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NFL Rookie Symposium just ended. We will soon learn who was paying attention
I say it every season and unfortunately it will seemingly forever be true. Give a 22 year old man $1 million, alcohol, celebrity and a bit too much free time and trouble will find him.
It's just a fact of life. I don't care who he is. It's just a potentially highly volatile mix.
The NFL every year dutifully mandates a 2 day Rookie Symposium in an attempt to educate, warn and caution new players. This education has been going on for the last 13 years.
Has it worked?
That is a difficult question to answer.
Many would cite the very public and spectacular missteps of Michael Vick, Dontae Stallworth, Ryan Leaf and Plaxico Burress (just to name a few) and thus conclude that the Symposium has been an utter failure.
I'm not sure that they would be incorrect in their assessment but how many more young players would have gone awry if the attempt wasn't made?
The better question may be...Is there enough being done?
It's just a fact of life. I don't care who he is. It's just a potentially highly volatile mix.
The NFL every year dutifully mandates a 2 day Rookie Symposium in an attempt to educate, warn and caution new players. This education has been going on for the last 13 years.
Has it worked?
That is a difficult question to answer.
Many would cite the very public and spectacular missteps of Michael Vick, Dontae Stallworth, Ryan Leaf and Plaxico Burress (just to name a few) and thus conclude that the Symposium has been an utter failure.
I'm not sure that they would be incorrect in their assessment but how many more young players would have gone awry if the attempt wasn't made?
The better question may be...Is there enough being done?
MMA legalization goes back to the drawing board in NY
Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe it.
The 2009 New York legislative session has concluded leaving the bill to legalize MMA stranded in committee. It must start the process all over again from the beginning hopefully sometime during the 2010 session. Now if voted on and passed (and that's a big if), the earliest MMA could begin in NY is 2011.
In my humble opinion, the legalization in NY efforts are being hindered by personalities. The problems seem to be more about style than substance.
It appears that some influential assemblymen do not care for the Dana White in your face, F-bomb laden promotional/management style.
During the UFC's fight for survival, the entire sport desperately needed a flamboyant front man. Dana White fulfilled that need beautifully. But now the UFC and MMA in general have matured and are in a new place.
MMA once considered an underground oddity is now a major force on the sporting landscape. Mainstream approval and the 5th seat at the table of major US sports appear possible (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL). But without the ability to legally display MMA in the media capitol of the world (NYC) the inclusion into the big leagues remains just out of reach.
This latest set back may signal the need for a change in approach. The UFC may be better served by changing its public image. A more business like persona may better achieve what a barrage of F-bombs has yet to deliver.
The 2009 New York legislative session has concluded leaving the bill to legalize MMA stranded in committee. It must start the process all over again from the beginning hopefully sometime during the 2010 session. Now if voted on and passed (and that's a big if), the earliest MMA could begin in NY is 2011.
In my humble opinion, the legalization in NY efforts are being hindered by personalities. The problems seem to be more about style than substance.
It appears that some influential assemblymen do not care for the Dana White in your face, F-bomb laden promotional/management style.
During the UFC's fight for survival, the entire sport desperately needed a flamboyant front man. Dana White fulfilled that need beautifully. But now the UFC and MMA in general have matured and are in a new place.
MMA once considered an underground oddity is now a major force on the sporting landscape. Mainstream approval and the 5th seat at the table of major US sports appear possible (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL). But without the ability to legally display MMA in the media capitol of the world (NYC) the inclusion into the big leagues remains just out of reach.
This latest set back may signal the need for a change in approach. The UFC may be better served by changing its public image. A more business like persona may better achieve what a barrage of F-bombs has yet to deliver.
Should you be concerned about catching HIV, HEP B or C at your local MMA training facility?
I received a very interesting question that deserves attention.
Should a regular person (non-professional athlete) training in an MMA or jiu jitsu facility be concerned about HIV, HEP B, HEP C or other serious blood borne illness?
Great Question !!!
Of the 3 mentioned, HEP B is the one that you should be most concerned about. Fortunately, there is a vaccine series for it. I would highly recommend that you spend the money and vaccinate yourself.
Don't forget, that after you have completed the series get your blood checked to make sure that you have sufficient levels of antibodies (titer) for protection. Some people need a booster.
Please don't forget about MRSA skin infections. Bathe immediately before and after working out. Wash your hands frequently. Be vigilant about open sores and scrapes on yourself and others.
