NFL.com is Unaware of Chris Chambers’ Whereabouts
The league’s website appears to be a little slow in reacting to the Chargers’ acquisition of Chris Chambers. The image above is part of the Dolphins current depth chart.
Archive for October, 2007
Josh Portis Shares His Widsom
Oct 25th 2007ericjhoroCollege Football
There’s only one thing to do when you lose your college football eligibility for cheating on a pop quiz—go talk to 5th graders about it. Maryland quarterback Josh Portis is currently touring elementary schools across the state, warning kids about the difficulties of college life.
“I was just telling the kids you have to work hard every day in the classroom,” he said. “Life is going to be challenging. Unfortunately I made a mistake. Try not to make the same mistake I made.”
Portis went on to tell the kids that his specific mistake was cheating off the person next to him, and that if they’re ever unprepared for a pop quiz the right thing to do is fake an illness or cheat off multiple people in the room. The most important thing to remember, he told them, is that if you get caught it’s not possible to get out of being suspended by bribing Ralph Friedgen with donuts. He always has a cabinet full of them.
Somebody Get the Idaho Statesman a Phone
Oct 25th 2007ericjhoroNBA & Media
This week’s “Lazy Journalism Award” goes to the Idaho Statesman for their reporting on Coby Karl’s bid to make the Lakers roster. (For those who don’t remember, Karl is George’s son and a former Boise State walk on.) On Wednesday the Stateman gave us this information.
Former Boise State basketball player Coby Karl was one of 15 players listed on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster Tuesday on the team’s Web site. That could be good news for Karl, who is trying to become the first former Bronco to play in the NBA since John Coker.
Talk about investigative journalism! What dedication the Stateman staff must have to go through the trouble of looking at the roster on the Lakers website. I know it would be a big step, but maybe if Karl ends up making the team somebody could call a member of the Lakers organization and get some information that 4-year old couldn’t find. It’s just a suggestion.
The American Baseball Championship Starts Tonight
Oct 24th 2007ericjhoroUncategorized
Did you know the
Anyway, without further ado, here’s my World Series prediction: I have no fucking idea who will win.
I do, however, think one of two things are likely to happen. The first possibility is that the Red Sox will show the American League’s superiority is the only thing that matters. Beckett will get them started with another shutout and they’ll sweep the
Of course nobody ever predicts a lopsided series because if their winner loses they look like an idiot, and so everybody will probably just end up saying Sox is six or Rockies in seven. The thing is, I just can’t see this being a close series because nobody knows how good the
Therefore I’ll be bold and say the
ESPN Will Be Livin’ La Vida Reilly
When I heard that ESPN had pried Rick Reilly away from SI, one thing came to mind. What is ESPN smoking? For a network that attempts to be young, hip, cool, and promote its personalities across all forms of media, this move makes no sense. Reilly hasn’t proven himself to be popular outside the back page of a magazine, and I find it hard to believe that ESPN’s readership (which is used to Bill Simmons’ back page column) will warm to Reilly’s writing.
The only explanation is that ESPN is making a big push to overtake SI in the magazine industry. Maybe ESPN thinks if it can convert enough old time SI Reilly lovers, it will finally be able to rise head and shoulders above SI. It’s like when you’re playing a game of Risk and after slowly and conservatively building up armies you attempt to end the game by attacking your opponent’s most powerful stronghold.
Unfortunately for ESPN, this is a terrible move, and not just because Reilly isn’t compatible with their network. The fact is, Reilly is a dinosaur. His recent contributions to sports journalism are archaic, outdated, unoriginal and not all that funny (although his past contributions are invaluable). Now that I’ve levied that unnecessarily harsh criticism, allow me to explain.
Over the years Reilly made a career out of telling the sad but invigorating stories of disabled people who still managed to find happiness in sports. He basically had a monopoly on any and all things sappy. (I’m not saying Reilly capitalizes on the misfortune of others—and unlike most people, he has done some actual good with his mosquito net project—but it wouldn’t surprise me if Reilly got caught encouraging pregnant mothers to drink and smoke in the hope that he could write about the athletic careers of their disabled children.) Anyway, now thanks to the internet, Reilly’s monopoly on that sort of thing has been broken. Before Reilly can snatch a heart-wrenching tale from a small town newspaper, blogs or other publications have already picked it up. That’s half of Reilly’s columns down the drain.
As for Reilly’s other type of column (funny lists, fantasies, games etc.—such as this Tom Brady column), he’s just no longer that funny or original. Reilly deserves all the credit in the world for creating that genre of sports humor, but at this point he has been surpassed by numerous other writers. I just don’t think there’s any way that young ESPN readers who are already spoon-fed tons of funny lists on blogs will fall in love with Reilly’s stuff.
