- 07:04 AM
- 09/23/17
Winnipeg by 13
B.C. by 20
Toronto by 3
Calgary by 16
posted by jjzucal at 05:01 PM on September 21
I'm presuming the points column wasn't changed?
Anyhoo, still within striking distance as the days grow shorter and the snow gets nearer.
Saskatchewan by 19
Toronto by 3
Calgary by 10
Montreal by 7
posted by jjzucal at 06:51 PM on September 14
Cincinnati by 13 LOCK
Baltimore by 12 LOCK
Carolina by 7
Arizona by 17 LOCK
Tennessee by 3
Philadelphia by 9
New England by 5
Pittsburgh by 6
Chicago by 7
L.A. Chargers by 7
Oakland by 13 LOCK
Dallas by 10
L.A. Rams by 6
Seattle by 2
Atlanta by 6
Detroit by 10
posted by jjzucal at 06:33 PM on September 14
1. Alex Smith picks New England's "lock."
2. Harry Kane scores twice after I transfer him for Firmino.
3. Hamilton won? Seriously?
Think I'll stay in bed tomorrow in case West Ham wins 6-0.
posted by jjzucal at 04:33 PM on September 10
B.C. by 18
Saskatchewan by 17
Ottawa by 12
Edmonton by 3
posted by jjzucal at 09:13 PM on September 07
Rules? We don't need no stinkin' rules!
posted by jjzucal at 07:47 PM on September 07
New England by 17 LOCK
N.Y. Jets by 10
Philadelphia by 5
Oakland by 3
Houston by 13
Detroit by 2
Pittsburgh by 20 LOCK
Atlanta by 7
Cincinnati by 9
L.A. Rams by 3
Carolina by 13
Green Bay by 17
Dallas by 14
New Orleans by 6
Denver by 17
Since nothing for CFL this week has been posted, just for funsies: B.C. by 18, Saskatchewan by 17, Ottawa by 12, Edmonton by 3.
posted by jjzucal at 12:15 PM on September 07
Montreal by 5
Saskatchewan by 15
Calgary by 14
Toronto by 7
posted by jjzucal at 04:49 PM on August 30
The key words: "It survived." It would have been easy to sell the property to a developer, demolish the stadium and build a huge Olympic Tower with commercial space and luxury apartments.
posted by jjzucal at 10:27 AM on August 30
At least one Inuit leader called for a name change in 2015, calling it a "colonial legacy."
The Edmonton Journal editorial board was in agreement.
posted by jjzucal at 08:35 PM on August 24
Montreal by 3
Edmonton by 23
B.C. by 17
Calgary by 10
posted by jjzucal at 09:46 PM on August 19
Edmonton by 8
Ottawa by 13
Calgary by 10
Toronto by 7
posted by jjzucal at 09:33 AM on August 17
Had to stop in at halftime: 29-0? WTH, did someone give Kevin Glenn some youth juice before the game?
posted by jjzucal at 09:40 PM on August 13
Rudiger, Kante ... and Cahill ... against Burnley. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
posted by jjzucal at 07:12 PM on August 12
Just give me the trophy at Christmas! Oh, wait, the season doesn't end until May ...?
posted by jjzucal at 12:11 PM on August 09
Edmonton by 17
Montreal by 3
Winnipeg by 19
B.C. by 14
posted by jjzucal at 02:51 PM on August 08
The Fiver column in The Guardian states that Arsenal may have sealed its fate -- not winning the Premier League -- by winning the FA Community Shield.
(BTW, can someone renew the SportFi EPL fantasy league?)
posted by jjzucal at 03:35 PM on August 07
White House renovations (especially air conditioning). Believe me, I'd rather he not was here, too.
posted by jjzucal at 03:31 PM on August 07
Calgary 41, Toronto 24 ... oh, Dr. John, I should never doubt you again!
posted by jjzucal at 12:12 AM on August 04
I was thinking the same. Planning for my annual West Brom season: start like gangbusters, fade in mid-season, then crawl across the finish line.
posted by jjzucal at 12:09 AM on August 04
I'd rather not discuss that abomination of a prevent defense Montreal showed. Made me regret watching whatever ESPN channel I was watching.
Toronto by 8
Ottawa by 3
Edmonton by 10
B.C. by 7
posted by jjzucal at 07:29 PM on August 02
Winnipeg by 5
Edmonton by 10
Toronto by 10
Calgary by 13
posted by jjzucal at 08:53 PM on July 26
I believe this is the first time I have led this merry bunch. Let's see if I can keep this up AND prepare for the EPL fantasy season.
