So Far, Murray is Handling the Pressure

Of all the reasons many sports stars have not lived up to their potential, pressure may be at the top of the list. Whether it be from fans, media or coaches, an incredible amount of pressure tends to be put on athlete’s who they deem have the chance to be great. A great example of this dynamic is the Scotland’s Andy Murray, currently the No.3 tennis player in the world.

Murray will be playing Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon tomorrow, and realistically, a loss is not acceptable. You see, Murray isn’t just playing to win this tournament for himself. No, he is playing for an entire kingdom.

The United Kingdom takes great pride in everything. They are very nationalistic, and they certainly love rooting for their own. That includes rooting for their countrymen in sporting events, which is where Murray comes into the fold. Murray, as the nation’s star player, will be playing on Centre Court, and he will be expected to win, no matter the circumstances.  That’s because, quite frankly, the British are tired of losing.

The last British man to win Wimbledon was Fred Perry, in 1936. That’s a stretch of 73 years, and it has been an extremely difficult stretch at that. The UK has had a few hopeful contenders in during that time period, the most notable being Tim Henman. Henman was very talented, and he was expected to be the  player to finally win Wimbledon for all of the UK. All of the Britain seemed to come out and support him when he would play in the country’s Championship. During his time in the sport, he became a staple of Centre Court — the most famous court in all tennis.

Everyone wanted to see their man win matches for all of Britain, and eventually win it all. Further explaining their excitement, there is a grass area outside of Court 1 with a TV screen where fans can watch the match being played on Centre Court. Henman was always featured, and fans packed the area to its capacity. Soon enough, the area affectionately came to be known as “Henman Hill.” Fans would wait for hours, drinking champagne and Pimm’s, waiting to watch Henman play.

Henman was a man with a flair for the dramatic, as all of his matches seemed to be close, and tense. Unfortunately for the British, that style became the story of his career. He made it to the semifinals of Wimbledon four times, but was never able to win.

Someone else would have to come along and once again give the British hope. That man was Murray.

Murray burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2005 as a player with tons of promise and potential — the kind of promise that gave the British heavy expectations. Murray made it to the third round, but lost a tough match in which he had a two sets to love lead against David Nalbandian. It was an acceptable finish for someone who was playing in his first Wimbledon.

But as he continued to grow as a player, expectations were only going to rise. How Murray would be able to handle those expectations was a big question mark. He seemed to struggle with the astronomical expectations early in his career, as he was a fiery player who at times had trouble controlling his emotions. As time went on, however, he would learn to stay much more calm during his matches.

Gradually, his results began to improve at Wimbledon. In 2006, he was defeated by Marcos Baghdatis in the fourth round; in 2007, a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament; and last year, he lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals.

Since the loss to Nadal, Murray has become an even better player, as evidenced by his run to the final of the U.S. Open in 2008. Coming into this year’s Wimbledon, the pressure has become exceedingly great. With the way he had been playing leading up to the tournament, fans expected him to reach the final.

Up to this point, Murray has done an excellent job of playing under the intense pressure of the hometown fans. He has been featured on Centre Court in all four of his matches, and he’s performed admirably. He has gone through his competition with relative ease — with the exception of Monday’s match against Stanislas Wawrinka. The match was the first ever to be played under the roof at Wimbledon, and it also became the latest match ever to be played on Centre Court (it ended just after 10:30pm England time). In dramatic fashion that even Henman could admire, Murray lost the first set, won the next two, lost the fourth and won the fourth. The atmosphere was incredible, as the fans seemed to be even louder with the echoes that accompanied being under the roof.

Now, Murray will face Ferrero in a match that he is once again expected to win. Just like they did when Henman was making his runs at Wimbledon, the fans will pack Centre Court and what is now known as “Mount Murray.” The pressure that is mounting on this 22-year-old is extraordinary, but he things are only going to get more difficult if he advances. His potential semifinal match would come against either Lleyton Hewitt or Andy Roddick, two former champions who still have the ability to play well in this tournament. Murray has a solid serve that has variety, excellent ground stroke and the ability to counterpunch, then become the aggressor when it is least expected. His game would fare well against either of the two, and he most likely would want to face Hewitt, who does not boast the power that Roddick does.

First, he needs to make sure he doesn’t overlook Ferrero, which would seem hard to do considering how much pressure he has on him.

It is not going to be easy for Murray to win this tournament. The British fans have placed tons of pressure on him; the fans want to erase what has become the curse of Fred Perry.

Moreover, they are craving to salute one of their own as champion of one of the most prestigious events in Britain.

They hope Murray is their man.

Well This Is The House That Dana White Built Now Who’s Goin’ To Tell Him How To Run It ?

