July 23, 2013
It's been a relatively quiet summer in sports other than the Aaron Hernandez case. Of course that all changed a few days ago when Ryan Braun was officially suspended for violating the MLB substance abuse policy. He's been suspended for the remainder of the year without pay. This was a pretty bold stroke by MLB as it basically came out of nowhere. Braun has also said he's not going to appeal or fight his punishment, and has apologized to the Brewers and fans that he's let down. It's apparent that he did indeed use PEDs during the past few years, though when is still unknown. The backlash against Braun has been incredible and very vitriolic in nature. Some are calling for the Brewers to terminate his contract and get him out of Milwaukee. HA I laugh at anyone that says he should be cut or thrown out of baseball. While it is troubling that he's denied PED so steadfastly in the past and now willingly admits to it, cutting him wouldn't make this situation any better. And if he were a free agent next year, I 100% guarantee all 30 teams would line up to sign him to a mega deal. Know why? Because he's one of the best all-around players in the game. And one 65 game suspension isn't going to change that. Steroids may make you bigger, or faster, but they don't help you to make contact with the ball or give you a better swing. And if this suspension is indeed stemming from the supposed 2011 positive test by Braun then I contend that he's been clean for the last year and a half anyway, unless he's just stupid, which I doubt.
A lot of the feedback, including a ridiculous and stupid article written by ESPN lapdog Buster Olney contends that this is a momentous day for MLB and the player union. Once again, I LAUGH. How is anything related to this case a positive? One of the game's brightest stars and best personalities has been suspended for using PEDs. Does this mean the PED witch hunt is over? Not a chance! The Alex Rodriguez saga is ongoing and many other players are under investigation for possible PED use tied to the Florida clinic. This may actually be one of the darkest days in MLB history. MLB and the union specifically are scared of how deep this may go, and are hoping that by dropping the hammer on Braun they can deflect some of the attention away from other cases. By diverting attention from the other players they can hope to lessen the impact when and if these players are found to have tested positive. Another interesting thing is that the players and the union have not been behind Braun through the suspension process. This tells me one thing. The union and/or players don't want to get too involved with this, as they're all dirty too. I think the union has a pretty good idea of just how many players are doping, and I can bet you its a lot. My guess would be 30% of current players have doped during their career or are currently doping. By throwing Braun under the bus, the union is attempting to protect the large population of its members that are also doping. The idea that by nabbing Braun the steroid era is past is complete bullshit, but the league has too much money and pride on the line to let anything major drop that would implicate a large amount of players, though that may be the case.
I don't support PED use, and my confidence in Ryan Braun has tremendously been shaken. But I do believe in second chances, and that everyone deserves one. He'll be back, and he'll be just as good as he's been, I guarantee it. I just think it's ridiculous to be so critical of one player when it's quite possible that most of the league is doing it as well. Expect a lot more bullshit from ESPN as they continue their wondrous reporting of the steroid saga, keep in mind that it's in their best interest to not drop a bomb that would severely hurt the reputation of MLB.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
June 8, 2013
June 8, 2013
Finally went to my first professional soccer match, and I was not disappointed. Me and a few other friends hit the Minnesota United game at the Metrodome against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, where they emerged victorious 2-1. I was impressed with the atmosphere in the dome and especially by the supporters section, who were vocal and loud the entire game. From several of the songs I heard they must have recruited several trumpeters from the University of Minnesota band. United was down early as the Strikers struck in the 13th minute after the MN keeper was unable to control a back pass and basically had it stolen from him for an easy tap in. United got several good chances in the first half but was unable to capitalize and entered the half down 1-0. In the second half they came out firing again. In the 57th minute Pablo Campos finally broke through for United as he put home a penalty kick. After a lull in the action the last 10 minutes became incredibly fast paced as both teams became stretched out and several very fast attacks went both ways. Finally, in the 94th minute Pablo Campos once again put home a goal for United on the end of a beautiful left-footed cross from a United teammate. Below I've posted my video of United's 1st goal!!
