Writer's block unblocked.

The day that sports fans and animal lovers alike, have been dreading, has tragically arrived. After battling courageously for several months, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has been euthanized.

It's about bloody time!

Now before I am berated as some sort of souless monster, or dismissed as someone attempting to be deliberately politically incorrect in the hopes of garnering publicity based in sensationalism, hear me out.

I, of course did not want it to come to this but it boggles my mind that I seem to be one of the few that have been grossly offended by the hypocricy surrounding Barbaro and his eventual fate.

Correct me if I am wrong, but when a race horse experiences an injury of this magnitude, isn't its euthanization justified under the guise of ending the excruciating pain suffered by constantly standing on, and putting pressure on the damaged appendage, thereby 'ending its misery'. Yet Barbaro, his suffering extended by several months, was forced to endure surgeries followed by torturous rehabilitation sessions, that turned out to be one long exercise in futility. Cards and letters poured in from around the world and vigils were held in the hopes that Barbaro could survive against all odds, all the while, it was becoming painfully obvious that the desired goal of these measures was hopefully, an exercise in fertility.

The bottom line is that the only thing the owners of Barbaro were concerned with was the bottom line, in the form of millions of dollars in stud fees. With this potential lottery windfall in sight, the notion of doing what was in the best interests of the Derby Winner, fell by the wayside.

It's been uttered so many times that it has now become a cliché, that your average Joe Blow wants to check out of this life making love to a beautiful woman (what a way to go). I'm left to ponder, with equal parts melancholy and bemusement, that Barbaro was robbed of even this final pleasure - his final orgasm on this earth spent in agony as a catheter the size of a garden hose forced up his urethra, draining every last drop of his ‘white gold’.

At the end of the day, Barbaro’s legacy is that of a dominating champion, who’s career was cut drastically short due to tragic circumstances, a legacy that was dually earned and delayed by several months because of greed.

Gotta go, ‘Family Guy’ is on.

I admit it. I am suffering from a case of writers' block. But Fear not my loyal readers, I have left no stone unturned in providing you with entertaining, thought prokoving, reading material. I dug deep into the recesses of my past and contacted a gentleman that I ran with, what seems like a lifetime ago. A gentleman that blurs that fine line between genius and madness, like no one that I have ever known. A gentleman that will be known only, as 'The Teflon Don'. Lets peer into his derranged, yet brilliant mind, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED:

First off I would like to begin by saying what an honour and privilege it is to be requested by jsaps to start off his blog. Jsaps has given me ‘carte blanche’ and I really do not know where to start. I know all of his blogs are sports related, however I am not feeling sports today. Last week I had to endure a borefest called the NHL All Star Game, I am also in the middle of a 2 week prelude to Super Bowl XXLVIXVILM (I think), and am anxiously awaiting the beginning of the baseball season. So as you can see there really is nothing in the world of sports I want to discuss.

Did someone say NBA??? Well well well! Let’s look at the NBA a little more closely, shall we? No Shaq for most of the year, Kobe changes numbers, the Titanic Division, Steve Nash on another MVP run, Iverson to the West and the Nuggets, Melo bitch slapping and running, more Isiah Thomas drama etc. See where I am going with this, SAME OLD SAME OLD. The most interesting topic this year has to be which one of the Nets is gay. My money was on Lawrence Frank, keeping with the Doogie Howser theme, however the smart money seems to be on Richard Jefferson. I can’t say I am shocked, but I can honestly say who gives a FUCK!

It seems like every so often a story “leaks” about an athlete who is gay. The rumours were rampant in the 80’s with Glenn Anderson, Wendel Clark, in the 90’s we had Steve Young, Troy Aikman, in the late 90’s and turn of the century we had Jeff Garcia and now we have Richard Jefferson. This is a story that has no merit. It is strictly based on an internet rumour, which provides a vague description about a gay athlete in New Jersey. Some geniuses out there put 2 and 2 together and get Richard Jefferson. Now, we are all shocked and appalled that a gay man exists in the world of sports, however every other profession has gays and lesbians. From police officers, to doctors, to politicians, to newspaper writers, to movie stars, to even priests. With the explosion of homosexuality in general one must admit that the professional sports world is an anomaly. I mean can anyone name 5 admitted gays in professional sports today? I can’t even think of one. The only one that comes to mind is Mark Tewksbury and he has since retired and moved on to a broadcasting career with CBC as well as being a highly sought after speaker on said topic. There are more than likely several gay athletes in every professional league, however they are probably afraid to “come out of the closet” in fear of being blacklisted by the league, teams, teammates, fans and heaven forbid SPONSORS!!!!!!!!!