Well if you’re an erstwhile follower of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Then you’ll no doubt be fully aware of who Dana White is ? And the immense power and influence that he has over the sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).

Dana White the President of UFC Inc. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Scott McGlenden ...............

And as the President of UFC , (Ultimate Fighting Championships) his sphere of influence and the power that it carries borders on that of a autocratic ruler. His word is the last and final say as to the direction that the sport takes. And if anything he’s been known to be less than tolerant to those whom he feels aren’t prepared to subjugate themselves to his wish.

Welterweight champion George St Pierre looks quickly to take control over his challenger B J Penn during their welterweight title bout at UFC 94. St Pierre would retain the title in convincing fashion with the defeat of Penn. picture appears courtesy of mma.weekly.com/ Marcus Treforte’ ………

Often looked upon in the context of being nothing more than street brawling. Where almost anything goes with regard to the rules. In reality nothing could be further from the truth as the sport has grown in volumes. And where its rabid fans are predominantly young men aged between 18-45 . Strangely enough though there’s a growing following amongst young teenage boys of high school age. And at the same time there’s an increasing following amongst young women. Albeit that White , himself, doesn’t feel that there’s room at the table where women will be welcomed and compete against their own. But there’s a growing belief that as that particular movement fomeents itself . We may well see a change in direction from White and that of UFC.

UFC 100 fight card promotional poster. The event itself will be a televized PPV event. Which the promoters UFC hope will be a box office record in terms of revenues. The main card inludes world title bouts between Brock Lesnar , Frank Mir, George St Pierre , Thiago Alves and the very highly anticipated and some believe will a highly contentious middleweight none title bout between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping. picture appears courtesy of 5thround.com/

But as the sport has grown in popularity. Wherein it is on the cusp of becoming one of the fastest mass participation sports in terms of not only fans but also as a means of recreation. It can be said that the sport has not only outgrown its niche . But also the legacy of being once thought of as being nothing more of a truly barbaric spectacle to watch and even participate in. No longer considered to be the back yard brawling or street fighting myriad and blood festooned sport that many thought it to be.

Lesnar takes it to Randy Couture on his way to winning the UFC heacvyweight title at UFC 94. picture appears courtesy of newsday.som / Art Richards ............

One of the things that White has been proactive in has been the safety aspects of the sport. And it has been largely through his own edicts that we’ve seen a great deal put in place. Whereby a medical team is in place at all of their sanctioned bouts . And that inlcudes those of the UFC and that of its smaller affiiliate WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting).

What has truly caught the public’s imagination in large has been the meteoric rise of the sport. And the very fact that it now outstrips professional boxing and the manic buffoonery of the WWE in terms of a mass audience appeal , viewership and economic revenues. It can be said that MMA as a sport is far more popular that the declining viewership of professional boxing and the closely orchestrated plotlines of the WWE.

The PPV revenues of the sport far outstrips those of the professional wrestling and in particular boxing. The latter may well be due to the fact that its once most prestigious division no longer has a champion that truly resonates with the fans. So arhaic and almost laughable has the heavyweight division become within the sport of boxing. That one seriously doubts that most would be able to recognize the multiple claimants of the heavyweight title itself. The cast of characters within the sport of boxing and that of wrestling now are so closely interwoven that it’s hard to tell them apart. You’ve either got cartoon characters or vapid characters devoid talent and emotion.

Anderson Sliva (right) uses a frontal kick to stop his opponent Dan Henderson in his tracks at this moment. picture appears courtesy of espn.com/ Ric Fogel .........

MMA gives you highly skilled athletes who are highly adroit in their chosen field . Many of them may well have a wrestling background or even have a martial arts background. Then have gone on to combine the two in order to compete within the sport. Be it ju-jitsu, karate , tae-kwondo , savate , muay thai boxing , or judo.

And while we may well labor under the fact that the sport is only sanctioned in but a few states across the country. The fact of the matter is that its tentacles have now reached across the globe and is popular on each of the continents. And even though we’ve seen fledling organizations crop up either hoping to challenge the presence of UFC or even nibble for the scraps of what now is a multi billion dollar sport. It has to be said that the sport under White has made enormous leaps and bounds. But yet is White’s unsavory thirst and lust for power that has got him caught in the cross hairs of promoters and former fighters within the UFC stable.

If a fighter isn’t signed to the UFC stable or its smaller affiliate. Then it becomes exceedingly hard for them to gain the exposure they seek. And without that exposure off-course a fighter cannot make a living. And while the other upstart organizations such as Affliction and K1. But there are several other who are in place but only a tiny minnow in an ever growing pond. UFC’s mark has been profound as too are the ambitions of Dana White.

