Frozen Tundra Gets the Cold Shoulder

The NFL draft. The NBA playoffs. The MLB opening month.

With these three major sports dominating the air waves, Americans have a steady dosage of sports to wet most any appetite. However, there is little love given to the NHL playoffs. Everyone is raving about the Celtics/Bulls series with multiple overtimes and clutch performances, but a glance into the frozen major sport would show much more than a couple of interesting series.

The number one seed in the West was beat in six games by the red hot eighth seed Anaheim Ducks. Can you imagine the uproar had the Lakers lost in six games in the first round? Two game sevens were closed out with one goal victories via last minute goals last night. That would be the equivalent of two buzzer beaters in the same night from two different teams in the NBA.

This may be crazy, but hockey is the BEST sport to watch live, edging out football, basketball, and baseball. On the flip side, hockey is the worst sport to watch on TV. Many don't give it a fair chance because they haven't experienced a contest in person. Call me crazy, but there are way better athletes in hockey than the majority of baseball players and even some basketball and football players. I implore you to attend a local game next season and jump on the frozen bandwagon that is the greatest sports gig around. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

58 Is Great... But Not Great Enough

The NBA's Western Conference is a much tougher road to the NBA Finals than what the Cavaliers and Celtics have to take in the East. Despite that tough road, the Lakers and Nuggets have handled their business thus far and look good doing it. However, most will say that the Nuggets have been more impressive than the top seed Lakers, especially evident by a 58 point trouncing of the Chris Paul led Hornets.

58 is all well and good, but being able to cruise in the early rounds doesn't automatically lead to a championship. The Lakers last year steam rolled through the Western Conference playoffs while the Eastern Conference Celtics battled en route to the finals. When the two met, the battle tested Celtics prevailed. Two years ago saw the New England Patriots complete the first ever 16-0 season in the NFL, but saw them fall short in the Super Bowl when they couldn't come through in the clutch.

The Lakers were up by 20 in three games in their first series and saw all of those leads reduced to single digits. They are starting to develop the mental fortitude they didn't have last season. All signs lead to a Lakers/Nuggets clash in the Western Conference finals, but will see that the battle tested Lakers, who have had a target on their back all season, will come out on top. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

I Pity The Fool Who Leaves School

The 256th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft and new Mr. Irrelevant is... Ryan Succop, kicker out of South Carolina University.

With these words came the conclusion of a part of the NFL offseason that began the day after the Super Bowl. There is a spotlight on the elite college players that are almost assured of millions and a prosperous career. However there are the other 200 plus picks that will be comprised of lesser known sophomores, juniors, and seniors. With the sophomores and juniors, you have young individuals who are persuaded by money hungry family and agents.

Sure, there are the Matthew Stafford's and Mark Sanchez's who left early and cashed in. On the other hand, there are those that leave early and get drafted in 6th or 7th round, or in some cases, not at all. Had they spent ONE MORE YEAR in school, it could be the difference between minimum wage/getting cut/not getting picked at all and great guaranteed money and a more solid future. These kids trade in the thought of a quick buck versus the "grind" of one more year in school.

I know this is America, land of the free and free choice, but this free choice ends up resembling Charles Darwin's natural selection theory with these student-athletes ending up on the extinction list. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Deal or No Deal

The NFL Draft is just two short days away. A mass collection of former college players are hoping to be one of the 252 players drafted over the weekend. Within that collection, an elite group is vying for the top 10 picks that will guarantee them millions in signing bonus money. Within that group, there are three that have a chance to be selected number one by the Detroit Lions, guaranteeing them around $25 million up front and $60 million over five years.

$60 million dollars as a 22 year old right out of college. What an honor.

Many of us will never see anything near that money in our entire lifetime, let alone in a five year period. However, there have been individuals who have complained about this money. Two years ago, number one pick Jamarcus Russell held out of training camp because of contract issues. The Raiders wanted to give him around $57 million, which wasn't enough, so he held out until right before the season for $4 million more. To me, what is an extra $4 million when you are getting that much money? As a result, he lost valuable time and his career may never take off as it could have had he reported to camp on time.