Just for fun, (and full disclosure) here are some other issues I have with Reilly.
–When the Katie Hnda (Colorado’s female kicker) rape-assault allegations were made, Reilly wrote a scathing column about Colorado’s terrible behavior in which he wondered how anybody could objectify a woman like that. Interestingly, the previous week Reilly wrote a fawning, ogling column in the swimsuit issue about how amazing it was to witness swimsuit models being painted. The SI swimsuit issue is not rape or assault, but let’s face it, it objectifies women and it’s hypocritical for Reilly to write both of those columns. By the way, I’d like to thank Reilly’s new colleague DJ Gallo for pointing this out to me 3 years ago.
–For somebody who has access to resources and athletes most journalists could only dream about, Reilly gives us a surprisingly small amount new information. Mostly, he wastes column space with stale one liners instead of providing readers with the juicy nuggets of inside information we crave.
—Reilly’s flip-flopping makes if hard for me to find him genuine. On Barry Bonds alone Reilly has flip flopped more times that I can count. If I only had a nickel (or a million dollars) for every time I read a Reilly column that said Bonds should be banned from everything, only to read another column months later in which Reilly talked about how Bonds is a legendary hitter regardless of how he did it.
So basically, I don’t think Reilly will be the success ESPN hopes he will be. Here’s my prediction. ESPN uses Reilly in every single way for about year, but eventually he’s not such a big story anymore and people stop caring about him. Then ESPN sticks him in some terrible role nobody cares about—like being on Around the Horn. Then he’ll get unhappy and leave. You heard it here first. Rick Reilly writing for Yahoo! Sports in 20010.
Another Dunleavy? Oh Yes!!!
Oct 23rd 2007ericjhoroCollege Basketball
It’s been five long years without a Dunleavy in college basketball, but the wait is now over. James Dunleavy (Mike’s son and Mike Jr’s brother) could see some time this year as a walk-on for Tim Floyd at USC.
Here’s my question. When Coach K was recruiting Mike Jr., he famously told Mike that he hadn’t wanted a recruit this bad since Grant Hill. So Did Floyd tell James that he hadn’t wanted a stiff white guy this bad since Brian Scalabrine? That would have sold me on USC.
According to Dunleavy Sr. James “has big-time range, pro-three range, a quick release,” and “he’s a pretty good passer.” Of course the only thing missing is the guidance of Coach K that would undoubtedly turn James into a superstar. (Wait…how did this turn into a Duke bashing post?)
Despite being lightly recruited, Dunleavy hopes to get better. Or at least taller.
“The doctor says I’ll keep growing,” he said, “so hopefully that will happen.”
Something tells me O.J. Mayo is not too concerned about losing playing time.
The Rivera-Jeter Postseason Paradox
With Mariano Rivera’s future as a Yankee in doubt, I figured it was time to revisit the paradox of calling both Rivera and Derek Jeter two of the all-time great postseason players. For both players (particularly Rivera) the numbers seem as though they cannot lie, but is there more than meets the eye?
First let’s start with Rivera. In 76 career postseason games he has an 8-1 record, a 0.77 ERA, and a WHIP well under 1.00. He also has four World Series rings. Those things seem to unquestionably make him one of the all time greats. But here’s the problem. Rivera has also unquestionably cost the Yankees two World Series titles (I’m of course assuming the Yankees would have beat the Cardinals in 2004.) In 2001 Rivera blew a World Series clinching game 7 in Arizona. Then three years later he blew an ALCS clinching game 4 in Boston.
Nobody knows if the Yankees would have won those first four World Series’ without Rivera (probably not), but if it weren’t for those two blown saves, the Yankees almost definitely would have won two more. So can a guy who cost his team two World Series rings still be considered one of the all time great postseason players? Absolutely. First, Rivera’s numbers are unreal. Second, and most importantly, as an opposing fan you hate to see him out there and as a Yankee fan you have complete confidence in him. That’s what being one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time is all about.
Jeter, on the other hand, might be a different story. The Yankee shortstop is regarded as a great leader, and he was fortunate enough to be part of those four Yankees World Series titles. But here’s the problem with Jeter. Those Yankees teams were Paul Oneill’s teams. They were Tino Martinez’s teams. They were Bernie Williams’ teams. They were not Derek Jeter’s teams. Since that last title the Yankees have made the playoffs seven straight years (in the last five Jeter was team captain) and won exactly zero titles. In many of those years the Yankees were even overwhelming favorites. That doesn’t sound to me like a team that’s getting great leadership from a savvy postseason captain. To call Jeter a great postseason player because of his ability to captain the Yankees is completely crazy.
