Author: Dave Ettinger

Dave is a Trending News Sports Writer for Athlon Sports, covering breaking and trending news across major sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, college football and basketball. With over 10 years of experience in sports media, Dave’s versatility extends to television, radio, and journalism. In addition to his role at Athlon Sports, Dave works in TV Production at ESPN, where he manages the production, editing, and processing of shows and events that re-air across ESPN's network of channels. Prior to joining ESPN, Dave served as an Executive Producer at WFAN and CBS Sports Radio, further solidifying his expertise in sports media. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from SUNY College at Old Westbury, bringing both his education and extensive industry experience to his roles across various platforms.

April’s Lasting Impression Has NOTHING on May!!

May 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

My favorite month is HERE!!

May is awesome for many reasons:

NBA Playoffs

NHL Playoffs

MLB Season in full swing

Yeah, yeah, those are great, but here are the REAL reasons:

Mother’s Day

Actual, SUSTAINED nice weather

Mine, my Wife, and my Dad’s birthdays (coincidentally all on the SAME DAY — May 14th)!!!!

Speaking of birthdays (we’ll get to sports at some point today..I promise), for those who watch, or listen, to my Sports Talk Radio Show, DaveTalksSports, today is my co-host, Uncle Mike’s, birthday!! Happy Birthday Brother!!

Which naturally transitions to MLB finishing April with a bang. How do I come up with these segues?! Genius….

Not 1, not 2, but 3!!

A.J. Pollock is really good at baseball. Casual baseball fans don’t know that. Pollock plays in Phoenix, Arizona, one of baseball’s forgotten cities. And he’s often injured, playing in just 524 of a potential 972 games through his first six seasons (53.9%). Pollock possesses a unique power/speed skillset and is the primary reason the Arizona Diamondbacks have the best record in the National League (20-8). His THREE home runs Monday night are a prime example of his power potential.

Pollock will hope to transition from April to May as smoothly as the transition from the introduction to the rest of this article.

I’m Going To Strike You Out!!

Raise your hand if you know Josh Hader….

Put your hand down, liar.

Josh Hader is a relief pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s temporarily earning saves while Cory Knebel recovers from a hamstring injury. Monday night, Hader made history. He became the 1st pitcher, since saves became an official statistic in 1969, to strike out 8 batters, in less than 3 innings, while earning a save. 8 strikeouts in 2 and 2/3 innings. That’s some nasty stuff right there.

I guess there’s a reason why it’s never been done before….

Sonny Gray Sighting!!

Okay, quit foolin’ around. Who’s the imposter who pitched in Sonny Gray’s jersey Monday night????

While the Yankees suffered a 2-1 loss to the Astros Monday night, Sonny Gray threw his 2nd quality start of the season:

6 innings, 2 runs, 4 strikeouts, and 3 walks

Not the best start of his career, but encouraging against a powerful Astros’ lineup, on the road. Hopefully Gray will carry the positives from this start into May. Gray’s next start will be Cinco de Mayo, at home, against the Cleveland Indians.

The Yankees have announced they’ll stick with Austin Romine as Gray’s personal catcher.

From Bad To Worse

Remember when the Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to make consecutive World Series appearances?? Remember when the Dodgers had the 3rd highest payroll in MLB?? And remember when, despite having the best starting pitcher and closer in baseball, it ALL fell apart?!

That, would be today….

As if April couldn’t get any worse (12-16), the Dodgers received terrible news Monday. All-star shortstop, Corey Seager, will require season-ending Tommy John Surgery. At just 24, the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year had become a mainstay in a strong Dodgers’ lineup. His power upside coupled with a .302 career batting average made him one of the better shortstops in MLB. We wish him luck in recovery, however, his team, may be past the point of recovery.

What was the best part of the last day of April?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NO GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

If You Don’t Enjoy Fun, And Sun, And Puppies (Go Away), But Seriously, This Article Is NOT For You

April 30, 2018April 30, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The New York Yankees forgot how to lose. LeBron James tried something new. And the Seattle Seahawks broke the mold. I’ve probably said this thousands of times, but sports, in the Springtime, is filled with never ending excitement. And this past weekend, was no different….

