A suggestion for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Word is that the NFL may change its playoff overtime rules to ensure that both teams get the ball at least once in the overtime period. Bad move. Sudden death is among the most exciting elements of sports. Why take that away from the game? And for those who whine that it’s unfair for a game to be decided by a coin flip, my response is: play defense and the coin flip becomes irrelevant. I’ve heard people complain about how in this year’s NFC Championship Game Brett Favre never had the chance to get on the field in overtime. Too bad. If Favre hadn’t thrown that final minute, rookie-mistake interception there probably would never have been an overtime period . . . If Goodell wants to make it less likely that the team who wins the coin flip marches downfield for a score, then he should move the line of scrimmage for kickoffs to where it was prior to 1994: the 35 yard line. (In 1994 the kickoff was moved back 5 yards to the 30 yard line to encourage bigger kickoff returns) According to answers.com, from 1974-1993 the team that won the coin toss only won 52% of the games. After 1994 that percentage jumped to over 60% . . .
The Jets will regret letting Thomas Jones go. I understand his salary is an issue and that the Jets are high on Shonn Greene, but how do you release a guy who rushed for 1,400 yards last season?
The Buffalo Bills have declined to offer Terrell Owens a contract for next season. Maybe Jerry Jones will bring him back to Dallas . . . or more likely Al Davis will sign him for the Raiders . . .
Tomas Adamek will prepare for his April 24 showdown against Chris Arreola by moving his training camp to Houston, TX and training under the guidance of Ronnie Shields. Shields was actively involved in the transformation of Evander Holyfield from cruiserweight champion to heavyweight champion--something Adamek is trying to accomplish. Besides Holyfield Shields has worked with many other world champions, including Pernell Whitaker, Mike Tyson, Vernon Forrest, and Juan Diaz. (Roger Bloodworth, Adamek’s head trainer, will spend March in New Zealand training David Tua) . . .
The U.S. Hockey Team sure has a flair for the dramatic, huh? They deserve a lot of credit for reaching the gold medal round and for pushing the favored-Canadian squad into overtime . . .
The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ apparently heads the list of prospective sites for the 2014 Super Bowl. Brilliant. How would you like to be in NY during Super Bowl Week if there is a storm like we had a few days ago? It could happen. Let’s see. Earmuffs, gloves, and piles of snow and slush compared to 80-plus degree temperatures, shorts, and scantily-clad women serving you drinks. Which would you choose?
The Eagles will reportedly pay Michael Vick the $1.5 million roster bonus he is due on March 5 in the hopes that they will be able to trade him for a third or fourth round draft pick . . . Sure. And I hope to win Lotto . . .
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Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sports Bytes - Feb 25, 2010
Fightnews.com reports that a proposed battle of giants between WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and seven-footer Nikolai Valuev will not happen. Klitschko representative Bernd Bonte told BILD that “Promoter Don King is crazy. He makes demands for Valuev that are simply not acceptable” . . . The bout was nothing more than a circus act, anyway . . .
The LA Times is reporting that IBF super featherweight champion Robert Guerrero is vacating his crown to care for his wife who is suffering from leukemia . . .
The Mets sure talk a lot for a team that has accomplished nothing in a decade. Last week Johann Santana and David Wright said they “expect” to win the World Series. Yesterday, Jeff Francoeur announced that he will hit 27 home runs and that David Wright will hit 35 dingers. Even if Francoeur’s comments are tongue-in-cheek, why not just keep quiet and play? . . .
Want to know the proper way to solve the Jeter contract issue? Hand him a blank check and say, “You fill in the number” . . .
NY Post columnist Mike Vaccaro reports that the only fans in Vancouver cheering for the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team are Americans. No surprise there. When you’re the “Big Man in Town” people are always looking to take you down . . . that is, until they need your help . . .
Count Mark McGwire’s older brother Jay among those who disbelieve that the former A’s slugger only took steroids to heal from injuries. In an interview with the Associated Press, Jay reports that “Mark knew that he was going to get the strength and endurance and size. I know that the main motive to justify taking steroids was healing. I know that for a fact. But in the long run he knew the strength and the size and endurance will increase. I don’t know why he’s coming across that it was all healing" . . .
