The Sports Rumors

Upcoming Stuff

How’s it going people.  Happy Friday to everyone.  I’ve been in meetings all day so I have not gotten a chance to post anything new today… but don’t worry.  I will have my full week 2 NFL picks coming up later today as well as the 5 games I will pick versus the spread.

Games I’ll be picking against the spread:

Indianapolis (-7.0) @ Tennessee

Green Bay @ New York Giants (-1.0)

Minnesota @ Detroit (-3.0)

San Diego @ New England (-3.5)

Washington @ Philadelphia (-7.0)

Check back later this evening.

Plan For the Season

Over the past few months, I’ve been fathoming in anticipation for the kickoff of the 2007 NFL Season. I couldn’t wait to be able to make my weekly picks and have my own analysis. Well the time is finally here and I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to think what kind of format I’ll be using for the whole season. I’ve gotten a lot of suggestions and pointers from people, and I will combine all of that and try to come up with the most entertaining football coverage as possible. Of course this is my first year doing this on a website so nothing is concrete. Hopefully, this site gains more and more momentum and by next year, I’ll have a set in stone format of how to cover each sport. Here’s what I’m thinking right now

For the NFL:

-Weekly Power Rankings 1-32 with reasoning for each

-Weekly picks outright

-Weekly picks and analysis in relation to the Vegas spread

-Fantasy Ballers and Busts for each week

For college football:

-Weekly Power Rankings with reasoning for each

-Top 3 Games to Watch

-Three Can’t Miss Bets

In addition to this, I’m going to release my predictions for every conference winner in college football as well as every division winner in the NFL. For the NFL, I’ll also give you my little bracket with who I think will make the playoffs and advance to the Super Bowl.

Again, this is the first year doing this so I have a lot of ideas and such floating around. Through your feedback, I’ll be able to know what it is that you like and what it is that you don’t like.

That being said… lets get this week started with the NFL. I’ve put below my first game breakdown, Saints-Colts. Broke down the offense and defense and told you who is going to win and who is going to cover/not cover the spread. I’ll have the same analysis for 4 other games that will take place Sunday/Monday. I’m going to hold off on releasing those other 4 until Friday, so that I have a full scope of who’s injured, etc. and so that my analysis is more accurate. For now, I have also listed the outright winner for each game (Red is an upset pick).

Enjoy.

Welcome…

Just wanted to welcome all my blog readers from before and new visitors. This site is going to contain:

• Daily columns on relevant sports topics
• Pictures from across the sports world
• Videos relating to sports or comedy
• …And much more as the days go by…

Hope you enjoy!

Whats Happening

There isn’t ANYTHING, anything going on in sports right now. Like, absolutely nothing. So hopefully this entertains you for a bit. Just a little blog about my trip from D.C. to Puerto Rico so far. Enjoy!

Saturday, July 28th. Washington D.C.

5:05PM: So I understand how the computer check in was a good idea on paper. Sure, people will come in, don’t have to deal with snotty airline people, and can enter their info and grab their boarding pass, move along. But the creator of it failed to realize how dumb people are. I, honestly, saw people take about 10-15 seconds deciding how to press “English” for the language of choice. So it took me about 45 minutes just to check in.

Then there’s like, the pretty much strip search area where I had to take out my keys, my belt, my blackberry, my necklace, my shoes, both of my laptops, and my boxers. Well, not the boxers, but might as well have. I know that it’s important to check but Jesus, there has to be a better way.

5:50PM: Yeah, so the flight is delayed. Go figure. I just bought a Sports Illustrated for $6.50! Thats a hell of a markup.

6:05PM: Finally boarding now.

6:37PM: Okay so I have the aisle seat as requested, and some weird lady got the window. No one has claimed the middle one yet. I am praying no one else comes in and takes it because I need my leg room.

6:45PM: Plane just took off a few minutes ago. Everyone is speaking Spanish pretty much. And great, there are 3 damn babies within a 6 row radius of me. This is going to be a very long four hours.

6:58PM: So I miraculously fell asleep for a few minutes and some asshole girl dropped her bag on my head from the overhead compartment. Then she looked at me as I stared at her half asleep and angrily, giggled like a jackass and didn’t say sorry and sat back down. I was about to have a Ben Stiller-in-Meet the Parents meltdown because as this happened, the babies started crying… almost simultaneously. Only 20 minutes into the flight. Damnit.

7:15PM: Weird window seat lady keeps looking at me.

7:17PM: Weird window seat lady just asked to read my Sports Illustrated magazine. I said ok.

7:20PM: Weird window seat lady is done with my magazine. I don’t know why she asked for it. Idiot. It’s called SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. If you don’t like sports, you’re not going to like the magazine. Anyway, some Sandra Bullock movie is on called “Premonition”. It’s kind of weird.

