During halftime of an NFL pre-season game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens, Tiki Barber heavily criticized Eli Manning’s leadership skills. The former Giant stated, “He didn't feel like his voice was going to be strong enough and it showed. Sometimes it was almost comical the way that he would say things.” Eli Manning did not take to those words kindly and retaliated by saying, “I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season. As a quarterback you're reading that your running back has lost the heart to play the game and it's about the 10th week, I can see that a little bit at times.” The current NFL analyst on NBC responded to that by commenting on his Sirius satellite radio show, “I have never, ever, ever not left 100% of myself on the football field.” Eli’s comments regarding Tiki Barber make perfect sense. Following a playoff loss in the 2005 NFL season, Tiki mentioned that Coughlin was “out coached” by Carolina Panthers coach John Fox. In 2006, Barber was frustrated due to coach Coughlin’s ineptitude at calling plays. This feud between Eli Manning and Tiki Barber is certainly not a Shaquille O’Neal vs Kobe Bryant situation, and it is not a Donovan McNabb vs. Terrell Owens situation. I doubt it will ever escalate to that level, but eyebrows have to be raised when you hear Manning say that. Eli is usually not the most demonstrative NFL player in the league. He is calm and reserved, so it was astonishing for him to make an audacious comment like that.
Larry Johnson has finally ended his holdout with the Kansas City Chiefs. The pro bowler concurred to a six year contract extension earlier this week. The Chiefs running back set the all time NFL record for attempts last season with 416; furthermore, he set the all time Chiefs franchise record in rushing with 1749 yards. The details of the contract is a $ 43.2 million and $ 19 million guaranteed. This negotiation would make Larry Johnson in a Kansas City Chiefs uniform until 2012. Due to the long and arduous 25 day holdout, the superstar running back will be fined $357,000. The Kansas City Chiefs went 0 - 2 without Larry Johnson in the lineup, so having number 27 back on the roster is a welcome addition. With the departure of veteran quarterback Trent Green, the Chiefs are looking for anything to enhance the offense. Damon Huard went 5 - 3 as a starter last NFL season, and he did a respectable job as Trent Green’s replacement. The younger and inexperienced Brodie Croyle has not made any progress; therefore, it appears Damon will be the starter in week 1 of the regular season. Priest Holmes has also been in contact with the Kansas City Chiefs regarding a comeback with the team. He had an amazing three year span where he scored over 60 touchdowsn. Defenses have something to fear if both Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson are healthy throughout the duration of the NFL season. Even though the Chiefs are in arguably the most toughest division, they definitely bolster their chances of winning with Larry Johnson.
It is official; Michael Vick is done with the rest of the NFL season. After deferring to his attorneys, the NFL quarterback has decided to accept a plea deal regarding the dog fighting operation. Vick will be spending at least ten months in jail for his actions. It was fairly obvious that Vick was headed to prison after a significant amount of incriminating evidence was found against him. The defense attorney (Lawrence Woodward) for Michael Vick stated, “Mike's accepting full responsibility. He's going to do everything he can personally and professionally to make this situation right.” Another one of Michael’s lawyers (Billy Martin) went on to say, “After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick asks that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors regarding the charges pending against him. Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his action and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.” The Atlanta Falcons invested $ 130 million in Michael Vick, but it has come to no avail. Fortunately, the Falcons will be able to reclaim at least $ 22 million of that $ 130 million contract. To make matters worse, Vick will not be able to play in the NFL until the 2010 football season. More likely than not, the pro bowl quarterback will be waived from the Atlanta Falcons after serving time in jail. Ticket sales will drastically plummet because Michael Vick was the box office attraction; moreover, he was the guy who filled the Georgia Dome with fans. The Michael Vick fiasco is like watching an episode of Cops. In virtually every episode of Cops, the criminal always denies that the drugs in the truck are his/hers. Furthermore, the criminals shrugs their shoulders and says “I don’t know how those drugs got there” or “those drugs aren’t mine” or “I was set up.” In reality, the