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Lions Continue Roaring

October 3rd 2011 06:51

The Detroit Lions are 4-0. Yes, you read correctly, 4-0. To many in the football world, the Lions starting the season with an undefeated record seemed almost imposssible, however, after mounting a come from behind victory against Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night, this is certainly the case.

With a 34-30 victory in Big D, the Lions remain one of two undefeated teams in league with the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers being the other. In the process, the Lions erased a 24 point deficit, tying the largest road comeback win in NFL history.

Although something special seems to be brewing in the Motor City behind QB Matthew Stafford, the Lions would be smart to not over evaluate their early success, but instead take it one game at a time and approach every game with the same tough mentality. This hot streak shouldn't be the highlight of their season, but rather a building block for the remaining games.

As Detroit goes into Week 5 against the 2-2 Chicago Bears, the question remains, are the Lions for real? Can they make a deep run? In short, yes. After coming from behind to win on two occassions so far this season, the Lions showed they have the right mentality moving forward. They deserve a great deal of credit for their grind it out type mentality, however, a lack luster Cowboys offense should be given some credit also. The Lions could easily be 3-1 had Romo not thrown three second half interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Furthermore, Romo forced passes into coverage and made poor decisions. In return, the Lions capitalized on Dallas' mistakes and put the game in their back pocket.

Week in and week out the Lions appear to not only be riding a surprising start, but have a great mix of guts, talent and luck. They could potentially do something special and are just getting started, but as WR Nate Burleson said during his post-game interview, "we haven’t done anything yet"...and that's the Real Deal.

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The Italian Job

October 2nd 2011 22:17

Could we potentially see Laker superstar Kobe Bryant donning a jersey other than purple and gold? According to multiple reports, its not merely about if, but when. Italian ball club Virtus Bologna has reportedly offered the future Hall of Famer a $3 million deal over a span of 10 games. Although certain road blocks pose a problem for the deal to be signed off on, the president of Virtus Bologna is optimistic Bryant will eventually sign with the club. As the NBA lockout continues to threaten the 2011-2012 season, many players have looked elsewhere for employment, but none more prominant than Bryant. The signing of a mega superstar such as Bryant with a European team could potentially put a scare in the owners to make a deal with its players. Furthermore, the move could help the NBPA take a stand and show the owners that they could take their talents overseas if a deal is not agreed on. However, as great a player as Bryant is, a deal with Virtus Bologna may not have the expected impact on the NBA labor deal. Bryant is still only one superstar. Other NBA superstars such as Miami's tandem of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, or Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant could put the owners against the wall if they began talks with teams overseas. Surely, the NBA doesn't want to lose its greatest players to teams across the pond. Although the notion of playing overseas seems reasonable to most NBA players who seek to earn a paycheck and continue playing the game they love, to Bryant it should not be the case. After a shocking exit in the 2011 NBA playoffs and a sub par performance in the post season, Bryant's main focus should be ending the lockout and healing his body. Entering his 15th year in the league, Bryant has suffered numerous setbacks due to injuries and his health needs to be as close to 100% as possible if he plans to continue playing basketball beyond the 3 years left on his current contract with the Lakers. At this stage in his career, Bryant's impact and relativity on the league can still be felt, and that should be placed on the labor dispute. Not until this weekend have superstars been as involved in trying to establish a new collective bargaining agreement. Furthermore, these players with household names don't fear the lockout at the level that role players do since their wallets aren't as affected by a work stoppage. Hence the lack of involvement by the NBA's elite players. Therefore, an aggressive Bryant could be the voice of his fellow ball players. He must show up to every meeting and voice his opinion. The league will certainly sit at attention and listen to a 5 time NBA champion who has been the face of the league during this decade more than the average player. Superstars need to understand that offers overseas will come, but the glory of hoisting a Larry O'Brien Trophy is a needle in a haystack. Across the league, the NBA's elite need to put aside their selfish ways and put their focus on the future of the league, rather than their wallets...and that's the Real Deal.

