Bleacher Report - Articles by William Hung

B/R Community Debate: Why Are PEDs a Bigger Deal with Baseball?

William Hung — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:01:50 -0500

I wanted to take a different approach from the rest of the B/R community since the story about A-Rod/A-Roid/A-Fraud broke. Instead of taking the route of writing about why Alex Rodriguez is another black eye for baseball (and I was so tempted to), I decided to try to start a debate through the comments section.

I got the idea through the e-mail from Rory from B/R requesting a story about steroids. I'm sure many of you got the same request.

The one point that I found a little disturbing was the fact that one of the tips for the column was on speculating which baseball players you suspect of taking performance enhancing drugs. Personally, that's something I would never ever want to do.

Having said that, I started to think, "why are steroids in baseball such a big deal compared to the NBA, NFL, and other major sports?" The issue has been raised before, but the arguments I have seen have been brief.

Jim Rome touched on it for about two minutes on Monday, and he basically said that fan expectations in football are different from baseball.

So I am hoping to get a spirited and not-so-violent debate among the b/r community on why there is so much attention to PED use in baseball versus other major sports.

Personally, I think the argument that statistics in baseball are so closely watched and historic does hold some water. I also think that the fact that books have been published on the matter, from Juiced to Game of Shadows has put baseball under a bigger spotlight.

I don't think there were any books published about Bill Romanowski's admitted steroid use.

I am very interested in what other people's thoughts are on the matter. So please comment on why PEDs in baseball get so much more attention than other sports. I'll highlight the most intriguing arguments in another column a few days from now.

2009 Virginia Tech Recruiting Class Review

William Hung — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:17:28 -0500

With the conclusion of the final recruiting weekend and National Signing Day on Feb. 4, the 2009 Orange Bowl champs have a fairly successful recruiting class so far. Barring any changes, the Hokies currently have 21 commitments and rank 24th nationally, according to rivals.com.

The Hokies have few holes to fill this coming year, with Victor "Macho" Harris as the only notable starter leaving for the NFL after exhausting his eligibility. Sean Glennon is also graduating, but he had been splitting time with Tyrod Taylor at QB the past two years.

According to rivals.com, the Hokies currently have four four-star commitments: Logan Thomas, TE; David Wilson, RB; D.J. Coles, WR; and Jerrodd Williams, DB.

Logan Thomas, who stands at 6'6" and 233 pounds, is listed as a TE, according to rivals.com, but some other places have him listed as an athlete. With Greg Boone as the starting TE, I'd have no complaints if Thomas plays TE as a freshman. Just to note, Thomas was a receiver in his sophomore year and had 900 receiving yards, and has played QB the last two years.

I do not expect David Wilson to have a ton of playing time as a freshman, since Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby will be the incumbents. Evans was a beast as a freshman and should be the feature back who will have close to 30 carries a game. Having said that, everyone is driving the hype train on Wilson, based on his incredible speed. ESPN loves the guy, calling him a "potential difference-maker." The running back position is deep for the Hokies.

D.J. Coles has a lot of potential, but he might have to take a detour through prep school first. At 6'4" and 200 pounds, people are in love with his physical stature as a receiver. Scouts are less impressed with his route running, and again, he might need a year at prep school before even being eligible to play.

Jerrodd Williams is ranked by ESPN as No. 31 among defensive back recruits. The positives on the kid are that he has good instincts, range, and ball skills. With Bud Foster coaching this kid, big things are in his future.

2/4/09 UPDATE @ 1:21pm ET: Virginia Tech have 2 unsigned verbal commits so far, D.J. Coles and Tony Gregory. The Hokies have 20 signed recruits, 2 of which are ranked in ESPNs Top 150 (David Wilson, RB & Logan Thomas, ATH).

For the rest of the list of Virginia Tech commitments, please click here.

Will You Read "The Yankee Years"?

William Hung — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:36:05 -0500

Unless you are living under a rock, the talk this week outside of the Super Bowl, has been The Yankee Years, co-authored by Tom Verducci and Joe Torre.

Today's New York Daily News has a couple of good articles that give a glimpse on what to expect from the book. Both John Harper and Mike Lupica gave their take.

For Harper's take, click here.

For Lupica's take, click here.

The reason I like these two articles is because they pretty much sum up public opinion so far. Some feel that Torre has stained his Yankee legacy by spilling the dirt on his 12 years as manager, while others feel proud that Torre gives fans a window into how the Yankees operated under him.

Personally, I don't see how Torre can ever be seen as anything less than a success as a Yankee. No manager has had a more successful dozen years with any team than what Torre had with the Yankees. He was able to deal with all the high profile personalities and keep the clubhouse together.

If what is being reported as being in the book is really in the book, I am shocked Torre was so open. I'm used to the Torre who never spoke much, or showed much emotion during his time in New York.