Which brings me to what he’s now decidedly stating will be the best promotional bout put on by the organization. UFC 100 will take place on the 11th July at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas , Nevada. And the fight card promises to be one that’s ladened with a roster full of well known MMA protagonists. Amongst those taking center stage will be the current UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar who’ll be defending his title against Frank Mir. It’s being tagged as a unification bout as Mir is the interim champion.

And though the complete fight card will have two title bouts as part of the main event. The whole schedule of fights should give even the most avid of MMA fans something to get excited about. Perhaps none more so than the welterweight title bout between the holder George St Pierre and the Brazilian ju-jitsu martial artist Thiago Alves. To ignore however the full card would be to deprive the MMA enthusiast the full measure of what this sport is truly about. And above all why it’s so rabidly followed and the fact that the top fighters have their own loyal and devout legions of fans. Which in effect is more than can be said of the sport of boxing.

Once fighters ascend to the top of the MMA fight game. The recognition is instantaneous and with it comes the usual notoriety, wealth and acclaim. The top fighters can and do make in excess of six figures . And as usual some have been able to lure endorsers and have been enabled to pursue other fields of interests . Hence the reason we’re now seeing some boxers and former WWE stars cross the divide to enter the genre.

Thiago Alves lays waste to Matt Hughes seen here during their bout at UFC 85. Alves would win the bout with a devastating knockout of Hughes using a high knee kick. picture appears courtesy of zuffz llc/ Josh Hedges ..........

And though we can question White and his resolve. As to the direction with he wishes to push the sport. Total world domination in any guise seems to be his ultimate desire. It has to be said at that this juncture with the money being made by the sport and through its various subsidiaries . It’s indeed hard to state categorically that White is the right man in the right place at the right time to steer the sport at present. So far he may well have had one or two mis-steps. But those mis-steps are nowhere near as disatrous as one might first have perceived them to be.

Whilst the fans are happy , UFC is making money and the fighters no doubt are earning money as well. There’s not really much more that can be said. Other than to just go out there and cheer on your favorite fighter . That’s if you happen to be an avid UFC fight fan ?

Well That Was The Weekend That Was

The death of Michael Jackson notwithstanding . It’d appear the sport’s world carried on in its usual customary way. Jackson’s death became headline news around the world . As is befitting that of a once powerful entertainment icon.

Myself on the other hand, I wasn’t overly concerned with his death. Because despite his many manifestations and the fact that the so called long awaited CD never amounted to much. His death if anything is a god-send to us all. Unfortunately however , we’ll now have to deal with the endless speculation as to the cause of his death. And until the coroner’s office carries out the autopsy , we’ll never really know the true cause of death.

Melanie Oudin (right) of the US shakes hands with Serbia's Jelena Jankovic , having just defeated the Serbian in three sets to make it into the fourth round of the women's singles tournament at Wimbledon. As Sunday was a rest day , play resumes bright and early on Monday morning. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Martha Hutchinson ..............

As Wimbledon proceeds into its second week. We’ve seen the rise of another American female teen sensation in the guise of seventeen year old Melanie Oudin, who defeated the sixth seed and former world #1 Jelana Jankovic 6-7(8-10),7-5,6-2, to make her way into the fourth round at Wimbledon in the women’s singles tournament. For Oudin this is her moment in the sportlight on the sport’s greatest stage. And anything garnered now from hereonin can only be considered a bonus for the young teen.

Serbia's Victor Troicki makes an athletic attempt dive to keep the ball in play and alive in the game against Britain's Andy Murray. Murray would go on to win the match in straight sets 6-2,6-3,6-4 , and make his way into the fourth round at Wimbledon. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Carl De Souza ..............

And as usual the expected names one’s accustomed to seeing have made it into the second week at Wimbledon. There’ve been one or two surprises and small upsets. But nothing as such that would indeed send a seismic shift across the sport.

Now if anything is we’re liable to see the men separated from the boys. And the girls separated from the women. As those who can legitimately lay claim to the title will now begin to make their presence felt over the ensuing rounds.

Joey Logano speaks with the convened press after his historic win of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH,. Also in pictue is Tony Stewart and his crew chief Greg Zippadelli . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Marcus Goodridge ...............

And the fans of NASCAR saw history being made when Joey Logano all of nineteen years of age became the sport’s youngest driver to win a Sprint Cup event. Logano won the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 in a rain shortened race at Loudon, New Hampshire.

Though the race wasn’t without its moments . It can be said that with the inclement weather did put somewhat of a damper on a race that many may well have been looking forward to.

Kyle Busch (18) driver of the Interstate Batteries Toyota pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup series race the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 from the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH. picture appears courtesy of getty images/NASCAR / Jerry Markland ..................

