Bleacher Report - Articles by John C. Sease, Jr.

Fact Or Fiction: Winning Championships Solidifies Legacies!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:41:55 -0400

Recently, I watched an interview of Kobe Bryant after the Lakers won their championship a few weeks ago.

When asked what motivates him for each season, he immediately responded..."Winning Championships...rings!" Also, with the help of a little creative paraphrasing, he went on to state that every player's goal is to win championships and for the most part, their careers are defined by the number of championships won throughout their years of competition.

Well folks...let me be the first to go out on a limb and say that his thought process is not only ridiculous, but also a major lie!

I have always disagreed with the notion that an athlete's greatness within the confines of a team sport is by any means correlated with "team championships" based upon the following reasons:

Reason No. 1: It's a team sport.

If you are willing to judge an athlete's legacy, then let it be judged by the accuracy of the sport in which they participated. For instance, it is easy to judge the legacy of Carl Lewis, Tiger Woods, Pete Sampras, Serena or Venus Williams because their success is indeed defined by the number of titles won throughout their careers.

Therefore, placing the aforementioned athletes in the "hallowed halls of greatness" is warranted because their championships were all won with 100 percent of their sweat and hard work in an individual sport!

Conversely, when you are dependent upon other people to help you win a championship (i.e football, basketball, etc.), then you never win it alone...regardless of how talented you are in the sport.

That being said, a superior athlete participating within the confines of a team sport does indeed have an impact on the team winning a championship, however, the athlete is hardly the sole reason for winning the title.

Reason No. 2: The Lie.

The following is the biggest lie most frequently told by professional athletes: "The most important thing in my career is to win a championship."

It is a major lie simply because it has always been at best the No. 4 thing on every athlete's list when they first start their career.

Very few athletes come from college or high school with the thought of winning a championship as their top priority. For the most part, their prioritized hierarchy is always comprised of the following:

1. Massive contract with a huge signing bonus.

2. Massive endorsement opportunities with shoe companies and corporate America.

3. Stratospheric fame that transcends their sport.

4. Winning a championship...if it happens!

The truth of the matter is that athletes in team sports only care about winning championships when they are "years" in to their careers after achieving the fame and fortune they were seeking prior to joining their respective leagues. If they have never won a title after achieving fame and fortune, then they will chase the title. For examples...see Karl Malone, Gary Peyton, Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, etc.

If they have already won a title and also achieved fame and fortune, then the only thing left for them is to strive to win more titles. For examples...Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, etc.

To further prove my point, look at the many athletes that have won championships and left the team because another team offered them a more lucrative contract in free agency. If they were really dedicated to winning championships as they stated, then why wouldn't they remain with the their current team that has the greatest chance of winning the next year? For examples, see Trevor Ariza and James Posey.

Regardless of what Kobe Bryant states, most athletes are seeking the fame and fortune first. Once that is achieved, then the dedication to the championship matters.

Reason No. 3: Team Success does not correlate with Individual Legacy.

Much has debated about the legacy of guys like Karl Malone, Dan Marino, Dan Fouts, Charles Barkley, etc.

Every conversation that includes these all-time greats are always ended with, "He never won a ring!"

This is one of the most ridiculous statements uttered whenever it pertains to athletes participating in team sports, because it has absolutely nothing to do with their individual prowess or legacy during their time in the sport.

If winning a championship within a team sport had any relevance to individual legacy, then we would be able to utter the following outrageous comments:

1. Robert Horry should be considered to have a much greater career than Charles Barkley or Karl Malone because he has six rings. As a matter of fact, he should be considered one of the all-time greats.

2. Steve Kerr is greater than Oscar Robertson because he has more rings.

3. Trent Dilfer is greater than Dan Marino, Fran Tarkenton, Dan Fouts and Warren Moon because he won a title with the Ravens.

Do you see how ridiculous those statements could be?

The reality is that winning championships within the confines of a team sport has very little to do with an athlete's individual legacy, instead, it has everything to do with the team's legacy.

Finally, athletes such as Kobe Bryant should stop pretending that the ring matters. After all, it is at best the fourth goal on their hierarchical chart.

Dear Shaquille O'Neal: On My List, You're No. 5 at Best

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:32:14 -0400

Mike Tyson used to proclaim the following: "I'm the baddest man on the planet!"

From the looks of his early boxing record, it appeared he was quite correct with his self-indulged assessment.

Personally, I never bought in to the hype of Tyson simply because he was an unfortunate victim of a lackluster heavyweight division during his reign of terror.

Let's face it, the opponents that Tyson destroyed on his way to the title were "no-named bums" that you probably couldn't remember if someone offered a million dollars for you to do so.

Also, the ex contenders he fought with recognizable names, i.e. Larry Holmes (and others) were all well past their prime when they fought Tyson.

That being said, Mike Tyson will undoubtedly go down in history as a dominant force during an era associated with pitiful heavyweight talent.

This leads me to Shaquille O'Neal.

If you listen to Shaq, then you would think that he has proclaimed himself as the most dominant center of all time.

Throughout his career, he has outwardly stated that no center in the league could stop him. In addition, sportswriters and commentators have marveled over his sheer dominance in the paint during his tenure in the league.

The problem with these assessments is that they mirror the aforementioned assessment of Mike Tyson's career.

In the past, centers such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Artis Gilmore, Moses Malone, Dan Issel, Bill Walton, Tree Rollins, and many more guarded the paint as if their lives depended upon it each game.

These were big and physical centers that also brought a variety of skill to the game.

In addition, Patrick Ewing brought a defensive prowess to the game; along with a good mid-range jumper. Hakeem Olajuwon brought defense; along with footwork that has been unmatched by any center in the history of the NBA. David Robinson was simply a specimen that took the best of defensive and offensive skills and put them in to one package.

The problem with Shaquille O'Neal is that he has played virtually his entire career in a league that has seen the demise of the "true NBA Center!"

Sure...when he first entered the league, he played against Ewing, Robinson and Olajuwon, however, they were on the down-turn of their careers.

The NBA (as we know it during Shaq's tenure) has been nothing more than a league that has power forwards playing center.

Let's face it, as good as they are, Tim Duncan, Amare Stoudemire and others of their ilk have been placed in the center position throughout their careers. However, we know that these guys are power forwards and these are the types of players that are (no pun intended) at the center of Shaq's dominance.

Shaq would have never over-powered Wilt or Artis in the paint. In his prime, Olajuwon's footwork would have caused Shaq to foul out of the game in one quarter. Finally, the offensive prowess of Kareem or David Robinson in their prime would have befuddled Shaq!

Now, I am not stating that Shaq isn't a dominant force in the paint because we all know that he is indeed a force. However, I do believe that his legend has grown at the expense of playing against power forwards almost his entire career.

Would he have been dominant if he would have played against the aforementioned centers? We will never know, however, the one thing that we do know is that he wouldn't have been as dominant.

Therefore, if I had to rate the centers that I would pick first to start an NBA team, then Shaq would not make my first cut.

Here would be my list:

1. Wilt Chamberlain: Sheer dominance.

2. Hakeem Olajuwon: Could make any center look silly in the paint.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: All-around skill at the position...probably the best.

4. David Robinson: Freakish talent and agility for a seven-footer.

5. Shaquille O'Neal: Dominant in the paint.

There you are folks. That is my list of the top centers with whom I would start an NBA team.

