- 12:14 AM
- 11/22/09
I would be curious to know why they are performing a medical procedure that is largely elective and cosmetic. Many circumcisions, especially in third world countries, are done for religious purposes.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:32 PM on May 05
Why am I not surprised PETA is sticking their paws into this?
posted by NerfballPro at 12:40 PM on May 05
In maritime terms, 8 bells signifies the end of a watch. The irony of the name Eight Belles is rather poignant. Are they breeding horses that are too delicate to withstand the pounding of a race? Howard, there may be something to that. A friend of mine who has some knowledge of horses told me that many of these thoroughbreds are now being bred with lighter or more hollow bones in order to make them lighter, faster, and able to react quicker to a jockey's commands. We're not sure if that's true, or even possible, but it would explain the increasing number of breakdowns we've seen the past 2-3 years.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:25 PM on May 04
The Mavs aren't doomed, but their window to win a championship is closing fast. Mark Cuban, like it or not, IS a distraction to the coach and the players, especially when he's in the stands yelling all the time, and it's never a good thing when the owner tries to go over the heads of his personnel and play coach himself. Face it, they did trade much of their future away in the Kidd deal. The Mavs are full of good players, but there's no chemistry; the pieces don't fit well. And face it, Jason Kidd is old; Chris Paul ran circles around him during the entire series. Avery Johnson is still a good coach, winning about 70% of his games; not a bad thing to put on a resume for a first head coaching job, and he won't be out of circulation for long. I can't blame Cuban for wanting to win. He just needs to calm down and let his employees do what they need to do. But how do you tell your boss to sit down and shut up?
posted by NerfballPro at 11:10 AM on May 01
Yeah, Avery may be a bit of an idiot, what with the stick waving in front of the goalie that precipitated a rule change in mid-playoffs, but I hope he gets better soon.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:58 PM on April 30
don't ever, ever stick your dingle in the hoo-ha of someone crazier than you chico, you inadvertently just made a great title for the memoirs of both Roger Clemens and Kevin Federline.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:34 AM on April 29
Even if it's true, it's the juiciest baseball story since Wade Boggs and Margo Adams, but I doubt it'd have any bearing on the defamation and perjury suits in the long run. BornIcon is right; this is mudslinging and little else.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:38 AM on April 28
Old joke..... My prediction is that the Cowboys will go 9-6-1 next season. 9 acquittals, 6 convictions, and 1 mistrial.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:23 AM on April 25
Here's a proposition. If the Pats sport a 19-0 record and a Super Bowl win in the upcoming 2008-9 season, I say let 'em have the trademark. Until that time, what's the word I'm looking for? Let's see, I think it's "no".
posted by NerfballPro at 12:26 PM on April 21
The whole racism thing cracks me up anyway, since the US is populated mostly by descendants of immigrants from other countries, not unlike Mr. Fukudome himself. Sometimes I'm almost ashamed to be an American.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:50 AM on April 20
It's only the first in a long line of moves Donnie Walsh needs to do in order to undo all the damage done to the Knicks over the years. Knicks fans can rejoice, they got what they wanted, but there's a lot of work to do still. And unfortunately, it's really hard to undo a culture of losing once it's established itself in a franchise.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:30 PM on April 18
All I'm sayin' is that Babe Ruth's ghost is gonna be pissed when he hears that they're tearin' down the house he built. That in itself may prove to be a curse to the Yankees. Still, I'm still chuckling about the shirt.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:30 PM on April 15
Agreed. Memphis may have choked, but it still takes a great team to get to the finals and send it to overtime. Kansas was still required to go out and get it, and that's just what they did. Congratulations, Jayhawks. You guys earned this one.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:00 PM on April 08
With all due respect to rcade and Colby Cosh, etiquette schmetiquette. Roy wanted a piece of Nadeau, and the way Roy tore into him it didn't matter whether Nadeau wanted to fight or not. I saw from the video clip that the punches were repeatedly to his face. The purpose to me wasn't to fight, but to injure, maim, and take Nadeau out of the series. Period. Thanks for the post though, rcade. I DO agree with the sentiments. Problem is, in the heat of the moment, people don't do things in a game to follow rules, they do it to win at whatever cost. We're in an age where athletes no longer believe that sportsmanship leads to success on the field, but to use and exploit whatever edge you can find, through fair or foul means, even if it means severely injuring an opponent to accomplish that success.
