The American Sports Blog

Brian Kelly, You’re Up

Ryan Drescher — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:29:16 +0000

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have picked Brian Kelly to replace Charlie Weis as the team’s head football coach, according to a report in the South Bend Tribune. Throughout the search, which began roughly two weeks ago, Kelly was always described as A.D. Jack Swarbrick’s top choice. Now, Kelly will get the chance to prove that Swarbrick made the right hire.

All Kelly has done in his previous coaching stints is win. In thirteen years at Division II Grand Valley State, he won two national titles. In three years at Central Michigan, he won a MAC championship. And he won two straight Big East championships in his final two seasons at Cincinnati, which ended with two BCS bowl berths for the Bearcats.

Since the hiring has yet to be made official, there is no word on how much the Irish gave Kelly to pry him away from Cincinnati. Also, there is no indication as to whether Kelly will coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl.

Much more to come on this story tomorrow.

There Are Rules And Then Are Rules That Are Meant To Be Obeyed So Why Break Them ?

tophatal — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:23:03 +0000

There are rules and then there are rules, that are meant to be obeyed. And in no way should a team be able to obfuscate the responsibility of upholding those rules. Even when it’s not to your liking. And in light of this one has to ask what it is that Chelsea FC of the English Premiership League (EPL) , thought it was doing by luring away a young player from his team , causing him to break his contract ?

To some this may not seem to be an important issue. But it goes to the integrity of the game. And how one goes about conducting themselves in an orderly business fashion. A contract, is a contract , be it oral , implied or written. As was the case , herein.

Galel Kakuta of Chelsea FC . The young player was signed originally from the French first division club Lens in 2008. But it has now been alleged that he was lured away by the Premiership club Chelsea , whilst still under contract with the French club side. An infraction of not only UEFA rules but aslo that of FIFA and that of the Premiership as well. picture appears courtesy of premierleague.com/teams/club/chelsea -fc @ copyrighted material All rights reserved ......................

And while this is not the first time that FIFA , the governing body for world soccer , has come down harshly on a club in this regard. It does send a serious message. That actions such as Chelsea’s will not be condoned or go unpunished. And though the team has the right of recourse, to lodge an appeal with the Court Of Arbitration For Sports (CAS). It’s hard to imagine that the team’ll have a case as to the veracity of its argument.

Russian billionaire oil tycoon Roman Abramovich the owner of Premier League team Chelsea FC. He's seen here with his companion fashion model Daria Zhukova at a UEFA game in 2007. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matthias Zoening .........................

And it’s unlilkely that the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich , would knowingly let his executives and management act in such a way. But there’s cause for concern if , in-fact the owner and anyone within the team’s management hierarchy willingly allowed this to happen. It’s also somewhat surprising that FIFA in this respect only imposed a ban and a small financial penalty. One would’ve thought that a much stiffer financial penalty ought to have been incurred by the team. In this case they’ve been ordered to pay the French team, Lens , a sum of $1.2 million , with an additional sum of $186,000 to be paid to the team in terms of financial expenditure in providing training for Gael Kukuta , the player at the center of the uproar.

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP:

FIFA gives Chelsea 1-year transfer ban

Zurich-(AP) Chelsea was banned from signing any new players for a year because it encouraged a teenager to break his contract with a French team and sign with the English soccer power.

The sport’s governing body Thursday barred Chelsea from taking part in the next two transfer windows-January 2010 and the next offseason. The next time the Premier League team would be able sign a new player-nationally or internationally would be January 2011 .

Chelsea called the penalty “without precedent” and “totally disproportionate” and said it would appeal to the Court for Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The French club Lens had complained that Chelsea lured 18-year old Gael Kakuta to break his contract with the club and join the English team in 2008.

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And whilst the feeling may well be that Chelsea’s actions aren’t egregious. One first has to look at the message this now sends across the game. Especially in light of the smaller clubs involved in the game and their very own existence .

What are your thoughts on the matter ? I look forward to reading your comments with a great deal of interest.

A Bedtime Story And Fairy Tale All Rolled Up Into One …………………..

tophatal — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:07:27 +0000

One upon a time in a place, far, far ,far away. There stood two very famous college football programs. Between them they’d won several national championships. And in-fact , they were so scary that they ran amok within collegiate football. They were very much like demons who ran wild and literally destroyed everything within their path.

Shrek and Donkey ……a kid’s animated movie(“Shrek”) based on a number fairy tale characters that were well worth watching and laughing about.

But in the ensuing years something went awry as these two once esteemed college programs fell upon hard times. So much so, that they’re barely talked about nowadays. And when they are , it’s always in the past-tence. Now if you’re wondering as to which two programs , I’m indeed talking about . Then I’ll give you something of a hint with regard to their logo or mascot.

Florida State Seminoles mascot.

Sebastian the Ibis, the Miami Hurricanes' mascot.

And now that these two esteemed programs have fallen upon hard times. Their effervescent and erst-while fans are of the belief that hope, is just around the corner. And that they’ll indeed rise to prominence once again. For many it can’t come quick enough. While for others they can only live in hope and pray that the impossible can happen.

As you’ve no doubt noted the programs are from the state of Florida. Where college football comes only second to …..well, nothing. As it borders upon being maniacal amongst the fans. It may well be God then family. But college football ranks right up there as to its importance.

Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden on the sidelines. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo ............

For the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles these last few years have proven to be a torrid time and a woeful existence. Nonetheless, football as their fans know it continues to exist. As to what form it takes to those on the outside looking in, is anyone’s guess.

The Florida State Seminoles under their long tenured coach, Bobby Bowden , has seen its fortunes rise and then bite the dust. And while no one doubts the fervor of the coach to be in his position and to continue coaching. In essence, the game has suddenly passed him by. He no longer gets the recruits that in large part , others could only dream of. But now it’s merely scraps that’ve been left on the table, as to the merits of the program’s recruiting. It is now no longer about what you’ve done in the past. It’s more about what have you done lately ? And one can reasonably suggest that Bowden and his staff haven’t exactly been doing anything of great value at all. The program and its play has become languid , lacking imagination , creativity and above all competitiveness. And the feeling is that the only reason , Bowden remains in the position is to actually pad his stats , with regard to his tally of collegiate wins. That tally now stands at 382 wins.

And as commendable as that might seem. When you’re not in the midst of things, as to national championship aspirations. Then it just doesn’t mean anything. The program under Bowden was steeped in that tradition. From major Bowl appearances to national championships. And for the program those came in 1993 and 1999, respectively. Fast forward , to today and you’d be hard pressed to find anything that’s at all desirable with regard to the program.

Miami Hurricanes' coach Randy Shannon on the sidelines of a game. picture appears courtesy of cstv.com/sports/collegefootball/miami hurricanes

For the Miami Hurricanes and their once esteemed program. Their fate as of late , has essentially mirrored the economic downturn of the country. Only in the case of the Canes , theirs has been somewhat longer. Everyone could see it coming but the so called experts merely stuck to their homespun truths, that there wasn’t really anything wrong and the tide would indeed turn. Well that tide has now become a cyclone. And the program and its players have essentially become caught in the midst of dire mediocrity and sheer ineptitude. Not unlike what we’re also witnessing from their counterparts in the guise of the ‘noles.

But then again both programs and many of their more famous alumni would have you believe that ‘…. change is just around the corner’. A far cry from those gaudy days when the Canes’ program , then under the auspices of Howard Schnellenberger , Jimmy Johnson , Dennis Erickson, Butch Davis and Larry Coker were reigning supreme. Each led the program with a certain amount of distinction. And along the way,they’ve won five national championships and produced a litany of players at the collegiate level who then went on the play in the NFL.

In light of that , it has been a long time since one can really attribute anything of merit with regard to the program. Their last national championship came in the 2001-02 season . When they won the Rose Bowl. defeating Nebraska 37-14 in what would prove to be the last of their five national championship wins.

Many have attributed the downward slide of the Hurricanes’ program. When it saw fit to leave the Big East Conference and then make their way to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) . Which could hardly be considered , to be a bastion of powerhouse football at the college level.But it may well have been done primarily to add to the luster of the conference and the financial inducements at the time. The ACC in all essence, is more widely known for its college basketball prowess, than anything achieved at the collegiate football level. And for the Canes and their coach, Randy Shannon, in his third season ,who has been entrusted to bring back to the luster to the program. It can’t be understated, that there are some very difficult times ahead for the program.

As for a former player for his alma-mater and a member of a championship winning team. Randy Shannon , though not viewed as the ideal replacement for his predecessor , Larry Coker. He does know and have the wherewithal to add some discipline and ability to the Canes’ program. But if anything it has been his overall inexperience that many have began to question. And therein lies the conundrum that’s said to be facing this program. Whereas , it was felt that Coker went away from the things that brought success for the program. The vast majority of the recruiting was done locally within the South Florida area. Long considered to be a hot-bed of footballing talent. Coker , saw fit to shy away from that mindset and at the same time made a major upheaval with regard to his coaching staff. And that was after having found success in winning the program’s last national championship.
Which goes to the old adage ‘…. if it ain’t broken, it doesn’t need fixing’. Shannon for his part has reversed the philosophy of Coker’s.

There was indeed a time when a FSU , Miami Hurricanes’ match-up actually meant something on the national football stage. Now it’s more like having to endure the removal of a bad tooth but without the assist of novacaine to brunt the pain. Something that you could well do without but for the sake of others , you’ll just grin and bare it. And on Monday , the 7th September , we’ll get to view this on a national stage as to the programs face off against each other. It’ll no longer be for the footballing supremacy within the state. As for all sense and purpose the University of Florida (Florida Gators) now rules the roost within the state of Florida. Having won two national championships in the last three years-in 2006 and 2008, respectively. All this was achieved under their coach, Urban Meyer. Which has brought about something of a new pecking order within the state.

As to the event on Monday and what can be envisaged. If it’s anything like the games in recent memory . Then we could be either in for a treat or quite possibly a great deal of tedious and uneventful play from both teams. Having alluded to the fact earlier, the competitiveness of both programs have left a great many of their most vociferous fans wandering if there’s still a need for the two teams to actually play each other. But on the fact of it , it doesn’t really tell us anything at all, as to how far either of the teams have come. They’re no longer viewed as being relevant on the national stage. And within the ACC , they’re not even considered as being amongst the better teams within the conference. That’s indeed how far both have fallen on the national stage.