Should a regular person (non-professional athlete) training in an MMA or jiu jitsu facility be concerned about HIV, HEP B, HEP C or other serious blood borne illness?
Great Question !!!
Of the 3 mentioned, HEP B is the one that you should be most concerned about. Fortunately, there is a vaccine series for it. I would highly recommend that you spend the money and vaccinate yourself.
Don't forget, that after you have completed the series get your blood checked to make sure that you have sufficient levels of antibodies (titer) for protection. Some people need a booster.
Please don't forget about MRSA skin infections. Bathe immediately before and after working out. Wash your hands frequently. Be vigilant about open sores and scrapes on yourself and others.
Who will win the Super Bowl?
This is the first year in quite some time that I can't see a clear favorite or two to win it all.
The Steelers are most definitely part of the conversation...but a hands down sure thing? I don't think so.
The Patriots are always a competitive team but with Tom Brady's untested, surgically reconstructed knee, things are far from certain? Who's his back up?
The Colts don't have coach Dungy or Marvin Harrison and with the comments of late, Peyton Manning doesn't look like a true believer.
The G-men from New York seem far from dominant in a very tough division. No Plaxico. No Toomer. So, who is Eli throwing the ball to?
Are the Cardinals for real or were they just a Cinderella story? That teams seems to have more questions than answers. How much longer can Kurt Warner perform? When will Matt Leinart be ready? How much effort will they get from an unhappy Anquan Boldin?
The Tennessee Titans play solid but far from exceptional football.
Who will the QB be in Minnesota? Brett Favre or one of those guys that they don't have confidence in? Adrian Peterson is definitely gonna be there all day but who else on the Vikes is ready to step up?...consistently.
San Diego is more or less the same team and has never been able to get it done before. So why should this season be much different?
The Dallas Cowboys...Um...Well...They sure got a beautiful new stadium.
Before all of the TV football experts begin weighing in. Who do you see climbing to the top of the heap? Why?
Man, I'm starting to get excited!!
The Steelers are most definitely part of the conversation...but a hands down sure thing? I don't think so.
The Patriots are always a competitive team but with Tom Brady's untested, surgically reconstructed knee, things are far from certain? Who's his back up?
The Colts don't have coach Dungy or Marvin Harrison and with the comments of late, Peyton Manning doesn't look like a true believer.
The G-men from New York seem far from dominant in a very tough division. No Plaxico. No Toomer. So, who is Eli throwing the ball to?
Are the Cardinals for real or were they just a Cinderella story? That teams seems to have more questions than answers. How much longer can Kurt Warner perform? When will Matt Leinart be ready? How much effort will they get from an unhappy Anquan Boldin?
The Tennessee Titans play solid but far from exceptional football.
Who will the QB be in Minnesota? Brett Favre or one of those guys that they don't have confidence in? Adrian Peterson is definitely gonna be there all day but who else on the Vikes is ready to step up?...consistently.
San Diego is more or less the same team and has never been able to get it done before. So why should this season be much different?
The Dallas Cowboys...Um...Well...They sure got a beautiful new stadium.
Before all of the TV football experts begin weighing in. Who do you see climbing to the top of the heap? Why?
Man, I'm starting to get excited!!
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell drops the hammer on Donte Stallworth
NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, apparently was not part of the plea agreement arranged by Donte Stallworth's attorney, the victim's family and the prosecutor's office.
The justice system handed out 30 days in jail and 2 years of house arrest but Goodell trumped that with an indefinite suspension from the NFL.
Can you hear me now?
At some point, the players will realize that the Commish ain't playing. Goodell is consistently applying th hammer when it comes to lapses of judgment...when it pertains to players.
When it comes to coaches and the front office, not so much.
The justice system handed out 30 days in jail and 2 years of house arrest but Goodell trumped that with an indefinite suspension from the NFL.
Can you hear me now?
At some point, the players will realize that the Commish ain't playing. Goodell is consistently applying th hammer when it comes to lapses of judgment...when it pertains to players.
When it comes to coaches and the front office, not so much.
Women's MMA and 5 minute rounds
Time to clear the air.
Just because someone watches the Superbowl doesn't make them a football fan. Just because someone watches a World Series game doesn't make them a true baseball fan. I watched a few World Cup Soccer matches last go around and that hardly makes me a soccer fan.
