the cost of using technology to keep terrorist at length. It's also one thing to keep them at distance when an ocean separates us, however to the vast amount of troops returning home their skill sets can still be applied at our boarders. With our economy still trying to recover, create jobs, and bring back more value to the dollar these brave men and woman would be flooding a job market that isn't ready for them yet. This isn't like the 1940's and 50's where Rosie Riveter just gave up the assembly line and stepped back into a Better Homes and Gardens kitchen. For one thing the assembly lines aren't there for the solid paycheck as they once were, and our Armed Forces members have a skill set they can apply to our boarders with Mexico, Canada, interstate commerce, travel, and infrastructure protection. It still allows them to dawn the uniform they were proud to serve wearing in foreign lands now bring the reality of their commitment to the vision of the neighbors around them.
Its amazing how heavy just a few ideas and suggestions can weigh on you. Yet there is still room for desert right, of course there is you play hoops and take care of yourself. Just stay open minded for a few more lines and see what good we could accomplish. The push for newer, cleaner, electric energy was a big part of the platform that put you in your current seat. So now lets look a head 10-20 years when your no longer in that seat, but you hope its in good shape especially if one of your daughters looks to follow in her father's footsteps. Starting in my own corner of the country, the might Missouri River is being poured out of Gavins Point Dam at 150,000 cubic square feet of water/second causing massive flooding. The cause of this massive snow falls in the Dakotas and upstream. Why more snow? More violent storm systems are being directly linked to our global warming. We are not going to stop nature, but we can prepare for it. Why not start initiatives to redirect flood waters when needed to win-win hydro electric damn systems. A system of mini-Hoover dams along the Missouri could supply massive amounts of clean energy though out the heartland. There are already win farm projects in place yet they could be connected to an electric rail system to make transportation easier especially in urban areas that haven't always had rail travel yet current infrastructure could support it.
Either I'm stuffed or I'm full of it, and need to go walk off and exercise this vent out of me. While I still have a slim chance to bring these ideas personally to President Barack Obama, at least I did my part of chewing the fat.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Putting in the work on Labor Day
To the entire working class there might not be any better phrase then "3-Day Weekend". Especially if you get to experience it over the Labor Day weekend, its a chance to be a kid again after a long summer stuck in an office. Like many people as last Friday came I lost sight of as many normal weekend chores, in favor of making the most of the weekend. A process that was quickly helped along with the kick off of high school football on Friday night, the excitement of my Alma Mater start it's season on Saturday, and the traditional backyard BBQ on Sunday.
So what's left to do on Monday, the extra day we all long so much for? Well the nagging thought at the back of our minds is time to go back to the grind. It's now the last chance to catch up on the laundry and dishes that haven't been washed all weekend. Not to mention if your not working the 9-5 today, you should get in a workout to take care of all the extra hot dogs, potato salad, and brewskies we've packed on in the last three days.
Personally, I'm a prideful American and greatly respect the concept that we recognize our working masses, and the spirt that built this country. Even with that being said, I'd have no problem taking a page from European companies and nations that believe in the 4-Day work week. It may be true that the term 3-Day weekend could loss some of its hype, but the tradeoff is so worth it. Monday's would still suck, but Thursday nights and Fridays would get that much more exciting. Less stress at work, more productivity over 4 day, and if we went whole hog and expanded our yearly vacations from 7-10 days to a month, things that we put off for these 3-day events would be easier to take care of throughout the year. I know that means redefining the term of an American vacation, we can't spend that entire month camping at a National Park. Then again with most of our families I don't think we want to be sequestered with them for that long anyways.
Seriously though, spend a week or two on the beach in the Caribbean, the rest of the time off save it for when you need it. See how much money you save by just staying home for a few days, cooking all your own meals and not eating out, taking care of your own house or yard and save on paying for someone to do it for you that month.
True, these are not some original thoughts, but more collective reinforced bitching and moaning. Still if you repeat something enough it might become a social truth.
