LeBron James claims he could win the scoring title "every single year ... but it doesn't matter."
Question: If it doesn't matter, why are you trying to convince people that you could win it every year? If it's not important then why make a big deal about how you "could" do it?
This is another example of LeBron talking when he should be playing. I know a reporter baited him, but he took the bait.
If he doesn't care about the scoring title, which I don't believe, then say it's not important and keep moving. Don't qualify it with "I could win it every single year if I really wanted to."
Everybody knows he could lead the league in scoring. He's already done it once. But we also know that Jordan won about 10. For Alpha Dogs, scoring titles do matter, and the more the better. You're not fooling anyone, LeBron.
Just win it or shut up about it. It doesn't make me think he's a better team player because he said it doesn't matter. It's always mattered.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Panthers In The Bright Spotlight
The Panthers went from national obscurity to media overkill in a matter of days. Please don't misunderstand me, I love it, but they're blowing up like Tiger during Thanksgiving.
Ali Farokhmanesh has been on ESPN First Take, The Dan Patrick Show, The Scott Van Pelt Show, featured in The New York Times and USA Today, and now will be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It couldn't be happening to a more deserving guy, but, damn, that's a media circus.
Ben Jacobson was on The Jim Rome Show and the whole team has been on the front page of pretty much every paper in the country. This is what happens when you win games with dagger threes and take out the #1 overall seed.
The Panthers will be ready to play, despite the national media pumping them up to, presumably, watch them fall. All this hype can be distracting, but it's usually kids that are full of themselves that get caught up in the circus. The Panthers aren't full of themselves, but they're not robots. They've heard how great their run has been. This will be a true test for their focus and desire.
Some talking-heads are picking UNI to beat Michigan State. The Vegas line has MSU favored by a mere 1.5. Kalin Lucas is out. All these things make it easy for the Panthers to let-down slightly. But they can't and won't.
This game will be a battle. UNI FIGHT!
UNI 63 MSU 60
Ali Farokhmanesh has been on ESPN First Take, The Dan Patrick Show, The Scott Van Pelt Show, featured in The New York Times and USA Today, and now will be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It couldn't be happening to a more deserving guy, but, damn, that's a media circus.
Ben Jacobson was on The Jim Rome Show and the whole team has been on the front page of pretty much every paper in the country. This is what happens when you win games with dagger threes and take out the #1 overall seed.
The Panthers will be ready to play, despite the national media pumping them up to, presumably, watch them fall. All this hype can be distracting, but it's usually kids that are full of themselves that get caught up in the circus. The Panthers aren't full of themselves, but they're not robots. They've heard how great their run has been. This will be a true test for their focus and desire.
Some talking-heads are picking UNI to beat Michigan State. The Vegas line has MSU favored by a mere 1.5. Kalin Lucas is out. All these things make it easy for the Panthers to let-down slightly. But they can't and won't.
This game will be a battle. UNI FIGHT!
UNI 63 MSU 60
Monday, March 22, 2010
No Cinderella, Panthers are Real Deal
Don't call them Cinderella or David. Don't gush about it being the biggest upset in tournament history. They're the Northern Iowa Panthers. Things like this are expected, at least from this alumni. If you expect great, it improves the chances great things will happen. This team believes, expects and knows great.
There's no doubt Kansas had more talent. No doubt they were the better team on paper. But "that's why you play the game." That's why people love March Madness. The team that shows up and wants it more wins. UNI never doubted they could play with Kansas.
Even though UNI came into the tournament 28-4, they were still written off as a slouch. Their "weak" conference and loss to Evansville were harped on. They were overlooked by the committee, again. At least they were placed in the Midwest region. Playing another Midwestern school took the edge off. Kansas, Iowa - it's all the same.
Now they have the opportunity to play in St. Louis where they just won the Missouri Valley tournament. They'll play another team from the Midwest. Michigan State will be another tough challenge, but nothing they can't handle.
It's a great feeling to see an entire nation take notice. But it's long overdue. The ability and game plan has been there since they became regulars in the tournament in 2004. They just weren't able to get over the hump.
They played eventual runner-up Georgia Tech very close as a 13-seed in '04. They fought Wisconsin, Georgetown and Purdue to the brink in the following years. I mentioned earlier in the year how winning games in the tournament was the only thing they had left to prove. I wanted at least one win, but never doubted they could get more.
They won't be satisfied. They'll be back in Cedar Falls putting in work this week. The great thing about UNI is they're just "regular guys" and always have been. This is the reason I'm glad people have noticed across the country. Panthers everywhere take extreme pride in this school, this season, this team and want it to continue.
