Wow, it feels like so long has passed since the last Free Kicks. The Orioles swept the Red Sox, were swept by the Yankees, and managed to shut out the Twins for the win last night. However, that 2-0 win was exactly what the Orioles needed- no, not to get things going or turn the season around or anything like that. They literally NEEDED to shut the opponent out if they were going to have any chance to win a game at this point. Man, on March 30th who thought this team would be this far in the cellar? Whatever happened to progress? I know the schedule was tough, but not this tough. At least we can celebrate the wins a little more while we wait for Luke Scott, Adam Jones, and Nolan Reimold to finally get a hit. In the meantime, let’s line up for the kick…
Is NBA Still the “Bad-Boy” League?
With Adam “Pac Man” Jones getting picked up by the Bengals (as though they needed another criminal on the roster), Lawrence Taylor getting arrested for raping a 16 year-old girl who he allegedly purchased from a pimp, and Ben Roethlisberger recently being suspended, I had to wonder to myself when the last time was that an NBA star got in as much trouble as so many NFL stars seem to. It feels like every month another NFL player is caught drunk driving, beating his wife/girlfriend, or engaging in some other repulsive activity, forcing a crack-down from the league. Moreover, it is the NBA that has retained the reputation for having bad apples, players who constantly get into trouble and have cast a stain on the entire league. I understand that the NFL has hundreds more players than the NBA, so there is a critical mass issue. But for all of Roger Goodell’s bluster and suspensions, his tough-guy approach doesn’t seem to be having much of an impact on these players. Sure, they now say the right things and act contrite, but the players are not taking the examples of their peers to heart. For whatever reason, David Stern’s mismanaged system of justice that makes what a player wears more important than what they’re packing is resulting in fewer incidences than I can remember. Does the NBA still deserve its bad-boy image? Should the NFL deserve one?
Jim Calhoun Signs 5-year Extension with UConn
The only reason I mention this is because it is a huge leap of faith by the administration to honor Calhoun with this extension- not because UConn fell short of expectations this year- that happens in college basketball. Calhoun is an incredible coach and deserves to remain the head man at UConn. However, five years is a long time to commit to a man who missed large chunks of last season with health problems and will be 73 years old by the time the contract is up. Basketball is not like football, where men like Joe Paterno can meander the sidelines while leaving the coaching to their assistants. That isn’t to belittle JoePa, he is a legendary coach, but he clearly is not as involved as he once was. College basketball requires a high amount of energy (see Gary Williams), a sharp mind (see Phil Jackson), and the ability to quickly articulate to your players (or the refs) in 30 seconds what they need to do (Coach K). I worry about whether Calhoun will coach next season, much less 5 years from now. I hope they know something I don’t.
Milton Bradley Playing Games with Mariners
I apologize for the pun, but I just had to do it. Bradley, after storming out of the ballpark during a game and abandoning his teammates, has asked the organization to help him with “emotional stress” from personal issues and has been placed on the restricted list. I am sorry if I don’t seem as sympathetic, but if these are the same “personal issues” that have caused Bradley to bounce from one team to another throughout his career (and never with a sweet exit), I don’t see them getting any better with or without the Mariners’ help. He once went through anger management with the A’s- didn’t work. He has gotten ultimatums from the Rangers and Cubs during his stints there- no impact. At best this is a realization that his behavior needs to change, which would be something that will take more than a week to fundamentally alter. At worst this is a ploy by his agent to garner some sympathy from the organization for his horrible PR after leaving in the middle of a game. He is there for his bat but the guy is straddling the Mendoza line on a team that is desperate for some pop. At this point I am tired of hearing about his issues. His history shows that as long as he hits, some team will put up with him- right now he isn’t even doing that.
I cannot wait to read the Preakness free kicks! An interview with jockey Calvin B., and Super Saver would be a different twist. I'd love to hear what the horse has to say about some vertically challenged hick bouncing up and down on his back has to say. A contest for some grandstand tickets would also be a nice BSR touch- are you listening Zach? Gable signs has some deep pockets- get out there with the freebies.
Man I wish we could do some Preakness tickets. That would be a great giveaway. We'll have lots of coverage next week.
I'm sorry to hear that…Bad enough all the damn local talk radio filled with horse racing jibberish, now I havta read about on my sofa, too? Can't win 'em all, Ol' Bruz…
Come on Bruiser- YOU should be proud of Baltimore and it's horse racing heritage. Having ONE of the triple crown is a priviledge and an honor. It's nay sayers like you that are hurting the sport and could destroy this tradition for Old Hill Top. Have you ever been? Having spent 20 years of my life out there, participating and working, let me just say, I am proud that Baltimore can represent to the country this event. Baltimore cannot get the Olympics or host the baseball all star game or SuperBowl every year, so this is our show case- embrace it my man.
Uncle Dubya…Ol' Bruz went twice…Whatever year Affirmed and Alydar went nose to nose (not that I was that part) and the year after…Don't remember a whole lot about either one, if I'm being honest…The Preakness, she's a young man's game…Which leaves Ol' Bruz out…If it helps out the local economy or brings prestige to the city, that's fine…I just ain't looking forward to hearing about it all week on the way to and from work and baseball practice and soccer practice and Scouts…Granted, "Fire Trembley" talk can get a little tiresome after a while, too, but hearing about some three year old horse with a goofy name's quarter mile split times on a muddy track is, is, is, oh I dunno, Uncle Will, its just too much for Ol' Bruz…Would be like Ol' Bruz going on the air and recounting that time he shot 103 at Eisenhower…Decent tee shot on the first, leaving 186 yards downhill from the first cut of rough on the left side of the fairway to a back right pin…Pulled a 4-iron to the right of the green, and a little short…Chunked the chip right in to the damn bunker that shouldn't been in play…Enough, already!!!!!!!!!!!
Not a preakness fan ol' Bruz? That surprises me.
The NBA should be renamed thugs r us, these are street guys who play basketball. Colhoun is being rewarded for all his years of service, the old goat probably doesn't even realize that he is getting paid- at least you don't have to worry about a sex scandal with him. Bradley has been given more get outta jail free cards than a Monopoly game player- time for the Association to step up to police guys who are bad for the game.
I cannot wait to read the Preakness free kicks! An interview with jockey Calvin B., and Super Saver would be a different twist. I'd love to hear what the horse has to say about some vertically challenged hick bouncing up and down on his back has to say. A contest for some grandstand tickets would also be a nice BSR touch- are you listening Zach? Gable signs has some deep pockets- get out there with the freebies.
So… what are you planning Big-Game sunday? MegaGate2011.com$100,000 up for grabs at the 2011 MegaGate vegas!