May 16, 2008
Kyle Busch won the pole for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. We don’t care, but we appreciate any opportunity to make a headline like that.
May 16, 2008
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jason Werth hit a 3-run homerun in the second inning, a grandslam in the third inning, and a solo shot in the fifth inning. That’s a lot of rbi’s. If I quick do the math, that’s eight.
ESPN was getting all creative with Jason’s last name, so I decided to go the extra mile and use his name in relation to not making any sense with the topic. However, I do like Werthers Originals candy and I do like three homerun games. Jason matched a couple records and set a couple records and whatevered a couple records. Good stuff Jason.
The Phillies won 10-3 and with Florida’s loss they moved within .003 percentage points of first place. Technically they are tied, but mathematically they aren’t. Ironically, the .003 percent difference is the same percentage chance that Pacman Jones has in not getting arrested again.
May 16, 2008
First half update: Oh my gawd this is horrible. I got a text from my buddy TJ and it read, “These teams shouldn’t be allowed to play each other anymore.” And that’s exactly right. I’ve had enough with this series. It’s horrible. Let’s review the first half stats:
PHOTO CAPTION: “Are you kidding me? This is the second round of the playoffs? We got next!”
Boston is shooting 37%
Cleveland is shooting 32%
17 total turnovers (Lebron has five)
The score is 42-33
Glen Davis has 4 fouls in 9 minutes
4 for 19 combined 3-point shooting
And this is not because we are dealing with two amazing defensive teams. This is because the NBA is lacking talent and players that have the fundamentals to compete at this level. If you don’t agree with me, watch tapes from the Larry Bird/Magic Johnson era. The NBA now is not what is used to be. And this is the main reason attendance and ratings are on a downward spiral.
The game tonight between Utah and Los Angeles will be a fresh of breath air compared to what I’m watching now. Imagine how good Utah and L.A. are. Now imagine 16 playoff teams that are at least that good if not better. That is how NBA basketball used to be.
Final update: We have to watch this mess one more time in Boston. Honestly, if one of these two teams happen to win the NBA Championship then I have no more faith left in this sport. None. Nada. Thank God for the Western Conference and the Detroit Pistons.
May 16, 2008
John Tomase of the Boston Herald wrote a column in today’s paper that apologizes for and explains his February 2nd report that the Patriots taped the Rams Super Bowl walkthrough in 2002.
He apologizes by saying he now knows he was wrong based on the comments of Matt Walsh to Commissioner Goodell. We still don’t know that Tomase was wrong. There is a lot of nonsense going on here and we wouldn’t be surprised one bit if that tape did exist.
May 16, 2008
St Louis Cardinal pitcher Jason Isringhausen decided punching a television set in Tony LaRussa’s office was the best way to vent his anger. Unfortunately, it landed him on the 15-day Mark Prior list.
Isringhausen is off to a horrible start this year with an ERA of 8.00. He also has six blown saves. These stats are very similar to Amy Winehouse’s who has a BAC of 8.00 and six blown lines.
May 16, 2008
Our friends at TMZ.com (they know us. At least one of their staffers does) have pictures of Vince Young gittin’ down at a Texas bar a few days ago. Why order a drink when you can ask for the whole bottle?
May 16, 2008
Behindatthebar was scratched today from Saturday’s 133rd Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course because of a bruise in his left front foot, trainer Todd Pletcher said.
Therefore, everyone who had any Perry Dollars on Behindatthebar needs to go change their bets. Or if anyone hasn’t placed their bets go do so. Either change your bets or place your bets, right here.
May 16, 2008
Last February I ranked who I felt were the best players in the NBA. We are almost half way through the NBA playoffs and I feel I need to address this again, because I would like to make some changes. It’s one thing to rank the players in the regular season, but the post season brings out the best of the best.
10 STEVE NASH (previous ranking, 10) What this guy brings every night to the Phoenix Suns is spectacular to watch. If the Suns didn’t play San Antonio in the first round, I believe we are still watching Phoenix flying up and down the court in the second round and Mike D’Antoni is still the coach of the Suns.
9 MANU GINOBILI (previous ranking, 6) Manu didn’t drop on my list because of anything he did, but more because of what Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Kevin Garnett are currently doing. When Manu is playing at his best, the Spurs are nearly unbeatable. His energy and fearless attitude can’t be matched by anyone in this leauge. I’m sure any coach in this league would love to have Manu on their team.
8 YAO MING (previous ranking, 5) Yao was having another fantastic season for the Rockets, but a broken foot sidelined him again and left his team hanging by a T-Mac thread. If Yao was healthy for the playoffs, we might be watching the Rockets and not the Utah Jazz right now. I’m still a firm believer that a true big man is the most important piece to a basketball team.
7 DWIGHT HOWARD (previous ranking, 4) Superman dropped three spots because he was MIA in a couple playoff games this year against Detroit. Howard is getting better and in two to three years will be the best big man in the game.
