tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82893198497246311962024-03-05T10:01:10.638-08:00The EB Sports ReportFrom the Stands to Press Row: Observing the sports scenery to tell you what it means to me.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-83914209095599327262016-11-04T02:17:00.000-07:002016-11-04T02:22:26.767-07:00Best of my Work (September/October)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay so that idea of writing more sports on here? A lot more difficult when you're working 12-hour days and driving for three of them. Ambition is a wonderful thing.....execution is a lot harder as I've learned from my running/exercise journey.<br />
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Either way, I figured I'd give you guys a chance to see what I've been up to for work. Since I'm not writing here. Here's some of the best stuff I've written since late August. I'll try to do this every month.<br />
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1986 Crespi: <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160825/30-years-later-1986-crespi-football-team-still-remains-areas-best" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20161020/crespis-1986-championship-football-team-to-have-30-year-reunion-friday" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br />
As a prep sports scribe, I've always been fascinated by Russell White, one of the greatest running backs in California history. He's the only sophomore named State Player of the Year and that 1986 Crespi High School team is the only team from the San Fernando Valley to win a title at the highest division.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsINMEzI8KrvXQIl9yutneIJS8TtzVIOSnDZ73m3HT3clH7xe1HTIbl3j0bcmcAZ_yyC4KoYhKOQsHw7a_q3-axQ019-RydOJReyqwziw5_rZIzIATpFYYxls6BWcxZSUTyeaA2rUVj1pE/s1600/AR-160829682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsINMEzI8KrvXQIl9yutneIJS8TtzVIOSnDZ73m3HT3clH7xe1HTIbl3j0bcmcAZ_yyC4KoYhKOQsHw7a_q3-axQ019-RydOJReyqwziw5_rZIzIATpFYYxls6BWcxZSUTyeaA2rUVj1pE/s320/AR-160829682.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crespi coach Troy Thomas, left, and former Celts coach Bill Redell, right, show
off the school’s memorabilia from the 1986 championship season. Thomas
played defensive back on that team. (Photo by Hans
Gutknecht/Los Angeles Daily News)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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White went on to an All-American career at Cal (still their all-time leading rusher) but I wanted to study his team. Coaches and players from that team became successful around Southern California. So I wanted to know what drove them to be great. The first story is a general reflection. The second is short snapshots of three guys from that team I didn't talk to in Part 1.<br />
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Oh and I did speak to <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160824/crespi-football-legend-russell-white-returns-home-to-coach-flintridge-prep" target="_blank">White, which was a pretty cool interview</a> seeing him at peace with his life after football.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160914/chaminade-birmingham-volleyball-a-showcase-for-riley-bennett-family" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160914/chaminade-birmingham-volleyball-a-showcase-for-riley-bennett-family" target="_blank">Chaminade-Birmingham family battle</a><br />
Usually in sports, we may cover angles of fathers coaching sons and daughters. Sometimes, they may be on opposite sides. Before this fall, I never covered a mother coaching against her daughter. Here's an example of where the game was secondary to a cool family angle. Chaminade volleyball player S'Mara Riley facing her mother, Birmingham coach Dr. LeAnne Bennett-Riley. (Video above)<br />
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<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160923/calabasas-football-darnay-holmes-cap-all-american-day-with-dominant-win" target="_blank">Darnay Holmes' All-American day</a><br />
Once again, this story is an example of turning a game story into a bigger feature. Calabasas High senior Darnay Holmes is one of the top players in the country and the day he received his Army All-American jersey, he had a great night in Calabasas' win. You can also watch it above.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20161001/high-school-student-sections-balance-passion-with-avoiding-bad-behavior" target="_blank">Student sections balance passion with good behavior</a><br />
Thanks to social media and television, high school student sections are bigger, more creative and are eager for attention. We as media have helped encourage this but it also means kids can go too far. I wanted to not only shine a light on the bad but how administrations help promote the good as well. What I found is a well-sophisticated strategy at several schools that I think builds school spirit as well as encourages leadership to curb bad behavior.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20161007/jayvaun-wilson-helps-key-valencia-football-to-win-over-rival-hart" target="_blank">Valencia's Jayvaun Wilson vs Hart</a><br />
Why do I like this game story? 1) Cool angle of a kid shining against a team his older brother had an amazing performance against. 2) A rivalry game always lends itself to better drama. 3) Just watch my highlight video above and enjoy the performance as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20161102/sierra-canyon-calabasas-grant-san-fernando-football-chase-perfection" target="_blank">The Unbeatens</a><br />
I took the snapshot angle I did for that Crespi story (Part 2) and extended for the four last unbeaten football teams in our area heading into the regular season finale. Each team has their own thoughts on it. One is a group of only 18, one hasn't done it in three years, a third is 9-0 for a third straight year and a 4th is simply meeting expectations.<br />
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These stories are fun and creative but they also highlight the process. I hate when winning leads to cliches about staying in the moment, hard work paying off, etc...so it forces me to ask better questions, find context and see if they're aware of that more than just the usual chatter.<br />
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(As a bonus: I dusted off my music critic hat for a couple of anniversary pieces if you're interested. The first is the 25th anniversary of <a href="http://virgogumbo.blogspot.com/2016/09/happy-25th-birthday-to-nevermind-blood.html" target="_blank">Nirvana's Nevermind, A Tribe Called Quest's Low End Theory and Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magik</a>. The 2nd is a similar <a href="http://virgogumbo.blogspot.com/2016/10/25-years-ice-cubes-death-certificate.html" target="_blank">25th anniversary piece on Ice Cube's Death Certificate</a> - one of my favorite albums of all time and my pick for the greatest West Coast solo album)Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-29412272852781463782016-09-04T16:40:00.000-07:002016-09-04T16:40:56.199-07:00USC lost because....Alabama is really good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know what fans expected between USC and Alabama. Did they expect a close game? Did they think USC could beat the national champions with a quarterback making his debut? I was on record saying to friends that if USC lost by 10, that's a good sign.<br />
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USC got housed 52-6 by a great team with the best coach/defensive mind in college football. This was won because Nick Saban and his defense vs. a rookie non-mobile quarterback is an easy mismatch. <br />
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It was ugly early on but Alabama did what the Tide do best - make big plays on defense, trust their training and take advantage of mistakes. Jabari Ruffin lost his cool on his penalty? Alabama comes back with a pick-6. USC blitzes and nobody rotates? Easy touchdown for ArDarius Stewart.<br />
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USC couldn't run the ball. JuJu Smith-Schuster was locked up all night. Its defense was bullied up front by Alabama's massive offensive line. Max Browne was in trouble all night. They didn't score a touchdown for the first time since 1997. Obviously they played poorly - which is what Alabama has done to good teams over and over the last 5-6 years.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Oh and let's not forget Lane Kiffin probably wanted this one badly. The Alabama OC picked apart USC's defense easily and that late touchdown pass at the end? A little personal but hey, the Tide always wants to make a statement.<br />
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Post game w the game ball!!! #3:14AM-LAX <a href="https://t.co/cxQkJ89254">pic.twitter.com/cxQkJ89254</a></div>
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/772496734740176896">September 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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But all that said. The sky isn't falling. USC isn't reeling from signs of something worse. They got punched in the mouth over and over by the best team in the land. You can mention all the high recruits but in college and the pros, you win games by talent AND coaching. USC isn't as good as Clemson or Houston or Auburn or LSU or any top team this year because although they have JuJu and Adoree Jackson, other national contenders are deeper.<br />
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Clay Helton is no Pete Carroll but give him time to see what he becomes. I recall Pete Carroll losing to Kansas State early in his career and it turned out okay. <br />
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If USC was ranked higher than No. 20, maybe you worry a bit more. Right now, this is a team still searching for itself. Come next week, they'll beat Utah State soundly but we'll know more when they go up to Stanford in two weeks. Until then, lick your wounds, relax and tip your hat to Alabama instead of just merely blame USC laying a fat egg.<br />
<br />Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-19947458859932585542016-09-03T11:58:00.001-07:002016-09-03T12:01:09.213-07:00What I've Been Up To (Sept. 3 edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I've been far too quiet in this space. It's been two years but as most of you know, I've been pretty busy with my full-time gig for the LA Daily News. And by busy, I mean since last fall, a ton of late nights thanks to us adding videos to our coverage.<br />
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In the past, I used to blog while I wrote for my main gig but when you're basically on call for an 15-hour day, driving close to 3 hours roundtrip when on assignment, plus up until 2-3 a.m. editing videos...it's been hard to blog the way I want to (not to mention the rare piece I write for Bro Jackson).<br />
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I don't like writing quick stuff because I think my thoughts need to be developed and if you've read me, you know I hate wasting words. But at the recent NABJ Convention, I was challenged to find time for my blog. I was reminded that as much as I tell younger journalists to have one, I need to devote some resources here so people can see my work easier.<br />
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So here we go. The EB Sports Report 2.0 will basically be me sharing my videos, story links and whatever quick notes I can find time to drop. Maybe it won't be long analysis but you'll get a chance to enjoy what I've done.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Here's my latest videos. Oaks Christian HS went to the Honor Bowl to face St. Joseph's, the No. 1 team in Pennsylvania. Oaks Christian is ranked No. 1 in my paper's coverage area but they met a buzzsaw in St. Joseph's running backs D'Andre Swift and Christian Waller. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0SosIM7eFc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Recap: Swift had four touchdowns and showed why he's committed to Georgia. He looked strong and hard to tackle but also showed he has great hands as a pass-catcher. If you just want to see him in action, watch below. Over 100+ yards receiving and rushing. <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160902/oaks-christian-football-gets-wake-up-call-after-honor-bowl-loss" target="_blank">You can read my story as well</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nzjAtFd8qog" width="560"></iframe>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-13813990603237798442014-08-18T13:13:00.001-07:002014-08-18T13:13:44.310-07:00Donald Sterling's Gone and a New Era Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Clippers are hosting their Fan Fest today and seeing the images of celebration along the birth of the Steve Ballmer era has left me feeling a bit confused. Not that I'm not pleased Donald Sterling is finally removed from the NBA but because the team is going to have a change in identity.<br />
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I've grown up with the Clippers as the junior varsity team. They've had a year or two of success but it was never sustained. Even with this 3-year run they've been on, I had a feeling Sterling would find a way to screw it up because he always has. Whether it was by being cheap to pay quality coaches, free agents or running his mouth, he's been a poison to ruin any momentum.<br />
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Now that he's gone, I've wondered if the Clippers' new identity means that their old legacy isn't coming back and what that means longterm. I wrote about that <a href="http://brojackson.com/basketball/donald-sterlings-gone-and-los-angeles-is-a-battle-for-hearts-and-minds" target="_blank">last week over at Bro Jackson</a> but I think to explain my confusion more, I can compare it to USC and UCLA.*<br />
