Wow. I just looked at this blog and realized that I haven't written anything on it since February. This isn't really surprising, as I think I started losing interest in sports when football came to an end. The NBA drama at the beginning of the season with the lock-out and such didn't help my interest in basketball, and the NCAA seemed almost decided from the beginning of the season (Kentucky Wildcats and their NBA rookies/freshman).
I think the draft started pulling me back in a bit though - it was interesting to see what NFL teams did what in terms of trades, player selection, and filling spots with needs. It is also interesting to consider what the drafts actually mean to people, both the players and the teams.
For the players, being drafted has to be a great feeling. It is the culmination of so much time, work, effort, and energy, and for many it is the realization of dreams and financial goals (Although I doubt many of them know what to do with the money that they now have).
For the teams, I really wonder what it is all about. Is it about winning a Super Bowl in the end? Or, is it more about fielding a good enough team to keep revenues up and such? I mean, I think there are a wide variety of owners, some of which really care more about winning, and others who are more about the finances. It is interesting to think about at the least.
It is also interesting and a bit sad to think about all of those players who don't get drafted - to realize that those years of hard work and dedication aren't going to pay off in the matter that they expected. I wonder if these people look back on their time in college and such and feel like they took advantage of the opportunities - or do they find themselves lost and wishing they had done more? I expect it is something like the break-up of a long term relationship - so much of your identity is involved in being a part of that dynamic, and I assume it has to be hard and gut-wrenching to no longer be a part of football like that.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Amazing Bordeom
The amazing thing about writing a blog on sports is that you can tell when sports truly bore you because you just stop writing. Literally, I haven't seen anything lately that remotely inspired me to write. No amazing stories, nothing that really stood out, and I find that just sad.
The closest that I have come is writing about "Lin-sanity" but really, I think its just a bunch of hype and that he will get exposed as an average player, very, very soon.
The closest that I have come is writing about "Lin-sanity" but really, I think its just a bunch of hype and that he will get exposed as an average player, very, very soon.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thoughts of the Day
A few random thoughts on the world of sports today.
First, check this out. Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis (yes, I said freshman), scored 27 points and blocked seven shots to set the school season record for blocked shots. Beyond the fact that it is a freshman doing this, perhaps what is more amazing is that it is only the middle of January. The Wildcats, which are currently the #2 team in the land of college basketball, have to very excited about this guy, and you can bet NBA scouts are paying attention as well. In a program as storied as Kentucky's, this is a pretty remarkable accomplishment.
Next, someone got beat down on the scoreboard last night in college basketball. When I first saw this score, I thought that perhaps I had read it incorrectly, or that maybe there was a typo. However, after checking numerous sources, it is confirmed. Western Kentucky beat Toccoa Falls by the score of 141-39. I do not know the last time that a team lost by 100 points, but that is a big deal. In terms of my thoughts on it, I cannot decide whether to be extremely impressed by Western Kentucky's points output, or whether I am a bit disheartened that they didn't slow the game down a bit and take it easy once they were up by about 50 points. Either way, that score is definitely an eye-opening one, and we probably won't see anything like that again this college basketball season.
Lest this be overlooked, let me mention something about the infamous Bernie Fine, the Syracuse assistance who has been accused of numerous improprieties. Although there is plenty of evidence suggesting that many of the allegations against him are true, one accuser has now admitted that he lied about the whole thing in an effort to get back at Fine for not helping him previously. This is an interesting turn of events, as the court of public opinion had already made its decision, and it turns out that at least in one instance, Bernie Fine was telling the truth - it didn't happen.
First, check this out. Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis (yes, I said freshman), scored 27 points and blocked seven shots to set the school season record for blocked shots. Beyond the fact that it is a freshman doing this, perhaps what is more amazing is that it is only the middle of January. The Wildcats, which are currently the #2 team in the land of college basketball, have to very excited about this guy, and you can bet NBA scouts are paying attention as well. In a program as storied as Kentucky's, this is a pretty remarkable accomplishment.
Next, someone got beat down on the scoreboard last night in college basketball. When I first saw this score, I thought that perhaps I had read it incorrectly, or that maybe there was a typo. However, after checking numerous sources, it is confirmed. Western Kentucky beat Toccoa Falls by the score of 141-39. I do not know the last time that a team lost by 100 points, but that is a big deal. In terms of my thoughts on it, I cannot decide whether to be extremely impressed by Western Kentucky's points output, or whether I am a bit disheartened that they didn't slow the game down a bit and take it easy once they were up by about 50 points. Either way, that score is definitely an eye-opening one, and we probably won't see anything like that again this college basketball season.