OK back to work you slackers, I'm going to the gym.
So what's left to do on Monday, the extra day we all long so much for? Well the nagging thought at the back of our minds is time to go back to the grind. It's now the last chance to catch up on the laundry and dishes that haven't been washed all weekend. Not to mention if your not working the 9-5 today, you should get in a workout to take care of all the extra hot dogs, potato salad, and brewskies we've packed on in the last three days.
Personally, I'm a prideful American and greatly respect the concept that we recognize our working masses, and the spirt that built this country. Even with that being said, I'd have no problem taking a page from European companies and nations that believe in the 4-Day work week. It may be true that the term 3-Day weekend could loss some of its hype, but the tradeoff is so worth it. Monday's would still suck, but Thursday nights and Fridays would get that much more exciting. Less stress at work, more productivity over 4 day, and if we went whole hog and expanded our yearly vacations from 7-10 days to a month, things that we put off for these 3-day events would be easier to take care of throughout the year. I know that means redefining the term of an American vacation, we can't spend that entire month camping at a National Park. Then again with most of our families I don't think we want to be sequestered with them for that long anyways.
Seriously though, spend a week or two on the beach in the Caribbean, the rest of the time off save it for when you need it. See how much money you save by just staying home for a few days, cooking all your own meals and not eating out, taking care of your own house or yard and save on paying for someone to do it for you that month.
True, these are not some original thoughts, but more collective reinforced bitching and moaning. Still if you repeat something enough it might become a social truth.
OK back to work you slackers, I'm going to the gym.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Draft Day, D-Day, Destiny Day
I feel sorry for my couch, I really do because I've spent the last 4 plus hours playing bench warmer on it. Now I'm the type of guy that can't stand a lecture class that runs over one hour, yet can kill half a day when sports are involved.
So the great America sports machine roped me in for half of my Saturday, first the Pens v. Flyers in the NHL Playoffs, followed up with the NFL Draft on my laptop. While a selected few today are become America's newest millionaires, granted many were not born with any silver spoon, they all had to put in the hours on and off the field to get to the NFL.
Yet it still just is beyond my comprehension that there is now a 20-22 year old with a few million in the bank. Who knows where these draft picks will end up a few years from now. Most players only have a shelf life a 2-3 years at the level, yet the amount of coin they are set for life as long as they don't do something stupid. If you add up their signing bonus, game checks, some endorsement deals is considered one of the best nest eggs by market experts and CFO's in this recession. Once again this is money they have earned, no question there. They gave up girls, greek parties, and other good times of college life to sacrifice and make plays on the field. Plus they've helped their universities make tons of cash in ticket sales, team shop sales, bowl appearances, etcetera. (Just because I feel the need to interrupt myself I'm going to state my position on their payment right now)
Should college players get paid??? The Answer: NO. They already get a free 50,000 education, high end dining halls, dorms, and some other living expenses paid. This a great life lesson in being humble and giving back, esp. at the next level where having a foundation and hitting up local children's hospitals needs to be a must.
Still I'm jealous, they have the natural talent and have made those sacrifices to play at this level, and yet they can provide for their family's and I can't. Most top ten picks always say they are going to buy their parents a new crib, only seems fair their parents gave them their first one and a shot at life. So what's left for a sucker like me to do, well in this economy I save money, put my trust in the my $60,000 education and degree, and finally buy my Powerball/ Lotto ticket. Hey I know i have the same chance of getting hit by lighting, but what if a money bolt hits me first. It would be nice to pay back all my lenders, of corse that means my mother, as she was the first to trust me with a single dollar. Plus set up my family so we all have a decent roof over our heads in this housing market, and good meals on our table rather then living off of dollar menus at fast food joints. Yet on the other hand I'm know their are millions of other American's out there praying just as hard as me that this their time, and some more deserving. So I'll be going back to work the next day and the day after that, to a job that only requires a high school diploma. Hopefully one day I will be out of the debt deep end and can swim towards a 401K, retirement, and know my family is secure. Maybe even one day I will get that drafted that golden ticket, and the American Dream will be just a dollar away.
