The Sports Rumors

Deceitful Coaches, Badass Quarterbacks, and The Point of Power Rankings

Les Miles is a dirtbag. If you haven’t heard by now, there are reports that Les Miles is in contact with Michigan. What are they in contact about you wonder? Well it’s not about the weather, I can tell you that much. Now rewind a couple of weeks ago and think back to how Miles crucified Kirk Herbstreit for reporting that there were talks going on between Miles and Michigan. Then think about how Miles had that dramatic press conference and talked about how he’s not going anywhere. Then think about how he went on Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio and adamantly denied any knowledge of talks by him or his people with Michigan. Now think back to last week and how he signed an extension to stay with LSU for years to come and a hefty pay raise. Now think about today, and how reports have surfaced that he was in contact with Michigan regarding the head coaching job last Friday. What a piece of scum he is, assuming these reports are true. I don’t understand how someone can have the spine or nerve to be able to stand up infront of not only his team, but the sports nation and deny something when they are speaking nothing but lies. I don’t understand. I know people do it; I don’t know how they can. Realize that college athletes are held by their teeth to their commitments. They can’t just hop around one school to another at will the way coaches can. The fact that a coach can sign an extension, and then the following week, consider another job and be allowed to take it is absurd. And for those of you who are screaming that Les Miles has a buyout clause for the Michigan job stated in his contract, save your breath. I know what a buyout and opt out clause is, and I know how it works. But don’t sit here and tell me that it is meant for leaving the very next week! IT’S BEEN LESS THAN 10 DAYS SINCE HE SIGNED THE EXTENSION! If he wasn’t sure about staying at LSU and passing on the Michigan job, he shouldn’t have signed the extension! I could go on and on about this and how I think Miles is a complete prick, but I won’t. He’s not worth my breath.

Tom Brady is one bad white boy. I have made it clear all year long that I absolutely hate the New England Patriots. I hate their head coach, and I hate everything about that team. But man, watching Sportscenter made me sit back and laugh because it showed a clip of Tom Brady getting into the endzone after a touchdown pass, standing directly in the face of Anthony Smith, and absolutely going OFF. A Steeler came from behind and shoved him and Brady got in his face too. The refs came to break it up and as Brady was going back to his sideline, he was still nodding his head, pointing, and talking some smack to the Steelers. You can’t ever convince me that Tom Brady is a pretty boy because no pretty boy would get in the face of Steelers when he’s by himself and mouth off like that. I hate Tom Brady a lot less because of the balls he showed Sunday. It was a badass moment, to the say the least.

Power Rankings are NOT pointless. I had a discussion with Colin, who often posts his opinions on this very website. The conversation started when I said, “Man, ESPN isn’t giving any love to Boston (Celtics) in the power rankings.” He has been a Garnett fan for years, and now, naturally is a Boston fan. He responded by saying how the power rankings mean nothing and are pointless. Then, much to my dismay, he text messages me while I was asleep at 12:18am with “Why are the power rankings worthless? Because Orlando lost to the Hawks tonight and the Suns lost to Miami.” After cleaning up the water that I spilled as I fumbled for my blackberry, nearly destroying it, I decided I would respond to him in the morning…which is what I’m doing right now.

The power rankings are not pointless. The whole reason they exist is because people look at teams’ records in various leagues and try to determine which team is the best. An NFL team that is 7-2 may not be better in the opinions of many than a team that is 6-3. We then argue and state reasons why the 6-3 team is better, eventually leading to a discussion about the entire league, which then leads to power rankings. Power rankings are not full proof. They do not mean that a team is now allowed lose a game here and there, especially in the NBA. I’ll talk specifically about the NBA. Yeah, Orlando is ranked ahead of Boston because they’ve played harder teams whereas Boston hasn’t played anyone yet. Okay, the Hawks beat the Magic last night. That will hurt them in the rankings and they will drop slightly. Yeah, the Heat beat the Suns for the first time in 4 years. That doesn’t mean the Heat are suddenly better than the Suns and should be ranked ahead of them in the power rankings. It’s an 82 game season and the power rankings are based on your resume; who have you beaten, who have you lost to, and whose resume is the best looking. It’s similar to college football rankings. So, my point is, power rankings are not pointless. They are there for people to debate, argue, and enjoy. They take a conversation that every sports fan has, and put it on a sports website essentially. At some point, Colin and I were going to talk about who the best teams in the league are anyway. The power rankings that are already posted just give our conversation a starting point. And according to my power rankings for latest arguments and debates, I sit comfortably at the 1 spot while Colin is eating my dust from the 2 spot.

