Bleacher Report - Articles by John Graham

Seriously... Whats Wrong With Soccer?

John Graham — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:53:18 -0400

First and foremost, its great to be back on Bleacher Report writing about sports again. With all this emphasis on baseball and Brett Favre, I find myself trying to find something interesting and thought provoking to write about.

Problem is, baseball is hardly interesting and I can think of nothing more thoughtless than a debate about whether or not Brett Favre is going to come out of retirement for the 93rd time.

I would write about Michael Vick's reinstatement... but I already shared my thoughts on that five months ago, which leaves me with something entirely different to talk about which is for me the biggest question I have found myself asking recently:

Why does nobody in the United States appreciate the World's game... Soccer!?

Standing out for the sake of being different is not something that typically characterizes the USA. To be honest that is more of a French thing.

So that being said, I think it is time for the United States and the millions of sports fans in this country to stop hating on a great sport like soccer simply because we are not the best at it.

In fact, there is really no legitimate reason for us to be so resentful of this game as I will now explain.

First, our international team, despite being obliterated by Mexico last weekend, has become quite a competitor on the global level where we currently stand among the top 15 teams in the world.

Second, there are no commercials in a soccer game or TV timeouts to deal with so it is far easier to enjoy and appreciate the game.

Third, it is a game that more often than not stays competitive from start to finish.

But that just isn't enough now is it? So I would like to ask... Why?

Many people who talk trash about soccer typically like to talk about how it is not intense enough and there is not enough scoring... I find this completely stupid considering we live in a country where the national pastime is baseball... Arguably the most boring and painful game in the history of human competition.

Others will say that they just don't get it. Well, that too is stupid because games like basketball and football are infinitely more complex. In soccer there is one basic rule... Kick the ball into the net without using your hands. If that concept leaves you scratching your head then you should get on your knees and thank God that you even got this far into my article.

Then you always hear people refer to soccer players as wimps... Really? Does only having three subs for a whole game regardless of circumstance sound sissy to you? Does playing in all weather and slamming your head and chest into people running at full speed sound weak to you? If so you should watch those tough guys who play baseball where that wear protective gear and don't go out to play in the rain.

Bottom line is simply there is no good reason for soccer to have no following in this country. It is a great game with some of the best in-game strategy and athleticism you can find. Problem is, people don't like to support sports where the USA is not competitive.

But there lies the catch-22. How can we put together a competitive team on a global level when a sport has no following?

If we want to be competitive we need to spread the word that soccer is indeed a great game and get young people to learn it and play it.

Now I understand that writing one article on bleacher report is hardly going to change the face of soccer in this country but it would be nice if I could reach out and get someone to give this game a chance.

Again, in case I haven't made it clear, it is a million times better than baseball but look at how obsessed we are with that.

End the Vick-Timization.. Let Vick Return in Peace

John Graham — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:18:13 -0500

After about a two year hiatus from the NFL, Michael Vick is looking for a team to call home. After the success of Matt Ryan combined with Michael Vick's new reputation, it is no surprise that Atlanta is looking to trade Vick. Unfortunately for Vick, most teams are poised to show him the same love he is receiving from his soon-to-be former team.

But what bothers me is why people are still so angry at this man. Make no mistake about it, I, like most other people, find his treatment of animals disgusting to say the least. But at what point are we going to move on and let the man return to the game?

Many people are content to never let him play again, from fans to NFL executives. But if you ask me, this is hands down one of the greatest acts of hypocrisy in all of sports.

I can not say enough that I am sickened by Dog fighting and if I ever crossed paths with something of this brutal nature, I would gladly take a stand against it. However, why are so many people so willing to use this as a tool to ruin a player's career?

After all, its not like Michael Vick is the only person in pro sports to tarnish his name with legal trouble. I can name Santonio Holmes, Larry Johnson, Matt Jones, Pacman Jones, Plaxico Burress, and Ray Lewis to name just a few.

So let's get serious, what is so different about Michael Vick at the end of the day?

He killed a bunch of animals through a brutal game that tortures dogs from their youth.

Yeah,

and Ray Lewis killed two people outside of a club in Atlanta.Matt Jones has repeatedly been caught trafficking cocaine. Santonio Holmes and Larry Johnson have gone Ike Turner on their girlfriends so often that the police are about to give them their own Heavyweight division in wife-beating. And Pacman Jones has been involved in an incident where he pulled a gun in strip club. Then of course there is the clubbing habits of Plaxico Burress that ends in his own bloodshed.

That is only the NFL people!

I am not even getting into the gambling referees in the NBA or the drug addiction in all sports, namely baseball. I mean baseball has gone through more steroids than a WWE locker room.

But at the end of the day, everybody is in shock and awe at Michael Vick?!

This just pisses me off. Where do we as fans get off judging this one man when he is surrounded by behavior that is just as shameful?

I already know what people are going to say. "Its different, he was hurting defenseless animals." Or maybe they will say "He killed more animals than we even know about, which is way worse than drug abuse."

Well you know what else?! He also apologized and spent time incarcerated. How many of these other players have spent the time Vick did in jail? None! Even when the entire Bengals roster got locked up, they didn't even combine for the amount of time that Vick spent in prison.

But for some reason that's not good enough and that is just wrong. Especially when the majority of these loud mouth fans, who are judging him, are just one urine test away from the unemployment office.

People need to get over this whole "sports is sacred ideology." Sports is not sacred anymore. Between the drug abuse, DUIs, and domestic violence alone, the world have sports has more than shown its corruption. I'm sorry, but when a pitcher is sitting in front of the U.S. congress, its time to just say game over.

But for some reason people still view sports as the untarnished virgin princess that should never be corrupted when in reality the world of sports holds about as much integrity as the average Vegas street-walker.

So it makes no sense for people to hold so much of a grudge against Michael Vick. Had drug abuse been punished by season long suspension on every offense, maybe. Had Ray Lewis lost his contact for killing people, maybe. Had each instance of domestic violence resulted in multiple game suspensions and levied fines, maybe. Had Belichick been kicked out of the NFL for cheating, maybe. If baseball wasn't filled with cases of steroid abuse, maybe.

But baseball is filled with steroids and nothing is done about the numerous offenses and abuses by players every single year.

So whats adding dog fighting to the laundry list of offenses going to do?

NOTHING!

He served his time and paid a debt to society that most other offenders never do. He may not be the role model that kids should look up to, but then again, neither are any of these other people I mention. But the difference is they still get to play.

Like I said, if there was some consistency in the repercussions that reflected such a no-tolerance mentality, then people's feelings towards Vick would make sense.

But as long as the world of sports wants to give everybody 10 chances, then Michael Vick should be no different.

