Guest Blogger: Corey Bennett

Hey Everyone,

As most of you know my graduation was this weekend. Since I had over twenty family members in town and the logistical nightmares involved with feeding, boarding, driving, and entertaining all of them, I had zero time to update my blog. So to avoid making my readers wait, I invited a good friend of mine Corey Bennett to guest blog for me this week. Be sure to leave some comments! I will try to get my own posting up sometime in the next week. After that be sure to look for Part 1 of the Battle of the Brads, as my friends Brad Denny and Brad Golden go head-to-head and debate some relevant topics for us.

Okay here is Corey's guest blog....

In this inaugural guest blog, I’ve decided to avoid the pretentiousness of a top-ten list and opt for the more attainable “Six I Already Know.” Off we go…

6. I know sports would be better off if leagues (and media networks) actually addressed the issue of pathetic in-game commentary. What amazes me is the amount of money organizations and leagues will spend on public relations, marketing, and branding—all necessary expenditures that seek to connect fans to the sport and build loyalty. Yet when it comes to choosing people to do commentary, we’re often force-fed the idiocy and ignorance of former players and coaches whose ability to provide an intelligent, engaging narrative for 48-90 minutes is as lacking as their ability to choose a matching neck-tie.

Bill Simmons has written extensively about this topic—chiding the NBA for benching Marv Albert in big games in lieu of clowns like Bill Walton. We’re all familiar with Mr. Madden and his uncanny, seemingly inebriated zingers. For those of you who watched the 2006 World Cup, ESPN treated its English-speaking audience to the likes of Shep Messing, JP Dellacamera and others. If you didn’t catch it or went to therapy and had it erased from your memory, JP and Co. reminded us in Saturday night’s MLS game between Chivas USA and FC Dallas. At each goal, JP broke into his chorus of “It’s in the net. It’s in the net.” But after the second goal, JP’s partner offered this gem: “He sees Salas way off his line in nowhereland…cool as a cucumber, great definition.” Enough said.

5. I know that ABC’s season finale of “Lost” marked the return of the show’s greatness. As a zealot from episode one, I grew frustrated with the sudden departure of coherent, clever writing in season three. I was intrigued by the Kate-Sawyer sub-plot, as well as the introduction of Juliet and the Others, but the bar had been set very, very high. I was actually hoping ABC would announce the end of the show next year. I hate to see shows spiral to their death…or in the case of ER and CSI, just spiral. After the stellar, two-hour Lost finale, I have acquiesced to the tentative five-season goal.

While I’m on this subject, can the mainstream media networks get with the program (pun intended)?!? We all know the importance of ratings in terms of generating enough advertising revenue to justify a show’s existence and future. Since programs have been made readily available on the internet and with the rise of TiVo, however, it seems the networks have forgotten that the playing field has changed. Now the networks are dumping quality shows like NBC’s Studio 60 based on outdated metrics. Figure it out people and stop toying with my emotions (okay, I really liked Studio 60).

4. I know Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick should be harshly punished for his involvement with the illegal dog-fighting world. The NFL should suspend him for at least one season, and the Falcons would do well to start building for life after Vick (assuming there will ever be life in that organization again). This isn’t a doping allegation that could be ducked by a simple denial because the prosecution lacks the necessary evidence. It clearly is not a widespread problem. Vick probably won’t get immunity in exchange for naming names. There may be some who have no objection to dog-fighting (I’m guessing Raider fans), but if the evidence keeps pouring in like it has, I see no other choice than to make an example of Vick. While they’re at it, the NFL should suspend Marcus Vick too, just to avoid the media spectacle that will invariably follow his next round of shenanigans.

3. I know the Yankees won’t even make it to the World Series with Roger Clemens. Sorry Dave. As nice as it was to let me write this guest blog, you seem to have slept through the last few years that saw the winning mentality get drained from that organization. The Yankees are not a team that is one guy short of a title. They don’t need any more veteran leadership in the clubhouse. The Yankees have been and still are a team with a lot of talent, but no chemistry; no cause; and no hope for at least a few more years.

