Pressure On Pavin As Monty Picks His Team

Posted on September 2, 2010 by leetee21

Having had to make difficult decisions as to whom he wanted to pick as his wildcards for the 2010 Ryder Cup, Colin Montgomerie has now redirected the pressure he was under on to US team captain Corey Pavin.

With Monty making the controversial decision to include Padraig Harrington, a man who has done anything but shine in previous Ryder Cups, he has left himself open to criticism from European fans should he fail to win back the Ryder Cup from the US.

However, whilst Harrington may have shown himself to be an underperformer at golf’s most high-profile event in the past, Pavin has a far more difficult choice to make and that is whether or not to pick the once mighty Tiger Woods.

Whilst Woods is still world number one (courtesy of the inability of perennial world number two, Phil Mickleson, to make that crucial final step of overtaking Tiger), he is certainly not playing like it. Having endured a terrible year on and off the golf course, Woods has failed to earn himself an automatic place on the US team.

With US golf fans and Ryder Cup betting pundits deep in debate as to whether he is worth the risk of a wildcard pick from Pavin, many pundits have suggested that the decision not to pick Woods would be a massive mistake from the American captain. However, any decision to pick the player would leave Pavin with a lot of explaining to do in order to justify why he wished to pick an individual so clearly out of form, with the same chance unlikely to be offered to any other player.

With the US team desperate to gain any advantage they can find in their battle to keep hold of the trophy they regained from the Europeans back in 2008, Pavin knows that his wildcard picks will have a massive effect on the US team’s Ryder Cup Odds.

Filed under: Golf | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Thomas Bjorn Affair Clouding European Preparations

Posted on August 27, 2010 by leetee21

Thomas Bjorn, one of Colin Montgomerie’s vice captains for the 2010 Ryder Cup, and someone previously seen as a candidate to step into Monty’s shoes should he resign the captaincy, has been hit by allegations that he has fathered a child with an Australian air stewardess, despite having been married since 1998.

With Bjorn already suffering from a distinct lack of popularity in Wales, where the 2010 Ryder Cup will be taking place, after suggesting that Woosnam’s leadership qualities are “the most pathetic I have ever seen” when the Welshman left him out of the Ryder Cup team four years ago, rumours of an affair will not be helpful for the European Team which is hoping to regain the Cup it lost in 2008.

Those who regularly place a Ryder Cup Bet will be interested to note that the rumours surrounding Bjorn are one of many recent negative events that have befallen the European team, with leading players Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood suffering from injuries, and several other high-profile players showing a lack of desire to make the European team, choosing not to take part in the final qualification events.

These decisions have left Montgomerie with difficult choices to make about how to use his captain’s picks to ensure that Europe have a team that can capitalise on an American team that has endured a difficult year, which has been dominated by world number one Tiger Woods’ lack of form.

With the Europeans currently the Ryder Cup Betting favourites to win golf’s most high-profile event in front of their own fans, and with the American team having failed to secure a victory on European soil since 1993, Montgomerie will be hoping that the remaining time until the Cup tees off on October 1st passes without incident.

Filed under: Golf | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Jordan Won’t Let Go… Bobcats Sign Kwame Brown

Posted on August 23, 2010 by leetee21

If you are not familiar with the life story of Michael Jordan, he was actually cut from his high school basketball team. Yes, the same Michael Jordan who is regarded by some as the best basketball player in the history of the game.

What I take out of that is that Jordan is the type of person who does not give up very easily. If he wasn’t that type of person, he would have taken the message from his high school basketball coach to heart, and he would have given up on his basketball dreams. (I’m sure Patrick Ewing wouldn’t have minded that too much!) Instead Jordan decided to dedicate more time to basketball in order to get better. He would work countless hours trying to improve his game, and of course, as everybody knows, it paid huge dividends in the end.

Obviously Jordan’s superb talents made him one of the best of all-time, but the thing that truly separated him from the average basketball player was his mentality of never giving up. Although this mentality was most clearly seen on the basketball court, it is a part of Jordan’s everyday life.

The proof?