Like Mike Tyson...Shaquille O'Neal is simply an unfortunate victim of a lackluster center position during his reign of terror.

Sorry Shaq!

Steroids...From a Different Perspective!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:20:54 -0500

The topic of steroids has been in the news for many years and is apparently never going to go away.

The latest steroid scandal/accusation has Mark McGwire's brother writing a book stating that McGwire had been taking steroids as early as 1994. He also alleges that he injected McGwire with steroids during his playing days in the major leagues.

Since steroids are inevitably going to a part of the sports world forever, I decided to have a little fun by altering the effects of steroids as it relates to various sports.

For instance, suppose steroids just enhanced the things that were already prevalent in a particular sport?

Instead of contracting life threatening illnesses as a result of excessive steroid usage, players would experience exaggerated side effects of commonly used habits within that sport.

In my wacky world, here are the effects that would be a by-product of steroid usage:

Baseball

The excessive usage of steroids would enable a player to spit chewing tobacco 50 feet. This would come in handy for a batter who wants to retaliate for having a fastball thrown at his head. Instead of charging the mound, the steroids would allow him to spit his tobacco waste directly at the pitcher from home plate.

Also, any baseball player using steroids would encounter extreme itching in their groin area. They already spend half the time in the batters box scratching their crotch without using steroids. Steroid usage would make them itch and scratch much, much more!

Football

Football players are notorious for two things.

First, when they are on the sideline yelling encouragement at their teammates during a game, they use the word "baby" so often that you begin to believe it is a cult word amongst the NFL fraternity. Here is a sample:

"Nice hit...baby!"

"Nice run...baby!"

"Way to catch that ball...baby!"

Well, when on steroids...the only word that football players will be able to utter is "baby!" Their vocabulary will cease to exist and their world will be filled with an unlimited amount of "BABY!"

Also, the more steroids taken by football players, the more they will be attracted to the male posterior. Heck...they already spend most of the game patting each others' butts. With steroids, they will not be able to pass by another man without slapping his posterior.

Tennis

Monica Seles, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Lindsey Davenport are notorious for their loud grunts during a tennis match. However, with steroids, their grunts would become the same decibel as a full-grown male bear in heat.

Spectators would need ear plugs in order to watch a match in its' entirety.

Basketball

Excessive steroid usage by NBA players would cause them to be covered from head to toe with ridiculous tattoos.

This is not much of a stretch since most of them are already one-third of the way to that end result!

Hockey

Excessive steroid usage in the NHL would cause a player to lose all of their teeth...not just the front teeth.

Also, they would uncontrollably utter the often used word "eh" in the manner of a Tourettes patient. They would be walking down the street and out of nowhere they would scream "eh" repeatedly!

Boxing

For some reason, boxers have a tradition of referring to themselves in the third person during an interview. With steroid usage, the only way that the would be able to refer to themselves would have to be in the third person.

For instance, if asked: How would you judge your performance?...His response would be: Tony fought as well as he could have fought!

Also, excessive steroid usage would make a boxer retire and come back every week. That side effect should last for their entire career!

There you have it...my list of side effects for excessive steroid usage in sports.

Did I leave anything out?

God And Odds...A Perfect Match!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:36:41 -0500

During my daily morning dosage of ESPN SportsCenter, they showed highlights of the Carolina Panthers-Arizona Cardinals playoff game played yesterday.

At the conclusion of the highlights, they showed an excerpt from the press conference held by the Cardinals. During the press conference, Kurt Warner was commenting on the team effort over the past two weeks of the playoffs when he uttered the statement: "Its exciting to be where we're at...ummmm...I give glory to God!"

The comment was not surprising coming from Kurt Warner because of his outward religious expression throughout his entire career. However, it did get me to thinking the following: Exactly what glory is he giving to God?

That question further prompted me to ask myself: "Is God truly a sports fan...and if so...why does he always hate the loser?

This aforementioned question has always baffled me throughout my years as an avid sports fan.

You've seen it before in all of sports!

A person will score a touchdown and the first thing they do is tap their chest and raise their finger to the sky...acknowledging God.

If a track and field athlete wins a race, the fist thing they do is thank God for the victory.

When a boxer obliterates an opponent with a vicious knockout, he first thanks God for allowing him to practically kill another human being in the ring.

Heck...even Notre Dame has "Touchdown Jesus" for Christ sakes!

This obsession with God and sports has driven me to my final conclusion.

GOD IS A BOOKIE RUNNING AN ILLEGAL OFF-SHORE OPERATION!

Think about it...for what other reason would God care if Tyson Gay beat Usain Bolt in a 100-meter dash?

For what other reason would God care if Mike Tyson beats Marvis Frazier senseless?

For what other reason would God care if Warner wins a playoff game for a championship that isn't even played or contested by the rest of the world?

Finally...the most obvious question of all...for what reason would God give your opponent false hope for reaching the pinnacle of their sport only to be defeated by you when they arrived at the pinnacle? In most cases, wasn't your opponent praying to the same God as you prior to the game? Did his God like you more?

Well, if we are to assume that God loves everyone, then Warner and others of his ilk would have to assume God does not hate their opponent.

If that is the case, then the only justification or benefit to God being on Kurt Warner's side instead of Jake Delhomme would be if God benefits from the victory in some wacky way.

That leads me to believe that God and the Devil have a perverse wager on all sporting events held worldwide and they both have off-shore betting parlors to escape the legal ramifications of the western world.

They bet on everything from snail races to soccer and the price of the wager is unknown!

Let's hope that the price of the wager has nothing to do with the number of souls collected by either entity.

If that were the case, then all members of the fabulous Buffalo Bills teams of the 80's (that lost four super bowls) better hope and pray that it was the Devil who was the Buffalo Bills fan instead of God.

You see.. if it were the Devil who was the fan, it would simply mean that the losing teams' souls would belong to God.

If God were actually the die-hard fan of the Bills during that time, then Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and the remaining Bills from that era are screwed because the Devil will be there to collect their winless souls in the end!

In closing, I give a solid chest tap and point to the sky. Hopefully, by doing so, my article will surpass all articles written by other Bleacher Report authors today because of my acknowledgement of God.

However, secretly...I just hope the Devil is my fan instead of God because when this article bombs and it is time for my soul to be collected, I want it to be collected by the correct bookie.

I give all glory to the winning bookie!

10 Tips To Guarantee Fantasy Football Success For The 2009 Season!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:15:52 -0500

The 2008 NFL season has almost come to an end.

At the conclusion of the playoffs, I (along with many others) will be having football withdrawal for the next seven months.

Since we will all suffer from the gridiron void, I have decided to give all of the fantasy football geeks (like myself) a jump on what to look for during the next fantasy season.

Anyone that has played fantasy football will appreciate the following tips because I am sure that you have experienced one or more of the listed tips.

However, for those of you that will be new to fantasy football, the following is a list of things that will definitely happen during your season. Therefore, you will have seven months to safeguard yourself against these constants.

The following are ten things that will surely happen (in no particular order) during the season...along with the suggested remedy:

1. It is a foregone conclusion that whomever you decide to bench will outscore your starter at the same position. The remedy: Everyone you plan to bench...start!

2. It is a foregone conclusion that the first place team will lose to the last place team toward the end of the season. The remedy: Try not to be in first place when you are scheduled to play the last place team in weeks nine through twelve.