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USC runs college football here. Even when I grew up and UCLA had an eight-game win streak from 1991-98, the Trojans were still top dog. UCLA had a run from 1997-98 when they won 20 games in a row and had a chance at the first BCS championship game but USC quickly regained control and then in 2001 when Pete Carroll came, it was a wrap.<br />
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UCLA finally has some momentum from the last two years. They've won more games than USC and were ranked higher than them last year. Now they have preseason national title momentum. However, despite beating USC twice, UCLA's juice is always threatened because USC still has that dominance here. They'll still recruit kids because of their name and they'll still be the face of college football.<br />
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Basically, the Bruins run the city now but the war for LA is far from theirs and will take years. USC fans don't feel totally threatened yet even though they know they won't be kicking UCLA around easily. That's probably how Lakers feel except the future isn't as bright yet as it is with USC's incoming freshman class.<br />
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*I could compare it also to the Angels and Dodgers because the Angels have captured the SoCal landscape the last decade but regardless of what the name says, they are not a Los Angeles team.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-10446390257808753722014-08-05T15:44:00.001-07:002014-08-05T17:53:02.314-07:00NABJ14: Gratitude, Love and Growth in Boston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“It's so free, this kind of feeling</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When you've got so much to say</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Last week was my third time attending the annual National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair. Yet this time was different than the last two. The first was a mix of nerves, blind faith and excitement to visit my father’s hometown of New Orleans. The second felt like taking the training wheels off a bicycle and riding more confidently in looking for jobs and networking. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This year? I vowed to return with a job and I did. I said I would meet my great friend Sam for the first time in 8 years and I did. I knew what to expect and yet I was open for something new. But I felt as comfortable as my flight to Boston was and it’s a sign that I wasn’t a new guy anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That’s why I want to give back as much as I received. Express gratitude to people like Michael Smith, who told me last year to get better at being myself as much as my craft. Thank Yahoo’s Marc Spears for telling me to focus this blog on local content as much as I can. Thank former Sporting News editor Garry Howard for critiquing my resume (and thank him in advance for reading some of my clips).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I also wanted to reach out to younger journalists and offer any tips I could. There were a ton of college kids and I was happy to listen to them as well as share some of my experiences. Plus nothing says NABJ like friendly debates on the NBA/NFL with folks around the country.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Most of all, NABJ is about relationship building. It’s reuniting with folks like Bonta Hill, Ed the Sports Fan (who did his own <a href="http://www.thesportsfanjournal.com/columns/ed-the-sports-fan/2014-nabj-boston-success-guide-yoenis-cespedes/" target="_blank">excellent recap</a>), Morgan Campbell, Keion Grissom, Quinne Lowe and my Chicago sis Lauren Ward. It’s making better connections with folks like Montezz Allen, Jeane Blunt and others who are growing alongside me in their own way. It’s linking up with nationally known brothers and sisters like Gary Washburn, Bomani Jones, Sarah Glover, Kiratiana Freelon, Exavier Pope, Wesley Lowery and others that I met before and needed to see once again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">But what about the panels and information? I know, I know. I don’t want to just name drop even though three years in, you’d do the same when you consider them colleagues, not just distant faces. There’s more to NABJ and that’s learning and listening.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bomani, Nischelle Turner, Rick Mahorn and Michael Wilbon discussed Donald Sterling and how to approach race in sports. There were so many gems from that panel and Wilbon struck a nerve by blistering the NFL for how they’ve handled the Redskins name controversy and being hypocritical calling for a ban of the N-word.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There was also a great panel on being a Black Celtic where Celtic greats Satch Sanders and Cedric Maxwell talked about their reservations about coming to Boston yet being embraced by an organization committed to winning and family.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Speaking of Boston, that city is nice. Seeing Fenway Park, Charlestown, The Charles River, Boylston Street (where the finish of the Boston Marathon is) and other landmarks was quite nice. I even got to see Cambridge since Sam lives there so I did see the glory of Harvard. I also need to salute my brother for being a gracious host despite being hobbled by a nasty car accident. He was a trooper and a kind-hearted man and I'm proud that I call him brother for 13 years now.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Also, you could tell the new state of affairs in journalism with Bleacher Report being among the exhibitors. B/R was one of the highlights of the week as they threw a great mixer that unfortunately I missed. To see how things have changed since 2011-12 is a bonus.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boston skyline from Charlestown (c) Evan Barnes</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This year, I got great praise for my resume as well as strong critique on how to tighten it up. I met young journalists and offered tips as well as listened to their journeys. I tasted the goodness of Boston chowder, lobster rolls and Regina’s Pizzeria while wishing I had more time to absorb it. I drank up wisdom from Sanders and Maxwell on the greatness of Bill Russell and KC Jones while listening to David Aldridge demand we be better than what people expect of media.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Even at the Sports Task Force Jam, one of the week's highlights, I finally met two people who I consider family from Twitter: Ms. Lizzy and Dart Adams. I knew Lizzy was coming and was glad to make up for ignoring her in 2013 but to look up and see Boston’s unofficial mayor in front of me was even better.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve mentioned before that Dart has influenced not just my writing but my blogging style/presentation/thought process. So to chop it up with him, talk music, Boston and more was better than dancing with folks and just as good as networking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One thing remains. NABJ remains the premiere place to network and be encouraged by fellow journalists of color. It’s a valuable resource that has helped develop my skills and introduced me to people who gave me some of the best advice I still use. I’m inspired every time by the love, shenanigans and the tips I take back with me.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street (c) Evan Barnes</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Even better is that I feel like I’m among peers now. Like my man Bonta said, 2 years ago, I wanted pictures with folks but now, I feel like I’m one of them and maybe not as famous but still a pro doing good work. Whether we all kicked it in the lobby, after panels or out by the pool, it’s a family that encourages and inspires you to keep doing your work.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ll always show gratitude to the organization for making me better and giving me the confidence to grow personally and professionally. In addition, I’ll keep working on folks to show up at convention so they can taste from this cup of greatness (looking at you Lamar, Courtney, James and Nick). So let the Beastie Boys get the final word once again as I share "Gratitude" for Boston and prepare for Minneapolis for NABJ15.</span></div>
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<i>What's gonna set you free?</i></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Look inside and you'll see</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When you've got so much to say</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It's called gratitude, and that's right.</span></div>
Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-39150541823412437702014-07-21T15:36:00.002-07:002014-07-24T00:10:23.886-07:00Why Tony Dungy's Comments Reflect a Bigger NFL Problem <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I respect Tony Dungy as a man, as a coach and as a figure worthy of respect. Yet his comments today <a href="http://tbo.com/sports/bucs/nfl-holding-players-to-higher-standard-20140720/" target="_blank">saddened me</a> regarding that he'd pass up drafting Michael Sam to avoid the circus. It didn't surprise me either, given what we've known about him for years.<br />
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Tony Dungy's been a no-nonsense guy for decades. He came up in the
Steelers organization where that attitude was ingrained by the hard-hat,
workman-like style of head coach Chuck Noll. Dungy coached his teams
that way and his organizations provided that same structure. He's a man
of courage and outspokenness on several pertinent issues such as race in
coaching hires.<br />
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However, this is not a case of homophobia. This is not about Dungy's faith possibly as a factor*. This is not a case to lecture a Black man about the civil rights struggle he lived through and how Black athletes were once avoided**. It's about a culture in pro sports that is scared if guys appear to have something bigger than the game around them.<br />
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That's why I found his opinion on Michael Sam being drafted so cowardly. It's the cowardly, old-school line of thinking in pro sports that you want guys who'll put their head down and work, not be somebody who'll bring a lot of attention to themselves. It's why we overvalue "humble" athletes as opposed to "boisterous, loud" ones.<br />
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His opinion speaks to his core as a guy who just wants to see guys play football first. Yet that mindset is not only popular among executives, it also reveals a weak-mindedness to not be able to handle the "distraction" or people who think that said player can't be coached to fit into a system.<br />
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Michael Irvin was a character. Deion Sanders was a character. Warren Sapp, a Dungy player, was a character. Those guys and others were also hard workers who never let their antics overshadow their desire to be great. They also got chances to prove their greatness because that talent was there.<br />
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That's why I'm disappointed in Dungy. He's so concrete to that line of thinking that he doesn't realize it's a coward's way out. It says that if he were in an organization, he'd be afraid that his team could not handle it. Guys who were there long before Sam and could be there after him.<br />
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But he's not alone. I saw several articles question if the NFL was ready for a openly gay player. We heard anonymous executives fear drafting Sam for similar reasons. We also heard similar theories as to why Johnny Manziel fell far in the first round and like Sam, he too had football reasons for his slide.<br />
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It's the cowardly mentality in pro sports teams, especially the NFL that's passes up talent because of non-criminal issues. It's a weak-minded belief that athletes have to fit into a robotic model because you're investing millions of dollars into them. That's why I believed that a team that drafted Michael Sam showed courage because they were willing to face that storm and see a player who they thought could fit in their system.<br />
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Sam deserves the chance to prove he can play. Come training camp, like every other player, all that matters is proving between the lines what you can do. He won't be a distraction if the team won't let him because of their strong structure. It reminds me of what <a href="http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/ex-nfl-wr-s-series-of-tweets-about-sam-shoot-down-distraction-argument-021114" target="_blank">Donte Stallworth said about this</a> before the draft.<br />
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So I'm not surprised at what Tony Dungy said, just saddened that he stuck to the hard-line approach the NFL yields to that shows a fear of overestimating what someone can bring to the table. That's the attitude that must change along with others.<br />
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(Ed. Note - Dungy clarified his comments <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24632753/tony-dungy-statement-on-michael-sam-absolutely-deserves-to-play" target="_blank">a day later</a>. Yet for me, I already knew where he was coming from. As I stated earlier, this is more about the idea of a distraction being a problem for weak-minded teams than questioning Dungy's view on gay athletes. It's an old school mentality not regarding gay athletes but any athlete who's perceived as being bigger than game. That was my issue all along and his clarification did not change my stance.)<br />
