Bleacher Report - Articles by Gregory Sharpe

My Top 10 Michael Jordan Most Memorable Moments

Gregory Sharpe — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:03:26 -0400

First of the Top-10 Michael Jordan Most Memorable Moments will not be perfect... Mainly because MJ had more memorable moments than the average man can stack into his brain. The Shot, the recieved punishment from the Pistons, the punishment given to the Knicks, Heat, Pacers. The 100 ft tall Nike billboard of him in Spain for the 1992 Summer Games. The endless buzzer-beaters. The shoes, commercials, gold. You name it, and you probably have a memory of Mike doing it. But never the less we'll give it a shot. Keep in mind these are on and off-court.

Begin Slideshow

The Goal of the NBA Draft: Finding the Perfect Fit (Part Two)

Gregory Sharpe — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:52:52 -0400

Each year in the NBA Draft, teams play Russian roulette with the most valuable thing they have: a draft pick. Finding the perfect player is the goal of every general manager. Whether it be a distributor or a big time scorer, a role player or a super star, teams can get over the hump with the right pick. But the question is who fits where?

Begin Slideshow

The Goal of the NBA Draft: Find the Perfect Fit (Part One)

Gregory Sharpe — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:44:12 -0400

Each year in the NBA Draft teams play rush a roulette with the most valuable thing they have, a draft pick. Finding the perfect is the goal of every General Manager. Whether it be a distributer or a big time scorer, a role player or a super star teams can get over the hump with the right pick. But the question is who fits who?

Begin Slideshow

The Top Five College Basketball Teams Nobody Wants To Play in March

Gregory Sharpe — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:44:28 -0500

The NBA gives the little guys nearly no shot to win a championship. Milwaukee will never outlast Boston in a seven game series. Los Angeles will never fall victim to the Clippers during the first round. But College is a completely different story. Its hard to get 'lucky" in a seven-game series against a powerhouse. But in a one-game winner take all... "Luck" is all you need.

Begin Slideshow

Why Texas Will Be the Next Team to Get Left Out of the BCS Title Game

Gregory Sharpe — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:35:03 -0500

There are few teams in the country with a resume like Texas, but odds are a good resume won't put place the Horns' in Miami on January 8.

Sure the Mack Brown's team is ranked No. 2 but it will take a slew of events to keep them in the driver's seat. Sure in the past Texas has controlled their own destiny but this season is slightly different. So let's get to the meat of this equation.

October 11: Texas hangs around after being down early against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl, puts the clamps on Sam Bradford in the second half and takes down the then No. 1 ranked Sooners. Horns' jump to the top spot.

October 18: Texas puts the first 35 points on the board against Chase Daniel, blasting Mizzou 56-31. (The game was not as close as the scores makes it seem.) 'Horns stay No. 1.

October 25: Undefeated Oklahoma State rolls into Austin and plays tough, but still rolls out a loser 28-24. (This one was as close as the score makes it seem.) Still No. 1.

November 1: Texas goes to Lubbock to play the Red Raiders. Brian Orakpo and Quan Cosby both go down with injuries. The Longhorns play their worst game of the year, only to stage a comeback and take the lead with a little over a minute left on the clock. Graham Harrell completes a pass to Michael Crabtree with three seconds remaining. Crabtree shakes off an arm tackle and struts into the endzone with one second left. Texas falls 33-39. Drop to No. 4.

So Tech jumps to No. 2, Oklahoma quietly moves to No. 5, Texas drops to No. 4.

Seemed like the whole thing would figured itself out. Most of the nation assumed the Tech/Oklahoma matchup would be close. If Tech were to barely edge out the Sooners then they would be on their way to the BCS Championship Game. If OU squeaked by Tech, most of the country probably would still think Texas was the better team so there would be no argument. But just to further prove the NCAA needs a playoff, Oklahoma smashes Tech 65-21 in Norman this past Saturday. And now the fun begins. Three teams with identical overall and conference records:

So it seems simple, Tech barely beats a wounded Texas team that played terrible in Lubbock. The Sooners play well but still lose to Texas by 10 on a neutral field. OU bashes Tech at home. Seems fairly simple, Texas won on a neutral and just scored too soon in their away game. OU didn't play a tough away game this year and lost in Dallas. Tech was dismantled in their only away test this year and were the beneficiary of bad tackling on a nearly un-tackle-able player.

Texas moves to No. 2 in the BCS, OU hops to No. 3 and Tech falls to No. 7.

As of now Texas owns the BIG XII South tie-breaker due to their higher BCS ranking. But...

OU goes to Stillwater this weekend for their Bedlam Series with Oklahoma State. If the Sooners put the hammer down on Oklahoma State (who Texas was able to beat by just four points) in anywhere near the same fashion they did Tech then presumably Bob Stoops and his team will be on their way back to the Big XII Championship Game for the sixth time in 12 years.

Not so fast, Texas fans. Do not go rooting for Oklahoma State just yet, an OU loss to the Cowboys on Saturday breaks the three-way tie in the South, leaving Texas and Texas Tech tied at the top of the division. The bad news for Texas is the Red Raiders own the tie-breaker because of their head-to-head victory of the Longhorns.

Now, a Tech loss and a OU win will put Texas in Kansas City in two weeks but chances are with Tech playing Baylor on Saturday and the Red Raiders still having a shot at the Big XII Championship Game, Mike Leach will rip Baylor's 98th-ranked pass defense apart.