Singling out Michael Vick is hypocritical and pointless. All it will do is ruin one mans career and make no step towards making sports an honorable entity again.

At the end of the day, Vick is part of a bigger picture and until you tackle every case with the same ferocity that people want to bring on Vick, then you are wasting your time.

Bottom line is GET OVER IT! Give him a chance to prove that he has indeed changed or learned a lesson.

Remember, Paris Hilton only spent one month in minimum security lock up and there hasn't been one crotch shot since. Perhaps, Michael Vick too has learned a great lesson about life and is ready to set a better example. Who knows, he might turn his entire life around and prove himself to be the Robert Downey Jr. of the NFL.

Personally, I hope that my New York Jets pick him up. There isn't a lot of wilderness in New York and New Jersey so it will be hard for him to get away with dog fighting already and at the end of the day, love him or hate him, Michael Vick is a great athlete and brings a lot to the NFL.

Good Riddance Favre...You Have Done Quite Enough

John Graham — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:49:18 -0500

I must say, as a Jets fan, this was a disappointing season on many levels. But what easily made it nearly unbearable was the fact that the Jets got rid of Pennington to get Brett Favre in hopes that the Jets might win a Super Bowl.

But what happens? Pennington and the previously 1-15 Dolphins win the division and Favre and the Jets miss the playoffs. I think it is obvious that the Favre deal was a bad move.

You don't need a Ph.D. in quantum physics to see the simple logic at work here. One guy won...the other one didn't.

Yet here people are surprised and sad that for the seventh time in as many seasons, the golden boy of Green Bay is retiring. All I can hope for is that lucky number seven pulls through and this guy STAYS retired.

Normally, I would sing his praises as a disclaimer that I don't harbor any ill feelings toward Brett Favre but since this is more of a "moving on" article, I would much rather focus on how Mr. Wrangler blew the season with his dismal performance in almost every game this past season.

With the exception of the Cardinals game, Brett never gave a performance that was above average. He is not good anymore and I am personally ecstatic that this clown is finally saying his goodbyes.

But I already know that there are tons of Favre apologists out there who are going to do one of two things.

1. Jump to this loser's defenses

2. Ask the incredibly unoriginal question "Who are the Jets gonna get that's better?"

Allow me to tackle these arguments here and now so I don't have to waste valuable time debating cheeseheads for the next 24 hours.

1. He had more personal turnovers than TD's this season. He sucked plain and simple. If you can't see that his performance was a joke, especially in comparison to what he used to do, then you should give up on football and try watching something thats a bit easier to understand. Perhaps you could try watching WWE. After all, Ric Flair is still around and now that Favre is a goner, he just might have himself a new tag-team partner. Plus the biggest challenge is counting to three...and I am sure even the dumbest of Favre fanatics can pull of that feat.

I mean would anyone really be shocked if they found out that Brett Favre loves WWE? Look at him for Christ's sake.

All I am saying is that the only time I saw him consistently complete a pass was in his stupid Wrangler commercial... but when I think about it, the guy catching the ball in the mud puddle was probably the safety.

2. Who is the Jets new QB gonna be??? Honestly, I can say that I really don't care so long as it is not Brett Favre. I would rather have one of Michael Vick's dogs lead the Jets' offense.

Seriously though, it is time the Jets really take a step forward. If they wanted to give up on Pennington, they should not have signed a guy who was going to leave in a year. Everyone with a brain new that this was going to happen in the offseason, but they bought him anyway. The Jets should find a young guy and stick with him. I would rather have a few tough seasons molding a great QB that can win a Super Bowl than have another year with a worthless flash-in-the-pan like Brett Favre.

Bottom line, there are plenty of guys out there that would be great candidates for this position. Matt Cassel, Matt Leinart, and Derek Anderson to name a few. Who knows what these kind of guys are capable of? The only way to find out is to give them a try.

What's the worst that could happen? They cost less than 12 million a year and still miss the playoffs? Sounds like an improvement from last season already, and in this economy a fiscal victory is a great victory to have.

Oh and before I forget, to anyone and everyone that leaves the "Brett Favre is a gun slinger" argument as a defense for his playing style do us all a favor and either come up with a defense that is original or shut the hell up.

But there is good news. So long as Brett Favre stays retired, I can proudly say that I will never write about him again as I find him a depressing topic on nearly every level and I am tired of the endless banter around this prima donna.

Lastly, I KNOW that there are a lot of people out there that disagree and that's fine, but if you choose to leave a comment, try not to look like a total douchebag by resorting to name-calling and asking me to measure my accomplishments against Brett Favre. That stupid shit is just getting old...

Best Always,

John

How Soulja Boy Cost USC All of My Respect

John Graham — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 09:24:00 -0500

It's already bad enough that a no-talent d-bag like Soulja Boy is famous and his music almost unavoidable, but when you can't even get away from it during a college football game, you know something has gone horribly wrong.

Especially when it's not Soulja Boy embarrassing himself, but instead the entire USC sideline.

I have never been so disgusted with a bowl game in my life. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people celebrating and having a good time.

But that trash that took place on the USC sideline was easily the worst display of sportsmanship I have ever witnessed.

But what I found to be even dumber than the dancing was Pete Carroll's response to a question in the post-game interview.

When asked about how he felt about being threatened with a 15-yard penalty for his teams' in-game tryouts for Dancing With The Stars, he said the following:

"Since when is it against the rules to have a good time during a football game?!"

Well Pete, let me field this one for you.

To answer your question: There is nothing wrong with having a good time during a football game. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if you aren't having fun, you shouldn't be playing.

But when you are at the level of competition that college football is, especially a championship game like the Rose Bowl, you should behave a certain way.

You should respect the game, the championship, and most importantly, your opponent. Of course you should have a good time, but when you are putting on an awful display that not only looks incredibly stupid, but also is an act of blatant disrespect to your opponent you have gone too far.

But what annoys me even more is all these USC fans trying to justify that stupid behavior. I have literally heard it all:

"Like Pete said, they were just having fun!"

"It wasn't disrespectful; they weren't doing it to the other team."

"There is no rule against dancing on the sideline."

All of these are cop-out stupid things to say, and if you believe any of them, you are a moron... PERIOD.

All that dancing was nothing more than a slap-in-the-face excessive celebration. There is no other way to interpret it. But just to make sure everyone understands why, I will now explain my opinion.

First of all, I have never seen an entire team dance on the sideline during a game for any reason, and I have watched a lot of football games where the players were seemingly having a great time.

Second, there isn't a rule against dancing, but there is a rule against excessive celebration and disrespecting the other team, and the fact that USC did not get one penalty for that behavior is quite frankly bullshit.

Third, (this one is directed to Carroll and all you fun-monger USC fans) if the dancing was only an act of having fun, why weren't those assholes dancing during the Oregon State game???

