Interesting Perspective

As the Federal Government turns against our State run Government, here is a perspective that is easy to understand for those who didn't before. Jan Brewer knows first hand the severity of our current immigration state, so eloquently stated right through this statement.

Preface: The owner of the Phoenix Suns basketball team, Robert Sarver, opposes AZ's new immigration laws. Arizona's Governor, Jan Brewer, released the following statement in response to Sarver's criticism of the new law:

"What if the owners of the Suns discovered that hordes of people were sneaking into games without paying? What if they had a good idea who the gate-crashers are, but the ushers and security personnel were not allowed to ask these folks to produce their ticket stubs, thus non-paying attendees couldn't be ejected. Furthermore, what if Suns' ownership was expected to provide those who sneaked in with complimentary eats and drink? And what if, on those days when a gate-crasher became ill or injured, the Suns had to provide free medical care and shelter?" -Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer

What's That City Called?

Yesterday, news broke that the Philadelphia Phillies signed their first baseman Ryan Howard to a five-year contract extension worth $125 million.

That is serious, serious coin to dish out. Everyone is talking about this deal…at the age of 37, Howard is going to be pulling in $25 million in perhaps the last year of his career, not DHing. This is a really, really interesting story for many reasons.

The biggest free-agent story going for the past two years has been the LeBron James saga. Cleveland not being big enough for him and not giving him what he wants, going to New York, Chicago or New Jersey to potentially play with Coach K. But, there is a story rapidly approaching just as big.

Albert Pujols is as good at baseball as James is at basketball. He’s not just as self absorbing. Pujols’ stats are frankly, second to none at his age and he has done, without any complaining at all, what James has been unable to do: win a ring.
Pujols, is set to hit free agency in 2011 and don’t think that he won’t test the waters. He will be the highest paid player in baseball, and rightfully so. Who are the buyers? Well, the Red Sox would bite, perhaps the Cubs as well. The Yankees are set at first base with Mark Teixiera and the Phillies did what they had to do.
But assuming Pujols leaves St. Louis, it was a foregone conclusion that Howard would go back to his home town of St. Louis to finish his career and my guess is that Philly wouldn’t be in the Pujols sweepstakes. Logic would say that the Phillies inked Howard early to lock him up for good, right?

I’m not so sure…

A couple of months ago, the Philadelphia Eagles made a huge splash, and probable mistake, when they traded their best player, possibly ever. Mount Carmel all-star Donovan McNabb lead the Eagles to incredible successes but only one Super Bowl appearance with a record of 0-1. Eagles fans will point the finger at McNabb as the reason the Eagles haven’t won a title. Most of the rest of us would think otherwise, but that’s that town. It’s a hard town, you win, or you go, no matter who you are.

The “Look at David Ortiz” comparisons come to mind immediately given Ortiz’s drop off. Albeit that Howard has never been linked to any of the roiders, Howard does have an MVP to his credit, something that Ortiz can’t say he has. And, during Howards prime, he’s protecting Chase Utley, unlike Ortiz who during his prime was being protected by Manny Ramirez.

I think Howard got paid because he earned it. He brought the Phillies a title, he put them in the Series last year, and will probably do it again this year. He’s a great guy in the clubhouse and the community. When you ink the contract the Phillies did, you think about the investment over time, but to me, I see the Phillies as a different organization. Philly wasn’t always a baseball town, but now it is, they have a new park and it’s full every night and Howard is the biggest component to the financial successes of the team.

So much time and effort is spent on how Philly is a tough place to be as a player. The blue collar fans are brutal who expect nothing less than winning and doing it with hard work. Howard, is in the best shape of his life, and he’s won. Don’t you think that maybe a town that is so hard on its athletes, like McNabb, might just be loving to the ones that give them what they want like Howard?
Howard’s contract is a reward, a deserved reward for what he’s done as a player and ambassador for the city. Not to mention the guy can hit a little bit and by the end of his career, he will have done much more for the Phillies and the city that even $125 million will do for him. Brotherly love folks, brotherly love.

Montori Hughes

Montori Hughes (born August 25, 1990)



Hughes attended Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he was a three-year starter and led Siegel in tackles with 106, tackles-for-loss with 25 and sacks with 13 as a senior in 2007. He was named the Region 4-5A Defensive MVP, All-Region, All-Area and All-County and participated in the Toyota East-West All-Star Classic in 2007. Also starring in basketball, Hughes averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding for Siegel High School.

