Tebow Time

It's Tebow Time baby!! Jump on the bandwagon folks there is very little room left. The kid is 5-1 as a starter this season on a team that started 1-4 with Kyle Orton. I mean all the kid does is win. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNC8xRo9vXY I know it hasn't been pretty but "at the end of the day." (that reference was for you Nick Kerr) all that matters in the NFL is winning. He has a better winning percentage than any other starting quarterback in the league who has started 5+ games other than Aaron Rodgers. His passing numbers are not all that great but he finds ways to get the job done. One reason why he has been successful is because he has thrown just one interception in 6 starts. He has realized that not forcing a throw that may be intercepted and punting the football which allows the defense to do its job is not a bad idea sometimes. My next point is the fact that Denvers defense has been playing phenominal since Tebow has started. I am guessing it is because ole Timothy Richard had a talk with his father (insert God jokes here) and asked for a little bit of help. Perhaps it is all the people who have been Tebowing across the country to show their praise. If you don't know what Tebowing is well take a look. http://www.tebowing.com/

The media for the most part is just waiting for him to fail so so they can tell all the fans "I told you so." They are waiting for the time when everything falls apart and he can't hack it in the NFL. They are waiting to be able to critique his throwing motion and his throwing accuracy and blaming that for the losses. They are waiting on the predictions that they put on him before he even played an NFL game that he would have to switch positions to make it in the NFL to come true along with the other opinions the experts have. The only problem is that Tebow has yet to fail at any level on the field and in life for that matter. I wonder how long these experts are going to have to wait? Wouldn't it be something if this team could find a way to make it to the Super Bowl this season? I am not saying it is going to happen by any means but one thing I will say is that after watching his first 6 starts I am not betting against him anymore.

"Aisle 4 Row 8 Seat 113"

Aisle 4 row 8 seat 113. The seat that "changed" Cubs history. That was where Steve Bartman sat on the eve of October 14th, 2003 for game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. He walked into Wrigley Field that evening as an unknown die hard Cubs fan. He left as the most hated person in the city of Chicago. He did what almost any other sports fan would of done. He tried catching a foul ball. If you have ever been to the ballpark and had a ball hit near you that's what you do, you try to catch it. I got three in one game in Minute Maid Park in Houston one time. I gave them all to the little kids sitting around me though. Bartman wasn't the only man who reached for that foul ball. Nor was he playing shortstop on that easy ground ball that AlexGonzalez bobbled. Nor was he one of the Cubs pitchers who squandered a three run lead when they only needed five outs to get to the world series. He was just a fan doing what fans do.


After watching the documentary ESPN did on him tonight and seeing the way Cubs fans treated him initially and how some still do to this day it made me wonder. Why do Cubs fans or any fans for that matter go to this extreme at times. Fans were throwing beer at him, chanting obscene names at him, and yelling death threats at him. I heard one fan on the documentary say, " Put a 12 gauge in his mouth and pull the trigger." Really? Is that not a little too far? I understand the frustrations that Cubs fans have built up over the years if losing, and quite honestly I think they are some of the more passionate fans in the country. I don't know how they do it year after year. I then tried to think of personal experiences that I have had with teams that I am a fan of that experienced heart breaking losses in my life time. I remember sitting in the Georgia Dome by myself in Atlanta during the 2009 SEC championship game in the Alabama section when they crushed Florida 32-13. I sat in silence most of the 3rd and 4th quarters trying to figure out how they could lose during Tim Tebow's senior year when they weren't suppose to lose. I remember making the hour drive back to my place with the stereo off ,cell phone off, and in complete silence just reliving certain plays that went wrong. I had simialr feelings when the Colts lost to the Steelers on a Mike Vanderjagt missed field goal and when the Pacers lost game 7 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls. I don't think any of them match the way Cubs fans felt after that game with the Bartman incident.

This was a man that was hated. Sports has this way of getting inside people. We live for the chance to watch our team win, and when they don't we need to put the blame on someone or something. Sports gives people the chance to forget about whatever is going on in there lives for a few hours. They feel a sense of belonging with the other fans and even the team. I remember exactly where I was when great sports moments happened for the teams I cheer for. I even remember being in my college dorm during this game that everyone now calls "The Bartman Game"

Had you ever wondered what if the Cubs won game 7 and went on to the world series? How would that change the way Bartman is thought of in Chicago? People would forget about it because as long as the Cubs won that is all that mattered. It is 8 years later but there is still this mystique around that event. What is he doing now? How come he hasn't done any interviews? Will we ever hear or see from him about the incident? I can't speak for Cubs fans but I think it is time for them to let go of this and forgive the guy for just doing what any other baseball fan would of done.

