Coaches cheating: No place for cheating in sports

This past week has had all the sports casters up in arms with two events by two coaches who were trying to get an unfair advantage for their teams. In the NBA, the struggling Nets led by first year head coach Jason Kidd were on the brink of another defeat when Kidd tried to give his club an edge. With no timeouts left Kidd called for his player to "come hit me" in order to purposely spill his soda and by time to draw up a play. The "SODA GATE" worked because Kidd and the Nets did get a play drawn up, only to have THE TRUTH revealed; cheaters will never win in the end. Pierce missed the game tying three just before time expired. Coach Kidd was questioned after the game about the incident and denied the account. Clearly he cheated on purpose, some would say a crafty move and heady decision by a rookie coach, others would say pure cheating. Either way there is no room for that in sports and the Nets still lost and continue to be at the bottom of the barrel despite a "All Star" lineup. Kidd was fined over $10,000 for his actions.

Furthermore, Thanksgiving evening issued in an even more sever cheating incident by Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers. On a kick return by Ravens wideout, Jacoby Jones, Tomlin was looking at the jumbo tron and strategically place himself on the field about a yard in play and then jumped out of the way just before Jones would have collided into him. This bought enough time for the Steelers defender to catch up to Jones and save the touchdown. I watched this play unfold live as well and could not believe it. Tomlin said after the game that coaches have been caught on the field before. When watching the replay you could see a smirk on his face that his actions were intentional. Now, again an unfair advantage was gained, however the Steelers would later fall to the Ravens and rightly so. No one is debating this one, it was blatant cheating and now Tomlin and Pittsburgh are paying the pri$e! The NFL is reviewing this play and are talking about a six figure fine as well as a possible draft pick being taken from the Steelers. Is it worth it? The answer will always be no because cheaters don't win in the end and if they do come out victorious their "W" is stained with poor sportsmanship and lack of class.

It is inevitable that an other cheating incident will take place. By whom and when is the only question. What we do know is that the consequences far outweigh the situational advantage and those who cheat ultimately compromise the integrity of the game. So coaches and player give your all on the field, play hard and clean, and may the glory go to the better team. There is no place for cheating in sports!

Hope still remains in Buffalo

This Sunday the Bills take on the Atlanta Falcons who are doing anything but flying high. It is another opportunity for Doug Marones club to Circle the Wagons and fight for a wild card bid. The final AFC wildcard spot is owned by the less than impressive Tennessee Titans who sit at 5-6. After examine the Bills schedule down the stretch it favors them and is manageable that they go 4-1 down the home stretch. If that is the case am 8-8 record could prove viable to skate their way into the playoffs. Beginning this Sunday, the opponents the Bills face have a combined record of 20-34, 8 of those wins coming by the Pats who they face in the week 17 finale. This week the Falcons come in to Buffalos home away from home, the Rogers Center in Toronto. Hopefully our friends north of the boarder to help cheer on the squad and provide a mini Ralph atmosphere in the Dome. EJ Manuel had been up and down since coming back from his injury, inconsistent to say the least. After the bye week he should have a bit more chemistry with his targets and getting Stevie Johnson back should be a great help. When it comes to the ground game, the Bills have nbeen dominant with their two headed monster of Spiller and Jackson. Watch for them to ride these two backs to another victory on Sunday. Atlanta has struggled and some would argue is due for a win. However with an improved Buffalo secondary as of late and a dominant and confident D Line which shut down the Jets, the Bills have high hopes to get another W.

Prediction: Falcons 20 vs. BILLS 27

Turkey Day Football: A tradition that lives on.

Nothing is better than football on Thanksgiving. This tradition started years ago when the Detroit Lions wanted to boost attendance and TV ratings for their less than popular team. Now, the Lions take the grid iron every Turkey day, but times have changed significantly. In the 90s the game was centered around watching the amazing cuts and spins of Barry Sanders. The Lions would typically lose as expected. The paper bag era also ensued when fans showed up to the game not wanting to reveal their own identity, was it that bad? Actually, the Lions were and the only bite they were taking out of anybody was the Turkey after the game was over. However, the Megatron and Matthew Stafford era has been much more kind to Detroit and for the average football fan. Many would argue that they are "tired" of watching the same team every year. The Lions sit atop the NFC North and take on a "Rogerless" team hoping to discount double check their way to a big win in a tight division. We should see plenty of air under the old pigskin as Stafford connects with Megatron, well worth all the fanfare.

