So you haven't heard much from the Extra Point Show recently, but when you have its been mostly "good ol'" DR. We haven't had a segment since the day before the SuperBowl (we hope that will change this weekend), but I feel its time for me to give my 2 cents on a couple topics that have been revolving around the sports world recently...here goes nothin'!
- The sport of Lacrosse is one that is dear to me. I played 4 years of club lacrosse in college, and have been a Head Boys Varsity Coach for 7 years. I've seen this sport go from only being on local television to having nationally televised games on NBC Sports Network, ESPNU, ESPN2, and even some on ESPN. The sport has been labeled as the fastest growing sport in the United States. However, with all of the positive
things happening for the sport, it can't seem to shake the "partier", "drunk goon", "lax bro idiot" persona. After the Duke lacrosse scandal in 2006, the lacrosse world has been shaken again with the criminal trial of former UVA lacrosse player George Huguely. Huguely reportedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment while drunk, beat her, killed her, and stole her laptop in the process. Nothing like the sport getting some good publicity, right? A jury recommended the other day that Huguely get a 25 year jail sentence. If you ask me, that would be generous. This young man did the most despicable thing that anyone can do...he ended a young woman's life way too early. In a world where athletes get off easy, this shouldn't be one of those times. Donte Stallworth killed a man via vehicular manslaughter, served one month in jail, and got his license suspended for life. Really? Huguely killed someone and deserves the book thrown at him...at what point in our society does ending someone else's life not equal a life sentence in jail??
- "Lin-sanity", "Lin-sane in the membrane", "to Lin-finity and beyond", "The Lin Empire"...I could go on and on. Watch Sportscenter or a New York Knicks game and you can't help but notice that it seems everyone has fallen in love with Jeremy Lin. I can't say that his story isn't interesting. Harvard graduate that finally gets a shot with the Knicks, sleeping on his brothers couch, now a household name. We've heard the stats...in his first 4 games he had the most points scored and assists
than anyone in the history of the NBA (since the merger) in their first 4 games played. Nonetheless, I caution everyone to cool the engines on the Lin-lovefest. His play is going to diminish sooner or later...but when, no one knows. As long as the Knicks keep winning, he will be considered a basketball icon. That just seems too premature at this point and time. He needs to keep this pace up for alot longer, with Staudamire and 'melo in the lineup, and win in the postseason for me to become a true believer. It doesn't seem like much, but he has made me interested in regular season NBA games, and that isn't an easy task!- The NHL doesn't get much love on the XPS Show, but I have to bring up a local team that seems to be intriguing year in, and year out. The Washington Capitals. They have one of the best players in the world in Alex Ovechkin on their roster, but for some reason whatever move they make this year it doesn't end well. They fired Bruce Beaudreau earlier this year to bring in former player, Dale Hunter. He hasn't done much with the uber talented team either. They are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and are on the outside looking in at the top 8 in the Eastern Conference Playoff race.
The question is: When is it time to clean house and become SELLERS and not BUYERS before the trade deadline? If you ask me, the Capitals' core isn't working anymore. Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Green, Knuble, and Laich just aren't working like they were the past 3 years. They look confused, disoriented, and uninspired when they hit the ice. Those 3 characteristics can be killers on a hockey team, and I say that its time to blow it up! It might take a couple years, but if you are a CAPS fan, you'll realize it will be better off in the long run.
- Lastly, in my 2 cents - NFL Fans were uncontrollably elated when they heard that the CBA had been agreed upon and there would be NFL football this season. Trust me, I was one of those fans. However, I can say that there are some things that were agreed upon that as a fan I don't really like. The lack of off-season sessions, the new salary cap, the new "free agent" rules. Those are just some of the things that I wonder why the players signed the agreement. I recall after the CBA was signed, people that read the entire document said that the players really let some things go to get football back, and it is becoming evident now. Football operations off the field are going to be different, and I for one am still trying to get acclimated...
...and that is my 2 cents! Look for a new XPS podcast coming this weekend!!
I heard that George Huguely's defense team actually used the defense that he is just a "dumb lacrosse player." There is a very bad stereotype going around about lax players.
ReplyDelete"Lin-sanity" is just like Tebow mania. It's probably worse since it is in such a large market as NYC. Prove it in the playoffs, and I will buy into it.
The CAPS are STRUGGLING big time. They have given up 11 goals in their last two games, and now Ovi is out with an injury. I look for them to try and dump a couple of guys before the trade deadline, but I don't know if it will be enough to crack the top 8 at the end of the season. It has gotten so bad that some DC writers are actually proposing they get rid of "Great 8." Never thought I would see the day.
Actually had to look up that stat about Lacrosse being the fastest growing sport in the US. That is a fact. It is scary to see the gaps in an actual map of US and the pockets of Lacrosse being played or not played. I am going to go out on a limb and say that Lacrosse is not being hurt by this sad incident. Lacrosse is similar to the WNBA in that it will rise fast peak and then struggle to sustain itself.
ReplyDeleteAll he does is Lin Lin Lin. The guy had some skills at Harvard, and improved his game to get a look from NBA folks. Like Tebow he has a will to win that is CONTAGIOUS and will simply out work the man next to him. I love dudes like that because most of us can appreciate someone who outworks the next guy and actually gets rewarded for it. If he never plays another game he has captured our imagination and is already a national hero in China and Taiwan. Unfortunately in the United States we route for the underdog until they get some play in the media. Not so in other countries. They are celebrated as heroes. Not a knick fan but will be rooting for him to have a great career in the NBA.
Championships are earned not bought. How many times do we see that in sports? The CAPS are another example of trying to assemble a team with overpriced players. They fired the coach when they should have dumped some players. Where is the leader, captain, #8, Ovi. Where was he when all this went down? Where has his leadership been? Where is his will to win? It's not too late for him to lead his team deep into the playoffs. It would be a nice story for DC.
EW