3. It is a foregone conclusion that you will pick a player with a good scoring reputation from previous years that turns out to be a "worthless dud." However, when you decide to trade him or put him on waivers, he will inevitably become a scoring machine for someone else who picks him up off the waiver wire. The remedy: Embrace your dud...he'll come around!

4. It is a foregone conclusion that you will over-analyze and over-coach yourself in to making a roster decision/change that was initially supposed to be very simple. The remedy: Don't start listening to yourself now...it never worked in the past!

5. It is a foregone conclusion that you will hesitate to acquire a free agent for a split second and someone else will pick up the player seconds ahead of your decision to seal the deal. The remedy: Go ahead and make the move when you feel it. It is okay for you to prematurely "enact-a-trade" in this instance...we understand!

6. It is a foregone conclusion that your seldom used backup tight end or quarterback will score huge points all season...until the time comes when you have to insert them for the bye week. At this time, they will score two points each. The remedy: Drop both of those bums before the bye week and pick up two "no-names" to fill their roster spot. If they stink, then you have no expectations of them since they were no-names from the beginning. If they score huge points, then you will look like a genius!

7. It is a foregone conclusion that at some point during the season, your opponents' "no-name" player that he has slated against your "named" player will outscore your named player by thirty points.

Yeah...that's right...your Ladainian Tomlinson will be outscored by your oppnents' last minute injury replacement named "Stanley Horlacher" and Horlacher will score forty-five points to Tomlinsons' seven. The remedy: As soon as you see a "no-named" opponent up against your star player, immediately sit your star and get your own "no-named" player to counter his move!

8. It is a foregone conclusion that any starter on your roster that has been deemed out because of injury will either do one of the following: If you start him, then he will not play the entire game and you will get no points and lose the overall match-up by two points.

If you sit him because of the injury, then he will pull a "Willis Reed" on you and play the game...thus scoring forty points on the bench. The remedy: Drop the bum from your roster so you won't have to make that decision...it's too exhausting!

9. It is a foregone conclusion that if you are listed as the "projected points" blowout favorite by a huge margin, then you will surely lose that matchup by twenty points. The remedy: If the projected points for the matchup are listed in your favor 115.92 to 85.76...swap all of your starters for the bench players and get those projected points down to a respectable 87.99. That way, it won't look like you choked!

10. It is a foregone conclusion that the person with the highest point total during the season will be near last place in the "won-loss" standings for most of the season. The remedy: Don't aspire to score a lot of points...it just sets you up for disappointment. Aspire to be mediocre...average 85 points a game and you'll be in first place.

Honorable Mention:

It is a foregone conclusion that if you decide to swap a starter for a bench player prior to kickoff...you will inevitably root against your player on the bench so that he doesn't outscore the player for whom he was swapped. Weird...huh? The remedy: There is no remedy here...either way...you'll still lose!

Okay boys and girls, now that you know what to do for next fantasy season, everyone should go undefeated.

Er...uh...that wouldn't be possible, therefore, just have fun playing and agonizing as I do every fantasy football season.

My Top Ten All Time Quotes In Sports History!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:30:17 -0500

Most of my previous articles have had a sort of "venting" edge to them as I have expressed frustration over certain players or situations in all of sports.

However, this time, I decided to have a little fun.

As previously stated in other articles, I have been a sports fan forever and have witnessed many defining moments that have been etched in my memory.

That being said, I decided to create a list of my most memorable quotes from the world of sports. To this point, I haven't seen such a list on Bleacher Report, therefore, let me offer my list to the readers.

There will probably be some disagreement as to the ranking order, however, keep in mind that this list represents how these quotes have been etched in "MY" mind over the years.

Here we go...my top ten all time memorable sports quotes etched in my mind:

10. Joe Namath: "I want to kiss you!"

During a Monday Night Football game, Joe Namath was being interviewed by ESPN sideline reporter Suzie Kolber between plays. Joe was obviously drunk and was slurring his words when Suzie asked him a question pertaining to Chad Pennington. He started to answer the question and out of nowhere he changed gears and said to Suzie in a drunken slur..."I want to kiss you!" Suzie handled the situation as gracefully as one could in an awkward situation as such. Immediately after that telecast, Namath went back to rehab after catching much public flack over his drunken stupor.

9. Howard Cosell: "Miami has the oranges but Buffalo's got the juice!"

In the early 1970's, Miami was a powerhouse and O.J. Simpson was the premier running back in the NFL. Howard Cosell was working the telecast of the Miami Dolphins versus Buffalo Bills game. During the pre-game analysis, he was acknowledging the dominance of the Dolphins, however, he cautioned fans to be weary of an easy victory because of the presence of Simpson...nicknamed "The Juice." Cosell then uttered his famous quote: "Miami has the oranges but Buffalo's got the juice!"

8. Larry Holmes: "You can all kiss me where the sun don't shine...!"

Larry Holmes was one of the best heavyweight boxers ever, however, he was greatly under-appreciated by fans since he succeeded the more charismatic Muhammad Ali. After a post-fight interview, he was asked about his legacy as it related to Rocky Marciano. This question obviously irritated Holmes as he went on to state how everyone ignores his accomplishments in the ring. He also stated that Rocky Marciano couldn't hold his jock strap if they ever met in the ring. At the end of the tirade, he provided one of the most colorful (no pun intended) quotes in sports history. He said: "You can all kiss me where the sun don't shine...and since we are on HBO...that would be my big black behind!"

7. Mike Tyson: "I want your heart. I want to eat his children. Praise be to Allah!"

During a post fight interview, Tyson was asked about the possibility of fighting then heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. In an angry tone, Tyson stated: "Lennox Lewis, I'm coming for you man. My style is impetuous. My defense is impregnable, and I'm just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat his children. Praise be to Allah!"

6. Moses Malone: "Fo-Fo-Fo!"

During a post game interview prior to the 1983 playoffs, Moses was asked by a reporter how the Sixers would do in the playoffs. He responded with his famous quote of a predicted sweep throughout the three playoff rounds by answering...Fo-Fo-Fo! The Sixers eventually won the title by winning the playoff rounds in four-five-four. This inspired a song by "Pieces of a Dream" entitled: Fo-Fi-Fo.

5. Muhammad Ali: "I'm A Baaad Man!"

Ali was a huge underdog when he fought Sonny Liston for the heavyweight title. After the shocking defeat of Liston, Ali turned to the camera and stated he shocked the world. He then yelled at the top of his lungs the famous quote: "I'm a Baaad Man!"

4. Howard Cosell: "Look at that little monkey run!"

Howard Cosell was calling the Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Alvin Garrett (a "Black" wide receiver) for the Redskins broke free on his way to a sure touchdown when Cosell screams "Look at that little monkey run!" Of course, Cosell received much pressure to resign for what was obviously perceived as a racist statement. He went on to explain that it was not racial and that he referred to his grandson with the same term of endearment. Although several athletes came to his defense, he ultimately resigned from the booth under pressure by the network.

3. Al Michaels: Do You Believe In Miracles?"

During the 1980 Winter Olympics, the U.S. Hockey Team was a huge underdog for medal contention. The surprising upset of the mighty Soviet Union prompted one of the most famous quotes in sports history. Al Michaels abruptly yells..."Do You Believe In Miracles?" as the final seconds melt from the clock.

2. Howard Cosell: "Down Goes Frazier...Down Goes Frazier...Down Goes Frazier!"

Howard Cosell was calling the fight between George Foreman and Joe Frazier. Although Frazier was the champion, Foreman was an intimidating bruiser feared by everyone. Foreman knocked Frazier to the canvas three times in one round and destroyed his will to fight. However, it was the first knockdown whereas Cosell delivered his classic yell: "Down goes Frazier...Down Goes Frazier...Down Goes Frazier!"