Much like any fairy tale that’s often told, the fans of both programs are said to be looking for a happy ending. As to which of the two teams will prevail, your guess is as good as any. But one can only surmise that the ending of this tale has some happiness for one and some heartache for the other.
Who do you think this will apply to ? The Canes or the ‘Noles ?

Rust ? What Rust ?

tophatal — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:24:12 +0000

Rust What Rust ?

Be ready,be very ready to see the return of the ‘Money Man’ on the 19th September. Floyd Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO’s),makes his long awaited and anticipated return to the ring. Mayweather has chosen his hand picked opponent,in Juan Manuel Marquez(50-4-1,37 KO’s). And Marquez is as tough as they come. A three time world titlist,the young Mexican comes from a long line if heralded Hispanic boxers. And he’s out to fulfill that obligation, of living up to that line of great Latin pugilists.

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Juan Manuel Marquez . The two welterweights are due to meet on Saturday 19th at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Complex in Las Vegas , Nevada. poster appears courtesy of HBO...................

The bout itself will be at the welterweight division and though it won’t be for a title fight. It’s being viewed as an eliminator, with the winner having the privilege of meeting Manny Pacquiao. In what’ll be viewed as the title for the linear champion within the welterweight division. Buyer beware, as the caveat here, is that any fight fan willing to make the outlay of $49-95, had better be prepared to do so.

Floyd Mayweather Jr (left) works out at his gym with one of his trainers, Leonard Ellerbee. Mayweather takes on Juan Manuel Marquez in one of the year's most highly anticipated fights at the MGM Grand , Las Vegas, on September 19th. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Isaac Brekken ..........................

As we all know PPV is the bread and butter that the marquee fight promotions live by. And they’ll continue to do so, for the foreseeable future. It’s hoped, that the bout does live up to the hype and a great deal more. Both Marquez and Mayweather have been doing their very best to publicize the event. But it remains to be seen whether or not there’ll be interest shown in the bout itself. Mayweather, upon his impending return to the ring, has let it be known that it’s Pacquaio, who he’s really after and wants. And off-course it’s understandable why. A bout between the two is bound to be one of the biggest bouts in recent memory. It’s quite possible that a bout of that magnitude could very well gross in excess of $100 million in revenues from the buys alone. And a further $35-$50 million in ticket sales, concession sales and ancillary rights from overseas broadcasts showings.That being said, it will be all be predicated upon Mayweather defeating his Mexican opponent.

Marquez seen here works out on a speed bag at a gym in Mexico City in preparation for his upcoming bout against Mayweather. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Miguel Tovar .......................

It would be in Mayweather’s interest to not underestimate Marquez or take the bout too lightly at all. We’ve all seen what a fight of this magnitude can do. Mayweather loses, and Marquzez sets his sights on Pacquiao. Mayweather is bound to want a rematch. A win and he’s right back on the proverbial gravy train. Money at this juncture for Mayweather isn’t the be all and end all. But it does add that certain spice. And for a fighter, who in the last five years has earned in excess of $55million in purses alone. Money has got to be the last thing on his mind.If anything, it is his lust for the recognition that he no doubt feels that he warrants and deserves. He’s had to live in the shadow of Oscar De La Hoya.A fighter, he essentially destroyed in their bout, when they met. But it was De La Hoya, who essentially was given the hero’s send-off ,as he departed from the ring. Essentially, as gifted as Mayweather is ,he’s often thought of as a fighter who tends to alienate the fans with his boorish behavior. If he’s not front and center, in terms of the attention being foisted upon any individual. Then he’ll let you know it. If it isn’t about the ‘Money Man’,then it’s not meant to be about anyone at all, but him.

Mayweather and De La Hoya face off from their bout of June ,2007, two years ago.

Marquez comes into this bout with a rich pedigree and who’s known as a fighter who brings it all to the ring. He rarely leaves the fans short changed. And in this much anticipated bout, it’s easy to understand why a number of fight fans and analysts alike, are waiting for this bout with baited breath. You’ve a boxer in Mayweather, who can fight, as well box. And less we forget , he’s the consummate showman as well ? And in Juan Manuel Marquez we have real hardened fighter. Whose motto, is kill or be killed . And quite possibly, this bout mightn’t go the distance. Marquez, if he’s to win this bout , he’ll have to stand toe to toe and look to knock Mayweather out. Floyd, for his part, merely has to use his speed and guile , and typically look for the shots that could wear down his opponent. A slug-fest though, wouldn’t be totally unexpected but then again ,this fight could very well full of surprises.

Fans watch and admire Marquez while he's at work in the gym . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Miguel Tovar ............................

So, with the anticipation of the bout, we’ll now have to wait to see what materializes when these two heralded fighters meet in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. And for Mayweather, who has been away from the ring for 21 months. It’ll be an amazing performance, should he prevail against Marquez in the bout. As much as he’s viewed, as a prohibitive favorite for the bout , merely because of his unbeaten record. It wouldn’t surprise me at all should the bout end in a victory for Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather, has been away from the ring for a long time. And it’s not often that a fighter of his pedigree comes back and re-enters the ring with the usual aplomb. In the belief that all he’s got to do, is just show up.

Mayweather works the speed bag at his gym in preparation for his bout. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Isaac Brekken .........................

