With around twenty-four hours left until a lockout, and the clock ticking ominously like the Tell-Tale Heart, David Stern claims he is hopeful that owners and players can strike a deal to prevent it. Not likely, but at least he is optimistic, right?
The biggest issue with the NBA lockout is the problem is systemic. Whereas the NFL simply has to figure out how divide a few billion based on television profits, the NBA's problems arise from the foundation of the league. In the NFL, they don't have the problems with contracts and salary cap that exist in the NBA. The NFLPA simply needs to find a way to tell owners they can't have their 18 game schedule cake, and eat their stricter concussion testing too. Once they have solved that problem, the two sides mutually agree on a way to split the money and the lockout ends. On the surface, it seems like fans will have football to watch on Sundays come this fall.
Life isn't that simple in the NBA. The blood on the wall has been there since the last CBA. Writers will note that this is the first time the league has locked out since the 99-00 season. They'll point out that this does not help combat the image crisis that basketball continues to face. They'll act surprised when the end of October rolls around, and we still have no basketball to watch.
But they should, and probably do, know better. Even though the official lockout will not start until tomorrow, the league has been in a figurative lockout for the better part of half a decade. The current setup of the league is not profitable for owners and they want a change. Unlike baseball in 2002, fans should not expect a last minute deal to prevent a lockout. And unlike football currently, fans won't see the kind of progress that the NFL appears to make each meeting.
No, the problem in the NBA is bigger. And it has been since the last CBA in 2005. So when David Stern announces that the league and owners have officially locked out the players, we shouldn't be shocked. We've been in a lockout this entire time.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
McCourt embarrasses self, league and team
Frank McCourt finally hit rock bottom. I was beginning to wonder just how far down this seemingly bottomless pit would go before he landed with a spectacular splat. Yesterday, McCourt was forced to declare bankruptcy for five different companies: Los Angeles Dodgers LLC, Los Angeles Dodgers Holding Company LLC, LA Holdco LLC, LA Real Estate LLC and LA Real Estate Holding Company LLC. In case you are wondering, those five companies add up to the entire Los Angeles Dodgers franchise.
After Bud Selig wisely rejected the Fox television deal that McCourt hoped would help keep the Dodgers afloat, McCourt was left to write a new chapter in Dodgers' history: Chapter 11. And although Selig deserves blame for allowing the problem to spiral this out of hand, he appears ready to fix the problem. He knows that the league must take the Dodgers out of McCourt's hands before the situation worsens.
And perhaps I spoke too soon about rock bottom. It appears that Mr. McCourt is still falling as he now must find a way to pay $92.5 million dollars to players (not including signing bonuses) and the nearly 300 full-time employees who work for the Dodgers. Time to see just how far this hole goes.
It is mind-boggling that a professional sports owner could screw this up as bad as McCourt has. One of the most well-known sporting franchises in all four sports, and McCourt has led it off the map worse than Edward Smith and the Titanic.
Now with the MLB attempting to block the $150 million Chapter 11 loan that McCourt applied for, the league seems finished with him and with good reason too. The man embarrassed a storied franchise, yet continues to play the victim. It will be nice to see McCourt finally hit the ground, because when he does, he'll no longer have any part with the Dodgers or professional baseball.
Again, I ask: why Frank McCourt and not Mark Cuban?
Monday, 27 June 2011
US Defense Costs Gold Cup
The US national team cannot compete consistently on the international level unless their defense starts playing better. It is as simple as that. After two early goals from Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan, the US proceeded to allow four unanswered goals. The victory gave Mexico a birth in the Confederations Cup two summers from now in Brazil.
Bradley punched home a header from Freddy Adu in the eighth minute as the Americans jumped to an early lead. Just fifteen minutes later, Donovan justified his re-insertion to the starting lineup by scoring off a brilliant needle by Clint Dempsey. The Yanks appeared in prime position to qualify for the Confederations Cup and build momentum as they work towards the 2014 World Cup.
But the ghost of the 2009 US Confederations Cup team took hold of the American defense as they allowed four unanswered goals in the final sixty minutes of the game. Just as the US had a 2-0 lead over Brazil in that 2009 match and ultimately lost, the defense seemed to shut down.
The biggest issue that the American defenders have right now is that they simply cannot stick to their marks. Strikers are having field days as they slip in the back lines of the trenches and knock home goal after goal. Pablo Barrea simply quietly sneaked away from his man when he hit a beautiful goal to give Mexico the lead. There was nothing spectacular about how he got open. No fancy footwork or passing by his teammates. He just moved into position and his defender did not follow him.
And as incredible as the Dos Santos goal was, it appeared deceivingly better due to the comically poor attempts by the American defenders to displace the ball. Dos Santos had about five white jerseys around him at the time as he juked his way back to the edge of the box and finish with a pinpoint floater. Dos Santos hit the perfect shot and credit goes to him for that. But he should not be allowed to take that many touches when there are so many defenders around him.
One thing that this team needs is a healthy Onyewu. Before his injury, Onyewu was a world-class defender starting for AC Milan. But after he ripped his knee to shreds, he's been a shell of his former self. After a horrific World Cup where he appeared rushed back and poorly conditioned, Onyewu did not receive the call this time. He was the anchor that this defense needs. He provided strength, solid communication and a "don't mess with us" attitude that is sadly lacking currently.
Without a central figure like Onyewu, this American defense struggles immensely. And in today's soccer world where an abundance of fast-paced strikers score with impunity, the US cannot afford to misstep like they did against Mexico. Giving up a 2-0 lead in the Gold Cup is eventually overlooked. But a performance like that anywhere beyond the Gold Cup and the US continues to hinder its efforts to become a world power. Unless the defense can tighten the screws, the US will remain a second-tier soccer country.
Bradley punched home a header from Freddy Adu in the eighth minute as the Americans jumped to an early lead. Just fifteen minutes later, Donovan justified his re-insertion to the starting lineup by scoring off a brilliant needle by Clint Dempsey. The Yanks appeared in prime position to qualify for the Confederations Cup and build momentum as they work towards the 2014 World Cup.
But the ghost of the 2009 US Confederations Cup team took hold of the American defense as they allowed four unanswered goals in the final sixty minutes of the game. Just as the US had a 2-0 lead over Brazil in that 2009 match and ultimately lost, the defense seemed to shut down.
The biggest issue that the American defenders have right now is that they simply cannot stick to their marks. Strikers are having field days as they slip in the back lines of the trenches and knock home goal after goal. Pablo Barrea simply quietly sneaked away from his man when he hit a beautiful goal to give Mexico the lead. There was nothing spectacular about how he got open. No fancy footwork or passing by his teammates. He just moved into position and his defender did not follow him.
And as incredible as the Dos Santos goal was, it appeared deceivingly better due to the comically poor attempts by the American defenders to displace the ball. Dos Santos had about five white jerseys around him at the time as he juked his way back to the edge of the box and finish with a pinpoint floater. Dos Santos hit the perfect shot and credit goes to him for that. But he should not be allowed to take that many touches when there are so many defenders around him.
One thing that this team needs is a healthy Onyewu. Before his injury, Onyewu was a world-class defender starting for AC Milan. But after he ripped his knee to shreds, he's been a shell of his former self. After a horrific World Cup where he appeared rushed back and poorly conditioned, Onyewu did not receive the call this time. He was the anchor that this defense needs. He provided strength, solid communication and a "don't mess with us" attitude that is sadly lacking currently.
