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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Saturday News & Notes

Rose Won't Wither - Continuing the trend from two stories below, Pete Rose still can't keep his mouth shut. This time he claims he would have amassed 5,000 hits if he would have been on steroids. Pete, I thought we just went over this--stop.

Kimbo Slice Debuts - There is no more waiting as backyard brawler-turned-MMA superstar Kimbo Slice will fight in an EliteXC card tonight live on CBS. This is the first time MMA is being broadcast on network television and EliteXC is using Slice (real name Ferguson) as their poster boy for potential success. While his peers still question Slice's ability, there is no questioning his star power and potential to brutally dominate the sport.

I Thought Seau was Retired? - New England Patriots LB Junior Seau retired from football (and his Miami Dolphins contract) in 2006 by signing a one-day deal with the San Diego Chargers. Four days later, he signed with the Patriots and is now considering a third year with the team. What a stand-up guy, huh?

Dukies Hire Notre Dame AD - While Duke (outside of lacrosse and basketball) leaves little to be desired as far as a collegiate athletic program, hiring the AD that hasn't done much at all with Notre Dame makes you wonder if they are even serious about improving their programs?

More U.S. Friendlies with Euro Clubs - F.C. Barcelona has signed to play two friendlies in the United States by scheduling games in Chicago and New York against Mexican club Chivas Guadalajara at Soldier Field and the MLS's Red Bulls at Giants Stadium respectivley. This will be the club's third trip to the U.S. in the last five years.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Kobe Bryant is NOW

Before I start this entry, I want to refer everyone to my LeBron James article from the beginning of the month. With that being noted, and regardless of my sentiments below, I do believe James is the future of the NBA. Unfortunately, he's not the present, because that is Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

What Bryant has done in these playoffs leaves little to be desired in terms of talent, athleticism, teamwork, execution, determination and dedication. He has transformed from a young, talented player who needed to be coddled by his coach and brought up and taken down by teammate Shaquille O'Neal to the man that provides the coddling to his own young, talented teammates.

Many continue to forget the most important factor in Bryant's playoff performance thus far which is the fact that everything he has done since the All-Star break is being accomplished with a torn ligament in the pinkie finger on his shooting hand. Bryant is injured and playing better than he ever has before.

I will not start comparisons to Michael Jordan because Bryant (and James for that matter) is his own player. But when you think of Bryant and watch him play the same words used to describe Jordan come to mind: clutch performer, perfectionist, teammate.

And while media types continue to praise GM Mitch Kupchak for this season's turnaround, I say we should look at Bryant as the real catalyst. While some saw his off-season antics as petty, insulting and rude, I disagreed. Bryant did what James needs to do, demanded help or a trade. He wanted to succeed as a Laker. He wanted to win more championships as a Laker. He wanted to retire a Laker.

It may have taken an injury to center Andrew Bynum to give Kupchak the kick-in-the-ass to make a deal for Pau Gasol, but now that he has, can we really question who was right all along?

You can see where I am going with this. It was Bryant. The league's MVP, the superstar on the best team in the NBA and the probable Finals MVP. He could also be only the second player in history to win both MVPs, a championship and a gold medal (at this summer's Olympic Games.) The other player? You guessed it...Michael Jordan.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Pick of the Day

As I have said since the beginning of the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to take the trophy and Kobe Bryant is going to bring home the Finals MVP to go along with his first NBA MVP.

And while the Lakers should win and close out the series tonight, it is tough to imagine them blowing out the San Antonio Spurs for a second time (game 2). Eight points is a big spread even with the Lakers at home AND they're playing the defending champions who are on the verge of elimination. At worst this game should be a dogfight and if the Lakers do have a large lead, the Spurs won't concede until the final buzzer. Take the Spurs and the points, though the Lakers should end up winning the game.

Rose: I bet "like $2,000" per game

Enough already. Pete Rose is the greatest hitter in the history of Major League Baseball and nobody could care less. Proof of this fact is that his most recent non-news story has barely been picked up by media outlets. I, however, have my own piece to say about Rose and find this as the most opportune time.

Living in Boca Raton, FL, I've had a little more than my fair share of Rose over the years. He opened a restaurant here, his children went to the same lower and middle school as me and it was never tough to find him if that was your goal.

But, when you think about tarnished legacies in sports, Rose is one of two that immediately pop into your mind. The other is O.J. Simpson. The difference is that Simpson actually killed human beings (please, let's not get into semantics) while Rose simply bet on baseball. The similarity is that neither of them will STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!