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NBA Remains Stagnant During Lockout

September 25th 2011 07:08

During the current NBA lockout, the season had yet to be in serious danger of cancelling games and playing a shortened season, however, recent reports have suggested otherwise as the lockout has began to do serious damage to the NBA's schedule. Friday, the NBA decided to postpone training camps indefinitely and cancel 43 preseason games due to the fact that an agreement has yet to be reached by the NBA and its players. Games that were schedule for Oct. 9-15 have been called off, as well as camps that were set to open on Oct. 3rd. With these new labor updates coming to light, its quiet clear that more cancellations could soon be in effect without a new labor deal. Furthermore, with the lack of an agreement by the end of Sept. or early Oct., games set after Oct. 15 could soon be cancelled also. Such actions are a result of a meeting between the owners and players on Thursday in which a new collective bargaining agreement was not reached. As the start of the regular season looms near, both the owners and players hope to reach an agreement in the near future that can save the season from further cancellation of games. However, many believe the season will either be shortened as it was during the 1998 lockout or cancelled completely. Although meetings have yet to be scheduled to continue talks in hopes of saving the season, both sides are expected to meet next week. As a fan of the game and the association, its head scratching to see both sides make progress during one meeting, and then start from scratch in another as talks turn sour. If these kind of meetings continue to take place, the league will unfortunately have to continue cancelling games and possibly the entire season. However, a year without the NBA, its marquee games and superstar talent doesn't seem reasonable for either side, specially after the great season the league had in 2010-2011. In a season full of surprises and intrigue, its quite odd that the league claims its losing more money than it is gaining. With the crowning of a hungry new champion in the Dallas Mavericks, the first ever playoff sweep of the two-time champion Los Angeles Lakers, and the media scrutiny placed on the villanized big three in South Beach, the league was sure to gain fans across the globe. But as the hard cap/soft cap talks continue, the owners look to gain more profit from the players they already gain an enormous paycheck from. Furthermore, smaller salaries and shortened contracts are the number one priority of owners in order to shore up the loss in team revenue. With the league looking to create a bigger brand overseas and fill up seats in arenas, a lockout that could eventually cost a full season of games and a year of profit is definitely not the best option. If there was ever a time to panic and be as productive as possible during these labor meetings between the NBA and the player's association, the time is now...and that's the Real Deal.

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Mayweather/Ortiz Need Rematch