Without a central figure like Onyewu, this American defense struggles immensely. And in today's soccer world where an abundance of fast-paced strikers score with impunity, the US cannot afford to misstep like they did against Mexico. Giving up a 2-0 lead in the Gold Cup is eventually overlooked. But a performance like that anywhere beyond the Gold Cup and the US continues to hinder its efforts to become a world power. Unless the defense can tighten the screws, the US will remain a second-tier soccer country.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Winners of the NBA Draft
Considering the distinct lack of NBA-level talent in this year's draft, a fair amount action took place last night. The first two picks came as no surprise, with Irving landing in Cleveland and Minnesota opting to keep Derrick Williams. This deserves attention because that places Michael Beasley square on the trading block. No doubt will David Kahn look to shop around the embattled power forward, presumably to find more front court help. Beyond the first two picks though, NBA executives actually produced a fairly entertaining draft. Believe me, I'm as surprised as you.
Let's take a look at the winners:
Winners
Let's take a look at the winners:
Winners
- Wizards: Jan Vesley (6), Chris Singleton (18), Shelvin Mack (34).
- I love what the Wizards did in this draft. Jan Vesley should come in and immediately help them with their scoring woes, but he might struggle initially with the physicality of the league due to his slight frame. Singleton can come in and grab the starting small forward spot. Rashard Lewis clearly appears checked out of the NBA at this point and is content counting his millions. In today's NBA, with so many athletic wings and guards, a defensive stopped like Singleton is essentially a necessity. Singleton will be asked to guard the opposing team's best player each night and hit three pointers, a skill he'll need to continue to develop. While I'm not a huge Shelvin Mack fan, he comes from a winning program in Butler and certainly has an NBA ready body.
- Spurs: Kawhi Leonard (15 from Indiana), Cory Joseph (29), Davis Bertans (42 from Indiana), Adam Hanga (59).
- It looks like all of the Tony Parker trade talk was for naught. Buford appears content with his main core of Parker, Ginobli and Duncan as he decided to ship George Hill off to Indiana for Leonard. That trade alone places San Antonio in the winners category. First, George Hill will be a free agent after this season and with so much money invested in those previous three, and the talk of a reduced salary cap, the Spurs likely would not have been able to keep Hill. Parlaying Hill into Leonard at fifteen is an absolute steal. Leonard is exactly the kind of player who will flourish under Greg Popovich. Remember, just a couple weeks ago there was talk of Leonard being a top five pick. The Joseph pick appears to be a Hill replacement, which obviously is a significant downgrade currently, but the Leonard pick easily offsets that difference.
- Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo (7 from Sacramento), Kemba Walker (9).
- His Heiress added two excellent pieces to a bare-bones Charlotte roster. Biyombo enters the league ready to contribute immediately on the defensive end. He will certainly cause problems for teams with his length and athletic ability. He is along the same style as Serge Ibaka for Oklahoma City and should be a pest on that end of the court. It may be a couple of years before he delivers anything on offense, but Charlotte is nowhere near ready to compete now so they can afford to take a few years of development for Biyombo.
I really like the Walker pick at nine. Walker is a proven winner in college, proved he is capable of the grind in the NBA after averaging almost 38 minutes a game at Connecticut. Sure, he more closely resembles a combo guard than a point guard right now. But he certainly possesses the tools to develop a better passing game as he won't be expected to score as heavily as he did at UConn. Sometimes I think that NBA executives underrate players who have proven they can win continuously at the college level. There will be a few teams that had point guard needs in front of Charlotte who will shake their heads when looking back at this draft.
Quick hit winners:
- The Warriors snagged Klay Thompson at eleven which I consider a victory simply because I cannot wait to watch the Warriors score 120 points a game, but still lose by fifteen. Who on that team can play defense or even has an interest in it?
- Lakers grab a potentially interesting pick in Darius Morris in the second round. There was a great deal of talk for him in the first round before the draft so keep a close eye here down the road.
- The Heat pick Norris Cole, who immediately wins the award for best flatop in the league. But Cole could help contribute right away as he should receive all of Bibby's minutes now.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
US Beats Panama, Will Face Mexico For Gold Cup
The US exacted revenge over a Panama team that beat them in the early stages of the Gold Cup just a week ago. Panama shocked a slow, seemingly disinterested American team 2-0, raising questions about the roster's makeup as well as Bob Bradley's future with the team.
Bradley made the risky decision to bring Landon Donovan off the bench, for the second game in a row, but it paid off as Donovan sent a pinpoint cross through the Panamanian defense to the left foot of Clint Dempsey, who punched home his second goal of the tournament. Donovan also came off the bench against Jamaica after missing team practice to attend his sister's wedding.
Now Bradley faces a difficult choice. Donovan is obviously one of the US's most talented and experienced players, with 134 international caps and 45 goals to his resume. He also has extensive experience against a tough Mexico team that has been known to bully the Yanks. The most logical, and safest, decision would be to start Donovan against Mexico. But after two games of coming off the bench, two victories for the US, and his hand in the US's last two goals, the prospect of bringing Donovan in as a high energy substitute should appeal to Bradley.
As mentioned, this Mexico team that the US will face is stronger than in recent years. Mexico has cruised through the competition, scoring eighteen goals and only allowing two. Despite five the dismissal of five players before the start of the tournament, Mexico establishes themselves as the team to beat.
Keep a close eye on Javier Hernandez who will certainly give the US defense, that has struggled dating back to last summer's World Cup, fits with his flair and pace. And although "El Chicharito," as Hernandez is fondly called, does not play over-physically, the rest of this Mexican side has shown grittiness and toughness.
A couple other key questions and sub-plots to examine in this championship bout:
Bradley made the risky decision to bring Landon Donovan off the bench, for the second game in a row, but it paid off as Donovan sent a pinpoint cross through the Panamanian defense to the left foot of Clint Dempsey, who punched home his second goal of the tournament. Donovan also came off the bench against Jamaica after missing team practice to attend his sister's wedding.
Now Bradley faces a difficult choice. Donovan is obviously one of the US's most talented and experienced players, with 134 international caps and 45 goals to his resume. He also has extensive experience against a tough Mexico team that has been known to bully the Yanks. The most logical, and safest, decision would be to start Donovan against Mexico. But after two games of coming off the bench, two victories for the US, and his hand in the US's last two goals, the prospect of bringing Donovan in as a high energy substitute should appeal to Bradley.
As mentioned, this Mexico team that the US will face is stronger than in recent years. Mexico has cruised through the competition, scoring eighteen goals and only allowing two. Despite five the dismissal of five players before the start of the tournament, Mexico establishes themselves as the team to beat.
Keep a close eye on Javier Hernandez who will certainly give the US defense, that has struggled dating back to last summer's World Cup, fits with his flair and pace. And although "El Chicharito," as Hernandez is fondly called, does not play over-physically, the rest of this Mexican side has shown grittiness and toughness.
A couple other key questions and sub-plots to examine in this championship bout:
- Will Mexico appear laggard on the field after their overtime game against Honduras? Or will enough time have lapsed for them to regain their full fitness?
- The last match between these two in the Gold Cup? 2009, when Mexico beat the US 5-0 in the championship. Mexico posted five goals in the final 34 minutes.