For all those who care about an athlete’s sexual orientation, do you care as much about what they eat for breakfast, their favourite colors, their favourite type of music, what type of underwear they wear, what they watch on television, where they spend time during the off-season. The answer is a resounding NO. So why waste so much time and energy worrying about whether or not these athletes enjoy same sex intercourse. If RJ likes men, who cares? The more important issue is when is this guy is getting back into the lineup to help salvage the Nets’ playoff chances?

So I say to all of you out there, if RJ is gay, so what? Does this make him less of a player? Less of an all-star? Less of an integral part to his team? Or if you care so much about his sexual preference is it because you are homophobic, afraid, or scared that the gays and lesbians will invade your final frontier, your so called gay free arenas and stadiums across North America?

Get over it and spend your time worrying about more important issues, like who is going to pay me for this piece!!!

Allright, so the NHL All-Star Game, to no one's surprise, turned out to be nothing more than millionaires playing Pond Hockey, with less defense than a 'Girls Gone Wild' video. In 3 weeks, the NBA's version takes its turn, with players throwing passes off of backboards to themselves for thunderous dunks, (is that even legal?) and defense, which might be called matador-ish, except that that would be an insult to Matadors everywhere. Popular opinion seems to be that these events have run their course and no longer serve a purpose to the sports fan.

So what needs to be done? Absolutely nothing!

So let me see if I understand correctly. For 4 months, Hockey fans complain about dumping and chasing, no goals, and a general lack of end to end flow. Basketball fans complain about low scoring 86-80 snoozefests, and 109-88 blowouts. So here are 2 games, featuring the best players on the planet, being given free reign to play with creativity and enthusiasum, with an emphasis on skating, passing, shooting, dunking, and scoring, and that' s not sufficient either.

I guess that's what they mean when the say that, 'You can't have your cake and eat it too'

People forget that All-Star Games are about the best players displaying talents that made them All-Stars to begin with. Talents that are rarely evident during the rigors of a monotonous regular season.

So the West beat the East 12-9, and the 21 goals may exceed the total from any 4 games, from any night during the season. The NBA's mid-season classic may produce a 156-147 final. So What! The fact remains that there were several entertaining moments in Wednesday's game, and Basketball's visit to 'Sin City', promises to provide more of the same.

You don't vacation in Hawaii and complain that it is different from your yearly trip to the Grand Canyon!

So instead of complaining that Zdeno Chara didn't block any shots, or that Tim Duncan didn't set any picks, lets enjoy these spectacles for what they are and move on with our lives.

Gotta Go, 'Night Court' is on.

So the stage is set. Super Bowl XLI – Colts vs. Bears.

I know that in the next two weeks, you will be saturated with views, opinions, and analysis from the big game, and I know that I am losing points for originality, but it’s my blog, so here we go:

Peyton Manning: Manning exorcised two demons on Sunday, beating the Mighty Patriots and their Golden Boy Quarterback Tom Brady in a game that actually mattered, and winning the ‘Big One’, albeit, not the biggest one. Does Manning revert to his ways of crumpling under the big game pressure, or does he play like a man who has nothing to lose?
What Happens? Toss the QB rating out the window. The fact is that, in this postseason, Manning for the most part, has moved the ball very well versus two of the NFL’s top ranked defenses. The Super Bowl will be no exception. Against a Bears defense that can at times, play a high risk, high reward style, Manning will be able to move the ball, keeping Chicago’s D off balance, setting up two or three big plays in the process.

Rex Grossman: As the saying goes, the Bears have gotten this far in spite of Grossman, not because of him. I mean, come on! 11 of 26 for 144 yards maybe good enough at home and on a sloppy turf, negating some of the Saints speed, but for the Bears to win, they are going to have to put up some points in order to keep pace with Indy’s high octane offense.
What Happens? Maybe in a year or two, but right now Rex is grossly in over his head and he’ll play like it. Not needing to respect the pass, the Colts will be able to stack the box, and thus be able to keep the Bears running game in check. All in all, the best option for the Bears offense may be to have Grossman fumble the ball forward, allowing one of the O-lineman the opportunity to fall on it for a Touchdown.