Even if the stars were to align just right and Texas did make it to Kansas City in two weeks, the Longhorns would still have to play a 13th-ranked Missouri squad with payback-minded Chase Daniel in the cold. Texas has never won a Big 12 title game outdoors, and with a struggling ground game Colt McCoy will need to be at his best to beat the Tigers who face Kansas in this weekend at... Arrowhead Stadium, the sight of the Big XII title game.

So with the Tigers already playing what is essentially a rivalry/warm-up game this week in Kansas City, saying Missouri might have a bit of an advantage in the title game over whoever wins the Big XII South might be not be a stretch.

Both Alabama and Florida have tough tests in front of them, and both of those teams taking a loss before the end of the season isn't at all out of the question. The Big XII could possibly end up with two teams in the National Championship game. At this point, surprisingly, that probably gives Texas the best chance at backing their way into Miami.

So on behalf of every Longhorns fan:

Go Baylor! Go 'Noles! Go Tigers!

My Top 5: Elephants, Lions, Gators and... Raiders...

Gregory Sharpe — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:15:16 -0500

So far this year being ranked number one has been a pain in the you-know-what. But for a select few teams, losses suffered while occupying the No. 1 spot might not be a deal breaker for their National Championship hopes.

Presumably, every team in the Top Ten has a chance at playing in Miami on Jan. 8.

1. Alabama, 9-0

The Tide have their toughest test to this point when the roll into Baton Rouge on Saturday to battle LSU for the SEC West title.

Alabama had what seemed to be a tough schedule, starting off with Clemson in the Georgia Dome and recently handling Georgia in Athens. But after a thumping by Florida in Jacksonville last weekend the win versus Georgia looks about as good as the win on Clemson did.

Those two wins have lost some of their luster and will probably lose a bit more before the end of the regular season. Undoubtedly, Alabama has the talent and the coaching to win it all this year, but a lot other teams who have actually been battle tested seem to have what it takes as well.

If not this week, at the SEC Championship Game against Florida, look for Alabama to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten.

2. Texas Tech, 9-0

A lot of missed opportunities and dropped balls, plus the best effort I've ever seen after a catch, propelled Tech to No. 2 in my poll. But staying there might be harder than getting there.

Oklahoma State is coming to town and bringing along an offense that is second to none. Two running backs averaging more than six yards per carry, the nation's second best wide receiver and a quarterback that just doesn't make mistakes.

Add a defense that hasn't allowed more than 30 points all season, and Tech's spot near the top might be short-lived. Even if the Red Raiders do get past the Pokes, their last test will be against OU in Norman...I smell another ABC Friday Night game in BIG XII country.

3. Penn State, 9-0

Unfortunately for Penn State, even if they were to go undefeated, chances are they could be jumped by three or four different one-loss teams. Blame the competition: the Big 10 isn't what it used to be.

4. Texas, 8-1

The Longhorns had the most impressive loss of the year. Showing the heart of a champion, Colt McCoy brought his team back from a 22-6 halftime deficit, only to leave a few too many seconds on the clock.

Look for Quan Cosby and Brian Orakpo to come back from injuries this week and the Horns to run up the score for the next three games to gain fashion points among voters.

5. Florida, 7-1

Tim Tebow and his NFL combine backfield have run over their two biggest obstacles, LSU and Georgia, hanging half-a-hundred on both. Florida is probably the best one-loss team left, and if their loss to Ole Miss wouldn't have come so soon, they would more than likely be in the driver seat.

Longhorns vs. Sooners: Let the Trash Talk Begin

Gregory Sharpe — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:46:50 -0400

Every October, thousands flock from all over Texas and Oklahoma to the Texas State Fair to see what is arguably the best rivalry in football.

I hear Michigan and Ohio State; USC and UCLA; Florida and Florida State, and many other games that are about way more than just football. But for the last 10 years, this is the only game that has had National Championship dreams tied to it every season.

This rivalry goes way beyond the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Its about not just two schools, but two states that hate each other. Even before Oklahoma was admitted into the union and state lines were drawn at the Red River back in 1907, the Horns and Sooners were getting it on.

The first game was played in Austin in 1900, the series wasn't moved to it neutral site in Dallas until 1912, mainly for the purpose of recruiting high school players in the area.

Since moving to Dallas the rivalry has began to get "testy" to say the least. I don't think there is a team hated more in the state of Texas than Oklahoma. And when I say "hate", I mean "hate". I could only guess the situation in likewise up north about Texas. And not just the Longhorns, but the whole state.

Since Bob Stoops took over in Norman, the game has became a little more intense. Oklahoma has seemed to reap the benefits of big-game chokers like Chris Simms and the few years that OU has been down the Horns have kicked 'em to say the least.

I think this season is the first that there has been no real favorite. Both teams are undefeated, which is no surprise and not unusual.

Both quarterbacks are playing out of their minds. Sam Bradford has thrown for 18 touchdowns and only 30 incompletions, Colt McCoy 16 touchdowns with only 27 incompletions.

Both defenses are stacked, though Texas is a bit young and both offenses have been scoring in their sleep. Something's gotta give.