Post-Script I
I'm not completely ignorant to know that I do have a pretty damn good life here in the United States. I've been privileged to sights, sounds, and progression of this country that some places on this plant can't even fathom. Plus I give much respect to those who protect our way of life day and night. Therefore we must give major props to those once young men that at 18, were drafted into a war in a jungle half way across the world.
Post-script II Pens. v Flyers Game 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This has been one of the best opening round series by far. These teams really didn't like each other, and it showed on the ice and within the passion of the fans in the arenas. Today's game was the kind of hearty performance the Penguins needed to get deep in these playoffs. Down 3-0 on the road is not the ideal spot to be in especially if that shut out follows you into a potential Game 7. However, Pittsburgh didn't allow for that, they rallied big time in the 2nd period, played their game and now get ready for the next round. I can see them on a collision course with Boston if all the parts fall in order, and I can't begin to say I know what would happen in that series.
So the great America sports machine roped me in for half of my Saturday, first the Pens v. Flyers in the NHL Playoffs, followed up with the NFL Draft on my laptop. While a selected few today are become America's newest millionaires, granted many were not born with any silver spoon, they all had to put in the hours on and off the field to get to the NFL.
Yet it still just is beyond my comprehension that there is now a 20-22 year old with a few million in the bank. Who knows where these draft picks will end up a few years from now. Most players only have a shelf life a 2-3 years at the level, yet the amount of coin they are set for life as long as they don't do something stupid. If you add up their signing bonus, game checks, some endorsement deals is considered one of the best nest eggs by market experts and CFO's in this recession. Once again this is money they have earned, no question there. They gave up girls, greek parties, and other good times of college life to sacrifice and make plays on the field. Plus they've helped their universities make tons of cash in ticket sales, team shop sales, bowl appearances, etcetera. (Just because I feel the need to interrupt myself I'm going to state my position on their payment right now)
Should college players get paid??? The Answer: NO. They already get a free 50,000 education, high end dining halls, dorms, and some other living expenses paid. This a great life lesson in being humble and giving back, esp. at the next level where having a foundation and hitting up local children's hospitals needs to be a must.
Still I'm jealous, they have the natural talent and have made those sacrifices to play at this level, and yet they can provide for their family's and I can't. Most top ten picks always say they are going to buy their parents a new crib, only seems fair their parents gave them their first one and a shot at life. So what's left for a sucker like me to do, well in this economy I save money, put my trust in the my $60,000 education and degree, and finally buy my Powerball/ Lotto ticket. Hey I know i have the same chance of getting hit by lighting, but what if a money bolt hits me first. It would be nice to pay back all my lenders, of corse that means my mother, as she was the first to trust me with a single dollar. Plus set up my family so we all have a decent roof over our heads in this housing market, and good meals on our table rather then living off of dollar menus at fast food joints. Yet on the other hand I'm know their are millions of other American's out there praying just as hard as me that this their time, and some more deserving. So I'll be going back to work the next day and the day after that, to a job that only requires a high school diploma. Hopefully one day I will be out of the debt deep end and can swim towards a 401K, retirement, and know my family is secure. Maybe even one day I will get that drafted that golden ticket, and the American Dream will be just a dollar away.
Post-Script I
I'm not completely ignorant to know that I do have a pretty damn good life here in the United States. I've been privileged to sights, sounds, and progression of this country that some places on this plant can't even fathom. Plus I give much respect to those who protect our way of life day and night. Therefore we must give major props to those once young men that at 18, were drafted into a war in a jungle half way across the world.
