- 07:21 AM
- 05/23/13
The "feeder" club concept (as with Watford) concerns me, but I believe MLS has a limit on foreign players? Also, I realize there is the cap (with exceptions); does that mean a ton of money (as in profits) will head back to England as opposed to benefiting this club (since it likely would have reserves, academies, community projects)?
posted by jjzucal at 03:02 PM on May 21
ESPN will face the same problems CBS has faced: the first weekend is the Labor Day weekend: many people have plans that do not include staying home. On both weekends, competition with football and baseball. The article refers to the other sports but does not mention the competition for viewers.
Another problem: Sam Querrey (19), John Isner (20) and Mardy Fish (40) are the only American men's singles players among the top 70 ATP players. Serena Williams (1), Sloane Stephens (17), Venus Williams (24) and Varyara Lepchenko (31) are the only USA women's singles players in the top 50 WTA players. Most American viewers want to see American players, but few have been good enough in the rankings to even get into the tournament. Until we get another "golden age" of American tennis, attracting viewers will continue to be a problem.
posted by jjzucal at 03:33 PM on May 18
I am not sold: one-half season of fourth-quarter comebacks should not have been enough for Woody Johnson (blame should go to him; I don't believe this was Rex Ryan's idea) to go after Tebow. Still, some club will sign him; hopefully he'll get a chance to become a legitimate starter ... I don't believe he had that chance in Denver; Peyton's signing cut that time short.
posted by jjzucal at 08:16 PM on May 12
That crash you heard was from NBC Sports: one part of its EPL promoo, of what fans will see, is "Every Fergie Time Robbery."
I keep reading about Mourinho; can't see him going there, can't see Man U fans wanting him there (much like Chelsea fans before Rafa was hired). Man U's too classy an organization to get an egotist who had a way of getting under peoples' skin. Moyes appears to be the full opposite; he'd finally get to experience the Champions League. Everton's always looking through the storefront window at the top 4.
posted by jjzucal at 12:43 PM on May 08
So ... how about Chris Klewe and Tim Tebow on the same roster. Naw, that wouldn't be too much of a media circus ...
posted by jjzucal at 12:17 AM on May 08
Damn nice stadium. One thing to be said about these clubs: they're reasonable enough to not overbuild knowing a) promotion can be a longshot (see Darlington post-relegation from Football League, which became a disaster), b) they realize they won't get 40,000 for matches unless a really big name visits, and c) they tend to work within the physical landscape (whether urban/suburban/rural) of the community.
posted by jjzucal at 12:16 PM on May 05
I'll go with Crystal Palace ... gotta get Ian back to the EPL. Always good for an interesting quote.
posted by jjzucal at 08:03 PM on May 04
On the note of NBC, I believe Al Jazeera's beIn picked up the Championship ... very smart move given (I believe) it's the fourth most attended league in the world.
In today's world, this is life; clubs will do what they believe is necessary to advance. Fleetwood Town spent obscene money for the Conference to promote into the Football League last season; with Watford's Italian connections, this is the route they felt was best.
As for Cardiff City, the owner did turn off many fans when he threw out history by changing the badge and colors simply on the idea that the club might become marketable in Asia. Now that they're there, let's see if he'll spend to keep them there or if he'll go the Blackpool route - cheapskates - and make a quick return.
posted by jjzucal at 04:18 PM on May 03
To use a soccer analogy, what do you get when an owner meddles too much? Blackburn Rovers.
OK, so Jerry's had slightly better success.
posted by jjzucal at 09:01 PM on April 28
He's human, we all have flaws, but this is what happens when you're well-known: a few wackos will call on NBC to replace this "driving drunkard;" NBC will issue a release - "I used poor judgement." Given this is a misdemeanor, hopefully this will be resolved without the need for a court appearance and accompanying media frenzy.
posted by jjzucal at 10:41 PM on April 21
I believe the connection to Sirhan Sirhan is "evil," as in Matt Cooke is an "evil" player. His reference, however, is to the nomination; I guess if he had said "Matt Cooke is like Sirhan Sirhan or Charles Manson (direct connection)," all hell would have broken loose.
posted by jjzucal at 10:26 PM on April 21
My problem is the ability of everyday people, eating their Cheezy Poofs in their chair or on their couch while watching these tournaments, suddenly having nothing better to do than pester a desk operator with an apoplectic telephone call. If a tournament official who's not on the course recognizes a foul through a television feed and alerts a course ranger for handling, fine. I have a hard time dealing with people from the outside who want to nose their way into the result of a tournament ... these calls should never be accepted; it would have to be called an official's oversight in this case.
posted by jjzucal at 06:00 PM on April 13
Here's the major problem with this article, and one that's making me smell as rat (former agent). It's a one-source article (former agent); I don't see anything from the Hall of Fame concerning this. Did someone from there actually make a call or was this a sickening hoax?
