Minor League or Major’s Practice?

Saturday’s top five: Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, and David Stremme. Why not bisect the thirty-six week schedule and race twice per weekend?

NASCAR must decide. Is the Busch Series developmental or an NFL walk through equivalent? If the latter is their response, why televise the series?

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #26

Long Beach State (24-7)
(Big West Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #25

New Mexico State (25-8)
(Western Athletic Conference Champions)

A Scream, A Scream, Screeching in the Night

On Friday, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and FBI Director Robert Muller admitted transgressions. According to an audit, agents occasionally demanded personal data sans authorization. They also sporadically obtained telephone records in non-emergent circumstances. I can hear the Democrats…

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #24

Georgetown Hoyas (26-6)
(Big East Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #23

Jackson State Tigers (21-13)
(South Western Athletic Conference)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #22

UNLV Rebels (28-6)
(Mountain West Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #21

Miami-Ohio RedHawks (18-14)
(Mid American Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #20

George Washington Colonials (23-8)
(Atlantic Ten Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #19

Florida A&M Rattlers (21-13)
(Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #18

Oregon Ducks (26-7)
(Pacific Ten Conference Champions)

Pod Perplexity

Pod bracketing was designed to limit top seed’s travel. However, the NCAA prohibits a “home court advantage.” This season, tournament hosts Ohio State and Washington State are projected top seeds. The NCAA rule is correct. The irony is grand.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #17

Albany Great Danes (23-9)
(America East Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #16

Memphis Tigers (30-3)
(Conference USA Champions)

Pokey’s Resignation Induces Shock & Sickness

I was stunned. Given history, the story was illogical. Immediately, my mind posed one question… What was the unknown? Obviously, the public statements were smokescreen. Their purpose was obfuscation. What was the unknown? What scalding truth would tremor reality and refocus this story?

On Wednesday, LSU Lady Tigers Coach Pokey Chatman abruptly resigned. On Thursday, ESPN.com reported an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former player as the cause. According to the report, LSU has knowledge of the relationship. They were mulling Chatman’s firing.

Amidst Sue Gunter’s deterioration, Chatman became head coach. Promptly, Chatman recorded a 15-5 record. She marched LSU into the university’s first final four. Sadly, Tennessee defeated them 54-52 in New Orleans. One month subsequent, Gunter retired. Chatman was named as successor.

In 2004-2005, LSU tallied a 33-3 record and an undefeated conference regular season. Unfortunately, Baylor dismantled them in the Final Four. In 2005-2006, LSU scored a 34-4 ledger, a second consecutive Southeastern Conference regular season championship, and a third consecutive Final Four. Alas, Duke deterred them. This season, LSU is 26-7. their current rating is tenth.

For her career, Chatman posted a 108-19 ledger. She won three NCAA regional championships and two SEC regular season championships. Chatman ascended LSU into elite status. Her accomplishments were magnificent. They are also this story’s shocking background.

Everyday, actions mirroring Chatman’s occur. Coaches forsake guidance for pleasure. Thus, I will not fain outrage. Simply, I will say this… Chatman had both a stature and responsibility. She should be ashamed. Pokey, your actions were reprehensible. Your actions make me nauseous.

Simon Suspension Deserved

On Friday, the NHL suspended New York Islanders forward Chris Simon indefinitely. Simon’s act was premeditated and vicious. The severe punishment is appropriate.
Ironically, HBO’s Real Sports profiles Simon this month. The program discusses his career, his personal demons, and his relationship with Coach Ted Nolan. Simon is portrayed as respectable. Bryant Gumbel compliments him: “Simon is repaying his coach’s trust in him, playing in every Islanders game this season.”

Running Backs Less Touted

On Friday, the Oakland Raiders signed Dominic Rhodes to a 2-year, $7.5 million contract. Despite his Super Bowl performance, Rhodes accepted secondary status. Instead of shadowing Joseph Addai, Rhodes will now spell LaMont Jordan.

Subsequently, the New York Giants acquired Reuben Droughns. As reciprocation, the Cleveland Browns received Tim Carter. Droughns has logged two lackluster campaigns. To replace Tiki Barber, Droughns must improve dramatically.

Finally, T.J. Duckett signed a one-year contract. The Detroit Lions choose another first round failure. Thankfully, they did not draft this one.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #15

Holy Cross Crusaders (25-8)
(Patriot League Champions)

Smoke & McGahee

Willis McGahee bluffed his NFL arrival. In the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, McGahee’s knee ligaments exploded. College reentrance appeared obvious. Spurning critics, McGahee entered the NFL Draft. During the first round, agent Drew Rosenhaus and McGahee were pictured on the phone. The Buffalo Bills panicked. They selected McGahee twenty-third. Subsequently, they learned McGahee and Rosenhaus were talking with one another. McGahee was a marketing production.

