Love him or hate him, you had to respect George Steinbrenner. The guy cared more about winning than the bottom line or status quo. "The Boss" as some have called him was one of the most entertaining owners in all of sports and revived a once dying franchise. The Yankees won 7 World Series Titles and 11 pennants with George as the owner. He bought the Yankees from CBS in 1973 for a net purchase price of $8.8 million dollars. Incredible to think it these days with A-Rod making that much in less than a third of the season. The Boss was eccentric and changed managers 20 times in 23 years including firing Billy Martin on five separate occasions. He called out his players, his managers, and his general managers. He was basically a crazy guy who had a lot of money who wanted nothing more than to win.
Steinbrenner will be missed. He is probably demanding Jesus to get a hair cut as we speak. Or Satan depending on your view.
In case you were wondering I would have had the same reaction as the girl except I would have gotten down on my knees and cupped Ichiro. It's only polite.
I don't think I will ever want to piss off Mel Gibson. He literally takes everything to heart. Who knew William Wallace could be so mean? I just watched "Edge of Darkness" last night and I could see the intensity in his eyes. I guess he doesn't know when to shut off the whole "acting" gig and brings his work to home.
That whole story I wrote earlier about the injustice of Cliff Lee going to the Yankees...well...ignore it because the Mariners pulled the fuck you card and nixed the deal. Instead they have now traded to Cliff Lee to the first place Texas Rangers. At least I think they have.
Here is the deal: "The M's sent Lee and reliever Mark Lowe to Texas for first baseman Justin Smoak and minor leaguers Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke and Matthew Lawson.
The Mariners will also send $2.5 million to the Rangers to subsidize the $4 million still owed to Lee. Texas has financial limitations due to bankruptcy hearings associated with the sale of the team."
The Mariners really wanted Smoak and who can blame them. The Rangers didn't include him in their original offer but then decided to throw him in to get Lee before the Yankees deal could be completed. Smoak looks like a future 30 plus home run, 120 RBI producing first baseman with 10-15 years of service time left in him. He could be their next Mark Texwhateverthefuckhisnameis. The prospects they got also look better with Beavan putting up really nice pitching stats in AAA.
Of course the Yankees are pissed off because they thought they had a deal in place. They are actually in Seattle right now getting ready to play tonight. I can just see it now. They are the spoiled child who doesn't want to eat his broccoli. Fuck em is what I say. The ice cream that is Cliff Lee's arm is now in Texas mother fuckers. Have fun with that broccoli known as Javier Vasquez.
Iowa defensive end and the awesomely named Broderick Binns was arrested last night in one of those mighty Midwest cornfields for DUI. Binns is only two weeks shy of his 21st which means he can drive drunk plenty of times without fear of being caught with a fake ID. It's the little things that count.
This is now the third alcohol-related incident in just over a month for the Hawkeyes football program. Moderation means nothing to these boys...
Binns’ arrest is the third alcohol-related infraction in just more than a month involving Hawkeye football players.
Sophomore running back Jewel Hampton and junior cornerback Jordan Morris-Bernstine were charged with public intoxication in early June. Hampton, 20, also was cited for being in a licensed liquor establishment after hours, in violation of Iowa City’s new 21-only ordinance that took effect June 1.
Binns is a starter and will still be the starter in 2010 once he receives some community service. He reportedly blew a .097 which in alcoholic terms equates to rookie free agent status. I could blow that farting in other words.
Even with the arrest the Hawkeyes are still my preseason favorite to knock off the Buckeyes. You know why? Because of the other defensive end on the opposite side of Binns. ADRIAN FUCKING CLAYBORN.
The Yankees are getting away with murder here. Cliff Lee is one of the 5 best starters in the majors and is money come playoff time. Adding Lee to a rotation that already includes former Indians teammate C.C. Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, and AJ Burnett is just plain sickening. No team should be able to have much less afford all five of those starters in their rotation. In case you wondering, this move pretty much solidifies the Yankees as the odds on favorite to win the World Series this year.
