Christmas Controversy Round 1 Goes To Cavs

109-108 Cleveland wins. The defending NBA Champions came back from a 14 point 4th quarter deficit to knock off the Western Conference Champions. The exclamation point came down one and Cavs put the ball in the hands of NBA Finals hero Kyrie Irving. This time Kyrie scored over Klay Thompson which would prove to be the game winner in Cleveland. The controversy comes from a possible push on Kevin Durant by Richard Jefferson on the games final play. A play which sent KD tumbling to the ground as time expired, not even getting up a shot. During the comeback a dunk and one by Lebron, who hung on the rim with no one underneath him. Yet no technical foul was called. Before the Kyrie game winning shot, an unofficial timeout awarded to Cleveland which the game winning play was drawn up. As the referees went to the monitor for a review. The games within the game.

Kansas City Looking For These Play Makers To Make Them SUPER

Steady Alex Smith anchors the Kansas City Chiefs offense for head coach Andy Reid. Going into the final week of the NFL season if the Chiefs win and Oakland losses, they'll be a reward for KC. AFC West title, 1st round bye and a home playoff game. Needless to say whether its as a 2 seed or lower. For Kansas City to be super as in reaching the Super Bowl, they will need the likes of tight end Travis Kelce and all purpose threat Tyreek Hill to keep producing on offense. Hill as scored more than once this season as a WR, RB and return specialize. Meanwhile Kelce offers flexibility as a match up problem. He can line up inside or outside. Even as a tight end, a defense maybe forced to cover him with a CB opposed to a FS or LB. In the city known for BBQ despite New England being the favorites in the AFC as top seed, the Chiefs can potentially pose a threat in more ways then one.

Mariota + Carr Suffer XMAS EVE Broken Fibula's

Christmas Eve 2016 will be an unfortunate day in the minds of Tennessee Titans fans as well as Oakland Raiders fans. Down in Jacksonville the playoff pursuing Titans loss the game eventually, yet prior to that loss 2nd year quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota was tackled from behind and couldn't get up. Eventually he was carted off the field. X-Rays showed a fractured fibula. The Raiders beat the Colts to improve to 12-3 overall. However up 19 during the start of the 4th, while passing Derek Carr a possible MVP candidate was sacked from behind. Carr couldn't get up. He was carted off the field. For Carr X-Rays also showed a fractured fibula. Tennessee was eliminated on Saturday with a Miami win over Buffalo. Meanwhile Sunday Kansas City beat Denver. Which means the AFC West and a potential number two seed with a first round bye in play, will be on the line during the final week of the regular season. A Chiefs win, paired with an Oakland loss would hand KC the accolades mentioned above. Matt Mc Gloin from Penn State will be the quarterback for the foreseeable future in Oakland.

New Year New Release Stealth XV's

January 7, 2017 will be the very first Saturday of the New Year. Despite it being NFL Wildcard Weekend it will also be the day another Jordan Brand release will debut. The Stealth version of the Air Jordan XV will hit retailers nation wide. Other Air Jordan XV's have been retroed previously, however it will be a first for this particular colorway. Back as a senior in high school, personally acquired these Jordan's. They are extremely meaningful to me. I could recall wearing these with a Randy Moss jersey. I could also recall myself wearing these with a Derek Jeter jersey. 23.6.15 align the back of the sneaker (23) MJ's uniform number obviously, (6) MJ's 6 NBA Championships, (15) MJ's birthday on February 15. The sneaker retail price is set for $190. Needless to say may have to reacquire these kicks.

Controversy Surrounds Ward / Kovalev

The light heavyweight bout between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev was previewed as potentially the fight of the year. It was touted as Andre Ward and his defense vs. Sergey Kovalev and his offense.
Ward defensive style of fighting going against Kovalev offensive punching power. A week ago in Las Vegas the two fighters stepped into the right undefeated, yet only one left out the way. A unanimous decision was awarded to Andrew Ward. Many people in the crowd were in disbelief. Early on in the fight Sergey made Ward look like a boxer who hasn't had much ring work the past 3 years. Ward even looked hurt at times during the fight. However the judges saw otherwise. Maybe the judges viewed Ward offensive output in the 2nd half of the fight as comeback worthy. Could the fight have ended in a draw or a Kovalev win ? Sure. However I'm sure the outcome will set the path for a potential Ward vs. Kovalev II. Oh boxing...don't you just love it.