LA Times columnist Sam Farmer discusses the continued efforts to bring an NFL team to Los Angeles. The latest effort is being put forth by developer Ed Roski, who helped in getting the Staples Center built.
Good piece in the Miami Herald about how for the first time since the 1950s there is no spring training in South Florida . . .
Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sports Bytes - Feb 24, 2010
Can't blame the Eagles for releasing Brian Westbrook. Although he is recognized as one of the finest all-purpose backs of his generation, Westbrook was of little help to the Eagles last season when he missed eight games after suffering two concussions. I think it's time for Westbrook to pack it in . . .
I laughed when I opened the April 2010 issue of The Ring magazine. On the inside cover is a two-page photo of Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey, Bob Arum, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The four were in Cowboys Stadium to announce the March 13 Pacquiao-Clottey bout. Arum appears to be forcing a smile in the picture. Why the difficulty? The Top Rank President, a huge NY Giants fan, is holding a Cowboys jersey with the name Arum written across the back. Arum, born-and-bred in Brooklyn, has owned Giants' seasons tickets since the 1960s. LOL . . . I wonder if that Cowboys jersey ever made it to the Top Rank offices in Las Vegas? . . .
Don't believe boxing is having problems? Long-time boxing columnist Jeff Ryan reports in the same April 2010 issue that in 1985 Atlantic City, NJ hosted 145 fight cards. In 2009: 5 . . . That is not a typo . . .
You have to love it when media organizations hire loudmouths to serve as radio "shock jocks" and then get angry when those callous mouthpieces say something shocking. The most obvious example was when CBS fired Don Imus for calling the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed hoes". The latest example is ESPN and Tony Kornheiser. ESPN suspended Kornheiser for the following comments he made about Hannah Storm on his radio show:
Imagine how devastated I was to discover that the U.S. was eliminated from medal contention in curling . . . Swiffer would be a good company to sponsor curling . . .
Could we be looking at a return to the Same Old Jets? Incredibly, Gang Green has signed former Dallas Cowboys kicker Nick Folk to a one-year deal. That's right. The same Folk who missed "10 of his 28 attempts, including seven misfires from between 40-49 yards" . . . What, Pat Leahy wasn't available? . . .
According to New York Daily News baseball columnist John Harper, Scott Boras (Johnny Damon's agent) told Yanks GM Brian Cashman "not to bother making an offer if it was for less than $13 million per." Oops. Someone forgot to remind Damon and Boras that you need leverage to win an "or else" demand . . .
Have we finally reached the stage where HGH can be detected in blood samples? The Anti-Doping Agencies of both the United States and the United Kingdom say yes following a positive HGH result against British rugby player Terry Newton. USADA's chief executive Travis Tygart said, "All of us who have helped develop a test wouldn't put it in place if it wasn't forensically sound and reliable. Particularly in (Newton's) case, it's proof positive the test works". Good piece by the NY Daily News . . .
I thought it was dumb when X-Games events were added to the Olympics. But now I've heard something that completely blows my mind. Apparently, pole-dancing is being considered as a possible future Olympic event . . . What's next? Lap Dancing? . . .
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Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
I laughed when I opened the April 2010 issue of The Ring magazine. On the inside cover is a two-page photo of Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey, Bob Arum, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The four were in Cowboys Stadium to announce the March 13 Pacquiao-Clottey bout. Arum appears to be forcing a smile in the picture. Why the difficulty? The Top Rank President, a huge NY Giants fan, is holding a Cowboys jersey with the name Arum written across the back. Arum, born-and-bred in Brooklyn, has owned Giants' seasons tickets since the 1960s. LOL . . . I wonder if that Cowboys jersey ever made it to the Top Rank offices in Las Vegas? . . .
Don't believe boxing is having problems? Long-time boxing columnist Jeff Ryan reports in the same April 2010 issue that in 1985 Atlantic City, NJ hosted 145 fight cards. In 2009: 5 . . . That is not a typo . . .
You have to love it when media organizations hire loudmouths to serve as radio "shock jocks" and then get angry when those callous mouthpieces say something shocking. The most obvious example was when CBS fired Don Imus for calling the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed hoes". The latest example is ESPN and Tony Kornheiser. ESPN suspended Kornheiser for the following comments he made about Hannah Storm on his radio show:
- "Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today. She's got on red go-go boots and a Catholic-school plaid skirt. … Way too short for somebody in her 40s or maybe early 50s by now. She's got on her typically very, very tight shirt. She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body."
