Sorry I haven't blogged in a couple of days but my work has taken me away...Stiles Points returns today, but not with a sports related issue...instead the topic deals with Barack Obama's nominee to replace Justice David Souter(photo, left) on the Supreme Court...
I have a penchant for following the make-up of the Supreme Court since my master's thesis dealt with this judicial body...talk has been rampant that Obama will select a woman as Souter's replacement...currently, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg is the only woman on the high court...
Through all my studies, I personally believe the Supreme Court should be comprised of men and women of various races and creeds - not that of a select few...but that has never happened...as president, Obama will more than likely have the rare opportunity in selecting three new Justices on the Supreme Court...it is assumed that Ginsberg will soon be retiring and Justice John Paul Stevens is in his late 80s...
With this opportunity, Obama can be the first president to have a truly diverse Supreme Court...historically, white males has been the choice...there has been two black males and two white women...the time has come to expand...
Obama needs to select a Hispanic person for this post...many don't realize the Hispanic population is this country's largest minority, even more than African-Americans...that is why he should nominate Sonia Sotomayor, Justice, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit...
Sotomayor grew up in a Bronx housing development...she was diagnosed with diabetes at age 8...she earned her A.B. from Princeton University in 1976, where she won the Pyne Prize, the highest general award given to Princeton undergraduates...she then obtained her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1979, where she was an editor of the Yale Law Journal...Sotomayor should win over conservatives as she once worked to "put away the bad guys" as New York County Assistant District Attorney...
At this time the Supreme Court needs another female perspective...and it needs another "minority" other than African-American...Sotomayor more than fits this bill and should breeze through the process...
In the future, Obama must consider nominating an Asian-American and a Native-American...but that is for another day...
There is nothing better in sports than these two words -- GAME SEVEN...
Tonight the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics lock up for Game 7 in one of the classic series in NBA history...if this game goes down to the last possession, it could be deemed the greatest series of all-time...you knew this could have the makings of a great series when Kevin Garnett yelled to the Chicago Bulls after the Celtics Game 2 victory - "Take that Mother Fuckers!!!"...it was on!!!!...great series must have passion, fighting, verbally jawing, technical fouls, flagrant fouls, buzzer beaters, overtime...and for the first six games, this series has every one of those key ingredients...
Below are links about today's game...sit back and enjoy the game at 8:00 p.m. on TNT...and my prediction -- Bulls win by 2 points...
Sam Smith of Bulls.com writes this is the greatest series of all-time... "With seven overtime periods in the six games, this is heading to the first eight-game playoff in NBA history. Stop asking. There never has been anything like this. No NBA playoff series has ever seen more than four overtime periods, and the last one to have that many was 52 years ago. No NBA playoff series has had more than two overtime games. Nothing, really, even comes close to this." ...
Brian Hanley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes how the mid-season acquisition of two players have made the Bulls a different team... "An argument can be made for the Feb. 19 trade with Sacramento that brought John Salmons and Brad Miller to the Bulls on the league's deal-day deadline. Those two have been instrumental in the team's run from postseason also-ran to the Eastern Conference's seventh seed." ...
Marc Spears of the Boston Globe writes that KG will not play tonight... "Team president Danny Ainge said yesterday via text message there are no plans for Garnett to play until next season." ...
Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune writes about the excitement in Chicago surrounding Game 7... "And now the battle goes back to Boston on Saturday for Game 7 to settle things once and for all. Presumably. But if this series were grammar, it would be a run-on sentence. If it were math, it would be pi to the millionth digit. If it were gym class -- wait, it is gym class. It's a whole glorious day of gym class." ...
Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe writes how both teams are evenly matched going into Game 7... "In any case, this is the most even matchup in NBA playoff history, illustrated by the seven overtime sessions going into tonight's Game 7 at the Garden." ...
The College Football Hall of Fame announced today the 18 former players and coaches who will be inducted this summer...the one name that stood out to me was former West Virginia quarterback Major Harris...before Michael Vick and Vince Young there was Major Harris...Harris was a dual threat who could beat a team with his running and passing...
Harris was a 1986 graduate of Brashear High School in Pittsburgh...was a former Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Athlete of the Year, starring in football and basketball...
While at West Virginia, as a sophomore, he led the Mountaineers to a perfect regular season and to the 1988 Fiesta Bowl to take on 11-0 Notre Dame...twice he finished in the top five in Heisman Trophy voting and became the first player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards and throw for 5,000 in a career...
After 20 years, The Major is finally getting his due...
The field, from the rail out, is: West Side Bernie (30-1) Musket Man (20-1) Mr. Hot Stuff (30-1) Advice (30-1) Hold Me Back (15-1) Friesan Fire (5-1) Papa Clem (20-1) Mine That Bird (50-1) Join in the Dance (50-1) Regal Ransom (30-1) Chocolate Candy (20-1) General Quarters (20-1) I Want Revenge (3-1) Atomic Rain (50-1) Dunkirk (4-1) Pioneerof the Nile (4-1) Summer Bird (50-1) Nowhere to Hide (50-1) Desert Party (15-1) Flying Private (50-1)
It's just a matter of time before New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi gets canned...and the way the Yankees have been playing since Opening Day, he deserves to go...that was pathetic shit this past weekend at Fenway Park...a disgrace!!!...
Girardi obviously is a baseball person who has a heckuva lot more knowledged about the game than me...but it seems that he cannot get this team to live up to their talents...the Yankees don't have any fire up their ass...
So with that being said, the clock is ticking on Girardi...since Billy Martin has been dead for the last 20 years and Joe Torre out west, let's look over, in no particular order, the list of some possible replacements... (those who are currently serving on a Major League coaching staff are listed as replacements after the season concludes)
Don Mattingly - Mattingly (photo, right) was the runner-up to replace Torre...Mattingly is Yankees Baseball...he epitomizes everything that is good with the game of baseball...he is currently the L.A. Dodgers hitting coach and it just kills me to see him in any other uniform but the Pinstripes...the knock of Mattingly is that he has no managerial experience...
Tony Pena - Pena is currently serving as Girardi's bench coach...he has managerial experience with the Kansas City Royals - which basically explains why he is now a bench coach and not a manager...but remember, Torre was considered a failure as a manager when he first took over in the Bronx...I'm not sure how the team responds to Pena...
