tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31716943554024958272024-03-12T17:54:00.911-07:00The 2 Minute WarningToday's Sports Headlines from the informed fans viewpoint.Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-38089004662410271592013-12-06T11:00:00.000-08:002013-12-06T13:23:26.836-08:00The 2013-14 NBA Season The Few, The Proud, The Good Teams<div style="background-color: #666666; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0in;">
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">The 2013-2014 NBA Season The Few, The Proud, The Good Teams</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Baltimore December 6, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Before the 2013-14 NBA season began many thought that this season would provide excitement in many different forms. Would the Heat come out on fire as they looked to challenge the Bulls 72 win season on their way to a three peat? Could Doc Rivers make the Clippers into a serious contender by bringing his championship experience and toughness? How would Brooklyn's attempt to go once more into the fray with KG and Paul Pierce turnout? Could the Spurs rebound from that devastating finals loss? How would Derrick Rose Return? Could the Thunder get over the hump? When and how would Kobe return? The questions were many and only time would tell the answers. Many thought they knew how the season would progress but, no one could have predicted how the first month of this year's NBA campaign would turn out.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">A little over a full month of the season is in the books and there are only two, yes two teams above .500 in the Eastern Conference. Yes they are Miami and Indiana but, its not Miami who sits atop the standings with the best record in the NBA. The Pacers have been almost unbeatable at 17-2. Paul George has emerged as a bonafied superstar and is leading the Pacers as a man on a mission. In the Western Conference neither the Spurs, Thunder or preseason favorite Clippers currently hold the #1 spot. LaMarcus Aldridge is garnering early season MVP hype as he balls out of his mind and has the Trail Blazers at 16-3 surprisingly sitting atop the Western Conference. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #444444;">However, the Blazers lead is slim as the Spurs, Clippers, and Thunder are all right on pace with the Blazers out west. Moreover, Dwight Howard and James Harden have the Rockets playing playoff basketball once again along with the Nuggets, Mavericks and Warriors. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">The Eastern Conference however, has become the "Leastern Conference" as 11 teams are under .500 with the for-mentioned two above and the Wizards and Hawks sitting right at .500. The Nets experiment to capture some Irish luck and become the Celtics south has failed miserably thus far. The Nets are 5-14, have lost 7 straight at home and have as much chemistry as Senate Democrats and Republicans right now. Their cross town rival Knicks have been worse despite beating the Nets on Thursday night. Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony just can't seem to play together and the talk of Melo leaving New York for brighter pastures has already begun. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">The tragedy that is New York Basketball is disheartening but, it is not the saddest story in the NBA this year. The Bull's Derrick Rose the guy who the entire basketball world was rooting for to return from ACL surgery at his super human form did so, but only for a short time. Rose tore his meniscus in the opposite knee and is at least out until the playoffs and likely for the year again. Rose will return again but, will likely never be the same and that indeed is a tragic loss for the NBA. Rose's unique abilities and skills were something that many NBA experts say had never been seen before and will likely never be seen again. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">As for the rest of the league they stink and aren't worth talking about. But, as the highly anticipated Christmas Day games approach there are more questions to be asked and some will be answered as Kobe is set to return and the Heat will do battle with the Pacers next week. Stay tuned this is guaranteed to get interesting. </span><br />
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Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-36661483692837389682013-11-28T11:11:00.003-08:002013-11-28T11:11:33.458-08:00Rivalries Old and New A New Thanksgiving Tradition<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #666666; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #444444;">Baltimore November 28, 2013</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Earlier this week, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Jon Harbaugh called for the NFL to begin a new tradition of a yearly Thanksgiving game in Baltimore. The elder Harbaugh brother is on to something. The NFL should<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a> seriously consider making Baltimore (Ravens) the third home of a yearly Thanksgiving game joining Detroit (Lions) and Dallas (Cowboys). Why Baltimore? The answer simply lies with who Baltimore’s opponent is on Thursday night. Pittsburgh. No disrespect to the Peyton vs. Brady shootout lovers, but Thanksgiving football should be about hard hits and low scores. Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh, Ravens vs. Steelers a bitter bone crushing rivalry that has just as much the feel of a back yard Turkey Bowl as that of a </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">prime-time</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> NFL matchup. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">However, it is that old school football feel that has made the Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh rivalry arguably the biggest in the NFL in recent years and that’s exactly what Thanksgiving football should be about. Hated Rivalries! History! Bad Blood and Hatred! Two of the three games on the 2013 Thanksgiving NFL Docket meet this criterion. </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We've</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> already discussed the aforementioned renewal of the Ravens vs. Steelers rivalry. The Packers will make the trip to Detroit to take on the Lions for the 167th time since the teams first met in the 1930s. Rivalry check! History Check! And then we have the Raiders vs. Cowboys.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">Yes, there is some history between these teams. Yes, they are two of the league’s most storied franchises. Yes, Dallas’s current owner Jerry Jones and Raiders late owner Al Davis are the most polarizing owners in league history. But, these teams don’t hate each other, nor does this </span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">match-up</span><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> have any feel to it other than that of an early season BCS debacle between a top 5 team and some school paid to be obliterated. Last year however, the NFL got it right with the Dallas game when they placed them against their </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">arch rival</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Redskins.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The National Football League is the goose that laid the golden egg and that golden egg is a compelling attractive can’t look away for a second we want more product. If the NFL powers that be are smart and I believe they are brilliant, they will make Thanksgiving Football one of our nation’s biggest sports stages about rivalries and tradition. Each year Detroit should take on Green Bay or Chicago, Dallas should do battle with Washington and Baltimore should go to war with Pittsburgh. Millions more will watch and new generations of football fans will learn to appreciate rivalries and tradition. At last, is Thanksgiving not all about being thankful and tradition? </span></span></div>
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Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-76709216851649810382013-01-20T10:35:00.003-08:002013-01-20T10:37:00.583-08:00Is it Time to Show Joe the Dough?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3M8LBd4RbQ/UPw3ThV2g8I/AAAAAAAAAGI/jWE9NBeuLuE/s1600/Joe_Flacco.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3M8LBd4RbQ/UPw3ThV2g8I/AAAAAAAAAGI/jWE9NBeuLuE/s320/Joe_Flacco.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Is it Time to Show Joe the Dough?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Baltimore January 20, 2013</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Before the 2012 NFL season began Ravens quarterback Joe
Flacco made it known to all that he believed he was an elite NFL quarterback
even if many did not and questioned if Baltimore should reward him with a big
payday. In a interview with WNST Flacco took it step further saying “I think I’m
the best, I don’t think I’m top five, I think I’m the best” implying that he is
a better quarterback than guys who last names are Brady, Rodgers, Brees and
Manning (Eli and Peyton). Although he may believe that he is the best there is
no avoiding the fact that the five gentlemen mentioned above all tout two things
that Flacco does not have, a Superbowl ring and a franchise quarterback
contract. After negotiations stalled this off season Flacco would again start
the season without the contract he was seeking and on the hunt for his first
trip to the Superbowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Today the Ravens are in the AFC Championship game facing
the Patriots in Foxboro for the second year in a row and Flacco is a big reason
why. Flacco out-dueled one of the Ravens arch nemesis’s Peyton Manning in Denver
delivering a knockout bomb to Jacoby Jones to send the game into overtime.
Sunday Flacco could take that last giant step in to the Superbowl but, this
season however has not been without its challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Baltimore started the season 9-3 but even then Flacco and
the offense took the familiar look of a Jekyll and Hyde group. One week they
were putting up 55 points in Oakland and two weeks later they depended on an extraordinary
catch and run by Ray Rice as they struggled to a 16-13 win in San Diego. Much
of the inconsistency was tied to Flacco’s icy relationship with offensive
coordinator Cam Cameron who was fired following the Ravens lost to the
Redskins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Jim Caldwell is now calling the plays for the Ravens and
Flacco is now the teams “General” as Ray Lewis told him following the team’s
overtime victory over the Broncos. Although, for all intents and purposes today’s
game will decide if Flacco is the General and if he will be paid as one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">To his compliment Flacco has already accomplished some
pretty impressive things in his career. Flacco was the first rookie quarterback
to win two playoff games; he is the only quarterback to start and win a playoff
game in his first five seasons and is tied with Eli Manning for the most
playoff road wins by a quarterback with five.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Flacco also already holds Ravens franchise records for
Career Passing Yards, Completions, Touchdowns, regular and post season wins.
