Archive for 2015

Warriors Lose Without Curry, Kobe Shines In Boston, Groff Declares For Draft

BASKETBALL

The Golden State Warriors only had one loss coming into a game with the Dallas Mavericks, but unfortunately their reigning MVP Stephen Curry was ruled out for the game.  Could the Warriors win without Steph?  Unfortunately no.  The Mavericks destroyed the Warriors and easily handed them their second loss of the season.  Dallas 114, Golden State 91.

Kobe Bryant 2Elsewhere in the NBA, Kobe Bryant made his final trip to Boston.  He faced Boston in two finals (each team winning one).  Boston has disdain for Bryant, but also sincere respect.  In this final trip, Bryant led the Lakers to a surprise victory over the Celtics.  Bryant had his 173rd career double-double, and in the final minute of the game, the classy Celtics fans chanted “Kobe! Kobe!”.  It’s clear that the NBA is going to miss Kobe Bryant.  He was a spectacle in every city he visited during his career.  Lakers 112, Celtics 104.

FOOTBALL

In college football, University of California star quarterback Jared Goff, a junior with all the NFL physical specs, has decided he will forego his junior year and enter the NFL draft.  Goff had a statistically marvelous season with Cal, and led them to a win over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.  The pro scouts have been talking about Goff’s “special arm” all season, and now he will get a chance to show what he can do in the pros.  ESPN’s Todd McShay has Goff ranked as the 2nd best quarterback in the draft, behind Memphis’ Paxton Lynch, and there are several teams who would love access to his talents.

Share
No comments

Chip Kelly Fired, Jags Coach Stays, Clemson Players In Trouble

FOOTBALL

Chip Kelly In the NFL, the major story of the day was the firing of Eagles’ coach Chip Kelly.  Kelly is thought of as a football genius in the college football world, as he introduced a fast-paced, blitzkrieg style of offense at Oregon that turned the school into a perennial elite program. When he wanted to try his hand at the NFL, the Eagles came calling.  Kelly had a solid first year, but his past two seasons were disappointing and the Eagles failed to make the playoffs again this season.  Kelly also made some highly questionable roster movies (i.e. getting rid of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and LeSean McCoy — and signing DeMarco Murray to a huge contract).

What’s next for Kelly? Some think he could be a serious candidate to coach USC.  The school could be interested in having Kelly turn them into the national powerhouse they were 10 years ago.  Kelly may not be done in the NFL, however.  The Tennessee Titans will likely fire their coach Ken Whisenhunt, and Kelly might be a good replacement. The Titans QB is Marcus Mariota, a player Kelly recruited while at Oregon and supposedly desperately wanted to move up in the draft to grab.  If Kelly reunited with Mariota, he would run a system similar to his fast-paced college offense.  We shall see.

Elsewhere in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars have decided to retain their head coach Gus Bradley for the 2016 season.  The Jaguars did not have a great season, but eventually they started to click and they believe if they stay healthy and get some solid draft picks, they could be playoff contenders next season.
Finally, in college football, Clemson is hoping to win their first National Championship this year.  Unfortunately, they were recently dealt a serious blow as they lost some key players to suspension.  Most notably, their star wide receiver Deon Cain, who was a major part of their success this season.  Without Cain, Clemson could be in danger of losing their playoff game to Oklahoma on New Year’s Day.

Share
No comments

Broncos Secure Playoff Spot, Black & Gold Win Championship, Grimes Wife Causing Trouble In Miami, Durant Free Agent

FOOTBALL

In Monday Night Football, the Denver Broncos pulled off an important win in overtime against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the win, the Broncos secured a spot in the playoffs and even edged out the Bengals for the #2 spot. If the Broncos beat the San Diego Chargers in week 17, they will clinch a first round bye. Broncos 20, Bengals 17.

Screaming Weasels  Screaming Weasels  Black and GoldIn other important football news, the Monday night game capped off a great season of fantasy football. Our team, the Screaming Weasels, valiantly fought hard to secure a spot in the Super Bowl against the #1 seed, Black and Gold. After a tough weekend (with a brilliant move by Black and Gold to play Redskins’ tight end Jordan Reed), it all came down to whether or not Broncos’ Demaryius Thomas could pull out a couple of TD’s for the Weasels. Unfortunately it wasn’t his best game so the Super Bowl trophy goes to the deserving Black and Gold. Congratulations!

