But Is It Really A Sport?

I know it’s contradictory that I’m giving airtime on a sports blog about what I think should not be considered a sport, but sometimes I have to break the rules to make a point.  So here goes… my list of non-sport sports that are out there. All of which should be removed from ESPN until surfing gets more visibility.

·      Horse Racing- where do I even start. First of all, any “sport” that involves animals I don’t like. With that said, they have names that make for very confusing headlines, such as “I’ll have another won’t run”. I’m sorry what? What will you have another of and why are you avoiding exercise?

·      Boxing- stupidity at it’s finest. Let’s hit each other in the face over and over again until they have severe brain trauma and pass out. Also, anytime girls in bikinis are used as promotions- that’s called Spring Break Cancun, not a sport.

·      NASCAR- not to be confused with Formula One racing like the Grand Prix where there are actual obstacles to avoid and high speeds around tight turns. NASCAR is a bunch of polluting loud advertisements that go in circles for hours and hours. What’s the point. I’d prefer to watch a hamster spin on a wheel.

·      Poker- super cool, takes a lot of skill and smarts (not to mention luck), but is it really a sport? I mean, if you can play it alongside others who are actually betting on real sports- shouldn’t that by default exclude it from inclusion?

I’m sure there are more that I will add to the list, but that’s all for now. One big sweep of non-sport sports that should be deleted from ESPN.

That's What Friends Are For

It is not often you see a major champion winner greeted after his final putt on 18 by anyone other than his wife/girlfriend and children. That's not the case with Bubba Watson. One of the most loved and fun guys on the tour, Bubba was able to take home the green jacket yesterday at Augusta National for the 2012 Masters Championship and was greeted by non-other than his fellow golfers.  While most of the players were already on planes back to their hometowns, Rickie Fowler & Ben Crane (of The Golf Boys) and Aaron Baddeley stuck around to watch as their friend battled for a victory in playoff holes. 

There are not many other sports I can think of where this would happen. Can you imagine the Patriots sticking around to congratulate the Jets on their Super Bowl win after they were beat in the playoffs? Probably not. Or Vancouver players bringing their kids to watch the Sharks win the Stanley Cup. Yea right. Golf is an individual sport but suprises at times with the support players have for one another.

If only more sports could be like golf....

First Golf Crush

Your first golf love is one you'll never forget. It's engrained in your memory like your first kiss, your first prom or the first time you birdie a hole. My first golf love was Payne Stewart, with his brutally attractive outfits and constantly happy attitude, he drew my attention as a child.  I later moved on to the likes of Fred Couples and Greg Norman and from there the list goes on and on.

My cousin has found that great love this past weekend while at the PGA Championship in Atlanta.  Despite the sweltering heat and intense humidity, she fell in love with Rickie Fowler. I mean really, who can blame her. With his amazing dance skills and movie start dimples, what's not to love. Following in my footsteps of liking someone who defies the odds of fashion, Rickie can pull off the brightest colors with little effort.  Even though he is only 22 (her age will go unmentioned) it's best to remember, a lower number is always better in golf.

The Tale of Two Caddies

I guess change can be a good thing, but when it comes to Tiger and Stevie this is one break-up that will take some time to get use to.  It was no surprise that Stevie starting carrying Adam Scott's bag for the last two major tournaments since Tiger didn't play, but I bet he didn't know he was going to need to look for a more permanent position soon. Let's back-up a bit, as you remember I wrote about this a while back, Adam Scott fired long time caddie Tony Navarro right after the Masters where he tied for 2nd, and asked Stevie to carry his bag. The ripple effect of this action is one I didn't see coming.

On Wednesday, Tiger announced on his blog that he would no longer be working with longtime caddie Stevie Williams. With almost $5M in tournament winnings from Tiger, Stevie is said to be one of the most successful caddies of all time, and the best. For someone like Tiger who doesn't like to talk a lot during the match (unlike Lefty who wouldn't find the green without talking to Bones about it first), Stevie offered the perfect amount of advice to help make Tiger the huge success he is today.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond, and tournament winnings, Adam Scott often got tips from Tony during matches. They were friendly on and off the course but Adam apparently didn't like the advice he was getting or the way he was playing with Tony on his bag.

Who knew that Adam and Tiger were about to join the swingers club, in more ways than one. Adam and Stevie are temporarily together, there has been no announcement made as to whether this will become full time, but when I'm at the PGA Championship next month we'll see if they're walking the course in tandem.