Last year, the Miami Dolphins signed the number one pick Jake Long to a contract before the draft, he ended up coming to camp, starting 16 games, and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Taking these two tales into account, it is no surprise that the Detroit Lions are trying to lock up Matthew Stafford to avoid any possible hold out. I will never get it, but he should sign the dotted line and don't let greedy agents dictate their actions. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

This is no Pre-Olympics Ceremony

West vs. East... Lakers vs. Cavaliers... Kobe vs. Lebron...

Two games into the NBA playoffs and these are the thoughts thus far. It is a fore gone conclusion that the Lakers and Cavaliers will meet in the 2009 finals. However, the comparison between Kobe and Lebron is the most intriguing comparison. You have the heir to Jordan in Kobe and the eventual heir to him in Lebron. Some people want to the pass the torch now, but hold your horses.

Kobe plays in the West; Lebron plays in the East... advantage Kobe.

Kobe's offense vs. Lebron's defense... advantage Kobe.

Lebron's offense vs. Kobe's defense... advantage Lebron.

Clutch in the waining moments of a game... advantage Kobe.

Kobe Bryant is the most complete player in the NBA since Jordan. His offensive game is the most diverse and dominant by far. Lebron can drive and dunk in a game greater than any player EVER, but his mid range, post up, and free throw game is not up to par with Kobe's. When it comes to defense, Lebron has the more explosive blocks that converts to fast break opportunities, but Kobe's footwork and knowledge is better in a one on one matchup against the elite players.

When it comes to who is more clutch, both have had outstanding performances in the last moments of games. That is a push, but Kobe has an aspect of his game that Lebron doesn't have yet. If an opposing team starts making a run, no matter how hot or cold Kobe is, he will take over the game and put an end to that run. Lebron has a more difficult time coming out of slumps mid game to take over when his team needs him most.

Don't get me wrong, Lebron is ahead of where Kobe was at this point in his career, but to compare today's Lebron versus today's Kobe is no debate. Kobe is the better all around player and hands down best player in the league. The torch may be passed one day, but that day is not now. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Lions + Fierce = Americas Next Top Model

The Detroit Lions. This team rings three bells in my head: Barry Sanders, Thanksgiving, and losing. Barry Sanders is retired, the annual Thanksgiving game is their yearly highlight, and the losing was more evident after a historically horrid 0-16 season in 2008. The first two are not going to change, but the solution to the losing has been discovered and fixed instantly.

Was it the general manager... no.

Was it the lack of talent... no.

Was it poor coaching... no.

The uniforms have been the issue. That's right, the soft powder blue and silver are fine, but the logo wasn't mean enough. So, the new lion featuring teeth and the "fierce" letters are a sure fire way to turn around one of the worst franchises in NFL history. Give me a break!

To make matters worse, they had six players put on a modeling show on a mini runway. If I were running the show in Detroit, which isn't the craziest idea in the world, I would be in the weight room, class room, or on the field instead of wasting time putting on a show for cameras. You are not the world champion Steelers, who by the way are not putting on a modeling show following their record sixth NFL Championship. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions brought Tyra Banks on as an assistant coach. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Second Place is the First Loser

The Boston Marathon is the annual 26.2 mile race that brings the elite runners from around the world the the states. This is the Super Bowl of marathons. Knowing this, one would think Americans would be licking their chops to run on home turf in front of the American faithful. This may be true, but the results in the last 20 plus years show otherwise.

This weekend saw the beginning of the NBA playoffs and the biggest edge teams have is home court advantage. Statistics favor the home team in both individual games and the overall series. I thought the same statistics would apply to running on American soil. However, the Americans, men or women, haven't won this race since 1985. Since then, the best finish has been third place, accomplished today by Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher. People are happy with how we did in comparison to previous years.