September 18th 2011 20:24

Just as Saturday night's much anticipated bout between Floyd 'Money' Mayweather and 'Vicious' Victor Ortiz seemed to gain steam and deliver from the hype, everything took a turn for the worse with a controversial end. After Mayweather seemed to dominate the first 3 rounds, Ortiz began to throw and connect on several punches during the start of the 4th round as he pinned Mayweather againts the ropes. It seemed as if the fight was shaping to be a great one, however, through the all the desperate punches thrown by Ortiz, he appeared to intentionally head butt Mayweather in an act of frustation. As a result, Ortiz was deducted a point by referee Joe Cortez. Following the head butt, Ortiz went to Mayweather and gave him a kiss on the cheek. After what seemed to be a break in the fight, both men came together and had words as they touched gloves. As they parted, Ortiz took a fearsome two handed combo from Mayweather that dropped him instantly. The fight was over as Ortiz struggled to get up. Mayweather was then given the victory to the distaste of many. Unfortunately, all three men in the ring, including referee Joe Cortez found a way to ruin the fight. The leaping head butt by Ortiz was not an accident, but simply a blatant foul. To say he was caught in the moment and did not intentionally attempt to connect with the head butt is ludicrous. Referee Cortez should have disqualified Ortiz on the spot rather than deducting a point. A foul of that nature does not belong in boxing. These are professional athletes, not street fighters. The fight should have ended there, rather than continuing and allowing the men to come together in the center of the ring. The two blows by Mayweather would have then been avoided. However, the fight had not restarted and Cortez allowed Mayweather and Ortiz to be in contact as he looked away. As the man who is suppose to be in control while in the ring, Cortez did a horrible job of making sure the fighters were seperated. After Mayweather delivered his ferocious blows and Ortiz fell to the floor, Cortez looked on in shock and counted Ortiz out. However, the fight had technically not yet resumed. Mayweather should have been given the win following Ortiz's head butt and disqualification, and not after Ortiz attempted to apologize and hug him. The two punch combo by Mayweather was unncessary after it appeared that all was forgiven and the men touched gloves. Although the rule in the ring is to protect yourself at all times, it should have not been applied while the referee was not looking and the fight had not been restarted. Regardless, Mayweather still holds an undefeated record of 42-0. Following his victory, Mayweather verbally attacked 80 year old HBO's Larry Merchant in the post-fight interview after he felt Merchant was not giving him his fair due. Merchant then answered by saying he would beat Mayweather in the ring if he was 50 years younger. Nevertheless, the rant by Mayweather was not necessary. He knew Merchant was going to follow up his interview by asking what everyone wants to know, why not put his undefeated record to the test against pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao, something Mayweather prefers not to hear. However, before that fight could happen, a rematch between Mayweather and Ortiz should take place. Tweleve rounds of clean boxing in which Mayweather would be put to the test against a younger, stronger man. A rematch could sell big on pay-per-view following the way Saturday night's fight ended and the demand to see Mayweather finally get tested in the ring. The Pacquiao/Mayweather talk should be put aside and a Mayweather/Ortiz 2 should be in demand. This time giving both fighters a chance to finish what they started Saturday night..and that's the Real Deal.

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Week 1 Makes a Statement

September 14th 2011 06:52

That's a wrap! Week 1 of the 2011-2012 NFL season comes to a close as it begins with a bang, opening with a Thursday night clash that featured the past two champions in the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. Other notable games featured a first look of the newly assembled cast of the Philadelphia Eagles againts the St. Louis Rams, as well as a Sunday showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets. Through the games played in Week 1, its clear that a statement has been made both in the stands and on the field. Football is back, and its here to stay. Fans across the country went out in support of their respective teams and showed the league how much they love the game and what it would have missed out on had the lockout taken a bigger toll on the season and affected game play. Teams also came out blazing as they pilled on touchdown after touchdown with amazing plays in seemingly every game, as well as a few record breaking performances. In the season opener between the Packers and Saints, Green Bay showed why they're the champs and why the rest of the league should still view them as a legit threat as they look to continue to put their foot on the gas and run over the league. QB Aaron Rogers was in the zone as he threw passes to open players as well as threading the needle in tight spaces, which eventually led to 42 points by the Packers. Across the country in the valley of the sun, the Carolina Panthers looked to get a win on the road against the Arizona Cardinals but eventually fell short. However, rookie QB Cam Newton shined in his season debut as he silenced critics that believed he would struggle from the start. Nevertheless, Newton left his mark in the books by breaking Payton Manning's rookie quarterback record for passing yards in a debut with 422. Although we can't fortell his career on one great game, its definitely a sign that he could be something special. In another record breaking performance, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady put his stamp on the game as he broke down the Miami Dolphins defense and threw for 517 yards, the fifth highest total in NFL history. With these great performances coming in Week 1, a great season full of upsets, amazing plays and great games is sure to be waiting. Are you ready for some football? Bring it on Week 2..and that's the Real Deal.