Ottawa by 6
Edmonton by 23
Winnipeg by 5
Calgary by 13
Toronto by 17
posted by jjzucal at 08:25 PM on July 18
Toronto by 4
Calgary by 10
Edmonton by 10
B.C. by 14
posted by jjzucal at 09:20 PM on July 12
It's a shame; I saw Rooney as one who potentially was a "legacy" player - someone who would have retired a United player. Van Gaal started Rooney's his drop when he brought in Dupay and Martial. Mourinho had him close to persona non gratis until Ibra was hurt, so he became a good insurance policy. Thought he might stay for that reason but better he go to where he'll play regularly.
I don't know if this was meant to be light-hearted or ages-long yearning to return, but he stated he has worn Everton pajamas since he went to United.
As for earnings, Everton likely would have been higher in recent seasons had it been able to qualify for Europe more than 2009-10 and 2014-15 Europa League.
posted by jjzucal at 11:12 PM on July 10
Last week was probably the first week in which I was atop the leader board (albeit tied). We'll move on and begin our annual drop into mediocrity.
Montreal by 10
Winnipeg by 5
Toronto by 7
Saskatchewan by 13
posted by jjzucal at 09:04 PM on July 05
Latching onto Bill, what happens if multiple states permit sports betting relative to questions of contest-fixing? Would state boards conduct their own investigation if they believe one is warranted? Most countries (at least, maybe all) that permit sports betting are regulated at the national level.
Example: Chelsea -2.5 Brighton (expecting Chelsea 3-0, 4-1 win), but Brighton pulls 7-0 shocker. This likely would raise the eyes of British regulators. Switch the EPL clubs to MLS clubs of equal levels: are we to imagine that multiple state boards would look into this result. The only way I could see this work is with national regulators and staff who are highly knowledgeable at betting patterns and eyes for detecting "cheating" or "fixing."
On a side note, since I live in New Jersey: I'm 20 miles west of the Atlantic City casinos; I know they're struggling, but I don't like the idea of betting only at racetracks and casinos. It would put all sites on the east side of the state (AC, Freehold, Monmouth, East Rutherford); if one lives along the Delaware River, it's at least a 1-hour trip to place a bet. I can't see them doing online; I think the idea is to visit the sites and stay: bet on some horses race or play a few hands of poker.
posted by jjzucal at 06:39 PM on June 29
If Ottawa and Calgary tie again, it'll be decided on penalty kicks.
How about field goals ... by the linemen?
Calgary by 3
Toronto by 17
Edmonton by 6
Saskatchewan by 10
posted by jjzucal at 09:37 PM on June 27
What really matters, in the end: what did he shoot? I mean honestly, not counting mulligans?
Sadly, the president makes John Daly look physically fit.
posted by jjzucal at 09:28 PM on June 27
I'm not sure ... viewers may see this as a way to chance to see their former stars but as a novelty.
The IOC connection, however, would be interesting as the USA could be seriously challenged given a country needs only a couple of studs and doesn't have to go 9-10 deep.
posted by jjzucal at 08:30 PM on June 25
I like it when your team needs a goal, extra time is well past the alloted number and your player passes it back instead of making a cross, causing the ref to blow the whistle.
And said team goes apoplectic when the whistle is blown. My point is that this proposed rule change would mean an offense could get into trouble, send the ball back, and try again to score. It would make Fergie Time seem laughable. A mushroom cloud would come from Ian Darke's head.
posted by jjzucal at 10:14 PM on June 19
I sense the only item that might go through is the ABBA format (hereafter called the ABBA "The Winner Takes It All" format). While I understand the reasoning, the ideas seem too radical for traditionalists.
Timed halves: the most radical - fans have been used to 45 minutes, plus stoppage time, controlled by the referee, for 140-plus years. My gripes involve the referee - excessive time on free kicks, questionable amount of stoppage time relative to goals, cards and injuries. Late time-wasting actually is a minor part of the 90 minutes. There also is no mention as to how much time would be allotted for extra time: presumably two timed 10's?
Ending period when ball leaves touch/goal line: accepting this means time would be tacked onto the 30 minutes. Currently extra stoppage time ends when a club (usually seeking a tying or winning goal) passes the ball away from an attacking position. It would seem a club could retreat 30-35 yards out, reset, and attack multiple times before a defense could take the ball and put it out of play. This would need to be addressed.
Self-pass on free kicks: the excessive time often comes from defenders who stand over the ball until forced to retreat by the referee. The rule has been clear: 10 yards; start enforcing the rule. Inform defenders to move away immediately; if they stay, show a yellow card.
posted by jjzucal at 02:21 PM on June 19
ESPN showed the Celtics-Lakers "30 For 30" series which, as a Sixers' fan, made me remember why I wished the Soviets had nuked Boston Garden (after Yankee Stadium; had to have priorities). Now, not only did we trade with them, we gave them a No. 3 AND future No. 1 just to move up two spots to No. 1? I feel like the Sixers' brass were saying, "Rob us some more."