Buckeyes Edge Wolverines 2OT Thriller

Saturday in Columbus, Ohio the 2nd and 3rd ranked teams in the country would meet. Not only were their Big Ten championship game ramifications, their were college football playoff ramifications. Turnovers, officiating, critical fourth downs just weren't enough in this rivalry game. This game between the Buckeyes and Wolverines needed not one, yet two overtimes to be decided. 30-27 was the final score. Ohio Stadium went bananas, fans and players stormed the field. Coach Harbaugh wasn't pleased in the post game press conference, especially with the officiating. With Michigan losing, and Penn State beating Michigan State, the Nittany Lions are headed to the Big Ten championship Game. Michigan and Ohio State are both 2 loss teams. Many college football experts believe despite not playing for a conference championship, the Buckeyes are playoff bound. Maybe for the Wolverines it's a wait and see approach. To see what happens in the Big Ten, ACC and Pac 12 championship games.

Dynamic Duo Lead Raiders

Derek Carr is having a Pro Bowl season at the quarterback position. Likewise for his wide receiver combination of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. The Raiders sit at 7-2 like their AFC West division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The defending champion Denver Broncos are in striking distance as well. Shortly before the season began, a friend asked me to make some NFL predictions. One of my predictions where that the Oakland Raiders would win the AFC West. Head Coach Jack Del Rio in week one in New Orleans, could have gone for the PAT to tie and play for OT. Instead he went for two. The Raiders converted it and from there they have played with confidence. Back to Cooper and Crabtree, this dynamic duo on the outside, puts so much pressure on the opposing defenses. They can beat your short, they can beat you deep and certainly run after the catch. As the season moves on, watch out for the "Raiders!".

From Least To Beast In The East

In the late 1980's and early 1990's the NFC East was the place to be. With historical Superbowl winners in New York, Washington and Dallas and an intimidating defense in Philadelphia. Fast forward to Week 10 of the 2016 NFL season, it appears to be the best division in football. Dallas is 8-1 followed by New York at 6-3, Washington is 5-3-1 and Philadelphia sits at 5-4. The NFL East which was referred to by many the last few years as the NFC Least is playing solid football. This is the only division thus far with all 4 teams over .500. Meanwhile if the NFL playoffs started today the division would send 3 of it's 4 teams into the NFC side of the tournament. Currently every team except Philadelphia, would qualify for the postseason. There is plenty of football left to be played. However the remaining games for these teams and remaining games in which these teams play one another should be interesting.

Dallas Is Streaking 8 Straight Wins

America's Team suffered a week one setback to NFC East rival New York. Since losing to the Giants in that contest, Dallas has not loss since. Following Sunday's dramatic back & forth / come from behind victory in Pittsburgh, the Cowboys sit at 8-1. That's the best record in the NFL through 10 weeks. Currently, Dallas holds a NFC East lead over New York, Washington and Philadelphia. They hold the number one seed in the NFC over Seattle. Meanwhile they hold the NFL top record over New England, Oakland and Kansas City. All these accomplishments thus far with a rookie quarterback and rookie running back at the helm. Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott not only have to be mentioned in the NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year race, yet also have to be part of the NFL MVP conversation. The rookie running back out of Ohio State is already over 1,000 yards rushing with 7 games remaining. Dallas comes home after a two game road trip. They will host Baltimore on Sunday. Followed by their usual Thanksgiving game, this year Washington is the opponent. Thus far "How bout dem Cowboys".

Durant/Westbrook KD's Warriors Win Round One

Well basketball fans after Thursday night, we have 3 more regular season installments of Westbrook/Durant. My mistake, I mean Oklahoma City vs. Golden State. 122-96 was the final score Thursday night in Oakland. Oracle Arena was the site  of the 26 point Dubs win, handing OKC it's fist loss of the young season. January 18th is the next game between the two franchises. Following that game, the final two regular season head to head matchups will take place in Oklahoma City. February 11 and March 20 are the exact dates. Kevin Durant knocked down 7 triples vs. his former team in route to a team high 39 points 10 rebounds 5 assist. Meanwhile Russell Westbrook finished with 20 points 10 assist 6 rebounds. Also no on court interaction at anytime during the game for the pair of former teammates.

