BlueCarp

* Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) really went to town on Brian McNamee. At one point, Burton responded to one of McNamee's answers by asking "are you kidding me?" McNamee replied that he was not.

Burton made it clear that he thinks McNamee is lying. 

* Roger Clemens' wife is sitting behind him during the hearing. She is holding a yellow flower. What is that all about? 

* I wonder if the phrase "a palpable mass on his buttocks" has ever been spoken during a committee hearing prior to today.

* Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) has so far asked the toughest questions of Clemens. He brought up the mass on Clemens' buttocks with documentation of the mass.

* An outside doctor reviewed an MRI of a mass on Clemens' buttocks, and concluded that it was more compatible with an injection of winstrol (a steroid) than B12, as Clemens claims.

* Clemens' lawyers had another doctor report that gave another conclusion about the mass on hs buttocdks. As a lawyer, I know you can find an expert to say anything.  Or, I should say, pay an expert to say anything.

* I loved the moment when the questions got tough and one of Clemens' attorneys interrupted and asked if he could answer a question posed to his client. Henry Waxman said, "no."

* The Vice-chair of the committee kept asking stupid questions. He would state that person "A" said "X" and then ask McNamee why person "A" would say such a thing. There is no way a person can answer that.

I can not truly know why another person does anything. I can only know that they did it.

* There is a recurring problem with this hearing - the Committee keeps assuming that different accounts of something (a party at Jose Conseco's house) that occurred years and years ago necessarily means that someone is lying about that event.

It is very easy and happens often that someone is just wrong. Being wrong is not the same as being a liar.

* John L. Mica (R-FL) has HUGE hands. When he strokes his chin he almost covers his entire face. And he is wearing a pinky ring on his right hand that matches the wedding ring on his left hand. What's up with that?

Mica has not been listening, either, because he asked McNamee questions that he already answered.

* One guy in the front row behind Clemens and McNamee looks like Stephen A. Smith's brother. Another guy looks like Scott Bakula.

* Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) is wearing about two pounds of costume jewelry around her neck. She looks like a Junior League Mr. T.

* So, Clemens' nanny was at the Canseco party, and she told the Committee that Roger was there. Rep. Henry Waxman brought this out. Clemens contacted her in between the Committee asking for her name and giving her name to the Committee. 

One might question as to why he needed to talk to her before letting the Committee talk to her. 

Clemens' main attorney Rusty Hardin jumped up at this point and acted all disgusted with the questioning. He should tone it down.

* Oh sheesh. McNamee has a Ph.D. from an online diploma mill. Even worse, he actually called himself a "Dr."

* They are spending way too much time on the party at Jose Canseco's house. Whether or not Clemens was there is irrelevant to whether or not he took steriods. It's like arguing over what a bank robber had for breakfast on the morning he robbed the bank. Who cares? He still robbed the bank.

* Virginia Foxx (R-NC) is from North Carolina. Virginia is from Carolina. That is confusing. I wonder if she is related to Redd Foxx? She has that extra "X" in there. 

* So Chuck Knoblauch took the juice, too. Is the inability to make a throw to first base a side effect of HGH?

* The Vice Chair of the Committee is Tom Davis (R-VA). Didn't he used to coach the Iowa basketball team? 

* Roger had to be gavelled down when he interrupted Waxman's final statement. Waxman said "this is not your time to argue with me."

Cool. 

* Why were there IRS agents there? I can understand the FBI. They are investigating illegal drug activity. But the IRS? I do not see any allegations of unreported income in this matter. 

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Bronco wide receiver David Kircus' status with the team is, once again, hunkydory.

Kircus still faces assault charges in a criminal court. Coach Mike Shanahan had said that if Kircus had not acted appropriately, he would not be on the team.

Kircus can breathe easy. Shanahan and thr Braoncos gave Kircus a lie detector test, and he passed. That's good enough for Shanahan, regardless of the criminal dispostion.

Word is, Kircus not only took the test voluntarily, he suggested it.

Lie detectors are not good science. I would not take one, even if I was only going to be asked about my potential involvement in the JFK assassination. And JFK died before I was born.

Kircus might as well placed his fate in the hands of the Magic 8 Ball or Tarot Cards.

Posted by BlueCarp at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Denver Bronco wide receiver and kick returner David Kircus came out of nowhere last year to make the team. After several years with the Detroit Lions, Kircus sat out a year because he could not make an NFL team.

During his involuntary vacation, Kircus made sandwiches at a Subway in Michigan.

He may be asking for his old job back.

Kircus was arrested for assault this week.

Bronco coach Mike Shanahan said he will wait to hear all of the facts before deciding Kircus' fate with the team, but "if he didn't handle himself the right way, he won't be with us."

Can I have that sub toasted?

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., is leaving Dale Earnhardt, Inc., at the end of this Nextel Cup season.

His dad, the original Dale Earnhardt, formed DEI. By all accounts, the original Dale intended for his kids to be part of his company.

When he died, however, he left DEI to his wife, Teresa. Teresa was not Dale, Jr.'s mother. Teresa is Jr.'s step-mom.

Jr. and Teresa have never been exceptionally close.

Jr.'s contract with DEI ends this year. He wanted a controlling interest in the company to stay. Teresa said "no." Jr. is on his way out the door.

Many fans out there agree with ESPN.com poster sdelliott31:

I don't think Dale Sr. would have been happy with this split. Teresa should have done the right thing and gave majority ownership to Jr. and Kelley [Jr.'s sister and business partner]. I think Teresa let her own personal feelings and greed get in the way of family even though she claimed that she wouldn't.

