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.