Dom's Dish - Special Return: NFL lost its way

As life moves on, sometimes we don't get to do the things we once loved.  Whether it's sleeping in past 8:00 am, staying up until 5:00 am drinking, playing hours of video games, going to the gym or eating whatever you feel like, growing old has it's perks and realities.  And ever increasing responsibility.  From the days when I had 2 or 6 hour flights to kill by writing Dom's Dish to "moving up the corporate ladder" and extra daily commute time, sometimes things change.  I've come to realize this, and I've come to terms with adapting to the changes as the days, weeks, months and years go by.  I wish I could say that for my favorite sport.  Football.

From my early days, I can remember sitting back to watch games on Sundays.  Saturdays, not so much - we didn't have any "big" teams to follow up in North Jersey.  I remember rooting for the Jets - Freeman McNeil, Kenny O'Brien and Al Toooooon.   I also remember the amazing run the Giants had for Super Bowl XXI and that Zeke Mowatt - the TE - came to my school.  I was in 2nd grade (that was also the year we hatched butterflies).  Looking back, Zeke had 1 catch for 6 yards that game, but he was in my grammar school, 6 foot something, and I got a picture with him (actually it was a Polaroid).  Also looking back at a quick wikipedia article, a 30-second spot cost a mere $600,000.

From that point forward, I jumped teams - Jets (pics will show me and my younger brother geared up in uniforms and helmets in the backyard), KC Chiefs (got a nice windbreaker that mom gave me, times were tough, but I liked the colors), Redskins (probably a bandwagon fan around the time of Doug Williams, I did ask for and receive a Starter jacket around 7th grade), Giants (who can forget Super Bowl XXV - Desert Storm, Whitney Houston, that 9+ minute drive with Otis Anderson and of course, Wide Right!)  Heck, I even played football in 7th and 8th grade - I recall the "camp" style practices hitting the sleds, playing in games, making tackles, missing blocks.  Then, throughout much of high school though, I had lost interest.  My concentration was on high school and all the activities I could pull off - marching band, Boilermaker football, HS plays, Student Government, girlfriends, Track, more drama club, Math Club.....bottom line, anything to get out of the house. More on that later.  Bottom line, aside from a few Knicks or Rangers games on the 10 inch TV in my room and maybe passing by the TV in the living room or at a grandparents' house, Football was "meh" for me at the time.

Even into college, I hadn't watched much pro football the first few years.  However, I started to get into the college games on Saturday more - there were a lot more options. I remember catching a few games when Syracuse would play and that Donovan McNabb was something to watch.  I remember watching the draft when he got boo'ed.  I didn't really care, but hoped he would prove the fans wrong.  By this time I was pretty much out of my house. Had spent summers at school and Central Jersey was my new home.  I found myself getting more into football and had settled on the Eagles as a team to follow for two main reasons: convenience (broadcast option) and McNabb.  Never having hated or been against any team (except one), there was no reason I couldn't like the Eagles.  Over the next 4-5 years, I would follow them closer.  When I got big - I mean BIG into Madden Football, the Eagles were always my franchise. I would build around McNabb, Westbook, anyone else who came along. Cherry pick from other teams and take the Eagles to the Super Bowl - being a bartender much of this time, left me plenty of time to play video games, and the schedule allowed me to stay up til 3, 4, 5am playing. I remember playing so long my eyes hurt - but we won that Lombardi trophy together McNabb!

Staying in the greater Philadelphia area over the past 13 years, I've risen and fallen with the Eagles fans and the roller coaster of emotion.  From the many NFC Championship games, to the acquisition of T.O. and the Super Bowl appearance....to seeing the choppers over T.O.'s house on my commute home while he did situps in his driveway, to many Andy Reid press conferences, draft picks, and more disappointments.  All the while, learning more and more about the game and paying attention to more of the league via Fantasy Football.  Oh yeah, and that little "blog" I was doing along the way, talking mainly about Pro Football, "covering" scandals like the Michael Vick (dogs, Ron Mexico), also MLB, NCAA, golf and more.  But mainly, the NFL became the focus of my sports interests.

Reading as much as I did about the NFL over the years, and listening to sports talk radio as much as I have (Mike & Mike, Mike Missanelli, NFL Sirius radio) and especially my interest in the "scandals" and legal system, I've come to learn a few things. From the Big Ben issue in Colorado to Michael Vick to Plaxico Burress's misfire, to many DUI's along the way, it was always stated how powerful NFL Security has been.   And more increasingly over the past few years, hiring former federal investigators and retired law enforcement.From the appointment of Roger Goodell and the "hard-ass" he was early on, and the millions and millions and billions and billions of dollars thrown at players via free agency, TV contracts, etc.  "Protect the shield" was a term thrown around by many.

In terms of all corporations out there - even Apple, Google, Pharmaceuticals, News agencies, Political parties, Disney, and any Wall Street firm.....up against any other sports league - the NFL is pretty much the most powerful corporation in USA - maybe even the Western Hemisphere....quite possibly the world.  The numbers in revenue alone speak for themselves, and the fact that there isn't really any competition to keep them honest....think about it.  Aside from actual Governments and Terrorist organizations that bring actual force.....

When Roger Goodell came into office, he was the no-joke commissioner.  I wrote about it here, and referenced his reputation as a Fantasy Commissioner.  Harsh suspensions, fines - protect that shield or pay the price.  Then over time he softened.  Then, a lock-out - a multi-billion dollar organization lose money?  Soften the stance and give some "bro-hugs" on draft night to ease the pain.

Then one the players kills his girlfriend, then turns the gun on himself at the stadium before gameday?  It was more about gun control and him suffering too many concussions. (Jevon Belcher, 12/1/2012)  Everyone missed the boat that domestic violence was the point to be taken from that tragic situation.

By now you know what I'm getting at.  Ray Rice - caught on camera outside an elevator dragging his girlfriend out treating her like a rag doll or corpse.  No jail time.  He's a good guy, it was a one time thing. He's good for the Baltimore Ravens.  He accepts his 2 games.  We all know the criticism - 4 games for PED's or pot, 2 games for hitting a woman; a season for smoking pot a few times, 2 games for Ray.  Public outcry? We made a mistake - 6 games next time, but Ray is good with 2. The lack of consistency during Roger's term is just ludicrous.  A few weeks back, a kicker gets 4 games for having a beer while on vacation from work at his house. Now someone is convicted of Domestic Violence and gun charges, but no action from the NFL.

Listen, I was not present in the meetings on Park Avenue between Roger, Ray and his now wife Janay, Ravens leadership and everyone else in the room.  I wasn't there to know that they did or didn't review the video.  But having the police report being out there citing what happened (later corroborated by the inside elevator video) 2 games was not enough.  Bull crap that there wasn't a policy for domestic violence and nothing to go by.  Roger nearly ruled with an iron fist those first few years. There is no doubt in my mind that someone paid by the NFL (someone in security force of former FBI agents, etc) could have "found a way" to watch the now famous elevator footage in the five months before the ruling was handed down.  I don't know that Roger viewed it, but when you're the head honcho of a multi-billion dollar organization that needs public trust to do business, you've got to find a way.

As stated pertaining to me, I know things are changing.  Back on 9/11/2001 there was no Social Media. Youtube, cell phone video?  Our phones could barely take pictures. Back during Super Bowl XXI a 30-second spot was about 1/7th off what it was earlier this year.  As time goes by, we must adapt.  From iReports to instant Twitter feedback, 2014 is much different than 2001, let alone 1987.  We must progress as a society.  The NFL has fallen behind on domestic violence, and other issues.


Three things come to my mind right now: Terminator X, Willy Santiago and Staind.