Considered only a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, Hughes was not ranked among the best defensive tackle prospects in the nation.Scout.com, which listed Hughes as a three-star recruit, ranked him as No. 49 overall defensive tackle in the 2008 class. Jamie Newberg of Scout.com later admitted that recruiting services overlooked: "Right now, to me, he may be the best prospect in the state when it’s all said and done. And we just flat missed him."

Hughes had scholarship offers from Jacksonville State and Tennessee State, but committed to Tennessee after Phillip Fulmer surprisingly offered him. Fulmer compared Hughes to former Vols defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who transformed from a little-known recruit to a 2007 first-round NFL draft pick

Hughes originally signed with UT in January 2008, but failed to qualify academically. He spent several months at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, before enrolling at Tennessee in January 2009. Hughes had bulked up from 275 to 310 pounds in little over a year, and emerged as one of UT's most talented defensive freshman (alongside defensive back Janzen Jackson).

Poised to make a huge impact in the trenches, Montori Hughes was a solid reserve as a freshman in 2009. The Vols lost both starting defensive tackles and Hughes is being counted on to be a big producer at one of those spots. Can he?

He is poised to solidify his career & football reputation with fellow freshman Janzen Jackson in 2010. Unfortunately depth on the defensive line will hinder the full potential of Hughes. Coming out of the dark ages of TN football, Hughes & Jackson are positioned to be the face of the once dominating defense once the Vols resume NCAA domination. Will this happen in 2010? No. With a strong showing from a healthy line-backing core it’s possible but, depth issues on the d-line could prove too much to over come. I would look more to 2011/2012 if these two aren’t in the league.

In time the Montori Hughes – Janzen Jackson combo could result in a flashback to 2009 with Dan Williams – Eric Berry. Leave it to Mr. Kiper to judge whether this dynamic duo will convert to $ & high NFL draft rankings. Hughes & Jackson each are 1 cut above 2 of the greatest to play the position in Orange & White. Who are, the late Reggie White & Eric Berry respectably. Could the similarities transfer to the gridiron? In a few short months we will know. One thing that is guaranteed, as a 2010 IMPACT player, Montori Hughes will make opposing offenses pay anytime he steps on the field.

Top 10: Douchebag Fashions

Preface: No fashion guide am I but, for some it is detrimental to their well being.
---AskMen.com

No.10 - Sunglasses at night

"Sunglasses at night..."

- Paolo Pazzia, New York, New York

What exactly is the appeal of wearing sunglasses at night? Does she find this mysterious and sexy, as if somehow masking your eyes will conceal your plunging V-neck tee and trucker hat? The douchiest part of wearing sunglasses at night is the aftermath: When your friends post the pictures on Facebook and your profile picture looks, well, something like this one.

No.9 - Excessive tans

"... excessive tans ..."

- Patrick Held, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Spending the day on the beach: cool
Spending the day at the tanning salon: douchey


No.8 - Overdone jeans

" Totally destroyed jeans or jeans with lots of details."

- Rodrigo Clemens, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Remember when rhinestones, graffiti, rips, and loose threads rocked the world of men's jeans? Neither do we. Maybe that's because we're not douches. When it comes to jeans, less is more. Choose dark washes with clean lines. Leave the sequin-embroidered dragon to your little sister.


No.7 - Jeans falling off your arse

"Baggy jeans with boxers showing."

- Carlos David Moreno, Juarez, Mexico

Are you thinking what we're thinking? Well, the guy on the left certainly is: Douche. When you're Chris Brown, or Tom Cruise for that matter, it's hard to dodge the douche title, but giving the world a peek at your backside doesn't help (especially if your belt is a walking billboard). The same rules apply to you too, man.

Somewhere out there, a publicist at Levi's is shedding a tear. Thanks, Chris.


No.6 - Popped collars

"Popped collar polo shirts."

- Ed Kennedy, Montreal, Canada

Whether it's the mid-pop or the full-blown pop (bonus if it's two layered popped collars), you're well on your way to doucheville. Take a deep breath, relax, exhale, and release the pop. Wasn't that easy?


No.5 - Too much jewelry

"Too much jewelry."

- Simon Pacheco, Cape Coral, Florida

Take a look at this picture. Enough said.


No.4 - Deep V-necks

"V-neck anything in public. The deeper the cleavage, the bigger the douche."

- Dario P., Makarska, Croatia

There's simply too many ways this can go wrong: A V frame for your chest hair, a chance to show off your man-boobs, a chance to play hide-and-seek with your nipples. When you're competing with your girlfriend on who has the deepest plunging neckline, there's a problem.


