Sportz' Picks for the NFL Season

           

NFC EAST
1-Cowboys
2-Eagles
3-Redskins
4-Giants

NFC SOUTH
1-Saints
2-Panthers
3-Buccaneers
4-Falcons

NFC NORTH
1-Bears
2-Packers
3-Lions
4-Vikings

NFC WEST
1-Seahawks
2-Rams
3-Cardinals
4-Niners

NFC PLAYOFFS
WC:  Seahawks over Eagles
WC:  Rams over Cowboys
DIV:  Seahawks over Bears
DIV:   Saints over Rams
CONF:  Saints over Seahawks

AFC EAST
1-Patriots
2-Jets
3-Dolphins
4-Bills

AFC SOUTH
1-Colts
2-Jaguars
3-Titans
4-Texans

AFC NORTH
1-Ravens
2-Bengals
3-Steelers
4-Browns

AFC WEST
1-Chargers
2-Broncos
3-Chiefs
4-Raiders

AFC PLAYOFFS
WC:  Ravens over Broncos
WC:  Chargers over Bengals
DIV:  Patriots over Ravens
DIV:  Colts over Chargers
CONF:  Patriots over Colts

SUPER BOWL XLII:  Patriots over Saints

Rangers Beat O's 30-3

Starbury Defends Michael Vick

I heard about this on the Jim Rome Show while driving home from the doctor's office ... and Shoals over at the Fanhouse has the take.  Seriously, what is wrong with these people????  SHUT UP!  

I know that there will be people out there supporting Michael Vick, but don't give me the "he didn't do anything that bad" card.  You can watch Marbury's comments here. 

Check out B-Shoals take on it:

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Marbury's Crazy Just Stopped Being Cute

Posted Aug 22nd 2007 10:58AM by Bethlehem Shoals
Filed under: Knicks, Eastern, New York

It's been a big last few months for Stephon Marbury. His masses-friendly shoes have made him into a social justice crusader, and his loony behavior has made his image vaguely agreeable. Not bad for a guy who, as recently as last season, epitomized "cancer."

But he just crossed the wrong line to cross, and did so about a week too late for an apology. In an interview with Albany's Capital News 9, Marbury had some sympathetic words for Vick and the cause of dogfighting. Transcription from The Knix Fix:

"We don't say anything about people shooting deers and shooting other animals. You know what I mean? From what I hear, dog-fighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors and I think it's tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down. I think he's one of the superb athletes and he's a good human being. I think he fell into a bad situation."

Thank god it's the off-season, and the NBA is hung up on the horror of Eddie Griffin's death. Otherwise, this could really ruin Marbury's reputation all over again. And as is, he's still going to catch a lot of heat for it.

The Sad Ending of Eddie Griffin

Griffin killed when car hits train last week

Eddie Griffin Dies in SUV-Train Collision

HOUSTON -- Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner's office said Tuesday.

Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultuous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001. He was waived by the Timberwolves in March.

"The cause of death and manner of death, which also includes toxicology results, is pending," said Beverly Begay, chief investigator for the Harris County Medical Examiner's office.

Griffin, a five-year veteran who was the No. 7 pick in the 2001 NBA draft, had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. He was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating its anti-drug program.

"Basketball was never an issue with him. He needed more life lessons, and unfortunately he was never able to reach his potential," former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey said.

Houston police said in a report that the driver of the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday. The resulting fire burned the SUV and the side of a railcar carrying plastic granules, police said.

The driver's body was badly burned and there was no identification.

"I was able this afternoon to get some dental records from the one dentist he had gone to see in Houston, and they were able to use that apparently to positively identify him," said Derek S. Hollingsworth, an attorney who has represented Griffin in criminal cases.

Hollingsworth said he spoke with Griffin's mother, who was devastated by the news.

"Everybody tried to help him from the top to the bottom of the organization," said Casey, who coached Griffin for 1½ seasons. "He just couldn't get it straight. It's a tragic ending for a beautiful kid. He had a beautiful heart."

Casey said he hadn't talked to Griffin in five or six months but he knew that Griffin was spending the summer trying to get back in shape to play in Europe next season.

Casey said he regretted not having reached out to Griffin in the past few months.

"The entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization is deeply saddened by this tragic news. Eddie will be missed by everyone who knew him," said Kevin McHale, vice president of basketball operations for the team. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Eddie's loved ones."

Casey said Griffin was "like a son to Kevin. Kevin really enjoyed working with him and taking him under his wing."

