Entries Tagged 'sports' ↓

By: BP

I feel in the interest of establishing credibility I must first admit that, yes, I recently stated on PST Radio as well as The Sports Guys that I was growing tired of listening to the BCS criticism and playoff solutions.  You would think that puts me in the minority when it comes to most college football fans’ view of the BCS, but actually I am on the same Anti-BCS bus, riding to the same stadium, for the same game.  You see, “I am Brandon Phillips, and I am a Playoffaholic!”  I despise the BCS as much as the next person, however it has become quite obvious that our cries for a playoff are falling on deaf ears, and the reality of change is nowhere in sight.  As a result we, as fans, have been relegated to nothing more than puppies chasing our tails, having the same arguments day in and day out. Think about it for a second, if you had a nickel for every time you heard a “who should be in the BCS title game, who shouldn’t be in the BCS title game,” argument that ended with, “That’s why we need a playoff,” you could be the official sponsor of the BCS is Crap Bowl, time and location TBA.  The sad part is the small concentration of people who control the BCS, and feed us this “BCS is good for College Football,” crap, have made us, as fans, so irrational that we spend most of our time arguing with each other over something we all agree upon to begin with (we need a playoff). 

The BCS Boobs tell us that all of our arguments about “Who’s number one?” go to show how much interest in college football the BCS generates.  Excuse me, I think my BS alarm is going off, allow me to hit the snooze button!  So am I to believe there was less interest in college football prior to the BCS? We must stop wasting our time arguing with each other about who should or shouldn’t be in the BCS title game, and redirect this frustration towards the BCS Boobs and force their hand for a PLAYOFF! Leave behind the old days of BCS rhetoric, challenge all playoff naysayers the way you challenge the fan who says USC would beat Florida, or Texas should be in over Oklahoma. I feel it is reasonable to assume if you made a list of the top three groups who should have the most say in the postseason format of college football, you it would go (in some order) Players, Coaches, and Fans.  However, as I listen to each of these groups scream for a change, all I hear is college presidents feel the system is “fine.”  Interesting that the one group not included in the aforementioned list of “who should matter,” is the one pulling the strings. Ladies. And gentlemen, welcome to college football purgatory.

Now let me reel my ADHD back get to the basis for this article.  One of my criticisms of the BCS (among many) has been the Coaches Poll which comprises 1/3 of the BCS formula, or 33.33333333333333333333333333% for those of you who play the percentages.  The Coaches Poll in theory sounds like a reasonable idea.  Create a panel of voters comprised of respected coaches, include representation from each Bowl Subdivision conference (AKA Division IA for normal people), and let them weigh in on who are the most deserving teams to play for a national championship.   Each week these individuals will provide a ranking of Bowl Subdivision teams in an order they feel most appropriate, taking into consideration wins, losses, strength of schedule, blah, blah. I think most of us are okay, up to this point with the theory of a College Football Coaches Poll: now for the problem.  For the Coaches Poll to have any credibility, I contend it must center on the premise that the 61-member panel is comprised of high character people who will vote each week in an ethical and unbiased manner.  However, I am of the opinion that the next poll, of any kind, which is conducted ethically and unbiased will be the first of its kind.  The voting process in and of itself is designed to encourage bias, which is why you vote and support one team or candidate and oppose another.  It is human instinct to want to protect your own agenda.  Additionally I contest it is extremely hypocritical to expect me, the fan, to take any poll seriously that hands out ballots to:

George O’ Leary: Subject of NCAA investigation at GA Tech regarding ineligible players, and in 2001 was relieved of his temporary duties as Notre Dame Head Coach following the discovery of “inaccuracies” on his resume.

Hal Mumme:  UK fans might remember this guy for his high-octane offense as well as the probation, loss of scholarships, and post-season ban that would prevent the Wildcats from taking part in Bowl Play for three seasons.

Mike Price: Probably most remembered for his brief stint as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, however he was relieved of his duties before even coaching a game after it was alleged by Sports Illustrated that Price was seen at a strip club then later checking into a room with one of the dancers.  (I think it is important to not that I’m not criticizing the act as much as I am the judgment.)

Steve Kragthorpe: Need I say more Louisville fans?

And what happens to the votes for coaches given the pink slip moving forward? Tommy Bowden, Sylvester Croom, Philip Fulmer, Tommy Tubberville, Tyrone Willingham?  Of course does the question of who is voting really matter if the coaches do not take the time to vote anyway? 

