Author: Vin

Vin is a Philly boy who shouldn't be invited into your house because he'll judge you on your book and music collection. He owns Dawkins, Utley, Iverson, and Lindros jerseys, which is all you really need to know about him. He can be reached at [email protected].

Categories
Dallas Cowboys

The Tony Romo Action Figure


Sometimes ebay is full of crap like an uneaten hotdog from the Seahawks NFCCG that fetches a bunch of money for no reason. But once in a while, you get a really clever auction item. Here is the Tony Romo Wildcard Playoff Edition action figure, custom made to look like Romo tackled at the 1 1/2 yard line after botching the snap.

Now, while the action figure botching a snap would have been better, you have to work with what is available.
The current bid is over $200 and for something this clever, it’s not worth it to us but the creator deserves a couple hundred for his efforts.

We’re eagerly awaiting the Koy Detmer FG holder action figure. After Romo’s gaffe, the placekick holder is getting way too much attention.

Links:
[eBay]: DALLAS TONY ROMO CUSTOM MCFARLANE NFL PLAYOFFS JERSEY

Categories
New Jersey Nets

Kidd Abuse

(Come on… someone had to use that headline.)



There’ll be no more of this

While it might seem great to be the son of an NBA superstar, sometimes it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. First, you have tons of people making fun of your huge head cause your mom brings you to Nets games. Then you become a part of NY Post tabloid fodder when your dad files a complaint against you mom for “domestic violence” which everyone is whispering is about child abuse. (Oh and your dad once punched your mom in the mouth over a french fry — but she totally was flirting with the Hamburgler so you know…)

This little tidbit from the Post article left us wondering why Jason Kidd is still even talking to his wife:


One of the final straws for Jason Kidd likely came after his wife showed up at a Net game at the Meadowlands taunting him from the sidelines while flailing about with a cellphone in her hands, several sources said.

Come on, your wife heckles you from the stands? That’s something not even T.O. deserves.

By the way, we don’t mean to make fun of child abuse (or punching people in the mouth over a french fry… actually re the french fry — yes we do) but we seriously doubt the kids are all messed up or anything. When we were young, dad used to make us cut down the switch he’d hit us with. And we’re just fine thank you. We’ve got an unhealthy fear of trees… but whatever.

Links:
[NJ.com]:
J-Kidd soap opera takes odd turn

Categories
NBA General

Around the Rim: Overlooked


1. Forgotten Nugget
With Yao Ming on the sideline with an injured knee, it’s unsure if he can make a return in time to suit up for the All-Star game in mid-February. Maybe the NBA should consider inserting Denver center Marcus Camby as a replacement. Camby is currently averaging 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks and he is coming off an impressive game against Milwaukee that saw him score 19 points, grab 15 rebounds and swat seven shots. And that was with a broken finger. Unfortunately for Camby, if he’s going to receive a ticket to the game it will have to come via a coach’s decision because despite his solid season, he’s still sitting in the fifth spot for Western Conference centers behind Yao, Amare Stoudemire, Erick Dampier and Mehmet Okur. As always, the fans don’t have the tightest grip on reality, but hopefully the coaches’ vote will more accurately portray reality and not popularity.

2. New Face in S.A.?
San Antonio broke out of a three game losing slump on Sunday when they easily defeated the Grizzlies without guard Tony Parker, who missed the game with a strained hip. When asked about the team’s improvement in the absence of the soon to be Mr. Longoria, Tim Duncan responded, “We need to trade (Parker) or get rid of him or something.” Obviously Duncan was being sarcastic with his comment, but the Spurs are serious about making a trade, but not for Tony. S.A. would love to add the athleticism of Corey Maggette to their lineup and an aging Brent Barry along with Beno Udrih is a small price to pay for the ability to run with the West’s progressively up-tempo style. But at this point, what team isn’t on Maggette’s radar as a possible new destination. Toronto’s Morris Peterson is also drawing some attention from Gregg Popovich as a possible compliment to the team’s guard/forward rotations.

3. Redd Alert
It’s going to be tough for any team to replace 27.7 points per game, but for the Milwaukee Bucks it’s going to be impossible. The injury to Michael Redd will keep him sidelined for anywhere from four to six weeks and by the time he returns, the Bucks ship might be sunk. Milwaukee is currently clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and they can directly attribute that to the offensive outbursts by Redd. Look at how the Sixers have handled losing their star scorer; and Philly actually got something in return when they lost 30 points from the lineup! Their upcoming schedule is not exactly terrifying, but nobody on the calendar can be taken lightly when your only 16-18. And with the mediocrity that saturates the East, there are far too many teams with losing records who are dying to back into the playoffs for Milwaukee to think they can survive without their shooting star.