WHAT??? HAPPY??? THIRD PLACE???

How are you satisfied with not winning. This is America! We weren't given anything in the beginning. We had to scratch, claw, and work our tails off to get to the top of the food chain. Sure, if you want to consider third place a moral victory, kudos to you, but don't be proud of that because that is when complacency sets in and victory is never acheived.

We have the best facilities, best trainers, and have no reason to have a 24 year dry spell of winning our race. Pick your heads up, get your butt in the gym, and win a race dominated by foreigners in the last quarter century. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Lotta Green, Not A Lot of Ring

You can't buy happiness. You can't buy love. You can buy diamonds, but not the kind the New York Yankees desire.

For some time now, the Yankees have had the highest payroll in Major League Baseball by acquiring big name free agents in the offseason. This year was no exception with A.J. Burnett, C.C Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira all getting multimillion dollar deals. To top it off, the Yankees built a brand new stadium that has ticket prices soaring despite the economic turmoil.

However, they are again off the a slow start with their starting pitching getting rocked. Yesterday, the Cleveland Indians put up 22 runs on the Yankees, 14 of which were scored in the second inning. Chien Ming Wang has a 34.50 ERA through three starts while number one pitcher C.C. Sabathia is winless. A-Rod is on the DL after steroids have finally caught up with his body which will be slowly deteriorating for the next 10 years.

Diamonds are a girls best friend and for MLB teams, the ultimate individual trophy for a championship season. However, the Steinbrenner's green bills still leave the Yankees with no frills. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Homecooking Punches Ticket

21 seasons and eight different teams. Gary Sheffield, an American born professional baseball player, hit the magic mark of 500 home runs last night. Prior to the steroid era of the late 80's and entire 90's, 500 long balls were the benchmark for power hitters for the Hall of Fame. However, every player that hits that mark and played during this era has been put under a microscope.

The nomadic Sheffield should be the exception to this and be a first ballot Hall of Famer when he decides to hang up the bat and glove. Despite an injury ridden career, Sheffield has batted at a .292 clip with all the power numbers that rival the games great. We will never know what those numbers would have been had he remained healthy in his prime and completed just one full season.

He passes the number test, but will now face the scrutiny of the media when it comes to the eye test. If you look at pictures of Sheffield from his rookie season, his body has matured at a normal progression with no ups and downs or over the top muscular growth spurts. In comparison, the home run king Barry Bonds went from a slim Pittsburgh Pirate to a watermelon sized head San Francisco Giant, along with the change of voice and jawline accompanied with steroid use.

Not many kids say I want to be like Gary Sheffield, instead we hear A-Rod, Manny Ramirez, Big Pappy, and other stars. The kids of America need to idolize a home grown, do it the right way star like Sheffield. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Madden Madness Makes Me Morose

John Madden. Name sound familiar? A lot of people from my generation recognize the last name from the best selling sports video game series in history. Madden football games began in 1988 and have continually sold millions of copies growing its franchise every year. So who is this Madden figure?

A professional gamer... no. An electrical techie geek... no?

What if I told you that John Madden is a Hall of Fame professional coach for leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory and having the number one winning percentage for any coach with at least 100 wins. That's right, step aside Lombardi, Landry, Shula, Noll, Parcells, Belichick, or any other Hall of Fame coach.

Now, at the age of 73, Madden is retiring from broadcasting, his follow up career that surpassed his coaching achievements in longevity and notoriety. However, his number one accomplishment may be the $50 video game that comes out every August branding his name. There are tournaments to compete in this game and even a show on ESPN featuring the best Madden players around the world.

