Just out of love...

He's been called National Champion.
He's been called "The greatest college quarterback of all time."
He's been called a hero.
He called himself the real Heisman winner.
He's been called NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He's been called a flop.
He's been called crazy, even suicidal.
Anyone who watches football even casually knows who I'm talking about.
Vince Young has gone from phenom to legend back to phenom, and he now sits second on the Titans' depth chart behind the archaic Kerry Collins.
He blew off rumored emotional struggles that led to a frantic search earlier this year as a trip to a friend's house.
Even as a fan of Vince, I was skeptical about that odd adventure.
Regardless, it has been a roller coaster journey through football thus far for Vince, but his off-the-field ride took him right back to hero on Wednesday.
You see, Young was mentored through a healthy portion of his football career by Steve McNair, who, as anyone with cable or the internet knows, was shot by what seems to be his mistress on July 4.
Steve McNair was married with four kids.
Two of those kids are students at St. Paul Christian Academy, a school that had a "Dear Dads Breakfast."
According to teachers, 11-year-old Trenton and 5-year-old Tyler "were wondering what was going to happen with them" in regards to the breakfast.
Apparently Trenton and Tyler, like much of sports media, had forgotten about Vince Young's legendary capabilities when he's needed.
So Vince showed up at the restaurant where breakfast was happening, ate an omelet with the boys, signed a few autographs, and made those two boys' day.
He probably made their lives, though.
Vince summed up that, even though many have suggested he has completely lost his mind, he "gets it" better than most celebrities ever will in his quote to the Tennesseean.
"Those are my boys. I wouldn't say it was to pay anyone back; it was just out of love. Steve would do it for me. He pretty much did it for me when I was growing up. I have a history with the boys and I want to do anything I can. I am their big brother."
I'm not saying Vince Young is perfect, or he deserves to start (although he does), or that he won't ever let those boys or his fans down.
I am saying that the media outlets will probably let this story slide through the cracks before today is over in favor of something more interesting, like the latest leaked steroid user.
It's a shame because Trenton and Tyler are more important than that.
Just ask the greatest college quarterback of all time.

Dear fantasy football team,

So all you guys have been drafted to play for this illustrious franchise, the Macon Babies, and you should feel lucky. To my first round draft pick, Steve Slaton, I knew when I pre-set my player rankings and draft strategy, that the chips would fall to where you would be my guy. Yes, you are more valuable to me than Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, Steve Smith, and Clinton Portis. Don't let all those Pro Bowls and Super Bowls get you down. Your team is perennially awful, but you are my shining star.
In week one, I need a good performance out of you. When the Eagles play the Panthers in that opening tilt, I could use a 300-399-yard game out of Donovan McNabb. A couple of touchdowns would be great, but no interceptions please. At the same time, I need Steve Smith to get over 200 yards and a couple touchdowns. Basically, I need an offensive shootout. I'm not even going to discuss how ridiculous things need to get if Portis gets injured in the preseason and I have to put in the Panthers' Jonathan Stewart.
Furthermore, Peyton Manning, you're not on my team, and, in fact, you're my opposition. Thus, a 10-40 performance with 120 yards and a touchdown would be a blessing. Especially if all 10 of those completions are to my guy Dallas Clark. That's right, please ignore Reggie Wayne and your other speedy receivers. Clark is slower, therefore more thorough. Remember the tortoise and the hare? If not, I'll give you a hint: the rabbit loses.
Otherwise, if Brady hurts his knee again, I'm gonna need you to step up JaMarcus Russ... Okay, that's a long shot. I should just stop. Good luck, guys!