6 KEVIN GARNETT (previous ranking, 9) The Big Ticket had a great regular season and is playing outstanding in the post season. I ranked him nine on my last list because he missed the playoffs the previous three seasons. However, he’s back and playing as impressive as ever.
4,5 CHRIS PAUL/DERON WILLIAMS (previous ranking, 10,10) These two pointguards were drafted three (Deron) and four (Paul) in the 2005 NBA draft and both are well on their way in becoming the two best point guards in this league (if not already). I can’t rank either one over the other, because I feel both are amazing and spectacular. However, heads up, Deron has gotten the better of Paul. They play in very different offenses that both fit perfectly in.
3 LEBRON JAMES (previous ranking, 3) Wait until Lebron gets teammates that can actually play basketball. He has too many responsibilities playing with this core of players. Once he is surrounded with the right personnel there is no doubt in my mind a beast will be released and numerous NBA Championships will follow. D’Antoni will be waiting for him in New York once Bron’s contract is up.
2 KOBE BRYANT (previous ranking, 2) Kobe is awesome. Plain and simple, just completely awesome.
1 TIM DUNCAN (previous ranking, 1) The majority of coaches in this league would start by picking Tim Duncan and building a team around him.
Dropping off the list (but still great): Dwayne Wade (7), Carmello Anthony (8), Jason Kidd (10) & Baron Davis (10)
Honorable Mentions: Dirk Nowitzki, Carlos Boozer, David West, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Chauncey Billups, Tracy McGrady, Pau Gasol, and Chris Bosh.
May 16, 2008
According to the Philadelphia Flyers main website, Kimo Timonen could return on Sunday when the Flyers and Penguins play Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Mellon Arena (3:00 p.m., NBC). Timonen has missed the last four games against Pittsburgh with a blood clot in his left foot and he will be skating today.
Thanks to J. Morrini Morroni for the heads up.
The Flyers beat the Penguins earlier this season four straight times and most recently, took four straight against the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of this year’s playoffs. Look for them to work this angle for the remaining games. If we know one thing about this Flyers team, it’s that they will never quit.
May 16, 2008
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Hornets last night 99-80 at home. Yes, at home! The home team has won every single game of this series by ten points or more. Manu Ginobili led the charge for the Spurs hitting six of nine from beyond 23 feet 9 inches and finished with 25 points.
Chris Paul had flashes of brilliance again, but it wasn’t enough. The Spurs played a great defensive game and they were able to limit Paul in the second half.
PHOTO CAPTION: Timmy is still shooting for number five.
In the second half, David West went down when he re-aggravated his back. Robert Horry set a hard, but clean, pick that West backed into which sent him to the floor in severe pain. West is averaging 22 points and almost 9 rebounds in the playoffs and his health for Game Seven will not be at 100%.
May 16, 2008
The Flyers came out smoking in the first period scoring three goals (Lupul, Briere, Carter) and were able to hold on to the lead forcing a Game Five back in Pittsburgh. Philadelphia coach John Stevens mixed it up a little by swapping centermen Mike Richards and Vinny Prospal on their respective lines. Pittsburgh made a late surge and climbed back in the game with two Jordan Staal goals in the third period, but another Lupul goal (empty net) sealed the deal 4-2.
The Philadelphia fans were great as per usual. The place was absolutely rocking from the drop of the puck to the final horn. Speaking of final horn, let’s listen to this youtube clip and pray we will be hearing this at least one more time this year.
It’s going to be tough for the Flyers to win the next game which will be held at Mellon Arena on Sunday at 3:00pm EST. The extra day of rest could allow Bradon Coburn’s eye to be ready for some ice time again. Only two teams have ever come back from a three-games-to-none deficit, so the Flyers will need all the help they can get.
May 15, 2008
May 15, 2008
Saints GM Mickey Loomis said Thursday that they will not make a trade for Giants TE Jeremy Shockey.
“It’s no secret we had some discussions with them and we just couldn’t come to a conclusion on the right compensation,” Loomis told Sirius NFL Radio. “I understand that. He’s a very good player and the Giants don’t want to just give him away - unless they feel like they’re getting really good value. But for the most part that’s dead … I don’t anticipate that being rekindled.”
May 15, 2008
Anyone see these new WNBA commercials that are on during the NBA playoffs? It’s marketing genious. Let me set the stage. Some man-chick that plays the sport comes on and says a bunch of phrases that every single intelligent person thinks about the WNBA, because it’s a lame league, nobody cares about it, it’s losing money, and it’s just horrible. Here’s how the commercial goes with some extra commentating by OTR:
PHOTO CAPTION: One man-chick falls over while another misses the ball and the others just don’t know what’s going on in a great match up of loser cooks dinner.
“Womens basketball is joke.”
OTR: Yes, we agree, it is a joke and you wouldn’t be saying this if it wasn’t.
“I’m afraid of contact.”
OTR: With the rim? With a man, physically?
“You couldn’t pay me to watch women’s basketball.”
OTR: I actually will accept money to watch you guys play. I’m fine with that. How much are beers at your arena?