These accomplishments are very impressive for the young quarterback however; they will
mean nothing to Ravens fans and Flacco’s payday chances if the Flacco fails to
get the Ravens past Tom Brady and the Patriots to make it to the Superbowl. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">A poor performance and a Ravens loss today would likely mean an off season of questioning weather Flacco is the answer for the Ravens at quarterback although, those who would raise that question should research the lack of available options. </span><span style="background-color: #444444;">However, if Flacco shows up big and propels his team to the
big game the Ravens should indeed as Jerry Maguire would say “show him the
money.” </span></div>
<br />Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-75642859280773126572013-01-06T08:40:00.000-08:002013-01-06T08:40:50.884-08:00Ray Lewis Ravens Linebacker, Baltimore’s Heart<br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ray Lewis Ravens
Linebacker, Baltimore’s Heart </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt;">Baltimore January 6, 2013</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt;">All great things must come
to an end. Today at M&T Bank Stadium will be the last time that Ray Lewis;
the face of the Ravens Franchise, the greatest linebacker of all time and the heart
of Baltimore City will play at home. For 17 years #52 has patrolled sideline to
sideline instilling fear in opponents like never before by playing with
passion, determination, and dedication that will likely never be matched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sure, the Ravens’ Brass
knew that they were selecting a great talent when they drafted Lewis with the
26<sup>th</sup> pick (acquired from the 49ers as the Browns in 1995) in the
1996 Draft. However, there is no way that they could know that they were
selecting a player who would not only lead them to a Super Bowl championship,
become the greatest to play his position and who would also undoubtedly become
the face of the franchise and city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt;">Every so often the stars
align perfectly allowing for something special to take place; that’s exactly
what happened with the Ravens and Ray Lewis. From day one Lewis has proven to
be the Ravens franchise’s most valuable asset. With his play, charisma and
emotion Lewis lead a Ravens defense that was more feared than nuclear warfare
for over a decade; this of course includes the 2000 Super Bowl winning defense
that may be the best ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">The statistics are astonishing to say the least; 13 100
tackle seasons, Defensive Player of The Year (2000, 2003), Super Bowl XXV MVP,
13 Pro Bowls and 7 AP All Pro First Team selections. “Sugar Ray” is also the
only player in NFL history to have 40 sacks (41.5) and 30 interceptions (31). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">Head Coaches, Offensive Coordinators, Quarterbacks and
Running Backs alike time after time have sat in meetings quivering trying to figure
out ways to avoid #52. Time after time, sack after sack, tackle after tackle
and hit after hit they have failed. In fact the only thing that seems to be
able to stop Lewis is himself be it injury or deciding to walk away from the
game on his own terms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">Lewis’s impact off the gridiron has been just as
significant if not more. No player in NFL history has had the uncanny ability
to motivate not just his teammates or athletes but young men (African American
in particular) like Lewis. When Lewis speaks young men from some of America’s
most dangerous places and in the most dire of situations listen, often with
goose bumps on their skin and tears in their eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Unlike most men that
come before them Lewis can relate 110 percent to their plight. Yes he has seen
the highest of highs as he was awarded super bowl MVP but like so many inner
city young men he has seen the lowest of lows being charged with murder. It’s
that perfect storm of being a superior athlete, superior motivator and his rise
from ashes, fall from grace only to rise again that makes Lewis’s voice so
potent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">And there is nowhere where Lewis’s voice rings louder than
the City of Baltimore. He exudes the hard working, gritty, grind it out, fight
through all adversity and charming spirit of Baltimore. During his 17 years in
Baltimore, Lewis has impacted so many young men who were in need of a helping
hand or calling out for a positive male role model. He has helped countless
families who were struggling to obtain basic necessities. From toy and clothing
drives to donating holiday dinners to families, the list of Lewis’s deeds in
Baltimore goes on and on. But, there is something else Lewis has provided that
has been just as, if not more important. Hope! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">Lewis provided a sense of hope, passion and will to improve
and succeed to a city in dire need of all the above. Lewis came to a city
struggling with over 300 homicides and as he continued to grow in his greatness
both on and off the field the city improved. There is no doubt that Baltimore
still has a long way to go but, for 17 years one man has been a "Ray" of light for those whom would have otherwise been in the dark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">Mayors have come and gone and the Baltimore City Police
Department has had more commissioners than the Cleveland Browns have had
starting quarterbacks. However, through all the change, turmoil, good times and
bad times there has been one constant; the riveting pregame speech giving, hard
hitting, dancing linebacker dawning that familiar #52 who seemed to have put
