Saturday, April 30, 2011

Schools Reach Out To Tuscaloosa

((HT: WVTM-TV Birmingham))

One thing is assured...

As TBH can attest, Alabamians may wear different colors on Saturdays but when it comes to the other days of the week- and, especially, in times in need- the colors you wear and the schools you support don't matter a whole lot...

Alabama student government chief of staff Nicole Bohannon says six schools have reached out to volunteer: Auburn, Louisiana State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Penn State and South Carolina.

Here's Coach Chizik and Trovon Reed helping out in the Alabama town of Pleasant Grove...


There is talk of a benefit concert at Jordan-Hare in the near future...
More when we know more...

McCourt Challenging Divorce Rulings

((HT: MyFoxLA.com KTTV))

Attorneys for Frank McCourt have filed notice that they are going to appeal the ruling by Judge Scott Gordon that determined the Los Angeles Dodgers are ((or were)) jointly owned by Frank and Jamie McCourt.

The case will be heard by a state appeals court.

Back in December, Gordon threw out an agreement the couple signed after buying the Dodgers in 2004 that gave Frank McCourt sole ownership of the team. The ruling cleared the way for Jamie McCourt to seek half...

FOSG Liz Habib was part of the procession that talked to McCourt yesterday..

Frank McCourt To Appeal Divorce Case Rulings: MyFoxLA.com



Half, Eddie... Half...
Oh, NSFW... jus' so ya knows...

Saban Discusses T-Town Destruction

((HT: MyFoxAl.com/WBRC-TV Birmingham))

Sports Director Rick Karle caught up with Alabama head coach Nick Saban to ask him about how his team is doing since the horrible tornadoes that destroyed a lot of the town of Tuscaloosa earlier this week...


The video of the tornado hitting Tuscaloosa actually happened during Fox6's 5PM newscast... their tower cam is hyah...

Mark Richt Uses A Bad Word... For Him...

((HT: Macon Telegraph/Lough))

You all know that coaches do these caravans during their off-season to address the faithful and allay any fears as we all head into the new football season...

University of Georgia head coach Mark Richt was in Macon, Georgia for one of those exactly-described meet-and-greets. But it wasn't all rainbows and glitter...

One fan was critical of the team's lack of output, and Richt responded...

From Lough:

"I see your frustration, I understand your frustration,” Richt said, politely but sternly. “I wasn’t born yesterday, I’ve coached football for 25 years, so I know what the hell I’m doing, OK?”

Yep, it's true... Richt used the word "hell..."

He asked Lough to change the quote and use the word "heck" and apologized for using what he referred to as "h-e-double-heck..."

But he got his point across and the crowd ate it up...
CMR showed a fire that a lot of folks wish he would have started showing a long time ago...

Friday, April 29, 2011

Braves McDowell Placed On Leave

((HT: KTLA-TV Los Angeles))

Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell has been placed on administrative leave pending the resolution of charges that he shouted homophobic slurs and used obscene gestures toward fans in San Francisco during the Giants-Braves series last week...

Olga Ospina catches up with the Gloria Allred presser...
 

Any time Allred is involved, it's not good...

McDowell has already apologized in a prepared statement, and Major League Baseball is publicly disappointed...

It's the HQ's opinion that McDowell is done... regardless of investigation...

Ozzie Gets 2 For Tweeting

((HT: CSNChicago))

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has been suspended and fined after being ejected from Wednesday's game against the Yankees and then tweeting about what went down while the game was still going on.

Guillen's actions were in violation of Major League Baseball's social media policy and other regulations regarding the use of electronic equipment during the course of the game.

He serves his two game suspension when the White Sox take on the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend. The amount of the fine remains undisclosed and unknown.

Ozzie doesn't blame MLB for being mad...

NFL Owners Get Their Stay Just A Little Bit Longer...

They wanna play just a little bit more...

In the courts, anyway...

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said that teams "have been told that the prior lockout rules are reinstated effective immediately."

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals located in St. Louis granted the NFL's request for a temporary stay of the injunction that lifted the 45-day lockout of their players. Arguments in front of the Court could be heard this week on whether that order from judge Susan Nelson should be overturned or adhered to once and for all.

The NFL's announcement came during the NFL draft, not long after the third round wrapped up...

Brian Kenny discusses with Andrew Brandt...
((HT: ESPN))


The 2-1 decision from a panel of the 8th Circuit was issued by Judges Steven Colloton, Kermit Bye and Duane Benton. Bye was the dissenting opinion suggesting temporary stays should be issued only in emergencies.

The prevailing question is: What constitutes an "emergency...?" And would unemployment apply regardless of the business in question...

So, for your reminder of where we are... we present Jackson Browne...
((HT: BBC/youtube))

Ist Round Draft Review: Craziness and...(yawn!)

Well, we can't say this years version of the NFL Draft (according to the Jolly Roger--possibly the last draft ever), was too dull. It was more a problem with the broadcast I was forced to watch due to having Time Warner Cable (no NFL Network).

There were certainly some surprises (Atlanta Falcons) and some head scratchers (Minnesota Vikings) and despite their being an alleged moratorium on transactions, quite a few trades.

With that in mind let's look and see how things went and offer our opinion (for what its worth--we don't claim to be experts):

First--The Broadcast: As we mentioned earlier, due to our cable company, we were forced to watch our friends at the 4-letter (ESPN). It wasn't good. From the blowhard inaneness of Chris Berman to the happy gushings of Jon Gruden and Mel Kiper's hair, it wasn't fun. Sure, technically it was great, there productions always are.

But we have a hard time digesting Berman at pretty much anything. His act and hipness went away in the early '90's, yet he gets carted out for all the high profile events. Time to change. There are plenty of guys (see: Tirico, Mike) who are much better suited to carry/shepherd this type of coverage.