-Jeremy
Owner
Macon Babies

Simply Genius

Bronson Arroyo has always been an interesting character to me.
You know, the guy who started with the Red Sox that had the long hair.
He was also the only white baseball player with braids, and he has been a singer and guitarist with produced CD's.
On the field, he's always been the type of pitcher that no one seems to be able to explain, we just know he's good.
I couldn't tell you if he's a fireballer, or if he paints the corners, or if he throws a loop-de-doo knuckleball like we all did on Nintendo games.
I just know he always seems to be successful.
Now, as it turns out, he's also a genius, and he may have used steroids.
You see, Arroyo has admitted that he's not all that careful with his supplements now, and he used to take andro and amphetamines, which have both been banned.
But they weren't when he took them.
That's the kicker that most people booing Manny, Papi, and the rest of the "Dirty 104" as I have just in the last 10 words dubbed them, don't realize.
Anyone on that 2003 list was found guilty of taking supplements that were not illegal yet or had no formalized testing or punishment.
Arroyo's stance, paraphrased:
"Yep, I took lots of stuff back then. Good stuff. Legal stuff. Was it laced with steroids? WHO KNOWS??? But it was AWESOME! In fact, I'm probably on that list from '03. Be shocking if I wasn't. If you're asking whether I'd do it again, the answer is abso-frickin'-lutely. If that stuff were legal, I'd buy the Sam's Club supersized jug. To be honest, I'm not very careful now. I don't take what's banned, but I do take anything that's not."
Do you know what that means?
If it does come out that he was on the 2003 list, no one will be shocked.
Anyone who's read the story I just read won't buy a newspaper, magazine, or tell-all book simply to find out the details about Bronson's steroid use.
No one will assume that because he was on the list, he was shooting the hard stuff into his left glute. (or perhaps the right glute; I don't know proper protocol.)
He didn't pull the Palmiero finger point, or the A-Rod "I'm sorry for what I may or may not have done that could have possibly been against a rule or statute or maybe law," or even a Papi "I think I took tainted vitamins."
He told us exactly what he took, told us what he's taking, and told us why he did what he did then and why he does what he does now.
It'll probably be taken way out of context by those who aren't used to such, but not by me.
I appreciate honesty.

Mr. James...excuse me...

So, I finally saw the Lebron James video.
I know you know the one I'm talking about.
First, it was "the video that Nike confiscated of Lebron James getting dunked on by a high schooler."
Then, it was "the video that the public had the right to see."
Next, it was "well, I mean, the camp does have a 'no outside photography or recording' policy."
Finally, it was "oh somebody leaked the video. I'm shocked. We might as well watch the footage from someone's cell phone video camera."
And this is the type of trending that is keeping me out of the sports writing industry?
I even heard Dan Patrick say that Lebron didn't get dunked on; he actually just got out of the way and let the kid have his moment.
Well, as stated, I finally saw the video, and... umm... King James got dunked on by a high schooler.
He caught a face full of shoulder, gave a "swing-and-a-miss" attempt at a block, and then stumbled backwards upon landing.
That is textbook "posterization."
Perhaps, as some talking head hypothesized, Lebron could have blocked the kid if he wanted to, but we'll never know that because Lebron, that I know of, hasn't really addressed it.
Not that it matters, since getting dunked on or dunking on someone is no indicator of actual talent, but I would love to hear the interview that would occur if Lebron and a reporter had a completely truthful and accurate conversation about the incident.
"Mr. James...excuse me...rumor has it that you got... posterized at your recent camp. Is this true?"
"Why yes I did. Haven't you seen the video? It's all over every website that calls itself a news outlet, most of which are actually run by high school dropouts with poor senses of humor and decency. (Glares menacingly at the kid wearing the star trek t-shirt and no press credentials)"
"But Mr. James, I heard Nike confiscated the tape. Don't journalists have the right to everything that happens anywhere at anytime, regardless of rules in place in those locations?"
"Well yeah, they tried to keep that tape from getting out. Truthfully, nothing that happens in a private location is any of the media's business, and the camp had a rule against recordings done by anyone other than Nike. That rule is really just for the protection of the 16-17-year-olds that are attending the camp, but it actually would've been really convenient for me this time. (insert cheesy Lebron commercial smile)"
"Lebron, some have said you let the kid dunk, but I've seen the video. He made you look pretty bad; am I right? (looks around for a high five)"
"Well truthfully, I'm probably the most naturally gifted athlete on the planet, so, were I playing at game intensity and focus, I would've sent the ball into the sixth row. But I wasn't, because it's a camp and I'm the host. Thus, that high schooler dunked on me, and it should be on a poster. Because that video is nasty."
Granted that conversation won't ever happen, but that's my take on the issue.
The King got thrown down upon, but it's not really that big of a deal.
The score is still Lebron 2,000,000...the world 1.