Rose has wondered out loud for years if he will ever be allowed into Cooperstown. The debate has raged on for decades. The problem is as each year goes by, Rose continues to bring up the negatives instead of focusing on the positives. I've heard the following all come out of Rose's mouth:
I did not bet on baseball. OK, I bet on baseball. But, I only bet on my team. I bet on my team but never fixed a game. I only bet $1,000 on my team and $2,000 on football games. And finally...actually, I bet "like $2,000" per game.
There are two choices when confronted with a negative or difficult situation: Lie or tell the truth. You will probably end up in the same spot either way (like Rose) but telling the truth gives you the good graces of being honest and forthcoming. If Rose admitted gambling when he was banned in 1989 for life by then-commissioner Bart Giamatti with full disclosure instead of waiting until 2004:

Jim Gray's bash-worthy interview never would have occurred, Rose would have sold more books as people would be interested in hearing the real, true story and maybe, just maybe, there would be some consideration to inducting him into Cooperstown and preserving the positive aspects of his legacy...instead of none whatsoever.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Daily News Update

Outside of my individual posts, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a "Daily News Update" with other interesting stories to which I'm not necessarily going to devote a full post.

* Update: Noah's punishment? Six months probation and a $200 fine.

* SI.com's Tom Verducci realizes he's a week behind on the MLB instant replay argument.

* China has stopped airing NBA playoff games because they are too entertaining. Obviously they didn't watch the Pistons/Magic series.

* Our own Brian McBride returns home from Fulham after five years in the EPL. He cited the desire to play against better competition as his reasoning.

* Former Memphis forward Joey Dorsey "knows" the Chicago Bulls are NOT picking Derrick Rose.

* Former New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing is upset new GM Donnie Walsh did not interview him for the open head coaching position.

Sosa to Retire After World Baseball Classic

Former Texas Rangers outfielder Sammy Sosa announced today that he will retire from baseball following the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Sosa, best known for his 13-year stint with the Chicago Cubs, is a free agent and not signed to a MLB roster after posting 21 home runs and 92 RBIs last season.
"There's something that I wish to state very clearly: I'm not looking for a job," Sosa told Hoy, a Dominican newspaper. "In fact, I have told my agent that he should stop offering my services to MLB teams. I'm not retired. I remain highly focused and not begging for a contract."
Sosa's alleged involvement with steroids, coupled with his June 2003 corked bat incident, badly hindered the reputation of the only player in MLB history with three 60+ home run seasons. He will retire from baseball as one of only five players to hit 600 home runs and at number five on the career home run list.
"It would be great if folks can see me for the last time wearing the uniform of the [Dominican Republic] National Team," Sosa said. "It's always an honor to represent your country."
While Sosa has certainly had his ups and downs since 2003, I am still left wondering why he is not on an MLB roster right now. As a DH for an American League team or even a Tim Raines-like pinch hitter for a young team that needs a little extra pop, Sosa can still contribute as proven by his 2007 numbers.

I also find it interesting how all of Sosa's achievements are still overshadowed by the corked bat more so than anything else (including steroids.) People fail to remember one simple fact: Sammy Sosa was instrumental in the rebirth of baseball in this country. He, along with Mark McGwire, were responsible for some of the most exciting drama in sports history culminating with McGwire's (at the time) record-breaking home run and celebration with Sosa who was both his opponent in the race and during that game.

So while some may only remember Sosa for his faults, I choose to remember him for his glory and, most of all, his swing.

Noah Ticketed in Gainesville, Again

A day after receiving an order to appear in Gainesville, FL court for possession of under 20 grams of marijuana and an open container violation, Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah had a second run-in with police officers.

This time, Noah was traveling 32 mph through the University of Florida campus in his Hummer with a posted speed limit 20 mph. The UF Police issued two tickets to Noah--the first for not wearing a seatbelt and the second for unknowingly driving with a suspended license. To knowingly drive with a suspended license is a criminal offense, something which Noah was not charged.

None of these four violations are really that much of a big deal in the long run, and I have to agree with his father Yannick who doesn't understand "all that fuss" about the situation.

I certainly disagree with Noah being detained for an open container violation in the first place that is disregarded in the town on a daily basis. As far as being pulled over on campus, I suppose that is fair as he was going 50% over the speed limit (which is ridiculously low to begin with) and was not wearing a seatbelt. Having your license suspended and not knowing about it is even more ridiculous.

Say what you will about the rest, but Jo, put your seatbelt on.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Pick of the Day - Rule No. 1

The No. 1 rule in sports gambling is to always go with your gut. This is a rule I've known and gone against repeatedly, usually with negative outcomes. The latest instance of rule No. 1 was tonight's San Antonio Spurs/Los Angeles Lakers game. I agonized over the pick all day but decided no matter how much better I think L.A. is (much, much better), the defending champions will not lose a game four at home. O, how you taunt and teach me, No. 1.

Can David Haye Bring Boxing Back?

