Bleacher Report - Articles by Casey Fenton

Olympic Attack Involves Two Americans

Casey Fenton — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:27:08 -0400

After a night filled with breathtaking visuals and excitement, the real world has found its way to the Olympic games. A seemingly random stabbing at the popular Drum Tower of two American citizens has left the nation in shock.

The two victims were identified as the father-in-law and mother-in-law of the U.S. Men's Indoor Volleyball Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon. Todd Bachman is confirmed dead while his wife, Barbara, is still in serious condition. Their Chinese tour guide was also injured, but not seriously.

As of Sunday morning, Barbara remained in intensive care at Beijing Hospital. Her second cousin, Dale Bachman, says "The next 24 hours are critical and we appreciate all your thoughts and prayers."

The attacker, a 47-year-old man who lives more then 500-miles away from Beijing, jumped to his own death following the attack.

Random violence is rare in Beijing, and an investigation is ongoing for potential motivation. The victims were said to not be wearing any clothing that indicated their involvement with the U.S. Olympic team.

With the Games just beginning, this tragedy may just put the rest of the competition in perspective.

Open Mic: The Olympic Moments

Casey Fenton — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:07:56 -0400

We're within two weeks of the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing, and besides a different NBC logo at the bottom right of my screen during Conan O'Brien, it seems the nation doesn't care.

I guess ESPN's audience only cares about Brett Favre returning, Manny Ramirez possibly leaving, and the Yankees making a comeback. I, however, have been waiting for these games since, well, the last ones.

There is nothing more enthralling then international competition. Combining the loyalty to your favorite team and the patriotism you feel for your nation creates an irreplaceable emotional response. If your eyes don't get a little moist after hearing the Star Spangled Anthem as they raise the flag above that podium, then I don't know what will reach you.

Out of all the Olympic events, the ones that can be won and lost definitively (on time) are my favorite. There is no second-guessing, appeals, or questions about the judging. It's point blank—that guy beat the other guy and this is by how much.

How heartbreaking it must be for a sprinter who has been training since he was in high school, missed out on dates, never eaten junk food, spent thousands on equipment/trainers, traveled across the globe, just to run for 10 seconds, and lost a medal by a hundredth of a second? As an old Jerry Seinfeld joke goes, "If I had a pimple I would've won!"

What I'm most excited for in these Games is Michael Phelps. His pure potential for dominance has to entice any viewer, and the quest for unprecedented eight gold medals is one of those unbelievable feats that may never again be seen.

In every Olympics, there seems to be some moment that nobody expected but everybody remembers. One moment that makes us forget about wars, violence, conflict, and all the other negatives of the world. For just that one moment, we can appreciate our common humanity and cheer our hearts out. Even if it's just for a couple weeks every couple of years... it's something to celebrate. I know I will be.

Paul Hamm's "Tough Decision" Ends Beijing Bid

Casey Fenton — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:44:11 -0400

Paul Hamm, the only American gymnast to win the world and Olympic all-around titles, will not be waving the red, white and blue after all. After initially intending to work through a hand injury to compete at the Beijing Summer Olympics, Hamm announced today that he will be unable to compete.

"It was a really tough decision for me to make," Hamm explained. "I pushed for the comeback, I did everything I possibly could. There just wasn't enough time. I feel like if I had another month, I would have been able to get the job done."

With the Opening Ceremonies set to kick off in under two weeks on August 8th, this announcement is likely to end the 25-year-old's career. His gold medal in the 2004 Athens' games, despite being shrouded with a scoring controversy, was a historical high point for the American men gymnastics program.

In addition to the hand injury, which he broke two months earlier, Hamm was also working through a rotator cuff injury. The latter coming during his efforts of recovery.

Hamm was America's best shot for individual gold, and was looking to help the team improve on their fourth place finish at last year's world championships.

Hamm's absence appears to lock in host nation China's, and two-time defending world champion, Yang Wei as his gold medal to lose.

Photo by: Associated Press

Three Candidates for the Disappointing Teams of 2008

Casey Fenton — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:01:56 -0400

Hype is a seductive siren. It draws you in, it convinces you of its worthiness, and often times does not live up to the talk.

Some teams are already riding the high expectations' train. I apologize to the fans of the following teams, but I foresee their train going to Letdown City rather than Titletown.

Cleveland Browns (10-6 in 2007)

How excited is the NFL for the Browns to succeed this year? They have five prime time games scheduled for this season. The same as the 18-1 Patriots, Peyton Manning's Colts, America's Team Cowboys, and more than the defending champion Giants. Seems pretty extreme for a non-playoff team the previous year.