You need not look any further than the most recent addition to the Charlotte Bobcats’ roster. That, of course, is Kwame Brown. The same Kwame Brown who is known to be the worst decision of Jordan’s basketball career. With Jordan being the majority owner of the Bobcats, it was Jordan’s decision to bring the “bust” on board in order to give him another shot at NBA success.

And you can’t really blame Jordan for holding on to his protege from yesteryear. I mean, after all, had Jordan not “held on” to his dreams, or he wasn’t given a second chance, the NBA history books would look a lot differently than they do today.

Quitting has never been an option for Jordan. Sure roadblocks have gotten in the way, but he has always continued to push forward with unyielding determination. Who knows? Maybe it is this second chance for Kwame Brown that can be the difference in the course of NBA history for the next 5-10 years.

All I know is that Jordan has a great track record when it comes to never giving up and competing to the bitter end. If this actually works out as Jordan and the Bobcats hope it will, Jordan will only add to the legacy that he has created for himself on the court. On the other hand, if this doesn’t work out, Jordan might just have to face the fact that winning is not always a possibility.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Jordan will stop at nothing in order to make this move the best it can be. He might not be able to instill the same values in Kwame Brown that exist within himself, but he will sure as heck try. Is it possible? That still remains to be seen.

Filed under: NBA, funny | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Williams Faces Fitness Race

Posted on August 21, 2010 by leetee21

Serena Williams is battling to be fit in time for the US Open because of a recent foot injury sustained on broken glass in a restaurant shortly after her triumph in the ladies singles at Wimbledon. The world No 1 needed surgery and withdrew from three tournaments leading up to the Open. Williams subsequently withdrew from upcoming tournaments in Istanbul, Cincinnati and Montreal. The last of those, at Montreal, begins on 16 August and the US Open starts on 30 August leaving her little time to get fit.

Williams will be desperate to have a good tournament and put last year’s debacle in her semi-final loss behind her. Tennis Betting pundits recall how Williams saw red as she went out of the tournament and threw a tirade of abuse at a line judge at the end of a match against Kim Clijsters and was fined a record $82,500 for her troubles. Williams boasts an impressive record at Flushing Meadows. She has won the title three times in her four finals at the event. Williams has also won the doubles title her twice also partnering her sister Venus.

This has been another impressive season for Serena, considering she missed nearly three months with a knee injury. Along with winning Wimbledon, she also won the Australian Open at the beginning of the year. She didn’t really perform at the French Open due to her niggling knee injury, going out at the quarter final stage.

Despite her injuries this season, Williams and those who bet on US Open matches will be confident of picking up Grand Slam win number 14 in New York.

Filed under: Tennis | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Conversation Between Rex Ryan And Tony Dungy

Posted on August 16, 2010 by leetee21

After Tony Dungy decided to voice his opinion about Rex Ryan and his profanity-filled appearance on the first episode of Hard Knocks, I thought it was the perfect time for an imaginary conversation between the two guys. Here we go:

Tony Dungy: Hey Rex, I was very disappointed by the “motivational tactics” that you displayed on Hard Knocks the other night.

Rex Ryan: Tony, I don’t give a (expletive). I coach the way I want to (expletive) coach, and you can’t (expletive) change that.

TD: I’m not trying to change that. I just want you to realize that there is another way to do things.

RR: Okay, Tony, but that is not my (expletive) way. My way includes some colorful (expletive) language.

TD: There you go again. Why do you need to use that kind of language in a basic conversation?

RR: (Mocking Dungy) Why do need to use that kind of language… blah, blah, blah. (Expletive) you! Why are you all up in (expletive) my business anyway!?

TD: Rex, calm down. When I see someone struggling with their life, I like to help them out.

RR: Struggling!? How the (expletive) am I struggling? My team is the most feared team in the (expletive) NFL!

TD: I’m not talking about football, Rex. I’m talking about life right now.

RR: Football is (expletive) life!

TD: I see that this is not going to go anywhere if we continue like this.

RR: (Expletive) right! Let’s order some (expletive) food! What do you like, Tony? Chinese, Thai, Mexican…

TD: No thanks, Rex, I’m not hungry.

RR: Not hungry!? What the (expletive) is wrong with you? I’m ordering (expletive) food anyway.

