Category: sports

Kickin’ Some Ass

backinphillyLeave a comment

Sebastian Janikowski made history on Monday Night by tying the NFL record for longest field goal kick in history.  The record stands at 63 yards long, which ties Jason Elam and Tom Dempsey.

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The Raiders and Janikowski have both issued appeals to the NFL to review the kick and hopefully extend the distance to 64 yards, which would pass the record by 1 yard. This is also the second time that a record-tying kick has been made at Mile High Stadium in Denver, which is considered an advantage due to air quality at that altitude.

Mike Brown

smackyjackjack1 Comment

Mike Brown. Why would the Lakers pick Mike Brown to be the new head coach?

Mike Brown, LeBron James

Well, it’s either one of several things. Firstly, Mike Brown could be the best coach of all time, but no one has realized it yet. Coaching the Cavilers has not helped his reputation as a great coach, but now that he is at the Lakers, that might change. Maybe he could make the team better again, better than they were with Phil Jackson. This is pretty unlikely.

It could also have been a decision that fit with a much larger plan. Jerry West has just been signed to become an executive board member to the Golden State Warriors. This could mean that West is using the Warriors as a farm team, and that he is planning something to help the Lakers. The decision to enlist Mike Brown as a coach could have something to do with this as well.

I still think that the Lakers should have picked Brian Shaw to be the head coach. He has worked with Jackson, and is still young. He even played with some of the older players. But who knows, the Lakers could be planning something big.

It’s Time to Say Goodbye

therightliberalLeave a comment

Old Trafford is one of the greatest stadiums in the world. It is the largest of any of the EPL club’s stadiums and it has an aura of magic. It has played host to many fantastic games and many incredible players. For some United players though, tomorrow’s game against Blackpool will be their last in the Theater of Dreams.

Edwin van der Sar has been a great goalkeeper throughout his time at United. I can still remember his penalty save against Chelsea that won the cup. He has been a great footballer and he will be missed. Sir Alex Ferguson announced that Van der Sar will start in the net in the last game of the season. This will give the fans a chance to thank him for his great work during his time at United.

Edwin van der Sar Edwin Van der Sar of Manchester United saves the penalty attempt from Ncolas Anelka of Chelsea to win during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Although it is not certain that Paul Scholes will retire, there is a very good chance of it. It is a good opportunity for him to go out on a good note. Scholes has been a key member of United for since he came in to the first team squad in 1994. Before that, Scholes has been part of United’s youth program. He has always been a great players for United, getting in trouble at times but always coming off in style. His vicious tackles scarred even the most hardened players. He will always be remembered as one of the United greats.

Although these two players are retiring and others may be leaving, United will keep strong as one of the best teams in the world. They will get new players who have skill and knowledge but the greats that preceded them will not be forgotten.

19

therightliberalLeave a comment

The number 19 is not considered special by most people. It doesn’t get the glory of 10 or hold the importance of 100. But on Saturday, May 14th of 2011, the number 19 got a little credit.

Manchester United won their 19th league title this past Saturday. To most people, that does not seem to be a good enough reason to shave the number in to your chest hair, but for Manchester United star striker Wayne Rooney (pictured above) it was a great reason.

This league title now gives Manchester United the most league titles of any English club. Again this may not seem like a huge deal. But looking back it is a huge deal.

Before the 1992-93 season, United only had 7 league titles. This was not bad but compared to Liverpool’s 18 titles, it was quite small. But in only 19 seasons, United won 12 of their now 19. That is simply incredible.

With this new title United can now surpass their arch nemesis Liverpool as far as the most dominant team in history. All of the last 12 titles have come from Sir Alex Ferguson who took over a struggling team.

United had not won a title since the 1966-67 season. During that time they had been relegated and had lost much of their prestige. But Fergie changed all of that. During his reign, United have won many accolades including the Treble, the only team to have ever accomplished the feat.

Fergie should be credited with much of the rebuilding that has happened. He took over in 1988, taking over a club that was on the verge of relegation. He has now built them in to the largest team in the world.