Staind (rock/metal band) released "Break the Cycle" back in 2001.  Even though no song really fits what I'm trying to say - we as a society need to break the cycle when it comes to domestic violence.  It's one thing if it's two people locked away somewhere and a dysfunctional dependent relationship, but in this case, as with many, children and families are involved.  What Ray Rice did in that elevator is inexcusable.  His reaction to her unconscious body is what makes it worse.  What tops it off is his request for "no cops" and his ability to escape from any legal consequences.  Another privileged athlete/celebrity getting away with something they shouldn't.

Hearing tales from survivors that were able to escape abusive relationships, while in the relationship, the victims convince themselves that they are at fault.  They make excuses for their abusers, When asked to press charges they decline more often than not.  This caused changes in laws in many places - if the "state" has evidence, they choose to charge the abuser regardless of what the victim says.  I don't know if that was the first time Ray Rice got into it with his girlfriend/wife.  I hope for their sake it hasn't happened since. While I don't know if it was the first time - I have a guess based on the footage: it wasn't anything new.  Janay's statements on Tuesday supporting her husband still and slamming the media for "causing this" to me is more proof that the relationship is dysfunctional.  On to Willy Santiago - [spoiler alert] the character from "A Few Good Men" who received the Code Red and dies, sparking a trial.  Near the end of the movie, after the verdict is handed down, the two Marines are dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps.  When debating whether or not they did anything wrong, a quote is delivered by Dawson that totally summarizes my point: "We were supposed to fight for people who couldn't fight for themselves. We were supposed to fight for Willy."  In this case, the NJ Justice System and the NFL were supposed to fight for Janay, and thereby act as a voice for all victims of domestic violence. Whether her stories of support for Ray lead to the elimination/reduction of the punishment, apparently more education on the dynamics of abusive relationships and domestic violence victims needs to be our there for the "leaders" in law enforcement and the NFL to follow.

A product of a variety of music growing up, one song I had taped from the radio from the early 90's by Terminator X definitely summarizes my feelings on the NFL and this situation.  For Roger Goodell, the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Rice: "It all comes down to the money" ..."whether it's rainy or snowy or sunny, funny, I'm in it for the cash, I'm in it for the cash...the more you get, the more you want..."


The remarks of some of the NFL owners supporting Roger Goodell are appalling. I'll give you, for argument's sake, that he didn't see the tape (I don't believe it, but I'll concede that).   But for as powerful a private corporation that they are; they could and should have seen the video. Two games? You support Roger still? Oh, so appoint an "independent investigation" with someone who has done business with the NFL before and two owners to oversee it? This conspiracy and cover-up is Nixonian at best.  Probably more along the lines of JFK.  Problem is, the truth will catch up to everyone involved.  I hope for his daughter's sake Ray Rice breaks the cycle.  I hope this raises more awareness for those who can't fight for themselves.  And remember folks - it all comes down to the money.  The arrogant owner, Roger, agents and a greedy player and his wife tried to sweep it under a rug.  Too bad the rug wasn't big enough: some casino closed, people lost their jobs, and some smart man or woman cashed in with TMZ exposing the hypocrisy of it all.

Bottom line, there are us among the viewing public who saw that video inside the elevator and didn't just see two people, we saw our loved ones and recalled the violent acts committed against our family and friends that may have gone hidden for some time.  I
applaud the strong women who have called into sports talk radio or written to key bloggers/writers to share their emotional stories about what it's like to be in a dysfunctional and abusive relationship.  It's not always just the physical violence, it's also verbal and emotional abuse that leads some to become a shell of themselves after months or years of abuse.  I was shocked when it was two games, but figured the NFL did it's homework.

Obviously, having lived through this myself, this story has piqued my interest and I have listened closely along the way.  I referenced a few teams I've been a fan of and why I was able to become an Eagles fan so easily: it wasn't the Cowboys.  He was a Cowboys fan. I'm breaking the cycle.

I didn't watch tonight's Baltimore game.  For the first time in many years, I'm questioning when I'll watch again. Shame on those who commit domestic violence. Shame on the NJ court system. Shame on the NFL.


Links:
http://deadspin.com/ray-rice-arrested-in-atlantic-city-after-altercation-wi-1524046109
http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_c5nk3w3n/
http://www.tmz.com/2014/09/08/ray-rice-elevator-knockout-fiancee-takes-crushing-punch-video/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104257/quotes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6MLLSArEz4
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/roger-goodell-need-to-step-down/

Dom's Dish - Back again, NFL Draft 2012 Edition

      As if being gone for a few months last time was a big deal, it was just after my son's 1st birthday, my daughter was still in the womb, I still traveled for work, Tiger Woods was still the #1 golfer in the world, Donovan McNabb was still the Eagles Quarterback, Shaq was still ballin - having just been traded to the Cavaliers - LeBron was still there too, Halladay was in Toronto, Cliff Lee was a first time Phillie and more importantly, the Phillies could hit the ball.  Shoot - I can't even remember if Daniel Tosh had a show that long ago or if I was even on Twitter!

     Now just 32 months after the fact, Dom's Dish rejoins the interwebs with this special NFL Draft issue.  Why, you ask?  Because I finally have about 90 minutes to put some stuff together, with some humor (that's a new ingredient to this blog), and I need to force myself to gain some knowledge on this draft thing again.  We'll recap and relive some of the things we missed these last 32 months and of course, go around the balls.  Oh yeah, August 19, 2009 was shortly after the Michael Vick signing, we'll recap that too fo sho in the posts to follow!

    Ah, the NFL draft.  In the last 12 months, we've suffered 2 pro sports lock-outs, blockbuster trades, epic National Championship games, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Droughts and wild fires across this great nation of ours.  After all the uncertainty, I finally feel at peace to know that the NFL is having a "regular" off-season complete with a Draft, mini-camps, hold-outs, and training camps to start on time.  There will be no more excuses for Mr. Ham Sandwich heading up the Eagles, no more punishments to hand down from the NFL Commish, and more importantly, no more talk of that guy Tim Tebow....suddenly I think I've lost my touch, its getting worse as I type this.  But alas, I digress.  So much has happened in the sports world the last few months, that I seriously, I mean seriously, had to think for a minute who won the last Super Bowl.  Hashtag-Not-Brady - ah yes, Eli and the Giants.  More and more over the past 10-15 years, we are seeing the teams that get hot at the right time, sneak into a playoff system (in all sports) and win the ultimate prize.  Most go up against the Goliath teams that have been there all year - the true underdog stories win most times, epitomizing TEAM sports.  This year we learned of all the trouble a possible 1998 #1 overall pick has been having in his life since football - the Ryan Leaf story - but still the best story of all is a "made for TV movie" - "The Brady Six".  As I prepare to watch NFL Combine highlights, and read the countless stories on "character" and "pure talent", the more it makes one realize two things: The Combine is a Meat Market and The Draft is a Crap Shoot.  How else can you explain Tom Brady falling to #199, Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, JaMarcus Russell or even Eli Manning?

     When drafting, teams feel pressure.  More so, the General Manager, Owner and Head Coach feel pressure.  From fans, local media, national media, agents, draft experts, their own players and many other sources.  Draft experts like Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, Jr. often get the top picks right (at least the order).  Teams sometimes listen too much, other times, tune out the noise.  The main thing is there is no right answer in that exact moment.....but there sure is a WRONG answer in the weeks, months and years that follow.  It's much like us Fantasy owners who look back at the draft at the end of the season and remember how stupid we were for drinking so much at the draft, or the HOW DID I NOT SEE THAT moments that we all have.  The only difference, we think, is that the coaches, GM's and owners aren't a 6-pack deep on some week night/weekend in April...we think.  (How else can you explain Christian Ponder as a Top 12 pick in 2011?)  Regardless, it's a lot of fun for us football fans out there to play GM and dream big when OUR team grabs that missing piece who will wind up an All Pro or Rookie of the Year and lead "us" to the Lombardi Trophy.  From the Adam Schefters' of the world, breaking the news on potential picks and trades, to Boomer, Kiper and McShay analyzing the draft, this week is one of the best of the year, a week that allows our dreams to grow and hopes be high.  Here we go....