I look for this one to be another classic. Like Stoney Clark stopping James Allen at the goal line, or Roy Williams high jumping the entire UT offensive line to force a fumble in the end-zone. The tradition of the game ensure one thing the relationship between Texas and Oklahoma will always be a perfect example of love hate. The winner will be cheered by the loser for the rest of season for the sake of keeping up schedule strength but encouraged to lose when Texas Tech comes up on the schedule.

The Passion That Is Flag Football (And Other Intramural Sports)

Gregory Sharpe — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:57:40 -0400

Around the country every year millions of young boys are born with the dreams of being a professional athlete. But 18-20 years late, after the pictures and parties that swirl around high school graduation or done. About 99% of young men experience the harsh reality that is “real life,” for with the reception of a diploma means the loss of their athletic dream.

But with the inception of intramural sports no longer does a short walk across a stage mean the end of an athletic career. No longer does the quarterback from the small 1-A high school who got no scholarship offers have to sit back on Saturdays and watch the sport of champions that he once played. No longer does the basketball fanatic that could never make squad all through high school have to settle for being the water boy. And no longer does the kid with zero athletic ability have to join the band to touch the field.

I started off at Texas State in the fall of 2006 and had no idea what intramural sports were. I went to a junior college and we didn’t have them. During my first year here I would drive by Bobcat Village and Strahan Coliseum and see people running around all over the place, Gatorade jugs and some sidelines jazzed up with giant wooden fraternity letters. But until the fall of 2007 I never quite understood why.

Stepping on an intramural field and strapping a flag around your waste is one of the most intense feelings I’ve had. Basketball was my thing and high school only allowed a player to play one sport so I was always in the stands during Friday night football games. So the first time I stepped under the lights last fall I was a rush matched by few other things.

The atmosphere is intense to say the least. Two games going on at once right beside each other. Coeds on the sideline, I know that might sound kind of corny but let’s consider the circumstances. High school football, you’re on the field, girls are in the stands. You’re wearing a helmet; no one can see your face. And there are 11 players, so if you do mess up, there’s a chance they might not have been able to tell it was you.

But in intramurals, there’s no escaping. No bleachers, no helmets and there will be no confusing you with anyone else. Now that’s pressure.

But what I love most about intramural sports, football especially, the playing fields are leveled. The slow, guy with the inhaler, the coke bottle glasses, and size 28 waist can still play. There are no try outs. You pay, you play; it’s that simple.

The guy who can’t jump over a quarter can play on a basketball team. Might not be any good, but he can still play.

The dude with bones like glass is no longer considered fresh meat can now play football because tackles are illegal.

And the hefty girl who jut didn’t have the quickness to make it off the B-team pine can now start her own volleyball team, and even keep those tropical skittles she oh loves so much tucked away safely in her ever so stretched spandex tights.

“Sport” is defined as an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition.. “Athlete” is defined as a person trained to compete in sports or exercises. So clearly you don’t have to be an athlete to participate in sports. And that’s what I love about intramural sports, it’s okay not to be an “athlete.” It’s okay to just “be.”

Aaron Rodgers: Suck It Up

Gregory Sharpe — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:20:27 -0400

Aaron Rodgers can preach all he wants about not trying to live up to the legacy that Brett Favre. Anyone put behind center after the departure of someone who was and still is the face of the franchise is going to a rough time, to say the least. Check the past:

Jake Plummer was a very good quarterback, but nowhere near John Elway who, to add even more pressure, ended his career in Denver with two straight Super Bowl wins.

Does anyone outside of the lone-star state even remember who stepped in after three-time Super Bowl Champ Troy Aikman retired from the Cowboys? Was it:

A) Quincy Carter

B) Anthony Wright

C) Ryan Leaf

D) Clint Stoener

E) All of the above

If you chose "A" you are correct.

Steve Young, Jim Kelly, Terry Bradshaw, the list goes on for miles.

And now a sore shoulder might sideline Rodgers for what was to be only his fifth start. I know assumptions make an ass out of you and me, but I would assume that if Rodgers doesn't start on Sunday in a crucial game for the 2-2 Packers it will make an ass out of him too.

The numbers are there, but the results haven't been for Rodgers and the Cheese Heads. Defenses are at a disadvantage in the beginning weeks of the season. No tape to watch, new schemes, and new personnel on every team.

Hey I'm not asking him to be the new iron man of the NFL, but let’s just think about this from the perspective of the average fan, or better yet the average boss of any company.

"Hey Aaron, the guy who worked this position before you was at work every day for the past 15 years, and was one of the best workers this industry has ever seen. You're mediocre at yours and you're calling in sick after a month because of a sore arm?"

Rodgers can swear up and down that the he doesn’t feel the weight of an icon on his shoulders every day, but it’s nearly impossible not to.

"I don't need that, 'Oh, you've got to play because Brett played 250 in a row.' I don't need that. I have pride in myself," Rodgers said in a press conference earlier this week.

Rodgers has been under some scrutiny for the last few weeks during a slump that has seen the Pack's success decline on the offensive side of the ball. There’s one thing that will help Rodgers get through this year, it is to embrace the pressure.

Nearly everyone that has ever said "no pressure" has failed. Pressure is good if you know how to turn it into motivation.

Rodgers has been trying so hard not to be Brett Favre that he's doing himself an injustice. I know if I were a quarterback I would aspire to be like Brett. Most touchdown passes in the history of the NFL, 279 straight starts, Super Bowl ring, future Hall of Fame inductee, MVP, and All-Pro...Why not?