Monday’s Player of the Day: Ruben Patterson @ Denver 38 min, 29 pts (FG: 13-21, FT: 3-6), 12 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl

Tuesday’s Game to Watch: Dallas (27-8) @ Utah (24-10) The Jazz have been sporadic of late but they remain strong at home where they are 14-2. Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams continue to provide a modern day version of Utah Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton. But the Stockton/Malone pick-n-roll might not be enough to slow down the white hot Mavs. Even though Dallas lost to the Lakers and had their impressive streak ended, nobody has been better than the Mavericks this season. Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard can already make their reservations for Las Vegas in February. However, Dallas’ weakness has been in their blue uniforms as they’ve dropped five games away from home.

Buzzer Beater: You’ve got to love a guy like Melvin Ely who can ask for a trade with a smile on his face. The Bobcats’ forward realizes that he is going to be stuck on the bench behind youngsters like Emeka Okafor and Sean May but instead of making waves, Ely has demanded for a trade in a professional manner that can only improve his appeal to other teams. Too often trades involve negative feelings between players and management, but its guys like Ely who understand they make an extremely profitable livelihood by playing a child’s game, and despite the unfavorable circumstance, there is no losing situation.

Categories
New York Giants

Bad Rumor Alert: Parcells to the Giants?


Remember that “false rumor mongerer” Adam Schefter, the one who predicted that the Raiders would fire Art Shell after one season? Well, he’s got a new rumor floating about: The Giants are trying to lure Parcells back to the NY Giants as GM.

Schefter is reporting that, even though it’s a long shot, the Giants are considering hiring Bill Parcells to come in and clean house. However, an artile in the Star-Ledger (NJ) claims that Bill Parcells was the one who contacted the Giants about becoming GM but the Giants said no thanks. NY wants someone to be there long term and with his age and recent wanderings, no one expects Parcells to be in his next (or current) job very long.

We would love to see Parcells back in the Big Apple. It would make for interesting press conferences and media coverage, not to mention the two times a year that the Giants go up against the Cowboys. Parcells leaving would also leave the door open for TO to blow up in Dallas and call his head coach a moron and say how he’s very happy to have the new head coach (Mike Martz/Denny Green/Bill Cowher/whoever) directing the offense and exploting what he “brings to the table”.

Alas… it is not to be. But can we all agree that there is no way in hell that Parcells and Owens will be on the same team next year? Or at least past the trade deadline next year.

Links:

[NFL.com]: Parcells may be lured back to Big Apple

[NJ.com]: Giants: Say no thanks to Parcells

Categories
Dallas Cowboys

Kim Etheredge has less reasons to be alive


The publicist who said “Terrell has 25 million reasons why he should be alive” has been fired by Owens. Not only did she insult the Dallas police department, she also provided one of the unintentionally funniest soundbites of 2006.

Now granted, she looked like a crack addict that day but we assume that if she weren’t up for 24 hours and dealing with TO, that she might look halfway decent when she cleans up. So there lies the moral of the story. Never hire someone just cause she’s good looking. Etheredge is/was probably the most incompetent publicist an athlete has ever had. She did more harm to TO’s image than any other publicist in the history of sports. Considering how low TO’s image was to begin with, that’s quite a feat. Maybe Nick Saban can hire her to make him look more like a money grabbing double talking weasel.

Links:
[Star Telegram]: Owens fires publicist

Categories
NBA General

Around the Rim: Dal-loss


1. It’s Over
The Dallas Mavericks have finally fallen. After a streak of 13 straight wins, the Mavs lost in a closely contested battle against the Lakers by a score of 101-98. But Dallas should be able to rebound quickly considering that double-digit win streaks are as common to Dirk’s posse as fumbles are to Tony Romo. Dallas has been leaving teams in their wake as they’ve raced to the best record in the league at 27-8 behind the play of Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard. But Kobe Bryant led a fourth quarter comeback by the Lakers that gave their head coach, Phil Jackson the 900th win of his career and snapped the Mavs hopes of surpassing the 1971-72 Lakers’ record 33 game win streak. Dallas’ next chance to renew their winning ways comes on Tuesday when they travel to Utah, while L.A. can look forward to a six game span that includes games against Houston, Orlando, Miami, San Antonio, and a rematch with Dallas.

2. On Pace to Relocate
Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O’Neal has stated that if he can’t lead his team to “another level” by the end of the season he will leave the organization in search of greener pastures elsewhere. Well, O’Neal might want to notify his real estate agent because Indy has far too many holes for O’Neal to think he can single handedly turn things around. O’Neal will always be a stat machine in Indiana but the team currently lacks the overall quality and depth needed to beat teams like Detroit, Chicago, Orlando or Cleveland. Sure, the Pacers are one of a handful of teams to own a record above .500 in the East, and they’re on pace to get into the playoffs, but if the outcome of this season is going to serve as the litmus test for O’Neal’s decision, then he will be wrapping up his Pacers career once they finish a short playoff stint.