Yankees ALWAYS Carry A Broom (Just In Case)

The Los Angeles Angels weren’t able to remind the Yankees what losing feels like. Despite their best effort, the Angels were smacked in the face with a broom this weekend. The Yankees swept the Angels, in Anaheim, for the first time since 2003. C.C. Sabathia turned back the clock, again, Sunday night. C.C. gave up just one run over 7 innings, lowering his e.r.a. to 1.71. Not bad for a 37 year old who remains 4,800 pounds overweight. The Yankees held on 2-1, behind a 4th inning moonshot by Gary Sanchez.

The Yankees will ride their nine game winning streak into Houston for a four-game set with the Astros. As optimistic as I am, I don’t see another sweep in the near future. This Yankee fan will take three-out-of-four though.

LeBron, In A 1st Round Game 7?!

Yes, the best NBA player in the world needed seven games to get past the Indiana Pacers. The 1st round, for LeBron James, is normally reserved for sweeping. Not this year. LeBron gave EVERYTHING he had in Game 7. Planning to play the entire game, LeBron’s body, midway through the 2nd half, intervened. Leg cramps forced LeBron to miss five minutes of action. In turn, the pile of mediocrity LeBron calls teammates was forced to contribute. Tristan Thompson turned back the clock, providing his 1st double-double since February 9th (15 points and 10 rebounds), and Kevin Love made a cameo appearance, scoring 14 points.

Side note: Remember when Kevin Love was a top-10 NBA player?! Seems like a lifetime ago….

LeBron posted 45 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals (just another day at the office). And the LeBrons now have the privilege of heading to Toronto to take on the #1 seed, Toronto Raptors. Game 1 is slated for Tuesday @ 8:00 P.M. EST on TNT.

Public Service Announcement: Allow this game to be a lesson to degenerate gamblers everywhere. If you bet on Cleveland to win (-5.5), you’ve probably broken something in your house, or skipped town. Victor Oladipo hit a MEANINGLESS three-pointer as time expired, bringing the score from 105-98, to 105-101.

A Dream Come True

Shaquem Griffin’s life’s work culminated in a phone call from Seattle Seahawks’ general manager, John Schneider.

“That was the phone call I was waiting my entire life,” Griffin said. “I literally broke down after that. I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know how to talk, I mean, I was just lost for words.”

Griffin, a linebacker from Central Florida, was drafted 141st overall by the Seattle Seahawks (5th round). Griffin, who lost his left hand at the age of four due to a rare condition, became the 1st player with one hand, to be drafted in the NFL. He’ll also join the short list of siblings on the same team, as his brother, Shaquill, was drafted by the Seahawks in 2017.

Griffin is an inspiration for all. No matter the obstacle, you can succeed. No matter the adversity, you can fulfill your dreams. All it takes is a relentless work ethic and positive attitude. That, and approximately 8 million squats, pushups, deadlifts, burpees, wind sprints, tire flips, and pull-ups. You get the idea.

What was your favorite part of the weekend?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

The Browns; Making Stupid Look Easy Since 1944

April 27, 2018April 27, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

With the 1st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft….

On Day One of the NFL Draft, 32 teams hope the 2nd half of that sentence will change their franchise forever. It undoubtedly will. Approximately half of the 1st round will be absolute busts, while the other half will have prolonged success in the NFL. The question is: Who swung and missed, and who hit a home run??

For a list of every pick in Round 1, click here.

Cleveland Browns (#1 and #4)

The Cleveland Browns are the WORST franchise in sports (and it’s not even close). Their franchise has been in disarray since Jim Brown wore those ugly jerseys. They haven’t had a quarterback who can hit the broad side of a barn since forever. And they have ONE WIN in their last 32 games.