For Dale Earnhardt Jr this proved to be something of a respite albeit that he finished outside the top ten with a thirteenth place finish. As to his postseason ambitions of making it to the Chase. His chances seem to be diminishing by the race . And for team boss Rick Hendrick whilst he’s still got implicit faith in Dale Jr, one has to question how much longer that this can really go on. As clearly with each passing moment you can clearly see that a great mistake was made in the letting go of Kyle Busch from the team to incorporate Earnardt within Hendrick Motorsports’ midst. Albeit that Earnhardt Jr may well be deemed of greater value in terms of the corporate brand imaging , popularity and the money that no doubt follows him in endorsements. But the facts are there for all to see ….nothing beats winning. And that’s something that Busch has become accustomed to doing since his departure from Hendricks Motorsports. His successor on the other hand has yet to win a Sprint Cup race for his team.

In baseball the AL East is very much the division we’d all believed it would be . The New York Yankees (43-32) are finding ways to win . Even though they’re having to play catchup with the Boston Red Sox (46-29) who lead their fierce and determined rivals by a mere three games. And slowly making up ground are last season’s winners of the AL pennant and the division the Tampa Bay Rays(42-35).

Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera comes to the mound in the eighth inning of the Subway Series game against the New York Mets played at Citi FIeld in Flushing , New York City, New York. Rivera would go on to record the 500th regular season save of his long and illustrious career in the Yankees' 4-2 triumph of the New York Mets. picture appears courtesy of getty images/Jim McIsaac .............

Such is the rivalry now being created between the trio that the drama as it unfolds warrants close scrutiny by the most knowledgeable of all fans. For if anything we’re liable to see the winner of the division become the prohibitive favorite to win the World Series outright.

Rivera is congratulated by Yankees' third base and bench coach Tony Pena after he nothces the Yankees' 4-2 triumph over the Mets at Citi Field , Flushing , New York,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jim McIsaac ...............

Of the three teams at present it may well be the Rays and the Red Sox who are playing the best at present. And rthat’d be based on the record of their last ten games respectively. With the Rays going (7-3) to a decidedly more (6-4) by the Red Sox. The Yankees have matched the Rays in that respect but when measured against who’ve they’ve been playing as of late in the moribund Subway Series against a woefully inept New York Mets’ team. You can understand my reasoning for not being too overly impressed with those particular results.

The Yankees have swept their crosstown neighbors in the season series and along the way their legendary closer Mariano Rivera was able to notch up his 500th regular season save in Major League Baseall. Quite an achievement for a player who’s well respected by his peers as well the fans across the game of baseball.

And whilst much of this is going on within the game. Nothing much has really changed by way of the way with which the game’s hierarchy still creates the facade that it’s on the right path as far as its steroid abuse program is concerned. While Manny Ramirez sits out his apparent 50 game suspension he’s still able to participate in games . Albeit that it’s at the minor league level. And as asinine as it appears there’s nothing at all the league can do about it. But then again these are the rules that we’re led to believe that the game has to abide by ? So when is a suspension not a suspension within the realms of Major League Baseball ? That’s something I for one feel that inquiring minds would really like to know.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter presents Brazil's captain Lucio (3) with the Confederations' Cup trophy after the Brazilian team's 3-2 ttriumph over the United States men's soccer team in the finals of the competition played in South Africa. picture appears courtesy of bongarts/ getty images/ Cristof Koepsel .................

Alas, the heartfelt story and dream that has yet to be fulfilled came to an abrupt end. The US men’s soccer team failed when they were asked to try and achieve the impossible. Having pulled off the upset victory over Spain the semi-finals of FIFA’s Confed Cup. The fell to the might of Brazil in a spirited display by the US team.

Clint Dempsey (8) , Charlie Davies (9) center and teammate Sacha Kjelstan of the US team are somewhat despondent after the team's 3-2 loss to Brazil in the Final of FIFA's Confederation Cup tournament held in South Africa. The country will also be the venue for next year's World Cup. picture appears courtesy of bongarts / getty images Cristof Koepsel ....................

The victory might’ve been never been doubt had they been able to hang on to the 2-0 lead they built up in the first half of the game. With millions watching at home and tens of thousands watching in the stands showing support for both teams. It has to be said that we may well have been seeing the beginnings of something new in terms of real support for the men’s national squad. Finally they’re gaining some recognition from the fans and not being merely thought of as an afterthought or side show.

Luis Fabiano (9) of Brazil scores the game tying goal in the finals of FIFA's Confederations Cup game played against the US team at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg , South Africa . picture appears bongarts / getty images/ Cristof Koepsel ..................