Nobody said go throw a touchdown pass under-handed with three defensive linemen dragging you to the turf, but please, at least try to excel; because if this is the best you can do, it will be the longest season and shortest career fans have ever seen.

Which BCS Team Is the Most Overrated in 2008?

Gregory Sharpe — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 05:47:59 -0400

Who is the most overrated team coming into to 2008?

I think there were a lot of teams in college football in 2007 that, if it were basketball, would have been considered a "Cinderella."

Missouri and Kansas came out of nowhere to have good seasons and now they're being called "powers."

Mizzou beat up on their opponents, until the Big 12 championship game when they finally faced an inspired defense in Oklahoma. They didn't play Texas and squeaked past Kansas in their final regular-season game.

But I, for one, am not sure the Tigers are for real; this year, they will get tested, a lot. OU, Texas, a dangerous K-State team, and once again the Kansas Jayhawks to wrap it up. They've got a shot at a Big 12 title, since the rest of the teams will just eat each other alive. BCS title game? Don't hold your breath.

Kansas' bubble, I think, will bust. Reesing will have a tough time repeating what he accomplished last year. He doesn't have the help on the offensive help that Chase Daniel's has. On the defensive side of the ball, he doesn't have what he did last year with Talib now in the NFL.

I'd look for their season to start a downward spiral on Oct. 18 at OU. They could presumably lose their last six games. OU, Texas Tech, KSU, Nebraska, Texas and then Mizzou. They'll be good, but I wouldn't get hopes set on another 11-1 record.

Virginia Tech have been perennial underachievers since Michael Vick left. To be honest, since the ACC split to divisions, the whole conference hasn't been what it used to be.

Texas Tech is good, but they've always been...good. But never better than just "good." It kills me to hear people say they've got a shot to get to the BCS Championship Game.

Everywhere I look it's, Graham Harrell this, Crabtree that. Crabtree is a beast I admit, but Harrell doesn't really impress me. He set a lot of records and threw a bunch of TD passes, but he plays for Texas Tech, every quarterback to ever start for Mike Leach set records: yards, touchdowns, and also attempts.

And where are they now? What did they win during their times in Lubbock? No conference titles, not even a Big 12 South division title.

They will do what they always do, play spoiler and beat either OU, Mizzou, or Texas, but lose to a team they should blow-out and spend another year in a one of the 30 bowl games that nobody will watch. And Graham Harrell will set another record in vain.

Arizona State is ranked 16 in the preseason polls and second in their conference, which I believe is a bit high. No knock on ASU, but I think the Pac-10 will have some schools bust out of slumps.

UCLA has new staff, a future star in freshman Aundre Dean, and too much pride to have another year like '07. Cal is always a threat and Washington will be better than last year, now that their offense has finally gotten a full offseason under their belt.

And oh yeah, the Sun Devils play Georgia, @ Cal, @ USC, and a home game against Oregon in a four-week span. I'd bet on them dropping at least three of those four.

I love my Longhorns, but I think they will have a down year. Even a down year in Austin will get them 10 wins and at least the Holiday Bowl. The season starts in a few weeks, and they have no starter at running back due to Jamaal Charles' bolt to the draft.

Man if he would have stayed, he could of had a shot to be the schools leading all-time rusher. I'm sure he would have been invited to the Heisman ceremony, though he probably wouldn't have won it, and Texas would have a legit shot at winning the Big 12.

Either way, I think Texas will do their usual, beat everyone they should the first few weeks, lose to OU in Dallas in a close one, work their way back up the polls, only to lose one more and break the hearts of everyone in Austin. Man, I hope I'm wrong. Go Horns!

Wisconsin is a team that will probably win every game in the Big 10, except the two they need to win for them to have a chance at a title. Michigan, in the Big House, and Ohio State in Madison. They also make a trip to sunny Fresno, CA to play the Bulldogs, who are always dangerous, whether it be at home or away.

Georgia is...I don't know why, but I'm not ready to jump on that bandwagon yet. I think the No. 1 ranking is a bit too high. No. 1 means they are they best in the land right now, and I'm not so sure I believe that.

Top five for sure, maybe even top three, but No. 1? I can't quite buy that just yet. The Dawgs' got a lot of hype over that thrashing they put on Hawaii and Colt Brennan, but considering it was Hawaii, it didn't hold much weight in my eyes.

Hawaii had no fans in New Orleans because of the distance and looked like a pee-wee team compared to Georgia's offensive lines. Knowshon Moreno was the size of a Hawaii linebacker.

If they beat South Carolina and Arizona State soundly on Sept. 13 and 20, then I'm a believer, and I think those off-field problems they have will be forgotten about very quickly. The back half of their schedule is tough though, and that's where they will probably go down.

I'm sure a lot of y'all have comments and beefs with this article, so let the games begin.

USC Has Turned into Running Back U—and Joe McKnight Is the Next Grad

Gregory Sharpe — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:14:45 -0400

Over the last 50 years, USC has dished out five Heisman Trophy-winning running backs. That's one per decade! Something tells me there will be another name added to that list sometime in the next three years—Joe McKnight.

Equipped with talents similar to those of the most recent USC tailback to win the award, McKnight has the speed, elusiveness, and moves to take the college game by storm in a season that will see USC play fresh meat in the quarterback spot. The Trojans will rely heavily on the run game early during the season until whichever man under center settles in.

