Illegal or Lazy?

With the recent increased notice of illegal hits in the National Football League coaches and players might want to look at why they are happening and how they can be prevented (other than fines from the league office). First what defines these “illegal hits”?  According to the NFL they consider illegal hits as a tackle to an opposing player’s head or neck, a tackle to a defenseless player, and a player using their own head or “spearing” to make a tackle. All of these criteria were met in the illegal hits weekends ago, for example we saw Brandon Meriweather get fined for having helmet-to-helmet contact with Todd Heap (leading with his head and hitting the opposing player in the head).

            So why do these kinds of tackles happen? One could say that players see it as, “Well everyone else is doing it”, that there is poor coaching, or just because of pure laziness within the players. To believe that everyone else is doing it would be crazy, there are around 1,000 players playing in the NFL on a weekend, and we only see or hear about 5 hits that are bad enough for the recent attention. Also one can’t blame poor coaching on these tackles or on the lack of informing players of the rules, these players are men, they know the rules and have been playing the game long enough to understand how to tackle. So to myself laziness has to be what is increasing these illegal and hurtful hits. If you look back a the illegal hits that have caused this explosion of attention you realize most all of them were helmet-to-helmet contact. This is a complete lack of effort by the players to perform a tackle they have done year after year. They have been taught from day one to form tackle by keeping their head up, tackling on the outside of the opposing player, and if they can under the player's armpits, and then to continue pursuit through the other player bringing them down for a tackle. When a player tackles doing this, their helmet never makes hard contact with the opposing player’s, and the opposing player rarely gets injured. If all those players from the illegal hit weekend at least tried to tackle in true form we wouldn’t have seen an issue with their hits.

            The players in the NFL need to get over their great idea of having that “big” hit through poor form tackling, because it is still possible when they tackle with good form, and we see it every weekend in the fall.  Their lackadaisical big hit tackling is sourly increasing their likelihood of paying a lot of cash for what they did, and increasing the chance of injury to their fellow athletes. So to stop them players and coaches must increase their efforts to make sure their fellow athletes aren’t gonna get lazy and put their head down and just charge at another player, but to make sure they tackle with the form they were taught to use long ago. Players should realize lazy athletes don’t last long in the NFL (Jamarcus Russell) and even if that laziness is within a hit, if they keep it up they’ll be sent packing by Mr. Goodell and the family of the player they hurt.

-CP

What I think about when I think about this World Series

What I think about when I think about this World Series

The World Series defines franchises like no other championship in sports, because it can define its losers as much as its winners. We know the Yankees have won twenty seven world series, and as a result have ascended to the post of most prestigious franchise in North American sports. Moreover, we remember the great teams and the great triumphs of teams that have since dipped into the realm of mediocrity. The Cincinnati Reds made the postseason this year for the first time since 1995. Over the past fifteen years, few National League teams have been worse than the Reds. Yet, the franchise will forever be associated with the "Big Red Machine" of the 1970's. The Reds, led by hall of famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, and all time hits leader Pete Rose, won four NL pennants and two World Series. No matter what the Reds do in the future (they were swept aside by the Phillies this year) the franchise will always have the "Machine." Teams do not need to be dynastic to garner immortality for their franchise. Take the Pirates for instance. We all know about their ridiculous futility of the past twenty seasons. Yet one can't think of the Pirates without thinking of "We are Family" in 1979, or Clemente's brilliance of 1971, or Maz's walkoff of 1960. The Pirates prove that some World Series victories are greater than others to the point where they can define a franchise.

World Series losses, or the lack of appearances in general, can also define a franchise. The Red Sox before 2004, the White Sox before 2005, the Indians, and of course the Cubs are among the most infamous losers in all of sports. That brings us to this year's World Series between the Giants and Rangers, two franchises stained with playoff shortcomings. The Giants haven't won a World Series since 1954. They are 0 for 52 since their move to San Fran. And yet they have no curse, nor do they carry the same depressing cloud that floats over every team from Cleveland. Perhaps it's because the Giants were once the toast of the National League... from 1904-1937. They won  four World Series and thirteen NL pennants in that span. They've won   five pennants since, including that lone Series title. Maybe Giants fans just aren't superstitious enough to attribute their mishaps to one transient event. Or maybe Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and co. made them forget for awhile. Either way, the Giants have a chance to renew the rich history of their franchise in 2010. 