Mark Madsen, a former teammate in Minnesota, said Griffin was a mild-mannered person and "one of the best shot blockers and defensive rebounders I've ever played with." He said Griffin will be missed.

"Eddie Griffin is someone who was never a super loud or boisterous guy in the locker room, but he was someone who everyone loved in the locker room," Madsen said. "When he was doing well on the court we were all so happy for him. And when he was struggling, we were all struggling right there with him."

Griffin had a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices during his first two years in the NBA with Houston and New Jersey. He spent time in the Betty Ford Center for alcohol treatment in 2003-04.

Hollingsworth said he found Griffin to be kind and gentle -- behavior inconsistent with how the player was described in police reports.

"He had a problem with alcohol, and I think that was a medication for him, and I think that led to a lot of issues," Hollingsworth said.

Griffin, who played forward and center, signed with the Timberwolves as a free agent before the 2004 season. He showed enough promise as a shot-blocker and rebounder to be signed to an extension, but was waived in March after playing in just 13 games last season with the Wolves.

The Wolves put his locker right next to star Kevin Garnett, hoping the former MVP could help straighten Griffin out.

Griffin put up some big numbers on occasion with the Wolves, but continued to get into trouble off the court. He pleaded guilty last season to inattentive driving after he hit a parked car while out late one night in Minneapolis.

The Rockets released a statement saying the organization "is devastated and saddened by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts go out to Eddie's family and friends during this very difficult time."

Introducing STEELY MCBEAM!

And, now, introducting the petition to get rid or Mr. McBeam:  Petition Asks For Removal Of Steelers' Mascot - Sports News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh#

This Is Why They Call It The X-GAMES

Tags: x-games

Blogger Survey

Okay, I slacked off.  I meant to send my ballot to the 2007 Ballhype Sports Blogger Study but got caught up in some crap.  So, in leu of that....here would've been my answers.

-EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  I have a job.  And it works me hard.

-RENTER OR HOMEOWNER.  I am a homeowner

-HOW MUCH TIME A DAY DO YOU SPEND BLOGGING.  Me, it's between 1-3 hours.  I'd love to blog more, but unlike many bloggers....I don't have an office job.  I'm a laborer which means I don't have access to a computer for 10-12 hours a day.

-AVERAGE POSTS PER HOUR.  Well, I work evenings....so most of my posting gets done between 3am and 5am....then around noon the next day.

-WHO IN YOUR LIFE DOESN'T KNOW YOU BLOG.  Well, my family, friends and employers know I blog.

-DO YOU USE A PSEUDONYM ON YOUR BLOG.  Yep, the Sportz Assassin

-DO YOU THINK YOUR BLOG IS A HOBBY OR A JOB.  Both, actually.  It's a "money generating hobby"

-HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU MAKE FROM BLOGGING.  >$500 a month

-AGE.  30-35

 

Rutgers To The Big Ten?

 

Over at NJ.com, they are talking Big Ten pigskin.  Why?  Well, they've sniffed out rumors that if the Big Ten expands to twelve teams, that Rutgers would most likely get the invite.

Huh?

"I remember that Rutgers was in the discussion after we added Penn State," said Stanley Ikenberry, the former University of Illinois president who was instrumental in the expansion talks back then, "and frankly, I presume they would still be in a very small pool of candidates."

It makes some sense, especially if the Big Ten decides on another member to hold a conference title game.  Unless you are Notre Dame, you don't turn down this invite.  Even then, I'm sure there's an open ticket to the Irish to move into the conference anytime it wants.  Rutgers would have its bags packed and ready to go as soon as the phone rang.

It would also bring in some east coast cred and the mid-Atlantic/New York Metro media coverage to a league that.....yaknow....is launching its own network.  Rumor also is that Penn State would be deemed the "natural rival" of Rutgers.

Of course, why else Rutgers?  Until recently, the program stunk and could drive down their BCS numbers.  Will this upswing for the Scarlet Knights continue?  If so, they could cash in on a nice reward.

But Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Louisville, West Virginia and Syracuse would most likely be looked at before Rutgers.  Cincinnati, if it gets its houses in order, could be viable as well.  All those schools make more sense than Rutgers.  The first three are in "Big Ten country", have excellent programs across the board and excellent facilities worthy of the conference. 

The Elephant Didn't Ruin The Hall Of Fame Ceremony

                

There are grumblings among some [who grumble just so people like me can look at them] that Mark McGwire should've been inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday alongside Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr.

Sure, the stats merit it.  Sure, Big Mac has never been busted for anything.  Still, the court of public opinion and the lack of outrage from him for people keeping him out kinda makes ya think he knows he's done wrong.