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<i>*While this may be a factor, nobody asked Dungy if that had anything to do with his views. I'd caution people not to conflate the two in this case until proven otherwise.</i><br />
<i>**I will remind my readers that Black athletes were once avoided or passed over not because they were media distractions but because of straight up racism and prejudice. While some aspects are similar to female reporters, female employees, gay athletes and other athletes of color, let's not overlook the blatant racism/sexism/homophobia that sought to keep them out and not simplify it as a "distraction"*</i>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-56395517222780551362014-07-10T16:55:00.001-07:002014-07-10T17:01:36.869-07:00Selling the Melo-Drama (Why the Lakers should re-evaluate Carmelo Anthony)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would’ve hoped the Lakers management learned from Dwight Howard to think wisely on which big names to chase. The Lakers need a new face but they need the right face and the right pieces around said face to work. That's why when considering Carmelo Anthony, I don't like it because it reminds me of the chase for Howard.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Howard is a great player but he wasn’t a good fit because 1) he didn’t have a role in Mike D’Antoni’s offense, 2) he was coming off a back injury, 3) he didn’t solve the Lakers biggest problems. Defending the perimeter and point guard play. Plus the Lakers didn’t need size as much as they needed help in the backcourt and on the wing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enter Melo. A shooting star who can score from anywhere. A volume shooter who happens to play similar to one Kobe Bryant. Which is nice except Melo isn't a ballhandler or a good defender. I've seen him for 11 years and I don't see where he can lead any team to a championship with the way he plays. Yes he won at Syracuse but Jim Boeheim's system isn't the NBA and while he can you into the playoffs, he needs more help than just outscoring folks.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So why go after him? Because he’s a big name? That’s a sign of desperation. You can’t convince me Carmelo is a great fit here with the team as constructed. When you need upgrades at point guard and defense, what on Earth makes you think he fixes those problems?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You don’t need chase stars. You need to select the right one because as Lakers history has shown getting big names doesn’t always work. Just because Melo is there doesn’t mean you ignore holes in his games that have been established for over a decade. </span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When was the last time that most of us Laker fans were truly satisfied with our PG? Van Exel??</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">— DJ R-Tistic (@dj_RTistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/dj_RTistic/statuses/487370400800587776">July 10, 2014</a></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It also means you don't ignore that the Lakers haven't had an All-Star caliber point guard in 15 years. Ron Harper and Derek Fisher were solid championship guards, Gary Payton wasn't a great fit and Smush Parker was...just Smush Parker. Ramon Sessions gave hope a couple years back but he didn't last after his initial start.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've stated this on the record <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/697809-la-lakers-why-the-lakers-should-pursue-chris-paul-not-dwight-howard" target="_blank">since 2011</a>. The Lakers need point guard help badly and every year they wait, they get left behind in this new NBA where point guard play matters. They should be as aggressive in finding one (hello Isaiah Thomas?) as they are looking for their new face. It'd also be nice if they find guys who can play defense (welcome back Trevor Ariza?) so teams won't continue to have 1980's Night when they play the Lakers and run up the score.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those are two guys who want to be here and are affordable. They're also attractive enough to lure other players here along with Julius Randle so they're moves that affect both the short and long-term so I'd suggest the Lakers look in the mirror and ask if they want to be random star chasers or grab building blocks who can be stars to attract the right fellow stars.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theknickswall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/carmelo-anthony-kobe-bryant-420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://theknickswall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/carmelo-anthony-kobe-bryant-420.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's great that Melo and Kobe have a tight relationship and they would be professionals about things but I bet you both would want a point guard as much as they'd want to play with each other.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know they want to win before Kobe Bryant retires but they have to balance that out with what's best for the organization. Carmelo Anthony isn't the sole answer nor do I think he's the answer. This team needs more than a big name, they need the right pieces to fix their problems. Getting a star is great for ticket sales but if he doesn’t address on-court issues, what’s the use?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s foolish to only go after Carmelo and not build around him with people who actually fill critical needs. It'd also show the Lakers front office is desperate for buzz as opposed to making smart decisions and letting the spotlight eventually find its way back here. So here's hoping they remember what they need because come next year, somebody has to handle the ball and Steve Nash/Kendall Marshall aren't exactly the answer.
</span></span>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-42201090087294389962014-07-06T23:57:00.000-07:002014-07-06T23:57:44.245-07:00Dee Gordon: A Comet Becomes a Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
If you asked me three years ago if Dee Gordon had the potential to be an All-Star, I would've said no. He had potential to be a great leadoff man and an exceptional base stealer but on first glance, I didn't see All-Star. All I was hoping for was him to develop into a better hitter so he could be a weapon. <br />
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Safe to say the guy my former co-worker called Speedy Dee back in 2011 has exceeded that. He's an All-Star reserve, a .300 hitter and the major league leader in stolen bases and triples that has helped galvanize this Dodgers offense. And I'm happy for him.<br />
<br />
Yasiel Puig? Expected All-Star the minute he took MLB by storm. Clayton Kershaw? You've seen his last seven games right? Zach Greinke? Unquestionably the best "No. 2" pitcher in the National League. But Dee? A diamond in the rough who finally started to shine.<br />
<a name='more'></a>There's few things better than seeing young players develop. You see them struggle, you see flashes of brilliance and then you see them start putting it together. Gordon's been up and down with the Dodgers and with his suspect arm combined with his low on-base percentage, you wondered if he'd be able to stay with the team. <br />
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But he's a different player now. He's Mr. Excitement. Every at-bat is a must-watch just like Yasiel Puig. When he puts the ball in the gap, it's almost a guarantee double and if he sprays it to side? Look out at third. He's become that weapon I hoped for and then some.<br />
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I noticed it when I was at the Dodgers-Cardinals game on June 27. I was anxious to see every bat and he proved it going 3-for-4 with the team's lone RBI. It was exciting and with him on base, the crowd expected him to steal second every single time. It threw the pitchers off and not to compare it to Jackie Robinson, but I know some get a similar thrill like him or Maury Wills or Davey Lopes.<br />
<br />
Tip my hat to Don Mattingly and his staff moving him to second base to better utilize his arm. Tip my hat to Gordon working on his hitting and putting himself in a position to be a threat on the basepaths. It's been fun seeing him improve and I wish him well at the Midsummer Classic as well as this season.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-21780534900968945112014-06-24T16:54:00.002-07:002014-06-24T16:56:58.981-07:00On the Lakers and the 2014 NBA Draft (Get the Point, Not the Size)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the first time in nine years, I'm watching the NBA Draft to see what happens to the Lakers. The three-year back slide since the 2011 playoff sweep by the Mavericks has led to this and I guess all year, we've been waiting to see what happens.<br />
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Mostly, I've been praying that with some of the questionable personnel moves that Lakers management have made, they do the right thing on Thursday. Avoid getting a big man and get a guard to finally move into the 21st century NBA. With no second round pick this year or any draft picks for 2015 as of
right now, this pick means a lot which is why they need to go small than
big.<br />
<br />
The Lakers have lacked a great, young, dynamic point guard for 15 years. While Ron Harper, Derek Fisher, Gary Payton, Smush Parker and Ramon Sessions were solid, Nick Van Exel was really the last one they've had. In this era you need a strong lead guard to be able to do anything in the West.<br />
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That's why the Lakers need to pray Dante Exum or Marcus Smart are available.<br />
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Both have their weaknesses - shaky jump shots for one - but they know how to run an offense. They don't have to score right away. Just get others involved, be able to defend, attack the basket and show flashes of dynamic decision making. You can find pieces around them to make that transition easier so they don't have to carry the team.<br />
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I've liked Smart since last year because he's dynamic, built with an NBA body and can shine on both sides of the ball. He's well-rounded and even though he cost himself money coming back, he proved that he can be an effective combo guard who doesn't give up on defense. <br />
<br />
As for Exum, I had to watch a bit of film on him cause admittedly, I was bothered by the extra push folks made to bring him here. I didn't know if the game was worth all of that but watching a few tapes, I liked what I saw. He has a great feel for the court and I liked his length/IQ/passing ability. He's also long enough to be a solid defender as he works on improving his shooting.<br />
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I admit, however, there's a chance both could be gone. If they are, then I think they need to gamble on Elfrid Payton Jr. from Louisiana-Lafayette. He's the mystery riser that's been wowing in workouts and since the Lakers have seen him twice, they might need to surprise folks and pull the trigger.<br />
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From what I've read and seen, he knows how to attack the paint and is a defensive pest. He also has a drive to show people he's not just a mid-major star and while he can work on his shooting, he'd be a great fit learning from perhaps one of the best in ferocious drive in Kobe Bryant. <br />
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Yes Pau Gasol is probably gone and it's tempting to take Julius Randle - who I like for his post presence but has some injury issues. But the new NBA is dictated by tempo and you need to be great on the perimeter more than the post. Assuming Kobe is somewhat healthy, the Lakers' new guard doesn't have to be a 1st option scorer but they need to be able to score, dictate tempo, defend and make an impact.<br />
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Smart, Exum and Payton have the ability to do that and whoever the next Lakers' coach is, they can trust one of the three to run an offense and be developed into the next cornerstone. Besides, they usually find their great big men via trade or free agency than the draft. With rebuilding mode in full swing, the smart move is to get the point instead of being swayed by size.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-84268088585479930962014-06-19T00:38:00.004-07:002014-06-19T00:38:56.978-07:00Clayton Kershaw: A No-No for the Young Prince<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="http://t.co/fUZB7Y79P5">pic.twitter.com/fUZB7Y79P5</a><br />
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/DodgersNation/statuses/479492333914697729">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I was running Wednesday night with my crew and my phone died. So when I changed batteries afterwards, I got all the updates from ESPN. "Clayton Kershaw has retired the first 15 batters......Clayton Kershaw has retired the first 18 batters."<br />
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Naturally, I turned on the game on the radio. All I heard was the roar of Dodger Stadium and silence from Charley Steiner and Rick Monday. I started swelling up with hope and then all a sudden, Steiner started saying Kershaw was being embraced by his teammates as he threw the 12th no-hitter in L.A. Dodgers history.<br />
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All I could do was smile. A month ago, he had perhaps the worst game of his career as he was chased in the first inning. Now the Young Prince had the game of his life and it was even more special knowing we've been blessed to see such a wonderful talent grow and blossom into the best pitcher in baseball.<br />
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When I covered a few Dodgers games in 08-09 and gave him that nickname, I saw his wicked speed and the rap was once he started lowering his pitch count, he'd be a monster. Then I saw his curveball and wondered if it would be a dominant pitch as much as his fastball. Then it became when would Joe Torre take the kid gloves off and let him go longer than 6-7 innings.<br />
