Thursday, December 16, 2010

My Favorites

Here are some pictures of my favorite people in Sports. Some are my favorite announcers (Kirk Herbstreit, Clark Kellogg), and some are my favorite players. Think of it as my Christmas Wish List this year. I want to meet all of them!

Rondo is my boy! He's the cutest-and the best-point guard in the NBA! A great Kentucky boy.

Kirk Herbstreit. Even though he's a Buckeye, he's still my favorite football analyst. I always listen to his predictions. Plus, he is the most attractive man ever!

Lamb and Jones. my favorite freshmen. Lamb is so cute, and Jones is such a presence in the paint.

Clark Kellogg. The best color commentator in college basketball! And he definitely loves UK :) I was so glad when he took over Billy Packer's job.

Andy Roddick. Let's be serious, he hasn't won a major in a while, but he's still smokin' hot! The other people I mentioned I like for legit reasons, but I just like the eye candy for this one, ha ha.

There are other athletes I really like, but I thought I'd limit it to these guys for now.


Saturday, December 4, 2010

Things That Would Make My Sports Life Better

Well today started out horribly with a UK loss to freakin' UNC, but things could look up if the Auburn Tigers beat the Gamecocks in the SEC championship game. When they do, they'll represent the SEC in the BCS title game, resulting in the fifth consecutive season where there has been an SEC team in the championship.
Something else that would make sports better is if Clark Kellogg was the color commentator for all the UK games. He's seriously my favorite. Even though he's a Buckeye, he's the best! Plus you can definitely tell he likes UK basketball :)
Also, along the same vein of Kentucky basketball, I would like the NCAA to make a decision-the right decision-to FREE ENES! Geez, he'll pay back the $$, and then he'll help my Cats do well this season.
Finally, scoring a date with Rajon Rondo-that would pretty much be the best thing ever.
There are myriad more occurrences that would make my sports life better, a lot of which involve bad things happening to athletes and coaches I strongly dislike, but I need to stay positive. Plus, there's only so much you can ask for before you start getting greedy.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Pearl is Punished

As the timeless idiom goes, cast Pearl before swine and he'll fit right in! I can't fully describe the complete happiness and satisfaction I receive from Bruce Pearl being suspended from his first eight games. Not only do I despise his ridiculous orange sport coat, but the irony and corruption is almost too much to handle.
Before delving into the reason behind the suspension, let us take a jaunt down a Pearl-laden memory lane...
Twenty years ago, Bruce Pearl was an assistant at Iowa during a battle with Illinois for the star recruit Deon Thomas. Thomas committed to Illinois. Pearl, whistle in hand, got Thomas to admit to receiving a car from the Illini and turned in the tape recording into the NCAA. Although they could not back up his claim, they found other violations by further investigation which resulted in a one-year postseason ban. From that moment onward, Pearl carried around the label of a whistle-blowing rat like it was inked across his wide forehead in red. His fellow coaches shunned him with an impenetrable silence. Pearl kept telling himself and others that he did the right thing. It took three years for the tainted coach to get a job-back to Division II-at Southern Indiana. Nine years and a stellar winning record later, he was finally let back into Division I at a mid-major program: Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Three seasons later he was hired at Tennessee.
Now after such a history and a tough row to hoe, you would think that he would be the epitome of a corruption-free coach. Well, well, well...not so fast, Pearl. It turns out that Bruce has some dirt on his hands, too. He has it on his hands, his program, and his recruits. Quite frankly, when you move the orange rug you can see that he's been tracking in dirt all over Rocky Top Tennessee. The violations include excessive phone calls to recruits and use of unauthorized phones. More than the violations is the evident misinformation Pearl provided to the NCAA. Bold move from a one-eyed fat man. Covering your tracks is almost worse than performing the wrong deed! Pearl said, "It's serious what we did, it's worse how we handled it." You can say that again.
It's funny how a once goody-two-shoes is now the bad apple.
The punishment makes the matter curiouser and curiouser. He'll miss the first half of the SEC season, and will return for his Jan. 22nd game against UConn. Then he will continue his suspension and make it back to the court in time for the game against Kentucky and rival Calipari. Interesting indeed. I guess sports are more similar to politics than I thought. At least he is exposed and receiving some punishment. I can't wait to see the signs UK fans make on that Feb. 8th game.
What did I do?!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Miami Can't Take The Heat