As for Gruden, we love him on games and enjoy the pre-draft stuff with the QB's, but was there a player he didn't gush and rave about last night? Did anyone make a bad pick in his eyes? Well, at least when he remembered which team was picking anyway. We won't get into Kiper, we've never understood the fascination with him and probably never will.

THE DRAFT:


1. Carolina: Cam Newton QB. We get this and don't dispute it. It's a total "All-in" scenario. Newton could be a star with the right people around him, we just wonder if the Panthers are that team. He's going to have to learn awfully fast. Grade: A-

2. Denver: Von Miller LB. A no-brainer. At least he should be. If he plays half as well as he tested in workouts, he'll be a beast. And right now there is no "D" in Denver. Grade: A

3. Buffalo: Marcel Darius DT. The supposed best D-line guy out there. At times dominated while at Alabama. Again, a need pick by the Bills who many thought might draft a QB. Can you say "Smokescreen?". Grade: B+

4. Cincinnati: A.J Green WR. We are pretty sure this is another no-brainer. We covered Green, we've spoken to him. We know him. He should be a star...if the Bengals can find someone to get the ball to him. All the hype about him being a freak...is true. Grade: A

5. Arizona: Patrick Peterson CB. Another freak. Some questioned this pick based on need, but if Peterson is as good as he was at LSU, he'll make a great pro. Grade: B

6. Atlanta: Via Trade w/Cleveland. Julio Jones WR. Possibly the best athlete in the draft. Not so sure about football player though.  The Falcons gave up a lot to get him as a compliment to Roddy White. He better be good...and healthy. Grade: B-

7. San Francisco: Aldon Smith DE. There were a lot of better players out there for a team with a lot of holes. Smith underachieved in College, though the 'Niners do need defensive help. Grade: C

8. Tennessee: Jake Locker QB. Good, not great QB. Offensive Coordinator Chris Palmer apparently swore by Locker which is why he went here. Not convinced he's a franchise QB, but I don't think any of this years QB's with the possible exception of Newton are. Grade: C-


9. Dallas: Tyron Smith OT. We guess they felt they needed line help. They project Smith as a LT, even though he wasn't an LT at USC. Lots of needs for Cowboys, particularly on D. Not a horrible pick, but a question mark. Grade: C


10. Jacksonville: Blaine Gabbert QB. Another question mark. We don't think Gabbert will be nearly as good as most everyone else does. He wasn't at Missouri. David Garrard isn't great, but Gabbert isn't an upgrade. The Jags need "D" help...badly and Gabbert doesn't play "D". Grade: D


11. Houston: J.J Watt DE. There were better defensive guys out there, but we guess the Texans liked the work ethic. Yeah, they need defensive help, badly. This is a "Jury still out" pick. Grade: C+


12. Minnesota: Christian Ponder QB. Huh? We say that, but we also think he's a better prospect than Gabbert, if he stays healthy. We know the Vikes need a QB after selling their soul for Brett Favre the past 2 years. Maybe they know something nobody else does. Grade: C


13. Detroit: Nick Fairley DT. Yikes! How'd he fall this far? Fairley and Ndamukong Suh on the same front. Scary. Really scary. We like this pick. A lot. Grade: A


14. St.Louis: Robert Quinn DE. Not a bad choice here. The Rams D was pretty good, they should be better with Quinn, a guy who had to sit out last year because of contact with an agent. Grade: B


15. Miami: Michael Pouncey G/C. Not sure about this one either. Was less impressed by the "Other" Pouncey twin. He really struggled replacing his brother at Center last year at UF. Though we do realize the 'Fins need "O" line help. Grade: B-


16. Washington: Ryan Kerrigan DE. They traded down to get this pick. And yes, they need help just about everywhere so a DE makes some sense. Kerrigan was really productive in college. And they got an extra pick by trading down too. Not bad. Grade: B+


17. New England: Nate Solder OT. A need pick in some respects because we think Belichick wants to rebuild the "O" line despite them being really good last year. They needed some defense help though, which makes this a bit of a question. Grade: C+


18. San Diego: Cory Liuget DE. Hmmmm. The Chargers had a pretty good "D" line last year. There were some better players available. We don't get this, but we don't have to. Grade: C-


19. NY Giants: Prince Amukamara CB. Wonder how shocked they were to see the Prince sitting here at this pick? You can never have enough "D" and the Giants didn't have a huge, glaring need. Grade: B


20. Tampa Bay: Adrian Clayborn DE. They are going to be really good, really soon. They needed a stout "D" lineman and got one with Clayborn. Grade: A-


21. Cleveland: Phil Taylor DT. They traded down with Atlanta and got this and 4 other picks for it. Taylor will help on D, but that isn't where the Browns need help. We'll see what else they have in store, jury is out on this one. Grade: B-


22. Indianapolis: Anthony Castonzo OT. A need pick. The aging "O" line showed some cracks last season and for the Colts its all about protecting Peyton. They need "D" as well, but you can't argue with this pick. Grade: B


23. Philadelphia: Danny Watkins OL. Interesting. Not so sure about this one. The Eagles had some other needs they could have addressed here. Grade: C+


24. New Orleans: Cameron Jordan DE. A need because they had pass rush issues last year. In light of what they did 4 picks later, not a bad move. Grade: B


25. Seattle: James Carpenter T: Hmmm. Don't get this one. Seahawks do need help on this side of the ball, but there were better picks here for a team with holes. Grade: C


26. Kansas City: Jonathan Baldwin WR. Good pick. They need a playmaker to compliment Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles. This is another up and coming team. Grade: B