So when I say that I am not a fan of WMMA, I'm just being honest and not a woman hater. I will await Gina Carano vs Cris Santos with great anticipation but most any other contest that doesn't include one of those two athletes hardly piques my interest.
A true fan is someone who follows the sport (not just marquee match ups and championships) with regularity and genuine interest not for sexual gratification.
Most of the comments regarding WMMA have to do with physical appearance or sexual innuendo not talent level...these are true fans? Remember when Gina had to strip to weigh in?
I am not a fan of 5 minute rounds for WMMA because studies have suggested that the likelihood for injury significantly increases as athletes tire (especially contact and combat athletes). In most of the WMMA contest that I have watched, fatigue becomes a major factor with 3 minute rounds.
5 minute rounds may be acceptable for the elite competitors. But to increase the potential duration of 3 round fights by 67% and 5 round fights by 178% across the board may be jeopardizing fighter safety.
In smaller local and regional promotions where cash is always tight and fighters have limited experience, significantly increasing the duration of WMMA contest may create the potential for increased fatigue and subsequent injury. Society's tolerance of MMA is always a sensitive matter but women getting injured and significantly bloodied due to excessive fatigue may be a spectacle that crosses the line for many.
Not to mention gassed out fighters are not much fun to watch.
Just because someone watches the Superbowl doesn't make them a football fan. Just because someone watches a World Series game doesn't make them a true baseball fan. I watched a few World Cup Soccer matches last go around and that hardly makes me a soccer fan.
So when I say that I am not a fan of WMMA, I'm just being honest and not a woman hater. I will await Gina Carano vs Cris Santos with great anticipation but most any other contest that doesn't include one of those two athletes hardly piques my interest.
A true fan is someone who follows the sport (not just marquee match ups and championships) with regularity and genuine interest not for sexual gratification.
Most of the comments regarding WMMA have to do with physical appearance or sexual innuendo not talent level...these are true fans? Remember when Gina had to strip to weigh in?
I am not a fan of 5 minute rounds for WMMA because studies have suggested that the likelihood for injury significantly increases as athletes tire (especially contact and combat athletes). In most of the WMMA contest that I have watched, fatigue becomes a major factor with 3 minute rounds.
5 minute rounds may be acceptable for the elite competitors. But to increase the potential duration of 3 round fights by 67% and 5 round fights by 178% across the board may be jeopardizing fighter safety.
In smaller local and regional promotions where cash is always tight and fighters have limited experience, significantly increasing the duration of WMMA contest may create the potential for increased fatigue and subsequent injury. Society's tolerance of MMA is always a sensitive matter but women getting injured and significantly bloodied due to excessive fatigue may be a spectacle that crosses the line for many.
Not to mention gassed out fighters are not much fun to watch.
Free Plaxico Burress
Free Plaxico Burress !! Free Plaxico Burress!!
Ok...Ok. He's not currently locked up, so let him sign with a team and play ball. I do not condone lawlessness. I absolutely believe in practicing strict gun safety. And he will pay the price for his poor decision when he finally has his day in court. But until then, let him seek gainful employment in his chosen profession.
By shooting himself in the leg, Plaxico injured no one but himself . He also did not victimize anyone. He made a poor decision and paid both a physical and professional price. And I'm no lawyer but I think that is safe to say that he probably is not finished paying.
The NFL commissioner holds the keys to his football future. Roger Goodell will decide if and when Plax may resume his football career. He will also determine if and how much of a penalty will be levied.
Note to Plaxico Burress: Immediately go see the Commish and be very, very remorseful.
UFC 99 a victim of their own success
UFC 99 was a solid but lackluster show. The UFC in Germany furthering its' world wide dominance was a great story but reality and marketing hype can be two very different things all together.
The UFC does so many shows and charges such a hefty fee for its' ppv's that the bar is pretty high. The UFC is kinda like the NY Yankees; anything less than amazing is unacceptable.
Franklin vs. Silva was a good effort between legends past their primes. But honestly, it lacked explosion. It looked better on paper than it did in the octagon.
Mirko Co Cop was dominant but his best blow was a finger to the eye.
Dan Hardy vs. Marcus Davis and Spencer Fisher vs. Caol Uno were grueling contests and equally grueling to watch.
Cheick Kongo has absolutely NO ground game and Cain Velásquez has been anointed as 'the chosen one' more than just a bit prematurely in my opinion. Does Cain have potential? Absolutely. Is he the Lebron James of MMA (as he's been marketed)? Nope.