This bout has the makings of becoming a real classic. And for both fighters there’s a lot at stake. To the victor,belongs the spoils. And for the loser, it means an abrupt departure from the high profile glare of the sport. It’s by no means a certainty that this will live up to the hype. Because there’s been very little widespread publicity of the event to begin with. However, the cable outlet HBO , has been doing the customary documentary ,profiling both fighters and the upcoming event. Its coverage of which, has been very insightful for even a passer by , showing a curious interest in the event itself. For those of us , who are indeed fans. Then it also gives an insight into each fighter’s preparation and their thought process.

Mayweather (left) and Marquez(right) pose alongside promoter and former boxing champ Oscar De La Hoya(center). De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions is promoting the bout jointly with Mayweather's own promotion company in conjunction with HBO . The cable outlet operates the PPV programming of the bout which will then be retelevized a week later on the cable outlet. picture appears courtesy of afp/reuters / Marc De Sainz ...............................................

And as much as I’m still in many ways a solid fight fan. I can’t help but wonder what things would be like if we had fights of this magnitude on a regular basis in the sport. Insomuch , as the promoters tell us that the fight game is still very much alive. It’s only alive in the eyes of very few. Many of boxing’s most ardent fans have now gone elsewhere. As they’ve in some ways been vilified by the promoters and boxers, who expect them to shell out countless amounts of dollars for a very anemic and sometimes uninteresting product to begin with. Never-mind, the fact that when it’s a much heralded bout, it tends to be between a guy who’s fighting someone past their prime. Or, as has been often the case, it’s a bout that we’re led to believe has the next young rising star challenging for a title. Only to find that they’ve got as much talent as a lip syncing Ashlee Simpson.

They Still Haven’t Got A Pot To Pi_s In And A Window To Throw It Out Of But That’s What Makes The T’wolves, Oh So Funny ………

tophatal — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:45:19 +0000

So it’s now come down to this ? He said ,”……..” And he said “…….” Which begs the question what the hell was going on within the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hierarchy to begin with ?

Ricky Rubio seen here during a shootaround for his new team in the Spanish basketball league FC Barcelona . picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Manu Fernandez ...................

For a team that has fallen upon hard times, the way a hobo takes to the streets.These are some very indifferent times for the T’wolves. And coming off a disastrous season, where they finished a positively horrendous record of 24-58 in the Northwest division of the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves were hoping for something of a respite in terms of the NBA Draft.

They lauded over the fact that they’d drafted the young Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio. The player was taken by the team in the first round, as the fifth overall pick . And a great deal was to be expected of the player and the team once he was within camp. But it’s all easier said than done. Rubio was still under contract with his Spanish league team DKV Joventut . And simply, all that was needed was a buyout of the two years remaining on the player’s contract. To the tune of $6.5million they could’ve had the player within their ranks. That being said the prohibitive rule under which the NBA applies for players who are playing abroad professionally . And are then drafted , it meant that the pursuant team can only make an outlay not exceeding $500,000 without seeking further authorization from the league in order to acquire the player.

With that in mind the haggling and wrangling began between the two parties. Handling the team’s affairs for the Timberwolves, was their erstwhile Head of Basketball Operations David Kahn. It was Kahn , who made the decision to relieve then coach , Kevin McHale of his position at the end of last season. Kahn, felt it best, that the franchise as a whole move in a completely new direction. With the accent being on acquiring young talent and with that being at its core in terms of being a competitive franchise.

But it was also imperative that the team hire a coach that’d be able to communicate with a young roster of players. And though it has to be said that there are still some seasoned veterans on the team. Much of the load will be placed on such rising stars as Corey Brewer, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson , Ryan Gomes, rookies , Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, Johnny Flynn and Nick Calathes. That’s not to say that the veteran leadership of Chucky Atkins and Mark Blount won’t be called upon. But it will be youth movement on this Timberwolves’ team that’ll indeed have their very own baptism of fire .

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP :

Rubio: NBA move too risky, complicated

BARCELONA-Spain(AP) Ricky Rubio wants to keep playing basketball in Spain, saying a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves would be too risky and complicate his life.

The 19 year old was sent from DKV Joventut to Barcelona on Tuesday after the Catalan club paid Rubio’s $5million buyout clause.

Rubio, the Timberwolves’ fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, agreed to a six year deal that included a buyout clause that allows him to leave for the NBA after two years.

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As alluded to earlier in this piece , Kahn had to seek out a coach whom he felt could best lead this team. And he sought out Los Angeles Lakers’ assistant coach , Kurt Rambis. Phil Jackson’s erstwhile assistant no doubt knew in effect that this may well be has one and only chance to finally coach a team. His previous tenure with the Lakers , albeit it a shortened one , didn’t prove to be all that successful. Now given a chance to prove himself, it would be an understatement to say that Rambis now faces something of an uphill battle. But it’s a battle that he appears only all too willing to take on. Rambis may well be only willing to impart the knowledge that made him such a character and something industrious player. Even if he lacked the talent of some of his more highly skilled teammates on those Showtime Lakers’ teams . That being said any improvement on this Timberwolves’ team, would be considered something of a success for their long tortured fans, who’ve been starved of success.

