***************NOTE: The holiday and work threw me off. I will try and get another Rant out either Wednesday (5/30) or Thursday (5/31) night.
Read it, don't read it, I don't care...just needed to get some things off my chest.
In no particular order of chronology or importance...
Deep thoughts: what the HELL did I do with all these thoughts before I started ranting? I have SO much to say tonight...
1) Reality bites. Although playing against an inferior team AND being without one of their version of the Big Three, the Heat regulate in the end. The Pacers let the Heat get out and run instead of slowing them down (you CAN't let them do that, although easier said than done), LeBron and Wade hit their stride and remind us of how badass they really are, and the better team wins. Hey, Pacers, when you had them down 2-1 AND had one more game at your crib, you HAVE to play smart and defend your home court. You then got yourself in a situation where they steal one, then get to go back to THEIR crib, and then go to your place tasting the series win. Too much to ask of yourselves. I like the fight they put up, and maybe this will be a rivalry at some point when the Pacers add another piece and mature a little, but for now, what should have happened...happened. If the Celtics win, we will have a great series with a defensive team loaded with aging, but still potent future HOF's against the team that proclaimed they would win like 7 titles. Not going to be easy. The Heat won't come out and say it, but no WAY they wouldn't rather play the young legs of the Sixers than a few guys with a ring on their finger already.
2) OKC-Spurs. You might even argue that this IS the championship, but let's just enjoy it for what it is-a FANTASTIC matchup that might be a changing of the guard out west. Star-wise, they match up pretty well, and the coaching edge has to go to the Spurs, but I think the three headed monster that is OKC win this one in 6 games. If it DOES go to Game 7, I think the Spurs will take care of business, but I will stick with the Thunder in 6. They will steal the first game before Popovich has time to make adjustments, defend their home court, for both games drop the return trip to San Antonio, and then take them out in front of their insane home fans. Kendrick Perkins HAS to stay out of foul trouble, Westbrook HAS to keep his cool, and James Harden will become a household name after this as I love the match up problems the Spurs will have guarding him. My only note is that this is interesting because this will be the first series where Russell Westbrook will actually also have to play some great defense in addition to his usual stout offense. As good as these teams are, and as passionate as the local folks are, David Stern is not sleeping well these days.
3) The grass is green, the sky is blue, and Tiger says "he is getting close." Close to WHAT, bro? I am your biggest fan, but showing "signs" does nothing for me. At this point, experience or not, there is NO WAY you are taking down the tight fairways and thick grass of the US Open with your loose swing and bad putting, so you might as well book a trip overseas NOW and start practicing for the British, the one I think you CAN win at this point.
4) It doesn't seem that long ago that we were thinking Kellen Winslow was the next coming of some combination of his dad, Shannon Sharpe, and Antonio Gates. Now, the Bucs don't even want him. They traded him. Oh, and unless you live in a bubble and play Trivia Pursuit, you know that the Bucs sucked last year and are merely considered "dangerous" for this year. Not a good sign that they didn't want you, bro. It is probably confusing to outside teams who look at him and wonder how he is NOT a badass.
5) Manny Pacquiao fights pretty soon, and brings us boxing fans another depression bout that him and Mayweather can't find a way to make the fight happen. Side note. Check out this commercial if you haven't seen it. It seems like a serious training commercial that we find out in the end is for what? Hennessy. Confused. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rey7qsLtE8
6) I am not saying that concussions aren't a serious issue in the NFL. I am not saying that options shouldn't be looked at to curb them. I am not saying that I want people to continue to get hurt as players get faster and stronger generation by generation. What I AM saying is that I also don't want the game's fluidity affected by any measures taken. I get the knee pads and leg pads by 2013 thing. But does anyone else wonder if players are eventually going to end up looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man at some point with all the gear they are wearing? Come on. It is a dangerous game, these deaths that might have stemmed from past concussions suck, but more padding is not the answer. The answer is just to be more aware and have players play smart when they hit people.