Notice: bringing in three huge stars does not immediately yield success. Just ask the Miami Heat. I realize it's the beginning of the season, and the franchise didn't promise a glitch-free season. However, I can't help but feel a little satisfaction in seeing the Heat struggle to find their footing. What a sweet victory for the Jazz! Maybe best of all is that Miami lost twice to the Celtics-a team who has a tangible magic they clearly wanted to bring the South Beach.
I will refrain from being a complete critic because I still believe the team will eventually get in a rhythm and go on to have a solid season.
A quick note about my recent birthday. I felt so special for receiving a birthday email from ESPN.com, which included a free code for the Sports Center ringtone. Now every time anyone calls, I go into my anchor mode and pretend I'm opening the show...then I answer the call, ha ha. The second great gift I got was from my good friend, Michael. Thanks to a little prompting from yours truly, he sent me a Celtics shirt that is the definition of perfection. It reads: "I only date Boston Celtics fans". I'm going to wear it 24/7!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Family, Food, Football

This past weekend I was lucky enough to watch glorious college football with my wonderful family. My dad and I were able to surprise my sister and mom as I flew in late Friday night to see them. Needless to say, it was just what I needed :)
There are two things that are necessary for viewing football: family and food. I had both! My sister and mom made some awesome bruschetta, along with about a million pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting that I devoured. We ate great Thai food for dinner and some delicious frozen yogurt for dessert. And that's just the food. The big games (mainly SEC ones) were riveting...and my picks weren't all that bad for once! Auburn remains unbeaten-but they dropped to # 2 in the BCS standings, Oregon surpassed them for the #1 spot. UK lost like usual-Mike Hartline sucks.
All in all it was a day well spent (as in I didn't do anything except plop myself on the couch and gather around the t.v. with my amazing family). Can life get any better than this?

Saturday, October 16, 2010

I Love the Smell of UK Basketball in the Fall

The countdown is over...Kentucky basketball's season has begun! I love college football, but let's be serious, UK football isn't anything to write home about. UK basketball, on the other hand, is the most important thing in the world. While other kids watched cartoons or other shows, I was glued to the Kentucky basketball games. Yelling, cheering, crying, high-fiving...Kentucky basketball has always been my obsession.
Tonight marks the start of a new season. Our team in no way compares to last year's squad, but a team like that only comes along once in a Kentucky blue moon. However, being a true fan does not entail cheering solely during the victorious stretches, but rather it demands loyalty through thick and thin.
Midnight Madness is a great tradition in NCAA basketball, especially at UK. I remember going every year to watch it in Memorial Colosseum, after camping out to get tickets for it (which are free, but sell for hundreds). I remember witnessing Rajon Rondo win the dunk contest during that year's Midnight Madness, and I was blown away by his explosiveness. I knew right there that he was destined for great basketball endeavors (he is now probably the best point guard in the NBA).
I wish I were able to be there tonight, but thank goodness for espn3.com. In honor of the tradition that is Kentucky Basketball, I watched the 1998 NCAA Championship game vs. Utah. Yes, I frequently watch the classic games that took place during my lifetime, and it never gets old. I love seeing Utah crumble and the Comeback Cats triumph. Envy our past, fear our future.
UK basketball stirs in me emotions that nothing else can. A combination of pride, enthusiasm, hopefulness, and love fill me to the core. Some call it over the top, I call it passion. And life without such passion, is no life at all.
So until the next post, I'll leave you with some highlights of that glorious 1998 championship game:
-Doleac struggling to get down the court towards the end of the second half, as his bowl cut is matted to his forehead.
-Wayne Turner never making two consecutive free throws (consistent with his 56% free throw average).
-Scott Padgett and Jamaal Magloire always looking Bad A with some sort of bruise or cut near the eyes.
-Rick Majerus rumored to have burned his "lucky" sweater after the game due to its failure to bring luck as well as its pungent odor and yellowed armpit regions.
-Cameron Mills being the man and making two threes when UK was, up until that point, 0-7 on three point attempts. As the final buzzer sounds, he then becomes the man that falls to the ground in tears (prompting pal Jeff Shepard to follow suit).
-Kentucky wins its seventh NCAA title. 'Nuff said.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Hunt for a Reds October is a Success!

FINALLY!!! 1990 was that last year in which the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series, and 1995 was the last year they made it into the post-season. Now the fifteen year drought is over!
I have many fond memories of going to the Reds games and eating soft serve ice cream out of the plastic helmets. Some real greats have played for them over the years, like Ken Griffey Jr., Sean Casey, Adam Dunn, Austin Kerns, etc. Although many times they started out the season with a bang, they always trailed off in the NL Central race, and year after year failed to make it to October.
But this season was different! They have remained in the lead, or a few games off the lead, for a while...and have stayed at the top! I hope they can make the most of this long awaited post-season appearance and win the World Series in what has seemed like a long twenty years!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

College Football!