Meanwhile...On North Side Of Chicago Drought Is Over

The party in 2016 will be live and in living color, unlike the party in 1908. After 108 years the Chicago Cubs of the National League, are Major League Baseball champions. Chicago after a blown late lead in Game 7 and rain delay that followed, played with determination in the decisive 10th inning. Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio was the site of history being made. The Cubs came back from a 3-1 World Series hole, to win it all on the road. The Cubs blew a 6-3 lead, as the Indians tied it up 6-6. A rain delay followed, then a team meeting was called prior to the start of the 10th inning. Chicago took an 8-6 lead and hung on for an 8-7 win. The love able losers, they are no more. The Cubs are World Series champions. Meanwhile their fans are still celebrating as they should.

Nineteen Forty Wait...As Indians Drought Continue

A classic game. A classic series. Yet in the end the same result for Tribe fans. 1948 and counting since the Cleveland Indians, along with their fan base have been absent of a World Series title. 3-1 series lead turned into a 4-3 series loss. Meanwhile the Chicago Cubs with an 8-7 extra inning victory ended their drought. They are world champions for the first time since 1908. Chicago went into Cleveland trailing 3-2 in the series. They left out of Cleveland with Game 6 and Game 7 wins respectively, to cause more pain for Indians fans. Terry Francona fell just short of becoming one of the few skippers to manage, multiple franchises to a World Series title.

Fox Is Happy Game 7 On Deck Cubs At Indians

History will be made on either Wednesday November 2nd or depending on what time the game ends or early Wednesday morning November 3rd. Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio will be the site and venue to host / witness history. Fox, MLBonFox and FS1 has to be excited. Following Game 4 in Chicago, the Indians took a 3-1 series lead. It didn't appear on the surface, that a Game 7 would even present itself. Chicago won Game 5, their final home game of the season at Wrigley Field to push the series back to Cleveland. Tuesday night they broke the game wide open and won 9-3 to force a Game 7. Now either Cleveland will win their first World Series since 1948 or Chicago will win their first World Series since 1908. History is next to be made. History is next on deck.

Westbrook And Durant Set To Meet As Opponents For 1st Time

Thursday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland, it will be must see tv. Oklahoma visits Golden State in a 2016 Western Conference Finals rematch. Their will be plenty of buzz in the building. After 8 seasons Russell Westrook and Kevin Durant parted ways this off season. Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors. Many believed Durant should have stayed in Oklahoma City after losing a 3-1 series lead to Golden State. Opposed to the belief of : if you can't beat em' join em'. Prior to the 2016-17 NBA season Russell Westbrook opted to not test the free agent waters, that would have come up next summer. Instead the star point guard signed a contract extension to remain with the Thunder. Every since KD left, to join Curry, Klay, and Draymond their has been conflicted reports on his relationship with Westbrook currently. Westbrook and Durant were an excellent duo and accomplish so much together : All Star teams, Olympic team which produced a gold medal, numerous playoff appearance and a trip to the NBA Finals. Now they separate professionally and possibly personally.

Rose Headed Back To Chicago For 1st Time

This upcoming Friday the New York Knicks will head to Chicago, to take on the Bulls. After 8 seasons in Chicago, Derrick Rose will be in the visiting locker room of the United Center. This past summer the former Rookie Of The Year winner and NBA MVP, was dealt to New York. Derrick Rose played scholastic basketball at Simeon High School. In his lone college season at Memphis, he helped lead the Tigers to the National Championship game. If not for the missed free throws by Rose and his teammates the Tigers would have beat Kansas and won the title. Rose became the number one overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, by his hometown Chicago Bulls. Shortly after, Adidas signed Rose to an endorsement contract. Prior to the leg and knee injuries, D. Rose was so explosive. High flying, slashing, strong and attacking opponents. Rose was a highlight reel. Playing with reckless abdomen. Things physically weren't the same after the injury Rose suffered late in Game 1, during the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls were clearly in route to a 1-0 series lead, and Rose was still in the game and hurt his knee without any contact around him. During the following seasons it was down hill from an injury standpoint. This off season gave Rose to get out of his hometown city. While giving the veteran a chance at a new start. His former Bulls teammate Joakim Noah will also head back to Chicago for the 1st time on Chicago as well.

