Monday, February 27, 2006
Give us CBC
Another set of Winter Games has come and gone. I wish the Games could've lasted another two weeks. I'll miss them. Sure, it's fun to hear people rip on Bode Miller, but that's not what I'll miss about the Olympics.What I like most about the Olympics is being able to see sports such as bobsledding, luge, curling, and skiing on conventional network television. I could probably find those sports on the tube, but I don't have the time and energy to sift through television guides and surf seemingly endless cable channels.
I wish we got CBC in our section of southern New York. When I lived in the Midwest and got Canadian TV, I got sort of used to seeing curling on Saturdays and skiing on Sundays.
Photo courtesy of http://www.torino2006.org
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Miller is a joke
It seems that every sportswriter is piling on American skiier Bode Miller. I'll jump onto the pile. This guy is a stone cold fool whose head is in the wrong place. Despite his lack of success at the Olympics, Miller described the experience as awesome in an Associated Press (AP) column. Why? He enjoyed the bar scene in Sestriere, Italy. Miller also told the AP that he was less ready for this year's Games than he was for the 2002 Olympics, in which he won two silver medals.
If he focused more on skiing and less on partying, he might have lived up to the hype. Miller says the expectations came from other people. But, he carried on as if he was the greatest show on snow. If you're going to talk it up, you'd better deliver. He didn't.
Photo courtesy of http://www.torino2006.org
Saturday, February 25, 2006
OSU eyeing Big Ten crown
Ohio State beat Michigan today. This victory was in basketball, so it didn't lead to the euphoria I usually feel when the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines in football.Even so, OSU's 64-54 win in Columbus was huge because the Buckeyes remain in the driver's seat to win at least a share of the Big Ten championship. Victories in the next two games would mean an outright title. Winning just one game would mean the Buckeyes are assured at least a share of the conference crown. Keep in mind that OSU is scheduled to face the dregs of the conference: Northwestern and Purdue.
If the Buckeyes win a regular-season Big Ten title (shared or outright), it would make the conference tournament an afterthought offering little to gain. Yes, it would be great to win the tournament. But, OSU is going to the Big Dance anyway and wouldn't need the automatic berth that comes with a conference tournament title.
Logo courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Disappointing finish in ice skating
Every four years, America's best figure skaters face a tremendous amount of pressure. Win the gold medal and you're a hero; your mug is in commercials and on boxes of cereal. Fall short and you're a disappointment. Is it fair? This time around, the answer is "yes".Japan's Shizuka Arakawa is taking home the gold medal in women's ice skating. American Sasha Cohen, who fell and basically handed the gold to Arakawa, had to settle for silver.
To be sure, winning any kind of medal in the Olympics is very impressive, and certainly something of which to be proud. But, after hearing for weeks about how good she is, I expected Cohen to make a better showing.
Photo courtesy of http://www.torino2006.org
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Big road win for Ohio State
Last night's victory against Michigan State didn't lock up a share of the Big Ten basketball championship for Ohio State. But, if the Buckeyes do win the outright title or finish as conference co-champions, their performance in East Lansing would've had a lot to do with it.I thought OSU's goose was cooked early in the second half when the Spartans jumped out to a seven-point lead with the home crowd on their side. But, the Buckeyes really manned up, winning 79-68.
Instead of one player emerging, we saw several Buckeyes sharing the scoring load, as five of them were in double figures. OSU forced the Spartans to go with a four-guard lineup down the stretch, and that was not the least bit capable of holding back the Buckeye onslaught.
The game was an example of Buckeye ball at its best, and more of this is needed as the stakes and pressure only increase. OSU isn't overly flashy, and doesn't seem to have anyone (except possibly for Terence Dials) who can really take over a game. Everyone needs to get in the act.
Logo courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Rollins facing big challenge
The latest edition of ESPN's magazine has a feature about Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who currently has a 36-game hitting streak. So, he's just 20 games shy of Joe DiMaggio's seemingly unbreakable record.
If Rollins keeps the hitting streak going, DiMaggio would still have the record for longest streak within a single season.
I don't want to take anything away from DiMaggio's accomplishment, but I think the challenge is bigger, and the pressure greater, for Rollins. The media scrutiny today is much higher than ever before. On top of that, Rollins has had an entire offseason to think about the streak and whether it would continue.