Based on what I've read about the book so far, expect less than flattering remarks on: Carl Pavano, Kevin Brown, Gary Sheffield, Randy Johnson, David Wells, and Alex "A-Fraud" Rodriguez. I can honestly say I'm not surprised. All the players mentioned definitely had their share of controversy while Torre was manager.

You can pre-order the book from Amazon here. I already ordered mine.

Will you read The Yankee Years? Do you think Torre stepped over a line? Please leave your comments and thoughts below.

Tragedy Hits Eddy Curry

William Hung — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:21:59 -0500

When talking about the Knicks, the name Eddy Curry hardly comes up these days. So far this season, the man Isiah Thomas once wanted to build the Knicks around, has played in one game this season.

But Sunday, when I read what happened to his family, all those jokes I used to have about him playing like he's five feet tall went out the window.

On Saturday, Eddy Curry's 3-year-old son witnessed what no kid should ever have to see. His own mother and baby sister were murdered inside their Chicago apartment. The killer is a "known acquaintance."

The facts were these: Authorities said that Nova Henry, 24, Curry's ex-girlfriend, and her 9-month-old daughter, Ava, were found shot dead by Henry's mother around 6 p.m. Saturday.

This terrible tragedy just adds insult to injury, as Curry is currently embroiled in a wild lawsuit filed by his ex-driver, David Kuchinsky. Kuchinsky is accusing Curry of making sexual advances, forcing him to perform demeaning tasks and twice pointing a gun at him.

I hope he can get past this tragedy and get back on the court soon.

The 2008 All-Fallacy Fantasy Football Team

William Hung — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:39:50 -0500

90% of Fantasy Football Leagues are over. Congratulations if you won your league, good luck if your championship comes down to the Green Bay/Chicago game, and better luck next year if you fell short of bragging rights and/or a payday. In any event, if your team struggled this year, you probably had at least one player on my All Fallacy Fantasy Football Team. I tried to avoid players like Tom Brady, who was drafted in the first round and didn't play beyond Week 1 because fantasy teams had the rest of the year to recover. This Fallacy Team consists of: 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 1 TE. I ignored kickers and TM Defense. So without further ado, I present the 2008 All Fallacy Fantasy Football Team owned by Al Davis:

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Virginia Tech Hokies Look to Begin Defense of Holiday Festival Title Today

William Hung — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:00:35 -0500

The Aeropostale Holiday Festival begins today at 2 p.m. ET, as Virginia Tech looks to begin their 2007 title against the Columbia Lions. Their game will be followed by St. John's Red Storm taking on the Marist Red Foxes at 4:30 p.m. ET. The winners of each game will play on Dec. 21 for the title. All games will be played at Madison Square Garden.

Seth Greenberg, coach of the Hokies, will be looking for his team to win the two day tournament again. The Hokies have won 11 of 13 games at the Garden since Greenberg took over the program.

Speaking about the season so far, Greenberg told the Roth Report, "We’re not were we need to be. We’ll improve. We’ll get better, but there’s not one phase where we need to be, or where we can be. But we’ll get better.”

One of those players who needs to step up during this tournament is Jeff Allen. The sophomore forward has been very inconsistent with his play. He can have monster games like he did against Longwood (19 points, 21 rebounds), but then would sprinkle in a few games where he would be in foul trouble early and be a non-factor.

Playing well and winning the tournament for the second straight year can help the Hokies get on track and be confident heading into their ACC portion of their schedule.

This tournament is by no means featuring any premier teams, or give the winner of the tournament any boost in respect. So why did I write a preview on the tournament? Because I'm in NY, graduated from Virginia Tech, and am going to the Garden to see them play for the first time all year.

Stephon Marbury Shows Up To Lakers Game...To Promote Starbury.com

William Hung — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:46:26 -0500

The New York Knicks played the LA Lakers last night, squandered a 15-point halftime lead, and lost 116-114.

But who wants to talk about another Knicks loss?

The big story last night was how Stephon Marbury paid for courtside tickets to sit near Spike Lee and the Knicks bench.

Was he there to cheer the Knicks on? No.

Was he there to be a pure spectator and not talk to any reporters? No.

Marbury was broadcasted on TV one second too much, and in all those times viewers got to see him in all his glory, he was on his cell phone. He was probably talking about his fantasy football team.

At halftime, Marbury told reporters, "I didn't create this, this is all their doing, I'm still earning my check by doing nothing. I'm staying in shape. My mindset is to enjoy my life." He was later promoting Starbury.com on the MSG network.

Apparently he didn't get the memo from Donnie Walsh to STAY AWAY from the Knicks. There is no denying the Knicks screwed up with Marbury. But Marbury was gaining a bit of positive PR before the whole "refusing to play" and buyout business came about. Now he pulls this stunt in LA?

Marbury claims that there is one team interested in his services once he is free, and that team will surprise a lot of people. This writer believes that the team in question plays in Eastern Europe and has game film dated back to 1999.