Post-script II Pens. v Flyers Game 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This has been one of the best opening round series by far. These teams really didn't like each other, and it showed on the ice and within the passion of the fans in the arenas. Today's game was the kind of hearty performance the Penguins needed to get deep in these playoffs. Down 3-0 on the road is not the ideal spot to be in especially if that shut out follows you into a potential Game 7. However, Pittsburgh didn't allow for that, they rallied big time in the 2nd period, played their game and now get ready for the next round. I can see them on a collision course with Boston if all the parts fall in order, and I can't begin to say I know what would happen in that series.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Now Playing, Kick the can... Sports Bucket List
Fair warning this article deals with one of the most certain things in life, death. Also I will try to down play it, but it won't have the same smooth flow of Morgan Freeman, or grins of Jack Nicholas.
Instead these are the things in sports that we should all be so lucky to accomplish or experience before the final buzzer. The inspiration for this article comes from one of the events on the list that I completed today, and had an epiphany about the rest. Today I completed the 4.2 mile run that celebrates, and honors the life and legacy of Pat Tillman. This was the 5th year the event has been held and a record number of over 13,000 people ran this year. That number alone should tell you what his life and legacy has meant to this nation. (maybe more on this later, but there is still a lot more to cover)
1. See a World Championship (in any sport, but one of the big 4 will be something more to brag about)
a. NFL Super Bowl, after all who doesn't need an excuse to find a retreat for a harsh winter with the fan fair of football next to a beach
b. MLB World Series, yeah with all America's history in this game, seeing an October classic will have you wearing your favorite jersey until the snow thaws and Spring Training begins (SEE #7)
c. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: This is mission 16 W! Anyone that has ever seen a hockey game up close and the physical demands of such on a person. They then know just the mere thought stringing together 16 wins in a few months time is crazy. So to be there at the end to see a game 4,5,6,or if your lucky game 7, you then know you'll get to see Lord Stanley's Cup hosted for the proud few.
d. NBA Finals: granted I'm not as much of a fan as I used to be when I watched MJ. Then again hard to compare others to one of the games greatest. However we are lucky we get to see acts like LeBron and D. Wade make a case for themselves. So if a team you like is making their run, look for those game 4-7 tickets.
2. The Olympics, (yes both Summer and Winter)
a. This is a great excuse to crash another country with the rest of the world. Especially if your American, your visit has a purpose and most foreign countries understand that. Now while the United States of America might be dominate that year, limit your USA chants to the venues, too many times at the wrong pub and you could be looking for a new visa home.
b. The summer games are great because you get a mixture of some of the fast humans on the plant along with the games we all love to play. Thank God Kerri Walsh plays beach volleyball for the red, white, and blue.
c. The winter games require you to be as tough as old man winter, chances are your going to a place where the average high is going to be in the single digits that week. The payoff is the mankind's revenge to ice and snow, as we master crafts that were by all means were not supposed to take place on these surfaces. See humans become bullets, and the real life Cool Runnings of Jamaica's Bobsled team. Watch the long distance ski jumps, if you think it is all gravity then watch the agony of defeat in Wide World of Sports and think again. Plus if you take your significant other with you, nothing better than warming up in front of a fire place.
3. Buy season tickets to your favorite college football team. Trust me you won't regret the hit this takes on your bank account. Your cardiologist may be a bit more concerned after tailgates full of burgers and beer. Unless you invite him to a game, then you'll both get to relive your college days before kid starts bragging about his.
- another bonus about this one, if your team gets a bowl bid and most do these days, then time for you to finish strong as well. Even better if your a member of said schools Alumni Association
4. Attend all four Major Golf Tournaments. (If you have the means do it in the same year, and if you do it while Tiger is still playing you might see some history)
-The Masters (Magnolia lane, Hogan's Bridge, and Amen Corner have to look even better in person than they do on a HDTV. Plus if it still falls on Holy Week thanking God for his sacrifices to create such an entertaining Amen Corner should count as holding Mass on one of the Lords great wonders.)
-The US Open
-The PGA Championship
-The British Open
(best way for us average Joe's to play some of these holes, look at International Golf Tour in Myrtle Beach, FL they replicated some greats )
4.2 As for mentioned, take part in Pat's Run held annually in Tempe, AZ and San Jose, CA.
Most of us will never be put in the situation of giving up a career in professional sports, the money, and the family. Yet he did and put the excellence he applied to aspect of his life towards a highly demanding job of an Army Ranger.