NFL Power Rankings Week 12

NFL Power Rankings Week 11

NFL Power Rankings Week 9

I wanted to write about a number of things that I noticed over the NFL weekend but working 12 hour days at the office kind of takes away time to do so. Now we’re at the midpoint of the week and it’s somewhat irrelevant to go back into what happened over the weekend, especially when we have an enormous matchup approaching with the Pats visiting Indianapolis to settle who’s the real #1 team in the NFL. But before I dive into that matchup with tomorrow’s article, I want to bring up something that really rubbed me the wrong way.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots Have No Class

I’m a diehard Washington Redskins fan; have been, always will be. When I am watching the games, I am like any other fan and am fairly biased. However, there are certain things that I can look back on, with my Redskins jersey and hat off, and view from a neutral standpoint. One of those things being the manner in which Bill Belichick stuck it to the Redskins at the end of the game.

If you have not heard by now, the Patriots were up 38-0 with less than ten minutes to go in the ballgame. They were once again driving down the field, much as they had done all game. The ball was somewhere inside the 10 yard line and they were facing a 4^th down and 1. Again, the score was 38-0. They opted to go for it rather than take the 3 points and kick the field goal. I can understand this. Somewhat of a mercy rule, an unsaid thing in sports. I was anticipating a rushing attempt, and if they pick up the first down, they would continue to just run the ball. The Redskins would know that they are going to continue to run the ball and hopefully stop them, causing a turnover on downs. That’s how things usually work. Rewind a couple of weeks back when the Patriots were at Dallas and the week was highlighted by Wade Phillips popping off about how Belichick’s titles are now tainted and how TO was talking about being the “original 81” and so forth. In THAT particular situation, though unclassy, I can understand the Pats running up the score to send a message to Phillips and other coaches around the league; “If you’re going to verbally take shots at us, be ready to get beat up mercilessly come Sunday.”

I understand that. I don’t mind that.

Back to the Redskins-Pats game. 4^th down and 1 yard to go. On the other sideline is one of the most respected, well-liked, hall of fame coaches in Joe Gibbs. Bill Belichick picks up the first down. That’s fine. 1^st and goal, Bill Belichick goes shotgun. Not fine. Second down, they pass again and get a touchdown. Gibbs looks stunned. Troy Aikman points out, “I don’t know how Joe is going to take this.” Now it should be pointed out that later in the game, with the substitutes in, the Pats again went for fourth down and scored another touchdown making the score 52-0, but I don’t care as much about the second touchdown as I do the first, because the first one was with the starters in and the game without a doubt over.

I don’t understand the reasoning or the mindset that Belichick has to unnecessarily rub Joe Gibbs’ nose in the dirt. People have been saying, “Oh, well if you don’t want them to score more, stop them.” That’s not the point. The point is the game was over and they could have shown some class and respect towards a legendary coach who has done nothing controversial in all his years in the business.

Furthermore, I really wish that Sean Taylor had gone after Tom Brady in retaliation for Belichick’s games and driven the pretty boy quarterback into the dirt and banged him up. I don’t care if he gets the 15 yard penalty or even a 1 game suspension. This is how things were settled in the old days; not through the media. I would have LOVED to see Belichick’s reaction as Brady rolled around in pain because of his coach’s decision to be a hotshot badass. And why did I choose Brady and not Moss or someone else? Because Brady is to blame in this situation as well. He HAS the power to say “No” to Belichick and switch to a run play if he deems appropriate. He has the authority because he is just as valuable to the team’s success and reputation as Belichick is.

The Redskins aren’t going to see the Patriots again and Belichick will continue his classless style in the future. I really hope that it comes back to haunt him later, just like his legacy is already tarnished courtesy of Spygate. I will never write a respectful column or piece about the coach of the Patriots and won’t even refer to him by his name from this point forward. He is below the game of football and he is a disrespectful, arrogant cheater. Go Colts.