I don't know what the Mariners are thinking with this move. Lee is a free agent after this season and yes they will lose him to someone else this offseason but they should be able to get more for him. He will be a Type A free agent which means you get two conditional first round draft picks if he signs elsewhere. This means you can get as good of prospects as Montero and Adams in the draft without handing over Lee on a silver platter for the pinstripes. The Twins apparently are willing to part with better prospects in OF Aaron Hicks, catcher Wilson Ramos, and another yet unnamed prospect. Why not make that deal?
With the acquisition of Lee this means the Yankees will look to trade starter Javier Vasquez to another contender. Vasquez has put up solid numbers everywhere he has played except in New York during his two stints there. With the way shit works in these trades don't be surprised if they trade him to Tampa for Longoria and Crawford.
Anywho, the Yankees got better again today because they can take on a $200 million plus payroll with the Lee trade. Good for them. Bad for baseball.
The co-owner of a nightclub near the University of Tennessee campus said “seven to 10” Volunteers football players were involved in a fight at the establishment early Friday.
DeBusk said 18-year-old freshman receiver Da’Rick Rogers from Calhoun, Ga., was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. DeBusk also said a bar patron was sent to a hospital after the fight.
According to the New Sentinel, DeBusk said Knoxville police officer Robert Capouellez was found unconscious on the street outside the bar after the fight around 2 a.m. DeBusk said the officer was not in uniform or on duty, and he was being treated for a head injury. A half-dozen other people were detained.
Rogers was the No. 9-ranked high school player in the country last year. He picked UT late in the recruiting process after being committed to Georgia for almost a year. According to reports, UT safety Darren Myles, defensive tackle Montori Hughes and receiver Denarius Moore were being questioned by police about the brawl.
Bar Knoxville co-owner Sandy Morton told the Times Free Press the fight started inside but spread outside, and it ended with an off-duty police officer knocked unconscious in Cumberland Avenue.
Bar fights happen all the time. It's a part of college as much as initiation and roofies in SEC Country. This whole fight could have been handled internally within the Tennessee football program and the local PD until owner Morton decided to leave this out there for the NCAA to stick their nose into...
“Basically, it was a normal Thursday night — Thursday’s our big night,” Morton said. “We had all the UT football players come in. They’re on a first-name basis with my husband (and co-owner), and they get VIP status, which means they pay no cover at the door. We’ve never had a problem with them in the past, but tonight, apparently they had a falling out with another gentleman. I don’t know why. I don’t know what happened, but several of the guys started beating up the other customer. I want to guess there was seven to 10 guys beating up this one gentleman.
“All they said was these several gentlemen just started beating the tar out of this one,” she said. “There was blood. There was ripped shirts. It took pretty much all my security to get them out.”
In general the NCAA has a hard time with football players accepting VIP status which means they don't pay anything. In short it can be construed as a gift. Now we all know this sort of thing happens all over campuses. Athletes get preferential treatment. No big news there. What doesn't happen is a bunch of football players beating up a person to the point where the victim has to go to the hospital.
New head coach Derek Dooley has his work cut out for him on this incident. He will need to spin it. Luckily he has practiced law before starting his coaching career. His bull shit skills should be outstanding.
I got a new nickname for the Tennessee football program: "ROADHOUSE."
I swear this is the last thing I will write about the egotistical, selfish piece of garbage known as "King" James. Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter to all the Cavalier fans last night and posted it on Cavs.com. In today's PC world where it is hard to get any true indication of one's feeling because of fear of legality issues and or fear of being mocked by the masses it is a pleasant sight to see Gilbert's words. He speaks from his heart and doesn't give a shit about the repercussions. This is the kind of owner I would want for my team.
Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;
As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.
This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.
Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:
"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"
You can take it to the bank.
If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.
Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.
This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.
But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.
The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
Just watch.
Sleep well, Cleveland.
Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....
I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:
DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....
Dan Gilbert Majority Owner Cleveland Cavaliers
No doubt Gilbert is a very pissed off individual and he should be. He lost his #1 moneymaking employee without so much as a phone call to warn him. He like everyone else found out by watching "The Decision" on ESPN. Lebron turned his back on the whole state of Ohio last night. He spit on them and said he would rather go down South and win then stick it out with his home team. I can't wait to hear all about the garbage Gilbert has dealt with from James. He has a ton of dirt that never got exposed in Cleveland because the media loved him. That all changes now. Now we will get to see the true Lebron. The "Queen" Lebron.