Bobby Valentine - even though he does not call the shots anymore, The Boss was always intrigued by Bobby V...he would surely change the atmosphere in the clubhouse...Bobby V is over in Japan, but I have read that he would like to manage one more time in the Majors - but in the right situation...he loves the attention and the limelight of New York...
Willie Randolph - he is another favorite of The Boss...Randolph is the Brewers bench coach...he has managerial experience and is a well-known commodity within the current Yankees team...Randolph was canned last year by the Mets at mid-season...the Yanks would love nothing more than to bring him back to the Big Apple and have him stick it to their cross-town rivals by winning a World Series...
Davey Johnson - Johnson (photo) has been out the Major League managerial game for quite awhile...he served as the U.S. Olympic and World Baseball manager...he is a proven winner...and if Jack McKeon can win a World Series in his 70s, who's to say that Johnson can't get back in the saddle at a much younger age?...
Buck Showalter - Torre gets all the credit for the Yankees turnaround, and rightfully so...but people forget that Buck was the one who brought the Yanks back to respectability...the Yanks had the best record in baseball in the strike shortened season and he led them to the playoffs in 1995...he understands the Yankees way of doing things...
Dave Miley - Miley is the manager of the Yankees Triple A farm club in Scranton-Wilkes Barre...the Yanks have called up a minor league manager before in Stump Merrill...highly doubtful that he gets the job, but at least I thought his name should be tossed in the mix...
Paul O'Neill - this is a guy who would have the fire...I'm not sure if he wants to manage...he has zero managerial and coaching experience...however, it is a name that should not be forgotten for the future...O'Neill as manager and David Cone at pitching coach...that would be my pick for 5 years from now...
Last week Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown received the Coach of the Year award in the NBA...here are some interesting facts about the annual award...
- Pat Riley (photo) is the only coach to receive the award three times...interestingly, each time he won the award, he was a head coach for a different team: Lakers (1989-90), Knicks (1992-92); Heat (1996-97)...
- Hubie Brown has the record for longest stretch between winning awards...Brown won his first award in 1977-78 as head coach of the Hawks...26 years later (2003-04), he won it again as coach of the Grizzlies...
- Gene Shue is second for the longest stretch between awards...in 1968-69 Shue won it as head coach of Baltimore...13 years later he received it as coach of Washington...
- Incredibly, these coaches never won the award: Jerry Sloan, Billy Cunningham, Jack Ramsey, Chuck Daly, Rudy Tomjanovich, K.C. Jones...
- Also, these coaches only won the award one time: Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, Gregg Popovich, Red Holzman, Lenny Wilkens, Larry Brown...
- Harry Gallatin of the St. Louis Hawks won the first award in 1962-62...
- Larry Bird is the only person to win Coach of the Year and league MVP...
First off, let's set the record straight...I am a New York Yankees fan and always will be...however, if the Bronx Bombers don't win the World Series this year, which I don't think they will, there are three teams that I hope can at least pull off what the Tampa Rays did last year...well, maybe that it too much to ask, but at least if these teams can have a winning record - Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles...
When I was a kid, way back in the late 1970s, these three teams were always in the playoffs and at the very least, in playoff contention going into the last few weeks of the season...
These are three franchises that have a wonderful rich history...but for the last 10 plus years, they have wallowed in the basement of their division after poor management decisions, poor drafts, injuries, and the inability to sign their best players to long-term deals...
Pittsburgh Pirates - I will go on record right now and openly admit that I am rooting for the Pirates...in fact I went out and bought a Pirates ballcap and a Roberto Clemente t-shirt...the Pirates were fierce competitors back in the day...and I am talking pre-Bonds...here was their lineup: 1st base - Pops Stargell; 2nd base - Scraps Garner; 3rd base - Mad-dog Madlock; short - Tim Foli; catcher - Ed Ott/Steve Nicosia; left - Bill Robinson; center - Omar Moreno; right - The Cobra, Dave Parker...and they were led by a good manager and a good person, Chuck Tanner...at the right is the team logo during the We are Family era...as of today, the Pirates are off to a good start as they stand at 11-7...
Kansas City Royals - the Royals annually won the A.L. West with Whitey Herzog as manager...they had a team of 1st base - John Mayberry; 2nd base - Frank White; 3rd base - George Brett; short - Freddie Patek; catcher - Darrell Porter; left - Willie Wilson; center - A.O., Amos Otis; right - Al Cowens; dh - Hal McRae...
Baltimore Orioles - Earl Weaver's team always just missed out of the playoffs in the late 1970s...but in 1979, the took the East and eliminated the Angels to win the A.L. Pennant before blowing a 3-1 lead to the Pirates in the World Series...back then they wore their orange Sunday Special jerseys at home at Memorial Stadium...Weaver would have his tomato plants growing in the bullpen...this was before Cal Ripken was playing...Mark Belanger manned the shortstop position and Eddie Murray was just a young buck...
So maybe the baseball Gods will look down on these franchises and give them a winning season because their fans sure deserve it...
The Yankees unloaded a ton of money this off-season on pitching...and on Saturday, the pitching could not hold a 6-0 going into the bottom of the fourth at Fenway...in the end, Jason Varitek hit a grand slam, Mike Lowell a 3-run homer and the Yanks lost 16-11...fucking incredible!!!
Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press writes about the newest leader of the Lions... "Who knows anything about the future of a 21-year-old — especially in the most complicated and demanding position in professional sports? Maybe he’ll be great. Maybe he won’t. Anyone who tells you more is blowing smoke. But here are a few things that are undeniable." ...
Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press writes about the Lions second first round pick... "Pettigrew becomes part of the Lions' youth movement on offense, joining quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith." ...
Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press writes how Lou Delmas knows first hand about the Lions... "But unlike a lot of players who have little knowledge of the teams they are joining, Delmas followed the Lions' 0-16 season closely." ...
Nick Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press writes how he scratched his head on the Lions second first round pick... "The Lions said they couldn't afford to pass up talent for need, and you can say they stuck to that by taking Pettigrew." ...
Over the course of the college football season, some players caught my eye who are not considered first round material...in fact, a few may be taken from the 5th round on...keep an eye on these names...