posted by NerfballPro at 01:37 AM on March 26
something has to be amiss to get players so riled up Apparently nobody's bothered to examine these agreements or read the fine print before now. Oops! I'm told that all coaches and staff were paid on the Yankees/Devil Rays trip to Japan in 2004. I'm looking for a source. Thanks in advance, swerve.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:36 PM on March 19
THX, from what I've heard, and I admit I'm guessing here, is that in these international endeavors that MLB has taken before (other sports too?), the coaches and staff for all teams involved have never been paid before now. I can't back this up with any website or proof right now, but if it's true, chalk this up to a lesson learned by the commissioner, the players' union, and promoters involved. $40K for the staff along with the players? Not that much more money, gang. If you can pony up for 50+ players, you can pay coaches and staff too.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:00 PM on March 19
Being an official card-carrying anti-Yankees torch bearer, and disliking Boss George even more, I have to admit this was a classy move overall by him and the entire organization. Not only did the VT baseball team get some thrills and memories that will last a lifetime, the million-dollar-plus donation helps the school and families that lost loved ones during that cowardly attack last April.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:50 AM on March 19
I have to admit I'm really impressed with how the Red Sox players are handling this. It's about the money, of course, but it's money for the coaches and staff, not themselves. MLB should've had this on paper, signed and sealed, before telling the Sox and A's they're going to Japan; this would've prevented reneging on promises, hence the situation coming to this.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:27 AM on March 19
There's always a case to select a different team in place of another every year in this tournament, but I agree the Sun Devils got shafted badly here. Only thing I can think of is that they tanked badly against UCLA twice, whereas the 'Cats at least kept one of the games against the Bruins close. But that shouldn't matter, they're all losses anyway. Swap ASU in for UA and we're good.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:23 PM on March 17
Daly's not a great golfer by PGA standards. Good, but not great. A drunk Daly could still beat a sober me on the golf course any day of the week.
posted by NerfballPro at 07:14 AM on March 15
Most "party boys" aren't real golfers anyway. How many frat boys do you see with golf clubs unless they're using 'em to open beers?
posted by NerfballPro at 10:59 AM on March 14
Here come the "Hank-ees." The Yankees' glory teams of the past wouldn't ever consider being goaded into cheap retaliation tactics like spikes-to-the-crotch on a slide. If this was done to regain a little respect, Gomes pretty much told us by that sprint and shove that it didn't work. Nobody fears NYY anymore; nobody has since the historic collapse of '04.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:57 AM on March 14
It may be about time, though. As much as I'd hate to see him go, it's high time Aaron Rodgers gets a serious look at playing time. Brett doesn't exactly go out on top, but the Pack was resurgent this past year, earning a playoff berth and losing to the Giants in the NFC Championship game in OT. Three MVPs, one ring. Love him or hate him, he's Canton-bound in five years. Bet money on it.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:05 AM on March 04
Attention isn't always a good thing, in spite of what's been happening to Britney the past few months (that's a different subject altogether). It's only a game, people. Deal with it and move on with life.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:51 AM on February 28
18-1 is impressive, but who cares? The Patriots are known for being the victims of one of the biggest upsets of Super Bowl history. That's all they'll be remembered for now. Congratulations, Giants. You earned this one; enjoy it.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:12 PM on February 03
Interesting comments, guys. I'd like to throw in one other aspect: the psychological one. Tiger's mere presence has to work into everyone else's minds and likely takes them off their game, whether they all realize it or not. Like Barry Bonds, the whole game changes when he's there.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:34 PM on January 28
Nerfball Pro's blog: January 28, 2008: Showed this website to my boss, who's a Cowboys fan. January 29, 2008: Showed up at the unemployment office at 8am.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:29 AM on January 28
Ok, I'll say it.....this was baa-aa-aa-aa-ad.
posted by NerfballPro at 08:18 AM on January 27
Then there's this classic little tidbit everyone's already seen...... Win or lose, we might see a new crop of commercials after the Super Bowl where Eli one-ups Peyton for a change.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:27 PM on January 21
The Super Bowl will be a tighter game than most people suspect. The G-Men are on a roll, clicking at the right time. The Pats are in for a fight. The game might not be decided either way until inside the last minute. Mickster, the Giants' defensive coordinator is Steve Spagnuolo.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:44 AM on January 21
if you can't stand the heat, then stay out of the kitchen... or at least wear an apron instead of a filthy pat's shirt. Ok, I wasn't there in Indianapolis, but I'm pretty sure the shirt was washed prior to her wearing it on the field. And I doubt a lack of Tide would've prompted those boos.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:28 AM on January 17
Maybe next year I will enter the PPK competition. HA! HA! HA! Coach, don't forget to wear your Colts jersey when you're invited to Foxboro.