Indians Cubs Reach WS History Will Continued To Be Made Either Way

1908 that year marked the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. The sorority known as AKA was formed that same year. Cleveland meanwhile hasn't won the World Series since 1948. Fast forward to 2016, it marks the 1st time since 1945 Chicago has captured the National League pennant. Cleveland is returning to the Fall Classic for the 1st time since 1997. The Indians lost a pair of World Series. Game 7 road games in 1995 and 1997. First in Atlanta and then with a 9th inning lead that was blown in Miami eventually falling in extra innings. Both franchises are making history by being here. It was expected Chicago would be here, a lot of resources to acquire talent throughout the team. Meanwhile the young Indians mainly have been put together from within. I think this will be a 7 game series. The young Indians take advantage of hosting Game 7 at home, from the AL winning the All Star Game. Back to back parades coming to Cleveland, after the Cavs brought one to the city in June.

Franklin Off The Hot Seat For Now Upset City In Happy Valley

The 2016 college football season, marked the 3rd year James Franklin has run the show in State College. Following Bill O'Brien departure for the NFL following the 2013 season, Franklin was hired. James Franklin came from the SEC and the Vanderbilt Commodores. In college football media always talk about 'signature wins' yet under their current head coach, Penn State had yet to notch one. The buzz last year and so far this year is maybe coach Franklin, isn't the man to lead PSU. Yes, Penn State has suffered due to previous transgressions from a scholarship standpoint. Yes, Penn State especially on defense has been hit with the injury bug this season. However so many supporters didn't want to hear any of that. After already getting blown out at Michigan this year. Things were looking bleak at Beaver Stadium Saturday night. Trailing by double digits in the 4th quarter to #2 Ohio State, things weren't looking good. Special teams stepped up with a pair of blocks leading to a field goal by the offense and eventually the decisive score that was returned for a touchdown. 24-21, the Buckeyes were shocked by the Nittany Lions. Literally the campus was partying like it was 1999. Penn State has now been voted into the Top 25 following that victory. Can the 5-2 Lions utilize that victory for momentum, the same can be said for Coach Franklin.

Cleveland Will Rock On Tuesday Night

Tuesday night October 25, 2016 Cleveland, Ohio will be the place to be ! From a professional sports standpoint it'll be the doubleheader of doubleheaders. Quicken Loans Arena will welcome back the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron James the superstar from Akron will receive his 4th overall ring. However the Cavaliers franchise will receive their 1st. TNT will be on hand for ring night. Across the street at Progressive Field will host Game 1 of the Fall Classic. The American League pennant winning Cleveland Indians will take on the Chicago Cubs. The city of Cleveland hasn't hosted a World Series game since 1997. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also is in the city of Cleveland, however those sports venues will be rocking and rolling. The sports fans of Cleveland and the state of Ohio certainly deserves the spotlight. Could you imagine the scene after both games end, especially if the Cavaliers and Indians take home victories. Either way it'll be a night to remember.

Vikings Defense Lead NFL Final Undefeated Team Into The Bye

The Purple People Eaters are back ! Currently the Vikings defense only yields 12.6 ppg. No it isn't the 1970's where head coach Bud Grant roamed the sidelines in Minneapolis. Instead it's 2016 where head coach Mike Zimmerman assumes that role. Minnesota defensively is ranked 6th overall in total yards. They are 9th against the pass and 7th vs. the run. Even without the likes of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater long term and running back Adrian Peterson short term, Minnesota is 5-0. The Vikings head into their Week 6 bye as the NFL's only unbeaten team. During Week 5 Philadelphia went down in Detroit and Atlanta took down Denver on the road. Veteran quarterback Sam Bradford has done well guiding the offense. 0 interceptions thrown thus far by Bradford which allows the Vikings defense to do their thing. How far can this Vikings defense take them this season ? Time will tell.