Today Stiles Points previews the second round of the draft...included are the picks from ESPN's Mel Kiper and NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang and Chad Reuter...
33. Lions Kiper - James Laurinaitis, lb, Ohio State Rang - James Laurinaitis, lb, Ohio State Reuter - James Laurinaitis, lb, Ohio State Stiles Points - Vontae Davis, cb, Illinois - many have Davis as a first rounder...the Lions get a steal here... 34. Patriots Kiper - Connor Barwin, de/lb, Cincinnati Rang - Larry English, olb, Northern Illinois Reuter - Alphonso Smith, cb, Wake Forest Stiles Points - Darius Butler, cb, Connecticut (photo) - it seems like the Pats are always thin at cb during the course of the season...
35. Rams Kiper - Darius Butler, cb, Connecticut Rang - Michael Johnson, de, Georgia Tech Reuter - Kenny Britt, wr, Rutgers Stiles Points - Josh Freeman, qb, Kansas State - Bulger is not going to be there forever...plus the new coach will tutor Freeman for a year...
36. Browns Kiper - Clay Matthews, lb, Southern Cal Rang - Vontae Davis, cb, Illinois Reuter - Connor Barwin, olb, Cincinnati Stiles Points - Connor Barwin, olb, Cincinnati - the Browns need help at linebacker...
37. Seahawks Kiper - William Moore, s, Missouri Rang - Kenny Britt, wr, Rutgers Reuter - William Beatty, ot, Connecticut Stiles Points - Brian Robiske, wr, Ohio State - Robiske has been coming on late...he is big, strong, and NFL ready...the Seahawks are weak at wr...
38. Bengals Kiper - Alex Mack, c, Cal Rang - Alex Mack, c, Cal Reuter - Alex Mack, c, Cal Stiles Points - Ziggy Hood, dt, Missouri - Hood plugs a hole on the d-line...
39. Jaguars Kiper - Brian Robiske, wr, Ohio State Rang - Percy Harvin, wr, Florida Reuter - Ziggy Hood, dt, Missouri Stiles Points - William Beatty, ot, Connecticut - the Jags o-line was hit by injuries the last two years...they need fresh blood...
40. Raiders Kiper - Phil Loadholt, ot, Oklahoma Rang - Ron Brace, dt, Boston College Reuter - Phil Loadholt, ot, Oklahoma Stiles Points - James Laurinaitis, lb, Ohio State - the Raiders get a true leader on defense...
41. Packers Kiper - William Beatty, ot, Connecticut Rang - Connor Barwin, olb, Cincinnati Reuter - Ron Brace, dt, Boston College Stiles Points - Alphonso Smith, cb, Wake Forest - Woodson & Harris are getting old...
42. Bills Kiper - Jared Cook, te, South Carolina Rang - Phil Loadholt, ot, Oklahoma Reuter - Jared Cook, te, South Carolina Stiles Points - Jamon Meredith, ot, South Carolina - the Bills plug the hole left by Peters...
43. 49ers Kiper - Alphonso Smith, cb, Wake Forest Rang - Jarron Gilbert, de, San Jose State Reuter - Hakeem Nicks, wr, North Carolina Stiles Points - Eric Wood, c, Louisville - Wood can play either center or guard...
44. Dolphins Kiper - Jarron Gilbert, dl, San Jose State Rang - Lou Delmas, s, Western Michigan Reuter - Percy Harvin, wr, Florida Stiles Points - Lou Delmas, s, Western Michigan - the Dolphins need young blood in the secondary...some rate Delmas as the top safety...
45. Giants Kiper - Shawn Nelson, te, Southern Miss Rang - William Beatty, ot, Connecticut Reuter - Larry English, olb, Northern Illinois Stiles Points - Michael Johnson, de, Georgia Tech (photo) - this is a gamble pick...this guy is a freak...Johnson has all the tools and built to be a first-rounder...but he is not highly motivated...this could be a huge draft pick if this guy lives up to his potential...
46. Texans Kiper - Ziggy Hood, dt, Missouri Rang - Clint Sintim, olb, Virginia Reuter - Andre Brown, rb, N.C. State Stiles Points - Duke Robinson, g, Oklahoma - the Texas lock up one of the top guards in the draft...
47. Patriots Kiper - Sean Smith, cb, Utah Rang - William Moore, s, Missouri Reuter - Patrick White, qb/wr, West Virginia Stiles Points - Shonn Greene, rb, Iowa - Belichick is thin at rb...Greene is a bulldozer who will help later in the year...
48. Broncos Kiper - Ron Brace, dt, Boston College Rang - Alphonso Smith, cb, Wake Forest Reuter - Sean Smith, cb, Utah Stiles Points - Patrick Chung, s, Oregon - the middle of the defense is set with young players from this year's draft...
49. Bears Kiper - Mohamed Massaquoi, wr, Georgia Rang - Jamon Meredith, ot, South Carolina Reuter - Mohamed Massaquoi, wr, Georgia Stiles Points - Mohamed Massaquoi, wr, Georgia - M2 needs to hold on to the ball better...but he always made big plays at Georgia...
50. Browns Kiper - LeSean McCoy, rb, Pitt Rang - Jared Cook, te, South Carolina Reuter - Max Unger, c, Oregon Stiles Points - Andre Brown, rb, N.C. State - the Browns need to address the rb position somewhere in the draft...they take care of it right here...
51. Cowboys Kiper - Louis Delmas, s, Western Michigan Rang - Patrick Chung, s, Oregon Reuter - William Moore, s, Missouri Stiles Points - Pat White, qb/wr, West Virginia - Dallas needs help at safety, but Jerry Jones cannot pass-up the dynamic Pat White...
52. Jets Kiper - Andre Brown, rb, N.C. State Rang - Derrick Williams, wr, Penn State Reuter - Jarron Gilbert, de, San Jose State Stiles Points - Sean Smith, cb, Utah - the Jets strengthen the secondary...
53. Eagles Kiper - Michael Johnson, de, Georgia Tech Rang - LeSean McCoy, rb, Pitt Reuter - Shawn Nelson, te, Southern Miss Stiles Points - Phil Loadholt, ot, Oklahoma - Loadholt adds young depth to the o-line...