On Thursday, the Bills traded McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens. As reciprocation, the Bills received three draft selections. They now own Baltimore’s third and seventh round selections this year and their third round selection next year. Upon his Baltimore arrival, McGahee signed a 7-year, $66.5 million contract. The pact includes a $7.5 signing bonus.

During his rookie campaign, McGahee recorded 284 carries, 1,128 yards, and 13 touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he totaled 325 carries, 1,247 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Last season, he participated in only fourteen contests. He tallied 259 carries, 990 yards, and 6 touchdowns. His three-year statistics place him below Corey Dillon’s yardage (3459-3365) and Marshall Faulk’s touchdowns (29-24). Their trades yielded only a pair of selections.

McGahee’s career is an illusion. His Heisman Trophy placement was fourth. He was the first runningback chosen. He merits three draft selections. His statistics are substandard. He is considered valuable. During his tenure, Buffalo’s record was 21-27. McGahee may flourish in Baltimore. Presently, his cost is inflated.

Free Agent Gold (Or Pyrite)

Nate Clements (CB – Buffalo Bills)
(San Francisco 49ers: 10 years, $80 million)
(San Francisco overpaid. Three years subsequent, they will regret this blunder. Clements is not a perennial pro bowler. Buffalo can replace him with a fourth rounder.)

Jeff Garcia (QB – Philadelphia Eagles)
(Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2 years, $10 million)
(Garcia was not Philadelphia’s forever. Despite his departure, the Eagles will survive. Tampa Bay slightly overpaid. However, Chris Simms is horrific. Garcia should start by midseason.)

Daniel Graham (TE – New England Patriots)
(Denver Broncos: 5 years, $30 million)
(The Patriots cannot overpay at every position. However, they must cease allowing stars exits. The Broncos signed a star. Graham will equal Shannon Sharpe’s statistics.)

Joe Horn (WR – New Orleans Saints)
(Atlanta Falcons: 4 years, $19 million)
(Horn improves Atlanta’s offense exponentially. Finally, Michael Vick has an exceptional target. The Saints should hope Marques Colston and Devry Henderson excel.)

Jamal Lewis (RB – Baltimore Ravens)
(Cleveland Browns: 1 year, $3.5 million)
(Despite acquiring Willis McGahee, the Ravens will miss Lewis. Lewis should explode Cleveland’s offense. He should facilitate career seasons for both Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow.)

Joey Porter (LB – Pittsburgh Steelers)
(Miami Dolphins: 5 years, $32.5 million)
(Porter is another Miami gem. The question is will he star or be silenced? Releasing Porter fit Pittsburgh’s history. They will simply supplant him.)

Eric Steinbach (OL – Cincinnati Bengals)
(Cleveland Browns: 7 years, $49.5 million)
(The offeason’s smartest signing. Steinbach vastly improves Cleveland’s offensive line. Last season, Cincinnati’s blockers were wretched. Why was Steinbach allowed exit?)

Adalius Thomas (DE – Baltimore Ravens)
(New England Patriots: 5 years, $35 million)
(Baltimore is suffering. This loss will severely affect their defense. Thomas will have an immediate impact. He vastly improves New England’s linebacker corps.)

The Wedding Bells: Worth A Flirtation, Not A Relationship

American Idol is transcendent. The program heists conversation and dominates ratings. Thus, premiering FOX shows have one objective. Earn a position on the network’s watchable echelon. An echelon which includes The Simpsons, House, and 24.

On Wednesday, FOX debuted “The Wedding Bells.” A David E. Kelley creation, the drama chronicles three wedding planner sisters. The sisters operate “The Wedding Palace,” where entire ceremonies occur. Sarah Jones, Teri Polo, and KaDee Strickland portray the trio.

The pilot’s writing was inspired. The principal trio is also exceptional. Particularly Polo whose character is an obsessive wasp. Unfortunately, clichés decimate the program. These clichés include an obnoxious assistant, the attractive European, predictable cheating, and unbelievable jealousy.

Overall, the premiere was enjoyable. Assuming pilot level dialogue, the program will remain amusing. However, the Wedding Bells is not on FOX’s watchable echelon.