Then there's Tiger. Who is going to carry his bag? Greg Norman seems to think Tony Navarro is a good selection and possibly in the running.  This is all speculation from The Shark and I hope it isn't true- but with that said, Tiger isn't going to take a rookie caddie so he'll have to steal from some on the tour. Looks like Angel Cabrera should start watching his back... and giving Tony a bonus.

So we have it, the tale of two caddies, with my two favorite players and an unknown future.

Sad End to a Great Tournament

Well the US Women's soccer team gave it their all on Sunday in the World Cup Finals. In an epic battle against Japan, the game came down to penalty kicks. How almost our whole roster missed their shots is beyond me, but with that said, we shouldn't have even let it get to a PK situation. I mean, if we got points for hitting the post it would have been game over early. Not to take any credit away from Japan, they had a USA vs. Brazil-esque finish to send them into PKs. They played with heart and we just couldn't bring home the trophy.  The good thing that came out of this, our team is more united than they have ever been. I suspect we'll get a full returning roster with the exception of Christie Rampone who is 36 and will most likely retire soon.

Here are some fun facts for you: we have to give the women credit, the World Cup Finals gave ESPN their highest ratings for a soccer game to date with roughly 13.5 million viewers tuning in. That's a lot of people watching a sport that is barely appreciated in the states. In addition to everyone watching, there were roughly 7,196 tweets per second, which is more than the royal wedding. 

Brazil Who?

Sunday marked the quarterfinal game for USA and Brazil, two teams that have faced each other numerous times in the past, both crediting some of the best players in the world, and the US Team always comes out on top.  So begins the game Sunday morning, within minutes of kick-off Brazil scores an own goal, good thing this isn't Colombia in the 90s or she would have to start looking into witness protection.  USA got momentum early but struggled in the midfield for the majority of the first half and leading into the second. What I don't understand is at halftime announcers were saying how well the US was playing, what I noticed was a lot of sloppy soccer. Don't get me wrong, the team has amazing talent, but I'd like to see them being a bit more proactive, especially going into the Semis.  They need to start stepping up to balls, not waiting for them; need to expand the field instead of playing bunch ball. Enough with the coaching tips.....

66 minutes into the game Rachel Buehler was given a red card for a foul that was bullshit in my mind. To give a PK off that play is just ridiculous. It was an act of authority by the head ref that was unnecessary. Thinking she'd give one back to us or even in OT was wishful thinking, there were numerous fouls in the box against the US that were uncalled.  Marta, the woman (subject to opinion) who is said to be the best in the world right now scored to take the lead with only a few minutes left. Up to their usual sleezy tricks, Brazil started to stall, delay the game, fake injury, and pretty much used any other tactic they had to not let us score.

They failed. Abby scored with less than a minute left in OT to take the US team into a shootout.

Hope Solo I think is the best women's goalkeeper in the world. She proved it this weekend with two PK saves, one during the final shootout saving their hopes (no pun intended, insert overused joke here) of the Cup.

One person who should get more credit than she has so far, is Megan Rapinoe. She set-up Abby for the goal, set-up Lloyd for numerous opportunities, and nailed her PK.

This was a storybook game that had everyone cheering for the US. Now it's time to get their heads back in the game and win on Wednesday morning.  World Cup 2011 is going to USA this year.

Ying and Yang

There have definitely been some ups and downs the last month in sports. From NBA and NFL lock-outs to a first time Major tournament winner, a lot has happened and the stage has been set for July.

Women's World Cup:
USA women's soccer has always been a powerhouse, since winning the World Cup in 2009 with probably the most famous team they've ever had including Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly (the list can go on and on).

This year's team is strong, young and extremely talented. Alex Morgan is 21 and the youngest on the team, said to be the next Mia Hamm (not sure that's even possible but looking forward to watching her play), has the speed and the will power to get the job done.  They've won their first game against Korea 2-0 and are now going to take on Colombia on Saturday.

Wimbledon:
I know England is gloomy but there have been more than a few dark clouds over Wimbledon recently as Roger Federer, both Williams sisters, and Andy Roddick all getting knocked out of competition early.  Whoops!

US Open:
Rory McIlroy- need I say more. I went to the tournament, I saw first hand the competition and can honestly say he earned it.  The field played well, except of course for Phil who started his Thursday round by hitting it off the tee into the water on #10. Everyone is saying that Rory could be the next Tiger, or even better than Tiger, if that happens there is a long road ahead of Rory. But I will say, he did eat his humble pie after The Masters and deserves his place at the top for now.

NBA and NFL lockout:
I'm calling a technical foul on both organizations for rough housing, unsportsmanlike conduct and off-sides (just cause) for not getting past their own egos and greed.  The NBA announced today they are definitely going into a player lockout as they have not been able to come to an agreement on terms. Message to both- shut up and play ball.

