Bleacher Report - Articles by Dominica

In Kaka's Debut, Real Madrid Easily Roll Over Toronto FC, 5-1

Dominica — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:26:31 -0400

TORONTO -- Ah, the sweet sight of football across my television screen is the perfect ending to my day. This match makes up for the missing of the Barcelona match from last night, due to work.

This Real Madrid v. Toronto FC match saw the debut of newly acquired Kaka. The team reportedly spent over $300 million to assemble this new lethal team determined to finish in the top spot and earn some shiny trophies along the way.

Toronto, on the other hand, was fatigued from their three games in seven days schedule, coupled with their recent loss to Puerto Rico. Add into the mix a rookie goalkeeper between the poles, trying to stop the likes of Kaka, Ronaldo, or Raul.

A crowd of over 20,000 (even Steve Nash and Chris Bosh were there!) watched as their beloved Toronto team fell 5-1 to Real, but I'm sure they knew a little beating was coming.

I mean, c'mon, it is Real Madrid.

Below is my condensed version of the game seeing as how I have a short attention span. This is in no way what a real sports journalist would write; then again, a real sports journalist I am not.

I watched happily as Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, and Kaka put on a nice display of why they are great in their own ways. The passes, the flicks, and the thought process were mind-blowing; well, at least mine was blown.

It only took 12 minutes for Raul to easily strike first due to a blown cleared ball from the defense.

The "$162 Million Dollar Man" Ronaldo scored less than ten minutes later on a lovely play. He headed the ball to #19 who passed it quickly back to Ronaldo who finished rather nicely with a simple kick in to score goal number two.

I think a hat-trick was on Raul's mind after he scored again (he ended the game with two goals, so no trick for him). Madrid was taking a corner kick, which headed over most of the cluster of players. Raul Albiol passes the ball in; someone whom I forgot headed the ball to Raul who finished the play, of course.

All the while, Toronto looked a little winded, tired, frustrated, all of the above. I'm sure their schedule left them already tired, but the defense and offense was just not there in the first half. They didn't attempt many goals and blew great opportunities.

While Toronto couldn't produce some good attacks, Kaka had multiple, though unsuccessful, attempts to put one past the keeper. One was high and wide and the other had a bad first touch.

The first half was all Madrid, leading 3-0 at half-time. They had ten shot attempts against Toronto's measly two.

The second half was a bit better for the Toronto team. Kaka was subbed out, but both Raul and Ronaldo remained, much to the crowd's and the announcers' surprise. Both keepers left the game. This was just another reason I despise preseason games.

Toronto came out attacking and managed to scrap together some goal attempts. They looked more active and alive.

What I noticed about Ronaldo at this time because my mind began to wander, was that he didn't dive and complain as much as I'm used to seeing him do. He always played all out the whole time he was in, despite it being a preseason match or that they were up by a nice margin. Kudos to you Ronaldo.

And Toronto's Marvell Wynne is crazy; that speed could kill and he hustles for every ball. I'm sure even No. 9 was surprised with his speed.

Anyway, back to the game. Madrid ended up scoring more goals much to nobody's surprise. The second half, to me, wasn't as much fun as the first. The lead plus no Kaka was kind of a downside, but it was good nonetheless. It seemed a tad more even.

At 62', Ronaldo and Raul came out, with applause from the crowd. Probably the same people who paid to watch Madrid train the day before. Soon after, Madrid gets another tally on the board.

Alvaro Negredo worked hard to get around his defender, and just as the ball looks like it's going out, passed it to Karim Benzema who finished the job. 
Negrado did a nice little flick, only to fall and have the ball smacked in his face. It looked painful and he left the game. But he's okay, don't worry guys.

Don't blink at the 75' mark, or you would have missed the Toronto's goal. Of course, ESPN loves replays so you could have watched those, but it's not the same right? Anyway, the first attempt was blocked, but the ball rebounded off the keeper's hands. Gabe Gala battled against a Madrid player, earning him the team's only goal. My thought after "Man, it's about time" was "Wow, he's so young looking."

Madrid scored once more at the 85' from a quality play. Arjen Robben had a nice diagonal cut to get away from his defender, did a little fancy footwork around the keeper, topping it off with a chip in goal.

All this Madrid excitement got me all pumped up for the upcoming season when they start playing for points.

Toronto, you were an honorable opponent and played a decent game. Hey, at least you scored, right? Right. So rest and get ready for the next game.