The Trojan Empire continues to crumble. Redshirt freshman safety Byron Moore is leaving just a few days after defensive end Malik Jackson decided to transfer to Tennessee...
Citing similar reasons to that of another USC deserter, Malik Jackson, Byron Moore has decided that his future is better served at an institution other than the University of Southern California.
Moore, a redshirt freshman defensive back out of Narbonne High School, had been in the mix for one of the starting safety positions vacated by former stalwarts Taylor Mays and Will Harris.
Unfortunately, the Trojans will have to look to other players to fill the void after Moore's father, Byron Moore, Sr., confirmed that his son would be seeking “a fresh start” elsewhere.
While many believed the decision to leave had more to do with the sanctions handed down by the NCAA, Moore's father reiterated that the move was not about the hot water in which the USC football program has found itself.
The news of Moore's departure comes just a few days after defensive lineman, Malik Jackson, citing a need for increased playing time as his reasoning, announced that he would be transferring and would become a member of coach Lane Kiffin's former team, the Tennessee Volunteers.
Rumors are also flying around the airwaves and message boards that Mitch Mustain could be transferring to Tennessee. He would be eligible to start right away in Knoxville (remember he was 8-0 as a freshman at Arkansas) because all junior and senior transfers from USC have instant eligibility because of the NCAA sanctions. D.J. Shoemate, a 5 star high school talent who now plays fullback at SC, is rumored to be transferring to UCONN. Why I don't know.
With the loss of Seantrel Henderson and all of these other players it will be difficult for USC to punish teams in the second half due to attrition. They still have a ton of elite talent but as the season progresses the lack of depth is going to kill them especially with the inevitable injuries that occur in the fall. Mustain would be a devastating loss because he is Matt Barkley's backup whom is coming off an injury himself and appears to be one hit away from turning into John David Booty. Keeping Mustain is a must for the Trojans. Expect a new house rent free for the Mustain family.
Take a deep breath. We are less than two months away from college football kicking off. Let it kick in. Stretch a little bit if you have to. Do some yoga. I won't tell. Praise the lord. No more bull shit talk about the NBA. I feel like I should apologize for even bringing up the whole free agency deal with you know who. We are going back to our bread and butter. It's what made SportsCrack.com the coolest website for people who don't want to work. That is right folks. We are going full force COLLEGE FUCKING FOOTBALL for at least the next 6 months. Sure we will sprinkle in some NFL, baseball, basketball, hockey, etc. to wet your nose but we all know the drug of choice is college football here. We got some previews of the upcoming season in the works and of course we have a ton of new t-shirts* just around the corner for all the fans out there (except USC, fuck em).
I figured I would start off the preseason talk with a video of West Virginia RB Noel Devine. He is one of the most exciting players in the college game and he has a good chance of carrying the Mountaineers to a BCS bowl game. Not that anybody really gives a shit outside the state lines. But nevertheless he deserves this video. The little smurf is like Neo. He doesn't see defenders. He just sees code.
I wish I had something to say but I really don't. I mean wow. I got to admit I kind of laughed but then again I'm a degenerate blogger who lives in my mom's basement.
Just to save everyone the embarrassment that is tonight's "Lebron James ESPN Fellatio Special" I figured I would give you a heads up and tell you that multiple sources (my split personality, the mailman, the neighborhood drunk, and other various news outlets) are indicating Lebron will sign with the Miami Heat.
Lolifuckingdoo.
He will now join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form the NBA's newest "Big Three." The Heat are now the odds-on favorite to win the Eastern Conference with three superstars all entering the peak of their careers. Good for them.
At least the Hawks signed Joe Johnson to a $119 million dollar deal. Brilliant idea by the Hawks front office by the way. JJ contract won't be a complete albatross on the franchise in two years when his career is all but over and no team will take his dead rotting carcass off their hands.