Clash of the Titans

I've heard much talk on sports radio over recent months about the level of parity in particular professional leagues.
The hosts on these shows begin to banter about which leagues have the most level playing field amongst its teams, then they move on to discuss whether parity is really important.
My personal stance is that, to the fan of mediocre teams, parity is paramount.
If your team just missed the MLB wild card by a game and a half or finished as the eight seed in the NBA's eastern conference and got spanked by the Cavs, it's nice to think, "My guys might have a chance next year."
For everyone else, especially league officials, total parity is like "ending women's suffrage."
The phrase itself sounds better than the meaning of the words.
Total parity means that this year's champion might be terrible next year.
See 1997 or 2003 Marlins.
Total parity means that fans just get frustrated when their Super Bowl Raiders disappear for years afterwards.
Are their Angels fans anyhwere outside of California because of that title the Halos won in 2002?
Did anyone else even remember that the Angels won a World Series in 2002?
On the flip side, how many Celtics and Lakers fan exist outside of Massachusetts and California simply because of the 1980's?
Take me for example, I've only seen the United Center once in the seven days I've ever spent in Chicago, but I still cheer for the Bulls as much as possible because of the Jordan era.
I'll go a step further and say that I wouldn't even watch the NBA now if Jordan's Bulls hadn't erased the word parity from the NBA lexicon in the mid-90s.
All that said, the NBA is building to what I think may be the best NBA season in years because, for once, parity isn't happening.
The teams that are making the biggest moves are last season's contenders.
The Lakers decided, "what we need is a grumpy, lanky dude."
Thus, Ron Artest.
The Celtics said, "We'll see your grumpy, lanky dude, and raise you a scruffy beard."
Thus, Rasheed Wallace.
Questionably, the Magic gave up a little too much, but they picked up Vince Carter, and I can't wait to see Vince jump off Dwight Howard's back for a 360 through his legs.
Even the Cavaliers signed Shaq, which is a way better deal than a lot of people realize for situational and match-up reasons.
Basically, the Eastern conference power forwards, or fours, should start a support group.
Imagine yourself having to decide who to help, your small forward who's getting destroyed by the King or your most likely undersized center that's getting pushed around by the Big Aristotle.
Have fun with that.
Also don't forget that the Rockets and Blazers have been reloading, and D-Wade is forcing the Heat's hand on some moves in Miami.
The NBA was already gaining popularity, but I think this may be one of the most interesting eras we've ever seen in sports.
This is no one or two-team race, but this is also no NFL, where contenders change year-to-year.
What we're about to see is essentially an eight-or-nine team league of contenders that fill their schedules with 20 or so minor-league teams.
I mean, does anyone actually view the Bucks and Andrew Bogut as anywhere near the same level as Kobe and the Lakers?
Personally, I love this direction.
Why?
Because I think it sounds more exciting to see Shaq, LeBron, Kobe, Pau, and Ron Artest on the same court without All-Star jerseys on than it would be to see Michael Redd and those ugly green uniforms get swept out of the second round.

Really?