The Hills Are Haphazard

This episode was random. Despite Heidi’s repugnant behavior, Lauren allowed her another chance. Heidi and Spencer promptly exited for Santa Barbara. Heidi promised Lauren a girl’s Monday. Predictably, she discarded Lauren for Spencer and the movies.

While Heidi and Spencer were away, Lauren and Audrina double dated. Lauren asserted she enjoyed herself. I am unaware how. Her date had a napkin’s personality. With that stated, the episode concluded with Audrina, Lauren, and dates seeking sushi. Finally, Whitney said her intern career is complete. During this episode, she was visibly irate. Given her previous silence, who knew?

Reality at Eight

Survior

Ravu remained undefeated. After they garnered both reward and immunity, Moto appeared anxious to dismiss Anthony Robinson. However, Rita Verreos and Michelle Yi’s female conversation irritated Anthony. Promptly, Anthony rallied an alliance. Moto eliminated Rita.

American Idol

Jared Cotter, Sundance Head, Stephanie Edwards, and Antonella Barba were deemed top twelve undeserving. Head’s elimination was deserved. His performance was horrendous. Additionally, his lard will not sell albums. Cotter’s performance was marginal. Thus, his elimination is unarguable. Barba’s was expected. Her performance was pathetic. Sloan’s was unbelievable. Her performance was incredible. Stephanie Edwards, Gina Glocksen, and LardKisha Jones warranted elimination more. America, please vote attractive.

Formality & Finished

On Wednesday, NASA fired astronaut Lisa Nowak. Honestly, her retention was impossible.

Headline News also debated Anna Nicole Smith movie casting. Their segment was ridiculous. America, this story has concluded.

Artest Reprehensible

Simply stated, Ron Artest is vile. He is a depraved and putrid individual. His human being status is debatable. His redeeming qualities are non-existent. He encapsulates the NBA’s inmate image.

On Monday, Artest was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence and force or violence to prevent his victim from reporting a crime. According to police, Artest assaulted the woman and grabbed her violently. The victim sustained “visible trauma.”

During his career, Artest has exemplified disruption. He incited the Pacers-Pistons brawl. His actions amplified the melee. Artest recorded a violent rap album. He also threatened death upon a free agent teammate.

Artest is revolting and repugnant. While the NBA promotes basketball, Artest exudes criminal.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #14

Weber State Wildcats (20-11)
(Big Sky Conference Champions)

Radio Silence

Yesterday, I received an e-mail touting Air America 2.0. Air America 2.0? Air America originated in 2004. Six chief executive officers have led the station. However, this e-mail hyped “fresh ideas for programming, for technology, for partnerships with sister organizations.”

Air America has failed. Jeanine Garofalo and Al Franken have departed. The station has hemorrhaged money. They have never made a societal imprint. Air America was a bizarre initiative. Quietly, the angry rabble should now disband.

$5,900, A Recipe, & A Dream

Ernest Gallo
(1909-2007)

Outrageous Revisionism

Anne Coulter is a “liberal infiltrator whose purpose is to give conservatism a bad name.”

Conservatives are crazy.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #13

Niagara Purple Eagles (22-11)
(Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champions)

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #12

Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (22-11)
(Northeast Conference Champions)

For A Moment, All The World Was Right

Senator Thomas Eagleton
(1929-2007)

American Idol Live Blog

Jordin Sparks (17 – Arizona)

Delightful introductory video. Arizona State, great party school. Her jeans are incredibly unflattering. I believe her hip size has tripled. Acceptable performance. Pat Benatar is a grueling standard. She was satisfactory.

Sabrina Sloan (27 – California)

Outstanding song selection. Her appearance is flawless. Her bridge is excellent. Overall, her performance is incredible. Randy says a good performance? Obviously, the dog is stoned. Simon and Randy concur? I vehemently disagree. She was remarkable. Judges say top twelve. I agree.

Antonella Barba (20 – New Jersey)

America loves a stripper. Corinne Bailey Raye phoned. She demanded Antonella cease butchering her song. This performance is ghastly. Barba oversings the selection. Additionally, her emotion is false. America, restart her soft porn career. Simon and Antonella in cat fight. Simon wins. She is sans talent.

Haley Scarnato (24 - Texas)

Her appearance is perfect. Red is her color. The performance is respectable. The song is annoying. However, she is an unpolished gem. If justice exists, she will advance. Randy not jumping up and down? The stage would disintegrate. Simon says horrible? America, you choose… a horrible cupcake or Lakisha, who could block in the NFL?

Stephanie Edwards (19 - Georgia)

Second consecutive annoying selection. Her ensemble is also hideous. Screaming does not approve the performance. The song is oversung and pedestrian. America, your second elimination. Paula and Simon? Obviously, you two are sharing a brain. Please purchase one which works.