No.3 - Jersey Shore haircuts

"I'm a barber. Jersey Shore haircuts pretty much sh*t on my profession."

- Anthony Hurtado, Anaheim, California

Is it the excessive gel? The dated faux-hawk? Whatever it is, you know it when you see it. Spare yourself the embarrassment and get yourself one of these 2010 men's hairstyles.


No.2 - Ill-fitting clothes

"Any article of clothing that is too tight or too baggy. Whatever happened to just buying clothes that fit properly? If you wear a size large, then buy a large -- not an extra-large and not a small."

- Donovan, Los Angeles, California

Men (read: douchebags) are guilty of this. The adolescent douche generally has a lanky frame, thus, his decision to hide behind a larger size is justified -- well, to him. In truth, he looks like he's drowning in his clothes. The 20-something douche, now more confident in his ways, falls to the other end of the spectrum: tight T-shirts. He spends too much time in the gym for his upper body not to be on display at the club. Consider it his come-hither look (nipples and all).


No.1 - Ed Hardy

"ED HARDY."

- Chris Thomas, Tampa, Florida

Our No. 1 entry comes down to just two words: Ed Hardy. Two words, yet so much room for douchebag error. Where to begin? A "Tattooed For Life" shirt with an effeminate white tiger graphic etched on the back? Check. A "Dedicated To The One I Love" trucker hat (for the sentimental douche, no doubt)? Check.

If the "new arrivals" section on EdHardyShop.com excites you -- or has been bookmarked for regular reference -- it's time to take a hard look at yourself.

Draft Day

It is upon us... One of the most important days in football (College & Pros) since it allows everyone to gauge the predicted talent produced and received by ones respective teams.

The 2010 Draft seems to entertain as much if not more attention than past NFL events Radio City Music Hall. Being started on a Thursday Prime Time, the hopes are it will bring in fans. Which it will be more accommodating than a Saturday afternoon. Nice try but all the whining and complaining by the NBA & NHL will have no effect on future plans. The NFL and College Football are simply > NHL + NBA. Tough Mark Cuban, the NFL's day will not come. The NBA 1st round playoffs simply don't hold a candle to this multi-day event.

Enough, on to the important matter...

How will the SEC play in the 2010 Daft? In 5 years we will be able to tell.

ESPN draft expert Todd McShay has six SEC players going in the first round in his latest mock draft.

Some have former Tennessee teammates Eric Berry and Dan Williams both going in the top 10 picks. According to McShay, he Berry going No. 7 overall to the Cleveland Browns and Williams No. 9 overall to the Buffalo Bills. Yet the likelihood of this actually playing out is slim. Berry has solidified himself as a top-10 no doubt but I'd expect "Big Dan" to fall into the 20's possibly with the Ravens. No matter how you look at it Dan has positioned himself very nicely and is poised to be an "aircraft carrier" where ever he may land.



If that happen though, Berry and Williams would become the first SEC defensive teammates to go in the top 10 picks of the same draft since Alabama defensive ends John Copeland and Eric Curry went Nos. 5 and 6 in the 1993 draft.

It may be a surprise to some but, within the last decade Georgia and Tennessee have led the SEC with first-rounders (10 each).

Even more surprising to outsiders with numbers like this you'd expect conference dominance but, the Vols failed to win any while Georgia won two.

Every SEC team last decade produced at least one first-rounder with the exception of Mississippi State, which hasn't had a player drafted in the first round since defensive back Walt Harris went No. 13 overall and receiver Eric Moulds No. 24 overall in the 1996 draft.

LSU produced nine first-rounders last decade, and seven of those came in the past four years. Alabama produced just three first-rounders during the decade, and offensive tackle Andre Smith last year broke an eight-year drought for the Crimson Tide of not having a first-round selection.

Tennessee -- 10
Georgia -- 10
Florida -- 9
LSU -- 9
Arkansas -- 6
Auburn -- 6
Ole Miss -- 6
South Carolina -- 4
Alabama -- 3
Vanderbilt -- 2
Kentucky -- 1

Sign of the Times

Vols saw fewer fans: home football attendance at its lowest since 1995 in 2009

The University of Tennessee failed to reach the six-digit mark in annual home-game football attendance last season for the first time since 1995, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton reported in December of 2009.

"I think our average attendance is going to be slightly under 100,000 for the first time in a while," said Hamilton in an interview with the News Sentinel.