United now hold 19 league titles, a number that for them seemed impossible to get to. They were weak and now they are strong. Now they can be the ones celebrating by carving numbers in to their chest hair.

Ochocinco: This time its bull-riding

dmilesburtonLeave a comment


So I posted a while ago about ochocinco trying out for a soccer team, and in my opinion, it was pretty funny to see him try to entertain himself and his ADHD-like enthusiasm during the NFL lockout.

Now he’s done it again, recently posting on his twitter, “Can everyone please follow @teampbr and @fordtrucks,after I ride this bull for 8 seconds I’m giving the away the F-150 I win.” and a few hours later posting “#EPIC RT @pbrcoo: @ochocinco that’s the deal. Show up and get on the bull u get 10K, ride him for 8 secs and its a brand new F150″

In other words, Ochocinco is trying to be a bull-rider, and hes getting $10K to ride it and a brand new truck if he stays on for 8 seconds.

Well he rode the bull a couple days ago, and he lasted 1.5 seconds.

Yes, there is a video.

So no truck, but he managed to make ten thousand dollars for less than two seconds of his time.

Pretty legit.

Tragedy

therightliberalLeave a comment

Football is usually a sport of much celebration, but this week has been full of sadness. The first is the death of the Korean soccer player Yoon Ki-Won. I do not know much about his death or his career but it is a tragedy that he passed away and I wish his family the best.

Just two days later Ki-Won’s teammate on Incheon United, Shin Yong-Rok collapsed on the field near the end of a game. He is still in a coma after barely surviving cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Shin Yong-Rok Jeju United

These are not the first cases of deaths and serious heart issues in sports, especially football. Leagues such as the Barclay’s Premier League have started to monitor heart rates to try to remove players from life-threatening situations. But there is still some mystery surrounding the cardiovascular deaths that have occurred.

Much lighter, yet still saddening in the news that FIFA officials have been accepting bribes. That’s not really news because anyone that follows international football knows that FIFA is more corrupt than the mob.

But it is alleged that the Qatari outfit bribed African members of FIFA to vote for Qatar to receive the World Cup in 2022. Football does not need this. From the bribing of referees to FIFA officials, it just is not worth it.

There was even more news released in England over the ongoing corruption scandal. England did not win their bid which turns out to be a good choice by FIFA because England’s FIFA members seem to have deep pockets and shallow morals.

Hopefully the news will get a bit brighter as the week goes on.

The collapse of a dynasty

shredicusmaximusLeave a comment

Of all the moments which took place during the past 8 months, my favorite moment was watching JJ Barea drive to the basket from half court to have his collar bone meet the unforgiving elbow of Andrew Bynum. Barea’s shot would end up going in and Bynum was ejected from the game, ripping off his jersey in frustration as he walked into the tunnel. In a moment which sums up the severe frustration from the only Laker who played like a two time champion, the Lakers, their season, their coaches career, and their throne was swept away in a sea of white and blue coming from the crowd.

Quite the embarrassing way for 11 time NBA championship winning coach Phil Jackson to call it quits, swept in the second round. A 44 year veteran of the league, coach of the great Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant could very possibly be stepping down after this season. With him, the era of Lakers glory could very well be over.

Why do great dynasties fail? Why do they crumble and fall after years of revered greatness? Social crumbling, the loss of cohesion with leadership, military, and economic structure. They lose because other invading territories want what the dynasty has. They have power, resources, and control. They face decline from their super powers and henceforth, they become weak and vulnerable. The Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty of Eastern China, and most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Changes in the front office represent the government going in another direction as uncertainty of the future clouded the practice atmosphere. It is a great distraction for a team. The fact that after Pau Gasol posted a mere 13 points per game and played tentatively the entire playoffs. Derek Fisher’s illustrious career has been reduced to experience thanks to the inevitable sting of time and may henceforth be replaced by a younger and faster point guard. Ron Artest‘s contract is also in jeopardy. Key components are at risk of being moved thanks to an in balance in salary and production. Changes from the front office can be felt. Other than that,  Kobe Bryant played with a lack of fire, evident from his inability to close games 1 and 3. As a whole, the collective effort aside from Bynum wasn’t there. The military is your defense and line of protection from the invading enemies who want your throne. The Lakers did very little to veer off the opposing teams attack. While they scored 101 points per game during the season, in the post season, that’s what they allowed. After a valiant effort from Chris Paul and the Hornets in the first round exposing the human side of the Lakers, and of their dominant post defense in 6 games, the Dallas Mavericks defeated them in a clean sweep.

