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.

The Bengals Enjoy Losing

January 3, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Cincinnati Bengals v Houston Texans

Tanking; To deliberately lose games to ensure a higher draft pick. This is a highly controversial strategy that causes fans to root against their team in the short term in exchange for long term success. Some teams are good at it; the 2011 Indianapolis Colts (2-14). Others, not so much; the 2017 New York Jets (5-11). What if I told you there’s an NFL franchise PERMANENTLY tanking?? How do I become a fan of that team?!

The Cincinnati Bengals have no interest in winning. They don’t want to win playoff games. And they certainly don’t want to win a Super Bowl. Extending head coach, Marvin Lewis’ contract through the 2019 season, guarantees failure. It solidifies the Bengals’ position in ‘Tank-Mode’.

Marvin Lewis has been the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals for 15 years. Go back, and read that again. Take your time. I’ll wait….

The craziest part is Lewis is the 2nd longest tenured head coach in the NFL (only to Bill Belichick).

During Lewis’ decade-and-a-half in Cincinnati, they’ve won ZERO playoff games. Yes, he’s made the playoffs 7 times (hosting 4 of those games), however, they came home empty handed every time. If I’m a Bengals’ fan, I’m not sure how every television set in my house isn’t broken. It’s not like this extension came after 2015 (when the Bengals won 12 games). No, no, this extension comes after 2 consecutive losing seasons. And reportedly, Bengals’ owner, Mike Brown, had to convince Lewis to stay. SAY WHAT?!

Is there something I’m missing here?? Isn’t the point of professional sports to win championships?? And isn’t it evident Marvin Lewis is incapable of doing that?? So, how is it possible, in the day and age when coaches are typically given a 2-year leash, Marvin Lewis has survived 15 years of tanking????

Yes. Yes. Yes. I have absolutely no idea.

Which brings me to the ultimate question: When is it acceptable to give up on your team?? When, as a fan, can you hang up the jersey permanently??

Loyalty is said to be the #1 attribute of any REAL fan. However, if the franchise you root for continuously exhibits irresponsible behavior, is it acceptable to leave them high and dry??

Today, if you’re a Cincinnati Bengals’ fan, feel free to jump ship. No one will kill you for it.

What do you think of Marvin Lewis’ contract extension?? Is it ever okay to give up on your team??

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 6:00 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 .

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In Saban We Trust

January 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Nick-Saban

SEC?? ACC?? Big Ten?? Just 5 months ago, the world asked what the best conference in college football is. Today, we have a definitive answer:

The SEC!!

With an all SEC championship on the horizon, other conferences don’t have a leg to stand on. How did we get to an Alabama Vs. Georgia showdown you ask?? Well, if you were busy binge watching your favorite Netflix show, rather than watching one of the most exciting “Rose Bowls” of all-time, I’ll tell you….

Semifinal #1 – #2 Oklahoma Vs. #3 Georgia

The question heading into this game was: Who would score more points, Baker Mayfield or Georgia’s backfield??

Baker Mayfield is the best player on most fields. He is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. And he’s only a few months away from being a 1st round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, he picked a bad time to have his worst game of the season.

Baker Mayfield’s Stats: 287 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 1 INT

It was the tale of 2 halfs for Mayfield, as he threw both TDs and caught a TD in the 1st half (jumping out to a 17-point lead). As for the 2nd half, he threw a bad interception and threw ZERO TDs.

The aforementioned Georgia backfield took over the game. The 2-headed monster of Sony Michel and Nick Chubb rushed for a combined 326 yards and 5 TDs. Ultimately, it would be Michel who would cap off a high profile victory for Georgia in DOUBLE OVERTIME!! After trading field goals in overtime, and watching Oklahoma’s field goal attempt get blocked in double overtime, Michel would scamper into the end zone from 27 yards out, sending the Georgia Bulldog’s world into a frenzy. 54-48 F/2OT.