Blue Jays, Indians Feeling Hot Hot Hot

On the American League side their are two teams that are playing extremely well. Friday the American League Championship series begins in Cleveland. A few days of rest for the Tribe and the home run happy Toronto Blue Jays. Cleveland with their three game ALDS sweep of Boston, put an end to the career of David Ortiz. The Blue Jays return to the ALCS for the second year in a row. Last October they loss to the eventual World Series champions, the Kansas City Royals. Toronto has been pounding the long ball since the post season began. Winning their one game Wild Card game vs. Baltimore. Then slugging through the AL West champion Texas Rangers, during a 3-1 series win. Including a series clinching blast in extra innings to send Rogers Centre into a frenzy. This series should be fun, exciting and interesting.

SEC BIG TEN ROOKIES SHINING BRIGHT EARLY ON IN DALLAS

First pre season game this past August in Seattle, out goes Tony Romo. The longtime Dallas Cowboys veteran quarterback was driven to the turf by a Seahawks rush. The result another back injury that would sideline the franchise quarterback for quite sometime. Enter Dak Prescott the rookie quarterback with the SEC background who not only lit the pre season on fire with his arms and legs. Dak is holding his own through 4 games for the 3-1 Dallas Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott the top 10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft from Ohio State is getting the job done. As long as he's not putting the ball on the ground fumbling, he's racking up 100 yard games here and there. Including over 130 yards on the ground Sunday in Santa Clara. Dak and Zeke with no Dez Bryant and missing a few starters along their offensive line contributed to the comeback victory. The rookie duo helped Dallas overcome a double digit deficit against San Francisco. Young offensive talent could go a long away down in the metroplex this season and beyond.

Vikings Defense + Bradford Keeping Vikings Afloat

Off season hopes were sky high for the Minnesota Vikings. The defending NFC North champions were headed to a new stadium. Their third year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was coming into his own especially after last season playoff appearance, when Minnesota narrowly loss to Seattle. Head coach Mike Zimmerman had a tremendous defense in his back pocket. Loaded with pass rushers, run stuffers and sure tacklers. A little over a week prior to the start of the 2016 NFL season on a non contact play, Bridgewater went down. So many believed so did the Vikings season. A gruesome leg injury took all the spirit out of the Vikings that day. Practice had to be stopped. Less then a week later Sam Bradford was a Minnesota Viking. The former Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma was traded acquired from Philadelphia. He didn't start week one at Tennessee nonetheless Minnesota was able to get the win. Bradford took over in week two for veteran Shaun Hill. Shortly after all world Adrian Peterson hurt is knee. So with Bridgewater and Peterson out, the Vikings have relied on that excellent defense. They are taking the ball away from their opponents, shutting down the run and playing the pass extremely well. Monday night Minnesota took care of the Giants at home, while limiting wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to only 23 yards.  AP looks to return later in the season, meanwhile Bradford his former college teammate is holding the fort down. Keep an eye on the current Purple People Eaters. They've already gone in Carolina and won vs. the reigning NFL MVP and NFC champions.

Top Pick Foot Fracture Blank Stare In Philadelphia

This past Friday during Sixers training camp top pick Ben Simmons suffered an injury. Initially that injury was simply a sprained ankle. Fast forward hours later : timetable for Simmons return is unknown and suffering a bone fracture in his foot. The kid from Australia and all around talent during his lone season at LSU will be sidelined. Despite the opportunity to finally get to see injured Joel Embiid after two years, heavy blow to the city and franchise. Simmons is at the top of the Sixers marketing campaign. In the short term maybe this will give the coaching staff head by Brett Brown the chance to look at Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric and Jahlil Okafor far as additional minutes. Reports say surgery is set for later in the week. With a possible time table for three months. However with so much invested in Ben Simmons you don't want to rush him back. With the chance of re injuring himself. Probably a frustrating wait and see approach in Philadelphia. Sixers fans are wondering after the past few years, what positive results can come their way.