David Haye is the biggest name in boxing you have not heard of yet. And it is not your fault. Nobody can expect you to follow a sport that does not provide reasons to watch. That, however, is about to change.

Haye, 27, has a professional career record of 21-1 (20 KOs) and is the current world cruiserweight champion, holding the WBA, WBO and The Ring magazine cruiserweight titles (he vacated the WBC title on 5/12 losing the distinction of being “undisputed.") And now, after dominating the cruiserweight class, Haye is ready to take his chops to the next level—heavyweight title fights.

That transition has begun as Haye officially signed a five-year contract with Golden Boy Promotions as announced this morning by ESPN. He plans to vacate his cruiserweight titles over the next few months as he prepares to step up to the heavyweight division. Hailing from London, England, Haye has said he wants to be the next Evander Hollyfield.

"If you look at the heavyweight landscape, it is waiting for someone like David Haye to come along," Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “He's very exciting in the ring. He knocks guys out and he gets dropped. If he can succeed at heavyweight, boxing fans around the world will have a heavyweight who can define the division and the sport."

Haye has taken his dedication to the next level to heart and even met for lunch with world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to discuss a title fight for later this year. Klitschko agreed in principle, but wishes for Haye to fight some heavyweight bouts before giving him a title fight.

"I see myself at the top of the pile in the heavyweight division," Haye said. "There's only one guy out there and that's Wladimir Klitschko. That's who I have my eyes set on. He's the premier heavyweight on the planet right now and I am coming for him. It's always been my strategy to go after the best."

With a boxing pedigree like Haye’s, coupled with the promotional power of Golden Boy and the desire of the world to see a return to the glory days of heavyweight boxing, it is looking like that fight will come sooner than later. The only question is, can it revive and help legitimize the sport once again?

Jarvis Returns to College Coaching

Former St. John's University head basketball coach Mike Jarvis has taken his first head coaching job since being fired by the Red Storm over five years ago with the Florida Atlantic Owls.

FAU, most recently known for winning the New Orleans Bowl (their first bowl appearance) in football, has been growing as a university and athletic program over the past decade.

The basketball program made the NCAA March Madness tournament in 2002 under the reigns of then-coach Sidney Green (father of Denver Nuggets guard Taurean Green) and has sought to stay relevant by hiring Matt Doherty and Rex Walters to head the program. With Walters leaving to coach San Francisco, a new head coach was needed.

Jarvis, a resident of Boca Raton, Fla., where FAU is located, signed a four-year contract that will be approved Wednesday.

Monday, May 26, 2008

The Caleb Campbell Story

To honor Memorial Day this year, I wanted to take a look back at the 2008 NFL Draft in April and the roller coaster ride it was for one student, former Army now Detroit Lions safety Caleb Campbell.

Campbell was in the unique position to take advantage of a new Army rule allowing those with a chance to play for a professional sports team to serve their term of duty in the United States as a recruiter instead of oversees in active duty. Please take a look at the story below on both a factual and opinionated basis.

My favorite storyline of the 2008 NFL Draft - Caleb Campbell.


Caleb Campbell story from the eyes of an Iraq War veteran.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Home Run Mistake No. 5

For the fifth time this week, a questionable home run call was made in a MLB game that would have been changed with instant replay. Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Luis Rivas hit a long fly ball to left field that bounced off the top of the wall and dropped back into play. The ball was called a home run although, by rule, the ball was in play.

Dear Commissioner Bud Selig, we're waiting...

Noah Faces Charges in Gainesville

Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and an open container violation early Sunday morning in Gainesville, FL.

Noah, the 2006 Final Four's Most Outstanding Player and part of the Florida Gators back-to-back national championship teams in 2006 and 2007, was found carrying an amber-colored liquid in a cup with ice while walking in the city's downtown area. After being brought to the police annex to be charged and served a notice to appear in court, the Gainesville Police Department also found a marijuana cigarette in his pocket.

It is tough to argue the marijuana charge, but the original stop for the open container violation is quite ridiculous. As a former University of Florida student, I have seen dozens (if not hundreds) of students stopped for open container violations both downtown and on campus. When those stops occurred, as long as the student cooperated, the usual punishment was for the drink to be discarded and to expect a stern warning from the officer.

I'm not suggesting Noah receive any special treatment, simply fair treatment that a normal student (Noah is in town taking classes toward his degree) would receive. But, let's be honest, this happened in Gainesville. Give the guy a free pass and move on. He was on foot, by himself, not causing any problems. Then again, it is the end of the month and there are few students in town...perhaps it was a quota situation?

Celtics Dominate on the Road

Apparently all the Boston Celtics needed was the feeling of panic and desperation to win on the road.