I didn't think there would be a Panther I would like more than Ben Jacobson (the guard from 2002-2006,) but Ali Farokhmanesh might have passed him. I love his demeanor and game. The confidence and big-shot ability is what every team needs. He's an underdog playing for an "underdog."
My buddy Drew and I went to every home game during our years at Northern Iowa. There was nothing we wanted more than tournament success and national recognition. The time has come, just a few years after our graduation. I envy everyone who was in Cedar Falls this weekend.
Big shout-out to coach Ben Jacobson. He's continued what Greg McDermott started and surpassed him. Keep up the great work. This should go without saying but....Don't even consider the Iowa job. Learn from McDermott. Hopefully they won't ask but have "no" ready.
Another shout-out to all the players this year. Adam Koch - Player of the Year in the Valley. Jordan Eglseder - the big man in the middle bouncing back from an embarrassing late-season DUI to play toe-to-toe with Cole Aldrich.
The work has just begun. Michigan State - Friday, 8:37 p.m. CST.
Panther Pride. UNI Fight!
There's no doubt Kansas had more talent. No doubt they were the better team on paper. But "that's why you play the game." That's why people love March Madness. The team that shows up and wants it more wins. UNI never doubted they could play with Kansas.
Even though UNI came into the tournament 28-4, they were still written off as a slouch. Their "weak" conference and loss to Evansville were harped on. They were overlooked by the committee, again. At least they were placed in the Midwest region. Playing another Midwestern school took the edge off. Kansas, Iowa - it's all the same.
Now they have the opportunity to play in St. Louis where they just won the Missouri Valley tournament. They'll play another team from the Midwest. Michigan State will be another tough challenge, but nothing they can't handle.
It's a great feeling to see an entire nation take notice. But it's long overdue. The ability and game plan has been there since they became regulars in the tournament in 2004. They just weren't able to get over the hump.
They played eventual runner-up Georgia Tech very close as a 13-seed in '04. They fought Wisconsin, Georgetown and Purdue to the brink in the following years. I mentioned earlier in the year how winning games in the tournament was the only thing they had left to prove. I wanted at least one win, but never doubted they could get more.
They won't be satisfied. They'll be back in Cedar Falls putting in work this week. The great thing about UNI is they're just "regular guys" and always have been. This is the reason I'm glad people have noticed across the country. Panthers everywhere take extreme pride in this school, this season, this team and want it to continue.
I didn't think there would be a Panther I would like more than Ben Jacobson (the guard from 2002-2006,) but Ali Farokhmanesh might have passed him. I love his demeanor and game. The confidence and big-shot ability is what every team needs. He's an underdog playing for an "underdog."
My buddy Drew and I went to every home game during our years at Northern Iowa. There was nothing we wanted more than tournament success and national recognition. The time has come, just a few years after our graduation. I envy everyone who was in Cedar Falls this weekend.
Big shout-out to coach Ben Jacobson. He's continued what Greg McDermott started and surpassed him. Keep up the great work. This should go without saying but....Don't even consider the Iowa job. Learn from McDermott. Hopefully they won't ask but have "no" ready.
Another shout-out to all the players this year. Adam Koch - Player of the Year in the Valley. Jordan Eglseder - the big man in the middle bouncing back from an embarrassing late-season DUI to play toe-to-toe with Cole Aldrich.
The work has just begun. Michigan State - Friday, 8:37 p.m. CST.
Panther Pride. UNI Fight!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Be a True Champion
Before Simpson's first game on our spring break trip, we had the opportunity to hear Jim Fannin speak. He's the "World's #1 Coach of Champions." He is a top sports psychologist with clients that have included Randy Johnson, Frank Thomas, Barry Zito and Alex Rodriguez. He's been in this field for 37 years.
According to Fannin, there are three types of people in sports and in life. First, the non champion. They're the guy who frequently makes excuses. Nothing is their fault. They seldom look in the mirror to find solutions. They are undesirable.
The next two are the champion and true champion. Both have similar characteristics of being unselfish, working hard and getting the job done. They put the team or organization in front of themselves. They find the will to succeed from within.
What separates the two is true champions know they are capable of doing what needs to be done in a positive way every single day. They take no days off from bettering themselves and those around them. The true champion knows they are successful and their actions show that every day. They never blame others. They treat everyone with respect. They are who others aspire to be.
