Bleacher Report - Articles by Jarred Powell

The Downfall of Prep Basketball

Jarred Powell — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:32:20 -0400

Jeremy Tyler, a big man from San Diego who is regarded as the the top player in his class, will skip his upcoming senior season for greener pastures in Europe. What makes this significant is that he's a junior so he's going to drop out of high school and get his GED online.

This brings me to my point of how far high school sports has fallen. It all changed when Kevin Garnett decided to forgo college and go pro. That opened the door for others to follow suit. Kobe Bryant, Jermaine O'Neal, Tracy McGrady and LeBron James, to name a few.

Then Brandon Jennings, a point guard who was the number one player in his class two years ago, took it a step further when he skipped college to go play in Europe.

I can't speak of the earlier editions but this all has ties to one man who has admitted that he created a monster, Sonny Vaccaro. Vaccaro is best known for his work as a sneaker dealer for Nike and signing Michael Jordan to his sneaker deal. He has also worked for Adidas and Reebok respectively and cofounded the first national high school all star game.

Thing with Vaccaro is that he's good for planting a seed. He did it with Nike, watching "Air Jordan" grow to the success it's had. He's done it with everything he has touched with preps as well. He planted the seed in Jennings and Tyler's mind to go to Europe and look at them now.

Jennings is struggling playing with Europeans and his draft status is dropping. Tyler is big but he isn't what I would consider a manchild. From a prep standpoint, the only manchild type players I have ever seen have been Corliss Williamson, Amare Stoudamire and the fullest, Chris Webber.

I know people reading this will say Shaq, but look at him in the McDonalds game as an 18-year-old. He looks like a boy still. Webber looked like he was 26.

Tyler is 6'11" and is listed at 260 but looks more like 230. He played on a mediocre team that was 15-11 last season. His body can use some development and his skills some polishing. Vaccaro got in his dads ear and aided the family in this decision.

Jennings's family is with him in Europe and his brother's education is paid for by the team. However, he practices twice a day sometimes and has only gotten paid once on time. He hasn't even played at all in some of his games.

Tyler is gonna to have to go through this as well as going to have to get beat up by grown men that have to feed their families, not to mention he will have to get his education at the same time.

No one can take what's in your head and it's wrong for coaches to take advantage of athletes for physical gifts in exchange for wealth and glory. This is on another level though. Tyler is basically saying, "Why do I need school?"

From a college standpoint? Maybe, maybe not. From a high school standpoint, you need to at least know the basics to get you by. There isn't anything saying that you're going to be a superstar.

The sad thing is that his parents are buying into it. They're showing how greedy they are about their child playing professional ball.

Bobby Knight said it best that going to the NBA is hurting the college game. However, now going to Europe is hurting the high school game and that's sad because you're truly dealing with kids that don't know squat. In this case your, neither do the parents for letting the child do it...

Paul Williams: The Most Avoided Fighter in the Welterweight Divison

Jarred Powell — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:08:50 -0400

Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Paul—Paul Williams to be exact.

My nickname is "The Punisher."

I have been solid from 147 pounds to 160 pounds.

No one wants to fight me though. Can you help me please?

Aiken, South Carolina native Williams has been on the boxing scene since he beat Antonio Margarito for the WBO welterweight title.

Williams stands 6'2" and has the wingspan of a heavyweight. He served notice to everyone in the lower weight classes when he beat Margarito, beating him at his own game with his punch output and power. This is also the same thing that scares off his potential opponents.

In the sport of boxing, style points go a long way. Williams hasn't always looked good while doing his job and thus has has fallen under the radar.

He just can't get a big named fighter to fight him at boxing's most prized weight class at the present time.

To say it better, he's a modern day Tommy Hearns.

Hearns had his share of fights at 147 including a thriller with Sugar Ray Leonard. People were in awe of his physical attributes, yet fought him anyway. Williams is a less punishing and complete fighter then Hearns yet no one wants to fight him.

Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather both avoid him.

I guess they have at least one thing in common. Mayweather says he isn't a big name fighter so he won't fight him yet.

Cotto is just ducking him.

Margarito turned him down for a second fight.

Where's the heart at in the welterweight division?

Sadly, Williams is forced to venture out at other weights in order to get action which sets him back.

He is the cream of the crop at 147.

He's the top 154 pounder in the world.

Williams also holds his own at 160 as well, but he isnt as dominant.

Will the real welterweights please stand up and give this fighter a chance.