Their opponent has a similar history, that is if you consider everything post 1960 history. The Texas Rangers have never won the World Series, been to the World Series, or even won a playoff series until this postseason. The franchise has existed since 1961. Yet like the Giants, the Rangers are forgotten losers. They too live in the metaphorical and physical shadow (that's one big stadium) of their football neighbors. Also like the Giants, they have an opportunity to create a watershed moment for the franchise; they can become a winner.

But this is what I think about when I think about this World Series: no matter who wins, the series will not come to define either franchise. My gut tells me the Rangers will win based on their lineup and that guy named Cliff. The DH is a huge advantage as well once the series shifts to Texas. If the Rangers win it'll be great for Dallas, and if the Giants win it'll be great for San Francisco. But neither team has the makings of a dynasty, nor will the fans have a "now I can die in peace" elation. Quite frankly, few people outside of those two cities care who wins. I see a five game Series ending in jubilation for the guys in the South. Next year we'll move on with our baseball lives with an unchanging opinion of the two franchises. 

I could be dead wrong though. Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum could cement their respective pitching legacies. Josh Hamilton could become an all time legend with his majestic home runs. Maybe the Series will come down to the ninth inning of the seventh game, and Brian Wilson will face down Mr. Hamilton as 50,000 title thirsty fans hold their collective breath, and maybe Josh will hit a home run, and maybe Texas forgets about America's team and embraces the American League's team, or maybe Brian strikes him out, and Willie Mays will be crying somewhere, and Giants fans will take to the streets.  Maybe then we'll remember it forever.

Like I said, opportunity.

Dil Friday

NBA Predictions 2010-2011

By Troy Klongerbo

Eastern Conference Regular Season Standings

1.    Orlando Magic (60-22)

Starting Lineup -PG: Jameer Nelson

                        SG: Vince Carter

                        SF: Rashard Lewis

                        PF: Brandon Bass

                        C: Dwight Howard

            Key Bench Players: F Quentin Richardson, G Chris Duhon, G J.J. Redick

            The Orlando Magic will finish the regular season as the best team in the Eastern Conference. From top to bottom, they are a proven team. In the offseason, they added depth by signing the likes of Quentin Richardson and Chris Duhon. Along with the best white dunker in the NBA and 3-point shooting extraordinaire, J.J. Redick, the Magic have all the parts in place for regular season success.

            Dwight Howard will find himself in the top 3 for the MVP voting at the end of the season and the Magic will be seeded #1 going into the playoffs. This pick is a default selection, as the Celtics will be playing for June and the Heat are quite unpredictable. Most importantly, the Magic have the confidence to compete with the likes of the Heat and the Celtics. Newcomer Richardson may have said it best, or worst, by saying simply, “F--- the Heat.”

2.    Miami Heat (58-24)

Starting Lineup -PG: Mario Chalmers

                        SG: Dwayne Wade

                        SF: LeBron James

                        PF: Chris Bosh

                        C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

            Key Bench Players: G Mike Miller, F Udonis Haslem, G Carlos Arroyo

            After a relatively quiet offseason, the Heat re-tooled to make a run for the 2010-2011 season. The Heat can now claim the most dangerous starting lineup in the NBA, showcasing a pair of elusive and potent centers in Ilgauskas and Joel Anthony. Mario Chalmers will blossom into an NBA star and with these three players, coined in Miami as the Big Three, the Heat will make a run at their first NBA Championship in over 3 full seasons.

