Open for Suggestions

A little change of pace this week.....I found myself last night "cleaning" out the DVR and realized that if I were to erase all shows that were sports related, I would be left with some slim pickings. Don't get me wrong, I love my Sound FX, The League and random ESPN shows. However, my non sports shows that have made it through the years are starting to approach the inevitable period where they jump the shark. CSI Vegas has gone from Grissom, to Langston and now to D.B. Russell played by Ted Danson. Every time I see him on the screen I keep waiting for him to pour a beer and go into flirt mode when Kirstie Alley walks through the door...assuming she could still fit thru that door. I can't fully commit to "reality" shows that involve pro sports "wives" whom can't mention who they are affiliated with, aren't actually married, and don't like each other but for some reason spend a few hours a day hanging out. Leverage continually amazes me with how everybody knows how to contact the crew for help but the bad guys never see them coming. I took a friend's suggestion and watched a show called Wilfred which featured a man talking to a dog. Only thing is this dog was a man wearing a dog suit. It felt weird at the time (like, "am I trippin?" weird) but being that it was different from what I normally watch, it held my interest. Please, help the program-challenged out. Give me a suggestion on what I should be watching...or at least listening too while I'm doing something else, probably sports related.

I found this video highly offensive. I should not have to be subjected to this. A flag for "Indecent Cuppage" should've been thrown and the FG should not have counted as a result (9 second mark)


(Correction: last week's season total for correct winners picked should have been 20)

Ethically Speaking

Another week in the books in the sports world and life in general. I couldn't help but weigh in with a rant on the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight that seemingly pitted people on opposite sides of the spectrum with no in between. It should be noted, I am no boxing fan (aside from Tyson fights of yesteryear) and I am not a Mayweather fan or apologist. I keep hearing the word sucker punch being thrown around like pancakes at 9AM in an IHOP. That word is sometimes interchangeable with a lack of sportsmanship displayed when referring to Mayweather. I am not so much concerned with the sportsmanship anyone displays if it's not against the rules. Is it sportsmanship to run a hurry up offense when you know the other team is tired? Wrong to attack an injured part of the body in a contact sport? Wrong to feign injury to get yourself or teammates more recovery time? The answer to those will depend on which side of the line you're on when it happens. The part I am more concerned with is the term sucker punch. Granted, it wasn't the most ideal way I'd pick to end a main event, but it happened. Did anybody forget that Ortiz went street-fighter with an undeniable intentional head butt to Mayweather? Anyone notice that the ref, who said fight and then looked to the scorer's table instead of having the fighters go to neutral corners, escaped any criticism? In any sport where the ref says lets go (or puts the ball in action), it's game on whether you're ready or not. If you get caught slipping, shame on you. In this particular case, any mention of being dirty or sucker punched from Ortiz's camp falls on deaf ears after an intentional head butt followed by a punch. There is also footage (link below) of Ortiz showing what a real sucker punch is when he ILLEGALLY upper cuts his opponent when the ref steps in to break it up. That earned him a DQ. I can't help but think that if the roles were reversed, the public cry towards the mouthy, brash and unapologetic Mayweather would be "You got what he deserved". But since he's atop the mountain and walks away with his record unblemished, he'll once again be the target of non complimentary jabs. Pretty Boy, "Protect, yourself at all times".

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh2Q4HBXJ58BK72Gzk

I did however enjoy this video that shows the post fight interview with the crypt keeper, I mean, Larry Merchant. If you're doing the math at home, that'd make him 30.
(FYI: A couple curse words thrown about)


Speaking of protecting yourself at all times. How would you feel if you were this guy who was just standing and minding his own business? Helluva internship eh??

Not What It Seems

The first week of the season reminds me of the subtle warning on your rear view mirror that reminds us that objects in mirror are closer than they appear. What I mean is, every year after the first game, there is a great overreaction to the first game. I can assure you the Steelers won't get blown out regularly, 1/2 the starting qbs won't throw for 300+ yards every week, Cam Newton won't regularly channel his inner Warren Moon and a handful of starters won't get hurt the first time they run full speed in a game. Of course, Tony Romo will continue to choke away games. Alas, some things in the mirror are as they appear.

A couple of quick videos will suffice for this week. Neither of them are about Serena informing the court referee that she is unattractive...on the inside.

This video reminds me of a speech my dad gave me once. I figured as I got older I would understand it, but I still don't. Perhaps this coaches explanation will have a similar affect. Either that or he really is just pointing out that we need more dogs.


This video is a clear cut indication of when you are TOO comfortable at the job. This would be equivalent to you coming to work in flip flops or "club ready" on casual friday (and yes, I know a few of my readers can relate). Needless to say, I hope he is announcing this loosely every week!


Went through the normal growing pains of feeling out week 1. My against the spread numbers will usually be a fraction of picking straight up winners. I'd put a little discretionary income on the chargers and raiders lines this week...if that were legal

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler

Amidst natural disasters ccurring in unusual locations in the country, an uncertain economic climate and the Detroit Lions being the #1 bandwagon pick this season....at least one thing is right with the world. Futbol-Americano is back in full swing. In preparation for my beloved Saints being the opening game, I'll keep this short (by my standards anyway).

This is what I expect from this year:

AFC Playoffs - Patriots, Chargers, Steelers, Ravens, Texans, Jets
Possible - If Manning's neck doesn't keep him out past 2 games, I'd be willing to pencil the Colts in and remove the Houston "This is their year...again" Texans
No Chance - Cincinnati Bengals, who let their starting QB faux retire, top 2 WR's leave and starting running back just got out of jail again. At least he got to choose when he served his sentence as to not disrupt the team (if there was a sarcastic font option...)

NFC Playoffs - Falcons, Saints, Packers, Cowboys, Rams, Eagles
Possible - The Cardinals are in the NFC West, where 7 wins could get you in. If Kolb is somewhat decent and throws the ball to Fitzgerald like his life depended on it, they could replace the Rams.
No Chance - Carolina Panthers, who will start a qb who's NFL play calling experience, up to this point, has been from Madden on playstation.

The NFL's little brother kicked off this past weekend with Maryland making a fashion statement. At first glance, I wanted to make a few statements of my own but we'll keep it PG. I wasn't sure if I turned to a real life Power Rangers cartoon or if my tv was about to crap out.


I couldn't figure out if this video showed a genius way to successfully not spend any money when being asked to participate in a wedding OR overvaluing technology. Somebody better have a real sad story for me to volunteer looking like an idiot (well, moreso than usual) walking down the aisle.


Finally, the picks are back as usual. I was called out by just picking winners since that's deemed "easy". I will still pick the winners each week (bolded) but also will be picking against the spread (highlighted in red) for each game too. Not to go gambling 101 but at the end of the game add or subtract either the + number or - number to that teams final score and if it is higher than the OTHER teams score with no addition or subtraction, you picked the right spread. I'll save the parlay and teaser talk for those of you who are in dealings with Tiny and Knuck Knuck.