posted by NerfballPro at 08:20 AM on January 17
This was around the time other card companies were dipping their respective toes in the card manufacturing pond, such as Donruss and Fleer. Score's first-ever set was in 1988, too. From what I recall, people were starting to look down on Topps because the quality standards among collectors had gone up; the newer companies were producing all-gloss stock, front and back, while Topps cards only had gloss on the front. A minor quibble overall, because most collected either entire sets, or went after all cards of their favorite player. I myself liked the 1987 Topps "wooden border" cards, and I thought the 1989 and 1990 sets were pretty nice looking as well.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:15 PM on January 16
The Grants are New Hampshire residents, so the girl would've worn the jersey of the team in her region like the other champions honored in the PPK ceremony; in her case, it was the New England Patriots. I'm guessing here, but it's likely the Colts fans were simply booing the presence of the jersey and not necessary the girl herself. Yet, the context suggests quite different, as we've all seen. I think the real winner in this fiasco is Anna herself. Joke or not, she indeed handled herself with incredible poise and good nature in the face of a ridiculous situation. The world could use more people like her, in my humble opinion.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:54 AM on January 16
The link above offers the video of the incident. Check this article for more on what happened Sunday.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:34 AM on January 16
Definite kudos to the Pack. After two fumbles and a 14-0 deficit, they could've easily folded up on the spot. They didn't. Thing is, they won't get away with spotting either the G-men or the Cowboys two touchdowns next week.
posted by NerfballPro at 04:02 AM on January 13
I gotta agree, chico. Clemens throwing mud at McNamee isn't seeing the forest for the trees. Cheating at baseball via the use of performance enhancers is being taken very seriously by the public in general, much more than anyone will admit. If that were me being fingered, I'd be busting my tail trying to clear my name instead of using the media to fuel a name-calling battle. This should've been answered within an hour after the Mitchell report was released, not a month. No wonder nobody believes Roger. What a waste of a great career. Rocket has nobody to blame except for the man in the mirror.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:30 AM on January 07
In short, we're witnessing a "legal" version of a game of "chicken." Each side is trying to make the other blink or back down with the threats of all these lawsuits. Problem is, Rocket will lose all the respect he has left if he loses, so that should be considered here with what he just did today. If he really did take all those steroids, you can bet McNamee is going to present the proof in court, and not just the Mitchell report either. This is as tough a jam as he's been in during his career, and he's going to need far more than steroid-powered high heat. If he's drug-free, the Wallace interview should've been enough. If he's juiced like McNamee's been saying, the lawsuit is nothing more than a bluff; high-and-inside fastballs when he needs to just go down the middle with everyone in this crisis.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:32 AM on January 07
Cody, maybe this is a mutant football team. Maybe someone spliced their genes or something. You know: three-eyed frogs, two-headed turtles, and Detroit Lions that win football games. If that's true, there's a mad scientist out there that could threaten us and hold our world for ransom. Scary thought!
posted by NerfballPro at 12:26 AM on October 01
Never mind Michigan fans, college football traditionalists HATE it when something like this happens, with a capital H. It's bad enough when one of the top teams through history such as Michigan, USC, or one of the Florida teams gets upset, but this loss and the way it happened is unacceptable to them. It not only upset the apple cart as they knew it, it was blown up with dynamite. College football will NEVER be the same again. I love it.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:16 AM on September 05
A league that is not only tagged as "old school" but displays it proudly? We could use a few more like these guys.
posted by NerfballPro at 04:37 AM on August 26
Some of the posts on that particular discussion board were pretty sick. "The #4 turn at Daytona vs. Dale Earnhardt" "Eddie Griffin vs. the train" you get the picture. I had to chuckle at #'s 13, 15, 20, 33, 41, 50, 62, 71 and 76. Best comment had to be from some guy who wondered why "Harlem Globetrotters vs. Washington Generals" was left off the list. I might disagree with the list but it was still pretty fun to read.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:36 PM on August 23
The Rangers-O's game ranks #8 on their list. Sure it rewrote some MLB history but the game covers 1/162th of a season and involves teams that won't even make the playoffs. It's kinda like saying "High School Musical" has more musical significance and history than "A Hard Day's Night."
posted by NerfballPro at 01:12 PM on August 23
Did the author get paid for this article by the word? A lot of quotes here were repeated. Pretty funny regardless. Thanks Ying.
posted by NerfballPro at 12:35 PM on August 22
THX, sorry this post is late, but as a convicted felon (assuming he pleads guilty and serves time as expected at this point), securing a visa to Canada is gonna be out of the question for a few years, so rule out a future career in the CFL. Also, there was a helluva flak with the other CFL team owners when Toronto signed Ricky Williams, so I don't see anyone there even considering making a suggestion. I think Matt Millen is the only GM with the nerve to even bring up the suggestion of signing Vick and not getting fired on the spot. There's one other alternative, though. Does the Arena Bowl halftime show include "wardrobe malfunctions"?
posted by NerfballPro at 10:13 AM on August 21
We'll still never see American Pro Sports officiating the same way again. We all sorta knew that someone was on the take like this, but now that it's been confirmed? I just feel for the few honest refs out there trying to call a good game every time out. Any questionable call and they're gonna catch hell even if they don't deserve it. Anyway, this chapter of the "Summer of Sin" is now closed, at any rate.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:37 AM on August 15
what's the difference anyway? pro athletes DO live the rock star life, thanks to their salaries/ I was wondering when someone would come up with an idea like this though. Ridiculous and cool at the same time. I bet the 17 pages is down from 23 pages when the Bus was on the team. (joke)
posted by NerfballPro at 04:02 AM on August 15
Likely, he'll be seen in Pittsburgh at least a few more times.
posted by NerfballPro at 01:01 PM on August 14
ESPN is still just one channel. Other channels show sports, even if they're not dedicated to it. Also, there's ESPN news which just shows the highlights and the relevant news (trades, injury reports, etc.) The bottom line: you all have the option of switching channels on your TV. Click!
posted by NerfballPro at 12:57 PM on August 14
Given the hype about being clean, I really hope, for the sake the sport itself, that they really are who they say they are. If one, just ONE team member tests positive for ANY banned substance in the next couple years or so, cycling will tank completely. Go Slipsteam!!
posted by NerfballPro at 09:28 PM on August 10
THX, Did you know that the Japanese phrase "you're welcome" roughly sounds like "Don't touch my mustache"?
posted by NerfballPro at 10:07 AM on August 10
Digging for the loose change in my couch now...... Think George would accept plastic?
posted by NerfballPro at 09:26 PM on August 03
Heck, in the "Least"-ern Conference, all the Celtics need to do is win 40 games in the regular season, and they're contenders. They easily do that with Garnett in their stable. Win it all? Any possibility of that depends on how well he, Allen and Pierce hold up.
posted by NerfballPro at 01:19 AM on July 31
Personally, I think the Braves traded Salty away because they were tired of sewing all those letters onto his jersey. Seriously, I'm not too sure this will take the Braves over the top in the NL East. The trade should solidify their offense, but they need pitching if they're going to seriously contend.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:57 PM on July 30
I grew up watching the 49ers and Montana win all those Super Bowls. There's never been a classier organization, and the Niners were among the last of the old-school dynasties. We'll never see this again. RIP Bill, we'll miss you more than you'll ever know.
posted by NerfballPro at 10:50 PM on July 30
Rumor has it that even big-name sponsors like Adidas and others are going to pull out of the Tour thanks to all the allegations. It's reached a point now where anyone who does even halfway-decent is accused of doping. That's how low this event has sunk.
posted by NerfballPro at 09:33 AM on July 30
Cool ending to a great story, and we sure needed one after the week we had! Unfortunately, Johnson and Propadics required security when they got married because he was receiving threats for marrying a white girl. I'm glad the wedding went off without a hitch. Best of luck to the new couple.
posted by NerfballPro at 08:04 PM on July 29
sickleguy, I have to admit one thing, at least we (collectors) knew up front the people on those cards were socially irresponsible. Vick was a high-profile athlete and a role model to many...what's his excuse?
posted by NerfballPro at 11:24 AM on July 29
Can't say I'm surprised it happened though. Reebok and Nike have already pulled their Vick-related merchandise off the sales shelves, it was a matter of time before card companies followed suit. No company wants anything to do with him anymore because the allegations are so strong, especially in the court of public opinion, they don't want to be seen as condoning the crimes he's accused of. This is merely a reflection of how serious the Fed indictments are, it's not against Vick personally. On the opposite side of the coin, assuming a few Vick cards find their way into the hands of the public, who would actually want to own such a card? My guess is that the card will trade hands, as dviking implied, at exorbitantly high prices; if Vick's convicted, or something odd happens very soon that Vick is completely disassociated from the case and is reinstated unconditionally in the NFL AND in Upper Deck, that card is likely to devalue very very quickly.
posted by NerfballPro at 04:04 AM on July 29
Blind bowler, The Hammer, rolls 300 game
He's blind....and his score was 301 better than my personal best. Okay, slight exaggeration on my part, but still an amazing story.