            Shifting back to reality, the Heat made the biggest splash in the NBA this season on ESPN in July. “The Decision”, offered backlash in the sporting world as three superstars teamed up to, in their opinions, win the next 15 Championships. I am not completely sold on this team. I keep returning to the fact that LeBron James and Dwayne Wade are essentially the same type of player. They want to affect the game in the same fashion. They both love to slash the lanes and take a surplus of their teams’ shots. This team has the personnel to have success and achieve greatness, but head coach Erik Spolstra will need to channel his inner Phil Jackson to pull off this balancing act.

3.    Boston Celtics (54-28)

Starting Lineup -PG: Rajon Rondo

                        SG: Ray Allen

                        SF: Paul Pierce

                        PF: Kevin Garnett

                        C: Shaquille O’Neal

            Key Bench Players: F-C Jermaine O’Neal, F Glen “Big Baby” Davis, G Nate Robinson

           

            Look at this roster in the 2004 and you might think you’re looking at the All NBA Team, but we’re in 2010 and this group of old, but effective, players have teamed up for one last run at a title. After the next few seasons, the Celtics will be living in the lottery, but this year is still a promising one for Boston fans. Defensively this is still a very strong team (come playoff time) and they still have consistent scoring (come playoff time). They are still a very motivated team (come playoff time) and they will be a force to be reckoned with (come playoff time). Once the Celtics get in the playoffs, watch out East.

4.    Atlanta Hawks (50-32)

Starting Lineup -PG: Mike Bibby

                        SG: Joe Johnson

                        SF: Marvin Williams

                        PF: Josh Smith

                        C: Al Horford

            Key Bench Players: G Jamal Crawford, C Etan Thomas, G Jordan Crawford

            The Hawks have seemed to be a threatening team in the East, ever since they took the Celtics to seven games in the first round in 2008. The team re-signed and overpaid their leading scorer from last year Joe Johnson, but the move seemed necessary. The Hawks have a strong nucleus, and Joe Johnson may be the best generic player in the league today. I am unsure of what to expect from this team, but I’m sure they be a playoff team. Jamal Crawford could light it up on any given night, but he is sometimes a defensive burden on this team. The only way they’re getting through the Heat is if former Xavier Musketeer Jordan Crawford can own LeBron James, like he did when he threw it down on the “King” in a summer basketball camp. 

5.    Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)

Starting Lineup -PG: Brandon Jennings

                        SG: John Salmons

                        SF: Corey Maggette

                        PF: Drew Gooden

                        C: Andrew Bogut

            Key Bench Players: G Michael Redd, F Larry Sanders, F-G Chris Douglas Roberts

           

            The Milwaukee Bucks have the chance to make an impact in 2010-2011. After Andrew Bogut’s speedy recovery from a gruesome injury to his elbow (seriously, YouTube that clip…vomit), he is poised to lead this talented roster into the playoffs. I can’t imagine Jennings having a better season statistically in his sophomore season, but he will continue to develop and run his team. John Salmons is a player most coaches in the league would welcome to their roster and the addition of Corey Maggette will also help them get to the free throw line more often. They will also add Michael Redd expected in February, essentially picking up an All-Star at the trade deadline.

6.    Chicago Bulls (50-32)

Starting Lineup -PG: Derrick Rose

                        SG: Ronnie Brewer

                        SF: Luol Deng

                        PF: Carlos Boozer

                        C: Joakim Noah

           

            Derrick Rose is a future potential MVP candidate as we continue to watch him develop into the NBA’s best point guard. Despite the losses of former top 5 picks Tyrus Thomas and Ben Gordon over the past year and a half, the Bulls have added and still remained relevant in the East. Carlos Boozer was added from Utah, supposedly to join LeBron James in the Windy City. LeBron was sick of the cold weather, but the Bulls will still compete without him. They will compete in a sense of making the playoffs, but they will not be competitive outside of a mediocre regular season. Boozer is injury prone and they will need to adapt to a new coaching regime under Tom Thibodeau.