TD: Go for it.

RR: I don’t need your (expletive) approval, (expletive).

(Rex dials for Chinese food. He’s on speaker phone.)

RR: Hi, I’d like to (expletive) order everything on your menu twice.

Phone Guy: Oh, Rex, how the (expletive) are you?

RR: (Expletive) great. Can you hurry up with that food? I don’t have time for (expletive) chit chat.

PG: Of course. Anything for my favorite (expletive) customer.

(Rex hangs up)

TD: You see, Rex?

RR: What the (expletive) are you talking about?

TD: You even have the Chinese guy cursing up a storm because of the language you choose to use.

RR: That’s (expletive) it! Get the (expletive) out of my office! I was going to (expletive) share some kung pao chicken with you, but now there’s no (expletive) chance!

TD: I’m sorry to…

RR: Did I (expletive) stutter? Get the (expletive) out!!!!

Filed under: Imaginary Conversation, NFL | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Earl Watson Gets Treated Like A Piece Of Meat

Posted on August 12, 2010 by leetee21

If you’ve ever seen the show, “My Wife and Kids,” you know that Michael Kyle’s oldest daughter, Claire, had a little bit of a short fuse and was what some people would call a little bit crazy. Well, it looks like Claire (Jennifer Freeman in real life) has let some of that craziness become a part of her everyday life.

It has been reported that Jennifer Freeman, who was actually married to Earl Watson of the NBA, went Mike Tyson on her husband, as she bit his wrist and his chest until he bled in each place.

But that’s not all!

Freeman also slapped her man across the face twice, and she also chased him with an iron. Luckily for Watson, he was able to knock the iron out of her hand before any damage was done.

Apparently, all of this psychotic behavior was due to the fact that Watson tried to check his wife’s phone after she received a suspicious text message.

If you ask me, a simple “keep your hands off my phone, you 7 points per game chump” would have sufficed. I guess she was too hungry to get the words out.

All of this happens, and men still get the reputation of treating women like pieces of meat. Give me a break!

Filed under: NBA | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Crazy Golf

Posted on August 11, 2010 by leetee21

Golf has provided its followers with a rollercoaster ride over the last 18 months. Nothing has been easy to predict for PGA Tour Betting pundits, as anyone predicting a near miss for Tom Watson at the Open or a collapse in form for Tiger Woods would have been laughed off their local course.

The last seven majors have been won by different men, with Phil Mickelson and Angel Cabrera the only players to have been serious contenders at the start of their successful tournaments. If Yang Yong-eun, Stewart Cink, Lucas Glover and Louis Oosthuizen never winner another major, it will be no great shock.

Graeme McDowell’s breakthrough victory at the US Open might be the start of something special, but even that victory was a surprise as there were many more Europeans seemingly better placed to claim a maiden major.

Watson came within a few inches of winning last year’s Open, reminder that fairytale comebacks can happen. If Woods carries on playing the way he is, a 15th major for the world’s greatest ever player might constitute a fairytale comeback.

Woods’ fall from grace and his lack of impact on the US PGA betting odds has perhaps been sport’s biggest story this year. His game seems to be collapsing at a similar rate to his personal life to the extent that his worst ever professional performance at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational came as no surprise.

Where Woods goes from here is anyone’s guess, which makes the 2011 season even harder to predict than this year. In the world of crazy golf a call-up for Bernhard Langer to Europe’s Ryder Cup squad barely registers.

Filed under: Golf | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Picture Of The Week: Friar Schmuck

Posted on August 9, 2010 by leetee21

I know that it’s only Monday, but something tells me that no other picture will top this one this week. So, without any further ado, I present to you: Friar Schmuck. (Oh, and if you haven’t seen Dinner For Schmucks yet, go see it!) (If you were wondering, yes, this is the real Tim Tebow.)

I understand that Tim Tebow is a rookie, and he just wants to fit in like any other rookie, but this is over the top (pun intended). Even by trying to look like a schmuck, Tebow still takes all the attention away from everybody else around him, and he becomes headline news. Can this guy do anything wrong, or does he just have the Midas Touch?

