Sept. 1, 2011
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Older scribbling...but wanted to share
This is something I wrote back in September as football season was just beginning. If you are one of my Facebook friends, you've probably seen it. Add your own dramatic music with lots of french horn. I just wanted to have it out here on my blog:
Sept. 1, 2011
Sept. 1, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
The "Cocktail Party" is missing it's garnish
Well, as painful as it will be for me to write this article, it has to be done. I can only speak the truth, and the truth is, the "Cocktail Party" has been reduced to a watered down wine cooler. Georgia and Florida used to be a fierce, competitive rivalry. Now it's just a yearly gathering of fermented beverages in plastic cups, and a generally predictable beat-down of the Bulldogs. (just lost about 10 readers there).
But facts are facts. Ok, so the overall rivalry still looks competitive on paper, with Georgia holding a 47-40 lead in wins (2 ties). But for the last 25 years, Florida has literally owned Georgia, with the Bulldogs only being able to muster 7 wins since 1985. And the hapless pups were only able to beat the Ron Zook gators once! That's not a rivalry folks...that's just embarrassing. (and there went another 20 readers) And for the most part (especially during the Spurrier years) the Gator wins weren't even close, they were just an absolute decimation of Georgia. One Gator fan that I spoke with said "We don't even look at Georgia as a rivalry game. It's more about the party for us. They are the ones who get all worked up about this game. We get tired of smacking them around." Something needs to be done, and done quickly.
What can be done? Well, for one, let's just get rid of this whole "neutral stadium" notion. Come on, seriously? I don't care about ticket distribution or "red side/blue side". The game is played in FLORIDA. It's only 70 miles from the UF campus to Jacksonville where the game is played. It's right in the heart of enemy territory as far as the Bulldogs are concerned, and don't tell me that's not a mental edge, because it most certainly is. Georgia and their fans must travel 300 miles, and part the sea of orange and blue on their way to the stadium in Jacksonville. Neutral my big toe! So let's just take this rivalry back to where it belongs...in the backyards of the two respective schools. Let the fans, stadiums, and traditions help be a part of the mystique of this SEC battle.
What else can be done? Move the game to later in the year. Let it be a game that will almost always have ramifications in the SEC East race. Schedule it during "rivalry week" when you have Auburn/Alabama, Oklahoma/Okie St. and Ohio St./Michigan going on. Give the game some meaning other than a chance for the coeds to get obliterated on cheap beer, and to beef up their rap sheet. And, it would give "College Game Day" another excuse to visit Gainesville every other year.
More you say? Why certainly! How about this (especially on the Georgia side), stop doing stupid crap! What do I mean? Well let's see there's "The Gator Stomp" and the Gator "Time Outs" and of course the now infamous Todd Grantham "Choke" gesture. Come on guys..leave the smack-talk to the fans and writers. Don't give each other bulletin board material. Just go out and play a hard-fought SEC East game for us.
So yeah, let's have our cocktail party, but let's let it be a pub crawl between Athens and Gainesville. Let the two towns have their fair share of the fun (and revenue) from this spectacle.
Oh, by the way...my prediction this year...Georgia 45 - Florida 21. Hope springs eternal folks!
But facts are facts. Ok, so the overall rivalry still looks competitive on paper, with Georgia holding a 47-40 lead in wins (2 ties). But for the last 25 years, Florida has literally owned Georgia, with the Bulldogs only being able to muster 7 wins since 1985. And the hapless pups were only able to beat the Ron Zook gators once! That's not a rivalry folks...that's just embarrassing. (and there went another 20 readers) And for the most part (especially during the Spurrier years) the Gator wins weren't even close, they were just an absolute decimation of Georgia. One Gator fan that I spoke with said "We don't even look at Georgia as a rivalry game. It's more about the party for us. They are the ones who get all worked up about this game. We get tired of smacking them around." Something needs to be done, and done quickly.
What can be done? Well, for one, let's just get rid of this whole "neutral stadium" notion. Come on, seriously? I don't care about ticket distribution or "red side/blue side". The game is played in FLORIDA. It's only 70 miles from the UF campus to Jacksonville where the game is played. It's right in the heart of enemy territory as far as the Bulldogs are concerned, and don't tell me that's not a mental edge, because it most certainly is. Georgia and their fans must travel 300 miles, and part the sea of orange and blue on their way to the stadium in Jacksonville. Neutral my big toe! So let's just take this rivalry back to where it belongs...in the backyards of the two respective schools. Let the fans, stadiums, and traditions help be a part of the mystique of this SEC battle.
What else can be done? Move the game to later in the year. Let it be a game that will almost always have ramifications in the SEC East race. Schedule it during "rivalry week" when you have Auburn/Alabama, Oklahoma/Okie St. and Ohio St./Michigan going on. Give the game some meaning other than a chance for the coeds to get obliterated on cheap beer, and to beef up their rap sheet. And, it would give "College Game Day" another excuse to visit Gainesville every other year.
More you say? Why certainly! How about this (especially on the Georgia side), stop doing stupid crap! What do I mean? Well let's see there's "The Gator Stomp" and the Gator "Time Outs" and of course the now infamous Todd Grantham "Choke" gesture. Come on guys..leave the smack-talk to the fans and writers. Don't give each other bulletin board material. Just go out and play a hard-fought SEC East game for us.
So yeah, let's have our cocktail party, but let's let it be a pub crawl between Athens and Gainesville. Let the two towns have their fair share of the fun (and revenue) from this spectacle.
Oh, by the way...my prediction this year...Georgia 45 - Florida 21. Hope springs eternal folks!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Mariano Rivera - The "Hitman"
Retired professional wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart's tagline is "The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best That Ever Will Be". And truthfully, it's a fairly accurate depiction. So if you had to look at other sports - and specifically other positions - that could carry that mantra without it seeming silly, where would you look? For me, I'd go right to the Bronx, and the New York Yankees closer extraordinaire, Mariano Rivera.
Rivera is a rare breed in modern professional sports. He's spent his entire career with the Yankees. He joined the Yankee bullpen in 1995 where he was used primarily in short relief, and then as a set-up man for then closer John Wetteland. When Wetteland left New York after the 1996 season to join the Texas Rangers, Rivera stepped into the closer's role and never looked back. Since that time he has been the most dominating relief pitcher in the Major Leagues.
The stats speak for themselves, at the end of the 2011 season he had compiled 603 saves, 1111 strikeouts, 1211 innings pitched, and a career ERA of 2.21 Those numbers alone are Hall of Fame type stats. He's also helped the Yankees to seven American League Championships, and five World Series titles. I'd say that makes him a pretty valuable piece of the Yankee puzzle. But what's even more impressive is Rivera's consistency and longevity in a position where pitchers, even dominant ones, can flame out fairly quickly.
Let's look at what he's done compared to closers on other ball clubs. I'll just list off some clubs that have been to more than one world series since Rivera started closing games for the Yankees in 1997. 15 straight years of blazing fastballs and knee-buckling breaking pitches, compared to:
Atlanta Braves - 12 Closers
Boston Red Sox - 8 Closers
Cleveland Indians - 5 Closers
Philadelphia Phillies - 6 Closers
Florida Marlins - 8 Closers
And the list goes on...you get the idea. Rivera has been a rock for 15 years in a position that most teams end up having to go year to year (or in the case of the Braves, seemingly day to day)
There are other intangibles make Rivera the best there ever was at his position as well. His clubhouse demeanor for one. When was the last time you ever read or heard a story about Rivera dogging one of his teammates, or whining to management about his deal, or even making excuses when he (rarely) blows a save opportunity. Personally, I can't think of any. He's a clubhouse leader, but not in the "rah rah" type of way....he leads by example. By going out there every day that he's asked to, taking the ball, and leaving it all on the field.
He also knows his limitations, and has altered his pitching as he has aged. He might not be able to zip that tailing fastball by hitters anymore, but he can use Maddux-like location and movement, and then still sneak a heater by even the best hitter when they least expect it.
Rivera might be coming towards the end of his career...and then again, he might have five more seasons left in his bionic arm. He's certainly showing no signs of wanting to quit. So, if Mariano Rivera wants to put on some pink and black tights, throw on some mirrored sunglasses, and strut out to the mound to some headbanging music - all the while proclaiming himself "the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be", you won't get an argument from me. I'm marking my calendar now for the "Rivera/Hoffman" cage match.
Rivera is a rare breed in modern professional sports. He's spent his entire career with the Yankees. He joined the Yankee bullpen in 1995 where he was used primarily in short relief, and then as a set-up man for then closer John Wetteland. When Wetteland left New York after the 1996 season to join the Texas Rangers, Rivera stepped into the closer's role and never looked back. Since that time he has been the most dominating relief pitcher in the Major Leagues.
Let's look at what he's done compared to closers on other ball clubs. I'll just list off some clubs that have been to more than one world series since Rivera started closing games for the Yankees in 1997. 15 straight years of blazing fastballs and knee-buckling breaking pitches, compared to:
Atlanta Braves - 12 Closers
Boston Red Sox - 8 Closers
Cleveland Indians - 5 Closers
Philadelphia Phillies - 6 Closers
Florida Marlins - 8 Closers
And the list goes on...you get the idea. Rivera has been a rock for 15 years in a position that most teams end up having to go year to year (or in the case of the Braves, seemingly day to day)
There are other intangibles make Rivera the best there ever was at his position as well. His clubhouse demeanor for one. When was the last time you ever read or heard a story about Rivera dogging one of his teammates, or whining to management about his deal, or even making excuses when he (rarely) blows a save opportunity. Personally, I can't think of any. He's a clubhouse leader, but not in the "rah rah" type of way....he leads by example. By going out there every day that he's asked to, taking the ball, and leaving it all on the field.
He also knows his limitations, and has altered his pitching as he has aged. He might not be able to zip that tailing fastball by hitters anymore, but he can use Maddux-like location and movement, and then still sneak a heater by even the best hitter when they least expect it.
Rivera might be coming towards the end of his career...and then again, he might have five more seasons left in his bionic arm. He's certainly showing no signs of wanting to quit. So, if Mariano Rivera wants to put on some pink and black tights, throw on some mirrored sunglasses, and strut out to the mound to some headbanging music - all the while proclaiming himself "the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be", you won't get an argument from me. I'm marking my calendar now for the "Rivera/Hoffman" cage match.