All of the blame does not fall on Teresa. If Sr. wanted Jr. to take over the company, he should have said so in his will.

For example, he could have let Teresa run the company until Jr. turned 30 years old. Upon Jr.'s 30th birthday (or whenever Sr. wanted), control would transfer to Jr.

For whatever reason, the original Dale did not. He let Teresa have complete control forever. It is not fair to criticize her for exercising it.

Dale, Jr., and Teresa will both fare well.

Posted by BlueCarp at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

From today's edition of the Rocky Mountain News:

"Former Nuggets dancer Kaui Beamer, from MTV's Taquita & Kaui, will perform the national anthem" at tonight's playoff game.

Little known fact, but she was named after a Hawaiian auto dealership.

I must say, however, I am not familiar with the television program. Does it concern those things on the spinning grill next to the hotdogs at 7-11?

Posted by BlueCarp at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

"Barry better be unanimous. 100 percent, first ballot. If the Hall of Fame is what it stands for, how can the greatest player ever to play the game not be a unanimous selection?"

Jeff Borris, agent, on his client Barry Bonds.

1. Because he is a 'roided up jerk.

2. Because he is not the greatest player ever.

3. Because Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb and Bob Gibson were not unanimous, 100 percent, first ballot admittees.

4. Because the Baseball Hall of Fame is not the DuPont Hall of Fame. Cooperstown does not honor better living through chemistry.

Posted by BlueCarp at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Coors Field will no longer sell food cooked in trans fats. Good.

Aramark, which runs the concession stands at the Field, has decided it will no longer use cooking oils containing trans fats.

Why do I praise the ballpark concessionaires when I railed against the City of New York for outlawing trans fats?

The same reason I admire cliff divers but not people who push others off cliffs.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Broncos are recruiting free agent Ian Scott, a defensive tackle most recently with the Bears. Do not confuse him with the rhythm guitar player for Anthrax. The guitar player is much smaller and not much of a run-stopper.

Posted by BlueCarp at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

* The correct nickname for the University of North Carolina is Tar Heels, not Tarheels.

* The correct pronunciation of Appalachian State is “apple LATCH ‘n state” not “apple LAY shun state.” You can pronounce the east coast mountain range however you want, but the University in Boone, North Carolina, has only one correct pronunciation.

* While speaking on Westwood One Radio, John Thompson the Elder said that the tournament allows you to “determine your own destination.”

* On the same show, former Big East Commissioner Dave Gavitt said that the Florida Gators were lead by Yannick Noah. Yannick Noah won the French Open in 1983 and is probably out of eligibility. His son, Joakim, however, is an excellent player for the Gators.

Posted by BlueCarp at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

LSU women’s basketball coach Pokey Chatman has resigned. She had an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of her players.

I guess we know how she got her nickname.

How unfortunate. A lesbian named “Pokey.”

There has not been a more unfortunate name since Willie T. Ribbs was driving for NASCAR. (Contrary to legend, he did not drive the Afro-sheen Cadillac).

It is a good thing Coach Pokey’s last name was not “Munchausen.”

Posted by BlueCarp at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The New York Knicks have rewarded mediocrity.

They gave coach and team president Isiah Thomas a contract extension.

Posted by BlueCarp at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Newly acquired Bronco running back Travis Henry has worn number 20 since college.

His new Denver teammate, Mike Bell, has that number for the Broncos. Henry, fresh off signing a multi-million dollar contract, told reporters he would offer Bell $10,000 for the number.

When asked if that was the top dollar, Henry said he would offer “whatever it takes.”

Thus, Travis Henry demonstrated why pro athletes need agents to negotiate their contracts.

Posted by BlueCarp at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Dave Kreiger must be afflicted with Spring Fever. The Rocky Mountain News sports columnist predicts that the Rockies will win 85 games this year.

He points out, rightfully, that the middle of the lineup could be quite effective. Garrett Atkins, Todd Helton, Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe might put up big numbers.

But then Krieger loses his mind: "And we haven't even talked about Javy Lopez, or Troy Tulowitzki or Willy Taveras or Steve Finley."

There is a reason we have not talked about them.

Lopez is almost 100 years old.

Tulowitzki is still a prospect. A damn good one, no doubt, but still a prospect.

Taveras is a leadoff hitter with an on-base percentage of just over .300.  That is not good.

Finley is even older than Lopez. He could not get a job with any team until after spring training had started. He is a non-roster invitee that is competing to be the third string centerfielder. Why would we talk about him? He might be a great coach on the bench if he makes the team, but his days of big offensive numbers are over.

Spring fever? More like malaria.

Hey, I love the Rockies. I love Coors Field. I love day games in the Rocky Mountain air. I hope the Rockies win the World Series. But to expect any kind of impressive numbers from that group is custard in the clouds.

Posted by BlueCarp at 08:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Darrell Waltrip, during the Daytona 500 pre-race show, was discussing the debut of Toyota into the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

He said the introduction of a foreign model into the Great American Race "carried a certain stigmatism with it."

Despite the stigmatism, DW likes Toyota's involvement. He mentioned that a plant in Kentucky makes most of the Camry's in the United States.

He did not have to mention that his brother, Michael, is driving a Toyota this year.

***

DW continued with his Yogi-isms: While discussing the difference between Formula 1 cars and Nextel Cup cars, he was trying to say that the F-1 cars were much more high tech than Nextel Cup cars. He said F-1 cars were "computer generated."

Posted by BlueCarp at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

"Conventional Wisdom" says you need to have a great quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

This is why the Indianapolis Colts are a 7 point favorite to beat the Chicago Bears Sunday in Super Bowl XLI in Miami. No one would argue that Rex Grossman is a better quarterback than Peyton Manning, not even Rex's mom.