2. I know everyone would be happier if the NFL would lengthen the regular season. Hell, I say why stop at 17 games? On the one hand, I recognize there has to be a limit and that requiring each team to play every other team would be unduly burdensome. On the other hand, a 16-game season with required games against a team’s own division exacerbates the parity problem—that the AFC is much stronger than the NFC.

As a start, the NFL should add one non-conference game. Play it in Japan or Mexico or wherever. I’m not as concerned with the home-away issue as I am with fairness. The league and teams would reap higher revenues by adding a game or two. The sport would be well-served if the Bears had to play an extra AFC team before “earning” that first-round bye in the playoffs.

1. I know David Beckham will not be the biggest story in MLS this season. Don’t get me wrong. I think his arrival will be a fantastic event, bettering the league and the state of soccer in the U.S. But Becks isn’t a flashy player. He scores few goals that aren’t from the penalty spot or free-kicks, and even then he scores very little. He is a talent, make no mistake, and a world-class player. His mark, however, will be made off the pitch. His impact will be seen in the seats, front-offices, and media.

The second biggest story will be Maykel Galindo, striker for Chivas USA. The 26 year-old Cuban gained political asylum from Cuba two years ago, spent a successful season with a minor-league club, and has made quite a splash in the first eight games of this season, with five goals and two assists. On Saturday he scored a remarkable goal against FC Dallas. Running at the goal, he was hauled down from behind, but stayed on his feet and struck a wonder-goal from 22-meters. First, let me clarify. That was not a typo—he stayed on his feet. He didn’t roll around on the ground or cry to the referee. Second, he represents that which MLS must not ignore as it continues to grow. He is not like Beckham—a high-paid superstar imported from abroad to play the last year or two of his career. Galindo has four to five years of playing in his prime. He is from this part of the world and is a product of the A-League—a minor league that serves as a pipeline for developing players.

But the biggest story in the MLS will be Juan Pablo Angel, striker for the New York Red Bull and recent import from Aston Villa in the English Premier League. Like Beckham, Angel is near the end of his career. Unlike Beckham, Angel is a creative forward and has produced three goals and two assists in his first three games. While he was brought in under the Beckham rule (newly created by MLS and allows teams to bring in one or two stars that would otherwise be unaffordable for teams to pay), Angel’s salary is $1.6 million, compared to Beckham’s $6.5 million (consider that 93 players make less than $17,700 per year). In its current state, MLS cannot afford more than one David Beckham, but the influx of players like Angel will help grow the game. If MLS makes a few major changes—most importantly to restructure and lengthen the season—we may soon begin to see world-class players imported before they reach the age of 30.

Round 2: The Pats, Moss, Yau Man, and Much Much More!

Hey People,

Here is this week’s edition. First I want to thank you for all the support. I was surprised on how many people read last week’s post. Some of the comments were great, so I’ll try to deliver another good posting. To prevent this from getting too long, this week let’s just jump right into my list of The Ten Things You Should Know, That I Already Know.