Real Madrid, best of luck this season. Here's one fan who will be watching to see if all these spending will pay off.

Until another game.

Women's College World Series: The Opening Round Recaps

Dominica — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:56:57 -0400

Well folks, it is now that time of year again. The time where the allure and excitement of March Madness has faded and the stress of school (if you’re still there) has given way to the freedom of summer bliss.

Welcome to the Women’s College World Series (or WCWS for short) where eight softball teams from all over the country continue the epic battle to be crowned No. 1.

For those unfamiliar with the tourney, it starts with 32 teams in Regionals with the 16 winners advancing to the Super Regionals. Only after winning here can a team be deemed worthy to advance to where the wins really count: Oklahoma City and the WCWS.

After all those games and travel miles can one enter the softball realm that every player dreams of at night. After all that battling, the journey is still a ways off even after entering OKC.

It is quite funny; you play all those games just to even get into Oklahoma City where the journey is by no means any easier or short, especially if you lose the first game.

The chosen eight this year are: Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Devils, Michigan Wolverines, Missouri Tigers, Washington Huskies, and Georgia Bulldogs.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES ROLL OVER GEORGIA BULLDOGS, 3-1

OKLAHOMA CITY – Eighth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, a youthful team who made their first voyage to the ‘promised land’ of softball had to face a sixth-ranked Washington Huskies team who made their eighth WCWS appearance.

Huskies pitcher Danielle Lawrie is by no means a stranger to the Bulldogs; the Bulldogs are the ones who snapped Lawrie’s 90 no-run innings streak. They have also beaten this Huskies team previously.

The game started off slowly with neither team really dominating. Players drew walks; Kimi Pohlman stole a base, keeping her perfect stolen-base record in tact (20-for-20 if you care); players were stranded on base; and pop outs and strikeouts were abundant.

The game started to pick up in the bottom of the fourth. Brianna Hesson made a nice dive to first base to tag out Alicia Blake. But freshman and No. 9 hitter Nikki Williams homered with two outs to help the Huskies take a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs, known for their comebacks, cut the lead to 2-1 in the next inning. The Bulldogs got a stand-up lead-off double from Kristin Schnake and later Taylor Schlopy doubled, scoring the one run.

The final run for the Huskies came in the bottom of the sixth, from a RBI single from Pohlman. Georgia was able to get a lead-off single in the seventh, but was unable to bring in any runners. The game ended with the Huskies pulling a double play, and they are now 25-0 when leading after six innings.

Winning pitcher Danielle Lawrie pitched a complete-game, only allowing six hits, while striking out five and walking two. Losing pitcher Christie Hamilton surrendered three runs while allowing seven hits to fall to 24-9 in her complete-game effort.

The Huskies move to the winning side of the bracket, while the Bulldogs fall to the losing side.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Washington's Nikki Williams

The Bulldogs and the Huskies have their respective game recaps.

ARIZONA STATE DOMINATES MISSOURI IN 7-2 THRASHING

OKLAHOMA CITY - If this game were to be summed up into one word, it would be: domination. Last year’s WCWS champions No. 10 Arizona State came out with near perfection, whether it was their defense or their offense.

The first inning already had the Sun Devils on the board. Out of the eight batters in that inning, they loaded the bases and had four hits, leading to three runs.

Missouri Tigers just could not get into a rhythm and three up, three down in an inning was no big surprise.

The second inning looked like déjà vu for the Devils, loading the bases once again with no outs. They were able to score three more times, making the score 6-0 in their favor.

The third inning found the Tigers with their first hit of the game, coming from Marla Schweissberger. Rhea Taylor is able to get a RBI, but gets the last out trying to stretch double into a triple.

The Tigers also had a pitching change in the bottom of the third, bringing on Stacy Delaney, who helped her team find some rhythm on defense. They made the outs and didn’t load the bases this time.

The Tigers defense started lacking once again, allowing the Devils to add to their already large lead.

The Eight-Run Rule was now on people’s minds; the score was 7-1 at the bottom of the fourth. If Arizona had scored twice more, the game could have ended at five.

But they didn’t and the game continued.

*I couldn’t avoid the hunger pains yelling at me anymore so I took a food break.*

Back to the game at the top of the sixth, I see I didn’t miss much.

The Tigers did manage to score once more in the sixth and a solo home run from Schweissberger in the seventh inning.

This, however, was not enough, as Arizona went on to win 7-3, advancing to the winners bracket.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: ASU's Taylor Haro, 4-4, 3 RBI.