Elsewhere in the NFL, things could get a bit uncomfortable in Miami.  Dolphins star cornerback Brent Grimes’ wife Miko took to Twitter after the Dolphins loss and criticized their QB Ryan Tannehill.   She said “I knew this quarterback stunk the minute we signed to this team, but I kept quiet so I didn’t discourage bae [Brent] from believing in his team”.  She sent a couple other highly critical tweets about Tannehill, and it’s just more evidence that this franchise has a serious morale issue.  It’s also possible that Tannehill isn’t the Dolphins QB next season.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, Kevin Durant is a free agent at the end of the season.  Most people think that his decision will come down to either re-signing with Oklahoma City or playing for his hometown Washington Wizards.  But now, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the Golden State Warriors have expressed serious interest in bringing Durant to town.  All the teams next season will have more money due to the higher salary cap, and the Warriors would love to see a dynasty emerge that includes Durant.

Share
No comments

Broncos Secure Playoff Spot, Black And Gold Win Fantasy Championship,Grimes Wife Causing Trouble In Miami,Durant Free Agent

FOOTBALL

In Monday Night Football, the Denver Broncos pulled off an important win in overtime against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the win, the Broncos secured a spot in the playoffs and even edged out the Bengals for the #2 spot. If the Broncos beat the San Diego Chargers in week 17, they will clinch a first round bye. Broncos 20, Bengals 17.

Screaming Weasels  Screaming Weasels  Black and GoldIn other important football news, the Monday night game capped off a great season of fantasy football. Our team, the Screaming Weasels, valiantly fought hard to secure a spot in the Super Bowl against the #1 seed, Black and Gold. After a tough weekend (with a brilliant move by Black and Gold to play Redskins’ tight end Jordan Reed), it all came down to whether or not Broncos’ Demaryius Thomas could pull out a couple of TD’s for the Weasels. Unfortunately it wasn’t his best game so the Super Bowl trophy goes to the deserving Black and Gold. Congratulations!

Elsewhere in the NFL, things could get a bit uncomfortable in Miami.  Dolphins star cornerback Brent Grimes’ wife Miko took to Twitter after the Dolphins loss and criticized their QB Ryan Tannehill.   She said “I knew this quarterback stunk the minute we signed to this team, but I kept quiet so I didn’t discourage bae [Brent] from believing in his team”.  She sent a couple other highly critical tweets about Tannehill, and it’s just more evidence that this franchise has a serious morale issue.  It’s also possible that Tannehill isn’t the Dolphins QB next season.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, Kevin Durant is a free agent at the end of the season.  Most people think that his decision will come down to either re-signing with Oklahoma City or playing for his hometown Washington Wizards.  But now, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the Golden State Warriors have expressed serious interest in bringing Durant to town.  All the teams next season will have more money due to the higher salary cap, and the Warriors would love to see a dynasty emerge that includes Durant.

Share
No comments

Panthers Finally Lose, Injured Ravens Over Steelers, Jets Over Pats In OT, Rams Surprise Seahawks

FOOTBALL

The NFL’s regular season is nearing an end and teams are vying for playoff spots or higher seeds in the post-season.
The DabThe Carolina Panthers headed to Atlanta to take on the Falcons, a team they obliterated a few weeks ago.  This time, however, the Falcons were ready for QB Cam Newton.  The game was neck and neck but the Falcons made the plays that counted, including some incredible theatrical catches from their star receiver Julio Jones. The Falcons accomplished what no other team this season could; they handed the Panthers their first loss.  After the game, the Falcons’ owner imitated Cam Newton’s famous “Dab”.  Atlanta 20, Carolina 13.

The injury riddled Baltimore Ravens hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers have been red hot, so everyone expected them to steamroll the Ravens.  But in the NFL anything can happen.  The Ravens kept Steelers’ QB Roethlisberger in check and pulled out a win. The Steelers now fall just outside of the playoff picture, and the Cincinnati Bengals (who take on the Denver Broncos on Monday night) clinched the division.  Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 17.

