Bleacher Report - Articles by Lizz Robbins

Top 10: Stories That Would Overshadow Favre's Comeback

Lizz Robbins — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:14:47 -0400

#10 Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins a NASCAR race

#9 Big Ben's accuser admits she was lying

#8 Allen Iverson giving a speech about the importance of practice

#7 Kobe Bryant announcing he's way better than MJ

#6 A Tim Tebow Sex Tape gets leaked

#5 Rick Pitino gets fired based on lack of morality

#4 Shaq guarantees he won't miss free throw next season

#3 Tiger Woods admits he's in a slump

#2 Tom Brady gets another supermodel pregnant

#1 BRETT FAVRE RETIRING.....AGAIN......

Honorable Mentions:

Jose Canseco plays catch with Mark McGwire
Michael Jordan picks Kwame Brown to be his Hall of Fame induction speaker
Charles Barkley vows not to talk for an entire year
Tyson vs Douglas part 2
Peyton Manning turns down a commercial
Joe Gibbs comes out of retirement to coach the Cowboys
Michael Jordan signs endorsement deal with Reebok
Tony Romo retires from football to join PGA tour
William Hungs sings national anthem at the Superbowl
Bill Belichick becomes cameraman for the NY Jets

Fantasy Football: Top Ten Fantasy Excuses

Lizz Robbins — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:50:48 -0400

It's that time of the year again; when fantasy football players across the world are drafting what they hope to be a "championship" team. I'm in seven fantasy football leagues, two of the leagues I'm the commissioner.

I've been playing fantasy football for about four years now and I have yet to win a championship. However, I've never played in the Toilet Bowl; this is when the two teams with the worst records play each other. I'm feeling a little Joe Namath this year, and I predict at least one win, in one of my leagues.

We all know besides your draft order; one of the most important things is getting that "sleeper" player. You know the one you hoped everyone forgot about and you steal him in the seventh round. I was lucky enough last year to pick up Matt Forte (Bears RB), who went in the fifth round of one of my drafts.

My brother, who won his league; had Tom Brady, but for safe keeping picked up Matt Cassel, we all know the rest of the story.

What all fantasy players hope for is to not only win the championship, but most importantly, bragging rights until the next season. For those who don't win, they find every excuse in the book for what went wrong.

I've pulled together, with the help of my brother, a list of infamous excuses from fantasy football players who don't win the championship. To all the fantasy players out there, this is one top ten you always want to miss.

Lizz and Leroy's Top Ten Fantasy Football Excuses:

1. The offense coordinator pulled my running back at the goal line

2. My quarterback had a couple of bad games

3. The "Bye" week gets me every time

4. My team rocked on paper

5. My "keeper" was injured during pre-season

6. I forgot to put in my line-up one week

7. My bench sucked

8. My team had a bad season*

9. If only my kicker made that 50-yard field goal

10. I had a bad draft...... I'll win it all next year

*Never determine your fantasy players based on your favorite team

Good Luck Everyone! Happy Fantasy Football Season!

Definition of a "Groupie"

Lizz Robbins — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:08:48 -0400

According to Webster’s the definition of a groupie is: an admirer of a celebrity who attends as many of his or her public appearances as possible, or a fan of a rock group who usually follows the group around on concert tours.

This definition, like the term “hater,” gets misused frequently. People have taken the word “groupie” and turned it into a curse word.

There are all types of groupies: politicians can have "groupies," professional bowlers can have groupies. When people think of the word, they automatically think athletes, entertainers, etc.

I’m getting so tired of hearing the term used loosely. I follow my teams, I’m a fan, does that make me a “groupie?” No, that makes me a “fan.” To me, a groupie gets an “ROI” (return on investment). Whether it’s becoming famous or marrying the athlete or entertainer they are going after.

There are some famous groupies who did just that—we all know who they are. The keyword here is famous. If you are sleeping with these people for name recognition, you are just getting 6-10 minutes of a faux love.