Ah, the leaves are turning, the air is getting cooler, and the helmets are being strapped on...it's college football time! There's nothing quite better than sitting in front of a t.v. all day Saturday and flipping back and forth from one great game to the next. Grilling out bratwursts, hot dogs, and hamburgers, popping the top on a Barqs Root Beer, and only moving to go to the bathroom or get more food. Get ready, folks. Saturday is about to become your favorite day of the week.
The Best part of college football and the BCS system is that every Saturday counts. There is no room for error, and with every yellow flag you can't help but cringe and wonder if they can make it through the game without five more off sides. Many teams may come out of the starting gate at top speed only to be left behind during the last stretch. It's fourth and inches, and you're biting your nails and trying to help the next Knowshon Moreno get that crucial first down. You hold your breath as the star receiver is smashed to the ground after a gruesome tackle, or you lean forward to see if the helmet rolling on the field still has a head in it-for surely the impact was impossible to survive. Behold the ups and downs of football. The high fives for a victory, and the tears of sadness that coincide with the truth of the trophy slipping away. It's all part of the emotional ride, and it's all worth it.
The first weekend was a great one! UK beat Louisville, the SEC fared well in general (however, that LSU vs. UNC game was too close for comfort), and the Boise St. vs. Va Tech was a thrill! Oh poor Beamer and his goiter. But this is only the beginning. The noise from all the conference shifts has died down, and now we can all focus on the war zone that is about to ensue. Ready, set, HIKE!

Friday, August 6, 2010

The Not Fantastic Five

So I think I'll start my own Friday tradition of the Not Fantastic Five-a numerically lesser spin-off of Sports Center's Not Top Ten.
In descending order:

5. I love the Celtics, so I'd hate to throw my team under the bus completely. However, signing Shaq? That's definitely not fantastic.

4. USC Football. Kiffin is trying to promote his program and how they are as focused as ever this season despite not going to a bowl game. Let's face it, they might as well not even play this year, we don't like them anyway.

3. Brett Favre. Again we have to deal with his decision of whether or not he will still play, as if we didn't already waste a month of our time awaiting LeBron's decision.

2. The Red Sox losing 9-1 at their home stadium. That just sucks.

1. Coach K. Need I say more?

Friday, July 30, 2010

DeMarcus Cousins

Out of the five UK players that were drafted during the first round to the NBA, I think DeMarcus Cousins is my favorite. Don't get me wrong, I love John Wall and he deserves to be the first pick. He has a finesse unlike any other, and he makes incredible plays in crucial moments. But how often do you find a big man with the skill and agility of Cousins? Let me give you a hint-rarely.
Cousins is already dominant in the NBA summer league, and he's one year removed from High School. People talked about his "questionable" attitude, but compare him to other 19 year olds and I'd say he handles himself very well. He gets it done on the court.
As the fifth pick in the first round, there were plenty of skeptics, but it seems everyone has finally jumped on the D. Cousins bandwagon. Everyone loves him! He should have gone sooner in the draft, but that's all water under the bridge now. It's been a while, probably since Shaq, that we've seen such a dominant big man. He will shine against the man-to-man defense of the NBA, because no one can stop him. I usually only watch the playoffs since the season is so long, but I may watch more of the regular season now. I am greatly looking forward to seeing a Wildcat out there showing the other players how to play real basketball.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

What Kind of Tennis Player Are You? Real or Recreational?

Answer the following questions and find out what kind of player persona fits you!

1. Do you ever bring more than one tennis racquet to an informal game? Do you bring them in a bag that could double as check-on luggage?

2. Do you own a Wimbledon towel that you got when you played at the Junior Championships in England?

3. Can you serve the ball over 50 mph without it sailing fifty feet over the fence?

4. Is your second serve more than a light tap over the net just to get it into the box to avoid a double fault?

5. Can you hit a drop shot?

6. Do you open a new can of balls halfway through an informal match to ensure you don't play will balls that have become slightly flat?

7. Do you return home with all of the balls with which you started?

8. Can you play a match while others are playing on an adjacent court without interrupting the other players' game at least ten times to retrieve a ball from an errant hit?

9. Does your racquet have an actual grip instead of worn-down duct tape?

10. Did you take Pete Sampras to five sets in the French Open?

If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you are a legitimate tennis player. As my dad puts it, you're either good or you're not, there's very little in between in tennis. If you answered "no" to all of these questions, join the rest of us in a world where we play for fun and still have a great time.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