Rex's mom, however, might point out that the Bears have a better running game and a better defense than the Colts. Rex's mom would be correct.

Of course, having a great quarterback helps in any given game, but it is not a necessity.

I give you Mr. Bob Greise. Mr. Greise won two Super Bowls. He passed for a total of 161 yards in those two games.

I give you Joe Theisman. He passed for 143 yards, although he managed to do it in only one game.

I give you Jim McMahon, a better rapper than he was a quarterback. His Bears team always had the superior running game and the superior defense whenever they played. How often did they have the superior quarterback? Not a lot.

I give you Doug Williams. Granted, Doug had a great Super Bowl game. He was not a great quarterback. He is in no danger of getting into Canton without a ticket.

I give you Jeff Hostettler. 'Nuff said. (Although Jeff made the porn star mustache popular well before Jeff Kent ever washed a truck.)

Take, for example, Mark Rypien. Please. 

And while you are at it, take Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson, too. 

Despite an inexplicable love fest with young Ben Roethlisberger, he earned his Super Bowl ring by completing nine of 21 passes for 123 yards and two interceptions.

I will not sully the waters by suggesting that neither Bart Starr nor Len Dawson nor Ken Stabler nor Jim Plunkett nor Phil Simms were outstanding quarterbacks. I do not have to. Messers Hostettler, et al. make the point sufficiently.

Of course, a team can rely on Joe Montana or Brett Favre to win the Super Bowl, but it is only one way to do so.

A superior defense and running game is another.

The Bears will so demonstrate on Sunday. 

Chicago 27, Indianapolis 24.

And about that conventional wisdom? Nobody ever went broke betting against the public.

Posted by BlueCarp at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

University of Colorado head football coach Dan Hawkins just finished his first year in Boulder.

Whenever a new coach takes over a college program, player turnover is expected. It is going to happen. Some of the players fit in well under the former coach's scheme. They do not fit in as well under the new coach's plans.

Several football players have decided they do not wish to suit up this year for the Buffs.

So they move on. It is not as if the college kids were getting paid. The coach, whom is getting paid and getting paid well, should expect it as part of the process and send the kids off with best wishes.

Unfortunately, Hawkins failed to do that. According to the B.G. Brooks' article in today's Rocky Mountain News,

Hawkins said off season work with new strength and conditioning coach Jeff Pitman has been difficult.

"For those who want to succeed, want a better season, they welcome it," he said. "For those who are not into it, it's been harder, I'll put it like that."

He should not have put it like that at all. He called the kids that left his football team losers. He said they did not want to succeed, otherwise they would have welcomed the changes he implemented.

The kids may well be losers, I do not know. They may well not wish to succeed, I do not know.

I do know that Hawkins should have just shut up about why the kids left the football team. He did not need to kick 'em in the ass on the way out of the field house. 

Posted by BlueCarp at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

It may not be Todd Helton for much longer, at least not in Denver. The Colorado Rockies are in trade talks with the Boston Red Sox that would send Helton to Massachusettes.

The two competing daily newspapers in Denver are currently in a dispute over who broke the story.

Both papers claim they did.

As first reported by The Denver Post on Saturday, the Rockies have discussed sending Helton to Boston, targeting young relievers Craig Hansen and Manny Delcarmen. 

The Denver Post, January 28, 2007.

The Rockies and Boston Red Sox have been discussing trade possibilities involving Helton since November, as reported originally by the Rocky [Mountain News] . . .

The Rocky Mountain News, January 27, 2007

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Dook University men's basketball team benefited from officials deciding the Blue Devils needed additional time at the end of its recent game against Clemson.

The Devils used the extra time to win on a last second shot. The ACC has admitted the officials screwed up.

As a University of North Carolina alumnus, this is nothing new  to me. Dook, like evil itself, must be stopped.

Posted by BlueCarp at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Nike's new commercial is called "The Second Coming." You can see it here on YouTube.

Since those of the Jewish persuasion do not believe in the first coming, Nike is systemically and purposefully disregarding their beliefs in this advertising campaign.

They might as well be saying "Jews - Don't Buy Our Shoes."

Which NBA players do they use? Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Rasheed Wallace, LeBron James.

What do these gentlemen have in common? Not a single Jew among them!

Boycott Nike. L'Chaim.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Virginia Tech basketball coach Seth Greenberg was on the Jim Rome radio show today.

Seth likes New Mexico coach Richie McKay and said that McKay is so competitive that "he would literally rip your heart out."

Has McKay actually done this? Has Greenberg witnessed this? Has law enforcement been notified? I do not think this is acceptable behavior, even for a competitive basketball coach.

Posted by BlueCarp at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The college football bowl game formerly known as the Sun Bowl has acquired a title sponsor. The game is known as the Brut Sun Bowl.

Brut narrowly outbid Hai Karate for the sponsorship.

Posted by BlueCarp at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Bronco quarterback Jay Cutler explained to ESPN's John Clayton why he and fellow rookie Tony Sheffler get along so well:

"I roomed with Tony during the preseason and he has great hands," Cutler said.

Posted by BlueCarp at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Altitude is the name of the local sports network that carries the Nuggets games. And I am watching from my couch as the Allen Iverson era begins for the Nuggets as they host the Kings.

AI joining the Nuggets is major sporting news in Denver, but did we really need coverage of Iverson getting off the plane?  A cameraman was told by his boss to go to the airport and wait until Iverson’s plane landed and to get footage of him deplaning. It has been said that there are no such things as small jobs. I think that has now been disproved.