     First, everyone knows by now about Peyton in Denver.  But do you remember Michael Bush to the Bears?  The ESPN Free Agent Tracker has all your reminders and answers.  While the QB's and RB's make the headlines, don't forget those Offensive Linemen and Linebackers that moved around.  Teams surely draft on need at those top positions, but where will they find a 3rd or 4th round gem in a position they might be a little thin at?  This goes hand in hand with who is still on the roster: NFL.com current team rosters

     Although I'm clearly partial to the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN for their 2012 Draft Coverage featuring Scouts, Inc (as an Insider), there's always the NFL.com folk, and the SI peeps including Peter King.

     Got some time on your hands to go next level?  Forget the numbers themselves, whose contract is up next season and your team will take a flyer on a future position of need?  NFL 2012 Team Salaries


     So, let's break down my favorite team. The scenario seems the same for the past few years, or cycles of years.  Big Free Agent signings one year, re-sign your own the next and have a good draft, then start getting cute for a few years in the draft and sign mediocre free agents.  Fortunately, this is the second year in that cycle for the Birds.  They filled 2 positions of need with trades/free agency: MLB (no, not Major League Baseball) and former rookie of the year out of the SEC, DeMeco Ryans (might have been my favorite player in the 2006 draft); and a replacement LT in Demetress Bell (another position, for about 20 minutes last week I couldn't for the life of me remember who the Left Tackle was that tore his achilles just a few weeks ago.....do you remember without google-ing it?)  Oh and clearing some cap room with Asante Samuel was nice just today, while resigning some key cogs: DeSean, Todd Heremans, Trent Cole, and Evan Mathis.  Dropping Jamaal Jackson and trading away Winston Justice were necessary moves.  A backup QB in Trent Edwards was signed, but I'm not sold on the three QB's being the three on the roster throughout the season.  Needs?  First off, for the love of everything holy, can they sign LeSean McCoy to like a 3 or 4 year deal?  In order of need and importance: DT, SS, MLB, OL depth, RB, QB, CB, TE.  Sure the Eagles could use an outside backer, but why not draft a MLB that can get on the field right now and learn alongside DeMeco?

    With another 10 picks to spare, the Eagles will be guaranteed to make at least one trade, and I'm not sure what the Asante trade means for overall philosophy, but I say they stay at 15 with one of those top 4 need positions.  Sure, all the talk was of them talking to Cleveland, but I think it's a smoke screen....unless it is for.....RB Trent Richardson from Alabama - minds would be blown!!  After the first, perhaps make a move back into the late 1st or stock pile some picks from the late 2nd to 4th rounds where the clear value usually is. Barring injury, the only starter positions that may not be on the roster right now would be DT #2 and a SS. (I don't trust the health or age of Mike Patterson, and don't think anyone on the roster can win the SS position - how about that, replacing McNabb was easier than B-Dawk).

  My suggestion on picks for the Eagles....stay away from DT.  While they faired ok with Mike Patterson, Broderick Bunkley didn't live up to the potential.  Aside from Ndamukong Suh in 2010, and Haloti Ngata in 2006, not many 1st Rd DT's have made an immediate impact in a 3-4 or 4-3.  Since this is really the all-in year for Andy Reid, he can't afford to miss on another 1st Round pick.  McNabb, Corey Simon, Fred-Ex, Lito Sheppard, Jerome McDougle, Shawn Andrews, Patterson, Bunkley, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Graham and Danny Watkins.  First round picks - I can't even call that average, 4 lived up or exceeded expectations: McNabb, Maclin, Andrews (before he went AWOL) and Lito.  Simon and Bunkley fell short and filled a hole in the middle, 2 fell WAY short - Fred-Ex and McDougle, and jury is still out, though not looking promising on Graham and Watkins.  It's not time to gamble this year, take the safe pick.  I am always a fan of taking a big time player from a big time program - SEC preferred and Alabama has a few.  If Mark Barron, the Safety is available at 15 or anywhere in that area, you go get him. Don't stretch and take some kid from a small school or Boise because he's a project and has huge upside.  Notre Dame alum have not worked out all that well for the Eagles, take a football player this time.  Others I like: David DeCastro, G, Stanford; Hightower (ILB), Upshaw (OLB) and Kirkpatrick (CB) all out of Alabama.  All positions of need that can step in right now having had big program/ big game experience.

  In the later rounds....well, it just depends.  In the late second and third round, the Eagles can afford a few stretches before getting back to solid, best-available type players in the 4th and 5th rounds where they've had a more success in the past.   6th and 7th are where the true luck comes in.  (Jason Kelce, 6th 2011; Kurt Coleman, 7th 2010).  You may find an occasional starter but Tom Brady and Maques Colston are the rarities that get overlooked.

     Regardless of past performance, the NFL draft tomorrow will give us hope - hope of finding the next Peyton Manning or Ray Rice or Larry Fitzgerald.  There's no such thing as a lock - a lot can go wrong - but the dawning of a new day and hours of analysis and waiting will give us something to talk about for the next 2 weeks or more.  Whoever your team is, remember, not every pick will pan out.  Even the geniuses only get it right some of the time.  Follow me on Twitter tomorrow night during the draft for commentary on the picks and other analysis: @DomsDish


As I look back on the time away I realize that putting these together takes more time than I have.  I may not pump one out a week, but I will make the time for you my readers to get some of the information you need to keep abreast in sports over the next few months.  With 2 sports in playoff mode, one just getting started, and another always having something to talk about, plus those other sports, they'll be plenty for me to comment on.  I promise to add more humor and pump these out faster.

Around the Balls:

White-stitched- The Yankees made a pretty big trade this off-season for a rising pitcher. Michael Pineda was big and strong in Seattle, then he arrived in NY as fragile cargo.  He's now done for the season with a shoulder injury - a labrum tear (same injury Drew Brees had many years ago) - and will have surgery in the near future.  I am being told by medical experts and baseball guru's that the throwing shoulder is an important part of a pitcher's mechanics.  Who knew?  $200 M plus for the team's payroll yet again - the starting rotation may be suspect, but at least the Yanks can hit...well except Yu Darvish.  Cheer up Yanks fans, Andy Pettite is on his way to save the day.  The year is 2002, right?  No? Could be worse, could be the BoSox.

Big-brown-oblong- With all the draft talk in place and up above, "News" broke that Andrew Luck would be the 1st pick of the Colts in this year's draft.  Anyone remember "Suck for Luck"?  One thing is for certain - under the "New Deal" Luck will not be receiving Matt Stafford money - 6 for $72M.  The Colts, who have been handcuffed in recent years by their big name players: Manning, Wayne, Freeney or Harrison, now just have Freeney and some cap numbers.  Can lightning strike twice and will Andrew Luck be the full time rookie starter that Manning once was?  Let's just hope Winston 6-sack Justice is not the one protecting his left side.  With all the turnover in that franchise, they've got to be better than last year's 2-14 record, right?  Right??

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @domsdish for breaking news from the Insiders I follow, and anecdotal information on subject ranging from sports and national news to NJ, comedy, music,  life with kids, and of course, #asparaguspee.