The New York Jets were waiting to get their hands on their rivals the New England Patriots.  The Jets defense held Tom Brady in check the whole game, but, of course, the Pats came back to tie the game and send to overtime.  In OT, there was some confusion during the coin toss and the Patriots elected to kick the ball (very rare with the new overtime rules).  The Jets made some heroic plays, capped off by a Fitzpatrick to Eric Decker game winning touchdown.  With the win, the Jets are in control (for now) of a final wild card spot.  NY Jets 26, Patriots 20.

In Seattle, the scorching Seahawks played host to the Rams.  Everyone thought the Seahawks would easily win at home, but the Rams have had their number the past few seasons.  The Rams defense made solid plays and forced turnovers to beat the Seahawks in Sea-town.  The Seahawks need to be careful, as their playoff spot is not guaranteed.  St. Louis 23, Seattle 17.

Share
No comments

Kids Korner Christmas Edition By Lucas Korn

FOOTBALL

With a field goal in overtime, the Oakland Raiders beat the San Diego Chargers and gave the retiring Charles Woodson a win in his final home game. After the game, Woodson thanked the fans for their loyalty to him and said he would never leave them. Raiders 23, Chargers 20.

stephen curry

BASKETBALL

The 27-1 Golden State Warriors are playing the 19-7 Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day in an NBA Finals rematch. Fun fact, Steph Curry and Lebron James (the two most popular players in the League) both were born in Akron (a small city in Ohio).

In other Christmas Day match ups, the Los Angeles Clippers are playing the Los Angeles Lakers in an LA city matchup (which team is the home team?).

I

Share
No comments

Illinois Rules DFS Illegal, Brock Start For Broncos, Bulls Awful Chemistry

FANTASY SPORTS

Draft kings 2In the fantasy sports world, there was another major development adding to the controversy of whether or not fantasy sports constitutes gambling, be sure to play on safe gambling sites, is better to be safe than sorry with new services, make sure you have a good antivirus software that has add-ons to monitor your browser too. Earlier this year, New York declared that daily fantasy sports is illegal gambling (and not a skill based endeavor).  FanDuel and Draft Kings are still warring with the lawyers on this issue, but now the state of Illinois, another major daily fantasy sports market, also declared DFS illegal.  This ruling is huge blow to the industry.  Daily fantasy could easily go the way of online poker betting which was hugely popular and now non-existent. Despite all the chaos, it is imperative to note that many of the online gambling sites like PlaySlots4RealMoney.com have been in the  market and are helping people get started with the gambling activities.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the Denver Broncos, once a powerhouse in the AFC, have still not clinched a playoff birth. They are even mathematically eligible to miss the playoffs all together.   They’re on a 2-game losing streak, and have a tough game coming up against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Head coach Gary Kubiak made the decision that he will stick with quarterback Brock Osweiler.  Osweiler is dealing with an injury, but Kubiak believes he can still play.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Chicago Bulls are spinning out of control.  Prior to this season, they let go of their longtime coach Thom Thibodeau, even though Thibodeau led them to a high seed in the playoffs almost every year.  They took a fresh approach with former player and Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg.  But now, the team has an awful chemistry, and the players are complaining that Hoiberg doesn’t “coach them hard enough”.  Before Hoiberg, they complained that Thibodeau, was, a jerk.  But now they don’t feel pushed or inspired?  They need to make up their mind.

Share
No comments

Kobe Playing Well, Fan Wins 100K, Video HS Sensation

BASKETBALL

Kobe BryantIn the NBA, Kobe Bryant may be retiring at the end of the season, but unlike a lot of other aging veterans, Kobe Bryant is still playing pretty well. Bryant turned back the clock against the Nuggets, putting up 31 points and 5 assist.  LA Lakers 111, Denver 107.

And in some crazy betting news, sports fan, Tayla Polia, placed a wild 15-game $5 parlay this past weekend. She played 14 games, and one over/under (the Broncos/Steelers). Most people  can’t even win a 2-game parlay, and this one had a possible odds of 20,000 to 1. Yeah, long shot. But, going into Monday night, all she needed was a Lions win or cover to win the $100,000 prize. And, she hit it. Apparently, Polia fainted at the law office where she works when she won, and then went out to lunch.

