From the Sidelines: June 2009

"ESPN has purchased the TV rights for some English soccer games from the bankrupt Setanta Sports company.. This is a huge step in the progression of soccer love & knowledge in the US.

I am so excited!!"

Monday, June 22, 2009

We're on Twitter.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter for all of the latest site updates.

The Morning Blitz

We have a lot of stuff to look forward to this week, as well as some good posts from last weekend. Make sure to check it all out.

- Five questions for the '09 Titans.
- The "Michael Jordan of Armwrestling". (Do you think all the "Michael Jordans" of various sports/countries ever get together and hang out? They should.)
- Potential Memphis Tiger Lance Stephenson and why he's still unsigned.
- The FBI doesn't really care if Jimmy Hoffa's body is under Giants' Stadium.
- Mrs. Palmer says no to Ochocinco.
- To celebrate Tuesday night's opening, "The History of Transformers on TV".

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The SEC is once again poised to stake its claim as the country’s toughest football conference. With perennial powerhouses Florida and LSU, up-and-coming contenders Georgia and Alabama, and popular upstart Ole Miss, it looks like the road to the BCS championship game runs through Atlanta and the SEC title game. On top of that, three teams (Tennessee, Miss State, and Auburn) get a fresh start with new coaching staffs. Add it all up, and you’re looking at another wild ride in Dixieland this fall.

Where do we come in? Well, in the coming days and weeks you can expect a break down for each SEC team complete with a full win/loss record, bowl predicitions, highlights and lowlights, and a few upset specials you won’t find anywhere else.

SEC East:

#1 Florida Gators

As the consensus preseason #1 in almost every national ranking, the Gators should be no surpise as my top pick in the SEC East. They return a ridiculous 18 starters and 53 lettermen. They’re lead by a star-studded cast: Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, and Emmanuel Moody just to name a few.

The Schedule: The scheduling gods have smiled on the Gators in 2009. They only have three legitimate tests - @ LSU, Georgia in Jacksonville, and FSU at home. Baring injuries or major upsets, only LSU stands in the way of an 12-0 season. Meyer lost in his only trip to Death Valley, but the Gators have a bye week leading up to the LSU match-up. And Meyer is 26-3 when his team has more than a week to prepare. Even considering all that, the Gators still face the 34th toughest schedule in 2009 (a testament to the strength of the SEC).

The Result: 11-1

The Gators' outstanding squad cannot escape Baton Rouge unscathed as the Tigers avenge a 30 point embarassment from 2008. Despite that, Florida romps through the remainder of the schedule and packs for a trip to Atlanta and the SEC championship game.

The Postseason: The Gators run roughshod through the SEC title game in preparation for the BCS title game.

#2 Georgia Bulldogs

After a successful but disappointing 2008, the Bulldogs are prepared to reload after losing two first round draft picks (Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno). Fifth-year senior Joe Cox takes over at quarterback with an improved (and hopefully healthier) offensive line. After showing flahes in 2008, Caleb Cox should make for a strong backfield in 2009. Mark Richt seems to do well under lowered expectations and the Dawgs only have three SEC road games (UT, Vandy, and Arkansas).

The Schedule: Despite an easy SEC road schedule, the Bulldogs still face the nation's 7th toughest sked. They face nonconference foes Okalhoma State and Georgia Tech on the road. But they should scoop up several conference wins against South Carolina, Tennessee, Vandy, Auburn, and Kentucky. But besting LSU in Baton Rouge and Florida in Jacksonville is a stretch.

The Result: 10-2

The Dawgs beat all the teams they're expected to and add strong victories at Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech; however, they can't get over the hump against the Gators and Tigers.

The Postseason: The Bulldogs cap a strong season at the Cotton Bowl.

#3 Tennessee Volunteers

After a controversial recruiting season, Lane Kiffin will welcome the chance to actually play some actual football... and actually win. Despite its miserable season, UT quietly put together the country's #3 defense. While not always successful, Jonathon Crompton does bring experience to the QB position. If the Vols can get consistent QB play to help team leaders Eric Berry and Rico McCoy, they should be enjoy a much improved team in 2009.

The Schedule: With the nation's ninth toughest schedule, improvement won't come easy. But UT's only nonconference test comes against UCLA at home. Plus, UT can still stack up wins against the lower rung of the SEC. Add in an upset or two and the Vols can bounce back with a strong 2009.