Semifinal #2 – #1 Clemson Vs. #4 Alabama

And then, there was the rematch. The trilogy. Last night’s game marked the 3rd consecutive year Clemson and Alabama would face off in the College Football Playoff (1st time in the semifinals). This game wasn’t competitive. If I were Clemson, or anyone remotely involved with Clemson, I’d be embarrassed to show my face in public today. 6. 6 points. That’s all they mustered after AN ENTIRE MONTH of preparation. Pathetic I say. However, we must bow down to the master; Nick Saban. He doesn’t lose football games very often. And when he does, it’s usually on a freak play (remember this?) or an unbelievable performance.

Saban made sure nothing like that went down during their 24-6 victory over Clemson. Saban’s defense applied pressure early, and often. They picked off Kelly Bryant twice, returning 1 for a TD. And they held the entire Clemson offense to a whopping 184 yards. They also sprinkled in 5 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, and 9 pass deflections. Ya know, just for good measure.

Now, all that stands in the way of Saban’s 6th National Championship, is Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs. Nothing beats a Mentor Vs. Protégé storyline to bring in extra viewers.

I’ll put my ‘monopoly money’ on Nick Saban.

Who do you think will win the National Championship?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

The Jets Make My Soul Hurt

January 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

todd-bowles-coaching-jets-sunday-patriots-hospital-1-768x432

Painful.

That’s probably the best word to describe being a Jets’ fan. With another season in the books, it’s time to watch other teams play football in January and February — again.

5, 5, 10, 4, 8, 6, 8. Those would be the Jets’ win totals over the past 7 seasons. 1 of these things is not like the other. You’ll notice just 1 winning season (they still missed the playoffs) over that time span.

The Jets are stuck in NFL purgatory. Never bad enough to possess the #1 overall pick in the draft. Never good enough to make the playoffs. Their 5 wins earned the #6 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. If they don’t draft a quarterback, I will literally rip the hair out of my head!!

The world will collectively sit at the edge of their seat, awaiting general manager, Mike Maccagnan’s, draft choice. Maccagnan, as well as head coach, Todd Bowles, fresh off contract extensions, will remain at the helm through the 2020 season. Which brings me to my next point….

Everyone and their grandmother kept telling me the ONLY reason Todd Bowles refused to play Christian Hackenberg was because Bowles didn’t have job security beyond this season. And without job security, Bowles HAD to continue running the players onto the field who gave the Jets the best chance to win. Well if that’s true, what does it say when Bowles received a 2-year contract extension, and continued to walk the plank with the same old, tired strategy????

With the season in the rearview mirror, and the Jets trailing the Patriots 21-3 at halftime (OF THE FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR), how is it possible Christian Hackenberg doesn’t play in the 2nd half?!?! There is no logical, reasonable, rational explanation Todd Bowles, Mike Maccagnan, or any other genius in the world can give me that will ease my mind. I don’t care if Hackenberg is the worst practice player in the history of the NFL, PUT HIM ON THE FIELD!!!!

Apparently, the Jets plan to move on from Hackenberg without ever playing him in an actual game. That’s the definition of head-scratching. And the biggest indictment against the Jets’ current regime.

**Which is worse: Drafting a kicker in the 2nd round (Mike Nugent, 2005) or drafting a quarterback in the 2nd round and NEVER playing him????

Yeah. We should extend these geniuses for 2 more years. Sounds smart.

The Jets continue to boggle the mind, toy with emotions, and ruin Sundays.

Why is it again that I’m a Jets’ fan????

What do you think of Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan’s contract extensions?? Am I insane for remaining a Jets’ fan?? Tell me how you feel in the comment section below.

Giants Waste Little Time Finding Next General Manager

December 29, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Dave Gettleman

The end is near.

The end of a disastrous season can’t come fast enough for the New York Giants. With just 1 more loss in the way this Sunday, the Giants will soon have time to exhale and think about the future of their franchise. Giants owners, John Mara and Steve Tisch, will be able to discuss the direction they’d like to go with a new head coach and general manag….

Wait, they already hired their next general manager?!?! Yup. Just 24 days after parting ways with Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo, Mara and Tisch didn’t spend much time as eligible bachelors. I guess Elvis Presley’s “Fools Rush In” doesn’t only apply to love. So, who is this mystery man?? He would be, Dave Gettleman. Gettleman isn’t actually a mystery. He worked as the director of pro personnel for the Giants for 15 years before being named general manager of the Carolina Panthers. At 66, Gettleman will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience back to the Giants. Clearly, Mara and Tisch are impressed with Gettleman’s resume:

“Dave’s experience is unparalleled. He did an outstanding job as general manager in Carolina, and he was vital to our success during his tenure here. Given where we are as a team, we thought it was important to bring in someone with experience as a general manager and a proven track record.”