Monday, October 24, 2011
BCS and Conference Alignment New Rules (Yes it's parody... just go with it)
I've had it. As of this moment, I'm taking charge. NCAA, BCS and Conference Presidents be damned! We've all had enough of this conference musical chairs game. I am hereby setting forth the rules for conference alignment and championship selection, and if you don't like it, you can just go independent (hell, it's worked for Notre Dame and the service academies, so why not?).
Rule 1 - Regionality:
This is the number one and most important rule for conference alignment. If you're school doesn't reside in a geographical region of a conference named after that region, that you may not join that conference. Hence, Texas A&M, Missouri, West Virginia and other hopefuls...forget about the SEC. Go back from whence you came. (And Arkansas, take note...we're keeping an eye on you) Also, schools that reside within the same state, are in the same conference. Seriously...this isn't quantum physics folks.
Rule 2 - All Inclusive:
Again, a very important rule. If you join a conference. you JOIN it. Not "just the football team" or "basketball and lacrosse only" No dice. You are in or out. And if a major conference has a problem with accepting your water polo team and pocket billiards squad along with your 3-time Final Four basketball team, then move on!
Rule 3 - Conference Names:
Hey, if you plan on inviting schools from more than 3 states away from you, don't name your conference after your region. Conferences names like Conference USA are fine. Pretty much says it all...your school in the USA? Well come on in!! We'll take ya!! Otherwise the teams in your conference must reflect the name of the conference (see rule 1)
Rule 4 - Numbered Names:
Geeze, I can't believe I even have to mention this one. If your conference name is "Big 10" or "Pac 10", then, ummm.... NO, you can't have 12 or 14 teams in your conference, and you can't change your infernal name every other year to suit the number of teams in it! If you put a number in your conference name, consider it a lock. You want to add someone else, then it's just like fantasy football..you gotta drop someone.
Rule 5 - Conference Championships:
Just consider it a must. Every conference MUST have 2 divisions, and there MUST be a conference championship game. So no more of this "we went 4-3 in our conference, therefore, we win the conference" No...sorry, ain't happenin'. You'll have to win a division and play for the title. And if your conference can't sell out their championship game, you lose your Automatic-BCS bid. Which brings us to....
Rule 6 - Automatic BCS Bid
I don't care how old your conference is, or what kind of traditions you have, or how many times your school played in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Auto BCS bids are given to the 4 conference champions with the best overall records. Therefore, if say...oh....the Big East champion has a record of 6-5, but the WAC conference champion has a record of 8-2, then WAC would get a bid ahead of the Big East. And as stated in rule 5, you must sell out your conference championship game to receive the auto-bid.
Rule 7 - Conference Champions Only Invited to the Big Game
If you don't win your conference, you can't win the National Championship. So hear me now oh beloved SEC-ites. Your team goes undefeated up until the conference championship game, and then loses that game. But the pollsters and computers still think you are good enough to play for the BCS National Championship. Sorry boys...but that dog don't hunt. You can't be a national champion if you can't even be a conference champion. Pretty simple logic there.
Rule 8 - Commitment
Once you commit to playing in a conference, you must stay in that conference for a minimum of 20 years. No exceptions. No "exit fees" No playing footsies with other conferences while you bide your time and hope for a better deal. You join...you stay. Don't like it? Well as they said in Animal House - "How's it feel to be an independent?" While we are on the subject of conference mercenaries....
Rule 9 - Independents
I know there are bound to be some schools who don't like my rules (foolish souls), or just prefer to run in the lone-wolfpack. Well, so be it. You can remain independent. However, You must schedule at least 4 of the past season's conference champions, and you must have no more than 3 total losses if you want to be invited to any of Santa's reindeer games. Hey, yeah it's tough sledding...but it's your choice. We have to measure you against the rest of the field somehow.
Rule 10 - Mascot Names
Very important rule. Every school is allowed ONE mascot. Period. So Auburn, take your pick..are you going to be the Tigers or War Eagles? And if you have a live animal mascot, you can't have some drunken idiot dressed up in a costume as well (yes, this means you Hairy Dawg) You get one or the other. And finally, only one mascot name per conference...so you can't have 2 with the same name. Oldest school gets priority (You hearing me Miss. St? Start thinking of new names post haste!)
All schools not adhering to the above set rules, will be relegated to the WWE conference...where you'll have to win cage matches against John Cena, D/X, Randy Orton, Mark Henry and The Undertaker before your re-admittance will be considered. Losses to any of those opponents will send you back to the beginning of the gauntlet.
Those are the rules...and they are non-negotiable...and exception is not for sale at any price.
Rule 1 - Regionality:
This is the number one and most important rule for conference alignment. If you're school doesn't reside in a geographical region of a conference named after that region, that you may not join that conference. Hence, Texas A&M, Missouri, West Virginia and other hopefuls...forget about the SEC. Go back from whence you came. (And Arkansas, take note...we're keeping an eye on you) Also, schools that reside within the same state, are in the same conference. Seriously...this isn't quantum physics folks.
Rule 2 - All Inclusive:
Again, a very important rule. If you join a conference. you JOIN it. Not "just the football team" or "basketball and lacrosse only" No dice. You are in or out. And if a major conference has a problem with accepting your water polo team and pocket billiards squad along with your 3-time Final Four basketball team, then move on!
Rule 3 - Conference Names:
Rule 4 - Numbered Names:
Geeze, I can't believe I even have to mention this one. If your conference name is "Big 10" or "Pac 10", then, ummm.... NO, you can't have 12 or 14 teams in your conference, and you can't change your infernal name every other year to suit the number of teams in it! If you put a number in your conference name, consider it a lock. You want to add someone else, then it's just like fantasy football..you gotta drop someone.
Rule 5 - Conference Championships:
Just consider it a must. Every conference MUST have 2 divisions, and there MUST be a conference championship game. So no more of this "we went 4-3 in our conference, therefore, we win the conference" No...sorry, ain't happenin'. You'll have to win a division and play for the title. And if your conference can't sell out their championship game, you lose your Automatic-BCS bid. Which brings us to....
Rule 6 - Automatic BCS Bid
I don't care how old your conference is, or what kind of traditions you have, or how many times your school played in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Auto BCS bids are given to the 4 conference champions with the best overall records. Therefore, if say...oh....the Big East champion has a record of 6-5, but the WAC conference champion has a record of 8-2, then WAC would get a bid ahead of the Big East. And as stated in rule 5, you must sell out your conference championship game to receive the auto-bid.
Rule 7 - Conference Champions Only Invited to the Big Game
If you don't win your conference, you can't win the National Championship. So hear me now oh beloved SEC-ites. Your team goes undefeated up until the conference championship game, and then loses that game. But the pollsters and computers still think you are good enough to play for the BCS National Championship. Sorry boys...but that dog don't hunt. You can't be a national champion if you can't even be a conference champion. Pretty simple logic there.
Rule 8 - Commitment
Once you commit to playing in a conference, you must stay in that conference for a minimum of 20 years. No exceptions. No "exit fees" No playing footsies with other conferences while you bide your time and hope for a better deal. You join...you stay. Don't like it? Well as they said in Animal House - "How's it feel to be an independent?" While we are on the subject of conference mercenaries....
Rule 9 - Independents
I know there are bound to be some schools who don't like my rules (foolish souls), or just prefer to run in the lone-wolfpack. Well, so be it. You can remain independent. However, You must schedule at least 4 of the past season's conference champions, and you must have no more than 3 total losses if you want to be invited to any of Santa's reindeer games. Hey, yeah it's tough sledding...but it's your choice. We have to measure you against the rest of the field somehow.
Rule 10 - Mascot Names
Very important rule. Every school is allowed ONE mascot. Period. So Auburn, take your pick..are you going to be the Tigers or War Eagles? And if you have a live animal mascot, you can't have some drunken idiot dressed up in a costume as well (yes, this means you Hairy Dawg) You get one or the other. And finally, only one mascot name per conference...so you can't have 2 with the same name. Oldest school gets priority (You hearing me Miss. St? Start thinking of new names post haste!)
All schools not adhering to the above set rules, will be relegated to the WWE conference...where you'll have to win cage matches against John Cena, D/X, Randy Orton, Mark Henry and The Undertaker before your re-admittance will be considered. Losses to any of those opponents will send you back to the beginning of the gauntlet.
Those are the rules...and they are non-negotiable...and exception is not for sale at any price.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Week 8 NCAA Picks
Well, let's see how I did last week...
Overall it was NOT a good week for the 'stache. Went 10-8 overall, (including 4-1 in SEC picks) Almost had that Miss.St/Carolina game picked right. And I had a feeling about GT/VA...should have followed my gut on that one.
So..this weeks picks. You know the formula...we'll do top 25 (Non-SEC) then the picks that count.
I'm taking:
(3)Oklahoma over Texas Tech
(5)Boise St. over Air Force (but I'm damn close to picking the Falcons in the upset here)
(16)Michigan St over (6)Wisconsin
(7)Clemson over North Carolina
(25) Washington toppling (8)Stanford
(10)Oregon over Colorado (side note: every week, every year I marvel at just how far the Buffaloes have fallen)
(11)Kansas St. over Kansas
(13)Va.Tech over Boston College
(13)Nebraska over Minnesota
(17)Texas A&M over Iowa St.
Marshall over (19)Houston
(21)Penn St. over Northwestern
Miami over (22)Ga.Tech (I think Va. laid out a good road map on how to beat the Jackets)
(23)Illinois over Purdue
And my Non-SEC Upset of the Week - It'll be Missouri over (4)Oklahoma State. I think Okie St. has been living on borrowed time
Ok..SEC Picks for this week:
(2)Alabama over Tennessee
(9)Arkansas over Ole' Miss
Vanderbilt over Army
Jacksonville St. over Kentucky (Basketball season can't come quick enough in Lexington)
And my SEC upset...it's a big one...yes, you heard it here first. Auburn will shock the LSU Tigers IN Baton Rouge. I think the distractions of this week, the suspended players, and the loss of the night game in death valley will prove fatal for the Bayou Bengals.