The Top Five Feature BacksiIn NFL History Over 30

Jarred Powell — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:25:24 -0400

After reading an article earlier, here on B/R, about a running back from San Francisco, it got me thinking about a comment that was made, feature backs in the national football league have a short shelf life.

Maybe that is why many teams are switching to a two running back set. Jacksonville made it popular by pairing Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones Drew. The Giants had Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, until Ward left this offseason. The Saints utilized Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.

So many teams seem to be going to this type of set in their offensive backfield, because it helps preserve the life of their running backs.

Premier running backs, along with linebackers, play at a pro-bowl level year in and year out. There high level of play usually levels off as they approach 30 years old.

Just look at LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, Frank Gore, and Edgerrin James. All of these players are either 30 or approaching 30 years old. They all, from one point or another, started they're careers out going to Pro Bowls and being considered elite running backs. Now all of them are considered over the hill.

I have trouble putting together a slide show, and plus, I like to write, so I wanted to list some of the most consistent feature backs in the NFL history, past and present. These players are like Cadillacs, they get better over time and never run out of style.

5. Warrick Dunn

He came in the league a Pro Bowler and has produced every year since. In Tampa Bay, he had the help of fullback Mike Allstot, but he has never had a back similar that can help him on downs. Year in and year out, he has produced and doesn't get enough credit.

4. Corey Dillon

Dillon was awesome for Cincinnati and New England. He was the most consistent back, in my opinion, for some time. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in seven out of his 10 seasons in the NFL. His best seasons came after he hit 30. He helped New England win two Super Bowls and ran for a career high 1635 yards at age 32.

3. Ottis Anderson

This man is on here, not because he had a star-studded career, but because he was the missing piece on a Super Bowl team at almost 40. He ran for over 1,000 yards on the 1989 Super Bowl champion New York Giants, when they didn't have any running back. He was also the first running back ever to rush for 1,000 yards from "the U."

2. Curtis Martin

This is my personal favorite consistent running back, because he rushed for a 1,000 yards every year he was in the league, until his last one. Then he retired without winning a Super Bowl. He was of the most humbled and well liked players in the NFL. In my opinion, the only person that surpasses him in humbleness is Walter Payton. You didn't have to worry about him if he was your teammate, because you knew he was gonna play.

1. Marshall Faulk

The only reason I ranked him above Martin is because he won a Super Bowl. I have to be fair as well. This man did his best work after he was let go by the Indianapolis Colts when they drafted Edgerrin James. One of the originals from the greatest show on turf, Faulk made those St. Louis Ram teams lethal, and he is among the all-time leaders in all-purpose yards as well as rushing. The Super Bowl is what separates him and Martin.

There you have it. My list of the top old feature backs of all time. This is my list, please fill me in and let me know what your list would consist of.

The Welterweight Divison in Boxing Needs a Tournament

Jarred Powell — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:39:21 -0400

I awoke this morning and went to the gym with my wife like I always do. I was doing another morning ritual while I warming up on the treadmill; watching ESPN, and who is getting interviewed? To my surprise, Sugar Shane Mosley.

Mosley was politely calling out pound for pound champion Manny Pacquaio. This seems bold when you think about it. That is until you think about his previous fight with Antonio Margarito.

A fight where he was suppose to lose big because he was 40 and fighting a machine in Margarito. The result, a TKO upset for Mosley and recognition as the top welterweight in the world.

Now enter Manny Pacquaio. He moved up in weight from featherweight and has dominated David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton in two different weight classes might I add.

Also add to that fact Juan Manuel Marquez who has two fights with Pacquaio that many believe that he won. He also moved up in weight to chase Pacquaio.

The mixed feature of this whole scenario is the coming out of retirement of Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather. The former pound for pound champ who retired undefeated.

This all has the makings of a good tournament in the welterweight division. Most of these scenarios are being played out.

1. Mayweather vs Marquez-This should be good test for both fighters. Can Marquez keep up with a bigger, stronger, quicker and faster version of Manny Pacquaio. Will Floyd come out hungry to get his title back or will he be like Mike Tyson in the second part of his career?

2. Miguel Cotto vs Joshua Clottey -People forget that Clottey was beating a pre suspended Antonio Margarito before he injured his right hand. Margarito couldn't hurt him and Clottey was winning the fight on all the cards. This could be bad potentially for Cotto. Clottey is hungry and has a legitimate chance to pull the upset.