- 4.2 miles might not seem like much, but go run a 5k about 3 miles, then think about adding another mile on top of that.
- That plus seeing how many people still wear his retired ASU jersey No42, or AZ Cardinals jersey No.40 during the run or to local games.
- If you really need more convincing, read the books and articles on him, his own mother Mary Tillman has written, Jim Rome spoke of his legend on his show.
5. Go to the Kentucky Derby.
- Sing "My old Kentucky Home", take your favorite woman in your life and doll her up with a fancy new hat, buy some of the best Mint Juleps around. Or if you own a mint like Fort Knox you can stroll down Millionaires row. Either way great way to see people and be seen. Plus seeing the start of a potential triple crown winner isn't bad either.
- Once again you win the lottery and have money, one put an investment in a horse that can run in the triple crown. Or if your that allergic to work at that point then plan your tour to all three races.
6. Go watch the surfing competition on the North Shores in Hawaii. Like you need an excuse to go to Hawaii. While your there get the resort you stay at to teach you to "surf". After a day of getting those massive 3 foot waves under control and chasing after your board you will have a higher respect for what they do and make look easy on the other side of the island.
- Need some more Extreme Sports, this is the perfect place to Sky Dive. Think of the money you'll save on driving around the island, or hiring and pilot to take you by the volcanos. I wouldn't leave the only aerial views you get of this place to the chance of the airline you fly in on.
7. You can't have seven, before number eight. Go to Spring Training hot spots like Arizona or South Florida. Both if you can afford the Gulfstream 450 to get you back and forth. However your going to see the true first season of baseball before the boys of summer take center stage for the next six months of the year. A great chance to get up close to your team, new and old players, especially if all this takes place as you play hooky from work. Not to mention Spring comes earlier to these places then most of North America so ditch the winter gloves for a leather baseball mitt.
8. A summer of baseball, especially small ball. Its a long summer and you need a reason to go coast to coast on family vacation. Then consider mapping out some of this. First, the NCAA World Series of Baseball Championship in Omaha, Neb. Yes you'll hear plenty of "Pings" with the crack of the bat, but it also makes a 13 to 2 run game come back possible, and Omaha is a great time. Next follow the college kids and some semi-pros to the Cape Cod League games. Hey chicks like guys in uniform and tight pants, so make sure your in shape in those bleachers or you can throw ideas of you and Jessica Biel out the door.
Third stop on the trip, National Baseball Conference in Wichita, Kan will show you baseball around the clock. Look up Double AA and Triple AAA team promotions, you can see a future All Star and collect Americana in the same breath. Find a team you like to watch and see if they have a couple of home games around July 4th. The feeling of getting through 9 innings on a warm summer night with a little ice cream baseball helmet to cool you off, while a brilliant display of fireworks lights up the skies.
9.Vegas, Baby and the phrase Just Win Baby, mix nicely together in the sports books on the strip. Great days to visit, the first day of the NCAA basketball tournament. Or get your hands on a ring side seats to a title MMA match.
10. Back to Driver's Edu. Seriously if you can spend a few days at a high performance car driving school. You'll finally get to see what the Corvette, Mustang, BMW, Ferrari, or Viper can do. If that's not enough for the speed junkie in us, then pay out to get a Indy Car driver to take you around the Brick Yard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
So those are the best 10 ideas that I have for now, but the list and stories may grow as I cross them off or find new challenges.
thanks for reading.