Imagine how devastated I was to discover that the U.S. was eliminated from medal contention in curling . . . Swiffer would be a good company to sponsor curling . . .
Could we be looking at a return to the Same Old Jets? Incredibly, Gang Green has signed former Dallas Cowboys kicker Nick Folk to a one-year deal. That's right. The same Folk who missed "10 of his 28 attempts, including seven misfires from between 40-49 yards" . . . What, Pat Leahy wasn't available? . . .
According to New York Daily News baseball columnist John Harper, Scott Boras (Johnny Damon's agent) told Yanks GM Brian Cashman "not to bother making an offer if it was for less than $13 million per." Oops. Someone forgot to remind Damon and Boras that you need leverage to win an "or else" demand . . .
Have we finally reached the stage where HGH can be detected in blood samples? The Anti-Doping Agencies of both the United States and the United Kingdom say yes following a positive HGH result against British rugby player Terry Newton. USADA's chief executive Travis Tygart said, "All of us who have helped develop a test wouldn't put it in place if it wasn't forensically sound and reliable. Particularly in (Newton's) case, it's proof positive the test works". Good piece by the NY Daily News . . .
I thought it was dumb when X-Games events were added to the Olympics. But now I've heard something that completely blows my mind. Apparently, pole-dancing is being considered as a possible future Olympic event . . . What's next? Lap Dancing? . . .
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Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sports Bytes - Feb 23, 2010
No surprise that the Chargers released LaDainian Tomlinson yesterday. Tomlinson was unhappy with his playing time and the Chargers were disappointed with his diminished production. The next time you'll see Tomlinson sporting Chargers gear will be when he is accepting his Hall of Fame award . . .
"I won't be here next year, so I just want to enjoy myself. I don't know [if he'll play next year]. I just know I'm not going to be here. When the season is over, I will see where I'm at." That is a quote from Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez. Upon reading Ramirez's prophecy I imagine Joe Torre responded, "Is that a threat or a promise"? . . .
Funny line from NY Daily News baseball columnist Bill Madden about the six catchers the NY Mets have in camp competing for the starting position: "None will remind anyone of Johnny Bench, or even John Stearns." LOL . . .
The Yanks signed 36-year-old pitcher Chan Ho Park to a one year deal. I thought the purpose of letting Matsui and Damon sign elsewhere was to form a younger roster. If the Yanks get any older, the team they'll field in 2010 will be the same that plays on Old Timers' Day . . .
MLB Fanhouse reports that the Cincinnati Reds are auctioning off spots in the their 2010 team photo. The photo will be taken prior to the April 21 game against the Dodgers. The opening bid is $500 . . . Considering that the 2009 Reds had the lowest batting average in the National League (.249) the Reds may want to consider auctioning off spots in their batting order . . . Thanks to SI.com's Extra Mustard for drawing the column to our attention . . .
What can Chase Utley possibly do that will top his unbelievable performance in last year's World Series against the Yankees? . . . Incidentally, Lindy's Sports Baseball 2010 Preview features a good article about Utley . . .
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Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sports Bytes - Feb 22, 2010
On Friday the Mets held interviews for 700 job openings at CitiField for positions such as cashier and traffic director. Mets fans I know were disappointed when they heard that GM and Manager were not two of the jobs being posted . . .
Can anyone explain to me why Tiger Woods owes anyone but his wife an apology? These silly, and often tear-jerking, public Mea Culpas by politicians, celebrities, and athletes are just another reminder of the Oprah-ization of America . . .
Methinks that U.S. Silver Medalist Lindsey Vonn should refrain from mocking Tiger Woods. She should remember that what goes around, comes around . . .
Is it just me or does U.S. Gold Medalist Sean White look like the comedian Carrot Top? . . .
Here are some more thoughts about the upcoming MLB season:
Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
Can anyone explain to me why Tiger Woods owes anyone but his wife an apology? These silly, and often tear-jerking, public Mea Culpas by politicians, celebrities, and athletes are just another reminder of the Oprah-ization of America . . .
Methinks that U.S. Silver Medalist Lindsey Vonn should refrain from mocking Tiger Woods. She should remember that what goes around, comes around . . .