Then there is the Cowboys who have been a Thanksgiving slate for decades as well. The BOYS being Americas team are either loved or hated. Last year did not fare so well as RG3 ruined the day in Big D. This season Dallas takes on the Oakland Raiders and should handle them in order to take at least a 3 day lead in the crazy NFC East. Tony Romo is sure to light up the big stage by tossing the hot to "Dirty" DEZ. Fortunately for the Boys and Jerry Jones, the only thing dirty about DEZ has been his play this year. Once again we will see the two best wideouts in the game. My hope is for the Lions vs. Cowboys matchup as the tradition evolves in the years to come.

Finally, the critics have been wanting for new and different teams to share in this American tradition of football on Thanksgiving day. Tradition is good, however it would be nice for the Boys from Big D and the Motor City to share the honors of football, food, and family on the special Thursday each season. It could be an awesome opportunity to rehash some old rivalries or to allow for flex scheduling to highlight the best matchup based on the flow of the season. The night cap does happen to include the Steelers and Ravens in a must win rivalry showdown which has playoff implications written all over it. Whatever the case may be, you will find millions in front of their big screens indulging in what takes place between the stripes while trying to fight off their food coma. Thanksgiving is an awesome holiday and is made just that much better because football is played and we all can enjoy it with our family and friends.

Time for Vikings to Stop PONDERing the QB Situation

Minnesota is 0-4 for the first time in years and what might be the worst part of this horrific beginning to the season is the fact that they could realistically be 3-1. When a team blows three games when leading at the half by 10, 14, and 21 points respectfully, then a change has to be made. The Viking Defense is not the stellar group it once was with their front four aging and their secondary depleted. However, the defense has not been the pitfall, but rather the lack of offensive production, especially in the second half of games. Is Donovan McNabb done? This is a question that the coaching staff has to ask itself now. It seems realistic to say that he is not the same QB that he once was in his pro bowl years and tenure in Philly. The issue at hand is that the Vikings ship and season is in great jeopardy of sinking fully into the abyss of a dismal year if a change is not made. It is not fair to have Adrian Peterson suffer any longer. This guy goes out there and gives his all facing 8 in the box now that the receiving core has evaporated much due to the fact that McNabb is not getting the job done. Sure, Percy Harvin is about all the weapons that the Vikings have at wideout, but McNabb has not been the answer. Much to my chagrin and that of the Purple People Eater Nation, we have to pull the plug on D-Nice because he is not so "nice" any more. Now is the time to hand over the reigns and give our first round pick, Christian Ponder, a chance to play. It is evident that there will be growing pains, but this is what is to be expected for a rookie QB in this league. However, there is no doubt that Ponder cannot do any worse than what we have seen from Donovan under center this season. Give the kid a shot and let him show what he has got. Ponder did a tremendous job at Florida State leading the Seminals to some success in a tough ACC. The coaching staff and management had to see some great potential in Ponder by taking him in the top 15 overall in the draft. After all we could have used that pick to sure up our secondary or draft a defensive lineman. Minnesota needs to stop "Pondering" the issue of Quarterback and hand over the offense to the rookie who very well could be the future and answer that this franchise needs. Let's remember, AP signed a 7 year $100 million deal, but he could opt out and who wouldn't want to jump ship if the franchise does not improve, become competitive, and get back to playoffs!

Basketball With Bill Raftery and Dicky V: Nothing Like It!!!