54. Vikings Kiper - Max Unger, c, Oregon Rang - Kevin Barnes, cb, Maryland Reuter - Jamon Meredith, ot, South Carolina Stiles Points - Max Unger, c, Oregon - like Wood, Unger can also play guard...
55. Falcons Kiper - Sherrod Martin, db, Troy Rang - Shawn Nelson, te, Southern Miss Reuter - Lou Delmas, s, Western Michigan Stiles Points - Derrick Williams, wr, Penn State - the Falcons add another weapon for Matt Ryan...
56. Dolphins Kiper - Clint Sintim, lb, Virginia Rang - Jarius Byrd, cb, Oregon Reuter - Victor "Macho" Harris, cb, Virginia Tech Stiles Points - Clint Sintim, olb, Virginia (photo) - Sintim fits the mold of Parcells...
57. Ravens Kiper - Juaquin Iglesias, wr, Oklahoma Rang - D.J. Moore, cb, Vanderbilt Reuter - Sherrod Martin, cb, Troy Stiles Points - D.J. Moore, cb, Vanderbilt - the cb position was not that strong last year...the Ravens must address that position...
58. Patriots Kiper - Pat White, qb/wr, West Virginia Rang - Max Unger, c, Oregon Reuter - Rashad Johnson, s, Alabama Stiles Points - Jarron Gilbert, de, San Jose State - Gilbert is a big de who will help the Patriots get younger on defense...
59. Panthers Kiper - Roy Miller, dt, Texas Rang - Paul Kruger, de, Utah Reuter - Lawrence Sidbury, de, Richmond Stiles Points - Ron Brace, dt, Boston College - the days of that dominant d-line are gone...they must re-tool this area...
60. Giants Kiper - Kaluka Maiava, lb, Southern Cal Rang - Cornelius Ingram, te, Florida Reuter - LeSean McCoy, rb, Pitt Stiles Points - Sherrod Martin, cb, Troy - at times last year, Ross was the only cb who made plays for the G-men...
61. Colts Kiper - Derrick Williams, wr, Penn State Rang - Fili Moala, dt, Southern Cal Reuter - D.J. Moore, cb, Vanderbilt Stiles Points - T.J. Lang, og, Eastern Michigan - the o-line needs help...they could go rb here because Addai looked old at the end of the season...
62. Titans Kiper - D.J. Moore, cb, Vanderbilt Rang - Mohammed Massaquoi, wr, Georgia Reuter - Clint Sintim, olb, Virginia Stiles Points - Cody Brown, olb, Connecticut - Titans reach a bit here, but fill a position...
63. Cardinals Kiper - Shonn Greene, rb, Iowa Rang - Cody Brown, olb, Connecticut Reuter - Shonn Greene, rb, Iowa Stiles Points - Donald Washington, cb, Ohio State - Washington has been impressing scouts of late...
64. Steelers Kiper - Jarius Byrd, cb, Oregon Rang - Donald Washington, cb, Ohio State Reuter - Jarius Byrd, cb, Oregon Stiles Points - Jarius Byrd, cb, Oregon - Steelers must address the cb position...they can also go with de Lawrence Sidbury here too...
21. Eagles Kiper - Knowshon Moreno, rb, Georgia McShay - Knowshon Moreno, rb, Georgia Rang - Knowshon Moreno, rb, Georgia Lombardi - Everette Brown, de, Florida State Stiles Points - Knowshon Moreno, rb, Georgia - the Eagles fans will go nuts if they bypass Moreno...
22. Vikings Kiper - Kenny Britt, wr, Rutgers McShay - Percy Harvin, wr, Florida Rang - Eben Britton, ot, Arizona Lombardi - Brian Cushing, lb, Southern Cal Stiles Points - Brandon Pettigrew, te, Oklahoma State - the Vikings steam the Falcons with this pick...
23. Patriots Kiper - Donald Brown, rb, Connecticut McShay - Clay Matthews, lb, Southern Cal Rang - Larry English, de, Northern Illinois Lombardi - Vontae Davis, cb, Illinois Stiles Points - Larry English, de, Northern Illinois - (photo) the Patriots still have some work to do on the old, but getting younger, defense...
24. Falcons Kiper - Brandon Pettigrew, te, Oklahoma State McShay - Bradon Pettigrew, te, Oklahoma State Rang - Darius Butler, cb, Connecticut Lombardi - Evander Hood, dt, Missouri Stiles Points - Darrius Heyward-Bey, wr, Maryland - they want Pettigrew, but settle on Heyward-Bey - just another weapon for Matt Ryan...
25. Dolphins Kiper - Malcolm Jenkins, cb, Ohio State McShay - Kenny Britt, wr, Rutgers Rang - Robert Ayers, de, Tennessee Lombardi - Larry English, de, Northern Illinois Stiles Points - Hakeem Nicks, wr, North Carolina - Nicks is a solid receiver who makes plays...
26. Ravens Kiper - Vontae Davis, cb, Illinois McShay - Rey Maualuga, mlb, Southern Cal Rang - Darrius Heyward-Bey, wr, Maryland Lombardi - Kennty Britt, wr, Rutgers Stiles Points - Brian Cushing, lb, Southern Cal - Ravens need to replace linebackers...Cushing is a good start...
27. Colts Kiper - Peria Jerry, dt, Ole Miss McShay - Evander Hood, dt, Missouri Rang - Percy Harvin, wr, Florida Lombardi - Knowshon Moreno, rb, Georgia Stiles Points - Aaron Maybin, de Penn State - the Colts could go Donald Brown, rb, U.Conn, but they jump Maybin who dropped to ...
28. Bills Kiper - Kiper still did not update his selection since Buffalo acquired this pick on 4/17 McShay - Eben Britton, ot, Arizona Rang - William Beatty, ot, Connecticut Lombardi - Eben Britton, ot, Arizona Stiles Points - Everette Brown, de, Florida State - the Bills jump a guy who has slid this far down...they needed de help and they address it in with 2 first rounders...