A Sticky Wicket Special: The Decision

At nine o' clock I sat in front of my television to see where in the NBA LeBron James would go. Half an hour into the most dramatic coverage of any sports story, the truth was out-the Miami Heat will add another superstar to its stacked lineup. LeBron will join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in pursuit of his first championship.
In my opinion, it will be most interesting to see if the newest big three can equally share the spotlight, or if egos will attempt to rise above the others. LeBron is the man you want to give the ball to in the final minutes and seconds of a game for a winning shot...and so is Dwyane Wade. Now the quandary is, who do you give the ball to in those final seconds? Maybe they can shoot it together by each putting a hand on the ball. Go team!
I'm not one to sit here and criticize his decision, isn't it blasphemy to disagree with the King? However, I just don't know if it's going to work, at least not for a little while. Major adjustments will have to be made to all three players' game. Another question: how will the other players and the Heat bench fit into the picture? Will they achieve that championship combination?
The only question that remains is will Cleveland ever get out of this long slump of disappointing sports teams? That poor city just can't win! I truly do want the best for Lebron, and I'd love to see him win a championship. As the free agent season comes to a close, it will be exciting to see how it all plays out on the court.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Glorious Game of Golf

Some may read the title and immediately scoff at it or think that I'm being sarcastic. Whomever does this is wrong. I love golf! Although it is an anomaly for someone of my generation to be enthused about the typically old person's sport, I find it absolutely enjoyable to sit on the couch and watch the major tournaments (especially the Masters, it's my favorite) on the television. Despite popular belief, I did not always love watching the Glorious Game. I shared the opinion of most people, which is that golf is boring, a sport with little action, and very long. However, I love my dad, and he always watches the major golf tournaments. So I started plopping down on the couch next to him and try to bear the beating of boredom so I could spend more time with him.
It was then that I realized that, up to that point, I had only taken a cursory glance at the game. It was in fact extremely enthralling! Every shot was crucial, and the intensity was palpable and practically tangible through the t.v. screen. I became easily engrossed by simultaneously rooting for my favorites and rooting against my enemies. Cheers would be emitted and rise up through the house as Colin Montgomery, Sergio Garcia, and other antagonists shanked their tee shots or yipped a close putt. The same praises of hallelujah would be heard as The Shark (Greg Norman) or Tiger Woods would sink a perfect putt for a birdie. Watching the deteriorating mental toughness of a golfer is slightly cathartic. It makes you realize professionals have mental breakdowns like the rest of us, though thankfully ours aren't usually broadcast around the world.
Another really attractive thing about golf? Maybe not the clothes (does Ian Poulter even own a normal pair of pants?!)-though, Tiger always looks sharp, especially on Sundays in his victory red shirts. The real attractive thing about golf is that it's one of the few sports that isn't corrupt! Baseball is run by steroids, the NBA is run by franchise players and money, the NFL is being infiltrated by rapist quarterbacks, and the list goes on. Golf hasn't changed all that much, except the material and technology of the clubs, and the difficulty of the courses. For some consistency in your life, golf will never disappoint-except, of course, if the guy you're rooting for misses the cut or chokes on the 18th. It's a classy sport, and it's exciting. Give golf another chance, and let me know if you don't end up getting hooked :)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

NBA History is Made in Blue and White.

Round One of the NBA Draft was tonight, and an epic domination occurred. Let me paint the picture for you: The Washington Wizards choose John Wall as the first pick (like there was any doubt, he's the best player in the nation). Skip to the fifth pick, where DeMarcus Cousins is chosen for the Sacramento Kings-the first big man to be picked in the draft. Now to the 14th pick, Patrick Patterson is going to the Houston Rockets, where former UK player Chuck Hayes also is on the team. The 18th pick of the OKC Thunder goes to Eric Bledsoe, who is then promptly traded to the Clippers. Finally, jump to the 29th pick from the Orlando Magic...and they chose Daniel Orton! There you have it folks, a record FIVE players from the University of Kentucky were picked in the first round. That is now the record for the most players picked in the first round from one university. Complete Wildcat domination. Sorry for the short post, but there's really nothing left to say, this night speaks volumes for itself. Go Cats!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

With Time to Spare

What a thriller!!! I am not a huge soccer fan by any means, but I always enjoy watching the high stakes World Cup. This year I'm rooting for two teams for my two homes: USA and Argentina. Argentina has been manhandling everyone with their star player, Messi, and it's been great to watch the amazing team and the outbursts of hot head Maradona on the sideline. The U.S., on the other hand, has fallen into the routine of coming from behind after allowing early goals.
This morning was a crucial match for the USA against Algeria. If they didn't win, England and Slovenia would advance, and resulting in an early exit for Donovan & Co. From the start, the game was intense and exciting. So many attempts at goals that were so close! The most frustrating part is that the terrible reffing for the U.S. continued as a goal was waved off for offsides-the stupidest rule ever in the history of sports. It was a horrible call because the player was onside! Seriously, how many more goals are going to be taken away from us?? At the 85 minute mark my hope was dropping exponentially. There just wasn't enough time. But then there are four minutes of added time, which leads to one last sliver of hope to score. And in the 91st minute, we did indeed score! It was incredible, and just a huge sigh of relief. We won our group!!!!! Take that England!!! I'm so excited for the next round, penalty kicks are into the picture, and the pressure is increased. Let's go USA and Vamos Argentina!!!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The Real Breakdown of the Lakers Roster