J.J. Gilmore
Instead these are the things in sports that we should all be so lucky to accomplish or experience before the final buzzer. The inspiration for this article comes from one of the events on the list that I completed today, and had an epiphany about the rest. Today I completed the 4.2 mile run that celebrates, and honors the life and legacy of Pat Tillman. This was the 5th year the event has been held and a record number of over 13,000 people ran this year. That number alone should tell you what his life and legacy has meant to this nation. (maybe more on this later, but there is still a lot more to cover)
1. See a World Championship (in any sport, but one of the big 4 will be something more to brag about)
a. NFL Super Bowl, after all who doesn't need an excuse to find a retreat for a harsh winter with the fan fair of football next to a beach
b. MLB World Series, yeah with all America's history in this game, seeing an October classic will have you wearing your favorite jersey until the snow thaws and Spring Training begins (SEE #7)
c. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: This is mission 16 W! Anyone that has ever seen a hockey game up close and the physical demands of such on a person. They then know just the mere thought stringing together 16 wins in a few months time is crazy. So to be there at the end to see a game 4,5,6,or if your lucky game 7, you then know you'll get to see Lord Stanley's Cup hosted for the proud few.
d. NBA Finals: granted I'm not as much of a fan as I used to be when I watched MJ. Then again hard to compare others to one of the games greatest. However we are lucky we get to see acts like LeBron and D. Wade make a case for themselves. So if a team you like is making their run, look for those game 4-7 tickets.
2. The Olympics, (yes both Summer and Winter)
a. This is a great excuse to crash another country with the rest of the world. Especially if your American, your visit has a purpose and most foreign countries understand that. Now while the United States of America might be dominate that year, limit your USA chants to the venues, too many times at the wrong pub and you could be looking for a new visa home.
b. The summer games are great because you get a mixture of some of the fast humans on the plant along with the games we all love to play. Thank God Kerri Walsh plays beach volleyball for the red, white, and blue.
c. The winter games require you to be as tough as old man winter, chances are your going to a place where the average high is going to be in the single digits that week. The payoff is the mankind's revenge to ice and snow, as we master crafts that were by all means were not supposed to take place on these surfaces. See humans become bullets, and the real life Cool Runnings of Jamaica's Bobsled team. Watch the long distance ski jumps, if you think it is all gravity then watch the agony of defeat in Wide World of Sports and think again. Plus if you take your significant other with you, nothing better than warming up in front of a fire place.
3. Buy season tickets to your favorite college football team. Trust me you won't regret the hit this takes on your bank account. Your cardiologist may be a bit more concerned after tailgates full of burgers and beer. Unless you invite him to a game, then you'll both get to relive your college days before kid starts bragging about his.
- another bonus about this one, if your team gets a bowl bid and most do these days, then time for you to finish strong as well. Even better if your a member of said schools Alumni Association
4. Attend all four Major Golf Tournaments. (If you have the means do it in the same year, and if you do it while Tiger is still playing you might see some history)
-The Masters (Magnolia lane, Hogan's Bridge, and Amen Corner have to look even better in person than they do on a HDTV. Plus if it still falls on Holy Week thanking God for his sacrifices to create such an entertaining Amen Corner should count as holding Mass on one of the Lords great wonders.)
-The US Open
-The PGA Championship
-The British Open
(best way for us average Joe's to play some of these holes, look at International Golf Tour in Myrtle Beach, FL they replicated some greats )
4.2 As for mentioned, take part in Pat's Run held annually in Tempe, AZ and San Jose, CA.
Most of us will never be put in the situation of giving up a career in professional sports, the money, and the family. Yet he did and put the excellence he applied to aspect of his life towards a highly demanding job of an Army Ranger.
- 4.2 miles might not seem like much, but go run a 5k about 3 miles, then think about adding another mile on top of that.
- That plus seeing how many people still wear his retired ASU jersey No42, or AZ Cardinals jersey No.40 during the run or to local games.
- If you really need more convincing, read the books and articles on him, his own mother Mary Tillman has written, Jim Rome spoke of his legend on his show.
5. Go to the Kentucky Derby.
- Sing "My old Kentucky Home", take your favorite woman in your life and doll her up with a fancy new hat, buy some of the best Mint Juleps around. Or if you own a mint like Fort Knox you can stroll down Millionaires row. Either way great way to see people and be seen. Plus seeing the start of a potential triple crown winner isn't bad either.