However, new general manager, John Dorsey, is hoping to turn this bus around. Two picks in the first four is an easy way to flip a U-turn. But, AS USUAL, the Browns turned a simple U-turn into four flat tires, causing the bus to flip over, and strand them in the middle of nowhere. Oh, and they somehow figured out how to shoot themselves in the foot (despite not owning a gun).

Baker Mayfield?!?! Really?? As a Jets’ fan, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. As a human being, who can feel feelings, I want to hug you and cry. And then, with the best player in the draft, Bradley Chubb, available at #4, you select Denzel Ward?! No offense, Ward, but Chubb is simply a more talented player, at a more important position.

New York Giants (#2)

This is a shame. The Giants hit the NFL lottery. They landed an extremely valuable pick, while possessing a halfway decent roster. AND they have the perfect “bridge” QB in Eli Manning. Teams spend 10 or (wayyy) more years in NFL purgatory, hoping for a chance to draft a franchise QB. And the Giants, misconstruing Eli Manning’s “longevity”, took this opportunity for granted. Imagine if the Indianapolis Colts spit in Peyton Manning’s face and took Curtis Ennis (RB) instead?!

Now, I think Saquon Barkley is going to be the next Adrian Peterson, so it’s hard to completely bury the Giants. However, a franchise QB is so much more important than a franchise RB it’s not even funny. But hey, Eli Manning has three years left, right Giants fans????

New York Jets (#3)

I’m a Jets Fan. This is the happiest I’ve been, the day after the NFL Draft, in 31 years (I’m 31 years old). The Jets traded up to the #3 pick, in hopes of finding a franchise QB. Boy did they ever. With the Browns and Giants both in need of a QB, the Jets were in danger of being left with their older brother’s, hand-me-down underwear. Instead, they wound up with a never worn, freshly ironed, 3-piece suit. Aren’t my analogies fantastic????

Sam Darnold is the best QB in this draft. He was also the #1 player on the Jets’ draft board. I literally couldn’t be happier with the way this played out. Now, all the Jets have to do, is not screw this kid up. Everyone knows the Jets are good at ruining careers. If they allow Darnold to sit, and learn, for the majority of this upcoming season, he’ll be groomed and ready to go in 2019. Then, when the immortal Tom Brady retires in 2020, the Jets can claim their spot atop the AFC East.

Everybody Else

While Christmas came early for the Jets, Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Denver Broncos’ birthday all fell on the same day this year. Landing defensive end, Bradley Chubb, at #5, is unreal. Like the Jets, the Broncos can thank the stupidity and ineptitude of the Cleveland Browns for that.

The Indianapolis Colts did their QB, Andrew Luck, a big favor Thursday night. Drafting offensive guard, Quenton Nelson, is music to Luck’s ears, and head, and arm, and spleen. Nelson is going to be a beast on the offensive line. Maybe Andrew Luck can scale back his health insurance plan….

Is there a rule you must trade up to draft players named Josh?? Both Josh Allen (#7 – Bills), and Josh Rosen (#10 – Cardinals), cost their teams extra draft picks. But, the Cardinals and Bills may have found their QBs of the future. As they say, only time will tell.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com on Monday for a full Draft Recap.

What was the biggest surprise from Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NO GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

LeBron

April 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s LeBron James’ world, we’re just livin’ in it.

With his entire team securely on his back, LeBron took control. He took control of Game 5. And he took control of this series. And, in the midst of his utter domination, he reminded the world we haven’t seen this level of play in 20 years. Not since the ghost, Michael Jordan, has such greatness graced our eyeballs with its presence.

In a crucial Game 5, LeBron found himself down seven points at halftime, on his own court. He must have had some of “Michael’s Secret Stuff” during Tyronn Lue’s pep talk (haha), for he flipped a switch on his way out of the locker room.

LeBron’s 3rd quarter: 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists

LeBron James accomplishes in one quarter what mere mortals accomplish in an entire game. Up eight points heading into the 4th quarter, LeBron nearly coughed up another lead. But, with the game tied at 95, words can’t do the final sequence justice….