The Vols have averaged more than 100,000 per game since 1996, when stadium expansion grew the maximum attendance from 91,902 to 102,544. Attendance is based on tickets sold and support staff in the stadium for the game.

"As I look around the league at different schools and as I watch games throughout the country this year, you have some of that nationally," said Hamilton, citing the economic downturn. "So it wasn't to be totally unexpected. Certainly we want to have our numbers back above the 100,000 mark."

High-level donors possibly don't face as difficult a decision.

"There are still a pocketful of folks who are having success even in this economy, so some of those gifts are coming from those who are having those kinds of successes," Hamilton said.

He said many of the empty seats in Neyland Stadium are a result of traveling fans of opposing schools not making the trip to Knoxville as they once did. UT has little time to resell returned tickets, usually just a few days.

"Turning those individual game tickets becomes a bit more problematic right now," Hamilton said.

"As the economy has suffered a little bit, it's been hard to turn those volume of tickets in what typically turns out to be a 48-hour period before kickoff," Hamilton said.

There's also the old-fashioned draw for a program that has had two losing seasons since 2005.



Recently (April 19, 2010 @ 8:30 am), the University of Tennessee ticket office released to the public 2 options of a 3-game football pack. Never can I remember the AD doing this. In the past all of the tickets were sold as season sets, promotional items, or in small cases broken down to individual games. New ideas like this are needed it is a great way to get people in the stands.

Many vol fans are facing economic set backs that unfortunately cut out entertainment like going to Football games. Yet, promotional options like this make things possible again. Also, depending on the location of recent graduates, most would have a hard time justifying the lump sum of season tickets if they knew they were only going to be able to make it back for 3-4 games a year. This option makes it realistic to attend games.

Something I would like to see is a mix & match option for 3-4 games a year. The big 4 home games (Oregon, Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss) or something of the sorts. Instead of wasting my time on UT-Martin, UAB, & "Aged 25 Yrs" Kentucky.

If you look at other successful programs around the SEC like Alabama, Florida, LSU the economy isn't hitting as hard. Why is that? Success.

"We're going to try winning again, how about that?" Hamilton said. "I think as we win more games and continue to put a more competitive product back on the field, (ticket sales) will take care of some of itself because of the strong fan base we have."

Mr. Hamilton your correct. The ticket problems do not solely rest on the rough economic conditions but more so on the state of the Program. I suggest you do whatever it takes (within certain limits) to start winning again by beating the Bamas, Florida's, & LSU's in the world. I would say Georgia but... Visiting fans see UT as a program that isn't worth the travel like some Vol fans. Until UT Football starts winning again this dragging state is going to continue & more extensive promotions will be required to pay the bills.

Crying and the NFL

The NFL draft looms. Fans have become more and more enamored with the draft especially since all the video games allow you to draft. Fans think they’re experts.
There are some certainties to this year. Well, not really. The tackles will go in the top three but it’s unclear where. Sam Braford might be the first overall pick, but if he’s not, he may not be the first quarterback selected.

Eric Berry will be the first defensive back taken.

But the biggest question mark has been circling around the kid who’s been college football’s most talked about player for the past four years. The question has finally come: what will happen to Tim Tebow.

First, let’s get some things straight. Tebow was a fantastic college football player and a good kid. He loves the spotlight. He won one national championship as a starting quarterback, not two. 2009 was the first year that he was the best offensive player on his team. Urban Meyer’s job is to win football games, not to put players in the NFL. That’s a bonus.

What does all this mean? Don’t draft him. Here’s why.

First, we haven’t seen a spread quarterback succeed in the NFL yet. Sam Bradford may, but the OU version is much more pro-style than Florida’s. The spread offense isn’t a condusive offense for an NFL quarterback. Not because the NFL is a drop-back quarterback league opposed to a runner’s league, but because it isn’t complex. Yeah, that’s right, I said the spread IS NOT complex.

There’s a reason why you see so many high school football teams run veer option. It’s easy. Understand a few different blocking schemes, establish blocking angles, run the plays away from the strength of your opponent, make a couple of reads, and execute the hell out of it. Ask Tom Osbourne about it.

Urban Meyer’s offense is no different other than they do it a few yards further down the field. Florida confuses the normal fan with all these receivers (remember the coaches on the Gilroy sidelines when West Caanan went to the Oopty oop?) but they basically run three different plays with two different reads. Quarterbacks are told, “If you see that guy go that way, throw there. If he goes that way, throw it there. If there’s a problem, tuck it and run.” Maybe there’s a little more terminology. But that’s the gist of it.