1. I know that the New England Patriots are overrated! Come on people… all this hype?!?! Ok, ok… I will admit they probably deserve to be the favorites to win it all this year, but some of you just want to hand them the damn trophy already. They have made some major additions. I think the biggest is the slightly overrated Adalius Thomas (overrated because he is the product of an excellent system), but he is a significant upgrade to NE’s linebacking corp. They also revamped their receiving corp by adding Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and Randy Moss. My opinion is that New England should have just paid their OWN players, keeping the guys that won them three Superbowls in four years. It will probably take time for the chemistry to come together with this new group, and watch out for the inevitable Randy Moss drama. However if any team can handle a prima donna it is the Pats. I remember laughing as the Patriots went on to win the Superbowl as their number one receiver Terry Glenn was sitting at home suspended. However, when is the last time the preseason favorites won the Superbowl anyways? Remember Carolina last year? Moreover, the Pats are one injury away from not even making the playoffs… let’s play out the season before we hand them the trophy.
2. I know Randy Moss NEVER deserves to be put in the Hall of Fame. I’ll try to keep this one short. All I hear is how Moss is going to resurrect his career in New England and solidify his spot in Canton. I agree with Sports Illustrated’s Dr. Z …. Moss is a dog. Too many guys gave it their all on every snap of every game of every season of their entire careers and never came close to the Hall. Even during his prime years Moss admitted to taking plays off, and then he took two years off as he contributed to dragging the Raiders down into the cellar. I do not care if he catches 30 touchdown passes next year. He is a dog, and doesn’t deserve that honor.
3. I know Yau Man deserved the million dollars on Survivor. Since I am 1/8 Filipino I am always partial to my fellow Asians, but Yau was undeniably awesome all season long. Remember when he was the only one that could open the wooden box, or how he dominated the challenges, or found the immunity idols and played it at the perfect moment, and then he came up with that awesome deal to swap Dreamz a truck for the immunity idol. Unfortunately Dreamz couldn’t keep his word costing Yau a million bucks.
4. I know the Arizona Cardinals will have a winning season this year…. or next. If the over/under on the Cards is 6 wins, I’ll take the over. I expect them to win 7 games this year, and 9 the next. I like the strides that ownership is making. It all started with paying for a coach (even though Denny Green didn’t work out), but adding Edge, and drafting Leinart to pass to their solid set of receivers were very good moves. They are an offensive line away from being a winning team. Levi Brown was a reach, but met a major need. And since the Steelers are refusing to offer their all-pro guard (Alan Faneca) top-ten money, my guess is that he will be a Cardinal before the first week of free agency ends next year.
5. I know that the general manager of the Chargers A.J. Smith gets a free pass. Being here in San Diego, I hear a lot of people are upset with the Chargers draft. I know they passed on a few highly rated receivers and surprised a lot of people by taking Craig Davis and then they traded away the rest of their draft for the safety Eric Weddle, but come on… if you trust any G.M. it has to be Smith. A.J. was in the Bills front office during their glory years, and in the Chargers front office when they traded the right to draft Vick for LT and Brees. A.J. also engineered the Eli for Rivers, Luis Castillo, and Shawne Merriman trade. One of the best draft trades EVER. He also discovered all pro tight end Antonio Gates. This guy rocks, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Davis and Weddle became perennial pro-bowlers.
6. I know the Jamaican Red Stripe guy is freaking HILARIOUS! Boo large headed friend. Hooray Beer!
7. I know Ricky Williams loves smoking weed. Ricky, Ricky, Ricky… what the hell are you doing?!?! I am not going to bag on him too much, because I believe his social-anxiety disorder is severely debilitating and has already ruined his career. This guy has sooooooo much talent, but can’t put down the bong-pipe. I think if he ever makes it back to the NFL he needs to have one press conference where he tells the media he can’t overcome this disorder that has forced him to self-medicate, and until he can find a legal alternative he isn’t going to talk to the press EVER. Let his play on the field speak for him. And if he does this, I think the media should respect this and leave him alone.
8. I know that Roger Clemens will save the Yankees’ season. I hate the evil empire as much as the next guy, and maybe I am biased because the computer drafted Clemens for me in both my fantasy baseball leagues, but Clemens will be good. Last year he had the lowest ERA in the league the second half of the season. All those years of using HGH are really paying off now. I read somewhere it breaks down to him making $100 a minute. Seriously?! Seriously?!?! $100 a minute?!!!? David Junior is going to have a baseball in his hand as soon as he pops out. Anyways, with the lineup NY puts on the field, the wins should just roll on in. I DO hate the Yankees… so hopefully I am wrong (not likely though). Also did anyone notice how his training is suddenly going better than expected so he will be back at the end of May against Toronto, instead of the beginning of June against the BoSox? That would have been a circus. A debut against Dice-K would have been a must-watch.
9. I know that JaMarcus Russell will be the last first-round draft pick to sign. There is a very good possibility that playing in Oakland will ruin any shot he had at having a successful NFL career, so he needs to get as much money as he can up-front. I also expect a long hold out from Gaines Adams, Adrian Peterson, and Brady Quinn. For some reason I experienced a small sense of joy every time a team passed on Quinn. He was extremely overrated and I am going to get pissed when he tries to demand more money than he and his draft spot deserves.
10. I know that both Boris Diaw and Amare Stoudemire deserved to be suspended. I saved this one for last to make sure all my AZ friends read the entire blog. A rule is a rule. It really sucks, and it ended up costing the Suns game 5, but the NBA really had no choice. What was Amare thinking?!?! He had to force his way around an assistant coach and made his way 20 feet down the court! If the fracas had lasted five seconds longer he would have been in the middle of it all escalating any confrontations. I like Amare but at times he can be really immature as evidenced by this incident AND for the reason he was on the bench… he should have never picked up that fifth foul and maybe he would have been allowed to play defense when it was all on the line. Also don’t give me the bull about Tim Duncan being on the court. He took two steps onto the court when there was hardly anything going on. He wasn’t going to try to run in and get in the middle of things like Amare was trying to do.