criminals always know how the drugs got there because they put them there. Similarly, Michael Vick is doing the same thing. The only difference is instead of drugs, Vick is using dogs. Initially, Michael denied he had anything to do with this transgression. In reality, Mr. Vick knew how the dog killing equipment was at his property because he put them there. It appears that Michael Vick will not be barking out audibles at the line of scrimmage this NFL season (get it, I came up with that one all by myself). The old saying “if you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime” is in full effect here. For violating the NFL conduct policy, Michael Vick will be violated in prison (unless he sent to a jail with cellmates that have erectile dysfunction). With or without Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons are already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Michael Vick’s lawyers have not come to an agreement about a plea ordeal over the weekend. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback should be able to receive a verdict after August 19, 2007. He can either spend time in jail by striving for a plea bargain or go to court regarding his dog fighting operation. Arthur Blank (Falcons owner) stated, “It seems to be a pretty clear indication there will be some sort of plea entered. When? I'm not positive.” A grand total of three of Vick’s suspected partners plead guilty on August 17, 2007. One of them intends to take the “if I’m going down, I’m taking you with me approach” by explicitly saying Michael Vick participated in the execution of dogs.Both Michael Vick and his attorneys are declining to answer any questions from the media. The superstar NFL quarterback’s image has already been tarnished, and it seems like it will now be exacerbated even more. The NFL has respectfully asked Michael Vick to forgo going to training camp, and he has complied with the NFL’s request. If Vick is affiliated with gambling on these dog fights, he will be in prison and forever prohibited to play in the NFL. The future looks despondent for Michael Vick.
Tim Donaghy gambles away is life with a serious crime. The ex-referee pleaded guilty to two criminal charges today. These charges entail placing bets on NBA games he has officiated and utilized inside information to illegally earn money. The punishment Donaghy could be facing is up to 25 years in prison and over $ 500,000 in fines. David Stern (NBA commissioner) stated that this was the "most serious situation and worst situation that I have ever experienced either as a fan of the NBA, a lawyer for the NBA or a commissioner of the NBA." Tim Donaghy is immensely asinine for his callous actions. NBA officials make a respectable salary. Donaghy’s average salary is $ 200,000 a year, so what the hell was Tim thinking? I knew the San Antonio Spurs winning the NBA finals was a fluke. Maybe I can take Tim to Las Vegas, and he can manipulate the casinos to put me in a position to win. I know what Tim can do. He and Michael Vick can start their own gambling organization about dogs. They can call their company “Michael Vick and Tim Donaghy’s Octagon of Destruction.” Michael already has the dogs, so Tim can officiate the dog fights. Better yet, Tim can place bets on the dog fights and give inside information or vice versa. Vick will train the dogs, and Tim will make sure Michael’s dogs win the matches. Why not take this one step further? Michael and Tim should get Dick Chaney to host the event. Dick can also participate in killing the dogs along with Vick and Donaghy. It would be like killing two birds with one stone; or in this case, killing two dogs with one gun. I thought the Madden curse was dreadful, but Tim Donaghy is about to get pounded in all different directions in the jail cell.
Tiger Woods scorches the competition and wins the 2007 PGA Championship. This victory gives Mr. Woods his 13th major title and 4th PGA Championship. The heat index was well over 100 degrees, but Tiger remained unscathed. Even playing in inclement weather conditions could not prevent Tiger Woods from winning. Many questioned his desire to win after Woods became a father, however they were incorrect. The fire still burns inside him, and he is more passionate than ever. He may be considered to be the ultimate closer because he still has a picture perfect record of 13 - 0 heading into Sunday of a major with the lead. Dressed in his traditional red shirt with every intention to win, Tiger put an end to the rumors of his lack of concentration to golf. Some golfers were in awe of Woods. Other golfers wore a red shirt similar to Tiger’s shirt. But the result was the same: they all crumbled in front of Tiger Woods’ eyes. The coveted record of 18 majors by Jack Nicklaus is well within range. Barring an unforeseen injury, Tiger Woods is on pace to eclipse that mark fairly soon.
