National Signing Day = Media Pedophilia

A Complete Sham

For those of us who are maniacally cynical, pessimistic, and overall dour on the state of society National Signing Day is yet another reminder of our imminent demise.  This year ESPN, SI, and Fox Sports have all been touting the arrival of National Signing Day for two weeks.  The question I’d pose is why?  First of all we’re talking about 17 and 18 year old kids who’ve yet to go to the prom, take a driving test, and witness their last pep rally in the quad during nutrition (or recess which is even more juvenile).  The fact of the matter is that no matter how much hype surrounds National Signing Day only a couple of these kids will truly taste collegiate greatness and even fewer will matriculate from the collegiate ranks to the NFL.  In other words, media coverage falsely inflates and exploits many of these kids filling them with false hopes and false expectations. 

Recruiting has become a full-time job for top tier college programs and covering recruiting has become big business for sites like Scouts, Inc. and Rivals.com.  The fuel that flames the maelstrom of recruiting madness remains the human element.  Kids, whether the successful few or the discounted many, are the crux of this media phenomenon.  Names are volleyed about and kid’s are lauded as the next Ray Lewis or Reggie Bush, but honestly how many of us have ever seen or heard of these kids?  Would we know or care about them if not for the media throwing them in our faces?  No way!  On a deeper level, there is a definite element of child abuse and pedophilia that resonates through this whole process.  You have middle-aged men (coaches, recruiters, etc) communicating with kids via text messages and official visits and under-the-table gifts.  That smells bad.  ESPN posting videos of top prospects and prematurely touting kids as idols is damaging to the kid and lowers the moral bar of the sports consumer.  It’s the “pornofication” of sports.  The bottom line is if you’re 17 or 18 and have never even stepped outside of the auspices of your parents or home situation, I don’t want to know your name, I don’t want to compare you to some grown man or professional, and I definitely don’t want to leer into your future with any vested interest.  Sure, it’s great for colleges to reload their talent, but is there really a need to turn this into a meat market where the cattle dramatically put on some college’s hat in front of a contrived press conference?  No, there really isn’t.  Let the cattle announce where they go quietly with less fanfare and let’s check back in three years to see if the cattle turn out to be bulls or steer.

FlyMaster Signing Off…For Now!

“Hopeless in Seattle”…not this year!

OK.  2008 didnt see the Football Huskies tally another National Championship, nor did it showcase the Mariners coming back from 2 games to none to send the Yankees home from the playoffs, or did the Seahawks go undefeated at home en route to another Super Bowl shot….but, what it did provide was a miserable, cellar-dweller, across the board, display of mediocrity from the entire line of Seattle based sports teams.  But!  I have also spent the last 8 years watching a certain President drive our economy into the ground, pick fights with every country but Canada, and pile-drive the morale of American citizens.  And what happened next?  HOPE.  Yes, hope…as in Barack Obama…as in no more Bush….as in better and more opportunity.

The pieces are in place for the city of Seattle to rise up and bring respectability back to a city of higher standards.  Like the Huskies football team, the Seattle Supersonics (remember them), and the Seattle Storm* of the WNBA, we will look at how and why each franchise/college team has a shot at bringing home the gold.

(* means “nobody cares”)

Seattle Mariners:

Let’s not forget that the Mariners were fighting for the AL West title just 2 years ago.  The only true losses from that team are Raul Ibanez and Jose Guillen, but the youth and the addition of Erik Bedard make this team as talented if not more than ‘07.  Seattle has the best leadoff man in baseball, has the $$$ to sign Griffey as the DH, an onslaught of talented young catchers and pitchers, highly touted infielders Yuniesky Betancourt and Jose Lopez, a charismatic young GM and a new Manager that brings winning experience by way of Oakland and Anaheim (I refuse to play the “Los Angeles of “game).  Prediction: 84-78 record, Jeff Clement, Brandon Morrow and Felix Hernandez become All-Stars and the AL West was in reach until Bedard got hurt.

Seattle Seahawks:

In 3 seasons with Atlanta, Jim Mora Jr. was 26-22 building around the anti-christ to animal rights activists, Vick, and establishing a top running game.  Why is this relevant?  Mora not only has Hasselback at QB, but has the speedy and creative Seneca Wallace to work with.  Seattle also has an army of “C” class RB’s to work, similar to what Mora had in Atlanta, but made successful.  The defense boasts Pro Bowlers Patrick Kerney, Marcus Trufant, Lofa Tatupu, and Julian Peterson and have all intentions to add a high-profile free agent, probably a safety (Jermaine Phillips, Kerry Rhodes) or DT (Albert haynesworth, Tommie Harris)…, OR, how about bolstering the offense (Fred Jackson, Derrick Ward or maybe T.J Houshmandzadeh)???