So can Jeter be considered one of the great postseason baseball players? I say no. Jeter’s career postseason average is .309. His career regular season average is .317. When you combine that with his 0-7 record as Yankee “leader”, there’s really no evidence to support him being one of the postseason greats.
(In some completely unrelated Yankees news, I recommend checking out this Phil Mushnick New York Post column in which Mushnick absolutely vilifies Mike Francesa for pretty much every single report or conversation he’s ever had regarding Joe Torre. This is not for the faint of heart.)
Week 7 Monday Afternoon TPS Report
Oct 22nd 2007ericjhoroTPS Report & NFL
The Problem With Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington is a solid quarterback. He’s extremely accurate and generally makes good decisions. Unfortunately, he has the arm strength of an 8-year old girl. If the Jets get a lead and their defense is playing well, it’s not a problem. It is a problem (as it was on Sunday) when the Jets trail late and Pennington has to orchestrate a long drive in a short amount of time.
On Sunday Pennington took over on their own 12, down by 8 with 1:42 left. He needed to throw the ball 15-30 yards down the field. He needed to take some chances threading the ball through zone defense. Most importantly, he needed a stronger arm.
Pennington’s arm simply wasn’t strong enough to make the throws he needed to make in that situation. There’s was no point in him even trying. The chance of success was almost zero. Pennington tried to dink and dunk his way down the field instead, but the Bengals eventually caught on. Seconds later Jonathan Joseph was running the other way for a game sealing interception.
I hate to break it to you Jets fans, but Pennington just doesn’t have the skills to orchestrate 60-90 second touchdown drives. He can still win some games, but you’re not going anywhere in (or even to) the playoffs if your quarterback can’t complete a 20-yard square-in against a prevent defense. Chad Pennington is doing all he can, but it’s time for Kellen Clemens.
Don’t Miss…
…The Bucs successful onside kick (around the 2:28 mark). On the kick the Bucs entire kicking team lined up in a bunch and Matt Bryant kicked the ball as hard as he could at the cluster of Lions players. It bounced off one of them and the Bucs recovered. Very clever stuff from Jon Gruden.
…How bad it feels to be Dunta Robinson right now.
…Reggie Bush making a statement (perhaps to me) with his game winning touchdown catch.
…Olin Kreutz’s ability to change the fortunes of the Bears offensive line with a single question.
…All the injuries that are negatively affecting Matt Hasselbeck’s play, and proving just how bad the Rams are.
Don’t Mess With Kickers
Anytime a kicker starts a fight with a non-kicker, he will get recognition in the TPS report. This week I’d like to give my compliments to Neil Rackers for taking on Carlos Rogers and wrestling him to the ground by his facemask. If only he could have added a game winning field goal.
Shrewed Moves of the Week
Andre Davis
Andre Davis’ go-ahead catch might be one of the most impressive catches of the year—not in terms of acrobatics or pure highlight-reel difficulty, but in terms of all the different things he had to do. First, Davis had to get behind a defense trying to keep everything in front of it. He managed to do that. Then he had to fight off safety Chris Hope for about 20 yards. Davis successfully fended off the contact and Hope eventually fell down. Finally, Davis had to quickly find the ball. This was the most difficult part, but Davis managed to find the ball, quickly cut inside, and then snatch it out of the waiting arms of Calvin Lowery.
Jason Hatcher
Hatcher had one of the more impressive strips of the season against Adrian Peterson. Peterson was running right, and Hatcher came from the left and attempted to knock the ball out from behind with his right arm. Peterson felt the pressure and moved the ball slightly forward to protect it, but then Hatcher’s swiped his left arm across the front of Peterson’s body and knocked the ball out. Both of Hatcher’s arms worked together, and there was nowhere for Peterson to hide the ball.
Bonehead Moves of the Week
Sean Payton
Herm Edwards made a questionable decision to go for a two point conversion against the Raiders, but there’s no debating the idiocy of Payton’s decision to go for two. The Saints scored to take a 20-16 lead with about 5 minutes left. Payton went for two in order to make it a six point game—presumably so that two Falcons field goals would only tie instead of win. The problem is that if the Saints missed and then the Falcons scored a touchdown, a Saints field goal would only tie instead of win. The latter scenario was much more likely and Payton should have known that.