“They wouldn’t say that.”
OTR: However, everyone else does, hence you ladies bringing this up in your commercials.
“Would you?”
OTR: We already do.
Honestly, when is this leauge going to end? Can we think of anything to spice this league up a little? Can we get Bobby Knight to coach one of these teams? How about Isiah Thomas as general manager for the Detroit team? No, none of this will help. Stop this nonsense. It’s ridiculous. Nobody watches this. Stop wasting money advertising for this stupid league.
May 15, 2008
Thanks to our friends at TMZ.com (they do kinda know us) for tipping us off that Charles Barkley owes the Wynn Las Vegas $400,000 and they…umm….want their money back.
Barkley was spotted two $100k money markers on October 18th and again on the 19th. If Barkley doesn’t pay up, he could be charged with a felony.
May 15, 2008
The LA Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz last night, an another outstanding Western Conference game 111-104. Kobe, playing with a back that isn’t 100% after hurting it in the first quarter of Game Four, led his team with 26 points. Unlike Lebron, Kobe has teammates that can play basketball. Odom (22), Gasol (21), Radmanovic (15), and Fisher (14) all contributed for the Lakers in a well-balanced effort. Kobe didn’t even attempt a FG in the fourth quarter.
Utah played just as well, but it wasn’t enough to defeat the Lakers on their home court. Deron Williams is a complete stud. Anyone that says Chris Paul is better than this kid clearly hasn’t watched him play. I’m not saying Deron is better than Paul, I’m just saying these two point guards are amazing and I’d take either one on my team. Deron scored a game high 27 points and added 10 assists. Boozer (18), Brewer (16), Okur (13), and Kirilenko (12) all chipped in as well.
PHOTO CAPTION: Deron Williams is 8-2 when he is head-to-head against Chris Paul
The Lakers took a three-games-to-two series lead over the Jazz with the victory and will look to close Utah out Friday evening at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
May 14, 2008
FYI: The college three-point line is being moved back to 20 feet 9 inches for the start of the 2008-09 season. I came across this tonight and I was not aware of the situation. I’m sure the OTR readers are well aware. The previous three-point line for college was at 19 feet 9 inches.
I completely agree with this move. The old college three-point line was way too close and teams were firing up too many of them. Look for Duke University to be the team that is most effected by this new measure, considering all they do is shoot threes.
PHOTO CAPTION: JJ Redick finds himself deep, real deep, on the Orlando Magic bench because he sucks.
May 14, 2008
Rajon Rondo, yes Rajon Rondo, led the Boston Celtics tonight to a 96-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rondo, who is constantly getting attacked by me, dropped 20 points on the Cavs with 13 assists and only one turnover. Before Boston fans get all giddy with their “I told you so” routine, let the people know this was his first good game of the series. And for NBA players to prove themselves in this league, they need to play well on the road. Kendrick Perkins is still a piece of crap and totaled one whole point as the starting center.
Kevin Garnett was huge as per usual. He’s been Boston’s best player every single night. Tonight he went for 26 points and 16 rebounds. Pierce came out of his shell and led the Celtics with 29 points. Pierce has been pretty much MIA on the offensive side of the ball, but he is doing a great job (and spending most of his energy) in defending Lebron. Overall a solid performance by Boston tonight after finding themselves down by 14 points in the second quarter.
Lebron who started hot, cooled down in the third quarter and has yet to really find his game that propelled the Cavs into the NBA Finals last year. He remains the only threat on Cleveland that can score and finished with a game high 35 points.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas had one of the worst shots I have ever seen. From about 17 feet out he decided to turn and shoot a fade-away that almost hit the ceiling. The ball fell a good 3 feet short and there was probably about 10 seconds left on the shot clock. What does Ron Burgundy think about that shot?
PHOTO CAPTION: “Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ shot was a bad choice.”
What is the deal with NBA teams not being able to win on the road this year? Besides Detroit, not one of the other seven teams in the Conference semi-finals has won a road game. Is home court this much of an advantage? Hopefully, Boozer and the Jazz can have a say in this tonight in L.A.
May 14, 2008
Will Hoof Hearted win the Preakness? Can I bet on Hoof Hearted?
May 14, 2008
This one still pisses me off. Zidane made the dumbest decision at the worst time and he should have known better. He should know! Trezeguet, filling in for Zidane, missed his penalty shot and that was the nail in the coffin. Fun to watch this though:
May 14, 2008
The OTR Casino Hotel and Resort has released their odds for the 133rd running of the Preakness and each one of you is getting $200 Perry Dollars. YES, $200 PERRY DOLLARS. You know the drill, place that $200 wherever you please. Put it all on Big Brown or spread it out and try to make some quick Perry Dollar cash. Giant Moon is paying out 30-1. 30-1 folks. You put it all on Giant Moon and you take home $6000 Perry Dollars. Make it rain!
Here’s a quick preview and the odds as seen below.