As to what we know awaits the Minnesota Timberwolves. The only thing that we’re now sure of , is that Rubio won’t be joining the team anytime soon. The player made Kahn and the Timberwolves’ organization that he’d rather remain in Europe to further hone his skills. To my mind , for want of a better word. It may well have meant that he didn’t feel his profile and image wouldn’t be magnified playing in such a small market, as in Minnesota. It’s not exactly one of the NBA powerhouses. And more likely than not, Rubio, may well have felt that his prerequisite skills wouldn’t be on display for all to see.

The player will remain in Spain , now playing for the Spanish league team Barcelona. One of the premier teams within the Spanish League. That being said, the Timberwolves still retain the NBA rights to the player. And should he fulfill his commitment to Spanish team over the course of the two years. Then in all probability, Rubio may ell seek to commence his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But at this juncture, it’s only open to pure speculation and conjecture. As it’d appear that both sides are said to blaming one another for the apparent impasse.

In many ways Kahn had to have known the risks in trying to acquire the player. It was certainly common knowledge that Rubios wanted in effect to be drafted by a large market team. But there were no willing takers it would appear at the time. Albeit , that there were said to be rumblings that the New York Knicks might’ve shown some interest in the player. But it wasn’t to be , as they went elsewhere , in terms of their first round draft pick. Though nothing disparaging allegedly has been said between the two parties. Kahn hasn’t hide his disappointment in the choice made by the player. However, he’s stated that in two years he fully expects to see Rubio in Minnesota Timberwolves’ uniform. That being said if it is to be believed then Kahn initially feels that Rubio had reneged on joining the team.
If there was truly a zeal to acquire the player from the onset then obviously not enough was being done on the part of the Timberbwolves’ organization. It appears in retrospect that Kahn was waiting for some sort of fairy-godmother to swoop on down and assist him in acquiring the player.

In reality the Timberwolves as an organization has proven to us what we already know. They’re a poorly ran organization that possesses no real zeal for competition , much less dealing with the most acute of issues. They’d rather sit around and gaze at the world as it passes them by. In essence they’ve not a pot to pi_s in or a window to throw it out of. And the continuous excuses as to what ailed the franchise was always being made not only by their fans but also by its hierarchy. Is it any wonder that they’ve been mired in an abyss of sheer mediocrity for the last half a decade ?

It’s Still The Economy ……. But You’re Not Stupid …..

tophatal — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:13:34 +0000

It’s Still The Economy ……….But You’re Not Stupid

Well we’re now on the eve of the 2009-10 season with regard to the NFL’s scheduled play.Now as we’re in an economic downturn and all is rife in terms of revenues gleaned for a number of franchises around the league.One can only surmise that as the season unfolds and the progresses a number of games will almost certainly be blacked out. In saying this,one has to remember that in order for games to be televised by the broadcast networks. They in essence have to be sold out in terms of a capacity audience in attendance of those games.

NFL Commissioner , Roger Goodell. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Richard Carlson ....................

But it ought to be apparent to a number of people out there that during the preseason, there were a number of seats empty in the stands. If that’s a precursor as to what we ought to expect. Then we’re in for a big surprise once the season commences. It’s plain to see that the league and a number of franchises are about to be in for a torrid time. The effect was there for all to see and it will become glaringly magnified.

Teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions,Washington Redskins,Jacksonville Jaguars,New Orleans Saints,Carolina Panthers,Oakland Raiders,San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills have had a hard time selling game day tickets.Never-mind the fact that the PSL’s for season ticket holders have understandably declined. But that’s a story for another day. Or so,the NFL would have us believe.In light of the fact that there’s the likelihood that at least 20% of the NFL fixtures could well be blacked out.

Goodell seen here at Wasington and Lee University wherein a symposium was held on leadership and sports.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, has declined to change the rules governing the televising of the games. There’s no denying that the NFL as a business is a very profitable sport for all involved. From the franchises, to the players and the game’s patrons in terms of their corporate sponsors. With that being said and in light of this downturn. One has to reason that should the US economy not show signs of turning around. Then the league will have to deal with a very acute situation.

At present it doesn’t appear to be on Commissioner Goodell’s agenda.And anything that appears to damage the league’s image as to it being beyond reproach. It’s clear that Goodell will appear to make that its image remains in-tact. And as we all know,when it comes to the NFL …’image is everything or is it inconsequential that it can mean absolutely nothing at all ‘ ? But rest assured that once the league and its franchises realizes how entrenched this downturn is. They’ll have to review their position. One can surmise that in many markets,a number of teams will seek the patronage of local businesses in order to make sure that a number of tickets won’t go unsold. Whether or not this will work for a number of franchises remains to be seen.

The NFL much likes its counterparts in the NBA ,NHL and MLB would like to paint you a rosy picture as to the health of their respective sports.If you doubt my word then listen quite clearly to the statements that’ve been made by their respective commissioners. Consider this also, the NBA over the last decade alone has borrowed in excess of $1.6 billion in order maintain a healthy financial base for a number of its franchises.This last year alone, a further $200million was borrowed and made available to 14 franchises around the league. Commissioner,David Stern of the NBA in his own words stated “…… that in no way ought this to be considered a financial bailout of these franchises.” Well, if it smells like a rat and the stench is so odious then it can only be surmised as being it being a rat. Or could Stern, be trying to sell us a bill of goods on that score ? There’s no need to feel stupid as it’s just the way that the various governing bodies tend to insult the intelligence of the fans. Just as the federal government tends to do the very same thing along with the vast majority of the members of Congress.