6a) Speaking of the Stay Puft fellow, I think I am at my quota for watching Ghostbusters, and by that I mean that it is about time for me to take in a viewing. I have the itch. What a freaking GREAT movie? Sometimes when someone asks me my name, I say the "key master," and see if they play along and introduce themselves as the "gate keeper."
7) So there technically was no NFL cap last year because of the new contract between the players and owners. Then, Dallas and Washington get busted for "cap violations" with steep penalties. So, they got busted on violations on something that doesn't exist? Someone grab me a flow chart.
8) Tie score in the Devils/ Rangers game I have in the background. Hmmm. Tied up, less than 10 minutes left in the playoffs, with both teams suddenly playing conservative. Let's see which goes longer. This blog, or the impending overtimes I see coming from a mile away.
9) Knicks fans should be happy. So, Phil Jackson didn't come back to his playing days team and add to his legend. I like the Mike Woodson deal. From what I know about him, and more importantly what I saw on the court defensively after he took over, I think it is a great signing. If him and Melo were crossing, we would have known it by now, so you have better defense, a happy superstar, and one or two good free agent signings from being a pretty talented squad.
10) McNamee keeps old waste stuff because he was keeping his wife' nagging at bay. Today, we find out that Clemens DNA was indeed on some of that kept waste. Does ANYONE want me to keep going with this hook or are we ALL tired of the whole thing? Thought so. Moving on.
11) GOOD idea. Let's INDEED play the Cincy/ Xavier basketball game at a neutral site. It's not just about last year's on court brawl. That was just the kicker. I have never really been in the know TOO much about the inner-workings of this rivalry, but evidently it is pretty damn scary. Call it the Golden Eagle version of Duke-UNC (I say that because the Golden Eagle gets no pub because of the freaking Bald Eagle). Here is a taste: http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3763024
12) Let me run this by you. Heat player Mike Miller loses his shoe. He ends up guarding one of the fastest players in the league, Leandro Barbosa, on the other end. Barbosa decides to do what? He pulls up for a three. Ummmm. No thoughts whatsoever about trying to drive on the guy with the shoe? You are not exactly splitting the atom over there, buddy.
13) The Heat can bitch all they want about missing Haslem and Pittman in their last game against the Pacers. They can say that the guy who was getting the back of his player gets busted wrongly. Whatever. Watch how it happened again. The Hansborough foul was hard, but an attempt on the ball WAS made, and the ball just happened to be on the other side of his head, making it look worse than it was. Haslem's had NO attempt on the ball, and was obviously retaliatory. The Pittman foul was just plain stupid. I at least understand the Haslem foul as far as rationale. Someone during trash time throwing elbows at their bench sitting counterpart is just ridiculous. I agree with the penalties.
14) Dammit. John Malkovich is the next contestant on the talking phone commercials. I love that guy, those phones scare me, and I was hoping for someone irritating like Oprah Winfrey or something so I could kill two birds at once and hate both things going on on the screen.
15) Does Dwayne Wade even KNOW he is only 6'4"? Dude plays like he is 6'7" all the time. It is amazing what he turns out game in and game out at his height. It kind of reminds me of Sir Charles Barkley, who played his entire 6'5" career like a 6'11" dude.
16) I think Metta World Peace will eventually do SOMETHING on the mic that might overtake Iverson's "practice" rant. It will have to be monumental, but if there is someone out there with a shot, it is Metta. In about 30 seconds in a post game interview after their loss, he was able to cover all this ground:
-we are the best team in the NBA
-we would have beaten them fairly easy
-I am not talking about myself
-my coach is a fat-ass
-said "so stunning" several times in an odd tone
17) In case you had money on it, here is an update on the Finger Wrestling World Championships. By the way, are these the punks the tough Paper, Rock, Scissor Championships make fun of? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/22/alpine-finger-wrestling-_n_1535756.html
18) I am from New Jersey. Sometimes we get crap for things when we don't deserve it. Other times, someone from Jersey does something that...well...is just very Jersey. Well, in this case, it is the top of the political food chain. The governor comes out and dares anyone to stop them from betting on sports even though it is against the rules. You are talking in fancy language in a public forum that is keeping our proud heritage strong. Sweet.