The Result: 9-3

Playing at Florida and at Alabama are two losses the Vols just can't escape. And while the Vols have both Georgia and UCLA at home, Kiffin can only expect to steal one of those high profile games. But the Vols will have one signature game to hang their hat on: you heard it here first, the Vols head into Oxford on November 14 to shock a top ten ranked team. Just like that Kiffin earns his pay and a few renditions of Rocky Top along the way.

The Postseason: The Vols make everyone's most improved list, but not a New Year's Day bowl. But Vols fans will be happy to spend New Year's in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-a Bowl.

Special Report: The State of Team USA Soccer

I'm no soccer fanatic (definitely not an expert), but even I was disappointed when I saw that Brazil took Team USA behind the woodshed for a beating Thursday. So I turned to my former roommate and long time friend, AC, for a little insight. Not surprisingly, I wasn't disappointed. Check it out:

On Thurs, Jun 18, 2009, Debo wrote:

Ace! What the hell!? I thought Team USA was supposed to be "ready to contend" on soccer's largest stage. I thought we were ranked fairly high and some experts/fans were calling for us to make a splash at the upcoming World Cup. But I see Team USA got blasted by Brazil today. What gives? Is Team USA ever gonna be able to compete? What do they need to do to improve before the 2010 World Cup? Do soccer fans even care about Team USA?
-debo

On Fri, Jun 19, 2009, AC wrote:

Well Debo it is a good thing that the Confederations Cup is only the dress rehearsal for the World Cup. Team USA has a lot of kinks to work out of their system. There is no way for our men to spare their blushes now in the current tournament, and I fear that an extra year of growth before the big dance will do little to stop a future embarrassment.

I feel that the US are falling into the same trap that their previous “dream” teams have experienced. The trap is hope. We are a nation of optimistic fans, who have the audacity to continually hope for the best. You can’t fault the fans for having confidence in their team when they see success in the years between World Cups. America is the dominant power in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and that is the problem. We can beat the teams inside our region that’s why we are in the Confederations Cup representing CONCACAF. Our biggest competitors have been Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica, so when we come face to face with a world super power like Brazil we get our butts handed to us.

The Brazil game showed the world that Team USA and by extension Major League Soccer is still weak. The talent pool our country is deeper than ever, but only in quantity not quality. Amateur mistakes were abundant during the match. The first strike through the heart was the 6th minute goal that came off a free kick awarded after a silly foul in the defensive third of the field. Giving up early goals is like shooting yourself in the foot – it leaves you wounded.

The game was packed full of wasted passes and poor decisions. The simple things went wrong- for example, an easy short corner lead to a lightning quick counterattack goal when the US player looked away and allowed the ball to roll under his foot into the path of a Brazilian defender. The lack of composure was not only displayed in the ball skills, but also in the number of fouls committed. Once the Brazilian Samba Boys began dancing around our players, we resorted to hacking at their legs. For the second game in a row, we have been reduced to 10 men as a result of reckless challenges producing straight red cards. If you thought Brazil was hard to play when the teams were even, then you would know that playing them a man down is pure agony.

What needs to be done to improve the state of American soccer? I would offer two suggestions.

First thing: The US needs more exposure to world-class soccer countries. The best way to achieve that is to schedule as many “friendlies” as possible. A friendly is a competition between two teams that has nothing at stake except for reputation. In all actuality, they tend to be tough games taken very seriously. This is the best way to build experience. Let’s pack our bags and load a bunch of planes and have a freaking world tour. It will take plenty of cash, but we have to do whatever it takes to make our team a threat. The CONCACAF will never produce enough high-caliber countries for us to justify staying home for good football. Gotta get up and go!

Second thought: Play the men who are in-form. I have never liked Bruce Arena, the former US National Team coach, but in the beginning of his career as manager he held close to one good rule of thumb. He stated that he would only call upon players who were consistently proving their merit on the pitch for top-flight club teams. That meant no benchwarmers and no guys taking a hiatus from all competition. Brucie had that one right for most of his tenure. Now Bob Bradley is in charge, and big name stars are getting picked ahead of hard working youngsters. It is a big accomplishment for an American to be selected for a European team. However, if they ride the bench more times than they play, then they are not in top match fitness and should not be placed in the US starting lineup.