The Seahawks boast arguably the best OT in the history of football (Walter Jones) and have a decent rest of O-line, when healthy.  The receiving corps clearly needs an upgrade, even without the injuries, fortunately, Seattle has the 5th overall pick…Michael Crabtree!  If we cant sign Jackson or Ward as free-agent RB’s, I have no problem with taking Chris Brown of Oklahoma with the 5th pick in the 2nd round.  The talent is there, Paul Allen has the money, and the Seattle fans believe…it is all up to Mora to put it all together.  Projection: 12-4, loss in the NFC Championship.  Seriously.

Washington Huskies – football:

Jake Locker has the running ability, energy and potential leadership ability of Tim Tebow…unfortunately has the passing ability mostly likened to Garo Yepremian.  But wait, in comes Steve Sarkisian, the former offensive coordinator and QB coach at USC, having developed Carson Palmer, Matt Leinert, Matt Cassel, John David Booty and Mark Sanchez.  Couple this dynamic with WR D’Andre Goodwin, OLB Donald Butler, DT Alameda Ta’amu and a solid Offensive Line, and the Huskies could turn in and 5 to 6 win season.

Washington Huskies – basketball:

As of this moment, the Huskies are 12-3, 2-0 in the Pac-10 and undefeated in 2009.  Jon Brockman is a beast down low, and the trio of Isiah Thomas, Justin Dentmon, and Quincy Poindexter get shots up.  There is no reason that the Huskies cant make a serious run at the Tournament this year.  Projection: 22-9 in regular season (12-6 vs Pac-10), should win 2 games in the Pac-10 tournament (24-10), that is worthy of a 8-11 seed in the NCAA 64.  I’ll take it!

All in all, this is a good year.  Each team has a reasonable shot to bring home a crown, although my personal projections dont allow any of them to deliver this year…but in 2010, it will happen!

Tim Tebow, Meet JJ Redick

 

Pigskin's J.J. Redick

Tim Tebow already solidified his place as one of the top 5 greatest college football players in history.  His name will have to be mentioned alongside Herschel Walker, Doak Walker, Barry Sanders, and Red Grange.  What happens in his pro career remains to be seen.  Will he saunter the road taken by Danny Wuerffel or the one taken by Roger Staubach.   While Tebow won’t be an all-time great NFL QB, he also won’t be a complete bust.  Instead, he’ll be a fair to middling player whose glory will always be two horrible looking, yet game winning,  jump passes from his collegiate days.  All athletes should be so lucky. 

Tim Tebow, allow me to introduce you to your NBA doppleganger.  His name is J.J. Redick; you may have heard of him.  Mr. Redick spent his collegiate career being adored and worshipped by folks like Dicky V, Tim Brando, and a bunch of others looking for the great hope.  Redick finished as the ACC’s all-time leading scorer and that will be the pinnacle of his career.  Redick now rides the pine for the Orlando Magic as he quickly found out that his collegiate dominance quickly gave way to professional mediocrity.  C’est la vie.  Redick has skills, but can’t compete on the next level.  Similarly, Tebow has tremendous gifts on the collegiate level, but on the next level his gimmicks just won’t cut the mustard.  He’ll make a nice backup QB or backup TE, but the glory days will be a thing of the past once he declares for the draft.  Keep your skills up and keep healthy and you’ll be able to collect a pro paycheck for a few years.  Don’t get too big for your britches.  Bust a J.J. and know your role.

FlyMaster Signing Off…For Now!

BCS Title Game Pick? Florida and the Over

That is one cool lookin' *ss Caiman in a Cashmere

The Florida Gators will roll to another national title in a high-scoring affair over the Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS championship game. Take them to the bank as a 3.5 point favorite, and if you’re feeling lucky, parlay it with the over at 70 total points.