There is no doubt that sporting events televised nationally has transformed the entertainment world. Thousands of games each year are broadcasted on both the professional and collegiate level. Even high school sports have gained the spot light as networks such as the world wide leader in sports, ESPN, has graced us with the greatest games between the nation's best athletes and teams. Although thousands of games are televised nationally each year, those who work hard to bring us the best commentary and analysis are most definitely not appreciated enough. Each sport has its official voice, a broadcaster that has transformed announcing, bringing both incite and passion to the game. College basketball in particular has graced us with a multitude of outstanding analysists from the likes of Billy Packer, Bob Costas, Jay Bilas, Digger Phelps, Reece Davis, the latter to name a few of the Game Day gang for ESPN. However, the legendary voices of the game are something different, these monsters of the microphone go above and beyond, UP UP and AWAY!!! College Basketball would most definitely not be the same without two of the most passionate, inciteful, and humorous analysts in Dick Vitale and Bill Raftery. These two gems of the gym have provided countless hours of enjoyment for nationally broadcasted telecasts for years. These two are pees of the same pod, however they go about their buisiness in much different manners. Dicky V is super hyped and all about the yelling and going bannans during the game, that is just who he is and we love him for it. On the other hand, Bill Raftery provides excellent analysis during the game and adds his humorous flare that is irreplaceable, doing so in a mild yet witty manner. Therefore, in order to honor these two Great Announcers, I have decided to include a list of their most clever and famous sayings that have been heard by millions of households over the years and never get old, but are appreciated by college basketball fans like myself. The humor and the indepth analysis are a combination that Dick Vitale and Bill Raftery have mastered, as they provide their personal touch to make every broadcast a SLAM DUNK!

Lets First Go Inside the art of Broadcasting with Bill Raftery, the mastermind of Cliches and Colloquialisms that make the audience laugh and understand the game at home:

Famous Quotes

• "Welcome to the block party!"
• "Shoulder ... shake ... a little lingerie!"
• "Oh Verne..the Kiss!"
• "A little pirouette, and they said this was a beer town!"
• “I wheel the wheel barrel down the street to the tin!”
• "Give it to the big fella!"
• "Send it in, Jerome!"
• "The Big Guy"
• "With disdain to the tin!"
• "Send it in, Verne!"
• "...with the kiss!"
• "With the sweet kiss, off the glass..."
• "With a little dipsy do"
• "Dagger!"
• "Onions!"
• "Nylon!"
• "The vegetable cart"
• "Put a little english on it"
• "With the teardrop, that'll make you cry"
• "Panties on the deck"
• "We got a little nickel-dimer here"
• "The small change"
• "With the blow-by"
• "With authority!"
• "Send it in, big fella!"
• "Send it in, medium size fella!"
• "The little guy....with the big ticker!"
• "From the Right Wing!"
• "There's a little lingerie on the deck"
• "The bounce to ecstasy"
• "You might call this Newton's Law!"^[1]
• "Most unattractive but beneficial"
• "With the dribble drive"
• "Attacking the tin!"
• "Strong... to the goal!"
• "Bring your lunch!"
• "Elevation!"
• "(insert co announcers name), (insert team name) goes man to man!"
• "They're playing a (insert zone defense name) zone with man-to-man principles!"
• "A little ricochet romance!"
• "Get the puppies set!"
• "He can do it all; let him into the band!"
• "(insert player's name) with some early onions!"
• "Fill the lane! Provide the lift!"
• "He can make you ask for your mommy."
• "Walter at the altar: High Mass!"
• "Bottle of blackout!"
• "Deployment!"
• "Divine intervention!"
• "With a little smoocher!"
• "Protect the women and children!"
• "Chubby Checker Do the Twist!"
• Verne Lundquist: "I hope Dwyane Wade likes cajun cooking!" ... (dramatic 5 second pause) ... Bill Raftery: "JAMBALAYA!"
• "Dairy Farmer"
• "A Large Edifice!"
• "He's got the puppies sent off the bus."
• "Why the lefties look so pretty its amazing."
• "Count your Chiclets!"
• "A little kiss!"
• "You've spent eight years at Pitt. Unfortunately, all under President Bush."
• "(after Tayshaun Prince hit 5 three pointers to start the game) Tayshaun's not a Prince, he's a King. Strokin' the Tre'."

"(After 4th overtime of uconn vs syracuse 2009 big east tournament game) "We got a 5 bagger" Beyond the use of his celebrated signature phrasings, Raftery has also demonstrated the ability to blend humor and analysis in individual game situations.

Now Lets have the Pleasure to explore DICKY V's Vocabulary and the Super, Sintilating, Sensation Work of the man who goes Bananas for Basketball!!

