Archive for August, 2015
RGIII Trade Rumors, Cubs’ No Hitter, Japan Wins Little League World Series
FOOTBALL
In the NFL, after yet another injury-riddled, disappointing pre-season, Robert Griffin III’s time in Washington may be over.  Griffin had one last chance to convince head coach Jay Gruden he was ready for the QB job, but after another concussion, it looks like Washington may have given up. Rumors over the weekend had Griffin in trade talks but apparently no teams were interested.
BASEBALL
The Chicago Cubs had something to root for this weekend.  Their pitcher, Jake Arrieta, threw a no-hitter; the first no-hitter in the Cubs organization since Carlos Zambrano threw one in 2008. The Cubs are still on the outside looking in for the playoffs this year, but they clearly have a star in Arrieta going forward. Chicago 2, Los Angeles 0.
Finally, this weekend was the championship round of the Little League World Series.  It all came down to the United States and Japan. Japan was far too dominant for the US (represented by Pennsylvania). The US put up a good fight, but Japan was destined to win this one, and gained victory by the large margin of 18-11. Congratulations to Japan on their big win.
Segway Knocks Over Usain Bolt, Harbaugh Sitting At Big Boy Table
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
On his victory lap after winning the 200 meters in the World Championships in Beijing, a cameraman lost control of his segway and ran into the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt. The cameraman was mortified but Usain Bolt laughed it off in the press conference and said  “The rumor I’m trying to start right now is that Justin Gatlin paid him off,” while sitting next to the second place finisher Gatlin. Gatlin responded with, “I want my money back. He didn’t complete the job.”
FOOTBALL
The University of Michigan is expecting great feats from Head Coach Jim Harbaugh this season. After a disastrous 5-7 showing last year, the Wolverines shook up the college football world by recruiting Harbaugh away from the San Francisco 49ers where he was head coach from 2011-2014.  Harbaugh and the Wolverines will be on display Thursday evening in their season opener against powerhouse Utah. When Harbaugh was asked if it’s overwhelming to play such a big game in its opener, he said, “Is it overwhelming? I asked our team the same thing, and the answer is no. You want to be at the big-boy table, or the big-persons table. There’s another table in the kitchen for those that aren’t seated at the big-persons table. If somebody wants to go over there, nobody’s gonna be upset with them. This is what we signed up for. I think we’ll be very well prepared to play.â€
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Manziel Elbow Issues, Russell Wilson’s Recovery Water, Rousey’s Trash Talk
FOOTBALL
In the NFL, Johnny Manziel is having some elbow issues. He was on pace to become the starter in Cleveland after a good performance in last week’s pre-season game, but this injury could set him back. As a precaution, the Browns have decided to rest Manziel for the remainder of the pre-season so he can get healthy.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Russell Wilson addressed a nasty hit he took in last year’s NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers. Russell collided with a defender and had to come out of the game. He returned to lead the Seahawks’ comeback and said he was able to recover because of “Recovery Water”. This is a liquid concoction of nano bubbles and massive amounts of electrolytes.  Not surprisingly, Wilson is an investor in the company.
BOXING
In the UFC world, Ronda Rousey had some excellent trash talk for Floyd Mayweather.  Floyd boasted earlier this year that he made $100 million in one night (from the Pacquiao fight) and no other athlete has been able to accomplish this payday.  Ronda Rousey, while she doesn’t get paid as much, told Mayweather that she “makes more per second”.  Rousey’s fights tend to last no longer than 30 – 60 seconds. Pretty cool observation on her part.
No commentsMichael Vick Added To Steelers, Odell Targeted By Teams, Gurley To Start For Rams
FOOTBALL
The Pittsburgh Steelers have added Michael Vick as another back-up QB.  Head coach Mike Tomlin personally worked out Vick and decided to give him a 1-year deal. Vick will have to battle for the #2 QB spot with former Oklahoma star Landry Jones. Big Ben Roethlisberger gets hit a lot so the number 2 QB could get some playing time.
Elsewhere in the NFL pre-season games can get tough.  On Saturday night, in an exhibition game between the New York Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars, many Giants players felt that the Jaguars defensive backs targeted Giants’ star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham took the league by storm last season, even earning the distinguished Madden cover boy.  Because of his rock star status, opposing defenses want to take him out.
Finally in the NFL, the St. Louis Rams got a little piece of good news. They acquired the most coveted running back in the draft (Georgia’s Todd Gurley).  Gurley was coming off a Torn ACL, however, and the Rams were not sure when he was set to return.  Team doctors now say that Gurley is cleared to practice, and the Rams think he could be ready to return for Week 1.  Gurley has true breakout potential and could be a significant factor in a potential playoff run.
Horrific Tragedy At Pocano, Ohio State Unanimous #1, Manning Can’t Feel Fingertips
MOTORSPORTS
In a horrific tragedy, IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died a day after he was hit with debris at Pocano Raceway. IndyCar drivers are more susceptible to injuries because their cockpits are open. Wilson was widely beloved in the racing world for his kindness and professionalism. At only 37 years old, he will be sorely missed.
FOOTBALL
For the first time ever, the Associated Press college football poll unanimously agreed on the number one college football team in the country. The honor goes to Ohio State Buckeyes with 61 first place votes. TCU came in second with Alabama, Baylor, and Michigan State rounding out the top 5. Should be another exciting season of college ball.
In other football news, Peyton Manning says he still can’t feel his fingertips on his throwing hand. He says that doctors keep telling him that the feeling will eventually come back but after four years, he’s not so certain. Manning fans don’t need to worry, however, as the numbness hasn’t affected his ability to make plays.