Dom's Dish - New Old QB's Edition

Well Ladies and Germs, here we are again. Lots of months have passed since my last entry. Lots of news to report, with the most pressing being the two "new" "old" Quarterbacks. First I'll start with the more recent addition back to the NFL - Brett "Retirement is only Temporary" Favre.

Well, here he is again. I think of Roger Clemens when I hear the name Favre now - not the steroids and beer cans from a basement Roger, the "I'm gonna come in after training camp and play for an obscene amount"Roger. I, for one, did not fall for it that Brett was retired. Just think, he's only 39 years old now. We have at least another 4 seasons of this crap- after all there are other teams out there that would love to have him as a QB next year - Washington (Campbell is on his last leg), Seattle (Hasselbeck is on his last back vertebrate), San Francisco (Alex Smith or Shaun Hill, are you kidding me?) or Oakland (Jamarcus Russell or Brett Favre...?) just to name 4 off the top of my head. I guess you can only sit on a big farm in Mississippi throwing footballs to high school kids for January through August before it's time to come back. How much do you want to bet now that John Madden will un-retire, become an ESPN "Insider" like Adam Schefter, and sit on the set of Sunday NFL CountDown and just talk about how Brett Favre looks from last week? I'll be more surprised if it DOESN'T happen than if it does! I can't conceivably think of any reason for him to go back and play? I mean Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Vinsanthe Schiancoe and Chester Taylor - is that the group that will take Favre to the Super Bowl? I don't know. All Favre will be remembered for in 10 years is being a Packer, had he stayed retired now. With this move and more to come the next 3-4 years as I'm predicting, he will be remembered for the old guy who couldn't let go - think Dennis Quaid in Any Given Sunday. I only wish I had the balls to find a job like that where I can go in and just play the game without the grueling Training Camp experience. I guess it would be like walking into a busy restaurant as a bartender at 5:30pm on a Friday and just bartending and taking the money, then leaving at 9pm without splitting the tips with the guy who set up the bar, cut the fruit, chilled the beer and will be cleaning up after I'm gone. Talk about a team player.

Then there's Ron Mexico - yes, you remember him, AKA Michael Vick. ESPN showed a nice highlight timeline for him last week - remember flipping the fans off in Atlanta, his "home town"? Then there was the Water Bottle incident in the airport - the "hidden" compartment that reaked of weed. Not to mention the Ron Mexico genital herpes incident. Oh yeah and this whole dog-fighting ring thing. A lot of talent, a lot of promise, a lot of money, and then everything went away - including Vick for 23 months in Leavenworth - not sure if that was country club prison or federal "pound me in the a$$" prison, but prison regardless. Reputation, gone. Money, gone. Promises of making the Hall of Fame? Then in the latest revelations, after lobbying from the "star" "franchise" Quarterback in Philadelphia, he gets a second chance. It sure will not be an easy task. McNabb reached out to Vick and then vouched for him to the Eagles brass for the second chance. 1 week in and talk has died down. Cross-sports tension as Jenn Utley tried to protest the signing at the news conference. Support from the Humane Society president. Backlash from thousands and thousands of fans across the Pennsylvania and Southern Jersey area on talk radio, in newspaper columns, blogs, etc. How did Tony Dungy fit in? No word further word from Commissioner Goodell. Andy Reid said no initially, a backup QB gets hurt, and then they move to sign him?

From how I look at it now, nearly 1 week later, here's how I see it playing out. There will be protests at a few games in Philly, then it will die down. Every away game a group of people will show to protest. It will be a small distraction. Vick will be seen around town in the next month with the ASPCA in Philadelphia - pictures will be taken, front page news at first until his reinstatement, then 10th page news. The local news in Philly will show the pics as well, dogs rescued from dog-fighting houses in Southwest Philly. The debate will be whether Vick gets to hold the dogs for the pictures and videos or is just seen afterward. It'll play out like lawyers locked in a room deciding strategy in a Grisham book. Then the reinstatement, probably after the Eagles Bye Week - October 11th home against his old nemesis, the Buccaneers. He'll be on the field for just a few snaps, lined up behind the Center flanking McNabb or out as receiver behind Hank Baskett or Jeremy Maclin for blocking purposes. As the season progresses he'll get some more snaps, Reid not showing all his cards as long as they're winning games and progressing toward the ultimate goal. They'll have McNabb, Vick, Brian Westbrook, Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin on the field for a few plays. Quite the nightmare for D-coordinators across the NFL. By November the talk of Vick the inhumane dog-fighter will be long surpassed by the amazing story of a turnaround of the Ron Mexico era. Trade bait for the future or a potential replacement for McNabb is he decides to move on. The risk/benefit analysis turns more benefit than risk. I mean he can't be stupid enough to start breeding dogs for fighting again, can he?

Second chance for Vick, 4th unretirement for Farve.

Dom's Dish - NFL Draft - talk about value

Sure, I've been accused of being a homer.  I've been accused of worse growing up - "throwing"my brother down the steps (he told me to push him), "covering" a wall with boogers (they came with the house), "cursing" all the time on the playground (I was smart enough not to get caught and never spoke filth at home as early as 1st grade).  I also used to wear bright orange and deep purple jeans.  So I'm a homer...

So regarding the Philadelphia Eagles Draft class of 2009.  To be honest, aside from the fact that this is my first year without the NFL network to guide me through the draft (trying to save money to pay the $15/month for the greatest invention ever: DVR), and I haven't really heard the draftniks bragging about this year's draft class, I'm going to chalk this year's draft up to an overall grade of "D".  Sure there are some players up top in the first round or two, but not a year with a Eli Manning/Philip Rivers/Ben Roethlisberger, or Reggie Bush/Matt Leinart.  I just didn't feel the names were there early on, nor were there many names down the board.  So back to the Eagles.  They've made some trades before this draft and certainly "a few" during it.  They traded back so many times in the 3rd and 4th rounds...at one point they had SIX 5th round draft choices.  They turned 2 of those into a potential starting CB/KR in Ellis Hobbs (Patriots) - though I'm weary about a recycled secondary from great Defensive back coach Bill Belichick - BY THE WAY - did you see him during the draft on ESPN?  He was actually wearing a TIE and JACKET!  He looked serial killer-esque I thought.  Put the hoodie back on Bill....but I digress.  

Anyway, the Eagles then took ONE fifth round pick and turned it into a 7th in 2009: #222 and a 5th rounder in 2010 from New Orleans.  Then, they turned around and took #222 and made it a 6th rounder in 2010 from Indianapolis. One pick turned into 2 next year - which might not sound too cool until you realize that due to trades this offseason, the Eagles were uncharacteristically out of the mix with something like 5 choices in 2010 coming into the weekend!

So Monday was the day all those not drafted were eligible to sign with teams in an open market.  The Eagles went out and got them Rashard Mendenhall's younger brother, Walter.  6 foot 225lbs from Illinois State.  Let's hope he has some talent like his brother, a first round choice of Pittsburgh last year.  Andy Reid also fulfilled his BYU quota signing big Guard Dallas Reynolds (6-4, 311) from Brigham Young.  Perhaps Andy is beyond donating to his alma mater, he just employs a few right out of the college football program each year.  Hmmm.

Dom's Dish - A third round of runs

The round started with the Jets trading up for RB Shonn Greene - who sat out a few years ago academically ineligible and moved furniture to make ends meet.  After that the bulk of the first few picks were defense - Linebackers, D-Linemen, a few corners, then RB Glenn Coffee (Alabama) went to San Fran, then a few offensive linemen before a huge run on WR's with some Corners thrown in.  Derrick Williams of Penn State went to Detroit - both as a slot receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford and also as a return man playmaker.  