But anyways, enough with the Hawks. The Heat with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh will be nasty and should win 65 plus games a season on talent alone. Will they win championships? I think they could win a couple but they will still have their hands full with Orlando (who's going to match up with Dwight Howard) and the Lakers have a better all-around team from top to bottom than the Heat. Lebron could get a ring but it still won't put him up there with MJ much less Kobe.
Now the question remains: Which new teammate bangs Lebron's mom first? I'm going to go wildcard and go with Pat Riley. How else do you think they convinced him to sign in Miami? Pat has his ways.
"LeBron James is planning to announce the team with which he will sign during a one-hour special on ESPN Thursday night, ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard has learned through independent sources."
Independent sources being inside actually ESPN? Jesus Christ, this Lebron shit has gotten beyond ridiculous. What fucking loser would schedule a one hour "special" on himself just to announce which team he is going to sign with? Lebron. That's who. I've honestly never had a problem with Lebron before all this shit went down. He is making a spectacle of himself and honestly it's rather embarrassing. It's getting to Terrell Owens status five clinging for attention level.
And I don't want to hear this shit about ad space going to Lebron's charity. Let me guess his charity organization employs his family and friends who probably make $100 grand a year each for some bull shit nonprofit. If he really wants to donate to charity why doesn't he just take 1% of his upcoming contract and give it to them. But no, he has to let everybody know it's all about charity and how great of a guy he is.
It's all bull shit. I hope he picks the Knicks so they can start booing his ass after he turns the ball over or completely quits on his team in an important game 5 in a playoff series. After hearing about this Lebron garbage I now have more respect for Kobe. And he raped somebody.
Have fun on ESPN tomorrow Lebron. I'll make sure not to tune in.
By now you know all about the elected starters as voted by the fans. And you probably know that most fans are fucking idiots who vote for their favorite wet dream rather than vote for a guy who actually deserves to start. Example A: Jason Heyward getting voted in as a starter despite his stats being rather pedestrian. So let's get it right. These should be the starters and I picked only one player as their backup.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
First Base: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers-Putting up Triple Crown numbers in a ballpark that is not hitter friendly. His glove may be shit but his bat has been off the charts. Backup: Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
Second Base: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees-The fans got this one right. Cano has been outstanding all year and is the Yankees MVP this season. Backup: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
Shortstop: Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers-One of the main reasons why Texas has played above and beyond what they were expected to so far this season. His defense has always been excellent. Now his bat has caught up with everybody else at the shortstop position in the AL. Of course the fans voted Jeter as a starter because he bangs Minka Kelly. I would. Backup: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Third Base: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays-One of these days I will give back Evan his hat. Longo is on a career pace to join the Schmidt's, Brooksies, Brett's, and Chipper's as one of the best ever at the hot corner. What I'm saying is the kid is a straight up stud. Backup: Adrian Beltre, Boston Red Sox
Catcher: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins-The best catcher in the game and it's not even close. Mauer deserves every penny he makes. Backup: John Buck, Toronto Blue Jays
DH: Vlad Guerrero, Texas Rangers-The future Hall of Famer has comeback from injuries and is again one of the most feared hitters in the game. Backup: Nobody. There shouldn't be a backup for fucking DH so fuck off Big Papi fans.