If Rollins keeps the hitting streak going, DiMaggio would still have the record for longest streak within a single season.
I don't want to take anything away from DiMaggio's accomplishment, but I think the challenge is bigger, and the pressure greater, for Rollins. The media scrutiny today is much higher than ever before. On top of that, Rollins has had an entire offseason to think about the streak and whether it would continue.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Big Ten very evenly matched
Back in 2002, four teams tied for the Big Ten regular-season basketball championship. It looks like something similar may happen this season. Iowa (9-4) is in first place. Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Illinois are not far behind, all tied at 8-4. Michigan State, with a conference record of 7-5, is still in the mix.
Don't count out the Spartans. They, for the most part, can control their own destiny as Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Illinois must visit East Lansing. If the Spartans can win all three of those games, the four teams would each have five losses. Tom Izzo and company have to hope for someone to knock off Iowa.
On the surface, it doesn't look great for a conference regular-season champion (or co-champions) to have five losses. It's a situation you won't find in most of the major conferences this season. But, it just shows how evenly matched the Big Ten is; the teams just keep knocking each other around, with no clear and dominant winner emerging.
Don't count out the Spartans. They, for the most part, can control their own destiny as Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Illinois must visit East Lansing. If the Spartans can win all three of those games, the four teams would each have five losses. Tom Izzo and company have to hope for someone to knock off Iowa.
On the surface, it doesn't look great for a conference regular-season champion (or co-champions) to have five losses. It's a situation you won't find in most of the major conferences this season. But, it just shows how evenly matched the Big Ten is; the teams just keep knocking each other around, with no clear and dominant winner emerging.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Check out curling
Anyone looking for a serious take on the Olympics has come to the wrong place today. However, if you're a fan of Veronica Mars, check your local listings to find out when the U.S. women's curling team will be on. Cassie Johnson has a real Kristen Bell kind of thing going on. I like curling anyway, but this made it especially interesting to watch.Photo courtesy of http://www.torino2006.org
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Sutton's legal troubles
Yesterday, Oklahoma State basketball coach Eddie Sutton was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Tests showed his blood alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit. Sutton is currently on medical leave from the university.
Sutton's legal troubles are surprising and disappointing. He's been a fine coach and sportsman for many years. I would have never expected him to be the center of such negative publicity.
To be sure, everyone makes mistakes, but this is a big one. To be that tanked and get behind the wheel shows a serious lack of good judgment, common sense, and self-control.
Sutton's legal troubles are surprising and disappointing. He's been a fine coach and sportsman for many years. I would have never expected him to be the center of such negative publicity.
To be sure, everyone makes mistakes, but this is a big one. To be that tanked and get behind the wheel shows a serious lack of good judgment, common sense, and self-control.
Friday, February 17, 2006
NBA All-Star Weekend here
The best and brightest in the NBA will hoop it up this weekend. I wasn't watching when the biggest football stars faced off in the Pro Bowl a few days ago. And, I probably will skip the NBA's All-Star weekend.
In general, I'm not wild about All-Star games. The idea of an All-Star contest sounds good, in theory. We get to see "dream teams" made up of the best players in a particular sport. However, most of the time, the players don't give a 100-percent effort. If they don't care, why should I? Many athletes actually don't want to get selected to All-Star teams because they'd rather have a few days off.
The only appealing elements of NBA All-Star Weekend: the three-point shootout and slam dunk contest.
In general, I'm not wild about All-Star games. The idea of an All-Star contest sounds good, in theory. We get to see "dream teams" made up of the best players in a particular sport. However, most of the time, the players don't give a 100-percent effort. If they don't care, why should I? Many athletes actually don't want to get selected to All-Star teams because they'd rather have a few days off.
The only appealing elements of NBA All-Star Weekend: the three-point shootout and slam dunk contest.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Pro bowling tour to stop in S. Tier of N.Y.
Some of the best senior bowlers in the Northeast will play for a PBA title next month. If you're at least 50 years of age, you could enter the competition.
The PBA East Region Seneca Beverage Senior Open will take place March 17-19 at Paramount Lanes, located at 2446A Corning Road in Elmira Heights, N.Y.
First prize is projected at $1,500. One of every three bowlers will cash.
The entry fee is $200 for PBA members, and $250 (money order or cashier's check) for non-members. To enter, if you're not a member of the PBA, you must have at least a 200 average in a sanctioned USBC league, or an average of 190 or better in a USBC Sport league.