- Although the tournament has been played on American soil, the final game will be played in the Rose Bowl, which doesn't exactly guarantee an American advantage. Expect a mainly pro-American fanbase, but the Mexican supporters will be there in full force as well.
- Was that really a Freddy Adu appearance against Panama? And did he really assist Donovon's assist? Bob Bradley has said that Adu is finding his form and performing at a higher level, so maybe fans can expect to see the once-phenom in the final.
- Bradley heard the whispers for his dismissal turn more audible after the earlier loss to Panama, but a win against Mexico would essentially re-secure his job. A loss keeps him in unfavorable territory.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Erik Spoelstra, your job is safe...for now
Pat Riley made sure today that he gave his public support for Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat. And why not? Spoelstra led the Heat to the NBA championship in his third season with the team, weaving together the talents of James, Wade and Bosh through the course of the season. Spoelstra performed admirably as he controlled the players' egos, convinced them to buy into his defensive schemes and kept the Heat in contention the entire year despite a rash of injuries to their bench.
This is the final year of Spoelstra's contract and the expectations are simple: win a championship. Because this is Spoelstra's last year, I suspect that Riley won't yank him midseason like he did with Stan Van Gundy in 2006. Sure, Riley said that he still "[has] the fire" to continue coaching, but he claims that he is content remaining just the President of operations for the Heat. Riley wants everyone to think that his coaching days are over.
But the media and fans should know better than to believe him. Riley faced harsh criticism for the way he handled the Van Gundy incident, despite delivering Miami's first championship. He eventually turned the reigns over to Spoelstra and said he was done with coaching. He's wiser this time around and knows that cutting a coach midseason will only generate bad press for his reputation. But anyone who thinks that Riley would hesitate at the chance to coach again, say at the end of Spoelstra's final year if he doesn't win a championship, needs to have their head checked.
Riley's ego is as large as they come. Nobody can argue that he possesses an immense capacity as a coach and an executive. He deserves to feel proud for the accomplishments in his career. But it is obvious that Riley wants another shot. NBA coaches, especially the great ones, have a hard time leaving the game for good.
Spoelstra is safe for now. Based on how everyone responded to the Van Gundy firing, Riley won't make the same mistake twice. But, rest assured, if Spoelstra doesn't deliver a championship next season, he won't be coming back. It doesn't matter if the Heat win 65+ games, anything short of the Larry O'Brian trophy and NBA fans will once again see Riley on the sidelines.
This is the final year of Spoelstra's contract and the expectations are simple: win a championship. Because this is Spoelstra's last year, I suspect that Riley won't yank him midseason like he did with Stan Van Gundy in 2006. Sure, Riley said that he still "[has] the fire" to continue coaching, but he claims that he is content remaining just the President of operations for the Heat. Riley wants everyone to think that his coaching days are over.
But the media and fans should know better than to believe him. Riley faced harsh criticism for the way he handled the Van Gundy incident, despite delivering Miami's first championship. He eventually turned the reigns over to Spoelstra and said he was done with coaching. He's wiser this time around and knows that cutting a coach midseason will only generate bad press for his reputation. But anyone who thinks that Riley would hesitate at the chance to coach again, say at the end of Spoelstra's final year if he doesn't win a championship, needs to have their head checked.
Riley's ego is as large as they come. Nobody can argue that he possesses an immense capacity as a coach and an executive. He deserves to feel proud for the accomplishments in his career. But it is obvious that Riley wants another shot. NBA coaches, especially the great ones, have a hard time leaving the game for good.
Spoelstra is safe for now. Based on how everyone responded to the Van Gundy firing, Riley won't make the same mistake twice. But, rest assured, if Spoelstra doesn't deliver a championship next season, he won't be coming back. It doesn't matter if the Heat win 65+ games, anything short of the Larry O'Brian trophy and NBA fans will once again see Riley on the sidelines.
Monday, 20 June 2011
NBA owners give ground, still lots to be bridged
A week after the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA championship, the last professional basketball game in the foreseeable future, the owners and the players continued their labor negotiations.
NBA fans, who have every right to exhibit concern for the state of their league, saw a slight improvement in the situation as the owners decided to drop abolishing guaranteed contracts from the new collective bargaining agreement. The players, however, were not overly impressed with this gesture.
The biggest problem that the players have with this act is that it doesn't really benefit them in any way. This preserves the status quo, but guaranteed contracts were likely the first off the table for the owners. I suspect, despite the number of general managers with big-spending reputations, that front offices will begin to stop overpaying players across five or six years. But that's because contract lengths will be shortened, ultimately, to three or four years at the most. The issue of guarantees was never really at the heart of the discussions.
The two sides now stand about $700 million apart in regards to revenue sharing and polarized on the hard salary cap. Even though the issue of guaranteed contracts is no longer in play, the players and owners have a substantial gap to bridge. And fans should expect both owners and players to fight more vociferously over these two points than they did over guaranteed contracts.
While I believe that the owners and players will eventually come to terms over the new collective bargaining agreement, the sides will likely sacrifice part of the season to accomplish that.
NBA fans, who have every right to exhibit concern for the state of their league, saw a slight improvement in the situation as the owners decided to drop abolishing guaranteed contracts from the new collective bargaining agreement. The players, however, were not overly impressed with this gesture.
The biggest problem that the players have with this act is that it doesn't really benefit them in any way. This preserves the status quo, but guaranteed contracts were likely the first off the table for the owners. I suspect, despite the number of general managers with big-spending reputations, that front offices will begin to stop overpaying players across five or six years. But that's because contract lengths will be shortened, ultimately, to three or four years at the most. The issue of guarantees was never really at the heart of the discussions.
The two sides now stand about $700 million apart in regards to revenue sharing and polarized on the hard salary cap. Even though the issue of guaranteed contracts is no longer in play, the players and owners have a substantial gap to bridge. And fans should expect both owners and players to fight more vociferously over these two points than they did over guaranteed contracts.
While I believe that the owners and players will eventually come to terms over the new collective bargaining agreement, the sides will likely sacrifice part of the season to accomplish that.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Boston Wins, Vancouver Riots?
For the first time in 39 years, the Boston Bruins hoisted the Stanley Cup after a 4-0 win over Vancouver in game seven. After three disappointing losses in Vancouver, and three Boston massacres, the Bruins conquered the Canucks in convincing fashion.
Vancouver played like a juggernaut all season, wrecking teams that crossed their path. Their speed, style, and finesse kept opponents on the back of their skates which resulted in the most goals in the league and highest goals for to goals against differential.
But the Bruins proved that hockey is not just a game of style and fancy finishes. The Bruins demonstrated greater toughness and grit as they punished Vancouver. In game seven, especially, the Canucks appeared to play scared. Sure, they outhit and outshot the Bruins, but at no point did Boston seemed concerned. The closest that the Bruins came to making a mistake was when Chara blocked a shot in the second period when Thomas was on the ground. Other than that, Boston simply executed better than Vancouver, controlling the puck and the game with confidence.
And perhaps someone ought to tell Roberto Luongo that he ought to put down his tire pump and put his goalie gloves back on when it comes time to play. Luongo, long the story of this series for his words with Tim Thomas, once again failed to deliver, allowing four goals on his home ice to bring the total number of goals allowed in the series to twenty. Meanwhile, Tim Thomas won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his remarkable .967 save percentage in the series. Think Luongo would kept his mouth shut if he could go back in time?