29. Giants Kiper - Hakeem Nicks, wr, North Carolina McShay - Hakeem Nicks, wr, North Carolina Rang - Clay Matthews, lb, Southern Cal Lombardi - Shawn Nelson, te, Southern Miss Stiles Points - Donald Brown, rb, Connecticut - they need someone to replace Ward at rb...and Brown is a versatile player...
30. Titans Kiper - Percy Harvin, wr, Florida McShay - Vontae Davis, cb, Illinois Rang - Evander Hood, dt, Missouri Lombardi - Darius Butler, cb, Connecticut Stiles Points - Kenny Britt, wr, Rutgers - they may go with Evander "Ziggy" Hood at dt to replace Haynesworth...but they also need offense because Chris Johnson was their only star in the playoff game...
31. Cardinals Kiper - Larry English, de, Northern Illinois McShay - Donald Brown, rb, Connecticut Rang - Brandon Pettigrew, te, Oklahoma State Lombardi - Clay Matthews, lb, Southern Cal Stiles Points - LeSean McCoy, rb, Pitt - the running game did well in the playoffs but the wheels are starting to show wear...
32. Steelers Kiper - Eric Wood, c, Louisville McShay - Max Unger, c, Oregon Rang - Hakeem Nicks, wr, North Carolina Lombardi - Jarron Gilbert, de, San Jose St. Stiles Points - Alex Mack, c, Cal (photo) - the Steelers got by in the playoffs with a shaky o-line...they address that need ASAP!...
11. Bills Kiper - Robert Ayers, de, Tennessee McShay - Aaron Maybin, de, Penn State Rang - Aaron Maybin, de, Penn State Lombardi - Brian Orakpo, de/lb, Texas Stiles Points - Tyson Jackson, de, LSU - looks like we all agree the Bills need a de...we just disagree on whom
12. Broncos Kiper - Tyson Jackson, de, LSU McShay - Tyson Jackson, de, LSU Rang - Brian Cushing, lb, Southern Cal Lombardi - B.J. Raji, dt, Boston College Stiles Points - Rey Maualuga, mlb, Southern Cal - (photo) Denver needs a leader on defense and I could see Maualuga being that leader...he is a guy who goes 100% and makes plays...
13. Redskins Kiper - Mark Sanchez, qb, Southern Cal McShay - Robert Ayers, de, Tennessee Rang - Everette Brown, de, Florida State Lombardi - Jeremy Maclin, wr, Missouri Stiles Points - Malcolm Jenkins, cb, Ohio State - Jenkins dropped a bit from early projections...it seems like Washington is always struggling at the cb position...plus there is a possibility Jenkins can be moved to safety...
14. Saints Kiper - Chris Wells, rb, Ohio State McShay - Chris Wells, rb, Ohio State Rang - Chris Wells, rb, Ohio State Lombardi - Chris Wells, rb, Ohio State Stiles Points - Chris Wells rb, Ohio State - with Deuce gone this pick makes sense...
15. Texans Kiper - Brian Cushing, lb, Southern Cal McShay - Brian Cushing, lb, Southern Cal Rang - Malcolm Jenkins, cb, Ohio State Lombardi - Robert Ayers, de, Tennessee Stiles Points - Jeremy Maclin, wr, Missouri - Maclin is too hard to pass up...if Maclin is available here, look for the Jets to trade up and get him...
16. Chargers Kiper - Rey Maualuga, mlb, Southern Cal McShay - Malcolm Jenkins, cb, Ohio State Rang - Michael Oher, ot, Ole Miss Lombardi - Malcolm Jenkins, cb, Ohio State Stiles Points - Michael Oher, ot, Ole Miss - Oher is either going to be a Pro Bowler or out of the league in 3 years...the Chargers can gamble here and hope to hit it big...
17. Jets Kiper - Darrius Heyward-Bey, wr, Maryland McShay - Darrius Heyward-Bey, wr, Maryland Rang - Josh Freeman, qb, Kansas State Lombardi - Brandon Pettigrew, te, Oklahoma State Stiles Points - Percy Harvin, wr, Florida - the Jets need a qb, but Freeman would have to sit a year...Harvin is a bit of a reach, but he is dynamic...
18. Broncos Kiper - Everette Brown, de, Florida State McShay - Everette Brown, de, Florida State Rang - Rey Maualuga, mlb, Southern Cal Lombardi - Tyson Jackson, de, LSU Stiles Points - Peria Jerry, dt, Ole Miss (photo) - they get Maualuga to plug the "Mike" position...now Jerry to settle in at dt...the Broncos will be strong up the middle...
19. Buccaneers Kiper - Josh Freeman, qb, Kansas State McShay - Peria Jerry, dt, Ole Miss Rang - Peria Jerry, dt, Ole Miss Lombardi - Aaron Maybin, de, Penn State Stiles Points - Clay Matthews, Jr., lb, Southern Cal - Matthews has played his way up the board...talk is that Belichick wants him...will not happen...
20. Lions Kiper - Michael Oher, ot, Ole Miss McShay - Michael Oher, ot, Ole Miss Rang - Brian Orakpo, de/lb, Texas Lombardi - Peria Jerry, dt, Ole Miss Stiles Points - Eben Britton, ot, Arizona - the Lions will follow the blueprint set by the Falcons last year...get your qb then get an ot to protect him...
This week is going to be dedicated to the NFL Draft...today Stiles Points looks over the first 10 picks of the draft which include predictions from ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay and NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang and Michael Lombardi...
1. Lions Kiper - Matthew Stafford, qb, Georgia McShay - Matthew Stafford, qb, Georgia Rang - Matthew Stafford, qb, Georgia Lombardi - Matthew Stafford, qb, Georgia Stiles Points - Matthew Stafford, qb, Georgia - the Lions have many holes but they cannot afford to pass on a possible elite QB...one thing for sure, if Stafford misses, the Lions cannot get any worse... 2. Rams Kiper - Jason Smith, ot, Baylor McShay - Jason Smith, ot, Baylor Rang - Jason Smith, ot, Baylor Lombardi - Eugene Monroe, ot, Virginia (photo) Stiles Points - Jason Smith, ot, Baylor - Smith is a no-brainer after letting Orlando Pace leave...