After starting the postseason 9-0 in home games and 0-6 on the road, the Celtics broke both streaks with a home loss and road win in consecutive games against the Detroit Pistons. Most interestingly was the dominating fashion in which the Celtics beat the Pistons on Saturday, at one point leading by as many as 24 in the Palace at Auburn Hills.

Now the series is proving to be competitive and Game Four is a must-win for Detroit to stay alive in their quest to reach the NBA Finals. The important question now is whether the league's best road playoff team can win a second game on the road at the TD Banknorth Garden?

And with everybody now hyping the Celtics after their win, who else but Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace was there to calm everyone down.

"I don't see it as a big thing," Wallace said, choosing not to make his latest guarantee. "It's all about whoever gets to four."

Wallace better hope he doesn't get to seven (technical fouls) or he may not be around to see the Pistons win four.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Saturday News and Notes

Where is Instant Replay?! Referring back to my post from yesterday, yet another home run was incorrectly called when Cleveland Indians OF Ben Francisco hit a four-bagger off of a railing above the outfield wall. Is this starting to add up or what? Stop stalling, MLB!

Back from Cancer: Arizona Diamondbacks P Doug Davis returned from thyroid cancer surgery on April 10 to pitch seven innings of five-hit ball with only one earned run. Nice story, but let’s hope he can do better than a 13-12 record this season.

Mr. Two-Face: San Diego Padres P Chris Young was struck in the face with a returned line drive and is suffering facial bruising and a small fracture. He’ll be out of action for two weeks. Houston Astros P Jose Valverde met the same fate during his save opportunity on Friday, however the pitcher was able to deflect the ball enough with his glove to prevent damage—he stayed in and got the save.

Bye Bye Grant: Chelsea FC fired manager Avram Grant on Saturday, three days after the Blues lost the Champions League final to Manchester United. Grant took the Blues to a 2nd place finish in both the Premier and Champions Leagues; however the team’s “boring style and key loss to Tottingham” were blamed. I personally didn’t find Chelsea’s play at all boring, especially because Grant didn’t have the squad for a full year. A little premature in this case.

Zito Wins! Congratulations. It looks like that seven-year, $126 million contract is paying off.

Pick(s) of the Day - 5/23 and 5/24

I do not plan on posting explanations/details for my picks on a daily basis, unless requested by the readership, so do not get used to seeing many of these "Pick of the Day" threads.

With that being said, tonight the Lakers supported and solidified my belief that they are the best team in the West and have what it takes to win any game in any situation (see Game 1). This is an opinion I share with one other team left in the playoffs--the Pistons.

As I said before Game 1, the Pistons will win this series. They are battle-tested, playoff-experienced and have a better starting five and deeper bench than the Celtics. Yes, I said it. A better starting five. The Celts can go on and on about the "Big 3" but that doesn't matter when they have P.J. Brown and Eddie House coming off the bench. Personally, I'd rather have the "Complete 5" with Rodney Stuckey.

Take the Pistons again in Game 3 giving the points and look for a Lakers/Pistons Finals.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Porter Brings Heat on Beli-cheat

During an interview with NFL Live and host Trey Wingo this afternoon, Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter called out the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick and the NFL for the handling of Spygate and the most recent discovery of further cheating by Belichick by allowing players on the IR to practice with the team. Below is my transcription of the interview:
JP: They cheated, there should be an asterisk. They cheated and they got caught. Marion Jones—she got caught they took the gold medals back. Obviously, they got caught. If it wasn’t that bad, why would they destroy the evidence? If you have nothing to hide, why would you destroy it? Why destroy something that doesn’t have to be destroyed? Let everybody see what was on that tape. Why are you going to destroy it so fast? I think it must’ve been that bad to where they didn’t want anybody else to see it. It had to be that bad. And if it wasn’t helping nobody, why did you do it? If Tom Brady wasn’t getting help out of it—why would you do it every week? Everybody wants to wonder how these guys just went from 0 to 60 overnight. That will do it for you.

TW: Is there a lot of talk among the players about that? Whether the Dolphins or other locker rooms around the league?

JP: Anybody I know that lost to them in big games—they’re very upset about it. The slap on the wrist didn’t really fit the crime. I don’t think the $500K fine was really big enough when you make multi-millions and billions off of the championships. He probably didn’t even have to pay it anyway—Kraft probably paid that fine, so it didn’t really hurt Belichick. He’s supposed to be this great coach—but cheating. He’s supposed to be a good coach, a great great coach and he got caught cheating. I don’t understand that. I lost two of those championship games, and if you tell me that happened, there is no way I can look at it and not feel cheated.
Anyone that knows my opinions of the situation will agree that I've been calling for steeper penalties, further investigations and the suspension of Belichick since the original punishment was levied. With further confirmation from former New England Patriots OL Ross Tucker that the Pats did, indeed, cheat in more ways than Spygate--why hasn't Commissioner Roger Goodell done more to investigate and justly penalize the coach and franchise?