Continue reading "The AI Debut: Running Diary" »

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The blizzard hitting Colorado right now has helped the Nuggets.

Tonight's game with the streaking Suns has been postponed.  The Suns are on a 15 game winning streak and the Nuggets have a depleted roster.

Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith are still serving suspensions for participating in the Mayhem at Madison Square Garden Saturday night. While Nene has served his one game suspension, Andre Miller and Joe Smith have been traded to Philadelphia and have left town. The 76ers that will replace them, Allen Iverson and Ivan McFarlin, are not in Denver.

That leaves the Nuggets with seven players to take on the hottest team in the league. When the game is rescheduled, the Nuggets will have a full roster, including the two highest scorers in league - Melo and AI - and the Nuggets second leading scorer right now - J.R. Smith.

They'll have a much better chance then than they would have had tonight.

One game might not seem like a lot, but it could be the difference between having the home court advantage in any given playoff series or not.

If the Nuggets eventually win the game, they can thank Old Man Winter. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. (That is, as long as the airport opens in time to get AI to town by Friday night when the Nuggets take on the Kings.)

Posted by BlueCarp at 06:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Today is an exciting day to be a Denver sports fan.

The Denver Nuggets have acquired Allen Iverson from the Philadelphia 76ers. They gave up Andre Miller, Joe Smith (not the Mormon prophet – the former # 1 overall pick) and two first round draft picks.

Miller, the best player the Nuggets gave up, plays the same position as AI, so losing him is no big deal. Joe Smith rarely plays. The draft picks are birds in a bush. AI is a point guard in hand.

And what a point guard he is. At 31, he’s in his prime. He is under contract for this year and two more. He is also the second leading scorer in the entire league.

Some have raised the question of whether or not AI and Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets’ current star and the leading scorer in the league, can successfully co-exist on one team. I think they can.

No team has two great defenders. For instance, San Antonio's Bruce Bowen has to decide if he is going to guard AI or Melo. The other will score. A lot.

AI wants to win a championship. He has all the individual awards he needs. He has no championship ring. He can win one in Denver with Melo.

Shaquille O’Neal deferred to Dwyane Wade in Miami and won another ring.

Earl Monroe was dealt to the Knicks in the '70's and people said the flamboyant, high scoring guard would not get along with the Knicks' equally flamboyant and high scoring guard Walt Frazier. They got along. They won the 1973 championship.

Two alpha dog scorers can get along, as long as winning is a higher priority than scoring. If both AI and Melo make that commitment, they will succeed.

There are no guarantees it will work. The move is a gamble. But it is a great gamble.

I have never really been sure what the question was, but I know The Answer is in Denver.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

I changed my mind on Carmelo Anthony’s punch. He did not sucker punch anybody. He was face to face with his victim who was looking right at him.

However, he still ran away like a little girl after he threw the punch.

==

I’ve heard some commentators defend Melo’s punch by saying, in effect, a man has to be a man, and if he is disrespected, he should throw down.

Even assuming we are dealing with Neanderthals, this argument makes no sense. Melo is a professional basketball player. By “protecting his manhood” or “defending his teammate” by throwing a punch, Melo knew he would be suspended.

As it turns out, he will miss 15 games.

What is more important, whipping out your unit and showing how big it is, or winning basketball games?

If you chose the former, congratulations. Everyone will know you have a big penis and swinging balls. You are also a loser as you sit out games in which you could be participating.

If you chose the latter, you are a winner. You keep the size of your unit private, as it should be, and you continue to help your team win games.

To quote The Geto Boys, “Real gangsta ass niggas don’t flex nuts, ‘cause real gangsta ass niggas know they got ‘em.”

=====

I do not understand three aspects of David Stern’s suspensions.

First, what did Nugget J.R. Smith do to warrant a ten game suspension? He was the victim. He was fouled hard and knocked to the ground on a layup my Mardy Collins. Smith instinctively jumped up and approached Collins. Yes, he was mad, but he did not throw a punch or otherwise touch Collins. Then Knick Nate Robinsons tackled him and they ended up in the front row of seats.

Second, why were both teams fined the same amount? The Knicks started it on orders of their coach.

Third, why was Isiah Thomas not punished at all? He can be seen on tape warning Melo not to go in the paint just before the fight started. He inserted Mardy Collins, the last guy on the bench, who then committed assault on J.R. Smith going up for a dunk.

David Stern is not stupid, so I have no idea what his motivation is for letting Thomas off the hook.

===

Some have asked why basketball fights are such a big deal when fights occur almost every game in the NHL.

The difference is that hockey fights are always one on one. This hockey tradition is deeply ingrained. The “third man in” a fight is almost non-existent in the NHL. When it happens, the third man is always severely punished by the league.

In every other league, a two man fight almost always denigrates into a bench clearing brawl.

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

I hate to say it, but Carmelo Anthony acted like a punk Saturday night against the Knicks.

He sucker punched a Knick, then he ran away.  I sincerely hope he apologizes for his behavior. Team leaders do not act like Melo did in this game. The fight was all but over, and Melo hits a guy to make a bad situation worse.

UPDATE: Melo has issued a statement apologizing for his role in the fight.

Posted by BlueCarp at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The NFL's Arizona Cardinals play in the University of Phoenix Stadium.

I did not know the University of Phoenix even had a football team.

Posted by BlueCarp at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Air Force Academy Athletic Director, Hans Mueh, is looking to fill the Academy's recently vacated head coaching position.

Who is on his "shortlist?" Mueh said that ""My shortlist is every coach in the NCAA."

