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.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Kick-Off Saturday

January 9, 2015January 9, 2015 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

This is the best weekend of the year. If you had somewhere to go, cancel your plans, because that groove on the couch misses you. I know it’s been hard to stay “into it” since your fantasy team was officially eliminated from contention, but it’s time to gear up for playoff football. The schedule is as follows:

Baltimore Ravens vs. *New England Patriots – Saturday @ 4:35 P.M. (NBC)

Carolina Panthers vs. *Seattle Seahawks – Saturday @ 8:15 P.M. (FOX)

Dallas Cowboys vs. *Green Bay Packers – Sunday @ 1:05 P.M. (FOX)

Indianapolis Colts vs. *Denver Broncos – Sunday @ 4:40 P.M. (CBS)

* – Indicates Home Team

If the Ravens and Patriots matchup is giving you deja vu, you are not the only one. This is the fourth time in six years that these teams will face each other in the postseason. And while the Patriots have the best postseason record of any team since the turn of the century (18-8), the Ravens have been Tom Brady’s kryptonite. Joe Flacco and the Ravens have beaten the Patriots in two of their last three trips to Foxboro. As much as I would enjoy seeing that trend continue, I believe the Gronkanator and the Pats will be too much for the Ravens to handle.

Prediction: Patriots 27 – Ravens 21

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will look to keep their momentum going as they venture to CenturyLink Field on Saturday. The Panthers are looking to become the first team ever to advance to the Conference Championships after having a losing record during the regular season (7-8-1). The Seahawks were 7-1 at home this season, and will look to continue that trend with their usual formula: ground and pound + violent defense = more points than the other team. If the Panthers are going to have any chance in this game, they’ll need Cam Newton to do his best Superman impression. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. Expect a defensive struggle in the first half, and then the Seahawks should pull away late in the game.

Prediction: Seahawks 26 – Panthers 17

As we transition to Sunday, expect the best game of the Divisional Round to come from the frozen tundra; aka Lambeau Field. This is a product of matchups. Demarco Murray, if healthy, should run all over the Packers less than stellar defensive line. However, Aaron Rodgers, if healthy, should have a field day with the Cowboys secondary. This matchup marks the first time in NFL Playoff history that an undefeated team at home (Green Bay 8-0) will host an undefeated team on the road (Dallas 8-0). Murray is the Cowboys only chance at victory, because as good as Tony Romo is, he is not winning a shootout against his counterpart. The soon to be MVP (Rodgers) should be able to will his team to victory with or without a torn calf. I see the Packers edging out the Cowboys in a thriller.

Prediction: Packers 28 – Cowboys 27

And to wrap up a great weekend in football, Andrew Luck will march in to Denver to take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Everyone can talk about how ordinary Peyton has looked over the last month, and how bad he is in the playoffs, but I am not ready to give up on the first family of football. Andrew Luck is a phenomenal talent, and I expect him to be great for 10 more years, but this is not his year. This Colts team is not strong enough defensively to stop Peyton Manning, and their running game has simply crumbled. They have left Andrew Luck on an island. I hope this game is close, but I see Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, and Emmanuel Sanders being too much for the Colts to handle.

Prediction: Broncos 34 – Colts 24

What do you think? Who do you have advancing to the Conference Championships?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Big Unit Headlines 2015 Hall of Fame Class

January 8, 2015January 8, 2015 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

They are part of forever. Despite all the controversy, and all the rhetoric, and the convoluted voting process, their individual accomplishments can never be second guessed again. Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio were voted in to the MLB Hall of Fame on Tuesday, and they will be officially inducted on July 26th in Cooperstown, NY. These inductions mark only the third time at least four players have been voted in to the Hall of Fame in one year (the last was 1955). Also, for the first time, three first-ballot candidates were voted in in consecutive years.

Randy Johnson, regarded by many as the best left-handed pitcher of all-time, garnered 97.3% of the votes (the 8th highest percentage of all-time). The “Big Unit” is one of only two pitchers to win four consecutive CY Young Awards, the other being Greg Maddux. Johnson was a strikeout machine, as he is still the all-time leader in K’s per nine innings (10.6). Standing 6’10” tall, Johnson was an intimidating force, playing on six different teams during his 22 year career. Most impressively, Johnson is a member of the 300-Win Club (303). Pedro Martinez, a three time CY Young Award winner, received 91.1% of the votes. Martinez had one of the most dominant stretches of any pitcher during his prime, finishing in the top four of the CY Young Award in seven out of eight years. He also helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2004. John Smoltz had a unique, 21 year career. He is the only pitcher ever to record 200 wins and 150 saves. Playing almost his entire career with the Atlanta Braves, he was a staple in their pitching staff, along side fellow Hall of Famers, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. That Braves dynasty won a record 14 straight National League East titles. And last but not least, Craig Biggio will enter the Hall of Fame in his third year of eligibility. Biggio is a member of the 3,000 hit club, playing multiple defensive positions over his 20 year career. While playing second base, outfield, and catcher he won four gold gloves. He is the only player in Major League history to have 3,000 hits, 600 doubles, 250 home runs, and 400 stolen bases.

It is wonderful to see these great players honored for their achievements, but a dark cloud still remains, constantly hovering over Major League Baseball. No, that cloud isn’t filled with water vapor, it’s filled with steroids. And every time we have this conversation, it serves as an annual reminder of all the cheating and accusations that surround baseball’s best players. My opinion of these players is simple. It is impossible to know who did or did not take steroids. Therefore, in order not to falsely accuse innocent players or unknowingly allow cheaters into the Hall of Fame, we must view everyone on an even playing field. Barry Bonds existed. Barry Bonds broke numerous records and is one of the greatest baseball players that ever lived. Personal opinions aside (I for one can’t stand the guy), baseball is doing itself a disservice by not allowing Bonds in to the Hall of Fame. As for Mike Piazza, here is a guy to feel bad for. While he will most likely get in to the Hall of Fame next year, it is absurd that solely rumors are keeping him on the outside looking in. He is the best offensive catcher of all-time. The voting system is not a fair system at all. Instead, it is a group of ego maniacal sports writers, who think this process is a platform for settling personal vendettas. Yeah, not so much. The writers need to stop pretending an entire era didn’t exist, and they need to put em’ all in!!

That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

How do you feel about this years Hall of Fame inductees? Did the committee get it right? Should accused steroid users be allowed in to the Hall of Fame?

Let me know how you feel in the comment section below.

If you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Tank Mode Is In Full Effect

January 6, 2015 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

The New York Knicks were able to trade who?!?! That’s right sports fans, someone voluntarily took on J.R. Smith. In a three-team, six-player trade, the Knicks traded Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In turn, the Cavaliers traded Dion Waiters to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Alex Kirk, Lou Amundson, and a 2019 second-round pick to the Knicks. The Thunder will send Lance Thomas to the Knicks along with a protected 2015 first-round pick to the Cavs. This trade took place just before tip-off of last night’s games, so none of these players suited up for their respective teams. The Knicks also waived Samuel Dalembert which will clear $3.8 million of cap space.

This is a good trade for all three teams. The Thunder added a solid scorer in Waiters for a first-round pick and a throw-in player, making the Thunder a good team who just got better. The Cavs got two rotation players for the price of one, so as long as Lebron James can corral J.R. Smith, this trade will help the Cavs this season. And the lowly Knicks continued to clear cap space, including $6.4 million owed to J.R. Smith, in hopes to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The best part of this deal, by a mile, is that the Knicks were able to rid themselves of the cancer that is J.R. Smith. Some people believe that the Knicks gave Shumpert away for nothing, but he is hurt, again, and probably wouldn’t have been re-signed following this season anyway. The Knicks now have only 4 players under contract for next season in Carmelo Anthony, Jose Calderon, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cleanthony early.

Just when you thought the 76ers knew how to tank, the Knicks are going to show them a thing or two. Following last night’s loss, the Knicks have now lost 12 straight games, tying a franchise record. The Knicks have the worst record in the league at 5-32, and there is no doubt they are en route to the #1 overall pick in the draft. Now this may be wishful thinking, but I think Phil Jackson planned on tanking this season all along. He obviously would never admit it, but I’d bet the polygraph would side with me on this one. He traded Tyson Chandler just so he could rid himself of Raymond Felton’s contract, and last night he did the same with Shumpert and Smith. He will certainly be waiving the three bench players he just acquired, so he doesn’t have to pay them. And now he is left with a pile of cash in hand, and his reputation, in hopes to attract a group of free agents who will bring winning ways back to the Big Apple.

Do you still believe in Phil?? Or have you lost faith in the Zen Master?? Let me know in the comment section below.

Top Ten NBA Centers of All-Time

November 25, 2014November 25, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Throughout the history of the NBA, the center position has always been vital to the success of an NBA franchise. As the game of basketball has evolved, the prototypical center has changed. In today’s NBA, the position is not as important as it used to be. NBA teams used to build around a center who could dominate at both ends of the floor. This list is meant to rank the Top Ten NBA Centers of All-Time.

Honorable Mention

Patrick Ewing, Dave Cowens, Walt Bellamy, and Wes Unseld.

10.) George Mikan (Mr. Basketball)

6 NBA Seasons – 22.3 points, 13.4 rebounds, 40.1 FG%, 78.4 FT%

4x All-Star, 5 NBA Championships

George Mikan was truly an innovator. He was Russell before Russell, and Wilt before Wilt. He was the centerpiece to the NBA’s first dynasty; the Minneapolis Lakers of the 1950’s. They won 4 NBA Championships in 5 years. Mikan was known as a hard nosed player on both ends of the floor, and was known to play through broken bones. As time goes on, his name fades into the background, but we must pay homage to those who helped paved the way for the future. Without the innovation of George Mikan, there is no telling what superstars the NBA would have missed out on.

9.) Elvin Hayes (The Big E)

16 NBA Seasons – 21.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 45.2 FG%, 67.0 FT%

12x All-Star, 1 NBA Championship

Elvin Hayes was Bret Favre and Deion Sanders wrapped into 1 player. He did it all. Over his 16 year career, Hayes only missed 9 games. He was also a great two way player, with his tenacious defense and consistent scoring. Hayes is still top 10 in points scored, rebounds, and field goals made. What’s most impressive about those numbers is that Hayes is the shortest center on this list, standing just 6’9″ tall.

8.) David Robinson (The Admiral)

14 NBA Seasons – 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 51.8 FG%, 73.6 FT%

10x All-Star, 1x NBA MVP, 2 NBA Championships, 1990 Rookie of the Year , 1x Defensive Player of the Year

He was the definition of an all around player and as consistent as they come. Standing at a lean 7’1″ tall, Robinson posed a threat at both ends of the floor. If it weren’t for that guy Dikembe Mutumbo, there is no telling how many Defensive Player of the Year awards he would have won. Robinson made up one half of the twin towers, along side Tim Duncan, en route to 2 NBA championships. Robinson’s rise to stardom had to wait as he honorably served in the NAVY for 2 years prior to the start of his playing career. Robinson’s all around talents produced one of the most impressive performances of all time. On February 17th, 1994, Robinson became only the 5th player ever to record a quadruple double (34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks).

7.) Willis Reed (The Captain)

10 NBA Seasons – 18.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 47.6 FG%, 74.7 FT%

7x All-Star, 1x NBA MVP, 2 NBA Championships, 2x NBA Final’s MVP, 1965 Rookie of the Year

Willis Reed was “The Captain” before Derek Jeter was even born. Reed proved to be a leader and a clutch performer throughout his career. As an undersized center, at 6’10”, Reed was able to bang with the best of them under the boards. Offensively, he showed a rare combination of power and finesse around the rim. This style of play led to many battles with Wilt Chamberlain and the Los Angeles Lakers. The first of these battles came in the best year of Willis Reed’s career; 1970. He was in the prime of his career, he won the regular season MVP, and was carrying his team through the playoffs. Then he got hurt. Up until that moment, Reed had dominated the first 4 games of the NBA Finals (averaging 31.75 points per game). What transpired next turned Reed into a living legend. Reed famously hobbled from the locker room during game 7 to score 4 of the most courageous points in NBA Final’s history.

6.) Moses Malone (Chairman of the Boards)

19 NBA Seasons – 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 49.1 FG%, 76.9 FT%

12x All-Star, 3x NBA MVP, 1 NBA Championship, 1x NBA Final’s MVP

In 1974, Moses Malone became the first player to be drafted to the NBA directly out of high school. After 2 seasons with the ABA, Malone transitioned to the NBA. Over the next 19 seasons, Malone proved to be one of the best scorers and rebounders the game has ever seen. Upon entering the league, Malone was an undersized 6’10”, 215 pounds, but that didn’t stop him from averaging 13.4 rebounds that year. When Malone retired in 1995, he ranked in the top 10 in points scored, rebounds, games played, minutes played, and free throws made.

5.) Hakeem Olajuwon (The Dream)

18 NBA Seasons – 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 51.2 FG%, 71.2 FT%

12x All-Star, 1x NBA MVP, 2 NBA Championships, 2x NBA Final’s MVP, 2x Defensive Player of the Year

Here’s one #1 overall draft pick that lived up to the hype. Hakeem Olajuwon possessed a unique skillset that may never be seen again from a ‘true’ center. His smooth offensive game was a thing of beauty, while at the same time, he became the NBA’s most prolific shot blocker (he is still the career blocks leader in the NBA). He is also the only player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, NBA MVP award, win a championship, and be named the NBA Final’s MVP in the same season (1994). The only knock on Olajuwon is that he only won a championship when Michael Jordan was on hiatus from the NBA. Other than that side note, Hakeem The Dream was everything you’d wish for in a center.

4.) Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq, The Diesel, Shaq Fu, Shaq Daddy, Superman)

19 NBA Seasons – 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 58.2 FG%, 52.7 FT%

15x All-Star, 1x NBA MVP, 4 NBA Championships, 3x NBA Final’s MVP, 1993 Rookie of the Year

The Diesel. Enough said? Shaq was easily the most physically dominant force the NBA has ever seen. He was like an unstoppable wrecking ball that could only be slowed (or ‘hack a shaq’d’), but couldn’t be stopped. Watching Shaq play in his prime was something special. He showed an amazing amount of offensive skills for a man of his size. Also, his 58.2% shooting from the field is the third highest mark in NBA history. But most importantly, he may be the #1 interview of all time.

3.) Bill Russell (Bill)

13 NBA Seasons – 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 44 FG%, 56.1 FT%

12x All-Star, 5x NBA MVP, 11 NBA Championships

Bill Russell will always be known as the ultimate winner. He was part of the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1950’s and 60’s that won 11 championships in 13 seasons. While he played with some great teammates over the years, he is regarded as the best defensive center of all time. He is also one of the best rebounders in the history of the game (ranking 2nd all time). It was Russell’s intangibles, such as his leadership, that made him stand out. During Russell’s era, they didn’t keep track of NBA Final’s MVP’s, however by my research, I believe he would have won 4 NBA Final’s MVPs. They also did not record blocks in Russell’s playing days, but it is said that Wilt and Russell would have had double digit blocks every night. In an era when Wilt Chamberlain was the NBA’s best player, it shows how impressive Bill Russell’s run of championships was. He continuously went head to head with Wilt Chamberlain and came out on top.

2.) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Cap)

20 NBA Seasons – 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, 55.9 FG%, 72.1 FT%

19x All-Star, 6x NBA MVP, 6 NBA Championships, 6x NBA Finals MVP, 1970 Rookie of the Year

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the centerpiece of the Lakers championships in the 1980′s. He was part of all 5 of their championship titles in the 80′s, and also won a title with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970’s. Kareem still holds the record for winning the most NBA MVP awards (6), while also remaining the NBA’s all time leading scorer. He was a true innovator to the game of basketball. During his career, he perfected an unstoppable move called the sky hook. Kareem was a star from the second he entered the league and was the runaway Rookie of the Year in 1970 (averaging 28.8 points and 14.4 rebounds). He was an outstanding all around player, showcasing his offensive and defensive skills throughout his 20 year career.

1.) Wilt Chamberlain (Wilt The Stilt)

14 NBA Seasons – 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 54 FG%, 51.1 FT%

13x All-Star, 4x NBA MVP, 2 NBA Championships, 1x NBA Finals MVP, 1960 Rookie of the Year

One of the most difficult decisions I had to make was Kareem vs. Wilt. It is difficult to definitively state who the best center in the history of the NBA is, but Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant forces in NBA history. He famously holds the record for most points scored in a game (100), a record that I believe will NEVER be broken. During the 1961-62 season, Chamberlain averaged over 50 points for the entire season, another feat that will probably never happen again (he didn’t even win the NBA MVP that year!). It’s a shame that MVPs were usually given to a member of the championship team, because no one knows how many MVP’s Wilt would have won otherwise. Even with that obstacle, Wilt still managed to win 4 NBA MVP awards. The different era’s of the NBA vary greatly, but I if you put Wilt in today’s NBA, he would undoubtedly be the best center in the league (sorry Dwight). And, if all that isn’t impressive enough, Wilt led the NBA in total assists for an entire season!! Oh yeah, and Wilt just happens to be the NBA’s all time rebounding leader as well. These things make Wilt the greatest center to ever play in the NBA.

Please leave your comments or post your own list in the comment section below. Thanks!!

NBA Talk Coming Soon….

November 20, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

DaveTalksSports.com is Back!!

Coming soon: My list of the Top Ten NBA Centers of All-Time

Also, check back for my breakdown of the New York Knicks less than stellar start to the 2014 NBA season.

Corruption in the NFL….Never!!

September 11, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I want to preface this article with a statement on Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence is a horrible crime. Domestic Violence is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly by any one at any time. What Ray Rice did is reprehensible. Domestic Violence is not limited to men abusing women, but in this case that is what happened. I believe that any offense, whether it be a first time offense or not, should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Any REAL man would NEVER, no matter what, hit a woman!!! This issue is prevalent not only in the NFL, but in society, and something needs to be done about it immediately.

You know that book that they forced you to read back in high school? You know, the one you finished reading and then needed a translator to come and explain it to you. Yeah, that’s what it’s like trying to figure out the world of sports. For instance, this Ray Rice/Roger Goodell/NFL situation. This is a tough story to fully comprehend. This story has been part of the headlines for the better part of 7 months now, and even to this current day, it feels like we’re rats in a maze and we can’t find our way out. Doesn’t it?? No, just me? Okay, anyway, you’re in luck, because I am going to ‘translate’ this situation for you in plain English. Yes!!

For those of you who don’t know by now and live under that proverbial rock, Ray Rice knocked his then fiancé unconscious in an elevator in The Revel Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City in February. Rice’s fiancé, Janay Palmer, then married Ray Rice so she couldn’t be forced to testify against her husband if this case ever landed in court. From there, Roger Goodell and the NFL decided to suspend Ray Rice for 2 games without pay for his actions, which were aired publicly for all the world to see, thanks to the video footage from just outside the elevator. Rice is seen dragging Palmer from the elevator before being confronted by hotel security. When the NFL brought about this 2 game suspension, the public was outraged. Not outraged the way they are now, but outraged that he would only receive a 2 game suspension for allegedly punching his fiancé in the face, while NFL players who are caught smoking marijuana are handed stiffer punishments.

In the past few days, TMZ obtained and released the footage of the actual attack from inside the elevator. Again, for those of you who somehow haven’t seen the video, Rice is seen striking Palmer right in the face with his left fist. Palmer then knocks her head against the railing on the side of the elevator and falls to the ground unconscious. The footage is extremely difficult to watch and has sent the public into a frenzy. Rice was then suspended indefinitely, and his contract was terminated by the Baltimore Ravens. And finally, Roger Goodell is sticking with his initial response. He is claiming that he was unable to obtain the video footage from inside the elevator.

Enter translator….

Ray Rice is a bad guy, who did a very bad thing. Yes, there are good people who lose their cool and do something wrong, but that’s not what this is. Ray Rice, as seen in the infamous video, shows no remorse for his actions (as if he has done this before) as he knocks his fiancé unconscious and then continues to drag her along the floor. His actions are despicable, and he belongs in jail. Rice’s fiancé is obviously a money hungry, idiot, who looks in the mirror and sees a pile of garbage. No self respecting human being would go crawling back to a low life like Ray Rice just for the money. As for Roger Goodell and the NFL, they are idiots too. Now, this situation could have gone down a few different ways. Either Goodell saw the video from inside the elevator and then decided to give Rice only a 2 game suspension or he actively tried not to see the video hoping that he wouldn’t have to deal with the ugly truth of the situation. Which is worse? Now, I know some of you naïve, born yesterday, suckers believe every word that comes out of a person’s mouth, but trust me, Roger Goodell and the NFL could have seen that video the day after it happened. With the power the NFL possesses, you have to be the dumbest person in the world to believe Goodell’s line about not being able to obtain the video or even knowing that such a tape existed. HELLOOOOOOOO, this happened in a casino, you know a place where every inch of every room is covered by security cameras. Roger Goodell lied to you. Numerous times. My favorite part of all this is the public’s reaction to this situation. People act as if Ray Rice is the first person to ever hit a woman. They act like this hasn’t been a serious problem since the dawn of time. They also act like they’re surprised that the all mighty NFL shield could be corrupt. News Flash: The NFL has been corrupt forever, just like the NCAA. This shouldn’t be breaking news to anyone. Also, I love how the punishment and the reaction changed once we saw the video. Did anything change between the release of the 1st video and the 2nd? Nope. We all knew that Ray Rice punched his fiancé in the face and dragged her out of that elevator. Sure, the severity of what we saw on the tape could have varied, but the reaction to the 2nd tape should have been the reaction the entire time. The Ravens organization and the NFL really showed their incompetence throughout this entire ordeal. And now, we must wait for more of this story to unfold. In the coming days I’m sure we’ll find out that Goodell saw the video from day one, and was dumb enough to think that it wouldn’t get out. But for now, I guess we all have to stay tuned.

One-Liner Fridays

July 18, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Helllllooooo sports fans!! It’s Friday again. I know you thought it would never get here, but the weekend is right around the corner. I will get your weekend started a little early with a weekly segment I like to call: One-Liner Fridays. You know how it goes. Today, I will wrap up the past week in sports in One Line and One Line only. Enjoy!!

You know the dog days of summer have hit you square in the face when GOLF is the most exciting thing on TV.

Oh no wait, I forgot, you can always turn on some WNBA action……

So I heard some clown on ESPN radio last night talking about how betting on the Mets to win the World Series this year (at 200 to 1 odds) wouldn’t be the dumbest thing that has ever happened before…….NO????

I mean I’m no rocket scientist, but I’m pretty sure laying that bet would put you in the running for dumbest person ever.

So Chad Johnson (yes Ochocinco), is playing in the CFL now, and he just scored his first touchdown the other day, but if you haven’t seen it check out the ref who is clearly not the hugger Derek Jeter is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EGDt07j7sA

I know I know, everybody just LOVES Lebron James again, but as you know from my article I know everyone read (https://davetalkssports.com/2014/07/11/lebron-james-returns-to-cleveland/), I’m not buying the bullcrap salad that he’s selling.

But seriously, Lebron just placed first in the Harris Poll, which determines the most popular athlete in the United States, I bet The Joker wishes he could figure out how to go from the villain to everyone’s hero in just 1 year.

Which brings me to another basketball player, Carmelo Anthony, also known as the most generous and most selfless man in the world.

He’s not in it for the money man, he’s all about pay cuts.

This man took $7 million less on a 5-year, $129 million contract, if that is not a sacrifice that screams TEAM than I don’t know what is.

More basketball??

Okay.

I only have one thing to say to the Los Angeles Lakers: “HAHAHAHAHAHA….Carlos Boozer….HAHAHAHAHAHA….Jeremy Lin….HAHAHAHAHAHA….okay maybe that was more than one thing, but you get the point.

When Tracy McGrady got signed by the Sugar Land Skeeters (insert immature laughter here), I figured he would have a long, illustrious career….and I was right, he pitched 6 and 2/3 innings, recorded 1 strikeout, and then said I think I’ve had enough.

So he retired.

Major League Baseball definitely handled Derek Jeter’s final All-Star Game very tastefully, but man is that game terrible.

If it wasn’t for Derek Jeter, I think there would have been 4 viewers of that game (yea, I said 4).

The only thing worse than the All-Star Game itself is the Home Run Derby, that right there is 4 hours of my life that I can NEVER get back again.

Here is a simple formula of how to fix the Home Run Derby: you give Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa a bunch of steroids and give them each their own personalized club (you know like a caveman club) and watch them bash 600 foot home runs for an hour, this way everyone’s happy and these clowns get 15 more minutes of fame….oh, and feel free to throw Jose Canseco in there if you want.

Tiger Tiger Woods y’all is back, it’s crazy how much one man can effect an entire sport.

So now that the worst time of the year in sports is upon us is it too early to ask everyone’s favorite question: ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?!

This has been another edition of One-Liner Fridays. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you have a One-Liner of your own please post it in the comment section below.

Hugs All Around

July 16, 2014July 16, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Now a days it is hard to find a player as well liked and respected as Derek Jeter. Last night’s All-Star Game festivities was a prime example of that. This was Derek Jeter’s 14th and final All-Star Game appearance, and it was only proper to pay homage to a living legend such as himself. Personally I believe Major League Baseball, the people of Minnesota, and his fellow competitors did a great job in honoring Derek Jeter last night. To start the night off, Derek gave his team a pregame speech, and in typical Derek Jeter fashion he decided to thank his American League teammates rather than make it about himself. The entire night seemed too good to be true, as if it were scripted for a play, but that is exactly how it should have felt.

To start off the game, Derek was tested in the field. Derek made a diving stop on a sharply hit ball up the middle and nearly threw out the speedy Andrew McCutchen at first base. It was funny to hear Derek Jeter say, during his 4th inning interview with Tim Kurkjian, that he wishes he could have thrown the replay flag on that play. Side Note: What is the umpire thinking not calling McCutchen out on sheer principal???? What transpired in the bottom of the 1st inning was priceless and yet again perfect. Derek Jeter was called to the plate by the late great Bob Shepard, something that has happened since the dawn of time in Yankee Stadium. As Derek approached the plate, he was ready to dig in and get this show on the road, however, Adam Wainwright and the fans had other plans. Wainwright, being the class act that he is, set his glove down on the mound and stood halfway between the mound and second base. Wainwright had no intentions of interfering with the 63-second standing ovation that the fans in Minnesota gave Derek. When Derek’s first at-bat finally got under way, on the second pitch, Derek drove the ball the opposite way (in typical Derek Jeter fashion), for a stand-up double. We have watched that inside out swing of his for 20 years now, a swing that has produced 3,408 regular season hits (9th on the all-time list). After Derek’s double, he was promptly driven in by the living, breathing version of He-Man; Mike Trout. As we fast forward to the 3rd inning, Derek notched another All-Star Game hit on his belt, where else but to right field (this one of the bloop variety). This final hit brought his all time All-Star Game batting average up to .481 (13 for 27), which is 2nd all time.

The start of the 4th inning seemed like any other. The players for the American League took the field and went through their warm-up routines, but boy were they in for a surprise. Just as warm-ups concluded and the inning was about to start, American League Manager John Farrell sent Alexei Ramirez out to shortstop to replace Derek Jeter. This move allowed Derek to receive an individual standing ovation, which lasted about 2 and a half minutes. In the dugout, Derek went to every person on the roster and gave them their own personalized hug. I think he even gave the grounds crew members a hug on his way out of the stadium too. And as expected, the fans continued cheering until Derek came out for a well deserved curtain call. Last night was nearly perfect for Major League Baseball, for the fans, and for Derek Jeter. The only part that they missed (besides not calling McCutchen out on the play at first) was not giving Derek the All-Star Game MVP Award. All the baseball writers of the world can talk about how last night was the passing of the torch from Derek Jeter to Mike Trout (who won the MVP Award) all they want, but that is incorrect. Last night was about Derek Jeter and Derek Jeter alone. Last night’s game was not about, and should never be, about home field advantage in the World Series. It was about one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. It was about paying tribute to one of the most decorated careers in baseball history. No one handles themselves better in these situations than The Captain. Over his career he has always remained gracious and most importantly he is never selfish. Last night was another testament to that and the greatness that is Derek Jeter.

Melo Takes Paycut to Return to Knicks

July 15, 2014July 16, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

After weeks of deliberation, Carmelo Anthony has finally decided to return to the New York Knicks. Anthony made the announcement Saturday (even though he had probably made up his mind by Friday) that he would be re-signing with the Knickerbockers. The deal will be worth $122 million over the next 5 years. Who said Melo wasn’t a team player?? This guy just made the ultimate sacrifice by taking a whopping $7 million less than the max deal over 5 years. He just saved the franchise $1.4 million per year over the next 5 years. What a guy! Now the Knicks have the cap space to sign Kurt Thomas. Can you say game changer?!?! In all seriousness, the Knicks did what they had to do and so did Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks, as much as they didn’t want to, had to throw the whole bag of cash at him, because if they missed out on Melo, where would they be? And Melo actually wanted to leave for a better, more championship ready situation. The only problem was that option didn’t exist in this years free agency. The Chicago Bulls were only a better option if Derrick Rose is healthy, and at this point I’d say that is an enormous if. I don’t believe the Lakers were ever a real option seeing as they don’t have a coach, and they actually have a worse roster than the Knicks. And as good as the Houston Rockets would have become with the addition of Melo, who wants to live in Houston??

As for the Knicks, in the horrid eastern Conference, they shouldn’t fare too badly this upcoming season. They are no championship contender, don’t get me wrong, but don’t be surprised if they creep up to the 4 or 5 seed. Yes, Derek Fisher is a wild card in this equation, but I have the utmost confidence that Phil Jackson will steer him in the right direction. Now, I need to say something to all of the Carmelo Anthony haters of the world. Y’all are out of your damn minds!! As much as critics and fans alike enjoy picking Anthony’s game apart, he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA. He may not be the best defender in the NBA, but does defense really exist in the NBA?? And the notion that a team can not win with Carmelo Anthony on its roster; is ludicrous. Carmelo Anthony is what he is. He is one of the best pure scorers the game has ever seen who also happens to grab 8 -10 rebounds a night. Everyone is trying to turn him in to a player that he simply will never be. You know what Melo’s biggest mistake is? That he isn’t Lebron James. Ever since high school, the two have been linked. Their head-to-head matchups in high school were televised, they came out of the same NBA draft class, and most recently they shared the same free agency spot light. Melo is not the passer Lebron is, he’s not the defender Lebron is, and he simply is not the all around player Lebron is. And you know what? That’s okay. That doesn’t mean that you can’t win a championship with Carmelo Anthony on your roster. Phil Jackson will put a roster in place that highlights the strengths of everyone on it, and most importantly, Carmelo Anthony will be utilized correctly for the first time in his career. Just watch for Anthony’s 4th quarter contributions under Phil Jackson opposed to the tired, wobbly legged Anthony we’ve grown accustom to seeing under the likes of Mike and Mike (no not that Mike and Mike); Woodson and D’Antoni. Anthony has always been asked to do too much. With a real point guard and a proper system in place, don’t be surprised to see Anthony thrive as a member of the new look Knicks.

Lebron James Returns To Cleveland

July 11, 2014November 28, 2014 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The wait is over!! The most anticipated sports story possibly of all-time has culminated in 3 simple words: “I’m Coming Home.” As you all know, these words were spoken today by basketball’s best player, Lebron James. This announcement came not in the form of an ego driven, poorly thought out press conference, but in an essay, written for Lebron, by Lee Jenkins via SportsIllustrated.com. The essay can be found here: http://www.si.com/nba/2014/07/11/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers There is so much to dissect and express from this situation it is hard to know where to start, but let me try starting with Lebron the player.

Lebron James is the best player in the world and has been for quite some time now. Lebron James would have been welcomed with open arms anywhere he decided to go, except for maybe Cleveland (which is what some of us thought before this decision). We now know that is untrue. Despite the most complicated player-city relationship in the history of sports, despite the burning of his jerseys, despite the angriest letter (compliments of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert) we’ve ever seen, and despite The Decision 4 years ago, every person in Cleveland seems to be ecstatic, and there is a 100% approval rate that Lebron is returning to Cleveland. Maybe I’m being too negative, or maybe I’m not giving people enough credit, but I’m SHOCKED that there isn’t ONE person that is pumping the brakes and saying, woah woah woah, you may be great, but we aren’t about to forget what you did to us just 4 short years ago. Trust me, I understand the expression: ‘Forgive, but never forget’, but it seems like Cleveland has already done both instantaneously. Now I also understand that Cleveland is not a city rich in championships, and they are a passionate sports city that would do virtually anything to end that drought, but where is the self-respect? Do none of you remember those feelings of hatred and anger that filled your souls in 2010? Again, Lebron James is the best player in the world and this move makes The Cleveland Cavaliers instant competitors, but something about it leaves an uneasy feeling in my stomach. As far as where the Cavaliers stand now, the Las Vegas odds makers have already thrown Cleveland to the top of the favorites to win the 2015 NBA championship list (they are going off at 3-1 as of right now).

Next, let’s talk about Lebron James the man. By all accounts he seems like a really good guy. He came straight out of high school to the NBA (which doesn’t always end so well) and adjusted to that seamlessly. He has never been arrested. He isn’t running around drinking, partying, and getting in trouble all the time. He seems to be all about basketball all the time. And for those reasons, I, along with the rest of the sports world, love and appreciate his passion and dedication to the game. When it’s all said and done he will be one of the top 10 players of all-time and potentially top 3 of all-time. However, I am seeing a different side of this story than virtually everyone else in the world. Sports writers, sports radio hosts, ESPN insiders, and just about everyone in the world are calling this a great day for sports. I’m here to tell you why I’m not buying it. Go ahead everyone, start killing me for it; I don’t mind.

Obviously this is certainly an amazing day for the Cleveland Cavaliers, that’s a no brainer. There is just something about Lebron James, the actor, that doesn’t sit right with me. I think that The Decision 4 years ago was a horrendous, slow-motion train wreck that should have been avoided. It was a selfish act by the self-proclaimed king, who cared more about getting the ‘win an NBA title’ monkey off his back, than he did loyalty. I know real loyalty doesn’t really exist in sports, but it does when you’re born and raised somewhere, drafted in that city, and then marked as the savior there as well. I see today as a selfish act as well. I think his essay was calculated from the title, all the way down to every last dotted i and crossed t. He said what he had to say to Miami to keep them from jumping down his throat for leaving, and he definitely told Cleveland everything they wanted to hear for why he is “returning home.” I believe he cares more about his image here than anything else. If he truly cared as much about Cleveland as he claims, he wouldn’t have left in the first place. Yes, everyone makes mistakes, which even he acknowledged, but I know what it’s like to have an allegiance and loyalty to your home, and I can’t picture ever leaving. And I am not Lebron James (shocker I know). I don’t effect my towns economy and the state of mind of every person in it. Even a selfish, misguided, immature 25 year old can understand that. As for the basketball moves he’s made over the past 4 years, first he said I can’t win a title by myself. Okay fine, maybe that one isn’t so bad. Almost no one has won an NBA championship by themselves, but did he really need to create his own personal all-star team just to capture his elusive first title? And what I see today, rather than let me try to win a title for my city, is now that I finally have my own championship rings, let me make my way back home where suddenly my hometown is good enough for me again. Again, maybe I’m reaching, nitpicking, and scrutinizing Lebron James’ every move too much, but I’m sorry, I’m just not buying what Lebron James is selling.

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