Food for Thought 8-7-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Terrell Owens (pictured above) last played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. It appears he will be suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

By Josh Kramer

The three-headed quarterback controversy in Seattle is just a minor story compared to yesterday’s news.  It appears the “TO Show” will have another season after all. This time in Seattle.  Yes, the Seahawks have rolled the dice on the 38-year-old locker room killer that is Terrell Owens.

Owens last played in the NFL in 2010 with the Cincinnati Bengals.  Despite putting up solid numbers in Cincinnati, a torn ACL, a riddled past, and old age made him unappealing to NFL teams.  Not to mention Cincinnati went a pitiful 4 and 12 after making the playoffs the year before.  After playing in the Indoor Fooball League, Owens is ready for one final hoorah in the NFL.  The real question is why?

No, I am not asking why Owens is motivated to return to the NFL.  Those reasons are obvious (money).  I am asking why the Seattle Seahawks, a team coming off of a 7 and 9 season, a wild offseason that has included “Beast Mode” going into “DUI Mode,” and a major quarterback competition, is willing to put Owens on a roster with an inexperienced quarterback (all three competitors are fairly inexperienced in the NFL).

I am aware that Seattle finished 22nd in the NFL in passing yards during the 2011 season.  So there is definite room for improvement.  Also, do not forget that Seattle already brought in another troubled wide-receiver this off-season, in Braylon Edwards.  The star power is definitely lacking at the position.  But sometimes that is the best way to go with a young quarterback (See Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in Cincinnati).  A chemistry can form that has lasting power.  Pete Carroll was always a mastermind at managing big egos and star power while at USC.  He still has not proven the ability to do this since coming to Seattle in 2010.

The way I see it, fans in Seattle should be praying for three things in terms of their wide receivers:  Continued improvement from Doug Baldwin.  A healthy Sidney Rice.  Plus, Golden Tate finally living up to the hype he demonstrated in South Bend.  Also they should wish for a fourth thing:  A very low-key and subdued Owens (if that is possible).

There is a reason why the “T.O. Show” has already been cancelled by five NFL teams.

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Weekly Nickel 7-16-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. The “Dwight Howard (pictured above) Soap Opera” continues. Most people just want it to be over with at this point.

By Josh Kramer

Baseball’s second half has begun with a bang.  NBA free agency continues at a rapid pace.  The “Freeh Report” has turned a legend into a monster officially.  And guess what?  Things are only going to get better.  Last week was one that will be remembered for a long time, but this week will fun its own right.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  All eyes will remain focused on the no longer “Happy” Valley.  The Freeh Report has shaken up the entire college football stratosphere.  Paterno’s legacy has been forever tarnished and his role in the horrific incidents are no longer in question.  The real question now is what will be the punishment doled out to Penn State’s football program?  Are we on the verge of witnessing college football’s first death penalty in over 25 years?

4.  Start your engines, and take a deep breath.  For the first and only time until mid-November, the NASCAR Sprint Cup series takes a break this weekend.  After Kasey Kahne stole the show in New Hampshire, everyone is looking to thrust themselves into the top ten of the standings during the course of the next seven races.  Either you are in or you or out for the CHASE.  As of now, Kahne and Carl Edwards are fighting to move up just a couple of spots by the end of the day on September 8th.

3.  The NBA free agency frenzy, has been just that, an absolute frenzy.  Nobody has any clue what is going to happen next in the “Dwight Howard Soap Opera.”  I for one do not really care at this point.

Weekly Nickel 5-21-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Due to rain, we are getting some bonus tennis today. Can Novak Djokovic (pictured above) handle Nadal on the clay in Rome?

By Josh Kramer

Saturday was not the best of days for the city of  Los Angeles to say the least.  As I have said before, people will soon stop calling Los Angeles “Lob City,” and start calling it “Heartbreak City,” if they haven’t already.   On Saturday, both of their basketball teams blew double-digit point leads. At least they have the Dodgers and the Kings. The NBA and NHL playoffs have been outstanding and the best part is there is still plenty to go.  In addition, I’ll Have Another would love “another” win at the Belmont to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.  Last week was great, but this week should be even better.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  Bonus tennis.  What could be better?  Due to massive amounts of rainfall, the Rome Masters final showdown between the world’s top two players (Djokovic/Nadal) was postponed today.  I by no means am complaining.  The clay-court season has been a bundle of fun as usual as we get ready to head down the home stretch. Roland Garros is just six days away.  Get excited.