Thanks For Holding It Down Jimmy + Jacoby Look Who's Back

New England leads the AFC East going into week 5 of the NFL season. That news really isn't a surprise. However while Tom Brady was serving a 4 game suspension to start the 2016 season the Patriots had to not only go with one backup quarterback, they had to go with two ! Bill Belichick started the season with Jimmy Garoppolo. JG quarterbacked the Patriots to a Sunday Night road win vs. Arizona. Then led the team to a first half double digit lead at home vs. Miami before getting hurt. Rookie Jacoby Brissett helped New England hold on for the win. Started the following week on a short week and scored his first NFL touchdown. The Patriots shut out Houston on Thursday Night Football. New England started 3-0 with the possibility of WR Julian Edelman surving as a possible emergency QB in case Brisette was injured and Garoppolo not dressing. Patriots fans aren't happy their team was shut out at home Sunday vs. Buffalo. Nonetheless they will be happy Tom Brady is coming back next week at Cleveland. The Bengals, Steelers, Seahawks and Broncos highlight a list of opponents that remain.

AL / NL Pennant Winning Predictions

Potentially the Fall Classic could end in November. October baseball has recently become November baseball. The American League will have home field advantage during the World Series, thanks to the AL defeating the NL during the All Star Game. Here's the field in the American League and the National League. AL playoff participants : Toronto, Baltimore, Cleveland, Boston and Texas. NL playoff participants : New York Mets, San Francisco, Washington, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. I'm going to go with Texas vs. Boston in the ALCS with Boston led by retiring slugger David Ortiz winning the American League pennant. In the the National League I'm going with the Chicago Cubs taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Chicago advancing to the World Series as NL Champions. I'll leave my World Series selection for a future article.

Fall Baseball On Deck

162 games of the 2016 Major League Baseball season is over. The leaves are starting to fall off the trees. On deck is October baseball. It all begins on Tuesday as the American League Wild Card game takes place in Toronto. Orioles vs. Blue Jays followed by the National League Wild Card game on Wednesday. San Francisco will fly across the country to take on the Mets in Queens. Their will be a new World Series champion crowned. The defending World Series champions didn't qualify for the postseason, which were the Kansas City Royals. Waiting for the winner of the Wild Card games are the Texas Rangers of the American League and the Chicago Cubs of the National League. Both teams are number one seeds in their respective leagues. Their are two Division Series already set in the AL Cleveland will have the home field vs. Boston. From the NL side Washington will have the home field vs. Washington. Keep in mind following the 1 game Wild Card games. LDS series are best of five format. From there the LCS and World Series are best of seven. With the American League thanks to their All Star Game win, holding home field advantage in the World Series.

Rams Are Back In LA At LA Memorial Coliseum

The Rams are back in LA. Back from St. Louis. Last time they where in the area was 1994 out in Anaheim. First time playing in the Coliseum since the 1970's. Being in Los Angeles for the first time ever, I wanted to take in the historical perspective surrounding their return out west. The LA Memorial Coliseum home of the USC Trojans, 2 Summer Olympics, mutiple Super Bowls etc while in town I had to lay eyes on it. Adjacent to the stadium was the old LA Memorial Sports Arena that's being demolished to make room for a soccer stadium. The atmosphere was incredible between Seattle Seahawks fans and Rams fans obviously prior to the game. As an Eagles fan if the opportunity to play in Los Angeles maybe I'll have to part take and take in the Coliseum from an interior standpoint.

LA Live Staples Center

While staying at the Sheraton in downtown Los Angeles I had to research the proximity from the hotel to the Staples Center. Which is home of the LA Lakers, LA Kings and LA Sparks as well as boxing. Within Staples Center far as surrounding buildings is LA Live plenty of bars, restaurants and shopping. I'm a huge Kobe Bryant fan and I finally got to see his on court basketball home even after he retired and even though it was on the perimeter. Nonetheless it was an experience. From a driving standpoint and walking standpoint their were some obstacles due to set up and building for the Emmy awards. However I was able to get several photos with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Wayne Gretzky and Chick Hearn who all have statues outside of the Staples Center. Maybe one day a chance to attend an actual Lakers game will present itself.