No commentsNelson Suffers Torn ACL, Reggie Wayne Moves On, USC Coach Drunken Comments
FOOTBALL
In the NFL, pre-season action almost always guarantees one thing — injuries. Last week, wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin went down for the season with a torn ACL.  And over the weekend, Packers star wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a non-contact injury that the Packers are pretty sure is also a torn ACL. If Nelson did indeed tear his ACL, he would be out for the season and Aaron Rodgers would be without one of his best weapons.  This loss could really hurt the Packers.
RGIII Hit Hard In Redskins Pre-Season, Dodgers $300 Mill Payroll, JR Smith Staying With Cavs
FOOTBALL
In the NFL, in a pre-season game between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Redskins, fans were hoping to see the Robert Griffin III of old. Unfortunately, Griffin got hit hard after just about every pass play. Then, early in the 2nd quarter, Griffin took a particularly hard shot, and was laid on the field for over 3 minutes. Griffin was taken to the locker room with the doctors fearing a head injury. Griffin is already fragile, and this doesn’t bode well for his future this season.
BASEBALL
After the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Chase Utley, it’s now reported that they could be nearing a record $300 million in total payroll. The Dodgers said a few years ago that they wanted to be the New York Yankees of the West, and with a payroll like that, they are on their way.  Then again, they haven’t been dominant like the Yankees. In fact, they are struggling to hang on to first place.  For a payroll that size, they should be winning World Series after World Series.
BASKETBALL
In the NBA, JR Smith has decided to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers. There has been speculation that Smith was headed to the Lakers, but Smith felt that his best chance of winning a championship was with the Cavs.  The Cavs are now officially stocked with great talent and are doing everything possible to get Cleveland the title.
No commentsDodgers Grab Utley, Benjamin Tears ACL, LeBron Tweets Worth $140K
BASEBALL
Two of the league’s most popular franchises are at opposite ends of the spectrum.  The Los Angeles Dodgers are making a run at the World Series and  trying to put the pieces in place before the trade deadline to get there. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies, the World Series champion not too long ago, are bottoming out.  They are selling off their parts, sending their beloved hometown hero Chase Utley to the Dodgers in exchange for two minor league prospects.  Both Teams hope they are making the right moves.
FOOTBALL
Every year in pre-season there is always one injury that is completely shocking and damaging to a team. This year, that came out of Carolina. The Panthers star second year wide receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, who had a brilliant rookie campaign, tore his ACL in practice and has been ruled out for the season. This injury is a huge blow to the Panthers who were hoping to use Benjamin as their big downfield threat. Cam Newton throws up the ball, and Benjamin catches it.  Now, the Panthers are desperately looking for answers at wide receiver. Perhaps they can bring in some older veterans like Reggie Wayne or Santonio Holmes, but that doesn’t exactly make for an explosive offense.
BASKETBALL
Finally, in the NBA, a marketing firm has researched that for LeBron James to tweet an endorsement of any kind to his 23 million followers is valued at roughly $140,000 (or $1000 a character). One tweet from James would reach a huge audience, and a company looking to get that kind of reach on TV would have to pay 5 times that amount. So is LeBron tweeting about your new business worth the money? It will be interesting to see who tries.
No commentsBrawl In Training Camp, Manning Wants To Be Highest Paid, LeSean McCoy Injured Hamstring
FOOTBALL
In the NFL, with training camps heating up, tensions are rising as well, especially when two different Teams train together.  On Tuesday, the Rams and the Cowboys held a joint practice, and a brawl broke out, signaling the immediate end to practice.  The NFL competition committee needs to figure out a way to prevent these fights from happening, because having joint practices can actually be beneficial for both teams.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Eli Manning has said he wants to become the highest paid player in the NFL. Those are some big words from a guy who has had 2 lackluster seasons in a row. Then again, Manning has won 2 Super Bowls for the Giants and still has a healthy amount of years left in the tank. He is their franchise guy.  Currently, however, he isn’t playing at the level of an Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck, or Russell Wilson. Manning better up his game this year if he wants to see that kind of money.
Finally, in Buffalo, the Bills new running back LeSean McCoy, has injured his hamstring in practice and will require an MRI. If the Bills lose McCoy for any period of time, it could be devastating, as he was supposed to be the key to Rex Ryan’s offense. They practically stole McCoy away from the Eagles, and even shipped running back C.J. Spiller out of town as McCoy was intended to be “the guy”.  Bills fans need some good news.
No commentsRams Fans Cheer For LA, RGIII’s Confidence, Jets May Turn To Bryce
FOOTBALL
In the NFL, the St. Louis Rams got off the plane in Southern California for their practice in Oxnard. Waiting for them was a mob of fans all wearing Rams’ jerseys and cheering “L.A. Rams!”  There is speculation that the Rams intend to move to Los Angeles next season (Inglewood specifically), and the fans want to let them know that if they do in fact come, there will be no shortage of support when they arrive.
Elsewhere in the NFL, despite the fact that Robert Griffin III’s career has been lackluster and injury prone, the Washington Redskins are still giving him one more chance.  RG3 said he didn’t have quarterback competition — that the only competition was himself.  He also said he felt he was the best quarterback on the team, and the best quarterback in the league. Big words coming from a guy who’s on the ropes, but Redskins fans should be happy that RG3 has this type of confidence.
Finally in the NFL, more testimonials are coming out from the NY Jets camp about the punch that sent their starting quarterback Geno Smith to the injured reserve list. According to their new receiver Brandon Marshall, Smith did nothing wrong to warrant that punch.  Smith didn’t “stick a finger” in Enemkpali’s face, as some players insisted.  The situation remains fluid and the Jets may have to turn to their rookie QB, Bryce Petty out of Baylor, sooner than expected.
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