27. Baltimore: Jimmy Smith CB. OK. We don't know how he climbed the draft boards, but he did. This is a need area for the Ravens. There were some other needs they could have filled here though. Grade: B-


28. New Orleans: Mark Ingram RB. Lucky bastards. Thought he would've been gone by this pick. Emmitt Smith clone who should solve the Saints RB issue for years to come. Grade: A+


29. Chicago: Gabe Carimi OT. A good need pick...maybe. Wisconsin players don't seem to excel in the pros. But the Bears need help at this position. Grade: B+


30. New York Jets: Muhammed Wilkierson DT. Good pick for this team. The Jets are going to be real, real physical and this guy will help that. Grade: B

31. Pittsburgh: Cameron Heyward DE. Again a good pick for this system. Great athlete who should fit in really well in Dick LeBeau's defense. Yikes. Grade: A-

32. Green Bay: Derrick Sherrod OT. A need pick because the Pack struggled running the ball. Not much to say, but the Pack did what they needed to in this slot. Grade: B+

Developing: Braves pitcher Derrick Lowe arrested for DUI

Derrick Lowe/Courtesy: atlanta jail
It hasn't been a particularly good week off the field for the Atlanta Braves. The latest problem. Starting pitcher Derrick Lowe was pulled over and arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DUI) in Atlanta late Thursday night, an off day for the team.

Lowe, was stopped around 10 p.m by the Georgia State Patrol on a side street and refused to take an alcohol test.

Along with the DUI charge, he faces charges of reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. At this point there has not been any comment released by the Braves, who are also dealing with the fallout of pitching coach Roger McDowell allegedly screaming homophobic slurs and profanity at a family during the Braves/Giants baseball game in San Francisco this past weekend.

**UPDATED**AJC.com has more details...including a statement by the Braves

There is some video of Lowe, shot by Friend of the OSG Mark Melvin and the folks at CBSAtlanta News, showing Lowe leaving Atlanta's city jail, you can see it by clicking HERE

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Fiesta Bowl Now Waits For Resolution

((HT: 12News Phoenix))

The Fiesta Bowl folks met with BCS types in New Orleans to throw themselves on the mercy of the court in an attempt to try and keep their bowl and/or BCS certification.

The subcommittee in charge of the decision isn't above reproach in this case as 9 of the 11 members attended a Fiesta Bowl junket in the past- so anything is possible...

The Fiesta Bowl folks are also looking at ditching their corporate counsel and their corporate accountant, PriceWaterhouseCoopers since recent financial documents revealed a million dollars in payouts over certain time frames...

Lin Sue and Mark have the latest...

Ozzie And His Tweets, Both Fun But Both May Be In Trouble...

((HT: CSN Chicago))

Ozzie Guillen has never been a man to leave a joke on the table...

He joked about Yankees starter Bartolo Colon and then Colon threw 8 strong innings in a win over the White Sox...

Guillen wouldn't be around to see all of it as he was ejected in the forst inning...

But it doesn't end there...

Ozzie went on his Twitter accout afterwards while he was cooling his heels...

“This one going to cost me a lot money this is patetic.” Guillen’s follow-up came six minutes later, in apparent reference to Tichenor: “Today a tough guy show up a yankee stadium.”

Here's what Ozzie said about all of it...


Sufficed to say, the MLB boys are investigating...

Ohio State's problems keep getting worse

Jim Tressel/Courtesy: wikipedia.org
((ht: Columbus Dispatch))

There may very well have been an even bigger reason that Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel lied about what he knew about his players involvement with  Columbus area tattoo artist and alleged drug dealer Edward Rife.

Turns out the transactions were much more involved..and numerous than people thought.

The Columbus Dispatch got a hold of some documentaion from the U.S Department of Justice spelling out the details. Many of the transactions were "Trades" something "Technically" not an NCAA violation and not something new, which would not put the players in any more trouble.

Read the Columbus Dispatch story RIGHT HERE

While true that it doesn't add any more allegations or charges to what is already out there (partially because it was already known by authorities), it gives even more perspective and paints a worse picture of the problem.

What it does is put Tressel's lies in more focus. If he knew about some of this, he knew about all of this. He very obviously knew that what was done was bad. And you can call it "Trying to protect the kids", you can call it "Doing what's best for the team", but you'd be wrong. It makes Ohio State no different than any other team that's been caught with its hand in the cookie jar and we can only hope that the NCAA doesn't wimp out let them off easy. 

Here's WBNS-TV's coverage... Andrea Cambern is at the center of the adult table...






Alabama Baseball player rides out tornado in bathtub

You gotta do what you've gotta do. University of Alabama outfielder Andrew Miller and his roommates only had seconds to react. They had seconds to do something to get out of the way of one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S History.

Miller and his pals were in their rental home, about 400 yards off of 15th Street one of the epicenters of Tuscaloosa's damage. They grabbed a mattress and got into a bathtub. None of the four were hurt.

Read more from AL.com RIGHT HERE

Amidst the hundreds of deaths and massive destruction, there are stories of survivors, people who did whatever they had to do to survive nature's fury.

Perhaps the best line in the story we mention here is at the end when we here about Miller and his teammates going back to 15th Street and helped clean trees off their house and help their neighbors. We wish them and everyone else down there the best.

If you want to help the people in South and Central Alabama, then take the time to visit the Birmingham area Red Cross website and make a donation. You can find their website RIGHT HERE

Update: NFL opening the doors Friday

Charlie Batch and Ryan Clark at Steelers Facilities/Courtesy: Jared Wickersham-Getty
It appears your football jones will be on high the next couple of days. The NFL draft is only minutes away as we write this story and the league has told teams they can open their doors and resume business, to an extent, beginning on Friday morning.