Angels In The Outfield

While in Southern California since the Los Angeles Dodgers were out of town at that particular time I considered taking in an Angels game. An original drive that was calculated to be about an hour more or less give or take took about 2.5 hours. So much traffic so many traffic accidents heading from Los Angeles County to Orange County. It was the 2nd game of a 4 game series as the Toronto Blue Jays were in town to take on the Angels. Toronto is currently battling for a postseason position whether that's a division title or wild card berth. Meanwhile the Los Angeles of Anaheim are way out of it from a standings standpoint in the AL West. As a Philadelphia native I got a chance to see south Jersey native Mike Trout of Anaheim. I left early however was able to get a Disney Mickey Mouse Angels giveaway. The stadium reminds me of the Vet in Philadelphia. The back in the day cookie cutter stadiums that were constructed for baseball and football. Nonetheless it was an excellent experience.

Historical Dodger Stadium

During a recent visit to Los Angeles I wanted an opportunity to take a look at Dodger Stadium.
Originally from Philadelphia and visiting California for the first time I wanted to see the historical stadium. In previous years I've even read up on the controversy that took place in the Chavez Ravine neighborhood as the Dodgers transitioned from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Several Mexican Americans were displaced from their homes. They were also promised various things that they never received. When I pulled up to Vin Scully Way which is the Gate A entrance to Dodger Stadium I immediately thought of the history for the stadium, the organization and the legendary announcer who's retiring at seasons end. As a Philadelphia Phillies fan I immediately think of the 2008 NLCS an epic come from behind victory in Game 4 and NL pennant clinching Game 5 victory in this very stadium. Obviously there's much more Major League Baseball history as well at this venue. My visit was brief I didn't enter the stadium it was a non game day. Yet just being on the perimeter I was internally excited to take in the history. Maybe if the chance presents itself again to come to Southern California I'll have a chance to actually go to a Dodgers game.

NFC QB Shuffle

Let's see Week one of the 2016 NFL season isn't even officially here however there are some quarterback movement going on in the NFC. Teddy Bridgewater went down with a gruesome non contact injury during Vikings practice during the week. Less then a week later Sam Bradford has been traded from Philadelphia to Minnesota. The Eagles will start rookie quarterback Carson Wentz week one. The second overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft cost the Eagles a first round pick that was sent to Cleveland. Who's actually the Eagles opening opponent. Stay with me people ! The Eagles went from not having a 2017 1st round pick with the draft coming to Philadelphia to flipping Bradford for a 1st rounder, probably a 4th rounder and maybe a 2nd rounder from a conditional standpoint. Meanwhile Bradford goes to a team that won the NFC North and has solid pieces around him in Minneapolis. Down in Dallas Tony Romo will miss significant time again with another back injury. Mark Sanchez was traded from Philadelphia to Denver during the off season. Yet became expendable after the pre season after not being named the Broncos starting quarterback. Sanchez will come to Dallas to add depth at the position and back up the rookie Dak Prescott. As the world I mean as the quarterback turns !

Even When You Silent Protest Like Kap Still Doesn't Sit Well With The Masses

Athletes of today sometimes don't understand the platform that they have. Especially the minority athletes. Probably in that back of their collective and individual minds it's a fear of losing endorsements or eventually being black balled out of whatever league they may play in. Colin Kaepernick whether he's opting to sit or recently kneel and not completely stand during the national anthem would appear to be his right as an American. However the backlash especially the negative racist comments are part of the reason why he's part taking in the silent protest that he's doing. If you riot as a minority after injustice it's labeled wrong. If you silent protest like Kap by not standing and saluting flag pre game during the anthem then the label is your non American. Rhetorical question unless your completely compliant to what the powers to be want you to say or want you to act...will it ever be good enough ? No matter what form of enough is enough stance you take. Thankfully for Kap from a financial standpoint he has to guaranteed money coming his way. Sunday slate of Week 1 NFL games kickoff and it'll be on 9/11. So certainly all eyes will be on the San Francisco sideline pre game. In Rio Gabby Douglas stood yet no hand over her heart. She was subjected to non American talk. Yet Donald Trump has done the same. Yet haven't received identical feedback. What did Don King used to say "Only in America".