18a) I actually got out of a fight using a Jerseyism one time. I was on a work trip in Sacramento and was making a late night 7-11 run in a part of town that I probably shouldn't have been walking around solo. I was on the phone, and was approached by three dudes, who resonated of wanting my well-being and/ or wallet. I told the three dudes to wait a second, told the person on the phone calmly to hang on, set down the phone, and literally went crazy yelling at all three dudes, telling them that if they didn't walk down that street quietly (pointing), I was going to go "Jersey" on them . It worked amazingly, and I ended up good to go. I shouldn't make it a habit, and I am not a small dude, but luck was my lady that night.
19) Hey, Jerry Sloan, unless you know something we don't, go look at the Magic job...NOT the Bobcats job. More talent, closer to being "there," and just a better situation overall. Plus, do you REALLY want to be Michael Jordan's bitch MORE than you already were when he was playing in the 90's?
20) Devils win, as this blog correctly called. Kings already won, also called by this rant. So, I suppose I have to pick the winner of the Cup. Although I will be rooting for the Kings and it is a great story, I see too much depth on the Devils. Plus, Kovalchuk is the added offensive piece to the Devils that makes them solid all around. Take the experience, the goaltending, the coach, and I see the Devils in 6 games.
21) Speaking of hockey, this guy needs to work on his championship celebration, or just stop winning things. http://larrybrownsports.com/hockey/semyon-varlamov-falls-with-russia-iihf-championship-trophy/136864
22) I am glad there wasn't a huge media circus countdown to Albert Pujols's 450th homer...because it would have taken FOREVER. Congrats, I guess, Albert.
23) A big deal was made about Federer being on the same side of the bracket as Djokovic in the French Open. I don't see why. Forget the rankings. Sure, Djokovic is #1 and maybe it would be more fair to have Federer on Nadal's side. I say no. This tournament might be freaking NAMED the Nadal Open in ten years because of his dominance. I like where everyone is at.
24) Angels pitcher Dan Haren fans 14 in a win against the Mariners. So. Basically, he showed us for one game what all the hype was about years ago when he was the top upcoming prospect in years.
25) Did anyone else see Mets manager Bobby Valentine try to call the bullpen, but then couldn't get the cover of the phone off. Bobby, you just had to turn that big knob down. Glad you have assistant coaches.
26) If I was a betting person, I would say that there might be 14 people in the world more excited than me about the upcoming Rock of Ages movie. Stars, glam rock, and I can stop watching Rock Star as much to bring back those days. Yay.
27) Dwight Howard told TMZ that he had no part in the firing of coach Stan Van Gundy. Did anyone else stop at the acronym TMZ, and wonder if there was any truth in any part of the sentence after?
28) Miami has declared they are "committed" to the ACC. In this age of conference switching and realignments, I feel this has as much truth as when George said he liked Susan in Seinfeld. If I was the ACC, I wouldn't accept any wedding invitation boxes from Miami.
29) The Indy 500 is this weekend I believe. My hook is...just kidding. I don't know shit about it, won't bore you, have other things to get to, and don't care now that Danica isn't racing in it.
30) I have a bone to pick with ESPN News. You, ESPN News, are DESIGNED to have a place where I can ALWAYS get updates. I can count on you for just constant sport news. Tonight, you pissed me off. Home from the gym. No NBA game. The hockey game was at intermission. I flip to you, and what do you do? You go to women's softball, which was ALREADY being shown on your main channel mind you, for an "extended live look in." I had to watch a 2.5 Men repeat. Don't pull that shit on me. Ever. I will go Jersey on your ass.