3. Chiefs Kiper - Aaron Curry, lb, Wake Forest McShay - Aaron Curry, lb, Wake Forest Rang - Eugene Monroe, ot, Virginia Lombardi - Aaron Curry, lb, Wake Forest Stiles Points - Aaron Curry, lb, Wake Forest - I had a hard time deciding here...Curry is the safe pick, but I could see KC going with ot Monroe to help sure up that investment they made in Matt Cassel...also, I wouldn't be shocked if they took wr Crabtree to give Cassel another weapon to go with Dwayne Bowe...
4. Seahawks Kiper - Eugene Monroe, ot, Virginia McShay - Mark Sanchez, qb, Southern Cal Rang - Mark Sanchez, qb, Southern Cal Lombardi - Mark Sanchez, qb, Southern Cal Stiles Points - Mark Sanchez, qb, Southern Cal - Hasselbeck has probably one good season left, which will give Sanchez time to develop to the NFL game...2 months ago I would have said Crabtree with this pick...I firmly believe it is going to be Sanchez...
5. Browns Kiper - Michael Crabtree, wr, Texas Tech McShay - Michael Crabtree, wr, Texas Tech Rang - Michael Crabtree, wr, Texas Tech Lombardi - Michael Crabtree, wr, Texas Tech Stiles Points - Michael Crabtree, wr, Texas Tech - the Browns want Curry but don't expect him to slide...the key is Braylon Edwards...if Edwards is going to get traded, they must take Crabtree because some guy named Steptoe will be the Browns top returning receiver...
6. Bengals Kiper - Andre Smith, ot, Alabama McShay - Eugene Monroe, ot, Virginia Rang - Andre Smith, ot, Alabama Lombardi - Jason Smith, ot, Baylor Stiles Points - Eugene Monroe, ot, Virginia - I almost wrote down rb Knowshon Moreno in this spot...Moreno would be a reach at #6, but Cincy needs running back help...
7. Raiders Kiper - Jeremy Maclin, wr, Missouri McShay - Andre Smith, ot, Alabama Rang - Jeremy Maclin, wr, Missouri Lombardi - Darrius Heyward-Bey, wr, Maryland Stiles Points - Andre Smith, ot, Alabama - Oakland needs both a wr & ot...Smith is one of the best ot in the draft who has a lot more upside...Al Davis will battle with himself for passing on Maclin, a guy with speed...
8. Jaguars Kiper - Brian Orakpo, de/lb, Texas McShay - Jeremy Maclin, wr, Missouri Rang - Aaron Curry, lb, Wake Forest Lombardi - Andre Smith, ot, Alabama Stiles Points - Robert Ayers, de, Tennessee - Ayers has been slowly moving up the charts each week...two months ago I would have said cb Malcolm Jenkins, but he has been sliding...Jags pass on Maclin because they are going to get Holt at wr...
9. Packers Kiper - B.J. Raji, dt, Boston College (photo) McShay - B.J. Raji, dt, Boston College Rang - Tyson Jackson, de, LSU Lombardi - Michael Oher, ot, Ole Miss Stiles Points - B.J. Raji, dt, Boston College - Raji will anchor the middle in the Packers new 3-4 defense...
10. 49ers Kiper - Aaron Maybin, de, Penn State McShay - Brian Orakpo, de/lb, Texas Rang - B.J. Raji, dt, Boston College Lombardi - Josh Freeman, qb, Kansas State Stiles Points - Brian Orakpo, de/lb, Texas - this would be a good spot for the Niners to trade...there is not that one player who can fill their need...but if they stay, they take Orakpo who dropped from being a top 5 player...
Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star writes about the art of breaking down mock drafts... "Every year, no matter what the economy may look like, the mock draft industry grows. It began in the early 1980s when it seemed as if the only person on earth who would actually take the time to predict what every NFL team would do was was the illustrious draft guru Mel Kiper Jr." ...
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes how the Rams cannot afford to have a bad pick at number 2... "Said Devaney: "This is everybody's worst nightmare: You turn the card in — no matter what round, really, but especially high in the first round — and you get calls, 'Didn't you guys realize the guy did this?' Or, 'Didn't you have this information?' ...
Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News writes how Rutgers wide receiver may be the next Plaxico Burress - antics and all... "Britt is 6-3, 210 pounds. He has great speed for his size, having run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds at Rutgers' Pro Day. And it's that tantalizing marriage of size and speed — one that's earned comparisons to top NFL wideouts like Owens and Broncos star Brandon Marshall — that is forcing scouts to look past his inflated personality." ...
Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times writes how drafting a quarterback with the first pick can be risky... "The problem is Detroit has so many areas of need -- including a defense that has been ranked last for the past two seasons -- that putting the weight of expectation on the shoulders of a rookie quarterback could push his confidence through a wood chipper." ...
Just in time with the NHL and NBA playoffs, Zach from The Big Picture will be starting his "Would you do . . . " tournament...so start scouting and get involved....
CNN's Anderson Cooper leads the list of left-wing idiot media wonks who showed their immaturity on Wednesday by "mocking" the conservative people for protesting the spending of government taxes...these media idiots called the protesters "teabaggers"...
CNN anchor Anderson Cooper interspersed "teabagging" references with analyst David Gergen's more staid commentary on how Republicans are still "searching for their voice."
"It's hard to talk when you're teabagging," Cooper explained. Gergen laughed, but Cooper kept a straight face.
MSNBC's David Shuster weaved a tapestry of "Animal House" humor Monday as he filled in for Countdown host Keith Olbermann.
The protests, he explained, amount to "Teabagging day for the right wing and they are going nuts for it."
He described the parties as simultaneously "full-throated" and "toothless," and continued: "They want to give President Obama a strong tongue-lashing and lick government spending." Shuster also noted how the protesters "whipped out" the demonstrations this past weekend.
For those of you who are unaware of the term "teabagging" it also has a street connotation of a man putting his balls in another sleeping man's mouth...
I could understand if a college newspaper or radio station or "Saturday Night Live" used this term...but Anderson Cooper and others are supposed to be PROFESSIONALS...the same goes for the producers and directors of these telecasts for allowing this behavior to go unchecked...their lack of professionalism and maturity was uncalled for and just shows why the media can, at times, not be trusted...they also let their left-wing bias show as they mocked the conservative protesters with this word...to them, this protest was a "joke" because it went against their liberal, left-wing views...there is a time for some humor in newscasts, but this biased frat-house humor crossed the line...