I don’t dislike this hire. I just figured the Giants would take a little longer to hand pick the person who needs to put out this dumpster fire. At the very least, I thought they’d wait until the season ended. I guess not….

After interviewing just 4 candidates, Mara and Tisch were convinced Gettleman was the man for the job. The other candidates were interim general manager Kevin Abrams, vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross, and ESPN’s Louis Riddick. The Giants went chalk here. That is the Giants way. They’re creatures of habit. They don’t like trying new things. That’s probably why Gettleman will be just their 4th general manager since 1979.

Gettleman will have little time to waste, as he has multiple crucial decisions to make:

1.) A New Head Coach

2.) Eli Manning’s Future

3.) Odell Beckham Jr.’s Contract Extension

4.) 2018 Free Agency

5.) 2018 NFL Draft

Good luck!!

What do you think of this hire?? Like it, Love it, or Hate it?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Surprise, Surprise — Knicks Lose Again On The Road

December 28, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

Lauri Markkanen

Last time I checked, 87 is not a lot of points. Not in the NBA at least. Despite the New York Knicks’ struggles away from Madison Square Garden, Wednesday brought a solid matchup. The Chicago Bulls, in the 2nd of a back-to-back, expended a boat load of energy in their 115-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks — and it showed. The Bulls, from the jump, looked sluggish. They scored just 17 points in the 1st quarter, falling behind 11 in a hurry. After finding themselves down by as many as 15 in the 1st half, the Bulls flipped a switch. Maybe they were sleepwalking through the 1st half. But when they woke up, they realized they were playing the Knicks.

Good defense?? Bad offense?? What did we watch last night?? It was a healthy combination. Listen, the Knicks aren’t offensive juggernauts. They average just 103.5 points per game (11th out of 15 in the Eastern Conference). But the Bulls clamped down on everyone not named Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was the only player to score over 20 points (23), and 1 of 3 Knicks to finish in double figures. Courtney Lee had 17, and Jarrett Jack had 11. Frank Ntilikina, as much as I like his defense, simply isn’t ready for the NBA. 3 for 10 from the field, including 0 for 3 from 3-point range, isn’t ideal. Neither is fouling out of the game….

The Knicks are funny. Historically known for surging late in games, Wednesday was, uhh, not that. Check out the Knicks’ scoring decline by quarter: 28, 24, 21, 14. Also, not ideal. Also comical, the fact that the Knicks had a chance to tie the game with 7.8 seconds left. Down 90-87, the ball inexplicably wound up in Enes Kanter’s hands. Kanter jacked up an ill-advised 3-pointer, that missed horribly, and that was all she wrote. 92-87. The Knicks now stand at a putrid 2-11 on the road. Don’t worry, they won’t be 2-11 for long. They’re on their way to San Antonio as we speak to catch their 12th road loss.

Catch another Knicks’ beat down tonight @ 8:30 P.M. EST on MSG.

**Let’s hope Frank Ntilikina stays grounded after he meets his fellow countrymen, Tony Parker. The Knicks don’t need Ntilikina dribbling the ball off his leg as he gazes into Parker’s eyes.

The Bulls will look to continue their winning ways (winners of 9 of their last 11) when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

How many road games will the Knicks win this season?? Don’t hold back now, tell me what you really think in the comment section below.

The NBA Is Really Stupid Sometimes

December 27, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

kevin-durant-lebron

Christmas is a special day.

Family. Friends. Cookies (oh so many cookies). Santa. And a quintuple-header of NBA basketball games. Most notably the NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Monday’s game marked the 1st time they’ve played since last year’s NBA Finals. A highly competitive, hard fought game was overshadowed by a handful of “missed” calls.

Let’s start with the facts. The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-92. The Warriors now hold the best record in the NBA at 27-7 while the Cavaliers sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference at 24-10. That’s enough facts for 1 minute. Now, let’s get to my ever popular opinion….