The Tigers have a game recap.

Due to time constraints, I cannot finish the last two.

Alabama lost to Michigan and Florida beat Arizona.

Why Women's Pro Football Leagues Can't Succeed, Pt. 1

Dominica — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:49:17 -0400

Because this is very hard work and needs to be correctly done (and I don't want it super long), this letter is broken into two parts—one states the problems and gives an overall overview of the situation/leagues, the other offers a solution.

To all women's professional football leagues,

With a quick search on the wonderful Internet, one can easily find a women's professional football league. The problem? There are too many leagues competing against each other for players and fans. But, alas, this can be fixed.

First, let's look at the existing leagues, in order of their respective size.

Women's Football League

This league, in existence since 2002, is very questionable. It lost two of its premiere franchises, the Clarksville Fox and Jacksonville Dixie Blues who left to rival leagues prior to 2008. I tried to use their site, but it seems as if there is not one anymore. Or maybe my computer just can't pull it up?

Either way, it has no teams listed on their Wikipedia page, their site doesn't work, and they lost two important clubs, so I am going to say fold the league and transfer the good talent to another league (more on that later).

Women's Professional Football League

I remember this league from way back in high school; my media teacher was the starting quarterback of the Dallas Diamonds. But that was then, this is now. This league has also lost many teams, with only two left—the SoCal Scorpions and the New Mexico Burn. Two teams is not viable for a league, so despite this league being the oldest one, it has got to go.

They too have pretty much taken down their site, with only a little paragraph up.

In the end, fold the league, but keep the two teams (again, more on this later).

National Women's Football Association

This league, like the one above, is not doing so well. They have lost pretty all of their teams, minus two, and a lot are uncertain. They too have lost teams to rival leagues and their website is not working.

Long story short, fold this league (and the teams) too.

Sorry to you guys—the WFL, WPFL, and NWFA—but you are not viable anymore. You are losing all your teams to your rivals. Instead of trying to create more teams, furthering spreading the talent thin (and sponsors), do what you don't really want to: merge.

Now on to the top two leagues. This is where it gets difficult.

Women's Football Alliance

The new league in town is already off to a decent start with 36 teams, even if most are transferring from another league. They are spread out all over the country, from the California Lynx to the New Jersey Titans.

This league is broken into a National and American Conference with five and four divisions, respectively. They are positioned in big cities (Philadelphia, Cleveland, Las Vegas, New Orleans), the smaller ones (Hartford, Memphis, Kansas City) and also the unknown ones (Binghamton, NY and Goshen, KY).

The season runs from early April to late June, with each team playing around eight games (one per week with some bye weeks thrown in). There is a total of 11 weeks in the season with a total of 135 games.

I have yet to see some attendance figures for teams, but I'm still looking.

Independent Women's Football League

The IWFL was founded in 2000 and began play in 2001. They currently have 51 total teams, broken up into two tiers and three X teams. Tier I has 24 teams, Tier II has 24 and then there's three X teams. I have yet to figure out what the X teams are supposed to be.

Tier I is broken into the usual Eastern/Western conferences with three divisions (for each conference) of usually four teams (sometimes more or less). Tier II has no conferences or divisions; all the teams are just one long list. There is talk of expanding even further in the next year for both tiers.

There are ten weeks in the season with each team playing eight games. The season runs from early April to early June (sound kind of familiar?) with a late July Championship weekend. Each tier has their own championship and there is an All-Star Game. This league also states there is over 1,600 women playing in these 41 teams.

So, upon looking at the current leagues in women's football, it's clear there needs to be some restructuring and organization if you league owners want to succeed. Just look at the NFL; they had competition and you see how that turned out. It's hard to have two professional leagues in one country competing against each other.

First, it means the great talent is spread thin. Second, fans are divided up with all the teams and leagues. Lastly, sponsors are harder to get if there are four different leagues competing for them.

What's needed is a new system that works for all the leagues, owners, players, and fans. That's what I will discuss in my next letter.

Till then,

Dominica Stewart

Dear NCAA: What Women's College Basketball Should Do To Reach the Next Level

Dominica — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:54:34 -0400

Dear NCAA,

College basketball is quite enjoyable. I look forward to another season every year, filled with new surprises, players, upsets, and Kodak moments.

Despite my infatuation with the college game, there are a few changes I think that need to be made, for fans and teams alike.