Read my thoughts on Goodell and Spygate from February 2008.

Pitcher Traded for Maple Bats

We've all heard of some far-out independent baseball league trades either as publicity stunts or simple jokes. Earlier today, one such trade was completed as a necessity rather than a gag.

The Golden Baseball League's Calgary Vipers were unable to get newly signed pitcher John Odom into Canada for immigration reasons. So they responded like any logical team would and traded him to the United League's Laredo Broncos in exchange for 10 sorely needed Prairie Sticks Maple Bats.

Check out the story from the Associated Press.

I appreciate the readership and support of everyone who has helped kick-start Home Field Advantage. Please continue reading and feel free to register and leave your comments! Thanks for visiting!

Basebally "May Try" Replay in Fall Leagues

I never thought that I would find something, anything to commend the NHL on, until I heard the MLB's possibly planned plans for maybe, possibly trying out instant replay in their fall leagues--after the season has ended.

In a time with betting scandals in the NBA and blatant cheating (and cover-ups) going on in the NFL, why can't a league--or, more importantly, its commissioner--take care of an obviously prevalent flaw in the way its games are run and rules are constructed?

This is what the NHL did when Sean Avery found a loophole in the rules in the current Playoffs and blocked Martin Brodeur with his back to him in the crease while waving his arms in the air obstructing the view of the goaltender:
Incident occured Sunday night, April 13, 2008.
Response below occured Monday afternoon, April 14, 2008.

National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell issued a statement Monday to make the league's position clear going forward. The statement said:

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

It took the NHL less than 24 hours to change/add the rule and please fans, players and the media. At a time when the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA sports and Pro Tennis all use some form of instant reply, the MLB is letting the FOUR incorrect home run decisions in the last week begin a trend rather than help find an immediate solution to one. This is 2008 not 1908--it is the standard in professional sports in this country.

How about the fact that seven months ago in November, the MLB's own collective general managers voted 25-5 to at least explore the possibility of using a form of instant replay to help decide disputed home run calls such as fair or foul (ONCE this week) and in or out of the ballpark (THREE times this week).

The NHL's problem popped up overnight. The MLB has seen theirs coming and, after seven months, should have done enough research to fix it and be able to do so immediately.

But, they won't. Nah, they'll just wait until one of these ill-fated calls occurs during Game 7 of the ALCS during the bottom of the 9th with a team down by one. And then they'll finally decide to test instant replay in their fall leagues and the World Baseball Classic and institute it on Opening Day next year with some dumb restrictions or decisions the umpires can't overturn--but should be able to. And then we'll have to wait another year until those are corrected and the system is ironed-out.

When it all could be done in a day.

(It is just now being reported by the Chicago Tribune that the system MAY be in place by the upcoming postseason but probably will not. The point is made regardless as the postseason is in six months.)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Pick of the Day

So while on a personally good run, I decide to start posting my picks and start out 0-2. Standard.

In my defense, if the Lakers never got in such a deep hole last night, they would've easily covered -7. The Spurs were tired and held over after an 11-hour flight and proved it with their second-half play.

We take the Pistons again as they haven't lost two consec. games yet in these playoffs, won't let the Celtics shoot 55% from the field again, will attack the basket and are still my pick to win the series.

Taylor "Steps" Away From Dolphins

During a post-practice press conference Wednesday afternoon, Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano shocked the media and sports landscape with his announcement regarding the future of Pro Bowl DE Jason Taylor and his decision to hold out from the team.
"This is my reaction with the Jason Taylor situation, and I'm going to answer this question one time. I'm not going to answer another question about the Jason Taylor situation after I answer this," Sparano began.

"Here's what I know: What I know is that Jason Taylor -- and I'm glad we've gotten the information; that's important -- I know that Jason is not going to be at any OTAs (organized-team activities). I know that Jason is not going to be at any minicamps, and I know that right now, that Jason is not going to be at training camp. So that's what we know. Jason's a player under contract with the Miami Dolphins. He knows that. Both parties are well aware of the information. That's all I'm going to say about it. I want to talk to my players now."
There are not many situations in which I find myself at a loss for words. This is one of them. The fact of the matter is that I have never been more dead-on in my assessment of a situation such as this one in as long as I can remember! Additionally, many columnists have already put this story in such great perspective that I would rather feature their words to sum-up my opinions.

In this case, we are talking about Omar Kelly, the Sun-Sentinel's Miami Dolphins beat writer and blogger.
The voluntary stuff most of us can understand. After all, it is VOLUNTARY. But passing on an obligation, missing mandatory team stuff...that's betraying your commitment to the relationship, and it crosses the line. (. . .)