To finish up I would say that the fans do need to care. Giving unwavering support for the US system is the simple answer to revitalize the heart of American soccer. Let’s get more people in the stands. When the national team plays within reasonable driving distance to your home, buy a ticket and attend the game. If you can’t do that, then flip on the tele and show ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel or GolTV that there is a growing population of Americans interested in the world’s game. The same goes for MLS teams. All of these organizations need cash to strive. The funds brought in from ticket sales, TV rights, and merchandising allow teams to hire quality management personnel, to purchase new players, and to afford travel. Perhaps unwavering support is not simple - it may take more of an investment than the average fan can produce. You will know the US soccer system is strong enough to compete in the world arena when the day comes that every common sports fan has a soccer fanatic in his circle of friends.
-AC

Saturday, June 20, 2009

The Most Exciting Mock Draft on the Internet

Welcome to the inaugural edition of From The Sideline’s Most Exciting Mock Draft. I’ll go through the first ten picks with two caveats:

1. Each team must trade its pick.
2. Each team must also fill a need (either by position or by managing its salary cap).

So without further delay here we go – place your trays in the upright position and keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

#1 – Los Angeles Clippers: The Clips send #1 pick Blake Griffin, Marcus Camby, and Ricky Davis to the Suns for Shaquille O’neal.

I know you’re thinking, “What the hell!? The Clips trade away the best player in the draft for an aging star past his prime?” But let’s not forget that this is the Clippers. Big Diesel makes his return to Hollywood in the twilight of his career to pair with Baron Davis and Zach Randolph for one last push for the playoffs. Plus, Donald Sterling is delusional enough to look at Shaq as a $20 million expiring contract. Meanwhile, the Suns shed Shaq’s salary and get expiring deals in Camby ($7 mil) and Davis ($5 mil).

#2 – Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizz ship #2 (Hasheem Thabeet) and Mike Conley to Minnesota for the #6 (Jrue Holiday), the #18 (Ty Lawson), and Kevin Love.

The Grizz end their unfruitful marriage with Mike Conley while filling their need for a rebounding power forward in Love. They also get two young PG to supply a starter and back up for years to come. The T-Wolves add a PG to pair with Randy Foye and get their shot-blocking center, allowing Al Jefferson to move to the four.

#3 – Oklahoma City Thunder: The #3 (Ricky Rubio) heads to New York in exchange for the #8 (Tyreke Evans) and an unprotected #1 in 2010.

Mike D’Antoni’s dream comes true in finding his floor general of tomorrow in Rubio while the Thunder get Evans to fill in the backcourt with Russell Westbrook and transition Kevin Durant to the wing. Not to mention OKC GM Sam Presti acquires yet another lottery pick in 2010.

#4 – Sacramento Kings: The Kings package the #4 (Jordan Hill) and Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s expiring contract for Washington’s #5 (James Harden) and Antawn Jamison.

The Kings get ready made scorers in Jamison and Harden. Meanwhile, the Wizards get a $6.6 million expiring deal to help add pieces to Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas, not to mention a younger, cheaper, and more athletic PF in Hill.

#5 – Washington Wizards: See above trade with the Kings.

#6 – Minnesota Timberwolves: See above trade with the Grizzlies.

#7 – Golden State Warriors: The Warriors send the #7 (Stephen Curry) and Ronnie Turiaf to the Suns for Steve Nash.

The dismantling of the Suns nucleus continues (if only in my fantasy world) as Phoenix says goodbye to MVPs Shaq and Nash. But Suns fans can find solace in the beginning of the Stephen Curry and Amare Stoudemire era. On the other hand, we all get the joy of Steve Nash running Nellie-ball for the Warriors.

#8 – New York Knicks: See above trade with the Thunder.

#9 – Toronto Raptors: The Raptors ship the #9 (Demar DeRozan) and Reggie Evans to the Bobcats for Gerald Wallace.

The Raptors shed some dead salary in Evans and bring Chris Bosh some help in Gerald Wallace (16.6 points and 7.8 boards). Larry Brown accumulates more young talent and an expiring deal while ridding himself of Wallace and his attitude.

#10 – Milwaukee Bucks: The #10 (Johnny Flynn) heads to Philly in exchange for the #17 (James Johnson) and a lottery protected 2010 first rounder.

Milwaukee is a small market that’s strapped for cash in this tough economy. So by moving down and getting a 2010 pick, they can fill a need with Johnson, a 6’8” PF, and save some money in the process. The Sixers hope to compete now and find their replacement for free agent Andre Miller in Flynn.