7:53PM: This movie isn’t that bad. It’s about Sandra Bullock being able to see what’s going to happen and then trying to fix it before it does. Okay describing it sounds bad but when you are surrounded by three babies, a weird window seat lady, and protecting your skull from dropping bags, the movie is helpful.

10:30PM: Just landed.

11:45PM: At Marriott now. Furious. My blackberry, 3 weeks old, is giving me a “Device Error 348″. So much for this World Edition piece of sh*t. I’ll deal with this in the morning. Haha funny story. I was so ready to get off the plane when we landed that as soon as we stopped, I did what people usually do: stand up as quickly as possible to get their bags as if its a race. Anyway, I was getting my bag out, and it was crammed behind lord knows how much crap. So I grab my bag and I’m pulling it out and I don’t even realize but there is a black cane infront, like a walking stick or whatever. So my bag comes out but so does the cane and it falls on this old lady’s head infront of me! By old, I’m talking at least 85 years old. She grabbed her head and stared back at me with the angriest face saying stuff in Spanish. I was like “I’m so sorry, i’m sorry, i’m sorry, are you okay? i’m sorry” but i don’t think she was listening. She kept saying stuff to me in Spanish. So I’m standing there with the angry glares of a bunch of Puerto Ricans, as if I did it on purpose. I could almost hear their mental thoughts saying “How could you do that?! You hit an old lady on the head with her own cane! You animal!” So standing there waiting for the freaking doors to open was the most awkward, longest 3 or 4 minutes of my life. I was sure I was going to get mobbed by angry Puerto Ricans but luckily I didn’t.

1:00AM: Just finished watching the Barry Bonds game on ESPN. Thank god i have ESPN and all the American channels here. Barry obviously didn’t hit a homerun but at least the game was entertaining. I’m going to bed. Hope tomorrow is better.

Sunday, July 29th. San Juan, Puerto Rico

11:30AM: I figured out how to fix my blackberry. It was some data problem. I feel like I am whole again. It’s sick how addicted and dependent I am to my blackberry. I’m going to shower now and then go find something to eat, walk around town. I got nothing to write about right now on sports because there is nothing going on. Tour de France is something that ends later today, but there is no way I’m writing on that. Oh, well, Eddy Curry got robbed at gunpoint at his house. I doubt the robbers found anything other than stashes of donuts. Anyway, I’ll check back with you people later.

(HAHAHA I can’t believe I found this pic. Well, she looked like this, but angrier!)

For now…

Whats up people. I have to pack and then go to the airport, so I won’t have anything posted till later tonight or tomorrow morning. But when I do, it will be a lot of stuff and worthwhile but for now, I figured I’d link you to a few things. Before you go clicking away, quick note on Vick. One of the co-defendants is going to enter a plea bargain. The guy, something Taylor, had a falling out with Vick about three years ago. That’s not good news for Vick or Vick fans. Taylor is going to be singing like no other. Anyway, enjoy the links. Check back soon for articles.

Lindsay Lohan signed by Bengals…
http://www.epiccarnival.com/2007/07/lohan-set-to-join-bengals-with-record.html

Beckham is really rocking the MLS…
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/07/27/bc.soc.galaxy.beckham.ap/index.html

Stay away from this cat…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/07/26/wcat126.xml

Bob Costas owns Barry Bonds…
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/07/26/bc.bbo.bonds.costas.ap/index.html

(Stay away from this cat)

Since today is boring…

Since there isn’t that much stuff going on today in sports, and because I had quite a bit of work to do at the office and couldn’t make time to do research for my NFL previews, I have decided to post a chat I had with a friend today over instant messenger. I found it amusing and instead of posting nothing, I figured this could amuse you all for a few minutes too. It’s long but funny and face it, it’s not like you got much else to do anyway. Enjoy.

(Preface: My friend is barbaric. Imagine speaking to a caveman)

Me: who’s your favorite sports player ever

Me: just out of curiosity

Me: I’ve always wondered

Me: well not always

Friend: any sport?

Me: but .. recently

Me: yeah

Friend: either Ruth or DiMaggio

Friend: probably DiMaggio

Friend: sweet player, tragic figure

Me: is Emmitt your favorite football player?

Friend: yeah

Me: coach?

Friend: jimmah (Jimmy Johnson)

Me: favorite college player

Me: ever?

Friend: #3 (Bryan Randall)

Me: team other than Virginia Tech

Friend: utenn

Me: favorite color

Friend: haha what is this?

Friend: maroon

Me: favorite season?

Me: don’t be gay and say football

Friend: wabbit season

Me: seriously man

Me: what’s your f**king favorite season!

Friend: winter

Me: favorite daytime activity

Friend: I lift weights

Friend: what is this seriously?