It seems the consensus amongst college football fans is that the coaches do not pay attention to their commitment of doing the poll, and in fact, do not even fill it out themselves, but rather have various staff members make the picks on their behalf. This what brought to light when prior to a 2007 matchup with the Texas Longhorns Ohio St. coach Jim Tressel claimed to vote the Longhorns number one, and his Buckeyes number two.  However it was later discovered he actually voted Ohio St. number one and Texas number two.  Many felt Tressel didn’t want to give the Longhorns any added billboard material which is why he was less than honest about his ballot.  Tressel defended his original comments on the vote by laying the blame on Ohio. St. Director of Player Development Stan Jefferson, who allegedly “changed the pick” when calling it in. For as you know, Directors of Player Development change their head coaches’ votes without their knowledge pretty regularly. Tressel made his original comments with the comfort of knowing the ballots were not made public, however USA Today let it be known if public comment is made by a coach, and is inaccurate, it is their place to set the record straight.  Treessel isn’t the only one doing it, he is just the one who got caught.  Now each season the final coaches poll is made public (which I love), but what is the logic in not having these votes public all year?  How can you justify the last week of the regular season, and not the rest?  Is it simply a matter of sacrificing accountability in the poll in exchange to limit bulletin board material for opposing teams?

The latest incident bringing the Coaches Poll into question revolves around Texas Longhorn head coach Mack Brown.  Brown announced last week that he would have voted Texas No. 1 in the last coaches poll, going against an agreement with the BCS, but stated, “I read something that said your vote didn’t count if you voted for number one because number one already was taken.  I didn’t want to hurt our team by voting us number one and it not counting, so I guess I misunderstood.” For starters Brown reiterates a clause in the Coaches Poll which dictates coaches have to vote the winner of the BCS Title game number one in their final vote of the season, regardless if they feel that team is deserving or not. Additionally Mack Brown openly acknowledges he’s not even really clear on what the rules of voting are to begin with.  Now do these sound like the traits of a system worth determining a national champion in college football to you?

I think it’s important to note that the coaches aren’t entirely to blame.  How can you reasonably assume a man who works 80 hours a week preparing his football team could keep up with 30 or 40 other teams across the nation?  Additionally, if my paycheck and job security were in some way tied to the outcome of that poll, you can darn well believe I’ll be casting the most self-serving ballot you’ve ever seen.  While the Coaches Poll is by all accounts a joke, it is simply part of the bigger problem, the BCS.  And yes I know I’m a hypocrite but “That’s why we need a playoff.”  Here’s your friggin nickel!

Stay Dirty

 -Mitch “The Mitch” Mullis

First off, I’d like to apologize to the loyal PST listeners and readers for this break (11 days) in blog posts.  We have been busy stuffing our faces, unveiling our new website (great work, Bean Bag), and writing out our Christmas lists for Santie Clause.  That said, on behalf of all the Dirts at PST, we’re sorry.  Shall we move on with the post?

Thanksgiving was a great time to hang with the fam, eating way more than your stomach can hold, and watching some great NFL football.  For me, everything held up its end of the deal except for the great football part.  I have three complaints about the NFL’s rendition of a Turkey Day celebration that I would love to see changed for the ’09 season.          

1.     Pathetic Matchups:  Matchup number one would be Lions vs. Titans, which means the worst team in the league (0-11) vs. the best (10-1).  Even before the season, who would consider this a good game? Then take a look at the afternoon game.  Big D (7-4) vs. Seattle (2-9), which could have been considered a better game before the season started, but early on, you could tell that this would not be worth watching.  This is a problem that could be fixed towards the beginning of the season by the flex scheduling.  The night game seemed like it would have been a lot more interesting, but who really got to watch it? Even if your cable provider carries NFL Network, it may not have carried the game, which was my dilemma.  The reasoning behind that, I don’t know, but it sure leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

2.     Youthful ‘Entertainment’- During the time that I decided to waste on the two games that I watched, I witnessed three less-than-spectacular performances.  The fan base that these following artists have are most likely girls 14 and under: Demi Lovato, Jesse McCartney, and the Jonas Brothers.  I understand that these artists are very popular among pre-teen girls.  I think that we can all agree that the average football fan has not listened and probably never even heard these artists.  The average football fan is NOT a pre-teen girl.  What was the NFL thinking when they let this Disney bunch parade around Ford Field and Cowboy Stadium?

3.     The Detroit Lions: Since the 1934, the Lions have played on Thanksgiving.  The thing is, they have one two games on that day since 2000.  This team has not been good since Barry “I’m Tired” Sanders and they really embarrass the NoFunLeague every year on a big stage.  Not only are they un-entertaining, it is just simply terrible football and point blank painful to watch.