Outfield: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers-Until he relapses (I'm calling 2013) old Joshy is one of the most talented outfielders in the game and continues to put up monster numbers in the first half until his body breaks down in the second half. Don't get mad. It's the truth. Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners-I'm probably bias here because I have a raging rockhard for all things Ichiro and this year he still continues to be the best leadoff hitter in the game. Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays-I love watching Crawford play. He's the best defensive left fielder since....well, ever. He steals bases, hits line drives, gets on base, and scores a shitload of runs. And yes, it will absolutely suck balls to see him wearing pinstripes next year. Backups: Torii Hunter, Anaheim Angels; Nick Swisher, New York Yankees; Brennan Boesch, Detroit Tigers
NATIONAL LEAGUE
First Base: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals-He is still King Albert when it comes to all-around MLB game. FWIW Votto did make it an extremely difficult decision with his outstanding first half though. Backup: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
Second Base: Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves-The fans really fucked up this one but in the grand scheme of things Prado will still be the starter with Chase Utley out with an injury. Prado has been the Braves MVP and leader. Plus he has to deal with Escobar every day. He should get a Nobel Peace Prize for not beating the shit out of him. Backup: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins-The guy is a shitty teammate no doubt but he is still the best offensive shortstop in the game. He is Manny 2.0 without the dreads. Backup: Troy Tulowitzki
Third Base: David Wright, New York Mets-Thank god the fans got this one right at the end. For a second there it looked like Placido Polanco might start and that would have been a travesty. Wright is his having a MVP season and deserves to start. Bravo fans. You got it right. Backup: Scott Rolen, Cincinnati Reds
Catcher: Miguel Olivo, Colorado Rockies-Fuck the overrated Molina brother in St. Louis. Olivo has the highest OPS for catchers and deserves to be at the game even over Brian McCann. Backup: Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
Outfield: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers-Not a typical Braun season but he is still one of the most feared hitters in the game and I'm positive he will have a monster second half. Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers-Andre the Giant has emerged as a superstar and even outshined Matt Kemp and Manny Ramirez in LA. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates-Only 23 years old and heading to elite status quickly. He has future 30/30 seasons on the horizon and could do 40/40 if he continues to develop. Backups: Josh Willingham, Washington Nationals; Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers; Chris Young, Arizona Diamondbacks
And if I was going to pick two starting pitchers I would go with Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies and Cliff Lee of the Seattle Mariners.
Feel free to disagree in the comments section or you can email me directly at fukauf@sportscrack.com
Red's first baseman Joey Votto got totally fucked on the All-Star snub this year and deserves your vote to get him into the game. If Omar Infante can make the team there is absolutely no reason why Votto shouldn't be there. The Infante pick I thought was a practical joke when I first read it. Both Billy Wagner and Troy Glaus have been more All-Star worthy than Infante and I get the whole "he can play anywhere" blah blah bull shit but he still isn't an All-Star.
Do the right thing folks and vote for Votto. Now.
I will have the SportsCrack.com final All-Star ballot later today.
The mass exodus from the sinking ship of USC football continues. Unfortunately for the top recruits Lane Kiffin won't let them leave. The nation's #1 tackle prospect Seantrel Henderson failed to show up for USC freshman orientation and is all but assumed will be playing his college ball elsewhere says GopherNation but will have to fight Kiffin to release him...
Reportedly, Seantrel Henderson wants out of his Letter of Intent to play football for Lane Kiffin and his USC Trojans. Last week Kiffin, the elder Kiffin, recruiting whiz Ed Orgeron, offensive line coach James Cregg and maybe even Will Farrell and Snoop (though that is unconfirmed and highly unlikely) took a jet to the Twin Cities when Seantrel failed to show up for USC orientation. The damage control committee returned this week to make a second pitch to the nation's #1 incoming offensive lineman.
This just shows you how fucking pathetic the Trojans are getting these days. Henderson obviously doesn't want to play for them and the coaching staff just can't let it go. Move on. He doesn't love you anymore. If he hasn't returned your calls take the hint you crazy bitch.
Playing at The U. makes sense for the 6-8, 330-pounder as his family, who plans to relocate to wherever Henderson lands, preferred a warm-weather location anyway. Henderson also has a friendship with Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, who played for the Hurricanes.
I don't understand what the fascination is with the Miami football program for recruits. Randy Shannon is a terrible coach and they don't even come close to producing the NFL stars like they did in the past. Of course it is down in Coral Gables and the scenery is unbelievable and once you are a Cane then you pretty much own the city from what we've been told.
Captain America* is back to give you his betting advice for the World Cup quarterfinals...