Tiger Woods seems relentless as he left the competition behind him. After three rounds of the 2007 PGA Championship, he is still in first place. Mr. Woods bolstered his two stroke lead into a three stroke lead on Saturday. Unfortunately, for the other golfers it appears to be over. Woods has a picture perfect record of 12 - 0 when leading after three rounds of a major. He was fairly candid when he stated, "I accomplished my goal today. My goal was to shoot under par and increase my lead, and I was able to do that." Sergio Garcia has no chance in hell to win this time around because he was disqualified. The perpetual choker did his usual choking again by incorrectly filling out his scorecard. It is just another day in the life of Sergio Garcia. He is still unable to shed the label “the best to not win a major.” Tiger Woods was far from perfect, but scoring a 69 was good enough to maintain the lead over Stephen Ames.
After the first two rounds, Tiger Woods is in control of the 2007 PGA Championship. Even though the new father failed to set a record for lowest round in a major, (62) he did manage to score a fairly grandiose 63. Everyone in attendance knew Tiger wanted the record; he came up one shot short. The last birdie putt went in and out of the hole. The golf ball touched every part of the hole and ultimately came out of the hole. It was almost as if the ball was taunting Mr. Woods as it rolled out of the hole and back onto the green. Tiger’s reaction was incredulous after missing the birdie that would have set the record, but he still remains in the lead by two strokes.
Reggie Miller has been contacted by the Boston Celtics regarding a comeback. The future Hall of Famer has not given a response yet. Since his retirement after the 2004-2005 season, he became an NBA analyst for TNT. If Miller does come back, he is expected to play 10 to 15 minutes. He would fit in nicely with the Celtics in his prime, but at 42 Reggie might not work well in Boston. The Knicks killer would be joining a Boston team with 3 superstars in Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and newly acquired Kevin Garnett. Will it be Miller Time again?
Or will this comeback attempt be eerily similar to a dreadful Michael Jordan comeback?
After a week of holding out, Brady Quinn has signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns. The deal is done; furthermore, it is a $ 20 million and 5 years (along with $ 7 million guaranteed). The former Notre Dome quarterback was drafted with the 22nd overall pick by the Browns in the 2007 NFL draft. His stock diminished after his incessant inaccuracy throwing the football. Brady was expected to be drafted in the top 10, but that never came to fruition. Quinn wanted $ 8 million in guaranteed money; however, Cleveland offered him less than that. Both sides finally comprimised to approximately a $ 7 million in guaranteed money. The new quarterback is not expected to start since he failed to attend numerous practices due to the holdout. Currently, Mr. Quinn is number 3 on the depth chart (behind Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson).
The Big Ticket was purchased by the Boston Celtics recently. Yes, that is right. Kevin Garnett was traded to Boston on July 31, 2007. The former MVP was traded from Minnesota Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, and Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, and draft picks. The 10 time NBA All-Star joins forces will stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. This blockbuster transaction has to send shock-waves throughout the NBA (especially in the Eastern conference). There has not been a trade with this much attention since Shaq was traded to Miami.
Kevin stated, "This is probably my best opportunity at winning a ring. It was a no-brainer." With the disappointment of not receiving the number 1 pick despite having the most ping pong balls in the lottery, the Celtics have something to be elated about. What does this mean for other teams? The Heat, Pistons, and Cavaliers have to be concerned there might be a new beast in the east.
A melancholy day for sports fans everywhere, as Bill Walsh has passed away today. He was the mastermind behind the west coast offense that is so prevalent in the NFL. The former San Francisco 49ers coach won 3 Super Bowls and is a member of the Hall of Fame. After a long and arduous battle with leukemia, he died at age 75. Without Bill Walsh, players like Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice would not be a lock for the Hall of Fame. Joe Montana stated, “This is just a tremendous loss for all of us, especially to the Bay Area because of what he meant to the 49ers. For me personally, outside of my dad he was probably the most influential person in my life. I am going to miss him.” Walsh was more than a coach. To many, he was like a father figure and a mentor. Even though he is no longer living, he set the groundwork for the 49er dynasty in the 1980s. He gave countless African Americans their first coaching job including Ray Rhodes and Dennis Green. In addition, numerous other coaches learned from his style such as his successor who won 2 Super Bowls George Seifert. He will be sorely missed, and we can only wish his family the best.