the pulse of the city into every tackle. It’s fitting that Lewis is hanging it
up when Baltimore is seeing violent crime at historic lows but, simultaneously
is at another pivotal crossroads. Fate would also have it that Lewis’s last
home game would be played against “that team” that left Baltimore by way of
Mayflower 28 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #444444; font-size: 13.5pt;">So today as you watch the pregame dance that has become
just as synonymous with Baltimore as crabs for the last time think and reflect
but also recognize one thing; when the clock reads 0:00 there will be a curtain
call and likely a victory lap that Lewis should take with pride (especially
after beating “that team”). You should stand and applaud wherever you are as it
will be the last time you will see Mr. Raven and the heart of Baltimore dawn the
Ravens #52. There is no doubt that there will never be another Ray Lewis but,
who will take his place as the face of both the Ravens and the city remains to
be seen. There will be much debate about what Ray should do in retirement. Some
believe he should coach, many think he should become a motivational speaker and
some say he is destined for sports broadcasting. However, for now we should all
just say thank you, thank you, thank you!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-18299857766837210972012-08-05T09:37:00.001-07:002012-08-05T09:37:59.208-07:00Phelps is the G.O.A.T. Greatest Olympian of All Time<br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Phelps is The G.O.A.T. Greatest Olympian of All Time</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #444444;">Baltimore August 5, 2012</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Show's over Mr. Phelps, take a bow. As the Unites State's 4x100 medley team touched the wall Saturday the career of the Greatest Olympian the world has ever known came to an end. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Michael Phelps is calling it quits. The young man who began swimming at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club and skyrocketed to the Olympic mountain top is going out on top. Way on top! Phelps's 22 Career Olympic Medals, 18 of them Gold, place Phelps in a galaxy of success that will more than likely never be visited by another Olympian.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">In each generation there are athletes who are just head and shoulders above their peers; dominating not only their sport, but transcending into a worldwide figure of greatness. For some that figure is Joe Louis, for others its Ali and for many including Phelps greatness is "His Airness" Michael Jordan. Phelps is that transcending athlete for this generation and can rest assure that his face belongs on the American Athletes version of Mt. Rushmore. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">The Baltimore Bullet garnered our attention as a 19 year old 6 time gold medalist in Athens, amazed us in Beijing with his 8 gold medals and brought us to our feet to applaud him in London as he reached the mountain top. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Phelps is choosing to leave the sport he rules while on top and that is not only fitting but, the only way he should leave. Eventually we say good bye to our sports greats but, very few get to go out on top of the game and the world. Phelps is doing just that, much like John Elway and Michael Jordan. 22 career Olympic medals, 18 of which are gold and three world records is a feat that will more than likely live forever as the gold standard for Olympians. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">When asked by NBC's Bob Costas if he would reconsider his retirement like his idol Michael Jordan The Baltimore Bullet quickly restated his position, "I can look back at my career, hang up my suit and say I've done everything I wanted to do." Phelps also spoke about enjoying being apart of taking the sport of swimming to another level and feeling confident that the torch is ready to be passed to the next generation of swimming greats. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">That next generation which will more than likely be led by Missy Franklin and Katie Ledecky, who both grew up idolizing Phelps as so many young aspiring swimmers have over the past few years. In fact ,his impact on the sport of swimming will be his greatest achievement as children all over the world will now dive into the pool with the hopes of being the next Michael Phelps. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">The Phelps Effect will do for swimming what the "Tiger Effect" did for golf and what "Air Jordan" did for basketball. But for now we should stand, admire and applaud The Greatest Olympian of All Time for allowing us the opportunity to watch a career that may never be equaled. Thank You Michael! Thank You!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><br /></span>Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-1985889543703704702012-08-01T07:03:00.001-07:002012-08-01T07:03:30.661-07:00O' There is Something Different About These O's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">O' There is Something Different About These O's</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Baltimore July 31, 2012</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It was the top of the 2nd inning and the hated Yankees had just touched up starter Chris Tillman for five runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. Goodnight! Ballgame! Game over right? No way the Orioles come back against the Yankees on the road; they just folded up the tent and focused on the next game right? If your talking about any other season in the "Groundhog Day" like losing season drought that has plagued this organization for more than a decade you'd be right.