Mueh does not want to dally in making a decision: "In my perfect world, I would love to have this done before the holidays."

Since Christmas is in nine days, he might want to whittle that shortlist down to an even shorter one.

Posted by BlueCarp at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Colorado Rockies traded their best starting pitcher, Jason Jennings, to the Houston Astros for centerfielder Willy Taveras and pitchers Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh.

Jennings will be a free agent after this year. He has earned, and will get, a big contract. Neither Taveras, Buchholz nor Hirsh will be free agents any time soon. They are young players with potential. Most importantly, they are cheap.

Rockies General Manager Dan O'Dowd says this is just a coincidence. O'Dowd claims, "This is a trade we would've made whether Jennings was a free agent at the end of the year or signed for two more years."

There is a technical, legal term for statements like that: Bullcrap.

The Rockies pay lip service to developing young talent for the long term. In reality, they have become the Montreal Expos of the new millenium. They groom young players, let them play for a few years, then let them ago when they become eligible for market value. The Expos, of course, are now defunct.

The Rockies are just irrelevant.

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Gregg Easterbrook, ESPN.com's Tuesday Morning Quarterback, on Bronco coach Mike Shanahan's official team biography:

... the 3,795-word gag-me-with-a-spoon official team bio of Denver's "executive vice president of football operations and head coach," Mike Shanahan. According to the official bio, Shanahan is a "key leader" of "elite status" who is "ultra-impressive" and possesses an "exceptional talent" leading to a "stunning record" that puts him in an "exclusive club" plus has "dynamic drive" and has achieved "an almost unparalleled level of success" in "an atmosphere of great pressure and expectations" during "magnificent seasons" that made the Broncos the "perfect symbol" and is "arguably the finest head coach" with "one of the most brilliant minds in football" and has "one of the most dynamic minds" and is a "brilliant coach" who is the "most fertile football mind" who has "almost completely revitalized" his team while achieving "dramatic achievement" and is "dynamic" and "renowned" and gives "superb guidance" and stands "among the game's sideline greats" and is "universally regarded at the highest level" as "an ultimate leader." Move over Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway, Joan of Arc, Nelson Mandela -- you are flyspecks on the windshield of history compared to Mike Shanahan. Don't you get the feeling Shanahan personally supervised his bio? Hey, coach, people of genuine achievement don't have to boast.

That's why my official bio is short. Well, one of the reasons.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

ESPN.com writer John Hollinger on Charlotte Bobcat rookie Adam Morrison:

Look, we knew he'd be fairly one-dimensional, but lordy. This guy makes Lara Flynn Boyle seem well-rounded.

Mr. Hollinger also has something to say about Denver Nugget Rookie Yakhouba Diawara:

The French swingman was advertised as a defensive specialist, which is a good thing because he's surely no offensive specialist.

Posted by BlueCarp at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Nuggets blew a 17 point fourth quarter lead to the Atlanta Hawks last night at Pepsi Center and lost 98-96.

How did team leader Carmelo Anthony take it? According to Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News:

After the game, a frustrated Anthony took his jersey off and threw it into the stands. While in the hallway, he took off his rib protector and then his shorts, kicking his shorts down the corridor as he walked wearing just his Under Armor. Anthony did not make himself available to the media afterward.

Melo has to grow up. Leaders of professional athletes do not act like little kids. They act like men, leave there shorts on, and address the media. They do not throw a tantrum and hide from the mean people with tape recorders and notebooks.

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, is all worked up about the upcoming vote for entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Mark McGwire's first year of eligibility has him all twisted up inside.

He does not think that writers should bother themselves with concerns about steriods. Of course, he knows most will be so concerned.

He laments that  "Now, we have to decide if we're ready to become the morality police."

Morality has nothing to do with the baseball Hall of Fame. Cheating, however, does.

And cheating is most certainly a proper concern of those that choose the Hall's members.

Posted by BlueCarp at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The announcers for today’s College Football Game of the Year are Brent Musberger, Kirk Herbstreit and former coach Bob Davie.

*  After Michigan scored on its opening drive, Brent said “Somewhere, some place Bo Schembechler is smiling.” Thus implying that there is some question as to where the recently deceased former coach is currently residing. Questioning a man’s spirituality on national television the day after his death is hardly appropriate.

*  At halftime, Mitch Albom narrated a tribute to the dead coach. As usual, The Sultan of Syrupy Sentimentality was only slightly less treacly than a bottle of Karo.

*  Davie gave us this bon mot during the fourth quarter: “In a game like this, you’re either remembered or you’re forgotten.” Will not argue with you there, coach. I think that about covers it.

Posted by BlueCarp at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Boston Red Sox have paid $51 million to the Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League for the right to negotiate a deal with pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. The $51 million buys the Red Sox the right to talk to Matsuzaka for thirty days. No more.

$51 million just to talk. Sounds like one of those 1-900 numbers I got billed for once.

Posted by BlueCarp at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Denver Post's Mark Kiszla says the Heisman trophy has become a joke. He's right, but he has the wrong reason.

Kiszla says

At some point, the definition of a Heisman winner got warped. It has now become all but impossible for any athlete to win the trophy unless he's a quarterback on a team ranked among the top five in the national polls

So what is his solution? He says the award should go to Notre Dame's Kyle Brady, a quarterback on a team ranked among the top eight in the national polls. Wow, Mark, way to take a radical stand.

And since No. 3 Louisville, No. 4 Texas and No. 5 Auburn all lost this weekend, Notre Dame may well be in the top five come Monday. Then, if his boy Brady wins the Heisman, Kiszla will have forgotten his criticism. It will be another quarterback on a top five team winning the award.