Ok folks, that’s all for now. I will post again early next week. I am already working on some things. I am considering making a list of the top ten QB’s in the NFL, the ten QB’s on the hot seat, and maybe in the next couple of posts a Q&A session. Keep the comments and questions rolling in, and make sure you subscribe to my blog so you can get the new editions hot off the press!

-David-

Beginning of an Era, first up Keyshawn and Favre

Hello Everyone!

I have wanted to start a blog for a while now, but I wasn’t sure what I would talk about, nor have I had the time. Then some recent events have inspired me to give it a shot. The first being I GRADUATED LAW SCHOOL, and the second is I’ve made some really good points regarding the NFL lately. I wanted any blogs I write to have some theme or purpose behind them. Being a poli sci major in undergrad, a few years ago any blog would have been related to politics. However after 8 years of Bush, and the democrats failing miserably to stop him from being elected, and then failing to stop him from being re-elected, I have become very apathetic to all things remotely related to politics. Although seeing the early front-runners (Obama and Hillary for the Dems and McCain for the Republicans) for this upcoming election has stirred some of my interest, but its still not to the level that I would blog about it. However, I have found something I am passionate about and have been for years now. I live and breathe football, specifically the NFL. Every single day I scour all the news sites trying to find some article I haven’t read yet. I follow several teams very closely (to the point that I read their local meatball newspaper’s articles about the team). My favorite show is NFL live on ESPN, my favorite channel is the NFL network, and every morning I listen to Colin Cowherd on ESPN radio on my way to work or school. I even make sure to tivo PTI everyday. I have my opinions, predictions, theories, and I think it is time to put it in print, so when I claim credit for it, everyone will know they could have heard it here first! Now I am still busy (I’m studying for the California Bar Exam) so I am not sure how steady these will be, nor am I going to go back and edit them and slave over my grammar and word choices. This is all off the cuff in the beginning, but hopefully they do not sound too much like a rant! Anyways, here we go….

Today’s topics include Keyshawn Johnson and Brett Favre.

First let’s talk about Meshawn, I mean Keyshawn. I was very surprised that Keyshawn was actually cut by the Panthers last week. It also made Keyshawn look like an idiot because when the Panthers drafted Dwayne Jarrett (his replacement), Keyshawn went on and on during the draft coverage how he was going to take Jarrett under his wing and be his mentor. Looks like Jarrett didn’t need long for the pupil already to surpass the master. I was also extremely confused that it happened when the first reports said he was already paid a roster bonus of 3 million dollars, but this proved to be incorrect.

The thing that got me steaming about this topic was John Clayton’s report that Keyshawn was likely going to be forced into retirement, because no one wanted a 34 year old possession receiver. I found myself yelling at the TV.