Despite the enormous success that his video game line has produced, it is sad that one of the premiere football coaches in NFL history will be remembered for video games and broadcasting before his coaching accolades. It is a similar fate that former World Heavyweight Champion boxer George Foreman has to live with with his self named kitchen grill and Midas Brakes sponsorship. Do John Madden a favor and understand the history of the NFL and give him the credit he deserves as a coach first, a broadcaster second, and a video game innovator third. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Point Guard to Signal Caller

Greg Paulus was once the number one high school quarterback in the nation as the top quarterback. He had numerous scholarship offers and had every program begging for his services. It appeared he would follow a great line of quarterbacks and join the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. However, he was a gifted basketball player and eventual chose to join the Duke Blue Devils basketball program.

Was he the next Joe Montana or Ron Pawlus? We will never know... or will we?

Paulus started for three years running the point on one of the premiere programs in the nation. However, the 6'1" senior found his way on the bench when a more athletic, physically gifted sophomore took his spot. With his career over now, Paulus was looking to the future and was going to pursue professional basketball. However, a certain pause has been put on those plans as the Green Bay Packers asked Paulus to work out at quarterback.

That's right, the GREEN BAY PACKERS of the NFL came calling...

That is madness. Everyone is looking for the next Antonio Gates to make a splash in the league.

Now that that is over, another opportunity has surfaced. The University of Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez has offered the once national player of the year a one year football scholarship. Paulus hasn't said yes, but he hasn't said no either. College is the greatest time of your life, so why not stay in and who knows, you could maybe do a little of both in the future. Until next time...

Golden Boy to Fry Boy

He is an Olympic champion, world boxing champion in six different weight classes, and a very successful business man, especially in Southern California. Oscar de la Hoya, boxing's Golden Boy, announced his retirement yesterday after a career highlighted by an Olympic medal and numerous championship belts.

All the accolades are there, but was he still overrated despite the successful career?

Absolutely. The "big name" fighters he defeated early in his career to make a name for himself were past their prime and shells of their former selves. These victories gave him an aura of invincibility that led to big money fights and multiple title shots. However, when he finally had a huge fight against a fighter in his prime that could match Oscar, he was blown out of the ring. Felix Trinidad unmasked the fraud who had picked on aging stars to build his own golden empire.

Don't get me wrong, he accomplished some phenomenal accomplishments; 39-6 professional record, 10 championships in six different weight classes, and has developed the "Golden Boy" image so that he has a life after boxing. Despite these huge accolades, will you remember de la Hoya for hoisting belt after belt, or getting pummeled by Manny Pacquiao in his last fight? Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Chilled Six Pack

Baseball. America's pastime. Our national sport. A game filled with the smell of hot dogs, the taste of a cold one, and, if fortunate enough, to watch an ace deliver strike after strike against opposing hitters. One of those premiere aces in the league is Boston's Josh Beckett. He is a 20 game winner, former World Series MVP, and the face of the Red Sox pitching staff the past few years.

Is he perfect... no.

Does he ever throw wild pitches intentionally... yes.

Is he the victim of an old unwritten rule to intimidate/revenge at any cost... yes.

For years, pitchers have gone after hitters from both teams to let them know who is boss. I think it is a pretty lame way of showing off who has the biggest set (if you know what I mean). The current major leaguers have watched these antics since they were kids and were encouraged by the players, managers, and even the people who taught them how to play the game. For instance, if your teammate gets beaned by a pitcher in the previous inning, it is now your job to go out next time and return the favor. If you don't do it, you are scorned in the mythical baseball clubhouse and distanced from your teammates. If you do complete the task, you are subject to ejections, fines, suspensions, or a combination of all three.

For Josh Beckett, he threw at Bobby Abreu's head, followed with some choice words and that was it. He wasn't even tossed from the game (which was a mistake), but was issued a six game suspension by the MLB offices. Sure this will not break his wallet, he still will pitch in 30 plus games this season, but what about the fans who pay good money in tough economic times to watch their best pitcher? Don't get me wrong, Major League Baseball made the right decision, albeit a little harsh, to stop these shenanigans and remove this intent to hurt from the game.

Baseball needs to eliminate this stupid eye for an eye philosophy, because it makes the fans disappear, the money dry up, and the world blind. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

From Worst to First

Nothing in life is guaranteed. Nothing in sports in guaranteed.