- Once again you win the lottery and have money, one put an investment in a horse that can run in the triple crown. Or if your that allergic to work at that point then plan your tour to all three races.
6. Go watch the surfing competition on the North Shores in Hawaii. Like you need an excuse to go to Hawaii. While your there get the resort you stay at to teach you to "surf". After a day of getting those massive 3 foot waves under control and chasing after your board you will have a higher respect for what they do and make look easy on the other side of the island.
- Need some more Extreme Sports, this is the perfect place to Sky Dive. Think of the money you'll save on driving around the island, or hiring and pilot to take you by the volcanos. I wouldn't leave the only aerial views you get of this place to the chance of the airline you fly in on.
7. You can't have seven, before number eight. Go to Spring Training hot spots like Arizona or South Florida. Both if you can afford the Gulfstream 450 to get you back and forth. However your going to see the true first season of baseball before the boys of summer take center stage for the next six months of the year. A great chance to get up close to your team, new and old players, especially if all this takes place as you play hooky from work. Not to mention Spring comes earlier to these places then most of North America so ditch the winter gloves for a leather baseball mitt.
8. A summer of baseball, especially small ball. Its a long summer and you need a reason to go coast to coast on family vacation. Then consider mapping out some of this. First, the NCAA World Series of Baseball Championship in Omaha, Neb. Yes you'll hear plenty of "Pings" with the crack of the bat, but it also makes a 13 to 2 run game come back possible, and Omaha is a great time. Next follow the college kids and some semi-pros to the Cape Cod League games. Hey chicks like guys in uniform and tight pants, so make sure your in shape in those bleachers or you can throw ideas of you and Jessica Biel out the door.
Third stop on the trip, National Baseball Conference in Wichita, Kan will show you baseball around the clock. Look up Double AA and Triple AAA team promotions, you can see a future All Star and collect Americana in the same breath. Find a team you like to watch and see if they have a couple of home games around July 4th. The feeling of getting through 9 innings on a warm summer night with a little ice cream baseball helmet to cool you off, while a brilliant display of fireworks lights up the skies.
9.Vegas, Baby and the phrase Just Win Baby, mix nicely together in the sports books on the strip. Great days to visit, the first day of the NCAA basketball tournament. Or get your hands on a ring side seats to a title MMA match.
10. Back to Driver's Edu. Seriously if you can spend a few days at a high performance car driving school. You'll finally get to see what the Corvette, Mustang, BMW, Ferrari, or Viper can do. If that's not enough for the speed junkie in us, then pay out to get a Indy Car driver to take you around the Brick Yard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
So those are the best 10 ideas that I have for now, but the list and stories may grow as I cross them off or find new challenges.
thanks for reading.
J.J. Gilmore
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Final Four to Frozen Four
Monday night's beat down of Michigan State by the North Carolina seemed to be the end of the road for some. For most actually the next time they will care about college sports will be NCAA World Series in Omaha. However hope for those needing a true cinderella story look no further then Bemidji State's Men Hockey appearance in the Frozen Four.
Then comes the stroke of midnight, seriously the timing of the NCAA Frozen Four in Washington DC happens to same time the Masters takes center stage. Granted nothing will trump the story lines or the traditions that is the Masters, but where else are you going to see a 16 seed have the chance to go all the way. You know they didn't get there playing some b-class school, after all this is hockey. After starting their season 1-5 they grind their way to a record of 20-15-1 entering the tournament. Unlike the field of 64 that sees every 16 seed meet their fate of a No 1. warm up game go right by them like a tourist stop this BSU hockey team opening round game was up against overall No. 2 seed (No 1 in the four team regional bracket) Norte Dame. The Beavers going into the game versus the Fighting Irish were your biblical David v. Goliath. They didn't just throw one stone at the Irish, they put five past them to cement their first game of the tournament. They make school history in dramatic fashion taking down their brackets No. 1 seed. Good luck betting on that to happen in next years hopes tourney.