(Watch until the end of the video).

The block. The buzzer beating game-winner. And a mini, “Gatorade Bucket” celebration. Fitting for a King. 98-95. 3-2 LeBron. Since you clicked on that box score, you realized LeBron didn’t miss a free throw. 15-for-15. That’s the real reason they won (it certainly wasn’t JR Smith going 0-for-8).

Now, LeBron lovers, please don’t jump down my throat….

That block, by the rules, is goaltending. When the ball hits the backboard first, it’s goaltending. I know, I know. I’m a hater. I don’t like LeBron James. I should get my eyes checked by my doctor. OR, we can collectively understand that superstars get those calls (every once in a while). Did MJ push Byron Russell to free himself for the game-winner (the purest jump shot of all-time) in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals????

Of course he did!!!! But was it called?? NOPE. That’s this block. Sorry Victor Oladipo.

Like I said, it’s LeBron James’ world, we’re just livin’ in it.

Will LeBron close out this series, in Indiana, in Game 6?? Or, will it take Game 7 heroics to take down the Indiana Pacers?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

April Showers Bring May….Doubleheaders

April 25, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Don’t let ‘April Showers’ get in your way.

Nearly one month into the season, MLB is having a hard time with that one. Tuesday’s weather caused another setback in an already tumultuous season — and set a MLB record. Despite the rain, wind, ice, freezing temperatures, occasional snow, and holey roofs, MLB’s first month has provided fans with plenty to cheer, or boo.

Rain On My Parade

Despite singing the “Rain, rain, go away” song, the Pirates, Tigers, Orioles and Rays weren’t allowed to play baseball on Tuesday. Inclement weather caused MLB’s 27th and 28th postponement of the season. 28 weather related postponements are the most since the commissioner’s office starting tracking them in 1986 (good year).

The Pirates and Tigers will play a doubleheader Wednesday, starting at 4:05 P.M. EST. The Rays and Orioles will make up their game during a doubleheader on May 12th.

Matt Harvey Stinks

Matt Harvey’s season isn’t going as planned. After four horrific starts, Harvey was banished (kicking and screaming) to the bullpen. Players usually over perform during a contract year. Harvey, apparently, didn’t receive that memo. Tuesday night, in St. Louis, Harvey made his season debut from the bullpen. He was asked to pitch the 5th and 6th inning in a tie game (4-4).

HOLD UP!!

Paging Mickey Callaway!! Was Matt Harvey’s 1st bullpen appearance during a tie game, on the road?!?! What’s the opposite of smart????

He was, uh, less than stellar (shocking). He coughed up 1 run, on 2 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts (on a whopping 35 pitches). I’d say it can’t get worse, but I’d be lying….

El Gary

Just click, watch until 1:46, and enjoy:

A monumental blast from Gary Sanchez, his 2nd of the game. Sanchez has been, well, Gary Sanchez over his past three games:

4 for 11 (.364), 2 home runs, and 5 rbi

Sanchez will likely be the designated hitter Wednesday, as Austin Romine is expected to catch Sonny Gray.

Oh, and all those who panicked a week ago, check the AL East standings now. All it takes is a four game winning streak from the Yankees to coincide with a three game losing streak by the Red Sox, and a seven-and-a-half game division lead becomes four in a hurry.

The Best Player No One Knows

How is it possible the best player in a major sport is virtually unknown?! Mike Trout has been the best player in MLB for at least six years.

90% of the population wouldn’t recognize Mike Trout if they bumped into him on the street.

Through 24 games, Mike Trout has 10 home runs. Reread. Reprocess. Re-understand.

10 home runs through 24 games puts Trout on pace for 67 home runs. Oh, and he’s hitting .308 with 5 stolen bases. Oh, and he’s also the best defensive outfielder in MLB. Oh, and he’s also 26.

The 10% thank you Mike Trout. Please keep up the unbelievable work!!