Catchphrases

Vitale is well known for covering the biggest games with his rare form of over the top energy and enthusiasm, coining terms like "Diaper Dandy" (an outstanding freshman), a "PTPer" (a prime time player), "Maalox Masher" (the end of a close game), "Trifecta" or "Area Code J" (a three point basket), "slap a lapper napper", "super scintillating sensational slam jam bam bam!" (exciting play), and "dipsy-doo dunkeroo diddle dop slam-jam-bam, baby!" (an exciting slam dunk). Also, from time to time he would refer to a player making almost all his shots by saying "call the fire chief cause he's on fire fizzle fop bizzle bam!". Perhaps his best known affectation is to end his sentence with "baby!" He frequently says, "It's awesome, baby, yeah yeah yeah!" adding "with a capital A!" for emphasis. "OOOOOHHHH....OOOHHHH....Its' Awesome Baby its' Awesome With a Captial A!!" Another phrase he uses is "Freeze it!" during an instant replay, when he wants to spotlight a certain play. "Up Up and Away...he's the Elevator man," "High Riser," "Jumping out of the Gym" (For Super Athlete)..."Get a TO Get a TO" (When a team needs a time out)..."This place is going Bananas" (Crazy Atmospher)...

These Guys are Awesome Baby with a Capital "A"!!!!

CARDS Fly High to Clinch SuperBowl Birth

Who would have thought that the Arizona Cardinals would be playing football in February of 2009, the answer to that is almost no one. After a dismal season and never reaching the SuperBowl, nonetheless having an opportunity to win it after a clutch victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, the dream is alive for ZONA. Now the Cardinals will have to move away from their Home Field known as the "Big Toaster" to play in Tampa, which should fair well for the CARDS who will likely be welcomed by warm weather. There is no doubt that Pittsburgh, behind the leadership of Big Ben and the best defense in football, is not a huge surprise to have punched a ticket for the big game. However, Arizona has made a remarkable transformation in the last three weeks, going from a team that most would have though to be bounced in the opening round to a team that has the title, NFC Champs! Their are two reasons for this turnaround, one being the obvious, the explosive offense that flies high with QB Kurt Warner under center, accompanied by an array of dynamic wide outs. The guys who catch the football for the Cardinals make up the best receiving core in the game with the likes of Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston, and company. These guys can put up points in a hurry, something they have done all year long. The second key to Arizona's success has been on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, defense! Darnell Dockett, Adrian Wilson, and Antrell Rolle have anchored a defense that has been flat out amazing, not only for Cardinal Standards but on the larger scale. Throughout the playoffs Arizona has played with a full deck on both ends and that is why they have a chance to WIN the SuperBowl and go down as one of the greatest stories in NFL history.

Vikings Right Their Ship With Win

The Minnesota Vikings were at the brink of a disastrous season and had to take care of business on the road Monday night in New Orleans. The Saints, one of the League's best offenses was stalled for three quarters and left Minny sitting pretty with a 20-10 lead late in the third. A blocked field goal, being returned for a touchdown got Minnesota on the board as Antoine Winfield took it to the house and turned the tides quickly in the first quarter. A few key fumbles by Reggie Bush and a costly interception near the red zone gave the Vikings the lead at the half even though they put up less than 75 yards of total offense. However, Reggie Bush redeemed himself after halftime by returning two punts for touchdowns and nearly a third that would have sealed the deal for the Saints. With the game on the line, kicker Martin Gramatica had to make a 46 yard field goal to send Minnesota to a 1-4 record. The Vikings responded to Bush's heroics by fighting back with a key touchdown drive of their own off a Gus Ferotte bomb to Bernard Berrian. The field goal went wide left and opened up new life for the Vikings. After a series of great plays that marched Minnesota down the field, Ryan Longwell buried a game winning kick with less than 20 seconds to go. The critics will say what happened to Minnesota's great special teams play? Well, Reggie Bush shredded the men in Purple with over 150 return yards in the second half. And how can we cover a Vikings game without mentioning Adrian Peterson, well he was shut down only rushing for a mere 30 yards on 17 carries. This game was what Minnesota needed, it ended with a WIN. Now sitting at 2-3 and having the Lions next week, the Vikings can get back to .500 and start focusing on winning some tough games that are coming up on the future. But as for Peterson, he should be back to his top form in the weeks to come and if the Defense keeps taking away the ball like it did against the Saints, the Vikings will have no problem righting their ship and making a playoff run.

Week 5 Offensive Grade: B- (Threw the ball well, no run game)
Defensive Grade: A+ (4 Takeaways and a Blocked FG for a TD)
Special Teams: F (Almost cost them the game)
Overall Grade: C+ (Got the Win)

Season Record: 2-3
Season Grade: C-