Those are the picks..and all the picks that count. (and I would have taken WV over Syracuse..but we won't count that one)
Side note for this week. For YEARS I hollered about the fact that Florida always had an open date, while Georgia had to slug it out with a tough SEC opponent the week before Georgia/Florida. So now, Georgia gets an open date, but the Gators STILL have an open date. Seriously...
Overall it was NOT a good week for the 'stache. Went 10-8 overall, (including 4-1 in SEC picks) Almost had that Miss.St/Carolina game picked right. And I had a feeling about GT/VA...should have followed my gut on that one.
So..this weeks picks. You know the formula...we'll do top 25 (Non-SEC) then the picks that count.
I'm taking:
(3)Oklahoma over Texas Tech
(5)Boise St. over Air Force (but I'm damn close to picking the Falcons in the upset here)
(16)Michigan St over (6)Wisconsin
(7)Clemson over North Carolina
(25) Washington toppling (8)Stanford
(10)Oregon over Colorado (side note: every week, every year I marvel at just how far the Buffaloes have fallen)
(11)Kansas St. over Kansas
(13)Va.Tech over Boston College
(13)Nebraska over Minnesota
(17)Texas A&M over Iowa St.
Marshall over (19)Houston
(21)Penn St. over Northwestern
Miami over (22)Ga.Tech (I think Va. laid out a good road map on how to beat the Jackets)
(23)Illinois over Purdue
And my Non-SEC Upset of the Week - It'll be Missouri over (4)Oklahoma State. I think Okie St. has been living on borrowed time
Ok..SEC Picks for this week:
(2)Alabama over Tennessee
(9)Arkansas over Ole' Miss
Vanderbilt over Army
Jacksonville St. over Kentucky (Basketball season can't come quick enough in Lexington)
And my SEC upset...it's a big one...yes, you heard it here first. Auburn will shock the LSU Tigers IN Baton Rouge. I think the distractions of this week, the suspended players, and the loss of the night game in death valley will prove fatal for the Bayou Bengals.
Those are the picks..and all the picks that count. (and I would have taken WV over Syracuse..but we won't count that one)
Side note for this week. For YEARS I hollered about the fact that Florida always had an open date, while Georgia had to slug it out with a tough SEC opponent the week before Georgia/Florida. So now, Georgia gets an open date, but the Gators STILL have an open date. Seriously...
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Hawks future after lockout (if there is an after)
Well, for the first time since the NBA lockout began almost 3 months ago, the two sides are meeting for three consecutive days. The federal mediator has asked NBA Commissioner David Stern, and NBA Player's Union Rep. Billy Hunter not to speak to the media, which they have both adhered to for now. Perhaps this signals that a deal is doable in the near future, or perhaps it's just prolonging the inevitable cancellation of the 2011-2012 season. In either case, at some point (he says cautiously) the NBA will return. And, when it does, what will the future hold for the Atlanta Hawks?
I've been following the Hawks since the early 1970s. I've seen some great teams, and I've seen some absolutely abysmal ones. I've seen players who were pillars of the community (Steve Smith), and I've seen some that were not fit for a lean-to (Isaiah Rider). Kind of ironic that Smith was traded for Rider, isnt' it? I've seen acquisitions that seemed to save a season (Mike Bibby), and I've seen contracts that made me want to drink Drano (Jon Koncak). I got to see Michael Jordan play his final All-Star game at Phillips arena, and I got to see the amazing Bird/'Nique playoff shootout in 1988. There has been a lot to see in Atlanta as a Hawks fan, but nothing as unbelievable or frustrating as what I like to call "The 'Nique Dissing" of 1994. That was the season. That was OUR season. We had it all. Wilkins, Augmon, Willis, Blaylock, Keefe, Ehlo. and a host of others that comprised a very formidable bench. Even Julius Erving had the Hawks picked to win the Eastern Conference and be the team to beat in the finals. It was finally going to happen...and then....
It was Feb. 24th, and I was living in New Jersey at the time. I was sitting with my friends at Jo-Jo Players making my way through a bucket of Rolling Rock. My friend Dave walked up to me with a blank look in his eyes, and he said "take a big sip, and then brace yourself" I feared the worst. Mark Messier had gone down with a season ending injury, crushing the Rangers hopes? The Braves had been sold a group of Montreal investors, who were trading us the Expos in return? My mind whirled, and then the words came out of his mouth, "The Hawks just traded 'Nique" No, I thought. Not Dominique Wilkins. He couldn't be right. Bill Pidto must have read the teleprompter wrong or something. He must have seen the disbelief in my eyes, because he repeated himself, adding "and it gets worse. They sent him to the Clippers. You got Danny Manning" I was stunned. Not only had the Hawks traded the face of the franchise, the most prolific scorer in team history, and the biggest reason we were in a position to win the East....but they sent him to what was (well..is?) basketball oblivion. The L.A. Clippers.
The explanation from ownership and management was that they were thinking about the future of the team, and that Manning represented a long term investment, and would give us the same type of scoring that we could get from 'Nique. In the words of Col. Sherman Potter...Meadow Muffins!!! They had done it. They had managed to do what few other professional sports franchises could do..they had brought down a curse upon themselves. The Babe, the Goat, and now...The 'Nique Dissing. The chemistry was destroyed. Manning, although a good player, did not bring the intangibles that Wilkins had. Wilkins had a hunger to bring a championship to this city that he'd been a part of. He had a chip on his shoulder the size of Dennis Rodman's ego, and he was willing to do whatever it took to win for Atlanta. Manning...well, essentially a hired gun that fizzled in the playoffs and then bolted town after the following season. Investment in the future indeed.
The Hawks got bounced out the playoffs in the second round by the Pacers. The dream was done. All Atlanta could do was just sit and wonder what might have been, and what would become of this team. It wasn't pretty, that's for sure.
The Hawks still have yet to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs since they came to Atlanta in 1968. Since the 'Nique trade in 94, they have had 5 head coaching changes. Each seemingly more astonishing than the next. Inexplicable trades, and aging stars coming and going. They've looked like a franchise in chaos, and I don't see the pattern changing anytime soon. The Atlanta Spirit Ownership Group (or, ASSHOGS see blog post ) had nearly dismantled the Hawks as badly as they had the NHL Thrashers. There have been almost as many Josh Smith trade rumors has there are Police Academy movies, and the words "point guard" are apparently some sort of unspoken taboo in the Hawks front office.
So now, new ownership is about to step in. Alex Meruelo, a Los Angeles entrepreneur who's background includes the tuxedo business, pizza parlors, and banking, is about to take control of the franchise. Meruelo will be the NBA's first Hispanic team owner. He's taking over a team that's made the playoffs for the last 4 years, after missing them for 8 straight. A team that's been most frequently described by NBA analysts as "athletic" and "energetic". He's got salary cap issues to deal with right from the start, as well as the questions of whether or not Joe Johnson is really the leader that this team needs, or if Josh Smith is ever going to work to reach his potential, or if the revolving door at point guard will finally be shut. Is Zaza Pachulia a viable center, even as a backup? There's an awful lot on the plate of this new owner. Hopefully, he'll handle it better than ASOG did. Can the curse of the 'Nique Dissing be lifted? I have my doubts. Meruelo says it's been his lifelong dream to own an NBA team. Well, you know what they say Alex. Be careful what you wish for.
I've been following the Hawks since the early 1970s. I've seen some great teams, and I've seen some absolutely abysmal ones. I've seen players who were pillars of the community (Steve Smith), and I've seen some that were not fit for a lean-to (Isaiah Rider). Kind of ironic that Smith was traded for Rider, isnt' it? I've seen acquisitions that seemed to save a season (Mike Bibby), and I've seen contracts that made me want to drink Drano (Jon Koncak). I got to see Michael Jordan play his final All-Star game at Phillips arena, and I got to see the amazing Bird/'Nique playoff shootout in 1988. There has been a lot to see in Atlanta as a Hawks fan, but nothing as unbelievable or frustrating as what I like to call "The 'Nique Dissing" of 1994. That was the season. That was OUR season. We had it all. Wilkins, Augmon, Willis, Blaylock, Keefe, Ehlo. and a host of others that comprised a very formidable bench. Even Julius Erving had the Hawks picked to win the Eastern Conference and be the team to beat in the finals. It was finally going to happen...and then....
It was Feb. 24th, and I was living in New Jersey at the time. I was sitting with my friends at Jo-Jo Players making my way through a bucket of Rolling Rock. My friend Dave walked up to me with a blank look in his eyes, and he said "take a big sip, and then brace yourself" I feared the worst. Mark Messier had gone down with a season ending injury, crushing the Rangers hopes? The Braves had been sold a group of Montreal investors, who were trading us the Expos in return? My mind whirled, and then the words came out of his mouth, "The Hawks just traded 'Nique" No, I thought. Not Dominique Wilkins. He couldn't be right. Bill Pidto must have read the teleprompter wrong or something. He must have seen the disbelief in my eyes, because he repeated himself, adding "and it gets worse. They sent him to the Clippers. You got Danny Manning" I was stunned. Not only had the Hawks traded the face of the franchise, the most prolific scorer in team history, and the biggest reason we were in a position to win the East....but they sent him to what was (well..is?) basketball oblivion. The L.A. Clippers.
The explanation from ownership and management was that they were thinking about the future of the team, and that Manning represented a long term investment, and would give us the same type of scoring that we could get from 'Nique. In the words of Col. Sherman Potter...Meadow Muffins!!! They had done it. They had managed to do what few other professional sports franchises could do..they had brought down a curse upon themselves. The Babe, the Goat, and now...The 'Nique Dissing. The chemistry was destroyed. Manning, although a good player, did not bring the intangibles that Wilkins had. Wilkins had a hunger to bring a championship to this city that he'd been a part of. He had a chip on his shoulder the size of Dennis Rodman's ego, and he was willing to do whatever it took to win for Atlanta. Manning...well, essentially a hired gun that fizzled in the playoffs and then bolted town after the following season. Investment in the future indeed.
The Hawks got bounced out the playoffs in the second round by the Pacers. The dream was done. All Atlanta could do was just sit and wonder what might have been, and what would become of this team. It wasn't pretty, that's for sure.