****

AND ANOTHER THING: Kiszla criticizes Heisman voters for not "watching the games." Later, he praises Rutgers' running back Ray Rice as a legitimate Heisman contender.

I may be completely wrong, but I am willing to bet dimes to a danish that Kiszla saw Rice play as many times as I did: Thursday night against Louisville in a nationally televised game.

Rice had a great game, but judging his season long performance on that game is a joke. Like the Heisman. And like Kiszla's column.

Posted by BlueCarp at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

A little poetic license is fine. Rocky Mountain News' sports columnist Bernie Lincicome, however, must be carrying a poetic license to kill.

He kills the facts. He kills perspective. He kills our Mother Tongue.

His most recent violation concerns the NBA and Carmelo Anthony's ejection from a game.

He wrote

New NBA rules have cost the Nuggets one basketball game already, the first one when Carmelo Anthony was ejected for frowning, or maybe it was gasping. Tsk. Tsk. Mustn't do that.

Except that Anthony was not ejected for frowning. Or gasping. Or looking cross-eyed at a ref.

He received a technical foul for throwing his headband in disgust.  He was not thrown out for this, he merely received a technical.

Unfortunately for Melo, he had already received a technical foul earlier in the game for vocally expressing his displeasure with a different call.

The rules have always said that a player is ejected upon receiving a second technical. Neither frowning nor gasping had anything to do with it.

Posted by BlueCarp at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

I rode the elevator from the press box down to field level with ESPN's John Clayton near the end of the Broncos - Colts game.

He is a very friendly fellow. I asked him, laughing, if Sean Salisbury - former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst -  is always as mad as he seems on the radio and television. Clayton said "yes, because he's always wrong. His percentage of being right is about as good as his pass completion percentage."

Ouch! Nice one, John.

Continue reading "An Elevator Ride With John Clayton" »

Posted by BlueCarp at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

After the battle of horeses, the Broncos were feeling down. A postgame report:

 Mike Shanahan said that Tatum Bell aggravated a toe and couldn't cut the way he wanted. That's why they put Mike Bell in the game after halftime. Mike took advantage of the opportunity and rushed for 136 yards on 15 carries. He also scored twice.
 
Mike Bell deflected all credit on to the offensive line for blocking up front, the recievers for blocking downfield, and to Jake for his great play action. He is a charming young man. He said he was "exhausted" at the end of the game and felt like he should have been in better shape.
 
Kyle Johnson went out with an injury too. The Broncos were down to Mike Bell and Cecil Sapp in the backfield, although Tatum came in to spell Mike some in the second half.  Cecil the Diesel had some impressive runs.
 
Shanny refused to criticize Darrent Williams for the three Reggie Wayne touchdowns. Shanny said the defense has to play all together and it is not just one guy who gives up scores. Darrent could not be found in the locker room. However, I believe he will be at The Sports Column Monday night to discuss the game with Mike Evans. Tune into Fan 950 to hear all about it. Just to be on the polite side, I would stay away from any sandwich on toast.
 
Shanny also said he thought offensive tackle Eric Pears (that's pronounced "Peers," it doesn't sound like a fruit) played well and that the game plan included giving him help from tight ends and running backs. Of course, he won't know for sure how well he played until he looks at the film. The eye in the sky don't lie.
 
Ebenezer Ekuban said he felt like the offense did all they could, but that the defense let the team down. Eb, of course, is one of the most articulate and well-spoken members of the Broncos, seeing as how he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
 
Next week, the Broncos travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Somehow, the Steelers lost to Oakland today. They will be unhappy because of this loss to a really bad team.

Posted by BlueCarp at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

* The press box always has copies of the Broncos Gameday program available for the wretches.

Tonight, they have also made available Colorado Avid Golfer magazine. This edition has a $10,000 watch on the cover. The watch is attached to the wrist of Bronco wide receiver Rod Smith.

One of the first advertisements inside Avid Golfer is for The Club at Pradera. The ad copy says it is “sophisticated without being stuffy.” What’s the point of that? If you’ve got the money for sophistication, you are going to want the stuffiness included.

It reminds me of the time I got the hook up to play an expensive private course on the North Carolina coast. (Back in the day when I had connections.) In the clubhouse, I whip out my wallet to pay cash for the greens’ fee. The guy working the register said, in a slightly condescending tone, “we don’t take cash.”  As I put the cash away and reached for the plastic, I replied, “I understand, cash can get so dirty.”

He wasn’t as amused as I was.

* The 3-1 Broncos host the hapless 0-4 Raiders tonight. The Raiders have been the butt of jokes all week in Denver. They’ve been called the “masque-Raiders,” the “Faiders” and just plain “pathetic.”

Their ineptitude has taken some of the fun out of this once intense AFC West rivalry. Most Bronco fans have come not to faze the Raiders, but to bury them.

Of course, there is always the chance of a letdown when a team is heavily favored against a bad team. It won’t happen. Mike Shanahan hates Al Davis. It’s personal.

My prediction: Broncos 31, Raiders 7. Oakland scores a meaningless touchdown in the last two minutes. I also predict the Broncos score a TD on their first possession.

* The Broncos had so much success last week with their all blue uniforms, they are wearing them again. I still don’t like them. They look like Boise State.

* Gametime is 64 degrees with 34% humidity. Nice.

* Of course, this means the Broncettes are back in their appropriate attire: chaps and vests. No parkas and ski pants tonight, my friend.

* Pop singer Pink sings the Sunday Night Football theme. We go to see it on the big Broncovision screen. I love Pink. She kind of scares me, but I like that.