1. Nancy Kerrigan: "Why....Why Me!"

If I based this list simply on my favorite quotes of all time, then the number two quote with Cosell would be number one. However, the list is based upon the quotes that have had the most resounding impact on my psyche. That being said, I have chosen this quote because of the sheer annoyance of the cry. Nancy Kerrigan was the favorite to win the Olympic Gold in figure skating until Tonya Harding (and her ex-husband) devised a plot to smash Kerrigan's knees after a practice. After Kerrigan was struck in the leg by her assailant, she let out a screeching and annoying cry that made me lose all sympathy for her at that moment. The repetitious screeching cry of "Why...Why Me?" was enough for me to root for Harding in the Olympics. If you have never heard that screeching, then go to YouTube and find the clip. It will make you want to hit her in the other knee!

Well folks, that concludes my list.

If you have any favorite quotes that have been etched in your memory over the years please feel free to share them with me and the other readers.

Brett Favre...Please Stay Away!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:04:17 -0500

Another NFL regular season has passed and there are many people that will be watching the playoffs...including all of the NFL players not lucky enough to have made the postseason.

I will certainly be one of the many sports fans enjoying the games as their individual dramas unfold.

However, for now, I am here to make a plea well before the upcoming offseason free-agent signings, involuntary workouts, mini camps, and training camps.

My plea is simply for Brett Favre to please announce his retirement and stay away for good!

Now...Before all of the Brett Favre fans decide to immediately respond to this article with their "green and yellow" or green and white" venom, I want to say the following: I am not a Brett Favre hater!

I'll repeat...I am not a Brett Favre hater. However, I am a hater of all the "Brett Favre drama" he brings to every offseason.

ESPN tortured us between the months of February and September 2008 with the continuing saga of Brett Farve and his self-made nonsensical drama.

The torture was simply unbearable. Every day we had to hear the same questions: Will Brett remain retired? Will he stay in Green Bay? Does Green Bay want Brett? What will this do to Aaron Rodgers' psyche? Did he hurt Aaron's feelings? Will Brett take the buyout from the Packers to stay away?

What made this drama so unbearable was the fact that Brett Favre seemed to enjoy the attention that was a result of the drama.

He kept everyone in limbo by never stating anything publicly that would make him appear to be the slightest bit definitive with his motives.

The irony is that he did the same thing prior to the 2007 season with one exception...He actually didn't retire. However, he still held the Packers hostage with his indecision before deciding to come back and play that season.

Now, he and ESPN are back at it again. Already, we are hearing the rumblings of whether or not Favre is coming back next year with the Jets.

If anyone from ESPN is reading this article, please don't torture your fans with another Brett Favre "love fest" in 2009 that will surely send me to the crazy asylum.

To Brett Favre...Enough already!

You have had a tremendous career worthy of the hall of fame and you have nothing to prove anymore.

Please do us all a favor and stay away. Don't waver, don't waffle, don't sit on the fence...Just stay away!

We appreciate all of your memorable highlights. However, if you continue this drama for another season, then your legacy will not be that of a great quarterback...It will be that of a washed-up athlete who couldn't walk away from the game.

I would like to remember Brett Favre the quarterback, not Brett Favre the diva. For that to happen, you must stay away!

I realize Tony Kornheiser (of ESPN and Monday Night Football) would surely miss showering you with "man praise" ever opportunity he has during a telecast; however, even Tony would survive your absence.

Brett, we no longer need your presence in the NFL and we will surely remember your greatness.

That being said...Please stay away for good and enjoy the quiet life in rural Mississippi!

Amare Stoudemire: Please...Don't "Be The Man!"

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:37:10 -0500

Okay...I confess!

I have been known to watch a little television in my day and I am no stranger to stars wanting to "be the man!"

Several years ago NYPD Blue was a popular television show with high ratings.

David Caruso (currently of CSI: Miami fame) was a star of the show...along with Dennis Franz who played Andy Sipowitz.

After the first season, Caruso began to believe that he was the star of the show and demanded more money. However, the producers of the show saw differently and decided to write his character out of the series. With a magical stroke of a pen, we never heard from Caruso again until nine years later with CSI: Miami; while Franz went on to win several Emmy's for his potrayal of Sipowitz.

The same thing happened on another of my favorite television shows...Monk.

After the third season, Bitty Schram (who played his assistant Sharona) decided that she was a star and demanded more money; thus ending her tenure with the show. She hasn't been seen since her departure; while Tony Shalhoub has won multiple Emmy's for his portrayal of Monk.

Like in the television industry, this addiction of needing to "be the man" is nothing new to professional basketball.

Many years ago, Stephon Marbury had the luxury of playing with an up-and-coming young phenom named Kevin Garnett.

The thought of the two young prodigies playing their career together made the Minnesota Timberwolves fans salivate. Optimism was high in Minnesota and the arena was sold out constantly.

Then, a tragic thing happened.

Stephon Marbury decided that he didn't want to play "second fiddle" to Garnett and demanded a trade so that he could "be the man" elsewhere.

Gee...this sounds awful familiar!

I recall when Kendall Gill was a star guard on the talented Charlotte Hornets squad that had Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Mugsy Bogues, Dell Curry, and many more.

It was not enough for Gill to be a part of a winning team. He wanted to be traded so that he could "be the man" elsewhere.

The same happened in Toronto when Tracy McGrady fled the shadow of his more popular cousin...Vince Carter. Like Marbury and Gill before him, T-mac also needed to "be the man" elsewhere.

Now, we are hearing cries from Phoenix that Amare Stoudemire wants to be traded because he too wants to "be the man" elsewhere.

When will this addiction to "be the man" end?

When will these individuals realize they are nothing more than "above average" players that have yet to reach superstardom?

When will they realize they are better with their current "star sidekick" than without?

Instead, their need to "be the man" has simply transformed them into nothing more than nomadic players that have yet to fulfill their potential.

When will they get smart and realize there is nothing wrong with playing second fiddle? After all, Magic played second fiddle to Kareem and embraced the role; while having a "Hall of Fame" career in the process.

In addition, Pippen played second fiddle to Jordan and had a "Hall of Fame" career. McHale played second fiddle to Bird and had a "Hall of Fame" career. Duncan played second fiddle to Robinson and will surely be in the "Hall of Fame."

However, in contrast, Stephon Marbury has done nothing except make every team on which he has played worse than it was prior to his arrival; while his ex-teammate (Garnett) enjoyed many "MVP type" seasons in Minnesota.

Garnett finally changed teams and ended up winning a championship when he was given what he always needed in Minnesota...a little help. The irony is that the help was already in place before Marbury decided to leave Minnesota in his quest to "be the man." He was the help!!!

Furthermore, T-Mac has been nothing more than a useless scoring machine who can't win a playoff game even when healthy.

As far as Kendall Gill...Kendall who?

What is the moral of this story?

Quite simply that Amare Stoudemire should shut his mouth and continue taking assists from Steve Nash.

The reality is that he will never "be the man" on any team on which he plays because he is not that type of a talent. At the moment, he is an above average player that could help a team win a championship alongside his star sidekick.

That being said, Amare, please learn from those previous knuckleheads and stay in Phoenix.