The Knicks are trying very hard to change their image, and their tough play on their recent road trip is indicative of that. However, there is only so far the Knicks can move on with Marbury being a distraction.

Virginia Tech-Longwood: Jeff Allen's Double-Double Leads Hokies' Rout of Lancers

William Hung — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:21:17 -0500

Jeff Allen scored 19 points and grabbed 21 rebounds to lead the Hokies to their sixth victory of the year over the Lancers, 79-57, on Sunday afternoon at Cassel Coliseum. The Hokies also got a big game from A.D. Vassallo, who led all scorers with 21 points to go along with nine rebounds.

The Lancers were led by Dana Smith, who scored 13 points and had five steals. He was the lone highlight for the Lancers, as the game was hardly contested towards the end of the first half.

The Hokies broke the game open in the final five minutes of the first half, when they only led 22-19. The Hokies finished the first half on a 15-2 run to go up 37-21.

The second half saw the Lancers trim the lead to five after a pair of Smith free throws made the game 52-47 with 11:38 to go in the game. But then the Lancers went on a scoring drought that saw them only score three points in the next eight minutes to go in the game.

Next up for the Hokies: The Aeropostale Holiday Festival in New York City (Dec. 20-21). First game is against Columbia at Madison Square Garden at 2pm ET.

Knicks-Kings: Al Harrington Scores 33 to Lead Knicks Over Kings

William Hung — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:04:34 -0500

The New York Knicks defeated the Sacramento Kings 114-90 in Arco Arena, giving the Knicks their second straight road win after beating the New Jersey Nets earlier Wednesday.

The Knicks, who were without Quentin Richardson (Flu), received a boost with the return of David Lee (back) and Nate Robinson (groin), and the results were instant. The Knicks scored 43 first-quarter points behind 75 percent shooting from the field.

Harrington led the Knicks with 33 points, including 11 straight in the third quarter to hold off a brief Kings rally, which saw the Knicks lead shrink from 29 points to 12 points. Lee, returning from his back injury suffered against the Nets, scored 17 points and grabbed 19 rebounds. Robinson, starting at shooting guard in place of Richardson, scored 19 points.

The Kings were led by John Salmons, who scored 14 points, and Beno Udrih, who scored 13 points and dished out six assists.

The difference in this game was the lack of interior defense by the Kings early in the game. On one play, Jared Jeffries, from the perimeter, blew by the Kings' defense to an easy dunk. Lee finished the first half with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Next up for the Knicks: Mike D'Antoni returns to Phoenix as the Knicks look to reach .500 against the Steve Nash-led Suns. Game time is Monday 9pm ET.

Derrick Ward's Time To Shine On Sunday Night Football

William Hung — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:19:22 -0500

Derrick Ward, slated to start this Sunday against the Cowboys, was the 234th selection by the New York Jets back in 2004. The New York Giants signed him off the Jets' practice squad later in 2004 and was invisible for the next three seasons. Then came 2007.

After Tiki Barber's retirement, Derrick Ward became the No. 2 running back behind Brandon Jacobs. From the start of the 2007 season, Ward showed his versatility for running and catching the football.

Ward averaged over 100 yards of total offense the first month of the season, but then a combination of knee and ankle injuries made him miss five of the next eight games. By Week 13, he was healthy enough to start against the Chicago Bears with Brandon Jacobs out with a knee injury.

Against the Bears, Ward did not look like a man coming off an injury. Ward finished the game with 183 total yards (154 rushing, 29 receiving) and one touchdown. Unfortunately, Ward also suffered a broken leg and missed the rest of the season, including the historic Super Bowl run.

Ward's final numbers from 2007: 602 rushing yards, 179 receiving yards, three touchdowns.

Ward has only started one other game in 2008, which was against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. Ward finished with 99 total yards and one touchdown.

What makes Sunday Night so important for Ward is not only because he's starting against the Cowboys, but the fact that he will be on national television and probably playing for his last NFL contract.

Ward will be 29 next year, one year away from the magic age of 30, and the Giants have already stated Brandon Jacobs is their future. A big game against the rival Cowboys can be a huge building block towards a big pay day come the off season.

Ward's numbers so far in 2008: 669 rushing yards, 373 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Good for over 1,000 yards of total offense so far.

Scott Schoeneweis Traded To Diamondbacks

William Hung — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:53:34 -0500

Omar Minaya is a man on a mission to revamping the Mets bullpen. His latest move involved trading LHP Scott Schoeneweis to the Arizona Diamondbacks for RHP Connor Robertson. After acquiring Francisco Rodriguez via free agency and J.J. Putz via trade, Omar found a taker in the Diamondbacks for Schoenewies' $3.6 million price tag.

After this latest trade, the only members of the disastrous 2008 bullpen that will most likely be on the 25-man roster in 2009 are: RHP Duaner Sanchez and LHP Pedro Feliciano.