Well, folks, here we go. We’re almost through the first break in action from the World Cup’s exciting first round and nail biting round of 16, and it’s on to the quarterfinals. You might feel that, like USC’s football program, the best days of the cup are behind us since the untimely elimination of team USA, but the excitement is just beginning. Here’s a quick rundown with a few points of interest for all of you sportscrackheads:
GAME 1: Netherlands vs. Brazil
Friday, July 2, 10AM EDT
Great matchup of the 5 time winner and the consistent under-achiever. The Oranje of Holland have had some of the greatest teams in history and only one European Championship to show for it. Not sure if this team has what it takes to beat Brazil, who could easily field three separate teams in this tournament and reach the final with two of them.
Why you should watch: The Dutch fans are freaking awesome: brass bands, orange paint, beer and gorgeous women, and star Arjen Robben’s last name probably makes Nelson Mandela scream in his sleep. Plus, he looks like your math professor. Watching Brazil at times looks like the Harlem Globetrotters on grass. Many don’t realize that they are monsters too, and can play a physical game when they need to. This should be an amazing game.
Bet: I’m picking the underdog Dutch. It’s a longshot, and a cup without Brazil is a lot less fun, but I want to see a new winner and historically the Dutch are due.
GAME 2: Uraguay vs. Ghana
Friday, July 2, 2:30PM EDT
Here are two teams nobody was expecting. Uruguay own two titles, but they were in 1930 and 1950. The last great Uruguayan player was Enzo Francescoli who retired well over a decade ago. Superstar Diego Forlan might be the man to fill his shoes. Ghana is here because the USA thinks the game starts five minutes after the whistle blows. Their greatest player, Michael Essien, didn’t make the roster after an injury. They have shown skill at times, but mostly are thuggish and defensive. Plus they are called the Black Stars, but wear red and yellow striped oompah-loompah uniforms.
Why you should watch: It would be a great story to see Uruguay return to the top after 50 plus years. Ghana knocked out the USA, so they need to go. Plus, Freddy Adu’s career has been rough enough without having the country he fled making the semi-finals while he watches team USA struggle to score from his crummy Greek league team.
Bet: Uruguay, and it shouldn’t be close.
GAME 3: Argentina vs. Germany
Saturday, July 3, 10AM EDT
This is the big one. Three time winners Germany and three time winners Argentina, both playing at their peak and with a long and bitter history, fighting for a likely spot in the final. Argentina is on a scoring tirade and is coached by one of the two greatest players of all time, who also happens to be bat-shit crazy. He might be a genius too, deflecting attention from the team and onto himself, resulting in some relaxed and artful soccer. Germany is a machine. They play with precision, run hard, don’t dive and cry and just hammer teams into submission. Two differing styles, two great pedigrees. Awesome.
Why you should watch: Maradona is insane. He’s a wild haired coke addict and a communist with a stapled stomach, squeezing into a suit too small for him. He has no coaching skills other than hugging and telling everyone he loves them. He makes outrageous and insulting comments. He has a history of wild accusations of corruption and death threats. Well, maybe he’s been right the whole time, and is actually a genius. And since the exit of France (Ribery) and England (Rooney), Carlos Tevez is the last remaining Disney character in the tournament.
As for Germany, star Bastian Schweinsteiger’s last name might indicate that his ancestors had sex with pigs, their nickname is “Die Mannshcaft”, and their coach eats his own boogers.
Bet: I think Germany is going all the way. Expect them to roll up the goals early, and then expect Argentina to try to cheat and Maradona to make a scene. Should be epic.
GAME 4: Spain vs. Paraguay
Saturday, July 3, 2:30PM EDT
Spain came into this tournament as a favorite, but we’ve heard that before. They are a lot like Holland in having great players and great teams that just can’t seem to win the big one. They are current European champions and have some incredible talent, but losses to Switzerland in the first round and a thumping by the USA in last summer’s Confederations Cup leaves us wondering who the real Spain is. Plus I sense some tension in the team as certain stars sit the bench (Fabregas) while others struggle on the field (Torres). Paraguay might have another advantage: They are from South America. South American teams have been very good in this tournament. It might be climate, it might be altitude, or it might be the smell, but for some reason they seem to be clicking. But despite some great players and goal scorers, they had to defeat Japan in penalties to get here and are probably fatigued. Spain will run as hard as Japan and are just better. I think!