If not, then I'll be writing this same story five years from now when you are nothing more than a nomadic journeyman in your quest "to be the man!"

Professional Sports: The New "Wild West!"

John C. Sease, Jr. — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:52:58 -0500

Remember the old cowboy movies when families headed West with the wagon train?

The wagon train would eventually find an open parcel of land and decide to make this new find their permanent home.

However, with this new land, there was a steep price to pay. The price was simply a new beginning of lawlessness that would spread throughout the town.

Renegades and rustlers would sweep through the new town delivering their brand of recklessness and disregard for the law. There was no one willing to stop them as a result of extreme fear or possible retaliation by the renegades.

Occasionally, you would have one person that would disregard his safety and attempt to stand up to the renegades. However, one person could never curtail the rampant lawlessness that was delivered by the wild bunch of reckless tyrants.

Thank goodness those days are long gone!

Er…uh…wait a minute…those days are still here in full effect!

Unfortunately, professional sports have maintained a level that rivals the Old Wild West.

The current sporting arena (regardless of the sport) is practically the only working environment whereas normal societal rules do not apply.

For instance, in the “real world,” a contract is binding and an ordinary citizen would have an extremely difficult time breaking a contract that was signed by that individual under full knowledge of the terms.

Oh…but not in professional sports!

Athletes are continuously allowed to make demands to renegotiate during the term of their contract and will often threaten to sit out if the terms are not re-negotiated.

In the real world, imagine telling your boss that you refuse to report to work unless he puts your favorite brand of soap in the restroom. How long do you think you would have your job?

Also, we constantly witness athletes in all sports have tirades and tantrums with their coaches while the game is being played.

Once again, in the real world, imagine cursing and yelling at your boss in front of his or her boss, your clients, and all of your co-workers. Again…how long do you suppose you would have your job?

Athletes are allowed to publicly disrespect the fans, disrespect the team, and disrespect the players on the team.

I ask again…if you disrespected a client, your company, or workers within the company in a public forum, how long would you keep your job?

The problem with today’s athletes is they are allowed to act in a manner similar to the renegades and rustlers of the Old West. They can go through town ignoring the law and ignoring rules because they are deemed special by the public.

Well…I have a solution that would remedy the spoiled athlete. From this point forward, every athlete in every sport would have to complete the following:

1. 1. In the offseason, they would have to work a full-time shift at a coal mine, assembly line production plant, or food-processing plant for minimum wage. This would keep them grounded and remind them it is a privilege to play a sport and make millions.

2. 2. They would be required to sponsor a different fan for each year of their contract. They would be responsible for paying the fans’ living expenses for the entire year of the sponsorship. This would ensure that the athlete is reminded daily that the fan pays for their massive contract.

3. 3. They would be required to perform 100 hours of community service each year of their contract. This would ensure that they are constantly reminded that the majority of the public is not as fortunate and must live with humility each day.

I believe that once theses parameters are implemented, then sports will become a pleasurable entertainment outlet for us all; instead of the lawlessness that is reminiscent of the Old Wild West!

Until then, I’ll just continue to watch the renegades and rustlers run the asylum without regard for any laws, rules, or regulations.

Yippie Kay-Yah!!!!!!

Greatest Players In MLB History: The Debate Can't Begin Before 1960

John C. Sease, Jr. — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:29:08 -0500

Occasionally, I will either read an article or engage in a conversation that presents the question: “Who was the greatest baseball player of all time?”

Of course, everyone who participates in the discussion will undoubtedly interject their subjective insight as to why they believe their candidate should be considered as the greatest player to ever don a baseball uniform.

Within each discussion, there is always a glaring flaw to the argument that is ignored by everyone participating; with the exception of yours truly!

Apparently, I seem to be the only person on the planet who believes that no player in major league baseball should be considered in the “greatest player ever” argument prior to the year 1960.

Why 1960, you ask?

Although baseball was integrated in 1947 with the introduction of Jackie Robinson, the league had not totally integrated until 1959. Therefore, 1960 would be a fair starting point to begin the “greatest player of all” conversation.

The National League was first established in 1876. This simply means professional baseball played nearly one hundred seasons of “watered-down” competition prior to admitting Black, Dominican or Cuban players. However, when listing the greatest players ever, names such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, and many more are immediately mentioned.

Let me state that the intent of this editorial is not to imply that any of the aforementioned players could not warrant consideration on the “all time” list. They were obviously good players with enormous talent.

However, the problem is they never played against the best competition the sport had to offer. For nearly one hundred years, minorities were excluded from a sport (baseball) in which they excelled in epic proportion.

Would Babe Ruth still have hit 714 home runs if he had faced a young Satchel Page on a continual basis?

Would Babe Ruth even be in this discussion if he played his entire career in a league that would have witnessed Josh Gibson hit in excess of 900 home runs?

Would we even speak of Ty Cobb stealing bases if he had to play his entire career in a league that would have witnessed “Cool Papa Bell” as the fastest base runner/base stealer ever to play the game? It was said that Bell could circle the bases in an astounding 12 seconds. He once stole an incredible 175 bases in less than 200 games.

Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron were superstars in major league baseball; however, they weren’t even close to being the best players in the Negro Leagues in which both played. Imagine a league where those two icons would be considered mediocre to good! Scary…huh?

This leads to the obvious question: “How good was Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle or Ty Cobb?”

It’s unfortunate that we will never know the answer to that question because they never played against the best competition.

One could argue the segregated players played against the best completion that was put forth at the time and they excelled. However, that would be the same as arguing you were the best shortstop in your county during high school. If you didn’t play against everyone else in the state or country, then how would you be able to gauge the barometer as it relates to your skills?

Furthermore, let’s not forget the many “mediocre to good” players (in the segregated MLB) who never would have made the roster if the league was integrated from the beginning. Some of those household names might not be mentioned today due their lack of playing time.

To reiterate, I am not stating that any of the aforementioned white players did not have talent and could not be considered as an “all time great” player. I am just simply stating that we really have no idea how good they actually were due to the racial circumstances of the time.

It could possibly be that Cobb, Gehrig, Ruth, and others of their ilk could have simply been mediocre players…we will never know!

That being said, 1960 is the year that should begin the discussion as to the best players in MLB history.

It is from this point forward that you could actually gauge equal talent versus equal talent…regardless of race.

NHL Hockey: "From a Ten to a Two"

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:14:06 -0500

When I was in my early twenties, I coined a phrase amongst my closest friends that is still used today within the group. The phrase was: “She just went from a Ten to a two!”

Like most young men, I have to admit that I participated in the “1-10” rating scale game as it pertained to objectifying women.

You know the scale game. You or your friends would see a woman and the next question would be: “On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate her looks?”

What made my phrase become popular within the group was the fact that it was synonymous with my passionate disdain of the smell of cigarette smoke. I have always despised that smell and would never consider dating a woman that smoked.

That being said, whenever I would notice an extremely beautiful woman pull a cigarette from her purse, I would turn to my friends and utter the saying: “She just went from a ten to a two!”

Once I made that statement, it was clear that the beautiful woman could never be anything greater than a friend.

This leads me to hockey…yes…hockey!

Hockey is a sport that was no doubt created to encompass agility grace, speed, and athleticism as components of the game.

The mere fact that someone is able to skate at full speed (either backward or forward) while balancing on a quarter inch thick blade, carrying a stick, and controlling a puck the size of a bagel is mind-boggling!