Were the US men’s team triumphant over their South American counterparts instead of succumbing to a heartfelt 3-2 loss . Then there might be still some room for thought . And the chance that this team is capable and on the right track of pursuing a legitimate thought that they could be considered a contender for next year’s World Cup.

The game’s showcase event will make a return to South Africa where the World Cup will be staged. However, the team ought to be commended for the spirited fight that they put up against Brazil at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg in front of a sold out crowd.

As to what can be contemplated here at home. Well one can only hope that the support that was forthcoming and shown for the team can be maintained. If only to give the team the full support needed as they pursue their quest of garnering a berth for next year’s World Cup to be held in South Africa. And in order to do that the team will have to become more resolute , poised but above all maintain a level of consistency that has been lacking in their game . And which has led to their demise more often that we care to acknowledge. If anything that has been the thing that has really let the US men’s national team down over the years.

So this was the weekend that was. Well it was most definitely as such as far as the sporting highlights were concerned. Was there anything that you felt as such was worthy of acknowledging as far as the sporting weekend was concerned ?

Soccer? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Soccer

Low and behold it’d appear that the world seems to have slipped off its axis somewhat. Well it appears to be that way in the manner with which it’s been described how the US men’s national soccer team defeated Spain (2-0) in the semi-finals of Confed Cup being played in Bloemfontein, South Africa .

Clint Dempsey of the US celebrates the first of two goals scored by the team to defeat Spain 2-0 in the semi final of the Confed Cup being played in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The other goal scorer for the team was Jozy Altidore. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Joseph Block ..................

While it was a stunning upset of the world’s number one ranked team. In no way should it all be compared with ‘The Miracle On Ice’ . That was after all an extraordinary upset that ranks up there with the alltime great sporting surprises. And the scene of the event itself was the 1980 Olymic men’s hockey finals in Lake Placid , New York. This was is a meaningless competition that’s merely a warmup for next year’s World Cup to be played on the African continent in South Africa, itself.

If anything it gives the US team a boost in confidence and the mindset that they can compete with and beat the best. But since the US team has never been known as a model of consistency when it comes to the sport . The best that one can do is to congratulate coach Bob Bradley and his team on a job well done.

It was a bravura performance by the side and with goals coming from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey. It can be said that the team has far exceeded expectations in making it to the finals of the competition. There they’ll await the winner of the game between Brazil or the host of the competition, South Africa.

As to what this’ll mean to the fans in large may go now go a long way in the sport being finally well received in the eyes of the public. In order for the game to resonate at the professional level here in the United States. The men’s national team has to attain some level of respect at the international level. Thus far they’re not taken seriously at the international. But perhaps with this victory they may well be seen in a new light amongs their international competitors. What might even add to the luster of this victory , would be if they were win the competition outright . That if anything would signify that quite possibly the team has finally arrived at the upper echelons of the international game.

And while there’s the belief that Major League Soccer (MLS) has given rise to the level of competition of the players internationally. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything it has given some of the players on the team’s roster match experience. The real experience has been attained by the players who’ve sought to learn their craft abroad at the club level playing particularly in Europe. Where in fact they have the most competitive leagues , clubs and best players in the world competing.

Members of South Africa's national soccer team leave the field after their narrow loss to Brazil (1-0) in the semi-finals of FIFA's Confederation Cup played in South Africa. The finals now pits the US against Brazil. The South Africans put on a brave display at the Ellis Park Stadium in Joahannesburg, South Africa. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Antonio Scorza ...............

As we now can either surmise or contemplate what this now means for the sport of soccer here in the United States. It must be admitted that the victory as suprising as it was may well bring about a new found inspiration to the fans in large. Merely because it’ll add to the belief. If we can beat Spain then we’re quite capable of acquitting ourselves against the best that the world has to pit against us. The caveat being is the team capable of maintaining a level of consistency that’d be needed to win such a prestigious tournament such as the World Cup ?

If nothing else it’d be interesting to see that scenario be raised just to see how the team would fare.

Vince Carter to the Magic?

As we get closer the NBA Draft tonight, trade rumors are flying everywhere. One rumor picking up steam is Vince Carter going to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee. I’ll have some thoughts on this if it actually happens. For now, here’s the report from ESPN.com:

The New Jersey Nets are in serious talks with the Magic about a deal that will send Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee, two league sources told ESPN.com.

The talks have reached a point that a deal could be done by the end of the day Thursday, according to sources.

The trade would give the Magic even more star power on their quest to win an NBA championship. The addition of Carter to a lineup that already consists of All-Star players Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelsonwould make Orlando the favorite to win the Eastern Conference title next year if the franchise also finds a way to bring back Hedo Turkoglu, who will opt out of his contract this summer.