Fannin said he coined the term "the zone" in 1974. He is an expert in "the zone." He said he spoke to Michael Jordan in 1992 after a game in the locker room. Jordan had just dropped 42. Fannin started talking about the zone and Jordan said, "The zone? I can put that on like an overcoat."
Obviously it's not that easy. But there are ways to help. We did a breathing exercise that included taking only 6-8 breaths per minute. It calms the body and mind. Fannin said the average person has 2200-2400 thoughts per day. Some one in "the zone" has about 1100. They are completely focused on one mission. Their mind isn't wandering to unproductive things.
Fannin spoke about the importance of visualization. The most important time for this is 30 minutes before you fall asleep. If you visualize and tell yourself positive things about how you want the following day to go, when you fall asleep, your subconscious believes all of those things are real. Your subconscious doesn't know the difference between fantasy and reality, so the things you tell yourself before sleep are reinforced in your body. Your body and mind actually believe it.
If you go to sleep worrying, upset, telling yourself "I'm no good," feeling inadequate, your subconscious tells your body those things while you sleep and you wake up with those feelings multiplied. But it works the same way with positive thoughts.
It's not easy to put in that time visualizing success and great things for yourself every night in bed, but it's not supposed to be easy. The true champion knows about doing things that aren't easy but realizes it will help in the long run, even if it's not tangible.
Each person can picture what a true champion means in their own mind. It's above what is already expected. It's a level above a champion, and it has nothing to do with a trophy. The true champion must first believe, then expect, then know. "I believe I can do this." "I expect to do this." "I know I can do this."
Be a true champion.
According to Fannin, there are three types of people in sports and in life. First, the non champion. They're the guy who frequently makes excuses. Nothing is their fault. They seldom look in the mirror to find solutions. They are undesirable.
The next two are the champion and true champion. Both have similar characteristics of being unselfish, working hard and getting the job done. They put the team or organization in front of themselves. They find the will to succeed from within.
What separates the two is true champions know they are capable of doing what needs to be done in a positive way every single day. They take no days off from bettering themselves and those around them. The true champion knows they are successful and their actions show that every day. They never blame others. They treat everyone with respect. They are who others aspire to be.
Fannin said he coined the term "the zone" in 1974. He is an expert in "the zone." He said he spoke to Michael Jordan in 1992 after a game in the locker room. Jordan had just dropped 42. Fannin started talking about the zone and Jordan said, "The zone? I can put that on like an overcoat."
Obviously it's not that easy. But there are ways to help. We did a breathing exercise that included taking only 6-8 breaths per minute. It calms the body and mind. Fannin said the average person has 2200-2400 thoughts per day. Some one in "the zone" has about 1100. They are completely focused on one mission. Their mind isn't wandering to unproductive things.
Fannin spoke about the importance of visualization. The most important time for this is 30 minutes before you fall asleep. If you visualize and tell yourself positive things about how you want the following day to go, when you fall asleep, your subconscious believes all of those things are real. Your subconscious doesn't know the difference between fantasy and reality, so the things you tell yourself before sleep are reinforced in your body. Your body and mind actually believe it.
If you go to sleep worrying, upset, telling yourself "I'm no good," feeling inadequate, your subconscious tells your body those things while you sleep and you wake up with those feelings multiplied. But it works the same way with positive thoughts.
It's not easy to put in that time visualizing success and great things for yourself every night in bed, but it's not supposed to be easy. The true champion knows about doing things that aren't easy but realizes it will help in the long run, even if it's not tangible.
Each person can picture what a true champion means in their own mind. It's above what is already expected. It's a level above a champion, and it has nothing to do with a trophy. The true champion must first believe, then expect, then know. "I believe I can do this." "I expect to do this." "I know I can do this."
Be a true champion.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Another Woman Accuses Big Ben
For the second time in eight months, Big Ben Roethlisberger is being accused of sexual assault. Last Friday a 20-year-old sought out a police officer after leaving a club in Milledgeville, GA to report the incident. He's got to be the dumbest Super Bowl winning quarterback in history.
Last July a hotel employee said she was raped by Roethlisberger a year earlier. The charges were denied, the accuser appeared not credible, the season started and the media dropped it. But what really happened that night?
Now here we are again. So many questions for the two-time Super Bowl champ. The first one is: "How stupid are you?" Followed by: "What the hell were you thinking?"
I've got to think bouncing his dome off a windshield without a helmet in 2006 did serious brain damage. If it's not affecting his play on the field, it certainly damaged the common sense/logical thought part of the brain. To put yourself in the same position, while still facing a sexual assault charge, defies any shred of good judgment or evidence of brain cells.