Finally went to my first professional soccer match, and I was not disappointed. Me and a few other friends hit the Minnesota United game at the Metrodome against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, where they emerged victorious 2-1. I was impressed with the atmosphere in the dome and especially by the supporters section, who were vocal and loud the entire game. From several of the songs I heard they must have recruited several trumpeters from the University of Minnesota band. United was down early as the Strikers struck in the 13th minute after the MN keeper was unable to control a back pass and basically had it stolen from him for an easy tap in. United got several good chances in the first half but was unable to capitalize and entered the half down 1-0. In the second half they came out firing again. In the 57th minute Pablo Campos finally broke through for United as he put home a penalty kick. After a lull in the action the last 10 minutes became incredibly fast paced as both teams became stretched out and several very fast attacks went both ways. Finally, in the 94th minute Pablo Campos once again put home a goal for United on the end of a beautiful left-footed cross from a United teammate. Below I've posted my video of United's 1st goal!!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
June 6, 2013
June 6, 2013
Summer is in full swing!! And for fantasy football players like myself, the season is never done. The Good and the Bad, my main dynasty league is currently in in the midst of its rookie draft. As to be expected offense was taken early and often, with defense finally making a comeback in the later rounds. Currently we're at the beginning of Round 4. I'll talk a bit about my picks so far.
2.11, 27th Overall, Jarvis Jones, LB, PIT - Jones will be competing for a starting spot right out of the gate, and with his pass-rushing ability I believe he will win a spot on opening day. A fierce OLB in the mold of Von Miller, he has the potential to be a double digit sack LB. This upside made him an easy 2nd round choice, overall I had him rated as the #1 LB and #6 overall player.
3.07, 39th Overall, Eric Reid, S, SF - Questions at safety for the Niners made Reid's selection a no-brainer. He will most likely win a starting safety job in training camp and will be a solid player at the back of the Niners defense. He has big potential to develop into one of the games best safeties. I had him rated as the #2 Safety and #14 overall player.
4.04, 53rd Overall, Bjoern Werner, DE, IND - I can't believe he fell to the 4th, and I was happy to snag him here. In this case I drafted straight off my Big Board and not by need, as he was easily my highest rated remaining. He'll start day 1 in Indy and with a little more polishing can be an elite DE. His arrival should lighten the loss of Dwight Freeney. His ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up will also help him make an impact. He was my #2 DE and #17 overall player.
I would have picked earlier in the 3rd, but I traded back twice to get to 4.04 and pick some cash. It worked out well as I was still able to grab Werner in the 4th. My next pick is 4.17 and I also have 5.10.
Summer is in full swing!! And for fantasy football players like myself, the season is never done. The Good and the Bad, my main dynasty league is currently in in the midst of its rookie draft. As to be expected offense was taken early and often, with defense finally making a comeback in the later rounds. Currently we're at the beginning of Round 4. I'll talk a bit about my picks so far.
2.11, 27th Overall, Jarvis Jones, LB, PIT - Jones will be competing for a starting spot right out of the gate, and with his pass-rushing ability I believe he will win a spot on opening day. A fierce OLB in the mold of Von Miller, he has the potential to be a double digit sack LB. This upside made him an easy 2nd round choice, overall I had him rated as the #1 LB and #6 overall player.
3.07, 39th Overall, Eric Reid, S, SF - Questions at safety for the Niners made Reid's selection a no-brainer. He will most likely win a starting safety job in training camp and will be a solid player at the back of the Niners defense. He has big potential to develop into one of the games best safeties. I had him rated as the #2 Safety and #14 overall player.
4.04, 53rd Overall, Bjoern Werner, DE, IND - I can't believe he fell to the 4th, and I was happy to snag him here. In this case I drafted straight off my Big Board and not by need, as he was easily my highest rated remaining. He'll start day 1 in Indy and with a little more polishing can be an elite DE. His arrival should lighten the loss of Dwight Freeney. His ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up will also help him make an impact. He was my #2 DE and #17 overall player.