The Hawks still have yet to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs since they came to Atlanta in 1968. Since the 'Nique trade in 94, they have had 5 head coaching changes. Each seemingly more astonishing than the next. Inexplicable trades, and aging stars coming and going. They've looked like a franchise in chaos, and I don't see the pattern changing anytime soon. The Atlanta Spirit Ownership Group (or, ASSHOGS see blog post ) had nearly dismantled the Hawks as badly as they had the NHL Thrashers. There have been almost as many Josh Smith trade rumors has there are Police Academy movies, and the words "point guard" are apparently some sort of unspoken taboo in the Hawks front office.
So now, new ownership is about to step in. Alex Meruelo, a Los Angeles entrepreneur who's background includes the tuxedo business, pizza parlors, and banking, is about to take control of the franchise. Meruelo will be the NBA's first Hispanic team owner. He's taking over a team that's made the playoffs for the last 4 years, after missing them for 8 straight. A team that's been most frequently described by NBA analysts as "athletic" and "energetic". He's got salary cap issues to deal with right from the start, as well as the questions of whether or not Joe Johnson is really the leader that this team needs, or if Josh Smith is ever going to work to reach his potential, or if the revolving door at point guard will finally be shut. Is Zaza Pachulia a viable center, even as a backup? There's an awful lot on the plate of this new owner. Hopefully, he'll handle it better than ASOG did. Can the curse of the 'Nique Dissing be lifted? I have my doubts. Meruelo says it's been his lifelong dream to own an NBA team. Well, you know what they say Alex. Be careful what you wish for.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Falcons - They are who they thought they were
Matt Ryan throws for under 200 yards, Roddy White has 2 catches for 21 yards, and rising rookie star Julio Jones was out with a hamstring injury. At first glance, you'd have to think this spells a Falcons L-O-S-S. Not so fast. They won. They won the game against Carolina, one of the highest scoring offenses in the NFL. Know why? They are who they thought they were. They are, and should remain, a running team. They ran it, and ran it well. They didn't turn the ball over. And, for the most part, they didn't commit stupid penalties (ahem...Roddy White).
I've heard broadcasters for the last several weeks talking about Atlanta needing to get back to "who they are", and wondering where Michael Turner had disappeared to. Well, they did it on Sunday. They looked like the Falcons that went 13-3. They were a group of big nasties that lined up on offense and dared you to try to plug that gap, or to cut off that corner on the edge. They played with attitude. Michael Turner ran with the kind of oomph we've come to expect from him, and Ovie Mughelli was pancaking defensive tackles like he was an IHOP chef. Five different runners were used in the game (including Matt Ryan), and they played ball control offense.
The numbers don't lie folks. First downs: 24, Thirteen of them rushing. Touchdowns: 4, Three of them rushing and one of them a 1 yd. pass to the fullback. Times Matt Ryan was sacked while standing back in the pocket waiting for receivers to complete an out or post route? Just one. And that happened in the Carolina red zone in the 4th quarter. Amazing how the offensive coordinator's game plan looks great when it's actually executed by the players.
So..how does that handful of valuable draft picks for Julio Jones look now? I'm still not sold. The Falcons had (and still do have) needs. Offensive line. Defensive Line. Oh, and yeah, how about the secondary? Having all those nice offensive toys is great. But none of that does you any good if you don't control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and if you can't keep big plays from happening on a regular basis on defense. But, what's done is done. We have Julio Jones and we don't have draft picks.
Don't misunderstand. I think Julio Jones is going to be a great player. He's got all the tools needed to be a top tier wide receiver in this league. But windows for team success in the NFL can be small. And the Falcons are no exception to that. They've taken huge steps in 3 seasons, but is that window already starting to close? Just as with anything else in life, it's all about timing. All the pieces have to fall into place at just the right time. Seriously, there really can be no other explanation for Trent Dilfer having won a Super Bowl, and Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Drew Bledsoe not having won it.
I've heard broadcasters for the last several weeks talking about Atlanta needing to get back to "who they are", and wondering where Michael Turner had disappeared to. Well, they did it on Sunday. They looked like the Falcons that went 13-3. They were a group of big nasties that lined up on offense and dared you to try to plug that gap, or to cut off that corner on the edge. They played with attitude. Michael Turner ran with the kind of oomph we've come to expect from him, and Ovie Mughelli was pancaking defensive tackles like he was an IHOP chef. Five different runners were used in the game (including Matt Ryan), and they played ball control offense.
The numbers don't lie folks. First downs: 24, Thirteen of them rushing. Touchdowns: 4, Three of them rushing and one of them a 1 yd. pass to the fullback. Times Matt Ryan was sacked while standing back in the pocket waiting for receivers to complete an out or post route? Just one. And that happened in the Carolina red zone in the 4th quarter. Amazing how the offensive coordinator's game plan looks great when it's actually executed by the players.
So..how does that handful of valuable draft picks for Julio Jones look now? I'm still not sold. The Falcons had (and still do have) needs. Offensive line. Defensive Line. Oh, and yeah, how about the secondary? Having all those nice offensive toys is great. But none of that does you any good if you don't control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and if you can't keep big plays from happening on a regular basis on defense. But, what's done is done. We have Julio Jones and we don't have draft picks.
Don't misunderstand. I think Julio Jones is going to be a great player. He's got all the tools needed to be a top tier wide receiver in this league. But windows for team success in the NFL can be small. And the Falcons are no exception to that. They've taken huge steps in 3 seasons, but is that window already starting to close? Just as with anything else in life, it's all about timing. All the pieces have to fall into place at just the right time. Seriously, there really can be no other explanation for Trent Dilfer having won a Super Bowl, and Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Drew Bledsoe not having won it.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
UGA's Grantham - Gone Too Far?
Yesterday Georgia squeaked by a motivated and visibly excited Vanderbilt team. Vandy did all they could to thwart UGA's winning streak. Fake punts, halfback passes, blocked punts, double reverses..you name it. And, it almost worked. That being said, beyond the sting of barely scraping by a supposedly over-matched team, Georgia managed to embarrass themselves off the field...again.
Following the final whistle, Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin began to approach each other. What followed is quickly becoming a viral mess on the internet. Coach Grantham literally lunged towards Franklin, screaming and pointing furiously. Players, coaches and security guards had to intervene between the two coaches. Details after the fracas were sketchy at best. Grantham only stating that "we're all competitive...I love my players", and Franklin giving little more than to say it was "emotional" and that "some things were said that I didn't think were appropriate" Shocking news, right? Hardly.
Last year coach Grantham was reprimanded by Mark Richt for making a "choke" gesture at a Florida kicker about to attempt a game winning field goal (which, by the way, he did make and Florida did win). He's also been the focus of several sideline rants directed towards his defensive players. It seems as though a pattern is developing here, doctor.
Two years ago, scores of fans were calling for the dismissal of then Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. After defending Martinez vehemently for a number of years, Richt finally came to the conclusion that Georgia needed a new look on defense. Little did we all know that new look would be Sweeney Todd Grantham, the demon coach of Lumpkin Street.
I'll give credit where it is due. Coach Grantham has brought back a certain amount of respectability to the Georgia defense. They have been steadily improving their play on the field under his system. And any fan can appreciate a coach who is going to stand up for his players. However, Georgia's defense got absolutely gashed by one of the lowest scoring offenses in the conference yesterday. The Commodores ran between the tackles on like they were the Pittsburgh Steelers. Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers looked more like his older brother Aaron Rodgers the way he played. And, their offensive line pushed back the Georgia defensive line all night long. After that performance, Grantham should have been tucking his tail, counting his blessings, and skulking to the locker room. Instead, he decided to make himself, and Georgia, look like a bunch of rubes on television.
Grantham's antics have become tiresome and boorish. He needs to recognize that this isn't the XFL. He is an employee of the State. He represents the University of Georgia, the state of Georgia, and the Southeastern Conference. Willie Martinez may not have been the most successful coach at Georgia, but he always represented the university, and all that it stood for, with dignity and class. There are already enough people out there that look at the SEC as a bunch of untamed, uneducated, beer guzzling rednecks. We don't need coach Grantham doing all he can to further that image.
There are a lot of people who might disagree with Mark Richt's coaching decisions, and personnel choices. But no one can argue that Mark Richt has always been looked at as a classy and upstanding representative for Georgia. I, for one, would like to see Richt come out publicly with a "he's on his last strike" statement regarding Grantham. Let the fans, the NCAA, and Todd Grantham know that this type of behavior is not going to be acceptable, and that the loyal and proud Bulldog Nation deserve better than what we saw last night in Nashville.
Fire Mike Bobo? Hardly the issue anymore to this fan. Either fire Todd Grantham, or stick him up in the press box where his behavior can do the least amount of damage.
Following the final whistle, Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin began to approach each other. What followed is quickly becoming a viral mess on the internet. Coach Grantham literally lunged towards Franklin, screaming and pointing furiously. Players, coaches and security guards had to intervene between the two coaches. Details after the fracas were sketchy at best. Grantham only stating that "we're all competitive...I love my players", and Franklin giving little more than to say it was "emotional" and that "some things were said that I didn't think were appropriate" Shocking news, right? Hardly.
Last year coach Grantham was reprimanded by Mark Richt for making a "choke" gesture at a Florida kicker about to attempt a game winning field goal (which, by the way, he did make and Florida did win). He's also been the focus of several sideline rants directed towards his defensive players. It seems as though a pattern is developing here, doctor.
Two years ago, scores of fans were calling for the dismissal of then Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. After defending Martinez vehemently for a number of years, Richt finally came to the conclusion that Georgia needed a new look on defense. Little did we all know that new look would be Sweeney Todd Grantham, the demon coach of Lumpkin Street.
I'll give credit where it is due. Coach Grantham has brought back a certain amount of respectability to the Georgia defense. They have been steadily improving their play on the field under his system. And any fan can appreciate a coach who is going to stand up for his players. However, Georgia's defense got absolutely gashed by one of the lowest scoring offenses in the conference yesterday. The Commodores ran between the tackles on like they were the Pittsburgh Steelers. Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers looked more like his older brother Aaron Rodgers the way he played. And, their offensive line pushed back the Georgia defensive line all night long. After that performance, Grantham should have been tucking his tail, counting his blessings, and skulking to the locker room. Instead, he decided to make himself, and Georgia, look like a bunch of rubes on television.