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Golden Boy Fighting His Own Demons

September 2nd 2011 06:51

According to recent reports, boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya checked himself into a rehabilitation facility in California a few weeks ago after substance abuse led to problems with his wife of 10 years. In an interview, De La Hoya admits to cheating on his wife, using cocaine and alcohol abuse. However, the most shocking revalation made by De La Hoya in the interview is admitting he had suicidal thoughts due to his drug addiction and alcohol abuse while completing a rehab program. Fortunately, De La Hoya was able to pull himself together and seek help before doing something undoable. With the reports of De La Hoya's struggles coming to light, its clear that whether an athlete is at the top of the mountain, one is never aware of the personal problems they may face that can break them and make their world come crashing down. Furthermore, De La Hoya is one of the last athletes I would imagine could be at such a low point in his life and consider throwing everthing away by ending it. From a fans perspective he seems to have it all, a beautiful wife who bore him two children, championship titles, an Olympic gold medal, a statue, and his own promotion company in Golden Boy Promotions. However, De La Hoya seeks to fill a hole in his life with alcohol and drugs. As a long time fan of the Golden Boy, its shocking to learn that such a great athlete and champion is at this point in his life. Nevertheless, just as we supported him while in the ring as he fought his opponents, we must do the same now as he fights his own demons outside the ring. De La Hoya must now fight as he is so accustomed to and knockout the enemy that lies before him, the monster within. "I could put all of my opponents in one ring and battle all of them, but this monster is going to be the toughest fight of my life," said the Golden Boy. Indeed it will be..and that's the Real Deal.

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Vick Worth $100 Mill?

August 31st 2011 05:03

After serving time in jail 2 years ago, no one expected Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to be where he is today. He had no job, no money and had villanized himself for unacceptable behavior outside the field. However, Vick is seemingly on top of the world now after signing a six-year, $100 million contract that includes $40 million in guaranteed money with the Eagles on Monday. Vick is now the star in the Philly, and has all the pressure on his shoulders to deliver a Superbowl to the City of Brotherly Love. With the news of Vick's deal hitting the airwaves, many are questioning whether Vick is actually worth the money the Eagles put on the table. Regardless of the unforgiveable things Vick did in his past, no one can take away how hard he has worked over the past 2 years to climb back to the top of the mountain he once claimed. As the franchise player during his stint with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was one the best, if not the best, quarterbacks of his time with a rushing game like no other. Since his return to the gridiron, he has shown glimpses of vintage Vick and has taken the leauge by storm. But the question remains, is Vick worthy of being the man in Philly? Should he be their present and their future? In short, yes. The NFL is a quarterback's league and with top notch QB's a dime a dozen, Vick is definitely in the mix of top 3 with the likes of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. With a second $100 million contract in his career, one may be quick to say Vick has not changed his ways from being the ego driven, selfish player he once was in Atlanta. However, arriving at Eagles camp as the third string QB 2 years ago behind then starter Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb with his pride aside is a testament that Vick is in it for the team, and not himself. Furthermore, with the clock ticking on Vick, his drive is more focus than it has ever been with his Superbowl or bust approach this season. Through it all, the Eagles are confident in putting their hopes on Vick and believe he is a changed man based on his performance and actions on and off the field. But with nothing yet certain, only time will tell whether Vick is worth $100 million, but as far as the Eagles see it, Vick is primed to continuing performing at a high level and hopefully deliver Philadelphia its first Superbowl title..and that's the Real Deal.

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Fan-on-Fan Violence Ruining Games