NFL Power Rankings Week 8

Everyone has been talking about the Patriots and how they may be one of the greatest teams in NFL history.  Why are we forgetting about the Colts?  I don’t get it.  The Colts defense has improved vastly from last year to the point where they are ranked fifth in the league.  They are making plays from every position.  They are getting sacks, fumbles, interceptions, three and outs.  They are doing everything that the Pats are doing, only against better opponents through seven weeks.

I know their offense isn’t scoring 34+ every game but they don’t really need to the way they are playing.  And lets be real, do we really need to question the Colts ability to put up points in large numbers if they want to?  The style of play the Colts are playing this year is even better than last year.  By having long, time consuming drives, the offense is letting the defense stay rested.  When the defense is coming onto the field, they are fresh, faster, and playing at a much higher intensity level.

I’m not knocking the Pats or what they’ve accomplished thus far but I think its time that the defending world champions get some more respect.

NFL Power Rankings Week 7

I think it is safe to say that we learned quite a few things this past NFL weekend, starting with the Patriots.

Rule #1: Do not talk trash, direct or indirect, to Bill Belichick. He will bring you down, bring you down to Chinatown.

Just ask Dallas head coach Wade Phillips. Phillips thought it’d be a good idea and mouth off, saying that he feels the Patriots championships are tainted because of Spygate. Come Sunday, what did Belichick do with less than 30 seconds left in a 14 point game, 4^th and goal from the Dallas one yard line?

a) Kneel and end the game

b) Throw the ball out of the endzone to get a turnover on downs, and end the game

c) Send in a different package of players, call a running play, score another touchdown and make it a 48-27 game instead of 41-27 and teach Wade Phillips not to talk about your superiors.

The correct answer is “C”

Rule #2: Do not try to be funny and put up a sign referring to one of the most talented wide receivers ever as the “Other 81”.

You know that Tom Brady is his quarterback. You know that Tom Brady makes the big plays in big games. You know that Randy Moss has always SCORCHED the Cowboys. Why would you try to light any unnecessary fire under an already dominant team? Don’t tell me Terrell Owens was trying to add hype to the game like a boxer does. No. He wasn’t. Terrell Owens has an inferiority complex and thinks that Moss is better than him, which he is. He was trying to upstage him while the spotlight was on, and guess what. He got shut up. It was funny how Owens took a cue from his agent Drew Rosenhaus in the postgame interview by answering any Moss questions with “No Comment”. Wasn’t this supposed to be the time where he DID answer the “Other 81” questions?

Here’s a question for you Terrell Owens. What’s 6’4”, 210lbs, doesn’t drop balls that hits him in the hands, and has twice as many touchdowns as you? What.. what’s that? That’s right. It’s the best receiver in the game and his name is RANDY MOSS.

Rule #3: If you cannot win more than one out of your first five games with Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmanzadeh, Rudi Johnson, and Carson Palmer, you should be fired immediately and sent to Tajikistan to herd sheep and goats with a broken ruler.

Rule #4: If you lose to a 43 year old quarterback who was sitting on his couch until Tuesday evening, and practiced for the first time on Wednesday, you should be penalized a first round draft pick, one game, and part of your equipment (preferably your cup, because you obviously don’t need one)

Rule #5: Don’t disrespect the defending Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts by dismissing them while prematurely crowning the Patriots as the best team ever. We’re not even half way there yet and last I checked, the Colts haven’t lost a game either.

Never get tired of this pic.

NFL Power Rankings Week 6

If you disagree with my top ten rankings, tell me who I should replace teams with. This season is filled with the most mediocrity that I’ve seen in years. Enjoy!

My College Football Rankings

There are a few things that I want to set straight for the record before you check out the rankings listed below…

-The matter of LSU jumping USC in the rankings, even though USC won: I have heard a lot of whining from people, especially Skip Bayless, about how that’s “wrong”. He even went as far as to say that the USC win was more impressive than the LSU win. Bayless talked about how the team showed a lot by winning a close game on the road in a tough environment.

…….Okay I just took a deep breath so that I don’t lose it.