Keyshawn is a SOLID 2^nd receiver. Last season he had 70 receptions for 815 yards making him 34^th overall for yards and tied for 25^th overall in receptions. A slew of teams are in dire need of a number 2 go-to-guy. I immediately formed a list of the receiving corps that Keyshawn would upgrade, and these would include, Bills, Jets, Giants, Eagles, Redskins, Ravens, Browns, Steelers, Bears, Packers, Vikings, Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Bucs, Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers. However the Bucs, Steelers, Vikings, Raiders and Chargers are all sold on their current roster and probably wouldn’t make room for him. The team I was screaming about was Green Bay. Favre is pissed that the Packers passed on Moss. All the pundits are talking about how the Packers passed on Moss and didn’t draft Favre any weapons, and how he needs some offensive help. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Well my boy Keyshawn IS that offensive help and the missing piece Favre needs to take over that weak division of the NFC North (don’t get me started on the Bears right now).

Therefore I think Green Bay should make a move for Keyshawn. Johnson keeps saying he wants to go to a playoff team. Green Bay has a legitimate shot to make the playoffs, and once you are in, anything can happen. However, will Keyshawn really want to spend a year in Wisconsin? We’ll have to wait and see, but this is a match I’d love to watch.

Brett Favre and his trade request

Okay even though this next topic concerns one of the same players in the above topic, it is completely independent of my first topic, and even assumes that Keyshawn doesn’t go to Green Bay. Brett Favre talked earlier this week about being traded from Green Bay. Now we all know this would never happen, but here is a win-win situation if these two teams would pull the trigger. Vick is on the outs with Atlanta. From going through several head coaches, to flipping off the fans, to hidden compartments in water bottles, to dog fighting, even his coddling owner is getting fed up. Vick needs a change of scenery, but no one sells tickets like “the most electrifying man in sports.” Well no one except Brett Favre. Favre lives in Mississippi, and also played his first year in Atlanta. A trade would put him on a team that is a legitimate contender, instead of in the rebuilding phase that refuses to give him any weapons. However, you can’t trade Favre for Vick straight up. So here it is, Green Bay should trade Favre and a couple of draft picks (including at least one first rounder), to Atlanta for Michael Vick. Then Atlanta can use Favre at the end of his career, to try to win now, and they have draft picks where they could draft their QB of the future. Green Bay has a QB that will win now, but also has one they could build around for their future.

Again this trade would NEVER happen, but it would be an interesting solution to two teams, and two QB’s problems.

Ok those are my topics for today… but I am going to end my first blog by ripping off a great writer Peter King and his “Ten Things I think I think” from his Monday Morning QB column.

Mine will be called, “Ten Things You Should Know, That I Already Know”