First off, ditch the halves. Pretty much every league at any level right now plays with quarters. Halves are so old-fashioned and outdated. Instead of two halves, switch to 10-minute quarters.

It seems to make sense: In high school and the professional leagues (even middle school!) quarters are used.

It must feel weird for an athlete to play quarters (on select teams, high school, or even recreational teams), then halves in college only to adjust back to quarters (if they go pro, that is).

Now, I could be wrong with quarters, but aren't they worth a try?

Keep it consistent; let's use quarters for the game for every level.

Speaking of staying consistent, please change the shot clock too. Thirty seconds is too long. Conform with the others (NBA, WNBA, and FIBA) and change it to 24.

It will hopefully speed up the game and see more of an offense and more possessions. No more useless dribbling, holding the ball, or "killing the clock."

Get the ball, fast break or run an offense, and score.

So simple, right?

In addition to these changes, how about imposing a time limit for getting the ball across half court?

When the game gets down to the wire and one team is so close, I hate seeing the winning team standing on one side, holding the ball, just taunting the opponent. Really?

Where is the excitement of having the winning team get it across half court and needing a basket to keep the lead?

It really stinks for the losing team when their opponent can stand on one side and then come across when the shot clock winds down to near 15 (see shot clock changes would help here too!).

Then again, some might argue they shouldn't be losing in the first place.

At least I am not the only person who agrees.

I hate also the petty fouls the referees call. I mean, come on, there's a foul and then there's a foul. If someone is driving hard to the basket and then gets laid hard on the floor...that's a foul.

But I despise seeing a foul (or usually not even noticing the foul) far above the three point line, and all because she "reached in" or there was a light touch.

If it doesn't really disrupt the flow of the player (and isn't a serious intent on hurting them), then why call it?

You might think I'm crazy, but as a ex-player, -coach, and -manager, too many fouls can kill a game; all that stopping, yelling out a number, re-starting, etc. is super boring.

I understand fouls need to be called to not turn the game into some brutal UFC match, but every little petty foul needn't be called.

Besides, a player only gets five (usually). Use them wisely.

So, NCAA, don't get mad at me. I'm just in the giving mood, so tips are being given away for free. Feel free to use them before the tip-off for next season's games... please.

Your biggest fan,

Dominica Stewart

P.S. Please let the Basketball Gods play nice with my Sooners next year.

Welcome Your New GM: Dominica Takes Over the NY Liberty

Dominica — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:13:48 -0400

MSG L.P: Please, everyone put your hands together for your new General Manager, Ms. Dominica Stewart. Hailing from the big-little town of Lawton, Okla., she replaces Mrs. Carol Blazejowski, who has had a decent tenure as GM.

Please, Ms. Stewart, why don’t you inform us of the changes and other things you hope to do and accomplish while at New York.”

Disclaimer: Okay, so this will most likely not happen anytime soon, but I am bored and the Liberty could use some help (well, most NY teams could use help actually, but that’s another story).

So please, Madison Square Garden L.P. and the real GM, please feel free to take notes...all in good fun, of course.

First off, I’m changing this ridiculous color scheme. Seriously, blue, orange, white, and liberty green?

Who picked this? You’re fired.

Now, we shall keep the Liberty mascot (better believe that logo will be tweaked) but change the colors to something simple: black and the liberty green. The green shall be allowed to stay only because our Lady is that color and also our mascot.

Can’t get the fans too mad at me, right?

Not the prettiest colors, but oh well, we got bigger concerns for now.

Coaching

Let us start at the top of the team’s food chain: coaching.

Pat Coyle, you are a good coach, but sadly, your term ends here. You have had your ups and downs, winning in the first rounds but capping out at the conference finals. I need a winner-coach (new word) who can take this team to new heights.

Now, I have nothing against you; it is just business.

Since Pat Summitt hasn’t returned my calls and with the current restraining order I was mailed, I guess it’s safe to say, you are still not interested.

I have read some older articles of this coach possibly making the jump into the league, so without further ado, Geno Auriemma, I choose you!

My favorite Italian (like I know that many) ain’t getting any younger. After having tremendous success with his Lady Huskies, let’s give this man a new challenge before he retires and is forced to only watching games yelling at his television screen.

Gone are the easy days of paying a coach $8,900 (remember those days, Pat?) so I must step up my game. UCONN is supposedly paying him just under a million last time I checked your Twitter.

How does $1.19 million sound, Geno?