Clearly, something needs to be done.  Talking to Uncle Bob about what birdfeed is the best and most reasonable price for three hours cannot be tolerated any longer.  Mr. Goodell, if you are listening, please hear me! Bring us football fans good games and good entertainment! My idea would have been something like Steelers vs. Cowboys with a neutral entertainer such as Kid Rock.  Make it happen, and the ratings will spike!

I’m just sayin’ man…

* P.S.- The next post will be non-football related.  I’m sure the readers want some variety.

By: The Mitch

Something occurred to me on Thursday, November 20^th that most people probably have not yet come to realize.  When we hear the name Pac-Man Jones, our ears are failing us.  Apparently, they are saying Cat-Man Jones instead considering he is on life #4 of his 9 NFL lives.

I have respected and really admired Roger Goodell for all of the things that he has done such as suspending players that deserved it, cutting down on river dances, and really seeming to be a no funny-business commish.  I still like the man, but I’ve got to say that I lost a couple ounces of respect for him last Thursday.  Goodell re-instated Adam “Cat-Man” Jones for seemingly the millionth time and fans like myself can’t stop asking themselves: “When will it end?”

Second chances are great.  Nobody is perfect.  But it is obvious that Mr. Make it Rain doesn’t seem to get it.  It is bad enough to be appointed a bodyguard to keep you protected and in line, but then you go and fight the guy? Clearly, he will continue to get special treatment.  One reason I have hypothesized is that the NFL wants and needs Big D in the playoff mix, thus giving Pac-Man an extra life.  It IS America’s team, right?

In conclusion, something needs to be done about characters such as Pac-Man.  Not only him either.  You’ve got Chris Henry and Matt Jones among many other countless players with drug charges or ones that have been in court that are on the turf every Sunday.  Remember Ray Lewis?

There isn’t a job in America that any of these guys wouldn’t be FIRED from other than the NoFunLeague.

Court is Adjourned.

By: The Mitch

At nearly 18, I have eaten, slept, and breathed the game of football, especially the National Football League, my entire life.  I am a die-hard and season ticket holder of the Indianapolis Colts.  That little bit of background information is necessary to show what a bold statement could potentially be made next NFL season under certain circumstances.

On Paydirt Sports Talk Radio, I made this ridiculous statement, “If Kerry Collins wins the MVP, I will boycott the entire 2009 NFL season.”  Don’t believe me? Check the archives at www.paydirtsportstalk.com and listen to the November 12^th edition.  Yeah, I said it.

That statement may sound like a bluff that a frustrated fan may have just thrown out to make a point.  Honestly, I didn’t know myself at first.  But now its Wednesday the 19^th, a week later, and I stand firm behind my statement.  It isn’t me being bitter at the Titans for their undefeated run.  I’m not saying this because they are in the AFC South along with the Colts.  I also have nothing personal against Mr. Collins.  I do however; have plenty of support to back up my case.

I have always hated sports writers that use bullets in their stories, but I feel that is the best way to do it in this case, and no other time, so HATE ME! Here are some great reasons why the “leading sports networks” such as ESPN and Fox Sports journalists, talk show hosts and commentators that feed the Collins MVP idea are full of crap up to their eyeballs.

• Kerry Collins’ stats simply aren’t good for a starter.  Compare him to the top signal-callers in the league right now, and his stats simply aren’t even close.  I averaged the top 5 leaders in passing yards, and came up with 2,903.4 yards.  Compare that to Collins? 1,755 yards.  A whopping 1,148.4 yards less than the best in the league.  The top 5 in passing Tds average 19 this season.  Collins? 8! Half as many as the leagues best! Some would make the argument that Qbs such as Kurt Warner have attempted 100 more passes than KC.  That may be true, but Warner’s completion percentage is 11.9% HIGHER than Collins!
   
• Under this bullet, I have a 3-for-1 for you (in my candidate order):

Stats are through 10 games

3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings - 1,100yds, 7 TD’s              

2. Clinton Portis, RB Redskins – 1,063yds, 7 TD’s            

1. Kurt Warner, QB Cardinals -3,155yds, 20 TD’s

Lets Compare:  Kerry Collins - 1,755yds,  8 TD’s
  
Getting Clearer for you?