The field, from the rail out:
Macho Again (Julien Leparoux, 20-1)
Tres Borrachos (Tyler Baze, 30-1)
Icabad Crane (Jeremy Rose, 30-1)
Yankee Bravo (Alex Solis, 15-1)
Behindatthebar (David Flores, 10-1)
Racecar Rhapsody (Robby Albarado, 30-1)
Big Brown (Kent Desormeaux, 1-2)
Kentucky Bear (Jamie Theriot, 15-1)
Stevil (John Velazquez, 30-1)
Riley Tucker (Edgar Prado, 30-1)
Giant Moon (Ramon Dominguez, 30-1)
Gayego (Mike Smith, 8-1)
Hey Byrn (Charles Lopez, 20-1)
Current Perry Dollar Standings:
Lindsey $225
Shane $150
Neetz $120
215sports $113
Fooks $113
Chad $75
May 14, 2008
According to TMZ.com, Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo are no longer togeth……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Sorry, we fell asleep.
Photo Caption: “You don’t really think I care, do you? You know how old it gets getting asked constantly how many home runs you hit against the Spurs? They always say, no matter how hot she is, somewhere, some guy is sick of her s***.”
Update: We have learned that Tony did the ditching, so our photo caption probably isn’t far off.
May 14, 2008
According to an item on TMZ.com, Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson ordered 750 bikes to give away to his underprivileged kids at an event sponsored by his charity called…you guessed it, the Andre Johnson Foundation. Good guy, that’s a great thing for him to do.
So Wal-mart, the class acts that they are, in return for the large purchase, agreed to to supply water and ice for the May 3rd event (water and ice?! These kids want booze! Just kidding, not most of them). But, there was a problem with the order, so Johnson ended up not being able to buy as many as he had initially planned. So Wal-mart countered by not providing the water and ice.
However, Wal-mart told TMZ.com, “”We are reaching out to the Andre Johnson Foundation as we speak to rectify the situation. It’s disappointing that this happened.”
They should have said, “It’s disappointing that people found out about this and we publicly look like schmucks.”
Those kids were thirsty May 3rd, not now. How about some free bikes?
May 14, 2008
DeMarcus Ware is a beast on the football field. But, apparently he doesn’t follow what goes on off of it. If he did, he wouldn’t have said this about new teammate Pacman Jones.
“I think it’s going to be fine,” Ware said. “He’s been given a second chance, and I think if you look at our defense there have been other guys that have been given second chances and it’s worked out.”
Ummm…second chance? This is chance #37 by my count. If Jones couldn’t play football there is little doubt that he’d be behind bars.
May 14, 2008
Ricky Williams was invited to boat with Cedric Benson last weekend on Lake Travis, but wisely turned it down. Lucky him. He hates when his pot gets tased. Sorry about the Ricky Williams pot joke, those are just old. Here I am ripping sitcoms and then I make a Ricky/Pot crack. My fault. Moving along…
Williams gave an interview to the Austin American-Statesman that will run tomorrow. So, we linked to the Palm Beach Post’s story that ran ahead of time. He says he got to sit down with Bill Parcells recently.
“He’s really different than I expected,” Williams told The Statesman. “It seems to me his greatest joy is developing true friendships with his players, being a mentor and trying to help people, not just in football but in life.”
Parcells told Williams, who apparently is in great shape right now, that he’d share carries with Ronnie Brown. He could be found money for the Dolphins, as he used to be a stud but has had so many problems off the field that he doesn’t have much wear and tear on him.
“I was expecting him not to talk to me at all,” Williams told The Statesman. “I was expecting to get a letter in the mail saying I was going to be a free agent. I like (Parcells) more than I thought I would.”
May 14, 2008
So, we (when I say ‘we’ here I mean me. Perry is “watching bron”) just watched most of Terrell Owens’ performance in “Under One Roof,” Flavor Flav’s sitcom. We came away with several thoughts:
1. We still think all sitcoms are stupid. The format is just old and tired. I don’t need a laugh track to let me know that a hacked, cliched, done-to-death, saw-it-coming-a-mile-away joke was just cracked. The formula is just garbage. This is why shows need to follow more of the style of “Arrested Development,” “The Office” (US and British. British preferred) and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
2. This show is awful. It’s the same crap. Flavor Flav is to acting what Picasso is to table tennis.
3. T.O. isn’t the worst actor we’ve ever seen. It is very tough to tell if someone can act when they are reciting lines that are garbage.
4. That said, it’s good that he is good at football.
5. T.O. missed a belt loop with his belt in the last scene. Seriously.
May 14, 2008
And in related news, we don’t really care. James Hardy, the Bills rookie WR, has apologized in a statement.
“I realize what the public perception could be pertaining to this incident; however, that was not the reality of the situation,” Hardy said in his statement issued to Fort Wayne and Buffalo media. “This situation that has been blown out of proportion has been very hurtful and frustrating for me and my father. There was a misunderstanding and a misinterpretation of the situation.