What is the biggest takeaway from the first month of MLB?? Post your brilliant thoughts in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

You’re Not Smart Enough To Outsmart Yourself

April 24, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s a simple formula.

No quarterback, no Super Bowl.

In today’s NFL, it’s nearly impossible to win without a top-15 quarterback. Just look at the Super Bowl winning quarterbacks over the past decade:

Foles/Wentz, Brady, Manning (Peyton), Brady, Wilson, Flacco, Manning (Eli), Rodgers, Brees, Roethlisberger.

Throw Nick Foles out the window since he started just six games (three regular season and three playoff), and you’re left with seven future hall of famers — and Joe Flacco.

Door opens, seamless NFL Draft transition enters….

With just two days and counting until the 2018 NFL Draft, the world anxiously awaits the Cleveland Browns’ decision. IF the Cleveland Browns DON’T take Sam Darnold with the 1st overall pick, well they’d be….the Browns. The Browns are in an advantageous position, owning two of the first four picks. Barring a major catastrophe, the Browns should end up with the best quarterback in the draft, and the best overall player in the draft. Anything else will cause heads to explode.

As for the New York Giants, new general manager, Dave Gettleman, better be smarter than he sounds. Okay, Dave, let’s go through this again.

It’s car, not cah. Smart, not smaht. Harvard, not Hahvuhd.

Over the past few weeks, Gettleman has publicly expressed that taking a quarterback is not a REQUIREMENT with the #2 pick. This had better be the biggest smoke screen in the history of smoke screens. Taking a quarterback, in a draft full of good quarterbacks, IS a requirement, DAVE!! Especially when your current quarterback has one foot on the beach (aka retirement). Listen, I’m no Giants fan, but if they take Saquon Barkley or Bradley freakin’ Chubb with the #2 pick, I may lose my mind for common sense’s sake.

And then, there’s the New York Jets. The circus of all circuses. This story is pretty much the same as the Giants, minus the smoke screen. Mike Maccagnan and company have been pretty tight lipped, and intelligent Jets fans appreciate that. The Jets traded up (from #6 to #3), guaranteeing one of the top three quarterbacks will be in green and white next season. They like the top three (or four) guys equally, and they’ll have the fortune of ruining one of their careers Thursday night.

Check out the full draft order here.

As simple as you need a quarterback to win in the NFL sounds, teams continue to try and outsmart the system (and themselves). And that’s why we watch. Catch all the “action” on Thursday, April 26th on ESPN or NFL Network @ 8:00 P.M. EST. Coverage will continue on both networks on Saturday and Sunday.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com on Friday morning for a 1st round recap.

Will the Browns, Giants, and Jets ALL draft quarterbacks?? If not, who will they draft??

Hey New York, Get Your S*** Together!!

April 23, 2018April 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

New York.

It’s literally the greatest place on earth. It’s science. A fact.

Ya know, I suddenly understand why the rest of the world hates us….

Over the past decade, New York’s elite status in the sports world has diminished. The championship drought New York is experiencing is unacceptable:

Jets – 1969

Knicks – 1973

Islanders – 1983

Mets – 1986

Rangers – 1994

Yankees – 2009

Giants – 2011

Like you, I’m unimpressed. **Photo Album is for nostalgic purposes only. You don’t need photographs of the 2009 Yankees and 2011 Giants!!

(And no, the Bills, Devils, and Nets don’t count!!)

Now I know Cincinnati (28 years), Minnesota (27 years), and Washington D.C. (27 years) will tell us to cry a river, but this is New York. New York shouldn’t go seven years, and counting, without a championship.

With the Knicks, Islanders, Rangers, Jets, and Giants missing the postseason by wild margins this year, all of New York’s eggs rest in the Yankees’ Easter basket.

With World Series or bust expectations for the Yankees, panic started to reverberate throughout the city when they got off to a 5-6 start. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Panic, in April, is as absurd as thinking the Cleveland Browns will win a Super Bowl in your lifetime. Yes, that goes for newborn babies too.

Fresh off a series win (three of four) against the Toronto Blue Jays, have the Yankees turned a corner??