Maybe because they were LOSING!!!!!!

When I see them dancing during a loss then I will consider your argument about having fun, until then, all that shit on the sideline was slap in Joe Paterno's face and the entire Penn State program.

Normally, I don't let stuff like this bother me, but you really have to draw the line somewhere. Those kids at Penn State worked hard all year to get where they were, and win or lose, they deserved better than that.

They deserved at the very least the professional and competitive respect from their opponent.

The fact that Pete Carroll let that crap take place says to me that the USC football program cares nothing about sportsmanship, integrity, and respect.

In a world with prima donnas and loudmouths plaguing sports, it really is a shame that even student-athletes don't know when to shut their mouths.

I'm sorry, but Pete Carroll and that entire coaching staff should be ashamed of themselves for letting those KIDS carry on like that on the sideline. It makes everybody involved in USC football look like a total asshole.

So yeah, congrats on the Rose Bowl win. I'm happy for the USC fans out there, but I am curious to see how they would have reacted had Oregon State started doing the Macarena when they wiped their ass with USC's National Championship hopes.

Everything I Know About Brett Favre, I Learned From Katy Perry

John Graham — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:39:44 -0500

It’s official.

Brett Favre is the most over-hyped, over-rated, and over-publicized player to ever plague the NFL.

All I can say is: "How?" and "WHY!?!?!"

Sure, he has won a Super Bowl, but so have Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer, and Eli Manning. So spare me the whole "he is a Super Bowl Champion argument."

Yeah, he has set numerous records in the NFL, but not all of these records are good. Take the interception record as an example of that.

If I had been playing in the NFL since the reign of Julius Caesar, I would probably hold tons of records, too. So once again, spare me the stupid arguments about his past accomplishments and his records.

Once you take all this crap away, what do you have?

An over-rated piece of junk that sabotaged the Jets chances of making the playoffs.

Yet, I still look at this site and see his disciples praising his glory.

Well the buck stops here.

Let’s really break down who Brett Favre is.

This season alone, he led the league in picks, and considering that he also lost a few fumbles, that means that he had more turnovers than touchdowns. So pardon me if I hold him responsible for the Jets losing the majority of their seven losses.

He is also a guy, who according to the other players, behaved distantly and isolated himself in the locker room. Also, his teammates added that he was hardly a positive influence on or off the field, as player or person.

Now, normally I wouldn't easily believe such slander, but after he refused to shake hands with his predecessor after his dismal game against the Dolphins, I find this information much more credible.

So what are you left with?

You have a quarterback who holds no respect or admiration from his teammates, a man who doesn't even have the class to congratulate his competitors for their success, and the Turnover King of the World.

Yet every place I turn, I see all these idiots still singing his praises, and that makes me sick.

I said it from Day One!!!

Chad Pennington is better for the Jets than Brett ever could be, and once again, Chad came through and proved me right.

The beauty of it is there is nothing that can be said against this point.

Had Chad stayed in New York, he would have had better receivers, a better defense, and a better relationship with these players and game plan at the start of the year.

Despite all that, he took the Dolphins to an 11-win season, while I got to watch that moron Favre forget which team he was on week-in and week-out.

Personally, I hope that Brett Favre gets cut before he has a chance to retire. I would rather have Helen Keller line up behind center than this Wrangler wearin' loser. His coming to the Jets cost them their season, and as a Jets fan I find this unforgivable.

So Brett, GET OUT OF NEW YORK!

I would now like to take this chance to address his fans.

Shut up and find a new player to love.

Nothing made me sicker than watching the Jets games and seeing all the idiots in the stands wearing cheese hats. The Jets never wanted these fans, nor do they need them. So if you are strictly a "Favre" fan, please take this advice:

1. Get a new player to love, because this one sucks.

2. Stop wearing Jets jerseys. Keep your Packers colors on when you praise this clown.

3. Don't waste your time trying to defend this loser to me. I couldn't care less about his accomplishments, his records, and especially his or your feelings.

Bottom line! Favre sucks and his fan base is easily the most delusional group of people I have ever had contact with.

Honestly, Favre this season was more of team killer than T.O. was on the Eagles.

Lastly, allow me to explain the title of this post.

Think about the song "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry and apply it to stupid Brett Favre. In case you don't know this song here are some lyrics:

"You're Hot then you're cold, you're yes then you're no, you're in then you're out, you're up then you're down"

Then of course there is this one regarding retirement:

"You change your mind, like a girl changes clothes, yeah you PMS-like bitch, I would know."

Then, when you think about how helpful he was on the Jets there is this one:

"I should know that you're no good for me"

Then one more for retirement:

"You don't really want to stay. No. But you don't really wanna go home"

Of course all this is just my opinion... I could be wrong.

PS: The lyrics are not provided in the order they come in the song. If you would like to know how the song actually sounds you should consider checking it out on YouTube or iTunes.

Tools of the Turnaround: A Look at What the New York Jets Are Doing Wrong

John Graham — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:08:19 -0500

Figuring out what problems have lead to the recent slide of the New York Jets has never been more obvious. Instead of boring my readers with worthless stats that really don't prove anything, or making excuses for sub-par performances, I am going to tackle the problems head on:

1. The 3-4

The New York Jets have a defense that is riddled with talent against both the run and the pass, but week in and out they give up hundreds of yards.

The key to figuring out your weaknesses is to be aware of your strengths. In this case, the Jets have the personnel and the attributes to play top-notch defense. So you can't put the fault on the people.

No, in this case it is coaching. For some stupid reason that I will never figure out, Mangini and friends have some connection to running a 3-4 defense and rarely ever blitzing more than four defenders.

As a result, opposing QBs have all the time they could ever hope for to find a receiver. This, makes guys like Revis look bad when they really aren't.

It isn't easy to cover an NFL wideout, but when you give the QB an hour and a half to find one with a little separation, it becomes nearly impossible.

Solution: Go back to a 4-3 and try blitzing for once in your life. Help your secondary! Oh yeah, and slap which ever genius brought back Ty Law. Nobody in the game this year should be so old that they were in their second year when Tecmo Super Bowl came out (Hint to Seau).

2. The Offense

This is the easiest of all problems to solve. Take the Tennessee and Arizona game footage. Watch it. Run that offense.

Oh yeah, don't run it up the middle on third-and-eight either. If that is the game plan, you might consider punting on third so you don't risk a turnover. That is chicken offense at its worst and never works for this team.

Another thing that might be useful the Jets is to tell Mr. Wrangler wearing No. 4 that, like in Green Bay, he should throw the ball to the green people (unless of course they are wearing those hideous NY Titans throwbacks).