I guarantee Walter Cronkite was not amused by this behavior...
Former broadcaster Merle Harmon died Wednesday after a long illness...Harmon, who was 82, called professional and college sports for over 40 years for ABC and NBC...he was also the broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins from 1967-69, Milwaukee Brewers from 1970-79, and Texas Rangers from 1982-89...before leaving the Brewers, Harmon was instrumental in breaking in former catcher Bob Uecker as the Brewers play-by-play man...
Please check out this 7:34 clip of one of THE most surprising and amazing performances you will ever see by the most unlikely person...this just shows that you cannot judge a book by its cover...
As LeBron danced the night away with the Cavalier "Scream Team," the Cavs lost by one point at home to miss tying the NBA record of 40-1 home record...
Kenny Perry may not have won The Masters, but he is proud that his daughter Lesslye is a Tennessee Titans cheerleader.... Here is what she has on her bio: Major: Accounting
Status: Married
Pets: Dogs-Roxie and Reesie
Favorite Thing about being a Titans Cheerleader: Besides having the best seat in the house, I enjoy being a part of an organization that has such a positive impact on the community!
Favorite Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany's
Favorite Scent: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbanna
Favorite Place to Travel: 30 minutes from where I live is Barren River Lake and I love spending time there laying in the sun and wakeboarding
Most Prized Possession: Family and friends
Major: Accounting
Status: Married Pets: Dogs-Roxie and Reesie
Favorite Thing about being a Titans Cheerleader: Besides having the best seat in the house, I enjoy being a part of an organization that has such a positive impact on the community!
Favorite Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany's
Favorite Scent: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbanna
Favorite Place to Travel: 30 minutes from where I live is Barren River Lake and I love spending time there laying in the sun and wakeboarding
I know the Masters finished three days ago, but I was too busy with work stuff to blog about it until now...here are some thoughts...
- Jim Nantz of CBS fucked Kenny Perry...Perry just birdied the 16th and had a two stroke lead with two holes to go...it looked like Perry was going to become the oldest man to ever win a Grand Slam event...then Nantz fucked him over...Nantz came up with the stat that Perry has gone 22 consecutive holes without a bogey...
As soon as he said that, I turned to my dad and said Nantz just jinxed Perry...as it turns out, Perry bogied 17 and 18 and ended up losing the Masters in a playoff...
Nice going Jim Nantz!!!...if I was Kenny Perry, I would wrap a golf club around your throat!!!... - You gotta love Angel Cabrera (photo, left) though...this guy is a fat hunch shoulder regular Joe...there must be a rule that players cannot smoke while on the course because Cabrera usually goes through a pack a round...
- Kenny Perry's wife is a MILF...same goes for Chad Campbell's wife...
- Okay Phil, we know you have "guns" now...but wear a shirt that actually fits around your arms...that shirt just looked so uncomfortable...
- It is amazing that Tiger has never won a Major when he did not lead going into the final round...knowing how competitive Tigers is, there is no doubt that is one stat that burns his ass...
- We all know Phil and Tiger don't get along...so what!!!...I think it is great that these two golfers don't like each other...why do you have to like your opponent?...
I believe that both respect each other and their golf game...but otherwise, they hope the other loses...and there is nothing wrong with that!!!...there needs to be more dislike and competition in sports - especially when you are "in the arena" battling...
Here is Mel Kiper's latest first round projections . . .
1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16) - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia: Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) - Jason Smith (photo), OT, Baylor: The OT spot is strong at the top with Smith, a former tight end who is supremely athletic and exactly what you want in a left tackle: someone you can count on to protect the blind side of your quarterback.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: He's a complete OLB with great character and work ethic, which is why it was no surprise when he nailed his combine workout.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: Monroe is just a shade below Jason Smith, in my opinion, but is a legit top-five pick.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The stress fracture in his left foot shouldn't affect his draft status. He's a big-time player who should have a Larry Fitzgerald-type career in the NFL.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Smith has to manage his weight in order to remain on the left side. If he doesn't, he's a mauler at right tackle who could really assist the running game and do the job at that spot in pass protection. Hopefully, he'll maximize his skills in the NFL by paying more attention to detail. If he doesn't, you're looking at a major bust.
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin will have to adjust to an NFL offense, but I really like his big-play capability and the fact that he's much more explosive with the pads on than his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine would lead you to believe.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: I view Orakpo as a 4-3 end with the ability to also play on his feet in a 3-4 as an attacking outside linebacker. He is super-athletic and incredibly strong, but there is concern about his durability.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10) - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Raji is the top defensive tackle in this draft.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9) - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Maybin is another combo-type who is explosive out of the blocks and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: Ayers enjoyed a solid season in the SEC and then was one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week. He ran the 40 in 4.80 at the combine, though, which could give some teams pause.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8) - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU: Jackson would be ideal in a 3-4, thanks to his ability to shift inside in passing situations.
13. Washington Redskins (8-8) - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Sanchez definitely is one of the top five to eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick.
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Wells is a nice fit for the Saints after they let running back Deuce McAllister go in the offseason. He could be a perfect complement to Reggie Bush.
15. Houston Texans (8-8) - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Cushing's ability to fit both inside and outside is the reason I've always viewed him as a surefire first-rounder.
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8) - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC: Maualuga is capable of becoming a quality "Mike" linebacker in the NFL but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks and must be more consistent from week to week.
17. New York Jets (9-7) - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Heyward-Bey's awesome size-speed ratio should win out here and give the Jets the kind of receiver they need to open up the passing game.
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (8-8) - Everette Brown, DE, Florida State: Brown could make an immediate impact in the Broncos' defense because of his strong skill set.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: Freeman is an interesting prospect because he throws a great ball and has imposing size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. However, his inconsistent play puts him in the boom-or-bust category.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) (0-16) - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi: Oher is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He's loaded with talent and can dominate the defense he's working against, but he also seems to have lapses in concentration when he struggles to keep his opponents at bay.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: There isn't anything remotely close to the talent and depth at running back available in the draft last year, but Moreno is a good fit for the Eagles at this spot.