As for the Nets, the move is a cost-cutting measure. Both Alston and Battie are in the last year of their contracts, and trading for them would shave $16.5 million off New Jersey’s roster in the summer of 2010 and put the Nets well below the salary cap.

It Just Screams Idiocy

I’ve never been much of a hockey fan. As I could never get into the sport and having seen how naive and asinine both the hierarchy of the sport and players are !. It’s been of no surprise to me to see the sport fall from grace in the eyes of many.

The Stanley Cup trophy perhaps the most revered trophy of the four major sports in North America. It's certainly the one with the most illustrious history behind it all. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/ Doug MacLellan ...........

And though the recent Stanley Cup Finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings was thrilling and filled with excitement. It still doesn’t hide the fact that the sport is still in trouble. And it must’ve come as a surprise to many that there was an up tick in viewing for the Finals. It was a thrilling seven game series with the Penguins proving to be victorious. And to top it all Sid ‘The Kid’ Crosby , one of the fresh faces of the NHL had won a Stanley Cup trophy. He may well not be viewed as the best player in the NHL. With the viewpoint being that mantel belongs to Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman who at this moment has be overly cautious as to what has to be taking place concerning both the Coyotes and the Lightning. Albeit that it'd appear that the sale of the Montreal Canadiens went through smoothly . picture appears courtesy of getty images / Richard Carnhouser ............

What has been intriguing to me as of late is the tumultuous rumblings now going on within two franchises within the NHL itself. The franchises in question are the Phoenix Coyotes and the Tampa Bay Lightning . It’d appear that both of the franchises are either being mismanaged or the very fact that neither is in a financially stable position. Never mind the fact that the sport’s hierarchy has done as is humanly possible to rein in expenses and put in place a salary cap . That in ofitself hasn’t stop many of the teams resorting to their old ways. And that is to sign several of their big stars to financially exorbitant long term contracts.

And less we forget all of the salaries paid to the players in terms of this is guaranteed . Unlike in the NFL where the only money that’s guaranteed to a player is that of their signing bonus and roster bonus as an added incentive. Their salary in effect is pro-rated over the course of the contract wherein the signing bonus or upfront money is guaranteed.

With that in mind what’s now unfolding within both the Coyotes’ organization and that of the Lightning organization should be of great concern to the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. In particular that of the Coyotes whose situation and fate may well end up being decided within the Federal Court System. As for the Lightning their’s is a situation that has that of an overly ambitious partnership group where neither of the major partners has any previous experience in the ownership of professional sports franchise.

And whilst the present approach by Bettman may well be to watch from afar. I’m sure that he’s placing this all under close scrutiny within the hierarchy. If nothing else he has to have his own observers in place to make sure that nothing untoward is taking place that’d hurt the integrity of the sport and damage it further in the eyes of the public. It was bad enough having to see both the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the NHL show their intransigence which led to an enforced stoppage and lockout. It became a PR disaster and nightmare that they still haven’t yet recovered from.

Jim Balsillie Co Chief Executive and Co Founder of Research In Motion (RIM) , makers of the PDA device the Blackberry. Balsillie initially made a $200m bid for the Phoenix Coyotes. The bid was rejected and he's yet to decide whether or not he'll make a higher offer for the franchise whilst it remains within bankruptcy proceedings. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Anna Harris ..........

With that in mind what happens next within these two franchises may well yet prove to let us know whether or not the sport still has a long term viability as a going concern. The hits that it has taken has blunted the resolve of even the most ardent fans of the sport. And in this economic climate with rising unemployment , less revenues coming in via major corporate sponsors. And a downward trend in terms of viewership in all forms , in terms of its presentation on television and cable. The malaise of both the Lightning and Coyotes may leave the fans wondering if it’s in their best interest to still follow the sport.

The scenario is now being set whereby there are said to be two interested parties in now assuming control of the Phoenix Coyotes. With team in having filed for bankruptcy protection . It will be left to a judge to preside over who will end up owning the team. The two rival bidders who aim to assume control are Jim Balsillie and Jerry Reinsdorf. Balisillie as you may well be aware is the co-Chief Executice of Research In Motion (RIM), makers of the Blackberry. Reinsdorf as you may well be aware is the owner of both the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox. He made his fortune as in the real estate business. Albeit that it was somewhat under dubious means by taking advantage of a relativlely little known legal statute passed within the US Supreme Court. (Frank Lyon Co. v. United States)

And while we’re left to await the judge’s decision on the matter. The question one has to be asking is if Wayne Gretzky as one of the principal partners in the ownership of the Coyotes cannot make the franchise a going concern in Phoenix. Then how was it viewed as a viable maneuver to begin with in the first place ? And whilst no one would deem it appropriate to question the integrity of Gretzky. It has to be said that this may well be the one blot on his already stellar resume’ that he would no doubt like to see go away. Financially it may well have cost him far more than he’d bargained for . But mentally what can than this have done to his resolve ?