This Chris Brown will be dancing solo

The game showcases two dynamic offenses with the Sooners averaging 54.0 (#1) and the Gators 45.2 (#3), but the difference will be Florida’s 4th ranked defense (allowing 12.8 ppg), which is very fast and loaded with ballhawks and heavy hitters. Both teams will go back and forth, with the Sooners 2008 Heisman QB Sam Bradford leading an aerial assault, but will be sorely missing one of its two 1,000-yard backs in DeMarco Murray, leaving Chris Brown to shoulder the load. The Gators are led by 2007 Heisman QB Tim Tebow, a very balanced attack, and welcome back a healthy game-changer in Percy Harvin. In this close title game, look for Florida’s secondary to force a big turnover or two in the 2nd half, and to pound, pound, pound the ball at the Sooners line. The Gators will take a page out of Texas’ playbook (when Texas held Oklahoma to 48 rush yards in their win) and focus on stopping the run. Couple that with Tebow’s experience and calm in big games, and you can mark up another notch for coach Urban Meyer.

Note that in their last 12 games, the over has been 11-1 for Oklahoma and 8-4 for Florida. Also note that the Big 12 has been terrible this Bowl season, going 2-4 against the spread, bringing into question all that “tough schedule” talk, while the SEC has gone 5-2.

So far, 4-1 in 2009: USC rolling and Wild Card wins with ATL/ARI over, BAL -3, PHI -2, and the lone loss with Indy. Good luck everyone!

Straight Cash … Homey.

McCoy’s girl and drive spice up Fiesta Bowl!

The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl always makes me hungry for some scoops and salsa. Not to mention the fact that I am inundated with Tostitos commercials during each break. But this was more than about chips, it was about how would Ohio State lose another bowl game? After a 6-3 halftime score, the excitement was only shown during scattered camera shots of McCoy’s family and girlfriend. Holy smoke show! She topped all the highlights in this Tostitos Fiesta bowl and deserved more attention than these camera guys gave her. It’s a nice gimmick to pretend to focus on the parents then pull back the camera and get that girl in the shot. Why didn’t I attend a school in the south? At least a football frenzied environment where Saturday’s meant more than a Division 2 football disaster show. Anyways, I digress.

McCoy's Girlfriend

Second half proved to be much more exciting with some back and forth action happening late in the 4th quarter. This was all brought to you by Tostitos, home of the scoops. With Texas up 11 points in the fourth quarter, Terrelle Pryor, true freshman(very promising future) QB for Ohio State brought the Buckeyes back into the game. He caught a 5 yard pass from the other QB, fifth year senior Todd Boeckman. Later on another Freshman, Herron ran and scored on a 15 yard Touchdown run to boost the Buckeyes to a 21-17 lead with 2 minutes remaining. So the question remained, could Colt lead his team down the field for one more run at the Salsa?!?
Of course, this high-powered machine with Mr. Cosby leading the way with 171 yards and 2 TDs would not be contained. His second TD came on a slant with 16 seconds remaining bringing disaster to the Buckeyes and jubilation to the Longhorns. McCoy ended the day 41 of 59, 414 yards with two TDs and one INT. And that’s how the Buckeyes lost another bowl game. They looked poised and ready for this one but lacked the close. You can’t leave 2 minutes on the clock for such a high-powered offense to operate. Now can Colt McCoy be a great NFL QB? He seems like he’s got the tools but will that translate to the NFL’s speed and strength? I’ll tell you what I think, stay in college another year boy and enjoy that girlfriend of yours. Go on, pop that salsa top and enjoy a spicy scoop!

Yes, I ranted about a game no one cared about to highlight his girlfriend…so what!

RaginRondo

Roses are Red, Penn State will be Black and Blue…

Tradition defined

The Granddaddy of Them All features two traditional powerhouses who missed out on playing in the national title game because of narrow conference losses. Penn State rolls into Pasadena with their high-octane spread offense which averages 452 yards and 40.2 points per game (USC at 452 and 37.5), while the Trojans bring in the nation’s top D allowing 7.8 points a contest (PSU at 12.4). The line dropped from -10 to -9 in the last few days, while the total also dropped from the opening 46.5 to 45. The line movement makes it look like folks expect a tightly contested, defensive struggle.

Another great Samoan Trojan Defender

USC’s defense features several All-Americans and sure 1st rounders led by the talented trio of Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Taylor Mays. Look for them to make it a long day against PSU QB Daryll Clark. The focus intially will be to stuff the run by locking down RB Evan Royster, then follow by heavy blitzing. Penn State faces a USC offense that has not been as dynamic as usual (see O-line) with dinged up QB Mark Sanchez and an RB-by-committee of Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson and CJ Gable. PSU will focus on locking up the short dumps and dinks and test Sanchez’ deep reads.