While Peter Cottontail was delivering baskets to kids around the world, professional golfers were shooting Eagles, Birdies, and Pars while vying for golfs most coveted prize, The Masters Championship. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson put on an exhibition with no pressure of being in the final group. They were counted out after Saturday because they were seven strokes behind the leaders. The two were paired together like a Hollywood script and stole the show from the leading group with great drives, iron shots, and clutch putting. After 16 holes, they put themselves in position to put serious pressure on the leading group, who was playing not to lose.

Angel Cabrera, Chad Campbell, and Kenny Perry were longshots on Thursday, but the front runner come Sunday because of their play the previous three days. Cabrera ended up defeating Perry on a second playoff hole. When I say worst to first, I mean just that. Cabrera is the lowest ranked world player to EVER win the prestigious Masters. In addition to this past weekend, he won the US Open in 2007; aside from these two, he is winless in America but shows up when the stage is greatest.

This is what sports are all about. The "underdog" is never out of the picture.

As long as there are two sides competing, anything is possible. The 1980 US Olympic Hockey team, Rudy from Notre Dame, and any team that faces recent USC Football teams (can you tell I am a little favorable of the Trojans). It is not only the Tigers or Lefties of the world that can show up and steal the spotlight for a weekend or two in the sports world. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Another Repeat in Loom at USC

USC Football. These two words stand for national championships, conference titles, All-Americans, Heisman winners, and most importantly, national prestige. Head coach Pete Carroll has given the current generation of Trojan fans a ample tasting of the glory John McKay and other great coaches before him brought to Los Angeles. With 25 First Team All-Americans, seven consecutive PAC-10 titles (record), three Heisman trophy winners, three consecutive Rose Bowl victories (record), two national championships, and oh yeah... all in only eight seasons of work.

An impressive blue print has been set, leading to expectations of repeats in numerous aspects of the program. However, this football season will bring about a lesser documented repeat that is developing in the spring. The open quarterback spot is a three man race following the early departure of Mark Sanchez to the NFL Draft. It involves a high school phenom who left school early to join SC in the spring (Matt Barkley), a redshirt sophomore from Orange County (Aaron Corp), and the third wheel with the most experience (Mitch Mustain). This trio is eerily similar to the one in 2003, who replaced highly touted NFL number one pick Carson Palmer. That group compares to this years batch almost identically and mark my words, the results will be the same.

Barkley = John David Booty. Corp = Matt Leinart. Mustain = Matt Cassel. This is a simple equation that will unfold like seven years ago and lead to the same success. Both Barkley and Booty were high school football national players of the year who left high school early. They were seen as the front runner/heir apparent for the job before ever throwing a pass at Howard Jones Field or the LA Coliseum. Both Corp and Leinart hailed from major Orange County programs in Orange Lutheran and Mater Dei, respectively. During spring, both displayed the poise and patience needed in a West Coast Offense with good game management and fewer turnovers than their counterparts. Mustain and Cassel were the number two quarterbacks the previous season and were both juniors when vying for the starting spot the following spring.

The equation will play out exactly the same at the top with Corp nabbing the starting spot, but will see some shuffle from 2003 with Barkley getting the backup spot leaving Mustain to hold the clipboard in the third spot on the depth chart. Nothing is decided yet, but history is history and it always comes back for a second helping. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

To Compete or Not To Compete

We make numerous decisions based on Shakespeare’s infamous quote, “To be or not to be.” Well, there are many star athletes that have this same dilemma when they are past their prime on whether to continue or not. There has been Michael Jordan, who returned for a less than stellar stint with the Washington Wizards. George Foreman put a hold on selling his self-named kitchen grill to come back and box in his late 40’s and 50's. In addition, Roger Clemens, a multiple Cy Young Award winner, came back to the Yankees for a second stint and was just a shell of his former self. Last but not least, the most recent addition to this club is Lance Armstrong, one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, who is making headlines this week while returning to cycling after a couple year hiatus. What makes these onetime elite athletes come back?