Also, when Thomas Jones is playing so well, who thinks it is wise to let him only run the ball 10 times over the course of the game? Honestly, if that guy isn't updating his resume right now, then we have already lost.

3. Laterals.....

'Nuff said.

4. Underestimation

It is blatantly obvious that the Jets did not prepare mentally for Denver or San Francisco. Why else would they look so lost?

I could blame this on Mangini, but this is everyone's fault. To end a five-game winning streak on a loss where you look like you don't even care is not okay. There is no such thing as coasting into the playoffs.

Fortunately, the Jets still control their own destiny, but why let the Pats and Fins back into the race? That is just stupid! Get out there and do your damn job, fellas. If you want to just get dressed up and pretend to be interested on Sunday morning, get off the field and go to church.

Solution: Get motivated.

These, are in my opinion, the primary short-comings of the Jets these past two weeks. I could blame that idiot ref for stealing one from us, but I honestly think that the final would have been a 24-21 loss anyways so I won't complain. We didn't deserve to win that game, and it is no surprise that we lost.

I love this team with all my heart—but let's be real here, folks. When they go out there and crumble on their own like that, it is silly to put blame on anyone but them.

Hopefully this all changes. I have faith that it will. All they can do now is look to the future and make the changes they think give them the best chance to win. Like every other fan, I will be there on Sunday to support them.

To all you Titans fans out there

I would like to take this chance to tell all bitter Titans fans who have nothing better to do than plague the NFL.com message boards with their slander one thing: YOU LOST! DEAL WITH IT!

Just take this chance to thank whatever god you believe in that you lost in the regular season, and not in the Super Bowl like a certain team with a dishonest coach from Foxboro that I won't name here.

It's not like you came a yard short of a Super Bowl here—oh wait, my bad. Maybe you should be bitter.

Or, you could save that energy for the playoffs.

Or, you could try complaining to someone who really wants to hear a fan of the team with the best record in football complain about their one loss. Just make sure that you remember that I am not that person and I do not feel bad for you. Nor do I care what your opinion is on the Jets' last two losses.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers Defeat Rockets in Western Showdown

John Graham — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:01:16 -0500

Finishing up what may be a playoff preview with a final score of 111-82 makes a huge statement. But, what statement is it?

Are the Rockets as good as their roster suggests? Are they just not looking for a team rhythm? Did their play makers just not put on their best performance?

Or is it the contrary?

Are the Lakers better than everyone thought? Are the Lakers the best team in the NBA now?

While all of these questions are surely being debated, one must also ask: Does one game against two playoff bound squads really speak loud enough to answer any of these questions?

I say "Yes!"

There is no question that the Rockets did not bring their best performance against the Lakers. While they certainly started off hot, the lack of performance from Yao and McGrady led to their eventual meltdown. With only 15 points between the two of them, it is clear why they could not keep up with the Lakers.

But, you can't take anything away from the Lakers. They played top notch defense and held Houston's superstars to sub-par numbers. The Lakers were a complete team on both offense and defense and virtually unstoppable for the majority of the game.

So what have we learned about these two contenders in the West so far this season?

The first question we can answer is "Are the Rockets as good as their roster suggests?"

The answer is absolutely! While the Rockets are only 4-3 so far this season, we have still seen a lot from them. They have the talent both on and off the bench, but have not had the desired results due to a lack of in-game rhythm.

Also, we really have not seen enough from guys like McGrady and Yao to bring this team to the peak of its potential. So basically every question listed about the Rockets has been answered; still, we haven't learned anything about what this team can accomplish.

While the roster, team rhythm, and playmaker performances are not at their best, what we must remember is that the talent is there.

The Rockets have all the tools they need to do great things this season. Quite frankly, their record and recent results have not done them justice. Fortunately, with a lot of season left and time to improve and adapt to their new players and strategies, the Rockets should be a different animal at the end of the season.

As far as the Lakers, they are just that good. Starting 5-0 and showing no signs of slowing down, they're looking like a championship caliber team and a force to be reckoned with. As long as they can stay away from injuries and keep their momentum going, I really do not see anything or anyone putting a stop to this franchise.

Honestly, I know that it is bold to say it now but the Lakers, in my opinion, are the best team in basketball. As long as they stay healthy, I do not see any team in the East putting a stop to this power house of the West.

It's early and it's bold, but after the way the Lakers have started this season, it is hard to find a team that can beat them.

The Rockets, Hornets, and Jazz are tough, but with one playoff preview behind us, it is much easier to recognize the true power of the Lakers among their Western Conference contenders.

With all that being said and the questions answered, the Lakers are the toughest team in the West. It is going to take a top notch performance to beat this team, especially in a playoff series.

The Rockets and other teams are good enough to beat them. But, in order to do so, they will need to be able to turn in phenomenal results on a consistent basis. Unfortunately for them, if the Lakers stay this hot, they will still be underdogs, even if they are at their best.

Colorado Buffaloes' Weakest Links: The Hawkins Family

John Graham — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:23:56 -0500

When Dan Hawkins walked into Macky Auditorium in the spring of 2006 and boasted about how he was going to change the football program and the mediocre times of Gary Barnett, no one could have been more excited and enthusiastic about the future and the upcoming season.

However, Buffaloes fans were left disappointed at season's end with a 2-10 record and losses to their rivals CSU and Nebraska, and even a far weaker Montana State team.

But despite these weak results, Buffaloes fans remained optimistic that the former stud from Boise State could turn their team around, and all he needed was a little more time.

Pessimistic as always, I was never shy about my disdain for these results and I constantly said that Hawkins was not the kind of coach who could be successful in the Big 12.

While I have always had nothing but respect for what he accomplished in the WAC, the Big 12 is a completely different animal.

Things seemingly got better when the first recruiting results surfaced and Hawkins was able to pull in some strong players that Barnett typically never got.

So once again, excitement renewed, and Buffs fans rallied around their new coach in hopes that with new talent and a season under his belt, his results would surely improve.

Fortunately, they did! In his second season as head coach of the Buffs, Hawkins was able to beat Oklahoma and lose a bowl game to a far superior Alabama Crimson Tide team.

This left the Buffs with an record of 6-7, and with the results vastly superior to the previous year even I had started losing my doubt about Hawkins.

Then once again, another decent recruiting class came through and I found myself beginning to change my opinion of Coach Hawkins.

Unfortunately, this season began to unfold. At first, I was convinced that I was wrong. Starting 3-0 was impressive, but the success did not last. In the following six games, the Buffs went 1-5, which now has them sitting at 4-5.

Sadly, based on their future opponents, I don't see them finishing any better than 6-6. Sure, this will get them a bowl game, and if they manage to win said bowl game that too would be an improvement from the season before.