Despite their early success, the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics don’t stand a chance. Barring major injury to 1 or more key players on the Cavaliers or Warriors, the world will be watching Cavs Vs. Warriors Part 4 in June. Hopefully there will be less complaining about fouls come June.

During the last few minutes of Monday’s game, Lebron James felt he was fouled multiple times, by Kevin Durant. The league agrees. We know the league agrees because since March of 2015, the NBA brain trust decided it would be a good idea to release a “Last Two Minute Report”. This report was implemented to publicize a play-by-play review of all relevant calls and non-calls made (or not made) by referees in the final 2 minutes (and overtime) of games contested by 5-points or less. Said reports will not retroactively change the outcome of any game. They’re solely in place to make the league “more transparent”.

Oh yeah, that should help Lebron James sleep at night. The league might as well say this:

“Hey Lebron, we just wanted to confirm your suspicion that you were fouled by Durant (twice). No no, we’re not going to change the calls or award your team a victory, we just wanted to rub salt in the wound.”

To which I’m sure Lebron would reply, “Thank you so much!!”

**What’s funny is, no one’s talking about Lebron having more turnovers (7) than assists (6) in this game. No one’s talking about Lebron going 2 for 7 from 3-point range. No one’s talking about the Cavaliers scoring just 16 points in the 2nd quarter. And no one’s talking about the Cavaliers shooting just 31.8% from the field.**

Listen, a “Last Two Minute Report” is a REALLY STUPID idea. The league, players, and fans need to accept that there’s human error involved in every sport. Calls made by referees, in a split second, are subjective. Not subjective in a ‘biased’ way. Subjective in a ‘that’s the way the referee happened to see it’ way. The same referee, on the same play, may make the exact opposite call a day later.

Dear NBA,

Unless you’re going to expand your replay system to include foul calls, please don’t give me a detailed criticism of every call made, or not made, the following day. This LITERALLY doesn’t help anyone. Thanks.

Sincerely,

DaveTalksSports

What do you think of the officiating in the NBA?? Don’t hold back. Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Remember When The NFL Revolved Around Running Backs??

December 26, 2017December 27, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

todd gurley

What does it mean to be valuable??

I’m valuable to my family, my friends, and the company I work for. And I’m sure you’re valuable to somebody, or something, somewhere….

But what does it take to be the most valuable player in the NFL?? Stellar transition I know. Let’s answer that question with a question. What would your team be without you??

The book is about to close on another NFL season. As teams make their final push for the playoffs, individual players continue to earn next year’s contracts. A select few, however, look to hoist the NFL’s MVP Trophy. In my estimation, it’s a 3-man race:

1.) Tom Brady (who else?)

2.) Russell Wilson

3.) Todd Gurley

Tom Brady

Everyone knows Tom Brady is really good at football. He’s the best quarterback of all-time, and it’s not even that close. And that’s his problem. The NFL, and every sport, refuses to give the MVP Award to the same player every year. Michael Jordan, could have, and should have, won the MVP Award every year. Same with Lebron James. Brady, at 40, is playing some of the best football of his career. His 67.5 completion percentage is the highest of his career, and he’s set to top 4,500 yards passing for the 5th time in his career. Oh yeah, and his New England Patriots are 12-3, just 1 win away from clinching home field throughout the playoffs. With alllllll that said, Tom Brady is not this season’s MVP.

Tom Brady’s Stats: 4,387 yards, 30 TDs, 8 INTs, 67.5 Completion %

Russell Wilson

Is there anyone doing more with less this season?! The Seattle Seahawks, at 9-6, are in contention for the playoffs. Despite having the worst offensive line known to man, no running game to speak of, and a defense living in the infirmary, the Seahawks are still breathing. All thanks to Russell Wilson. Wilson has an incredible ability to extend plays with his legs, neutralizing an opposing team’s pass rush. This also gives his wide receivers time to find holes in opposing secondary’s. Wilson has figured out how to make Paul Richardson look like a real receiver….

Oh yeah, Wilson is also the team’s leading rusher — by a lot. He’s still not this season’s MVP.