<br />
To borrow from Haim, those Days are Gone. Over the last 3 1/2 years, we've been blessed to see an incredible run by him. The best game of his up to now was last year when he a threw a 1-0 shutout and homered the game's only run. Now the $215 million man has added a no-hitter to his resume and the first one at Dodger Stadium since 1995.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
These are headed to Cooperstown <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Kershawnohitter&src=hash">#Kershawnohitter</a> <a href="http://t.co/3RwnUuWNxe">pic.twitter.com/3RwnUuWNxe</a><br />
— Rahshaun Haylock (@RHaylock) <a href="https://twitter.com/RHaylock/statuses/479522466029506560">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote>
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15 strikeouts. No walks. A lone error by Hanley Ramirez kept it from being perfect. An amazing play by Miguel Rojas kept it alive. 107 pitches. The Young Prince was efficient, dominant and electrifying and all I could feel was happiness. He's a gift to the city of Los Angeles on and off the field and he's continued to come a long way from that young Texas kid with promise.<br />
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Hail to the Young Prince indeed. Don't compare him to Sandy Koufax. Appreciate him as his own man, carving out his mark as one of the finest pitchers to wear a Dodgers uniform.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-22752915941672389372014-06-12T15:04:00.002-07:002014-06-12T15:04:54.224-07:00Ready for the World Cup (How I Learned to Stop Hating and Love Soccer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/WC-2014-Brasil.svg/719px-WC-2014-Brasil.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/WC-2014-Brasil.svg/719px-WC-2014-Brasil.svg.png" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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Let's go back 16 years. The 13-year-old me was ready to watch the Cup but with jaded pessimism. With Jim Rome's anti-soccer talk in my ears, I was raised to think soccer was a silly sport. I was an American snob in training and watching the 1998 American team finish dead last made it feel even more like I was right.<br />
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I knew the big soccer stars like Ronaldo and Zidane and I became a fan of the bald French goalie Barthez. But I wasn't about to dive deeper in soccer and there was no way I believed America would ever matter since I knew the best soccer talent was worldwide. So I stayed segregated in my growing hoop/pigskin/baseball world.<br />
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And here I am now. More geeked for the World Cup than I've ever been. Fully immersed in the previews (hat-tip to my Bro Jackson brethren killing those) and anxious to see Brazil kick it off, while praying the turmoil there doesn't get too overshadowed.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
A lot can happen in a decade and a half. Even despite friends who played soccer in junior high/high school, I just never saw it as more than the other sport. Give a lot of credit to Twitter where good folks have helped educate me on the game as well the exciting World Cups of the last few years as well as America's performance. Not to mention following the UEFA Champions League a little bit and becoming a fan of FC Barcelona.<br />
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Four years ago, I was in downtown L.A. watching U.S. vs. Ghana at L.A. Live with a bunch of soccer fans. I had initially come down to meet an acquaintance from Twitter who was in town for the NHL Draft and while they were in Staples, I stood outside at watched. I cheered with everyone in USA jerseys, I groaned when Ghana scored yet was happy for an African country to advance in South Africa.<br />
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You can blame <a href="http://virgogumbo.blogspot.com/2010/06/isner-mahut-what-match-shouts-to-landon.html" target="_blank">this great moment</a> for getting me excited that year. It didn't help that I also had a friend in Spain at the time and she was going nuts as David Villa and crew brought the Cup back to Madrid. You also can credit ESPN's 30 for 30 coming up with great soccer documentaries to further whet my appetite.<br />
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So for the 2014 Cup, what am I looking forward to? Considering the US has a tough group, I'm not expecting much for them. My motto is just hoping that we are a competitive team and that Jurgen Klinsmann continues building for the future. It does suck that Landon Donovan won't be there but if Jozy Altidore can play like he did last week, it can balance it out.<br />
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There's no way we beat Germany or Portugal so I'll be happy with a well-played game and seeing Ghana again? Well, best case is play for a tie but stealing a win wouldn't hurt. However, I respect Ghana enough to know they have our number and it's going to take a crisp game to hang with them.<br />
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My eyes are on the other teams too. Can Brazil win this one at home with the brilliance of the phenom Neymar? Is Argentina poised to make a deep run so Lionel Messi the GAWD can make an impact? Same with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal? Who will make a name for themselves like David Villa did four years ago.<br />
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I'll also be watching Mexico since my girlfriend's family will be rooting for them along with the US. They've had some coaching changes and the brilliant wunderkind Chicharito Hernandez hasn't made much noise lately. With him not starting, can El Tri shake off their recent woes and live up to their promise led by Giovani Dos Santos?<br />
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Uruguay's Luis Suarez is another player I've read about the last couple weeks. Brilliant and emotional but for some reason, I'm captivated by seeing him in action. So I'll be watching him along with other countries to see how they play and further dive into this beautiful game.<br />
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Maybe that's the great thing of my evolution. Watching soccer has taught me to just shut up and watch. Enjoy the game, try to learn as you go and save the analysis for the true heads. It also means I have no emotional ties to a team so it's freeing and fun. That's why I'm glad I've come a complete 180 on soccer and I can't wait to soak up these next few weeks of the best soccer around Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-66639927575058906122014-06-03T15:00:00.000-07:002014-06-03T15:00:09.790-07:00Heat vs. Spurs: A Rematch Hoops Fans Can Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My good friend Keith and I talk a lot about hoops and one of the things we talk about is the science of hoops. We recommend pieces that discuss the science of the game without boring us with gossip or unnecessary hit jobs. We talk about the X's and O's and when I get away from the Twitter stream of consciousness, I see the game as more than just narratives and enjoy it.<br />
<br />
Another friend, Paris, wrote <a href="http://parislay.blogspot.com/2014/05/love-game-hate-people.html" target="_blank">an excellent piece</a> about how he's stopped being a fan and becoming an watcher/observer of the game in reaction to over the top fan behavior. It's a freeing thing to enjoy the games, be passionate/excited and then break it down without losing much sweat or hyperbole. Of course some games will still hit you in the gut but life goes on.<br />
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I say all of that as an intro to this Heat-Spurs rematch that I'm excited to see. Two similar teams playing beautiful basketball. Two coaches who are masters of their profession in terms of strategy, preparation and adjustments. I'm ready to sit back and watch our first Finals back-to-back rematch in 15 years. Here's what I want to see.<br />
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I want to see how the Spurs respond to dealing with a year of remembering they were 30 seconds from a 5th NBA title.<br />
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I want to see the pride of Compton/Riverside Kawhi Leonard and his newly minted All-Defensive Team status match wits with LeBron James.<br />
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I want to see if a healthy Manu Ginobli/Dwyane Wade can be difference makers. I want to see Manu spark the best bench in the league and Wade show us he still has tricks up his sleeve.<br />
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I want to text back and forth with my Spurs fan aunt, Keith and other basketball minded friends and marvel at what we just saw.<br />
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I want to see the great Tim Duncan continue to fight Father Time and be effective on both sides.<br />
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I want to see if The Green Ranger can light it up again consistently or if he will just be Danny Green, spot-up shooter against a swarming Heat defense.<br />
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I want to see Gregg Popovich and Erik Spolestra play chess with some of the best pieces in the league. Two mad scientists who love to make people shut up and just watch the game.<br />
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I want to see games like Game 1, Game 6 and Game 7 from last year. <br />
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I want to see Chris "Big Shot" Bosh make plays that will remind people why he's been such a key part of the Heat's success. A key rebound, a defensive stand, jump shots to stretch the defense and clutch plays to make us appreciate his contributions.<br />
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I want to see Shane Battier, my favorite player once upon a time, make big 3's and give us something to remember why he's been a rare breed of a steady Duke NBA player before he retires.<br />
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I want to see LeBron James be LeBron James. No expectations, just doing what he does better than anybody else. <br />
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Finally I want to see Miami get that third ring. Heat in 6 is my prediction but will I complain if it goes 7? No. Will I complain if the Spurs win it all? No. <br />
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Let's just watch the games and react accordingly . Let's appreciate what we have before us and get ready for another great series. This is for the scientists who love hoops, the junkies who want that fix and the observers who want to see the best face off. It's high-level hoops that's accessible and easy to enjoy because hey, we got 7 games of it last year and nobody complained, right?Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-48910258458327881392014-05-11T20:55:00.003-07:002014-05-11T20:55:58.143-07:00A Week of Good Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been an eventful week for me but also a productive one. Even though jury duty abruptly changed some of my plans, I'm still amazed at the level of work I did in spite of it and my schedule being tight.<br />
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I know I've been neglectful in sharing my stories here but I hope you'll indulge me for sharing after this week. (Here's a quick link to my non-sports thoughts from Monday on <a href="http://brojackson.com/tv/game-of-thrones-ladies-night" target="_blank">last week's Game of Thrones ep</a>, which I think shows how my TV critiques are getting better) <br />
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Tuesday, for Bro Jackson, I tag-teammed with fellow scribe Courtney Cox to <a href="http://brojackson.com/culture/drop-the-mic-why-we-cant-let-mad-dog-russo-off-the-hook" target="_blank">tackle the ignorant, lazy comments of Chris "Mad Dog" Russo regarding the lack of Black journalists on his station</a>. As I've written before, media and new media are glaringly White and when comments like these are said, you can't leave them alone because they are dangerous. Courtney set it up so well with her takes that I felt like Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman closing this out in style.<br />
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Later that night, I was at a volleyball game with a league title at stake. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140506/el-segundo-boys-volleyball-wins-second-consecutive-league-title" target="_blank">A three game sweep for El Segundo against South Torrance</a>. 2 straight Pioneer League titles and 2 straight without losing a set.<br />
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Thursday, I turned in <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140508/westchester-basketball-academic-star-nick-hamilton-decides-to-attend-cal-out-of-18-schools" target="_blank">one of my favorite features of my career</a>. Westchester senior Nick Hamilton was a solid basketball player but an exceptional student who hasn't gotten less than an A on a report card since 4th grade. He not only won the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship Award that will pay for his tuition, but he's going to Cal. It reminded me of what I went through in HS to be valedictorian.<br />
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After the trial I was on ended Friday, I went to Long Beach <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/20140509/long-beach-wilson-wins-42nd-consecutive-moore-league-boys-swimming-title" target="_blank">to cover a swim meet for the first time</a>. It was just like a track meet so although it was new to me (at least in person), I treated it the same way. Oh yeah, I wrote it in about 20 mins due to deadline.<br />