</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Not this season! Not this team! "Dem O's" as they say in here in Baltimore rallied with a 7 run 2nd inning capped by a Chris Davis Grand Slam as they went on to pound the Yankees 11-5 guaranteeing a series win.</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Throughout this season this Orioles team has shown a since of resolve and desire that a generation of O's fans have never seen before. This team never gives up and never quits as they have so many times over the past few years. Last month the team overcame a critical 9th inning error and a blown save to defeat the mighty Tigers in a fourteen inning marathon. </span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No the Orioles don't have an inflated payroll or a roster full of slugging superstars. Yes their roster is filled with mid level talent, a superstar in decline in Jim Thome, a model of consistency in Nick Markakis and rising stars in Matt Weiters and Adam Jones. So what is it? What's different about this team that has them winning past the point where they would normally fade to black?</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Buck Showalter is in his second full season at the helm and it has been clear since opening day that this team plays the game the Showalter way taking on his fiery demeanor. Showalter's fingerprints are all over every facet of this team's improvement. Moreover, this orange and black attack also seems to have a unwavering chemistry that can't be broken despite constant lineup changes during to injuries. In addition, it sure helps that Center fielder and $100 million man Adam Jones is blossoming into the player the Orioles knew he could be; both on the field where he is having a career year and in the lockeroom where he has become the unquestioned team leader. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This is all true and a factor in the O's success thus far but, is not the most integral key to that success. More than anything this team has showed the heart and will to win. This team is in it for the long haul and will be a force to be reckoned with for post season positioning. They don't quit and they never seem to think that they shouldn't win. That is something O's fans have been longing for hon! How bout Dem O's!</span></span>Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-85272882495738565032012-07-31T20:08:00.000-07:002012-07-31T20:23:22.030-07:00Reed Talks but Walks into Camp Saving Face for Himself, Ravens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Reed Talks but Walks into Camp Saving Face for Himself, Ravens</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">As training camp began last week for the Baltimore Ravens there was no buzz about who decided not to show up. All were expected and all showed unlike many places; most </span>notably<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Jacksonville where star running back Maurice Jones-Drew was a no show due to an ongoing contract dispute. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Throughout this off season there was talk that Ravens Safety Ed Reed would not show up for training camp until he was able to renegotiate his contract. Seemingly not a week went by without some chatter or comment from Reed. In early July Reed tweeted, "Tell the Bosses I'm Comfortable" with a photo of his son's bike and his "yard" work in a apparent message to the Ravens front office that he is financially stable without playing this season. In May, Reed said that he wasn't sure if he would play this season.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Reed is sure to be a first ballot Hall of </span>Famer<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> once his career is over and you'd be hard pressed to find someone in Ravens Nation who doesn't think he is one of if not the greatest safety of all time. But does he </span>deserve<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> a new contract? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Reed is 33 years old and has had several injuries in recent years but when healthy he's the league's biggest </span>defensive<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> game changer. But one must consider if the reward outweighs the risk enough for the Ravens to award him a new contract? </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As former Falcons Coach Jerry Glanville once said, "NFL stands for Not For Long". The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg is a ruthless cash cow where players are routinely tossed aside faster than their 40 yard dash time. Reed is great but there is no doubt that Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens brass are thinking that his greatness is in a state of decline.</span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Though he maybe looking for it, any deal that Reed gets will not be a big payday. If the Ravens decide to give Mr. 'Reeeeeed' as he's called in Baltimore a new contract, it will be more of a thank you for your service contract than a superstar's mega payday. If Reed planned to use skipping mini-camp, holding out through training camp or even retiring as a </span>bargaining<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> chip to negotiate a new contract he waited at least two seasons too late; if not more. With the injuries he's suffered in recent years to his neck and knee and him now being an elder statesman in the NFL, Reed has no shot at landing a big time deal. Simply put #20 is played a 2012 game of black jack with a 2008 hand. The House wins. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Its an unfortunate truth but, its still the truth. Reed is the latest in a long history of NFL greats who missed out on their big payday. When it comes to the "business" that is the NFL sentimental ties and lifetime achievements don't have a seat at the barganing table. I'm sure that these things ran through Reed's mind as he made his decision to report to camp on time a decision that ultimately saves face for he and the Ravens.