“I would like to first apologize to the fans of Buffalo and the Bills organization for any distractions this may have caused. I would also like to apologize to my fans in Indiana and the children who look up to me because it has been hard on me and I know it’s been equally hard on them to hear something of this nature. I do understand that this opportunity with me being drafted by the Buffalo Bills is a blessing and a privilege and not a right. So I ask that my fans just continue to keep me in your prayers and I will continue to strive to be the best I can be on and off the field.”
Hardy won’t be charged, but something stinks with this one. We don’t have cops randomly show up at our houses and claim we were brandishing firearms in our father’s direction. His father did say this when reached by phone.
“Me and my son’s relationship is fine and anything (different) … is not factual. Me and James’ relationship is fine,” he said.
It is not known whether he made these statements while his son had a gun to his head.
May 14, 2008
Our pal G. Cobb says that Kevin Curtis has impressed him in mini camps so far.
“I think we’re going to find out that he’s an even better receiver than we thought,” Cobb says on GCobb.com. “I think the Eagles are going to do a better job of getting him into space. He’s got a burst that surprises people and allows him to get yardage after the catch at times.
“I think we’re going to see him open a gap between himself and Reggie Brown. I don’t say this because of anything wrong that Brown did during the camp but he doesn’t have the speed and quickness which you see in Curtis.”
Curtis is a nice player and isn’t the problem with the WR core. If they had a better #1 option, Curtis would be murder out of the slot.
May 14, 2008
George Steinbrenner’s son, Hank, had some strong words for his team yesterday.
“We’ve got to forget about all the injuries and start playing our butts off,” Steinbrenner told The Post. “The bottom line is that the team is not playing the way it is capable of playing. These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money.”
“We have good professional hitters and I have a lot of faith in them,” Steinbrenner continued. “I’m not saying they are not giving the effort, but they need to be playing harder.”
It’s not about giving effort, it’s about playing hard. Ummmm….what? We’re sure this is just what the Yankees need to get their act together.
May 14, 2008
The police have arrested Timothy Brown, 16, as the fifth suspect in the Sean Taylor murder case. The trial is set to begin on August 25th, he’ll also face life in prison. Job well done, Timmy.
May 14, 2008
We guess that’s what happens when you keep hanging out with cops and it’s not in a social setting. The Browns didn’t give a reason why he was dumped, but it has to be because there was an announcement yesterday that he was arrested for pot in March. If the Browns didn’t know about, then they would be understandably pissed. You have to report arrests to your NFL team. Ask Pacman Jones what happens when you don’t.
May 14, 2008
This has nothing to do with sports, but we found this old clip of Bill O’Reilly going insane off camera when he was working for Inside Edition. This is absolutely hilarious, what a joke. Be warned, he does drop the F-bomb.
May 14, 2008
I’m waiting to get picked up to go to lunch, so I thought I’d post some sports bloopers. We can’t understand a single lyric of the song, but we imagine it has “sports bloopers” or “whoopsy daisy” in the chorus. Because then it would be relevant. Eat lunch at your desk and enjoy these sports bloopers.
May 14, 2008
Tom Brady went on WEEI AM radio in Boston recently and more than intimated that he doesn’t respect the Jets.
On the Giants:
“It was really a great game. I wish we would’ve played better at certain times, but [the Giants] made the plays and they deserved it. And I have a lot of respect for that team because they work hard, and they have a lot of great leaders on that team. It’s kind of a blue-collar team. When you do lose a game, you at least want to lose to guys you respect. And I certainly respect those guys. I don’t respect everybody, but I do respect the Giants.”
On teams he doesn’t respect:
“There’s four letters in their name.”
Those green guys?:
“Yeah, exactly.”
He didn’t say why he doesn’t respect them, but we wonder what good this can do. There is absolutely no tangible benefit from saying these things about a division rival. Whatever motivation the Jets already had to beat the Patriots (and you can bet there was a lot), they have even more now.
May 14, 2008
The 49ers are visiting with LB Jeremiah Trotter but have yet to sign him to a deal.
We love Trotter, but we don’t know what on Earth he could possibly offer. He’s 31 and simply can’t run like he used to. Moral support?
May 14, 2008
Ink San Jose defenseman Brian Campbell to a long-term deal.
I’m not upset at all with what is happening to the Flyers right now. They were the worst team in the league last year and to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals this year is a big achievement. Could the Flyers have beaten Pittsburgh if Simon Gagne, Kimo Timonen, and Bradon Coburn were healthy? Maybe, but Pittsburgh is a very good team and they have been the better team in this series without a doubt.
The Flyers also got to learn a lot about their team and what they need. It’s obvious they need depth at the defensive position and there is nobody better to add to their roster than Brian Campbell. Brian is 28 years old and currently plays for the San Jose Sharks. He was traded to them before the trade deadline from the Buffalo Sabres, the team he played eight seasons with. In the past three years, Brian has emerged as a leader who can join the rush and put points on the board. He led the Sabres to two Eastern Conference Finals and was teammates with Daniel Briere and Martin Biron.