This game will be tight early, but I see the Trojans pulling away in the second half, forcing a turnover or two and McKnight busting a Reggie-like big play. What jumps out to me is the following numbers: 0/0/6/0/0/0/7/0/0/6/3/0. Those are the points allowed in the second half of all 12 games for the Trojans this year, that is an astounding 1.83 points average allowed! And that, my friends, will be the difference in this game. This defense is very fast, opportunistic, and most importantly wears down opposing lines.

Watch out Pete, you can't be having anymore of these 1-loss seasons

Joe Pa's been at Penn State since Truman was President ... Truman!!

Even though Cushing and Maualuga will be playing on Sundays, they leave USC without ever tasting national title glory. This is their last time (and Mays too if he declares for the Draft) to wear the cardinal and gold. This is their version of the BCS championship and they’ll lay it all on the line.

The pick: USC -9.

Went a modest 89-74-5 in 2008. Nothing to write home about, but at least up a couple of units. Let’s start the year off right.

Straight Cash … Homey.

Tips to get Your Girl to Watch Sports in 2009

As the year ends, sports viewership continues to rise. With classic moments such as:

-Basketball Rivals Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers Go Head-to-Head
-New York Giants Stomp Unbeaten New England Patriots in the Superbowl
-Nadal Defeats Federer in Five Sets
-Michael Phelps Drowns Swimmers with 8 Medals

Green Bay Packers Sports Fan

Who wouldn’t have wanted to watch male-testosterone, competition based events with sweat, anger and adrenaline? Your significant other you say…? Well, if you missed out on 2008’s greatest moments, you may want to make sure the love of your life is ready for 2009. You sacrificed enough if you missed ANY of the above mentions. Do not let yourself get trapped into the ballet, babysitting or watching chick flicks like Mean Girls.

Follow the steps below and you just might catch some action on the tube…Or live if you’re lucky. Hell, you may even get to go to a Superbowl party early next year if you take this matter seriously.

Barter with Her:
You’re always forced into doing things with her, why can’t she reciprocate? Tighten your belt and voice your thoughts. Spend an evening with her going shopping so she can spend a day with you watching a game. If that doesn’t work, beg to do housework.

Keep Her Comfortable:
If bartering was tough, chances are she’s going to need a lot of time to warm up to the concept of competition. This isn’t drama to see which girl can outdo the other in b*tch@$ness, this is the result of gladiators hard at work. For her first few viewings, make sure you’re in a quiet setting so her ears aren’t pounding from raging drunken men at bars. Allow her to chill and learn the game – Yes, this means you have to explain it to her. Not ideal, but at least she’s open to it now.

Remind Her It’s Quality Time:
Whether you’re watching the game or getting pedicures, in the end it’s quality time that matters. Assure her that you’re not just into the game (even if you are) and that you would like the best of both worlds…As would she.

Watch Eye Candy Sports:
Let’s face it, women love fantasizing about men just as much as we love wet dreams of XXX models – The only difference is their fantasies are more likely to happen. Ask your significant other who she’s fond of and watch that athlete’s games. David Beckham? Tom Brady? Kobe Bryant? Let her watch him as you watch the rest of them. She may be watching for a completely different reason, but hey, at least she’s shut up and allowing you to do your thing.

Develop Emotional Ties:
Did she go to a college with a good athletics program? Is she passionate about her hometown or residential city? Let her get attached to the teams so she wants to watch them play.

Play with Her:
Toss the ball around and teach her the skills needed to play the game. She just may understand what its all about and join in the fun. She might even become your cheerleader for when you play pick up games.

Buy Her Gear:
Be sure to buy her team attire. It’s a whole different ball game for a fan when they’re representing a team. Buy her a cute jersey, sweatshirt or better yet a thong with her favorite team’s logo. Who knows what the excitement could lead to…

Good luck and Happy New Year in advance!

–
Skrybe – Keep it Fly

Joe Paterno Just Won’t Go

Coaching Til 90?

Penn State extended Joe Paterno’s contract for another three years for some odd reason.  If Joe Pa fulfills the contract he will have spent 62 years on Penn State’s staff and an amazing 46 years as head coach.  That’s all fine and dandy if you’re into lore and legend, but the FlyMaster is about reality.  Sure, Paterno’s record speaks for itself and his impact on college football cannot be denied, but are we really to believe that a man in his mid-eighties is in the prime of his coaching career?  Look around your office.  If your boss went to elementary school with Moses and Methusalah would you really think the business was in the best hands? 

The problem Penn State faces is understandable.  Nobody wants to be the guy who denied Joe Pa leaving on his own terms, but extending his contract wasn’t the answer.   The team has won 40 games over the past 4 seasons, which is completely respectable.  Once again, is the future of your program secure in the hands of a man who’s been in control since the Johnson Administration? 