Ohio State will come to Los Angeles in Week Two, and something tells me Pete Carroll will unleash and reveal Joe McKnight to the world against their rivals from the Big Ten.

Last year's Rose Bowl didn't help the psyche of the Buckeyes. USC dismantled Illinois, who made the only blemish on Ohio State's record before their second straight BCS Championship letdown.

LSU was too fast for the Ohio State D—and aside from Trindon Holliday, their speed is average at best. McKnight ran roughshod over the Illini, racking up a total of 206 all-purpose yards on only 19 touches.

Look for McKnight to get Reggie Bush-type touches—at least 30 total per game this season. If he performs this season against Cal, UCLA, Notre Dame, and Ohio State like he did against Illinois in the Rose Bowl, then the trophy should be his.

If he can lead the Men of Troy to the BCS Championship Game in Miami—the same place where USC won their last title—then it's safe to say the Heisman will be his.

Dear Team USA: A Message to Our Team on Behalf of Every American

Gregory Sharpe — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:55:48 -0400

Dear USA Basketball,

These days the United States is struggling through a housing crisis, there are more unemployed Americans than anytime in history, and the dollar is currently the Euro's bitch.

So at a time like this, thank God for the Olympics.

We will win more gold medals in the Games than any other country—always have and probably always will. But in 2008 the one we want the most is in basketball.

Other sports in the Olympics are mainly individual. Tyson Gay vs. Asafa Powell in 100 meter dash. Michael Phelps against the rest of the the U.S. Olympic Swim Team. The list goes on.

But in basketball, the sport we created, it's us against the world! Not just the host team Yao Ming (a.k.a. China), not Argentina, not just Pau Gasol, but the Entire World.

Everybody wants to be us. For most of the teams, beating us is their gold medal. Greece can go 1-9 in the tournament, but as long as that one win is against the U.S., then their mission is accomplished.

And the crazy part is, the bullseye on your backs has never been bigger. People see the U.S.A Basketball team as a wounded duck, and every country in the world is waiting in line to kick us while we're down.

But that's just it—you're not down.

You are still the best team on this Earth. All you have to do is play like it! The Original Dream Team went out to every game in Barcelona in '92 with a purpose—not just to win, but to completely embarrass the other country.

And that should be your goal this month. Don't just win, make a statement. Make the Chinese wish they had never hosted the Olympics by embarrassing them in front of their entire country. Make every player on Argentina's and Spain's teams wish they would have stuck to soccer.

LeBron and Kobe, I know you had a tough time in the playoffs and the Finals over the past two years, but here's a chance to do something much bigger than winning the so-called "World Championship"—winning a gold medal. A real "World Championship."

Play together and it should be a piece of cake. Prove you are not only the best players in the world, but also the best team.

You've also got a chance to make difference in the lives of more than just Americans. This is your stage to help the people of Darfur by making a statement, no matter how minimal, against host China, which is are helping fuel the genocide in the Sudan.

In 1968, John Carlos and Tommie Smith announced their presence and cause to the world during the medal ceremony in Mexico City, with nothing more than two black gloves. LeBron, you are the most influential and recognized athlete in the world, and the rest of you guys are household names as well. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Its you agaisnt the world, fellas. Make us proud. 360 million strong in America have your back. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.

Sincerely,

The United States of America

Tiger Woods' Injury Has Left Golf with a Void That Can't Be Filled

Gregory Sharpe — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:05:05 -0400

Tiger Woods, the ultimate competitor, has left golf dangling in the realm of panic. Since winning the U.S. Open Woods underwent another knee surgery and left the world of PGA golf without a face.

The entire PGA has moved to the back page of the sports section and to nothing more than the "Bottom Line" ticker of ESPN. On ESPN Radio with Scott Van Pelt, Tiger himself admitted he hasn't even been watching golf.

So I ask myself, has the departure of a single athlete ever hurt a sport this much? When Jordan walked away from basketball the first time in 1994, 98' or 2003 the league didn't seem to miss a beat, and he was basketball to say the least.

Football players usually retire on the backside of their careers, except John Elway, but the league was never really hurt when that happened. Heck, the Packers are pushing Brett Favre away.

Baseball seems to be happy with Roger "Roid-Rage" Clemens chilling in Houston this season.

Maybe Hockey, the sport took a pretty big hit when Gretzky retired, but now they have a new pulse thanks to Sid the Kid.

Soccer is blasting out young superstars into the spotlight every year, as early as 17 years old.

But golf needs someone to be able to pick up the slack when Tiger's on sabbatical. "Lefty" could do it but since Wing-Foot he's been good for nothing but a story about falling from greatness. Sergio Garcia doesn't have the swagger, the consistency, or the confidence to fill Eldrick's shoes, even for a month or two. Even if he were to win a few tourneys all he would do is thank Tiger for not being in attendance, again.

Golf needs to do more to market its other top-tier players. Tiger's commercials alone will keep him in the limelight even if he were to never win another tournament. A prime example is the Nike spot with Tiger bouncing the golf ball on the club for 30 seconds then blasting the paint off of it; it was one of the best ever, but I bet that every player on the tour could do that.

I even saw Carson Palmer do it on YouTube. If the PGA wants its sport to excel, they need to back their golfers as Nike backs Tiger. Until then he's got that sport by the short and curly's and there's nothing they can do about it. Hope Tiger doesn't decide to retire early...