Marty was a big reason why Briere picked Philadelphia and look for Daniel and Marty to make a big push on getting Brian Campbell on board. His addition will be a huge improvement and exactly what this Flyers team needs. So Flyers fans, if you see Brian Campbell out on the streets, make sure you tell him how great Philadelphia is. And tell him R.J. Umberger forgives him. Campbell is the player who knocked R.J. silly (concussion) in the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
May 14, 2008
The Detroit Pistons finished off the Orlando Magic last night 91-86 led by Rip Hamilton’s 31 points (16-16 at the charity stripe). This is the sixth straight time that the Pistons will appear in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Let’s review what Jameer Nelson said before this game, “We’re going to make some adjustments, and we’re going to win this game. I’m not being arrogant or cocky or anything like that. I think [Saturday] we let it slip out of our hands. Game 2 we let it slip out of our hands. We’re going to win this game in Detroit.”
Let’s review what Jameer Nelson did last night during the game. NOTHING! He got outplayed by rookie Rodney Stuckey. I hope you learned a lesson, Jameer. Once Orlando finds a real point guard, they’ll have a chance to win.
The Pistons await the winner of the Celtics/Cavaliers series which is tied at two and this will give Chauncey Billups plenty of time to rest his hamstring.
Over in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Hornets put the San Antonio Spurs on the brink of elimination with their 101-79 victory. Hornet David West played absolutely huge scoring 38 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Game Six will be played back in San Antonio on Thursday night and hopefully the Spurs will force a Game Seven, because OTR loves Game Sevens.
Yeah, and the Flyers lost again.
May 13, 2008
Former Dallas Cowboys RB Troy Hambrick was sentenced today to five years for selling crack cocaine in amounts of 50 grams or more (we probably think it was more).
In 2007, Hambrick apparently sold some rock to some undercover informants. Oops!
Photo Caption: “You guys are cool, right? Just look casual cause the cops around here is a-holes.”
May 13, 2008
Ravens DE/LB tweener Terrell Suggs had an issue with getting the linebacker franchise tag in March. He played more snaps at defensive end and that tag paid more. Well, the two sides agreed to create a hybrid DE/LB tag that would combine the two.
A franchise linebacker has a $8.065 million tender, while a franchise defensive end has an $8.879 million tender. Under the new agreement, Suggs will get $8.5 million.
For those that don’t understand the franchise tag system, when a player gets that tag, he (or she) earns the average of the top five salaries at their position for one year. Apparently, defensive ends make more dough.
Photo Caption: We know it was just a pre-season game, but it looks like Eagles QB A.J. Feeley is at it again.
May 13, 2008
Rookie QB Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens have begun contract discussions, which is a good thing.
“They want him in and he wants to be in,” Flacco’s agent Joe Linta said. “So the sooner that you start talking, the better chance you have of finishing before the deadline.”
This is bad news for the other QB’s on the roster. If Flacco had held out, he never would get a chance to start and he may have even gotten Derek Andersoned by Kyle Boller (doubt it) or Troy Smith (doubt that too).
May 13, 2008
Tennessee Titans fat ass RB Lendale White revealed recently that he played all of last year with a torn meniscus.
“This happened last year in preseason. I tore my meniscus,” White said. “I played on it all season. Contrary to what people believe, I am a soldier. I played on it all year and I didn’t complain, not once. I waited until the season was over to get it fixed and now I’m feeling good.”
Stop with the soldier crap. We have men and women running around with mortars and RPG’s going off in every direction who might think of the term “soldier” a bit differently.
But don’t worry, Lendale, your toughness has been noted. Maybe if you stepped away from the Ding Dongs you have less pressure on that knee.
Photo Caption: This is from PFT. We love it.
May 13, 2008
After trying to catch a puck with his left eye with no success in the beginning of Game Two, Flyers defensemen Bradon Coburn is still not ready to play. His eye is still swollen shut and seeing in hockey (and in all sports but the WNBA) is a vital asset to have to be able to perform well.
Side note: Sometimes being able to see doesn’t even help you in sports. It’s not helping the ten million dollar man Ryan Howard, that’s for sure.
Coburn’s cut was closed with 50 stitches, but as soon as he is ready to go he will be back on the ice.
“As soon as it opens up, I’m going to play,” Coburn said referring to his eye and not his cut. Cause, you know, if his cut opened up it would just bleed and that wouldn’t help.
May 13, 2008
Chauncey Billups participated in today’s morning shootaround and Detroit Pistons general manager Joe Dumars thinks he will play tonight.
“He was moving pretty good,” Dumars told ESPN.com’s Chad Ford. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I think he’s going to try to give it a go tonight. That’s what it looks like. But he looked really good today in shootaround.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Chauncey Billups and the Detroit Pistons are awesome.
The Pistons are up three-games-to-one and look to close out the Orlando Magic tonight at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Orlando pointguard Jameer Nelson guaranteed a victory tonight, but who the heck is he to guarantee a playoff victory in Detroit? Maybe if he grew five inches they would have a chance. If Orlando wins tonight that means Dwight Howard was dominant and it has nothing to do with Nelson.