PAU GASOL-looks like a camel and is the whiniest player in the NBA.
KOBE BRYANT-a rapist and a thug with those half-lidded lazy eyes that make you want to punch him.
RON ARTEST-another thug who no one likes. He isn't real loving towards fans. Consequently, he was cut out of the NBA's commercial to the fans in which the words "fans we love you, thanks for a great season" appeared.
ANDREW BYNUM-with all this draining of the knee, he is being contacted by the makers of Drano, the pipe unclogger, to appear in advertisements.
SHANNON BROWN-looks oddly similar to the musical artist Chris Brown, you know, the one who beat up his girlfriend. His doppleganger is more like a dopple-I'm gonna smash your head-er.
JORDAN FARMAR-looks like a leprechaun with those ears that stick out so much, he could probably go sailing because of all the wind they could pick up.
LAMAR ODOM-the third thug, and as ugly as the rest of the team.
DEREK FISCHER-"helped" his daughter, and her eye, by not re-signing with the Jazz (where the best place in the country to get treatment for that is located) and then signing with L.A. to be "closer" to his daughter (who's at a hospital in New York). I guess he'll just see her sometime, though she might not be able to see him back.
SASHA VUJACIC-first of all his name is Sasha. Second, he's just a mini Gasol: whiny, annoying, and ugly.
ADAM MORRISON-does he even dress out? Not to mention, he's that Gonzaga player who led to the nation's halt in rooting for Gonzaga.
LUKE WALTON-makin' daddy proud by giving quality minutes riding the pine
DIDIER ILUNGA-MBENGA and JOSH POWELL-Wtf? Who are these guys? Have they always been there?

Saturday, June 12, 2010

R.I.P. Big 12

So as you've probably all heard...the Big 12 conference is being taken apart team by team, and will inevitably meet the same fate as the SWC (Southwest Conference). I thought the Big 12 was doing reasonably well, as well as any conference can do in the midst of the juggernaut of the SEC. Now teams are jumping off of the Big 12 ship faster than the passengers of the Titanic! Oklahoma State and Colorado to the Pac-10 (Texas and Oklahoma to follow?), Nebraska to the Big Ten, Texas A&M may move to the SEC, and who knows what's left in store-besides some much needed reevaluation of conference names, i.e. Pac/Misc-15.
I suppose in the end every sport at every level all boils down to money. Unfortunately, this fact is greatly illuminated by this recent chess match. Even the Mountain West is adding a team (Boise St.), but let's be serious, who cares about that. The question is, how much more shifting is going to take place? Will there eventually be only five conferences left?
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about these changes. I love everything about college football, even the BCS (it's not perfect, but it's the best we can think of), so I am a little of leery of all this. However, the facts remain that the programs will still be good, and the SEC will continue to be the most dominant conference. I guess we'll just have to wait until the end of August to see how it all pans out!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Rivalry Resumes

Anyone who has a pulse should be aware that the biggest rivalry in the NBA is about to be rekindled (since 2008) tomorrow at 9ET. That's right-another NBA finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. They hold thirty-two championships, Boston with seventeen and L.A. with fifteen.
I was listening to Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN radio, and they brought up an interesting point on the subject of rivalries. The question to debate is: how much of a rivalry is based on the past and how much depends on the present? Are these players playing for the sake of their reputations, or to maintain the legacies of the former greats that graced the wood floor before they did. In my opinion, it's most likely 50-50. Half of the tension and rivalry that will take place during the finals stems from the past. The other half is due to their current desires to win the trophy and shift the victorious tide to their side.
It is sometimes difficult to create lasting rivalries nowadays because every player seems to be in transit. They're enemies, now they're teammates, now they're enemies again. It's a constant game of swingers. Though, I think it's easier for the Celtics-and the rest of the nation-to hate the Lakers. Because how is it even possible to like a team that consists of a belligerent thug, a rapist, an ugly, gangly guy that looks like a camel, and a bunch of other whiners? The Celtics are stacked with many more likable players (exception: Sheldon Williams), such as Rajon Rondo with his cute little boy face and kiss-off-the-glass lay-ins, and Ray Allen, who is the coolest guy on the court.
So to gear up for the finals, I'll include a couple of Onion articles that provide entertaining commentary for the storied rivalry of the Lakers and Celtics.