Don’t be greedy, Geno; I know Nike endorses you too.

Wait, what do you mean we can’t afford that?

I want a government bail-out. This is important. I must have Geno!

Don’t worry Mr. Auriemma, our owners are good for it. They own us, other NY teams, the stadium, and are owned by Cablevision, the fifth largest cable provider.

What do you mean you are nervous? Of course it is a guaranteed contract. Would I lie to you?

Eh, fine. Stay at Connecticut.

Nick DiPillo, you are now the lucky winner. Your grand prize is the vacant head coaching spot *cough* untilIfindabettercoach *cough*

Ah, nothing like picking a new head coach internally.

DiPillio, feel free to pick your new assistant coach.

Coaching? Check.

Trading and Dealing

Now that my coach spot is filled, it is time to look at my team.

Hmm, not so bad, I guess, but nothing spectacular.

With the draft coming up, it’s time to start some wheeling and dealing.

The eighth pick in the first round is mine.

First, I think I will trade Ashley Battle, Jessica Davenport, and Lisa Willis (and a second-round pick if necessary) to the Minnesota Lynx for their fourth pick in the first round. Possibly a stretch, but maybe not. They have plenty of first-round picks.

Share the wealth, Minnesota!

With my new fourth place, I’d take Kristi Tolliver (to fill the vacant point-guard spot). Then with my eighth pick, Kia Vaughn. I need an inside post to bang around with the Detroit bad girls.

That fills the PG and C needs fairly well. I have one more pick in the first round. If she is still there, Abby Waner is my pick.

I also have the 21st pick (second round). I will take whoever is left.

Draft? Check.

Starting Five

The new starting lineup now looks like this:
G: K. Tolliver
G: L. Moore
F: C. Kraayeveld
F: S. Christon
C: K. Vaughn

Deep bench is a must

I’d have Abby Waner, McCarville, Mitchell, Larkins, and Tiffany Jackson (plus the unknown second-round pick). I’d always make the coach go deep in the bench every game.

When one player tires, put in fresh legs. Keep the team a constant threat by allowing every player to play.

I’m paying you, so you better be ready to play.

Yes, Tolliver is young, but what better way to learn than with the starting position? Vaughn already is a beast; she has already proven this.

And with the help of my accountant, I can get all this for the low price of only $772,000 (gee, 2013 can’t get here soon enough!).

Starters and bench? Check.

Stadium and Promotions

We are still at the Garden.

Where are my renovations you promised?

Promotions need to be amped up. Try some guerrilla marketing. Put posters up everywhere. Radio and TV ads (we are owned by a freaking cable company)! Visit local schools and make some speeches.

Hire some fresh college graphic communication majors to redesign the current merchandise (like the shirts). Also get them to do the uniforms. We need new ones.

Give away free stuff. People like free.

All right, what else needs to be done? The coaches are ready, team is set, and schedules are done...I guess that is about it (Good, I'm getting hungry).

I guess the next time you’ll see me is when the team is hoisting the trophy amid the confetti filled stadium.

I just hope my private jet gets me there in time.

Credit: The picture was found here; I used the Liberty site, this mock draft site, and of course Rebkell forums for some additional help.

Even the great ones need help sometimes.

PAC-10 Showdown: Stanford Rolls Over USC in Title Game

Dominica — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:12:44 -0400

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.- It was nicknamed the David versus Goliath match-up: A No. 1 pitted against a No. 6 seed. One who coasted their way into the finals, the other fighting off elimination game by game. One who already had a place in the NCAA tournament and the other desperately needing a win to help their chances at an invite.

No. 1-ranked Stanford (28-4) and No. 6 University of Southern California (17-14) took to the court to battle it out for the right to be crowned Pac-10 champions. This was to be the last women's tourney game; only the Pac-10 needed a champion, and a champion the Pac-10 got.

Coming in, Stanford was 21-2 all-time in tournament play, winning the last 13 of 14 meetings with their fellow California opponent.

First Half:

Both Stanford and USC got off to a steady start; neither side had the apparent advantage yet.

There was a good intensity to the defense, although there was missed shots to start the game off. While Stanford kept their defense strategy consistent, relying on their zone defense, USC was switching from man-to-man defense to some different zones.

USC could not seem to find their rhythm or their three-point shot, as the announcer kept repeating. Stanford was not so hot either; they were a measly 1-for-6 from the floor to start the game. But after a few minutes, they began to heat up.

