Here is a little something to get you in the mood for the upcoming “Madness!”
Listen to the NCAA Tournament Selection Show with Jason Hammer and Nick Gardner LIVE this Sunday on Fox News/Talk 1430 WXNT. Players, coaches and predictions. SUNDAY from 5-8pm
As we get ready to wrap-up the annual NFL Scouting Combine downtown, I am reminded how little this event really means and how hyped it is. Over 600 media credentials were requested for this years event. The NFL Network has 22 air personalities and producers here and I have been on the phone all week long doing interviews for radio stations all over the country. All that for no real news regarding these players.
If Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford don’t throw (which they didn’t) will that effect their draft status? If Sue or McCoy have slower 40 yard dash times or lift a little less than expected, will they slip? Of course not. Bill Parcells said it best when he said “I need football players, not Olympians.”
This is not 1977 anymore. Coaches and scouts don’t need to look at a guy to evaluate his talent. This is 2010 and EVERYONE has tape and advanced scouting. If you are a star and speedy wide receiver at Hanover College or USC, someone will see you. This is a great time for technology and information. If you have the game, someone will see you. A workout doing the shuttle run and cone drill won’t matter much.
The ONLY vital parts of the NFL Combine are the medical tests and interviews. If a player makes an ass of himself (Ryan Leaf) and a player dazzles (Peyton Manning) in the interview process, it can mean the difference between getting picked one spot or the other or one round or the other. I wish the NFL Network would televise THAT!
There is no more overrated and over hyped event like the NFL Combine. Aside from the previously mentioned items and the meetings and schmoozing done by the agents and GM’s, this is awful to watch and cover. While it does serve a purpose, is 24 hour coverage really necessary? I don’t care of Jimmy Clausen has a great vertical. I do care if he is on tape breaking down a 3-4 defense in a pro-style offense. Aside from the medical and interviews, the combine can only hurt a player of potentially decent ability. A late round guy can work his way up, but the blue-chippers can only fall if they work out and THEN they will still be drafted in front of those “workout warriors.”
Perhaps I am alone here, but I am not buying MOST of what Tiger Woods was selling. If this makes me a bad guy, that’s fine. I am a big boy with strong shoulders that can carry the burden of what I believe. I didn’t believe 80% of Tiger. Nobody’s perfect and I am willing to give him a second chance, but before I do, I need to get some things off my chest. 80% of that press conference was just trying to save his “brand.”
First of all, how dare Tiger to blame the media for his family being in a bad position. I know that on paper it seems to be a horrible thing for someones kids and wife to be followed by paparazzi. That being said, let’s be 100% honest here and admit that this IS the world we live in. Right or wrong, nobody would be following his family around if Tiger wasn’t banging whores from coast to coast. Tiger put them in that position with his poor decisions. even as the most famous athlete in the world, his family wasn’t bothered until he made his poor decisions. Again, I am not saying it’s right, but it IS the world we live in and Tiger put them in that position.
I also find it odd that in his “heartfelt” apology that was written for him by the best PR people in the world, that he took time to VEHEMENTLY deny that Elin beat the crap out of him. Did anyone else find that odd? What did that have to do with anything? The only thing saying that does is help save his image and “brand.”
I would have more respect for Tiger if he didn’t even hold a press conference and just went back to playing golf. A lot of people in America are buying that poor excuse of a press conference (which only had his buddies in it) but not me. A real man answers questions, a real man SHOWS he is sorry in addition to saying it. Repentance is an action, not something you just say. Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes to save your image. Take advice from your sponsor and “Just Do It.”
I do feel that Tiger is sorry for the pain he has caused to his family. I do feel he wishes this never happened. I do feel that Americans will forgive his acts. We are a country that loves to throw the term “second chance” around like it’s noody’s business. Tiger deserves a second chance, but I am not feeling sorry for him at all. To me, I am having a hard time coping with the argument that he can’t help himself and needs TONS of therapy for his “issue.”. Really? Be honest, the only difference in Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter or AROD is that Tiger is married. So let’s all stop with this sex addiction/disease talk. He can stop anytime he wants to. He just got caught. That is all this is about.
I have been around enough pro athletes to know that this happens all the time. He just got caught. No therapy is needed, just apologize and get your rear end out and do what you do best….play golf. If Tiger wins a few majors and doesn’t act like a complete jackass, he will be fine. The proof is in the doing, not just the saying. No more phony pressers with prepared scripts. Face the music and get back out there. Clinton and Letterman have shown the blueprint to beat this. Did we ever see those guys holding press conferences ranting about Buddhism, denying that they got beat-up and blaming the media? These media savvy guys know better than that. Again, I will forgive, but I need to see some proof that he is trying to be better, not just hearing it.