Sunday, May 30, 2010

How To Get To An (Usually) Unemotional Movie Aficionado

I love watching movies, but I usually never cry at the points where the majority of the population does. For example, last semester a bunch of my friends and I watched "Little Women" around Christmas time. When one of the sisters died, all the girls are cried and were really distraught, and I felt utterly heartless as I sat there and thought when is this going to be over? Granted there are some exceptions to this.
Obviously, the major exception is...sports films. Remember the Titans is one that reduces me to tears every time. I just love watching sports movies! I become completely engrossed, and I find myself energetically rooting for the good guy or the underdog to win and succeed (except for the movie "Rudy"- the slow clap at the end ruined it for me). I'm not saying I cry during every sports movie, but I have an immensely more emotional attachment to those movies than I do for those in other genres. Chariots of Fire, The Natural, Invincible, The Blind Side, We Are Marshall (I never noticed how many football movies I love, ha ha), and the list goes on and on! Not to mention the UK NCAA tourney and championship games I have on DVD :)
Sports get my emotions going almost more than anything else, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

CAUTION: Over Zealous Parents Now Live Vicariously Through Their Kids

Only in today's world would you hear about a mother getting kicked out of the ball park during a t-ball game because of yelling profusely at the ump. Or about a coach bribing refs for a youth church basketball league (I actually read about that one). Seriously, what is wrong with these people? Don't get me wrong, I am extremely competitive and I love sports-and winning-but I realize that it's just a game rather than a life or death situation.
It is quite disturbing how crazy sports teams have become for kids nowadays. It's become so political, and parents try and buddy up with the coaches to make their kid one of the favorites who receives a lot of playing time. What happened to simple rec leagues that allowed the kids to have fun and just be kids? Now you have to do club teams and private lessons and everything in between in order to be considered for playing. People, parents especially, need to realize that the chances of their kid being at a collegiate level are very slim. Not everyone has the talent to succeed in the sports arena. And you know what? That is totally OK. It's more than alright to play a sport principally for enjoyment and exercise.
Kids these days lack the quality of being well-rounded in their lives. It's come to the point where you have to choose only one or two sports at the most, or only music, or only academics. That's the frustration I had with participating in school sports. Thankfully I didn't have to deal with these complications until high school, but eventually I had to give up a sport I love because the coaches basically told me I'd have to give up my life and desires of playing or doing anything else in order to get playing time. Why can't we go back to the days where sports teams were for the fun of it? It'll be better for all of us to take a slice of humble pie and play for the sake of playing and getting back to the basics.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Sports Disappointment

There are few things worse than sports disappointment, and right now I'm going through the throes of the aforementioned affliction. Seriously, the Celtics should have swept the series against the Orlando Magic on Monday. I'm not even talking about how poorly they played the majority of the game, if not the entire match. I'm mostly frustrated by the fact that, at tie game, they had the ball with 14.6 seconds left...and didn't even get a shot off! How does that happen? I'll tell you a principle factor in that horrible display-his name is Paul Pierce. I like Pierce, but he really stunk up the court at the end. I mean, how do you not get a shot off at the end of regulation, AND miss two open threes at the end of OT in the same night?
Tonight, it hasn't been much better, but this time the refs suck, too. That technical on Perkins was utter crap! Along with the ten million other technical fouls called. They're getting ridiculous with their foul-calling, and it is not appreciated by this Celtics fan. I am incredibly incensed at all the foul trouble.
Basically, sports disappointment is a terrible thing to experience. You are completely helpless and yet you feel even you could do better at getting the job done. I plan my whole year around sports. Fall is for football, winter is basketball, spring and summer is a combination of tennis and golf, and it starts over again. Before this year when the Wildcats went back to the top, my years were a sports disaster-one step past sports disappointment. UK football always disappoints, though a few games here and there have cheered me up, UK basketball was basically division two at the end of the Tubby era and the two year train wreck that was Billy G, Nadal was injured, and Tiger was fading and having issues. I had nothing to excite me, because excitement brought hope, hope got destroyed, destruction of hope brought an onslaught of SD (sports disappointment).
Despite having SD in the past, each year brings a fresh start, and I never will stop watching sports even with the possibility of watching my teams lose. Sports is what I live for! My life would be almost empty without them.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ode to the Yellow Line

Have you ever heard those Budweiser radio commercials entitled "Real American Heroes" and "Real Men of Genius"? They're pretty great, but I think they need to create one for the inventor of the Yellow Line in football. Seriously, how great is that line?! Without that aid we would be constantly looking and straining our necks to find the sideline ref who is holding the chains. Now all we have to do is look at the screen, and there it is! No guessing involved! Watching football without a yellow line is akin to the days when you had to live without electricity-you just couldn't see anything unless you lit ten million candles.
The only two problems related to this fantastic addition are the following. First, if they forget to put the yellow line up before the ball is snapped, panic mode sets in. How far do they have to go until they get a first down? I need that visual! But eventually it appears, and all uncertainties are tackled. But if you're at the game, sadly, you won't ever view that yellow line. Second, since you can clearly see the yellow line, and subsequently where the first down is, you begin to expect the players to see it too. How many times has a player been inches away from the line, only to run out of bounds or fall down? You exclaim in frustration, "Why didn't you get the first down! Didn't you see the yellow line?" Then you realize he didn't and couldn't have. Still-there's no excuse, ha ha.
I definitely take for granted this wonderfully and brightly colored clue, and shudder to think of watching football without it! So thank you, whoever came up with and implemented the yellow line. You made watching football that much better (which I didn't even think was possible!).