Lest this be overlooked, let me mention something about the infamous Bernie Fine, the Syracuse assistance who has been accused of numerous improprieties. Although there is plenty of evidence suggesting that many of the allegations against him are true, one accuser has now admitted that he lied about the whole thing in an effort to get back at Fine for not helping him previously. This is an interesting turn of events, as the court of public opinion had already made its decision, and it turns out that at least in one instance, Bernie Fine was telling the truth - it didn't happen.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Rare College Basketball Comment
I do not often comment on college basketball, but today's game featuring #21 Marquette versus #23 Louisville deserves commenting on.
I turned the game on about midway through the first half, and Marquette was playing like absolute crap at home, and this was reflected in the score - they were down 18-2, and it looked like a blow-out of epic proportions was brewing. I even logged on to Twitter and sent out a tweet that read, "Dear Marquette: Just an FYI, the game has started."
Now, I cannot say for certain whether the Marquette coaches, team, fans, or players actually saw my tweet, but from the moment I hit send something came over that team, and they began playing much better basketball. How good?
Well, the final score of the game was Marquette over Louisville, 74-63. The question I found myself asking at the end of the game was - is Marquette that good, or is Louisville that bad? I mean, that is a 27 point differential that really shouldn't happen to two quality, evenly-matched teams.
Louisville, wave good bye to that top 25 ranking, and Marquette, I am sorry that I did not have more faith in your ability to trounce the Cardinals.
I turned the game on about midway through the first half, and Marquette was playing like absolute crap at home, and this was reflected in the score - they were down 18-2, and it looked like a blow-out of epic proportions was brewing. I even logged on to Twitter and sent out a tweet that read, "Dear Marquette: Just an FYI, the game has started."
Now, I cannot say for certain whether the Marquette coaches, team, fans, or players actually saw my tweet, but from the moment I hit send something came over that team, and they began playing much better basketball. How good?
Well, the final score of the game was Marquette over Louisville, 74-63. The question I found myself asking at the end of the game was - is Marquette that good, or is Louisville that bad? I mean, that is a 27 point differential that really shouldn't happen to two quality, evenly-matched teams.
Louisville, wave good bye to that top 25 ranking, and Marquette, I am sorry that I did not have more faith in your ability to trounce the Cardinals.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
NFL Playoffs: All Set For Conference Finals
Well, the weekend's games are all finished now, and we now know who is going to be facing off in the conference finals. In the NFC, the upstart San Francisco 49'ers are going to be taking on the surging New York Giants, and in the AFC the New England Patriots are going to be facing off against Baltimore Ravens.
Both of these games look to be very good match-ups, and I think it is hard to predict who is going to be the victor in either one. In the NFC, both teams have been playing great football, and during the regular season San Fran beat the Giants 27-20. However, the Giants have been playing lights out football, and if their performance against the Green Bay Packers is any indicator, the 49'ers are going to have all that they can handle and more. Eli Manning has been throwing well, the Giants have found their running game, and their defense has been able to stop opponents with ease. If this is anything like the 2007 season, Alex Smith and the rest of San Francisco had better come to play, or they will be watching the Super Bowl from the comfort of their homes.
The AFC Championship is going to be a battle of two powerful forces, and either the offense of the New England Patriots is going to rum rampant, or the defense of the Baltimore Ravens is going to shutdown the Patriots. This is the kind of match-up that fans and coaches love to see, because you really get to test the old adage of whether defense truly wins football games. If it does, the Ravens are headed to Indianapolis to play in the Super Bowl. If not, then Tom Brady and the Patriots are going to the big game. Either way, the AFC is putting a strong contender in the Super Bowl game.
I am excited about the playoffs, but getting a bit nervous as this the end of the football season is near. What am I going to do with my weekends if I don't get to enjoy the hard-hitting action of football?
Both of these games look to be very good match-ups, and I think it is hard to predict who is going to be the victor in either one. In the NFC, both teams have been playing great football, and during the regular season San Fran beat the Giants 27-20. However, the Giants have been playing lights out football, and if their performance against the Green Bay Packers is any indicator, the 49'ers are going to have all that they can handle and more. Eli Manning has been throwing well, the Giants have found their running game, and their defense has been able to stop opponents with ease. If this is anything like the 2007 season, Alex Smith and the rest of San Francisco had better come to play, or they will be watching the Super Bowl from the comfort of their homes.
The AFC Championship is going to be a battle of two powerful forces, and either the offense of the New England Patriots is going to rum rampant, or the defense of the Baltimore Ravens is going to shutdown the Patriots. This is the kind of match-up that fans and coaches love to see, because you really get to test the old adage of whether defense truly wins football games. If it does, the Ravens are headed to Indianapolis to play in the Super Bowl. If not, then Tom Brady and the Patriots are going to the big game. Either way, the AFC is putting a strong contender in the Super Bowl game.
I am excited about the playoffs, but getting a bit nervous as this the end of the football season is near. What am I going to do with my weekends if I don't get to enjoy the hard-hitting action of football?