Damn – that was harder than I thought it would be… I could use a beer and some comments.

Friday, June 19, 2009

The Morning Blitz

TGIF. Looks like we're going all round ball this morning.

- NBA rumors leading up to the draft.
- Memphis is in the mix for another 2009 recruit.
- DWade to play one on one with Obama.
- Kobe gets his own Disneyland parade.
- Because its Friday and because she's Megan Fox. (TF2 Countdown: 4 days)
- Click here and you'll be sorry. (Or blown away...)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Morning Blitz

"I have two weapons - my legs, my arm, and my brains." - Michael Vick

- The world's highest-paid athletes.
- The top ten greatest tailgating songs.
- USA Soccer submits a list of 37 possible venues for the the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. (Neyland Stadium is one!)
- Packers fans showing love for "Brent".
- More speculation on the Grizzlies' draft plans.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Morning Blitz

It's Wednesday, and we're halfway home.

- Kurt Schilling recounts his draft experience.
- Plax is interested in the Sunshine State.
- Draft Express breaks down the 2009 point guard class.
- Top 10 all-time baseball free agent bargains.
- Ranking the top 5 Laker championship teams.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Morning Blitz

It's Tuesday, and Kobe still isn't the greatest player ever - but onto real links:

- Michael Wilbon showing some love for Phil Jackson.
- The Cards need to sign Pujols... NOW.
- Don't have HBO? Here's "Joe Buck Live" in 10 minutes or less.
- Baseball, softball, and golf are vying for the 2016 Olympics.
- Top 10 athletes to party with.

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Morning Blitz

Welcome to a week in which Kobe is the greatest player of all time, Shaq and Lebron will be starting a new dynasty, and the sky is falling in Florida...

- Don't Go to Krystal's in Arizona
- 11 Olympic Sports That Didn't Make the Cut
- The Sleaziest (and perhaps best) Pro Wrestling Stories of All Time
- Just Another Monday in Orlando, Right?
- A Good Laugh for Tiger Fans from Mama Debo

Friday, June 12, 2009

Debo's Game 4 Reaction

Now, I know nine of out of ten people hate Kobe Bryant, but you’ve gotta admit he’s a big part of the most exciting one-sided finals we’ve seen in some time. If Orlando wasn’t in a corner after game one (Phil Jackson is 43-0 after winning game one of seven games series), they certainly are now, down 3-1 (with only one more game in Orlando).

But today, I won’t be focusing on Kobe, Dwight Howard, or any of the so-called “X-factors.” Instead, I want to highlight two players I truly enjoy watching and give a nod to the basketball gods.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard Ariza’s story. He lost his little brother at a young age when he accidentally fell from a high-rise window (while Ariza’s father was playing pro basketball, no less). Now, I’m not usually one for these kind of stories, but Ariza truly seems to wear this on his sleeve (with tattoos to prove it). He named his first-born son after his brother and speaks seriously about his brother’s impact on Ariza’s basketball career.

And now for the basketball: Ariza has been a huge part of the Lakers’ postseason with timely threes, clutch steals, and tough defensive assignments in each series. No one will forget his Denver heroics, but last night was just as impressive. After going oh-for in the first 26 minutes, Ariza began heating up, hitting big threes to keep LA close and chip away from a double-digit deficit.

After shooting 31% from behind the arc in the regular season, Ariza is now shooting 48% in the postseason!! Couple that with his consistent and timely defensive play and it’s obvious the Lakers wouldn’t be here without him.

Derek Fisher! Derek Fisher! OH SNAP, DEREK FISHER!! Two HUGE shots at the end of regulation and in overtime – this after going 0-5 until 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Two steals, no turnovers, timely fouls to prevent easy buckets, and physical D when you need it most. What more can you ask for from Old Man Fish!? Fisher has also stepped up – now shooting 40% for three (up from .067 in the conference semis). And let’s not forget a big reason he’s moved back to LA – to seek treatment for his 3-year-old daughter who is fighting a rare eye cancer.

Long story short: Sure Kobe’s focused, we know that. ESPN called me personally to make sure I got the memo. But it looks like the basketball gods are focused too. And they’re smiling on a couple of quiet role players in Hollywood.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Morning Blitz

You know what the best part about Thursday is? Tomorrow is Friday.