Aside from the question of, "what happened with Luongo," Vancouver fans are probably curious to know what happened to the Sedin twins. Known for their prolific scoring abilities, the two twins combined to score three goals and register two assists over the entire series. Credit Boston's defense for an impressive performance, but that's not the first tough defense that the Sedin twins had seen all season. They simply failed to deliver.
Boston proved to the sports world, just as Dallas did, that even in the face of inferior talent, desire and teamwork can triumph. They squared off with the best team in the league, took them to seven games and then tore Vancouver's hearts out with a commanding victory.
Note: What the in the world was with the Vancouver fans who decided to flip cars and light them on fire after they lost? Don't they realize that that is usually what happens when your team wins? I am just surprised that Boston, a city known for its unruly behavior in the face of sporting events, managed to remain relatively calm and that the people of Vancouver were the ones causing problems. Rioting, in the event of a win or a loss, has no place in sports. Ever.
Vancouver played like a juggernaut all season, wrecking teams that crossed their path. Their speed, style, and finesse kept opponents on the back of their skates which resulted in the most goals in the league and highest goals for to goals against differential.
But the Bruins proved that hockey is not just a game of style and fancy finishes. The Bruins demonstrated greater toughness and grit as they punished Vancouver. In game seven, especially, the Canucks appeared to play scared. Sure, they outhit and outshot the Bruins, but at no point did Boston seemed concerned. The closest that the Bruins came to making a mistake was when Chara blocked a shot in the second period when Thomas was on the ground. Other than that, Boston simply executed better than Vancouver, controlling the puck and the game with confidence.
And perhaps someone ought to tell Roberto Luongo that he ought to put down his tire pump and put his goalie gloves back on when it comes time to play. Luongo, long the story of this series for his words with Tim Thomas, once again failed to deliver, allowing four goals on his home ice to bring the total number of goals allowed in the series to twenty. Meanwhile, Tim Thomas won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his remarkable .967 save percentage in the series. Think Luongo would kept his mouth shut if he could go back in time?
Aside from the question of, "what happened with Luongo," Vancouver fans are probably curious to know what happened to the Sedin twins. Known for their prolific scoring abilities, the two twins combined to score three goals and register two assists over the entire series. Credit Boston's defense for an impressive performance, but that's not the first tough defense that the Sedin twins had seen all season. They simply failed to deliver.
Boston proved to the sports world, just as Dallas did, that even in the face of inferior talent, desire and teamwork can triumph. They squared off with the best team in the league, took them to seven games and then tore Vancouver's hearts out with a commanding victory.
Note: What the in the world was with the Vancouver fans who decided to flip cars and light them on fire after they lost? Don't they realize that that is usually what happens when your team wins? I am just surprised that Boston, a city known for its unruly behavior in the face of sporting events, managed to remain relatively calm and that the people of Vancouver were the ones causing problems. Rioting, in the event of a win or a loss, has no place in sports. Ever.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Mark Cuban, What a True Owner Looks Like
Mark Cuban wants you to feel like he is just one of the guys. He lives and breathes sports. He is passionate about many different sports. He runs his mouth when he disagrees with call. He wears t-shirts and jeans to the game and heckles referees like it's his job. Yep, Mark Cuban is just like you and me.
Except he is a billionaire who owns the Dallas Mavericks. But aside from the many, many more zeros he sees in his bank account, at the end of the day, that is all that separates us, the fans, from Cuban, the owner. The bravado, the opinions, the desire for a championship. Mark Cuban is the ultimate fan of his team. And no matter how much money he has, at his core Mark Cuban is just a regular guy who appreciates his team for their entertainment, not what they do for his portfolio.
Cuban catches plenty of criticism for acting this way. He has been fined over a million dollars by the NBA for criticism over officials. Many NBA owners consider him reckless, abrasive and dangerous to the league. He was basically blackballed out of Major League Baseball when he attempted to purchase the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs (but Frank McCourt and Fred Wilpon can each own teams). The "I'm a regular guy, just like the fans," attitude that Cuban holds threatens the status of wealthy owners across the board. Professional sports owners do not want to feel like their fans. They supply the fans with entertainment and treat their team like a business.
But at the end of the day, there are already too many Donald Sterling's, Michael Heisley's, and Maloof brothers in the NBA alone. Too many owners watch their games from their suites, seemingly disinterested and disengaged from the team. Cuban sits behind the bench or behind the basket at every Mavericks game. During the tough economic times, NBA owners pinch pennies throughout the organization. Mark Cuban invests over $80 million in remodels and a new, high-definition replay screen for fans.
I challenge you to name one other owner who willingly accepts fine after fine for comments about officiating like Cuban does. The man spends millions of dollars every year on the team, and then continues to take it on the chin from the league as he defends his players, organization, and ultimately, his fans.
Mark Cuban once ordered the people in charge of the jumbo screens to replay an egregiously blown call by the referees. He didn't ask them to replay it once. He told them to put it on a loop as fans left the stadium after the Mavericks lost. That little stunt cost him over $100,000. But if he were the owner of my team, I would be proud to say it because of actions like these.
Cuban gets the last laugh. He has owned the Dallas Mavericks for eleven years and finally won an NBA championship. While most owners would take this opportunity to have the city honor them, he wants to pay for the entire parade himself, so that the city doesn't have to. If there were more Mark Cuban's, sports would mean more than they do to many cities. Fans would see more competitive leagues, because owners would have less concern for the bottom line and more concern for winning.
Let Cuban run his mouth and say what he wants. After winning a NBA championship, he deserves it. He's just a passionate fan who happens to own the team, rather than simply root for it.
Except he is a billionaire who owns the Dallas Mavericks. But aside from the many, many more zeros he sees in his bank account, at the end of the day, that is all that separates us, the fans, from Cuban, the owner. The bravado, the opinions, the desire for a championship. Mark Cuban is the ultimate fan of his team. And no matter how much money he has, at his core Mark Cuban is just a regular guy who appreciates his team for their entertainment, not what they do for his portfolio.
Cuban catches plenty of criticism for acting this way. He has been fined over a million dollars by the NBA for criticism over officials. Many NBA owners consider him reckless, abrasive and dangerous to the league. He was basically blackballed out of Major League Baseball when he attempted to purchase the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs (but Frank McCourt and Fred Wilpon can each own teams). The "I'm a regular guy, just like the fans," attitude that Cuban holds threatens the status of wealthy owners across the board. Professional sports owners do not want to feel like their fans. They supply the fans with entertainment and treat their team like a business.
But at the end of the day, there are already too many Donald Sterling's, Michael Heisley's, and Maloof brothers in the NBA alone. Too many owners watch their games from their suites, seemingly disinterested and disengaged from the team. Cuban sits behind the bench or behind the basket at every Mavericks game. During the tough economic times, NBA owners pinch pennies throughout the organization. Mark Cuban invests over $80 million in remodels and a new, high-definition replay screen for fans.
I challenge you to name one other owner who willingly accepts fine after fine for comments about officiating like Cuban does. The man spends millions of dollars every year on the team, and then continues to take it on the chin from the league as he defends his players, organization, and ultimately, his fans.