Who's Your Caddie?

In an odd turn of events, Stevie Williams will be carrying Adam Scott's bag during the US Open this week at Congressional. As I posted last week, Tiger is out of the Major due to injury, but that doesn't mean his long time caddie Stevie has to sit the bench as well. 

Adam has recently split with his caddie Tony Navarro (not to be confused with Dave Navarro) after he tied for second in The Masters behind Charl Schwartzel. In my experience this is a good move, I don't like Tony much. I talked to him once (and by talked I mean asked him a question) at the President's Cup in San Francisco and he was anything but friendly. 

So the question is, will Stevie stay with Tiger or is this a new job interview with Adam? I think after the 13ish year bromance Tiger and Stevie have, he's not going anywhere.

These two partners in crime will be reunited shortly as soon as Tiger is healthy enough to play.

A tribute to Tiger and Stevie...

 Awkward golf hi-five...

 Besties forever...

No US Open for Tiger

Well, it's official. Tiger Woods just announced that he will not be participating in the US Open at Congressional this year. He is plagued by injury so it does not come as a huge surprise to most golf fans, but is also very sad that he'll continue to drop from the rankings by not competing.  He is saying at this point that he plans to participate in the next two majors- which he better since I'm going to the PGA Championship.  People have also been talking lately about whether or not he'll break Jack's 18 majors record. I think there is no question that he will... but only time will tell and if he keeps getting injured who knows what will happen.  My cousin told me that if you do something for 10,000 hours that you're considered an expert. Not only is Tiger an expert but he also has the mindset to get through some tough challenges (i.e. winning the US Open in 2008 with a broken leg).  To confirm- my answer is yes, he will break the famous 18 major record.

Get Well Soon Tiger!

Heat, Mavs... and a Tattoo?

The time has come for the 2011 NBA Finals. It's the Mavericks vs the Heat to see who the best team is, both have all-star casts so it'll be a race to the finish line this year.  It's nice to see two teams in the finals who aren't the Lakers. So who will win overall? We'll just have to wait and see...

With that said, looks like Jason Terry thinks they'll win. Back in the Fall Mavericks player DeShawn Stevenson hosted a get together before the season started, including a personal chef, drinks and of course... his tattoo artist. I mean, really? Terry ended up getting a tattoo of the NBA Championship trophy, with the belief they would win. It looks like he's having better luck with this tattoo so far than most couples who tattoo the name of their boyfriend/girlfriend somewhere and break up shortly after.

I hope they win so he doesn't think twice about the new ink.

What Were They Thinking?

One of the notorious things about athletes is that there is always some sort of scandal or drama happening with them or around them. It's sometimes ironical like when Plaxico shot himself in the leg, or hateful like the infamous Michael Vick. If we solely focus on the NFL in the last few months, there have been a number of crazy things happening, not even including the league lockout.

These players have done things so weird it makes you think to yourself, seriously, what were they thinking? 

• Albert Haynesworth (Redskins)- was indicted for sexual assault for allegedly fondling his server, which could land him up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine. And to make matters worse, he is also currently facing charges in Virginia for allegedly punching a man during a road-rage assault. Anyone feel like having him over for dinner? Didn't think so.
• Brandon Marshall (Dolphins) - last month he was taken to the hospital after a domestic dispute that left him with a stab wound to the stomach. Reports say he was stabbed by his wife with a kitchen knife and underwent emergency surgery.  Hopefully he has a quick recovery and never cheats on her again.
• Reggie Bush (TBD)- Reggie has been injured most of his career and has still managed to win a Super Bowl and lose a Heisman trophy. Busy guy. His latest hiccup comes on the heels of the NFL draft after the Saints (who drafted him out of USC) made a trade to secure first round pick Mark Ingram (Alabama). Ingram is an amazing running back and is one of only give players who have won a BCS Championship and Heisman Trophy in the same year. Following the draft announcement Reggie tweeted "It’s been fun New Orleans", sounds like someone is pouting and looking for attention. There is room for everyone, play nice. 
• Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers) - Twitter attacks again with Mendenhall after he tweeted anti-American comments following the assassination of Osama Bin Laden.  I don't think anything more needs to be said here.

There you have it, the start a wonderful 2011 season which can only hope to bring more of the NFL's version of the Darwin Awards.

D Day is Almost Here

As a fan of the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL draft day is huge. I love my team but we have been without a decent quarterback since Kurt Warner retired to dance with the stars. Two days from now the fate of the 2011 season (if there is one) will be decided. We need a strong QB. As much as I would love to see my boy Cam Newton (Auburn, QB) playing for the Cardinals, we need someone who has a stronger arm so we can leverage Larry Fitzgerald. In that case, many people, including ESPN's Todd McShay who thinks Cam will go to the Panthers, think we'll get Blaine Gabbert (Missouri, QB).Who? Yes, the QB from Missouri.