This type of offense does not prepare a quarterback for the NFL. Vince Young has struggled adjusting and Young was a superior college athlete and football player. Tebow’s throwing mechanics are marginal. He hasn’t had to make many tough throws in college…his high completion percentage comes from the system, not necessarily the arm.

But we know all that, right? Well, you know all that. The draft gurus have given into the fact that this guy is a project, that sits and learns for a year or two. But how big of a gamble is that?

Bringing Tim Tebow into an NFL locker room is borderline un-safe. Especially doing it with first round money.

There’s a pretty funny story from the combine when after a workout, Tebow tried to gather all of the players together for a prayer. From the middle of the huddle, some player said, “Man, shut the &#* up.”

There are plenty of spiritual people in the NFL. Many good Christians besides Tebow. But I don’t think Tebow knows how to handle a situation when he’s not the man.

The second he walked onto Florida’s campus, he was untouchable. Meyer’s way was to make Tebow his version of Danny Wuerfuel, but better. He played early. He was the youngest player of the “Leadership Team,” or whatever it’s called. The other Gator players had to deal with all of this, because they didn’t have a choice. Fortunately, Tebow was a great player.

But we hear about how great of a leader Tebow is. Well, what defines that? I mean, Tebow gets up, does some jumping jacks after a four yard gain, and he’s a leader? After his team scores in the 2008 National Championship game, he runs into a special teams huddle and just gets in some guys face to try to get him fired up? Does that make him a leader?

Tebow is tenacious. Not a great leader. Here’s how we know. When Tebow cries after he loses (we’ll get there) who is there to console him? Either a coach, a player down on the depth chart, or no one. If he was such a great leader of men, where are the guys he’s supposed to be motivating and leading coming to console him? Where’s Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden or a Pouncey? Not to mention, if he’s a great leader, what is he doing crying in the first place, especially after a regular season game? He should be with his teammates, his friends and buddies, not whatever we see him doing. A good leader lets you know that no matter what pain, suffering and torture you’ve been through, it’s all going to be ok.

So you’re the Jacksonville Jaguars and you don’t agree with me and with your first round pick, you take Tebow. You’ve blown a bunch of money on someone who can’t play right away in the league (if ever). Not the first time that’s happened. Here’s what concerns me the most.

He’s not in Gainesville anymore. He’s not sheltered. He’s with a bunch of men, many of whom are probably going to be severely mad that he’s making more money than them, which is a valid point.

Hazing in the NFL is worse than it is in the fraternity system, than it is in high school, than anything. Why? Because money is involved. I love the stories about rookies going out with guys on the team and getting left with a multi-thousand dollar tab. I love it. It’s hilarious. What happens when Tebow’s out at Morton’s and get’s left with a bill with a bunch of booze on it, then has to go to the strip club?

I have no problem with the morals that Tebow chooses to adhere by. He’s just going into the wrong profession. These guys in the NFL are going to have an absolute field day with this kid to the point where I think it’s almost not safe. No one in whichever locker room cares that he’s Tim Tebow. Players will see a kid who doesn’t relate to them, that thinks he can “lead,” who’s getting paid a lot of money, and they probably just won’t like. The NFL is a thug league. It just is. Ask Santonio Holmes. Ask Ben Roethilsberger. It’s not cut out for home-schooled kids who go to college with a bubble around them who don’t drink or party.

Now, the money thing could go away if he doesn’t get first round money. Then there’s someone else to get after. But my advice to Tebow at the next level? Shut up. Know you’re role. There has never been anyone to embrace being the big man on campus like Tebow did. I don’t know if he will let go of it. If he doesn’t… linebackers in the NFL are bigger than him. So are safeties.

Finally, the crying thing. He doesn’t play a game anymore. He goes to work. There’s a big difference and I don’t know if he’s going to be able to grasp that. How is he going to transition? You know it could be really great for the crying thing for him to sit. If he’s not as emotionally attached from the bench. Maybe he’ll learn something over there about controlling his emotions as well.

Who knows. I know I sound like a Tennessee homer, but I just can’t take anymore of this Tebow stuff. Nothing about him as an NFL player makes sense, but it’s so easy for the world to want it to happen. It’s a feel good story when the NFL really needs one. Just don’t get your hopes up. If there’s one thing that the NFL teaches all of us, it’s that there is reality. Tim Tebow is about to get a heavy dose of it.