For more information on how to enter the tournament, call Sharon and Don Reidy at (607) 734-0321.
The PBA East Region Seneca Beverage Senior Open will take place March 17-19 at Paramount Lanes, located at 2446A Corning Road in Elmira Heights, N.Y.
First prize is projected at $1,500. One of every three bowlers will cash.
The entry fee is $200 for PBA members, and $250 (money order or cashier's check) for non-members. To enter, if you're not a member of the PBA, you must have at least a 200 average in a sanctioned USBC league, or an average of 190 or better in a USBC Sport league.
For more information on how to enter the tournament, call Sharon and Don Reidy at (607) 734-0321.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Court rules in O'Brien case
Former Ohio State basketball coach Jim O'Brien won a lawsuit, which claimed the university improperly fired him for loaning $6,000 to a recruit. The court ruled O'Brien broke his contract, but his firing was not justified.
Damages have not been determined. O'Brien could receive almost $10 million.
He claimed he loaned the money to a player who lost amateur status. OSU's athletic director Andy Geiger testified that O'Brien admitted he violated NCAA rules by making the loan.
To me, this is an example of "unjust enrichment". O'Brien's actions led to OSU sitting out of postseason play for one year, and losing any revenue that would've resulted from a NCAA tournament berth. On top of that, the NCAA could've chosen to impose harsh sanctions on the program. Fortunately, that has not happened.
To get almost $10 million for causing such a mess is grossly unfair.
Damages have not been determined. O'Brien could receive almost $10 million.
He claimed he loaned the money to a player who lost amateur status. OSU's athletic director Andy Geiger testified that O'Brien admitted he violated NCAA rules by making the loan.
To me, this is an example of "unjust enrichment". O'Brien's actions led to OSU sitting out of postseason play for one year, and losing any revenue that would've resulted from a NCAA tournament berth. On top of that, the NCAA could've chosen to impose harsh sanctions on the program. Fortunately, that has not happened.
To get almost $10 million for causing such a mess is grossly unfair.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Tough road contest for OSU coming
Tomorrow night, in college basketball, Ohio State heads on the road to Wisconsin for a game that could really help or hinder the Buckeyes' chances in the Big Ten title race. The Buckeyes are coming off a 69-53 victory against Illinois on Sunday, and, this time around, won't have home field advantage on their side. I thought the Illinois game would be closer, and never imagined the Buckeyes would lead by more than 20. However, OSU let the Illini back in a little bit before holding them off. We've seen this before (eg. against Georgia Tech).
OSU is going to need a steady effort against the Badgers. On Sunday, the Buckeyes were hot from three-point range, but the outside shooting dropped off as they seemed to be forcing up long bombs, hoping something would fall in. Illinois stepped up the defensive effort in the second half, throwing the Buckeyes out of rhythm, but the hole was too big for the Illini to climb out of.
On a side note: I thought James Augustine had already graduated from Illinois. It seems like he's been there for eight years.
Logo courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Casual football games
I wasn't planning on watching any football yesterday, but after Ohio State beat Illinois in college basketball, I was channel surfing and found legends playing a game of pickup pigskin on ESPN.
Team Elway and Team Young faced off in a game that was as casual as the games we used to play in the schoolyard when I was in high school. To me, the biggest difference between the alumni game and the Pro Bowl is the presence or lack of helmets and pads.
Team Elway and Team Young faced off in a game that was as casual as the games we used to play in the schoolyard when I was in high school. To me, the biggest difference between the alumni game and the Pro Bowl is the presence or lack of helmets and pads.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Will you be watching?
In just a few hours, the Pro Bowl will officially close out the NFL season. Will you be watching?
To me, the season basically ended with the Super Bowl. I can't watch a game in which the players aren't going full tilt because the result is essentially meaningless. The Pro Bowl is about as appealing as a preseason game.
Taking today's entertainment choices into consideration, I'll slot the Pro Bowl behind professional bowling and the Ohio State-Illinois game (hoping it will be on television here in New York).
To me, the season basically ended with the Super Bowl. I can't watch a game in which the players aren't going full tilt because the result is essentially meaningless. The Pro Bowl is about as appealing as a preseason game.
Taking today's entertainment choices into consideration, I'll slot the Pro Bowl behind professional bowling and the Ohio State-Illinois game (hoping it will be on television here in New York).