31) Did you see Brad Richards "try to clear," but actually shot on goal...IN A PLAYOFF GAME? http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2012/05/24/watch-brad-richards-get-robbed-of-a-goal-by-henrik-lundqvist/
32) I like the move of the NFL to push back the trade deadline. The sport is violent, injuries happen, and teams need more time in that sport more than any other to address any issues that arise for the playoff run. That being said, the irony of this hook is that NFL trades RARELY happen anymore, so maybe this is kind of like that whole tree/ forest/ sound thing.
33) Andrew Bynum has told the media that he will "play anywhere." I think we should confuse this moron and ask if he would play in (big city that has no NBA team), just to see if we can trick him.
34) A couple other NBA notes:
-Celtics Avery Bradley really hurts the Celtics chances against the Heat should they advance. If you don't know who he is, he is the guy who left college one year early from Texas, has come into his own as a great defender, and would be the player guarding Dwayne Wade. That is hard enough anyway.
-sad to hear about the gunshots fired after the OKC game the other night, with 8 people getting hurt
-Sixers youngster Evan Turner going to the hoop up by a few with :19 on the shot clock with 2:19 left in the game was beyond befuddling.
-I seriously think I could watch from start to finish a Bobcats/ Wizards game with Hubie Brown announcing. Seriously. That would have to be tough, but Hubie would make it bearable.
-I almost lost my shit and rolled off the couch when the OKC/ Spurs matchup was official, and the first thing Charles Barkley said was "yes! we have TWO riverwalks."
-why was Kobe out of the game, no foul trouble, in the beginning of the 4th quarter with the Lakers only down 6?
-Durant guarding Kobe for short spurts late in the series' games was genius, and kind of symbolic. The whole passing of the torch cliche.
-Love him or hate him (I just respect him, but for some reason hate him too), Kobe was ALL class after the loss, going up and hugging every player from the Thunder. Classy. Take some notes, LeBron. Leaving the court immediately is not good on our eyes.
-You have the Big Three in Boston in Garnett, Allen, and Pierce. Shit, I guess it almost HAS to be the Big FOUR now with Rondo. Anyway, the player on that team that I think is the key to them making a run is who? Brandon Bass. GREAT pickup, and a solid, hard working player.
-Talk about a QUICK turnaround. Shaq gets pub for looking into the GM job in Orlando. Don't get excited. It is already done. He is not doing it. The story evidently wanted to beat out Jeremy Lin as quickest big story in the sports world this year.
-I KNOW. I am a huge fan of Iverson. BUT. I would give about 5% credit to Iverson for there even BEING a Game 7 in that series. He truly is loved there for almost delivering pretty much single handedly a ring, and he IGNITED that crowd before the game. The "practice" sign by the fan was also pretty damn funny
35) Wow. This is kind of fun ranting on a non school night. I normally would have to wrap things up, but realize that I don't have to be at work tomorrow. It kind of indicates that I don't have killer plans for the first night of a long weekend, but you can draw your own conclusions. Perfect night in my opinion. Blog, and then go to my watering hole down the street and play Golden Tee. Let's keep moving. Some dudes go to strip clubs when their chick is out of town. I go play Golden Tee. I live on the edge.
36) I don't go out on school nights. I have a routine. Van Halen was in town though last night. Considering I literally grew up with them as my band, I would feel like I was cheating on them if I didn't go. I have seen all three singers (yes, I was 7th row for the Gary Cherone tour. True.), but I got a nosebleed seat and rolled there solo. I didn't NEED to be close. I could hear the broken segments in Roth's voice from where I was. Dude, shut it down. You showed glimpses of that incredible voice that did Running With the Devil, your Hot for Teacher was ok, the others' solo rocked (LOVE Van Halen's kid Wolfgang), you can still spin the mic like no one else, but overall? Subpar. That being said, if you haven't had the treat of ever hearing Eddie doing "Cathedral," you should check it out. Crazy sounding, soothing, methodical guitar solo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2WRGVJLZu0
37) I am listening to Rihanna's new "dirty" song right now. It kind of makes me all warm and fuzzy. Yes, I just said I was listening to Rihanna. I am secure in my manhood. She is HOT.