As I've listened to the coverage following last night's Eastern Conference finals game, in which Orlando eliminated Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, I can't help but laugh.
Surprise, surprise... the media have turned on Lebron.
His team lost a series in which he averaged 38 points, and the 24-year-old was aggravated, or upset, or downright pissed.
Actually no one knows what he was feeling because the man left the arena without talking to the media.
What? He just talked to his team mates in the locker room and then got on the bus?
I can't imagine why a man who was probably frustrated at the lackluster performance of his teammates Less Williams and that kid from High School Musical, aka Anderson Verejao, would want to skip the press conference.
Sure it's supposedly the media's right to needle an already frustrated athlete with such questions as...
"So, Lebron, does it bother you that Kobe is going to get a shot at another title and you guys are going home?"
"Did your team mates let you down tonight?"
"Lebron, what are you going to need this offseason to win a title?"
"So are you ready to go to New York NOW?"
Wasn't leaving the arena a better choice, as a team mate and superstar, than what I would've wanted to say in that presser?
"Yeah, I'm pretty upset that I'm gonna have to wait a year for my first title, but I'm really not competing with Kobe until we get to the Finals at the same time. Of course my team mates let me down, don't you have a television? I need Cavs management to get their heads out of their backsides and get me something better than Mo Williams and a broke-down Ben Wallace. Seriously, Mo Williams is the best you can do? And I thought about it, even hanging out with Jay-Z isn't cool enough to make me wanna play for the Knicks. If I want to go to New York, I'll buy a plane."
Now THAT would've been unprofessional. In my mind, what he did could be percieved as personal damage prevention.
Rather than risking going T.O. in the press conference, Lebron just walked away.
So before you judge, think about how you would respond to these questions.
After you don't finish a sale,
"So does it bother you that all that commission just walked out the door and, wow, Jimmy's really landing a big one over there?"
After your favorite student gets suspended for getting in a fight,
"Did Johnny let you down today?"
After you work on a project for months and your group members let you down tremendously,
"Next time, which group members would you want again and which do you want out of the group?"
After an awful work week,
"So when are you gonna start applying with other companies?"
Now imagine that your answers are going to be published all across America, without the preceding questions, leaving only your angry and potentially hurtful commentary.
I've been in the other side of the business, and I'd go straight to the bus, too.

Ridiculous...

I was going to write this post about how the sports media has become tiresome with their coverage of the NBA's two brightest stars, Lebron and Kobe.
Everyone seemingly agrees that Lebron is more physically gifted than Kobe and that Kobe is a far better game closer than Lebron.
Conversely, it seems to be conventional wisdon that Kobe is a bit of a ball hog and that Lebron frequently passes up the clutch shot to include his team mates.
I had prepared a statement regarding the genius of Lebron's decision-making paradigm, and I was ready to say that his pass-first mentality would eventually pay off.
Yes, I was already on the James gang's bandwagon, but I didn't expect Lebron to answer for himself this soon.
A mere two days after the King was "too unselfish"....
I'm going to pause right here to highlight how ludicrous the notion that anyone could suggest a professional athlete is too unselfish actually is.
Let this simmer for a second.
"Yeah, the nerve of Lebron James. It's like he understands the meaning of the word 'team' or something. He actually trusts his team mates to take the final shot of the game. What a loser."
I rest my case.
Un-Pause.
A mere two days after the King was "too unselfish" to take an off-balance shot over passing to an open team mate, James addressed the only two counterpoints anyone has ever had against his otherwise flawless game.
His jump shot is shaky.
He would prefer to not take the final shot.
With exactly one second remaining on the clock, the GREATEST PLAYER IN THE GAME hit a three-point jumper without flinching and with no backboard or rim needed.
Check and check.
Many have speculated that these playoffs could be when Bron-Bron takes his place as the next Jordan, but Jordan and I would both disagree.
A direct quote from His Airness:
"Do it your own way, and see where it goes. It might not hit the way you want it to. You may not make as much money as you want to. But there's value in remaining true to yourself."
Lebron makes plenty of money, but the point remains clear.
Both Jordan and James are the best of their time.
Nobody who touched the court while Jordan was playing was as good as Jordan.
That includes Kobe, who can not lead a team of second-tier players to six rings.
Nobody who is on the court right now is as good as Lebron.
That includes Kobe, who isn't big enough or nice enough to win or lose the way Lebron does.
Basically, Lebron is ridiculous.