Michael Vick pleaded not guilty yesterday, and his court date will be on November 26, 2007. Michael was heckled by a myriad of people from fans to PETA. Vick seemed contrite when he attempted to apologize for his actions. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback declined to comment to reporters. For a man who might be going to jail, Michael looked aloof dressed in a stylish black suit. The NFL banned Vick from attending training camp throughout the investigation; however, he has not been suspended. PETA was all over Michael Vick. I detest PETA because they are using Michael as a target when they are not going after jockeys. PETA is nothing more than a pseudo organization. Members of PETA probably do not even care about animals. If you are a member of PETA, then you deserve to get mauled by dogs. Did I mention the amount of hatred I have for PETA? To paraphrase Charles Barkley, “animals should be either worn or eaten.” Regardless of whether you are a Michael Vick fan, one thing remains true: he could go from pounding dogs at home to receiving poundings in prison “doggy style.” It all really does come full circle.
The FBI is inspecting accusations regarding NBA referee Tim Donaghy and gambling. Tim allegedly placed bets on games that he officiated. Even though Donaghy is being meticulously examined, he declined to comment. Do you want to know who was the referee during the night of the enormous brawl between the Pacers and Piston fans? Yes, you guesses it; it was none other than Tim Donaghy. David Stern stated “We would like to assure our fans that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports, and to take the necessary steps to protect against this ever happening again.David is an asinine and perverse man. Making wrong decision after wrong decision ever year. Going back to last season with the dress code and this year with the new basketball. What did those 2 things do? Nothing. The dress code did not decrease the number of technical fouls, and the new synthetic basketball was dreadful. If this is a one time occurrence, then this will more likely than not be impertinent. Conversely, this could expose other referees that might also be entailed in gambling. I do not necessarily believe that Tim was responsible for the “Malice at the Palace” in Detroit. But more people have to be vigilant about Donaghy’s officiating because this has the potential to be another “black eye” for the NBA. Unlike me, Tim is not calling it like he sees it (inside joke; look at my blog title). I knew the NBA was rigged. How else would you explain the Clippers making the playoffs during the 2005-2006 season? This is the worst thing that has transpired to the NBA since the Memphis Grizzlies.
Harrington outlasts the catastrophe of Carnoustie There was no doubt that many were contemplating about the infamous Jean Van de Velde's dismal performance in 1999. Padraig Harrington ultimately comprehended the rigorous golf course at Carnoustie. He outlived a disastrous finish in regulation to salvage the victory. Padraig was able to make a bogey to fend off Sergio in the playoff. Garcia missed an easy par put at the 8th hole, and he had no confidence on his par putt on the 15th hole. Harrington found the burn twice; however, he still prevailed to win the tournament. It was the same old, same old for Garcia. Sergio had a 3 shot lead, but he choked. He is still a choker, and has not shed the label the best to not win a major.
After the second round of the Open Championship, Sergio Garcia is still leading by 2 strokes. Choi is in second place followed by Angel and Mike Weir tied at third. Reigning champion Tiger Woods scored a disastrous 74, but he still believes he has a chance to win. Colin Montgomerie played so poorly that he did not even make the 4 over par cut. Unfortunately, he was not the only marquee golfer not to make the cut. Paul Lawrie, Justin Leonard, David Toms, and Phil Mickelson will also not be participating this weekend.
Brilliant scores were recorded everywhere during a first round that had somewhat inclement weather conditions. Sergio Garcia putted like Tiger Woods today scoring an amazing six under par; furthermore, giving Garcia a score of 65 to start the Open Championship. This round was immensely better than his egregious opening round at the Open Championship in 1999 (which was ultimately won by Paul Lawrie.) Some other notable mentions Paul McGinley shooting a 67, and the reigning US Open Champ Angel Cabrera near the top. The winner of last years’ event Tiger Woods shot a 69 with plenty of room for improvement. Rain might be a factor for the second round as well. We will have to watch meticulously. Will Woods win 3 in a row? Will Sergio pull a Phil Mickelson and choke? Sergio is like the Jim Kelly of golf. He has never won anything his entire career, nut hopes to alter that at this time around. I would not be surprised if he and has a Phil Mickelson-like choke-job at this event.