Courtesy of The New York Times:

TV Blackouts Possible For NFL

By Richard Sandomir

Reduced season ticket sales for some NFL teams could result in a greater than usual local television blackouts.

“It’s all part of the challenges we’re seeing in the economy and that our clubs are going through,” Roger Goodell told reporters at the Washington Redskins’ training camp in Ashburn, Va. “Our clubs have been working hard in the off-season to create other ways to try to get people in the stadiums and to have policies that are a little more flexible,and hopefully, they’re going to pay dividends for us”.

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Now comes the hard part in terms of what the NFL and it franchises will inevitably have to do.Either the commissioner, acquiesces to the wishes of many of the franchises and changes the rules governing the blackout of games. Or they’ll indeed have to move ahead with things being as they are. As to the ultimate outcome of this all, your guess just like anyone else’s will be subject to a great deal of debate and conjecture. The NFL tends to march to the beat of its own drum and rarely does it like listen to anyone outside its sphere of influence. And at this moment in time that includes the fans, as well as the broadcast networks.

A number of franchises around the league are in somewhat of a tenuous situation. And with the 2010-11 season about to bring a great deal of unrest , should neither the league and the NFLPA not be able to resolve their differences as to the renegotiating of the collective bargaining agreement. Then, all hell is liable to break loose on a number of fronts for the National Football League.

Certainly at this moment in time there have been a number of issues that Goodell has chosen to address head on. Merely, because from a PR standpoint those that reflect the image of the league as to its overall popularity. In the eyes of the public as far he’s concerned they’ll look upon it that he’s doing a good job. The thing however, I find with Goodell , is that he’s only too willing to pick and choose the battles that he feels he can win. Especially, if it is to his advantage and that of the league’s in terms of perception.

These are indeed some very trying times for all of the major professional sports. But it’d be remiss to think that the economic problems that’ve began to test the resolve of those sports isn’t just being felt at the professional level. As it is now , at the collegiate and varsity level . A number of programs are either making drastic budgetary cuts. Or in-fact doing away with several sports altogether. Never-mind the fact this also leads to further hardships in terms of there being layoffs amongst employees at varying levels within an athletic department. But such are the vagaries that real sacrifices have to be made. In the case of the NFL , one has to wonder what it is that Goodell and his hierarchy are failing to see at this juncture ? Or could it be that his mind may well be elsewhere at present ?

Courtesy of The Washington Post :

Goodell adresses Labor Issues

By Jason Reid Redskins Insider

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell paid a visit to Redskins Park on Tuesday morning. As the team began practice, Goodell chatted on the sidelines with owner Dan Snyder, executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato, Coach Jim Zorn and former quarterback Joe Theismann. Rookies Brian Orakpo and Jeremy Jarmon stopped by.

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It certainly hasn’t helped if the alleged rumors that’ve surfaced are true. That in-fact Goodell and former NFLPA President Troy Vincent acted inappropriately with regard to a clandestine meeting held between he and Goodell. Wherein, it is now being alleged that privileged information was passed between the two as to the union negotiations. If there’s any veracity to this at all , then it clearly smacks in the face of the somewhat pristine image and persona that Goodell tries to portray. And clearly that image when one looks at the league’s members and their behavior as of late. Then there’s not much really to differentiate between that of the commissioner and his very own members . And their belief that they can do as they please without there being any recourse.

Courtesy of The New York Times :

Government Investigates Players Union On Collusion Charge

By Judy Battista

The National Football League Players Association is under investigation to determine whether or not some of its leaders tried to collude with league officials by holding secret meetings with them to discuss labor issues without the knowledge of top union leadership.

The investigation, being conducted by the Department of Labor, was revealed as part of a lawsuit filed against the union , by a union employee, Mary Moran, and first reported by Sports Business Journal. According to documents filed in District of Columbia Superior Court on Thursday, and obtained by the Associated Press,Moran provided investigators with that former union president Troy Vincent and other union members met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Houston Texans’ owner Robert McNair, to provide the league access to confidential union information.

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Sleepless In Seattle ……… Who Knew ……..

tophatal — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:35:47 +0000

After a long and distinguished career in the NFL. Mike Holmgren retired from coaching and handed over the reins to his understudy, Jim Mora Jr , as coach of the Seattle Seahawks .

Mike Holmgren (right) on the sidelines with his then assistant coach Jim Mora Jr . Mora now takes the helm as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. picture appears courtesy of Icon SMI / Matt A. Brown .........................

Holmgren’s predigree alone assures him that he’ll be a first ballot Hall of Famer when he’s due for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. One only has to look down the list coaches that’ve learned under the auspices of the man. And who can doubt his prowess as a coach ? The success he had with the Green Bay Packers alone, assures us of this. And the fact that he brought about as to the change of environment with regard to the Seahawks and the fan-dom there. It brings about some semblance for the franchise that for much of its existence has been mired in mediocrity. That being said, even with the ownership of Microsoft co-founder and multi-billionaire magnate Paul Allen , in tow. The one thing that’s still missing from the team’s trophy cabinet, is that of the Vince Lombardi trophy to signify the franchise’s wining of the Superbowl.