Taking a closer look at their 10-6 record, they only beat one playoff team (Seattle) and six of their wins were by less than a touchdown. A very thin line between a 10-6 year, and a 4-12 year. They got extremely lucky that Derek Anderson excelled after their entire coaching staff felt Charlie Frye was the better player for Week 1.

Will Anderson continue to play well? Their offense will have to keep winning shoot outs if their defense continues to allow a touchdown more per game than the AFC playoff teams. I like the Shaun Rogers acquisition but it might not be enough to help their 26th ranked rush defense and 24th ranked overall pass defense.

New York Giants (10-6 in 2007)

A surprising NFL champion if any and an inspiring story, but don't let repeating cross your mind. In arguably the toughest division in the league, I don't know if I can see the Giants even making the playoffs this year. Losing Michael Strahan (retirement), Kawika Mitchell (Bills), and now Jeremy Shockey (Saints) is a lot of talent to replace.

Furthermore, they were an anomaly, going 7-1 on the road in the regular season. They also struggled against winning teams in the regular season going 3-6 against teams above .500. Their 2008 schedule includes 11 games against teams who finished 8-8 or better.

Green Bay Packers (13-3 in 2007)

Don't mind the fact that they're losing the greatest statistical quarterback in NFL history. This team has greater worries. First off, Ryan Grant is currently not on the practice field demanding a new contract. The latest offer was described as "insulting." Grant and his 5.1 yards per carry last season were one of the primary reasons that the Packers (and Favre) had one of their best seasons in recent memory.

Their defense anchored by A.J. Hawk was another reason they were in the NFC title game. However, they had the 23rd easiest schedule and will face tougher matchups this season. A brutal stretch run from Week 3 to Week 12 where they face five playoff teams, New Orleans on the road, and Chicago, who swept the Pack last season, could bury them.

With Rodgers never starting a game before, will his durability stand up? Unless Favre suddenly agrees to be the backup, there is a void of Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm holding the clipboard to step in. Their season rests in Rodgers' untested hands.

Those hands will also have the added pressure of the second guessing to not accept Favre back all season. I don't envy the kid's situation, but the best thing he can do is perform well and prove everyone (including me) wrong.

Look also at my Three Candidates for the Surprise Teams of 2008.

Jason Peters Is Holding Himself Back

Casey Fenton — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 10:30:12 -0400

There's no question that Jason Peters is one of the premier left tackles in the entire league. Most have forgotten that he was a tight end at Arkansas and an undrafted free agent. The Buffalo Bills groomed him into the anchor of their line, and he deserves to be paid as such.

However, his approach is hurting him. While holding out seems like "Want My Money 101", it's not the best choice in Peters' current situation.

First, his agent, Eugene Parker, is working hard on getting Rams' RB Steven Jackson a contract of his own. With recent news saying that the Rams will not negotiate with Jackson until he reports, this could be a long process. If there is no progress being made on Peters' situation, there is no light at the end of the tunnel for his hold out.

Secondly, the Bills' organization has rewarded players that show up to optional workouts and exhibit strong, team behavior. Offensive lineman Brad Butler and defensive lineman Kyle Williams both had extensions given to them prior to their rookie deals expiring.

These players are nowhere near the caliber of Peters; however, they fit their roles and were given extensions before they were necessary.

The organization knows that Peters is a cornerstone for their franchise. It would also be idiotic for them to spend the time and resources to groom him without paying him now, when he's at his peak.

If he would go into camp and keep playing to the level he has been, the team will make sure he is compensated. I think that, by not being there, he's not accomplishing anything except missing out on what could potentially be a breakthrough season for the team.

Brett Favre Has The Rash To Play Football Again

Casey Fenton — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 05:35:03 -0400

Rumors are circulating that retired Packers QB Brett Favre is interested in returning to play professional football once more.

“What started as a simple ‘itch’ has slowly spread into a full blown skin irritation.” says Wisconsin dermatologist Dr. Heather Kunin. “No simple aloe will cure this.”

When asked what she would prescribe, “Only the presence of no.4 back on Green Bay’s active roster.”

While millions of people develop slight skin itches every year, few carry the unique Favre symptom of “being talked about on national television.”

It is unknown as to whether the rash developed from his love and passion for the game he has been playing since childhood, or an insect bite from his family farm.

In an unrelated story, Aaron Rodgers has developed a staph infection and is being treated for clinical depression.