Gilbert Arenas: Ballin' In More Ways Than One

Gregory Sharpe — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:30:17 -0400

"Hibachi" has done it again. Gilbert Arenas is the modern day Deion Sanders of sports. Young, flashy and now filthy rich! After turning down $126 million and instead settling for $111 million form the Washington Wizards back in June, Gilbert has already started the spending spree.

Arenas has reportedly dropped a cool milli on a new pool for his Washington D.C. home. Equipped with not one, but two grottos. Oh, and what's a pool without a small man-made mountain built right on the side?

Agent Zero has propelled himself to a superstar in the NBA over the past two seasons. Never shy to back down from a challenge, Arenas' swagger has made him a hot topic. After being snubbed from the 2008 U.S. Senior Men's Team that will begin competition in Beijing next week, Arenas expressed his desires to get a little payback against the head coach Mike Krzyzewski for leaving him off the squad.

“One college game, that’s five fouls, right? … 40-minute game at Duke, they got soft rims; I’d probably score 84 or 85. I wouldn’t pass the ball. I wouldn’t even think about passing it. It would be like a NBA Live or an NBA 2K7 game, you just shoot with one person,” Arenas said.

Only Gilbert. Only Gilbert would pledge to torch a bunch of guys who are seven years younger and $111 million less fortunate. I love this guy. He's the ultimate competitor and showman all rolled into one. His trademark of throwing his jersey into the stands after the game has also added to his lore and sparked other ideas that he's shared with the public:

"You know how I always throw my jersey into the stands after a game? In Washington, they just go crazy for it. So in this commercial, that's what I'm gonna do with my shoes. I've just hit a game winner, and I throw these shoes. Everyone starts to react, and you see everything in slow motion. Everyone's pushing, shoving, doing whatever it takes to try to get to these shoes. People from the 400 level, they're jumping off the ledge, they're missing the pile, hitting nothing but chairs, and you can just see in people's faces like, 'Ooooh, that hurt.'

While all this stuff's going on, one of the shoes pops out of the crowd, and a little girl gets it and she takes off. A couple of people see she has it, and they start chasing her, and she's looking back running—and then she gets clotheslined by a kid in a wheelchair. So he picks the shoe up and says—he's gonna have the only line in there—"They said I couldn't get it. Heh. Impossible is nothing." And then he rolls off."

But even better than the off the court antics (such as buying a pool worth more than your entire car collection, nicknaming yourself after the hottest grill on the market or spending a million on your own birthday party) is the on the court showcase that Arenas puts on when he's in the spotlight.

For example, early 2007, Gilbert dumped in three buzzer-beaters in three months time, all three's and all without even looking to see if the ball went in the net. After the release of each game winner, "Hibachi" would instantly head toward the locker room as if each shot was a forgone conclusion!

Also in early 2007, he put the hurt on the Pheonix Suns and their head coach, who is an assistant coach for (who else) the U.S. National Team. After dropping 54 on the Suns, Gil pledged to blaze Portland and their head coach Nate McMillan, who is also an assistant with the National Team.

And how could we forget Gilbert's big night in Hollywood on December 17, back in 2006. Arenas outplayed Kobe Bryant, scoring 60 points to go along with eight rebounds and eight assists, almost single handily willing the Wizards to victory and setting an NBA record for points in an overtime with 16.

Ladies and gentlemen, number one in the art of blowing money and in our hearts, "Agent Zero," "Hibachi," Gilbert Arenas.

Splashing Cash: Chelsea Is At It Again

Gregory Sharpe — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:58:34 -0400

The pursuit of another top finish in the English Premiership and Champions League has spawned Chelsea to break the bank once again this transfer season.

After already signing Deco away from Barcelona and Jose' Bosingwa, the Blues have set their sights on Brazilian star Robinho.

Chelsea has made their efforts of signing the midfielder very clear, and with Robinho’s current club, Real Madrid, making efforts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, the possibilities of Chelsea completing their goal of bringing the 24 year-old to London is very possible.

There's only so much money to go around and affording both would be pricey.

With Robinho’s versatility in the lineup, Chelsea’s offensive game would get a boost in tempo next season, which is exactly what it will need to challenge Manchester United and the once again loaded Premiership field.

Chelsea has also been rumored to be making an attempt to sign current FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka away from AC Milan. Chelsea is reportedly willing to crush the previous record for a transfer fee and offer Milan €125 million for the midfielder.

So the question remains, can buying the best players in the world guarantee not only wins, but championships?

'Real' Nightmare: Will things ever be the same in England for Ronaldo?

Gregory Sharpe — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:28:47 -0400

Cristiano Ronaldo has done it all in 2008: In a lot of people's eyes [he] was World Football Player of the Year, restored his Manchester United squad to both dominance and prominence by winning the Premiership and the UEFA Champions League, scored a record 42 goals in 49 games in the 2007/2008 season, and has become the topic of the day in every country—even in America—but for all the wrong reasons.

Ronaldo is at the top of the mountain, he's reached his peak at the tender age of 23 and now seems to have also reached his lowest point. After winning the Champions League, what seemed to be the start of a long and beautiful friendship between him and his club has turned to a nightmare.