• The definition of MVP is Most Valuable Player.  Most valuable to what, you ask? The most valuable to their team.  In what was has Kerry Collins been that? If any person from the Titans roster should be MVP, it would be the Chris Johnson/LenDale White duo or the whole defense (hypothetically).  The argument that I get most of the time is that ‘They are undefeated’.  Fair enough, but there aren’t many quarterbacks at the NFL skill level that you couldn’t throw into KC’s position that wouldn’t be putting up the same numbers he has (or better).  His main task is to hold ship, don’t make stupid mistakes, and let the defense and running game win it for you.  He has done very well at that, and Rex Grossman couldn’t do it.  But many QBs right now do essentially the same thing.  A la Chad Pennington.  A la Joe Flacco.  A la Jason Campbell.  Each team better than last year and in playoff contention.  MVP worthy, though? NO!
• Let’s take a look now at my candidates listed above and try to prove their worth:

Adrian Peterson:  The Vikings probably won’t make the playoffs, so that hurts his chances, but through 9 games, he was the only 1,000-yard-rusher in the NFL.  He has been the most dominant running back all season, and only he and Portis average 4.9 a carry.

Clinton Portis:  IN an offense with Campbell as his QB, and an average receiving corps, Portis has become the staple in this offense with over 1,000 yards and 7 TDs already.

Kurt Warner:  Warner went from the best-show-on-turf to getting pushed out of New York by Eli to a backup to Matt ‘Party Boy’ Leinart.  Now he is the leader of what will most likely be the first Arizona Cardinal team to clinch the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.  Not to mention putting up the best stats in the league in most categories, including 4 straight 300-yard performances.

These three guys are the faces of their respective teams, where as Kerry Collins is not.  They are the leaders of their teams where as Collins is not either.  He is an okay QB, don’t get me wrong.  But this MVP talk is just absurd! KC wouldn’t win MVP in a Bowling Green Pee-Wee League with these numbers! The MVP is someone with outstanding and irreplaceable value to his team.  Not a fairly easy task that even Binno could fill. 

Whether you agree that my points are valid or not, I’m sure that you think I’m insane for willing to give up what is basically my life.  I’ll tell you why I’m willing to do that, and why I’m taking this chance.  If Kerry Collins wins the MVP, the NFL is a joke.  If this happens, then the game I love has a serious flaw that would be nearly irreparable.

I would boycott the NFL to make a statement.  Would they miss 1 lousy fan? Of course not! That is beside the point.  The reasoning behind it is to send a message that would hopefully make its way around, all the way to Mr. Roger Goodell’s desk.

 I’m not crazy.  Somebody has got to do it.  If this in fact comes true, I will take this one for the team.             

- THE MITCH

By: Derek “Hotel” Hottell

I am an avid college football fan, and as those who have listened to the show previously can attest, a fairly rabid University of Louisville supporter, so I will admit that I am certainly biased. But, I completely and utterly hate instant replay. While it does enable the referees to correct some missed and/or mistaken calls, instant replay just as often enables officials to over officiate.

A recent example can be taken from the Friday, November 14, 2008, University of Louisville football game against the University of Cincinnati. With under four minutes in the fourth quarter, Louisville trailed by eight points, but they were driving down the field. On third down, Louisville quarterback Hunter Cantwell completed a pass in the flats to running back Brock Bolin who was immediately tackled by a Cincinnati defender. The initial ruling on the field was that the ball had crossed the threshold for the first down when Bolin’s forward progress was stopped. Louisville fans cheered, and hope still existed in Mudville, but then the most dreaded words in football were heard, “Play Under Review.”

When you hear those words, and you are a college football fan, you should just be prepared to be screwed because that is what is going to happen. So, of course, upon further review the play was not ruled a first down, and the officials actually spotted the ball a full yard back, which wasn’t even a possibility, but I digress.

Here is my primary issue with the situation, and what this situation brings to light. Instant replay is a crutch that officials more often than not misuse.

First, what is reviewable and why? If on the same play being reviewed for the spot of the ball, the official sees that the defender actually committed a facemask. Do they call the face mask? Well, of course not because that is judgment. But, isn’t the spot of the ball judgment as well.

Second, the instant replay has changed the way referees call the game. Now, if there is a questionable circumstance between if a quarterback fumbled or threw an incomplete pass, it is always a fumble because they know they can just review it. That doesn’t seem so bad, though, right? Wrong! Because it takes conclusive evidence to overturn the call. What if this evidence isn’t available because of a camera angle or a player blocking the view of the play? They haven’t solved the problem. They have just shifted responsibility from an individual who is paid to ensure the rules of the game are followed to the camera man, a fat guy who probably didn’t play football because he was in the audiovisual club.

Ultimately, instant replay doesn’t aid referees in calling the game. It just acts as an impediment or a crutch. And, as a U of L fan, it seems like it is a crutch that always hits me squarely in the balls.