Friday, January 13, 2012
I Miss College Football
I love sports. I love every single sport, whether I am familiar with it, grew up playing it, or merely watch it on television. I mean, I even love sports that I have never even seen on television, as sometimes merely reading about a competition is enough to draw my curiosity (albeit this is a very rare occurrence).
However, since college football has ended - in what may have been the most lackluster championship game ever witnessed during the BCS era - I have found myself struggling during the days when NFL football has not been on to help ease the pain of the college football season's passing. I find this very bizarre, and have never had an issue with it in the past. And, after some soul-searching, I believe I have figured out the reasons for my lack of interest in what is normally one my favorite sports - NBA basketball.
I believe that it started before the lock-out, with all of the Miami Heat nonsense, Laker drama, and the Dallas victory in the playoffs. My interest just started slowly dissipating, and there was not really a name or team that helped to pull it back. Then, the NBA lock-out happened, and the daily coverage about the selfishness of the players (following the earlier NFL nonsense) and owners began to make me cringe. It got to the point where I hated hearing anything at all about the NBA, and I grew quite happy with watching everything else and having no basketball highlights to distract during my daily dose of Sportscenter.
Now that college basketball and NBA basketball have come to the forefront of the television and news worlds again, I cannot help but wonder at my apathy. Is my love of basketball gone? Will the NBA remain in my rearview mirror for the rest of my life? I just don't know.
All I know right now is that I miss college football.
However, since college football has ended - in what may have been the most lackluster championship game ever witnessed during the BCS era - I have found myself struggling during the days when NFL football has not been on to help ease the pain of the college football season's passing. I find this very bizarre, and have never had an issue with it in the past. And, after some soul-searching, I believe I have figured out the reasons for my lack of interest in what is normally one my favorite sports - NBA basketball.
I believe that it started before the lock-out, with all of the Miami Heat nonsense, Laker drama, and the Dallas victory in the playoffs. My interest just started slowly dissipating, and there was not really a name or team that helped to pull it back. Then, the NBA lock-out happened, and the daily coverage about the selfishness of the players (following the earlier NFL nonsense) and owners began to make me cringe. It got to the point where I hated hearing anything at all about the NBA, and I grew quite happy with watching everything else and having no basketball highlights to distract during my daily dose of Sportscenter.
Now that college basketball and NBA basketball have come to the forefront of the television and news worlds again, I cannot help but wonder at my apathy. Is my love of basketball gone? Will the NBA remain in my rearview mirror for the rest of my life? I just don't know.
All I know right now is that I miss college football.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
I have Tebow Fever!
Somehow, over the course of my time at a rival SEC school, through Tebow's drafting and time in the NFL, I have done the unthinkable. I am a Tim Tebow fan.
Now, I am not one of those raving lunatics that thinks he is an awesome quarterback. I don't think that in terms of the throws that most NFL quarterbacks can make that Tebow is on the same level. I question his accuracy, his throwing motion, and a few other things. However, that said, Tim Tebow is a winner.
It does not matter what happens, what his stats are, or if he ever plays another down of NFL football for the Denver Broncos. Tim Tebow, is quite simply (and I suppose always has been) a winner. During the Broncos overtime victory of the Steelers today I found myself going absolutely crazy when Tebow launched the football to his receiver on the first play of overtime, and going wild as the Steelers were sent packing by the subsequent touchdown.
More than anything else, what I would love to have today is videos of all the Tebow naysayers at the beginning of the season, follow them through the winning streak, then the losing streak, and then the playoff victory, enjoying a chuckle at the wildly varying inconsistencies in their view of Tebow's potential as a NFL quarterback. It really is phenomenal how quickly people can hop on and off the bandwagon.
All of that said, Tebow is a winner, and I am a fan. I'm looking forward to the next game against the Patriots, at the very least just to see what everyone has to say before and after the game.
Now, I am not one of those raving lunatics that thinks he is an awesome quarterback. I don't think that in terms of the throws that most NFL quarterbacks can make that Tebow is on the same level. I question his accuracy, his throwing motion, and a few other things. However, that said, Tim Tebow is a winner.
It does not matter what happens, what his stats are, or if he ever plays another down of NFL football for the Denver Broncos. Tim Tebow, is quite simply (and I suppose always has been) a winner. During the Broncos overtime victory of the Steelers today I found myself going absolutely crazy when Tebow launched the football to his receiver on the first play of overtime, and going wild as the Steelers were sent packing by the subsequent touchdown.
More than anything else, what I would love to have today is videos of all the Tebow naysayers at the beginning of the season, follow them through the winning streak, then the losing streak, and then the playoff victory, enjoying a chuckle at the wildly varying inconsistencies in their view of Tebow's potential as a NFL quarterback. It really is phenomenal how quickly people can hop on and off the bandwagon.
All of that said, Tebow is a winner, and I am a fan. I'm looking forward to the next game against the Patriots, at the very least just to see what everyone has to say before and after the game.
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