Me: nothing I’m just trying to get to know u better

Me: what’s your favorite type of food?

Me: meaning Italian, Japanese, Chinese, American etc

Friend: I don’t really have a favorite food

Me: really?

Friend: yeah

Me: so which would u prefer though if u had to choose?

Me: like

Me: if I say (Friend) lets go grub, you call the place

Friend: I don’t really like to eat out

Me: ok when u eat at home

Me: what do u eat?

Friend: I mean I like wings and whatnot but I don’t like to eat out all that much

Friend: umm

Friend: varies. I eat a lot of chicken, potatoes, and peanut butter sandwiches

Me: ok so American then

Me: pretty much

Friend: I guess

Friend: I put a lot of spice on stuff though

Me: haha that’s my boy

Me: so what kind of traits do u look for in your partner? Appearance wise

Me: brown hair blonde hair what

Friend: haha man (other friend’s) mom was asking me these questions

Me: hahahahahahah

Me: dude just tell me!

Friend: I like redheads

Friend: not gingers though

Me: what’s a ginger

Friend: red hair, copious freckles, super pale skin

Me: ew

Me: ok so just say yes or no if it’s a turn-on or not

Me: tongue ring

Friend: not really

Me: nightlife enthusiast

Me: (clubs etc)

Friend: in the past yes. rethinking sh*t now though

Me: great dancer

Friend: yeah, like I dance

Friend: false

Me: Asian

Friend: no aZnZ

Friend: ugh

Me: haha

Me: black

Me: ?

Me: honestly

Me: that’s a yes for you

Friend: well

Me: Latino?

Friend: caveat, they can’t be ghetto or whatnot

Me: yeah

Me: Persian

Friend: don’t see why not

Me: Euro?

Friend: meh

Me: Caucasian (American white)

Me: obviously yes for you.

Friend: depends where from

Me: do u like shy and quiet or outgoing and energetic

Friend: when I dated, I dated both types

Me: ok. Which do u prefer?

Friend: probably more outgoing

Me: ok

Me: and what time in the day is best to contact you?

Friend: MAN

Friend: WHAT ARE YOU DOING

Me: nothing man just liberalizing u

Friend: DO NOT SIGN ME UP FOR ONLINE DATING

Me: u now have a profile for AdultFriendFinder.com

Me: under gays

Friend: YOU F–KING GUY

Me: WHAT MAN

Friend: I WILL BREAK YOUR FACE

Me: JUST SEE HOW IT GOES

Me: MAYBE A DUDE WILL COME ALONG AND YOU’LL FANCY HIM!

Friend: man omg

Me: just give it some time

Me: see what kind of people contact u

Me: HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA

Friend: MAN GROSS

Me: HAHAHAHHAHAHA

Yeah we haven’t really grown up yet.

In Response to Questions…

Had some really good questions yesterday regarding the soccer column as well as a lot of feedback on the Bonds’ piece. Keep sending me your questions and comments people and I’ll make sure they are responded to.

Colin’s response to soccer related questions…

Three questions regarding the following:

“For reasons I still don’t understand, Bradley decided to ok a roster that was largely young and inexperienced. Why? The MLS felt that if too many ’star’ players were called away for a few weeks then the quality of the league would significantly drop, Hence allowing several of the well known players for the team, including Landon Donovan, to remain with their respective clubs.”

(1) I ask out of ignorance, but how much power does Bradley have in this regard? Can Bradley put his foot down and insist on getting the top tier players? If he does so, does he damage his relationship with MSL?
Although Bradley used to coach in the MLS, he technically no longer has ties or a “relationship” to uphold with them. His duties are to the governing body, the US Soccer Federation, who in turn also regulates the MLS. While I also am not completely familiar with the ins and outs of national team selection, I would assume any appeals he would have in terms of the squad he is picking would go to the USSF, not to the MLS. Technically he should have final say in the squad he chooses, although usually coaches will make exceptions depending on the actual competition and the location of players (ala Bradley wouldn’t expect anyone playing in Europe right now to come back for meaningless friendly or even for the ongoing Copa America tournament, although he should). In my opinion though, the way we get the international scene interested in US soccer, and in turn the MLS, starts with the National Team. So if we go 0-3 on a big stage because we field a young, inexperienced team, it could reflect poorly on the quality of US Soccer in general. The players are at Bradley’s disposal, and it is up to him to put in the necessary effort to assure the best players are representing us at all times.