In all these instances, money is not an object, but something else drives them beyond reasonable logic to come back. With athletes, the competitive edge that has driven them to be the best in their respective sports can't be turned off after their illustrious careers are over. Nothing they do beyond their sports career can quench that hunger and desire for competitive glory. I am not bashing them or their actions, but it is something not easily understood because a retired CEO living a life of luxury and relaxation wouldn't jump back in to a high stress situation because of a competitive itch.

For Armstrong, he is one of the elite athletes in American history, if not the world, for winning seven straight Tour de France's after beating cancer. Once he came and conquered the cycling world, he decided to become a marathoner and finished the Boston Marathon under three hours, which is phenomenal for a rookie. Once again, this was not enough and after an extended absence and has decided to return to cycling in an attempt to reclaim his Tour de France title. Like Jordan, Foreman, and Clemens, his brief return has proved to be more negative than anything. He finished near the back in his first race, broke his collar bone in another race, and may be ineligible for the 2009 Tour de France due to a questionable drug test. This has provided an eyesore on what was a pristine career for an exceptional man. Armstrong wants the nation to "LiveStrong," but needs to look within and realize he no longer belongs. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

Playboy Bynum Assures Championship

Since my sixth birthday in 1991, I have been playing sports without a serious lapse in time. Through conditioning, lifting, practices, and games, I have been fortunate enough to only sustain two serious injuries: a torn quad and broken great toe. Like conventional wisdom dictated, I went through hours of rehab and doctors visits until I was cleared to play. Upon my return, I worked backed into playing shape and reached 100 percent after a handful of competitive contests. Little did I know, if I squatted and curled some Playboy bunnies, I could come back like I was never gone and make my team the odds on favorite to win the championship

That's right, Los Angeles Lakers 21-year-old center Andrew Bynum came off a two month hiatus with a torn MCL and put up 16 points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes of work to beat the second place Denver Nuggets. Sure, he had the nation's top therapists and conditioning staff around him to bring him back from a devastating injury. But, this Playboy Bunny wrinkle thrown into countless hours in the gym was the true secret to his success.

Who would have thought it? A 7', 275 pound man could hoist a 100 pound chicky babe and it would lead to a miraculous recovery. Teams without the sunny beaches and mansions filled with ladies may protest to the league as an performance enhancing element because of limited access. Bunny or no bunny though, his strong return puts the Lakers in the driver seat for both the Western Conference Championship and the NBA Championship. Maybe when they raise the banner alongside the others in the Staples Center, they will have an asterisk in the shape of a Playboy Bunny. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones

A Turn for the Worst

After my workout this morning, my fiance called and told me the horrible news that 22-year-old Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a hit and run accident at 12:30 am this morning. When it comes to sports figures, we often hear the negatives such as Plaxico Burress shooting himself, Michael Vick fighting/killing dogs, numerous baseball players using steroids, and so on and so forth. However, we now have a young man, who pitched six innings coupled with no earned runs and five strikeouts last night before being murdered by a cowardly driver shortly after his first game of the 2009 season.

When sports stars commit such crimes or make mistakes, we give them a lot of face time in the media while poking and prodding every facet of their life and trial until we are blue in the face. This is an unfortunate tragedy in which the sports star is on the other side of the fence. That being the case, I want the coward that ran the red light and took the life of three men and left another critically injured to be put in the spotlight along with his family and friends like the media does to athletes when they have lapses in good judgment. His entire life should be unfolded for the nation to see and have a regular Joe get the negative facetime that athletes get when they mess up.

We give murderers, rapists, arsonists, burglars, and other menaces to society the first news story or the biggest articles in papers, but lets focus on the positive for once. Let us not forget Nick Adenhart and the other two men whose lives were taken unjustly on an Orange County road Thursday morning. Until next time...

Branden E. Jones