Grantham's antics have become tiresome and boorish. He needs to recognize that this isn't the XFL. He is an employee of the State. He represents the University of Georgia, the state of Georgia, and the Southeastern Conference. Willie Martinez may not have been the most successful coach at Georgia, but he always represented the university, and all that it stood for, with dignity and class. There are already enough people out there that look at the SEC as a bunch of untamed, uneducated, beer guzzling rednecks. We don't need coach Grantham doing all he can to further that image.
There are a lot of people who might disagree with Mark Richt's coaching decisions, and personnel choices. But no one can argue that Mark Richt has always been looked at as a classy and upstanding representative for Georgia. I, for one, would like to see Richt come out publicly with a "he's on his last strike" statement regarding Grantham. Let the fans, the NCAA, and Todd Grantham know that this type of behavior is not going to be acceptable, and that the loyal and proud Bulldog Nation deserve better than what we saw last night in Nashville.
Fire Mike Bobo? Hardly the issue anymore to this fan. Either fire Todd Grantham, or stick him up in the press box where his behavior can do the least amount of damage.
Friday, October 14, 2011
College Picks - Week 7
Ok..I had a few boo-boos last week. Upsets didn't happen as I saw them, but on the whole I did pretty good.
Last weeks picks I was 17-4, with my only incorrect SEC pick being the Ga/Tenn game. (that's what I get for picking against the Dawgs)
So, same formula as last week. I'll give you my Top 25, Non-SEC picks. Then the SEC. I see this as being the big upset week of the year.
(3)Oklahoma over Kansas
(4)Wisconsin over Indiana
(5)Boise State over Colorado St (although I think this one will be closer than most people would)
(7)Stanford over Washington St.
Maryland over (8)Clemson (but that's not my biggest upset prediction)
(9)Oregon over (18)Arizona St.
(11)Michigan over (23)Michigan St.
(12)Ga. Tech over Virginia (but it might come down to OT)
(16)Illinois over Ohio St. (BELIEVE in the Fighting Illini)
Texas Tech over (17)Kansas St.
(19)Va. Tech over Wake Forest
(20)Baylor over (21)Texas A&M (RG3 will be the difference maker)
And for my Non-SEC "Upset of the Week"...I'm sticking my neck out for the Longhorns again!
(22)Texas over (6)Oklahoma St.
SEC Picks:
(1)LSU over Tennessee
(2)Alabama over Ole' Miss
(24)Auburn over Florida
Georgia over Vanderbilt
And my SEC "Upset of the Week" -
Miss St. over (15)South Carolina. The crazy week in Columbia will prove to be too much for the Gamecocks. Mississippi St. wins it's first SEC game of the season.
Those are my picks. See how you pick against me!
Last weeks picks I was 17-4, with my only incorrect SEC pick being the Ga/Tenn game. (that's what I get for picking against the Dawgs)
So, same formula as last week. I'll give you my Top 25, Non-SEC picks. Then the SEC. I see this as being the big upset week of the year.
(3)Oklahoma over Kansas
(4)Wisconsin over Indiana
(5)Boise State over Colorado St (although I think this one will be closer than most people would)
(7)Stanford over Washington St.
Maryland over (8)Clemson (but that's not my biggest upset prediction)
(9)Oregon over (18)Arizona St.
(11)Michigan over (23)Michigan St.
(12)Ga. Tech over Virginia (but it might come down to OT)
(16)Illinois over Ohio St. (BELIEVE in the Fighting Illini)
Texas Tech over (17)Kansas St.
(19)Va. Tech over Wake Forest
(20)Baylor over (21)Texas A&M (RG3 will be the difference maker)
And for my Non-SEC "Upset of the Week"...I'm sticking my neck out for the Longhorns again!
(22)Texas over (6)Oklahoma St.
SEC Picks:
(1)LSU over Tennessee
(2)Alabama over Ole' Miss
(24)Auburn over Florida
Georgia over Vanderbilt
And my SEC "Upset of the Week" -
Miss St. over (15)South Carolina. The crazy week in Columbia will prove to be too much for the Gamecocks. Mississippi St. wins it's first SEC game of the season.
Those are my picks. See how you pick against me!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
2011 Bulldog Football - Failing, Fixing, or Fraud?
NBA...Lockout...Cancelled games...Stern Sorry....Players whine...Film at 11
The Bulldog Nation. A proud group of rabid college football fans who's loyalty to the oldest public university in the United States is unmatched. They bark, they scream, they paint themselves from head to toe. Tailgating in Athens isn't just a party, it's a 4 day weekend. Georgia is one of the few universities that magnetizes not only it's alumni and students, but an entire geographic area. Folks who were barely even able to obtain a G.E.D. consider themselves (and rightly so) part of the Bulldog Nation, and attach themselves to the love of the school. I've lived in a number of states, and attended a half dozen or so colleges. I've never in my life seen anything as frenzied and downright obsessive as the Bulldog Nation. Which brings me to this - what's the feeling about the 2011 season now that we are at the halfway point?
This season started with a lot of promise...or maybe it was hope. The Dawgs had just come off of their first losing season in more than a decade. The number of wins had been slipping steadily for over 5 years. But this year was going to be the turning point. Even haters of head coach Mark Richt felt good about the prospects, considering the talent we had returning, and the bumper crop of recruits coming in. We were opening in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic against nationally ranked Boise State. A team from a perceivably weak conference that the Dawgs had destroyed in Athens back in 2005. This was going to be our overture to a new successful beginning. Only, someone forgot to tune the instruments. Boise made Georgia look like a Conference USA team, beating the once cocky Dawgs down, 35-21 (and the game wasn't nearly as close as the score) And with that, it began - here we go again - get rid of Richt - and, the most commonly heard - Bobo must go!
Week 2 didn't help to build any confidence. A close loss to South Carolina in Athens left the Bulldog Nation stunned. The members of the media all had Richt listed as numero uno on their "hot seats" What was once a constant buzzing around the Bulldog Nation, had become a piercing shriek. "RICHT AND BOBO MUST GO!" Websites, facebook pages, twitter pages, everything under the sun about UGA football didn't deal with the games, or the players, or anything remotely positive. It was all about getting rid of these coaches. Fair or not, the targets were on the Georgia coaching staff, and the Bulldog Nation was locked and loaded. Ready...fire...aim!! Because then the Dawgs rolled off 4 straight wins. Albeit not impressive wins against impressive foes...but wins, just the same.
So here the Dawgs sit. 4-2 overall. 3-1 in the SEC. In a first place tie (sort of) with South Carolina. All of the sudden, you hear about the resurgent Georgia defense, in it's second year under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. You hear about Aaron Murray playing like a much more mature quarterback. You hear about freshman running sensation Isaiah Crowell becoming stronger as each game passes. Georgia had turned the corner - or had they? The Bulldog Nation doesn't think so, their memories are too deep, and their football savvy too great.
Yes, Georgia reeled off 4 straight. Against (ahem) Coastal Carolina (aka - you want chocolate or vanilla icing on that cupcake), and then 3 straight SEC games. Against 3 straight SEC opponents who are a combined 0-7 in the SEC...Ole' Miss, Miss St. and Tennessee. Now everybody knows that all SEC games are tough, but let's face it. Ole' Miss, Miss. St. and Tennessee are not LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas. Had Georgia faced those traditional rivals on their schedule this year, it's a sure bet we'd be looking at a 1-5 Georgia team, and UGA would be looking for a new head coach.
So, is the program failing...fixing...or just a fraud. I'll take "D", Alex...all of the above. Because that's the honest to dawgs truth.
The program is failing. They've consistently lost more games year after year since 2007. They haven't even appeared in a conference championship game since 2005. They lost nearly the entire backfield to either ineligibility, dismissal, or walking off the team. Those stats, in the eyes of the SEC and the Bulldog Nation, are failures.
The program is fixing. They consistently recruit in the top 5 nationwide. The defense has shown steady improvement, and Todd Grantham's NFL-like scheme, although complex, is taking root. Crowell is a gifted runner, and seems to have his head on straight. They are beginning to run the ball more like a Georgia team should. And, Aaron Murray is the real deal..if they'll protect him.
The program is a fraud. Lots of smoke and mirrors going on here folks. Winning streaks against weak opponents, and playing in what is arguably the weakest SEC East division in 10 years, does not a winner make. Richt is hanging on by what's left of his hair, and he knows it. Combined losses to any of the Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech rivals could ultimately spell doom for Richt. The meat of the Georgia schedule is coming up, and some are confident that they'll just be left choking on the bone. The "Cocktail Party" in Jacksonville may be enough on it's own, if Georgia loses to a weakened Florida team minus their starting quarterback.
So, to the Bulldog Nation I say, fire up those grills...work on those pre-game cheers...and revel in the domination on the field by the Georgia Redcoat Band. Because that may be the only dominating that UGA does on the field for the remainder of 2011.
The Bulldog Nation. A proud group of rabid college football fans who's loyalty to the oldest public university in the United States is unmatched. They bark, they scream, they paint themselves from head to toe. Tailgating in Athens isn't just a party, it's a 4 day weekend. Georgia is one of the few universities that magnetizes not only it's alumni and students, but an entire geographic area. Folks who were barely even able to obtain a G.E.D. consider themselves (and rightly so) part of the Bulldog Nation, and attach themselves to the love of the school. I've lived in a number of states, and attended a half dozen or so colleges. I've never in my life seen anything as frenzied and downright obsessive as the Bulldog Nation. Which brings me to this - what's the feeling about the 2011 season now that we are at the halfway point?
This season started with a lot of promise...or maybe it was hope. The Dawgs had just come off of their first losing season in more than a decade. The number of wins had been slipping steadily for over 5 years. But this year was going to be the turning point. Even haters of head coach Mark Richt felt good about the prospects, considering the talent we had returning, and the bumper crop of recruits coming in. We were opening in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic against nationally ranked Boise State. A team from a perceivably weak conference that the Dawgs had destroyed in Athens back in 2005. This was going to be our overture to a new successful beginning. Only, someone forgot to tune the instruments. Boise made Georgia look like a Conference USA team, beating the once cocky Dawgs down, 35-21 (and the game wasn't nearly as close as the score) And with that, it began - here we go again - get rid of Richt - and, the most commonly heard - Bobo must go!