Mark Cuban once ordered the people in charge of the jumbo screens to replay an egregiously blown call by the referees. He didn't ask them to replay it once. He told them to put it on a loop as fans left the stadium after the Mavericks lost. That little stunt cost him over $100,000. But if he were the owner of my team, I would be proud to say it because of actions like these.
Cuban gets the last laugh. He has owned the Dallas Mavericks for eleven years and finally won an NBA championship. While most owners would take this opportunity to have the city honor them, he wants to pay for the entire parade himself, so that the city doesn't have to. If there were more Mark Cuban's, sports would mean more than they do to many cities. Fans would see more competitive leagues, because owners would have less concern for the bottom line and more concern for winning.
Let Cuban run his mouth and say what he wants. After winning a NBA championship, he deserves it. He's just a passionate fan who happens to own the team, rather than simply root for it.
Youth and Adoration: A Dangerous Combination
A couple of days ago, an official at the University of Oregon rented a car and lent it to Cliff Harris, the football team's starting cornerback and All-American. That was mistake number one. Mistake number two occurred simultaneously as she lent him the car when Harris had a suspended license. Why anyone would let a college football player borrow their rented car, presumably under all their insurance information, and not know that he had a suspended license baffles me.
But the biggest mistake came at 4:30 on Sunday morning when Cliff Harris decided it was a good idea to drive 118 mph down Interstate-5, a notorious trapping route for those unfamiliar with the area, not that that is the reason he shouldn't be driving that speed.
Cliff Harris deserves a two game suspension, minimum. And, yes, I am aware that the Oregon Ducks open on the road in Baton Rouge. Actions like this are simply inexcusable as he put his life, his friends life, and anyone's life on the road they passed in reckless endangerment. It doesn't matter that it occurred in the offseason. It doesn't matter that Harris is an All-American. And it doesn't matter that Harris would feast on an LSU passing attack that threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season. Harris must sit for his mistake.
Teams must hold players accountable in these situations. Otherwise, what stops Oregon's program from mutating into one like Ohio State?
A situation of this nature is indicative of a larger problem in college sports. The amount of attention and adoration that these athletes receive is unparalleled to times past. They are usually the best athletes in their class growing up, no matter where they are and their friends and family are quick to remind them of this fact. With all this respect and spotlight focus, players develop a sense of indestrucability. Nothing can touch you and nothing can hurt you.
This deity status that the public places these players in directly results in incidents such as Harris and the Ohio State debacle. The athletes feel larger than life and, consequently, their actions are rash and unsafe. Harris was lucky. One blown tire, minor bump in the road or animal crossing and we're discussing the short, unfullfilled life he led. But somewhere down the line, another athlete won't be so lucky. And when that moment arrives and we find ourselves asking how this could have happened, we must simply look in the mirror for the answer.
Do the right thing, Chip Kelly. Suspend Cliff Harris and make a statement that you put responsibility ahead of wins and losses.
But the biggest mistake came at 4:30 on Sunday morning when Cliff Harris decided it was a good idea to drive 118 mph down Interstate-5, a notorious trapping route for those unfamiliar with the area, not that that is the reason he shouldn't be driving that speed.
Cliff Harris deserves a two game suspension, minimum. And, yes, I am aware that the Oregon Ducks open on the road in Baton Rouge. Actions like this are simply inexcusable as he put his life, his friends life, and anyone's life on the road they passed in reckless endangerment. It doesn't matter that it occurred in the offseason. It doesn't matter that Harris is an All-American. And it doesn't matter that Harris would feast on an LSU passing attack that threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season. Harris must sit for his mistake.
Teams must hold players accountable in these situations. Otherwise, what stops Oregon's program from mutating into one like Ohio State?
A situation of this nature is indicative of a larger problem in college sports. The amount of attention and adoration that these athletes receive is unparalleled to times past. They are usually the best athletes in their class growing up, no matter where they are and their friends and family are quick to remind them of this fact. With all this respect and spotlight focus, players develop a sense of indestrucability. Nothing can touch you and nothing can hurt you.
This deity status that the public places these players in directly results in incidents such as Harris and the Ohio State debacle. The athletes feel larger than life and, consequently, their actions are rash and unsafe. Harris was lucky. One blown tire, minor bump in the road or animal crossing and we're discussing the short, unfullfilled life he led. But somewhere down the line, another athlete won't be so lucky. And when that moment arrives and we find ourselves asking how this could have happened, we must simply look in the mirror for the answer.
Do the right thing, Chip Kelly. Suspend Cliff Harris and make a statement that you put responsibility ahead of wins and losses.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Do or Die Time, Dallas
Now or never, Mavericks. Win game five or forget about the series. Hard to believe entering the series, Miami seemed in control of their destiny. Now, after a massive role reversal, Dallas is the one who holds the keys to the championship. Standing in the face of a 2-2 tie, the Mavericks have a chance to put tremendous pressure on the Miami Heat. Dirk nailed it earlier today when he was quoted saying: "This is our game seven."
That should make Dallas fans breathe a little easier. It has come to the point where no matter how badly Dirk struggles early in the game, there is no doubt that he'll show up for the final two minutes. Dirk finally shows the maturity and intensity at the end of games that critics harped for throughout his entire career. He seems to will in every jumper, drive to the basket and free throw he attempts. Spectators used to cringe when Dirk commanded the ball late in games. Now, no matter what defense they throw at him, little doubt exists that Dirk will falter.
Dallas enters game five riding a tsunami of momentum. They played game four with a sense of neccesity, but in complete control. They dominated the glass and locked down on the defensive end, forcing Miami into their early-season offense: forced isolations and stagnant movement. On the flip side, Miami should feel a little perspiration growing on their necks. Struggling immensely in the fourth quarter, which cost them the game, one has to question Miami's fragile psyche. Can they bounce back from another late-game collapse? Can LeBron silence the critics with a big game? Dallas is playing with the house's money right now. Miami, unfortunately, is the house.
Game five, tonight in Dallas, holds enormous implications. If Dallas wins tonight, they have to be considered the favorites to win it. While that doesn't seem like a bold prediction in the face of a 3-2 series lead, this is a Miami team that has still only lost two games at home during the playoffs. Miami taking games six and seven at home is completely in the realm of possibility. But a game five victory for Dallas would certainly make life significantly more stressful for Miami.
But if Dallas loses tonight, this series is over. Winning one more game on the road, especially with a 3-2 lead, would not be insurmountable. Winning two games on the road, after losing game five at home, would devastate the Mavericks' chances. LeBron said today that tonight's game is the "biggest game of [his] life." And while it is the biggest game of his life, this game could ultimately, justified or not, determine Dirk's legacy. Because if he struggles tonight, and Dallas loses, everyone will point to game five as the turning point of the series, re-opening the door for the Heat. The perils of the franchise player.
Dallas has to treat this like their game seven. Anything short of that effort will cost them this series. But given the backbone that Dallas and Dirk have shown so far in the playoffs, the Mavericks have a chance, and they certainly won't go down without a fight.
That should make Dallas fans breathe a little easier. It has come to the point where no matter how badly Dirk struggles early in the game, there is no doubt that he'll show up for the final two minutes. Dirk finally shows the maturity and intensity at the end of games that critics harped for throughout his entire career. He seems to will in every jumper, drive to the basket and free throw he attempts. Spectators used to cringe when Dirk commanded the ball late in games. Now, no matter what defense they throw at him, little doubt exists that Dirk will falter.