By now we've heard about the draft. Heck, the talking heads on TV have been talking about it since the beginning of January. And yes, players are starting to trickle into their respective team facilities.

For a pretty detailed description of where we are in terms of the lockout we recommend the primer written by ESPN's Lester Munson, who is always on top of all issues legal.

You can read his story RIGHT HERE

Essentially, per the NFL, players can use team facilities to work out, get examined and medical treatment along with some meetings and setting of schedules. But...there won't be any transactions...yet.

Read more about what is allowed from the Miami Herald RIGHT HERE

So, sit back, relax...take another swig of your beer and enjoy the draft. Lord knows there has been enough advance hype for a class that is generally considered overrated. And rest easy knowing that despite the desperate appeals of the owners, you'll get your football in roughly 2-3 months.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wednesday NHL Recap: Two More Game 7 Thrillers

((HT: NESN/NHL/ROOT Sports))

Here's the Pitsburgh-Tampa highlights where the third line came up huge again for the Lightning in a 1-0 win...

Who had Sean Bergenheim in the pool...???



The Bolts become the 24th team in league history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series...

And the other one went overtime with a key trade deadline acquisition coming up huge in a 3-2 overtime win...

Who had Nathan Horton in the pool...???


Horton and Bergenheim are what this season is all about as we head to the CSF's...

Raiders, A's Now Playing At The "Big O"

((HT: KGO-TV San Francisco))

Go ahead and make your jokes...
We already see them coming, but remember, Overstock.com is a Utah-based company...

Janelle Wang starts us off in the right direction...
We think...


Just think... nightly performance will be tested, performance anxiety will be monitored, and everyone hopes nothing will happen prematurely...

Carry on...
And we haven't even talked about the teams being overstocked with talent yet...

McCourt Blames Divorce For MLB Problems, Lashes Out At Selig...

((HT: KTLA-TV))

Frank McCourt is now blaming his divorce for all of his problems and thinks the takeover of his team by Commissioner Bud Selig is "un-American."

"No one handed me the Dodgers and no one is going to take it away from me," McCourt said in New York. He feels that Selig vetoed a 17-year deal with Fox Networks to create a Dodgers-only network for a US$300-million value.

But MLB didn't take too kindly to McCourt's characterizations of said meeting. Selig sent Rob Manfred to verbally wag a finger at him...

"It is unfortunate that Mr. McCourt felt it necessary to publicize the content of a private meeting," Manfred said in an MLB release. "It is even more unfortunate that Mr. McCourt's public recitation was not accurate. Most fundamental, Commissioner Selig did not 'veto' a proposed transaction. Rather, Mr. McCourt was clearly told that the Commissioner would make no decision on any transaction until after his investigation into the Club and its finances is complete so that he can properly evaluate all of the facts and circumstances."

McCourt feels his property was seized from him...
And he's still in trouble...

Rebecca Hall is at a hotel near LAX for her report...
Tom Schieffer talked for the first time since his appointment...
 

BREAKING: Judge denies NFL motion to stay: League gets desparate

Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith/Courtesy: chicitysports.com
It's almost over, we promise. The NFL Owners have been beaten more times than the Detroit Lions over the past couple seasons. Only this beating was administered in court.

We told you Monday about Judge Susan Nelson ruled for the NFLPA (not a union) in their argument that the league's lockout was illegal. Judge Nelson agreed.

The judge gave the league until the end of business today to make a case as to staying her decision pending an appeal. Tonight, she said "No".

More from the Washington Post RIGHT HERE

The appeal has been filed in the 8th Circuit Court in St.Louis and is expected to be heard by them. But the onus at this point is on the league to convince the court that Judge Nelson was wrong. Most legal experts are in agreement--that ain't happenin'.

What does this mean? Not much. The confusion will continue. Players will for the most part keep their distance until there is some guidance. We suspect the teams may have to open for business, even if it's for a short period of time, but quite honestly, we aren't sure. This is somewhat new ground for everyone involved. We worry--a lot that the Jolly Roger was trying to sell the woe the owners are going to suffer here. We are reasonably certain, that woe isn't going to make them broke, despite what the Commish says.

Roger McDowell could be in a lot of trouble

Roger McDowell/Courtesy: braves.mlb.com
 ((ht: hardballtalk.))

Why? Because apparently, while the Atlanta Braves pitching coach was in San Francisco with his team over the weekend, he got into an apparently heated exchange with a group of fans and made a rash of homophobic comments towards them.

According to profile chasing attorney Gloria Allred and the website TMZ, a story which developed earlier this afternoon. Said Allred; "The coach in question is Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell – who allegedly targeted a group of male fans at San Francisco’s AT&T park last weekend … asking them, “Are you guys a homo couple or a threesome?"

It also appears that the group in question had a child with them. And McDowell apparently said to them: “Kids don’t belong at the f***ing ballpark.”. One of the men involved, Justin Quinn also said McDowell threatened his group with a bat.

For his part, McDowell issued an apology, saying..."I am deeply sorry that I reacted to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Sunday. I apologize to everyone for my actions".

The Braves also apologized for the comments and the commissioners office has opened an investigation. Unfortunately, these are the types of comments that get people fired. Right or wrong, McDowell should never have said it. But he can't take it back. Anytime something like that is said by someone in even a remotely public position, generally the price is their job. We hope that isn't the case, but it doesn't sound good. 

Horror in Tuscaloosa: Prayers to Crimson Tide

Wow. We are just getting a look at some of the video coming out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and all we can say is "Holy Crap".

As most of you know, Tuscaloosa is the home of the Alabama Crimson Tide and we truly hope that they along with the thousands who live in the area are ok.