* Thunder, the big white horse that gallops across the field, STILL hasn’t taken a dump on the grass in the three years I’ve covered the Broncos. Do they not feed that horse on game day? I think we need to contact the ASPCA.

* Broncos do not score on their first possession. After two first downs, Denver punts.

My prediction was wrong. Damn.

* Raiders don’t score on their first possession either. Randy Moss has a chance at a TD reception, but got alligator arms as John Lynch homed in on him. It is just another example of a team that has quit trying hard.

That being said, the score is tied late in the first quarter.

* Two plays after I typed that last sentence, it is 6-0 Denver after a long pass to Javon Walker and a short run by Tatum Bell.

The Broncos scored on their second possession of the game. I was one off.

* With 1:09 before halftime, Champ Bailey intercepts a pass intended for Randy Moss at the Denver 1 yard line. Champ, once again, proves he’s good.  The half ends with the Broncos up 13-0. It would be 17 -0 if backup fullback Cecil Sapp had not dropped a TD pass.

* At halftime, there was a celebration of Mexican culture with many young ladies from south of the border in flowing, colorful dresses against a backdrop of Mexican flags. Normally, one must go to the Aurora K-Mart on Colfax to see such a thing.

* The Broncos score no more, but the defense only allows a field goal. Denver gets the win, but my prediction of the final score is way off. Final score:13 - 3.

Posted by BlueCarp at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

This is one of the 65 days of the year when the sun does not shine in Denver.

Worse than that, it was also one of the days in a year where it actually rains. All day.

The ski resorts love it when it snows during Broncos’ games. It is a great advertisement for them. Not so when it’s just raining, the temperature is 39 degrees Fahrenheit and the crowd looks like they should be hiding in a blind, waiting for ducks.

Especially since Bronco orange doubles as blaze orange.

* Bad sign for Denver: The normal national anthem singers did not perform tonight. The 17^th Avenue All-Stars were bumped by four members of the national touring company of “The Lion King.” Coincidentally, “The Lion King” is currently in a limited run at Denver’s Buell Theatre through November 12.

* Bad sign for Denver II: Broncos are wearing all-blue. I don’t like the gimmicky uniforms. They never seem to work.

* You can tell this is a game attracting national media, including the ESPN Monday night crew: The press box cafeteria had spaghetti and meatballs. This passes as excellent food for the media.

* One of the bad things about being in the press box on Monday night, and not at home, is that you can’t hear Tony Kornheiser make jokes that Joe Theisman doesn’t get.

* The first turnover of the game is a fumble by Tatum “Tinker” Bell at about the ten minute mark of the first quarter. I bet his backup, Mike Bell, is in the next possession.

* Mike Shanahan is in a forgiving mood. After the defense held the Ravens to a field goal, Tatum is back.

* The second turnover of the game occurred with 2:22 in the first quarter. Jake Plummer overthrew Javon Walker by about the length of a Marcus Camby. Cornerback Samari Rolle cradled the ball in his hands like former U.S. Congressman Mark Foley at the congressional page orientation weekend.

* Bronco safety Nick Ferguson form tackled Mike Anderson and drove him into the ground. The video will be used to demonstrate technique at future coaching clinics.

* Once again the Denver defense comes through, forcing a three-and-out punt after the Plummer interception.

* The worst thing about a football game in the cold and rain: The Broncettes are wearing big white parkas and blue ski pants.

* Champ Bailey is known as a “shut down” corner. What makes him so great, however, is not only his coverage ability. The guy supports the run like a linebacker. His tackling ability makes him the best cornerback in the past ten years, perhaps ever. Don’t even bother mentioning Deion Sanders. Sanders not only could not tackle, he actively avoided getting anywhere near a tackle. You can not be considered a great defensive player if you tackle worse than the Grammatica brothers. End of discussion. Deion Sanders is the most overrated football player since the Canton Bulldogs strapped on leather helmets.

* The P.A. system played “I Love a Rainy Night” during a break in the action late in the first half. It was an appropriate choice. It was also the first time Eddie Rabbitt has been heard since 1987.

* With less than a minute to go in the half, and Baltimore on Denver’s 10 yard line, the Ravens make the mistake of throwing to Champ’s side. He intercepted it in the end zone.

* The half ends with the score tied 3-3.

* Whoops. The Broncos Gameday program has a “Where are they now?” feature on former Bronco quarterback Frank Tripucka. His name is in the Broncos Ring of Honor in Invesco Stadium. Apparently, the editor was not looking at the Ring of Honor when he reviewed this feature. A huge picture caption misspells “Tripucka” as “Tripuka.”

In 40 years, will a John Elway Gameday feature spell his name “Jon Elweigh?”

* No one will have to worry about misspelling Jake Plummer in the future. They won’t be writing about him.

* On a great play-action fake in the third quarter, Jake underthrew a wide open Rod Smith 30 yards down the field. The pass was incomplete.

* The Broncos manage to squeak into field goal position in the third quarter, and Jason Elam gives Denver a 6-3 lead.

* Darrent Williams, with his new hair-do, makes a big interception in the fourth quarter.

* Rod Smith sealed it late with a touchdown reception from Jake.

* The Broncos overcome the heretofore undefeated Ravens, the cold rain, the all-blue uniforms and the wrong national anthem singers for the impressive 13-3 win.

Posted by BlueCarp at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The University of Colorado Buffaloes have played five games. They have lost five games.

Saturday, they play their Homecoming game against Baylor University. Baylor defensive back C.J. Wilson has taken offense.