The next day still riding on their win they ended Cornell's season with another 4-1 blow out. Cornell even had the upper hand in this game, as they got one by BSU's goalie Matt Dalton. While it was only the second goal he had given up all tournament, it could have opened the flood gates for a Cornell team that averaged two or more goals in its wins this season. Yet Bemidji State matched Cornell's physical play with a line up that averages 180 lbs and has seven freshmen.
Much like any tournament it isn't all about what you did in the regular season, it is about getting hot at the right time. A team as hot as BSU right now can be dangerous on any ice rink. The brick walls they have standing in their way is having 11 days off from their last two games, and going up against a Miami (Ohio) squad that played solid hockey. The Redhawks have made an impressive run taking down the No. 3 overall seed Denver, and then beating Minn. Duluth. Hockey is however a long season, and at this point it is one more win and your in the Saturday Championship game vs. either Vermont or No 1 overall seed Boston U. It is hard to say what any of these teams will do after playing at such a high level to take 11 days off and deal with the media, their families, practices, coaches, friends, etc. It will be entertaining one way or another and teams that do have high seeding in this tournament have been put on notice. The only that matters at the end is scoreboard.
In post-script here I must speak to that while the masses will be doing most of their holy week praying at Amen Corner, i implore anyone to switch a bit, back and forth between the putts and pucks. I promise you'll see some stars of tomorrow starting great careers on the main stage. Still don't believe me Bemidji State's former goaltender Matt Climiejust made another successful start for the Dallas Stars
Then comes the stroke of midnight, seriously the timing of the NCAA Frozen Four in Washington DC happens to same time the Masters takes center stage. Granted nothing will trump the story lines or the traditions that is the Masters, but where else are you going to see a 16 seed have the chance to go all the way. You know they didn't get there playing some b-class school, after all this is hockey. After starting their season 1-5 they grind their way to a record of 20-15-1 entering the tournament. Unlike the field of 64 that sees every 16 seed meet their fate of a No 1. warm up game go right by them like a tourist stop this BSU hockey team opening round game was up against overall No. 2 seed (No 1 in the four team regional bracket) Norte Dame. The Beavers going into the game versus the Fighting Irish were your biblical David v. Goliath. They didn't just throw one stone at the Irish, they put five past them to cement their first game of the tournament. They make school history in dramatic fashion taking down their brackets No. 1 seed. Good luck betting on that to happen in next years hopes tourney.
The next day still riding on their win they ended Cornell's season with another 4-1 blow out. Cornell even had the upper hand in this game, as they got one by BSU's goalie Matt Dalton. While it was only the second goal he had given up all tournament, it could have opened the flood gates for a Cornell team that averaged two or more goals in its wins this season. Yet Bemidji State matched Cornell's physical play with a line up that averages 180 lbs and has seven freshmen.
Much like any tournament it isn't all about what you did in the regular season, it is about getting hot at the right time. A team as hot as BSU right now can be dangerous on any ice rink. The brick walls they have standing in their way is having 11 days off from their last two games, and going up against a Miami (Ohio) squad that played solid hockey. The Redhawks have made an impressive run taking down the No. 3 overall seed Denver, and then beating Minn. Duluth. Hockey is however a long season, and at this point it is one more win and your in the Saturday Championship game vs. either Vermont or No 1 overall seed Boston U. It is hard to say what any of these teams will do after playing at such a high level to take 11 days off and deal with the media, their families, practices, coaches, friends, etc. It will be entertaining one way or another and teams that do have high seeding in this tournament have been put on notice. The only that matters at the end is scoreboard.
In post-script here I must speak to that while the masses will be doing most of their holy week praying at Amen Corner, i implore anyone to switch a bit, back and forth between the putts and pucks. I promise you'll see some stars of tomorrow starting great careers on the main stage. Still don't believe me Bemidji State's former goaltender Matt Climiejust made another successful start for the Dallas Stars
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