I also found the former agent's reaction outrageous. Seems he wants to do a McCarthy-like outing of those who didn't vote for Haywood? Might he have had a future financial stake had Haywood, indeed, had been inducted?
posted by jjzucal at 10:30 PM on April 08
I don't recall Stevie being a stupid idiot before ... guess there's a first time for everything.
posted by jjzucal at 06:15 PM on April 04
I noticed a lot of people are calling for Brian to sue this woman, but I believe he might accept an apology instead of suing her. I think this would make him a bigger man in the eyes of the public.
posted by jjzucal at 12:26 PM on April 04
The time for his firing was when he was suspended at the beginning of the season. Looks like someone wants him out even though the school was supposed to monitor him during the season.
While it is understandable some people want him fired now, it would appear to me this is dirty pool. I'll wait for his forced resignation.
posted by jjzucal at 07:56 PM on April 02
I would guess this got more headlines in L.A. than UCLA hiring Steve Alford. Bit of one-upsmanship.
posted by jjzucal at 04:00 PM on April 02
While I understand the argument, I go with the traditional answer: they have the ability to have their education fully financed (in the major sports), with room and board often segregated within a team dormitory.
Some academically blessed students may be fortunate, through school scholarships, to get a full ride, but most get only partial scholarships (as do athletes in smaller sports, such as tennis and field hockey) and must rely on financial aid and loans to finance the remainder.
posted by jjzucal at 04:32 PM on April 01
Uh, no. Got to agree with Rock ... the corporate part is the dollars they'll earn from merchandise with the new logo. Fans have to be up with the times, but given the reaction in the comments section, I have a feeling the old logo will return in a few years ... then they can sell more new merchandise.
posted by jjzucal at 02:21 PM on March 28
My South bracket has exploded. Actually had UCLA to the final 4, VCU to final 8 and G'town to final 16 ... OOPS!
posted by jjzucal at 06:45 PM on March 23
Florida Gulf Coast??? Let's hear it for *COUGH* Georgetown and the "old" Big Least.
posted by jjzucal at 10:26 PM on March 22
That video looks like it was shot at some rec-league match ... certainly not Kingsmeadow. Given AFC Wimbledon is trying to avoid returning to the Conference, maybe he was worth a shot.
posted by jjzucal at 11:27 PM on March 20
Skip and Stephen Smith can be royal pains, but that's why many watch it ...
Have to agree with several of the posters after the article: what in the hell was that last graf about? Ruined an excellent article.
posted by jjzucal at 12:32 PM on March 17
Wonderful article; thanks for putting it on. Guess I yearn for the simple sports celebrations, presenting the trophy in the locker room. Now we have grand on-field platforms, with shooting confetti, and TV folks making themselves the stars. If the leagues are doing this for the fans, they might as well wait and present it during the ensuing parade with 10 or 20 times those in the stadium.
posted by jjzucal at 12:30 PM on March 17
" ... it was giving information back to the head coach about not only improving your game, what you've learnt from the first two Test matches, but also how can you help this team turn things around and have success."
Write a paper and turn it in -- is this cricket or high school psychology?
posted by jjzucal at 02:33 PM on March 12
I can only presume at least FSC Plus will be gone, or combined with, FSC with its rugby coverage moving over and whatever European soccer leagues it can grab, which would put it against GOL TV for whatever beIn hasn't grabbed. Surely they wouldn't go for coverage of English League One and below just to say it still has English soccer matches.
Eventually, even FSC likely will die and everything will go to FS1.
posted by jjzucal at 05:35 PM on March 09
Champions League and World Cup ... but no European domestic soccer?
(snickers because NBA Sports swiped the EPL and beIn is taking more countries that could have been available to Fox)
posted by jjzucal at 02:44 PM on March 07
Looks like I have to resurrect my newspaper career ... I never covered a game with that kind of ending.