Dolphins fans need to hear the words for it to officially be over. Jason Taylor, you need to breakup with the Dolphins for everyone involved to move on, allowing you and the team to finally part ways. (. . .) If Jason Taylor wants out he needs to say it so we know where he stands.

Stop being so darn image conscious. Stop dancing around your intentions like you do a dance floor. We understand you've been unhappy in this relationship for the past four or five years. We understand the reasons you might want out. It's never fun losing. How many new coaches and regimes have you had? You want to end your possible Hall of Fame career on a title contender, and we realize we've let our looks slip a little.

It's fine that you want to move on. Not everyone still believes in true love. But don't try to blame shift your desires for another on our alleged wandering eye. Don't try to make new management out to be a bad guy to save your image, painting a picture that Bill Parcells wants to get rid of you, and has given you - the franchise player - the cold shoulder.

While that very well might be the case, if you truly plan to sit out training camp for WHATEVER reason you need to fess up. Put ego aside, as difficult as it might be right now, and be a man! Jason Taylor needs to stand-up and say it's over. Say, "I love you, we've had a good run, but I don't want to be with you anymore Miami. (. . .)

But you Jason Taylor, all this sneaking around, all this he said she said. All these rumors about your secret desires, and back-door dealings and demands, or requests, it's made this situation ugly.

All the Trifecta did on Wednesday was air out your dirty laundry, put your business out on the street without any spin doctoring. They blame shifted, and it was strategically done. Now the ball is in your court.

If you're ready to move on, we can deal with it....we really can, and we'll still check out your movies and support your charity efforts.... but you need to be upfront and tell Dolphins fans that's the case.

Sure it'll hurt, but that's the only way there can be a clean breakup, and that's what Dolfans need to start the healing process. It's about time this franchise finally starts healing, and if that means doing it without you, so be it.
Read Omar Kelly's full column and his blog at Sun-Sentinel.com

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Champions League Final

The 2007-08 season will end like it started - with Chelsea FC and Manchester United fighting for bragging rights as the best team in England. Except this time, the winner will also be declared the best squad in all of Europe. For the first time since the UEFA Champions League began in 1955-56, the finals are all-English and starting later than ever.


United have won the Premier League already this year, edging Chelsea by two points in the final standings, but for both clubs the Champions League holds a greater significance and you know Chelsea is looking for some revenge after being over-shadowed all year by United. The two squads split the season series 1-1, with Chelsea defeating United 2-1 most recently at Stamford Bridge on April 26.

With Chelsea D John Terry still recovering from a dislocated shoulder injured on May 11, the Blues look to face one of the best Man U squads in the history of the team's existence. Manchester United F Wayne Rooney is still recovering from an injury as well, but both men are expected to be on in the starting 11 for kickoff.

This afternoon's match will either be a showcase for United's young'ns Rooney and MF Cristiano Ronaldo, a power contest with Chelsea's F Didier Drogba and MF Michael Ballack, or another snooze fest like earlier in the season. I highly doubt it will be the latter.

While today's match certainly has its implications for both sides, Chelsea seems to have a bit more riding on the result. They are desperate to win the Champions League Final following three semi-final eliminations in the last four years. Moscow is also home to the Russian-born Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who would love nothing more than a win in the white North.

With Joe Cole and Florent Malouda providing support from the flanks, Drogba may be playing his last contest with Chelsea after admitting a desire to play for Milan. Recent reports cite that Drogba may have changed his tune and may want to stay after all.

One thing is for sure--England and Europe will have a new champion in just a few hours.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

New Feature: Pick of the Day

To your immediate right you will see a new feature of Home Field Advantage, my pick of the day. As this is unsolicited (and complimentary) gambling advice, I am not responsible for your losses. However, I will fully accept responsibility for your gains and tips are welcome. I will also keep track of my picks and tally up the results at the end of each day.

Tonight, we take the Detroit Pistons +4.5 as Boston is tired and shaky coming off of their second-consecutive game seven. The Pistons are well-rested, playoff-experienced and capable of winning on the road.

Rose Garden?

Tonight, before the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, the NBA’s non-playoff teams are in for a little excitement of their own with the NBA Draft Lottery at 7:30 p.m. in Secaucus, New Jersey. And no team has more at stake than the New York Knicks.

With the fifth most chances (76 / 1000), the Knicks certainly do not look poised to receive the No. 1 overall pick. At this point, most columnists would delve 23 years ago into the first Lottery in 1985 with the selection of Patrick Ewing and the supposed “frozen envelope.” Didn’t happen—get over it.