Do I agree with people sleeping around for name recognition? Not at all, being in the business, sure I’ve had opportunities, but wasn’t in to carrying around knee pads and not being able to look into the mirror.

I hear the term so much from individuals who are trying to make it that haven't gone platinum or had a certified professional ball in their hands. If that’s the case, the Fed Ex man can have groupies and put a whole new meaning to “Overnight Delivery”.

Just because you have a certain name, doesn’t always mean people are sleeping with you because of that; they could actually be attracted to you. However, when I see certain celebrities who will remain nameless, with three or four attractive people on his or her arm, it does make you wonder.

Also, when you hear the term groupie, people automatically attribute it to a woman. Men are also groupies, I would say Robert DeNiro in the movie The Fan was a groupie, who just took it to another level. If you go to Cheesecake Factory at least twice a week, no matter where you are, does that make you a Cheesecake Factory groupie?

Do people, places and things have “groupies?” Absolutely. But just because you see someone (male or female) around a “known” person, doesn’t make him or her a groupie. There could be actually supporting his or her work.

Before you start labeling people, take a step back and look at yourself.

David Aldridge: Q&A About the NBA Finals and More

Lizz Robbins — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:16:53 -0400

After that long agonizing four day break, the NBA Finals are here.

I’m sure 90 percent of NBA Fans would have not picked this match up—well, the team representing the East that is.

I believe the Lakers are the New England Patriots of a couple of years ago (except the Pats had more “stars”). I see the Orlando Magic winning in six.

In preparation for the NBA Finals coverage on NBA.com, veteran NBA journalist and television analyst/reporter David Aldridge conducted an NBA Blogger Q&A session, facilitated by Kyle and Patrick at New Media Strategies, where he addressed the upcoming NBA Finals, key match-ups between the Lakers and Magic, pending NBA Draft and off-season, as well as colleagues at TNT and NBA.com.

Also, learn how you can chat with fellow NBA fans via Twitter during the game, instructions are at the conclusion of the Q&A.

Q: What are your thoughts overall on the NBA Playoffs this year and what is your key match up for the Finals? (Rey-Rey from TheNoLookPass)

DA: Well, I think the playoffs have been terrific, especially with Chicago and Boston. We’ve seen some incredible team performances, some incredible games with great last-minute shots, and a lot of dramatic series.

The Houston/LA series, which I don’t think anybody thought was going to be very competitive with Yao [Ming] out, was spectacular.

Obviously, Denver and LA was very competitive and Orlando beating Cleveland; which I don’t think anyone really thought was going to happen. The playoffs have been terrific so far.

For the NBA Finals and match-ups, the keys are the obvious ones: [Pau] Gasol vs. Rashard Lewis, I think that is going to be a big match up; the two of them have their obvious strengths in terms of their individual games. Paui's going to have trouble guarding Rashard and vice versa.

I think [Trevor] Ariza vs. [Hedo] Turkogluis going to be a big, big match-up because Orlandohas so much of a half-court offense with Turkoglu down the stretch. If Ariza can keep Hedo from being a distributor and get the ball to the other two good shooters; that will be a very important match-up. (NBA.com breakdown of Howard vs. Bynum here.)

Q: Media wise: Do you have a problem with Jeff Van Gundy covering Stan Van Gundy? What about Magic Johnson covering the Lakers? (Justin at SportsCracklePop)

DA: Obviously, I’m sure it’s difficult for anyone to cover something that his siblings are involved in. I’m sure it’s tough for Jeff, but he is a professional and I think he’s going to be fair. He’s done a very good job of calling it like he sees it and I have no doubt he will continue to do that.

With Magic [Johnson], we have watched him over the years and he does not hesitate to criticize the Lakers when they play poorly and I have no doubt that if they play poorly he won’t hesitate to do it again. I believe both guys give a fair assessment—as they should.