Also, having spent several years refereeing in Pennsylvania, I would have loved to know what was in the refs' discussion. One way or the other, one team would have felt screwed.
posted by jjzucal at 12:30 PM on March 06
Sad thing is they can do it because they're not actually hiring anyone. In many states, if these questions were asked of a draftee (as part of the hiring process), it could be illegal (potential discrimination because of sexual orientation).
The correct answer is, "What business is it for you to ask? It has nothing to do with playing football."
posted by jjzucal at 04:33 PM on March 02
This is like the girl who died in 2002 after being struck by a puck during a Columbus Blue Jacket game. If I recall, as settlement was reached and NHL clubs were required to put netting behind the goals.
There is inherent dangers in attending most sports events. What if a Packer did the Lambeau Leap and struck one of the fans who catch him with his helmet? I would present that the fan took the risk.
posted by jjzucal at 12:32 AM on March 01
Way too much of a thin skin ... hope someone from the conference spoke with this official.
posted by jjzucal at 01:32 PM on February 23
Go with the magnetic equipment; it should work like a full-body scanner used when people walk in buildings. To my knowledge, Hawkeye is only based on specific areas, such as lines. One would need to pack the crossbar and posts with cameras to accomplish this.
posted by jjzucal at 02:25 PM on February 20
Thanks; maybe I was thinking of the Winter Games.
Combined baseball and softball bid? They're two sports and presumably many Americans want them because they wants any sport in which the Americans would dominate. I'd rather watch sports in which athletes from many countries have a chance to medal; wrestling is one of them.
posted by jjzucal at 10:54 PM on February 13
Agree with SB ... tennis and golf are virtually tour events even though there are limits per country. Don't think you'll see any golfers or tennis players from Laos in them.
As for the schedule, I'm not sure if 17/18 days is a hard limit; I cannot imagine the harm in an extra day. Could be a matter of number of athletes vs. living accommodations in the Olympic Village.
As I see it, the problem came when the IOC, in an effort to appeal to younger viewers, threw in these modern "sports." Snowboarding? Short-track roller racing? Rugby? Had it been the real 15-man game and not the crappy sevens: it's like playing touch football at the local park.
posted by jjzucal at 07:08 PM on February 12
He slandered the former Red Sox employees, Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun. Hope he has a good attorney.
posted by jjzucal at 07:57 PM on February 09
Last I can recall this in an active form was when the Jets' strength coach Sal Alosi moved his knee to trip a Miami punt-coverage player. He got fined and suspended; the Jets got fined.
Of course, there is one aspect the Ravens would have needed: Ginn would have had to run the sideline, not through the middle.
As of now, Flacco is loved and hated within New Jersey: loved in the south because he's a Super Bowl champion, and hated because he said having next year's Super Bowl outdoors, in the Giants/Jets Meadowlands stadium, was stupid. Wonder if he'll be invited to Gov. Christie's office anytime soon.
posted by jjzucal at 08:43 PM on February 08
Maplewood Town is in ... I can go for keeper.
posted by jjzucal at 05:13 PM on February 08
Following a club in the Conference (Ebbsfleet), I loved Luton's win. I think Norwich didn't think much of them with the cheap ticket price.
posted by jjzucal at 10:32 PM on January 27
I remember Steve Carlton (and I'm sure other lefties have done it) would set and start from the stretch, lift his left leg toward the plate, but enough forward toward first so that he could step and throw. The leg moving toward the plate would freeze the runner but it would look like a balk.
posted by jjzucal at 07:33 PM on January 27
I don't believe this would have carried Heisman votes ... voters tend to stick with what occurs on the field and stay away from emotion. Otherwise we'd have had winners based on tough upbringings in poverty and rough neighborhoods.
posted by jjzucal at 08:44 PM on January 16
C'mon, rcade, the Pac-12 isn't the SEC.
I hadn't known about this until I saw the news this evening ... and the TV break-in when he landed in Philly ... and what will be ad nauseum coverage for the next 24 hours.
posted by jjzucal at 08:37 PM on January 16
Just for the timing I hope they collapse at the gate.
posted by jjzucal at 02:40 PM on January 10
Sounds like you are describing Jason Garrett.
Yeah, Princeton isn't there to produce Super Bowl coaches.
posted by jjzucal at 12:39 PM on January 01
I still wonder if the Tebow move was really Tannenbaum's ... I think it may have been Woody's move to get publicity, which worked because the New York papers went bonkers for a while.
posted by jjzucal at 12:35 PM on January 01
Trash talk tends to come back and bite in the ass, though it would be nice to see NIU come through and the FSU fans have little opportunity for their tomahawk chop.
posted by jjzucal at 09:59 PM on December 30
It was expected ... I was one of those who supported him while many tried to throw him under the bus (when one is as big as him, it's like a roadblock) during the past several seasons. Unfortunately, even though Vick and McCoy were out for extended periods, the defense sucked and most of the club underperformed.
I wouldn't call him overrated, though, given his accomplishments: of the many men who have coached, how many have been in five league championship games?
posted by jjzucal at 09:56 PM on December 30
No matter where they play, the Nets will seem to always be the Nets. Love the Rafa joke.
posted by jjzucal at 03:35 PM on December 27
"Tradition" ... code word for "we never had their type before and we don't want them now."
posted by jjzucal at 07:01 PM on December 17
That loud sigh you may have heard came from Floyd Mayweather. He wasn't willing to risk his unbeaten record to Manny, and in a radio interview Friday, Bob Arum claimed Mayweather once turned down a potential $100 million purse to fight Pacquiao.
Oops!
BTW, did Mitt and Ann tell Manny they supported him 47 percent?
posted by jjzucal at 08:13 PM on December 09
As I posted on the article, after about the fifth time the Pats' ran that play, wouldn't the thought process have been they would run the same play over and over to run down the clock? They should be happy Tom Brady didn't throw a couple of TD passes (given the apparent porous defense, that would have been possible) ... that's where fans get ticked, when he's in there, still throwing passes in the fourth quarter of a blowout.
posted by jjzucal at 02:01 PM on December 08
Debo, I saw the episode. I'd rather go toward the Canadian option where the team scored upon has the option to receive a kickoff to take the ball from scrimmage.
As for the onside kicks, the only way I could see this, since it would be like rugby, would be is if the punter could position himself anywhere along the 30 (not just between the hashes) to provide more length if needed.
posted by jjzucal at 05:25 PM on December 07
While I wish nothing but losses for the Yankees, Dyams' idea makes a lot of sense. Ichiro still has some wheels, Gardner's known for speed; get Jeter, Granderson and an adequate 5 hitter and the Yankees may go somewhere.
As for the future, all you need to see is the left side of the diamond. Jeter's closing in on retirement; who knows how Rodriguez will perform after the surgery. Throw in Ichiro and Rivera and one has a very aging club.
posted by jjzucal at 06:17 PM on December 06
What some clubs will do to get people to buy new merchandise.
posted by jjzucal at 01:38 PM on December 05
That's OK, rcade, guess that takes care of my plan to hold a club like a hockey stick.
While I don't like the belly putters, I think this is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
posted by jjzucal at 06:36 PM on November 30
Qatarian, thank you for the correction. I recall the reference to "MS," but am not sure how to edit it. I don't see an "Edit" next to it as shows next to comments.
posted by jjzucal at 06:34 PM on November 30
This totally sucks. He was like the guy who used to lead the cheer by posing C-O-L-T-S at the old Baltimore games in the '70s ... a fan who made it more enjoyable to attend a sporting event.
I presume there will be thousands of fans who will want him to reconsider, but he has the right idea: it's not worth ruining the great reputation he has developed over the year by getting into personal trouble in the heat of the moment.
posted by jjzucal at 03:54 PM on November 26
Tampa 2-7 // They've got some work to do.
1-for-2 so far. Looks like Greg Schiano reviewed last year's stats.
posted by jjzucal at 02:24 PM on November 25
Saw that; nice work taking advantage of an overloaded blocking line.
posted by jjzucal at 02:19 PM on November 25
I used a combination of the NFL's site and one that provided percentages for the 2011 season. According to the NFL site, teams made 23 conversions (Detroit had 2). Using the percentages, the league went 23-of-36:
NYG 4-for-4, Denver 3-5, Detroit and N. Orleans 2-3, New Eng. 2-2, Carolina 2-3, Tampa 2-7, San Diego, San Fran and Balt 1-1, Buff, Chic and Wash 1-2.
posted by jjzucal at 06:04 PM on November 23
Attending Your First Premier League Game
More like Fox Sports 1, if they're not doing high school soccer ... not sure how long the contract is, but beIn has the Championship, so they're good.
One of my aspirations is to travel to England and take a tour of some of the smaller stadiums, like the non-league ones ... now I'm being tempted to take a detour.
BTW, Barnet's in for a shock ... Premier Sports works on a cheap match-fee basis (GBP 5K home team, GBP 1K away team) with the Conference.