Anyone that would argue that hockey is not a true sport is absolutely crazy.

Well folks, meet Mr. Crazy! That’s correct, I’m crazy because I refuse to watch hockey and will not recognize it as a real sport.

The reason for my defiance of this sport is simply one word: FIGHTING!

The NHL has made hockey go from a “Ten to a two” because it is synonymous with unnecessary violence within the sport. For that reason, I have always despised fighting in hockey and would never consider watching a full game.

How is it possible that such a graceful sport could be turned in to such a ridiculous caricature?

Hockey is nothing more than “Street fighting on skates;” with an occasional game highlight thrown in for good measure.

Oh yes, I have heard the ubiquitous cries of the self-proclaimed hockey purist. They all utter the same nonsensical statements to defend fighting in hockey. The statements are as follows:

1. 1. Fighting is a part of the sport. It’s been that way forever!

2. 2. You never played the game, therefore, you don’t know what it’s like to have a guy “check” you into the boards or “high stick” you.

3. 3. When someone on the opposing team gives a cheap shot to your player, then you have to retaliate.

I could list a myriad of similar responses; however, they would all sound exactly alike and lack merit.

Hockey fans have come to accept (and like) fighting in hockey. Hockey is the only sport whereas the referee stands and watches the fight, and it is the only sport whereas fighting is actually condoned by the commissioner of the sport. I assume they deduct that no one would watch if fighting were not allowed.

Anyone that would argue that fighting is a part of the sport need to only watch either college or Olympic hockey. There, they would witness truly magnificent athletes that encompass each of the aforementioned skills listed earlier in the article without ever dropping their gloves for a round of fisticuffs.

Until the commissioner and referees within the sport decide to let the fans come to the games based upon the actual merit of the game, then hockey will never be seen as anything more than “street fighting on skates!”

It is quite obvious that the major television networks share my sentiment as well; due to the lack of major television sponsorship acquired in recent years by the NHL.

Until then, I will continue to treat hockey in the same context as my coined phrase. Hockey was a ten until I continued to witness the unnecessary fighting and violence. In the blink of an eye, hockey went from a “Ten to a two!”

Terrell Owens: The Emperor Who Wore No Clothes!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:44:50 -0500

Once upon a time in the great kingdom of the National Football League, there lived a mighty emperor who believed he was revered by many.

This emperor was an imposing figure with many talents. His speed was magnificent, his field awareness was keen, and he was well-compensated for the many thrills he bestowed upon the subjects of the great kingdom.

Everything was fine from the emperor’s perspective; however, all was not rosy within the ranks of the kingdom.

You see...the emperor was actually despised by many.

All subjects who opposed him every Sunday during battle disliked him because of the damage he would inflict upon their city. Furthermore, those who fought alongside the emperor secretly despised him because he was a rude, obnoxious, self-centered, and arrogant person in their presence.

The problem was simply that the emperor believed he wore a magnificent garb of humility and selflessness; however, he was entirely naked and didn’t realize his horrible behavior.

He bounced from city to city spreading his poison. With every new location he called his home, he failed to notice that his garb of humility and selflessness was just a mirage.

Does this sound like a preposterous fairy tale? Well...it isn’t!

The emperor...er...uh...Terrell Owens has landed in his newest location in Dallas and is up to his old tricks again.

He is now accusing Tony Romo of secretly plotting to have all pass plays go through Jason Witten since the two are roommates and good friends.

This accusation has caused much tension within the locker room and other players on the squad have attempted to become peacemakers. But in the end, this is a powder keg waiting to blow.

When will the NFL teams finally let T.O. know “HE ISN’T WEARING ANY CLOTHES?”

He continues to believe he is never the problem at any of his many stops and he is always quick to ignore the one common denominator as it pertains to all of his disputes—himself!

He threw Jeff Garcia under the bus in San Francisco, Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, and he even threw Kyle Boller under the bus during his free agent year without ever playing a down for Baltimore. Now it is apparent that it is Tony Romo’s turn to get run over by T.O.

How many chances will this diva continue to receive from various NFL teams just because he has the ability to “make plays”?

When will general managers finally pass on his ability and realize that the emotional detriment he brings to every team on which he plays far outweighs his talent?

For now, the emperor is still tolerated by many and is allowed to throw his ubiquitous tantrums.

Until someone has the guts to tell him he “wears no clothes,” we will continue to be subjected to the idiocy he brings to the kingdom of the National Football League.

Yankees Or Cowboys: Either Way, You're a Bandwagon Fan!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:30:11 -0500

The Bleacher Report exists because there are avid and passionate sports fans throughout the country.

I would categorize my sports enthusiasm with the majority of sports fans by saying that I root for teams to which I have an alliance or teams that caught my interest as a child.

My favorite college sports teams are anything related to the Kansas Jayhawks; since I am an alumnus.

Although I was raised in New Jersey, my favorite NFL team has always been the Denver Broncos. As a child, I was a huge fan of Haven Moses, Floyd Little, and Otis Armstrong. Therefore, my fanaticism was born under that premise.

That being said, I believe that most people become fans under similar circumstances; therefore, it is safe to say that most sports fans are honest and true to their fanaticism as it pertains to their favorite team.

However, there is one exception to my theory.

Whenever I am in mixed company and the topic of sport arises, I cringe as soon as I hear anyone proclaim to be either a New York Yankees fan or Dallas Cowboys fan.

The reason is simple: Anyone proclaiming to be a fan of either team is simply a 'bandwagon fan' that has been brainwashed to believe that these two franchises are 'America’s' teams.

Unless you are from the Bronx or from Dallas, what sane person would root for these self-absorbed, self-praising, and over-hyped teams?

Let’s face it, most people residing in other states (that are also fans of teams from other states) usually are true fans.

For instance, if you see a person from Boston wearing a 49’ers jersey, then you could deduct that the person is a true fan of the 49’ers because there is no false pretense involved in the admiration of the team.

However, when you see people wearing Yankees garb or Cowboys garb in other cities, it is usually because they have inevitably hopped on the bandwagon. They have proclaimed themselves Yankees or Cowboys fans because everyone else has done the same.

The bandwagon has made it fashionable and chic to wear the blue star or the blue pinstripes. Therefore, the fanaticism is born under false pretense; not from the love of the team.

Unfortunately, the only proof to support my theory is my younger sister, a few friends, and the countless 'out-of-towners' I encounter while playing poker in Atlantic City.

You know the routine of these bandwagon fans. They all proudly don their Cowboys or Yankees gear and boastfully tout how great these squads have been.

However, if you ask any of the aforementioned why they love the Cowboys or Yankees, the closest thing you will get to an answer is a blank stare. The stare will always be followed by: “Uh...because I’ve always liked them!”

Now, I am not saying that all fans of these franchises are frauds. I am simply stating the majority of the fans that root for these teams do so because of what the franchises’ popularity represents to the nation as opposed to whether or not they truly like the team.

The next thing you’ll begin hearing from these bandwagon fans is how much they like 'Madrid Real.' However, it won’t be because they really care for soccer, it will be because of the popularity of 'Madrid Real.'

Bandwagon Fans: you gotta’ love em’!

Notre Dame Fans: Enough Already!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:00:59 -0500

For decades, Notre Dame has been the darling of mainstream “Catholic” football fans nationwide; which has repeatedly earned them the title of America’s college football team.

The problem with that designation is that they have not been relevant since the 1980’s.