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Not Top Ten

I was watching the Not Top Ten on Friday, as I always do, and there was one poor play that stuck out in my mind. Roger Federer, on match point, whiffed on his return! He lost to Nadal (the King of the clay) making Nadal undefeated so far this year on the slippery surface. Whiffed! On match point! I absolutely love watching the Not Top Ten because it always makes me feel better about myself and the many embarrassing sports screw ups in my life. Even the pros, who are at the top of their game, make rookie mistakes. It would be my worst nightmare to end up on the Friday morning ritual.

For example, I might not have lived down the pep rally disaster in seventh grade had it been documented and put on the Not Top Ten. Since no one really is going to see this, I'll share one of my biggest sports flops for entertainment. I love playing basketball. Now, you must understand that I am average in skill, a little sub par in my offensive ability, but I do have a pretty tenacious defensive streak. Anyway, I played ball in middle school, and I was always the little, white girl trying to earn her respect. In seventh grade, I was feeling a little more confident. No longer the lowest on the totem pole, and dressing out for the A-team, I felt that I was improving and receiving that respect. Then the pep rally happened. We did a basic lay-up drill and then moved on to a little three-on-three action. I brought the ball down, and to my excitement, I saw a major opening in the lane. I drove up the lane with purpose, and was extending my arm for the release of the ball, and out of nowhere-BAM-I got blocked by one of the tallest girls on the team. I mean, I didn't even see it coming! Almost immediately a chorus of "Ooohhhhh!"s came from the bleachers that were chock full of my fellow comrades. This was going to be bad. I definitely saw that going better in my head. As I walked to my locker at the end of the day, a random kid passed me in the hall, he turned and said "Ooo, you got stuffed!" Thankfully, no one really remembered after a day or so.

A really random side note: if lawn mowing were a sport-I'd be a champion. I slay lawns like no one else.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Celtics Crush Magic-Life is Good :)

So...the Celtics dominated tonight. The first two games of the series were quite eventful and exciting. Tonight, however, the Magic did not show up to play. To be honest, although I was more than thrilled that the Celtics won, I was kind of hoping for a better/more interesting game. To me, the perfect basketball game would be neck and neck all the way, and then a blowout run in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter (or the second half if we're talking college).

But, as usual, Rondo freakin' dominated! He is THE best point guard in the league, and he runs the offense with flair. Plus, his defense is off the charts-he's so scrappy. He brings the needed youth to a more veteran team, and adds to the team chemistry. Everyone loves Rondo, even all the commentators. I mean, how could you not love him and his little boy face?

To be honest, I never thought the Celtics would make it this far, so it's been a pleasant surprise. Now I'm starting to get greedy and am believing they could win the whole thing. They're all healthy, and they have the will to win. Hopefully they won't come up short.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Why So Blue, Panda Bear?

Well, today has been a l-o-n-g day, and I'm feeling a little down. What better way to remedy this situation than to make a list of my favorite/most memorably sports moments! (And, of course, watch UK's 1996 and 1998 NCAA Championship wins).

Note: in no particular order

1. UK football beating #1 LSU in 4 OTs (2007 I think). I was there, stormed the field, saved a tuft of grass, and participated in the craziness and delirium that all the fans felt. I mean, this never happens! UK is always last in the SEC. The victory was sweeter than a praline :)

2. 2010 SEC tournament in Nashville, the Cats are back! I witnessed one of the best cat and dog fights between Kentucky and Mississippi State in the championship game...from the sixth row, center court. No big deal. It was close the whole game, it went into overtime, I almost had a heart attack, and I had to catch a flight to Boston in a few hours. Even more than coming out the victor is the fact that Kentucky basketball is FINALLY getting back to where it should be.

3. Having John Wall for a year. Enough said.

4. This isn't a single event, but I just love getting ice cream with sprinkles in a little plastic Cincinnati Reds helmet at the baseball games! It's like the gift that keeps giving! You get to eat ice cream-yum!-and then keep the helmet, which you could go home and put ice cream in again! Brilliant!