Q: Earlier this week, we posted a piece about Adam Morrison and JJ Redick facing off in these finals. Can you remember another situation like this is NBA history, when two relative busts, linked so closely together, ended up being non-contributors during the league's premier showcase? (Justin at SportsCracklePop)

DA: I think those two guys are not where they want to be in their NBA careers, but I would say that J.J. Redick did play very well for the Magic this season and helped the team win games, especially in the Orlando/Boston series guarding Ray Allen. The shots just weren’t falling for him then. He’s coming along and helping them in some ways.

Adam Morrison is not going to play in this series, and that just might be that he’s not in the right position right now. I am hesitant to call players busts, though, overall.”

Q: Obviously, next summer is the big free agent bonanza. Who will be the biggest signing of this offseason? Will it be Allen Iverson reuniting with Larry Brown in Charlotte? Ben Gordon coming home to New York? (Justin at SportsCracklePop)

DA: “I think Detroit is going to be really active this offseason, whether it’s with Carlos Boozer or Paul Milsap, maybe David Lee. I think they are going to do something this off-season that puts them back into contention in the Eastern Conference.

Think about some of the free agents: look at Lamar Odom, who I think is going to have a lot of suitors this offseason because of the way he has played in these playoffs. I think Trevor Ariza is going to get a lot of attention as well, maybe from a team like Memphis that is going to have a lot of cap room to take a look at an Ariza.

To get the players they want, they’re going to have to be aggressive and spend I think Boozer will have a lot of attention this summer. It seems like there are some things going on there and he may be on the move.

Q: How is it to work with Charles and company? Would you ever wear any of Craig’s suits? Would he ever wear the outfits Craig Sager wears? (Lizz at Lizz’s Lockeroom)

DA:“[laughs] You know what? I think one night it would be great if we did a bizarro TNT night where he would were a charcoal tie and a black three-piece suit, and I come out in three-piece pink suit. I wouldn’t mind trying that once.

Working with the Turner guys is so great in every aspect of the job, from production to content to working with people like Marv [Albert] , Reggie [Miller], and Kevin Harlan. It’s such a treat. They do a great job and really like working there. I’ve come along way with them, they bring incredible amounts of intelligence and knowledge to the broadcast.

I mean the proof is in the pudding with that show. You look at the Emmy Awards the studio show gets with Ernie [Johnson], Charles [Barkley] and Kenny [Smith]. They are the best in the business and wonderful to work with.

Q: What is the best NBA Finals you’ve covered in your career? (Lizz at Lizz’s Lockeroom)

DA: Great question. I guess for me it might have been last year’s, because when I came to the NBA we had the whole Boston/LA rivalry so I’ve always had that. For me to jump back into the history of that rivalry 20 years later that was a lot of fun.

It was really terrific to see Boston and LA competing for a championship, and with the history, that was a lot of fun.

Watching the Bulls dominate those six championships. The Phoenix series in ‘93 was a great series. I really felt that series should have gone seven games.

Q: If Kobe captures his fourth NBA title, where does he stand amongst the League's all-time greats? Can we start making a case for KB24 to "one day" surpass MJ as the G.O.A.T.? (Peter at PRC Hoops)

DA: I don’t think right now you can put Kobe in the same category as Michael Jordan. If you look at Kobe’s years in the league, which is 12 or 13 years, that is incredible. But he has three titles and MJ has six, and I don’t think you can compare right now.

I think Kobe is certainly the best player of his generation —no question. Like Bill Parcell says, its all about the [titles]—and you know Mr. Russelll has 11 so no one is catching him. Michael has six, so I think those two guys have to be considered as No. 1 and No. 2 in greatest players ever.

Q: There's only room for one Superman on Twitter. Looking solely at content, whose Twitter game is superior: Shaq or Dwight Howard? (Peter at PRC Hoops)

DA: I’m going to plead the fifth on this because I’m not a Twitter guy and Facebook is more than enough for me right now. I like to see the stuff that Shaq does here and there, like the meet-ups so I guess I’ll haveto give it to Shaq.