May 13, 2008
According to a report on KJR-AM 950 in Seattle, Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu was arrested late Friday for drunk driving. He blew a 0.15.
Lofa, do you have any idea what the local penalties are regarding DUI?! Neither do we, but we bet they are pretty stiff.
May 13, 2008
I’m sure we have all seen the NBA commercials where they show one side of a player’s face matched up with another player’s side of the face. It kinda looks like the movie cover for Face Off with John Travolta and Nicholas Cage. You know, that one. It’s kinda weird. Ray Allen’s side will blink, but you can only see his one eye, so the other half (Ben Wallace) won’t blink. I guess we could call that a wink? Either way it’s awkward looking and I feel like I’m watching Sloth from Goonies tell me how great the NBA is.
How can they make it more awkward? I have some ideas. Let’s match up some players that really wouldn’t mesh well together. The players are usually matched up if their teams are playing against each other, so what if Cleveland plays Detroit next round?
Suggestion One: Rip Hamiltons right side and Delonte West’s left side. Rip is wearing his mask and it’s fogging up on one side. Delonte’s ugly face with the burn mark on his lip is exposed on the other. It kinda would look like The Phantom from Phantom of the Opera, but with a burnt lip.
Suggestion Two: What if the Lakers play the Spurs? Match up a white guy with a black guy, why not? Lamar Odom’s bald head matched up with Manu Ginobili’s balding head? Just for giggles they actually rotate the full head exposing Manu’s bald spot to give it the full effect. Even better, Pistons play Spurs, and Rasheed Wallace is matched up with Manu. Same thing, they start to rotate the full head and Sheed’s stress mark and Manu’s bald spot are matched up perfectly.
Suggestion Three: What if the Utah Jazz end up playing the New Orleans Hornets? Let’s stick with the rotating theme. Tyson Chandler and Carlos Boozer are matched up together. However, only Boozer starts talking because Tyson can’t read or speak well. So, instead of talking Tyson starts slowly turning his head towards Boozer’s half till he’s looking right at him. That would kind of be weird? intimidating?
Do you guys have any ideas? I’m going to be doing an all-NBA mailbag when we get to the final four teams (requested by Dan), so shoot me some emails with your ideas @ mperry_77@hotmail.com. If you can’t hold back and want the OTR world to know, feel free to submit them in comments. Here at OTR, we will do anything for comments.
Random thought: I would assume Sam Cassell can’t be matched up with anyone? I guess you have to have certain features match up. Howa bout Tayshaun Prince and Sam Cassell? The only thing uglier than that would be matching up former Cleveland Indian Don Mossi’s right side of his face with…well…with his left side. I better keep that quiet, I’m sure Don can hear me.
May 13, 2008
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell must have a lot of free time in order to meet with people just to find out that there is nothing new. We seem to think that they could have discussed this all on the phone.
We don’t believe it. Something stinks here.
May 13, 2008
This is where we copy and paste from Profootballtalk.com. We like PFT and they have good stuff. There was an item recently that said that Giants rookie QB Andre Woodson thought he would go in the second round in the draft. He went in the sixth. PFT thinks there is a good chance that he was mislead by people like ESPN’s Todd McShay, who opine on the draft for a living and are considered “experts,” even though real experts are paid by NFL teams to have input on their selection process.
“The problem with people like McShay is that they have no accountability,” the source said. “They can say what they want and when they are wrong no one cares, [except] the kid’s family. McShay could not get a job with any team, even as an intern. He is a very poor evaluator. He proved it with his evaluation of Woodson.
“Woodson’s problem, and most everyone in the league saw it, was he has a very slow release and he stares down his receivers. In our league, he would get a very high percentage of interceptions because of his flaws. His accuracy is very average at best, so you put a slow release, not good accuracy, and stares down receivers and you get a guy who can’t play quarterback in the NFL.
“The networks should hire real scouts not wannabes like McShay. The other kid at ESPN, Jeremy Green, was fired after a couple of years with a club because he couldn’t evaluate, yet he is an “expert” with ESPN. These guys make more than twice as much money as real scouts and they don’t have a clue. ESPN should grade what these guys say and fire them when they are wrong a lot more often than when they are right.”
We have long felt that these guys need to be called on the carpet. They just pop off at the mouth on Draft day and then no one goes back and actually looks at their predictions years later. I tried to find a 2005 Mel Kiper mock draft, but found very little. Someone copied and pasted the first 14 picks in a message board. Let’s take a look:
Here’s how they fall into order:
1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah - A smart player who will pick up an NFL system quickly, Smith has good size, is mobile enough to hurt teams with his running ability and is also an efficient passer who can make all the necessary throws.
OTR: Yeah, that’s about right. Smith has been marvelous at the pro level. He blows!
2. Miami Dolphins: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas - A strong, tough runner with good speed for his size, Benson would help fill the void left by the retirement of Ricky Williams. But there is speculation the Dolphins will attempt to fill their running back need through trade, perhaps for Buffalo’s Travis Henry, so stay tuned.