Ronaldo has suddenly for no apparent reason had a change of heart about Manchester United and voiced his desires to join Spanish perennial powerhouse and 2008 underachievers Real Madrid.

But why? Did Tom Brady demand a trade after he won MVP or the Superbowl? Did Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant demand to be traded after ripping through the NBA with ease on their way to back-to-back-to-back titles? Did Derek Jeter demand a trade after he started his Yankees career winning enough rings to open a jewelry store? The answer to all of the above, Hell No!

What is this guys problem? There is nothing that Real Madrid can do for Ronaldo that Manchester cannot. He just won every award and title under the sun and now he's begging to leave in a place that he practically owns. Star athletes, I'll never understand them.

Thank the man upstairs for managers like Sir Alex Ferguson. Fergie, I applaud you for not giving in to these childish and immature demands. Refusing to transfer Ronaldo will do wonders for the front offices of clubs in all sports all around the world. Stars these day are too nomadic. Ronaldo just signed a five year contract in 2007, and now not even a year later he will give anything to leave England, I don't get it.

Better yet, if you're Real Madrid, who's to say he won't want to jump ship after one season in Spain. How can you trust a man who is on top of the world and still not satisfied? Realistically, Ronaldo could go to Madrid, win every title in the universe, every award in the galaxy, and still demand another transfer in 2009 to a different club and give no excuse for doing so, just as he is doing now.

Contrary to what he may believe, Madrid might not be the best place for Ronaldo. Midfielder Wesley Sneijder has already expressed his opinion on the matter, making it very clear that Real Madrid really doesn't need Ronaldo and have a squad good enough to win ever league they play in, it's just simply a matter of going out there and doing it.

He also made very clear that the salary the Ronaldo would demand, which might even double some of Madrid's current stars salaries, might not sit very well in the locker room.

But the biggest question for Ronaldo is not whether United will free him from their grasp, but whether they really want him back on the pitch for them in August. Ronaldo is currently rehabbing from knee surgery while his comrades are on their preseason world tour.

The stars comments have been the talk of the entire offseason for the Red Devils, most of which he hasn't even been present for. Carlos Tevez came out yesterday and told the English press what he felt of the situation,

"I understand Cristiano. Every footballer wants to play at Real Madrid. On the other hand, I also think that everyone wants to play for Manchester United, but if what he seeks is something else, I think that should be respected."

Now you could read those words and think Carlos is taking Ronaldo's side, or you could read them and see what Carlos probably really means:

Let him go, if he wants to leave let him! We can win without him! I'm here, Wayne Rooney is here, forget Ronaldo, lets go! We can win without him!

Whatever you do Fergie, do it quick, because we're all tired of talking about somebody who isn't even here! Let him go, get Sneijder in return and plug him in. And oh yea, don't forget to schedule an exhibition with Real Madrid!

I think Manchester has the goods to let Ronaldo go, and if the rumors are correct and Madrid is really willing to drop up to 80 million euro's on bringing the 23-year-old to Spain, Man U will have more than enough funds to go out and buy a solid midfielder—or three—to replace him.

Carson Palmer Might Need Security

Gregory Sharpe — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:43:58 -0400

There are a few things you just don't do in life:

1) You don't piss into the wind.

2) You don't curse in a church.

3) You never hit a woman.

4) And, exclusively for Ohio residents, you don't bash the Buckeyes.

Well, Carson Palmer's comments were seen as treason by much of the state of Ohio. Apparently Carson's relocation to Ohio from the sunny-surf state of California back in 2003 was supposed to rid him of his ties to his alma mater, USC.

Carson never got the message.

And I quote, "It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university, and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there."

Wow! Imagine the "onions" on that guy.

I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that the only reason he's still alive is because he is the quarterback of the home-state Cincinnati Bengals. And he's actually pretty good.

I guarantee that if John Kitna would have said anything remotely close to the tongue lashing that Carson just dropped on OSU, he would have been burned in effigy.

"I just can't wait for two years from now when SC comes to the 'Shoe and hopefully we'll have a home game that weekend and I can go up there and watch us pound on them in their own turf."

Now that is school pride!

The USC Trojans' football family is the closest knit in all of college football. Or least neck-and-neck with "The U", down there in Miami.

"I'm really getting sick of it and I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience LA and get an old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whoopin' and go back to the Big Ten."

Not only does he have enough school spirit to start a fire, but Palmer has enough pride in his counterparts to diss the oldest football conference in America.

Gonads, my friends. Gonads!

Victim Of Its Own Success: Star Athletes Running Straight Out Of Austin Early

Gregory Sharpe — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:19:07 -0400

The Longhorn basketball team has been shredded by players leaving after one or two years to declare themselves for the NBA draft. Every player except Tucker has gone in the first round, and each year Rick Barnes does it again by reloading with some of the best talent in the nation.

Last year it was the previously mentioned Kevin Durant who bolted for the NBA after one season. If it weren’t for the newly nineteen year-old restriction rule in the NBA Durant would have not even have stepped foot in Austin.

Its a growing trend, have one good season, go pro. Do it while you’re hot on the market. Durant and T.J. Ford both won National Player of the Year Awards the same season they made the jump. Augustin and Tucker were both All-Americans.

But as Gibson, Aldridge were, Abrams were all good players but none were the kind of player that could take over the game whenever they wanted and will their team to victory. They were all drafted on potential and so far Gibson and Aldridge have been better than anticipated with their respected teams.