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Then Saturday, I wrote <a href="http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/20140510/long-beach-state-assistant-track-coach-latanya-sheffield-ushers-in-new-era-for-49ers" target="_blank">this feature that came out today</a>. Long Beach State had overlooked trying to snag sprinting talent from powerhouses Long Beach Poly and Long Beach Wilson but thanks to assistant coach LaTanya Sheffield, that's changing this year. She's got three coming her way and what I loved what the confidence in Sheffield's voice - it's magnetic and the young ladies were drawn to that right away.<br />
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So there's my week in review. Sometimes you really have to toot your own horn and let folks know how happy you are with your work because if you aren't proud of it, why send it in?Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-60008044399161903622014-04-23T13:13:00.002-07:002014-04-23T13:13:48.554-07:00Lakers Fans vs. Kobe Fans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Losing reveals a lot of things. It tests your character and it exposes a lot things. In the case of the Lakers, it exposed a lot folks stooping to desperate levels.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For the first time, I heard Lakers fans and fan sites talk about tanking -</span><a href="http://www.ebsportsreport.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-anti-tanking-manifesto-why-its.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"> that silly concept I debunked earlier this year.</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I settled for accepting a team that was competitive and moral victories meant giving up less than 100 points. I dealt with Nick Young being the West Coast JR Smith except not as destructive. And then there’s the Kobe conundrum. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If this season exposed anything, it’s the great divide between Lakers fans and Kobe fans. One group of folks know the Lakers way and respect the franchise as much or more than one player. The other group believes in Kobe Bean Bryant and can sometimes forget the realities of the game.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, Kobe's opinion and actions matter considering he's given half his life to the team. But at the same time, resting the hopes of next year solely on him is a fool's errand. Yet there are fans who do this and I can't figure out why they can't balance their love for Kobe with the same reality check other superstars have.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Andy Kamenetzky did a <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/67116/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-civil-war" target="_blank">great job laying this out</a> and to add on to it, here’s things I notice.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kobe fans believe he’s going to come back 100% healthy and buy into his self-promotion because he’s done amazing things before. Lakers fans take a step back and realize that Father Time is 100% undefeated and we’re seeing the decline of a player we’ve seen grow up in front of us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kobe fans want to slander LeBron James as a fake pretender. Lakers fans remember Chick Hearn taught us to respect the game and appreciate those around us. Lakers fans also remember the Michael Jordan fans who thumbed their nose at Kobe being anywhere near him and vowed not to be like that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kobe fans believe that whatever Kobe wants, he should get because he’s earned it. Lakers fans agree but also realize that you need to balance that out with what’s best for the team given his age.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kobe Bryant is entering his 19th season. He’s 13th all-time in minutes played and assuming he plays at least 70 games, he’ll be in the top 10 by 2015. I don’t care how good he is, he is not the Kobe of 1998, 2001, 2006 or even 2009 and 2010.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To quote Haim (or Fishbone if you prefer), these Days are Gone</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I say this as somebody who’s watched Kobe since Day One. Who remembers the game Kobe broke out against the Sacramento Kings and threw down a 360 on a fastbreak as a rookie. Who remembers All-Star Weekend 97 like yesterday and the coming out party in the 98 All-Star Game. Who has Kobe in my personal Top 10 all-time players list and had a love/hate/love relationship with him. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m also somebody who wrote </span><a href="http://virgogumbo.blogspot.com/2011/05/end-of-era.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">back in 2011 that this day was coming</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Scroll to the bottom). The decline was going to hurt this team and the Lakers because they didn’t have a plan. I was wrong about Kobe’s decline in some aspects but I didn’t foresee that he’d leave the court twice with serious league injuries. So now here we are.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kobe Fans need to accept this. Most of us do and we appreciate whatever we can get from Kobe at this stage of his career the same way Brooklyn does with Kevin Garnett. Yes he can do a lot of things few can but he’s also mortal. You can’t run him out like a thoroughbred next year after two major leg injuries. You have to treat him like the Spurs treat Tim Duncan - restrict his minutes and use him sparingly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lakers fans understand this. We were born into either good times or bad times. We saw James Worthy decline as well as Kareem. We remember the 1990’s Lake Show era when there was good young talent in Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell. We know that at some point, you have to rebuild and find somebody new to help carry the mantle.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I just hope Kobe fans realize this. We both appreciate what Bryant has done in his career and done for the Purple and Gold. The only difference is we’re real about what the ending will be. The Lakers have to prepare for that and hopefully this summer they will instead of come up with more PR for Kobe’s return.</span></div>
Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-72338100272695307852014-03-24T12:47:00.001-07:002014-03-24T13:10:36.365-07:00Requiem for Wichita State (And Other March Madness thoughts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/5f/f5f9914b-43f0-5c21-9ab4-330baf0a2c62/532f92db4cdee.preview-620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/5f/f5f9914b-43f0-5c21-9ab4-330baf0a2c62/532f92db4cdee.preview-620.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wichita State finally lost their first game of the year, as most expected. There have been some voices who feel vindicated because WSU didn't survive the first weekend. I'll politely say that those folks are idiots who want to feel smart because this plucky mid-major didn't deserve the attention they got.<br />
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So Wichita State didn't play a tough schedule. Do folks realize how hard it is for teams to win every single game? Only two teams in my lifetime have gone perfect through the regular season (1991 UNLV, 2004 St Joseph's before the conference tournament).<br />
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2008 Memphis - maybe the best team I've witnessed since 1999 Duke - lost one game prior to the national title game. 2012 Kentucky lost one before they lost again in the SEC title game. I don't care who you are, to win every game is not easy regardless of schedule. One bad game and that's a wrap.<br />
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I compare it to watching the No. 1 high school team in California this weekend. Mater Dei is 34-0 and heading to their fourth straight state final appearance. They've played through a tough nonleague schedule, a league that included a fellow state finalist in St. John Bosco and one of the toughest playoff roads in the nation.<br />
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Saturday, <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140322/westchester-falls-to-mater-dei-in-socal-regional-open-division-final" target="_blank">they were down six to a very good Westchester team with 2:46 left</a>. Mater Dei went on a 12-1 run and hit only one shot. That's right - 10 of 10 free throws. Their best player, Arizona-bound Stanley Johnson, only took three second half shots and missed them yet he did his damage from the foul line (10 of 11 in the second half)<br />
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Sometimes, when you're on a roll, you just find a way to win games where it looks like you shouldn't. It comes down to preparation and execution, not just some intangible like toughness, luck or karma. Winning every game when you know you're facing the best from everyone is not easy. If so, why don't more do it?<br />
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That's where I salute Wichita State. They took the best game from a inconsistent Kentucky team and lost by two. They heard the whispers they couldn't compete with a power conference team and they did just that for two brilliant halves. Forget the fact they proved themselves already last year getting to the Final Four.<br />
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Yes they took a loss but unlike the 2007 Patriots, they were still underdogs. Instead of criticizing them and calling them frauds/overrated/nitpicking their flaws because that's what folks love to do, salute them for going down fighting. Salute them for battling and without elevating them to the level of a 91 UNLV, 04 St. Joe's or 08 Memphis that was loaded with future pros, just give them respect.<br />
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I watched Creighton's last two games to get a read on Doug McDermott's game. I've ignored most of the McDermott hype this year so I didn't feel like he was being an overhyped White guy a la Jimmer Fredette or Adam Morrison. Some made the lazy comparison to Larry Bird (<a href="http://content.clearchannel.com/cc-common/mlib/726/03/726_1394634523.gif" target="_blank">I see you being sly, SI</a>) because that's what folks do whenever a White guy puts up points with a butter jumper.<br />
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From what I saw, McDermott has decent footwork. He knows how to score in the post and coming off screens, he's deadly. He's not leadfooted like Morrison and at 6-8, he's not undersized to be an NBA small forward.<br />
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He benefited from an offense geared around him. I saw his teammates drive to the basket but look for him at any chance they got. It reminded me of what I read about another father-son college duo - Pistol Pete Maravich, who's father Press built the LSU offense around him so he could be the first/second/third option. Much easier with him as the ballhandler vs. McDermott who benefited from others.<br />
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Now for the criticisms. I'd like to see if McDermott can consistently create his own shot in the NBA. Against Baylor, he faced long, athletic defenders that made it tough for him to get open. He also needs to work on his defense since he'll face guys who'll be ready to test him from Day One.<br />
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He'll also have to refine his post game even though he has some solid moves down. But he should be a first-round pick. Teams can't pass up a 6-8 guy who knows how to score and is willing to battle down low. It'll be up to McDermott to see if he can thrive in the NBA like his former HS teammate Harrison Barnes.<br />
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Oh look!!! Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins played terrible in their regular season (college?) finale. Let's rain down all the criticism about how flawed they are and forget what they did during the season (or how well Stanford and Mercer played them)<br />
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Parker and Wiggins are far from finished products. Of course they are, because they're still young. Very few players get drafted and dominate from Day One. But if one game is an indictment of them, thank God those folks aren't paid to be scouts.<br />
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Parker is a very good offensive player who could work on finding more ways to affect a game besides scoring. Wiggins has a great nose for the ball, whether it be scoring, offensive rebounding or defense, but needs to more assertive. Neither are fully NBA ready but NBA teams would be foolish to pass them up in the top 5. <br />
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I agree there's too much weight put on potential but if guys have way more incentive to go, go get paid to develop. If you want them to stay, then maybe we need some incentive to keep them in school and develop for free. If only we could pay college athletes with something worth more than a scholarship and exposure.....<br />
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Yes, I made the mistake of having too much faith on Ohio State and Syracuse despite their fraudulent behavior that made them suspect. Yes, Duke and Kansas let me down. BUT, <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2014/en/entry?entryID=1807522" target="_blank">I still have my Final Four intact!</a> Cheers!!!!<br />
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Okay okay, I'm still not near the top of most my pools but fear not. It's not about winning the first weekend, but the second. It's cute seeing folks celebrate their "first-round" winnings but I'm all about celebrating how many Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final 4 teams you have left.<br />