38) If I told you that a man got a DUI with a zebra in the backseat, would you go to the link? I am seriously asking. You would think about it? Ok. I will take that as an answer. Here you go: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/25/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-legallyweird-idUS301471054420120525
39) Dibs to the UCONN hockey team. They made a video showing player interviews, etc. of how they don't care if you are gay or not. They want you on their team. Proactive, and a great message.
40) OK. This story is about a player on the Rant Team. Ochocinco. The story is how sad he is that someone jacked his Starbucks gold card. I was laughing at the story, thinking about how he just shut up once again, and then I read the fine print. HOW did he get his wallet back? One of his FOLLOWERS' mom found it in the trashcan. Great. Just what THAT guy needs. ANOTHER reason to keep on tweeting.
41) Love him or hate him, LeBron is on the all-defensive team again, AND the leading vote-getter. Dude might have TV specials where it is not needed about where he is taking his talents and diss his home town to team up with other competitors, but he DOES lock and load on both ends of the floor. Dibs.
42) Hakeem Nicks is going to be out about 12 weeks with a broken bone in his foot. Sure, he will be missed in the Giants lineup if he can't make that tight deadline, but don't the Giants just lose until mid October anyway, and then put their foot on the gas and win shit and stuff?
43) You get a confirmation number for something. You call someone to discuss your airline reservation or whatever. Record yourself. I think it is funny the words that people say to elaborate on which letter it is. Today, I had to book a work airline reservation (yay, Cleveland can suck, but maybe the Indians play at home the night I am there AND I finally get to see the Rock and Roll HOF) and I was saying my confirmation code. I think I said "x as in xylophone and q for quantity." As I always say, the smallest things intrigue me.
44) NUTS that a guy caught two straight home runs in a Reds game. He caught the second with his "free hand."
45) I crack myself up. I just put in Van Halen's CD with Gary Cherone for blogging background. It sucks. I already took it out. THAT was faster than the Shaq GM story. Take THAT and rewind it back.
46) Meet Dave Pelz. Dave likes golf. I like golf also. I very much like Dave's backyard. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304840904577426631826328346.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#slide/1
47) Chicago Bears' WR Johnny Knox will most likely miss the 2012 season due to injury. DAMN. There goes my 6th wide receiver pick in fantasy.
48) Damn again. I thought I would make it through a rant without a 2nd string QB from the Jets reference. The apocalypse is upon us. Kids are Tebowing getting their diploma. http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2012/05/25/Teen-punished-for-Tebowing-at-graduation/UPI-95501337965041/
(Yes. Number is missing. I nixed it when I put my "editor" hat on.)
50) I will bet on that the NFL season will start on time. I will bet on the fact that there will be another big UFC fight in the next 5 weeks, and I will bet that Pau Gasol is traded in this offseason. Just talking here, but Philly looks PERFECT for a destination.
51) Sad to hear this is Kim Clijsters farewell tour. You are a fantastic tennis player, I have been rooting for you in your latest comeback, and I wish you well after the US Open. For the people like me who LOVE watching great tennis, you certainly fit the bill every time you went out.
52) Was that Corona Light commercial made about me? The second one even uses my first name? You know the one. Work, gym, eat, bar, sleep, or whatever the order is. Then, the guy has a Corona Light and has fun.
53) EURO 2012 prediction. Give me Netherlands over Spain in the final (kind of tough until after group play is done and the brackets are out). The upset of the bracket play will be France over Germany in the quarters. I think the Netherlands will solve Spain's short passing game, and I think that David Villa's injury doesn't allow them to finish the deal.
54) Everyone in the entire world should watch the good samaritan Liberty Mutual commercials and the movie Crash. This world would be better for it. I think I have said this before, but the movie is worth it. SO moving.
55) That is it. Golden Tee time. I should have one or two free games after my stellar 18 under last Sunday and #1 national ranking that game. As one shepherd said to the other, I am going to get the flock out of here. Monday is Memorial Day, so look for a Rant Tuesday evening. Peace.
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