5. Watching UK beat Duke in the 1998 NCAA tourney by overcoming a seventeen point deficit in the second half. Take that Coach K and the ACC-loving ex-announcer Billy Packer!

6. Witnessing, with utter joy, the Celtics defeating the Lakers to take the NBA championship back to Boston in 2008! Rajon Rondo blossomed into the dominating player that he is.

7. Patrick Sparks being fouled on a three point attempt as time ran out at the end of the UK vs. Louisville basketball game, and going on to make all three free throws for a one point margin of victory! I don't think he made consecutive free throws for the rest of the season, but he made them when it counted the most. Not to mention, making a difficult shot to send the game into overtime in that year's NCAA tourney against Michigan State. (We still lost, but that doesn't matter at this point).

8. Tiger Woods winning the U.S. Open in 2008, and all the other times he dominated. I know he's not perfect, but you have to admit that on the course, he is unstoppable. You see him come out on a Sunday afternoon wearing his I-will-destroy-you red shirt, and you settle down for a great round of golf. Coupled with these great memories, is watching Phil Mickelson crumble and fold faster than a crunchy fall leaf.

Well, I guess that's good for now. I've watched a lot of sports over my life thus far, and some of my greatest joys stem from them.

A True American Dream

There is a great article in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated about the Major League Baseball player Carlos Peña (the first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays). His parents moved him and his brother, Pedro, from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts in order to provide a better opportunity for their sons. Carlos' dad and mom gave up their jobs as an engineer and a teacher, respectively, for a new life of labor: a custodian and a house maid. It was quite a sacrifice. As one can observe, Carlos has succeeded in his baseball endeavors as he flourishes in the league. Sadly, his brother's baseball career was terminated when he suffered a broken hand. Though, his story does not turn out tragically, as he went on the achieve a PhD in Biochemistry. Now that is impressive! I greatly admire the drive and determination of the Peña family, and especially the desire of the parents to seek a better life for their sons. I always love a great sports story where an athlete has not been handed success upon a silver plate, but has instead risen to the top as a result of hard work and natural skill. Along with the deserved respect towards Carlos, there should be included reverence towards Pedro, his brother. I'm sure it was a devastating realization that his career was over with that detrimental injury. But despite this setback, he continued forward and became successful in another field-sans grass.
I don't intend to get all political, but this wonderful story makes me think of the bill currently being debated in Arizona. And frankly, it is a nationwide issue. Look at this family and what they have given up. They moved here and worked hard to accomplish something great. Immigration does not yield a lazy sack of potatoes that is a drain on our country. Most immigrants in our country work very hard-harder than a lot of Americans. Everyone deserves a chance to make his or her mark on the world, and a shot at his or her dream. Batter's up, so give him your best pitch and see how far he can hit it.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Hit Me With Your Best Camera Angle.

One of my biggest sports pet peeves is a poor camera angle. Seriously, this is not an artsy documentary, it's a sporting event. Give us, the dear fans, the consistent and best angle. Have you ever been stuck looking at the floor view? Great, now we get a five minute steady stream of a player's expensive and over-endorsed shoes (are the apparel companies slowly taking over networks?). Now it's camera guy number two's turn to give us a view from...wait for it...behind the backboard. How am I going to tell if the free throw is good or not? Quit getting fancy and pan out to the full or half court view.
Unfortunately, this frustration isn't limited to basketball. It can be frequent in golf, too. All of a sudden, a crucial putt is about to be made, and all you can see is a sea of green in which the game is not Where's Woods? but rather Where's the Hole? Sometimes it's a fake out, and at the last possible moment, you get the view you've been wanting. I guess the cameraman got a little bored, set the camera down on the green, and went to take a leak or get a sandwich. He saw what a terrible feed he was getting in the clubhouse and realized "oh crap! That's my shoddy camera work!".
But there is hope and light at the end of the football tunnel! I have never been betrayed by the angles and camera shots in football. There is the occasional up close and cursory view of the line of scrimmage, but the cameraman never disappoints and gets to THE shot at least one "hike!" before the ball is snapped.
So if any of you sports cameramen out there are reading this-enough with the alternative angle business. Stick to the basics of what we want. You will not win an Oscar for your feed of the game winning shot by putting the camera a bit off-center and from behind for visual interest. To the football cameramen, I salute you and your faithful filming. Keep it up!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Flying by the Seat of my Basketball Shorts

So I'm sitting here watching the second game of the Celtics-Magic playoff series, and I decided to start a sports blog. I love talking about sports, and I greatly needed an outlet for my athletic-based rants. Plus, I'll have quite a bit of free time this summer. Perfect combination. I will be upfront that I have some biases, but I'll let you pick them out as I go along, they'll be pretty obvious. Anyway, I hope you like my blog. If not, I couldn't care less. Go Cats!