1. I know Pacman Jones doesn’t deserve to be suspended for an entire season. Our American legal system was founded upon the concept “innocent until proven guilty.” Pacman hasn’t been CONVICTED of ANYTHING and judge, jury, and executioner (Roger Goodell) is going to take away his livelihood for an entire year! Don’t give me he has had a total of ten “incidents” with the police. WHO CARES! I’ve had ten “incidents” with the police and they are about to make me a freaking lawyer, which should be a lot more exclusive than running around with a ball.
2. I know Tank Johnson’s suspension will be shorter than Pacman’s. If this happens this will be the most ridiculous thing Goodell has done yet. Tank was on probation for another offense and was found with 6 firearms! He was CONVICTED and SENTENCED to SIXTY days in jail. After all that he is going to receive a lighter punishment than Pacman? That’s just not right. However, on a side note, I LOVE the name Tank. I want to name my second boy Tank. Tank McGlothlin… that’s a name for an offensive lineman all right. Unfortunately Melissa is laying down the veto, so it looks like I’ll have to name my next dog Tank, or find another girlfriend.
3. I know the NFL will eventually add a 17^th game to be played at an international venue. It is going to be pretty difficult to get the players association to approve this, but the players HATE preseason games. So if the NFL cancels TWO, not one, preseason games, and shows the players the extra cash they would make… I think it will happen. The NFL is exploding right now. It has probably reached a plateau of popularity in the U.S. so the only way to keep up this growth rate is to go international. Finally the real “football” can get the world wide fame it deserves.
4. I know T.O. will lead the league in touchdown receptions AGAIN this year. T.O. surprised everyone by coming out and actually participating in mini-camp last weekend. Bill Parcels was probably pissed as hell about that. T.O. had 13 touchdown receptions last year with a jacked up finger. The only thing people remember is his stat of “10 dropped passes” and no one gives him credit for his league leading touchdown receptions. Is dropped passes a real stat anyways? If so, how do I figure out how many dropped passes Art Monk had in 1987? That’s right, I can’t, because that stat doesn’t exist. The first time I heard about it was from the T.O. haters.
5. I know Junior Seau will have another semi productive season this year. I think Seau is about to turn fifty, yet he just re-signed with the Patriots this week. I wish he would have held off on his graduation speech last year, until he at least tested the market, then he could get a farewell celebration when he did actually “graduate”. However, Junior was somewhat productive when he got there last year (11 games, 39 solo tackles with another 30 assisted tackles, plus 1 sack), and if he hadn’t broken his arm it would have been a great storyline when he and his Patriots came into San Diego. Although N.E. had the big free agent signing of Adalius Thomas to play LB for them, I think Seau can still be as productive as a back-up and mentor.
6. I know I’m tired of Shaun Alexander, and I definitely do not want to hear anymore about his damn “broken” foot. He is done. He will never be an elite running back again and the reason is sad. HE GOT PAID. He cashed in his big paycheck, and there went all his effort. I was always on his side. He was so underrated (until the entire world talks about how you are underrated you are, thus making you OVERRATED [the same thing is happening to the Suns’ Shawn Marion]) and I thought the Seahawks were jerking him around by putting the franchise tag on him twice instead of signing him to his deserved contract extension. But it looks like Seattle was right. After last season, maybe they should have franchise tagged him again… he might of put in at least a little bit of effort.
7. I know Trent Green will be the starter for the Dolphins come opening day. He is due to make like 7 million dollars. The Chiefs just resigned their back-up Damon Huard and paid 7.5 million over three years. They also have their QB of the future Brodie Croyle. There is no way they can afford to pay 3 QB’s good money. Trent will end up getting cut in early July, and that same day he will be on a plane to Miami (if he isn’t already living there).
8. I know that although it is a good show, the NBC hit Heroes is a complete rip off of X-Men. Claire is like Wolverine, Peter is like Rogue, and now this new character the little girl can locate people like Professor X. X-men use to be my favorite Saturday morning cartoon, now it is a primetime drama, that still has me watching every episode. I think if I had a superpower it would probably related to my cat-like reflexes.
9. I know the Warriors and Suns are playing some really exciting basketball. Although I’m sure it has happened many times it was fun watching Golden State score SEVENTY in the first half, and ONE HUNDRED by then end of the third quarter in Game three. Hopefully they can overcome this 3-1 deficit they are in to set up an awesome match-up in the western conference finals.
10. I know I like multiple teams. I love the NFL and I’ve started to like several different organizations for different reasons. Moreover, in my mind I establish a clear cut order, so I won’t have any trouble on who I should cheer for when they play each other. Still, I’ve received a ton of crap for my list getting too long… so I am trimming it to just three, and here they are. Number One is my Tampa Bay Buccaneers- in high school (1997) I got even more into football, and I saw the strides Tony Dungy was making with the Bucs by adding players I loved including Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber, and ever since then I’ve been a huge fan. Number Two is America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys- this has always been my Dad’s favorite team. He grew up loving Roger Staubach… and some of my first football memories was us getting crap every week as Dallas was going 2-14, but redemption was sweet when the Cowboys went on to win three superbowls in four years. And last, Number three, the Arizona Cardinals- I plan on returning to my home state within the next few months, and finally the ownership there has shown an interest in winning a few games. So if they finally care, I can allow myself to finally care. Hopefully they suck a season or two more, so I can get my hands on some season tickets in their awesome new stadium!

Alright folks, that wraps up my first blog EVER. Be sure to leave some comments, and to mention some topics you might be interested in for my next posting.