But at this point, in his third season, he has barely managed to put us in a position to do better than .500. But as if this wasn't enough his recruiting has begun to suffer as well.

So the Buffaloes really need to ask themselves if this guy is really the right answer. In my opinion, I truly think that it is time to send him packing for several reasons.

First, the results are unacceptable. There is no excuse for this mediocrity after the amount of time and talent he has been exposed to. I understand that sometimes people need time to make changes, but three years is more than enough.

It only took Saban one season of mediocrity before he turned the Crimson Tide into one of the top teams in the nation. Hawkins has now officially had his third season of average results and there does not seem to be any realistic signs of improvement.

Second, Hawkins will never be able to secure a great recruiting class. Sure he has managed to grab some talent, but nothing even close to the top programs in the Big 12 and that should be the ultimate goal. A lot of this, in my opinion, is due to the way he runs the team, starting with his son.

How does it look to a really talented kid coming out of high school, getting recruited by colleges from all over the country, and then speaking to Hawkins from CU who starts his son at QB?

Now I know that Cody Hawkins is an okay QB, but when a recruit sees that the coach is starting his own son, it just sends the wrong message. It makes the program look like it plays favorites and deals in politics instead of football, and that is no way to secure a solid recruiting class.

If Cody looked like Peyton Manning, it would be different, but in the grand scheme of things, this kid is average at best. This, coupled with his weak coaching performance, has led to Colorado's inability to bring large pools of talent to the football program.

Like I said earlier, I am glad that he has done a better job in this area than Barnett, but this program will not turn the corner on being a recruiting contender until this image is gone.

Third, despite being able to knock of good teams, the Buffs, under this coach at least, have been far too inconsistent and that all comes down to coaching. Take a look at Penn State, Alabama, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. The one thing that stands out is their ability to win football games week in and week out.

Colorado, on the other hand, has shown that they can win. But they are unable to do so on a week-to-week basis. Winning games here and there is not the staple of a good team and a contending program.

So there you have it! His performance, record, coaching decisions, lack of improvement, and average recruiting are not the signs of a good coach.

They are not the results of a coach who can win 10 games a season consistently, and if the Buffaloes want to climb from this misery of mediocrity back to the level of contention they enjoyed in the early '90s, then this coach needs to go!

He has had time, he has had players, and most importantly, he has had many opportunities to prove his strength as a coaching mastermind, but he has never been able to turn the corner and make the Buffaloes a competitor in the Big 12.

It is for these reasons, that I think it is time for the Buffs give up on Hawkins and find themselves a new coach.

Houston Rockets: The Real Deal?

John Graham — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:50:59 -0500

Year after year the Rockets start the season with signs of life and glimmers of hope, but year after year the Rockets find themselves leaving the playoffs in the first round.

With the addition of Artest and the hope of a healthy year from their stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, are the Rockets ready for the next level?

Absolutely! Despite going under the radar thus far, the Rockets are easily one of the biggest threats in the West. However, they have not really received the kind of respect they truly deserve.

With fans and analysts going on and on about how great the Lakers, Hornets, and Jazz are, the Rockets have managed to avoid a great deal of the spotlight. But, could this work to their advantage?

Again, absolutely! While press and hype is always a motivating factor to perform at a high level, so is the lack of hype. This year, more than any other, the Rockets have something that they need to show the rest of the NBA. That message is plain and simple and it is: "We are no longer a season team! We are ready to win in the playoffs!"

But this season, unlike the past few years, the Rockets can be considered a complete team thanks to their new depth on the bench.

With the addition of Brent Barry and Ron Artest the Rockets have risen from a team with great players to a great team. Anytime you have a squad that has guys like Shane Battier and Brent Barry coming off the bench, you know you have depth.

Barry and Battier could easily start for many other teams in the NBA and it is important to talk about what this means to the Rockets. For the last few seasons the Rockets have been essentially nullified without McGrady or Yao on the court.

With bench players, who not only play great defense but can also sink the long ball, the team gains another dimension. The Rockets, for the first time in a long time, have the potential to provide results off the bench and adequately relieve their all-stars.

So how will this effect the play of Yao and McGrady?

Well, you are going to start seeing a lot more assists for starters. Also, now that some of the weight of the world has been lifted off of these two players you can expect some better shot percentages.

With capable teammates they will be able to be more selective with their shots and ultimately you will see a large increase in offensive production. These factors will lead to Yao and McGrady putting up bigger numbers with more assists and a large increase in shot percentage come the end of the season.

So getting back to the point at hand; The Rockets are the real deal. They are not only going to take a top seed in the playoffs, but I believe that you can expect to see them in the Western Conference Finals barring an injury to one of their superstars.

Also, I think you are going to see a huge improvement in the play of Yao and T-Mac. The Rockets for the first time in a great while are poised to make a run at the Finals.

Despite the talent and expectations of teams like the Lakers and Hornets, I would not sleep on the Rockets. They not only have the talent to make the playoffs, they also have the talent to make a run at the title.

I know that it is easy to talk about the failures of recent years and those arguments certainly have some level of merit. But, you have to remember that this is not the same team anymore.

The changes have been made and the improvements are vast, and the Houston Rockets are coming into the 08-09 season with championship potential and a whole lot to prove.

So when the dust settles and the smoke clears you can take it to the bank. The Houston Rockets are the real deal and they won't be out of the spotlight for long.

To Whom Do We Owe The Jets' Success

John Graham — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:01:24 -0500

The New York Jets have to be one of the most unpredictable franchises in the NFL this season. Despite the fact that we have only reached the halfway mark of the season, we have seen the best and the worst of the Jets.

But when the dust settles and the smoke clears, the Jets are in a three-way tie for the lead in the AFC East with a 5-3 record.

So, who rightfully deserves the credit for this success?

Now there is no doubt that football is the quintessential team game. In no other sport are you forced to rely on your teammates as much as you are in football. But when a team sits at 5-3 after only winning four games the previous year, someone has obviously had some impact on the team.

Of course, the most notable name is obviously Brett Favre.

While he has not had his best season there is no doubt that his impact on the locker room and practices are priceless. Anytime you can have a guy like Favre talking to your younger players and molding them into game-time competitors on the field, you can rest assured that improvements are well on their way.

Favre, in my opinion, is an obvious choice but my goal in this piece is to give credit to players who really haven't been praised enough for their vast contributions.

The following is a list of players who Jets fans can thank for a much improved seasonal standing this year. They are not listed in random order and I am not making an effort to try and give more merit to any one player.

1. Darrelle Revis

In only his second year out of college, it cannot be denied that this guy's ability to play corner is phenomenal. We are watching a superstar develop before our eyes.