**UPDATE**Go to the bottom of this story to see how you can help.

We wanted to weigh in here because of some video we've found. In it you can see an unbelievably large tornado, right near Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Big thanks to Clay Hassenfus for this video:



Here's some video shot by the scoreboard guys at the stadium (Crimson Tide Productions)...


Untitled from Crimson Tide Productions on Vimeo.

Check out this incredible video from ABC 33/40 in Birmingham:



Adding this video from downtown Birmingham, thanks to our friends at WVTM-TV...


You can help the folks in Tuscaloosa and hard hit areas in Birmingham by checking out the Birmingham chapter of the Red Cross.

If you can help or are interested, click the link RIGHT HERE

Coyotes or Thrashers: Who's going to Winnipeg?

Thrashers Eric Boulton/Courtesy: Zimbio.com
((ht: tsn.ca))

The one sideshow that could distract hockey fans from the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Relocation. It's no secret that a couple of the leagues franchises...or at least the people that own them are having troubles.

We've reported at length about the plight of the Phoenix Coyotes and the city of Glendale. The Coyotes are technically without an owner, the NHL has operated the team this season. And the league along with the city feel that a prospective owner is on their doorstep, one Matthew Hulsizer. However, the process of getting Hulsizer on board has drawn a lot of attention and in fact could potentially be part of a lawsuit.

A report today by TSN in Canada and other Canadian outlets is reporting that the issue of relocation to Winnipeg is on. It's just going to be a who, not if. Winnipeg has the money, True North Holdings has proven to have the backing and finances to bring a team to the Great White North. It's just a matter of which team.

While many feel inevitably, Phoenix will be that team, today's story says "Not so fast my friend". In the story, Mayor Sam Katz of Winnipeg says he thinks the city may end up with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Your story from TSN.ca RIGHT HERE

For their part, it is a foregone conclusion the Thrashers are going to be sold. The team owners, the Atlanta Spirit group have been hemorraging money for years. They've not invested heavily in the product, the team has had one playoff appearance in now 12-years.

This is an issue that Brother Jon and I have heavily debated. For my part, I'm of the thought the Coyotes are done in Phoenix. What the city of Glendale has been trying to do is essentially pay Hulsizer to buy the team. And they've been fought every step of the way by the Goldwater institute. While I agree, the team needs to be sold, it doesn't need to be on the back of local taxpayers. Period.

As for the Thrashers, we are both intimately familiar with them and we truly would like to see them stay in Atlanta. I for one, think that is possible. Though the team suffers with poor attendance, part of the reason for that is the poor play. They've proven in the past if the product is good, people will come.

In the big picture, this story doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot. It's just repeating many things that have been whispered over the past year or two. Do we believe that one of these two franchises will end up in Winnipeg? Sure, it's possible. Heck, it's probably likely. Which one do we think it will be? Me, I think it will be the Coyotes. We can't imagine how that sale can go through without an owner with money. That and the whole taxpayer subsidy thing. It would be a very, very dangerous precedent and as much as the Bettman would like them to stay where they are, it really doesn't...at least on the surface, seem practical.

Your Last NFL Strike Update--More wrangling (Rich vs. Rich--Day 2112)

We've decided that barring some sort of stupid maneuver taking place in the next couple weeks, this will be the last of your daily updates.
NFLPA Head DeMaurice Smith/Courtesy: File

When we last left our hero's, the NFLPA (not a union) won the battle of the courts, but like everyone else--they were struggling to determine what it all meant. As for the other guys (the NFL), they too had little idea what to do, probably because they appeared to never conceive of the thought they might lose.

What we ended up with was a smattering of players showing up for work Tuesday morning. For the most part they walked around the building, said hello, and then left.

Take a look at what happened in Cleveland. Thanks WEWS:



As for the rest of our story, it was left--again, up to the lawyers to try and make some sense. NFL Lawyer Jeff Pash told the huddled masses that the appeal have been filed and he expected things to be heard...quickly.

You can read Pash's dissertation RIGHT HERE

For what it is worth. Judge Susan Nelson has gone on record as saying she won't rule on the request for a stay made by the NFL until the end of the day (Wed.).  She wants to hear from the players 1st, and should late Wednesday morning.

If she upholds her decision or the appeals court upholds it, the NFL will have to start business, something they "Should be" prepared to do. They aren't acting like it.

A great summary of where we are and why the Owners are being incredibly stupid and arrogant from the Washington Post and Sally Jenkins. You can read it RIGHT HERE

The NFLPA (not a union) has told players, particularly free agents, to start shopping their services...that its game on. Which we believe it has already been.

What does this really mean? Not much. It's mostly posturing at this point. You'll get your football in 2011. You'll have the honor of paying $95 for upper level seats in the end zone of your favorite stadium. You'll get the chance to pay $10 for your beer and $8 for your hot dogs. You'll get to act the fool and get drunk and curse in the family section because you are too stupid to know any better.

Bottom line. You'll get to see your beloved NFL. For me, while I enjoy the games--particularly if they involve my favorite team, I'll stick to watching on TV. It's much less expensive and I can support the team without giving the owners, who don't really need it,  $200 of my hard earned money.

To sum things up:

DEVELOPING: NHL And Hulsizer Working On Financing...?

((HT: Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 Toronto))

According to the FAN, the NHL and city of Glendale are reportedly working on an additional/another financing plan to get the Phoenix Coyotes and Matthew Hulsizer paired off once and for all...

David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail says in his article that the tweaking has to do with a combination of things...

Hulsizer and his boys have to pony up more money and/or the NHL is lowering their asking price of US$170-million and Hulsizer's group could get a deferment of paying the sale price in full. Those actions could trim the bonds value that the City of Glendale wants to float to pay Hulsizer by upwards of one-half the initial value- something more like US$60-million.