For Cotto, this is his was back to the top. With all the distractions he's having with his camp and his uncle, I believe Cotto will win because his will is strong and he will push through this fight and win.

With those scenarios playing out, I can see Pacquaio and Mosley having a great fight. They both love to attack and are busy fighters. Mosely is a naturally bigger puncher. Mosley has never lost to anyone smaller than him either. Pacquaio is quicker and throws combinations at blinding speed. I'm calling Pacquaio the winner of this one.

This sets up the super showdown with Mayweather and Pacquaio. Mosley could fight the winner of the Clottey/Cotto fight which would be another huge payday for someone. The ultimate winner in this would be the fans.

In the words of Bernard Hopkins, "Boxing is back and Golden Boy Promotions puts on the best shows."

Was Manny Ramirez Unjustly Suspended?

Jarred Powell — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:48:33 -0400

The Los Angeles Dodgers have started the 2009 baseball season well. They have set the major league record for most consecutive home wins to start out the season with 13. They're leading the National League West again and are having fun. A big reason for this has been Manny Ramirez. He has been the focal of all the things positive in the Dodger clubhouse, until now.

Ramirez was suspended today for 50 games by Major League Baseball for taking a banned substance. He will also lose 7.7 million dollars in salary for the duration of his suspension. He can return as early as July 3, when the Dodgers play the Padres in San Diego.

Ramirez was taking human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG that was prescribed to him by a doctor. He was taking it for a personal reason and was told by his doctor it was ok. Unfortunately for Ramirez, it was not the case.

HCG a fertility drug that's usually used by steroid users to restart the bodies testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It also contains Clomid, which was used by several BALCO clients.

Ramirez is guilty of being himself. Sometimes this is good and sometimes this is bad. I think in this case he got the wrong part of the deal. If you look at the situation, he was taking a fertility drug that helps kick start the testosterone in your body.

He didn't test positive for steroids theoretically, but this can be linked to possible steroid use because of the drug he's taking and the nature of it.

The biggest thing is that he is going to lose a third of his salary. That adds up to 7.7 million dollars for the time he is out. Ouch!

Manny also brings stability to the Dodgers clubhouse. He makes the game fun for his team and he is looked up to by the younger players in the clubhouse.

We are all looking down on Manny, but the reality is he didn't test positive for steroids. He tested positive for something that can be linked to steroids. But 50 games is a long time for a first time offender.

He can be the media's worse nightmare but since coming to Los Angeles he has been the media's dream. Its sad that his career has came to this but he will bounce back. Its just a setback.

Still, the punishment has to fit the crime. I don't think this was the case in this instance.

The Strongest and Most Compelling Story in the NFL Draft

Jarred Powell — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:57:17 -0400

Micheal Oher is the No. 1 player in college football. Not for the x's and o's but because he has the best feel good story of any college athlete in tommorows NFL draft.

Oher is the most desreving player in the draft. Bar none. Everyone has their own story and talked about this and that, but his is truly remarkable.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Oher bounced around in three or four foster homes until he was 16 years old. His father was murdered when he was a baby and his mother was addicted to crack.

Oher lacked a home, guidance and parental comfort and instead lived on the streets. He did what he had to do to survive. Im not talking about something illegal or unjust, he just would make due with what he could.

His life was changed when he walked into Briarcrest Christian School. He met Sean and Lee Anne Tuohy and they adopted him. They loved him and instantly gave Oher something that had been missing out of his life, a chance.

Now Oher is a day away from going from unwanted, misfit child to millionaire. Where I am from, we would say,"that's gangster."

This is probably the best feel good draft story that I have read since Juan Dixon in the 2002 NBA draft. They both share some things in common. Both have graduated from college. They both lost their parents at a very young age. Never been in trouble with the law and yet they both succeed.

When Vernon Davis was drafted, he shed tears of joy. You do the same thing Micheal Oher. I hope you have a very productive career in the NFL. If you can come virtually homeless your whole life to college football stardom then you can accomplish anything. I'm pulling for you and I'm praying for you as well.

Will The Lord Of The Rings, Kobe Bryant, Retake His Rightful Place?

Jarred Powell — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:15:05 -0400

Kobe Bryant's career had been full of highs and lows.

He started out being drafted in the first round out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets. Then he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on the same night. He joined a star studded team just as Magic Johnson had done. This made his transition easy for him to the NBA. Playing behind all stars such as Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel, doesn't hurt anyone chances to succeed.