Week 2 didn't help to build any confidence. A close loss to South Carolina in Athens left the Bulldog Nation stunned. The members of the media all had Richt listed as numero uno on their "hot seats" What was once a constant buzzing around the Bulldog Nation, had become a piercing shriek. "RICHT AND BOBO MUST GO!" Websites, facebook pages, twitter pages, everything under the sun about UGA football didn't deal with the games, or the players, or anything remotely positive. It was all about getting rid of these coaches. Fair or not, the targets were on the Georgia coaching staff, and the Bulldog Nation was locked and loaded. Ready...fire...aim!! Because then the Dawgs rolled off 4 straight wins. Albeit not impressive wins against impressive foes...but wins, just the same.
So here the Dawgs sit. 4-2 overall. 3-1 in the SEC. In a first place tie (sort of) with South Carolina. All of the sudden, you hear about the resurgent Georgia defense, in it's second year under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. You hear about Aaron Murray playing like a much more mature quarterback. You hear about freshman running sensation Isaiah Crowell becoming stronger as each game passes. Georgia had turned the corner - or had they? The Bulldog Nation doesn't think so, their memories are too deep, and their football savvy too great.
Yes, Georgia reeled off 4 straight. Against (ahem) Coastal Carolina (aka - you want chocolate or vanilla icing on that cupcake), and then 3 straight SEC games. Against 3 straight SEC opponents who are a combined 0-7 in the SEC...Ole' Miss, Miss St. and Tennessee. Now everybody knows that all SEC games are tough, but let's face it. Ole' Miss, Miss. St. and Tennessee are not LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas. Had Georgia faced those traditional rivals on their schedule this year, it's a sure bet we'd be looking at a 1-5 Georgia team, and UGA would be looking for a new head coach.
So, is the program failing...fixing...or just a fraud. I'll take "D", Alex...all of the above. Because that's the honest to dawgs truth.
The program is failing. They've consistently lost more games year after year since 2007. They haven't even appeared in a conference championship game since 2005. They lost nearly the entire backfield to either ineligibility, dismissal, or walking off the team. Those stats, in the eyes of the SEC and the Bulldog Nation, are failures.
The program is fixing. They consistently recruit in the top 5 nationwide. The defense has shown steady improvement, and Todd Grantham's NFL-like scheme, although complex, is taking root. Crowell is a gifted runner, and seems to have his head on straight. They are beginning to run the ball more like a Georgia team should. And, Aaron Murray is the real deal..if they'll protect him.
The program is a fraud. Lots of smoke and mirrors going on here folks. Winning streaks against weak opponents, and playing in what is arguably the weakest SEC East division in 10 years, does not a winner make. Richt is hanging on by what's left of his hair, and he knows it. Combined losses to any of the Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech rivals could ultimately spell doom for Richt. The meat of the Georgia schedule is coming up, and some are confident that they'll just be left choking on the bone. The "Cocktail Party" in Jacksonville may be enough on it's own, if Georgia loses to a weakened Florida team minus their starting quarterback.
So, to the Bulldog Nation I say, fire up those grills...work on those pre-game cheers...and revel in the domination on the field by the Georgia Redcoat Band. Because that may be the only dominating that UGA does on the field for the remainder of 2011.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
NBA Lockout Madness
This one is a video-only entry. I didn't want to write it down. I just wanted to speak from the heart. Here is a link to the YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOaiqFfi8lo
I hope you enjoy. I look forward to your comments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOaiqFfi8lo
I hope you enjoy. I look forward to your comments.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Karate Kid - Recast for Fans
NBA Lockout..blah blah blah..yadda yadda yadda. All I can say is, thank god for curling.
But let's talk movies. More specifically, let's talk sports movies...awesome sports movies...awesome sports movies from the 80s...the most awesomely bad sports movie of the 80s..."The Karate Kid"
There are so many reasons I love this flick. Not so much because of brilliant writing or acting, or even on-screen sports tension. But because it has afforded me with so many random one-liners to be used in casual conversation. Things like "cue the Bill Conti Music", or "get 'em a body bag...yeeeaaaaah", or the most important of all "wax on" (we won't go into details as to the proper timing of that particular quip)
That movie is a veritable cornucopia of randomness and geek humor, and it's importance in that aspect can never be overlooked.
But let's have some fun with it. People always say "What if this movie had ______ in it" or they do mock recastings using various groups of people. I say, if you're gonna go...go big. So here is my recasting of 1984's "The Karate Kid". But instead of people we are going to use the fan base of a particular professional or college sports team to represent each important character.
Daniel Larusso: (originally played by Ralph Macchio) No question. The geeky, awkward, skinny, yet cocky and headstrong lead has to be played by none other than the fans of Georgia Tech Football. A bunch of nerds. Mocked constantly. A campus where the co-eds are commonly mistaken for the hired cleaning help in the science building after hours. Yet, these yellow and blue clad nerds always remain confident...even pompous to a degree. Kick sand in their face, and they'll get up and crane kick you with a slide-rule and a protractor.
Ali Mills: (originally played by Elisabeth Shue) Daniel's love interest, and quite the fickle little tramp if you ask me. Who could represent this harlot from the hills? My choice, the fans of Los Angeles Dodgers. Some real pretty folks to look at..lots of star power. They claim this Brooklyn-esque franchise as...well, they sort of claim it. They show up for games...late (and leave early) They pretend to have a real interest in what the Dodgers are doing, when all the while they are looking out of the corner of their eye over at the Angels...and the Padres. And just as Ali deserted Daniel for some football player from UCLA, their wandering eye moves from team to team while their beloved Dodgers are about to crumble in bankruptcy court. Hey Ali...where were you with your parent's dough when they needed you? Where's that wrist spraining right hook now?
John Kreese: (originally played by Martin Kove) The evil leader, and sensei of the Cobra-Kai dojo. His win at any cost mentality, and cruel nature could only be matched by the black hole known as Oakland Raiders fans. "There is no fear in this dojo" Practically the mantra of the Raider nation. They intimidate. They do not believe in mercy. Mercy is for the weak! After the defense sacks the quarterback, these fans want them to run to the bench and hit the backup QB. "FINISH HIM!"
Johnny Lawrence: (originally played by William Zabka) The pretty boy and "I want you to think I can be good" antagonist in the film. But it's not until defeat at the end of the movie, that he finally realizes his folly. Oh who else but the fans of Duke Basketball. Constantly reminding you of how good their team is. Always on the winning side, even when you hate them. You know they're good. They know they're good. It's nauseating. And the only thing you can do to shut them up is to come up lucky and pull one out of your ass. Sure enough the response from them will be "You're alright!!"
Tommy: (originally played by Rob Garrison) "Get him a body bag...yeaaaah!" Need I say more? Philadelphia Eagles fans. I mean, come on, they threw snowballs at Santa. No contest on this one.
Bobby: (originally played by Ron Thomas) The Cobra-Kai who was told by Kreese to "sweep the leg" (side note, excellent song by a band called "No More Kings"...find it on iTunes) Bobby was the mean kid, who suddenly found remorse and apologized profusely to Daniel after injuring his leg in the now infamous leg sweep. Lame. Just like the fans of the Cleveland Indians. We're mean!! We're from Cleveland! Oh yeah..we umm..kinda suck don't we. They couldn't even get riled up enough to get into the heads of the overly good-natured Atlanta Braves fans in 1995.
And finally, Mr. Miyagi: (originally played by Pat Morita) The wise and cryptic master of karate. He spoke like the proverbial Chinese fortune cookie, and had a wit that was dryer than my grandfathers scalp. This was a tough one. But after careful consideration, and consulting with my audience of 2, I came to the conclusion that he could only be best represented by fans of the Montreal Canadiens. Unassuming, and you probably wouldn't fear them if you saw them in a dark alley. But they know their stuff, and if you get them riled up or insult their honor...whoooooa nelly!!
Those are my picks. Any dissension or comments? Bring it on baby!
But let's talk movies. More specifically, let's talk sports movies...awesome sports movies...awesome sports movies from the 80s...the most awesomely bad sports movie of the 80s..."The Karate Kid"
There are so many reasons I love this flick. Not so much because of brilliant writing or acting, or even on-screen sports tension. But because it has afforded me with so many random one-liners to be used in casual conversation. Things like "cue the Bill Conti Music", or "get 'em a body bag...yeeeaaaaah", or the most important of all "wax on" (we won't go into details as to the proper timing of that particular quip)
That movie is a veritable cornucopia of randomness and geek humor, and it's importance in that aspect can never be overlooked.
But let's have some fun with it. People always say "What if this movie had ______ in it" or they do mock recastings using various groups of people. I say, if you're gonna go...go big. So here is my recasting of 1984's "The Karate Kid". But instead of people we are going to use the fan base of a particular professional or college sports team to represent each important character.
Daniel Larusso: (originally played by Ralph Macchio) No question. The geeky, awkward, skinny, yet cocky and headstrong lead has to be played by none other than the fans of Georgia Tech Football. A bunch of nerds. Mocked constantly. A campus where the co-eds are commonly mistaken for the hired cleaning help in the science building after hours. Yet, these yellow and blue clad nerds always remain confident...even pompous to a degree. Kick sand in their face, and they'll get up and crane kick you with a slide-rule and a protractor.
Ali Mills: (originally played by Elisabeth Shue) Daniel's love interest, and quite the fickle little tramp if you ask me. Who could represent this harlot from the hills? My choice, the fans of Los Angeles Dodgers. Some real pretty folks to look at..lots of star power. They claim this Brooklyn-esque franchise as...well, they sort of claim it. They show up for games...late (and leave early) They pretend to have a real interest in what the Dodgers are doing, when all the while they are looking out of the corner of their eye over at the Angels...and the Padres. And just as Ali deserted Daniel for some football player from UCLA, their wandering eye moves from team to team while their beloved Dodgers are about to crumble in bankruptcy court. Hey Ali...where were you with your parent's dough when they needed you? Where's that wrist spraining right hook now?
John Kreese: (originally played by Martin Kove) The evil leader, and sensei of the Cobra-Kai dojo. His win at any cost mentality, and cruel nature could only be matched by the black hole known as Oakland Raiders fans. "There is no fear in this dojo" Practically the mantra of the Raider nation. They intimidate. They do not believe in mercy. Mercy is for the weak! After the defense sacks the quarterback, these fans want them to run to the bench and hit the backup QB. "FINISH HIM!"