Is it just me or does U.S. Gold Medalist Sean White look like the comedian Carrot Top? . . .
Here are some more thoughts about the upcoming MLB season:
- Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will lead the league in allowing fastballs to zip by him untouched . . . And I don't mean when he is hitting . . .
- As good a magician as Mike Scioscia has proven to be, he will need to be Merlin to concoct a formula that will keep the Angels among the league's elite teams. Consider who the Angels lost in the offseason: pitchers John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, and Darren Oliver; plus, 3B Chone Figgins and DH Vladimir Guerrero . . .
- If RBIs were yards, Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun would have covered more than 2 1/2 football fields (255) in 2009. Although the two should deliver similar monster numbers this season, it still won't be enough to offset the amount of runs the Brewers' pitching staff will surrender. Last season Milwaukee's starters posted an astonishingly poor ERA of 5.37. Keeping with the football analogy, the Brewers' staff was about as effective as the NY Giants defense . . .
- NY Mets manager Charlie Manuel is considering moving Jose Reyes into the third-slot in the batting order. Sure, why install someone like Jason Bay (36 HRs and 119 RBIs) in the third spot when you have Jose Reyes-- a leadoff hitter who blasted 16 HRs in 2008? . . .
- Are the Yanks better on paper this year than they were last year? I don't think so. But they don't necessarily need to be better to win it all again. Besides, if championships were won on paper there would be no reason to play the games . . .
Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sports Bytes Are Back!! Feb 19, 2010
I didn't expect to get my computer up-and-running so quickly, but since I did I figured I'd send out some sports bytes today instead of waiting until Monday. So here it goes:
Top Rank President Todd duBoef says he was approached by Yankees executives about holding the June 2010 Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman WBC jr. middleweight championship bout at Yankee Stadium. The next time Cotto visits Yankee Stadium it should be to watch the Yanks defend their title, not to fight for one of his own. Cotto has absorbed a lot of punishment the past few years. He should retire and enjoy the money he's earned . . .
Spike TV's "Facing Ali" was an excellent documentary. Past Ali opponents discussed Ali and what it was like fighting him. Those interviewed were Ernie Terrell, Henry Cooper, George Chuvalo, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ken Norton, Ron Lyle, Ernie Shavers, Leon Spinks, and Larry Holmes . . . That truly was the "Era of the Heavyweights" . . .
The Nets have blown so many leads, I would swear Brad Lidge is playing for them . . .
The Olympics haven't been the same since the collapse of the Soviet Union. There was nothing better than sticking it to the Iron Curtain . . .
I am proud to admit that I have no idea what a half-pipe is . . .
Sure Sunday's without football is awful, but it could be worse: we could be forced to watch curling . . .
Now that pitchers and catchers are in camp, let's talk some baseball.
- The Seattle Mariners will be 2010's "Sleeper" team. With former Phillies ace Cliff Lee complementing 2009 AL CY Young runner-up Felix Hernandez, Seattle may have the most potent 1-2 attack in baseball. And as if the top of their lineup were not dangerous enough with Ichiro alone, the Mariners added former Angel Chone Figgins during the offseason. Figgins led the American League in walks (101) last season, and was second in runs scored (114) . . .
- Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz is ready for a breakout season. Ruiz was among the players who most impressed me in last year's postseason. I think he is ready to secure a place alongside the best catchers in the game. I'm not predicting he's going to hit 30 homers and drive in 100 runs, but I do believe he will double last season's homer output (9) and will raise his batting average by 25-30 points. 70 RBIs is also fathomable . . . He is already a very solid receiver . . .
- If you're looking for an excellent publication that is previewing the 2010 MLB season, look no further than Lindy's Sports - Baseball 2010 Preview . . .
- The Yankees will miss Hideki Matsui's power . . .
- The Mets will, once again, lead the league in injuries . . .
- What can Chase Utley possibly do for an encore to his World Series performance against the Yankees? . . .
- Boston GM Theo Epstein has managed to better an already formidable starting rotation by adding one of the sport's best big-game pitchers in John Lackey . . .
- Why is Sandy Koufax not a pitching coach somewhere? . . .
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Need a PR Specialist? Perhaps my 13 years of PR experience can satisfy those needs. I have publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile.
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