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Hoping for great rematch
Tomorrow afternoon, in college basketball, No. 19 Ohio State hosts No. 10 Illinois. This could be a great one.
We all remember what happened when these two teams met up in Columbus last season. Then-No. 1 Illinois came into Value City Arena undefeated and left with its first loss of the season, thanks to a late bucket by Matt Sylvester.
I can only hope this year's game is just as good. Of course, I'm saying this from an OSU perspective. But, still, that was a great game.
Anything less than an evenly matched game, and a Buckeye win, will be a disappointment. This OSU squad is better and more experienced than last year's, and Illinois looks far less dominant.
We all remember what happened when these two teams met up in Columbus last season. Then-No. 1 Illinois came into Value City Arena undefeated and left with its first loss of the season, thanks to a late bucket by Matt Sylvester.
I can only hope this year's game is just as good. Of course, I'm saying this from an OSU perspective. But, still, that was a great game.
Anything less than an evenly matched game, and a Buckeye win, will be a disappointment. This OSU squad is better and more experienced than last year's, and Illinois looks far less dominant.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Open call to friends in PA
An article in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says former Steeler Lynn Swann "may be the luckiest politician alive". He's seeking the Republican nomination for Governor in Pennsylvania, and his chief rival in this race just dropped out.
Question for those of you in the Keystone State: Would you vote for Swann, and why? E-mail me at: seepersports@aol.com. I'll share the best responses here.
I don't get a vote on this because I work in Pennsylvania, but live in New York. The way I see it: he's wealthy, popular, and well-connected, but his experience consists of playing football and talking about it on television.
Question for those of you in the Keystone State: Would you vote for Swann, and why? E-mail me at: seepersports@aol.com. I'll share the best responses here.
I don't get a vote on this because I work in Pennsylvania, but live in New York. The way I see it: he's wealthy, popular, and well-connected, but his experience consists of playing football and talking about it on television.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Bowling to take center stage
ESPN will show the finals of bowling's U.S. Open live on the Super Sign in New York City's Times Square on February 19th."To showcase a PBA event on such a grand scale provides great exposure for our sport and reflects the commitment ESPN is making to the PBA," said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer, in a statement on the Tour's Web site. "We are excited about this opportunity and hope the onlookers in Times Square will witness a great afternoon of PBA excitement."
I couldn't agree more. More Americans participate in bowling than in any other sport. The Times Square exposure will introduce the Tour to an entire segment of the population not accustomed to looking for bowling on television. Also, giving the sport such a prominent place in a capital of fashion and entertainment will help improve the image of bowling, as too many people consider it a low-brow activity.
Logo courtesy of Denny's PBA Tour.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Bettis goes out on top
A poll on Yahoo! Sports asks whether Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis should retire now.
This is an easy one. If I had played in the NFL for 13 years, hoped to win a Super Bowl, then finally got my wish in my hometown, I'd retire. Better to finish that way than to collect checks while everyone is watching your skills decline.
This is an easy one. If I had played in the NFL for 13 years, hoped to win a Super Bowl, then finally got my wish in my hometown, I'd retire. Better to finish that way than to collect checks while everyone is watching your skills decline.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Big plays give Steelers Super victory
After the lopsided conference title games, many of us were hoping not to see more of same in Super Bowl XL. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks actually gave us a decent game.
The biggest difference between the teams tonight: the ability to make big plays. Simply put, Pittsburgh had it while Seattle didn't.
Pittsburgh's offense didn't look stellar, especially after Ben Roethlisberger got picked off near the end zone as he was trying to add to the Steelers' lead. But, Willie Parker stepped up with a record-setting 75-yard touchdown run. Receiver Antwaan Randle El showed us some of his old QB skills, throwing for a Pittsburgh touchdown.
On the other hand, Seattle was done in by, among other things, poor time management on offense. The end of the game looked much like the end of the first half, when the Seahawks wasted too much time. I wanted to see them score and try an onside kick toward the end of the game, not turn the ball over on downs with three seconds left.
A team with Mike Holmgren as coach, with all his experience running offenses, should've looked more organized.
The biggest difference between the teams tonight: the ability to make big plays. Simply put, Pittsburgh had it while Seattle didn't.