Johnny Lawrence: (originally played by William Zabka) The pretty boy and "I want you to think I can be good" antagonist in the film. But it's not until defeat at the end of the movie, that he finally realizes his folly. Oh who else but the fans of Duke Basketball. Constantly reminding you of how good their team is. Always on the winning side, even when you hate them. You know they're good. They know they're good. It's nauseating. And the only thing you can do to shut them up is to come up lucky and pull one out of your ass. Sure enough the response from them will be "You're alright!!"
Tommy: (originally played by Rob Garrison) "Get him a body bag...yeaaaah!" Need I say more? Philadelphia Eagles fans. I mean, come on, they threw snowballs at Santa. No contest on this one.
Bobby: (originally played by Ron Thomas) The Cobra-Kai who was told by Kreese to "sweep the leg" (side note, excellent song by a band called "No More Kings"...find it on iTunes) Bobby was the mean kid, who suddenly found remorse and apologized profusely to Daniel after injuring his leg in the now infamous leg sweep. Lame. Just like the fans of the Cleveland Indians. We're mean!! We're from Cleveland! Oh yeah..we umm..kinda suck don't we. They couldn't even get riled up enough to get into the heads of the overly good-natured Atlanta Braves fans in 1995.
And finally, Mr. Miyagi: (originally played by Pat Morita) The wise and cryptic master of karate. He spoke like the proverbial Chinese fortune cookie, and had a wit that was dryer than my grandfathers scalp. This was a tough one. But after careful consideration, and consulting with my audience of 2, I came to the conclusion that he could only be best represented by fans of the Montreal Canadiens. Unassuming, and you probably wouldn't fear them if you saw them in a dark alley. But they know their stuff, and if you get them riled up or insult their honor...whoooooa nelly!!
Those are my picks. Any dissension or comments? Bring it on baby!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Week 6 NCAA FB picks
A little bonus post for you. I'm going to start making picks. No point spreads, just W/L
I'll do two sets. One for the top 25, and one for the games that actually matter (in other words, the SEC)
TOP 25 (Non SEC) Picks for Sat. Oct 8, 2011
(5)Boise St. over Fresno St. (Friday, Oct. 7)
(6)Oklahoma State over Kansas
(7)Stanford over Colorado
(8)Clemson over Boston College
(12)Michigan over Northwestern
(13)Georgia Tech over Maryland
(14)Nebraska over Ohio State
(16)W.Virginia over UConn
(19)Illinois over Indiana
(20)Kansas State over Missouri
(21)Va. Tech over Miami, Fl.
(22)Arizona St. over Utah
(23)Florida State over Wake Forest
Texas Tech over (24)Texas A&M (sorry..still don't consider them SEC)
(25)Baylor over Iowa St.
And for my non-SEC upset pick of the week, it will be (11)Texas upsetting the BCS dreams of (3)Oklahoma.
SEC Picks
Miss. State over UAB
(18)South Carolina over Kentucky
(1)LSU over (17)Florida
(10)Arkansas over (15)Auburn
(2)Alabama over Vanderbilt
And my SEC upset pick of the week, Tennessee over Georgia (as much as it pains me to say it)
That's it. Enjoy your Saturday of football!!
I'll do two sets. One for the top 25, and one for the games that actually matter (in other words, the SEC)
TOP 25 (Non SEC) Picks for Sat. Oct 8, 2011
(5)Boise St. over Fresno St. (Friday, Oct. 7)
(6)Oklahoma State over Kansas
(7)Stanford over Colorado
(8)Clemson over Boston College
(12)Michigan over Northwestern
(13)Georgia Tech over Maryland
(14)Nebraska over Ohio State
(16)W.Virginia over UConn
(19)Illinois over Indiana
(20)Kansas State over Missouri
(21)Va. Tech over Miami, Fl.
(22)Arizona St. over Utah
(23)Florida State over Wake Forest
Texas Tech over (24)Texas A&M (sorry..still don't consider them SEC)
(25)Baylor over Iowa St.
And for my non-SEC upset pick of the week, it will be (11)Texas upsetting the BCS dreams of (3)Oklahoma.
SEC Picks
Miss. State over UAB
(18)South Carolina over Kentucky
(1)LSU over (17)Florida
(10)Arkansas over (15)Auburn
(2)Alabama over Vanderbilt
And my SEC upset pick of the week, Tennessee over Georgia (as much as it pains me to say it)
That's it. Enjoy your Saturday of football!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
No NHL Hockey in Atlanta? - Blame Canada!
Oh, did you guys know there was an NBA work stoppage right now, and it is in it's 98th day? So I guess when the WNBA finals are finished we'll all go through some horrible basketball withdrawal syndrome? More on this...next year.
There are more important issues at hand. The NHL season is upon us, and instead of my usual vigorous discussions with my buddy Scott about how the Thrashers look like they could actually put it together this year, and how the Sabres really got rooked against Dallas in the Stanley Cup finals of 1999 (We both still contend NO GOAL Hull!!), we are instead lamenting the loss of yet another NHL franchise here in Atlanta. How could this happen? How could a major metropolitan city lose not one, but two NHL hockey teams, and one IHL team in the space of 30 years? It seems highly questionable in my opinion, and I have my own theories.
First and foremost, perhaps our parka-clad neighbors to the north are not quite as harmless and friendly as they would lead us to believe. They obviously have some sort of vendetta against the City of Atlanta. Perhaps Jane Fonda skated through their crease one too many times. Or maybe Jim Craig's wicked thick New England lockjaw made them cringe to the point of incessant raids on our hockey teams. The truth may never be known. But personally, I think we need to watch those crafty buggers up in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, because I think that's where most of the infection of "the crazy" starts in Canada.
So is it fair to blame those back-bacon eating canucks? Probably not. Lets look at some root causes.
Atlanta Flames - NHL (1972-1980) An expansion franchise that met with limited success, and had a small but loyal fan following. Made the playoff 6 out of their first 8 seasons in the league (still a record in the NHL), but the economy, combined with the fact that the Flames were the first NHL team in the deep south, led to financial strain on the Cousins ownership group. A consortium from Calgary purchased the Flames and moved them to Canada. Nine seasons later, they were Stanley Cup Champions. BLAME - Lack of fan knowledge and interest. Financial concerns. No harm, no foul.
Atlanta Knights - IHL (1992-1996) An expansion team in the IHL (minor leagues for you non-hockey aficionados), farm team for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. Made the playoffs all four seasons while in Atlanta, and won the Championship, the Turner Cup, in 1994. Also featured the first ever professional hockey African-American head coach (John Paris, Jr), and the first ever professional hockey female goalie (Manon Rheaume). Relocated to Quebec City to make room for the incoming Atlanta Thrashers NHL expansion team. BLAME - The ownership, and the City of Atlanta who didn't think that a minor league team would be sustainable with an NHL team playing in the city. To the last day of play for the Thrashers, during the National Anthem, fans would shout "KNIGHTS!" during the line, "Gave proof through the "KNIGHTS" that our flag was still there."
Atlanta Thrashers - NHL (1999-2011) An expansion NHL team, granted in the wake of success of the NHL in other non-traditional hockey markets. Atlanta was ready for the NHL again. The Knights had shown that we could sustain a loyal following for a team. All we needed was ownership to sail the ship in the right direction and there would be no way this franchise could fail or leave town, right? Ted Turner had sold out to Time/Warner. Time/Warner decides to sell the Thrashers and Hawks. Enter...Atlanta Spirit. Nearly the doom of winter sports in Atlanta. I could rant for days on this, but I'll try to sum it briefly. 11 seasons. 1 playoff appearance (drubbed by the Rangers in the first round), 10 team captains, 1 division championship, 5 head coaches, 2 general managers, countless high draft picks, and zero Stanley Cups. Result, relocation to Winnipeg. The Canadians raid again. BLAME - Without a doubt, ownership. The Atlanta Spirit Ownership Group (commonly referred to by sports enthusiasts in Atlanta as the "ASSHOGS") started infighting from day one. If you were a hockey (or basketball) fan in Atlanta, you could see very easily that this was not going to be a smooth ride. More like a series of blunt hip-checks to our collective hockey following. Following the teams one and only post-season appearance, the ASOG stood up before all hockeydom in Atlanta, and assured us that it was their goal to bring a Stanley Cup to the city, and that this team was going to be here for a long time. I guess they were measuring that in dog years. A mere 4 years later, the ASOG had thrown in the towel, and announced that the team was for sale. Any takers? Bueller? Frye? Glavine even? No, it was those o-mispronouncing nice guys from the great white north, sweeping in to rob us once again of our hockey dignity. For those of us who had seen this before, it was just too much to bear.
My biggest problem with the entire scenario surrounding the Thrashers fiasco is this; Gary Bettman just LET it happen. For those of you who may not know, there was already a fire sale of a team going on in Phoenix. The Coyotes were (and still are) owned and operated by the NHL. Now how, in good faith to the loyal fans here in Atlanta, could Gary Bettman stand by and allow this sale to happen, given that the league had their hands full with the Coyotes? Would it have not been more prudent to approach the ownership group from Winnipeg and say "Hey guys, forget those brown birds down in Atlanta. We've got a bargain on a team for you right here in Phoenix." It would have been better for everyone. The Winnipeg fans would be able to stop their incessant whining (oh by the way, they lost their first NHL team in 1996). The NHL would have the Coyotes off of their books. The Thrashers would still be in Atlanta, and local ownership would have had ample time to find a local buyer. And, best of all, the league would have been rid of those atrocious Phoenix Uniforms. It's a win-win in every sense of the word. But, Gary Bettman....You. Are. Fail. Eh?
So we have but one small bastion of hockey left in the Atlanta area. The Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL. A mid-level hockey league, and a team that plays in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth. So let's hear it for those high-stickers in Duluth, Georgia! Keep the faith boys! Don't let those damn Canadians in the gates, or they will start pillaging the concessions and move their way to the equipment room until all that's left is a sign reading "This isn't aboot you. It's aboot our national sport, eh?"
There are more important issues at hand. The NHL season is upon us, and instead of my usual vigorous discussions with my buddy Scott about how the Thrashers look like they could actually put it together this year, and how the Sabres really got rooked against Dallas in the Stanley Cup finals of 1999 (We both still contend NO GOAL Hull!!), we are instead lamenting the loss of yet another NHL franchise here in Atlanta. How could this happen? How could a major metropolitan city lose not one, but two NHL hockey teams, and one IHL team in the space of 30 years? It seems highly questionable in my opinion, and I have my own theories.