LaKisha Jones (27 – Michigan)

Ryan Seacrest covets fatties. Who knew? Additionally, she fears animals. Relax, they fear you also. The performance is horrific. Her emotion is contrived. The song is oversung. She will advance. Based solely on her dress, she should not. Simon says passion and talent? Simon says beautiful? She is morbidly obese and her dress has been painted on her body. She is a heart attack, not an idol.

Gina Glocksen (22 – Illinois)

Her ensemble is repugnant. Her rock endeavor is unbelievable. The dancing is terrible. The singing is worse. Simply stated, the evening’s nastiest performance. Simon and I disagree. America, consider elimination. She wears these clothes in her residence? Can she return there?

Melinda Doolittle (29 – Tennessee)

The mock camouflage is intriguing. This performance is proficient. While Lakisha was a false diva, Melinda is believable. Her emotion translates. She should easily advance.

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #11

Wright State Raiders (23-9)
(Horizon League Champions)

Libby Convicted

On Tuesday, Lewis “Scooter” Libby was convicted on four felony counts. This conviction is the sad end of a sorry episode. This is my final comment concerning the incident.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #10

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (23-10)
(Mid-Continent Conference Champions)

Dwayne: Your Season Is Over

On Monday, Dwayne Wade refused shoulder surgery. This decision is incorrect. While his separated shoulder will not deteriorate, Wade will not attain championship performance.

Dwayne, have surgery. The Wade-Shaq combination has won their maximum championships.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #9

North Texas Mean Green (23-10)
(Sun Belt Conference Champions)

American Idol Live Blog

Blake Lewis (25 – Washington)

His wardrobe is intriguing. Skull t-shirt, raised hair, he nails the current surfer\skateboard ensemble. He is this contest’s most unique. The judges are complimentary. Excellent commencement to this evening.

Sanjaya Malakar (17 – Washington)

Boy George phoned. He requested his gender-bending persona. “Waiting on the World to Change” is annoying. With that stated, the irritation has been exponentially increased. Simon says not as annoying as last week? Are you serious? This endeavor was horrific.

Sundance Head (28 – Texas)

His introductory video was pathetic. Speaking for America; shut up lard. “Jeremy” is an ode to suicide. Given his performance, this morbidly obese aspirant should follow suit. Simon is virtually correct. Marginal bar singer? Marginal bar fly.

Chris Richardson (22 – Virginia)

“Tonight I want to cry” is tear enducing. With that stated, he is singing akin to a player. The performance is bland. Based upon talent, he should advance. However, his position is extremely insecure.

Jared Cotter (25 – New York)

I hate songs which transition fast into slow. His performance is respectable. With that stated, his sweater ensemble is dull. Simon is correct. He was unoriginal and uninspired.

Brandon Rogers (29 – California)

His performance is insipid. His ensemble is flawless. However, his passion is mocking. His performance is this evening’s worst. Simon and I concur. America, eliminate him.

Phil Stacey (29 – Florida)

“I need you” was my best friend’s wedding song. His ensemble is hideous. Particularly, his hat selection. His performance is wretched. The song is vastly oversung. Additionally, his emotion is bogus. He is the men’s second elimination.

Chris Sligh (28 – South Carolina)

His song is correct. We all desire love. Given his appearnence, love is implausible. His performance is satisfactory. My contention remains he cannot sell albums.

Fighting Crime In A Future Time

Last Night, Sixty Minutes discussed “cyber jihad.” Featured within their report was Aaron Weisburd. To combat Islamic extremism, Weisburd quit as a computer programmer. Subsequently, he has hassled, combated, and closed one thousand radical websites. Weisburd, Homeland Security, British police, and the FBI are functional partners.

Virtual Islamic fanaticism is prevalent. From their websites, terrorists can recruit, strategize, and showcase martyrdom. Their online component is vital. Weisburd is an exemplary American. His endeavor impedes terrorism. His typing is as crucial as the firing guns.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #8

Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-10)
(West Coast Conference Champions)

Marvin Miller: Hall of Fame?

Closing ESPN’s Sports Reporters, guest host Jeremy Schaap broached an intriguing discussion. Schaap advocated Hall of Fame induction for Marvin Miller. Schaap’s validation was Miller’s exceptional representation of Major League Baseball’s players. Schaap’s argument is both valid and flawed.