The toughest West Coast team to make a comeback against went on a 14-2 run, with about 13 minutes to go. They were below their turnover average with only two so far.

Around six minutes left, USC was 4-for-4 from the floor but that was not enough. Stanford, 6-for-17 from the floor, was already up 21 to 8.

USC did start to finally emerge and play their game, but then suddenly fell into an offensive drought. While there were plenty of offensive fouls called, Stanford was comfortably in the driver's seat with no intent of letting up. USC, possibly tired from their continuous comebacks, just did not look like a team that needed this win to keep their post-season tournament hopes alive.

With about four minutes to go in the half, they slightly turned it up, going on a 7-0 run. For a short time, it appeared as if they had come to play, but a great play by Jillian Harmon [a score on one end, block on the other] helped to lift the Cardinals and shift the momentum back their way.

Simple errors plagued the USC offense and defense: From a shot clock violation to a bad defensive effort leading to an easy layup for Stanford.

The game did become closer nearing halftime, ending 33-24 in favor of Stanford.

Second Half:

The second half did not start so well for the Lady Trojans. Although they did get the first basket of the half, they had trouble rebounding against the bigs of the Stanford and their threes were not on target. On the other hand, Stanford could not hit their first shots, but they were getting second and third chances.

Harmon herself began to heat up: Hitting shots, getting assists, getting offensive rebounds, and helping to extend the lead with a 9-2 run.

During most, if not all, of the game, USC could not get into sync and produce offense. They committed silly errors, traveled, and committed numerous fouls. They lost the energy they had earlier in the tournament. One of their best players, Camille Lenior, could not find her game and help her team score.

All these flaws helped Stanford coast to their second straight Pac-10 title and Head Coach Tara VanDerveer's 611th victory.

The final score: 89-64.

Nnemkadi Ogwumike (STAN), Harmon (STAN), and Lenoir (USC) were named to the All-Tournament team. Kayla Peterson, who had a season-high 25 points and nine rebounds, was named MVP and Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

After the studying and the test taking, tonight and tomorrow, the only question on Stanford's mind will be simple: will they be blessed with a No. 1 seed in the tournament or be considered second best?

Both Stanford and USC have their respective recaps on their athletic pages.

Jerry Jones: Finally Wising Up and Letting Go

Dominica — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:55:18 -0400

So, after looking back at my old Cowboys article, I noticed something: two of the three players are now gone: one to another team and the other is a free agent aimlessly wandering around I'm guessing.

Now in that article, I complained about Jerry and his love for bringing 'problem' players to his team, a la a correctional camp. But Jerry has now started to come to his senses and make some changes.

First, Adam Jones and his drama is now gone from the team. Granted he did get suspended by his own doing, Jones finally bid farewell to him.

Even though it took him getting into an altercation with his bodyguard, getting suspended (minimum four games), entering an alcohol rehab center, being reinstated, suffering an injury, sitting part of the season out, and coming back (only to be later released shortly), it's better late than never. The straw that broke Jerry's back? Jones was a suspect in a 2007 shooting outside a strip club in Atlanta.

Ah, let's take in that sweet fresh air.

Terrell Owens is now off making $6.5 million for a team named after William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. But I'm sure you know that from the numerous (and good!) articles on here. No longer will we hear about "give me the ball more," from this ex-Cowboy. Well, we probably will; it just won't be in the blue and silver anymore.

I haven't seen the depth chart for this team yet, but my guess is Owens might be one of, if not the, main wide receiver (and given his ego, he will be the one). Given that this team hasn't had a playoff appearance since 1999 or a division championship since '95, I think it's safe to say they are not going to pay him that much to ride their bench.

Best of luck to Owens... and the Bills (they are going to need it).

Lastly, there is Roy Williams (and then there was one). His buddy, Roy Williams is now a free agent (to save salary cap money it seems), but this Williams got a nice new contract until the year 2013. Now, if I am reading the stats on the Cowboys' site correctly, (and knowing me, I am probably not) he exceeded my expectations. Then again, I was not expecting much at the time. But I guess he will have to do, for now at least.

I just cannot wait for the season to start so I can see if my mom's favorite team can stop disappointing her in the play-offs. She will be watching (and screaming and yelling at) you guys.

BONUS: On the radio one day, the host was asking callers what they thought of Owens leaving the Cowboys and asking was it a good decision. One lady called in and said they should not have let Owens go, but instead Romo should have gone. She also said Romo is not a quarterback; he was made one ( I guess because the last one just wasn't cutting it). She said they should have gotten rid of him and gotten a new one. Food for thought maybe?