"What Really Happened?"

There is nothing like starting out the month of May by smoking some terrorists! It looks like Bin Laden lost his title as hide and seek champion, now if we could find Waldo and Carmen San Diego we would be good to go. I was sitting on the couch (thank god, I'm just glad I wasn't in a cab that would of been uncomfortable) watching the TV last night and wondering what was taking Obama so long to get to the podium when he was suppose to come on at 10:30 and didn't make it on till 11:30. This got me wondering of the events that were unfolding and went on after Obama went off the air. This is what I think has gone down since this became news to the public.

First off Bin Laden had to be worried when Obama took office. I mean a brother never forgets about someone that owes them money or has a beef with. Once Bin Laden was killed Obama called George W. Bush and invited him over to the White House for the celebration party. Kenny Powers was also invited and entered very similar to this entrance he once made. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8zO_DV09QE The reason why Obama was late to the podium was because they were too busy partying in the oval office. This isn't your regular party folks. You got to pull out the good shit for this. This event called for that Purple Kush, couple bottles of Courvoisier, and possibly a couple of strippers. Obama had DJ Khaled "All I do Is Win" on repeat while they were passing around the kush. Obama finally gave his speech and I don't know about you but I saw a little swagger in his step. The whole time he was worried about George W. finishing off the liquor and kush without him. Afterwards Obama came back and found Biden dead on the couch from a heart attack he had after a stripper gave him a very aggressive lap dance to the song "Born In The USA" by Bruce Springstein. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIekamBDiAw Not much to do about all that so Obama sat down and had his tattoo artist begin on the tear drop tattoo that will be under his left eye. The party continued into the wee hours of the morning. Michelle wasn't too happy.

Bin Laden has since arrived in hell where he encountered his first problem Doc Holliday. Everyone should remember him from the movie Tombstone. Bin Laden can't quite figure out why doc keeps saying things like, "Say when." and "I'll be your huckleberry." His next problem was Tony Montana who kept screaming "Say hello to the bad guy!" So it sounds like he has his hands full in hell.

In closing it is a great day to be an American. If this doesn't make you proud to live in the USA well then you my friend are not an American. I read a story about this guy on a plane last night and this lady broke down in tears when the news broke and he found out her husband was killed on 9/11. The whole cabin gave her a hug to console her. It took our country almost 10 years to find him but they did. I would like to thank everyone that was or is a current military member. We are truly blessed to live in this country and have them fight for our freedom.

"Thank You"

Hey everyone I just want to say thanks for reading my blog. I have an interview Tuesday with FNN media for a writing job for the AFC South division. Who knows this could be the ticket to the big time. Lol! I had to submit an article inbetween 200-250 words on a current event in the AFC South division. This is the article I submitted. Enjoy. The time might be coming for the Indianapolis Colts to start thinking about a replacement for Peyton Manning. Manning is now 35 years old and has been slapped with the franchise tag for the 2011 season, although Jim Irsay plans on making him the highest paid player in NFL history. The Colts themselves have surely thought about this and asked themselves this question. Do they draft a quarterback in this years draft and take a similar approach that the Green Bay Packers took with Aaron Rodgers and sitting him a few years and learning from one of the best ever before replacing Brett Favre? Will the Colts wait another year or two and try to obtain some extra draft picks via trades to find the Manning replacement? Time will tell us soon enough. I know Colts fans don't ever want to see Manning retire but the day will come. Colts fans just be glad you have this problem right now. I mean just think, Ryan Leaf was almost the franchise quarterback.

"They're Back!"