Finally, in college basketball, years ago, there was a viral video sensan on High School basketball player Zach Hodskins. Hodskins only has one hand, but hecan play really well. In these videos, he’s pretty much unstoppable, and can drain a shot from anywhere. A few years ago, Hodskins made the team at Florida as a walk-on. And on Tuesday, Hodskins got on the floor against Jacksonville, hit a layup, and even drew the foul. Here’s the video for the story:

Share
No comments

Drew Brees Record, Lions Win Game, Screaming Weasels Super Bowl Bound, Odell Suspended, Woodson Retiring

FOOTBALL

Screen Shot 2015-12-22 at 8.09.04 AMOn Monday Night Football the Detroit Lions and the New Orleans Saints faced off.  Even though both teams have had disappointing seasons and are not playoff bound, Monday night’s matchup was an offensive, high-scoring spectacle.  The Saints, quarterback Drew Brees became the 4th quarterback in NFL history to pass 60,000 passing yards (an incredible achievement) but the night belonged to the Lions as they Lions held off a late surge by the Saints to win the game. Detroit 35, New Orleans 27. More importantly, thanks to a solid game by Lions’ receiver Golden Tate, my fantasy team with teammates David and Eric (The Screaming Weasels) is Super Bowl bound taking on the formidable Black and Gold. In order to bring us luck, my son made “Golden Tate” er tots and vowed to eat one every time the Lions receiver touched the ball. He felt a bit sick when he went to bed last night but it was all worth it!
In other football news, the NFL has suspended Odell Beckham for one game due to his abhorrent behavior in Sunday’s game against the Panthers.  With Beckham benched, the Giants are in a tough spot in their bid for the playoffs. And, tough luck if you’re are a fantasy football owner and he’s on your team. Many teams (including mine) have their Championship game next weekend and he’s a big asset.

Finally, it looks like another NFL superstar has decided to call it quits at the end of the year.  Long time Raiders safety Charles Woodson will retire.  Woodson became famous for being the first defensive player in many years to win the Heisman Trophy.  He had a stellar career with the Raiders, and then in the prime of his career, won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.  Then, it was back to Oakland, where he opted to play the safety position to elongate his career.

Share
No comments

Panthers Remain Undefeated, Odell’s Bad Behavior, Chiefs Hot, Roethlisberger Comes Through

FOOTBALL

The Carolina Panthers came into New York undefeated to take on the NY Giants. The Giants were determined to rise to the occasion and unseat the Panthers.   In the game, the Panthers were crushing the Giants, but late in the 3rd quarter, the Giants launched a 28 point comeback to tie the game with just a little over a minute remaining.  Then, Panthers QB and MVP candidate Cam Newton knew it was “Go Time”.  He marched the Panthers down the field for a game winning field goal.  The Panthers are now a perfect 14-0.  Carolina 38, NY Giants 35.

Odell Beckham Jr 2A big story from the game was Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham’s abhorrent behavior.  He was throwing punches and cheap shots at Panthers star cornerback Josh Norman the entire game.  Beckham almost got tossed from the game and many think he should have been suspended.  After the game, Norman said, “It was ridiculous, I think it was personal. He was trying to come at me. I didn’t take nothing personal. I just went out and did my job.”
In Baltimore, the Ravens season is effectively over, but their opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs were quietly making an incredible run.  After starting the season a pathetic 1-5, the Chiefs reeled off 7 straight wins.  They are now in the playoffs, and are looking for an 8th straight victory.  To no surprise, Baltimore posed no threat, and the Chiefs beat them with ease. The Chiefs are red hot at the right time, their defense is turning into a wall, and they are going to be a team that nobody wants to face in the playoffs.  Kansas City 34, Baltimore 14.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to easily defeat the Denver Broncos, who were coming off an ugly home loss to the Raiders.  The Broncos were ready, however, and came out with a big early lead.  You can never count out Big Ben Roethlisberger though and his superstar wide receiver, Antonio Brown.  They pulled off an incredible comeback, capped off by a late 23 yard touchdown pass from Big Ben to, of course, Antonio Brown.  The Steelers got the win, and are making a run at winning the division.  Pittsburgh 34, Denver 27.

Share
No comments

Next Page »