Seattle Seahawks' owner Paul Allen (left) seen here alongside team CEO Tod Leiweke on the sidlines at the end of a game against the Baltimore Ravens in December 2007 . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ John Froschauer ....................

The one thing that can be said of the Seattle Seahawks’ franchise. It is that they can be either be consistently consistent as to their regular season travails. Or they can at times perform very much like the most inept franchise in all of the NFL. Now , not wanting to question Holmgren’s decision as to his successor. I was as surprised as any , when it was announced that Jim Mora Jr would be taking over the reins of this team. Albeit , what little success he’d achieved as a coach was with the now discredited and disgraced Michael Vick . When both were taking the Atlanta Falcons to their most recent of successes. But as we all know, when it all began to spiral out of control. Mora was nowhere to be seen , as he and the then disgraced star were basically like rats on a sinking ship. Mora was fired and as we all have seen , Vick chose to eschew his talents elsewhere.

For the Seahawks and the wilderness of the NFC West , which they play in. It has to be said that the division is one of the less endearing divisions in all of the NFL. From the hapless San Francisco 49ers , to the even more absurd St Louis Rams and a now resurgent Arizona Cardinals . It has to be said that whatever interest is taken in the division is merely from the standpoint of their fans and their own perceived interest. And that of the interest shown by the broadcast networks.

Coming off an immensely disappointing 4-12 season in 2008. The Seahawks hope to rebound and acquit themselves well in the ‘09 season. And if nothing else , the return of Matt Haselbeck along with the acquisition of T. J. Houshmandzadeh and recently acquired free agent Edgerrin James ought to stand them in good stead. That being said , the team’s fortunes just won’t lie in how they acquit themselves on the field of play. But primarily with the astuteness shown by Mora as a coach. I for one sincerely doubt that he is indeed the right man for the job. But the Seahawks have made their decision. And they will have to live and die by it .

Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck makes a pass to tight end John Carlson during the second half of the team's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri, . The Seahawks would defeat the Chiefs 14-10 in the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Reed Hoffmann .....................

On first appearance when one looks at this Seattle Seahawks’ roster. You can clearly see that this team ought to have fared a great better than it has done over the years. They’ve a bevy of players that’d be the desire of a number of teams around the league. But seemingly they’ve never been able to put together a consistent string of results and then play themselves into contention when it really mattered the most.Either that came from Holmgren’s own failings as a coach. Or one could attribute it to the fact that was no real leadership on the field of play. Even if a team is beset by injuries , one would still expect for them to play with a great deal of zeal. Being straightforward in that regard it may well have been a mixture of both. It may well be a poor excuse as to what ails the franchise. But make of it , what you will.

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP :

Seattle releases 4 players

RENTON,Wash-(AP) The Seattle Seahawks have let go of four players ahead of the deadline to cut the roster to 75.

Seattle waived defensive tackle Kevin Brown, fullback Dan Curran, linebacker Shane Simmons and tight end John Tereshinski. The Seahawks made the moves Sunday , one day after their 14-10 preseason win at Kansas City.

Teams have until Tuesday to trim rosters to 75 players. The final cutdown to 53 players has to be done by Sept. 5.

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If there’s one thing that we’ve come to learn about Holmgren coached teams. It was that they were always proficient on both sides of the ball. That being said their failings of late were in particular on the offensive side of the ball. The loss of Pro Bowler , Matt Hasselbeck for much of last season , basically left the cupboard bare in terms of a reliable backup. And given the fact that watching Seneca Wallace on the field of play, was in essence very much akin to watching a doe being hunted by a pride of lions. He was very much caught in the proverbial set of headlights as usual . And he acquitted himself , thus.

If the Seahawks are to get back, whereby they’re to be a dominant force to be reckoned with in the NFC West as wll as the NFC as a whole. Then this season, they’ll have to step up their game and prove to the rest of the league as well as their fans . That they’re rightfully back in their customary place, as one of the top teams in the NFC and a force to be reckoned with. If anything , they’ve been very much the title of this piece . ….. Sleepless In Seattle ….Who Knew ?

Can Someone Tell Me Why ?

tophatal — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:36:08 +0000

Can Someone Tell Me Why ?

The biggest mistake an athlete can make is to carry on long after the height of their athletic abilities . Far too often we’ve seen athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Brett Favre and now mixed martial artist Randy Couture . Seemingly,carry on as if , they’re still at the height of their athletic prowess.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (left) and Randy Couture (right) mix it up at UFC 102 . Nogueira would go on to defeat Couture with a unanimous decision in the title elimination bout. The winner has a lucrative title matchup against the UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. A date has yet to be scheduled for the highly anticipated bout. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Jasper ......................

We’ve seen Favre come back for the umpteenth time , well at least it appears that way ! Ali, as we know came back for that one or shall we say that four or five fights too many ? Unfortunately for the man, himself , he’s no longer the athlete that so many of came to love and grew up watching.. He’s seemingly a broken and irreparably damaged individual, not only physically but also mentally. Now a sufferer of Parkinson’s disease , Ali lives within a shell , and a silent world where he can neither speak or communicate with anyone with any semblance of normalcy.

Nogueira lands a left hook to the side of the head of Couture in their title elimination bout at UFC 102 held at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland Oregon this past Saturday night. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jon Kopaloff .....................