But if the Knicks get lucky and do receive the No. 1 selection, a franchise turn around will seem more feasible than ever. No, there is not a LeBron James or Michael Jordan sitting at No. 1, but there is Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. For a team that hasn’t had a first round selection the last two seasons because of a (standard) horrible Isiah Thomas trade with the Chicago Bulls, Rose would be the perfect catalyst to re-invigorate the team and fan base.

Rose has more than talent. He is the absolute perfect fit for new Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni’s run-and-gun scheme. I promise you this, if the Knicks win the Lottery tonight, D’Antoni (who is representing the team) will slam the table with excitement harder than Dave DeBusschere once did.

In case you don’t believe me, here is some proof of how the Knicks organization feels about rose.

"I just haven't seen too many guys with that kind of explosion from the point-guard position," GM Donnie Walsh told the New York Post yesterday about Rose. "It's the kind you rarely see."

"There's guys who are going to be very good point guards in this league," Walsh said. "Derrick Rose instinctively is a good point guard. There's not one as obvious as Rose but they can develop into really good point guards. Our job is to find which is the one."

D’Antoni has told those close to him that he thinks Rose can be the next Steve Nash. He told the New York Post that Rose is “Jason Kidd with a shot.” That is pretty high praise from a guy that knows his point guards like Charles Barkley knows the hard-six.

With a 16 percent chance of receiving a top two pick, the Knicks would likely trade up to No. 1 if they were concerned the team in front of them would pick Rose over Kansas State PF Michael Beasley. Most important for the franchise is that they are not unlucky and fall out of their natural No. 5 spot. At No. 5, the Knicks would still be in position to try their hand at O.J. Mayo, Jerryd Bayless and Eric Gorden—combo guards that could be converted to the point. If they fell, they’d be looking at Texas PG D.J. Augustin.

Oh, by the way, Jay-Z will be representing the New Jersey Nets at the Lottery. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Help Wanted: All by himself

I had a strong belief since watching a high school basketball game in 2001 that LeBron James (in only his junior year) would be the greatest player in the history of the NBA. To this point, he has done nothing to prove me wrong.

After earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2003-04, James has become an annual All-Star (four appearances, two MVPs), a four-time All-NBA player, league scoring champion in 2007-08 and has taken the Cleveland Cavaliers to three straight playoff appearances including an Eastern Conference Championship and NBA Finals appearance in 2006-07.

He has career averages of 27.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 6.6 apg and 1.8 spg including 17 triple-doubles—Magic Johnson numbers. Also like Magic, he can and will play all five positions on the floor, based on talent and team needs. However, that is where the comparisons to Magic and Michael Jordan end. Worse of all, it is not his fault.

Where is his surrounding talent? James won the East last season with David Wesley, Anderson Varejao, Eric Snow, Donyell Marshall, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden and Daniel Gibson.

I randomly pulled out the roster of the 1996 NBA Finals. Jordan had Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Steve Kerr, Bill Wellington, Ron Harper and John Salley.

There is no other player in the history of the NBA that has done so much with so little. Hughes was supposed to be James’ Pippen. He’s not even on the team anymore. The Cavs blew up James’ championship-contending squad and traded for/added Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace and Deltone West while losing Wesley, Hughes, Gooden and Marshall.

That isn’t enough. West has proven himself to be a nice point guard and you cannot argue with Ilgauskas’ fundamentals or Wallace’s defense. However, West is far from polished, Ilgauskas can barely move and Wallace is a huge liability on offense.

Now it is time to put the pressure on GM Danny Ferry. James needs a compliment, not a spot-up shooter. He needs a baller, a player that can contribute 25 points any given night. A guy that can take the pressure off James to put up 30-40 points a night and allow him to dish and rebound like he wants to. Just look at how much Pau Gasol helped Kobe Bryant improve. Imagine that times two.

James may be, forget that, IS a great NBA player. He has the potential to be a legend, if not THE legend. But he cannot, and should not, be expected to do it himself. And if that help doesn't come by 2010, the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets will have their arms (and wallets) open and ready.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

A-Rod Powers Up

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez completed the second and final "game" of his rehab stint at the team's Minor League facility (Himes Complex) with what many Yankee fans hope is a dubious omen on his impact once he returns: a grand slam.

Earlier today, in a situation of the bases loaded with two outs, Rodriguez launched a ball off of the high center field fence for a grand salami--now it is time for him to do it in the big leagues.

The three-time American League MVP will be returning to the Yankees' line-up on Tuesday in New York against the Baltimore Orioles.

After straining his right quadriceps against the Orioles on April 28, A-Rod returned after just three games, a desperate move that backfired for the Yanks as he re-aggravated the injury. He has been eligible to return from the 15-day DL since May 15, but the Yankees decided to give him an extra five days to recuperate as they have a scheduled day-off on Monday.