The Eagles pull another in-division trade with their rivals, the NY Giants.  The Giants use this pick on 6'6" WR Ramses Barden - a possible replacement big body for Plaxico Burress.  The Eagles then trade back into the fifth round.  Now with 6 picks in the 5th round!  Talk about depth and special teams!  Signing off for now, not much to keep on.

Dom's Dish - Impressions of Day 1 NFL Draft 09

Well, with two rounds in the books on Day 1, the tri-state teams (Eagles, Jets and Giants) addressed some needs - WR/RB, (potential) franchise QB, and WR/OLB/ O-Line depth.  Other teams of note include New England addressing need in the trenches and some secondary help; Cleveland's trading back 3 times to acquire picks - Center, 2 WR and a 3-4 DE; The Super Bowl champ Steelers drafting a 3-4 DE to counter and trading their 2nd and 4th for two more mid-third-round picks.  Lots of draft day trades just on day 1 - lots of moving up and down, and none more surprising than the Jets trading up with their former coach, the "Mangenious", to get their QB of the future, while trading some depth along the D-Line and 2nd year QB Brett Ratliff - 0 NFL passes.  

Cleveland looks pretty good with all those picks, especially since they didn't have many coming into the draft due to trades made during the Romeo Crenel regime - namely their one pick of Ohio State's Brian Robiskie - son of NFL player Terry and current Falcons receiver coach.  Some peculiar picks: the Jacksonville Jaguars stockpiling Offensive Tackles in Eugene Monroe (UVA, #8 overall) and Eben Britton (Arizona, #39 overall).  Some other commentary, the Buffalo Bills did NOT take an Ohio State defensive back...yet.  No Fullbacks, punters or kickers taken Day 1.  Only 3 QB's were taken, all in the first round.  

Some big names will come off the board in the next round or two, including Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, RB Shonn Green of Iowa, WR Derrick Williams of Penn State, Javon Ringer RB of Michigan State, and Safety Rashad Johnson of Alabama.  Hurry up and go - draft is on.

Dom's Dish - Lots of picks

So end of the first round and most of the 2nd have gone. The Giants
addressed a WR need with Hakeen Nicks out of North Carolina. After
that soke big picks include the big DTackle out of Missouri to the
Super Bowl champs and lots of safeties, corners, defensive ends and
linemen. Then the big pick: the Eagles address a major need in LeSean
McCoy, RB out of Pitt. Sure Moreno was high on their board but they
stayed true drafting for need and best available getting a playmaker
WR and an everydown back in the 5-11 210 pounder. Not a bad day for
Philly.

Some other notes: I'm surprised that Rey Maluga, the LB out of USC
fell into the early second round to Cincinatti, who I think would have
taken him in the middle of round 1. Good for them. Also, Pat White,
the "receiver" goes to Miami, just a few years after the Marcus Vick
experiment and fresh in mind a year after they crafted the Wildcat
formation. Looking forward to some good recap tomorrow, unless
something earth shattering happens tonight. Go Phillies and go
Eagles!!

Dom's Dish - Pick is in

Eagles trade up with the Cleveland Browns (3rd time already) to get a
WR, Jeremy Maclin out of Missouri. Good pick. Could be a return man,
another slot type #2 or #3 receiver, but another weapon for McNabb. I
like it! Could have grabbed Pettigrew, but obviously they trust Celek
and they're now out of the Boldin sweepsteaks.

Dom's Dish - 11-17: Defense and Thieves!

Defense rules aside from the Denver Thieves drafting Knowshon Moreno
at 12 then more defense before Tampa traded up 2 picks to draft QB
Josh Freeman of Kansas State. New coach Raheem Morris has a
relationship with K-State, having coached there a few years back.
Interesting so far. Way to snipe a pick the Broncos might have gotten
Raheem!

Dom's Dish - Top 10 are in

Recapping the last five picks since Sanchez: Andre Smith OT Alabama
(Bengals), Derrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland (Raiders), Eugene Monroe OT
Virginia (Jaguars), BJ Raji NT Boston College (Packers), and #10 is
Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech (49ers).

The huge surprise to most though is the fact that Heyward-Bey was
selected as the first WR to Oakland. It doesn't surprise others since
Al Davis lives only for drafting the fastest player on the board. Who
knows, maybe he will become the next Jerry Rice? Apparently Michael
Crabtree gets no street cred for saying to ESPN the Magazine that he
can run a 4.3 40 yd dash. Who knew? At least Crabtree will be close
and be able to show up Al Davis for not picking him.

Dom's Dish - Holy JETS

Holy croak! Mark Sanchez is a NY Jet! The Jets trade with their
former coach Eric Mangini in Cleveland and take a franchise QB in Mark
Sanchez out of USC. 16 games in college but we'll see how many in the
pros.

Dom's Dish - Four picks deep

Stafford (Lions), Jason Smith (Rams), Tyson Jackson (Chiefs), and
Aaron Curry (Seahawks). Wow. New coach Jim Mora Jr. certainly will
have a strong defensive front seven with Lofa Tatupu and now Curry.
Up to Cleveland to make some noise, no trades yet and Sanchez still on
the board. Millionaires all of them.

Dom's Dish - The anticipation to NFL draft 09 builds

Well, just about 30 minutes to the draft. All is quiet right now, no
trades announced and no news since the signing of Stafford in Detroit.
One year I will get there to NYC to see it live. Not sure how I feel
about this late start. With the weather so nice and warm I was able to
get some work done outside, but not sure if it were a dreary day if I
could wait til 4PM. Hey primetime viewership on ESPN I guess. I'm
glad they have some more draftees in NY for this event. They deserve
those moments.

Some reports earlier that Philly and Baltimore are looking at Boldin
and now the Giants may want to trade up for Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Nothing like seeing award winning wide receivers in pink shirts.
Other big news Kiper has Aaron Curry falling to the 4th pick at
Seattle. Hmmm looks like a lot of safe picks at O Line in the top 10.
More in a bit.

Dom's Dish - Foolin the Fools since 2008 Edition

For those of you out there, that believed I met Jay Cutler: I just got a job working at ESPN!

Perhaps it was a stretch, not everyone was fooled, but I had to utilize my business trip to Denver to my advantage and pleasure!  I really did have an excellent dinner at The Denver Chop House and Brewery.  Jay Cutler could have been there, but apparently the baby was on the phone with his agent Buss Cook and Jerry Angelo, the Chicago Bears GM.

So, biggest story of the NFL off-season thus far is the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago.  Everyone was thinking Detroit, Tampa or the Jets, but apparently they're not as crazy as da Bears.  A team without great receivers, a complete offensive line, a strong secondary and a return man, (yes, I said without each of those)Jerry Angelo and the Chicago Brass sold out, quite literally.  Denver sends Jay Cutler and 2009 5th round pick.  Chicago sends Kyle Orton, 2009 1st Round pick, 2009 3rd Round pick and a 2010 1st Round pick.  Wow.

The Chicago fan's argument is "we're not good with number 1 picks".  Since 2003, it's been so-so for them: 2003 Michael Haynes DE (Penn State) & Rex Grossman QB (Florida), 2004: Tommie Harris DT (Oklahoma), 2005 Cedric Benson RB (Texas), 2006 no pick, 2007 Greg Olsen TE (Miami FL), 2008 Chris Williams OT (Vanderbilt).  I have news for you Bears fans, NO ONE hits on 1st round picks all the time.  Pick  franchise and look - two of the most highly touted "build through the draft teams":  Eagles: 2003 Jerome McDougle DE (Miami FL),  2004 Shawn Andrews OT (Arkansas),  2005 Mike Patterson DT (USC), 2006 Broderick Bunkley DT (Florida State), 2007/2008 no #1 picks - a total of 1 All-Pro's - Shawn Andrews at Guard in 2006.  Patriots: 2003 Ty Warren DT (Texas A&M), 2004 Vince Wilfork DT (Miami FL) & Ben Watson TE (Georgia), 2005 Logan Mankins OG (Fresno State), 2006 Lawrence Maroney RB (Minnesota), 2007 Brandon Merriweather DB (Miami FL), 2008 Jerrod Mayo ILB (Tennessee) - one Defensive Rookie of the Year (Mayo), one second team All-Pro (Mankins).  Aside from The Super Bowl Champion Steelers since 2003: Troy Polamolu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Lawrence Timmons and Rashard Mendenhall.