First and foremost, perhaps our parka-clad neighbors to the north are not quite as harmless and friendly as they would lead us to believe. They obviously have some sort of vendetta against the City of Atlanta. Perhaps Jane Fonda skated through their crease one too many times. Or maybe Jim Craig's wicked thick New England lockjaw made them cringe to the point of incessant raids on our hockey teams. The truth may never be known. But personally, I think we need to watch those crafty buggers up in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, because I think that's where most of the infection of "the crazy" starts in Canada.
So is it fair to blame those back-bacon eating canucks? Probably not. Lets look at some root causes.
Atlanta Flames - NHL (1972-1980) An expansion franchise that met with limited success, and had a small but loyal fan following. Made the playoff 6 out of their first 8 seasons in the league (still a record in the NHL), but the economy, combined with the fact that the Flames were the first NHL team in the deep south, led to financial strain on the Cousins ownership group. A consortium from Calgary purchased the Flames and moved them to Canada. Nine seasons later, they were Stanley Cup Champions. BLAME - Lack of fan knowledge and interest. Financial concerns. No harm, no foul.
Atlanta Knights - IHL (1992-1996) An expansion team in the IHL (minor leagues for you non-hockey aficionados), farm team for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. Made the playoffs all four seasons while in Atlanta, and won the Championship, the Turner Cup, in 1994. Also featured the first ever professional hockey African-American head coach (John Paris, Jr), and the first ever professional hockey female goalie (Manon Rheaume). Relocated to Quebec City to make room for the incoming Atlanta Thrashers NHL expansion team. BLAME - The ownership, and the City of Atlanta who didn't think that a minor league team would be sustainable with an NHL team playing in the city. To the last day of play for the Thrashers, during the National Anthem, fans would shout "KNIGHTS!" during the line, "Gave proof through the "KNIGHTS" that our flag was still there."
Atlanta Thrashers - NHL (1999-2011) An expansion NHL team, granted in the wake of success of the NHL in other non-traditional hockey markets. Atlanta was ready for the NHL again. The Knights had shown that we could sustain a loyal following for a team. All we needed was ownership to sail the ship in the right direction and there would be no way this franchise could fail or leave town, right? Ted Turner had sold out to Time/Warner. Time/Warner decides to sell the Thrashers and Hawks. Enter...Atlanta Spirit. Nearly the doom of winter sports in Atlanta. I could rant for days on this, but I'll try to sum it briefly. 11 seasons. 1 playoff appearance (drubbed by the Rangers in the first round), 10 team captains, 1 division championship, 5 head coaches, 2 general managers, countless high draft picks, and zero Stanley Cups. Result, relocation to Winnipeg. The Canadians raid again. BLAME - Without a doubt, ownership. The Atlanta Spirit Ownership Group (commonly referred to by sports enthusiasts in Atlanta as the "ASSHOGS") started infighting from day one. If you were a hockey (or basketball) fan in Atlanta, you could see very easily that this was not going to be a smooth ride. More like a series of blunt hip-checks to our collective hockey following. Following the teams one and only post-season appearance, the ASOG stood up before all hockeydom in Atlanta, and assured us that it was their goal to bring a Stanley Cup to the city, and that this team was going to be here for a long time. I guess they were measuring that in dog years. A mere 4 years later, the ASOG had thrown in the towel, and announced that the team was for sale. Any takers? Bueller? Frye? Glavine even? No, it was those o-mispronouncing nice guys from the great white north, sweeping in to rob us once again of our hockey dignity. For those of us who had seen this before, it was just too much to bear.
My biggest problem with the entire scenario surrounding the Thrashers fiasco is this; Gary Bettman just LET it happen. For those of you who may not know, there was already a fire sale of a team going on in Phoenix. The Coyotes were (and still are) owned and operated by the NHL. Now how, in good faith to the loyal fans here in Atlanta, could Gary Bettman stand by and allow this sale to happen, given that the league had their hands full with the Coyotes? Would it have not been more prudent to approach the ownership group from Winnipeg and say "Hey guys, forget those brown birds down in Atlanta. We've got a bargain on a team for you right here in Phoenix." It would have been better for everyone. The Winnipeg fans would be able to stop their incessant whining (oh by the way, they lost their first NHL team in 1996). The NHL would have the Coyotes off of their books. The Thrashers would still be in Atlanta, and local ownership would have had ample time to find a local buyer. And, best of all, the league would have been rid of those atrocious Phoenix Uniforms. It's a win-win in every sense of the word. But, Gary Bettman....You. Are. Fail. Eh?
So we have but one small bastion of hockey left in the Atlanta area. The Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL. A mid-level hockey league, and a team that plays in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth. So let's hear it for those high-stickers in Duluth, Georgia! Keep the faith boys! Don't let those damn Canadians in the gates, or they will start pillaging the concessions and move their way to the equipment room until all that's left is a sign reading "This isn't aboot you. It's aboot our national sport, eh?"
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Coach, it's not you...it's me (An open letter to Mark Richt)
Coach Richt,
Let me just say, we think the world of you. You are a decent, kind, loyal and Christian man. You care about your players. You care about your school. You care deeply for your family. You bring fairness and even temperament in everything you undertake at Georgia. You never let your emotions get the better of you, and you never, ever let yourself be sucked into the trappings that so many coaches do. And for all those reasons we think it's time to call this thing quits.
It's not you coach...it's us. You didn't do anything wrong, and myself and others have stood up and defended you anytime someone spoke to the contrary. You brought our languishing program back to national prominence. You revived the legend of the silver britches. You did something that no coach since Saint Dooley had done...won a conference championship. (Yeah, we know..you hate the "guy before you" comparison, but it's just how it is) Things seemed just wonderful at first. We all thought "This has to be it...THIS is the one" But, things change. People grow apart, and become different. And that's where we are now.
We know that everyone stumbles, and that maybe last year was just one of those times. But, honestly Coach, we think it's more. Every year, things slide down a little more, get a little more desperate. It's so hard to sit by and watch. And you, with your amazing eloquence, and unflappable spirit, keep telling us that it's going to be o.k. You are the eternal optimist, and we ALL want to believe you. You have so many good points, and so many traits that other programs would probably feel LUCKY to have you. Maybe it's just not right to hold you back from that anymore.
So maybe it's just us. We are probably just too picky. We may not deserve you. Maybe we just have our hearts set on something that may or may not be out there. We just know that we aren't happy, and honestly, you don't seem like you are truly happy either. Sometimes it's just best to know when things have run their course, and it's time to start anew. Don't misunderstand. We still care, and we still have all the great memories, and we'll keep those in our hearts forever. But we fear that if we keep going down the path we are headed, that we'll end up hating each other. And nobody wants that.
Coach, we know that this probably hurts. We never wanted to hurt you, but sometimes that's the only way to make things better. We all want it better, for us, and for you. We hope you understand, and that we can still be friends (just don't go coaching one of our friends in the SEC). We won't say anything bad about you to anyone. That's not what this is about. We just want to be free to look for someone else. Someone more compatible with how we like to do things. Someone with more fire...more visible passion...and (this may sound bad) who is more vocal. We want to know that you love it when you are with us.
Take some time and let this sink in. We aren't saying we have to say goodbye right now. We still have plans for the rest of this year that we can finish, and have a good time doing it. But after that, I hope you'll take this to heart, and just bow out gracefully so that the next guy can feel good about coming here.
We'll always love you, for all you've done
Love,
The Bulldog Nation
P.S. No matter what, will you PLEASE get rid of that Bobo guy? He cramps your style. Not a good wingman.
Let me just say, we think the world of you. You are a decent, kind, loyal and Christian man. You care about your players. You care about your school. You care deeply for your family. You bring fairness and even temperament in everything you undertake at Georgia. You never let your emotions get the better of you, and you never, ever let yourself be sucked into the trappings that so many coaches do. And for all those reasons we think it's time to call this thing quits.
It's not you coach...it's us. You didn't do anything wrong, and myself and others have stood up and defended you anytime someone spoke to the contrary. You brought our languishing program back to national prominence. You revived the legend of the silver britches. You did something that no coach since Saint Dooley had done...won a conference championship. (Yeah, we know..you hate the "guy before you" comparison, but it's just how it is) Things seemed just wonderful at first. We all thought "This has to be it...THIS is the one" But, things change. People grow apart, and become different. And that's where we are now.
We know that everyone stumbles, and that maybe last year was just one of those times. But, honestly Coach, we think it's more. Every year, things slide down a little more, get a little more desperate. It's so hard to sit by and watch. And you, with your amazing eloquence, and unflappable spirit, keep telling us that it's going to be o.k. You are the eternal optimist, and we ALL want to believe you. You have so many good points, and so many traits that other programs would probably feel LUCKY to have you. Maybe it's just not right to hold you back from that anymore.
So maybe it's just us. We are probably just too picky. We may not deserve you. Maybe we just have our hearts set on something that may or may not be out there. We just know that we aren't happy, and honestly, you don't seem like you are truly happy either. Sometimes it's just best to know when things have run their course, and it's time to start anew. Don't misunderstand. We still care, and we still have all the great memories, and we'll keep those in our hearts forever. But we fear that if we keep going down the path we are headed, that we'll end up hating each other. And nobody wants that.
Coach, we know that this probably hurts. We never wanted to hurt you, but sometimes that's the only way to make things better. We all want it better, for us, and for you. We hope you understand, and that we can still be friends (just don't go coaching one of our friends in the SEC). We won't say anything bad about you to anyone. That's not what this is about. We just want to be free to look for someone else. Someone more compatible with how we like to do things. Someone with more fire...more visible passion...and (this may sound bad) who is more vocal. We want to know that you love it when you are with us.
Take some time and let this sink in. We aren't saying we have to say goodbye right now. We still have plans for the rest of this year that we can finish, and have a good time doing it. But after that, I hope you'll take this to heart, and just bow out gracefully so that the next guy can feel good about coming here.
We'll always love you, for all you've done
Love,
The Bulldog Nation
P.S. No matter what, will you PLEASE get rid of that Bobo guy? He cramps your style. Not a good wingman.
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