After Sunday morning's simulated game, Rodriguez said it was the best he has felt since before the injury occurred.

"I did as full of a workout as I could do today," Rodriguez said. "I left it all out there. I felt nothing [in my quadriceps], so I'm ready to go."

This is his second Minor League home run in as many "games," as A-Rod made his first rehab start yesterday at the Raymond Naimoli Complex of the Tampa Bay Rays and hit a solo shot. He played five full innings.

The Yankees are 20-23 and in last place in the AL East. They trail Boston by 5.5 and Tampa Bay by 4.5 games respectively. It is important to note that New York has been without their top two power hitters from last year in Rodriguez and catcher Jorge Posada for the majority of the season.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Two down...

War Admiral, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed and...Big Brown? It has been 30 years since the last thoroughbred racing Triple Crown winner (Affirmed, '78), and the country is ready for another horse to capture its imagination.


With the tragedy of Eight Belles stealing Big Brown's thunder at the Kentucky Derby, this special horse was not receiving nearly the amount of press and spectacle he deserves. He did, however, get plenty of respect in the odds. Going off at 2-1 in the Derby and 1-5 in the Preakness Stakes, Big Brown seemed poised for his second-consecutive victory. And the odds won't get any better.

Not only has he won the first two legs of the Crown, but he has done so in dominating fashion. Not a single horse in either pack has come close to catching Big Brown, who should end the longest-ever drought without a Triple Crown winner.

The three most recent threats to win the Crown were War Emblem in 2002, Funny Cide in 2003 and Smarty Jones in 2004--all of whom won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Only Smarty Jones came close to completing the Crown, losing by a length in the Belmont. More importantly, none of the three dominated their packs in the Derby or Preakness.

Big Brown is the most able-bodied and poised horse to contend for the Triple Crown in three decades. He looks prepared to be only the 12th ever to capture the attention of the country as a Triple Crown winner and may be the catapult to send thoroughbred racing back into prominence.

In a time when steroids, transvestite prostitutes, decade-long affairs and cheating are grabbing the sports headlines across the country, a remarkable athletic achievement is something we can all look forward to and, hopefully, celebrate.

Gold thong key to slump-busting?

Well, at least New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi thinks it works. While strange superstitions are nothing new in Major League Baseball, this one seems a bit out of, well, left field.

My question is this: You started this little trick in Oakland around the same time you and your teammates were 'roiding it up, right? Maybe there is some truth to steroids and their causation of smaller packages?

Then again, you're hitting .193 while your team is 20-23 with A-Rod finally coming back on Tuesday. I guess it can't hurt.

ESPN: Teammates have tried Giambi's lucky thong...

Friday, May 16, 2008

WNBA: “She wouldn’t say that, would you?”

In an example of yet another marketing campaign gone horribly wrong, the WNBA has shot itself in the foot with their latest attempt to be relevant in the sports landscape.


Below are two of their 30-second spots airing through the duration of the NBA Playoffs.

I’m sorry, but you couldn’t pay me to watch women’s basketball. Nothing exciting ever happens. Look at the WNBA—the league has stayed the same for 10 years. There is no new blood. What kind of future does that league have? None that I can see. Candace Parker, WNBA “Expect Great”

No offense, but women’s basketball is a joke. You won’t see me driving hard to the hoop. I’d rather settle for mid-range jumpers…wide-open ones too…since girls don’t play defense. You want to see real basketball? Don’t watch me. Tamika Catchings, WNBA “Expect Great”

Problem is, genius marketers, not only are these beliefs commonly held by the majority of sports fans—they are spot-on true. Most sports fans would rather watch a replay of a NFL regular season game from 1994 than Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. With the exception of Parker and Diana Taurasi, there is no influx of marketable, young talent. The game is stagnant and dull. Crowds are small, ratings are embarrassingly non-existent and polls show overwhelmingly that even women and children (the league’s target demographics) would rather watch or attend something else.

And, please, don't get me wrong. I am not a hater of women’s basketball. I enjoy a solid Women’s NCAA or USA National Team Olympic game as much as anyone. I worked for two years on press row for the University of Florida women’s basketball team. While it is low on my list of sports, I respect ability and good competition and women are certainly capable of that.

But when the only reason you still exist is because of your NBA backing and ability to help foster non-profit efforts, it is time to fold and look elsewhere. Throwing marketing campaigns out that provide dissenters further reasons not to watch your product is simply not intelligent. Sarcasm is not effective if the statement is commonly held or true.

Even the tag line is ineffective. "Expect Great." How can I expect great if all I've seen in 12 years is mediocre?

Sorry, WNBA, back to the drawing boards. Oh, and to answer your question: Yes, I would say that.