Ok, so enough listing player names, I like the trade for the Broncos - they practically robbed the Bears.  Kyle Orton was the Bears starter last year and showed a lot of moxy and guts coming back from injury, almost leading the team to the playoffs.  Once touted as a possible 1st round selection at the beginning of his Senior year at Purdue - it's been quite a fall from grace for him, though he had a pretty good year in 2008 - especially from a fantasy perspective - and came back hurt.  Jay Cutler is essentially "Cush" from the movie Jerry Maguire.

Ok so enough football for now.  While I was out in Denver on business, I took in a Denver Nuggets game.  $25 gets you a nosebleed section ticket, but I was quite impressed by the concessions there including the $8 Herradura Margarita I started with and the awesome burger later on.  Oh, one other thing, the give away that night was pretty funny - a Denver Nuggets belt buckle!  What the Frick am I going to do with a belt buckle?!?  I don't think I've ever worn one - even when my mom was dressing me!  The game was against the Knicks.  It was a strange game.  Denver was up by TWENTY SEVEN POINTS early in the second quarter and right after halftime, the New York D'Antoni's cut the lead to TWO!!!  Of course 'Melo was out much of that time, and in the end, Denver won by 12 or something, but they really were toying with them it felt.  Now that we're a week into the playoffs, I really think they may have a shot to take the Lakers to 6 games if they meet - but the Nuggets as a 2 seed are still no where near the Lakers in my opinion.  With LeBron melting his shoes in Cleveland and Detroit, I think it'll be Kobe versus LeBron in an awesome NBA finals.  But all that said, it's BronBron's time - the MVP will be awarded in a few weeks, and a Finals MVP and Championship are soon to follow.

The Philadelphia Eagles made a big trade, addressing Left Tackle to get Jason Peters from the Bills.  Supposedly someone they looked at last year's off season when he was disgruntled in Buffalo.  Not a bad trade moving up in the world based on the pick they got from Carolina this year after trading back last year - AND they got Peters in the deal.  This definiely solidifies their Offensive line with some outstanding reserves (one of whom I think could be moved if a trade is made for Anquan Boldin).  Essentially the two new tackles (LT Peters and RT Stacy Andrews) and center (Jamaal Jackson) as well as RG Shawn Andrews are all set and Todd Heremans, Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole are all vying for one position at LG - with some substantial backups.  The Eagles will always grab at least one OLineman in the draft and a few others as undrafted free-agents - that's Andy Reid's M.O.  Most think the 21st pick will garner a RB - likely Knowshon Moreno (a NJ product) and reports have the asking price for Anquan Boldin down to a 2nd rounder!  The Eagles, no doubt, will have a busy weekend.....starting NOW.

A lot more has happened these past few weeks since the Cutler post.  There's only one true way to sum it up....  

Around the Balls:

White-stitched- The Yankees are worried about their #3 pitcher, the Phillies had a scare this week with their Ace, Florida started like a ball of fire and the Washington "Natinals" didn't, 2008 NL Cy Young Tim Lincecum finally won his first game, and Toronto is leading MLB in run differential.  The season is off to an ok start, but much of the news has been around off-season acquisitions, the Phillies losing a broadcasting legend and the fact that attendance is down.  Sure, we all expected the attendace struggles and it will continue through the next month or so - but I'd be willing to say that families will head to the ball park for those "staycations" at home this summer.  Sure, the Yankees probably won't sell out more than once or twice unless they make a playoff run and places hardest hit by the economy like Detroit will have to offer crazy promos to fill the bowl or hope they win 100 games to cover their payroll, but those luxury suites and $2600 tickets out there will be 60% full if that.  It'll be something to watch as the year presses on, just hope for good baseball.

Big-brown-oblong- The weekend is here that we've all been waiting for!  Ok - probably just me, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Chris Berman and Mark Sanchez.  It comes on the most beautiful weekend of the year on the East Coast and for sure the temp will be rising in draft "war rooms" across the country.  News early this morning, Matthew Stafford, the rocket-armed quarterback from Georgia has agreed to a contract with the Detroit Lions.  SIX years, $72 MILLION with $41.7 MIL guaranteed!  Wow - he'll play in a place where an automaker owns the naming rights to the field, where GM calls home and reportedly is dumping its Saab, Hummer, Saturn and Pontiac brands (see Edmunds.com), where crime is king (#1 most dangerous city according to Forbes) .  All I have to say is that the NFL owners and the Players union better come to terms on some sort of scale for incoming rookies.  The Free market is great, but I wonder how Detroit can turn that franchise around?  The question will be - is Stafford going to turn out like a Manning or a Ryan Leaf?  He and Calvin Johnson can be a tremendous force, but will they have any other cast around them?  It should prove to be an interesting weekend with the down stream effect of Stafford, Cutler, Mark Sanchez, Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards and others.  --> Check out my draft updates over the next 48 hours straight from my Blackberry right here.

Tiny-white-dimpled- Well, the ESPN question before Majors is "Tiger or the Field".  If you took the field for the Masters, you were correct, but got a scare on Sunday morning.  A lot of criticism arose during and soon after Augusta that Tiger is a front-runner, he's never come from behind to win like Jack did in 1983 or something.  He and Phil made a run on Day 4 two weeks ago - but the gap was too wide.  Sure - a similar thing has been said recently about LeBron James - that he couldn't make the big shot to close out games - and King James showed up the media a few times this year.  Not saying Tiger needs to come from behind, nor will he look to achieve this, but I argue he could walk away from the game in the next year and still have a strong argument for the title of "Best Golfer ever".  Sure he hasn't reached the number of Majors Jack Nicholaus has, but he for years crushed the competition.  I'm not buying the whole "Jack played in an era with better golfers" thing - every other sport has improved since the late 1970's/early 80's - why would golf be any different.  The field is stronger now - that's why there isn't one true competitor for Tiger - which again makes my case why he's already achieved T-B-E.

Black-rubber-non- Martin Brodeur has been back, but faltered down the stretch mainly because of some poor play in front of him, although he just did tie the all-time playoff shut-out mark.  Look for the Devils to close out the Hurricanes on Sunday night and get to the Eastern/Wales Conference Finals on the back of Brodeur and Zach Parise.   And holy crap - for those that missed it, check out the goal by Alexander Ovechkin of the Capitals from last night!  Around one guy, through the skates of another, stumbled, kicked the puck to himself then a back-hand shot off balance to score an amazing goal.  Oh the days when watching hockey and dancing in refried beans was cool.

Big-orange-round- The Philly Seventy-sixers are looking strong.  I still can't figure out why their mascot is jacked up ugly bunny, but the team is playing well, up 2-1 on the Orlando Dwight Howards.  Andre Igudola sure was the correct "A.I." to keep and the supporting cast is playing well through their ups and downs.  Just such a hustle-first team that may again only get to the second round this year, but have an amazing base of Igudola, Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert and Thaddeus Young for the future.  We'll see how 2010 turns out - maybe 55+ wins and a 3 seed?  They'll still be behind the LeBron's - who one day will actually jump feet first through the rim or clear into the 20th row.