Brad Childress
The Vikings trailed the Cowboys by 10 with 5:40 left in the game. They had 4th and 12 from the Cowboys 47. Down two scores the Vikings had to go for it. Even with onside kicks being recovered at a 94% success rate there just wasn’t enough time left for the Vikings to punt and still get two scores. When the Vikings did finally get the ball back there were only 23 seconds left. It’s amazing that coaches still screw up these no-brainer decisions.
Here Comes Devin Hester
Last week Devin Hester caught his first touchdown pass of the season. If it weren’t for an underthrown ball, Hester would have had another long one this week. The bad news for opposing defenses in that the Bears began going to Hester in crunch time this week, and although he only had three catches he appears to be getting more comfortable at receiver. Hester may already be the fastest and shiftiest receiver in the game. If he learns to play the position there will be no stopping him. Look for a big second half from the Bears (not so) secret weapon.
Stat O’ the Week
3 The number of possessions the Redskins had after taking a 21-6 lead, the number of times they ran on first down in those possessions, and the number of those possessions which resulted in three-and-outs. My point? The Redskins got a little too conservative. Hey Al Saunders, ever hear of a play-action fake on first down?
International Football Goal of the Week
Robinho’s fancy footwork sets up Elano is Brazil’s World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador
%$*@%&*@*#&#@*&
Oct 22nd 2007ericjhoroBaseball
Some thoughts on the ALCS…
–It is now officially insane for anybody to argue that there shouldn’t be instant replay in baseball. Kenny Lofton was safe at 2nd on his 5th inning single. There is no reason the right call shouldn’t be made. Give each manager two challenges and be done with it. World Series champions should not be determined by blown calls. Yeah, it’s only one play but you never know what would have happened after it. The fact is, there is no place for missed calls of any kind in game 7 of a playoff series. I’m still amazed that there are actually people who argue against replay on the grounds that it will ruin the tradition and purity of the game. You know what’s pure? Getting the call right.
–You have to feel bad for Casey Blake. It’s always nice when an average player finds a home and becomes a productive player on a good team, but Blake could be a little too replaceable to survive any kind of backlash in Cleveland for his game 7 performance. Blake’s error isn’t what gets to me. Errors happen and they should be forgiven. Blake’s real sin was his 7th inning at-bat. The Indians desperately needed to score the tying run and Blake should have been more focused on driving it in. If I was Blake I would have been so worried about the double play I wouldn’t have made any effort to pull the ball. Blake thought otherwise. Instead of taking some pitches and making sure he got a good pitch to hit, Blake went after the first pitch, got fooled by an Okajima’s change-up (which he should have been looking for), and rolled into an easy 6-4-3 double play.
–With the Red Sox in the World Series and Dane Cook still appearing on TV, I’m officially declaring this the most annoying baseball post-season of all time. We can’t even escape talk about the Yankees and they’re not even in the playoffs anymore. The dazed postgame wisdom of Todd Helton is the only thing that’s keeping me going.
The Weekly Shakedown
Oct 19th 2007ericjhoroWeekly Shakedown & College Basketball & College Football & NHL
(Every week there are a number of stories slip through the cracks here at ShakedownSports. These are just a few of them.)
–Indiana officials say that Kelvin Sampson’s recruiting violations were discovered by an intern who was reviewing previously approved phone records for an NCAA progress report. The blame here is all on Sampson. He should have done a better job endearing himself to the athletic department’s interns. Hopefully now he has learned that Boggle is not an appropriate end-of-the-year thank-you gift.
–Some NHL players have begun practicing with a special heated skate blade that allows them to go faster by reducing gliding friction. The blades are powered by a rechargeable battery and small microprocessor in each skate. The skates seem like a good idea, and they can get Al Gore’s green endorsement there’s no telling how successful they can be.
–Certain advocates, including Dennis Kucinich, are beginning to make a fuss that publicly financed stadiums are a misuse of taxpayer funds. They believe congress should ban the use of tax-exempt financing for stadiums so that more taxpayer money will be spent on schools, roads, and bridges. So basically they’re saying that it’s more important for a kid to learn his multiplication tables than pay $60 for a baseball ticket while big corporations make money by wining and dining clients in corporate luxury boxes. What a bunch of crazies.
–After nearly 10 months Boise State finally has their hands on last year’s Fiesta Bowl-winning football. The man who got the football after Ian Johnson flung it into the stands says he was happy to give it back never once considered selling it. I don’t know…it seems like some schadenfreude loving Texas fan would have ponied up a lot of cash for the ball. At least the guy didn’t think about sending it into outer space.