His big play ability and nose for the football is almost as intense as his will to win games and make big plays. His game ending interceptions in both divisional victories for the Jets against the Bills and Dolphins illustrate this the best.

2. Leon Washington

If you don't get goosebumps when this guy touches the ball then check your pulse. He has—hands down—the most big play ability on the team.

Between his extreme talent on special teams coupled with his agility and speed, Washington is one of the most consistent threats week in and week out.

3. Kris Jenkins

The acquisition of this defensive lineman has to be one of the best moves the Jets have made in a long time—especially considering the disappointing results from Dewayne Robertson.

Jenkins anchors a 3-4 defense that struggled only one season ago, but now has them placed as a top five rushing defense. Only giving up 30 rushing yards to the Bills was one of the major factors in winning that game, and we owe a lot of that to our star defensive tackle.

4. Dwight Lowery

Here's another CB the Jets can take to the bank. He is only in his rookie year but making plays that many veterans can't make.

He may not have the most shiny stat sheet but take nothing away from the man. If the ball is in his arms length, you can bet the house that he will knock it down.

5. Shaun Ellis

Every season we can expect big things from this guy, but this season he has stepped up just a little bit more.

He is on pace to record over 10 sacks this season and it is easy to see why. His utter tenacity and brute strength have proven to be priceless this year. But everything is so much better knowing that he is lining up alongside Jenkins.

These are the five guys who I think have gone under the radar the most this season.

While I did not mention big-time players like Faneca, Cotchery, Coles, Pace, Rhodes, Jones, and Harris, it is important that I take this opportunity to say that there is no doubting the fact that they too have made great contributions.

But it would take way too long to go into detail on every player who has stepped up this season so I felt it was best to leave them out.

The Jets' success has been a team effort from top to bottom and it is important that as fans we remember that when the team loses, everyone loses, and when the team wins, everyone wins.

We get so caught up in praising and condemning guys with big names like Brett Favre. But at the end of the day, despite how good or bad a guy like Favre plays, it is up to his teammates to bring him through it and win regardless.

So having said that, the reason that I chose the five players I chose was primarily because, in my opinion, they have played top notch every week and have taken every opportunity to change the face of the game no matter what the score or situation.

When people show that kind of heart it truly makes you proud to call yourself a fan and it really makes the game that much better.

So once again, I am in no way trying to imply that anyone else is not trying or is playing poorly. I honestly just think that these five guys have helped mold this franchise into a winning team and they have not received nearly enough credit. For the first time in years the Jets are poised to take the AFC East from their bitter rivals, the New England Patriots.

Fortunately, with the great efforts and achievements of these players, alongside the rest of the team, that dream may be well on its way to becoming a reality.

Is Brett Favre the New Vinny Testaverde

John Graham — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:06:27 -0400

It is never easy to take a figure like Brett Favre and compare him to a guy like Vinny Testaverde. But it is time to cut to the chase and really take a look at reality.

From day one this year, Brett Favre could do no wrong by almost anybody's standards. No matter how many INTs he threw, or how many bad decisions he made, there always seemed to be someone waiting to make an excuse for him. Well, as far as I am concerned, his excuses have run their course.

We have heard it all this season. Excuse after excuse talking about how it is a new playbook, or trouble adapting to new players that are causing his poor performance. I have even heard people talk about his age as a potential problem. The only thing I haven't heard is somebody stand up and say, "He just doesn't have what it takes anymore."

It is not easy to say, but it is time for people to wake up and face a cold reality. Brett Favre is just not the player he used to be, and his glory days are gone forever.

He has fallen from the days where he could do anything. He is just not the Brett Favre people fell in love with anymore. Unfortunately, he seems to be taking on the persona of the late Vinny Testaverde.

I know this may seem like a harsh comparison, but there are a few striking similarities that should be discussed.

First, and most obvious, he plays for the Jets.

Second, His stat sheet is somewhat similar when you compare the two. In Vinny's last season as the Jets' starting quarterback (16 game season), he threw 15 TDs and 14 INTs. Favre is sitting at 15 TDs and 11 INTs.

Third, Favre is demonstrating the same types of decision-making problems that Testaverde did. For example, throwing balls at well-defended receivers. Running backwards and losing extra yards on sacks (especially that sack by Wilfork against the Patriots).

His presence in the pocket always seems to be rattled and hurried, despite the intensity of the pass rush. The list goes on and on...

Fourth, Favre has been getting wins by his teammates constantly bailing him out of messes he has created. Leon Washington single-handedly kept the Jets alive against Kansas City. Had the game been left to Favre, the Jets would be at 3-4 right now. Not to mention, one could easily make the argument that Favre's play against the Patriots cost the Jets that win as well.

Fifth, Favre, like Testaverde, has started receiving "boos" from his own crowd. I know that it's a New York crowd, but to get to a point where they are booing a man with the credentials of Brett Favre just shows exactly how poor his performance has been.

Sixth, and lastly, Testaverde did not know when to hang it up and call it quits. Apparently neither does Favre. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Brett and all that he has accomplished in his storied career, but it is time for him to permanently retire. He is allowing himself to fall from greatness to mediocrity. He is, quite frankly, allowing himself to be compared to Vinny Testaverde.

It is hard to say this as a fan of both the Jets and Brett Favre, but the silly excuses need to stop. It is safe to say that the Jets were better off with Pennington, and I guess now we can all see why Green Bay didn't want Brett back.

Sorry Brett, but it is time for you to hang up your hat and enjoy your future induction into the Hall of Fame.

Which Passer in the AFC East Reigns Supreme?

John Graham — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:32:41 -0400

As we rapidly approach the middle of the NFL season, we begin to notice a myriad of different things. Teams begin to settle into their gameplans, playoff predictions grow in numbers, players and teams begin to show signs of promise or failure, injuries begin to show what toll they will take on their team, and the offseason transactions begin to show their relative value.

The AFC East is hands down the most tossed up division in football. Ever since the famed Brett Favre hoisted up the New York Jets No. 4 jersey and Chad Pennington moved to Miami, there has just been no telling what could possibly unfold this season.

Then, the unthinkable happened! Tom Brady went down in Week One and Matt Cassel was forced to try fill arguably the biggest shoes in the NFL.

All of this left us with a division of four teams having three quarterback changes all before the conclusion of the first game in the season. Honestly, you could not make this kind of stuff up if you tried. Here we have some of the most compelling drama in the NFL, and it involves two future Hall of Famers, a veteran who was forced to play for an eight-year rival, and a guy who hadn't started a football game since high school.

The only guy left out was of course is Trent Edwards of the Buffalo Bills, who fortunately had less drama to deal with in his locker room.