“That means all their Heisman greats and all that are going to be there to see if they can get well on Baylor,” Wilson said. “No. Because all the Benadryl and all that other medicine you’re taking isn’t going to help you for this one. That’s my word.

“Man, you schedule the School for the Deaf and the Blind for homecoming.”

Or perhaps Baylor.

OCTOBER 7, 2006 UPDATE: Baylor won the game, 34-31, in triple overtime.

Posted by BlueCarp at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Kim Etheredge, Terrell Owen's publicist, spoke at the press conference yesterday at the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters.

She said Owens did not try to commit suicide. In support of her statement, she said "Terrell has 25 million reasons why he should be alive." This is in reference to his three year, $25 million contract with the Cowboys.

This is an ignorant, flip, and completely inappropriate comment.

Rich people are not immune to mental illness.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

So Terrell Owens says he didn't try to commit suicide. I'll take his word for it.

His explanation is a little odd, however. He claims he mixed a few pain killers with all-natural supplements. This made him non-responsive and groggy.

it reminds me of when Richard Pryor explained the time he almost burned himself to death by free basing cocaine. According to Richard, what actually happened was that he mixed cookies with whole milk and skim milk. Richard was joking. Terrell isn't.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The National Football League is looking out for us.

The league has asked its teams to refrain from playing “Rock and Roll Pt. 2” during games. According the Denver Broncos preseason game program, the request was made due to “controversy surrounding the song’s creator.”

That is one way of putting it. Another is to say that the song’s creator, Gary Glitter, was recently convicted in Vietnam for having sex with underage girls.

Fair enough. The NFL does not sanction child molestation. Good for them.

But where does this reasoning end?

The Broncos continue to play songs that either advocate questionable behavior or are performed by people of questionable character. If they really have our best interests at heart, the NFL should strengthen its stand. It should lengthen its list of banned songs.

It’s for the kids.

The Broncos, during a preseason game this year, played Motley Crue’s “Dr. Feelgood.”

The NFL’s music police must believe that the sale and use of illegal narcotics is hunky-dory.

Dr. Feelgood is not an orthopedic surgeon.

Put the Crue on the list.

The team has also played “Cali is Active” by Tha Dogg Pound.

The Dogg Pound features Mssrs. Snoop Dogg, Daz and Kurupt. (I do not believe these are the birth names of these gentlemen.)

But whatever their respective given names, each of these gentlemen was, or at least claims to have been, a member of the Crips. Gang membership is also, apparently, okay with the NFL.

If not, put Tha Dogg Pound on the list. And get them a spelling tutor.

What other questionable songs have been played by the Broncos this preseason?

* “Hells Bells” by AC/DC. Unless devil worshipping is NFL approved, put AC\DC on the list. Otherwise, we are on a highway to hell.

* “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. How can they play Jerry Lee after banning Gary Glitter? Jerry Lee had a sexual relationship with this 13 year old cousin. Of course, as he pointed out at the time, at least he had the decency to marry her first. I don’t think that’s enough. Put him on the list.

* The Denver Bronco cheerleaders dance to “All Jacked Up” by redneck woman Gretchen Wilson.

The titular “Jack” is “Daniels” and the song is about getting really drunk, bar fighting and wrecking your car. You know, good old-fashioned, wholesome fun. Apparently, these are  NFL approved activities. If not, Gretchen goes on the list.

* “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash. If you didn’t know before the movie, now you do – Cash was a notorious womanizer and pill popper. Where else can The Man in Black go? He can go on the list.

If the NFL truly wants to a make a stand, they won’t have many songs from which to choose. Piety has a price. Of course, so does hypocrisy.

Posted by BlueCarp at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Vatican announced today that the canonization process of Notre Dame football coach Charles Weis would be put on hold.

A spokesman for The Vatican said the timing of the announcement had nothing to do with the Fighting Irish' 47-21 defeat at the hands of the secular Michigan Wolverines.

"We periodically review those nominated for sainthood, and it appeared that Weis' nomination had been mistakenly put on the 'fast track.'" Cardinal Shamus O'Herlihy said. "We are simply correcting the earlier mistake and putting the nomination back in line with the others nominated for sainthood.

"Of course, losing at home by such a wide margin, especially when the Irish were favorites coming into the game, does the coach no favors with either Jesus or the alumni," O'Herlihy said.

No further statements on the matter are expected from the Holy See.

Posted by BlueCarp at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Tennesse Titan cornerback Adam Jones goes by the nickname "Pacman."

I know it was just a preseason game, but the way Bronco receiver Rod Smith abused him Saturday night, Rod should go by either Inky, Blinky, Pinky or Clyde.

Posted by BlueCarp at 09:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

I called out Rocky second baseman Jamey Carroll for having “Small Town” played before each at bat, even though he was born in a city of more than 300,000 people.

I must, therefore, give catcher Danny Ardoin his props. His theme song is “Boondocks” by country band Little Big Town. The song contains the lyric “I was born and raised in the boondocks.”

Ardoin is from Mamou, Louisiana, a town of 3,566 people. The town has an area of 1.4 miles. That, my friends, is indeed the boondocks.

The song is especially appropriate since it ends with the line “say a little prayer for me.” He went 0-3 tonight and is now hitting .194. He could use a little prayer.

It is never good when you can go 1-5 and raise your batting average.

===

There was a bench clearing brawl in the top of the eighth inning after Rocky reliever Jose Mesa hit Luis Gonzalez with a pitch. And by "bench clearing brawl" I mean both dugouts and both bullpens emptied and all the players from both teams mingled around the pitching mound talking about current events.

Posted by BlueCarp at 07:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options