The following is a list of odds on what cliche’ Tiger Woods will say first at his press conference.
Cliché betting - What will Tiger say first?
7/2 I regret the hurt I’ve caused
5/1 Thank my family
5/1 I’m sorry
6/1 Time to reflect
10/1 Return to golf
12/1 Appeal for privacy
12/1 Getting back on the course
12/1 Thank God
14/1 Thanks to my sponsors who have stuck by me
14/1 The Masters
16/1 Doing what I do best
16/1 Look to my family and God for forgiveness
20/1 Thank IMG for all their support
20/1 I am now just looking to the future
20/1 Time for change
25/1 We all need to move on
25/1 We’ve all made mistakes
33/1 I love Elin very much
66/1 Sex addiction
80/1 I just want to get back out on the course and concentrate on scoring birdies
80/1 Hate the sin, love the sinner
80/1 OK I admit it looks bad, but…
100/1 Jack Nicklaus
100/1 I’ve lost count how many
100/1 Get in the hole
100/1 I got a few too many birdies
100/1 Gentlemen do prefer blondes
100/1 They tried to make me go rehab
200/1 Thank God for John Terry
200/1 I’m not as bad as Ashley
200/1 I am retiring from professional golf
250/1 My tiger is back in it’s cage
250/1 My tiger has been tamed
250/1 I did not have sexual relations with that woman
500/1 At least I didn’t pay
I drove to Miami, watched the game and drove back. Along the way I learned a few things. When you go through 3 states just to get to the state you are going to, lessons can be learned. Here are 10 things I learned from my Super Bowl 44 experience.
10.) McNuggets are 50 for $10 in Jacksonville:
Quite possibly the BEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN. While stopping at a gas station/McDonalds in Jacksonville, they were having a sale on McNuggets. It was 50 McNuggets for 10 bucks! You bet your sweet ass I jumped on that! It’s not quite as good as my quest to open or find a McDonalds Buffett, but it’s close!
9.) The Anna Nicole Smith death room is off limits at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida: I made the 10 minute drive from my hotel in Ft. Lauderdale to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Curious (perhaps morbidly) to see the room Anna kicked it in, I was denied by security. Only those who are staying on that floor can even get close to Suite 607. Security makes rounds by that room every hour.
8.) Some things never change for alumni of “The U”:
It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl without someone or some people acting like asses. Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin are this years guys. Irvin found out he was being charged with raping a woman 2 years ago at the Hard Rock. The day he found out, he went to the Hard Rock with an entourage of 50 to party. Really?
Warren Sapp was removed from NFL Network’s coverage of the Super Bowl due to a domestic issue. I thought that “The U” was trying to clean it’s image up? LOL…Good luck with that!
7.) Georgia smells AWFUL:
It may be the “Peach State” but it stinks of rotten meat. From the top near Atlanta to the bottom near Valdosta, the whole state just stinks. It really is the cesspool of the south.
6.) Girls pee on the beach:
MORE THAN ONCE, I had the “honor” of watching girls in sun dresses drop their undies and pee right there on the beach. Colts fans, Saints fans and locals. Maybe I am out of the loop, but is this common? I saw it a LOT.
5.) Queen Latifah is a beast:
I like the Queen. She has done a great job of being classy and she has come a long way sine her “U.N.I.T.Y” days. That being said, she was out at a restaurant and people weren’t sure if it was Queen Latifah or Robert Mathis. She cleans up very well, but when she doesn’t, she looks like a starting defensive tackle.
4.) Kevin James has a cannon:
While making the rounds with buddies Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Rob Schneider, Chris Rock and David Spade, the “King of Queens” was tossing a football around. He brought it to radio row on Friday and then to the beach set of ESPN on Sunday before the game. While on the beach, James was throwing the ball to fans on the beach. James has a gun! A freaking cannon!
He was hitting people with deep passes 60 yards away on the beach. Who knew Kevin James had such a cannon for an arm? I would start James over JaMarcus Russell right now!!
3.) Fergie has an AMAZING butt:
I have never been a huge Fergie fan. I am now. Fergie, who is part owner of Sun Life Stadium and the Dolphins, was at the game walking around and….WOW! I never really noticed before, but her humps, her humps are FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC. WOW! Even Jennifer Lopez thinks that is a sweet can!
2.) NOBODY wants to come to Indy for 2012 Super Bowl: Despite what you may hear, the national media is not looking forward to coming here in 2012. I think the word “hate” is a strong word, but they are going to “hate” it here. They are already complaining. No beach, no casino, no booze on Sunday and subzero temps, WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE??
1.) Drew Brees is officially “in the club.” Brady, Favre, Manning and Brees. You have to lump him into that elite qb club now. He earned it. If Favre retires, it will be the “Big 3″ and then everyone else. Drew Brees is now in that elite company.