The Goldwater Institute still won't budge on their stance- unless there's a lot less money that Glendale is fronting and the parking issue is addressed- something Goldwater thinks that Glendale isn't addressing on any level... ever...

More when we know more...

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday NHL Recap: Game Sevens Ahoy...

((HT: CBC/NHL/Versus))

Here's the game where the fix was in to get another Game 7 tomorrow...
At least, that's the prevailing opinion up in the northeast...


One issue to the floor will be whether or not Milan Lucic will be allowed to play in Game 7 after this shot on Jaroslav Spacek...
((HT: hockeyfightsdotcom))


The HQ thinks not...

The other early final was with Philadephia taking out Buffalo, who simply did NOT have it in a 5-2 loss at the FU Center...


Kate Smith is now 89-25-4 in her appearances where she and Lauren Hart sing "God Bless America..."

Vancouver-Chicago highlights available after the game is done...

Jim Mandich loses battle with cancer

Jim Mandich/Courtesy: page2live.com
((ht: miami herald))

Former Miami Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich lost his battle with cancer of the bile duct Tuesday night. He was 62 years old.

For those unfamiliar with Mandich, he played for the Dolphins in the early 70's when they were a dominant team in the NFL. After his retirement from the league, he ended up a broadcaster. He was the voice of the Dolphins from 1992-2004 and 2008-09.

For those who grew up with Miami Dolphin football (that includes me--grew up in South and Central Florida), he was about as classy a representative for the team as you'll get. His voice was incredibly distinctive and he truly loved talking about the Fins. Never mind the fact he was a pretty darn good football player who is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Jim Mandich, you'll be missed. Much peace to you and your family.

Here's Mandich talking about the 2010 edition of the Dolphins:



Some of Mandich's best calls (Thanks WQAM Radio/Sun Sentinel.com)

 

Taylor And Veazey Visit UGA Teammates

((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))

It was a cool night for the University of Georgia as injured baseball player Johnathan Taylor visited his teammates for the first time after his neck injury earlier in the season at Foley Field in Athens...

FOSG K-Rod was live at Turner Field...

Injured UGA Baseball Player, Teammates Reunite: MyFoxATLANTA.com

DEVELOPING: Haynesworth Indicted On Battery Charge

((HT: CSNWashington))

The problems of current Redskin Albert Haynesworth continue as he was indicted on a charge of misdemeanor sexual abuse in D.C. Superior Court. He is accused of fondling a waitress in early February during an incident at the W Hotel in Washington, DC.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington is handling the case. The charge carries maximum penalties of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

According to a press release, Haynesworth was with friends on February 13th in a place called the P.O.V Lounge. At about 2AM, he allegedly slid a credit card down the front of the server’s dress and then fondled her breast.

After the alleged incident, Haynesworth's agent Chad Speck said in an email: “There seems to be no truth to these allegations and we are currently evaluating the facts and considering our own legal actions against those involved.”

Ryan O'Halloran discusses briefly...


It's a shem that people can't be traded on draft day, because if anyone could offer up a way for Haynesworth to get out of the beltline, Mike Shanahan would REALLY take it now...

Sac-Town Leaders Step Up For Kings...

((HT: News10.net))

But, is it too little too late...???

A bunch of corporate types had a meeeting with Mayor Kevin Johnson and pledged upwards of $10-million in support...

The league now has a week to figure out if they finally can move the franchise to Anaheim or keep them in Sacramento for another year...

Here's coverage from our friends at News10...

Janoris Jenkins Dismissed From Gators

UF junior CB Janoris Jenkins has been dismissed from the football team, three days after his second drug-related arrest in three months.

Florida coach Will Muschamp announced on his Twitter account that the decision was made after speaking with Jenkins on Tuesday morning. A team spokesman later confirmed Muschamp's decision.

"After meeting with Janoris Jenkins today, we both felt it was in his best interest to move ahead to the next stage of his career," Muschamp said. "We appreciate Janoris' contributions to the University of Florida during his time here and wish him the best of luck."

Jenkins' dismissal came three days after he was arrested early Saturday morning with a marijuana cigar ((the HQ didn't know such a thing existed)) and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession. He was charged with the same thing back in later January, and was also arrested in 2009 for fleeing a fight...

Otherwise known as "affray..."
One of our favorite charges...

Here's what the Gators will be missing, and what some other school is picking up in either I-AA or another D1 school after this year...
((HT: ESPN/SEC/youtube))

First Auburn's Trees, Now NC State's Dogs Are Poisoned


Those of us in the OSG HQ thought the poisoning of the trees at Auburn's Toomers Corner was off the charts. We had no clue there would be copy cats out there.

Four Tamaskan dogs, two directly related to NC State's mascot "Tuffy" were poisoned.

According to the Daily Advance of Elizabeth City, N.C. the dogs owner John Bannow saw the dogs acting strangely Sunday and found a large bowl containing fish that later was determined to be laced with antifreeze. The bowl was set in a freshly dug hole and covered in grass.

Tuffy's father three year old Blaze and sister 2-year old Kana Ti' along with two other dogs are recovering and will survive.

The Tamaskan breed originated in Finland and are bred to have a wolf-like appearance.

Your NFL Strike Update: It still ain't over (Rich vs. Rich--Day 1922)

Roger Goodell/Courtesy: File
By now most of you already know what happened around 6pm Monday. Judge Susan Nelson ruled for the NFLPA (not a union) and their...well, she ruled on several players from the NFLPA (not a union) who filed suit to force the NFL to open their doors.

They won.

For now.

Since then, there has been a mad scramble as people on both sides of the issue and the phalanx of reporters who follow them try and figure out what this all means. Because to tell the truth, nobody is sure.