Abrams is in luck, in a league that is becoming more guard oriented because of a lack of dominant big men, pure shooters are at a premium in the NBA. A guy that can step in and hit a jump-shot from nearly anywhere on the floor will be an asset to any team. He might never be a star but hey, Michael Jordan had his Steve Kerr, Larry Bird had his Danny Ainge, LeBron has his Daniel "Boobie" Gibson and soon some star in the league will have his A.J. Abrams.

As for the Longhorn Football Team, after what seemed to be a one man job by then Red-shirt Junior, Vince Young as electrified the country, beating the mighty USC Trojans (who themselves looked like an NFL squad) in the 2006 Rose Bowl National Championship Game, Mack Brown is now having to address the same problem Rick Barnes has been dealing with since 2003 when T.J. Ford became the first to leave early bouncing from the program as a sophomore.

This season alone he’s watched his best offensive threat and his next superstar launch themselves into the NFL Draft. Junior, running back Jamaal Charles had the season of a lifetime rushing for more than 1,500 yards, majority of those coming in the later half of the season and Red-shirt Sophomore, Jermichael Finley leave for what seems to be no apparent reason. They both were drafted in the third round. A reasonable position for Finely considering he's being drafted on potential and not his output from 2007.

Both Finley and Charles might have been wise to stay one more seaosn and be a lottery. This years draft was littered with quality halfbacks which watered down Charles' true value.

Finely who has the size and the speed to be a home run threat once he has a little more on field experience also could have benefited from one more season in a Longhorn offense that has sent its last two starting tight ends to the NFL, Bo Scaife, a starter in Tennessee and David Thomas (whose waiting his turn behind Tony Gonzales in Kansas City.)

No Risk, No Reward: Darren McFadden is Worth the Baggage

Gregory Sharpe — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:24:00 -0400

140 rushing yards per game, 1,830 yards rushing for the season, six yards per carry, 21 total touchdowns (five of which he threw), First Team All-American, and a defeat of the eventual National Champions, LSU, which he seemed to do single-handedly. Risk? What Risk?

If there’s a risk, please show me. What player isn’t a risk when they will eventually be worth boat-loads of money? Hell, life is a risk. Anyone in the spotlight will be targeted. If they are involved in an altercation, no matter how minimal, it will be all over the six o’clock news.

It comes with the responsibility of being a superstar. Michael Jordan liked to gamble. He was rich enough to place $100,000 bets and not think twice. What’s a hundred grand to a guy with a hundred mil? I have around 100 dollars in my bank account right now, and no one will say a word if I bet one dollar on a ball game.

McFadden's risk factor stems from a different situation than M.J.’s. "Run DMC", as he’s known by most of the country, is from Little Rock, Arkansas, the capital city of a state that is, and has been, stricken by gang activity since the late 1980s. Gang violence inspired HBO to do a special on the city, "Gang Bangin in Little Rock", which was seen by every gangster in America.

Little Rock is not an easy place to grow up. His mother struggled with a drug problem throughout Darren’s life, and his family members, at times, have been known to get him into trouble in night clubs and other social scenes.

But what star athlete doesn't deal with these things?

Kobe Bryant was acquitted of a rape charge two years ago. Do you think NBA general managers wouldn’t tear down a brick wall to sign him?

LeBron was under investigation for accepting illegal gifts when he was in high school. That pick seemed to work out pretty well for the Cavs.

Randy Moss was a "trouble maker" during his days at Marshall. He then fell to pick number 21, and all he’ll do is go down in history as the best receiver of all-time. And oh yeah, he's probably been worth the "trouble."

Yet many people still see McFadden as too big of a risk for anyone to waste a pick on.

One Dallas reporter went as far as to call his mother, who has been clean for sometime now, a crack addict and criticized McFadden for being one of twelve children born to her.

"McFadden, like Pacman, comes from a hellish home life. He grew up in gang-infested Little Rock, one of crack addict Mini Muhammad’s 12 kids. One of the biggest concerns about McFadden is that the bad influences in his life are his flesh and blood." Tim MacMahon, Dallas Morning News.

When did the amount of children a mother has become a negative against those children?

On June 26, McFadden was drafted third overall by the Oakland Raiders. Not shocking, considering Raiders owner Al Davis’ love of high-profile, and sometimes "high-risk", stars.

He took Moss off of the Vikings’ hands when he had overstayed his welcome in Minnesota. Shortly after, he snagged quarterback Donte’ Culpepper from the Vikings as well. He brought in an aging Jerry Rice when no one else would sign him, and took a chance on defensive tackle Warren Sapp .

And that’s just in the last eight years. Darren will be far away from Little Rock, for what will presumably end up being the rest of his adult life. But chances are his family will be right beside of him.

Maybe the sunshine, beaches, and palm trees in Oakland will be enough to distract the 20-year old from the troubles and situations that will surround him. Maybe the love for his two toddlers will do the trick. Maybe the millions upon millions in signing bonuses and endorsement deals will do it. Or maybe, just maybe, there’s nothing that needs to be done at all.

He’s young. We all have growing pains. And for pro athletes, those pains are worse. No one is perfect, especially not in the National Football League. Coaches, GMs, owners, and players all have their flaws, imperfections, and weak points.

Darren does too, but one thing's for sure: None of his are on the field.