Well would you look at that. Butler is back playing for a national title. Yes, Butler. Not Indiana, not Notre Dame, not Purdue. Well hell we all know Purdue doesn't play for national titles. What a run Butler and coach Stevens have had these past two seasons. I mean lets be honest who picked Butler to be in the national title game 2 years in a row? But here is Butler killing theory after theory. That's the beauty of the NCAA tournament and March Madness.You have to have about 3 pros to win a national title. Butler may have one. Guard Shelvin Mack had 24 points hitting five three pointers is Butler's best chance of being a pro off this team. He has been a major pain for every team in this tournament, and if Butler wins the title he will be the Final Four MVP. Matt Howard who scored 17 points along with 8 rebounds is a wonderful college player. He just looks like he is 45 and calling "next" for a pick up game at the local YMCA. I'm not a Butler fan, but it is hard to root against them come Monday night. Butler wins and does it the right way in an era of college sports where money and fame is everything. Butler plays UConn Monday evening who defeated Kentucky last night. Both Kentucky and UConn catch bad reputations from the general public to make a long story short for cheating. UConn coach Jim Calhoun is suspended for 3 conference games next season for NCAA violations. Kentucky coach John Calipari has been to 3 final fours, yet a reporter asked him the other day "How does it feel to be at your first final four?" because his 2 previous trips were vacated by the NCAA due to violations. Calipari didn't find it too amusing, but I did.

As my buddy Nick Kerr told me last night about Butlers defense, "Stick with your man. Think of him as chewing gum. By the end of the game, I want you to know what flavor he is." Can anyone name that movie? In the end Butler basketball is a group of guys that really care about basketball, care about each other, and care about the school. Now that's something to cheer about.

"First Of Many Changes"

Where were you when Pacers coach Jim O'Brien was relieved of his coaching duties on Sunday Jan. 30th, 2011? I just got home from LA Fitness and was on the couch. Today is a fresh start for the Pacers. I know it has been a rough season up to this point, but this is the first of many changes that will take place over the next several months. The Pacers are currently 17-27 this year and 10th in the playoff race. It would be nice to see the Pacers put something together and get the young guys some playoff experience, but that shouldn't be the main concern now. Finding a new coach for next season is the number one priority. Former Cleveland Cavs coach Mike Brown is a leading candidate and my choice to take over. Utah Jazz assistant Ty Corbin is another name I have heard today who might get a look. It has been a frustrating season thus far. The other night I went to the Orlando game and sat 7 rows from the floor with my buddy Shawn. I spent more time that game watching Dwight Howards son scarf down a hot dog, nachos, and a soft pretzel. When I heard the kid screaming daddy and waving at Dwight during the player introductions and Dwight smiling and waving back to him I pretty much figured it was one of his. It also helped that his baby mamma had diamond earings in the size of gobstoppers. (another thing I forgot to mention his kid ate)

The 2011-2012 Pacers will have a much different look to them than this years team does. Indiana has almost 30 million dollars coming off the books after this season. Mike Dunleavy, T.J. Ford, Jeff Foster, Solomon Jones, along with 5.4 million we are still paying Jamaal Tinsley in the final year of his contract Indiana bought out. I am hoping as a Pacer fan that owner Herb Simon steps up to the plate and decides to spend that money wisely and bring some free agents, or players through some trades. We have a good group of talented young guys to build around. Danny Granger has established himself as the face of the franchise. Roy Hibbert at times can be an unstoppable big man and other times flat out awful. If Roy can get it together I like the nucleus we have surrounding those 2 with Darren Collison, Paul George, and Tyler Hansbrough.

I'm as excited as I've been in a long time to see what happens in the near future for the Pacers. I just hope that some of these so called fans in Indy will come out and support them in the near future. I imagine if they start winning that they will. After all Indy is a fair weather town for the most part. Conseco use to sell out when we were one of the top teams in the east. Then the Pacers started struggling and the Colts became good. I remember in the mid to late 90's when the Colts games were blacked out on TV because they couldn't sell out. I'm looking forward to a new start for the Pacers. Boom Baby!

"Making A Difference"

I was at work today and for whatever reason these two guys probably in their mid 30's were talking about putting a flag football team together. I kind of just laughed to myself because neither one of these guys looked very athletic at all. It did make me recall my recent experience with flag football though. I came home tonight and found the tournament bracket in a box in my bedroom. I thought I would share the story with you. I am suprised that I hadn't before.

When I worked as the sports director for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas one of the clubs put on a 12 and under 7 on 7 flag football tournament. Seven out of the eight clubs that were in the tournament had a weeks notice about the event. My club that I worked at had 2 days notice thanks to my boss for not tellling me right away. My boss was fired a few months later, I know shocking right. I coached the team I put together a group of 9 kids and had two days to get them ready to go. A couple hours of running over the plays I wanted to use and the system I was going to use to call the plays in from the sidelines. The tournament took place on a Friday over the summer. It began with pool play and then the top 4 teams advanced to the tournament. The rules stated the coach could be in the huddle after every play. I wasn't going to do that though. I figured if I could speed up my offense I would catch the defense off guard by calling the plays from the sideline by saying a color followed by a U.S. state and that would symbolize which play to run. I was suprised that it worked. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to do that for very long. Let me introduce you to the O'Shea and Deion show. These were 2 twelve year olds on my team that were already playing on a pop warner team, so they had a decent knowledge of the game. I would rotate them between quarterback and runningback after every play. Most of the time it would be a sweep to the left or the right with a pass here and there.