- Ryan Leaf calls an audible.
- Mark Cuban's five steps to success
- Reporter dunks; kid cries. (Insert Kobe joke here.)
- The mob knee capped Tim Donaghy in prison?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Email Correspondence

Matt just moved, and I'm going out of town this weekend, so we didn't think we'd be able to get a podcast up in the next couple days. In lieu of that, we decided to shoot some emails back and forth throughout the day and discuss some NBA topics.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 11:59 AM, Debo wrote:

I can’t let you get a big head just for holding serve at home court in game three, so I thought I’d start a little email back and forth to bring some reality to this situation. First of all, there’s no way the Magic can shoot the lights out of the Amway Center like they did last night – they can shoot well, but not that well. Everybody remember the 75% first half record, but they also finished shooting over 62% and the Lakers barely broke 51% (in part to Kobe crumbling down the stretch, but I digress). The concern for the Magic is that they can’t shoot any better and the Lakers still had a chance in the final minute. Give Kobe an extra day’s rest (like for Game 5 on Sunday) and you have expect him playing more than 7 minutes in the fourth quarter, which leads me to my next point.

Phill Jackson finally gets all of his ones back into the game with only 6 minutes remaining the game! I know they were playing on short rest, and they had to travel. And I know the Lakers had a 2-0 lead. And I know Phil likes to saves his starters for the final push. And I realize that Phil probably only wants to steal one game in Orlando and try to close this out in six… but come on!? This series would have been over if LA had jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Instead, Orlando beats up on Sasha, Farmar, and Walton while Kobe and Fish get too cold to close the game. Does that help the Lakers on Thursday and Sunday – I doubt it… but if they can get a game in Orlando, it will make the trip back to LA a lot more comfortable. And think that’s Phil’s only goal in Florida this week.

Orlando shot so well, they only had five offensive rebounds and only two more total rebounds than LA. I think Orlando has to outrebound LA to keep winning games. The Lakers are good enough as it is – I mean, they were in the game until the final minute even with Orlando shooting over sixty percent. They might be unbeatable with a healthy rebounding advantage. That gives Bynum, Gasol, and Lamar easy points, invigorates their defense, and likely creates foul shot opportunities. Orlando won, but they’ll need more boards to duplicate Game 3’s success.

Finally, they got great games from everybody (Howard, Turk, Alston, Lewis all had more than at least 18 points). Can they catch that kind of lightning in a bottle again and again? I don’t think so, and even if they do, the game is still close (like last night).

I still the Lakers have got control and now it looks like Lakers in six…

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Alex wrote:

I actually got a big head and then let it go away because of all the time that has passed already. Sending me the first email at noon? Really? Who does work anyways? While I think you have a point in terms of the Magic not getting too comfortable, we do have a series my friend. Orlando could have very well won game two and there's no reason they can't roll off two more wins at home before the series shifts back to LA. (If that does happen, the NBA would have to go 2-2-1-1-1 for the Finals, right?) The reason the Lakers kept it close was because of their offensive boardage and the countless times the Magic squandered opportunities, specifically in the open floor.

I still think the Lakers take the series, but don't count Dwight and Co. out just yet. Hey, did you know that there was a hockey game last night?

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:08 PM, Debo wrote:

A friend of mine told me about said hockey game and I ended up watching the last three minutes. The Pens did well to close out the game and force some excitement back into the NHL. I hate to admit it, but the hockey game was entertaining, but not appointment TV entertaining. It was just as entertaining as if I walked in front of the TV to find softcore porn rolling at three in the afternoon. I don't why it's there, I don't care how it ends, but I'm not changing the channel until I figure out the plot. Same with hockey -- I just need to get a feel for it, and I'm ready to move on.

On to bigger and brighter things... like the Memphis Grizzlies!! There's a little known thing called the draft coming up soon. And I think there's an elephant in the room right now: Rubio will be polite about it, but Rubio wants no part of playing basketball in Memphis more than twice a year. Period. End of story. The Commercial Appeal, the Grizz, and Rubio's agent can dress it up however they want... but that's a fact. I think the Grizz have got to move the pick. Stay in the top ten, add a solid bench player, pick up expiring deals, etc So let's begin a discussion on what the Grizz SHOULD do.