7.    Detroit Pistons (45-37)

Starting Lineup -PG: Rodney Stuckey

                        SG: Richard Hamilton

                        SF: Tayshaun Prince

                        PF: Charlie Villanueva

                        C: Ben Wallace

            Key Bench Players: G Ben Gordon, G-F Tracy McGrady, F Jason Maxiell

            The Detroit Pistons grew very comfortable living at the top of the Eastern Conference for the better portion of five years. They won a title and even though they have lost Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups, their roster still remains full of talent. They drafted well with the addition of Greg Monroe and they have a former All-Star in Tracy McGrady. If Rodney Stuckey can produce at the point and distribute the ball, the Pistons could sort of resemble their own selves from prior seasons. Note, sort of. They will make the playoffs with Rip and Tayshaun healthy, but I am not expecting them to make it deep into the warmth of summer. Sorry Detroit fans soak it up with the Red Wings.

8.    Charlotte Bobcats (43-39)

Starting Lineup -PG: D.J. Augustin

                        SG: Stephen Jackson

                        SF: Gerald Wallace

                        PF: Boris Diaw

                        C: Nazr Mohammed

            Key Bench Players: F Tyrus Thomas, G Shaun Livingston, G Gerald Henderson

            The Charlotte Bobcats under head coach Larry Brown will grind into the playoffs to earn the final playoff spot. They will earn an early trip home as well, but it will be refreshing to Charlotte fans to see their Bobcats in the playoffs for the second straight season. This team making the playoffs is more a product of a top heavy (bottom weak) Eastern Conference and they will be the best of the worst. Stephen Jackson has found good form playing in Charlotte and he and Gerald Wallace together could work this team into the playoffs. Thomas and Livingston will be sparks off the bench, riding their starters into the playoffs, but the season will end there. This type of season is considered a success in Charlotte.

9.    Philadelphia 76ers (38-44)

Starting Lineup -PG: Jrue Holiday

                        SG: Andre Iguodala

                        SF: Thad Young

                        PF: Elton Brand

                        C: Spencer Hawes

            Key Bench Players: G Evan Turner, G Lou Williams, F Andres Nocioni

           

            I like the team they’re building in Philadelphia. Evan Turner is the player I most coveted in the 2010 NBA Draft as he fell into the hand of the 76ers at the #2 pick. They acquired a young center named Spencer Hawes from Sacramento who has produced well for the Kings early in his career. Elton Brand still has the potential to dominate the post the way he did as a Clipper. They have a potential playmaker at the point guard position with the UCLA product Jrue Holiday. There is potential and talent in Philly, but there isn’t enough to get into the playoffs this season. They may face some salary issues in the future.

           

10. New York Knicks (35-47)

Starting Lineup –PG: Raymond Felton

                        SG: Wilson Chandler

                        SF: Danilo Gallinari

                        PF: Amar’e Stoudemire

                        C: Ronny Turiaf

            Key Bench Players: G Toney Douglas, G Roger Mason Jr., C Eddy Curry

            The Knicks persuaded Amar’e to come to New York to join a, well, bad team. They also signed Raymond Felton from the Bobcats. I can’t imagine the Knicks building a playoff type team this season. I like Amar’e joining his former coach in Phoenix in Mike D’Antoni, to hopefully create an up-tempo fast team, but it’s not enough for the playoffs. It’s good for fantasy owners though. Toney Douglas can make an impact, as he was an extremely effective scorer while he played at Florida State. Danilo is developing well too; league experts liken him to Dirk Nowitzki. The Knicks need to get Eddy Curry’s contract off the books, and then build for the future.