He was the second player to make an all star start as a sixth man and hasn't looked back since.

Along the way, he has won a regular season MVP, three all star MVP awards,became a league leader in endorsements and was an ambassador worldwide of basketball. All this and he also won three NBA cxhampionships. This is where the question comes into play.

Bryant played an important role on those championship teams, but he wanst the man, which he was obsessed with being.

Lets not forget the sexual assault case he was hit with and how he ratted out Shaq during the process. Bryant has never recovered fully from that case. His endorsements took a big hit. He isn't making the money outside the NBA he should be. Name how many times he has had a commercial vices Lebron James. One or none.

After Bryant won his third championship, he went and played in the famous Rucker Park in Harlem, New York. He earned the name "Lord of the Rings" because he was so young and had won this many championships. That was 2002. He has been in a drought since.

Kobe has been on a mission since he ostracised Shaquille O'Neal, to win a championship. This should be the year he does it.

I am not a Laker or a Kobe fan, but game recognizes game. Bryant has been the best player in the NBA the last five years. That's with Lebron on the rise, AI, KG, Yao Ming and his international backing and the new Isaiah Thomas...Chris Paul. Kobe still keeps his swagger and reminds us all he is this era's Micheal Jordan. a rip your heart out player that wants to win at all cost.

Jordan was known for winning and being the first option, not the second. This is Kobe's chance. An for everyone that disagrees, Kevin Garnett is hurt, I know this. This means the Celtics aren't at full strength. This doesn't stop Kobe from achieving supremacy.

For everyone since he is elder, he has the right to tell all NBA players,"If you wanna get on son, you need to ask me."

Last thing , Kobe, you don't wanna here another rap from Shaq on how you couldn't win a championship without him. If I could put that video up I would as a reminder to you.

Remember, Jordan first ring came when he beat Magic Johnson's Lakers. Looks like you will have to do that against this decades Magic, Lebron James. Good Luck!

"Stephen A. Smith to Leave ESPN: End Of an Era

Jarred Powell — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:35:19 -0400

Today I received a twitter message on my cell that came from sports journalist, and ESPN NBA analyst, Stephen A Smith. He confirmed that the rumors were true, and that his last day with ESPN would be on May 1, 2009.

The word is that Stephen A. and ESPN couldn't come to an agreement on a new contract. ESPN was offering less money than they were currently paying Stephen A., and he turned down the money that they were offering.

"It’s been a wonderful, wonderful ride, filled with great accomplishments, great memories and, most importantly, great friendships," Smith said. "It’s difficult to express how appreciative I am to everyone at ESPN for all they’ve done for my career. But nothing lasts forever. It’s time to move on."

This is a sad day in sports journalism, and for ESPN as well.

Let me explain.

I'm 32 years old and I was raised in the old school. I would listen to my father, uncles, cousins, friends and we would all talk sports at bbq's, barber shops and on the corners.

They all sounded like Stephen A. They were real, and regardless of how strong people felt about certain topics or people, they told it like it is.

This is a lost art in journalism, especially in sports.

Smith didn't cross this line and he stayed true to himself in bringing sports to the masses. He was rewarded with a talk show on ESPN and a radio show, along with a regular column in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Then, little by little, it all unraveled.

Smith is the reason I would watch ESPN, because he is one of the few sports reporter in the media that can cross over and talk to the younger generation. He also talks to my demographics.

The second best people on ESPN at giving good analysis are Micheal Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser from Pardon the Interruption.

These are the only three people to me that make ESPN legitimate.

Stephen A, I know your an east coast guy like me, but go to FOX. I'm sure they will pay you the money your looking for, and they'll benefit from this in that they'll get your fan base.

I'm doing sports journalism in college now because I love sports and I've always been able to follow and critically think about sports without hardly thinking. However, my fascination with sports broadcasting grew when I saw Stephen A. Smith.

I thought to myself, "At last there is a sport journalist. A man that tells you the truth for better or worse."

Either way you would respect him for it, and you have to love that. That alone is worth enough for ESPN to at least pay him the salary that he was getting.

Smith is talented, too talented to be out of work for long. He will be doing something else real soon, I'm sure of it.

His legacy has been cemented, and there has to be more room for people like Smith and Jim Rome. Their brand of sports reporting is a lost art, and if people are scared of the truth in sports, they aren't real sports fans.

We'll miss you Stephen A.