Two rules:

1. Not what the Grizz will do (we can do that later), but what they should do.

2. Salaries don't have to match exactly, but they should be close with draft picks to fill in the gaps.

Throwing out crazy idea #1 (it even goes against moving down and it'll never happen, but it should). The Clips aren't enamored with Blake Griffin and Rubio wants to be in LA (I'm not sure if understands the difference between Clipper and Laker, however). The Clips desparately want to shed Baron Davis and to pick up expiring deals. So the Grizz and the Clips make the following swap:

Memphis sends the #2 and #27 picks, Hakim Warrick (expiring $3 mil in 2010), Darko (expiring $7.5 mil in 2010)

Clips send the #1 and Baron Davis ($11.25 mil in 2010 up to $14 mil in 2013)

I think everybody wins. The Griz get some talent and a much more entertaining team. Lemme know what you think...

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:32 PM, Alex wrote:

Yeah, that good friend is super guy by the way. The end of the game was exciting, is all of hockey like that? I'm glad we could get the softcore porn reference in before 5:00, that was on my check list.

Is it even worth trying to talk about what the Grizz will do? I think everyone knows they'll panic about Rubio and end up taking Thabeet or Chris Wallace will ship OJ, Rudy, and the second pick to the Clippers for Camby, Randolph, and Baron.

Does ESPN still have the trade machine? Let me check.

The trade machine is still up, but I can't trade Warrick until he is officially a Grizzlie for 09-10, they've only given him a qualifying offer at this point. The Clippers would also have to do some more shuffling to get under the cap. In the end, I don't want Davis taking shots away from OJ and I sure as hell don't want him for another four years.

The rumor mill is running rampant with speculation involving the Celtics and Knicks. I can't get anything to work with the trade machine with the Celtics since I can't trade picks and they're about 20 million over the cap right now. After looking at the Knicks, I realize that there isn't a single player on that team I want.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:34 PM, Alex wrote:

Looking at the Grizzlies current salary breakdown, did you know they paid Steve Francis 2.6 mil, Damon Stoudamire 2.3 mil, and Shaun (wtf) Livingston 0.3 mil last season?

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:54 PM, Debo wrote:

Unfortunately, I work for a spectacular employer that limits my internet access in a most delightfully effective way, so I can't access the trade machine. I have to go old school. Even more unfortunately, yes the Grizzlies pay alot of people not to play basketball for them - about $20 million dollars worth actually. And I don't mean "not play basketball" in the sense of Greg Buckner's jump shot... I mean like never stepping on the floor. Pretty sickening...

The Knicks are sad too because I think Mike D'Antoni would make a deal with the devil for Rubio, but I've seen enough of the Knicks to know that I don't want any of them. And I don't believe any of the Celtics rumors. I think they are throwing Chris Wallace a bone by drumming up interest.

And I don't mean to rain on your parade, but yes - Ariza and Odom are FA and this has been discussed pretty frequently in the media. The Lakers will resign one of them, but I don't think they can hold onto both unless Odom is willing to take a discount to stay in LA. He really likes the beach apparently.

So why don't you come out from your tower and stop nay saying... I need a trade from Alex so I can poke holes in it.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM, Alex wrote:

Don't worry - I'll come to your rescue.

You make a deal with the 76ers. At first you say, "What?" Let me break it down for you:

The Grizz want Thabeet because they want someone in the middle to bring a little toughness, and they want Rubio because they're not satisfied with Conley and probably traded away the better guard in Lowry.

The Sixers will lose Andre Miller and only have two other guards on their roster. You trade Darko and the #2 for Dalembert and the #17. Now the Grizz can either package the 17 and 27 and move up, or stand pat and get decent value at the PG position with Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor, or Jeff Teague.

Sorry, I have a phone call real quick - it's Chris Wallace asking if I want his job.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM, Debo wrote:

Thanks for breaking it down.. that was cute. So was the phone call remark, but I still don't like your trade. Here' why:

Dalembert costs waaaay too much - $11 mil. I'd take my chances on me and you finding a energy/rebounding/shot-blocker in the rookie class at #27. Secondly, I don't like Conley at all, but I don't think that the Lawson, Maynor, or Teague are upgrades. And I'm defintely not convinced enough to take that kind of chance. But I like your creativity. You've got moxy and like that in a GM.

Here's another - Grizzlies send Mike Conley and the #2 pick to Milwaukee for the #10, Joe Alexander, and Mbah a Moute (sign and trade)...