11. Indiana Pacers (34-48)

Starting Lineup -PG: Darren Collison

                        SG: Mike Dunleavy

                        SF: Danny Granger

                        PF: Josh McRoberts

                        C: Roy Hibbert

            Key Bench Players: F Tyler Hansbrough, G T.J. Ford, G Brandon Rush

             I love Danny Granger in Indiana. He is the complete package. With a team built around Granger, I think the Pacers could have a chance in the East. There is one problem though; the Pacers don’t have a team built around Granger. This roster actually looks like a college All-Star team, with most of these players known for their impacts at the college level. Darren Collison is an interesting addition from the Hornets as he is an electric player. His electric play has a tendency to turn reckless, leading to a plethora of turnovers. Dealing one of their leading rebounders in Troy Murphy may hurt the Pacers, not that it will matter because they’re missing the playoffs this year.

12. New Jersey Nets (30-52)

Starting Lineup -PG: Devin Harris

                        SG: Anthony Morrow

                        SF: Travis Outlaw

                        PF: Troy Murphy

                        C: Brook Lopez

            Key Bench Players: F Derrick Favors, G Terrance Williams, G Jordan Farmar

            New head coach Avery Johnson will bring energy to New Jersey, a good fit in developing the young players for the Nets. The Nets were a laughing stock of the NBA last season, but they will win over double the games they won last season. This isn’t because they’re a great team, but the fact that they couldn’t possibly be worse. Harris and Lopez are talked about as the players to build around, both solid players with solid futures. It’s fair to say that Favors is in the mix as well as a great young player to build around. Rumors surround the Nets and Carmelo Anthony, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

13. Washington Wizards (26-56)

Starting Lineup -PG: John Wall

                        SG: Gilbert Arenas

                        SF: Kirk Hinrich

                        PF: Andray Blanche

                        C: JaVale McGee

            Key Bench Players: G Josh Howard, G Nick Young, F-G Al Thornton

           

            On paper, the Wizards have some players. They have talent, some proven and some raw. Andray Blanche has had episodes in his character in the past, but his talent cannot be denied. Another talented big man, JaVale McGee is liked by some scouts more so than Blanche. Gilbert Arenas is moving from the point guard position to make way for the new future of the team, John Wall. Gilbert is unpredictable. He could score 50 and could be held scoreless. He could be a caring teammate with his team’s back and he could pull a gun on his teammates. He could be coachable and he could be a team obliterator. Gilbert may embrace the role of a tutor to John Wall while playing off the ball, but he may turn into a trade option later this season. He can’t fake his way into the playoffs.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers (24-58)

Starting Lineup -PG: Mo Williams

                        SG: Anthony Parker

                        SF: (Does it even matter anymore)

                        PF: Antawn Jamison

                        C: Anderson Varejao  

            Key Bench Players: G Booby Gibson, F J.J. Hickson, F Jamario Moon

            The Cavaliers suffered a massive blow this offseason, losing the most iconic figure in their sporting town since Jim Brown. LeBron leaving Cleveland will take years upon years to recover from. Almost every player on the roster today was a player brought in to help LeBron reach the pinnacle. They were all second fiddles to the LeBron show. Antawn Jamison was an All-Star who was traded from a non-contender to a contender, only to be a member again of a non-contender. This team is in trouble, but that was obvious directly after LeBron was quoted as saying, “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach.” Mo Williams even declared he wanted to retire at the age of 27. It’s sad to be a Cleveland fan.

15. Toronto Raptors (24-58)

Starting Lineup -PG: Jose Calderon

                        SG: DeMar DeRozen

                        SF: Linas Kleiza

                        PF: Amir Johnson

                        C: Andrea Bargnani

            Key Bench Players: G Leandro Barbosa, G Jarrett Jack, F Ed Davis

           

            After losing out in their Plan A, get LeBron to Toronto, the Raptors now face an uphill battle for the following season and seasons to come. They lost their All-Star and best player in Chris Bosh and I see them as being the bottom dwellers in the East. They couldn’t make the playoffs with Bosh and they have about as little chance as any team in the East to make the playoffs. Andrea Bargnani is the team’s best player, but he hardly resembles a player to initiate building a team around. I don’t even feel like wasting my time writing about the Raptors this year, only an attempt of comic relief makes this worthwhile.

Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics over Magic

Eastern Conference Champions: BOSTON CELTICS