I know, I know. I am fully aware that for the next week and a half, the national media is going to play the “Poor, poor New Orleans” card. I get it. That being said, what does that have to do with Indianapolis? I keep hearing that winning the Super Bowl would mean more to the city of New Orleans because of what they have been through with Katrina. BULL CRAP! A Super Bowl to Indy does just as much. Here is why:
-The Colts have all the pressure (self-made, but pressure) on them. By sitting the starters it INSTANTLY became Super Bowl or bust for Indy. The Saints could lose and they will still be a feel good story. If Indy loses, the city views this as a lost season.
-Another Super Bowl win gives a tiny small market in the Midwest 2 in 4 years and talks of “dynasty” can begin without becoming laughable.
-Another Super Bowl win to go with 4 MVP’s makes Peyton Manning hard to argue against when discussing the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time.)
-Colts fans who were bitter about week 16 vs the Jets will be silenced and the majority of the fan base will get amnesia about that loss. WITH a loss, the fans still feel cheated.
Indy needs this game just as bad as New Orleans does. This has NOTHING to do with Katrina, and EVERYTHING to do about football. I hope New Orleans does make a full recovery. A few years ago our radio station did a telethon and raised money for the victims and we personally drove the truck of money and supplies down to New Orleans. I love the city, I love the passion of their fans. However, I don’t want the Super Bowl to become a pity party. Obama has already started it and you know there is more to come.
The best team will win this game and the Indy fans want this just as bad as New Orleans. Perhaps for different reasons, but just as bad. A Colts win justifies everything Polian did and gives Indy a place in NFL history. A Colts win puts #18 atop the lists of the all-time greats. A Colts win caps off an amazing decade as the team with the most total wins. Win or lose, people in New Orleans will still drink on Bourbon Street and party on Mardi Gras. A Colts loss means a long, cold winter and next regular season is just another chance for heartbreak and failure. A Colts loss lumps them in with the Atlanta Braves as the all-time under-achievers. It means a lot for both towns, but I fully expect a media love-fest for the Big Easy all week and next. Sounds familiar doesn’t it. I don’t think the Colts would have it any other way. This team THRIVES on the lack of media attentions. Just ask the Ravens and Jets about that.
If you watch any coverage from the 4-letter network or listen to any national sports radio, you would think the NY Jets were the second coming of the 72 Dolphins or 85 Bears. (Didn’t I say that last week about Baltimore?) The point is that the Colts STILL get no love nationally.
Let’s look at some key match-ups in the AFC Championship Game:
1.) Manning vs Rex Ryan: The ultimate game planner against the defensive mastermind. Both will try and outwith each other and try to impose their style.
2.) Colts D vs Jets Running Game: “IF” the Colts can limit the Jets on the ground and make Sanchez have to throw the ball, the Colts will be great. If the Jets are constantly getting into 3rd and long , the Colts can blow this thing open with their pass rush on the rookie QB. If Sanchez is in 3rd and short a lot, the Jets can play dink-and-dunk and run the clock.
3.) Reggie Wayne vs Darrell Revis: Reggie Wayne is a bad, bad man. One of the best in the NFL. Darrell Revis IS the best in the NFL. If the Colts can get about 5 catches and 60-70 yards with Wayne vs. Revis, consider that a win! Revis is as good as it gets! Simply the best. Let’s see if Reggie can create some space.
4.) Dwight Freeney vs D’Brickashaw Ferguson: The young left tackle of the Jets (who has been very solid) will have his work cut-out as a rested and speedy Dwight Freeney will be feeding off the crowds energy. Again, Freeney has the advantage if Jets are in 3rd and long frequently.
5.) Experience vs Momentum: The Colts have been there and done that. The Jets are hot, but can a rookie QB be trusted to go on the road and win the AFC title against the fastest defense in the NFL?
PREDICTION: I know everyone is drinking the Jets Kool Aid right now, but I think the Colts are a little upset at the lack of respect the national media is dishing out and have a score to settle with the Jets. I just can’t see a rookie quarterback beating San Diego and Indy back to back weeks…ON THE ROAD.
The Colts have tried to win 15 times this year, 15 times they have won. They Colts overcome a slow start and #18 has a big 3rd quarter.
5 Things to keep an eye on for the Colts/Ravens game:
1.) Stopping the run: Baltimore wants to run, run and then run some more. Can the undersized, yet speedy and physical Colts defense limit the damage and actually make a banged-up Joe Flacco throw the ball? If they do that, the Colts will roll.
2.) Who scores first: The Ravens are a team that is designed to run the clock down and play with a lead. They let their defense be their best offense. If they score first, they will have the Colts right where they want them in terms of game planning. Again, IF the Colts score first (or often) they will force Baltimore to throw more which is not their strongest attribute.