Initially it was reported that there was going to be a massive flock of players heading to their team practice facilities this morning. Mostly so they can stake a claim to their workout bonuses.

However. Nothing immediately will be happening. The owners have already asked Judge Nelson for an appeal and they've sent their paperwork to the U.S 8th Circuit Court of Appeals asking for the same thing. It will delay the inevitable, though for how long, is what everyone is trying to figure out.

We'll get back to this.

In today's adventure, the Jolly Roger (Goodell) posted an op-ed piece in today's Wall Street Journal. In it, he moaned about the implications of Judge Nelson's decision. And while we agree with some of them (ie: no draft, no pay ceilings, no rules as a group and no benefits), there are a few that we don't.

Read Goodell's column from onlinewsj.com RIGHT HERE

Several of the issues the Jolly Roger bemoans, are issues that can be controlled, by the owners...if they so choose. But you and I both know they won't. He fears the competitive balance will be forever skewed...and he may be right. Though the owners themselves can control this...if they so choose.

Obviously, the NFLPA (not a union) was ecstatic. What this all means, we still don't know.

Here's their statement RIGHT HERE

Summary: Relax peeps. You aren't going to see football today. Yes, there are scattered reports of kickers and a few other players coming to their teams workout facilities. Most of them are player reps.

Teams have been told to let the players come in the offices, but no workouts. It will be interesting to see if there are any disagreements about this.

Stay tuned friends, romans and countrymen, this ain't over yet. We expect it to be over fairly soon, Judge Nelson's ruling clearly sides with the players. The question is: "What were the owner's thinking?" "Did they really think they'd win this?" It appears, according to the ruling, the owners had no legal basis what so ever for locking the players out.

Here's what will happen. The league will play this year. They will. It will be closer to the way things were structured last season. Goodell's fears are overwrought. The teams can't afford to go bonkers paying people, they'll price the fan bases out of the game if they do. We hope the draft stays and think it will (though it's incredibly over-hyped). And we'll still be subjected to 4 crappy exhibition games.

In other words, the more things change, the more they will stay the same....

Spurs On The Brink Of Going Away, Search For Fountain Of Youth

Remember when a well past his prime Muhammad Ali was pummelled by Larry Holmes? I think that is what we are witnessing in the NBA Playoffs. The San Antonio Spurs have gone from a well oiled championship machine to looking old and slow.

The Spurs finished the NBA's regular season as the number one seed out of the Western Conference. Now they are a game away from elimination from the Memphis Grizzlies who look fresh and are pushing the Spurs as if to say "out of our way old man."

Monday night Memphis defeated San Antonio 104-86 to take a 3-1 advantage in their first round series. The third quarter was a killer for the Spurs, the Grizz outscored them 30-15 in the third and the old, tired Spurs could not recover.

So now this proud team has a steep hill to climb.

"We put ourselves in this position," Spurs center Tim Duncan said. "If we want to stay alive, we've got to win one game at a time. There's no other way to say it."

It was Duncan's 35th birthday Monday and his stat line for game four, six points and seven rebounds, one of Duncan's lowest scoring efforts in 174 NBA playoff games. Not exactly a happy birthday to me moment.

The Spurs were the leagues best three point shooting team during the regular season at 39.7 percent. During the playoffs San Antonio is well off target from three point range shooting going 5 for 18.

Perhaps the grind of the regular season has taken a toll on the old Spurs. I've been to the Riverwalk in San Antonio before but I don't think the fountain of youth resides there.

As the Spurs are finding out it's hell getting old.

(Thanks NBA.com)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Schieffer Takes Over Dodgers, Not That Schieffer...

Well, actually, he was appointed...

And it's not THAT Schieffer that was involved with the Texas Rangers, either...

It's Tom Schieffer, and MyFoxLA's Jeff Michael talked to him...
((HT: KTTV-TV))

Tom Schieffer Agrees to Oversee Dodgers: MyFoxLA.com



Here's the official statement from Major League Baseball...

"Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club.

I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the Club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball.

My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt's ownership.

I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days. The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future."


Selig has also thought of putting the Dodgers up for sale- using the "best interest of baseball" clause, but nothing has happened yet...

Frank McCourt is thinking of suing MLB for taking over...
Rebecca Hall has the background on that cockamamie idea...
((HT: KTLA-TV))
 

35 Years Ago, Rick Monday Saved The Flag...

((HT: mlb.com/youtube))

Nothing more to be said...
Just plain cool...

BREAKING: Judge to NFL and NFLPA: Lockout lifted

Your wishes are granted, it appears the NFL Lockout may be ending in the very foreseeable future. Reports are beginning to trickle in:

Per ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen on Twitter: "Federal Judge Susan Richard Nelson has ruled for players, lifting lockout, per sources. Owners will seek immediate stay."

**Updated 6:04pm**--Mort's story from ESPN.com RIGHT HERE


Per NFL Network reporter Albert Breer on Twitter: "Judge Nelson has ruled: Injunction to lift NFL Lockout granted, NO stay. Owners now certain to seek stay from 8th circuit."

**Updated 6:06pm**--The NFL.com story RIGHT HERE


Please keep in mind. Today, this is just a symbolic move that starts multiple wheels in motion. The NFL is appealing. But they will be unable to do that until Tuesday morning, when they are expected to appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Not much will happen until that maneuver is acted upon.

**Uptdated at 6:26pm**--ProFootballTalk explains the ruling RIGHT HERE


And yes, it reinforces what we said earlier. Nothing will happen until Tuesday when the NFL goes to Judge Nelson and ask for a stay. If she doesn't grant it, which is expected, the NFL will then go to the U.S Court of Appeals. If they decide to issue a stay while they examine the case, nothing will change. If they don't, doors will open, probably within the next week.