Welcome to the Dallas Cowboys Correctional Camp

Dominica — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:39:26 -0400

Let me start off by saying, I'm a Cowboys fan.

No other team cheering will do in this household, unless you want to be shunned by your own mother. I am nowhere close on football intelligence as the amazing people on here, (so please take it easy if I'm way off). However, I am wondering why Jerry Jones keeps giving these disgruntled or law breaking players a quick one-way ticket to Dallas?

Take T.O., the indisputable loud mouth of the league who was unhappy with his former Eagles team. He probably despised his "measly" salary too. Despite his antics, ranting, and behavior, after being released from the Eagles, Jones came in to offer him a new deal (which was way better than his last).

I guess Jones thought he could change T.O., but nobody can change T.O. but T.O. Don't get me wrong, Owens can make some spectacular plays and produce some offense.

I hate his constant whining of "get me the ball more so I can score," but all this ranting isn't his fault. Maybe the reporters should stop sticking microphones in front of his mouth so much.

Who's next? Hmm, yes, Adam "Pacman" Jones. Seems to me, he won't be graduating from this camp with a certificate of completion.

Everyone knows his drama and off-the-field behavior from his Titans days. But this former (or still active but non-physical?) wrestler has found the path to the Cowboys land, complete with Jones standing with his arms wide open, ready to embrace this new Adam that will miraculously appear.

But wait, what is this? A. Jones hasn't changed? The Commissioner who suspended him for a minimum of four games due to the altercation with his bodyguard is now watching him.

Because Jerry has not laid down punishment, the NFL had to step in to show him the error of his ways. Maybe this time, Jones will turn a corner and make Jerry proud—off the field that is.

Lastly, in the latest twist of this Cowboys tale, is the recent acquirement of another Roy Williams. (I wonder if they have nicknames or something to differentiate them?)

Straight from Detroit is another player checking into Jerry's Camp. He could pass for Owens' twin: Mr.-Please-Pass-Me-The-Ball-More, take two.

He wasn't happy with the Lions because he couldn't get the ball enough, so he came here? Seriously? We already have one diva complaining about the lack of balls thrown to him, so now we need another?

I know he was brought in to help the Cowboys, with Romo out and stuff. What makes me mad is what we gave up: first, third, and sixth round picks in the next draft.

Hopefully there's no amazing fresh talent we could have picked, but I guess it's all about the now. Williams seems to be just a good player, with no crazy off-the-field problems, who just didn't like his team, so we shall see how he does.

As for Romo, you're out almost a month because of a pinkie? Really? This is the professional league, not pee wee football. I've seen players play through worse injuries and still play decently.

Hopefully the ancient Brad Johnson can come in and get some wins. He has been in this league for quite some time.

Who knows? Maybe he'll be so amazingly great, he'll take Romo's spot, kind of like Romo did to Bledsoe. But I'm not holding my breath.

To the boys in Cowboys rehab, we'll be watching.

Detroit Shock Brings Brooms to Complete Sweep in WNBA Finals

Dominica — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:53:25 -0400

Well, the WNBA playoffs have come to an end. Sadly, if you blinked, you probably missed it. The Detroit Shock overtook the San Antonio Silver Stars in just three games, thus completing the sweep.

Even without their star player, Cheryl Ford, they still were able to get the job done. Katie Smith, Deanna Nolan, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, and Alexis Hornbuckle all showed up to play and did what they had to do to pull off the hard game three win. Becky Hammon and her team fought harder and seemed to fight more in this game three (versus their other two games), but it still wasn't enough. They kept the game close until the final minutes, where Detroit proved to be the team who wanted it more.

As heartbroken as I was for the Shock to win, I have to give credit where it's due. The Shock fought harder, played with more heart, and proved they wanted it more. The final score? 76-60.

As a side note, former Tennessee player Alexis Hornbuckle is now the first player in the WNBA to win an NCAA Championship and a WNBA Championship in the same year. Katie Smith was the Finals MVP, but I'm sure all the fans already figured that.

Mike Householder has a great article full of stats and interviews.

In case you're wondering:

Game 1: DET: 77 SA: 69

Game 2: DET: 69 SA: 61

Game 3: DET: 76 SA: 60

I guess now we basketball fans can count down until NCAA season starts.