August 25th 2011 02:00

Recently, sporting events have been overshadowed by violence in the stands as fans have taken their love (so its called) for their hometown teams to an extreme and come to blows with each other. The most recent case took place at Candlestick Park in San Francisco during a preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders. During the game, several fights broke out in the stands and in the the parking lot. In one particular instance there was a shooting in which two victims were wounded, one of which is in life threatening condition. As a result, 39 people were arrested, the 49ers and Raiders are cancelling their annual preseason game, and tailgating is being cancelled at Candlestick Park. Unfortunately this is not the first of these scuffles between fans. Following the season opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, a Giants fan was nearly beaten to death in the Dodger Stadium parking lot and continues to recover in a coma. Since the incident, the Dodgers have beefed up security with police offficers in and around Dodger Stadium, both in uniform and team attire. Although these fights are not the only ocassions in which fans have become territorial, they are the most extreme and now that they have come to light with websites such as YouTube, something needs to be done by the leagues. The Dodgers took the first step by ramping up security and the same needs to be done across the board. Patrolling in the parking lots needs to also be done better. How a fan is able to carry a gun into an arena without being arrested is being me. Problems need to be prevented, not taken care of after fans are injured. I'm not putting the blame on police officers because there are only so many available and they do all they can, but stadiums need to cut back on beer sales as fans are more prone to violence with alcohol in their system. Stadiums may lose money but will avoid violence. Teams will also gain a bigger attendance as more fans will no longer fear attending a ball game and feeling unsafe by these reckless so-called fans. As an avid sports fan and frequent game attendee, its embarrassing to be associated with fans of this nature. I would hate to have to suffer the consequences for something I and most other fans have nothing to do with, such as no longer being able to tailgate. As a result of these events, the idea of staying home and watching ball games from the comfort of your own living room seems to be more appealing than attending games in an environment where you don't feel safe. These incidents are ruining games. Keep the true die-hard fans in the arenas, and the so-called fans (thugs) out..and that's the Real Deal.

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Brett Favre To Indy?

August 22nd 2011 21:34

Recent reports have surfaced that Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has interest in possibly luring quarterback Brett Favre out of retirement as franchise QB Peyton Manning continues rehabbing from neck surgery in May. While in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Favre's hometown, Irsay tweeted "Brad, I’m in Hattiesburg … is it right or left at the Firechief?”, possibly referring to former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress, who traveled to Hattiesburg to convince Favre to continue playing in 2010. Whether the tweet has any inclination that the Colts have interest in Favre is solely based on one's interpretation of Irsay's words. But while Manning continues to recover, it is evident his availability is uncertain as he will miss the preseason and possibly the season openener. With Manning's availability in question, it seems the Colts are looking to other QB's to fill the void. It is possible that Brett Favre will once again grace the gridiron in a Colts jersey? The idea may sound great, but the Colts should look elswhere if Manning cannot start the season on time. After a 20 year career, Favre's body is banged up and he may not have much left in the tank. During his stint with the Vikings, Favre began to show some wear and tear in an injury plagued 2010 season and if he decides to come out of retirement he may hurt his body and career more than he will help the Colts. However, after already retiring twice with both the Packers and Jets and deciding to continue playing, anything is possile with Favre. So any hint at a possible recruitment of the 41 year old future Hall of Famer makes some sense for the Colts as Manning's injury is a delicate one and no serious experience behind him, it is unclear how the Colts can manage to string wins together...and that's the Real Deal.

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Dennis Rodman Hall of Fame Worthy?

August 17th 2011 06:23

Over the weekend ex-Bad Boy Dennis Rodman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Since his induction, critics have questioned the credibility of Rodman as a Hall of Famer. In a career marked by outrageous outfits and questionable behavior outside the hardwood, one is quick to forget the great career and the accomplishments Rodman had in his 14 years as a proballer. In my book, Rodman definitely deserves the recognition and a position in the HOF. During his career, Rodman was one of the best, if not the best, defenders and rebounders the league had ever seen. He led the league in rebounding for an amazing 7 straight seasons, claimed Defensive Player of the Year honors 2 back to back, and was named to the All-Defensive First Team 7 times. The 2 time All-Star also played on great teams, alongside great duos such as Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, and later Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. As a member of the Bad Boys in his stint with the Detroit Pistons, Rodman was one of the most feared defenders in the league, locking down the likes of Jordan and Magic Johnson like no other could. It is often said that defense and rebounding wins championships, and Dennis Rodman did both like very few have in league history on 5 championship teams; and to say he is not worthy of HOF honors is simply ludicrous...

and that’s the Real Deal.