OTR: Great speed and size. True. The Bears love him so much that they are fielding questions about whether they will cut him before training camp.
3. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California - Rodgers is a smart, accurate passer with a quick release. His arm strength is adequate and he is a better prospect at this point in his career than former Cal QB Kyle Boller, now the starter for the Baltimore Ravens.
OTR: He could go #3 to the Browns. Or he could nosedive down into the mid 20’s.
4. Chicago Bears: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan - Edwards has the size, speed and athleticism to take over games, and he did that several times in 2004. He also significantly cut down on dropped passes and concentration lapses this past season, pushing his stock even higher.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Wiliams, RB, Auburn - A creative, deceptive runner with tremendous natural skills. Williams can get tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size, a point illustrated by his 29 rushing TDs over the last two years. Was also coached by Tampa head coach Jon Gruden in the Senior Bowl.
6. Tennessee Titans: Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia - A good cover man who will also contribute as a kick returner, Jones has very good closing speed and is a willing tackler in run support. That may be his most important quality with the NFL hurting pass defenses by focusing on downfield infractions by defensive backs.
7. Oakland Raiders: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma - A fiery, intense player who always goes all-out, Cody is similar to former NFL standout Kevin Greene in his ability to play on his feet as an outside linebacker, or in a three-point stance as a defensive end.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn - Perhaps the most complete back in the draft, Brown can carry or catch the ball with equal skill. He has size, instincts and quickness that allowed him to put up excellent numbers at the college level.
9. Washington Redskins: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC - Williams did not play in 2004 but dominated the college game for two seasons while at USC. His 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame gives him a big advantage over defensive backs, and he has excellent hands. Would be a great help in the development of quarterback Patrick Ramsey and help take some pressure off Clinton Portis in the running game.
OTR: Good call. He would have been a great help to Patrick Ramsey had the Redskins just taken him. Do you see our point in this exercise? It’s not that these guys are wrong. It’s that they say this stuff with such certainty when the reality is they DON’T KNOW. Just like the rest of us.
10. Detroit Lions: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU - Spears boosted his stock immensely with an outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl. He showcased his speed, strength and athleticism against some of the best offensive linemen in the nation, and his size would make him a welcome addition for a team that needs to boost its pass rush.
11. Dallas Cowboys: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State - Spends a lot of time in opposing backfields after collapsing the pocket or gaining penetration against the run. Came on strong and raised his stock significantly during his senior year.
12. San Diego Chargers (from NYG): Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas - Has the speed and strength to chase ballcarriers from sideline to sideline and make things happen when he gets to the ball.
13. Houston Texans: Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina - Perhaps the fastest wideout in the draft, Williamson would be a nice complement to budding superstar and physical wideout Andre Johnson.
OTR: OR, he’ll be a total piece of crap that can’t catch a cold.
14. Carolina Panthers: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State - With light feet for a player his size, Barron is a consistent blocker who is equally adept in both the pass and run games.
OTR: Mel left out the fact that he is a damn holding penalty machine.
Where is the accountability on these idiots? We know we are stupid, we don’t have to pretend. But these guys are treated like gods on Draft day, but no one ever goes back and checks whether or not they were right.
May 13, 2008
What a douche. The Buffalo Bills shiny new WR James Hardy allegedly pulled a gun on his father on Sunday. And my dad used to complain that I didn’t paint the garage door properly?
The Buffalo Bills could have a real problem on their hands. Hardy was charged in 2006 with domestic violence and this seems to be a pattern. Keep a turd watch on this guy. We suggest that his mother get a kevlar vest for Father’s Day.
May 13, 2008
Nope, Boston just sucks. The Celtics showed how clutch they are by scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter in Game Four last night letting the average-at-best Cleveland Cavaliers beat them 88-77.
Charles Barkley said that it doesn’t matter because nobody can beat Boston in Boston. I hardly ever disagree with Barkley, but Boston is definitely beatable in Boston. We haven’t seen the Lebron of last year’s playoffs yet. If that Lebron can emerge in Game 5 or Game 7, then he can beat Boston in Boston. Furthermore, the Detroit Pistons can definitely beat Boston in Boston. Detroit can beat anyone anywhere when their switch is on. Furtherfurthermore, any team in the Western Conference can destroy Boston in Boston. Look at these possible matchups headed Boston’s way:
Chauncey Billups vs. Rajon Rondo (Billups is 50/50 to go tonight in Game 5)
Chris Paul/Tony Parker/Deron Williams/Derek Fisher vs. Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo is garbage and he will be the downfall of this Celtics team. Look at these matchups, too:
Anyone with a heartbeat vs. Kendrick Perkins
See what I mean? Boston can’t win the NBA title.
May 13, 2008
Curtis Whitley was the center when the Panthers entered the league in 1995. After turning 39 on Saturday, he was found dead yesterday at his home in Texas.