I will agree with BB on Noel: the trade was stupid at the time ("The Process" has taken forever thanks to trades) and it now looks asinine.
posted by jjzucal at 06:11 PM on June 18
Here's the TV schedule for TSN, RDS (including the ROUGE et NOIR) and ESPN. ESPN3 (online) is to carry all games.
Montreal by 10
Ottawa by 2
Edmonton by 11
Toronto by 13
posted by jjzucal at 10:16 PM on June 17
If anyone is familiar with the American television show, "I Am Jazz," Jazz Jennings was born male in 2000, lived life as a girl since around kindergarten, but at age 8 was banned by her state youth soccer federation from playing with girls' teams. The U.S. Soccer Federation forced the state association to accept her in 2011 and adopted a transgender policy in 2013.
posted by jjzucal at 07:10 PM on June 06
I saw a Twitter joke as to how Huddersfield reached the Premier League: they spent 4 million on transfers this season. Throw in a couple of loans, retain much of last season's side, and you're suddenly walking onto the Anfield and Old Trafford pitches.
posted by jjzucal at 07:06 PM on May 30
In other football news, sigh.
Or you're happy for a club whose wage bill is in the bottom 6 of the Championship.
Side note: there have been 10 "City" clubs in the Premier League; should Huddersfield Town win, it would become just the third "Town" after Ipswich Town and Swindon Town.
posted by jjzucal at 05:58 PM on May 18
Glad to see them finally get through, but one concern: they now will be subject to Financial Fair Play regulations. How much more debt will the club be able to add on top of what was a total of 5.4 million after the 2014-15 season (can't find anything for 2015-16)?
posted by jjzucal at 02:10 PM on May 15
Followed by Mr Sane ... we demand a Dubious Penalties Committee and that they give Middlesbrough a 2-1 win.
Oh, have we gone off-topic?
posted by jjzucal at 07:52 AM on May 01
I understand these changes, but I wish it would go all the way: rules questions will come only on the course. There is absolutely no reason why tournament / tour officials should accept telephone calls, emails and SMS postings about alleged rules' violations from outside sources. If a course official oir golfer doesn't spot or declare it, move on.
posted by jjzucal at 08:52 PM on April 30
I'm thinking more of his antics; this gave me a bit of knowledge on both sides - from his upbringing to Question Time (I did not know much about the latter, though I do follow him on Twitter).
posted by jjzucal at 10:18 AM on April 29
1) Betfair went to The FA. Was there a potential this story would come out, snagging the company in the process, so the company gave the notification? Betfair obviously looks much better now than had this story been "breaking news."
2) I wonder how many players have accounts with these companies: surely some of them place bets on soccer matches?
3) Joey Barton will NEVER be confused with a Mensa member.
posted by jjzucal at 02:43 PM on April 28
It's interesting how some of the competition - The Longhorn Network and SEC Network - were created with the assistance of ESPN/Disney. Sort of like being your own worst enemy.
Interesting, also, that it appears many of the NFL folks are getting bumped the day before the draft. I presume, instead of working on a team basis, fewer remote analysts might handle coverage on a division basis?
posted by jjzucal at 04:14 PM on April 26
9.65 ... points lost for hitting Molina's helmet.
I was curious as to when Coghlan thought about the flip. Crashing and sliding weren't going to be successful options; flipping looked to be a spur-of-the-moment decision.
posted by jjzucal at 01:19 PM on April 26
Newcastle defeated Preston North End 4-1 to get the second automatic promotion spot and return to the PL at the first call.
posted by jjzucal at 09:20 PM on April 24
Hernandez's family will donate his brain to Boston University's CTE Center for study.
posted by jjzucal at 09:26 PM on April 20
Judging by the Washington Post's reference to the Kenneth Lay - Enron trial, it looks like both (civil trial evidence and Patriot/NFL compensation) are possible.
posted by jjzucal at 04:34 PM on April 19
A twisted "Good News, Bad News" scenario:
Good News: you've been found not guilty.
Bad News: you're going back to prison.
posted by jjzucal at 04:22 PM on April 15
It may. I've seen several articles that state the Cowboys have previously converted base salary into signing bonus money paid throughout the contract. That gave them cap relief earlier, but they'll likely take a good-sized hit this season.
posted by jjzucal at 04:00 PM on April 04
New Zealand would go straight through. It's likely the loser of the OFC final would go into the playoffs along with COMEBOL 7th place and CONCACAF 4th-place playoff winner (if 2 groups) also should be in the mix.
posted by jjzucal at 09:44 PM on March 30
I would have preferred 40 teams, but in five-team groups. Would have extended the tournament only a few days but would have prevented losing the first match from being nearly a death sentence.
I'm glad Oceania finally gets a full spot. If South America can have 6, I would like to see Oceania get two ... but I realize it would require getting a number of countries to move from the more lucrative AFC.
Let's see if UEFA will keep it simple and go with 8 groups (current format: 9 groups). As for CONCACAF, 6 teams gives the mid-level sides a major chance to sneak in. Take the fourth round, turn it into two six-team groups, and maybe Canada or Guatemala steals positions.
posted by jjzucal at 07:00 PM on March 30
Raider Nation may have stayed together through the LA move and back, but Al Davis had a way of making you want to get behind the team. I don't think many fans will follow Mark out of town ... and expect a good amount of empty seats in Oakland before then.
posted by jjzucal at 04:28 PM on March 27
I remember AFC Wimbledon during my days with My Football Club - tragic loss to them in 2010 FA Cup first round replay (goals at 90+ and 120+). It was in the midst of their 5-promotion in 10-year run.
Wimbledon has high hopes as it's looking at constructing a 20,000-seat stadium after selling Kingsmeadow to Chelsea.
The ultimate laugh: MK Dons is just six points above the drop zone. Imagine the Wimbledon party if MK Dons relegate a second consecutive time.
posted by jjzucal at 07:53 PM on March 16
Interesting that Brentford got rid of its academy. I understand the logic, but I would think eventually it would mean having to rely on transfers to pick up older teens to develop for the first team.
posted by jjzucal at 07:36 PM on February 23
Agreed. I decided to look at Leagues 1 and 2 and compare to my remembrance of my time with My Football Club at Ebbsfleet United (2009-13) with some of the clubs that promoted and never returned: AFC Wimbledon, Crawley Town, Fleetwood Town, Stevenage, Cambridge United, Newport County; Gillingham was a few years before that.
It's not easy to return given there's just two promotion spots, but it may be easier now given relegated sides got an increase in parachute payments (100 percent of League 2 share in first year, 50 percent in second).
posted by jjzucal at 07:28 PM on February 23
Reading huge Arsenal fan (and general blowhard) Piers Morgan on Twitter (@piersmorgan) was pure GOLD! He's wanted Wenger out for a few seasons.
As he put it before the match - chances of Arsenal winning were, "No Hope, Bob Hope and No Hope." He reminded everyone of that at 4-1.
If I'm not mistaken, haven't there been reports Wenger's been offered another 2-year contract?
posted by jjzucal at 12:19 AM on February 16
This is what's fun about minor-league sports. Have parents take the day off, bring the kids, get a game and a memorable experience, and get home with hours of sunlight to spare ... all at a reasonable cost.
posted by jjzucal at 03:49 PM on January 29
Nearly 12 years? In that time I've lived in five residences in New Jersey. Where has the time gone, indeed! I've learned a few things:
1. I'm lousy at picking winners.
2. I'm lousy at fantasy sports (which carries beyond SportFi).
3. I'm lousy at being active on the site (I hope I contribute positively when I post).
Thanks for keeping the site going, rcade. I've liked the mix of "news of the day" articles with those that are hidden under the radar or are thought-provoking.
posted by jjzucal at 10:14 PM on January 24
I can live with having less panic about the U.S. not making the World Cup.
It shouldn't be that difficult for the USA! USA! USA! if the proposed breakdown goes through: 6.5 spots for CONCACAF (out of 35 current full members). Likely would mean the Round of 12 would continue as two 6-team groups with top 3 in both advancing and fourth-place teams playing off to enter WC playoff.
Another proposal would be that any group-stage draw would go to (immediate?) penalties.
posted by jjzucal at 08:34 PM on January 11
NFL Pick 'Em Week 3: Rushing Leader Kareem Hunt Edition
Near the bottom of the standings here. Checked our EPL league ... ditto. Maybe we could find a rugby league so I could hit the Trifecta of Suck?
L.A. Rams by 20 LOCK
Baltimore by 8
Denver by 14
Chicago by 3
Atlanta by 17
Cleveland by 7
Minnesota by 3
New England by 18
N.Y. Jets by 2
Philadelphia by 10
Carolina by 5
Tennessee by 7
Green Bay by 20 LOCK
Kansas City by 17 LOCK
Oakland by 10 LOCK
Dallas by 15 LOCK