Wayne Gretzky, principal managing partner , co-owner and coach of the Phoenix Coyotes watches as his team plays the San Jose Sharks. The Coyotes are now in bankruptcy proceedings and now looking for a new owner. Likely bidders for the NHL franchise are Jerry Reinsdorf , owner of The Chicago Bulls (NBA) and White Sox (MLB). And the other potential bidder is Jim Balsillie the co-founder of Research In Motion (RIM Inc.,) Makers of the Blackberry . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Bruce Bennett ..........

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s situation can be best described as having ‘too many Chiefs and not enough Indians’. Wherein the principal owners of the newly acquired franchise were merely Hollywood big wigs . Oren Koules, a tv and film producer and his partner Len Barrie came in made the splash that one’d only normally associate with the big league within Hollywood. Unfortunately no one within the Tampa Bay area really know who they were. Nor did they really give a damn.

Principal ownership partners Oren Koules (left) and Len Barrie speak with the locally convened press. After it has been formally announced that the two had purchased the franchise from former owner Bill Davidson. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Martin Owens …….

What has since transpired within the franchise has been there for all to see. The team’s GM Brian Lawton has been less than forthcoming when it comes to addressing a number of issues concerning the team and its personnel. So much so that many former favorites on the team were basically shown the door . All in order to cut costs and as they’d put it make the team more competitive and much younger in terms of the roster.

What they did achieve however, was to produce a last placed team within their division. And most certainly one of the worst performing franchises both on and off the ice last season. This all coming from a franchise that had won the Stanley Cup in thrilling fashion as recently as 2004 , defeating the Calgary Flames ,in seven games. And at the helm of it all was former coach John Tortorella.

Obviously with new ownership ,one at times expects to see sweeping changes being made. And this was decided upon by the partnership of Koules , Lawton and Barrie. In doing so they appointed former NHL player , coach turned tv hockey analyst Barry Melrose. And for Melrose this was an inauspicious start . But the fanfare that said to be Melrose appointment soon turned into an unbelievable nightmare. He couldn’t seem to communicate with the players on the team. And more often than his form of coaching amounted to throwing temper tantrums and the berating of the players. Inconceivably the idea of hiring Melrose to coach the team back fired . He was summarily dismissed by Lawton. Rick Tocchet was promoted and the team struggled to show any semblance of being competitive.

Melrose at the dais takes questions from the locally convened press after the offer to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning. Also in picture principal owners Len Barrie, Oren Koules (center) and minority stake owner Craig Sher. Melrose was summarily dismissed by GM Brian Lawton after an abysmal start to the season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Stuart Mattheson ……

While much of this was happening what was not known was that the two principal partners in Koules and Barrie were having financial issues. As Barrie had yet to place the initial $5m that was said to be a down payment as his part of the deal in purchasing the franchise. It has seemingly led to an acrimonious feud between the two . That for all sense and purpose has been an embarrassment for the franchise as well the NHL, itself.

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Brian Lawton . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jim Russell ...............

And though the two in public appear to be the best of buddies. It’s said that behind closed doors the acrimony , name calling and internal turmoil still goes on. Furthermore with the franchise now seeing dwindling revenues there’s a great deal of speculation that they’re either prepared to listen to offers for the team’s best player in Vincent ‘Vinny’ Lecavalier. And for the die hard fans of this franchise it’d thought to be sacreligious were that to happen . He’s seen as the face of the franchise and one the last holdouts of from their Stanlely Cup winning roster.

Now while all of this plays out in the public domain. One can either choose to take sides. Or merely watch these events play themselves out. One thing is for sure the fans of both franchises are watching closely as the asinine idiocy that’s taking place plays itself out to reach finality about it. As to what it says about the game’s hierarchy and the sport itself . To me it screams nothing more than idiocy and stupidtity from the get go !

Seemingly there’s little intelligence amongst any of the owners within the sport. And there’s even less intelligence being shown by the game’s hierarchy !

Smash and……

Smash and Dash have had a divorce - that's official...." - Chris Johnson

Notice that I’m a Middle Tennessee native and huge Titans fan. That’s why I may sound like a fan rather than a writer.

OK, so my favorite Titan and second favorite player, Chris Johnson had something to say about the formerly discussed nickname “Smash and Dash.” While reading The Tennessean today I saw that he no longer wanted to be a part of “Smash and Dash.” It kills me, and I feel it disrespects LenDale White! It really is just making me mad. Everyone is saying goodbye to White, when he was the one that made the nickname, KNOWING that he wasn’t going to get as many carries. He made that nickname for them, even though HE (White) was the one getting tossed aside.