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While folks are sprinting out to celebrate, I'm just coasting and then by Sunday, don't be surprised to see them fall back while the real bracketologists parade to the final weekend. Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-11351128496511163792014-02-21T12:47:00.000-08:002014-02-21T12:47:18.413-08:00Weekend Links (Best of My Recent Work)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I've been silent here for the most part. Mainly because the newspaper has been keeping me very busy and I couldn't be happier. Basketball/football season has given me a lot of work and I could not be happier.<br />
<br />
Just so you know what I've been up to, I'm presenting a few links of my best work starting with today. Plus sharing a few behind the scene tidbits<br />
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Bishop Montgomery guard Justin Bibbins is only 5-9 but he dominates every game he's in. He's a leader, well-spoken, thoughtful and a future Long Beach State 49er. Here's my <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140220/bishop-montgomery-boys-basketball-player-justin-bibbins-stands-tall-leading-by-example" target="_blank">feature on him</a>.*<br />
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Speaking of features, my last football feature was on Narbonne defensive end <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140125/narbonnes-owen-roberts-all-set-for-final-prep-game-at-west-coast-bowl" target="_blank">Owen Roberts</a>. The kid they call "Boogie" became one of my all-time favorites to cover because he was fun, quotable and friendly. He's heading to San Jose State and for this, I was happy to talk to his coach and several old teammates.<br />
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From this week, Palos Verdes survived a late shooting clinic<a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140219/palos-verdes-boys-basketball-survives-playoff-thriller-at-gahr-in-cif-southern-section-division-3aa" target="_blank"> to beat Gahr in the first round of the playoffs</a>.**<br />
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Serra girls hoops was ready to celebrate Senior Night but rival <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140213/bishop-montgomery-girls-basketball-upsets-serra-to-spoil-senior-night" target="_blank">Bishop Montgomery had other plans</a>. Huge upset.***<br />
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I've also covered more soccer too. Here's two pieces on Banning girls <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140218/banning-girls-soccer-falls-to-roosevelt-in-la-city-section-playoffs" target="_blank">losing 2-1 in the playoffs</a> and Mira Costa girls winning their <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140211/mira-costa-girls-soccer-tops-peninsula-with-mandy-mckeegan-setting-tone" target="_blank">second-to-last regular season game</a>.<br />
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And believe it or not, I've covered wrestling. It's been a lot of fun getting to know a new sport and this piece on <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140204/south-torrance-wins-first-wrestling-league-title-in-three-years" target="_blank">South Torrance winning league</a> was great because I got video of the last match that the team went wild for. ****<br />
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Westchester went eye to eye with nationally ranked DeMatha of Maryland at the Nike Extravaganza. Great shooting by future LMU guard Elijah Stewart but <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140201/elijah-stewart-led-westchester-basketball-falls-short-vs-national-power-dematha" target="_blank">DeMatha pulled it out in OT</a>*****<br />
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Finally, Redondo boys basketball got one of their top role players back last week. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140211/redondo-basketball-blasts-palos-verdes-in-jeremiah-headleys-return" target="_blank">Jeremiah Headley got a nice ovation and scored on his first trip down the court</a>. <br />
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<i>*Bibbins was kind enough to do this story after learning his grandmother passed away earlier in the day. I'm grateful for his time</i><br />
<i>**I was all set to listen to my interviews when apparently, I didn't record my stuff with the coach. Turns out I somehow filled up my space on the recorder. Good lesson - listen and make mental notes in case technology fails you</i><br />
<i>***Apparently I'm a <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140207/bishop-montgomery-spoils-serras-boys-basketball-senior-night" target="_blank">Senior Night jinx</a></i><br />
<i>****Lesson here, always be ready and anticipate when a moment can happen </i><br />
<i>*****I had to write this one in 25 minutes thanks to the late end and deadlines. Somehow I finished it and turned it in only 2 minutes after deadline. Credit typing on Google Drive on my phone (a lifesaver!) as well as trying to write in the final minute of OT</i>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-43026352678221602532014-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:002014-02-09T09:08:08.473-08:00Marcus Smart Reminds Us Fans are Entitled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2012/1222/nba_i_smart_b1_576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2012/1222/nba_i_smart_b1_576.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Saturday night, I watched the reaction to Marcus Smart pushing a Texas Tech fan. Naturally my first thought was what did the fan say? Obviously Smart will be suspended for perhaps the first major blemish on his college career but more important is what provoked it.<br />
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Smart was told "Go Back to Africa" by Jeff Orr. Where I come from, you say that to somebody it's hurtful. I was told "Go Back to Compton" as an adult at Newport Beach - a lillywhite area in SoCal - and even though it was silly, I was hurt that it came at a beach. Orr knew what he was doing reaching for a racial insult and deserved what he got.<br />
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Also naturally, folks were quick to say "But he shouldn't have done it" or whatever excuse they needed to justify being thrown a racially coded insult. In 2014, why are we still doing this? Have we not evolved to think deeper? Is it all knee-jerk reaction without any analysis?<br />
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Let's call it what it is. Media and other sports fans are quick to judge athletes when they don't judge fans for their behavior that's gotten worse and worse over time. Don't believe me, consider the recent evidence.<br />
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Fans called Derrick Rose soft for taking his time with his body. A grown woman flipped off Joakim Noah as if she knew he wouldn't respond. Fans get self-righteous when you dare suggest paying college athletes. I saw a high school fan called a kid a 5-letter word for kitten this year for being injured on the field.<br />
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And now this Texas Tech fan, who has a record for being boorish and uncouth toward players. So you dare say players are selfish and entitled? They aren't the only ones. This has happened for years and it's about time more folks get on board with holding fans accountable.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Does a university booster get to say whatever he wants, and a "student athlete" is required to take it? What responsibility does TTU have?<br />
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayBilas/statuses/432405234607222785">February 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Also, please don't bring up Jackie Robinson's nobility to say athletes shouldn't fight back. This isn't 1947 or the 60's. Black athletes (or people in general) did not fight back because that was a death sentence. They raised their fists, they went to jail if they were lucky. Jackie Robinson fought back against the U.S. Army so do you think he took that abuse because he wanted to? He and others did it so future athletes wouldn't have to suffer in silence.<br />
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So again, how selfish of a fan to think you can say anything without retribution. It's equivalent to thinking you're at a zoo protected by cages. And like zoo-goers, fans have treated athletes as less than human but objects of scorn who wear the different colors. It's one thing to boo or smack talk but folks take it to the extreme. <br />
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You can only ignore it for so long. Just like how my media brethren have mostly ignored calling out fans getting worse at games. Never forget a fan sparked the worst brawl in NBA history 10 years ago and fans were among the worst offenders that night. Never forget how fans think they own players by spewing anger at them over fantasy sports.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
btw, the people who say, IN GENERAL, you can’t get beat up over words have lived in a universe i’ve never visited. but that’s just me.<br />
— Bomani Jones (@bomani_jones) <a href="https://twitter.com/bomani_jones/statuses/432382627245744128">February 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Sports cater to fans more than ever now. From graphics to promotions to instigating debates to encouraging fanatical behavior to sparking debates of the lowest common denominator, it's all dumbing down and entertaining fans at their core level. I'm not complaining about it when it's fun but I also recognize it is a privileged position.<br />
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Sports fans have more access to players thanks to Twitter and Facebook and other social media. You can now insult your favorite player behind a computer screen as an anonymous face. Stuff you know you wouldn't say to their face, you'd drop it in cyberspace. That's privilege and by definition, entitlement that's enabled by promoting social networking as a place of interaction where respect can be thrown out the window.<br />
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No amount of money spent at a game entitles you to treat a fellow fan or a player with vile behavior. That's why I love when an athlete smacks down a fan via Twitter because frankly, they deserve to. In the real world, your words have consequences and Orr should find that just as much as Smart does for his actions.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Last thing I'm here for is folks to demonize Marcus Smart if some Texas Tech rabble rouser went too far and got what they deserve.<br />
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) <a href="https://twitter.com/evan_b/statuses/432373261796524032">February 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I see it on a nightly basis in high school sports and I see youth sports with parents go wild. It's even more egregious in college and the pros. Passion is one thing but when it goes too far, it ruins the game.<br />
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Oh, and nothing is more bush league that calling somebody a derogatory name, being handed the appropriate retaliation and then crying foul. I was raised better than that and I know many folks who were too. If you poke a hornet's nest, you deserve what you get and you should know better.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JeffEisenberg">@JeffEisenberg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooForde">@YahooForde</a> I love it when white people chastise a young black person for reacting to bigotry in its most hateful form.<br />
— Full-Time Hoops (@FullTimeHoops1) <a href="https://twitter.com/FullTimeHoops1/statuses/432407364558270464">February 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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The media has improved from their willingness to always blame the athlete but not by much. I still heard the chorus of "Yeah fans can be jerks but you can't touch them." Media enables fan behavior when we don't call it out and by us being gatekeepers, we need to cover all sides. When fans cross the line, we need to call them out as well as the player.<br />
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I saw a few people on Twitter say it but few more in print will say "Yeah Smart was wrong and should be suspended but the Texas Tech fan is the real villain as is a growing sense of fans going too far." The day I see more of that and less of "Smart shouldn't have done it", I'll be happy. We react too much instead of asking why like good reporters and fans with critical thinking.<br />
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Yes, players should be accountable too. Yes, Smart was in the wrong and will hopefully be handled with fairly. But that's easy and goes without saying. It's high time we hold fans more accountable because there is no excuse anymore. Orr got what he deserved and hees lucky he got pushed because outside, I've seen far worse happen to folks who play the race card in insulting somebody.<br />
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Nobody wants to be called out for their entitlement but maybe if more get shamed in the seats instead of the court, maybe we'll alleviate some of this fan angst towards players.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-70724120830224994702014-02-03T11:09:00.002-08:002014-02-03T11:09:37.858-08:00Super Bowl Hangover: All Hail Pete Carroll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_404h/2010-2019/Wires/Online/2014-02-03/AP/Images/Super%20Bowl%20Football.JPEG-0329b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_404h/2010-2019/Wires/Online/2014-02-03/AP/Images/Super%20Bowl%20Football.JPEG-0329b.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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Congrats to the best football coach of the 21st century in Pete Carroll. I know it sounds crazy but after that defensive demolition his Seahawks laid on the most prolific offense in NFL history, I think he's made his argument easy.<br />