But, I’m old school and not on Twitter enough to make a good call.

Q: Your Facebook profile indicates that you went to DeMatha High School. Did you play ball for Morgan Wootten? If so, what was that experience like? How does he compare to the elite NBA coaches? (Peter at PRC Hoops)

DA: I did go to DeMatha, but I did not play for DeMatha. My game was not there [laughs].

But I do know Morgan Wootten well. He is as decent a human being as I’ve ever met, and he is a tremendous guy who is a very humble person. Even though I never played for him, I learned from him how to win with class and I’ve been fortunate to know him.

I see him as one of the more successful high school coaches and he does it in a way that doesn’t call attention to himself. He is a class act through and through. I’ve gotten to know him in school, and after school, and am very lucky to know him.

Q: What moves would you make if you were the Wizards in their situation?

DA: Well, I think they have to do two things: they have to get a point guard —not because Gilbert [Arenas] can’t play PG, but they have to start thinking about playing Gilbert off the ball because that’s his strength. I think a solid PG will do well—somebody they can give the ball to.

And also, somebody they can throw the ball to inside. They really struggle to score inside, and you can’t be a jump-shooting team and win in the playoffs at some point.

Even Orlando is an example, but they have a guy you can throw the ball to. You have to have someone inside to get the ball. They have talent, but they need to strike a balance. Those are the two moves I would make.

I would look to trading that pick. I think they might be able to get something out of it, but I’m not sure cause there are different views on how this draft is. I think this draft is about as good as most. It’s not a great draft, but it’s not horrible. You can get good players out of this draft.

I know they don’t want to trade one of those big three guys, but maybe they have to get someone they like such as Amar’e Stoudemire—they have to look at that.”

Q: The Magic seem to have a more balanced attack, while the Lakers are all about Kobe. What team do you see having the edge? Do you think it’s more important in the finals to have an insane scorer like Kobe Bryant or a low post presence like Dwight Howard? (Richie from MVN)

DA: I think Kobe has tried very hard this year to add balance to that team. I think the Lakers are much more balanced than a couple years ago. I think he trusts Pau and needs Pauto do and play well. He needs Ariza and Lamar Odom to play well.

In that sense, I think the Lakers are a very balanced team. They are a team that can score and their defense creates offense for them as well.

I think LA has the edge; same reason LA has had the edge in every series thus far. Their size up front is so difficult for other teams to match up with. You have two seven-footers in Gasol and [Andrew] Bynum, and throw in Ariza at six-eight and Odom and six-ten. It gives Phil [Jackson]some real flexibility with lineups and who’s going to go in stretch of games.

That’s why I think they have the advantage. Their interior defense is better than everyone else. Their guards and their bigs can single cover—playing help defense makes it difficult to score against.

Q: What are your thoughts on Obama picking the Lakers in Six?

DA: I did see that and I concur. Actually, I said that before, so Mr. President took my pick as Lakers in six games.

Q: In the NBA Finals press conference today, you asked Dwight about the officiating—are you working on a story for it and what is your angle and/or thoughts?

DA: I am working on a piece on NBA officiating, but I’m not sure when it will run or exactly figured out what I’m going to say and how I’m going to say it. It will definitely run during the NBA Finals, but it’s definitely a topic that everyone is talking about—and I want to take a serious look at the officials, because I did write a column on the NBA conspiracy theories and it will be along those same lines.

I got a lot of response from that, and a lot of people have strong views on officiating in the league. I really want to address those things in a very serious column and that’s what I’m going to try to do.

Coming up on NBA.com, I’m going to have my picks tomorrow (Lakers in six). I think everyone at NBA.com is going to have their picks up tomorrow for the finals so you will see some of the other writers’ picks, too.

Obviously, for the NBA Finals for NBA TV, we’ll be with Ahmad [Rashad], CWebb [Chris Webber], and [Gary] Payton for pre-game coverage at the Staples Center here in LA. After the game, me and Rick Kamla will be breaking stuff down and covering the pressers. Then, we’ll be on again with Ahmad, CWebb and Gary for post-game.