Clearly Roethlisberger doesn't get it, and never has. From the motorcycle accident to the first accusation to continuing to dive head-first after four concussions to this latest accusation, Big Ben is attempting to be the dumbest athlete since Pac Man Jones.
Roethlisberger has never been arrested. He's yet to be charged with a crime. But what does it say when he's facing another sexual assault case less than a year after the first?
He owns an off-season home on a lake about 30 miles from Milledgeville. Another question: nothing against Milledgeville, but why did he pick rural Georgia?
There is only one reason you go to a college club after 1:00 am on a Thursday night as a 28-year-old NFL quarterback. You're trying to get laid.
Reports from girls at the club that night said he was in a closed-off section of the VIP area. His big bodyguards were keeping people away. Some girls got invited let in. When all they wanted to do was take a picture Big Ben allegedly swore at them. A girl there said he was "aggressively hitting on another girl."
The accuser said he assaulted her in a women's bathroom.
Have you seen those pictures taken at the club that night? Roethlisberger looks like he weighs 300 pounds. He was wearing a XXXXL shirt with a huge devil logo on it. Not exactly looking like a boy scout.
He's got to just stay home. No other option at this point.
Roethlisberger has hired high-profile defense attorney Ed Garland, who has defended Ray Lewis and T.I. Garland is claiming "no criminal activity took place." Even if the charges aren't proven, the court of public opinion has to be nearing a verdict if it's not already there. Big Ben won't be looked at the same ever again.
Last July a hotel employee said she was raped by Roethlisberger a year earlier. The charges were denied, the accuser appeared not credible, the season started and the media dropped it. But what really happened that night?
Now here we are again. So many questions for the two-time Super Bowl champ. The first one is: "How stupid are you?" Followed by: "What the hell were you thinking?"
I've got to think bouncing his dome off a windshield without a helmet in 2006 did serious brain damage. If it's not affecting his play on the field, it certainly damaged the common sense/logical thought part of the brain. To put yourself in the same position, while still facing a sexual assault charge, defies any shred of good judgment or evidence of brain cells.
Clearly Roethlisberger doesn't get it, and never has. From the motorcycle accident to the first accusation to continuing to dive head-first after four concussions to this latest accusation, Big Ben is attempting to be the dumbest athlete since Pac Man Jones.
Roethlisberger has never been arrested. He's yet to be charged with a crime. But what does it say when he's facing another sexual assault case less than a year after the first?
He owns an off-season home on a lake about 30 miles from Milledgeville. Another question: nothing against Milledgeville, but why did he pick rural Georgia?
There is only one reason you go to a college club after 1:00 am on a Thursday night as a 28-year-old NFL quarterback. You're trying to get laid.
Reports from girls at the club that night said he was in a closed-off section of the VIP area. His big bodyguards were keeping people away. Some girls got invited let in. When all they wanted to do was take a picture Big Ben allegedly swore at them. A girl there said he was "aggressively hitting on another girl."
The accuser said he assaulted her in a women's bathroom.
Have you seen those pictures taken at the club that night? Roethlisberger looks like he weighs 300 pounds. He was wearing a XXXXL shirt with a huge devil logo on it. Not exactly looking like a boy scout.
He's got to just stay home. No other option at this point.
Roethlisberger has hired high-profile defense attorney Ed Garland, who has defended Ray Lewis and T.I. Garland is claiming "no criminal activity took place." Even if the charges aren't proven, the court of public opinion has to be nearing a verdict if it's not already there. Big Ben won't be looked at the same ever again.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Free Agency Causes Excitement
The NFL has unique powers. The season's been over for a month and there aren't games for another six months. The off-season has just started, but people are still acting like it's Christmas morning. The reason: Free agency.
Some big names have already been cut. LT, Westbrook, Thomas Jones, Jake Delhomme. Some bigger names are out visiting teams. Julius Peppers seems to be the most sought after free agent this year.
Glazer reported Peppers is in Chicago taking a physical with the Bears. Schefter just reported it's a done deal. I heard he was to visit the Pats and Philly, but I guess Lovie swept him off his feet.
Peppers is a great pick-up for the Bears, but that alone won't be enough for them to get them over the hump. Mike Martz still has to find a way to shrink Cutler's head and ego. Without Cutler playing at a high-level, it doesn't matter who the Bears sign.
I'm surprised Peppers chose them. I thought he wanted to play in a 3-4. Chester Taylor is also a nice pick-up for them, because Forte can't handle the load on his own. Taylor has only aged over the last three years with Minnesota, but he's got to be better than the other Adrian Peterson the Bears were using.