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If Reed had decided to carry out his threat and didn't show which seems to be a pretty uneventful training camp for the Ravens would have been a media spectacle. Many of the Purple and Black Faithful would have ridiculed the team for not "showing Reed the money"; while others would have berated Reed for being greedy and not fulfilling his contract. Both of these viewpoints would have been valid in their own right.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Reed showing up prevents the Ravens from making a decision that could have mirrored the Jaguars putting their star player Jone-Drew on the injured did not report list causing the organization to deal with disgruntled players, fans and a public black eye. Moreover, it prevents Reed from becoming a greedy villain in the world of sports and allows him to remain beloved in the hearts of all in Ravens Nation and maybe his next </span>bargaining<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> chip. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Everyone wins! For now! Reed gets another attempt to prove he is worth more than his current salary, the Ravens get to keep him on the cheap, the fans get to see there beloved safety and everyone saves face! But this story is far from over and will continue to evolve with this upcoming season. Stay tuned! </span></div>
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</div>Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-75061378291034186492012-07-24T20:32:00.000-07:002012-07-24T20:32:58.925-07:00NCAA Gets an A- for Penn State Penalties<span style="background-color: #666666;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">NCAA Gets an A- for Penn State Penalties</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Baltimore July 24, 2012</span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The NCAA brought down its version of fire and brimstone on Monday morning as they placed an unprecedented penalties against Penn State for its role in the worst scandal college sports has ever known. News of the NCAA's actions dominated the news cycle and transcended the world of sports sparking debates across the country. Did the NCAA get it right? Did they go too far? Did they not go far enough?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For years the NCAA has squandered opportunities to take actions against institutions that punished those directly involved or who were indirectly liable due to negligence for scandals; as their actions overwhelmingly impacted student athletes who had nothing to do with the misconduct. The NCAA's prior failures include; UMASS</span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> and Memphis vacating wins and serving postseason suspensions while John Calipari </span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">moved on to coach another team. Recent memory would lead most sports fans to USC </span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">receiving sanctions, lost scholarships, vacated wins and a bowl ban as new coach Lane Kiffin was entering and former coach Pete Caroll</span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> moved into his new role as head coach for the Seattle Seahawks without penalty.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In issuing a $60 million sanction, a four year postseason ban, scholarship reductions and vacating all wins back to 1998; the NCAA almost perfectly responded to the worse scandal in the history of American Sports. Moreover, the NCAA is going out of its way to not punish the student athletes by allowing Penn State players to keep their scholarships even if they decline to play football and allowing them to transfer without having to sit out. All of this of course will never will erase the pain this despicable tragedy caused the young people and families impacted but action was necessary and the NCAA's response was firmly appropriate. Finally the NCAA got it right!!! Well, almost...</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Penn State University, Joe Paterno</span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> and most importantly Jerry Sandusky</span><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> all share the blame and shame of this horrific tragedy. Now thanks to the NCAA they share the penalties. However, the NCAA fell short of receiving a perfect grade of A for its actions instead receiving a A- as they fell short in two areas.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">College football season is right around the corner with training camps set to open up over the next few weeks. Penn State players who are lucky enough to find a school to add them to their squad this year will not be able to receive a scholarship as schools have already allotted their awards for this season. In its ruling that allows them to transfer without sitting out; the NCAA should have allowed other schools to increase their scholarships for one season to "take in" Penn State athletes who deserve and in many cases need those scholarships in order to attend school. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">$60 million dollars is no small sum of money in any corner of the world and I applaud the NCAA for having the fortitude to boldly go where no one had gone before in going after these funds. However, I believe the NCAA could have sent a clearer stronger message by also going after the pensions of coaches and officials whom were connected to the school and football program during the years in question. This would indeed have been uncharted territory but, would have been the right thing to do in standing against the historic wrongdoing that occurred and was blindly ignored at Penn State. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-5975131325037254872012-07-22T12:57:00.001-07:002012-07-22T12:57:50.198-07:00Superman's Kryptonite is Making a Decision<br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666;">Superman's Kryptonite is Making a Decision</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;">Baltimore July 22, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Dwight Howard seems destined to start the 2012-2013 NBA Season in Orlando, wearing the only jersey he's ever worn and that is no one's fault but his own. The man known as "Superman" much to the she-grin of Shaq the original NBA Superman, seems to have met his Kryptonite. No it's not his atrocious free throw shooting, his slow developing post game nor his inability to take the Magic past the Celtics styling defense or Miami's high powered offense. Howard's Achilles heal is simply a decision, rather his inability to make one. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Howard has no one to blame for his being stuck in NBA trade rumor purgatory but himself. Howard created his real life version of the movie "Groundhog Day" himself. Throughout this almost two year process Superman has waffled more than all the Republican presidential candidates <wbr></wbr>combined. It all started of course with his initial trade demand during the lockout lengthened off-season. The NBA's Clark Kent and the Magic seemed to had patched things over by the All Star Break when Howard decided to opt into the last year of his contract. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">In reality however, that was far from the truth. By mid April word had spread that Howard asked that the Magic fire head coach Stan Van Gundy or else. Howard was soon shutdown for the rest of the season due to back problems; the season ended and the Magic cleaned house by firing Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith. Howard then demanded again that he be traded confusing many in the world of sports to why he would opt in and then demand to be shipped out of Disneyland. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">As the off-season began it looked as if Howard's wish would be granted as it seemed that a three team trade sending Howard to the Brooklyn Nets was eminent. First the Bobcats were interested in being the third party, then the Cavs and finally the Rockets. Though the trigger was reported to have been close to being pulled several times, it wasn't. Close, but no cigar for Howard.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">The Lakers having just acquired Steve Nash swooped into the rumor brigade this week but met the same fate as the Nets; no trade. Some say the deals won't go through because Howard is reluctant to sign an extension anywhere but in Brooklyn. Others say the Magic are in no rush to trade Howard right away and are content to ride out the remainder of the off-season and maybe even the upcoming season. I for one, hope this is true and that the Magic are not bluffing about bringing him back to start the season.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Howard was once a beloved figure not only in Orlando but throughout the basketball world thrusting to super stardom as a result of his all star weekend performances. His seemingly childish behavior during this ordeal has surely changed that. If Howard returns in his normal #12 Magic jersey to start the season he will not be seen as Superman but Lex Luthor and rightfully so. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Sports fans and followers across the world ridiculed and continue to ridicule LeBron James for "The Decision." Well, at least LeBron made a decision albeit in the most self centered and tasteless of ways. Howard's flip flopping and inability to make a decision reeks more of the 'all about me the superstar' mindset that "The Decision" brought up that is despised by golden era NBA fans.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">No matter where he ultimately ends up Howard can forget about the days where he was the league's poster child gentle giant for the near future. The man known as D12 will be booed night in and night out throughout the country including his home arena if that happens to be Orlando. Sports journalist will criticize his every step. The superhero has indeed become the villain and his fall from grace is totally self imposed. The decision to demand a trade, retract that demand, opt into the final year of contract only to demand a trade again was Howard and Howard's alone. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">In time Howard can work his way back into the good graces of the NBA world much like LeBron James has after repenting for "The Decision." But for now, I suggest that he seeks advice from LBJ on rebuilding one's image starting with hiring his publicist. </span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span></div>Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171694355402495827.post-15384732578126963422012-07-19T15:24:00.000-07:002012-07-19T15:24:19.698-07:00The In Your Dreams Team vs The Dream Team<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ux0JOwwwD2g/UAg6Nz5cduI/AAAAAAAAADI/iqhC8u7qrzk/s1600/dreamteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ux0JOwwwD2g/UAg6Nz5cduI/AAAAAAAAADI/iqhC8u7qrzk/s200/dreamteam.