Dallas enters game five riding a tsunami of momentum. They played game four with a sense of neccesity, but in complete control. They dominated the glass and locked down on the defensive end, forcing Miami into their early-season offense: forced isolations and stagnant movement. On the flip side, Miami should feel a little perspiration growing on their necks. Struggling immensely in the fourth quarter, which cost them the game, one has to question Miami's fragile psyche. Can they bounce back from another late-game collapse? Can LeBron silence the critics with a big game? Dallas is playing with the house's money right now. Miami, unfortunately, is the house.
Game five, tonight in Dallas, holds enormous implications. If Dallas wins tonight, they have to be considered the favorites to win it. While that doesn't seem like a bold prediction in the face of a 3-2 series lead, this is a Miami team that has still only lost two games at home during the playoffs. Miami taking games six and seven at home is completely in the realm of possibility. But a game five victory for Dallas would certainly make life significantly more stressful for Miami.
But if Dallas loses tonight, this series is over. Winning one more game on the road, especially with a 3-2 lead, would not be insurmountable. Winning two games on the road, after losing game five at home, would devastate the Mavericks' chances. LeBron said today that tonight's game is the "biggest game of [his] life." And while it is the biggest game of his life, this game could ultimately, justified or not, determine Dirk's legacy. Because if he struggles tonight, and Dallas loses, everyone will point to game five as the turning point of the series, re-opening the door for the Heat. The perils of the franchise player.
Dallas has to treat this like their game seven. Anything short of that effort will cost them this series. But given the backbone that Dallas and Dirk have shown so far in the playoffs, the Mavericks have a chance, and they certainly won't go down without a fight.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
LeBron's Performance Proves He's No Jordan
I don't usually like to write people or teams off when it comes to small sample sizes. Generally, when examining a player's impact, one must look at their entire career. They should not be judged on one game or one series alone. However, I am going to make an exception to this rule after a performance last night from the so-called "Chosen One."
Scottie Pippen made headlines last week when he said that LeBron James, the ringless king, could ultimately end up a greater player than Michael Jordan. He was roundly criticized by the media, fans and players for voicing such blasphemy, particularly about his own teammate. All the critics would have never said that LeBron was a greater player at the time, but few would argue that he has the physical talents to reach the level of superiority that Jordan achieved.
Four games into the 2011 NBA Finals and evidently what LeBron lacks isn't physical dominance, it is the mental game that separates him from Jordan. Michael Jordan would have never posted a performance like LeBron did last night: 3-14 from the floor, 8 points total, one missed shot and two turnovers in the fourth quarter. Jordan never played that poorly. At no point in his NBA Finals appearances did he ever score fewer than twenty points. Jordan's teams lost games in the finals, yes, but by no fault of him. Jordan wanted every big shot he could take. And when he decided that he would take a game over, there was no stopping him. He simply out-desired his opponents.
LeBron simply cannot flip the switch like Jordan in the finals. LeBron supporters point to his outstanding defense and that he has played 176 of the 192 minutes in the finals thus far. Certainly LeBron's defense has been exemplary and he did look gassed at the end of game four. But Jordan scored all of those points while guarding the opposing team's best player AND playing that many minutes. Jordan did everything that LeBron is doing, but at a higher level.
The silly LeBron and Jordan comparisons need to stop. LeBron is an immensely talented player. He is arguably the best player in the league right now. And I know referencing simply just this finals goes against resorting to small samples sizes. But sometimes the writing on the wall is clear. LeBron will never be Jordan. It looks like NBA fans will continue to wait for the real chosen one.
Scottie Pippen made headlines last week when he said that LeBron James, the ringless king, could ultimately end up a greater player than Michael Jordan. He was roundly criticized by the media, fans and players for voicing such blasphemy, particularly about his own teammate. All the critics would have never said that LeBron was a greater player at the time, but few would argue that he has the physical talents to reach the level of superiority that Jordan achieved.
Four games into the 2011 NBA Finals and evidently what LeBron lacks isn't physical dominance, it is the mental game that separates him from Jordan. Michael Jordan would have never posted a performance like LeBron did last night: 3-14 from the floor, 8 points total, one missed shot and two turnovers in the fourth quarter. Jordan never played that poorly. At no point in his NBA Finals appearances did he ever score fewer than twenty points. Jordan's teams lost games in the finals, yes, but by no fault of him. Jordan wanted every big shot he could take. And when he decided that he would take a game over, there was no stopping him. He simply out-desired his opponents.
LeBron simply cannot flip the switch like Jordan in the finals. LeBron supporters point to his outstanding defense and that he has played 176 of the 192 minutes in the finals thus far. Certainly LeBron's defense has been exemplary and he did look gassed at the end of game four. But Jordan scored all of those points while guarding the opposing team's best player AND playing that many minutes. Jordan did everything that LeBron is doing, but at a higher level.
The silly LeBron and Jordan comparisons need to stop. LeBron is an immensely talented player. He is arguably the best player in the league right now. And I know referencing simply just this finals goes against resorting to small samples sizes. But sometimes the writing on the wall is clear. LeBron will never be Jordan. It looks like NBA fans will continue to wait for the real chosen one.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
With a Revoked Title, Only the Players Lose
Earlier today, the BCS and the NCAA decided to strip University of Southern California's 2004 Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma for the national championship. In conjunction with this action, they also wiped the record clear of USC's appearance in the 2006 Rose Bowl against Texas. This news comes, not surprisingly, after the NCAA rejected USC's appeal of the sanctions in place from the infamous Reggie Bush violations. This final execution of the football program effectively erases three years of utter domination by USC.
The BCS Presidential Committee decided that they would not re-award the national championship of 2004, angering Auburn and Utah fans everywhere. Tommy Tuberville, then coach of Auburn stated: "Someone should be awarded (the) title. If not, the team that had to forfeit is not really punished."
Sorry Mr. Tuberville, but you are wrong. Plenty of punishment has been thrown around USC's way, and crowning another national champion would only hurt the people who have suffered enough from this entire debacle: the USC athletes at that time.
I know this isn't the most popular opinion, but by stripping USC of the national championship, the NCAA only hurts the players who were on those historic teams. The sanctions will continue to haunt the program while they are in place, but the second those restrictions are lifted, USC will return to dominance. And they will probably do it the same way they did during those years. They will continue to pay expenses for players, just like every other big school does. USC was made into a scapegoat; they could have easily nailed Auburn, Florida, Oregon, Oklahoma, or Texas. The cheating, according to NCAA rules, is rampant in football.
But what about all those players who didn't receive any benefits? What about the offensive and defensive lineman who made it through USC all on their own? What about the linebackers and safeties? Aren't they forgotten about in this entire process?
These players are exploited by the NCAA on a daily basis. The blatant hypocrisy that the NCAA exudes as an "amateur" organization is downright laughable. Billions of dollars are invested in these players to turn a profit. And at the end of the day, most (excluding high profile players like Reggie Bush) players do not see a cent of that money, but they are left with the memories and pride of their accomplishments.
Now that the NCAA stripped USC of their title, eviscerating them from the record books, the only people who truly lose are those players. Their hard work, time, dedication, and effort are all for naught. These athletes gave three years of their life to their school and the NCAA and now the NCAA wants to say that it doesn't mean anything. Those years never happened in their minds. But all the money that those players made certainly did.