They closed out their four-game series with a 5-1 victory over former Yankee, Jaime Garcia and now stand at 11-9. Luis Severino was fantastic — again. And Yankees’ top-prospect, Gleyber Torres, made his Major League debut.

They’ll look to carry this momentum into a four-game series (at home) against the Minnesota Twins. Another series win would be optimal, as their next 13 come against the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox. Yikes.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the only time you’ll find them in the loss column is via a no-hitter.

Warning: Objective Yankee fan moment coming….

The Red Sox got robbed during Sean Manaea’s no-hitter Saturday. Andrew Benintendi avoided a tag while running to first base, but was called out for being out of the base path (despite being originally called safe). Watch the play, courtesy of Baseball Rules Academy, here. Technically, a base runner can’t go three feet or more outside the base path, but technically, you can’t jaywalk….

Anyway, the moral of the story is, baseball is an incredibly long season. The Yankees dug themselves a nice size hole, but they have 142 more games to dig themselves out.

Everyone relax. Except Boston. You people panic. All day. Every day.

Have the Yankees turned a corner?? Or is this fools gold?? Tell me in the comment section below.

The NFL Schedule Release Is The MOST Exciting Day Of The Year!!

April 20, 2018April 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The NFL doesn’t understand the word off….sea….son.

Technically defined as the time period between the end of the Super Bowl and the start of training camp, NFL players, and hopefuls, aren’t exactly on vacation from February through July. The scheduling of the NFL’s offseason brings significant happenings virtually every month.

The 2017 NFL season officially came to a close when the clock struck 0:00, and the Philadelphia Eagles became Super Bowl champions. That was February 4th, 2018. Just 75 days ago. Since then, the following has happened:

February 27th (Combine)

March 14th (Free Agency)

April 19th (Schedule Release)

And the best, is yet to come:

April 26th (Draft)

Mid-July (Training Camp)

September 6th (Start of Season)

Thursday night at 8:00 P.M. EST, the full NFL schedule was released. That means it’s time for “geniuses” to predict team records. YAY!! Because that’s a rational thing to do before the draft and nearly 5 months prior to the start of the season….

The 2018 season will kick-off with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons (Thursday, September 6th @ 8:20 P.M. EST on NBC). Traditionally, the defending champions host the first game of every season.

As for the local trainwrec….I mean local teams, the New York Jets and Giants will both be seeking bounce back campaigns in 2018-19:

New York Jets

Check out the Jets’ schedule here.

Their out-of-division schedule consists of the NFC North, AFC South, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns. Not the easiest schedule in the world, but their distance traveled will be in the bottom-five. That never hurts. The Jets kick things off, in Detroit, on Monday Night Football (September 10th).

Jets’ Record Prediction: Wait, you thought I was going to mock people for predicting team records in April….and then turn around and predict the Jets’ record?!

You’re silly.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com for record predictions in August.

New York Giants

Check out the Giants’ schedule here.

Their out-of-division schedule consists of the AFC South as well, NFC South, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears.

My favorite part of the Giants’ offseason, so far, is Brandon Marshall being severely out of touch with reality. Marshall responded to Dez Bryant’s desire to play for the Giants following his release from the Dallas Cowboys by saying, “sorry baby bro, no room.” Marshall was promptly released from the Giants the next day.

HAHAHAHA!!!!

What a JACKWAGON!!

The NFL schedule release is yet another reason to get overly excited about football while it’s still months away.

Do you get excited about the NFL in April. Tell me in the comment section below.

LeBron James Does His Best Superman Impersonation

April 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

One day I’ll be gone.

We always think we have more time, and then, it’s up. Too depressing?

We thought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would play forever. Magic Johnson. Larry Bird. Michael Jordan. But their time came to an end.

LeBron James will not play forever. His game will decline. And he’ll retire. We have no idea when, but that sad day will come.

So, appreciate me while I’m here, for one day I’ll be gone.