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">The In Your Dreams Team vs The Dream Team</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;">Baltimore July 19, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">A lot has been said about Kobe Bryant’s comments that the 2012 Olympic Basketball team could defeat the 1992 squad known to all as The Dream Team recently. Kobe’s comments set the sports world ablaze with chatter about if there was any validity to his opinion. Please! The answer is NO! Never! No way! Only in the imagination of Kobe or on some video game would this year’s team even be in the same league as The Dream Team. Sir Charles Barkley was spot on when he said that only Kobe, Durant and LeBron James would even have a chance to make The Dream Team. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Let me be clear about one thing. The Dream Team isn’t just the greatest basketball team ever assembled it’s the greatest sports team in the history of the Milky Way. Comparing it to any team is a sign of the utmost disrespect and shows how quickly we forget true greatness in the 24/7 sports world we now live in but, for the sake of argument we’ll take a closer look at the potential “matchup” starting with comparing the starting lineups.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 8pt;">The Dream Team 2012 Olympic Team </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 8pt;">PG. Magic Johnson PG. Chris Paul </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 8pt;">SG. Michael Jordan SG. Kobe Bryant</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 8pt;">SF. Larry Bird SF. LeBron James</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 8pt;">PF. Karl Malone PF. Carmelo Anthony</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 8pt;">C. David Robinson C. Tyson Chandler</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">In my opinion (and the opinion of most basketball fans) it’s clear to most that The Dream Team has a clear advantage at every position besides Small Forward. LeBron is in the prime of his career and Larry Bird was surely just a shadow of his former self in 1992. That being said Bird’s leadership and toughness more than make up for losing his battle with Father Time. Outside of LeBron over Bird The Dream Team has the advantage at every position. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Many may wish to debate selecting Magic over Chris Paul but, to me there is no debate. Yes Magic was 32 years old, recently retired and recently HIV Positive. He also however, was in great shape and coming off a dazzling All Star MVP Performance. Chris “CP3” Paul is a great player in his own right and is arguably the best point guard in the game today. I love his game and the charity work he does off the court but, numbers never lie and size matters. Magic is 6’9 and Chris Paul is 6’0. In basketball terms Paul would be a “mouse” in Magic’s “house” and would look more like C3PO than CP3. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Shooting Guard will require the least amount of energy as there is no debate. Who would you rather have? Michael Jordan in the height of “his airness” or Kobe at 33? MJ enough said. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">The thought of comparison between the Power Forwards and Centers of these two teams is laughable. Karl “The Mailman” Malone and David “The Admiral” Robinson or Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler the choice is yours. That’s an easy one right? Malone and Robinson would physically impose their will on Anthony and Chandler without much resistance. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">That’s 4 positions to 1 in favor of The Dream Team. That should be enough to end any insane talk about the current team having a chance in hell of beating The Dream Team on their worst day. Nevertheless, A look at the respective reserves drives the point home even further and really makes this year’s team look like “The In Your Dreams Team” thanks to one Kobe Bean Bryant. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">The Dream Team Reserves 2012 Olympic Team Reserves</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">PG. John Stockton PG. Deron Williams</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">SG. Clyde Drexler PG. Russell Westbrook</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">SF. Scottie Pippen SF. Kevin Durant</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">SF. Chris Mullin SF. James Harden</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">PF. Charles Barkley SF. Andre Iguodala</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">PF. Christian Laettner PF. Kevin Love</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black; font-size: 9pt;">C. Patrick Ewing C. Anthony Davis</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">Barkley or Love? Stockton or Williams? Yeah Pippen or Durant may be cause for some discussion but not much. Ewing or Davis? Please spare me and show some respect for the game of basketball!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">This discussion is absurd, asinine, ridiculous and most importantly disrespectful! The 2012 version of USA Basketball does not have the size, leadership, experience nor skill (yes I said it) to compete with The Dream Team. Kobe Bryant is the ultimate competitor and believes any team he’s on has the chance to win night in and night out. That arrogant swagger is part of what makes him great but he should watch his tongue and mind his thoughts the next time he has a inkling to say this team could even compete with The Dream Team.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;">The 2012 Olympic team is a very talented team with young megastars in their own right but, pound for pound, bucket for bucket the invincible immortal greatness that was The Dream Team would be too much for them to handle. The ants would meet the business end of the sledge hammer. Final score Dream Team 120 The In Your Dreams Team 95. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;"></span></div>Brandon M. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167332138977415183noreply@blogger.com0