Each year, we as college football fans are forced to witness the agonizing effort of a team struggling to compete in their ubiquitous televised games. Each year, we wonder if this is the moment that NBC finally comes to their senses and realizes that these games are pitiful. Much to our dismay, NBC never seems to get the point!

The reality is that Notre Dame Football is only relevant nowadays because NBC will not seem to give up on their massive television contract with the school. For this fiasco to have continued for so long, it is obvious that the ratings and advertising revenue for the network is much more important than actually broadcasting an exciting and competitive college football game.

Many years ago, other schools that were previous “big time” college independents were well ahead of the curve. Schools such as Penn State, West Virginia, Florida State, and Miami realized that the independent was a dinosaur that could no longer compete for a national championship without joining a major conference.

Unfortunately, Notre Dame has chosen to remain an independent for the sake of collecting millions from NBC annually. This deal with the devil will inevitably keep them in the cellar of college football for years to come.

Without a major conference, it is difficult for a school to obtain a competent BCS ranking that would enable them to be in contention for a BCS bowl game. Conferences such as the Big 12, Big 10, ACC, and SEC supplies an automatic power ranking to a team within the conference prior to a game ever being played in the regular season. Also, the constant intra-season battles between schools associated with the conference enhances the power rankings as well.

The problem that Notre Dame faces continually is that they have no association with a power conference. The games they schedule are usually scheduled a few years in advance and if the opponents are lousy that particular year, then Notre Dame will suffer on strength of schedule. To compound the problem, they continue to lose to inferior teams on the schedule as well as the good teams.

Unfortunately, this will be as good as it gets for Notre Dame until they finally eliminate their arrogance and realize that they have fallen from grace and can’t get up!

Until then, Notre Dame Fans will continue to cheer for their green and gold and television ratings will no doubt continue to be lucrative enough to maintain that farce of a contract with NBC.

When they finally come to their senses, maybe then, will they join a major conference and compete for a national championship.

In the meantime, Notre Dame Fans can continue to rejoice in the lone satisfaction of: “At least we are on television every week!”

We all have NBC to thank for that misery!

Poor Ol' Rich Rodriguez!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:57:01 -0500

Being an alumnus of the University of Kansas, I was quite annoyed and puzzled when Roy Williams decided to depart KU for North Carolina a few years ago.

I was annoyed because he had developed a perennial top 10 basketball program with the Jayhawks and they were always in contention for the national championship each year.

That being said, I was equally as puzzled by his departure for the aforementioned reason that I was annoyed. The fact the he felt compelled to disavow his legacy in college basketball was at the very least perplexing.

As a comparison, it is understandable why someone with the unknown stature of Bob Stoops would accept a job at Oklahoma. Since it was his first head coaching job, he didn’t have the pressure of living up to the legacy of Bud Wilkinson or Barry Switzer. If he failed, then he would have been fired and forgotten. As it stands, he has built an impressive resume’ for the future if he chooses to move on.

However, it has always puzzled me as to why a successful coach such as Roy Williams would leave a school where he is beloved and revered as an icon in order to go to another school to compete with an iconic ghost.

Had Roy Williams remained at Kansas for the next 10-20 years, his name would have been forever synonymous with Kansas basketball as Boeheim is to Syracuse or Krzyzewski is to Duke. However, as it stands, regardless of how many titles he wins at North Carolina, he will forever be known as just another coach that lived in the shadow of Dean Smith.

What is so perplexing is that so many successful coaches that fit the "Roy Williams profile" have not figured out that they are stifling their potential legacies by chasing iconic ghosts.

The list of successful coaches that have traded their potential legacies to chase a ghost is long.

For instance, Billy Gillespie could have written his ticket at Texas A&M. He turned a mediocre basketball team in to a very good team and his legacy was about to be cemented at Texas A&M; until he left for Kentucky. Now, he is at the cusp of being fired at Kentucky because of their poor record during his short tenure.

The irony is that he would have never measured up to the lofty expectations that have been set by the ghost of Adolph Rupp.

Furthermore, any successful coach that takes the reins at UCLA will never live up to the ghost of John Wooden; regardless of how many championships are won by that coach.

This leads me to Rich Rodriguez.

Rodriguez had it all! He was beloved in West Virginia because he was a native son, played for the Mountaineers, and revamped West Virginia in to a perennial powerhouse on the college football landscape. He sparked a new influx of quality recruits at West Virginia and the football program was perceived to be a bonafide contender attracting high school blue chip prospects.

It appeared that they would contend for the Big East title every year and that a BCS Bowl berth was all but assured from year to year.

Rodriguez was one step below “Bear Bryant” status at the university when he decided to take the money and bolt for Michigan. In a split decision, he pulled a “Roy Williams” and shunned his legacy at West Virginia to chase an iconic ghost at Michigan.

The reality is that he will never satisfy the ghost of Bo Schembechler at Michigan. The fans would never allow it to happen; just as they would not allow it to happen at Alabama as it pertains to Bear Bryant!

Sadly, Rich Rodriguez is stuck between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” His welcome is almost worn out at Michigan and he would never be able to return to West Virginia where his star would have surely become a supernova.

When will successful coaches at major universities finally understand that a legacy is hard to obtain?

If you have reached iconic status at a prestigious university, then don’t throw it away by chasing an iconic ghost at another university.

The thing that you must understand about an iconic ghost is that the ghost is always greater than the person actually was during their coaching stint. Therefore, you will never surpass the status of the ghost because the fans would never allow it to happen.

That being said, if a coach is currently successful and approaching iconic status at his current stint, then he should remain where he currently coaches and let someone chase “his” ghost in the future. After all, the fans will love him forever and they will never let another coach surpass his iconic status.

Sadly, it is too late for Rich Rodriguez to learn this lesson. What was a shining star at West Virginia will soon become fading star and distant memory to us all.

Top Ten All Time NFL Running Backs

John C. Sease, Jr. — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:44:09 -0500

Thanksgiving has many traditions that families have come to enjoy.

Sitting around a dinner table and stuffing our faces is the main attraction. However, another tradition that has become a normal part of the holiday is watching football.

Every year, my family gathers for the food festival and also to watch the annual Thanksgiving Day football games. During the football telecasts, there will inevitably be something that sparks a conversation involving an “all-time greatest list” of athletes from various sports. This year was no exception!

While watching the ineptness of the Detroit Lions offense, the conversation segued to Barry Sanders; which inevitably segued to the top 10 all-time running backs in the NFL. Needless to say, the conversation was heated and quite subjective.

In order to make my list, a candidate only needed to have played in the NFL for a minimum of 5 years. I chose 5 years simply because the lifespan of an NFL running back is extremely low due to potential injury.

My list is as follows:

10. Marshall Faulk

Faulk will be remembered as one of the greatest combination backs in the history of the NFL due to his running and pass catching ability.

9. Tony Dorsett

Dorsett was one of the greatest “small backs” ever to the play the game. His speed and vision made him a constant threat whenever he touched the ball.

8. Emmitt Smith

Everyone knows that Smith is the all time leading rusher in the NFL. Although his stats are gaudy, he was the benefactor of one of the biggest and best offense lines in the history of the game. If you add to the mix a hall of fame quarterback (Aikman) and a hall of fame wide receiver (Irvin) to take pressure away from Smith, then all of a sudden his stats become less impressive.

7. Eric Dickerson

Speed and power…enough said! Had he played his entire career with the Rams and their massive offensive line, then “HE” would be the all time leading rusher in the NFL.

6. Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders was capable of making any defender look stupid while attempting to make a tackle in the open field. If you missed Sanders perform, then you indeed missed a marvel.

5. Earl Campbell

It is a shame that injuries forced Earl Campbell from the game entirely too early. He was a 250lb wrecking ball with blazing speed. Earl would run through an opponent as easily as he would run by an opponent.

4. O.J. Simpson

Forget about the O.J. you are familiar with as it relates to recent headlines and the Nicole Simpson case. The O.J. of whom I am speaking was a masterful runner that could squeeze between the tiniest seam and outrun every defender to the end zone with relative ease. O.J Simpson was merely a “cheetah” in football cleats!

3. Gayle Sayers

Much like Earl Campbell, it is a shame that injuries forced Gayle Sayers from the game entirely too early. Sayers was truly the first gazelle to ever play in the NFL. His speed was magnificent, his stride was “Gazelle-like,” and once he saw daylight it was an automatic touchdown for the Bears.

2. Walter Payton

Sweetness played so many years on terrible teams in Chicago and still managed to have a superb career. His speed was average, however, his power, determination, work ethic, and desire were unmatched by any running back both past or present!

1. Jim Brown

What could you possibly say negative about a running back with power, speed, tenacity, intelligence, and physical superiority greater than anyone that played against him during his tenure in the NFL? Not much! To top it off, he prematurely quit the game on his terms and still walked away as the all-time leading rusher during that time.

On a final note, to those of you who believe that LaDainian Tomlinson should be on the list; get over it!

He hasn't earned the right to be considered with the greats as of yet.

Currently, I would place him in the same category as Jerome Bettis, Curtis Martin, and the other backs that would rate similarly.

Bryant Gumbel, Please Come Back!

John C. Sease, Jr. — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:37:24 -0500

I have always been a huge sports fan and have enjoyed many sports telecasts throughout my life. However, at the expense of sounding like an old fart, I truly miss what are my “good ole’ days” when sports announcers were actually engaging and interesting.

When I was younger, the NFL pregame shows were ruled by intelligent and articulate hosts such as Jayne Kennedy and the masterful Bryant Gumbel.

The play-by-play announcers were also interesting and informative. Some of those announcers were icons in the booth such as: Dick Enberg, Pat Summerall, Merlin Olsen, and many more. Sorry...John Madden was a coach back then.

Being an avid sports fan, I have witnessed what has become a tragedy as it relates to the quality standard of both the pregame host and the play-by-play announcer in all of sports.

In recent years, the pregame hosts (which consist mainly of ex-coaches and athletes) have been allowed to showcase their illiteracy every Sunday morning during the pregame shows on whichever network you choose. Their lack of grammatical awareness, misuse of tenses, mispronunciations, and unrecognizable slang has sent me running from all pregame shows. See the definition of Emmitt Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Irvin, and others of their ilk.

I long for the days when Bryant Gumbel was a studio sports announcer and brought articulation, dignity, knowledge, and grace to the production. Instead, today we have Stuart Scott with his wide array of ridiculous and unbearable slang used throughout every telecast.

Let’s not forget the announcers. Dick Enberg and Pat Summerall helped all viewers (including the novice fan) enjoy a game because of their knowledge, succinct delivery, and command of the English language. However, the announcers today are nothing more than clones regurgitating the same rhetorical clichés throughout their telecasts.

Here is a list of my top rhetorical cliché’s by announcers:

1. “The team is going to have to put points on the board in order for them to win!” Oh really? Thanks for informing me that outscoring the opponent is how you win a game.

2. “They must give 110 percent.” Would someone please inform sports announcers that there is no such thing as 110 percent?

3. “They defensed that play very well.” Grammar alert to all announcers! There is a perfectly good verb to use in that instance: defended. Troy Aikman, please pay close attention.

4. Finally, here is my worst pet peeve of all the regurgitated clichés. An announcer is doing a play-by-play call of a basketball game. The team that is losing has just scored 15 unanswered points and the score is now 60-57.

Every announcer will inevitably utter the same incorrect cliché: “They have just pulled to within three!”

Announcers, please take a moment to read your dictionary and research the word “within.” In order for the team to be within three, they would have to be down by two or less. Hence, the meaning of the word “within!”

The pleasure I receive from watching sports could only be matched by a resurgence of quality pregame hosts and play-by-play announcers. If this were to happen, then it would once again make the experience of watching sports telecasts a magical moment.

Until then, I’ll just have to tolerate the endless clichés, mindless grammatical verbiage, and unbearable slang that will surely accompany each telecast.

I hope that I gave 110 percent while writing this post. If not, then I’ll have to put more points...er...uh...percentages on the board!

Bryant Gumbel, please come back!

Heisman Trophy: Prestige or Farce?

John C. Sease, Jr. — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:45:31 -0500

We are almost at the end of another college football season and the "end-of-the-year" individual awards will be granted to the best players at their respective positions.

Each year, there are many trophies that are awarded: The Davey O'Brien Award for best quarterback, The Doak Walker Award for the best running back, The Fred Biletnikoff Award for best receiver, The Outland Trophy for best lineman, and many more for other specialized positions.

Historically, the most prestigious award has always been the Heisman Trophy because it has been designated the award that is supposed to be granted to the best college football player in the land. If this were accurate, then the Heisman Trophy would indeed be considered the most prestigious award. However, it is not accurate by any measure.

Instead of being labeled the award for the best college player in the land, the Heisman Trophy should be renamed the following: “The Player at an Offensive Skilled Position (i.e QB, RB and WR) with the best statistical season that also plays on a winning team!”

The aforementioned label would be more accurate because the Heisman Trophy is rarely granted to the best player in the land. Let’s face it, a defensive lineman, offensive lineman, tight end, safety, fullback, or defensive back will never win the award for their efforts, even though one of them could be the best player in the land.

There are those that would argue that Charles Woodson won the trophy as a defensive back, but let’s be real. We have to acknowledge that he never would have won that award if he also did not star on the offensive side of the ball at wide receiver; scoring multiple touchdowns on special teams didn't hurt either.

The reality is that the Heisman Trophy is nothing more than an extension of the Davey O'Brien, Doak Walker, and Fred Biletnikoff Awards because only a quarterback, running back and an occasional wide receiver will ever win the award.

Also, if you are on a losing team, then you might as well forget the award because you won’t be considered. The lone exception there is Paul Hornung, who won the award despite playing for a losing Notre Dame team.

This has always puzzled me because the voters are equating team success with an individual award; this makes no sense at all!

Finally, the fact that the voters base part of their decision on team success taints the award because, in that case, the individual statistics are often helped by the quality of players surrounding the Heisman hopeful.

We all know that the best statistical player does not necessarily correlate to being the best player. For instance, Emmitt Smith holds the record for most rushing yards all-time in the NFL, but very few people would name Emmitt Smith in their top three all-time running backs in the NFL.

That analogy holds true for college football. Someone having monster statistics could be directly correlated to the fact that they have eight All-America players on offense playing alongside of them on Saturdays.

If the New York Downtown Athletic Club and the slew of Heisman voters want to give validity to this award, then they should stop proclaiming the award to be for the best college football player in the land.

They need to refer it as “The Player at an Offensive Skilled Position (i.e QB, RB and WR) with the best statistical season that also plays on a winning team!”

Now THAT would be an accurate description of the award!