First of all, in regards to the “You shouldn’t be jumped in the rankings unless you lose” argument, that is ridiculous. What do you think happens almost EVERY week in the college polls? Team 16 jumps Team 15 because they had a more impressive win. Team 22 jumps Team 20 because they beat a better opponent. This isn’t the NFL! This is a beauty contest. You are judged by who you beat, and by how much you beat them by. We’re not talking about the New England Patriots of a few years back who won all their games by a few points. In college, you are supposed to beat the ranked teams, and you are supposed to annihilate the unranked teams, especially if you’re ranked first in the nation. LSU has defeated tougher opponents than USC has. Simple as that. LSU has defeated #9 Virginia Tech and #12 South Carolina. USC has defeated #14 Nebraska, and teams like Idaho.

The second point that was made was that USC showed they can win in different circumstances and overcome adversity. No. False. Are you trying to tell me that Virginia Tech should have gotten kudos in week one for “overcoming adversity” and beating ECU by a measly 10 points??? Because that’s the same concept. Adversity is when you’re down 24-14 to Florida or someone legitimate, and then you come back and win. Adversity is not defeating Washington when you have the fastest college players on earth and the cream of the crop talent. Beating Washington by three is called sneaking away with a win after a terrible performance, which a number one team shouldn’t have had in the first place.

LSU has the better resume thus far, and in college football, your resume is all that matters. So give me a break. This shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation.

-The next thing I wanted to clear up is a topic that will get me many emails and angry phone calls from friends, but I don’t care because I speak the truth. Scroll down and look at where Virginia Tech is ranked in my poll. Now look where I have Hawaii ranked. That’s right. Ahead of the Hokies. Before you pick up the phone to dial my number, hear me out. Hawaii is averaging over 50 points a game. Let that sink in. They are averaging over 50 points a game now through 5 games.

You: Yeah, I know they are but look who they’ve played.

My response to you is this; who the hell has Virginia Tech played and beaten? Eastern Carolina? University of Ohio? William and Mary? North Carolina? These are the teams Tech has beaten and not convincingly either. So you can shut it about Hawaii’s lack of competition because VaTech’s isn’t that top notch either. Oh wait, they played LSU. Oh.. what’s that? That’s right, they got waxed… and then waxed again.

Now I know Virginia Tech’s defense is solid, but let’s not fool ourselves. It’s not at all as strong as it was last year (even though it should be with that talent). They are giving up way too many yards in the air and if it weren’t for a fumble by the bozo runningback of North Carolina at the Tech 7 yard line, they would have possibly scored 17 points on the Hokies. Now I’ll give Tech credit and say that they wouldn’t let Hawaii drop 50 on them; but they wouldn’t hold them below 24 either. Tech’s defense has given up way too many yards in the air for their standards and Hawaii is the best passing team in the nation, bar none. So say Tech gives up 24 to Hawaii. Are you REALLY that confident that the stagnant and lifeless offense of the Hokies can match 24? They couldn’t do it against UNC last week and I’m sure you thought they’d score at least 30 on them.

Fact of the matter is this. Hawaii has played better, overall, than Virginia Tech has. When the Hokies show some life, starting this week at Clemson, I’ll be the first to bring my Alum-bias into it and jump teams ahead of them. But what’s fair is fair and what’s right is right, so please… spare me the “you’re a fake fan” nonsense just because I’m not delusional. I call it how I see it and Virginia Tech is not a very good football team right now.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, feel free to leave me comments with your thoughts and viewpoints.  Enjoy the rankings.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 3

Lots of movement in the rankings this week, especially in the top ten. Again, I want to point out to the readers that I will not be ranking teams high based on what they did last year. If you are not reaching your potential and losing games, I don’t care if you were a Super Bowl favorite; you’re going to be ranked low. Enjoy!

NFL Power Rankings

Here are my updated power rankings.  The number in parenthesis is where the team was ranked last week.

Example:  Jaguars 20 (17)  means that they were ranked 17th last week, 20th this week.

And before anyone jumps on me and gets mad about how their team is ranked too low or some other team is ranked too high, I’ll tell you this.  I’m not ranking teams solely on how good they were “supposed” to be.  If you lost at home to a team you weren’t supposed to lose to, I don’t care where you were ranked last week;  you will be lower this week.  That being said…  Enjoy.