LeBron James

Wednesday night, LeBron James did ‘Superman’ things. Hell, he did Batman, Superman, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Thor things. 13-0. Through 3 minutes and 31 seconds of the game, the score was LeBron James 13, Indiana Pacers 0. LeBron scored his team’s first 16 points, and finished with 20 points in the first quarter.

LeBron’s final stat-line: 46 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals

Despite LeBron’s Herculean performance, his Cavaliers won by just 3 points; 100-97. His supporting cast is NOT GOOD. Kevin Love is either hobbled or streaky. The Cavaliers’ trade deadline acquisitions, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, Larry Nance Jr., and George Hill are utter disappointments. And J.R. Smith, well, you know….

All season, I’ve proclaimed LeBron James and the Cavaliers would represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. While I still believe that, I’m less confident than I was three months ago. This supporting cast isn’t 2007 Cavs bad, but it’s close.

There’s virtually no way to overstate LeBron’s greatness. He’s a transcendent talent who should be appreciated every step of the way. While he contributes to nearly 60% of his team’s total offense, uncertainty is natural.

MJ had Pippen. Magic had Kareem. Wilt had Oscar. And Kobe had Shaq.

When LeBron won his titles, he had Wade, Bosh, and Kyrie. But who does he have now?!

LeBron can’t win an NBA Championship by himself. I mean, he’s only human….

How far can LeBron James take this Cavaliers team?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Losing Breeds Champions

April 18, 2018April 18, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Losing is a good thing.

Wait, that didn’t come out right. Losing, can be a good thing, if used for fuel to light a fire under your rear end. When facing adversity, some teams, or individuals, curl up (for some reason it’s always in a corner) into the fetal position while others stand up and fight. The question is: When you’re backed into a corner, who are you??

LeBron James

Adversity in the first round of the playoffs and LeBron James haven’t often collided in the same sentence. LeBron’s loss Sunday was his first in game one, of round one, in his career. THAT’S INSANE!!

LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers will bounce back. There’s no doubt. By how much?? We’ll get there, relax.

The Cavaliers were 8-34 from three-point range in game one. That won’t happen again.

Kevin Love scored just nine points. That won’t happen again.

The Cavaliers scored 15 points or less in two quarters. That won’t happen again.

And LeBron James scored ZERO points in the first quarter (on one FG attempt). That won’t happen again.

Watch LeBron James do ‘Superman’ things tonight @ 7:00 P.M. EST on TNT.

Score Prediction: Cavaliers 110, Pacers 97

New York Yankees

Watching the New York Yankees play baseball Tuesday evening, at 6:35 p.m.?!, was one of the most excruciating experiences of my life. No, I’m not overreacting. And no, I’m not panicking in April. But yes, I’m unbelievably disappointed in a 9-1 loss to the MIAMI MARLINS!!

Giancarlo Stanton finished yet another game 0-4 with 2 strikeouts, bringing his batting average to a stellar .167. Stanton’s been awful. Terrible. Horrid. But, he can’t get worse. Also, in MLB, established players always play to the back of their baseball card.

.240, 27 home runs, and 90 r.b.i. is on the way.

Tuesday’s disaster sent pain waves throughout Yankee Nation for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Heading into Monday, the Miami Marlins were tied with the 3rd worst record in baseball (4-12).

2.) The Yankees pummeled the Marlins 12-1 on Monday.

3.) The Yankees were no-hit through 4 1/3 innings by Jarlin Garcia, and finished with just 1 run on 4 hits (Garcia pitched 10 1/3 innings of consecutive no-hit baseball).

4.) Masahiro Tanaka was painstakingly bad. Tanaka has now given up 6 earned runs in consecutive starts.

Again, panic is not allowed in my house in April. If the Yankees are dealing with this many injuries, and continue playing this way, through June, we’ll panic together.

Until then, let’s hope the Yankees are prepared to fight their way out of a corner.

Yankee fans, are you panicking?? If so, calm down, then pour your heart out in the comment section below.

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