“When we go to Orlando for Game Three, we’re going to be having a lot of fun. We’ll have the NBA TV crew, plus Ernie, Chuck and Kenny so we’ll have so much new content on NBA.comand some great TV coverage both online and on NBA TV. It should be a fantastic series.

NBA Finals TweetChat

We are organizing a NBA Finals Twitter chat this Thursday night before and during the Magic vs. Lakers NBA Finals Game One. We’ll be chatting about the game, various highlights and any other NBA Finals subplots we can think of. Feel free to join us, and please invite your readers, too!

Here are directions on how to join us using TweetGrid:

Three easy steps if you want to join Twitter and participate in #NBAFinals:

Login to Twitter
Load up Tweet Gridin a new tab in your web browser (or any other multi-hashtag search functional Twitter site)
Use your Twitter login on the Tweet Grid page to reply or say something about #NBAFinals. Reply directly to someone during the discussion by putting an "@" in front of their Twitter name. Be sure to add "# NBAFinals " at the end of your Tweets during the discussion so others following along can read what you've written — or answer questions you’ve asked.

Feel free to participate using any program or web app as long as you add the #NBAFinals hashtag to your tweets so you can be a part of the conversation.

Find everything NBA Finals at www.NBA.com

New York Knicks: A Draft and A Prayer Away

Lizz Robbins — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:06:42 -0400

The “Final Four” of the NBA is now set and if you aren’t a fan of one of the four teams you’re already looking ahead to the draft.

Being a Knicks fan, I’ve been looking forward to the draft since October. Even though the Knicks have only a 2.8 percent chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery, I am still optimistic.

If Dolan plays his cards right, the Knicks can move up one of those top two spots. It’s no secret the Knicks need help, there hasn’t been a solid team since Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing left and they haven’t made the playoffs since 2004, when they did it with a losing record.

The past few seasons have literally been a soap opera, reality TV at its best, except the drama was real, non-scripted.

As a Knicks fan the rebuilding excuse is starting to wear thin when defending the team. The Knicks do have a few solid players including David Lee, Chris Duhon and Wilson Chandler.

They are in desperate need of some all around players. Of course on the top of quite a few teams wish lists are Blake Griffin and Stephen Curry. I think Earl Clark, DeMar DeRozan and of course a healthy Ty Lawson could work for the Knicks.

Let’s not forget about all the quality free agents out there like Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby and Carlos Boozer to name a few. There's also trade possibilities.

It's the NBA, it's where amazing happens.

In preparation for the NBA Draft Lottery tomorrow night, I have my popcorn, my assortment of Knicks lucky charms and a star to wish for results like the 1985 NBA Draft Lottery.

Speaking of the 1985 NBA Draft, rest in peace to Wayman Tisdale. He was the No. 2 pick that year and had an amazing career both on and off the court.

Knicks Nation, we need some positive energy for tomorrow night. I have been a loyal fan for many years. I hate to say it, but I’m a losing season away from finding a new team.

Penguins-Capitals: Alex Ovechkin Cements MVP Status in Game Two

Lizz Robbins — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:06:48 -0400

Congratulations to the NBA MVP, LeBron James, on an honor well deserved.

While there was some debate over whether or not King James was the MVP, there is no debating who should be the NHL MVP. Washington Capitals LW Alexander Ovechkin lived up to the hype in Game Two in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ovechkin led the Capitals, who are the only team in the playoffs to be 2-0 in the second round thus far, to a convincing win. I won't go too deep into the stats; you can get those anywhere.

I was at the game, and the atmosphere was bananas. Getting to my seat was like walking through the Red Sea. I saw everything from red and blue Mohawks to a lip piercing with a Caps charm hanging off of it.

The first period was kind of a sleeper, unless you were among the 10 to 20 Penguins' fans at the Verizon Center.