I don't care either way.  I'm glad he wasn't at Cooperstown yesterday.

What do the two guys who were inducted represent?  Both played loooong careers with the same ballclub.  Ripken was known as the "Iron Man" who came and did his job every day ... more in a row than anyone.  He also embodied the transition from the 1980s shortstop to the 2000s shortstop.  They used to be wirey guys who were there for defense, speed and bunting.  Now, they are expected to be power guys.  His work with youth baseball has also been remarkable.

Gwynn wasn't in the lineup every day as Cal was, but was absolutely consistent.  He won EIGHT batting titles - no National League player has won more.  In the era of power, he found the value of slap singles, gap doubles and timely hitting.  Also consider that despite both getting to a World Series [Cal won his only trip; Tony lost both of his], these guys played on some bad teams for quite some time.

Both are immediately respected members of the Hall and spent the weekend not having to talk about that Big Elephant that wasn't there. 

If McGwire was a fellow inductee...every story this weekend would've been about "did he or didn't he?"  Especially with Barry Bonds just one home run away from Hank Aaron's record, this issue would've been magnified exponentially.  It also would (a) be the first election of a suspected doper into the Hall and (b) may have set a horrible precidence.  There may have been people booing and picketing McGwire's election.  Someone would stick a microphone in Jose Canseco's mug [okay, that happened anyways].

The point is, it would have mucked up what turned into a proud day for baseball.  As all this chaos surrounds the league, baseball could point to the two men who entered the shrine and tell us about how great the game can be. 

Now back to the elephants.

Why Even Have the Tour de France?

                            

As a sports fans, there are a few things that amaze me.  One is that we seem to care about the Tour de France.

Well, not really.  No one watches it.  Seriously, do you know anyone that actually gets up early to watch Le Tour on OLN....errrrr....Versus???  The thing is nearly over, and how much live action did you watch?   About as much as a blind man, most likely.

Yet we follow Le Tour with SportsCenter highlights in a "oh, yeah...that's going on" manner.  We had Greg LeMond dominating;  then Lance Armstrong's amazing streak.  We had Floyd Landis winning it last year.  If America goes off on the world stage, we do enjoy that.

However, Landis' victory is tainted with ROID allegations.  Lance Armstrong can't go a month without a French newspaper saying he was on ROIDS during his winning streak.  ROIDS have dominated the headlines at the '07 Tour....and now the leader of Le Tour has been dumped in a ROID scandal [more on that here]. 

So why do we care about this race?  And why not just have a bunch of ROIDED up people running these races?  Does it really matter if they are? 

Best. Sports. Headline. Ever!

Rape Isn't Important When It's Opening Night

Look, I'm all for freedom of the press ... and all for media types to know their place ... but this is weird.

This is video of a newscaster giving a report about a rape when an AAA umpire interupts him and tells him to get off the field [even calling security]. 

First thing ... does it really matter if a AAA game starts exactly on time?  And why is a reporter on the field giving a rape story?  Should that one go to the team in the studio?

Anyways...hat tip to Greg Doyle for this one.

Bill Simmons on NBA Ref Story

Excellent story on the whole NBA ref shaving points thing from ESPN.com's Bill Simmons.  Wait!?  Did I just say that?!?!

Anyway, read it here.

"Beware Of Vick"

Hat tips to Epic Carnival, DC Sports Guy and ... of course ... the Fanhouse.

NBA Ref Bet on Games

FBI probes allegations NBA ref bet on games he worked

ESPN.com news services

Updated: July 20, 2007, 11:25 AM ET

NEW YORK -- The FBI is investigating allegations that a veteran NBA referee bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones in which he officiated.

According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered.

The investigation first was reported Friday by the New York Post.

The law enforcement official, who spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity, said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges. The official, who did not identify the referee, is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.

The law enforcement official said the bets involved thousands of dollars and were made on games during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons.

In a statement issued Friday, the NBA said: "We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."

The probe, which began recently, also involves allegations that the referee had connections to organized crime associates. Other arrests are expected, the official said.

The referee had a gambling problem, according to the official, and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.

"These accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter," Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA Referees Association, told Bloomberg News. "In light of the fact that this is an ongoing federal criminal investigation, we have nothing further to say at this time."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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If this is true, then the NBA has a huuuuuuuuge problem on their hands.  It's one thing when the entire fan base believes that the refs are shady anyways .... but betting????  Betting on games they've officiated???  WOW!