Colts Defense: Indianapolis’ defense has looked like that of the ’85 Bears in its first two playoff wins, and like that of the ’85 Buccaneers during most of the regular season. Truth be told, they are somewhere in the middle but New England showed that the key to success is spreading them out and keeping them off balance.
What Happens? In theory, great idea but the Bears O-line is geared towards more of a power run game and no one on the line is quick enough to handle the Colts Cyborg of a pass rusher, Dwight Freeney. Freeney will take up residence in the Bears backfield and if Chicago assigns either Thomas Jones or Cedric Benson to double him, they will be taking away Grossman’s safety valve on the dump off. The phrase, ‘Damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ comes to mind.

Bears Defense: Chiago’s defense is still very formidable, but injuries to Tommie Harris and Mike Brown have left this unit a shell the one that dominated the regular season’s first half. The Bears’ D has surrendered an average of 23.8 points over its last 6 games, compared to an average of 9.9 points over its first 7 games.
What Happens? Any defense that has Brian Urlacher leading the way will play hard but Urlacher’s responsibility in pass coverage will most likely will be Colts Tight End Dallas Clark and no one can stretch the field from the Tight End Position the way Clark can. That leaves Man Coverage vs. Pro Bowl Wide Receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. You do the math.

X-Factor: Devin Hester. Not since Dante Hall of several years ago, has anyone been able to dominate a game from the return position. Hester is sinister, breathtaking, and lethal.
What Happens? Hester takes one back all the way then returns another one past midfield. The Colts get wise and just kick it out of bounds the rest of the way.

Intangibles: The Bears that shuffled their way to a Super Bowl blowout win 21 years ago, much like the Steelers’ ‘Steel Curtain’ and the Cowboys’ ‘America’s Team’ Eras of the 1970’s and ‘80’s, captured the imagination of football fans throughout the U.S. That and the fact that the Colts were heated Divisional rivals to the home town Dolphins before realignment, will make the Bears distinct crowd favourites in Miami.
What Happens: Not enough to effect Manning’s play calling ability, in the least.

What Happens: Manning sheds the monkey from his back, but gains an MVP trophy and a trip to Disneyland, Archie is happy, and Eli grins nervously, thinking that he’d better get things going and fast.

Colts win 30-17.

Gotta Go, ‘Hardcastle & McCormick’ is on.

In this world that we live in, there are winners and there are losers, and that is the unmistakable fact. I could talk about the winners, but what fun would that be? Here are my top 10 losers in sport:

10. Bode Miller.
America’s Golden Boy choked in Turin but said that at least he, ‘got to party at the Olympics’. That just about says it all.

9. Andy Roddick.
All of the hype, all of the build up and for what? One Grand Slam Title, or as many as Andres Gomez and Pat Cash.

8. Phily Fans.
It’s been a 24 years since the City of Brotherly Love celebrated a championship, with none on the horizon. I guess that it has to be this way because how can a city be known for gritty, blue collar, underdogs, if their teams are winners?

Toronto Maple Leafs
This May will mark the 40th Anniversary since the last Leafs’ Stanley Cup Championship. That’s 8 unsuccessful 5 year rebuilding programs for those of you who are counting. Its enough to make a Leaf fan yearn for the days of the Osbourne / Zezel / Berg line.

6. Chicago Cubs
It used to be that long suffering Cubs fans were able to share tales of woe with Red Sox and White Sox faithful. But with Boston and Chicago winning World Series Championships in recent years, The Cubs and their fans are the last of a non-dying breed and regardless of how many marquee free agents they sign, you get the feeling that the ‘Lovable Losers’ will always be, ‘waiting until next year’.

5. Bobby Knight
So he passed Dean Smith on the all-time Division I wins list. So what! Play Northwestern twice a year for 20 years and you’d be surprised how fast that win total increases. The fact remains that he hasn’t won a National Title in 20 years.