Michael Vick was indicted by a jury yesterday due to charges affiliated with prohibited dog fighting. He is being accused of essentially instructing pit bulls on how to become killers. The animals were residing in a house Michael owned in Virginia where the dogs would fight until the bitter end. Supposedly, Vick began dog fighting soon after he was drafted by Atlanta; some dogs were drowned, electrocuted, hanged or shot. Michael could spend 6 years in jail along with various other fines if he is convicted. The Vick family is claiming that they knew nothing regarding the dog fighting accusations, but God only knows what is really going on. He has not been proven guilty, so he should be given the right for due process. The Falcons quarterback mentioned he was seldom at his property in Virginia. Evidence including huge piles of money suggests that an exorbitant amount of gambling was taking place at this location. If the dogs were not proficient killers, then they were slaughtered as was the case in April 2007. The FBI meticulously searched the property to reveal some critical and incriminating evidence. They apprehended 66 animals and gear universally utilized in dog fighting. It is perverse that Michael is held to a higher standard because he has the name “Vick” on the back of his uniform. Michael is not the only NFL player who is allegedly entailed in dog fighting, so why is the FBI not going after those players? Since Vick is a marquee player, the authorities are targeting him. I am not saying Michael is innocent nor guilty because I do not know; however, it is unfathomable that the average joe in the NFL is not being indicted. This entire unfortunate occurrence is transparently a double standard. How much damage will this do to Vick's career? I do not expect him to be on the cover of Madden anytime soon, but it does take the Madden curse to a new level.
Things that athletes are doing with their free time are asinine. A bevy of these occurrences have transpired to a wide variety of athletes. The first event that comes to mind is about the Cincinnati Bengals. If I were to list all of the NFL players who have been arrested on that team, I would have to spend an eternity in front of a computer (just like those nerds who play Warcraft and have no life). Keeping track of the number of Bengals who have been arrested is the equivalent of keeping track of the number of times Paris Hilton has been called a slut, whore, bitch, chicken-head, hoochie, skank, hoe, prostitute, tramp, hooker and many more. How many arrests have there been on the Bengals roster? I feel like every single time I watch a Cincinnati Bengals game, it is like watching an episode of Cops. A former Pacer and current Warrior Stephen Jackson has been another player that has been in trouble with the law. Apparently, there was an incident at a strip club. He brought a gun to the night club. My question is who the hell brings a gun to strip club? Was he going to shoot the striper that refused to give him a lap-dance? Pacman Jones is another NFL who has had his share of blunders over his life. I HAVE HAD IT WITH THIS GUY! He was arrested for charges of assault and felony vandalism at a nightclub. Jones brought a total of over $ 80,000 to the strip club. For $ 80,000 you have to find a striper with a gorgeous body to die for, and he did just that. No, Pacman Jones is not dead. However, he can no longer get paid to do what he loves to do which very similar to dying. At some point, the Titans have to sever ties with this nuisance to society because he is a liability. Tank Johnson is yet another athlete who has had his conflicts with law enforcement. His property was searched, and a plethora of guns were found. Why the hell would need all those weapons? Was he planning to go fight in Iraq? Was he trying to protect someone affiliated with the witness protection program? I hope Walter Payton is not rolling over in his grave.
During halftime of an NFL pre-season game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens, Tiki Barber heavily criticized Eli Manning’s leadership skills. The former Giant stated, “He didn't feel like his voice was going to be strong enough and it showed. Sometimes it was almost comical the way that he would say things.” Eli Manning did not take to those words kindly and retaliated by saying, “I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season. As a quarterback you're reading that your running back has lost the heart to play the game and it's about the 10th week, I can see that a little bit at times.” The current NFL analyst on NBC responded to that by commenting on his Sirius satellite radio show, “I have never, ever, ever not left 100% of myself on the football field.” Eli’s comments regarding Tiki Barber make perfect sense. Following a playoff loss in the 2005 NFL season, Tiki mentioned that Coughlin was “out coached” by Carolina Panthers coach John Fox. In 2006, Barber was frustrated due to coach Coughlin’s ineptitude at calling plays. This
feud between Eli Manning and Tiki Barber is certainly not a Shaquille O’Neal vs Kobe Bryant situation, and it is not a Donovan McNabb vs. Terrell Owens situation. I doubt it will ever escalate to that level, but eyebrows have to be raised when you hear Manning say that. Eli is usually not the most demonstrative NFL player in the league. He is calm and reserved, so it was astonishing for him to make an audacious comment like that.