The fact of the matter is that the national champion is the best college team in the world. And without a doubt, USC was the best team in 2004. Yes, USC made a mistake with Reggie Bush. They broke the rules and they now face the consequences. But maybe the rules need to be changed. Maybe the system doesn't quite work all the time (see: Tressell, Jim), because in five years these sanctions probably will not still affect USC. But those players still won't have their names in any record books.
In my mind, the winner of the Heisman Trophy in 2005 was Reggie Bush. The National Champion in 2004 was USC, in arguably the most dominant performance in national championship history. And USC-Texas provided the best college game of all-time in 2006.
I don't care what the record books say.
The BCS Presidential Committee decided that they would not re-award the national championship of 2004, angering Auburn and Utah fans everywhere. Tommy Tuberville, then coach of Auburn stated: "Someone should be awarded (the) title. If not, the team that had to forfeit is not really punished."
Sorry Mr. Tuberville, but you are wrong. Plenty of punishment has been thrown around USC's way, and crowning another national champion would only hurt the people who have suffered enough from this entire debacle: the USC athletes at that time.
I know this isn't the most popular opinion, but by stripping USC of the national championship, the NCAA only hurts the players who were on those historic teams. The sanctions will continue to haunt the program while they are in place, but the second those restrictions are lifted, USC will return to dominance. And they will probably do it the same way they did during those years. They will continue to pay expenses for players, just like every other big school does. USC was made into a scapegoat; they could have easily nailed Auburn, Florida, Oregon, Oklahoma, or Texas. The cheating, according to NCAA rules, is rampant in football.
But what about all those players who didn't receive any benefits? What about the offensive and defensive lineman who made it through USC all on their own? What about the linebackers and safeties? Aren't they forgotten about in this entire process?
These players are exploited by the NCAA on a daily basis. The blatant hypocrisy that the NCAA exudes as an "amateur" organization is downright laughable. Billions of dollars are invested in these players to turn a profit. And at the end of the day, most (excluding high profile players like Reggie Bush) players do not see a cent of that money, but they are left with the memories and pride of their accomplishments.
Now that the NCAA stripped USC of their title, eviscerating them from the record books, the only people who truly lose are those players. Their hard work, time, dedication, and effort are all for naught. These athletes gave three years of their life to their school and the NCAA and now the NCAA wants to say that it doesn't mean anything. Those years never happened in their minds. But all the money that those players made certainly did.
The fact of the matter is that the national champion is the best college team in the world. And without a doubt, USC was the best team in 2004. Yes, USC made a mistake with Reggie Bush. They broke the rules and they now face the consequences. But maybe the rules need to be changed. Maybe the system doesn't quite work all the time (see: Tressell, Jim), because in five years these sanctions probably will not still affect USC. But those players still won't have their names in any record books.
In my mind, the winner of the Heisman Trophy in 2005 was Reggie Bush. The National Champion in 2004 was USC, in arguably the most dominant performance in national championship history. And USC-Texas provided the best college game of all-time in 2006.
I don't care what the record books say.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Lord Stanley's Glory
I'm not much of a hockey fan. Not because I do not enjoy the sport, I just did not grow up around it. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, hockey was about as foreign to me upon my arrival in Boston as winning basketball games is in Minnesota. People skate around with sticks and hit a little puck that is impossible to follow. What else was there to this game?
Now, my knowledge of the sport has grown somewhat, but I still fail to understand the nuances of the game. Line changes confuse me. I couldn't break down an offensive attack with Wayne Gretzky tutoring me. I can name about fifteen players in the entire NHL, about half of which play for the Boston Bruins. Let's face it: I'm still a hockey amateur.
But at this point in my life, I have watched enough sports to tell when players really want to win a championship. I do not question the desire of the Miami Heat or the Dallas Mavericks as they compete for the Larry O'Brian trophy. They worked their entire careers for these moments, breathing, eating, sleeping, and simply living basketball. Fans can say the same about the MLB and the NFL with their respective championships. These athletes dedicate their lives to reach the pinnacle of their profession.
Except the NHL takes this passion and desire to a whole new level. Watching game two of the Stanley Cup Finals last night, the effort that each team exerted and the passion in their eyes they demonstrated--each extra skate, hard hit and dive to block the puck--proved to me that NHL players want to win the Stanley Cup more than any other sport.
Witnessing Vancouver celebrate after they scored eleven seconds into overtime, the Canucks looked like a group of high school cheerleaders who just won the state championship: laughing, smiling, slapping high fives, one gigantic mob jumping up and down. Their bliss was evident as each man appeared as though he was one step closer to completing his ultimate life goal. Similarly, as Boston skated off the ice at the same time, their dejection seemed to imply a life failure. Down two games in the biggest moment of their life, each man sprinted off the ice to hide the shame of losing.
This contrasting dichotomy swirls to create an atmosphere unmatched by the other major American sports. When I watch the NBA Finals, when a team loses they appear upset. Heads lowered, short answers with interviewers, sunken eyes.. When I watched the Stanley Cup Finals, when a team loses they seem to feel like an utter failure. A disgrace to their teammates, their organization and their city. The players want to capture and harness all of the glory that comes with the Stanley Cup. It is the same reason that each team member is granted a day with the Stanley Cup, just for himself. That trophy means more to them than anything else in the world.
I could never turn my back on the NBA. But the passion and zeal that hockey players have for their sport makes me reconsider how I prioritize my sports interests. Watching two teams engage in a life-or-death mental and physical struggle for the ultimate prize piques even my uneducated hockey mind. Lord Stanley may just have another follower.
Now, my knowledge of the sport has grown somewhat, but I still fail to understand the nuances of the game. Line changes confuse me. I couldn't break down an offensive attack with Wayne Gretzky tutoring me. I can name about fifteen players in the entire NHL, about half of which play for the Boston Bruins. Let's face it: I'm still a hockey amateur.
But at this point in my life, I have watched enough sports to tell when players really want to win a championship. I do not question the desire of the Miami Heat or the Dallas Mavericks as they compete for the Larry O'Brian trophy. They worked their entire careers for these moments, breathing, eating, sleeping, and simply living basketball. Fans can say the same about the MLB and the NFL with their respective championships. These athletes dedicate their lives to reach the pinnacle of their profession.
Except the NHL takes this passion and desire to a whole new level. Watching game two of the Stanley Cup Finals last night, the effort that each team exerted and the passion in their eyes they demonstrated--each extra skate, hard hit and dive to block the puck--proved to me that NHL players want to win the Stanley Cup more than any other sport.
Witnessing Vancouver celebrate after they scored eleven seconds into overtime, the Canucks looked like a group of high school cheerleaders who just won the state championship: laughing, smiling, slapping high fives, one gigantic mob jumping up and down. Their bliss was evident as each man appeared as though he was one step closer to completing his ultimate life goal. Similarly, as Boston skated off the ice at the same time, their dejection seemed to imply a life failure. Down two games in the biggest moment of their life, each man sprinted off the ice to hide the shame of losing.