And the UFC juggernaut rolls on.
The UFC does so many shows and charges such a hefty fee for its' ppv's that the bar is pretty high. The UFC is kinda like the NY Yankees; anything less than amazing is unacceptable.
Franklin vs. Silva was a good effort between legends past their primes. But honestly, it lacked explosion. It looked better on paper than it did in the octagon.
Mirko Co Cop was dominant but his best blow was a finger to the eye.
Dan Hardy vs. Marcus Davis and Spencer Fisher vs. Caol Uno were grueling contests and equally grueling to watch.
Cheick Kongo has absolutely NO ground game and Cain Velásquez has been anointed as 'the chosen one' more than just a bit prematurely in my opinion. Does Cain have potential? Absolutely. Is he the Lebron James of MMA (as he's been marketed)? Nope.
And the UFC juggernaut rolls on.
NASCAR racism won't change until sponsors held accountable
History has taught us that when supposedly decent people sit idly by when venomous racist spew their hate, tragedy often follows. How long must people be terrorized before WE truly address it?
You can't sit at an NBA, NFL or MLB game and chant racist hostilities at an athlete without it being immediately addressed. A member of an opposing team's coaching staff can't get in the face of a WNBA star at a game and scream profanities and sexist filth. Rampant racism is common NASCAR.
A young and talented white driver is a NASCAR darling while a young and talented Black driver struggles to secure sponsorship and endures racist tirades in the Nationwide developmental league.
Marc Davis is a talented 19 year old young man that is attempting to live his dream by becoming a champion NASCAR driver. But he, unlike any of his other peers, must silently endure the bitterness of open and aggressive racial hostility. Marc must be silent or he risks being black balled.
NASCAR fines, suspends and loses law suits but apparently these measures have proved to be inadequate in eradicating their cancer. When the national brands, called sponsors, that adorn the cars and provide the zillions of dollars required to fuel the NASCAR circuit are held publicly accountable change will come.
To date, NASCAR has not adequately addressed the problem but when the Rev. Al Sharpton shows up the world will scream foul and say that the 'race' card is being played.
Funny...why isn't the 'world' screaming now?
You can't sit at an NBA, NFL or MLB game and chant racist hostilities at an athlete without it being immediately addressed. A member of an opposing team's coaching staff can't get in the face of a WNBA star at a game and scream profanities and sexist filth. Rampant racism is common NASCAR.
A young and talented white driver is a NASCAR darling while a young and talented Black driver struggles to secure sponsorship and endures racist tirades in the Nationwide developmental league.
Marc Davis is a talented 19 year old young man that is attempting to live his dream by becoming a champion NASCAR driver. But he, unlike any of his other peers, must silently endure the bitterness of open and aggressive racial hostility. Marc must be silent or he risks being black balled.
NASCAR fines, suspends and loses law suits but apparently these measures have proved to be inadequate in eradicating their cancer. When the national brands, called sponsors, that adorn the cars and provide the zillions of dollars required to fuel the NASCAR circuit are held publicly accountable change will come.
To date, NASCAR has not adequately addressed the problem but when the Rev. Al Sharpton shows up the world will scream foul and say that the 'race' card is being played.
Funny...why isn't the 'world' screaming now?
Fantasy Sports generate billions of dollars? HOW!!
I knew that the phenomenon of Fantasy Sports was popular but I had no idea. Apparently billions of dollars are being generated with the various fantasy leagues.
I've got a simple question for you. How??
Isn't participation in most of these leagues free? The players stats are free. No one is paying the players anything for using their names and likenesses. MLB and/or MLBAM already took that one to court and lost.
So, are a billion-plus dollars being spent on advertising alone? Who is reaping the enormous win-fall? The web sites that host the leagues?
Wow, someone is getting crazy-rich off a 'make believe' game that people play for free.
Someone please explain the dollars and cents to me!
I've got a simple question for you. How??
Isn't participation in most of these leagues free? The players stats are free. No one is paying the players anything for using their names and likenesses. MLB and/or MLBAM already took that one to court and lost.
So, are a billion-plus dollars being spent on advertising alone? Who is reaping the enormous win-fall? The web sites that host the leagues?
Wow, someone is getting crazy-rich off a 'make believe' game that people play for free.
Someone please explain the dollars and cents to me!