Russell Wilson’s Stats: 3,762 passing yards, 32 TDs, 11 INTs, 61.3 Completion % (550 Rushing Yards)

Todd Gurley

And then, there’s the running back. The NFL’s leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, Todd Gurley. From breakout rookie season, to sophomore slump-and-a-half, to MVP candidate. Put Gurley’s ridiculous rushing statistics to the side for a moment. Let’s look at Todd Gurley, the complete player. If Gurley was solely compared to wide receivers, he’d still be having a solid season. Here’s where he stacks up against the rest of the league through the air:

Receptions: 64 (T-26)

Receiving Yards: 788 (T-28)

Receiving TDs: 6 (T-21)

Yeah, I was impressed too. The NFC West Champion Los Angeles Rams (11-4) have a lot to be thankful for this year. For without Gurley, who knows where they’d be. Todd Gurley is this season’s MVP.

Todd Gurley’s Stats: 1,305 Rushing Yards, 13 TDs/64 Receptions, 788 Receiving Yards, 6 TDs

Stop looking at me like I’m crazy. I know this is a passing league. I know the running back position isn’t the most important on the field. However, running backs winning the MVP Award is not unprecedented. Adrian Peterson won it just 5 years ago. And 3 have won it in the past 12 seasons. And this year, there’s value in the running back position around the league. Look at Ezekiel Elliot and the Dallas Cowboys. The second Elliot served his 6-game suspension, the Cowboys lost 3 games in a row. Sorry Russell. Sorry Tommy Boy.

Todd Gurley is the NFL MVP.

Who is this season’s NFL MVP?? Post your prediction 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 .

Michael Beasley Goes “Michael Beasley” On The Celtics

December 22, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

beasleyknicks04-777x437

Remember when Michael Beasley told us he’s on the same talent level as Kevin Durant and Lebron James?? Oh no, that happened….

“[It’s] mostly perception. As far as talent-wise, I match up with Kevin [Durant], LeBron, I match up with the best guys in the world.”

Those are Beasley’s ACTUAL words from an October interview with Bleacher Report. There was a time when that was plausible, however, Beasley squandered a golden opportunity. Beasley was the #2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Kansas State. At 6’9″, Beasley possessed a unique skillset that figured to translate to the NBA. A short stay in China, and 6 NBA teams later (including 2 stints with the Miami Heat), Beasley is trying to find his way with the New York Knicks.

Over his last 3 games, the 28-year old is starting to resemble an NBA player, as he’s averaging 28.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 56.8% shooting. He’s also 5 for 7 from 3-point range during this 3 game stretch. The question is, can he sustain this level of production??

The Knicks took down the Boston Celtics Thursday night, 102-93, behind Beasley’s season-high, 32-points. If I had told you Kristaps Porzingis would go Patrick Ewing on us, scoring just 1 point, you would have told me the Knicks got blown out. There’s just something about the Garden that brings out the best in the Knicks. They’re now 17-14 on the season (15-5 at home). The moral of the story is the Knicks should never leave the confines of Madison Square Garden — ever.

*Remember that nasty stretch of road games I told you was comin’…. (click here for the Knicks’ upcoming schedule).

Despite Kyrie Irving’s best superman impersonation (he dropped 32-points of his own), the Celtics lost their 2nd straight game. The Celtics have now lost 5 of their last 9. Anyone who didn’t think regression was in the Celtics’ future, after a 16-2 start, is delusional. You can’t lose your 2nd best (or best) player and remain the best team in the NBA. Unless you’re the Warriors. The Celtics will look to right the ship when they take on the Chicago Bulls, in Boston, Saturday @ 7:30 P.M. EST. While that matchup sounds pretty, the Bulls are winners of 7 of their last 8.

Can Michael Beasley maintain a high level of production?? Are the Celtics the best team in the Eastern Conference?? Tell me everything you know in the comment section below.

Wednesday Was Upset City In The Basketball World

December 21, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

kuzma

No More Win Streak For You

Heading into Wednesday night’s showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets had won 14 games in a row. That’s a lot of games. On the other hand, the Lakers had lost 3 straight games (and 8 of their last 10). Escaping from Houston with a victory would take a miracle for this young Lakers squad. Good thing it’s holiday season….