Bernard Hopkins: Leader of the OId School

Jarred Powell — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:17:20 -0400

Today in sports, athletes are able to have longevity in their careers in large part because of changes and advancements in medicine. With this, a serious question comes to mind: "who's the best athlete in sports over 35-years-old?"

One example of an older athlete that continues to succeed is Shaquille O'Neal. He's having a stellar year at the age of 36. He made the All-Star team and, with the injuries to Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, he kept the Suns close in the playoff hunt.

The list goes on: 37-year-old Kurt Warner just led the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion at 45, and Jack Nickalus finished sixth at the Masters at 58.

All these feats are great, but they pale in comparison to two athletes, Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins and Sugar Shane Mosley.

Hopkins has done his best work after he was supposedly "over the hill." He knocked out Felix Trinidad at a time when Trinidad was moving up divisions and destroying everyone in his path.

He followed this win up with a seventh round knockout win against Oscar De La Hoya. This put Hopkins on the map and atop the pound-for-pound rankings.

Along the way to super stardom, Hopkins became the oldest fighter to hold the Middleweight crown.

He then proceeded to move up in weight and, at 41, became the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World, solidifying his legend even more and then beating a younger, stronger Kelly Pavlik in a 12-round decision.

Mosley has defeated Oscar De La Hoya twice and has fought every challenger in career. He gave us the first superfight upset this year when he beat the virtually unstoppable Antonio Margarito, who was headed for super stardom.

What makes Hopkins and Mosely so unique is that they have done this with a high level of consistency. Hopkins made a record 20 consecutive title defenses in the Middleweight division before moving up in weight and taking on a younger champion. Mosley has been on a high level since day one and and hasn't stopped at all. They both have had their fair share of doubters and they both have succeeded.

Mosley and Hopkins also have another thing in common: they're partners with Oscar De La Hoya in Golden Boy Promotions. This gives them something to do when they're done boxing. They can also help other younger fighters get a fair shake with promotions for their fights.

Father Time eventually catches up with all of us, but Hopkins has proven that you can't keep a good man down. Through their careers, they have shown an extreme amount of respect and have had it shown back to them. They're going stronger now then they were when they were younger. In the end, you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

2009 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers

Jarred Powell — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:23:02 -0400

The San Diego Chargers ended the 2008 NFL season with a playoff lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers had an overall record of 8-8 and won another AFC West title.

In a year where Chargers were picked by many to win the AFC and the Super Bowl, they disappointed, starting off slow and needing to beat their division rivals, the Denver Broncos, to get into the playoffs.

The Chargers collapse can attributed to two things:

1. No Lorenzo Neal - The first thing the Chargers need to do this off season is simple: get a fullback. Lorenzo Neal was released, and LaDainian Tomlinson saw his numbers disappear. Coach Turner emphasised that the team wasn't going to use the fullback as much. It's obvious that you need to because your star running back is getting punished and not saying that he lacks a fullback.

2. No Pass Rush - Shawn Merriman was lost for the season last year. This forced teams to double team Shawn Phillips and attack the weak side of the Chargers defense. The lack of a pass rush put added pressure on the secondary to produce.

The Chargers need to look at filling the void left behind by offensive guard Mike Goff and defensive end Igor Olshansky, so the offensive and defensive line should be a priority for the Chargers. Both receivers, Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson, will be free agents in 2010, so wide receiver could be an option. Third, LaDainian Tomlinson is 30 and Darren Sproles is playing under a one-year franchise tag, so running back opportunities should be explored.

San Diego has eight picks in this years draft, with two coming in the first 112. They shouldn't be careless with either of these picks because they will need these picks to contribute immediately.

The Chargers need to keep focus on the offensive and defense line. Rey Maualuga from USC or Penn State's Aaron Maybin seem like good draft picks should they be available for the Chargers. On the offensive line, Oklahoma's Duke Robinson or Herman Johnson from LSU will be good picks to make up for the loss of Mike Goff.

If San Diego is going to go after a running back, the pick should be Georgia' s Knowshon Moreno. He's a proven durable back, who lacks great speed, but runs a 4.5, has great instincts, and is also durable. Something I can't say about Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells who was hurt his last year in college.

If a team is trying to get a late round pick, the Chargers should entertain a trade for a quality player for the pick. Maybe Braylon Edwards or Lorenzo Neal. There are still a number of free agents that the Chargers can look into getting as well.

The 2008 season is gone and the Chargers still can be the best in the west, but they have to want it and go get it because no one is going to give it to them.