I would have picked earlier in the 3rd, but I traded back twice to get to 4.04 and pick some cash. It worked out well as I was still able to grab Werner in the 4th. My next pick is 4.17 and I also have 5.10.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
Last day of finals for the semester!! I still have one more to go today but I can squeeze in some time for a quick blog entry. The Minnesota Vikings unveiled their new stadium designs today and I have mixed feelings about. I love their idea of a "clear" roof. This is pretty innovative as far as stadiums come and it will yield some really amazing views of the outside, even in snow or rainstorms. I also hope that the Vikings follow through with their plan to revitalize the area around the stadium. Part of what made the Metrodome such a failure is the lack of ANYTHING around it. It is most definitely a blighted side of the city and one of the main reasons the Twins took their new stadium to the East side of Minneapolis, which has since been revitalized and restored, making for an incredible gameday experience. The Vikings owe it to their fans and also the people of Minneapolis to try harder with their own new stadium. While the design is futuristic and modern, it's fairly unimaginative as well. The second image below makes the stadium look like a big, lopsided warehouse. Much more could've been done to prove the aesthetics of the building. Overall, I give the design a 7, if only for the innovation and beauty of the new roof.
Last day of finals for the semester!! I still have one more to go today but I can squeeze in some time for a quick blog entry. The Minnesota Vikings unveiled their new stadium designs today and I have mixed feelings about. I love their idea of a "clear" roof. This is pretty innovative as far as stadiums come and it will yield some really amazing views of the outside, even in snow or rainstorms. I also hope that the Vikings follow through with their plan to revitalize the area around the stadium. Part of what made the Metrodome such a failure is the lack of ANYTHING around it. It is most definitely a blighted side of the city and one of the main reasons the Twins took their new stadium to the East side of Minneapolis, which has since been revitalized and restored, making for an incredible gameday experience. The Vikings owe it to their fans and also the people of Minneapolis to try harder with their own new stadium. While the design is futuristic and modern, it's fairly unimaginative as well. The second image below makes the stadium look like a big, lopsided warehouse. Much more could've been done to prove the aesthetics of the building. Overall, I give the design a 7, if only for the innovation and beauty of the new roof.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
April 23, 2013
April 23, 2013
Back again! Today the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their new jerseys and helmets for the upcoming season. Needless to say, I'm impressed. It's definitely a different direction for a franchise that desperately needed a change.
Where I'm most impressed is in the helmet design. This will be really the first time in the NFL that a team features a gradient on their helmet, in the Jaguars case going from gold to black at the bottom. It creates a really unique helmet and is definitely a step in the right direction.
So naturally this got me thinking about the best uniform sets in the NFL, here's my team by team rankings.
1. Green Bay Packers: I may be a little biased here, but the classic green-and-gold is topped by no scheme in the NFL. The jerseys have changed little over the years, and that's only because they're frickin awesome to begin with.
2. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks were the first team to take advantage of the new Nike system of uniforms and man did they score. The crazy color combinations actually are positive here and they just vibe exciting and colorful. Big ups for going with something new.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: I love innovation, and this allowed the Jaguars to catapult themselves to #3 on my list. Their previous jerseys were nothing special, but Nike has taken this design to the next level and they look fantastic. While the jerseys may not help them win games, they definitely earn points for looking sweet doing it.
4. San Francisco 49ers: The Nike redesign made these uniforms more crisp and really brings out the character in these classic threads. As with the Packers they haven't changed much over time, but they really don't need to.
5. San Diego Chargers: Royal or powder blue - it doesn't matter! These jerseys look clean and energetic no matter what colors are being worn. The white helmet really brings it all together to make the Chargers one of the best-dressed teams in the NFL.