Free agency gives fans hope. All the "Wait 'til next year" fans get excited. They see their team as being one big name away from the Super Bowl. Usually not the case, but who can tell someone not to dream?
These signings no doubt have gotten Bears fans all lathered up with excitement and hope. I recall the same excitement from Bears fans last off-season when they got Cutler so forgive me for taking a wait-and-see approach. Peppers is a good start, but don't get out of control again, Bears fans. Win a few games first.
Trades are starting to surface now as well. The Jets picked up Antonio Cromartie for a conditional third-round pick in 2011. I love this pick up by Rex Ryan.
Cromartie was the best corner in the game in 2007. He's slipped a little bit the last couple of years, but that Chargers defense was a mess. I predict Cromartie to flourish in Ryan's 3-4 with Revis on the other side. He will be a top corner once again.
I saw a few jokes last night about Cromartie's tackling, especially the play on Shonn Greene. The Jets aren't looking for him to tackle. They want the lockdown cover man he's proven to be in years past so they can blitz even more.
I'll be looking forward to seeing where these free agents land. Then I will start the countdown until the draft. Then OTAs, then mini-camps, then preseason.
Then on the Saturday before Week 1, I'll look to see what Brett Favre is planning on doing.
Some big names have already been cut. LT, Westbrook, Thomas Jones, Jake Delhomme. Some bigger names are out visiting teams. Julius Peppers seems to be the most sought after free agent this year.
Glazer reported Peppers is in Chicago taking a physical with the Bears. Schefter just reported it's a done deal. I heard he was to visit the Pats and Philly, but I guess Lovie swept him off his feet.
Peppers is a great pick-up for the Bears, but that alone won't be enough for them to get them over the hump. Mike Martz still has to find a way to shrink Cutler's head and ego. Without Cutler playing at a high-level, it doesn't matter who the Bears sign.
I'm surprised Peppers chose them. I thought he wanted to play in a 3-4. Chester Taylor is also a nice pick-up for them, because Forte can't handle the load on his own. Taylor has only aged over the last three years with Minnesota, but he's got to be better than the other Adrian Peterson the Bears were using.
Free agency gives fans hope. All the "Wait 'til next year" fans get excited. They see their team as being one big name away from the Super Bowl. Usually not the case, but who can tell someone not to dream?
These signings no doubt have gotten Bears fans all lathered up with excitement and hope. I recall the same excitement from Bears fans last off-season when they got Cutler so forgive me for taking a wait-and-see approach. Peppers is a good start, but don't get out of control again, Bears fans. Win a few games first.
Trades are starting to surface now as well. The Jets picked up Antonio Cromartie for a conditional third-round pick in 2011. I love this pick up by Rex Ryan.
Cromartie was the best corner in the game in 2007. He's slipped a little bit the last couple of years, but that Chargers defense was a mess. I predict Cromartie to flourish in Ryan's 3-4 with Revis on the other side. He will be a top corner once again.
I saw a few jokes last night about Cromartie's tackling, especially the play on Shonn Greene. The Jets aren't looking for him to tackle. They want the lockdown cover man he's proven to be in years past so they can blitz even more.
I'll be looking forward to seeing where these free agents land. Then I will start the countdown until the draft. Then OTAs, then mini-camps, then preseason.
Then on the Saturday before Week 1, I'll look to see what Brett Favre is planning on doing.
The Fix Was In
From Clay Shaw to Jimmy Hoffa to David Stern, I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist. They intrigue me. I want to learn more and study them. The NBA and gambling/outcome favoring is still alive and well from my view.
Again last night, it really looked like the fix was in for the Lakers/Heat game.
You could tell early in the game that LA was going to be whistled for everything. Two plays in the first quarter, called by the same ref, featured Dwayne Wade getting the call where he wasn't touched. Bynum was targeted for, by my count, the league-leading 18th time.
It's a simple and effective strategy. You call fouls early on the favorite, sending starters to the bench, getting into the bonus and stifling a quick start. Donaghy said "targeting players" happened, and you see it play out over and over again. I don't put a lot of stock into what a degenerate gambler/felon says, but I had a feeling it was going on before he said anything. It's not as obvious if fouls are called in the first quarter, but it's still important.
FYI: I have never gambled on NBA basketball. I don't look at it from a gambling perspective as much as favoring certain players and teams on certain nights. Most of the time it's directly related to home-court.