The decision to extend Joe Pa, coupled with Florida State’s continual support of Bobby Bowden brings up another troubling trend in college football.   When the 2009 season kicks off there will be almost as many octegenarian coaches (2) as there are African-American coaches (3).  That is ridiculously inappropriate and unacceptable.  Once again, I’m all for giving everyone the right to work, but when a disproportionate percentage of players are African-American there should be a higher number of coaches, athletic directors, and staff members.  Again, remind me…how many 80 year old players are there on the field.  Oh yeah…none.

Back to Joe Pa.  We complain when players hold on to long, ie Michael Jordan and any boxer, but we won’t say no to a coach who holds on to long?  When will the public say, “ok Joe thanks, but enough is enough”?  Will it be when Joe Pa and Bobby B meet on the field riding their Rascal Scooters after a game is finished?  Will it be when Joe Pa’s halftime speeches refer to “The Great War” and the brilliance Jim Thorpe displayed when they lined up against each other.  Will it be when he gets doused in Metamucil and ovaltine after defeating Ohio State.  When will the end come?  Obviously, Penn State doesn’t see the end anywhere in the near future.  Good luck Joe Pa.

FlyMaster Signing Off…For Now!

Weekend Review Sure Shot

Another weekend’s come and gone, now we all face the week.  Let’s live in the past before the present and future kick our *sses.

Sam Bradford, OU QB, won the Heisman beating out Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow.  Is it me or did the Heisman mean more back in the day.  Maybe it’s the fact that no Heisman winner since Carson Palmer has been remotely decent in the pros.  Bradford may succeed on the next leverl, but the odds are against him.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to win exciting games.  They took out Baltimore in a physical matchup that had both teams punching each other in the neck for four quarters.  There may be better teams in the league, but is there a tougher team than Pittsburgh?  No.

The Dysfunctional Cowboys beat the Giants in Big D.  What will happen this week?  Will T.O. throw another tantrum or cry or do pushups on his lawn.  Quiet as kept, the FlyMaster hopes Big D disintegrates.

The Detroit Lions are still blazing that trail to an 0-16 season.  Good luck fellas!  This one is for history.Geico commercials have jumped the shark.  My disdain for neanderthals is at an alltime high.  I’m glad cro-magnon man beat out the neanderthals some 50,000 years ago. 

Waking up on Saturday and not seeing football left a void that Professional Bull Riding and meaningless golf tournaments really can’t fill.

Back to the Heisman.  Tebow wins the most first place votes, but comes in third?  That’s ridiculous. 

President Bush deserves a Heisman vote for his ability to juke Iraqi journalists out of their shoes.  First of all, how did the guy even get a chance to throw the second shoe?  Looks like the Secret Service doesn’t really mind some zapato hurling at the Lame Duck. 

Adrian Peterson ran for 165 yards yesterday.  He may not win the MVP awards, but name one player who’s better than All Day.  Go ahead.

FlyMaster Signing Off…For Now!

 

Congress Desires College Football Playoffs

President-Elect Barack Obama kept it real when he chanted “change is coming”, because the latest controversy surrounding Washington references his views on the BCS system. Apparently, Texas Rep. Joe Barton picked up where he left off and is planning on introducing a bill on Wednesday that will forcefully replace the current bowl system with playoffs.

BCS Bowl 2009

As happy as I am about the bill, I don’t understand why Congress has nothing better to do than to quarrel over the BCS system – Wait, I do understand. This must be the Texas republican’s way of “supporting” Obama’s views on changing America. I guess there are no other obligations to our country. According to Barton, the bill will give opportunity to strong teams competing in non-championship bowls to play for the title.

As a result of this year’s outcomes, Florida (12-1) and Oklahoma (12-1) will fight for the championship title. Although that seems fair, there are many other teams who won’t get the opportunity, even though they too have only lost one game or are undefeated.

A playoff system isn’t only to support other teams but it creates other openings for society. It’s a great idea and here’s why, plain and simple:

1. Extended College Football Season
2. Perfect Setup for March Madness
3. Opportunity for Undefeated Teams in Other Divisions to Compete
4. Increased Advertising Spending
5. Longer Fantasy Sports Tournaments
6. Additional Funding for NCAA
7. Constant Television Viewing/Ratings

The above mentioned would trickle down further to universities and local college town economies. What’s not to like about college football playoffs?

–

Skrybe – Keep it Fly