The games were scheduled for two 12 minute halfs. Our first game didn't start as planned. We were down 7-0 and my quarterback threw a pick 6 so now we were down 14-0 at halftime. Now the area where I worked in Las Vegas is the 3rd worst neighborhood in the country as far as drugs, gangs, and crime rate are concerned. The kids I delt with on a daily basis were for the most part from a rough home life. The kids didn't really respect authoritative figures in their lives. Every day at work was a struggle with the kids, but something I enjoyed doing. I remember looking at those kids faces at halftime. They were upset and pointing fingers at each other for whose fault it was for losing. I clapped my hands together to put a stop to that talk and told the kids to forget about that stuff. I don't remember word for word how I said it, but I explained to the kids that there is going to be times in life as you grow up where things don't always go your way, it's up to yourself on how you can change the situation. I told them you got two choices right now. You can continue to pout and we will lose this game, or you can suck it up and try to win this game. Now I will be honest with you I didn't expect us to win that game. I've seen these kids lay down and quit numerous times since I began working with them. I figured everything I said went in one ear and out the other. I was wrong.

The second half of that game couldn't of gone any better. We came out and scored a touchdown in 3 plays. We never looked back after that. We ended up winning that game 21-14. I was as proud as I ever was while I worked at that club. I was happy for those kids. Seeing the joy on their faces after that game and them joking around with each other was great to see. We won the #1 seed during the pool play and it was time for the tournament. The coach from the other team took this thing a little to seriously and approached me before the game and told me that "They would take it easy on us." We didn't play them in pool play so I was just like "Umm okay." We ended up winning that game 35-0. Thanks for the warning coach. We ended up playing the team that we played our first game against in the finals. Some of the kids looked concerned because we really had no business winning that game. We came down and scored on the first possession and then Deion made a interception that was amazing. The kid from the opposing team dove for a catch and kicked the ball in the air. Deion dove and caught it and got up and ran it back for a touchdown. We were up 14-0 in a matter of minutes. We won that game 42-7. I had to take Deion and O'Shea out with a few minutes left because they were both playing safety and intercepting almost every deep pass. I wish I would of left them in because they found a water cooler and doused me with it.

I was extremely happy for those kids. Some of them had never won anything before in their lives. We got a team trophy and medals for the kids, along with a free pizza party that followed. Usually when the kids ate together they always found something to argue about and I would have to break it up. Today though was different. They ate and were laughing about whatever they were talking about. I sat there and just watched them. They took what I said and stood up for themselves instead of quitting like they had in the past. In the van ride home I let them listen to whatever they wanted to on the radio and they were having a ball singing along and dancing to the radio. I took the long way back to the club and drove the kids down the Las Vegas strip to keep this celebration going as long as I could. The "Teach Me How To Dougie" song came on and the kids were all dancing to it. We were at a stoplight and they asked me to try it. I did and it was not pretty. The kids were laughing at me, but I didn't care. The boys were pointing and talking about the girls they saw walking on the strip. I was trash talking back and forth with them about certain things. It was a pretty fun day all in all. After that day I began to notice I didn't have too many problems with those kids I took on that football trip. I use to have to kick Deion and O'Shea out of the gym on a weekly basis for causing problems. Now they were wanting to help me with the little kids activities.

Unfortunately I had to move back to Indy. I wish I could have stayed out there and continued to work with those kids. I was finally making some progress with them. I didn't tell any of the kids I was leaving. It would of been to hard to answer their questions that they would of asked. My second to last day there I was sitting in my office towards the end of the day. Deion's little 7 year old brother Tyrice came up to me with a picture he had made. He handed it to me and I looked at it but couldnt really tell what it was. I saw a person and some grass but that was it. I asked him what it was, he was smiling from ear to ear and he told me it was him playing footballl and that he was going to play on my team when he got older like his brother did. I will never forget that day. I was at a loss for words. I think about those kids every day, and hope they are doing well.