(2) Should MLS change its schedule to account for the international competitions?
I’ve always thought the MLS was on an awkward schedule. The well known leagues in Europe run from August-May (only a 10 week offseason), while the MLS runs only from April-November (over 4 months off). International competitions, such as World Cup Qualifying, tournaments like Copa America, and friendlies run year round. However, while the majority of the world was on break from their respective domestic league play, the MLS was in full stride during the world cup. Did anyone pay attention? I would assume not, with the greatest tournament every four years being played concurrently. Not only did the quality of play in the MLS suffer, so did the fan base, at least for that month. In my opinion it would fare well for the MLS to try to adopt the European league schedule; it seems to be working just fine for them.

(3) If Beckham is still on England’s team after he arrives here, is it possible that Beckham will cause some changes in MLS’s attitude toward international competitions?
Well, Beckham should remain on the team, being as he was recalled only recently, and will be introduced in LA in only 2 days. Steve McClaren, coach of the England National Team, tried his luck by not only relieving Beckham of his duties as a captain, but also failing to call him up for several world cup qualifiers. Beckham was left out of a friendly against Greece in August 2006, and it wasn’t until a friendly against Brasil on June 1st of this year that he was called up again. Because of the team’s struggle to earn results, McClaren was adamant about bringing him back, and is adamant about calling him up for every national team competition now as well, even if it is only a friendly. The MLS has no set rules nor very expressed opinions about international competitions (they’ve never held Jaime Moreno back from playing for Bolivia, nor Stern John for Trinidad and Tobago, etc) but it is supposed to be a given that international obligations trump those of domestic league play. Alexi Lalas, current President and GM of the LA Galaxy, has said ” He has a responsibility on and off the field to our organization and our sport and he recognizes that,” and that he doesn’t “want to stand in the way of a player representing his country but they have to be the appropriate games.” However, under FIFA regulations, no club can prevent a player from representing his country, even if just for a friendly. It will definitely be interesting to see if the the small feud between Lalas and McClaren grows into something bigger over Becks in the coming months.

Screw Work, Read This

Good Monday Morning to you people. So after some thought and consideration, I have decided to launch a new segment on this blog which you all will hopefully enjoy. I have a friend who played soccer at the collegiate level, passed on the MLS draft and began playing in Europe. We both usually have lengthy talks/debates on various sports topics and it’s good because he brings a perspective of a professional athlete, and I bring the perspective of an enthused fan. The different viewpoints often lead to us both looking at things a little bit differently. That being said, the new segment will happen every week, or maybe bi weekly (depending on the feedback I get from you all). We will talk about the latest, most relevant sports topics over instant messenger. After we’re done talking/debating/fighting/threatening each other’s lives, I will post the conversation on the site for you all to read. Hopefully it’s a hit with the people.

Today will be a little different. He wrote me a little blog on the state of U.S. Soccer and I will post that first. Then I’ll post my opinion on why American’s don’t pay attention to soccer at all, for the most part. That being said, lets move along.

TO MY PEOPLE

What is going on everyone. Wow, I have gotten some not so happy emails about the lack of updating on my site. Thats very humbling and I’m actually happy that I know for a fact that you all are checking in regularly. I have been rocked at my office with work and this week was pretty slow compared to the past few when it comes to sports. But no worries, I’m going to flood you all with plenty of reading material so you can accomplish nothing at your school, office, or wherever you may be next week.

Quick Preview of What’s to Come:

1) MLB All Star game review with my opinion on Barry Bonds and the record

2) NBA Free agency signings and who’s left out there

3) Federer vs. Nadal again. Need I say more.

4) My feelings on the state of USA Soccer as well as the rest of the world(YES.. I said soccer. I have some people who want to read about it and I’m a man of the people, so I have to accommodate. Austin from UK, I got you this week, no worries)

5) Preview of NFL Training Camps, Preseason, Etc.

P.S.
I have a new segment that I’m going to launch early to mid next week and I guarantee you’ll love it. Definitely look out for that.

And of course if there is any major breaking news regarding any sport, I’ll put my 2 cents on it here in addition to reporting it before others. Thanks for your feedback people and keep it coming.

(Damn. That sucks.)

Upcoming Stuff

What’s up everyone. Sorry there hasn’t been a new post in a couple of days but I was out of town and there really wasn’t much going on anyway. No worries though, I am working on a column for later today on what I think about Vince Carter’s new deal with the Nets, the latest on current free agents including my ranking of each, the situation going on in Charlotte in regards to the trade for Jason Richardson, and a few other stories. Meanwhile, let me start your Monday off with a quick update of what went on over the weekend in sports:

Headlines:

-Vince Carter resigns with the Nets

-Mariners’ Manager Hargrove resigns

-Barry Bonds Makes All Star Team as Starter

-Lakes resign Luke Walton

-Jason Kapono inks deal with Raptors

(What a terrible weekend for sports. I mean come on, when Luke Walton and Jason Kapono make news with their deals, it’s not a good thing.)

Check back later today for the feature column!

(Never get tired of this picture or the cameraman’s face)