Then Johnson loves the nickname,. They are seen everywhere, looking like a real team. They make a handshake even! Then the next offseason he can do this crap! Here’s what Johnson had to say:

“Smash and Dash have had a divorce – that’s official. I have to be my own guy, so no more Smash and Dash. That was last year. ‘Every Coach’s Dream,’ that’s me. Because they say every team has its own identity. I feel for me, I can’t be noticed as a group anymore. I am my own guy.”

“Every Coach’s Dream,” is what he says he is? Coaches want team players, not babies that only care about them selfs. Don’t be a T.O., Johnson! Did you see T.O. on the new reality show - Superstars? You really want to be that?

Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are actually happy about this. Remeber the big debate on who’s nickname it really was? Well it’s a lost cause now – Williams and Stewart ARE  Smash and Dash now. That’s a good 6 days of smack talk down the drain.

What does White think? Does Johnson even care? Well, Johnson said this with a smile on his face:

“It doesn’t matter what he says about that. I don’t know what he’ll say think…

“You know when your wife has everything packed up by the door – you’ve got to go. It is kind of like that situation. We’re going on seperate ways.”

“Seperate ways.” Now if you lived in TN, you’d here the talk. All I here is, “White is leaving” or “White is out.” Now his own teamate is falling for that junk. White carried the Titans just  two years ago. Carried us all the way to the playoffs. Now there’s a new kid in town, and White is out? When White was in top 5 for rushing touchdowns just last year! What Trash!

Now I gotta’ get some LenDale in here:

“You know the little brother who always falls of his bike, and the big brother come and shows you how to ride it? Eventually the little brother learns how to ride it, but that one time they slip up and bust their head and they forget what big brother taught him.

You might want look over that again. Took me two readings to understand what he meant. But, I got him now. I see what he means.

White went on to say:

“We’re going to have to go back in the lab and figure things out and then we’ll definitely be hearing an apology out of my younger brother. … But I guess it’s now, ‘Smash and I’m Going to Whoop His [explicit]. We’ll talk.”

Now Johnson is asking everyone who follows him on twitter to come up with some new touchdown celebrations. Because he thinks he’s going to be there a lot. Replace ‘Johnson’ with ‘Owens’ and you’ll see that there’s a connection there. I don’t want him to be a T.O., I am a Johnson fan. But this is just getting me mad.

One last thing, I know a lot of people who bought T-Shirts saying “Smash and Dash.” It wasn’t a waste of money, it’s a memory that isn’t even going to be sold anymore. I wish I could go back and time and buy one.

Timberwolves the Team to Watch on Draft Day

Whether it be the NFL or NBA draft, there is always one team to watch that will determine how everything falls into place. In this year’s NBA draft, that team is the Minnesota Timberwolves, which own four picks in the first-round. The Timberwolves already had picks 6, 18 and 28, and they were able to grab the 5th overall pick when they traded Mike Miller and Randy Foye to the Wizards. With so many picks, the options are limitless — and the possibility of affecting what happens with other teams in the draft is inevitable.

With so much ammunition, the Timberwolves have the perfect opportunity to move up a few spots tomorrow night. But it all depends on what players the T’Wolves are looking to add. If they want a center such as Hasheem Thabeet, they will likely have to trade up with Oklahoma City in order to get him. The Thunder, however, reportedly want Thabeet, so it will take a great offer from the T’Wolves to move up to that spot. If they want a player such as Ricky Rubio, James Harden and/or Tyreke Evans, they likely will not need to move up as all three are expected to be available at picks 5-6. Trading up for the No.1 overall pick is out of the question, as the Clippers have already indicated that they will select Blake Grifiin. Plus, Griffin is the only player in this draft that has been talked about going No.1, and the T’Wolves do not need a player of his type. With Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, they already set at the forward positions.

Minnesota general manager David Kahn will have to weigh all of the possibilities, and the decision on whom the T’Wolves will select must come down to what type of player they feel they need to compete. I feel that they need a bona fide wing player who can score the basketball — someone that you can count on late in the game to take over.

James Harden, a shooting guard out of Arizona State, is an option. Harden averaged over 20 points per game and college, and last year was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year. But he comes with some question marks. Though he was a prolific scorer in college, he tended to disappear at times, most notably in the second round of the NCAA tournament against Syracuse. There’s no question that Harden possesses the talent necessary to be a very good player in the NBA, but the fact that he didn’t step up for every game is a huge concern. The No.1 trait of the best players in the league is consistency, something he must develop. But if he does, he has the talent to be a top-10 player in the NBA.