If it's not favoring teams, how do you explain these calls? The refs are that bad at their job? I understand being on the take more than being that bad at the top-level of a profession. I understand being biased against someone. I don't get calling a foul on someone who isn't even playing close defense.
Don't think I'm riled up because it was the Lakers who lost. There are really bad calls against everyone, including Laker opponents. This was just the latest example on national TV.
If I could address every basketball official at every level across the country I would say this: Call fewer fouls. Make sure it's a foul before you blow the whistle.
It's a fine line and I understand that. But from the high school girls' basketball game Wednesday night to the NBA games last tonight, the refs call too many fouls.
Again last night, it really looked like the fix was in for the Lakers/Heat game.
You could tell early in the game that LA was going to be whistled for everything. Two plays in the first quarter, called by the same ref, featured Dwayne Wade getting the call where he wasn't touched. Bynum was targeted for, by my count, the league-leading 18th time.
It's a simple and effective strategy. You call fouls early on the favorite, sending starters to the bench, getting into the bonus and stifling a quick start. Donaghy said "targeting players" happened, and you see it play out over and over again. I don't put a lot of stock into what a degenerate gambler/felon says, but I had a feeling it was going on before he said anything. It's not as obvious if fouls are called in the first quarter, but it's still important.
FYI: I have never gambled on NBA basketball. I don't look at it from a gambling perspective as much as favoring certain players and teams on certain nights. Most of the time it's directly related to home-court.
If it's not favoring teams, how do you explain these calls? The refs are that bad at their job? I understand being on the take more than being that bad at the top-level of a profession. I understand being biased against someone. I don't get calling a foul on someone who isn't even playing close defense.
Don't think I'm riled up because it was the Lakers who lost. There are really bad calls against everyone, including Laker opponents. This was just the latest example on national TV.
If I could address every basketball official at every level across the country I would say this: Call fewer fouls. Make sure it's a foul before you blow the whistle.
It's a fine line and I understand that. But from the high school girls' basketball game Wednesday night to the NBA games last tonight, the refs call too many fouls.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Weekend Jumble
Men's Hockey - Gold Medal game didn't disappoint. USA/Canada proved to live up to the hype. A great run by Team USA and a nice treat for the hockey faithful out there. The tying goal with 24 ticks left made it an instant classic. I know nothing about hockey, but USA never really looked like they were going to win.
The Olympics never captured me this year. But I do like how the biggest event of the entire Games, the hockey final, turned out to be the best. I couldn't get excited for Lindsay Vonn and her bruised shin. Ohno doesn't do much for me, even though I like watching speed skating. Hockey was the biggest draw for most people and it came through with the two countries who were watching the most NBC playing for Gold.
Shaun White was the highlight of the Olympics for me. He is so much better than everybody else. I wish he would have competed more than one night.
Shaun White was the highlight of the Olympics for me. He is so much better than everybody else. I wish he would have competed more than one night.
More Olympics - Like many, I didn't care for the tape-delay style of broadcasting. It's only good if you're never on the Internet. It's only fun to watch skiing, bobsledding, curling and luging if you don't know who is going to win. That's true with every sport, but especially true with Olympic sports. At the same time, I understand why NBC used that broadcasting approach. It really had no choice.
USA got over on everyone in the medal count. We're the best at the Winter Olympics!! Or are we? I tend to think Canada's 14 Gold medals are more impressive than the total. I only care who won Gold. And USA was third in Gold. Germany finished with 10 to our nine.
With the Olympics over everyone can finally see Leno back in late-night.....
SHAQ and NBA notes - The Diesel went down with a thumb injury. It was only a matter of time before Shaq headed to the injury list. Typically this is the point in the season when Shaq gets "hurt" and rests until the playoffs, so nothing really shocking. But he took it a step further this year by opting for surgery.
He could miss up to eight weeks, possibly into the playoffs. But the worst part is Shaq was injured getting his shot blocked by Glen Davis. A new low for Shaq.
The Lakers managed to get by Denver 95-89 despite Kobe shooting 3 of 17. A credit to the Lakers depth, defense and some generous calls. If Denver is held under 90 points, a lot has to go the opponent's way.
Dirk Nowitzki is an all-time great player. I've been a fan for years and he continues to impress. He passed 20,000 career points earlier this season and has a lot of years ahead. He's the best shooting 7-footer in the history of the league. I enjoy watching his silky jumper and am impressed with his career.
Unfortunately, the 2006 Finals is still hanging over his head. I will never forget that choke. I've just chosen to put all blame on Avery Johnson.
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