3. Net Loss
It looks like New Jersey could be on the verge of being dismantled and, apparently, nobody is off limits in the team’s transition. The Nets are 14-19 and management is desperate to inject some life into a limp lineup that can’t seem to find their way into playoff contention despite playing in one of the most pathetic divisions in league history. Vince Carter has been linked to trades for Corey Maggette in L.A., while Chicago appears to have their eye on Richard Jefferson, and it has even been rumored that the cornerstone of the franchise, Jason Kidd, could be involved in a move before the trade deadline passes on February 22. You can’t blame the front office for wanting to give up on a trio of stars who can’t separate themselves from recent league doormats like Toronto, New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

Sunday’s Player of the Day: Manu Ginobili @ Memphis 27 min, 34 pts (FG: 10-15, 3FG: 6-8, FT: 8-9), 4 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl

Monday’s Game to Watch: Houston (21-13) @ Chicago (20-14) The Rockets are coming off a road loss to Minnesota but continue to look impressive as Tracy McGrady elevates his game in the absence of an injured Yao Ming. McGrady has been more than willing to increase his load of the scoring without Yao and has strung together five consecutive games of at least 30 points. The Bulls are 1-2 in January after losing only three games in all of December but Chicago is still getting All-Star performances from Luol Deng, Ben Wallace and Ben Gordon. Chicago is 15-3 at home but all three of those loses have come to Western Conference teams.

Buzzer Beater: Kevin Garnett is definitely having a happy new year as his game continues to sizzle since David Stern brought back the leather b-ball. The Timberwolves are 4-0 in 2007, including three straight wins in overtime, and K.G. is averaging 27.5 points, while shooting 48 percent, and pulling down 14.5 rebounds during the span. But the only numbers Minnesota is truly concerned with is the number of games between themselves and Northwest Division leader Utah. That number is currently at six and shrinking after the Jazz’s sub par play of late.

Categories
NFL General

Jan 8 in Sports History: The Music City Miracle



After the 90.5 degree lateral from Wycheck

In 2000: An otherwise nondescript AFC Wild Card game suddenly found itself joining the Immaculate Reception, the Hail Mary and The Drive in pantheon of unbelievable playoff finishes. The Tennessee Titans were locked in a defensive struggle with the visiting Buffalo Bills in the first playoff game of the new millennium. The Bills rallied from a 12-point deficit in the second half and took their first lead of the game at 16-15 with only 16 seconds left. On the ensuing kickoff, Tennessee’s Lorenzo Neal fielded the ball and handed it to H-Back Frank Wycheck. Wycheck threw the ball across the field to Kevin Dyson, who ran 75 yards for the touchdown. The Titans had to wait out a lengthy review by referee Phil Luckett (who was the Forrest Gump of the NFL in the late 90’s–he seemed to be involved in every major event), but the play stood and “the Music City Miracle” was on the list. The Bills protested that it was a forward pass by Wycheck and the play shouldn’t have stood, but replays show that the play was a lateral.

In 2003: Two Wild Card games played back-to-back provided NFL fans with one of the most exciting days of football ever. First, in Pittsburgh, the Steelers trailed 24-7 and 33-21 before rallying to beat the Cleveland Browns 36-33, despite 433 yards passing by Brown’s backup Kelly Holcomb. Then in San Francisco, the 49ers fell behind the NY Giants 38-14 in the second half before rallying to take a 39-38 lead behind Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens. The last play of the afternoon summed up the entire day. The Giants lined up for a game-winning field goal attempt but the snap was botched, and holder Matt Allen scrambled right and heaved a desperation pass to Giants’ guard Rich Seubert (who was an eligible receiver). Seubert was blatantly interfered with by the 49ers’ Chike Okeafor, but the referees instead penalized the Giants for an illegal man downfield. If the referees had called offsetting penalties (or if Allen had just spiked the ball—it was third down) the Giants could’ve had another shot at winning the game. The 49ers, for some reason, didn’t let the Giants play at Tampa the next week in their stead.

Categories
New England Patriots

Bill Belichick is a phony

Let’s see, the Jets beat the Patriots in the regular season and Belichick gives his former protege a cold fish running away handshake. The Patriots beat the Jets in the playoffs and all of the sudden, he’s ok with Mangini and gives him a bear hug. Just because the student hasn’t overtaken the master, it means everything is fine again? On top of that, he shoves a photographer out of the way like the guy was trying to shoot Belichick’s wife… or mistress.