Wednesday was Kyle Kuzma’s night. Yes, I’m aware James Harden scored 51 points. Wouldn’t you rather score 1 point and win than score 51 points and lose?? Kuzma dropped a career-high 38 points on 12 of 17 from the field. The method to his madness was the trifecta. He made it rain last night, draining 7 of 10 three point attempts. That’s a lot of threes.

Harden’s individual performance was nothing short of spectacular. However, when Chris Paul left the game early in the 4th quarter, the Rockets’ chances left with him. The Lakers would go on a 10-0 run, seemingly putting the game out of reach. The Lakers held on, 122-116, handing the Rockets their 5th loss on the season.

So Much For A Tune-Up Game

When high profile college teams make their schedule for an upcoming season, they always sprinkle in nice, cushy matchups. Whether it’s Alabama vs. Mercer in football, or Duke vs. Evansville in basketball, these are supposed to be tune-ups. Well, every so often, said tune-up turns nice and cushy into a living nightmare. Welcome to North Carolina’s nightmare.

Wednesday night, the North Carolina Tar Heels lost to the Wofford Terriers 79-75 — in North Carolina!! The Terriers, led by Fletcher Magee’s 27 points, would never relinquish their halftime lead. Magee, who entered the game 2nd in the nation in scoring, put his team on his back. Assuredly, this will be the highlight of Wofford’s season, as #5 North Carolina is the only ranked team on their schedule this season.

*By the way, my previous example of #4 Duke vs. Evansville, happened last night too. Duke won 104-40. Just sayin’….

Take That Former Team!!

Isn’t it funny how players always show out against their former team?? Why is that?? Are you angry you decided to leave in free agency for more money?? Kelly Olynyk is the latest example of misplaced “revenge”. This past offseason, Olynyk left the Boston Celtics to sign a 4-year, $50 million contract with the Miami Heat. Last night, he played against his former team. Olynyk decided that was a good opportunity to drop a career-high 32 points. For a guy who averages 9.5 points per game in his career, let’s call this an anomaly. The Heat took down the Celtics, 90-89.

Which basketball upset did you watch on Wednesday night?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.

The Islanders Are Headed Back Where They Belong — HOME!!

December 20, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

New-York-Islanders-Belmont-1024x473

Welcome back to the island!! Long Island. My island. My home. And now, the new (old) home of the New York Islanders. On Tuesday, according to Newsday and other sources, the Islanders won the bid to build a new stadium next to Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont. The Islanders must have been extremely home sick, as they left for Brooklyn just 3 years ago.

This move is being made possible by the team and the Sterling Project Development. The Sterling Project Development is run by the owners of the New York Mets, the Wilpon family (uh oh). The Islanders’ new stadium will seat approximately 18,000 fans, an increase from the 15,795 seats (2nd smallest in the NHL) in Barclays Center. The ‘play hockey at Barclays Center experiment’ didn’t last long — for good reason. The scoreboard was off-center. And last time I checked, you can’t have obstructed views in an arena. Someone get me in touch with the structural engineer on that job. Idiot.

While both the Islanders and Barclays Center have an opt-out clause in their contract this coming January, expect the Islanders to call Brooklyn home until the new stadium is ready. New stadiums generally take 2 or 3 years to complete. I’ll get out there and help build it if it means I don’t have to travel to Brooklyn anymore to watch hockey….

This news is an early Christmas present to real Islanders fans. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate a 20 minute drive to a professional sporting event?! Also included in the proposal, plans to reopen a Long Island Railroad stop at Belmont Park. Beautiful!! Now you can partake in a few extra Yoo-Hoos on the way to the game.

The official announcement is set to come today, Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Many believe this will make the Islanders a more attractive franchise. Their hope is they’ll be able to resign all-star center, John Tavares, when he becomes a free agent next July. Will a new state-of-the-art stadium be enough to keep Tavares in Orange and Blue??

Only time will tell….

Are you excited for the Islanders to come back to Long Island?? Pour your heart out 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. WE HAVE A SPECIAL, EARLY SHOW FOR YOU TONIGHT FROM 5:45 – 7:00 P.M. EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

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