But which quarterback has really stepped up this season? With Tom Brady out and numerous weapons on hand, Matt Cassel certainly has had a phenomenal opportunity. The great Brett Favre was tasked with turning the 4-12 Jets into a playoff contender, and Chad Pennington was asked to be the heart of a team that only won a single game the previous year. However, despite these stories and opportunities, all four quarterbacks have performed at an almost equal level.

This is how the stats breakdown going into Week Eight:

Trent Edwards - Despite having a 5-1 record, he has only thrown for five TDs and two INTs. while amassing 1,209 yards. He has been sacked 11 times and holds a completion percentage of 69.7 percent. This leaves his average yards per game at 201.5 and a passer rating of 98.8, which is the highest rating in the AFC East.

While the numbers are far from bad, one must remind themselves that there is more to football than stats, and the Bills have won games on their special teams and defense more than on the shoulders of Edwards.

In Week One, their special teams totalled 27 points. That is not something you can count on, week in and week out, so it is very important that if the Bills want to maintain their supremacy in the AFC East, they are going to need a better performance out of their offense.

However, let's not take anything away, either. Edwards has been good at protecting the ball and taking advantage of opportunities that have been presented to him. But when you talk about the Buffalo Bills and their great record, you also have to remember that they have had it pretty easy thus far, when you look at their opponents. Not to mention, they barely survived a few games that should have been easy wins, like their near-loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Chad Pennington - While the Dolphins sit last in their division at 2-4, Pennington has actually put up some strong numbers. He has thrown for six TDs and three INTs while piling up 1,396 yards. He has both the most yards thrown in the division, as well as least number of sacks (10). His completion percentage is 68.6 percent, and his passer rating is right behind Edwards at 97.4.

Once again, we have numbers that are fairly solid. The only thing lacking out of Edwards or Pennington are touchdown passes. However, they both protected the ball very well in the passing game, which certainly brings in some level of compensation.

The Dolphins' record is hardly representative to how well Pennington has played, too. He has consistently put his team in positions to win and has helped Miami prove themselves to be a competitive offense. In fact, two of their losses were due to last-minute plays, including a last second loss to the Houston Texans, which was more of a failure by the Miami defense.

At any rate, Chad Pennington has truly done a great job learning the Miami offense and making them a far tougher team than anyone expected. If he had a little bit more talent on his defense or another decent receiver across from Ted Ginn, his performance, in all actuality, could have yielded a record more like 4-2 instead of 2-4.

Brett Favre - The Jets are currently third in the division with a record of 3-3. While Favre and his move to New York have certainly been the talk of the town, his performance leaves me with nothing to rave about. He stands out as the clear leader in the division with 13 TDs, but he also leads with eight interceptions.

In doing so, Favre racked up 1,321 yards - second only to Pennington. Favre has been sacked 15 times and has a completion percentage of 68.2 percent. His overall rating is third in the division at 92.3.

When glancing at Favre's stat sheet, it is easy to be blinded by the number of TDs and conclude that he has done more than his part. However, as someone who has watched all six games by every team in the AFC East this season, I can say that he has certainly been average at best.

While everyone expects Brett to be Brett and throw those crazy passes, they should also expect a greater level of decision making. Sure, Brett has brought a spark to the team, but his cavalier behavior with the football has led to some of the biggest bonehead turnovers I have seen in a long time; a few of which could be viewed as game-losing turnovers.

He also seems as if he is still uncomfortable with the Jets' playbook and that is no excuse, especially when you aren't hearing the same number of excuses coming from anyone in Miami on Pennington's performance. Don't get me wrong, I am not blaming Favre for the Jets struggles, but he has not been a very big part of the solution.

His only Favre-caliber performance was against the Cardinals.

Please keep in mind that I have nothing but respect and admiration for Brett Favre and all that he has accomplished in his career, but his play this season has not been representative of an NFL legend.

Fortunately, he has quite a bit of time to turn this around, but the clock is certainly ticking.

Matt Cassel - The Patriots currently stand in second in the AFC East with a respectable 4-2 record. In helping his team to achieve this standing, Cassel has thrown six TDs and four INTs. He has been sacked a staggering 25 times and has thrown for 1,095 yards, which is the lowest in the division. His completion percentage is also the lowest, at 66.3 percent, along with his passer rating, which sits at 86.8.

While Cassel has apparently done enough, he hasn't really had to do that much. He has thrown the second-most number of interceptions behind Favre and has not been able to find his receivers very well, judging by his number of sacks. I know that the offensive line has a lot to do with that, but after watching him play, it is easy to see that he has a bad habit of holding onto the ball too long.

But remember, this man is the only quarterback in the division in his first year as a starter. It is hard to expect great things from him in light of the situation he is in. But despite all that, he has still turned in a decent performance.

After all, he did beat Brett Favre in his first ever start as an NFL quarterback. But while it is unfair to expect too much, remember Cassel has no shortage of offensive weapons. In many ways, you can ask how he can struggle at all with a guy like Randy Moss lining up at receiver.

So, in bringing it all together, the rankings for the quarterbacks in the AFC East goes as follows:

4. Matt Cassel - He has won games but more due to his teammates than him.

3. Brett Favre - Scoring doesn't always win if you have almost as many turnovers as touchdowns (including fumbles).

2. Trent Edwards - 5-1 is a great start but his record is no representation of him and his offense. More like his special teams and defense.

1. Chad Pennington - Despite a weak record, Pennington has handled his move with great results and has easily outperformed any and all expectations. Unfortunately, Miami's record does not highlight the improvements that he has brought to that team in the least.

I am sure that a lot of people will disagree with this ranking system, and all I can say is that having a 5-1 record or a name like Brett Favre does not ensure great results. Just because you are on a winning team or have played outstanding in the past does not entitle you to be seen as the best all the time.

Just take a look at the Bears' Super Bowl appearance with Rex Grossman, and Emmitt Smith's stint as an Arizona Cardinal for proof of the fact that name and record do not speak for everything.

Am I saying that Pennington is better than Favre? No! There is no doubt that Favre is a better player than Chad Pennington overall, but this season, Chad has made fundamental decisions that have consistently given his team great opportunities to win, while Brett Favre has not.

Sure, Favre has put points on the board. But when that is counter-balanced by turnovers, your cost/benefit value tends to drop.

As far as Edwards being below Chad, I must say that was a toss up. Both have done well this year, but in my opinion, (and it is my opinion), I feel like Pennington has just done a little bit more on a week-to-week basis to make him just a bit better for his team than Edwards so far this season.

However, I am sure that the full course of the season will determine whether or not my midseason beliefs are true or false, and I am eagerly anticipating how the NFL season will continue to surprise me, as it already has so many times this season.

Highlighting a Highlight Reel: Kobe Bryant's Greatest Moments

John Graham — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:03:07 -0400

Putting the career of Kobe Bryant into his top ten moments is something that originally I thought would be terribly difficult.