Weekly Nickel 4-9-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Cody Zeller (pictured above) is projected as a sure-fire lottery pick. Yet, he is on the fence about whether he should stay in Bloomington or take his talents to the NBA. He has 20 days to make up his mind.

By Josh Kramer

Sunday was truly a “fun” day in the sporting world. Masters insanity.  Carmelo put on a Broadway-esque performance in the Big Apple.  And John Isner led the US Davis Cup team into the semifinals.  It was a wild Sunday to say the least.  Last week was fun.  But this week is poised to be every bit as entertaining.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  Should I stay or should I go?  Many college basketball players across the country are pondering this question as they heavily weigh their options on if they should spend more time at the collegiate ranks, or try to take their talents to the professional level.  Every year there are guys that declare, that really have no business departing. Also though, there are always guys that could have left, that decide to stay for another year and continue to refine their skills 20 days remain for the non-seniors to make up their minds.  Remember, only 60 players will get drafted come June 28th.

Weekly Nickel 9-19-2011

Photo courtesy of fsurugger.wordpress.com. Many expected the Tampa Bay Rays to make a run at the World Series last year. Could they shock the world this year?

By Josh Kramer

There are only about 10 games left in the MLB regular season.  College Football Week 3 is in the books.  And the second week of the NFL season is nearly complete.  Last week was great, but you better believe that this one is going to be every bit as good.

Here are the events that you should be aware of.

Weekly Nickel 9-5-2011

Photo courtesy of thetennistimes.com. Tennis has taken over the Big Apple. Make sure to watch the US Open.

By Josh Kramer

College Football has begun.  NFL Football is just a few days away.  And the US Open is heating up in the Big Apple.  What a week it was and what a week we have ahead.  Here are the main events you should be aware of.

5.  We may not have an NBA season this year.  But as we learned in June’s NBA Draft, basketball has truly become international.  The European Basketball Championships continue on.  Players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Danilo Gallineri, and more represent their respective countries in the major tournament.  It is the best basketball going right now.

Food for Thought 8-23-2011

Photo courtesy of lloydvance.wordpress.com. Was former Ohio State star Terrelle Pryor (pictured above) worthy of the hire yesterday by Oakland?

By Josh Kramer

And the beat goes on.  The sporting world is heating up as we near the end of what has been a great summer.  Here is what has caught my attention.

Tebow Turmoil

John Fox finally made the official announcement today.  Kyle Orton is the official starter in Denver.  Also, most directions point towards Brady Quinn residing in the number two spot.  Meaning Tim Tebow has fallen to number three.  A number one draft pick of a year ago is the 3rd string guy?  Talk about a bust.  I have been saying it since that fateful night of April 22, 2010.  Tim Tebow was a heck of a college player and seemingly is an even better person.  But in no way was he first round caliber player.

Generally first round picks are guys that a team expects to come in and make an impact in year one.  And if they do not get the opportunity to make some noise in year one, then it is most definitely expected in year two.  Well it appears year two, unless a major outbreak of injuries occurs, will be another bust for Florida’s favorite son Tim Tebow.

How many of you have seen “They Said” Tim Tebow FRS commercial?

Weekly Nickel 8-8-2011

Photo courtesy of latinorebels.com. Can Asdrubal Cabrera (pictured above) come up big for the Indians in a huge AL Central duel against the 1st place Detroit Tigers?

By Josh Kramer

A week defined by NFL Training Camp, gambling issues, and a memorable Hall of Fame induction in Canton has paved the way for another great week in the wide world of sports.

Here are the upcoming events you should be aware of.

5.  Who cares if it appears there will be no NBA season come October.  At least there will be a D-League season and many of our favorite stars will be playing overseas right?  Okay, not really.  But keep an eye out for some crazy moves over the course of the next week as an NBA season continues to look more and more unlikely.  Bruce Pearl, the former Volunteer’s coach is being offered $500,000 by the D-League.  D Wade is considering playing overseas.  This could get awful interesting in a hurry.