This contrasting dichotomy swirls to create an atmosphere unmatched by the other major American sports. When I watch the NBA Finals, when a team loses they appear upset. Heads lowered, short answers with interviewers, sunken eyes.. When I watched the Stanley Cup Finals, when a team loses they seem to feel like an utter failure. A disgrace to their teammates, their organization and their city. The players want to capture and harness all of the glory that comes with the Stanley Cup. It is the same reason that each team member is granted a day with the Stanley Cup, just for himself. That trophy means more to them than anything else in the world.
I could never turn my back on the NBA. But the passion and zeal that hockey players have for their sport makes me reconsider how I prioritize my sports interests. Watching two teams engage in a life-or-death mental and physical struggle for the ultimate prize piques even my uneducated hockey mind. Lord Stanley may just have another follower.
Heat Face a Challenge in Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks will win game three. I don't normally like to make declarative statements like that, but my intuition tells me that the Miami Heat are in some trouble in Dallas. Sure, the Heat will seek to silence the critics again after blowing the lead late in the fourth quarter in game two. And they have certainly proven capable of ignoring the national media and simply playing their game.
But there are some critics that the Miami Heat will not be able to escape from in game three: the Dallas crowd. The fans at the American Airlines Center will heckle, harass, and abuse the Miami Heat. Ever since Rick Carlisle admitted that he wished the Dallas fans would cheer more loudly in the Portland series, they shouldered the weight of that comment and have been one of the most raucous stadiums in the playoffs.
While the big three of the Heat won't show any signs of concern because of the crowd, the Heat role players may not play as confidently. Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers, all of these guys have been in the playoffs before, but following the mental collapse in game two, they may deal with fragile psyches. These players are not notorious for their ability to rise in momentous occasions.
On the Dallas side, they field a plethora of players who feed of the crowd energy. JJ Barea, Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler and Deshawn Stevenson improve their play significantly in front of the home crowd. Dirk will get his points, especially at home where the refs give him free throws for anything more a dirty look. Miami can win if Dirk scores thirty and the rest of the Mavericks do not show up. But if even two of those players perform well in front of their home crowd, then the Heat will have their hands full.
Miami needs to take the crowd out of the game immediately. Their best hope is to push the pace from the opening tip, leaking out in transition where they have proved themselves unstoppable. This means that LeBron and Wade must instill a confidence in the role players. No excessive celebrations, no dancing, nothing. The Heat have to prove they are all business if they want to beat Dallas at home.
While the Heat will appear more composed and mature, avoiding the same egocentric actions that cost them game two, Dallas plays too well in front of their home crowd to lose game three.
But there are some critics that the Miami Heat will not be able to escape from in game three: the Dallas crowd. The fans at the American Airlines Center will heckle, harass, and abuse the Miami Heat. Ever since Rick Carlisle admitted that he wished the Dallas fans would cheer more loudly in the Portland series, they shouldered the weight of that comment and have been one of the most raucous stadiums in the playoffs.
While the big three of the Heat won't show any signs of concern because of the crowd, the Heat role players may not play as confidently. Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers, all of these guys have been in the playoffs before, but following the mental collapse in game two, they may deal with fragile psyches. These players are not notorious for their ability to rise in momentous occasions.
On the Dallas side, they field a plethora of players who feed of the crowd energy. JJ Barea, Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler and Deshawn Stevenson improve their play significantly in front of the home crowd. Dirk will get his points, especially at home where the refs give him free throws for anything more a dirty look. Miami can win if Dirk scores thirty and the rest of the Mavericks do not show up. But if even two of those players perform well in front of their home crowd, then the Heat will have their hands full.
Miami needs to take the crowd out of the game immediately. Their best hope is to push the pace from the opening tip, leaking out in transition where they have proved themselves unstoppable. This means that LeBron and Wade must instill a confidence in the role players. No excessive celebrations, no dancing, nothing. The Heat have to prove they are all business if they want to beat Dallas at home.
While the Heat will appear more composed and mature, avoiding the same egocentric actions that cost them game two, Dallas plays too well in front of their home crowd to lose game three.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
The Same Song and Dance
After all of the hype behind Novak Djokovic's incredible run, his gluten-free diet and the way that he was steamrolling opponents into the French Open, tennis fans see the same two men in the French Open finals that usually appear there.
Hint: neither is named Djokovic.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will square off tomorrow in the finals at Roland Garros. The King of Clay Nadal is the favorite having won five of the last six Coupe des Mosquetaires. The only other man to win a title in that time: Roger Federer.
Nadal is the undisputed best in the world when it comes to clay. And while he has struggled with his game a little recently, he always finds his best games the the French Open. Nadal's strength, athleticism, and speed create a clay monster that eats up every ball that is hit his way. The crowds at Roland Garros love him, as he demonstrates pure class while dominating each opponent that dares stand in his way.
But do not sell Federer short. I suppose it seems almost blasphemous to dismiss a man who has won 16 Grand Slams, including a French Open over Rafael Nadal, but that is just how overpowering Nadal is on clay. Federer, however, does have a wave of momentum to ride that came from his victory of Djokovic. There were whispers in the tennis world about whether Federer's gears were beginning to slow down. He has not won a Grand Slam since 2010, when he captured the Australian open. And this is his first finals in a Grand Slam since that same tournament.
Federer put a halt to the whispers when he knocked off #1 ranked Djokovic in four sets, including a spirited break of Djokovic in the tenth game of the fourth set. From there, Federer held his serve and eventually won the tiebreaker, finishing off the Serb and his incredible run. Federer proved that he still has life in his legs to compete at the Grand Slam level.
Here we go again: Federer vs. Nadal in a Grand Slam final. The rivalry that put tennis back on the map will treat fans to what will surely be another classic match. Nadal has the advantage on the court physically, but Federer has the emotion and momentum. Expect Nadal to take home another French Open, but if Federer plays strong early in the match, do not be surprised if he can knock of Nadal.
Hint: neither is named Djokovic.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will square off tomorrow in the finals at Roland Garros. The King of Clay Nadal is the favorite having won five of the last six Coupe des Mosquetaires. The only other man to win a title in that time: Roger Federer.
Nadal is the undisputed best in the world when it comes to clay. And while he has struggled with his game a little recently, he always finds his best games the the French Open. Nadal's strength, athleticism, and speed create a clay monster that eats up every ball that is hit his way. The crowds at Roland Garros love him, as he demonstrates pure class while dominating each opponent that dares stand in his way.
But do not sell Federer short. I suppose it seems almost blasphemous to dismiss a man who has won 16 Grand Slams, including a French Open over Rafael Nadal, but that is just how overpowering Nadal is on clay. Federer, however, does have a wave of momentum to ride that came from his victory of Djokovic. There were whispers in the tennis world about whether Federer's gears were beginning to slow down. He has not won a Grand Slam since 2010, when he captured the Australian open. And this is his first finals in a Grand Slam since that same tournament.
Federer put a halt to the whispers when he knocked off #1 ranked Djokovic in four sets, including a spirited break of Djokovic in the tenth game of the fourth set. From there, Federer held his serve and eventually won the tiebreaker, finishing off the Serb and his incredible run. Federer proved that he still has life in his legs to compete at the Grand Slam level.
Here we go again: Federer vs. Nadal in a Grand Slam final. The rivalry that put tennis back on the map will treat fans to what will surely be another classic match. Nadal has the advantage on the court physically, but Federer has the emotion and momentum. Expect Nadal to take home another French Open, but if Federer plays strong early in the match, do not be surprised if he can knock of Nadal.
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