Pittsburgh's offense didn't look stellar, especially after Ben Roethlisberger got picked off near the end zone as he was trying to add to the Steelers' lead. But, Willie Parker stepped up with a record-setting 75-yard touchdown run. Receiver Antwaan Randle El showed us some of his old QB skills, throwing for a Pittsburgh touchdown.
On the other hand, Seattle was done in by, among other things, poor time management on offense. The end of the game looked much like the end of the first half, when the Seahawks wasted too much time. I wanted to see them score and try an onside kick toward the end of the game, not turn the ball over on downs with three seconds left.
A team with Mike Holmgren as coach, with all his experience running offenses, should've looked more organized.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Opening the e-mail
The following note was sent to my e-mailbox after my take on pre-Super Bowl trash-talking:
I've been searching for Joey Porter blog commentaries and came across yours, but I have some questions:
1) Why would you be upset at what Stevens said? In effect, Stevens said "We're gonna win."
2) How is Stevens' comment a pot shot at Bettis?
Here's hoping for a great Super Bowl.
My answers:
1) Yes, in effect, Stevens did say the Seahawks would win. However, he downplayed his own message by saying it wasn't a guarantee. Either way, there's no problem as I see it.
2) This is where I had a problem; Stevens didn't have to single out any particular player, but he basically said it would be sad to see Jerome Bettis lose in his hometown. While Stevens didn't say "Bettis sucks", he hints that he'll enjoy Bettis' misfortune. Again, why mention anyone specific?
I hope the Super Bowl is a great one, too. Cheers, brother, and thanks for visiting!
I've been searching for Joey Porter blog commentaries and came across yours, but I have some questions:
1) Why would you be upset at what Stevens said? In effect, Stevens said "We're gonna win."
2) How is Stevens' comment a pot shot at Bettis?
Here's hoping for a great Super Bowl.
My answers:
1) Yes, in effect, Stevens did say the Seahawks would win. However, he downplayed his own message by saying it wasn't a guarantee. Either way, there's no problem as I see it.
2) This is where I had a problem; Stevens didn't have to single out any particular player, but he basically said it would be sad to see Jerome Bettis lose in his hometown. While Stevens didn't say "Bettis sucks", he hints that he'll enjoy Bettis' misfortune. Again, why mention anyone specific?
I hope the Super Bowl is a great one, too. Cheers, brother, and thanks for visiting!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Piazza signs with Padres
Former New York Mets star catcher Mike Piazza finalized a $2 million deal with the San Diego Padres. He's expected to hold a news conference in his new hometown early next week.
I hated to see him leave the Mets, but his offensive production had dropped off dramatically over the last three years. The Mets, who have a tendency to pay a lot and not get much in return, were wise not to re-sign him.
Piazza would've been a bigger asset to a team in the American League. His catching skills were never outstanding. He could've been a designated hitter, and focused solely on offense.
I wish him well in his new digs.
I hated to see him leave the Mets, but his offensive production had dropped off dramatically over the last three years. The Mets, who have a tendency to pay a lot and not get much in return, were wise not to re-sign him.
Piazza would've been a bigger asset to a team in the American League. His catching skills were never outstanding. He could've been a designated hitter, and focused solely on offense.
I wish him well in his new digs.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Finally some trash-talking
With the Super Bowl just a few days away, Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens gave the Pittsburgh Steelers some bulletin board material.
He was talking about Steelers running back Jerome Bettis returning to his hometown of Detroit to compete for a Super Bowl ring.
"It's a heartwarming story and all that, but it will be a sad day when he leaves without that trophy," Stevens said in published reports.
Steelers linebacker Joey Porter wasn't at all happy about that. I wouldn't be either. Stevens said he wasn't guaranteeing a victory. I'm all for players showing confidence before big games. But, taking a shot at Bettis was uncalled for. Porter will be all too happy to make Stevens eat his words come Sunday.
He was talking about Steelers running back Jerome Bettis returning to his hometown of Detroit to compete for a Super Bowl ring.
"It's a heartwarming story and all that, but it will be a sad day when he leaves without that trophy," Stevens said in published reports.
Steelers linebacker Joey Porter wasn't at all happy about that. I wouldn't be either. Stevens said he wasn't guaranteeing a victory. I'm all for players showing confidence before big games. But, taking a shot at Bettis was uncalled for. Porter will be all too happy to make Stevens eat his words come Sunday.