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He's the third coach to win a college and pro championship (Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer). He built two championship caliber teams from the ground up a la Jimmy Johnson. More importantly, he changed their identities. USC became attractive to more high school players and the Seahawks are having the best run I've ever seen them have.<br />
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He and Jim Harbaugh have changed the idea that college coaches can't succeed in the NFL but their past lives at NFL lifers prepped them for this. Carroll's failures with the Jets and Patriots taught him how to Win Forever and have fun while coaching some great defenses.<br />
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I never thought he'd duplicate his USC success in the NFL but now, he's done just that. I saw Carroll transform a culture and he's shaped what the Trojans want in a coach now. He shaped what UCLA looked for in Jim Mora. It's not about wins or losses, it's about culture change and getting people to buy in your system.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/02/03/Sports/Images/Super_Bowl_Football-0e8a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/02/03/Sports/Images/Super_Bowl_Football-0e8a2.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith knows all about Pete Carroll and success going back to his USC days.</td></tr>
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The Seahawks are cool, nasty and young. It's a more seasoned version of his USC teams and he has a quarterback that knows a lot about winning. Carroll used Pac-12 rivals (Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman), Texas talent (Earl Thomas), his keen eye for talent and built Seattle into a scary monster.<br />
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I saw USC tendencies on Sunday. Going for it on 4th down up big. Forcing turnovers led by playmaking linebackers. A balance of pass/run with Wilson/Marshawn Lynch and Percy Harvin looking like Reggie Bush. That game reminded of the 2005 national title game where USC destroyed Oklahoma. It also reminded me why Pete Carroll teams rarely struggled in big games.<br />
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I made my case earlier this year why Carroll <a href="http://brojackson.com/football/in-memoriam-bowl-championship-series" target="_blank">was the best coach of the BCS era</a>. In four years, he's become arguably the best of the NFL and you have to tip your hat. <br />
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<i>While you're at it, tip your hat to Wilson (the 2nd Black QB to win the Super Bowl, something that wasn't talked about much), Smith (the MVP joined his older brother Steve as a Super Bowl champion) and the rest of the L.A. area talent (Sherman, Brandon Mebane, Benson Mayowa) who will bring rings back to my city.</i>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-67975529641163201212014-01-17T11:06:00.002-08:002014-01-17T11:06:44.428-08:00The Anti-Tanking Manifesto (Why it's Misdiagnosed, Useless and Shameful)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thephoenixnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tank6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thephoenixnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tank6.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bill Simmons was maybe the first person I heard it from. The concept of "tanking" - where teams intentionally lose to help themselves in the upcoming draft. It was back in college when Simmons was busy writing columns that would influence me and a generation of future bloggers/sports websites.<br />
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It used to be something I frowned upon. Teams trying to lose? It sounded pathetic and limp. Who dare intentionally try to sabotage a season for the hope for getting a player who won't singlehandedly turn a team around. It sounded more like a private idea before Simmons announced it and promoted it every year.<br />
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A decade later, here we are. Tanking is a full-blown public term of endearment. Fans openly root for tanking. It's discussed at the beginning of a season. Now that it's hit home with the Lakers, it's made me even more vocal about why it's such a ridiculous concept.<br />
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Maybe it's because of how I'm wired. I'm a competitor and I have been since Day One. Get the best grade on a test. Do your best in athletics. Bring your A game and don't settle for less. I root for my teams to show effort all the time and win or lose, I'll respect it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dribbble.s3.amazonaws.com/users/18885/screenshots/280116/suck_for_luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://dribbble.s3.amazonaws.com/users/18885/screenshots/280116/suck_for_luck.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Colts didn't need to "Suck for Luck" - their season was doomed the minute Peyton Manning was hurt so they were going to suck anyway because they didn't have a backup plan or a capable backup.</td></tr>
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Tanking goes against that. It's openly rooting for your team to suck. It's praying that grown men go against everything they've been wired with. It's supporting an organization that's intentionally putting out an inferior product and daring you to still pay for it. It's a weak-minded concept that, while embraced by basketball folks and discussed as jokes, encourages fans to get used to losing.<br />
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It's like suckering folks to play the lottery hoping they get a payday not realizing they're wasting their money. So supporting tanking means giving an organization the right to take your money without caring that you indirectly give them fuel to continue their losing ways. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raptorsrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pollresults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.raptorsrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pollresults.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some weak-minded folks in this poll here.</td></tr>
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Second, tanking also doesn't guarantee anything in the NBA. Having the worst record means you have the best CHANCE at somebody. How many times have I seen it fail? The 1996-97 Boston Celtics were terrible and had the best chance to draft Tim Duncan No. 1.<br />
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Just read the graph at the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/5/21/4348616/nba-draft-lottery-history-derrick-rose-lebron-james" target="_blank">bottom of this article</a>. The worst team has only won the lottery THREE times in 23 years. The second-worst? Four times. So tanking doesn't even accomplish what it should even 25% of the time. <br />
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Third, tanking doesn't account for when your team just isn't good enough. Consider the Lakers. How is this team without four guards and a hobbled Pau Gasol is supposed to be better than the West/East's elite? On paper, there's no way they can compete and on the court, they can't either. They run and gun, they have energy, they have a good shooters in Jodie Meeks and Xavier Henry but what else?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makeameme.org/media/created/TankForWiggins2K14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://makeameme.org/media/created/TankForWiggins2K14.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the late Dr. Jerry Buss and Red Auerbach could see this crap, they'd roll over and come out swinging from the graves. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They put up 118 points to Cleveland and LOST. They put up 114 points to Phoenix and LOST without Nick Young, who got ejected for defending himself and swinging on Goran Dragic. Technically, if they tanked, they should've lost by 30-40. They just aren't good and it probably will be the first time since 2004-05 that they won't make the playoffs. Boston will probably destroy them tonight with Rajon Rondo's return.<br />
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Maybe I'm too serious but maybe I'm not. I have an English degree and I'm nitpicky when words are misused. Tanking means giving up. Tanking means trading away great players with value for sorrier players. Tanking means going through the motions. Most of the time, we don't really see that. Most of these teams that you think are "tanking" - yes including my Lakers - just suck. <br />
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A team given any other name makes it sound prettier than it is. So save your snark, your glowing sarcasm, your embarrassing Tank for (Insert High Draft Pick) campaigns. Call it what it is. It's not tanking if your team just sucks or the front office is incompetent and even embracing it as a concept goes against everything we want from sports. <br />
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<i>Now if there's any team in sports that's actually tanking? It's <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2013/08/26/2013-houston-astros-baseballs-worst-team-is-most-profitable-in-history/" target="_blank">the Houston Astros</a>. A team with a low payroll that's somehow raking in the
profits. That, my friends, is an owner who cares very little about
making his product better while he stacks his pockets. That's tanking. Deliberate sabotage of a team 10 years removed from
being a World Series contender so the owners can make money.</i>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-73734872378390786092014-01-07T14:12:00.000-08:002014-01-07T14:12:12.220-08:00Farewell to the BCS: A Symptom of Bigger NCAA problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Props to Jameis Winston becoming the second freshman QB (and 1st redshirt) to win a national title. Props to Florida State's defense coming alive in the second half and special teams changing the game. Props to Tre "Lil Maseo" Mason for balling out once again for Auburn in defeat. <br />
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Now that Florida State can celebrate a national title after one of the best national title games I've seen, it calls for us to throw the BCS into a coffin and quickly bury that monster. Yet not before we take one more look at why it resembles the best of college football (and the NCAA's) and its hypocrisy.<br />
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I vented my personal <a href="http://brojackson.com/football/fifteen-years-of-rage-hating-the-bcs-for-the-last-time" target="_blank">beef with the BCS earlier this season</a> and this week, I<a href="http://brojackson.com/football/in-memoriam-bowl-championship-series" target="_blank"> helped bid farewell looking at the highs and lows of the era</a>. As we lower it into the grave, let me provide some last words.<br />
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The BCS started out with good intentions. Yes, it got a few games right here and there and for the most part, the national champion was deserving. However, let's not forget what it revealed as it devolved into a mess.<br />
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*It favored the power conferences and was stacked against the mid-majors like Boise State and Utah, despite their BCS success. Notre Dame, due to legacy, was gifted several BCS bowl games and promptly crapped the bed in all of them. **<br />
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*It showcased the purest form of greed and corruption. From bowl directors making oodles of money to the bowl games serving their staff more than the good of the NCAA, the BCS bowl games were ripe for a select few (notice a trend?) to <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/chuck-the-bcs-175022477.html" target="_blank">get paid handsomely at the expense of others</a>.<br />
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*It destroyed conference rivalries. Over the last 15 years, conference realignment and expansion has invaded college sports and why? Because football is king and schools needed to position themselves for better BCS favor. So bye bye, Big East and the WAC. Sacrificial lambs for the "greater good".<br />
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*It showed why players deserve to be paid. All the money changing hands, all the TV rights, all the handwringing over the need for a playoff and all the players get is prestige and trinkets. That might have been fine in the earlier days but with the money explosion due to the BCS, it's time that money trickled down to the labor.<br />
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So while we come to bury the BCS, let's remember what it caused. Let's also remember it's a symptom of a bigger problem in college sports and whatever changes may come, we can't forget that somebody will benefit greater than the folks who made it all possible - the players.<br />