3.) Rest/Rust: The million dollar question some fans were wondering after the starters were pulled in week 16 vs the NYJ. Will the Colts timing be off due to being basically inactive for 3 weeks OR will they look refreshed, healthy and ready to roll. If the Colts lose, they run the risk of losing a LOT of fans who will be saying “I told you so!”
4.) Colts Running Game: It has never been a real strong part of the Colts offensive attack, but to win in the playoffs the Colts will need to run. Joseph Addai has played well at times this season and rookie Donald Brown will be exposed to playoff football for the first time. The Ravens pride themselves on shutting down the run, so if the Colts get ANYTHING from Addai and/or Brown, consider that a bonus!
5.) Coaching edge: Jon Harbaugh of the Ravens in only his second season has done amazing things in Baltimore. He took them to the AFC Title game a year ago and has won big games on the road in the postseason before. On the other hand, Jim Caldwell is out of Tony Dungy’s shadow and is at the controls for the first time. Advantage: Baltimore.
Final Score: While Baltimore offers may challenges (especially with their physical defense and running game) I don’t think the Ravens will run on a speedy Indy defense they way they did against New England. I think Joe Flacco will have to make some plays and I am not sure he can do that with his injured quad and average receivers. I think the Colts start slow and finish strong for a win at home. I can’t see the Ravens beating Brady and Manning BOTH on the road in back-to-back weeks.
As we brace for the BIGGEST STORM OF THE DECADE and rush out to buy up all the bread and milk, I want to take a step back and think about the previous 10 years as they relate to sports fans in Indianapolis. A decade that saw the demolition of the dome and the rise of the ‘The Luke. We saw the decline of the Indiana Hoosiers and the rise of the Butler Bulldogs. However, there was no bigger difference between things up and down like the one between the Colts and the Pacers. The brawl and winning it all sum up the last few years for those 2 franchises. However, which do you think had a bigger impact on the city? Let’s discuss, shall we?
Winning a title was great, but it was expected. To be honest, I think a few more have been expected. The brawl in Detroit though changed TONS of things. The way security works at games, the way fans view the players and most importantly, the way the fans in THIS city viewed the Pacers. While I think the brawl wasn’t the thing that drove fans away from the Pacers (the strip clubs and guns did that) I think it was a defining moment that the Pacers have never recovered from.
Before Ron Artest ran into the stands, the Pacers were celebrating a thumping of the NBA Champion Detroit Pistons in their house. It was a statement game that the Pacers dominated. After that night, the Pacers were never contenders ever again. Again, it wasn’t JUST the brawl, but to me, that was clearly the beginning of the end. The Colts are still winning and chasing titles, just like they have been all decade, but the Pacers who started the decade in the NBA Finals have done a complete 180 from the Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson days. The brawl in Detroit, the “Malice in the Palace” to me was the story that had a bigger impact on the landscape of sports in Indy as the Colts continue to roll along, but the Pacers now play in front of maybe 10,000 fans and give tickets away.
If you are one of those folks who went to the game on Sunday against the Jets and feel cheated and angry, you should be ASHAMED of yourself! I have had so many people call, text and hit me up on Facebook and Twitter complaining about the Colts decision to rest their starters on Sunday. Some fans have even said they feel like they should get a refund? REALLY? A REFUND?
I understand if you want to debate if resting the starters or playing them is better for the team. That is a fair argument, but don’t feel like the Colts OWE you anything! They owe you nothing! They have earned the right to do whatever they want. Would these same people who want their money back PAY EXTRA for great games like the New England game? It’s the same logic. Stop being so spoiled. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ALL FANS, but those who were calling and contacting me and complaining need to take this to heart. One fan even told me that if the Colts do win the Super Bowl, it won’t mean as much now. Do you even remember mid-eighties? or 1990? or 1991? Somewhere, there are fans of the Lions, Browns and Rams who are giving fans like that a middle finger.
If you know anything at all about me, you know I have lived in Indy my whole life and I love my sports! I remember when this community would get EXCITED that the Colts would win 3 games a year. The times have changed and so has the sentiment and expectations of the fans. I understand that, but the Colts don’t OWE you anything for Sunday.
They are 14-1 and have home-field throughout the AFC Playoffs. In a year when a lot of writers and media picked them to MISS the playoffs. Yet still, some fans want a refund and say that winning it all would not mean as much. STOP IT AND GROW UP! I am a Cubs fan, do you have any idea what I would do for success? Quit being spoiled brats. I will now step off my soap box and think back to the 1985 season with Mike Pagel and company. Never take for granted what you see each week here because it won’t last forever. Ask the Pacers about that.