22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Britt has a ton of talent and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.
23. New England Patriots (11-5) - Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut: Brown could end up being one of the more productive rookie backs in 2009 because of his all-around skills and tremendous character.
24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Pettigrew remains the No. 1 tight end on the board and would be a help to young Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
25. Miami Dolphins (11-5) - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: Jenkins has all the qualities you look for, with the exception of top-flight recovery speed, which is an obvious concern. Even so, he's too good an overall performer to pass up in the middle of the first round.
26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Davis is an impressive physical specimen, but he lacked consistency with the Illini, not always performing at the elite level you would expect from a player with his natural talent and ability. He'll be a gamble.
27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) - Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi: Jerry is a very underrated prospect, and would be a good fit in the Indianapolis scheme.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1) - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: Britton could be a good fit for the Eagles' offensive line, although I would have liked to see him return for his senior year.
29. New York Giants (12-4) - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Nicks won't wow you in a workout, but on game day he makes the tough catches and is the type of player who wants the ball thrown his way in clutch situations.
30. Tennessee Titans (13-3) - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Harvin reminds me of the Reggie Bush we now see with the Saints. You can utilize Harvin in a number of ways, and, like Bush, he's a scoreboard-changer. However, he also carries the same durability concerns as Bush.
31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7) - Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois: English set the all-time sack record at Northern Illinois, and could be an impact player in Arizona.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Eric Wood, C, Louisville: Wood has been a player on the rise of late, and with his size and skills he could find himself a Steeler for a very long time.
The Associated Press is reporting that former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark "the Bird" Fidrych died today from an accident...story below...
BOSTON -- Former All-Star pitcher Mark "the Bird" Fidrych was found dead Monday in an apparent accident at his farm. He was 54.
Worcester County district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. says a family friend found Fidrych about 2:30 p.m. Monday beneath a dump truck. He appeared to be working on the truck, Early said.
The colorful right-hander was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA. He spent all five of his major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.
His career was cut short by injuries.
Fidrych attempted a comeback in 1983 with the Boston Red Sox and went to their Triple A team in Pawtucket, R.I. But he never pitched in the majors after 1980 and retired in 1983.
The Worcester, Mass., native later owned a trucking business.
Fidrych acquired the nickname "the Bird" because of his resemblance to the Big Bird character on the Sesame Street television show. During games, he would bend down and groom the mound with his hands, appear to talk to the baseball and slap high fives with teammates in the middle of the diamond.
He started the 1976 All-Star Game after opening the season with seven wins in eight decisions. He finished that season with 24 complete games.
But he tore knee cartilage during spring training the following year and was placed on the disabled list until May 24. He sustained a shoulder injury in July 1977 and ended up pitching in just 58 games during his major league career.
State police detectives are investigating the circumstances of his death, Early said.
The sports world lost a broadcasting legend when Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas died in the press box before today's game against the Washington Nationals...the photo above was taken of Kalas just five days ago on April 8th...
"Legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas has died. He was 73. "We lost our voice today," team president David Montgomery said. "He knows the game and made a tremendous contribution to the sport and to our organization . . .
"Anybody who has played for us, it's an immediate point of connection with the club. He is the Phillies." The Phillies were told the news at 1:20 p.m. Montgomery described the team as "stunned." ...
Bill Lyon of the Philadelphia Inquierer writes about Kalas... "Every time you heard that distinctive baritone, deepened by a million smokes and marinated like fine bourbon aging in oak casks, you felt something soothing and reassuring. God's in His heaven, Harry the K's in the booth, and all's right with the world. He was, for generations of Phillies fans, The Voice. If Harry said it, it must be so." ...
Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquierer writes about the death of Harry Kalas... "We lost Harry on the road, which is very nearly home to the baseball lifers like Kalas. We lost Harry as he was preparing for another game, this one in Washington. He would have had his scorebook and his notes in the booth with him, and the statistical numbers and columns that supply the canvas of a game for which artists like Kalas can add the brushstrokes." ...
NBC LA reports that former porn star and Ivory Soap girl Marilyn Chambers was found dead on Sunday...the report below:
Famed adult film star Marilyn Chambers was found dead in her home in the Canyon Country area, authorities said Monday, and an autopsy was pending to determine how she died.
The 56-year-old Chambers, whose real name was Marilyn Ann Taylor, was found dead around 9 p.m. Sunday in the 16000 block of Vasquez Canyon Road, said Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the coroner's office.
Chambers broke into the porn industry by appearing in the 1972 film "Behind the Green Door," which was the first widely released pornographic film in the United States.
Her appearance in the film cost the then-aspiring model and actress her job as Procter & Gamble's Ivory Snow detergent girl, appearing on the soapbox with a baby and the caption "99 & 44/100% pure."
The Providence, R.I., native had a bit part in the 1970 Barbra Streisand film "The Owl and the Pussycat," but after establishing herself as a pornographic film star, she was never able to break into mainstream films.
Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press writes that the Lions should not bypass the first overall pick because of the massive signing bonus... "No team is obliged to tender a draft selection during its allotted 10 minutes in the first round. The Lions could wait until after St. Louis selected at No. 2 and Kansas City selected at No. 3 before submitting their pick, but it wouldn't ensure them of a discount -- especially if they used that pick on Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford." ...
With baseball season now up-and-running, this would be a good time to post the famous Abbott and Costello skit "Who's On First"...this is real simple humor that doesn't have a swear word...
By the way, here is the lineup if you want to keep track... First Base: Who Second Base: What Third base: I Don't Know Left field: Why Center field: Because Pitcher: Tomorrow Catcher: Today Shortstop: I Don't Care/I Don't Give a Darn
Sorry I haven't blogged in a couple of days but my work has taken me away...Stiles Points returns today, but not with a sports related issue...instead the topic deals with Barack Obama's nominee to replace Justice David Souter (photo, left) on the Supreme Court...
aul Stevens is in his late 80s...
The Yankees unloaded a ton of money this off-season on pitching...and on Saturday, the pitching could not hold a 6-0 going into the bottom of the fourth at Fenway...in the end, Jason Varitek hit a grand slam, Mike Lowell a 3-run homer and the Yanks lost 16-11...fucking incredible!!!