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**Chances are the new playoff will do the same thing but we'll see how it plays out.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-12785307788089827742014-01-06T12:29:00.001-08:002014-01-06T12:36:53.233-08:00Brett Hundley Returns: A Smart Decision UCLA's Celebrating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As I said above, Brett Hundley made the right business decision staying at UCLA. You can praise him for his loyalty but Hundley isn't risking his career for that alone. He's doing it to grow as a quarterback and a leader. Applaud him for realizing that he could improve his skill set as well as contribute to something special at UCLA.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For every Matt Leinart, Jake Locker, Matt Barkley or others who come back to get burned, there’s guys like Johnny Manziel and Vince Young who improved their stock by getting better on the field. So what does this mean for the Bruins? Let's break it down.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Shaq Evans graduates but nearly all of the team’s top receivers return. Devin Fuller and Jordan Payton had breakout seasons and Thomas Duarte could be in line for an even bigger year after catching three TD’s as a freshman.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Three freshmen started on the offensive line by season’s end and while Xavier Su’a-Filo goes pro, the experience coming back will make them stronger after they took the lumps in the trenches.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Bruins will lose some beasts on defense in Jordan Zumwalt, Cassius Marsh and All-American Anthony Barr but their young secondary will all return. Eddie Vanderdoes is ready to step up as the next terror on the defensive line and of course, Myles Jack will anchor the linebacker corps after proving he was one of the best freshmen in the country. </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Year 2 of the Jim Mora era was an even bigger success and beating Virginia Tech for their first 10-win season since 2005 says it all. Brett Hundley coming back means that 2014 is off to a good start and could end just as good as 2013 did.</span></span></div>
Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-3139807682745787362014-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:002014-01-05T15:57:50.756-08:00Welcome to 2014: Links and Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc9nf6hCgQHwSx2dLf-XcOFwuzXo5oqszz2VROE5R_wXJw05SmF_tkhqvhmhy7XW5cnbFpfy7ongokHf0fh9S83d1QdsoJTq7pGzROvajCUvd8OW-Uw2a58X5xeS-HwuxnIEF5R1uUuy_/s1600/Housekeeping-Clean-Safety-Label-S-2376.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc9nf6hCgQHwSx2dLf-XcOFwuzXo5oqszz2VROE5R_wXJw05SmF_tkhqvhmhy7XW5cnbFpfy7ongokHf0fh9S83d1QdsoJTq7pGzROvajCUvd8OW-Uw2a58X5xeS-HwuxnIEF5R1uUuy_/s320/Housekeeping-Clean-Safety-Label-S-2376.gif" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I have a 2013 recap post planned here but in the meantime, I have good links to share from the last of my 2012 and the beginning of this year.<br />
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From last night, I had the great privilege of being inside Staples Center for the Downtown Showdown, hosted by Torrance High School. The hosts swept <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20140102/torrance-boys-and-girls-sweep-downtown-showdown" target="_blank">both games for the first time</a> and here's one video interview of several I did following the games. (Daily Breeze)<br />
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<a href="http://brojackson.com/football/the-top-10-games-of-2013" target="_blank">My Top 10 games of the year.</a> Done before Texas A&M had their excellent comeback against Duke on New Year's Eve. (Bro Jackson)<br />
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Earlier this week, two of California's best teams faced off in a battle of locals. Redondo defeated Bishop Montgomery <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20131230/redondo-boys-basketball-team-finds-a-way-to-defeat-rival-bishop-montgomery" target="_blank">in a thriller</a>. (Daily Breeze)<br />
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I'll be at the <a href="http://blogs.dailybreeze.com/prepsports/2014/01/03/basketball-inglewood-hs-to-host-paul-pierce-winter-classic/" target="_blank">Paul Pierce Winter Classic</a> this weekend at Inglewood High School for two days of great hoops. Also, for my Southern Cali folks, check out Redondo High School for <a href="http://blogs.dailybreeze.com/prepsports/2014/01/03/boys-basketball-redondo-to-host-take-flight-challenge/" target="_blank">their Take Flight Challenge on Saturday</a>. Two great hoops showcases.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-63911251557300813622013-12-20T12:43:00.001-08:002013-12-20T12:43:19.899-08:00Christmas/New Year's Housekeeping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc9nf6hCgQHwSx2dLf-XcOFwuzXo5oqszz2VROE5R_wXJw05SmF_tkhqvhmhy7XW5cnbFpfy7ongokHf0fh9S83d1QdsoJTq7pGzROvajCUvd8OW-Uw2a58X5xeS-HwuxnIEF5R1uUuy_/s1600/Housekeeping-Clean-Safety-Label-S-2376.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc9nf6hCgQHwSx2dLf-XcOFwuzXo5oqszz2VROE5R_wXJw05SmF_tkhqvhmhy7XW5cnbFpfy7ongokHf0fh9S83d1QdsoJTq7pGzROvajCUvd8OW-Uw2a58X5xeS-HwuxnIEF5R1uUuy_/s320/Housekeeping-Clean-Safety-Label-S-2376.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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So here at the EB Sports Report, I've been silent due to other obligations and life situations. I'm still covering prep sports for the Daily Breeze and I'm still enjoying my work with one of the best sports blogs around. But I figure I'd make a few announcements for the rest of the year.<br />
<br />I plan on doing two more videos. One to wrap up USC's season and another for UCLA. The videos were few and far between this year but in my mind, they're also far better. I'll find a way to do more in 2014.<br />
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Also, if you followed me on Virgo Gumbo, you know I don't like doing end-of-the-year stuff until January. Only because something amazing can still happen between now and New Year's. So sometimes that first week of the year, I'll share those here.<br />
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Quick links. Only had one story this week but it was good. Visiting an old friend in Narbonne head coach Victoria Sanders as her <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20131219/narbonne-notches-girls-basketball-victory-over-carson" target="_blank">girls squad defeated league rival Carson</a>. Also you can check out my blog posts for the Daily Breeze right here at <a href="http://blogs.dailybreeze.com/prepsports/" target="_blank">Pure Preps</a>.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-52958524094934886872013-12-16T00:29:00.000-08:002013-12-16T11:58:36.633-08:00Dallas' December Blues are Bigger than Tony RomoIt's almost cliche to blame Tony Romo for the Cowboys' woes in December. I've <a href="http://virgogumbo.blogspot.com/2009/09/vsr-romo-ray-ray-and-roasting-trojans.html" target="_blank">done my</a> <a href="http://virgogumbo.blogspot.com/2012/12/time-to-clean-house-chargerscowboys.html" target="_blank">share of criticism</a>. The best quarterback my team has had since Troy Aikman but he walks with self-inflicted bullet holes in shoes.<br />
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This year, though, we need to be honest. Romo has not been the only reason the Cowboys are treading water. Forget all those December stats on Tony Romo, these are some stats that matter.<br />
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Dallas is allowing NFL-high 426.8 yards per game, and is 131 yards off pace set by 2012 Saints for most yards allowed in a single season.<br />
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/410381183055192064">December 10, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>And that was before Sunday's game. The Cowboys allowed 51 points to Denver, 49 points to New Orleans and 45 points vs. Chicago. Denver and Chicago failed to punt the whole game. They allowed 329 receiving yards to Calvin Johnson despite creating four Lions turnovers. Now they blew a 23-point halftime lead vs. Green Bay at home, who didn't punt in the second half.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>That's not on Romo. Unless he plays linebacker, cornerback or safety and last I checked, he didn't. This defense made two backup quarterbacks look very good with a very
good corps of WRs. <br />
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I've said it on Twitter but defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin needs to politely fall on the sword. I saw him struggle his last year at USC and while Dallas has forced more turnovers, they've been burned more often than garlic bread at my house. The man that helped create the famed "Tampa 2" defense is finding out that his beloved scheme is losing its effectiveness in today's NFL.<br />
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Here's another stat you can't blame on Romo.<br />
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Oh. RT MikeClayNFL: 51 passes, 18 runs for the Cowboys<br />
— Zach Mentz (@ZachMentz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachMentz/statuses/412384424857051136">December 16, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
I watched DeMarco Murray get off to a great start against Chicago. He had another 100+ yard day against Green Bay but only had 18 carries. How do you have a big lead and not give Murray the ball more to chew clock and wear out a defense that clearly wasn't stopping him?<br />
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That's on offensive coordinator Bill Callahan. If you don't want Romo to make poor decisions late, don't put him in position to do so by throwing the ball with a big lead. This isn't the run-and-shoot offense. Run the ball and keep doing it until they stop you or you have to pass.<br />
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I'm not apologizing for Romo. But it bears mentioning Romo's two interceptions were 1) a bad throw behind the target, 2) the result of the WR not finishing his route and letting his defender dive for the ball. One was his fault, the other was because Cole Beasley gave up.<br />
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His passer rating is 3rd best among QB's who have thrown over 500 passes and he's only thrown nine interceptions. But it's when those interceptions happen that people remember and usually they come at bad times to overshadow the good he did beforehand. <a href="http://ebsportsreport.blogspot.com/2013/03/six-more-years-of-tony-romo.html" target="_blank">This I know all too well</a>.<br />
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All I'm saying, though, is look beyond the simple narrative. The Cowboys have bigger problems than No. 9 and until they solve them, the December blues will continue being a familiar song.<br />
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<i>(P.S. I have no problem with Dez Bryant leaving the field. If anything's clear this year, Dez cares about winning as much as anybody and I know he was sick seeing that collapse after another great effort. He will grow from this season personally and learn to battle his emotions but I don't question his ability to handle adversity. Not after what he's been through in his personal life.)</i>Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289319849724631196.post-70351004737551838732013-12-06T11:13:00.002-08:002013-12-06T11:13:38.744-08:00Weekend Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZsOCPCzWUWLYzGq8yxB0W5moLOT7IcDh_vmHCKLQVWidvka_ZqFRb44XRCouBgjItDNNT0inSejKoMWoQxoxDGibRKcYPLUlGpVIlHoiWmvSEvkq9pVtQspIUPrD2YMSQl7FHowtD8x5/s1600/MV5BMTQ1NzE3MzY0NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNTM2MzE5._V1._SX338_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZsOCPCzWUWLYzGq8yxB0W5moLOT7IcDh_vmHCKLQVWidvka_ZqFRb44XRCouBgjItDNNT0inSejKoMWoQxoxDGibRKcYPLUlGpVIlHoiWmvSEvkq9pVtQspIUPrD2YMSQl7FHowtD8x5/s320/MV5BMTQ1NzE3MzY0NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNTM2MzE5._V1._SX338_SY475_.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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I've been a busy man this week so without adieu, I present the links to enjoy on a Friday.<br />
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Tonight I'll be at East LA College watching the LA City Section Division I championship between Crenshaw and Narbonne. <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20131205/narbonne-crenshaw-ready-to-go-at-it-again-for-city-championship" target="_blank">Here's my preview</a> (Daily Breeze)<br />
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To add to that story, here's a piece on <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20131204/usc-commit-uchenna-nwosu-helps-lead-narbonne-to-football-title-game" target="_blank">Narbonne linebacker Uchenna Nwosu</a>. Nwosu isn't just a USC commit, he's also a standout student (3.3/3.8 GPA) who didn't play football until his 10th grade season. (Daily Breeze) <br />
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I also covered several basketball games this week. Serra's swarming defense <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20131205/serra-runs-past-lawndale-in-second-half-of-ariza-tournament-game" target="_blank">proved too much for Lawndale</a> and the same happened with <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/20131204/bishop-montgomery-uses-defense-for-commanding-80-44-victory-over-windward" target="_blank">Bishop Montgomery against Windward</a>. (Daily Breeze)<br />
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For my good folks at Bro Jackson, I had more takes on the <a href="http://brojackson.com/football/pac-12-title-game-preview-in-the-wild-wild-west" target="_blank">Pac-12's wild coaching weekend as well as a preview on the title game between Arizona State and Stanford</a>. Here's a hint, I'm not picking Stanford.<br />
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As a bonus, I also pass this piece by Bro Jackson managing editor Ramon Ramirez on <a href="http://brojackson.com/long-reads/in-angola-rodeo-freedom-a-spectator-sport" target="_blank">prisoners in the Louisiana State Penitentiary finding hope and peace in rodeo</a>. It's one of the best pieces I've read this year and a reminder that just because you're in jail, you're still a person craving hope.Evan B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06823332873271854715noreply@blogger.com0