Why you should watch: The further Paraguay goes, the better chance we have of seeing more of this:
Bet: Hard to not pick Spain, and my desire for a new cup winner lies with them and Holland. But if there is going to be an upset, this would be the one to watch.
So there you have it. Should be a great couple of days. These last two without games have been unbearable. Luckily I can still get my fix on Fox Soccer Channel with Lara Baldaserra.
In other news, Kennesaw, GA hosted the WPS All-Star game last night, and nobody gave a shit. Until next time I leave you with this video of soccer hooligans. Enjoy.
Signed,
Captain America*
*=in no way related to or in violation of Marvel Comics and their creations
University of Georgia Athletic Director Damon Evans (met him twice, seemed like a great guy you could hang out with in a bar and get a drink or ten with) was busted last night for DUI in Atlanta according to the AJC...
A Georgia State Patrol trooper pulled over Evans, in his 2009 BMW, shortly before midnight at Roswell Road and Chastain Drive.
"The trooper made the traffic stop after observing the manner he was driving," said Gordy Wright, the state patrol spokesman. "He got him stopped, detected an odor of alcohol, administered field sobriety tests and determined he was less safe to be driving."
The trooper arrested him on charges of DUI and failure to maintain his lane, and took him to the Atlanta city jail. Evans refused to take a breath test, Wright said.
I'm not here to get all high and mighty in regards to Evans. I'm far from a saint when it comes to the "had one too many" before getting behind the wheel. Evans obviously fucked up and it makes him look like an idiot with his video from last year telling Georgia students and fans not to drink and drive. The guy will probably be fired because the school will be forced to make him an example of what you don't want your athletic director to do while away from his job. It's unfortunate too because Evans has done a tremendous job within the program since he took over in 2004. And guess what's ironic about today for Evans? He is due to get a $110,000 raise on a new contract effective starting today, July 1st. OUCH.
UGA President Michael Adams had this money quote in regards to Evans:
“I think he’s done an extraordinary job. … And there’s not been a whiff of impropriety during that six-year period. If you’re the president of an institution, that means a whole lot.”
There has now been a "whiff" of strong booze. Judging from his mugshot Evans looks like a Captain Morgans fan to me. You can't tell from the picture because it's cropped out but I've been told he had his right leg up with his arms bent to touch his hips. Look on the bright side, he can start pitching their product to all the UGA students and prospective students. "Get a little Captain in ya Dawg!"
Notre Dame lost out on QB Bubba Starling last week when he pulled a bit of a surprise and decided to commit to Nebraska. Part of the reason why Starling committed to Nebraska despite being a heavy lean to Notre Dame was because of his elite baseball status as a prospect and the fact that Notre Dame currently doesn't have a head baseball coach. What looked like a big loss for the Notre Dame football program could become a blessing with the opening of a spot now available for Tampa's Plant High School rising senior Phillip Ely.
Ely is a 4 star QB who replaced now Georgia Bulldogs starter Aaron Murray during his sophomore season when Murray went down with injury. Not a big kid (6'1 186) Ely relies on a quick release to avoid the pass rush and appears to read defenses extremely well. He is being heavily recruited by the likes of LSU, Clemson, and Arizona State. On Tuesday he drove up to South Bend along with his coach to work out for Notre Dame coaches. As you know the drive from Tampa to upstate Indiana isn't very close and this is a great sign that if his workout/tryout goes well that Notre Dame will be picking up the commitment from Ely.
Dayne Crist has three years of eligibility left and will most certainly be the starter in 2010 and 2011. The 5 star QB from California has the tools to be a high draft pick after 2011 and in all likelihood won't come back in 2012 unless he can get into grad school (you can only get a 5th year of eligibility at ND if you qualify for graduate school). The program has 3 freshman this season in Andrew Hendrix, Luke Massa and Tommy Rees who will all compete with Ely to be Crist's replacement if in fact Ely does decide on Notre Dame. Ely looks like a great fit for Brian Kelly's spread offense and has the athleticism to thrive. He also is a proven winner by leading Plant HS to the 5-A State Championships last season, no easy feat in the talent-rich state of Florida.