As Player’s Association Executive Director, Miller was revolutionary. Pre-Miller, the draconian reserve clause confined players. Miller spawned collective bargaining. He negotiated an increased minimum salary. He facilitated arbitration. His challenge abolished the reserve clause and initiated free agency. Miller’s exemplary record commands enshrinement.

With that stated, Miller also damaged baseball. He oversaw three strikes and two lockouts. Free agency eradicated player loyalty, exploded salaries, and forever alienated teams ands fans. Miller is not a villain. However, his negative aspects equal the accomplishments.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #7

VCU Rams (27-6)
(Colonial Athletic Association Champions)

Carolina Bruised

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #6

Creighton Blue Jays (22-10)
(Missouri Valley Conference Champions)

Line of the Morning

Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

“Let’s talk about taxing the middle class. That’s how we got the AMT. The Democrats put it in place in 1969. They exacerbated the situation in 1993, when not a single Republican voted for it.”

In Plummer, No One Believes

Jake Plummer has been maligned. His skills have been disparaged. His intelligence has been questioned. His judgment has been excoriated. Amidst this heresy, Plummer has amassed a 40-18 record. He has accrued four three thousand yard seasons. He has thrown 161 career touchdowns, including seven seasons with fifteen plus.

Following 2002, the Denver Broncos signed Plummer. Despite three consecutive playoff appearances, the Broncos drafted a replacement. Last season, rookie Jay Cutler assumed command. On Friday, the Broncos traded Plummer. Plummer now meets a decision. He can either retire or become a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

An Arizona State Sun Devil, the Arizona Cardinals selected Plummer in the second round. After a respectable rookie campaign, Plummer marched Arizona into the playoffs. The 1998 postseason was the Cardinals’ first in sixteen seasons. Plummer concluded his desert tenure with 17,622 yards and 90 touchdowns. Denver success was anticipated.

Plummer piloted consecutive 10-6 seasons. Unfortunately, the Indianapolis Colts ended both with calamitous losses. In 2005, Plummer recorded a career best touchdown-inception ration. He also guided the Broncos to a division championship. After vanquishing the invincible New England Patriots, Plummer and his Broncos succumbed to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ultimately, the Steelers would garner the Super Bowl.

After swapping Plummer for Cutler, the Broncos ended their season 2-3. They missed the playoffs. On Saturday, the Buccaneers signed Jeff Garcia to a two-year, $10 million deal. Despite a proficient career and empirical evidence, no one is certain concerning Plummer.

Automatic for the Tournament – Bid #5

Eastern Kentucky Colonels (21-11)
(Ohio Valley Conference Champions)

Dillon: Talented Trouble

Corey Dillon’s career….Dillon was not a glitzy first round selection. He was chosen in the second round. Immediately, he impacted the Cincinnati Bengals. Dillon’s rookie campaign included 1,129 yards and ten touchdowns. Subsequently, he registered three Pro Bowl appearances. He surpassed Walter Payton’s single game record. He demanded a statement contract. He received this contract. His infantile conduct intensified. He was traded. He abetted New England’s third Super Bowl. He became injured. Laurence Maroney supplanted him.

Dillon requested his release. On Friday, the Patriots granted his demand. During his New England existence, Dillon recorded 753 carries, 3,180 yards, and 39 touchdowns. Overall, he accumulated 2,618 carries, 11,281 yards, and 89 touchdowns. Following his cut, Coach Bill Belichick praised Dillon. "On behalf of the New England Patriots organization, we respect and appreciate Corey Dillon's significant contributions to our team," coach Bill Belichick said in a statement issued by the team. "Those contributions extend beyond his individual on-field achievements and his integral role in a championship season. They also include three years of veteran leadership and positive relationships throughout the team."

Initially, Dillon’s narcissism was subtle. He mandated additional carries. The Bengals acquiescence incited Dillon’s conceit. Dillon exploded. He questioned teammates and excoriated coaches. Following 2000, the Bengals and Dillon appeared irreconcilable. However, a trade never materialized. Dillon resigned. Two seasons subsequent, Dillon detonated. He insulted fans, teammates, and first year coach Marvin Lewis. Dillon was dealt.

Dillon’s New England tenure commenced with 345 carries, 1,635 yards, and 12 touchdowns. In Super Bowl XXXIX, Dillon scored 75 yards and the defining touchdown. Revisionism initiated. Dillon was respectful and forthright. He was not egomaniacal. He was not crisis inducing. The reason Dillon was labeled a miscreant? He acted as one.

Dillon has aged. Self-inflicted furrows line his face. Dillon has precipitated controversy and performed spectacularly. His legacy? Generational marvel or puerile malefactor?