On the defensive side I'd love to see Nick Fairley (Auburn, DT) get picked up by Arizona, but more realistically he will get drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

Now it's time to wait and see what happens...

It's Playoff Time

Whether you're a hockey fan or a basketball fan you're in luck- it's time for playoffs! This is one of the best times of year, especially if your team is contending.  Enter, the San Jose Sharks. Tuesday night was game 3 in the playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings (not to be confused with the basketball Kings who are no where near the playoffs). Sharks were down 0-4 in LA and miraculously came back to win in sudden death 6-5. How could you not get excited about that! I'll tell you- because it means we've played in two overtime games and we'll be exhausted after this series as we meet Red Wings who swept the Coyotes. They'll be nice and rested by the time we meet them next round. Either way, I'm happy about the win.

So... basketball. Unfortunately my Phoenix Suns aren't in the playoffs this year but that doesn't mean there aren't great teams playing. For one, the New York Knicks. It's nice to see Mike D'Antoni back in the playoffs after a few year hiatus, along with Amar'e Stoudemire who deserves to get a championship ring at some point. Granted, I would have preferred they both stayed with the Suns but too late now.  Unfortunately they are down 0-2 in that series against the Boston Celtics and both Chauncey Billups and Amar'e are injured. Think Melo and Turiaf can carry the team on their own? Survey says it's not looking good.... there's always next year.

Next we have the Orlando Magic, as I mentioned months ago I think this is a team to watch this season. They're tied in the series right now 1-1 against the Atlanta Hawks. But really, when's the last time Atlanta was in the finals... my vote is with the Magic.

Lastly, I'm rooting for New Orleans, not only because I like the city and I like Chris Paul... but I also hate the Lakers. Enough said. Go Hornets.

Quite the Masters Finish

Well, if you're not a fan of watching golf because it seems to be boring, you obviously did not watch Sunday of the Masters. What a wild ride for about 10 different players, who all had a shot at winning on Sunday after Rory McIlroy gave up his two stroke lead.

Let's start from the beginning. It started with Tiger hunting the #1 spot with an eagle on 8 and shooting a 31 on the front nine. It was great to see the old Tiger back again, fist pumps and all. He made clutch putts on the front but unfortunately just couldn't close on the back nine. I think he's almost back, his drives and irons are dialed-in and after shooting a 66 on Friday and a 67 on Sunday (his best Sunday round at Augusta ever), he's about to bring home the win.

Now let's talk about Adam Scott. One of my favorite moments was Sunday afternoon when the scoreboard read Tiger Woods, Adam Scott- first and second place... let's take a moment to let that one sink in. I am now totally on board with the long putter. Adam had a very slow and steady tournament and got fired up on Saturday and Sunday shooting back to back 67s. He held the lead at one point but couldn't close the deal and lost to Charl Schwartzel in the end.

And now a moment for the best forearms in golf....

So what happened to Rory? Most people think that Rory cracked under the pressure of being only 21 and holding the lead for 3 days at the Masters. I don't agree, I think that after Friday you could tell he was going to crack. His putting struggled on Saturday and he was too arrogant going into the season. With early interviews criticizing Tiger, I think this was the piece of humble pie that Rory had to eat to bring his ego back to where it should be. Moving forward I think Rory will start to respect the game more and respect those players who have handled the pressure and won a major.... or 14. 

And where was Phil? After four days of constant Masters coverage, I think I saw Phil about twice. But if you're really curious where he was, he spent it tied at one under with Matsuyama, an amateur from Japan.

Masters Week- Pairings

Today the Masters announced Round 1 and 2 pairings at Augusta. There are some great match-ups for Thursday and Friday this week so it should be an exciting first few days.

To pay tribute to these match-ups, I've taken to the age old tradition of senior superlatives. Enjoy the Masters class of 2011, Round 1 Pairings:

• Most Likely to Succeed: Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell, Robert Allenby
• Most Attractive: Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson, Nick Watney
• Class Clown: Angel Cabrera, Ian Poulter, David Toms
• Most Athletic: Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Matt Kuchar
• Life of the Party: Fred Couples, Luke Donald, Steve Stricker
• Best Dressed: Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler (Puma), Jason Day
• Most Likely to Join the Peace Corps: Padrig Harrington, Ryo Ishikawa, Bill Haas
• Most School (Tour) Spirit: Bubba Watson, Paul Casey, Edoardo Molinari
• Most Dependable: Hunter Mahan, Ernie Els, Francesco Molinari
• Most Popular: Tom Watson, Ricky Barnes, Jason Bohn

It's Masters Week

The best thing about the beginning of April is without a doubt The Masters. Yes, Spring is here, the sun is finally out (if you're lucky) and summer is on the horizon. But, there is nothing like the anticipation of what will happen at Augusta National on that fateful weekend in April, when the best of the best come out and play with the world watching. It is prestigious, it's in mint condition and it's the same... year after year.