Favre , for all of his misgivings and the belief that he can come back and lead the Minnesota Vikings to a title. It has to be said that his failings as a player were all too prominent last season in his tenure, with the New York Jets . Not only as a player but as a leader by example. If there’s one thing that has been abundantly clear as to Favre’s demeanor as a player in his latter years in the NFL, as a teammate. It has been the fact that it has to be about him and being center stage, as the turmoil unfolds. If you doubt my view then here’s an actual quote from the player, himself. ” I don’t have to be a teammate or teach anyone anything !” If you can guess that Favre was actually stating this about his then teammate , Aaron Rodgers.As the then rookie, had been drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Then you can understand the reservations that may now well be , being felt within the Vikings’ camp at present. On the outside everything may well seem rosy. But then again what’s a schism amongst friends ?

On Saturday night at UFC 102 , Randy Couture , the grand-daddy of the UFC veterans now still competing in the octagon. ‘The Natural’ ,as he’s come to be known showed for all sense and purpose that his best years are indeed most definitely behind him. Much like Muhammad Ali , who’d returned to the ring to have those five fights too many. Therein ,he became the punch bag for fighters who in his prime he’d have destroyed within the blink of an eye. But that was then and this about the here and now. It’s not about what you did then but what have you done lately ? And for Couture his last few fights have been absolutely nothing to write home about. He’s suffered the ignominy of having been beaten by fighters who in many respects aren’t as experienced . But their main advantage was the presence of youth and in many respects Couture as a practitioner is now said to be on the downside of an illustrious career. Where in reality, it’s no longer a young man’s game.

His opponent on Saturday night, in the none title eliminator was Brazilian ju-jitsu expert Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira . Thirteen years younger than the veteran Couture , 46. Nogueira totally dominated the bout from start to finish. It was an emphatic and decisive win for the Brazilian. And it was understandable that all three judges decided in Nogueira’s favor. Not at anytime, in this headlined event, was Couture able to anything worthwhile inside the octagon. And if anything , it was quite embarrassing having to watch Couture try and even take down his much younger opponent. As I’d alluded to earlier, this is in every way a young man’s sport. And for all of the expertize that Couture is said to have. It was a totally lacking and embarrassing effort on his part. It’s hard to see where he can now go from here.

UFC , for all of the hype behind it . It’s now at a crossroads in terms of real visibility and credibility. Its heavyweight champion, in Brock Lesnar , while being a dominant physical specimen. He is by no means the best practitioner within the heavyweight division, given the various faceted organizations within MMA genre. But until we actually see Lesnar face off against Russia’s Fedor Emelianenko . We’ll continue to see a great deal of hype placed around Lesnar , as to the alleged belief that he’s the best of the best within the heavyweight division.As to an anticipated defense of his title against Noguiera. UFC Chairman , Dana White , has started the ball rolling in that endeavor. However ,if anything , it is hoped that particular event will be a great deal more entertaining than the main bout that took place at UFC 102 between Nogueira and Couture.

Randy Couture has parlayed his success into several entrepreneurial endeavors. From a clothing line , bearing his name. To several small roles on tv and on film within Hollywood. And with a burgeoning gym establishment where he’s taking on young aspiring talent within his stable and training them in the art of the genre of MMA. It is hoped that he’ll finally walk away from the sport with his head held high ,that he once graced so successfully. If nothing else , that’s how a lot of his more erstwhile fans would like to see him bow out. Rather than under the impediment of having to be either dragged out kicking and screaming.
Or quite possibly not under his own steam but on a gurney, physically unable to perform and actually not knowing where or who he actually is.

Ali (left) seen here facing onetime sparring partner Larry Holmes in their much lauded bout. It would prove to be the penultimate fight of Ali's career. He lost in a unanimous decision to Larry Holmes. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ archives/ Lou Parrello .....................

Having seen that sort of situation befall Muhammad Ali. I’d like to think Couture and others of that ilk would know when it is indeed “….. time to call it quits. “ But then again, there are those among us who’d rather see our heroes go out battling with that do or die attitude. That tends to work for those who actually have some semblance of knowing what it is that they’re doing. Not so , I think now, in the case of Couture of Favre and for that matter, Ali. Great as they once were, there came a time when in reality they had in-fact made that one unnecessary journey too many. And in the end it came back to haunt them in one way or another. Certainly that was the case for Couture on Saturday night. And it was most definitely the case for Ali , in the several bouts that he took after having regained the heavyweight title for then an unprecedented third time.

Brett Favre (background) alongside teammate Tavaris Jackson (foreground) seen here at the Vikings' training camp in Eden Priarie , Minnesota. Favre hopes to lead the Vikings to the Superbowl in the 2009-10 season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Star Ledger/ Elizabeth Flores ...................

In the case of Favre , he’ll be contending with his own ego and pride. And if anything we’ll see how he’ll fare this upcoming season with the Minnesota Vikings. One thing for is for sure however. There can be no excuses made on his behalf should everything implode. Declining skills and the mere fact that as a team the Vikings are merely considering the hear and now as to their immediacy of their ambitions. It can only lead but to one scenario , should things not meet the fans’ expectations.

So can someone tell me why it is that we have to witness this all , as to the ego driven athlete who doesn’t know when to call time ?