Bucks get a young guard they work with and flexibility at the #2. Memphis sheds Conley and gets two solid bench players and picks the best point guard on the board at #10 (Tyreke Evans, Johnny Flynn, etc). Starting Grizz line up: #10, Mayo, Gay, Gasol, and the winner of the Arthur/Alexander cage match. Not a massive improvement, but it doesn't cost much and we get younger bench talent. A step in the right direction.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:56 PM, Alex wrote:

I strive for cuteness in all things.

I think that Conley will still be the starter. He showed flashes of good to great by the end of last season and he's still young. There's a certain acclimation period for young PGs not named Chris Paul - the pick at #17 would be a back up.

Here's another fantasy, of the three-way variety: (catch the innuendo there? Hey-o!)

The Grizz ship the #2 to the Celtics for Perkins, the Celtics give up Rondo for Dalembert and swap draft picks with the 76ers. I dont know why the Celtics would do it unless they really arent as high on Rondo as they're looking like right now, BUT Memphis gets Perkins (again) and Philly gets their PG.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:57 PM, Alex wrote:

I'm not being nice, I'm sorry - I like your Bucks trade, but in the way someone likes a step brother.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM, Debo wrote:

If your three-way did go down, Boston would burn to the ground in a riot. And for once, I wouldn't blame Celtic fans for acting like idiots. I think Perkins showed his worth this post-season (defending, rebounding, some bench scoring). Celts should keep him. And if I was Rondo, I'd shoot myself in the face after that trade. He's a definitely keeper and possible championship caliber second banana. No way you move him like that.

I can't believe I'm saying this because I made a promise to myself to never turn down a three-way.... but I can't get next to your deal. No sir.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:05 PM, Alex wrote:

Do you think this means that the Grizz should just keep the pick? We really haven't found a better option. (And we're infallible.)

The only other option, and this is only if Rubio is guaranteed to be unsignable, is to move down a couple of spots, see if you can pick up a 2010 #1 and just grab Thabeet between four and seven.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM, Debo wrote:

Well, I'm morally opposed to picking Thabeet at all. If we move down, why not go with someone who will have a high pick next year and then take Flynn, Jennings, Hill, Evans or any other guards that have potential. Surely we can find a good back up and a starter between TWO top ten pick PG!?

But I agree, if we can't figure this one out... no way Chris Wallace can. But there will always be next year -- at that means another kick ass draft party!

The Morning Blitz

After a magnificent game three, here are your Wednesday links.

- A census map breaking down where each MLB team has fans. (Surrounded by Cards fans...)
- Reebok doesn't like Marcin Gortat's Jordan/Nike tattoo.
- Former Tiger Antonio Anderson works out for the Grizz.
- Dumb NBA quotes, as told by Photoshop.
- Top 10 most over-hyped college players.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Morning Blitz

Is it only Tuesday?

- Alex Rios is a dbag, and some fans let him know this fact.
- More on David Ortiz's season-long slump.
- The well could be dry for Boldin.
- Pastner gets kudos from Jeff Goodman.
- Hey, at least Orlando gets a party.

Monday, June 8, 2009

The Morning Blitz

Here are a few links to get Monday started off right, and don't forget to check out Saturday's (short) podcast below.

- Texas high schooler wins state track title, by herself.
- Pogo fail. (gif)
- Taggart hires an agent, Memphis career officially over.
- NBA Finals blog from the Orlando Sentinel.
- A recession can't slow down Lane Kiffin.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Podcast 02

Alex and Debo discuss the NBA Finals and have a special guest in the studio.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Robert Dozier's SAT in Question

Mark Schlabach has posted an article on ESPN.com detailing Robert Dozier's eligibility issues from 2003-04. This is not news to any die-hard Tiger fans out there. However, the Derrick Rose fiasco has brightened the national spotlight on the U of M academic standards.
I don't think this will have a direct impact on the Tigers' future or Dozier, but it does bolster the NCAA's attempt to vacate the Tigers' most recent trip to the Final Four. When it rains, it pours...

A Request and This Weekend

Two things:

- We're going to start somewhat of an on going series titled "Tale of the Tape." What we'll do is take two athletes, measure them up and debate who would win in a boxing ring. Obviously, we'll have a lot of people in mind - but we want some suggestions from you. Email us at ftsidelines@gmail.com

- Tomorrow we're planning on doing a (hopefully) short show focusing on the first game of the Finals and some other odds and ends.