4. Barry Bonds.
No one can dispute the fact that Bonds’ career numbers are staggering. 2841 Hits, 734 Home Runs, 1930 RBI’s, 509 Stolen Bases and a lifetime Batting Average of .299. Very impressive. Bonds however, is a loser as a player because no one will ever be able to separate his achievements from suspicion of doping; he’s is a loser for his constant alienating and belittling of teammates; and he is a loser for his aloof attitude towards the fans. Not exactly the Triple Crown Bonds had in mind.

3. Matt Millen.
How is Millen still employed? The Lions are on a historical run of futility and Millen’s position as General Manager seems as secure as ever. At the very least, he’d better be driving an Escape or an F150.

2. Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
A blue print for disaster. Since its inception, in 1998, the Devil Rays have redefined ‘ineptitude’. In trying to build a respectable ballclub, Tampa Bay has gone with youth, and failed. They’ve gone the route of signing high priced, veteran free agents (where have you gone, Greg Vaughn), and failed. They have had top tier prospects lose significant playing time due to injury, suspension, and drug addiction, and have continued to toil away in front of sparse crowds, in their dump of a ballpark (…so let me see if I’ve got this straight. The first catwalk is foul territory but the second is a home run?). To those of you who feel the need to defend the Devil Rays, citing the trade of Victor Zambrano for Scott Kazmir in the category of, ‘at least they got something right’, I raise you Bobby Abreu to the Phillies for Kevin Stocker.

1. Marty Schottenheimer.
The Football Gods continue to hit Marty ‘Smarty’ in the groin with a football. First ‘The Drive’, then, ‘The Fumble’, and now the ‘Interception / Fumble’, ‘The Inter-Fumble’, ‘The Fumble-Ception’, take your pick. For those of you who were at your ‘24’ viewing parties, a quick synopsis; 4th quarter, Chargers up 8, Patriots facing 4th and 5. Brady picked off by Marlon McCree (seals it, right?) who is stripped on the return. Troy Brown recovers. Touchdown, 2 Point conversion, get it back, 49 yard pass play, field goal, Chargers miss a 51 yard field goal as time expires, Patriots win 24-21. The fact that Schottenheimer hasn’t thrown himself off the roof of Qualcomm Stadium, proves that he is a better man than I.

Gotta go, recorded ‘24’

To Coach Petersen:

Thank you. Your team’s performance in its breath taking 43-42 Overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl reminded me why myself, and other sports fans sit through 41-10 Football blowouts and 110-84 Basketball laughers. We endure them because maybe, every now and then, we are privileged enough to witness sports history in the making.

The courage and fortitude that you and your players showed under such duress made me feel vindicated in being such a sports fanatic. To others, ‘Playing to win’, and ‘Leaving it all on the field’ are just monotonous cliches, but on one of the grandest stages in sports, you showed that, to your squad, they are simply the only way to compete.

I truly believe that people do not realize the impact that your win has had, and will continue to have on the sport of College Football:

With your team’s unbelievable performance, you managed to cast a shadow over the remaining 2 BCS Bowl games, as well as the BCS National Championship game. I found myself watching the Orange and Sugar Bowls, hoping one of them would provide at least some of the drama and excitement that the Fiesta Bowl did. Neither of them came close, which left me disappointed in myself for holding those games to such lofty standards. Even the Championship game is in danger of becoming a footnote, a trivia question, ‘Who won the National Championship the year Boise State defeated Oklahoma in the greatest College Football game ever played?’.

In addition, your win accomplished what may have been impossible and that is to support both sides of the ‘BCS vs. Playoff’ debate. Those in favour of the current system would argue that a Playoff system would rob the public of these classic match ups, school vs. school battling for an actual Championship. The 2006 Boise State Broncos will forever be remembered as Fiesta Bowl Champions. Had the Broncos, under a playoff format, advanced and suffered a disappointing defeat in the next round, their legacy may have tarnished over time.
On the other hand, those supporting a playoff format would insist that Boise State had proven itself as an elite Football Program and would absolutely deserve a chance to work towards playing for a National Championship.

Those are, however, arguments to be made by talking heads and College Football pundits. Speaking purely as a fan of the sport, I congratulate you and your players on a performance for the ages, I thank you and I know that I speak for many other Football fans when I say that the Broncos have become one of my sentimental favourites.