The game picked up in the second period as Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby went goal for goal. After Dave Steckel scored a goal towards the end of the second period, I knew the Caps had it in the bag.

Can you say defense? Last time I saw defense played like this, I was listening to the "Super Bowl Shuffle."

I know I said I was done with stats, but two hat tricks in one game?=

Naturally, when Ovechkin got his hat trick, the hats flew; it took the ice crew at least 20 minutes to clean up all the hats

I lost one hat and almost lost my head to the fan sitting behind me giving his best impersonation of King Henry the VIII.

I would love to know who the one person was that threw their hat on the ice after Crosby’s hat trick. Yes, you read that right—one person.

Probably the most interesting thing of the night for me was when this guy offered me and my friend Mandy a stack of oatmeal cookies from his raw hand. If you all haven’t heard about this little thing called the swine flu, I don’t think anyone is taking any food without gloves.

Nothing beat the action on the ice...except the action off the ice. There was not one fight during the game between the teams, but quite a few after the game. It wasn't quite Pacquiao vs. Hatton, but interesting to say the least.

I’m thinking to myself, what is the purpose of you guys fighting? Do you know what some of the players from the Caps and Penguins are doing now? Probably grabbing a bite to eat.

I’m all about being enthusiastic about my team, but it’s definitely not worth losing a tooth over, unless I have a $100 million contract. Then I could just buy a whole new set.

Nonetheless, I had an amazing time and can’t wait for Game Three. Caps' fans have been waiting for a long time since the days of Peter Bondra for hockey to be exciting again, and that time has arrived.

What's Your Fantasy Sport?

Lizz Robbins — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:30:03 -0400

It use to be all about fantasy football, but now if it has anything to do with competitive sports, there’s a fantasy league for it. Just go to Yahoo!, or just about any other site. It’s not just a man thing either; fantasy sports have definitely crossed over to the female side.

My brother introduced me to fantasy football a few years ago and now I can’t get enough of it. I have four football leagues (commissioner of two of them), two basketball leagues, and I was recently talked into joining a baseball league (complicated is an understatement, but I’m learning). Just call me Triple F (Fantasy Femme Fatale, lol).

It’s fun, but you have some fanatics out there who literally go to games just to yell at individual players who aren’t scoring enough points for them. But we fantasy guru’s know it’s all about the draft. Especially the players that people don’t think are going to do well—those are the ones I usually grab (last year I drafted Adrian Peterson of the Vikings).

You have free leagues and those that you have to pay to be in. If you are getting into fantasy sports for the first time, I strongly suggest you try a free league to get a feel for the game. I have yet to win any money in a league, but my day is coming, lol.

Even though we are in the midst of the basketball playoffs and the beginning of baseball season, with the football draft being this weekend, people are already gathering players for their fantasy football teams.

For those who think it’s just computer geeks who play fantasy football, think again. Fantasy is all over the place from homes in suburbia to the tip of Alaska.

The best thing about fantasy sports is that you are in control, you pick your team, and you put in your line up—it’s kind of like being an owner (you just don’t make as much money, that’s why it’s called fantasy, lol).

You can either be a Robert Kraft or a Dan Synder . If you still think that fantasy sports have not had any influence, just check out Fantasy Congress. Yes, people, you can play politics (there are some real politicians that are “playing” politics, but that’s another blog, lol).

I used to have a strategy: Right before other owners in my leagues would put in their line-ups, I would post a bikini photo (hey, I play to win, lol). But that’s when I was the only female in the league—doesn’t quite work anymore, but I’m thinking of another strategy (I’m not telling, lol).

With so many subjects out there, I would love to hear some ideas for other fantasy sports. Post your idea below. Who knows, maybe I’ll start a league based on your idea! I’ll start with mine: “Fantasy Hollywood Marriages.” And of course, some people will have a no-trade clause…LOL!

“Fans are the only ones who really care. There are no free-agent fans.” -Dick Young