**Updated at 6:30pm**--Darren Rovell of CNBC, gives us the NFL's statement about today's goings on. The league's statement: "We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident the 8th Circuit will agree. But we also belive that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations towards that goal."

**Update at 7:40pm**--For those so inclined, here is a link to all 89 pages of Judge Nelson's ruling. Read at your own peril RIGHT HERE


This is still a story that is developing. Please check back and it will be updated frequently.

Here's early discussion between Jay Harris and Andrew Brandt
((HT: ESPN))


Rick Horrow give his .02 for Fox Sports
((HT: FoxSports))

Ladies & Gentlemen, Michael Irvin

That's how new Miami head coach Al Golden introduced Michael Irvin as he addressed the 2011 Hurricanes before the "U's" spring football game. The message, don't let the "U" down.

(Thanks Canes All Access/Youtube.com)

So, It's Luongo Or Nothing... Is It Just Cramps...???

((HT: NHL/Versus/youtube))

Cory Schneider got the start in the Hawks-Canucks Game 6 over Roberto Luongo, and looked fairly solid- except for the two passes off his stick right to Blackhawks players that resulted in goals.

And, then, it got really ugly on the penalty shot Michael Frolik had...

Here's the penalty shot and the lower-body injury...


Schneider's answer after Luongo gave up the game-winner in overtime...???
Cramps... the HQ isn't kidding...

“I could feel coming on after the second and sure enough, on that penalty shot, I just extended my leg and it completely seized up. I felt bad making Lou go in cold in the third,"
Schneider said in the locker room afterwards.

“I had it in the American League, same exact thing happened in a playoff game, I had to come out in the third. [Tonight] we thought we got it under control but maybe the first playoff start, nervous energy, sweat a little more in a hot building, 5-on-3 kind of took a lot out of me … it just happened.”

Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault didn't say who his starter would be for Game 7...
And wondered aloud if anyone would believe him if he did...

Prolly not...

Bowling At Jerry World

[HT: http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=6410076]

With the NFL lockout in effect Cowboys Stadium might be un-occupied during the fall. At least Jerry Jones' palace will have a gig to host this summer.

In June Cowboys Stadium will host the U.S. Women's Open bowling event. It's the women's national championship in bowling.

Wooden lanes will be placed at midfield for the championship rounds.
Normally the U.S. Women's Open is held in bowling centers with a few hundred spectators crowding the facility.

This summer that won't be a problem. Plenty of good seats for this one.

I bet you are wondering what is the attendance record in bowling?

Glad you asked. 7,212 watched the Men's Open at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit back in 1995. I'm betting that record will be safe. No fans will be kicked out of the building for violating the fire code, like last February's Super Bowl.

911 Call Released In Marshall Stabbing

((HT: NBCMiami.com))

The wife of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall made a brief 911 call to Miami authorities during the time she was allegedly being abused Friday afternoon.

Brandon Marshall was stabbed by Michi Nogami-Marshall with a kitchen knife- a move the wife told investigators was in self-defense.

Nogami-Marshall was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and later released on $7,500 bail. Brandon Marshall is expected to recover fully...

Here's the call...

View more videos at: http://nbcmiami.com.

This is really COOL...College Football intros through the years

((ht: cbs eye on college football))

This is a great mashup. YouTube user Wolverine Historian put together a conglomeration of College Football intros from 1977 to 2009. Mostly ABC, ESPN and CBS stuff.

If you are a die-hard college fan, this is incredibly cool to watch. It's amazing how much they've changed over the years.

Derrick Caracter shows a lack of "Character" and gets arrested

Derrick Caracter/Courtesy: nba.com
Can we first get this out of the way...."Dumbass".

Los Angeles Lakers forward Derrick Caracter was arrested early Sunday morning at an IHOP on Canal St. in New Orleans after he was accused of hitting a pregnant waitress.

According to reports, the rookie forward was drunk and acting disorderly inside the restaurant on the morning before the Lakers took on the New Orleans Hornets.

His charges, battery, public intoxication and resisting arrest.

The story from NOLA.com RIGHT HERE

Caracter didn't play in Sunday afternoons game agains the Hornets. He will probably be back in the Big Easy soon, whether his team is...or not.

Snoop Dog Hangin' With The Heels


Rapper Snoop Dog was in Chapel Hill, NC for a concert. In Snoop's down time he had a chance to pose for a photo with North Carolina's John Henson, Harrison Barnes and Justin Watts.

By the way Mr. Dog is the one sporting the North Carolina jersey.

Blackhawks Not Ready To Give Up The Stanley Cup

After going down 0-3 to the Vancouver Canucks the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks aren't ready to give up the cup just yet.

Chicago has won the last three including Sunday nights overtime win 4-3 to tie the series at 3 each.

Right winger Ben Smith was the hero for the Blackhawks. Here's the highlights from NHL.com/Versus



Big Ben talks about that overtime goal to CSN Chicago



Game 7 is Tuesday in Vancouver.

Hornets sting Lakers, Bryant injured: NBA Playoffs

This is becoming interesting. Chris Paul and his New Orleans Hornet teammates are giving the defending champion LA Lakers all they can handle, beating LA 93-88 on Sunday and tying their series at 2 games a piece.

The key for the Hornets, CP3. Chris Paul had a triple double, 28 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists and led his team to the win. As for the Lakers, their main man, Kobe Bryant, 17 points. Bryant was seen leaving the game on crutches, but said he'd be ready for game 5.

Either way, this series is quickly becoming a lot of fun, we'll see who can pull it out.

Your game highlights from SI.com: