There Are Two Sides To Every Coin

March 7, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Everyone cheats.

But Dave, not everyone is dishone….

Yeah, they are.

See, a “competitive advantage” can mean a million different things. Is it the tug of an opponent’s jersey when the referee isn’t looking?? Is it pumping artificial crowd noise into your stadium when your opponent has the ball?? Or is it a government-run, doping scheme an entire country takes part in??

Now, I’m not saying performance enhancing drugs are being handed out on every street corner like free samples, but it’s like anything illegal….if you want it, you can get it.

Canelo Alvarez got it. News broke Monday evening that Canelo tested positive for two banned substances according to the VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). These results found the presence of Clenbuterol and Adverse in Canelo’s system from his February 17th drug test. Levels of 0.06-0.08 ng/ml (nanogram per milliliter) were found in each urine sample.

Canelo proclaims these positive tests were a result of consuming contaminated meat. Hey Canelo, you have something hanging off your lip. No, not there. THERE IT IS!! Ahhh, it was bull****.

Here’s the thing….

This story sounds like a big deal. “Boxing fans” will be disappointed. Moral perfectionists will sling judgments around like a football. And the pundits will question every Canelo victory.

In reality, this story is not a big deal. Canelo will still fight Gennady Golovkin, aka GGG, on May 5th. CINCO DE MAYO!! Canelo will still make millions of dollars for 36 minutes, or less, of work. And the “fake outrage” regarding performance enhancing drugs will continue, as no one really cares if athletes use them.

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On the lighter side of things, Shaquem Griffin can not go unnoticed. Shaquem Griffin is a linebacker from the University of Central Florida. This past weekend, Griffin stole the show at the NFL Combine. He was born with a congenital condition, and his left hand had to be amputated at the age of four. That has never stopped Griffin from achieving his goals, and his performance at the combine is a testament to that attitude. Griffin posted the fastest 40-yard dash for a linebacker since 2003 (4.38 seconds). And with the use of a prosthetic arm, Griffin was able to post 20-reps on the bench press (225 lbs.).

Check out his 40-yard dash here, and his bench press here.

Following the bench press, Griffin said, “I was aiming for about 6 reps, and my personal best is 11, but I could feel the energy of everybody in the room. My adrenaline went through the roof, and when I heard 16, I said, oh yeah, I’m goin’ for 20.”

Griffin should be an inspiration to us all. People tend to complain, feel sorry for themselves, and make excuses for why they haven’t accomplished certain things. Griffin should serve as a reminder that anything is possible, no matter the circumstances. Griffin is projected to be drafted in the 4th round of this year’s NFL Draft.

Do you care about Canelo Alvarez’s positive drug test?? Also, post an inspirational story in the comment section below.

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What’s Your Name Again??

March 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Who are you??

I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of you before. Can I see some identification please??

In the wide world of sports, many athletes fly under the radar. Some ride the bench, so they go unnoticed for good reason. Others, however, are “unknown superstars”. Today, we’ve comprised a list of the best athletes most people didn’t know existed.

Justin Thomas

justin thomas

Casual golf fans, if such a group exists, have heard of Tiger Woods. They’ve also probably heard of Phil Mickelson. But that’s about it. They probably haven’t heard of Justin Thomas. Thomas is currently the 3rd ranked golfer in the world. He’s already won two PGA Tour events this year, after winning five last year (including a Major). Oh, and he’s currently in 1st place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Not bad for a 5’10”, 145 pound, 24-year old man who could blend into a crowd easier than Where’s Waldo.

Whit Merrifield

whit

If you know who Whit Merrifield is, I’ll be impressed. Merrifield currently plays second base for the Kansas City Royals. At 29 years old, he’s looking to duplicate his success from last season. Merrifield was one of only two players to hit at least 15 home runs and steal at least 30 bases. The other; Jose Altuve. Colliding in the same sentence with the reigning AL MVP isn’t what I’d call a bad thing.

Nikita Kucherov

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll give you a hint. His team has the best record in his sport. Give up?? Nikita Kucherov plays in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They currently hold the best record in the league at 44-17 (92 points). Kucherov, despite never having entered a conversation in your living room, is leading the NHL in points (82). Yeah, the 24-year old is that good.

Megan Rapinoe

megan-rapinoe-1024

How is that you’ve never heard of one of the best soccer players in this country?! Megan Rapinoe is an international superstar. Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was a crucial part of their gold medals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. And she scored the lone goal in the U.S.’ victory over Germany yesterday. Shame on you for not knowing Megan Rapinoe!!

David Goffin

david goffin

If you were ranked 7th in the world, in an individual sport, you’d think people would know your name, no?! Well I’m betting most of you wouldn’t recognize David Goffin if you bumped into him on the street. Goffin won 2 single’s titles last year, and has been in the top-25 in the world tennis rankings since October of 2014.

Mario Addison

mario addison

I will be shocked if you know this next one. Who is Mario Addison?? Don’t go to the Google, that’s cheating. Okay, time’s up. Mario Addison is a defensive end the NFL. Addison has spent the past six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and may be the most overshadowed defensive player in the NFL. Addison is one of just seven players to average 10 or more sacks over the past two seasons.

Khris Middleton

khris-middleton

This one you may know, but his talent doesn’t match his name (or face) recognition. His celebrity status if you will. Khris Middleton is an extremely talented small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton is one of only nine NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season.

Had you heard of any of these athletes prior to today?? Don’t lie in my comment section!!

Spring Cleaning In February!!

March 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s time for some Spring cleaning!!

Yes, I know it’s not Spring yet, but it’s time to organize that mess and take out the garbage. Some NFL teams couldn’t wait until March to throw away their unwanted trash, so they started cleanin’ house yesterday.

New York Jets

You have to know when to move on. We all make mistakes, but not everyone has the courage to put the past behind them. The New York Jets did that on Wednesday. By cutting Muhammad Wilkerson prior to March 16th, the Jets will save $11 million in salary cap space and $16.75 million overall.

After signing Wilkerson to a 5-year, $86 million deal in 2015 ($37 million guaranteed), the Jets thought they’d solidified one of the most important positions on the field. They thought wrong. VERY WRONG!!

It’s funny how some players’ stats rapidly decline the instant they sign on the dotted line. Wilkerson earned his $86 million contract with a career-high 12 sacks in 2015. But over the past 2 years, Wilkerson missed 4 games while only totaling 8 sacks. He showed up late 4 times (that we know about), and he genuinely looked like he lacked interest in playing football. Thanks for absolutely nothing Muhammad!! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!!

Chicago Bears

Speaking of wasting money, the Chicago Bears know what we’re talking about. After signing Mike Glennon to an unbelievably bad 3-year, $45 million contract, the Bears have released Glennon. He was paid $18.5 million for his “services” this past season while only appearing in 4 games. That’s $4.625 million per game. That’s a lot of moola.

By cutting Glennon, the Bears will save $9 million in salary cap space and $12.5 million overall. This was clearly a smart move, as Glennon is fit to be a 3rd-string quarterback for the rest of his career.

Matt Forte

In combined Jets and Bears news, Matt Forte is hangin’ em up. Forte is calling it quits after 10 years in the NFL (8 with the Bears, 2 with the Jets). In his prime, Forte was one of the best dual-threat running backs in the game. In 2014, he rushed for 1,038 yards while also catching 102 passes for 808 yards. Even though, as a Jets’ fan, I didn’t receive his prime, I always liked Matt Forte. He played the game the right way.

Carolina Panthers

It’s absolutely amazing Jonathan Stewart lasted this long in the NFL. Who knew you could get paid millions to be bad at something (insert Blake Bortles joke here)?? Stewart has played his entire 10-year career with the Carolina Panthers and is their all-time leading rusher. That’s sad. Stewart’s release will save $3.7 million in salary cap space and $5.2 million overall.

I can’t believe it took this long to cut Stewart. This doesn’t need to turn into a Jonathan Stewart bash session, but WOW. One. Jonathan Stewart had one thousand-yard season in 10 years. I’ll be shocked if he’s working in the NFL next season.

As the “start” of the NFL season approaches (March 14th), stay tuned for ALL of the Spring cleaning moves that are going to be put out to the curb.

Do you agree with these moves?? If you don’t, I’m not sure I can help you….

The Times They Are A-Changin’

February 28, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s time to make some changes around here.

Everything evolves. People evolve (I’m not trying to start the debate to end all debates). The world evolves. And most importantly; sports evolve. Major organizations, such as the NFL and NCAA must evolve alongside their respective sport, or they’ll be left in the dust.

NFL

With the 2018 NFL Combine under way, the NFL competition committee figured it was an appropriate time to discuss potential rule changes. The most highly debated, controversial topic in the NFL has been the ‘catch rule’. No one watching, playing, coaching, or refereeing can define a catch. That has to change. And it looks like it will.

New York Giants’ owner, John Mara, who’s a committee member, had this to say, “It’s easy to say the rule has got to be changed, but coming up with the right language is a challenge.” Mara went on to say the committee unanimously agreed controversial incompletions like Dez Bryant’s in the 2014 playoffs and Calvin Johnson’s from the 2010 season would both be ruled completions moving forward. Finally, all those Dez Caught It! fantasy football team names will be accurate!!

The committee is also discussing modifying the defensive pass interference rule. Rather than being a spot foul, it would be a 15-yard penalty. In theory this makes sense, because the current rule assumes a completion, however, the proposed rule doesn’t account for a defender intentionally tackling a receiver by his feet, who’s wide open 50 yards down field. I don’t envy the committee, but at least they’re trying to evolve alongside the game of football.

NCAA

The NCAA, apparently, didn’t want to get left out of the rule changing fun. They’ll temporarily implement four rule changes during this year’s NIT (National Invitation Tournament):

The 3-point line will be moved back 20 inches. It’ll now be the same distance as used by FIBA in international play.
The free throw lane, aka “the key”, will be extended from 12 to 16 feet (the same size as the NBA).
Two 20-minute halves will be broken down to four 10-minute quarters.
Following an offensive rebound, the shot clock will reset to 20 seconds rather than 30.

While I’m not a fan of rule changes mid-season, 3 out of 4 of these are long overdue. The only one I disagree with is resetting the shot clock to 20 seconds. What’s the purpose of this rule?? Why shouldn’t the team, who earned another possession, receive another 30 seconds to attempt to score??

Even though most people are afraid of change, it’s a good thing. Embrace it, or the (sports) world may pass you by.

What do you think of these proposed rule changes?? If you have a rule change idea, post it in the comment section below.

Apparently, They’re Just Giving NFL Contracts Away

February 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m confused!!

Evidently, so are the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Saturday, the Jaguars extended the contract of Blake Bortles through the 2020 season. The deal is for 3-years, $54 million, including $26.5 million of guaranteed money. I literally fell off my couch when this story broke.

This decision by Tom Coughlin, Vice President of Football Operations, makes no sense, for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Bortles’ contract didn’t need extending. The Jaguars already picked up his option (in May) for 2019 for $19.053 million.

2.) Bortles had wrist surgery this off season, creating doubt that he’ll be healthy for the start of the 2019 season.

3.) Bortles SUCKS at quarterback!!

This decision, guarantees the Jaguars will not win a Super Bowl. After reaching the AFC Championship last season, the Jaguars should have realized what the rest of the world did; they’re just 1 player away from being a Super Bowl contender. With a top-3 defense, a great running game, and a good offensive line, the only missing piece to the puzzle is a competent gunslinger. Blake Bortles is not the answer.

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It’s never too early for the hits to start coming for the New York Mets. No, not hits on a baseball field; “hits” as in injuries. Dominic Smith, the pudgy wonder, will undergo an MRI for a strained right quad today. After showing up late to his first Spring Training game, Smith isn’t exactly having the ‘best week ever’.

In other Mets’ injury news, Tim Tebow sprained his ankle running over a sprinkler head. I’m embarrassed to even be writing his name, but this kind of comedy is too good to pass up….

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LeBron James lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, 110-94. Despite posting 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in 40 minutes, LeBron and “new look” company got outclassed on their own court. Rather than discuss ways his team can improve, LeBron felt it necessary to complain about the referees:

“There’s no reason I should be going to the line four times in a game when I drive 100 times to the paint and I’m getting hit and slapped and grabbed and whatever and whatnot. We protect the shooter. That’s what it’s turned into. ‘Chicks dig the long ball,’ and that’s what it’s about.”

Listen, Little LeBron, while chicks definitely dig the long ball, quit your crying and complaining. It’s not a good look for the “face” of the NBA….

Like, Love, or Hate Blake Bortles’ contract extension?? I’ll give you a hint, there’s only one right answer….

Kirk Cousins Will Look Nice In Green

February 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m the most popular kid at school.

I wasn’t always SO popular, but all the smarter, better looking kids graduated, leaving all the popularity — to me!!

I’m….Kirk Cousins.

Kirk Cousins has been the biggest, offseason storyline in the NFL. Since Washington brought in Alex Smith, it’s all but assured that Cousins will call a new city home in the coming weeks. Free agents can officially sign on the dotted line on March 14th @ 4:00 P.M. EST, so until then, rumors, speculation, and fantasy land will persist.

Where will Kirk Cousins play next season?? That, is the $150 million question….

New York Jets

The early favorite in the clubhouse is the New York Jets. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space this offseason, the Jets are expected to make a serious run at Cousins. Of course, with nothing but time and money on their hands, fabricated stories become “reality”.

I don’t know which story is my favorite so far….

It could be $60 million guaranteed in the 1st year of the contract. It could be the 1st fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. Or it could be offering Cousins ownership stake in the Jets. Okay I made that last one up, but the direction these stories are heading, it’s not as far fetched as it’d seem.

I like Kirk Cousins. As a Jets’ fan, I want him under center this coming season. However, the Jets MUST be reasonable (hahahahaha). Jimmy Garoppolo is set to make $27.5 million per year, so offer Cousins $28, and negotiate up to your limit — if necessary. That limit should be $30 million.

Cleveland Browns

Kirk Cousins is not deciding, under his own volition, to play for the Cleveland Browns.

Denver Broncos

Many “experts” have tossed the Broncos’ name around as a potential landing spot for Mr. Cousins. Admittedly, being wined and dined by John Elway doesn’t hurt, but Cousins isn’t going to Denver. They’re likely to part ways with their top wide receivers, and they have just $26 million in cap space.

Minnesota Vikings

This is the team to worry about (as a Jets’ fan). The Vikings are literally only a quarterback away from winning a Super Bowl. And with $57 million in cap space (8th most in the NFL), they have a realistic chance here. Be afraid New York. Be very afraid.

Ultimately, I think the Jets are going to make Cousins an offer he can’t refuse:

Will Kirk Cousins be wearing a Jets jersey next season?? If not, where will he play?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Only Fools Rush In

February 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m a smart guy.

I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.

But today, I’m stumped!!

For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.

Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!

Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!

7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.

See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.

Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….

Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????

Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:

“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”

Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….

Kyle, John, he’s all yours.

Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Worst. Day. EVER!!

February 7, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Tuesday was a bad day.

On one hand, your franchise player goes down with a season ending injury. The other, your new head coach backs out of the deal at the last second.

Who had a worse day: The New York Knicks or Indianapolis Colts??

Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis is the best thing to happen to the New York Knicks since Patrick Ewing. At just 22 years old, Porzingis’ future looked bright, until Tuesday night. With just under 9 minutes to play in the 2nd quarter, Porzingis cut to the basket, receiving a bounce pass from Kyle O’ Quinn. Porzingis threw it down over Giannis Antetokounmpo. After landing, on what looked like a routine play, Porzingis crumbled to the floor, clutching his left knee.

Watch the play here.

Porzingis would be assisted off the court, unable to put pressure on his left leg. Following the game, an MRI confirmed a torn ACL in his left knee. Injuries of this nature don’t often carry high levels of optimism for 7-footers. Normal recovery time is approximately 1 year.

This injury is LeBron James’ fault. Hear me out….

Since the selection of the NBA All-Star Teams, 4 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. All 4 (DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Kevin Love, and Kristaps Porzingis), were selected by LeBron James.

Josh McDaniels

She loves me, she loves me not. She loves me, she loves me NOT!! Can’t you picture Josh McDaniels, on Tuesday, dropping flower petal after flower petal on the floor??

Tuesday afternoon, McDaniels had agreed to contract terms to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. By Tuesday night, he flipped an illegal U-turn, in rush hour traffic, ala Bill Belichick in 1999. McDaniels backed out of his agreement with the Colts, leaving them high and dry.

Listen, you can spin this however you’d like, but the bottom line is:

No one turns down a head coaching job in the NFL, unless they’re promised another one.

So, while Bill Belichick will coach the New England Patriots in 2018, McDaniels will take over in 2019.

I agree with the critics. This makes McDaniels a dishonorable guy. But this is what happens when you hire someone from a Super Bowl team. By the time you can officially hire McDaniels, all other worthwhile candidates have been hired elsewhere.

To answer my previous question, although the Colts had a rough Tuesday, the Knicks clearly had the worse day. Losing your franchise building block, to a season ending injury, isn’t how you’d plan your Tuesday.

Time will tell if Porzingis’ 7’3″ frame can rebound from such a serious injury. For now, the Knicks will enter a mode they’re all too familiar with….

TANK MODE!!

Who had a worse day, the Knicks or Colts?? Tell me 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 6:00 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.

T.O. Finally Put In His Place!!

February 6, 2018February 6, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The 3rd time’s the charm.

While that expression may not always apply in business, or marriage, it applies to the NFL Hall of Fame.

When you’re in, you’re in.

Terrell Owens is finally in!! As of Saturday, Owens will join Randy Moss, Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile, and Bobby Beathard in the 2018 Hall of Fame Class.

Terrell Owens, WR, 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills, Bengals (1996-2010)

There’s no doubt Terrell Owens is overjoyed to be in the Hall of Fame, but he refuses to use this accolade as validation of a tremendous career. Listen in here. Like, love, or hate T.O., his accomplishments on a football field are undeniable:

Receiving Yards: 15,934 (2nd All-Time)

Receiving TDs: 153 (3rd All-Time)

Receptions: 1,078 (8th All-Time)

You don’t have to know anything about football to know those are Hall of Fame numbers. The NFL Hall of Fame Voting Committee should be ashamed of themselves. To keep T.O. out because he didn’t play nice in the sandbox was ludicrous.

T.O., however, should probably thank Randy Moss. I believe, as much as the committee doesn’t like T.O., they recognized they couldn’t simultaneously elect Moss and leave T.O. on the outside looking in — again.

Randy Moss, WR, Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, Titans, 49ers (1998-2012)

Randy Moss was an electrifying, deep-threat receiver, who glided behind defenses with his long legs. While he made a name for himself with the Vikings, he etched his name in history with the Patriots. In 2007, he broke Jerry Rice’s record for most TD receptions in a single season (23). Moss became the 1st receiver to be elected in his 1st year of eligibility since Jerry Rice (2010).

Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens (1996-2012)

If you’re at the gym, and you can’t seem to find energy for a workout, just throw some Ray Lewis on. Have you ever listened to Ray Lewis hype up his team?! It’s something to behold. Click here to relive one of Ray Lewis’ pregame speeches. He played a little football too….

Lewis led the Ravens to 2 Super Bowls, in 2000 and 2012. He was named Super Bowl MVP in 2000 and also won Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2000 and 2003. Lewis’ induction is no surprise, as he stands as one of the best defensive players of all-time.

Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears (2000-2012)

The rock. The staple. The foundation of the Chicago Bears. That’s how Brian Urlacher will be remembered. The Bears ranked in the top-5 in defense 5 times during Urlacher’s 13-year career. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000, as well as Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. Like Moss and Lewis, Urlacher was inducted in his 1st year of eligibility.

Brian Dawkins, S, Eagles, Broncos (1996-2011)

Brian Dawkins had to wait 1 year to achieve his dream. Known as “Weapon X”, Dawkins’ versatility set him apart from other defenders. Dawkins was a ball hawk from the safety position. Ray Lewis may be infamous for his motivational speeches, but Dawkins’ pre-game ritual was nothing to sneeze at. Click here to check out Dawkins’ raw emotion.

Jerry Kramer and Robert Brazile were inducted to the Hall of Fame by the Senior Committee. Kramer will be remembered as one of the best guards in NFL history, as he helped lead the Green Bay Packers to back-to-back Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968. Brazile played his entire 10-year career with the Houston Oilers from the linebacker position. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1975 and never missed a game throughout his career. Bobby Beathard was inducted as a contributor to the game. He helped orchestrate the Washington Redskins’ Super Bowl Victories in 1982 and 1987.

Did the NFL Hall of Fame Committee get it right this year?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Who Knew Tuesday Could Be So Exciting?!

January 31, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

Who said the only thing to talk about is the Super Bowl??

As players, coaches, and fans arrive in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII, teams around the NFL are making their own Super Bowl push….

Dominoes Are Fun

Once the first piece goes, the rest fall into place. Tuesday night, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Instantly, Kirk Cousins’ muddled future in Washington D.C. became a lot clearer.

Redskins Get: QB Alex Smith

Chiefs Get: CB Kendall Fuller and a 3rd round pick

This trade can’t become official until March 14th (start of the NFL year). This secures Patrick Mahomes’ future as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and assures that Kirk Cousins will don a different jersey next season. The question is: Which one??

Reportedly, Alex Smith (33 years old) will sign a 4-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. The $94 million part is believable. The $71 million part can’t possibly be accurate. The Redskins would be really, REALLY DUMB to give a 33-year old quarterback that much guaranteed money….

I Want To Be Part Of History

We’re all part of history, just not equally. James Harden’s role in history is slightly different than ours. Harden, without the services of Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon (for nearly 3 quarters), literally put the rest of his team on his back. Okay, not literally, but he scored more than half of his teams points en route to a 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic. And broke 2 records along the way.

Harden’s 60 points broke the Houston Rockets’ record for most points in a single-game (Calvin Murphy, 57 points). That record stood for 40 years. Harden also became the 1st player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 60 points:

60 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block

Ummmm, holy crap!

The Injury Bug Is Real

Injuries are contagious. In the past week, not 1, not 2, but 3 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. First, DeMarcus Cousins’ season ended with a ruptured Achilles. Then, John Wall needed a knee scope, putting him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. And now, Kevin Love will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.

Today, I plead with the players of the NBA. Be extra careful when you cross the street. Don’t run down the stairs in socks. And don’t go skydiving. For you never know when the injury bug is coming for you.

The Knicks Actually Won A Game?!

It’s hard to believe, but yes, the New York Knicks won a basketball game last night. It’s a lot easier when you’re at home, against the Brooklyn Nets, but as they say, a win is a win.

I attended this game and had a great time!!

If you haven’t been to Madison Square Garden since Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks, make an effort to go. The renovations have improved the fan experience, and concession lines have greatly improved. As for television sets lining each section’s front row, I’ll never understand that. Why would you pay for tickets and then watch the game on TV from your seat?!?!

As for the game, Kristaps Porzingis was on, dropping 28 points while shooting 6 for 8 from 3-point range. Enes Kanter had the quietest 20 point/20 rebound game you’ll ever see. And the Knicks took down the Nets 111-95.

The Knicks have now won 2 games in a row.

“If they win tonight, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.”

Were you surprised the Redskins traded for Alex Smith?? Where do you think Kirk Cousins will play next season?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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