6. Baltimore Ravens: When you think of the Ravens, you think of badassery. While their uniforms could fit that description as well. The team can use either its purple or black uniforms to great effect and they just look and feel sleek to the observer.
7. Detroit Lions: I may not like them, but those silver and blue duds get the job done. The silver helmets really complement well and even though they haven't been historically good, the new Nike uniforms really put the Lions in the upper tier of jerseys.
8. Washington Redskins
9. Denver Broncos: orange crush is back and better than ever!
10. Chicago Bears
11. St. Louis Rams
12. Buffalo Bills: the redesign did wonders for these threads!
13. Houston Texans
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. New York Giants
17. Minnesota Vikings
18. Indianapolis Colts
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: bring back the orange, full time!
21. Atlanta Falcons: outstayed their welcome, time for a redesign.
22. Dallas Cowboys
23. Tennessee Titans
24. New England Patriots: if only they played every game in the AFL retros!
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Miami Dolphins
28. Philadelphia Eagles: desperately need a redesign!
29. New York Jets
30. Carolina Panthers: never have black uniforms looked so dumb, except for maybe Oakland.
31. Arizona Cardinals: too gimmicky, get a redesign!
32. Oakland Raiders: ahh the classic prison uniforms.
Back again! Today the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their new jerseys and helmets for the upcoming season. Needless to say, I'm impressed. It's definitely a different direction for a franchise that desperately needed a change.
Where I'm most impressed is in the helmet design. This will be really the first time in the NFL that a team features a gradient on their helmet, in the Jaguars case going from gold to black at the bottom. It creates a really unique helmet and is definitely a step in the right direction.
So naturally this got me thinking about the best uniform sets in the NFL, here's my team by team rankings.
1. Green Bay Packers: I may be a little biased here, but the classic green-and-gold is topped by no scheme in the NFL. The jerseys have changed little over the years, and that's only because they're frickin awesome to begin with.
2. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks were the first team to take advantage of the new Nike system of uniforms and man did they score. The crazy color combinations actually are positive here and they just vibe exciting and colorful. Big ups for going with something new.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: I love innovation, and this allowed the Jaguars to catapult themselves to #3 on my list. Their previous jerseys were nothing special, but Nike has taken this design to the next level and they look fantastic. While the jerseys may not help them win games, they definitely earn points for looking sweet doing it.
4. San Francisco 49ers: The Nike redesign made these uniforms more crisp and really brings out the character in these classic threads. As with the Packers they haven't changed much over time, but they really don't need to.
5. San Diego Chargers: Royal or powder blue - it doesn't matter! These jerseys look clean and energetic no matter what colors are being worn. The white helmet really brings it all together to make the Chargers one of the best-dressed teams in the NFL.
6. Baltimore Ravens: When you think of the Ravens, you think of badassery. While their uniforms could fit that description as well. The team can use either its purple or black uniforms to great effect and they just look and feel sleek to the observer.
7. Detroit Lions: I may not like them, but those silver and blue duds get the job done. The silver helmets really complement well and even though they haven't been historically good, the new Nike uniforms really put the Lions in the upper tier of jerseys.
8. Washington Redskins
9. Denver Broncos: orange crush is back and better than ever!
10. Chicago Bears
11. St. Louis Rams
12. Buffalo Bills: the redesign did wonders for these threads!
13. Houston Texans
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. New York Giants
17. Minnesota Vikings
18. Indianapolis Colts
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: bring back the orange, full time!
21. Atlanta Falcons: outstayed their welcome, time for a redesign.
22. Dallas Cowboys
23. Tennessee Titans
24. New England Patriots: if only they played every game in the AFL retros!
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Miami Dolphins
28. Philadelphia Eagles: desperately need a redesign!
29. New York Jets
30. Carolina Panthers: never have black uniforms looked so dumb, except for maybe Oakland.
31. Arizona Cardinals: too gimmicky, get a redesign!
32. Oakland Raiders: ahh the classic prison uniforms.
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