The Morning Blitz

It's Friday. "On the eighth day, God said 'Let there be links.' And there were a lot of links. And it was good." (Much better than the Magic on Thursday night.)

- What happens to the hats thrown after a hat trick?
- Hedo Turkoglu: The Michael Jordan of Turkey.
- A little league coach throws up a fat one.
- No Memphis visit for Rubio.
- The Lakers scary? Only in LA.
- Webber says playing Nelson was a bad idea.
- The ten worst Transformers of all time. (a subject close to our hearts.)

And a guest submission from "Mama Debo":
- Sports' most annoying people. (Notice #1)

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Morning Blitz

A few links to get your day started...

- Set your schedules for a Tigers-Jayhawks rematch
- Memphis' own Steve Cohen throws out some advice for the NBA
- Pittsburgh reaction to the Pirates dumping McLouth
- What's next for Tommy Glavine?
- A Gator heads to Rocky Top

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Response to the U of M Response

The University of Memphis’ Response to the NCAA

A couple of notes before I begin:

I’m not at all familiar with the NCAA bylaws or rules concerning “student-athletes.”
I did not read the entire 500-page document. I read the 63-page version on gotigersgo.com.

I thought Memphis did reasonably well for themselves. There obviously was a detailed investigation that began as early as October 2007. The University did look into Rose’s transcripts and tried to determine whether it could be proven that Rose had someone else take a standardized test for him. They did an excellent job of defending the University of Memphis, its coaching staff (Calipari included), and Derrick Rose. They did not, however, find out what really happened and they did not aggressively defend their record 38-win season.

In short, the Inspector General (presumably for Rose’s school district) brought questions regarding Derrick Rose’s transcript to the university in October of 2007. At that time, there was only one grade for one class of one semester in doubt. It was finally determined that it was altered; however, Rose, the university, and its coaching staff were not involved and had no knowledge of it. In fact, had the grade not been changed, Rose would still have been accepted to the U of M and been eligible for NCAA sports. Once settled, the university provided the NCAA with a letter and an updated transcript explaining the situation.

In the university’s investigation, the Inspector General mentioned a rumor that someone else may have taken an ACT (not SAT) exam for Rose. In an interview with the Inspector General, the source of this “rumor” denied any foul play with the Rose test scores. Memphis did look into the test scores at this time, but “found insufficient evidence to conclude that [redacted] did not take the SAT test” (University of Memphis Response, IN-4). Six and a half months later, the university received an email informing them that the SAT score had been invalidated.

Fast forward to today, and I don’t think you can be proud of the university’s defense. It’s my understanding that the only thing on the line here is a record setting 38-win season. There are no implications of lost scholarships, TV penalties, postseason bans, or anything like that. Hell, not even Rose himself will be at this meeting, much less worry about it! But that record setting season isn’t even mentioned in a 500 PAGE document (or at least the 63 pages I saw).

Here’s how Memphis determined that Rose must have taken his own tests: “[redacted] described the various times he took either the ACT or the SAT, and what he did to prepare. The University also attempted to obtain materials from the testing services, but was unable to do so.” (University of Memphis Response, 5-2)

That’s it!! Case closed! We didn’t know about it, so it couldn’t have happened! No worries!

The NCAA obviously obtained materials from the testing services because they had a forensic document examiner analyze them. Did Memphis ask for those materials? Did Memphis retain its own document examiner with a small portion of the $33 million dollars they raised after the 2007-2008 season? Well, they did note that the NCAA forensic examiner only said that Rose “probably” didn’t write the tested writing sample himself. Oh, only probably!?!? Well, everything must be fine then.

The SAT test was invalidated because Rose never responded to letters from the Educational Testing Services that were sent to his Chicago address. These letters were mailed while Rose and most of his family were busy following a little known basketball tournament called the Final Four.

So let me get this straight, Rose misses a deadline, we get a “probably” from a forensic examiner, and that puts the greatest record in Memphis sports history in jeopardy!?!? And now, interviewing Derrick Rose and his mom is the best defense we’ve got!?

In sum, yes, the University of Memphis did a good job covering for themselves, their coaches, and their players. Will there be any penalties in the future? No. Will we miss out on any recruits? Not likely. But there was only one thing at stake here -- an unforgettable and record-setting season. Our best defense was “cause Derrick Rose said so.” Ask yourself, did you get your money’s worth or did RC Johnson sneak out the backdoor leaving us with the bill?