Updates:

I will be sending updates live from my location and Blackberry "blogging" with my thoughts throughout the draft over the next 2 days.  Stay right here at Dom's Dish-dot-blogspot-dot-com for all your draft insight!

Links:

  http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/washingtonnatinals.jpg

Dom's Dish - Holy Crap I just met Jay Cutler Edition

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. On my business trip to Denver, in the middle of winter still at the foot of the Rockies, while waiting for a table at the Denver Chop House & Brewery, standing right next to me was the man, the myth, the legend who doesn't return phone calls: Jay Cutler. The Vanderbilt product was walking in headed to a nice corner booth, he walked past me. I caught his eye and he gave me a wink, which I thought was pretty weird, then I got a table nearby! I 
overheard some talk about "little D" which I can only assume means Detroit! Then he was talking about "where Brett was" which possibly could signal a trip to NY for the JETS?!

Wow, I am floored, let me eat my steak and take some more notes on my Blackberry and I'll post more when I getr back to the hotel.

Stoked in Denver

Dom's Dish - NCAA Bracket nearly busted Edition

So, after a long few weeks of watching college basketball (Mens' tournament), I was right about 2 things: Villanova will make the Final Four; Two Big East schools will be in the Final Four.  It will be a tough road for both Villanova (playing a team on fire, North Carolina) and UConn (playing a hot Michigan State team 75 miles from East Lansing).  I was also right about a #2, a #3 and two #1 seeds there in Detroit, Memphis and Louisville blew it for me.  Ah well, there's always next year.  In the meantime, it's been a fun journey watching all the games, especially Nova's miracle finish the other night.  Let's hope the last 3 games stay interesting and Nova comes out on top - after all, Jay Wright deserves it.  How can you not love the guy?

Heeeeeeeeee's back!  Tiger did it.  I think that was the moment that my son actually crapped himself when I yelled "YES" and pumped my fist when Tiger hit the birdie putt on 18 this afternoon at about 7:50pm - I know because the sun set in Orlando at 7:43pm.  After staying close all day, the pressure of the Tiger on the prowl got to "the field" and Tiger pulled into the lead on the 72nd hole at Arnie's tournament.  This sets the stage quite nicely for 2 weeks from now in Augusta.  You know Tiger's taking a few days off to be home with the family, count some more money, then gonna go back out and work his butt off for about 8 days before the start of the Masters.  And on Easter weekend, of all times.  Amen corner indeed.

Dom's Dish - NCAA Tourney Watch Edition

So, yeah not too bad day 1 and 2 for all my picks, 22 of 32.  Unfortunately some of those losses I had going to the Sweet 16 or beyond.  Hope you gamblers aren't takin your advice from Dom's Dish.

After a scare, Villanova has played an awesome 3 halves now, dominating UCLA (pronounced "you-cla") and showed their Big East stamina and physicality.  Looking good for a team I have in the finals!

Everytime I watch Coach K and Duke, I think about what could be if he were to ever have a strong low post presence.  Let's face it, Zoubek from Haddonfield, is nothing more than a slow-mo stick figure.  Ever since Luol Deng, there's nothing in terms of talent above 6 foot 8.  And we see how that Small Forward has turned out with the Bulls.  I wonder what his teams could have done with someone like Hansbrough or Duncan (Tim) or even Shaq. Someone to take up some space on offense while swing men and guards work the perimeter and even grab a few rebounds!  Ah well, even if Coach K ever had the talent, would he have the coaching to deal with it?  I think yes.  Maybe then they could actually get back to the Final Four.

Dom's Dish - Dishin the Bracket Edition

Dom's Dish - Thursday, March 19, 2009 10am

Ok, here we go, 2 hours until the madness, mayhem, chaos and general disarray begins.  I've filled out 5 brackets on ESPN.com, 1 on Yahoo! and multitudes in my head, but I filled out the last one on paper that The Dish will be using to take it to the house!  Here we go, region by region...

First for the play-in game, I'm taking Morehead State.  I always take Morehead State, I love the name AND it's where my boyhood idol Phil Simms went to school.  Someone on ESPN called them "The Morehead State Phiting Phil Simms".  I mean, the notable alumni section from Wikipedia.com has listed Phil at the top among some bowlers, former D-level MLB players, some country music singers, Billy Ray Cyrus (Miley's dad), Baltimore Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh and Chuck Woolery.  I'll take Phil Simms for the love connection, Chuck.  Not bad for a school from Kentucky - speak of the devil, I wonder if Gillespie will get fired from the "main campus" after his first 2 seasons.  I hate when the analysts talk about Kentucky and Indiana (and now Arizona) like the basketball programs BELONG in the tournament year after year.  It's all about coaching and recruiting.  Once your star coach is gone, the program reverts - see Bruce Pearl leaving UW Milwaukee (who?).  

Anyway, on to the brackets:

Midwest:

Louisville will come out.  I have all the top seeds advancing throughout except for: Sienna over Ohio State (1st Rd 9 over 8), USC over BC (1st Rd 10/7).  Thus Louisville, Wake Forest, Kansas and Michigan State in the Sweet 16, and Louisville and Rick Pitino in his white suit beating Tom & Jerry Izzo in the Elite 8.  Kansas and Arizona could throw a wrinkle in the bracket, but I'm pretty confident in that they've lost too much.  Louisville Cardinals move on - from Kentucky.

West:

Memphis shows its worth to advance - 29 straight heading into the National Semifinal.  All top seeds advance except: Texas A&M over BYU (1st Rd 9/8), Mississippi State over Washington (1st Round 13/4), Maryland over California (1st Rd 10/7).  In the second round, UConn (1), Memphis (2), Missouri (3),  and my Cinderella to the Sweet 16 - Mississippi State (13 seed) move on.  UConn and Memphis in the final, Memphis flexes its muscles and John Calipari is in the National Semifinals again with a different Freshman point guard.

South:

UNC pulls through with an ailing Lawson.  I don't want it to happen, but this could be a story book year for Hansborogh in his last year.  All top seeds advance except: Temple over Arizona State (1st Rd 11/6), Clemson over Oklahoma and Blake Griffin (2nd Rd 7/2).  UNC (1), Gonzaga (4), Cuse (3) and Clemson (7) in the Sweet 16.  UNC and Syracuse advance to the Elite 8 on coaching and guard play, with UNC, Roy Williams and Crazy T going to the Final 4.

East:

This one is all messed up as Nova moves on to the Final 4 on team chemistry and the road through Philly.  Lots of crazy stuff here: Pitt advances against Tennessee (over Oklahoma State - 1st Rd 9/8).  Xavier holds seed as does Florida State, though Florida State over Xavier (5/4) in the 2nd Round.  Tennessee beats Pitt as foul trouble hinders their big man and Fields comes up short - 9 over 1 in 2nd Round up top.  Tennessee and Florida State in the Sweet 16 up top.  Down low, VCU pulls the upset over UCLA in the 1st Rd (11/6) and Nova (3), Texas (7) and Duke (2) hold on in the first round.  Nova (3) and Duke (2) pull to the Sweet 16 matchup.  Nova and Tennessee pull the upsets (3/2 and 9/5).  Villanova and the sharply dressed Jay Wright advance to the Final 4 - just so you know, Giorgio Armani wears Jay Wright suits.

Final 4:

Villanova (3), UNC (1), Memphis (2) and Louisville (1) make it to the big show.  Louisville pulls it out over Memphis ending their 29 game win streak - the bigger conference experience helps down the stretch.  Villanova pulls it out over UNC ending the reign of "the greatest men's hoops player of all time" - Tyler Hansbrough - however you spell it.  It's an all-Big-East finale - Louisville and Villanova, AGAIN, and unfortunately, again Louisville takes the Title - this one for all the enchiladas - 75 to 69.  Louisville Cardinals - the overall #1 seed from the best conference, wins.