The Bolt Through History

We watched him as a 22 year old in Beijing 8 years ago. Where he first became an Olympic star.
We watched him as a 26 year old in London 4 years ago. Where he proved he could light the Olympics up once again.
We watched him in Rio in 2016 as a 30 year old. Where he cemented his legacy.
He made his country of Jamaica proud.
He made his lead endorser Puma proud.
He made fans of the Olympics proud.
He made fans of track and field proud.
Winning 3 straight golds in 3 straight events for 3 straight Olympics.
In the words of Jay Z "What more can I say" "What more can I do"
Usain Bolt literally bolted his way into the history books. Prior to the Olympics he was nursing a hamstring injury. Then with all the money on the table in 2 individual events and 1 team event the after burners came on. He's cocky, he's arrogant, yet ain't a damn thing anyone can do about it. He backs it up and then some. Tremendous showmen. He say's he's retiring. Their will be no Tokyo 2020. If so brilliant way to go out.

Despite Deficiencies USA Men Remain Golden

The last 3 Olympics have belonged to the USA Men's Basketball team. Since their shocking 3rd place finish in 2004 the Americans have won back to back to back gold medals. Argentina took the gold medal after beating the United States in the semifinals over in Athens 12 years ago. Since then the US has beaten Spain twice during the gold medal game. 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London. Recently the US squad blew away Serbia in Rio during the gold medal game. However the United States may have caught a break playing Serbia opposed to Australia. In the preliminary rounds 3 countries gave the US all they could handle. France minus Tony Parker, young and upcoming Serbia, then Australia led by Patty Mills and Adrew Bogut. Yes red white and blue went 8-0 throughout the tournament, however deficiencies showed especially in those 3 contest that were decided by narrow scores. Led by Olympic veterans Carmelo Anthony (12 years ago he was in Athens playing for the bronze medal squad) and Kevin Durant the USA pulled those close contest out. No Kobe in Rio or Lebron or Curry. So many first timers on the team and it showed at times on offense and defense. Yet finally they put it all together in the gold medal game route of Serbia. Nevertheless the powers to be of USA Basketball will have to do somethings differently when they construct the 2020 team that will head to Tokyo.
A team that will communicate on defense and move the ball on offense.

Kyrie Looking To Lead Coach K To One Last Gold

Fresh off an NBA Championship. The first in Cleveland Cavalier history. The 2011 first pick of the NBA Draft is teaming up with Coach K. Coach K coached Kyrie in his lone season at Duke. Now Kyrie is looking to win an NBA Championship and gold medal in one year. Coach K made it known after leading Team USA to gold during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, 2016 in Rio would be his last. If the national anthem is playing after the gold medal game it'll be a great accomplishment for K & K player and coach, coach and player.

Thompson Green Durant Set To Get Acquainted In Rio

Currently the United States Men's Basketball team are playing a series of exhibition games around the United States to get prepared for the upcoming Summer Olympics. The squad has been in training camp the past few weeks in Las Vegas. Shortly prior to training camp Kevin Durant the long time face of the Oklahoma City franchise signed a free agent deal with Golden State. Which meant a head start to play with future Warrior teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Playing with two time NBA MVP Stephen Curry will have to wait for KD. Steph took the summer off to rest and heal up. Team USA will be in Rio in a little over a week to win the gold medal which is obvious. However this is also an opportunity for these 3 teammates to get a jump start on chemistry and learning each others game.

Air Jordan V Black Metallic Return Swoosh On The Back

 Saturday July 23, 2016 the Air Jordan V  Black Metallic returned with a new twist. Actually a new (old) twist : Nike Air on the back of the sneaker are back. And with the new Jordan Brand remastering approach the price tag did rise as well.

Many Teams Courted KD However Durant Is Heading West

The Golden State Warriors became the 1st team to lose a NBA Finals after being up 3-1 after going down at home in Game 7 to Cleveland. Kevin Durant was the biggest free agent prize during the summer of 2016. His Thunder were up 3-1 vs. the Warriors only to see Golden State come back and win the Western Conference Finals. Durant will be leaving behind the city of Oklahoma City and fellow superstar Russell Westbrook. Golden State won the bidding war for KD. Durant is heading to Oakland with a 2 year deal. As much as their is happiness in Oakland their has to be sadness in Oklahoma City. OKC has been trying to get back to the NBA Finals for the 1st time since 2012. They really could see it touch it feel it vs. Golden State up 3-1 and it never manifest. Obviously KD first visit to Oklahoma City will be circled on mainly calendars next season.