I'm looking forward to someone other than Lefty wearing the green jacket and being highlighted in most of the coverage. I still think Tiger has a shot at winning, if he can get his game together he'll be the one to watch. Also, looking forward to how Adam Scott plays the course, he has been fixing his game the last year, and now with the long putter he has a chance at throwing up a great scorecard.

It's Masters Week!

Ryo is Ready to Help Japan

It's amazing what someone at the young age of 19 can do to help out when there is trouble. Ryo Ishikawa, a 19 year old golfer from Japan has announced that he will donate ALL of his 2011 winnings to the relief efforts in Japan. He has already earned 3.3 Million pounds on the Japanese tour alone, and the season is just starting.  He is a young player, he's been the one to watch for a few years, he has swagger and his own personal style. If you check out his bag, Ryo has a club cover that looks just like him, maybe he'll start selling those and give the earnings to charity also.

Congrats on being a generous and talented young man, Ryo.

Wildcat Victory- Redemption is Sweet

I can believe it but I also can't believe it. Redemption has never felt so sweet as it did last night when the Arizona Wildcats dominated over the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. All day the announcers (except Charles Barkley), were talking about how Duke will win, they'll guard Willams and take him out of the game, forcing Arizona to use their bench. Well, that plan failed. Derrick Williams scored 25 points in the first half including a 3-pointer to go into the halftime. So much for taking him out of the game. Arizona not only physically beat Duke, but we mentally beat them as well. Coach K's team was shaken, distracted and completely off their game. Did they think this was going to be a walk in the park?

Back in 2001 when Arizona lost to Duke in the Championship game, Tucson was heartbroken. The city rioted, fans were distraught and we all began to hate Duke.  Last night that was all swept under the rug. It would have been nice if this were the Championship game, but I'll take a spot in the Elite 8 and call the slate cleaned.

Congrats to all the Wildcats out there who are proud, excited and I'm sure hungover!


UConn- You're next!

Painful Ending in Triple OT

Last night the Suns played the Lakers, a flashback to the regional playoffs last year when these two teams went back and forth winning games, trying to secure a spot in the next round. In the end, the Lakers won the series and won the Championship. I always say it's better to lose to the best than to lose to another loser, but still- it hurts. Last night in a triple overtime game, the first one the Lakers have hosted since 1969, with a combined score of 267, the Lakers once again took home the victory. I hate the Lakers. I think they are the Real Madrid of the NBA, they overpay their players and have an arrogance about them that puts a stink on the court.  It speaks volumes about the organization that the press is often more interested in which celebrities are in the crowd instead of who is playing the game.

Let's talk about something more fun, like the Suns. It is awesome to see how Channing Frye continues to step-up for this team and make the shots that really count. Even coming off an injury he never fails to amaze. It was also great to see him nail 3pt shots over the head of fellow Arizona alum Luke Walton. Steve Nash, Vince Carter and Grant Hill all had great games, but it was the Arizona bench who held strong against the Lakers. Aaron Brooks (who you might remember was the star of the Oregon team 3 years ago), Hakim Warrick, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat helped the team get to OT. The Suns are 2.5 games behind the playoffs and with only a few games left, I still have faith they'll pull it off. Now that Nash and Frye are back in full force, it's time to make the final run at victory.

Another Close One for the Cats

March Madness has been crazy, a lot of upsets, a lot of close games and a lot of buzzer beaters. Namely, both Arizona games so far this tournament. First up, a buzzer beater block from Williams in game one against Memphis. Next up, a buzzer beater shot from Williams against number four seed Texas. Anyone else seeing a pattern here. Williams steps-up when it counts. Despite missing multiple clutch free throws and unnecessary off basket fouls, he managed to save the day in the end with a win. Go Cats! Can't wait to beat Duke and get redemption for the loss they handed us in the Finals in 2001- which then caused Tucson to riot. Thursday cannot come soon enough.

Other major shockers, Pitt losing yesterday to Butler. There goes my bracket. With a final second foul to send Butler back to the line, Pitt got knocked out. Damn.