Since he has provided his team and his millions of fans with countless moments that will live in NBA history forever, the list to choose from is quite long.

However, after a few moments thinking about what this man has both encountered and accomplished, his greatest experiences and accomplishments manage to stand out just a bit more than the rest.

Now I know that people who read this will either disagree or feel that a certain event or game is left out, but as I have already mentioned, there are a countless number of events to choose from and these are the moments that I believe have had the greatest impact on his career and all of his fans.

So without any further discussion allow me to present the top ten moments of the one and only Kobe Bryant.

10. The Draft

While it may seem obvious, it goes without saying that being drafted at No. 13 in the 1996 NBA Draft right out of high school is one of his greatest moments.

To get drafted at all is considered a great reward by most, but to do this right out of high school has proven to be an honor shared by only a few. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets despite making it very clear that he had no desire to play for that team.

This was the event, and the day, that the legend of Kobe Bryant first began to take form and there is no doubt that bringing Kobe into the NBA when they did started a new chapter in professional basketball.

9. The Trade

The next on the list is actually the next event that unfolded after Kobe's being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. As stated before, Bryant had made it clear to his agent and the media that he wanted to play for the Lakers and the Lakers only.

The Hornets drafted Bryant in hopes that they could make a trade with the Lakers. On July 1, 1996 Kobe's wish was granted when the Lakers and the Hornets agreed to trade Bryant's draft rights for their then starting center Vlade Divac.

It was on this day that Kobe Bryant would begin his promising career that has led him to where he is today as one of the greatest Lakers of all-time.

8. The Game

No. 8 is the only event that I have chosen from a game. While dropping 81 points in a single game against the Raptors in the 2006 season is something that most people would have placed as a No. 1 accomplishment, there are just too many other moments to consider when dealing with Kobe Bryant.

But let us not take anything away, scoring 81 points against a professional basketball team is nothing to shake a stick at.

7. Clash of the Titans

No. 7 is an event that unfolded off the court, but came as a result of events that took place on the court.

After numerous seasons with arguably one of the best centers in basketball, Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant and O'Neal's relationship had declined to a state of utter hatred.

Once contracts ended and opportunities arose to release one of these players the Lakers franchise was put in a situation where they had to choose one or the other. Guess who they chose!

Despite the success both men brought to this storied franchise, it was Kobe Bryant who dawned the Yellow and Purple when the dust finally settled on one of the biggest player fueds in basketball history.

There is no doubt that this is one of the greatest moments in Kobe's career; not because he out-lasted Shaq, his bitter rival, but because he had also evolved into such an asset to this team that the owners chose him over a player of O'Neal's caliber.

6. Turning the Corner

Throughout Bryant's career he has been insulted and accused of many things. The accusation that seemed to be held against him the most was that he was too much a ball hog.

Well, as a fan of Kobe and someone who has closely followed his career, I can say that the last several seasons Kobe has become the epitome of a team player which has earned him both praise, awards, and team success.

Efforts like this tend to go unnoticed since they do not always show up on a stat sheet but Bryant has shown a great deal of growth since O'Neal has left which has directly contributed to the Lakers continued success and recent post-season appearances.

5. Coming of Age

In only his second season in the NBA, Kobe Bryant through fans voting had become the youngest starting player on the NBA All-Star Team. He was 21 years old when he was given this honor.

He also earned in the same year the Sixth Man Player of the Year recognition for his off the bench performance. It is truly impressive that someone playing off the bench at the start of the season could accomplish these honors in only their second year in professional basketball.

4. Becoming the Centerfold

Coming it at No. 4 is more of a trend than an event. His becoming the leader and the face of the Lakers is what I put as his fourth greatest career highlight.

In the aftermath of O'Neal leaving the team and the failure in the Finals of the Hall of Fame team in the 03-04 season, an immense amount of pressure was put on Bryant to take a team that was full of young players and turn them into a winning franchise.

It is moments like this where you truly see what a player is capable of. Many players put in this position simply fail. They must wait until more talent or experience comes along to help them go places.

However, love or hate Kobe Bryant, it would be foolish to deny that he took his team, even in its weakest days, and brought about results that far exceeded almost everyones expectations.

3. MVP

As everyone expected, becoming the NBA MVP is definitely towards the top of my list. However, it comes in as No. 3 only because this is an accomplishment for a player, while basketball is a team sport.

Although basketball is the only sport that allows a star athlete to shine to such a great extent, it is important to remember that you live and die by your team.

Therefore, his outstanding individual accomplishments of the 07-08 season that awarded him Most Valuable Player of the NBA can not be over looked as one of his greater moments it still lands in third.

2. Champs

Obviously it would not be much of a top ten list if his three championships with the Lakers were not included so here they are at number two.

The three-peat championships of 2000-2002 are undoubtedly the second best highlight of his sports career. Having his hard work and efforts rewarded with three NBA Championships is without doubt one of the greatest moments for Kobe Bryant, as well as, any of his fans.

1. Redemption

The greatest moment or accomplishment for Kobe Bryant in my opinion would have to be hands down winning the Olympic Games in Beijing at the 2008 games. After disappointing performances in the previous games by the USA, the "Redeem Team" brought the Gold Medal back to the United States and would be the only Olympic Medal Kobe Bryant has received.

Sure winning the NBA finals is the main goal, but you get a shot at that year after year. Bringing the gold medal back to the USA and finishing first in a ceremony that only comes around every four years comes with such a greater level of drama and a far greater scale of competition.

In my opinion, the scale could not be greater and prize more treasureable than a gold medal at the Olympic Games which is why the US victory in Beijing tops the list of Kobe's career moments and accomplishments.

In conclusion, I would just like to say that I am aware that this may be a bit unorthodox when it comes to breaking down a player's career. I am very aware of the fact that Kobe Bryant has been an 10-time NBA All Star, 10-time All-NBA selection, eight-time All-Defensive selection, as well as a scoring and slam dunk champion. I am also aware of the fact that over the course of his storied career he averages 25 points a game with 4.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

But when all is said and done, in my opinion it is just wrong to just take ten of your favorite single game performances or a few slam dunks from a highlight reel and use them to try and summarize someones greatest moments or accomplishments.

Personally, I can talk about his buzzer beating over-time shots and outrageous dunks until i turn blue in the face, but there is so much more to his career than a few games and highlights.

That is why I tried to compile the top ten events that not only had an impact on the fans and Kobe Bryant, but i tried to select events that illustrated his achievements and growth as a person, teammate, and competitor that are not only great moments for the fans, but that were also great moments for him.

It is with this intention that I leave you the top 10 greatest moments in the career of Kobe Bryant.