With the Mavericks now the favorites to win the NBA Finals, they have gained all that the Lakers once had: a championship trophy, dominance known through

Champions!!! (sort of)

therightliberalLeave a comment

Today Manchester United beat Chelsea FC, almost certainly giving them their 19th Premier League title.

Javier Hernandez, Petr Cech

While I was busy taking an AP Statistics final, Manchester United was pulling off a 2-1 victory. United looked the better team by far (I recorded the game) and throughly deserved the win. Chelsea fans may complain about the refereeing of Howard Webb but I do not think those complaints are valid. United created many more chances, finished well and defended even better.

Now United are six points clear with two games left. All they need is a tie in one of those games (which are against Blackpool and Blackburn) and they will go home with the trophy.

It has been a very interesting season. At the beginning I will admit I had little hope. Chelsea started so strongly that I wondered if we had a chance.

I credit Sir Alex for his genius in leading United to their 19th League title, which will be a record.

I am now looking forward to the Champions League Final against Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on May 28th. That will certainly be United’s biggest challenge of the year.

Is it over?

smackyjackjackLeave a comment

The Lakers. What happened? This is one of the only years that I have had doubts about the Lakers. Well, after the last game, those doubts were confirmed.  Usually, when the Lakers lose, it’s because of a lack of energy. This time, it was because of a lack of talent.

Now I cannot really speak for the last game, because I did not see it. From what I heard, the team did, in fact, play hard. The Mavericks were just better than them.

And I hate to say that, but Dallas is just straight out better than the Lakers. Kobe (oh God am I really about to say this?) is getting old, Bynum is very inconsistent, and Gasol cannot stay focused. It will all be decided tomorrow, but I doubt we can come back from a 3-0 series. If we don’t, then Marc Gasol will be the last Gasol standing.

The Lakers are going to have to get it together if they want to have a good season next year. Magic Johnson recently said that the team has to be completely rearranged. We need new people, as well as getting a new coach.

Finally, what a way for Coach to go out. Last game was the only time I have ever seen him lose his cool. He was so frustrated with Gasol, that he was pounding on his chest. But hey, as long as Boston or Miami don’t win, I’m fine with anything.  

Final Bound

therightliberal2 Comments

Today Manchester United clinched itself a place in the Champions League Final. They will face Barcelona on May 28th at Wembley Stadium.

United pulled off a 4-1 win which is an incredible feat. What makes it even more impressive is that United started many of its bench players. Sir Alex Ferguson decided that it would be best to rest some of his key players for the season deciding game against Chelsea this Saturday.

Schalke had won 5-2 against last years champions, Inter Milan. For United to win 6-1 on aggregate goals…well to be honest it is shocking. I believe in United’s quality but this was something else.

Ferguson made 9 changes from his original squad that beat Schalke in the first leg. After the game he said that the team, “Did me proud.”

The win sets up a rematch from 2009 where United lost to Barca. Although I am hopeful that United can beat Barca, I am very unsure. Barca moves the ball so well and has so much talent that they are virtually impossible to stop.

If United wants to beat Barca they need to play very tight in the midfield as well as in the defence. They cannot allow Barca to dictate the tempo of the game by holding the ball. Whoever is playing out on the left must also find a way to shut down Messi, and I wish them the best of luck. I do not envy any footballer who has to face that man.

United has the talent to win the final but they will have to pull out a performance of the ages to do so. Glory Glory!