Dom's Dish - Overtime's Overtime's Overtime Edition

So, as I'm about to shut down, I realize I missed the most amazing game ever.  I didn't see one second of it, but it's gone to 6 OVERTIMES SO FAR and it's still not over!  UConn and Syracuse playing in the Big East Quarterfinals on a day where Nova barely pulled it out, but pulled it out in classic March Madness fashion with a reverse lay-up at the buzzer to stun Marquette - who came back from 16 at the half!  Now, in the 6th overtime at 1:19am Syracuse seems to be pulling away from UConn pulling away by 10...wait, 11...wait 6.  OVER TO THE TV!  

Ok, I'm back, Cuse pulled it out.  In the 70 minutes of basketball (nearly 4 hours real time) 127-117.  Apparently only 3 other games have ever gone that long in college - 2 other went 6 OT, one went 7OT in 1983 I think.  Awesome game - biggest stat was Syracuse hit something like 23 of 28 free throws in the overtimes.  That's what every coach has you practice - free throws at the end of a long grinding practice, and it sure paid off for the Orange.  Awesome job, and kudos to one of their players after the game for giving props to their Strength and Conditioning coach!  Let's see how that fares in 19 hours when they take on West Virginia who upset #2 ranked Pitt by 14!  Should be an interesting game.  For those that didn't know, Big East Basketball in 2008-2009 is a lot of fun to watch.  March Madness is upon us indeed.

So, first and foremost, I hate Comcast.  I thought I would reiterate for anyone who didn't know, because I know there is no one out there that loves them, aside from maybe Mitch Williams, the Phillies "Wild Thing" who may actually be finding his way into Phillies fans' hearts after be the goat of all goats (Comcast pays him as an "analyst").  Anyway, I sucked it up last year and caved and paid $5.99/month so I could catch up on the NFL Network and prepare for the draft. I can't do it anymore, not in this economy and not with the DVR (one of the greatest inventions of the 21st century) being $15/month.  It's not the most thrilling TV, but it was awesome to watch for those few years and it brought all of you third-hand reports of the NFL Combine and free agency via me (Dom's Dish), the analysts there and my TV feed from Indianapolis.  Anyway, in a draft like this year's, with the team I follow most - the Eagles, having something like 11 or 13 draft picks, I'm a little upset.  I can't even watch the stuff on ESPN 360 if I could.  Not sure where I'm going with this other than Comcast sucks.  At least my service seems to have cleared up, but that'll only take a 90-degree day to fix that I'm sure.

Around the Balls:

Men's College Big Orange and Round - Oklahoma lost to OK State in the Big 12 championship.  Some say that might have blown their shot for a #1 seed.  You never know now with UConn and Pitt both losing their first games in the Big East tournament...

White stiched - Opening day is about 24 days away now.  The WBC is on, but with college hoops upon us, no one is watching really.  It's nice to see Chase Utley is getting ready to go in Clearwater and looks like he will be ready for opening day.  See A-Rod, you could have had the surgery in the offseason instead of now!

Tiny white - Tiger is back to "stroke play" - you'll hear that 45 more times this weekend "his first since that US Open win" - he didn't look too good today and he's 6 shots back after 1 round, though he was only missing his putts by inches - about 4 of them should have fallen.  Should be interesting this weekend, don't count him out yet!

Big Brown oblong - It's slow on the NFL Free Agency front.  How slow is it, you ask?  The ESPN Bottom line just flashed that the Arizona Cardinals signed an "LS" to a 3 year contract.  No, not a Lexus LS, a Long-Snapper!  A long snapper is the NFL news.   Wow. Seriously, I don't know how those guys take up a roster spot, but that's for another day.  Well, I guess no one wants to talk about how the $100 Million man in DC - Albert Haynesworth is being investigated in Tennessee for wreckless driving charges.  When are these guys going to get a driver?

Professional Big Orange and Round - I missed it live, but the best play of the night in the NBA was when Jason Richardson of the Suns went on a fast break down the floor and attempted a hot-dog 360 degree dunk and LeBron came out of no where and SWATTED the ball out of his hands!  Would have been a top play any other night.

Rubber Round non-balls - Martin Brodeur is back, an aside from the absolute debacle against the Islanders at Nassau Colesium over last weekend when he got pulled, he's won a bunch and is now 1 win away from tying Patrick Roy's record for all time wins!  He'll get a chance to do that on Sunday in his hometown of Montreal.  He's only a few (four I believe) shut-outs away from tying that record for a Goalie as well.

Rubber Round non-balls times four - So they suspended the NASCAR pit crew guy who ran after a tire at last weekend's race for 4 races!  A little harsh.  Yeah, he put his life in danger when he ran into the grass infield, but the tire was headed toward the track and for Pete's sake, he's on a pit crew!  Haven't you seen those guys get hit?  Didn't Danica hit one of her drivers a few years back?  Rubbin is racin fellas.  Rubbin is racin.

Dom's Dish - Target Parking Lot Edition

Dom's Dish - Thursday, March 4, 2009

Part of me wants to say "How convenient" and another "poor guy" but
news today that Alex Rodriguez will need hip surgery also brings to
mind a few other thought: "baseball related?", "why did you wait?" And
still again, "how convenient." According to A-Rod's brother via ESPN
Deportes, the worldwide leader in latin sports, number one three will
need hip surgery and is expected to miss up to 10 weeks! Think MLB
and the New York media will forget the whole steroid thing Alex?
Hardly. So my question, as the story says, if he had issues into last
season (would explain his performance down the stretch), why did he
wait? Was it even sports related or related to his rendezvous with
Madonna at Jerry Seinfeld's Long Island mansion last year? Ah well,
the Yanks still have another $200 million in players, someone will
step in.  Part of me thinks he just wants to be like Chase Utley though.

So, even all the bloggers on ESPN can't find T.O. a good home.
Baltimore maybe? KC? Someone will take a shot, I'm telling you, 1
year contract! Put a "no being a baby" clause in there. Ok, maybe
"baby" is too harsh. No being a toddler and fighting for the media and
your quarterback's attention clause. Oh Tony Romo, "that my
quarterback.". Who can forget the pill incident either. Someone like
that I worry about after football. What job is he prepared for? The
media, I think not. Hopefully he doesn't become a serial killer and
try hunting everyone who wronged him in a major way. Scumbags...

So, I admit, I'm guilty. In most states nowadays, it is illegal to
talk on your cell phone without a handsfree device while driving.
After getting the car washed on this lovely NJ day, I needed to take,
my favorite (honestly), a NJ jughandle u-turn. Beside me at the light
was a local police officer in a marked, yes marked, police car. At
the next light we came to, he was beside me at my 11 o'clock. Behind
pulled a tan Prius, the smug lady inside had a small child in the rear
carseat. No kidding, for the entire 60 seconds at the stop light he
talked to her phone, on speaker phone, but still holding it with one
hand. Presumably, she was speaking to her husband about what to make
for dinner and not doing the laundry, because it looked heated. Light
turns green, cop accelerates and cuts in front of the car in my lane
and slowed down. The woman stupidly accelerated past the officer,
STILL ON THE PHONE and within seconds, got lit up. I was shocked.
Usually I'll just honk at someone that oblivious to the world as I
drive by with no cops around. This time I honked as I drove past her
AND the cop behind her! I'll have to ask my brother the cop how much
that ticket is worth. Nice laugh on a busy day.

From rock star parking at Target...