And while Rich Eisen and the NFL crew try to make fun of the man hug in this clip, they don’t dare veer into the “Belichick is a pompous ass” territory. When asked about shoving the photographer, Belichick responded, “There were 80 people between me and Eric. I’m just trying to coach the team, that’s all.” How is that coaching a team? Will the rest of the Patriots be sore losers/gracious winners too?


Links:

[STL today.com]: Postgame hug draws attention

Categories
Dallas Stars

You’d have to try hard to miss this goal

Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe scored over 800 goals in their careers. Mario Lemieux had 690. Dallas Stars’ forward Patrick Stefan couldn’t get any closer to them last night despite literally having an open net a foot in front of him. In fact, the former top overall draft pick couldn’t be any farther away from those guys if he were traded to Ice Station Zebra. Or farther away from a 4-year-old midget player whose parents couldn’t afford the skating lessons. Seconds away from a 5-4 victory in Edmonton last night, Stefan made a nifty steal of the puck and had an empty net staring at him as he skated into the Oilers zone untouched. For some reason, he didn’t shoot the puck, instead skating all the way in. He then proceeded to miss the open net as the puck jumped off his stick. Then Stefan fell to the ice a la Happy Gilmore in hockey tryouts as the Oilers went the other way and tied the game on an Ales Hemsky goal. Remember, this guy was a number one overall draft pick!

Just think everybody; for a few seconds last night, you were not the worst hockey player in the world. That goes for everybody, even if you live on the Equator and have never heard of hockey, someone out there was worse at it than you were.

The Stars did bail Stefan out, however, by winning 6-5 in a shootout.

Categories
NBA General

Around the Rim: Step Aside Showgirls


1. Vegas Rules
Forget about Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Gilbert Arenas. The real all-stars are performing during the timeouts. So, for the first time, NBA.com is compiling votes in order to assemble The 2007 Las Vegas NBA All-Star Dance team which will be composed of one girl from each NBA team. Now, you can go online and, ahem, entertain yourself with pictures and bios from every babe, I mean dancer, on every team. Finally, the talent and inner beauty of women like Courtney from Boston, Katherine from Miami and Julie from Houston can get the proper recognition they deserve. So, show these ladies how much you truly appreciate them; vote early, vote often and send a thank you to NBA.com for creating a one stop shop for dancing divas from around the league.

2. Way Downtown
The Cavs LeBron James proved on Wednesday that he is capable of hitting the long range bombs in real life, as well as in commercials. When he nailed an 83 footer at the end of the third quarter against Boston, not only did he add three points to his scoring total but he also added his name to the record books. According to a statistician, James’ shot was the third longest in NBA history. Only an 84 footer by Chicago’s Norm Van Lier in 1977 and an 89 footer by Baron Davis (then with Charlotte) had more air time than James’. Kinda makes you wonder if he really was hitting jumpers from the opposite baseline in those ads. Nah, he couldn’t do that. Could he?

3. The Hornet with No Sting
Tyson Chandler isn’t far from becoming a big time player in this league. Chandler cleans the glass with the elite in the league, he’s currently sixth in boards, and he’s been blocking shots with ferocity of late. But despite all of the talent that he possesses, Chandler appears to have absolutely no desire to score. In fact, his season high is only 14 points and he hasn’t taken ten shots in any game this year. The Hornets have got to find a way to get more offense out of his 7-1, 245 pound frame and Chandler must learn to be aggressive if he’s ever going to live up to his second pick potential.

Thursday’s Player of the Day: Kobe Bryant @ Sacramento 48 min, 42 pts (FG: 11-21, 3FG: 3-5, FT: 17-20), 10 reb, 9 ast

Friday’s Game to Watch: Dallas (26-7) @ San Antonio (23-10) It’s probably the biggest rivalry in the NBA and tonight’s game should be another great game between these two division foes. The Mavericks have a 10-4 record away from Dallas this season, as well as a three game lead over the Spurs in the Southwest Division that has been steadily growing during the Mavs current 12 game win streak. San Antonio, on the other hand, has struggled recently; losing two in a row and four of their last seven. This will be the third game between these two with each team winning in the others gym.

Buzzer Beater: The referees in last night’s game between the Lakers and Kings became a bit whistle happy in the second quarter as they sent players to line an astounding 47 times. Talk about a snore fest! By half-time of the game there had been 38 total fouls called and six players had already picked up three fouls each. After regulation and overtime ended, a total of 80 fouls had been called and 102 free throws had been shot. I hope that the NBA front office takes note and remembers this performance when it comes time to assign referees to the All-Star Game. Please Mr. Stern, just say no to Dick Bavetta, Jess Kersey and Robby Robinson.