Filed under: Picture Of The Week | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Darrelle Revis Should Learn From Leon Washington

Posted on August 6, 2010 by leetee21

Darrelle Revis’ holdout this summer comes as no surprise to former New York Jets running back Leon Washington, who is currently with Pete Carrol and the Seattle Seahawks. Just one year ago, Washington and the Jets had a similar problem with contract negotiations, and it eventually led to his departure from Gang Green. Because Washington had experience with this, he felt that he should warn his former buddy Revis, so that the same issues wouldn’t happen with him.

Prior to last season, Washington was not able to work out the deal he had hoped to with the Jets. And as fate would have it, Washington got injured in week 6 against the Oakland Raiders. That is exactly why Washington wanted to restructure his contract before the season started. Had Washington and the Jets come to an agreement prior to the season, the injury would not have hurt him financially because he would have already been under contract. But since that wasn’t so, the injury devalued Washington, and he was stuck trying to find a new contract with a new team. This, essentially, is what Revis is trying to prevent by holding out this summer.

As everybody knows, especially Rex Ryan, Darrelle Revis had a superb run last season, and he was arguably the best defensive player in the entire NFL. Unfortunately for Revis, that hasn’t increased his bank account just yet.

What if Revis’ playing ability goes down a notch or two this season? What if Revis gets injured? Should he not get paid now for the amazing production he had last season as the league’s top defender?

To me, this shows a terrible job by the Jets’ front office. You have a guy in Revis who put up a spectacular season last year, and you are not willing to pay him what he is worth? If I didn’t know better, it sounds as if the Jets are waiting for Revis to decline or get injured so that they won’t have to pay him so much for his services. Of course, from a business sense, that’s an approach. But if players around the league see that you’re treating your players like this, and you are trying to get the most out of your guys without giving them what they’re worth, then nobody is going to want to play for the New York Jets.

From a very young age, most football players learn that if you play well, it will pay off in the end. However, when you see the way that the people in the Jets’ front office deals with their players, you see that they don’t subscribe to that way of thinking. Rather, the people in the Jets’ front office believes in stealing money from their players who deserve to be paid like true professionals. That, right there, is the reason why the Jets will not the Super Bowl this season, and it is the reason why they will continue to fall short as a franchise for many years. Sure the team is oozing with talent, but talent alone cannot win you championships. It starts from the bottom up, and if your base is not strong, everything else will collapse around it.

If I were Darrelle Revis, I would learn from Leon Washington and get the heck out of New York before it’s too late. Right now is his time to cash in, and he better do it before the window of opportunity closes.

Filed under: NFL, New York Jets | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Shaq Looking To Make Some Changes In Boston

Posted on August 5, 2010 by leetee21

With Shaquille O’Neal coming in as the newest member of the Boston Celtics, everybody wants to know what Shaq is going to be able to bring to the table. If his playing ability is a concern, at the very least he is going to bring a larger-than-life personality. Of course, along with that personality will come a new nickname for a guy who has seen way too many to even remember. Well, let’s see… There was “The Big Aristotle”, “The Big Shaqtus,” “The Big Chamberneezy,” “The Big Galactus,” and so on and so forth.

So the real question is, what will Shaq’s new nickname be once he dons Celtic green?

Fortunately for me, I know this guy, who knows this guy, who knows this guy, who knows Shaq’s representative, and I was able to ask “The Big Fella” himself what he thought about the new nickname. This is what he said:

“There are a few nicknames out there that I’m still deciding on. The fans think that they are the ones who are going to give me the nickname, but ultimately it is going to be through my word that it will stick. With Boston’s rich history there are so many to choose from. I just can’t wait to decide on one right now. But forget the nickname for now. I am also trying to get another name to change. As you know, St. Patrick’s Day is a pretty big deal around Boston. So what I’m trying to do is change it to St. Shaqrick’s Day, at least for the 2 years that I’m here. And if I help deliver a championship or two, it will last for a little bit longer than that.”

Well, it’s good to see that Shaq still has his sense of humor. Hopefully for Boston, his play on the court can come close to complementing that. If it does, Boston’s “Big Five” might just be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season.

Filed under: NBA, funny | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

Next Page »